Plans for the Bath Road Energy Centre have been approved, marking a major step in Bristol’s transition to cleaner heat. Buro Happold acted as multidisciplinary engineering consultant, supporting the planning application on behalf of Vattenfall Business Solutions UK in collaboration with Stride Treglown and Savills. Situated on a disused plot
Peabody has announced the completion of 197 affordable homes at the Capital Interchange Way site in Brentford, West London. The handover includes 85 homes specifically designated for social rent, alongside 112 shared ownership properties designed to provide a more accessible route into home ownership. The project is part of a
Residents of Luton and surrounding areas will have access to earlier diagnosis of medical conditions resulting in better long-term health thanks to a new community diagnostic centre (CDC) being built by Ashe Construction on the University of Bedfordshire’s Luton Campus. The £10m project for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, part
John F Hunt has been appointed by British Land under a pre-construction services agreement to deliver the demolition and deconstruction package for the redevelopment of London’s Euston Tower. The contractor previously carried out the soft strip of the 36-storey building in 2024 and will now dismantle the structure while retaining
Specialist electrical and solar panel contractors, Fusion 360 Group, have urged businesses to secure their solar energy systems before an anticipated rise in cost in April. Driven by global supply chain issues and material shortages, solar PV (photovoltaic) markets have announced that the price of solar panels in the UK
This year’s International Women’s Day encourages everyone to ‘Give to Gain’, and Taylor Wimpey East Anglia is highlighting the inspiring and collaborative career journeys of Hollie-Jayne Bennett, Assistant Site Manager and Rhianna Darling, Trainee Assistant Site Manager. ‘Don’t hesitate to throw out an idea’ and ‘no question is a silly
Plans for the Bath Road Energy Centre have been approved, marking a major step in Bristol’s transition to cleaner heat. Buro Happold acted as multidisciplinary engineering consultant, supporting the planning application on behalf of Vattenfall Business Solutions UK in collaboration with Stride Treglown and Savills. Situated on a disused plot along Bath Road, the centre will use air source heat pumps and electric boilers to provide up to 13MW of low‑carbon heat to the city’s district energy network. According to the project team, the scheme could reduce local emissions by up to 65% a year — comparable to taking around 3,700 diesel cars off Bristol’s roads annually. The Energy Centre will serve homes, education buildings and workplaces across the Temple Quarter regeneration area. Once operational, it is expected to deliver enough low carbon heat for more than 7,000 homes and support expansion of a city‑scale network projected to heat over half of the people living and working in Bristol by 2050. Designed as modern civic infrastructure, the building references Bristol’s industrial heritage and distinctive Byzantine influences. A facade of ribbed GRC panels with a decorative lattice motif is intended to give the structure a crafted, dynamic presence, particularly when illuminated at night. Alasdair Young, Partner and Global Energy Transition Lead at Buro Happold, said: “We’re proud to have worked with Vattenfall, Stride Treglown, and Savills on this future-forward project. Our multidisciplinary team provided the technical and environmental studies underpinning the planning application, ensuring robust proposals that align with both local and national energy transition priorities. Bath Road Energy Centre represents an exciting next phase of Vattenfall’s Bristol heat network.” Adam Al-Azki, Director at Buro Happold, said: “This planning approval marks a significant milestone for the project and for Bristol’s decarbonisation journey. It reflects the strength of collaboration between our partners in developing an integrated engineering and architectural solution capable of delivering low-carbon, district-scale heating to the city.” Dom Barton, Director of Heat Networks – Bristol, at Vattenfall said: “We’re delighted to have received planning for Bath Road Energy Centre. This infrastructure will unlock a low carbon future for Bristol, providing buildings in the city centre with access to a long-term, future proofed decarbonisation solution, reducing the need to burn fossil fuels to heat homes and buildings in Bristol.” Bringing together innovation, sustainability and community benefit, the project is intended to accelerate the decarbonisation of Bristol’s heat supply while contributing to the wider regeneration of Temple Quarter. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peabody has announced the completion of 197 affordable homes at the Capital Interchange Way site in Brentford, West London. The handover includes 85 homes specifically designated for social rent, alongside 112 shared ownership properties designed to provide a more accessible route into home ownership. The project is part of a larger 420-home mixed-tenure development spread across three residential blocks. In addition to the affordable allocation, the site features 223 private rent homes, which includes 12 discounted market rent units. Families from Hounslow Council’s housing waiting list have already begun moving into the social rent properties. The not-for-profit housing association, Peabody, received upwards of £7 million in funding from the Greater London Authority to deliver the affordable portion of the scheme, which it will manage and own over the long term. The build-to-rent elements of the project were funded through a partnership involving Angelo Gordon, Ridgeback, and Telford Living. The development prioritises sustainability, utilising air source heat pumps for low-carbon heating and hot water, complemented by high-quality insulation to reduce energy costs. Residents have access to communal terraces and gardens, including a dedicated courtyard for the affordable housing blocks. Beyond the residential units, the project includes 45,000 sq. ft of retail and commercial space intended to bolster local employment and support Brentford’s town centre. James McMylor, Managing Director of Development for Peabody’s north London region, said: “Affordable rent and shared ownership give people the chance to stay in the communities they know and love. It hasn’t been an easy scheme to deliver, especially in such a tough financial climate, but by working closely with our partners, we’ve created homes that will make a real difference for local people. We’re looking forward to welcoming residents over the coming weeks and seeing this new neighbourhood come to life.” Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing & Residential Development, said: “It’s great to see these affordable homes complete at Capital Interchange Way, offering communal spaces, green surroundings and excellent transport links. I am delighted that funding from the Mayor of London has helped bring much-needed affordable housing to the area, and this development shows what can be achieved when partners share a clear commitment to delivering for local people. New shops, workspaces and training opportunities will also hugely benefit local residents, serving the wider community for years to come as we continue to build a better, fairer London for all.” Alex Taylor, Senior Vice President of Telford Living, said: “This has been a complex project, delivered during a challenging time for the industry. We are proud to have partnered with Peabody and our development partners to deliver a high-quality, mixed-tenure development that will serve Brentford for generations to come.” Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said: “The completion of these new homes at Capital Interchange Way is a proud moment for our borough. In partnership with Peabody and Telford Homes, we’re delivering 420 new homes, with half of them affordable, helping more local families put down roots in Hounslow. This is about more than numbers, it’s about creating safe, secure homes and building communities where people can thrive.” The construction phase supported 58 employment and training opportunities via MIT Skills and Hounslow Council. The project also earned a Considerate Constructors Scheme score of 43 out of 45, highlighting its adherence to high safety and environmental standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Residents of Luton and surrounding areas will have access to earlier diagnosis of medical conditions resulting in better long-term health thanks to a new community diagnostic centre (CDC) being built by Ashe Construction on the University of Bedfordshire’s Luton Campus. The £10m project for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, part of a £25m investment will see 1,500sqm of former teaching space remodelled to house advanced medical diagnostic services for the local community. This follows the reprovision of teaching space elsewhere on the campus to continue to provide, modern, student focussed facilities. The scheme aims to provide the services nearer to where users live and in more accessible facilities with state-of-the-art technology. Patients will see improved access to high quality imaging, and shorter waiting times for critical tests including, routine, non-complex CT, Endoscopy, and bone density (Dexa) scanning services all available there. The facility will benefit from a new drop-off area and dedicated entrance to allow easy access to the new facilities without impacting the University’s teaching spaces. A plant tower will also be built at the Park Street end of the University’s C Block building to house all the necessary plant and equipment to run the state-of-the-art machinery. Ashe will deliver the project in phases to minimise disruption to the campus with the first phases including minor enabling works making way for the main construction and re-modelling work. The mechanical and electrical fit out will then take place, ready for installation of the specialist medical imaging equipment. With completion set for March 2027, the CDC will facilitate earlier diagnoses, improved long-term condition management, and better care coordination for many patients across Luton and South Bedfordshire, ultimately helping to enhance patient outcomes and reduce health inequalities for the local community. The project concept has been designed by Phillips & Co, AD Architects, TB&A and Perega, and the project design has been progressed by Roberts Limbrick; the project management is led by the Trust and BCAL is the structural engineer. Cost management for the project will be provided by AECOM and Stuart McCurry & Partners is the Building Services Designer. Procured through the Pagabo Refit & Refurbishment Framework, the scheme provides a great example of cross-sector collaboration between Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Bedfordshire University, with further opportunities for research and innovation, and student placement opportunities for teaching and training. Ashe has recently completed Lloyds Court CDC in central Milton Keynes for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Gilbert Hitchcock House (GHH) in Bedford, also for Bedfordshire Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust. The success of the project at GHH has resulted in a further £2m contract to fit out the first floor, and provide £200k of improvements to the second floor, with completion scheduled for May this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
John F Hunt has been appointed by British Land under a pre-construction services agreement to deliver the demolition and deconstruction package for the redevelopment of London’s Euston Tower. The contractor previously carried out the soft strip of the 36-storey building in 2024 and will now dismantle the structure while retaining its reinforced concrete core, which will stand at its full height of 126 metres. The decision to preserve the lift-and-stair core forms a central part of the redevelopment strategy. To facilitate the safe removal of the surrounding structure, John F Hunt’s engineering consultancy, RKD, has designed a complex temporary works solution to stabilise and strengthen the core as it becomes free-standing. The engineering challenge is significant, with the retained core expected to be one of the tallest of its kind in London. RKD director Mark Blackmore said the team would work closely with British Land’s engineers, Arup, throughout the design process. He described the scheme as potentially the first in London to engineer a 126-metre core to remain free-standing, highlighting both the complexity and technical innovation involved. In a departure from traditional demolition methods, John F Hunt will replace the standard scaffold envelope used for perimeter protection with hydraulic frame technology. A six-storey Climbing Protection Screen will be installed at upper floor levels, providing safe access and reducing operatives’ exposure to working at height. The bespoke, automated system will descend progressively as the demolition advances. Although the existing foundations are being retained, the basement will be extended to accommodate the increased footprint of the new building, which will grow from 350,000 sq ft to 550,000 sq ft. Basement works, piling and the construction of the new ground floor structure will proceed while deconstruction continues several metres above. Mace is acting as main contractor on the £600m redevelopment. Glen Clark, managing director of John F Hunt’s London business, said the project presented significant technical challenges and underlined the value of early engagement and collaboration in delivering a solution focused on safety, sustainability and programme certainty. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist electrical and solar panel contractors, Fusion 360 Group, have urged businesses to secure their solar energy systems before an anticipated rise in cost in April. Driven by global supply chain issues and material shortages, solar PV (photovoltaic) markets have announced that the price of solar panels in the UK will go up from April 1st. “Commercial, industrial, housing and public sectors looking to invest in solar energy are best to act now. Delaying projects could mean paying more for panels, incurring longer lead times and potentially disrupting any sustainability targets for your business” says Joanne Skinner, Commercial Director of Fusion 360. The upcoming solar panel availability and cost changes are reportedly driven by a reduction in Chinese manufacturing subsidies, global supply chain constraints and surging material costs, including silver and polysilicon. Leading solar energy installers, like Fusion 360, have suggested that securing solar panels before the price rise in April ensures the project can remain in budget and on schedule “These price rises have been anticipated for some time, so we’ve been proactively working with businesses to help them secure the hardware required for their solar energy systems. Until April, we’re able to offer the opportunity to lock in better pricing, guarantee availability and ensure their solar panels are delivered and installed on time” adds Joanne. Established in 1997, Fusion 360 – formerly Fusion Electrics – specialise in managing the supply and installation of electrical and energy systems for business and domestic customers throughout the UK. With a dedication to safety, innovation and long-term value for clients, Fusion has supported the design and installation of solar energy systems that power businesses and properties with clean, renewable energy. “Whether you’re cutting energy costs, improving green credentials or looking to become more energy independent – solar energy is a smart, long-term sustainable investment. And, with this month being the best time to act, our services will be available for businesses and organisations across the UK” concludes Joanne. Read more about Fusion 360: https://fusion360group.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This year’s International Women’s Day encourages everyone to ‘Give to Gain’, and Taylor Wimpey East Anglia is highlighting the inspiring and collaborative career journeys of Hollie-Jayne Bennett, Assistant Site Manager and Rhianna Darling, Trainee Assistant Site Manager. ‘Don’t hesitate to throw out an idea’ and ‘no question is a silly question’ are the two valuable lessons Hollie-Jayne Bennett says she has learnt since starting a role as Assistant Site Manager at Taylor Wimpey’s Lantern Croft development in Ely. Originally starting her career in the housebuilding industry as a painting and decorating apprentice, Hollie-Jayne grasped the opportunity to begin her management pathway. Joining Taylor Wimpey as an Assistant Site Manager in August 2022, Hollie-Jayne has multiple qualifications in site management and supports the Site Manager with the day-to-day running of the development and always keep health and safety at the forefront. Hollie-Jayne said: “I thoroughly enjoy site work and everything it entails. I love coordinating with contractors and producing an incredibly high-quality product for Taylor Wimpey customers to enjoy. It’s rewarding to see a development progress from the early stages through to a completely new community, knowing the work that the team has put in to create homes that people are proud of. “I do feel like I’m breaking down barriers within the industry, being a female in a leading position. Being a woman isn’t something that phases me about my role. Developing confidence is a process, but through hard work and gaining experience, you can strengthen your belief that you bring value to the table. In the next five years, I hope to become the first female Site Manager in the East Anglian region.” Having formerly been a sales coordinator and a director’s PA within the housebuilding industry, Rhianna Darling’s entry into working on site was unconventional. Rhianna joined Taylor Wimpey six months ago and is currently a Trainee Assistant Site Manager at Northfield View in Stowmarket. Her role is to support the Site Manager in ensuring the smooth operation of the development to maintain the build schedule, including coordinating with contractors and ensuring that materials are delivered and ordered on time. “I gained valuable experience within sales and as a PA, but there wasn’t much opportunity for me to progress. I realised after speaking with my colleagues that my coordination, organisation and management skills were transferable to a role on site. Curiosity combined with support from my colleagues and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone helped me transition into my current role.” “No two days are ever the same, which is something I really enjoy. I love being out on site, seeing the progress day by day and knowing I’ve played a part in bringing someone’s dream home to life. Having such a wonderful, tangible achievement paired with the happiness of a family on move-in day is so rewarding.” International Women’s Day (IWD), which takes place on the 8th March 2026, is an opportunity for the world to come together to forge gender equality. 2026’s theme is Give to Gain, which encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. For more information on careers at Taylor Wimpey, please visit: https://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/jobs/jobs-you-can-do/construction Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals