Housing association L&Q has strengthened its long-term housing improvement strategy with the appointment of Cardo as a new delivery partner on its major works investment programme. The move forms part of L&Q’s ambitious 15-year, £3bn programme aimed at upgrading homes across its portfolio and ensuring properties continue to meet the
Prologis UK has partnered with TV presenter and architect George Clarke on a new content campaign designed to challenge perceptions of logistics buildings and bring greater visibility to one of the UK’s most essential but often overlooked sectors. The campaign includes a new brand film, The Power of Logistics, and
The Gym Group is ramping up its nationwide expansion plans, with ambitions to open 75 new locations over the next three years as demand for affordable fitness and wellness facilities continues to grow across the UK. The operator, which already runs more than 260 gyms nationwide, says it is actively
Derwent London is moving forward with two significant office developments in central London as confidence returns to the capital’s commercial property market following a strong rise in leasing activity and rental growth. The developer has already begun demolition works at Holden House on Oxford Street, where a major retained-façade redevelopment
Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest hire company, brought together customers, partners, suppliers and industry voices for One – The Sunbelt Experience, a one-day event, on Thursday 7th May, centred on the ideas, technologies and partnerships shaping the future of the industry. Focused on innovation, technology, safety and sustainability, the event
NATIONAL procurement specialist Pagabo is inviting suppliers yesterday – 11 May – to bid for places on its next-generation National Framework for Developer-Led Schemes, which has a total anticipated value of up to £26bn. Compliant with the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024, the unique procurement offering will support public
As the New Hospital Programme moves into its delivery phase, the programme’s leaders will be hosting a dedicated morning at UKREiiF this May, digging into detail on future ambitions for the programme and how delivery for the first wave of schemes is being implemented. Taking place in the Pagabo Local
Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: Bringing British Steel under public ownership may help secure a strategically important industry, but the cost of doing so is obviously a major concern. UK steelmakers continue to face some of the highest electricity prices in Europe, while energy market volatility is
Housing association L&Q has strengthened its long-term housing improvement strategy with the appointment of Cardo as a new delivery partner on its major works investment programme. The move forms part of L&Q’s ambitious 15-year, £3bn programme aimed at upgrading homes across its portfolio and ensuring properties continue to meet the Decent Homes Standard, while also improving safety, sustainability and resident wellbeing. Cardo, which operates across the UK and Ireland, specialises in repairs, planned maintenance, compliance, fire remediation and energy efficiency works within the social housing sector. Under the partnership, the company will support a range of planned improvement projects across L&Q’s homes over the next 12 years, beginning with fire remediation works during 2026 and 2027. L&Q’s investment programme is one of the largest of its kind in the housing sector and covers all rented homes, alongside communal areas within mixed-tenure developments that include shared ownership and leasehold properties. The programme includes upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, roofs and windows, alongside wider estate improvements, redecorations, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and major fire safety works. A significant focus is also being placed on energy efficiency improvements, including insulation and retrofit measures designed to help all homes achieve a minimum EPC C rating. More than 21,000 homes have already been improved through the programme, with further large-scale investment planned across London and the South East over the coming years. The appointment comes as L&Q continues to progress a number of major housing and regeneration developments during 2026, including new affordable housing delivery, estate renewal projects and mixed-use neighbourhood schemes designed to support long-term housing supply across key urban areas. Cardo joins nine existing programme partners, including Kier Places, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Wates Property Services and Equans UK & Ireland. The latest appointment reflects the increasing scale of investment being channelled into housing safety, retrofit and long-term asset management as housing providers continue to modernise ageing stock and respond to evolving regulatory standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK has partnered with TV presenter and architect George Clarke on a new content campaign designed to challenge perceptions of logistics buildings and bring greater visibility to one of the UK’s most essential but often overlooked sectors. The campaign includes a new brand film, The Power of Logistics, and a six-part docuseries, Logistics Unboxed. Fronted by Clarke, the series goes behind the scenes at Prologis RFI DIRFT, where 1.8 million sq ft of logistics space is currently under construction. Across the series, Clarke follows the development journey from groundwork through to completion, exploring the design, engineering, sustainability and specialist expertise behind modern logistics spaces. George Clarke said: “Most people don’t think about logistics buildings, but they are part of the hidden architecture of everyday life. Once you get behind the scenes, the scale, design and engineering involved is genuinely fascinating. These are spaces that keep the country moving, and I’m excited to help tell that story with Prologis.” The campaign launches as activity at Prologis RFI DIRFT continues to gather pace, with three build-to-suit developments under construction for Marks & Spencer, XPO / Arla and Laura James alongside the speculatively developed DC107. Prologis is also continuing to progress the wider development of DIRFT, including work linked to the completion of Phase III and the progression of future phases. Together, the activities underway underline the scale of activity at DIRFT and its role as one of the UK’s most important logistics locations. Paul Weston, Regional, Head at Prologis UK, said: “Warehouses are part of the infrastructure of everyday life, but they are rarely seen by the wider UK population who rely on them. We wanted to open up the story behind these buildings and show the thought, innovation and expertise that goes into creating them. George brings genuine curiosity, credibility and a passion for the built environment, making him the ideal partner for this campaign.” Logistics Unboxed is now available via Prologis UK’s website and on social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Gym Group is ramping up its nationwide expansion plans, with ambitions to open 75 new locations over the next three years as demand for affordable fitness and wellness facilities continues to grow across the UK. The operator, which already runs more than 260 gyms nationwide, says it is actively pursuing opportunities across a wide range of property sectors, with flexibility remaining central to its growth strategy. Speaking about the company’s expansion plans, chief property officer Hamish Latchem said The Gym Group is “open to as many opportunities as we can find” as it looks to increase its rate of new openings. The business opened 16 new sites last year, up from 12 in 2024, and is targeting between 20 and 22 further openings during 2026 as part of its accelerated rollout programme. Working alongside retained property adviser Savills, The Gym Group is searching for units across the UK ranging from 5,000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft, with both leasehold and freehold opportunities under consideration. Latchem said the operator’s flexible model allows it to work across retail parks, mixed-use schemes and alternative commercial spaces, with all formats performing strongly within the current portfolio. While retail parks remain attractive, limited availability has encouraged the business to consider other opportunities, including industrial space. According to Savills, speculative industrial developments that have struggled to secure occupiers are increasingly providing opportunities for gym operators with strong covenant strength. Carlene Hughes, director in Central London retail at Savills, said The Gym Group’s reliability and operational certainty make it an attractive occupier for landlords. The expansion comes amid continued growth across the wider fitness and wellness market. According to Leisure DB’s State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2025, the number of gyms across the UK exceeded 7,200 last year, marking a strong recovery towards pre-pandemic levels. Industry trends are also shaping the operator’s latest gym format. The Gym Group has increased its focus on strength-based training areas, introducing more plate-loaded and pin resistance equipment, alongside improved lighting, finishes and enhanced zoning layouts. Latchem said customer data shows growing demand for strength-focused fitness, particularly among younger members, while additional features such as Hyrox-style functionality are also becoming increasingly important. Recent openings, including Stamford Hill and Norwich Sweet Briar, have showcased the group’s evolving design approach, with larger-format gyms allowing for a broader range of fitness zones and equipment. The company said future sites will ideally be located in highly visible areas with strong transport links or easy access to parking, as it continues to expand its footprint across the UK leisure and retail property market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Derwent London is moving forward with two significant office developments in central London as confidence returns to the capital’s commercial property market following a strong rise in leasing activity and rental growth. The developer has already begun demolition works at Holden House on Oxford Street, where a major retained-façade redevelopment will deliver around 133,500 sq ft of new office-led space opposite the Dean Street Elizabeth line station. Kier has been appointed under a pre-construction services agreement to oversee the main construction phase of the project, with completion targeted for the second half of 2028. At the same time, Derwent has confirmed it will progress the redevelopment of 50 Baker Street in London’s West End. Demolition works on the scheme are expected to begin in the coming months, with contractor Multiplex understood to be lined up to deliver the £150m project. Designed by architects AHMM, the Baker Street development will provide approximately 236,000 sq ft of new space within one of London’s strongest office markets. The decision to move ahead with both schemes follows what Derwent described as a strong period of leasing activity across its portfolio. This includes the successful pre-letting of its recently completed Network building, where rental levels reportedly exceeded expectations. Alongside its development programme, Derwent has also made significant progress with its asset disposal strategy. The company confirmed it has exchanged contracts on £278m worth of property sales as part of a wider three-year target to dispose of £1bn in assets. Chief executive Paul Williams said the business had experienced strong momentum driven by leasing success and rental growth across key London locations. He added that progress on disposals had enabled the company to proceed with the redevelopment of 50 Baker Street, where strong rental performance is expected to support future profitability and earnings. Derwent also confirmed it is continuing to advance plans for another major scheme at Old Street Quarter EC1. A planning application is expected to be submitted towards the end of 2026 for a large mixed-use campus on the 2.5-acre former Moorfields Eye Hospital site close to Silicon Roundabout. The proposed development is expected to become one of the company’s next major regeneration projects as demand continues to strengthen for high-quality office and mixed-use space in central London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest hire company, brought together customers, partners, suppliers and industry voices for One – The Sunbelt Experience, a one-day event, on Thursday 7th May, centred on the ideas, technologies and partnerships shaping the future of the industry. Focused on innovation, technology, safety and sustainability, the event created a space for practical conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. From AI and equipment intelligence to digital tools, operational insight and lower-carbon solutions, the event programme explored how change is being applied in real-world settings across the industry. Across three theatres focused on covering, technology and innovation, customer, and people, attendees heard from speakers and experts on the topics driving transformation across multiple sectors and industries. Sessions explored how data, connected equipment, safety solutions and new ways of working are helping businesses improve performance, strengthen customer experience and support teams on the ground to work as one team. The event also featured live demonstrations, interactive displays and opportunities to connect directly with specialists from across Sunbelt Rentals and its supply chain partners, giving attendees practical insight into the solutions, services and thinking helping shape the next chapter for the industry. Title sponsor, JCB, showcased hydrogen solutions during the event, highlighting a shared commitment to practical innovation and technologies that support the transition to low and zero-carbon ways of working. Phil Parker, CEO of Sunbelt Rentals, said: “One – The Sunbelt Rentals Experience was designed to bring together the conversations that matter most to our customers and our business – how we deliver more consistent, joined-up outcomes as one team. We welcomed our customers, partners, and colleagues to Liverpool to experience how Sunbelt Rentals is evolving – not just in what we offer, but in how we operate. As customer expectations continue to shift towards more integrated, accountable delivery, our focus is on making it easier to do business with us – through one connected experience, clearer ownership, and solutions delivered at scale. The event brought that to life, showcasing the strength of our capability, the breadth of our offering, and how we are advancing our 4.0 strategy to deliver better outcomes for our customers and the sectors we support.” The event forms part of Sunbelt Rentals’ wider focus through their five-year growth strategy, Sunbelt 4.0, focused on being equipped for success by sharing practical insight, strengthening customer conversations and bringing together the technologies and expertise that will shape the future of the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NATIONAL procurement specialist Pagabo is inviting suppliers yesterday – 11 May – to bid for places on its next-generation National Framework for Developer-Led Schemes, which has a total anticipated value of up to £26bn. Compliant with the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024, the unique procurement offering will support public sector bodies with securing transformative development work through compliant procurement routes over a closed four-year period from 19th October 2026. Following the formation of a 10-year strategic delivery partnership that will see resources, reputation and expertise combined to establish a new benchmark for construction and development procurement, this is one instalment in a series of new frameworks being brought to market by Pagabo and YPO in 2026. YPO is the centralised procurement authority for the framework, while Pagabo is the framework manager responsible for design, delivery and ongoing management. Suppliers will be appointed to provide a range of developer-led scheme related services including consultancy, legal support and development types. Within each lot, SME inclusivity is embedded, and for the first time, development consultants and legal providers have been added to offer clients a turnkey procurement solution that provides ongoing support, full compliance, reduced risk, cost savings, greater collaboration and broader project outcomes. The framework will be available to all public sector bodies, from local authorities and education providers through to NHS trusts and housing associations. The framework is divided into seven lots. Lots 3 to 6 each include eight development types, and each lot, as well as those containing development types, is further divided into eight geographic areas. The geographical areas that the national framework covers includes the north, midlands, southwest, and southeast of England, London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The lots include: Jonathan Parker, development director at Pagabo, said: “The Framework for Developer-Led Schemes has seen extensive use UK wide due to its substantial impact on client ambitions and built environment development. The existing framework supports clients with very prominent challenges in the market, such as compliance, viability and risk, with the new offering designed to do exactly the same and more – while conforming with updated procurement regulations set out within the Procurement Act. “We’ll continue to work closely alongside YPO, appointed suppliers and interested clients to offer effective procurement solutions and support throughout schemes. As well as wanting to see the framework continue contributing to major development and growth across the UK, the framework’s characteristics will ensure value for money, collaboration and impactful social value are prioritised in every procurement.” To date, the successful first iteration of the Developer-Led Framework has delivered projects with a total value of £7.8bn. Throughout the process of renewing the framework, priority has been given to premarket engagement and creating fair and transparent opportunities for suppliers, aligning with the principles at the centre of the Procurement Act 2023 which is now shaping new procurement activity. Jonathan continued: “As the Developer-Led offering has become more popular, we’ve been able to grow our dedicated team at Pagabo, welcoming experienced professionals with both sector specific and regional knowledge that benefits both suppliers and clients. This is an exciting time for Pagabo and YPO, and we both look forward to seeing this second iteration of the framework come to life.” Operating a digital-first, end to end delivery model, the national procurement specialist’s Pagabo+ system will be used as a central platform through which all framework activity will be managed. The single environment will play host to information on and management of new opportunities, call-off activity, performance monitoring and reporting, as well as compliance assurance. Supporting with enhancement of the full lifecycle of procurement and project delivery, appointed suppliers will also be able to use Pagabo Group’s social value and contract management platforms Loop and Sypro. To view the full tender document and submit a bid before the deadline at 12pm on 3 July, visit https://in-tendhost.co.uk/pagabo/aspx/ProjectManage/1279 For more information about Pagabo, visit https://www.pagabo.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the New Hospital Programme moves into its delivery phase, the programme’s leaders will be hosting a dedicated morning at UKREiiF this May, digging into detail on future ambitions for the programme and how delivery for the first wave of schemes is being implemented. Taking place in the Pagabo Local Growth Pavilion, the sessions will be hosted by Sypro, a contract management solutions provider for construction and infrastructure projects. The day will kick off with an introduction from Chief Programme Officer Natalie Forrest, who will outline the ambition, scale and long-term delivery of the NHP, setting the scene for the following panel sessions. Throughout the morning, three key panel sessions will roll into each other – focusing on collaboration driving the success of the Hospital 2.0 Alliance, how industrialisation is transforming hospital delivery through offsite manufacturing and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), and the role of digital innovation in shaping future healthcare delivery. Speakers will include wide representation from the New Hospital Programme, along with contractors appointed to the Hospital 2.0 Alliance Framework, and partner NHS Trusts delivering hospital schemes on a national scale. Attendees will also be invited to actively contribute to the discussion through an open-chair opportunity on the day. Natalie Forrest, Chief Programme Officer at the New Hospital Programme, said: “It’s great to be back at UKREiiF and to build on the conversations we started last year. What matters now is that we turn ambition into delivery, and this session is about being open on how we’re doing that. “We’re bringing together the people who are directly involved in delivering these hospitals, from our construction partners to our NHS trusts – to share what’s working, where we’re learning, and how we’re approaching things differently. “We are creating a consistent and efficient way of delivering healthcare infrastructure that brings together long-term investment, skills development, and real social value for our communities. The Hospital 2.0 Alliance approach makes this possible, and why it’s such an important shift for the future of the NHS and our healthcare infrastructure.” The New Hospital Programme morning will take place from 10:15am to 12:30pm on Wednesday 20 May in the Pagabo Local Growth Pavilion at UKREiiF, with the programme including natural breaks for networking among attendees around the talks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: Bringing British Steel under public ownership may help secure a strategically important industry, but the cost of doing so is obviously a major concern. UK steelmakers continue to face some of the highest electricity prices in Europe, while energy market volatility is pushing production costs higher. For example, fabricated structural steel prices, according to the Department for Business and Trade’s producer price index for the product, rose by more than 8% in the year to March 2026. The government’s wider steel strategy, including tighter import quotas and 50% tariffs on some overseas steel from July, is intended to support domestic production, but it also risks adding further cost pressure across construction supply chains. Ministers have already agreed to review the policy following industry concerns over steel availability and project costs. In the near term, while energy markets and global trade conditions remain unpredictable, maintaining a competitive and secure UK steel industry is likely to require significant government support. It is crucial this intervention succeeds. Failure would risk undermining both domestic steel production and the wider construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals