Winvic to deliver Atlantic Park’s £42m second phase, having reached practical completion of £36m first phase
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has completed the 350,000 sq. ft first phase of logistics hub Atlantic Park in Bootle, Liverpool. Atlantic Park is a 52-acre site, formerly home to Rolls Royce Engineering works, which sits within the Port of Liverpool Freeport zone and will boast a total of 800,000 sq. ft of high-quality industrial space when complete. Delivered on behalf of Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) Property, Winvic has designed and built four units of flexible and sustainable logistics and manufacturing space – sized at 40,000 sq. ft, 50,000 sq. ft, 110,000 sq. ft and 125,000 sq. ft. The development has been designed in accordance with RLAM Sustainability Strategy, which aims for new build property developments to achieve Net Zero in operation by 2030. With haunch heights of 12.5 metres large service yards, and two-storey office spaces, the units are designed to meet the evolving needs of occupiers and investors. The first phase also included the installation of new services, separate concrete service yards, an access road and all hard and soft landscaping, with 20 per cent of the parking spaces having EV charging points. BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating has been achieved on the project and a 10 per cent biodiversity net gain; with bird, bat and insect nest boxes installed. With the successful completion of the first phase, RLAM has appointed Winvic to deliver the 420,000 sq. ft second phase, with the contractor having commenced the 50-week build programme back in July. Phase two will bring three further units to Atlantic Park with floor spaces ranging from 53,750 to 216,000 sq. ft. As with phase one, the units will feature two-storey office spaces, service yards and car parking with EV charging bays. Completion is expected in summer 2026. Winvic is delivering the second phase as Net Zero Carbon in Construction, employing its tried and tested Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) process, which is aligned with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Whole Life Carbon Assessment, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), and the zero carbon network London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI), as well as independently third-party verified. In line with Winvic’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy in communities local to its projects, the contractor has developed an Employment and Skills Plan and will work closely with Sefton at Work, Invest Sefton and supply chain partners to match employment and training opportunities for local people, and collaborate with local education providers to offer career talks and work experience placements to students. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics at Winvic, said: “We are pleased to be working once again with RLAM to deliver the second phase of this impressive scheme in the Northwest and are proud to be appointed based on our high-quality delivery in phase one. “With industry-leading credentials, Winvic worked collaboratively with RLAM to meet ambitious sustainability and social value goals for the first phase – and this will continue in phase two as we work to deliver Net Zero in construction. “Atlantic Park is bringing in-demand state-of-the-art facilities and supporting regional growth through job creation and training opportunities and Winvic is proud to be the construction partner.” Tenants signing on to Atlantic Park will benefit from its prime location; being 1.3 miles from M57 and M58 motorways, 2 miles from the Port of Liverpool Freeport, and 4.5 miles from Liverpool, providing excellent connectivity for national and international logistics operations. Matt Barnes, Senior Asset Manager at Royal London Asset Management, added: “Atlantic Park is a future-ready logistics hub, which is strategically located, sustainably built, and designed to deliver long-term value. “This development is a crucial part of our strategy to deliver high-quality, sustainable assets that support long-term value for our investors. “With Phase one now complete, we are excited to see it attract leading occupiers in the industrial and logistics sectors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
£250m Beckton Clean-Up to Kickstart New Riverside Neighbourhood
A major regeneration scheme in East London has taken a decisive step forward after Berkeley Group secured full planning consent for a £250 million clean-up of the former Beckton gasworks site. The investment, led by its St William business, will pave the way for the delivery of 2,900 new homes as part of the ambitious Beckton Riverside development. The 30-acre site, which has lain derelict since the 1960s, forms one of the largest brownfield regeneration opportunities in the capital. The extensive remediation and enabling works will prepare the land for transformation into a vibrant new community, complete with housing, green spaces, and modern infrastructure. Dean Summers, managing director of St James & St William, described the milestone as a major step towards realising the long-term vision for Beckton Riverside. “This marks a significant step forward for this complex, long-term regeneration site. There is still a long way to go to bring this project into delivery, and we continue to work closely with the council, GLA, Homes England, and local stakeholders to develop a viable scheme that unlocks the site’s enormous potential,” he said. The £250 million initial phase will see Berkeley Group remediate contaminated land, enhance flood defences, and deliver key infrastructure improvements to support future phases of the project. Plans also include the creation of a riverside park, community facilities, and a series of connected public spaces, opening up a new stretch of the Thames waterfront that has been closed off to the public for decades. Summers added that unlocking the Beckton site could act as a catalyst for wider investment in the surrounding area and strengthen the case for the proposed DLR extension to Beckton and Thamesmead. If all goes to plan, construction on the first homes is expected to begin in 2028, with residents moving in by 2030. The Beckton Riverside project represents a cornerstone in East London’s regeneration story, transforming a disused industrial site into a sustainable new neighbourhood. Once complete, it will deliver thousands of homes, boost local employment, and breathe new life into one of London’s most strategically significant riverside locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic completes 24-storey Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Leeds
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has completed works on a Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Leeds city centre. The 548-bed project – named Threadworks – delivered on behalf of client CASL Lisbon Street, is located on the corner of Lisbon Street and Castle Street and is part of the wider redevelopment of the former International Swimming Pool site. The development was managed jointly by DLC Europe and Colliers, with Employer’s Agent role undertaken by KS4. The 24-storey single tower block – built to BREEAM Excellent – provides single occupancy and en-suite bedrooms together with shared amenities such as cinema rooms, a fitness centre, relaxation spaces, a games room and a TV lounge. Students also benefit from a 1,593 sq ft roof terrace on the first floor. During construction, Winvic introduced an innovation to reduce the carbon impact associated with hot works by replacing gas fired boilers for electric alternatives. This approach not only cut emissions but also improved safety by eliminating open flames, with the boilers’ in-built technology preventing element overheating. Throughout the project, Winvic promoted cross-contractor collaboration on the wider four-plot development, which includes build-to-rent apartments, hotel, and commercial spaces. In line with Winvic’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy in communities where it works, the contractor developed an Employment and Skills Plan to maximise Social Value. Working with supply chain partners and education providers, Winvic generated new employment and training opportunities, ran career talks and work experience programmes, and supported apprenticeships. 134 new jobs were created during construction, with a strong focus on local recruitment. Nine local people who were new to the industry were supported into work, while five veterans gained employment in engineering and electrical roles, with a sixth supported into training and employment as a window fitter through supply chain partner Unique Windows. Three local apprentices were recruited, while 30 existing apprenticeships were sustained through the project. Further outreach included career workshops in local schools and colleges, and the donation of 50 books to a local primary school ensuring each child in the class could take a book home on World Book Day. In addition, Winvic’s Trainee Site Manager signed up to support delivery of Leeds City Council’s Apprenticeship Academy. Winvic also built partnerships with local charities and community groups, raising funds for Zarach, which provides beds for children affected by bed poverty, donating £250 to Leeds Community Wood Recycling to expand employment and volunteering opportunities, and supplying hygiene products alongside an on-site clothes bank for homelessness charity St George’s Crypt. Mark Jones, Managing Director of Multi-Room at Winvic Construction, said:“Winvic is proud to have been the trusted partner of CASL and the scheme’s fund, to deliver this landmark PBSA development in the heart of Leeds. With its close proximity to the city’s two main university campuses and Leeds train station, it provides students with a vibrant and well-connected place to live.” Students have now moved into the scheme ready for the 2025/2026 academic year. Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
IM Properties Begins Work on £140m Stratford 46 Business Park
Early works have begun on the £140 million Stratford 46 Business Park, a major new mixed-use employment scheme set to boost the local economy on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. Developer IM Properties has commenced enabling works, marking a significant milestone for the long-awaited 65-acre project. Located just off the A46, the development will deliver a flexible mix of logistics, office, and roadside space designed to attract a diverse range of occupiers. Initial works are now underway to create a new roundabout and access road, with Montel Civil Engineering appointed as highways contractor to deliver the access route, utilities, and key early-stage infrastructure. Construction of the new business park buildings is expected to begin towards the end of 2026, with the main build contractor set to be announced in due course. Once complete, the scheme will provide units ranging from 20,000 to 300,000 square feet, suitable for single or multi-tenant use. Each unit will be built to meet EPC A and BREEAM Excellent standards, ensuring strong sustainability credentials. The buildings will also be Net Zero Ready, incorporating solar PV panels and energy-efficient design features. Lewis Payne, development director at IM Properties, commented: “It has been a long and complex journey to reach this point. With a clearer timeline now in place, we can progress formal discussions with potential occupiers eager to benefit from the location and access to a skilled workforce in the immediate vicinity.” Stratford 46 Business Park benefits from excellent transport connectivity, situated just nine miles from junction 15 of the M40, providing direct links to the M25 and M42. This makes it ideally placed to serve regional and national distribution networks, as well as local businesses seeking high-quality commercial space. In addition to its commercial offering, the project will include a 17-acre nature reserve on neighbouring land, transforming existing farmland into a new wildlife habitat and community green space. This ecological enhancement forms a key part of IM Properties’ commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The launch of Stratford 46 marks a major step in bringing new employment, investment, and biodiversity improvements to the area, setting the stage for one of Warwickshire’s most significant business park developments in recent years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Homebuilder submits plans for more than 500 new homes across the Midlands
Midlands-based homebuilder Spitfire Homes has submitted plans for 521 new homes across the Midlands, advancing its strategic growth in the region. Proposals submitted in the past month are led by a statement scheme of 136 new homes in Balsall Common, Solihull, alongside a further 50 properties at the site of a former police station in Harborne, and a collection of 47 homes in the Worcestershire village of Belbroughton, all forming part of Spitfire’s Bespoke Collection. There are also plans for 127 homes at Little Impney, Droitwich, where Spitfire is working with applicant Impney Ltd on the residential element of a mixed use scheme that will regenerate the 140-acre Impney Estate. Additional applications include 113 homes in the Cotswold village of Broadway and 48 new homes adjacent to the homebuilder’s existing collection, Pembleton, in Kislingbury, Northamptonshire. These applications represent a significant step forward in Spitfire’s ambition to deliver a broad range of high-quality, sustainable homes tailored to the needs of local communities. The schemes will also contribute to regional employment, supporting more than 1,800 jobs across the supply chain. Matt Vincent, Operation Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Submitting these planning applications is an important milestone in our ongoing growth plans across the Midlands. Our proposals would deliver more than 500 high-quality new homes across the region, offering a diverse mix of properties tailored for first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers seeking style and comfort without compromise. “We remain dedicated to investing in the Midlands through delivering homes that are both beautifully designed and energy efficient. As with all our collections, we’re committed to creating places where communities can thrive and we look forward to working closely with local authorities to help bring these exciting schemes to life.” The announcement comes amid new data from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) showing that planning permissions for new homes have dropped to their lowest level since 2012. Just 44,520 homes were granted permission in England during Q2 2025, a 17% fall year-on-year and the tenth consecutive quarter of decline. Only 1,410 sites were approved between April and June, with just 8,200 sites gaining approval over the past 12 months, less than half the 2019 total. Vincent added: “These latest figures underscore the scale of the challenge in meeting national housing targets. With housing delivery holding steady at around 200,000 homes a year, we remain some way off the 1.5 million homes pledged for this parliamentary term. “However, underlying demand for high-quality homes remains strong and as a forward-thinking SME, we’re able to offer a premium product that stands out for its design, efficiency and flexibility. Planning delays remain a challenge but as the market continues to evolve, we see a real opportunity to keep innovating and deliver homes that better reflect the needs and expectations of today’s buyers.” To find out more about Spitfire Homes, please visit https://spitfirehomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AECOM urges deeper planning reform to integrate infrastructure and accelerate delivery in the United Kingdom
New report sets out how integrated planning can cut delays, reduce costs and boost confidence in UK infrastructure AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, today released its latest report, Rebuilding Britain: Unlocking Growth from the UK’s Infrastructure Strategy, outlining a transformative roadmap to help the UK Government deliver on its ambitious 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy. The Company is recommending that the government’s planning reforms go further to better integrate projects across sectors and regions to accelerate delivery of the £725 billion National Infrastructure Pipeline. The report presents 10 actionable recommendations across three strategic pillars, accelerating project delivery, embracing AI-first infrastructure, and unlocking private investment, aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing national resilience, and positioning the UK as a global leader in infrastructure innovation. “AECOM is ready to continue its partnership with the UK Government to help turn the Infrastructure Strategy’s vision into reality,” said Troy Rudd, AECOM’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our global record in delivering some of the most complex and sensitive infrastructure projects equips us with the skills, experience and insight to drive economic growth, enable sustainable energy and strengthen national security.” AECOM’s key recommendations include: “The UK government has made commendable progress with its planning reform agenda, which is a vital step towards delivering the infrastructure and homes this country needs,” said Richard Whitehead, chief executive Europe & India at AECOM. “The focus must now shift to ensuring those reforms translate into real-world results. By putting these ideas into action, we believe the government can turbocharge efforts to meet, and exceed, its ambitious infrastructure goals within this parliament and make infrastructure funding go further.” The report draws on AECOM’s 100-year legacy of success and experience delivering landmark UK projects including Manchester’s Metrolink, Crossrail, Heathrow and the restoration of the Elizabeth Tower. Today, the Company is helping to deliver some of Britain’s most ambitious projects including the Great Grid Upgrade as well as supporting regional priorities through the reintroduction of passenger services to the Northumberland Line in North-East England. To read the full report, visit https://www.aecom.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals