Baxi has added new Auriga medium temperature monobloc heat pumps, compatible cascade and hybrid controls, and a pre-contract design guidance service to its existing commercial heat pump offering. Leading heating and hot water solutions provider Baxi has announced the arrival of its new Auriga mid-temperature monobloc commercial heat pump series
Every industry is constantly looking to improve their respective sectors for great efficiency and streamlining. The construction industry is no different, as infrastructure supply chains are set for huge transformations in the coming years, thanks partly to technology and innovative strategies. But what are some trends the industry can expect
Prologis UK, a leading owner, developer and investor of logistics property has launched a market-first flexible warehouse offering, Flexxtra, at Prologis Park Wellingborough West DC4. Flexxtra, a warehouse-as-a-service offering, provides agile additional warehouse space to businesses on an as-needed, pallet-by-pallet basis. Both a convenient and flexible way to manage logistics
Urban Fox, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has today unveiled the UEone, Europe’s first fully retractable electric vehicle (EV) chargers, at a launch event held at the internationally renowned design museum, V&A Dundee, Scotland. Following over seven years of development and a successful two-and a
Merchant City Regeneration Site Continues to Take Shape with Second Major Completion The £300 million transformation of Candleriggs Square in Glasgow’s Merchant City is continuing apace following the completion of the second major building on the site – a 346-homes build-to-rent scheme, forward funded by Legal & General (L&G). Main
Energy and water efficiency company Cenergist has been appointed by procurement framework provider Pagabo as a supplier to its £1.6bn Decarbonisation Solutions Framework. The framework covers a four-year period and supports public sector bodies and local authorities throughout the UK procure suppliers for retrofit decarbonisation works across their building stock.
Showcasing a legacy dating back to April 1924, Walter Lilly’s excellent reputation in recent decades stems from its commitment to delivering exclusive homes, iconic landmark and heritage buildings, and state-of-the-art science and higher educational facilities. This impressive milestone marks not only the company’s continued success, but a hard- fought journey
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has announced the launch of its Principal Designer Building Regulations (PDBR) Register. This significant initiative is designed to enable practitioners to formally demonstrate their competence in fulfilling the newly established duty-holder role under the Amended Building Regulations England, in line with PAS 8671. With
New market insight from up-front information platform, Home Sale Pack, reveals that the conveyancing process takes so long that the average home mover could fly to the moon and back more than 25 times in the time they’ll be waiting for conveyancing to finish. As a result, 370,000 movers are now
Asda is launching a £50m store upgrade programme designed to enhance the shopping experience for customers in its larger supermarkets and superstores. The programme, which commences at the Long Eaton store in Nottingham, will extend across 170 stores in total and is expected to complete by the end of November.
Baxi has added new Auriga medium temperature monobloc heat pumps, compatible cascade and hybrid controls, and a pre-contract design guidance service to its existing commercial heat pump offering. Leading heating and hot water solutions provider Baxi has announced the arrival of its new Auriga mid-temperature monobloc commercial heat pump series with compatible cascade and hybrid controls. Baxi’s expanded commercial heat pump offering, now backed with a design guidance service from its technical solutions team, will be supported by a high temperature R290 (propane) heat pump range later this year. Baxi’s new air to water Auriga Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) series can achieve temperatures of up to 60°C with reduced global warming potential (GWP) due to the R32 refrigerant. Available in single outputs of 20 kw, 26 kW, 33kW and 40 kW, with cascade options of up to 320 kW, the new Auriga series offers design flexibility for commercial buildings of all sizes. As part of the new Auriga range, Baxi has launched a series of Auriga-compatible cascade and hybrid controls to maximise system efficiency. The new Baxi Commercial HVAC (CHVAC) Manager offers modular and flexible control of hybrid heating systems, with the option to cascade up to eight heat generators (either eight ASHPs or a combination of ASHPs and boilers). The new Auriga indoor controller is designed for simple ASHP cascade system control. The new Baxi VM-T controller can be used as an extension to increase the number of secondary zones controlled. The CHVAC Manager also enables connection to a BMS through Modbus or 0-10V for full remote monitoring and system optimisation. James Matthews, Director of Building Solutions at Baxi, said: “Our new Baxi Auriga ASHP has been designed with efficiency, occupant comfort and design flexibility in mind. Its excellent seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) of up to 4.83 at W35 is combined with quiet operation and sound power of less than 65 dBA. “To help tackle the decarbonisation challenge and ensure optimal whole-life benefit from ASHPs, we have evolved our commercial customer support service as well as our heat pump range. At the outset, our technical sales team work collaboratively with our customers to understand their project goals, scoping out potential solutions and feasibility studies. “Following this initial assessment, our newly formed technical solutions team support our customers with system design, system sizing and simulation testing to assess solution suitability against the project requirements. “By partnering with customers at the early stages, we can not only supply the required ASHP system components, but the precise, validated advice, backed with predicted energy and carbon savings and capital expenditure modelling, that will help make the switch to ASHPs more seamless.” Designed, manufactured and tested at Baxi’s dedicated commercial heat pump facility in Vilafranca, Spain, Baxi’s new Auriga series comes with full Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to help customers assess the embodied carbon of their projects. The Auriga is backed with a Parts and Labour warranty of up to 5 years when commissioned by Baxi or a Baxi-authorised engineer. The Auriga is available to quote now, for July delivery. Features and benefits at a glance Dimensions For more information, visit: https://www.baxi.co.uk/lp/baxi-auriga-air-source-heat-pump Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Every industry is constantly looking to improve their respective sectors for great efficiency and streamlining. The construction industry is no different, as infrastructure supply chains are set for huge transformations in the coming years, thanks partly to technology and innovative strategies. But what are some trends the industry can expect for future changes throughout the supply chain? Wincanton, experts in logistics management in construction, have offered an insight into some things that will drive change within the infrastructure supply chain. Sustainability An area of supply chains across various industries that will see rapid changes in their future (as well as their present) is sustainability. Between consumers and clients on construction projects, there’s a greater emphasis on companies within the industry to be more eco-conscious and put sustainability at the heart of their mission. This is one area where integrated logistics being involved in projects from the outset can be hugely beneficial and could assist in a more sustainable future for the industry. This is due to integration that reduces the number of vehicles needed for deliveries by consolidating those travelling to project sites. In addition, this allows companies to optimise deliveries to be more sustainable. Looking at alternative methods of transport is one area where the industry is likely to move forward positively. With further advancements in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) and compressed and liquified natural gases (CNG and LNG) becoming more common as alternative fuels, the industry will likely see a reduction in emissions due to a grander scale move to these different fuel types. Visibility and reporting Having so many moving parts during infrastructure projects, such as deliveries of materials, machinery, and equipment, it’s important to have full visibility end-to-end of where everything is so that your project stays on schedule. One future trend that could help shape infrastructure supply chains is using a dedicated logistics provider to offer great visibility on materials. This can be done using emerging technology like the Internet of Things (IoT). This single system acts as a network for multiple devices for a singular truth by tracking and communicating with each other. This tracking can display full tactical information on the items ordered, the estimated time of arrival, and their current location. This information will also have visibility on any issues or delays to the delivery so expectations on scheduling can be set. Other data, including compliance and reporting, can be included and held in this single system, making product traceability even more visible. Transparency is a hugely important consideration in infrastructure as it can establish trust between stakeholders and project managers by putting everyone on a level playing field. Giving everyone involved the ability to trace the journey of materials and orders throughout the supply chain with a ledger that acts as a point of authority can help ensure compliance with regulations and standards. More cost-effective budgets One of the key challenges within infrastructure is keeping within budget restraints, which is where optimal logistics can see huge effects. A good logistics partner can identify how to save on costs by consolidating deliveries, identifying where overordering occurs, and helping improve productivity across teams. Wincanton has found that logistics can occupy around 6% of a project’s value, meaning that a £1 billion infrastructure project would spend £60 million on logistics. This is where the future of logistics could benefit from integrated approaches, with further statistics finding that savings of 20% can be made on this, thus keeping larger and more costly projects within budget and preventing overspending or reallocating funds. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading owner, developer and investor of logistics property has launched a market-first flexible warehouse offering, Flexxtra, at Prologis Park Wellingborough West DC4. Flexxtra, a warehouse-as-a-service offering, provides agile additional warehouse space to businesses on an as-needed, pallet-by-pallet basis. Both a convenient and flexible way to manage logistics needs, Flexxtra enables customers to react quickly to market conditions and manage peaks in demand, without the long-term commitment of traditional leasing. The all-in-one turnkey solution acts to simplify leasing by taking the operational responsibilities off the customer. The Flexxtra service will be fulfilled at Prologis Park Wellingborough West DC4, a new building which has been fitted out to accommodate 70,000 pallets. As part of the service, Prologis UK has appointed Kinaxia Logistics, working alongside Visku and their Pallet Hotel platform to manage inbound receipts, insurance, and outbound fulfilment for customers so that they have a seamless experience. Visku, a well-established supply chain solutions provider with in-depth experience and strong sector relationships, will oversee the day-to-day customer management. Building on its existing relationship with Prologis UK, with its flagship site located at DIRFT, Kinaxia Logistics, a leading logistics group operating in the transport, warehouse and fulfilment sector, will oversee operations on site. DC4 is strategically located between London and the Midlands, providing an ideal location for businesses looking to strengthen their supply chain operations and is ideally positioned for access to the port of Felixstowe, a major gateway for imports into the UK. The unit is expected to be able to support between 10 and 30 customers at one time. James Hemstock, Capital Deployment & Leasing Director at Prologis UK said: “Flexibility is something that we know businesses of all shapes and sizes are looking for when they lease warehousing space, especially to help with demand spikes throughout the year. Flexxtra is something we’ve been working with Visku on for quite some time and we’re certain it’ll bring something new – and much-needed – to the logistics property market. We hope to be the incubator space for UK PLC’s next big success story.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Urban Fox, a partnership between Balfour Beatty Investments and Urban Electric Networks, has today unveiled the UEone, Europe’s first fully retractable electric vehicle (EV) chargers, at a launch event held at the internationally renowned design museum, V&A Dundee, Scotland. Following over seven years of development and a successful two-and a half-year trial, 18 new Mk5 UEone chargers have been installed by Urban Fox across nine locations in Dundee, on behalf of Dundee City Council. Designed with accessibility in mind, the award-winning, 7kW on-street charge points are the first of their kind to the market. The UEone effortlessly rises from the ground to an accessible height, and when not in use, auto-retracts flat and flush underground, leaving pavements clutter free and more accessible to pedestrians, when compared to other available EV charge points. By simply downloading the Urban Fox App, members of the public can easily summon the UEone to rise from the ground, power their EV and track their usage. At the launch event, Smart UK, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Group and Geely Holding, presented one of its latest award-winning electric models, the Smart #1. A compact SUV designed for urban environments, yet offering up to 273 miles of range, the #1 represents the kind of EV that can take full advantage of improved on-street charging. Oli Freeling-Wilkinson, CEO of Urban Fox, said: “After more than seven years of intensive development and testing, we are immensely proud to unveil Europe’s only flat and flush charging solution that complies with the highest accessibility standards. At Urban Fox we are passionate about addressing the pressing need for near-home EV charging infrastructure across the UK, to ensure that no one is left behind on the road to net zero.” Gavin Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty Investments, added: “Today’s launch marks a significant milestone in the UK’s journey to achieving net zero. The launch at the renowned V&A museum in Dundee highlights how innovative technology can significantly enhance, not detract from urban spaces and living.” Dundee City Council Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure Convener, Councillor Steven Rome, marked the launch of the UEone chargers in Dundee by saying: ”I am pleased to see Dundee City Council invest in low-emission transport, further proving that we are continuously making progress towards achieving our net-zero targets. Dundee City Council believes that it is important to deploy charge points that are as accessible as possible to deliver equitable access to EV charging solutions, and this innovation helps cater to the needs of our communities.’’ Jason Allbutt, Chief Executive Officer of Smart UK, added: “As manufacturers like Smart continue the drive to make the UK’s transition to electric mobility a success, it is vital that our products are supported by a robust and reliable charging network. The development of innovative yet practical near-home charging solutions is therefore vital to ensuring that as many people as possible can benefit from the cheap, clean and convenient transport provided by electric vehicles.” Urban Fox, voted Top 6 European Cleantech Start-up by Climate-KIC – the EU’s innovation agency – combines Urban Electric Networks’ innovative and entrepreneurial spirit with Balfour Beatty’s unmatched scale, skill and capabilities in delivering infrastructure in the heart of local communities, building on the company’s experience and longstanding relationships with public realm services and local authorities. For further information on Urban Fox’s innovative on-street charge point, for product demonstrations or discussions on how Urban Fox can support your area to deploy charge points, please contact enquiries@urbanfox.network Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Merchant City Regeneration Site Continues to Take Shape with Second Major Completion The £300 million transformation of Candleriggs Square in Glasgow’s Merchant City is continuing apace following the completion of the second major building on the site – a 346-homes build-to-rent scheme, forward funded by Legal & General (L&G). Main contractor Graham Construction has delivered the practical completion of the £81.5 million scheme, allowing L&G to progress with the internal fit-out of the building before the first residents move in later this summer. Developed by a joint venture between Drum Property Group and Stamford Investments, the 3.6-acre Candleriggs Square site is regarded by many as the last and most important piece of Glasgow’s Merchant City regeneration jigsaw. The square welcomed the opening of Scotland’s largest hotel by room numbers, the 494-room Social Hub Glasgow, in April this year. Designed to meet the increasing demand for high-quality city centre rental accommodation in Scotland, the 325,000 sq. ft L&G scheme provides 346 apartments together with a range of retail and commercial units at ground floor level creating an attractive and accessible public realm. An entrance lobby opens onto Glasgow’s Trongate, providing direct access to a communal landscaped courtyard at the first-floor level, while a range of roof terraces provide spectacular views across the city. The building’s completion was marked by the release of drone footage showing how the finished homes form a spectacular cornerstone of the Candleriggs Square regeneration. Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum Property Group, said: “Candleriggs Square is now starting to come alive, fulfilling the the development vision we outlined when we first took ownership of the site in 2019. With the completion of the L&G apartments and the opening of The Social Hub Glasgow, we are seeing this vital part of the city centre, which had lain dormant for more than 20 years, take shape in spectacular fashion. “Candleriggs Square has always been at the centre of Glasgow’s commercial and social development, and this completion will be a huge boost to the area and to local businesses. We can now positively look forward to bringing back to life a very special area which has always been at the centre of Glasgow’s commercial and social development.” Dan Batterton, Head of Residential at Legal & General Investment, added: “We are delighted to reach completion of at Candleriggs Square, bringing a new community to the heart of the Merchant City. Helping to meet Glasgow’s increasing demand for high-quality rental housing, the site offers a well-designed, flexible living space integrated within the broader regeneration of the city centre. We look forward to welcoming our first residents in the coming months. Having launched our Build to Rent strategy in 2016, we have since deployed over £3 billion of institutional capital into the sector and expanded our portfolio to 24 schemes across 13 cities – we’ve been on a rapid trajectory of growth and look forward to continuing with this as precedent.” The 3.6-acre Candleriggs Square site – bound by Wilson Street, Hutcheson Street, Candleriggs and Trongate – was originally home to Glasgow’s flourishing fruit and vegetable market. For most of the 20th century, the square played host to a department store before remaining unoccupied and derelict for more than two decades, following the closure of the last operator there in 1999. Drum and Stamford’s joint venture launched the ambitious £300m plan to transform Candleriggs Square when they first bought the site in March 2019. Plans include a high-quality mixed-use scheme combining homes, offices, hotels, restaurants and local amenities, together with landscaped open spaces and accessible walkways, with a new public square at its heart. For more information on Candleriggs Square, visit: www.candleriggs-square.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy and water efficiency company Cenergist has been appointed by procurement framework provider Pagabo as a supplier to its £1.6bn Decarbonisation Solutions Framework. The framework covers a four-year period and supports public sector bodies and local authorities throughout the UK procure suppliers for retrofit decarbonisation works across their building stock. Hull City Council is serving as the contracting authority for the framework. This also includes a healthcare-specific framework which has Great Ormond Street Hospital as the contracting authority. Works will include the installation of specialist heating, cooling and ventilation systems and renewable energy sources, fabric upgrades, installation of energy saving lighting, and replacement of inefficient glazing. Cenergist supports local authorities, social housing providers, commercial clients and water companies to achieve their net zero and decarbonisation goals. Dan Ludgate, group development director at Cenergist, commented: “The public sector faces a significant challenge to improve the energy performance of its building stock as part of vital decarbonisation and futureproofing strategies. “Pagabo is renowned for helping organisations access trusted suppliers in this challenging space. To be appointed to the framework is a testament to our continued innovation and track record in delivering projects on time and within budget. “We look forward to working with the framework’s users to further drive their pursuit of net zero.” Cenergist was also recently appointed to Fusion21’s £820m Heating, Renewables and Electrical Framework and was placed as a top provider for domestic ground source heat pump installations. The company is also delivering for Kensington and Chelsea Council the Notting Dale Heat Network which is the council’s flagship zero carbon district heating network benefiting over 750 homes. As well as the UK, Cenergist also operates in Holland, Spain and India. For more information on Cenergist, visit www.cenergist.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Showcasing a legacy dating back to April 1924, Walter Lilly’s excellent reputation in recent decades stems from its commitment to delivering exclusive homes, iconic landmark and heritage buildings, and state-of-the-art science and higher educational facilities. This impressive milestone marks not only the company’s continued success, but a hard- fought journey of growth and unwavering dedication. Since its establishment the company has evolved from a modest family business founded by tradesman, Walter Gent Lilly, who capitalised upon his good fortune after winning the freehold of a London builder’s yard in a game of cards, to a prominent leader within the specialist construction market. To this day, the family business spirit at Walter Lilly lives on, having continued trading under this name since it was acquired by Y.J. Lovell Group in 1955 and who later became Renew Holdings plc. The company’s portfolio has since expanded to include some of London’s most prestigious buildings including Café Royal, Southwark Cathedral, Palace of Westminster, 1 Cornwall Terrace – Britain’s most expensive terraced property at the time – and 100 Park Lane, one of the few surviving aristocratic townhouses in London. More recently, the company delivered its largest project to date, the £84m Laboratory of Medical Sciences for the Medical Research Council, which has garnered industry wide recognition including a victory in the Integration and Collaborative Working category at the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards. As the focus across the industry shifts towards the UK Government’s 2025 net zero target, Walter Lilly is working alongside their clients in providing sustainable project delivery. Examples include the reservicing of a number of Grade I London Palaces to assist in achieving carbon neutral estates including a BREEAM Excellent rating. Walter Lilly’s reputation for delivering the finest quality projects has resulted in remaining profitable year on year despite challenging and fluctuating market conditions. With only nine Managing Directors in its 100-year history, and the average length of staff service being 10 years, the Walter Lilly name continues to strengthen across the industry. Managing Director Chris Butler, said “We are extremely grateful to our loyal clients, dedicated employees, and trusted supply chain partners who have been integral to our success throughout this remarkable journey. This anniversary represents not only a century of hard work, determination, and continuous improvement, but also the immense potential that awaits us as we look to the future.” Visit the dedicated centenary website for more details of the company’s rich and expanding history including book and documentary – 100.walterlilly.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has announced the launch of its Principal Designer Building Regulations (PDBR) Register. This significant initiative is designed to enable practitioners to formally demonstrate their competence in fulfilling the newly established duty-holder role under the Amended Building Regulations England, in line with PAS 8671. With the introduction of the PDBR Register, APS is setting a new benchmark for professional standards within the industry. The register will serve as a definitive resource for identifying qualified Principal Designers, ensuring that they meet the rigorous standards required to uphold the safety, compliance, and integrity of construction projects. Key Benefits of the APS PDBR Register: Demonstrated Competence: Practitioners listed on the PDBR Register have undergone stringent assessment processes, confirming their capability to perform the Principal Designer role as mandated by the updated Building Regulations. Client Assurance: By employing professionals from the APS PDBR Register, clients can confidently demonstrate adherence to their legal obligations, ensuring that they are in compliance with the amended regulations. Enhanced Safety and Compliance: The register supports the overarching goal of the amended Building Regulations and PAS 8671, which is to enhance safety and compliance within the construction sector, ultimately contributing to the welfare of the public and the quality of the built environment. The establishment of the PDBR Register underscores APS’s commitment to advancing professional standards and safeguarding public interests. As the regulatory landscape evolves, the association remains dedicated to providing robust frameworks and support systems that empower industry professionals to excel in their roles. Mark Snelling, APS President said: “The launch of the Principal Designer Building Regulations Register is a pivotal step towards reinforcing the competence and accountability of professionals within our industry. It not only provides a reliable means for practitioners to validate their skills but also offers clients peace of mind in meeting their statutory duties.” The APS PDBR Register is now open for applications, providing an essential tool for both practitioners and clients. For more information on how to become listed or to find a qualified Principal Designer, please visit the APS website at www.aps.org.uk. About the Association for Project Safety (APS): The Association for Project Safety [APS] is the professional body dedicated to eliminating deaths, reducing injury, and tackling ill-health associated with the built environment. APS aims to improve, and promote excellence in, professional practice in design and construction health and safety risk management, helping everyone manage risk and implement building regulations effectively and proportionately. The association contributes to the national debate on building and infrastructure safety, regulation, and legislation, providing training, education and support and member networking opportunities. APS works with other bodies and partners to improve – through good design and throughout the life-cycle of projects and buildings – health and safety for everyone involved in construction and use. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New market insight from up-front information platform, Home Sale Pack, reveals that the conveyancing process takes so long that the average home mover could fly to the moon and back more than 25 times in the time they’ll be waiting for conveyancing to finish. As a result, 370,000 movers are now set to waste their summers stuck in a state of conveyancing limbo. Home Sale Pack analysed how long the conveyancing process currently takes in the UK*, and how many movers are now about to enter the conveyancing journey*. The research then goes on to analyse what other things movers could instead be doing with the time they’re spending waiting for conveyancing to finish. How long does conveyancing take? Conveyancing is the legal side of buying and selling a home with the ultimate aim of first reaching the exchange of contracts, and then completion of sale. The process takes a long time, currently averaging 154 days, or 22 weeks. And while the process is led by a conveyancing solicitor, it requires regular input from buyers and sellers who need to be available to provide information, sign documents, and help push their sale along. This means that, for those 154 days, movers cannot afford to be absent or out of contact for any length of time because this can lead to significant delays on an already lengthy journey. Therefore, anybody who is entering the conveyancing process right now is looking at an entire summer spent in a state of conveyancing limbo, unable to go on holiday in fear that it will cause delays. 370,000 home sellers stuck in limbo this summer Home Sale Pack estimates that this is the scenario faced by almost 371,000 movers this summer, based on the fact that there are currently an estimated 370,725 properties on the market that are Sold Subject To Contract (SSTC). While some of these may complete sooner, rather than later, this figure is only likely to climb as market activity continues to build momentum following a spring surge. What else can you do with 154 days? So with 154 days of nothing to do but wait, what else could movers be doing with their time if the conveyancing process wasn’t so painfully drawn-out? In 154 days, you could fly from London to Sydney 168 times. You could take one-and-a-half around the world cruises, drive around the world almost 7.5 times, or walk the length of Britain – from Land’s End to John o’ Groats – nearly twice. You could also take 11 fortnight-long summer holidays, or fly to the moon and back – a round trip that takes approximately six days – almost 26 times. Ruth Beeton, Co-Founder of Home Sale Pack, says: “It’s absolutely inexcusable that in this day and age the conveyancing process takes 22 weeks. There is no good reason for this. If the process was dealt with the efficiency that modern technology now enables, the whole process can take as little as 24 hours. In other words, a seller can accept an offer on Monday and complete the sale before going to bed on Tuesday. So yes, 22 weeks is inexcusable. Instead of wasting your summer in conveyancing limbo, too scared to even go on holiday in fear of causing a delay in the process, make sure you work with an agent who utilises upfront information packs to speed up your sale. That way you can get the contracts signed and the sale completed quickly, leaving you free to enjoy the summer with absolute freedom and peace of mind.” Data tables and sources Full data tables and sources can be viewed online, here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Asda is launching a £50m store upgrade programme designed to enhance the shopping experience for customers in its larger supermarkets and superstores. The programme, which commences at the Long Eaton store in Nottingham, will extend across 170 stores in total and is expected to complete by the end of November. Asda announced that 50 of its larger stores will receive major upgrades, including the introduction of new in-store services and features. This will encompass brand-new George departments in select stores, as well as new foyers, seasonal aisles, food-to-go services, counters, and improved flooring and lighting. The remaining stores will undergo “refreshed exterior and interior decoration” to align with Asda’s recent brand identity launch, which includes an updated logo, typography, and colour palette. These stores will also benefit from new trolley bays, updated signage, improved toilet facilities, and exterior landscaping work. Over the coming months, upgrades will be carried out in Asda stores in Coventry, Altrincham, Dundee, and Charlton. The work will take place over a five-week period, with stores remaining open and “minimal disruption expected,” according to the retailer. Ian Brackenbury, Asda’s Senior Director of Construction and Implementation, commented: “We are always looking at ways in which we can improve the overall experience for our customers, and this programme is one of the many ways we are actively doing that. Starting with our supermarkets and superstores, this significant investment allows us to upgrade our stores by launching new and exciting services, whilst making significant improvements to the existing components of our established stores. This programme marks another exciting milestone moment for us on our journey and underpins our continued commitment to ensuring Asda is set up for long-term success.” The supermarket’s move to upgrade larger stores builds upon the significant investment made during its first quarter to convert all 470 convenience stores acquired from EG Group and the Co-op to Asda Express. This expansion has given Asda a total estate of more than 1,000 UK stores for the first time in its 59-year history. Since acquiring Asda in June 2021, the shareholders have invested more than £3.5bn to transform the business into a diversified retail group with a significant presence in the high-growth convenience and food service markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
