Morgan Sindall Construction has started work on the Royal Parade Bus Improvement Scheme in Plymouth city centre, a major project designed to upgrade public transport infrastructure and improve the pedestrian experience along one of the city’s busiest routes. Commissioned by Plymouth City Council and procured through the SCAPE Construction Framework,
A significant milestone has been reached in St Helens with the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West, a major 421,249 sq. ft. industrial and logistics development delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands and North. To celebrate the achievement, stakeholders and project partners gathered on site alongside the Mayor and Leader of
Kier has officially handed over a major new clinical facility at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital to Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, ahead of its formal opening later this year. Delivered through the Crown Commercial Services framework, the £150 million development will significantly enhance healthcare services in Luton and the
Prescient Capital has officially launched construction on the redevelopment of Wellington Plaza, a major office scheme in the heart of Leeds’s premier business district. Main contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed to deliver the transformation, which involves the demolition of the existing 1980s four-storey structure to make way for a
Portable Building Sales has completed the successful delivery of a bespoke 14-module, two-storey office facility for offshore engineering firm Osbit, supporting the company’s rapid expansion at its new manufacturing base at the Port of Blyth. Osbit, a leader in tailored engineering solutions for the offshore renewables sector, required high-quality office
Plans to redevelop a deteriorated stretch of shops and housing at 4–16 Filwood Broadway have been granted permission, marking a major milestone in the wider ‘Transforming Filwood Broadway’ regeneration project. The approved scheme will see the demolition and rebuild of the site to deliver 18 new council homes, modern commercial
Heathrow Airport has submitted its proposals for a third runway, promising to deliver a 100% privately funded expansion that could be operational within a decade. The plan, which Heathrow describes as “shovel-ready”, aims to support the UK’s economic growth and secure its position as a leading global aviation hub. The
National Grid has unveiled a major new initiative to overhaul how it works with suppliers, aiming to fast-track the delivery of £8 billion in substation infrastructure across England and Wales and strengthen the UK’s clean energy transition. The initiative, known as the Electricity Transmission Partnership (ETP), marks a transformative shift
Manchester City Council’s housing company, This City, has reached a major milestone with the completion of its first development, No. 1 Ancoats Green, delivering 129 low-carbon homes in the heart of the city. The landmark scheme, built on council-owned brownfield land, includes 119 apartments and 10 townhouses ranging from one
A new 139-home development in Watchet will bring a wide range of community benefits, including affordable homes, green spaces, and over £750,000 in local investment, homebuilder Edenstone has announced. Work is set to begin shortly at Underwood Gardens, located on land south of Doniford Road and Normandy Avenue, following reserved
Morgan Sindall Construction has started work on the Royal Parade Bus Improvement Scheme in Plymouth city centre, a major project designed to upgrade public transport infrastructure and improve the pedestrian experience along one of the city’s busiest routes. Commissioned by Plymouth City Council and procured through the SCAPE Construction Framework, the scheme will run until spring 2026. It will deliver a series of upgrades to Royal Parade, enhancing accessibility while maintaining access for businesses and residents throughout the works. The contract follows Morgan Sindall’s successful delivery of city centre projects at Old Town Street, New George Street, and Armada Way. Key features of the scheme include kerb realignment on the north side of Royal Parade, full carriageway resurfacing, and strengthening of the footway. High-quality modular granite paving will be installed in a consistent civic pattern to create a more attractive public realm. Public transport efficiency and safety will be improved with reconfigured bus bays in a new sawtooth layout, the addition of average speed cameras, and updated road markings and signage. The pedestrian crossing at Armada Way will also be upgraded to a toucan, improving connectivity for cyclists along this busy corridor. To minimise disruption, Morgan Sindall will use pre-cast concrete slabs and ramps to shop doorways, helping local businesses remain open during the works. The company will also offer work placements, work experience opportunities, and work taster days to support local skills development. Graham Kingdon, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in the South West, said: “Royal Parade is a central part of Plymouth’s civic and commercial identity, and this scheme will make it safer, more accessible, and better suited to modern public transport needs. “Drawing on our experience delivering similar improvements, we’re using tried-and-tested methods to keep disruption to a minimum – helping shops stay open and the city stay connected while work progresses. “We’re proud to play a part in creating a more vibrant, sustainable city centre and look forward to delivering lasting benefits for residents, businesses and visitors alike.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A significant milestone has been reached in St Helens with the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West, a major 421,249 sq. ft. industrial and logistics development delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands and North. To celebrate the achievement, stakeholders and project partners gathered on site alongside the Mayor and Leader of St Helens Borough Council for a formal handover ceremony. The event marked the successful delivery of the final phase of the wider Omega West scheme. Developed by Miller Developments and forward funded by Indurent, the new facility combines high-specification warehousing with office space and has been built to the highest operational and environmental standards. Indurent 420 features a two-storey main office, hub office, extensive warehouse space, car parking, and landscaped green areas. It has achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and EPC A+, underlining its strong sustainability credentials. Throughout construction, sustainability remained a priority. All machinery on site operated using alternative fuels, construction waste was managed using the Smartwaste platform, and the site achieved a full cut-and-fill balance by reusing all excavated cohesive materials. The facility includes enhanced photovoltaic panels, natural roof lighting to reduce energy use, and infrastructure to support future EV charging. Surrounding the building is a newly created wildflower meadow and other green spaces designed to promote biodiversity. McLaren also prioritised health and safety, delivering more than 139,299 working hours with over 750 personnel on site—without a single reportable incident (RIDDOR). Community engagement played a key role in the project’s success. McLaren’s team maintained regular communication with local stakeholders through newsletters and council updates and organised school outreach events to promote careers in construction. The company also contributed to the community through social value initiatives, including timber donations to local charities, career events at area schools and colleges, and sponsorship of the Woolton Santos U9 football team. Laptops were also donated to Martin Murray’s local boxing academy. Efforts to boost local employment included hiring a Senior Site Manager from the St Helens area and offering work experience placements, including a student from Warrington College. The project also prioritised the use of local suppliers and materials. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We’re very proud to have marked the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West with our partners and stakeholders on site. This development continues McLaren’s strong legacy at Omega and reflects the power of collaboration, sustainability, and a commitment to delivering high-performance logistics infrastructure.” David Milloy, Managing Director of Miller Developments, added: “This celebration marks not just the end of a successful build but the continuation of our long-term vision for Omega. McLaren has once again delivered a best-in-class development, and we thank the team for their professionalism, collaboration, and shared ambition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier has officially handed over a major new clinical facility at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital to Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, ahead of its formal opening later this year. Delivered through the Crown Commercial Services framework, the £150 million development will significantly enhance healthcare services in Luton and the surrounding areas, offering modern facilities for both staff and patients. The five-storey, 16,700m² building features state-of-the-art departments for maternity, neonatology, critical care, and theatre services. The new infrastructure includes eight operating theatres, providing increased surgical capacity and enabling older theatres to be repurposed. Two of the theatres are hybrid, capable of delivering both interventional and specialist procedures in a single space. Expanded critical care facilities and maternity wards offer increased bed and cot capacity, along with dedicated rooming-in spaces for parents and newborns. Located on a highly constrained site adjacent to live hospital facilities, the construction was carefully managed to minimise disruption to ongoing clinical services. Kier worked closely with the Trust throughout the project to ensure continuity of care during the three-year build. Sustainability was a core focus during construction, with Kier adopting off-site manufacturing and incorporating low-carbon concrete in the building’s frame and floor slabs to reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency. The project also delivered substantial social value. In partnership with the NHS Trust, local authorities, education providers, and schools, Kier generated over £81 million in social value contributions. This included more than 1,000 apprenticeship weeks and over 1,000 hours of community volunteering. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prescient Capital has officially launched construction on the redevelopment of Wellington Plaza, a major office scheme in the heart of Leeds’s premier business district. Main contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed to deliver the transformation, which involves the demolition of the existing 1980s four-storey structure to make way for a striking new eight-storey, 80,000 sq ft Grade A office building. Following planning approval in 2024, secured in partnership with Asset Capital, Prescient Capital subsequently acquired full ownership of the project. The scheme has since been rebranded as 31 Wellington Street, a name chosen to reflect its prominent corner location opposite Wellington Place and within walking distance of Leeds train station. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern occupiers, the development will offer excellent ESG credentials, targeting EPC A, BREEAM Outstanding, Fitwel 3 Star, NABERS 5 Star and WiredScore Platinum ratings. The internal layout is crafted to support flexible, hybrid working patterns, with floor plates ranging from 3,000 to 9,500 sq ft. Features will include a large entrance lobby and reception, co-working space, a sky lounge for events, a fitness suite, luxury changing facilities, and secure cycle storage. Doug Friend, CEO of Prescient Capital, said: “We’re delighted to now get this project underway. Leeds currently has a significant shortfall of prime workspace and this elevated ESG credential property is perfectly located and designed to assist in relieving some of that pressure. “This also marks a return to the commercial office sector for me and Rob Randall, Prescient Chairman, having previously funded and managed over two million sq ft of Grade A office space across the UK.” The building’s architectural design has been led by award-winning firm DLA Architects, with support from a multidisciplinary team including Roscoe (civil/structural engineering), Thornley & Lumb (services), BB7 (fire engineering), Hydrock (BREEAM and Fitwel), Ridge (NABERS) and AH Connections (WiredScore). Prescient Capital has appointed Knight Frank, Fox Lloyd Jones, and Cushman & Wakefield as joint agents for the scheme. Nick Salkeld, Partner at Fox Lloyd Jones, commented: “Fox Lloyd Jones is proud to be a part of the team bringing forward this exemplar development designed to the highest standards and current day ESG benchmarks. It is a truly unique landmark scheme for the Leeds office market offering boutique, high-end workspace in a prime West End location.” Site preparation works are already underway, with demolition scheduled to begin in September. The project is expected to complete by July 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Portable Building Sales has completed the successful delivery of a bespoke 14-module, two-storey office facility for offshore engineering firm Osbit, supporting the company’s rapid expansion at its new manufacturing base at the Port of Blyth. Osbit, a leader in tailored engineering solutions for the offshore renewables sector, required high-quality office accommodation to match the professionalism and scale of its growing operations. The new factory location provided ample workshop space but lacked sufficient office and welfare facilities to support a larger team and host clients on site. To meet these complex requirements, Osbit turned to Portable Building Sales for a fast, flexible and future-proof solution. Within just 16 weeks, Portable Building Sales designed, supplied and installed a modular office building that includes meeting rooms, a canteen, changing rooms, toilet and shower facilities and breakout areas. The building features a plastic-coated steel exterior to complement the factory’s aesthetic, with a Trespa-clad entrance showcasing the Osbit brand. Internally, the layout was configured to accommodate both office and factory staff, with one side of the building offering a clear view into the workshop to maintain alignment between design and production teams. Steve Binney, Director at Osbit, commented: “We wanted a building that reflected the same high standards as the equipment we deliver and that’s exactly what we got. The flexibility, quality and functionality of the modular office have exceeded our expectations. From a working environment perspective, it’s just as good as our main office and has provided a fully operational satellite office and increased our business capacity.” This project highlights the strength of modular construction as a fast, adaptable solution for companies facing growing operational demands. The new office not only enables Osbit to better support its team and clients but also offers scope for future expansion as the business continues to grow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to redevelop a deteriorated stretch of shops and housing at 4–16 Filwood Broadway have been granted permission, marking a major milestone in the wider ‘Transforming Filwood Broadway’ regeneration project. The approved scheme will see the demolition and rebuild of the site to deliver 18 new council homes, modern commercial units, community space, and a communal garden for residents. The development is designed by architects RCKa, drawing inspiration from the architectural character and heritage of Filwood Broadway. All homes will be built to national space standards, ensuring good-sized, high-quality accommodation. The site falls within the area covered by the Knowle West Local Lettings Policy, meaning that 50% of the new affordable homes will be prioritised for people with a local connection. The decision to rebuild rather than retrofit follows a thorough sustainability review, which concluded that new construction would provide better long-term energy efficiency and lower running costs for residents while balancing overall carbon impact. As part of the project’s community-led approach, the design of the retail units incorporated ideas developed with students from E-ACT Merchants’ Academy and Bedminster Down School. A new commercial lettings process is also being shaped with input from the Filwood Broadway High Street Working Group. Enabling works at 4–16 Filwood Broadway are scheduled to begin in late August 2025, with construction expected to start in spring 2026. This scheme is one element of the broader Transforming Filwood Broadway initiative, which includes: The regeneration programme aims to revitalise Filwood Broadway into a vibrant hub for housing, retail, and community life, while delivering affordable homes for South Bristol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heathrow Airport has submitted its proposals for a third runway, promising to deliver a 100% privately funded expansion that could be operational within a decade. The plan, which Heathrow describes as “shovel-ready”, aims to support the UK’s economic growth and secure its position as a leading global aviation hub. The expansion would increase flight capacity by 50%, enabling up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers annually. It includes the construction of a 3,500-metre north-western runway, already backed by Parliament, a new terminal dubbed T5X, three satellite terminals, and significant upgrades to Terminal 2, while Terminal 3 would eventually be decommissioned. The proposed £48 billion investment is split across three major areas: £21 billion for runway and airfield infrastructure, £12 billion for new terminal and stand capacity, and £15 billion for modernising existing terminals. Heathrow says this investment would be fully funded by private capital, contingent on government policy support and a regulatory framework that encourages growth while keeping passenger charges affordable. Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye called on the Government to act swiftly, said: “It has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow. We are effectively operating at capacity to the detriment of trade and connectivity. With the right policy support and regulatory model, we are ready to mobilise this year.” According to Heathrow, the third runway could boost the UK’s GDP by 0.43%, and enhance the airport’s role as Britain’s most valuable trading port, already facilitating over £200 billion in trade annually. It would also unlock tens of thousands of jobs across design, construction, and operations, with 60% of the supply chain spend going to businesses outside London and the South East. Heathrow also reaffirmed its environmental commitments, promising to reach net zero by 2050. The airport has already reduced ground carbon emissions by 15% and flight-related emissions by around 10% since 2019. Its expansion plan includes increased use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), further carbon-cutting measures, and improved noise and air quality standards. The airport’s noise footprint has shrunk by 41% since 2006, and all surrounding air quality monitors are reportedly within legal limits. A redesigned airspace under the new expansion would provide more reliable and predictable flight paths for communities. An expanded Heathrow would offer at least 30 new daily routes, improved domestic connectivity, and more flight options to key global destinations. The new infrastructure is expected to ease congestion, reduce delays, and offer passengers more competitive fares through greater airline choice. Plans also include upgrades to public transport, such as enhanced rail access, cycling and walking routes, and improved road links. Heathrow is proposing a new tunnel and two dedicated parkways, alongside enhancements to what is already the UK’s busiest bus and coach station. Heathrow is seeking government feedback by September to meet the current expansion timeline. If supported, the airport plans to begin formal consultation with airlines, communities, local authorities, and stakeholders in 2026, with a planning application scheduled for 2028. The expansion is backed by national and regional Chambers of Commerce, trade unions, educators, and construction firms, who see it as a transformative opportunity for both economic and employment growth across the UK. Without expansion, Heathrow warns, the UK risks falling behind international competitors, such as Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam, all of which have room to grow. Currently, Heathrow connects UK exporters to 92% of the global economy via direct flights. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National Grid has unveiled a major new initiative to overhaul how it works with suppliers, aiming to fast-track the delivery of £8 billion in substation infrastructure across England and Wales and strengthen the UK’s clean energy transition. The initiative, known as the Electricity Transmission Partnership (ETP), marks a transformative shift toward long-term, regionally focused collaboration with suppliers. It replaces traditional short-term contracting with a performance-driven model that grants exclusive regional rights to trusted delivery partners, encouraging investment in local skills and supply chain resilience. Under the ETP, National Grid plans to deliver around 130 substation projects over the next six years as part of its broader RIIO-T3 investment programme, which proposes up to £35 billion in upgrades to the UK’s transmission network by March 2031. The ETP alone will account for approximately £8 billion of that investment. In July, National Grid awarded regional delivery partner status to key suppliers, also allocating an initial £1.3 billion in exclusive substation work, with contracts to be finalised at a later date. The regional partners and their respective areas are: These firms will have first refusal on future substation projects in their regions, providing commercial certainty to scale up their capacity and workforce. Two additional national partners, Linxon and Burns & McDonnell, will support delivery of substation projects that fall outside regional allocations. The ETP is designed not just to expedite project delivery, but also to drive up quality and sustainability. Suppliers will be rewarded based on long-term performance, with National Grid aiming to build enduring relationships that encourage innovation, efficiency, and local investment. The new model complements other key initiatives in National Grid’s evolving infrastructure strategy, including the Great Grid Partnership (GGP) and the rollout of a high voltage direct current (HVDC) supply chain framework. Together, these programmes are intended to increase capacity, resilience, and flexibility across the UK’s transmission system. National Grid said the ETP model could eventually be expanded beyond substations to cover a wider range of network infrastructure, reflecting a broader commitment to transforming how large-scale energy projects are delivered across the country. This approach comes at a critical time for the UK’s energy landscape, as the nation accelerates its shift to renewables and prepares the grid for an era of electrification and decarbonisation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council’s housing company, This City, has reached a major milestone with the completion of its first development, No. 1 Ancoats Green, delivering 129 low-carbon homes in the heart of the city. The landmark scheme, built on council-owned brownfield land, includes 119 apartments and 10 townhouses ranging from one to four bedrooms. As part of its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality housing, 30% of the homes will be let at the Manchester Living Rent, a level that aligns with local housing allowance, making the properties accessible to a wider range of residents. Residents are set to begin moving in over the summer as the final phases of construction wrap up. The new homes overlook the newly revitalised Ancoats Green and are closely integrated with the surrounding public space and park. With city centre amenities on their doorstep, the development also benefits from excellent transport connections and a network of walking and cycling routes. Each property is designed with energy efficiency in mind, featuring large triple-glazed windows, top-tier insulation, and airtight construction to keep summer temperatures down and winter bills low. Residents will also have access to the nearby Ancoats Mobility Hub, offering cycle storage, EV charging, and car parking. The Ancoats Green development marks the first step in a much larger programme for This City. A second phase, in partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, is already in the pipeline and is set to deliver more than 1,500 new homes across Manchester. An open day is scheduled for Friday, August 1 at 11am, inviting the public to tour the development, meet members of the project team, and learn more about This City’s future plans. This City plays a key role in delivering Manchester’s housing strategy, which aims to build at least 36,000 new homes between 2022 and 2032—with a minimum of 10,000 for social rent, council housing, or genuinely affordable homes, including 3,000 in the city centre. Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “No. 1 Ancoats Green is the product of a vision we have had since the inception of This City, to use our own land to build the homes we know our residents want and need, to a high specification, and on our own terms. “For many years it has been incredibly challenging for Councils to build homes to meet demand, but through This City we are proving that it is possible – while also delivering genuinely affordable housing for our residents. “This is only the beginning for This City and through our new joint venture partnership with the GM pension fund, we are scaling up delivery and we have more than 1,500 new homes in the coming years with sites across the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new 139-home development in Watchet will bring a wide range of community benefits, including affordable homes, green spaces, and over £750,000 in local investment, homebuilder Edenstone has announced. Work is set to begin shortly at Underwood Gardens, located on land south of Doniford Road and Normandy Avenue, following reserved matters approval from Somerset Council in June last year. Chris Edge, operations director at Edenstone, said: “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes since our plans were approved and are now gearing up to start work on 139 new homes at Underwood Gardens in Watchet. Addressing local housing need, affordable housing will account for 35% of the development. There’ll be lots of open space for residents to enjoy as we’ll be creating two village greens, a hilltop park with play area, community orchard and seating areas looking towards the Quantock Hills and the Severn Estuary.” In addition to public open space, Edenstone will contribute more than £750,000 in community funding. Most of the money will go towards pre-school and primary education to support the area’s growing population, along with funds earmarked for travel plans. The affordable housing will include one- and two-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom coach houses, and two- to four-bedroom family homes. These will be available through a registered social landlord for both intermediate and social rent. The development will also offer a wide mix of private sale homes, including 20 bungalows, making up more than a fifth of the private homes—two- to four-bedroom houses, and several properties equipped with electric vehicle charging points. Chris Edge added: “Bungalows are the rarest of new builds but will account for more than a fifth of our private sale properties in Watchet. The bungalows will be among the homes that will overlook the new hilltop park and existing woodland. This area will be carefully managed to protect and enhance its biodiversity and ecology, while giving the development a rural or garden suburb feel.” Designed with sensitivity to the character of the local area, the new homes will reference Watchet’s traditional materials and architectural style. A stone dressed hedge bank will mark the entrance, reflecting the area’s rural identity, while tree-lined streets and green corridors will weave through the development, creating a connected network of green spaces. Edenstone expects to release the first homes for off-plan sales this winter, with a show home opening in early 2026. Underwood Gardens will be Edenstone’s second development in Somerset, following the success of Eden’s Green in Bleadon. The company has additional Somerset sites in East Brent and West Huntspill set to launch later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals