Marks & Spencer is pressing ahead with a major expansion of its food retail footprint by transforming 12 former Homebase units into modern grocery stores. The move is part of the retailer’s broader store rotation and renewal strategy, which is focused on opening 420 larger food outlets and developing a
The Natural History Museum has officially appointed Mace to lead the construction of its new state-of-the-art collections, research, and digitisation centre at Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, in a project valued at £100 million. This major development marks a pivotal step in the Museum’s ambition to safeguard and enhance
John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has received the official go-ahead to redevelop its Waitrose site in West Ealing, paving the way for hundreds of new homes and a modernised retail space as part of a major investment in the capital’s housing landscape. The scheme, which proposes the transformation of an existing
Downing has secured planning approval for a major twin-tower development in North Acton, West London, marking another milestone in the area’s transformation into a high-density urban centre. The Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has given the go-ahead for a 668-unit scheme that will replace the existing Holiday
Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), is proud to mark its 90th anniversary this year, celebrating a legacy of engineering excellence and innovation in the temporary works industry. Founded in 1935, the company has been at the forefront of the construction industry, consistently setting industry standards in delivering efficient, reliable, and
Work has started on a new housing development that will provide more affordable homes in Gloucester. Gloucestershire-based housing association Bromford has begun work at its site in West Lodge Drive in the city, where it will be providing 35 new homes. The site is the former home of Holly House
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today launched its first Impact Building in Dubai as part of its new Impact Buildings Program. As the world’s most sustainable company, Schneider Electric’s Impact Buildings Program aims to drive sustainability through its own global commercial real
Tackling the UK construction sector’s biggest challenge will prove impossible as long as businesses persist in simultaneously paying ‘lip service’ to gender diversity while refusing to make structural and cultural changes to their operations, according to the Circle Partnership. PwC’s latest ‘Women in Work’ index report measures factors such as
Ranger Fire and Security has expanded its presence and services in Scotland with the acquisition of leading security specialists IRN Security – the latest business to join the rapidly growing Ranger Group. With over 14 years of experience serving businesses across and beyond the Highlands, IRN Security has built a
City of Edinburgh Council Grants Planning Approval for New City Centre Neighbourhood of 168 Homes at Historic Site Artisan Real Estate is to progress with the homes-led transformation of the former Caledonian Brewery in Shandon, Edinburgh following planning approval by The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). Councillors at CEC’s Development
Marks & Spencer is pressing ahead with a major expansion of its food retail footprint by transforming 12 former Homebase units into modern grocery stores. The move is part of the retailer’s broader store rotation and renewal strategy, which is focused on opening 420 larger food outlets and developing a more efficient network of 180 full-line stores. The ambitious programme aims to have half of M&S’s store estate operating under the new format by 2027/28. The first wave of openings will see new M&S Foodhalls launched in Abingdon, Cannock, Farnham, Godalming, and Northampton, with doors expected to open between late 2025 and summer 2026. Each site will be designed to meet evolving customer expectations, offering larger car parks, expanded frozen food sections, wider aisles, and new in-store bakeries. Sustainability will also be a key focus, with the stores adopting LED lighting and energy-efficient refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants. Chief executive Stuart Machin said the programme is central to the company’s wider transformation efforts: “Investing in new and renewed stores is one of our key transformation priorities. Securing these highly desirable sites in priority locations will accelerate this strategy, drive further growth in our M&S food business and most importantly give our customers the best possible M&S shopping experience.” The sites became available after Homebase, once a staple of the UK’s DIY scene, entered administration last year. Since then, several major retailers including The Range, Ikea, Sainsbury’s, and Wickes have moved to acquire key former Homebase properties. For M&S, the opportunity aligns with its ongoing effort to modernise its estate, reposition itself in the competitive food retail sector, and better serve growing demand in key regional hubs. As more locations are confirmed, the retailer is expected to continue making strategic site acquisitions to ensure it delivers on its modern retail vision across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Natural History Museum has officially appointed Mace to lead the construction of its new state-of-the-art collections, research, and digitisation centre at Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, in a project valued at £100 million. This major development marks a pivotal step in the Museum’s ambition to safeguard and enhance access to its globally significant collections. Once complete, the 25,000 sq metre facility—equivalent in size to three football pitches—will house approximately 28 million specimens, representing around one third of the Museum’s total holdings. The centre is being developed as part of the NHM Unlocked Programme, which is supported by £201 million in government funding aimed at advancing the UK’s science, research, and innovation capacity. Construction is set to begin shortly, with completion expected in 2027 and full operational readiness anticipated by 2031. The new facility will serve as a hub for cutting-edge scientific research and technology. It will feature advanced imaging and digitisation suites, state-of-the-art laboratories for molecular biology and ancient DNA analysis, cryo-storage for tissue samples, as well as conservation and quarantine labs. Rob Lemming, Managing Director for Public Sector and Life Sciences at Mace, described the project as both a cultural and scientific milestone. “This centre will be more than a repository for priceless specimens—it will be a beacon for innovation and collaboration, offering the scientific community world-class tools to tackle urgent challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.” The design team for the project includes Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios as lead architects and engineering consultancy Ramboll. Mace will oversee construction and procurement, supported by CPC Project Services for project management and Arcadis for cost consultancy. The facility will also become home to several specialist collections including fossilised mammals and invertebrates, marine life such as corals and crustaceans, and the Museum’s valuable molecular and micropalaeontological archives. The transfer of these materials to Shinfield is expected to be the largest move of natural history specimens ever undertaken worldwide. Situated within the innovation campus of the University of Reading, the development is poised to enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in bioscience, environmental research, and digital innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has received the official go-ahead to redevelop its Waitrose site in West Ealing, paving the way for hundreds of new homes and a modernised retail space as part of a major investment in the capital’s housing landscape. The scheme, which proposes the transformation of an existing Waitrose store and adjacent car park, will deliver 428 new homes, along with a public square, community facility and commercial space. Initially submitted in mid-2023, the application was stalled by delays in the local planning process, prompting JLP to appeal on grounds of ‘non-determination’ in summer 2024. That appeal has now been upheld by a government planning inspector, clearing the path for development to proceed. The approval comes amid renewed national efforts to meet housing targets, with the government recently reaffirming its goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes within five years. Under the latest update to the National Planning Policy Framework, greater weight is being given to brownfield development within established urban areas—an approach that has benefited the West Ealing proposal. JLP views the project as part of a long-term strategy to make better use of its property assets while contributing to the delivery of much-needed rental housing. The new homes will be brought forward under the build-to-rent model, with the aim of fostering long-term community engagement alongside reliable returns. Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent at JLP, welcomed the decision, describing it as a multi-million-pound opportunity to reinvigorate a site that has served the local community for decades. “The inspector’s decision reinforces national policy support for well-located brownfield regeneration,” she said. “We look forward to working with local stakeholders to ensure the development is delivered responsibly and reflects the needs of the community.” The project is being developed in partnership with investment firm Aberdeen Group through a £500 million joint venture. Svitlana Gubriy, head of indirect real assets at Aberdeen, said the initiative reflects wider momentum in the build-to-rent sector, where long-term social value and community cohesion are becoming central to investor priorities. Construction is expected to begin following further engagement with the community and the completion of detailed designs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Downing has secured planning approval for a major twin-tower development in North Acton, West London, marking another milestone in the area’s transformation into a high-density urban centre. The Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has given the go-ahead for a 668-unit scheme that will replace the existing Holiday Inn Express adjacent to North Acton Underground station. The plans form part of the broader North Acton Town Centre Cluster masterplan aimed at revitalising the area into a vibrant neighbourhood hub. The approved project includes a 31-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) tower with 609 beds, and a separate 17-storey build-to-rent (BTR) block offering 59 residential units. The scheme also incorporates 35% affordable housing and 255 sqm of commercial space at ground level. Residents will benefit from outdoor amenity areas, though no on-site parking is planned. Downing submitted revised proposals in September 2024 following extensive collaboration with the local authority. The updated designs aim to contribute positively to the evolving townscape of North Acton while addressing housing demand. The taller PBSA tower will feature anodised aluminium rainscreen cladding combined with panels of clear and patterned glazing, delivering a modern visual identity. Meanwhile, the smaller BTR building will be clad in terracotta with blue anodised aluminium detailing and clear-framed windows. Martin Fenlon, associate projects director at Downing, highlighted the strategic importance of the location: “Situated just outside of the city centre, North Acton is becoming a hotbed of regeneration. Its vibrant community, excellent transport links and close proximity to leading universities make it the ideal location for high-quality student accommodation and rental housing.” Fenlon added that the development will help meet growing demand for housing among both domestic and international students attending nearby institutions such as Imperial College London, the University of West London and the University of the Arts. The project represents a significant investment in West London’s future and reflects growing interest in the area’s regeneration potential. Downing’s scheme is expected to play a key role in shaping North Acton’s identity as a thriving, mixed-use district over the coming years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), is proud to mark its 90th anniversary this year, celebrating a legacy of engineering excellence and innovation in the temporary works industry. Founded in 1935, the company has been at the forefront of the construction industry, consistently setting industry standards in delivering efficient, reliable, and safe temporary works solutions to support construction projects worldwide. Evolving from its early days as a British scaffolding business to a global leader in above and below-ground temporary works today, Altrad RMD Kwikform is well known for its industry expertise. The company’s history is a rich tapestry of pioneering engineering, innovation, and strategic growth. Altrad RMD Kwikform’s roots stem from two pioneering firms: Mills Scaffolding (Kwikform) and The Douglas Group (RMD), two brands that have been fundamental in shaping who they are today. Mills Scaffolding, founded in 1935, became known for its innovative and safety-focused scaffolding solutions. After being acquired by GKN plc in 1983, it was rebranded as GKN Kwikform and introduced the iconic Kwikstage modular scaffolding system, revolutionising construction site efficiency. Later acquired by Bandt Plc in 1995, it became Kwikform UK Ltd. Meanwhile, the Douglas Group (formally known as R.M. Douglas Holdings Ltd), founded in the 1930s by Sir Robert McCallum Douglas OBE, a distinguished engineer and industrialist, excelled in temporary works solutions through its subsidiary R.M. Douglas Construction Ltd, which engineered an innovative steel shuttering system in response to post-war timber shortages. This development led to the formation of Rapid Metal Developments Ltd (RMD) in 1948. RMD expanded globally and developed renowned products such as Rapid Ply, Superslim Soldiers, and Megashor, earning industry recognition which led to the business receiving the prestigious Queen’s Award to Industry for engineering excellence in 1975. In 1999, RMD and Kwikform UK Ltd merged to create RMD Kwikform, combining their expertise to focus on comprehensive temporary works solutions. The company expanded globally throughout the 2000s and introduced 3D visualisation technologies in 2013 to enhance customer support. In 2015, RMD Kwikform entered the ground shoring market, broadening its capabilities even further. In 2021, RMD Kwikform was acquired by the Altrad Group, strengthening its global presence. Now operating as Altrad RMD Kwikform, the company remains a trusted provider of above and below ground temporary works solutions for projects of all scales worldwide. Mark Pickard, UK Managing Director for Altrad RMDK explained: “For nearly a century, RMD Kwikform has been at the forefront of engineering excellence, providing trusted solutions for projects across diverse sectors such as transport and highways, ground works and utilities, commercial and residential developments, to name just a few. “Celebrating 90 years is a remarkable achievement, and our journey has been defined by our dedication to pushing boundaries and the trust we’ve built with our partners and customers globally. We are proud to be a trusted name in the temporary works industry – recognised for engineering excellence, reliability and innovation. We owe our success to our employees, past and present, who have driven our mission to deliver world-class solutions with integrity and expertise. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to driving innovation through digital solutions, sustainable practices, and collaborative partnerships to continue delivering the highest quality of service to the construction industry. We will also continue to build on our strong foundations and maintain our well-established reputation as a trusted leader in temporary works.” For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has started on a new housing development that will provide more affordable homes in Gloucester. Gloucestershire-based housing association Bromford has begun work at its site in West Lodge Drive in the city, where it will be providing 35 new homes. The site is the former home of Holly House NHS care home but has laid empty since the buildings were demolished in 2013. The housing association was granted permission for the development last year and its in-house construction team started work on the new homes this month. The new homes will be a mixture of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, all of which will be for social rent, the most affordable form of social housing rent. Bromford has been the country’s biggest builder of social rent homes over the past five years. Project Manager Louisa Fryer said: “It’s fantastic to see work getting underway on our latest development in Gloucestershire. These 35 affordable homes will make a real difference for local families and individuals who are looking for quality, secure housing in Gloucester who may have been priced out of the private rental market. We’re proud to be providing these much-needed affordable rental homes and look forward to welcoming customers into their new homes when they’re completed next year.” This month Bromford announced it had secured a site in Gloucester city centre where it will be building 113 affordable homes, while earlier in the year the housing association purchased an 11-acre site on the outskirts of Gloucester to build 95 homes. Bromford is the largest housing association in Gloucestershire with more than 10,000 homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today launched its first Impact Building in Dubai as part of its new Impact Buildings Program. As the world’s most sustainable company, Schneider Electric’s Impact Buildings Program aims to drive sustainability through its own global commercial real estate using best in class EcoStruxure™ solutions, software and services. These include EcoStruxure Building Operation, EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert, EcoStruxure Building Data Platform and Planon Integrated Workplace Management. The interconnectivity of these solutions will drive sustainability, resilience and efficiency as well as improved occupant experience, demonstrating how the combination of electrification and digitalisation—termed ‘Electricity 4.0’ by Schneider Electric—can transform sites into next-generation buildings. The NEST, Schneider Electric’s new office in Dubai, UAE, is over 10,000sqm, catering to more than 1,000 employees and is home to Dubai’s first Schneider Electric Global Innovation Hub, an immersive experience area, where customers can have a hands-on demonstration of EcoStruxure™ solutions. It will also host a dedicated Training Centre for customers and partners and will focus on youth empowerment by developing local talent and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to drive the region’s clear energy future. The NEST expects an energy consumption reduction of 37% compared to the previous local site and provides a targeted saving of 572 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, the equivalent to the annual electrical power consumed by around 77 homes [1]. With buildings accounting for 37% of global carbon emissions, Schneider Electric is setting a benchmark by showcasing to customers and partners the intelligent, sustainable spaces its technology can create. The Impact Buildings Program will roll out across additional new sites well as existing buildings by retrofit over the next 18 months, creating a model for next-generation buildings. Manish Kumar, Executive Vice President, Digital Energy at Schneider Electric, said: “We are walking the talk and creating the vision of what’s possible by transforming our own sites to show that buildings must evolve to meet tomorrow’s business needs. Now is the time to rethink buildings. We are shaping a future where buildings don’t just stand—they intelligently adapt and seamlessly connect to your business, your people, and your purpose. With EcoStruxure™ and Planon enterprise software, we are redefining building operations.” Commenting on the building launch in Dubai, Olivier Blum, Chief Executive Officer, Schneider Electric added: “The NEST is more than a building. It is a statement of intent. We are honored to have inaugurated this landmark project in the UAE, which demonstrates how digitalisation and electrification can accelerate national net zero goals while creating world-class environments for people to collaborate, innovate, and grow. This new Dubai hub is the first of Schneider Electric’s Global Impact Buildings program and showcases how smart, connected technologies can revolutionise the built environment, setting new standards for innovative and sustainable commercial spaces while prioritising occupant well-being.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tackling the UK construction sector’s biggest challenge will prove impossible as long as businesses persist in simultaneously paying ‘lip service’ to gender diversity while refusing to make structural and cultural changes to their operations, according to the Circle Partnership. PwC’s latest ‘Women in Work’ index report measures factors such as the gender pay gap and employment levels. It shows that women’s worsening unemployment and participation in the workforce has pulled the UK to a shameful 27th out of 33 OECD’s most important economies. This is at a time when British construction is attempting to juggle the simultaneous needs of rapidly increasing output while experiencing chronic labour supply issues. If the construction sector is to move past these challenges, it must stop merely talking about the need for greater gender diversity and make concrete steps to changing the composition and culture of the sector. Last week, at UKREiiF where representatives from across the built environment industry came together to debate the most pressing issues facing the sector, sentiment suggested that the skills crisis remains the industry’s biggest and most pressing obstacle to growth. With so many highly skilled female professionals either under employed or having left the sector, urgent action in this space is needed if we are to support a thriving industry. Ceri Moyers, Director of The Circle Partnership, an organisation supporting businesses from across the built environment to combat the skills crisis through retaining their existing female talent commented: “Businesses continue to see gender diversity as a ‘specialist’ priority – and one that can be dumped in favour of more critical issues depending on international sentiment or other market pressures. We have to wake up to the role that gender diversity has to play as a direct means of addressing the chronic skills shortage – and this has to start with businesses investing in retaining their existing female talent. Companies are spending £100,000s on staff churn and on recruiting new staff and this is money that could be better spent in keeping the women they already have.” Current statistics show that 49% of women leave the built environment sector before the age of 34 – figures that are playing into these global gender equality rankings. This talent drain also means that economy is missing out on the some £15-22bn that Blackrock calculate would be delivered through unleashing women’s full potential. Failing to focus on initiatives to retain their existing diversity means that businesses are also actively hampering their future talent pipeline: 87% of GenZ consider the DEI of a workplace. 56% will not work for a business without a diverse leadership. Ceri Moyers adds, “Our industry requires some 100,000 new roles per year for next five years to simply sustain growth. Ensuring we’re investing in keeping the diverse talent we already have must be seen as an urgent priority – not only to keep the wheels turning, but to ensure that businesses remain competitive and attractive to potential future talent.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ranger Fire and Security has expanded its presence and services in Scotland with the acquisition of leading security specialists IRN Security – the latest business to join the rapidly growing Ranger Group. With over 14 years of experience serving businesses across and beyond the Highlands, IRN Security has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, technology-driven solutions across CCTV, fire alarms, access control, and intruder detection systems. The acquisition will further enhance Ranger’s footprint in Scotland, while providing IRN Security with access to the Group’s wider expertise, resources, and opportunities, including opening up new cross-selling prospects and cross-delivery across all Ranger companies. IRN Security will operate alongside Motherwell-based Secureshield – which was acquired by Ranger in November 2024. A specialist in fire, security and critical services, the geographical locations of both businesses will enable Ranger to provide a broader, more integrated set of fire and security (F&S) maintenance services across the whole of Scotland. Founded in 2011, IRN Security has a strong history of providing high quality security and fire services within both the private and public sectors. It boasts a wide range of high-profile clients including hospitals and educational facilities through a growing loyal team of full-time engineers. With a hugely loyal customer base, IRN Security has high levels of recurring revenue based on maintenance contracts that align closely with Ranger’s guardrails. As part of the acquisition, the founders of IRN Security will stay in their roles and become part of the senior management team at Ranger, driving long-term strategic initiatives for the Group in Scotland. All IRN Security employees will also stay in their current roles, with the opportunity for further growth. As part of this acquisition, and as with previous businesses that have joined the Ranger Group, IRN Security will continue to operate under its current name and will work closely alongside other Ranger businesses, in particular Secureshield, to further Ranger’s mission to deliver a one-stop shop for F&S needs in Scotland and beyond. Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “The addition of IRN Security to the Ranger Group marks a significant step in the expansion of our services across Scotland. “With their strong regional presence, technical excellence, and a leadership team committed to delivering a first-rate customer experience, IRN Security is a natural fit for Ranger, complementing and improving the services offered by other Group businesses. “IRN Security’s joining the platform alongside our platform in Scotland, Secureshield, gives Ranger the unique ability to deliver high-quality, integrated fire and security solutions to customers across Scotland through our integrated cross-delivery of service model, enabling us to not only be more efficient, but to deliver an even better service for our customers.” John Hunter, Regional Chairman and Managing Director of Secureshield, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome IRN into the Ranger Group. The business and team are well known to me and have an excellent reputation. I see real benefit in IRN and Secureshield working closely together across Scotland to cross-deliver services and can’t wait to formally begin working with the team”. Kenny Smith, Director of IRN Security, said: “Becoming part of the Ranger Group is a fantastic opportunity for IRN Security that will benefit both our team and our customers. “We know John and Billy Hunter from Secureshield well and, knowing their characters and approach, that was a strong pull to join the Group too. Mark and the team have made such great progress that it was an easy decision to join and between IRN and Secureshield we now have the geographical footprint and resources to offer a true turnkey solution for Scotland”. Malcolm MacDonald, Director of IRN Security, said: “IRN has a bright future and with access to an extensive network of expertise and resources, we’re well-positioned to expand our service offering while continuing to operate with the same local knowledge, trusted relationships, and high standards that have helped make us such a success to date. We look forward to collaborating with Secureshield to ensure that we are providing our combined customer bases with an even more efficient service.” The acquisition announcement builds on Ranger Fire and Security’s previous purchases of eight leading F&S businesses throughout 2024 and 2025. Together, these acquisitions have helped Ranger to enhance its offering in all key areas of fire and security services, such as fire detection and alarms, extinguisher maintenance, passive fire and security services. Since launching in Q1 2024, with backing from the private investment firm Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger has embarked on a mission to establish itself as the leading one-stop solution provider in the fire and safety sector, offering a comprehensive range of services through both regional and national operations, and providing a seamless customer experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
City of Edinburgh Council Grants Planning Approval for New City Centre Neighbourhood of 168 Homes at Historic Site Artisan Real Estate is to progress with the homes-led transformation of the former Caledonian Brewery in Shandon, Edinburgh following planning approval by The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). Councillors at CEC’s Development Sub Committee last Wednesday unanimously granted consent for Artisan’s ambitious proposals to develop the historic brewery site into a sustainable, low-carbon residential neighbourhood delivering 168 new high-quality private and affordable homes. Sitting at the western edge of Edinburgh’s city centre, the Caledonian Brewery was the capital’s last major brewery prior to the ceasing of operations in 2022. The brewery was founded in 1869 by George Lorimer and Robert Clark and its distinctive range of B-listed Victorian buildings provide an important reminder of the city’s once extensive brewing heritage. Welcoming the planning consent, Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to breathe new life into a complex and historically important city centre site, providing a high-quality mix of new homes and affordable housing in line with the Council’s policy to help tackle the city’s housing emergency. “Artisan’s UK-wide expertise as a regeneration specialist will now deliver a sustainable new residential community in an accessible city centre location that will respect, preserve and enhance the rich history of the Caledonian Brewery. Working closely with our heritage experts, we have unravelled the different layers of history and development which have governed the evolution of the site. This has been a model design approach to a very complex and challenging site bringing together a mix of buildings developed at different stages during the last 150 years. “From the very start, Artisan placed the preservation of the site’s unique heritage right at the heart of our approach, creating a distinctive footprint which both reflects the brewery’s historical legacy whilst creating a high-quality and well-connected urban neighbourhood which promises to set new standards for city centre living.” The Caledonian Brewery’s unique heritage and character will govern Artisan’s development approach. Around one fifth of the homes will be housed in the existing listed buildings which will be preserved and repurposed. Additional development proposals will respect and reflect the original footprint of the brewery – including recreating the skyline of the maltings buildings which was demolished following a fire almost 30 years ago. Most of the listed buildings on the site date from the late 19th to early 20th century and were constructed using distinctive red brick with white brick dressings. The existing brewhouse and maltings were built in 1892 following designs by renowned Edinburgh architect Robert Hamilton Paterson, who also designed the Royal Scots War Memorial in the city’s St Giles Cathedral. The brewery currently houses a vast amount of brewing equipment – including what was the last remaining direct fired ‘coppers’ to be used in the UK, which have been attracting the interest of independent breweries across the world. As part of the redevelopment plans, Artisan intends to ‘upcycle’ as much of the internal equipment as possible, allowing the Caledonian Brewery’s significant technical legacy to continue to play a part in today’s global brewing industry. Artisan Real Estate has a strong track record in delivering award-winning sensitive urban regeneration projects. This includes the New Waverley mixed-use development in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and part of the World Heritage Site, as well as completing the transformation of Glasgow’s historic A-Listed Custom House district into a thriving hotel quarter. Mr Westwater added: “Artisan Real Estate is committed to delivering high quality urban living for everyone in well-connected central areas, bringing interest, investment and life back into the heart of our cities. Building high-quality, sustainable homes in sensitive and unique urban sites such as the brewery site is a lengthy, complex and expensive process – but we are confident that our comprehensive proposals will raise the UK bar for the homes-led regeneration of historically important city centre sites across the UK.” The previous operators of the brewery, Heineken UK, invited bids for the site in 2022. A spokesperson for Heineken UK said: “The Caledonian Brewery has been an integral part of Edinburgh’s brewing history and the local community for more than 150 years. We were keen that the legacy of the brewery was maintained and contributed positively to the local community. “Having received several bids for the site, we believed that Artisan’s plans to deliver a 100% residential scheme delivered the best outcome for the community as well as meeting the Council’s ambitions in terms of delivering sustainable housing. We are pleased that the planning consent has now been granted for this exciting city centre neighbourhood to progress which is set to preserve the brewery’s legacy for future generations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
