As they continue their long-term commitment to the transformation of Park Hill in Sheffield, joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People have appointed GMI Construction Group PLC to deliver the fourth phase of the landmark development. The news follows a recent £6.4m deal with Homes England and news that
Lighting is one of the fastest ways to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, but only data-driven, connected solutions deliver long-term results. As the UK government announces a £1bn investment in NHS decarbonisation, it is clear that energy-efficient, connected lighting is no longer a “nice-to-have” feature; it has become a
COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has secured a place on the £428m North West Rise Construction Framework, boosting its regional presence and underpinning its wider UK growth strategy. The appointment follows the opening of the regional contractor’s Liverpool office and forms part of its commitment to fostering long-term relationships and sustainable
A new white paper has revealed how temporary and engineered on-site power solutions can accelerate grid modernisation across Europe and alleviate rising pressure on transmission and distribution networks. “Breaking the Gridlock”, published by engineered energy and temperature solutions specialist Aggreko, maps the structural challenges facing Europe’s electricity networks as the continent
Plans have been submitted for the first phase of the landmark Mix Manchester development, a 1.6 million sq ft scheme set to become the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation and advanced manufacturing campus. The hybrid planning application marks a significant step forward for the joint venture partnership behind the project,
Lidl has unveiled plans to open 50 new stores across the UK over the next 12 months, forming part of a wider £600 million investment programme that signals a significant push in the industrial and retail property sectors. The discount supermarket chain described the initiative as the most ambitious standard
Boots Opticians today unveils its new Wigmore Street store, a luxury destination for premium designer frames and specialist eyecare. Located in the heart of London, Boots Opticians Wigmore Street brings together cutting-edge clinical technology, specialist expertise and an elevated customer experience. Following a seven-week refurbishment, the store now showcases over 40 designer brands including Lindberg, Porsche Design and Gucci, alongside Cartier and Chopard frames which are exclusively available to customers in the Wigmore Street store. Consumers can also access
National law firm Shakespeare Martineau has advised Barratt Redrow on a major joint venture with Places for People to deliver one of the UK’s most ambitious new community developments. The scheme will create a pioneering garden town-style development in East Hertfordshire, delivering around 8,500 homes – including at least 1,950
Groundforce Shorco has delivered a tailored temporary works solution for a challenging basement excavation as part of a major care home redevelopment in north London, highlighting the critical role of specialist engineering in constrained urban sites. The company supplied nine modular hydraulic props to support excavation works at the Clore
Constellation Cold Logistics has unveiled plans for a major £80m redevelopment of its facility at Park Lane Industrial Estate in Wolverhampton, warning that failure to secure planning consent could trigger a full relocation of its operations from the city. The company has submitted proposals to City of Wolverhampton Council for
As they continue their long-term commitment to the transformation of Park Hill in Sheffield, joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People have appointed GMI Construction Group PLC to deliver the fourth phase of the landmark development. The news follows a recent £6.4m deal with Homes England and news that Great Places will deliver 24% affordable homes within the new phase. Work has started onsite this month, with GMI leading the construction of 125 new apartments alongside new public realm, EV charging points, car club facilities, and secure bike storage. Ed Weston, Regional Director for Yorkshire at GMI Construction Group, said: “As a Yorkshire-based company, we’re especially proud to be appointed to deliver the refurbishment of Phase Four at Park Hill, a development that holds enormous architectural and cultural importance for the city of Sheffield and the wider region. Projects of this nature demand a sensitive, experienced approach, and GMI’s strong track record in refurbishment and urban regeneration makes us well placed to work with an iconic and much-loved landmark of this scale. “Phase 4 represents the next chapter in Park Hill’s careful evolution. Our priority is exceptional delivery, respecting the building’s heritage while creating high-quality, sustainable homes and public spaces that will support a thriving, long-term community.” The new homes will build on decades of progress made by Urban Splash and Places for People at Park Hill, where the partnership has already completed 455 homes, accommodation for 356 students, more than 50,000 sq ft of commercial workspace, and extensive landscaping and public realm. A fifth phase – which already has planning consent – will deliver a further 105 homes (a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments, duplexes and townhouses), alongside 2,000 sq ft of new commercial space for independent local businesses, complementing the area’s growing community of occupiers including South Street Kitchen, The Pearl, and the Grace Owen Nursery. Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director for Central and North Developments at Places for People, added: “We’re proud of what’s been achieved at Park Hill so far – creating new homes and public spaces in a setting with real heritage. This next phase continues our commitment to creating thriving communities and making the area a great place to live, work and visit.” Sian Stanhope of Urban Splash, who is Development Manager at Park Hill, said: “This next phase marks another step forward in the long-term regeneration of Park Hill. Our ambition has always been to create a vibrant, mixed community here – and this milestone brings us even closer to delivering on that vision.” Urban Splash and Places for People are also working in joint venture on the development of Port Loop in Birmingham, where their latest phase – Mansion House – has just completed, offering 58 new apartments across a mix of tenures. For further information and to register for details of the new homes visit: https://www.urbansplash.co.uk/regeneration/projects/park-hill Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lighting is one of the fastest ways to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, but only data-driven, connected solutions deliver long-term results. As the UK government announces a £1bn investment in NHS decarbonisation, it is clear that energy-efficient, connected lighting is no longer a “nice-to-have” feature; it has become a strategic, measurable part of net zero delivery. Tridonic has been at the forefront of professional lighting innovation for over 60 years, from early electronic control gear to LED drivers and modules, and more recently to connected systems built on open, standardised protocols such as DALI-2 and D4i. This interoperability allows lighting to integrate seamlessly with building management systems, unlocking new operational value for building owners and operators. The true potential of modern lighting lies in data. Today’s luminaires generate real-time insights on energy consumption, operating hours, faults, and component health. This transforms lighting from a passive system into an intelligent, data-generating asset, enabling predictive maintenance, operational optimisation, and long-term lifecycle management. Tridonic’s Building Asset360 methodology takes this transformation further by aligning lighting system insights with the operational needs of each building. Building Asset360 ensures that investments deliver measurable outcomes over the lifecycle, from energy savings and reduced maintenance to carbon reduction, rather than just short-term efficiency gains. Building Asset360 transforms lighting from a passive system into an intelligent, fully managed building asset. Each luminaire generates a digital profile, providing real-time insight into performance, usage, and condition. This information enables predictive maintenance, automates emergency lighting compliance, and feeds occupancy and usage data into energy optimisation strategies, helping to reduce consumption, lower operational costs, and support net zero targets. Because lighting is present in every space, it is increasingly central to smart building strategies, serving as a continuous source of actionable data. Connected systems allow operators to monitor energy use, performance, and maintenance needs in real time, turning lighting into a tool for insight rather than simply illumination. Building Asset360 shows how this data can be leveraged to inform decisions, optimise efficiency, and support long-term sustainability, helping teams, companies and trusts ensure that decarbonisation investments are both effective and evidence-based. By delivering continuous, lifecycle-wide value, Building Asset360 integrates lighting into the wider smart building ecosystem. Initiatives like the NHS decarbonisation framework show how connected lighting is central to public sector retrofits, where measurable energy savings, carbon reduction, and strategic investment are critical. Richard Strode, Managing Director, Tridonic UK, said, “Lighting is providing new insight into how buildings operate. Building Asset360 captures data on performance, energy use, and maintenance, giving information needed to make informed, evidence-based decisions. In the context of the UK government’s £1bn NHS decarbonisation programme, connected, data-driven lighting will help hospitals and healthcare settings achieve measurable energy reductions and carbon savings, while ensuring investments are used efficiently and deliver long-term value.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has secured a place on the £428m North West Rise Construction Framework, boosting its regional presence and underpinning its wider UK growth strategy. The appointment follows the opening of the regional contractor’s Liverpool office and forms part of its commitment to fostering long-term relationships and sustainable growth across the North West construction market, delivering high-quality, socially responsible projects through established public sector frameworks. Procured by Regenda Group in partnership with Rise Construction Framework, the agreement runs until March 2030 and sees Stepnell appointed to Lot 1 – General Construction within the £15m+ value band, as one of five contractors selected. The framework attracted 79 tenders for this lot, with 38 firms appointed in total, placing Stepnell within a highly competitive group of contractors operating at scale. Craig Finn, framework director at Stepnell, said: “This is a significant appointment for Stepnell and a strong endorsement of our approach as a responsible, long-term construction partner. “Our focus has always been on more than just delivering buildings – we work to create real value for clients and the communities we operate in. That includes delivering meaningful social value, supporting local people and ensuring every project contributes positively beyond the built environment. “Securing this place on the framework aligns with our growth in the North West and reflects the strength of our offer, our people and our commitment to delivering lasting value for clients and communities.” The contractor will support initiatives across the North West region, including working with care leavers, engaging with Rise’s social mobility programme and contributing to community activity through volunteering and fundraising. Stepnell will also collaborate with voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) and support engagement with school leavers. The framework, which has generated over £100 million in social return on investment over the last decade, supports public sector clients including local authorities, NHS trusts, blue light services, housing providers and education bodies across North West England, North Wales and Yorkshire and the Humber. Sara Lawton, director at Rise Construction Framework, said: “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Rise Construction Framework we are delighted to launch the latest re-iteration of Rise. “Importantly we are looking forward to continuing to change the lives of people across our communities; we are proud to hold the Kings Award for Enterprise for our commitment to social mobility meaning the public sector not only have access to experienced supply partners who deliver quality capital projects, but they are investing in communities each time they access our services.” The win comes amid continued growth for Stepnell, following a fifth consecutive year of profit, as the contractor strengthens its presence across key UK regions through targeted expansion and framework opportunities. For more information on Stepnell and its services, visit https://www.stepnell.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new white paper has revealed how temporary and engineered on-site power solutions can accelerate grid modernisation across Europe and alleviate rising pressure on transmission and distribution networks. “Breaking the Gridlock”, published by engineered energy and temperature solutions specialist Aggreko, maps the structural challenges facing Europe’s electricity networks as the continent undergoes rapid electrification, decentralisation and renewable energy expansion. The report highlights that transmission and distribution network operators are working closer as a decentralised style of grid operation based on renewables becomes the norm. It argues this shift demands major investment to upgrade ageing assets, expand lines and redesign a network built for one-way flows from large plants. It also highlights the temporary on-site power solutions that can be used to break common utilities bottlenecks. These include balancing power, bridging power, seasonal power and emergency power. Alan Dunne, managing director for UK and Ireland at Aggreko, said: “Europe’s grid modernisation plans are urgent and complex, with the ongoing shift to a decentralised, renewable-led power system demanding collaboration, new investment and on-site expertise to keep projects moving while future capacity is built. “These changes are essential for security, resilience and decarbonisation, but they create practical challenges. Large volumes of reliable power will be needed for every aspect of the transition for decades to come. Successful projects will be those with access to the right equipment and expertise.” According to the white paper, congestion and connection delays remain two of the most prominent structural barriers. Across 16 European countries, around 1,700 GW of renewable projects are currently stuck in grid queues, while curtailment could reach up to 310 TWh a year by 2040 if bottlenecks persist. To download “Breaking the Gridlock”, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted for the first phase of the landmark Mix Manchester development, a 1.6 million sq ft scheme set to become the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation and advanced manufacturing campus. The hybrid planning application marks a significant step forward for the joint venture partnership behind the project, bringing forward a substantial pipeline of industrial and commercial space designed to support high-growth sectors. Phase one will deliver more than 70,000 sq ft of flexible mid-tech workspace, targeting innovative and fast-scaling businesses. The proposals also include a 1,500-space multi-storey mobility hub, incorporating cycle facilities and ground-floor commercial uses to support sustainable transport and on-site amenities. In addition, the application outlines 500,000 sq ft of medium and large-scale advanced manufacturing space, alongside a further 600,000 sq ft allocated for research and development, offices, laboratory facilities and hotel accommodation. The mix of uses reflects a growing demand for integrated campuses that combine production, innovation and business operations within a single location. Helen Ratcliffe, head of agency and development at Mix Manchester, said the submission follows months of detailed preparation and represents a key milestone for the scheme. She noted that the development will provide high-specification, technology-led space, with the first units expected to be delivered from the fourth quarter of 2027. The hybrid nature of the application seeks detailed consent for the initial phase while also securing outline approval for future expansion, enabling long-term flexibility as the scheme evolves. The wider vision is to create a transformative destination that supports start-ups and established occupiers alike, while generating significant employment opportunities across the region. Mix Manchester is being brought forward through a partnership between Manchester Airports Group, Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Pension Fund and Beijing Construction Engineering Group, highlighting a collaborative approach to delivering one of the UK’s most ambitious industrial-led developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lidl has unveiled plans to open 50 new stores across the UK over the next 12 months, forming part of a wider £600 million investment programme that signals a significant push in the industrial and retail property sectors. The discount supermarket chain described the initiative as the most ambitious standard store opening programme currently planned within the UK grocery market. The expansion is expected to generate close to 2,000 new jobs nationwide, supporting both local economies and regional development. Among the locations earmarked for new stores are Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington in Cheshire, and Thornbury in Gloucestershire, with several openings scheduled for completion this summer. The rollout reflects continued demand for modern retail space and highlights ongoing investment in strategically located sites. Alongside its store development pipeline, Lidl is strengthening its logistics network to support its growing footprint. Construction is progressing on a new warehouse facility in Leeds, which is expected to become operational next year. In London, the company has submitted proposals to expand and integrate its existing distribution warehouses in Belvedere, further enhancing capacity within a key urban logistics hub. Ryan McDonnell, chief executive of Lidl GB, said the expansion is designed to deliver long-term value beyond retail growth. He noted that the programme will contribute to regional economic development, create high-quality employment opportunities, and provide greater certainty for British suppliers seeking to scale their operations. Kate Dearden, minister for employment rights and consumer protection, welcomed the investment, describing it as a strong example of how large-scale corporate growth can align with wider economic objectives. She highlighted the importance of job creation, fair wages, and improved living standards, adding that Lidl’s plans demonstrate confidence in the UK’s economic strategy while delivering tangible benefits to communities and businesses alike. The programme underlines the continued role of major retailers in driving demand for new commercial and industrial space, with logistics infrastructure playing an increasingly critical role in supporting expansion across the sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Boots Opticians today unveils its new Wigmore Street store, a luxury destination for premium designer frames and specialist eyecare. Located in the heart of London, Boots Opticians Wigmore Street brings together cutting-edge clinical technology, specialist expertise and an elevated customer experience. Following a seven-week refurbishment, the store now showcases over 40 designer brands including Lindberg, Porsche Design and Gucci, alongside Cartier and Chopard frames which are exclusively available to customers in the Wigmore Street store. Consumers can also access expert in-store services including optomap eye scans, dry eye relief and contact lens care. From specialist consultation areas to contact lens trial stations, every element of Boots Opticians Wigmore Street has been carefully considered with both customers and clinicians in mind, to support personalised, proactive eyecare. The store also reflects the brand’s ongoing investment in innovation and its role at the forefront of eyecare in the UK. Rich in history, the store – formerly Dollond & Aitchison – held a royal warrant and supplied eyewear to Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh. Boots Opticians has occupied the site since 2009 following the merger of the two brands. Gordon Dingwall, Director of Retail, Operations, Property & Franchise at Boots Opticians, says: “We’re incredibly excited to open Boots Opticians Wigmore Street, in one of London’s most conic luxury retail destinations. Combining world class brands and expert clinicians, the store has been thoughtfully designed using gold motifs, heritage-inspired patterns and tonal gradients from our Boots brand identity. Boots Opticians Wigmore Street represents a marked evolution for Boots Opticians, celebrating the store’s rich history whilst setting a new benchmark for premium eye care.” The opening reflects Boots Opticians’ commitment to helping customers see what’s possible through better eye health. Customers can book an appointment at Boots Opticians Wigmore Street online at bootsopticians.com or in-store. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National law firm Shakespeare Martineau has advised Barratt Redrow on a major joint venture with Places for People to deliver one of the UK’s most ambitious new community developments. The scheme will create a pioneering garden town-style development in East Hertfordshire, delivering around 8,500 homes – including at least 1,950 affordable properties – across a network of six walkable villages on the outskirts of Gilston. In addition to housing, the development will incorporate extensive infrastructure and placemaking features, including integrated green space and allotments, 15km of heritage trails, schools, leisure facilities, 29,000 sqm of commercial space, and community hubs – highlighting the scale and complexity of the transaction. The joint venture brings together Barratt Redrow’s delivery capability as leading UK housebuilder with Places for People’s expertise in long-term stewardship and community management, creating a partnership model that offers enhanced certainty, credibility and longevity for a project of this scale. The deal was led by residential development partners Lucy Haynes and Debbie Irwin, with corporate support from James Hawkeswood. Lucy said: “This is a landmark project not only in terms of scale but also in how it will be delivered. Structuring a joint venture of this nature requires careful alignment of long-term objectives, risk allocation and delivery mechanisms, and it has been a privilege to support Barratt Redrow on such a forward-thinking development. “The transaction reflects a growing trend toward risk-sharing joint venture structures in large-scale, long-term residential schemes. As planning, infrastructure and phasing risks become more pronounced, developers are increasingly seeking partners who can contribute more than capital – bringing land control, asset management capabilities and community stewardship credentials. “It also highlights a broader shift in the residential development sector. While housing numbers remain critical, there is a clear and increasing focus on design quality, sustainability and long-term legacy, as demonstrated by the garden town model underpinning this scheme. “The complexity of a project of this scale reflects the evolution of the market. Developments of this magnitude require sophisticated legal frameworks capable of supporting phased delivery, major infrastructure commitments and long-term stewardship arrangements.” The joint venture is forecast to generate more than £6 billion in economic impact – creating thousands of local jobs, apprenticeships and opportunities for local businesses across Hertfordshire. David Thomas, chief executive at Barratt Redrow, said: “Working with Places for People offers the opportunity to show what large-scale, responsible, community-led development looks like. “Our new joint venture will deliver up to 8,500 new homes, featuring our three brands – Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Redrow – plus Places for People so giving customers the best possible choice for their new home. This is a once-in-a-generation project where we can create a modern garden town, connecting people to nature and growing with the community.” Greg Reed, CEO of Places for People, added: “The UK cannot meet its housing targets without partnerships that deliver differently. Our vision for this development is a new blueprint for modern garden towns, shaped by deep community insight and a commitment to doing things the right way from day one. “By combining Places for People’s long-term stewardship and social value approach with Barratt Redrow’s exceptional capability to deliver homes at scale and like-minded approach to social value, we can accelerate one of the most significant new communities in the UK. “This partnership unlocks delivery at a pace and scale that neither organisation could achieve alone and ensures we deliver the infrastructure, green space and high-quality homes that people deserve. “They say the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and with Gilston we did just that. It’s taken two decades to get to this point and now we are ready to roll.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Groundforce Shorco has delivered a tailored temporary works solution for a challenging basement excavation as part of a major care home redevelopment in north London, highlighting the critical role of specialist engineering in constrained urban sites. The company supplied nine modular hydraulic props to support excavation works at the Clore Manor site in Hendon, where social care provider Care Concern Group has appointed main contractor Farrans to deliver a replacement facility. The scheme will see the existing 72-room care home demolished and replaced with a new six-storey building providing 108 bedrooms, alongside a basement car park. Located on a tight plot off the Great North Way and surrounded by residential properties and a busy road, the project presents significant logistical and engineering constraints. The basement excavation extends to a depth of 4m and spans প্রায় 50m by 40m, covering the majority of the site footprint. A secant piled retaining wall has been installed around the excavation perimeter, with Groundforce Shorco’s raking props used to brace the structure. These props transfer lateral loads from the capping beam to concrete thrust blocks positioned within the excavation, ensuring stability down to formation level. Groundworks and civils contractor Marney Construction is delivering the bulk earthworks package. Along the northern elevation, six MP150 props ranging from 7.3m to 10.3m in length have been installed to support the exposed retaining wall. On the eastern boundary, adjacent to the main road, three higher-capacity MP375 props are in place to stabilise the wall above a deeper secondary excavation. This section will accommodate an attenuation tank designed to manage rainwater runoff as part of the development’s sustainable drainage strategy. While the MP375 system is capable of handling loads of up to 375 tonnes, its selection on this scheme was driven primarily by stiffness rather than load capacity. Strict deflection limits were imposed due to the proximity of neighbouring structures and infrastructure, requiring movement to be controlled within a tolerance of plus or minus 10mm. Groundforce Shorco worked closely with the project team, including retaining wall specialist Franki Piling, to refine the design and ensure compliance with these tight performance criteria. Farrans project manager Gerard Fennell described the scheme as particularly complex due to the confined site conditions and the need to minimise disruption to surrounding residents. He noted that collaboration between contractor, designer and specialist supplier had been key to delivering a robust and practical solution. The project demonstrates the growing importance of advanced temporary works systems in supporting high-density urban development, particularly where basement construction intersects with sensitive environments and stringent engineering requirements. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Constellation Cold Logistics has unveiled plans for a major £80m redevelopment of its facility at Park Lane Industrial Estate in Wolverhampton, warning that failure to secure planning consent could trigger a full relocation of its operations from the city. The company has submitted proposals to City of Wolverhampton Council for a new 108,900 sq ft cold storage warehouse, forming the first phase of a wider investment programme aimed at modernising what it describes as an “outdated” site. The scheme would introduce a 24-hour operation, create 37 jobs and double on-site capacity to 40,000 pallets, significantly enhancing the firm’s regional logistics capability. CCL, which acquired the Park Lane site in 2023, said substantial upgrades are essential, with parts of the existing estate dating back to the 1950s and last refurbished more than three decades ago. In planning documents, the business makes clear the strategic importance of the project, stating that without approval for the new cold store, none of the planned investment phases would proceed. The company added that the site was effectively purchased for land value alone, with existing buildings considered unsuitable for long-term operational needs. CCL also indicated that alternative locations have been assessed, but none locally can accommodate the required footprint. As a result, refusal of the application could lead to the relocation of the entire facility elsewhere within the Black Country, potentially beyond the local authority boundary. The proposals mark a scaled but still significant evolution from earlier plans submitted in late 2024, which outlined a £90m investment and a major expansion in storage capacity. Those proposals were withdrawn, but the current application maintains a strong economic case, with the company highlighting both job creation and supply chain benefits. If approved, the new facility could be operational by summer 2027, providing a modern, energy-efficient cold storage hub designed to support growing demand across food logistics and temperature-controlled supply chains. The decision now rests with planners, with the outcome set to determine whether Wolverhampton retains a key industrial occupier and secures a major injection of investment into its logistics infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals