The next time you buy a coffee, check into a hotel, visit a healthcare facility, stop at a motorway service area or walk into a modern workplace or school, take a moment to look around. Richard Hipkiss, development director, Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) considers the buildings you use
Following a year-long procurement process, the Council has appointed award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group as its long-term strategic partner to accelerate the delivery of much-needed affordable homes, regeneration projects and investment across Lewisham. With more than 10,000 households on the housing register and 2,450 households living in temporary accommodation, the
Yorkshire-based premium serviced office provider, WorkWell, has completed the transformation of its building at Carrwood Park, previously leased to the NHS, turning it into a premium flexible office environment. The 8,675 sq. ft redevelopment delivers a high-quality flexible office facility, compromising of meeting rooms, collaborative areas and private office suites,
Project Four Building Safety Experts has joined the Vadella Group as the business enters its next phase of growth, building on a strong track record of supporting clients through the Building Safety Act and Gateway 2 process. The Northwest headquartered consultancy has taken more than 10,000 homes through Gateway 2,
A Northern Irish insulation company has played a key role in two major Premier League stadium developments, after its innovative product was used for projects at Everton and Fulham Football Clubs. energystore, which is headquartered in Holywood, Co Down, supplied its TLA insulation product for works at Everton’s new Hill
The transformation of Derby’s Market Place has taken another step forward, with the signing of a MasterDevelopment Agreement between the Council and ION Property Developments Limited. Now in contract as the Council’s Strategic Development Partner, ION will work alongside the Council todeliver its plans to regenerate several sites across the
The director of a building firm in Devon that has put five apprentices through their training — every one of them still with the business — is urging teenagers to consider a career in construction. Dale Chadwick, of Dale Chadwick Carpentry & Construction Ltd, has had three apprentices qualify through
HB Reavis has unveiled new plans for One Waterloo, a transformational vision to sustainably redevelop Elizabeth House into a vibrant mixed-use destination and connected gateway to Waterloo Station and the South Bank Local residents, businesses and visitors are invited to shape the proposals, as HB Reavis launches public consultation on
Global real estate adviser CBRE has been appointed by Castlebrooke to bring Prime4Eight to market, a four-unit industrial and logistics development, totalling 377,200 sq ft, which is strategically positioned along Scotland’s key M8 corridor between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Prime4Eight has planning consent for four Grade A industrial and logistics units,
A £67.2 million financing package has been agreed to support the delivery of Harlech Court, a major 30-storey build-to-rent development currently under construction in Cardiff. Close Brothers Property Finance has provided the facility to Draycott Group for the 340-home residential scheme, which is set to become one of the tallest
The next time you buy a coffee, check into a hotel, visit a healthcare facility, stop at a motorway service area or walk into a modern workplace or school, take a moment to look around. Richard Hipkiss, development director, Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA) considers the buildings you use every day — but never knew were modular. Part of everyday life There is a very real possibility that you are standing inside a modular building – but you probably would not know it and that is exactly the point. For decades, modular construction has been fighting against outdated perceptions. The term ‘modular’ has been associated with temporary structures, classrooms or buildings that are visibly different from traditionally constructed properties. But that image belongs firmly in the past. Today, our modular manufacturing members are producing high-quality, permanent buildings that are designed, produced and finished to the highest standards. The reality is that modular buildings are already part of everyday life. They are occupied by thousands of people, yet most customers, visitors and end users have no idea that they were created in a factory environment. Across the UK, volumetric modular solutions have been adopted across a wide range of sectors, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, education and commercial developments. Some of the country’s best-known brands have embraced modular technology because it enables them to deliver consistent, high-quality facilities – quickly and efficiently. Retail businesses, for example McDonalds and Starbucks – need environments that reflect their brand identity while also meeting tight programme schedules. Whether it is a coffee shop, a restaurant unit, a hotel bedroom or a customer-facing facility, volumetric construction provides the ability to manufacture repeatable, precision-engineered buildings that can be installed rapidly with minimal disruption. The customer sees the finished result. They experience the service, the quality and the surroundings. They rarely consider the factory where much of the building was created. This is one of the biggest strengths of modern modular construction. Proven solution Unlike traditional construction, where many activities are carried out sequentially on a live site, modular manufacturing allows multiple processes to happen at the same time. While foundations are being prepared on site, building modules can be manufactured, fitted out and quality checked in a controlled factory environment. The result is greater certainty around programme delivery, improved quality control and reduced disruption. For sectors such as healthcare and education, where time and reliability are critical, these advantages are particularly valuable. Hospitals need additional capacity delivered quickly. Schools need new facilities that can be provided around operational requirements. Businesses need buildings that allow them to grow without lengthy construction programmes. Modular technology provides a proven solution to these challenges. Quality controlled The growing adoption of modular technology also reflects a wider shift towards more sustainable ways of building. Factory-based manufacturing allows materials to be managed more efficiently, waste to be reduced and quality to be controlled throughout the process. The modular sector does not necessarily need to prove that its buildings work. The evidence is already all around us. The challenge is helping people recognise that the buildings they interact with every day may have been delivered through advanced offsite manufacturing and industrialised construction methods. The public perception of modular construction is changing, but perhaps the greatest endorsement of the industry’s progress is that many people do not notice modular buildings at all. They simply see well-designed, functional, attractive spaces that allow businesses to operate, patients to receive care, students to learn and communities to thrive. The technology behind those buildings may be innovative, but the experience they provide is familiar. Modular buildings are already shaping the places where we live, work and spend our time but have simply been hiding in plain sight. Modular and Portable Building Association The MPBA is the UK’s leading trade body representing the modular and portable building sector. The association champions the benefits of volumetric construction, supporting its members in accelerating the growth and adoption of modular technology across the UK. Through advocacy, training, guidance and collaboration, the MPBA promotes best practice, quality standards and innovation across the industry, bringing together architects, engineers, manufacturers and supply chain partners to drive the sector forward. The MPBA is committed to advancing sustainable construction practices, raising professional standards and supporting the delivery of safe, efficient and high-quality modular solutions for the environments where people work, receive care, teach and learn. Find out more at: www.mpba.biz Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following a year-long procurement process, the Council has appointed award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group as its long-term strategic partner to accelerate the delivery of much-needed affordable homes, regeneration projects and investment across Lewisham. With more than 10,000 households on the housing register and 2,450 households living in temporary accommodation, the partnership is designed to help tackle Lewisham’s housing crisis by delivering new homes faster and at greater scale. Under the partnership, the Council and Hill will work together to deliver new homes and regeneration projects across the borough over the next 10 years, with the potential to extend for a further five years. The agreement can span up to £1.5 billion of construction delivery[LM1] in Lewisham. Rather than appointing a different developer for every project, the Council will work directly with Hill over the long term, helping bring forward new homes and projects more quickly and consistently, while retaining greater control over quality, affordability, sustainability and delivery timescales. As well as delivering new homes, Hill is committed to creating new local jobs, skills training and education opportunities as well as investment in the community, ensuring local people benefit from development in their neighbourhoods. The partnership will support different types of housing projects. In some cases, the Council will develop and own the affordable homes. In others, Hill will invest in the development, with the Council given first choice to buy the affordable homes. The first projects as part of the partnership are already underway and include: Drawing on Hill’s extensive experience of delivering long-term projects in partnership with the public sector, Lewisham Council will be able to maximise value through better-informed design and development decisions from the outset.[OU2] Councillor Daniel Dream, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration, Planning and Housing Delivery, said: “With more than 10,000 households on the housing register and nearly 2,500 families in temporary accommodation, we need to build the homes our community needs faster. This partnership cuts red tape and gives the Council greater control over quality, affordability and delivery. We are looking forward to working with The Hill Group, an award-winning housebuilder with a proven track record, to deliver the homes, jobs and investment our community needs over the next decade.” Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by Lewisham Council as its Strategic Development Partner and look forward to working together to help deliver the borough’s ambitious housing and regeneration programme. “What makes this partnership particularly important is the opportunity to combine our expertise in regeneration, placemaking and delivery with the Council’s vision for the future of Lewisham. Long-term partnerships such as this create the certainty and alignment needed to unlock technically complex sites, enable more efficient delivery and ensure developments genuinely reflect the needs of local communities. “Our track record has been built on successful partnerships with local authorities and housing providers across London and the South East, and we are excited to bring that experience to Lewisham as we begin work on Thomas’ Lane Yard, Achilles Street and future projects across the borough.” Notes Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire-based premium serviced office provider, WorkWell, has completed the transformation of its building at Carrwood Park, previously leased to the NHS, turning it into a premium flexible office environment. The 8,675 sq. ft redevelopment delivers a high-quality flexible office facility, compromising of meeting rooms, collaborative areas and private office suites, providing adaptable workspace solutions to businesses across Yorkshire. Designed by Manchester-based NC Studio, the project represents a significant addition to Carrwood Park’s commercial offering, further strengthening its position as an established business location in Leeds. WorkWell’s latest redevelopment has seen the former NHS building reimagined into a modern, premium workspace environment, providing contemporary design features, upgraded facilities and flexible layouts. At the centre of the building, an atrium provides a dynamic shared environment to support both focused work and collaboration with soft finishes, considered lighting, and integrated technology. The expansion of Carrwood Park follows WorkWell’s continued growth across the region, including the launch of its Copthall Bridge location in Harrogate, forming part of the organisation’s wider strategy to deliver premium flexible workspace across Yorkshire. Oliver Corrigan, Managing Director of WorkWell commented: “We’re seeing increasing demand for high-quality workspaces in Yorkshire that offer flexibility, connectivity and a professional environment for businesses. “The successful completion and full letting of Carrwood Park support long-term growth and investment in the region, and it’s particularly encouraging to see organisations such as Horizon Care grow with us and expand their footprint as their team develop. We look forward to continuing to support their ambitions and those of other businesses across the region.” Following completion, the building has welcomed many organisations including Horizon Care & Education, who has significantly expanded since joining WorkWell in 2025. Starting with a five-person office in Building 4, the organisation has now relocated to Building 3, where its growing team has a workspace 800% larger than its original office. Laura Bingham, Director of People & Culture at Horizon Care & Education, added: “Investing in our people is fundamental to Horizon’s culture and to creating an organisation where colleagues can do their best work. Our new WorkWell offices are a really important part of that investment. They have been designed to bring people together, support collaboration and create an environment where colleagues can connect, share ideas as well as supporting wellbeing and belonging. “I’m incredibly proud of the new space and what it represents – our commitment to our people, our culture and creating a workplace where everyone can feel connected, supported and able to thrive.” For further information, please visit the WorkWell website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Project Four Building Safety Experts has joined the Vadella Group as the business enters its next phase of growth, building on a strong track record of supporting clients through the Building Safety Act and Gateway 2 process. The Northwest headquartered consultancy has taken more than 10,000 homes through Gateway 2, with over 30 schemes already securing approval and a live Gateway 2 portfolio of more than 14,000 units nationally. The projects span some of the North West’s most significant residential and mixed-use developments, with P4 supporting developers, contractors and wider project teams through the increasingly complex Building Safety regime. For Project Four, the partnership with Vadella is about building on that momentum rather than changing direction. Max Meadows, Managing Director at Project Four, said: “We’ve built Project Four around one simple idea – good people, good technical advice and getting the job done properly. “The Building Safety Act has changed the way the industry has to approach projects, and Gateway 2 has raised the bar again. We’ve been right in the middle of that, working with some of the region’s biggest development teams and helping them navigate what is still a relatively new and challenging process. “We’ve got a strong business, a great team and a lot of opportunity in front of us. Vadella gives us the investment and additional capability to build on that rather than take our foot off the gas. “We’re still Project Four. The people, the clients and the way we work remain at the heart of the business. This is about building the next phase properly.” Project Four’s Gateway 2 work includes major schemes across Manchester and Leeds, ranging from developments of hundreds of homes to large-scale projects, with its wider portfolio collectively covering more than 14,000 units. Its experience includes work with leading developers and contractors across the residential, build-to-rent and student accommodation sectors. Alan Robson, Chairman, said: “We’ve always wanted Project Four to be bigger and better without losing what made it successful in the first place. “The business has grown quickly, and the Building Safety market is only becoming more important. We’ve reached a point where the right partner can help us take the next step while giving the team more opportunity to develop and the business more capability to invest. “Vadella felt like the right fit. They understand what we’re trying to build and, importantly, they understand that Project Four has its own identity, its own culture and its own way of doing things.” James Knight, Group CEO of Vadella, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the Project Four team to Vadella. Their Building Safety Act and Principal Accountable Person expertise is a fantastic addition to the Group. Project Four’s track record with some of the UK’s leading contractors and developers makes them a natural fit alongside the compliance specialisms our clients already rely on us for.” The partnership will support further investment in Project Four’s people, systems and technical capability, while creating opportunities to collaborate across the wider Vadella Group. Project Four will continue to operate under its existing brand and leadership, with Max Meadows continuing as Managing Director. Its existing services, client relationships and projects will continue as normal. The business will also continue to develop its wider Building Safety offer, including Gateway 2, Building Safety consultancy, Principal Designer services, Principal Accountable Person and Safety Case support, CDM and Principal Contractor Support. Max added: “There is a lot of talk about Building Safety at the moment. For us, this isn’t a new market we’ve suddenly decided to enter – it’s what we’ve been doing every day for years. “The opportunity now is to take what we’ve learned, keep developing our people and help more clients get their projects through the process safely and properly. “That’s the bit we’re excited about.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Northern Irish insulation company has played a key role in two major Premier League stadium developments, after its innovative product was used for projects at Everton and Fulham Football Clubs. energystore, which is headquartered in Holywood, Co Down, supplied its TLA insulation product for works at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley Moore Dock and at Fulham’s redeveloped Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage. The projects mark a major milestone for the local business, placing Northern Irish construction innovation at the heart of two of the most high-profile stadium developments in English football. At Everton, energystore TLA was used extensively throughout the club’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, a nearly 53,000-seater waterfront arena which cost an estimated £800 million to construct. The stadium represents one of the largest sporting infrastructure projects in the UK and forms part of the wider regeneration of Liverpool’s northern docklands. energystore’s product helped support a more efficient build by reducing the amount of screed required from 100mm to 50mm, cutting material use and lowering the project’s carbon impact by an estimated 21kg of carbon per square metre, when compared with the original specification. At Fulham’s Craven Cottage, energystore TLA 250 was used as part of the newly redeveloped Riverside Stand, a significant project that blends luxury, heritage and modern engineering on the banks of the Thames. The product supported the delivery of high-performance insulation while meeting stringent acoustic requirements and maintaining compliance in a highly complex stadium environment. The Riverside Stand redevelopment is designed to transform the matchday and visitor experience at Craven Cottage, with contemporary spaces, premium hospitality options and a new riverside destination that extends beyond football. Connor McCandless Managing Director at energystore said: “Major stadium developments demand materials that can perform under pressure, from complex build programmes and strict technical requirements to the need for more efficient, sustainable construction methods. “To have energystore TLA used at both Everton and Fulham FC is a proud moment for our team and a strong endorsement of the role Northern Irish innovation can play on major UK infrastructure projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The transformation of Derby’s Market Place has taken another step forward, with the signing of a MasterDevelopment Agreement between the Council and ION Property Developments Limited. Now in contract as the Council’s Strategic Development Partner, ION will work alongside the Council todeliver its plans to regenerate several sites across the city centre, including the Market Place. Outline plans for the Market Place, which were drawn up using feedback from two public consultationsand approved by the Council’s Planning Committee in July, include Derby MADE. Sitting on the site of theformer Assembly Rooms, the multi-use building will feature a music venue, cultural / exhibition space, ayoung person and family library, and dedicated flexible working and meeting areas. It will be complementedby Derby HOTEL, a four-star hotel and high-quality office space in Derby WORKS. ION is a long-established developer with a strong track record of working with partners, including localauthorities, to deliver regeneration projects. Recent schemes include the Wolverhampton Interchange onbehalf of City of Wolverhampton Council, the Knowledge Quarter Gateway for Liverpool City Council andRhyl Waterfront for Denbighshire County Council. Earlier this year, ION underwent a buyout and merger with VINCI UK Developments, the UK division of themultinational VINCI Construction, cementing the two companies’ existing relationship and furtherstrengthening their delivery capabilities. Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration,Strategy and Policy, said: “This is another important milestone in our plans to revive this important and historic site in the heart ofDerby. We know how desperate everyone is to see work starting on site, me included, and the signing ofthis contract brings that day even closer. “ION Property Developments has an excellent record for delivering regeneration projects on this scale. Bybringing a private sector development partner on board, we can benefit from their expertise, capacity andinvestment to help bring these ambitious plans for the city centre to life.” Steve Parry, Managing Director of ION Property Developments, said: “We are delighted to have entered into the Master Development Agreement with Derby City Council and tobe moving into the next phase of our partnership. “ION, together with the wider VINCI business, is fully committed to the long-term delivery of this importantregeneration programme. By combining ION’s development and regeneration expertise with VINCI’s widerresources, financial strength and delivery capability, we believe we have a very strong platform from whichto turn the Council’s ambitious plans into deliverable projects on the ground. “Our focus now is on working closely with the Council to maintain momentum, progress the Market Placeproposals and deliver lasting benefits for Derby and its city centre.” Once the planning conditions associated with the demolition of the Assembly Rooms have beenremoved, ION will begin preparing the site. This will include disconnecting utilities and creating a secureand safe working environment, which will take a number of weeks. Work to demolish the site is expected to take around 12 months and, once this is complete, work on thenew buildings will begin. Demolition consent for the Assembly Rooms was granted in March 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The director of a building firm in Devon that has put five apprentices through their training — every one of them still with the business — is urging teenagers to consider a career in construction. Dale Chadwick, of Dale Chadwick Carpentry & Construction Ltd, has had three apprentices qualify through the company, all achieving distinctions in some or all of their assessments. Two more are now entering their second year. Between them they have represented the firm at regional competitions and area meetings, and one has met the Prime Minister. Dale Chadwick, who runs the family firm in Devon and sits on the Federation of Master Builders’ South West Area Board, said: “For us, apprentices aren’t cheap labour — our work doesn’t allow for that. We need skill. We pay a fair living wage rather than the minimum, and we provide uniform, tools and travel to support them. In return, we’ve kept hold of every apprentice we’ve taken on. “There’s no better way to learn than hands on — working with the materials, adapting to what happens on site, spotting problems as they come up. But there’s a huge skills gap to fill. The multi-generational building families don’t really exist anymore, and the school system is set up so that university is the target everyone’s told to aim for.” His firm is one of thousands across the region taking on young people at a time when demand for skilled trades has rarely been higher. New research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) shows the South West is the best-informed part of the UK when it comes to building careers. Polling of over 2,000 UK adults found 90% of people in the region have heard of apprenticeships as a route into construction — the joint-highest figure of any UK region or nation. Awareness of BTECs is also joint-highest in the country at 65%, and just 4% of South West adults could not name a single route into the industry. Iain Kirtley, South Director at the Federation of Master Builders, said: “Congratulations to everyone celebrating their recent results. Dale’s firm in Devon is exactly what our industry looks like at its best — a small local business investing properly in young people and keeping hold of every one of them. “Our research shows the South West is the best-informed region in Britain on building careers, and that’s something to be proud of. But it raises the stakes. If young people here already know the routes into our industry, the question is no longer whether they’ve heard of an apprenticeship — it’s whether there’s one waiting for them when they go looking. “With ambitious housebuilding targets and real uncertainty about what AI means for other careers, a trade is one of the most secure things a young person can go into. We have the appetite here in the South West. We now need the places to match it.” Luke Moss, Skills and Employer Project Manager at South West Construction Technical Excellence College, Exeter College, concluded: “As students receive their GCSE results, many will be considering what comes next. For those interested in construction, apprenticeships combined with vocational qualifications offer a practical and highly respected route into the industry. These pathways equip learners with the technical skills and hands-on experience employers are looking for, while creating clear opportunities for long-term career development. Construction offers a wide range of roles and excellent prospects for ambitious young people ready to build their future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HB Reavis has unveiled new plans for One Waterloo, a transformational vision to sustainably redevelop Elizabeth House into a vibrant mixed-use destination and connected gateway to Waterloo Station and the South Bank Local residents, businesses and visitors are invited to shape the proposals, as HB Reavis launches public consultation on the scheme. Building on HB Reavis’ long-standing commitment to revitalise the site, the mixed-use masterplan for One Waterloo reflects a broader shift in the UK and London to prioritise sustainable development that minimises demolition and saves carbon through construction and operation. Encompassing a range of uses – including new hotels, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), built-to-rent (BTR) homes, retail and leisure, workspace and public realm – this scheme will create a multitude of jobs for local people. The proposals aim to catalyse Waterloo’s economy while delivering immediate and ongoing local benefits. As a landmark retrofit scheme, One Waterloo seeks to achieve net zero carbon in construction and operation. Compared to a demolition and new build approach, the new retrofit led One Waterloo proposals target embodied carbon cuts of 75%, to responsibly deliver major change. HB Reavis’ retrofit strategy for One Waterloo will mean an expected delivery date three and a half years following planning permission. PLP Architecture, the global architecture and urban design practice behind the proposals, has reimagined the existing building to reduce engineering complexity and minimise disruption next to the UK’s second-busiest train station and above Waterloo Station’s critical transport infrastructure that supports 70 million journeys annually. The proposals include: This campus will establish a complementary mix of hotel guests, students, residents, workers and visitors, creating a vibrant and resilient 24/7 destination. Three new pedestrian routes to connect Waterloo Station are central to the plans. Currently, Elizabeth House acts as a barrier between the station and the surrounding area. The proposals would open up the site, introduce a public square and provide new pedestrian routes between York Road, The Curve, Leake Street, the South Bank and Waterloo Station. Revitalising the station frontage, the proposals also feature new shops, restaurants and leisure spaces to create an active streetscape and a welcoming destination to stimulate activity throughout the day and evening. Once complete, One Waterloo is expected to support over 1,000 new jobs in restaurants, hotels, offices, startups, among other sectors. It would secure long-term investment in a strategically important part of Lambeth. Steven Skinner, CEO at HB Reavis Developments, said: “Waterloo is one of the most exciting places in central London. We have spent a long time looking closely at the site and what this part of Lambeth really needs. We are excited to share our ideas for a mixed-use scheme, including new homes, workspaces, shops and places for people to come together that will make this a genuine destination. Our starting point has been the environment and community. By retaining the existing structure rather than demolishing it, we’ll save 100,000 tonnes of carbon, with less noise and disruption for local residents and businesses as a result. But this only works in partnership with the people who already live and work here. That means leaving them better off through long-term jobs supported by the new workspaces, shops and hospitality, and real opportunities for local businesses. Which is why we’re encouraging people to come along to our consultation events and help shape what One Waterloo becomes.” Public consultation is an opportunity for people to learn more about the new proposals and share their views on the future of this important site. Feedback received will help shape the One Waterloo masterplan prior to submission of a planning application. Local residents, businesses, neighbours and visitors are invited to view the proposals, meet the project team and provide their feedback at the following consultation drop-in sessions: More information can be found on the consultation website: https://onewaterlooconsultation.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global real estate adviser CBRE has been appointed by Castlebrooke to bring Prime4Eight to market, a four-unit industrial and logistics development, totalling 377,200 sq ft, which is strategically positioned along Scotland’s key M8 corridor between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Prime4Eight has planning consent for four Grade A industrial and logistics units, ranging in size from 77,200 sq ft to 150,300 sq ft, providing occupiers with a rare opportunity to secure high-quality warehouse accommodation in one of the country’s most constrained logistics markets. Located in the heart of Scotland’s established logistics region, the development benefits from excellent connectivity, with direct access to the M8 via Junctions 4 and 5, providing strong links across Scotland and to the North of England via the M74 and M6. The surrounding area has become one of Scotland’s most established logistics destinations, with Junction 4 accommodating major occupiers including Aldi, Schuh and GXO across approximately 2.2 million sq ft of warehouse space. Complementing this, the nearby 2 million sq ft Tesco Distribution Centre at Junction 5 further reinforces the strength of the location as a premier distribution hub. Prime4Eight is uniquely positioned to accommodate both large-scale and big-box occupier requirements and represents one of the only opportunities along the M8 corridor capable of delivering modern warehouse space at scale within relatively short timescales. At the time of reporting, there is zero grade A stock under construction above 50,000 sq ft across the Central Belt, therefore there is a clear opportunity for Prime4Eight to meet the potential demand in this size range. The units will be delivered to an institutional-grade specification, providing best-in-class distribution accommodation. The scheme will also incorporate strong ESG credentials, aligning with the evolving sustainability requirements of modern occupiers and investors. The construction of unit 1, circa 77,200 sq ft, is anticipated to start in Q3 2026 and will be available for occupation from Q3 2027. The remaining units will be available for pre-let discussions and further speculative development may commence following the success of phase one. Craig Semple, Director at CBRE, said: “Prime4Eight represents one of the most significant industrial and logistics opportunities currently available in Scotland. Schemes that are capable of accommodating large-scale occupiers, while offering immediate access to the M8 and a best-in-class specification, is extremely rare. “Occupier demand continues to be driven by the need for high-quality, sustainable logistics space in well-connected locations, and Prime4Eight is exceptionally well placed to meet that requirement. With occupation anticipated from next year, and the industrial vacancy rate along the M8 corridor between Glasgow and Edinburgh currently hovering at a record-low of circa 2.5%, we’re looking forward to engaging with occupiers seeking a future-proof solution in one of Scotland’s most established logistics locations.” A spokesperson for Castlebrooke said: “Prime4Eight has been designed to meet the evolving needs of modern logistics occupiers, combining a strategic location with high-quality, sustainable accommodation in one of Scotland’s most established distribution corridors. “Bringing the scheme to market marks an important milestone, and we are pleased to be working with CBRE as we introduce this opportunity to occupiers. We are confident that Prime4Eight will attract significant interest from businesses looking for high-quality logistics space that supports their long-term operational and sustainability ambitions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A £67.2 million financing package has been agreed to support the delivery of Harlech Court, a major 30-storey build-to-rent development currently under construction in Cardiff. Close Brothers Property Finance has provided the facility to Draycott Group for the 340-home residential scheme, which is set to become one of the tallest buildings in Wales and make a significant addition to Cardiff’s evolving skyline. Construction is already progressing on site, with the main tower crane now installed. Intelle Construction is leading delivery as main contractor, while Stephenson RC Frames has been appointed as frame contractor. The development represents Draycott Group’s largest project to date and will provide 340 purpose-built rental homes within a high-rise scheme in the Welsh capital. The substantial funding agreement provides further momentum for the construction programme and demonstrates continued investment in Cardiff’s build-to-rent market as demand for professionally managed rental accommodation grows in major regional cities. Phil Hooper, CEO of Close Brothers Property Finance, said: “Harlech Court is exactly the type of scheme our Structured Finance team was set up to back: a landmark development in an excellent central location in a capital city that continues to see strong demand for quality rental stock.” For Draycott Group, Harlech Court builds on more than four decades of involvement in Cardiff’s residential and commercial property markets. Sajid Ghaffar, CEO of Draycott Group, said: “This is the largest scheme that we have delivered to date and it will transform the Cardiff city skyline. “Cardiff is a market we know extremely well, having been active in residential and commercial property development for over 40 years, and Harlech Court builds on that long-standing track record.” The project adds to the growing pipeline of build-to-rent development across the UK’s regional cities, where larger residential schemes are increasingly combining significant institutional and specialist development finance with high-density construction. With the tower crane now in position and the £67.2 million finance facility secured, construction at Harlech Court is set to gather pace as the 30-storey development begins to take its place on the Cardiff skyline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals