Multiplex is gearing up to commence the main build phase of the £1bn Fifty Fenchurch Street development in London this summer. With Keltbray now completing piling and excavation works, Multiplex is preparing to take over as the main contractor for the 36-storey, 650,000 sq ft office tower, developed by AXA
Specialist capital advisory firm Arc & Co. has closed a 70% LTV debt package in partnership with Ingenious Capital Management, whilst also sourcing a JV equity investor to support the development of a purpose-built student accommodation project in Tower Hamlets, London. Southern Grove is developing the 111-bed, £36m GDV scheme in
St John Ambulance launches Hi Vis Stress Vest campaign and new mental health first aid course. St John Ambulance has today launched a campaign to get construction workers to open up about their mental health after new research* found nearly seven in 10 have suspected a colleague was seriously depressed
Drax Power has announced a major partnership with Power Minerals Limited (PML) to process pulverised fuel ash (PFA) for use in cement, in a move set to reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry. Under a newly agreed 20-year joint venture, PML will develop and operate a facility near the
UK fire door manufacturer JELD-WEN will be on hand to discuss sector-specific fire door solutions at this year’s Fire Safety Event. Returning to the event for the second year in a row, the specialist manufacturer of timber doors will be showcasing its expanded range of certified fire doorsets – and
Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with Women in Construction Anglia to help bridge the gap between the industry and education, and encourage more women into construction roles. The new partnership comes as the government commits £600 million to address the construction sector’s skills shortage, with the aim of
PERI and BECOFORM have strengthened their collaboration with their partnership for UK-based projects. Through this partnership, PERI secures access to a high-quality and innovative product with significant growth potential in the UK market. BECOSTOP, a permanent stop-end system, plays a key role in PERI’s Construction Accessories range, designed to enhance
Global fashion retailer UNIQLO is preparing to make its Glasgow debut with a new store on Argyle Street, marking its second location in Scotland. Spanning approximately 23,500 sq ft, the store is set to open later this year, adding to the ongoing transformation of Argyle Street, which recently welcomed Next
Prime plc has reached a significant milestone in Cornwall, achieving Financial Close on a key worker accommodation project in Truro, helping to address the critical lack of housing for key workers at Royal Cornwall Hospital. In June 2023, Steve Williamson, CEO of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, highlighted the
Multiplex has energised a 10MWp solar farm in Norfolk, marking a major milestone in its commitment to reducing carbon emissions across its London construction projects. The Northwold Solar PV generating station, developed in partnership with Ampyr Solar Europe (ASE), is now fully connected to the grid. This follows years of
Multiplex is gearing up to commence the main build phase of the £1bn Fifty Fenchurch Street development in London this summer. With Keltbray now completing piling and excavation works, Multiplex is preparing to take over as the main contractor for the 36-storey, 650,000 sq ft office tower, developed by AXA IM Alts. Awarded the contract in June 2024, Multiplex aims to complete the project by 2028. AXA IM Alts previously worked with Multiplex on the construction of 22 Bishopsgate, which was completed in 2020 and has recently reached full occupancy. Designed by Eric Parry Architects, Fifty Fenchurch Street is set to be one of the UK’s most sustainable and biodiverse high-rise office buildings, targeting BREEAM Outstanding and net zero in operation. The tower will feature internal and external gardens on the 10th floor, along with over 40 planted balconies and terraces. Each upper-level office floor will include two terraces with shrubs and flowering plants, enhancing both biodiversity and employee wellbeing. The development will also incorporate a new subterranean livery hall for The Clothworkers’ Company and the restoration of Lambe’s Chapel Crypt beneath the tower. Rob Samuel, UK head of development at AXA IM Alts, commented:“Our success at 22 Bishopsgate confirmed the importance of designing workspaces that evolve with occupiers’ needs, encouraging employees to return to the office. At Fifty Fenchurch Street, we are delivering exactly that—a landmark structure that blends best-in-class office space with green public areas while preserving the City of London’s heritage.” Fifty Fenchurch Street is set to redefine sustainable office design in the capital, offering a future-focused workspace that integrates nature, innovation, and history. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist capital advisory firm Arc & Co. has closed a 70% LTV debt package in partnership with Ingenious Capital Management, whilst also sourcing a JV equity investor to support the development of a purpose-built student accommodation project in Tower Hamlets, London. Southern Grove is developing the 111-bed, £36m GDV scheme in a joint venture with Falco Group. Andrey Redman, Director at Arc & Co., structured the debt with the Ingenious and Falco teams over a period of eight weeks. Andrey commented: “It is a pleasure to support ambitious developers who are acquiring and building to provide much-needed homes in the popular PBSA, BTR and co-living sectors. “Arc & Co. has the necessary expertise and deep relationships to source funding partners that have the right appetite and experience to back these ambitious strategies. “Our advisory approach ensures that the structuring results in the best possible outcome for the borrower—now and as part of their future business plans. “We are excited to support all parties as they bring their strategies to fruition.” The Tower Hamlets scheme will have a gross internal area of 43,249 sq ft, 5,382 sq ft of which will be commercial space. Construction is set to begin in Q4 this year. Southern Grove has ambitions to deliver 50,000 across its living sector brands, with 5,000 planned for 2024 alone. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
St John Ambulance launches Hi Vis Stress Vest campaign and new mental health first aid course. St John Ambulance has today launched a campaign to get construction workers to open up about their mental health after new research* found nearly seven in 10 have suspected a colleague was seriously depressed but felt it too difficult to talk about. Such is the taboo around the topic that 71% of research respondents admitted to giving their employer a different reason, such as a physical illness, for taking time off for mental health. Nearly four in 10, 39%, would rather quit their job than tell someone at work. The health charity has released the stark findings as it introduces a mental health first aid course that uses real-life scenarios to train workers to spot hidden signs, start difficult conversations and create workplaces where colleagues feel safe to share their problems. It hopes to kickstart these vital conversations by sharing limited edition “Hi Vis Stress Vests” with construction companies and celebrities including TV builder Tommy Walsh and construction entrepreneur Daniel Ashville Louisy. The back of each high-visibility jacket features a statement, such as “No-one will miss me when I’m gone”, to express some of the invisible mental distress that many builders don’t feel able to talk about. The research of 500 construction workers also revealed nearly a third, 31%, describe their current state as “struggling”, “overwhelmed” or “suicidal”, while 82% say they’ve suffered with a mental health challenge at some point in their career in the trade. Nearly a tenth, 8% have left their job as a result of mental health challenges, while 28% have considered leaving; more than a fifth, 21%, have taken over five sick days for the same reason. Nearly half, 48%, say their current levels of stress and anxiety are having a negative impact on their work. Peer pressure Although nearly two-thirds of respondents, 65%, agree it is healthier to share struggles about stress, anxiety or depression, nearly half (48%) think they’ll lose the trust and respect of their colleagues if they don’t put on a brave face. More than a fifth, 22%, believe doing so would be letting the team down, a fifth are too embarrassed and 14% believe they’ll be laughed at. However, more than half, 54%, of respondents said they would be more likely to share their problems if they had a trained mental health first aider on site. Six in 10, 60%, would like to see their employer do more to support mental health in their workplace. Lisa Sharman, head of education and commercial training at St John Ambulance, says: “We know that opening up about a mental health problem with someone who’s ready to listen is the first step towards getting vital help. Our research shows that those working in the construction sector find it particularly difficult to share what they’re going through. We’re confident that our Hi Vis Stress Vests will help get the conversation started. “However, we urge construction leaders to go further and equip themselves and employees with the skills to spot signs and start the difficult chats. St John’s new face-to-face mental health first aid course is interactive and practical, meaning employees find it engaging and leave with the tools to make a real difference to the wellbeing of the people around them.” Wellbeing manager at construction giant BAM, Rhianwen Conron, recently used the Hi Vis Stress Vests at a session for 10 workers. She says: “The messages on the back of the vests are very powerful and proved to be effective conversation starters. “I’m fully in support of this campaign. Anything that prompts our people to start opening up is valuable and having something physical to focus on, like these Hi Vis Stress Vests, is hugely helpful. “I think every construction company should be training people to hold these kinds of wellbeing conversations.” Jon Clayden, former project lead at construction giant ISG, which went into administration last year, says: “The building site is a tough and stressful environment, and whilst over the 30 years I’ve been in the industry, I’ve seen some improvements in mental health conversations, we still have a long way to go. “I’ve known people struggling with mental health issues, and the silence often comes from them simply not knowing how to approach it. “Mental health first aid training has been a critical experience for me, as it’s allowed me to spot signs and support my colleagues who find it challenging to speak up. It’s also given me the skillset to approach them first and show that someone is looking out for them. Having someone to speak to in confidence can be life-saving.” For more information visit sja.org.uk/hivis. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Drax Power has announced a major partnership with Power Minerals Limited (PML) to process pulverised fuel ash (PFA) for use in cement, in a move set to reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry. Under a newly agreed 20-year joint venture, PML will develop and operate a facility near the Drax Power Station in Selby, on land leased from Drax. The facility, expected to be operational by the end of 2026, will process PFA into a supplementary cementitious material (SCM), with a projected annual output of 400,000 tonnes once fully operational. Power Minerals, owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský—who recently acquired Royal Mail—will construct, own, and run the facility. Drax will supply PFA to the joint venture, as well as provide power and water to support operations. Lee Dawes, Chief Operations Officer at Drax, hailed the agreement as a landmark deal for both the energy and construction sectors. “Cement production is one of the most carbon-intensive industries globally, and through this partnership, we can help cut emissions in UK construction. Drax Power Station has long been vital to the UK’s energy security, and now it will also play a key role in reducing carbon emissions in construction.” Drax sees this joint venture as an opportunity to unlock additional value from its site while supporting the transition to low-carbon building materials. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK fire door manufacturer JELD-WEN will be on hand to discuss sector-specific fire door solutions at this year’s Fire Safety Event. Returning to the event for the second year in a row, the specialist manufacturer of timber doors will be showcasing its expanded range of certified fire doorsets – and highlighting performance criteria and design that supports use in a range of sectors. With more than 250 exhibitors, the Fire Safety Event (8-10 April) is the leading industry event bringing together construction experts, facilities managers, fire safety specialists and suppliers to share the latest fire safety innovations. Visitors to the JELD-WEN stand will get the opportunity to find out about the wide range of fire doorsets that it creates, including hardware options and different finishes. As a licensed door processor and having recently secured BM Trada Q Mark certification in addition to its existing Certifire and Certisecure, JELD-WEN manufactures and fabricates a wide range of fire doorsets for a range of different sectors. Throughout the event, experts from the team will be on hand to discuss performance and specification requirements – including the best options for key sectors where fire doors are frequently a requirement, such as hospitals, care homes, schools, high-rise residential buildings and office blocks. This includes considering key performance factors that tackle the challenges of that sector, including adequate fire ratings, acoustics, security, durability and aesthetics. Lisa Ward, Senior Manager, Product and Marketing at JELD-WEN UK, said: “Fire doors play a vital part in providing passive fire protection in buildings to help to keep occupants safe, providing a means of escape. “As well as showing the depth of JELD-WEN’s testing and certification in ensuring the highest performance standards in fire protection, this will be a good opportunity to highlight how our fire doors have been designed, tested, and certified with the end project in mind. “With a comprehensive sector-by-sector insight into fire door performance – and designed to complement building aesthetics, we are keen to show how fire doors have been designed to meet sector requirements. “This is a great arena to see the latest innovations in fire safety, and to highlight the ongoing commitment to ensure the highest standards across the board, and we look forward to taking part.” The Fire Safety Event takes place at the NEC, Birmingham – visit JELD-WEN at stand 4/L37 or find out more about its fire doorsets at https://www.jeld-wen.co.uk/products/fire-doors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with Women in Construction Anglia to help bridge the gap between the industry and education, and encourage more women into construction roles. The new partnership comes as the government commits £600 million to address the construction sector’s skills shortage, with the aim of ensuring Suffolk leads the way on collaboration and tackling the skills gap within the industry. At its core, the partnership looks to enhance skills development by collaborating with local education institutions and local businesses, address barriers to work, promote diversity and inclusion and facilitate engagement between the industry and education. John Dugmore, CEO of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to bridging the gap between industry and education. “We have been working behind the scenes on this partnership for some time, so the Chancellor’s announcement on investing in skills in construction has come at the perfect time. “With this new partnership, we can ensure that Suffolk remains at the forefront of the construction sector, continuing to work with our partners in our Suffolk colleges and higher education institutions, with skills leads in our local authorities and, most importantly, with industry so the county is equipped with a diverse and skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.” The government’s investment seeks to train up to 60,000 skilled construction workers by 2029, supporting the plan to build 1.5 million homes and stimulate economic growth. With women currently making up only 15% of the workforce in the construction industry, it is hoped that through the work of organisations like Women in Construction Anglia and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce that more women will be involved in plans to get Britain building again. Clare Friel, Founder of Women in Construction Anglia, said: “Our collaboration with the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce amplifies our efforts to inspire and support women in the construction industry. “Since its inception we have been proud to collaborate with colleges across Suffolk but have aspirations to take our work across the region. “Together, we can create more opportunities and drive meaningful change” Since its launch in October 2024, Women in Construction Anglia has made a big impact in the sector, engaging more than 600 individuals through events and initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in construction. More information on Women on Construction Anglia can be found here and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PERI and BECOFORM have strengthened their collaboration with their partnership for UK-based projects. Through this partnership, PERI secures access to a high-quality and innovative product with significant growth potential in the UK market. BECOSTOP, a permanent stop-end system, plays a key role in PERI’s Construction Accessories range, designed to enhance construction projects through efficient installation, reduced material waste, and improved safety standards. Meanwhile, German-based manufacturer BECOFORM looks forward to gaining comprehensive UK coverage through projects facilitated by PERI along with the added benefits of technical and sales support, marking a significant milestone in its market expansion. With shared goals and complementary strengths, both companies look forward to a successful partnership focused on delivering exceptional service and value to their customers. Richard Fuchs & Tobias Klich, Managing Directors at BECOFORM commented: “We as BECOFORM are proud to have a strong partnership with PERI UK. We greatly value the excellent collaboration, which has enabled us to successfully support a wide range of projects together. In particular, we would like to highlight the outstanding technical consulting and professional expertise of the PERI UK team, which plays a key role in providing optimal support for our products in the UK market. We sincerely thank the entire PERI UK team for their dedication and look forward to further strengthening our successful and trusted partnership with PERI for our products in the UK market.” Ian Hayes, PERI UK Managing Director commented: “We’ve established a solid foundation with the team at BECOFORM, and I’m excited about the opportunities this partnership creates for PERI UK. With the extended support from BECOFORM, we can deliver labour-saving solutions like BECOSTOP to our customers’ sites quickly. I’m confident that we can measurably increase site efficiencies through BECOSTOP, which will be game-changing for those seeking more modern and sustainable approaches to construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global fashion retailer UNIQLO is preparing to make its Glasgow debut with a new store on Argyle Street, marking its second location in Scotland. Spanning approximately 23,500 sq ft, the store is set to open later this year, adding to the ongoing transformation of Argyle Street, which recently welcomed Next at the end of last year. The Glasgow store joins UNIQLO’s existing Scottish location in Edinburgh, which opened in 2023. Across the UK, the brand operates over 20 stores, including key sites on London’s Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Battersea, as well as regional locations in Manchester, Liverpool, and Oxford. The retailer is also gearing up to launch its first Midlands store at the Bullring in Birmingham. Savills represented the landlord, Sovereign Centros, while Sims Property Consultants acted on behalf of UNIQLO. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prime plc has reached a significant milestone in Cornwall, achieving Financial Close on a key worker accommodation project in Truro, helping to address the critical lack of housing for key workers at Royal Cornwall Hospital. In June 2023, Steve Williamson, CEO of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, highlighted the growing housing challenges faced by hospital staff, which directly impact recruitment and retention, posing long-term risks to maintaining quality care for the community. Prime, a specialist in health and care development, is now working with the Trust to deliver this much-needed key worker housing. The first development site has been identified on Tresawls Road, which has planning permission to deliver 89 new beds for key workers. The site is within walking distance of the hospital and completion of the scheme is targeted for January 2027. This project is part of a broader initiative, and Prime is committed to working long-term with the Trust to identify additional development sites to meet current and future demand. The Tresawls Road site will provide 22 units across 3 blocks of new purpose-built residential accommodation, offering a total of 89 beds arranged in 3, 4 and 5-bed apartments. Nevada Construction Limited have been appointed as the main contractor. Ella Ballatti Stracey, Chief Performance, Partnerships and Transformation Officer at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The key worker accommodation project is fantastic news for RCHT. Cornwall faces significant housing challenges, which many of our colleagues will have experienced firsthand. These challenges have had a direct and definite impact on issues around recruitment and retention, putting a greater demand on colleagues who provide such an integral role delivering care for our patients and community. “All of us at RCHT are incredibly pleased to see key worker accommodation now being provided so close to our Royal Cornwall Hospitals site. We hope this development, along with the promised 35% affordable homes being offered as part of the new Langarth Garden Village, will pave the way for more opportunities to provide sustainable, secure accommodation to our key workers, both from RCHT and the wider public services.” Leighton Chumbley, Chief Executive at Prime, said: “We are thrilled to reach Financial Close on this vital project. The key worker housing initiative in Truro is a testament to our commitment to supporting NHS staff and enhancing community wellbeing. “By providing high-quality accommodation, we aim to improve the lives of those who dedicate themselves to healthcare, ensuring they have a comfortable and convenient place to live.” Prime aims to collaborate closely with end-users and the local community to ensure the delivery of the right facilities in the right locations. Beyond addressing immediate accommodation needs, Prime is committed to creating long-term social value, including employing local workers and using local suppliers to support the economy. The support of the community in reaching and understanding local needs is invaluable, and this effort is crucial to securing the future of NHS services in Truro, strengthening Cornwall as a place to live and work. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multiplex has energised a 10MWp solar farm in Norfolk, marking a major milestone in its commitment to reducing carbon emissions across its London construction projects. The Northwold Solar PV generating station, developed in partnership with Ampyr Solar Europe (ASE), is now fully connected to the grid. This follows years of planning and a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed in November 2023, making Multiplex the first UK contractor to operate its own dedicated solar farm. From April 2025, green energy offset under the PPA will power four of Multiplex’s major London developments, including New Zealand House, One Exchange Square, and Bankside Yards (Building 2). The company intends to bring all future projects under this long-term 15-year renewable energy partnership. The Northwold PV project spans 19 hectares, housing 16,380 solar panels with a generation capacity of 10MWp. Producing around 11,448 MWh annually, it can supply energy to over 4,200 homes. A 7.5MW battery storage system, managed by GridBeyond, will provide additional grid support during peak demand. Multiplex UK regional director Tom Marke hailed the project as a game-changer for the construction industry, stating:“Northwold PV going online is a significant step in reducing our carbon emissions—delivering actions, not just words, in the drive to decarbonise UK construction. This self-generated renewable energy will result in verifiable emission reductions, aligning with the UK’s National Grid decarbonisation goals.” Ampyr Solar Europe chief executive Tarun Agrawal added:“This project is another vital step towards a cleaner, greener future. We’re proud to be expanding our European renewable energy portfolio while supporting the UK’s ambitious net zero targets.” By securing a long-term renewable energy supply, Multiplex is driving towards its 2030 sustainability targets, including net zero building operations, zero emissions transport, and zero avoidable waste—paving the way for a more sustainable construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
