As 2025 wraps up and we all prepare to blueprint a brighter, bolder 2026, the BDC team wanted to share a festive smile with our readers across the worlds of construction, development, architecture, real estate, engineering, sustainability and the countless trades keeping the UK’s built environment thriving. So, here are
Panattoni has expanded its UK logistics pipeline with the acquisition of a 15-acre site at Brackmills Industrial Estate in Northampton, where it intends to deliver a speculative warehouse scheme with a gross development value of around £75 million. The site, formerly the Baxters Healthcare National Distribution Centre on Salthouse Road,
Amro Partners has submitted a major planning application to transform Lewisham Retail Park into a large mixed-use residential neighbourhood, marking one of the most substantial regeneration proposals brought forward in the borough in recent years. The application, submitted on 4 December and currently awaiting validation by Lewisham Council, outlines the
Kier Property is moving ahead with the transformation of a key site in Sharston after completing demolition works and securing planning approval for its new Trade City and Logistics City scheme. The four-acre site, purchased earlier this year from Electrium, a Siemens subsidiary, is now ready for the construction phase,
Aldi has marked a major milestone in its ongoing UK growth push after opening five new stores within the space of 24 hours across 11 and 12 December. The new branches are located in Uxbridge, Northallerton, Pershore, Old Kent Road in London, and Yate in Bristol, significantly increasing the retailer’s
Foot injuries contribute to a huge number of lost workdays in various industries. This makes choosing the right safety and working boots from RS a key part of work safety and compliance, as it helps prevent serious injuries. When well chosen, these boots go beyond safety, as they enable workers
AM ALPHA has appointed commercial property experts JLL as a letting agent on its pioneering Manchester scheme, Rylands. AM ALPHA, a Munich based privately owned real estate family office, has recruited the global real estate advisory firm to assist with sourcing tenants for the impressive mixed-use development. Rylands, located in the former Debenhams building on Market Street, is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment.
Manufactured steel is one of the few materials that can move from design intent to site reality with very little “interpretation”, as long as it’s made precisely and backed by the right paperwork. That matters even more in Great Britain now that CE marking is recognised only until 30 June
Contractor Clegg Construction has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new commercial manager. Andy Bore will be the commercial lead on the Midway Karparc project – an innovative scheme in Newcastle-under-Lyme to redevelop a 1960s former multi-storey car park into apartments which is being undertaken by Clegg Construction
McLaren Construction Midlands and North is proud to announce that its annual charity fundraising efforts have raised £5,271.25, supporting this year’s chosen charities: The Lighthouse Club – the construction industry charity, and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). The fundraising total includes £4,345.00 raised through events and donations including Christmas
As 2025 wraps up and we all prepare to blueprint a brighter, bolder 2026, the BDC team wanted to share a festive smile with our readers across the worlds of construction, development, architecture, real estate, engineering, sustainability and the countless trades keeping the UK’s built environment thriving. So, here are ten delightfully daft, industry-flavoured ways to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to your December… From all of us at Building Design & Construction, thank you for your support, your insight, and your commitment to shaping the spaces we live, work and play in. Wishing you a wonderful festive season, a well-deserved break, and a prosperous year of innovation, creativity and growth in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni has expanded its UK logistics pipeline with the acquisition of a 15-acre site at Brackmills Industrial Estate in Northampton, where it intends to deliver a speculative warehouse scheme with a gross development value of around £75 million. The site, formerly the Baxters Healthcare National Distribution Centre on Salthouse Road, will be redeveloped into a single 340,000 sq ft logistics unit known as Brackmills 340. A planning application for the project is expected to be submitted in the first quarter of 2026, with construction scheduled to start in 2028. Panattoni said the decision to bring the scheme forward speculatively reflects sustained demand in one of the UK’s most established logistics markets. Gregg Titley, Head of Development for the East and West Midlands at Panattoni, described the Brackmills opportunity as a rare chance to deliver a prime, high-quality facility in a market characterised by limited available supply. He said the site’s strategic position, strong transport links, and capacity for flexible design will appeal to both national and regional occupiers seeking sustainable, efficient accommodation. Panattoni highlighted the scheme’s planned ESG features as a key component of its offer, with the building expected to meet high environmental performance standards. The company has continued to expand its footprint across the Midlands in response to growing occupier interest in modern, well-connected distribution space. CBRE advised Panattoni on the acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Amro Partners has submitted a major planning application to transform Lewisham Retail Park into a large mixed-use residential neighbourhood, marking one of the most substantial regeneration proposals brought forward in the borough in recent years. The application, submitted on 4 December and currently awaiting validation by Lewisham Council, outlines the full redevelopment of the 2.8-acre site on Loampit Vale, which Amro acquired earlier this year. The plans set out a £650 million scheme comprising five new buildings and close to 2,000 square metres of commercial floorspace. The development would deliver 387 Build-to-Rent homes, 383 co-living studios and 682 student rooms, creating a total of 1,452 residential units. Discussions are said to be under way with specialist food hall operators to take up 1,000 square metres of the proposed commercial space. The Build-to-Rent homes would include one to three-bedroom flats, with layouts intended to accommodate single residents through to larger households of up to six people. Affordable housing levels have yet to be agreed with the council, though the intention is for the scheme to incorporate a blend of social rent and discounted market rent homes. Public realm improvements form a substantial part of the proposals, with plans for two residential garden areas and a central square featuring seating, children’s play spaces, open lawns, walking and cycling routes, and almost 100 new trees. Amro said the aim is to create a vibrant, inclusive environment to support long-term community life. Raj Kotecha, chief executive and co-founder of Amro Partners, described the proposals as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the site into a new sustainable neighbourhood. He said the team had spent months engaging with local people to help inform the vision and ensure the development delivers meaningful social, environmental and housing benefits. The site was previously owned by Legal & General, which secured consent in 2018 for a residential-led scheme that was never brought forward. If Amro’s plans are validated, they will move into the formal decision-making process, including public consultation and eventual consideration by either a planning officer or planning committee. Should planning permission be granted, Amro anticipates beginning construction in early 2027, with phased completion expected through 2029 and 2030. The scale of the proposals sits alongside other major regeneration activity in the area, including Landsec’s £1.5 billion redevelopment of Lewisham Shopping Centre, approved in October, which will deliver 1,744 homes alongside student accommodation and co-living units. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier Property is moving ahead with the transformation of a key site in Sharston after completing demolition works and securing planning approval for its new Trade City and Logistics City scheme. The four-acre site, purchased earlier this year from Electrium, a Siemens subsidiary, is now ready for the construction phase, which is scheduled to begin in early 2026. The redevelopment will deliver close to 100,000 sq ft of modern employment space, replacing ageing industrial units that had reached the end of their operational life. The scheme comprises eight Trade City units ranging from 5,391 to 11,664 sq ft, designed to accommodate small and medium-sized enterprises, trade counters and light industrial occupiers. In addition, a single Logistics City building of 34,584 sq ft will offer contemporary space for operators requiring efficient layouts and strong transport connectivity. Kier has delivered similar schemes elsewhere, including one completed in late 2024, which brought forward a further 94,000 sq ft of new industrial accommodation. The company said the Sharston project will help address ongoing demand for high-quality space within an established commercial area. Leigh Thomas, group managing director at Kier Property, said the completion of demolition and positive planning outcome marked a significant milestone. He added that the new development would provide modern, sustainable premises for occupiers seeking well-connected locations with access to key markets. Savills and JLL have been appointed as joint agents for the scheme. Alex Palfreyman, director at Savills, said the project represents a timely addition to a supply-constrained industrial and trade counter market, offering new options for businesses seeking space in the area. Design work is being led by Horizon Fletcher Rae, while Savills is also advising on planning matters. Full details of the project can be found on Manchester City Council’s planning portal under reference number 143771/FO/2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi has marked a major milestone in its ongoing UK growth push after opening five new stores within the space of 24 hours across 11 and 12 December. The new branches are located in Uxbridge, Northallerton, Pershore, Old Kent Road in London, and Yate in Bristol, significantly increasing the retailer’s reach in the run-up to Christmas. The openings form part of Aldi’s long-term ambition to operate 1,500 UK stores, up from its current total of around 1,070. The supermarket has outlined a substantial investment plan to support this expansion, including £650 million allocated for store launches and refurbishments in 2025, and a further £1.6 billion committed over the following two years. Jon Neale, real estate managing director at Aldi UK, said the rapid series of openings highlights both the retailer’s momentum and the strong demand from customers for more local access to its offer. He added that launching five stores in the days leading up to Christmas will provide a timely boost to shoppers in each of the newly served areas. Neale emphasised that Aldi remains focused on expanding in locations where it can make the greatest positive impact, supported by teams that deliver its value-focused approach. He said the retailer is moving at pace to bring its combination of low prices and high-quality products to more communities across the country. With the latest openings completed, Aldi’s expansion drive shows no sign of slowing as it continues to target new sites and broaden its national footprint heading into 2025 and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Foot injuries contribute to a huge number of lost workdays in various industries. This makes choosing the right safety and working boots from RS a key part of work safety and compliance, as it helps prevent serious injuries. When well chosen, these boots go beyond safety, as they enable workers to move, lift, and focus on the task at hand without worrying about things like slipping or chemical exposure. However, they also come in a wide variety, as they are used in multiple industries and different environmental conditions. This makes choosing the right type a key part of safety, compliance, and productivity. Why safety boots are important In most cases, professionals come to appreciate work boots as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) when they are working in a risky environment. These are more than just foot covers, as they act as a worker’s first line of defence against environmental hazards. The boots can absorb impact, keep out unwanted elements, and provide grip when you need it most. But that’s just one aspect of work boots. Higher-quality safety wear is designed to reduce fatigue and support a worker’s posture, which helps them move with confidence. Things like walking, bending, lifting, and climbing become much safer and less exhausting. How to choose the right safety boots for your job To pick the right safety boots, you need to match the type of footwear to the specific risks and demands you or your workers face. Is it heavy objects that can drop on the feet, sharp objects that can puncture the sole, or wet and muddy conditions? This consideration also goes hand in hand with environmental factors like cold conditions and electrical hazards. Fit and comfort are also important, as a boot that’s too tight or too loose can lead to issues like fatigue, blisters, or even long-term foot and joint issues. There’s also the durability aspect, but this one is more about using the right shoe for the job and environment. Main types of safety boots To choose the right safety boots, you first need to understand the different types available and what each of them is designed to protect against. Steel-toe boots These boots usually have a reinforced steel cap over the toes. They are designed to protect a worker from impacts, falling objects, and compression. They are the shoes that are most common in warehouses and are a major part of construction site safety. But while the toes provide much-needed protection, they also make the shoes a bit heavier than other options. You also need to ensure that they are a proper fit and have proper cushioning. Composite-toe boots These are also meant to offer extra protection to toes, but they use non-metal materials for the same purpose. Some common ones are carbon fibre, Kevlar, and hard plastic. The materials used make them lighter than steel-toe boots, and the lack of metal is also useful in workplaces that use metal detectors or where there are risks of electrical hazards. Safety trainers These ones look and actually feel more like athletic shoes. However, they have several protective features like reinforced toes, anti-slip soles, and puncture resistance. They are mostly meant to be used in light-duty work and indoor environments. You can use them when you need to ensure worker mobility and comfort, besides protection. They are mostly used by warehouse staff, logistics teams, or technicians who need to move around to ensure everything is working well. Wellington boots These are mostly meant to offer protection against water. They tend to be high-cut and are made from rubber or PVC. Some also have reinforced toes. Wellies, as they are often called, are mostly used in agriculture and food processing. Insulated or thermal boots This type is designed for cold or extreme environments. They are mostly meant to provide heat, so they often have layers of insulation and don’t allow water to enter. The boots are particularly useful in winter and when working in cold storage facilities, as workers can be exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods. The boots will keep their feet safe from frostbite and discomfort but also not cause excessive sweating.
AM ALPHA has appointed commercial property experts JLL as a letting agent on its pioneering Manchester scheme, Rylands. AM ALPHA, a Munich based privately owned real estate family office, has recruited the global real estate advisory firm to assist with sourcing tenants for the impressive mixed-use development. Rylands, located in the former Debenhams building on Market Street, is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment. Construction work is being carried out by local contractor, Domis, who have recently completed the demolition works. The project is set for completion in 2027. Plans include a four-storey extension to create an additional 40,000 sq. ft of office space. Upon completion, it will transform the landmark listed building into a mixed-use development comprising retail, leisure and office space. JLL’s appointment follows shortly after the Rylands project team announced Market Place Food Hall as its first tenant. The popular street food collective has committed to a 15-year lease covering approximately 1,300 sqm. Paul Hodgkiss, Senior Project Manager at AM ALPHA said: “JLL’s experience and deep understanding of the UK office market makes them the ideal partner to bring this iconic Manchester landmark back to life. Securing a renowned tenant like Market Place so early into the project is incredibly exciting and has already generated strong interest. We aim to create the best office space in Manchester, and our agents are already playing a crucial role in helping us showcase the product to national and international businesses.” JLL joins existing agency partners OBI Property and Barker Proudlove following the firm’s official appointment in July. OBI will work collaboratively with JLL to source tenants for the office space, while Barker Proudlove will continue to oversee retail lettings. Devany, Head of Office Agency North West said: “Rylands is a transformative landmark office scheme not just for Manchester but the wider UK regions. We’re delighted to collaborate with the existing agency team, leveraging JLL’s market-leading expertise to support AM ALPHA’s vision. Having witnessed Domis’ exceptional construction progress firsthand, it’s clear that Rylands will emerge as a defining office destination that beautifully preserves its rich heritage while delivering architectural excellence exactly when Manchester faces its most significant Grade A office supply shortage.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manufactured steel is one of the few materials that can move from design intent to site reality with very little “interpretation”, as long as it’s made precisely and backed by the right paperwork. That matters even more in Great Britain now that CE marking is recognised only until 30 June 2025, and from 1 July 2025 CE marking is no longer acceptable in GB for in-scope construction products, putting UKCA marking and clear conformity evidence firmly in the spotlight. Steel is often chosen because it’s predictable: you can design it, fabricate it, deliver it, and assemble it quickly. But that promise depends on components arriving to spec, fitting first time, and carrying the documentation that proves they’re compliant. That’s why, when teams are sourcing fabricated sections and components from suppliers such as NW Metal Sections, the conversation quickly turns to tolerances, traceability, and the paperwork trail that makes sign-off straightforward. The compliance angle isn’t abstract either. UKCA marking is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain, and it demonstrates compliance with the appropriate designated standard for a product; for fabricated structural steelwork specifically, the designated standard is BS EN 1090-1, and fabricated structural steelwork delivered to a site in GB must be UKCA marked (or CE marked only up to 30 June 2025) against BS EN 1090-1. So, instead of treating “precision” as a nice extra, it’s more useful to see it as a practical risk-control habit that helps projects run smoothly. Let’s look at five industries that rely on manufactured steel, and what precision really changes for safety, performance, and build quality. Construction & structural engineering In mainstream building work, manufactured steel is everywhere you’d expect: primary frames, beams and columns, connection plates, stairs, and all the secondary pieces that make a structure buildable in real life. What’s easy to forget is how many other decisions get anchored to that steel geometry. Set-out lines, floor zones, façade interfaces, service penetrations, fire protection thicknesses, handrail runs. When the steel arrives accurately made, you don’t just get a faster steel erection. You get fewer micro-delays rippling through the rest of the build. This is one reason steel keeps such a strong position in UK structural framing. BCSA reported that steel took the greatest market share at 48.6% in 2023 compared with other framing materials. That’s a market signal that a lot of teams still value the speed and certainty that good steelwork can bring. Precision is how you protect that certainty. Not in a perfectionist way, but in a practical one: holes line up, cleats don’t need “encouragement”, and tolerances don’t get spent on site trying to correct something that should’ve been right before it arrived. And there’s a quiet confidence boost that comes with it. When the steel package is consistent and well evidenced, design teams and site teams can spend their time on coordination and quality, rather than detective work. Infrastructure & civil engineering Infrastructure and civil engineering projects tend to have one thing in common: interfaces. Lots of them. Bridges, gantries, stations, platforms, and access structures often connect to existing assets, third-party land, live highways, or rail environments. That leaves less room for improvisation, and it makes precise manufactured steel feel less like “nice workmanship” and more like a planning tool. In these settings, precision supports safety in a very grounded way. If parts fit first time, people spend less time doing awkward work at height, less time around temporary arrangements, and less time trying to resolve clashing details while the clock is ticking. It also supports performance, because infrastructure often lives with cyclic loading, weather exposure, and long inspection intervals where durability details matter. There’s also a broader supply reality behind the scenes. The UK government’s steel strategy consultation notes that the UK currently has a demand for steel of around 9 to 11 million tonnes a year. That’s a lot of material moving through many hands, which means the winners tend to be the supply chains that are organised, traceable, and consistent. A useful mindset for civil teams is to treat precision like good traffic management. It doesn’t make the project “fancy”. It makes it calmer. And calmer tends to be safer. Industrial & commercial buildings Industrial and commercial buildings are where steel’s repeatability really gets tested. Big footprints, regular grids, long spans, and plenty of follow-on systems that want everything to be straight and true: cladding rails, dock levellers, mezzanines, sprinkler mains, lighting, racking, and signage. When steel is accurately fabricated, that repetition becomes a genuine advantage because every bay behaves like the last. BCSA’s 2024 annual review put a number on how much steelwork runs through the UK economy and where it’s going. It stated that consumption of constructional steelwork remained at 893,000 tonnes in 2023, and it also noted industrial buildings increased by 2.2% to 450,000 tonnes in 2023. For anyone working around logistics, distribution, retail parks, or large commercial shells, those figures will feel familiar. Where precision matters most here is build quality at speed. Industrial projects often have hard operational dates, tenant fit-outs waiting in the wings, and strict rules about watertightness and floor performance. A steel frame that arrives cleanly made helps the project hit the point where it can be closed in, serviced, and finished without endless snag loops. Here’s the thought-provoking question that’s worth asking early, before the first fabrication drawings are even signed off: if the whole building typology is based on repetition, why accept site fixes that break the repeatability you’re paying for? Automotive & manufacturing facilities Manufacturing sites don’t just “contain” processes. They support them. In automotive and broader manufacturing facilities, steel shows up as the building frame, of course, but also in the steelwork that makes the place usable: equipment bases, access platforms, edge protection, service gantries, and structural supports around plant. It’s the kind of steel that has to live alongside motion, vibration, heavy loads, and frequent operational changes. That’s why precision lands differently in this sector. In
Contractor Clegg Construction has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new commercial manager. Andy Bore will be the commercial lead on the Midway Karparc project – an innovative scheme in Newcastle-under-Lyme to redevelop a 1960s former multi-storey car park into apartments which is being undertaken by Clegg Construction for Capital & Centric. He will also provide commercial and contractual support across the wider business and assist with the development, training and mentoring of the commercial team. With 24 years of working in the construction sector for companies such as Interserve, Kier, Thomas Vale Construction, nmcn and most recently GF Tomlinson, Andy brings a wealth of experience to the role. Clegg Construction Commercial Director Dan Manley said: “We are very pleased to welcome Andy to the Clegg Construction team. His extensive experience and proven track record in the industry will be an asset to our business. “Andy possesses expertise that I am sure will bring a positive impact, not only to the Midway Karparc project but across our wider operations as we continue to deliver successful developments for our public and private sector clients.” Andy, has worked on a wide range of schemes – both new build and refurbishment – including schools, shopping centres, a leisure centre and swimming pool, office block, student accommodation, high end housing, bio mass facility, heritage projects, and a few blue light schemes. Andy said: “I am excited to have started a new role as commercial manager at Clegg Construction – bringing my experience and expertise to the company at an exciting time when there is much in the pipeline to look forward to and celebrate.” With its headquarters in the Lace Market, Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialities across a comprehensive range of sectors. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North is proud to announce that its annual charity fundraising efforts have raised £5,271.25, supporting this year’s chosen charities: The Lighthouse Club – the construction industry charity, and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). The fundraising total includes £4,345.00 raised through events and donations including Christmas Jumper Day, plus an additional £926.25 through Gift Aid. The Midlands and North team have led a range of fundraising activities across the region this year, supported by McLaren colleagues, supply chain partners, subcontractors and external businesses. A key highlight of the fundraising programme was a raffle supported by the generous donation of prizes from McLaren’s supply chain and partners. Contributions included a Sainsbury’s voucher from EH Smiths, four Aston Villa tickets donated by DP Interiors, two Liverpool FC tickets from Cara Brickwork, an iPad from Taurus Electrical, a Celtic Manor stay from Oakwood, a Harrods hamper from Grimes Finishings, and a Coventry hotel stay from Village Hotels. They also included an afternoon tea experience from IHG, a £250 cash donation from MJS, breakfast and cocktails from Albert’s Schloss, a gift card from Fazenda, a meal and cocktails for two from Revolution, a television donated by Miles, and significant £1,000 cash donations from both McCoys and MPB. Luke Arnold, Regional Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “A big thank you to Lucy Cramp, Kath Sheppard and Tina Shelton, for all their efforts working tirelessly to bring all of this together, a lot of work goes into this behind the scenes to make this possible and improving the cash raised year on year!” Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are incredibly proud of the teamwork, generosity and community spirit shown across our Midlands and North region. Supporting The Lighthouse Club and the Motor Neurone Disease Association is deeply important to us, and reaching this fundraising milestone reflects the dedication of our people and our partners. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals