Beauty giant Sephora has opened its first UK store of 2025 at Liverpool ONE, marking the brand’s eighth location across the country. The 6,727 sq ft store brings Sephora’s signature range of beauty and self-care products to the heart of the popular retail destination, joining a strong line-up of existing
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the transformation of Atlantic House in Reading, delivering the new Reading Police Station for Thames Valley Police (TVP). The fit-out and refurbishment specialist has repurposed over 37,000 sq ft of office space across three floors, providing TVP with a facility that delivers the operational requirements
A new report by CBRE, commissioned by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), has highlighted the acute need for more grow-on space for life sciences, and in particular digital health companies if the region is going to fulfill its potential and retain its home-grown talent. CBRE’s research found that with over
New Uswitch analysis of government data has revealed the UK’s top-performing local authorities for renewable energy generation per household, with Moray in Scotland emerging as the national leader. Table 1: Top ten local authorities with the largest renewable energy capacity in megawatts per 1,000 households Rank Local authority Capacity in
Earlier last week, the workplace and facilities management (WFM) community celebrated World FM Day and its theme of “Resilience in action: thriving in a world of change”. While professional resilience and organisational resilience are integral for the WFM sector to do its best work, IWFM’s Strategic Leaders Forum (SLF), Sustainability
Tk Maxx has unveiled a detailed wishlist of prime retail spots as it prepares for a significant expansion across London. The fashion and homeware retailer, which currently operates around 350 stores across the UK, is on the hunt for new premises ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet. It is
Wealth management firm Quilter has extended its partnership with Sodexo for a further three years, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality workplace experiences across its UK offices. Sodexo has been providing integrated food and facilities management services to Quilter since 2020, covering 18 sites across the UK and Ireland. Prior
Eclipse Power Networks to adopt and maintain mission-critical power infrastructure for new hyperscaler campus Eclipse Power Networks, a leading Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), has secured a significant contract with Colt Data Centre Services to adopt and maintain grid connections totalling 250 megawatts (MW) for its hyperscale data centre campus
Glasgow City Council has approved plans for the final stage of the long-running Collegelands redevelopment, giving the green light to a £95 million mixed-use scheme in the city’s Calton district. The new project, known as Collegelands Park, will feature two purpose-built student accommodation blocks providing 591 beds, alongside 147 build-to-rent
The Oxford Science Park has secured planning permission for a new 80,000 sq ft best-in-class laboratory and office building, unlocking the next major phase of growth at the Park. The approved development will see the construction of a state-of-the-art four-storey building offering high-specification laboratory and office space tailored to the
Beauty giant Sephora has opened its first UK store of 2025 at Liverpool ONE, marking the brand’s eighth location across the country. The 6,727 sq ft store brings Sephora’s signature range of beauty and self-care products to the heart of the popular retail destination, joining a strong line-up of existing UK locations including Westfield London, Trafford Centre in Manchester, and Birmingham Bullring. Liverpool ONE’s new addition is the first in a string of upcoming launches for Sephora, with further stores planned for Meadowhall in Sheffield, Manchester Arndale, and St David’s in Cardiff later this year. Rob Deacon, director of asset management at Liverpool ONE – Landsec, commented: “The hugely anticipated Sephora UK store is the latest in a series of milestone launches here at Liverpool ONE as we reach the halfway point of the busiest year of openings since the destination launched in 2008. “This flagship 6,727 sq ft space is the epitome of what Liverpool ONE is known for — a UK hotspot for best-in-class brands and standout experiences. We’re delighted to welcome Sephora, a global beauty powerhouse, adding even more reasons for shoppers to visit.” The launch coincides with a wider retail uplift at Liverpool ONE, including the opening of TFG London’s multi-brand flagship on South John Street, featuring products from Hobbs, Phase Eight, Whistles, and Inside Story. Sephora’s continued UK expansion underscores growing demand for experiential retail and premium beauty offerings, with Liverpool ONE proving to be a strategic and high-profile step in the brand’s rollout. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the transformation of Atlantic House in Reading, delivering the new Reading Police Station for Thames Valley Police (TVP). The fit-out and refurbishment specialist has repurposed over 37,000 sq ft of office space across three floors, providing TVP with a facility that delivers the operational requirements for the area. The completion of the project enables TVP to consolidate its operations and transition from its previous premises on Castle Street in Reading. Each floor of Atlantic House has been fully refurbished with new ceilings, partitions, and high-quality finishes, alongside upgraded MEP systems. Police officers and staff working from the new facility also benefit from new locker and shower facilities, and other improvements such as communal break-out areas which enhance workplace wellbeing. The project worked to high environmental standards and is set to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating. It was delivered via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF). As part of its commitment to social value, Willmott Dixon Interiors invested in the local community through supplier partnerships, engagement with schools and colleges, and employment opportunities. Nick Kent, project director at Willmott Dixon Interiors said: “The successful refurbishment of Atlantic House provides TVP with a high-quality, efficient, and sustainable workplace tailored to the needs of a modern police force. Beyond delivering a first-class facility, we are proud to have made a meaningful contribution to the local community, supporting employment, skills development, and social initiatives that leave a lasting legacy.” James Wright, head of SCF (South East & London) said: “The completion of this modern and sustainable workspace is a big milestone for TVP and will enable their teams to continue delivering the highest standards for the community. It has been a pleasure to support such a crucial public service in the delivery of these new facilities.” Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed more than 50 fit out and refurbishment projects in the blue light and secured environment sector in recent years. These include projects for the Ministry of Defence and Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and the provision of justice and custody facilities for the Ministry of Justice. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new report by CBRE, commissioned by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), has highlighted the acute need for more grow-on space for life sciences, and in particular digital health companies if the region is going to fulfill its potential and retain its home-grown talent. CBRE’s research found that with over 600 health and life sciences companies, including 250 MedTech firms and over 90 digital health enterprises, West Yorkshire is emerging as a top ten cluster due to its vibrant start-up culture, skilled graduates and strong research network. The 51,618 sector professionals across the region represent a 10% annual growth and Leeds has a significantly higher density of these employees than the national average. The UK is aiming to develop 21 million sq ft of lab space by 2030 and investment currently remains concentrated in established hubs. CBRE’s report shows increasing investor interest in the sector, with 58% of funding from Venture Capital funds into West Yorkshire going to life sciences and technology. However, if the region is going to continue to attract investment and retain home grown talent, it will need to address the supply issue. Jonathan Lowe, Head of Science & Technology for the North at CBRE, explains: “West Yorkshire has done a fantastic job of enabling start-ups to get established, evidenced by the fact that Leeds University’s Nexus incubator is nearing capacity, so the question now is where these companies will move to. The key is to keep that talent, innovation and the associated jobs within the region and provide a range of flexible space with a combination of offices, labs and industrial facilities to satisfy demand. It is important to encourage clustering to enable knowledge and resource sharing and avoid new facilities becoming too disbursed.” CBRE’s report shows there are 44 live occupier requirements in West Yorkshire, with remaining lab availability limited at Nexus in Leeds and Huddersfield’s 3M Buckley Innovation Centre. All of the available lab space across the region is within suites of 2,000 sq ft and below, leaving little room for growth. Most grow-on requirements start above 5,000 sq ft, therefore intervention is required to bridge this gap. Lowe continues: “The repurposing of office stock is certainly a viable solution, particularly for digital health companies who don’t typically require the same specific requirements of wet lab facilities. Redundant space within medical and university estates could present opportunities, providing the buildings have the underlying building infrastructure fundamentals within locations surrounding the key research institutions.” Looking ahead, there is 45,166 sq ft of lab and office space to come forward at Old Medical School in Leeds but this isn’t set to be available until 2027. The future development pipeline for West Yorkshire also includes future phases of Innovation Village in Leeds, the National Health Innovation Campus in Huddersfield and the focus in Bradford on the Knowledge Quarter. CBRE’s report concluded that the West Yorkshire life sciences sector holds significant growth potential and that by addressing specific real estate needs, fostering clustering and investing in targeted incubator and grow on development, the region can solidify its position as a competitive player in the UK life science landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New Uswitch analysis of government data has revealed the UK’s top-performing local authorities for renewable energy generation per household, with Moray in Scotland emerging as the national leader. Table 1: Top ten local authorities with the largest renewable energy capacity in megawatts per 1,000 households Rank Local authority Capacity in megawatts per 1,000 households 1 Moray 47.4 2 North East Lincolnshire 41.4 3 Boston 32.0 4 East Lothian 27.3 5 Highland 26.3 6 Lancaster 23.1 7 Dumfries and Galloway 18.9 8 North Norfolk 18.8 9 Argyll and Bute 17.3 10 East Suffolk 15.8 Moray leads the UK with 47.4 MW per 1,000 households, followed by North East Lincolnshire at 41.4 MW. Other notable regions include Boston (32.0 MW), East Lothian (27.3 MW), and Highland (26.3 MW). Scottish local authorities rank highly, reflecting a mix of strong investment and favourable conditions for wind power, such as higher wind speeds and suitable terrain. The data highlights how both geography and different local approaches play a role in shaping the UK’s renewable energy landscape. Areas with the most solar and wind power The UK regions with the highest solar, onshore, and offshore wind capacity per household (excluding other renewable sources due to data limitations). Solar photovoltaics: East Cambridgeshire leads with 4.4 MW per 1,000 households, followed by South Cambridgeshire (4.3 MW). Pembrokeshire and Torridge each generate 4.0 MW, with several rural areas making strong gains in solar capacity. Onshore wind: Highland tops the list with 18.3 MW per 1,000 households, followed by Dumfries and Galloway (13.1 MW) and South Ayrshire (12.7 MW), showcasing Scotland’s dominance in wind energy. Offshore wind: North East Lincolnshire leads with 40.4 MW per 1,000 homes, followed by Moray at 35.0 MW. Other key contributors include Boston and East Lothian, highlighting the importance of coastal regions in offshore wind generation. North East Lincolnshire’s growth is driven by major projects like the Hornsea Wind Farm series, Hornsea One and Two, with capacities of 1.2 GW and 1.4 GW respectively. They are the largest offshore wind farms in the world as part of Ørsted’s East Coast Hub in Grimsby. Table 2: Top ten local authorities with the largest growth in renewable energy capacity over 5 years (2018–2023) Rank Local authority Change in capacity over 5 years 1 North East Lincolnshire 1017% 2 Boston 985% 3 East Lothian 734% 4 Inverclyde 608% 5 Rugby 444% 6 Aberdeen City 437% 7 Sutton 273% 8 Hammersmith and Fulham 263% 9 Spelthorne 262% 10 Barnet 215% North East Lincolnshire leads with a 1,017% growth in renewable energy capacity from 2018 to 2023, followed by Boston (985%) and East Lothian (734%). Urban areas like Sutton, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Barnet also show substantial increases, reflecting rapid growth in both rural and urban renewable energy generation. Table 3: Five-year change in renewable energy types (2018–2023) Renewable energy type 5 year change (2023-2018) Offshore Wind 80.20% Municipal Solid Waste 37.10% Photovoltaics 24.30% Anaerobic Digestion 19.70% Onshore Wind 15.00% Sewage Gas 8.60% Plant Biomass 2.70% Hydro 0.70% Animal Biomass 0.00% Landfill Gas -0.30% Wave/Tidal -52.00% Methodology & Sources We took UK government data on renewable energy generation for the last 10 years and used it to calculate: Where local authority changes had taken place in the period covered data from the old authorities was grouped into the relevant new authority to allow for comparisons. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/regional-renewable-statistics Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Earlier last week, the workplace and facilities management (WFM) community celebrated World FM Day and its theme of “Resilience in action: thriving in a world of change”. While professional resilience and organisational resilience are integral for the WFM sector to do its best work, IWFM’s Strategic Leaders Forum (SLF), Sustainability Special Interest Group (SIG) and Rising FMs explored the theme’s practicalities during an in-person and online event. At London’s Guildhall, the groups and attendees delved into the crucial role of resilience in ensuring the endurance and prosperity of heritage buildings. As WFM professionals pursue net zero, maximise the efficiency of buildings and respect historic architecture, what were the key takeaways shared? Heritage challenges: retrofitting historic buildings requires balancing preservation with modernisation, often facing structural limitations and strict regulations. Open communication with heritage authorities about the benefits of eco-friendly upgrades is critical, as is minimising disruption during upgrades through phased implementation and effective stakeholder coordination. Strategic sustainability: tailored climate action strategies, focused on decarbonisation through smart controls, insulation and renewable energy, are essential. Data-driven decisions, continuous monitoring and workforce training are also key to embedding positive sustainability practices. Climate resilience: With rising temperatures and increased extreme weather events, proactive adaptation is key.This entails risk assessments, early monitoring and climate-conscious design (like green roofs and shading). For heritage sites, vulnerability audits, stakeholder engagement and staff training in sustainable practices ensure the integrity of historic buildings in a warming climate. Additionally, the Skyline Skills Hub was highlighted, connecting the future of historic buildings to the insight and capabilities of today’s WFM professionals. Click here to access the event recording and click here to access the slides. Remember, IWFM hosts a suite of learning resources for professionals looking to achieve sustainability success. IWFM Certified or Fellow Member? Stay up to date with the latest news, expert insights and exclusive event invitations. Simply log in to your IWFM account and update your contact preferences by opting into the Strategic Leaders Forum. Need help? Watch their short video Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tk Maxx has unveiled a detailed wishlist of prime retail spots as it prepares for a significant expansion across London. The fashion and homeware retailer, which currently operates around 350 stores across the UK, is on the hunt for new premises ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet. It is open to trading across two floors and is seeking 10-year lease agreements for its new London outlets. Within Central London, the retailer is targeting key high-footfall locations including the West End, Canary Wharf, King’s Cross, and Regent Street. Additional sought-after areas include Marylebone, Spitalfields, Borough, and Vauxhall, among others. Tk Maxx has also outlined a broad range of potential sites across Greater London. These include areas such as Croydon, Chiswick, Crouch End, Finsbury Park, and Crystal Palace, as well as suburban hubs like Upminster, Walton-on-Thames, and Banstead. Property firms Brasier Freeth and KLM Real Estate have been instructed to identify and secure suitable units across the capital. The expansion marks a bold move by the retailer to strengthen its London presence and tap into the capital’s diverse consumer base, as demand for value-led fashion and homeware continues to grow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wealth management firm Quilter has extended its partnership with Sodexo for a further three years, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality workplace experiences across its UK offices. Sodexo has been providing integrated food and facilities management services to Quilter since 2020, covering 18 sites across the UK and Ireland. Prior to this partnership, Quilter worked with multiple service providers, but the collaboration with Sodexo has brought a streamlined, consistent approach to workplace operations. As part of the renewed contract, Sodexo will continue to provide a comprehensive range of services including food, hospitality, technical support, and soft facilities management. Its workplace dining concepts, Modern Recipe and Kitchen Works, will remain central to fostering a positive and engaging work environment, offering healthy, sustainable food options that encourage employees to relax and connect away from their desks. Both companies share a strong focus on sustainability. Sodexo’s services fall within Quilter’s Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, and the two organisations will continue to work together to support Quilter’s journey towards net zero. Sodexo’s Waste Watch food waste reduction programme is already in place at sites where food services are delivered. A key innovation in the new agreement is the rollout of Sodexo’s agile mobile engineering service. This self-delivered solution, overseen by Sodexo’s digital intelligence hub in Salford, will handle planned and reactive maintenance across core areas such as electrical systems, HVAC, building fabric, and water management. The technology-driven system is designed to anticipate and resolve maintenance issues before they escalate, minimising disruption and reducing costs. Lynsey O’Keefe, CEO of Corporate Services at Sodexo UK & Ireland, commented: “Over the last five years we have worked closely with Quilter to seamlessly integrate and deliver optimised food and FM services, successfully elevating the employee experience at its offices across the country. We are excited about this next step in our partnership and look forward to driving innovation, enhancing sustainability, and enabling Quilter to focus on its core business.” Maxine Hulme, Operations Director at Quilter, added: “Sodexo has made some notable improvements to our workspaces over the last five years, including some remarkable initiatives in hospitality and fine dining. We look forward to continuing our partnership over the next three years.” The extension signals continued evolution in workplace management, with both companies committed to creating sustainable, engaging, and future-ready office environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Eclipse Power Networks to adopt and maintain mission-critical power infrastructure for new hyperscaler campus Eclipse Power Networks, a leading Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), has secured a significant contract with Colt Data Centre Services to adopt and maintain grid connections totalling 250 megawatts (MW) for its hyperscale data centre campus at Hayes, Middlesex. The agreement follows a competitive tender process that began late 2023 and ran until the end of 2024. Eclipse offered support and guidance to Colt Data Centre Services throughout the process, and is delighted to have been contracted at its conclusion. Under the contract, Eclipse will adopt a 132 kilovolt (kV) dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s Uxbridge Moor substation, near Iver, providing 100MW of power to the campus. In addition, Eclipse will adopt a 66kV dual-circuit connection from National Grid’s North Hyde substation for a further 150MW of power. These two connections are designed to support the campus of five data halls, each individually metered via Eclipse Power Networks’ network at 11kV. The project demonstrates Eclipse Powers’ innovative approach to network infrastructure adoption, working collaboratively with Colt Data Centre Services and their appointed Independent Connection Provider (ICP) to ensure that the network is designed, built, owned and operated as efficiently and economically as possible, while maintaining security of supply through direct connections to the transmission system. David Swadling, Group Sales Director at Eclipse Power said: “This Critical National Infrastructure project showcases our technical expertise, and our ability to develop creative, economically attractive solutions for mission-critical infrastructure. We worked collaboratively and transparently with Colt Data Centre Services to help them develop a complex commercial model that that provided an innovative and equitable economical solution never seen before in Great Britain. “By owning and operating the grid infrastructure on Colt’s behalf, we’re ensuring that they secure reliable power for the facility, while allowing them to focus on their core business of providing sustainable hyperscale data centre solutions.” Eclipse Power Networks’ selection was based on its extra-high voltage (EHV) experience and deep technical understanding of National Grid processes, along with a commitment to working transparently with all stakeholders to optimise the commercial relationship between the parties. David Knox, Global Director of Energy & Sustainability at Colt Data Centre Services, said: “As the UK aims to reach the next level in the global digital marketplace, customers require scale in their data centre solutions. Sustainable, hyperscale sites such as our Hayes campus not only require power supply security, but they must also have the expansion potential necessary to support growth. “As a trusted partner for our worldwide customers, Colt Data Centre Services works only with organisations that share our commitment to mission-critical infrastructure. Eclipse’s innovative and collaborative approach, together with its rich expertise in power networking, has made it the ideal partner for our expansion at the Hayes site.” With data halls across five floors and 175MW of IT power, Colt Data Centre Services’ Hayes campus represents a major investment in data centre infrastructure. Energisation of the site is scheduled for 2028, with the network infrastructure provided by Eclipse Power Networks designed to last a minimum of forty years. More information about Eclipse Power’s data centre services can be found here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glasgow City Council has approved plans for the final stage of the long-running Collegelands redevelopment, giving the green light to a £95 million mixed-use scheme in the city’s Calton district. The new project, known as Collegelands Park, will feature two purpose-built student accommodation blocks providing 591 beds, alongside 147 build-to-rent apartments and a new arts centre. A 2.5-acre public park is also included in the plans, offering meadows, orchards, exercise spaces and seating areas designed to enhance the local environment. The development is expected to generate around 250 construction jobs and marks the final phase of a regeneration programme that began over two decades ago. The broader Collegelands project has already delivered offices, homes, retail units and a hotel to the area. Paul O’Donnell, a representative of Glasgow Enlightenment, the development group behind the scheme, said: “It’s fantastic that we are now able to start work on delivering the final piece of the Collegelands jigsaw, creating a completely new neighbourhood that will help enrich the Calton area and address Glasgow’s urgent need for purpose-built student accommodation. “The Collegelands regeneration project began over 20 years ago, so it’s great news for the city that it’s now moving towards completion, bringing new residents and much-needed amenities to the area. We’re grateful for the support of Glasgow City Council and pleased that they share our vision for the future of this community.” The final phase is being seen as a major step forward for the east end of Glasgow, breathing new life into a site that has long been earmarked for transformation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Oxford Science Park has secured planning permission for a new 80,000 sq ft best-in-class laboratory and office building, unlocking the next major phase of growth at the Park. The approved development will see the construction of a state-of-the-art four-storey building offering high-specification laboratory and office space tailored to the needs of cutting-edge science and technology companies. Located at the eastern edge of The Oxford Science Park, the site is near the proposed new Cowley Branch Line, with a new station scheduled to open in early 2030, bringing direct links to central Oxford and London. Yong Shen, Director at The Oxford Science Park, said: “This is fantastic news for the Oxfordshire ecosystem and for the companies shaping the future of science and technology. This development allows us to offer more world-class facilities in an established setting that promotes collaboration, sustainability and discovery, further cementing The Oxford Science Park’s reputation as a leading destination for science and technology companies. My thanks go to everyone who worked on the planning application.” Designed with sustainability and community integration in mind, the development includes a 5.86% biodiversity net gain, extensive landscaping, improvements to the adjacent wildlife site, and enhanced cycle and pedestrian connectivity. Alongside 168 car parking spaces (25% with EV charging) and 104 bicycle spaces, the building itself will feature upgraded façades with anodised aluminium, high energy efficiency standards, and rooftop photovoltaic panels. The development will also deliver significant heritage enhancements. These include a public space showcasing archaeological discoveries and contributing to the setting of the nearby Grade II listed Minchery Priory. The unanimous decision by Oxford City Council follows extensive public engagement and marks another milestone in the park’s growth, following the unanimous approval of the 450,000 sq ft Daubeny Project in 2023. The expansion ensures Oxford remains competitive against global science hubs whilst enabling local communities to benefit from investment and employment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
