Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, announces the completion of a bespoke built-to-suit (BTS) 621,000 sq ft facility and its occupation by Tesco, the UK’s leading retailer, at Panattoni Park Aylesford. The completion of this project marks a significant milestone in supporting supply chain efficiency for Tesco, enabling
DMA Group is pleased to announce its appointment to Fusion21’s Workplace and Facilities Management Framework, securing a position on Lot 4 – Building Engineering Services. The framework worth up to £700 million, set to run over the next four years, is designed to provide a range of hard and soft
Construction is officially underway on a new multi-let retail park in northwest Darlington, as northern development firm Almscliffe-Dhesi (AD) breathes new life into a disused industrial site. Work on the County Durham development has commenced and is set for completion this September. Several well-known brands, including Costa Coffee, Greggs, Indigo
Rising costs and policy uncertainty contribute to a sharp decline in project-starts in Q.1 2025 Today, Glenigan, Powered by Hubexo (Glenigan), releases the April 2025 edition of its Construction Index, offering a detailed and comprehensive analysis of construction activity during the three months leading to the end of March 2025.
Premier Modular is set to deliver its second-largest education project to date, supplying a four-storey temporary classroom block at King’s Academy Bay House School in Gosport. This modular building will support the school’s major redevelopment and is part of the Department for Education’s school rebuilding programme, with Premier Modular collaborating
38 contractors have joined a £380m framework to supply and install planned and cyclical maintenance works to Scottish councils and housing associations over four years. Procurement services provider, PfH Scotland has appointed 22 regional SME firms and 16 larger national companies, including Bell Group, CCG Scotland, Easy Heat Systems, McConnell,
Laura Mercer, Managing Director of Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS), reflects on the steps available to help heritage W20 and other traditional steel and timber windows attain contemporary standards of energy performance. New horizon on energy performance for traditional steel windows Together with building owners, most specifiers can see the
GMI Construction Group has announced the practical completion of Citylabs 4.0, a state-of-the-art, 125,000 sq. ft laboratory and workspace development in Manchester. Delivered on behalf of Bruntwood SciTech and in joint venture with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the £42m project is the latest addition to the Citylabs campus,
The University of Warwick’s bold vision for new world-leading STEM facilities has taken a significant step forward with Kier appointed as the preferred lead contractor to deliver Phase 1 of the project. This announcement represents a key milestone in the wider Connect Programme which is an unprecedented £700 million capital
Kingsgate Shopping Centre in Huddersfield has secured a wave of new retail lettings in anticipation of the grand opening of multi-leisure operator The Light next week. Health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett has taken a 2,000 sq ft unit, formerly occupied by The Body Shop, on a five-year lease.
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, announces the completion of a bespoke built-to-suit (BTS) 621,000 sq ft facility and its occupation by Tesco, the UK’s leading retailer, at Panattoni Park Aylesford. The completion of this project marks a significant milestone in supporting supply chain efficiency for Tesco, enabling enhanced logistics and operational capabilities. The new facility was designed in close collaboration with Tesco to meet the company’s specific operational needs. It features a 300,000 sq ft chilled section, a 100,000 sq ft freezer area, and extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support Tesco’s transition to an electric HGV fleet. The state-of-the-art buildings will play a crucial role in Tesco’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of its supply chain and bolster its capacity to meet customer demand, integrating advanced technologies to optimise logistics operations while supporting sustainability initiatives. This landmark project marks a major milestone in delivering sustainable logistics infrastructure and driving significant economic growth in the region. The facility is expected to support Tesco’s operations while contributing to the local economy and generating new jobs. Panattoni’s focus on sustainability is illustrated by achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification and EPC ‘A’ rating on Tesco’s. Tony Watkins, Head of Development: South East & London at Panattoni said: “The 621,000 sq ft facility is the culmination of our vision for the project to deliver cutting-edge operational capabilities for Tesco, creating jobs and generating benefits for Kent. This facility will also bring amenities such as retail, dining, and services, while driving investment in logistics and local businesses. “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Panattoni Park Aylesford. This development showcases our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration with tenants such as Tesco, the local community, and stakeholders. Together, we have delivered a facility that sets a new benchmark for modern logistics.” Stuart Moffat, Head of Development – Distribution at Tesco said: “We have worked with Panattoni over the past few years to develop a bespoke facility that meets our operational needs while supporting our distribution and sustainability goals. Panattoni has proven to be such an efficient and proactive developer, and a fantastic partner in delivering this project at Panattoni Park Aylesford. This built-to-suit facility is particularly vital for us, incorporating cutting-edge ESG features, including 90,000 sq metres of solar panels and EV charging infrastructure that we have invested in to support our vehicles and staff.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DMA Group is pleased to announce its appointment to Fusion21’s Workplace and Facilities Management Framework, securing a position on Lot 4 – Building Engineering Services. The framework worth up to £700 million, set to run over the next four years, is designed to provide a range of hard and soft facilities management (FM) services to support the operation of public buildings. Fusion21’s purpose-driven procurement approach ensures that every project delivers visible social value, from creating jobs and apprenticeships to supporting sustainability and community-focused initiatives. Having generated over £200 million in social impact and created over 13,550 employment outcomes, Fusion21 is committed to making a difference and motivating sustainable change. DMA Group’s appointment to Fusion21’s Workplace and Facilities Management Framework reinforces its commitment to giving back to communities and the industry while strengthening its presence in facilities management and building engineering services. As a pre-approved supplier, DMA Group will have the opportunity to deliver efficient, sustainable, and compliant solutions, supporting initiatives that enhance workforce skills, promote sustainability, and create new opportunities. This framework is suitable for public sector organisations including the education sector. With expertise in school estate management, energy solutions, and compliance, DMA Group is well-positioned to support Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) and schools in maintaining safe, efficient, and high-performing learning environments, while also contributing to the long-term development of local communities and the built environment. Valerie Miller, Chief Customer Officer at DMA Group, commented: “This appointment opens up fantastic opportunities for us to further support the public sector. Being awarded a place on Fusion21’s Workplace and Facilities Management Framework will enable DMA Group to make a real difference – helping the public sector to optimise their estates and reduce operational costs. For education providers in particular, we understand the pressures of maintaining safe, energy-efficient school environments, and we’re excited to bring our expertise to more MATs and schools across the UK.” Russell Gates, Framework Manager at Fusion21 said: “We are delighted to welcome all of the new suppliers onto Fusion21’s Workplace and Facilities Management Framework, including DMA Group. The tender process was highly competitive and has identified the best suppliers for our members to use for providing a range of hard and soft facilities management (FM) services to support the operation of public buildings. “Members accessing this framework will benefit from flexible call-off options, UK-wide coverage, and the option to deliver social value to their communities, aligned to their organisational priorities.” DMA Group remains committed to making buildings work better and is looking forward to opportunities to collaborate with Fusion21 members to drive sustainable, high-quality facilities management solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is officially underway on a new multi-let retail park in northwest Darlington, as northern development firm Almscliffe-Dhesi (AD) breathes new life into a disused industrial site. Work on the County Durham development has commenced and is set for completion this September. Several well-known brands, including Costa Coffee, Greggs, Indigo Sun, Harrison Vets, and Fastnet, have already secured units at the site. Additionally, McDonald’s has purchased a plot at the entrance, where it is constructing its own unit. This project follows AD’s recent success in delivering three major retail developments across the North East and North Lincolnshire. Neil Creeney, director at AD, said: “We’re pleased to confirm that construction at Faverdale is progressing well and remains on track for completion this autumn. The site has been fully cleared, and steelwork is set to begin shortly. “This marks Phase One of a wider development on the Faverdale site, with an additional four acres earmarked for future retail expansion. We are thrilled to have secured such a strong lineup of retailers for the first phase, bringing more choice to the area and boosting the local economy.” The £4 million scheme is backed by Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB), with Creeney highlighting the lender’s supportive role in the project. “HTB’s hands-on approach and flexibility have been invaluable. It’s rare to find a lender so committed to understanding and accommodating a developer’s needs,” he added. AD was founded in 2019 by Creeney and Bal Singh. Creeney previously worked with Yorkshire-based developers Opus North and S Harrison Developments, while Singh owned a successful chain of pharmacies across the North East. Singh commented: “Having completed three successful developments across the North East and North Lincolnshire, we’re confident in our model—revitalising brownfield sites, attracting national retailers, and creating sustainable jobs. Alongside Darlington, we’re also on-site with a major development in Sunderland.” The scheme is being marketed by @retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rising costs and policy uncertainty contribute to a sharp decline in project-starts in Q.1 2025 Today, Glenigan, Powered by Hubexo (Glenigan), releases the April 2025 edition of its Construction Index, offering a detailed and comprehensive analysis of construction activity during the three months leading to the end of March 2025. The edition focuses on underlying projects valued at £100 million or less (unless otherwise specified), with data seasonally adjusted to provide an accurate reflection of sector trends against the preceding three months. The report also gives built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance, comparing this year’s data against the same period last year. The April edition reveals a concerning decline in construction activity, with the value of projects starting on-site during this period dropping by 19%, and remaining 16% lower than the same period in 2024. This downturn points to reduced sector confidence, as developers increasingly hesitate to push forward with new projects. However, not all sectors experienced negative growth. Community and amenity projects were a relative bright spot, showing a rise in both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year comparisons, suggesting some resilience in public-facing developments. Commenting on the outlook at the start of the year, Glenigan’s Allan Wilen said: “The latest data confirm investors’ loss of confidence. Whilst seasonal factors provide a lift to starts during the first quarter against the preceding three months, starts were 16% lower than a year ago. Developers have become more hesitant to take forward projects since the turn of the year, amid a stalled economy and heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Public sector projects have also weakened during the first three months of 2025. However, increased government capital funding from April should help lift sector activity over the coming months.” Taking a closer look at the sector verticals and regional outlook… Sector analysis – residential The residential sector experienced significant declines across both private and social housing projects. Overall, residential construction starts decreased by 12% compared to the preceding three months and were also 12% lower than the same period in 2024. Private housing construction starts saw a decline of 11% against the previous quarter and 9% compared to the same period last year, reflecting the continued caution in the housing market. Social housing starts experienced a steeper drop, decreasing by 15% against the preceding three months and standing 20% lower compared to the same time in 2024. The additional funding announced in the Spring Statement will hopefully help unlock both stalled social and private housing projects over the coming months. Sector analysis – Non-residential The non-residential construction sector presented a mixed picture in the first quarter. Community and amenity projects experienced a rise of 5% over the preceding three months and a 1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. A £21 million development at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire was a significant contributor to this growth. However, other non-residential sectors struggled. Industrial project starts saw a sharp decline of 28% compared to the previous quarter and were 7% lower than the same period last year, reflecting reduced investment in this area. The health and retail sectors also faced significant downturns, with health construction falling 35% against the preceding three months and 36% year-on-year, while retail dropped 34% from the previous quarter and 37% from 2024. Office construction showed more mixed results, declining 8% compared to the previous quarter but rising 3% compared to last year. Hotel and leisure projects had a particularly difficult quarter, falling by 30% against the previous three months and standing 28% lower than the same period in 2024. The education sector also struggled, with a 24% decline from the previous quarter and a 39% year-on-year decrease. Sector analysis – Civil engineering Civil engineering projects saw a significant decline in Q1, dropping 28% compared to the previous quarter and 16% year-on-year. Infrastructure projects fell by 14% from the prior quarter but showed a slight 12% increase compared to last year. In contrast, utilities experienced a sharp downturn, with starts down 43% compared to both the preceding three months and 2024. Regional outlook Regional performance across the UK varied widely in the first quarter. The North East was a standout performer, seeing an increase of 6% over the preceding three months and standing 17% higher compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven by several major projects starting in the region. In contrast, the South West experienced a more mixed performance, declining 14% from the preceding quarter but seeing a modest increase of 3% year-on-year. Northern Ireland, however, saw a sharp decline, with project starts down 43% from the previous quarter and 11% lower than the same period in 2024. London and the South East both experienced decreases in project start, with London down 10% and the South East down 11% compared to the preceding three months. Both regions also faced significant year-on-year declines, with London falling 40% and the South East dropping 18%. The weak start to Q1 2025 points to a tougher competitive landscape ahead for the construction sector. The data highlights the importance of strategic planning to navigate these challenges. However, there is some optimism, as the infusion of government funding, starting in April, is expected to help stimulate activity across key sectors and provide opportunities for growth in the coming months. To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Premier Modular is set to deliver its second-largest education project to date, supplying a four-storey temporary classroom block at King’s Academy Bay House School in Gosport. This modular building will support the school’s major redevelopment and is part of the Department for Education’s school rebuilding programme, with Premier Modular collaborating with main contractor Kier. The prefabricated temporary structure will allow the school to continue its operations while redevelopment work takes place. Bay House School was among the first 50 schools selected for the rebuilding initiative in February 2021, with the project listed at £25 million by Glenigan in 2023. Enabling works on the site officially began on 3rd January 2025. The redevelopment will involve the demolition of six buildings and two temporary classrooms, the construction of three redesigned blocks, and the refurbishment of existing structures. Premier Modular will install 133 modular units, creating 44 classrooms that will serve the school for approximately two-and-a-half years. The stackable design of the units ensures there will still be sufficient outdoor space for students during the construction phase. A unique feature of this project is its phased use of the modular buildings. Over the two-and-a-half-year period, the classrooms will be adapted to meet the changing needs of the school. After the first 18 months, some classrooms will be reconfigured, transforming design and technology spaces into science labs to accommodate evolving requirements. This project marks Premier Modular’s second-largest temporary education building across four storeys, following the supply of 186 modules to a school in South London. Mark Rooney, Rental Divisional Director at Premier Modular, commented: “This is a groundbreaking project for us. Not only is it our second-largest temporary school build, but the modular design allows us to maximise space efficiently in a busy environment. By working closely with Kier, we’ve developed a flexible design that adapts to the project’s evolving needs, ensuring a solution that works for everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
38 contractors have joined a £380m framework to supply and install planned and cyclical maintenance works to Scottish councils and housing associations over four years. Procurement services provider, PfH Scotland has appointed 22 regional SME firms and 16 larger national companies, including Bell Group, CCG Scotland, Easy Heat Systems, McConnell, Procast, Sidey Solutions, Joinery and Timber Creations (JTC), and Wren Kitchens. They will provide kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors, electrical works, roofing, painting, decorating, property refurbishment and surrounding works – including hard landscaping and fencing – to local authorities and housing associations in Scotland. The framework is structured across 12 lots and tailored to different regions of Scotland so local requirements can be addressed. Social landlords have the option to procure products only, or a one-stop route for supply of products and installation. There is also the option for full property refurbishment services. Figures from the Scottish Housing Regulator show that in 2023/24, registered social landlords in Scotland spent £945m on management and maintenance – the highest on record. Planned maintenance expenditure increased by 3.88% to £176.03m, impacted by higher costs, labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. Scottish social landlords are dealing with unexpected remediation costs for RAAC, cladding and damp and mould, along with meeting obligations under the Scottish Housing Quality Standard, fire safety regulations and decarbonisation standards; all whilst keeping rents as low as possible. Chris McGinn, commercial manager at PfH Scotland said: “When social landlords invest in planned works, it creates warm, safe, comfortable homes for their tenants, and it lowers the need for spend on reactive repairs. The problem is that higher inflation and rising prices, along with multiple competing priorities, have put huge pressure on already stretched budgets. We designed this framework with social landlords so it could offer flexible, low cost, high quality options for planned works, enabling a quick and precise match between their requirements and suppliers.” John Hepburn, regional managing director (Scotland) at McConnell commented: “We’re delighted to be appointed onto PfH Scotland’s Planned Works framework, which covers a comprehensive whole house programme for social landlords in Scotland. Our vision at McConnell is to deliver quality works to the communities we work within and that’s more important than ever with the incredibly challenging landscape that Scottish housing providers are operating in right now.” Find out more about PfH Scotland’s Planned Works framework here
Laura Mercer, Managing Director of Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS), reflects on the steps available to help heritage W20 and other traditional steel and timber windows attain contemporary standards of energy performance. New horizon on energy performance for traditional steel windows Together with building owners, most specifiers can see the aesthetic benefits of retaining traditional steel windows when restoring an older property, whether it is subject to conservation requirements or not: Universal Suite, W20 sections and other frame types generally suit everything from dockland warehouses to Art Deco villas. The slender sightlines and glazing patterns undoubtedly complement brickwork or render across multiple architectural styles, but the accepted wisdom that steel simply cannot satisfy the thermal performance requirements leads to many project teams seeking alternative solutions. There is, though, genuine and growing cause for taking a more positive and proactive attitude to existing windows of any material, even if they are suffering from corrosion in the case of steel or rot in the case of timber, misalignment and have poorly maintained or even missing fittings. Not only can they be fully refurbished and put in good working order, but their notorious draughtiness and the heat sapping thermal transmittance issues can be radically improved upon to the point where a number of restoration projects have successfully targeted the higher levels of BREEAM – without replacing the old windows. In fact, there are even points available within BREEAM assessments for saving the original fenestration from the scrap yard. The ideal starting point is to have ASWS, an experienced window specialist, carry out a full condition survey prior to any work beginning on site with the likelihood of the drawings, observations and detailed recommendations often being incorporated as part of the tender documents – or even put forward to the conservation authorities as part of the planning or listed building application. With commercial work accounting for a high proportion of its portfolio, ASWS has been involved on some of the most challenging redevelopments to have been carried out over recent years, including at Woolwich Arsenal, Hackney Town Hall, Battersea Power Station and former BBC premises, Bush House. Inevitably, listed building status significantly limits the interventions which can be made but, taking advantage of modern glazing technology is just as important as diligence in overhauling the frames themselves and understanding that leakage occurs around the frames and the fabric of the walls, as well as through the vents themselves. Significantly, on one of the projects where ASWS is currently working, The Harrison for RED Construction, none of the windows actually closed properly, representing a huge waste of heat and poor comfort levels. The desktop EPC assessment process does not take this situation, or its resolution, into proper account. The easy wins in a lot of cases are to ‘reset’ the opening lights – where the skilled engineers physically straighten the vents so that the edges meet correctly – before new draught-stripping is applied. Then, as almost all old steel windows will have been single glazed, there is the opportunity to upgrade this, depending on the depth of rebate. While standard 4mm glass delivers a centre pane U-value of just 5.8 W/m2K, swapping this for a 12mm Eco Slim DGU can reduce this wasteful figure to 1.9 W/m2K. Better still, utilising option of vacuum glass units, the centre pane U-value falls to a far more efficient 0.4 W/m2K. Importantly, there are documented figures available on different glazing solutions which can deliver an automatic improvement to EPC scores while the use of infra-red thermal imaging can dramatically highlight the difference between the before and aftereffects of window upgrades. It is also worth pointing out that, although vacuum units remain an expensive option, their construction avoids the issue of a double reflection being created across the window when viewed from outside, which often leads conservation officers to oppose their inclusion on buildings of historical importance. Embodied energy Quantity surveyors may be regarded as the construction industry’s bean counters, but the entire project team is nowadays tasked with cutting its carbon footprint by reducing waste and sourcing products in a sustainable manner. So, when working out the overall impact of a large renovation scheme, having avoided replacing the old fenestration – with all the additional lorry journeys and impacts of landfill or recycling – can offer a significant win. Accordingly, every activity which is carried out by the window restoration specialist is logged in its BREEAM assessment. This will include not just the number of deliveries and origins of products used, but also items such as the FSC certification for timber. And finally, when a project is completed, there can be a certificate of improvement relating to energy loss through the façade, which confirms the gains to be achieved through comprehensive fenestration upgrades. ASWS offers a full range of survey, repair, replica replacement and maintenance services for all ages and types of metal and timber windows. For more information on ASWS, please visit asws.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has announced the practical completion of Citylabs 4.0, a state-of-the-art, 125,000 sq. ft laboratory and workspace development in Manchester. Delivered on behalf of Bruntwood SciTech and in joint venture with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the £42m project is the latest addition to the Citylabs campus, a thriving innovation hub for diagnostics, medtech, digital health, and genomics businesses. Situated within the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust campus, England’s largest NHS Trust, Citylabs 4.0 provides a world-class environment for start-ups, scale-ups, and global corporates in life sciences and healthcare technology. Through Bruntwood SciTech’s unique partnerships and co-location with MFT, the development offers direct access to the NHS, leading academic institutions, and over 20,000 STEM graduates annually, making it an ideal setting for businesses at the forefront of medical advancements. The seven-storey facility features cutting-edge infrastructure tailored to the needs of businesses in precision medicine, diagnostics, biotech, medtech, AI-driven healthcare, and genomics. Key specifications include containment level 1 and 2 biology and chemistry labs, enhanced cooling and ventilation systems, and high-capacity floor loading to support specialist equipment. Designed with sustainability at its core, Citylabs 4.0 is Net Zero carbon in construction and operation of shared spaces. The building is fully electric with an EPC A rating, BREEAM Very Good certification, and a NABERS 5-star rating. It incorporates 208m² of solar panels and a highly energy-efficient cladding system made from 75% recycled post-consumer aluminium, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development in the life sciences sector. Anthony Judge, Regional Director, North West, at GMI Construction Group, said: “The practical completion of Citylabs 4.0 is a milestone for GMI and further strengthens its partnership with Bruntwood SciTech. This facility will drive innovation in healthcare by providing specialist space for companies working on pioneering medical solutions. We are extremely proud to have delivered a development that not only enhances Manchester’s position as a global leader in life sciences, but one that prioritises sustainability and collaboration.” The contract is worth £33mto GMI, which is also delivering the nearby £87m No 3 Circle Square development for Bruntwood SciTech. The 287,000 sq. ft of sustainable office space is due for completion this Spring. Citylab’s 4.0 was designed by Sheppard Robson, with contributions from Arup, Hilson Moran, Gardiner & Theobald, and Layers. It has been supported by a £32m senior loan from the North West Evergreen Fund, managed by CBRE’s Investment Advisory team, which is part of CBRE Capital Advisors. Part of the wider Citylabs masterplan, already home to major players such as Qiagen, APIS Assay Technologies, and Takagi, it expands the campus from 192,000 sq. ft to 327,000 sq. ft. The hub is surrounded by some of the UK’s most eminent teaching hospitals, including Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary’s Hospital and the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital – all part of MFT. Sitting at the heart of the city’s health and life science cluster, it is surrounded by world-class research centres including Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, two of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Clinical Research Facility sites, the Pankhurst Institute, and the operational home of the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre. Life science businesses at Citylabs also gain access to the Oxford Road Corridor knowledge quarter, which is home to more than half of the city’s life science businesses and generates around £3bn GVA each year. The hub is also a government-designated High Potential Opportunity Zone for Diagnostics and Healthy Ageing. Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer for Bruntwood SciTech, the UK’s largest property platform dedicated to the growth of science, tech and innovation sectors, added: “Citylabs 4.0 is a significant milestone in the continued evolution of Manchester’s world-leading life sciences ecosystem. The campus has already played a crucial role in supporting pioneering healthcare businesses to scale and work in direct collaboration with the NHS, and this latest development further cements its position as a location for scientific breakthroughs and innovation. By bringing together industry and the NHS we’re creating a collaborative environment where innovation can thrive, ultimately leading to real-world healthcare advancements that will benefit patients across Greater Manchester and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Warwick’s bold vision for new world-leading STEM facilities has taken a significant step forward with Kier appointed as the preferred lead contractor to deliver Phase 1 of the project. This announcement represents a key milestone in the wider Connect Programme which is an unprecedented £700 million capital investment in STEM and Social Sciences. The development, at the University’s West Midlands campus, will deliver innovative spaces, including cutting-edge laboratories, to enable the University to build on its interdisciplinary approach, diversify learning opportunities, reinforce the University’s internationally-recognised work in science and research, and enhance the campus experience for students, staff and stakeholders. A wealth of new courses in STEM will enhance the learning options available to undergraduate and postgraduate students and help attract some of the brightest young minds from across the world. It will also harness meaningful, innovation-led research and collaboration with partners on a regional, national and international scale to address global challenges, such as protecting crops against insects and providing therapeutics and diagnosis for neglected tropical diseases. Since its inception, The University of Warwick has been a trailblazer in pioneering research, leading innovations to develop sustainable materials and manufacturing processes to combat environmental damage. Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of The University of Warwick, said: “Appointing a contractor to deliver Phase 1 of the STEM Connect Programme is a really big moment in the journey of the Connect Programme and is a timely milestone in the University’s 60th anniversary year. “The STEM Connect Programme is a transformative initiative that will not only enhance learning opportunities for our students, but also strengthen our global reputation as a leader in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “We are excited to partner with Kier to bring this ambitious vision to life, and the appointment of one of Britain’s strongest contractors is a major milestone and reflects the pace of our delivery.” Professor Mark Williams, Academic Lead of the STEM Connect Programme, said: “This major investment clearly demonstrates our commitment to fostering innovation and advancing research that has real-world impact. The state-of-the-art infrastructure being provided will underpin the delivery of our pioneering education programmes. “We are looking forward to working with Kier to bring to life our vision for new, world-leading facilities in STEM.” Mark Dady, Managing Director for Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to be named as the preferred lead contractor for this prestigious STEM Connect Programme at The University of Warwick. “This transformative project represents a significant investment in the University’s future, and we look forward to bringing our experience of delivering world-class educational facilities to create a building that will enable and inspire collaboration, innovation and sustainability on campus.” Kier has extensive experience in delivering education projects, having previously completed a state-of-the-art facility in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter for the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. This new facility serves as a hub for research, innovation and education, reinforcing Kier’s commitment to creating cutting-edge learning environments. The wider Connect Programme, announced last year, supports the five objectives laid out in the University’s Excellence with Purpose 2030 strategy and will strengthen the regional economy by creating more than 1,500 construction-related jobs over the lifetime of the project. The STEM Connect Programme forms the first phase of the wider programme. Kier is due to commence construction when all enabling works have been completed later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kingsgate Shopping Centre in Huddersfield has secured a wave of new retail lettings in anticipation of the grand opening of multi-leisure operator The Light next week. Health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett has taken a 2,000 sq ft unit, formerly occupied by The Body Shop, on a five-year lease. Jewellery brand Pandora has also expanded its presence, relocating to a larger 1,500 sq ft unit with a 10-year lease. Further bolstering the shopping centre’s retail mix, fashion accessories retailer Lovisa has signed a 10-year lease on an 850 sq ft unit, previously home to GAME. Additionally, Boots is set to move into Kingsgate from King Street, occupying a substantial 16,000 sq ft store on a 10-year lease. These new arrivals coincide with the much-anticipated launch of The Light, a major leisure destination opening in the former House of Fraser department store on 11th April. The venue will offer a variety of entertainment options, including a six-screen cinema, bowling, arcades, a climbing centre, interactive darts, karaoke, and an array of restaurants. Steve Bateman, asset manager at Kingsgate Shopping Centre, commented: “Huddersfield town centre is undergoing significant transformation, with key stakeholders, including Kirklees Council, working to streamline retail and leisure offerings. This consolidation is strengthening Kingsgate’s position as the town’s prime retail and leisure hub. We are delighted to welcome these fantastic brands to the centre.” Spanning 280,000 sq ft, Kingsgate Shopping Centre is home to a strong line-up of retailers, including JD Sports, TK Maxx, Sports Direct, HMV, Waterstones, and River Island. KLM Real Estate and Newns Webster continue to act as the centre’s retained letting agents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
