Esh Construction appointed by Sheffield City Council to deliver £18.9m Newstead project Work is underway on a £18.9 million zero-gas affordable housing development at Newstead in South East Sheffield. North of England contractor, Esh Construction, is delivering 77 new homes with enhanced sustainability credentials on behalf of Sheffield City Council.
Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured planning permission for four new industrial units at its site on Welcomb Street, Openshaw, in Manchester. Bought by NSD in 2022, the former Manchester College site covers 4 acres and will be redeveloped to form an extension to the adjacent City Works Business Park.
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced ambitious plans to open a cutting-edge, 60,000 sq ft store at the Copdock Interchange in Ipswich, subject to planning approval. This initiative reflects M&S’s commitment to bolstering its regional presence while continuing to serve customers at its established Westgate Street location. The proposed store
EVC, the experts in fully-funded destination charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) announces its rebrand to Roam. The change reflects Roam’s broader ambitions for 2025, including European expansion and rolling out the next stage of its £165m commitment, announced last year, to install 100,000 fast and rapid EV chargers across
MILWAUKEE® expands the MX FUEL™ Equipment System* with the new MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light. The new solution delivers the most power-dense lighting in a compact form, allowing maximum portability on and off the job site. The MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light eliminates the hassles of cords and removes petrol
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, investor and developer, has welcomed Flexispot Limited,a kinetic furniture manufacturer, to Prologis Park Wellingborough West. The move to DC2 forms part of the business’ expansion plans and move from its former base in nearby Northampton. Flexispot, owned by global 3PL business Lecangs LLC,
AS part of the initiative “to get Britain building again”, the Labour government has just announced a £140 million investment to create 5,000 additional construction apprenticeships per year in England. The announcement lands at a critical moment for the built environment, as it continues to battle with a severe skills
Catella APAM, a leading UK investment and asset management specialist and a subsidiary of the Catella Group, has launched its inaugural fund, Catella APAM Strategic Equities I (“the Fund”), to invest in UK listed property companies. The Fund has closed with £102.2 million in commitments from institutional investors, focused on
Edinburgh City Council has greenlit the transformative £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront Regeneration Project, a bold initiative that aims to redefine the northern coastline as a vibrant, sustainable community. Collaborating with Cruden Homes, the development will bring 847 net-zero-ready homes to life, establishing it as Scotland’s most ambitious brownfield redevelopment. A
B&Q’s parent company, Kingfisher, and high-street stalwart Marks & Spencer (M&S) have emerged as frontrunners in the race to acquire dozens of former Homebase stores. This follows the DIY retailer’s collapse into administration, with 74 locations now on the market. The potential acquisition by Kingfisher and M&S could involve between
Esh Construction appointed by Sheffield City Council to deliver £18.9m Newstead project Work is underway on a £18.9 million zero-gas affordable housing development at Newstead in South East Sheffield. North of England contractor, Esh Construction, is delivering 77 new homes with enhanced sustainability credentials on behalf of Sheffield City Council. Designed by Peak Architects, the development will feature 36 one and two-bedroom apartments with communal gardens and balconies, alongside 41 two, three and four-bedroom properties with off street parking and gardens. All homes will be fitted with air source heat pumps instead of traditional gas boilers, as well as enhanced insulation and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Esh Construction’s Operations Director, Simon Woodward, said: “This project underscores our commitment to delivering more sustainable and future-proofed housing that meets the needs of the community and supports the transition to greener living. “Marking the first affordable homes Esh will deliver for Sheffield City Council, we are proud to be supporting the council’s goal to develop energy efficient housing stock that will reduce the environmental impact and ensure long-term affordability for residents. We look forward to showcasing progress over the coming months.” Sheffield City Council has been awarded £1.3 million of funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund towards the Newstead development. Cllr Douglas Johnson, Sheffield City Council’s Chair of the Housing Policy Committee, said: “Sheffield City Council is delighted to be pushing ahead with expanding our council housing offering for current and prospective tenants. “Our plans remain to build or acquire more than 1,000 council homes in the next five years – and partners such as Esh Construction are instrumental in helping us achieve this. “Our aim, as always, remains to provide more choice of good quality, environmentally friendly and affordable homes for residents. “The Council continues to face an unprecedented demand for affordable and social housing in the city, and projects such as Newstead being completed will help to meet some of that demand.” While on site, Esh will deliver a range of employability sessions to local schools and colleges, while investing in a local workforce and apprenticeship opportunities through its Constructing Local strategy The scheme is expected to complete in Summer 2026. To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured planning permission for four new industrial units at its site on Welcomb Street, Openshaw, in Manchester. Bought by NSD in 2022, the former Manchester College site covers 4 acres and will be redeveloped to form an extension to the adjacent City Works Business Park. Approved by Manchester City Council, the full planning application allows for the demolition of several buildings that had been previously used as workshops by the Manchester School of Building. These will make way for 75,173 sq ft of multi-let industrial accommodation for B2 and B8 uses. The scheme, designed by AEW Architects, is accessed from Ashton Old Road (A635) and will comprise of four highly sustainable commercial units with first floor ancillary office space, ranging from 7,674 sq ft to 29,439 sq ft. Externally, there will be generous service yards, 98 car parking spaces with 20 EV charging points. The site is just 4km from both the city centre and the M60 which, in turn, provides transport links to the M67, M56 and M62, allowing connectivity with key regional hubs Liverpool, Warrington, Leeds and Sheffield. The scheme’s sustainability credentials are strengthened with various bus routes close by and Ashbury train station just 1km away. Joe Burnett, Development Director for NSD, commented: “We’re thrilled to have secured planning permission for this project, which marks the final phase of development at City Works Business Park. While this new scheme will have its own identity, it will complement the existing City Works, which remains a flagship NSD project and is a testament to our commitment to deliver high-quality, sustainable industrial spaces.” “Located in a sought-after area of Greater Manchester, the site is perfectly positioned for industrial and last-mile logistics uses, with the added benefit of accessibility to a skilled local workforce. This new phase will provide commercial occupiers with premium, sustainable facilities in a prime location. Demolition is now underway and we intend to be on site with the main building works next year.” City Works Business Park, also developed by NSD and now owned and managed by Network Space Investments, is a highly successful hub of 48 trade and warehouse units ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 sq ft, totalling 173,330 sq ft. Fully let to a mix of trade, industrial, and employment tenants, the park exemplifies NSD’s expertise in delivering high-quality, functional, and sustainable developments. The professional team included AEW Architects, GWB Consultants, Hydrock, Hannan Associates and Spawforths, who all advised NSD on the planning application. The agents for the scheme are Rob Taylor from Cushman & Wakefield and Ruth Leighton from JLL. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced ambitious plans to open a cutting-edge, 60,000 sq ft store at the Copdock Interchange in Ipswich, subject to planning approval. This initiative reflects M&S’s commitment to bolstering its regional presence while continuing to serve customers at its established Westgate Street location. The proposed store will showcase the best of M&S, featuring a comprehensive range of food, clothing, and beauty products, as well as an 80-seater café. Beyond enhancing the shopping experience, the development is expected to create over 90 jobs, bringing significant economic benefits to the local community. With an anticipated opening in Summer 2027, the Copdock Interchange store is part of M&S’s broader investment strategy. Over the past three years, the retailer has allocated more than £60 million to developing and upgrading stores across the East of England, reaffirming its dedication to customer satisfaction and regional growth. This new store is set to elevate Ipswich’s retail landscape, offering a modern shopping destination and enriching the local economy. In addition to this exciting development, M&S is preparing to make its mark at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) as a gold partner. This high-profile role will provide M&S with a prime platform to showcase its achievements and future plans. Engaging with an influential audience of over 16,000 developers, investors, local authorities, and decision-makers, M&S aims to solidify partnerships and drive further growth. Marks & Spencer’s continued investments reflect its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strengthening its connections with communities across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
EVC, the experts in fully-funded destination charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) announces its rebrand to Roam. The change reflects Roam’s broader ambitions for 2025, including European expansion and rolling out the next stage of its £165m commitment, announced last year, to install 100,000 fast and rapid EV chargers across hospitality, workplaces, multi-dwelling residentials, leisure and retail sectors. Since Roam started in 2020, the company has made significant steps in providing a nationwide network of accessible and reliable charging solutions. Working with over 14 national hotel groups including Hilton Hotels and Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, as well as sporting organisations including The Professional Golfers Association and workspace clients like BizSpace Ltd. Roam has also established a strong presence in the residential sector, specialising in EV chargers for multi-dwelling apartment buildings. Roam is set to accelerate its expansion in this space in both the UK and Europe in 2025, with current clients including Galliard Homes, Ballymore and Battersea Power Station, which was once the UK’s third largest energy generating site and is now home to close to 100 Roam charging bays for its residents. The new Roam brand embodies the company’s vision of enabling drivers to “roam” freely, instilling confidence that drivers can leave behind concerns around “range anxiety” and have access to a reliable EV charging network. “Our mission has always been to provide convenient and hassle-free EV charging at destinations where drivers need them most, and this remains at the heart of everything we do at Roam,” says Roam’s CEO, James Randall. “Our newly energised identity reflects our growth, our values, and our dedication to empowering cleaner, greener communities and accelerating access to an electric future.” “As Roam prepares to expand its reach and bring charging solutions to an even greater number of destinations, our new identity signals our commitment to enable drivers to have an effortless charging experience that fits around their day to day, without the need for detours.” Roam’s national rebrand across their EV charging network takes place from this week, with the first four locations confirmed as Forge Retail Park in Stourbridge, Tweedmill Shopping Outlet in Saint Asaph, Hilton Hotel in Leicester and Chartham Park Golf & Country Club in West Sussex. All remaining EV chargers will be rebranded throughout 2025. The official rebranding of Roam’s website and app takes place on Tuesday 26th November. Existing registered users will be able to continue to enjoy the benefits Roam offers via their existing accounts with no need to change or update their details. For more information and to find your nearest Roam charging point, visit www.Roamcharging.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® expands the MX FUEL™ Equipment System* with the new MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light. The new solution delivers the most power-dense lighting in a compact form, allowing maximum portability on and off the job site. The MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light eliminates the hassles of cords and removes petrol headaches for users. The light’s 2.13 m folding mast can be quickly deployed in seconds for a faster set-up, while its compact size provides maximum portability and minimises the hassles with transporting the light on and off the job site. It features an oversized carry handle and is 21.8 kg with the kitted MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ XC406 battery. For additional portability, the light’s impact-resistant moulded base connects with the MILWAUKEE® PACKOUT™ Modular Storage System through integrated mounting locks allowing for more ways to carry the light on and off the jobsite. Delivering 15,000 lumens of task and area lighting, the MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light provides lighting over 100 square metres. Compared to the M18™ LED Stand Light, the new MX FUEL™ Light delivers five times more usable light on the job site. Featuring three modes, the MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light allows professionals to manage output and run time based on the needs of the job site. When paired with an MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ XC406 battery, the light can run for 3 hours on High Mode or 10 hours on Low Mode all day without the hassles of cords or generators. For additional run time, the light features an AC plug-in option. The MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light features an IP56 rating, increasing durability and allowing the light to survive on the toughest job sites. The MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light includes a ONE-KEY™** Bluetooth®*** card which gives users the ability to remove, replace, or upgrade connectivity over the life of the equipment. MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to delivering disruptive innovation by working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing job site safety and productivity. *The MX FUEL™ Equipment System: This groundbreaking cordless system revolutionises the light equipment market by delivering the performance, run time, and durability demanded by the trades without the hazards associated with emissions, noise, vibration, and the frustrations of petrol maintenance. Each of the solutions on the MX FUEL™ system goes beyond the limitations of gasoline and power-cord units and operates off one completely compatible system all on the same battery. This is Equipment Redefined. **ONE-KEY™ is the first digital platform for tools and equipment. By integrating industry-leading tool electronics with a custom-built cloud-based program, ONE-KEY™ provides a new level of control and access to information that revolutionises the way work gets done. The ability to customise, track, and manage through ONE-KEY™ fundamentally changes the way users interact with their tools and equipment. ***The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by (TTI corporate name) is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Specifications MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light (MXF TLIC-601) • High: 3 hours • Medium: 6 hours • Low: 10 hours • High: 15,000 lumens • Medium: 8,000 lumens • Low: 5,000 lumens Kit Includes: (1) MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light, (1) MX FUEL™ REDLITHIUM™ XC406 battery pack (MXFXC406), (1) MX FUEL™ CHARGER (MXF C) To find out more about the new MX FUEL™ Compact Site Light see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, investor and developer, has welcomed Flexispot Limited,a kinetic furniture manufacturer, to Prologis Park Wellingborough West. The move to DC2 forms part of the business’ expansion plans and move from its former base in nearby Northampton. Flexispot, owned by global 3PL business Lecangs LLC, is leading the kinetic furniture movement, putting ergonomics and eco-consciousness at the heart of its operations. Flexispot’s offering encompasses a range of office furniture such as adjustable desks, chairs and storage solutions made from fully-recyclable materials with a focus on advanced engineering and technology. Strategically located only half a mile from the A509, with fast access to the A45, A14 and M1 in the East Midlands, Prologis Park Wellingborough West is a perfectly situated logistics hub. Soon to be Flexispot’s new home, DC2 spans 130,726 sq. ft. of fully-fitted and racked warehouse space. The unit was built with the environment in mind, achieving an EPC A rating, energy efficient LED lighting and is Net Zero in operation, in line with the UKGBC framework. Flexispot’s arrival to the Park community will boost the local economy, providing a number of new job opportunities for the surrounding area. Tom Price, leasing director for Prologis UK, said: “Working with Flexispot has been incredibly rewarding and it’s excellent that the business has chosen Prologis Park Wellingborough West for its expansion. The team’s top priority was a facility with racking already in place and DC2 fits the bill perfectly. We’re all looking forward to welcoming the business to the Park’s thriving community.” The newly signed agreement builds on the global partnership between Lecangs LLC and Prologis, covering circa two million sq. ft. of logistics space internationally. Richard Tang, Business Operational Director at Flexispot Limited, commented: “Choosing DC2 at Prologis Park Wellingborough West was the natural choice for us. Our parent company already has a longstanding relationship with Prologis, so we knew that we would be in good hands right from the outset. Finding a unit with racking already in place was a ‘must-have’ for us too and we’re confident we’ve found the perfect base from which to grow our business further.” Cushman & Wakefield and Fisher German acted on behalf of Prologis UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AS part of the initiative “to get Britain building again”, the Labour government has just announced a £140 million investment to create 5,000 additional construction apprenticeships per year in England. The announcement lands at a critical moment for the built environment, as it continues to battle with a severe skills shortage. With plans to build 1.5 million homes and boost infrastructure over the next five years, an estimated 50,300 more workers are needed annually to meet the demand. Lee Parkinson, chief executive of EN:Able Futures, part of Efficiency North Holdings, operates a leading flexi-job apprenticeship service with more than a decade of experience in creating pathways for young people in construction. Lee shared his thoughts on the announcement. He said: “We welcome the Labour government’s ambitions and drive to advance the country’s housebuilding mission. At EN:Able Futures, we have been championing apprenticeships for more than ten years, and this new investment is a step forward in providing more young people with a foot on the career ladder. We know first-hand just how effective apprenticeships are for both the apprentice and employer and a skilled workforce will bring us back on track to meeting these wider ambitious targets. “However, central government must seek guidance from organisations with expertise in this field as they know how best to support the talent of tomorrow and ensure the government’s investment provides the missing link. Without the steer from those already working successfully in this area, we could see this worthwhile investment not delivered as effectively as possible and ultimately fall short of the expectations. “Flexi-job apprenticeships are a key part of the solution, especially for SMEs. These employers often serve as the backbone of the industry, and flexi-job models provide apprentices with access to high-quality training, valuable skills, and recognised qualifications, all while offering host businesses the ability to have an apprentice for only part of their training – safeguarding the business’ through turbulent times. By focusing on this approach, we can secure the future of both our workforce and the industry, maintaining the quality and integrity of apprenticeships in construction. “Overall, it’s fantastic to see the focus on apprenticeships as a tool to deliver much-needed housing nationwide. But, the government must look at how this is already being delivered successfully and consult with the experts, to ensure it’s as impactful as possible.” To find out more about EN:Able Futures, please visit: https://www.efficiencynorth.org/en-able-futures/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Catella APAM, a leading UK investment and asset management specialist and a subsidiary of the Catella Group, has launched its inaugural fund, Catella APAM Strategic Equities I (“the Fund”), to invest in UK listed property companies. The Fund has closed with £102.2 million in commitments from institutional investors, focused on identifying mispricing within the UK listed real estate sector. Simon Cooke, industry veteran and founding shareholder of Catella APAM, and Ben Kennedy, Head of Investment and Research at Catella APAM, will lead the Fund’s investment strategy, supported by Catella APAM’s senior asset and development management teams, which has advised on over £4.5 billion of assets within the UK and Ireland since its inception. Cooke and Kennedy designed the Fund’s strategy to target undervalued UK listed real estate companies, where underlying asset values have been impacted by recent macroeconomic challenges and shifting demand patterns. The Fund is the Group’s first fundamentals focused product investing in the listed markets following the launch of Catella Systematic Property Fund in 2022, a Swedish UCITS fund targeting Nordic listed property companies through a systematic investment approach. Kennedy commented: “The real estate sector has become more operationally intensive and complex, as asset owners begin to acknowledge their role in providing a service to customers rather than just passively holding assets. This is likely to create a more disparate distribution of returns as the gap between winners and losers widens. Our access to actionable, real-time asset data and hands-on expertise gives the Fund a predictive edge in assessing companies’ current and future value trajectory. Adopting a value investment approach in UK listed equities after a period of re-pricing should offer strong risk-adjusted returns to our investors.” Cooke, who has worked closely with equity fund managers throughout his career, particularly at Deutsche Asset Management throughout the 1990s, added: “I believe the listed sector is often undervalued compared to the wider market, as is the strategy, assets, and management teams, particularly following economic downturns. The sector currently trades at a significant discount to NAV, dragged down by recency bias and consolidated by the backward-looking valuation process. This has been a long journey, and I’m proud that we are now launched and mandated to unlock this embedded value.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Edinburgh City Council has greenlit the transformative £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront Regeneration Project, a bold initiative that aims to redefine the northern coastline as a vibrant, sustainable community. Collaborating with Cruden Homes, the development will bring 847 net-zero-ready homes to life, establishing it as Scotland’s most ambitious brownfield redevelopment. A Sustainable Vision for Urban Living Set for delivery between 2025 and 2032, the first phase of the project will introduce a variety of housing options, including homes for sale, social rent, and mid-market rent. These will be complemented by a new primary school, commercial units, expansive public and open spaces, and enhanced sustainable transport links. At its core, the development embraces environmental responsibility, featuring a cutting-edge low-carbon heat network and active travel routes that prioritise cycling and walking, supporting a greener way of life for residents. Honouring Heritage While Building the Future Beyond sustainability, the Granton Waterfront project celebrates the area’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. The iconic Granton Gasholder, a striking remnant of the city’s gasworks past, will be repurposed into a dynamic public park, offering residents and visitors a distinctive recreational space. Similarly, the restoration of the historic Granton Station will create a vibrant cultural and community hub, complete with a new square to foster social connections. A Catalyst for Change The Granton Waterfront regeneration aligns with Edinburgh’s broader goals of creating inclusive, climate-conscious neighbourhoods while addressing the city’s housing needs. As part of the council’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency, the project represents a landmark moment in combining urban development with environmental stewardship. Once complete, this landmark regeneration will not only enhance the city’s northern coastline but also establish a blueprint for sustainable, community-focused developments across Scotland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
B&Q’s parent company, Kingfisher, and high-street stalwart Marks & Spencer (M&S) have emerged as frontrunners in the race to acquire dozens of former Homebase stores. This follows the DIY retailer’s collapse into administration, with 74 locations now on the market. The potential acquisition by Kingfisher and M&S could involve between 20 and 25 stores, with both companies positioning themselves to repurpose the sites for their respective retail strategies. Other interested parties reportedly include Home Bargains, indicating a competitive bidding process ahead of Friday’s deadline. Homebase’s Tumultuous Journey This development follows the sale of Homebase’s brand and up to 75 stores earlier this month to The Range, owned by CDS Holdings. The transaction ended a challenging six-year period under the ownership of Hilco, a retail investment firm, which had previously stepped in to rescue brands like HMV. Before Hilco, Homebase was owned by Australian conglomerate Wesfarmers, whose 2018 restructuring efforts resulted in store closures and renegotiated rents. Now, a diverse portfolio of Homebase sites ranging from 15,455 to 1.19 million square feet is up for grabs, presenting significant opportunities for retailers looking to expand their presence. Locations Under the Spotlight The stores available span the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland, including prominent retail parks and high-traffic urban areas. Key locations on the market include: (Full list detailed in here.) The Future of Retail in These Spaces For Kingfisher, the acquisition represents an opportunity to expand B&Q’s reach and align with its commitment to serving the UK’s DIY and home improvement market. Meanwhile, M&S could utilise these large retail spaces to support its evolving strategy, which increasingly integrates food halls and homeware offerings into new locations. The Homebase collapse and subsequent sales mark a pivotal moment in the reshaping of the UK’s retail landscape, with bidders eyeing these stores as key assets for future growth. As the bidding process concludes, industry watchers are eager to see how these prominent retail brands repurpose the former Homebase sites, potentially revitalising local high streets and retail parks across the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
