The best construction trainees and apprentices from across the UK have been announced following this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers. The Regional Qualifier finalists all now progress to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final in November later this year. SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest and
An Ipswich-based construction consultancy is in the running for a national award for its work in delivering the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Newmarket Community Hospital. Castons Artelia has earned a place on the shortlist in the New Build Project of the Year category at the Healthcare Estates Awards
International construction and property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, part of Egis Group, has appointed a lead digital measurement surveyor to spearhead its new geospatial measurement service, further strengthening its capabilities across the UK. Based in Glasgow, Matthew McQuillian brings over 20 years of experience in surveying and spatial data capture.
Gateway 2 is a mandatory checkpoint for higher-risk buildings to comply with the Building Safety Act. While it came into force a while ago, with the timescales involved in planning, many developers and M&Es are only now facing the challenges it brings. Here the experts in providing utilities connections for high-rise and
Waitrose is introducing enhanced CCTV measures across its supermarkets in a bid to deter theft and improve safety for customers and staff. The retailer has begun installing CCTV cameras and live-feed screens at store entrances, displaying real-time footage of shoppers as they enter and leave, alongside a clear message stating
Superdrug is set to strengthen its position in Dundee city centre with a significant expansion at the Overgate Shopping Centre. The health and beauty retailer is enlarging its existing store by more than a third, taking over the neighbouring unit previously occupied by Clintons. The move will see Superdrug grow
Developer hands over keys to 135 of scheme’s first owners Amenity Club opens doors to residents with swimming pool & spa, gym, sports court, social spaces and cinema room Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has completed Phase 1 of Waterhouse Gardens, the £195m GDV scheme currently
A planning application has been submitted for the Sir Bobby Robson Institute, a £30m cancer treatment and research centre proposed for Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. Robertson Construction North East is supporting Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through the planning process, with construction expected to begin next spring subject to approval. Named
Winvic Construction has begun work on a 250,000 sq ft warehouse development at Coton Park in Rugby for Newlands Developments, deploying innovative enabling works to tackle complex site conditions. The 60-week programme marks Winvic’s return to Coton Park, where the contractor previously delivered two units on plots 2 and 3.
Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower has been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize – the first time in the award’s history that a conservation project has been nominated. One of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks, its restoration was considered a ‘veritable masterclass in conservation and craftsmanship’
The best construction trainees and apprentices from across the UK have been announced following this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers. The Regional Qualifier finalists all now progress to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final in November later this year. SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest and longest-running industry skills competition in the UK and has become a prestigious showcase for those in construction. This year, over 1,000 students battled it out across 10 construction trade categories during 16 Regional Qualifiers, each one day long, in which participants were assigned a task relevant to their trade. Eight students – the highest scorers in each category – will go head-to-head in the National Final at the Arena MK, Milton Keynes on 19–20 November, where the 10 winners will be crowned top of their trade. The three-day final will consist of competitors constructing a project within 18 hours, with an expert panel of judges assessing them on a number of characteristics – including technical ability, time management, problem solving, working under pressure, and compliance with health and safety requirements. With CITB’s annual industry forecast highlighting that 47,860 extra workers are needed per year from 2025–2029, SkillBuild continues to be an important platform to spotlight the industry and the opportunities available. Richard Bullock, Head of Careers Products at CITB, said: “Congratulations to all of the competitors progressing through to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final – it’s truly a great achievement for them. “In a time when construction skills are in high demand, it is more important than ever to spotlight the next generation of construction talent. SkillBuild continues to further this mission and is proud to demonstrate the value that a trainee or apprentice provides to their team. “The quality of participants never ceases to amaze me – I’m excited to see this year’s National Final and wish all the competitors the best of luck!” Josh Thompson, Painting and Decorating Judge, said: “Having been a former contestant myself, I know first-hand just how amazing a competition SkillBuild is, and I intend to pass on any words of wisdom I can do all the competitors. It’s so encouraging to see the enthusiasm from trainees and apprentices across the industry coming from all corners of the country. Good luck to everyone participating in the Final later this year!” CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors, supporters and strategic partners of this year’s SkillBuild competitions:BAL Adhesives, Band of Builders, Brick Development Association, British Gypsum, Careers Wales, CITB NI, Crown Paints, Festool, FIS, Institute of Carpenters, N&C Nicobond, NFRC, NSITG, Saint Gobain, Schluter, SPAX, Stablia, TARMAC, The Tile Association, Tilgear, Weber, Wienerberger, The Worshipful Company of Masons, and The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An Ipswich-based construction consultancy is in the running for a national award for its work in delivering the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Newmarket Community Hospital. Castons Artelia has earned a place on the shortlist in the New Build Project of the Year category at the Healthcare Estates Awards after project managing and quantity surveying for the centre’s construction last year in collaboration with partners KLH Architects, JSH, Morgan Sindall, Sweco and the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) The CDC has proven an instant success for WSFT, seeing more than 6,000 patients and completing almost 8,900 examinations in its first 100 days alone. Adam Fuller, Senior Project Surveyor at Castons, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award. “The Newmarket Hospital CDC is a project we are truly proud of, bringing together our local partners to deliver a healthcare facility that is already making waves in the way it is revolutionising community healthcare. “Of course we are hoping for a win – but regardless, the real winners are the people living in and around Newmarket who now have access to first-class diagnostic facilities right on their doorstep, delivered by their incredible local NHS teams.” The CDC uses equipment at the forefront of technology to provide the highest quality care while tackling waiting times and optimising patient experience. Features include MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound scanners, alongside equipment to provide both heart and lung scans. For MRI patients specifically, the centre helped reduce the Trust’s waiting list by 37% in just six months. Nicola Booth, Head of Estates and Development at WSFT, said: “We are delighted that our new Community Diagnostics Centre has been nominated for this award. “It is thanks to the hard work and collaborative efforts of everyone involved that we were able to deliver this project on time, under budget, exceeding exceptional carbon reduction targets in the design and construction. “We are seeing that this facility is making a real difference, and has helped us improve waiting times and ensure patients get the care they need much more quickly, in a high quality, modern facility.” Hosted every year, the Healthcare Estates Awards recognise excellence in the delivery of healthcare facilities, awarding businesses for their work which showcase originality, innovation and quality. Representatives from Castons Artelia will join their fellow shortlisted businesses at the awards ceremony in Manchester on October 21. More information on Castons Artelia and its services can be found at www.castons.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International construction and property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, part of Egis Group, has appointed a lead digital measurement surveyor to spearhead its new geospatial measurement service, further strengthening its capabilities across the UK. Based in Glasgow, Matthew McQuillian brings over 20 years of experience in surveying and spatial data capture. He previously held the role of principal surveyor at Malcolm Hughes Land Surveyors, where he managed technical teams delivering complex measurement projects for clients in construction, infrastructure, defence and heritage sectors. In his new role, Matthew will lead the rollout of the new digital measured surveys offering, drawing on his expertise in techniques such as 3D laser scanning, drone surveys, and traditional land surveying. The offering includes measured building surveys, topographical surveys, structural monitoring, and the creation of 3D models, all designed to provide clients with more accurate data, quicker turnaround times, and clearer insights to inform decision-making at every stage of a project. For the first time in the UK, Egis and Thomas & Adamson will offer these capabilities in-house and have made a significant investment in cutting-edge technology. By integrating geospatial services with its existing building surveying provision, the firm can now offer clients a more streamlined and efficient approach across the UK. Founded in 1935, Edinburgh-headquartered Thomas & Adamson has a team of over 100 staff across the UK delivering building surveying, project management, cost management and construction safety services. The launch of the collaborative service line with Egis marks the first in a series of moves that will see the two teams work more closely together and bring a wider range of services to clients, following the acquisition of Thomas & Adamson by the global architectural, advisory, construction engineering and mobility services firm last year. Hamish Paterson, director and head of building surveying at Thomas & Adamson, said: “The introduction of a geospatial measurement service is a natural and exciting development for our building surveying team, allowing us to deliver a more integrated, technology-driven approach for our clients. Matthew’s technical expertise and leadership in this area are a real asset. We’re excited to welcome him on board and look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment in technology and talent will have.” Matthew added: “Joining Thomas & Adamson at this stage of its growth is an exciting opportunity. The firm already has a strong client base that can benefit from this service, so the focus now is on raising awareness and demonstrating how high-quality spatial data can improve project outcomes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gateway 2 is a mandatory checkpoint for higher-risk buildings to comply with the Building Safety Act. While it came into force a while ago, with the timescales involved in planning, many developers and M&Es are only now facing the challenges it brings. Here the experts in providing utilities connections for high-rise and complex projects, Power On, provide an insight into how best to approach the new process. Stringent rules for high-rise residential buildings, care homes and hospitals The Building Safety Act introduces a more stringent regulatory framework in design and construction specifically for new high-rise residential buildings, care homes and hospitals, which are 18 metres or more in height, or at least seven storeys. Crucially, it requires developers to submit detailed plans, including fire safety and structural integrity assessments, before any construction work can begin. Proving compliance prior to construction Gateway 2 requires a full technical design submission, which includes detailed and dimensioned substation layouts, diagrams of high- and low-voltage networks, cable route and riser layouts. The utilities design team plays a critical role in preparing the technical information and can also assist architects, builders and developers in ensuring they are providing the right initial information to ensure the smooth running and timeliness of the whole process. Non-compliance risks The risks of non-compliance with Gateway 2 include delays, refusal of permission to construct or occupy the building and, ultimately, enforcement action. Failure to obtain approval at Gateway 2 can bring a costly halt to construction. Neil Fitzsimons, Managing Director, Power On, says: “Many M&Es are still sketchy on the precise needs of Gateway 2 when it comes to high-rise buildings. This is not surprising as many are only now going through this process for the first time. Taking expert advice on the requirements from a utilities point of view can enable the process to progress smoothly and efficiently.” Gateway 2 Enabling Service Power On works directly with developers and M&Es to ensure they have the required design aspects for fire safety fully in place and is now providing a Gateway 2 Enabling Service to assist developers and M&Es in the process. This includes a system for navigating the deliverables to ensure that all parties are aligned and that timelines will be met. Ensuring the right information is delivered to the utilities company in the first place, in order to get the right outputs, can prove problematic and may hold up the whole process. Power On’s Gateway 2 Enabling Service ensures the correct input and, therefore, the correct outputs. Depending on required timescales, Power On can at the Gateway 2 stage supply the entire design pack or, the individual parts of the design that are vital to the particular project to enable a fast turnaround on the essential elements. Neil Fitzsimons concludes: “Put simply, we know what we need from the developer and M&E to enable us to efficiently provide the details to pass Gateway 2. We can make the complex simple.” For more information on Power On’s Gateway 2 Enabling Service, please enquiries@poweron-uk.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Waitrose is introducing enhanced CCTV measures across its supermarkets in a bid to deter theft and improve safety for customers and staff. The retailer has begun installing CCTV cameras and live-feed screens at store entrances, displaying real-time footage of shoppers as they enter and leave, alongside a clear message stating that recording is in progress. The aim is to discourage crime by making surveillance more visible to customers. Additional screens have been fitted throughout stores in higher-risk areas, including the fresh meat and alcohol sections, selected personal care aisles, and at checkout zones. Waitrose confirmed the initiative has been gradually rolled out over the past year and is now in place in more than half of its 315 stores nationwide. A company spokesperson emphasised that all data is handled strictly in line with data protection legislation, and information is only shared with police when formally requested to support investigations. The use of cameras and live screens has become increasingly common in UK supermarkets as retailers look to tackle a rise in retail crime. While traditional CCTV has long been present in stores, recent years have seen an expansion into more visible and targeted systems, such as prominent live-feed screens near self-checkouts, sometimes referred to as VAR-style surveillance. Other supermarket groups are also trialling new technologies in response to the issue. Sainsbury’s recently announced the introduction of facial recognition technology in selected locations to help protect staff and customers. Working in partnership with Facewatch, the system alerts stores to criminal behaviour reported by their own or neighbouring retailers, supporting a wider collaborative approach to tackling theft. Waitrose’s latest investment reflects the growing importance of visible deterrents in maintaining safe and secure shopping environments, while ensuring that any surveillance is managed responsibly and transparently. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Superdrug is set to strengthen its position in Dundee city centre with a significant expansion at the Overgate Shopping Centre. The health and beauty retailer is enlarging its existing store by more than a third, taking over the neighbouring unit previously occupied by Clintons. The move will see Superdrug grow from 7,125 sq ft to 9,739 sq ft, creating one of its largest stores in Scotland. When complete, the new-look branch will feature a range of upgraded services, including dedicated beauty studios, enhanced fragrance counters, and a private nurse clinic alongside an expanded pharmacy. The investment is part of Superdrug’s wider strategy to modernise, refurbish, and extend many of its strongest performing stores nationwide. Dundee has been identified as a key location, with the expansion designed to provide a more contemporary and comprehensive shopping experience for local customers. Malcolm Angus, centre manager at Overgate, welcomed the announcement:“Once complete, the new store will offer a significantly elevated shopping experience for our customers. The introduction of new Beauty Studios, each offering a range of popular and affordable treatments, is an exciting development. The enhancement of Superdrug’s pharmacy with a new face-to-face private nurse clinic will also bring a welcome personalised healthcare service. “This commitment by Superdrug is a resounding vote of confidence in Overgate, and in the future of bricks-and-mortar retail in Dundee city centre. There is no doubt this new store will prove highly popular with our customers.” Clare Jennings, property director at Superdrug, added:“This store extension in Overgate, Dundee is a significant milestone in expanding Superdrug’s presence locally, allowing us to offer an even broader selection of products and services to our valued customers. By upgrading the store, we’re now able to offer a more modern shopping experience – featuring top health and beauty brands, a premium fragrance section, and our in-store Beauty Studio. This new extension allows us to support local employment in Overgate and the surrounding communities.” Overgate Shopping Centre was acquired by Frasers Group and spans 440,000 sq ft. Anchored by Frasers, the centre is home to a strong mix of national and international retailers, including Primark, Next, Mango, H&M, River Island, New Look, Sports Direct, Footasylum, Office, Castore, Rituals, Pandora, Clarks, DV8, Holland & Barrett, and Boots. The expansion of Superdrug at Overgate reflects both consumer demand for accessible health and beauty services and the ongoing confidence of major retailers in Dundee’s city centre. With the opening scheduled later this year, the enlarged store is expected to strengthen Overgate’s role as a leading regional retail destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer hands over keys to 135 of scheme’s first owners Amenity Club opens doors to residents with swimming pool & spa, gym, sports court, social spaces and cinema room Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has completed Phase 1 of Waterhouse Gardens, the £195m GDV scheme currently under construction on the site of the former Boddington’s brewery. Phase 1 comprises apartments and the scheme’s well-appointed amenities. Keys to the first completed residences in Blocks C & D of the scheme have been handed over to owners – a combination of owner-occupiers and private landlords. These residents will be the first to enjoy some of the scheme’s extensive leisure and social facilities that are ready for use in the Amenity Club, including the 2,500-sqft gym, pool, sauna, cold plunge, steam room, and sports court, as well as extensive social spaces and games room, a private dining room, and a cinema room fitted out with luxury oversize sofa-style seating. At full completion in Q1 2026, the regenerative scheme will comprise 556 apartments, 30,000 sq ft of commercial space and a fully private landscaped podium garden. Running through the scheme will be a new public avenue, designed to foster a vibrant sense of community. Simon Ismail, MD of Salboy, comments: “Watching a scheme’s first residents collect their keys, move into their homes, and start to enjoy the wide range of leisure and socialising facilities available at our Amenity Club is a hugely satisfying and motivating experience for everyone involved in the development process. “We ensured that the quality of the social and leisure spaces Salboy has become known for in our other developments fed through to everything we built at Waterhouse Gardens. In doing so, we’ve raised the bar for what residents can expect from developments in this area just north of the city centre.” “Waterhouse Gardens was specially designed to breathe new life into an unloved, underinvested part of central Manchester, and the people who would eventually call Waterhouse Gardens their home were right at the heart of that design process. Every facility, space and small detail was included with their convenience, enjoyment and satisfaction in mind. We look forward to seeing how Waterhouse Garden’s first residents take to the space as we keep moving at a fast pace to complete the entire scheme on time and on budget by early 2026.” Sales for both phases of the Waterhouse Gardens scheme remain ahead of targets. By early September 2025, 90% of Phase 1 apartments were sold, as were 65% in Phase 2. In May this year, Hamptons reported how the North West is outperforming all other regions in England and Wales for off-plan apartment sales, including London.* Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A planning application has been submitted for the Sir Bobby Robson Institute, a £30m cancer treatment and research centre proposed for Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. Robertson Construction North East is supporting Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through the planning process, with construction expected to begin next spring subject to approval. Named after the late Sir Bobby Robson – the legendary football player and manager who died of lung cancer in 2009 – the new institute is designed to pioneer innovation in cancer care and expand the number of clinical trials available to patients across the region. The project will be funded by The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, with the trust overseeing its future operation. Robertson Construction North East was appointed as main contractor through the ProCure23 framework and has been working alongside project partners since January, providing pre-construction and design services from RIBA Stage 1 through to Stage 4 technical design. Working with P+HS Architects, the project team has developed a design inspired by the molecular structure of a hexagon – a feature associated with Rubraca, the first cancer drug developed in the North East. The new three-storey institute will bring together the existing Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and the hospital’s cancer and blood disorder research teams. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the building will allow for a 50% increase in clinical research activity over five years. This will enable specialist teams to deliver larger and more complex trials, benefiting patients locally, nationally and internationally. Neil Kennedy, regional managing director at Robertson Construction North East, said:“Our team has been supporting the trust with pre-construction and design to make sure it is ready to move seamlessly into delivery if approved. Having already delivered a number of high-quality projects with the trust, we have seen the positive impact they bring, and I’m confident this proposed project will also make a real difference for patients, staff and the wider community.” The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has already raised £20m towards the development, with a new fundraising campaign set to launch to secure the remaining £10m required. If planning permission is granted, construction is expected to begin next spring, with the building scheduled to open in 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction has begun work on a 250,000 sq ft warehouse development at Coton Park in Rugby for Newlands Developments, deploying innovative enabling works to tackle complex site conditions. The 60-week programme marks Winvic’s return to Coton Park, where the contractor previously delivered two units on plots 2 and 3. This prior experience of the site’s infrastructure is expected to play a key role in the successful delivery of the latest phase. The single-storey facility will incorporate 15,000 sq ft of office space and will be built using a structural steel, multi-span portal frame, with a clear internal height of 15 metres. It is targeting a BREEAM Excellent certification and an EPC rating of A/A+, underlining its sustainability credentials. One of the most significant enabling works undertaken so far has been the installation of a 34-metre ex-Ministry of Defence tank bridge to span a 457mm high-pressure gas main. The 350-tonne crane lift was a critical step in providing safe access to the development site. To further mitigate the risks posed by the gas infrastructure, Winvic is also constructing a Filcor (polystyrene) road to wrap around a 54-metre-long culvert measuring 4m by 2m. Traditional construction techniques such as cement and compacted fill were deemed unsuitable, as the imposed loads would have compromised the gas main. Winvic is working closely with Cadent Gas to ensure that the solutions not only protect the integrity of the utility but also safeguard operatives during construction. Danny Nelson, managing director of industrial, distribution and logistics at Winvic, commented:“Working with partners, our solution to overcome the complex challenges of this site brought by the gas main highlights our commitment to safety and a collaborative culture.” The project reflects both the scale and complexity of modern warehouse development, where careful planning, innovative engineering and collaboration with infrastructure stakeholders are essential to delivering facilities that meet occupier and sustainability demands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower has been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize – the first time in the award’s history that a conservation project has been nominated. One of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks, its restoration was considered a ‘veritable masterclass in conservation and craftsmanship’ by RIBA’s judges. Submitted for entry by Purcell – consultant architect on the project – the conservation was the most extensive and complex in the building’s history, combining traditional skills and crafts with cutting-edge upgrades that made the building fit for the 21st century. Chris Elliot, Managing Director of UK Parliament’s Strategic Estates team, said: “This nomination celebrates the successful restoration of the UK’s most photographed landmark, achieved through close collaboration with our architects, Purcell, alongside our exceptional supply chain. As custodians of a UNESCO World Heritage site, we are proud to have maintained and preserved the Elizabeth Tower as a symbol of our national heritage.” Running from 2017-2022, the project safeguarded the architectural integrity of the Elizabeth Tower and ensured that Big Ben could continue to ‘bong’ for decades to come. Prior to the restoration, the landmark suffered from many of the issues seen in buildings of its age, including crumbling stones, rusty ironwork, leaking roofs and, in this case, an aging clock. Repairing problems that could not be fixed while the clock was in action, the project also conserved key elements of Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin’s design, including stone carvings, the clock dials and the gilded spire. The restoration works repaired and redecorated the interior, renewed the building services, and made improvements to health and safety and fire protection systems. The works also improved energy efficiency, reducing the Elizabeth Tower’s environmental impact, as well as providing better access for maintenance and emergency services. A wide range of specialist companies and tradespeople from across the UK were involved in the programme, including from: Other areas involved include the North West England (building and M&E design), South East England and London (stone restoration and glass designers), South Yorkshire (stone replacements and cast-iron repairs) amongst others. The conservation of the UK’s most iconic landmark has already earned widespread recognition, including a RIBA National Award, RIBA London Award, AABC Conservation Award, Michael Middleton Civic Trust Award and Digital Construction Project of the Year Award. Parliament’s Strategic Estates team has also been nominated for the RIBA Client of the Year award, acknowledging their role in championing excellence throughout the project. Members of the public can find out more about the restoration through guided tours – and take home a piece of Big Ben memorabilia from the Houses of Parliament Shop. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals