The care home is the first development to be completed at Trafford Waters – an emerging 55-acre waterside district in Greater Manchester that will create 3,000 new homes and 20-acres of landscaped parkland and public realm. Trafford Waters Care Home has welcomed the arrival of its first residents, marking a
Builders’ merchants and construction suppliers are accelerating investment in AI, as they seek to modernise operations and stay competitive, according to new research. The study by eCommerce agency PushON, found that nearly half of businesses in the sector (49%) now see the rise of AI and automation as the most
The UK’s construction materials sector has stumbled once again in early 2025, as demand for heavy-side building materials continues to falter under the weight of economic uncertainty, planning delays, and weakened infrastructure investment. Fresh industry data reveals a sharp fall in sales of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete during the first
A major student housing redevelopment is on the cards for Manchester, as Unite Students and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) sign a £390 million joint venture to deliver over 2,300 new student beds. The scheme will see the complete regeneration of the university’s ageing Cambridge Halls site, which will be closed
Over half (52 %) of project professionals are very confident that the UK will meet its net zero targets by 2050. This is compared to just 31% who were asked the question by APM back in 2023 – following the UK Government’s adjustments to net zero goals including pushing back
The vibrant transformation of YY London in Canary Wharf continues apace as renowned Italian restaurant group Big Mamma prepares to open its doors this summer, marking the latest milestone in the building’s revitalisation. Quadrant, the real estate investment and development firm behind the refurbishment, has secured Big Mamma on a
Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex is adding another big-name operator to its growing food and beverage line-up, as American fried chicken brand Popeyes prepares to open its doors. Occupying a 1,750 sq ft unit on level three within The Eatery, Popeyes is set to open next week, joining a diverse
Work has officially begun on a major £65 million refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Haringey Civic Centre in north London, as contractor John Sisk & Son moves ahead with the much-anticipated upgrade. A ground-breaking ceremony held recently marked the start of construction on the project, which will see the 1950s
In a world where safety, compliance and reliability are non-negotiable, one manufacturer is proving that quality fire protection and expert craftsmanship can go hand-in-hand. Based in Barton, Preston, Better Fire Doors has firmly established itself as the North’s leading provider of timber fire doors and fire-rated screens — trusted across
Aviva has submitted a planning application to transform 130 Fenchurch Street in the heart of the City of London into a striking 34-storey office tower, marking a significant addition to the capital’s evolving skyline. The proposal would see the current mid-20th century Fountain House demolished and replaced with a 146-metre-tall
The care home is the first development to be completed at Trafford Waters – an emerging 55-acre waterside district in Greater Manchester that will create 3,000 new homes and 20-acres of landscaped parkland and public realm. Trafford Waters Care Home has welcomed the arrival of its first residents, marking a significant moment for the state-of-the-art residential care home and a major milestone for the wider development of Trafford Waters. The momentous occasion is a testament to the collaborative efforts of waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters, who are the master-planners of the wider Trafford Waters district, developer Montpelier Estates, contractors Rowlinson Construction and Tanglewood, who have taken over the management and operation of the completed care home. The 85-bed care home offers a calming and supportive environment for its residents, with a focus on providing exceptional care and enhancing the quality of life. An onsite salon has been designed into the scheme, offering residents the opportunity to have their hair styled and nails manicured, Tanglewood will also be working with ‘Dementia Friendly Barbers’ – a specialist barbering service for care home residents, focused on bringing dignity, comfort and vintage nostalgia to every experience. BeGreat Fitness will offer enjoyable, safe and accessible weekly fitness classes to boost residents’ mobility, independence, and well-being; whilst Myley Tours will offer residents a bi-monthly out-of-home tour and experience to a destination of their choice. Trafford Waters will also be opening their doors to the wider local community with various community events throughout the year, providing opportunities for schools, groups and organisations to use the spaces within the home to host workshops, classes and engage with the residents. The new 1.35 acre home also has a variety of thoughtfully designed ‘destinations’ and amenities for residents to enjoy including a cinema room fitted with a vintage popcorn machine; a retro inspired sweet shop, library and reading rooms, multi-faith room, and a variety of colourful lounges and garden room, all of which have been designed to encourage socialising in comfortable, safe and supportive spaces. The outdoor sensory spaces, gardens and terrace overlook the emerging Trafford Waters district and will provide an ever changing, evolving and captivating view for residents of the care home to watch over. Daniel Rowark Donowa, C.E.O, Tanglewood Care Homes said: “We are delighted to announce a major milestone in the Tanglewood Care Homes journey with the opening of our very first home in Greater Manchester, nestled within the vibrant new Trafford Waters development. This marks the 19th home in Tanglewood’s growing portfolio, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring our 24/7, year-round commitment to care, compassion, and community to such a dynamic and promising area. “As Trafford Waters starts to welcome new residents, we are eager to enrich the lives of our residents and build lasting relationships within the wider TraffordCity community, and we would love to collaborate with local groups and amenities to create a truly connected, inclusive, and supportive environment.” The first resident to move into the Trafford Waters Care Home is 98-year-old George Matrejek, who’s arrival coincided with the same date as the official opening of the new home and symbolises the beginning of a new chapter for Trafford Waters as it moves from constructing developments to building a community. George, who celebrated his 98th birthday just a couple of days after moving into the Trafford Waters Care Home added: ‘It is a privilege to be the first resident in this home and an honour to move in on the very first day it opened. The team here is amazing and lovely, I don’t know where they got them but well done, I’m very happy here.’ Peel Waters secured outline planning permission for the new waterside district which sits within TraffordCity in December 2018 and it will see the delivery of 3,000 new homes, an on-site primary school, new hotels and 20-acres of open space to improve health, wellbeing and access to nature. Since the outline planning permission was secured, Peel Waters have completed phase one infrastructure work which provides access to Trafford Waters via Trafford Way and Redclyffe Road, connecting the emerging residential district to the wider TraffordCity retail and leisure destination. £8million has been spent on delivering the essential infrastructure, which in addition to highways access includes tree-lined footpaths, cycleways, utility connections, drainage and levelling of future development plots. The completed 85-bed care home, along with L&Q’s affordable development that is currently under construction and X1 Developments’ residential scheme which will be starting on site later this year, all form part of the first phase of 376 residential properties to be built at Trafford Waters. James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters said: “Opening the first homes at Trafford Waters is a huge moment for us and to have George, the very first resident of Trafford Waters move in on the same day made it even more meaningful and impactful for us as it symbolised the start of our future community. “We have been designing and developing TraffordCity for many decades, and Trafford Waters is an integral part of our vision. This residential led new waterside side district will deliver much-needed high quality homes, amenities and public realm and will see the elderly, living alongside families and individuals within affordable developments, with a mix of young professionals, couples, renters and buyers all nearby. We have thought out every future development here, with the aspiration for Trafford Waters to be a neighbourhood that offers something for everyone. “We’re looking forward to working with our development partners to deliver this vision and we’re very excited to see the arrival of more residents to Trafford Waters.” The Trafford Waters care home is now open, with immediate availability offering residential care, respite care and dementia care, offered with an all-inclusive fee. To find out more information about Trafford Waters Care Home, please contact Tanglewood’s team by ringing: 0161 394 1382, email: info@twhealthcare.co.uk or visit: https://www.traffordwaterscarehome.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Builders’ merchants and construction suppliers are accelerating investment in AI, as they seek to modernise operations and stay competitive, according to new research. The study by eCommerce agency PushON, found that nearly half of businesses in the sector (49%) now see the rise of AI and automation as the most significant trend shaping their digital strategies, ahead of platform upgrades and product information management. Partnering with an Amazon full service agency like beBOLD Digital can help brands capitalize on these trends by offering tailored automation, data-driven insights, and end-to-end support across the Amazon marketplace. The report, Building the Future: The Evolution of Construction eCommerce, reveals a sharp uptick in the use of AI to drive personalisation, forecasting and customer experience improvements. Nearly two-thirds of firms surveyed said they were already using AI to offer personalised recommendations to customers, with plans to expand further. Inventory forecasting and stock management are also undergoing transformation, with 40% of companies deploying AI to better predict demand and optimise supply chains. AI’s impact extends into customer service and marketing operations. Almost half of businesses (48%) report using AI chatbots to enhance responsiveness and support, while 46% are automating their marketing efforts to streamline operations. Enhanced site search functionality, using AI to better match customer queries with relevant products, has also emerged as a key investment area, with 49% of businesses investing in smarter search tools to drive better online engagement and conversion rates. Sam Rutley, managing director of PushON, said: “Our research shows that AI adoption is accelerating rapidly in the construction supply sector and is reshaping the future of digital commerce. Builders’ merchants and suppliers that embrace these technologies now will be better positioned to meet changing customer expectations and drive future growth, while those who delay risk falling behind.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s construction materials sector has stumbled once again in early 2025, as demand for heavy-side building materials continues to falter under the weight of economic uncertainty, planning delays, and weakened infrastructure investment. Fresh industry data reveals a sharp fall in sales of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete during the first quarter of the year, with both products declining by 6.3% compared to the previous quarter. Asphalt sales are now at their lowest point in over a decade, not counting the pandemic years, pointing to a particularly subdued road-building pipeline. Ready-mixed concrete volumes have dropped to around three million cubic metres per quarter—the lowest level seen in over 60 years. While the UK’s major infrastructure projects like HS2, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C continue to drive some demand for aggregates and concrete, they are increasingly the exception rather than the rule. The roads sector is especially under pressure, with numerous local and national schemes postponed or cancelled. This has had a direct impact on asphalt consumption, signalling a wider slowdown in public infrastructure spending. There was a modest 0.5% uptick in primary aggregates (crushed rock and sand & gravel), offering little comfort in an otherwise downbeat picture. The only sustained growth came from mortar sales, which rose by 3.8% for the fourth consecutive quarter—an indication that housebuilding activity, while still below normal levels, may be stabilising. External economic forces are also casting a shadow. Trade tensions stemming from recent global policy shifts, including fresh tariffs introduced by the US, are expected to disrupt supply chains and increase market volatility. There are concerns that redirected cement imports could place further strain on the domestic market, which already sees nearly a third of cement sourced from abroad. Leaders within the industry are calling for stronger government intervention to safeguard the UK’s mineral products sector. With construction so reliant on materials like cement, aggregates, and concrete, industry voices warn that a lack of policy support—on energy costs, planning reform, and public procurement—risks undermining the very foundations of future growth. Aurelie Delannoy, Director of Economic Affairs at the Mineral Products Association, commented that while housebuilding shows “early signs of improvement”, the broader construction outlook remains “fragile”, with delays in investment and interest rate uncertainty threatening progress. As the UK seeks to revive its building sector and deliver on net zero and growth ambitions, ensuring a robust domestic materials supply chain is more important than ever. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major student housing redevelopment is on the cards for Manchester, as Unite Students and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) sign a £390 million joint venture to deliver over 2,300 new student beds. The scheme will see the complete regeneration of the university’s ageing Cambridge Halls site, which will be closed this year. Originally constructed in the 1990s, the current low-rise accommodation blocks – providing around 770 bedrooms – will be demolished to make way for a modern student living complex. Under the terms of the agreement, Unite will hold a 70% stake in the partnership and take on the roles of developer, asset manager and operator. MMU will retain the remaining 30% interest by contributing the land. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with a phased delivery running through to 2030. The first phase, due for completion in September 2029, will comprise 1,126 bedrooms split across a 24-storey tower, two 11-storey buildings, and an eight-storey block. The completed development will ultimately deliver 2,330 purpose-built student rooms – a significant net gain of 1,560 beds. Planning submission is anticipated later this quarter, with final joint venture formation scheduled for late 2025. This is Unite’s second university partnership and forms part of its broader strategy to target key university cities where demand for student accommodation is outstripping supply. In Manchester, for example, there are currently around 3.6 full-time students per available bed – well above the UK average – creating a pressing need for additional, high-quality housing. In a move to ease the transition, Unite has also agreed a five-year nomination agreement with Manchester Met to house 2,550 of its students at other Unite-managed properties during the redevelopment period. A spokesperson for Unite Students said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering modern, sustainable and affordable accommodation that supports students’ wellbeing and enhances their university experience. Once complete, the new scheme is expected to transform the student housing offering in Manchester, supporting MMU’s growth ambitions while helping to meet the city’s growing accommodation needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over half (52 %) of project professionals are very confident that the UK will meet its net zero targets by 2050. This is compared to just 31% who were asked the question by APM back in 2023 – following the UK Government’s adjustments to net zero goals including pushing back the deadline for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and the phasing out of gas boilers. With the government’s net zero policies being widely debated across industry, by politicians and climate experts at the current time, APM’s survey of 1,000 project professionals carried out by research consultants Censuswide), shows that over half of respondents working in the following sectors say they are confident in the 2050 net zero goals being met: Project professionals are the strategic changemakers who deliver projects that enable sustainability transformations. With the current focus on decarbonisation and net zero, business leaders are being urged to listen to their project experts and invest properly in projects and the people who deliver them, to ensure success. The main reasons given by respondents for confidence in the 2050 targets being met is action being taken by their company are: Of the minority of respondents (4%) who say they aren’t confident (44% said only somewhat confident) in the UK meeting net zero in 2050, the main reason given was not enough action being taken by their industry sector (47% of respondents) and that the 2050 target has always been unrealistic (37%). In 2023, just over 9% of respondents said they weren’t confident in the UK meeting net zero by 2050. The survey also highlights that 45% think their company is currently doing too much to support the 2025 ambitions, compared to 36% who think their company is doing too little. When asked the same question in 2023, just 28% of project professionals thought their company was doing too much, with over half 52% saying too little is being done. However, when it comes to skills and the talent pipeline of project professionals, APM found that four in 10 (42%) project professionals strongly agree that there aren’t enough project professionals in the talent pipeline in the UK to sustain the future delivery of net zero projects. When the same question was asked in 2023 just 27% strongly agreed that there aren’t enough project professionals. Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM said: “It is positive to see an increased confidence across the project profession in the UK meeting its 2050 net zero ambitions. As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, there has been a marked global shift towards the net zero transition, prioritising national plans for the reduction of carbon emissions. The project profession stands at the crossroads of this transition, ensuring complex environmental targets are translated into actionable, efficient, and achievable strategies. “As highlighted, there are evident concerns over the talent pipeline in sustaining the effective delivery of net zero projects. It is vital that UK business leaders and government address the growing need for qualified project professionals at all levels, and that adequate investment is made through skills development, recruitment and greater engagement in the professionalisation of the profession. Without skilled project leadership, net zero goals risk being delayed, overbudget, or unfulfilled.” APM has resources available for project professionals to find out more about sustainable practices in project management and the delivery of net zero, including recent research paper Are we ready for net zero in project management? The challenges and strategies for project professionals in the delivery of UK major projects and a Sustainability Interest Network giving professionals the chance to knowledge share and gain further understanding and good practice in sustainability across the profession. Visit apm.org for further details. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The vibrant transformation of YY London in Canary Wharf continues apace as renowned Italian restaurant group Big Mamma prepares to open its doors this summer, marking the latest milestone in the building’s revitalisation. Quadrant, the real estate investment and development firm behind the refurbishment, has secured Big Mamma on a 15-year lease for a 9,500 sq ft ground-floor unit. The restaurant, which is set to launch in June, will join an expanding line-up of food and drink operators that are turning the office-led scheme into a buzzing lifestyle destination. Founded in Paris in 2015 by entrepreneurs Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux, Big Mamma has become well known across Europe for its bold, playful interiors and classic Italian menus that celebrate regional dishes with a theatrical flair. The new Canary Wharf location places Big Mamma alongside Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Brother Marcus, which will also open this summer in a 2,861 sq ft space on a 20-year lease. Meanwhile, premium Danish espresso bar Hagen has already opened its 17th outlet, occupying a 1,141 sq ft site on a 10-year lease. All three food and beverage operators are located on the ground floor of YY London, activating the frontage that opens onto Jubilee Plaza—directly opposite the Jubilee Line station and overlooking the waterfront public space at Eden Dock. The commercial vibrancy of the building has also been boosted by fintech giant Revolut, which signed a major deal last year to take up 113,000 sq ft across four floors, establishing its new global headquarters in the heart of Canary Wharf. Tristram Gethin, founding partner at Quadrant, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Big Mamma to YY London. Their arrival, along with Brother Marcus, Hagen and Revolut, highlights the building’s appeal and the part it is playing in reimagining Canary Wharf as more than just a financial centre—it’s becoming a place to live, work and enjoy.” Originally built in the early days of Canary Wharf’s development, YY London underwent a comprehensive refurbishment led by Quadrant and investment funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management. The project, completed in 2023, has redefined one of the estate’s oldest office buildings into a next-generation workspace and lifestyle hub. YY London now offers 415,000 sq ft of Grade A office space with a strong focus on sustainability, wellbeing and experience—elements that are fast becoming essential in attracting top-tier occupiers and hospitality brands alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex is adding another big-name operator to its growing food and beverage line-up, as American fried chicken brand Popeyes prepares to open its doors. Occupying a 1,750 sq ft unit on level three within The Eatery, Popeyes is set to open next week, joining a diverse mix of popular restaurants including Five Guys and Taco Bell. The launch marks the brand’s 80th location in the UK, reflecting its ambitious expansion across the country. With a focus on delivering a high-energy dining experience inspired by the bold flavours of New Orleans, Popeyes has quickly become a fast-growing favourite in the British casual dining market. The latest addition is part of a wider strategy to enhance the food offering at Lakeside, as the centre continues to evolve beyond traditional retail. Rob Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera Lateral, commented: “We’re committed to expanding and refreshing our dining options to ensure Lakeside remains a top destination for visitors. Popeyes is a strong addition to our mix – offering something new, exciting, and relevant to today’s diners.” He added: “We want every visit to Lakeside to feel more than just a shopping trip. With an ever-broadening choice of places to eat and relax, we’re building an experience that’s about variety, quality, and enjoyment.” Lakeside has seen an increased emphasis on enhancing its leisure and dining zones in recent years, as consumer habits shift and visitors seek richer, all-day experiences. The arrival of Popeyes signals continued investment in The Eatery as a vibrant social space at the heart of the centre. Tom Crowley, chief executive officer of Popeyes UK, expressed his enthusiasm about the new opening: “2025 is shaping up to be another exciting year for us, with two new sites planned for the Essex area. Our aim is to bring our signature Louisiana-inspired hospitality and flavours to even more communities, and we’re thrilled to be joining the line-up at Lakeside.” As the brand continues to build momentum, Lakeside visitors can expect a menu packed with crispy chicken sandwiches, Cajun fries, and the signature biscuits that have helped Popeyes make its mark on the UK high street. The opening is expected to draw strong footfall and further solidify Lakeside’s position as a leading shopping and leisure destination in the South East. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has officially begun on a major £65 million refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Haringey Civic Centre in north London, as contractor John Sisk & Son moves ahead with the much-anticipated upgrade. A ground-breaking ceremony held recently marked the start of construction on the project, which will see the 1950s civic building reimagined as a modern, sustainable workspace and community hub. Originally built in 1958 and granted listed status in 2018, the Civic Centre is being redeveloped with a sensitive yet forward-thinking approach. The scheme, approved by Haringey Council’s planning sub-committee in September last year, will include the creation of a new annex, improved office space, and restored civic areas. Council leader Peray Ahmet described the refurbishment as a pivotal moment for the borough. “This project will re-establish the Civic Centre as the heart of public life in Haringey. It’s not just about upgrading a building — it’s about creating a welcoming, inclusive space that reflects our ambitions for a greener and more collaborative future,” she said. The refurbished centre is set to provide high-quality, accessible office accommodation for up to 900 council staff. It will also offer public-facing spaces and community facilities designed to support civic engagement and partnership working. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the redevelopment. The project forms part of Haringey Council’s wider commitment to achieving a zero-carbon estate. As part of the works, Sisk will introduce energy efficiency upgrades across the site, including insulation enhancements and the installation of solar panels. Steven McGee, chief operating officer for Sisk in Ireland and the UK, highlighted the significance of the scheme. “This is a landmark project for the borough and for us as a contractor. The team is bringing innovative techniques to the table and keeping sustainability front and centre,” he said. “A new central courtyard and extensive landscaping will help reframe the Civic Centre as an open, accessible place for residents and staff alike. We’re proud to be part of this transformation and look forward to delivering a result the community can take pride in.” Once complete, the revitalised Civic Centre will embody a blend of architectural heritage and modern performance standards, reflecting the council’s drive to preserve the borough’s past while planning responsibly for its future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a world where safety, compliance and reliability are non-negotiable, one manufacturer is proving that quality fire protection and expert craftsmanship can go hand-in-hand. Based in Barton, Preston, Better Fire Doors has firmly established itself as the North’s leading provider of timber fire doors and fire-rated screens — trusted across residential, education and healthcare sectors. With a purpose-built manufacturing facility and accreditation under the BWF Certifire scheme, Better Fire Doors offers fully certified FD30, FD60 and FD120 doors. These products not only meet stringent UK fire safety regulations but are also tailored to deliver high performance, style and long-term durability. The company’s product range includes bespoke and pre-hung door sets, flush and glazed options, as well as factory-fitted ironmongery, enabling faster installation and reducing time spent on site. They also offer fully glazed fire screens, tested to provide integrity and insulation for up to 60 minutes — a perfect fit for modern buildings where aesthetics must balance strict compliance. Beyond fire protection, Better Fire Doors delivers solutions for high-demand environments. In education, doors are designed to withstand constant use while meeting severe-duty fire and acoustic performance standards. In healthcare, the firm provides hygienic, robust doors for hospitals, clinics and care homes — always combining ease of access with safety and a therapeutic design touch. What truly sets Better Fire Doors apart is their comprehensive in-house joinery expertise. From handcrafted staircases and traditional windows to bespoke kitchens and outdoor structures, their attention to detail and use of both traditional skills and CAD planning ensures each project is delivered to exacting standards. Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed — the firm was recently named Best Fire Door Manufacturer 2023 – Northern England, a reflection of their commitment to British manufacturing and industry-leading service. In an industry where fire safety saves lives, Better Fire Doors continues to push boundaries — offering better quality, better design, and ultimately, better protection. Contact Better Fire Doors:📞 07731 454 121🌐 www.betterfiredoors.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aviva has submitted a planning application to transform 130 Fenchurch Street in the heart of the City of London into a striking 34-storey office tower, marking a significant addition to the capital’s evolving skyline. The proposal would see the current mid-20th century Fountain House demolished and replaced with a 146-metre-tall building offering around 600,000 square feet of prime commercial space. The scheme is being developed in partnership with commercial real estate specialist CO-RE and renowned architecture studio WilkinsonEyre, with engineering consultancy Arup on board to deliver structural and building services design. Pending approval, demolition of the outdated 16-storey structure is expected to begin in 2026, with piling works targeted for late 2027. The development aims to respond to the shifting demands of post-pandemic office life, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, wellbeing and flexibility. Among the standout features of the new tower are two upper-level public spaces: a cultural and exhibition area on the 17th floor, and a public viewing gallery on the 20th floor, complete with an expansive outdoor terrace overlooking London’s Eastern Cluster. In addition to delivering high-quality office accommodation, the project promises an enhanced public realm. Plans include a new pedestrian route linking Cullum Street to Fen Court, revitalised ground-floor retail and hospitality spaces, and improved landscaping to create a more accessible and engaging street environment. The tower will be built with sustainability at its core, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL Platinum, and a 5.5-star NABERS rating. The project will also follow circular economy principles, aiming to retain and reuse materials from the existing building wherever possible. Whole Life Carbon assessments are currently being undertaken in line with the latest industry guidance. Stephen Black, Director at CO-RE, highlighted the importance of futureproofing office developments: “This project is about more than just creating a new workplace—it’s about reimagining what an office building can offer. From cultural programming and green spaces to cutting-edge sustainability features, we’re delivering a best-in-class destination that meets the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.” Though the site lies just outside a conservation area, it is surrounded by key heritage assets such as Leadenhall Market, the Lloyd’s Building and The Ship Tavern. As such, the design has been carefully developed to respond sensitively to its historic context while still delivering a bold, contemporary presence. Fountain House, built between 1954 and 1958, has long since outlived its design life. With poor environmental performance, dated interiors, and vacant office floors, the existing structure is no longer suited to the demands of modern commercial tenants. Earlier redevelopment plans were granted permission in 2014 and 2016, but were never implemented. Now, with London’s commercial sector rebounding and demand for high-quality, flexible office space on the rise, the scheme at 130 Fenchurch Street represents an opportunity to bring new energy, connectivity and innovation to one of the capital’s most iconic business districts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals