Kenneth Booth
Oak Grange Primary School: Delivering Durable and Sustainable Roofing for Derby’s Growing Educational Infrastructure

Oak Grange Primary School: Delivering Durable and Sustainable Roofing for Derby’s Growing Educational Infrastructure

With a population growth exceeding 5% over the past decade, Derby faces increased pressure on its educational infrastructure. To address this, Derby City Council has committed £30 million to expand school capacity, including the newly constructed Oak Grange Primary School at Boulton Moor. This state-of-the-art facility provides 354 primary school places, to meet

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Global Safety and Health construction coordinators unite at APS/ISHCCO Edinburgh congress

Global Safety and Health construction coordinators unite at APS/ISHCCO Edinburgh congress

The Association for Project Safety (APS) and the International Safety and Health Construction Coordinators Organization (ISHCCO) recently hosted a landmark international congress in Edinburgh, bringing together construction safety experts from across Europe. The gathering focused on raising competency standards, tackling emerging risks, and strengthening global collaboration in construction health and

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Neil Humphrey appointed new CEO of Waterman

Neil Humphrey appointed new CEO of Waterman

Waterman is pleased to announce that Neil Humphrey has been appointed as the new CEO of Waterman effective 1 April 2025, succeeding Nick Taylor who has led the business for the last 17 years. Neil brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of the company.

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HG Construction appointed to 504 bed Stratford PBSA scheme

HG Construction appointed to 504 bed Stratford PBSA scheme

HG Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on a new purpose-built student accommodation in Stratford being developed in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate. The N16 Stratford scheme will comprise 504 student beds constructed over two blocks reaching 10 and 18 storeys. The project will also

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SevenCapital Sets Sights on £1bn London Expansion

SevenCapital Sets Sights on £1bn London Expansion

Birmingham-based property developer SevenCapital is making a bold move into the London residential market, with plans for a £1bn expansion across three major projects in Kensington, Islington, and the Isle of Dogs. Subject to planning approval, these developments could deliver 1,000 new homes through a combination of new builds and

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AECOM & Nodes & Links: Transforming Project Controls with AI

AECOM & Nodes & Links: Transforming Project Controls with AI

A New Era for Project Delivery For decades, AECOM, a Fortune 500 company, has led global infrastructure innovation, delivering complex projects in transportation, energy, water, and sustainability. As a trusted leader worldwide, AECOM tackles some of the world’s toughest challenges—on time, on budget, and with a growing focus on sustainability. 

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

Kenneth Booth

Oak Grange Primary School: Delivering Durable and Sustainable Roofing for Derby’s Growing Educational Infrastructure

Oak Grange Primary School: Delivering Durable and Sustainable Roofing for Derby’s Growing Educational Infrastructure

With a population growth exceeding 5% over the past decade, Derby faces increased pressure on its educational infrastructure. To address this, Derby City Council has committed £30 million to expand school capacity, including the newly constructed Oak Grange Primary School at Boulton Moor. This state-of-the-art facility provides 354 primary school places, to meet the needs of a rapidly growing residential area. A collaborative effort between Langley, Advanced Roofing, and main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure, the project underscores the value of integrating durable and efficient roofing systems within public sector developments. The Need for Resilient Infrastructure Derby City Council required a roofing solution that balanced longevity, sustainability, and compliance with stringent building standards. Langley’s TA-20 flat roof waterproofing system emerged as the ideal choice, offering a 20-year Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) covering design, product, and workmanship. The project serves as a benchmark in achieving energy efficiency and safety, with a U-Value of 0.15 W/m²K, surpassing the energy efficiency standards set by Part L of the Building Regulations. Langley’s TA-20 roofing system’s BRoof(t4) certification assured compliance with Part B fire safety regulations, solidifying the project’s alignment with technical and regulatory requirements. Together, these features highlight how innovation and compliance can work hand in hand to create exceptional new-build educational environments. Why TA-20? Langley’s TA-20 system was specifically chosen to meet Derby City Council’s requirements for a reinforced bituminous membrane (RBM) system that delivered reliable waterproofing and thermal efficiency.  The TA-20 system offers several key advantages that made it an ideal choice for the project. Its cost-effectiveness ensures long-term durability at a practical price point, helping the council minimize operational costs. Additionally, the system’s high thermal efficiency significantly reduces heating and cooling expenses, promoting both environmental and economic sustainability. The straightforward installation process further contributed to the project’s success, enabling the roofing work to be completed smoothly within the two-month timeline. Langley’s technical team supported Advanced Roofing with weekly site visits to ensure adherence to compliance standards, including BS6229 and NHBC Technical Standards. The result is a roof optimised for durability and sustainability, tailored to the needs of a growing educational hub. Efficient Execution The partnership between Langley and Advanced Roofing ensured smooth project execution despite the tight schedule. By maintaining close collaboration and leveraging Langley’s extensive technical expertise, the team completed the roof installation on time, meeting both safety and quality requirements. The ease of use of the TA-20 system allowed Advanced Roofing to execute the project without the need for major design customisations, ensuring rapid installation without compromising quality. This straightforward approach proved essential for the school’s timely opening and long-term operational efficiency. A Sustainable Solution  By integrating Langley’s TA-20 roofing system, Oak Grange Primary School achieves significant sustainability gains, aligning with Derby City Council’s environmental goals. The system’s high-performance insulation reduces energy consumption, supporting the council’s commitment to minimising emissions across public estates. Supporting Educational Growth The successful collaboration between Derby City Council, Langley, Advanced Roofing, and Morgan Sindall highlights the importance of reliable partnerships in public sector projects. Oak Grange Primary School now stands as a benchmark for sustainable, high-quality educational facilities, ensuring comfort and efficiency for generations to come. Dean Jetson, supply chain manager at Morgan Sindall said: “Delivering Oak Grange Primary School was an exciting challenge that allowed us to showcase our commitment to quality and innovation. Partnering with Langley and Advanced Roofing enabled us to not only meet the project requirements but also exceed the expectations of Derby City Council in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency.”  Connor Wignall, senior estimator at Advanced Roofing, said: “Our collaboration on Oak Grange Primary School shows the critical role roofing systems play in creating sustainable and efficient educational environments. Working with Langley’s TA-20 system meant that we were able to deliver a solution that meets Derby City Council’s rigorous specifications and provides long-term durability and energy efficiency. It’s rewarding to see how this project will contribute to Derby’s growing educational infrastructure while supporting environmental goals.” Simon Griffiths, new build national sales manager from Langley said: “This project presented an opportunity to showcase the adaptability of our TA-20 system in a new-build school setting. Collaborating with Advanced Roofing allowed us to tailor a solution that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of Derby City Council.”  As Derby City Council continues to expand its educational infrastructure, Langley’s TA-20 system stands as a benchmark in delivering cost-effective, high-quality roofing solutions that support sustainability and community development goals. This project underscores Langley’s commitment to combining technical expertise with responsive collaboration, providing solutions that are resilient, compliant, and designed for the long-term benefit of public facilities.   For more on Langley’s roofing solutions and services, see Langley.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Global Safety and Health construction coordinators unite at APS/ISHCCO Edinburgh congress

Global Safety and Health construction coordinators unite at APS/ISHCCO Edinburgh congress

The Association for Project Safety (APS) and the International Safety and Health Construction Coordinators Organization (ISHCCO) recently hosted a landmark international congress in Edinburgh, bringing together construction safety experts from across Europe. The gathering focused on raising competency standards, tackling emerging risks, and strengthening global collaboration in construction health and safety co-ordination. The event provided a platform for leading professionals to discuss the latest regulatory updates, technological advancements, global challenges, building a resilient future and best practices in safety coordination. The key themes discussed included issues around competence and compliance in a Post-Grenfell Landscape. Indeed, with building safety regulations tightening, discussions focused on how Safety and Health Construction Coordinators (SHCCs) – including UK Principal Designers (PDs) and Principal Contractors (PCs) – must adapt to ensure improved safety standards. There were also discussions around New and Emerging Risks – beyond known hazards such as asbestos and silica, the event highlighted new occupational risks and the impact of climate change on construction safety. Speakers at the Congress also reinforced the role of technology, particularly on how digital innovation – BIM and emerging technologies, can enhance health and safety processes and improve risk management. Other themes discussed included introducing more collaboration between ISHCCO and International Social Security Association – Construction Section (ISSA-C) to tackle Global Challenges, building a resilient future by climate-proofing design infrastructure (European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE) Manifesto) and measuring performance in a bid to improving safety outcomes to benefit long-term industry improvements. As a founder member of ISHCCO, APS has a long-standing commitment to improving health and safety coordination in the UK and Europe.  The joint Congress underlined the importance of sharing best practices and fostering international collaboration to advance construction safety. Andrew Leslie, Chief Executive, APS commented: “APS was formed by consequence of EU Directive 92/57 which impacted on all EU Member States.  Despite the UK decision to leave the EU, APS recognises the importance of sharing good practice and research and development with our ISHCCO colleagues, particularly as many design and construction goods and services are now delivered on an international basis.” Evangelitsa Tsoulofta, ISHCCO President, added: “ISHCCO’s vision, as the umbrella organization of safety and health construction coordinators in Europe and Worldwide, is to affirm its members’ professional identity and collaborate with OSH and construction professionals and institutions for a safer, healthier, and sustainable construction industry and infrastructure. “Promoting construction OSH, we not only protect the lives and well-being of construction workers but also contribute to the sustainability of our industry, infrastructure, and society.  I extend an invitation to all OSH and construction professionals to join ISHCCO in this noble mission, and I look forward to working together to build a better future for all. “Building on the success of Edinburgh 2024, our Spanish colleagues will host the next ISHCCO General Assembly and Congress in Madrid in 2025, further strengthening ties between European safety coordinators.” For more details visit www.ishcco.org and www.aps.org.uk

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Lismore investor research shows PBSA sector to be a shining light for Scottish commercial property market

Lismore investor research shows PBSA sector to be a shining light for Scottish commercial property market

72% of investors are considering Scotland’s living sector in 2025 The PBSA continues to be a shining light in the Scottish commercial property investment market, according to the latest investor research on the living sector conducted by leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate Advisors. A majority (72%) of investors are considering Scotland’s living sector in 2025, with interest highest among investment managers (86%) compared to fund investors (50%). The end of rent caps from April 2025 could provide greater stability, supporting growth in a market already facing a housing shortage, particularly in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Lismore’s research found that portfolio diversification (26.8%) is the primary driver of investment in this market, followed by minimal void risk (24.7%) and liquidity (22.3%), highlighting investors’ focus on stability and resilience. Sustainability (28.3%) remains a top priority for PBSA investors, reflecting the sector’s alignment with ESG standards, while demand is also driven by unit mix considerations (24.1%) and reliance on overseas students (23.0%), particularly in prime locations near Russell Group universities. Chris Thornton, Associate Director of Lismore said: “The PBSA sector continues to be one of the shining lights, performing strongly, driven by resilient demand and stable capital values, particularly in cities with a Russell Group university. Despite concerns over international student numbers, institutional investors, private equity firms and specialist platforms remain highly engaged in this sector.” Murdo Mcilhagger Managing Director of MYS Student Living added: “The PBSA market has returned to fundamentals, with strong assets continuing to perform well, supported by macro tailwinds such as growing international student demand and policy shifts. While transaction volumes remain below average, activity is picking up as debt costs ease. “Investors must focus on customer demand, location quality and operational efficiencies, particularly as sustainability becomes a key factor in both revenue generation and cost management. However, challenges persist, including a lack of sellers, thin interest in secondary assets and fire safety remediation impacting liquidity.” Elsewhere in the market, Lismore’s quarterly review statistics show that it has been relatively slow start to the year, with cautious investor sentiment, limited stock availability and ongoing economic uncertainty dampening activity. Transaction volumes in Q1 totalled £202 million, with the largest transaction being Realty’s £66.20 million acquisition of Abbotsinch Retail Park in Paisley (as part of a portfolio) from Ashby Capital. Other notable transactions included L&G’s purchase from Glencairn Properties of the PBSA development at Lower Gilmore Place, Edinburgh for £35 million, Cervidea’s acquisition of 98 Buchanan Street / 31Royal Exchange Square in Glasgow for £13.80 million and French investor, Remake Asset Management’s acquisition of the Nike Store at 18-20 Buchanan Street, Glasgow for £11.87 million. Chris Thornton concluded: “The commercial property market remains cautious amid a mixed economic backdrop and geopolitical uncertainty, with a lack of quality stock delaying significant activity until Q2. Private capital continues to target prime city assets, while selective office yields attract opportunistic buyers. “As spring arrives, signs of renewed momentum are emerging, particularly in the most liquid sectors – industrial, retail warehousing and living.” The full Lismore Quarterly Review for Q1-25 is available to download from: HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The official UKREiiF After Party: Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle 2025, ‘The Spin City Showdown’ of the UKs Metro Mayors

The official UKREiiF After Party: Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle 2025, ‘The Spin City Showdown’ of the UKs Metro Mayors

The UK’s metro mayors will battle it out on the decks for an iconic night of head-to-head musical entertainment at this year’s UKREiiF. Powered by Capital & Centric, the first Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will take place at the O2 Academy Leeds, one of the country’s most popular music venues, on 21 May 2025. For one night only, the mayors will deliver spinbacks not speeches, regional rivalries will be tested, and the only fiery debate will be whether house is better than techno.  Ticketholders can expect a dazzling production, an all-star lineup of mayors-turned-DJs, and an electrifying clash of styles, from disco anthems to indie classics. This will be an evening where politics takes a backseat, and the musical talents of the nation’s regional leaders are revealed. This landmark event will raise money for UKREiiF’s official charity partner Regeneration Brainery.  All monies raised from ticket sales will go towards Regeneration Brainery’s continuing support of more than 6,000 young people from under-represented backgrounds, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in the property and regeneration industry.   Regeneration Brainery’s national social mobility programme offers in-depth insights into the property industry, through workshops, work experience, and opportunities to connect with inspirational mentors. “Brainees” develop crucial employability skills, with over a third of participants now in the industry.  With a crowd-powered vote, the audience will be the ones to decide who destroyed the dance floor with their powerful beats, and who should stick to their day job.   At only £20 a ticket, The Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle 2025 will be an event not to miss, where the power is in the playlist and the audience will decide which of the mayors is worthy of following in the footsteps of The Stone Roses, The Killers, and Robbie Williams in taking to the O2 Academy stage. Matt Christie, Director UKREiiF, said:  “We cannot wait for a night that will go down in industry folklore, one where we get to witness our regional leaders showcase their hidden talents. It’s going to be a special evening, featuring several special guests, raising money for an incredible organisation that UKREiiF is proud to support as its charity partner. I have my guesses who will emerge victorious, but I can’t wait to see who the audience decides is champion of this battle.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Neil Humphrey appointed new CEO of Waterman

Neil Humphrey appointed new CEO of Waterman

Waterman is pleased to announce that Neil Humphrey has been appointed as the new CEO of Waterman effective 1 April 2025, succeeding Nick Taylor who has led the business for the last 17 years. Neil brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of the company. His leadership will be instrumental in driving our strategic initiatives and ensuring continued success across Waterman’s operations in the UK, Ireland and Australia. With 30 years in the industry, Neil has been an integral part of Waterman, having served as a main board director of Waterman Group Plc, alongside his role as UK Chief Operating Officer. He has been actively involved in driving various strategic and operational aspects of the company and has also played a significant role with the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), where he served as Chair of ACE’s Procurement and Pipeline Advocacy Group. Neil’s appointment as CEO marks a new chapter for Waterman, promising continued innovation and progress. Commenting on his appointment as CEO, Neil said: “I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at Waterman. We are entering a period of significant change in our industry, with digital innovation fundamentally reshaping what we do and how we deliver for our clients. I am excited to continue to work with our talented team to drive our innovation forward and position ourselves as the consultant of choice for our clients, our people, and new talent. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Nick Taylor for his exceptional leadership and the strong foundation he has built.” In handing over the CEO role to Neil, Nick Taylor commented: “I have full confidence in Neil’s ability to lead Waterman into its next phase of growth. His vision and dedication will undoubtedly drive the company to new heights.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McLaren Construction Midlands and North completes the UK’s largest cold store facility

McLaren Construction Midlands and North completes the UK’s largest cold store facility

McLaren Construction Midlands and North is proud to announce the successful completion of the UK’s largest cold store facility, developed for Magnavale Ltd, one of the country’s leading temperature controlled warehouse and value added service providers. The fully automated facility stands at 47 metres tall with a capacity for 101,000 pallets and represents a significant milestone in logistics and sustainable storage solutions. Located near Grantham, the purpose-built, rack-clad automated cold store has been designed to support Magnavale’s goal of creating Europe’s most efficient cold storage facility, operating at a standard temperature of -200C. The 474,283 sq. ft. development can function at temperatures as low as -28°C and is powered entirely by renewable energy, reinforcing Magnavale’s commitment to sustainability. The facility features a five-storey office space, extensive external yards, an HGV marshalling area, and a large staff car park. Additionally, cutting-edge refrigeration plant ensures that the storage chamber maintains optimal conditions for frozen food products from leading retailers. The construction of the project presented a range of unique challenges. The facility was delivered while maintaining 24/7 access to the adjacent McCain food production facility, alongside another existing cold storage unit and water treatment processing works, while ensuring minimal disruption to operations and a water treatment facility. Extensive demolition and controlled waste removal was required to clear the site, which was previously home to an iron ore drift mine. The project team also had to divert and relay multiple services and utilities across the site. An external gantry system was used to accommodate certain services instead of traditional underground installations due to space constraints. The construction incorporated a contractor-designed steel fibre slab, eliminating the need for more than 20 steel fixers on-site, while an on-site gas generator was refurbished to provide 1.45MW of power. Due to the size of concrete pours, an on-site concrete batching plant was incorporated into the build, to eliminate issues with delivery delays. The project also required precise coordination to accommodate 90 shipping containers of conveyor systems, and McLaren successfully managed an international workforce, including a specialised team from Bosnia. With the building now operational, Magnavale has achieved a major advancement in the cold storage sector, setting new standards in automation, energy efficiency, and logistics. The facility’s scale and technological sophistication position it as one of the most advanced cold storage hubs in Europe, supporting the growing demand for high-efficiency food storage solutions. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Delivering this project has been a remarkable achievement, showcasing McLaren’s expertise in managing large-scale, complex construction projects. This facility not only advances the UK’s cold storage infrastructure but also exemplifies our focus on sustainable and innovative building practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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HG Construction appointed to 504 bed Stratford PBSA scheme

HG Construction appointed to 504 bed Stratford PBSA scheme

HG Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on a new purpose-built student accommodation in Stratford being developed in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate. The N16 Stratford scheme will comprise 504 student beds constructed over two blocks reaching 10 and 18 storeys. The project will also include over 1,500 sqm of high-quality amenity space for students, including roof terraces and courtyards. Situated in the heart of Stratford, home to several well-established and accredited universities, the development will provide a significant boost to the student accommodation offering in the area. N16 Stratford is targeting an EPC rating of A and a BREEAM rating of Outstanding.  HG Construction will self-deliver key elements of the build process, securing programme and quality benefits.  The scheme is currently in the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) review phase and the main build is anticipated to start later this year. Adam Quinn, CEO, HG Construction said: “We are pleased to announce our involvement in this landmark PBSA development in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate, an announcement which comes as we celebrate our 25th anniversary as a company. “As we continue to navigate the ever-changing construction market, we are learning to adapt as an industry.  Working in partnership as funder, developer and contractor has enabled us to overcome early challenges to successfully secure this scheme. We are well underway with preparing the BSR submission and we look forward to making a meaningful start on construction towards the end of year in preparation for receiving students in the 2028/2029 academic year, and to working collaboratively with M&G Real Estate as the scheme progresses.” Craig McPhail, Director, HG Living added: “We are delighted to partner with M&G Real Estate and HG Construction on N16 Stratford. M&G Real Estate’s expertise and strategic vision align perfectly with our commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality accommodation with strong ESG credentials in a key undersupplied student market.  This scheme will deliver a significant number of student beds in an excellent location, and we look forward to working collaboratively with HG Construction and M&G Real Estate to deliver another best-in-class PBSA asset and to maximising our social value contributions throughout.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bouygues UK to Deliver Major Cardiff & Vale College Campus Developments

Bouygues UK to Deliver Major Cardiff & Vale College Campus Developments

Bouygues UK has secured the contract to build two flagship education facilities for Cardiff & Vale College (CAVC): the Barry Waterfront Campus and the Advanced Technology Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan. The project, delivered under the Welsh government’s mutual investment model (MIM), is the largest to date under the programme. Developed by the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCo) and designed by Sheppard Robson Architects, with engineering support from Arup, the scheme aims to enhance education and skills training in the region. WEPCo is a joint venture between the Development Bank of Wales and French investment firm Meridiam, established to support the development of educational infrastructure across Wales. Construction is set to begin in June 2024, with completion expected in summer 2027. Once operational, the campuses will be maintained and managed for 25 years by Robertson FM. The Barry Waterfront Campus will be built on a brownfield site in Barry’s Waterfront Innovation Quarter, accommodating 900 students across courses including art & design, hospitality, catering, and beauty therapy. A student-run restaurant and hair & beauty salon will be open to the public, providing hands-on training opportunities. Meanwhile, the Advanced Technology Centre, to be built near Cardiff Airport, will cater to nearly 2,000 students and focus on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and net zero carbon technologies. The facility will also feature a business centre, composites manufacturing hub, and a ‘green skills house’ to support sustainability training. Bouygues UK project director Peter Sharpe, who previously led the Pentre Awel health and business complex in Llanelli, said:“Education projects are especially rewarding, knowing they will benefit young people for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming thousands of students into these state-of-the-art facilities in 2027.” WEPCo chief executive Christian Stanbury added:“We’re delighted to reach this milestone in delivering such a landmark college project. Having worked with Cardiff & Vale College for years, we understand the impact this will have on future generations of learners and the wider college community.” This development marks a significant investment in the future of skills and education in Wales, equipping students with the knowledge and training needed for careers in emerging industries. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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SevenCapital Sets Sights on £1bn London Expansion

SevenCapital Sets Sights on £1bn London Expansion

Birmingham-based property developer SevenCapital is making a bold move into the London residential market, with plans for a £1bn expansion across three major projects in Kensington, Islington, and the Isle of Dogs. Subject to planning approval, these developments could deliver 1,000 new homes through a combination of new builds and conversions. The first of these projects to secure planning consent is 100 Kensington, a £500m residential development featuring 462 apartments. Standing at 29 storeys, it will become the tallest residential tower in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. The other two projects—Klein’s Wharf on the Isle of Dogs and the Archway Campus in Islington—are currently in the planning phase, with proposals for 375 and 178 new homes respectively. SevenCapital, founded in 2009 by chairman Bal Sohal and managing director Damien Siviter, has an extensive £2.1bn portfolio of completed and pipeline projects. The company has played a key role in shaping Birmingham’s residential landscape with developments such as St George’s Urban Village, The Kettleworks, St Martin’s Place, and The Lansdowne. Now, it is turning its attention to London and the Southeast. For 100 Kensington, SevenCapital is collaborating with real estate investment manager Mark Capital Management. Designed by John McAslan & Partners with detailed plans by Corstorphine & Wright, the scheme will transform a 1.7-hectare site into 462 homes, including 186 affordable units. The development will also feature a 15,000 sq ft leisure facility, a concierge service, 25,000 sq ft of retail and office space, and a podium garden. Klein’s Wharf, located off Westferry Road and fronting the River Thames, will comprise 375 new homes across three buildings, with 40% designated as affordable housing. The site has a rich industrial heritage, having been home to Fenner’s Oil & Paint Refinery, which operated from 1856 to 1932, supplying fuel and paint for London’s docked ships. The Archway Campus development is centred on a historic Victorian hospital site in Islington. Previously owned by the NHS and later Middlesex University and University College London, the campus had been vacant for over a decade before SevenCapital acquired it. The company’s plans include restoring key historic buildings while redeveloping the site to provide 178 homes, 51% of which will be affordable. Additionally, the scheme will feature a new student accommodation building with 242 rooms. The masterplan for the site has been designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects. SevenCapital’s managing director Damien Siviter said:“SevenCapital is committed to delivering vibrant communities and sustainable schemes that enhance the lives of residents and workers. With our proven expertise in urban regeneration, we are now broadening our operations into London and the Southeast, bringing our track record of high-quality residential and mixed-use developments to the capital.” Chief operating officer James Moody added:“Our London expansion is focused on creating outstanding new homes with premium specifications and bespoke designs. Each development is carefully tailored to its location, offering buyers something truly unique. In 2025, we will launch 100 Kensington, our highly anticipated first London development, setting a new benchmark for luxury living in the capital.” With this ambitious expansion, SevenCapital is positioning itself as a key player in London’s evolving residential market, bringing its expertise in regeneration to some of the city’s most sought-after locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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AECOM & Nodes & Links: Transforming Project Controls with AI

AECOM & Nodes & Links: Transforming Project Controls with AI

A New Era for Project Delivery For decades, AECOM, a Fortune 500 company, has led global infrastructure innovation, delivering complex projects in transportation, energy, water, and sustainability. As a trusted leader worldwide, AECOM tackles some of the world’s toughest challenges—on time, on budget, and with a growing focus on sustainability.  Yet, like the entire infrastructure industry, AECOM has long faced a persistent challenge: decisions are only as good as the data available, and in project management, that data often arrives too late. Reports take weeks to compile and analyse, meaning project teams operate in a constant state of lag. By the time a project director gets an update, conditions on-site have likely already changed.  “We used to operate on monthly cycles, with lock weeks where data couldn’t move, and reports were already outdated by the time they were read.”  —Richard Newey, Head of Risk & Integrated Controls, AECOM  In an industry where delays cost millions and sustainability targets grow more ambitious, relying on outdated information is no longer an option. To solve this, AECOM partnered with Nodes & Links to revolutionise project insights, delivering real-time intelligence to clients.  While AECOM sought a partner to solve this challenge, Nodes & Links sought an industry leader to help drive real AI-powered change in project controls. AECOM was that partner.  “The future doesn’t just happen—you have to forcefully create it. AI in project management is only inevitable if we make it happen. We needed a partner delivering daily, guiding us on what’s needed to make AI genuinely useful to everyone.”  —Greg Lawton, CEO, Nodes & Links  With AECOM’s deep industry expertise and commitment to innovation, this partnership ensures Nodes & Links’ AI delivers real-world, actionable impact, helping teams make better, faster decisions when it matters most.  Why Are Traditional Project Controls Not Enough? The problem wasn’t just the data lag… It was the ripple effects that followed:  “With Nodes & Links, we are no longer making decisions on information that is four weeks or six weeks old.”  —Richard Newey, AECOM  Delays don’t just mean lost time; they waste opportunities. The ability to identify risks before they escalate and adjust strategy in real time separates high-performing projects from those struggling to keep up.  The Solution: AI-Powered Project Controls in Real Time AECOM turned to Nodes & Links to eliminate the delays in turning raw project data into actionable information. Instead of waiting weeks for reports, teams now have near-live project visibility, allowing faster, smarter decision-making.  “We’re now able to do things at a fraction of the speed we were five years ago—whether it’s analysing critical paths, sub-critical paths, or driving decision-making.”  —Richard Newey, AECOM  With AI handling the heavy lifting, AECOM’s project teams can now:  “AI and automation are transforming how we deliver projects. This technology isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about redefining how we approach decision-making.”   —Richard Newey, AECOM  But the biggest breakthrough came in an area where project teams have long struggled to integrate real-time insights: sustainability.  Beyond Cost & Time: Bringing Carbon into the Equation For decades, project teams have made decisions based on two primary constraints: cost and time. But what about carbon?  Traditionally, sustainability has been measured and reported on after the fact, making it nearly impossible to adjust course in real time. Now, Nodes & Links enables AECOM to track carbon impact live, alongside cost and schedule trade-offs, without extra effort from teams.  “For the first time in our industry, we’re not just talking about sustainability, we’re actively using data and AI to drive decision-making around carbon reduction.”   —Richard Newey, Head of Risk & Integrated Controls, AECOM  Nodes & Links’ AI seamlessly integrates carbon insights into existing project schedules, providing an instant view of a project’s carbon profile without requiring additional steps or inputs.  With carbon now embedded into project controls, teams can ask new, critical questions:  Carbon is no longer separate—it’s at the heart of project strategy.  “AECOM is transforming how clients manage carbon. Real-time AI-driven insights help them make sustainable decisions at the right time, not months too late. Partnering with Nodes & Links has made sustainability an actionable priority, not just a goal.”  –Nina Palmieri, Project Director, AECOM  A Partnership Establishing A New Standard for Project Controls The partnership between AECOM and Nodes & Links isn’t just about adopting AI, it’s about setting a new standard for how major infrastructure projects are managed.  “We can’t predict exactly what will happen on every project, but what we can do is ensure project teams have the right data at the right time to make the best possible decisions. AI allows us to do that at a scale and speed we’ve never seen before.”  – Richard Newey, Head of Risk & Integrated Controls, AECOM   The future of project controls is here.   And with AI at the core, it’s smarter, faster, and more sustainable than ever before.  Watch the announcement video here: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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