Wrexham AFC have appointed McLaren Construction Midlands and North under a PCSA (Pre-Construction Services Agreement) for the redevelopment of the iconic Kop Stand at the world’s oldest international football stadium still in use – the STōK Cae Ras. The appointment marks the start of Wrexham AFC’s long-term vision for the
Northern Ireland joinery and fit-out contractor Mivan has been appointed principal contractor for the Grand Apartments at 1 Mayfair, one of London’s most exclusive residential developments. The multi-million-pound contract sees Mivan take on work at the £2 billion scheme on South Audley Street, developed by Phones 4U founder John Caudwell.
Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £30.5 million contract to build a new custody suite for Derbyshire Constabulary in Chesterfield. The three-storey facility, located on Dunston Road, will provide 36 cells and has been designed by Corstorphine & Wright. The scheme includes photovoltaic panels, site-wide groundworks, drainage, car parking and
Heidelberg Materials is building the world’s first carbon capture facility to enable fully decarbonised cement production after reaching a FID (Final Investment Decision) with the UK Government for its carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in north Wales. The announcement, made today by Michael Shanks, Energy Minister in the Department
MILWAUKEE® continues to provide innovative lighting solutions for the professional job site with the expansion of their M18™ lighting line up. Wireless remote to rotate, adjust, and power from afar. Our M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light is the first of its kind, allowing power utility users to spot lines and
Landsec is reshaping its development priorities, pausing new office schemes in favour of a major push into retail acquisitions worth £1bn. Chief executive Mark Allan used the company’s latest investor day to set out the shift, highlighting stronger opportunities for growth in shopping centres compared with new-build commercial offices. The
A main contractor has been selected for the first phase of Cheltenham’s landmark Golden Valley project, a £1bn mixed-use development set to become a centre for UK cyber, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. HBD, part of Henry Boot, has appointed Bowmer & Kirkland to lead the initial stage of the
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has completed the £41m Phase 2 of the major industrial and logistics development at Horizon 29 in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Delivered on behalf client, Equation Properties, Phase 2 comprises two high-specification single-storey distribution warehouses, Units 7 and 8, each spanning approximately 250,000 sq. ft., including two-storey
McLaughlin & Harvey and National Grid celebrate steel signing milestone at the new Electricity Transmission Control Centre National Grid has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey as main contractor to build its brand new, state-of-the-art control centre that will reinforce network resilience, uphold National Grid Electricity Transmission’s (NGET) world-class reliability standards and
Overbury has been appointed to deliver a landmark £1.1bn refurbishment of Citi’s 42-storey headquarters at 25 Canada Square, in one of the largest commercial refits undertaken in London. Originally unveiled in early 2022, the scale of Citi’s investment has now been confirmed at more than ten times initial estimates, underlining
Wrexham AFC have appointed McLaren Construction Midlands and North under a PCSA (Pre-Construction Services Agreement) for the redevelopment of the iconic Kop Stand at the world’s oldest international football stadium still in use – the STōK Cae Ras. The appointment marks the start of Wrexham AFC’s long-term vision for the stadium, while the redevelopment of the Kop Stand will not only be a physical transformation of the renowned Racecourse Ground, but a cultural and symbolic landmark in the Club’s historic journey. The return of the Kop Stand will restore the ground to its full four-sided structure, reinforcing Wrexham AFC’s ambitions on and off the pitch. Under the PCSA, McLaren Construction will lead on developing final designs, tendering subcontractor packages and refining construction timelines and delivery strategies for the works. Early works will begin later this month. The full build programme is scheduled for completion during the 2026/27 season. Michael Williamson, CEO of Wrexham AFC, said: “The appointment of McLaren under PCSA is a pivotal moment for the Club, not only in delivering on a long-standing promise to our supporters but in unlocking the potential of the Racecourse Ground as a top-tier venue for domestic and international football. The new Kop Stand will be the heart of the reimagined stadium – increasing capacity, enhancing the experience for fans, and anchoring our place in our home city and as part of the wider Gateway Partnership regeneration plans.” The new stand will ultimately increase stadium capacity to over 18,000 delivering modern facilities for Club stakeholders and enable the Club to achieve UEFA Category 4 compliance and host more international matches. As part of the wider Wrexham Gateway Partnership, which includes Wrexham University, Wrexham County Borough Council and the Welsh Government, the Kop Stand redevelopment is the first major step in a series of transformational projects designed to enhance the city’s infrastructure and public realm. Joel Casstles, Operations Director at McLaren Construction, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of a project with such historical, cultural, and sporting significance. Wrexham AFC holds a special place in the heart of the community, and we’re committed to delivering a high-quality scheme that supports the Club’s ambitions, creates local employment opportunities, and celebrates the legacy of this unique football ground.” Progress updates and further construction milestones will be shared via Wrexham AFC’s official channels as the project advances. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Northern Ireland joinery and fit-out contractor Mivan has been appointed principal contractor for the Grand Apartments at 1 Mayfair, one of London’s most exclusive residential developments. The multi-million-pound contract sees Mivan take on work at the £2 billion scheme on South Audley Street, developed by Phones 4U founder John Caudwell. The eight-storey block is designed as London’s finest ultra-prime residential address, comprising 24 principal residences of up to eight bedrooms, alongside penthouses, townhouses, pieds-à-terre, and grand entertaining spaces set around a central garden. Amenities will mirror those of a five-star hotel. Mivan chief executive John Cunningham said: “Our appointment as principal contractor at 1 Mayfair reflects the confidence placed in Mivan to deliver projects of the highest calibre. These residences represent the very top of the super-prime market, and we are proud to be among the few contractors in London with the capability and experience to deliver residences of this standard in partnership with our esteemed client Caudwell.” The project follows Mivan’s recent handover of The Chancery Rosewood, the transformation of the former US Embassy in Grosvenor Square into a luxury hotel. Mivan was responsible for the fit-out of 144 suites, the Eagle Bar and the central atrium, working alongside Multiplex and developer Qatari Diar. Mivan continues to expand its portfolio, reporting a 25% rise in turnover to £74.3 million in 2024 (2023: £58.1 million). However, pre-tax profit declined to £966,000 from £5.6 million in 2023 due to higher costs. To support its growing pipeline, the company is recruiting project managers, a quantity surveyor, planner and MEP manager. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £30.5 million contract to build a new custody suite for Derbyshire Constabulary in Chesterfield. The three-storey facility, located on Dunston Road, will provide 36 cells and has been designed by Corstorphine & Wright. The scheme includes photovoltaic panels, site-wide groundworks, drainage, car parking and external works. Procured through the SCAPE Construction framework, construction begins this month and is scheduled for completion in June 2027. The project reinforces Willmott Dixon’s growing role in blue light infrastructure, following its £55 million refurbishment of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s headquarters earlier this year and an £18 million contract to deliver Pendle Police Station for Lancashire Constabulary. Michelle Cotterill, project director at Willmott Dixon, said: “As a company with extensive experience in law-and-order projects, we understand the unique requirements of custody facilities and the importance of creating environments that support both operational efficiency and officer wellbeing.” Willmott Dixon has built an extensive track record in emergency services projects, ranging from custody suites in Birmingham, Newcastle, Sheffield and Cardiff to headquarters buildings in Liverpool, Dorset and Humberside, as well as fire and forensics centres across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heidelberg Materials is building the world’s first carbon capture facility to enable fully decarbonised cement production after reaching a FID (Final Investment Decision) with the UK Government for its carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in north Wales. The announcement, made today by Michael Shanks, Energy Minister in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, allows the company to start construction of a carbon capture facility at its Padeswood cement works later this year and will enable production of net zero cement in 2029. The funding decision aligns with the UK Government’s ambitions to reduce CO₂ emissions and deliver economic growth through construction. Simon Willis, CEO at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: “Our constructive partnership with the UK Government has allowed us to reach this major milestone, which is fantastic news, not just for us, but for the industry as a whole. “Our new facility at Padeswood will be a world-leader. It will capture around 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year from our existing cement works, allowing us to produce evoZero carbon captured net zero cement, which will help the UK construction industry reach its decarbonisation aims. “CCS is a growing sector worldwide and our Padeswood project is an exemplar, helping position the UK as a global force at the forefront of this technology. It will also pave the way to decarbonising our domestic cement industry, helping it remain competitive while mitigating against climate change.” Cement is an essential construction material. It is the ‘glue’ in concrete, the most widely used building material in the world, but its production gives rise to CO₂. As these emissions result from the chemical process involved in cement’s manufacture, they cannot be avoided by using low carbon or renewable energy sources. The only way to remove them and produce the net zero cement the UK needs is to capture them using CCS before they enter the atmosphere. The carbon capture facility at Padeswood is designed to capture almost all (around 95 per cent) of the CO₂ emissions from the process. The emissions captured from the kiln include biogenic CO₂ from biomass fuels, mainly from domestic food, wood and paper wastes that cannot be recycled, which could allow the cement produced at Padeswood to be net negative.* The carbon captured at Padeswood will be compressed and transported via an underground pipeline for secure storage under the seabed in Liverpool Bay as part of the HyNet North West project. Heidelberg Materials’ CCS project will bring significant economic benefits to north Wales through investment and job creation: it will protect over 200 jobs and create around 50 new ones, as well as up to 500 more during construction. Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “Our clean-energy mission means good jobs, regional growth, and investment for local communities. “This trailblazing cement works showcases the north Wales workforce on the global stage – leading the charge in the clean industries of the future and powering Britain’s reindustrialisation through this UK-first project.” Today’s announcement is another demonstration of Heidelberg Materials’ commitment to decarbonising cement production through CCS. The Padeswood project is the first of its kind in the UK and is Heidelberg Materials’ first full-scale carbon capture facility to reach FID. It follows the official opening of the world’s first carbon capture facility at a cement works at its Brevik site in Norway in June this year. Here, 50 per cent of the plant’s CO₂ emissions are being captured as part of the Norwegian government’s Longship programme. Find out more about the Padeswood CCS project at: padeswoodccs.co.uk or on Heidelberg Materials’ CCUS experience website: Heidelberg Materials – CCUS Experience Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® continues to provide innovative lighting solutions for the professional job site with the expansion of their M18™ lighting line up. Wireless remote to rotate, adjust, and power from afar. Our M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light is the first of its kind, allowing power utility users to spot lines and flood fields from up to 1,200 metres away. This cordless light performs with up to 4,250 lumens of TRUEVIEW™ high-definition output and adapts to provide either spot or flood mode. Also included is a pre-paired wireless remote control that enables the light to rotate, adjust, and power from afar. The MILWAUKEE® Utility Remote Spot Light is weather-resistant to survive outdoor use. This light is also ONE- KEY™* compatible, making it easy to track via the ONE-KEY™ online app. The M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light has up to 12 hours run time on a low setting when used with M18™ FORGE™ 12.0 Ah battery pack. MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light with ONE-KEY™ is compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 315 solutions. *ONE-KEY™ is the first digital platform for tools and equipment. By integrating industry-leading tool electronics with a custom-built cloud-based program, ONE-KEY™ provides a new level of control and access to information that revolutionises the way work gets done. The ability to customise, track, and manage through ONE-KEY™ fundamentally changes the way users interact with their tools and equipment. Specifications M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light with ONE-KEY™ M18 URSL-0 To find out more about the new M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light with ONE-KEY™ see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec is reshaping its development priorities, pausing new office schemes in favour of a major push into retail acquisitions worth £1bn. Chief executive Mark Allan used the company’s latest investor day to set out the shift, highlighting stronger opportunities for growth in shopping centres compared with new-build commercial offices. The strategy marks a decisive pivot for one of the UK’s biggest developers, which has already seen success from previous retail investments. Over the next three years, Landsec plans to scale back its office-led pipeline to around £200m by mid-2026. In the same period, it will recycle about £2bn of capital by selling office assets, redirecting the funds into retail expansion. Allan told investors: “Having sold £295m of offices well ahead of schedule, Landsec intends to accelerate further capital recycling over the next 12–18 months, to reinvest in major retail.” The move signals a halving of office development in the medium term, reflecting shifting market dynamics. Yet Landsec insists its wider ambitions remain intact, particularly in residential. The group is pressing ahead with regeneration at Mayfield in Manchester, along with proposals for new homes above Lewisham shopping centre in south London. By focusing on retail at scale while maintaining a foothold in housing, Landsec is betting on consumer-led growth to drive the next chapter of its portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A main contractor has been selected for the first phase of Cheltenham’s landmark Golden Valley project, a £1bn mixed-use development set to become a centre for UK cyber, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. HBD, part of Henry Boot, has appointed Bowmer & Kirkland to lead the initial stage of the scheme, which will be delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council. The 200-hectare development will eventually provide around 2,500 new homes and 1.25 million sq ft of commercial space, positioned next to the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). The first phase will feature two flagship buildings, Idea and Router, alongside enabling works to support future development. Work is scheduled to begin on site in spring 2026. Idea, the National Cyber Innovation Centre, will provide 160,000 sq ft of workspace and flexible event facilities. Router, a transport hub powered by smart technology, is designed to enable sustainable travel across the wider scheme and will sit alongside new leisure, retail and wellbeing amenities. Bowmer & Kirkland has an established relationship with HBD, having most recently delivered Island, a £60m office scheme in Manchester city centre. Ed Hutchinson, managing director of HBD, said: “The importance of Golden Valley in strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in secure innovation really can’t be overstated. The development will play a key role in driving innovation across cyber and deep tech industries while delivering significant economic benefits for Gloucestershire and the wider southwest. With outline planning consent for phase one approved, it’s positive to be able to announce the appointment of Bowmer & Kirkland as we focus on getting started on-site.” Stuart Fanshaw, regional construction director at Bowmer & Kirkland, added: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with HBD on this exciting scheme, which will contribute to putting the UK at the forefront of cyber innovation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has completed the £41m Phase 2 of the major industrial and logistics development at Horizon 29 in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Delivered on behalf client, Equation Properties, Phase 2 comprises two high-specification single-storey distribution warehouses, Units 7 and 8, each spanning approximately 250,000 sq. ft., including two-storey office accommodation, 23 loading docks and dedicated transport offices. The completion marks a significant milestone in the continued transformation of the 1.15 million sq. ft. site, strategically located just one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, making it a prime location for national and regional logistics operations. McLaren Construction also completed Phase 1A and 1B of Horizon 29 in February last year, which comprised four warehouse units (Units 1, 2, 4 and 5) alongside earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing, lift shaft and stair installations, nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding. With the latest phase now finalised, Horizon 29 continues to offer some of the region’s most sought-after logistics space with exceptional transport links north and south via the M1. Constructed to a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’, Units 7 and 8 feature a wide range of sustainability enhancements including solar PV panels, air source heat pumps, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging points, enhanced cladding, and responsibly sourced materials. The units also incorporate biodiversity-friendly features such as bird and bat boxes. The external works, also completed by McLaren Construction, have been carefully designed to fit in with rural surroundings due to their proximity to Bolsover Castle. These have included constructing hard standings, car parking, landscaping, drainage, and installation of 60-cycle racks per unit, along with new gate houses. Luke Arnold, regional director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Completing Phase 2 at Horizon 29 is the next major milestone for the expanding hub for large-scale logistics, which we have been an integral part of since starting construction on Phase 1A and 1B in 2022. We’ve delivered two more energy-efficient units to the same high standard as earlier phases, using sustainable materials and the latest low-carbon technologies. “We’re proud to continue our work with our valued client Equation Properties to realise the vision for Horizon 29, a landmark destination for the East Midlands distribution and logistics sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaughlin & Harvey and National Grid celebrate steel signing milestone at the new Electricity Transmission Control Centre National Grid has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey as main contractor to build its brand new, state-of-the-art control centre that will reinforce network resilience, uphold National Grid Electricity Transmission’s (NGET) world-class reliability standards and power the clean energy transition. The secure, sustainable facility, called the Electricity Transmission Control Centre (ETCC), is being built on the site of National Grid’s decommissioned, former 275 kilovolt substation at Hams Hall in the Midlands. Construction of the new control centre, which will incorporate multiple control functions into a single, collaborative space, is a key part of National Grid’s investment to increase the network’s capacity and make it easier to connect the energy needed to power the clean energy transition. Britain’s electricity transmission system is expanding at a rapid pace to support decarbonisation and meet energy security needs. As new sources of electricity generation come online and demand patterns change, management of the growing electricity network is becoming more complex, driving the need for the modern, purpose-built new facility. Once built and fully operational, the ETCC will work in parallel with National Grid’s existing Transmission Network Control Centre (TNCC), and will operate 24/7 365 days a year to control the operations of the high-voltage electricity transmission system. A brownfield site, Hams Hall has powered the Midlands for a century and tells the story of Great Britain’s energy transition. Having previously housed three coal power stations it will now be home to the transmission network’s nerve centre, responsible for ensuring that clean power can travel the length and breadth of England and Wales. The ETCC will also support National Grid in attracting and retaining the highly skilled staff needed to operate the increasingly complex network with hundreds of skilled jobs created both during construction and in engineering roles based at the facility. On Monday, 15th September, Paul Griffen, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, joined Jon Davies, Director of Network Operations and Intelligence at National Grid, to mark the steelwork commencement milestone. To commemorate the occasion, both Paul and Jon signed a steel beam, symbolising this important step forward in the construction process. Paul Griffen, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “It’s great to be at the site to celebrate the steel signing milestone with the project teams involved. We are committed to building this essential facility in collaboration with National Grid to enable the future energy needs of the UK to be met. Complex construction projects like this one highlight the capabilities of our talented employees to deliver outstanding results, not just in energy, but across various sectors.” Jon Davies, Director of Network Operations and Intelligence at National Grid said: “The development of a brand-new Electricity Transmission Control Centre marks an exciting new age for managing the complex and rapidly growing transmission network. Driven by a need to modernise and adapt to the country’s changing energy needs, the facility will futureproof our grid’s resilience and house the talented people responsible for operating our world-class transmission network for decades to come.” McLaughlin & Harvey officially began construction in April 2025 with initial preparatory groundworks, followed by the commencement of piling in July, which saw the physical foundations of the new building being laid. The first set of steel structures for the facility are being installed in September 2025, with the new network control room expected to go-live in 2028. Construction of the building will leave other lasting positive benefits on the local community, by redeveloping a previously unused, brownfield site, minimising embodied carbon throughout construction, enhancing biodiversity at the site by at least 10% and supporting STEM learning and development by providing education opportunities on electricity and the future energy network. In addition, National Grid’s Community Grant Programme (CGP) will offer funds of up to £20,000 for community organisations and charities in the local area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Overbury has been appointed to deliver a landmark £1.1bn refurbishment of Citi’s 42-storey headquarters at 25 Canada Square, in one of the largest commercial refits undertaken in London. Originally unveiled in early 2022, the scale of Citi’s investment has now been confirmed at more than ten times initial estimates, underlining the bank’s long-term commitment to the UK and its role as a global financial hub. The project will reimagine the two-decade-old tower into a state-of-the-art, sustainable, people-centred workplace designed to future-proof Citi’s London operations. David Livingstone, Citi’s chief client officer, said: “This significant investment, which I am pleased to say is progressing on schedule and within budget, underscores Citi’s deep roots and future ambitions in the UK.” Around two-thirds of the £1.1bn spend will flow to UK firms and workers, creating substantial opportunities for SMEs across the supply chain. Citi said that by completion almost 6,000 people will have worked on the project, many living within 25 miles of the building. Edward Skyler, Citi’s head of enterprise services and public affairs, added: “It’s a statement to our thousands of colleagues that they deserve best-in-class workspaces and to our communities that they deserve our lasting commitment.” Delivered by Overbury, Morgan Sindall Group’s office fit-out and refurbishment specialist, the programme aims to set new benchmarks for workplace design, sustainability and user experience. Staff are due to begin moving back into the tower from spring next year. Citi employs about 14,000 people across the UK, including in London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Jersey, making the Canada Square redevelopment a defining project for the bank and a significant moment for London’s commercial property market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals