BOOSTING inner city connectivity, work has begun on a new 85-metre-long walking and cycling bridge over the River Trent in Nottingham. Nottingham City Council has signed a £12.6m delivery agreement with Balfour Beatty for the network arch bridge, which will be 20 metres high from its deck to its peak,
Following the success of its award-winning St Osyth Priory development, now completely sold, award-winning housebuilder City & Country is starting work on 190 high-quality new homes at Priory Fields, also set adjacent to the grounds of the ancient St Osyth Priory near Colchester in Essex. The first homes will be
Leading UK manufacturer of high-quality timber doorsets, JELD-WEN UK, has launched a new brochure to support easier specification across a range of market sectors – and to highlight its commitment to sustainability. The brochure has been designed to provide specifiers and contractors with all the information they need in one
Embrace Steel Group (Embrace), a leading provider of steel frame building solutions throughout the UK, has announced the appointments of three senior hires to its group, bolstering the teams of both Hambleton Steel and Shufflebottom. The new appointments highlight Embrace’s continued effort to invest in its people and cement its
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has been awarded a £7.8 million grant from Homes England, the Government’s Housing and Regeneration Agency, to develop two new sheltered housing schemes and work is now underway. The two sheltered housing developments benefiting from the funding are Moat Hill in Anlaby and Deira Court
Great Portland Estates (GPE) has appointed William Eccleshare as a non-executive director and chair designate, effective from 1st May. He will take over from Richard Mully, who steps down after more than eight years of service. Extensive Leadership Experience Eccleshare brings a wealth of leadership experience in both executive and
When embarking on public sector construction projects, selecting the right consulting firm is crucial to ensure efficiency, compliance and successful project delivery. Here is a list of the best construction consulting services for public sector projects. 1. Spire Consulting Group Spire Consulting Group is a prominent firm specializing in construction
After eight years of uncertainty, Manchester’s Central Retail Park is on the brink of a major transformation, with plans for a nine-storey office development and a new public park expected to get the green light this week. A New Era for Great Ancoats Street The £37m site, previously home to
A colossal 100ft-high steelworks, covering the equivalent of four football pitches, is set to rise near Meadowhall, solidifying Sheffield’s status as a powerhouse of British engineering. Forgemasters has secured planning permission for the £350m machining hall on Weedon Street, which will become the largest facility of its kind in the
Hortons has been granted planning consent for the final phase of a scheme to deliver c.334,000 sq ft of premium industrial/logistics accommodation in the UK’s ‘golden triangle.’ Saxon 68, a new Grade A warehouse spanning 68,000 sq ft, will be developed at Saxon Park on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate in
BOOSTING inner city connectivity, work has begun on a new 85-metre-long walking and cycling bridge over the River Trent in Nottingham. Nottingham City Council has signed a £12.6m delivery agreement with Balfour Beatty for the network arch bridge, which will be 20 metres high from its deck to its peak, weighing in at 160 tonnes, or roughly equivalent to the weight of a blue whale. It is expected that more than 100 people will be employed during the project, including four apprentices. The new foot and cycle bridge will link the north side of the river, where the new Trent Basin community of 350 homes continues to take shape, and the south side of the river, where sports facilities, riverside walks and green spaces are close by. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is also part of the scheme, delivering project and cost management, and health and safety services. The firm is operating under Perfect Circle’s unique collaboration and was appointed via the SCAPE Consultancy Framework. Ricky Lee, associate director of project management at Pick Everard, said: “This is a landmark scheme for Nottingham City Council and the wider community, delivering improved cycle and pedestrian connections and wider social benefits across the city. “The bridge itself will be one of longest single-spanning network arch bridges for cyclists and pedestrians in the UK, and naturally a project of this scale requires extensive collaboration across various stakeholders to ensure it is a successful and rewarding scheme for residents and those visiting the city. “We’re looking forward to work commencing on site, which complements wider regeneration efforts across the city and recognises Nottingham as a sustainable place to work and live.” Construction timeline: Errol Wisby, portfolio director at Balfour Beatty, said: “We’re pleased to have partnered with Nottingham City Council and SCAPE to deliver this landmark project, which will enhance connectivity and promote sustainable travel in Nottingham city centre. “We now look forward to works commencing in earnest and seeing the positive impact this project will have on Nottingham and its residents both now and in the future.” The new bridge will be the first built in the city since the 1950s – a key new route between the north side of the river, encompassing popular Colwick Park along with the regenerating Trent Basin area, and the south side of the river with its many sports facilities, including the City Ground, Trent Bridge, Holme Pierrepont and Nottingham Rugby Club. By creating new connections between communities, green spaces, riverside paths and amenities, the bridge will make it easier for people living and working in the local area to travel in a more sustainable way. The bridge is entirely funded by the Transforming Cities Fund, provided by Central Government. The bridge will be the flagship, and final, project to come out of the City Council’s Transforming Cities Fund programme. In addition to the construction of the bridge, work is underway to ensure that it will be well connected to a high-quality cycle route on Daleside Road and wider sustainable transport connections through to the city centre, as well as to along the banks of the river to Colwick Park. Councillor Neghat Khan, Nottingham City Council leader and executive member for strategic regeneration, transport and communications, said: “I’m delighted to share that Nottingham City Council has officially partnered with Balfour Beatty, our trusted lead delivery partner, to bring our exciting new walking and cycling bridge to life. This ambitious project, fully funded by Central Government through the Transforming Cities Fund, marks a significant step toward a greener, more connected future. “I’m eager to see construction progress and watch this landmark take shape on our city’s skyline. Once completed, the bridge will enhance Nottingham’s cycling and pedestrian network, providing a safe, traffic-free route over the river and empowering more people to travel sustainably and healthily.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the success of its award-winning St Osyth Priory development, now completely sold, award-winning housebuilder City & Country is starting work on 190 high-quality new homes at Priory Fields, also set adjacent to the grounds of the ancient St Osyth Priory near Colchester in Essex. The first homes will be available to buy off-plan from Spring 2025. The new development will include a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses, all carefully designed to offer luxurious modern living while blending with the character of the historic Priory, parts of which are Grade I and II* Listed. With access to a private circular walk around the grounds of the historic Estate, extensive landscaping and green open spaces, residents here will be surrounded by nature as well as centuries of history. Now an established events venue, St Osyth Priory dates back to the 12th century, when it was founded as a monastery, dedicated to Saint Osyth – a local noblewoman after whom the nearby village is named, who founded a convent in the seventh century. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the priory passed first to Thomas Cromwell, then to Princess Mary, remaining a private home until the First World War when it was requisitioned by the Army, later being used as a convalescent home. The priory was acquired and repurposed in 1999 and has since undertaken a complete refurbishment of the estate, with new homes, holiday accommodation, a working rare breeds farm, a luxury wedding and events venue and a country pub, as well as the restoration of the 16 separate listed buildings on the site. After the success of City & Country’s first development of 73 private homes on the site, which won a Silver award for its public realm in the Whathouse? Awards 2023 and Housebuilder of the Year in 2024, the new build and historic renovations specialist was the obvious choice to develop a further 30 acres of land adjacent to St Osyth Priory, which is within walking distance of the quaint village of St Osyth. Priory Fields is located just five miles from the bright lights and sandy beaches of Clacton-on-Sea and 12 miles from the historic town of Colchester with its castle and Roman walls – the longest and best preserved in the country. Colchester is known for its independent shops and high street names, including a Fenwick department store, the thriving Mercury Theatre, grammar schools and University of Essex campus. Trains from Colchester, Clacton and Great Bentley offer convenient direct services to London Liverpool Street. Meanwhile, the village of St Osyth has a range of local, independently run pubs, bistros and restaurants, convenience stores, a busy seasonal street market and amenities including a primary school and GP surgery. The homes at Priory Fields will be varied in design to create an environment that is enhanced by the grandeur of the nearby listed buildings, while the off-the-beaten track nature of the development will guarantee peace and privacy. Rare breed animals, including white deer, roam the grounds, while the natural wetlands and ponds close to the river provide a habitat for marshland and coastal birds. At various points around the estate residents can enjoy beautiful views towards Brightlingsea and Mersea Island and sunsets over the estuary. With public nature reserve, Martin’s Farm Country Park opposite Priory Fields is only a short five-minute walk away. Shelley West, Group Sales and Marketing Director at City & Country, comments: “Our first development in this fabulous location sold out exceptionally quickly, so we are delighted to be starting work on Priory Fields, which will launch a wide variety of homes offering the perfect mix of modern living in a historic, country setting. Surrounded by peace and nature, with beautiful walks, quiet beaches and the quaint village of St Osyth just a stroll away, Priory Fields on the Essex coastline offers life at a slower pace – in a setting enjoyed by monks, saints and royalty for over a thousand years.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading UK manufacturer of high-quality timber doorsets, JELD-WEN UK, has launched a new brochure to support easier specification across a range of market sectors – and to highlight its commitment to sustainability. The brochure has been designed to provide specifiers and contractors with all the information they need in one place across a range of sector-specific uses, including education, hospitality, healthcare, residential settings, student accommodation and offices. Recognising the increased importance of a demonstrated ESG policy in the supply chain, the brochure also clearly sets out the company’s commitment to sustainability. Taking a top-level view, the brochure sets out all the key factors needed to specify doors in each setting, clearly signposting performance testing for standards including acoustics, fire resistance, durability and security – as well as guarantee details and fire door data tagging capability. Further to highlighting the testing needed for use in a particular sector, the brochure flags up the additional technical expertise offered by JELD-WEN to support accurate specification at the earliest stage of a project, including QR links to the NBS specification platform and CPD training. Breaking down the qualities of the door by project application, the brochure also includes details such as DDA compliance, Part M compliance, access control, and bespoke sizing. Taking a closer look at JELD-WEN’s sustainability commitments, the brochure sets out key targets, and benchmarks the company’s performance in meeting these. The brochure also details how the company can support compliance under the Building Safety Act through third party certification and the use of its recently launched fire door data pin, which is embedded into fire doorsets to store vital information to evidence the golden thread through the product’s lifetime. Marketing Manager at JELD-WEN UK Amy Holmes said: “The doorsets created by JELD-WEN are tested to incredibly high standards and meet the demands of a range of settings. We wanted a platform that could really showcase the breadth of this offering. “Using standout graphics and lists, we aim to show at a glance how JELD-WEN doors meet the highest standards to allow for confident specification in sectors that require specific testing to be demonstrated. “The demand for accessible data and information has become increasingly urgent and we wanted to make it as easy as possible for specifiers to find a doorset that meets the needs of their project – and we have flagged up the depth of support we offer beyond that initial specification. “JELD-WEN is committed to meeting the very highest standards in performance and we are delighted to be able to bring this together in one place to show the range of applications that our doorsets can confidently be used in.” Download the new interior doorsets brochure today at www.jeld-wen.co.uk/literature. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Embrace Steel Group (Embrace), a leading provider of steel frame building solutions throughout the UK, has announced the appointments of three senior hires to its group, bolstering the teams of both Hambleton Steel and Shufflebottom. The new appointments highlight Embrace’s continued effort to invest in its people and cement its position as one of the major players in the British steel and wider construction industry. Shufflebottom, a steel fabrication company based in South Wales, has welcomed Richard Wigley to the business as its new Commercial and Technical Director while Ben Thomas joins as Operations Director. Richard brings a wealth of experience from the steel and broader building products manufacturing sector spanning over 3 decades. He is a Prince 2 practitioner and MBA-qualified commercial leader with extensive experience in stakeholder development for a multitude of steel and construction materials. On starting his new role at Shufflebottom, Richard Wigley commented: “I’m thrilled to be joining a well-established business with a reputation for manufacturing and delivering high quality structural steel frames. While Shufflebottom is a family business with clear core values and a strong presence in the local community, it’s now part of a larger ambitious group which provides the resources to continue its evolution, growth and expansion. I look forward to playing my part in taking Shufflebottom to the next level in the coming years.” Ben Thomas is an experienced manufacturing leader with a proven track record of enhancing operations across multiple sectors. Throughout his career to date, Ben has made sustained improvements in health and safety, quality and productivity. Ben Thomas, Shufflebottom’s new Operations Director, added: “The opportunity to join such a well-established, family-branded company with a long-standing reputation for excellence in structural steel manufacturing and passion for fabrication, was one I certainly couldn’t miss. I’m excited to using my skills to help improve the operations of Shufflebottom and now thrilled be part of a forward-thinking group that embraces new technologies and continuous improvement which aligns with my own drive for progress and efficiency.” Meanwhile Chris Burns has re-joined Hambleton Steel, a steel designer and fabricator headquartered in North Yorkshire, as Design and Build Engineer. Chris has over two decades of working within the structural steel industry throughout the UK, New Zealand and Australia. On rejoining the business, Chris Burns commented: “Hambleton Steel have gone from strength to strength over the past six years and has become an extremely attractive proposition for an engineer wishing to become an integral part of an ambitious business. I look forward to providing my expertise in front-end design and build as part of the talented commercial team at Hambleton.” 2025 has already been a busy year for Embrace with the appointment of a new CFO, Ross McAdam, as the ambitious steel and construction group strive towards achieving a group revenue target of over £100m in the near term through both operational improvement and M&A activity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has been awarded a £7.8 million grant from Homes England, the Government’s Housing and Regeneration Agency, to develop two new sheltered housing schemes and work is now underway. The two sheltered housing developments benefiting from the funding are Moat Hill in Anlaby and Deira Court in Driffield. The Council has committed £25.7 million to demolish and rebuild the accommodations, to meet modern standards and aspirations. Demolition and construction contracts have been awarded to Hull-based developers Hobson & Porter. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Moat Hill, Anlaby which was attended by representatives from the council and Hobson & Porter, to celebrate the start of the project. The new sheltered schemes will feature a mixture of one-and-two-bedroom flats with generous open-plan layouts. The homes will be adaptable to meet residents’ needs as they age, thereby helping them to live independently for longer. Additionally, there will be a communal resident lounge for social activities, and each scheme will be equipped with the latest digital telecare equipment connected to the Council’s ‘Lifeline’ support service. This funding is part of the Affordable Homes Programme (2021-26), which received an additional £400 million in the Autumn budget. To qualify for this funding, projects must commence by the end of the financial year, with priority given to regeneration developments and those offering social rent. Councillor Anne Handley East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader said “These grants will play a key role in ensuring that the council can continue to invest in its sheltered housing stock. It’s great to see the work in progress, and I look forward to seeing the first new residents move into the accommodation, when the project is completed.” Shahi Islam, Homes England Director of Affordable Housing Grant said “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting East Riding of Yorkshire Council to achieve their ambitions. “Projects like Moat Hill and Deira Court are key examples of how the agency works collaboratively with partners through the Affordable Homes Programme to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud of.” Mark Smee, Director at Hobson & Porter: “We are delighted to be starting on site with this project in Anlaby. Our business was established back in 1971 principally to provide construction services to local authority housing projects, so its great to be working with one of our longest-served clients in this sector to deliver a flagship, local project like this. We can’t wait to see it develop.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Great Portland Estates (GPE) has appointed William Eccleshare as a non-executive director and chair designate, effective from 1st May. He will take over from Richard Mully, who steps down after more than eight years of service. Extensive Leadership Experience Eccleshare brings a wealth of leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles. He currently serves as a non-executive director and senior independent director at Centaur Media, as well as Chairman of Team ITG, a digital media company. Additionally, he chairs the Design Council, a Royal Charter charity and the UK government’s strategic advisor on design. His previous non-executive roles include serving as senior independent director at Britvic, deputy chair of Clear Media Limited, and a board member at Hays. In the executive sphere, he spent 13 years at Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, where he was chief executive from 2012 to 2021, leading the company’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019. His career also includes senior leadership roles at BBDO Europe, Young & Rubicam EMEA, McKinsey & Co, WPP, and Interpublic Group. Looking Ahead Outgoing chair Richard Mully expressed confidence in his successor, stating: “I am delighted that William has been selected to succeed me as chair. His extensive experience in marketing, business transformation, and growth will be invaluable to GPE’s board. I know he will provide strong leadership and support to Toby Courtauld and our management team. It has been an honour to serve on the board for over eight years, and I look forward to working closely with William to ensure a smooth transition.” Eccleshare added: “I am excited to be joining the GPE Board as its future chair. With GPE’s strong market position and high-quality portfolio, I look forward to leading the board and working with the management team to drive the company’s strategy and capitalise on new opportunities. I am also grateful for Richard’s guidance during the transition period.” With Eccleshare’s appointment, GPE is set to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, leveraging his expertise to strengthen its strategic direction in the years ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When embarking on public sector construction projects, selecting the right consulting firm is crucial to ensure efficiency, compliance and successful project delivery. Here is a list of the best construction consulting services for public sector projects. 1. Spire Consulting Group Spire Consulting Group is a prominent firm specializing in construction consulting services tailored for public sector projects. The company offers extensive services, including project management, dispute resolution and construction advisory. Spire’s team of experts is adept at navigating the complexities of public sector requirements, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Pros: Cons: 2. Deloitte Deloitte is a global leader in business consulting services, recognized for its capabilities in the public sector. The firm offers a broad portfolio of services catering to various government areas, including audit and consulting. Deloitte’s extensive experience enables them to handle complex government transformation efforts effectively. Pros: Cons: 3. Arup Group Arup is a British professional services firm that provides architecture, engineering, design and planning services. With a global footprint, Arup has been involved in numerous public sector projects, offering innovative solutions and sustainable designs. Its multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive project delivery. Pros: Cons: 4. Buro Happold Buro Happold offers engineering consultancy, design, planning and project management services. They have extensive experience in public sector projects, from courthouses to community centers. Their sustainable, innovative services enable complete project delivery. Pros: Cons: 5. Crowe LLP Crowe LLP offers project management services specifically designed for the public sector, including audit, tax and consulting. Their approach emphasizes clear communication, achievable timelines and disciplined execution. Crowe’s consultants assist in defining objectives and selecting appropriate methodologies, ensuring projects are completed efficiently. Pros: Cons: 6. YCP Group YCP Group provides Asia-focused consulting services for the public sector. The company offers tailored solutions, leveraging global insights to navigate the unique challenges of Asia’s public sector landscape. YCP’s expertise aids government bodies in achieving sustainable growth and impactful governance. Pros: Cons: Choosing the Right Consulting Partner for Public Sector Success Selecting the best construction consulting service for public sector projects is vital. Each of the firms listed above offers unique strengths and expertise. When choosing a consulting partner, consider factors such as specialization, range of services, experience and alignment with project goals to ensure successful outcomes.
After eight years of uncertainty, Manchester’s Central Retail Park is on the brink of a major transformation, with plans for a nine-storey office development and a new public park expected to get the green light this week. A New Era for Great Ancoats Street The £37m site, previously home to Toys R Us, Argos, and other retailers, has stood vacant since 2019. Initial proposals to turn it into a pay-and-display car park were overturned by a High Court challenge, and in the years since, the abandoned space has been a battleground for different visions—including a DIY skatepark nicknamed GooseSide, after goslings that moved in when the shops closed. However, after years of setbacks and town hall debates, the project gained momentum in 2023 when council leader Bev Craig announced that half the site had been sold. Now, with planning officers recommending approval, the long-running saga could finally reach its conclusion. A ‘Flagship Development’ for Manchester The new plans include:✅ A nine-storey office building to accommodate 7,000 civil servants✅ A one-hectare public park featuring 96 trees and three play areas✅ New retail spaces to enhance local amenities The Government Property Agency (GPA) has hailed the project as a “flagship development”, stating: “This building will set the standard for new government hubs through this decade and beyond, with flexibility, function, and collaboration at its core.” Dubbed the ‘Manchester Digital Campus’, the project is expected to create 6,000 construction jobs and fill a key gap on Great Ancoats Street. Final Decision Looms Manchester City Council’s planning committee is set to deliberate on the proposals at 2pm on Thursday, 20th February. If approved, it will mark the end of an era for Central Retail Park—and the beginning of a new chapter for Manchester’s urban landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A colossal 100ft-high steelworks, covering the equivalent of four football pitches, is set to rise near Meadowhall, solidifying Sheffield’s status as a powerhouse of British engineering. Forgemasters has secured planning permission for the £350m machining hall on Weedon Street, which will become the largest facility of its kind in the UK when it opens in 2028. A Game-Changer for British Defence and Engineering The cutting-edge facility will house 17 of the world’s most advanced vertical turning lathes, producing critical components for the British defence programme, including next-generation nuclear submarines. A second, smaller building will feature a state-of-the-art test-house and training facility, ensuring vital skills are passed down to the next generation of engineers. A Forgemasters spokesperson stated:“The sheer scale of this project will make it an iconic Sheffield landmark, surpassing even the UK’s largest open-die forging line, which is currently under construction at our adjacent Brightside Lane site.” Revitalising a Historic Industrial Site The steelworks will rise on a brownfield site previously owned by British Land, once earmarked for the ambitious ‘River Don District’, which aimed to create nearly 5,000 jobs but never materialised. The facility’s lathes are being produced by German engineering firm WaldrichSiegen, reinforcing Forgemasters’ commitment to cutting-edge technology. A Nationalised Future for Forgemasters Since its nationalisation in July 2021, Forgemasters is now fully owned by the Ministry of Defence and undergoing a £400m modernisation programme, securing its role at the heart of the UK’s strategic industrial and defence capabilities. With this landmark project, Sheffield’s steelmaking legacy is not just being preserved—it’s being revolutionised for the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hortons has been granted planning consent for the final phase of a scheme to deliver c.334,000 sq ft of premium industrial/logistics accommodation in the UK’s ‘golden triangle.’ Saxon 68, a new Grade A warehouse spanning 68,000 sq ft, will be developed at Saxon Park on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate in Corby. The development will offer modern, high-specification facilities, including 12.5m to haunch, a minimum 520 KVA power supply, first-floor offices, and enhanced PV roofing. The unit is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and an EPC A+ rating, reinforcing Hortons’ commitment to environmental sustainability. Construction is set to commence shortly, with completion expected in Q4 2025. Hortons has built a strong reputation for investing in and developing industrial/logistics assets, with more than 60% of its portfolio comprising industrial properties at key strategic locations throughout the East and West Midlands. The company acquired Saxon Park in 2023 as part of its long-term investment strategy. The broader redevelopment of the site includes the transformation of an existing building into two high-quality units, Saxon 79 and Saxon 129, which will comprise 78,500 sq ft and 129,300 sq ft respectively. Both units will be available for occupation from Q3 2025. Additionally, Hortons has successfully delivered Saxon 58, a comprehensively refurbished unit of 58,350 sq ft, which was let to Russell & Bromley in 2024. James Slater of Hortons said: “We are investing in a full-scale redevelopment programme at Saxon Park to create high-specification units that offer enhanced power and sustainability. Saxon 68 is a key part of this plan, delivering best-in-class industrial/logistics space in an established and sought after location.” Saxon Park lies four miles southwest of Corby town centre and five miles north of Kettering. It benefits from excellent road accessibility via the A6003 and A14, providing links to the M1/M6 and A1/M11. For more information, please contact retained agents, DTRE and TDB Real Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
