The London Borough of Lambeth has approved plans for a mid-rise residential development in Brixton, with Higgins Partnerships securing consent for a series of blocks delivering 378 apartments on Somerleyton Road. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with full completion scheduled for 2030. The project is a joint
Located right in the centre of Birmingham’s prime business district, 81 Colmore Row, a Grade II listed building, has been fitted out by Thirdway on behalf of client Kinrise. Taking its design cues from the rich history and heritage features of the building, this 27,657 sq ft mixed CAT A
The Gym Group has issued an updated requirements list as it looks to speed up openings across the UK. The low-cost operator, now at 250 locations, is targeting units of 5,000–20,000 sq ft in highly visible spots and will consider both leasehold and freehold opportunities. Suitable sites include retail parks,
Despite the UK construction industry employing over 2.2 million people, only 15% are women, and they make up only 2% of manual skilled roles, such as electricians and plumbers. And the stakes are high, with the UK government committing over £700 billion in infrastructure investment over the next decade, targets
Planning permission has been granted for the major extension and redevelopment of New Aquitaine House in Theale, paving the way for Pulleyn Properties (part of Cube Cold) to establish a new headquarters at the site. Cube Cold is a leading provider of end-to-end temperature-controlled logistics solutions across Europe. Its UK
DTZ Investors has completed the £58 million acquisition of a freehold hotel and retail block in London’s West End. The asset, located at 120-134 Tottenham Court Road, 48-50 Grafton Way and 5 Warren Street, extends to around 174,575 sq ft and is anchored by a 330-room hotel. The hotel is
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
The London Borough of Lambeth has approved plans for a mid-rise residential development in Brixton, with Higgins Partnerships securing consent for a series of blocks delivering 378 apartments on Somerleyton Road. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with full completion scheduled for 2030. The project is a joint venture between Higgins Partnerships and Lambeth Council. Of the 378 flats, 187 will be affordable, including 63 low-cost extra care homes. The scheme also includes a community gym, new community and commercial spaces, and significant public realm improvements along Somerleyton Road. Higgins Group chief executive Declan Higgins said: “This application is about more than delivering much-needed affordable homes. It’s about creating a sustainable, inclusive and vibrant neighbourhood that reflects the true spirit of Brixton.” Kathryn Eames, director of housing delivery and strategy at Lambeth Council, added: “With more than half of these new homes approved as affordable, this scheme is a powerful demonstration of Lambeth’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis. Less than a year since the launch of our refreshed New Homes Programme, we are proud that our first major partnership project with Higgins has already secured approval. By next year, construction will begin in Brixton, bringing much-needed homes and new community amenities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Located right in the centre of Birmingham’s prime business district, 81 Colmore Row, a Grade II listed building, has been fitted out by Thirdway on behalf of client Kinrise. Taking its design cues from the rich history and heritage features of the building, this 27,657 sq ft mixed CAT A & CAT A+ space offers unique, stand-out office spaces in the UK’s second city. Heritage as a starting point 81 Colmore Row (formerly The Chatwin Building) was designed by Julius Alfred Chatwin and completed in 1862 – it was originally designed as a library, but instead became the Joint Stock Bank, and then Lloyds Bank. As such the building boasts many traditional features such as the Corinthian columns, and an arcade of arched windows on the façade. Taking these heritage features as a reference point, Thirdway aimed to create a seamless cohesion between the exterior of the building, and the newly fitted out interiors. Rich textures and muted tones The use of rich textures and muted tones, and understated lines allowed the heritage features to take centre stage. This is seen in the reception area, where dark natural wood frames the reception desk, and is crafted in a rounded shape, mimicking the shape of the arched windows of the building. This shape is continued subtly throughout the reception, as seen in the rounded furniture and even the light fixture. Focus on contemporary While the design in part paid homage to the heritage features, it also had to deliver a contemporary feel as Kinrise’s brief was to create high-end, modern workspaces that would attract and impress the right tenants. To achieve this, contemporary styling was used through with the placement of bespoke modern art prints, abstract sculptures, and brightly coloured furnishings that brought freshness and modern feel to contrast with the traditional architectural features. An example of this is on the first floor CAT A+ space, where the welcome area features statement seating, adding a pop of colour to the neutral, timeless space. Standing out from the crowd Thirdway’s challenge was to create spaces that really stood out from other premium workplaces in the commercial district. The fourth floor exemplified this ambition, with a full-service space designed with earthy tones and clean, modern lines to offer complete versatility; whether it was used for daytime meetings and client hosting, or as an adaptable canvas for evening events. Enhancing this vision further, is ‘The Library’ on the third floor, which offers a contemporary communal workspace inspired by the building’s former life as a public library. Thoughtfully designed for informal meetings or as an inspiring alternative to open-plan seating, it features a striking gallery wall of modern art, brought to life with rich reds and browns that unify the space and encourage creativity. Flexibility for landlord and tenant To give ultimate flexibility for Kinrise and its tenants, Thirdway devised an adaptable floorplate that offered a choice of CAT A and CAT A+ spaces within the building. Integrated in the interior fit out were larger fully-fitted spaces that allowed businesses to move in straight away, as well as CAT A floors that were ready for customisation, so that tenants could personalise their own space. Thirdway also designed the second and third floors as CAT A+ spaces with smaller floorplates. These were designed to accommodate a variety of business needs, making them particularly suitable for smaller organisations or creative studios. Each of these compact yet highly functional layouts included open-plan desk areas, phone booths, a tea point, a communal workspace, and a four-person meeting room, as well as a large boardroom. Design-wise they focused on enhancing the heritage features, while opting for natural materials and a gentle colour scheme. This blend of design and amenities ensured a versatile workspace environment which is adaptable and appealing to businesses of all sizes. “Having the opportunity to work on an important heritage building in the heart of Birmingham was a great privilege for the whole Thirdway project team. Delivering on Kinrise’s brief to create high-end, sought after contemporary, flexible CAT A & CAT A+ workspaces without detracting from the heritage features of the building was a challenge that we relished. We believe we have created something unique that will enhance the business district of Birmingham, bringing in new, dynamic businesses and occupiers,” said Abi Munslow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Gym Group has issued an updated requirements list as it looks to speed up openings across the UK. The low-cost operator, now at 250 locations, is targeting units of 5,000–20,000 sq ft in highly visible spots and will consider both leasehold and freehold opportunities. Suitable sites include retail parks, mixed-use schemes, car showrooms and food stores. The company is prioritising catchments of at least 20,000 people within a five-minute drive time, with easy access to parking or strong links to nearby transport hubs. The push is part of a plan to add 50 gyms over the next three years. A strong pipeline is already in place, with 14–16 new locations due to open in 2025. Savills has been retained to identify opportunities and progress acquisitions. Landlords and agents with qualifying space are encouraged to get in touch, as The Gym Group looks to deploy its standardised, value-led format at pace in well-connected, high-visibility settings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Despite the UK construction industry employing over 2.2 million people, only 15% are women, and they make up only 2% of manual skilled roles, such as electricians and plumbers. And the stakes are high, with the UK government committing over £700 billion in infrastructure investment over the next decade, targets for 1.5 million new homes by 2029, and a critical labour shortage across the country. To highlight this issue, Excavator Parts Direct (EPD), a leading UK supplier of excavator parts, has revealed key construction roles with significant gender disparities, what the opportunities are and what can be done. According to recent data, here are six positions with key opportunities to bridge the workforce gap: Position No. Of Female Employees Annual Recruitment Requirement (People/Year) Average Annual Salary Carpenter / Joiner 0.5% 5280 £35,000 Electrician 0.7% 3500 £34,000 Plumber 1.8% 1250 £32,000 Roofer 1.9% 690 £30,000 Painter and Decorator 7.7% 690 £30,000 Plant Operator 10.3% 1130 £28,000 Over a third of new entrants (37%) to the construction sector are female, however retention and progression is limited, with only 16% of senior roles held by women. The gender pay gap is also stark as women earn up to 33% less than men in equivalent roles, making it the biggest gap of any UK industry. This imbalance is particularly concerning given the UK’s severe labour shortage. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates the UK will need over 250,000 additional workers by 2028 to meet demand from infrastructure and housing projects. With 35% of the workforce over 50, retirement rates are outpacing recruitment. And despite growing conversations around workplace diversity, the latest ONS data shows that the number of women in skilled construction trades has remained stagnant for two decades, at 298,000. Jane McGuire Head of Business Services & HR from EPD, commented: “The construction industry is a great sector to work in; however female representation is shockingly low. Gender representation isn’t just a social issue – it’s a strategic one. There is a real shortage in labour, as well as a huge gap in terms of gender in construction roles, in particular skilled manual roles. This is a missed opportunity for everyone.” “The data shows us that women are significantly underrepresented in skilled trades and site-based roles, yet they make up over a third of new entrants to the industry. That gap between entry and progression is where we need to focus. At EPD, we believe the path forward includes inclusive apprenticeships, better PPE and site conditions, flexible working policies, and visible role models. When women can see themselves in these roles, and are supported to thrive, the entire industry benefits. It’s not just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more resilient workforce that is fit for what the country needs.” For more information about Excavator Parts Direct, visit https://excavatorpartsdirect.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning permission has been granted for the major extension and redevelopment of New Aquitaine House in Theale, paving the way for Pulleyn Properties (part of Cube Cold) to establish a new headquarters at the site. Cube Cold is a leading provider of end-to-end temperature-controlled logistics solutions across Europe. Its UK operations are delivered through Pulleyn, the Reading-based specialist logistics company known for serving critical sectors such as medical, pharmaceuticals, NHS public health, frozen food and fine art. Construction on the new 10,155 sqm facility is underway and will feature extended warehouse and office space, enabling Cube Cold to expand its operations and meet the growing demands of its clients. It will involve the partial demolition and extension of the current vacant building, with additional upgrades including new access routes, landscaping, car parking and recladding of retained structures to modernise the site. Acting on behalf of Cube Cold, Thames Valley based planning and development consultancy Lichfields worked closely with West Berkshire Council, Theale Parish Council and local enterprise and economic development bodies which was fundamental to secure approval for the expansion. The development will generate significant economic growth in the region, both during the construction phase and once operational. It is envisaged that over the 46-week construction period, the project will create 155 jobs and contribute £24.5 million in gross value added (GVA). Upon completion and once operational, the new facility will host up to 145 permanent roles at the site. The expansion will also generate an additional 40 spin-off jobs in the local economy, contributing £10.3 million annually in GVA. The development will target a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ for its environmental performance and deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of over 17%. This ensures that both environmental and sustainability goals are met while also providing significant economic benefits. Nick Kirby, Planning Director at Lichfields, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for Cube Cold’s much needed expansion into New Aquitaine House, which will bring a vacant building into use alongside substantial economic and operational benefits to the local community and broader region. The project highlights Lichfields’ expertise in steering complex major developments through the planning system and we’re proud to have played a key role in enabling Cube Cold to increase their capacity for growth in the Thames Valley.” Established in 1976, Pulleyn Properties, as part of Cube Cold, has earned a reputation for providing high-quality specialist storage and logistics services across the UK, Europe and worldwide. This expansion will allow them to retain their strategic location in the Thames Valley while continuing to lead the market in their sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DTZ Investors has completed the £58 million acquisition of a freehold hotel and retail block in London’s West End. The asset, located at 120-134 Tottenham Court Road, 48-50 Grafton Way and 5 Warren Street, extends to around 174,575 sq ft and is anchored by a 330-room hotel. The hotel is leased to Radisson Blu on a long-term agreement running until 2163, with fixed five-yearly uplifts. The tenant is currently investing approximately £7.5 million in a phased refurbishment of the property. Alongside the hotel, the block includes around 26,365 sq ft of retail accommodation across 12 units, let to a mix of occupiers including Tesco, Boots, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Caffè Nero, Paul, Rosa’s Thai and Wasabi. Tony Gibby, senior director at DTZ Investors, said: “This acquisition provides long-term, inflation-linked income from a prime West End location. The combination of a landmark hotel and resilient high-street retail offers both secure income and asset management potential, aligning with our strategic objectives.” RX London, Savills and Forge advised DTZ Investors, while Knight Frank acted for the vendor. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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