Building costs will increase by a predicted 14% over the next five years to 2Q2030, while tender prices will rise by 15% over the same period, according to the latest construction forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work output is expected to grow by 18% between
Promat has released a significant update to its renowned Passive Fire Protection Handbook, which offers a go-to resource for best practice in specifying and installing passive fire protection systems across the UK construction sector. The newly revised edition introduces an overhauled section on structural steel protection, aligned with the latest
Avison Young has announced the appointment of Kat Hanna as Head of UK Market Intelligence and Strategy. Hanna, who currently serves as the firm’s Co-Managing Director for London, steps into the newly created role with a focus on enhancing strategic direction and advising clients and industry stakeholders. In her expanded
Mace has been appointed by Pegasi Management Company to lead the extensive refurbishment of 3 Lower Thames Street in the City of London. The project will see Fresh Wharf – a prominent 120,000 sq ft office building constructed in the 1980s and located adjacent to London Bridge – undergo a
IKEA is set to open its first new-format retail park store at Harlow Retail Park in Essex, marking a significant step in the homeware giant’s evolving UK strategy. The Harlow site will debut IKEA’s innovative ‘small store’ concept – a streamlined format designed to be quicker and more cost-efficient to
Enabling work kicks off for flagship 693-bedroom hub by Premier Inn on The Strand Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business and owner of Premier Inn, has started construction enabling works on its flagship hub by Premier Inn hotel development at 5 Strand, a prime site just off Trafalgar Square
A transformative project to deliver more than 200 modern apartments has been completed within the regenerated Civic Campus in Hammersmith. The exciting joint venture by housing association A2Dominion and Hammersmith & Fulham Council forms part of a renewal project on King Street, providing hundreds of new homes, commercial units and
Fresh off the back of an action-packed Formula 1 weekend at Silverstone, Pivot has completed two commercial bridging loans at the Escapade Silverstone development, an exclusive 60-unit residential scheme situated on the edge of the legendary racing circuit. The units were secured through two separate facilities, are part of a
A major step forward has been taken in one of London’s most ambitious regeneration schemes, as the London Borough of Tower Hamlets grants planning approval for the £800 million transformation of the Teviot Estate in Poplar, East London. The Hill Group, in partnership with housing association Poplar HARCA, has received
Today, Siemens Smart Infrastructure announced a collaboration agreement with Microsoft to transform access to Internet of Things (IoT) data for buildings. The collaboration will enable interoperability between Siemens’ digital building platform, Building X, and Microsoft Azure IoT Operations enabled by Azure Arc. Azure IoT Operations, a component of this adaptive
Building costs will increase by a predicted 14% over the next five years to 2Q2030, while tender prices will rise by 15% over the same period, according to the latest construction forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work output is expected to grow by 18% between 2025 and 2030. Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “At the mid-point of the year, the construction sector is still stagnating, with output growth subdued. Confidence continues to be weighed down by a combination of domestic uncertainty and wider global pressures. “That said, the 27% quarterly rise in new orders we saw in the first quarter, particularly in infrastructure and industrial sectors, offered a welcome indication that demand could be starting to recover. “How far that optimism carries through will depend heavily on the translation of the government’s Spending Review and 10-year strategies into actual activity. For all the announcements made by the government in the last few weeks, we still don’t have sight of the long-promised updated project pipeline. A greater degree of certainty around funding and delivery timelines remains key to lifting the sector out of its current malaise.” The BCIS All-in Tender Price Index, which measures the trend of contractors’ pricing levels in accepted tenders, i.e. the cost to client at commit to build, saw annual growth of 2.3% in 2Q2025, the same as was recorded in the first quarter of the year. On the input costs side, labour remains the main driver of project costs, with increases to employers’ National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage feeding into an expected 7.1% annual increase in the BCIS Labour Cost Index in 2Q2025. The index is forecast to increase overall by 16% through to 2Q2030. Dr Crosthwaite added: “The risks to this forecast remain on the upside, as skills shortages remain prevalent in the market and continue to impact projects. Similarly with our materials costs forecast, the expected uptick in market activity could put inflationary pressure on the cost of construction materials.” Materials cost inflation has been moderating since peaking in 2022 and annual growth in the BCIS Materials Cost Index was in negative territory from the third quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of 2024. BCIS expects the index to grow by 13% over the forecast period. Total new work output fell by 5.1% between 2023 and 2024 and BCIS is predicting subdued growth in new work output throughout 2025. ONS data showed a 0.9% increase in new work output in the first quarter of 2025 compared with 4Q2024, and a quarterly increase of 1.7%. The greatest annual increases in 1Q2025 were in public non-housing, which includes education, health and justice projects, and in private industrial. Dr Crosthwaite said: “We are expecting more robust output growth from next year and over the rest of the forecast period, much of which will be fuelled by a recovery in housing. Private funding for infrastructure projects will be crucial, especially with the state of public finances putting much public spending at risk.” For more information about BCIS, please visit www.bcis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Promat has released a significant update to its renowned Passive Fire Protection Handbook, which offers a go-to resource for best practice in specifying and installing passive fire protection systems across the UK construction sector. The newly revised edition introduces an overhauled section on structural steel protection, aligned with the latest test standards and regulatory requirements. This new content supports contractors, designers and specifiers working to meet the heightened compliance demands introduced under the Building Safety Act. The update reinforces the handbook’s role in promoting best practice and delivering peace of mind as the sector adjusts to tighter safety regulations. In particular, it supports the Golden Thread requirement by providing up-to-date and traceable technical detail on tested systems. The newly updated structural steel section includes information on choosing the correct protective board, performance guidance for specialist steel protection boards including VERMICULUX®-S, PROMATECT®-250 and PROMATECT®-XW, installation guides for 1, 2, 3 and 4-sided encasements, and treatment of complex steel profiles, including cellular beams. The handbook also covers how to calculate the level of protection needed, and guidance on achieving a range of fire resistance from 30 minutes up to 240 minutes. It also highlights the standards that need to be met, such as EN 13381-4 and EN 1363-1. The revised content brings Promat’s technical guidance in line with the latest industry testing and performance criteria. Promat now offers the most comprehensive testing portfolio for structural steel fire protection available in the UK, making the handbook a vital reference for professionals involved in specifying and installing life critical safety. Josh Slack, Commercial Director at Promat, said: “The Passive Fire Protection Handbook is one of the most trusted resources in UK construction. This update takes it to the next level. With the spotlight rightly on building safety, there’s a real desire for absolute clarity, certainty and compliance – and that’s exactly what this updated guidance delivers. “It gives our customers the confidence they need when specifying structural steel protection, which is especially important as this continues to be a popular construction method.” This structural steel update is part of Promat’s wider commitment to raising standards to support the latest legislation to improve building safety. By offering detailed technical data and real-world application guidance, the handbook helps to ensure that fire protection systems are not only specified correctly, but installed to perform as tested. Josh added: “For anyone responsible for demonstrating compliance – from principal designers through to contractors and building owners – the handbook provides a reliable, thoroughly tested foundation to work from. It reflects Promat’s role as a proactive partner in the industry’s drive towards safer, more accountable construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Avison Young has announced the appointment of Kat Hanna as Head of UK Market Intelligence and Strategy. Hanna, who currently serves as the firm’s Co-Managing Director for London, steps into the newly created role with a focus on enhancing strategic direction and advising clients and industry stakeholders. In her expanded remit, Hanna will spearhead efforts to help clients anticipate change, identify emerging opportunities, and stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic real estate market. Working closely with the firm’s market intelligence team, she will integrate advanced data analytics and AI with the first-hand knowledge of Avison Young’s transactional and consultancy professionals to provide meaningful, actionable insights. Hanna brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held senior positions at Lendlease, Cushman & Wakefield, and the Centre for London prior to joining Avison Young three years ago. Nick Walkley, Principal and UK President at Avison Young, commented:“Kat’s deep understanding of the built environment and the UK market, along with her ability to distil complex insights into clear strategic guidance, will be instrumental in helping our clients navigate disruption and achieve tangible outcomes. Her appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering valuable and forward-thinking expertise.” Reflecting on her new position, Hanna said:“After three years at Avison Young, I’m thrilled to be stepping into a role that allows us to better connect our data and analytical strengths with both clients and colleagues. I look forward to collaborating with our exceptionally talented team of real estate analysts and global partners, combining their knowledge with my background in politics, policy and strategy to support informed decision-making and effective delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace has been appointed by Pegasi Management Company to lead the extensive refurbishment of 3 Lower Thames Street in the City of London. The project will see Fresh Wharf – a prominent 120,000 sq ft office building constructed in the 1980s and located adjacent to London Bridge – undergo a major transformation to meet contemporary sustainability and performance standards. Originally designed by renowned architect Richard Seifert, the 11-storey building is being reimagined with ambitious environmental targets, including BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum, NABERS 4.5 Stars, and WiredScore Platinum certifications. The refurbishment, led by architectural practice Buckley Gray Yeoman, exemplifies a growing shift towards retrofitting existing structures to enhance their environmental performance and market appeal. Sustainability is central to the project. Around 50% of the building’s raised access flooring panels will be retained and reused. In newly refurbished areas, low-carbon panels made from 86% recycled content will be installed, each supported by an Environmental Product Declaration and a material passport to ensure traceability and future reuse. In the early stages of the retrofit, 30 tonnes of glazing from the original structure have already been removed and sent for recycling via Saint-Gobain’s closed-loop glass system. Upon completion in 2026, the rebranded Fresh Wharf – formerly known as St Magnus House – will offer 25,150 sq ft of outdoor space, alongside a new riverside café and restaurant, creating a vibrant destination for occupiers and visitors alike. Stewart Ward, Managing Director for Fit Out & Retrofit at Mace Construct, commented: “This project is about more than refurbishment; it’s about redefining what’s possible with existing buildings. At Fresh Wharf, we’re proving that a 1980s structure can be transformed into a workplace that meets today’s highest sustainability standards, while delivering on design, modern occupier demands and creating long-term value.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
IKEA is set to open its first new-format retail park store at Harlow Retail Park in Essex, marking a significant step in the homeware giant’s evolving UK strategy. The Harlow site will debut IKEA’s innovative ‘small store’ concept – a streamlined format designed to be quicker and more cost-efficient to launch than the traditional large-scale outlets. By repurposing the existing structure at the retail park, IKEA has been able to fast-track the store’s development, with doors set to open just over 100 days after securing the lease. Designed with convenience in mind, the store will feature a compact, easy-to-navigate layout. Customers can expect a curated showroom and market hall experience, access to the full IKEA range online, and a dedicated food offering. The Harlow opening forms part of a broader UK expansion, with two additional small-format stores planned for Norwich and Chester in the coming months. IKEA also intends to open new ‘Plan and Order’ points in Dundee and York, alongside a new city centre store in Brighton, scheduled for 2025. Peter Jelkeby, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA UK & Ireland, commented: “The opening of the IKEA Harlow small store is a landmark moment for us as we continue to evolve our retail offer and explore new ways to serve more people in more places. We look forward to joining this thriving town as part of the local community when we open our doors later this month.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Enabling work kicks off for flagship 693-bedroom hub by Premier Inn on The Strand Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business and owner of Premier Inn, has started construction enabling works on its flagship hub by Premier Inn hotel development at 5 Strand, a prime site just off Trafalgar Square in central London. The 693-bedroom hotel, which will be one of the largest budget hotels in London when it opens, is on a highly prominent and complex site metres from Charing Cross station and Nelson’s Column. Whitbread acquired the development site in August 2022 as part of its strategy to grow its presence in the popular London market. The £200m development, including land and construction costs, will comprise a 13-storey, 16,000 sq metre budget hotel, which is targeted to open in autumn 2028. John F Hunt Ltd. has been appointed for the construction enabling works which is now underway and expected to complete early next year. These works involve demolishing the remaining sections of the former office which once occupied the site, rebuilding to ground level, and constructing the hotel’s 14-storey core using slipform concrete construction. Whitbread is aiming to place the main construction contract this summer. Hester King, Project and Programme Manager for Whitbread, said: “Breaking ground at 5 Strand is a major milestone for Whitbread and a defining moment in the evolution of our hub by Premier Inn brand, which began its journey a decade ago at St Martins Lane in Covent Garden. “This flagship development – just metres from Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Station – demonstrates our ability to secure, design, and deliver high-quality hotels in London’s most complex and sought-after locations. It reflects the breadth of our in-house expertise and Whitbread’s long-term commitment to growing its affordable hotel brands in the capital where branded budget hotels are in short supply. “Personally, leading the construction of such a prominent project is a career highlight and I’m very proud to be part of a team delivering a standout addition to our London network when the 693-bedroom hotel opens in 2028.” Whitbread secured planning permission for the development from Westminster City Council in October 2024. On opening the company expects around 150 team will work at the hotel, with recruitment focused within the City of Westminster and adjacent inner London boroughs. In line with the company’s sustainability programme, Force for Good, the hub by Premier Inn at 5 Strand is being designed to run solely on electricity generated from renewable sources. Whitbread is targeting to reduce the carbon emissions from its direct operations (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) to zero by 2040. hub by Premier Inn hotels offer compact hotel bedrooms – approximately half the size of a ‘standard’ Premier Inn room – with a contemporary design style, a focus on technology and a relaxed ‘Lounge’ style food and beverage offering. Whitbread currently operates nine Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels in the borough of Westminster and the company is a long-standing signatory of Westminster City Council’s Sustainable City Charter initiative. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A transformative project to deliver more than 200 modern apartments has been completed within the regenerated Civic Campus in Hammersmith. The exciting joint venture by housing association A2Dominion and Hammersmith & Fulham Council forms part of a renewal project on King Street, providing hundreds of new homes, commercial units and public spaces for the local community centered around Civic Campus, the regenerated Grade-II listed Town Hall. The ambitious scheme built by Ardmore Construction Group comprises of 204 apartments, with more than 50 percent of the homes classed as genuinely affordable for local residents. The scheme provides a mix of housing types to accommodate a range of living styles, from single occupants, to couples, and families. The one-to-three-bedroom apartments were designed by Rogers, Stirk, Harbour & Partners and delivered by PRC Architects, focusing on open-plan layouts. Low energy appliances, solar panels and a ground source heat pump substantially reduces on-site energy demand and helps to improve the sustainability of the scheme. Each apartment also has its own outside space, including private balconies overlooking the new civic square, and there is also a residents’ roof terrace providing stunning views of the River Thames and Hammersmith Bridge. Chris Ives, Managing Director of Development & Regeneration at A2Dominion, said: “We are delighted to complete the latest phase of homes in this iconic neighbourhood with our partners at Hammersmith & Fulham Council. “The high-quality apartments bring much-needed affordable housing to this area of the capital and we look forward to delivering more homes and community spaces for the people in Hammersmith to enjoy.” The transformative renewal project is centred around the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Hammersmith Town Hall. The vibrant mixed-use Civic Campus incorporates a public plaza, rooftop bar and restaurants, a new four screen cinema, as well as community art and event spaces to celebrate the area’s heritage as an arts and culture hub. The residential offering comprises of 69 affordable rented units managed by A2Dominion Homes Limited, 36 shared ownership units and 99 private units sold by FABRICA by A2Dominion. Silver DCC were appointed as A2Dominion’s Employers’ Agent. For more information on Civic Campus, please visit https://www.civiccampus.london/ For more information about the homes available for sale, please visit http://artisi.london/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fresh off the back of an action-packed Formula 1 weekend at Silverstone, Pivot has completed two commercial bridging loans at the Escapade Silverstone development, an exclusive 60-unit residential scheme situated on the edge of the legendary racing circuit. The units were secured through two separate facilities, are part of a high-end development comprising luxurious trackside homes and a private clubhouse. These residences have attracted significant attention globally and reflect the strong demand among investors and motorsport enthusiasts alike. Both loans were structured to support the acquisition of newly constructed units. This allowed the borrowers to proceed with the purchases, begin generating rental income, and cover associated costs without delay. With the rise in popularity of global motorsport event, Escapade Silverstone has emerged as a premium investment opportunity with strong capital growth and rental potential. These completions reflect Pivot’s ability to deliver timely, bespoke funding solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major step forward has been taken in one of London’s most ambitious regeneration schemes, as the London Borough of Tower Hamlets grants planning approval for the £800 million transformation of the Teviot Estate in Poplar, East London. The Hill Group, in partnership with housing association Poplar HARCA, has received a resolution to grant planning permission for the large-scale redevelopment, which will deliver 1,928 new homes—508 of which will be affordable. The scheme will also introduce a range of community assets, retail units, and public spaces, including a reimagined Langdon Park. The regeneration will be delivered in four phases, with the first due to commence in 2026. Phase one will provide 475 new homes, of which 44%—comprising 140 homes for social rent and 24 for shared ownership—are classified as affordable. The first completions are anticipated by 2028. Designed by architecture practice BPTW, the eight-hectare masterplan includes a diverse mix of studios, apartments, and family homes. The development will also feature five new public squares, green corridors, enhanced access to Langdon Park station, upgrades to Fawe Street Bridge and Limehouse Cut, and a more accessible pedestrian tunnel under the A12. Additional investment in lighting and CCTV aims to boost safety and reduce anti-social behaviour. Teviot residents have played an integral role in shaping the vision and design of the masterplan through a sustained consultation process. Existing social rent tenants within the regeneration zone have been assured the right to remain at social rent levels in newly built homes—a key factor in securing strong community backing for the scheme. Andy Hill, founder and chief executive of The Hill Group, commented:“This is a landmark moment for Teviot and a major step forward in delivering lasting change for the community. Securing planning permission means we can now move forward with our shared vision, which prioritises creating high-quality homes and improved communal spaces that reflect the needs of residents. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Poplar HARCA and the local community to bring these plans to life.” Paul Dooley, Director of Regeneration and Development at Poplar HARCA, added:“We’re proud to have secured planning permission for the regeneration of Teviot—an exemplar national project shaped through genuine community partnership. This is a real win for residents who have given their time and energy to ensure this masterplan delivers what truly matters to local people. “We’re excited to begin work and, together with Hill, build a brighter future for Teviot.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Siemens Smart Infrastructure announced a collaboration agreement with Microsoft to transform access to Internet of Things (IoT) data for buildings. The collaboration will enable interoperability between Siemens’ digital building platform, Building X, and Microsoft Azure IoT Operations enabled by Azure Arc. Azure IoT Operations, a component of this adaptive cloud approach, provides tools and infrastructure to connect edge devices while integrating data, enabling organizations to optimize their operations and utilize the potential of their IoT environments. The interoperability of Building X and Azure IoT Operations is making IoT-based data more accessible for large enterprise customers across commercial buildings, data centers, and higher education facilities and provides them with the necessary information to enhance sustainability and operations. It enables automatic onboarding and monitoring by bringing datapoints such as temperature, pressure, or indoor air quality to the cloud, for assets like heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, valves, and actuators. The solution will even allow customers to develop their own in-house use cases such as energy monitoring and space optimization. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals