Altrad RMD Kwikform proudly celebrated the official launch of its new Training Academy on Tuesday, 26th November 2024. The event, held at the company’s Peel Road premises in Skelmersdale, brought together key stakeholders and special guests for a day of celebration, learning, and networking. The new Training Academy, unveiled by
CBRE has announced the promotion of Executive Director Tom Morgan to Head of Operational Real Estate (OPRE), a role he will assume from 1st January. In his new position, Morgan will focus on driving the continued expansion of CBRE’s UK OPRE business. This division encompasses a diverse range of sectors,
Behnam Afshar, Director at AMA Homes said: “While the reintroduction of funding to Scotland’s affordable housing scheme is a promising step forward, the Government has not promised much else in the way of housing for Scotland. Because of this, the UK wide budget’s decisions on housing will undoubtably have an
Grosvenor, the global organisation spanning urban property, food and agtech, rural estate management, and philanthropic initiatives, has announced Alistair Elliott as the new Chair of its UK Property Board. Elliott, who has served as a Non-Executive Director of Grosvenor Property UK since 2022, will assume his new role on 1st
Responding to the Government’s announcement of £740 million capital investment in the SEND system to create more specialist places in mainstream schools, Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: “To tackle the challenges within the SEND system, any reform must focus on
Famous fried chicken chain Popeyes is making its debut in a Scottish shopping centre, with a new restaurant set to open at Glasgow’s Braehead Shopping Centre. This marks an exciting milestone as the American brand continues its rapid expansion across the UK. A New Dining Experience for Braehead Visitors The
Construction of Catalyst Industrial Park will see the development of four logistics/industrial units in a range of sizes from 22,500 sq. ft up to 64,250 sq. ft. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects
Principle Estate Management has broadened its portfolio by taking on three new retirement developments across London, Oxford, and Worcestershire. These include two Right to Manage (RTM) developments and a corporate client, marking the company’s first ventures into retirement living. Meeting the Needs of Retirement Communities Joe Jobson, Joint Managing Director
Willmott Dixon Interiors has furthered its reputation for the delivery of public sector refurbishment projects, with the redesign of an award-winning building in north west London. The leading fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has transformed 22,600 sq ft of Brent Civic Centre, Wembley Park, on behalf of Brent Council. The
Leading UK homebuilder Avant Homes has announced a £90 million residential project that will revitalise a 22-acre site at Pleasley Hill Farm in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. This ambitious scheme will bring nearly 400 new homes to the area, offering a range of housing options designed to meet the needs of diverse
Altrad RMD Kwikform proudly celebrated the official launch of its new Training Academy on Tuesday, 26th November 2024. The event, held at the company’s Peel Road premises in Skelmersdale, brought together key stakeholders and special guests for a day of celebration, learning, and networking. The new Training Academy, unveiled by Managing Director Mark Pickard, is a dedicated space where Altrad RMD Kwikform employees’ skills will be enhanced and their knowledge deepened through both hands-on and theoretical training, to develop industry-leading talent. The facility has been designed to empower the team to become true experts in Altrad RMD Kwikform systems, setting a new standard of excellence across projects to meet the evolving demands of the construction sector. What’s more, valued customers will soon be invited for product appreciation sessions and live demonstrations. This academy is the first of two planned facilities, with works on a second location well underway at the company’s Head Office in Aldridge, Midlands. This is scheduled to open in early 2025. The day commenced with a warm welcome to attendees, who enjoyed a guided tour of the academy, including its dedicated Demo Area. Guests had the opportunity to explore the facilities and engage with hands-on demonstrations of the latest construction solutions and equipment. At the heart of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Mark Pickard, who highlighted the importance of continuous training, innovation and safety within the industry. The company also presented a cheque donation to the Lighthouse Construction Charity, which supports the physical, mental, and financial well-being of construction workers and their families. Special guests included representatives from Wigan & Leigh College, who praised the Academy’s vision and its role in bridging the skills gap in construction engineering. The event concluded with a networking buffet lunch, where attendees shared insights and experiences, promoting a collaborative environment. Ian Burnett, General Manager at CONSTRUCT Concrete Structures Group, commented: “CONSTRUCT is proud to be associated with our supplier member Altrad RMD Kwikform and its commitment to developing industry skills through dedicated training facilities. “The academy will directly support the goals of CONSTRUCT as a trade association by providing high-quality training in above and below ground temporary works and construction skills, addressing the industry’s skills gap, and promoting career development opportunities. “Altrad RMD Kwikform is helping to ensure that the UK construction sector has access to a well-trained and competent workforce, aligned with the standards and values that CONSTRUCT advocates. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the training centre will have on our industry and the wider community.” Mark Pickard, Managing Director at Altrad RMD Kwikform, added: “The launch of this academy is a milestone for Altrad RMD Kwikform and reflects our dedication to investing in people. By creating a space where our employees can learn, collaborate, and innovate, we are helping to shape the future of construction. “We’d like to thank all who attended and contributed to the success of the event. The Training Academy is now officially open, and we look forward to welcoming construction students and professionals to the facility soon. With Aldridge on the horizon, our commitment to industry-leading training continues to grow.” For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE has announced the promotion of Executive Director Tom Morgan to Head of Operational Real Estate (OPRE), a role he will assume from 1st January. In his new position, Morgan will focus on driving the continued expansion of CBRE’s UK OPRE business. This division encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, hotels, pubs, leisure, self-storage, automotive, and roadside properties. Morgan will collaborate with the OPRE leadership team to deliver integrated solutions for clients, leveraging the increasing interest from investors in these sectors. The OPRE valuation team will remain under the leadership of Al McCutchion, ensuring seamless operations across the department. A Seasoned Leader with a Proven Track RecordWith 17 years of experience at CBRE, Morgan has been instrumental in shaping the company’s healthcare offering across the UK. His extensive expertise positions him well to lead the OPRE division as it enters its next phase of growth. Morgan expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating:“I’ve been fortunate to work in this team for many years, surrounded by 150 specialists with unrivalled property, operational, and financial expertise. OPRE is now an established sector, and I’m hugely excited to take over from David’s outstanding leadership tenure as we enter the next phase of growth.” A New Chapter for CBRE’s OPRE DivisionDavid Batchelor, the outgoing Head of Operational Real Estate, will transition into a Chair role within CBRE’s UK business, focusing on the investment market. His leadership has been pivotal in establishing OPRE as a key sector for the firm. This leadership change underscores CBRE’s commitment to strengthening its position in operational real estate, a sector gaining momentum among investors. With Morgan at the helm, the company is poised to deliver innovative and integrated solutions to meet the evolving demands of the market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Behnam Afshar, Director at AMA Homes said: “While the reintroduction of funding to Scotland’s affordable housing scheme is a promising step forward, the Government has not promised much else in the way of housing for Scotland. Because of this, the UK wide budget’s decisions on housing will undoubtably have an impact on us here. With increased borrowing following the Westminster budget, we can expect mortgage rates to rise. However, as the Bank of England has knocked interest rates back to 4.75%, this will hopefully do enough to ensure the housing market continues steadily, with reports suggesting a stronger year ahead in both volumes of sales and percentage increase prices. I am expecting to see greater market confidence in general in Scotland than in England. As a devolved nation, we rely less on the workings of Westminster politics to stimulate our housing market, and I am confident we will see more home movers in Scotland in 2025. “While England has seen a change to both the Stamp Duty rates for first-time buyers and second homeowners, we are reassured here in Scotland that the LBTT rates and first-time buyer relief will stay the same until 2026. This provides some stability for those considering a purchase in 2025 and should add a confidence boost to the Scottish market. While in the south, people will be spending the next couple of months trying to rush a purchase, or calling off their search entirely, here in Scotland we can expect a continuous level in interest in homebuying. While house price growth is predicted to slow in 2025, I imagine that this will happen at an accelerated rate in England, compared to Scotland, due to the difference in the Stamp Duty and LBTT payment expectations in both countries.” Jim Baxter, Financial Director at Allanwater Homes said: “While I welcome the reversal in cuts to Scotland’s affordable housing budget, I believe the Government could have done more to support housebuilders in Scotland. The budget could have been used to address other key challenges in the housing sector, including rising costs and supply chain disruptions. Unfortunately, the Scottish Government followed Westminster’s lead, improving minimum wages and pensions but without incentivising employers to expand workforces, and with little incentive to meet the current housing shortfall. “However, homeownership is still an important aspiration in Scotland, and there must be support made available to first time buyers too. I would like to see the Scottish Government look to reintroduce financial support for home buyers, such as reintroducing Help to Buy or Shared Equity schemes, in order to make homeownership accessible once again for a new generation of first time buyers. “However, there is also significant pressure on SME housebuilders to deliver. Regulatory reforms are urgently needed to address the housing pipeline, including streamlined planning permissions for residential development to enable quicker project launches and reduce delays. Equally, greater flexibility in zoning would allocate more land for residential projects, particularly in high-demand areas. “I would also like to see the Scottish Government take a closer look at our supply chains, and support the local production of construction materials to reduce dependence on imports, and then stabilising costs to make this achievable.” Michael Pratt, Director at Timber Engineering & Invertay Homes, comments: “Housebuilders desperately need the Scottish Government to do more to help SME’s with the broken system for financing new-build developments. Traditional forms of lending for development finance have become too restrictive and onerous for most SME’s to obtain. With land acquisition, planning, developer contributions and regulatory requirements now swallowing up so much equity at the front-end of every development it is very difficult to make the numbers stack up for ‘traditional lenders’. Coupled with the high level of construction industry insolvencies over the last 4 years, lenders are becoming very risk averse meaning developers need to commit more of their own money for longer with smaller returns. It is fast approaching a point where the ‘juice isn’t worth the squeeze’ particularly given many developers have to provide personal guarantees to secure lending. While that money is tied up it can’t be deployed on other developments. “Scotland is in the middle of a Housing Emergency. While it’s an encouraging move to see the Government recommit to funding affordable housing,we simply don’t have enough homes for the growing needs of the country – and yet new housing is at its lowest output since 2009 which can be largely attributed to the reduction on the number of SME housebuilders. The Scottish Government needs to do everything it can to help SME’s grow their output and we would strongly endorse a similar Government Guaranteed scheme such as what has been proposed for England and Wales last week. It is not a silver bullet but a Scottish ‘Help to Build’ initiative could lay the foundations for a much-needed resurgence in house building in Scotland.” Matt Colgan, Founder of Sustainabuild, comments: “The cost of net zero in Scotland is always going to come with a hefty price tag – and any government would face challenges in committing the billions that are needed. Funding for green skills is a great way to invest in the planet as without the workforce to retrofit our homes and buildings and deliver our green infrastructure, we lose the ability to deliver on net zero, Furthermore, with investment in green skills in our country, Scotland can become a global leader in developing green jobs and employment which means we won’t have to sacrifice on profit in order to make more sustainable choices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grosvenor, the global organisation spanning urban property, food and agtech, rural estate management, and philanthropic initiatives, has announced Alistair Elliott as the new Chair of its UK Property Board. Elliott, who has served as a Non-Executive Director of Grosvenor Property UK since 2022, will assume his new role on 1st January. His appointment follows an illustrious 38-year career at Knight Frank, where he held prominent roles including Senior Partner and Chair of the Executive Board. A Distinguished Career in Property LeadershipElliott’s expertise extends well beyond his work at Grosvenor. He currently serves as Chair of LondonMetric, a FTSE 100-listed company, and is a member of the Council of the Duchy of Lancaster, where he chairs the Urban and Strategic Development Committee. Additionally, he contributes to the Duchy of Cornwall’s Prince’s Council as Chair of the Commercial Property and Development Committee. Elliott’s past roles include being a LandAid Trustee and a member of the British Property Federation’s Policy Committee. He succeeds Melanie Gee, who has held the position since April 2021. Mark Preston, Grosvenor’s CEO, Welcomes Elliott to His New RoleMark Preston, CEO of Grosvenor, expressed his enthusiasm for Elliott’s appointment, stating:“I am delighted that Alistair will step into the role of Chair of our UK property business just as we move into a new exciting phase of growth. I am confident he will continue to drive the outstanding standards of oversight and support we’ve benefited from under Melanie’s tenure.” Grosvenor’s UK Property PortfolioGrosvenor’s UK property business manages a high-profile portfolio, including Liverpool ONE, a premier retail destination, as well as properties in prestigious London areas such as Belgravia and Fitzrovia. As Grosvenor embarks on its next phase of growth, Elliott’s leadership and wealth of experience are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its UK property operations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Responding to the Government’s announcement of £740 million capital investment in the SEND system to create more specialist places in mainstream schools, Cllr Arooj Shah, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: “To tackle the challenges within the SEND system, any reform must focus on boosting mainstream inclusion, and we are pleased government has set out steps towards this. “However the rising number of Education, Health and Care Plans means councils are under ever increasing financial pressure, and so it is vital today’s announcement is followed up with urgent action to write off councils’ high needs deficits. “Otherwise many councils will face a financial cliff-edge, and be faced with having to cut other services to balance budgets through no fault of their own, or their residents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Famous fried chicken chain Popeyes is making its debut in a Scottish shopping centre, with a new restaurant set to open at Glasgow’s Braehead Shopping Centre. This marks an exciting milestone as the American brand continues its rapid expansion across the UK. A New Dining Experience for Braehead Visitors The Braehead location will accommodate up to 74 diners and serve Popeyes’ signature dishes, including its iconic chicken sandwiches, crispy wings, tenders, and the southern classic, biscuits with gravy. Known for its Louisiana-inspired flavours, Popeyes is expected to attract both dedicated fans and curious newcomers. Part of a Growing UK Presence This will be Popeyes’ 65th restaurant in the UK and the fourth to open in Scotland, reflecting the brand’s ambitious expansion strategy. The addition further underscores Braehead Shopping Centre’s commitment to enhancing its dining options and appealing to a broader customer base, including younger visitors. A Boost for Braehead’s Offerings Rob Jewell, Managing Director at Pradera Lateral, the scheme’s asset manager, commented:“We continually seek to offer customers the best dining and retail experiences, and Popeyes’ unique range will undoubtedly be a popular addition to our already extensive offering. With Braehead being the first Scottish shopping centre to house this iconic brand, it will provide visitors with an opportunity to try a new and highly anticipated eatery, ultimately enhancing their overall experience at the centre.” A Recipe for Success The arrival of Popeyes at Braehead Shopping Centre adds a fresh, vibrant option to its dining portfolio, promising to draw more visitors while contributing to the centre’s reputation as a leading retail and leisure destination. Whether it’s a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Popeyes is poised to bring the bold flavours of the Deep South to Scottish shoppers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction of Catalyst Industrial Park will see the development of four logistics/industrial units in a range of sizes from 22,500 sq. ft up to 64,250 sq. ft. Glencar, a leading UK based construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses and known for delivering high quality projects across various sectors, most notably in Logistics & Industrial, Life Sciences, Data Centres, Commercial Studios and Civils, has today announced that is has been appointed by Aviva Investors to construct four logistics/industrial units in a range of sizes from 22,500 sq. ft upto 64,250 sq. ft at Catalyst Industrial Park strategic logistics development situated site off Drews Lane in Birmingham. The secure, detached units of modern steel portal frame design will feature 8-12.5M eaves, 50KN/M2 floor loading, 3-phase power, dock loading and level access doors on units 1 (64,250 sq. ft) and 2 (63,300 sq. ft) and feature 24-hour access. They will be constructed targeting a BREEAM rating of excellent and EPC A rating, whilst also featuring photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Speaking about the project, Glencar Managing Director for Midlands and North, Pete Goodman, said: “We are working with Aviva Investors currently on construction of the new 60,000 sq ft Sidney Sussex Advanced Laboratory & Life Sciences facility in Chesterford Research Park so we are naturally delighted to receive this further instruction in this key strategic logistics location in Birmingham. Logistics & Industrial is at the heart of what we do and we look forward to working with Aviva Investors and the full project team to deliver this outstanding scheme which features leading edge ESG credentials which are becoming standard in this sector”. James Stevens, Head of Real Estate Investment at Aviva Investors said: “We are pleased to partner with Glencar at Catalyst Industrial Park, which we think is an exciting new development project in a strategically important logistics location. Building on our existing relationship at Chesterford Research Park, one of the UK’s leading life science hubs, we look forward to delivering four exceptional facilities that we expect will be highly attractive to firms looking to benefit from Birmingham’s excellent logistics credentials, whilst also having the potential to contribute to long-term performance in our portfolio.” Catalyst Park is located in a popular industrial area of Birmingham on the historic former LDV manufacturing site. Direct access to the scheme is off Drews Lane, minutes away from the key arterial route of the A47 (Heartlands Spine Road), providing easy access to both J5 and J6 of the M6 which are both less than 3 miles from the site. Catalyst Park also benefits from being located outside the Birmingham City Centre congestion charge but in easy reach of the Birmingham Inner ring road and city centre 4 miles southwest. For further information about the project please click https://catalystindustrialpark.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Principle Estate Management has broadened its portfolio by taking on three new retirement developments across London, Oxford, and Worcestershire. These include two Right to Manage (RTM) developments and a corporate client, marking the company’s first ventures into retirement living. Meeting the Needs of Retirement Communities Joe Jobson, Joint Managing Director of Principle Estate Management, highlighted the growing demand for their services:“We’re receiving more enquiries for retirement living schemes, and our expertise combined with a personalised approach makes us well-suited to manage these developments. Ending 2024 with these first instructions is exciting, and we anticipate more in the pipeline for next year.” The three sites include Westminster Court in Worcester, a 15-apartment development set within landscaped grounds, and London Court in Oxford, a 43-unit scheme with communal gardens and an on-site resident manager. Praise for Principle’s Approach Brian Hall, Director at London Court, praised Principle’s professionalism:“Principle Estate Management came highly recommended by our accountants. Initially, we opted for a short-term contract aligned with our financial year, and the experience was seamless. We now have an annual management agreement and have found their communication and clarity excellent. Their dedication gives us confidence in their ability to prioritise the safety, well-being, and financial security of our residents.” Comprehensive Property Management Services Across the three sites, Principle will oversee a range of communal facilities, including gardens, car parking, residents’ lounges, and lifts. Their commitment to service excellence is already evident, with new property manager Alex Jordan receiving a warm welcome from Westminster Court residents during a special event. Strong Foundations and Ambitious Growth Since its launch in 2018, Principle Estate Management has grown rapidly, now managing over 20,000 units from offices in Birmingham, London, and the North West. With a team of more than 70 professionals, the company is well-positioned to support the unique needs of retirement communities. Joe Jobson reflected on the positive feedback:“It’s been fantastic to see such enthusiasm from our new retirement developments. We’re looking forward to strengthening relationships with directors and residents as we continue to grow in this important sector.” Principle’s foray into retirement living underscores its versatility and commitment to providing tailored property management solutions across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors has furthered its reputation for the delivery of public sector refurbishment projects, with the redesign of an award-winning building in north west London. The leading fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor has transformed 22,600 sq ft of Brent Civic Centre, Wembley Park, on behalf of Brent Council. The project has delivered improvements to Wembley Library and created a new resident hub, with comfortable and accessible public spaces that better serve the needs of local people. Several public services have been integrated into a more spacious and versatile library building, including a larger, purpose-built children’s library, new study areas, quiet zones, and an expanded library collection. A new ground floor hub features a dedicated customer service area, complete with a digital zone and private rooms for confidential conversations. An area has also been fitted out for weddings and other events, which has been decorated to a high standard to improve the experience of guests. Other enhancements include a new accessible main entrance on Exhibition Way and an internal layout that considers the needs of wheelchair users, pushchairs and people with complex needs. Willmott Dixon Interiors has installed new M&E, plumbing and heating systems within the building, as well as new lighting, acoustics and enhanced temperature controls. In parallel with its delivery of the refurbishment, Willmott Dixon Interiors partnered with West London Careers Hub to deliver more than £1.5 million in social return on investment. Activities included support for local schools and colleges through careers events, work experience and industry insights. Neil Adams, senior operations manager at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “Civic spaces are the heartbeat of our communities and it’s vital that they meet the evolving needs of local people. “Brent Council recognised the opportunity it had to adapt an award-winning building into an exciting space that better serves all of its residents. We’re proud to hand over a modern community library and resident hub that provides improved public access and facilities for all.” Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, cabinet member for resident support and culture, said: “Our award-winning Civic Centre has served residents and the council well over the past decade but it’s essential for us to adapt and keep pace with the evolving needs of our community. “This exciting new space will enable us to better serve our residents, especially those with the most complex needs. With a brand-new customer service area and an upgraded library, we’ve created a more accessible, comfortable and confidential environment with enhanced facilities for everyone to enjoy.” Willmott Dixon Interiors was awarded the contract to refurbish Brent Civic Centre via the Procurement Hub framework. Andy Peck, senior client relationship manager, Procurement Hub: “This project exemplifies the benefits of working with Willmott Dixon Interiors through the MPF2 framework. Their flexibility allows them to deliver value where it’s most needed.” The new look Wembley Library and resident hub will be officially launched at a grand opening event on 7 December 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading UK homebuilder Avant Homes has announced a £90 million residential project that will revitalise a 22-acre site at Pleasley Hill Farm in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. This ambitious scheme will bring nearly 400 new homes to the area, offering a range of housing options designed to meet the needs of diverse buyers and renters. A Vision for Community Living The development will deliver 396 homes as part of a larger mixed-use scheme, aimed at driving residential growth in the scenic village of Pleasley. Avant Homes Central is leading the project, which promises high-quality homes and modern amenities that will transform the local landscape while addressing the growing demand for housing in Nottinghamshire. Contemporary Design and Sustainability Known for its design-led approach, Avant Homes will incorporate its signature contemporary styling into the new properties. Each home will be built with energy-efficient materials and techniques, providing a sustainable and comfortable lifestyle for future residents. The development aims to appeal to a wide demographic, including families, professionals, and retirees, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Economic Boost for the Local Area Beyond housing, the project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Mansfield. During the construction phase, it will create jobs and support local businesses, while also enhancing infrastructure and public amenities. Avant Homes has a proven track record of working closely with communities, ensuring its developments leave a lasting positive impact. Commitment to Quality and Growth Avant Homes is renowned for creating premium homes that combine functionality with modern aesthetics. This latest project reflects the company’s commitment to addressing the UK’s housing needs, with a strong focus on sustainability and community-building. A Brighter Future for Pleasley Hill Farm Once complete, the Pleasley Hill Farm development will stand as a testament to Avant Homes’ dedication to delivering homes that blend style, efficiency, and affordability. With this £90 million investment, the company is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of housing in Nottinghamshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
