Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is on schedule with works for construction of a new multifunctional building and grounds at Sutton on Sea’s former Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens site. Working alongside their design team CPMG and Alan Wood Associates, in close collaboration with client East Lindsey District Council, through the
Yotel has announced plans to open its first hotel in Belfast as part of its ongoing European expansion strategy. The £17 million investment will see a 165-bedroom hotel developed in the heart of the city, at Shaftesbury Square, with an expected opening date in 2026, pending planning approval and timely
The latest JLL report details how energy efficiency, electrification, and clean energy strategies create significant economic value. In real-world cases, AI-based platforms support each of those strategies for better results. Recently, JLL has revealed a report titled “Low carbon buildings create economic value,” focusing on the dual benefits of energy-efficient
Cutting-edge design elements and construction techniques set project apart from national competitors. A Cambridgeshire based construction firm that places sustainable practices at the heart of its work has been shortlisted for the prestigious National Building and Construction Awards (NBCA) 2024. Spacemaker Developments Ltd, Trading as SMD Ltd, whose Headquarters is
A groundbreaking project completed by Leeds Beckett University and Aggregate Industries UK (AIUK) is reducing the risk of injuries and increasing productivity and profitability for AIUK – as well as informing best practice around safety in the UK construction materials industry. The Safety Voice project was a two-year Knowledge Transfer
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the shortlist for The Fleming Centre competition at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington on behalf of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. The Centre will be at the heart of the global Fleming Initiative, an innovative and collaborative approach led by the Trust
British Land has announced the appointment of Kelly Cleveland to the newly created position of Head of Real Estate and Investment, consolidating her leadership role within the company. Cleveland, who currently serves as Head of Strategy and Investment, will officially take on the expanded role in mid-October. Having joined British
VIVID has appointed Ian Playford to its Board as a non-executive director who brings with him a wealth of knowledge on property development and investment in customer centric environment. Mark Perry, Chief Executive of VIVID says: “Ian will bring a fresh perspective to our property development and investment decisions as
BCIA President Stacey Lucas will be joining the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) thought-provoking panel at UK Construction Week 2024 to further discussion on the sustainability challenges facing the built environment. Offering an incredible opportunity to discuss the construction industry’s sustainability practices and the UK’s journey towards net zero in 2050,
The Portman Estate and Derwent London have unveiled exciting plans for Loxton Walk, a vibrant new retail and leisure destination in the heart of Marylebone. Set to launch in 2025, Loxton Walk will introduce 28,500 sq ft of cutting-edge retail and leisure space, spread across 17 units that will be
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is on schedule with works for construction of a new multifunctional building and grounds at Sutton on Sea’s former Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens site. Working alongside their design team CPMG and Alan Wood Associates, in close collaboration with client East Lindsey District Council, through the Pagabo Medium Works framework – the enhancements will provide local residents and visitors with a new state-of-the-art building, with lettable space for retail, sea view café and restaurant, along with transformative facilities including toilets and new exhibition space. Additional seating areas and recreational space will also be created in the former Pleasure Gardens alongside a large sea view deck, new beach huts and dedicated artisan studio spaces for pop up events and markets. Improved promenade access will connect the promenade via a link bridge to the new building and there will be planting and community gardens together with the creation of additional walkways. Popular nearby existing features will be retained, which include the paddling pool, tennis court and the anchor water feature. Works are progressing well on site with the steelwork and main drainage complete, alongside the ground and first floors installed. The blockwork has been completed and the installation of the structural steel frame is now underway. The scheme is part of the Mablethorpe Connected Coast Town Deal which has been approved by the Government to receive £4.2m of Town Deal funding, with the remaining costs match funded directly by East Lindsey District Council. The revitalisation of the area will provide new inward investment to the town, and residents alongside the Lincolnshire coast. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to be involved in the significant redevelopment of this landmark cultural tourist attraction for Sutton-on-Sea, encouraging further investment into the Eastern coastline. “Our team have worked closely with all sub-contractor partners to carefully manage the enhancement of the existing structure with transformative elements that will deliver tangible benefits to the local residents and visitors to the town. We are moving forward at good pace and we are in a good position to deliver on schedule.” Councillor Martin Foster, the Council’s champion for the project, said: “We are delighted with the continued positive progress on the colonnade site, and seeing G F Tomlinson leading the construction process that will ensure the new facilities will be delivered to the highest quality of workmanship and suitable for its unique, scenic coastal surroundings. “When completed it will bring new tourism and income for the town, create new jobs and opportunities, and provide residents and visitors with a place to enjoy our stunning Eastern coastline from.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yotel has announced plans to open its first hotel in Belfast as part of its ongoing European expansion strategy. The £17 million investment will see a 165-bedroom hotel developed in the heart of the city, at Shaftesbury Square, with an expected opening date in 2026, pending planning approval and timely construction. The hotel will feature a variety of amenities, including a food and beverage (F&B) offering, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and versatile public spaces, aimed at providing a modern and innovative experience for both business and leisure travellers. Rohan Thakkar, Chief Development Officer at Yotel, expressed excitement about the project: “We are delighted to bring Yotel to Belfast, a city that shares our unwavering passion for innovation and creativity. Yotel Belfast represents a significant milestone in our global franchise strategy, marking our 35th signed hotel and increasing our total key count to nearly 8,000. We’re thrilled to partner with Andras Hotels, one of the region’s leading operators.” Rajesh Rana, Director of Andras Hotels, echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the project’s impact on the local economy: “We’re excited to bring this development to a landmark site in Belfast. The £17 million investment will offer modern accommodation for global visitors while creating high-quality jobs in the community. This project will not only be a major asset to the city’s growing tourism sector but also contribute to the regeneration of Shaftesbury Square. Our architects have designed a building that is both contemporary and respectful of its local surroundings. We’re now in the planning phase and look forward to consulting with the community ahead of development starting in 2025.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest JLL report details how energy efficiency, electrification, and clean energy strategies create significant economic value. In real-world cases, AI-based platforms support each of those strategies for better results. Recently, JLL has revealed a report titled “Low carbon buildings create economic value,” focusing on the dual benefits of energy-efficient buildings – sustainability and economic value. With up to 65% of office buildings globally at risk of becoming obsolete by 2030 if they fail to decarbonize, the report highlights three key areas of focus: energy efficiency, electrification, and clean energy. The report has compiled data from over 46,600 buildings across 14 global cities. It highlights that energy-efficient upgrades can deliver significant financial benefits. “The JLL report makes it clear – energy efficiency is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ feature for commercial real estate; it’s essential for both sustainability and financial health,” said Donatas Karčiauskas, CEO of Exergio, a company that develops AI-based tools for energy waste reduction. “In our case studies, focusing on office buildings, we’ve seen how energy-efficient tech translates into savings, not just in operational costs but also in asset value. We put it a simple way – if you’re not adopting these strategies, you’re falling behind.” Energy efficient platforms showcase immediate impact Before the AI-boom, IEA has noted that energy efficiency has the potential to deliver the second-largest contribution to cutting down CO2 emissions globally. Accelerated innovation, digitalization, and system optimization were outlined as having the highest potential to increase energy performance. Now, JLL report claims that energy retrofits can deliver up to 40% energy savings depending on building type, translating into €2,6 billion in operational savings globally. Research studies showcase how energy waste can be reduced firsthand through AI platforms, which optimize HVAC systems based on real-time data. “AI allows us to uncover hidden inefficiencies that manual systems can’t detect. In one case, we reduced energy waste by 20% in a commercial building in Poland. Those savings equated to €80,000 in less than a year,” Karčiauskas explained. “But what’s really transformative is the scalability. Whether you’re managing a single building or a portfolio of properties, from office buildings to shopping centers or hotels, AI ensures consistent, measurable savings.” AI solutions aim to integrate into electrification and clean energy The JLL report also emphasizes the role of electrification, including electric heat pumps, which are up to 4.5 times more efficient than traditional gas systems. Combined with clean energy sources like solar, electrification presents a significant opportunity for reducing emissions. “Electrification is where the real leap happens,” Karčiauskas stated. “AI plays a crucial role here, too. In buildings equipped with renewable energy sources like solar panels, our platform can optimize energy use in real-time. By shifting consumption to times when solar output is highest, AI can further reduce reliance on the grid, lowering both emissions and energy costs.” Similar AI solutions have already shown results in reducing energy consumption and emissions. While currently, such solutions improve energy efficiency by integrating and interpreting the data from thousands of sensors, Karčiaukas shares that it can easily include clean energy data into building operations as well, demonstrating the economic and environmental potential of AI-driven strategies. “As the report suggests, the buildings that act now will be the ones to thrive,” concluded Karčiauskas. “Those who delay these transitions risk facing regulatory pressures and financial setbacks. AI offers the agility that traditional retrofitting solutions don’t – allowing buildings to adapt in real-time to fluctuating energy prices, carbon taxes, and environmental regulations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cutting-edge design elements and construction techniques set project apart from national competitors. A Cambridgeshire based construction firm that places sustainable practices at the heart of its work has been shortlisted for the prestigious National Building and Construction Awards (NBCA) 2024. Spacemaker Developments Ltd, Trading as SMD Ltd, whose Headquarters is in St Neots, is in the running to win the Project of the Year (£10 million to £25 million) at the NBCA Awards 2024 that will be held at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge Hotel later this year. SMD, who deliver projects across the East of England, have constructed Oak Field Gardens, a new Crematorium in Bedfordshire which uses sustainable systems, has minimal environmental impact and implements innovative resources. The project also delivers a positive impact on the local community, by creating jobs, improving infrastructure and providing a sensitive public amenity. “We are both honoured and delighted to be shortlisted for the prestigious National Building and Construction Awards.” said Moomith Ullah, Operations Director at SMD. “The whole SMD team is committed to building long-term relationships with our clients and using our wealth of experience to bring construction visions to life.” “Our ethos is to leave a lasting legacy,” Moomith Ullah continued, “and that is why we are so proud to be in with the opportunity to win at what is recognised as one of the most prestigious building and construction awards in the UK.” The National Building and Construction Awards 2024 lead the national vision to raise the profile of industrious, hardworking and enterprising building and construction businesses from across the UK. The Awards are made up of 21 categories with entries being judged by a panel of independent and professional judges. “Sustainability is one of our passions and our processes ensure we do our utmost to minimise our impact on the environment.” said Jon Wren, Commercial Director at SMD. Oakfield Gardens Crematorium provides a tranquil and open space with a range of memorial options that make the most of the open landscaping and setting within the Bedfordshire countryside. It is a place where bereaved families are at the heart of everything with options that reflect the choices of the local community. “Being shortlisted for such a prestigious Award is a massive vote of confidence in the work that everyone at SMD undertakes.” Jon Wren, Commercial Director at SMD said. “We are very grateful for everyone’s efforts and feel honoured for the continued commitment our clients continue to make in us.” “We are hopeful to bring the Award home later this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A groundbreaking project completed by Leeds Beckett University and Aggregate Industries UK (AIUK) is reducing the risk of injuries and increasing productivity and profitability for AIUK – as well as informing best practice around safety in the UK construction materials industry. The Safety Voice project was a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project, part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. The project aimed to reduce transport-related risk across AIUK’s sites, using an innovative, proactive approach. The team – including Leeds Beckett psychology experts and a full-time KTP Associate – have created a dynamic toolkit to reduce future incidents and fatalities. This is now being rolled out across the organisation worldwide and creating a safer and healthier place for employees. AIUK has more than 200 sites and around 3,700 employees across the UK. They are part of the Holcim Group, a global leader in building materials and solutions, operating across 70 countries worldwide. The project was led by Dr Jim Morgan, Principal Lecturer and Leader of the Psychology Applied to Safety and Health (PASH) research group at Leeds Beckett. Dr Morgan explained: “We have designed and implemented a toolkit, using academic theory and models, which proactively identifies safe and unsafe behaviours within the business. This includes a step-by-step process for developing work system redesign – the way work is planned and conducted – and behaviour change programmes. This means AIUK can fully understand the underlying factors that influence their workplace safety and are putting in place strategies to prevent fatalities and reduce future incidents.” AIUK estimate that – as a direct result of the KTP – they will increase their profits by £8million within the next three years. This is based on predicted cost savings from reduced fatalities and injuries, increased productivity due to work system redesign and reduced injury-related employee absence, and an increase in the number of bids won for new work. The KTP has now been graded ‘Outstanding’ by independent assessors at Innovate UK – this is the highest possible rating awarded to projects. A key element of the KTP’s success was Laura Jackson – the full-time Associate recruited to manage the project as a member of the AIUK team, with the support of the Leeds Beckett academic experts. Laura led four research studies, including questionnaires and interviews involving more than 280 drivers, and a highly innovative eye tracking and sleep study. The Safety Voice Toolkit supports AIUK’s long-term aim to be the safest company in the industry, and to achieve ‘zero harm’ in its workplaces. It will be shared across the UK construction materials industry to inform best practice. Following the success of the KTP, Laura Jackson has secured a newly-created role at AIUK as Behavioural Safety Business Partner – leading AIUK in their journey to improve behavioural safety across the whole organisation. Laura is also continuing to study for her Masters by Research (MRes) degree at Leeds Beckett University. Laura said: “To achieve AIUK’s ambitions, they needed the psychological expertise relating to safety and health in the workplace at Leeds Beckett. The targeted and tailored safety behaviour change interventions that we have developed are not something that could be achieved by off-the-shelf consultancy services. “The KTP has had a significant impact on safety culture at AIUK. I worked hard to gain trust with colleagues, and tactfully engaged stakeholders, to successfully instil core values, foster collaboration, and promote accountability. This has been a genuine ‘bottom up’ approach to zero harm strategy – and is the first step in a long-term shift in how we manage and prioritise safety in the workplace. I am now enhancing our strategic safety plan for 2024 onwards, which includes a structured approach to identifying, addressing and preventing unsafe behaviours and conditions.” Jo Griffiths, Head of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Leeds Beckett University, added: “To have achieved an Outstanding grading for the project is testament to the success of this collaboration between Laura, our academic team, and AIUK. We are thrilled with the impact this is creating across the international Holcim Group – and look forward to continuing to make lasting impact for the extensive range of businesses, public sector and third sector organisations we work with through our KTP programme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the shortlist for The Fleming Centre competition at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington on behalf of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. The Centre will be at the heart of the global Fleming Initiative, an innovative and collaborative approach led by the Trust and Imperial College London, with HRH Prince of Wales as its Patron, to tackle Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR). The Fleming Centre will be part of a global network of centres in strategic locations around the world, aiming to catalyse worldwide action. Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair of the Fleming Initiative, last week announced it had raised an initial £100m, supported by three new partners, LifeArc, Cepheid and Optum, alongside founding partner, GSK, and other philanthropists. The Centre itself is due to open at St Mary’s Hospital in 2028, helping to mark the centenary of the discovery of penicillin at the hospital by Sir Alexander Fleming. It will be the first new building to open on the St Mary’s site as part of a planned full redevelopment of the site. The evaluation panel selected the following practices to proceed to the next phase of the competition: The shortlisted teams will now enter the next phase of the process, with a final decision is expected to be announced in January 2025. Professor Tim Orchard, Chief Executive of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We are excited by the prospect of plans for the Fleming Centre that incorporate creative ways to honour the legacy of Sir Alexander Fleming. We will be engaging with staff, patients and local communities to ensure that the Fleming Centre brings real impact, locally and globally, as a visionary space for collaboration, groundbreaking science and engagement to drive change.” Lord Ara Darzi, Executive Chair of the Fleming Initiative, said: “Science alone will not solve the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, we have to change human behaviour. The Fleming Centre is an embodiment of our commitment to making public engagement and behavioural science the cornerstones of the innovative solutions we need. I look forward to reviewing plans for the Fleming Centre that will make this vision a reality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land has announced the appointment of Kelly Cleveland to the newly created position of Head of Real Estate and Investment, consolidating her leadership role within the company. Cleveland, who currently serves as Head of Strategy and Investment, will officially take on the expanded role in mid-October. Having joined British Land in 2011, Cleveland has steadily risen through the ranks, gaining experience across investment, strategy, and treasury. She became a member of the executive committee in 2020 and took on her current role in 2022. Her promotion follows the departure of Darren Richards, British Land’s current Head of Real Estate, who has resigned to join LondonMetric Property as Chief Investment Officer. Simon Carter, Chief Executive of British Land, commented:“Aligning our asset management, leasing, and investment activities is more critical than ever as we actively recycle capital and seize emerging opportunities in the market. Kelly brings a wealth of real estate expertise, having led major transactions such as the sale of our stake in Meadowhall earlier this year and forming joint venture partnerships with Allianz and AustralianSuper. She has also been instrumental in expanding our presence in the retail park sector, which we’ve doubled down on as an attractive sub-sector.” Carter also expressed gratitude to Richards for his two decades of service:“I’d like to thank Darren for his unwavering support and significant contribution to British Land over nearly 20 years. We wish him all the best in his new role.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VIVID has appointed Ian Playford to its Board as a non-executive director who brings with him a wealth of knowledge on property development and investment in customer centric environment. Mark Perry, Chief Executive of VIVID says: “Ian will bring a fresh perspective to our property development and investment decisions as we continue to towards our vision More Homes: Bright Futures. We are committed to remaining one of the largest providers of new affordable housing in the sector. I am pleased Ian has joined us as we continue our ambitious development programme delivering many more affordable, high-quality housing solutions.” Ian has experience of operating at Board level across the UK and international organisations. He has worked in a diverse range of companies such as Kingfisher Group Plc, in private equity and the UK Government. As a non-executive director, Ian’s experience ranges from property development and management, with a focus on customer and business transformation. Commenting on his new challenge, Ian said: “Joining VIVID’s Board will enable me to contribute to the organisation’s ongoing commitment to making more homes available to those who need them most across the central south of England, in a sustainable way with a sharp focus on positive customer outcomes, services, and quality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BCIA President Stacey Lucas will be joining the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) thought-provoking panel at UK Construction Week 2024 to further discussion on the sustainability challenges facing the built environment. Offering an incredible opportunity to discuss the construction industry’s sustainability practices and the UK’s journey towards net zero in 2050, the panel will launch the eighth version of the CLC’s CZ Performance Framework. Developed to provide the CLC with a sector-level dashboard on the progress towards net zero and motivate businesses to enhance their sustainability strategies, the Performance Framework is closely aligned with Government policy and focuses heavily on carbon measurement and assessment. As an association that has sustainability at the forefront of everything it does, the BCIA is keen to work with other industry leaders and policy makers to further knowledge and understanding on the importance of decarbonisation and the vital role building automation can play. BCIA President Stacey Lucas underlined the need for the construction industry to come together to improve sustainability practices and reduce carbon emissions with the 2050 net zero target in mind. She said: “Sustainability is such an important focus of the built environment and it’s great that the framework is shining a spotlight on it. The construction industry is still one of the biggest causes of carbon emissions, so it’s vital that the industry works together to reduce energy consumption. “It’s an honour to be a part of this panel and it’s a brilliant opportunity to highlight the important role that building automation can play in enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings across the UK. The panel discussion kicks off the first day of the three-day event, taking place between Tuesday 1st and Thursday 3rd October 2024 at NEC Birmingham. Expected to receive more than 20,000 visitors, and featuring more than 300 exhibitors, the industry’s leading exhibition is set to be the biggest and best yet. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Portman Estate and Derwent London have unveiled exciting plans for Loxton Walk, a vibrant new retail and leisure destination in the heart of Marylebone. Set to launch in 2025, Loxton Walk will introduce 28,500 sq ft of cutting-edge retail and leisure space, spread across 17 units that will be easily accessed from George Street, Blandford Street, Gloucester Street, and the iconic Baker Street. At the heart of the development will be a bustling central courtyard, designed to become a lively social hub for residents, workers, and visitors alike. The space will range from kiosk units to flagship restaurant spaces, with unit sizes spanning from 300 sq ft to 5,800 sq ft, offering flexibility for businesses looking to create anchor stores or boutique offerings. Outdoor seating areas and enhanced public spaces will further enrich the visitor experience. Loxton Walk will seamlessly complement The Portman Estate’s ongoing transformation of Marylebone, joining other landmarks such as Chiltern Street and Marble Arch. The area recently welcomed the opening of Moco London, the largest European outpost of the internationally renowned Moco Museum, further cementing Marylebone’s position as a key cultural and commercial hotspot. The development is part of a larger mixed-use scheme by The Portman Estate and Derwent London, which also includes 206,000 sq ft of modern office space on Baker Street and an additional 12,000 sq ft of workspace at 30 Gloucester Place. Tom Knight, Portfolio Director at The Portman Estate, commented: “Loxton Walk reflects our commitment to creating a thriving, commercially successful neighbourhood in central London. This exciting new retail and leisure offering, developed in partnership with Derwent London, will provide a valuable new public space and enhance the amenities available to those who live, work, and visit Marylebone.” Philippa Abendanon, Head of Leasing at Derwent London, added: “Loxton Walk is a perfect example of how we integrate design, connectivity, and high-quality amenities in prime locations. This vibrant new destination will offer exceptional spaces for people to enjoy and explore, embodying our shared vision with The Portman Estate for creating standout places in one of the world’s greatest cities.” Savills has been appointed to market Loxton Walk, which is set to become one of London’s most exciting new retail and leisure hubs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
