Frasers Group has acquired Waterfront Retail Park in Greenock, Scotland, from HKIP for an undisclosed sum. The town-centre scheme totals just over 90,000 sq ft of retail warehousing and drive-through space, with tenants including Currys, Halfords and Pets at Home. The sale followed the park reaching 100% occupancy after Farmfoods
City & Country has this week completed the purchase of the 47.5-acre Kingswood site in Surrey from Legal & General. The completion of the purchase follows the housebuilder’s announcement of its intention to acquire the site in spring this year, with contracts having been exchanged in May 2025. The landmark
Three Chamberlain Square (3CS) has emerged as one of Birmingham’s most striking new landmarks and a national benchmark for sustainable urban construction. Standing between the city’s Grade I-listed Town Hall and the busy tram line, the ten-storey building combines bold design with engineering ingenuity to create 189,000 square feet of
On 11 September, the Chiswick community came together to celebrate the success of the new Chiswick Health Centre, a £23 million purpose-built facility designed to transform local healthcare and wellbeing. The celebration welcomed Councillors from the London Borough of Hounslow, representatives of the West London NHS Trust, GP practice teams,
Ark Fire Protection has announced a collaboration with leading contractor Bowmer + Kirkland to tackle one of the construction industry’s most pressing issues: mental health and suicide prevention. Coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, Ark Fire Protection rolled out high-visibility jackets across its sites featuring powerful messages such as “Struggling
Anglia Ruskin University appoints new Head of Engineering and the Built Environment Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has appointed Professor David Oloke as the new Head of Engineering and the Built Environment. ARU delivers the largest range of engineering and built environment courses in the East of England, covering disciplines such
Sussex contractor Pilbeam Construction has been honoured with a prestigious Sussex Heritage Trust Award for its outstanding work on the £7.5 million restoration of Newhaven Fort, funded by UK Government. Pilbeam marked the occasion by presenting a commemorative plaque to Newhaven Fort, which is now proudly displayed on site for
Global financial markets are navigating a complex landscape as we enter the final quarter of 2025. Investors are weighing optimism from strong corporate earnings and resilient consumer spending against caution stemming from inflationary pressures, central bank policy uncertainty, and ongoing geopolitical risks. These dynamics are creating both challenges and opportunities,
The long-anticipated Therme Manchester project has taken a major leap forward with the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine as construction manager, signalling that work on the £450 million urban wellbeing resort is set to begin in earnest. Therme Manchester is billed as the United Kingdom’s first true urban wellbeing destination
Over 6,000 tonnes of structural steel will be installed as part of the £108million build project set to create 1,000 new jobs. McLaren Construction Midlands and North has marked a significant milestone at the new state-of-the-art Distribution Centre for leading UK retailer, TJ Morris Ltd, with a steel signing ceremony
Frasers Group has acquired Waterfront Retail Park in Greenock, Scotland, from HKIP for an undisclosed sum. The town-centre scheme totals just over 90,000 sq ft of retail warehousing and drive-through space, with tenants including Currys, Halfords and Pets at Home. The sale followed the park reaching 100% occupancy after Farmfoods signed a long-term lease on the former SCS unit. During its ownership, HKIP’s asset management programme broadened the tenant mix, adding JD Gyms, Home Bargains, Costa Coffee and Pizza Hut to strengthen day-to-day appeal. Knight Frank acted for HKIP, with Sims Retail representing Frasers Group. The deal is Knight Frank’s second sale to Frasers Group in quick succession, after the retail group’s purchase of Rose Street Retail Park in Inverness. The acquisition underlines continued investor interest in well-let, convenience-led retail parks that pair essential retail with food-to-go and fitness, and benefit from ample parking and easy access. With the Greenock park fully occupied at completion, Frasers Group secures a stabilised Scottish asset aligned to its focus on resilient, value-orientated locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
City & Country has this week completed the purchase of the 47.5-acre Kingswood site in Surrey from Legal & General. The completion of the purchase follows the housebuilder’s announcement of its intention to acquire the site in spring this year, with contracts having been exchanged in May 2025. The landmark deal will see City & Country redevelop the site to offer a mix of residential, retirement living and leisure space, set around a striking Grade II* listed building and the locally listed former St Monica’s School. New plans will see the developer resubmit for planning permission in the Autumn to deliver 166 private homes and 116 retirement properties, varying the site’s existing planning consent for a retirement village. Wider plans for Kingswood include the creation of a leisure centre, re-using some of the existing accommodation, which includes a swimming pool, tennis courts and ancillary facilities. Furthermore, City & Country intends to eventually restore the former L&G House and St Monicas School into high quality homes, and in the interim plans to offer space for use as offices and for co-working. Simon Marner, Land and Property Director for City & Country, comments: “We are extremely pleased to have completed the purchase of Kingswood – a site of significant local interest that has been vacant for a considerable amount of time, with the heritage buildings falling into disrepair. The site has great potential for us to deliver a high-class development to provide housing and facilities to complement the local area and for the benefit of the local community. Existing planning permission has been in place for half a decade, and we hope that with this acquisition City & Country can finally deliver on longstanding ambitions for Kingswood. “In the coming months, we will be preparing detailed plans for Kingswood, to enable us to submit new planning applications. These will be based on the principles of the already consented care home scheme, but which will provide a different mix of uses, making the scheme more viable and deliverable. City & Country has a long track record in handling complex heritage sites such as Kingswood and look forward to embarking on this exciting new project.” Prior to City & Country’s acquisition of Kingswood, the site was used as Legal & General’s HQ and has stood empty since 2018. The developer hopes that its redevelopment ambitions will restore the site to its former glory and eventually become an asset to the surrounding community. Kingswood is located within the borough of Reigate and Banstead, with local amenities located nearby including a village store, pub, cafes and restaurants. Nearby Kingswood Station offers a direct link to London Bridge. City & Country is responsible for a number of landmark schemes located on historic sites across the south of England, including The 1840, a conversion of a Grade II Listed Victorian Hospital in Wandsworth; King Edward VII Estate, the former tuberculosis sanatorium opened by its namesake in 1980; and its latest project, the redevelopment of the historic Pitman Press in Bath. For further information about City & Country, please visit https://www.cityandcountry.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three Chamberlain Square (3CS) has emerged as one of Birmingham’s most striking new landmarks and a national benchmark for sustainable urban construction. Standing between the city’s Grade I-listed Town Hall and the busy tram line, the ten-storey building combines bold design with engineering ingenuity to create 189,000 square feet of Grade A offices, plus retail and leisure space, all within a remarkably tight city-centre footprint. From the outset, sustainability guided every decision. The project targeted and achieved BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5-star ratings at design stage, placing it among the most environmentally advanced commercial buildings in the UK. Reducing embodied carbon was a constant priority. The structural team used post-tensioned concrete slabs, cutting steel content by about half, and took advantage of exceptionally firm ground conditions to avoid piling altogether. Designers even revisited structural support levels to reduce concrete use further while maintaining full integrity. A close partnership with the supply chain ensured these ambitions were met. Early engagement allowed key contractors to innovate, such as the dry-lining specialist who introduced off-site prefabrication to trim site waste by up to 25 per cent. Biogenic internal finishes added renewable materials to the mix, reinforcing the project’s low-impact credentials and demonstrating a practical approach to circular design. The façade is both a visual statement and a lesson in sustainable craftsmanship. More than 8,000 unglazed terracotta tiles were painstakingly installed over the course of a year, each piece fully demountable so it can be refurbished or recycled in the future. Forgoing a second kiln pass reduced embodied carbon, while the unglazed surface gives the building a warm, tactile character. On the seventh floor the façade curves inward, shifting from vertical to sloped and demanding exceptional precision from the engineering team to align corner units and maintain schedule. Logistics on the constrained site called for inventive solutions. Surrounded by existing buildings and a live tram line, the project relied on one of the UK’s largest hoists, the Alimak Mammoth TM 55/50. Measuring five by three metres and capable of lifting four tonnes—or 50 people—at a time, it moved ducting, plasterboard and workers efficiently, preventing delays that often plague high-rise city builds. A spider crane managed lower-level façade installation while the hoist kept upper floors supplied, demonstrating how careful planning can overcome even the tightest urban constraints. Safety performance was equally impressive. Over 700,000 work hours were completed without a single RIDDOR-reportable incident, an achievement so unusual that the client initially questioned the data. Early enabling works, spanning 20 weeks, helped de-risk the site and embed a “Be Safe, Home Safe” culture. Modern tools such as DataTouch interactive planning software identified and controlled hazards in real time, informing daily briefings and reducing the chance of accidents. Recognition soon followed. Three Chamberlain Square earned a perfect 100 per cent from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, scoring the maximum 15 points in each category of community respect, environmental care and workforce value—an accolade rarely awarded. This outcome reflected a collaborative spirit that ran through every tier of the project team, from developer and asset manager MEPC to consultants, subcontractors and suppliers. The result is a building that marries aesthetic boldness with rigorous environmental responsibility. With its distinctive terracotta skin and advanced construction methods, Three Chamberlain Square sets a new standard for what a city-centre office can be: a workplace that reduces its impact throughout its life cycle, engages the community and inspires everyone who passes by. As Birmingham continues to re-shape its skyline, 3CS stands as proof that ambitious design and genuine sustainability can coexist—and that future urban developments need not compromise on either. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On 11 September, the Chiswick community came together to celebrate the success of the new Chiswick Health Centre, a £23 million purpose-built facility designed to transform local healthcare and wellbeing. The celebration welcomed Councillors from the London Borough of Hounslow, representatives of the West London NHS Trust, GP practice teams, and community groups, all of whom played a vital role in shaping the vision for the centre. Councillors and the local MP, Andy Slaughter, toured the modern facility, which houses three GP practices (Chiswick Health Practice, Chiswick Medical Practice, and West4GPs) as well as Chiswick Primary Care Network staff and services. The new centre, which has welcomed over 14,000 patients since March, is a reflection of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan’s ambitions, setting a blueprint for neighbourhood-based care. It offers expanded GP services, mental health support, and community-led wellbeing activities, while also building close working relationships with local secondary care services. This approach brings hospital services closer to home, ensuring patients receive the right care in the right place, and strengthening the integration between primary and secondary care. The building also meets high environmental standards with features such as solar panels and LED lighting that are leading to a 77% reduction in carbon emissions. Kieran Kinsella, Director of Advisory Services at NHS Property Services, said: “The delivery of Chiswick Health Centre is a proud achievement for NHSPS and a clear example of how we’re helping shape the future of healthcare infrastructure. This project reflects the ambitions of the NHS’s 10-Year Health Plan by creating modern, inclusive, and community-focused spaces that support prevention, integration, and wellbeing.” Cllr Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said: “This modern facility not only offers a central hub for health and community services but also includes the provision of 55 social homes. Over £1 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds were allocated by the Council to support the practical implementation and temporary relocation costs of this project.” Dr Christopher Hilton, Chief Operating Officer for Local Services, West London NHS Trust said: “We’re incredibly proud to officially open the doors to the new Chiswick Health Centre, a friendly neighbourhood healthcare space for the community. It’s truly heartening to see so many of our partners, colleagues, and local residents gathered here to celebrate this milestone together. This centre marks a step forward in bringing health care closer to home, making it more accessible and responsive to the needs of our community today and for future generations to come.” Dr Chloe Hillman, GP Partner Chiswick Health Practice, said: “The staff and patients of Chiswick Health Practice are delighted to be settled back into the new Health Centre, in the heart of Chiswick. We look forward to caring for our patients, working with our secondary and community services colleagues and developing modern and progressive models of care, nearer home in this excellent facility for many years to come.” Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick, said: “Chiswick Health Centre is a very impressive modern facility. It’s brilliant to see investment in GP services and a community space that residents can enjoy.” Donna Schoenherr, Founder & Director of Move into Wellbeing, said: ” The new community space at the Chiswick Health Centre fits perfectly into the activities and needs of Move into Wellbeing’s Dance & Movement classes by being centrally located, fully disabled accessible, having a Ground Floor location, and by providing a lovely clean airy room to use for the hour long Dance & Movement sessions. The central Chiswick location, accessibility, potential to live – stream the sessions, and the lovely environment greatly assist Move into Wellbeing in achieving its objectives. These objectives centre around the offering of weekly fun and effective Dance & Movement sessions, and the opportunity for social contact and interaction for the local residents 60+, all coming together to help to improve the attendees health and wellbeing and their quality of living. These assets can also be opened to a wider range of participants across the Borough with the live – streaming is in place. The new Community Space is a very well-equipped to hold our sessions and has immense potential for further MiW programmes for the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ark Fire Protection has announced a collaboration with leading contractor Bowmer + Kirkland to tackle one of the construction industry’s most pressing issues: mental health and suicide prevention. Coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, Ark Fire Protection rolled out high-visibility jackets across its sites featuring powerful messages such as “Struggling doesn’t make you weak”. The initiative highlights the importance of creating open conversations around mental health and serves as a visual reminder that behind the tools are real people with real struggles. The construction industry faces a mental health crisis, with statistics showing that men in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average. Ark Fire Protection and Bowmer + Kirkland are determined to break the silence, reduce stigma, and encourage workers to seek help. “This campaign is about reminding people that awareness shouldn’t just be for one day a year, it should be every day,” said Howard Hudson, Managing Director at Ark Fire Protection. “By making our sites more open to openness, by asking our mates ‘How are you? … Really?’, and by recognising that mental health is a site safety issue too, we can help create a safer, healthier industry.” The initiative also supports the Lighthouse Charity, which provides vital emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. Ark Fire Protection confirmed that this marks just the first step in its collaboration with Bowmer + Kirkland, with a larger initiative planned for winter 2025. More details will be announced in the coming months. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember you are not alone.📞 Call the Lighthouse Charity Helpline on 0345 605 1956 for free and confidential support. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Anglia Ruskin University appoints new Head of Engineering and the Built Environment Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has appointed Professor David Oloke as the new Head of Engineering and the Built Environment. ARU delivers the largest range of engineering and built environment courses in the East of England, covering disciplines such as architecture and planning, engineering, and construction and surveying. The School of Engineering and the Built Environment’s programmes are developed in close collaboration with industry and are accredited by leading professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The School is also home to three active research groups, each focused on delivering solutions to the complex challenges faced by society, as well as the Women in Engineering programme, which offers mentoring and support to female students, helping to promote diversity and inclusion across the sector. Professor Oloke brings a wealth of experience to ARU, having led both academic and professional services teams at several universities. He holds a PhD in Construction Engineering and Management, and is a chartered civil engineer (CEng) and chartered construction manager. His professional titles include Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB) and Principal Fellow of Advance HE (PFHEA). In addition to his leadership experience, Professor Oloke has an extensive background in research, PhD supervision, engineering and project management consultancy, knowledge transfer activities, and higher and degree apprenticeship programmes, which combine academic rigour with the employment needs of industry. Professor Oloke said: “I am delighted to join Anglia Ruskin University at this pivotal time as the University builds on its impressive recent achievements, including being named Times Higher Education University of the Year and receiving a TEF Gold award for teaching excellence. “My vision is to further strengthen ARU’s close links with employers and position the School of Engineering and the Built Environment as a leader – not only regionally, but nationally and internationally – in training the next generation of engineers and built environment professionals, as well as creating impactful research and knowledge exchange with our external partners.” Professor Laurie Butler, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of ARU’s Faculty of Science & Engineering, said: “Engineering and the built environment is a strategically important area for ARU and we’re thrilled to welcome David as our new Head of School. His expertise will help us as we look to build on our recent successes, enhance our academic programmes and further expand our partnerships with industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sussex contractor Pilbeam Construction has been honoured with a prestigious Sussex Heritage Trust Award for its outstanding work on the £7.5 million restoration of Newhaven Fort, funded by UK Government. Pilbeam marked the occasion by presenting a commemorative plaque to Newhaven Fort, which is now proudly displayed on site for visitors to see. The 12-month project, delivered in close collaboration with Historic England, transformed the Scheduled Monument into a vibrant visitor destination to attract wider audiences. Andrew Arrow, director of Pilbeam Construction, said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive this award in the Public and Community category recognising the restoration of Newhaven Fort, which was a complex and rewarding project. “It required careful liaison with Historic England and with multiple specialist contractors. “Since the Fort reopened this year, we hear it is now so popular at weekends and during the holidays that visitors are being advised to book in advance.” Pilbeam’s specialist team, which has extensive experience in restoring heritage buildings, tackled serious damp issues, restored 18 casemates (vaults), and upgraded facilities to create welcoming exhibition and event spaces. The project involved more than 30 different elements, including removing 300 cubic metres of soil to install drainage and prevent water ingress, repointing and masonry repairs to casemate frontages, recladding the Romney Hut to create a flexible event space and repairing WWII gun emplacements and canopies. Accessibility improvements and upgrades to handrails and edge protection were also completed, along with specialist concrete and steelwork repairs using hydro demolition and sprayed concrete techniques. Pilbeam’s site manager Simon Hepworth, a Newhaven resident, brought local insight and personal passion to the project. Two of the restored casemates are now available for venue hire, helping the site expand its appeal beyond military history enthusiasts. Duncan Kerr, chief executive at Wave Active, which operates Newhaven Fort, on behalf of Lewes District Council said: “This award is a testament to the incredible work carried out by Pilbeam and the wider team. Their efforts have safeguarded a vital community asset and helped put Newhaven on the map as a heritage destination.” Project partners included Pritchard Architecture, HOP Consulting, IWA M&E Consulting Engineers, MEA and many others, who worked together to preserve and enhance the fort for future generations. Ryan Stock from heritage specialists Pritchard Architecture added: “We’re so proud our work has secured this prestigious award. “The project broke new ground in the preservation of fortifications, setting a precedent that has since inspired similar efforts by other organisations and our radical interventions will secure the future of the fort for future generations.” The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards have been running for nearly 30 years and are designed to recognise and reward the highest quality conservation, restoration and design of newly built projects, while encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts. Councillor Johnny Denis, cabinet member for arts, culture and tourism and leisure at Lewes District Council said: “With its rich history, Newhaven Fort is a unique local landmark and through this extensive preservation work, many of its key features have been safeguarded for the future. I am delighted that the project has been recognised with this award, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.” For further information visit: www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global financial markets are navigating a complex landscape as we enter the final quarter of 2025. Investors are weighing optimism from strong corporate earnings and resilient consumer spending against caution stemming from inflationary pressures, central bank policy uncertainty, and ongoing geopolitical risks. These dynamics are creating both challenges and opportunities, particularly for traders who operate on short- to medium-term horizons, such as swing traders. U.S. Stocks Maintain Momentum U.S. stock markets have continued their upward trajectory over the past month, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all posting solid gains. Technology and healthcare sectors have been at the forefront of this movement, buoyed by strong earnings reports, new product launches, and sustained innovation in artificial intelligence and biotech. Investor confidence has been further supported by indications that inflation may be moderating. While wage growth remains a concern, overall consumer prices have shown signs of slowing, giving markets some breathing room. The Federal Reserve has hinted at a more measured approach to interest rate adjustments in the coming months, which has reinforced optimism across equity markets. For swing traders, this environment presents several opportunities. Stocks showing strong short-term momentum, especially in sectors with recurring volatility such as technology, consumer discretionary, and healthcare, are ideal candidates for trades held from a few days to several weeks. Identifying reliable support and resistance levels can help traders time entries and exits effectively. Consumer Spending and Labor Market Trends Consumer spending remains a cornerstone of economic stability, despite the labor market showing signs of slower growth. Recent reports indicate that retail sales and discretionary spending have stayed relatively strong, driven in part by higher-income households and continued demand for services and technology. Banks have reported solid credit performance, with low delinquency rates on loans and credit cards, suggesting that household finances remain largely resilient. However, economists caution that slower job creation could gradually weigh on spending if the trend persists. For traders, sectors tied to consumer behavior, such as retail, travel, and leisure, often exhibit short-term patterns that can be exploited for swing trades. Monitoring weekly retail data, earnings announcements, and consumer confidence indicators can help identify windows of opportunity for trades based on predictable price swings. Global Markets Reflect Mixed Signals Markets in Asia and Europe have responded differently to global developments. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s Kospi have experienced moderate gains, following the U.S. lead, despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. In Europe, political uncertainty and leadership transitions in several countries have contributed to cautious investor sentiment, keeping equity movements relatively muted. Commodities have also demonstrated volatility. Oil prices, for instance, have reacted to geopolitical developments, while gold continues to serve as a safe-haven asset for investors wary of inflation and market instability. Traders focused on swing trading can find opportunities in these markets by watching short-term trends in commodities alongside global equity movements. Strategic Takeaways for Traders For swing traders navigating the current market environment, flexibility and vigilance are crucial. Key considerations include: Markets in September 2025 are presenting opportunities for traders who can act decisively while remaining cautious. The combination of corporate strength, resilient consumer behavior, and macroeconomic uncertainty offers fertile ground for short- to medium-term trades. With disciplined analysis and a clear strategy, swing traders can navigate the current landscape successfully, balancing risk and reward in an environment defined by both opportunity and volatility. Swing Trade Setups for the Coming Week As markets continue to fluctuate in response to economic data and geopolitical developments, swing trade can look for opportunities in sectors showing clear short-term momentum. Here are three potential setups to consider: 1. Technology Sector Momentum PlaySeveral large-cap technology stocks have shown steady gains over the past month, supported by strong earnings and new product releases. Traders can monitor for brief pullbacks to key support levels, which often provide optimal entry points for a trade held over a few days to a week. Exiting near short-term resistance can help capture gains while minimizing exposure to sudden reversals. 2. Consumer Discretionary Trend TradeRetail and leisure companies have exhibited recurring price swings in response to weekly consumer reports and earnings updates. A swing trade setup could involve entering positions when a stock consolidates near a support zone after a small dip, anticipating a rebound driven by strong consumer sentiment. Traders should keep an eye on sector-wide news, as sentiment can shift quickly, affecting multiple positions simultaneously. 3. Commodity-Linked OpportunitiesOil and gold have been particularly volatile, reacting to geopolitical developments and central bank signals. For swing traders, short-term trends in these commodities can translate into opportunities in energy and materials-related equities. A setup could involve tracking a breakout above a short-term resistance level, riding the momentum for a few days, and exiting as the asset approaches the next psychological or technical barrier. Across all setups, disciplined risk management is critical. Position sizing, stop-loss placement, and timely monitoring of macroeconomic and sector-specific news are essential to navigating the volatility effectively. By combining technical patterns with real-time market awareness, swing traders can capitalize on short-term price movements while keeping downside risk under control.
The long-anticipated Therme Manchester project has taken a major leap forward with the appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine as construction manager, signalling that work on the £450 million urban wellbeing resort is set to begin in earnest. Therme Manchester is billed as the United Kingdom’s first true urban wellbeing destination and one of the largest thermal pool complexes in Europe. The resort will combine elements of a luxury spa, waterpark and botanical retreat, offering more than 25 water slides, the UK’s biggest sauna area, multiple steam rooms and a wave pool designed for families. Visitors will also encounter landscaped gardens and immersive art installations, creating an experience that blends relaxation, entertainment and culture under one roof. The scheme is the flagship development of Therme Horizon, a €1 billion joint venture between Austrian spa specialist Therme Group and private equity investor CVC. This partnership reflects both the ambition and scale of the project, which aims to transform a former brownfield site at TraffordCity in Greater Manchester into a year-round attraction drawing millions of visitors. Peel Waters, the site’s owner, has worked closely with Therme Group since the project’s inception and has already overseen demolition of the former EventCity venue to prepare the land for construction. For Sir Robert McAlpine, the appointment follows a period of collaboration under a pre-construction services agreement. Now formally named construction manager, the company will oversee delivery of the complex build. McAlpine’s chief executive Neil Martin described the commission as a privilege, noting that the project represents “a major investment in wellbeing, sustainability and community infrastructure”. The firm’s reputation for handling large-scale and technically challenging developments was a decisive factor in the appointment. Professor David Russell, chief executive of Therme UK, highlighted McAlpine’s “unrivalled expertise” and commitment to sustainability, saying that these qualities made the company “the ideal team to bring Therme Manchester to life”. He added that the resort is intended to have a “lasting positive impact on Greater Manchester and beyond”, not only as a leisure destination but also as a driver of employment and economic growth. Local stakeholders share that optimism. Trafford Council leader Tom Ross welcomed the scheme as a “fantastic” addition to the borough, emphasising the hundreds of construction and permanent jobs it will create. He pointed to the project’s alignment with the council’s priorities of supporting a thriving economy, improving public health and regenerating a vacant site in a sustainable way. Peel Waters managing director James Whittaker echoed those sentiments, calling the resort a “complete game-changer for health, leisure and the visitor economy in the north”. Accessibility is central to the design. The resort will sit at the heart of TraffordCity and connect to the Bee Network of public transport, including Metrolink services, as well as new canal-side walking and cycling routes. A multi-storey car park will accommodate visitors who choose to drive, ensuring that the attraction can welcome guests from across the region and beyond. Beyond the impressive statistics and grand design, the project speaks to a growing trend in urban planning: integrating wellness and leisure into city life. By offering thermal pools, saunas and botanical environments within easy reach of Manchester’s population, Therme Manchester aims to redefine how people in the UK experience relaxation and recreation. The development also underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship, with sustainability considerations woven into both construction and future operations. With construction management now in experienced hands, the vision of a world-class wellbeing resort in the north of England is closer than ever. When complete, Therme Manchester is expected to attract millions of visitors each year, reinforcing Greater Manchester’s reputation as a hub for innovative and ambitious development while giving residents and tourists alike a unique place to unwind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over 6,000 tonnes of structural steel will be installed as part of the £108million build project set to create 1,000 new jobs. McLaren Construction Midlands and North has marked a significant milestone at the new state-of-the-art Distribution Centre for leading UK retailer, TJ Morris Ltd, with a steel signing ceremony at the Unity Yorkshire development in Doncaster. The event commemorated the completion of the first phase of structural steelwork – the towering 43-metre High Bay section, which is a major engineering landmark in the development of the 829,000 sq. ft advanced automated facility. The steelwork, designed and delivered by Caunton Engineering Ltd, represents the scale and ambition of the project. To date, the structure has involved; 2,606 holding down bolts, 142,452 structural bolts, 55,789 metres and 5,395 tonnes of hot rolled steel, 112 metres and 793 tonnes of cold rolled steel, and 33,558 welded fittings. With steelwork on the Low Bay section – which stands at 28 metres – now underway, the project continues to progress ahead of schedule, moving towards its completion time of October 2026. The project has already achieved several critical milestones, including completion of approximately 80% of all building foundations, completion of a 16-week earthworks programme and installation of 14,000 precast piles and 8,000 rigid inclusion piles. Once complete, the facility will serve 300+ Home Bargains stores nationwide, forming the cornerstone of TJ Morris’ long-term logistics and distribution strategy. The milestone was celebrated onsite with representatives from TJ Morris Ltd, McLaren Construction, City of Doncaster Council, Business Doncaster, and project partners Waystone Hargreaves Land, and AtkinsRéalis. In addition to its commercial impact, the project underscores McLaren’s commitment to local engagement and sustainability. Key initiatives include a highly localised supply chain, with 70 percent of suppliers currently located within 50 miles of the site, innovation applied to the steel requirements to ensure the scheme is as economical as possible, the use of borrow pits and local fill materials significantly reducing transport emissions, and the sponsorship of a local football team, including full kit provision. Located at Unity Connect, the facility is part of the wider Unity Yorkshire masterplan – a transformative mixed-use regeneration scheme that spans over 250 hectares, delivering homes, jobs, and infrastructure across the region. The Unity scheme is also home to a dedicated Employment Academy, an initiative funded by Waystone Hargreaves Land and delivered in partnership with Business Doncaster aimed at supporting recruitment, training, and access to employment opportunities for local residents. Gary Cramp, Managing Director at McLaren Construction, said: “This is a very exciting day for us and our team and partners. As a business we are so proud to be involved in milestones like this to celebrate an impressive flagship project that will create 1,000 new jobs and enhance logistics capabilities across the region. “The steel signing not only marks the physical progress of this significant build but also reflects the spirit of collaboration across stakeholders, and the enormous economic potential the facility will bring to Doncaster. Thank you to all of the team for their exceptional effort, and to everyone for your input and being here today to mark this occasion.” Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “This steel signing marks a major milestone not just for the TJ Morris Distribution Centre, but for Doncaster’s growth story. The Distribution Centre is not only creating 1,000 new jobs and strengthening our local economy — it’s also championing local suppliers including British Steel and demonstrating sustainable practices. “This development is a shining example of how investment and collaboration can deliver real benefits for our communities. I’m proud to see Doncaster leading the way in innovation, opportunity, and inclusive growth and look forward to the continued progress of this landmark scheme.” Neil Kelson, Head of Logistics at TJ Morris added: “We’re delighted to see this landmark scheme moving at pace and the steel signing ceremony for the new Distribution Centre represents a key step in our logistics strategy, enabling us to serve our customers more efficiently and support our expansion plans, while creating significant employment opportunities for the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals