Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, investor and developer, has welcomed Flexispot Limited,a kinetic furniture manufacturer, to Prologis Park Wellingborough West. The move to DC2 forms part of the business’ expansion plans and move from its former base in nearby Northampton. Flexispot, owned by global 3PL business Lecangs LLC,
AS part of the initiative “to get Britain building again”, the Labour government has just announced a £140 million investment to create 5,000 additional construction apprenticeships per year in England. The announcement lands at a critical moment for the built environment, as it continues to battle with a severe skills
Catella APAM, a leading UK investment and asset management specialist and a subsidiary of the Catella Group, has launched its inaugural fund, Catella APAM Strategic Equities I (“the Fund”), to invest in UK listed property companies. The Fund has closed with £102.2 million in commitments from institutional investors, focused on
Edinburgh City Council has greenlit the transformative £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront Regeneration Project, a bold initiative that aims to redefine the northern coastline as a vibrant, sustainable community. Collaborating with Cruden Homes, the development will bring 847 net-zero-ready homes to life, establishing it as Scotland’s most ambitious brownfield redevelopment. A
B&Q’s parent company, Kingfisher, and high-street stalwart Marks & Spencer (M&S) have emerged as frontrunners in the race to acquire dozens of former Homebase stores. This follows the DIY retailer’s collapse into administration, with 74 locations now on the market. The potential acquisition by Kingfisher and M&S could involve between
Leading property and construction consultancy CHPK Group has launched a new Façade Design service offer that responds to industry demand for an independent, all-encompassing service supported by chartered fire engineers. Developed to further support building owners, architects and contractors, the new service is headed by Chouaib Lekmiti, director of external wall
The 2024 Technology Report from the Get It Right Initiative published today shows how the construction and technology sectors are innovating together to improve productivity, quality, safety and sustainability. The report features multi-million pound construction projects including HS2’s Colne Valley viaduct, San Francisco international airport and London’s Western Yard’s development.
Contractor and modular housing manufacturer Boutique Modern has passed its first B Corporation™ (B Corp) reassessment with flying colours. Since becoming a B Corp in 2021, the Sussex-based business has made remarkable strides across all areas of its operations, resulting in an impressive 37% increase in its B Impact Assessment
VIVID has appointed Andrew Binnie, Caroline Stockmann and Abi Kee to its Board as it continues its transformation of customer services, and investment in existing and new homes. Andrew, Caroline and Abi will join the Board at an exciting time, continuing the mission to remain as one of the largest
Leading bowling and competitive socialising operator Lane7 has announced ambitious plans to roll out 10 new venues over the next two years, adding a massive 180,000 sq ft to its portfolio by the end of 2025. The expansion builds on a successful 2024, during which Lane7 completed 120,000 sq ft
Prologis UK, a leading logistics property owner, investor and developer, has welcomed Flexispot Limited,a kinetic furniture manufacturer, to Prologis Park Wellingborough West. The move to DC2 forms part of the business’ expansion plans and move from its former base in nearby Northampton. Flexispot, owned by global 3PL business Lecangs LLC, is leading the kinetic furniture movement, putting ergonomics and eco-consciousness at the heart of its operations. Flexispot’s offering encompasses a range of office furniture such as adjustable desks, chairs and storage solutions made from fully-recyclable materials with a focus on advanced engineering and technology. Strategically located only half a mile from the A509, with fast access to the A45, A14 and M1 in the East Midlands, Prologis Park Wellingborough West is a perfectly situated logistics hub. Soon to be Flexispot’s new home, DC2 spans 130,726 sq. ft. of fully-fitted and racked warehouse space. The unit was built with the environment in mind, achieving an EPC A rating, energy efficient LED lighting and is Net Zero in operation, in line with the UKGBC framework. Flexispot’s arrival to the Park community will boost the local economy, providing a number of new job opportunities for the surrounding area. Tom Price, leasing director for Prologis UK, said: “Working with Flexispot has been incredibly rewarding and it’s excellent that the business has chosen Prologis Park Wellingborough West for its expansion. The team’s top priority was a facility with racking already in place and DC2 fits the bill perfectly. We’re all looking forward to welcoming the business to the Park’s thriving community.” The newly signed agreement builds on the global partnership between Lecangs LLC and Prologis, covering circa two million sq. ft. of logistics space internationally. Richard Tang, Business Operational Director at Flexispot Limited, commented: “Choosing DC2 at Prologis Park Wellingborough West was the natural choice for us. Our parent company already has a longstanding relationship with Prologis, so we knew that we would be in good hands right from the outset. Finding a unit with racking already in place was a ‘must-have’ for us too and we’re confident we’ve found the perfect base from which to grow our business further.” Cushman & Wakefield and Fisher German acted on behalf of Prologis UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AS part of the initiative “to get Britain building again”, the Labour government has just announced a £140 million investment to create 5,000 additional construction apprenticeships per year in England. The announcement lands at a critical moment for the built environment, as it continues to battle with a severe skills shortage. With plans to build 1.5 million homes and boost infrastructure over the next five years, an estimated 50,300 more workers are needed annually to meet the demand. Lee Parkinson, chief executive of EN:Able Futures, part of Efficiency North Holdings, operates a leading flexi-job apprenticeship service with more than a decade of experience in creating pathways for young people in construction. Lee shared his thoughts on the announcement. He said: “We welcome the Labour government’s ambitions and drive to advance the country’s housebuilding mission. At EN:Able Futures, we have been championing apprenticeships for more than ten years, and this new investment is a step forward in providing more young people with a foot on the career ladder. We know first-hand just how effective apprenticeships are for both the apprentice and employer and a skilled workforce will bring us back on track to meeting these wider ambitious targets. “However, central government must seek guidance from organisations with expertise in this field as they know how best to support the talent of tomorrow and ensure the government’s investment provides the missing link. Without the steer from those already working successfully in this area, we could see this worthwhile investment not delivered as effectively as possible and ultimately fall short of the expectations. “Flexi-job apprenticeships are a key part of the solution, especially for SMEs. These employers often serve as the backbone of the industry, and flexi-job models provide apprentices with access to high-quality training, valuable skills, and recognised qualifications, all while offering host businesses the ability to have an apprentice for only part of their training – safeguarding the business’ through turbulent times. By focusing on this approach, we can secure the future of both our workforce and the industry, maintaining the quality and integrity of apprenticeships in construction. “Overall, it’s fantastic to see the focus on apprenticeships as a tool to deliver much-needed housing nationwide. But, the government must look at how this is already being delivered successfully and consult with the experts, to ensure it’s as impactful as possible.” To find out more about EN:Able Futures, please visit: https://www.efficiencynorth.org/en-able-futures/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Catella APAM, a leading UK investment and asset management specialist and a subsidiary of the Catella Group, has launched its inaugural fund, Catella APAM Strategic Equities I (“the Fund”), to invest in UK listed property companies. The Fund has closed with £102.2 million in commitments from institutional investors, focused on identifying mispricing within the UK listed real estate sector. Simon Cooke, industry veteran and founding shareholder of Catella APAM, and Ben Kennedy, Head of Investment and Research at Catella APAM, will lead the Fund’s investment strategy, supported by Catella APAM’s senior asset and development management teams, which has advised on over £4.5 billion of assets within the UK and Ireland since its inception. Cooke and Kennedy designed the Fund’s strategy to target undervalued UK listed real estate companies, where underlying asset values have been impacted by recent macroeconomic challenges and shifting demand patterns. The Fund is the Group’s first fundamentals focused product investing in the listed markets following the launch of Catella Systematic Property Fund in 2022, a Swedish UCITS fund targeting Nordic listed property companies through a systematic investment approach. Kennedy commented: “The real estate sector has become more operationally intensive and complex, as asset owners begin to acknowledge their role in providing a service to customers rather than just passively holding assets. This is likely to create a more disparate distribution of returns as the gap between winners and losers widens. Our access to actionable, real-time asset data and hands-on expertise gives the Fund a predictive edge in assessing companies’ current and future value trajectory. Adopting a value investment approach in UK listed equities after a period of re-pricing should offer strong risk-adjusted returns to our investors.” Cooke, who has worked closely with equity fund managers throughout his career, particularly at Deutsche Asset Management throughout the 1990s, added: “I believe the listed sector is often undervalued compared to the wider market, as is the strategy, assets, and management teams, particularly following economic downturns. The sector currently trades at a significant discount to NAV, dragged down by recency bias and consolidated by the backward-looking valuation process. This has been a long journey, and I’m proud that we are now launched and mandated to unlock this embedded value.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Edinburgh City Council has greenlit the transformative £1.3 billion Granton Waterfront Regeneration Project, a bold initiative that aims to redefine the northern coastline as a vibrant, sustainable community. Collaborating with Cruden Homes, the development will bring 847 net-zero-ready homes to life, establishing it as Scotland’s most ambitious brownfield redevelopment. A Sustainable Vision for Urban Living Set for delivery between 2025 and 2032, the first phase of the project will introduce a variety of housing options, including homes for sale, social rent, and mid-market rent. These will be complemented by a new primary school, commercial units, expansive public and open spaces, and enhanced sustainable transport links. At its core, the development embraces environmental responsibility, featuring a cutting-edge low-carbon heat network and active travel routes that prioritise cycling and walking, supporting a greener way of life for residents. Honouring Heritage While Building the Future Beyond sustainability, the Granton Waterfront project celebrates the area’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. The iconic Granton Gasholder, a striking remnant of the city’s gasworks past, will be repurposed into a dynamic public park, offering residents and visitors a distinctive recreational space. Similarly, the restoration of the historic Granton Station will create a vibrant cultural and community hub, complete with a new square to foster social connections. A Catalyst for Change The Granton Waterfront regeneration aligns with Edinburgh’s broader goals of creating inclusive, climate-conscious neighbourhoods while addressing the city’s housing needs. As part of the council’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency, the project represents a landmark moment in combining urban development with environmental stewardship. Once complete, this landmark regeneration will not only enhance the city’s northern coastline but also establish a blueprint for sustainable, community-focused developments across Scotland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
B&Q’s parent company, Kingfisher, and high-street stalwart Marks & Spencer (M&S) have emerged as frontrunners in the race to acquire dozens of former Homebase stores. This follows the DIY retailer’s collapse into administration, with 74 locations now on the market. The potential acquisition by Kingfisher and M&S could involve between 20 and 25 stores, with both companies positioning themselves to repurpose the sites for their respective retail strategies. Other interested parties reportedly include Home Bargains, indicating a competitive bidding process ahead of Friday’s deadline. Homebase’s Tumultuous Journey This development follows the sale of Homebase’s brand and up to 75 stores earlier this month to The Range, owned by CDS Holdings. The transaction ended a challenging six-year period under the ownership of Hilco, a retail investment firm, which had previously stepped in to rescue brands like HMV. Before Hilco, Homebase was owned by Australian conglomerate Wesfarmers, whose 2018 restructuring efforts resulted in store closures and renegotiated rents. Now, a diverse portfolio of Homebase sites ranging from 15,455 to 1.19 million square feet is up for grabs, presenting significant opportunities for retailers looking to expand their presence. Locations Under the Spotlight The stores available span the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland, including prominent retail parks and high-traffic urban areas. Key locations on the market include: (Full list detailed in here.) The Future of Retail in These Spaces For Kingfisher, the acquisition represents an opportunity to expand B&Q’s reach and align with its commitment to serving the UK’s DIY and home improvement market. Meanwhile, M&S could utilise these large retail spaces to support its evolving strategy, which increasingly integrates food halls and homeware offerings into new locations. The Homebase collapse and subsequent sales mark a pivotal moment in the reshaping of the UK’s retail landscape, with bidders eyeing these stores as key assets for future growth. As the bidding process concludes, industry watchers are eager to see how these prominent retail brands repurpose the former Homebase sites, potentially revitalising local high streets and retail parks across the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property and construction consultancy CHPK Group has launched a new Façade Design service offer that responds to industry demand for an independent, all-encompassing service supported by chartered fire engineers. Developed to further support building owners, architects and contractors, the new service is headed by Chouaib Lekmiti, director of external wall and façade, and the wider CHPK Fire Engineering experienced team of chartered fire engineers and structural fire engineers, including façade designers and specialist structural façade engineers with the added benefit of academic architectural training backgrounds. The team provides comprehensive design solutions for remediation projects and new builds. It covers all cladding systems and is designed to prioritise safety, aesthetics and structural integrity simultaneously. With safety, a top priority and key driver for the launch of the new service, fire safety and risk mitigation strategies are integrated into the design process from the outset to ensure compliance with local regulations and international standards. The service provides a holistic, full-service approach across the complete lifecycle of buildings. This, alongside the latest technologies available, not only provides consistency with a single point of contact from start to completion but also streamlines and speeds up the project process. With new projects underway for Telford Homes and others, the team has been brought in to design façades on remediation projects. They use their extensive knowledge and skill to ensure the building retains its original design and style whilst replacing unapproved insulation and building products with approved materials. Chouaib Lekmiti said, “This service is a direct response to the urgent need for independent, accredited fire engineering advice to deliver fire safety compliance in façade design. Alongside the obvious safety and structural demands, we also know that façades play an important role in placemaking and must support quality architecture, design, and sustainability. With our new Façade Design service, we aim to offer comprehensive design solutions that meet all these priorities. “Working with architects, developers, and building owners on commercial high-rise buildings, residential complexes, and institutional buildings, we are excited about the opportunities to safeguard and optimise projects that this new service presents.” By fostering open dialogue and cooperation, the team works closely with clients, utilising other CHPK Group services to become a single solution. For more information about CHPK Group’s Façade Design service, please visit www.fire-engineer.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The 2024 Technology Report from the Get It Right Initiative published today shows how the construction and technology sectors are innovating together to improve productivity, quality, safety and sustainability. The report features multi-million pound construction projects including HS2’s Colne Valley viaduct, San Francisco international airport and London’s Western Yard’s development. Technology innovations include: This report builds on GIRI’s previous research, which identified 17 root causes of error in construction and the technology solutions to address them. The 2024 GIRI Technology Report brings together best practice case studies that show how technology solutions are being used on construction projects to reduce error and improve productivity. The Get It Right Initiative is a membership group of over 100 UK construction industry experts, organisations and businesses actively collaborating to reduce error in the sector. GIRI’s Technology Working Group brings together technology providers and industry leaders who understand the practical challenges faced in construction to share, test and learn from technology solutions. GIRI Executive Director, Cliff Smith said: “Digital tools must be combined with people and processes, and fed with the right information, to be implemented effectively. We hope that this report will inspire other design and construction firms to adopt digital tools, as well as encourage technology providers to continue to develop new solutions.” Report author and chair of GIRI’s Technology Working Group, John Priestland said: “The power of this report lies in its real-world examples of technology in use. The case studies prove just how effective these tools can be, and we are very grateful to the providers and their clients who have shared their experiences to drive learning and innovation in our industry.” Download the 2024 GIRI Technology Report at https://getitright.uk.com/reports/giri-research-report-the-use-of-technology-to-reduce-errors-in-design-and-construction-a-best-practice-casebook Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor and modular housing manufacturer Boutique Modern has passed its first B Corporation™ (B Corp) reassessment with flying colours. Since becoming a B Corp in 2021, the Sussex-based business has made remarkable strides across all areas of its operations, resulting in an impressive 37% increase in its B Impact Assessment score. The new result of 120.3, up from 87.3, reflects significant improvements in the Newhaven company’s practices around workers, the environment and customer impact. Dick Shone, managing director of Boutique Modern said: “The most important thing to me about B Corp is that every element of our business contributes to our score. “Every role, every process has bolstered our impact, showing how committed we are in every single area of the business. “A good B Impact Assessment score stands at 80-85, according to B Corp UK, so we have really moved the dial.” Back in 2021, Boutique Modern became the UK’s first modular construction B Corp, setting out with the goal of driving continuous improvement and a commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices. Reassessments are carried out every three years. Improvements in the company’s score are evident across all measured categories – governance, workers, community, environment and customers – highlighting a holistic approach to boosting business operations and social responsibility. Boutique Modern attributes its success to diligent efforts in employee welfare, environmental sustainability and customer engagement, which have all seen marked improvements since its initial certification. It has several exciting initiatives in the pipeline, including more low-emission affordable housing projects, to further enhance its impact. These developments will support the company’s ongoing mission to use its business as a force for good. In addition, Boutique Modern is preparing to publish its next Impact Report in early 2025, providing deeper insights into its efforts and results across the past year. Shone added: “As a proudly certified B Corp, Boutique Modern is dedicated to using its platform to promote a more sustainable, inclusive and transparent approach to business. “This reassessment milestone underscores our resolve to drive meaningful change across the construction industry and beyond.” For more information visit: https://boutiquemodern.co.uk/ For further information about Boutique Modern’s B Corp score visit: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/boutique-modern-ltd Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VIVID has appointed Andrew Binnie, Caroline Stockmann and Abi Kee to its Board as it continues its transformation of customer services, and investment in existing and new homes. Andrew, Caroline and Abi will join the Board at an exciting time, continuing the mission to remain as one of the largest providers of new affordable housing in the sector. Their appointments reflect VIVID’s commitment to strengthening its governance and enhancing its strategic capabilities. “We are pleased to welcome Andrew, Caroline and Abi to our Board,” said Mark Perry, Chief Executive, VIVID. “Their extensive experience and unique perspectives will be instrumental as we navigate the evolving landscape of housing and strive to deliver new homes and create communities for our customers.” To learn more about these new members backgrounds and expertise, discover more about them here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading bowling and competitive socialising operator Lane7 has announced ambitious plans to roll out 10 new venues over the next two years, adding a massive 180,000 sq ft to its portfolio by the end of 2025. The expansion builds on a successful 2024, during which Lane7 completed 120,000 sq ft of transactions and opened eight new sites across the UK and Europe. Among its recent milestones, the group launched its first European venue in Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, in October and is gearing up to debut two locations in Dublin—at Dundrum and Chatham Street—in January 2025. New Horizons for Lane7 As Lane7 accelerates its growth, it has signed three new sites and has a further six venues currently in legal negotiations. The UK expansion will include two new locations in Newcastle, where the operator first launched in 2013, as well as additional sites under its family-friendly sister brands, Gutterball and LevelX. Lane7’s concept has redefined traditional bowling by blending it with alternative gaming experiences such as retro arcade games, tech-enabled activities, karaoke, beer pong, darts, and mini golf, all underpinned by a strong hospitality focus. The group often collaborates with local food and beverage partners, adding a unique flavour to its venues. Driving Footfall and Town Centre Vitality Founder Tim Wilks emphasised the crucial role leisure plays in revitalising town centres and mixed-use developments: “Leisure energises town centres, and competitive socialising is a particularly powerful footfall driver. It complements existing F&B brands and offers diverse activities that appeal to a wide audience, creating memorable experiences with or without alcohol.” Lane7’s success at St James’ Quarter in Edinburgh exemplifies its impact. Since opening in 2021, the venue has drawn an impressive 400,000 visitors in its first full year, accounting for 2% of the entire scheme’s footfall. With 85% of guests pre-booking, the operator demonstrates its ability to drive traffic and add vibrancy to urban destinations. Bowling into the Future As Lane7 pushes forward with its plans, its innovative mix of leisure activities, community partnerships, and hospitality excellence continues to make it a standout player in the competitive socialising market. By creating exciting spaces that engage diverse audiences, Lane7 is set to leave a lasting impression on the UK and European leisure scene. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
