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
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has announced the completion of the A14 Orwell Bridge Westbound Joint Replacement for National Highways. The £4m scheme being delivered under the National Highways Scheme Delivery
Ask Real Estate (Ask) has acquired the final 7.8 acre plot at Manchester Business Park close to Manchester Airport, from ARC. The Manchester-based developer plans to build 9 prime last mile logistics units on the site, delivering circa 114,000 sq ft of space. The high-quality units will range in size
Energy efficiency upgrades to create better buildings for local people and help put UK on track for 2050 net zero targets Schools, hospitals, libraries, leisure centres and town halls across England are among the latest public buildings set to benefit from a multi-million-pound investment to reduce energy use, cut carbon
Cable Services Group, the UK’s leading specialist distributor of cable and cable accessories, has strengthened its presence in London and the South East with the opening of a new distribution facility in Guildford. This latest strategic investment complements the group’s existing site in Swindon and reinforces its commitment to delivering
Plans for a major new leisure facility in Gravesend are moving forward, with Willmott Dixon appointed to lead the pre-construction phase of the £43m Cascades Leisure Centre. Gravesham Borough Council has awarded the contractor a direct appointment through the Pagabo framework, tasking Willmott Dixon with developing the technical design and
The office interior design consultancy OP has completed the refurbishment of Benchmark International’s workplace at Milton Park, Oxfordshire, delivering a modern, flexible office environment that reimagines how the space supports the business. The 4,500 sq ft transformation addresses the previous layout’s inefficiencies, where an oversized reception area dominated the floorplan
The first image and details of a flagship, eco-friendly housing scheme at Liverpool’s iconic Festival Gardens – which could see several hundred new homes created near to the Mersey waterfront – have been revealed. Liverpool City Council is seeking to create an innovative and sustainable multi-generational neighbourhood on one of
CBRE’s Project Management and Office Agency teams retained on iconic Liverpool landmark Princes Group plc ( ‘Princes’) , the new owner of the historic Grade-1 Royal Liver Building, has retained real estate advisory firm CBRE on the iconic Liverpool landmark. CBRE’s Property Management and Office Agency teams are both retained
High street health and beauty chain Bodycare has announced the closure of 32 of its UK stores, after rising costs and funding challenges pushed the business into administration. The retailer, which operates 147 stores nationwide, had been facing significant financial pressures. A potential rescue deal failed to materialise, leading to
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
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has announced the completion of the A14 Orwell Bridge Westbound Joint Replacement for National Highways. The £4m scheme being delivered under the National Highways Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF) took place at the A14 westbound carriageway of Orwell Bridge in Ipswich – a critical transport link in the East of England to Felixstowe port. The essential maintenance commenced on 16th June and required the expediated replacement of ageing expansion joints. The works were urgently commissioned to protect the safety of the public, alongside preventing disruption to the main route that is essential for all freight traffic heading to Felixstowe. Winvic, National Highways, engineer WSP, and Chevron Traffic Management, collaborated to create a permanent solution for a 175-day programme which was consolidated to just 37 days as a result of working 24 hours, seven days per week in contraflow to minimise disruption on this busy route. Construction involved undertaking hydro demolition works, alongside working at height across a constrained site of two lanes for traffic and pedestrian access, with approximately 12,000 HGV movements over the bridge every day. National Highways engaged with Suffolk County Council and politicians in order to ensure transport links were not affected by any works and disruption was minimised for road users. The team employed an advanced traffic management system and carried out numerical traffic modelling using validated traffic models from Suffolk County Council, which allowed them to assess the impact of all potential options for road users. Ahead of the works starting, Winvic supported National Highways at The Suffolk Show, where almost 300 people visited over two days to ask questions and learn about the project. Further public engagement sessions were held at other locations across Ipswich. The public were also kept appraised of the work through VMS signage, live journey time updates, targeted briefings, and timely distribution of handouts. Winvic applied lessons learnt from previous SDF schemes to improve efficiency and safety on Orwell Bridge. For example, the adoption of a floor saw to remove Lamella Rails which eliminated the use of hot works, reducing manual handling and delivering an 80% time saving on the works – equating to two weeks saved on the programme. Local suppliers were engaged throughout the project, contributing to the growth of the local economy and reducing environmental impact. As part of Winvic’s commitment to delivering meaningful Social Value and community engagement, the project team visited Morland Primary School in Ipswich to promote safety awareness around construction sites to over 120 pupils. The team also volunteered to support local Ipswich community projects, which included supporting the St. Elizabeth’s Hospice pop-up shop in Ipswich’s Buttermarket Centre, selling merchandise for the Hop-To-It Art Trail – one of the charity’s largest annual fundraising events. Rob Cook, Managing Director for Civils & Infrastructure at Winvic Construction Ltd, said: “We have built a strong and trusted partnership with National Highways over many years of collaboration, including our time on the SDF. We’re proud to have successfully delivered the pivotal works to Orwell Bridge, delivering to a consolidated programme, which prioritised public safety while minimising disruption for road users and local businesses.” “The project was a true team effort, with seamless collaboration between National Highways and our supply chain partners. We’re proud of the high standards achieved and the positive contribution the scheme has made to both infrastructure and the local community.” Andy Jobling, National Highways Programme Delivery Manager, said: “Working on the momentous Orwell Bridge to replace the expansion joints was always going to be extremely challenging. The great collaboration between partners to share ideas, experience and bring forward methods of working, enabled us to expedite construction and minimise road closures. “These essential maintenance works were developed at pace and successfully delivered to programme due to the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved on the project. This was a huge achievement, undertaking construction as quickly and safely as possible, whilst minimising disruption to motorists and the community.” Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ask Real Estate (Ask) has acquired the final 7.8 acre plot at Manchester Business Park close to Manchester Airport, from ARC. The Manchester-based developer plans to build 9 prime last mile logistics units on the site, delivering circa 114,000 sq ft of space. The high-quality units will range in size from 6,700 sq ft to 21,646 sq ft and will appeal to a range of businesses including those in hi-tech industries, aviation, logistics and warehousing. Situated in a prime South Manchester location with immediate access to the M56 and A555 the site will provide occupiers with excellent connectivity locally and regionally with global connections via Manchester Airport. The units will deliver the highest sustainability and smart credentials, will be BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and designed to be net zero in operation. The development of the final plot at Manchester Business Park will complete the Park. Commenting on the acquisition, which was funded by Ask using internal resources, Managing Director John Hughes said: “Manchester Business Park is in a highly prominent location, within Manchester Airport’s strategic employment site and the thriving North West ecosystem of technology, manufacturing, distribution and digital businesses. This is a prime location for developing high quality logistics and industrial facilities which will have exemplary sustainability credentials and superb connectivity through the airport and adjacent motorway networks.” The development sits at Junction 5 of the M56 alongside the £1bn MIX MANCHESTER development zone, for which a strategic regeneration framework has been approved to bring forward up to 2 million sq ft of advanced manufacturing space, R&D labs and office space as well as hotels, leisure facilities and public areas. John Hughes continues: “The South Manchester market is under supplied, particularly in the small to mid-sized sector of the logistics market. These new facilities will deliver much-needed space to complement the tech and R&D spaces being developed at MIX MANCHESTER.” Ask will undertake a public consultation on its plans this autumn and aims to submit a planning application for the proposed development in Q4, with an aim to start on site next year and deliver by summer 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Energy efficiency upgrades to create better buildings for local people and help put UK on track for 2050 net zero targets Schools, hospitals, libraries, leisure centres and town halls across England are among the latest public buildings set to benefit from a multi-million-pound investment to reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions and modernise essential community spaces. The £815 million of funding, delivered through Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, enables public sector organisations to install a range of energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies including heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and low-energy lighting. This includes 244 projects. The scheme is delivered by Salix on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The Department has published a full list of grant recipients available on www.gov.uk. The building improvements will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy bills, and contribute to the UK’s ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2050. The Phase 4 projects are expected to save direct carbon emissions of around 164,000 tonnes per year – the equivalent to taking roughly 330,000 average diesel cars off the road. Phase 4 is delivered by Salix with project work running until 2028 when projects complete. Salix works closely with each public sector organisation to ensure projects are successfully delivered. The team at Salix offer one-to-one support through relationship managers as well as a whole host of tools through our website and regular webinars and workshops. Salix chief executive Kevin Holland said: “From school classrooms to hospital wards and libraries to swimming pools, this funding is making a real difference for our communities. “People who use these buildings – and that’s all of us – can enjoy warmer, more comfortable spaces that are easier and more efficient to heat and to power. These buildings are being future-proofed for generations to come.” Alongside the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Salix supports the NHS, schools, council, universities and other organisations to meet net zero ambitions. Since the launch of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme in 2020, nearly 1,500 projects have been funded to decarbonise thousands of buildings. Salix work alongside organisations supporting the installation of solar panel and heat pump projects and other energy efficiency measures. This effort rejuvenates public buildings and raises climate action awareness. New projects receiving funding in Phase 4 include: Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North EastReceived £5,939,357 to decarbonise Hexham General Hospital. Air and water source heat pumps will replace existing systems, alongside new thermal stores, heat meters, and a cooling system. Shropshire Council, West MidlandsAwarded £2,454,400 to decarbonise SpArC Leisure Centre in Bishop’s Castle. Measures include an air source heat pump, pipework upgrades, and a new building energy management system. Merseyside Police, North WestGranted £758,000 to decarbonise Lea Green Training Centre in St Helens. Upgrades include air source heat pumps, solar panels, LED lighting, roof insulation, and a new energy management system. Diverse Academies Trust, East MidlandsAwarded £2,025,465 for Tuxford Academy in Nottinghamshire. An old boiler will be replaced with an air source heat pump. Additional improvements include LED lighting, ventilation, and a cooling system. Breckenbrough School Limited, Yorkshire and the HumberReceived £688,500 to decarbonise Breckenbrough School in North Yorkshire. The project includes an air source heat pump, pipework improvements, roof insulation, and an energy management system. London Borough of Hackney, Greater LondonGranted £6,594,250 to decarbonise nine schools. All will receive air source heat pumps, thermal stores, and building energy management systems to boost efficiency. Chesterfield Borough Council, East MidlandsAwarded £2,394,413 to decarbonise Staveley Healthy Living Centre. Improvements include air source heat pumps, ventilation systems, and a new energy management system. Liverpool Hope University, North WestReceived £310,000 to decarbonise multiple campus buildings. Upgrades include air source heat pumps, electric heaters, loft insulation, and improved glazing. Alsager Town Council, North WestGranted £141,500 to decarbonise Alsager Civic Hall in Cheshire. The project includes an air source heat pump, solar panels, roof insulation, LED lighting, and a building energy management system. Wiltshire Council, South WestAwarded £939,594 to decarbonise Bourne Hill council offices in Salisbury and Devizes Leisure Centre. Both sites will receive air and water source heat pumps. For a full list of grant recipients, visit www.gov.uk Kevin added: “Climate change is on our doorstep, and we have no time to stand still. “Together we can achieve positive results on climate. Addressing the energy efficiency of our public buildings moves us in the right direction. “The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme breathes new life into these buildings, that might otherwise have been left to deteriorate. Today’s funding creates better facilities for communities and a healthier future for us all.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cable Services Group, the UK’s leading specialist distributor of cable and cable accessories, has strengthened its presence in London and the South East with the opening of a new distribution facility in Guildford. This latest strategic investment complements the group’s existing site in Swindon and reinforces its commitment to delivering a highly responsive service in the region. The new facility includes an 8,000-square-foot warehouse, which will significantly increase stockholding capacity and provide customers with greater product availability and faster response times. London and the South East continue to see strong demand for electrical supplies, driven by infrastructure upgrades and industrial projects. This investment positions Cable Services Group as a responsive, reliable and adaptable supplier. Having a local facility reduces lead times for urgent orders, whether time-sensitive projects or emergency repairs, and enables shorter delivery routes, supporting both sustainability and efficiency for developers and contractors. Commenting on the expansion, Ian Hill, Operations Manager for Cable Services South, said: “This investment allows us to work even more closely with our customers in London and the South East. We have developed tailored stock profiles to meet their specific needs, and our commitment to best-in-class customer service remains unwavering. By bringing our operations closer to our customers, we can deliver even more reliable, responsive and flexible support.” Cable Services Group is renowned for its commitment to high-quality products backed by agile, responsive service. Operating six branches across the UK, the group serves a wide range of commercial and industrial organisations across markets such as oil, gas, and petrochemicals; power generation, transmission, and renewables; utilities; rail; and EV charging. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a major new leisure facility in Gravesend are moving forward, with Willmott Dixon appointed to lead the pre-construction phase of the £43m Cascades Leisure Centre. Gravesham Borough Council has awarded the contractor a direct appointment through the Pagabo framework, tasking Willmott Dixon with developing the technical design and specifications in collaboration with architect Space & Place and engineering consultant AtkinsRealis. The new Cascades Leisure Centre will replace the borough’s ageing facility of the same name. Designed to provide a wide range of modern amenities, it will feature a 25-metre pool, a 17-metre learner pool, an aqua play and water flume zone, and a spectator viewing gallery. Other facilities will include a six-court sports hall with tiered seating, a multi-level soft play area, party and community rooms, and a café, all located at ground level to maximise accessibility. The £43m scheme is being part-funded with £17m from the government’s levelling up fund allocation to Gravesham Borough Council. It follows Willmott Dixon’s successful delivery of the Cozenton Park Sports Centre in nearby Rainham for Medway Council, which opened last year. During the pre-construction phase, which runs until August 2026, Willmott Dixon will carry out detailed site surveys, logistics planning, and set-up works. The contractor will also oversee the asbestos survey of Regan’s Bar ahead of its demolition later this year, while ensuring the existing Cascades Leisure Centre continues to operate throughout the construction period. The pre-construction agreement is expected to position Willmott Dixon for the main build contract, due to be confirmed in August 2026. Subject to final approvals, construction is scheduled to start shortly afterwards and complete by December 2028. Once complete, the new Cascades Leisure Centre will provide the local community with a high-quality, sustainable and inclusive destination for sport, recreation and wellbeing, reinforcing Gravesend’s investment in its leisure infrastructure for the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The office interior design consultancy OP has completed the refurbishment of Benchmark International’s workplace at Milton Park, Oxfordshire, delivering a modern, flexible office environment that reimagines how the space supports the business. The 4,500 sq ft transformation addresses the previous layout’s inefficiencies, where an oversized reception area dominated the floorplan while working areas remained hidden and poorly connected. The eight-week project has created a people-first environment that showcases the company’s culture and prioritises staff wellbeing. OP’s design solution completely flips the traditional office hierarchy, positioning staff around the perimeter to maximise natural light access while creating a vibrant central spine that serves as both entrance and social hub. Meeting rooms and offices are strategically placed to the north and south, ensuring optimal space utilisation throughout. The refurbishment draws inspiration from Oxford’s architectural evolution, from Gothic and Baroque heritage to bold modern rationalist structures. This influence is reflected in a striking central joinery piece that creates clear sight lines while defining distinct work zones. Key features of the transformation include enhanced meeting room provisions, improved connectivity between teams, and flexible work settings that support modern hybrid working patterns. The new layout replaces the inefficient reception-dominated entrance with a dynamic arrival experience that immediately communicates the company’s collaborative culture. The project marks OP’s fourth completion at Milton Park, reinforcing the consultancy’s expertise in delivering workplace transformations within the business park. Staff response to the new environment has been overwhelmingly positive, with multiple team members expressing their appreciation during the handover. Tom Parsons, Managing Director of OP, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with Benchmark International to transform their Milton Park headquarters. This project demonstrates our ability to tackle complex spatial challenges and deliver meaningful workplace transformation.” Bhavina Halai, Operations Director at Benchmark International, said: “This has been our first experience refurbishing an existing space while in occupation, and OP made the transformation truly remarkable. The team delivered beyond our expectations. The response from our staff has been incredible – seeing their genuine appreciation during the handover was a real highlight. OP has given us a workplace that not only supports how we work today but positions us perfectly for future growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The first image and details of a flagship, eco-friendly housing scheme at Liverpool’s iconic Festival Gardens – which could see several hundred new homes created near to the Mersey waterfront – have been revealed. Liverpool City Council is seeking to create an innovative and sustainable multi-generational neighbourhood on one of England’s biggest brownfield plots, which would complete the radical conversion of a former landfill site. In a report to Liverpool City Council Cabinet next week, approval is being sought to enter into a development agreement with award-winning companies Urban Splash and igloo Regeneration. They were chosen following a procurement process launched last Autumn and together have established a joint-venture company which proposes to deliver 34 different styles of build on the stunning riverside location. The report outlines a scheme which aims to maximise the use of renewable energy sources and cutting-edge construction techniques to minimise its carbon footprint, with a design approach that would showcase “a festival of housing”. Pending Cabinet approval, it’s expected a planning application for phase one to be submitted in late 2026 for the creation of 440 homes. This would include 80 extra care and 110 affordable homes – far surpassing the Council’s 20% target. If approved, build would begin in Spring 2027, with phase two and three to follow providing up to 800 homes in total. The proposed scheme, which has the backing of Homes England and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, would see an un-parallelled blend of diverse designs to accommodate a multitude of needs such as co-housing, social rent, mixed tenure family homes, retirement living and self-build. The groundbreaking project would celebrate both the legacy of the 1984 International Garden Festival and build on the colossal remediation of the 27-acre development zone. That saw more than 95% of the excavated materials recycled which in turn led to the creation of a new 37-acre park – Liverpool’s first of the 21st century. The planning application would follow a major public consultation exercise which would also feature in-depth detail on community facilities, high quality public open space and other infrastructure to cater for the needs of a growing residential and working population. The diversity of housing offer will come from several sub-developers that form part of the wider Urban Splash and igloo team. Extra care will be delivered by Alpha Living, affordable homes by the Regenda Group. Co-housing by TOWN with MMC provided by Starship. Urban Splash Residential Fund, Urban Splash and igloo will also deliver elements of scheme. Reaction Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “We have always wanted to deliver an amazing housing scheme befitting this stunning location. And I think the plans outlined in this report show that the ambition to do something truly special at Festival Gardens can and will be delivered. “The team of developers we’re looking to work with have a fabulous track record in delivering outstanding innovative and sustainable projects of the highest order. I can’t wait for our residents to see more details over the coming months and for them to have their input before the planning application is submitted next year.” Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Festival Gardens has the potential to be one of the most exciting and transformational brownfield developments in the country – and I’m delighted to see it moving forward. “This is about more than just bricks and mortar, it’s about building the kind of place that people are proud to call home. We’re laying the foundations for a thriving new neighbourhood that reflects the kind of future we want to build – inclusive, innovative, and with our residents at its heart.” Jonathan Falkingham, MBE, co-founder of Urban Splash, said: “Festival Gardens is one of Liverpool’s biggest opportunities. It’s a huge privilege to have been selected as the city’s development partner on the creation of this new riverside neighbourhood. Our aim is to create a place for everyone and embrace the spirit of the original Garden Festival – showcasing outstanding housing design, innovative landscape strategies for healthier living, and building on the arts and cultural programme initiated 40 years ago. “We’re excited to work alongside our partners Alpha Living, Regenda, Town and Starship, together with six of the UK’s leading housing architects, Liverpool City Council, wider stakeholders and the local community to deliver an exemplar project that the city can be proud of, and we look forward to sharing more details of the project in the near future.” Peter Connolly, chief executive at igloo Regeneration said: “Festival Gardens is a landmark project that will create lasting impact for the city region, with a thriving new neighbourhood offering a diverse mix of homes to support people at every stage of life. It also brings together, under the JV’s leadership, a pioneering coalition of developers with a shared commitment to transform this iconic site into a community that’s sustainable, inclusive and built to last.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE’s Project Management and Office Agency teams retained on iconic Liverpool landmark Princes Group plc ( ‘Princes’) , the new owner of the historic Grade-1 Royal Liver Building, has retained real estate advisory firm CBRE on the iconic Liverpool landmark. CBRE’s Property Management and Office Agency teams are both retained following the leading food and drink group’s purchase of the building for £60M, further cementing its commitment to its Liverpool roots. Both CBRE teams have played an integral role in breathing new life into the enduring symbol of Liverpool’s history since being appointed in 2012 with CBRE also advising on the original sale in February of 2017. CBRE’s seamless work has supported the vision to create highly desirable premier space in the city, as well as the management of the ongoing refurbishment and transformation programme of the building. Princes’ investment in one of Liverpool’s most recognisable landmarks, forms a key part of a broader £83M real estate plan that also includes the Cross Green facility in Leeds (£23M), underlining the Group’s long-term commitment to the UK. Built in 1911, the Royal Liver Building has an unrivalled, prime position on the City’s waterfront overlooking the River Mersey. Andrew Willoughby, Director, CBRE’s Property Management team said: “We are delighted to continue our involvement in the management of the Royal Liver Building; the team has done a great job in positioning the building as the best in class customer experience, and we look forward to working with Princes in delivering the next phase of its journey.” Simon Harrison , Princes Chief Executive Officer said : “The Group plans to expand its presence within the Royal Liver Building, using it not only as a corporate HQ, but also as a multi-purpose venue for events, collaboration and public engagement. Liverpool is important to our heritage, having been a tenant at the Royal Liver Building since 1982 with more than 400 colleagues based there. The acquisition further reinforces our deep connection to the city and our dedication to create a stable and sustainable operating base for the future. We recognise the significance of this iconic asset and are honored to assume its custodianship. Partnering with CBRE, we are dedicated to preserving its unique character and maximizing its potential for future success.” Neil Kirkham, Senior Director, CBRE’s Office Agency team said; “It is an immense source of pride for our team to continue our long-standing relationship with a globally recognised and iconic landmark like the Royal Liver Building. Over the last seven years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting its transformation and success alongside Corestate, and we are excited to work with Princes to build upon this legacy and deliver the next chapter for this premier space in Liverpool.” Andy Byrne, Director, CBRE’s Office Agency team said: “We are excited to be working with Princes to build upon the existing success of this landmark building. We are planning a diverse selection of new spaces, presenting a unique opportunity for occupiers to establish a presence in a highly sought-after location. The next phase of spaces will range from 1,000 sq ft up to 21,000 sq ft, with flexible options to accommodate a variety of requirements.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
High street health and beauty chain Bodycare has announced the closure of 32 of its UK stores, after rising costs and funding challenges pushed the business into administration. The retailer, which operates 147 stores nationwide, had been facing significant financial pressures. A potential rescue deal failed to materialise, leading to the appointment of administrators from advisory firm Interpath, who are now exploring a sale of the business and its assets. Bodycare said it had been hit by mounting costs, a delayed transition from its online retail platform, and the continuing effects of the cost-of-living crisis on customer spending. The company was also left with a funding shortfall following the cancellation of a planned stock market listing last year. The closures will affect branches across England, Scotland and Wales, including sites in Croydon, Edinburgh, Maidstone, Newport, Perth, Scunthorpe, West Bromwich and Wrexham. Nick Holloway, joint administrator and managing director at Interpath, said:“These remain challenging times for high street retailers as rising costs and reduced consumer spending continue to weigh heavily on trading. Unfortunately for Bodycare, which was also contending with a significant funding gap and increasing creditor pressure, these challenges proved too difficult to overcome.” The health and beauty sector has seen mixed fortunes in recent years. While discount operators and online platforms have gained market share, traditional high street retailers continue to grapple with reduced footfall, inflationary pressures and shifting consumer habits. For Bodycare, which built its reputation on offering affordable beauty and personal care products, the combination of increased operating costs and tighter household budgets proved insurmountable. The future of the brand and its remaining stores now rests on whether a buyer can be secured in the coming weeks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals