Dorchester Living has submitted an outline planning application for the next phase of Heyford Park – marking a major step in the transformation of the former RAF Upper Heyford airbase into one of Oxfordshire’s most ambitious new communities. The vision is to create a self-sufficient, sustainable settlement offering up to
Developer Chancerygate and specialist sustainable and impact investor Bridges Fund Management have sold Harlequin Business Park in Hayes, West London, to property investment firm Ableprop. Harlequin Business Park is a 90,000 sq ft sustainable urban logistics development, comprising nine leasehold Grade A units ranging from 5,100 sq ft to 39,700
The formation of a representative organisation for the real estate sector, Real Estate: UK (RE:UK) will move ahead following an overwhelming vote in favour across all three member organisations. 100% of AREF members; 99.5% of BPF members and 92% of IPF members who voted expressed their support for the merger.
The Octagon, Birmingham’s tallest building and world’s first pure octagonal residential skyscraper, has marked its practical completion, bringing to an end the three-year construction programme which has seen the building come to dominate the city’s skyline. The £110 million Built to Rent building is backed by global real estate investor,
The best construction trainees and apprentices from across the UK have been announced following this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers. The Regional Qualifier finalists all now progress to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final in November later this year. SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest and
An Ipswich-based construction consultancy is in the running for a national award for its work in delivering the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Newmarket Community Hospital. Castons Artelia has earned a place on the shortlist in the New Build Project of the Year category at the Healthcare Estates Awards
International construction and property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, part of Egis Group, has appointed a lead digital measurement surveyor to spearhead its new geospatial measurement service, further strengthening its capabilities across the UK. Based in Glasgow, Matthew McQuillian brings over 20 years of experience in surveying and spatial data capture.
Gateway 2 is a mandatory checkpoint for higher-risk buildings to comply with the Building Safety Act. While it came into force a while ago, with the timescales involved in planning, many developers and M&Es are only now facing the challenges it brings. Here the experts in providing utilities connections for high-rise and
Waitrose is introducing enhanced CCTV measures across its supermarkets in a bid to deter theft and improve safety for customers and staff. The retailer has begun installing CCTV cameras and live-feed screens at store entrances, displaying real-time footage of shoppers as they enter and leave, alongside a clear message stating
Superdrug is set to strengthen its position in Dundee city centre with a significant expansion at the Overgate Shopping Centre. The health and beauty retailer is enlarging its existing store by more than a third, taking over the neighbouring unit previously occupied by Clintons. The move will see Superdrug grow
Dorchester Living has submitted an outline planning application for the next phase of Heyford Park – marking a major step in the transformation of the former RAF Upper Heyford airbase into one of Oxfordshire’s most ambitious new communities. The vision is to create a self-sufficient, sustainable settlement offering up to 9,000 homes – 2,700 of which will be affordable – alongside 900 assisted living units and 180 homes for key workers. These homes will be supported by new schools, community facilities, employment space and extensive green infrastructure. The housing crisis is not abstract. The housing crisis has a direct impact on homelessness, with more people pushed into temporary accommodation and rough sleeping because they cannot access secure and affordable homes. Across the county, over 164,000 children are homeless or living in temporary accommodation.[1] Without new, well-planned communities that provide genuinely affordable and accessible homes, housing insecurity will only deepen. Heyford Park is already a thriving place to live and work. More than 1,200 homes have been delivered to date, together with Heyford Park School for children aged three to-16, a supermarket, pharmacy, hotel, barbers, restaurant and a growing commercial cluster. Dorchester has focused on creating a place where people feel connected and supported. A wide range of social facilities bring neighbours together of all ages, including play areas, a pump track, outdoor football tables, tennis courts, and mini libraries. Heyford Park is home to a growing list of community activities, including the Heyford Makers Shed, yoga sessions, parental groups, a running club, and a thriving football club. This is just the start of the long-term vision for a vibrant, inclusive and active community. Building on this momentum, the pioneering masterplan will expand the community offering, delivering a new health hub, primary schools, a secondary school, dedicated sports facilities and employment space to support over 5,000 new jobs – many in CleanTech, low-carbon and creative sectors, providing sustainable jobs for the future. Improved connectivity and sustainable travel will underpin the settlement’s continued growth. A short journey from Heyford Station to Oxford, Heyford Park acts as a relief from housing pressure from Oxford City and supports regional growth. Plans include upgrades to Heyford Station and improvements to the Cherwell Valley Line service providing connections between Banbury and Didcot, alongside enhanced bus routes and walking and cycling routes to encourage residents to choose sustainable travel. Looking ahead, there is also an ambition to reopen Ardley Station, strengthening regional links to both London and Birmingham. Sustainability is at the heart of the masterplan. Dorchester Living will achieve a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain, with approximately 60% of the site dedicated to green infrastructure – connecting nature corridors, public parkland, walking trails and an area set aside as a Local Wildlife Site. The expansive Runway Park will serve as a multi-functional destination, offering a wide range of leisure opportunities. Framed by new woodlands and extensive landscaping, the park will be enriched by the planting of 65,000 trees, creating a vibrant and sustainable environment for generations to enjoy. The long-term ambition is for Heyford Park to become the UK’s first energy surplus town, generating more energy than it consumes through a combination of solar and wind power generation, energy-efficient design and low-carbon transport. This commitment to climate-conscious placemaking also responds to a wider regional need. According to the Housing and Economic Needs Assessment (HENA), Oxfordshire requires over 26,000 new homes by 2040 – with more than 16,800 needed outside Oxford City itself. While the city plans to deliver just over 10,000 homes by 2036, developments like Heyford Park are essential to meet demand while ensuring new communities are properly supported by jobs, infrastructure and local services from the outset. The plans have been shaped through extensive public consultation, with input from residents, schools, local groups and stakeholders. The masterplan has been developed by the award-winning practice, Proctor & Matthews Architects and renowned Landscape Architect Kim Wilkie, with sustainable movement strategies from Mode Transport Consultants. Paul Silver, CEO of Dorchester Living, said: “This is a pivotal moment in the evolution of Heyford Park. The masterplan we’ve submitted is the result of years of careful thinking and extensive collaboration with a variety of different groups including Heyford Park Parish, Great Western Rail, Heyford Park Schools and the wider local community. This is underpinned by our genuine belief that growth can be delivered in a way that’s community-led and environmentally conscious. Our goal is to deliver something exceptional and exemplar for Oxfordshire, and a national blueprint for how towns can and should be delivered in the UK, a place that not only provides homes and jobs but supports a way of life that is healthier, greener and genuinely future proof. From green energy and biodiversity to education, care and connectivity, we’re laying the foundations for a community that will thrive for generations to come.” Stephen Proctor, co-founder of Proctor & Matthews Architects, commented: “Heyford Park presents a rare opportunity to rethink how large-scale development can respond to the social, environmental and economic challenges of our time. Our masterplan is built around a series of distinct neighbourhoods, each shaped by the site’s unique history and landscape. These new places will be connected by green corridors, walkable streets and shared public spaces – creating a sense of identity, belonging and long-term sustainability from the outset. Central to the masterplan design is the innovative reuse and integration of existing airfield infrastructure and historic structures. This approach will create a distinct urban landscape that reflects the site’s rich heritage.” Eleanor Wills, Great Western Railway added: “We’re always keen to work with communities to support growth in a way that helps more people choose rail over the car. We’re pleased to be working with Dorchester Living to strengthen sustainable rail connections at Heyford Park. The proposed improvements to Heyford Station will make rail travel more accessible, integrated and appealing for both new and existing residents. “ Subject to approval, Dorchester Living hopes to gain planning consent in early 2026. For more details and to
Developer Chancerygate and specialist sustainable and impact investor Bridges Fund Management have sold Harlequin Business Park in Hayes, West London, to property investment firm Ableprop. Harlequin Business Park is a 90,000 sq ft sustainable urban logistics development, comprising nine leasehold Grade A units ranging from 5,100 sq ft to 39,700 sq ft. The scheme achieved practical completion in early August this year. All values relating to the transaction are undisclosed. Situated on Southall Lane, in an established industrial location near the Beaver Industrial Estate, International Trading Estate and Western International Market, the scheme benefits from excellent road connectivity with junction three of the M4 motorway less than one mile away and four miles from the A40. The development features electric vehicle charging points with the ability to add more based on future requirements. In addition, all properties feature air-source heat pumps and solar panels on their roofs which provide affordable green energy to run the buildings. The units are also constructed from high-performance insulative materials with controlled air tightness which reduces CO2 emissions and increases energy efficiency. These features have enabled the scheme to achieve an EPC A+ and BREEAM Excellent rating and will support it being a net zero carbon for regulated energy scheme. Chancerygate development director, Tom Faulkner, said: “Harlequin Business Park will meet the growing demand from occupiers in the West and Greater London area for flexibly sized, high specification accommodation with strong sustainability credentials. “Its strategic positioning near established industrial locations and key infrastructure connectivity enables occupiers to serve markets easily throughout the locality and the wider South East region. “The sale of Harlequin Business Park to Ableprop also evidences how our product’s characteristics and strategic positioning is attractive to both investors and occupiers.” Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest urban logistics property developer and investment manager and the only one operating nationwide. The company currently has more than 1.41m sq ft of industrial space under construction or ready for development across 11 sites ranging from Edinburgh to Croydon. Bridges is a specialist sustainable and impact investor. Its property funds focus on sectors that support the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy, including healthcare, housing and sustainable logistics. Henry Pepper, partner at Bridges, said: “The sale of Harlequin Business Park reflects the strong demand for best-in-class, sustainable industrial units that can help occupiers reduce costs and cut emissions. “This EPC A+, BREEAM Excellent development, with its outstanding low-carbon design and environmental performance, is another great example of Bridges and Chancerygate’s ability to identify great sites and deliver best-in-class developments that are attractive to occupiers and onward investors.” For more information visit www.chancerygate.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The formation of a representative organisation for the real estate sector, Real Estate: UK (RE:UK) will move ahead following an overwhelming vote in favour across all three member organisations. 100% of AREF members; 99.5% of BPF members and 92% of IPF members who voted expressed their support for the merger. RE:UK will serve as a unified convenor and voice for the whole of the real estate sector, comprising institutional and private investors, property companies, developers, asset owners, managers and advisers. Its activities will be based around six key pillars: advocacy; research and data; thought leadership and innovation; networking and events; upskilling and training; and standards and guidance. Following the endorsement from members, the Chairs of the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF), the British Property Federation (BPF) and the Investment Property Forum (IPF) will work together to appoint a Chair who will lead the first RE:UK Board and a Chief Executive for RE:UK. RE:UK will launch on 1 January 2026. Initially members will have dual membership and 2026 will be a transitional year as the organisations are fully integrated. Anne Breen, Chair AREF , said: “The response from the memberships of AREF, BPF and IPF has been overwhelmingly positive and a strong endorsement of our vision for a single, amplified voice for the real estate sector.” Simon Carter, President BPF, said: “I am delighted that BPF members have expressed their overwhelming support for the creation of RE:UK. I look forward to working with AREF and IPF over the next few months to turn our shared vision for a new powerful body for the sector into reality.” Clare Thomas, Chair IPF, said: “On behalf of the IPF board, I would like to thank IPF members for taking the time to consider the proposal and then giving the merger their strong support. This is the culmination of significant work across all three organisations, and we look forward to the launch of RE:UK in 2026 as an important step forward for the real estate industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Octagon, Birmingham’s tallest building and world’s first pure octagonal residential skyscraper, has marked its practical completion, bringing to an end the three-year construction programme which has seen the building come to dominate the city’s skyline. The £110 million Built to Rent building is backed by global real estate investor, City Developments Ltd of Singapore (CDL), and developed by MEPC, the specialist development management arm of Federated Hermes, working with main contractor and high-rise specialist Midgard, part of the JRL Group, to deliver the building. Managed by Allsop, the 49-storey, 155 metre tower, features 370 spacious new homes with incredible views across the city – and beyond – and will welcome its first residents from early September. An elegant and true landmark on the city’s skyline, The Octagon has been sustainably designed by Birmingham-based award-winning architect practice Howells and has been built to the same ethos, drawing heavily on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and lean production methods throughout the build. The building is an integral part of the city’s £1.2 billion Paradise estate which has been developed by MEPC, the specialist development arm of Federated Hermes on behalf of its clients. As a mixed-use destination with contemporary new restaurants and leisure amenities as well as unrivalled connectivity, Paradise has become an essential destination for the city and region. The Octagon’s 360-degree design ethos openly addresses each part of the city and offers a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes, all of which enjoy spectacular views through the 10.5m wide windows on each elevation. The dedicated residents-only amenities of the lower and upper ground floors include features designed to enrich everyday life, including a stylish resident’s lounge, a private dining area, co-working spaces and a fully equipped gym, together with concierge services and a retail unit. Neil McGinty, director at CDL, said: “Today is another key chapter in the story of The Octagon. Our original investment was recognised as one of the largest Foreign Direct Investments made in the UK regions in recent years, and that investment has now come to fruition as we prepare to welcome our first residents. This moment underlines our commitment to Birmingham as a world-class, international destination with a strong regional economy and an exceptional future. “The Octagon is moving Birmingham into a new era of city centre homes in terms of both quality and location. We’re offering some of the finest city centre homes ever seen in the UK and establishing a powerful narrative for the city. With a world-first design and highly sustainable ethos, The Octagon is already an important part of the city’s skyline.” The original Paradise masterplan always envisaged a tall building at the northern apex of the site, which The Octagon fulfils with flair. Ross Fittall, Commercial Development Director at MEPC, said: “The practical completion of The Octagon marks another milestone moment not just for this building, but for the wider Paradise estate. Welcoming new residents to Paradise is a key achievement for all of us dedicated to creating a true mixed-use destination in the heart of the city. “After more than three years of hard work, led by main contractor Midgard with a long list of local sub-contractors as well as a specialist supply-chain and professional team, including project managers Quantem, we can all now see how impactful The Octagon is to the city. “Providing much-needed high-quality city centre homes and offering a range of spacious residences from one bed to three beds, The Octagon has wide appeal. Visible from many miles away due to its location on the Birmingham Ridge, it is and will remain an icon for the city, as well as a great place to live.” The construction of The Octagon has involved hundreds of specialist workers achieving class-leading quality and finish to the final product. Kevin Keegan, director of main contractor Midgard, said: “Everyone who has worked on The Octagon is proud to have delivered this iconic landmark for the city. From utilising Modern Methods of Construction, supporting the local supply chain and working extensively with apprentices and trainees, this project has been a great example of collaborative working across the design, delivery and construction teams.” With the input of Howells as both Paradise masterplanners and designers of The Octagon, the estate is benefiting from both the practice’s wealth of expertise and its local background. Dav Bansal, partner at architects Howells, said: “This milestone moment for The Octagon underscores the building’s journey from just a bold idea that challenged the norm to becoming a superlative new home for hundreds of people in the civic heart of Birmingham. We are incredibly proud of the meticulous work we have put into this building and every innovation that has gone into delivering it. Paradise is about adding to the life and vitality of the city centre, and by providing 370 new healthy and spacious homes, we’re making the most of what the city has to offer.” The Octagon apartments are available to rent for a minimum of twelve months with rents starting at £1,400 per month for a one bed, £1,995 per month for a two bed/two bathroom and £4,925 per month for a three bed/three bathroom penthouse. For further information on the apartment rentals, contact the lettings team on 0330 236 9810 visit https://www.theoctagonbirmingham.co.uk/ or email info@theoctagonbirmingham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The best construction trainees and apprentices from across the UK have been announced following this year’s SkillBuild Regional Qualifiers. The Regional Qualifier finalists all now progress to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final in November later this year. SkillBuild, delivered by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is the largest and longest-running industry skills competition in the UK and has become a prestigious showcase for those in construction. This year, over 1,000 students battled it out across 10 construction trade categories during 16 Regional Qualifiers, each one day long, in which participants were assigned a task relevant to their trade. Eight students – the highest scorers in each category – will go head-to-head in the National Final at the Arena MK, Milton Keynes on 19–20 November, where the 10 winners will be crowned top of their trade. The three-day final will consist of competitors constructing a project within 18 hours, with an expert panel of judges assessing them on a number of characteristics – including technical ability, time management, problem solving, working under pressure, and compliance with health and safety requirements. With CITB’s annual industry forecast highlighting that 47,860 extra workers are needed per year from 2025–2029, SkillBuild continues to be an important platform to spotlight the industry and the opportunities available. Richard Bullock, Head of Careers Products at CITB, said: “Congratulations to all of the competitors progressing through to the SkillBuild 2025 National Final – it’s truly a great achievement for them. “In a time when construction skills are in high demand, it is more important than ever to spotlight the next generation of construction talent. SkillBuild continues to further this mission and is proud to demonstrate the value that a trainee or apprentice provides to their team. “The quality of participants never ceases to amaze me – I’m excited to see this year’s National Final and wish all the competitors the best of luck!” Josh Thompson, Painting and Decorating Judge, said: “Having been a former contestant myself, I know first-hand just how amazing a competition SkillBuild is, and I intend to pass on any words of wisdom I can do all the competitors. It’s so encouraging to see the enthusiasm from trainees and apprentices across the industry coming from all corners of the country. Good luck to everyone participating in the Final later this year!” CITB would like to thank all the fantastic sponsors, supporters and strategic partners of this year’s SkillBuild competitions:BAL Adhesives, Band of Builders, Brick Development Association, British Gypsum, Careers Wales, CITB NI, Crown Paints, Festool, FIS, Institute of Carpenters, N&C Nicobond, NFRC, NSITG, Saint Gobain, Schluter, SPAX, Stablia, TARMAC, The Tile Association, Tilgear, Weber, Wienerberger, The Worshipful Company of Masons, and The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An Ipswich-based construction consultancy is in the running for a national award for its work in delivering the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Newmarket Community Hospital. Castons Artelia has earned a place on the shortlist in the New Build Project of the Year category at the Healthcare Estates Awards after project managing and quantity surveying for the centre’s construction last year in collaboration with partners KLH Architects, JSH, Morgan Sindall, Sweco and the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) The CDC has proven an instant success for WSFT, seeing more than 6,000 patients and completing almost 8,900 examinations in its first 100 days alone. Adam Fuller, Senior Project Surveyor at Castons, said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award. “The Newmarket Hospital CDC is a project we are truly proud of, bringing together our local partners to deliver a healthcare facility that is already making waves in the way it is revolutionising community healthcare. “Of course we are hoping for a win – but regardless, the real winners are the people living in and around Newmarket who now have access to first-class diagnostic facilities right on their doorstep, delivered by their incredible local NHS teams.” The CDC uses equipment at the forefront of technology to provide the highest quality care while tackling waiting times and optimising patient experience. Features include MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound scanners, alongside equipment to provide both heart and lung scans. For MRI patients specifically, the centre helped reduce the Trust’s waiting list by 37% in just six months. Nicola Booth, Head of Estates and Development at WSFT, said: “We are delighted that our new Community Diagnostics Centre has been nominated for this award. “It is thanks to the hard work and collaborative efforts of everyone involved that we were able to deliver this project on time, under budget, exceeding exceptional carbon reduction targets in the design and construction. “We are seeing that this facility is making a real difference, and has helped us improve waiting times and ensure patients get the care they need much more quickly, in a high quality, modern facility.” Hosted every year, the Healthcare Estates Awards recognise excellence in the delivery of healthcare facilities, awarding businesses for their work which showcase originality, innovation and quality. Representatives from Castons Artelia will join their fellow shortlisted businesses at the awards ceremony in Manchester on October 21. More information on Castons Artelia and its services can be found at www.castons.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International construction and property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, part of Egis Group, has appointed a lead digital measurement surveyor to spearhead its new geospatial measurement service, further strengthening its capabilities across the UK. Based in Glasgow, Matthew McQuillian brings over 20 years of experience in surveying and spatial data capture. He previously held the role of principal surveyor at Malcolm Hughes Land Surveyors, where he managed technical teams delivering complex measurement projects for clients in construction, infrastructure, defence and heritage sectors. In his new role, Matthew will lead the rollout of the new digital measured surveys offering, drawing on his expertise in techniques such as 3D laser scanning, drone surveys, and traditional land surveying. The offering includes measured building surveys, topographical surveys, structural monitoring, and the creation of 3D models, all designed to provide clients with more accurate data, quicker turnaround times, and clearer insights to inform decision-making at every stage of a project. For the first time in the UK, Egis and Thomas & Adamson will offer these capabilities in-house and have made a significant investment in cutting-edge technology. By integrating geospatial services with its existing building surveying provision, the firm can now offer clients a more streamlined and efficient approach across the UK. Founded in 1935, Edinburgh-headquartered Thomas & Adamson has a team of over 100 staff across the UK delivering building surveying, project management, cost management and construction safety services. The launch of the collaborative service line with Egis marks the first in a series of moves that will see the two teams work more closely together and bring a wider range of services to clients, following the acquisition of Thomas & Adamson by the global architectural, advisory, construction engineering and mobility services firm last year. Hamish Paterson, director and head of building surveying at Thomas & Adamson, said: “The introduction of a geospatial measurement service is a natural and exciting development for our building surveying team, allowing us to deliver a more integrated, technology-driven approach for our clients. Matthew’s technical expertise and leadership in this area are a real asset. We’re excited to welcome him on board and look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment in technology and talent will have.” Matthew added: “Joining Thomas & Adamson at this stage of its growth is an exciting opportunity. The firm already has a strong client base that can benefit from this service, so the focus now is on raising awareness and demonstrating how high-quality spatial data can improve project outcomes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gateway 2 is a mandatory checkpoint for higher-risk buildings to comply with the Building Safety Act. While it came into force a while ago, with the timescales involved in planning, many developers and M&Es are only now facing the challenges it brings. Here the experts in providing utilities connections for high-rise and complex projects, Power On, provide an insight into how best to approach the new process. Stringent rules for high-rise residential buildings, care homes and hospitals The Building Safety Act introduces a more stringent regulatory framework in design and construction specifically for new high-rise residential buildings, care homes and hospitals, which are 18 metres or more in height, or at least seven storeys. Crucially, it requires developers to submit detailed plans, including fire safety and structural integrity assessments, before any construction work can begin. Proving compliance prior to construction Gateway 2 requires a full technical design submission, which includes detailed and dimensioned substation layouts, diagrams of high- and low-voltage networks, cable route and riser layouts. The utilities design team plays a critical role in preparing the technical information and can also assist architects, builders and developers in ensuring they are providing the right initial information to ensure the smooth running and timeliness of the whole process. Non-compliance risks The risks of non-compliance with Gateway 2 include delays, refusal of permission to construct or occupy the building and, ultimately, enforcement action. Failure to obtain approval at Gateway 2 can bring a costly halt to construction. Neil Fitzsimons, Managing Director, Power On, says: “Many M&Es are still sketchy on the precise needs of Gateway 2 when it comes to high-rise buildings. This is not surprising as many are only now going through this process for the first time. Taking expert advice on the requirements from a utilities point of view can enable the process to progress smoothly and efficiently.” Gateway 2 Enabling Service Power On works directly with developers and M&Es to ensure they have the required design aspects for fire safety fully in place and is now providing a Gateway 2 Enabling Service to assist developers and M&Es in the process. This includes a system for navigating the deliverables to ensure that all parties are aligned and that timelines will be met. Ensuring the right information is delivered to the utilities company in the first place, in order to get the right outputs, can prove problematic and may hold up the whole process. Power On’s Gateway 2 Enabling Service ensures the correct input and, therefore, the correct outputs. Depending on required timescales, Power On can at the Gateway 2 stage supply the entire design pack or, the individual parts of the design that are vital to the particular project to enable a fast turnaround on the essential elements. Neil Fitzsimons concludes: “Put simply, we know what we need from the developer and M&E to enable us to efficiently provide the details to pass Gateway 2. We can make the complex simple.” For more information on Power On’s Gateway 2 Enabling Service, please enquiries@poweron-uk.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Waitrose is introducing enhanced CCTV measures across its supermarkets in a bid to deter theft and improve safety for customers and staff. The retailer has begun installing CCTV cameras and live-feed screens at store entrances, displaying real-time footage of shoppers as they enter and leave, alongside a clear message stating that recording is in progress. The aim is to discourage crime by making surveillance more visible to customers. Additional screens have been fitted throughout stores in higher-risk areas, including the fresh meat and alcohol sections, selected personal care aisles, and at checkout zones. Waitrose confirmed the initiative has been gradually rolled out over the past year and is now in place in more than half of its 315 stores nationwide. A company spokesperson emphasised that all data is handled strictly in line with data protection legislation, and information is only shared with police when formally requested to support investigations. The use of cameras and live screens has become increasingly common in UK supermarkets as retailers look to tackle a rise in retail crime. While traditional CCTV has long been present in stores, recent years have seen an expansion into more visible and targeted systems, such as prominent live-feed screens near self-checkouts, sometimes referred to as VAR-style surveillance. Other supermarket groups are also trialling new technologies in response to the issue. Sainsbury’s recently announced the introduction of facial recognition technology in selected locations to help protect staff and customers. Working in partnership with Facewatch, the system alerts stores to criminal behaviour reported by their own or neighbouring retailers, supporting a wider collaborative approach to tackling theft. Waitrose’s latest investment reflects the growing importance of visible deterrents in maintaining safe and secure shopping environments, while ensuring that any surveillance is managed responsibly and transparently. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Superdrug is set to strengthen its position in Dundee city centre with a significant expansion at the Overgate Shopping Centre. The health and beauty retailer is enlarging its existing store by more than a third, taking over the neighbouring unit previously occupied by Clintons. The move will see Superdrug grow from 7,125 sq ft to 9,739 sq ft, creating one of its largest stores in Scotland. When complete, the new-look branch will feature a range of upgraded services, including dedicated beauty studios, enhanced fragrance counters, and a private nurse clinic alongside an expanded pharmacy. The investment is part of Superdrug’s wider strategy to modernise, refurbish, and extend many of its strongest performing stores nationwide. Dundee has been identified as a key location, with the expansion designed to provide a more contemporary and comprehensive shopping experience for local customers. Malcolm Angus, centre manager at Overgate, welcomed the announcement:“Once complete, the new store will offer a significantly elevated shopping experience for our customers. The introduction of new Beauty Studios, each offering a range of popular and affordable treatments, is an exciting development. The enhancement of Superdrug’s pharmacy with a new face-to-face private nurse clinic will also bring a welcome personalised healthcare service. “This commitment by Superdrug is a resounding vote of confidence in Overgate, and in the future of bricks-and-mortar retail in Dundee city centre. There is no doubt this new store will prove highly popular with our customers.” Clare Jennings, property director at Superdrug, added:“This store extension in Overgate, Dundee is a significant milestone in expanding Superdrug’s presence locally, allowing us to offer an even broader selection of products and services to our valued customers. By upgrading the store, we’re now able to offer a more modern shopping experience – featuring top health and beauty brands, a premium fragrance section, and our in-store Beauty Studio. This new extension allows us to support local employment in Overgate and the surrounding communities.” Overgate Shopping Centre was acquired by Frasers Group and spans 440,000 sq ft. Anchored by Frasers, the centre is home to a strong mix of national and international retailers, including Primark, Next, Mango, H&M, River Island, New Look, Sports Direct, Footasylum, Office, Castore, Rituals, Pandora, Clarks, DV8, Holland & Barrett, and Boots. The expansion of Superdrug at Overgate reflects both consumer demand for accessible health and beauty services and the ongoing confidence of major retailers in Dundee’s city centre. With the opening scheduled later this year, the enlarged store is expected to strengthen Overgate’s role as a leading regional retail destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals