Thought leader and ambassador for change Paul Tinker, 48, has really set himself a difficult and challenging problem that exists in the UK today. Former solider and bricklayer Paul has made it his mission to lead change in how construction projects are delivered in the United Kingdom and has set
Plans for a £70 million sustainable build-to-rent (BTR) development in Manchester city centre have been unanimously approved by Manchester City Council. The 23-storey residential scheme, proposed by property investment and development company Zephyr X, will be located at the corner of Carnarvon Street and Cheetham Hill Road. The project will
Sephora is making a bold statement in the UK with ambitious plans to open at least 20 stores across the country within the next two to three years. CEO Guillaume Motte shared the cosmetics giant’s vision in an interview with The Times, emphasising the brand’s confidence in physical retail despite
The construction industry is undergoing a green revolution that will put sustainability on centre stage in 2025. As the UK works towards its Net Zero target of decarbonising all sectors of the economy by 2050, the construction industry is taking positive steps to clean up its act and become a
Amid rising concern about the globally increasing risk of Legionella, leading Legionella rapid testing expert Hydrosense is calling construction professionals to take a proactive approach to reducing the risk. It comes as experts warn that the UK is facing an increased Legionella risk fuelled by climate change and warmer temperatures,
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has announced the start of works at the first UK industrial scheme in the East Midlands for a joint venture with Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH and Invesco Real Estate. McLaren will oversee all aspects of construction for the £30 million project located in Shireoaks,
London Metropolitan University is proud to demonstrate its comprehensive approach to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The university’s commitment is backed by a £250 million investment into a transformational programme over seven years, focusing on enhancing its estate and digital infrastructure without the need to resort to borrowing
NHS Property Services is excited to announce that we have received a resolution to grant from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the Whitechapel Road Life Sciences project. The project will revitalise a series of outdated buildings and empty sites in the area near the Royal London Hospital into
Approval of infrastructure projects increased 298% in October, the second consecutive month the sector has posted triple digit gains. In September approvals were up 136%, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The huge gains are driven by big movements in green energy projects. Five renewable energy projects, all over £100m
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, is delivering preconstruction and construction management services on Manhattan Loft Corporation’s multi-million pound refurbishment of St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, within the eponymous international train station. RED Construction Group’s London team is currently working on the multi-phased project, having recently completed the second phase
Thought leader and ambassador for change Paul Tinker, 48, has really set himself a difficult and challenging problem that exists in the UK today. Former solider and bricklayer Paul has made it his mission to lead change in how construction projects are delivered in the United Kingdom and has set about this change through powerful events and training being delivered globally. Having delivered over £300M worth of local authority funded construction projects, he sought change after the stress, the booze and working conditions in the industry needed a desperate shake-up. Paul’s project management expertise was weaponised by tier 1 main contractor employers to win, to win the battle of project management. The war that exists between client and contractor. Paul was deployed when the hammer needed to be dropped to win the battle and end the war. When one side wins, inevitably, one side also loses. And this is the change that Paul so desperately wants to see in the industry. Holding a firm belief that there is room on the market for a collaborative way of working to ensure both sides get the results that they are looking for through effective communication, collaboration and negotiation. Recently back from a talk he delivered in Coimbra, Portugal on these challenges that the industry faces, he was facing an uphill battle with getting his message across and grabbing attention from his peers and from industry. Speaking at industry specific networking events up and down the UK, spreading his message, he decided to make a bold move by hosting and funding his very own first National Event hosted at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham. Partnering with industry sponsors and ticket holders to make the event financially viable and become a reality, he delivered an impressive 2-day conference at the Exhibition space where he was joined by 16 other thought leaders from the space who were all singing from the same hymn sheet. Another stand-out talk from the event was delivered by Paul’s wife, Lisa Tinker, 43, who shared her career story of discrimination in the industry and how she has been unfairly treated throughout her career, which included unfair dismissal, sexual discrimination, unfair pay and her career defining moment where she used this abuse to fight back. To fight back against these industry dinosaurs to be more inclusive, to build more inclusively and ultimately attract a wider array of people into our struggling industry. Guests and speakers flew in from Dubai, Belfast, Portugal, Cyprus and came from all 4 corners of the UK to hear and support spread this message of collaboration will always beat conflict. Recently partnering with the CITB, the Construction Industry Training Board on a recent project to deliver this message to a conference of school children as it’s Paul’s firm belief that this is where the grass roots and next generation of construction professionals will come from and therefore the charge needs to be led from the back. That message is clear and can be seen and heard throughout the message he is driving across social media, the press, his events and now through this National Conference recently delivered. Following this noise that he has been making, Paul has now been approached by Doncaster University to deliver the message of change to graduates about to enter their paid profession with an unfamiliar perspective to leave their formal, academic education with which Paul hopes will improve their results and the industry at large if implemented. Paul, having delivered this most recent event so successfully decided to take on the even bigger challenge of doubling the audience size and taking it to the nation’s capital for 2025. So in November 2025, Paul will do it all again in London with the mission of changing the way in which construction projects are delivered in the UK, bridging the gap that exists between two adversarial industries – the property developer and construction industries. One side always setting up to beat the other with some contractual clause or trick up their sleeve. Openness, transparency and collaboration are always going to beat conflict, secrecy and competition and will always yield better results – so why do we seemingly always opt for the latter? Likely answer to this question is “Because that just how the industry is” Well Paul is here to change this…. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a £70 million sustainable build-to-rent (BTR) development in Manchester city centre have been unanimously approved by Manchester City Council. The 23-storey residential scheme, proposed by property investment and development company Zephyr X, will be located at the corner of Carnarvon Street and Cheetham Hill Road. The project will feature 237 high-quality one- and two-bedroom apartments, alongside a ground-floor commercial space, and is expected to break ground next year. Zephyr X Managing Director Graham Haydon-White expressed his gratitude to the council, saying: “Our development represents an exciting opportunity to support the ongoing regeneration of this vibrant corner of Manchester, addressing the strong demand for premium city-centre accommodation. We are eager to appoint contractors and commence work on site next year.” Designed by award-winning Manchester architects Hawkins\Brown, the building aims to add an elegant touch to the city’s skyline. It will complement the growing cluster of developments in the Great Ducie Street, Green Quarter, and Red Bank areas, blending sustainability with modern design. Known for its expertise in BTR and healthcare facilities, Zephyr X continues to deliver innovative, state-of-the-art living spaces that prioritise cutting-edge design and advanced technology. This latest project is set to play a key role in Manchester’s urban regeneration, enhancing the area’s appeal for residents and businesses alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sephora is making a bold statement in the UK with ambitious plans to open at least 20 stores across the country within the next two to three years. CEO Guillaume Motte shared the cosmetics giant’s vision in an interview with The Times, emphasising the brand’s confidence in physical retail despite challenges in the sector. The global beauty powerhouse, owned by luxury conglomerate LMVH, already boasts over 3,000 stores in 35 countries. Sephora returned to the UK’s high streets last year after an 18-year absence and has since established a foothold with six locations, including Westfield Stratford, Westfield London, Manchester, two stores in Newcastle, and most recently, Birmingham, which opened last week. Looking ahead, the retailer plans to open stores in Bluewater this winter and Liverpool ONE in early 2025, signalling its commitment to growing its presence in prime UK shopping destinations. Reflecting on the state of retail, Motte told The Times, “I know that sometimes we hear retail, especially in the UK, described as doom and gloom. My response is always: ‘boring retail is dead, but exciting retail is alive and thriving.’” Sephora’s journey in the UK has been a rollercoaster. The brand first entered the market in 2000 with a store in Kent but withdrew five years later due to soaring rents and fierce competition from domestic players like Boots. Rumours of a comeback surfaced in 2019 but didn’t materialise. However, Sephora’s £132 million acquisition of FeelUnique in 2021 laid the groundwork for its triumphant return. With its sights set firmly on growth, Sephora is poised to reshape the UK beauty retail landscape, bringing its signature blend of luxury and innovation to more customers nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction industry is undergoing a green revolution that will put sustainability on centre stage in 2025. As the UK works towards its Net Zero target of decarbonising all sectors of the economy by 2050, the construction industry is taking positive steps to clean up its act and become a major player on the journey to a more sustainable future. From driving down material waste to leveraging the benefits of digital construction software, we take a closer look at how technology will play a key role in the five green construction trends for 2025. Increased focus on sustainable building practices Innovative technology is leading the charge as the construction industry increases its focus on sustainability. Green building solutions like energy-efficient solar panels, LED lighting, and eco-friendly materials are helping to significantly reduce a project’s environmental impact by making structures more sustainable over time. More building firms are also switching to modern electric and hybrid machinery to cut emissions, reduce their carbon footprint, and create cleaner job sites. It is predicted that 2025 will also experience a significant rise in autonomous vehicles and robotic machines taking on work that humans once did. Not only will this reduce our reliance on manual labour, but it will also improve productivity, safety and deliver greater cost-efficiency for construction teams. By integrating these greener practices into construction, companies can position themselves as sustainability champions and achieve industry-recognised sustainable building certificates such as BREEAM and LEED to gain a competitive advantage. Wider adoption of sustainable materials Sustainability is the cornerstone of modern construction as the industry seeks to minimise its environmental impact through greater integration of eco-friendly materials such as recycled steel, reclaimed timber, and bamboo. In 2025, there will be a wider adoption of sustainable resources and cutting-edge designs that offer better performance and environmental benefits like green roofs that save energy and encourage biodiversity. Similarly, engineered timber with its impressive strength-to-weight ratio will become a more popular solution to standard wood and traditional brick and block building methods, while self-healing concrete which repairs itself over time will improve the lifespan of structures and reduce maintenance costs. Sustainable building materials not only enhance a structure’s longevity but also meet important environmental targets by reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This technology-driven, greener approach to construction is set to dominate future building initiatives and new developments while also helping reduce operating costs. Expansion of ERP construction software and smart tech The popularity of smart technology like ERP construction software will continue to grow in 2025 as more companies look to streamline their operations and increase sustainability. By integrating multiple functions such as project management, procurement, logistics, invoice tracking, materials sourcing, and accounting into one platform, businesses can manage their resources better and more sustainably. EPR construction software enables real-time access to costings and other financial data for an accurate picture of project expenses. It helps to enhance resource allocation, reduce material waste, and achieve optimised energy management across every stage of a project. It can also create budgets and generate reports quickly and efficiently while reducing the risk of human errors. Smart tech’s role in sustainable construction also remains on the rise thanks to advancements in ERP construction software and other state-of-the-art solutions. For example, artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are transforming the industry by automating tasks and allowing real-time analysis of vast datasets, enabling better resource allocation and risk assessment and accurate predictions of potential project delays. Meanwhile, virtual reality tools provide digital replicas of construction sites that allow teams to identify potential issues in real time. Similarly, advanced construction machinery like drones can conduct site surveys, and 3D printing offers fast and accurate prototyping. All these high-tech components will become commonplace as the construction industry places more importance on sustainability. Greater emphasis on waste reduction The UK construction industry generates more than 60% of the country’s waste, and 32% of all waste ends up in landfill. Therefore, the more materials that can be reused, the better construction will become at achieving greater sustainability. In 2025, the circular economy concept will increase its traction in construction by promoting the reuse and recycling of building materials to minimise waste. Tasking architects and developers to lean on technology to design structures with longer lifecycles and lower carbon footprints in mind will achieve higher repurposing of materials for future projects. Over time, this will see a major reduction in waste to meet increasingly tighter sustainability regulations in the industry. Another way firms are leveraging technology to meet sustainability targets is through wider use of modular construction and prefabrication solutions. By developing parts of a structure such as walls and roof joists in a controlled factory setting before assembling them onsite, businesses can minimise waste, slash build times, and lower their costs. Not only does this allow structures to be built faster and more accurately, but it helps soften their environmental impact, reduce energy consumption, and limit material waste. Further efficiencies in supply chain management Technology is vital to effective supply chain management in construction. With higher prices of wood, plastics, insulation, and other building materials likely to stay for the foreseeable future, managing these rising costs will be central to achieving sustainability throughout the industry in 2025. Thanks to digital solutions, companies can benefit from real-time tracking, automation, and AI-powered data analysis. This allows for more accuracy across the supply chain and improvements at every stage of a build, from streamlined logistics to labour material shortages. Tools such as cloud-based construction platforms and AI-driven forecasting help minimise delays, optimise resources, reduce waste and costs, and create a more sustainable future for the industry. All in all, technology will continue to drive greater sustainability in construction in 2025. From eco-friendly materials and renewable energy systems to digital software and circular economy practices, construction tech is helping building firms become more sustainable and achieve their environmental goals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Amid rising concern about the globally increasing risk of Legionella, leading Legionella rapid testing expert Hydrosense is calling construction professionals to take a proactive approach to reducing the risk. It comes as experts warn that the UK is facing an increased Legionella risk fuelled by climate change and warmer temperatures, providing an ideal breeding ground for Legionella bacteria. It’s estimated that there are between 4,000-6,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the UK each year, killing between 7-12 percent of all those infected.1 In light of this, Hydrosense has revealed some thought-provoking new findings which advocates the need for a faster, more agile and more accurate approach to detect the full spectrum of Legionella pneumophila risk, the main cause of Legionnaires’ disease The extensive 3rd party study2, conducted by the CDC ELITE laboratory Chemicals Incorporated (CHEM Inc.) of CA, USA, saw Legionella samples using CDC reference Legionella materials tested using both the traditional lab-culture testing (CDC method) and the Hydrosense PRO rapid testing kit. One complete set of samples was processed using the lab culture method – where a culture medium is controlled and observed under laboratory conditions – which took seven days. A further three complete sets of samples were processed using the Hydrosense PRO lateral flow test method, taking just 25 minutes. The results revealed that the Hydrosense method was 100 percent accurate in identifying both L. pneumophila serogroup 1 and serogroups 2-15 from blind samples and gave comparable results to the traditional lab culture testing method but in a much quicker time. All work was completed at CHEM Inc.’s CDC ELITE and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 certified testing laboratory. For Hydrosense, the inference of this insight is that it is clear that the need for an alternative and faster method for Legionella bacteria detection can no longer be ignored. Greg Rankin, CEO at Hydrosense comments: “The statistics show that the scale and severity of Legionella cases happening in the USA, the UK and Europe are all increasing at alarming levels. With an alarming 1000% increase in the US since 20003 and only recently, the EU observed its highest annual notification rate of Legionnaires’ disease to date.4 Clearly continuing to do what we have previously done is simply not good enough.“As such, there has never been a more appropriate time for businesses, employers, property owners, construction professionals and the like to act and review how they assess, test and control the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria.” Despite being the oldest and most widely accepted technique for the detection of Legionella bacteria, it is well documented that lab culture testing has many limitations. Foremost, most lab culture tests take 7-10 days to return results. Yet Legionella can double in a day. This large time lag means increased exposure and risk for businesses, employees and the public. Water samples can also get damaged in the transportation process, killing the Legionella inside and increasing the risk of a false negative result. Moreover, lab culture testing is also unable to detect Viable but Non-Culturable (VBNC) – which though dormant can still be incredibly dangerous – further compromising the validity of the end result. As a direct response to this issue, the breakthrough Hydrosense Legionella testing kit was developed to provide an easy and quick testing of water; on-site and without training or experience, with accurate results delivered in just 25 minutes. The result is a huge opportunity for duty managers, water management professionals and installers on the job to take a proactive approach in reducing the growing risk of Legionnaires’ disease. Greg adds: “To consider the vast progress that has been made in so many areas of medical science over recent years, it appears unfathomable that we still remain very much in the dark ages when it comes to Legionella detection. By moving away from the reliance on traditional lab methods, which take up to two weeks to provide results and ignore some dangerous forms of Legionella bacteria, to more holistic testing regimes that incorporate methods that are much faster, and better at detecting even non-culturable bacteria we have a real opportunity to reduce exposure and protect lives. “These are unprecedented times. Global temperatures are rising, water systems are becoming increasingly complex and the way we use buildings is changing, which means we must take up the mantle and find better and more effective ways to control what is becoming an increasing Legionella risk.”For further information please visit: https://hydrosense-legionella.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has announced the start of works at the first UK industrial scheme in the East Midlands for a joint venture with Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH and Invesco Real Estate. McLaren will oversee all aspects of construction for the £30 million project located in Shireoaks, Worksop – in the prime East Midlands logistics district, including associated access roads and landscaping features. With a 45-week completion target, works will include the design and build of two new industrial units totalling approximately 550,000 sq. ft across 28.9 acres, alongside the construction of S38 works, and a private access road that will form the main access into the site and adjacent plot. The site is easily accessed from the A57 and located in equal distance to the major A1 and M1 motorway links, with the major cities of Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield reachable within less than two hours. Soft landscaping, turfing and planting has been undertaken as part of the initial grounds and landscape works and complex aspects of the build will include the S38 carriageway to an adoptable standard throughout the site, alongside the implementation of a culvert drainage system. In keeping with the environmental and landscape specifications, the build will include green cladding of varying shades alongside glazing and ribbon windows to allow natural optimised lighting to all warehouse areas. McLaren Construction Midlands and North demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability by integrating recycled components from previous demolitions, using available materials from the groundwork that can be crushed and re-used, alongside connecting to the site’s Mains Power thereby eliminating the need for generators and fuel. This approach will not only contribute to the scheme’s BREEAM Rating of Excellent and EPC rating of A+, but it will also extend to McLaren’s efforts to enhance local ecology. The team has worked alongside the client to ensure satisfaction with pre-commencement planning conditions, and enabling works were undertaken during bird nesting season, with an ecologist appointed to oversee the process. The contractor has meticulously planned the development to minimise environmental impact, enhance biodiversity, and target additional BREEAM points for ecological enhancements. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are honoured to be working alongside Garbe and Invesco Real Estate as part of a joint venture for the first industrial and logistics scheme in the UK – contributing to the expansion of the companies’ UK and European logistics portfolio.” “Bringing our experience delivering exceptional quality sustainable industrial and logistics builds, and with the prime Midlands location of the site, the scheme is well positioned to support the operational growth needs of businesses across a variety of sectors.” To find out more about McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) Ltd, please visit: www.mclarengroup.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London Metropolitan University is proud to demonstrate its comprehensive approach to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The university’s commitment is backed by a £250 million investment into a transformational programme over seven years, focusing on enhancing its estate and digital infrastructure without the need to resort to borrowing of any kind. Central to its sustainability drive is its Estates Strategy which is focused on creating vibrant, student-focused campuses with cutting-edge facilities, with all of its heating and cooling coming from semi-renewable sources. Professor Julie Hall, Vice-Chancellor of London Metropolitan University, said: “I believe that universities have an obligation to lead on sustainability. Universities account for such a large proportion of the built environment, making it crucial that sustainable practises are introduced to have a positive impact on not only the university itself, but the surrounding areas and the local community in which they operate. She added: “We are proud to be leading by example with our commitment to net zero and are making tangible changes to ensure that we are providing world-class education for our students, as well as creating campuses that are environmentally responsible and a community that is greener for all.” London Met’s sustainability efforts extend beyond its physical infrastructure. Through its civic university status and the London Met Lab: Empowering London initiative, the institution is actively engaging with local communities to address their environmental challenges. One of the strategy’s standout projects is the university’s tree-planting initiative, which will see over 400 trees planted across its campuses. This project supports the important tasks of providing food and shelter for wildlife, tackling carbon emissions, improving air quality and combatting biodiversity loss. It has also embarked on a bee rehoming project, with the Rocket building at the Holloway campus now being home to 40,000 bees. Several beehives have been installed on campus rooftops, providing a haven for these pollinators and offering students hands-on learning opportunities in conservation and environmental studies. Last year it also launched the School of the Built Environment, a collaboration between leading businesses, practitioners and professional bodies within the property and construction sectors. The new school aims to prepare students for the green jobs of the future. By developing new initiatives and continuous collaborative work between students, staff and key stakeholders the university previously reduced its carbon footprint by 78% by 2019-20 from a 2009 baseline figure and met the Government’s ( HEFCE ) 2020 target four years early. London Metropolitan University’s bold investment and sustainability strategy set a new benchmark for higher education institutions in the UK. As it works towards its 2030 net-zero goal, the university is proud to be positioning itself as a leader in sustainable education, creating campuses and communities that can thrive. For more information about London Metropolitan University’s Estates Strategy and sustainability initiatives, please visit www.londonmet.ac.uk/about/sustainability/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NHS Property Services is excited to announce that we have received a resolution to grant from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the Whitechapel Road Life Sciences project. The project will revitalise a series of outdated buildings and empty sites in the area near the Royal London Hospital into a thriving life sciences district. The development will include five new and repurposed buildings, ranging from three to 13 stories. Allies and Morrison have designed three of these buildings, with Gibson Thornley responsible for the remaining two. Supported by Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, the Greater London Authority, and the borough, this project will provide lab-enabled commercial workspaces, educational facilities, and new public spaces. The goal is to establish Whitechapel as a premier life sciences hub, offering adaptable, high-quality spaces for a variety of life sciences and public health organisations, from small start-ups to larger enterprises. The development also sits within the London Hospital Conservation Area and adjacent to several listed buildings characterised by their unique brickwork, fine detailing, decorative features and high level of craftsmanship which has been a key inspiration for our proposals. Some of this heritage is revitalised in the plan. The masterplan features all buildings with ground-floor public spaces, including community areas, retail, and outreach services. The success of the new plans is underpinned by an inclusive and contextual public realm, connecting with a complex mix of existing communities, businesses and institutions, while also providing an environment that is green, safe and climate resilient. The proposed transformation of these five vacant sites has been developed over a number of years through extensive engagement with the local community. Creating this much-needed space will not only deliver a new home for life sciences but also deliver many benefits such as: Adrian Powell, Director of Investment & Development Management at NHSPS, said: “We’re delighted that the Strategic Development Committee have approved our planning application which will create a new home for life sciences in Whitechapel. The approval of the planning application is the next step in delivering this long-held vision, which is shared with Queen Mary University of London, Barts NHS Health Trust, and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and other stakeholders. “The proposals will regenerate a series of outdated buildings and empty sites around the Royal London Hospital and Queen Mary University, being the catalyst in creating a thriving life science cluster. The development will deliver a range of economic, health and social benefits for Tower Hamlets, including the creation of thousands of jobs, as well as attracting major investment into the UK’s life science sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Approval of infrastructure projects increased 298% in October, the second consecutive month the sector has posted triple digit gains. In September approvals were up 136%, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The huge gains are driven by big movements in green energy projects. Five renewable energy projects, all over £100m in value, drove the October gain. Ossian Offshore Wind Farm 3.6GW is the largest of these projects at £3.6bn. In the previous month 700MW and 1000MW Battery Storage Projects in Scotland and the North East were behind the big numbers. The UK’s largest infrastructure approvals in October were worth around £3.5billion and included: Barbour ABI head of business and client analytics, Ed Griffiths said “Another mega month for renewable energy approvals demonstrates the laser focus the Labour government has on driving through a green energy transition at all costs. We’ve seen a string of massive approvals in recent months, including one of the largest solar farms on record. The government seems intent on leaving the flood gates open to these kinds of project, even as protests mount about their potential impact on the countryside.” The wider construction industry saw 44% and 59% gains in monthly approvals. in September, brand new applications also appear to be following the trend with a 18% increase in infrastructure projects entering the planning system, led by a series of battery storage projects and wind farms. Contract Awards boost for housebuilders and commercial developers Elsewhere housebuilding saw some positive signs as the government searches for ways to meet a 1.5million homes pledge. Whilst the overall value of contracts awarded for construction projects have remained stable, residential saw its highest month since January 2023 soaring 41% to £2.5bn, helped along by two projects totalling £540m in the North West. Commercial & Retail projects saw a strong month for contract awards rising 189% to £1.1bn after the worst month this year in September with three projects in London worth over £100m help the sector. In general, awards in October saw a decrease of 36% to £6.5bn returning to normal after an inflated September. Griffiths continued: “Although we have seen a decrease in contract awards from last month, given the high value that came from a small number of projects, it is more realistically another flat month for awards overall. The government’s recent budget offered little in tackling the major risks to the industry. In fact, in a labour-intensive industry like construction, labour costs will likely increase putting more pressure on SME’s. The reform to apprenticeships under the new Growth and Skills Levy has the potential to help reduce the skills shortages but focus on construction apprenticeships will have to be pushed by the sector itself. Housebuilding and Infrastructure were areas of promise. However, the number of housing starts and finishes has increased in recent months possibly showing an increased confidence in the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, is delivering preconstruction and construction management services on Manhattan Loft Corporation’s multi-million pound refurbishment of St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, within the eponymous international train station. RED Construction Group’s London team is currently working on the multi-phased project, having recently completed the second phase of works comprising the refurbishment of the guestrooms and corridors on the ground and 1st floors within the Barlow House wing. The originally prefabricated bathrooms have been reconstructed with new 5-star hotel fixtures, fittings, and finishes. Now, RED Construction Group is delivering a full refurbishment of the initial historic suite prototype room within the original “Chambers Building” of the hotel. This is being undertaken using traditional materials and has been designed to pay homage to the heritage of the Grade I Listed hotel. The RED Construction team has carried out the works with the 5-star hotel fully operational throughout, and given its location in one of the busiest areas of the capital, the refurbishment commands the London division’s vast experience in logistics problem-solving. St Pancras Renaissance Hotel joins RED Construction Group’s extensive portfolio of hospitality projects, including Lore Group’s independent concept, One Hundred Shoreditch, the Ruby Lucy London Hotel in South Bank, and The Other House flexible-stay hotel in South Kensington. Mark Iori, Managing Director at RED Construction London, commented: “Located amongst one of the country’s most iconic and busy destinations, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is the latest project to call upon RED Construction Group’s skill and experience in hospitality redevelopment. It is a pleasure to work with the project team for Manhattan Loft Corporation, and we look forward to realising the client’s vision for this British landmark hotel.” Mark Simmonds, Manhattan Loft Corporation, added: “We are enhancing the rooms with a modern, exciting and unique design that secures the reputation of the hotel amongst London’s most respected and exciting five-star hotels. We are committed to preserving this historically significant building and maintaining high standards of luxury and quality. This all requires a passionate and dedicated project team, from interior designers and gold-leaf specialists to knowledgeable and agile construction partners. With their extensive experience in luxury hotel restoration in the capital, RED Construction London are the ideal team for this project.” The news follows RED Construction Group’s appointment to deliver Tellon Capital’s £200m GDV Westminster office redevelopment, 40 Broadway. Spanning more than 130,000 sq ft GIA, works on the landmark scheme will be carried out by RED Construction’s London team, creating a high-quality, wellbeing-led office building situated within the Broadway and Christchurch Gardens Conservation Area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
