A major investment programme that is improving living conditions across the Army estate has delivered new accommodation for soldiers at St George’s Barracks in Bicester. The new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) block, constructed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), provides 72 en suite single bedspaces, kitchen and diner facilities, utility
Aviva Investors, the global asset management business, announces it has completed a significant letting agreement at its flagship One Liverpool Street development in the City of London, with global real estate adviser Knight Frank. The agreement will see Knight Frank take 72,400 sq ft in the building on an 18-year
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire company, has successfully delivered a significant fleet mobilisation to support Lanes Group in the rollout of a new contract with Yorkshire Water. The operation saw 115 vehicles fully equipped with brand-new tools and specialist kit, ready for day-one deployment across Yorkshire.
The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) has announced a new event aimed at encouraging the next generation to consider careers within the professional cleaning industry. For the first time, the industry-leading Institute will host its inaugural BICSc Youth Event which will take place on July 9th, 2025. The one-day
Salix Finance, which supports governments across the UK achieve net zero targets, is celebrating after being accredited as a silver Carbon Literate Organisation by The Carbon Literacy Project. The award recognises commitment to equip teams with the knowledge and skills to actively reduce their carbon emissions and to contribute to
The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest housing associations, has won in the Collaborative Working category at this year’s EEM Building Communities Awards for its DIY Skills programme. EEM is a not-for-profit consortium set up to drive cost and efficiency savings in the public sector, and the awards celebrated excellence
Mace, the global company of delivery consultants and construction experts, has published its latest quarterly Market View with the first report of 2025 revising its tender price forecast up for the year due to surging labour costs. With vacancies jumping to their highest level in 18 months, labour shortages remain
A spectacular new chapter in UK tourism is about to begin, as Universal announces plans to build its first European theme park and resort – right in the heart of Bedfordshire. In a landmark deal between Universal Destinations & Experiences, the UK government, and Bedford Borough Council, a multi-billion-pound investment
Maro Developments has received the green light to build a 313,000 sq ft grade A logistics warehouse in Knowsley, marking a major milestone for the developer’s expanding portfolio. The new development—dubbed Mercury 62—will sit on a 22-acre site to the southeast of Junction 6 of the M62. With two new
Grimsby’s pioneering new Horizon Youth Zone has reached a major construction milestone, with work now complete on the roofline of the final building, which offers a first glimpse of how the development will look on the town’s skyline. Located on Garth Lane, the development is being delivered by national charity
A major investment programme that is improving living conditions across the Army estate has delivered new accommodation for soldiers at St George’s Barracks in Bicester. The new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) block, constructed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), provides 72 en suite single bedspaces, kitchen and diner facilities, utility rooms and furnished communal space for Junior Rank soldiers. The project was funded under the Army’s SLA Programme and delivered by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), contracting to off-site construction specialists Reds10 and engineering consultants Arcadis. The modular, sustainable SLA features solar energy harvesting, air source heat pumps and a SMART building management system, which processes data from an array of sensors and equipment to monitor energy consumption and to ensure the building runs as efficiently as possible. At the formal opening of the Junior Ranks block on 24 March, Brigadier Peter Quaite OBE, Head of Infrastructure Plans, Army Basing and Infrastructure said: “As a key part of our long-term investment programme, we are embracing modern methods of construction to enable us to build faster, while providing a better standard of living space for our people and improving the sustainability of our estate. This new, energy-efficient building has been designed using soldier feedback to ensure it meets their specific needs and showcases the impressive standard of accommodation we are committed to delivering.” Lt Col Gerard Hennigan, Bicester Garrison Commander, said: “It is excellent to see the result of significant investment at St George’s Barracks to deliver better accommodation for our soldiers and provide modern living facilities that meet their needs. The quality of the bedrooms, common areas and kitchen areas are impressive, and we look forward to moving soldiers into their new home in the coming weeks.” Warren Webster, DIO MPP Army Programme Director, said: “We are delighted to have completed the latest in a series of new SLA blocks for our Armed Forces across the country. This new block will provide the Army with fantastic homes for junior ranks at St George’s Barracks while utilising sustainability features built into the design from the outset, making the building efficient to run and comfortable to live in.” Phil Cook, Defence Director, Reds10, said: “We are proud to support the Army’s commitment to improving service personnel accommodation with modern, high-quality, and sustainable living spaces. Through industrialised production, we have delivered a building that not only meets the needs of personnel today but also ensures long-term efficiency and environmental benefits. This project exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can enhance the living conditions of our service personnel, and we look forward to continuing our work in delivering exceptional accommodation that will transform the lived experience”. Overall, the Army SLA Programme is investing £1.4Bn over ten years to enhance living conditions for service personnel. More than 1,000 new bedspaces are currently in construction across the estate, with six blocks due to complete this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aviva Investors, the global asset management business, announces it has completed a significant letting agreement at its flagship One Liverpool Street development in the City of London, with global real estate adviser Knight Frank. The agreement will see Knight Frank take 72,400 sq ft in the building on an 18-year lease, in what will become its London and global headquarters. It is the second major letting completed by Aviva Investors at One Liverpool Street, and follows the news in 2023 that Dentons, the world’s largest global law firm, would be occupying almost 68,000 sq ft of space in the building. Due to complete in Q1 2026, One Liverpool Street will provide 176,000 sq ft of best in class office and retail space, spread across the ground and ten upper floors. It forms one part of a substantial development scheme that also includes One Liverpool Street’s sister scheme, 101 Moorgate, which itself provides over 70,000 sq ft of office and retail space over its ground and eight upper floors and roof terrace. The two buildings sit at the eastern and western entrances to the Elizabeth Line at Liverpool Street station respectively. Both sites are being developed to create office headquarters that are fit for the future, with energy-efficiency being a prominent consideration in their design, targeting a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating for sustainability performance and EPC A. They will also feature all-electric energy solutions. The measures are expected to lead to an overall carbon saving of 33 per cent over current Building Regulations, whilst lowering ongoing energy needs and costs for occupier firms. Sitting in the heart of the Square Mile, the scheme also supports the City of London’s strategic priority to deliver a minimum of 1.2 million sq m additional office floorspace by 2040 under its ‘City Plan 2040’. One Liverpool Street forms part of a significant development pipeline for Aviva Investors in the City of London. Alongside 101 Moorgate, a public consultation has also recently opened on Aviva Investors’ plans to redevelop 130 Fenchurch Street. Ed Atterwill, Head of Central London at Aviva Investors, said: “Attracting a business such as Knight Frank is testament to the quality of our development programme and the buildings that we create. We are delighted to welcome them to One Liverpool Street. This is a scheme designed to equip world-leading businesses with a truly flagship building, featuring best-in-class facilities and modern technologies, whilst sitting in one of London’s best connected locations. We believe this is a development which can help the City get ready for the future by creating flagship assets that continue to attract world-leading businesses to the heart of the Square Mile.” William Beardmore-Gray, Senior Partner and Group Chair at Knight Frank, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured a truly best-in-class building located in the heart of London as our new Global HQ. Our goal was always to secure a state-of-the-art space with exceptional ESG credentials, that embodies our market-leading brand, delivers what we need and sets us up for the future – 1 Liverpool St represents that. With excellent transport links surrounded by restaurants, shops, green spaces and much more, it will be an exceptional place for our people to come together, work, collaborate and welcome our clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire company, has successfully delivered a significant fleet mobilisation to support Lanes Group in the rollout of a new contract with Yorkshire Water. The operation saw 115 vehicles fully equipped with brand-new tools and specialist kit, ready for day-one deployment across Yorkshire. “This mobilisation is a great example of what Speedy Hire can do for its customers,” said Tom Gillespie, Account Director at Speedy Hire. “We’ve been working with Lanes Group in partnership to get these vehicles ready for a brand-new contract with Yorkshire Water. All the vehicles have been fully prepped and are ready to go on day one.” The mobilisation involved close collaboration between Speedy Hire and Lanes Group to ensure the entire fleet was kitted out efficiently and delivered on schedule. “Mobilising a contract of this size and scale takes real collaboration,” said Sam Harris, Head of Procurement and Plant at Lanes Group. “Working with Speedy as a partner, we’ve got 115 vans ready to go, and everybody’s been able to pick up their vehicles and drive straight out. It’s been a real success.” Key to the project’s success was Speedy Hire’s mobilisation team, who oversaw the complex logistics and delivery across multiple locations. “I’ve been working closely with the team at Lanes Group to ensure all the equipment they required was available in the right place at the right time,” said Nikki Harvey, Mobilisation Director at Speedy Hire. “It’s been great to see everything come together — this has been our largest mobilisation for Lanes Group to date, and a proud moment for the team.” This mobilisation highlights Speedy Hire’s capability to scale rapidly and support major contracts across the utilities and infrastructure sectors, with end-to-end equipment solutions and expert project management. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE… Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) has announced a new event aimed at encouraging the next generation to consider careers within the professional cleaning industry. For the first time, the industry-leading Institute will host its inaugural BICSc Youth Event which will take place on July 9th, 2025. The one-day event will shine a spotlight on the varied career opportunities in the cleaning sector and facilities management industry. BICSc will be hosting this new event in collaboration with Youth Employment UK (YEUK) and together will showcase and explore exciting career options with experts from the sector, delivering dynamic presentations and participating in insightful, knowledge sharing panels. BICSc Group Managing Director, Neil Spencer-Cook said: “This event is designed to give young people a comprehensive understanding of the diverse job roles available after leaving school, college, or university. Those attending will leave with a clearer picture of the multiple career paths that await them, and the skills needed to succeed. “Hosted by BICSc, in collaboration with Youth Employment UK, this event underscores our commitment to being a youth-friendly, industry-friendly organisation that values its local community and the opportunities within it. It gives delegates the ideal opportunity to shape their future and discover the numerous possibilities to achieve and succeed in the cleaning and FM sectors!” The event, which will be held at IET, Austin Court, Birmingham, will be staged during Youth Employment Week, 7th-11th July 2025 and will guide and highlight the breadth of the cleaning industry and wider FM roles available to students after leaving school, college or university. Experts from BICSc and YEUK will share their own personal insights and experiences of their career successes to help inspire attendees to understand what can be achieved in both sectors. Discussions will also focus on early/extended careers in innovation in the industry. Neil Spencer-Cook added: “We are thrilled to be able to launch this new BICSc Youth Event which will offer a full day of presentations, panels, and exhibitions from youth-friendly companies operating within our industry. For sponsors and exhibitors, this is a unique chance to showcase their opportunities and connect with enthusiastic young talent and effectively promote their job openings and career prospects.” “We are excited to share more information about the multitude of career opportunities available and inspire the next generation of specialists within the sector.” BICSc is the largest independent professional and educational body within the cleaning industry. The are several sponsorship packages available and opportunities for organisations to exhibit at the exclusive event. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salix Finance, which supports governments across the UK achieve net zero targets, is celebrating after being accredited as a silver Carbon Literate Organisation by The Carbon Literacy Project. The award recognises commitment to equip teams with the knowledge and skills to actively reduce their carbon emissions and to contribute to a net zero future. To achieve this accreditation team members from across the organisation completed carbon literacy training. Achieving silver status fits with the Salix mission to ‘help save the planet’ and the leadership provided in decarbonisation for other public bodies, as well as sustainability in every aspect of the business. We hope it will serve as inspiration for other public sector organisations to follow. Going forward, Salix remains dedicated to helping organisations with the tools they need to reduce emissions at a personal, community, and organisational level. Salix chief executive, Kevin Holland, said: “We’re on a mission to help save the planet, supporting public sector organisations to reduce their environmental impact. “In order to provide leadership in this sector, we want to invest in our people to continually build the knowledge and skills they need. “That’s why we’re committed to carbon literacy training for everyone here. “I’m very proud we’ve been recognised with silver status by the Carbon Literacy Project.” Carbon literacy consultant, Georgina Patel, said: “Salix is focused on supporting clients with decarbonisation. “It has also been very clear that it is also serious about reducing its own organisational carbon footprint. “Through Carbon Literacy training, Salix’s employees have fully embraced their learning about the climate crisis we all face, and to understand what that means to them as individuals and in their job roles.” The Carbon Literacy Trust was formed in September 2013. It is incorporated as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The Trust’s aim is to advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment through the dissemination of carbon literacy. It offers training to organisations and individuals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest housing associations, has won in the Collaborative Working category at this year’s EEM Building Communities Awards for its DIY Skills programme. EEM is a not-for-profit consortium set up to drive cost and efficiency savings in the public sector, and the awards celebrated excellence in the construction and social housing industry. Guinness received the award for its DIY Skills programme which ran in Oldham, Sheffield and Salford, where 65 female participants, who are unemployed or on a low income, had the chance to learn basic DIY and maintenance skills, such as joinery, tiling, and plumbing. The training was delivered by Frameworks Social Enterprise CIC who provided the participants with practical skills to build their confidence in doing DIY at home. As well as training, participants received mentoring, support and guidance to help them get into work, and the chance to gain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). Eadaoin Kelly, Senior Community Partnership Manager at The Guinness Partnership said: “We are delighted to have won the Collaborative Working award, in recognition of our multi award winning DIY skills programme. This training programme could not have happened without all the incredible participants and our partners, who have been instrumental in making this a success. Also, a huge thank you to EEM for giving us this fantastic award.” Rebecca Dermody-Simmons, Chief Executive at EEM commented: “Huge congratulations to The Guinness Partnership and all the amazing partners involved in the women’s DIY Skills Programme. This initiative is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose—giving women the skills, confidence, and opportunities to take their next steps into careers in the housing and construction sector. A well-deserved win!” All the partner organisations who have supported the programme and shared in the award: Great Places Housing Group, Salix Homes, The Sheffield College, Oldham College, City Skills, Salford, Frameworks Social Enterprise CIC, Jewson Partnerships Solutions, Triton Showers, Toolbank, Hispec, Edmundson Electrical, Smartworks Greater Manchester, Salford City Council, CITB, Wates. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace, the global company of delivery consultants and construction experts, has published its latest quarterly Market View with the first report of 2025 revising its tender price forecast up for the year due to surging labour costs. With vacancies jumping to their highest level in 18 months, labour shortages remain a hurdle for the industry, and labour costs rose by 1.6% in the last quarter of 2024 alone, putting them 6.5% higher than at the end of 2023. Construction pay is now rising faster than in all but one other sector and is growing at its second highest rate since coming out of the pandemic. Even though pay growth across the whole economy spent most of last year between 5% and 6%, construction pay growth more than doubled from March to the year end. With pressure from material prices currently low, a consideration is this may also have an impact over the coming months with higher energy prices and the rise in National Insurance and National Living Wage pushing up costs. Wage pressures, the economy, the construction sector’s productivity weakness and the uncertainty around global logistics have all combined for Mace to revise up its tender price inflation forecast for this year. Nationally, Mace’s updated forecast has risen from 3.5% to 4% for 2025, while 2026, 2027 and 2028 has been left unchanged. In London, the forecast is up from 3% to 3.5% in 2025 with 2026, 2027 and 2028 also remaining the same. Although it remains an uncertain time, as output and the wider economy awaits the impact of policy changes that are expected to have a positive long-term impact, the report concludes that growth in construction in 2025 should comfortably beat that of 2024. Oliver North, Director of Cost and Commercial Management, Europe, Mace Consult said: “Driven by labour costs as vacancies continue to rise, Mace has increased its latest tender price forecast. However, with vacancies on the agenda to solve, this can be met in part with a focus on productivity, which remains low. The welcome recent government funding announcement, incorporating £600m to train 60,000 more construction workers, will be crucial in addressing shortages and supporting the industry’s growth also. “However, economic and political uncertainties remain, and whilst the steps being made when it comes to planning, devolution and funding for the Building Safety Regulator will have a long-term impact, processes need to speed up to boost confidence, help secure pipelines and encourage investment”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A spectacular new chapter in UK tourism is about to begin, as Universal announces plans to build its first European theme park and resort – right in the heart of Bedfordshire. In a landmark deal between Universal Destinations & Experiences, the UK government, and Bedford Borough Council, a multi-billion-pound investment will bring a world-class entertainment resort to a 476-acre site in Bedford, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and doors opening in 2031. Set to become the largest visitor attraction in the UK, the resort is forecast to welcome 8.5 million guests in its first year alone and deliver a staggering £50 billion boost to the economy by 2055. The project is also expected to generate around 28,000 new jobs – with nearly 20,000 created during construction and a further 8,000 in hospitality, creative industries, tourism and tech, including AI. The theme park will feature several immersive, Universal-themed lands inspired by the studio’s blockbuster films, including the likes of Minions, Jurassic Park, and Jaws. In addition to thrilling rides and cutting-edge attractions, the site will include a 500-room hotel, a bustling retail and dining complex, and new entertainment venues. Universal is also working with local colleges and universities to ensure training and job opportunities for residents, further strengthening ties with the community. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the project as a “game-changer” for the region and the country: “Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford become home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe.This is our Plan for Change in action – delivering growth, thousands of jobs, and real opportunities for people. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves added: “This investment is a vote of confidence in Britain’s future. Universal’s commitment will bring billions into the economy and transform lives through job creation and economic growth.” Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and part of our vision to bring Universal experiences to new audiences around the globe. We’re excited about what lies ahead.” The government has pledged major investment in transport and infrastructure to ensure the resort is accessible and seamlessly connected to surrounding areas. The development is still subject to planning approvals, with proposals due to be submitted soon. With a bold vision, global backing, and the promise of economic transformation, Universal’s arrival in Bedford is set to make history – turning the county into a leading global destination for family entertainment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Maro Developments has received the green light to build a 313,000 sq ft grade A logistics warehouse in Knowsley, marking a major milestone for the developer’s expanding portfolio. The new development—dubbed Mercury 62—will sit on a 22-acre site to the southeast of Junction 6 of the M62. With two new junctions planned on Cronton Road, the project is expected to significantly boost connectivity and strengthen local infrastructure. Once operational, the facility is projected to contribute approximately £15.6 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) annually to the local economy. Designed by architectural practice Fletcher Rae and supported by global property consultancy JLL, the warehouse will offer a high-spec, single-unit distribution space tailored to the needs of modern logistics and warehousing businesses. Avison Young also played a key role in guiding the planning process. Chris Stroud, Director of Development at Maro Developments, commented: “Securing planning permission is a fantastic achievement and an exciting step forward. With JLL’s invaluable input, alongside Fletcher Rae’s design expertise and Avison Young’s planning guidance, we’re now ready to bring Mercury 62 to life. Its strategic location and premium specification will provide a first-class logistics solution for occupiers while supporting the broader community.” Edward Blood, Director at JLL, added: “Demand for top-tier logistics space in the North West remains strong among both occupiers and investors. Mercury 62 is perfectly positioned to meet that growing demand.” Construction is expected to commence in the coming months, bringing with it high-quality space for logistics firms and a boost to the regional economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grimsby’s pioneering new Horizon Youth Zone has reached a major construction milestone, with work now complete on the roofline of the final building, which offers a first glimpse of how the development will look on the town’s skyline. Located on Garth Lane, the development is being delivered by national charity OnSide, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, which is contributing to the development as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal, and the Department of Culture Media and Sport, through the Youth Investment Fund. The site is being transformed by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter and is due to open this autumn. As part of the work, a series of Grade II listed 19th century maltings and grain store buildings, known as West Haven Maltings and Migar House, have been fully restored and repurposed. The middle part of the building sits at the heart of the development alongside the River Freshney and on a river wall which had to be rebuilt using a pontoon in the river to create a safe working platform. The building had fallen into a state of disrepair but it has been rebuilt, and work is now complete on its new roof structure. In addition to the refurbishment and restoration aspects of the project, the final piece of the scheme will see Hobson & Porter constructing a large outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA). Horizon Youth Zone will offer a safe and inspiring place for young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, to enjoy their leisure time. There will be over 20 activities taking place each evening, for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit, including football, boxing, climbing, creative arts, music, drama and employability training. Joe Booth, Business Development Director from Hobson & Porter, said: “With construction due to complete this summer ahead of the Youth Zone opening in autumn, this part of the development and restoration of the building, which was in a poor state of disrepair, is an achievement worth marking for the whole project team. “It’s been a highly complex part of the scheme, that also required a retaining river wall to be built, but it’s the final piece of the jigsaw that now shows how Horizon Youth Zone will integrate into Grimsby’s skyline. The feedback we’ve received from the people of Grimsby has been fantastic, regardless of whether or not they’re connected to the project, because it’s given these buildings and this site a new lease of life and is going to make a huge difference to so many local young people, as well as bringing a state-of-the-art facility to the town.” Lucy Ottewell-Key, CEO of Horizon Youth Zone, said: “We’re delighted with how work is progressing and to see the completed roofline on this final building feels like a major milestone ahead of our opening later this year. “There’s a genuine buzz across North East Lincolnshire about Horizon Youth Zone and what it means for young people throughout the region, especially because so many local businesses, organisations and patrons are supporting us and making it possible, which is very exciting for everyone involved.” Horizon Youth Zone is an independent charity with a private sector led board, and once opened, it will be part of the OnSide network of 15 Youth Zones nationwide, which support over 50,000 young people annually. After completion, it’s estimated that Horizon could benefit up to 4,000 young people from North East Lincolnshire each year. Capital funders of Horizon Youth Zone comprise of Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Youth Investment Fund, Evergreen Life, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, Ørsted and Greencoats Wind UK. Horizon Youth Zone is also building a fabulous family of Founder Patrons, comprising of local organisations and philanthropists, who will support the Youth Zone during its first four years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals