Finning has used Cat® VisionLink technology to deliver significant reductions in idle time and increased profitability for Jennings BCE. As part of the broader shift towards advanced telematics software in the construction industry, VisionLink is a cloud-based fleet management solution that allows operators and business owners to view data including
Japanese fashion retailer UNIQLO is expanding its UK presence with the launch of its first Midlands store at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre. Spanning 20,000 sq ft across three floors, the new store will feature a trading space of 11,840 sq ft, offering UNIQLO’s full range of men’s, women’s, and children’s
Two property and energy experts have today launched Hertford Birch, a specialist energy commercialisation consultancy. Co-founded by Richard Price and Ben Smith, the firm aims to provide strategic advice and brokerage services to help landlords and operators commercialise power across their assets. Operating across the UK, Hertford Birch will act
British Land has gained planning approval for a major £600 million transformation of Euston Tower, a 1960s skyscraper in London, into a cutting-edge life sciences and workspace hub. The ambitious project, designed by 3XN, will deliver 560,000 square feet of high-quality office space, alongside improved public areas and expanded amenities.
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has officially commenced construction on a Distribution Centre for leading retailer, TJ Morris Ltd, at the Unity Yorkshire development in Doncaster. The new Distribution Centre will play a crucial role in the region’s industrial expansion, bringing 1000 new jobs and opportunities to Doncaster and the
The grand feature staircase, modern ensuite bathrooms and solar panels on the roof are now all in place at the first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), as plans which have been in the pipeline for a decade continue to come to life. The 70-bed purpose-built rehabilitation centre near Loughborough will
SSE and Gilkes Energy have submitted a Section 36 planning consent application to Scottish Government Ministers for the proposed joint venture Fearna pumped storage hydro (PSH) project in Scotland’s Highlands. The 50:50 development joint venture project is located at the western end of Glengarry, around 25km west of Invergarry and
In partnership with Knowsley Council and procurement specialist Fusion21, Bloor Homes has smashed its social value targets at its Elowen Garden Village development in Halsnead Garden Village, as part of the council’s planning obligations. Fusion21 has been working with Knowsley Council using its Social Value Through Planning initiative to support
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, comments on the latest MCS data: “February continued the strong start to the year for small-scale renewables. There were more than 27,000 certified installations in February, bringing the total for the year so far to more than 50,000 – the quickest we have hit this
Wetherby Wall Systems, part of the ROCKWOOL Group, is delighted to announce the launch of SOQEL A2, a fully compliant, impact-resistant, and moisture-protected External Wall Insulation (EWI) system designed for below damp-proof course (DPC) applications. Launching on March 17th, SOQEL A2 sets a new benchmark for fire safety and durability
Finning has used Cat® VisionLink technology to deliver significant reductions in idle time and increased profitability for Jennings BCE. As part of the broader shift towards advanced telematics software in the construction industry, VisionLink is a cloud-based fleet management solution that allows operators and business owners to view data including operating hours, geographical and performance metrics. Having worked with Jennings Building and Civil Engineering Contractors for over 25 years Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Catmachinery, parts and aftermarket services, identified the challenges impacting the company’s operational costs and provided solutions to increase profitability. North Wales based Jennings BCE has over 40 years’ experience in building, civil engineering, groundwork and rock armour, and manages projects across Wales, Northwest England and the Midlands. To remain competitive, profitable and sustainable the company recently invested in the VisionLink technology on the recommendation of experts at Finning. Iwan Jenkins, Sales Representative at Finning UK and Ireland said: “Proper fleet management is key to ensuring efficiency and profitably to companies such as Jennings BCE, and VisionLinkoffers accurate real-time insights to allow businesses to enhance their operations. “For instance, during our work with Jennings BCE we saw that one of their machines was pulling in data demonstrating the machine was idling 71% of the time. We worked with the team at Jennings to reveal how VisionLinkcould tackle things like idle time by sending real-time alerts and performance data to allow their team to address challenges as they occur.” Danny Jones Managing Director at Jennings BCE said: “We have worked with Finning to introduce VisionLink to half of our fleet and are already seeing the benefits of the technology. By identifying and addressing non-productive idle events we have not only cut fuel usage and emissions, but because of the increase in efficiency we have also seen an increase in overall profitability. “VisionLink is designed to optimise a fleet and isn’t just for reducing idle time, we have found it invaluable when it comes to real-time monitoring, fuel efficiency analysis and maintenance scheduling which all work towards ensuring our machines are working to their true capacity. “As a company we are focused on innovation and providing consistent, high-quality service to our customers. We feel the most recent investment with Finning bolsters our innovative offering and has allowed us to maximise fleet efficiency and boost our overall profitability.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Japanese fashion retailer UNIQLO is expanding its UK presence with the launch of its first Midlands store at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre. Spanning 20,000 sq ft across three floors, the new store will feature a trading space of 11,840 sq ft, offering UNIQLO’s full range of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. The Birmingham opening marks a major step in UNIQLO’s regional expansion strategy, aligning with the city’s dynamic and fashion-conscious demographic. Paul O’Brien, director of leasing and commercialisation at Bullring’s owner Hammerson, commented: “Bullring continues to attract leading global brands looking for a flagship presence in the region. UNIQLO’s arrival reinforces the centre’s status as the Midlands’ premier retail destination, complementing its diverse line-up of top fashion and lifestyle names.” Alessandro Dudech, chief operating officer of UNIQLO UK, added: “We are committed to growing our presence across the UK, both through physical stores and e-commerce. Bringing UNIQLO to the Midlands is a key milestone for us, and Birmingham’s Bullring—at the heart of the UK’s second city—is the perfect location.” UNIQLO joins a wave of investment at Bullring, following the recent openings of Zara’s 51,000 sq ft flagship store, Sephora’s Midlands debut, and PURESEOUL’s second store outside London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two property and energy experts have today launched Hertford Birch, a specialist energy commercialisation consultancy. Co-founded by Richard Price and Ben Smith, the firm aims to provide strategic advice and brokerage services to help landlords and operators commercialise power across their assets. Operating across the UK, Hertford Birch will act as a delivery partner for electric vehicle (EV) charging projects and energy deals, looking to capture the unrealised potential for income generation from energy in commercial spaces. The group will also act as a strategic advisor to landlords, offering advice on supply challenges with the aim of minimising risks for new and existing sites across the country. Backed by investment firm Spire Ventures, the founding team have over 20 years of collective experience serving major institutions and landlords across retail, leisure, and commercial assets. The pair also have first hand operational experience of working with UK-based EV charging operators, including Ospreys, Connected Kerb, and most recently, Syzygy. Richard Price said: “Demand for EV and energy infrastructure is far outpacing supply and this is true across all commercial asset types, presenting a prime opportunity for landlords and asset managers to secure attractive, long-term revenue streams from power. The market potential is huge, and we’re seeing unprecedented demand from landlords to help them navigate the complexities of pricing, process and operational challenges to integrate energy assets into their portfolios on deals that deliver stable, risk-mitigated income “In real estate terms, the energy deals that we’re able to secure today for unrentalised car parking bays can provide rental income consistent with, if not outperforming, that of a traditional F&B deal on the same site – and with significantly less risk and minimal capital contribution.” Ben Smith added: “Landlords face hugely complex challenges in managing their energy assets and minimising connectivity or capacity risks. The energy supply gap is growing steadily as record numbers of organisations are engaging with the grid to secure power connections; struggling to keep up with demand for energisation projects across the UK, the grid connection queue can mean a 10 year wait. “Securing reliable capacity with clarity on connection dates is today as critical to project timelines and feasibility as any other part of the construction or asset management programme. Working with private networks is an opportunity to significantly reduce operational cost and carbon footprint, as our clients look to us to help expedite the energisation of assets and optimise their energy infrastructure.” Hertford Birch is currently instructed on EV Charging and Private Networks commercialisation projects on behalf of institutional landlords, REITs, occupiers and private capital investors across retail parks, shopping centres and leisure assets, MSPs and industrial, logistics, and commercial workspace sites UK-wide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land has gained planning approval for a major £600 million transformation of Euston Tower, a 1960s skyscraper in London, into a cutting-edge life sciences and workspace hub. The ambitious project, designed by 3XN, will deliver 560,000 square feet of high-quality office space, alongside improved public areas and expanded amenities. With redesigned 19,000-square-foot floor plates, the scheme aims to cater to the evolving demands of modern businesses. Following concerns over sustainability, British Land revised its initial proposals last year, focusing on a more environmentally conscious approach. The approved plans will involve partial demolition and retrofitting, preserving the building’s central core and foundations while dismantling the façade and floor slabs. This method retains 31% of the original structure, reducing environmental impact. The redeveloped 31-storey tower will feature 4,000 square feet of restaurant and café space, alongside 8,000 square feet dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovation initiatives. The site, located within British Land’s Regent’s Place campus, will operate on an all-electric system and target a BREEAM Outstanding rating for sustainability. Camden Council granted approval for the scheme during a planning committee meeting on 20 March, with a final decision still required from the Mayor of London. David Lockyer, head of development at British Land, commented: “We are delighted to receive planning consent for this incredible scheme – the first West End tower in a generation, and likely to be the last. This world-class building will provide space for the UK’s greatest minds to turn research into real-world solutions. “The tower is ideally located at our Regent’s Place campus, where the Knowledge Quarter meets the West End, offering businesses access to a thriving ecosystem of academic and research institutions stretching from Harley Street to King’s Cross.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has officially commenced construction on a Distribution Centre for leading retailer, TJ Morris Ltd, at the Unity Yorkshire development in Doncaster. The new Distribution Centre will play a crucial role in the region’s industrial expansion, bringing 1000 new jobs and opportunities to Doncaster and the region. Unity Yorkshire is a flagship mixed-use regeneration project, transforming the area into a thriving business and employment hub, set within a sustainable mixed use flagship development. Strategically located directly off Junction 5 of the M18/M180 motorway interchange, the scheme benefits from excellent transport links and infrastructure which enables occupiers such as TJ Morris to further enhance their supply chain efficiency and reinforce their commitment to nationwide customer service The new circa 1 million sq. ft facility, located at Unity Connect, will consist of a fully automated distribution hub, with a 43-metre-high bay and significant low bay and cold storage areas, designed to support TJ Morris’ expansion plans. The groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in the expansion of T J Morris’ national distribution network. The event was attended by Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, and representatives from City of Doncaster Council and Business Doncaster, Waystone Hargreaves Land, Atkins Realis, some of the logistics and automation team for TJ Morris and McLaren Construction Midlands and North – symbolising a collaborative effort in driving economic growth and investment in the region. Construction is set to progress rapidly, with completion scheduled for October 2026. Upon completion, the facility will hand over to Witron for installation of automated picking equipment, The site will be highly automated and will service 300+ Home Bargains stores by mid 2028.. McLaren Construction, a leading UK contractor renowned for delivering high-quality, large-scale industrial and commercial projects, is proud to partner with TJ Morris Ltd and developer – Waystone Hargreaves Land, to bring this ambitious project to life. Speaking at the event, Stuart Goss, Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are thrilled to break ground on this major project for TJ Morris Ltd. This development is a testament to our expertise in delivering high-specification logistics facilities that drive business growth and regional economic development.” Neil Kelson, Head of Logisitics at TJ Morris added: “The new Distribution Centre represents a key step in our logistics strategy, enabling us to serve our customers more efficiently and support our expansion plans while creating significant employment opportunities for the local community.” Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, added; “Today marks a milestone for the local area and wider City of Doncaster as we break ground on this state-of-the-art Distribution Centre. “This new addition to the Unity Yorkshire development not only strengthens our local community but also creates new, well-paid jobs for our residents. This is just the start of such a transformational development and is testament to our city’s growth and commitment to building a brighter future for all.” Helen McLoughlin, Director at Waystone Hargreaves LLP, said: “This is a tremendously exciting moment for everyone connected with the development of Unity. TJ Morris quickly identified the many benefits that Unity has to offer as a strategic location, so we are thrilled that they are commencing work on-site. This will be a landmark building which will well and truly put Unity Yorkshire on the map, and we look forward to seeing construction progress in the months ahead.” The Unity Yorkshire development supports a bespoke Employment Academy, an initiative funded by Waystone Hargreaves Land and delivered in partnership with Business Doncaster to support businesses and employees located on site to assist with their recruitment and training needs and promote all available employment opportunities to Doncaster residents and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The grand feature staircase, modern ensuite bathrooms and solar panels on the roof are now all in place at the first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), as plans which have been in the pipeline for a decade continue to come to life. The 70-bed purpose-built rehabilitation centre near Loughborough will be staffed and run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and aims to transform rehabilitation in the UK. The £105million NRC programme is part of the New Hospital Programme. As 2025 progresses and the NRC prepares to begin accepting its first patients in the summer, construction efforts at the site near Loughborough continue to gather pace, with more than 200 tradespeople working on the build each day. Inside the building, the statement staircase has been installed in the main atrium where patients will first enter the centre, and bedrooms continue to take shape as bedheads are installed and the en-suite bathrooms fitted. Elsewhere, flooring is being laid and miles of wiring installed. The latest drone footage shows the solar panels in place which will help to power the building alongside air source heat pumps, as well as the metal framework progressing along the outside of the building, ready for the final rainscreen cladding. Ryan McCormack, Head of Commercial and Construction for the NRC, said: “With fewer than six months to go to when we will be welcoming our first patients, it’s exciting to see how quickly the interior of the building is changing on an almost day to day basis. “It’s been a pleasure to see this incredible building emerge from the ground up, and these next few months are where it will all suddenly come to life as more and more of the fixtures and fittings are installed and finishes are complete, ready for our very first patients.” The construction is being carried out by IHP, a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine. The Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough, already home to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre which opened in 2018, was carefully selected as the site for the NRC to bring together these two centres of excellence and drive rehabilitation standards both nationally and internationally. The design of the NRC uses modern methods of construction and will be highly energy efficient, with plans for the building to support the NHS ambition to be Carbon Net Zero by 2045. Work continues to integrate the Smart Hospital design to make the NRC as digitally advanced as possible, with the capability to incorporate additional cutting-edge technology in the future. Find out more about the construction of the NRC on our NRC website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SSE and Gilkes Energy have submitted a Section 36 planning consent application to Scottish Government Ministers for the proposed joint venture Fearna pumped storage hydro (PSH) project in Scotland’s Highlands. The 50:50 development joint venture project is located at the western end of Glengarry, around 25km west of Invergarry and adjoins SSE Renewables’ existing Loch Quoich reservoir in the Great Glen hydro scheme. Delivery of the project would be subject to securing planning consent and a final investment decision, including an investible route-to-market. Fearna PSH has a proposed installed capacity of 1.8GW with a stored capacity of up to 36GWh, providing 20hrs of storage and which would make it the largest such scheme in the UK if delivered. Fearna could support around 500 jobs at peak during its approximated seven-year construction period, boosting employment and the local economy in the Scottish Highlands. Plans for the project envisage the development of tunnels and a new power station connecting SSE Renewables’ existing reservoir at Loch Quoich with an upper reservoir at Loch Fearna. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement announced in July 2024, Gilkes Energy will lead the project’s development under a developer services agreement with SSE Renewables. SSE Renewables already operates the largest fleet of hydro-electric power and pumped storage hydro assets in Scotland. It is now progressing development plans for new pumped storage hydropower projects in the Highlands to complement its existing fleet and deliver the large-scale, long-duration electricity storage (LDES) needed as part of Britain’s future energy mix. Fraser Allison, Project Director of the Fearna PSH project, said:“We are pleased to have submitted a Section 365 planning consent application to Scottish Ministers for Fearna. “This exciting long duration electricity storage project could be the largest in the UK for both installed capacity and stored energy. “We are looking forward to continued engagement with stakeholders, supply chain partners and the local community as the planning process moves forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In partnership with Knowsley Council and procurement specialist Fusion21, Bloor Homes has smashed its social value targets at its Elowen Garden Village development in Halsnead Garden Village, as part of the council’s planning obligations. Fusion21 has been working with Knowsley Council using its Social Value Through Planning initiative to support the delivery and monitoring of social value throughout the construction phase of the development. The collaboration between Bloor Homes, Fusion21, and Knowsley Council has delivered a range of positive outcomes for the community, achieving three headline social value outcomes in the local area including: The 11 employment opportunities created are helping to fill key roles at Elowen Garden Village as part of the Halsnead Garden Village development, including a local National House Building Council (NHBC) inspector, ceramic tiler, groundworker, joiner, sales advisor, and six bricklayers. This has achieved the social value aim of increasing the amount of Knowsley residents working on-site at the Bloor Homes development. What’s more, two local young people who started as apprentices on the development have now been hired as full-time bricklayers. A primary focus of this collaboration was to create more opportunities for local residents that will lead to quality full-time employment. Sarah Maguire, Head of Social Value at Fusion21 said: “At Fusion21, we work with local authorities and developers to ensure construction projects create meaningful, sustainable, and long-term benefits for communities. “Through this partnership, Bloor Homes has provided jobs, apprenticeships, and opportunities that will have a lasting impact on local people and businesses in Knowsley. This is exactly the kind of positive change Knowsley Council champions through its Social Value Framework.” James Clark, Managing Director at Bloor Homes’ North West region, said: “We are proud to have exceeded our social value targets in Knowsley, and it has been very rewarding to welcome so many local people and businesses into our team at Elowen Garden Village. We will be continuing our work experience scheme into 2025 and look forward to welcoming more young people to learn about the high standards of building we have at Bloor Homes.” Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic, said: “Construction of new housing at Halsnead Garden Village is not only creating much needed new homes it is also providing employment and apprenticeships for Knowsley residents and creating supply chain contracts for Knowsley businesses. Additionally, the employment site to the south of the M62 will deliver around 1,000 new jobs. “Halsnead Garden Village is the largest combined housing and employment development in the City Region and will provide a significant boost to the local economy.” Part of the wider Halsnead Garden Village development, Bloor Homes’ Elowen Garden Village development includes a range of three and four-bedroom homes located on Windy Arbor Road, with a sales centre open daily from 10am – 5pm. For more information about Bloor Homes’ developments in the North West, visit bloorhomes.com To find out more about Knowsley Council’s Social Value framework, visit www.knowsley.gov.uk To find out more about how to unlock the potential of social value through planning visit www.fusion21.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, comments on the latest MCS data: “February continued the strong start to the year for small-scale renewables. There were more than 27,000 certified installations in February, bringing the total for the year so far to more than 50,000 – the quickest we have hit this mark in scheme history. “It was another record month for battery storage with more than 2,500 certified installations, and heat pumps also had a strong month with over 5,000 certified installations – an 18% increase on February last year. There were almost 20,000 certified Solar PV installations – a 35% increase on February 2024 – demonstrating the ongoing strength of the solar market. “As MCS continues to support its certification bodies in preparing to offer the redeveloped Scheme, it’s great to see that consumer appetite for small-scale renewables is growing. With more consumers turning to home-grown energy, it’s crucial that there is a skilled installer base delivering high-quality installations against industry-recognised standards, backed by strong consumer protections. That is what the redeveloped MCS will deliver.” To view the MCS Data Dashboard for real-time dynamic visualisations of renewables uptake, please visit: https://mcscertified.com/about-the-mcs-data-dashboard/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wetherby Wall Systems, part of the ROCKWOOL Group, is delighted to announce the launch of SOQEL A2, a fully compliant, impact-resistant, and moisture-protected External Wall Insulation (EWI) system designed for below damp-proof course (DPC) applications. Launching on March 17th, SOQEL A2 sets a new benchmark for fire safety and durability in external wall insulation. It’s the first fully fire-tested system for below DPC applications, meeting the latest A2-s1,d0 fire classification required for materials in buildings over 11 meters. This ensures compliance with the UK Building Regulations and provides a solid solution for the construction industry. With UK building regulations now requiring that materials used in buildings over 11 meters must meet a minimum A2-s1,d0 fire rating, SOQEL A2 offers architects, contractors and specifiers a reliable solution in line with these regulations. Designed for use in below DPC areas, as well as balconies, walkways and plant rooms, the system improves fire resistance, impact protection and long-term moisture durability. Unlike traditional solutions, such as bitumen paint, SOQEL A2 delivers a more effective and resilient alternative. This game-changing system integrates Coverrock x-2 pre-coated insulation, which ensures a strong and durable bond for coatings while protecting the A1-rated Stone Wool core during installation. Paired with Heck K+A SL coating and Heck CER Mesh, it also provides superior impact and moisture resistance, withstanding harsh weather and high foot traffic in exposed areas like balconies and plant rooms. SOQEL A2 incorporates Heck 4S Silicone Render, ensuring a seamless finish that matches the overall façade system. Unlike traditional below DPC treatments, which may distrupt the building’s aesthetics, it offers a modern, integrated look while maintaining full regulatory compliance. Joe Ragdale, Technical Director at Wetherby Wall Systems: “We have worked alongside our ROCKWOOL Group sister company, HECK in Germany to launch this innovative system into the UK market. We are delighted to introduce SOQEL A2, the first system of its kind for below DPC and base areas.” “This solution provides architects and contractors working on remediation projects with a compliant, durable, and efficient way to enhance building safety while ensuring a seamless finish alongside insulated façade systems.” For more information about SOQEL A2 or to discuss your project requirements, visit www.wall-systems.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals