Award winning construction firm McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd has delivered a new £2.6m chilled storage warehouse and office development for food distribution specialists Dale Brothers. McPhillips was principal contractor on the complex project in Telford which was handed over to the temperature-controlled food distribution specialists within the 37-week time frame and
Hamilton (Building Contractors), one of the largest and longest-standing specialist facade contractors in the UK has appointed Martin Walker BSc (Hons), MCIOB as Regional Director for the South as the company continues a period of exceptional growth. Martin brings over 20 years of experience and a proven track record in
The Prime Minister has announced a new AI-powered tool, “Extract,” aimed at streamlining administrative processes within the planning system and supporting the delivery of 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament. As AI adoption in public sector workflows grows, platforms like coursiv are helping professionals understand how to effectively integrate
Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, has made two senior sales appointments as part of its ongoing expansion, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality homes across key regions. Eloise Solari joins as Head of Sales for London and Sarah Boyce takes on the role of Head of Sales for the South
The National Masonry Academy (NMA) is proud to announce that it has been officially recognised as a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO), marking a major milestone in the delivery of specialist, high-quality masonry training in the UK construction sector. As a CITB ATO, the NMA is now authorised to deliver
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has officially commenced construction of a new hotel in Douglas, Isle of Man. The 80-room Travelodge will be the company’s first hotel on the island. Located at Villiers Square on Fort Street
JD Sports opened the doors to its biggest store in the world last Saturday (7 June), as it triples its footprint at Manchester’s Trafford Centre to create a 41,000 sq ft retail flagship. Boasting an impressive 92-metre frontage, the new store represents a major investment in JD’s home city and
Global real estate advisory firm, CBRE, together with Vandermolen Real Estate, are bringing Cotton Quay, a transformative 8-acre virtual freehold development opportunity in the heart of Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, to the market. Sitting within 1km of water frontage, Cotton Quay represents one of the most significant placemaking opportunities in
Wincanton, the UK’s leading supply chain partner, is expanding its partnership with EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C project with a new 314,658 sq ft warehouse in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, opening on 9th June 2025. This marks Wincanton’s sixth site dedicated to the UK’s first new nuclear power station in a generation
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat has committed to investing £59.5 million into the next phase of the Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area (TRA). The housebuilder is set to create an additional 246 new homes at the multi-million pound NorthBridge development located on Pinkston Road, following the success of the first phase
Award winning construction firm McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd has delivered a new £2.6m chilled storage warehouse and office development for food distribution specialists Dale Brothers. McPhillips was principal contractor on the complex project in Telford which was handed over to the temperature-controlled food distribution specialists within the 37-week time frame and within budget. Alongside the 65m x 20m temperature-controlled facility with roller shutter doors providing loading and unloading access, the project comprised a high quality two storey office space with two kitchens, meeting rooms and cloakroom facilities. Dale Brothers managing director Robin Dale said: “Choosing the right construction partner for our development was crucial. McPhillips proved to be the perfect choice, demonstrating exceptional expertise in delivering precisely what our operation needed. “Their technical capability was evident throughout the project, from the intelligent re-use of existing materials through to the sophisticated construction of our 65m x 20m temperature-controlled facility. The team’s attention to detail in creating both the chilled storage area and our new modern office space was impressive. “What particularly stood out was McPhillips’ project management expertise. They delivered this complex build, which included specialist elements such as cold storage panels, dock levellers, and state-of-the-art M&E installations, exactly on schedule over the 37-week programme. Even more impressively, they achieved this while staying within our original budget. “As a Telford-based business ourselves, it was particularly satisfying to work with a local construction partner who understood our needs and delivered such high-quality results. The new facility has significantly enhanced our operational capabilities, and McPhillips’ professional approach made the entire process smooth and efficient. Paul Inions, managing director of McPhillips, said: “This was an incredibly rewarding project to work on, not least because it was in support of a Telford-based business with the same values and ambitions as us: local growth, investment and employment. “It was a complex build that began with us having to break up and crush an existing concrete hardstanding with the arising re-used on site in the permanent works, and finished externally with the construction of a new reinforced concrete yard, concrete bases for cooling plant, a new sub-station and the installation of four EV charging points. “We look forward to seeing the facility being part of Dale Brothers’, and indeed Telford’s, continued demonstration of excellence and success.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hamilton (Building Contractors), one of the largest and longest-standing specialist facade contractors in the UK has appointed Martin Walker BSc (Hons), MCIOB as Regional Director for the South as the company continues a period of exceptional growth. Martin brings over 20 years of experience and a proven track record in delivering high-value, complex construction projects across the UK for industry giants including Balfour Beatty and Mulalley. A Chartered Construction Manager and a respected member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB), Martin is well known for his operational excellence and strategic insight. In late 2024, he became one of the first six construction professionals to complete the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Principal Contractor Competency Scheme. This sets a new benchmark for the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours expected of Principal Contractors. Martin’s appointment, which will see him based at the company’s new Dartford office, comes during an incredible period of growth for Hamilton with turnover set to double to over £50m in 2025. In line with this expansion,15 new team members have joined the company this year alone, strengthening both the health and safety and management teams. Commenting on his appointment Martin Walker said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Hamilton at such an important time in the company’s journey. I have worked with the team on a wide range of previous projects and the Hamilton name is synonymous with quality. “There is a strong, values-led culture with a clear commitment to quality, people and delivery and I am looking forward to playing a key role in helping to shape and support the company’s continued growth. “The construction industry on the whole is navigating a challenging landscape at the moment with rising costs, skill shortages and constantly evolving regulations creating pressures across the sector. “However, these challenges also present opportunities and Hamilton is perfectly placed to leverage its expertise and collaborative approach to deliver safe, high-quality projects that meet the demands of today’s market and build resilience for the future.” Daniel Mackie, Director at Hamilton, added: “Martin is the perfect addition to our growing team and his appointment reflects our commitment to investing in outstanding talent as we grow. His depth of experience, technical expertise and leadership approach make him the ideal candidate to drive our operations in the South. “Wtih many major projects underway in his region and more set to come online in the coming months his experience will be instrumental in ensuring we continue to deliver excellence for our clients while scaling sustainably and strategically.” Hamilton is currently delivering a wide range of high-profile schemes including façade and refurbishment works at Burley Street in Leeds, extensive external upgrades at Lewisham Park Towers in London and a large-scale social housing retrofit programme in Hull. These projects reflect Hamilton’s reputation for delivering safety-led and sustainability-focused solutions in partnership with leading contractors and public sector clients. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Prime Minister has announced a new AI-powered tool, “Extract,” aimed at streamlining administrative processes within the planning system and supporting the delivery of 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament. As AI adoption in public sector workflows grows, platforms like coursiv are helping professionals understand how to effectively integrate such tools into real-world decision-making environments. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “While AI tools can help alleviate the pressures of a planner’s day-to-day work, they must support, not replace, planners’ local discretion, expertise, and judgement in decision-making processes. “We welcome the use of AI to make admin tasks faster and more efficient, build sound and consistent evidence bases for Local Plans, and free up planners to focus their time and expertise where it is needed most. “Planning decisions require professional expertise to consider subjective, creative and complex considerations. Whilst AI tools no doubt have a helpful part to play, they can be no substitute for professional advice, common sense and emotional intelligence. There’s no value in processing applications more quickly if the developments that follow are low-quality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning housebuilder, The Hill Group, has made two senior sales appointments as part of its ongoing expansion, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality homes across key regions. Eloise Solari joins as Head of Sales for London and Sarah Boyce takes on the role of Head of Sales for the South West and Southern divisions. Their appointments reflect Hill’s strategic growth in these regions, as the company continues to expand its development pipeline. Eloise and Sarah bring extensive experience in residential sales and a deep understanding of their respective markets. Eloise’s career has focused on central London with previous roles at Ballymore, Taylor Wimpey Central London and Galliard Homes where she led the sales team at flagship developments. Her expertise will be instrumental in shaping Hill’s sales strategies for its major London developments, including Kew Bridge Rise, Lampton Parkside, North Gate Park and Dagenham Green. Additionally, she brings valuable experience in partnership work and has excellent relationships with agents. Sarah joins Hill at a pivotal time for its South West expansion, with Bristol and its surrounding areas being a core focus. She spent twenty years with Berkeley Group, rising to Sales and Marketing Director for the Oxford and Chiltern division. Sarah has also held roles at Redrow Thames Valley, HarperCrewe, and Crest Nicholson in Bristol. The South West is a key strategic region for Hill, with a robust development pipeline that includes three key upcoming projects in central Bristol — the former Bristol Zoo car park site in Clifton, a recently approved development in Southville, and Baltic Wharf on Spike Island, overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: “I am pleased to welcome Eloise and Sarah to lead the sales teams in these two important strategic regions for The Hill Group. Their expertise will be invaluable in driving sales to support our expansion in London, Bristol and the South West. At Hill, we are committed to delivering exceptional homes that are thoughtfully designed for their locations, and both Eloise and Sarah share this passion. They bring a wealth of market insight and a deep understanding of delivering quality homes that add value to communities. We look forward to supporting them as they take on these key roles and contribute to our growing presence in these regions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The National Masonry Academy (NMA) is proud to announce that it has been officially recognised as a CITB Approved Training Organisation (ATO), marking a major milestone in the delivery of specialist, high-quality masonry training in the UK construction sector. As a CITB ATO, the NMA is now authorised to deliver short-duration training, qualifications, and continuing professional development (CPD) that meet nationally recognised standards and align with current industry legislation. This recognition enables construction employers to access CITB grant support for eligible training delivered by the Academy, helping to drive workforce competence, safety, and career progression. The National Masonry Academy forms part of the wider National Construction Academy group, with a flagship training facility based in Sheffield. It will provide on and off-site training tailored to real-world site conditions, covering everything from entry-level diplomas and apprenticeship programmes to manufacturer-led product accreditation and upskilling for professionals. The academy will also deliver robust training initiatives for ex-offenders and ex-veterans, supporting social mobility through industry skills. Eve Livett, Chief Executive Officer of the National Masonry Academy, said: “Achieving ATO status is not just about a badge, it’s about trust, quality, and our responsibility to deliver training that genuinely supports the future of construction. The masonry sector has unique training needs, and we are now better placed than ever to meet them. This recognition from CITB validates The National Masonry Academy’s approach and opens the door for employers to access funded, fit-for-purpose skills development that strengthens safety, compliance, and career pathways.” The Academy is the dedicated training arm of the Masonry Association of Great Britain and benefits from deep industry integration, including collaboration with contractors, suppliers across the EU and beyond, and international trade bodies. This ensures that NMA training remains relevant, future-focused, and responsive to evolving market demands. The Sheffield facility includes space for both theoretical and practical training, as well as accommodation for trainees travelling from across the UK. Crucially, the Academy is supported by global suppliers, enabling it to provide access to the latest tools, materials, and technologies. Manufacturers are also invited to use the site to deliver bespoke training and registered installer programmes. With plans to introduce NVQ and diploma training in the coming months and to onboard its first apprenticeship cohort in January 2026, the National Masonry Academy is poised to become the UK’s leading centre for masonry training and education. By strengthening compliance with the Building Safety Act and wider government initiatives, and by unlocking funded training through the CITB levy system, the NMA is now ideally placed to support the upskilling and development of the UK construction workforce. For more information about training opportunities or to enquire about partnerships, visit: https://nationalmasonry.academy For course bookings or partnership enquiries, contact: training@nationalmasonry.academy Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has officially commenced construction of a new hotel in Douglas, Isle of Man. The 80-room Travelodge will be the company’s first hotel on the island. Located at Villiers Square on Fort Street in Douglas, 300m from the ferry terminal and just moments from the beach, the shopping district, the CBD (central business district) and local attractions, like the Manx Museum, the new-build hotel is part of a wider mixed-use development led by Tevir Group. The scheme also includes two Grade-A office buildings, designed to support local economic growth. The hotel will feature Travelodge’s new premium design, including a modern reception area, next-generation rooms, and the new stylish 85 Bar Café. Supporting the Isle of Man Government’s tourism strategy to create 500 new hotel bedrooms by 2032, the project is expected to generate 27 new jobs and provide a valuable boost to the local hospitality sector. The hotel is scheduled to open in Spring 2027. Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director, Travelodge said: “Breaking ground on our first hotel in Douglas is a significant milestone for Travelodge. We’ve long wanted to bring our quality, affordable accommodation to the Isle of Man, and this fantastic location at Villiers Square is the ideal setting. “It’s exciting to see construction now underway, marking the beginning of a new chapter for us on the island. We look forward to welcoming both leisure and business guests when the hotel opens its doors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
JD Sports opened the doors to its biggest store in the world last Saturday (7 June), as it triples its footprint at Manchester’s Trafford Centre to create a 41,000 sq ft retail flagship. Boasting an impressive 92-metre frontage, the new store represents a major investment in JD’s home city and underscores the brand’s ambition to offer world-leading retail experiences. The expanded location will showcase exclusive JD lines and dedicated spaces for major brands including Nike, Adidas, PUMA, and On Running. The move not only reinforces JD’s close ties to Manchester, where it opened its very first store in Bury back in 1981, but also signals a bold step forward in its global retail strategy. Régis Schultz, CEO of JD Sports Fashion, commented: “The opening of our largest store in the world at Trafford Centre is a proud and landmark moment for JD. We see the world through the mindset of our customer, know what they want and set the trends for them. This opening showcases JD’s relentless drive to bring our global customers exceptional retail experiences and differentiated product, backed by our strong brand partnerships. “At the same time, it’s a celebration of our roots – Manchester has been close to the heart of JD’s journey since the beginning. As we continue to expand our footprint across the world, the Trafford Centre store represents the future of JD: bold, forward-thinking, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.” Marcus Briggs, Managing Director at Pradera Lateral, asset manager of Trafford Centre, added: “The anticipation and excitement has been building for this opening of JD’s Trafford Centre flagship store. The respective property, marketing and design teams have worked extremely hard to deliver a store of global significance for our Trafford Centre visitors and we are all delighted with the outcome. We really value our longstanding partnership with JD.” The new store is expected to draw significant footfall and attention, positioning Trafford Centre as a key destination for sports fashion fans and reinforcing JD’s reputation as a global leader in athletic and streetwear retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global real estate advisory firm, CBRE, together with Vandermolen Real Estate, are bringing Cotton Quay, a transformative 8-acre virtual freehold development opportunity in the heart of Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, to the market. Sitting within 1km of water frontage, Cotton Quay represents one of the most significant placemaking opportunities in the UK’s residential sector. The site benefits from an implemented hybrid planning consent for 1,493 residential units, hotel accommodation, commercial space, and a lido. More recently, positive pre-application feedback has been received for an expanded Living development totalling 1.6 million sq ft (GIA) and 2,235 units. The site is income-producing, generating approximately £500,000 in gross annual rental income from short-term leases, and is strategically located adjacent to MediaCityUK and overlooks the upcoming £2 billion redevelopment of Old Trafford. Kieran McLaughlin, Senior Director and Head of Residential Land North at CBRE, commented: “Cotton Quay is a truly exceptional opportunity to deliver a landmark waterfront community in one of the UK’s most dynamic and well-connected urban locations. With its scale, and proximity to major employment and cultural hubs, it offers developers the chance to deliver a new truly iconic development of national significance.” Jonathan Vandermolen, CEO of Vandermolen Real Estate, commented: “Cotton Quay represents an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of waterfront living in the UK. Its scale, prime location, and dynamic vision for mixed-use development makes it one of the most exciting projects on the market today. We look forward to engaging with developers and sharing our expertise to assist with a smooth outcome and maximise the value of this super prime opportunity.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wincanton, the UK’s leading supply chain partner, is expanding its partnership with EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C project with a new 314,658 sq ft warehouse in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, opening on 9th June 2025. This marks Wincanton’s sixth site dedicated to the UK’s first new nuclear power station in a generation and will create up to 70 new jobs, providing a boost to the local economy and further embedding Wincanton’s presence in the region. Wincanton is the official warehouse and transport service partner for the project. It plays a critical role in managing the vast and intricate supply chain required to mobilise the construction of one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects at pace. Through the new state-of-the-art warehouse, Wincanton will support the growth of the build programme by offering: · Warehousing, incorporating both outsized loads and palletised goods. · Secure storage and process management. · Advanced inventory controls and management. · Solution design and project management. · Supply chain integration and 4PL capabilities. Wincanton’s deployment of a new warehouse management system (WMS) at the site will ensure robust inventory control and regulatory compliance. The opening of the new warehouse further demonstrates the company’s nuclear supply chain management capabilities and its commitment to meeting high levels of regulatory standards. Paul Durkin, Chief Customer and Innovation Officer at Wincanton, commented: “Our long-standing partnership with EDF Energy is built on a foundation of trust and a shared commitment to excellence. We’re incredibly proud to expand our role in the Hinkley Point C project – a landmark undertaking that will power the UK for generations. This new warehouse exemplifies our commitment to delivering innovative, scalable, and resilient supply chain solutions at pace.” Brian Buckingham, Senior Logistics Operations Manager, Hinkley Point C at EDF, added: “Wincanton is a trusted, long-term partner supporting our vast and complex logistics needs. Throughout the construction of Hinkley Point C, Wincanton has proved itself to be a supplier with expertise, experience and the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the project. We look forward to servicing the growth of the build programme through the new warehouse in Weston-Super-Mare.” Once operational, Hinkley Point C nuclear power station will generate low-carbon electricity for approximately 6 million homes over a 60-year period, representing about 7% of the UK’s electricity needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat has committed to investing £59.5 million into the next phase of the Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area (TRA). The housebuilder is set to create an additional 246 new homes at the multi-million pound NorthBridge development located on Pinkston Road, following the success of the first phase that created 154 homes. Keepmoat will be delivering another multi-tenure community at the second phase of the development site, with more than 41 of the new homes being made available for local housing association Wheatley Homes Glasgow (WHG). Delivering one of the largest regeneration schemes in the UK across multiple phases, the housebuilder is also working with Glasgow City Council to create enhanced and new transport links, green spaces and walking and cycling routes. Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Scotland said: “We’re delighted to launch the next phase of this flagship Scottish development, marking a significant step in our continued journey to transform the Sighthill area, providing much needed housing in Glasgow. “Delivered across multiple phases and in close partnership with the local authority, this project reflects our long-term commitment to the city and our ambition to create exceptional places to live. “Following a strategic re-plan to increase the total homes from 824 to 1,154,, we’re excited to move the latest phases forward, ensuring the team at Keepmoat deliver the right mix of quality homes, open space and connectivity into the city so residents can access amenities and opportunities. “Keepmoat’s focus remains firmly on building sustainable, well-connected communities that stand the test of time. This isn’t just about building houses – it’s about investing in Glasgow’s future.” The development, now named ‘NorthBridge’ in honour of the new footbridge linking the new community with the heart of Glasgow directly across the M8, will create more than 1,150 new homes when complete, replacing 10 tower blocks that were demolished in 2011. Councillor Ruairi Kelly, City Convener for Housing, Development and Land Use at Glasgow City Council, added: “The transformation of Sighthill has been a great success so far with high-quality new homes, a new park and a fantastic environment close to the city centre, and the start of work on the next phase will develop what has already been achieved there as a great place to live.” To find out more about NorthBridge, please visit: www.keepmoat.com/northbridge Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals