Kenneth Booth
M&S to Launch New Food Hall on Clapham High Street

M&S Expands Food Hall Presence with Eight New London Sites

FMX Urban Property Advisers has successfully secured eight new locations across London for Marks & Spencer’s growing food hall concept. Over the past six months, FMX has secured sites in: A spokesperson for FMX commented: “With several more deals nearing exchange this quarter and additional locations in legal negotiations, we

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Costain selected by Urenco to deliver major growth programme

Costain selected by Urenco to deliver major growth programme

New and upgraded infrastructure at Cheshire site will drive regional prosperity and UK energy resilience Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen as programme delivery partner by Urenco to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure at its site in Capenhurst, Cheshire. The framework is expected to see contracts awarded to

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Saint-Gobain Strengthens Global Reach with £826.5m Fosroc Acquisition

Saint-Gobain Strengthens Global Reach with £826.5m Fosroc Acquisition

Saint-Gobain has completed its £826.5 million ($1.025 billion) acquisition of Fosroc, a leading specialist in construction chemicals, in a move that significantly expands its presence in high-growth markets. The deal aligns with Saint-Gobain’s strategy to strengthen its position in the global construction sector, particularly in regions experiencing rapid infrastructure development.

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AtkinsRéalis reveals designs for CORE sustainably-powered enterprise campus

AtkinsRéalis reveals designs for CORE sustainably-powered enterprise campus

AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, has delivered designs for cutting-edge facilities including new data and energy centres, as part of plans to transform a former manufacturing site into a sustainably-powered enterprise campus – driving the energy transition programme in Ireland. The project

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The Padel Club Traffordcity, Manchester to open this weekend

The Padel Club Traffordcity, Manchester to open this weekend

Once fully complete The Padel Club TraffordCity will have 11 courts with state-of-the-art sporting infrastructure and a clubhouse and experience curated by wellness designers. The first phase of the much-anticipated biggest Padel tennis facility in the North of England has been completed and will open its doors to padel enthusiasts

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EDSB and Siemens protect a major new UK warehouse

EDSB and Siemens protect a major new UK warehouse

The benefits of the partnership approach adopted by Siemens has been demonstrated in a project by EDSB to develop a fire detection and air sampling solution for a new warehouse operated by one of the UK’s most prominent retailers. The facility in Warrington saw some 1,000 devices installed to protect

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Latest Issue
Issue 334 : Nov 2025

Kenneth Booth

M&S to Launch New Food Hall on Clapham High Street

M&S Expands Food Hall Presence with Eight New London Sites

FMX Urban Property Advisers has successfully secured eight new locations across London for Marks & Spencer’s growing food hall concept. Over the past six months, FMX has secured sites in: A spokesperson for FMX commented: “With several more deals nearing exchange this quarter and additional locations in legal negotiations, we remain focused on expanding the M&S Food Hall footprint. We are actively seeking further opportunities, whether leasehold, freehold, development sites, land parcels, high street units, retail park locations, or standalone premises.” Towards the end of last year, M&S announced its intention to accelerate its store expansion strategy. FMX is encouraging property owners and developers with suitable locations to get in touch with its team members David Justice, Henry Foreman, and Howard Quigley to discuss potential opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Costain selected by Urenco to deliver major growth programme

Costain selected by Urenco to deliver major growth programme

New and upgraded infrastructure at Cheshire site will drive regional prosperity and UK energy resilience Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen as programme delivery partner by Urenco to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure at its site in Capenhurst, Cheshire. The framework is expected to see contracts awarded to Costain over a minimum of three years. Costain will lead and deliver an integrated programme of Urenco’s infrastructure investment activities, including developing the design, procurement, construction and commissioning of works and upgrades at Capenhurst. Urenco’s Capenhurst site provides uranium enrichment services to produce fuel for civil nuclear power stations in the UK and around the world to generate low-carbon electricity. The site is undergoing a series of complex work programmes to support the long-term resilience of the site, including establishing Europe’s first High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) advanced fuels facility. Costain will work closely with local supply chain partners and provide strategic direction, integration, assurance and governance of the works. The programme will also deliver social and economic value to local communities, including supporting the creation of jobs and developing skills across the North West of England. Sam White, managing director, natural resources at Costain, commented: “Ensuring the supply of safe, low-carbon electricity is critical for creating a sustainable future. We’re bringing decades of experience in predictable, best-in-class delivery to help safeguard the UK’s energy security and support the transition to more sustainable energy generation. “Costain has a strong presence in the North West and this award reinforces our commitment to improving the lives of local communities through the provision of new jobs, developing skills and driving prosperity.” Costain is delivering a number of critical projects across the UK’s nuclear energy ecosystem, providing a range of services and solutions including project delivery, design, build, decommissioning, and maintenance of nuclear energy sites across the UK.    Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Saint-Gobain Strengthens Global Reach with £826.5m Fosroc Acquisition

Saint-Gobain Strengthens Global Reach with £826.5m Fosroc Acquisition

Saint-Gobain has completed its £826.5 million ($1.025 billion) acquisition of Fosroc, a leading specialist in construction chemicals, in a move that significantly expands its presence in high-growth markets. The deal aligns with Saint-Gobain’s strategy to strengthen its position in the global construction sector, particularly in regions experiencing rapid infrastructure development. Expanding into Key Growth Markets Fosroc, headquartered in the UK, has built a strong reputation for its advanced chemical solutions used in infrastructure, industrial, and commercial projects worldwide. The company has a well-established presence in fast-growing regions, including India, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, where large-scale construction projects are driving demand for specialised chemical products. By acquiring Fosroc, Saint-Gobain gains direct access to an extensive distribution network and an established customer base in these key markets. The integration will enhance its ability to provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of diverse construction environments. Boosting Product Innovation and Technical Expertise Fosroc’s expertise spans a wide range of construction chemicals, including concrete admixtures, waterproofing systems, grouts, adhesives, and industrial flooring solutions. This acquisition allows Saint-Gobain to offer a more comprehensive suite of construction products, creating a one-stop solution for developers, engineers, and contractors. The deal is also expected to drive further investment in research and development, leading to new high-performance solutions for complex construction challenges. By combining Fosroc’s chemical innovation with Saint-Gobain’s existing materials expertise, the company aims to push the boundaries of sustainable and efficient building technologies. A Strategic Step in a Changing Industry This acquisition is one of Saint-Gobain’s most significant in recent years and reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the construction industry. As demand for infrastructure continues to rise, particularly in emerging economies, major players are increasingly seeking strategic mergers to enhance their capabilities and market reach. With this move, Saint-Gobain positions itself for sustained growth, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and expanding its influence across the global construction landscape.

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Green means go – Peabody adds electric cargo bike to cut emissions, travel time and improve services for residents

Green means go – Peabody adds electric cargo bike to cut emissions, travel time and improve services for residents

Peabody has taken delivery of its first electric micromobility vehicle from Northgate Vehicle Hire, helping cut carbon emissions, noise pollution and promote sustainable ways of getting about. It will halve the time it takes caretakers to travel between homes in the Earls Court area of West London, giving them more time to keep residents’ communal areas clean and tidy. The bike, officially known as an electric cargo bike, can travel about 25 miles on one charge. It can use bus lanes so will reduce the time caretakers spend waiting in traffic and will be easier to park, particularly when traveling between homes on West Cromwell Road, Earls Court Road and Fulham Road, which are on red routes where parking is very limited. “There are lots of benefits to having a micromobility vehicle like this on our fleet,” said Eugene Brown, Peabody’s Head of Estate Services for Northwest London. “It is kinder to the environment than our traditional vehicles and will make it much easier for caretakers to move between estates with their equipment. By using bus lanes, it can avoid traffic jams and parking will be much easier as caretakers can park it in communal paved and garden areas while they service sites.” Switching its fleet to electric vehicles is one of the pledges of Peabody’s Sustainability Strategy and while vehicle emissions account for only a small part of the Group’s overall carbon footprint, every small change helps. Northgate has supplied the bike to Peabody on a four-year long-term hire contract, which includes battery charging. The cost is roughly half that of the smaller diesel vans Peabody currently uses in London, which emit nearly two tonnes of carbon each a year*. By contrast, an electric cargo bike has no emissions. If successful, the Estate Services team will add more bikes in other neighbourhoods. Peabody is in the process of installing more chargers so caretakers and other colleagues who travel around London can switch to electric vehicles. Melanie Creedy, Northgate’s EV Business Development Manager, said: “Since we launched our electric micromobility proposition in 2024 we have had many fleets like Peabody trial the different types of vehicles that we have on offer. Feedback has been very positive as electric cargo bikes offer numerous benefits over standard vans in urban areas like London where manoeuvrability, restricted parking and emission reduction are big considerations for operators. “We look forward to supporting Peabody as it continues to grow its electric fleet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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AtkinsRéalis reveals designs for CORE sustainably-powered enterprise campus

AtkinsRéalis reveals designs for CORE sustainably-powered enterprise campus

AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, has delivered designs for cutting-edge facilities including new data and energy centres, as part of plans to transform a former manufacturing site into a sustainably-powered enterprise campus – driving the energy transition programme in Ireland. The project is a joint venture between Meridiam, an independent investment Benefit Corporation and an asset manager in long-term sustainable infrastructure solutions, and Gyrogy, an Irish energy-tech firm, which acquired the Premier Periclase business in May 2023. Since then, the partners have designed plans to transform the site on the north bank of the River Boyne beside Drogheda Port into a state-of-the art industrial campus for large energy users. Drogheda manufacturer Premier Periclase Limited (PPL), appointed AtkinsRéalis to deliver full multidisciplinary design services* for the unique business campus on its site, which could ultimately involve an investment of between €600 million and €1 billion over the next ten years. This would facilitate and manage flexible and renewable energy in ‘real-time’ for the national grid and will pave the way for a net zero industrial campus emissions model that can change how large energy users operate in Ireland. The appointment has seenAtkinsRéalis develop its designs to support PPL’s redevelopment of the Drogheda manufacturing site, involving demolition and site remediation works, substantial upgrades to the PPL site infrastructure, and the integration of renewable energy sources and advanced energy storage systems on the new CORE campus. The first phase of development will focus on installing sustainable energy infrastructure and a 32MW data centre. Kevin Holland, Director of Infrastructure for AtkinsRéalis Ireland, said: “The project is a fantastic example of how AtkinsRéalis can support the delivery of grid positive initiatives which will drive the energy transition in Ireland. “Not only will it bring investment and new jobs to the area, but it also aligns with Ireland’s climate action objectives and the AtkinsRéalis purpose of engineering a better future for our planet and its people.” This appointment follows AtkinsRéalis’ previous appointment to undertake a feasibility plan for the site. A planning application has been submitted for the new campus by PPL and it is hoped, subject to approval, that the site will grow to accommodate a range of high-tech industries, such as biopharma, food, beverage, horticulture and sustainable manufacturing. The site’s decarbonisation and development focus will make the campus extremely attractive to large foreign direct investment and Irish projects. The planning application for the redevelopment of the site is a major milestone for Drogheda, as the project would bring essential infrastructure upgrades and enhanced biodiversity to the area. The development, which will be known as the CORE sustainably powered enterprise campus, will significantly reduce emissions, noise, and light pollution, complementing the special areas of conservation and special protection zones associated with the River Boyne. CEO of Gyrogy, Colin Kelly, stated: “By transitioning to a sustainable business model, this project will secure the long-term future of this historic industrial site, creating more jobs and economic opportunities than ever before for the local community. “We are proud to be part of a project that delivers significant energy transition and community benefits which will set a new benchmark for sustainable energy practices in Ireland.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Padel Club Traffordcity, Manchester to open this weekend

The Padel Club Traffordcity, Manchester to open this weekend

Once fully complete The Padel Club TraffordCity will have 11 courts with state-of-the-art sporting infrastructure and a clubhouse and experience curated by wellness designers. The first phase of the much-anticipated biggest Padel tennis facility in the North of England has been completed and will open its doors to padel enthusiasts from Saturday 22nd March. Located in one of the UK’s foremost retail and leisure destinations – TraffordCity Manchester, The Padel Club’s £2.5 million club and facility will be the third venue developed and operated by the business. Trafford Council approved plans last year to transform the vacant brownfield site. Since the approval, The Padel Club has worked in partnership with regeneration specialists and master planners of TraffordCity, Peel Waters, as well as leading wellness design experts Zynk Design to develop the landmark club. The Padel Club TraffordCity is being delivered in two phases. The first phase completes this month and will see the opening of the first Padel arena of the custom designed Padel facility. The first arena comprises of five purpose-built and high spec covered courts plus two outdoor courts; offering year-round playing which isn’t weather dependent. The Phase one opening also includes the opening of the clubhouse which will be the social centre of The Padel Club TraffordCity. Offering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere with a modern aesthetic, the clubhouse will include an onsite eatery and coffee bar serving up The Padel Club’s own special blend of coffee. The clubhouse will also have its own onsite retail store; offering Padel essentials, best in class rackets; performance wear and exclusive merchandise. The Padel Club has several exclusive fashion and lifestyle collaborations lined up which will be announced and launched from TraffordCity site over the next year. Curating a friendly and welcoming social experience that is centred around wellness has been fundamental to the design of The Padel Club TraffordCity. Spectatorship and involvement will be encouraged at this new facility, with bleacher seating installed to maximise the viewer experience and add excitement when tournaments take place. With Phase one now being complete and operational, The Padel Club plans on losing no time to open the full facility. The build programme to complete Phase two will continue whilst the players use the operational sections of the club. Phase two works include the completion of the second Padel arena comprising of the remaining four indoor courts. The works are expected to be finished by summer this year. On its completion it will make the 11-court club the biggest Padel facility in the North. Kris Ball, Founder and CEO of The Padel Club said: “Opening the doors of The Padel Club TraffordCity is a huge milestone for us. There has been so much hard work to get us to this stage and we’d like to thank everyone who’s helped us. The Padel Club TraffordCity is going to be a landmark club for the north and for the sport, the amount of interest and anticipation we’ve received since we first announced the news that we would be building a club here has been remarkable. “We can’t wait to see these courts in action and for players to enjoy this Padel destination that is centred around quality, experience and wellness.” James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters said: “Our aspiration is for TraffordCity to become the UK’s best retail and leisure destination and offer an activity for everyone. The Padel Club is a great addition to the eclectic mix of leisure offerings we have brought together here. “Padel is one of the fastest growing and most inclusive sports in the UK, and I have witnessed firsthand how fun, accessible and social Padel is. We can’t wait to see the community use this new, high-quality facility and for the club to act as catalyst for the sport encouraging more tournaments and take-up of Padel. “The opening of The Padel Club TraffordCity will bring with it a huge positive impact for the local community including job creation, a further boost to the local economy and improvements to health and wellbeing across different age groups.” Construction is now immediately underway on Phase 2 of The Padel Club TraffordCity, with an expectation to complete all work on site by the beginning of July. The Padel Club TraffordCity will be open from Saturday 22nd March with courts available to book via Playtomic:  The Padel Club TraffordCity | Book your court – Playtomic The Padel Club TraffordCity opening hours: Monday – Friday: 06:30 – 23:00 Saturday and Sunday: 07:00 – 22:00 To find out more about The Padel Club TraffordCity visit: www.thepadelclub.co.uk/traffordcity Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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JD Sports, Superdrug, and Ann Summers Expand Retail Presence at Meadowhall

JD Sports, Superdrug, and Ann Summers Expand Retail Presence at Meadowhall

Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield is set for a major retail boost as JD Sports, Superdrug, and Ann Summers commit to significant store expansions. These latest leasing deals will see the three brands increase their combined retail space to an impressive 42,278 square feet. JD Sports is making a bold move by nearly tripling its footprint on the Lower Level High Street. The sportswear giant will merge five adjacent units to create a flagship 29,225-square-foot store, set to be the largest in the region and the second biggest in the country when it opens in 2026. Meanwhile, Superdrug is relocating to a 10,199-square-foot unit within Meadowhall, making it one of the retailer’s largest stores nationwide. The new space is set to open in late May and will feature an expanded range of health and beauty products. Ann Summers is also upsizing, moving into a 2,854-square-foot unit on the Lower Level High Street. The new store promises an enhanced shopping experience with a refreshed layout and updated design. These expansions come following a period of significant investment in Meadowhall. Last year, British Land sold its 50% stake in the shopping centre to Norges Bank Investment Management for £360 million, giving the sovereign wealth fund full ownership of the retail destination. British Land continues to manage the asset. Richard Crowther, retail leasing director at British Land, said: “Meadowhall continues to attract strategic investment from leading national and international brands. JD Sports, Superdrug, and Ann Summers are the latest tenants to reaffirm their commitment to the centre, following 26 retailers that have invested over £30 million in their stores over the past year. These substantial lease agreements will further elevate Meadowhall’s Lower High Street as part of a centre that dominates the regional retail landscape.” James Air, director of group acquisitions at JD Sports, added: “I am absolutely thrilled that we will be delivering one of our largest stores in Europe at Meadowhall. With over 60 metres of frontage in a prime location, I am confident this will be one of our very best stores.” This wave of retail investment follows the recent announcement that beauty brand Sephora UK has chosen Meadowhall as the location for its first Yorkshire store, set to open this summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Island Line to fully reopen EARLY on 2 May following completion of Ryde Pier repairs

Island Line to fully reopen EARLY on 2 May following completion of Ryde Pier repairs

Island Line will fully reopen between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin on Friday 2 May, in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, following an intensive and complex programme of work to repair and refurbish Ryde Pier. The line between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde Pier Head has been closed since 6 September 2024 while Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) engineers have worked tirelessly to repair and preserve the historic Ryde Pier structure. Upgrades will make the pier and railway line more resilient to extreme weather, ensuring that services can continue to run safely and reliably for generations to come. Prior to the full reopening on Friday 2 May, the entire line from Shanklin to Ryde Pier Head will close from Saturday 26 April to allow engineers to complete final preparations for the resumption of services. During these six days, replacement buses will operate instead of trains. The works will include: Following this work, the line will reopen at the start of service on Friday 2 May, four days earlier than originally planned. The first service will depart Ryde St Johns at 05:23 and arrive at Ryde Pier Head at 05:29. The first train from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin will depart at 06:03. Engineers will return to the line later this year to complete additional upgrades, replacing the rail between Ryde Esplanade and Ryde St Johns Road as well as the footbridge at Ryde St Johns Road. Further details about these upgrades will be announced in due course. George Murrell, Network Rail Wessex route renewals director, said: “I’m delighted that we’re going to be able to fully reopen the Island Line early and in time for the May Bank Holiday, which we know is a busy and important time for the Island’s tourism industry. “We’re now on the home stretch of this work and while I know it will be disappointing, we will need to close the line for the week preceding the resumption of services to finish the final pieces of work, safety checks and prepare the railway for the first service early on Friday 2 May. “I’d like to again thank passengers, residents and businesses on the Island Line for their patience and understanding while we’ve undertaken this programme of critical repairs and upgrades. “We look forward to the resumption of services on 2 May.” Mark Dunn, Island Line general manager, said: “Fully reopening Island Line on Friday 2 May, ahead of schedule and in time for the early May bank holiday, is fantastic news for customers and the Isle of Wight, particularly as we enter the busy tourism season. “The early reopening is due to the brilliant efforts of SWR and Network Rail colleagues, who have worked extremely hard since last September to make necessary repairs to Ryde Pier. “These repairs allow us to resume services from Ryde Pier Head station all the way through to Shanklin and will preserve the historic pier for many years to come. “We’re extremely grateful to our customers and Islanders for their patience while these important works were completed and look forward to welcoming them back for the full service soon.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Q4 Planning Portal Data Reveals the True Scale of the Government’s Housebuilding Challenge

Q4 Planning Portal Data Reveals the True Scale of the Government’s Housebuilding Challenge

Planning activity must increase substantially if the government is to meet its target of 1.5 million new homes by 2029. That is the key finding from the latest Planning Application Index, TerraQuest’s quarterly analysis of Planning Portal data. Based on applications for new homes rather than planning approvals or completed builds, the figures analysed in TerraQuest’s quarterly Planning Application Index give the earliest indication of housebuilders’ confidence in the economy generally and the housing market in particular. Planning Portal statistics show that an average of 300,232 new homes were applied for annually over the past five years – theoretically sufficient to deliver the government’s target. However, in the final three months of 2024, the total number of plans submitted came to just 233,811. Given that it’s unrealistic to expect a 1:1 ratio between applications and their approval and subsequent build out, this figure falls well short of what will be required every year up to the end of the current parliament in 2029. TerraQuest’s new report examines historical planning application figures across England over the past five years, comparing those with verified housebuilding completions data. The picture is one of mixed fortunes for the new government, particularly when looking at the most recent figures from Q4, 2024. The Q4 2024 edition delves into both national and regional findings, with the latter also revealing some points of concern. In the North East, for instance, planning activity was significantly lower than the rest of the country, accounting for just over 3% of all applications submitted over the past five years. Conversely, the South East accounted for almost a quarter over the same period. 95% of applications in England are submitted through TerraQuest’s Planning Portal. Planning Portal share this data to support the industry and wider economy, providing these early market indicators to help drive growth and encourage best practice. As the source of this data, Planning Portal can offer a more immediate picture of activity ‘on the ground’ making this Planning Application Index series act as an important gauge for measuring the market’s response to government policy. Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest, the operator of Planning Portal, said: “TerraQuest’s latest report comes at a critical juncture for the government. Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and the introduction of the new Planning and Infrastructure Bill make it more important than ever to track market confidence and response to legislation. This is the intention behind the Planning Application Index – it gives a more up-to-date view of planning activity across England and, by extension, a critical view into the minds of those responsible for the delivery of homes. “It will be fascinating to track the efficacy of new government policy, especially across the next three quarters of 2025, when the market has fully calibrated to these changes and we have a more complete picture with data to corroborate. “While the government has a huge challenge in front of it, there is cause for optimism, with a lower base interest rate and nascent signs of economic growth. This along with a concerted effort to get building underway will surely deliver what’s been needed for some time: housing and much more of it.” To download TerraQuest’s Planning Application Index, please visit: https://www.terraquest.co.uk/news-and-insights/the-planning-application-index-q4  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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EDSB and Siemens protect a major new UK warehouse

EDSB and Siemens protect a major new UK warehouse

The benefits of the partnership approach adopted by Siemens has been demonstrated in a project by EDSB to develop a fire detection and air sampling solution for a new warehouse operated by one of the UK’s most prominent retailers. The facility in Warrington saw some 1,000 devices installed to protect the 81,570 m2 logistics warehouse area and its ancillary offices. Given the scale of the warehouse, which features high ceilings extending up to 43 metres at the highest point, the detection system needed to provide comprehensive coverage across the entire space. EDSB’s solution included air sampling with low-level test points and pipe runs exceding 200 metres, ensuring the system could accurately detect fires without interference from environmental conditions. Before stepping foot on-site, EDSB’s in-house design team was tasked with creating for the project a compliant BS:5839 Part 1 system, aligned with the Category L1/P1 standards. Given the building’s complexity – including multiple mezzanine levels, cold storage areas, aerosol and battery storage, automated racking systems and comms rooms – the design required a range of detection technologies tailored to each area’s specific needs and environmental conditions. Working with Siemens, after reviewing the 3D BIM models, specifications and fire strategy information, EDSB proposed a combination of air sampling systems, infrared linear beams, multi-sensor detectors, triple infrared flame detectors and gas suppression systems to ensure comprehensive coverage and compliance. One of the main focuses of the brief was to develop a zero-false-alarm system, given the considerable costs associated with four-hour halts in production that could arise from unnecessary shutdowns. In consultation with Siemens, a solution was designed which saw a hybrid fire detection system capable of identifying environmental factors such as dust, smoke and exhaust fumes that could trigger false alarms. Also central to the fire safety considerations was the high ceiling space which presented a particular challenge for traditional smoke detection: ‘stratification’ was identified as an issue whereby the smoke plume generated by a fire cools as it rises, often resulting in it having insufficient buoyancy to reach the roof and activate detectors. This was overcome by using Siemens ASD (Aspirating Smoke Detection), with the first stage of the installation process undertaken once the roof structure was in place. EDSB installed pipework and air sampling units in strategic positions across the warehouse to cover all areas, including the high ceiling zones. Following installation, the entire system was tested and calibrated to ensure optimal performance. Another challenging factor in the project was the need to undertake phased works which operated in parallel with the warehouse construction. Several planning meetings took place to fully understand the site conditions and construction schedule. These meetings were crucial in ensuring that the installation would proceed smoothly alongside the building’s construction. Both the EDSB and Siemens teams, as well as the construction managers, worked together to align on the scope, timeline and logistics of the project. Additionally, potential challenges such as access points and space constraints were identified and strategies were put in place to prevent delays later in the project. Geoff Wain is a Senior Project Manager at EDSB. He comments – “This project has been a coordinated effort from the design stage through to installation and commissioning, primarily utilising in-house engineers. A dedicated site project engineer handled daily communication with our client to ensure that the phased works were completed on time, delivering the project to the end client. The high standard of workmanship across the site is a testament to all those involved.” Alistair Lyon was EDSB’s Install Leader on the project who said – “I believe what we have achieved is something that should be celebrated. This has been a long, challenging and complex installation and we have delivered an end product that we can all look back on and say we are proud to have been a part of.” The facility has a Desigo CC building management head end which is able to display the information relating to the fire system and allows operators to visualise it. Desigo CC is also used on site to manage the HVAC systems, meaning all the building operation data can be viewed via a single interface. This leads to operational and energy efficiency savings. The on site computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) is also integrated into Desigo CC, with its open architecture allowing this integration to happen. Siemens John Fennah added – “At Siemens we always strive to work closely with our partners and this application is an excellent example of how such an approach can achieve the best solution. By understanding and addressing the specific challenges presented by this warehouse, EDSB were able to match the appropriate technology with the different requirements, arriving at an integrated system which optimises fire safety while effectively managing the HVAC.” In total, the site comprises nine networked Siemens fire panels, 34 Siemens aspirator panels, and more than 30 high-level Siemens beam detectors. The warehouse is equipped with 200 interfaces that control various shutdowns and integrate with third-party systems. Special care was taken to ensure the system provides comprehensive coverage. For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure – Buildings www.siemens.co.uk/cerberus For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, please seewww.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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