Aldi has announced plans to open 11 new stores across the UK in the lead-up to Christmas, enhancing its presence in communities nationwide. The first wave of openings includes stores in Sedgley in the West Midlands and Castle Douglas in Scotland, set to welcome shoppers this week. Later in November,
TWO planning applications have been submitted as part of a renovation project at award-winning five-star resort hotel Rockliffe Hall, with the transformation aimed at cementing its reputation as the leading resort with international appeal in the North East. The first planning application seeks approval for a purpose-built pavilion that will
Temporary works specialist Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK) has partnered with HS2’s construction partner for the Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) and leading civil engineering and groundworks contractor, Galldris, to support the realignment of the A452 road over the new HS2 rail line. Project Overview The A452 Kenilworth Road Overbridge
DiPerk Power Solutions, the sole authorised distributor of Perkins engines in the UK and Ireland, has supplied Stage V-compliant Perkins 1204J engines to Regency Power Generators for use in the HS2 high-speed rail project. The compliance to high emission standards means the 1204J qualifies to work in the clean air
David Clements will take on role of Chairman, moving away from the day-to-day running of the business, to focus on strategic growth in key global markets across Europe and the Middle East, whilst pushing forward with the expansion of the carbon carefulTM initiative into other market sectors. Oliver Clements will
Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has issued new imagery for its 375-home Castle Irwell scheme in Salford as keys to the final phase of new homes are handed over to their new owners. The Castle Irwell scheme launched in November 2020 after Salboy took ownership of
Luxury Indian hotel brand Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is set to open its first UK location in London’s exclusive Mayfair district. The hotel will be part of Grosvenor’s landmark South Molton development and will occupy a prime position at 40-46 Brook Street, promising to deliver Oberoi’s renowned elegance, exceptional service,
Councillors have given the green light to an ambitious plan to bring a fresh, entertainment-focused venue to Wolverhampton’s Mander Centre. The new leisure hub, developed by real estate and investment firm Catella APAM in collaboration with Superbowl UK, is expected to open its doors in early 2025. The multi-faceted entertainment
Leading housing association Bromford has today announced a strong set of financial results for the six months to September 2024 with the publication of its mid-year trading update. The results show another period of robust financial performance for the Tewkesbury-based housing association which continues to invest in its existing homes
LNT Care Developments has purchased Sewardstone House and Chapelfield Nursery, a 5.1-acre freehold site in Chingford, North East London, from Lochinvar Care Limited. The site, which includes planning approval for a modern, two-storey care facility with 66 bedrooms, marks the first new care home development in the area in over
Aldi has announced plans to open 11 new stores across the UK in the lead-up to Christmas, enhancing its presence in communities nationwide. The first wave of openings includes stores in Sedgley in the West Midlands and Castle Douglas in Scotland, set to welcome shoppers this week. Later in November, Aldi will open additional stores in Horsham, West Sussex, and Muswell Hill, London. As the festive season approaches, further locations in Totton (Hampshire), Cribbs Causeway (Bristol), and Pwllheli (Gwynedd) will also debut. In addition to the new stores, Aldi is investing in refurbishments at 15 existing sites to improve the shopping experience for customers. These expansions are part of Aldi’s ambitious plan to reach 1,500 stores across the UK, supported by an £800 million investment into its UK operations this year alone. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of Real Estate at Aldi UK, remarked, “We’re dedicated to making high-quality, affordable food accessible to everyone. Our new store openings reflect our ongoing investment in the UK, and we’re thrilled to bring Aldi’s unbeatable prices to more communities ahead of the festive season.” This news follows a similar announcement from rival Lidl, which has confirmed plans to open 10 new stores before Christmas, alongside the reopening of three upgraded locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TWO planning applications have been submitted as part of a renovation project at award-winning five-star resort hotel Rockliffe Hall, with the transformation aimed at cementing its reputation as the leading resort with international appeal in the North East. The first planning application seeks approval for a purpose-built pavilion that will house a flagship restaurant of award-winning quality. The second application focuses on restoring the hotel’s iconic Grade II listed Old Hall, preserving its historic charm while enhancing guest accommodations and experiences at the resort. The proposed 584-square-metre pavilion will offer a sophisticated, modern space with the external design drawing inspiration from colonnaded architecture and materials that complement the Old Hall. Inside, the venue will feature a bespoke dining area with an open kitchen, designed to enhance interaction between guests and chefs, offering an immersive experience that takes diners on a culinary journey inspired by the finest global cuisine. To complement the new pavilion, the Old Hall project will include the transformation of The Orangery and its kitchen to become the main resort restaurant and further elevate Rockliffe Hall’s culinary offerings overseen by the expertise of culinary director James Close, who was appointed in February 2024. Shauna Robb, general manager at Rockliffe Hall, said: “The proposed improvements underscore our commitment to positioning Rockliffe Hall as a leading luxury destination, placing the North East of England firmly on the international hospitality map while enhancing its value as a regional asset. “We are dedicated to preserving the estate’s rich heritage while investing in its future, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional guest experiences and contribute to the local economy. Importantly, these developments will create opportunities for local residents to work in high-level food and beverage roles. Once completed, they will further secure Rockliffe Hall’s standing as a premier five-star resort hotel, attracting travellers from around the globe.” James Close, culinary director at Rockliffe Hall, said: “This project is focused on creating a world-class dining destination and is the perfect progression of everything we developed and achieved before joining Rockliffe Hall. Using our experience, our global travel influences, and the opportunity that the new build offers us, we are looking to create something really special for the North East that will be recognised and enjoyed locally and internationally.” Plans to revitalise the historic Old Hall feature thoughtful internal alterations that preserve its architectural integrity, while the external appearance will not be altered by the proposals. Key upgrades include enhancements to upper-floor guest rooms, and opening sections between the cocktail bar, drawing room, and terrace, ensuring a seamless flow for guests. Landscape improvements will also enhance the Old Hall’s north façade frontage. The architecture and design features a rhythmical colonnade on both the north and south facades, with the latter framing views of the River Tees. Materials such as the stone cladding, which complements the ashlar of the Old Hall, the lead appearance roof, which has similarities to the Old Hall Orangery, and design features like the pavilion’s stone mullion details that echo those of the Old Hall, will create a sensitive yet contemporary addition. The companies collaborating to usher Rockliffe Hall into a new era include; BSBA Architects, GT3 Interiors, Identity Consult and BRIMS Construction, Monarch Catering Equipment, DESCO Engineering – electrical and mechanical engineers, and BGP Consulting – structural engineers. Identity Consult are leading the program as project managers with IC Planning as the planning consultants, BSBA Architects as lead designer, and GT3 progressing the Interior Design development. After an in-depth exploration of key considerations including heritage context, and future sustainability, the chosen strategy introduces a contemporary building that complements the historic Old Hall, while ensuring its long-term preservation as a heritage asset. GT3 Interiors has drawn inspiration from the Old Hall’s heritage, its grounds, and the local environment for the newly enhanced guest rooms. The redesigned accommodations will reflect the rugged beauty of the landscape and its international export connections, incorporating design elements that pay homage to the region’s significant global engineering contributions, particularly iconic structures built with Teesside steel. Michael Simpson, director at GT3 Interiors, said: “This is set to be such an exciting scheme for the North East, creating a truly world-class hospitality offering for visitors – and the interior design needs to reflect just that. “Our designs are always rooted in people, making sure that their experience of any space is as enjoyable, comfortable, inspiring, and memorable as possible. For this project, we have been inspired by the region, blending references to its fantastic landscapes, built environments and pioneering manufacturing heritage with cues to the international destinations it has impacted. The result will be a series of immersive and engaging spaces that capture the identity and ambition of the North East in a luxury setting.” The Old Hall restoration is due to be completed in October 2025 and the new flagship restaurant build, in December 2025. The proposed renovations at Rockliffe Hall reflect a significant commitment to enhancing its status as a leading luxury destination. These proposals are now under review by the relevant planning authorities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Temporary works specialist Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK) has partnered with HS2’s construction partner for the Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) and leading civil engineering and groundworks contractor, Galldris, to support the realignment of the A452 road over the new HS2 rail line. Project Overview The A452 Kenilworth Road Overbridge is a fully integral box structure with in-situ concrete base, abutments and wingwalls, spanning over 76 metres. This project is part of the vast HS2 landscape realignment of the A452 road over the new high speed rail line. The structure was one of the highest concrete pours undertaken by Altrad RMDK in Europe to date with a pouring height of 13.5 metres to one of the main wingwalls. The project’s success was critical in maintaining the momentum of the HS2 timeline, highlighting the collaborative efforts of all involved. The Challenge The project presented a multitude of challenges due to the complex shape and weight of the bridge. One of the main challenges was overcoming the complex geometric patterns used for the wingwalls. These wingwalls tapered in height along their length and also along their width across the base. Not only this, but the external shutters lean into the internal face to taper in width across the height. Where the wingwalls met the abutment walls, there was a complex movement joint that was required to allow for the expansion of the respective elements whilst still retaining the backfill that would eventually encapsulate the structure. The project demanded meticulous planning, coordination, and execution, with the additional pressure of adhering to a tight schedule. The Solution Altrad RMDK and Galldris worked in partnership, bringing together expertise and resources from both organisations, which proved instrumental in overcoming the complex challenges posed by the project’s scope. The contractor needed a solution that could be configured into various shapes and sizes, and so a custom specification was engineered using Superslim Soldiers and Alform Aluminium Beams to meet the complex requirements. Superslim Soldiers are designed to handle high loads, making them an ideal solution for a pour of this stature, as they were able to ensure that the formwork was able to remain stable under the pressure of the concrete. The beams helped maintain the structure’s shape and integrity during the entire pouring process, which was crucial in preventing deformities and ensuring the accurate formation. The Alform Beams provided a quick, durable and lightweight solution, allowing for simple installation, which was particularly advantageous on this high pour as moving and positioning formwork can be time and labour intensive. Despite being lightweight, Alform Beams withstood the substantial pressure from the concrete, working alongside Superslim Soliders to ensure that formwork remained intact and stable throughout the pour. This was important as it was essential that the solutions maintained the tapering shapes and dimensions of the wingwalls throughout the pouring process. Stuart Grant, Senior Sales Representative at Altrad RMD Kwikform, said: “The A452 Kenilworth Overbridge project highlights Altrad RMD Kwikform’s engineering capabilities and innovative solutions. Through partnerships, careful planning, and the use of advanced equipment, the project demonstrated the effective collaboration needed for this infrastructure development.” For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DiPerk Power Solutions, the sole authorised distributor of Perkins engines in the UK and Ireland, has supplied Stage V-compliant Perkins 1204J engines to Regency Power Generators for use in the HS2 high-speed rail project. The compliance to high emission standards means the 1204J qualifies to work in the clean air requirements of London and other regulated development centres and as a result, two of these engines have already been delivered to a site on the outskirts of London, ready for commissioning. The Perkins engines will be integrated into generator sets (gensets) by Regency Power Generators and supplied to Skanska Costain, a contractor for the HS2 project. These gensets will be strategically placed at the ends of tunnels along the London to Birmingham route, serving as critical emergency power units. They will ensure continuous power supply for essential systems such as tunnel lighting in the event of any blackouts. Wayne Vincent, Head of Distribution Sales at DiPerk Power Solutions, said: “The HS2 project demands the highest standards of reliability and environmental performance, which is why we specified and delivered the Perkins 1204J engines to Regency Power Generators. These engines are known for their reliability and meet environmental requirements with their Stage V compliance, which is crucial for operation in London’s stringent emissions control areas. The engines also offer enhanced electronic control for precise emissions management, making them ideal for this critical infrastructure project.” The UK-manufactured gensets are designed to be mobile, enabling easy lifting and relocation as needed during different phases of the HS2 project. This flexibility is crucial as the project involves building extensive viaducts from Birmingham to London, with the gensets needing to be positioned at various points along this route. The engines’ emissions control also positions these units as a versatile solution for the project’s evolving power needs. Steven Bussey, Business Development Manager at Regency Power Generators, commented: “In addition to integrating the Perkins 1204J engines, we’ve enhanced the gensets with bespoke features to meet Skanska Costain’s specific requirements. This includes fitting special quick-fit connectors and designing a custom frame with a reinforced canopy. These modifications provide ease of use and added protection.” He added: “We chose to work with DiPerk because of their expertise with Perkins engines and their ability to supply the Stage V compliant models we needed. Their support throughout the application and installation process has been invaluable in helping us meet the exacting standards of this high-profile project.” For more information about DiPerk visit www.diperk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
David Clements will take on role of Chairman, moving away from the day-to-day running of the business, to focus on strategic growth in key global markets across Europe and the Middle East, whilst pushing forward with the expansion of the carbon carefulTM initiative into other market sectors. Oliver Clements will become Managing Director with responsibility for the overall business operations. Succession planning for FUTURE Designs began five years ago with the creation of the Employee Ownership Trust. This was initiated for the long-term benefit of all employees and the continued legacy of the organisation. Since then, there has been a focused strategy to develop and strengthen the senior management team, alongside a significant investment to increase the expertise and skill sets within the business. After nine years in Farringdon the business has relocated the design and technology centre to Soho. This represents a major investment to increase its presence and visibility, creating an industry hub for networking and knowledge sharing. Oliver Clements, Managing Director of FUTURE Designs says: “The foundations for business growth have been set for many years. My role is to maintain our strong legacy and ensure even greater success for the future. Continuity of business is paramount and I look forward to increasing and developing FUTURE Designs with my co-directors, Leon Ellis, Technical Director and Paul Noad, Operations Director, alongside our senior management team. The wider marketplace is continually evolving and I remain as dedicated to our customers as ever, ensuring that the latest innovations and technologies are integrated throughout our manufacturing processes and product development. The rigorous attention to detail to guarantee quality at every level, with an exemplary service in delivery and after-care will always be a hallmark of the business.” David Clements Chairman of FUTURE Designs, comments: “FUTURE Designs was created in 1991 and has organically grown to become one of the top five privately owned lighting manufacturer in the UK. It is a business built on our enduring ability to meet the exacting needs of our clients. I am excited for the management team, led by Oliver, to create their own path for future success, building on the strong foundations of FUTURE Designs. We have always remained at the forefront of innovation in this sector and there is still much to be excited about as we strive to always deliver the best product and outcomes for our valued customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has issued new imagery for its 375-home Castle Irwell scheme in Salford as keys to the final phase of new homes are handed over to their new owners. The Castle Irwell scheme launched in November 2020 after Salboy took ownership of the site of the infamous Manchester Racecourse. Located in a part of Salford that needed significant regeneration, the emergence of Castle Irwell is helping to transform the fortunes of the local area – a stone’s throw from central Manchester. At the point of completion, Castle Irwell was fully sold out and 98% of homes were already occupied. The remaining new residents are expected to move in over Christmas. Made up of 375 new homes, Castle Irwell is targeted at Manchester and Salford’s young professionals, students and young families. Buyers have a choice of 2, 3 and 4-bed houses, with nine types of houses to choose from, ensuring diversity and a visually interesting site in every direction. Partnering with Domis Construction and Wright Landscapes, Salboy has demonstrated its commitment to place making and making use of the natural or manmade landmarks surrounding its schemes. Castle Irwell is constructed around three-acres of appealing public realm areas. The river that runs through the site has been adapted with walking trails and organic play areas to provide the sort of peaceful and tranquil setting residents might look for. Developed over four years and with a £110m GDV, Castle Irwell meets all high and continuously evolving sustainability requirements and expectations. Solar panels on the roofs of all houses enable residents to make sustainable energy choices that suit their individual family needs. Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “Manchester Racecourse holds deep significance for the Salboy team. Many of us grew up nearby and love the history and stories that surround it. Charged with transforming the site into a place where people want to live and build families was a huge honour and responsibility. I am, once again, delighted to turn over the keys to our scheme’s new residents on time and on budget. We look forward to seeing how this pocket of Salford develops and adds value to the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Luxury Indian hotel brand Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is set to open its first UK location in London’s exclusive Mayfair district. The hotel will be part of Grosvenor’s landmark South Molton development and will occupy a prime position at 40-46 Brook Street, promising to deliver Oberoi’s renowned elegance, exceptional service, and signature attention to detail. Grosvenor secured planning approval for the restoration of this 33,000 sq ft listed building in 2022, making it a focal point of the South Molton scheme. This ambitious project is the West End’s largest mixed-use development, combining the hotel with new offices, housing, cafés, shops, restaurants, and community spaces. The development also includes two office buildings spanning 267,000 sq ft through a joint venture with Mitsui Fudosan UK, creating new corporate headquarters on Brook Street and Davies Street. South Molton is poised to become a new gateway to Mayfair, anticipated to generate an annual £6.5 million spend, and create 1,000 permanent jobs, along with 450 jobs and apprenticeships during construction. Work began in November 2023, with all phases expected to conclude by the end of 2027. Rachel Dickie, Executive Director of Investment and Development at Grosvenor, expressed excitement about the Oberoi partnership: “Securing such a prestigious brand as Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is a clear step towards creating an internationally significant destination in the heart of Mayfair.” Mr Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “Our partnership with Grosvenor is a pivotal step in our international expansion. London is a key market for us, and we are thrilled to bring our distinctive hospitality style to Mayfair.” Vikram Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO of The Oberoi Group, added, “Bringing the Oberoi experience to London, especially in such a vibrant and iconic location, marks a major milestone for our brand. The Oberoi, Mayfair, will offer an intimate retreat embodying both luxury and the city’s dynamic spirit.” JLL acted on behalf of Grosvenor, while EIH London Investments Ltd was represented by Johnny Sandelson. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Councillors have given the green light to an ambitious plan to bring a fresh, entertainment-focused venue to Wolverhampton’s Mander Centre. The new leisure hub, developed by real estate and investment firm Catella APAM in collaboration with Superbowl UK, is expected to open its doors in early 2025. The multi-faceted entertainment venue will feature 12 bowling lanes, a soft play area, interactive darts, a bar and diner, and a SEGA Prize Zone arcade. This innovative mixed-use concept aims to revitalise vacant retail space within the Mander Centre and contribute to the council’s vision for a more connected, vibrant city centre. Superbowl UK’s plans to revive this space align closely with Wolverhampton Council’s ambitions to boost the local economy by creating new homes, jobs, and learning opportunities. The new development spans over 17,000 sq ft across multiple units, and Catella APAM’s contracting arm, Vantage, is expected to oversee £500,000 worth of retrofitting work to bring this vision to life. Harry Wilce, Asset Manager at Catella APAM, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Superbowl UK as the centrepiece of our leisure offering at the Mander Centre. This development will extend our operating hours, enhance customer choice, and significantly increase footfall in the city centre.” Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for city development, jobs, and skills, commented, “This new addition perfectly aligns with the council’s recent improvements to Victoria Street. With planning approval now granted, it’s exciting to see construction set to begin soon. This development will boost leisure options for residents and visitors, drive foot traffic, and provide a much-needed economic uplift to support both established and emerging local businesses.” The new Superbowl UK facility is expected to create 30 new job opportunities, including management roles and guest experience hosts, contributing to the city’s ongoing economic development. The council hopes this addition will also attract further investment, with plans for additional leisure and dining options being actively pursued in partnership with Catella APAM. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading housing association Bromford has today announced a strong set of financial results for the six months to September 2024 with the publication of its mid-year trading update. The results show another period of robust financial performance for the Tewkesbury-based housing association which continues to invest in its existing homes and provide new affordable, energy efficient homes. Key highlights: Chief Finance Officer Paul Walsh added: “We are pleased to report another strong set of financial results for the six months ending 30 September 2024. “Like the rest of the sector, we have faced persistent cost pressures and increased demand for our repairs and maintenance services. In the first six months of the year we have invested £34m in our existing homes to respond to this demand and significantly reduce our repairs backlog. We are committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for our customers whilst also maintaining financial discipline and have maintained our social housing operating margin at the leading edge of the sector at 34%.” After being named the country’s biggest builder of social rent homes1, Bromford has continued to invest in its development programme and has completed 457 new homes during the past six months, of which 220 were for social rent. Bromford’s in-house construction team built 53 of the completed homes and is forecast to finish another 170 in the second half of the year. The housing association also completed 108 shared ownership homes and four for outright sale. During the six months to September 2024 Bromford published its first results against the regulator’s Tenant Satisfaction Measures. Bromford collected data from customers during their annual conversation with their neighbourhood coach, with more than 10,000 customers taking part. Chief Customer Officer Paul Coates said: “Our coaching model is unique; it seeks to build a strengths-based relationship rather than a one size fits all and encourages connections between customers, neighbours and communities. “Ninety-three percent of customers not only know their neighbourhood coach but over 88% of customers would recommend them. This investment provides us with a great platform to deliver from and we know it delivers results – including sector leading figures on customer advocacy, 90%, and against the regulator’s Tenant Satisfaction Measures we score 83% on customer satisfaction, marking us out as a top 20% performer.” During the six months to the end of September 2024 Bromford raised an additional £200 million through a new sustainable finance deal with NatWest, with targets linked to reducing the intensity of its Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions and building new homes for social rent. It also retained its sector-leading credit ratings of A+ and A2 from S&P and Moody’s respectively. Matthew Rose, Director of Treasury, said: “We expect to return to the market for new funding over the coming year and have significant capacity for additional borrowing. We will aim to strengthen and develop relationships with existing investors and continue to explore opportunities to diversify funding streams, especially as the merger with Flagship creates one of the strongest UK housing associations.” In June 2024 Bromford announced its intention to merge with Norwich-based Flagship Group in 2025, to create an 80,000-home housing association and to enable additional development capacity to deliver new homes on a larger scale. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LNT Care Developments has purchased Sewardstone House and Chapelfield Nursery, a 5.1-acre freehold site in Chingford, North East London, from Lochinvar Care Limited. The site, which includes planning approval for a modern, two-storey care facility with 66 bedrooms, marks the first new care home development in the area in over a decade. The planned care home will feature premium amenities such as a café, bar, dining rooms, quiet lounges and family rooms, a library, garden room, cinema room, and an on-site hairdresser. Staff facilities will include fully equipped catering areas along with showers and changing rooms. Designed with accessibility in mind, the care home will have spacious corridors and levelled pathways throughout, as well as ample parking, with 30 spaces in total, including six electric vehicle charging points and two accessible bays. Set in Chingford, in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, the site is conveniently located with access to Sewardstone Road, the M25, and central Chingford. Public transport is also available with the 215 TFL bus service offering direct connections to Chingford Station, Chingford Mount, and Walthamstow Central tube station. Surrounded by residential areas and peaceful parks, the site promises an attractive setting for future residents. Mandip Bhogal, Partner for Healthcare at Knight Frank, commented, “With no new care homes recently constructed in Chingford and an ageing population, there’s an undersupply of modern care facilities in the area. This transaction will deliver a much-needed, purpose-built care home that will benefit the local community.” Richard Hardy, Managing Director at Lansdown (parent company to Lochinvar Care Limited), added, “It’s been a pleasure working with Knight Frank on the sale of Sewardstone Road, which will soon provide a sustainable, high-quality care home to meet the increasing demand in this area. This is the first of several key care developments we’ll be advancing across London in the coming years.” Keeley Sharp, Strategic Land Director at LNT Care Developments, shared, “We’re thrilled to bring 66 essential care beds to Chingford. Site work has already started, and we’re excited to welcome the community to this new facility by early 2026.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
