Global real estate firm Avison Young UK and JLL have been jointly appointed by Z Hotels, to sell the freehold interest in its Leicester Square property, a market-leading boutique hotel in the heart of London’s West End. Structured as a sale and leaseback offers are invited at a guide price
The UK’s largest road infrastructure project in a generation has been given the green light, as the Secretary of State for Transport grants development consent for the Lower Thames Crossing. The ambitious scheme, connecting Kent, Thurrock, and Essex, is set to ease congestion at the heavily burdened Dartford Crossing. A
With a population growth exceeding 5% over the past decade, Derby faces increased pressure on its educational infrastructure. To address this, Derby City Council has committed £30 million to expand school capacity, including the newly constructed Oak Grange Primary School at Boulton Moor. This state-of-the-art facility provides 354 primary school places, to meet
The Association for Project Safety (APS) and the International Safety and Health Construction Coordinators Organization (ISHCCO) recently hosted a landmark international congress in Edinburgh, bringing together construction safety experts from across Europe. The gathering focused on raising competency standards, tackling emerging risks, and strengthening global collaboration in construction health and
72% of investors are considering Scotland’s living sector in 2025 The PBSA continues to be a shining light in the Scottish commercial property investment market, according to the latest investor research on the living sector conducted by leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate Advisors. A majority (72%) of
The UK’s metro mayors will battle it out on the decks for an iconic night of head-to-head musical entertainment at this year’s UKREiiF. Powered by Capital & Centric, the first Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will take place at the O2 Academy Leeds, one of the country’s most popular music venues,
Waterman is pleased to announce that Neil Humphrey has been appointed as the new CEO of Waterman effective 1 April 2025, succeeding Nick Taylor who has led the business for the last 17 years. Neil brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of the company.
McLaren Construction Midlands and North is proud to announce the successful completion of the UK’s largest cold store facility, developed for Magnavale Ltd, one of the country’s leading temperature controlled warehouse and value added service providers. The fully automated facility stands at 47 metres tall with a capacity for 101,000
HG Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on a new purpose-built student accommodation in Stratford being developed in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate. The N16 Stratford scheme will comprise 504 student beds constructed over two blocks reaching 10 and 18 storeys. The project will also
Bouygues UK has secured the contract to build two flagship education facilities for Cardiff & Vale College (CAVC): the Barry Waterfront Campus and the Advanced Technology Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan. The project, delivered under the Welsh government’s mutual investment model (MIM), is the largest to date under the
Global real estate firm Avison Young UK and JLL have been jointly appointed by Z Hotels, to sell the freehold interest in its Leicester Square property, a market-leading boutique hotel in the heart of London’s West End. Structured as a sale and leaseback offers are invited at a guide price of £42 million for the freehold interest, with a guaranteed 35-year leaseback to Z Hotels. The hotel has 95 boutique bedrooms across four floors, with a basement restaurant. The proposed hotel lease is structured around a 5 yearly reviewed rent, indexed to CPI and a separate ground floor restaurant lease to Steak & Co. Located at Garrick House, 3-5 Charing Cross Road, the site has undergone conversion from an office to reinstate the original use of the building as a hotel. The hotel has been designed to provide maximum energy efficiency and will be fully operational by June 2025. Strategically positioned directly off Leicester Square, the hotel is surrounded by London’s most popular tourist landmarks, nightlife destinations and the West End’s cultural attractions, driving consistently high occupancy levels. The property is highly connected, with TfL and National Rail stations within 5 minutes walking distance and nearby Elizabeth Line routes at Tottenham Court Road opening up Heathrow Airport in under 50 minutes. The hotel will operate with low environmental impact, with ESG credentials boosted by the installation of low carbon technologies including photovoltaics, heat recovery units and non-refrigerant water-cooled air conditioning. All parties declined to comment. For enquiries, please contact: Pippa Harrison, Principal Head of Hotel Capital Markets, Avison Young UK: Pippa.Harrison@avisonyoung.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s largest road infrastructure project in a generation has been given the green light, as the Secretary of State for Transport grants development consent for the Lower Thames Crossing. The ambitious scheme, connecting Kent, Thurrock, and Essex, is set to ease congestion at the heavily burdened Dartford Crossing. A Game-Changer for UK Roads Spanning 23km, the project includes twin tunnels stretching 4.2km beneath the River Thames, providing a vital new link between the A2/M2 and the M25. Designed to tackle severe congestion at Dartford—the busiest river crossing in the country—the Lower Thames Crossing is expected to improve traffic flow and unlock economic growth across the South East. The estimated cost of the scheme is £9.4bn, with the government exploring private finance options that could push the total to £10.2bn. Already, £1.2bn has been invested, with much of it allocated to the project’s extensive planning and approval process—the largest development consent order (DCO) application ever submitted in the UK. Following its initial submission in October 2022, the project underwent an exhaustive public examination before receiving approval on 20 March 2024. The decision, which had been delayed multiple times, marks a major milestone in one of the UK’s most complex infrastructure projects. Construction could begin as early as 2026, with completion expected in the early 2030s. In the meantime, project teams will work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to refine design elements and minimise community and environmental disruption. A Sustainable Approach to Infrastructure The Lower Thames Crossing is being positioned as a carbon-neutral construction “pathfinder” project. National Highways aims to significantly cut emissions by up to 70% through the use of low-carbon materials and alternative fuels, such as hydrogen. These sustainability efforts are expected to set a benchmark for future large-scale infrastructure developments, with potential applications in sectors like rail and nuclear energy. Beyond its transport benefits, the scheme includes major environmental commitments. Plans include the creation of six times more green space than the road itself, planting one million trees, establishing a community woodland, and developing two new public parks with Thames views. Nearly 5km of new and upgraded pathways will also be introduced for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Designed with extensive public consultation, several adjustments have been made to mitigate the impact on local communities and ancient woodlands. These include increasing lane capacity to three in each direction and extending the tunnel length. Creating Jobs and Boosting the Economy The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs within the construction sector, with a commitment to recruiting nearly half of the workforce locally. Skills training and employment opportunities will be a key focus, ensuring long-term benefits for communities in the region. To deliver the project, three main works contracts have been awarded: Industry leaders have widely welcomed the approval, calling it a transformative investment in the UK’s infrastructure. Balfour Beatty’s divisional CEO for major projects, highways and ground engineering, Phil Clifton, stated that the project would “unlock capacity, capability, and careers.” Skanska UK’s executive vice president Andrew English added that it would relieve congestion while showcasing innovations in low-carbon construction. Calls for Funding Clarity Despite the approval, there are concerns over the project’s funding. The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) has urged the government to make a swift decision on financing to ensure work can begin without further delays. However, not everyone supports the scheme. Green Alliance policy adviser Rosie Allen has criticised the government’s approach, arguing that investing in public transport and freight solutions would be a more effective long-term strategy. Campaign group Transport Action Network has described the decision as “economic madness,” questioning the viability of spending up to £16bn on a single road project at a time of budget constraints. As debates continue, the Lower Thames Crossing remains a landmark infrastructure project with the potential to reshape transport in the South East while setting new standards for sustainability in construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With a population growth exceeding 5% over the past decade, Derby faces increased pressure on its educational infrastructure. To address this, Derby City Council has committed £30 million to expand school capacity, including the newly constructed Oak Grange Primary School at Boulton Moor. This state-of-the-art facility provides 354 primary school places, to meet the needs of a rapidly growing residential area. A collaborative effort between Langley, Advanced Roofing, and main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure, the project underscores the value of integrating durable and efficient roofing systems within public sector developments. The Need for Resilient Infrastructure Derby City Council required a roofing solution that balanced longevity, sustainability, and compliance with stringent building standards. Langley’s TA-20 flat roof waterproofing system emerged as the ideal choice, offering a 20-year Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) covering design, product, and workmanship. The project serves as a benchmark in achieving energy efficiency and safety, with a U-Value of 0.15 W/m²K, surpassing the energy efficiency standards set by Part L of the Building Regulations. Langley’s TA-20 roofing system’s BRoof(t4) certification assured compliance with Part B fire safety regulations, solidifying the project’s alignment with technical and regulatory requirements. Together, these features highlight how innovation and compliance can work hand in hand to create exceptional new-build educational environments. Why TA-20? Langley’s TA-20 system was specifically chosen to meet Derby City Council’s requirements for a reinforced bituminous membrane (RBM) system that delivered reliable waterproofing and thermal efficiency. The TA-20 system offers several key advantages that made it an ideal choice for the project. Its cost-effectiveness ensures long-term durability at a practical price point, helping the council minimize operational costs. Additionally, the system’s high thermal efficiency significantly reduces heating and cooling expenses, promoting both environmental and economic sustainability. The straightforward installation process further contributed to the project’s success, enabling the roofing work to be completed smoothly within the two-month timeline. Langley’s technical team supported Advanced Roofing with weekly site visits to ensure adherence to compliance standards, including BS6229 and NHBC Technical Standards. The result is a roof optimised for durability and sustainability, tailored to the needs of a growing educational hub. Efficient Execution The partnership between Langley and Advanced Roofing ensured smooth project execution despite the tight schedule. By maintaining close collaboration and leveraging Langley’s extensive technical expertise, the team completed the roof installation on time, meeting both safety and quality requirements. The ease of use of the TA-20 system allowed Advanced Roofing to execute the project without the need for major design customisations, ensuring rapid installation without compromising quality. This straightforward approach proved essential for the school’s timely opening and long-term operational efficiency. A Sustainable Solution By integrating Langley’s TA-20 roofing system, Oak Grange Primary School achieves significant sustainability gains, aligning with Derby City Council’s environmental goals. The system’s high-performance insulation reduces energy consumption, supporting the council’s commitment to minimising emissions across public estates. Supporting Educational Growth The successful collaboration between Derby City Council, Langley, Advanced Roofing, and Morgan Sindall highlights the importance of reliable partnerships in public sector projects. Oak Grange Primary School now stands as a benchmark for sustainable, high-quality educational facilities, ensuring comfort and efficiency for generations to come. Dean Jetson, supply chain manager at Morgan Sindall said: “Delivering Oak Grange Primary School was an exciting challenge that allowed us to showcase our commitment to quality and innovation. Partnering with Langley and Advanced Roofing enabled us to not only meet the project requirements but also exceed the expectations of Derby City Council in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency.” Connor Wignall, senior estimator at Advanced Roofing, said: “Our collaboration on Oak Grange Primary School shows the critical role roofing systems play in creating sustainable and efficient educational environments. Working with Langley’s TA-20 system meant that we were able to deliver a solution that meets Derby City Council’s rigorous specifications and provides long-term durability and energy efficiency. It’s rewarding to see how this project will contribute to Derby’s growing educational infrastructure while supporting environmental goals.” Simon Griffiths, new build national sales manager from Langley said: “This project presented an opportunity to showcase the adaptability of our TA-20 system in a new-build school setting. Collaborating with Advanced Roofing allowed us to tailor a solution that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of Derby City Council.” As Derby City Council continues to expand its educational infrastructure, Langley’s TA-20 system stands as a benchmark in delivering cost-effective, high-quality roofing solutions that support sustainability and community development goals. This project underscores Langley’s commitment to combining technical expertise with responsive collaboration, providing solutions that are resilient, compliant, and designed for the long-term benefit of public facilities. For more on Langley’s roofing solutions and services, see Langley.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Association for Project Safety (APS) and the International Safety and Health Construction Coordinators Organization (ISHCCO) recently hosted a landmark international congress in Edinburgh, bringing together construction safety experts from across Europe. The gathering focused on raising competency standards, tackling emerging risks, and strengthening global collaboration in construction health and safety co-ordination. The event provided a platform for leading professionals to discuss the latest regulatory updates, technological advancements, global challenges, building a resilient future and best practices in safety coordination. The key themes discussed included issues around competence and compliance in a Post-Grenfell Landscape. Indeed, with building safety regulations tightening, discussions focused on how Safety and Health Construction Coordinators (SHCCs) – including UK Principal Designers (PDs) and Principal Contractors (PCs) – must adapt to ensure improved safety standards. There were also discussions around New and Emerging Risks – beyond known hazards such as asbestos and silica, the event highlighted new occupational risks and the impact of climate change on construction safety. Speakers at the Congress also reinforced the role of technology, particularly on how digital innovation – BIM and emerging technologies, can enhance health and safety processes and improve risk management. Other themes discussed included introducing more collaboration between ISHCCO and International Social Security Association – Construction Section (ISSA-C) to tackle Global Challenges, building a resilient future by climate-proofing design infrastructure (European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE) Manifesto) and measuring performance in a bid to improving safety outcomes to benefit long-term industry improvements. As a founder member of ISHCCO, APS has a long-standing commitment to improving health and safety coordination in the UK and Europe. The joint Congress underlined the importance of sharing best practices and fostering international collaboration to advance construction safety. Andrew Leslie, Chief Executive, APS commented: “APS was formed by consequence of EU Directive 92/57 which impacted on all EU Member States. Despite the UK decision to leave the EU, APS recognises the importance of sharing good practice and research and development with our ISHCCO colleagues, particularly as many design and construction goods and services are now delivered on an international basis.” Evangelitsa Tsoulofta, ISHCCO President, added: “ISHCCO’s vision, as the umbrella organization of safety and health construction coordinators in Europe and Worldwide, is to affirm its members’ professional identity and collaborate with OSH and construction professionals and institutions for a safer, healthier, and sustainable construction industry and infrastructure. “Promoting construction OSH, we not only protect the lives and well-being of construction workers but also contribute to the sustainability of our industry, infrastructure, and society. I extend an invitation to all OSH and construction professionals to join ISHCCO in this noble mission, and I look forward to working together to build a better future for all. “Building on the success of Edinburgh 2024, our Spanish colleagues will host the next ISHCCO General Assembly and Congress in Madrid in 2025, further strengthening ties between European safety coordinators.” For more details visit www.ishcco.org and www.aps.org.uk
72% of investors are considering Scotland’s living sector in 2025 The PBSA continues to be a shining light in the Scottish commercial property investment market, according to the latest investor research on the living sector conducted by leading independent property advisory firm, Lismore Real Estate Advisors. A majority (72%) of investors are considering Scotland’s living sector in 2025, with interest highest among investment managers (86%) compared to fund investors (50%). The end of rent caps from April 2025 could provide greater stability, supporting growth in a market already facing a housing shortage, particularly in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Lismore’s research found that portfolio diversification (26.8%) is the primary driver of investment in this market, followed by minimal void risk (24.7%) and liquidity (22.3%), highlighting investors’ focus on stability and resilience. Sustainability (28.3%) remains a top priority for PBSA investors, reflecting the sector’s alignment with ESG standards, while demand is also driven by unit mix considerations (24.1%) and reliance on overseas students (23.0%), particularly in prime locations near Russell Group universities. Chris Thornton, Associate Director of Lismore said: “The PBSA sector continues to be one of the shining lights, performing strongly, driven by resilient demand and stable capital values, particularly in cities with a Russell Group university. Despite concerns over international student numbers, institutional investors, private equity firms and specialist platforms remain highly engaged in this sector.” Murdo Mcilhagger Managing Director of MYS Student Living added: “The PBSA market has returned to fundamentals, with strong assets continuing to perform well, supported by macro tailwinds such as growing international student demand and policy shifts. While transaction volumes remain below average, activity is picking up as debt costs ease. “Investors must focus on customer demand, location quality and operational efficiencies, particularly as sustainability becomes a key factor in both revenue generation and cost management. However, challenges persist, including a lack of sellers, thin interest in secondary assets and fire safety remediation impacting liquidity.” Elsewhere in the market, Lismore’s quarterly review statistics show that it has been relatively slow start to the year, with cautious investor sentiment, limited stock availability and ongoing economic uncertainty dampening activity. Transaction volumes in Q1 totalled £202 million, with the largest transaction being Realty’s £66.20 million acquisition of Abbotsinch Retail Park in Paisley (as part of a portfolio) from Ashby Capital. Other notable transactions included L&G’s purchase from Glencairn Properties of the PBSA development at Lower Gilmore Place, Edinburgh for £35 million, Cervidea’s acquisition of 98 Buchanan Street / 31Royal Exchange Square in Glasgow for £13.80 million and French investor, Remake Asset Management’s acquisition of the Nike Store at 18-20 Buchanan Street, Glasgow for £11.87 million. Chris Thornton concluded: “The commercial property market remains cautious amid a mixed economic backdrop and geopolitical uncertainty, with a lack of quality stock delaying significant activity until Q2. Private capital continues to target prime city assets, while selective office yields attract opportunistic buyers. “As spring arrives, signs of renewed momentum are emerging, particularly in the most liquid sectors – industrial, retail warehousing and living.” The full Lismore Quarterly Review for Q1-25 is available to download from: HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s metro mayors will battle it out on the decks for an iconic night of head-to-head musical entertainment at this year’s UKREiiF. Powered by Capital & Centric, the first Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle will take place at the O2 Academy Leeds, one of the country’s most popular music venues, on 21 May 2025. For one night only, the mayors will deliver spinbacks not speeches, regional rivalries will be tested, and the only fiery debate will be whether house is better than techno. Ticketholders can expect a dazzling production, an all-star lineup of mayors-turned-DJs, and an electrifying clash of styles, from disco anthems to indie classics. This will be an evening where politics takes a backseat, and the musical talents of the nation’s regional leaders are revealed. This landmark event will raise money for UKREiiF’s official charity partner Regeneration Brainery. All monies raised from ticket sales will go towards Regeneration Brainery’s continuing support of more than 6,000 young people from under-represented backgrounds, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in the property and regeneration industry. Regeneration Brainery’s national social mobility programme offers in-depth insights into the property industry, through workshops, work experience, and opportunities to connect with inspirational mentors. “Brainees” develop crucial employability skills, with over a third of participants now in the industry. With a crowd-powered vote, the audience will be the ones to decide who destroyed the dance floor with their powerful beats, and who should stick to their day job. At only £20 a ticket, The Regeneration Brainery DJ Battle 2025 will be an event not to miss, where the power is in the playlist and the audience will decide which of the mayors is worthy of following in the footsteps of The Stone Roses, The Killers, and Robbie Williams in taking to the O2 Academy stage. Matt Christie, Director UKREiiF, said: “We cannot wait for a night that will go down in industry folklore, one where we get to witness our regional leaders showcase their hidden talents. It’s going to be a special evening, featuring several special guests, raising money for an incredible organisation that UKREiiF is proud to support as its charity partner. I have my guesses who will emerge victorious, but I can’t wait to see who the audience decides is champion of this battle.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Waterman is pleased to announce that Neil Humphrey has been appointed as the new CEO of Waterman effective 1 April 2025, succeeding Nick Taylor who has led the business for the last 17 years. Neil brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of the company. His leadership will be instrumental in driving our strategic initiatives and ensuring continued success across Waterman’s operations in the UK, Ireland and Australia. With 30 years in the industry, Neil has been an integral part of Waterman, having served as a main board director of Waterman Group Plc, alongside his role as UK Chief Operating Officer. He has been actively involved in driving various strategic and operational aspects of the company and has also played a significant role with the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), where he served as Chair of ACE’s Procurement and Pipeline Advocacy Group. Neil’s appointment as CEO marks a new chapter for Waterman, promising continued innovation and progress. Commenting on his appointment as CEO, Neil said: “I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at Waterman. We are entering a period of significant change in our industry, with digital innovation fundamentally reshaping what we do and how we deliver for our clients. I am excited to continue to work with our talented team to drive our innovation forward and position ourselves as the consultant of choice for our clients, our people, and new talent. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Nick Taylor for his exceptional leadership and the strong foundation he has built.” In handing over the CEO role to Neil, Nick Taylor commented: “I have full confidence in Neil’s ability to lead Waterman into its next phase of growth. His vision and dedication will undoubtedly drive the company to new heights.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North is proud to announce the successful completion of the UK’s largest cold store facility, developed for Magnavale Ltd, one of the country’s leading temperature controlled warehouse and value added service providers. The fully automated facility stands at 47 metres tall with a capacity for 101,000 pallets and represents a significant milestone in logistics and sustainable storage solutions. Located near Grantham, the purpose-built, rack-clad automated cold store has been designed to support Magnavale’s goal of creating Europe’s most efficient cold storage facility, operating at a standard temperature of -200C. The 474,283 sq. ft. development can function at temperatures as low as -28°C and is powered entirely by renewable energy, reinforcing Magnavale’s commitment to sustainability. The facility features a five-storey office space, extensive external yards, an HGV marshalling area, and a large staff car park. Additionally, cutting-edge refrigeration plant ensures that the storage chamber maintains optimal conditions for frozen food products from leading retailers. The construction of the project presented a range of unique challenges. The facility was delivered while maintaining 24/7 access to the adjacent McCain food production facility, alongside another existing cold storage unit and water treatment processing works, while ensuring minimal disruption to operations and a water treatment facility. Extensive demolition and controlled waste removal was required to clear the site, which was previously home to an iron ore drift mine. The project team also had to divert and relay multiple services and utilities across the site. An external gantry system was used to accommodate certain services instead of traditional underground installations due to space constraints. The construction incorporated a contractor-designed steel fibre slab, eliminating the need for more than 20 steel fixers on-site, while an on-site gas generator was refurbished to provide 1.45MW of power. Due to the size of concrete pours, an on-site concrete batching plant was incorporated into the build, to eliminate issues with delivery delays. The project also required precise coordination to accommodate 90 shipping containers of conveyor systems, and McLaren successfully managed an international workforce, including a specialised team from Bosnia. With the building now operational, Magnavale has achieved a major advancement in the cold storage sector, setting new standards in automation, energy efficiency, and logistics. The facility’s scale and technological sophistication position it as one of the most advanced cold storage hubs in Europe, supporting the growing demand for high-efficiency food storage solutions. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Delivering this project has been a remarkable achievement, showcasing McLaren’s expertise in managing large-scale, complex construction projects. This facility not only advances the UK’s cold storage infrastructure but also exemplifies our focus on sustainable and innovative building practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HG Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on a new purpose-built student accommodation in Stratford being developed in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate. The N16 Stratford scheme will comprise 504 student beds constructed over two blocks reaching 10 and 18 storeys. The project will also include over 1,500 sqm of high-quality amenity space for students, including roof terraces and courtyards. Situated in the heart of Stratford, home to several well-established and accredited universities, the development will provide a significant boost to the student accommodation offering in the area. N16 Stratford is targeting an EPC rating of A and a BREEAM rating of Outstanding. HG Construction will self-deliver key elements of the build process, securing programme and quality benefits. The scheme is currently in the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) review phase and the main build is anticipated to start later this year. Adam Quinn, CEO, HG Construction said: “We are pleased to announce our involvement in this landmark PBSA development in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate, an announcement which comes as we celebrate our 25th anniversary as a company. “As we continue to navigate the ever-changing construction market, we are learning to adapt as an industry. Working in partnership as funder, developer and contractor has enabled us to overcome early challenges to successfully secure this scheme. We are well underway with preparing the BSR submission and we look forward to making a meaningful start on construction towards the end of year in preparation for receiving students in the 2028/2029 academic year, and to working collaboratively with M&G Real Estate as the scheme progresses.” Craig McPhail, Director, HG Living added: “We are delighted to partner with M&G Real Estate and HG Construction on N16 Stratford. M&G Real Estate’s expertise and strategic vision align perfectly with our commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality accommodation with strong ESG credentials in a key undersupplied student market. This scheme will deliver a significant number of student beds in an excellent location, and we look forward to working collaboratively with HG Construction and M&G Real Estate to deliver another best-in-class PBSA asset and to maximising our social value contributions throughout.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has secured the contract to build two flagship education facilities for Cardiff & Vale College (CAVC): the Barry Waterfront Campus and the Advanced Technology Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan. The project, delivered under the Welsh government’s mutual investment model (MIM), is the largest to date under the programme. Developed by the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCo) and designed by Sheppard Robson Architects, with engineering support from Arup, the scheme aims to enhance education and skills training in the region. WEPCo is a joint venture between the Development Bank of Wales and French investment firm Meridiam, established to support the development of educational infrastructure across Wales. Construction is set to begin in June 2024, with completion expected in summer 2027. Once operational, the campuses will be maintained and managed for 25 years by Robertson FM. The Barry Waterfront Campus will be built on a brownfield site in Barry’s Waterfront Innovation Quarter, accommodating 900 students across courses including art & design, hospitality, catering, and beauty therapy. A student-run restaurant and hair & beauty salon will be open to the public, providing hands-on training opportunities. Meanwhile, the Advanced Technology Centre, to be built near Cardiff Airport, will cater to nearly 2,000 students and focus on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and net zero carbon technologies. The facility will also feature a business centre, composites manufacturing hub, and a ‘green skills house’ to support sustainability training. Bouygues UK project director Peter Sharpe, who previously led the Pentre Awel health and business complex in Llanelli, said:“Education projects are especially rewarding, knowing they will benefit young people for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming thousands of students into these state-of-the-art facilities in 2027.” WEPCo chief executive Christian Stanbury added:“We’re delighted to reach this milestone in delivering such a landmark college project. Having worked with Cardiff & Vale College for years, we understand the impact this will have on future generations of learners and the wider college community.” This development marks a significant investment in the future of skills and education in Wales, equipping students with the knowledge and training needed for careers in emerging industries. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals