Contractor Clegg Construction has unveiled a new website, designed to provide an enhanced experience for clients, partners and associates. The new, easy-to-navigate website features a fresh layout and additional resources and information. With detailed project portfolios, service and sector overviews, and a comprehensive company history, the site also includes Clegg
Pell will work closely with MGAC leadership to implement the firm’s strategic initiatives MGAC, a global project and cost management consultancy, is pleased to announce that Bob Pell has joined the firm as Executive Managing Director. In his new role, Pell will support the implementation and success of the company’s
McLaughlin & Harvey have completed construction of Etex’s plasterboard manufacturing facility in Bristol. Etex has officially opened its 200 million euros expansion of its plasterboard production facility in Bristol. It is Etex’s largest production investment ever and a commitment to UK manufacturing as the industry grows. Delivered by McLaughlin &
Landsec has submitted a planning application for the first phase of its £1.4 billion Mayfield Park masterplan in Manchester, proposing 879 new homes as part of a major regeneration project. Designed in collaboration with architects Studio Egret West and shedkm, the new homes will include a mix of one-, two-,
Screwfix has announced plans to open 35 new stores across the UK and Ireland by the end of January 2026, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its retail network and improving accessibility for tradespeople. A significant number of the new locations will feature the retailer’s compact ‘Screwfix City’ format, designed for
Birmingham-based housing association Midland Heart has announced a £300 million investment to upgrade and modernise its housing stock over the next five years, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and improve living conditions for tenants. The initiative, named the ‘Homes Fit for Modern Living’ programme, will focus on upgrading around 6,000
Works for Omega West Unit 4, a £28million major industrial and logistics (I&L) development within the Omega Business Park in Warrington, are on track for completion. Led by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Unit 4 is due to finish in June 2025 and follows the successful completion of Units 2
Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured Reserved Matters (detailed) planning permission for warehousing and distribution units on a 30-acre site on Newmarket Lane, Wakefield, just off Junction 30 of the M62. The 152,000 sq. ft scheme, comprising of 12 commercial units of varying sizes of flexible storage space with offices,
Glenigan’s March 2025 Construction Review reveals project pipeline pressure, with hopes pinned on the newly enacted Planning and Infrastructure Bill to spark a turnaround Today, Glenigan, Powered by Hubexo (Glenigan), one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the March 2025 edition of its Construction Review. The
The construction of a bridge that will allow high speed trains to pass under the busy A43 near Brackley has taken a major step forward with the structure’s enormous steel beams lifted into position during a series of three weekend closures. The A43 – which links Oxford, Brackley and Northampton
Contractor Clegg Construction has unveiled a new website, designed to provide an enhanced experience for clients, partners and associates. The new, easy-to-navigate website features a fresh layout and additional resources and information. With detailed project portfolios, service and sector overviews, and a comprehensive company history, the site also includes Clegg Construction’s latest news and updates, as well as details of the frameworks the company has been appointed to. The website is optimised for all devices to ensure a seamless experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones, and showcases the contractor’s past projects with high-quality images and detailed descriptions, along with its capability statements. It also features client testimonials offering firsthand accounts from satisfied clients. Clegg Construction MD Michael Sims said: “The launch of this website marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve our digital presence and client engagement. We believe that this new platform will not only enhance our communication with stakeholders but also reflect the values and standards that define Clegg Construction. “We invite our clients, partners and associates to browse our new site and discover the improvements that have been made.” With its headquarters in High Pavement, Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. Part of Clegg Group and the sister company to Clegg Food Projects, Clegg Construction has been trading since the 1930s. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialities across a range of different sectors, including education, healthcare, leisure and the public sector. The new website has been created by Ruddington-based Wida Group. The company’s MD Sam Tebbutt said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Clegg Construction on this prestigious project. We understood how vital it was to represent them online with a great-looking website, built for all devices, to enable them to engage with their clients and communicate their message effectively. Our software platform enables them to showcase their high-quality images of recent projects and feature their latest news to their audience.” To find out more about the new website visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pell will work closely with MGAC leadership to implement the firm’s strategic initiatives MGAC, a global project and cost management consultancy, is pleased to announce that Bob Pell has joined the firm as Executive Managing Director. In his new role, Pell will support the implementation and success of the company’s global strategic initiatives. He will focus on strengthening the team’s capabilities to drive growth and ensure seamless execution for an expanding client base across the UK and North America. Pell has a proven track record of success with MGAC, having worked closely with the firm as a consultant and strategist. During this time, he advised on projects including MGAC’s acquisitions of Stonemark Construction Management in the United States and Flint + Partners in the United Kingdom, while also playing a key role in strategic planning efforts across the UK and North America. “Bob has been instrumental in the success of our expansion, both in facilitating acquisitions and ensuring their smooth integration for our clients and organisation,” said Mark Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of MGAC. “We are confident that his expertise will drive the continued growth of our firm. His experience in growing and leading some of the world’s top built environment firms will be invaluable in achieving our goals.” Pell has held senior roles such as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at international design firm EDAW, Chief Operating Officer of Buildings & Places at AECOM, and, most recently, Managing Director at Hatch, a leading international advisory practice. His background is rooted in urban planning and in building and leading multidisciplinary teams across continents. His diverse experience spans the UK public sector and private consulting across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In 2023, Bob served as a Fellow at the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative, where he focused on creating coalitions to help cities and communities in developing countries address challenges related to urbanisation and economic growth. “After working with MGAC on strategic initiatives over the past year, the firm presents an exciting opportunity to transform the way business is conducted in the built environment,” said Pell. “I look forward to collaborating with a talented and creative team to position clients for success in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaughlin & Harvey have completed construction of Etex’s plasterboard manufacturing facility in Bristol. Etex has officially opened its 200 million euros expansion of its plasterboard production facility in Bristol. It is Etex’s largest production investment ever and a commitment to UK manufacturing as the industry grows. Delivered by McLaughlin & Harvey, the new autonomous plasterboard production line and warehouse facility comprises of a 53,000m2 GIA. The 0.5km long facility consists of a board line calcination plant and storage facility with first floor office accommodation spanning the board line. The expansion has doubled the sites capacity near the Port of Bristol and has a core focus on sustainability, utilising a rainwater harvesting system, installation points for solar PV and electric car charging stations, and a fully electric forklift fleet. The extra space also supports post-consumer gypsum recycling. The facility produces plasterboard for the Siniat brand and is Etex’s most efficient plasterboard production line in Europe when considering its line size, speed and complexity. The capacity installed allows Etex, a global lightweight construction materials manufacturer, to produce over 98% of its portfolio of boards for the UK and Ireland in the new state-of-the-art facility. The plant leverages new technologies to bring efficiency but also sustainability to the forefront of operations. Increasing local production gives Etex greater flexibility and allows for significant carbon savings by decreasing the need to transport boards from other countries. Robbie Clark, Operations Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, commented: “We are proud to have completed the construction of Etex’s new plasterboard production facility in Bristol. Our experienced delivery team maintained a strong focus on quality and sustainability in managing the building and civil engineering works, and coordinating the client’s direct equipment installers. The high degree of integration of the state-of-the-art process equipment within our construction works was achieved seamlessly through our ‘one team’ approach with Etex and their consultants. This approach ensured the plant was fully commissioned and ready for setting to work ahead of the planned completion date. This accomplishment is a testament to teamwork, commitment and collaboration, demonstrating what we can achieve when a project team works together towards a common goal.” The new site is a zero waste to landfill plant – and part of Etex’s Road to Sustainability 2030 ambitions – which, in the UK, includes rainwater harvesting and increasing its product recycled content year-on-year. Etex is the first manufacturer in the UK to have recycled content certified in new products (through SCS certification), with recycled content in UK products ranging from 23% up to 45% in plasterboards. Bernard Delvaux, CEO of Etex: “Etex is a pioneer in the construction sector globally, and in the UK. In Europe, we hold important market positions for our portfolio of products and solutions; plasterboards, fibre cement, insulation, fire protection and modular construction. But at the core of our business is our partnerships with customers. Through our complementary portfolio of brands, we are able to take our relationships with customers beyond simply being a supplier and instead work in true collaboration. This is thanks to our solution-first approach, focusing more and more on delivering full solutions and technical expertise to customers, rather than simply supplying individual products.” John Sinfield, UK and Ireland Country Manager: “The new Bristol plant expansion is proof of Etex’s strong footprint in Europe and its commitment to continually investing in innovation. As a pioneer in lightweight construction, we strive to deliver better products and construction methods. Through a solutions-first approach within our key brands, we can offer trusted design solutions that are fully tested whenever our customers need them, ultimately making construction time and processes easier, cheaper and more sustainable.” Etex operates more than 160 sites across 45 countries and employs 13,500 people worldwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec has submitted a planning application for the first phase of its £1.4 billion Mayfield Park masterplan in Manchester, proposing 879 new homes as part of a major regeneration project. Designed in collaboration with architects Studio Egret West and shedkm, the new homes will include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The development will also feature shops, restaurants, cafés, a health and wellbeing club, and community spaces, creating a vibrant urban hub. If approved, the first phase will also deliver 325,000 sq ft of office space across two buildings, alongside a multi-modal transport hub, which will include Manchester’s largest cycle park with hundreds of spaces. The office and transport hub received initial consent in 2020, with revisions made in 2023 to align with current market conditions. The residential buildings will be arranged across four blocks, each containing both low-rise and taller tower elements. Streets will connect the development from the Mancunian Way in the south to Mayfield Park in the north, integrating the new homes into the wider cityscape. Landsec has committed to providing 20% affordable housing across the district, with an independent viability appraisal set to determine the final levels for the site. The company, in partnership with the Mayfield Partnership, is also looking to expand and enhance the existing public green space in the area. Mike Hood, chief executive at LandsecU+I, commented:“Our ambition for Mayfield is to create a diverse, green, world-class place where everyone feels welcome, whether to live, work, or visit. Since opening the park in 2022, we’ve been on a mission to grow it across the 24-acre masterplan. Expanding the green space and introducing the first homes alongside workplaces at Mayfield is an exciting milestone. It’s incredible to think that just a few years ago, much of this area was disused and derelict land. “We look forward to continuing to shape Mayfield’s future alongside our partners and local residents.” Construction timelines for the project have yet to be announced. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Screwfix has announced plans to open 35 new stores across the UK and Ireland by the end of January 2026, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its retail network and improving accessibility for tradespeople. A significant number of the new locations will feature the retailer’s compact ‘Screwfix City’ format, designed for high-footfall urban areas. This follows the successful launch of seven ‘City’ stores in the year leading up to January 2025, catering to the needs of busy tradespeople who require quick and convenient access to supplies. The new stores will also offer Screwfix Sprint, a rapid delivery service that enables customers to receive products at home or on-site in under an hour. John Mewett, chief executive of Screwfix, said:“We’re proud to continue Screwfix’s amazing growth with our plans to open up to 35 new stores within the next twelve months. “Despite the challenges facing the retail industry, investing in our store network remains central to how we can best support tradespeople to get their jobs done quickly, affordably, and right first time. “Our customers continue to be busy, and we know how important it is to be near a Screwfix store. We are driving forward with our store openings and continuing to focus on providing the ultimate convenience for our customers through our ultra-compact store format, Screwfix City, and rapid delivery service, Screwfix Sprint.” The expansion highlights Screwfix’s commitment to supporting the trade industry by providing faster access to tools and materials, ensuring professionals can work efficiently and effectively. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham-based housing association Midland Heart has announced a £300 million investment to upgrade and modernise its housing stock over the next five years, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and improve living conditions for tenants. The initiative, named the ‘Homes Fit for Modern Living’ programme, will focus on upgrading around 6,000 homes. A significant 75% of these—approximately 4,500 properties—were built before the Second World War and are considered the least energy-efficient within Midland Heart’s portfolio. The project aims to make these homes more affordable to maintain, enhance thermal comfort, and help combat fuel poverty. The association is targeting an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least C for all upgraded properties. This investment is a key part of Midland Heart’s corporate plan to 2030, which has been shaped in collaboration with tenants. The plan also includes delivering 2,250 new affordable homes by the end of the decade, which would bring the total number of properties under its management to around 6,000. In addition to modernisation, Midland Heart is set to halve the time required to complete repairs, reducing it from 28 days to just 14. This will be achieved through a strengthened in-house maintenance team, a reliable supply chain, and strong partnerships with top-tier contractors. Chief executive Glenn Harris commented:“After spending the past few years simplifying our organisation and refocusing on our core social purpose as a landlord, I am confident that we now fully understand the priorities of our tenants and have the financial resilience to address them. “Tenants at Heart is our promise to put residents at the centre of everything we do over the next five years. We will empower our colleagues to make decisions on behalf of tenants, invest in their homes like never before, and build new homes to ensure more people in our region have access to quality, affordable housing.” As part of its long-term strategy, Midland Heart also plans to streamline its property portfolio through strategic disposals, ensuring all homes remain fit for purpose and deliver value for money. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Works for Omega West Unit 4, a £28million major industrial and logistics (I&L) development within the Omega Business Park in Warrington, are on track for completion. Led by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Unit 4 is due to finish in June 2025 and follows the successful completion of Units 2 and 3, also on behalf of Omega St Helens Limited, but with a fund managed by Blackstone as the purchaser. Once complete, the unit will be a 420,000 sq. ft. development featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including two-story offices, extensive warehouse space, a hub office, car park facilities, and comprehensive external works and landscaping. Currently, the stage 3 commissioning of the intake substation on plot is progressing well, alongside the offsite manufacture and delivery of the enhanced photovoltaic panels, which are being readied to commence installation along with the internal SRC slabs to the warehouse. Externally, the SRC Yard Slabs are anticipated to be substantially completed by mid- to late March, with the office fit-out to the main office block final finishes due to commence late March 2025. The team has worked to tackle challenging elements of the site, including the diversion of an existing watercourse along its southern and western boundaries, which required an eight-meter buffer zone to maintain construction safety. Additionally, a 132kVA cable diversion below ground on the northern boundary helped careful planning to ensure safe excavation and groundwork activities. The development will incorporate 10% natural roof light implementation, future capacity for EV charging, and a full cut and fill balance of the existing ground to reuse all on-site cohesive materials in line with McLaren Construction’s sustainability commitment. A wild meadow planting arrangement and increased green space areas will also be distributed through the extensive landscaping and all generators and plant machinery have run on alternative fuels, with waste managed through an online data system, Smartwaste, and recycling targets monitored monthly during construction. Upon completion, the development is expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of A+. Throughout the project, locally sourced materials and suppliers have been utilised, wherever possible, to support the local economy. With careful consideration of the local community at its heart, throughout the project, McLaren Construction Midlands and North has regularly engaged with local schools and colleges, providing job fairs and mock interview sessions to promote industry opportunities for young people. The team also attended the Cowley College: Futures Fair last year alongside the Your Futures Careers Fair at De La Salle School. Students were able to discuss industry career opportunities with the team, to expand their knowledge and inform them of future job options. Monthly meetings with the local council and planning teams have been hosted with stakeholders in attendance, alongside newsletters being regularly distributed to keep the community informed. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Pivotal works are progressing to schedule at Unit 4, and we are proud of our team for continuing to deliver a high-quality sustainable product, as part of the latest phase in our successful track record at Omega Business Park. “We’ve been working closely with the community to regularly engage with local educational establishments and stakeholders, to ensure a seamless construction process with sustainability at the heart of the scheme.” David Milloy, Managing Director of M2 Group (owner of Omega St Helens), added: “We are very pleased to continue our partnership with McLaren Construction on this pivotal development. Their commitment to quality and community engagement aligns with our values and vision for Omega Business Park.” The commencement of Omega West Unit 4 underscores McLaren Construction Midlands and North’s ongoing dedication to fostering sustainable growth and innovation in industrial and logistics infrastructure. With a steadfast commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, the contractor is poised to deliver a project that not only meets the highest standards of construction excellence but also contributes positively to the Warrington community and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured Reserved Matters (detailed) planning permission for warehousing and distribution units on a 30-acre site on Newmarket Lane, Wakefield, just off Junction 30 of the M62. The 152,000 sq. ft scheme, comprising of 12 commercial units of varying sizes of flexible storage space with offices, will be a welcome addition to Newmarket Lane which has become an established and sought after industrial and logistics hub. The latest planning approval also covers a new access road onto Newmarket Lane along with car parking, service yards, landscaping, and ancillary road and drainage infrastructure. Network Space Developments’ Managing Director Ste Barnes said: “This is a prime commercial and industrial site that is just a few minutes away from Junction 30 of the M62 and the M1 interchange, making it an ideal location for national and international operators. “The Newmarket Lane area has become established as one of Yorkshire’s most attractive logistic hubs and we are delighted to have secured planning that will help promote this prime location even further .” The wider Newmarket Lane commercial area – once home to Newmarket Silkstone Colliery which closed in 1983 – covers approximately 200 acres, with potential development of up to 1million sq. ft. With Amazon, Newcold and Phoenix Healthcare already established on site, there are currently circa 1,500 people employed with a further 1,500 jobs anticipated once the area is fully developed out. Spawforths were planning consultants to NSD for this scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glenigan’s March 2025 Construction Review reveals project pipeline pressure, with hopes pinned on the newly enacted Planning and Infrastructure Bill to spark a turnaround Today, Glenigan, Powered by Hubexo (Glenigan), one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the March 2025 edition of its Construction Review. The Review focuses on the three months to the end of February 2025, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. Major projects dry up, stifling pipeline growth The construction sector is facing a 32% year-on-year drop in project-start values, driven by a decline in major projects and weak activity in underlying ones. Despite a 35% increase in major contract awards, the overall downturn continues due to a drop in smaller awards and planning approvals, signalling a continued decline in both major and smaller starts in the near term. The freeze on major project starts, with only a few £100M+ developments getting underway, has led to a 39% decline in project starts. This slowdown is due to delays in planning approvals, higher borrowing costs, and weaker business confidence, prompting developers to delay investment until the economic outlook improves. The impact of these challenges is also evident in smaller projects, with a 17% year-on-year decrease in underlying project-starts. Meanwhile, main contract awards have fallen by 14% annually, indicating that even approved projects are struggling to move forward to construction. The UK economy saw minimal growth of 0.1% in Q4 2024, impacted by weak industrial production and a stagnant service sector. Early 2025 reflects the same trends, with ongoing manufacturing decline and sluggish services. Industrial Sector: Short-term gains, long-term uncertainty Industrial construction stands out as a rare bright spot, with project starts rising 16% year-on-year and warehousing/logistics soaring 70% to £872M, now accounting for 48% of all starts. However, this growth may not be sustainable, as detailed planning approvals for industrial projects have fallen 20% compared to last year. Without a consistent pipeline of approved projects, the sector’s momentum could swiftly fade in 2025. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill: A potential turning point? The recently introduced Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to address the industry’s challenges by streamlining planning approvals and fast-tracking key infrastructure projects. With detailed planning approvals down 21% annually, the bill seeks to boost housing delivery and accelerate decision-making at the local council level. “The sharp drop in project starts reflects the ongoing struggles within the industry,” says Allan Wilen, Economics Director at Glenigan. “While the surge in major contract awards suggests future activity, real sustained growth hinges on improved approvals. The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill has the potential to be transformative, yet its impact will be determined by how swiftly and effectively it is implemented. A key challenge lies in uncertainty over local authorities’ capacity to deliver reforms at the pace needed to unlock stalled projects.” To find out more about Glenigan and its construction intelligence services click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction of a bridge that will allow high speed trains to pass under the busy A43 near Brackley has taken a major step forward with the structure’s enormous steel beams lifted into position during a series of three weekend closures. The A43 – which links Oxford, Brackley and Northampton – is a vital route, providing access to Silverstone and connections between the M40 and M1. It was reopened just before midnight on Saturday night after the last of three weekend road closures. Preparation for the work began in 2023 when HS2 engineers, working closely with National Highways, realigned the road to create an ‘island’ between the two carriageways big enough for the construction of the new bridge deck. Using a ‘top-down’ approach, they sank 52m deep piled foundations and then built the pile caps and piers that will support the 66-metre-long bridge deck carrying the road. This weekend, they lifted the last parts of the seven steel beams that will support the bridge deck using a 750-tonne crane. With the beams now in position, the team will focus on the concrete deck and parapets. Once the bridge has been built, the road will be moved back onto the new bridge and excavation can begin to create space for the railway to pass underneath. This multi-stage approach was designed to keep traffic flowing and disruption to a minimum. HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager Elizabeth Longinotti said: “The A43 is a busy route between Brackley and Northampton and I’d like to thank drivers for their patience over the last three weekends, allowing us to safely lift the enormous steel beams into position while the road was closed. “With the beams now in place, we can focus on the next part of this complex multi-stage project – pouring the concrete deck ready for the road to be moved onto the new bridge early next year.” National Highways Route Manager, Bill Freeman, said: “This is an enormous project which will inevitably impact on people using our roads but we have worked very hard for a long time now to keep that disruption to a minimum. “For a number of years we have been liaising with HS2 and their partners to develop a plan which would reduce the disturbance to road users during the construction of this huge structure. “We have also taken advantage of the road closures to expedite our own works improving drainage and repairing the slope along the A43, between Brackley and Syresham, reducing the need for further disruption.” The 80km stretch of railway that passes Brackley – including the A43 bridge – is being delivered by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB, a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall working with ASC (a joint venture between Arcadis, Setec and COWI). They worked with National Highways and EKFS’s sub-contractor, Kier Transportation, to construct the temporary realignment, to keep traffic flowing during the work. EKFB Deputy Project Director Timothée Scherer, said: “The successful execution of the beam lift represents a crucial milestone in our project. This accomplishment underscores the diligent efforts and unwavering commitment of our team, who have meticulously worked to ensure the safe and efficient installation of the beams. This progress brings us significantly closer to the realisation of this essential infrastructure project, which is destined to substantially enhance regional connectivity and transportation”. Tim Boardman, Senior Project Manager at Kier Transportation, added: “It’s fantastic to see the beam lift take effect, and we’re now starting to see the bridge really take shape. Putting this solution into place has required a huge amount of expertise and collaboration with our partners, and we’re proud of the impact it will have. We look forward to moving onto the next stages of the project, while continuing to work hard to minimise disruption for road users and the local community.” The last few weeks have also seen significant progress for the nearby Turweston viaduct near Brackley, with the 80m long deck beam now slid fully into position. The 591-tonne steel structure was assembled to one side and slid out on special pads covered in PTFE – a Teflon-like material usually found on the surface of a non-stick frying pan – used to minimise friction between the deck and the temporary steel bearings on top of each of the piers. Turweston is one of five viaducts on the project which use an innovative ‘double composite’ structure, with layers of reinforced concrete on the top and bottom to create a much more structurally efficient box-like span which dramatically cuts the amount of embedded carbon in the design. In total there are more than 500 bridging structures on the HS2 project – which is designed to improve connections between London, Birmingham and the North while freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested southern end of the existing West Coast Main Line into London Euston. These range from small footbridges and underpasses, to innovative ‘green bridges’ designed to help wildlife cross the railway, massive motorway bridges and the record-breaking Colne Valley viaduct. The last few months has also seen significant progress at HS2’s other major viaducts, with the first completed viaduct deck at the complex Delta Junction outside Birmingham and the Small Dean and Wendover Dean deck slides in Buckinghamshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals