Kenneth Booth
Power Shortages Stall UK Data Centre Growth, Warns Segro CEO

Power Shortages Stall UK Data Centre Growth, Warns Segro CEO

Investment in the UK’s data centre sector is facing serious delays due to a shortage of electricity supply, according to David Sleath, CEO of leading property developer Segro. Speaking on Times Radio, Sleath shared his concerns about extensive wait times for grid connections, with delays stretching over several years, which

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Labour must choose wisely who completes Budget 2024 construction projects

Labour must choose wisely who completes Budget 2024 construction projects

Labour’s additional investment into the UK’s infrastructure and housing programmes is a good start, but NFRC urges responsible procurement practices if the government is to meet its lofty goals.   A marked increase in public procurement opportunities in the Budget is welcome news for the construction sector, but NFRC calls on the government to ensure

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Alsecco shortlisted for three INCA Awards

Alsecco shortlisted for three INCA Awards

Façade specialist Alsecco has been named as a finalist in three categories at the INCA Awards 2024, which recognise excellence in the external wall insulation sector. The company has been shortlisted for its work on the landmark Manchester development Victoria House, Eastbourne Harbour’s The Boardwalk, and Sheffield regeneration project The

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Cole Waterhouse Unveils Trafford Wharf Scheme: A New Chapter for Stretford

Cole Waterhouse Unveils Trafford Wharf Scheme: A New Chapter for Stretford

Cole Waterhouse has submitted a transformative planning application for Trafford Wharf, a landmark mixed-use project on the site of the former Hilti headquarters in Stretford. Following extensive public consultation, the proposal outlines plans to revitalise the 2.2-acre brownfield site off Trafford Wharf Road with a dynamic blend of residential, educational,

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Revitalising Fleet Street: Dominus and Cheyne Capital Secure Landmark Student Redevelopment

Revitalising Fleet Street: Dominus and Cheyne Capital Secure Landmark Student Redevelopment

Dominus and Cheyne Capital have successfully obtained planning permission to transform 65 Fleet Street, London, into a dynamic mixed-use space primarily focused on student accommodation. The redevelopment will breathe new life into the former offices of the law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, celebrating Fleet Street’s rich historical legacy while catering

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Bain Capital Acquires Major Stake in AQ Compute to Drive Sustainable Data Centres Across Europe

Bain Capital Acquires Major Stake in AQ Compute to Drive Sustainable Data Centres Across Europe

Bain Capital, a global leader in multi-asset investment, has acquired an 80% stake in AQ Compute, Aquila Group’s dedicated data centre subsidiary. This partnership signals a substantial investment drive to develop sustainable, AI-ready data centres across Europe, leveraging Bain Capital’s global expertise and Aquila’s focus on renewable energy. Established in

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Latest Issue
Issue 330 : Jul 2025

Kenneth Booth

Power Shortages Stall UK Data Centre Growth, Warns Segro CEO

Power Shortages Stall UK Data Centre Growth, Warns Segro CEO

Investment in the UK’s data centre sector is facing serious delays due to a shortage of electricity supply, according to David Sleath, CEO of leading property developer Segro. Speaking on Times Radio, Sleath shared his concerns about extensive wait times for grid connections, with delays stretching over several years, which he says has blocked Segro from channelling “hundreds of millions and more” into new data centres. Segro, already operating 35 data centres nationwide, has significant expansion plans that are stymied by what Sleath calls a “bottleneck” in the national grid’s ability to provide power. “The single biggest constraint is access to power,” he remarked, emphasising that this challenge is holding back not only Segro’s growth but also the UK’s progress in digital infrastructure. Data centres are critical to the UK’s digital economy, supporting services from e-commerce and streaming to advanced AI projects. However, their high-energy requirements demand specialised grid connections, and the current queue system for these upgrades is proving a major obstacle. Sleath described the grid connection process as “archaic,” with developers often waiting years to secure the necessary upgrades. Looking ahead, Sleath also voiced concerns over the UK’s long-term energy strategy. While he recognises the importance of wind and solar in reducing carbon emissions, he suggests that additional investment in nuclear power and advancements in battery storage technology will be necessary to meet future energy demands. In a positive step for the industry, the government has recently designated data centres as critical national infrastructure. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle’s classification move aligns with several American companies’ plans to invest £6.3 billion in new UK data centres, underscoring the need for reliable power access to fuel this digital expansion. The National Grid has acknowledged the challenges and committed to improving the grid connection process, pledging collaboration with the National Energy System Operator (Neso), Ofgem, and government bodies to prioritise projects supporting net-zero objectives and economic growth. A government spokesperson confirmed ongoing efforts to streamline connections for data centres and clear project backlogs, aiming to make the UK’s grid infrastructure more accessible. With the demand for data centres rising, the UK stands at a critical juncture, needing strategic grid reforms to support both immediate digital needs and long-term economic ambitions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Labour must choose wisely who completes Budget 2024 construction projects

Labour must choose wisely who completes Budget 2024 construction projects

Labour’s additional investment into the UK’s infrastructure and housing programmes is a good start, but NFRC urges responsible procurement practices if the government is to meet its lofty goals.   A marked increase in public procurement opportunities in the Budget is welcome news for the construction sector, but NFRC calls on the government to ensure they engage in responsible procurement for these projects.   “For the government to support its ambitions, it needs to be far more circumspect in its procurement in construction,” says NFRC Group CEO James Talman.   The consequences of irresponsible procurement were most recently seen with the collapse of construction company ISG. ISG held at least £1.84bn of government contracts when it collapsed. These were awarded despite well-known questions about their financial stability. ISG’s collapse has cost the construction supply chain at least £300 million. It has cost NFRC Members and put some at financial risk. The new Procurement Act 2023, which comes into effect in February 2025, is a perfect opportunity for the government to ensure it gets procurement right, especially on major projects like those announced in this budget.  “Overall, NFRC is pleased at the stronger commitment to construction projects,” Talman says.   However, the government must fulfil these commitments and maintain the visibility and stability of the workload pipeline; otherwise, the investment into the skills and resources needed to deliver on big goals will not happen. NFRC calls for cross-party agreement on infrastructure policy to prevent projects stalling, changing, and failing.  NFRC eagerly awaits the ten-year infrastructure plan in next year’s multi-year spending review. Once it is up and running, NISTA (the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority) must help the government get a grip on infrastructure delays and give the construction sector the confidence to make long-term investments that will bear fruit.   NFRC is concerned about the increased pressure on SMEs, who comprise a large portion of our membership and the construction sector at large, caused by the increase in National Insurance for employers. While micro businesses are somewhat insulated by the employment allowance increasing from £5,000 to £10,500, many others will feel a significant strain.   There were 4,373 insolvencies across construction in the year to July, up 40% compared to 2015. NFRC is concerned this tax hike will add more pressure before the cash flow from other budget announcements enters the market. This strain restricts businesses’ ability to invest in essential measures to address the skills crisis and increase productivity.   Labour’s announcement of an additional £500 million for the Affordable Homes Programme is encouraging for the construction industry. However, this funding must be accompanied by significant reforms in planning if the money is to be used effectively.  The £50 million of funding to expedite the planning process is a step in the right direction, but there must be a systemic reform of training infrastructure to ensure there are enough planners in the long-term. 300 new town planners into the public sector by 2026 is not enough when there are over 350 local authorities, many of which are battling massive bottlenecks in planning approvals. More help must be directed towards planning departments, and soon.  The government’s consultation on a five-year social housing rent settlement is positive news, but NFRC echoes calls to extend this to ten years. Effective planning and sustainable investment into social housing needs long-term commitments.   While new avenues of work in educational and domestic construction are positive news for NFRC Members, the government must engage in a concerted effort to address the skills shortage crisis. Similarly to the planning system, nothing will be built without skilled tradespeople, who are rapidly retiring and not being replaced. The additional £300 million for further education, which includes £40 million to transform the Apprenticeship Levy, is a positive start but more will be needed. NFRC hopes Skills England will meaningfully follow through on intentions to work collaboratively with STEM employers and sector bodies to increase the number of new entrants. As we await more details on Skills England, NFRC is eager to ensure the nuances of each trade are considered.  If not already attributed, the above can be attributed to an NFRC spokesperson.   NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) is the UK’s largest trade association for the roofing industry with over 1200 Members, representing the entire roofing supply chain from contractors to merchants to manufacturers.  If you have any questions please contact press@nfrc.co.uk or call 07714 387452. Please also get in touch if you would like commentary and reaction to other pertinent Budget 2024 matters, including infrastructure, housing, and education funding.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Alsecco shortlisted for three INCA Awards

Alsecco shortlisted for three INCA Awards

Façade specialist Alsecco has been named as a finalist in three categories at the INCA Awards 2024, which recognise excellence in the external wall insulation sector. The company has been shortlisted for its work on the landmark Manchester development Victoria House, Eastbourne Harbour’s The Boardwalk, and Sheffield regeneration project The Ironworks. Victoria House is in the running for ‘New Build: Residential – High Rise’, with Alsecco recognised alongside Complete Wall Solutions, with The Ironworks also shortlisted in the same category. The Boardwalk is a finalist in the ‘Refurbishment: High Rise’ category. All three projects are also nominated for the ‘Judges Choice: Architectural Design – High Rise’ award. Run by the Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA), the awards celebrate the highest standards in external wall insulation (EWI), with submissions across a variety of categories to highlight excellence in a range of building projects. For Victoria House, Alsecco supplied its Ecomin 400 cladding system with Meldorfer lightweight brick slips to provide external wall insulation and a brick-effect finish to support efficient construction.  The colourful exterior on The Boardwalk saw the use of Alsecco’s Ecomin 300 external insulated render system, which met the unique challenges of a marine environment, with extra precautions taken onsite to minimise the risk of water pollution. The Ironworks project featured Alsecco’s Ecomin 400 clay brick slip system to create an aesthetic indistinguishable from a traditional brick skin that provided faster construction, reduced requirement for material storage space, and less complex construction processes. Dean Broughton, Managing Director of Alsecco, said: “The INCA Awards do a fantastic job of shining a spotlight on the excellent work that takes place in the external wall insulation and cladding industry, and we are delighted to have been shortlisted. “Alsecco is committed to working closely with stakeholders to ensure the highest standards as well as to support efficiency in the delivery of construction projects. The projects shortlisted for Alsecco are an excellent demonstration of this. “We’re proud to work closely with INCA and its members to drive innovation and best practices in external wall insulation and wish everyone the best of luck.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Christie & Co's Retail & Leisure MD, Steve Rodell, comments on the Autumn Budget

Christie & Co’s Retail & Leisure MD, Steve Rodell, comments on the Autumn Budget

Commenting on the retail and leisure sectors, Steve Rodell, Managing Director – Retail & Liesure, said: “While, in today’s Budget, the Government committed to economic growth, it also committed to hikes in taxes for businesses around the country, including Capital Gains Tax and a rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions by a lower £5,000 threshold. There will also be an added burden to businesses from an increase in the National Minimum wage that will somehow need to be paid for.  On the plus side, small employers will benefit from an increase in the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500. The increase in the National Living Wage is likely, and NI will likely be passed to consumers in a higher process, but measures to increase household income will help retail and leisure consumer spending.   The current 75% discount to business rates for retail and leisure businesses is due to expire in April of next year but will remain at a reduced 40% discount with a cap of £110K.  It will be interesting to see how this may affect growth plans. It is good news that small business rate relief stays in place and that the multiplier for retail hospitality and leisure will be set at a lower rate from the 2026 revaluation. Fuel duty is frozen for another year and the Government will maintain the current 5p discount to help households. However, it has continued to emphasise the importance of investment in green infrastructure and technologies needed to achieve net zero, as we’ve seen with its introduction of the Vehicle Excise Duty. Car drivers who have been put off electric vehicles recently haven’t seen any incentives to turn their heads in this budget. In the retail and leisure sectors, many deals are moving forward regardless, but at the higher end of the deal value range, some stakeholders have been adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach but we should see these move forward now.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Cole Waterhouse Unveils Trafford Wharf Scheme: A New Chapter for Stretford

Cole Waterhouse Unveils Trafford Wharf Scheme: A New Chapter for Stretford

Cole Waterhouse has submitted a transformative planning application for Trafford Wharf, a landmark mixed-use project on the site of the former Hilti headquarters in Stretford. Following extensive public consultation, the proposal outlines plans to revitalise the 2.2-acre brownfield site off Trafford Wharf Road with a dynamic blend of residential, educational, and commercial spaces designed to inject new life into the Wharfside regeneration zone. The ambitious scheme will deliver 438 build-to-rent apartments, with 20% earmarked as affordable homes for Trafford residents, and 419 purpose-built student beds, addressing the region’s growing demand for student housing. Complementing these are a new 24,057-square-foot higher education facility that includes teaching spaces, student amenities, and a welcoming café for residents, students, and the community alike. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Chapman Taylor, the development features two residential towers with modern amenities and landscaped public spaces, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Positioned within Trafford Council’s Wharfside regeneration area—envisioned to support up to 5,000 new homes and a new stadium for Manchester United—the development will also support flexible commercial spaces at ground level, making it a cornerstone in the area’s revitalisation. Simon Gallanders, Managing Director of Residential at Cole Waterhouse, noted the project’s potential impact: “This game-changing development could transform a well-known site into a flourishing community, providing hundreds of new homes to meet Trafford’s pressing need for affordable housing. Trafford Wharf’s proximity to Salford and Manchester campuses also makes it ideal for premium student housing, a need that’s becoming critical in Greater Manchester, where student numbers are soaring.” The project promises extensive economic benefits, with over 1,300 jobs expected during the construction phase and nearly 300 in ongoing operational roles. With a Gross Development Value (GDV) of around £200 million, the scheme also pledges over £1.6 million in s106 contributions to enhance local infrastructure. Cole Waterhouse acquired the site from Hilti in April and is jointly submitting the planning application with Hilti. If approved, the development would mark Hilti’s exit from the project. Key project partners include Paul Butler Associates as planning consultant, TSA Riley as project manager, Russell Bolton Consulting for cost management, XO Square for structural engineering, and Watt WECE for M&E engineering. As the Trafford Wharf project moves forward, it stands to become a significant milestone in Stretford’s urban renewal, offering a blend of housing, education, and commercial opportunities that set a new standard for sustainable, community-focused development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Premcor Proposes Ambitious 445-Home Regeneration Project to Transform Croydon Gateway

Premcor Proposes Ambitious 445-Home Regeneration Project to Transform Croydon Gateway

Premcor Estates, a prominent northeast property developer known for large-scale industrial projects across Nottingham and Rossington, has submitted ambitious plans for a transformative mixed-use development at Woburn and Bedford Court in Croydon. This project aims to revitalise a crucial entry point into the town with 445 new homes, 156 of which will be affordable, alongside flexible commercial and community spaces covering 1,772 sqm on the ground floor. The development has been designed to breathe new life into the Croydon Opportunity Area, with its masterplan laying the groundwork for residential, commercial, and public space growth. It will serve as a key link between Tavistock and Wellesley Road, featuring new pedestrian pathways, enhanced public spaces, and bolstered infrastructure. Premcor’s project is anticipated to become a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Wellesley Road, contributing significantly to the area’s urban landscape and community facilities. The proposed buildings include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments in four structures ranging from four to 29 storeys, with the tallest block positioned above the commercial spaces, creating a vibrant, vertical neighbourhood. Rob Lane, Director at Premcor, expressed optimism, stating, “We’ve invested immense thought and care over the past four years to develop a masterplan that will bring the best possible residential, commercial, and community benefits to Croydon.” In line with sustainability goals, Premcor aims to create an inclusive, community-focused space that promotes local employment, supports small businesses, and enhances community life, addressing a longstanding need for a central community hub in the area. Planning consultant Rapleys, represented by James Owens, notes the current 1960s buildings on the site are outdated, with limited amenities and an unfavourable layout. The current site’s outdated infrastructure has resulted in poorly maintained communal spaces, contributing to antisocial behaviour. “Placemaking lies at the heart of this proposal,” Owens said, adding that the project would modernise the area and address these longstanding issues. Pending approval, Premcor’s vision for Woburn and Bedford Court represents a major step toward creating a safe, sustainable, and thriving urban neighbourhood in the heart of Croydon. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Clegg Construction completes £13m expansion project at Carlton le Willows Academy, Nottingham

Clegg Construction completes £13m expansion project at Carlton le Willows Academy, Nottingham

Contractor Clegg Construction has completed a £13m expansion project at Carlton le Willows Academy which has created new space and improved learning environments. The first phase of the development at the school in Gedling, Nottingham, involved building South Block – a new two-storey building to provide a state-of-the-art performance space, dining hall, 20 new classrooms, office space and a new main reception which has united the previously split site by linking the East and West buildings. Designed by Welham Architects, South Block has recently been highly commended in the regional LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Building Excellence Awards. Now the second part of the improvements – extensive alterations and refurbishment in various parts of the existing school, including the conversion of the previous dining area and assembly hall into additional teaching space – has also been completed. It marks the fourth project Clegg Construction has undertaken in partnership with the academy. Ross Crowcroft, pre-construction director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg Construction has had a long relationship with Carlton le Willows Academy, supporting the school in a number of improvement projects. “We are delighted to have completed these latest two schemes, which provide additional first-class facilities for those already at the school, as well as allowing the school to expand the number of places it can offer to youngsters in the nearby community. “As a Nottingham-based company, Clegg Construction takes particular pride in helping to improve the local education infrastructure and delivering facilities that will benefit future generations.” South Block created capacity for a further 300 extra students at Carlton le Willows Academy to meet increasing local demand for school places. It features a range of smart technology to ensure long-term sustainability, including optimising natural light and using low-energy lighting throughout the building, natural ventilation and cooling, and underfloor heating. As well as the new extension, the project involved the creation of a new car park for just under 100 cars, along with infrastructure for electric charging points. A sustainable drainage solution has also been installed as part of the groundworks, which included an attenuation tank aimed at avoiding any extra burden on the existing public sewers caused by rainwater. Other members of the project team included local businesses: GNA Surveyors, Moran Structural Consultants and Integrated Energy Building Services (IEBS). The development has been funded by Nottinghamshire County Council. During the construction and renovation periods, Clegg Construction took part in a careers fair during the summer term to help students at Carlton le Willows Academy understand more about careers available in the construction industry. The company has a long track record of delivering award-winning educational projects across primary and secondary schools, colleges, sixth form facilities and universities and has worked with Carlton le Willows since 2005 to create science labs, a resource centre, a music and drama extension, refurbish a library building, and build a Sixth Form centre complete with an ICT room and two teaching rooms. Education schemes currently being delivered by Clegg Construction include the £9.6m Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College – which is set to hand over early next year – as well as the £8.8m Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange at West Nottinghamshire College, which is due for completion next summer. With its headquarters in The Lace Market, Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialties across a range of different sectors. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Revitalising Fleet Street: Dominus and Cheyne Capital Secure Landmark Student Redevelopment

Revitalising Fleet Street: Dominus and Cheyne Capital Secure Landmark Student Redevelopment

Dominus and Cheyne Capital have successfully obtained planning permission to transform 65 Fleet Street, London, into a dynamic mixed-use space primarily focused on student accommodation. The redevelopment will breathe new life into the former offices of the law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, celebrating Fleet Street’s rich historical legacy while catering to contemporary needs. This project exemplifies Dominus’ expertise in student accommodation and reflects the strategic partnership with Cheyne Capital. Together, they aim to create a hub that aligns with the City of London’s “Destination City” initiative by preserving and enhancing Fleet Street’s architectural character. Key historical features, including the Grade II-listed Whitefriars Crypt, will be carefully restored and opened for public access, connecting visitors to the area’s rich past. The cherished Tipperary Pub will also be thoughtfully renovated and reopened, maintaining its historical and cultural significance for the community. The redevelopment brings exciting new additions to Fleet Street, including “Tattle at The Tipperary,” a contemporary independent coffee shop designed as a welcoming spot for students, residents, and visitors. A florist shop will add a vibrant touch to Fleet Street, enhancing the area’s appeal. In line with its commitment to sustainability, the project targets a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, showcasing high environmental standards. Dominus and Cheyne Capital plan to reuse significant portions of the existing structure to minimise waste, while an energy-efficient building envelope will optimise natural heating and cooling, reducing energy usage. The redevelopment will be entirely car-free, with extensive cycle storage promoting sustainable commuting options for residents. Marking their first major collaboration in Fleet Street, this project builds on Dominus and Cheyne Capital’s momentum, following two key financing transactions in 2023 worth £400 million for student accommodation projects in central London. The redevelopment at 65 Fleet Street underscores their shared commitment to fostering sustainable, lively communities in the heart of the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bain Capital Acquires Major Stake in AQ Compute to Drive Sustainable Data Centres Across Europe

Bain Capital Acquires Major Stake in AQ Compute to Drive Sustainable Data Centres Across Europe

Bain Capital, a global leader in multi-asset investment, has acquired an 80% stake in AQ Compute, Aquila Group’s dedicated data centre subsidiary. This partnership signals a substantial investment drive to develop sustainable, AI-ready data centres across Europe, leveraging Bain Capital’s global expertise and Aquila’s focus on renewable energy. Established in 2020 by Aquila Group, AQ Compute has carved out a niche by offering modular and environmentally responsible data centre solutions. Their operations focus on clean energy sources, with their first major sustainable data centre recently launched near Oslo. Plans are underway for further expansion, with new centres planned in tech hubs like Barcelona and Milan. This alliance aims to create a leading data centre platform in Europe, supporting the rapid growth in demand from hyperscale and AI customers while addressing the challenges of high power usage and carbon emissions. Ali Haroon, a Partner at Bain Capital, highlighted Europe’s promising data centre market, driven by increasing demand for cloud storage, AI, and high-performance computing. He noted that combining their investment expertise with Aquila’s commitment to renewable energy places AQ Compute in a strong position to address both data demands and the sector’s power challenges. Bain Capital’s significant global experience in data centres is key to AQ Compute’s growth trajectory, with successful ventures including Bridge Data Centres in Asia and support for DC BLOX in the United States. Rafael Coste Campos, a Managing Director at Bain, emphasised their deep experience in the European property market and infrastructure services, which will be instrumental as they build AQ Compute into a market leader in sustainable data centres. Aquila Group’s CEO, Roman Rosslenbroich, expressed confidence in the joint venture’s potential, noting that their ongoing 20% stake ensures AQ Compute’s sustainable growth aligns with Aquila’s long-term goals. Rosslenbroich commented on the dual challenge and opportunity presented by increasing data demands and the necessity for sustainable solutions, stressing the importance of using clean energy to power Europe’s digital future. Markus Holzer, Chairman of AQ Compute, underscored the importance of Bain Capital’s backing in accelerating AQ Compute’s pipeline. With this new alliance, AQ Compute is poised to set a benchmark in sustainable, AI-focused data centre development, bolstering Europe’s digital infrastructure while prioritising environmental responsibility. This strategic partnership between Bain Capital and Aquila Group marks a significant step toward greener data infrastructure across Europe, with plans for multi-billion-euro investments focused on addressing both today’s and tomorrow’s digital and environmental demands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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East West Rail announces electrification plans and details of public consultation

East West Rail announces electrification plans and details of public consultation

East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has announced plans for electrification and the dates of a public consultation on the latest designs and plans for its project which will link Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.     The 10-week non-statutory consultation will run from 14 November 2024 to 24 January 2025, offering communities along the route a crucial opportunity to have their say on the latest plans and shape the future design of the railway.   EWR Co has confirmed its preference for green traction power in the form of discontinuous electrification with hybrid battery-electric trains, after the Chancellor confirmed government support for the project in yesterday’s Budget.  As well as the environmental benefits such as reducing carbon emissions, discontinuous electrification would mean overhead lines would only need to be installed along some sections of the route, which would significantly reduce disruption during construction and potentially decrease visual impacts in more sensitive locations along the new railway. This option would also cost less than full electrification, reducing the need to alter current structures and requiring less land for things such as mast foundations.  As well as electrification, the consultation will provide latest designs and information on East West Rail, including:   David Hughes, CEO, EWR Co, said: “We’re excited to confirm our plans for electrification, which support our environmental goals by delivering sustainable low carbon journeys and supporting the UK’s transition to an overall net zero carbon economy.    “This consultation is a pivotal moment in our journey to create a railway that truly serves the needs of our communities and delivers sustainable growth for the region and the whole country by improving access to jobs, education and public services.  “East West Rail represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect communities across the Oxford-Cambridge region. We invite everyone to take part in our consultation and share their feedback on our proposals to create a positive legacy for future generations who will live and work in the area.”   Consultation events will be held at various locations along the entire proposed route, including some weekend dates and online events, to widen opportunities for people to attend. A Virtual Consultation Room will also be available, where all the information shown at the public events can be accessed online in a virtual room.  For those unable to attend in person, all consultation materials will be available online, with multiple ways to provide feedback.   The consultation, originally planned for summer 2024, was rescheduled due to the General Election. This new timeframe covers the Christmas and New Year holiday period, but to ensure ensures that communities have ample opportunity to engage with the project and shape its development, the consultation period runs for an additional two weeks and concludes on 24th January.    For more information about the consultation and how to get involved, please visit our consultation page or contact our helpdesk at contact@eastwestrail.co.uk  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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