Landsec has appointed global media professional Alice Webb as Chief Executive Officer of MediaCity in Salford, reinforcing its ambition to position the destination as the UK’s leading hub for media, creativity and innovation. In this newly created role, Alice will lead both MediaCity and dock10, the UK’s leading television facility. Bringing
Spitfire Homes is launching a new community-focused initiative in Radcliffe on Trent to help support local small businesses, at a time when 37 shops are pulling down their shutters for the final time every day in the UK. Following the success of the Gold Card at Spitfire’s Malabar development in
Boost Your Business and Drive the Retrofit Revolution at the West Midlands Retrofit Summit – Part of Retrofit Action Week! Housing providers, construction professionals, and all stakeholders in domestic housing retrofit are urged to register now for the West Midlands Retrofit Summit, a pivotal online event taking place over the
Procurement specialist Fusion21 has unveiled the 40 firms appointed to its latest national framework aimed at tackling carbon emissions through large-scale retrofit and energy efficiency works. Valued at up to £1.5 billion over the next four years, the framework has been designed to support a broad range of decarbonisation initiatives
An office fit-out project by Morris & Spottiswood that incorporates modular construction and circular economy approaches has delivered embodied carbon savings equivalent to driving 45,255km in a large diesel car[1] – enough to circumnavigate the globe (40,000 km at the equator). The project to relocate Morris & Spottiswood’s own Glasgow
Sodexo Health & Care has been appointed as one of only 15 strategic suppliers to the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and wider health organisations, as part of the newly launched National Strategic Supplier Relationship Management (SSRM) programme. The SSRM programme is a joint initiative between
Innovative office redevelopment’s accreditation a first for Gilbert-Ash Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has welcomed confirmation its £29million office redevelopment on Manchester’s Great Bridgewater Street has been recognised as a ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ project. BREEAM is an internationally recognised standard for sustainability and to achieve this rating, the developer, architects
NHS Property Services (NHSPS) is delighted to announce that construction is underway on the Northwood & Pinner Health Centre, a state-of-the-art facility set to open in the summer of 2026. This project represents a significant investment of £12 million in the Hillingdon area. A groundbreaking event held on Wednesday 7
Preparations are officially underway for the transformation of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, as RG Carter is appointed to deliver a new multi-storey car park ahead of the hospital’s planned rebuild. The £18 million scheme will see a 1,310-space car park constructed on the site of the former
When a blue roof was needed as part of a major sustainable renovation at the Acre in London, it was vital that the solution specified could be installed while other work on aspects of the roof were underway. With so many moving parts to the renovation, ACO Building Drainage had
Landsec has appointed global media professional Alice Webb as Chief Executive Officer of MediaCity in Salford, reinforcing its ambition to position the destination as the UK’s leading hub for media, creativity and innovation. In this newly created role, Alice will lead both MediaCity and dock10, the UK’s leading television facility. Bringing these two brands under one unified leadership reflects Landsec’s commitment to a more joined-up approach across its media and studio operations, positioning MediaCity to thrive in an increasingly integrated and dynamic media landscape. Alice will be responsible for shaping and delivering a long-term vision that reinforces MediaCity as the home of future media – supporting new forms of content creation and digital innovation, and creating long-term value for Salford, Greater Manchester, and the wider region. She joins Landsec in September 2025 from Universal Music Group, where she served as the founding CEO of Mercury Studios, the group’s global film and TV production and distribution company. Before that, she held senior leadership positions at the BBC, including Director of Children’s & Education, overseeing CBeebies and CBBC – two of the UK’s most iconic children’s media brands. Earlier in her BBC career, Alice served as Chief Operating Officer of BBC North, directing the broadcaster’s landmark relocation to MediaCity in 2011. The move brought over 2,000 employees to Salford and cemented MediaCity’s place as a nationally significant centre for media production and innovation. Alice will formally take up the role in September 2025. As part of this transition, Mark Senior, who has served as CEO of dock10 since 2012, will step down on Alice’s arrival and take on an ongoing advisory role. Mike Hood, Chief Operating Officer at Landsec, said: “Alice’s appointment is a major milestone in the evolution of MediaCity. Her proven leadership in the media sector and ability to deliver large-scale transformation make her the ideal person to lead MediaCity and dock10 into the future together, under a bold new vision. “As we expand MediaCity into a hub for media, creativity, and innovation, uniting property and production under one leadership will unlock even greater value for our partners, tenants, and communities. We’re excited about what’s ahead.” Alice Webb added: “I’m delighted to be joining Landsec and returning to lead a community with a proven track record of creative ambition but with so much potential ahead of it too. Landsec’s commitment to that potential is compelling and I’m excited to pick up the reins and lead MediaCity into its next chapter. We have a very bright future of media, innovation, growth and creativity ahead of us. I can’t wait to get started later this year.” MediaCity: A Destination for Future Media Located on 37 acres of waterfront at Salford Docks, MediaCity is home to more than 250 media, tech, and creative businesses. Landsec is investing in its long-term future – following the acquisition of the final 25% stake in November 2024 -with plans to expand the estate to 60 acres, delivering around 3,000 new homes and 800,000 sq ft of additional commercial space. As the UK’s leading media and creativity hub, MediaCity will serve as a launchpad for companies across all sectors that use media, content, and technology to communicate, innovate, and grow. Its next chapter will be defined by collaboration, co-location, and creativity at scale – a place for pioneers shaping the future of every industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spitfire Homes is launching a new community-focused initiative in Radcliffe on Trent to help support local small businesses, at a time when 37 shops are pulling down their shutters for the final time every day in the UK. Following the success of the Gold Card at Spitfire’s Malabar development in Daventry, the popular scheme is being extended to the homebuilder’s latest collection named Sherbourne, situated on Grantham Road in Radcliffe on Trent. Completely free to join, the unique initiative offers a mutually beneficial opportunity where new Spitfire homeowners are introduced to trusted local businesses, while participating establishments enjoy increased exposure and footfall. According to research by PwC, there were more than 13,500 UK store closures across all retail sectors in 2024 – on average 37 stores closing every day – with the cost-of-living crisis and out-of-town retail parks presenting high streets with unprecedented challenges. Mark Swaddle, Head of Marketing at Spitfire Homes said: “As a homebuilder with a passion for supporting the local area, the Gold Card scheme reflects our commitment to creating collections which integrate with the existing community and have a positive impact on the local economy. “Sherbourne has attracted a variety of purchasers, including those relocating to Radcliffe on Trent, and the launch of this scheme presents an exciting opportunity to highlight local businesses to new residents of the village, showcasing the variety of local businesses within the village. “The success of the scheme at our collection in Daventry makes it even more exciting to extend the campaign to Radcliffe on Trent. We are proud to be partnering with small businesses and we look forward to supporting the local economy at the same time. If you are interested in becoming a Gold Card partner, we would love to hear from you.” Forming a brand new community, Sherbourne showcases 280 new design-led homes ranging from one- to five-bedrooms. As the first homeowners get ready to collect their keys this summer, they can unlock exclusive discounts through their Gold Card which will be valid for twelve months after moving in. With history stretching back over a century, one of the first businesses to sign up to the Gold Card scheme is Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club. One of the premier golf courses in Nottinghamshire, the club is not only known for its scenic 18-hole parkland course but also for its commitment to bringing people together – whether through golf, social events, or supporting local causes. Commenting on the club’s involvement, General Manager, Rob Smith, added: “We’re proud to be part of this exciting new initiative in collaboration with Spitfire Homes, which not only supports the village’s economy but also extends a warm welcome to the new homeowners that are soon to be living at Sherbourne. As a longstanding local business, Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club has strong community roots so this forward-thinking scheme aligns perfectly with our values, whilst introducing our facilities to a selection of new residents. We look forward to working with Spitfire and welcoming new members to our club.” Spitfire Homes would like to hear from any local businesses in Radcliffe on Trent, and the surrounding area, who are interested in joining the Gold Card scheme. Please email goldcard@spitfirehomes.co.uk for further information. To find out how it is already working in Daventry, please visit https://spitfirehomes.co.uk/spitfire-gold-card/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Boost Your Business and Drive the Retrofit Revolution at the West Midlands Retrofit Summit – Part of Retrofit Action Week! Housing providers, construction professionals, and all stakeholders in domestic housing retrofit are urged to register now for the West Midlands Retrofit Summit, a pivotal online event taking place over the mornings of on May 13th, 14th, and 15th. Hosted by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), this summit forms a key part of the wider Retrofit Action Week in the West Midlands, a region-wide initiative dedicated to accelerating the transition to energy-efficient homes and reducing fuel poverty. This essential summit offers a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights, forge crucial connections, and unlock business growth within the rapidly expanding retrofit market. Tailored content across three focused mornings will address the most pressing needs and opportunities for those working across the domestic retrofit landscape, including: The West Midlands Retrofit Summit is a cornerstone of Retrofit Action Week, a dynamic program featuring a range of events designed to raise awareness, share best practices, and drive action on home energy efficiency. Alongside the summit, the week includes in-person events like Birmingham Green Doors Open Homes, advice drop-in sessions with Act on Energy – RAW West Midlands 2025 Community Partner, Solihull Council and Kenilworth Eco Fair, as well as online resources and webinars addressing specific retrofit challenges like tackling underfloor heat loss. Don’t miss this crucial opportunity to: Register for the West Midlands Retrofit Summit free here Retrofit Action Week, West Midlands takes place from May 10-18, 2025. For full details and event registration, visit www.actionretrofit.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Procurement specialist Fusion21 has unveiled the 40 firms appointed to its latest national framework aimed at tackling carbon emissions through large-scale retrofit and energy efficiency works. Valued at up to £1.5 billion over the next four years, the framework has been designed to support a broad range of decarbonisation initiatives across domestic, public, and educational buildings. It will enable public sector organisations to procure specialist services from fully accredited suppliers, ensuring all works meet the latest PAS 2030:2023 standards and carry the TrustMark seal of quality. Structured around two core lots—whole-house decarbonisation and the decarbonisation of public and educational buildings—the framework offers a turnkey delivery model. This approach allows clients to procure suppliers capable of managing complex retrofit programmes at scale, from initial assessments through to installation and long-term performance monitoring. Peter Francis, Operations Director at Fusion21, said: “Achieving the UK’s net zero goals by 2050 is an immense challenge, and we are proud to support our members on this journey. This refreshed framework provides access to trusted and experienced suppliers who are fully aligned with current industry standards. Together, we aim to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes and public buildings, with social value benefits that are tangible in local communities.” The appointed firms range from major national contractors to regional specialists, bringing a diverse set of skills and expertise to the framework. The full list includes names such as Wates Property Services, E.ON UK Green Funding Solutions, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Graham Asset Management, and Vital Energi Utilities, among many others. The framework is expected to play a key role in supporting public bodies and housing providers as they scale up retrofit activity, reduce energy bills, and contribute to wider climate targets. Suppliers appointed to Fusion21’s national decarbonisation framework are: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An office fit-out project by Morris & Spottiswood that incorporates modular construction and circular economy approaches has delivered embodied carbon savings equivalent to driving 45,255km in a large diesel car[1] – enough to circumnavigate the globe (40,000 km at the equator). The project to relocate Morris & Spottiswood’s own Glasgow office to new premises Eastworks, in the Dalmarnock area of the city, offered a unique opportunity for the business to showcase its full end-to-end service, drawing on expertise from the wider Morris & Spottiswood Group. With a clear focus on carbon reduction, the team committed to a circular approach, which included re-purposing existing flooring finishes and sourcing second hand furniture through partner company, Inspire Spaces. The reuse of materials has reduced the project’s carbon impact by 7.591 tonnes CO2e, which is a saving of 8.73% compared to procuring new materials and products. What’s more, the use of an innovative ‘plug and play’ modular pod system has saved 1.790 tonnes CO2e compared to creating a similar build-up using traditional methods – equivalent to flying 11,701km in short haul economy flights to and from the UK. The prefabricated pods are manufactured offsite, with all necessary cabling, lighting and services already integrated within the partitions, ready to be quickly assembled onsite and simply connected to a standard power supply. Various pod configurations are available, all of which are fully demountable and can be easily reconfigured or even disassembled and moved elsewhere should the need arise. This modular design vastly speeds up project delivery, with pods assembled in a matter of days rather than weeks, while waste is reduced thanks to the precision engineering and high-quality finish that can be achieved in a factory setting. “The pods have enabled us to deliver a high-quality fit-out within much shorter timescales,” Gordon Clyne, Joint Managing Director at Morris & Spottiswood commented. “In this instance, we installed a glass-fronted boardroom, flanked by two adjoining multi-purpose office spaces. The three pods were assembled and functional within four days – a feat that would have taken several weeks if we were required to construct and connect the spaces using traditional methods. “From work commencing on site in early January, to project completion at the end of March, this project has been delivered at an accelerated pace without compromising on quality – a testament to the efficiencies, both in time and carbon savings, that can be achieved by a multi-disciplinary service provider, such as the wider Morris & Spottiswood Group.” Decarbonisation has been a firm priority throughout the project and a Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA) was undertaken by crbn solutions, another business within the Morris & Spottiswood Group that specialises in carbon reduction strategies. The LCA found that the project’s upfront embodied carbon was 93kg CO2e / m2 – significantly lower than the current 2025 threshold suggested by the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (260kg CO2e / m2) but also comfortably achieving the 2038 target of less than 100kg CO2e / m2. Oliver Connew, Associate at crbn solutions commented: “We viewed the Dalmarnock office move as an opportunity to deliver a flagship project that demonstrates our full service offering and incorporates the latest in fit-out approaches. The carbon reductions found in the LCA are a clear indication of this and reflect the careful decision making that has gone into every aspect of the project – from purposefully choosing a building that offers long term energy security, being part of a district heat network, to considering things such as the local transport facilities to help reduce travel-related carbon.” Drawing on the expertise of the wider Morris & Spottiswood Group, the project exemplifies the unique end-to-end service offering through its portfolio of nine businesses working seamlessly together to deliver a truly turnkey solution – including Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA) by crbn solutions; architectural design and building warrant applications managed by McLennan Chartered Architects, who also contributed to the interior design alongside Inspire Spaces; M&E design and installation supplied by Livingston; materials supplied by Builders Station; flooring installed by Morris & Spottiswood’s Flooring division and bespoke carpentry details provided by Morris & Spottiswood’s in-house joinery workshop. The upper floor presents the Inspire Spaces furniture showcase and hospitality area for hosting internal and external events. Utilising this space, the new office was officially opened to staff at a celebratory event on Thursday 24th April, which was attended by George Morris – Chairman of the Morris & Spottiswood Group and grandson of founder George Morris – and his mother, Janet Morris. For more information please visit: www.morrisandspottiswoodgroup.co.uk [1] Total embodied carbon savings of 9.381 tonnes CO2e, with comparison calculated using an emissions factor of 0.20729 kgCO2e/km from the latest 2024 DESNZ ghg conversion factors: www.gov.uk/government/publications/greenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors-2024 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sodexo Health & Care has been appointed as one of only 15 strategic suppliers to the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and wider health organisations, as part of the newly launched National Strategic Supplier Relationship Management (SSRM) programme. The SSRM programme is a joint initiative between DHSC, the NHSE, and the Cabinet Office. It represents a shift in how the health system engages with its most critical suppliers – moving from traditional procurement approaches to a structured, collaborative model that emphasises relationship-building, long-term value creation, and innovation. Health organisations undertook a thorough process to identify the suppliers most vital to the delivery of health services. Following an invitation, Sodexo will now participate in this long-term, high-impact programme. Philip Leigh, CEO of Sodexo Health & Care UK & Ireland, said: “Being selected as a strategic supplier is a proud milestone for Sodexo. We look forward to contributing to the SSRM programme and are keen to see the programme accelerate the innovation and scale that partner organisations like Sodexo can bring to providers—driving efficiency, compliance, and improved outcomes.” The appointment builds on Sodexo’s long-standing position as a strategic supplier to the Government. It will continue to work separately with its own Cabinet Office Crown Representative. This development follows a series of recent milestones for Sodexo. In 2024, Sodexo Health & Care secured a place on the Crown Commercial Service’s RM6331 Healthcare Soft Facilities Management Services framework. This national framework streamlines access for all UK public sector bodies to pre-approved suppliers, evaluated on both quality and cost. Additionally, Sodexo was recently appointed by East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust to deliver food and facilities management services across its Colchester, Ipswich, and community estate. Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health (Secondary Care), added: “Our healthcare system can’t function without its suppliers. They play a critical role in driving innovation, ensuring better value for taxpayers, and putting more money in people’s pockets through long-term growth.” In November 2024, Sodexo also achieved the highest maturity level in the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment, which promotes carbon reduction, ethical sourcing, and social value creation in alignment with the NHS’s 2045 net zero target. Simon Lilley, Director of Strategy at Sodexo Health & Care, said: “We have worked closely with the senior leadership team at the NHS and, of course, NHS Trusts for many years. Therefore, this formal collaboration with the NHS, DHSC, and our peers is a natural extension—collectively fuelling change as we support providers and systems facing unrelenting clinical and financial pressures.” Sodexo’s inclusion in the SSRM programme signals confidence in the company as a trusted, strategic partner in transforming healthcare delivery across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Innovative office redevelopment’s accreditation a first for Gilbert-Ash Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has welcomed confirmation its £29million office redevelopment on Manchester’s Great Bridgewater Street has been recognised as a ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ project. BREEAM is an internationally recognised standard for sustainability and to achieve this rating, the developer, architects and engineers must think outside the box in order to create a truly sustainable project. In the UK, less than 1% of registered non-domestic buildings have achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating. This is the first Gilbert-Ash project to have received this accreditation. Gilbert-Ash’s scope of works at the former warehouse site included the design and build redevelopment of an existing office building with the addition of two levels to form new CAT A office space over nine floors, including basement. As the company continues its relentless drive to deliver generational projects, a number of innovative approaches were taken throughout the work on Havelock House to ensure the BREEAM Outstanding rating could be achieved. From the outset, OMI Architects engaged with the BRE Green Guide and this engagement was followed through into the construction stage to ensure appropriately sourced products from the supply chain were selected. A deep retrofit strategy, included the installation of an entirely new façade system, developed as the optimum solution through the use of a whole-life carbon option appraisal, ensuring that, through the utilisation of the existing structure, the project retained 2,000 CO2e of embodied carbon, the equivalent of planting 10,250 trees. The offsite fabrication of the unitised façade reduced waste and shortened the construction time on site while the rainwater harvesting in the basement minimised the site’s water consumption. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said this rating is further evidence of the company’s ability to deliver stand-out iconic projects. “At Gilbert-Ash we have delivered some of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic spaces and we are thrilled Havelock House is our first project to receive BREEAM Outstanding certification. “Innovation, collaboration and determination are at the heart of everything we do and this recognition is thoroughly deserved.” Gilbert-Ash Environmental, Social and Governance Lead, Michael Heron said everyone involved with the project is proud their efforts have been recognised in this manner. He said: “Over the years, Gilbert-Ash has garnered a plethora of BREEAM Excellent and Very Good ratings but this is a new level for us. “To achieve this BREEAM Outstanding recognition, we had to implement at least 10 minimum standards including an air quality plan, a building user guide, seasonal commissioning and the responsible sourcing of construction products. “It would not have been possible to achieve this accreditation without early engagement by OMI Architects with the Green Guide. Implementing BREEAM Outstanding will ensure resource efficiency and lower maintenance and energy costs over the structure’s lifespan.” Havelock House has been used in the UK Green Building Council document ‘Building the Case for Net Zero: Retrofitting Office Buildings’ and has achieved Wiredscore (Platinum) and NABERS 5* accreditation. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. It is also seeking to attract the industry’s best talent to deliver landmark projects. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com/careers Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NHS Property Services (NHSPS) is delighted to announce that construction is underway on the Northwood & Pinner Health Centre, a state-of-the-art facility set to open in the summer of 2026. This project represents a significant investment of £12 million in the Hillingdon area. A groundbreaking event held on Wednesday 7 May was attended by representatives from health, property and construction partners including Emily Curtis, Director of Capital and Infrastructure at the Department of Health and Social Care. The project is a refurbishment and extension of a locally listed building, transforming it into a modern 1,500 sqm health centre. Originally constructed in the 1920s and used as a cottage hospital during the war, the building had been vacant since the late 2000’s. The building still retains historical elements such as the founder’s plaque and memorial beam, which will be prominently displayed in the new scheme. The project also includes rationalising the estate, enabling important value release from the disposal of surplus land, with 100% of the disposal proceeds recycled into the construction of the new health centre. NHSPS alongside the NHS North West London and new occupiers have worked collaboratively for over five years to ensure the delivery of this important project for Hillingdon. The project was approved by the NHS North West London and DHSC via the NHS Business Case process with all proposed occupiers agreeing leases for the new building, working closely with the design team to ensure the building matches their healthcare delivery requirements. The new health centre will offer a range of services including district nursing, ambulatory wound care, health visiting, school nursing, a diabetes clinic, bladder and bowel care, a GP surgery, diabetic eye screening, mental health services and talking therapies. The facility will also feature three garden areas, cycle stores, staff showers, collaborative meeting spaces, EV charging stations, water efficient flow restrictors and new trees and planting to increase biodiversity. Additionally, air-source heat pumps, LED lighting and thermal efficient building fabric will be used to improve the building’s energy performance. At this week’s groundbreaking event Adrian Powell, Director of Investment and Development Management for NHSPS, said: “Northwood and Pinner is a key hub that is used by thousands across the locality. We are breathing new life into the building, creating a state-of-the-art facility to serve its community and deliver excellent patient care.” Claire Eves, Service Director for Outer London Services, added: “Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWLFT) is proud to support the redevelopment of the Northwood and Pinner Cottage Hospital into a modern health centre. This project represents a significant investment in local healthcare infrastructure, aiming to enhance the delivery of both physical and mental health services to the community.” Joan Butfield, Chair, Carepoint Patients’ Participation Group said: “It is great to see work start on the new centre, it has been a long time in the planning. It will be wonderful for the doctors and patients to have a fit for purpose surgery. We cannot wait.” Mr Desraj Dahele, Chair, Acre and Acrefield Surgery, Patients’ Participation Group commented; “Wonderful news regarding the new Northwood Health Centre building opening next year. It will allow more services to be available for local patients, a better workplace for doctors and staff, plus improved facilities for all.” William Logan, Managing Director of Logan Construction SE Ltd, added: “We are excited to have been awarded, via the ProCure23 Framework, the Northwood & Pinner Health Centre project. We look forward to collaborating closely with our client, NHS Property Services, to successfully complete this important facility. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality work within the agreed timelines and budget, and we plan to engage with our partners at every stage of the process. We are confident that Logan Construction’s expertise and dedication to quality will enable us to deliver a state-of-the-art health centre. This new facility will not only provide essential services but also create a welcoming environment for both patients and healthcare professionals. As a Principal Supply Chain Partner (PSCP) within the ProCure 23 Framework, we are eager to continue strengthening our partnerships with NHS Trusts and look forward to achieving a successful outcome for NHS Property Services on this project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Preparations are officially underway for the transformation of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, as RG Carter is appointed to deliver a new multi-storey car park ahead of the hospital’s planned rebuild. The £18 million scheme will see a 1,310-space car park constructed on the site of the former Inspire Centre, which was demolished in 2023. This critical infrastructure will serve as a key enabler for the much-anticipated replacement of the hospital, which is currently scheduled to begin construction in 2027–28. The new Queen Elizabeth Hospital will be built on the footprint of the existing main car park, necessitating the creation of alternative parking facilities to maintain patient and staff access during the redevelopment phase. RG Carter’s appointment as main contractor marks a significant milestone in these enabling works. This development follows the government’s recent confirmation of a funding envelope between £1 billion and £1.5 billion for the delivery of the new hospital. The existing building, which has long suffered from structural concerns due to its use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), has been deemed unfit for the future. Construction of the multi-storey car park is due to commence in early 2026, and it will play a vital role in ensuring operational continuity as the wider transformation of the site begins. Once complete, it will provide modern, efficient parking facilities and clear the way for the next chapter of healthcare provision in the region. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust is working closely with delivery partners and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to services throughout the build process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When a blue roof was needed as part of a major sustainable renovation at the Acre in London, it was vital that the solution specified could be installed while other work on aspects of the roof were underway. With so many moving parts to the renovation, ACO Building Drainage had to work with contractors to be able to make their usual installation process more dynamic and accommodate unexpected changes along the way. The brutalist building – previously known as 90 Long Acre, now shortened to The Acre – was built in the 1970s and by 2020 was in need of major renovations to restore its status as one of Covent Garden’s architectural highlights. The 240,000 square foot building would include office spaces, a café, and 113 residential flats. Moreover, once complete, The Acre was to be one of the most eco-friendly developments in the city. Boosting The Acre’s green credentials meant overhauling several key systems including heating, the electrical supply, and roof drainage. With conditions around the site and the project itself meaning storage space was limited, deliveries had to be carefully planned and ACO’s speedy adaptability proved to be a major advantage. With ACO’s contributions to the project, The Acre went on to be awarded Sustainability Project of the Year by the LRWA. Commencing with calculations ACO Building Drainage was invited by building design firm Arup to collaborate on the roof drainage part of The Acre’s renovation. ACO visited the site and provided calculations for the water attenuation the building would need, and recommended products that could provide the attenuation required in line with the overall sustainability goals and planning conditions of the project. ACO’s calculations accounted for the different sections of roof and the fact that raised areas of the roof drained onto lower parts. The provided calculations also took into consideration the combination of blue and blue green roof that was to be installed as part of the plan to better conserve water, boost biodiversity, clean the air, and improve the microclimate of The Acre. Following the calculations however, complications arose due to the concurrent installation of solar equipment and privacy screening on the same areas of the rooftop where ACO’s RoofBloxx were to be installed. Unexpected obstructions Due to limited on-site storage space and multiple aspects of the renovation being carried out simultaneously, only a small portion of the required ACO RoofBloxx could be delivered at a time. To overcome this challenge, ACO communicated closely with Lendlease’s site managers and adapted its usual delivery process to ensure product was at The Acre at the time it was needed. This flexibility was made possible due to ACO’s facility in Shefford, which houses products ready for shipping in cases when short lead-times or sudden changes are a factor. The main hurdle ACO and contractors from MAC Roofing had to contend with was the unexpected appearance of struts installed directly onto the rooftop to support other building services. These were in place to hold PV panels and screens to block plant equipment from public view to improve The Acre’s visual aesthetic. The schematic for the ACO RoofBloxx installation had been created before these struts were known to ACO. MAC Roofing discovered their placement when they arrived to carry out the drainage installation. Because of this, designs had to be adapted quickly, while ensuring that the finished product would provide the attenuation needed and prevent any leaks. Cutting carefully For each of the more-than one-hundred struts MAC had to work around, pitch pockets had to be put in, the insulation had to be altered, and the ACO RoofBloxx units had to be cut to fit the space available. MAC contractors measured the obstruction, cut the ACO RoofBloxx units to the new size by hand, and then taped and sealed each part individually. ACO provided instructions on how to do this without risking any unwanted water ingress. With each cut that had to be made, the potential for leaks increased, therefore it was vital to the success of the project that the unplanned adaptations were completed to a high standard across all seven sections of roof. Once the ACO RoofBloxx units were in place, other parts of the renovation meant that pipes and pedestals were placed directly on to the ACO RoofBloxx which was also an unforeseen change. ACO created a new set of structural load calculations to ensure that the components combined with the gravel would not compromise the ACO RoofBloxx’ performance or any aspect of building safety. Layers and loads In most blue roof systems, the final ballast weight needed to prevent insulation floating is significant and can impact load calculations as well as project costs and timelines as delivery and placement of ballast material is factored in. Due to ACO’s patented system which prevents the floatation of insulation on an inverted roof, only normal ballast weight is required, keeping costs low and project timelines on track. With ACO’s expertise, even with the unexpected challenges encountered during the project, MAC Roofing and ACO were able to complete their part of the project successfully, providing The Acre with a sustainable roof drainage system. The complications highlight the need for drainage to be a consideration from the very early stages of any building or renovation project. Rowan Gutteridge, Group Director at MAC said: “As with many construction projects, unexpected challenges arise all the time and we work to overcome them. The changes here were bigger than usual and it was in large part thanks to ACO that we were able to complete this installation successfully. When we suddenly had to cut the ACO RoofBloxx to shape, ACO’s expert advice meant we knew exactly how to do it and what adjustments were needed for the installation to make sure everything delivered the desired result. The ACO RoofBloxx units themselves are easy to work with which only helped the project progress. I’m looking forward to working with ACO and its products again on future projects.” Kevin Bohea, Managing Director at ACO Building