The long-awaited transformation of West Wickham Leisure Centre has taken a major step forward, with a revised planning application submitted for a partial rebuild of the popular facility. The London Borough of Bromley has appointed Alliance Leisure to oversee the £22 million modernisation, with Etec Group confirmed as the main
The capabilities of Siemens Cerberus PRO to perform effectively in harsh environmental conditions is being demonstrated in a project to protect one of North London’s busiest recycling facilities. Islington Waste Recycling Centre is operated by Islington Council and is one of seven refuse and recycling sites in North London which
International toy retailer POP MART is preparing to open its largest UK store yet at Liverpool ONE, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Located on Upper South John Street, close to KENJI and MINISO, the new 6,200 sq ft store will showcase POP MART’s extensive range of collectable blind
Award-winning homebuilder Spitfire Homes has acquired a prominent 1.28-acre site in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the latest addition to its expanding Bespoke Collection of high-specification residences. Planning permission has been secured to redevelop the site into a collection of design-led, sustainable homes. Site clearance and demolition works will begin immediately, with construction
Building Systems UK, a Tata Steel enterprise, are one of the leading envelope and structural flooring and decking manufacturers in the country. With a mission to ‘shape the future of sustainable buildings’ – Building Systems UK recognises that the decarbonisation of construction products in the UK is essential to our
Award-winning property management agent Rendall & Rittner has recently appointed Dave Williams to the role of Client Accounting Director. In his new role, Dave will be responsible for optimising financial processes at Rendall & Rittner, an RICS-regulated company committed to delivering full financial compliance to its clients. Dave has also
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has secured consent from Camden Council to refurbish 26 Red Lion Square, its 106,584 sq ft (NIA) speculative office development in Holborn. Railpen’s plans involve upgrading eight floors of office space to a Grade A standard, enhancing the amenity
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver a £100 million retrofit and extension of its 1950s building at 35 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, creating a new home for the Firoz Lalji Global Hub. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the scheme is set to
Millions of pounds in home insurance claims could be at risk each year due to faulty or missing smoke alarms, according to new research. A study by comparison site Go.Compare, drawing on data from the Home Office, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and StatsWales, revealed that in the year ending
Wingstop has unveiled its fifth Leeds restaurant, opening at The Springs retail and leisure destination. The 3,014 sq ft venue offers the brand’s full menu of wings, tenders, burgers, and sides, alongside a range of drinks. The new branch joins Wingstop’s growing Leeds portfolio, which already includes locations at Cardigan
The long-awaited transformation of West Wickham Leisure Centre has taken a major step forward, with a revised planning application submitted for a partial rebuild of the popular facility. The London Borough of Bromley has appointed Alliance Leisure to oversee the £22 million modernisation, with Etec Group confirmed as the main contractor. Plans include a brand-new café, modernised gym, upgraded reception area, refurbished changing rooms and a state-of-the-art competition-length swimming pool. The centre was closed last year after initial structural assessments identified significant issues. Enabling works, including asbestos removal, have already been completed, paving the way for demolition to begin in the coming weeks, subject to final planning approval. Approval for the works was granted at a council meeting in July. Alongside the rebuild, refurbishment is continuing on the rest of the centre, with particular attention given to the learner pool. Councillor Yvonne Bear, executive councillor for renewal, recreation and housing, said: “We are in a fairly unique position among local authorities of being able to press ahead with a substantial investment in our leisure provision, and I know many residents will be excited to see further progress on site shortly as we secure this centre for many years to come.” The revised plans were developed after further structural inspections, made possible by the asbestos removal, revealed that part of the building was beyond economic repair. This section will now be demolished and rebuilt to modern standards. Although the updated schedule means the centre is expected to reopen in early 2028, the council says the investment will provide greater long-term certainty and help reduce future maintenance costs, ensuring West Wickham Leisure Centre continues to serve the community for decades to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The capabilities of Siemens Cerberus PRO to perform effectively in harsh environmental conditions is being demonstrated in a project to protect one of North London’s busiest recycling facilities. Islington Waste Recycling Centre is operated by Islington Council and is one of seven refuse and recycling sites in North London which collectively manage 820,000 tonnes of waste and recycling each year. Such facilities present their own specific challenges in terms of effective fire detection, with the scale of the problem illustrated by what are referred to as 300 ‘significant fires’ attended throughout the UK by the fire and rescue services annually.[1] Waste sites process mixed recyclable waste which is collected, sorted, stockpiled and processed from a number of materials including plastics, paper, cardboard, wood and rubber. Many are highly combustible and susceptible to potential ignition from the processing machinery through which they are handled. The Islington Waste Recycling Centre had an existing 20-year-old fire detection system which required a significant upgrade to meet the new challenges of waste management, including the proliferation of disposable vapes and the threat of battery fires which are proving a more recent addition to the fire risk. TP Fire and Security is a long-standing provider of fire detection and alarm services to the Islington Council. From its three offices in Norfolk, London and the Midlands, TP offers a nationwide service in the design, installation and maintenance of fire safety systems. The company has been part of the Siemens approved partner programme for a year, having identified the opportunity to work with Siemens when Tom Warner joined the business as a fire safety engineer. Tom had previous experience of partnering with Siemens and when the Islington project came up, he recognised the potential for employing the Cerberus PRO system. One of the challenges of the waste site was the inevitable dusty environment. Siemens ASA (advanced signal analysis) detectors match the conditions of a particular site through their application-specific ASA parameter function. This allows the detectors to distinguish between a real fire and deceptive phenomena such as dust, thereby providing immunity from false alarms. Kevin Harris is Technical Design Manager at TP Fire and Security. Commenting on the project he said – “The Cerberus Pro system was perfect for this environment, with the detectors’ particular capability to operate in such a dusty environment. The project went very well, taking some seven days to complete, all while the waste facility was open and operational.” Three Cerberus PRO panels are operating across the site, interfacing with Siemens ASA detectors and call-points through the existing compliant cabling. 69 ASA detectors are located in the basement, 38 on the ground floor, 52 on the first and second floors (including the plant room), 74 in the tipping hall and 42 in the offices. Siemens has extensive experience of protecting similar waste processing facilities worldwide and worked closely with TP Fire and Security to develop a comprehensive solution which meets all fire safety regulations and standards. The Cerberus PRO system provides quick and reliable protection in the small window that exists to react and prevent a small fire becoming a potentially major incident in such a harsh and hazardous environment. [1] NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure – Buildings www.siemens.co.uk/cerberus For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, please seewww.siemens.com/smart-infrastructure Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International toy retailer POP MART is preparing to open its largest UK store yet at Liverpool ONE, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Located on Upper South John Street, close to KENJI and MINISO, the new 6,200 sq ft store will showcase POP MART’s extensive range of collectable blind boxes, featuring exclusive characters and popular lines such as The Monsters, widely known as ‘Labubus’. Rob Deacon, director of asset management at Liverpool ONE, Landsec, commented: “With regular sell-out product launches, POP MART has proven a viral sensation, and the store is set to appeal to a wide range of consumers across the North West. The brand launching its biggest UK store yet will provide yet another distinct point of difference to the destination, reinforcing Liverpool ONE’s position as a go-to location for globally renowned brands and one of the leading retail and entertainment destinations in the UK.” The opening adds to a strong run of new signings and store launches at Liverpool ONE, which is enjoying its busiest year for retail additions since 2008. Recent openings include MINISO, Sephora, TFG London, and Uniqlo. In 2025, the destination is set to welcome over 25 brands, covering more than 100,000 sq ft in total. CBRE, Colliers, and Time Retail Partners acted on behalf of Liverpool ONE, while Cushman & Wakefield represented POP MART. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning homebuilder Spitfire Homes has acquired a prominent 1.28-acre site in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the latest addition to its expanding Bespoke Collection of high-specification residences. Planning permission has been secured to redevelop the site into a collection of design-led, sustainable homes. Site clearance and demolition works will begin immediately, with construction expected to begin later this year. The scheme will feature a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments, alongside four-bedroom semi-detached townhouses, reflecting Spitfire’s signature approach to thoughtful design and contemporary living. A selection of properties will be delivered through the First Homes Scheme to support local housing needs. As part of the scheme, Spitfire will also contribute more than £100,000 towards local community infrastructure. Matt Vincent, Operations Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Our decision to return to Edgbaston is a strategic one, building on the success of our previous scheme at Beaufort and the growing demand for high-quality, design-led homes. This latest acquisition strengthens our commitment to expanding our Bespoke Collection in the region’s most desirable postcodes, delivering contemporary living with exceptional architectural detail. We see strong, long-term potential in Birmingham’s premium suburbs and are actively seeking new opportunities across the Midlands that align with the vision of our growing portfolio.” Adrian Willet from Furlong Land Limited added: “Harrison’s Road is an outstanding brownfield site on one of Edgbaston’s most prestigious roads, and the planning permission secured by Calthorpe Estates earlier this year has unlocked its full potential. Furlong Land was proud to act as selling agent, and we’re pleased to see the site now in the hands of Spitfire Homes. With their track record for delivering distinctive, high-specification schemes, we’re confident they will create a truly exceptional development that reflects the quality of this location.” Located within walking distance of Edgbaston Village and Harborne High Street, the new scheme will offer residents a rare opportunity to buy in one of Birmingham’s most prestigious postcodes known for its top-rated schools, independent restaurants and local parks. The site also benefits from excellent transport links into Birmingham city centre. For more information on Spitfire Homes, visit: https://spitfirehomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building Systems UK, a Tata Steel enterprise, are one of the leading envelope and structural flooring and decking manufacturers in the country. With a mission to ‘shape the future of sustainable buildings’ – Building Systems UK recognises that the decarbonisation of construction products in the UK is essential to our sector and the country. That objective took a significant step forward last month with the ground breaking ceremony on our new £1.25 billion Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at Port Talbot steelworks – the centrepiece of Tata Steel UK’s green steelmaking programme. The event was attended by Tata Sons and Tata Steel Chairman Mr N. Chandrasekaran and Tata Steel CEO & MD Mr T.V. Narendran. The UK government was represented by the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade who addressed the ceremony: “This is a hugely ambitious transformation. We should acknowledge the difficult times, but also use that as fuel for future success.” “This government is committed to a bright future for our steel industry, which is why we provided £500 million of funding to make this project possible. Our modern Industrial Strategy will set out how we’ll back the sector even further to drive growth and create well-paid jobs across the country, as part of our Plan for Change.” The new EAF, set to be one of the biggest in the world, will melt recycled steel scrap to make new steel and is set to be commissioned at the end of 2027. It is expected to reduce Port Talbot’s carbon emissions by approximately 90%, equivalent to 5 million tonnes of CO₂ per year, with a corresponding 50% reduction in the product carbon footprint, while securing high-quality sustainable steel production, and supporting 5,000 UK jobs directly. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Mr Chandrasekaran said: “This is an important day for Tata Group, Tata Steel and for the UK. Today’s groundbreaking marks not just the beginning of a new Electric Arc Furnace, but a new era for sustainable manufacturing in Britain. Members of the ground breaking ceremony included Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, Trade Unions representatives and employees. The Port Talbot EAF will be one of the largest in the world, melting UK-sourced scrap steel to produce 3 million tonnes of steel per year. As part of Tata Steel UK’s broader decarbonisation strategy, the project also includes new ladle metallurgy facilities, infrastructure upgrades, and partnerships with leading technology providers such as Tenova, ABB and Clecim with construction being led by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine. New low emissions construction products manufactured from our EAF steel, such as our ComFlor® Structural Steel Decking and our Trisomet® insulated panel systems will help Building Systems UK play its part in the transformation of the UK construction sector – and ‘shape the future of sustainable buildings’. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning property management agent Rendall & Rittner has recently appointed Dave Williams to the role of Client Accounting Director. In his new role, Dave will be responsible for optimising financial processes at Rendall & Rittner, an RICS-regulated company committed to delivering full financial compliance to its clients. Dave has also been appointed to the Board of Directors at Rendall & Rittner, where he will play a pivotal role in ensuring the company continues to meet the evolving needs of its clients and customers. Having worked within Corporate Real Estate for over 25 years and in Client Accounting for more than 20 years most recently for JLL, Montagu Evans and HSBC, Dave has developed an in-depth understanding of the specific financial elements affecting the property sector. Dave’s experience operating with a range of large and prestigious clients has also ensured that he has exemplary communication, stakeholder engagement and client relationship skills that will prove highly useful in this new role. As Client Accounting Director, Dave will focus on enhancing service delivery for both clients and internal customers. Reflecting Rendall & Rittner’s focus on delivering high-quality, professional services that simplify the lives of its customers, Dave will look to develop strong client relationships, allowing him to understand individual businesses and their priorities in order to deliver a more tailored service. Discussing his new role, Dave comments: “In my new role as Client Accounting Director, I am looking forward to using my extensive industry experience within the residential property management sector. Rendall & Rittner has a growing reputation for being a technology-enabled company and I am excited to see how future advances in this area will impact how we work and further enhance the services we deliver to our clients.” Richard Daver, Co-CEO of Rendall & Rittner comments: “Dave’s extensive experience from across the property industry means that he has a strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by the sector and our clients. As we continue to grow, we are delighted to be welcoming Dave as Client Accounting Director and as a member of the Board so that his expertise can play a role in shaping our future strategy.” For further information please visit: www.rendallandrittner.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has secured consent from Camden Council to refurbish 26 Red Lion Square, its 106,584 sq ft (NIA) speculative office development in Holborn. Railpen’s plans involve upgrading eight floors of office space to a Grade A standard, enhancing the amenity space on the ground floor, and constructing new roof terraces with panoramic views of St Paul’s and the West End. The completed development will be repositioned as a new HQ targeting major occupiers and fostering a sense of community for future occupiers. Designed by Stiff + Trevillion, Railpen’s proposals include new and improved external façades on Theobolds Road and Red Lion Square to promote high quality design in Holborn, and new retail and F&B units on Theobalds Road. Railpen is targeting BREEAM “Outstanding” for the project by demonstrating a reduction of on-site energy use and water consumption. This is in addition to the embodied carbon savings that will be achieved through the refurbishment of an existing building. The consent is timely, given Holborn’s growing appeal as a location among occupiers and investors, driven in part by its equidistant position between Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon Elizabeth Line stations. Various developments are underway in the area, including the transformation of nearby Sicilian Avenue and the recent purchase by Whitbread of 35 Red Lion Square. Holborn has also experienced a surge in co-working providers opening in the area, with Runway East and Uncommon joining WeWork in creating flagship sites. Complementing the growing demand from occupiers and investors, Camden Council is proposing a series of major enhancements to Red Lion Square and the surrounding streets, improving the public realm and enhancing the square as a key green space in Holborn. Emily Atkinson, Asset Manager at Railpen, said: “We welcome the Council’s decision, which facilitates our plans to deliver a high-quality sustainable refurbishment of a significant office building that will help address the growing demand from occupies for Grade A space in Holborn. This is an exciting time for the area, and 26 Red Lion Square will make an important contribution to its ongoing transformation as a prime choice for office occupiers.” The refurbishment is the latest in a series of office initiatives by Railpen in central London. The company will shortly complete the refurbishment of 101 Bayham in Camden, and has several office projects proposed and underway in the City, including the redevelopment of 12 Smithfield, plans for which are due to be submitted later this year. These are in addition to its significant office-led mixed-use portfolio in Cambridge, where Railpen has a pipeline of over 1.5m sq ft of development on-site or in planning. Railpen’s advisory team comprises Savills and Farebrother’s (leasing), Stiff + Trevillion (architect), and Ridgelift (development management). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver a £100 million retrofit and extension of its 1950s building at 35 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, creating a new home for the Firoz Lalji Global Hub. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the scheme is set to become the UK’s largest Passivhaus retrofit and an exemplar of circular economy principles. Approximately 60% of the existing structure will be retained, with the top three floors and roof plant enclosure replaced by a lightweight cross-laminated timber extension. The redevelopment will expand the building’s total area from 9,856 to 11,848 square metres. A major transformation will see the removal of an internal infill structure, creating a spacious atrium and improving circulation. A new ground floor and partial first floor slab will deliver level access into the building, while the remodelled layout will accommodate not only the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa but also the Department of Mathematics, Department of Statistics, Executive Education, and the Data Science Institute. Facilities will include lecture halls, seminar rooms, offices, a dining area, a ground floor café, and the 270-seat LSE Agora theatre, designed for debates and broadcasts. Cycle storage, changing facilities, and mechanical plant will be located at basement level, with green and blue roofs, photovoltaic panels, and new mechanical systems installed on the roof. Targeting BREEAM Outstanding, Passivhaus certification, and WELL Platinum, the building will exceed London’s ambitious targets for carbon, energy, water use, and biodiversity. Sustainability consultant Buro Happold is working with McLaren to reduce embodied carbon by rethinking material choices, eliminating unnecessary components, and sourcing low-carbon alternatives. Salvaged materials, including parquet flooring, brass inlays, lighting fixtures, ceramic tiles, and reclaimed brickwork, will be reused. The project also sources materials from other nearby construction sites to support the circular economy. The adaptable and deconstructable design will help extend the building’s lifespan while minimising its environmental impact. Externally, the eight-storey brick structure will be refreshed with a lime-based, off-white wash, preserving the texture of the original masonry while complementing its setting in the Strand Conservation Area. Positioned between the Grade II* listed Royal College of Surgeons and the Grade II listed former Land Registry building, the scheme is designed to enhance the historic streetscape surrounding Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Julian Robinson, director of estates at LSE, described the project as a major milestone in the university’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and academic excellence. McLaren’s London and South managing director Darren Gill added that the work demonstrates how advanced retrofit methods can revitalise older buildings into world-class spaces while sharply reducing both embodied and operational carbon. Supported by a £28 million donation from Ugandan Asian businessman Firoz Lalji, the development is scheduled for completion in 2027 and is set to stand as a model for sustainable design in higher education. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Millions of pounds in home insurance claims could be at risk each year due to faulty or missing smoke alarms, according to new research. A study by comparison site Go.Compare, drawing on data from the Home Office, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and StatsWales, revealed that in the year ending March 2024, there were an estimated 13,458 house fires attended by fire and rescue services where an alarm either failed to sound or was not installed. Using average claim payout figures, the research suggests that this could amount to around £16.7 million in potentially invalid insurance claims. The findings highlight how a lack of regular smoke alarm testing could not only put lives at risk but also leave households to cover the cost of fire damage themselves. Shockingly, 1% of UK residents – equivalent to more than half a million people – admitted to having no smoke detector in their home. Across Britain, 43% of dwelling fires occurred in properties where alarms either did not operate or were absent altogether. The consequences can be deadly: 52% of all fire-related fatalities in homes happened where a working smoke alarm was not present. Many people remain unaware of the insurance implications. The survey found that 62% of respondents did not realise that failing to check alarms regularly could make a claim void. In such cases, any damage caused by a fire would have to be paid for by the homeowner. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has urged residents to make smoke alarm testing part of their regular routine. “Setting a reminder and making it a household habit could help ensure alarms are checked regularly, especially for those with battery-powered devices,” the NFCC advised. “Home fire safety should be as routine as cleaning.” For those unsure how to test their alarm, the NFCC recommends following the manufacturer’s instructions or using their free Online Home Fire Safety Check, which provides guidance on alarm testing, placement, and replacement. Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Failing to install and maintain a working smoke alarm is a huge safety risk, but it can also have severe financial consequences. If your alarm wasn’t working when a fire occurred, your insurer is unlikely to pay out. Testing your alarm takes seconds but could save lives and money. Setting a weekly reminder is an easy way to avoid forgetting, and local fire services can often provide assistance if needed.” With such stark figures, the message is clear – regular smoke alarm checks are not just a legal and safety necessity, they could also be the key to protecting both lives and livelihoods. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wingstop has unveiled its fifth Leeds restaurant, opening at The Springs retail and leisure destination. The 3,014 sq ft venue offers the brand’s full menu of wings, tenders, burgers, and sides, alongside a range of drinks. The new branch joins Wingstop’s growing Leeds portfolio, which already includes locations at Cardigan Fields Leisure Park, White Rose Shopping Centre, Boar Lane, and dedicated kitchen delivery sites. This latest opening forms part of Wingstop’s ambitious UK expansion plan, with 20 additional locations scheduled to launch in 2025. Chris Sherriff, CEO at Wingstop UK, said the brand’s ongoing growth in Leeds reflects exceptional demand from customers. “We’ve seen phenomenal demand for Wingstop UK in Leeds, which is why we’re thrilled to be opening our fifth site in the city. Expanding into such a vibrant destination for food and drink, like The Springs, is a natural next step and cements our status as the number one flavour destination in Leeds. We’re grateful for the continued love and support from our local community, as we bring our menu to an even broader audience.” The Springs, already home to a range of well-known dining and retail brands, has welcomed the addition as a boost to its offering. Gemma Chidgey, estates manager at The Springs, commented: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Wingstop to the scheme this week and very proud to be the latest opening in Leeds. The new restaurant will add to our already strong line-up of food and drink brands at The Springs, and we know it will prove popular with our customers and occupiers alike.” With its bold flavours, casual dining atmosphere, and ever-expanding footprint, Wingstop continues to strengthen its presence across the UK, with Leeds proving to be one of its most enthusiastic markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals