Bellway South London is celebrating after winning a prestigious award for a house which sets the standard for what a modern sustainable home of the future could look like. The four-bedroom Reedmaker at Fallow Wood View, in the West Sussex town of Burgess Hill, has won the ‘Best House’ category
The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Rocco Archidiacono as its new Head of Business Development to lead the Group’s new business services and bolster client partnerships. Rocco has joined FirstPort from real estate firm Hamptons where he was pivotal in expanding its business
BOOSTING biodiversity efforts, work has completed to restore the wetlands area of Middlesex Filter Beds in Lee Valley Regional Park, decades after the former water supply system was abandoned. The maintenance and restoration project, which is a short distance from London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, has seen a new biofuel
The Renters’ Rights Bill is progressing through Parliament with pace, with the Second Reading of the legislation happening on 9 October, and Propertymark’s recent webinar on the widely anticipated new law helped alert property agents as to why it will prove to be one of the ‘biggest changes to the
At the end of the summer, one of the leading freight forwarding companies in the airport sector opened a new 5,000-sqm site in the ever-expanding Maglód logistics park, which currently boasts almost 100,000 sqm of warehouse space. The long-term lease agreement between HGL Group Hungary and HelloParks will allow the
The M18™ Bluetooth®* Jobsite Speaker delivers full range sound and job site versatility. The 9.5 cm woofer and high frequency tweeter deliver optimised sound for medium sized spaces. AUDIO LINK allows you to play music through multiple compatible Milwaukee® devices (over 200+) creating a larger sound experience. The Speaker provides
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation is pleased to announce that the 2025 BiKBBI Installation Awards programme is now open for entries. The BiKBBI Awards, which recognises the talent, contributions and achievements of businesses and individuals in the KBB installation sector and has seen significant growth, attracting
Connect Plus Services today announces the appointment of Louise Haining as Managing Director with responsibility for leading its M25 operations. A Chartered Engineer, Louise has 30 years’ experience within the construction and infrastructure industry. She joined Connect Plus Services (CPS) in 2017 and has since held several roles across the organisation,
Siemens has appointed Susanne Seitz as CEO of the Buildings Business Unit, which is part of Smart Infrastructure. The unit is a newly formed business unit which brings together all Siemens’ buildings-related businesses into one entity, effective October 1, 2024. With a combined portfolio of products, software and services, the
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has secured approval for its ambitious £200 million expansion, marking a major development in the history of the Wimbledon Championships. The Greater London Authority (GLA) has given the go-ahead for the project, which will see the construction of 39 new tennis courts and
Bellway South London is celebrating after winning a prestigious award for a house which sets the standard for what a modern sustainable home of the future could look like. The four-bedroom Reedmaker at Fallow Wood View, in the West Sussex town of Burgess Hill, has won the ‘Best House’ category in the Evening Standard New Homes Awards 2024. The four-bedroom detached home, which is part of the company’s flagship Artisan Collection, has been adapted to incorporate low-carbon features including an air source heat pump, PV panels and a sustainable FSC-certified timber frame instead of traditional blockwork. A team from Bellway South London accepted the award at a ceremony held at the Dorchester Hotel in London’s Park Lane on Friday (27 September). Daniel Williamson, Sales Director at Bellway South London, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award at this prestigious event in the UK’s property calendar. Our team put a great deal of thought and effort into the design of the Reedmaker at Fallow Wood View and it is very satisfying to see their work recognised by this coveted accolade. “The Reedmaker is not a bespoke eco-home but an attainable low-carbon property for ordinary families which can be rolled out at scale, helping to provide a possible template for how the industry as a whole can meet the challenge of moving towards net zero. “As part of our Better with Bellway sustainability strategy we have used timber, a renewable material, in place of carbon-intensive block construction methods, and included technologies such as an air source heat pump, solar PV panels and wastewater heat recovery to help further reduce carbon emissions.” The Evening Standard New Homes Awards, which were set up more than 30 years ago, recognise, celebrate and commend innovation and excellence in the construction industry. An independent team of industry experts carried out the judging over four stages, from initial assessments and site visits to shortlisting and deciding on a category winner. In choosing the winners, the judges were looking for homes and developments that reflect, or exceed, current best practice in the housebuilding industry in a number of areas including quality of design, value for money, energy-efficiency and innovation. The Best House category states that homes should be in a well-located, attractive setting, offer an impressive sense of arrival and have imaginatively designed yet functional interiors for modern living. Daniel said: “The Reedmaker is an energy-efficient home with enviable green credentials yet offers the flexible space that is demanded by modern family life. The layout downstairs offers an open-plan kitchen and dining room across the rear of the property, with French doors out to the back garden, plus a utility room and a light-filled front-facing living room. Upstairs, there are two double bedrooms which benefit from en suite facilities while the other two bedrooms are big enough for space for play or study as well as storage. “Fallow Wood View has a wonderful location close to both the South Downs National Park and the High Weald, and the exterior of the Reedmaker has also been carefully designed to complement the architecture found in this attractive part of Sussex. “What is particularly pleasing is that the Reedmaker is part of our Artisan Collection – a range of homes designed after decades of customer feedback, which combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary methods of construction. We have opened a Reedmaker showhome at Fallow Wood View so people can come along see inside this award-winning family home.” Fallow Wood View features a range of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The FirstPort Group, the UK’s leading provider of residential property management services, has appointed Rocco Archidiacono as its new Head of Business Development to lead the Group’s new business services and bolster client partnerships. Rocco has joined FirstPort from real estate firm Hamptons where he was pivotal in expanding its business development team across its network, playing a key role in aligning the company’s residential and commercial arms. In his new role, Rocco joins the Business Development team to improve its new business services, ensuring FirstPort is a partner that is approachable and responsive. Commenting on his appointment, Rocco said: “This is an exciting time to be in property management, and I’m looking forward to being part of this journey with FirstPort. “I believe my experience across the different aspects of the property sector will bring a fresh perspective and enable us to develop a more integrated approach for our clients” “I think there’s a huge opportunity to push into new sectors and to really tap into areas that haven’t been fully explored yet. I am looking to regionalise the company’s business development efforts, expanding into areas where we have a strong client base and can offer tailored services.” With over 20 years of experience in residential real estate, Rocco’s extensive understanding of the full build lifecycle – from planning to delivery – will prove valuable as The FirstPort Group looks to forge partnerships with its new and current clients across the UK. Martin King, Managing Director at The FirstPort Group, said: “Rocco’s ability to build strong relationships with our clients and drive growth will be invaluable as we continue to expand our business and explore new opportunities across the UK. Rocco has a deep understanding of this industry but he’s coming at property management as a sector with a fresh perspective, which I welcome. “I look forward to Rocco working closely with FirstPort’s existing teams to align the company’s offerings with the evolving needs of its developer, freeholder and resident director clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BOOSTING biodiversity efforts, work has completed to restore the wetlands area of Middlesex Filter Beds in Lee Valley Regional Park, decades after the former water supply system was abandoned. The maintenance and restoration project, which is a short distance from London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, has seen a new biofuel generator installed alongside new pumps and control equipment, helping reinstate the water supply to the filter beds, which have origins dating back to the 1800s. A range of measures have also been developed to deter thieves and secure the site’s safety, including the design of a custom welded steel cage, reinforced with mesh plate, to house the new generator. The fenced compound will also be fitted with extra tree planting around the edge of the site to protect the restored filter beds. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard was behind the scheme, operating through Perfect Circle and appointed via the SCAPE BECS Framework to provide civil engineering services and work closely with contractor Neilcott to reinvigorate the wetlands habitat. Paul Cannaby, director of civil engineering at Pick Everard, said: “This has been an extremely rewarding project to work on, creating a wetlands ecosystem that has huge benefits for the local wildlife and surrounding area. “Through close liaison with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and community action groups, we’ve been able to maintain the historical integrity of the site, which was a key objective for the client in meeting a successful delivery programme. “The scheme has also allowed us to create a green space for the local community to enjoy, so dog walkers, runners and other members of the community can feel the benefits too. We’ll be continuing to collaborate with local stakeholders and Lee Valley Regional Park Authority to ensure the long-term viability of this area and see it returned to its former glory.” Having been built in the 1800s in response to the London cholera outbreaks, Middlesex’s Filter Beds cleaned the city’s water supplies but were eventually closed and abandoned as a new treatment facility took their place. Under the stewardship of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, a new pump, powered by a generator was later installed, but after multiple thefts of equipment the system fell into disrepair. Paul Roper, head of projects at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, said: “This has been a long running and complex project which initially seemed to offer more hurdles than solutions. However, Pick Everard came up with this interim solution whilst we still seek to route a permanent electricity supply to the site. The Park is delighted that we can now bring water and the biodiversity back to the filter beds for all to enjoy.” Pick Everard will be examining the available options to secure a permanent power supply to the site, and once the water supply system is reinstated, the area will be monitored by park rangers to ensure water levels are maintained at the correct depth. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Renters’ Rights Bill is progressing through Parliament with pace, with the Second Reading of the legislation happening on 9 October, and Propertymark’s recent webinar on the widely anticipated new law helped alert property agents as to why it will prove to be one of the ‘biggest changes to the rental market’ in over three decades. The message from the webinar was clear: change is coming. The professional body advised property agents that they need to understand the changes in good time to help maintain excellent working relationships with landlords. Led by Timothy Douglas, Propertymark’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Jan Hÿtch, Lettings Help Line Manager, and Valerie Bannister, former ARLA Propertymark President and current ARLA Propertymark Regional Executive, the webinar explored four key themes around the Renters’ Rights Bill: periodic tenancies, student tenancies, new grounds for possession, and advertising and increasing rents. The three key speakers advised property agents to review their fee structure, mitigate any business risks, and ensure that existing tenancy agreements do not collide with the new legislation that will enable tenants to keep pets at their properties, something many of them cannot do currently. However, this will change once new tenancy agreements are produced after the Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law next summer. They also discussed the future of fixed-term tenancies, longer rent arrears, and periodic tenancies becoming simpler once the new law is enacted. The panel advised anyone unsure of what is being proposed by the legislation to potentially attend one of Propertymark’s upcoming training courses or conferences to assist in furthering their understanding as to how the Renters’ Rights Bill might affect them. Tessa Shepperson, Managing Director of Landlord Law Services Ltd, will be leading a virtual training course titled Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Bill on 31 October to discuss how the Renters’ Rights Bill will affect landlords and agents. Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, said: “The Renters Rights’ Bill represents one of the biggest evolutions of law for the rental sector in many decades and we hope that our webinar powered letting agents with robust information to help them navigate upcoming changes. “It is vital we see strong stakeholder engagement from across the industry to help shape the new legislation and ensure it is balanced, workable and and fit for the future. We will continue to ensure there is healthy engagement with the UK Government to strike a functional and fair balance between tenants, agents and landlords.” To attend one of Propertymark’s upcoming regional conferences in your area, use this link: Conferences | Propertymark. In order to attend one of the professional body’s training courses, click this link: Estate and letting agent training courses | Propertymark. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
At the end of the summer, one of the leading freight forwarding companies in the airport sector opened a new 5,000-sqm site in the ever-expanding Maglód logistics park, which currently boasts almost 100,000 sqm of warehouse space. The long-term lease agreement between HGL Group Hungary and HelloParks will allow the company to expand further within HelloParks Maglód megapark in the future. Located near Ferenc Liszt International Airport, the development has won several prestigious awards and has recently become increasingly popular with leading companies in the air cargo industry. For example, Aeroplex Central Europe Ltd, the region’s largest independent aviation maintenance company, previously leased nearly 8,000 sqm of warehouse and office space on the same site. With this year’s transactions, 90 per cent of the two completed halls in the megapark have already been let. HelloParks Maglód Megapark boasts two national firsts: MG1, which houses HGL Group, was the first industrial property in Hungary to achieve BREEAM New Construction Excellent, while MG3, completed in the second phase, was also the first to achieve an Outstanding rating. The facilities support tenants’ day-to-day operations with sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Among the efficiency features are roof-mounted solar panels — which allow the offices to operate with zero primary energy consumption — and HelloParks’ dedicated mobile app. Even the rain that falls on the roof is harnessed and collected in a separate storage tank for irrigation. The common areas will be lit by smart-ready lights, and electric car chargers will be available in the warehouse car park. In addition to state-of-the-art technology, the developer, which will also manage the facilities, offers its partners flexible and customised design solutions that comply with all current regulations and favourable conditions for their further development. The HGL Group, which will soon move into hall MG1, focuses on transporting and handling high-value and sensitive goods that require special care, high speed and increased security. With its exceptional parameters, the site is also perfectly suited to these specialised activities. The company also provides European transport coordination for the major players in the Hungarian film industry and the arrival and customs clearance of a significant proportion of e-commerce goods entering the European Union via Hungary. “Moving to a new, sustainable facility is an important milestone for us and represents a significant stage in developing our ever-growing operations and high-quality services. Throughout the negotiations, we were convinced that HelloParks megapark would provide an excellent solution for our e-commerce business and our customers. The state-of-the-art facility will already house our new roller-bed transport and storage system developed for handling ULD air pallets,” said Csaba Németh, Managing Director of HGL Group Hungary, commenting on the deal. “We are proud to have gained the confidence of the HGL Group and are particularly pleased to be able to support their planned growth. This agreement is a further success of our firmly established development and leasing concept. Our presence in the vicinity of the airport is of paramount importance. With this cooperation, we have once again moved forward in an exciting and crucial market segment,” said AndrásBodahelyi, Senior Business Development Manager of HelloParks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The M18™ Bluetooth®* Jobsite Speaker delivers full range sound and job site versatility. The 9.5 cm woofer and high frequency tweeter deliver optimised sound for medium sized spaces. AUDIO LINK allows you to play music through multiple compatible Milwaukee® devices (over 200+) creating a larger sound experience. The Speaker provides up to 18 hours of run time at 100% volume on the M18 B5 battery. The built-in equaliser settings allows the user to customise the bass and treble to their preferred sound. The body of the speaker features utility cart, nail hook and pass through hanging capabilities, integrated within the handle design. This provides job site versatility. The speaker has a durable design and can withstand the most demanding jobsite environments. It can charge up personal devices with USB-C 3.0 A device charging. Power the radio with any M18™ battery. The M18™ Bluetooth® speaker delivers balanced sound that is built for the job site. MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance driven and trade focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The new M18™ Jobsite Speaker is fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 290 power tool solutions. *The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by (TTI corporate name) is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Specifications M18™ Jobsite Speaker (M18 SPEJSG2-0) Kit Includes: (1) M18™ Jobsite Speaker To find out more about the M18™ Bluetooth® Jobsite Speaker, see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit https://uk.milwaukeetool.uk/. Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation is pleased to announce that the 2025 BiKBBI Installation Awards programme is now open for entries. The BiKBBI Awards, which recognises the talent, contributions and achievements of businesses and individuals in the KBB installation sector and has seen significant growth, attracting more than 300 entries since it launched in October 2021. The BiKBBI Awards are free to enter, and businesses and individuals can nominate themselves, their business, a colleague, business associate or a company that they work with via a dedicated online platform. Entries can be submitted from Tuesday 1 October 2024 and more information on the entry criteria, the submission process and key dates can be found at www.entertoday.co.uk. The 2025 categories are: BiKBBI CEO Damian Walters commented “Following the launch of the BiKBBI Awards back in 2021, the continued year-on-year growth we see, in both entry numbers and support, demonstrates just how important the recognition and reward of installation is, not just to installers themselves, but to the wider KBB industry who rely on this vital workforce. Each year, as well as being delighted by the number of entries we receive, we also get to see and hear about the talented and hardworking businesses and individuals that make up our sector – from installers and apprentices to installation businesses and installation managers. The great thing about the BiKBBI Awards is that it provides a platform for all areas of the sector to get involved and celebrate the achievements of their installation communities.” The BiKBBI Awards 2025 winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner ceremony at London’s prestigious QEII Centre, Westminster, on Tuesday 4 February 2025, in conjunction with event partner, InstallerSHOW, and in support of BiKBBI’s chosen charity partner, Band of Builders. Walters continued “These awards are only possible thanks to our awards sponsors and those that support the programme by entering either themselves or someone else. It was great to see so many businesses come together in recognition of KBB installation at the 2024 Awards, and to be joined on stage by many worthy winners on the night. We hope to exceed the number of entries this year and to honour even more examples of excellence in our sector.” More information on the BiKBBI Awards 2025 can be found at www.entertoday.co.uk . For information on remaining sponsorship opportunities, please email comms@bikbbi.org.uk or call 01375 219 199, option 6. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Connect Plus Services today announces the appointment of Louise Haining as Managing Director with responsibility for leading its M25 operations. A Chartered Engineer, Louise has 30 years’ experience within the construction and infrastructure industry. She joined Connect Plus Services (CPS) in 2017 and has since held several roles across the organisation, including Asset and Project Delivery Director, where she was responsible for the adoption of digital asset management and driving further innovation across the business. Most recently, Louise has held the role of Interim Managing Director at CPS focusing on further digital transformation, predictable delivery and long term maintenance decision making across the business. Louise was instrumental in introducing the digital twin of the M25 in 2020 – a ground-breaking technology which produces highly accurate geo-referenced 2D and 3D outputs, providing over 23 billion data points in the process. The digital mapping of 120 miles of road provides Connect Plus Services with more detailed information to aid planning and decision-making, ultimately reducing the need for physical surveys to be carried out in a live highways environment; therefore improving safety too. Prior to joining Connect Plus Services she enjoyed a successful career at Costain, the Environment Agency and National Highways, working on schemes including The Hungerford Bridge in London and the Folkestone to Cliff Edge Coastal Protection Scheme in Kent. Today’s announcement is testament to Connect Plus Services commitment to attracting, training, and retaining its employees to harness the creativity and innovation of a diverse range of people. Louise Haining, Managing Director of Connect Plus Services, said: “I am delighted to take the helm as Managing Director of Connect Plus Services, leading an incredibly talented team on the M25 – one the UK’s busiest motorways. “My focus will remain on data as a strategic imperative to prioritise decision making so that we keep the M25 safe and fit for purpose, whilst also continuing to identify ways of reducing delays and improving journey time reliability for the travelling public.” Phil Clifton, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Highways business said: “Louise has worked with us for many years and has demonstrated time and again, the leadership qualities she possesses. “I look forward to seeing her flourish in her new role as Managing Director and seeing her wealth of knowledge and expertise drive our asset management capability to deliver value through more predictable and safer journeys.” Connect Plus Services brings together the collective expertise from Balfour Beatty, AtkinsRéalis and Egis, with responsibility for operating and maintaining the 250-mile M25 motorway network, including routine maintenance, winter maintenance, and managing the whole-life requirement of the network including five tunnels and 2,500 structures such as bridges, culverts, and overhead gantries. Connect Plus Services operates and maintains the network on behalf of Connect Plus – a consortium including Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Investments Partners – which has a 30-year contract with National Highways through a private finance initiative. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siemens has appointed Susanne Seitz as CEO of the Buildings Business Unit, which is part of Smart Infrastructure. The unit is a newly formed business unit which brings together all Siemens’ buildings-related businesses into one entity, effective October 1, 2024. With a combined portfolio of products, software and services, the Buildings Business Unit is a technology partner for digital transformation, focused on reliable and cost-efficient building operations, decarbonization and energy efficiency, as well as successful business operations for customers across wide-ranging industries. “Making existing and new buildings more sustainable has never been more urgent. After all, buildings generate more than 40 percent of annual global CO2 emissions and we have a responsibility to drive their decarbonization,” said Matthias Rebellius, managing board member and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. “Smarter buildings bring value to their owners, users, operators and to the world around them. I am confident in the newly-formed leadership team. Together with the combined expertise of almost 30,000 people globally, we can take our leadership position in the buildings market to the next level and pave the way to smart buildings of the future.” The Buildings Business Unit works with customers and with an expanding ecosystem of partners across more than 60 countries and in key industries, including healthcare, data centers, higher education, commercial real estate, pharmaceutical and life science, and food and beverage. The business unit’s portfolio includes products for building control, fire safety and security, automation and operation, data-driven services, decarbonization programs and software, including Building X, Siemens’ scalable digital building platform to digitalize, manage and optimize building operations. “I am excited to have the opportunity to grow this dynamic business. With innovative technology we can accelerate the transformation of buildings to make them smarter, self-adaptive and more autonomous, harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence, IT/OT convergence and digital services. This supports our customers in reducing their emissions and costs while improving user experience in buildings,” said Seitz. Based in Zug, Switzerland, Seitz previously served as the Head of Sales and Marketing at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, leading the transformation towards digital sales and marketing globally. Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President EMEA at Landis+ Gyr and Member of the Group Executive Management. For some 16 years preceding this, Seitz held different positions at Siemens, including Head of Strategy and M&A, Head of Security, Vice President for the global buildings systems and solutions business. She is a Swiss native and holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Technology from ETH Zurich and an Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has secured approval for its ambitious £200 million expansion, marking a major development in the history of the Wimbledon Championships. The Greater London Authority (GLA) has given the go-ahead for the project, which will see the construction of 39 new tennis courts and a state-of-the-art 8,000-seat show court on the former site of Wimbledon Park Golf Club. The decision, signed off by Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning, highlights the project’s potential to enhance local infrastructure and boost the economy. The expansion will nearly triple the size of Wimbledon’s existing grounds, offering much-needed space for the world-famous tournament to grow. One of the key components of the plan is the addition of a new venue for Wimbledon’s qualifying matches, which are currently held off-site in Roehampton. The new courts will allow up to 10,000 spectators to attend the qualifying rounds, centralising the event and elevating the overall spectator experience. A standout feature of the development is the creation of a 23-acre public park, designed to echo historical landscape aesthetics. This new green space will be open year-round, except during the Championships, and will include a boardwalk and enhanced waterways, providing the local community with a much-needed recreational area. However, the expansion has stirred significant controversy. Campaign groups, including Save Wimbledon Park, have raised concerns about the impact on protected land, arguing that the development risks turning the area into a “huge industrial tennis complex”. Local politicians and residents have also voiced opposition, urging the AELTC to explore alternative solutions that preserve more of the open space. Despite the pushback, the GLA believes the benefits outweigh the concerns, with promises of economic growth, improved facilities, and enhanced public amenities. The AELTC is now moving forward with the next phase of planning and construction, although potential legal challenges from opponents may cause delays. As construction progresses, the iconic Wimbledon Championships look set to expand, securing its future as a premier global sporting event while also promising new public benefits for the local community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
