Network Rail Property has officially submitted plans for a major redevelopment of London Liverpool Street station – a £1 billion transformation set to futureproof the UK’s busiest transport hub and turn it into a destination in its own right. The ambitious proposals will see the station expanded to accommodate more
The University of Warwick has appointed Kier as the lead contractor for the first phase of its ambitious £700 million STEM Connect programme – a landmark development set to reshape the university’s science and engineering landscape. As part of its long-term strategy to expand teaching and research in science, technology,
The 10 highest performing trade brands in the UK have been revealed, with Screwfix, Wickes and Capgemini taking the top spots. The insights were generated using Jaywing’s Marketing Impact Score (MIS) – the ultimate fully objective measure of digital performance, providing a contextual comparison between brands by measuring a brand’s strength at
London-based commercial waste management provider, Enviro Waste Management, has embarked on a strategic rebrand to reinforce its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. Moving away from its previous focus on domestic and construction waste, the company is now solely dedicated to serving businesses, positioning itself as
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has announced the letting of a 345,284 sq ft unit at Panattoni Park J28 Central M1 to warehouse solutions and last-mile delivery business Super Smart Service. CIRRO Fulfillment, operating under the legal entity Super Smart Service, has signed a 15-year lease and
Graham Asset Management has secured an expanded facilities management contract with Solihull Council, strengthening a decade-long partnership. Following a competitive procurement process, Graham has been awarded a five-year deal, valued at up to £30 million, to deliver hard facilities management (FM) services across Solihull’s property portfolio. This builds on their
The Co-op has proudly reopened three of its stores following significant refurbishments aimed at transforming the shopping experience for local communities. The convenience retailer’s sites in Topsham (Devon), Scarborough (Yorkshire), and Tupsley (Herefordshire) have all undergone major makeovers, boasting refreshed layouts and a stylish new design. Each store, ranging in
The Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) has launched its 2030 Vision, a call to action for the commercial property sector to lead and accelerate the industry’s sustainable transformation over the next five years. Co-created with the BBP Board and its members, the Vision underscores the urgency of tackling the sector’s most
Goodman has acquired the former Vauxhall van manufacturing site at Kimpton Road, Luton Global property company, Goodman, is looking to regenerate the recently acquired Vauxhall van manufacturing site at Kimpton Road, Luton. It is estimated the regeneration could create more than 1,700 direct jobs once complete, and will represent an
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has revealed a £50 million investment plan to enhance its stores across the North West of England, adding a total of 100,000 sq ft of extra retail space to its estate. The investment, which will span the next three financial years, will see the rejuvenation of
Network Rail Property has officially submitted plans for a major redevelopment of London Liverpool Street station – a £1 billion transformation set to futureproof the UK’s busiest transport hub and turn it into a destination in its own right. The ambitious proposals will see the station expanded to accommodate more than 200 million passengers annually, with improvements aimed at boosting capacity, accessibility, and the overall experience for commuters and visitors alike. Currently serving around 118 million people each year, Liverpool Street is expected to see this figure soar to 158 million by 2041, prompting the need for significant investment. To fund the development, Network Rail is working with private sector partners, with much of the cost covered through the construction of new office space above the station – pushing the total value of the scheme beyond £1bn. The revitalised station will offer more than just improved travel links. New retail outlets, leisure spaces, and flexible workspaces are planned, positioning Liverpool Street as a central London hub not just for transport, but for lifestyle and business too. Key features of the redevelopment include: Robin Dobson, Property Director at Network Rail, said:“Investing in transport infrastructure is vital for unlocking future economic growth in London and beyond. This scheme will ensure Liverpool Street remains a landmark gateway to the capital for generations to come.“Our plans put passengers first, while carefully preserving the station’s historic Victorian features – including the iconic trainshed and the Great Eastern Hotel.” Architectural firm Acme, led by founding director Friedrich Ludewig, has designed the redevelopment. He added:“Liverpool Street is one of London’s great Victorian stations. Our vision is to enhance its accessibility and celebrate its legacy while creating modern, sustainable workspaces and improved passenger flow.“We’ve embraced the challenge of designing new entrances and roof structures that honour the original 1875 design and its 1990s extension. This will be a world-class transport hub fit for the future of the City.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Warwick has appointed Kier as the lead contractor for the first phase of its ambitious £700 million STEM Connect programme – a landmark development set to reshape the university’s science and engineering landscape. As part of its long-term strategy to expand teaching and research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the university is investing heavily in state-of-the-art facilities, including a £425 million Science and Engineering Precinct at the heart of its campus. Kier has been named preferred contractor for the opening phase of the programme, with construction expected to begin later this year following the completion of enabling works. Leading the design is BDP, acting as both lead consultant and principal designer. Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, hailed the announcement as a significant milestone:“Appointing a contractor for Phase 1 of the STEM Connect Programme marks a major step forward in what is a transformative journey – and fittingly, it comes in our 60th anniversary year.“This initiative will not only enhance learning for our students, but also reinforce our global standing in STEM disciplines. We’re proud to be partnering with Kier – one of the UK’s top contractors – to realise this bold vision.” Mark Dady, Managing Director of Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, added:“We’re delighted to be delivering the first phase of this forward-thinking project. Drawing on our expertise in creating world-class educational spaces, we aim to build a facility that fosters innovation, collaboration, and sustainability at the University of Warwick.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The 10 highest performing trade brands in the UK have been revealed, with Screwfix, Wickes and Capgemini taking the top spots. The insights were generated using Jaywing’s Marketing Impact Score (MIS) – the ultimate fully objective measure of digital performance, providing a contextual comparison between brands by measuring a brand’s strength at driving digital traffic to its website. Within the trade industry, MIS revealed that the brand with the most power to drive digital traffic in the UK is Screwfix. The top 10 highest performing trade brands in the UK are: MIS was developed by Jaywing’s Accelerator Lab, the driving force behind the integrated marketing agency’s industry-leading AI marketing solutions. MIS gives companies the power to objectively compare performance against competitors, track progress over time and identify opportunities to optimise marketing strategies across digital channels. Catherine Kelly, Managing Director at Jaywing, said: “The launch of our Marketing Impact Score is the latest in a long line of innovations driven by the team in our Accelerator Lab. “It marks a significant leap forward in empowering brands to make informed, data-driven decisions that drive measurable growth and improve their competitive positioning.” The Marketing Impact Score is now available, giving brands immediate access to their headline score as well as those of their competitors. With free access to up to six months of historical data, plus the ability to access channel scores and more detailed insights from Jaywing’s experts, businesses can easily track their performance and monitor progress over time. For more information about the Marketing Impact Score, including the top performing brands in different industries, and how to see the data for your brand, visit: https://mis.jaywing.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London-based commercial waste management provider, Enviro Waste Management, has embarked on a strategic rebrand to reinforce its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. Moving away from its previous focus on domestic and construction waste, the company is now solely dedicated to serving businesses, positioning itself as a one-stop waste solution in commercial waste management. The revamped brand identity includes a modern yet user friendly website and refreshed tone of voice on all online channels of communication. Additionally, Enviro Waste Management will also undertake a phase by phase revamp of offline assets such as uniforms, trucks, sacks, and more. This shift also brings expanded service offerings, including bins and sacks collections introduced last year which includes overnight collection service. More than just collecting waste, the company ensures materials are repurposed when possible, properly sorted at its waste yard, and disposed of in the most sustainable way. Eli Kushmaro, CEO and Founder of Enviro Waste Management said: “Our core values have always been about helping businesses operate more efficiently while reducing their environmental footprint. While our brand is built on reliability and robust customer support, with this rebrand, we’re not only sharpening our focus on commercial waste but also expanding our service portfolio to truly become the ultimate partner for businesses.” The new logo embodies this transformation with a bold blue design and a distinct brown ‘I’ at its centre, symbolising the customer at the heart of the company’s operations. The deliberate shift away from the industry-standard green, Enviro Waste Management has adopted a bold brown and blue theme, brown symbolising warmth and reliability, while blue reinforces professionalism and trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has announced the letting of a 345,284 sq ft unit at Panattoni Park J28 Central M1 to warehouse solutions and last-mile delivery business Super Smart Service. CIRRO Fulfillment, operating under the legal entity Super Smart Service, has signed a 15-year lease and will use the space to enhance its operational capacity in the East Midlands, creating around 300 new jobs in the region and contributing £8 million to the economy. The business operates more than 10 warehouses across the Midlands, working with partners such as Royal Mail, Yodel, Hermes, China Post, and DPD to process and dispatch parcels for e-commerce retailers including eBay and Amazon. Panattoni Park J28 is equidistant from Birmingham and Leeds, two of the UK’s largest cities. Located off the M1, the site has direct links to Sheffield and Nottingham, as well as Birmingham via Derby through the A38. Its strategic location provides tenants with access to 71% of the UK’s population, within a 4.5 HGV journey. The park contains a second speculative unit of 231,191 sq ft ready for immediate occupation, with both units benefitting from 15m eaves and 50m service yards, as well as two-storey hub offices. In line with Panattoni’s sustainability commitments, both units have achieved BREEAM ratings of ‘Very Good’, and EPC rating of ‘A’. Andy Preston, Head of Development, North Midlands and Yorkshire, at Panattoni, said: “The M1/J28 is a strategic logistics location in the East Midlands, and Super Smart Service will benefit from easy access across the UK to ensure reliable and prompt delivery to consumers across the country. This letting will boost economic growth in the region, and showcases Panattoni’s ability to identify strategically-located sites and develop high-spec, state-of-the-art, sustainable buildings for use.” Charles Lu, Head of Business Development Europe at CIRRO Fulfillment, said: “Our new agreed lease at Panattoni Park J28 provides a great base for us to expand our operational capacity and reach, and serve more domestic businesses. The size and location of the unit is crucial in our provision of second-to-none storage and distribution, and we are pleased to have worked with Panattoni to find a unit that suits our specifications and needs, and support the creation of approximately 300 new jobs and a predicted £8 million generated in the region as we continue to drive the recovery of the UK economy.” For more information please visit here. The leasing agents are FHP, CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Graham Asset Management has secured an expanded facilities management contract with Solihull Council, strengthening a decade-long partnership. Following a competitive procurement process, Graham has been awarded a five-year deal, valued at up to £30 million, to deliver hard facilities management (FM) services across Solihull’s property portfolio. This builds on their existing collaboration, which began in 2013. The contract covers reactive and planned preventative maintenance, minor works up to £25,000, and larger-scale projects exceeding £25,000—with no upper project limit. It also introduces an enhanced scope, incorporating mechanical and electrical maintenance. Delivered under an open-book partnership model, the agreement has an estimated aspirational annual value of £6 million, with the option to extend for an additional five years. Graham Asset Management’s regional director, Alan Millar, expressed enthusiasm for the extended partnership, stating:“Graham has worked alongside Solihull Council for over a decade, delivering high-quality building fabric maintenance. Securing the full hard FM contract allows us to further enhance service delivery, ensuring excellent facilities for Solihull residents.” Councillor Karen Grinsell, deputy leader of Solihull Council, added:“Graham has an impressive track record, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to provide high-quality facilities for our community.” Since its inception, the partnership has grown significantly, with the contract value rising from £2 million to £12 million. The framework has also extended its reach, supporting additional public sector clients, including Sandwell Council, Acivico (on behalf of Birmingham City Council), Walsall Council, Worcester City Council, and Cherwell District Council. By leveraging local subcontractors and suppliers—many of whom have been involved since 2013—the agreement ensures continuity, consistency, and local economic benefits. This latest contract win cements Graham’s role as a key FM provider in the public sector, supporting essential infrastructure across the Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Co-op has proudly reopened three of its stores following significant refurbishments aimed at transforming the shopping experience for local communities. The convenience retailer’s sites in Topsham (Devon), Scarborough (Yorkshire), and Tupsley (Herefordshire) have all undergone major makeovers, boasting refreshed layouts and a stylish new design. Each store, ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,300 square feet, now features upgraded refrigeration systems designed to reduce energy consumption. Customers can enjoy an enhanced range of fresh produce, food-to-go options, meal deals, frozen favourites, dairy and bakery items, Fairtrade products, pizzas, flowers, ready meals, and everyday essentials. The upgraded stores also support Co-op’s growing online delivery service, acting as fulfilment hubs for home grocery deliveries through the retailer’s own online platform. In addition, soft plastic recycling points have been introduced, allowing shoppers to return typically difficult-to-recycle items such as crisp packets, bread bags, ready meal lids, biscuit wrappers, and pet food pouches. Daniel Case, Store Manager at the Fore Street Co-op in Topsham, shared his enthusiasm:“The whole team is thrilled to invest in Topsham and relaunch the Co-op store. The transformation is remarkable, and the feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’ve introduced a fresh, modern feel along with an expanded product range – offering quality, choice, and value for everyone. “We’re excited to welcome our members and customers back into their new-look Co-op. We’re here to make a difference locally and continue to serve and support our community with convenience and care.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) has launched its 2030 Vision, a call to action for the commercial property sector to lead and accelerate the industry’s sustainable transformation over the next five years. Co-created with the BBP Board and its members, the Vision underscores the urgency of tackling the sector’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. It sets out clear priorities: delivering practical solutions, embedding sustainable practices across portfolios, and fostering collaboration to drive large-scale industry change. A Practical Approach to Industry Transformation The BBP aims to leverage its expertise, tools, and leadership to amplify impact, embed best practices in decision-making, and pioneer innovative solutions to emerging challenges. Covering a wide scope—from energy efficiency and climate resilience to circularity and nature—the Vision recognises the growing complexities and opportunities facing commercial property owners. By mobilising its extensive network of members, the BBP seeks to demonstrate leadership and ensure sustainability is embedded at the heart of the industry. The initiative highlights the power of collective action, urging stakeholders to work together to accelerate change and maximise impact. A Vision for Industry-Wide Change BBP invites members and industry partners to use the 2030 Vision as a guide for transformative action. By doing so, the sector can unlock the full potential of sustainable buildings—attracting investment, occupiers, and talent while fostering resilient communities that support environmental, social, and economic prosperity. Industry Leaders Weigh In Sarah Ratcliffe, Chief Executive Officer of the Better Buildings Partnership, emphasised the need for immediate action: “With just five years left of this crucial decade, our 2030 Vision calls for urgent and collaborative action. We must act decisively to drive the sustainable transformation of commercial buildings. We hope this Vision serves as a catalyst for progress and innovation, reinforcing the BBP’s commitment to delivering practical solutions with real impact.” Janine Cole, Sustainability and Social Impact Director at GPE and Chair of the BBP, added: “The BBP’s commitment to amplifying its impact, upskilling the market, and embracing innovation is essential in addressing the climate crisis. This Vision will help drive the transformation needed in the UK’s built environment sector.” James Manning, London Estate Strategy and Performance Lead at Grosvenor Group and BBP Deputy Chair, highlighted the importance of staying ahead of emerging challenges: “The sustainable transformation of commercial real estate demands a pioneering approach. We look forward to working with industry partners to deepen our knowledge of circularity, placemaking, and social impact while remaining open to new ideas and insights.” Jane Wakiwaka, Head of Sustainability at REM and BBP Board Member, stressed the role of sustainability across the property lifecycle: “Embedding sustainability at every stage of the property lifecycle is vital. BBP’s toolkits and guidance will continue to raise industry standards and ensure sustainability is a core part of decision-making for property owners.” Shuen Chan, Head of Responsible Investment & Sustainability, Private Markets at LGIM and BBP Board Member, highlighted the investment opportunities in sustainable transformation: “Accelerating sustainability efforts isn’t just an operational imperative—it’s a significant investment opportunity. By embedding sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of real estate, we can collectively reduce carbon emissions, drive value, and create a more resilient built environment.” Harry Stokes, Commercial Finance Director at SEGRO and BBP Board Member, emphasised the importance of knowledge-sharing: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Goodman has acquired the former Vauxhall van manufacturing site at Kimpton Road, Luton Global property company, Goodman, is looking to regenerate the recently acquired Vauxhall van manufacturing site at Kimpton Road, Luton. It is estimated the regeneration could create more than 1,700 direct jobs once complete, and will represent an investment by Goodman in excess of £400 million. Strategically located adjacent to London Luton Airport, and two miles from the M1, it plans to develop the site into a high-quality commercial and industrial park, attracting businesses from a range of sectors including advanced logistics, manufacturing, engineering and digital infrastructure. Over the coming months, Goodman will work closely with Luton Council, local business groups and the community to develop its plans. Jason Harris, Commercial Director at Goodman, said: “Our vision is to deliver a transformational regeneration scheme. This will attract new businesses to Luton and create a mix of jobs from a range of sectors. “We recognise the social and economic significance of the site to Luton and will work closely with Luton Council and the local community as we bring forward our plans to deliver a major contribution to the long-term economic growth of the town.” Councillor James Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth at Luton Borough Council, added: “We look forward to working with Goodman to regenerate what is a hugely important strategic site for our town. We are keen to see a mix of commercial and industrial uses at the site, create quality new jobs for local people and bring in vital investment for Luton which will help drive Luton’s 2040 vision for a town where everyone can thrive.” Subject to planning, work is expected to start in 2027, with the first new businesses occupying the site in 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has revealed a £50 million investment plan to enhance its stores across the North West of England, adding a total of 100,000 sq ft of extra retail space to its estate. The investment, which will span the next three financial years, will see the rejuvenation of three stores in the region, bringing them in line with the retailer’s latest store format. In addition, five brand-new stores will be launched as part of the retailer’s ongoing store renewal and rotation programme. This move follows the success of recently renewed stores, which have been performing well since their revamp. The first of the new-look stores, at Gemini Retail Park in Warrington, reopened last week with an updated clothing, home, and beauty department, following the opening of a food hall at the same location last October. Meanwhile, the M&S store at New Mersey Retail Park in Speke will relocate and undergo a major transformation from a food hall to a full-line store, introducing clothing, home, and beauty departments to the south Liverpool area. In Formby, Merseyside, a brand-new food hall will open at The Point development, while in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, plans are underway to open a new food hall, subject to planning permission, which will triple the size of the existing store to 16,000 sq ft. Additionally, M&S has submitted a planning application to relocate its Blackburn store to the Frontier Park retail hub in East Lancashire. M&S’s Greater Manchester stores are also set for growth, with an extension planned for the full-line store at Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton and a redesign for the food hall in Sale, which has recently been completed. Will Smith, Property Director at M&S, commented: “As we reshape for growth, we want to open new stores that not only offer a great shopping experience but that we can also be proud of. Our upcoming stores for 2025 showcase our commitment to investing in market-leading stores, as part of our ongoing renewal and rotation strategy. This investment in the North West will allow us to continue offering high-quality products, that M&S touch of magic, and the trusted value our customers expect.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals