Kenneth Booth
VisionLinkTM boosts winter safety on site for Finning customers

VisionLinkTM boosts winter safety on site for Finning customers

With winter in full effect, Finning are seeing more customers utilising VisionLinkTM telematics to help improve safety and security on site. Building on more than a decade of condition monitoring insight, the latest iteration of VisionLink, launched in August 2023, is helping Finning customers tackle the short days and hazardous winter

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Liverpool City Region Targets 63,000 New Homes Under £2bn Housing Pipeline

Liverpool City Region Targets 63,000 New Homes Under £2bn Housing Pipeline

The Liverpool City Region has unveiled ambitious plans to accelerate the delivery of more than 63,000 new homes through a £2bn housing pipeline designed to unlock stalled sites and drive large-scale regeneration across the region. Led by metro mayor Steve Rotheram, the initiative brings together local authorities, housing associations and

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Winvic exceeds social value targets at Prologis Park, South London

Winvic exceeds social value targets at Prologis Park, South London

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has exceeded social value targets in its delivery of the second phase of Prologis Park at Beddington Lane in Croydon, South London.  In alignment with real estate logistics provider Prologis’ Social Value Charter, Winvic implemented a robust Employment and Skills

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Clowes Developments Drives Forward Multi-Million Pound Transformation at Hucknall’s Harrier Park

Clowes Developments Drives Forward Multi-Million Pound Transformation at Hucknall’s Harrier Park

Clowes Developments is progressing a major multi-million-pound redevelopment at Harrier Park in Hucknall, with extensive site preparation and enabling works now well advanced on the landmark brownfield site. The site, historically linked to the development of the Harrier Jump Jet and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is undergoing a significant transformation to

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£21million contract recommended for approval for retrofit and upgrades at Craigmillar and Peffermill Court

£21million contract recommended for approval for retrofit and upgrades at Craigmillar and Peffermill Court

Earlier yesterday (Thursday 15 January) the Finance and Resources Committee recommended the approval of a £21 million contract to Kier Construction to deliver a comprehensive retrofit and upgrade programme at Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court, two 15 floor blocks in Edinburgh. The project forms part of the Council’s wider Strategic Investment

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Latest Issue
Issue 338 : Mar 2026

Kenneth Booth

VisionLinkTM boosts winter safety on site for Finning customers

VisionLinkTM boosts winter safety on site for Finning customers

With winter in full effect, Finning are seeing more customers utilising VisionLinkTM telematics to help improve safety and security on site. Building on more than a decade of condition monitoring insight, the latest iteration of VisionLink, launched in August 2023, is helping Finning customers tackle the short days and hazardous winter weather conditions that impact operational safety and efficiency during this time of year. With shorter, darker days, and wet and freezing weather conditions, a staple of UK construction conditions in the winter, VisionLink data ensures operators are aware of fault codes before they become serious safety issues, greatly reducing the risk of costly downtime. VisionLink has been developed by Caterpillar® to provide machine and fleet owners with key insights and pre-empt operational faults, highlighting key factors including machine health and operator performance as well as converting data into training assets that help managers improve safety on site. VisionLink has unique geofencing capabilities which supports both lease and inventory management, allowing owner-operators to track their machines movements. Additionally, automatic alerts signal any movement outside of the predetermined fence or permitted zone, which helps enhance the safety and security of both people and machines on site. Becky Wallis, at Finning UK & Ireland, explained: “During the colder weather it’s essential to carry out extra checks to ensure that heavy machinery continues to operate efficiently and VisionLink plays a critical role in reducing operational risk during the winter season. Its capability to support operators with consistent, reliable data helps with avoiding sudden machine failures, improving uptime, and giving supervisors greater awareness of machine status and use.” VisionLink insights provide a centralised view of the entire fleet in a unified safety dashboard, supporting safety by streamlining risk assessments. The data can be used to identify training opportunities to help enhance efficiency, productivity or compliance, and can mitigate hazards by highlighting user patterns or habits that could compromise safety.  “Access to telematic data is vital, particularly given the challenges of the winter months. The ability to proactively resolve any issues greatly reduces risk of unplanned breakdowns or safety incidents that could occur as a result of freezing weather conditions or reduced sightlines due to darker days.” VisionLink is available for owners with one machine, or large companies with an entire fleet, and is available as a mobile app to provide ease of access to daily insights and data.  Continuous developments in VisionLink technology mean customers will continue to benefit from its insights, with the backing from the experts at Finning who monitor the system to provide proactive service and customer support. To learn more about VisionLink or to arrange a demonstration, visit: https://www.finning.com/en_GB/performance/manage-your-equipment/track-your-equipment/visionlink.html Find out more about VisionLink here: https://www.finning.com/en_GB/performance/manage-your-equipment/track-your-equipment/visionlink.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Benniman Appointed to Deliver Final Phase of Major Longbridge Logistics Transformation

Benniman Appointed to Deliver Final Phase of Major Longbridge Logistics Transformation

Benniman has been appointed to deliver the final phase of development at Indurent Park Longbridge West, completing the long-running transformation of the former MG Rover car plant in Birmingham into a major industrial and logistics hub. The final construction package will see the delivery of approximately 380,000 sq ft of new industrial and logistics accommodation, arranged across 13 units ranging in size from 12,000 sq ft to 115,000 sq ft. The scheme is designed to appeal to a broad range of occupiers, including advanced manufacturing, logistics and distribution businesses, strengthening Longbridge’s position as a key employment location in the West Midlands. The project represents a significant milestone in the regeneration of the historic brownfield site, which has been redeveloped in phases following the closure of the MG Rover plant. Benniman’s appointment reflects its growing reputation for delivering complex industrial schemes and its established working relationship with developer Indurent. Sustainability is a central focus of the development, with all buildings designed to meet high environmental performance standards. The units are targeting BREEAM Excellent certification alongside EPC ratings of A and A+, aligning with occupier demand for energy-efficient, future-ready facilities and supporting wider decarbonisation goals across the industrial sector. Paul Barfoot, director at Benniman, said the company was pleased to be delivering the final phase of the Longbridge scheme and building on a strong partnership with Indurent. He highlighted the shared commitment to quality and long-term value, adding that the development would provide modern, sustainable space capable of supporting regional growth for many years to come. The appointment further strengthens Benniman’s pipeline of work with Indurent, following its involvement at Indurent Park Gloucester and phase one of Indurent Park Lichfield in Staffordshire. Across the three developments, Benniman will have delivered more than one million sq ft of new industrial and logistics space. As demand for high-quality industrial accommodation continues to rise, Benniman’s latest contract underlines its role in supporting large-scale regeneration projects and delivering modern logistics infrastructure across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lidl Accelerates UK Expansion with 19 New Stores and £43m Estate Investment

Lidl Accelerates UK Expansion with 19 New Stores and £43m Estate Investment

Lidl is pressing ahead with a rapid phase of UK expansion, announcing plans to open 19 new stores over the next eight weeks while simultaneously committing £43m to upgrade more than 70 existing locations across its estate. The store openings, which equate to a new Lidl site launching almost every other day, will see the discount retailer extend its footprint into new communities, including towns such as Calne in Wiltshire and Brough in Yorkshire. The programme forms part of Lidl’s wider strategy to strengthen its national presence through a combination of new-build developments and targeted investment in existing assets. Alongside the new stores, Lidl is undertaking a significant modernisation drive across its established portfolio. The £43m investment will focus on improving customer flow and in-store efficiency, with upgrades including new till systems, expanded freezer capacity and revised layouts designed to accommodate growing demand for frozen and chilled products. Sustainability remains a central element of Lidl’s development strategy. The refurbishment programme will incorporate energy-saving measures such as chillers that use natural refrigerants and intelligent lighting systems that automatically reduce electricity consumption. These upgrades align with the retailer’s longer-term ambition to lower operational emissions while delivering more efficient buildings across its UK estate. Richard Taylor, chief real estate officer at Lidl GB, said the latest round of investment reflects the company’s intent to begin the year with momentum. He said the expansion would not only improve the shopping experience for customers but also deliver tangible benefits for the communities in which Lidl operates. The programme also represents a notable pipeline of construction activity, supporting contractors, consultants and local supply chains involved in both new-build delivery and refurbishment works. With food retail continuing to demonstrate resilience amid wider market uncertainty, Lidl’s accelerated rollout highlights the ongoing demand for modern, energy-efficient retail space in the UK. As competition among supermarkets intensifies, Lidl’s focus on rapid delivery, cost-effective construction and sustainable design positions the retailer to capture further market share while reinforcing its long-term commitment to investing in the UK built environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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IKEA Selects The Boulevard Banbridge for First Northern Ireland Outlet as Scheme Enters New Growth Phase

IKEA Selects The Boulevard Banbridge for First Northern Ireland Outlet as Scheme Enters New Growth Phase

IKEA has chosen The Boulevard outlet shopping centre in Banbridge as the location for its first-ever outlet store in Northern Ireland, marking a significant milestone in the continued evolution of the retail-led scheme. The new 2,691 sq ft store forms part of a revised, smaller-format concept for the Swedish furniture retailer and will operate as a pop-up until spring 2026. The unit has been delivered as a flexible fit-out, offering planning services, a curated home furnishings range and a hub for online order collections, aligning with changing customer behaviour and omnichannel retail strategies. The opening follows a standout year for The Boulevard, which recorded double-digit growth in both sales and footfall. The performance underlines the strength of the scheme as a destination and highlights the importance of well-located, experience-led retail environments in the current market. Owned by Lotus Property, The Boulevard has benefited from ongoing investment in tenant mix, infrastructure and placemaking. Its strategic position close to the A1 corridor, linking Belfast and Dublin, has been a key factor in attracting national and international brands looking to test new store formats outside traditional city centres. Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property, said the scheme’s combination of strong footfall, accessibility and on-site management expertise made it an ideal environment for retailers trialling new concepts. The centre’s ability to deliver adaptable retail space quickly has also proved attractive, particularly for brands seeking lower-risk entry into new markets. The Boulevard, which opened in 2006, continues to build momentum through a mix of new lettings and phased enhancements. Recent arrivals include Northern Irish cosmetics brand BPerfect, alongside fashion names such as Vila and French Connection, both of which selected the scheme for market-first locations. The centre is also home to the only standalone Northern Irish stores for several global brands, reinforcing its regional importance. Beyond retail, the scheme is expanding its leisure and food and beverage offer as part of a broader strategy to create an all-day destination. A new Hollywood Bowl is due to open later this year, introducing a bowling alley, restaurant and family entertainment space, and supporting the growth of a night-time economy at the site. With a critical mass of retail, leisure and adjacent big-box operators already in place, The Boulevard is positioning itself as a long-term investment location capable of adapting to evolving occupier requirements. IKEA’s outlet debut is the latest endorsement of that strategy, signalling confidence in the scheme’s future as one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic retail destinations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Liverpool City Region Targets 63,000 New Homes Under £2bn Housing Pipeline

Liverpool City Region Targets 63,000 New Homes Under £2bn Housing Pipeline

The Liverpool City Region has unveiled ambitious plans to accelerate the delivery of more than 63,000 new homes through a £2bn housing pipeline designed to unlock stalled sites and drive large-scale regeneration across the region. Led by metro mayor Steve Rotheram, the initiative brings together local authorities, housing associations and delivery partners to identify over 300 development sites capable of supporting new housing. Nearly half of the proposed homes, around 31,000 units, would be delivered within the city of Liverpool itself. The Liverpool City Region Housing Pipeline sets out a coordinated approach to housing delivery, aligning land preparation, infrastructure investment and funding support to speed up development. It follows a recent commitment of £700m for new social and affordable housing across the region, representing the largest investment of its kind locally. The combined authority is being asked to formally approve the work completed to date and endorse the pipeline as a priority framework for directing development funding. Approval would allow detailed preparation of sites to move forward, coordinated alongside wider investment in transport infrastructure, economic development and place-based regeneration. Working jointly with Homes England, the combined authority is already investing £1.3m to bring forward 309 priority sites across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral. This work forms part of a strategic place partnership aimed at tackling viability challenges and accelerating delivery. Members will also be asked to endorse the creation of a new Housing Investment Fund to unlock difficult sites and support early-stage development. Analysis suggests around £1bn of public support will be required to deliver 139 of the identified schemes, with the full pipeline potentially needing up to £2bn in total investment. Rising construction costs, higher borrowing rates and increasingly stringent building standards have created significant viability gaps, particularly on complex urban brownfield sites. To further accelerate delivery, the combined authority is exploring the establishment of a mayoral development corporation, initially focused on a North Docks development area, with the potential to extend the model to other priority regeneration zones. The next phase will involve active engagement with the wider housing market. A meeting scheduled for early February will bring together developers, contractors, investors, housing associations and local authorities, marking the launch of a new Liverpool City Region Developer Forum aimed at building market confidence and supporting delivery. If delivered in full, the pipeline would represent one of the most significant housing and regeneration programmes in the region’s history, reshaping communities and supporting long-term economic growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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UK Government Steadies £56bn New Hospital Programme as Delivery Pressures Mount

UK Government Steadies £56bn New Hospital Programme as Delivery Pressures Mount

The UK Government’s reset of the £56bn New Hospital Programme has brought greater stability to one of the country’s largest construction pipelines, but significant delivery challenges remain, particularly around the replacement of hospitals affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. A recent update indicates the programme is now on a more credible footing, with the final hospitals expected to complete in 2045–46. However, seven hospitals prioritised due to extensive RAAC use are not forecast to open until 2032–33, well beyond the original 2030 replacement deadline. For contractors and consultants, the reset offers longer-term certainty and a clearer forward pipeline. However, the next five years will be critical, with a tightly sequenced construction programme and limited contingency leaving little tolerance for early delays or cost overruns. Key milestones are approaching. The Hospital 2.0 alliance contract, originally expected to be awarded by the end of last year, is now anticipated in early 2026. Work to finalise the standardised Hospital 2.0 designs is due to be completed by April 2026. Market interest in the alliance has been strong, with more than 20 contractors expressing interest and 16 firms shortlisted to take part in competitive dialogue. Wave 1 schemes are currently scheduled to begin construction in 2028–29, including major developments at Milton Keynes Hospital and Leighton Hospital. These projects will be among the first to adopt the Hospital 2.0 standardised design approach. Despite improved programme structure, capacity constraints within public sector client teams remain a concern. Vacancy rates stood at nearly 40% in late 2025, with shortages in digital, commercial and technical expertise identified as a key delivery risk. The reset followed a review which concluded that the original programme was not deliverable as planned. It now comprises 41 hospital schemes delivered across four waves over the next 20 years, alongside five schemes that were completed prior to the reset in early 2025. Total funding for all 46 schemes now stands at £60bn, including £56bn of capital expenditure. This represents a significant increase on earlier assumptions and includes a £12bn contingency to reflect inflation, market pressures, engineering complexity and environmental requirements. Capital investment of £8.9bn has been allocated between 2025–26 and 2029–30, with annual spending rising to around £3bn from 2030–31 onwards. RAAC remains the most immediate risk to the programme. An independent review recommended replacing seven RAAC hospitals by 2030, but that deadline will be missed. By 2025, more than £500m had already been spent on mitigation measures, while NHS trusts continue to incur between £100m and £140m a year in additional maintenance costs as replacement projects are delayed. The reset places strong emphasis on the Hospital 2.0 model, which aims to standardise layouts, improve buildability and create a more predictable market for contractors. Features include single-patient rooms, reduced staff travel distances, digital patient records and enhanced monitoring technology. Across 28 Hospital 2.0 schemes, average overnight bed numbers are expected to increase by around 6%. While the programme now rests on firmer foundations, maintaining delivery discipline will be essential if long-term ambitions are to be realised and further delays avoided. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Winvic exceeds social value targets at Prologis Park, South London

Winvic exceeds social value targets at Prologis Park, South London

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has exceeded social value targets in its delivery of the second phase of Prologis Park at Beddington Lane in Croydon, South London.  In alignment with real estate logistics provider Prologis’ Social Value Charter, Winvic implemented a robust Employment and Skills Plan in collaboration with Sutton Council, Sutton and District Training, and the South London Careers Hub.   The contractor surpassed its Section 106 Employment and Skills commitments, delivering high-impact social value initiatives as part of its partnership with Prologis and the London Borough of Sutton.  The expansion of Prologis Park Beddington Lane comprises of four low-carbon logistics units totalling over 110,640 sq. ft, including 97,105 sq. ft of warehouse space and 13,535 sq. ft of modern office facilities built to BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+ ratings.  Winvic surpassed extensive training and skills targets, hosting 11 work insight sessions (83% above target) and seven site visits.   Work insight sessions included six engagement with students from Sutton and District Training, helping to raise awareness of construction careers and skills pathways, and two tailored construction and sensory sessions for SEN learners at Greenholm School, offering an inclusive and engaging experience and engaging for young people with additional learning needs.   Further activities included supporting a speed networking event at Harris Academy Sutton, where students interviewed members of the site team, and providing an employer talk as part of a site visit with representatives from London Borough of Sutton Council, to the same school. This led to one of the students completing a work experience placement with Winvic. In addition, mock interviews were delivered at Greenshaw School, helping Year 12 students prepare for future employment.  Winvic coordinated apprenticeships and work placements, including a local Civil Engineering apprentice who was recruited directly onto the Beddington Lane site and continues to train with Winvic on another project. Another local Civil Engineering apprentice, engaged through shared apprenticeship provider Co-Train, successfully gained employment with Winvic to continue her apprenticeship.   Winvic’s social value activities extended to supporting charity and community sector organisations including social enterprise Hey Girls, site signage provider Nuneaton Signs, who provide employment for people with disabilities , and the Daniel Baird Foundation, a charity which provides publicly accessible bleeding control packs for stab victims, with Winvic donating a pack for the local community.  Emma Alderman, Senior Social Responsibility Manager at Winvic, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at Beddington Lane. Our goal was not just to meet the extensive targets but to do so in a meaningful way. By working closely with Sutton and District Training, local schools, and shared apprenticeship providers, we’ve delivered a wide range of impactful opportunities that reflect our long-term commitment to social value.”  Danny Nelson, Managing Director – Industrial, Logistics & Data Centres at Winvic, said: “Beddington Lane Phase 2 is a great example of delivering not only sustainable, high-quality logistics units, but also long-lasting benefits for the local community. We’re pleased to be building on our long-standing relationship with Prologis with whom we share many of our core values. The team’s passion for engaging with local learners and creating real employment pathways has been wonderful to watch. I’m incredibly proud of our results and how we’ve embedded social value into the very fabric of this project, making a difference to people’s lives and the community.”  Tim Burn, Director – Development Management at Prologis UK, added “Projects like Prologis Park Beddington Lane show how we bring our Social Value Charter to life on the ground. Working with partners such as Winvic, local authorities and education providers allows us to create opportunities that have a lasting impact on people and communities, not just buildings. We are proud of what has been achieved at Beddington Lane and of the positive legacy it is creating locally.”  Recognising the quality and impact of the social value work, Beddington Lane has been awarded a Silver National Site Award by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, achieving an exceptional 44 out of 45 score, including a best practice point.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Crown Estate unveils One Hanover Street redevelopment with Ares Management as sole tenant

The Crown Estate unveils One Hanover Street redevelopment with Ares Management as sole tenant

Ares Management to fully occupy the 124,000 sq ft office floorspace in The Crown Estate’s One Hanover Street redevelopment in one of the largest lettings in the West End The Crown Estate has unveiled details of the latest project in its London development pipeline, One Hanover Street, within the Regent Street Partnership – a longstanding joint venture with Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM). The project will see the redevelopment of 124,000 sq ft of office space above the iconic Apple store on Regent Street, with six levels of quality new floorspace – including a new rooftop pavilion and seventh floor terrace overlooking the West End. The Crown Estate has pre-let the entire super-prime office space to Ares Management, a leading global alternative investment manager and existing customer currently occupying 39,000 sq ft within 10 New Burlington Street. The completion of this transaction marks the largest deal in the West End by rent roll and size in 2025, the largest deal in the Core West End Market in the last two years, and the third largest deal ever recorded in the core Mayfair and St James’s submarkets[1]. The landmark letting underscores The Crown Estate’s continued commitment to supporting world-class businesses in the West End through the delivery of high-quality, future-ready workplaces. Reflecting investment by The Crown Estate to strengthen the area’s commercial vitality, this pre-let supports a broader long-term vision to curate a vibrant and resilient destination in the heart of London, with quality commercial spaces underpinned by world-class retail and leisure. Kristy Lansdown, Managing Director for Development at The Crown Estate, said: “One Hanover Street marks the latest step on our journey to reinvigorate our portfolio across the West End, with an ambitious vision that looks at the entire area. “Our development pipeline will reposition heritage assets in this famous epicentre of the Capital to create market-leading, modern, sustainable workspace. At the same time, we are working in partnership with Westminster City Council to reimagine the area’s public realm – creating a welcoming, accessible and resilient place that benefits workers, visitors and residents alike. Together, this reflects our key approach for this historic part of London; to invest in the area as a whole and deliver world-class places that work for all those who interact with it today and well into the future.” Charles Owen, Head of Portfolio Management – Regent Street at The Crown Estate, said: “The letting at One Hanover Street to Ares is a landmark deal for The Crown Estate and one of the most significant leases in the West End office market, demonstrating the enduring strength of demand for high-quality office space in prime locations. “We believe this long-term commitment by Ares is testament to our reputation for curating high-quality workspaces that evolve with occupier needs, as part of Regent Street’s global appeal.” The Crown Estate is targeting the first quarter of 2027 to complete the redevelopment, following not only the design and delivery of quality new floorspace, but also a focus on sustainability credentials with extensive upgrades made to the existing plant to remove fossil fuels from the building and reduce its operational carbon. The redevelopment of One Hanover Street adds to The Crown Estate’s growing pipeline of developments in the West End, with New Zealand House and 10 Spring Gardens due to complete later this year, while work is ongoing at 33-35 Piccadilly. JLL and BCLP acted on behalf of The Crown Estate, and CBRE and Fladgate acted on behalf of Ares Management. Savills acts as Development Manager on behalf of The Crown Estate for One Hanover Street, with Wates as the contractor and Orms Architects as the Lead Architect. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Clowes Developments Drives Forward Multi-Million Pound Transformation at Hucknall’s Harrier Park

Clowes Developments Drives Forward Multi-Million Pound Transformation at Hucknall’s Harrier Park

Clowes Developments is progressing a major multi-million-pound redevelopment at Harrier Park in Hucknall, with extensive site preparation and enabling works now well advanced on the landmark brownfield site. The site, historically linked to the development of the Harrier Jump Jet and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is undergoing a significant transformation to unlock up to 500,000 sq ft of modern industrial and warehouse accommodation. The project represents a key early phase in Clowes Developments’ long-term vision to bring forward high-quality employment space in the area. Lead contractor TanRo is delivering the works, which include land remediation, bulk earthworks and major infrastructure upgrades across two development plots. According to Clowes Developments, remediation works are nearing completion, with more than 90 per cent of the overall programme now finished and practical completion anticipated by the end of January. On plot one, a 134-metre retaining wall has been fully installed, alongside the completion of major storm drainage works and high-voltage diversion ducting. Existing surfacing and underground obstructions have been removed, while the formation of the future access road is in place. Bulk earthworks are largely complete, with only minor activity remaining. Plot two has also seen strong progress, with storm drainage diversion completed and earthworks approaching completion. Despite encountering unforeseen underground features and other technical challenges, the project team has successfully re-sequenced works to avoid any material impact on the programme. A notable achievement included the installation of a new manhole connection into the existing storm drainage network on Dorey Way, completed over a four-week period while maintaining a live traffic lane. Clowes Developments worked closely with Ashfield District Council and specialist advisors Pegasus Group to manage heritage considerations relating to unlisted buildings, enabling works to continue without delay. The site is being jointly marketed by FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German, with consent in place for units ranging from 64,000 sq ft to 117,000 sq ft. Agents report strong early interest from national occupiers, with both plots expected to be construction-ready by the end of January. This would allow occupiers to be operational before the end of the year, supported by a swift 36-week construction programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£21million contract recommended for approval for retrofit and upgrades at Craigmillar and Peffermill Court

£21million contract recommended for approval for retrofit and upgrades at Craigmillar and Peffermill Court

Earlier yesterday (Thursday 15 January) the Finance and Resources Committee recommended the approval of a £21 million contract to Kier Construction to deliver a comprehensive retrofit and upgrade programme at Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court, two 15 floor blocks in Edinburgh. The project forms part of the Council’s wider Strategic Investment Plan for high-rise buildings and will bring both blocks up to modern standards, significantly improving comfort, safety, energy efficiency and long-term sustainability for residents. Built in 1968, the two floor blocks currently have no insulation, making homes difficult and expensive to heat. The retrofit will introduce extensive external wall insulation, dramatically improving thermal performance and helping homes retain heat more effectively. These upgrades are expected to create warmer living spaces and reduce heating costs for residents throughout the year. To further improve indoor air quality and tackle long-standing issues with damp and mould, each flat will be fitted with a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system. This will provide a continuous supply of fresh air while retaining heat, supporting healthier and more comfortable homes. Other improvements include: The surrounding environment will also be transformed, with: Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court each contain 57 two-bedroom homes. This major investment represents a long-term commitment to improving living conditions, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing safety and creating more welcoming, sustainable communities for current and future residents. Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Cllr Tim Pogson, said:This £21 million investment represents a major step forward in improving the quality, safety and sustainability of our high-rise homes. By upgrading insulation, ventilation, fire safety and communal spaces, this project will deliver warmer, healthier and more affordable homes for residents, while also ensuring these buildings are fit for the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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