Leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy has completed the construction of a new modular building at Leeds City College and Leeds Sixth Form College, both members of Luminate Education Group. The completion also marks the conclusion of a unique education programme, where students from the colleges followed the construction of their new
The Mayor of London has named seasoned retail and real estate executive Scott Parsons as his preferred choice to chair the board of the new Oxford Street Development Corporation, the body tasked with leading the transformation of the capital’s most famous shopping street. Parsons is currently chief executive of Lysara,
By Matthew Reed – Head of Asset Management (Retail Parks) at British Land What’s driving retail parks to outperform? It’s the combination of affordability, accessibility, and adaptability – a strategy that attracts leading brands, welcomes new formats, and keeps our parks thriving. When it comes to the future of retail,
Commenting on the publication of the Keep Britain Working report yesterday, Peter McGettrick, Chairman of British Safety Council, said: “We welcome the Keep Britain Working report and its clear call for joined-up, systemic action to tackle the growing challenge of health-related economic inactivity. “For too long, issues linking long-term health
John Sisk & Son (Sisk) has completed all legal and regulatory requirement for the acquisition of Farrans Construction, following Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) approval last month. As announced in September, Sisk reached an agreement to acquire Farrans, a leading Northern Ireland based, building and civil engineering contractor, with
30-year construction industry leader to oversee billions of pounds in AI data centre, renewable energy, and commercial developments across Scotland. HFD Construction, the dedicated construction and delivery arm of HFD, today announces the appointment of Martin Smith as its new Managing Director, effective immediately. Mr. Smith joins HFD Construction at
Multiplex has claimed the top spot in the latest Barbour ABI contractors’ rankings after securing the flagship Dovetail Building project at One Cutler Street in the City of London. The landmark appointment marks one of the most significant commercial tower wins of the year and reinforces Multiplex’s strong presence in
Real estate development and investment firm, Epta Development Corporation (“EDC”), and its development partner, Stoford, have commenced construction of a new Marks & Spencer (“M&S”) logistics facility at Axis Works, Bristol, on behalf of LondonMetric Property (“LondonMetric”). The 390,000 sq ft high specification warehouse is being forward funded by LondonMetric
Salford City Council has approved the £1.3bn transformation of Regent Retail Park into a vibrant green mixed-use neighbourhood, marking one of the city’s most ambitious regeneration schemes to date. The project, led by Henley Investment Management, will create a new urban quarter known as Regent Park, combining homes, retail, community
Aldi is stepping up its growth plans ahead of the festive season, confirming it will open 16 new supermarkets by 12 December. The programme forms part of a £650m investment in its UK estate during 2025 and sits within a wider £1.6bn commitment over the next two years, as the
Leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy has completed the construction of a new modular building at Leeds City College and Leeds Sixth Form College, both members of Luminate Education Group. The completion also marks the conclusion of a unique education programme, where students from the colleges followed the construction of their new study space from beginning to end. Procured through the NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) Modular Building Framework, the new 1,380m2 ‘C block’ at Leeds City College’s Park Lane campus has capacity for 300 students and offers cutting-edge teaching space and facilities including laboratories, preparation rooms, study areas, sports science and massage rooms, changing facilities, staff offices and classrooms. As part of the BREEAM Excellent-rated project, 75% of the building’s modules were completed offsite including mechanical and electrical systems and internal fit-out, before being craned into place during a five-day installation. McAvoy also delivered the hard landscaping and EV charging points . Throughout the project, students from Leeds Sixth Form and Leeds City College were actively involved, starting with a visit to McAvoy’s Lisburn factory to see the offsite manufacturing process, through to observing the 42-module installation at the Park Lane campus in Leeds. McAvoy also provided opportunities for the students to build a scale model of a module and experience a Virtual Reality (VR) walkthrough of their new building during a VR demonstration. Thomas Boyle, Senior Contracts Manager at McAvoy, commented: “Delivering this snag free modular building all while supporting students at the colleges who are considering careers in engineering, architecture and design, has been a great process. The students have seen first-hand how the building was delivered, and now it is complete will be able to enjoy the cutting-edge space to continue their studies.” David Warren, Group Vice Principal for Development at Luminate Education Group, commented: “It’s great to see this much-needed space now ready for student use. Through this new facility, we’re better able to support the region’s growing number of 16–18-year-olds with high quality learning opportunities and respond to regional and national skills needs. “It’s been especially rewarding to see our students involved throughout the project, gaining valuable insight during the process.” For more information, visit www.mcavoygroup.com/sectors/education/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Mayor of London has named seasoned retail and real estate executive Scott Parsons as his preferred choice to chair the board of the new Oxford Street Development Corporation, the body tasked with leading the transformation of the capital’s most famous shopping street. Parsons is currently chief executive of Lysara, a pan-European energy infrastructure platform focused on logistics and urban markets. He brings deep experience from some of the UK’s highest-profile retail and mixed-use destinations. Between 2019 and 2025 he served as UK chief operating officer at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, overseeing Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City and steering the portfolio through the pandemic. Before that, he spent 13 years at Landsec, where as head of property for London he managed a range of landmark assets, including holdings along Oxford Street from Park House in the west to Primark and the Dominion Theatre in the east. He is also a former non-executive director of the New West End Company. His proposed appointment follows a recruitment process launched in August and is subject to a confirmation hearing by the London Assembly. It comes as City Hall advances plans to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) dedicated to the district, with the goal of creating a world-leading urban environment for shopping, leisure and outdoor events. The London Assembly gave its backing in July 2025 and the Mayor is now working with government to bring forward the necessary legislation for the MDC to be established by 1 January 2026. Sadiq Khan said the choice reflects a determination to “unlock Oxford Street’s true potential” and deliver a step-change in visitor experience and economic performance. Parsons welcomed the opportunity, describing the Oxford Street Transformation as a chance to put a global icon “back on the map” and signalling his intent to work closely with the Mayor, the corporation’s incoming chief executive and their teams. The development corporation is expected to coordinate public and private investment, guide design quality and public realm upgrades, and address long-standing challenges around tenant mix, vacancy, accessibility and activation. Early priorities are likely to include rebalancing retail with culture and hospitality, improving pedestrian space and wayfinding, and supporting a shift towards more sustainable, experience-led uses. If approved, Parsons’ appointment would bring high-level operational expertise to the helm just as the governance framework is finalised—setting the stage for a comprehensive reset of Oxford Street’s offer for Londoners, visitors and businesses alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Matthew Reed – Head of Asset Management (Retail Parks) at British Land What’s driving retail parks to outperform? It’s the combination of affordability, accessibility, and adaptability – a strategy that attracts leading brands, welcomes new formats, and keeps our parks thriving. When it comes to the future of retail, our Head of Retail Parks, Matt Reed, is clear: retail parks are winning. Backed by fresh leasing data and real-world insight, he reveals why these destinations are outpacing the competition – boasting high footfall, strong rental growth, and record-low vacancy. Accessibility, affordability, and adaptability are the three pillars pushing retail parks ahead. We’re seeing retailers gravitate to parks because they tick every box for today’s omni-channel world.” Why Are Retail Parks so accessible? Let’s start with location. Retail Parks tend to be strategically placed on major arterial roads, making them easy to access. It’s simple. People want convenience, and with free, abundant parking right outside the door retail parks play in to the consumers need for convenience But it’s not just about access. For example, at our retail park in Teesside, our centre team collaborated with the local bus operators to boost public transport links, ensuring everyone, including staff and shoppers, can access the park easily. It’s a win for everyone but especially for our customers bottom lines. Affordability drives growth Affordability is a major draw for retailers. Compared to high streets and shopping centres, total occupational costs at retail parks are highly competitive. This has attracted a diverse mix of tenants, especially in the wake of Brexit and COVID. As a result, this has opened the door for a wave of new retailers, from value food brands to innovative new retail formats eager to take advantage of the cost-effective space. As a result, we are seeing strong rental growth and exceptionally low vacancy rates across our portfolio – a clear sign the model is working. Are Retail Parks built for modern retailers? Adaptability is at the heart of a retail park. Our units are essentially blank canvases – big tin sheds we can cut, carve, and combine to suit any need. Need a click-and-collect hub? No problem. Want to launch a new format store. We can do it. We’ve seen a huge acceleration in omni-channel features from click-and-collect to return hubs and drive-to convenience. Retailers love it because it supports both in-store and online sales. Who’s leading the charge? Value food retailers like Aldi and Lidl have been the darlings of the market. Their presence drives regular footfall, which benefits every occupier on the park. It’s a halo effect – if someone’s coming for groceries, they’re likely to pop next door for fashion or homeware. But it’s not just food. We’ve repositioned units to attract everything from medical diagnostics centres to dentists and vets. At Crown Point, Denton, we combined two smaller units for InHealth to create a mini medical centre. That’s diversification in action, catering to a wider demographic. Asset management in retail property is unique – you get to shape real, tangible places and build lasting relationships. We work closely with our retailers all year round, understanding their needs. It’s a dynamic, social career where every project is a chance to make a visible, meaningful impact. That’s what makes it so rewarding.” How does smart leasing shape the future? Smart leasing is about more than just filling units. It’s about curating a vibrant, relevant mix that keeps our parks ahead of the curve. We’re always looking for ways to adapt spaces for new entrants, whether that means carving out smaller units for coffee shops and bakeries or combining spaces for larger occupiers. This flexibility ensures our parks stay dynamic and attractive to both retailers and the communities they serve. “At Denton, we turned a standard unit into a modern dental hub – so now, alongside brands like JD Sports and M&S, you’ll find essential services right on the park. That’s what sets retail parks apart: we’re creating places that are diverse, dynamic, and truly community focused.” At British Land, our strategy is clear: we’re setting the standard for modern retail by championing affordability, accessibility, and adaptability across our retail parks. By creating spaces that are easy to reach, cost-effective for retailers, and flexible enough to welcome new concepts, we are not just responding to change, we are helping drive it. Our approach ensures our parks remain vibrant, resilient, and ahead of the curve, delivering value for our occupiers, our communities and our investors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commenting on the publication of the Keep Britain Working report yesterday, Peter McGettrick, Chairman of British Safety Council, said: “We welcome the Keep Britain Working report and its clear call for joined-up, systemic action to tackle the growing challenge of health-related economic inactivity. “For too long, issues linking long-term health conditions, disabilities and economic inactivity have been treated in isolation, when in fact they are deeply connected. The proposed ‘Healthy Working Lifecycle’ offers a practical roadmap to help employers of all sizes build healthier, more inclusive and more productive workplaces. “We particularly support the emphasis on prevention, early intervention and shared responsibility between government, employers and individuals. These principles align strongly with our own mission to create safer, healthier working lives for everyone, and health, safety and wellbeing professionals are a vital part of the solution. “Challenges do remain in terms of turning the report’s recommendations into a reality, which will require commitment, collaboration and sustained investment. It rightly highlights the fit note, statutory sick pay, and wider government support as key areas of focus. Proposals for a single data and intelligence body and new standards are welcome, and the prize is worth it: a thriving workforce, reduced pressure on our health system, and a stronger economy built on wellbeing at work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
John Sisk & Son (Sisk) has completed all legal and regulatory requirement for the acquisition of Farrans Construction, following Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) approval last month. As announced in September, Sisk reached an agreement to acquire Farrans, a leading Northern Ireland based, building and civil engineering contractor, with over 600 employees, delivering world-class projects in core sectors including aviation, water and renewable energy in Ireland and the UK. The Farrans business will continue to trade under its own brand, and all project operations will continue as normal. The consideration will not be disclosed.Sisk is Ireland’s largest construction and civil engineering company, operating across Ireland, the UK and Europe. The coming together of these two successful contracting businesses will unlock new opportunities for delivering major infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland. Sisk acquired Farrans from the building materials provider CRH. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
30-year construction industry leader to oversee billions of pounds in AI data centre, renewable energy, and commercial developments across Scotland. HFD Construction, the dedicated construction and delivery arm of HFD, today announces the appointment of Martin Smith as its new Managing Director, effective immediately. Mr. Smith joins HFD Construction at a transformational time for the business, as the company executes HFD Group’s ambitious pipeline of next-generation developments across central Scotland, with billions of pounds worth of construction scheduled in the coming years. Martin Smith brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the UK and Europe in the construction industry, with a career spanning hyperscale data centres, large-scale infrastructure, and high-profile commercial developments. Most recently, Martin served as Group Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at ISG plc, Interserve, Robertson Group, and Miller Construction, where he managed major projects with values exceeding £650 million. At ISG, Martin directed the successful delivery of several hyperscale projects for global technology clients, including Google’s €450 million, 60MW data centre in Belgium. His portfolio also includes complex developments such as the Amazon logistics hubs, and film studio and semiconductor facilities across the UK and Europe. His experience extends to a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, hospitality, and sustainable office developments, where his leadership has consistently focused on delivering high-quality projects via innovation, operational excellence and stakeholder collaboration. Martin holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and an LLM in Construction Law from the University of Strathclyde and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building. His career is distinguished by a strong operational foundation, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to health, safety, and sustainability. Under Martin Smith’s leadership, HFD Construction will manage the build-out of a diverse and ambitious portfolio of projects, including the construction of hundreds of megawatts of cutting-edge AI-ready data centres for DataVita, HFD’s data centre division, the development of private-wire microgrids integrating renewable energy generation and storage for sustainable power delivery, the creation of industry-leading city-centre office developments, including premium flexible workspace for Ospa – HFD’s serviced office division and the development of current and proposed upper scale hotels across the region. William Hill, CEO of HFD Group, commented: “Martin joins at an exciting time for the business, with billions of pounds worth of construction scheduled across central Scotland in the coming years. His leadership will be crucial as we deliver on these ambitious projects.” Martin Smith, Managing Director of HFD Construction, said: “Joining HFD Construction at this pivotal moment is an exciting challenge. My career has been focused on leading complex, large-scale developments, including critical hyperscale data centre infrastructure across Europe. I look forward to leveraging that 30 years of experience, alongside the talented HFD Construction team, to successfully deliver the Group’s ambitious pipeline of next-generation projects, including vital AI and renewable energy sectors and market leading office and commercial developments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multiplex has claimed the top spot in the latest Barbour ABI contractors’ rankings after securing the flagship Dovetail Building project at One Cutler Street in the City of London. The landmark appointment marks one of the most significant commercial tower wins of the year and reinforces Multiplex’s strong presence in the capital’s high-rise market. Developed by Brockton Everlast, The Dovetail Building will deliver around 450,000 sq ft of Grade A, net-zero carbon office space close to Liverpool Street Station. The 23-storey tower, designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), will replace the former 115–123 Houndsditch site and is set for completion in the second quarter of 2029. Built to a Cat A finish, the building will feature approximately 22,000 sq ft floorplates with private terraces on every level. The 13th and 14th floors will include dramatic triple-bay, double-height hubs offering panoramic views across the City, while the top floor will feature a distinctive sky pavilion. The scheme’s design prioritises sustainability, wellbeing and flexibility – targeting NABERS 5*, BREEAM Outstanding, LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certifications. David Marks and Richard Selby, co-founders of Brockton Everlast, said: “We are pleased to be delivering The Dovetail Building in the heart of the City – a project that reflects our long-term commitment to delivering high-quality commercial spaces in London. Aligned with the Corporation of London’s ‘City Plan 2040’ vision, The Dovetail Building will deliver net-zero office space that positively contributes to a vibrant and sustainable future for the Square Mile. We are looking forward to seeing Deconstruct commence the piling phase next month and are pleased to have now selected Multiplex as our construction partner; both important milestones for the project.” According to Barbour ABI data, Multiplex’s major City win helped propel it to the top of the monthly contracts league, reflecting both the scale of the Dovetail project and the continued momentum in London’s commercial property market. The development represents a significant addition to the City’s skyline and a benchmark for the next generation of sustainable, high-performance office buildings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate development and investment firm, Epta Development Corporation (“EDC”), and its development partner, Stoford, have commenced construction of a new Marks & Spencer (“M&S”) logistics facility at Axis Works, Bristol, on behalf of LondonMetric Property (“LondonMetric”). The 390,000 sq ft high specification warehouse is being forward funded by LondonMetric for £74 million and pre-let to M&S on a 20-year lease, forming part of the retailer’s investment in its food supply chain. Designed to the highest sustainability standards, the building will target BREEAM Excellent, EPC A, and low-carbon construction, incorporating sustainable features to meet the requirements of all parties involved in the construction. Winvic has been appointed main contractor and completion of the new unit is scheduled for summer 2026. Axis Works is a 101-acre site that lies in a strategically important location at Central Park, South Gloucestershire, within the Avonmouth-Severnside Enterprise Area. The scheme has hybrid consent to deliver c.2 million sq ft of new industrial, warehouse and logistics space. Since acquiring the site in 2020, EDC has overseen extensive pre development works, including asset recovery and demolition of a former pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, site raising, utilities media servicing, and new drainage infrastructure. Chris Tsakumis, Principal at EDC, said: “Commencement of vertical construction at Axis Works marks a noteworthy milestone for our inaugural investment into the UK. M&S entrusting our team to deliver a critical piece of supply chain infrastructure for the business is equally rewarding, and is further testament to what Avonmouth offers as a strategically placed distribution hub and highly attractive locale for major capital investment. Delivering this building for M&S and LondonMetric, two widely respected and admired British companies, represents a seminal moment for us and our development partner Stoford at Axis Works.” Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford, added: “Breaking ground at Axis Works is the result of more than two years of close collaboration with EDC. The project demonstrates confidence in Avonmouth as one of the UK’s most important distribution locations and will provide LondonMetric and M&S with a facility that meets the highest standards of design and sustainability.”Mark Stirling, Property Director of LondonMetric, commented: “We are delighted that construction has commenced on this high quality logistics warehouse for M&S who remain a key partner across our portfolio. This is one of several developments where we continue to work closely together to help grow their best in class food offering. “We are also very pleased to be working in partnership with EDC and Stoford to deliver such a high quality development.” Sarah Stocken, Food Logistics Project Manager at M&S Food, commented: “This distribution centre will play a key role in modernising our supply chain to increase capacity in our network. Not only will it help us deliver for our customers but also provide a brilliant working environment for colleagues when it opens next year. We look forward to seeing work progress onsite, led by EDC and Stoford.” Councillor Ian Boulton, Co-leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “This major investment by M&S, supported by EDC and Stoford, is another clear sign of confidence in South Gloucestershire as a place to do business. Developments like this bring high-quality jobs, boost our local economy, and demonstrate the strength of Avonmouth and Severnside as a key logistics hub for the South West and the UK.” For more information, please visit https://axis-works.com/ or contact agents Philip Cranstone or Adam McMillan at CBRE, and Russell Crofts or Charles Binks at Knight Frank. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salford City Council has approved the £1.3bn transformation of Regent Retail Park into a vibrant green mixed-use neighbourhood, marking one of the city’s most ambitious regeneration schemes to date. The project, led by Henley Investment Management, will create a new urban quarter known as Regent Park, combining homes, retail, community facilities, and public open spaces. Designed by Matt Brook Architects, the approved masterplan will be delivered in two phases across 10 new buildings. It will retain a significant retail presence while repurposing the 130,000 sq ft site into a modern retail, residential and community destination. Around 15 new retail units will be created, totalling approximately 86,000 sq ft, while the residential element will deliver up to 3,300 homes of varying sizes and tenures, including 660 affordable properties. Ian Rickwood, chief executive of Henley Investment Management, said: “Our approved scheme for Regent Park will deliver a new green and sustainable neighbourhood, a renewed local centre for Salford. Our plans recognise the importance of retail and services for the community, retaining significant enhanced provision that will cater to the needs of local people, while delivering much-needed high-quality homes, including a significant proportion of affordable homes, a new park, a village square and community forum. We look forward to continuing to work with Salford City Council, stakeholders and the local community to deliver our vision.” At the heart of the scheme will be five acres of new public open space, including West Union Park — a 3.5-acre green area featuring children’s play facilities and a village square designed to host community events and pop-up markets. Sustainability is a defining feature of the plans. Residents will have access to 1,000 cycle parking spaces but only 600 car parking bays, encouraging low-carbon travel. The development aims to create a more walkable, connected and inclusive neighbourhood, balancing new housing growth with accessible retail, leisure and community facilities. Once complete, Regent Park is expected to become a benchmark for urban regeneration in Greater Manchester, delivering long-term social, economic and environmental value for Salford and its growing population. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi is stepping up its growth plans ahead of the festive season, confirming it will open 16 new supermarkets by 12 December. The programme forms part of a £650m investment in its UK estate during 2025 and sits within a wider £1.6bn commitment over the next two years, as the grocer targets around 40 new stores annually. The latest openings will extend Aldi’s reach into busy urban locations and growing commuter towns, bringing more shoppers within easy reach of the discounter’s low-price offer.New stores are planned for: Location Area / Street Philadelphia Tyne and Wear Liverpool Pendle Drive Market Rasen Gallamore Lane Kirkintilloch McGavigans Road (Scotland) Billericay Queens Park Avenue London Kentish Town Arbroath Dundee Road Cheadle The Green Baillieston Boghall Road Hove Old Shoreham Road Pershore Pershore Market Gloucestershire Riverside Retail Park Northallerton North Yorkshire Uxbridge Harefield Road Daventry Northamptonshire London Old Kent Road The roll-out continues Aldi’s strategy of adding capacity where demand is strongest, with a blend of high-street, retail park and neighbourhood sites. The investment will also support local employment and supply chains in the run-up to Christmas, traditionally the busiest period for the sector. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi, said: “At Aldi, we’re focused on making affordable, high-quality food accessible to as many people as possible – and opening new stores is at the heart of how we do that. Launching 16 new stores in just over five weeks is a significant milestone for our business and a clear demonstration of the pace and ambition behind our growth plans. It means more communities will benefit from Aldi’s value and choice in the weeks ahead and beyond.” With grocery price sensitivity still front of mind for many households, Aldi’s expansion underscores the competitive pressure on the UK’s food retailers. The imminent openings will give the chain a broader national footprint as it prepares for the key Christmas trading period and positions the business for sustained growth into 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals