In response to the evolving demands of the UK’s built environment sector, a new collaboration has been announced between the Fire Protection Association (FPA), UL Solutions, and PartB Outlined in the release of the joint paper, Testing Times: a solutions-focused collaboration for UK fire testing, the collaboration aims to deliver
Independent land agent Walter Cooper has announced ambitious growth plans, as it targets £1bn in land transactions over the next five years. This follows two years of strong performance, which saw the agency generate more than £680m in land value, equating to more than 3,850 homes delivered in that time.
The construction industry is constantly seeking ways to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety on the jobsite. While excavators remain the core of earthmoving operations, attachments like the tiltrotator are significantly enhancing the precision and efficiency of traditional excavators. James Venerus, General Manager Product Marketing at Komatsu Europe, discusses how Original
Hines, a leading global real estate investment manager, has acquired Worship Square, a newly built Grade A office building at 65 Clifton Street in the heart of the City of London, from HB Reavis, a preeminent European real estate developer and investor, in an off-market transaction. The 139,000-square-foot property offers
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 been appointed by Stoford and Epta Development Corporation (EDC) to deliver a new 390,000 sq. ft logistics facility for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at Plot
A major overhaul of Maidenhead town centre has moved a step closer after councillors approved London developer Areli’s long awaited plans to demolish the outdated Nicholson Centre and replace it with a new high rise mixed use quarter. The hybrid planning application, endorsed by the Royal Borough of Windsor and
Frasers Group has acquired the 1.1 million square foot Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow from SGS UK Retail, in a deal believed to be worth around £220 million. The seller, SGS UK Retail, which also owns the Victoria Centre in Nottingham and Harlequin Watford, has overseen a major transformation programme
Birmingham City Football Club has unveiled dramatic plans for a new 62,000 capacity stadium featuring twelve chimney like structures supporting a fully retractable roof. Designed by Heatherwick Studio in partnership with United States stadium specialist Manica, the proposed ground would form the centrepiece of a new Birmingham Sports Quarter in
Winvic Construction has been appointed main contractor for a £130 million build to rent development in Birmingham, as developers McLaren Living and Heim Global Investor press ahead with their latest joint venture. The scheme, known as Oasis, will bring 456 new rental homes to Kent Street in Birmingham city centre.
A major new waterfront neighbourhood is taking shape in Salford after developer Bentry Capital completed a £12 million acquisition of the Irwell Gardens site. Its in-house construction firm, Mellior Group, is set to begin work in the first quarter of next year, starting with 50 three and four bedroom townhouses.
In response to the evolving demands of the UK’s built environment sector, a new collaboration has been announced between the Fire Protection Association (FPA), UL Solutions, and PartB Outlined in the release of the joint paper, Testing Times: a solutions-focused collaboration for UK fire testing, the collaboration aims to deliver independent, impartial, and transparent fire safety testing at a time when regulatory scrutiny, innovation, and accountability are reshaping the construction landscape. The UK construction sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the Building Safety Act, the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and a growing emphasis on compliance, traceability, and competence. With the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway programme and extended liability under the Defective Premises Act, stakeholders across industry are under increasing pressure to demonstrate that every component and product used in construction meets rigorous fire safety standards. Recognising the urgent need for reliable data and impartial testing, the FPA, UL Solutions, and PartB have joined forces to offer a robust solution. The FPA, the UK’s national fire safety organisation, will provide a secure and confidential environment for fire safety tests to be undertaken for clients of UL Solutions and PartB through their independent fire testing laboratory. The independence of the FPA means that tests will be carried out in an impartial manner, at arm’s length from the client, as well as ensuring intellectual property and proprietary data are protected. The initiative is a direct response to the challenges highlighted in the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report, which called for impartial testing to restore trust in the sector and empower stakeholders to make informed decisions, reduce remediation costs, and demonstrate a commitment to best practice. Speaking on its launch, FPA chief executive, Dr Gavin Dunn, said “This new collaboration addresses a critical gap in the construction sector: the need to test and certify the fire performance not just of individual products, but increasingly also the interfaces and combinations of systems that often present the greatest fire safety risks. “Leveraging the FPA’s independent testing capabilities, UL Solutions’ certification expertise, and PartB’s engineering insight, offers a holistic approach to fire safety validation for the whole UK built environment sector.” UL Solutions brings over 130 years of global expertise in testing, inspection, and certification. Their work enables manufacturers to meet regulatory requirements and gain market access through trusted certification schemes. Their collaboration with the FPA allows for comprehensive testing of building products and systems, including wall assemblies, fire doors, and joint systems, supporting both UKCA and CE-marking requirements. “Fire safety is a shared responsibility that demands depth of expertise across the built environment ecosystem,” said Karine Johnfroe, vice president and general manager of the UL Solutions Built Environment group. “We are proud to work alongside organisations like the Fire Protection Association to provide the thought leadership, guidance and solutions needed to meet evolving fire safety challenges. This collaboration enables UL Solutions to deliver our trusted and independent science-based testing rigor to help protect lives, property and communities.” PartB has evolved into a leader in pragmatic fire safety solutions. Their approach combines real-world experience with engineering judgement, offering clients innovative and cost-effective alternatives to traditional remediation. PartB’s approach has demonstrated that compliance can be achieved through engineered solutions, often avoiding invasive and expensive fixes while maintaining safety integrity. Jamie Davis, PartB Group Chief Technical Officer explained their position, saying: ‘We are proud to announce the publication of this white paper. It marks a significant progress in enhancing collaboration to ensure proper testing and compliance measures. By sharing these insights, we aim to promote safer building environments and strengthen our commitment to innovation and technical excellence in fire risk mitigation, in a proportionate and responsible manner’ As the built environment continues to innovate and adapt to new regulations, this collaboration ensures that fire safety remains at the forefront. By providing reliable, independent data, this approach supports a safer, greener, and higher-quality future for UK buildings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Independent land agent Walter Cooper has announced ambitious growth plans, as it targets £1bn in land transactions over the next five years. This follows two years of strong performance, which saw the agency generate more than £680m in land value, equating to more than 3,850 homes delivered in that time. Since its launch just four years ago, Walter Cooper has expanded its services across London and the Home Counties, servicing both the public and private sectors. The agency’s expertise covers a full range of services, from site identification, land acquisitions, land disposal and appraisals. It also provides market intelligence and acts as a housing association consultancy. Simon Cox, Managing Director at Walter Cooper, comments: “It’s clearly been a tough market to operate in, yet despite this, we have managed to achieve significant figures both in completed deals, and those exchanged and under contract. Around 44% of these deals are in the affordable housing sector, demonstrating a strong pipeline at a time when affordable homes are so desperately needed. “We are in the midst of a well-documented housing crisis that is fundamentally down to a lack of development, so the priority now has to be unlocking land to allow developers to build.” As the business seeks to scale operations, a trio of new hires joined the agency over the summer, who will provide support with land negotiations. They join the existing team of experts including Ollie Dyson, Chief Operating Officer, and Nigel Palmer, Land Director. Simon Cox adds: “Our latest recruits are either recent graduates or school leavers that bring a unique perspective to what can be perceived as an ‘out of touch’ industry. Land can be a challenging sector to get into, but it’s one that is fundamental if we want to unlock the homes this country desperately needs. We need to find talent from all socio-economic backgrounds allowing us to better understand the buyers of the future.” Walter Cooper continues to expand its partnerships and footprint across the country, supporting developers and housing providers in unlocking and delivering sustainable growth opportunities. To find out more about Walter Cooper, or to get in touch to discuss land development opportunities, visit www.waltercooper.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction industry is constantly seeking ways to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety on the jobsite. While excavators remain the core of earthmoving operations, attachments like the tiltrotator are significantly enhancing the precision and efficiency of traditional excavators. James Venerus, General Manager Product Marketing at Komatsu Europe, discusses how Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can accelerate tiltrotator adoption through deeper collaboration with leading manufacturers and simplified integration that puts operators first. Growing Demand for Tiltrotators Long standard in Scandinavia, the demand for tiltrotators is now rapidly growing across the rest of Europe. This surge in adoption showcases tiltrotators’ ability to enhance excavator versatility, reduce manual labour and significantly improve on-site productivity. The UK market has historically been slower to adopt tiltrotators compared to Scandinavia, but this is now changing. Multiple factors have held back adoption, including hardware costs, installation complexity, and industry mindset. As UK adoption accelerates, OEMs have a clear responsibility to address these barriers and ensure customers can adopt this technology seamlessly. Deep Collaboration with Tiltrotator Manufacturers Driving true value for our customers means eliminating complications through closer collaboration with tiltrotator manufacturers. By doing so, OEMs can enable quality-assured, factory-integrated solutions. This means a deep collaboration where the OEM brings their engineering expertise to design the machine’s electrical and hydraulic systems from the ground up, ensuring the excavator is built to recognise and communicate perfectly with specific tiltrotator brands. For the Komatsu PC220LC/LCi-12, this collaboration resulted in a “smart” Plug & Play approach that requires only a small number of connections between the machine, the tiltrotator and the controller. This significantly cuts installation time and ensures reliability right from the start. In addition, the machine features programmable control levers with integrated tiltrotator functionality as standard, so no further work is required to replace the control levers. Making Operation Intuitive Making a machine more efficient also means making the operator’s life easier. Full utilisation of the tiltrotator’s capabilities depends on intuitive control features. Modern excavators, such as the Komatsu PC220LCi-12 with Intelligent Machine Control 3.0, offer unique assistance features that simplify tiltrotator operation. The system can control rotation and tilting while also including features such as posture hold control, which automatically maintains attachment orientation. This makes digging and grading with a tiltrotator easier for the operator, especially for those new to tiltrotator technology. Looking Ahead: Listening to Customers and Delivering Solutions As technology advances and job sites become increasingly sophisticated, OEMs need to proactively develop machines with enhanced tiltrotator readiness. However, this must be driven by listening closely to customer needs and understanding their specific operational challenges. The role of the OEM is to foster deeper collaboration with tiltrotator manufacturers to deliver integrated solutions that genuinely address customer pain points. By working together, OEMs and tiltrotator manufacturers can create seamless, factory-integrated systems that reduce installation complexity and costs, making the technology more accessible to customers and help them be prepared to meet future demands. To find out more about Komatsu Europe, please visit: komatsu.eu Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hines, a leading global real estate investment manager, has acquired Worship Square, a newly built Grade A office building at 65 Clifton Street in the heart of the City of London, from HB Reavis, a preeminent European real estate developer and investor, in an off-market transaction. The 139,000-square-foot property offers premium workspace across nine floors with terraces and amenities. Located right in the heart of the City, the building was completed by HB Reavis in 2024 and is 97% leased to leading occupiers, including Wise, a global technology company, and Frontier Economics, a prominent European economic consultancy. A mix of flexible workspace is available, with the lower ground and basement floors offered by HB Reavis’ brand HubHub. 3,800-square-foot of retail space is also available on the ground floor. Alfonso Munk, Global Co-Head of Investment Management at Hines, said: “We are delighted to make this acquisition at a time when compelling demand-supply dynamics for prime office space in London have created an extremely favorable backdrop for rental growth.” “Occupiers are demanding high-quality, amenity-rich office space in the city’s best locations, and this building delivers on every front. Our research shows a growing bifurcation between best-in-class offices and the rest, and Worship Square positions us firmly on the right side of that trend.” Steven Skinner, CEO of HB Reavis Developments, added: “Worship Square is a landmark, multi-award-winning UK project that embodies our long-held strategic focus delivering highly sustainable and healthy workplaces that put the occupier at the heart. The calibre of occupier and attracting a near 100% occupancy at building completion is testament to the quality of development. The completion of the asset sale to Hines enables additional capital to reinvest into our existing development pipeline.” With limited Grade A availability and rising construction costs, businesses have been driving a flight to quality, prioritizing modern, sustainable and well-located offices. Institutional liquidity is also returning to the London office market, reinforcing confidence in prime assets like Worship Square. Jake Walsh, Managing Director at Hines said: “Securing an asset of this quality in a prime location in London off market is a testament to Hines’ unique ability to deliver on behalf of our investors, in a market where alpha creation at all stages of the ownership lifecycle is vital.” This investment, made on behalf of a Hines-sponsored fund, aligns with the firm’s global strategy to focus on prime assets across all asset types in gateway cities, delivering resilient income and positioning its portfolio to benefit from new macroeconomic and geopolitical trends shaping the future. HB Reavis’ long-term strategy continues to centre on premium projects and long-term asset management, while retaining the flexibility to respond to opportunities which support the strategic optimisation of its portfolio. In this context, transactions such as the sale of Worship Square create additional capacity for the company to advance new development opportunities in the United Kingdom and Germany, which remain key markets in its development strategy Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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 been appointed by Stoford and Epta Development Corporation (EDC) to deliver a new 390,000 sq. ft logistics facility for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at Plot 5, Axis Works, Avonmouth. The appointment underscores Winvic’s proven track record in the design and delivery of complex industrial and logistics projects, including temperature-controlled and food storage facilities for major retailers and developers across the UK. The high-specification facility, which is expected to complete by summer 2026, has been pre-let to M&S on a 20-year lease and is being forward funded by LondonMetric for £74 million, forms a key part of the retailer’s investment in its national food supply chain. Designed to the highest sustainability standards, the building will target BREEAM Excellent, EPC A with embodied carbon performance evaluated in line with the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) Second Edition methodology. Sustainability features will include rainwater harvesting, a roof-mounted PV system, LED lighting, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), EV charging infrastructure and green roof cycle shelters, supporting M&S’s long-term environmental objectives. Internally, the building will accommodate extensive temperature-controlled environments, comprising a 900m² freezer section operating at -18°C to -20°C, and 20,000m² of chiller chambers maintaining temperatures between +1°C and +3°C. These areas will feature PIR Cold box panels box within a box, insulated wall and ceiling panels, high-density insulated floors with electric heater mats, and airtight composite seals. The facility will be equipped with GEA temperature monitoring and control systems linked to a monitoring station, with data logging and alarm functions for compliance. Two on-site generators will provide backup power to protect stock during outages, while ventilation systems, rapid-rise doors, air curtains and pressure relief vents minimise frost ingress. Insulated docks, inflatable shelters, and overhead evaporator and condenser units will maintain the cold chain throughout loading and storage operations. The project also incorporates significant civil engineering works, including the installation of three culverts to carry an existing drainage channel (Rhine) beneath a newly constructed access road. This ensures continued water flow and provides vehicle access across land managed by the Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board. On-site engineering innovations include the use of Prefabricated Vertical Drainpiles and a Menard piling solution to optimise foundation performance. Located within the 101-acre Axis Works site at Central Park, South Gloucestershire, the scheme sits at the heart of the Avonmouth-Severnside Enterprise Area – one of the UK’s landmark logistics locations. Once complete, Axis Works will deliver approximately 2 million sq. ft of industrial, warehouse, and logistics space. Winvic has completed 27 Net Zero Carbon in Construction projects to date, totalling 72 individual facilities, with a further nine underway, alongside 12 low carbon projects, with seven more underway. Danny Nelson, Managing Director – Industrial and Logistics at Winvic Construction Ltd, said: “Our appointment to deliver the new M&S logistics facility at Axis Works builds on Winvic’s strong expertise and reputation for constructing complex temperature-controlled environments, as well as large-scale, sustainable logistics hubs for leading retailers and developers across the UK. “We’re proud to be working collaboratively with Stoford, LondonMetric and Epta Development Corporation (EDC), for the build, which will prioritise efficiency and sustainability in the food supply chain. Avonmouth continues to be a critical logistics location, and this scheme reflects both market confidence and the strength of our specialist industrial and logistics expertise.” Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford, said: “We’re pleased to appoint Winvic to deliver this significant new logistics facility for M&S at Axis Works. Their expertise in delivering high-quality industrial and logistics developments will help us bring this next phase of the scheme to life. “The project is the result of more than two years of close collaboration with EDC and demonstrates confidence in Avonmouth as one of the UK’s most important distribution locations. It will provide LondonMetric and M&S with a facility that meets the highest standards of design and sustainability.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major overhaul of Maidenhead town centre has moved a step closer after councillors approved London developer Areli’s long awaited plans to demolish the outdated Nicholson Centre and replace it with a new high rise mixed use quarter. The hybrid planning application, endorsed by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s planning committee, clears the way for 856 new homes spread across buildings up to 20 storeys tall, along with 55 new shops and commercial units. A ten storey car park providing 452 spaces is also included in the proposals. The scheme involves demolishing almost the entire 1960s shopping centre, with only two existing buildings retained. Four new residential towers of 10, 13, 17 and 20 storeys will take its place. Most of the new homes will be one bedroom apartments, with 100 allocated for residents aged over 75. None of the units will be affordable. Designed by architect JTP, the wider Nicholson Quarter masterplan also introduces a new civic plaza intended to act as the town’s central gathering space. The updated approval replaces an earlier consent granted in 2021 and reflects market changes, including a significant reduction in office space and a drop from the previous 25 storey height peak. Final sign off is subject to a Section 106 agreement, which includes contributions towards local car park improvements. Construction is hoped to begin in the first quarter of next year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Frasers Group has acquired the 1.1 million square foot Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow from SGS UK Retail, in a deal believed to be worth around £220 million. The seller, SGS UK Retail, which also owns the Victoria Centre in Nottingham and Harlequin Watford, has overseen a major transformation programme at Braehead since completing a restructuring process in 2024. This work has helped secure a series of new tenants, including the first SuperPark in the United Kingdom, an indoor leisure and recreation attraction due to open early next year. Other recent arrivals at the centre include Miniso, Snowflake Gelato and BPerfect. Claire Barber, chief executive of SGS UK Retail, said:“The sale of Braehead was always part of our strategic plan and, through active management, we have delivered substantial value enhancement and successfully stabilised the asset, attracting new brands and increasing its relevance and appeal to customers. We have created a strong platform from which Frasers Group can continue to drive growth, leveraging its retail expertise to further unlock Braehead’s potential as one of Scotland’s leading retail destinations.“In light of strong leasing performance and the significant progress made in discussions with brands, we continue to see major value creation opportunities across the Group’s remaining three assets.” Michael Murray, chief executive of Frasers Group, said:“This acquisition is an important step in delivering our property ambitions and accelerating the Elevation Strategy. It strengthens the Group’s position as a leading operator and supporter of physical retail destinations while creating more opportunities to serve communities with the best brands, environments and experiences possible.” Frasers Group was advised by CBRE, while JLL acted for SGS UK Retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham City Football Club has unveiled dramatic plans for a new 62,000 capacity stadium featuring twelve chimney like structures supporting a fully retractable roof. Designed by Heatherwick Studio in partnership with United States stadium specialist Manica, the proposed ground would form the centrepiece of a new Birmingham Sports Quarter in Bordesley Green. Known as the Birmingham City Powerhouse Stadium, the project is expected to cost around £1.2 billion to deliver. Its design features a steep, compact bowl creating a continuous 360 degree wall of supporters, with acoustics engineered to heighten noise and atmosphere. The twelve chimney formed towers take inspiration from the brickworks that once occupied the site. Beyond their visual impact, they will provide essential structural support for the roof while housing lifts, staircases and ventilation systems. One of the chimneys is set to contain a lift leading to what would be the highest bar in the city, offering panoramic views and an immersive experience celebrating Birmingham’s industrial heritage. At ground level, the Championship club aims to create a seven day destination rather than a venue used only for matchdays. Plans include food markets, cafés, children’s play areas and new public spaces intended to open up an area of East Birmingham that has long been closed off. Tom Wagner, Knighthead co chief executive and Birmingham City chairman, said the club aims to have the stadium open for the 2030–31 season, with public engagement on the project beginning in 2026.“This is a huge milestone for Birmingham City Football Club, creating a home that reflects our ambition to compete at the highest level. More than that, the iconic design is a statement of intent for the city and the West Midlands, testament to a region on the rise.“The stadium draws upon the proud heritage of the West Midlands — a heritage of industry, ingenuity and growth.” Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, said:“Too often stadiums feel like spaceships that could have landed anywhere, sterilising the surrounding area.“Ours grows from Birmingham itself — from its brickworks, its history of a thousand trades, and the craft at the core of its culture. Our goal is to capture the spirit of the city and play it back to Birmingham.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction has been appointed main contractor for a £130 million build to rent development in Birmingham, as developers McLaren Living and Heim Global Investor press ahead with their latest joint venture. The scheme, known as Oasis, will bring 456 new rental homes to Kent Street in Birmingham city centre. It is being forward funded by Heim Global Investor, with McLaren Living leading development and Winvic overseeing construction. This marks the second collaboration between Heim and McLaren Living, following their ongoing Water Lane project in Leeds’ South Bank regeneration area, where a 375 home build to rent development is currently under construction and scheduled to complete in 2027. Oasis will comprise one and two bedroom apartments within an eleven storey building, supported by a range of resident amenities including a gym, lounge and co working space. Outdoor facilities will feature a landscaped courtyard and roof terraces. The development is expected to complete in 2029. McLaren Living managing director Matthew Biddle said:“Following our successful collaboration with Heim on Water Lane in Leeds, we are delighted to build on our trusted partnership and add to our strong pipeline of projects across the UK’s best locations and cities. Oasis, with its city centre location, local amenities and strong transport links, is a great addition to our portfolio. We look forward to continuing to grow our partnership with Heim and collaborating on developments where we share a clear vision.” Heim Global Investor director David Peacock said:“We are pleased to continue our partnership with McLaren Living, alongside Winvic Construction, to deploy further capital for our UK build to core fund. This development fits perfectly with our strategy of delivering mid market rental homes across the UK’s key cities with experienced partners. We remain very active in the market and have a strong pipeline of opportunities as we continue to expand our presence in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new waterfront neighbourhood is taking shape in Salford after developer Bentry Capital completed a £12 million acquisition of the Irwell Gardens site. Its in-house construction firm, Mellior Group, is set to begin work in the first quarter of next year, starting with 50 three and four bedroom townhouses. This will mark the launch of phase one of the £80 million development. The three acre brownfield site off Regatta Street, which sits along the River Irwell, is earmarked for 100 modern townhouses and 100 apartments to be delivered across two phases. Mellior is now progressing the planning application for phase two, which will bring forward a further 50 houses and 100 flats once approved. Phase one is expected to take around 18 months to complete and will cost approximately £35 million to build. The deal bolsters Bentry Capital’s expanding £500 million UK residential pipeline and follows the success of its nearby Willow Court project, a 119 apartment scheme where the final homes are now being handed over to owner occupiers. Located close to Salford Quays, MediaCity and the University of Salford, the Irwell Gardens site also overlooks the historic location of a 1944 Lancaster bomber crash, which continues to be commemorated by the local community. David Cain, co founder and chief development officer at Bentry Capital, said:“Mellior Group is excellently placed to lead the construction of Irwell Gardens, and we look forward to starting on site in the new year. Despite wider market challenges, we have delivered premium quality homes at nearby Willow Court, and this trusted, experienced team will now bring the Irwell Gardens vision to life.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals