The first students to take part in the pilot Careys Construction Campus at Oxford North, the free three-week training course for people aged 17 years and over, have graduated with flying colours. Six students, five of whom have joined through SOFEA, the Didcot-based charity that provides education, employability and wellbeing
A transformational £1bn development aimed at revolutionising cancer research and treatment has taken a major step forward, as plans are officially submitted for a world-leading innovation centre in Sutton, south London. Property investment firm Aviva Capital Partners and mixed-use developer Socius have submitted a comprehensive planning application to the London
Orion Capital Managers and the Barbican have entered into an exclusive partnership agreement to showcase original digital moving artworks at Panorama St. Paul’s on 81 Newgate Street; a new 592,000 sq. ft office being developed adjacent to St. Paul’s in the City of London. The new partnership forms part of
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has been appointed to deliver Plot 4 of the transformative Matrix 49 industrial scheme in Avonmouth, Bristol, on behalf of Equation Properties Ltd. Works on Plot 4 commenced in February this year, with a forecasted programme of 66 weeks to deliver completion by April 2026.
A wave of store reinvestments is sweeping through The Liberty Romford as four major high street brands commit to upgrading their spaces, signalling growing confidence in one of East London’s most prominent shopping destinations. Jewellery favourite Pandora is spearheading the rejuvenation, currently undertaking a significant refit of its 1,582 sq
TALO, the specialist in offsite timber housing, has been awarded its third contract in Kent. This is to manufacture and install the timber superstructures for eight ultra-low energy homes in the town of Edenbridge for developer The Balma Group. Project architects Edwards Wilson are working with Balma to deliver the
Following the acquisition of Parkopedia by EasyPark Group and the expansion of the Group’s service portfolio, sister brand ParkMobile will launch as an eMobility Service Provider (eMSP) in North America. The EV charging service will be powered by Parkopedia, complementing ParkMobile’s existing parking platform and further enhancing its mobility offering.
Launches new transfer switch capabilities to keep critical equipment and operations up and running in the event of power outages. Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation, is launching a number of offerings designed to maintain power supply in the event of an outage. The transfer switch
Leading construction company GRAHAM has been appointed by Belfast Harbour as the main contractor for the initial build phase of the new £90 million deep water terminal to facilitate increased cruise tourism and facilitate offshore wind projects. With works commencing this month the project is set to be complete by
Lidl has announced ambitious plans to further cement its presence in the UK by opening more than 40 new stores across the country during the current financial year, supported by a substantial £500 million investment into its store network. The budget supermarket chain, which already operates more than 980 stores
The first students to take part in the pilot Careys Construction Campus at Oxford North, the free three-week training course for people aged 17 years and over, have graduated with flying colours. Six students, five of whom have joined through SOFEA, the Didcot-based charity that provides education, employability and wellbeing programmes for vulnerable young people, have completed their course in curbing, block paving, drainage and finishing. The course ran for five days a week from 8am to 4pm. Their graduation ceremony was held at Oxford North on Friday 11 April 2025 with attendees from Oxford North, Thomas White Oxford, Careys, Mace, SOFEA, Activate Learning and Abingdon and Witney College. They were joined by Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, to see the campus and meet the teachers and students. The campus is place-based rather than project-based so that upon graduation the students are able to consider jobs at Oxford North and on other construction sites across Oxford and Oxfordshire. All students have completed their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card training and have had an interview. Three have been offered jobs at Oxford North and the remainder have interviews in progress and work is underway to look at placing them at other developments within the county. Oxford North Ventures is the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Stanhope which, with Careys, has funded the initial pilot. E.ON Energy partnered with SOFEA to fund materials and transportation to and from Oxford North. Simon Ruck, managing director, Oxford North said: “We offer many congratulations to the first cohort of students at Careys’ campus. What an achievement – they should be very proud of themselves. Our sincere thanks to Careys, and Mace as principal contractor, for their hard work in putting together the campus and course. Their dedication to supporting these young people and training our future construction workers has been admirable. This is what Oxford North is all about – providing opportunities for local people and having a positive social impact.” Tom Wraight, regional director at Careys, stated: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our first graduates on this significant achievement! We take great pride in their accomplishments. Many young individuals are overlooked due to past trauma or anxiety. We are dedicated to providing support through our campuses. We are in Wembley, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, and now Oxford, and our initiative is proving effective. These locations offer invaluable opportunities for individuals. “As we face a skills gap in the construction sector, while not everyone may choose this path, we strive to engage with these young people through three weeks of structured learning and at the age of 17 and above they can obtain their CSCS card, qualifying them for work on construction sites. Our aim is to equip individuals with both trade skills and essential social skills within a practical setting. A sincere thank you goes out to Mick, Martin, Maddy and Madison and the entire Careys and Mace teams for their unwavering commitment and hard work in making this possible.” Kaiden, graduate, Construction Construction Campus said: “I heard about this course through a family friend and saw it online and wanted to apply as I have thought about construction in the past and wanted to get into it. I’ve learnt stuff that I never thought I would learn and picked up a few new skills like drainage, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. But now I’ve learned new ways and different techniques and the safety regulations which make it easier for me. I would say anyone thinking about doing this course to really, really do it. It’s amazing. I’m proud to have gained an offer of a job and start work as soon as my CSCS card comes through.” Cait Hayton, pre-apprenticeship lead, SOFEA added: “We have seen a transformation in the young people who have taken part in this course in both their confidence and learning new skills – they should be so proud of themselves. We have had positive feedback from their parents and guardians that the course has made a noticeable difference in their children, empowering them and providing positive motivation. We are grateful to EON for supporting us with materials and transportation. We’re so excited for the students to see them grow and what future they have ahead of them.” Fiona, graduate, Construction Construction Campus added: “When I was 15 years old I started work in a scaffolding business and I absolutely loved it – my grandad and my uncle were in construction and a few months ago, I started to miss scaffolding. I kept being told that you needed a CSCS card and I kept thinking to myself that I had to do it. I had to search it up and then found out about this course through SOFEA. I have loved it – just everything about construction is great because it is satisfying to see your work and what you do expand. I would recommend anyone thinking of doing this course to do it because it’s such an amazing opportunity. Getting my certificates is one of my biggest achievements. Honestly, that is amazing.” Councillor Susan Brown, leader, Oxford City Council added: “It was a real privilege to meet all the young people who have been learning at the construction campus. I have heard from everyone involved here today about how beneficial this opportunity has been to giving confidence and skills to these amazing young people. It’s so important for us, for our city and for our country that we encourage people to develop construction skills. We know that there are lots of people out there currently looking for work, and I’m really pleased and grateful that Careys and Oxford North have given local young people this opportunity. It was an important part of the planning approval that local jobs were created and supported but it’s good to see the imaginative ways in which Oxford North has taken
A transformational £1bn development aimed at revolutionising cancer research and treatment has taken a major step forward, as plans are officially submitted for a world-leading innovation centre in Sutton, south London. Property investment firm Aviva Capital Partners and mixed-use developer Socius have submitted a comprehensive planning application to the London Borough of Sutton, seeking approval to significantly expand the existing London Cancer Hub. If approved, the development will turn a 12-acre site into a vibrant, collaborative ecosystem for cancer research, combining state-of-the-art laboratories, specialist facilities, and community-focused amenities. Located adjacent to The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, the proposed development aims to create one of the most ambitious life sciences clusters in Europe, dedicated solely to oncology. The design team, which includes renowned architect Gensler and global engineering consultancy Arup, has put forward plans for over one million square feet of advanced research and laboratory space. The aim is to bring together pharmaceutical giants, pioneering life sciences start-ups, academic researchers, and clinicians to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The development isn’t just about buildings—it’s about building a community. At the heart of the proposal is a vision for an open, interconnected campus that fosters innovation through proximity and purpose-built collaboration spaces. From top-tier wet labs and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facilities to flexible workspaces for smaller biotech firms, the site will cater to a wide range of scientific needs. Modern office spaces and shared amenities will help foster the exchange of ideas and create an inclusive environment that draws in talent from across the country—and beyond. To support those working within the hub, the plans also include new lifestyle and community offerings. Around 220 affordable homes for key workers are proposed, alongside a selection of cafes and restaurants to create a lively campus feel. A crèche will provide vital support for working families, while a ‘Learning Lab’ with educational facilities aims to inspire local students and nurture the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and innovators. The planning application is now in the hands of the London Borough of Sutton, with a decision expected in 2025. If approved, the development will mark a significant milestone not only for Sutton but for the UK’s wider ambition to become a global leader in life sciences and healthcare innovation. Socius Managing Director Barry Jessup believes the London Cancer Hub represents a rare and powerful opportunity to reshape how cancer research is conducted. “There is a unique opportunity at the London Cancer Hub to deliver state-of-the-art lab and research facilities alongside two world-renowned institutions, The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden, to supercharge investment into cancer research,” he said. “Our plans are not just about delivering new facilities to attract cutting-edge businesses; it is about reorienting the district so there is better connectivity between the buildings, more natural ‘collision points’ and places to meet to drive collaboration and innovation.” The proposed layout of the campus places significant emphasis on the human experience—replacing isolated institutional buildings with a connected urban framework that encourages social interaction, knowledge sharing, and a sense of community. Outdoor spaces, pedestrian routes, and green infrastructure will all play a role in shaping the district into an accessible and attractive destination for workers, researchers, and visitors alike. Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the London Borough of Sutton, hailed the submission as a major step towards fulfilling the borough’s strategic vision. “The London Cancer Hub will position Sutton as London’s global centre for oncology,” he stated. “Already recognised as a leading life science cluster in the capital, the site’s uniqueness lies in its current delivery of world-class cancer research, discoveries, and treatment all within a single location.” He continued: “The life science sector and associated development will be pivotal to the future growth of the capital over the coming years, as recognised by the Mayor of London’s growth plan that names the London Cancer Hub as the key engine for this growth. The submission of this planning application marks a significant step forward in this exciting development for Sutton and the capital.” The London Cancer Hub already enjoys a reputation for excellence, with The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research frequently cited among the world’s leading institutions in oncology. This new development aims to build on that legacy by creating the infrastructure and environment needed to attract global investment, cutting-edge start-ups, and top-tier scientific talent. With the NHS under increasing pressure and the global demand for advanced cancer treatment and research growing rapidly, this expansion could not come at a more critical time. It signals a bold, proactive step by both public and private sectors to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of medical innovation—while also delivering real economic benefits through job creation, regeneration, and global competitiveness. The £1bn Sutton development stands to become not only a beacon of hope for those affected by cancer but also a vital driver of future economic growth. If approved, it will be a powerful demonstration of how long-term vision, cross-sector collaboration, and investment in science and health can reshape cities and save lives. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Orion Capital Managers and the Barbican have entered into an exclusive partnership agreement to showcase original digital moving artworks at Panorama St. Paul’s on 81 Newgate Street; a new 592,000 sq. ft office being developed adjacent to St. Paul’s in the City of London. The new partnership forms part of Orion’s placemaking drive – having reached an agreement last year with the City of London Corporation to pedestrianise King Edward Street to create Greyfriars Square – which will become the Square Mile’s largest public square (measuring 3,000 square metres). The LED video screen, set to become operational in 2027, will run the length of a newly created pedestrian route going through the site, connecting Greyfriars Square and St. Martin’s Le Grand. The screen is 5.5m in height, spanning the ground and first floor of the building, and will be over 30m in length. The pixel pitch (density) of 1.2mm will make the screen one of the highest resolution public LED screens of its kind in Europe. To create a landmark arts and culture destination nestled within the heart of London’s iconic Square Mile, the Barbican’s Immersive team will curate unique creative content for the digital wall from the building’s completion date. This will be a series of exciting moving digital artworks for the public to engage with at a scale not seen before in the Square Mile. As part of the partnership, Orion Capital Managers will also become the lead sponsor of Barbican Immersive exhibitions held at the Barbican Centre each summer. The content will be original works of digital moving art, which can take many forms. This could work as one immersive experience or be multi-channel content. The screen will have the capabilities to showcase stand-alone digital artwork, but can also draw upon film, video, and performance-related footage related to Barbican programming, which will extend the Centre’s programme across the city. Aref Lahham, Founding Partner at Orion Capital Managers, said: “This partnership marries well into our wider strategy in the redevelopment of Panorama St. Paul’s; to create a truly outstanding office asset with best-in-class amenities in a prime location. The very best offices in the most sought-after European cities continue to benefit from intense competition among companies for top-quality, well-located space that offers something special to their employees. The new digital wall will represent something unique at the intersection of business, arts and culture with the curatorial oversight of the Barbican. In Panorama St. Paul’s we are determined to create an asset that represents an oasis within the bustling heart of The City. With the Barbican’s input, we aim to engage the wider community and further support the City of London’s vision of creating vibrant and animated spaces that complements one of the world’s most historic financial districts.” Barbican Immersive develops and curates exhibitions focused on contemporary culture, emerging technology and digital creativity. This will be the first time that the Barbican Immersive team has curated a digital wall in London, taking Barbican’s programme outside of the Barbican’s walls and into the heart of the City of London. Devyani Saltzmann, Director for Arts & Participation, Barbican, said: “Through this partnership, we extend the Barbican’s reach beyond its walls, bringing bold, innovative digital art right into the heart of the Square Mile, and supporting the City of London Corporation’s ambitious Destination City strategy. We look forward to commissioning works that challenge convention and redefine what public art can be, offering the City’s residents, workers and visitors thought-provoking works that ignite joy and spark meaningful conversations about the world in all its complexity.” Leading cultural placemaking agency Futurecity played a key role in brokering the partnership as part of its Cultural Strategy for 81 Newgate Street. Panorama St Paul’s was designed by international architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has been appointed to deliver Plot 4 of the transformative Matrix 49 industrial scheme in Avonmouth, Bristol, on behalf of Equation Properties Ltd. Works on Plot 4 commenced in February this year, with a forecasted programme of 66 weeks to deliver completion by April 2026. Early works are set to include ground improvements and piling works, alongside the installation of a new foul pumping station, and the programme will see the design and construction of a 596,000 sq. ft speculative warehouse unit, accompanied by office space, transport hubs, a link bridge, and a gatehouse. The project also includes external works, underground drainage, utility connections, and landscaping, contributing further to the site’s evolution into a prime logistics and industrial hub. Aligning with McLaren Construction’s commitment to sustainability, the scheme is aiming to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and will adhere to the Considerate Constructors Scheme and Smart Waste BRE standards. Once complete, the development will provide new employment opportunities and long-term economic benefits to the local community. McLaren’s partnership with Equation Properties has been instrumental in driving the phased transformation of Matrix 49, Plot 3, a £21.6 million development spanning 13 acres. Plot 3 is currently on track to deliver a 219,660 sq. ft warehouse and 11,365 sq. ft of office space. Nearing completion, the phase showcases McLaren’s capability to manage complex site conditions, including rhine diversions and ground level improvements, while protecting local ecology. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Our continued work with Equation Properties reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality, sustainable industrial spaces. Plot 4 builds upon the success of Plot 3, contributing further to the development of this strategic site in Avonmouth. This phase presents exciting opportunities to enhance local employment while meeting the evolving needs of future tenants striving towards net zero targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A wave of store reinvestments is sweeping through The Liberty Romford as four major high street brands commit to upgrading their spaces, signalling growing confidence in one of East London’s most prominent shopping destinations. Jewellery favourite Pandora is spearheading the rejuvenation, currently undertaking a significant refit of its 1,582 sq ft store in Liberty Square. The revamp introduces the retailer’s latest concept layout, which includes a newly designed central island feature, a more spacious shop floor, and the addition of on-site engraving services, allowing customers to personalise their purchases. But Pandora is far from alone in recognising the value of a refreshed presence at The Liberty. Also set to benefit from a major uplift is The Perfume Shop, which is planning a full upgrade of its 1,157 sq ft store located on the centre’s East Mall, with works expected to complete in May. The new fit-out aims to enhance the shopping experience through improved layout and customer flow, as well as updated displays to showcase their growing portfolio of fragrance brands. Meanwhile, health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett is responding to increasing footfall and customer demand by refitting its expansive 2,629 sq ft store, also on the East Mall. The refurbishment, scheduled for this spring, reflects a broader shift within the brand towards creating more engaging, experience-led environments for consumers. Digital and mobile giant EE has already completed its transformation at the centre, introducing its latest store concept to its 2,559 sq ft space. The new format incorporates immersive technology experiences and digital consultation zones, aimed at helping customers better engage with the brand’s evolving suite of services. This flurry of activity comes as part of a wider strategy by Redical, the owner of The Liberty Romford, to future-proof the shopping centre and ensure it evolves in line with consumer expectations and changing retail dynamics. The strategy focuses on enhancing the tenant mix, creating dynamic spaces for experiential retail, and reinforcing the centre’s role as a vital social and commercial hub for the local community. Daniel Tucker, Leasing Manager at The Liberty Romford, commented on the renewed interest from national retailers: “Brands are finally recognising, and taking advantage of, the full potential that The Liberty Romford has to offer as the number one London satellite shopping centre for retail spend opportunity. This latest wave of commitments from leading brands is a clear signal of the confidence they hold in the centre and its location, and we’ll continue to work together with partners to strengthen and elevate the tenant mix while delivering positive change for the wider area.” The reinvestment trend follows hot on the heels of new leasing activity at the centre, including the recent arrival of jewellery and accessories brand Lovisa. These developments reflect growing optimism around the centre’s positioning, particularly as it serves an expansive catchment area stretching across East London and Essex. In parallel to the store refurbishments, long-term planning for the next chapter of The Liberty Romford is already underway. Developer HUB has been appointed to lead the upcoming transformation of the site, which is likely to include a mix of residential accommodation alongside enhanced commercial and community infrastructure. Though still in its early stages, this next phase could help reshape the town centre, boosting local employment, housing availability, and economic resilience. For many within the property and retail sectors, The Liberty Romford represents a compelling case study in how regional shopping centres can adapt and thrive in the post-pandemic landscape. While many UK high streets continue to grapple with vacant units and subdued footfall, The Liberty is charting a different path by actively reinvesting in its spaces and collaborating with occupiers to deliver experiences that go beyond conventional retail. This proactive approach reflects wider shifts in consumer behaviour, where the in-store experience, customer service, and community feel are becoming as important as the products on offer. Retailers are increasingly recognising the importance of creating environments where customers want to spend time — not just transact — and Romford’s main shopping hub is stepping up to meet that demand. The renewed momentum also comes at a time when East London is experiencing substantial regeneration. Improved public transport links, investment in housing, and a growing population are all contributing to Romford’s rising profile as a destination in its own right. For retailers, this means an opportunity to tap into a younger, more diverse consumer base looking for convenience, variety, and quality. With more refurbishments and signings expected over the coming year, the sense of momentum at The Liberty Romford shows no sign of slowing. As more brands commit to enhancing their presence in the centre, local shoppers stand to benefit from upgraded experiences, expanded services, and greater choice. Cushman & Wakefield and Green & Partners advised on leasing for The Liberty Romford, while representation for Pandora was provided by Stephen Kane & Co. What’s clear is that in a shifting retail landscape, places like The Liberty Romford are proving that well-managed, community-focused centres can not only survive but flourish — attracting new investment, modernising facilities, and retaining their central place in the lives of local residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TALO, the specialist in offsite timber housing, has been awarded its third contract in Kent. This is to manufacture and install the timber superstructures for eight ultra-low energy homes in the town of Edenbridge for developer The Balma Group. Project architects Edwards Wilson are working with Balma to deliver the Crofton Mews development, which comprises six three-storey, three-bed mews-style houses and two two-storey, two-bed homes. This will provide much needed family housing for market sale or rent in the centre of the town and adjacent to a primary school. TALO’s building system is currently manufactured offsite in Finland and uses slow-grown Nordic timber for superior build quality. It arrives on site complete with triple glazing, a high level of insulation pre-installed in the factory and external walls with interior plaster boarding. This approach means the homes at Crofton Mews will benefit from a much higher level of thermal efficiency, exceeding Passivhaus energy standards by at least 30 per cent. TALO’s highly insulated superstructure also achieves outstanding air tightness, again exceeding Passivhaus standards. It is combined with a solar battery package and MVHR (mechanical ventilation and heat recovery), resulting in exceptionally low energy bills for homeowners or tenants. By specifying the TALO solution, the eight homes will be installed on site and watertight in just 10 days, ready for the contractor to start fitting out. Commenting on the decision to use TALO’s offsite system for this scheme, James Everest, Managing Director of The Balma Group: “We estimate that the overall programme saving from using this advanced offsite housing system will be around six months. It will give us a faster return on investment and greater certainty of programme for the fit-out phase. It will also enable us to bring these new family homes to market much sooner, to the benefit of the community of Edenbridge. The TALO approach has already generated significant cost savings in structural engineering and groundworks from its standardised design and foundations. We also found it very useful to visit TALO’s offsite factory in Finland and to see a number of homes there under construction. The pace of work on site despite freezing temperatures was incredible.” Project Architect, Joseph Edwards of Edwards Wilson: “We don’t believe you can build to this level of specification and performance traditionally, without a vastly increased budget. The fact that this system is manufactured using robust, proven processes in a controlled factory environment, means heat loss is significantly reduced. The system also has a higher level of insulation for improved thermal efficiency. As a result, these homes will comfortably exceed Building Regulations requirements for energy performance and air tightness by a considerable margin, giving occupants the benefit of much lower running costs.” Due for completion early in 2026, the homes at Crofton Mews have been designed to complement other housing in the locality, with vertical timber cladding, a red brick plinth, metal detailing, dark grey steel-profiled gable roofs, and dark grey windows and doors. Each home will have open plan family kitchen-living, a bay window feature, a south-east facing garden, secure bin and cycle storage, and there will be eight parking spaces and one visitor/disabled bay. For more information about TALO’s timber offsite solutions for ultra-low energy housing, see www.talo.co.uk or email hello@talo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the acquisition of Parkopedia by EasyPark Group and the expansion of the Group’s service portfolio, sister brand ParkMobile will launch as an eMobility Service Provider (eMSP) in North America. The EV charging service will be powered by Parkopedia, complementing ParkMobile’s existing parking platform and further enhancing its mobility offering. ParkMobile’s existing 65 million user base and market-leading smart parking and mobility platform will enable closer cooperation with Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and fleet providers operating in North America to offer a seamless EV charging and payment experience via in-vehicle headunits and the ParkMobile app. The new eMSP will leverage Parkopedia’s extensive experience in EV charging services and market-leader position for global in-car payments to create immersive EV charging payment experiences and additional opportunities for CPOs, aggregators and MSPs. This move will also support the ability to orchestrate transactions in future, offering greater added value to both drivers and fleet managers, while enabling OEMs to provide desirable premium EV charging services to their customers. This new offering will create the most accurate and convenient eMSP in North America, enabling ParkMobile customers to use their pre-existing accounts to not only park but also charge – something which is becoming increasingly important as EV adoption accelerates around the world. Unique driver experiences will be facilitated by the combination of Parkopedia’s auto-grade data products and ParkMobile’s sophisticated payment functionality. Once live, fleet customers will benefit from being able to access new EV fleet capabilities from within their existing fleet management solution, ensuring greater convenience and efficiency. Benefits for consumersThis new functionality will enable ParkMobile customers to pay for parking and charging via a single solution. Not only does this provide convenience to drivers, but it also helps drivers to find the cheapest available charging sessions, regardless of provider, via multi-contract plug and charge capabilities. Research shows that many drivers are frustrated by having to rely on multiple systems to access services and want convenient unified platforms, with 97% of US participants in the 2025 In-Car Payments User Experience Report stating that they would value being able to access multiple in-car payment services (eg. parking, fuelling/EV charging etc.) through one platform. Nearly all US participants (97%) also said that in-car payment functionality would improve their driving experience, showing that integrated connected car services are becoming a more important selling point for new car buyers. Benefits for fleet managersThe new solution will seamlessly integrate into existing fleet management systems, offering businesses greater convenience and helping them to reduce their operational costs thanks to intelligent route optimization and improved vehicle utilization by enabling fleets to find and access the cheapest charging options across multiple MSPs and CPOs thanks to Parkopedia’s developed multi-contract Plug & Charge solution and tariff transparency. Not only does this enable better cost control, but it also reduces the complexity of invoice management by combining parking and charging costs into one invoice. It also ensures more efficient use of fleet vehicles, improving vehicle utilization by incorporating EV charging into daily route planning. This is particularly important as the cost of public charging can vary dramatically and the benefit of reduced fuelling costs by moving from ICE vehicles to EVs is only possible if fleets charge intelligently and avoid costly charging locations and providers – some of which can cost more to charge than an equivalent amount of gas would for an ICE vehicle. Meanwhile, fleet drivers will benefit from reduced time needed to find public chargers, thanks to accurate data, including real-time availability information. In addition, having access to this functionality through the head unit of the vehicle offers greater convenience to drivers, with the option for them to view this information on mobile devices, if desired. Highlighting the value of this new eMSP, Duncan Licence, Chief Product Officer, at Parkopedia, said:“This new eMSP service will offer significant value to drivers, fleets and OEMs, by combining the value of our extensive parking and charging data with in-car transactions and making this easily accessible to more than 65 million existing ParkMobile customers. We know drivers value being able to access their driving-related services in one platform, with confidence in utilizing the best available tariffs to charge, and in-car payments becoming increasingly demanded by drivers, with this new eMSP offering covering all this and more.” Scott Booker, General Manager of Parking at EasyPark Group, parent company of ParkMobile, stated: “ParkMobile is committed to expanding direct integrations with a growing network of CPOs to deliver a seamless, high-quality experience for drivers, fleets, and OEMs. The announcement of our new eMSP service represents a significant step forward in our ability to provide added value to our customers—particularly as EV adoption accelerates and demand for frictionless charging solutions continues to rise.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Launches new transfer switch capabilities to keep critical equipment and operations up and running in the event of power outages. Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation, is launching a number of offerings designed to maintain power supply in the event of an outage. The transfer switch solutions increase power security and availability, as well as reducing downtime by ensuring the supply of power to a building by moving to emergency backup sources, such as generators or batteries, if the primary source goes down. This means organisations can maintain vital services and avoid business disruption and potential financial losses by keeping essential equipment and operations up and running during a power cut. The new automatic transfer switch solutions include: Acti9 Incoming Automatic Transfer Switch Kit ASCO Single Way Bypass Transfer Switch TransferPacT – 32A-1600A David Williams, Schneider Electric’s Vice President for Transactional Business said: “We are having many conversations with organisations about the need for increased power security and availability as the demand continues to rise putting pressure on the grid at times. Few organisations can afford to be without a steady power supply and for some, such as healthcare providers, it can be a life-or-death situation.” “Our new transfer switch kits are there to provide peace of mind so that if the primary power source fails it’s easy and quick to transfer over to emergency sources, keeping vital equipment and operations up and running and limiting the impact.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading construction company GRAHAM has been appointed by Belfast Harbour as the main contractor for the initial build phase of the new £90 million deep water terminal to facilitate increased cruise tourism and facilitate offshore wind projects. With works commencing this month the project is set to be complete by 2027 and will see the construction of a new 340m long dual-purpose quay and deep water berth which will be able to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels, while also expanding the port’s capacity for offshore wind turbine assembly and installation. With 146 cruise vessels scheduled to berth at Belfast Harbour this year – Belfast is already the busiest cruise port on the island and second busiest cruise port in the UK. The investment will futureproof Belfast’s position as a leading city for cruise tourism. It will also enable the growth of the already significant contribution of cruise tourism to the regional economy, estimated at between £20m-£25m per year. Paul Scott GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Belfast Harbour to deliver this project, not only will it enhance Belfast’s position as leading cruise destination but will also play a crucial role in enabling the future of offshore wind energy in the region”. “As the works commence, we will focus on working closely with key stakeholders and the local community delivering social value and creating impact for years to come”. Chair of Belfast Harbour Dr. Theresa Donaldson said: “Having announced our ambitious new Advance Regional Prosperity strategy only a few months ago, it is exciting to be partnering with GRAHAM to commence work on the single biggest investment project in Belfast Harbour’s history. “As a Trust Port, our primary responsibility is to maintain and develop the Port for the good of everyone in the region, and this project delivers on that mission. It will help us to attract more turnaround cruise calls to Belfast, boosting the economic contribution of cruise tourism, while also providing a pathway to our longer-term ambitions of facilitating the construction of the next generation of floating offshore windfarms, ultimately helping Northern Ireland and its neighbours to reach their clean energy and net zero targets. ” It is an exciting project, which will create a new home for cruise tourism in the port. From 2028, the majority of cruise vessels arriving into Belfast Harbour will dock at the new deep-water berth. To maximise the opportunity for the regional economy the existing cruise hub will be returned to its original use as a full-time facility for offshore wind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lidl has announced ambitious plans to further cement its presence in the UK by opening more than 40 new stores across the country during the current financial year, supported by a substantial £500 million investment into its store network. The budget supermarket chain, which already operates more than 980 stores nationwide, is aiming to push past the 1,000-store milestone as it marks its fourth decade in the British market. This latest move highlights Lidl’s commitment to broadening its reach and increasing access to its growing customer base. A key focus of the expansion strategy is London, where Lidl is preparing to make inroads into some of the capital’s most affluent neighbourhoods. Areas being targeted include Knightsbridge, Chelsea, South Kensington, Marylebone, Soho, Covent Garden, Belsize Park, and Mayfair. The decision to enter these premium markets reflects a shift in the company’s strategy, aiming to challenge conventional assumptions about discount retail and appeal to a broader demographic. Richard Taylor, Chief Real Estate Officer at Lidl GB, described the expansion as a pivotal step in the company’s ongoing growth: “This level of investment is a clear sign of our ambition. As we enter our fourth decade in Great Britain and hurtle towards 1,000 stores, there are still so many parts of the country crying out for convenient access to a Lidl store.” Taylor also welcomed the government’s proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill, suggesting that reforms could help streamline the development process and remove obstacles that often delay new store openings. “The measures recognise the urgent need to remove barriers to development and support the kind of growth we at Lidl are working towards,” he added. The company recently published its updated site requirements brochure, which outlines the scale and scope of its expansion goals. Lidl is actively seeking freehold, leasehold or long leasehold sites in prominent locations with strong footfall or easy accessibility, ideally with the potential for car parking. Each new store opening is expected to bring with it not only local employment opportunities but also increased demand for British suppliers. Lidl has been vocal about its commitment to supporting domestic producers and investing in the communities it operates in. By expanding into new areas, the retailer plans to continue driving regional economic growth while offering customers value-led alternatives to traditional high street and supermarket offerings. Already one of the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket brands, Lidl’s strategic investment this year signals a confident outlook and a desire to solidify its position as a major player in the British retail landscape. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and efficiency, the discount grocer is poised to reshape the retail environment well beyond its current footprint. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals