Every rental property needs a high-performance heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to keep tenants cool and comfortable. Choosing a system that balances cutting-edge technology with affordability is key to making a sound investment that lowers monthly utilities and prevents complaints. The question is where to find the most
Peel Waters has submitted three planning applications to Wirral Council for the next phase of its Wirral Waters regeneration, setting up a fresh wave of employment space at Mea Park West. The largely vacant brownfield site, on the corner of Wallasey Bridge Road and Beaufort Road, is earmarked for advanced
McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) has been appointed by Panattoni to deliver a major new industrial and logistics facility at Panattoni Park Swindon, marking the company’s first scheme with the developer in the South West region. The design and build contract set to complete in January 2026, will see McLaren
Hove’s long-awaited replacement for the ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre has taken a major step forward, with Willmott Dixon named as preferred contractor for the scheme. The move follows Brighton & Hove City Council’s decision in 2022 to retire the pre-war complex, which no longer meets modern standards and would
Frasers Group has acquired Waterfront Retail Park in Greenock, Scotland, from HKIP for an undisclosed sum. The town-centre scheme totals just over 90,000 sq ft of retail warehousing and drive-through space, with tenants including Currys, Halfords and Pets at Home. The sale followed the park reaching 100% occupancy after Farmfoods
City & Country has this week completed the purchase of the 47.5-acre Kingswood site in Surrey from Legal & General. The completion of the purchase follows the housebuilder’s announcement of its intention to acquire the site in spring this year, with contracts having been exchanged in May 2025. The landmark
Three Chamberlain Square (3CS) has emerged as one of Birmingham’s most striking new landmarks and a national benchmark for sustainable urban construction. Standing between the city’s Grade I-listed Town Hall and the busy tram line, the ten-storey building combines bold design with engineering ingenuity to create 189,000 square feet of
On 11 September, the Chiswick community came together to celebrate the success of the new Chiswick Health Centre, a £23 million purpose-built facility designed to transform local healthcare and wellbeing. The celebration welcomed Councillors from the London Borough of Hounslow, representatives of the West London NHS Trust, GP practice teams,
Ark Fire Protection has announced a collaboration with leading contractor Bowmer + Kirkland to tackle one of the construction industry’s most pressing issues: mental health and suicide prevention. Coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, Ark Fire Protection rolled out high-visibility jackets across its sites featuring powerful messages such as “Struggling
Anglia Ruskin University appoints new Head of Engineering and the Built Environment Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has appointed Professor David Oloke as the new Head of Engineering and the Built Environment. ARU delivers the largest range of engineering and built environment courses in the East of England, covering disciplines such
Every rental property needs a high-performance heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to keep tenants cool and comfortable. Choosing a system that balances cutting-edge technology with affordability is key to making a sound investment that lowers monthly utilities and prevents complaints. The question is where to find the most cost-effective options for rental dwellings. Whether you are equipping a single-family unit or a multifamily complex, these brands have the right system for optimal well-being. Ingrams Water & Air Equipment (IWAE) delivers a wide range of complete HVAC systems, components and accessories at wholesale prices. As a supplier, it provides units from reputable brands like Goodman and MrCool, each supported by manufacturer and IWAE warranties. The team is an excellent resource for helping customers decide on an appropriate product that fits their property and budget. The company prides itself on customer satisfaction and helping you save money. Ordering is easy online with secure checkout. IWAE aims to ship products within 24 to 36 hours. You can also return or replace faulty purchases within 30 days for a full refund, provided you pay a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs when sending back unwanted items. In addition to an array of free resources — including how-to manuals, buying guides, and other articles and videos — IWAE offers complimentary technical support throughout your product’s lifetime. You can contact the support team by phone for setup instructions, troubleshooting or other guidance. Key Features 2. AC Direct AC Direct offers a 125% low price guarantee and free shipping on HVAC unit purchases over $1,500. It carries brands like Daikin, Goodman, Honeywell, Aprilaire and Nest. While some suppliers provide additional services like sizing and installation, AC Direct focuses more on discounted prices — you will need to contact a local contractor to assist with the rest. This online wholesaler ships throughout the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii. You can expect delivery within five to 10 business days, excluding holidays and weekends. Items eligible for returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee, and you are also responsible for insured freight costs. All items sold by AC Direct come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which you can read about under each product listing or look for on the individual manufacturer’s website. To ensure coverage, you must register your equipment as soon as a contractor installs it, sending proof of installation to AC Direct within 45 days. Key Features 3. Amana Amana has created quality HVAC products since 1934. It manufactures and tests its products in its 4.2-million-square-foot facility in Texas to guarantee they exceed customer expectations. Through its website, you can easily search for expert dealers who have undergone comprehensive training on Amana equipment. Your brand dealer can service your HVAC equipment based on the product, your regional codes and climate needs. Once you register your purchase, your system could be eligible for a 10-year unit replacement limited warranty, a 99-year heat exchanger limited warranty and a 10-year parts limited warranty. You can also opt for the extended warranty policy through Asure. No one knows Amana products better than its in-house specialists. If you have questions about its inventory, you can contact a representative by completing the online form or calling the primary office. Key Features 4. YORK YORK is a renowned brand for heating and cooling systems for residential and commercial properties. In addition to its quality products, YORK’s life cycle services include 24-hour equipment repairs and proactive maintenance. Opt for a tiered service plan that fits your budget, including regular service schedules, routine diagnostics and complete retrofits to maintain various components. Over 3,000 YORK dealers in the U.S. are trained on its equipment. This allows it to provide superior service and support for your rental property’s HVAC system. On its website, you can search for a Certified Comfort Expert near you. Many YORK products are eligible for energy efficiency rebates, helping you save money and improve your building’s sustainability. All YORK products also come with standard warranties and extended coverage options for specific equipment when you register your system within 90 days of purchase. Key Features 5. Lennox Lennox is a popular commercial and residential HVAC brand known for its cutting-edge climate solutions. Enter your ZIP code to search for a dealer. Independent partners maintain North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification and have completed 40 hours of factory training. Its award-winning products come with SilentComfort technology for quieter operation and two-stage cooling that is more even and longer-running.To match superior engineering efficiency with affordable pricing, Lennox distributors typically offer rebates and financing options to help lower costs. Landlords of multiple multifamily properties can use the manufacturer’s National Account Services program for preventive maintenance, repairs and replacements. All products come with a basic five-year warranty. However, you can also choose the extended warranty for another five years of coverage. Key Features 6. Carrier Carrier has raised the bar in HVAC innovations by improving indoor comfort with climate solutions and building automation. Authorized dealers are experts in local weather patterns and brand inventory, helping you decide the best products for your property. Its online system recommendation tool suggests several options that would work best for you. With Carrier, you can benefit from more balanced humidity and moisture management. The Ideal Humidity System technology removes up to 400% more air moisture than similar systems. Its product designs include compressor sound blankets and rubber compressor isolation grommets for 50% quieter operation. This manufacturer tests each product rigorously under extreme conditions to ensure long-lasting performance and durability, including salt spray, high humidity, and significantly high and low temperatures. Carrier offers a 10-year parts replacement warranty on registered products to further guarantee their quality. Key Features 7. American Standard American Standard has an extensive inventory of heating and cooling equipment, ductless systems and packaged systems to ensure optimal air quality and comfort at your rental property. This brand stands out for installing over 5 million units and rigorously testing products at its Systems Extreme Environmental Testing laboratory. Search
Peel Waters has submitted three planning applications to Wirral Council for the next phase of its Wirral Waters regeneration, setting up a fresh wave of employment space at Mea Park West. The largely vacant brownfield site, on the corner of Wallasey Bridge Road and Beaufort Road, is earmarked for advanced manufacturing, logistics and innovation uses, and sits within the Wirral Waters Freeport area. The proposals cover enabling infrastructure across four plots: site remediation to address historic dockside conditions, three new access roads to improve circulation, an on-site energy sub-station to shore up power capacity, and sustainable urban drainage systems to manage runoff and build climate resilience. Alongside this groundwork, Peel Waters is seeking permission to deliver a 45,000 sq ft manufacturing and logistics unit on a speculative basis, backed by £16m of investment. In total, the four plots at Mea Park West are planned to yield around 171,400 sq ft of new employment floorspace. This will sit alongside the conversion of the 42,000 sq ft Mobil building into a factory for building components and prefabricated elements, strengthening regional supply chains and supporting modern methods of construction. The mix of new-build and adaptive reuse reflects a pragmatic approach to regeneration: bring redundant assets back into productive use while offering modern, flexible space for incoming occupiers. Freeport status adds to the site’s appeal, with potential tax incentives and customs reliefs for eligible businesses. That package could prove decisive for manufacturers with high upfront capex or logistics operators planning significant fit-out, particularly where speed to market matters. A speculatively built first unit is intended to capture that demand and signal confidence in the location. Richard Mawdsley, director of development at Wirral Waters, said: “This planning application represents an important step forward in the delivery of Mea Park West – a key employment hub within Wirral Waters. By creating the infrastructure and high-quality space for a wide range of modern manufacturing and logistics businesses, we can attract new investment, support local supply chains, and deliver hundreds of new jobs for the immediate area. It’s another strong signal that Wirral Waters is gathering real momentum.” If approved, the enabling works would unlock phased delivery across the plots, moving Mea Park West from concept to construction and accelerating the wider Wirral Waters vision. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) has been appointed by Panattoni to deliver a major new industrial and logistics facility at Panattoni Park Swindon, marking the company’s first scheme with the developer in the South West region. The design and build contract set to complete in January 2026, will see McLaren deliver Unit 4, a 545,414 sq. ft state of the art warehouse and distribution facility at the former Honda site in Swindon. The project is already well underway with the steel works completed and roofing and cladding progressing well. The scheme will include two storeys of office accommodation and a decked car park, along with all associated site and external works including roads, service yards, car parking, hard and soft landscaping, drainage and building services. Set to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC A+ (offices) / A (warehouse) ratings, the scheme will target net zero carbon for upfront carbon emissions, with a performance goal of under 300kgCO₂/m². Historically, the site was used as brownfield land before being an airfield during World War II, and then later it was redeveloped for car manufacturing by Honda in the late 20th century. This regeneration is part of Panattoni’s wider plan to bring new life and jobs to the area following the closure of Honda’s operations in 2021. The project team comprises UMC Architects as the architect, KAM Project Consultants as the quantity surveyor, and BWB Consulting as the structural and civil engineer. Construction CDM Services is appointed as the principal designer, with C3 Design Approvals overseeing building control. Panattoni Park Swindon is poised to deliver high-quality industrial space in a location with excellent connectivity and legacy infrastructure, further strengthening Swindon’s position as a key logistics hub in the South West. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Midlands & North, said of the contract award: “We’re extremely proud to be working with Panattoni on this flagship industrial scheme in Swindon. It’s a significant step in our growth across the South West and an opportunity to deliver a building of real environmental ambition. Our team is focused on meeting the fast-track programme and supporting Panattoni’s vision for the site’s transformation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hove’s long-awaited replacement for the ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre has taken a major step forward, with Willmott Dixon named as preferred contractor for the scheme. The move follows Brighton & Hove City Council’s decision in 2022 to retire the pre-war complex, which no longer meets modern standards and would be prohibitively difficult and costly to refurbish. Alliance Leisure, appointed earlier this year to oversee design and construction, has assembled the professional team with GT3 Architects leading the design. Together with Willmott Dixon, they have been refining proposals for a contemporary sports and leisure destination that makes the most of its seafront setting. The concept places pools, fitness suites and a café to capture sea views, while new landscaping will stitch the building into an enhanced public realm along the promenade. Costing remains under discussion. In March the project was described as a £48m scheme; the council is now proposing capital investment of up to £65m. Subject to further cabinet approval, a planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of the year, enabling a start on site in 2026 and completion in 2028 on the existing beachfront plot. For Willmott Dixon, the commission builds on deep sector experience. Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon Construction South, said the company is “excited to be appointed as the preferred contractor for this transformational project,” noting its recent work at Brighton Metropolitan College and extensive track record of leisure delivery nationwide. “The new King Alfred Leisure Centre presents an exciting opportunity to create a world-class facility that maximises its unique seafront location through innovative design and sustainable construction practices,” he said. Citing more than 160 leisure facilities delivered, including 108 swimming pools, he highlighted expertise in complex waterfront schemes, environmental resilience, sustainable technologies and accessibility innovations. “Working alongside Brighton & Hove City Council and Alliance Leisure, we’re committed to delivering not just a building, but a community hub that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come.” Alliance Leisure director Tom Fairey welcomed the appointment, calling it “another big step forwards” for a project intended to provide a modern, sustainable centre that meets local needs for years ahead. Alliance will continue to lead the pre-construction phase at pace, coordinating input from design and delivery partners to lock down the brief, performance targets and procurement. The redevelopment answers a long-standing civic challenge. The existing King Alfred complex, a familiar presence on the Hove seafront, has struggled to keep pace with contemporary expectations around accessibility, energy use and user experience. Rebuilding on the same site allows the council to retain a popular location while replacing tired fabric with a facility designed for current and future demands, from inclusive changing provision to low-carbon operation. The design ambition reaches beyond the building footprint, with public-realm improvements intended to open routes, encourage active travel and create a more welcoming interface between the centre, the beach and neighbouring streets. If approved as planned, the programme sets out a clear trajectory: planning by year-end, a two-year build starting in 2026, and doors opening in 2028. Between now and then, the team’s focus will be on certainty—refining scope, locking in supply chains and value-engineering the scheme to balance quality, sustainability and cost. With Willmott Dixon on board and GT3 Architects shaping the design, Hove’s next chapter on the seafront is edging closer: a resilient, accessible leisure hub designed around its coastal context and the everyday needs of the community it serves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Frasers Group has acquired Waterfront Retail Park in Greenock, Scotland, from HKIP for an undisclosed sum. The town-centre scheme totals just over 90,000 sq ft of retail warehousing and drive-through space, with tenants including Currys, Halfords and Pets at Home. The sale followed the park reaching 100% occupancy after Farmfoods signed a long-term lease on the former SCS unit. During its ownership, HKIP’s asset management programme broadened the tenant mix, adding JD Gyms, Home Bargains, Costa Coffee and Pizza Hut to strengthen day-to-day appeal. Knight Frank acted for HKIP, with Sims Retail representing Frasers Group. The deal is Knight Frank’s second sale to Frasers Group in quick succession, after the retail group’s purchase of Rose Street Retail Park in Inverness. The acquisition underlines continued investor interest in well-let, convenience-led retail parks that pair essential retail with food-to-go and fitness, and benefit from ample parking and easy access. With the Greenock park fully occupied at completion, Frasers Group secures a stabilised Scottish asset aligned to its focus on resilient, value-orientated locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
City & Country has this week completed the purchase of the 47.5-acre Kingswood site in Surrey from Legal & General. The completion of the purchase follows the housebuilder’s announcement of its intention to acquire the site in spring this year, with contracts having been exchanged in May 2025. The landmark deal will see City & Country redevelop the site to offer a mix of residential, retirement living and leisure space, set around a striking Grade II* listed building and the locally listed former St Monica’s School. New plans will see the developer resubmit for planning permission in the Autumn to deliver 166 private homes and 116 retirement properties, varying the site’s existing planning consent for a retirement village. Wider plans for Kingswood include the creation of a leisure centre, re-using some of the existing accommodation, which includes a swimming pool, tennis courts and ancillary facilities. Furthermore, City & Country intends to eventually restore the former L&G House and St Monicas School into high quality homes, and in the interim plans to offer space for use as offices and for co-working. Simon Marner, Land and Property Director for City & Country, comments: “We are extremely pleased to have completed the purchase of Kingswood – a site of significant local interest that has been vacant for a considerable amount of time, with the heritage buildings falling into disrepair. The site has great potential for us to deliver a high-class development to provide housing and facilities to complement the local area and for the benefit of the local community. Existing planning permission has been in place for half a decade, and we hope that with this acquisition City & Country can finally deliver on longstanding ambitions for Kingswood. “In the coming months, we will be preparing detailed plans for Kingswood, to enable us to submit new planning applications. These will be based on the principles of the already consented care home scheme, but which will provide a different mix of uses, making the scheme more viable and deliverable. City & Country has a long track record in handling complex heritage sites such as Kingswood and look forward to embarking on this exciting new project.” Prior to City & Country’s acquisition of Kingswood, the site was used as Legal & General’s HQ and has stood empty since 2018. The developer hopes that its redevelopment ambitions will restore the site to its former glory and eventually become an asset to the surrounding community. Kingswood is located within the borough of Reigate and Banstead, with local amenities located nearby including a village store, pub, cafes and restaurants. Nearby Kingswood Station offers a direct link to London Bridge. City & Country is responsible for a number of landmark schemes located on historic sites across the south of England, including The 1840, a conversion of a Grade II Listed Victorian Hospital in Wandsworth; King Edward VII Estate, the former tuberculosis sanatorium opened by its namesake in 1980; and its latest project, the redevelopment of the historic Pitman Press in Bath. For further information about City & Country, please visit https://www.cityandcountry.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three Chamberlain Square (3CS) has emerged as one of Birmingham’s most striking new landmarks and a national benchmark for sustainable urban construction. Standing between the city’s Grade I-listed Town Hall and the busy tram line, the ten-storey building combines bold design with engineering ingenuity to create 189,000 square feet of Grade A offices, plus retail and leisure space, all within a remarkably tight city-centre footprint. From the outset, sustainability guided every decision. The project targeted and achieved BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5-star ratings at design stage, placing it among the most environmentally advanced commercial buildings in the UK. Reducing embodied carbon was a constant priority. The structural team used post-tensioned concrete slabs, cutting steel content by about half, and took advantage of exceptionally firm ground conditions to avoid piling altogether. Designers even revisited structural support levels to reduce concrete use further while maintaining full integrity. A close partnership with the supply chain ensured these ambitions were met. Early engagement allowed key contractors to innovate, such as the dry-lining specialist who introduced off-site prefabrication to trim site waste by up to 25 per cent. Biogenic internal finishes added renewable materials to the mix, reinforcing the project’s low-impact credentials and demonstrating a practical approach to circular design. The façade is both a visual statement and a lesson in sustainable craftsmanship. More than 8,000 unglazed terracotta tiles were painstakingly installed over the course of a year, each piece fully demountable so it can be refurbished or recycled in the future. Forgoing a second kiln pass reduced embodied carbon, while the unglazed surface gives the building a warm, tactile character. On the seventh floor the façade curves inward, shifting from vertical to sloped and demanding exceptional precision from the engineering team to align corner units and maintain schedule. Logistics on the constrained site called for inventive solutions. Surrounded by existing buildings and a live tram line, the project relied on one of the UK’s largest hoists, the Alimak Mammoth TM 55/50. Measuring five by three metres and capable of lifting four tonnes—or 50 people—at a time, it moved ducting, plasterboard and workers efficiently, preventing delays that often plague high-rise city builds. A spider crane managed lower-level façade installation while the hoist kept upper floors supplied, demonstrating how careful planning can overcome even the tightest urban constraints. Safety performance was equally impressive. Over 700,000 work hours were completed without a single RIDDOR-reportable incident, an achievement so unusual that the client initially questioned the data. Early enabling works, spanning 20 weeks, helped de-risk the site and embed a “Be Safe, Home Safe” culture. Modern tools such as DataTouch interactive planning software identified and controlled hazards in real time, informing daily briefings and reducing the chance of accidents. Recognition soon followed. Three Chamberlain Square earned a perfect 100 per cent from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, scoring the maximum 15 points in each category of community respect, environmental care and workforce value—an accolade rarely awarded. This outcome reflected a collaborative spirit that ran through every tier of the project team, from developer and asset manager MEPC to consultants, subcontractors and suppliers. The result is a building that marries aesthetic boldness with rigorous environmental responsibility. With its distinctive terracotta skin and advanced construction methods, Three Chamberlain Square sets a new standard for what a city-centre office can be: a workplace that reduces its impact throughout its life cycle, engages the community and inspires everyone who passes by. As Birmingham continues to re-shape its skyline, 3CS stands as proof that ambitious design and genuine sustainability can coexist—and that future urban developments need not compromise on either. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On 11 September, the Chiswick community came together to celebrate the success of the new Chiswick Health Centre, a £23 million purpose-built facility designed to transform local healthcare and wellbeing. The celebration welcomed Councillors from the London Borough of Hounslow, representatives of the West London NHS Trust, GP practice teams, and community groups, all of whom played a vital role in shaping the vision for the centre. Councillors and the local MP, Andy Slaughter, toured the modern facility, which houses three GP practices (Chiswick Health Practice, Chiswick Medical Practice, and West4GPs) as well as Chiswick Primary Care Network staff and services. The new centre, which has welcomed over 14,000 patients since March, is a reflection of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan’s ambitions, setting a blueprint for neighbourhood-based care. It offers expanded GP services, mental health support, and community-led wellbeing activities, while also building close working relationships with local secondary care services. This approach brings hospital services closer to home, ensuring patients receive the right care in the right place, and strengthening the integration between primary and secondary care. The building also meets high environmental standards with features such as solar panels and LED lighting that are leading to a 77% reduction in carbon emissions. Kieran Kinsella, Director of Advisory Services at NHS Property Services, said: “The delivery of Chiswick Health Centre is a proud achievement for NHSPS and a clear example of how we’re helping shape the future of healthcare infrastructure. This project reflects the ambitions of the NHS’s 10-Year Health Plan by creating modern, inclusive, and community-focused spaces that support prevention, integration, and wellbeing.” Cllr Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said: “This modern facility not only offers a central hub for health and community services but also includes the provision of 55 social homes. Over £1 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds were allocated by the Council to support the practical implementation and temporary relocation costs of this project.” Dr Christopher Hilton, Chief Operating Officer for Local Services, West London NHS Trust said: “We’re incredibly proud to officially open the doors to the new Chiswick Health Centre, a friendly neighbourhood healthcare space for the community. It’s truly heartening to see so many of our partners, colleagues, and local residents gathered here to celebrate this milestone together. This centre marks a step forward in bringing health care closer to home, making it more accessible and responsive to the needs of our community today and for future generations to come.” Dr Chloe Hillman, GP Partner Chiswick Health Practice, said: “The staff and patients of Chiswick Health Practice are delighted to be settled back into the new Health Centre, in the heart of Chiswick. We look forward to caring for our patients, working with our secondary and community services colleagues and developing modern and progressive models of care, nearer home in this excellent facility for many years to come.” Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick, said: “Chiswick Health Centre is a very impressive modern facility. It’s brilliant to see investment in GP services and a community space that residents can enjoy.” Donna Schoenherr, Founder & Director of Move into Wellbeing, said: ” The new community space at the Chiswick Health Centre fits perfectly into the activities and needs of Move into Wellbeing’s Dance & Movement classes by being centrally located, fully disabled accessible, having a Ground Floor location, and by providing a lovely clean airy room to use for the hour long Dance & Movement sessions. The central Chiswick location, accessibility, potential to live – stream the sessions, and the lovely environment greatly assist Move into Wellbeing in achieving its objectives. These objectives centre around the offering of weekly fun and effective Dance & Movement sessions, and the opportunity for social contact and interaction for the local residents 60+, all coming together to help to improve the attendees health and wellbeing and their quality of living. These assets can also be opened to a wider range of participants across the Borough with the live – streaming is in place. The new Community Space is a very well-equipped to hold our sessions and has immense potential for further MiW programmes for the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ark Fire Protection has announced a collaboration with leading contractor Bowmer + Kirkland to tackle one of the construction industry’s most pressing issues: mental health and suicide prevention. Coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day, Ark Fire Protection rolled out high-visibility jackets across its sites featuring powerful messages such as “Struggling doesn’t make you weak”. The initiative highlights the importance of creating open conversations around mental health and serves as a visual reminder that behind the tools are real people with real struggles. The construction industry faces a mental health crisis, with statistics showing that men in construction are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average. Ark Fire Protection and Bowmer + Kirkland are determined to break the silence, reduce stigma, and encourage workers to seek help. “This campaign is about reminding people that awareness shouldn’t just be for one day a year, it should be every day,” said Howard Hudson, Managing Director at Ark Fire Protection. “By making our sites more open to openness, by asking our mates ‘How are you? … Really?’, and by recognising that mental health is a site safety issue too, we can help create a safer, healthier industry.” The initiative also supports the Lighthouse Charity, which provides vital emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. Ark Fire Protection confirmed that this marks just the first step in its collaboration with Bowmer + Kirkland, with a larger initiative planned for winter 2025. More details will be announced in the coming months. If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember you are not alone.📞 Call the Lighthouse Charity Helpline on 0345 605 1956 for free and confidential support. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Anglia Ruskin University appoints new Head of Engineering and the Built Environment Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has appointed Professor David Oloke as the new Head of Engineering and the Built Environment. ARU delivers the largest range of engineering and built environment courses in the East of England, covering disciplines such as architecture and planning, engineering, and construction and surveying. The School of Engineering and the Built Environment’s programmes are developed in close collaboration with industry and are accredited by leading professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The School is also home to three active research groups, each focused on delivering solutions to the complex challenges faced by society, as well as the Women in Engineering programme, which offers mentoring and support to female students, helping to promote diversity and inclusion across the sector. Professor Oloke brings a wealth of experience to ARU, having led both academic and professional services teams at several universities. He holds a PhD in Construction Engineering and Management, and is a chartered civil engineer (CEng) and chartered construction manager. His professional titles include Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB) and Principal Fellow of Advance HE (PFHEA). In addition to his leadership experience, Professor Oloke has an extensive background in research, PhD supervision, engineering and project management consultancy, knowledge transfer activities, and higher and degree apprenticeship programmes, which combine academic rigour with the employment needs of industry. Professor Oloke said: “I am delighted to join Anglia Ruskin University at this pivotal time as the University builds on its impressive recent achievements, including being named Times Higher Education University of the Year and receiving a TEF Gold award for teaching excellence. “My vision is to further strengthen ARU’s close links with employers and position the School of Engineering and the Built Environment as a leader – not only regionally, but nationally and internationally – in training the next generation of engineers and built environment professionals, as well as creating impactful research and knowledge exchange with our external partners.” Professor Laurie Butler, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of ARU’s Faculty of Science & Engineering, said: “Engineering and the built environment is a strategically important area for ARU and we’re thrilled to welcome David as our new Head of School. His expertise will help us as we look to build on our recent successes, enhance our academic programmes and further expand our partnerships with industry.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals