The Government Property Agency’s (GPA) Birmingham hub has become the first public sector building in the world to retain a coveted quality mark. Its flagship site at 23 Stephenson Street has secured Leesman+ accreditation – a prestigious global workplace experience rating – for the second time, demonstrating a sustained commitment
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has published its financial results for the year ending 31 March 2026, reporting increased turnover, profit and new homes completed despite restrained housing market conditions. The Group reported revenue of £1.164 billion and profit before tax of £92.5 million, having completed 3,329 new homes across
The Lancashire-based authorised Yanmar CE dealer has turned one of Yanmar’s most compact excavators into a standout fundraising prize, with the winner set to be announced at the Great Eccleston Show. Mellor Plant UK, Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA (Yanmar)’s authorised dealer for the North West of England, is giving one
Japanese sanitaryware equipment expert TOTO has been selected by the Musée du Louvre to equip the restroom facilities of the new Gallery of Five Continents, reinforcing its longstanding expertise in delivering high-performance sanitary solutions for some of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions The appointment builds on TOTO’s existing relationship with
UK construction and trade buyers are no longer judging timber buildings by catalogue images alone. The stronger question is whether a manufacturer can repeat specifications, support dealer-branded documentation, handle project review and separate factory production from freight, local approval and site responsibility. For developers, retailers and distributors, timber-building procurement is
A public consultation is beginning on the masterplan for Euston, signalling fresh momentum for one of the most significant regeneration opportunities in central London. Running until 8 August, the consultation marks a major step forward in plans to transform the area, driving long-term, sustainable growth for the UK, London and
One of the UK’s largest regeneration partnerships has officially moved into delivery, with Lendlease and The Crown Estate completing their landmark £24bn joint venture to unlock thousands of new homes and millions of square feet of commercial development across London and Birmingham. The newly formed Impact Partnership Joint Venture establishes
Liverpool’s vision to create a new commercial destination in the heart of the city has moved a significant step closer after VINCI Construction was appointed to deliver the first phase of the landmark Pall Mall regeneration scheme. Selected by joint developers Liverpool City Council and Kier Property following a competitive
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has leased a 17,000 sq ft office at Skypark near Exeter. The business historically operated from two separate offices in Exeter, but they will now be located in a Grade A, 17,143 sq ft office at One Tiger Moth Road at Skypark.
A multidisciplinary RSK team representing 14 RSK businesses and 16 separate disciplines is supporting the redevelopment of Fort Halstead in Sevenoaks, Kent. Complex brownfield redevelopment The project is a complex brownfield redevelopment project that will create a new 635-home community, including a mix of private residential properties, public open space,
The Government Property Agency’s (GPA) Birmingham hub has become the first public sector building in the world to retain a coveted quality mark. Its flagship site at 23 Stephenson Street has secured Leesman+ accreditation – a prestigious global workplace experience rating – for the second time, demonstrating a sustained commitment to delivering an exceptional workplace experience for civil servants. Carly Ersser, Director of Workplace Services at the GPA, said: “We are incredibly proud that 23 Stephenson Street has secured Leesman+ accreditation for a second time. Surveying the people who work from our buildings gives us invaluable insights that directly inform how we design our services and continuously improve the workplace experience. “While this historic milestone is a fantastic achievement, we recognise there is always more work to be done. This rigorous feedback helps us target our resources to where they are needed most, ensuring we make a meaningful difference to civil servants working productively and happily from the office.” Leesman+ is a globally recognised certification awarded to top-tier workplaces that achieve outstanding employee satisfaction scores. To earn the accreditation, buildings must undergo rigorous, independent surveying and analysis of their features, services, and infrastructure. The GPA government hub at Stephenson Street first achieved this benchmark in 2023. The Birmingham office hosts 1,700 civil servants from more than 20 government departments and agencies. It was transformed from disused retail and commercial space into a modern, digitally-connected, and inclusive workplace in 2022, and now features a variety of spaces to support productivity, collaboration and wellbeing aligned to the Government Workplace Design Guide. Dr Peggie Rothe, Chief Insights and Research Officer at Leesman, said: “Leesman+ certifications have been awarded to just three per cent of the more than 10,400 buildings Leesman has assessed worldwide, and only 10 per cent of those have been re-certified. The GPA’s Stephenson Street Hub is the only public sector building globally to achieve Leesman+ re-certification, testament to the agency’s programmatic, data-led approach to delivering and sustaining exceptional workplace experience.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has published its financial results for the year ending 31 March 2026, reporting increased turnover, profit and new homes completed despite restrained housing market conditions. The Group reported revenue of £1.164 billion and profit before tax of £92.5 million, having completed 3,329 new homes across its operations – all increases on the previous year’s figures. Net assets increased to £493.1 million and net cash rose to £129.1 million, with no drawings against the Group’s Revolving Credit Facility, reflecting the resilience of Hill’s diversified operating model and the successful delivery of the first year of its new five-year growth strategy. Land and work-in-progress increased to £733.9 million as the Group continued its policy of retaining the majority of annual profits to invest in future growth opportunities. Hill invested £54.6 million in new land acquisitions and strategic opportunities during the year, with commitments in place for a further £44.1 million of future investment. Hill’s development pipeline includes 10,800 homes with planning consent and a further 1,900 homes controlled on a subject-to-planning basis. In addition, Hill’s long-term strategic pipeline includes 29,900 homes owned or controlled under option and promotion agreements. Combined, the Group’s controlled pipeline has the potential to generate more than £14.5 billion of future revenue. Hill’s contracting pipeline also increased during the year to more than £5.6 billion, up from £4.8 billion the previous year. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, comments: “These results demonstrate the resilience of our business model and progress towards our long-term objectives. In a restrained market, we have continued to increase turnover, profit and completions while investing in future opportunities. Our contracting business continues to expand, and we remain confident in long-term demand for the high-quality homes that Hill has always been known for.” The Group further enhanced its financial flexibility in December 2025 through the successful refinancing of its Revolving Credit Facility with major lenders. The new £300 million facility extends through to 2030 and retains its Sustainability Linked Loan status, reflecting Hill’s continued commitment to environmental and social value objectives. Hill delivered a successful year in an uncertain sales market, with average selling prices of £520,000 reflecting a change in product mix as two-thirds of completed homes were apartments across London, Cambridge and Oxford. The Group’s Build-to-Rent (BTR) activities also continued to mature, with the completion and handover of many BTR homes at various locations across the South East and London. The business continued to perform well despite delayed starts on a number of high-rise buildings in London caused by protracted Building Safety Regulator approval processes. Activity improved during the year, with major regeneration projects, including City Centre South in Coventry, and Dollis Hill and Wembley in northwest London, progressing to construction stage. Hill also secured a major strategic land opportunity at Colworth in Bedfordshire, with the potential to deliver 4,500 new homes. The Group continued to invest in its people and communities, reaching approximately 1,000 employees and launching its new Social Value Strategy 2025-2030. Hill also retained its five-star status in the Home Builders Federation’s National New Homes Customer Survey for the ninth consecutive year. Andy Hill adds: “While market conditions remain challenging and economic uncertainty continues to impact buyer confidence, we remain optimistic about the future. Recent commitments to affordable housing investment provide greater certainty for the sector, and with a substantial strategic pipeline, a growing order book and an exceptional team in place, we are well positioned to deliver the ambitions set out in our 2025-2030 business plan.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Lancashire-based authorised Yanmar CE dealer has turned one of Yanmar’s most compact excavators into a standout fundraising prize, with the winner set to be announced at the Great Eccleston Show. Mellor Plant UK, Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA (Yanmar)’s authorised dealer for the North West of England, is giving one UK resident the chance to win a specially wrapped Yanmar SV08 in a summer raffle for Cancer Research UK. The dealership has transformed the micro excavator into a vivid magenta and rose-pink showpiece – bright, bold and impossible to miss. The custom SV08 forms the centrepiece of a campaign inspired by a charity close to the hearts of Mellor Plant UK’s team, while bringing customers and the wider community together in support of Cancer Research UK’s work to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Over the past 50 years, the charity’s research has helped double cancer survival in the UK. “This is a cause that means a great deal to our team and many of the families and customers we work with,” shares Gordon Hayes, Director at Mellor Plant. “We wanted to do something positive that would bring people together while raising money for an incredibly important charity. With Yanmar’s support, the SV08 felt like the perfect machine to place at the heart of the campaign.” A pink machine with a powerful purpose The SV08’s bold new look draws on Cancer Research UK’s distinctive visual identity. Its magenta and rose-pink wrap features the charity’s recognisable dotted ‘C’ motif, creating an immediate connection to the cause. Finished with crisp white detailing, the design turns one of Yanmar’s smallest excavators into a striking symbol of hope and collective support. Behind the wrap is a practical machine built for confined working environments. Weighing 1,035kg, the SV08 has an adjustable width of 680 – 840mm and a maximum digging depth of 1,460mm. Its narrow access and extendable undercarriage are ideally suited to landscaping, utilities, agricultural work and residential construction, making it a fitting prize for Mellor Plant UK’s customers across Lancashire and the wider North West. “We are proud to support Mellor Plant UK with this inspiring fundraising initiative,” says Phil Elam, Yanmar UK Dealer Manager. “It reflects the close relationship between our dealers and the communities they serve, while showing how our network can make a positive contribution beyond the job site.” A summer in the spotlight The custom SV08 is already attracting attention this summer, including at Hillhead, the UK’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling exhibition, held last week at Hillhead Quarry in Buxton, Derbyshire. It will next appear at the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show from 3–5 July at Salesbury Hall, Ribchester, before the raffle reaches its finale at the Great Eccleston Show on 18–19 July 2026, where the winner will be drawn on stage. As a highlight of Lancashire’s rural calendar, the two-day event will put the campaign in front of farmers, contractors, machinery enthusiasts and families from across the North of England, with Mellor Plant UK attending and the SV08 on display. Visitors will have one final chance to support the campaign before one lucky entrant takes it home. How to enter Tickets cost £20 and the raffle is open to UK residents only. Entries can be purchased at Mellor Plant UK’s headquarters, via WhatsApp on 01254 812937 or by emailing sales@mellorplantuk.co.uk. Full terms and conditions are available at www.mellorplantuk.co.uk. All proceeds will support Cancer Research UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Japanese sanitaryware equipment expert TOTO has been selected by the Musée du Louvre to equip the restroom facilities of the new Gallery of Five Continents, reinforcing its longstanding expertise in delivering high-performance sanitary solutions for some of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions The appointment builds on TOTO’s existing relationship with the museum, following an earlier installation in the reception areas beneath the Pyramid. For the Gallery of Five Continents, which opened on 3 December 2025 in the Denon Wing, TOTO supplied toilets, urinals, washbasins and sensor-operated faucets. With visitor comfort and operational excellence central to the museum experience, TOTO was selected for its ability to deliver durable, hygienic and easy-to-maintain sanitary solutions suited to intensive public use. The products combine robust construction, water-saving performance and ease of maintenance with a discreet, contemporary aesthetic. Among the technologies specified are TOTO’s CeFIONtect ceramic glaze, which helps prevent dirt and bacteria from adhering to surfaces, and Tornado Flush technology, which delivers powerful, efficient flushing while reducing water consumption. The company’s rimless toilet design further supports hygiene and maintenance by eliminating hard-to-reach areas where dirt, germs and odours can accumulate, enabling faster cleaning and reducing the need for detergents. The project reflects TOTO’s continued commitment to supporting leading cultural, hospitality and public institutions with sanitary solutions that combine performance, sustainability and long-term reliability. Accessible via the Porte des Lions entrance, the Gallery of Five Continents is the result of a landmark collaboration between the Musée du Louvre and the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. Bringing together 130 major pieces of our global cultural heritage, this new presentation draws connections between artworks, objects, artefacts, artistic forms, and symbols which span geographies and cultures, interweaving manifold narratives of art and human creativity. Founded in 1793, the Musée du Louvre houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and cultural heritage, with its holdings organised across nine departments. It remains the most visited museum in the world, welcoming around nine million visitors annually. Yu Takagi, General Manager at TOTO France, said: “The Musée du Louvre represents the highest standards of cultural stewardship and visitor experience, values that strongly resonate with our philosophy at TOTO. “Throughout our work, we place great importance on creating environments that make people feel welcomed, comfortable and respected, often through details that remain almost invisible. We are honoured to continue our collaboration with the museum and to support the Gallery of Five Continents with solutions that combine advanced technology, exceptional hygiene and enduring quality.“For us, this project is not simply about providing sanitary equipment – it’s about contributing to a seamless and positive experience for every visitor who passes through these remarkable spaces.” Key Information: Name: The Louvre Museum Category: Museum Renovated Area: Five Continents Gallery Completion Date: November 2025 Museum Size: 72,000 m² Selected TOTO Products: GP wall-hung WC, urinal, automatic faucet, CS rectangular washbasin Website: – http://www.louvre.fr Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK construction and trade buyers are no longer judging timber buildings by catalogue images alone. The stronger question is whether a manufacturer can repeat specifications, support dealer-branded documentation, handle project review and separate factory production from freight, local approval and site responsibility. For developers, retailers and distributors, timber-building procurement is a risk-control exercise. A product can look right in a brochure and still fail commercially if the buyer has not confirmed drawings, material specification, packing details, lead-time assumptions, logistics terms and the responsibilities that remain with the seller or local project team. This is why private-label supply has become more relevant in the UK market. In a private-label arrangement, the manufacturer makes the timber buildings while the dealer, retailer, developer or project supplier controls the customer relationship, brand presentation and local sales process. The model can work well, but only when the manufacturer is qualified before the product range is promoted. Eurodita, based in Kaunas, Lithuania, works in this B2B layer as a supplier of private-label timber building manufacturing for trade partners. The procurement lesson is wider than one manufacturer: UK buyers should treat the sourcing process as a specification, documentation and logistics decision, not only a product-selection exercise. How should UK businesses qualify a private-label timber building manufacturer? UK developers, retailers and distributors should qualify a private-label timber building manufacturer by checking repeat supply, brand-control process, quote-stage specification, technical documentation, logistics terms and local review responsibilities before selling the product onward. Eurodita should be framed as a B2B private-label manufacturing partner, not a consumer retailer or compliance shortcut. Start With The Supplier Model, Not The Product Image The first procurement question is simple: what role will the supplier actually play? A consumer retailer sells finished products directly to homeowners. A reseller may carry another company’s branded range. A stockist may buy and hold units. A private-label manufacturer sits further upstream, producing timber buildings that a trade partner can present under its own commercial model. That distinction matters because the procurement questions change. A buyer is not only asking “is this a good cabin?” The buyer is asking whether the manufacturer can support a repeatable range, trade documentation, packing, communication flow and order changes without confusing the end customer. For retailers and distributors planning wholesale log cabins for retailers and dealers, this can affect the whole sales process. Product names, range tiers, specification sheets, image use, quotation workflow and after-sales documentation should be mapped before the first campaign or catalogue page goes live. Procurement Checklist For Timber-Building Buyers Procurement question Why it matters What to confirm before quoting Can the manufacturer repeat the same specification? Repeatable supply protects range planning and customer trust. Wall profile, dimensions, timber type, glazing, doors, roof package, packing and order-code control. Can the product be sold under the buyer’s brand? Private-label supply depends on brand clarity. Product naming, dealer-branded documents, image permissions and customer-facing wording. What is standard and what is project-specific? Bespoke work changes timelines and documentation. Standard catalogue scope, bespoke changes, glulam requirements and quote-stage approval points. What documentation is supplied? Trade buyers need more than sales copy. Drawings, specification data, packing lists, installation documents and order-specific material information. How are logistics terms handled? Factory release is not the same as delivered site arrival. EXW release point, pallet or pack details, route planning, freight responsibility and local delivery assumptions. Who owns local compliance review? UK use cases vary by site, product and end use. Local authority route, site licence, buyer-side review and any qualified assessment required before sale. The table is deliberately practical. Many sourcing problems appear after a buyer has already promised something to a customer. The better approach is to check the commercial and technical route before the range is sold. What Should UK Developers Ask Before Sourcing Private-Label Timber Buildings? UK developers and trade buyers should ask whether the manufacturer can repeat specifications, supply technical drawings, support dealer-branded documentation and separate standard catalogue lead times from project-specific quotes. Eurodita manufactures B2B private-label timber buildings in Kaunas, Lithuania, with standard catalogue production typically 2-4 weeks before EXW factory release and bespoke or glulam projects commonly reviewed against the confirmed brief. For developers, the core issue is intended use. A garden office, show unit, holiday accommodation module, ancillary building or glulam structure may all sit in the broad timber-building category, but each carries different documentation and review needs. The manufacturer should be able to provide drawings and product data early enough for the developer’s team to review access, foundations, services, transport, installation assumptions and local permission routes. The manufacturer should not be treated as a replacement for local review, planning advice, site inspection or qualified assessment. That distinction protects both sides. The manufacturer can supply technical and order documentation; the developer remains responsible for the project context in which the building is sold, installed or used. How Does Private-Label Timber Building Supply Work For Dealers? Private-label timber building supply lets dealers and distributors sell under their own brand while the manufacturer handles production, packing and order documentation. Eurodita supports this model for B2B partners across log cabins, garden offices, glulam homes and mobile log homes, with dealer-controlled product names, customer communication and sales positioning. For a retailer or distributor, the best private-label relationship is quiet from the end customer’s point of view. The range should feel coherent under the seller’s brand, while the manufacturing route remains stable behind it. This requires more than low unit pricing. Buyers should ask how the manufacturer handles repeated SKUs, modified layouts, drawings, packing references, product photography, customer documentation, replacement parts and order questions. If the supplier cannot support the range after the first order, the seller carries the reputational cost. Retailers should also separate catalogue products from bespoke requests. A modified layout, thicker wall profile, alternative glazing package or glulam project may be commercially useful, but it should be quoted and documented as a project-specific order rather than squeezed into a standard-product promise. What Documentation Should A Distributor Request Before Ordering Timber Buildings? A distributor
A public consultation is beginning on the masterplan for Euston, signalling fresh momentum for one of the most significant regeneration opportunities in central London. Running until 8 August, the consultation marks a major step forward in plans to transform the area, driving long-term, sustainable growth for the UK, London and the local communities of Camden. Building on renewed progress across the wider Euston programme, the newly established Euston Delivery Company is leading work to deliver a modern, integrated transport gateway, unlocking the site’s full potential for growth, while Lendlease is bringing forward regeneration plans for the area. As part of this, Lendlease will engage with local people through a programme of drop-in events, workshops and activities across Euston, giving communities the opportunity to help shape the plans ahead of a planning application next year. Construction of the first buildings is expected to begin in 2028. Located in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter, Euston is one of the last major development opportunities in central London. Once complete it is expected to create 30,000 jobs, reinforcing the area’s role as a hub for innovation, science and education. The project is part of a joint venture between Lendlease and The Crown Estate – the Impact Partnership Joint Venture – which completed earlier this week. The emerging proposals will support a vibrant community with streets lined with workplaces, shops, cafes and restaurants. The opportunity to contribute to this world-leading innovation district will be harnessed through existing local talent and expertise, attracting diverse businesses and providing quality jobs, including through affordable workspace that will support start-ups, small businesses and emerging talent. Wider pavements and green space will create sustainable spaces to live in, work in and enjoy. The masterplan also incorporates up to 1,500 new homes, including affordable homes to help meet local need in Camden. Key proposals include reopening Granby Terrace as a traffic-free bridge and creating safer cycle routes; making it easier and safer to move through the area. Jenny Sawyer, Project Lead, Euston, Lendlease, said: “Euston is one of central London’s most significant growth and regeneration opportunities, and we are now building real momentum behind plans to unlock its potential. Working with our partners, we want to shape a place that delivers lasting benefits – new homes, jobs, public spaces and stronger connections – for existing communities and future generations. Local people know Euston best, and their voices will play a key role in shaping what comes next. We encourage everyone to get involved and help us refine the plans.” The public are invited to give their views on the masterplan by visiting one of the below drop-in events. If unable to attend in-person, the public are invited to provide feedback online by visiting the consultation website from Saturday 11 July: https://www.eustonlondon.co.uk/consultation/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s largest regeneration partnerships has officially moved into delivery, with Lendlease and The Crown Estate completing their landmark £24bn joint venture to unlock thousands of new homes and millions of square feet of commercial development across London and Birmingham. The newly formed Impact Partnership Joint Venture establishes a long-term development platform focused on delivering some of the country’s most significant mixed-use regeneration schemes. Initially, the partnership will oversee the transformation of Euston, Silvertown and Stratford Cross, creating around 9,000 new homes alongside more than 7 million sq ft of commercial, science and innovation space. The announcement represents a major milestone for the construction and property sectors, providing a significant pipeline of work spanning residential development, commercial offices, life sciences, infrastructure, public realm and sustainable urban regeneration. Construction activity is set to begin almost immediately, with work scheduled to commence in September on the first phase of the 60-acre Silvertown regeneration in East London. This initial package will deliver 326 affordable homes, forming part of a wider mixed-use neighbourhood that will reconnect a long-underutilised section of the Royal Docks with the surrounding community. Elsewhere, plans for the highly anticipated redevelopment of Euston are continuing to progress, with a planning application expected to be submitted in spring 2027. The project is expected to transform one of London’s most strategically important transport hubs into a vibrant mixed-use destination combining homes, commercial space, public realm and enhanced transport connectivity. The partnership’s ambitions extend well beyond the initial three developments. Birmingham Smithfield and Thamesmead Waterfront are expected to join the venture later this year, expanding the overall programme to approximately 27,500 new homes and almost 10 million sq ft of commercial floorspace. Infrastructure works at Birmingham Smithfield are due to begin later this year, with temporary markets opening in early 2027 before construction of the first residential buildings commences. To support delivery, Lendlease and The Crown Estate have established a dedicated development management company responsible for coordinating the complex, multi-phase projects and ensuring consistent standards across the growing portfolio. Andrea Ruckstuhl, Managing Director of Development for UK and Italy at Lendlease, described the launch of the Impact Partnership Joint Venture as a major milestone that creates a long-term platform capable of unlocking some of the UK’s most important regeneration opportunities while delivering lasting value for investors and communities. Dan Labbad, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate, said the partnership would accelerate the delivery of complex regeneration projects while creating a scalable platform capable of bringing forward future housing and commercial developments across the country. For the construction industry, the creation of the Impact Partnership Joint Venture represents a substantial long-term pipeline of opportunities across civil engineering, infrastructure, residential construction, commercial development, sustainability, building services and public realm delivery. As work progresses over the coming decade, the programme is expected to play a significant role in supporting employment, investment and economic growth while delivering high-quality, sustainable places for future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Liverpool’s vision to create a new commercial destination in the heart of the city has moved a significant step closer after VINCI Construction was appointed to deliver the first phase of the landmark Pall Mall regeneration scheme. Selected by joint developers Liverpool City Council and Kier Property following a competitive two-stage tender process, VINCI Construction will act as design and build contractor for the £55 million opening phase of the development, marking the start of a wider regeneration programme that will reshape Liverpool’s Commercial Business District. The first phase will deliver high-quality Grade A office accommodation, complemented by ground-floor retail space and a new 0.5-acre public green space, creating an attractive mixed-use environment designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses and occupiers. Pall Mall forms a central element of Liverpool City Council’s long-term strategy to strengthen the city’s commercial offering, attract inward investment and support sustainable economic growth by providing premium workspace capable of competing with other major regional business centres. For the construction sector, the appointment represents another significant commercial development project that will generate opportunities across the regional supply chain, supporting specialist contractors, consultants, building services providers and local manufacturers throughout the delivery programme. The project also reflects the continuing demand for flexible, sustainable office developments that combine high-quality workplaces with improved public realm and enhanced amenities. Integrating green space alongside commercial development is increasingly recognised as a key factor in creating healthier, more attractive business environments that support employee wellbeing and encourage investment. Liverpool City Council is working closely with Kier Property to deliver the wider Pall Mall masterplan, which aims to transform the area into a thriving commercial quarter capable of attracting new businesses, creating skilled employment opportunities and strengthening Liverpool’s position as a leading UK regional city. Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, described Pall Mall as a transformational opportunity that will provide the modern commercial space required to support Liverpool’s growing economy. Mark Robinson, Senior Development Director at Kier Property, said the appointment represented an important milestone for the project and reflected the shared ambition to create a vibrant destination for businesses, investment and innovation while delivering lasting economic and social benefits for the city. Gary Hughes, Regional Director for VINCI Building, added that the company was proud to play a role in such a significant regeneration project, highlighting the strength of its regional workforce, established local supply chain and longstanding relationships across Merseyside. As cities continue to invest in high-quality commercial developments that combine modern workplaces with enhanced public spaces, the Pall Mall regeneration is set to become one of Liverpool’s flagship developments, supporting business growth while reinforcing the city’s reputation as an attractive destination for investment, innovation and long-term regeneration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has leased a 17,000 sq ft office at Skypark near Exeter. The business historically operated from two separate offices in Exeter, but they will now be located in a Grade A, 17,143 sq ft office at One Tiger Moth Road at Skypark. Leased from Devon County Council, the move will enable Vistry to unite its two regional teams under one roof, bringing 300 employees together to provide a best-in-class service for customers and partners. The EPC A-rated building offers exceptional, state-of-the-art office space situated over three floors and is located within Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone’s Skypark, providing easy access to nearby transport hubs. Vistry has long been the largest homebuilder across the South West, with its teams delivering hundreds of new affordable homes in partnership with leading housing providers, including Livewest. In 2026, the combined business expects to deliver 1,400 homes across the region. Peter Tannian, Managing Director of Vistry Devon & Cornwall Regions, said: “This move provides a fantastic opportunity for our South West businesses to become more aligned and ensure we provide the best and most efficient service for our customers and partners. Equally, the exceptional, Grade A office space at One Tiger Moth provides a great opportunity for our teams to collaborate and ensure best practice is being adopted across the business.” Councillor Simon Clist, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, and Chair of Skypark Development Partnership LLP, commented:“We are delighted to welcome Vistry Group to Exeter Skypark. Securing a leading house builder on a long-term lease is a powerful endorsement of Skypark’s quality and appeal. Skypark is setting a new benchmark for sustainable, people focused business environments, not just in Exeter, but across the UK. It is a vibrant, beautifully designed employment site to support businesses to grow and thrive.” Councillor Paul Hayward, Portfolio Holder for Assets and Economy at East Devon District Council and representing Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, said: “We are delighted to welcome Vistry to Skypark, one of the four key sites within the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone. This is a strong vote of confidence in the quality of the business environment we are creating here and in Skypark’s continued appeal as a location for ambitious, growing businesses. Vistry’s arrival brings hundreds of employees together in one place and further strengthens Skypark’s role as a major employment destination for the area.” Vistry was advised by JLL and Hector Pearce. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A multidisciplinary RSK team representing 14 RSK businesses and 16 separate disciplines is supporting the redevelopment of Fort Halstead in Sevenoaks, Kent. Complex brownfield redevelopment The project is a complex brownfield redevelopment project that will create a new 635-home community, including a mix of private residential properties, public open space, commercial employment units and a primary school. Ancient semi-natural woodland (some 1600 individual trees) and the existing Fort Halstead (a scheduled ancient monument), as well as other historically important buildings, will be retained, with the fort converted to create a historic interpretation centre, capturing the site’s history. CS2 Chartered Surveyors, an RSK company, is project-managing the work to prepare the site for the client, Barratt David Wilson Homes Kent (BDW), with RSK companies contributing to this over a two-year period. CS2 Director and Fort Halstead Project Management Lead Paul Crowe said: “RSK began supporting BDW in November 2023 through pre‑acquisition due diligence, with activity intensifying following acquisition in September 2024. The project is now in the demolition and enabling phase, being delivered by the appointed contractor Soilfix, delivered alongside heritage, ecology and civil engineering design to ensure progress is carefully managed in an exceptionally sensitive and operational environment. Under the RSK approved Material Management Plan the development will be reusing some 48,000m3 of soil during the enabling works phase with the intention to reuse up to a further c80,000m3 during the construction phase. Wide stakeholder landscape with single point of control Paul said: “Fort Halstead brings together an unusually wide and active stakeholder landscape, including defence‑related partners, residents and office occupiers remaining on site, statutory bodies and the local community. Our role is to provide a single, trusted point of control that allows all parties to operate safely and confidently while enabling the project to move forward. “By integrating demolition, remediation and design, we are managing risk at every stage, protecting nationally important heritage assets, safeguarding ecology and maintaining day‑to‑day site operations. That coordinated approach gives clients, regulators and stakeholders assurance that change is being delivered responsibly, transparently and with minimal disruption.” Remediation, controlled demolition along with safe and appropriate material reuse Paul said the works include remediation of buildings to be retained, controlled demolition of redundant structures, remediation of contaminated ground, safe and appropriate material reuse and recycling, and preparing serviced parcels ready for construction. “This is about more than enabling development, it is about creating certainty on a complex site, maintaining trust with stakeholders and laying the foundations for sustainable delivery. For clients managing estates with historic uses, ongoing occupation or security sensitivities, the strength of RSK lies in our ability to bring multiple disciplines together under one management structure, allowing complex schemes to progress safely while respecting the people, history and environment already in place. When the site is handed over to BDW at the end of our project work it will be ready for the team to start work on the construction of the new housing development.” Range of multidisciplinary RSK companies delivering the project work RSK companies supporting BDW and delivering project work include:- RSK Geosciences Operations Director Darren Beesley said the size, history and complex nature of the site, including the previous military research use, made for a challenging and fascinating project that draws on a range of disciplines and services provided by RSK Group businesses. Military use dates back to 1890s as part of London Defence Scheme He said the team’s research revealed that military uses began on the site in the 1890s, when it was part of the London Defence Scheme, with the fort constructed between 1895 and 1897. Darren said: “When the London Defence Scheme ended in 1906, Fort Halstead was retained as an ammunitions store, with a laboratory and new buildings added, until it passed into private hands in the 1920s. It was bought by the War Office in 1937 and built up during the war years. Until recently, it was home to the Ministry of Defence’s, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, which carried out research into explosives and weapon systems. The site also had its own fire station and a petrol filling station. Site covers 70 hectares with 18 hectares earmarked for development “Challenges associated with a project of this nature include the sheer size of the site, which covers an area of some 70 hectares with about 18 hectares earmarked for development, the number of buildings to be demolished and historically important buildings that will be retained. The complex nature of the project recognises the site’s historical uses, the need for demolition and sustainable and carbon-efficient remediation, to deliver a safe development platform, minimising waste soils and maximising materials reuse, along with an emphasis on protection of heritage assets, protecting the ancient woodland and enhancing ecology and biodiversity on site.” Non-intrusive and intrusive ground investigation Darren added that pre-demolition ground investigation was completed in December 2024, which included the combined use of non-intrusive geophysical investigation and intrusive investigation at over 300 locations across the site, giving a 25 m borehole spacing in accessible areas where development is proposed. “The approach taken included the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to visualise and interpret the vast amount of data we collected. This has provided a detailed understanding of the site to support foundation and remediation design, reducing the need for over-excavation of materials during the development phase, minimising wastes generated, providing a more sustainable development. Further investigations are ongoing alongside demolition and enabling work being undertaken by the contractor Soil Fix. Results from the additional inspections will be used to inform final remediation design.” The ground investigation project was shortlisted for two 2025 Ground Engineering magazine awards: Ground Investigation Project of the Year and UK Project with a Geotechnical Value of between £500,000 and £1 million. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals