Kenneth Booth
New procurement framework worth £1 billion to support construction and management of Scotland's public buildings

New procurement framework worth £1 billion to support construction and management of Scotland’s public buildings

SCOTLAND’S public bodies can access a major new procurement framework designed to help public bodies deliver construction, refurbishment, infrastructure and facilities management services more efficiently and with greater confidence. The Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) has launched PB4 which provides a compliant procurement route designed to simplify the delivery of £1

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Teesworks land deal paves the way for UK’s largest substation

Teesworks land deal paves the way for UK’s largest substation

Deal completed with National Grid Electricity Transmission secures 73.3 acres at Dorman Point Teesworks has completed a deal with National Grid Electricity Transmission for the purchase of 73.3 acres of land at Dorman Point, paving the way for the development of what is expected to be the UK’s largest substation.

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United Infrastructure Leads Launch of New BEAMA Infrastructure Services Group

United Infrastructure Leads Launch of New BEAMA Infrastructure Services Group

United Infrastructure is the founding company supporting the launch of the new Electricity Network Infrastructure (ENI) Services Group within BEAMA. The new industry initiative has been established by BEAMA to represent those working in civil engineering, construction, design, specification and wider services. Formally launched on October 29 2026, the new

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Manchester’s Landmark 44-Storey Build to Rent Tower Hits Market for £100m

Manchester’s Landmark 44-Storey Build to Rent Tower Hits Market for £100m

One of Greater Manchester’s most prominent Build to Rent (BTR) residential developments has been brought to market, with the 44-storey Anaconda Cut tower in Salford understood to be valued at approximately £100 million. Located at 100 Greengate, close to Manchester city centre, the landmark residential building comprises 349 apartments and

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Panattoni achieves first WiredScore certification with Gold at Coventry

Panattoni achieves first WiredScore certification with Gold at Coventry

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned developer of industrial real estate, has achieved its first WiredScore certification in the UK, with Panattoni Park Coventry awarded Gold. WiredScore is a globally recognised certification that independently assesses buildings’ digital infrastructure, including internet provision, mobile connectivity, resilience, and readiness for future technologies. The

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Glenigan launches Building Materials Forecast to predict future UK construction product demand

Glenigan launches Building Materials Forecast to predict future UK construction product demand

New service combines construction activity, building stock, replacement cycles and renovation demand to give manufacturers and suppliers a forward-looking view of UK market demand.  Glenigan, part of Hubexo, today announced the launch of Building Materials Forecast, a new subscription service that forecasts future demand for construction products and materials across

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GMI appoints James Garnett as Group Operations Director

GMI appoints James Garnett as Group Operations Director

GMI Construction Group, an independent principal contractor operating across the Midlands and the North of England, has appointed James Garnett as Group Operations Director. The newly created role provides a dedicated operational link between GMI’s Board and its regional businesses, supporting consistent project delivery as the company grows its public-sector

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Latest Issue
Issue 346 : Nov 2026

Kenneth Booth

New procurement framework worth £1 billion to support construction and management of Scotland's public buildings

New procurement framework worth £1 billion to support construction and management of Scotland’s public buildings

SCOTLAND’S public bodies can access a major new procurement framework designed to help public bodies deliver construction, refurbishment, infrastructure and facilities management services more efficiently and with greater confidence. The Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) has launched PB4 which provides a compliant procurement route designed to simplify the delivery of £1 billion worth of building and infrastructure projects while maintaining quality, value and governance. It will support organisations in maximising public investment, improving estate performance and delivering projects that contribute to long-term community, sustainability and service objectives. The framework is structured across five workstreams covering new build construction, refurbishment, civil infrastructure and facilities management. It offers a flexible solution capable of supporting everything from major regeneration and estate modernisation programmes to ongoing maintenance, compliance requirements and wider operational asset management. For the first time, construction, refurbishment, civil infrastructure and facilities management services have been brought together within a single framework, enabling public bodies to access a broader range of specialist expertise through one procurement solution and manage projects more effectively throughout the entire lifecycle of their assets. This includes supporting the transition of buildings and infrastructure from expiring finance arrangements into long-term operational management. The launch comes at a time when public sector organisations across Scotland are seeking to balance investment in new and existing assets with the need to improve energy performance, meet net zero ambitions and maintain operational resilience. With significant investment requirements across the public estate, access to efficient, compliant and high-quality procurement routes remains critical to successful project delivery. Lesley Peaty, Regional Director of the Scottish Procurement Alliance, said: “Public sector organisations need procurement routes that can support the full life of an estate, from creating new buildings to maintaining the fabric and technical systems that keep essential services running. “PB4 gives our partners access to a flexible solution covering new construction, major refurbishment, infrastructure and hard facilities management within one compliant framework. “By bringing these services together, organisations can procure work more efficiently, respond to changing needs and focus public investment on creating and maintaining safe, sustainable buildings for the people who rely on them every day.” PB4 has been designed for organisations across local government, education, healthcare, defence and the emergency services, enabling them to procure and deliver projects more efficiently while minimising disruption to service users and maintaining operational continuity. The new framework responds to growing demand for procurement solutions that enable projects to be delivered quicker to maximise available government funding, helping organisations avoid delays that could jeopardise investment. Appointed companies will be expected to work with SPA and public bodies to identify, deliver and capture social value outcomes associated with each project. Community benefits will be expected to align with the relevant social value strategy, be proportionate to the contract value and provide meaningful benefits for residents and the wider community. The framework’s priorities include connected and inclusive communities, enhanced community spaces, increased use of community facilities and upskilling and training, supporting its strategic focus on individual wellbeing, planet and environment and social mobility. Where social value requirements have not already been set, appointed companies will be expected to raise this with the client and jointly identify opportunities to deliver additional value. The SPA is one of Scotland’s largest free to join procurement organisation serving Scotland’s public sector, supporting more than 145 organisations with compliant and localised procurement solutions for construction, refurbishment, compliance, consultancy and maintenance projects. Further information about the PB4 framework is available at www.scottishprocurement.scot Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Savills Earth Capital Advisors advises Anglo Renewables on sale of 18MW consented solar scheme in Cheshire

Savills Earth Capital Advisors advises Anglo Renewables on sale of 18MW consented solar scheme in Cheshire

Savills Earth Capital Advisors (“SECA”) has advised Anglo Renewables on the sale of Hebden Green, a fully consented 18MW solar project in Winsford, Cheshire, to Enviromena for an undisclosed sum. The project is expected to connect to the grid in December 2027. Once operational, it has the potential to generate enough clean, renewable energy to power approximately 5,500 homes each year, while offsetting around 9,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. In addition to the installation of solar panels, the scheme includes a range of biodiversity and landscape enhancement measures, designed to support local habitats and deliver environmental benefits alongside the generation of renewable energy. Henry Grant, Director, Savills Earth Capital Advisors, comments, “We are pleased to have supported Anglo Renewables on another successful transaction, following our sale of Rock Farm to Enviromena last summer. Hebden Green is an example of a renewable energy project supporting the UK’s transition to a low carbon energy system, and we look forward to seeing it move into construction shortly. Investor appetite for consented solar assets remains strong, as projects of this nature continue to play a critical role in delivering clean energy infrastructure across the UK.” James Stone, Managing Director at Anglo Renewables, said: “We’re pleased to have completed the sale of Hebden Green to Enviromena, building on our successful partnership on Rock Farm. We look forward to seeing Hebden Green progress into construction and make a positive contribution to the UK’s renewable energy capacity.” Lee Adams, Chief Commercial Officer at Enviromena, said: “Hebden Green is a high-quality, well-developed project that further strengthens our construction pipeline for 2027 and supports our continued growth as an owner and operator of solar assets across the UK. “We highly value the relationship we’ve built with Anglo Renewables through the acquisition and delivery of Rock Farm, and we’re delighted to be continuing that partnership through Hebden Green. We look forward to bringing the project into construction and delivering both clean energy and lasting benefits for the local community. Thank you to Savills and all the teams which supported on this transaction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Teesworks land deal paves the way for UK’s largest substation

Teesworks land deal paves the way for UK’s largest substation

Deal completed with National Grid Electricity Transmission secures 73.3 acres at Dorman Point Teesworks has completed a deal with National Grid Electricity Transmission for the purchase of 73.3 acres of land at Dorman Point, paving the way for the development of what is expected to be the UK’s largest substation. The agreement was reached 28th October 2026, marking a significant milestone in plans to deliver major new electricity infrastructure at Teesworks and support the Tees Valley’s growing industrial and clean energy ambitions. Chris Musgrave OBE, chairman of Teesworks Ltd, said: “Agreeing this deal with National Grid is a significant milestone for Teesworks and reflects the scale of the opportunity here at the Teesworks site. Making this land available for what is expected to be the UK’s largest substation is an important step in putting the infrastructure in place to support the next phase of industrial development across the site. “Our focus now is on delivering the remediation works and preparing the land for handover, helping to ensure Teesworks is ready to support the energy needs of major businesses and industries for years to come.” Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “Everyone who’s tried to build a data centre or large-scale advanced manufacturing, technological or energy-intensive industrial developments in this country knows the biggest problem is getting enough power to the site quickly. “Having a contracted 1.44GW capacity, with further expansion up to 3.2GW in the near future, means we can finally compete for those projects. “If Britain is serious about having its own AI capability and other advanced manufacturing technologies, with sensitive data stored safely on British soil, it needs somewhere to physically put it, and I’d much rather that was Teesside than Texas or Abu Dhabi. “Full credit to Steel River Power, Iberdrola, Teesworks and National Grid for getting it over the line, and I’ve no doubt it’ll mean thousands of good jobs for local people over the next few years.” Teesworks is now progressing remediation works across the 73.3-acre site over the next six months, preparing the land for National Grid Electricity Transmission ahead of the next stage of development. Matt Pearce, National Grid Head of Land, said “Securing this land agreement is an important step forward in the development of the new substation. “It reflects the constructive work between all those involved to enable this vital infrastructure which is part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest upgrade of the electricity grid in generations, and will support the growth of AI and digital technologies and enable the region’s next phase of industrial and economic development. “We are committed to working closely with our partners to progress the development as quickly as possible.” The site will accommodate Teesside Node A, the major new substation that will be delivered by National Grid’s contractor, Balfour Beatty and from which National Grid will provide Steel River Power an additional 1.44GW (equivalent to the same amount of power as Greater Manchester and Glasgow combined). The land sits directly beneath both 275kV and 400kV overhead electricity transmission lines, providing a strategically positioned location for the new infrastructure. The substation’s initial 1,440 MVA capacity is scheduled to come online by the end of 2029, providing a major boost to electricity infrastructure at Teesworks. The capacity is contracted to Steel River Power (SRP), which owns and operates the private electricity network across the estate. SRP’s existing network has a capacity of 360 MVA, with 200 MVA currently available to support businesses and projects at Teesworks. The company has been contracted with National Grid since 2024 for an additional 1,440 MVA to meet the estate’s known future energy demand requirements as industrial development continues. SRP is a joint venture between Steel River Energy Limited and North West Electricity Networks, part of the ScottishPower/Iberdrola group. David Smith, chair of the South Tees Development Corporation (STDC), said: “This agreement is an important step forward for the site. “Having spent almost two decades working in the sector, I know how important access to power is in turning development ambitions into reality. “For potential investors, having confidence that the energy infrastructure will be there to support their plans is crucial. “This agreement is a real boost to our ability to attract future investment and move towards the development corporation’s long-term aims: bringing land back into productive use, creating opportunities for local people and ensuring the whole area benefits from regeneration for decades to come.” This land deal marks the start of a new chapter for Teesside. By paving the way for the power needed to attract major investment in AI, data centres, advanced technologies and wider energy-intensive industries, it helps kick-start the region’s next phase of industrial growth. Teesside’s steelmaking and heavy industry helped build the country. Now the region has the opportunity to power the next industrial revolution. The prize is a new generation of skilled jobs, opportunities for local businesses and lasting economic benefits for communities across Teesside. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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United Infrastructure Leads Launch of New BEAMA Infrastructure Services Group

United Infrastructure Leads Launch of New BEAMA Infrastructure Services Group

United Infrastructure is the founding company supporting the launch of the new Electricity Network Infrastructure (ENI) Services Group within BEAMA. The new industry initiative has been established by BEAMA to represent those working in civil engineering, construction, design, specification and wider services. Formally launched on October 29 2026, the new group creates the first dedicated industry forum supported by BEAMA that will focus on the needs of the companies responsible for delivering the UK’s critical national electricity infrastructure. The launch follows the publication of the Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan on 20 October 2026, developed by BEAMA and the Energy Networks Association (ENA) over more than a year of collaboration. The Plan sets out how network operators are investing £181bn in Great Britain’s electricity networks by 2035, and identifies key actions the industry will take to support more than 210,000 jobs and unlock £58bn for the UK economy. To implement the Plan, BEAMA and the ENA have set up the Electricity Networks Growth Partnership. Overseen by an independent Chair, the Partnership will include dedicated sub-groups driving cross-sector action on supply chains and skills. Through the new Group, services companies delivering grid infrastructure can take part directly in the Partnership, so that those at the front line of delivery help shape the actions the Plan requires. Griff Thomas, Executive Director of Energy Transition and External Affairs at United Infrastructure and Chair of the ENI Services Group, said: “Bringing a contractors perspective to the wider sector is critical to ensure that we make it as efficient as possible to deliver the infrastructure revolution that the UK is going through, by bringing together leading infrastructure delivery partners across the UK we will form a single united voice ensuring we shape policy and regulation rather than just be on the receiving end of it. The Sector growth plan for Electricity Networks gives us a springboard to demonstrate how we can bring delivery parters together to deliver on its recommendations, but the group will also cover wider infrastructure delivery across multiple disciplines” Yselkla Farmer, CEO of BEAMA, said: “This is the largest electricity network upgrade in a generation, and the scale is unprecedented. With the launch of the Electricity Networks Sector Growth Plan, we now embark on an ambitious programme of work that requires decisive action and collaboration. Bringing together the full supply chain, from manufacturing and systems design to services and delivery, is essential.” “There are huge benefits for the power grid infrastructure services industry in having a dedicated representative trade body at a time of such significant market change. BEAMA already has strong representation across other key markets including construction and transport. I am excited about the work we can now take forward with the new members joining us, as part of this historic move to expand our scope. We’re delighted to welcome United Infrastructure, Balfour Beatty and MGroup, and we’d encourage other firms to join them.” As one of the UK’s leading infrastructure solutions providers, United Infrastructure has played an instrumental role in supporting the establishment of the new group and broadening BEAMA’s representation across the sector. BEAMA, the UK’s leading trade association for manufacturers and suppliers of energy infrastructure technologies, has identified a growing need for stronger engagement with infrastructure service providers as investment accelerates. The Group will enable members to work with key partners in the energy policy space: The launch comes as Government and industry stakeholders place increasing emphasis on addressing skills shortages and expanding workforce capacity to support accelerated electricity network deployment. Through the Group, members will work collectively on workforce challenges, training initiatives, apprenticeships and industry engagement programmes designed to help meet the demands of the UK’s clean energy transition. As the UK accelerates the expansion of its electricity networks to support economic growth, strengthen energy security and deliver its net zero ambitions, the launch of the Infrastructure Services Group marks a significant milestone for the sector. For more information on joining the Electricity Networks Infrastructure Services Group, please visit the United Infrastructure website, or visit the BEAMA website for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Canary Wharf Group Secures Approval for Major Office Transformation at 10 Cabot Square

Canary Wharf Group Secures Approval for Major Office Transformation at 10 Cabot Square

Canary Wharf Group has secured planning permission for a major refurbishment and redevelopment of 10 Cabot Square in London’s Docklands, paving the way for an extensive office retrofit that will introduce additional workspace, a new façade and rooftop terraces. Tower Hamlets Council formally approved the proposals on 30 October, allowing the developer to progress plans to modernise the existing commercial building while retaining much of its original structural framework. Designed by architectural practice Howells, the project represents a significant investment in the future of Canary Wharf’s office estate, responding to growing demand for high-quality, modern and more sustainable workplaces. Major Retrofit and Office Expansion The redevelopment will involve a comprehensive transformation of the existing office building, including partial demolition, extensive internal alterations and the complete replacement of its façade. One of the most significant elements of the scheme will be the removal of existing rooftop plant equipment to accommodate two additional floors of office accommodation, increasing the building’s usable commercial space. The project will also see existing floorplates cut back to improve natural daylight throughout the building, creating brighter and more attractive working environments. A redesigned building profile will incorporate new south-facing terraces, introducing external amenity spaces for occupiers and improving the overall workplace offering. These changes are intended to reposition 10 Cabot Square as a modern commercial property capable of meeting evolving occupier expectations. Retaining Existing Structures to Reduce Construction Impact A central feature of the redevelopment is its extensive reuse of the existing building structure. Rather than undertaking a complete demolition and rebuild, the scheme will retain the building’s foundations, structural frame, basement, service yard and existing lift and stair cores. This approach will significantly reduce the amount of new structural construction required, while helping to limit demolition waste and the demand for additional building materials. The decision to retain substantial elements of the original structure reflects the increasing importance of refurbishment and adaptive reuse within the UK commercial property sector. For developers and property owners, deep retrofit projects can provide opportunities to modernise ageing office buildings while reducing the embodied carbon associated with replacing major structural components. The 10 Cabot Square scheme demonstrates how existing commercial properties can be substantially transformed through architectural redesign, improved building services and the introduction of additional floorspace. Supporting Canary Wharf’s Office Modernisation Strategy The redevelopment forms part of Canary Wharf Group’s wider programme to upgrade and reposition its commercial property portfolio. As businesses increasingly prioritise modern workplaces, environmental performance and employee wellbeing, landlords are investing in improvements that enhance the quality and flexibility of existing office accommodation. The transformation of 10 Cabot Square will combine new architectural features with upgraded internal environments, helping the building compete within London’s evolving office market. The introduction of outdoor terraces and improved natural daylight will also respond to occupier demand for workplaces offering greater comfort, flexibility and access to external spaces. Construction Could Begin in 2027 Canary Wharf Group has previously indicated that construction works could commence in 2027, although a confirmed start date has not yet been announced. Canary Wharf Contractors prepared construction and logistics documentation as part of the planning process, but the appointment of a main contractor has not been publicly confirmed. The project is expected to require significant expertise across structural alterations, façade engineering, mechanical and electrical services, commercial fit-out and complex construction logistics. For the wider construction industry, the redevelopment represents another substantial opportunity within London’s office refurbishment market, where major property owners are increasingly choosing to upgrade existing buildings rather than replace them entirely. With planning approval now secured, the transformation of 10 Cabot Square marks an important step in Canary Wharf Group’s continued investment in its commercial estate. The completed development will deliver an extensively modernised office building with additional accommodation, improved daylight and new outdoor spaces, reinforcing Canary Wharf’s position as a major business destination while demonstrating the potential of large-scale office retrofitting. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Manchester’s Landmark 44-Storey Build to Rent Tower Hits Market for £100m

Manchester’s Landmark 44-Storey Build to Rent Tower Hits Market for £100m

One of Greater Manchester’s most prominent Build to Rent (BTR) residential developments has been brought to market, with the 44-storey Anaconda Cut tower in Salford understood to be valued at approximately £100 million. Located at 100 Greengate, close to Manchester city centre, the landmark residential building comprises 349 apartments and represents a significant investment opportunity within the UK’s growing operational Build to Rent market. The development offers a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside penthouse accommodation, and has been operational since welcoming its first residents in March 2019. Designed by OMI Architects and originally developed by Renaker, Anaconda Cut has become a distinctive feature of the Manchester and Salford skyline, contributing to the wider transformation of the Greengate regeneration district. Landmark Residential Development in Salford The 44-storey tower is recognised for its contemporary architectural design, incorporating an extensive glazed façade, gold-coloured reflective panels and a contrasting lower brick element facing Greengate. Positioned on the Salford side of the River Irwell, the development benefits from its proximity to Manchester’s commercial, retail and leisure districts, making it an established residential destination for city centre renters. Anaconda Cut was designed to provide more than traditional apartment accommodation, incorporating a range of communal amenities intended to support modern urban living. Facilities include a sky lounge on the 43rd floor, communal roof terraces, co-working accommodation, a gym, cinema room, concierge services and dedicated bicycle storage. These facilities reflect the continued evolution of the Build to Rent sector, where residential developers and investors increasingly focus on providing professionally managed accommodation with shared amenities and lifestyle facilities. £100m Investment Opportunity Europa Capital is identified as an investor in Anaconda Cut, having acquired the development alongside Atlas Residential in 2019 through a forward-purchase agreement with Renaker. The original development was also supported by a £33 million loan from Homes England, helping facilitate the delivery of the residential tower. Unlike new development opportunities, Anaconda Cut is an established and operational rental property, with apartments continuing to be marketed across its one, two and three-bedroom categories. The reported £100 million valuation places the development among the substantial residential investment opportunities currently being marketed in Greater Manchester. Its sale comes amid continued investor interest in operational Build to Rent assets, particularly completed developments capable of generating rental income without the construction and delivery risks associated with new schemes. Growing Investment Activity Across the BTR Sector The marketing of Anaconda Cut follows further activity involving Europa Capital’s UK residential investments. In Hounslow, West London, the company’s operational 118-home residential development at One Lampton Road was sold to LRC Group. Meanwhile, Granary Quay, a 342-home Build to Rent development in Glasgow, has also returned to the market following an internal restructuring by its owners. Europa Capital acquired Granary Quay alongside Mitsubishi Estate in 2024, following completion of the residential scheme by Dandara Living. These transactions highlight ongoing activity across the UK’s purpose-built rental housing market, as investors review their residential portfolios and assess opportunities within established urban locations. Manchester’s Build to Rent Market Continues to Evolve Greater Manchester has experienced substantial residential development activity over recent years, with high-rise apartment buildings playing an increasingly important role in the regeneration of former commercial and industrial districts. Greengate, in particular, has emerged as a major residential development location, benefiting from its position immediately north of Manchester city centre and close to the River Irwell. Anaconda Cut forms part of this wider transformation, demonstrating how large-scale residential investment has helped reshape Salford’s urban environment. For the property investment and residential development sectors, the proposed sale provides another example of how completed Build to Rent schemes are becoming established investment assets. With 349 apartments, extensive resident amenities and a prominent location, Anaconda Cut represents a substantial operational residential property entering the investment market. The sale process will provide a further indication of investor appetite for completed high-rise Build to Rent developments in Manchester, as the city’s residential property market continues to attract institutional interest. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Panattoni achieves first WiredScore certification with Gold at Coventry

Panattoni achieves first WiredScore certification with Gold at Coventry

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned developer of industrial real estate, has achieved its first WiredScore certification in the UK, with Panattoni Park Coventry awarded Gold. WiredScore is a globally recognised certification that independently assesses buildings’ digital infrastructure, including internet provision, mobile connectivity, resilience, and readiness for future technologies. The Gold rating at Panattoni Park Coventry recognises the quality of its digital infrastructure and its capacity to support tenants’ evolving operational needs. For tenants, reliable connectivity underpins warehouse management systems, real-time stock tracking, and increasingly sophisticated automated operations. Certification provides independent assurance of the building’s digital capabilities, helping businesses assess its suitability for their requirements. The achievement reflects Panattoni’s commitment to delivering logistics buildings that can accommodate technological advances, supporting customers as they adopt AI, robotics, and automation to improve productivity. Oliver Winchcombe, Head of Portfolio Management and ESG at Panattoni, commented: “Achieving our first WiredScore certification, with Gold at Panattoni Park Coventry, recognises the importance we place on digital infrastructure. Our customers need reliable connectivity to run their operations and confidence that their buildings can support the technologies they choose to introduce. “As AI, robotics, and automation become more integral to industrial and logistics operations, we are committed to delivering spaces that give customers the flexibility to adapt, invest in technology, and grow.” Panattoni Park Coventry is a strategically located industrial and logistics development at Junction 3 of the M6, offering 538,193 sq ft of speculative warehouse space. Scheduled for completion in Q1 2027, the development will provide occupiers with high-quality, future-ready accommodation in one of the UK’s key logistics locations, with excellent access to the national motorway network. Designed to meet the evolving requirements of modern industrial and logistics businesses, the scheme combines strong connectivity, operational flexibility and leading sustainability credentials, including BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A. The leasing agents are Apex and Newmark. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glenigan launches Building Materials Forecast to predict future UK construction product demand

Glenigan launches Building Materials Forecast to predict future UK construction product demand

New service combines construction activity, building stock, replacement cycles and renovation demand to give manufacturers and suppliers a forward-looking view of UK market demand.  Glenigan, part of Hubexo, today announced the launch of Building Materials Forecast, a new subscription service that forecasts future demand for construction products and materials across the UK. Unlike forecasts based primarily on new construction activity, Building Materials Forecast combines project intelligence with analysis of the existing building stock, replacement cycles, renovation activity and wider market data. This provides manufacturers and suppliers with a more complete view of where demand is expected to grow, when it will emerge and which products will benefit. The service brings together Glenigan’s UK construction intelligence with a forecasting methodology developed and applied across European construction markets for more than 30 years. Drawing on official statistics, proprietary market research, NBS specification data and Glenigan project intelligence, Building Materials Forecast translates construction and building-stock activity into product-level demand forecasts across sectors and regions. Caption: Building Materials Forecast shows where and when demand for specific construction products is expected to grow. Christian Mjønes, Vice President, Construction Market Intelligence at Hubexo, said: “Knowing what will be built is only part of the picture. To understand future demand for building materials, you also need to understand what is already built, when products need replacing, and how renovation activity is developing. Building Materials Forecast brings those dimensions together. It turns construction and building-stock data into a forward-looking view of product demand helping businesses anticipate where demand is moving, identify opportunities earlier and make better commercial decisions.” Users can explore forecast demand by product category, construction sector and region, supporting market planning, sales prioritisation and investment decisions Building Materials Forecast is available now. For more information, visit www.glenigan.com/building-materials-forecast Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Railway reopens between Leeds and York after nine days of TRU upgrades completed in North Yorkshire

Railway reopens between Leeds and York after nine days of TRU upgrades completed in North Yorkshire

Major improvement works delivered by the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) in Church Fenton have taken the programme a significant step closer to delivering faster, more frequent and more reliable rail services for customers travelling across the North. Between Saturday 24 October and Sunday 1 November, engineers worked around the clock to install the new Common Lane railway bridge and complete the fitting of new overhead power lines, allowing faster, greener electric trains on the route in the future. The previous bridge, built in 1901, was reaching the end of its lifespan. By carrying out the replacement works a year earlier than necessary, TRU has maximised their time accessing the operational railway to modernise infrastructure while also working to prepare the railway for the future installation of overhead line equipment. This means further disruption to the local community will be minimised. The team didn’t let Storm Boelo stand in its way, with activities rescheduled in advance, enabling work to be temporarily paused for safety during the height of the high winds and poor weather. Teams worked hard to stay on target and the railway re-opened to trains on time. During the nine-day closure customers were kept on the move through a comprehensive network of replacement bus services to ensure people could get to where they wanted to go. Adam Sellers, TRU senior sponsor, said:  “We’ve completed this major work at Church Fenton safely and on time, bringing us a step closer to more frequent, faster, greener trains between York, Huddersfield, Leeds and Manchester. “A big thank you to our teams who worked around the clock and in very challenging weather conditions to deliver this latest milestone.” Carl Harland, TRU Customer Lead for Northern, said: “We would like to thank our colleagues from across the industry for completing these works at Church Fenton and keeping our customers moving over the past nine days. “The upgrades that have been delivered form an integral part of transforming the route between Leeds and York, helping better connect our communities. Thank you to our customers for their patience whilst these major upgrades have taken place.” Following the installation of the new bridge at Church Fenton, work has now started to relocate diverted utility services within the new structure, before the road is restored and re-opened in June 2027. A major programme of improvements was also carried out on the East Coast Main Line in North Yorkshire over the past two weekends, including renewing track and points, upgrading overhead line equipment and drainage, managing vegetation and improving platform infrastructure. The work will help make the railway more reliable and provide smoother journeys for customers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GMI appoints James Garnett as Group Operations Director

GMI appoints James Garnett as Group Operations Director

GMI Construction Group, an independent principal contractor operating across the Midlands and the North of England, has appointed James Garnett as Group Operations Director. The newly created role provides a dedicated operational link between GMI’s Board and its regional businesses, supporting consistent project delivery as the company grows its public-sector presence alongside its established private-sector portfolio. James brings more than 20 years of construction experience, having held operational and leadership roles with Morgan Sindall and Galliford Try. Most recently, James was Operations Director for Morgan Sindall’s North East and Cumbria business, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and major project portfolios across the region. James’ experience spans defence, education, commercial, and leisure. James led delivery of the Marne Barracks redevelopment programme for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, comprising 11 new buildings, seven refurbishments and extensive site-wide infrastructure works within a 13-month programme. The scheme completed on time, met its key objectives and achieved exceptional client feedback. Alongside his regional responsibilities, James contributed to national strategic initiatives and major framework bids, including securing a position on the £5.1bn Defence Estate Optimisation Portfolio Alliance Framework. At GMI, James will work with the Board and regional leadership teams to strengthen operational performance and support exceptional project delivery. His priorities include improving processes, streamlining reporting, and making better use of data to support decision-making, alongside the adoption of technology and digital innovation. Gareth Jones, Group Managing Director at GMI Construction Group, said: “James brings substantial operational experience and a strong understanding of how to build successful regional teams. His appointment gives us a dedicated group focus on supporting our regions and maintaining consistent delivery as the business grows. “Our Exceptional Delivery Model sets clear expectations for every project. James will help our teams put those commitments into practice, improving how we work and giving our people the support they need to deliver an exceptional experience for our clients.” James Garnett, Group Operations Director at GMI Construction Group, said: “From my first meeting with Gareth, I got a real sense of the culture that has been built at GMI. There is a clear principled approach to collaboration, innovation, and empowering people to succeed, which aligns closely with my own leadership values. “I am particularly excited by GMI’s growing focus on the public sector and the opportunity to build on that momentum by strengthening delivery capability, developing client relationships, and supporting sustainable growth. “My ambition is to help create an environment where our people can thrive, our customers receive an exceptional experience, and our projects consistently set the benchmark for delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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