Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) proudly celebrated the industry’s leading innovators at its annual Awards Gala on Friday evening at the Natural History Museum, recognising 16 Rising Stars and 12 major category winners who raise the bar for responsible, innovative and inclusive construction. From climate champions to community heroes, this year’s
Bluebay Building Products, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of specialist civil engineering and construction products, has appointed Mark West as Operations Director. With a wealth of industry experience gained through leadership roles at Topps Tiles, Eurocell and Homebase, Mark will play a central role in Bluebay’s ISO 9001
Developer Fiera Real Estate has formed a major joint venture with the Universities Superannuation Scheme to launch a new UK-focused industrial development platform. The partnership will see USS commit around £500m to the venture, which has been established with an initial five-year term. The joint venture will target individual acquisitions
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Nottingham Forest Football Club’s City Ground have been submitted, setting out proposals to increase the stadium’s capacity from 30,445 to around 52,000. The planning applications mark a major step forward in the club’s ambitions to deliver a large-scale redevelopment of the historic riverside ground. Nottingham
Developer Chart Forte has secured planning approval to deliver a four-storey rooftop extension as part of the conversion of a former City of London office building into a luxury hotel. The City of London Corporation has granted consent for the redevelopment of the Grade II-listed St Clement’s House at 27–28
Developer Marvel has secured full planning approval to deliver a £300m indoor ski and leisure resort in Wales after the Welsh Government confirmed it would not intervene in the scheme. Councillors at Merthyr Tydfil Council have now given final approval for the Rhydycar West development, clearing the way for what
Developers Gamuda Berhad and Castleforge have formally appointed Multiplex to deliver the £250m main construction contract for the redevelopment of 75 London Wall in the City of London. The contract was signed this week, clearing the way for full construction to begin on the landmark scheme following extensive enabling and
Robertson Facilities Management has secured its first contract with ScotRail after being appointed to deliver grounds maintenance and winter gritting services across the rail operator’s Scottish estate. The two-year contract was awarded following a competitive tender process and marks the first time Robertson Facilities Management has worked with ScotRail. The
Developer Edge, in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate, is preparing to move ahead with a £150m redevelopment of 125 Shaftesbury Avenue after securing a major funding package for the West End scheme. Sir Robert McAlpine is understood to be the preferred contractor for the large-scale office refurbishment, which is being taken
Industrial developer Hillwood has secured a 35-acre site in Crewe and is pressing ahead with plans for a major £100m speculative logistics and industrial development. The land, located off David Whitby Way close to Junction 16 of the M6, has been acquired from a subsidiary of the Co-op Group, which
Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) proudly celebrated the industry’s leading innovators at its annual Awards Gala on Friday evening at the Natural History Museum, recognising 16 Rising Stars and 12 major category winners who raise the bar for responsible, innovative and inclusive construction. From climate champions to community heroes, this year’s winners prove that construction isn’t just about building structures, it’s about building a better future. Highlights from the Winners’ Circle Community Engagement Award (sponsored by Male Allies UK) – Gallaway Construction Gallaway Construction is turning construction into a catalyst for change. Through its Construction for Women programme, the company has empowered over 400 girls and women with hands-on skills and mentoring, while raising tens of thousands for local causes. A true example of how construction can be a force for good. Climate Champion – General Demolition General Demolition is rewriting the demolition playbook with bold circular strategies, recycling hundreds of tonnes of materials and slashing carbon emissions. From Northampton to London, their work sets a new standard for sustainability. Employer of the Year (sponsored by the National Federation of Builders) – John Sisk & Son With leadership programmes, apprenticeships and inclusion initiatives, John Sisk & Son is shaping a workplace where people thrive. Over 3,000 young people supported – proving that the future of construction starts with investing in talent today. Social Value Leader – Christina Nichols, John Sisk & Son Christina Nichols has delivered measurable impact: 3,600+ hours of career support and £54.6 million spent with local supply chains. Her work ensures construction leaves a lasting positive mark. Considerate Client – Marks & Spencer For 18 years, M&S has championed safety, sustainability and respect for communities, influencing contractors and setting the gold standard for client leadership. Supplier Recognition – O’Neil & Brennan (ONB) ONB’s seamless logistics and proactive problem-solving make them an indispensable partner, elevating every project they touch. Excellence in Construction (Large) – McLaughlin & Harvey From carbon monitoring to mental health support, McLaughlin & Harvey delivers excellence on every front. Excellence in Construction (Small) – Harmonix Construction Ltd Harmonix combines community engagement, environmental responsibility and workforce wellbeing – building with care and integrity. Legacy Award – Pevensey Bay Coastal Defence Two decades of protecting communities and managing coastal flood risks across 18,000 properties – a legacy of resilience. Innovation of the Year – Curo Construction AI meets safety: Curo’s real-time monitoring system sets a new benchmark for tech-driven site safety. Icon Award (sponsored by Building a Safer Future) – Luke Hands, Ardmore Group A mental health champion reshaping how construction cares for its people. Rising Stars 16 Rising Stars were celebrated, showcasing the next generation of leaders driving the future of construction: Matthew Barnes (VolkerHighways), Joel Blanchflower (Laing O’Rourke), Liam Cater (Ardmore Group), Nicol High (Octavius), Daniel Hilton (Kier Transportation), Liam Jackson (McLaughlin & Harvey), Megan McDonald (KPH Deconstruction Services), Chris O’Hagan (McLaughlin & Harvey), David Okorhi (Knight Build Limited), Kate Parsons (Kier Transportation), James Preston (McLaren Construction), Kit Robinson (Kier Transportation), Megan Smith (McLaughlin & Harvey), Cian Webb (Clegg Construction), Katie Webster (Kier Construction), Abigail Wilkinson (Sir Robert McAlpine). Champion of Construction (sponsored by Construction Industry Council) – Colin Robinson With 50 years of service, Colin Robinson, Senior Site Manager at GRAHAM Group, has demonstrated leadership and compassion that have transformed lives – from saving a colleague to creating safer spaces for children. Desiree Blamey, Managing Director for Considerate Constructors Scheme, said: “The winners represent the very best of our industry, proving that construction can be innovative, inclusive and a powerful force for good. Their achievements set a standard that inspires us all to build responsibly and leave a lasting positive impact.” The event was supported by our sponsors, with Build Warranty as headline sponsor and Mates in Mind as the evening’s charity partner. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bluebay Building Products, one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of specialist civil engineering and construction products, has appointed Mark West as Operations Director. With a wealth of industry experience gained through leadership roles at Topps Tiles, Eurocell and Homebase, Mark will play a central role in Bluebay’s ISO 9001 implementation, as well as streamlining business processes. His appointment comes in a pivotal year for Bluebay, following its acquisition by Wolseley Group in January 2025. Since then, the company has forged new partnerships with global suppliers and expanded its team – including its senior leadership with Mark joining Managing Director Lucy Furnival, Sales Director Emma Ward, and Finance Director Mark Siney at the helm. Managing Director Lucy Furnival explained: “Mark’s appointment is an exciting step forward for Bluebay as we embark on a time of significant growth. “His operational insight and project management expertise will be invaluable, while his collaborative and forward-thinking approach will complement the strengths of our senior management team. As we build the foundations for the next chapter at Bluebay, we are delighted to welcome him to the team.” Mark’s initial six-month secondment will see him move from Burdens, Bluebay’s sister company which specialises in underground drainage and heavy construction products; he adds: “I’m really pleased to be joining Bluebay. “Over the next six months, my focus will be on creating greater consistency and clarity across our operations – building a framework that drives efficiency and supports long-term growth. “It’s the ideal time to take on this role as we prepare for a wave of recruitment to strengthen our workforce and support future expansion. I’m looking forward to working closely with Lucy and the rest of the team to help turn the company’s ambitions into reality.” Bluebay, which was founded in South Wales in 2003, has positioned itself as a go-to destination for delivering innovative new products to the UK construction market, a reputation further solidified by this latest appointment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Fiera Real Estate has formed a major joint venture with the Universities Superannuation Scheme to launch a new UK-focused industrial development platform. The partnership will see USS commit around £500m to the venture, which has been established with an initial five-year term. The joint venture will target individual acquisitions of up to £50m, focusing on the development of prime small-to-mid-box industrial assets in strategically located urban markets across the UK. The platform will be managed by Chris Button, head of investment management for Europe at Fiera Real Estate, and will concentrate on brownfield and established employment sites. The ambition is to deliver multi-let urban industrial schemes of up to 250,000 sq ft that respond to strong occupier demand for modern, well-located space. Fiera Real Estate said the joint venture will draw on its operating partner model and its track record in delivering ground-up development projects, with the aim of building a market-leading logistics portfolio. Sustainability will be a central theme, with schemes designed to meet high ESG standards and align with the evolving priorities of occupiers. Charlie Allen, head of European real estate at Fiera Real Estate, said the platform is intended to address demand for contemporary industrial assets that support sustainability objectives, improve supply-chain resilience and enhance carbon performance. He added that favourable market dynamics, pricing conditions and the continued digitalisation of the economy underpin the long-term investment case for UK logistics and urban industrial property. Alex Turner, head of property at Universities Superannuation Scheme, said the partnership builds on USS’s established presence in the industrial sector. He noted that the scheme already has a £1.5bn industrial portfolio and brings deep sector expertise to the venture. The joint venture is already progressing, with two prime sites under offer in South East England. Together, the schemes are expected to deliver a combined gross development value in excess of £100m. While financial terms have not been formally disclosed, the partnership signals continued confidence in the UK industrial and logistics market, particularly in well-connected urban locations where supply remains constrained. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Nottingham Forest Football Club’s City Ground have been submitted, setting out proposals to increase the stadium’s capacity from 30,445 to around 52,000. The planning applications mark a major step forward in the club’s ambitions to deliver a large-scale redevelopment of the historic riverside ground. Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, said the proposals represent a significant investment that would create a sustainable and iconic stadium, forming an integral part of the economic growth of Nottingham and the wider region. The redevelopment has been designed by KSS Design Group, which is also leading stadium expansion projects at Anfield for Liverpool FC and Elland Road for Leeds United. The wider professional team includes Buro Happold, Gleeds and Savills, reflecting the scale and complexity of the proposed transformation. Under the new plans, the City Ground would be comprehensively redeveloped to deliver a modern, high-capacity stadium capable of supporting the club’s long-term sporting and commercial ambitions. Visuals released by the club show a substantially enlarged venue designed to enhance the matchday experience for supporters while improving facilities and accessibility. In a statement, Nottingham Forest said it is looking forward to working closely with the Mayor of the East Midlands, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as fans and the wider community, to secure a positive outcome for the scheme. The new proposals replace a previously approved, more modest expansion. Last year, the club secured planning permission from Rushcliffe Borough Council to increase capacity to 35,000 through the demolition and rebuild of the Peter Taylor Stand. Those plans have now been set aside in favour of the more ambitious redevelopment. Architect Konstantinos Chatzimanolis, formerly of Foster & Partners, has also been advising the club on its expansion strategy since April last year. James Faflik, senior director and project lead at Gleeds, said he was proud to have led the professional team on what he described as a transformative stadium redevelopment. He said the project would deliver significant benefits for supporters, the local economy and the wider area, and expressed his enthusiasm for progressing the scheme following submission of the planning application. Gleeds regional director Matt Darby added that feedback from local businesses, councillors, season ticket holders and other stakeholders had been overwhelmingly positive. He said the firm is looking forward to continuing its long-standing relationship with the club as the project moves through the planning process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Chart Forte has secured planning approval to deliver a four-storey rooftop extension as part of the conversion of a former City of London office building into a luxury hotel. The City of London Corporation has granted consent for the redevelopment of the Grade II-listed St Clement’s House at 27–28 Clements Lane, clearing the way for a 180-key Marriott hotel in the heart of the Square Mile. The scheme is being brought forward by family-run developer Chart Forte (Monument), with designs by Studio Moren. Construction works are expected to commence this summer, with the build programme anticipated to last between 18 and 24 months. Located between Monument and Bank, the mid-19th century building will be transformed from underused office space into a design-led hotel, supporting the City’s wider ambition to diversify land use beyond its traditional commercial office base. The proposals include a public-facing ground floor offering a lounge, restaurant, café and bar, helping to animate the surrounding streetscape throughout the day and evening. A key feature of the scheme is a lightweight metal rooftop extension that will add four new storeys of guest accommodation. The curved design has been developed to respond sensitively to the building’s historic context, drawing inspiration from its existing segmental arches as well as the vaulted forms of nearby St Clement’s Church. This approach allows the hotel to increase capacity while maintaining a respectful relationship with the surrounding townscape. The conversion is underpinned by a heritage-led strategy that will see key architectural features retained and restored. These include the marble-clad street-level façade, original staircases and cast-iron columns. Elements that have been lost over time, such as decorative plaster ceilings, chimney breasts and internal arches, will be reinstated as part of the works. Sustainability sits at the heart of the proposals, with the project targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. A reuse-first approach will be adopted, incorporating roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, low-carbon materials and building services, fabric upgrades, rainwater harvesting and the creation of a biodiverse green roof. Once complete, the hotel is expected to make a significant contribution to the City’s growing leisure and hospitality offer, bringing new life to a historic building while responding to changing patterns of demand in the Square Mile. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Marvel has secured full planning approval to deliver a £300m indoor ski and leisure resort in Wales after the Welsh Government confirmed it would not intervene in the scheme. Councillors at Merthyr Tydfil Council have now given final approval for the Rhydycar West development, clearing the way for what is being promoted as the UK’s longest indoor snow centre. The site is located on land to the south west of the A470 and A4102 roundabout. At the heart of the scheme is a 400-metre-long indoor ski slope, which would significantly exceed the length of existing UK facilities and place the resort among the largest indoor snow centres worldwide. The development will also include a tropical water park, a range of indoor and outdoor adventure attractions, up to 418 hotel bedrooms, 30 woodland lodges and approximately 830 car parking spaces. Marvel said the facility is intended to become the official training base for GB and Welsh Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams, positioning Merthyr Tydfil as a major destination for winter sports and leisure tourism. Plans for the Rhydycar West scheme were first unveiled in 2017, with a formal planning application submitted in 2023. When the proposals were considered by councillors in March 2025, members voted against officers’ recommendations to refuse consent on the former coal and ironstone mining site. The decision prompted a referral to the planning inspectorate. In November 2025, the Welsh Government confirmed it would not call the scheme in, returning the application to Merthyr Tydfil Council for a final determination, which has now been granted. Marvel said the resort would surpass the UK’s current benchmark indoor snow facility at Manchester’s Chill Factore and deliver a major boost to the local and regional economy. The developer estimates that the project will generate around 1,500 construction jobs during the build phase, with approximately 1,200 of those expected to be filled by local workers. Once operational, the resort is forecast to support around 800 permanent jobs across hospitality, leisure and facility management. With planning hurdles now cleared, Marvel is expected to progress the scheme towards delivery, bringing one of the UK’s most ambitious leisure developments a step closer to reality. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developers Gamuda Berhad and Castleforge have formally appointed Multiplex to deliver the £250m main construction contract for the redevelopment of 75 London Wall in the City of London. The contract was signed this week, clearing the way for full construction to begin on the landmark scheme following extensive enabling and demolition works carried out by the Erith Group. The wider redevelopment carries an overall project value of £1.2bn, with practical completion targeted for the first quarter of 2028. Multiplex has been closely involved in the scheme for the past year under a pre-construction services agreement, working alongside the development team to refine buildability, programme and sustainability strategies ahead of the main works commencing. Once complete, the redevelopment of 75 London Wall will deliver more than 450,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation, repositioning an existing large-scale building into a future-ready commercial asset at a time when availability of high-quality office space in the City remains constrained. Niall Farmer, head of Gamuda Land UK at Gamuda Berhad, said the contract award marked an important step in the group’s expansion in the UK market and its strategy to unlock long-term value from prime London assets. He added that the scheme represents a rare opportunity to transform a building of scale into highly sustainable workspace at a point when demand for top-tier offices continues to outstrip supply. Michael Kovacs, founding partner of Castleforge, said the timing of the project was critical. With office construction starts in London at their lowest level in almost two decades, he said bringing the scheme to completion in 2028 would help address acute supply shortages, noting that successful office investment often requires building through the quieter parts of the cycle. Callum Tuckett, managing director of Multiplex, said delivering a project of this scale in the heart of the City demands both technical expertise and innovation. He added that the scheme would set a new benchmark for sustainable commercial development, with the contractor’s early involvement enabling the project team to move swiftly into the delivery phase. The redevelopment is expected to play a significant role in shaping the next generation of City office space. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robertson Facilities Management has secured its first contract with ScotRail after being appointed to deliver grounds maintenance and winter gritting services across the rail operator’s Scottish estate. The two-year contract was awarded following a competitive tender process and marks the first time Robertson Facilities Management has worked with ScotRail. The appointment strengthens the company’s presence within the transport and infrastructure sector. Under the agreement, Robertson Facilities Management will deliver planned and reactive services at more than 360 locations across Scotland. These include stations, depots, signalling centres, office buildings, operational yards and a wide range of passenger-facing environments that require year-round maintenance. The scope of works covers winter gritting, vegetation control, litter collection and broader grounds maintenance activities. The services are designed to support safe, accessible and well-managed environments, particularly during challenging winter conditions, while maintaining consistent standards throughout the year. William Heaney, managing director for Scotland at Robertson Facilities Management, said Scotland’s rail network plays a vital role in daily life and requires a high level of care to ensure it remains safe, compliant and welcoming. He said the business brings extensive experience in maintaining complex operational estates and will apply this expertise to deliver consistent, high-quality and value-driven services across the ScotRail network. Heaney added that the company is looking forward to developing a collaborative partnership with ScotRail to support both staff and passengers throughout the year. The contract award represents an important milestone for Robertson Facilities Management and reflects growing demand for integrated, reliable estate services across major transport and public sector portfolios. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Edge, in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate, is preparing to move ahead with a £150m redevelopment of 125 Shaftesbury Avenue after securing a major funding package for the West End scheme. Sir Robert McAlpine is understood to be the preferred contractor for the large-scale office refurbishment, which is being taken forward on a speculative basis. With funding now in place, construction is expected to start early this year once enabling works and strip-out are completed by John F Hunt. The project, known as EDGE Shaftesbury, is backed by a consortium of Japanese equity investors including Tokyo Tatemono, Toko Electrical Construction and Fuyo General Lease, alongside development finance provided by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank. The investment underlines continued confidence in prime London office space despite wider market uncertainty. The scheme already has planning consent to transform the existing 1980s building into approximately 250,000 sq ft of modern workspace. Proposals include a reconfigured main entrance on Charing Cross Road, new rooftop terraces and upgraded office floors designed to meet the expectations of contemporary occupiers. Completion is targeted for 2028. A central feature of the redevelopment is its low-carbon strategy. Around 75% of the existing structure will be retained, significantly reducing embodied carbon compared with a full demolition and rebuild. The refurbishment will also increase the building’s height from 11 to 13 storeys and introduce new ground-floor workspace to enhance street-level activity. Fons van Dorst, managing director UK at Edge, said securing the funding represented a key milestone for the project and its partnership with Mitsubishi Estate London. He added that the move into delivery would allow the team to focus on creating a high-quality, future-ready office building that benefits occupiers, neighbours and the wider city. Once complete, the development is expected to play a prominent role in the ongoing renewal of London’s West End office market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Industrial developer Hillwood has secured a 35-acre site in Crewe and is pressing ahead with plans for a major £100m speculative logistics and industrial development. The land, located off David Whitby Way close to Junction 16 of the M6, has been acquired from a subsidiary of the Co-op Group, which has been working in partnership with regeneration specialist Muse. The plots are capable of accommodating around 800,000 sq ft of industrial space and form part of the wider WestonM6 masterplan. WestonM6 spans a total of 64 acres and could ultimately deliver up to 1.3m sq ft of industrial accommodation. Hillwood’s acquisition represents a significant milestone for the project and signals strong confidence in the UK industrial market despite ongoing economic uncertainty. Hillwood said it will invest £100m to deliver the Crewe scheme on a speculative basis, with the development expected to be one of the largest speculative industrial projects to come forward in the UK next year. Bob Tattrie, managing director at Hillwood UK, said the scale and location of the scheme would attract strong occupier demand from across both the Midlands and the North West. He said the site’s proximity to Junction 16 of the M6 makes it particularly well suited to modern logistics and distribution operators seeking high-quality accommodation with excellent motorway connectivity. Muse acted as development manager for the scheme and secured planning permission in 2024. The developer will continue in its role overseeing the delivery of infrastructure works, including the creation of a 26-acre wildlife habitat designed to enhance biodiversity and deliver environmental benefits alongside commercial development. Sarah Chicken, development manager at Muse, said Hillwood’s investment marked an important next phase for WestonM6, reinforcing market confidence in the location and supporting the long-term vision of creating a greener, healthier and more connected business community. She added that the scheme is designed to attract forward-thinking businesses, generate new opportunities for local people and contribute to economic growth in the area. Muse is also expected to progress phase two of the wider WestonM6 masterplan early next year. That phase already benefits from outline planning consent for a further 447,298 sq ft of warehouse space. The masterplan was designed by Aew Architects, with CW Studio acting as landscape architect. Avison Young is advising on planning, Hannan Associates is the MEP services engineer and Integra Consulting is responsible for civil, structural and highways engineering. B8RE has been appointed as letting agent for the scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals