The UK Government has announced plans for a £20m investment to support the transformation of Swansea’s Civic Centre site on the city’s seafront. Swansea Council, working with development partner Urban Splash, has confirmed that funding from the UK Government – once it has gone through the necessary checks and clearances –
Heidelberg Materials UK is opening its second sustainability knowledge hub in London, this time based at its Greenwich concrete plant, offering contractors and engineers the opportunity to experience lower carbon materials in practice. The launch follows the success of the company’s flagship evoHub venue in Clerkenwell, which has welcomed over
Secured by Design has recognised timber door manufacturer JELD-WEN for reaching 25 years of membership with the official police security initiative, marking a long-standing commitment to safety, security and product excellence. JELD-WEN has consistently met the performance demands needed to demonstrate its doors meet the rigorous standards required to be
PLP, a leading logistics developer and investment manager, has acquired a 65-acre development site with frontage to the M1 immediately adjacent to Junction 27 of the M1 at Sherwood Business Park, Nottingham. PLP Nottingham will deliver a three-unit scheme totalling 700,000 sq ft across three buildings, 69,000 sq ft, 172,000
Wickes is planning a major expansion of its UK footprint, targeting up to 300 stores nationwide after delivering stronger than expected financial results for 2025. The DIY retailer, which currently operates around 230 locations, has outlined plans to open between four and five new stores in 2026, alongside a programme
By James Crow – National Director of Place Long term sustainable infrastructure and facilities on a development that are essential to support communities to thrive. Two fundamental questions we regularly ask ourselves are: what happens when a developer hands over control and oversight of a site and who is best
Morgan Sindall has commenced construction on a £28m research facility in Port Talbot aimed at driving the decarbonisation of the UK’s steel and metals industries. The South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub, known as SWITCH, is being developed on a brownfield site at Harbourside and is set to play
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, has made nine senior appointments across its UK development, project delivery and investment and finance teams, as the business continues to scale its acquisition and development programme. The appointments, which bring talent from CBRE, Savills, PwC, Chancerygate, Knight Frank, Boreal
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Social Infrastructure, has been appointed to deliver planned maintenance and investment across the North West and Greater Manchester on behalf of The Guinness Partnership. The award further cements United Infrastructure’s foothold
The Environment Agency has set out plans for a £1.4bn flood defence programme that will accelerate more than 600 schemes across England over the next two years, marking a significant step up in efforts to tackle rising flood risk. The investment will fund a broad mix of major infrastructure projects,
The UK Government has announced plans for a £20m investment to support the transformation of Swansea’s Civic Centre site on the city’s seafront. Swansea Council, working with development partner Urban Splash, has confirmed that funding from the UK Government – once it has gone through the necessary checks and clearances – will support ambitious proposals to rejuvenate and reenvisage the building. Speaking of the news Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: ”Backing Swansea with this £20 million investment will create jobs, transform the city’s tourist offering and boost its local economy, making it a more attractive place to live, work and start a business in the years to come.” Proposals include 15 commercial units across the ground and lower ground floors, cafés, bars, shops, workspaces, spaces for leisure and events, an aquarium, and around 140 residential apartments on the upper floors. A formal planning application is expected to be submitted later this year and the project will need to go through further checks including due diligence and a final business case before funding is confirmed and allocated. Urban Splash was appointed as Swansea Council’s strategic partner in 2021 as part of a 20-year regeneration partnership across seven city sites, including the Civic Centre. The company has since been evolving its plans – designed with Wales-based architects Rural Studio and Studio Egret West – as David Warburton, Development Director at Urban Splash explained: “This is fantastic news for our shared vision for Swansea and a major step forward in turning our joint plans for the repurposing of the Civic Centre into a reality. “The investment paves the way for the creation of a vibrant new waterfront district for Swansea, benefiting local people and acting as a magnet to draw visitors and investment in support of Swansea’s long-term growth. “We greatly value our partnership with Swansea Council and look forward to continuing to work together to deliver not only the repurposing of the Civic Centre as part of the City Waterfront project, but in realising the wider vision for the city across all seven sites in the partnership.” Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, added: “We have been driving the biggest regeneration programme Swansea has seen in over 70 years and the Civic Centre is one of the next big opportunities for us. “We want to see it transformed into a high-quality landmark destination for living, working and enjoying that features an aquarium, a saltwater lido, new homes, independent businesses, and leisure and community spaces that will benefit local people while attracting more visitors to Swansea. “This £20 million investment from the UK Government is a major further vote of confidence in Swansea and our plans for the site – and will greatly help the project to proceed more quickly.” Jo Stevens, the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Wales, said: “The £20 million investment from the UK Government will help deliver the ambitious regeneration plans for the iconic Civic Centre in Swansea and the new waterfront district, transforming this part of the city and making the most of its spectacular location. “This investment will make Swansea even more of a destination for visitors as well as providing better leisure facilities and places to live and work for residents.” Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West, said: “Securing this major investment in an iconic Swansea landmark has been a personal priority for me. With the £20m funding from the UK Government, this is another big step forward for the city. “With its prime spot overlooking the splendid curve of our beach, the building is crying out for a new lease of life. “And that is exactly what we are going to give it, as we keep investing in Swansea’s future, not just remembering its past.” The Civic Centre redevelopment is estimated to be worth £17 million a year to Swansea’s economy. The Civic Centre project is expected to create around 291 direct jobs across hospitality, retail, leisure, culture and building management, along with around 50 additional jobs linked specifically to the proposed aquarium. To find out more click here: https://www.urbansplash.co.uk/regeneration/projects/swansea Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heidelberg Materials UK is opening its second sustainability knowledge hub in London, this time based at its Greenwich concrete plant, offering contractors and engineers the opportunity to experience lower carbon materials in practice. The launch follows the success of the company’s flagship evoHub venue in Clerkenwell, which has welcomed over 300 architects, engineers, sustainability consultants and customers for CPDs, seminars and meet-the-expert sessions since it opened its doors in September 2025. These sessions have covered topics such as carbon capture and storage, calculating carbon impact and lower carbon product solutions, in collaboration with our customers and technical experts. The new site-based venue at Victoria Deep Water on the River Thames, will provide visitors with a more hands-on opportunity to see lower carbon material performance in action. It will include making and testing concrete cubes and learning more about the company’s lowest carbon concrete range, which includes supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as evoZero cement, GGBS, limestone fines, natural pozzolans and calcined clay, as well as carbon cure technology and recycled crushed concrete aggregate. “The opening of our second evoHub venue reflects the growing demand for expert-led guidance, accredited CPDs and hands-on training in sustainable construction,” said Marian Garfield, Sustainability Director at Heidelberg Materials UK. “Through evoHub, we are supporting the sector in implementing lower carbon material solutions at every stage in the supply chain, from concept and design through to construction and refurbishment. “This includes through the eight stages of the RIBA design process, as well as offering solutions to achieve BREEAM Excellent buildings, unlock green finance and promote the circular economy.” For more information about both evoHub venues and upcoming sessions, visit: heidelbergmaterials.co.uk/evohub Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Secured by Design has recognised timber door manufacturer JELD-WEN for reaching 25 years of membership with the official police security initiative, marking a long-standing commitment to safety, security and product excellence. JELD-WEN has consistently met the performance demands needed to demonstrate its doors meet the rigorous standards required to be accredited by Secured by Design (SBD) – the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security. Doors accredited by SBD demonstrate an enhanced level of resistance against opportunistic break-ins to provide peace of mind. Certification requires PAS24 testing by an independent third-party from a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) authority, which ensures measured conformity. This includes rigorous assessments measuring resistance against impact, hardware attack, manipulation, along with testing for endurance. Established more than 60 years ago, JELD-WEN is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of high-quality internal doorsets, supplying both new build and retrofit projects across a wide range of sectors. With decades of experience and a reputation for craftsmanship, the company manufactures its doorsets in the UK, including specialist fire doorsets, ensuring that security remains central to each stage of development. JELD-WEN has invested millions of pounds in the development and testing of its doorsets in the UK, reinforcing its commitment to dependable performance. This long-term dedication to reliable, independently verified product performance underpins JELD-WEN’s enduring relationship with Secured by Design. Lisa Ward, Product and Marketing Director for JELD-WEN UK, said: “Ensuring the highest standards of security are built into our doorsets is an absolute priority for JELD-WEN. With rigorous research and development processes backed up by third-party testing, we take every step to ensure optimal standards – and ensure that this has been independently verified. “Doors and the need for security are inseparable, and in aligning with Secured by Design for more than two decades we have demonstrated our commitment to keeping this at the forefront of our product offering. “We recognise the work SBD does in establishing and reinforcing standards in security for both residential and business properties and are proud to have been a member for the past 25 years.” Alfie Hosker, Secured by Design, commented: “Reaching 25 years with Secured by Design is a significant achievement and reflects JELD-WEN’s sustained commitment to delivering safe, secure and independently tested products. Their continued investment in quality and certification sets a strong example across the industry and we are delighted to recognise this milestone.” Part of the global JELD-WEN group which operates in 19 countries, JELD-WEN UK benefits from extensive industry expertise and operates at scale to meet complex specification requirements, supporting projects in commercial, residential, healthcare, education and hospitality settings, with solutions tailored to individual site and compliance needs. You can find out more about JELD-WEN and their Secured by Design accredited products on their dedicated member page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PLP, a leading logistics developer and investment manager, has acquired a 65-acre development site with frontage to the M1 immediately adjacent to Junction 27 of the M1 at Sherwood Business Park, Nottingham. PLP Nottingham will deliver a three-unit scheme totalling 700,000 sq ft across three buildings, 69,000 sq ft, 172,000 sq ft and 459,000 sq ft. Construction will commence in June 2026 with completion targeted for Q3 2027. The site benefits from direct access to the M1 and the national motorway network, providing immediate connectivity to the industrial heartland of the UK and regional urban conurbations. Neil Dickinson Chief Investment Officer at PLP, commented:“PLP Nottingham is a prime example of PLP’s investment thesis; prime, immediately deliverable and perfectly tailored product to an undersupplied market and we look forward to delivering the completed scheme next year.” Hugh Chesterton, Development Director at PLP also commented:“PLP Nottingham will deliver three high quality buildings into one of the UK’s most undersupplied markets. The BREEAM Excellent scheme will be highly attractive to a range of national and regional tenants given its unique adjacency to Junction 27 of the M1 and the urban conurbations of the East Midlands. The scheme will create many new employment opportunities and will represent a substantial investment into the local economy and community.’’ PLP was advised by Avison Young, Savills and Oxalis acted for the landowner. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wickes is planning a major expansion of its UK footprint, targeting up to 300 stores nationwide after delivering stronger than expected financial results for 2025. The DIY retailer, which currently operates around 230 locations, has outlined plans to open between four and five new stores in 2026, alongside a programme of refurbishments covering a further 15 to 20 sites. The pace of expansion is expected to increase significantly from 2028 onwards as the group accelerates its growth strategy. The announcement follows a solid year of performance for the business, during which Wickes opened five new stores and completed 11 refits and refresh projects across its estate. For the year, the company reported revenue of £1.64bn, representing a 5.9% increase on the previous year. Adjusted pre-tax profit rose by 14.4% to £49.9m, while statutory pre-tax profit more than doubled to £48.7m, compared with £23.2m in 2024. Wickes attributed the improved performance largely to continued momentum within its core retail operations, which recorded a 6.5% rise in revenue over the period. The business has been investing in both new locations and the modernisation of existing stores, with a focus on enhancing customer experience and driving long-term returns. Chief executive David Wood said the results reflect consistent progress against the company’s strategy, with its store investment model proving particularly effective. He noted that the strong returns being generated from new openings and refurbishment programmes had given the business confidence to step up investment and pursue further expansion across the UK. The move signals Wickes’ ambition to strengthen its position in the competitive home improvement market by increasing its physical presence while continuing to upgrade its existing estate. With a clear pipeline of new stores and ongoing improvements to its current portfolio, the retailer is positioning itself for sustained growth over the coming years as it works towards its long-term target of a 300-store network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By James Crow – National Director of Place Long term sustainable infrastructure and facilities on a development that are essential to support communities to thrive. Two fundamental questions we regularly ask ourselves are: what happens when a developer hands over control and oversight of a site and who is best positioned to take ownership of it? These are questions MHCLG are aiming to solve through its ongoing consultation on residential management arrangements. The issue of unadopted amenities on residential developments has become increasingly prevalent and it is particularly challenging for large scale schemes. Inherently, these often have more communal facilities and shared space, and infrastructure like a village which require long term maintenance and investment. Amenities like country parks and local centres, together with infrastructure such as roads and drainage systems, are essential to create places where communities can grow and evolve, and generation after generation can thrive. Historically, parish councils, local authorities and utility providers rightfully took on management responsibilities. They would typically adopt roads, green spaces and other areas open to the wider public. However, times have changed, in part driven by local authority budget pressures, and new ways of managing shared spaces have come to the fore. One question MHCLG asks, is whether mandatory adoption is the answer? At a principal level, we support adoption and whenever we are designing a stewardship strategy for a development the first question we ask ourselves is “can this be adopted”? But we are all aware of local authority budget pressures and the competing demands on scarce resources, often local authorities simply won’t or can’t adopt. And where they do, commuted sums can be hyper aggressive. In recent examples we have been quoted by local authorities, a 100-year multiple of maintenance costs, undiscounted, to be used as the basis of calculation. And yet, ironically, payment of a commuted sum does not guarantee that money will be spent on maintenance of that infrastructure at that development. Such are local authority budgetary constraints and political pressures; it is possible these monies could be channelled into higher priority areas leaving estate management underfunded. New developments should always contribute positively towards community infrastructure and most developers remain willing to do so. But in recent years the growing demand on developers has crossed into an unsustainable path; with s106 payments, covering aspects like affordable housing, education, healthcare, highways and open spaces, the community infrastructure levy, biodiversity net gain, the residential development property tax, the building safety levy, the landfill tax and so on. It is also likely to once again hit developments disproportionately in lower value areas where house prices simply cannot support this collective ask. Viability is an existing challenge many developers are already facing and the introduction of commuted sums on mandatory adoption is only likely to render yet more developments unviable, slow the delivery of housing further with the inevitable impact being to push houses prices further out of reach of many. Is there a better option? Yes, we believe so, but firstly, is the current system really broken? Whilst there are unfortunately some examples of poor practice where residents have received disproportionate bills for the quality of service they receive, our experience is this is not the norm across the industry and remains in the minority. Many estates are well maintained and often to a higher standard than they would have been under local authority management regimes. They have also allowed for more freedom in design, creating more natural landscapes and beautiful places. Another key proposal MHCLG are currently consulting on is around enhanced protections for homeowners on freehold estates. This is something we support and most of the recommendations made are practices we have been operating across our estate for a number of years. These reforms if implemented as proposed, may help tackle those minority cases so that further measures such as mandatory adoptions are simply not required. However, there are a range of models – some well-established and others more nascent – that could help resolve that stewardship debate. . Residents at the heart of communities In any utopia it would be residents and local communities managing these amenities, but pressures of modern living, fractured households and mixed tenures manifest the requirement for a maintainer of last resort. It’s widely recognised that when residents have a meaningful role in shaping their own environment, developments transform from just housing and workspaces to true communities. I have seen this personally and have seen it in the work we do at Harworth, where we have supported residents in setting up community councils, or launching sports clubs and societies that form the genesis of onward community cohesion. For example, at our flagship site in South Yorkshire, we’ve established Waverley Community Council – a Parish Council set out to carry a range of duties to support and improve experiences for all in the community. It’s been successful in growing the community at Waverley and will continue to have a significant impact in shaping the site moving forward. At the same time, as master developers, we are regularly thinking about how to design a scheme to provide longevity for decades to come. Having residents involved in the management of estates is therefore critical, but should residents be the sole voice? It is often assumed bringing developments under residential control is in the best long-term interest of the estate, but in perpetuity is a very long time. We often find that residents are most focused on reducing their estate service charge. But as the service charge is there to look after the estate in perpetuity, it is key that it is well maintained together with an appropriate sinking fund regime in place to be able to renew and replace aging infrastructure spreading the cost over time, as opposed to the burden simply falling on future residents or worse, falling into disrepair such as the sink estates of the 1960’s. For large-scale developments like Waverley, having professional expertise and third-party stakeholders sit alongside and in
Morgan Sindall has commenced construction on a £28m research facility in Port Talbot aimed at driving the decarbonisation of the UK’s steel and metals industries. The South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub, known as SWITCH, is being developed on a brownfield site at Harbourside and is set to play a key role in supporting the transition to low-carbon industrial processes. Originally appointed under a design and build contract in 2023, Morgan Sindall is now progressing the delivery of the purpose-built facility, which will operate as an open-access innovation hub bringing together academia, industry and government. The centre will focus on accelerating decarbonisation across energy-intensive sectors, particularly steel and metals, while also supporting the development of circular economy models and advanced materials aligned with net zero ambitions. Once complete, the facility will feature a range of specialist spaces, including workshop and welding areas, mechanical testing zones and laboratories, alongside modern office accommodation for research teams and project partners. The development forms part of a wider programme of investment in Port Talbot, as efforts continue to reposition the area as a centre for clean industrial growth and innovation. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said the project is a significant step forward in supporting emerging industries and strengthening the local economy. She highlighted that the UK Government is investing more than £100m in the region to help develop sectors such as clean steel production, offshore wind and research-led innovation. The SWITCH project is expected to contribute to job creation, skills development and long-term economic growth across South Wales, while helping to establish new pathways for decarbonising heavy industry. As construction progresses, the hub is set to become a focal point for collaboration and technological advancement in the drive towards a more sustainable industrial future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, has made nine senior appointments across its UK development, project delivery and investment and finance teams, as the business continues to scale its acquisition and development programme. The appointments, which bring talent from CBRE, Savills, PwC, Chancerygate, Knight Frank, Boreal IM, Montagu Evans and Interpath Advisory, reflect the depth of Panattoni’s current UK pipeline and its confidence in continuing to invest in its people at a time when many across the sector are consolidating their workforces. Last year the company acquired 11 sites, secured 250 acres of land adding five million sq ft to its development pipeline, as well as leasing 2.5 million sq ft of space. That momentum has continued into 2026, with four lease transactions already signed in the first quarter. Development Three appointments have been made across Panattoni’s UK development platform, covering Southern England, London and the North. Alex Selwood joins as Associate Director from CBRE, where he was a Director advising industrial occupiers on their property acquisitions. Based within the Southern England and London team, he will focus on new site acquisitions and leasing activity. Chris Brown joins as Development Director from Chancerygate, where he was focusing on acquisitions in the North of England. He will help lead the expansion of Panattoni’s acquisition and leasing activity across its Northern portfolio. Will Fennell joins as Development Manager, South East and London, from Montagu Evans, where he was an Associate, and will work closely with occupiers on leasing while supporting speculative development across the region. Oliver Bertram, Head of Development (UK) at Panattoni, said: “The scale of our UK pipeline demands a development team with the depth and range to execute across multiple regions simultaneously. Alex, Will and Chris each bring a level of experience and market knowledge that will directly support our ability to move quickly on acquisitions and maintain leasing momentum. The breadth of their backgrounds, from occupier advisory to speculative development, reflects the range of what we are building at Panattoni.” Chris Brown, Panattoni new hire as Development Director, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Panattoni at such an exciting point in its growth. The momentum the business has built over the past few years has been remarkable, establishing itself as the most active industrial developer in the UK and a market leader across multiple regions. It’s a great platform to be part of, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued expansion of the Northern portfolio. Project Delivery Three appointments have been made to Panattoni’s Southern Project Management Team. Phil Beato joins as Project Delivery Director, having previously managed development and repositioning projects across Europe at Boreal IM. Tom Bird joins in the same role from Savills, where he was a Project Management Director. Chris Thrippleton joins as Senior Project Manager from Chancerygate, where he focused on project management for industrial developments. Ian Anderson, Head of Project Management at Panattoni, said: “Delivering at the pace our pipeline now requires means having the right people embedded at every stage of the process, from initial due diligence through to handover. Phil, Tom and Chris strengthen our capacity to do exactly that. Between them they bring experience across complex European development programmes, major project management mandates and industrial delivery at scale, and I am looking forward to what we will achieve together.” Phil Beato, Project Delivery Director, said: “It’s great to join Panattoni and gain a deeper understanding of the development platform from within such a well-respected global business. The scale, quality and ambition of the pipeline is clear to see, and it’s an exciting time to come on board. Having delivered development and repositioning projects across Europe, I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to the team and supporting the next phase of the company’s growth across the UK.” Capital Markets Panattoni has also bolstered its UK capital markets team against a backdrop of renewed investor appetite and activity across the sector. Phoebe Burdett has joined as Capital Markets Analyst from Knight Frank’s London Capital Markets team and will play a central role in capital formation, supporting investor relations and transaction management across the platform. Investment and Finance Two appointments have been made to Panattoni’s finance and investment team, strengthening its capacity to enhance financial structuring, execution and managing an increasingly active development programme. Garrick Pepper joins as Associate Director, Investment and Finance, from PwC, where he led advisory work across M&A and corporate finance transactions. Garrick is an active contributor to the UK property industry and serves on the British Property Federation’s Logistics Committee and Futures Advisory Board. Zachary Atkinson joins as Associate, Investment and Finance, from Interpath Advisory, where he was a Manager in M&A, having previously worked at KPMG. Oliver Choppin, Finance Director at Panattoni, said: “We are delighted to welcome Garrick and Zachary to the team to deepen and broaden our finance and investment function. Their appointments significantly strengthen our capabilities across transaction management, capital deployment and financial operations, ensuring we are well positioned to support the continued growth of the business. As our pipeline continues to expand, building out a best-in-class finance team is critical. These hires reflect our long-term commitment to disciplined growth, strong governance and delivering value for our investors and partners.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Social Infrastructure, has been appointed to deliver planned maintenance and investment across the North West and Greater Manchester on behalf of The Guinness Partnership. The award further cements United Infrastructure’s foothold in the North West, where it currently undertakes planned improvements for more than 40,000 residents. The Guinness Partnership is one of the largest affordable housing providers in England, with more than 160,000 residents living in more than 70,000 homes. The contract represents a significant long-term investment from Guinness in the quality, safety, and sustainability of homes across the region. The partnership spans 15 years, with an estimated contract value of £364 million and an annual delivery of approximately £24 million. Covering over 20,000 homes across the region, the comprehensive programme will include a wide range of planned and major works such as: internal upgrades (kitchens and bathrooms), external repairs (roofing, windows, doors), and mechanical and electrical works (heating and hot water). It also covers fire safety improvements, energy-efficient retrofits, complex refurbishments, Mobilising from November 2025 and running through to March 2041, the project will also incorporate a strong focus on sustainability and social value, supporting Guinness’s commitment to reaching net zero carbon by 2050. Claire Kershaw, CEO, Social Infrastructure, commented: “We are proud to be one of the partners selected for The Guinness Partnership’s Planned Maintenance and Investment programme. This long-term partnership gives us a fantastic opportunity to deliver vital improvements to thousands of homes across the North West, while supporting Guinness’s vision of great homes, great services, and strong communities. “Our focus will be on making a real difference by delivering high-quality, energy-efficient, and safe homes, with a strong commitment to resident satisfaction and social value investment. We look forward to working closely with Guinness and their partners to deliver real, lasting impact across the region.” Catriona Simons, Group Chief Executive at The Guinness Partnership said: “We are delighted to welcome United Infrastructure as one of our five new long-term partners, and for them to have formally signed our Planned Investment and Major Works contract. These partnerships demonstrate our shared commitment to investing in and improving residents’ homes and marks the beginning of a relationship we expect to grow and strengthen in the years ahead, as we work together to deliver lasting benefits for our residents. “Residents are central to this partnership. When selecting our partners, we placed residents’ priorities at the front of the process. Their feedback, ranging from the importance of clear communication to consistently high‑quality works, directly shaped our decisions and will continue to guide how these partnerships operate day to day. “We look forward to working closely with United Infrastructure in the years ahead, as we focus on improving residents’ homes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Environment Agency has set out plans for a £1.4bn flood defence programme that will accelerate more than 600 schemes across England over the next two years, marking a significant step up in efforts to tackle rising flood risk. The investment will fund a broad mix of major infrastructure projects, smaller repair works and nature-based interventions designed to improve resilience and better manage water across catchments. Several flagship schemes are already progressing, including the £59.3m Bridgwater Tidal Barrier in Somerset, the £37.1m Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme and the £24.3m Kendal flood scheme in Cumbria. These projects form part of a wider pipeline aimed at protecting communities, infrastructure and economic activity from increasing climate pressures. Major flood protection schemes currently in the programme include: Alongside new-build defences, around £260m has been allocated to repair and maintain existing flood assets, including damage caused by recent storms. This represents a renewed focus on improving the condition and reliability of ageing infrastructure after years of decline. The programme forms part of a wider £10.5bn investment plan running through to 2036, the largest flood and coastal protection initiative ever undertaken in England. As well as traditional engineering solutions, the Environment Agency is increasing its use of natural flood management techniques, including measures to slow water upstream and reduce peak flows during extreme weather events. Caroline Douglass, the Environment Agency’s flood director, said the strategy combines hard infrastructure with nature-based approaches to deliver long-term resilience. The scale of the programme is expected to support thousands of jobs across the construction and environmental sectors, while also unlocking development in areas previously constrained by flood risk. With procurement activity ramping up and delivery partners mobilising, schemes are set to move rapidly into construction through 2026 and 2027 as the government pushes ahead with its long-term flood resilience strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals