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
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Prologis to deliver a new national distribution centre for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). Spanning 1.3
Bartlet Asset Management has submitted plans for a major new clinical life sciences development in Paddington, marking a significant step forward for the emerging health and research cluster next to St Mary’s Hospital. The proposed Paddington Hub scheme comprises a 16-storey, 48,000 sq m purpose-built facility on the former Imperial
Premier Technical Services Group has expanded its lightning protection operations with the acquisition of Earth Tech LPS Ltd, strengthening its presence in the Scottish market. PTSG provides a wide range of specialist building compliance and safety services across the UK, including lightning protection testing and inspection. The group already describes
As Rangeford Villages continues to expand its award-winning retirement villages for the over 60s, the company has appointed a new Head of Construction to support its ongoing growth. Mark Hurdley will play an important role in leading development while ensuring the highest standards of quality are maintained. He will focus
More than 1,600 UK businesses filed for administration in 2025 – a 5% decrease compared to last year – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. However, the figure (1,631) remains 22% higher than in 2022, signalling that UK companies are still facing significant pressures despite some signs
Laura Stone, COO at Greencore Homes, comments: “The Government’s ambition to invest £13 billion in creating ‘zero bill’ homes represents a significant opportunity to improve comfort, cut energy costs and accelerate progress towards Net Zero. Retrofitting existing properties to achieve this can be complex, disruptive and expensive. Technologies such as
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
Ten new store lettings, including FRASERS, occupying a combined total of 88,063 sq. ft, plus five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft and three store refreshes, concluded 2025 on a position of strength Overgate, Dundee concluded 2025 as a transformative year for the centre, the city, and indeed the region.
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium are set to move into construction this summer after securing planning approval from Leeds City Council. Councillors have given the green light to proposals that will increase the stadium’s capacity to up to 53,000, reinforcing Elland Road’s status as one
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
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Prologis to deliver a new national distribution centre for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). Spanning 1.3 million sq ft, the scheme represents a £340 million investment in M&S’s food supply chain and forms a key part of the company’s strategy to double the size of its food business. The development combines temperature-controlled storage, advanced automated fulfilment, returns and recycling operations, and dedicated office space. Over the 52-week build programme, Winvic will construct two Low Carbon single-storey warehouses which include multi-storey office accommodation, a security hub linked via a pedestrian bridge and Vehicle Maintenance Unit. Infrastructure works comprise an intensive soil nailing to strengthen the embankment to the M1, earthworks, access roads, footpaths and a bridleway bridge. External works include a gatehouse, service yards, HGV and car parking spaces, hardstanding’s drainage and landscaping. On completion, the new facility will be fully electric, with embodied carbon reduced and assessed through Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in line with RICS Whole Life Carbon Methodology Edition 2 and the UKGBC Framework Definition. The building is expected to be the largest in the world to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification while also targeting an EPC A+ rating. Sustainable features include a large-scale rooftop photovoltaic array, EV charging, energy-saving technologies that will further reduce annual operational emissions and extensive use of recycled materials. In alignment with Prologis’ Social Value Charter and the National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) framework, Winvic is delivering an Employment and Skills Plan designed to create meaningful opportunities and a positive impact in the local community. Winvic is working with Prologis on a National Construction Skills Programme, in partnership with Northampton-based social enterprise Goodwill Solutions, to support individuals facing challenges to develop skills and gain sustainable employment. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Logistics and Data Centres at Winvic, said: ‘Winvic is well placed to deliver large-scale projects that expand our temperature controlled and cold store portfolio. Being selected by our long-standing client Prologis as the construction partner on this landmark distribution facility is a significant achievement for the Winvic team. “Our experience in delivering complex large-scale industrial and logistics projects that are designed to meet the highest sustainability standards positions us perfectly to deliver this industry-leading facility for M&S. It’s a special project due to its Low Carbon in Construction credentials and BREEAM Outstanding target and we’re utilising a stage 2 Building Information Model (BIM) to its full potential to assist with this goal.” This latest milestone takes Prologis’ leased or committed space at DIRFT to over 75%, reinforcing the site’s role as one of the UK’s most mature intermodal logistics hubs. The scheme is expected to support over 2,000 jobs, with approximately 1,000 permanent roles once operational, covering driving, logistics, and more technical roles such as automation technicians. Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “Prologis is pleased to have appointed Winvic as our construction partner to deliver this complex large-scale logistics projects designed to meet the highest environmental standards. This development enables a future-fit supply chain for M&S and brings lasting economic value to the Midlands — through skilled jobs, resilient infrastructure and investment in one of the UK’s most important logistics locations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bartlet Asset Management has submitted plans for a major new clinical life sciences development in Paddington, marking a significant step forward for the emerging health and research cluster next to St Mary’s Hospital. The proposed Paddington Hub scheme comprises a 16-storey, 48,000 sq m purpose-built facility on the former Imperial College Medical School site in Westminster. Designed by HOK, the building is intended to accommodate more than 1,800 clinicians, researchers and support staff within a single integrated environment. The scheme is designed to bring together clinical trials, diagnostics and emerging health technologies, creating a dedicated hub that supports collaboration between healthcare professionals and researchers. HOK said the design approach draws on its experience delivering major research-led buildings, including the Francis Crick Institute at King’s Cross. A key principle behind the project is the delivery of a bench-to-bedside model, enabling patients, clinicians and researchers to work in close proximity. The building’s layout is intended to support innovation and translational research by co-locating clinical activity with laboratory and research space. At ground level, the proposals include education and community-focused uses alongside improved pedestrian connections linking Praed Street, Norfolk Place and the wider hospital estate. These public-facing elements are designed to better integrate the development with its surroundings while enhancing accessibility across the area. Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to commence in 2027. Once delivered, the Paddington Hub is set to become a key piece of health and life sciences infrastructure in west London, reinforcing Paddington’s role as an important centre for medical research, innovation and clinical excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Premier Technical Services Group has expanded its lightning protection operations with the acquisition of Earth Tech LPS Ltd, strengthening its presence in the Scottish market. PTSG provides a wide range of specialist building compliance and safety services across the UK, including lightning protection testing and inspection. The group already describes itself as the UK’s largest provider in this sector, and the latest acquisition is aimed at building greater scale and density in a key growth region. Earth Tech LPS, headquartered near Edinburgh, was founded more than 25 years ago and delivers testing and inspection services to a diverse client base spanning public sector estates, infrastructure assets and commercial property. Its operations are supported by long-term maintenance contracts, providing recurring work and established customer relationships. Lightning protection services sit within PTSG’s Electrical Services division, which is overseen by managing director Mark Mitchell. Following the acquisition, Earth Tech LPS will be integrated into PTSG’s existing lightning protection testing and inspection team. The business will continue to be led operationally by director Craig Finney, who has managed this area of activity for more than 15 years. The former owners of Earth Tech LPS will also remain with the business for a handover and integration period to ensure continuity for clients and staff. Paul Teasdale, co-founder and chairman of PTSG, said the acquisition represents a high-quality addition to the group’s operations. He said Earth Tech LPS brings strong technical capability, a skilled engineering workforce and a loyal customer base that complement PTSG’s existing lightning protection services. Teasdale added that Scotland is a strategically important market for the group and that the deal enhances operational leverage while supporting continued organic growth. Chief executive Greg Ward said the group’s approach to acquisitions is centred on continuity, integration and long-term value creation. He said PTSG is looking forward to welcoming the Earth Tech LPS team and continuing to strengthen what it sees as the UK’s leading lightning protection testing and inspection platform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As Rangeford Villages continues to expand its award-winning retirement villages for the over 60s, the company has appointed a new Head of Construction to support its ongoing growth. Mark Hurdley will play an important role in leading development while ensuring the highest standards of quality are maintained. He will focus on enhancing design management and improving the overall customer experience across the entire portfolio. Rangeford Villages remains committed to delivering outstanding residences and thoughtfully designed villages to create vibrant, supportive communities, consistently putting its owners at the heart of everything it does. As the expansion continues, with several new villages set to open, Mark Hurdley brings a seasoned construction and development leadership background, with more than 30 years of experience delivering landmark projects across multiple sectors. Combining strategic vision with operational excellence to achieve award-winning results, Mark has managed budgets ranging from £10 million to over £250 million, overseen full project lifecycles, and led multidisciplinary teams to deliver nationally recognised schemes. Mark prides himself on his collaborative leadership style, whilst driving improvements in design management, customer experience, safety leadership and quality. Committed to innovation and sustainability, Mark continues to shape developments that set new benchmarks for quality and performance, an approach he now brings to Rangeford Villages, making him an ideal fit for the role during this significant period of growth. Speaking about his new appointment, Mark expresses; “I’m thrilled to be joining Rangeford at such a pivotal moment in its journey. As the business expands its impressive portfolio, I look forward to collaborating with the award-winning team to create more beautiful and inspiring retirement villages that continue to empower owners to sustain an active and independent lifestyle.” Mark will play a key role in supporting the company’s continued growth, overseeing construction delivery, leading project teams, and working closely with the Executive Team to uphold the highest standards and enhance project performance across existing Rangeford Villages, and those currently in development. “We are delighted to welcome Mark to Rangeford Villages at a key time for the business,” said Ryan Fairbairn, Managing Director at Rangeford Developments. “Mark brings a wealth of experience in delivering high-quality residential and mixed-use developments, and his expertise will be instrumental as we continue to grow our construction capability and deliver exceptional retirement living communities. His appointment reinforces our commitment to quality, sustainability and excellence across every stage of our developments.” Offering contemporary, integrated retirement communities, Rangeford Villages provide beautiful residences designed with the needs of those aged 60 and over in mind, promoting independent living and a high-quality lifestyle. The villages’ award-winning portfolio features Wadswick Green, Homewood Grove, Mickle Hill, Siddington Park, and the newest addition, Strawberry Fields, which opened this year in the Cambridgeshire countryside. Communal facilities may include swimming pools, sauna, steam room, gym, spa, hair salon, as well as a village greenspace with croquet, boules, putting lawns and outdoor dining areas. Each village prioritises wellness and access to leisure, social, and recreational activities for their owners and the wider community. For those who need it, the village’s domiciliary care agency ‘Rangeford Care’ offers 24/7 in-house support through tailored packages. With events held throughout the year, each village fosters welcoming, friendly communities that residents and the wider public can enjoy, making Rangeford Villages an integrated part of the local area. Interested buyers can visit www.rangefordvillages.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than 1,600 UK businesses filed for administration in 2025 – a 5% decrease compared to last year – according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. However, the figure (1,631) remains 22% higher than in 2022, signalling that UK companies are still facing significant pressures despite some signs of economic stabilisation. Notably, retail filings surged by 24%, rising from 237 in 2024 to 293 in 2025, making it the hardest-hit sector by a clear margin, according to data from The Gazette Official Public Record. Greater London remained the region with the most business failures, recording 390 administrations in 2025, compared with 393 in 2024. Andy Taylor, partner and head of restructuring at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “While the year-on-year drop in administrations is worthy of note, the overall picture for business remains challenging. “With 1,631 appointments being made, we are still seeing more businesses enter administration than in 2021 and 2022, and distress remains widespread across multiple sectors and regions.” Along with retail, hospitality, manufacturing, real estate and construction were the worst-hit sectors, collectively accounting for 56% of all administrations. All sectors, apart from retail, saw a slight decline in filings compared to last year. Andy said: “The retail sector remains under significant pressure. Despite a slight easing of inflation and interest rates, consumers remain cautious and price-sensitive. Footfall continues to lag and many businesses have not been able to adapt to the new retail landscape. “The drop in filings in hospitality, manufacturing, real estate and construction could be the result of earlier failures having already removed the weakest operators. It may also reflect a slowdown in activity, with firms putting investment and hiring decisions on hold due to continued uncertainty.” Geographically, Greater London filings fell 1% (393 to 390). The North West increased by 15% to 286, along with the South East by 11% to 207. Yorkshire and the Humber (121) and the West Midlands (120) made up the rest of the top five. Andy said: “While Greater London continues to record the highest number of administrations, the regional picture is becoming more mixed. “The increases in the North West and South East suggest that financial distress is spreading beyond the capital, particularly in areas with high concentrations of consumer-facing and industrial businesses. “This underlines that the challenges facing companies are not confined to one region and that pressures remain widespread across the UK economy.” Despite an overall drop in administration volumes, Andy warned businesses not to be complacent. He said: “These figures, while worthy of note, do not detract from the fact that the trading environment for many businesses remains highly challenging. Many companies are surviving through short-term fixes, but without sustained growth, improved consumer confidence and better access to funding, there are still choppy waters to navigate. “Geopolitical uncertainty, post-election policy shifts, energy costs, the aftermath of the recent budget, and continued weak economic growth are still creating an unpredictable environment for business. Firms must remain agile and, above all, proactive. “Our advice remains unchanged – seek expert help early. The sooner directors act, the more tools are available to protect the business and find a viable path forward.” Businesses filing for administration in 2025 By sector Total By region Total Administrative 17 British Isles 4 Agriculture 8 East Midlands 93 Arts and entertainment 53 East of England 112 Automotive/transportation 87 Greater London 390 Construction 143 North East 57 Education 31 North West 286 Engineering 45 Northern Ireland 31 Financial 100 Scotland 67 Health and social 116 South East 207 Hospitality 169 South West 113 Information and communication 75 Wales 30 Manufacturing 164 West Midlands 120 Mining and quarrying 2 Yorkshire & The Humber 121 Others 2 Professional services 71 Public admin and defence 10 Real estate 147 Retail 293 Utilities 98 Total 1,631 Total 1,631 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Laura Stone, COO at Greencore Homes, comments: “The Government’s ambition to invest £13 billion in creating ‘zero bill’ homes represents a significant opportunity to improve comfort, cut energy costs and accelerate progress towards Net Zero. Retrofitting existing properties to achieve this can be complex, disruptive and expensive. Technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels can only truly reduce bills when the home itself is sufficiently insulated and airtight. “That’s why future-proofing new homes from the outset matters. Designing new homes properly now is far more cost-effective and far less disruptive than trying to fix performance issues later down the line. Long-term energy performance, not short-term compliance, is what ultimately protects households and ensures public investment delivers real value for the long-term. “Action must go beyond retrofitting technologies alone and focus much more on building energy-efficient, future-proofed homes from the very start of construction. When homes are designed with high levels of insulation, natural materials and integrated renewables, zero energy bills become achievable without the need for costly upgrades. “At Greencore Homes, we’re proving that our homes can deliver EPC A performance, low running costs and comfort from day one. Our homes are built to Passivhaus standards using natural, non-toxic materials to ensure superior insulation, airtightness and comfort. Standard features include triple-glazed windows, air source heat pumps, optimised solar PV panels and EV charging points, reducing bills and carbon while giving people homes that are healthier and more comfortable to live in. Warm homes should be treated as critical national infrastructure – every year of delay is a missed opportunity to improve living standards, strengthen energy security and accelerate the UK’s progress towards net zero.” 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
Ten new store lettings, including FRASERS, occupying a combined total of 88,063 sq. ft, plus five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft and three store refreshes, concluded 2025 on a position of strength Overgate, Dundee concluded 2025 as a transformative year for the centre, the city, and indeed the region. Since Frasers Group acquired Overgate in March 2023, a remarkable retail regeneration has been taking place across the 440,000 sq. ft centre which is located in the heart of Dundee, Scotland’s fourth largest city. Underpinning this has been an exciting and fast-paced tranche of leasing activity: ten new store openings occupying a combined total of 88,063 sq. ft, five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft, and three major store refreshes in the last year alone. As 2025 concluded, the early results from this scale of investment in Overgate by Frasers Group, in line with the Group’s Elevation Strategy, can be guided by sales and footfall. The percentage uplift in sales for 2025 was over 30%. Tenant occupancy is sitting at 90% as of December 2025. Commenting, Matt Elgey, Director, Sovereign Centros from CBRE says: “We are pleased to be entering 2026 on a positive note for Overgate. Ten new store openings, including FRASERS, occupying an impressive combined total of 88,063 sq. ft have been delivered in 2025. A further five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft, as well as three key store refreshes, concluded the year on a position of strength for the centre. “Since the acquisition of Overgate by Frasers Group in 2023 the momentum underpinning these improvements has been conducted at pace. Sovereign Centros from CBRE is proud to be delivering on the ambitious and exciting vision Frasers Group has set out for such an important Scottish asset as Overgate. These positive end of year results demonstrate the hard work Sovereign Centros has deployed in unlocking opportunities for Frasers Group across what was a very busy 12 months. Our focused commitment in securing new quality lease signings, as well as delivering a tranche of lease renewals, ensures Overgate is ready to embrace 2026 with a greatly expanded retailer offering and a stronger competitive advantage.” Anchoring 2025 was the opening of FRASERS in June – one of the largest shop fit-outs Dundee has ever seen, revitalising Overgate and creating over 80 new jobs. The 60,000 sq. ft FRASERS has brought a fresh vibrancy to the centre and an expertly curated selection of leading brands across sports, premium fashion and beauty. Spanning three floors, the FRASERS store also houses Sports Direct, USC, and GAME. Augmenting the dynamic new retail offering which FRASERS launched in June, the opening of an impressive new 5,000 sq. ft. FLANNELS store at the beginning of December 2025 – housing highly desirable luxury and contemporary brands – is enhancing the appeal of Overgate as an aspirational shopping hotspot. Earlier in 2025, in May and June, two of the most recognisable names in style arrived at Overgate: Clarks and Mango. Currently celebrating its 200th anniversary, iconic British heritage brand Clarks opened a new 2,160 sq. ft. store in May, with the brand’s distinctive footwear proving to be a popular addition to the centre. Swiftly following in June was the arrival of one of Europe’s leading fashion groups; Mango. Located within a prime site on the ground floor of Overgate, the store spans over 3,987 sq. ft and stocks exclusively Mango Woman. It is one of the first in Scotland to feature the group’s new Mediterranean-inspired concept, New Med. Far from the approaching year end being a time for retail operational pause and review, September and November 2025 saw a fresh charge of momentum with the opening of a further two new stores: Clintons and Nomination. Bringing a brand-new look and shopping experience, Clintons opened a 1,844 sq. ft store in September. In November, Nomination, the personalised jewellery brand which enjoys a huge cult following worldwide, opened a new 1,385 sq. ft store. Additionally, new openings in 2025 by Menkind, Bee Inspired, and Oud Studio have occupied a combined 3,948 sq. ft. Lease renewals are a particularly notable touchpoint in Overgate’s story of success with five renewals in 2025 including Ernest & Jones, Flying Tiger, and Fuel amongst others, occupying a combined total of 12,634 sq. ft. Elsewhere, investment by tenants both through store extensions and also refurbishments, is evident across Overgate. Superdrug, the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer, has increased its store footprint by over 35% from 7,125 sq. ft to 9,739 sq. ft, and introduced a range of new offerings including Beauty Studios, luxury fragrance counters, a nurse clinic, and an enhanced pharmacy. Likewise, Next has refurbished its store into a brighter environment with every area of the store given a fresh treatment. Holland & Barrett has radically transformed its store to reflect a slick aesthetic within which its expanded, high quality product range is now showcased, whilst Primark – a perennially popular anchor of Overgate – has introduced a new Click & Collect and a new Self Service as part of its refurbishment. Topping the year off for Overgate was two International Green Apple Environment Award wins. Presented by The Green Organisation – the non-profit organisation established 30 years ago to promote environmental stewardship worldwide – these two awards are in recognition of Overgate’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and excellence in environmental practice. A Highly Commended recognition as Security Team of the Year has also recently been accorded to Overgate by the SCEPTRE Awards. And in keeping with Overgate’s longstanding support of local charities and the communities they serve, the centre’s Christmas Toy Appeal 2025 on behalf of Help for Kids saw public contributions exceeding £10,000 in donations. Finally, the Overgate Santa’s Grotto remained free in 2025 and open to all, with over 1,500 books given away to children. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium are set to move into construction this summer after securing planning approval from Leeds City Council. Councillors have given the green light to proposals that will increase the stadium’s capacity to up to 53,000, reinforcing Elland Road’s status as one of the largest football grounds in the country. The redevelopment will transform the historic venue into a UEFA Category 4 stadium, capable of hosting major international fixtures and showcase events. The scheme includes the partial demolition and rebuild of the West and North stands, alongside targeted alterations to the South Stand. Together, the works are designed to modernise the stadium while enhancing fan comfort, improving sightlines and upgrading matchday facilities both inside and around the ground. Enabling works are due to begin immediately, with major construction scheduled to follow the conclusion of the current season. The project will be delivered in two phases, with the West Stand being constructed first. Crucially, Leeds United will continue to play home matches at Elland Road throughout the redevelopment. The club said careful phasing of the works will ensure the stadium remains fully operational, preserving the atmosphere and acoustics that the ground is known for. The redevelopment has been designed by specialist sports architecture practice KSS, working alongside structural engineer Buro Happold. Project management will be led by RISE, while the Lowy Family Group is acting as development partner for the wider regeneration of the Elland Road area. Beyond the stadium itself, the project is being positioned as a catalyst for broader regeneration, supporting long-term investment, improved infrastructure and new opportunities around the site. Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe said securing planning permission marked a landmark moment for the club. He said the expansion reflects a long-term commitment to Leeds United’s future, supporting ambitions to establish the club in the Premier League and continue progressing in the years ahead. With approvals now in place, the Elland Road redevelopment is set to become one of the most significant stadium projects currently underway in English football. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals