Pensdown has been named ECA Contractor of the Year – in the category up to £5 million turnover – at the 2026 ECA Industry Awards, recognising the company’s achievements in electrical contracting, engineering innovation and sustainable technology installation. The awards ceremony took place at Hilton London Bankside on Friday 9th
Huws Gray, a national building materials supplier providing end-to-end solutions to tradespeople and the DIY market, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie Bunting as Managing Director for its Southern region as part of its continued focus on leveraging its national presence. Jamie is an experienced multi-site leader with
The BBC’s latest investigation into illegal working has exposed the lengths some will go to circumvent the UK’s enforcement system. The investigation uncovered a solicitor allegedly offering to make a £45,000 illegal-working fine disappear by arranging for an individual overseas to declare themselves the owner of a mini-market facing a
SEGRO has joined forces with Kew Reach, a partnership between the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Greensphere Capital, to deliver an ambitious ten-year biodiversity enhancement programme at Slough Trading Estate, establishing a potential blueprint for integrating nature and climate resilience into industrial and logistics developments across the UK. The initiative
Orka Investments, the London-based investment manager specialising in student accommodation and hotels, has completed the acquisition of Vista Square, a 249-bed PBSA scheme in Liverpool through its joint venture with a top five global real estate investor. The deal follows the purchase of Hill View Place in Exeter earlier this
Project milestone brings school’s education estate into single state-of-the-art building Staff and pupils at Wester Hailes High School have returned from half term into their brand new school building this week, replacing four separate teaching blocks with a single, modern education facility. McLaughlin & Harvey was appointed by the Council
Dialight, the global leader in industrial and hazardous-location LED lighting, has supplied a complete lighting solution for a major new bulk grain storage facility at the Port of Tilbury in Essex, UK. The Tilbury Berth 43 Cefetra Bulk Grain Store was completed in July 2026 and handed over to the
Sika UK has introduced SikaFiber®-200, a 100% natural, biodegradable cellulose microfibre developed to help manage plastic and drying shrinkage cracking in structural and non-structural concrete, screeds and mortars. The launch adds a natural, biodegradable cellulose-based option to Sika’s fibre reinforcement range, offering specifiers, contractors and architects an alternative to synthetic
Prologis has announced that it has become the first UK property company to reach 100 Planet Mark-certified developments. This sustainability milestone is part of its work with Planet Mark and charity, Cool Earth, providing benefits for the environment, local and indigenous rainforest communities Prologis UK has announced that DC107, a
The Cheapside Business Alliance Public Realm Vision & Strategy sets out a long-term framework to create a greener, inclusive and better-connected Cheapside in the City of London. Gensler was appointed by Cheapside Business Alliance to develop a new Public Realm Vision & Strategy, establishing a long-term framework for the area’s
Pensdown has been named ECA Contractor of the Year – in the category up to £5 million turnover – at the 2026 ECA Industry Awards, recognising the company’s achievements in electrical contracting, engineering innovation and sustainable technology installation. The awards ceremony took place at Hilton London Bankside on Friday 9th October, bringing together businesses and individuals from across the electrotechnical and engineering services industry, an event that formed part of the Electrical Contractors’ Association’s (ECA) 125th anniversary celebrations. Pensdown’s entry highlighted its delivery of a 765kW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installation and 0.5MW battery storage system at a large distribution facility in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, during 2024/25. The project demonstrated Pensdown’s ability to undertake technically demanding work within a live operational environment, combining electrical engineering expertise with bespoke design solutions and a rigorous approach to health and safety. The Lutterworth installation involved fitting 1,512 solar panels across a large industrial rooftop while the distribution facility remained operational. The work required careful coordination of logistics, installation activities and safety measures, with Pensdown reporting no incidents throughout the project. To achieve the required precision when positioning the mounting brackets, the team designed and fabricated a bespoke timber template rig. This supported the setting-out and installation of 4,356 individual brackets, helping ensure accuracy across the rooftop arrays. The project also presented a challenge below the roof. With limited wall space available for the solar PV infrastructure, Pensdown designed and constructed a bespoke, freestanding modular steel-framed structure known as the PV Pod. Using a Sikla system, the solution accommodated the required infrastructure within the available plant area. A second phase introduced 0.5MW of battery storage. Associated works included preparing a concrete base for a new GRP enclosure, installing distribution switchgear to connect the battery storage container to the building’s main low-voltage panel and fitting Armco barriers to provide physical protection around the container. The phased energisation of the systems enabled the project to progress in line with the programme and the availability of the building’s new electrical supplies. Safety and quality at the centre of delivery Working at height across an extensive industrial roof required a structured approach to managing risk. Pensdown installed and maintained scaffold access stairs, an electric materials hoist and skylight protection systems throughout the project. Daily reviews of risk assessments and method statements, alongside toolbox talks, formed part of the site team’s working practices. Quality assurance checks were also carried out at each stage of the mounting system installation, including verification that fixings were tightened to the manufacturers’ specified torque requirements. The project provided an example of how detailed planning, practical engineering and consistent safety procedures can support the delivery of complex electrical installations in operational environments. The award entry also highlighted Pensdown’s wider work in sustainable technologies and energy efficiency. Alongside its growing involvement in commercial solar PV and battery storage, the company also completed a significant LED lighting retrofit project in Edinburgh during the same period. The installation incorporated bespoke Zumtobel LED luminaires and Helvar intelligent lighting controls to support lighting and energy optimisation. It demonstrated that Pensdown’s services extend beyond conventional electrical installation to include structured cabling, audio-visual systems, EV charging, LED lighting and renewable energy technologies. This broad, predominantly in-house capability enables the business to coordinate multiple disciplines through a single contractor. The company’s approach also includes the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and the reuse of existing infrastructure where appropriate. Pensdown’s award reflects the contribution of its team to delivering complex projects while maintaining a focus on quality, safety and client requirements. The Lutterworth installation demonstrated the scale and technical complexity of projects that can be delivered through specialist knowledge, careful planning and resourceful engineering. Winning the ECA Contractor of the Year Award provides industry recognition for Pensdown’s work and its continued development across electrical contracting, renewable energy and integrated building technologies. For more information: www.pensdown.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Huws Gray, a national building materials supplier providing end-to-end solutions to tradespeople and the DIY market, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie Bunting as Managing Director for its Southern region as part of its continued focus on leveraging its national presence. Jamie is an experienced multi-site leader with considerable experience across a number of retail sectors. Jamie joins Huws Gray after a 12-year tenure with B&Q, most recently as Head of TradePoint, B&Q’s trade focused business. In this role, he played a key part in delivering consistent LFL revenue growth each year. Jamie also oversaw the development of the TradePoint BDM role. Whilst also with B&Q, Jamie strengthened its small format programme, and spent 7 years as Regional Manager running East Anglia and London. In his role, Jamie will oversee 75 stores within Huws Gray’s national estate. Bringing considerable experience leading regional teams and enhancing customers’ in-store experiences, Jamie is perfectly placed to lead Huws Gray’s Southern region and drive the ongoing focus on operational excellence and supporting Huws Gray’s long-term growth ambitions. Jamie Bunting, Southern Managing Director at Huws Gray, commented: “I am thrilled to be joining Huws Gray at such a pivotal moment in its journey. It is a business that I have long admired, and there is a real opportunity to deliver a best-in-class service, enhance our offering and drive meaningful growth. In my career, I have always focused on putting colleagues and customers first and creating environments where close collaboration with stakeholders will deliver successful outcomes, I look forward to continuing this at Huws Gray.” Shaun Allen, Chief Operating Officer of Huws Gray, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Jamie to Huws Gray. His extensive background in regional development speaks for itself, and I look forward to seeing how he utilises his strong focus on delivery as we look to build on and substantiate our existing presence across the South of England.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The BBC’s latest investigation into illegal working has exposed the lengths some will go to circumvent the UK’s enforcement system. The investigation uncovered a solicitor allegedly offering to make a £45,000 illegal-working fine disappear by arranging for an individual overseas to declare themselves the owner of a mini-market facing a penalty for employing an illegal worker. In response, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a review of the way these fines are issued and collected. For the construction industry, the investigation should serve as a stark warning. As new legislation extends liability through contractual chains and enforcement activity increases, principal contractors face growing financial and reputational exposure if they cannot demonstrate effective oversight of their supply chains. Robert Brent, CEO of construction workforce management solutions provider MSite, warns of the growing financial and reputational risks facing principal contractors as tougher illegal-working legislation and increased enforcement place greater scrutiny on construction supply chains. “The BBC’s investigation exposes a much wider problem. Illegal working is not always the result of an overlooked document or an administrative error. It can involve deliberate attempts to circumvent the very systems designed to prevent it. “For construction, where thousands of workers can operate across multiple subcontracting tiers, this raises serious questions about how effectively businesses understand and oversee their supply chains. “Principal contractors must wake up to the risks within their supply chains before the financial and reputational consequences threaten their ability to operate. “The reality is that many principal contractors have limited visibility of who is actually delivering work beyond their immediate subcontractors. With the legislative changes introduced on 1 October extending accountability further up the chain, that lack of oversight now carries significant risk, particularly as the Home Office and HMRC enforcement intensifies, and the consequences of non-compliance become increasingly severe. “Under Section 48 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, the Right to Work regime has expanded to cover additional working arrangements. While direct employers remain responsible for conducting the prescribed checks, new extended-liability provisions mean civil penalties can reach further up the contractual chain, including principal contractors who do not directly employ the individuals involved. “The financial implications are substantial. Civil penalties can reach £45,000 per illegal worker for a first breach and £60,000 for repeat breaches. Across major construction projects, even a handful of breaches could have devastating consequences for a contractor’s bottom line and reputation. “Enforcement is already intensifying. During the first six months of 2026, the Home Office carried out 268 illegal-working visits on construction sites, a 150% increase on the same period in 2025. Arrests also rose by 29%. “These figures make one thing clear: construction businesses can no longer afford to rely on paperwork and compliance checks alone to protect themselves from illegal working risks. “Most responsible contractors already have compliance processes established. The challenge is whether those processes provide a reliable picture of what is happening beyond their immediate subcontractors. “A worker passing a Right to Work check does not, on its own, demonstrate that a principal contractor has the necessary controls in place to address its wider legal exposure. “Contractors need to understand who employs or engages each worker, where those relationships sit within the contractual chain, whether the approved supply chain reflects what is happening on site, and what evidence exists to demonstrate effective oversight. “That requires greater coordination between procurement, HR, legal, commercial and operational teams. Each holds part of the picture, but effective assurance depends on connecting that information and demonstrating that the appropriate controls are working. “The BBC investigation is an uncomfortable reminder that declared business relationships and paperwork alone cannot always be relied upon to reveal the reality. “Contracts establish how a supply chain should operate. Assurance requires evidence of how it actually operates. “For an industry built on complex, multi-tier arrangements, this represents a significant shift. It is about understanding the wider supply chain, identifying the risks before they escalate and demonstrating that appropriate safeguards are in place. “With legislation tightening and enforcement increasing, principal contractors have an opportunity to address potential gaps before they become costly consequences.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO has joined forces with Kew Reach, a partnership between the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Greensphere Capital, to deliver an ambitious ten-year biodiversity enhancement programme at Slough Trading Estate, establishing a potential blueprint for integrating nature and climate resilience into industrial and logistics developments across the UK. The initiative will see the introduction of approximately 500 trees and shrubs, alongside wider ecological improvements designed to strengthen wildlife habitats, enhance green infrastructure and create a more sustainable working environment across one of Europe’s most established industrial estates. Home to more than 320 businesses employing approximately 15,000 people, Slough Trading Estate represents a major commercial and employment destination, making it an important location for demonstrating how large-scale industrial property can successfully incorporate biodiversity and environmental improvements. The programme will build upon the estate’s existing landscaped areas, improving habitat quality and connectivity while creating more attractive outdoor spaces for occupiers, employees and the surrounding community. SEGRO has appointed Kew Reach to provide specialist scientific and ecological guidance, drawing on the expertise of landscape architects, ecologists and researchers associated with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Working alongside SEGRO’s operational, management and sustainability teams, Kew Reach has assessed the estate’s existing landscape, operational requirements and environmental constraints to identify opportunities for meaningful ecological improvements. The ten-year programme will support biodiversity commitments established through the Section 106 agreement associated with the estate’s Simplified Planning Zone, agreed between SEGRO and Slough Borough Council for the period 2024 to 2034. A central focus will be the selection of planting capable of responding to changing environmental conditions, ensuring that landscaping introduced today remains resilient as temperatures, rainfall patterns and wider climate pressures evolve. Rather than focusing solely on the number of trees planted, the partnership is adopting a science-led approach to selecting species that can deliver long-term ecological benefits while supporting the practical requirements of a busy industrial estate. Jo Jackson, Director, Western Corridor at SEGRO, highlighted the importance of integrating environmental considerations into the long-term management of commercial property. “The landscapes around our buildings have an important role to play in creating places that are more resilient, more attractive and better connected to the natural environment,” she said. Jackson explained that the partnership would help SEGRO make informed decisions around planting and landscape management, delivering benefits ranging from improved biodiversity and air quality to shade, cooling and climate resilience. She also emphasised that industrial and logistics buildings are designed to operate for several decades, making it essential to consider how surrounding landscapes can continue supporting occupiers, communities and economic growth over the long term. Beyond the immediate improvements at Slough, the partnership has also developed a bespoke planting guide intended to support future landscape strategies across SEGRO’s wider UK property portfolio. The regionalised guide draws upon peer-reviewed scientific research and an assessment of more than 300 plant species against projected future climate conditions. It considers a broad range of environmental factors, including biodiversity value, drought tolerance, flood resilience, urban cooling, air quality and allergenic pollen levels. This approach will provide SEGRO’s development and property management teams with a practical framework for selecting appropriate species across different locations, ensuring that future landscaping schemes respond to regional environmental conditions. Charlie Roper, Director of Business Development at Kew Reach, said the programme demonstrates the importance of combining scientific research with practical landscape delivery. “The climate conditions many trees will experience in the coming decades will be very different from those in which they were originally selected,” he explained. “The challenge is to plant more and to plant well, using the best available science to make better decisions about what species are planted and where.” Roper added that the Slough initiative brings together climate resilience, biodiversity and practical implementation within a framework that could influence landscape strategies across SEGRO’s UK industrial portfolio. For the wider construction and commercial property sectors, the initiative reflects the increasing importance of biodiversity, sustainable landscape architecture and environmental performance within industrial development and asset management. As developers and property owners seek to reduce environmental impacts and improve the long-term resilience of their buildings, the spaces surrounding industrial facilities are becoming an increasingly important part of sustainability strategies. Green infrastructure can contribute to managing surface water, reducing urban heat, supporting wildlife and improving the quality of working environments, complementing investment in energy-efficient buildings and low-carbon infrastructure. SEGRO, which owns, manages and develops approximately 10.9 million square metres of industrial, logistics and data centre space across the UK and seven other European countries, sees the Slough programme as an opportunity to establish a more consistent and scientifically informed approach to landscape management. The initiative demonstrates how existing industrial estates can evolve beyond their traditional commercial functions, incorporating environmental improvements that support both biodiversity and long-term asset performance. By combining specialist ecological research with practical estate management, SEGRO and Kew Reach aim to demonstrate how industrial landscapes can become more resilient, environmentally valuable and attractive places to work, while providing a model for future sustainable development across the UK built environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Orka Investments, the London-based investment manager specialising in student accommodation and hotels, has completed the acquisition of Vista Square, a 249-bed PBSA scheme in Liverpool through its joint venture with a top five global real estate investor. The deal follows the purchase of Hill View Place in Exeter earlier this month and takes the joint venture’s portfolio to 1,761 beds across five schemes. Including assets held outside the joint venture, Orka’s wider UK student housing platform now totals 2,329 beds across seven schemes. The joint venture targets income-producing schemes in Russell Group cities, bought below replacement cost, where targeted investment and active asset management can lift performance. Its strategy focuses on driving returns through operational improvements rather than relying solely on rental growth, which has returned to longer-term averages across the sector. Orka works closely with a specialist operator on each scheme, taking an active role in leasing strategy, upgrading the amenity offering and diversifying income beyond the core academic year through semester lets, January intakes and summer stays. Vista Square sits on Oldham Place, on the edge of Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter and within walking distance of both the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University. The scheme comprises 204 self-contained studios and 45 en-suite rooms in five-bedroom cluster flats, with studios accounting for more than 80% of the units. Residents have access to a sky lounge, roof terrace, gym, sauna, cinema room, study hub and private dining room. The scheme is fully let for the 2026/27 academic year. Liverpool has the UK’s tenth largest full-time student population, at around 55,800, and more than 26,000 of those students are unable to access a purpose-built bed, according to Savills. The city’s student population has grown by 28% over the past decade, while lettings platform UniHomes ranks Liverpool as the UK’s most competitive city for student housing in 2026/27. Vista Square was part-funded through acquisition financing provided by Investec Real Estate. Investec recently financed Orka’s acquisition of Hill View Place in Exeter, reinforcing its ongoing relationship with Orka as the investment manager continues to expand its UK student accommodation platform. Philippe de Croÿ-Solre, Vice President, Investments at Orka Investments, said: “Liverpool has one of the deepest student markets in the country and students there have plenty of choice, so the gap between the best buildings and the rest keeps widening. Demand at the top of the market is moving towards newer schemes with proper amenity and good service, and towards studios in particular. Buildings that have not kept up will find it harder to let.” “At the same time, construction costs and the new building safety regime are holding back development, so much of the next generation of quality student housing will come from upgrading existing schemes. That is where we see the joint venture’s next acquisitions – buildings from earlier development waves where the location is right but the product can benefit from targeted upgrades.” Sebastian Walley, Investec Real Estate, said: “Student accommodation financing opportunities remain attractive where a disciplined borrower is acquiring a high quality asset in a catchment with strong underlying student demand. Liverpool is an established university market, with two large universities, which makes Vista Square a compelling addition to Orka’s portfolio. We are pleased to continue supporting Orka and its joint venture partner as they grow their platform across leading UK university cities.” Orka’s joint venture launched in December 2025 with three acquisitions totalling c.1,300 beds in Birmingham, Glasgow and Aberdeen. It now owns five schemes totalling more than 1,750 beds. The joint venture was advised by Simmons & Simmons (legal) and Colliers (technical and environmental due diligence). Cushman & Wakefield acted for the seller. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Project milestone brings school’s education estate into single state-of-the-art building Staff and pupils at Wester Hailes High School have returned from half term into their brand new school building this week, replacing four separate teaching blocks with a single, modern education facility. McLaughlin & Harvey was appointed by the Council to deliver the 800 capacity new building, which is designed around a central, bright and open atrium, bringing pupils together while connecting departments and classrooms. Each floor features a series of breakout and retreat spaces to offer pupils choice on where they want to work, socialise or take time out. Internal spaces have been decorated with warm colours and light woods to create comfortable spaces for learning and coming together. One of the existing buildings on the site – featuring catering, sports and swimming facilities – has been retained and refurbished. This block will operate as a secure community hub, with easily accessible services for local people while maintaining the safety of users. Edinburgh Leisure reopened its refurbished leisure facilities at the school earlier this month. The building also includes a range of different flexible, collaborative spaces to support staff, students and the community. Members of the community will be able to see the new facilities first hand at an open evening on Tuesday 27 October between 5pm and 7pm. The final phase of the school redevelopment project will see the remaining former buildings demolished, to be replaced with outdoor learning spaces, an urban woodland area (creating natural habitat, play spaces and a learning resource) and a community allotment that will provide growing beds, poly tunnels and picnic benches for use by the local community. Additional landscaping will also improve secure access to the school site from the Union Canal tow path. As with other recently opened buildings in the Council’s learning estate, the school has been built to Passivhaus standard, minimising energy consumption and reducing the reliance on active heating or cooling systems, ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly construction. In addition to the Passivhaus design, the new school includes other sustainable features supporting the Council to meet its sustainability commitments. This includes measures to improve the air quality and thermal performance of the building which are vital to achieving Passivhaus certification. The new school building has been designed in line with the guiding principles of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Strategy and is one of the projects in the second phase of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme, alongside the recently opened Liberton Community Campus. Children, Education and Families Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish, said: Opening this new school building is a major landmark moment for pupils, staff and the wider community in Wester Hailes. I’m really impressed with the quality of the spaces, and the building is all set to provide a modern, sustainable learning environment designed to support young people for generations to come. This investment is about more than just education. We’ve created a valuable community asset, bringing together learning, sport and support spaces in one accessible location. Through our Living Well Locally approach, we’re creating a hub that will help strengthen and serve the community for many years ahead. Dougie McCusker, Construction Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: It’s fantastic to see pupils and staff enjoying the new building. Having been designed and constructed to Passivhaus standards, the facility futureproofs the school’s estate for generations to come. Operationally, we faced the challenge of building the new facility while the school was still open and in close proximity to the construction works, however, we were able to ensure disruption was kept to an absolute minimum. The hard work by the whole project team, the designers, consultants and the client was definitely worth it when you see the cutting-edge building in use today. Further information about the design of the new Wester Hailes High School can be found on the Future Schools Edinburgh website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dialight, the global leader in industrial and hazardous-location LED lighting, has supplied a complete lighting solution for a major new bulk grain storage facility at the Port of Tilbury in Essex, UK. The Tilbury Berth 43 Cefetra Bulk Grain Store was completed in July 2026 and handed over to the Port of Tilbury, part of Forth Ports, shortly afterwards. Delivered by principal contractor Harmonix Construction, the project has transformed a former open-air container depot into a purpose-built storage facility designed to support the growing demand for imported grain handling and storage. Grain storage presents particular safety and operational requirements, as airborne combustible dust can create a potentially explosive atmosphere. The internal area of the new store has therefore been designated as a Zone 22 hazardous area, requiring suitably certified lighting capable of performing consistently within a demanding industrial environment. The exposed port location also meant that luminaires needed to withstand wet, marine conditions. Dialight became involved during the early design phase after Harmonix Construction first approached the company in November 2024. Following Harmonix’s appointment as principal contractor in February 2025, Dialight developed the lighting scheme using the construction drawings and the Port of Tilbury’s specifications. The design covered the grain store, surrounding external areas and a vehicle refuelling point, with particular requirements for operational areas including the quayside. The final installation comprises more than 200 Dialight luminaires, including ProSite Floodlights, SafeSite luminaires, Emergency GRP Linears and Vigilant Bulkheads, selected to meet the different requirements across the site. The project showcases a large-scale deployment of the Zone 22 ProSite Floodlight in a hazardous-area application. An initial scheme based on 110 SafeSite High Bay luminaires was refined to 78 ProSite Floodlights. The wider range of optical distributions available with ProSite enabled Dialight’s lighting designers to reduce the number of fittings required whilst also maintaining the specified light levels. The design also needed to account for the shadowing created by the facility’s large traversing cranes, as well as the defined light levels required around the quayside and water’s edge. Careful positioning and alignment were necessary because of the building’s mounting heights, while the use of marine-grade luminaires supports performance in the exposed and wet conditions found within a port environment. Aidan Brown, UK/EIRE Sales – EMEA at Dialight, said, “The project demonstrates the value of involving the lighting manufacturer early, particularly when a facility has hazardous-area classifications and several distinct operational requirements. Working closely with Harmonix allowed us to refine the design as the project developed. By using the different optical options available with the ProSite Floodlight, we reduced the number of luminaires required within the grain store while still achieving the specified light levels. The result is a lighting scheme that combines the required safety and performance with a more efficient use of equipment, supporting long-term reliability in a demanding port environment.” Port of Tilbury is an established Dialight customer and has used the company’s ATEX-certified lighting during maintenance upgrades across existing parts of its grain terminal. Berth 43 provided the first opportunity for Dialight products to be incorporated into a new-build project at the port, allowing the environmental, safety and access requirements to be considered from the outset. Jenis Mistry, Project Engineer at the Port of Tilbury, commented, “The new grain store has been developed to provide the safe, reliable infrastructure required for this important area of our operations. Lighting needed to meet the requirements of the hazardous internal environment, the external areas and the quayside, while also being suited to the exposed conditions at the port. The completed installation provides the light levels needed across these different spaces and supports the facility’s long-term operation.” Close coordination between Dialight and Harmonix Construction continued throughout the design and delivery stages. Early product selection and advance ordering with Dialight’s factory helped ensure that the luminaires were available well before they were required on site, supporting the construction programme and installation process. David Thrower, Project Director of Harmonix Construction, added, “The successful delivery of the lighting package was supported by early engagement and a close working relationship throughout the project. Dialight responded to changes in the construction design and developed the lighting scheme in line with the Port of Tilbury’s specifications. Having the products ordered and delivered well ahead of installation also gave our team the certainty needed to plan the work effectively.” Alongside its ability to meet the project’s safety and performance requirements, the selected LED lighting provides a long-life solution for areas where access for future maintenance can be challenging. Dialight’s standard luminaires offer a rated life of more than 150,000 hours and are backed by a ten-year warranty, helping to reduce the frequency of replacement and associated maintenance interventions. Emergency lighting batteries will be included within the facility’s ongoing inspection and replacement programme. The completed project demonstrates the importance of early collaboration, clearly defined lighting requirements and appropriate product selection when designing lighting for ports, grain stores and other complex industrial facilities. By combining hazardous-area certified products with considered lighting design, the scheme provides a robust solution for the Port of Tilbury’s new grain storage operation. For more information about Dialight’s industrial and hazardous-location LED lighting solutions, visit www.dialight.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sika UK has introduced SikaFiber®-200, a 100% natural, biodegradable cellulose microfibre developed to help manage plastic and drying shrinkage cracking in structural and non-structural concrete, screeds and mortars. The launch adds a natural, biodegradable cellulose-based option to Sika’s fibre reinforcement range, offering specifiers, contractors and architects an alternative to synthetic polypropylene microfibres without a change in handling or mix design. Shrinkage-related cracking during the early curing period remains a persistent issue across floors, screeds, pavements and decorative concrete work, often driven by moisture loss as fresh concrete cures. SikaFiber®-200 is designed to address this directly. The ultra-fine cellulose fibres disperse evenly through the mix, creating a three-dimensional network that supports more uniform stress distribution as the concrete cures, reducing the formation of early-age cracks. As a cellulose-based product, SikaFiber®-200 is fully biodegradable, offering a lower-impact option for projects where material sourcing and embodied carbon considerations form part of the specification process. The fibre is suitable for a range of non-structural applications, including floors and screeds, pavements and hardstandings, decorative concrete finishes, and mortars. Amy Sapien, National Fibre Manager at Sika UK, commented on the launch: “SikaFiber®-200 gives specifiers and contractors a natural alternative to polypropylene fibres, without asking them to change how they work. It disperses through the mix in exactly the same way, but offers a biodegradable option for projects where material sourcing is increasingly part of the conversation. We see this as a practical step forward for crack control, not a compromise on performance, which is why we are incredibly excited to introduce it to the market.” SikaFiber®-200 is available now. Full technical data, application guidance and the product brochure are available from Sika’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis has announced that it has become the first UK property company to reach 100 Planet Mark-certified developments. This sustainability milestone is part of its work with Planet Mark and charity, Cool Earth, providing benefits for the environment, local and indigenous rainforest communities Prologis UK has announced that DC107, a brand-new logistics unit at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), will be its 100th Planet Mark-certified development, an internationally recognised sustainability accreditation. Working with Planet Mark’s Charity partner, Cool Earth, this major milestone has helped to protect over 20,000 acres of rainforest and raised £2 million to support indigenous rainforest communities. Prologis was the first UK property company to measure, reduce and mitigate the carbon emissions embodied in the structures and fabrics of its buildings, achieving its first certification nearly two decades ago at Prologis Park Pineham. Since 2008, every new building has been certified by Planet Mark, with each project targeting rigorous environmental and sustainability requirements. Certified projects include distribution centres and logistics hubs in Prologis Parks, provided for customers from grocers such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco and M&S to distribution businesses, such as Royal Mail. The assessment measures whole-life carbon across raw materials, construction, operation, maintenance and end-of-life. Projects must demonstrate continuous improvement by reducing carbon in design, construction and operation, and through positive engagement with communities and the development supply chain. Unavoidable embodied carbon is mitigated, and communities and stakeholders engaged to raise awareness and encourage further action. Over the past 20 years, this approach has resulted in the certification of 23.6 million sq ft of new buildings. The programme extends beyond carbon reduction, supporting rainforest protection and sustainability education in local communities. Simon Cox, Senior Vice President, Head of Development Management at Prologis UK, said: “This milestone highlights our dedication to making sure our buildings deliver cost savings for customers and better environmental outcomes for communities, helping protect the environment, educate local children and support indigenous people by protecting the rainforest they call home. This legacy of sustainable development is something we pass on to every customer of a new Prologis building, with facilities designed to optimise energy use and support the transition to renewable energy sources. Today, 25 million sqft of our UK portfolio have achieved BREEAM Excellent or Outstanding ratings.” Steve Malkin, Founder at Planet Mark said: “To avert a climate disaster, we need to take action now. By providing a credible, robust and verified approach to measuring and significantly reducing whole-life carbon emissions, we have forged an effective partnership with Prologis that demonstrates the far-reaching impact businesses can achieve when they take responsibility for their carbon emissions. Prologis has kept ahead of its industry with its commitment to sustainable and responsible real estate, and our shared, continuous work to decarbonise their buildings. The business has captured the attention and support of stakeholders, including investors, suppliers, and customers.” Each new development certified through Planet Mark provides direct support for communities protecting the rainforest. Through its long-term partnership with Cool Earth, a climate change charity working with indigenous peoples and local communities, Prologis has mitigated 100% of the unavoidable embodied carbon emissions from its new developments by supporting efforts to protect endangered rainforest and tackle the climate crisis. As part of Cool Earth’s unique model, funding goes straight to indigenous and local communities through investment, technology and training to prevent deforestation at a grassroots level. In the areas where Cool Earth works, 99% of rainforest remains intact. These ecosystems play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, and are crucial for regulating the planet’s climate, protecting biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of indigenous communities. Matthew Owen, CEO at Cool Earth said: “When you see the personal and environmental impact that deforestation brings it’s hard not to want to go the extra mile and play your part in protecting the rainforest for future generations. Together, Prologis and Cool Earth are working to safeguard some of the world’s most vital rainforests, creating benefits not only for the environment but also for local communities and future generations. As the partnership approaches the milestone of reaching a cumulative donation of £2m, we are extending protection further into the forest, with five new communities in Papua New Guinea set to join the programme.” This partnership has meant reliable, long-term funding to ensure communities can be reached effectively and directly, on their own terms. Since 2008, Prologis buildings have helped to protect over 20,000 acres of rainforest in the Peruvian Amazon, Peru and Papua New Guinea. Prologis has been funding work across five community areas, supporting 1,264 people and stewarding 4.8m trees that store 5.7m tonnes of carbon. Prologis also educates children close to its developments on the importance of protecting the local and global environment, and its sustainability programme funds education officers from The Eden Project to go into local schools and empower children to protect the planet. Prologis has delivered this programme to 13,875 students in 94 schools and colleges. The team also sponsor Warwickshire College Group’s involvement with the Planet Mark certification scheme to reduce carbon, energy, water and waste. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Cheapside Business Alliance Public Realm Vision & Strategy sets out a long-term framework to create a greener, inclusive and better-connected Cheapside in the City of London. Gensler was appointed by Cheapside Business Alliance to develop a new Public Realm Vision & Strategy, establishing a long-term framework for the area’s evolution. The Vision sets out an ambitious approach for partnership working and a Strategy for how Cheapside’s streets and public spaces can transform into a greener, more welcoming and vibrant destination for all. Informed by extensive engagement with local businesses and stakeholders, the document provides a framework for future public realm improvements across the heart of the City. Prepared in collaboration with the City of London Corporation throughout its development, it aligns closely with the Corporation’s key strategic priorities, including the City Plan 2040 and the flagship Destination City Policy. Charlotte Fletcher, Chair of the Cheapside Business Alliance, said: “Our Public Realm Vision & Strategy sets out a clear, shared ambition for the future of Cheapside, bringing together opportunities to create a more welcoming, vibrant and attractive destination for businesses, workers, residents, and visitors alike. “We are proud to present this document as both a statement of ambition and a framework for delivery. We look forward to working closely with the City of London, Transport for London, property owners and other key stakeholders to develop the longer-term projects and begin implementing the quick-win initiatives outlined in the Vision. Through collaboration, we can deliver shared, long-term success and start a new chapter for Cheapside, continuing its evolution as one of the City’s most iconic and distinctive destinations.” Covering the area from St Paul’s Cathedral in the west to Bank Junction in the east, the Vision focuses on one of London’s most historic and important commercial districts, building on Cheapside’s rich heritage while responding to the changing needs of the City. Its aim is to strengthen Cheapside’s unique identity as London’s civic spine. At a pivotal moment for the Cheapside area, with significant investment and transformation projects currently underway, the Vision looks beyond individual schemes to consider how streets and spaces can bring key stakeholders together to work collaboratively and create a more cohesive, attractive and connected destination. Building on over a decade of work by the Cheapside Business Alliance, this document provides a clear direction for future placemaking initiatives and for collaboration with public and private sector partners, aligning local ambitions with the City of London’s wider aspirations for a more sustainable, vibrant and people-focused Square Mile. Ian Mulcahey, Global Director of Cities, Principal at Gensler, said: “Great cities are defined by the experiences they create for people. This Vision & Strategy builds on Cheapside’s rich history to create a more connected, vibrant public realm, re-establishing it as a destination in its own right and a vital part of London’s civic identity.” At the heart of the Vision are five Place Narratives that draw on Cheapside’s historic role as a centre of trade, ceremony, craft and civic life, translating these qualities into a contemporary framework for placemaking. From reimagining Cheapside as a destination for cultural events and public gathering to revealing the area’s hidden heritage and strengthening connections between its streets, churches and commercial destinations, the narratives establish a cohesive design approach rooted in the area’s identity. Together, they explore how targeted improvements to the public realm can create a more connected, distinctive and people-focused experience across the district. Michaela Winter-Taylor, Cities and Urban Design Lead at Gensler, said: “Working with Cheapside Business Alliance and the City of London Corporation, we’ve developed a Vision & Strategy that celebrates the area’s unique identity while responding to its future needs. We’ve outlined a clear framework for change, with proposed interventions that reveal hidden heritage and create more welcoming public spaces.” The Vision identifies 39 public realm opportunities and catalyst projects, alongside six priority projects. The proposals range from improved green gateways and enhanced pedestrian routes to cultural activations, heritage-led placemaking and improvements to key public spaces, creating a roadmap for long-term change across the area. John Edwards, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Streets & Walkways Committee, said: “The Cheapside Business Alliance Public Realm Vision & Strategy sets out a clear and ambitious plan for one of the City’s most historic and important districts, and our primary shopping street. By creating greener, healthier and more welcoming streets and spaces, we can improve the experience of everyone who lives, works and visits here while supporting the area’s continued economic success, realizing the ambition of our Transport Strategy. “This Vision reflects the strength of partnership working between the City Corporation, local businesses and stakeholders, and demonstrates our shared commitment to delivering a more sustainable, accessible and vibrant Cheapside for years to come.” Cheapside Business Alliance will continue to work collaboratively to explore opportunities to take the Vision forward and translate priorities into tangible improvements for the area. To read the full Cheapside Business Alliance Public Realm Vision & Strategy as well as the Executive Summary, please visit: incheapside.com/public-realm. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals