The UK’s construction materials sector has stumbled once again in early 2025, as demand for heavy-side building materials continues to falter under the weight of economic uncertainty, planning delays, and weakened infrastructure investment. Fresh industry data reveals a sharp fall in sales of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete during the first
Chapmanbdsp, an independent design consultancy, specialising in building services engineering and environmental design is pleased to announce Riccardo Zara as Director of Sustainability and Building Physics, effective immediately. This appointment underpins the firm’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Riccardo Zara brings with him over 15years of experience in environmental management
A major student housing redevelopment is on the cards for Manchester, as Unite Students and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) sign a £390 million joint venture to deliver over 2,300 new student beds. The scheme will see the complete regeneration of the university’s ageing Cambridge Halls site, which will be closed
Over half (52 %) of project professionals are very confident that the UK will meet its net zero targets by 2050. This is compared to just 31% who were asked the question by APM back in 2023 – following the UK Government’s adjustments to net zero goals including pushing back
The vibrant transformation of YY London in Canary Wharf continues apace as renowned Italian restaurant group Big Mamma prepares to open its doors this summer, marking the latest milestone in the building’s revitalisation. Quadrant, the real estate investment and development firm behind the refurbishment, has secured Big Mamma on a
In April, IWFM Academy were excited to launch the third episode of our Tech Survival Guide at the Workplace Event, plus announce an exclusive offer to save money by purchasing the full guide. It’s perfect for workplace and facilities management (WFM) professionals who feel overwhelmed by the pace of technological
Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex is adding another big-name operator to its growing food and beverage line-up, as American fried chicken brand Popeyes prepares to open its doors. Occupying a 1,750 sq ft unit on level three within The Eatery, Popeyes is set to open next week, joining a diverse
Work has officially begun on a major £65 million refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Haringey Civic Centre in north London, as contractor John Sisk & Son moves ahead with the much-anticipated upgrade. A ground-breaking ceremony held recently marked the start of construction on the project, which will see the 1950s
Procurement specialist Fusion21 has unveiled the 40 firms appointed to its latest national framework aimed at tackling carbon emissions through large-scale retrofit and energy efficiency works. Valued at up to £1.5 billion over the next four years, the framework has been designed to support a broad range of decarbonisation initiatives
A trailblazing crane operator – the first woman to qualify in the UK – took centre stage at the latest Women in Construction Anglia Lunch this week. The sold-out event at Suffolk New College in Ipswich, on Wednesday April 30, was attended by almost 100 people and showcased the vast
The UK’s construction materials sector has stumbled once again in early 2025, as demand for heavy-side building materials continues to falter under the weight of economic uncertainty, planning delays, and weakened infrastructure investment. Fresh industry data reveals a sharp fall in sales of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete during the first quarter of the year, with both products declining by 6.3% compared to the previous quarter. Asphalt sales are now at their lowest point in over a decade, not counting the pandemic years, pointing to a particularly subdued road-building pipeline. Ready-mixed concrete volumes have dropped to around three million cubic metres per quarter—the lowest level seen in over 60 years. While the UK’s major infrastructure projects like HS2, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C continue to drive some demand for aggregates and concrete, they are increasingly the exception rather than the rule. The roads sector is especially under pressure, with numerous local and national schemes postponed or cancelled. This has had a direct impact on asphalt consumption, signalling a wider slowdown in public infrastructure spending. There was a modest 0.5% uptick in primary aggregates (crushed rock and sand & gravel), offering little comfort in an otherwise downbeat picture. The only sustained growth came from mortar sales, which rose by 3.8% for the fourth consecutive quarter—an indication that housebuilding activity, while still below normal levels, may be stabilising. External economic forces are also casting a shadow. Trade tensions stemming from recent global policy shifts, including fresh tariffs introduced by the US, are expected to disrupt supply chains and increase market volatility. There are concerns that redirected cement imports could place further strain on the domestic market, which already sees nearly a third of cement sourced from abroad. Leaders within the industry are calling for stronger government intervention to safeguard the UK’s mineral products sector. With construction so reliant on materials like cement, aggregates, and concrete, industry voices warn that a lack of policy support—on energy costs, planning reform, and public procurement—risks undermining the very foundations of future growth. Aurelie Delannoy, Director of Economic Affairs at the Mineral Products Association, commented that while housebuilding shows “early signs of improvement”, the broader construction outlook remains “fragile”, with delays in investment and interest rate uncertainty threatening progress. As the UK seeks to revive its building sector and deliver on net zero and growth ambitions, ensuring a robust domestic materials supply chain is more important than ever. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Chapmanbdsp, an independent design consultancy, specialising in building services engineering and environmental design is pleased to announce Riccardo Zara as Director of Sustainability and Building Physics, effective immediately. This appointment underpins the firm’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Riccardo Zara brings with him over 15years of experience in environmental management and sustainable engineering practices. Having begun his studies in Italy as a structural engineer and then completed his master’s degree in Sweden as an environmental and sustainability consultant, his early career was focused on building services design, building physics, and decarbonization strategies. He has since gained valuable experience in building services particularly in mechanical engineering as well as developing skills in strategic team management and business development in recent years. Passionate about creating an inclusive working environment, as well as focused on technical excellence, Riccardo has experience of working with world leading architects on cutting-edge building projects in sectors ranging from arts and culture to life sciences, commercial, residential, and industrial. Ray Upjohn, chapmanbdsp Chief Executive says, “We are delighted to welcome Riccardo Zara to our leadership team. His appointment comes at a crucial time within our change management programme as we continue gearing for growth. Riccardo brings exceptional experience and vision that will help us deliver on our ambitious sustainability objectives while creating additional value for our clients. The Board and I look forward to working with him.” Commenting on his appointment, Riccardo Zara adds, “The engineering sector has a pivotal role to play in decarbonisation and creating resilient infrastructure. I’m excited to join chapmanbdsp because of its strong technical foundation. That kind of deep knowledge is crucial to fully understanding and tackling the complexity of sustainability in the building environment.” This appointment represents another step in chapmanbdsp’s journey towards becoming the industry leader in sustainable engineering solutions, supporting clients in meeting their own environmental objectives whilst creating lasting positive impact for communities and the planet. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major student housing redevelopment is on the cards for Manchester, as Unite Students and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) sign a £390 million joint venture to deliver over 2,300 new student beds. The scheme will see the complete regeneration of the university’s ageing Cambridge Halls site, which will be closed this year. Originally constructed in the 1990s, the current low-rise accommodation blocks – providing around 770 bedrooms – will be demolished to make way for a modern student living complex. Under the terms of the agreement, Unite will hold a 70% stake in the partnership and take on the roles of developer, asset manager and operator. MMU will retain the remaining 30% interest by contributing the land. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with a phased delivery running through to 2030. The first phase, due for completion in September 2029, will comprise 1,126 bedrooms split across a 24-storey tower, two 11-storey buildings, and an eight-storey block. The completed development will ultimately deliver 2,330 purpose-built student rooms – a significant net gain of 1,560 beds. Planning submission is anticipated later this quarter, with final joint venture formation scheduled for late 2025. This is Unite’s second university partnership and forms part of its broader strategy to target key university cities where demand for student accommodation is outstripping supply. In Manchester, for example, there are currently around 3.6 full-time students per available bed – well above the UK average – creating a pressing need for additional, high-quality housing. In a move to ease the transition, Unite has also agreed a five-year nomination agreement with Manchester Met to house 2,550 of its students at other Unite-managed properties during the redevelopment period. A spokesperson for Unite Students said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to delivering modern, sustainable and affordable accommodation that supports students’ wellbeing and enhances their university experience. Once complete, the new scheme is expected to transform the student housing offering in Manchester, supporting MMU’s growth ambitions while helping to meet the city’s growing accommodation needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over half (52 %) of project professionals are very confident that the UK will meet its net zero targets by 2050. This is compared to just 31% who were asked the question by APM back in 2023 – following the UK Government’s adjustments to net zero goals including pushing back the deadline for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and the phasing out of gas boilers. With the government’s net zero policies being widely debated across industry, by politicians and climate experts at the current time, APM’s survey of 1,000 project professionals carried out by research consultants Censuswide), shows that over half of respondents working in the following sectors say they are confident in the 2050 net zero goals being met: Project professionals are the strategic changemakers who deliver projects that enable sustainability transformations. With the current focus on decarbonisation and net zero, business leaders are being urged to listen to their project experts and invest properly in projects and the people who deliver them, to ensure success. The main reasons given by respondents for confidence in the 2050 targets being met is action being taken by their company are: Of the minority of respondents (4%) who say they aren’t confident (44% said only somewhat confident) in the UK meeting net zero in 2050, the main reason given was not enough action being taken by their industry sector (47% of respondents) and that the 2050 target has always been unrealistic (37%). In 2023, just over 9% of respondents said they weren’t confident in the UK meeting net zero by 2050. The survey also highlights that 45% think their company is currently doing too much to support the 2025 ambitions, compared to 36% who think their company is doing too little. When asked the same question in 2023, just 28% of project professionals thought their company was doing too much, with over half 52% saying too little is being done. However, when it comes to skills and the talent pipeline of project professionals, APM found that four in 10 (42%) project professionals strongly agree that there aren’t enough project professionals in the talent pipeline in the UK to sustain the future delivery of net zero projects. When the same question was asked in 2023 just 27% strongly agreed that there aren’t enough project professionals. Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM said: “It is positive to see an increased confidence across the project profession in the UK meeting its 2050 net zero ambitions. As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, there has been a marked global shift towards the net zero transition, prioritising national plans for the reduction of carbon emissions. The project profession stands at the crossroads of this transition, ensuring complex environmental targets are translated into actionable, efficient, and achievable strategies. “As highlighted, there are evident concerns over the talent pipeline in sustaining the effective delivery of net zero projects. It is vital that UK business leaders and government address the growing need for qualified project professionals at all levels, and that adequate investment is made through skills development, recruitment and greater engagement in the professionalisation of the profession. Without skilled project leadership, net zero goals risk being delayed, overbudget, or unfulfilled.” APM has resources available for project professionals to find out more about sustainable practices in project management and the delivery of net zero, including recent research paper Are we ready for net zero in project management? The challenges and strategies for project professionals in the delivery of UK major projects and a Sustainability Interest Network giving professionals the chance to knowledge share and gain further understanding and good practice in sustainability across the profession. Visit apm.org for further details. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The vibrant transformation of YY London in Canary Wharf continues apace as renowned Italian restaurant group Big Mamma prepares to open its doors this summer, marking the latest milestone in the building’s revitalisation. Quadrant, the real estate investment and development firm behind the refurbishment, has secured Big Mamma on a 15-year lease for a 9,500 sq ft ground-floor unit. The restaurant, which is set to launch in June, will join an expanding line-up of food and drink operators that are turning the office-led scheme into a buzzing lifestyle destination. Founded in Paris in 2015 by entrepreneurs Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux, Big Mamma has become well known across Europe for its bold, playful interiors and classic Italian menus that celebrate regional dishes with a theatrical flair. The new Canary Wharf location places Big Mamma alongside Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Brother Marcus, which will also open this summer in a 2,861 sq ft space on a 20-year lease. Meanwhile, premium Danish espresso bar Hagen has already opened its 17th outlet, occupying a 1,141 sq ft site on a 10-year lease. All three food and beverage operators are located on the ground floor of YY London, activating the frontage that opens onto Jubilee Plaza—directly opposite the Jubilee Line station and overlooking the waterfront public space at Eden Dock. The commercial vibrancy of the building has also been boosted by fintech giant Revolut, which signed a major deal last year to take up 113,000 sq ft across four floors, establishing its new global headquarters in the heart of Canary Wharf. Tristram Gethin, founding partner at Quadrant, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Big Mamma to YY London. Their arrival, along with Brother Marcus, Hagen and Revolut, highlights the building’s appeal and the part it is playing in reimagining Canary Wharf as more than just a financial centre—it’s becoming a place to live, work and enjoy.” Originally built in the early days of Canary Wharf’s development, YY London underwent a comprehensive refurbishment led by Quadrant and investment funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management. The project, completed in 2023, has redefined one of the estate’s oldest office buildings into a next-generation workspace and lifestyle hub. YY London now offers 415,000 sq ft of Grade A office space with a strong focus on sustainability, wellbeing and experience—elements that are fast becoming essential in attracting top-tier occupiers and hospitality brands alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In April, IWFM Academy were excited to launch the third episode of our Tech Survival Guide at the Workplace Event, plus announce an exclusive offer to save money by purchasing the full guide. It’s perfect for workplace and facilities management (WFM) professionals who feel overwhelmed by the pace of technological change and are looking for practical, digestible insights to enhance their tech proficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned professional aiming to stay current or someone new to the field seeking foundational knowledge, the bitesize, 20-minute episodes provide an accessible way to quickly grasp essential tech skills and confidently integrate new tools into your daily workflow. Why professionals need CPD in relation to technology IWFM and sector leaders have highlighted the need for workplace and facilities management (WFM) professionals to get to grips with evolving standards in today’s landscape, such as the recent UK Information Management Initiative. Episode three explores ISO 19650, its practical use in workplace data and how to leverage data for strategic gains. It covers improving data accuracy, efficiency and decision-making through information management and standards. Key topics include: Click here to learn more, access each episode and purchase the entire guide with our exclusive offer. Looking ahead: Attend upcoming webinars with IWFM’s Technology Special Interest Group (SIG), including: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex is adding another big-name operator to its growing food and beverage line-up, as American fried chicken brand Popeyes prepares to open its doors. Occupying a 1,750 sq ft unit on level three within The Eatery, Popeyes is set to open next week, joining a diverse mix of popular restaurants including Five Guys and Taco Bell. The launch marks the brand’s 80th location in the UK, reflecting its ambitious expansion across the country. With a focus on delivering a high-energy dining experience inspired by the bold flavours of New Orleans, Popeyes has quickly become a fast-growing favourite in the British casual dining market. The latest addition is part of a wider strategy to enhance the food offering at Lakeside, as the centre continues to evolve beyond traditional retail. Rob Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera Lateral, commented: “We’re committed to expanding and refreshing our dining options to ensure Lakeside remains a top destination for visitors. Popeyes is a strong addition to our mix – offering something new, exciting, and relevant to today’s diners.” He added: “We want every visit to Lakeside to feel more than just a shopping trip. With an ever-broadening choice of places to eat and relax, we’re building an experience that’s about variety, quality, and enjoyment.” Lakeside has seen an increased emphasis on enhancing its leisure and dining zones in recent years, as consumer habits shift and visitors seek richer, all-day experiences. The arrival of Popeyes signals continued investment in The Eatery as a vibrant social space at the heart of the centre. Tom Crowley, chief executive officer of Popeyes UK, expressed his enthusiasm about the new opening: “2025 is shaping up to be another exciting year for us, with two new sites planned for the Essex area. Our aim is to bring our signature Louisiana-inspired hospitality and flavours to even more communities, and we’re thrilled to be joining the line-up at Lakeside.” As the brand continues to build momentum, Lakeside visitors can expect a menu packed with crispy chicken sandwiches, Cajun fries, and the signature biscuits that have helped Popeyes make its mark on the UK high street. The opening is expected to draw strong footfall and further solidify Lakeside’s position as a leading shopping and leisure destination in the South East. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has officially begun on a major £65 million refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Haringey Civic Centre in north London, as contractor John Sisk & Son moves ahead with the much-anticipated upgrade. A ground-breaking ceremony held recently marked the start of construction on the project, which will see the 1950s civic building reimagined as a modern, sustainable workspace and community hub. Originally built in 1958 and granted listed status in 2018, the Civic Centre is being redeveloped with a sensitive yet forward-thinking approach. The scheme, approved by Haringey Council’s planning sub-committee in September last year, will include the creation of a new annex, improved office space, and restored civic areas. Council leader Peray Ahmet described the refurbishment as a pivotal moment for the borough. “This project will re-establish the Civic Centre as the heart of public life in Haringey. It’s not just about upgrading a building — it’s about creating a welcoming, inclusive space that reflects our ambitions for a greener and more collaborative future,” she said. The refurbished centre is set to provide high-quality, accessible office accommodation for up to 900 council staff. It will also offer public-facing spaces and community facilities designed to support civic engagement and partnership working. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the redevelopment. The project forms part of Haringey Council’s wider commitment to achieving a zero-carbon estate. As part of the works, Sisk will introduce energy efficiency upgrades across the site, including insulation enhancements and the installation of solar panels. Steven McGee, chief operating officer for Sisk in Ireland and the UK, highlighted the significance of the scheme. “This is a landmark project for the borough and for us as a contractor. The team is bringing innovative techniques to the table and keeping sustainability front and centre,” he said. “A new central courtyard and extensive landscaping will help reframe the Civic Centre as an open, accessible place for residents and staff alike. We’re proud to be part of this transformation and look forward to delivering a result the community can take pride in.” Once complete, the revitalised Civic Centre will embody a blend of architectural heritage and modern performance standards, reflecting the council’s drive to preserve the borough’s past while planning responsibly for its future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Procurement specialist Fusion21 has unveiled the 40 firms appointed to its latest national framework aimed at tackling carbon emissions through large-scale retrofit and energy efficiency works. Valued at up to £1.5 billion over the next four years, the framework has been designed to support a broad range of decarbonisation initiatives across domestic, public, and educational buildings. It will enable public sector organisations to procure specialist services from fully accredited suppliers, ensuring all works meet the latest PAS 2030:2023 standards and carry the TrustMark seal of quality. Structured around two core lots—whole-house decarbonisation and the decarbonisation of public and educational buildings—the framework offers a turnkey delivery model. This approach allows clients to procure suppliers capable of managing complex retrofit programmes at scale, from initial assessments through to installation and long-term performance monitoring. Peter Francis, Operations Director at Fusion21, said: “Achieving the UK’s net zero goals by 2050 is an immense challenge, and we are proud to support our members on this journey. This refreshed framework provides access to trusted and experienced suppliers who are fully aligned with current industry standards. Together, we aim to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes and public buildings, with social value benefits that are tangible in local communities.” The appointed firms range from major national contractors to regional specialists, bringing a diverse set of skills and expertise to the framework. The full list includes names such as Wates Property Services, E.ON UK Green Funding Solutions, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Graham Asset Management, and Vital Energi Utilities, among many others. The framework is expected to play a key role in supporting public bodies and housing providers as they scale up retrofit activity, reduce energy bills, and contribute to wider climate targets. Suppliers appointed to Fusion21’s national decarbonisation framework are: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A trailblazing crane operator – the first woman to qualify in the UK – took centre stage at the latest Women in Construction Anglia Lunch this week. The sold-out event at Suffolk New College in Ipswich, on Wednesday April 30, was attended by almost 100 people and showcased the vast diversity of roles in the construction sector, encouraging more women to join the profession. Guests heard from keynote speaker Katie Kelleher, the first woman in the UK to complete a Lifting Technician Apprenticeship, who later worked on some of the biggest projects in the UK – including Crossrail and Tideway in London. Katie talked about some of the barriers she had faced in entering the sector, including backlash she has faced online and on social media, and how she overcame them. She said: “I loved today’s event, I think it was really great. It was a full room and everyone was positive, really supportive. “I think events like this are so important, showcasing what we do in this industry. “There was a really nice mix of students and people already in this sector, which was a really nice blend. If any students need some more information, everyone is there for them.” She added: “If you are a woman considering entering the sector, I would say go for it. “I never thought I would work in the industry but I absolutely love it. There’s plenty of scope, plenty of different jobs – so just go for it.” Women in Construction Anglia (WICA) was launched October 2024 and has already made a big impact in the sector, providing events and initiatives to inspire the next generation of women into the industry. Clare Friel, founder of WICA, who hosted the event alongside Siu Mun Li, said: “This was our fourth Women in Construction Anglia event, drawing key people from across the UK to showcase the wealth of opportunities the construction industry has on offer.. “Each event has built on the last, providing a space for people to connect, network and discover opportunities for a successful career in the sector.” Kat and Fi Parsons, who launched the Female Design and Build Project, and structural engineer Holly Peirson also featured as part of the event’s panel discussion. Amanda Ankin, from Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, a partner of Women in Construction Anglia, said: “I thought the event was really inspirational. “We had some fantastic speakers, we had a lot of conversation in the room as well. I think a lot of people will be walking out of here thinking, yeah, we can do this.” For more on Women in Construction Anglia and its upcoming events, see www.womeninconstructionanglia.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
