Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, has made nine senior appointments across its UK development, project delivery and investment and finance teams, as the business continues to scale its acquisition and development programme. The appointments, which bring talent from CBRE, Savills, PwC, Chancerygate, Knight Frank, Boreal
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Social Infrastructure, has been appointed to deliver planned maintenance and investment across the North West and Greater Manchester on behalf of The Guinness Partnership. The award further cements United Infrastructure’s foothold
The Environment Agency has set out plans for a £1.4bn flood defence programme that will accelerate more than 600 schemes across England over the next two years, marking a significant step up in efforts to tackle rising flood risk. The investment will fund a broad mix of major infrastructure projects,
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has welcomed the launch of the UK’s first Circular Construction Hub in the Royal Docks, which will ensure construction waste is recycled and re-used instead of going to landfill. The new hub is set to become the largest in Europe and will support the
Barberry has strengthened its leisure line-up after securing a West Midlands city centre letting to expanding gym operator Trident Fitness. The Midlands-based investor and developer completed the 10-year lease at 50 Bishop Street, Coventry, shortly after previous tenant Pure Gym vacated the 19,555 sq ft unit. Barberry property surveyor Emilie Meddings
Metso has unveiled new machine learning features within its digital support platform, designed to predict maintenance needs and improve equipment uptime across its aggregates portfolio. The Finnish manufacturer says the latest upgrade uses advanced data analysis to identify early signs of wear in crushing and screening equipment, helping operators intervene
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, today launched Brighter Lives, Better World 2030, a new program designed to expand the reach of impactful, energy and resource-efficient lighting to improve lives, save energy, and preserve resources. The program is supported by new initiatives that support customer sustainability ambitions. “Brighter
Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn, has acquired an 80.2-acre logistics site in Bardon, Leicestershire. The site benefits from detailed planning consent for two units totalling 947,650 sq. ft., with B2 and B8 use. Firethorn has completed the acquisition from Diamantem and will now progress development of the
Building services contractor TClarke has reportedly withdrawn from its role on the major £4bn Agratas electric vehicle battery gigafactory currently under construction in Somerset. Industry sources suggest the company has stepped away from the mechanical and electrical delivery team on the vast Gravity Smart Campus development near Bridgwater, following growing
A developer has been chosen to deliver a new 100% affordable neighbourhood at Birley Fields in Hulme following early engagement with local residents and stakeholders to understand their priorities for the site. Green community space also is at the heart of the development of the new neighbourhood, ensuring improved biodiversity across the site – including a new garden space, while existing trees will be retained and celebrated.
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, has made nine senior appointments across its UK development, project delivery and investment and finance teams, as the business continues to scale its acquisition and development programme. The appointments, which bring talent from CBRE, Savills, PwC, Chancerygate, Knight Frank, Boreal IM, Montagu Evans and Interpath Advisory, reflect the depth of Panattoni’s current UK pipeline and its confidence in continuing to invest in its people at a time when many across the sector are consolidating their workforces. Last year the company acquired 11 sites, secured 250 acres of land adding five million sq ft to its development pipeline, as well as leasing 2.5 million sq ft of space. That momentum has continued into 2026, with four lease transactions already signed in the first quarter. Development Three appointments have been made across Panattoni’s UK development platform, covering Southern England, London and the North. Alex Selwood joins as Associate Director from CBRE, where he was a Director advising industrial occupiers on their property acquisitions. Based within the Southern England and London team, he will focus on new site acquisitions and leasing activity. Chris Brown joins as Development Director from Chancerygate, where he was focusing on acquisitions in the North of England. He will help lead the expansion of Panattoni’s acquisition and leasing activity across its Northern portfolio. Will Fennell joins as Development Manager, South East and London, from Montagu Evans, where he was an Associate, and will work closely with occupiers on leasing while supporting speculative development across the region. Oliver Bertram, Head of Development (UK) at Panattoni, said: “The scale of our UK pipeline demands a development team with the depth and range to execute across multiple regions simultaneously. Alex, Will and Chris each bring a level of experience and market knowledge that will directly support our ability to move quickly on acquisitions and maintain leasing momentum. The breadth of their backgrounds, from occupier advisory to speculative development, reflects the range of what we are building at Panattoni.” Chris Brown, Panattoni new hire as Development Director, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Panattoni at such an exciting point in its growth. The momentum the business has built over the past few years has been remarkable, establishing itself as the most active industrial developer in the UK and a market leader across multiple regions. It’s a great platform to be part of, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued expansion of the Northern portfolio. Project Delivery Three appointments have been made to Panattoni’s Southern Project Management Team. Phil Beato joins as Project Delivery Director, having previously managed development and repositioning projects across Europe at Boreal IM. Tom Bird joins in the same role from Savills, where he was a Project Management Director. Chris Thrippleton joins as Senior Project Manager from Chancerygate, where he focused on project management for industrial developments. Ian Anderson, Head of Project Management at Panattoni, said: “Delivering at the pace our pipeline now requires means having the right people embedded at every stage of the process, from initial due diligence through to handover. Phil, Tom and Chris strengthen our capacity to do exactly that. Between them they bring experience across complex European development programmes, major project management mandates and industrial delivery at scale, and I am looking forward to what we will achieve together.” Phil Beato, Project Delivery Director, said: “It’s great to join Panattoni and gain a deeper understanding of the development platform from within such a well-respected global business. The scale, quality and ambition of the pipeline is clear to see, and it’s an exciting time to come on board. Having delivered development and repositioning projects across Europe, I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to the team and supporting the next phase of the company’s growth across the UK.” Capital Markets Panattoni has also bolstered its UK capital markets team against a backdrop of renewed investor appetite and activity across the sector. Phoebe Burdett has joined as Capital Markets Analyst from Knight Frank’s London Capital Markets team and will play a central role in capital formation, supporting investor relations and transaction management across the platform. Investment and Finance Two appointments have been made to Panattoni’s finance and investment team, strengthening its capacity to enhance financial structuring, execution and managing an increasingly active development programme. Garrick Pepper joins as Associate Director, Investment and Finance, from PwC, where he led advisory work across M&A and corporate finance transactions. Garrick is an active contributor to the UK property industry and serves on the British Property Federation’s Logistics Committee and Futures Advisory Board. Zachary Atkinson joins as Associate, Investment and Finance, from Interpath Advisory, where he was a Manager in M&A, having previously worked at KPMG. Oliver Choppin, Finance Director at Panattoni, said: “We are delighted to welcome Garrick and Zachary to the team to deepen and broaden our finance and investment function. Their appointments significantly strengthen our capabilities across transaction management, capital deployment and financial operations, ensuring we are well positioned to support the continued growth of the business. As our pipeline continues to expand, building out a best-in-class finance team is critical. These hires reflect our long-term commitment to disciplined growth, strong governance and delivering value for our investors and partners.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Social Infrastructure, has been appointed to deliver planned maintenance and investment across the North West and Greater Manchester on behalf of The Guinness Partnership. The award further cements United Infrastructure’s foothold in the North West, where it currently undertakes planned improvements for more than 40,000 residents. The Guinness Partnership is one of the largest affordable housing providers in England, with more than 160,000 residents living in more than 70,000 homes. The contract represents a significant long-term investment from Guinness in the quality, safety, and sustainability of homes across the region. The partnership spans 15 years, with an estimated contract value of £364 million and an annual delivery of approximately £24 million. Covering over 20,000 homes across the region, the comprehensive programme will include a wide range of planned and major works such as: internal upgrades (kitchens and bathrooms), external repairs (roofing, windows, doors), and mechanical and electrical works (heating and hot water). It also covers fire safety improvements, energy-efficient retrofits, complex refurbishments, Mobilising from November 2025 and running through to March 2041, the project will also incorporate a strong focus on sustainability and social value, supporting Guinness’s commitment to reaching net zero carbon by 2050. Claire Kershaw, CEO, Social Infrastructure, commented: “We are proud to be one of the partners selected for The Guinness Partnership’s Planned Maintenance and Investment programme. This long-term partnership gives us a fantastic opportunity to deliver vital improvements to thousands of homes across the North West, while supporting Guinness’s vision of great homes, great services, and strong communities. “Our focus will be on making a real difference by delivering high-quality, energy-efficient, and safe homes, with a strong commitment to resident satisfaction and social value investment. We look forward to working closely with Guinness and their partners to deliver real, lasting impact across the region.” Catriona Simons, Group Chief Executive at The Guinness Partnership said: “We are delighted to welcome United Infrastructure as one of our five new long-term partners, and for them to have formally signed our Planned Investment and Major Works contract. These partnerships demonstrate our shared commitment to investing in and improving residents’ homes and marks the beginning of a relationship we expect to grow and strengthen in the years ahead, as we work together to deliver lasting benefits for our residents. “Residents are central to this partnership. When selecting our partners, we placed residents’ priorities at the front of the process. Their feedback, ranging from the importance of clear communication to consistently high‑quality works, directly shaped our decisions and will continue to guide how these partnerships operate day to day. “We look forward to working closely with United Infrastructure in the years ahead, as we focus on improving residents’ homes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Environment Agency has set out plans for a £1.4bn flood defence programme that will accelerate more than 600 schemes across England over the next two years, marking a significant step up in efforts to tackle rising flood risk. The investment will fund a broad mix of major infrastructure projects, smaller repair works and nature-based interventions designed to improve resilience and better manage water across catchments. Several flagship schemes are already progressing, including the £59.3m Bridgwater Tidal Barrier in Somerset, the £37.1m Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme and the £24.3m Kendal flood scheme in Cumbria. These projects form part of a wider pipeline aimed at protecting communities, infrastructure and economic activity from increasing climate pressures. Major flood protection schemes currently in the programme include: Alongside new-build defences, around £260m has been allocated to repair and maintain existing flood assets, including damage caused by recent storms. This represents a renewed focus on improving the condition and reliability of ageing infrastructure after years of decline. The programme forms part of a wider £10.5bn investment plan running through to 2036, the largest flood and coastal protection initiative ever undertaken in England. As well as traditional engineering solutions, the Environment Agency is increasing its use of natural flood management techniques, including measures to slow water upstream and reduce peak flows during extreme weather events. Caroline Douglass, the Environment Agency’s flood director, said the strategy combines hard infrastructure with nature-based approaches to deliver long-term resilience. The scale of the programme is expected to support thousands of jobs across the construction and environmental sectors, while also unlocking development in areas previously constrained by flood risk. With procurement activity ramping up and delivery partners mobilising, schemes are set to move rapidly into construction through 2026 and 2027 as the government pushes ahead with its long-term flood resilience strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has welcomed the launch of the UK’s first Circular Construction Hub in the Royal Docks, which will ensure construction waste is recycled and re-used instead of going to landfill. The new hub is set to become the largest in Europe and will support the Mayor’s ambition for the capital to be a zero carbon city by 2030. It is the first phase of a wider Circular Economy Village that will be unlocked over the coming years in London Borough of Newham.* A circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. The Hub will see products and materials kept in circulation through refurbishment and recycling – a vital step in helping to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The new hub in the Royal Docks, which is being delivered in collaboration with charity Tipping Point East and Newham Council, is supported by the Mayor of London and Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE. It will position London as a global leader in low carbon construction and drive green jobs across East London..** Hosted on GLA land, the hub will also support the sustainable delivery of thousands of new homes in the Royal Docks by promoting innovative construction techniques that accelerate the transition to low carbon construction. This includes the Lendlease led Silvertown development, supported by the Crown Estate and Newham Council, now approved for 7,000 new homes, with a target of at least 30% delivered as affordable housing. [1] These homes are part of the Mayor’s of London’s ambition to build more than 36,000 new homes and create 55,000 new jobs across this historic part of East London, through his Royal Docks Enterprise Zone partnership with the Mayor of Newham and Newham Council. [2] By enabling large scale material reuse and capturing resources from construction and demolition that typically go to waste – the hub will help significantly reduce the embodied carbon in new developments and is estimated to divert at least 950 tonnes of materials from landfill over 5 years. The construction industry produces 62 per cent of the UK’s waste and construction waste is highly detrimental to the environment as it breaks down ecosystems, uses up natural resources and creates significant landfill pollution. In the UK, the construction, demolition, and excavation (CDE) sector generates over 100 million tonnes of waste annually, with more than five million tonnes still reaching landfill, despite high recycling rates. [3] As part of his pledge to make London greener and achieve net-zero carbon by 2030, the Mayor has placed circular economy principles at the heart of planning policy to ensure London is leading the way in the green transition of the construction sector. The Royal Docks is uniquely positioned to become a hub of circular construction due to its excellent and robust infrastructure, close proximity to Central London, existing industrial land and major development pipelines. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the UK’s first Circular Construction Hub in the Royal Docks, which will help support our ambition to make the capital a zero carbon city by 2030. “London is leading the way in the green transition of the construction sector and that this new hub is part of a wider plan to create a Circular Economy Village in the area – with the hub set to become the largest in Europe when fully activated. “We are not only cutting carbon emissions, but are also creating new jobs and homes for Londoners as we build a greener and fairer city for everyone.” Policies implemented by Sadiq since he took office in 2016 mean that all major developments in the capital must now design out waste, retain existing structures where possible, reuse materials and significantly reduce embodied carbon – setting out how the London Plan energy policies will be met within the development. [4] In addition, the Mayor’s Green Skills Academy provides a skilled workforce able to retrofit environmentally friendly energy systems to reduce emissions, address the longstanding skill shortage in the construction sector, and target emerging green occupations. [5] The Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, said: “The launch of the UK’s first Circular Construction Hub right here in our Royal Docks is another defining moment for Newham as we marshal our efforts to deliver on our Just Transition Action Plan to address the impact of Climate change. “By transforming how we build, we aren’t just reducing waste, we are also pioneering our ‘just transition’ impact through the creation of green jobs and delivery of high-quality, sustainable homes our residents deserve and can afford. “In partnership with the Mayor of London and Tipping Point East, we are proving that world-class innovation is happening in Newham and is being driven by a Council that is safeguarding the earth,. Newham is showing that we can embed inclusive growth with the foundation of a fairer, greener economy, with opportunities for all and without costing the earth.” George Massoud, Trustee at Tipping Point East and Founding Director of Material Cultures, said: “Tipping Point East will be a radical new Climate Futures centre and crucial piece of infrastructure for the circular economy in London, accelerating the transition towards net-zero and developing the construction sector’s Green Skill capacity. “By embedding circular economy processes directly into London’s material flows, TPE will practically demonstrate how we move towards a just transition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barberry has strengthened its leisure line-up after securing a West Midlands city centre letting to expanding gym operator Trident Fitness. The Midlands-based investor and developer completed the 10-year lease at 50 Bishop Street, Coventry, shortly after previous tenant Pure Gym vacated the 19,555 sq ft unit. Barberry property surveyor Emilie Meddings said Trident Fitness agreed heads of terms promptly, with the lease completing at a rent of £175,000 per annum, subject to an upward-only rent review in year five. Positioned within Coventry’s ring road and adjacent to a sizeable car park, 50 Bishop Street represents a prime city centre retail and leisure opportunity, offering strong accessibility and prominence in the heart of the West Midlands. Trident Fitness has taken the entire building as part of its continued UK expansion. The operator has a proven trading history and a growing portfolio of gyms across the UK including Birmingham, Liverpool, Plymouth, Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil. Emilie said: “We are delighted to have secured Trident Fitness at 50 Bishop Street on a 10-year term. The letting demonstrates continued demand for well-located, high-quality leisure accommodation in strong regional city centres. “Following Pure Gym’s departure in October, we acted swiftly to secure a new occupier on robust terms that reflect both the strength of the asset and Coventry’s improving city centre offer. Trident Fitness is an ambitious and expanding operator with a strong track record, and we are pleased to support their continued growth.” The deal underlines Barberry’s continued focus on proactive asset management, securing long-term income and keeping its regional portfolio in peak condition. Barberry has a 3.6 million sq ft industrial/logistics development pipeline with a Gross Development Value of more than £650 million and a growing income-producing commercial portfolio, delivering sustainable returns. The company also has 520 acres of strategically located residential and employment development land, capable of delivering 3,500 new homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Metso has unveiled new machine learning features within its digital support platform, designed to predict maintenance needs and improve equipment uptime across its aggregates portfolio. The Finnish manufacturer says the latest upgrade uses advanced data analysis to identify early signs of wear in crushing and screening equipment, helping operators intervene before faults develop into costly downtime. By combining live machine data with its own OEM expertise, Metso aims to deliver more accurate and timely maintenance recommendations directly through its digital platform. The system is built around continuous data capture from on-board sensors, monitoring factors such as pressure, temperature, machine settings and location. As more data is gathered, the machine learning models can be refined, improving their ability to detect patterns and anticipate potential issues. The predictive maintenance functionality is immediately available to machines already equipped with Metso’s Metrics connectivity hardware, while retrofit kits are being offered to bring older equipment into the system. Jaakko Huhtapelto, vice president for technology and digital business in Metso’s aggregates division, said the development represents a step forward in making heavy equipment more efficient and easier to manage. He noted that combining digital tools with decades of engineering knowledge allows operators to optimise performance, reduce unexpected failures and simplify maintenance planning. The technology was launched at ConExpo in the United States, a market where attitudes towards machine data have historically been cautious. In the early days of telematics, some equipment owners resisted data logging over concerns that operational data could be used in legal disputes or shared with third parties. Those concerns have not disappeared, particularly as data becomes increasingly valuable and regulatory frameworks around privacy continue to evolve. Questions around how data is stored, who can access it and how it might be used remain central to wider industry adoption of AI-driven systems. Addressing these issues, Metso said customers retain control over whether to use the data-driven features. All data is stored on servers within the European Union and processed in line with current privacy and data protection legislation. The company added that any sharing of data with third parties would require either customer consent or a legal obligation, such as a court order. Access to insights and recommendations is restricted on a need-to-know basis, although information may be shared with authorised distributors or service partners where required to support operations. As machine learning becomes more embedded in construction and aggregates equipment, the balance between performance gains and data governance is likely to remain a key consideration for operators. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, today launched Brighter Lives, Better World 2030, a new program designed to expand the reach of impactful, energy and resource-efficient lighting to improve lives, save energy, and preserve resources. The program is supported by new initiatives that support customer sustainability ambitions. “Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 is designed to deliver solutions that improve lives, save energy, and make better use of resources – which is exactly what our customers are asking for,” said As Tempelman, CEO of Signify. “It shows that impact and opportunity go hand in hand, as we create real value for society, while building a stronger, more resilient company.” Driving impact where it matters most Focusing on customers’ most pressing challenges, Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 responds to rising demand for efficient, connected and electrified solutions. Addressing increasing demand for electricity1 and volatile pricing, resource scarcity and the need for healthier, safer, more resilient and livable environments – the program transforms the potential of light into meaningful impact. “We’re proud to introduce the third chapter of Brighter Lives, Better World. Our new program builds on the progress of the past decade, remaining fully committed to our 2040 net zero ambition, with new targets that focus on reducing the energy and resource consumption of our customers, while continuing to drive innovations that improve safety & security, health and well-being,” said Maurice Loosschilder, Head of Sustainability at Signify. Benefits beyond illumination Signify continues to expand the role of lighting that is designed to improve quality of life, support more welcoming and productive indoor environments, enhance safety and security in cities and communities, enable more efficient food production, and increase access to solar lighting. Energy efficiency as a growth accelerator Energy efficiency is a powerful enabler of electrification and the energy transition. Through continuous advances in LED and connected lighting, Signify helps customers reduce energy demand, manage costs, and lower emissions. By the end of 2030, Signify commits to: Since introducing the Green Switch program in 2020, Signify has supported over 37,000 projects with cities across the globe, helping over 10,000 local authorities to switch their lighting systems from conventional to connected LED. An expanded Signify Switch program offers guidance on how efficient LED and connected lighting can advance energy and cost savings, and emissions reduction, as well as how to improve the quality of indoor and outdoor light, contribute to street safety and install solar lighting where the grid may not be available. Customers can receive support in choosing the right lighting products, systems, and services, as well as identifying sources of finance and funding. Resource efficiency and circular value To advance the circular economy, Signify will scale durable, upgradable, repairable, and recyclable products, alongside circular services. These solutions are designed for circularity, following a “use less, use longer, use again” framework that aims to reduce the consumption of virgin materials and energy while delivering long-term customer value. Signify Circle revenues will include four categories: These products and services will constitute Signify Circle, a new initiative for professional customers to support their circular economy ambitions. It delivers products, services and business models that are aligned to well-defined circularity criteria, alongside clear and transparent labelling and customer education. “Our customers want products they can trust – that last for a long time and can adapt to their changing needs,” said Sophie Breton, President, Professional Business, Europe at Signify. “Signify Circle will help our professional customers in Europe to make informed choices about the products and services they need to support their circular economy ambitions.” Built on a foundation of responsible business Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 is underpinned by Signify’s long-term commitments to low nature-impact manufacturing, inclusive workplaces, fair working conditions throughout the value chain, and expanding access to lighting for underserved communities – ensuring growth is built on transparency, inclusiveness and respect for human rights. Progress on Signify’s Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 program will be reported on a quarterly basis, in line with the company’s financial results. 1 “Global electricity demand is set to grow by over 3.5% a year to 2030” Data just released from IEA https://www.iea.org/news/global-electricity-demand-is-set-to-grow-strongly-to-2030-underscoring-need-for-investments-in-grids-and-flexibility?utm_content=buffer98608&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn, has acquired an 80.2-acre logistics site in Bardon, Leicestershire. The site benefits from detailed planning consent for two units totalling 947,650 sq. ft., with B2 and B8 use. Firethorn has completed the acquisition from Diamantem and will now progress development of the project, with plans to invest in excess of £125m to deliver the units on a speculative and build-to-suit basis. Located within the East Midlands’ “Golden Triangle”, the site sits within the UK’s logistics heartland with direct access to the strategic national highway network at Junction 22 of the M1. The new development will follow previous phases delivered by Mountpark which are now occupied by established distribution and manufacturing occupiers including Amazon, DHL, Eddie Stobart, VF, Vistry, and Pharmacy2U. This is the latest in a series of purchases by Firethorn, following the acquisitions of two logistics sites in Maidenhead and Aylesbury in December, which added a further 26.3 acres to its portfolio. James Sanders, Head of Industrial and Logistics at Firethorn, said: “This latest acquisition reflects our disciplined approach to logistics investment, targeting high quality assets that enable us to create long-term value. “Bardon is one of the UK’s most established logistics locations, ideally suited to large-scale occupiers demanding scale, connectivity, and access to skilled labour. This is an exciting project for Firethorn and we’re looking ahead to delivering best-in-class product in a proven core market. “We continue to actively target prime opportunities in the sector throughout the UK that will deliver strong returns for our shareholders, and respond to market demand.” Firethorn has commenced infrastructure delivery and expect to reach practical completion in 2027. Firethorn was advised by CBRE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building services contractor TClarke has reportedly withdrawn from its role on the major £4bn Agratas electric vehicle battery gigafactory currently under construction in Somerset. Industry sources suggest the company has stepped away from the mechanical and electrical delivery team on the vast Gravity Smart Campus development near Bridgwater, following growing difficulties in its working relationship with client Agratas, the Tata Group’s global battery manufacturing business. TClarke had originally been appointed alongside NG Bailey around 18 months ago as joint MEP delivery partners for the project, which is set to become the UK’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility once complete. According to insiders, tensions between Agratas and TClarke have intensified in recent months as the project moves closer to the start of major installation works. As a result, the contractor is understood to have redeployed staff previously assigned to the scheme to other projects across its business. NG Bailey is now expected to take on the majority of the MEP delivery package previously allocated to TClarke. A specialist contractor is also likely to be brought in to undertake the highly technical cleanroom installation works required for battery production. One industry source said the working relationship between the parties had become increasingly strained as the scheme progressed, ultimately leading to the two organisations parting ways. Sir Robert McAlpine continues to act as construction manager on the project, although its role has evolved into more of a project management function as Agratas engages directly with a number of major package contractors. The change in the supply chain comes shortly after a large-scale MEP “meet the buyer” event linked to the development and is expected to increase pressure on NG Bailey to expand its workforce to meet the demands of the installation programme. The gigafactory scheme has already experienced delays, although construction activity across the site is now accelerating. Steel contractor Severfield recently completed the structural frame for the first phase of the facility, allowing external cladding works to begin ahead of the next stage of MEP installation. Supporting infrastructure works are also progressing. Earlier this year Costain secured a £123m contract to design and construct a new junction on the M5 motorway to serve the site. The new connection, known as Junction 22A, forms part of a wider plan to support construction activity and future operations at the campus by improving access to the motorway network. Procurement activity is also underway to appoint a provider for the site’s water supply and wastewater infrastructure. When finished, the Gravity Smart Campus is expected to play a central role in the UK’s electric vehicle supply chain. TClarke declined to comment on the reported changes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A developer has been chosen to deliver a new 100% affordable neighbourhood at Birley Fields in Hulme following early engagement with local residents and stakeholders to understand their priorities for the site. Green community space also is at the heart of the development of the new neighbourhood, ensuring improved biodiversity across the site – including a new garden space, while existing trees will be retained and celebrated. Following a two-stage bidding process, Glenbrook has been named as the preferred developer to take forward an ambitious programme of investment to deliver a new residential-led development of genuinely affordable housing. The final tenure mix is expected to include options such as social rent, affordable/discounted rent and affordable home ownership, with details to be confirmed as proposals are refined. Engagement in early 2025 with local residents and stakeholders looked to create meaningful and long-term community involvement to help guide future investment at the site. The process highlighted a number of shared priorities, including: Current proposals set out an ambition to deliver 293 affordable homes, across a range of housing types to meet local need, alongside new high quality public spaces. These are emerging proposals and may evolve as designs are refined through engagement and the planning process. The development will take advantage of modern methods of construction and a fabric-first, low-energy design approach – supported by technologies such as air source heat pumps and solar panels, each contributing to a low‑carbon build. A green heart to the scheme is proposed through the Birley Community Garden – a generous shared space shaped around growing food, informal play spaces, community activity and improved biodiversity. A clear strategy has been set out for achieving a biodiversity net gain, including a combination of on-site enhancements and underpinned by an ecological assessment. Extensive planting will create ‘ecological corridors’ through the site that will create a welcoming green environment, enhancing the biodiversity of the site, where existing mature trees will be retained and celebrated. A largely car-free layout, supported by improved walking and cycling routes, reflects the community priorities around safety and clean air. While shared streets will bring about a day-to-day neighbourliness, supporting a sustainable long-term community of residents – including a new community corner that will provide space for a future creative hub and neighbourhood workspace. The specific uses for this space will be shaped further through ongoing engagement. The development will also have strong social value credentials, linking in with organisations already active in Hulme to support local groups and community-led initiatives – including Sow the City that will help design green spaces through the site, and Venture Arts that will contribute a mural within the scheme celebrating local creativity. The scheme is also expected to create 71 new full-time jobs, support 90 additional roles, and provide a Hulme bursary through Regeneration Brainery to provide an employment pathway into the construction industry for local young people. Glenbrook will now begin to refine emerging designs ahead of further public engagement, which will include the formation of a Community Engagement Collective that will help provide local insight and guide proposals ahead of a formal planning application. Cllr Bev Craig OBE, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Birley Fields site has been an underused site for many years, so it’s great to see proposals emerging with the level of ambition and vision that is being developed, as well as a clear commitment to improving biodiversity across the site. “Importantly, genuinely affordable homes – including social rent homes – are at the heart of this scheme, including quality green spaces and opportunities for the local community to come together. This approach has been guided by local people and it’s important that we continue to engage in the neighbourhood as the plans develop further. “This is a great scheme for Hulme, one that we know will meet local need and be a real credit to the community.” Jamie Sutton at Glenbrook, said: “We’re excited by the opportunity at Birley Fields and delighted to continue our partnership with Manchester City Council as their selected development partner. “The essence of Hulme is one of resilience and community spirit – a part of our city that has helped shape modern British music, design, and identity. As a developer, we are acutely aware of the responsibility we hold in delivering such an important scheme, one that provides considered architecture and public realm whilst responding to the needs of the wider community.” “ Over the coming months we will be reaching out and consulting with key stakeholders across the ward as we develop our initial concept in preparation of a planning application later this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals