London could be on the brink of a major office construction surge, with developers arguing that the right conditions are finally lining up – provided the planning system becomes more flexible. Fresh analysis from the London Property Alliance and Knight Frank suggests that modernising the capital’s ageing office stock could
Outlet Shopping at The O2 is closing out 2025 with a strong development push, securing a series of new lettings, first-time outlet formats and significant store upgrades across the scheme. Leading the latest wave of activity is Lovisa, which is making its debut in the outlet sector. The jewellery brand
Wrexham AFC have officially broken ground on the redevelopment of the Kop Stand at the STōK Cae Ras, marking the beginning of the full construction phase of one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the Club’s history. The ceremony, held on 4 December brought together representatives from the Club,
OCS has now formally completed the acquisition of EMCOR UK from EMCOR Group Inc. after clearing the UK regulatory process. This transaction brings together two of the UK’s largest hard services-led facilities services businesses, with unmatched engineering capabilities and established operations across the UK, supported by a clear focus on
Heidelberg Materials UK’s plans to build the UK’s first carbon capture facility at a cement works have taken another major step forward with the signing of an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract. The agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Worley continues the company’s working relationship with the
Tritax Big Box Developments (TBBD) has submitted a planning application to bring forward the next phase of development at Symmetry Park Rugby. The 1.4 million sq ft hybrid application includes a detailed proposal for a 300,000 sq ft logistics unit and the creation of Cawston Landscape Park (CLP), a 20-acre
Stoford has announced the launch of a new commercial electric vehicle (EV) charge park at Spa Park, Leamington Spa, in partnership with leading EV charging network Zapcharged. The facility on Spartan Close provides 26 EV charging bays and is one of the first commercial charge parks in Warwickshire. Designed to
Projects starting on-site show slight increase on back of office and industrial upticks Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the December 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of November 2025, focusing on underlying
Highcross Leicester has announced the opening of beauty retailer Superdrug, signalling continued brand confidence in the destination following a flurry of new additions in recent months. Together, these openings reinforce Highcross Leicester’s appeal to leading UK brands, and its position as a prime retail destination in the region. Superdrug’s new
Local people in the communities around SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett are set to benefit from investment in careers advice, employability training and wellbeing support as part of a newly launched Community Investment Plan by SEGRO, the developer of the former Radlett Aerodrome site The plan was developed in partnership with
London could be on the brink of a major office construction surge, with developers arguing that the right conditions are finally lining up – provided the planning system becomes more flexible. Fresh analysis from the London Property Alliance and Knight Frank suggests that modernising the capital’s ageing office stock could generate an £84 billion economic uplift and release £262 billion in investment value. Their new report, Space for Change: Office space dynamics in central London, highlights the scale of the challenge: between 2018 and 2023, London’s central activities zone (broadly the area covered by Underground zone 1) lost around 14 million square feet of office space. Over the next five years, the capital is expected to face an 11 million square foot shortfall. Much of the existing stock is no longer fit for purpose. The report notes that 56% of central London offices – around 147 million square feet – are rated as secondary space, offering ageing, lower-quality environments that will fall short of mandatory sustainability requirements by 2030. As a result, upgrading or redeveloping these buildings is becoming increasingly urgent. Vacancy rates for prime space have tightened considerably. Availability of top-tier offices is near historic lows, with just 0.8% of prime and 1.7% of Grade A space currently unoccupied. Only a dozen very large single-floor offices above 40,000 square feet – the sort favoured by major firms consolidating staff – are on the market. Demand from occupiers is strong. Companies are actively searching for 10 million square feet of space, around 7% above the long-term average, propelled chiefly by financial and professional services firms. While 15.4 million square feet of new offices are due to complete between 2025 and 2029, a significant share is already pre-let or situated outside the high-demand areas of the City and West End. This pipeline not only falls short of replacing space lost since 2018, it also fails to meet current or future requirements. Representing central London’s leading developers and investors, the London Property Alliance is calling for a shift in approach, arguing that major office projects should be treated as essential economic infrastructure. They say planning and regulatory processes should be streamlined to improve development viability. Developers report that viability is one of the biggest barriers they face, made worse by a complex and often costly planning framework. They want planning authorities to simplify regulations, reduce obligations and lower the financial burden placed on new schemes. Ross Sayers, chair of the City Property Association and head of development management at Landsec, noted that rising construction, labour and finance costs, combined with growing planning obligations, are putting many projects under pressure. He stressed the need for collaborative, pragmatic solutions to ensure central London remains a world-class business hub. James Raynor, chair of the Westminster Property Association and chief executive of Grosvenor Property, warned that ageing office stock threatens future supply without intervention. He believes that modernising these buildings through flexible, forward-looking planning policies could unlock significant economic growth while supporting net-zero goals and local communities. Shabab Qadar, Knight Frank’s head of central London research and author of the report, described a systemic problem in the office market: demand for high-quality space continues to rise, but supply cannot keep up as buildings are repurposed and planning hurdles restrict redevelopment. He argues that the case for upgrading London’s older office stock has never been stronger. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Outlet Shopping at The O2 is closing out 2025 with a strong development push, securing a series of new lettings, first-time outlet formats and significant store upgrades across the scheme. Leading the latest wave of activity is Lovisa, which is making its debut in the outlet sector. The jewellery brand has taken a 1,722 sq ft unit positioned between Dune London and Kurt Geiger. The new store will be fully fitted out to showcase Lovisa’s complete range of necklaces, earrings and rings, and will incorporate a dedicated area for piercing services. Also joining the line-up in its first outlet location is British heritage menswear brand T.M. Lewin. The retailer is set to broaden the menswear offer at The O2 with a new 1,827 sq ft unit, designed to accommodate its core formal and businesswear ranges. The Entertainer has opened its first outlet store in London within a 2,121 sq ft space at The O2. The new fit-out has been configured to house a wide selection of leading toy and games brands including LEGO, Barbie, Disney and Nintendo, reinforcing the scheme’s family offer. Adding a distinctive new concept to the tenant mix, art toy retailer POP MART has delivered a ‘roboshop’ adjacent to Mint Café. The installation brings POP MART’s vending machine model to an outlet environment for the first time, providing an automated retail unit designed to tap into the growing popularity of the ‘blind box’ format and offer a compact, high-impact addition to the mall. In a further vote of confidence, long-standing tenant New Balance is reinvesting in its presence at The O2. The sportswear brand is upsizing into a 3,129 sq ft unit that will be completely refurbished to showcase its latest global store concept, enhancing merchandising capacity and improving the overall customer journey. These construction, fit-out and expansion moves follow a strong trading period for Outlet Shopping at The O2, which recorded a 23% uplift in sales in November compared with 2024, alongside a 24% increase in footfall across the scheme. Louisa Dalgleish, leasing director at Outlet Shopping at The O2, said:“As a destination already anchored by leading retail brands, the fact that we continue to secure high-profile outlet debuts underlines the strength and momentum of the scheme. Our performance is driven by a collaborative landlord approach and a carefully curated tenant mix. The positive results throughout November demonstrate that demand remains robust, and Outlet Shopping at The O2 is firmly on the radar for brands looking to enter or expand within the outlet market.” This latest round of lettings and store investments follows the announcement that Guinness World Records will open its first permanent entertainment venue in the UK at The O2 in late 2026, in a 25,000 sq ft unit that will undergo a major fit-out to deliver an immersive experience. KLM and CBRE act as leasing agents for Outlet Shopping at The O2. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wrexham AFC have officially broken ground on the redevelopment of the Kop Stand at the STōK Cae Ras, marking the beginning of the full construction phase of one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the Club’s history. The ceremony, held on 4 December brought together representatives from the Club, Wrexham County Borough Council, McLaren Construction Midlands and North, the Welsh Government, Wrexham University alongside wider stakeholders from the Wrexham Gateway Partnership. The groundbreaking is a landmark moment in the long-awaited return of the Kop Stand and signals the transition from extensive early site preparation to the main build programme. The new stand, set for completion during the 2026/27 season, will restore the stadium to a four-sided configuration, increase capacity to just over 18,000 and enable the STōK Cae Ras to achieve UEFA Category 4 compliance. Since McLaren Construction’s appointment under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement earlier this year, the project team has completed a comprehensive suite of enabling works to prepare the historic site for full construction. These works have included establishing the early-phase compound and welfare facilities, completing the reduced-level dig and stabilised construction platform, installing the piling mat, relocating and upgrading hoarding, forming a permanent safe walkway from the Wrexham Lager Stand, creating construction access routes and crane platforms and commencing the piling operations that will continue into the early new year. Delivery of the main site offices and welfare accommodation has also been completed ahead of the full construction programme progressing. The project will now move into its principal construction period, with the breakout piles, casting of foundations all commencing through December and into January, and the start of reinforced concrete lift cores, that will support the new structural steel frame along with the foundation. Work will also progress on internal service ducting, drainage and preparation of the main ground floor slab. In early 2026, slip formed reinforced concrete cores will be constructed to provide stability for the roof structure. The steel frame, which comprises approximately 1,500 tonnes of steel including major long-lead tubular truss sections, is scheduled to begin rising from early spring. Installation of precast concrete terrace units will follow before roofing and façade works, internal fit-out and systems installation continue through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. The project team has worked closely with partners to address the complexities of building a major new stand within a live, operational and historically sensitive stadium environment. A detailed sequencing strategy has been developed to manage trade movements and construction operations within the tight site footprint, while logistics planning has been coordinated with Wrexham County Borough Council, Wrexham University and nearby businesses to minimise disruption. A comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plan underpins this process, ensuring that the construction programme is delivered safely and responsibly. The new Kop Stand will deliver modern concourses, improved accessibility routes, upgraded media and broadcast facilities, and enhanced back-of-house and matchday operations. Its design is being driven by UEFA standards, Safety Advisory Group requirements and the latest Green Guide principles, ensuring the new structure not only meets regulatory expectations but significantly enhances the supporter experience and long-term operational efficiency of the stadium. Joel Casstles, Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “The groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of an exciting phase for Wrexham AFC and for the city. The scale and complexity of the new Kop Stand are significant, especially on a historic and operational site, but the progress made to date means we are entering the main build with confidence. “This stand will transform the stadium and deliver a new gateway to Wrexham, which the whole community can be proud of. We are committed to ensuring the project creates local opportunities and leaves a lasting legacy for supporters and residents alike.” Michael Williamson, CEO of Wrexham AFC, said: “Breaking ground on the new Kop Stand is a hugely significant moment for the Club and our supporters. The Kop has always held deep importance, and today’s ceremony marks the beginning of its long-awaited return. Over the coming months, fans will see the structure take shape as we build a stand that enhances capacity, improves facilities and secures the future of the STōK Cae Ras as a top-tier venue for domestic, international football and other sporting and entertainment events.” Leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Mark Pritchard said “The new Kop Stand marks a significant step forward for the Wrexham Gateway. We’ve worked closely with the club and partners to help shape the project that will see enhancements to the ground and improvements in connectivity that will open up new opportunities. Once in use, the stand will be a great vantage point to witness historic domestic and international games here in Wrexham, the spiritual home of Welsh Football.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OCS has now formally completed the acquisition of EMCOR UK from EMCOR Group Inc. after clearing the UK regulatory process. This transaction brings together two of the UK’s largest hard services-led facilities services businesses, with unmatched engineering capabilities and established operations across the UK, supported by a clear focus on safety, quality and long-term customer partnerships. The acquisition follows the purchase of FES FM and FES Support Services in December 2024, further strengthening OCS in the UK hard services market and significantly enhancing our technical and engineering capability. The combined division will include more than 7,000 engineers and annual revenues exceeding £1 billion. This creates one of the largest hard services providers in the UK, with the scale, expertise and comprehensive UK coverage needed to support customers in complex and critical environments. The integration brings together long-standing expertise across defence, data centres, government, healthcare, life sciences and commercial property, serving customers in highly regulated and technical environments where performance, compliance and reliability are essential, supporting a hard services-led integrated FM approach across these sectors. The combined business will strengthen support in energy services and technology-led engineering, with recognised strengths in asset data, performance insight and predictive maintenance, which complements OCS’s established Energy Services team. Together, the organisation will support customers with energy management, decarbonisation plans, compliance, smart building controls and data-led engineering strategies that improve performance and resilience. Rob Legge, Group Chief Executive Officer of OCS, said: “This acquisition supports our ambition to build the best hard services-led facilities services business in the world, with the skills and scale to deliver what customers need across essential sectors. We are bringing together teams known for their technical depth and commitment to safety, which strengthens our ability to make people and places the best they can be” Daniel Dickson, UK and Ireland CEO of OCS, said: “Bringing these businesses together creates a stronger hard services platform for the UK, with deeper technical capability, wider sector coverage and enhanced engineering support for customers across complex and critical environments. The integration of our divisions will give colleagues more opportunities to develop and customers a broader range of integrated services across the UK. Our priority now is a smooth transition that protects service quality for every customer. Both organisations share similar values and a focus on people, so colleagues will continue to deliver with the same professionalism and care.” Cheryl McCall, Chief Executive Officer of EMCOR UK, said: “We are thrilled to join an organisation that shares our deep commitment to putting customers and our people at the heart of everything we do. The combined organisation will bring specialist skills to support customers in environments where performance, safety, and reliability matter every day. We look forward to working with teams across the business as we combine our strengths in Facilities Management, hard services, engineering excellence, and innovation across data insights, asset, and carbon management.” Over the coming months, teams across the business will work together to ensure a smooth integration and continued support for customers, guided by OCS’s mission to make people and places the best they can be. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heidelberg Materials UK’s plans to build the UK’s first carbon capture facility at a cement works have taken another major step forward with the signing of an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract. The agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Worley continues the company’s working relationship with the partners, who successfully completed the front-end engineering design (FEED) for the project at Padeswood in north Wales. Heidelberg Materials and the UK Government reached a final investment decision (FID) for the carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in September. The company has since been carrying out initial enabling works and the construction schedule is now set to move to the next phase. The facility is set to be operational in 2029, enabling the production of evoZero carbon captured near-zero cement. “This is the next major milestone in our plans to decarbonise cement production at our Padeswood cement works,” said Simon Willis, CEO at Heidelberg Materials UK. “The new facility will capture around 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year from our existing works and enable the production of evoZero, the world’s first carbon captured near-zero cement, on an industrial scale to help decarbonise the construction industry.” MHI is providing the carbon capture technology for the project while Worley will lead the EPCM delivery and provide support to infrastructure development, technology integration and commissioning. “We’re proud to be working alongside Heidelberg Materials and MHI to deliver a facility that will help transform cement production and support the UK’s net zero ambitions,” said Chris Ashton, Chief Executive Officer of Worley. “Our role in this project reflects our ability to enable sustainable industrial solutions and leverage our global expertise in delivery for complex energy and infrastructure projects.” Tatsuto Nagayasu, Senior Vice President (CCUS) of GX (Green Transformation) Solutions of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, said: “We are proud to support Heidelberg Materials in realizing the UK’s first full-scale carbon capture facility in the cement sector. Using our Advanced KM CDR Process™, this project will play a leading role in decarbonising one of the most challenging industrial sectors. Together with Worley, we look forward to delivering this landmark CCS facility that will contribute to the long-term resilience of UK industry and help fulfil the country’s net zero ambitions.” Heidelberg Materials’ plans at Padeswood are part of the HyNet North West decarbonisation cluster, which aims to create the world’s first low carbon industrial cluster through its development of a hydrogen and carbon capture and storage project. The carbon captured at Padeswood will be compressed and transported via an underground pipeline for secure storage under the seabed in Liverpool Bay. For more information about the project visit: Padeswood CCS Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tritax Big Box Developments (TBBD) has submitted a planning application to bring forward the next phase of development at Symmetry Park Rugby. The 1.4 million sq ft hybrid application includes a detailed proposal for a 300,000 sq ft logistics unit and the creation of Cawston Landscape Park (CLP), a 20-acre green space featuring new footpaths linked to existing public rights of way, communal orchards with edible planting, and levelled areas for informal sports and play. Symmetry Park is already home to Iron Mountain, which occupies 1 million sq ft. This initial commitment in 2022 marked the launch of its first UK campus to offer a wide range of services. In July this year, TBBD completed the letting of unit 5, a speculatively built 391,000 sq ft facility to a data management company on a 15-year lease. Two further speculatively developed facilities remain available comprising 338,064 sq ft (unit 6) and 170,473 sq ft (unit 7) on a leasehold basis. The buildings have been built to net-zero carbon in construction standards and have a BREEAM “Excellent” and EPC A+ rating. Joseph Skinner, development director at TBBD, explained: “Located at the heart of the logistics Golden Triangle, Rugby represents an established major distribution and manufacturing location. Organisations who choose to be based here can benefit from access to a highly skilled work force, as well as access to major infrastructure routes. The creation of the new park will provide addional amenities to the public and we look forward in working in partnership with local stakeholders to bring this forward. “With Iron Mountain already operating here and strong occupational market demand, we believe it is the opportune time to bring forward this next phase. Subject to planning approval, the site will be developed on a speculative / design and build basis with units up to 1 million sq ft available.” The site forms part of the wider South West Rugby Urban Extension which will also add 5,000 new homes, bringing forward further labour and amenity benefits. The project team includes Framptons Town Planning (Planning Consultants), EDP (Ecology and Landscaping), Stantec (Highways and Transport), Tier Consult (Civil and Structural Engineers), Rider Levitt Bucknall (Project Manager), McBains (Quantity Surveyor), Ridge (BREEAM), Basepower (Utilites) and MBA (M&E). Colliers International & ILP Partners are letting agents for Rugby. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stoford has announced the launch of a new commercial electric vehicle (EV) charge park at Spa Park, Leamington Spa, in partnership with leading EV charging network Zapcharged. The facility on Spartan Close provides 26 EV charging bays and is one of the first commercial charge parks in Warwickshire. Designed to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure, it supports occupiers, commercial fleet operators, and members of the public with reliable, high-speed charging. Operated by Zapcharged, the site is located within one of Leamington Spa’s most successful business parks. Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director at Stoford, said: “Spa Park continues to set the standard for sustainable business environments in the region. The delivery of this new EV charge park provides occupiers and visitors with the infrastructure they need to transition to cleaner transport. We’re proud to be partnering with Zapcharged on this important step towards decarbonising business travel and logistics in Warwickshire.” Zapcharged installs and operates fast and rapid EV chargers across the UK, providing management solutions for commercial and public sites. Commenting on the partnership, Nick Lewis of Zapcharged, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Stoford to bring EV charging to Spa Park. The chargers provide a valuable new amenity for occupiers and visitors, offering reliable, high-speed access that supports the shift to cleaner transport. We’re excited to build on this success at other sites across the region.” Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities, Warwickshire County Council, added: “It was a pleasure to attend the launch of the new EV charge park at Spa Park. As EV adoption accelerates in Warwickshire, this facility represents a significant step forward in supporting both local businesses transitioning to EV fleets, and employees seeking convenient workplace charging options.” Spa Park is a prime business park development off Tachbrook Road, near Junctions 14 and 15 of the M40. A joint venture between Stoford and a fund managed by BlackRock, it offers around 500,000 sq ft of premium office, R&D, production and distribution space. The park comprises nine state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable buildings, each rated BREEAM Excellent and EPC A. The final available unit, Unit E, provides 50,995 sq ft of high-quality accommodation and is immediately available to let. Current occupiers at Spa Park include Berry Global, Bladon Micro Turbines, Liberty Commodities, General Motors, Martin Sprocket & Gear, Opus International Products and Wickes. For more information about Spa Park, please contact retained agents Bromwich Hardy, CBRE and M1 Agency or visit: https://www.spapark.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Projects starting on-site show slight increase on back of office and industrial upticks Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the December 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of November 2025, focusing on underlying projects with a total value of £100 million or less (unless otherwise stated). All figures are seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. The December Construction Index indicates that whilst the sector is by no means out of the woods yet, there’s fresh hope for recovery with a modest 3% project-start increase registered in the three months to November. However, a sudden burst of activity, largely supported by spikes in office and industrial starts was not enough to prevent performance dipping 4% below 2024 levels. This shows that whilst the signs are encouraging, there’s plenty of lost ground to be made up after a tawdry year punctuated with dramatic episodes of policy confusion and ongoing economic turbulence. Many will be hoping that the eventual clarity delivered in last month’s Budget will solidify the Government’s intent, outlined initially during the Spring/Summer Spending Review, crystallising into a flurry of renewed activity across most, if not all, verticals. According to Glenigan’s Economics Director, Allan Wilen, “Whilst performance was generally weak in most areas of the construction industry, the decline was less severe than we’ve seen in other months, with three standout verticals: offices, industrial, and social housing pushing the overall sector back into positive figures during the Index period. Yes, these levels are lower than last year, but given the backdrop of volatile global markets, wild political speculation and policy false starts, the situation could’ve been a lot worse. He continues, “The Chancellor’s recent statement will have gone some way to reassuring contractors and subcontractors that the Government remains committed to the various capital projects and upgrades it promised earlier in the year. There will be industry-wide fingers-crossed that this materialises into concrete funding so shovels can be committed to the ground in earnest. All this going to plan will bear out the predictions we made last month in our Autumn Forecast, which indicates growth returning to UK construction in 2026 and 2027.” Taking a closer look at the results… Sector Analysis – Residential The Residential sector was a mixed bag, with plummeting activity in the private sector, offset by an impressive growth-spurt in social housing activity. Overall performance declined by 6% compared to the preceding three months and by 18% compared to 2024 figures, dragged down by private housing construction, dropping by 16% during the Index period and by 26% against the previous year. As above, Social Housing cushioned the comparative fall, rising 28% compared to the preceding three months to finish 11% up on the previous year. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential Similar to recent Indexes, office starts were the standout performer, experiencing yet another relatively strong period, rising by 56% compared to the preceding three months and 147% above the previous year. Much of this upsurge can be attributed to the commencement of major projects including the £85.9 million One Hanover Street office development for The Crown Estate in Mayfair, London, as well as various other smaller schemes. Likewise, the industrial sector also performed well, rising by a third (+33%) compared to the preceding three months, finishing almost two-thirds higher (+60%) than the previous year. Community and amenity project starts increased by 8% compared to the preceding three months, but posted a modest decline of 2% against the previous year. Civils work starting on-site increased by 4% against the preceding three months but declined by 1% against the previous year. Infrastructure work starting on-site increased 12% compared to the preceding three months and increased by 3% on the previous year. These positive figures were tempered by a dip in utilities activity where starts declined by 5% against the preceding three months and the previous year. Elsewhere, activity stagnation and decline were consistent. Hotel & Leisure fared worst, recording a 28% drop compared to the preceding three months, and 39% down against the previous year. The Health sector remained flat against the preceding three months, standing 24% lower than the previous year. Retail also declined 11% against the preceding three months, standing 22% lower than 2024 levels and Education experienced a poor period too, falling 4% against the preceding three months and declining 13% against the previous year. Regional Outlook Starts soared across the capital, experiencing the strongest performance of any region, rocketing by 77% compared to the preceding three months to stand 56% up against the previous year. The South West also performed well, rising by 15% against the preceding three months to stand 8% up on 2024 levels. The North East experienced a mixed performance, declining a mere 2% against the preceding three months but finishing an impressive 72% up against the previous year. Conversely, the West Midlands experienced a poor period, declining 13% against the preceding three months and falling 9% compared to last year. The South East performed poorly, posting an 11% decline against the preceding three months to stand 19% down against the previous year. The North West fared even worse, declining 17% against the preceding three months, resulting in a 24% drop against the previous year. Find out more about Glenigan here: www.glenigan.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Highcross Leicester has announced the opening of beauty retailer Superdrug, signalling continued brand confidence in the destination following a flurry of new additions in recent months. Together, these openings reinforce Highcross Leicester’s appeal to leading UK brands, and its position as a prime retail destination in the region. Superdrug’s new 8,800 sq ft store, located on the lower level of the mall, close to long-standing tenant Levi’s, showcases Superdrug’s vibrant range of beauty, health, and wellness products in its latest store format. Superdrug joins Highcross Leicester’s premium lineup of health and beauty brands, including Jo Malone, Lush, and Clarins. Highcross Leicester’s beauty category has continued to level up in recent months, with the opening of Space NK’s city debut, taking a 3,000 sq ft unit on the lower level, near Reiss. It stocks best-in-class beauty brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Rare Beauty, and Laura Mercier. Rituals also recently opened at the scheme, boasting its range of fragrances and must-have gift sets in its signature store layout. These openings build on the centre’s strong leasing momentum throughout 2025, adding more trusted beauty names to its tenant mix and appealing to the centre’s widespread catchment and diverse audience. Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, commented: “Superdrug joining the retail lineup at Highcross Leicester not only strengthens our already dynamic beauty offer, which has seen phenomenal demand this year, but also enables us to deliver more choice and convenience for our visitors. This opening reflects the ongoing confidence that leading brands have in our destination, marking another important step in our vision to enhance the shopping experience and appeal to a widespread demographic.” Clare Jennings, Property Director at Superdrug, added: “We’re thrilled to bring Superdrug to Highcross Leicester with the opening of our brand-new store. This spacious location reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in physical retail, enabling us to offer an even broader selection of products and services to shoppers. Designed to deliver a modern and engaging shopping experience, the store showcases leading health and beauty brands, a dedicated premium fragrance section, and our popular in-store Beauty Studio offering threading and waxing services. We’re also proud to support the community by creating 60 new jobs and contributing to Leicester’s long-term growth.” These openings follow leading retailer H&M reopening its newly fitted-out 24,400 sq ft store, which features the brand’s latest interior with the integration of self-checkouts and click-and-collect services. Other retail brands at Highcross Leicester include Zara, Mango, Next, and Urban Outfitters, anchored by a 230,000 sq ft John Lewis. Time Retail Partners and LM act on behalf of Highcross Leicester. Mason & Partners act on behalf of Superdrug. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local people in the communities around SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett are set to benefit from investment in careers advice, employability training and wellbeing support as part of a newly launched Community Investment Plan by SEGRO, the developer of the former Radlett Aerodrome site The plan was developed in partnership with seven community and education partners – Communities 1st, Emmaus, Mind in Herts, St Albans Foodbank, Citizens Advice Bureau, Oaklands College and SmallPeice Trust – to improve social inclusion and community wellbeing. The Community Investment Plan, which will be funded by SEGRO and supported by its suppliers and future customers, aims to achieve the following outcomes by the end of 2028: 1,000 students, including young people from local schools such as Batchwood and Links Academy, will benefit from a coordinated programme of careers advice, STEM and skills-based initiatives. SEGRO and its partners will help inspire young people to pursue rewarding careers in construction and logistics through career workshops, specialist insights and site visits. 300 local unemployed people supported through targeted employment and skills services. Working alongside local community partners, the programme will include volunteering opportunities, as well as helping participants build confidence, enhance digital skills and access routes into long-term, sustainable work. SEGRO is also funding a new CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) training centre at Oaklands College that will enable 650 construction learners and 120 adults seeking a job in the sector to prove they have the necessary training, qualifications and competence to work on a site. More than 300 residents will benefit from initiatives promoting physical and mental wellbeing, including expanded access to health and counselling services, nutrition and lifestyle workshops, and targeted support for those experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. Neil Impiazzi, Partnership Development Director, at SEGRO, said: “Through the Community Investment Plan, we want to create a lasting, positive change by supporting local people into employment, inspiring young people about careers in construction and logistics, and improving wellbeing across the community living area around SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett. “We know from our conversations with community partners there is increasing demand for their services from vulnerable members of the local community, and we’re happy to work in partnership to ensure we are benefitting residents that really need our support.” The Community Investment Plan covering the St Albans area forms part of SEGRO’s broader commitment to Invest in local communities and environments, boosting skills, training and employment, in the communities where it operates across the UK and Continental Europe. It builds on a series of pilot initiatives launched in 2024, including careers workshops and site visits for local students, as well as funding for educational equipment at Batchwood School and Links Academy. The success of the Community Investment Plan relies on collaboration, and the community partners are central to delivering programmes and initiatives that will have meaningful positive impact. Stephen Craker, Chief Executive, Communities 1st, said: “Our aim is to strengthen opportunities for people in the south of the district. SEGRO’s Community Investment Plan will enable the St Albans Community Partnership to extend practical help for those who will benefit from tailored training, structured pathways into work and wider wellbeing support. It will reinforce existing community networks and help create long-term prospects for local residents.” Chloe Hawkins, Director of Adult & Work Based Training, Oaklands College, said: “We’re delighted to partner with SEGRO on this initiative which will directly support our construction students and adult learners in a sector which is important to both our organisations. The new CSCS training centre it will fund will give more local people access to the essential qualifications they need to work safely and confidently on site, helping them take the next step in their careers and supporting the wider construction sector across our community.” SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett will deliver 335,000 sq m of state-of-the-art, sustainable logistics space, enabled by a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange on site, set within in 600 acres of managed woodland, conservation grazing and public country park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals