John Graham Construction has been confirmed as the main contractor for the development of the £80m Alkerden Academy, a significant addition to the Ebbsfleet Garden City in Kent. Set on an 11-hectare site within the Whitecliffe Eastern Quarry Development, Alkerden Academy will provide more than 2,200 primary and secondary school
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the landscape of facilities management (FM), according to global real estate advisor, CBRE. Early adopters of this evolving technology can expect to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs and improve the overall occupant experience. In its AI series, CBRE uncovers the ways facilities managers
New research has revealed that CEOs across key European countries are shifting timescales and investment around net zero goals as companies continue to grapple with balancing profitability and sustainability in a volatile energy market. The survey of 400 CEOs in charge of companies with turnover above €200m from across the
The North East region of Lovell has been appointed to Beyond Housing’s Development Contractor Framework. The arrangement means that the developer, which has its headquarters in Houghton le Spring, is in a prime position to bid for construction contracts worth more than £3 million with the affordable housing provider. Beyond
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 100th rapid charging station in Wales. The new hub at Capital Shopping Park in Cardiff features 10 charging bays equipped with state-of-the-art charge points compatible with every electric vehicle (EV)
Polypipe Building Services secured an order for more than 4,000 prefabricated drainage stacks to help transform an historic London site which is being redeveloped by Telford Homes. Mechanical and electrical contractor I-MEX (M&E) Ltd selected Terrain FUZE Stax for the Alperton Bus Depot site, a mixed-use development in Brent comprising of three
Two Imax Xtra 2 240kW Ideal Heating Commercial condensing boilers have been installed at Hull Maritime Museum as part of a major restoration project to the Grade 2* listed building. Dating back to 1871 when the building was Hull’s Dock Offices, the Hull Maritime Museum has been in operation since
Exciting new details have emerged for Project Edison, a high-tech data centre proposed by Elite UK REIT, which aims to transform a 39-acre site near the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Peel Park campus in Blackpool. With plans submitted to Fylde Council earlier this month, the project includes the
Associated British Ports (ABP) has secured 21 acres of land to support the ongoing expansion of the Port of Immingham, the UK’s largest port by tonnage. The newly acquired site, located along Humber Road and Rosper Road, has a live hybrid planning application in place, proposing up to 300,000 sq
Lidl, the popular German discount supermarket chain, has secured a landmark £70 million sale-and-leaseback deal to fund the development of 12 new stores across the United Kingdom. This strategic move is part of Lidl’s ambitious UK expansion plan, which aims to make affordable, high-quality groceries accessible to even more communities
John Graham Construction has been confirmed as the main contractor for the development of the £80m Alkerden Academy, a significant addition to the Ebbsfleet Garden City in Kent. Set on an 11-hectare site within the Whitecliffe Eastern Quarry Development, Alkerden Academy will provide more than 2,200 primary and secondary school places, making it one of the largest educational facilities in Kent. The campus will feature a five-storey secondary school with an eight-form entry and a two-storey primary school with a two-form entry. Designed to benefit both students and the local community, the development will include a community sports hall, extensive sports pitches, parking facilities, and access roads. Construction has already begun, with completion expected by July 2026. Graham’s client for this project, Eastern Quarry Limited (EQL), is a Henley Camland LLP venture—a partnership between Henley Investment Management and Camland Developments. Commenting on the project, Ian Rickwood, Chief Executive of Henley Investment Management, emphasised Alkerden Academy’s role as both an educational hub and a community sports facility. “This academy is central to our plans for Whitecliffe, where we are laying vital infrastructure to support both current and future residents in the community of 6,250 homes in Ebbsfleet Garden City,” he said. Pat O’Hare, Regional Director for Graham, highlighted the academy’s role within the Whitecliffe project, underscoring the positive impact it will have on local education and recreational opportunities. “Alkerden Academy is a cornerstone of the Whitecliffe development, and we’re proud to bring such a valuable resource to the Ebbsfleet Valley. Our team is committed to achieving the highest standards in sustainability and creating an inspiring environment for students and residents alike,” he added. The Alkerden Village area within Whitecliffe is set to offer around 1,700 new homes, along with a market centre featuring amenities such as a supermarket, gym, and Alkerden Academy itself. As the master developer of Whitecliffe, Henley Camland is transforming the 267-hectare former quarry site into three distinct villages—Alkerden, Ashmere, and Castle Hill—each contributing to the wider Ebbsfleet Garden City vision. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the landscape of facilities management (FM), according to global real estate advisor, CBRE. Early adopters of this evolving technology can expect to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs and improve the overall occupant experience. In its AI series, CBRE uncovers the ways facilities managers can use AI to streamline processes and ultimately deliver greater value to clients and occupants. One key use of the technology is data analysis. AI can streamline workflows and reduce errors, leading to higher quality outcomes and better overall performance. Machine learning AI algorithms can analyse and interpret vast amounts of data quickly, providing valuable insights that can help in decision-making and strategic planning for FM. By linking datasets from many different sources, such as asset optimisation, risk and energy performance, AI gives a simultaneous and holistic view of a building or estate’s performance. Looking at many datasets at the same time, rather than viewing them in silos, enables facilities managers to improve service across a range of indicators – such as optimising performance, reducing cost or reducing carbon emissions. This 360-degree estate analysis enables facilities managers to work more collaboratively with their clients and colleagues to deliver an enhanced service. In addition, AI has the power to significantly transform the workload of facilities managers by undertaking repetitive tasks, like reviewing occupancy data for workplace comfort and adjusting building maintenance systems. Taking advantage of administrative efficiencies could speed-up many processes and deliver faster resolutions for clients. This also allows employees more time to focus on more complex, creative, and business-critical tasks – thereby enhancing job satisfaction and overall productivity. With net zero deadlines approaching, there is increased focus on what AI and emerging technologies can do to accelerate progress. Smart systems that use AI can study patterns in a building’s energy usage and suggest tactics for decreasing consumption. By optimising lighting schedules, heating, ventilation and air conditioning according to occupancy and other external factors, machine learning algorithms can result in substantial energy savings. Jennet Siebrits, Head of UK Research at CBRE, said: “AI is at the forefront of technological innovation, driving advancements in sustainability and data. By integrating new technologies into operations, facilities managers can adapt to changing market trends and offer more innovative solutions to their clients. Those who can bridge theoretical knowledge with practical implementation, while managing the ongoing risks, will be able to most significantly capitalise on the benefits of AI.” Ben Taylor, Global Digital & Technology Lead at CBRE GWS Local, added: “It is not often that a technology arrives with such transformative potential. At CBRE we are committed to utilising AI in facilities management for the benefit of our clients, teams and our stakeholders. We will ensure that every space we manage is smarter, more sustainable, and tailored to the evolving needs of the people who use them.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New research has revealed that CEOs across key European countries are shifting timescales and investment around net zero goals as companies continue to grapple with balancing profitability and sustainability in a volatile energy market. The survey of 400 CEOs in charge of companies with turnover above €200m from across the UK, Germany, France and Italy – commissioned by energy solutions specialist Aggreko – revealed the majority of respondents (95%) have changed their net zero timescales in light of energy supply and pricing issues. As other pressures face leaders, only 12% of respondents claimed that speed of decarbonisation was their top priority, with most claiming reducing energy costs and delivering commercial advantage were among the top priorities. The research – presented in Aggreko’s latest report Rebalancing the Energy Transition – has also revealed that intention to invest in energy transitions is still present, with 80% expecting to increase investment in the next 12 months. However as balancing cost and commercial viability with ESG goals continues to pose a challenge, most investment increase will only be marginal. With access to finance being a challenge, Aggreko is raising the need for companies to lean on their supply chains to help meet the requirements of the energy transition in the timescales needed – all while balancing profitability with ESG goals. The company has launched this latest report to give leaders insights for navigating the energy transition into the future. Robert Wells, Aggreko’s Europe President, said: “It is not surprising that our research has uncovered leaders across Europe are looking for change when it comes to their energy supply chain. In a tough economic landscape, grid instability and connection delays, price uncertainty and looming ESG targets are impacting many businesses’ energy transitions. “With appetite for decentralisation and alternative power agreements on the rise, we have launched our report to help leaders understand the market and how it is evolving, in addition to the procurement methods at their disposal. Key to this is providing access to solutions that ensure that high energy using industries can remain profitable during their energy transition without compromising on ESG commitments. Supporting energy intensive businesses across Europe with access to the latest renewable technologies, alternative procurement agreements and expertise to correctly implement it is central to Aggreko’s sustainability framework, Energising Change. In addition to guiding its own energy transition, the framework is designed to support the transition to a renewable energy infrastructure while at the same time enabling sectors such as manufacturing, construction data centres, utilities and infrastructure and petrochemical refineries to meet net zero goals. Wells added: “We are a strategic supply chain partner to organisations across Europe. Working closely with many customers from energy intensive industries, we have already been working to develop renewable energy developments, establish alternative power agreements and make technologies available for projects imminently. Particularly when capital is at a premium, supporting customers with controlling costs and energy supply will remain a key part of ensuring a smooth energy transition.” For more information and to read Rebalancing the Energy Transition, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The North East region of Lovell has been appointed to Beyond Housing’s Development Contractor Framework. The arrangement means that the developer, which has its headquarters in Houghton le Spring, is in a prime position to bid for construction contracts worth more than £3 million with the affordable housing provider. Beyond Housing is one of the largest registered housing providers in the North East and North Yorkshire, which currently provides 15,000 homes to 30,000 customers. The organisation has a development strategy to develop or acquire 2,750 homes by 2030. Contracts awarded under the four-year framework will predominantly be for affordable new-build houses, flats and bungalows but may also include conversion/remodelling contracts, associated public realm works, buildings associated with sustainable neighbourhoods and commercial small-scale enterprise and regeneration projects. Phil Jones, Head of Land and Partnerships at the North East region of Lovell, said: “Our selection for Beyond Housing’s Development Contractor Framework is testament to our understanding of the construction market, housing for sale, intermediate and social housing and ability to assist in the delivery of projects on time and to budget. In addition, we have the expertise, the demonstrable skills and experience of delivering large, often phased, projects of this nature. “As one of the most experienced new-build contractors in the UK, we have been building for the affordable housing sector for more than 50 years. Whether for housing associations or local authorities, we are the partner of choice for many clients and are very pleased to have been selected as a preferred supplier to bid for construction contracts by Beyond Housing. “This exciting new relationship clearly demonstrates the potential that we have here within the team at the North East region of Lovell to grow and to expand our level of operations across the region.” Karen Howard, Development Manager at Beyond Housing, said: “The framework is a strategic partnership between Beyond Housing, Broadacres Housing Association, and North Star Housing Group. “The organisations will manage the framework together, sharing their expertise to deliver high-quality housing and development projects. Each association will tender their contract opportunities through its own procurement portal, making the process clear and open to all, while encouraging new ideas from development partners. “Beyond Housing is excited to collaborate with Lovell as we work to deliver our ambitious development programme of affordable rent and low cost home ownership options, together with our outright sales programme through our sales subsidiary Viola Homes. We look forward to utilising Lovell’s extensive experience to help us create thriving communities that meet the diverse needs of our customers.” To find out more about Lovell, visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 100th rapid charging station in Wales. The new hub at Capital Shopping Park in Cardiff features 10 charging bays equipped with state-of-the-art charge points compatible with every electric vehicle (EV) model on the market today. The Cardiff Shopping Park hub provides a variety of charging options for EV owners. With eight 300kW DC chargers, drivers can add up to 100 miles of range in just 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the vehicle and battery capacity. For those planning a longer visit, two slower AC chargers are also available. Osprey Charging now operates the largest number of rapid charge points in Wales, with over 100 in operation. In 2024 so far, the company has installed more than 40 new rapid and ultra-rapid charge points in the region, contributing to better air quality, lower noise pollution and supporting local decarbonisation efforts. This Capital Shopping Park hub reflects Osprey’s ongoing commitment to expanding Wales’ EV infrastructure. With simple payment options that include contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and RFID card payments, as well as payments through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards, this new installation arrives in south Wales just weeks after Osprey opened a hub in the north of the country at Billy Jeans Café in Holywell. Two more rapid charging hubs are also set for launch before the end of the year, underscoring Osprey’s rapid expansion throughout Wales. “We are proud to be at the forefront of Wales’ EV transition,” said Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging. “With over 1,200 charging bays across the UK, including more than 100 charge points in Wales, the opening of our Capital Shopping Park hub in Cardiff is an important step in our mission to provide reliable and accessible rapid charging for all drivers wherever they live. This hub not only helps meet the immediate needs of those with EVs but also plays a crucial role in our broader commitment to building a future-proof network across the UK.” Osprey has a long-standing history of supporting the growth of EV infrastructure in Wales. In 2020, the company partnered with Cardiff Council to install 12 rapid charging stations in Cardiff city centre, marking a pivotal moment in their commitment to regional development. Osprey’s continued investment in the region will ensure that more areas have access to high-quality charging facilities as the country works towards the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles. All of Osprey’s charging stations, including those at Capital Shopping Park, are powered by 100% renewable energy. By funding the installation and continuing to oversee the operation and maintenance of the chargers, Osprey ensures charge point reliability for all EV drivers. As a multi-award-winning network, Osprey has been recognized as a Zap-Map ‘Driver Recommended Network’ for the fourth consecutive year, with its locations consistently rated highly for safety and accessibility by the independent inspection body ChargeSafe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polypipe Building Services secured an order for more than 4,000 prefabricated drainage stacks to help transform an historic London site which is being redeveloped by Telford Homes. Mechanical and electrical contractor I-MEX (M&E) Ltd selected Terrain FUZE Stax for the Alperton Bus Depot site, a mixed-use development in Brent comprising of three high-rise blocks of commercial, residential, and affordable housing providing 461 homes. The development is due to be completed by June 2025. Terrain FUZE Stax significantly reduces installation times in large-scale drainage stack projects. This is because as a prefabricated solution covering the most common configurations of kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms, it removes the time spent on repetitive cutting and welding jobs or assembling loose components. Being available to order through distributors meant I-MEX (M&E) Ltd were able to order product and have it delivered within a month of them starting work on site. Robert Bruce, Polypipe Building Services Technical Sales Manager for London, said: “I-MEX (M&E) Ltd were looking for a versatile drainage stack, and liked the fact that Terrain FUZE Stax offers two four-way bosses on the same stack and can be used in multiple situations. “The fast turnaround needed to keep up with the build program made Terrain FUZE Stax an ideal choice because we keep these in stock with our distributors so there’s a short lead time. “We also worked out a complete delivery schedule with them which means their installation team can call down so many floors for delivery to site at a time through their distributor as they need them. “The fact Stax come in two parts makes them easy to install, especially where fire collars are already fitted into the slab. Previously I-MEX (M&E) Ltd had been cutting stacks in two to fit them then fabricate them back together. “Now they are installing Stax so quickly at a level per day that we’ve had to speed up their delivery schedule. Our Advantage team has also helped adapt the Terrain FUZE Stax being used in the bathrooms because I-MEX (M&E) Ltd needed a ring seal fitting to one of the outlets.” To give the installation team complete peace of mind Polypipe Building Services were able to conduct a site visit to check the standard of the drainage product installation and produce a report for I-MEX (M&E) Ltd to present to Telford Homes. This is increasingly being requested by responsible contractors from construction product manufacturers following the implementation of the Building Safety Act. Dan Smailes, Commercial Director Prefabrication at I-MEX (M&E) Ltd, said: “Prefabrication is at the forefront of what I-MEX (M&E) Ltd have been doing over the last seven years, and the introduction of Polypipe FUZE Stax came at the perfect time for us to be able to utilise it on this project. “We have previously worked alongside Polypipe Building Services to complete traditional prefabrication pieces on other projects using their standard drainage stacks and had adjusted them to make installation easier, but moving forward we will continue to use the two-part FUZE Stax on all our sites.” For more information about the commercial drainage products and prefabrication service at Polypipe Building Services go to www.polypipe.com/this-is-our-terrain Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two Imax Xtra 2 240kW Ideal Heating Commercial condensing boilers have been installed at Hull Maritime Museum as part of a major restoration project to the Grade 2* listed building. Dating back to 1871 when the building was Hull’s Dock Offices, the Hull Maritime Museum has been in operation since 1975 and had been heated by the same cast iron section boiler for the last 30 years. The boiler had not only outlived its natural working lifespan, but was also energy inefficient. With building services being replaced and updated throughout the museum as part of a restoration project that began in 2020, the old boiler has now been replaced by two Imax Xtra 2 240kW boilers installed in cascade on a prefabricated header kit. The Imax Xtra 2 range of floor standing condensing boilers from Ideal Heating Commercial provide up to 97.7% full load efficiency and up to 108.2% part load efficiency, and have a high 5:1 turndown, making them highly energy efficient. Installing the boilers in cascade, as at Hull Maritime Museum, makes for an even more energy efficient solution as they have a higher modulation ratio than a single larger boiler, so there is less need for each individual boiler to cycle on and off to meet changing demands for heating over a day. Up to four Imax Xtra 2 boilers can be installed in a cascade for an output up to 1120kW Imax Xtra 2 boilers can operate at up to 30°C ΔT, and five of the six models – including the 240kW – operate at 26mg/kWh on natural gas. As with all Ideal Heating Commercial boilers, they are built to last and feature a robust cast aluminium silicon alloy heat exchanger. Imax Xtra 2 boilers are also highly compact with a small footprint to fit through standard doorways. All these factors played an important role in the specification of the new boilers, but a further factor which sealed the deal for the client was that Imax Xtra 2 boilers are proudly manufactured in Hull! The heating contractor on this project, family-owned HF Brown & Son Ltd. that has been in business since 1947, is a long-standing Ideal Heating Commercial customer, who has used the company’s full range of boilers extensively. Managing Director Nick Brown is satisfied with this latest installation: “The whole install appears to be working well and the boilers were an ease to install. The service and support from Ideal Heating was very good as usual.” Hull Maritime Museum is expected to reopen in 2026. For more information on Ideal Heating Commercial, visit https://www.idealcommercialheating.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Exciting new details have emerged for Project Edison, a high-tech data centre proposed by Elite UK REIT, which aims to transform a 39-acre site near the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Peel Park campus in Blackpool. With plans submitted to Fylde Council earlier this month, the project includes the construction of two data centre buildings and a 400-space multi-storey car park, paving the way for cutting-edge infrastructure that could redefine Blackpool’s role in the digital economy. The ambitious plans detail two 20-metre-tall data centre buildings covering a combined 157,000 square feet, which will house “multiple data halls accommodating approximately 600 racks” of server infrastructure each. These facilities will replace an existing surface-level car park at the site, creating a need for new parking solutions for DWP staff. To address this, Elite UK REIT has proposed a multi-storey car park that would support the data centre and DWP employees, though demand is expected to drop as around 1,000 DWP staff are scheduled to relocate to Blackpool’s town centre next year. Elite UK REIT selected this location for its prime connection to the North Atlantic Loop, a high-speed subsea fibre optic cable linking the USA, UK, and Ireland. This connectivity promises fast and reliable internet speeds, boosting Blackpool’s appeal to data-centre operators and tech firms. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to Silicon Sands, a 40-acre tech cluster planned within the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, designed to attract data-driven industries to the Fylde Coast. According to consultancy Cassidy + Ashton, Project Edison “will position the Fylde Coast at the cutting edge of AI development, supporting the economic ambitions of the Blackpool Enterprise Zone.” To find out more, search reference number 24/0516 on Fylde Council’s planning portal. The project team includes Cassidy + Ashton, KeySource, TTSP, Murphy Geospatial, SLR, GEA, and Bowland Ecology, all working to bring this landmark development to life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Associated British Ports (ABP) has secured 21 acres of land to support the ongoing expansion of the Port of Immingham, the UK’s largest port by tonnage. The newly acquired site, located along Humber Road and Rosper Road, has a live hybrid planning application in place, proposing up to 300,000 sq ft of new industrial buildings or 16 acres for open industrial storage. North Lincolnshire Council planners are expected to make a decision on the application soon. Andrew Dawes, Director of Humber Ports, commented: “Acquiring this strategic site on the western edge of the Port of Immingham is essential to extending our footprint and ensuring that the Port can continue to grow in line with the needs of our customers on the Humber. As the nation’s busiest port by volume, Immingham handles around 46 million tonnes of cargo each year, making this expansion critical to maintaining our role as a gateway to Keep Britain Trading.” ABP’s Head of Property, Greg Lacey, added: “This acquisition is another significant step for the UK’s largest port by tonnage, following our purchase of the Stallingborough Interchange last year. We’re seeing high demand for warehousing to support traditional bulk cargos as well as industrial open storage. With its proximity to major players like Phillips 66 and Prax, the site could play an important role in broader energy projects focused on generation and storage. This aligns with ABP’s mission to Enable the Energy Transition and contribute to the Humber’s decarbonisation.” The new acquisition underscores ABP’s commitment to enhancing the Port of Immingham’s capacity to meet growing demand, positioning it as a central hub for the UK’s industrial and energy sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lidl, the popular German discount supermarket chain, has secured a landmark £70 million sale-and-leaseback deal to fund the development of 12 new stores across the United Kingdom. This strategic move is part of Lidl’s ambitious UK expansion plan, which aims to make affordable, high-quality groceries accessible to even more communities nationwide. To bring this vision to life, Lidl has teamed up with Roadside Real Estate and Meadow Real Estate Fund, who have formed a joint venture to acquire these new stores upon completion. Under the agreement, Lidl will continue to manage and operate each location, allowing the retailer to strengthen its UK presence while unlocking capital to fuel further growth. Initially, Lidl acquired land and planning permissions for each of the 12 strategic sites. Once construction is complete, Roadside Real Estate will acquire the stores, leasing them back to Lidl under a 25-year contract. This flexible capital arrangement allows Lidl to grow its network while maintaining a robust operational foothold in key communities. The funding deal sees the joint venture contributing an initial £30 million, with a further £40 million to be provided upon the stores’ completion between late October 2024 and February 2025. These new additions will bolster Lidl’s current network of over 960 UK stores, solidifying its position as a major player in the British retail sector. Richard Taylor, Lidl GB’s Chief Development Officer, stated: “We have big ambitions for our expansion, including plans to open hundreds more Lidl stores in the future. This deal is just the latest example of how we’re continuing to grow our footprint, ensuring that more households can benefit from a Lidl store nearby. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with Roadside, Meadow, and the JV.” Charles Dickson, Executive Chairman at Roadside, added: “The Lidl portfolio perfectly demonstrates the JV’s strategy, swiftly providing targeted capital to support tenant expansion while generating management fees and opening up further income opportunities.” George Trimmer from Savills commented, “This is a valuable opportunity to forward fund the construction of 12 supermarkets let to Lidl. The 25-year leases not only provide long-term income stability with annual indexation but also enable Lidl GB Limited to unlock capital while retaining operational control.” This sale-and-leaseback arrangement is a testament to Lidl’s commitment to sustainable growth, combining an innovative funding model with operational stability. By leveraging real estate partnerships, Lidl is accelerating its store expansion across the UK, continuing its mission to invest in quality and affordability for British customers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
