More than 71,000 sq ft of refurbished industrial space in St Helens due to hit pipeline Real estate advisor, CBRE has been jointly instructed alongside LM6 on a new warehouse scheme at Eurolink 7 in St Helens. The development by Tandem Investments will deliver 71,000 sq of fully refurbished industrial
Caledonia Housing Association (CHA) has welcomed Ross Carlin as Executive Director of Finance. Ross will lead the development of CHA’s financial and treasury management strategy ensuring long term sustainability, while also overseeing IT and business improvement functions, driving growth, innovation and transformation across the organisation. Ross is a Chartered Accountant
Latest loan brings combined total financing commitments to £1.1 billion Eldridge Real Estate Credit, the real estate investing strategy of Eldridge Capital Management, and Vita Group, a leading UK and European developer and operator of premium student and residential co-living brands, today announced the continued expansion of their long-standing partnership.
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard will support the National Trust in meeting its net zero and other sustainability targets, after being selected to provide built heritage services for the conservation charity. Appointed under the Building Surveying Associate Model, Pick Everard’s specialist culture and heritage team will work alongside the National Trust to protect
HiiLIFE, a bespoke technology provider to the property sector, recently completed an audio-visual (AV) installation at The Store House, a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Leeds, to coincide with the start of the 2025 academic year.
Whether working in quarries, infrastructure projects or large-scale earthworks, customers choosing between Rokbak’s robust RA30 and high-capacity RA40 can rely on expert guidance from the Scottish articulated hauler manufacturer’s product team. While both models share Rokbak’s hallmark durability, product manager Graeme Blake details the differentiating factors when selecting the optimal
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Social Infrastructure, has secured two major contracts totalling £14 million with Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (bdht), to enhance and decarbonise social housing across the Midlands. bdht is a registered provider of
Verdion has joined forces with Legal & General’s Industrial Property Investment Fund (IPIF) to secure a prime urban logistics development site in the West Thamesmead Opportunity Area, marking the first collaboration between the two organisations. The 2.6-acre brownfield plot on Nathan Way, within the West Thamesmead/Plumstead Industrial Area and designated
Ikea has chosen The Boulevard in Banbridge for its first-ever outlet store in Northern Ireland, rounding off a landmark year of expansion for Ikea UK & Ireland. The 2,691 sq ft pop-up store, which will trade until spring 2026, is designed as a convenient hub for planning services, home furnishings
Willmott Dixon has secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, paving the way for a £136m regeneration of Luton town centre. Known as The Stage, the flagship scheme will be delivered through the Southern Construction Framework and will transform the former Bute Street Shoppers car park into a
More than 71,000 sq ft of refurbished industrial space in St Helens due to hit pipeline Real estate advisor, CBRE has been jointly instructed alongside LM6 on a new warehouse scheme at Eurolink 7 in St Helens. The development by Tandem Investments will deliver 71,000 sq of fully refurbished industrial units with Unit 4 completed and the remaining units due to complete in the New Year. The former manufacturing facility, located close to J7 of the M62 at St Helens, will be comprehensively refurbished to a high standard to deliver a multi-let industrial site with 6 distinct units ranging from 14,850 sq ft to 37,350 sq ft. Availability for potential occupiers includes Unit 1, (37,350 sq ft) with up to 9m eaves; Unit 3 (14,850 sq ft) and Unit 4 (19,020 sq ft). Each unit will benefit from large dedicated service yards. In addition, Units 1 and 4 have the potential to be let with an open storage area extending to 0.68 acres. Tandem has already secured curtain maker and retailer RB Furnishings on the first unit (5) on site, comprising 8,850 sq ft. Darren Hill, Director, CBRE said: “Eurolink 7 will provide for some much needed high quality, second hand refurbished industrial/warehouse space in a market where we are seeing extremely constrained supply in the sub 50,000 sq ft bracket. In addition to the quality of the specification, the units will benefit from large dedicated service yards, with the ability to acquire an additional 0.68 acres of external storage if required. This represents a key USP for occupiers and is a major attribute in addition to the strategic location within minutes of Jn 7 of the M62” CBRE have been appointed jointly alongside Tony O’Keefe at LM6. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caledonia Housing Association (CHA) has welcomed Ross Carlin as Executive Director of Finance. Ross will lead the development of CHA’s financial and treasury management strategy ensuring long term sustainability, while also overseeing IT and business improvement functions, driving growth, innovation and transformation across the organisation. Ross is a Chartered Accountant with extensive leadership experience in the financial services sector. He held several senior finance positions at Morgan Stanley before joining Baillie Gifford Investment Management Europe as Chief Financial Officer, later progressing to Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer. Ross Carlin said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be joining Caledonia Housing Association as they take the next exciting step in their journey. As a strong, values-driven organisation with a clear commitment to improving the lives of its tenants, I’m looking forward to collaborating with the talented team to strengthen financial strategy, drive business transformation, and ensure long-term sustainability that benefits the communities we serve. Supporting Caledonia’s continued mission to deliver high-quality, affordable homes and build thriving communities is a truly exciting opportunity.” Welcoming Ross to the organisation, Julie Cosgrove, Chief Executive, said: “Ross is a welcome and exciting addition to CHA’s executive management team, with the leadership, strategic and financial skills, knowledge and experience which are vital to the delivery of our growth and improvement plans. Ross joins us at a critical time as we develop our new Business Plan, “Shaping the Future”, which will continue to focus on providing high quality affordable housing, building new homes, regenerating communities and meeting the needs of our tenants.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Latest loan brings combined total financing commitments to £1.1 billion Eldridge Real Estate Credit, the real estate investing strategy of Eldridge Capital Management, and Vita Group, a leading UK and European developer and operator of premium student and residential co-living brands, today announced the continued expansion of their long-standing partnership. This marks their tenth transaction, with a combined total of £1.1 billion in financing commitments. Since 2020, Eldridge and Vita Group have partnered on ten developments across purpose-built student accommodation (“PBSA”) and co-living, delivering more than 7,500 beds across the UK and Spain. The partnership has helped scale Vita’s investment-grade living platform, which unites development, operations, and brand to deliver high-quality, service-led assets across Europe’s key cities. Each brand within the Group responds to a different stage of modern urban life, together meeting the growing demand for high-quality, experience-driven living. Eldridge Real Estate Credit focuses on investing in opportunities throughout the US, UK, and Europe, including term, construction, transitional, and special situation opportunities across the capital structure. The platform has originated over $10 billion in loans, leveraging an experienced team with a disciplined approach seeking to create long-term value. “Over the past five years, our partnership with Vita has been a testament to our shared vision and commitment to long-term success,” said Graham Keable, Managing Director at Eldridge Capital Management. “This tenth transaction together not only underscores Vita’s proven expertise in the space, but also reinforces our confidence in the continued growth and resilience of the UK and European living sector.” “The developments we’ve delivered together have consistently outperformed benchmarks, validating the strength of our model across student and co-living assets,” said Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer at Vita Group Our relationship is a powerful example of how long-term financing partnerships, combined with our integrated approach to design, development, and operation, address a clear market need and deliver sustainable value.” Backed by ongoing undersupply and continued strong international student demand, Eldridge and Vita have delivered high-quality PBSA assets in a high-growth market. The teams believe their partnership demonstrates best-in-class execution, combining stable returns and robust downside protection underpinned by resilient credit structuring. The latest transaction is a £146.1 million senior development loan for Vita Student First Street, an 861-bed PBSA scheme in Manchester’s First Street regeneration area. Construction is already underway following Building Safety Act approval, with completion targeted for June 2028 ahead of the 2028/29 academic year. The 170,000 sq ft development expands Vita Student’s presence in Manchester, where its existing developments maintain occupancy rates of 95 to 99 percent. “We are delighted to complete this plot sale to Vita which will continue the delivery of the First Street masterplan at this strategic gateway into the city,” said John Hughes, Managing Director at Ask Real Estate, the landowner and developer of the First Street Estate. Now one of Manchester’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, this latest Vita development will further add to the exciting mix of businesses and residents already located at First Street, all of which are supported by a rich blend of amenities and facilities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard will support the National Trust in meeting its net zero and other sustainability targets, after being selected to provide built heritage services for the conservation charity. Appointed under the Building Surveying Associate Model, Pick Everard’s specialist culture and heritage team will work alongside the National Trust to protect and care for its historic environment. It will assess and advise across mansion properties, let estates and in-hand buildings in the charity’s stewardship, and prepare low impact and future proofed specifications for conservation repairs, retrofit upgrades, as well as access and infrastructure improvements. Maintaining safety, quality and function of sites cared for by the charity are among the key goals of the work. In this, Pick Everard’s role will be to support strategic conservation by balancing these outcomes with the enhanced sustainability performance of its buildings and structures. Pick Everard will provide contract administration, building surveying, principal designer (CDM and Building Regulations), sustainability, and project management services across all regions in England and Wales. Headed up by Strategic Account Director, Matthew Appleton, Pick Everard’s heritage building surveying team has an excellent reputation for delivering solutions that ensure heritage sites meet modern day standards, preserve and enhance their significance, and prepare them for our future world. He said: “Some of the UK’s most treasured sites are in the care of the National Trust. By sharing our expertise and experience, we look forward to helping preserve and protect the nations heritage. “Taking into account the new generation of environmental and social challenges ahead of us, we will offer advice and guidance to support the National Trust in its aim of keeping historic places open to everyone now, and for future generations.” The National Trust estate is a diverse mix of historic sites, coastline and green spaces including more than 500 houses, castles, parks and gardens. In total the charity owns and cares for more than 28,500 buildings and structures – one of the largest, most varied and most significant collections of built structures anywhere in Europe. Tim Danson, Director of Sustainability and Energy at Pick Everard, added: “The National Trust has a target to meet carbon net zero by 2030, and to embed climate change adaptation in its decision making. We are thrilled to be in a position to help the Trust deliver its charitable purpose by embedding industry best practice approaches for sustainability on our heritage assets. “Our collaboration with the National Trust will also provide added value through knowledge sharing, CPD opportunities and work placements, helping to create lasting positive legacies for our client, the communities in which we work, and the wider environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HiiLIFE, a bespoke technology provider to the property sector, recently completed an audio-visual (AV) installation at The Store House, a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Leeds, to coincide with the start of the 2025 academic year. The Store House includes 369 en-suite bedrooms, which comprise a mix of studios and cluster flats, and amenity areas that accommodate a variety of uses to support productivity, wellness, and entertainment. HiiLIFE was appointed by Manner and worked closely with Orange Electrical and HG Construction to deliver comprehensive AV solutions across all amenity areas. This included co-working spaces and private study rooms, gym studio, games hub, cinema lounge, and a karaoke room. The advanced solutions installed have created a high-end, immersive technology experience that elevates the resident experience. HiiLIFE’s AV installation in the cinema lounge includes a high-performance projection and audio system. The technical solution also included the Control4 platform, which allows users to control lighting, sound, and video via a single touchpad display, offering both accessibility and ease of use. The gym studio is equipped with a fully integrated audio system and multiple displays, allowing users to connect and control the system from their personal devices. The games hub features consoles and high-definition displays, creating a space where residents can relax and socialise. HiiLIFE also installed a comprehensive AV set up for a karaoke room, introducing microphones, dynamic screens, and user-friendly controls to enhance the entertainment experience at The Store House. Jake Stephens, Technical Director at HiiLIFE, says: “Student living is evolving at a rapid pace, and today’s residents expect more from the spaces they live in. Our goal at The Store House was to design and deliver technology that enhances the living experience. We’re proud to have created a range of spaces that are seamless to use and inspiring to be in.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whether working in quarries, infrastructure projects or large-scale earthworks, customers choosing between Rokbak’s robust RA30 and high-capacity RA40 can rely on expert guidance from the Scottish articulated hauler manufacturer’s product team. While both models share Rokbak’s hallmark durability, product manager Graeme Blake details the differentiating factors when selecting the optimal truck for productivity and efficiency. So, which one will you choose? Rokbak articulated haulers are delivering reliable performance on tough job sites around the world. With two models, the decision over which truck to use depends on the demands of the operation. The RA30 and RA40 share Rokbak’s core DNA of durability, simplicity and high uptime. Either model can suit almost any application. Which mean the key differentiating factors lie in areas such as payload needs, site layout and the equipment already on site. The RA30, with its 28 tonne (30.9 US ton) payload capacity, is the agile and versatile option. Its compact size and strong manoeuvrability make it well suited to tighter or more challenging environments such as steep quarry routes, smaller infrastructure works or sites where ground conditions frequently change. The larger RA40 offers a 38 tonne (41.9 US ton) payload for operations where moving more material per cycle is the priority. It performs at its best in high-volume production environments such as open-pit mines, large quarries or earthmoving projects with wide haul roads and long travel distances. When a site can support bigger loading equipment, the RA40 helps customers maximise output by ensuring an efficient flow of materials and reducing the cost per tonne. Matching the truck to the job Aligning the hauler with the right excavator or loading tool is essential. A typical target is four to six passes to fill the truck body. If significantly more passes are required, the extra payload capacity is not being fully utilised and overall productivity compromised. Likewise, haul road width and site congestion should influence fleet selection. Compact European sites, such as those in France, commonly rely on RA30 trucks, while markets with larger working areas and extended operating hours, such as Indonesia, often favour the RA40. Tough and tougher Many customers choose to deploy mixed fleets, combining the nimble efficiency of the RA30 with the payload power of the RA40 to suit different areas of the same site. The RA30 is the quiet workhorse that is always delivering results, while the RA40 is its tougher big brother, built to push productivity even further. Both offer strong operator comfort and control, with the RA30 equipped with true independent front suspension as standard. More than hauling Rokbak articulated haulers are not limited to material movement. Both models have been adapted for specialist roles such as water tankers for dust suppression and scraper units for surface stripping, demonstrating their versatility. Their durable build and dependable components ensure they can operate for long hours in demanding conditions where uptime is critical. By working closely with customers to understand their requirements in detail, we’re ensuring that whether it’s the RA30, the RA40 or both, the right solution is always available. Visit the Rokbak website to learn more about Rokbak articulated haulers. 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 secured two major contracts totalling £14 million with Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (bdht), to enhance and decarbonise social housing across the Midlands. bdht is a registered provider of affordable homes, managing around 4,000 properties across Bromsgrove and the surrounding areas. bdht is committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable housing and services that meet the needs of local people. The first contract will see United Infrastructure deliver circa £10 million of large-scale retrofit and decarbonisation measures across bdht’s housing portfolio. The initiative aims to improve the energy efficiency of more than 500 homes in its initial phase, with the potential to scale to 1,000 properties over the duration of the programme. Scheduled to begin straightaway and delivered over two years, with potential for extension, the project will ensure that all bdht homes meet an EPC rating of C or above by 2030. The retrofit measures will reduce carbon emissions, improve the thermal performance of homes, and make them more affordable to heat. The works will also address longstanding issues such as damp and mould, significantly enhancing resident wellbeing. United Infrastructure has also been awarded a £4 million contract to deliver a comprehensive programme of planned refurbishment works. The project, procured through the Procurement for Housing (PfH) Framework, will commence in November 2025 and is scheduled to complete in March 2026. The works will involve the replacement of kitchens and bathrooms, installation of new boilers and heating systems, upgrades to windows and doors, and the renewal of roofing elements. This investment reflects bdht’s ongoing commitment to maintaining modern, energy-efficient homes and supports United Infrastructure’s mission to deliver safe, comfortable, and sustainable living environments for local communities. United Infrastructure will work in close collaboration with bdht to ensure the delivery of high-quality outcomes. Both contracts place strong emphasis on delivering meaningful social value, including the creation of employment and training opportunities, support for bdht’s liaison staff, and a neighbourhood-based approach that maximises community benefit across all tenures. These important contracts help further broaden United Infrastructure’s footprint in the Midlands, making it a significant local employer and contributor to local economic growth. Vlad Nedelcu, Chief Operating Officer, Social Infrastructure, commented: “We are proud to partner with bdht on these transformative programmes. Together, we are not only improving the quality and energy performance of homes but also delivering long-term value to residents and supporting sustainable communities across the Midlands.” Steve Phillips, Head of Asset Management, bdht, said: “These new contracts with United Infrastructure will make a real difference to bdht customers and their communities. The £14 million investment will make hundreds of homes warmer, more energy-efficient and more affordable to run. Alongside this, essential upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, roofs, windows, and doors will help ensure our homes remain safe, modern and well-maintained for many years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Verdion has joined forces with Legal & General’s Industrial Property Investment Fund (IPIF) to secure a prime urban logistics development site in the West Thamesmead Opportunity Area, marking the first collaboration between the two organisations. The 2.6-acre brownfield plot on Nathan Way, within the West Thamesmead/Plumstead Industrial Area and designated Strategic Industrial Location, has a gross development value of £30m. Verdion will lead the development, while L&G will take ownership of the completed asset. Plans are in place for a speculative urban logistics scheme delivering 78,987 sq ft of new industrial floorspace across six small and mid-box units, ranging from 7,500 sq ft to 18,000 sq ft. The scheme is targeting BREEAM Excellent and A-plus energy performance certification, with a strong emphasis on whole-life carbon reduction, energy efficiency, biodiversity enhancements and responsible supply chain practices. Mark Garrity, UK development director at Verdion, said the acquisition represented an important milestone in the company’s UK strategy. He highlighted the site’s strong Thamesmead location and the increasing appeal of inner South East London for logistics operators. Garrity added that the masterplan had been shaped to support a wide variety of occupiers, anticipating demand from both businesses displaced by redevelopment elsewhere in London and new entrants drawn by improved transport links. Verdion expects the scheme to complete in the second quarter of 2027. Matt Lilley, assistant fund manager of IPIF and head of industrial development strategies at L&G, said the Nathan Way acquisition aligned with their strategy of investing in fast-growing industrial sub-sectors such as urban logistics. He emphasised the opportunity to embed net-zero-carbon principles from the outset, helping to create a future-proofed, high-quality asset in an undersupplied London market. The partnership signals a strong commitment to sustainable industrial growth and further strengthens the area’s role as a key logistics location in the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ikea has chosen The Boulevard in Banbridge for its first-ever outlet store in Northern Ireland, rounding off a landmark year of expansion for Ikea UK & Ireland. The 2,691 sq ft pop-up store, which will trade until spring 2026, is designed as a convenient hub for planning services, home furnishings and online order pick-ups. Customers can explore a curated selection of 150 home furnishing accessories across kitchen, bedroom and living spaces, with Ikea co-workers on hand to offer product advice and support with home projects. A key feature of the new outlet is its “Collect Near You” point, enabling shoppers to have online orders delivered to The Boulevard for easy collection. This service complements existing collection locations in Ballymena, Limavady and Dungannon, strengthening Ikea’s footprint across Northern Ireland and making it easier for customers to access the full range without travelling to a larger store. The Banbridge opening comes at the end of a busy 2025 for Ikea in the UK and Ireland, as the retailer continues to roll out smaller, more flexible formats closer to where people live and work. This year has seen the launch of a city store on London’s Oxford Street, new city and smaller-format stores in Brighton, Harlow, Norwich and Chester, as well as “Plan and Order” points in Dundee, Hull and York. Together, these locations form a key part of Ikea’s strategy to blend traditional out-of-town stores with compact formats, planning studios and collection points in high street and regional centres. Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property, owner of The Boulevard, said he was delighted to welcome Ikea’s first pop-up initiative in Northern Ireland. He described the arrival of the global home furnishings brand as a strong endorsement of The Boulevard’s growing reputation for attracting “first” and “only” locations, and a timely boost as the scheme gears up for the Christmas trading period. With the Banbridge outlet now open, Ikea is signalling its commitment to meeting customers where they are, using a mix of store formats and collection points to offer greater choice, convenience and flexibility across the UK and Ireland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, paving the way for a £136m regeneration of Luton town centre. Known as The Stage, the flagship scheme will be delivered through the Southern Construction Framework and will transform the former Bute Street Shoppers car park into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. The plans include 292 new homes, ground-floor commercial space, a multi-purpose food and events venue, and a new public garden square designed to act as a focal point for the community. Supported by £20m from the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, The Stage is a key component of Luton’s town centre masterplan. The project aims to boost footfall, attract new businesses and create a more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and commuters. Sustainability and placemaking sit at the heart of the design. The development will incorporate photovoltaic panels, upgraded insulation and high-performance building fabric to improve energy efficiency. New landscaped spaces will be structured around sustainable drainage systems and biodiverse planting, helping to manage surface water while enhancing the local environment. Located beside the rail station and bus interchange, The Stage occupies one of the most accessible locations in the town. The scheme is intended to make better use of this gateway site, encouraging sustainable travel and supporting the wider regeneration of the surrounding area. Stewart Brundell, chief operating officer at Willmott Dixon’s construction business, said the project represented exactly the kind of comprehensive town centre renewal needed to revitalise urban areas and deliver long-term benefits for local communities. The Luton scheme adds to Willmott Dixon’s growing portfolio of large-scale regeneration projects, which includes the Queen Mary University School of Business and Management redevelopment, the Barnes Hospital regeneration and Oldham’s 450,000 sq ft Spindles Town Square upgrade. Willmott Dixon will deliver The Stage in partnership with Rider Levett Bucknall and WSP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals