Building on the success of its ECOMOD 290HT natural refrigerant commercial heat pumps, Ideal Commercial Heating has expanded the range to include a 65kW model to meet demand for higher output systems. This takes the ECOMOD 290HT range to four chassis sizes and six available outputs, from 15kW to 65kW.
Leading industrial property developer and investor Network Space has reached a significant construction milestone at its Coda @ City Works scheme in Openshaw, Greater Manchester, with steelwork now fully erected across the site and joint letting agents appointed. Located on Welcomb Street, the hugely popular development represents the final phase
Building solutions provider wienerberger UK & Ireland has this week announced a new partnership with world renowned conservation charity Chester Zoo. wienerberger has pledged to provide product donations for construction projects at the zoo, and funding for a multi-year conservation programme supporting UK native species, particularly terrestrial invertebrates. This partnership
McLaren has confirmed its key supply chain partners after formally signing the shell and core contract to deliver the first of three major data centre buildings at Ada Infrastructure’s Docklands campus in London. The contractor’s appointment covers not only the initial 70MW data centre facility but also the supporting infrastructure
The project represents Costco’s first warehouse in Gloucestershire and further strengthens Glencar’s portfolio across large-scale developments alongside its established industrial and logistics workload. Following three months on site, the steel frame is now complete, earthworks are nearing completion and cladding and roofing works are progressing, with the next key milestone
Glencar has secured its third consecutive appointment with leading developer Hillwood, to deliver a new 16-acre 284,575 sq. ft multi-unit industrial scheme in Luton, known as Hillwood Park Luton. The appointment follows the successful completion of Crewe 335 (335,000 sq. ft) in Crewe and ongoing construction of Martland Park (101,860 sq.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has been appointed to finalise Stage 3 and 4 design for a refurbishment for London Fire Brigade (LFB) at 8 Albert Embankment. The project will see a significant overhaul of the historic building and landmark structure while introducing modern facilities and meeting standards for sustainability. It comes
With Netflix’s Being Gordon Ramsay now streaming, viewers are given a glimpse inside one of London’s most recognisable towers – 22 Bishopsgate. While the spotlight falls on Ramsay’s new Lucky Cat restaurant, the opening episode also highlights the architectural ambition behind the building itself. Designed by PLP Architecture, 22 Bishopsgate
A prominent mixed-use block within London’s so-called ‘Tech Belt’ has changed hands, with Berkeley Homes completing the sale of the retail and leisure element of Goodman’s Fields in Aldgate to an undisclosed purchaser. The 7-acre Goodman’s Fields estate occupies a key position on the eastern fringe of the City of
Morrisons is exploring a potential £1bn property financing deal as it looks to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive grocery market. According to reports in a leading financial news outlet, the Bradford-based supermarket group has appointed property advisory firm CBRE to assess options for raising funds secured against part
Building on the success of its ECOMOD 290HT natural refrigerant commercial heat pumps, Ideal Commercial Heating has expanded the range to include a 65kW model to meet demand for higher output systems. This takes the ECOMOD 290HT range to four chassis sizes and six available outputs, from 15kW to 65kW. ECOMOD 290HT monobloc air source heat pumps have an exceptionally low global warming potential (GWP) of just three, thanks to the use of R290 natural refrigerant. The lower the GWP, the lower the contribution to climate change. Furthermore, with the 2014 F-Gas Regulations and, more recently, the EU’s Regulation 2024/573 pushing for a refrigerant phase-down, the use of low-GWP refrigerants helps future proof investments made in natural refrigerant heat pumps. The new ECOMOD 290HT 65kW has a maximum flow temperature of 70°C and an excellent coefficient of performance (CoP) of up to 4.6 which means it produces up to 4.6 units of heat for every single unit of electrical energy consumed. You can also cascade up to seven of these new 65kW models for where greater heating outputs are required. Whilst an integral control unit is included as standard, optional control units are available for cascade and where no BMS is present. As with other ECOMOD heat pumps, the ECOMOD 290HT 65kW can be used in a hybrid heating system. It integrates seamlessly with other Ideal Commercial Heating products – including the EVOMAX 2 and IMAX XTRA 2 condensing boilers – to create efficient, low-carbon hybrid heating solutions. Commenting on this latest addition to the ECOMOD range, Chris Caton, Product Director – Commercial, at Ideal Heating said: “Ideal Heating has been providing heating solutions for the UK market for well over 100 years. We have stood the test of time and built a reputation based on our ability to deliver customers with quality, reliable commercial heating solutions that meet contemporary market conditions. Investing further in our ECOMOD heat pump range, including our latest natural refrigerant models, enables us to provide an even wider range of outputs to meet the changing needs of our customers. As the market for heat pumps continues to grow, we will continue to stay ahead of the curve, delivering products and solutions that will support market needs now and in to the future.” All ECOMOD heat pumps are backed by a five-year warranty when commissioned by Ideal Commercial Heating. Ideal Commercial Heating remains the only manufacturer to continuously provide a free commissioning service across its commercial ECOMOD heat pumps and condensing boilers, helping contractors save time and reduce costs, whilst ensuring optimal system setup and performance. Ideal Commercial Heating continues to deliver advanced commercial heating solutions developed in line with emerging technologies, market requirements, and environmental legislation. For more details, visit: idealcommercialheating.com/products/ecomod-290ht Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading industrial property developer and investor Network Space has reached a significant construction milestone at its Coda @ City Works scheme in Openshaw, Greater Manchester, with steelwork now fully erected across the site and joint letting agents appointed. Located on Welcomb Street, the hugely popular development represents the final phase of expansion at the established (the site is not fully let) City Works Business Park. The scheme reinforces Network Space’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable industrial and logistics accommodation across the North West. Once complete, Coda @ City Works will deliver 75,175 sq. ft of Grade A industrial and logistics space across four modern units. With sizes ranging from 7,680 sq. ft to 29,440 sq. ft, these new units present attractive options for prospective occupiers, whilst also offering valuable expansion opportunities for current tenants. Each unit will incorporate high-specification first-floor office accommodation alongside generous service yards designed to meet the operational needs of trade, manufacturing and distribution occupiers. The four-acre brownfield site – formerly occupied by Manchester College – will also provide 98 car parking spaces and 20 electric vehicle charging points, underlining Network Space’s focus on sustainability and occupier wellbeing. Construction is being delivered by main contractor Bansco and remains on programme for practical completion in Q2 2026. Designed by AEW Architects, the scheme is targeting BREEAM Excellent accreditation, reflecting its strong environmental performance, energy efficiency and long-term operational resilience. To bring the development to market, Network Space has appointed Rob Taylor and Jack Sullivan of CPP and Ruth Leighton and Megan Kavanagh of JLL as joint letting agents. The wider professional team supporting the scheme includes GWB Consultants, Hydrock, Hannan Associates and Spawforths. Joe Burnett, Development Director at Network Space, said: “The completion of steelwork at Coda @ City Works marks a major step forward for both the scheme and the ongoing regeneration of East Manchester. “Designed with flexibility, operational efficiency and long-term sustainability at its core, and targeting BREEAM Excellent accreditation, we have focused on the fundamentals that will appeal to a broad range of trade, industrial and logistics occupiers seeking well-connected, adaptable space capable of evolving over time. He added: “Coda @ City Works will form a natural extension to the existing business park, supporting local employment opportunities while delivering the type of high-quality, adaptable industrial space that continues to perform strongly in well-established locations.” Strategically positioned just 2.5 miles from Manchester city centre, the site offers excellent connectivity to the M60 motorway and onward links to the M67, M56 and M62, providing strong access to the wider North West and national motorway network. Coda @ City Works complements the existing 173,330 sq. ft City Works Business Park, home to a diverse range of trade, light industrial and logistics occupiers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building solutions provider wienerberger UK & Ireland has this week announced a new partnership with world renowned conservation charity Chester Zoo. wienerberger has pledged to provide product donations for construction projects at the zoo, and funding for a multi-year conservation programme supporting UK native species, particularly terrestrial invertebrates. This partnership formalises the relationship between wienerberger and Chester Zoo, which began in 2024 when wienerberger donated more than 600 tonnes of blue sandstone to help construct a Himalayan-inspired habitat for two rare snow leopards. Big cats Nubra and Yashin, whose species is recognised as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, have since bred and are now raising leopard cub Bheri. In 2025, wienerberger contributed 15 tonnes of yellow sandstone to shape the visitor areas within the zoo’s new Heart of Africa zone – the biggest ever zoo development in the UK. They also supplied a range of bird and bat nesting and roosting boxes from their eco-habitat collection, providing shelter for native bird and bat species throughout the zoo’s grounds. Now, as part of a formal partnership, wienerberger has pledged £50,000 over the next five years to fund Chester Zoo’s programme dedicated to conserving native invertebrate species. Invertebrates are vital for pollination, nutrient cycling, and upholding the resilience of ecosystems that support both our built and natural landscapes. Despite their indispensable role, these often-underappreciated species are increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change and the ongoing loss of habitats. This partnership strengthens wienerberger’s ongoing commitment to promoting biodiversity, and conserving habitats for both people and wildlife. Maisie McKenzie, Biodiversity Manager at wienerberger[KS1] UK & Ireland, said: “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with Chester Zoo, whose pioneering work inspires millions of visitors annually to make positive contributions to wildlife conservation, both in the UK and around the world. “Our ‘Let’s Build Beyond’ sustainability strategy underscores the vital importance of forging robust partnerships as we pursue our ambition to become a net-zero emission, nature-positive company. We are committed to promoting biodiversity, not only across our own operational sites but also by empowering others to act for nature. We are hopeful that some of the invertebrate species supported by this programme could one day thrive on wienerberger sites, provided the conditions are right” Iri Gill, Ectotherms General Manager at Chester Zoo, said: “Invertebrates, which include insects, gastropods, worms and spiders are vital to healthy ecosystems. They make up roughly 75% of described species, are incredibly diverse, and they support and shape equally diverse landscapes and ecologies. Unfortunately, they are in sharp decline around the world, and the UK is no exception. “Chester Zoo projects have helped bring species like fen raft spiders and scarce yellow Sally stoneflies back from the brink, and we have released large heath butterflies into areas where they were regionally extinct. With the support of organisations like wienerberger, we can continue this work to support British biodiversity.” To find out more about wienerberger’s action plan to promote biodiversity and improve people’s quality of life within the built environment, visit www.wienerberger.co.uk/sustainability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren has confirmed its key supply chain partners after formally signing the shell and core contract to deliver the first of three major data centre buildings at Ada Infrastructure’s Docklands campus in London. The contractor’s appointment covers not only the initial 70MW data centre facility but also the supporting infrastructure for the wider campus, including provision for a future district heating network. The scheme represents a significant investment in digital infrastructure within the Royal Docks, transforming a long-vacant site into a high-capacity, future-ready data hub. Alongside the three 70MW data centre buildings, the development will include a community multi-purpose facility and enhanced public realm. Improvements will extend to upgraded pedestrian and cycle routes along the River Thames, supported by substantial repairs and enhancements to the Thames river wall. McLaren has been carrying out enabling works since October 2024. The shell and core contract is scheduled for completion in mid-2028, with the first building of the Ada Docklands Campus expected to be ready for occupation by the end of that year. James Moloney, head of Ada Infrastructure EMEA, said the appointment marks a key step in delivering a sustainable campus that will also contribute to the broader regeneration of the Royal Docks. He highlighted McLaren’s experience in complex data centre and infrastructure projects as central to realising the vision for the site. Gareth Peebles, divisional director at McLaren Construction, said the scale and complexity of the project demands coordinated expertise across civil, structural, architectural and MEP disciplines, with health and safety remaining a core priority throughout delivery. The confirmed supply chain partners include Keltbray for CFA piling, Menard for BMC piling, Gallagher for groundworks and civils, William Hare for the steel frame and Capital Concrete for ready-mix supply. Together, the team will deliver one of the capital’s most significant new data centre campuses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The project represents Costco’s first warehouse in Gloucestershire and further strengthens Glencar’s portfolio across large-scale developments alongside its established industrial and logistics workload. Following three months on site, the steel frame is now complete, earthworks are nearing completion and cladding and roofing works are progressing, with the next key milestone being achievement of a watertight building envelope. Once complete, the development will include a nine-pump petrol station with tyre fitting bay, 612 customer parking spaces and a new vehicle access off Chancel Close. The 13,000 sq m warehouse is being delivered under a design and build contract and comprises a wide-span steel portal frame structure, feature entrance canopy, vertical composite cladding systems and a roof-mounted solar PV array. The external works package includes car parking, HGV hardstanding, drainage infrastructure, service installations and associated civils across the wider 44,000 sq m development site, progressing in parallel with the main build. Roy Jones, Managing Director at Glencar, said: “This is a substantial scheme that brings together structural steel, civils, infrastructure and sustainability within a live delivery programme. We are working closely with Costco and the wider project team to maintain programme certainty as construction progresses toward completion in 2026.” Paul Landen, Construction Director Europe, Costco commented: “Glencar is making good progress on site as works continue to advance on our Gloucester warehouse. This development represents an important addition to our UK estate, and we look forward to delivering a high-quality facility for our members in 2026.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glencar has secured its third consecutive appointment with leading developer Hillwood, to deliver a new 16-acre 284,575 sq. ft multi-unit industrial scheme in Luton, known as Hillwood Park Luton. The appointment follows the successful completion of Crewe 335 (335,000 sq. ft) in Crewe and ongoing construction of Martland Park (101,860 sq. ft) in Wigan, reinforcing a growing strategic partnership and further cementing Glencar’s position as a leading delivery partner in the UK industrial and logistics sector. Glencar has been engaged at pre-construction stage to progress the scheme through the next phases of detailed design and delivery. Hillwood Park Luton is a 16-acre, multi-unit industrial and logistics development located within the established Sundon Park Industrial Estate in Luton, forming a key part of Hillwood’s expanding UK development pipeline. Delivered on a speculative basis, the scheme will provide modern, flexible warehouse accommodation in a range of sizes from 14,000 to 80,000 sq. ft. designed to support a range of manufacturing, distribution and e-commerce occupiers, addressing ongoing demand for high-quality industrial space. The development will target BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, incorporating a range of sustainability and wellbeing-led initiatives. These features are designed to support long-term operational efficiency for occupiers while delivering vital, high-specification new-build accommodation for the region. Hillwood Park Luton occupies a highly strategic location to the northwest of Luton, benefitting from excellent connectivity to the M1 motorway and key arterial routes, supporting efficient regional and national distribution. Commenting on the appointment, Peter Goodman, Managing Director at Glencar, said: This third consecutive appointment with Hillwood reflects the strength of our relationship and our ability to consistently deliver high-quality industrial and logistics developments to exacting standards. Our early engagement on the scheme allows us to apply our technical expertise from the outset, driving buildability efficiencies, programme certainty and sustainable delivery. Hillwood Park Luton is another significant addition to our expanding industrial portfolio, and we look forward to mobilising on site and progressing the scheme safely and efficiently through to completion.” Greg Dalton, UK Vice President at Hillwood, added: “Glencar has proven to be a reliable, hands-on partner across our previous schemes. This third appointment is a testament to the trust we’ve built and our shared focus on quality, programme certainty, and sustainable delivery. Hillwood Park Luton is a key addition to our growing UK pipeline. We look forward to delivering much needed Grade A space in this strategic location, with more details to be announced as we progress on-site.” Practical completion is targeted for Q4 2026 and units available for occupation from December 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors has been appointed to finalise Stage 3 and 4 design for a refurbishment for London Fire Brigade (LFB) at 8 Albert Embankment. The project will see a significant overhaul of the historic building and landmark structure while introducing modern facilities and meeting standards for sustainability. It comes after proposals were developed in late 2025 with the aim of delivering a refurbished and upgraded Grade II Listed building, bringing the space back into use as the Brigade’s new headquarters. Key aspects of the original 1937 design will be preserved, while delivering a sustainable and modernised fire station. Alongside the main headquarters space, it will be home to approximately 840 staff, ensuring the Brigade can continue to serve London’s communities from this strategically important location. Willmott Dixon Interiors will be progressing design to include renewal of mechanical, electrical and public health systems, installation of new life safety systems, wholesale window replacement, re-roofing, and re-cladding of the CMC building (the 1980s extension, formerly a control room). New passenger lifts, partitions, ceilings, joinery and finishes will be installed throughout, along with a full refurbishment of the appliance bays and basement area. Located on the ground to second floors, the fire station will temporarily vacate during construction, which is expected to commence mid 2027. Provision will be made to maintain operational support for the nearby Lambeth river fire station on the Thames. There will be a new space for events and exhibitions on the ground floor. Procured via the SCAPE construction framework, this project will see Willmott Dixon Interiors deliver social value through job creation, education and skills development, and environmental initiatives. The contractor will also engage with local SMEs through a Meet the Buyer event, the Greater London Authority’s new SME business mentoring programme, and by establishing an on-site construction skills academy. Laura Birnbaum, Assistant Director of Property and Technical Services at LFB, said: “This is a once-in-a-generation project for London Fire Brigade as we return to our historic headquarters in the heart of the capital. We are confident that partnering with such an experienced team will create a facility that supports our mission to serve and protect London for decades to come.” Rob Brown, project director at Willmott Dixon Interiors said: “It is a privilege to work with London Fire Brigade to develop their proposals into what will be a major refurbishment of their previous, historic headquarters. We’re focused on designing a facility that is fit-for-purpose while respecting the building’s heritage and balancing the infrastructure and flexibility needed to support the Brigade’s vital work for years and generations to come. Our collaborative approach will ensure we work closely with the London Fire Brigade and its stakeholders to bring them a new home right in the centre of London.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “This significant refurbishment will deliver a more efficient, modern facility that strongly supports the London Fire Brigade in keeping local communities safe. Through the SCAPE construction framework, our teams will work closely with Willmott Dixon Interiors to achieve time and cost efficiencies from the start, while also identifying how to maximise social value throughout the project from job creation to sustainability. Our ambition is for this development to leave a lasting sustainable legacy for the Fire Brigade and local community for years to come.” Opened by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937, the LFB’s restoration will seek to retain as much of the original structure as possible, including its grand Art Deco frontage, to ensure the listed building retains its historical significance as the ‘home’ of the Brigade. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With Netflix’s Being Gordon Ramsay now streaming, viewers are given a glimpse inside one of London’s most recognisable towers – 22 Bishopsgate. While the spotlight falls on Ramsay’s new Lucky Cat restaurant, the opening episode also highlights the architectural ambition behind the building itself. Designed by PLP Architecture, 22 Bishopsgate was conceived as a “Vertical Village” – a mixed-use tower that integrates work, hospitality, wellness and culture from the outset. Ramsay describes the 60th floor restaurant space as “an iconic building in the middle of the city”, remarking on its 27,000 sq ft footprint and dramatic scale. Yet Lucky Cat is more than a restaurant with panoramic views; it represents the realisation of a design philosophy embedded into the project from day one. Nearly 13 per cent of the building is dedicated to amenity space, significantly above the London Grade A office average. Restaurants, bars, landscaped terraces and London’s highest free public viewing gallery are distributed throughout the upper levels, opening the tower to the public and redefining the traditional commercial skyscraper model. At level 60, Lucky Cat pairs Asian-inspired dining with an open kitchen concept and sweeping views across the capital. Its position at the summit reinforces the building’s commitment to experience-led design, where hospitality is not an afterthought but a defining feature. More broadly, 22 Bishopsgate reflects a shift in workplace architecture. By embedding destination hospitality within commercial towers, developers can create vibrant ecosystems that promote wellbeing, encourage collaboration and enhance tenant appeal. Lee Polisano, co-founder and partner at PLP Architecture, said the original vision was to create an integrated vertical village in the sky, seamlessly blending work and entertainment. With Lucky Cat now complete, he believes the final piece of that vision has fallen into place, fulfilling the building’s intended purpose as a landmark for modern city living and working. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A prominent mixed-use block within London’s so-called ‘Tech Belt’ has changed hands, with Berkeley Homes completing the sale of the retail and leisure element of Goodman’s Fields in Aldgate to an undisclosed purchaser. The 7-acre Goodman’s Fields estate occupies a key position on the eastern fringe of the City of London. In May 2025, Berkeley brought 12 ground-floor commercial units to the investment market, offering a total of 38,717 sq ft of retail and leisure accommodation. At the point of sale, the units were fully let to a diverse mix of occupiers spanning retail, food and beverage, leisure and fitness. Tenants include Amazon Fresh, Pizza Union, Boom Battle Bar, Power-Up Tavern, Kova Patisserie, 12X3 Boxing, Movement Labs, Zia Lucia, DanDan Noodle, Tian Tian Market, Sai Pharmacy and Knife-Sliced Noodles, reflecting the estate’s appeal as a vibrant destination within a high-density urban neighbourhood. The wider Goodman’s Fields development has transformed the former check clearing office site into a substantial mixed-use quarter comprising more than 1 million sq ft of accommodation. The scheme includes over 1,000 homes, a 250-bed hotel and in excess of 600 student beds, alongside landscaped public realm and commercial space. Positioned close to London’s financial district, the area has evolved into a hub for technology and digital businesses, with major firms such as Blockchain, Uber, Lebara, BT, Monzo and Onfido located nearby. The strength of this surrounding occupier base underpins continued investor interest in mixed-use assets that combine residential density with active ground-floor commercial frontage. GCW and CBRE acted on behalf of Berkeley Homes in the transaction, while Knight Frank advised the purchaser. The deal attracted attention across leading property and business media, highlighting sustained demand for well-located, income-producing mixed-use estates in central London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morrisons is exploring a potential £1bn property financing deal as it looks to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive grocery market. According to reports in a leading financial news outlet, the Bradford-based supermarket group has appointed property advisory firm CBRE to assess options for raising funds secured against part of its substantial freehold store portfolio. Sources indicate that discussions remain at an early stage and are unlikely to centre on a traditional sale-and-leaseback arrangement of the kind widely used by major grocers in previous decades. Instead, one option under consideration is a medium- to long-term borrowing facility secured against a selection of Morrisons supermarkets. While any transaction could potentially raise up to £1bn, neither the final structure nor the scale of a deal has been confirmed. Morrisons operates around 500 supermarkets across the UK and employs approximately 95,000 people. The business was taken private in 2021 by US buyout firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in a deal valued at close to £10bn including debt. Since then, performance has been mixed. Aldi overtook Morrisons last year to become the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket by sales, intensifying pressure on the chain to regain lost ground to competitors such as Sainsbury’s and Aldi. In 2023, Morrisons appointed Rami Baitieh, formerly of Carrefour, as chief executive in a bid to drive a turnaround strategy. One of Morrisons’ distinguishing features is its extensive property ownership. The company holds the freehold on roughly 80% of its store estate, one of the highest proportions in the sector. Industry sources suggest that releasing £1bn through either a sale-and-leaseback or a leverage-based structure would still leave the business with about 60% of its stores in full ownership. The supermarket has also been steadily reducing the debt taken on during the 2021 acquisition, with roughly £1bn of takeover financing reportedly still outstanding. During the competitive bidding battle for Morrisons, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice committed to limiting major disposals of store freeholds for a defined period. Since then, most real estate activity has focused on non-store assets. In 2024, the company entered into a partnership with investment firm Song Capital, which paid £370m for the right to receive income from 75 Morrisons supermarkets over a 45-year period. Alongside Asda, Morrisons is one of the UK’s major grocers now under private equity ownership. Asda is owned by TDR Capital, with former parent Walmart retaining a minority financial stake. Last month, Morrisons reported what it described as strong Christmas trading results. Rami Baitieh said the 2024/25 financial year marked another period of renewal and modernisation, highlighting twelve consecutive quarters of like-for-like sales growth, stable EBITDA and maintained market share despite challenging economic conditions. Morrisons declined to comment on the prospect of a property financing deal. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals