Virgin Media customers are benefiting from faster and more seamless installations after the operator rolled out new training for 1,000 frontline technicians to improve customers’ joining experience. Now live across all nexfibre full-fibre connections, with plans to be rolled out more widely over the coming months, the project ensures that
Clowes Developments is pleased to announce that precision engineering design and manufacturing company, Fathomtree, is the latest business to commit to Fairham Business Park, Nottingham. Founded in Nottingham, Fathomtree has spent over 50 years building a strong reputation for delivering innovative, high-precision engineering solutions across multiple sectors including aerospace, automotive,
Edge, the pan-European real estate company, has announced the topping out of EDGE London Bridge, its landmark 26-storey office development located on St Thomas Street, SE1. The milestone signals a major step towards delivering one of London’s most sustainable office towers, designed to set new standards in health, wellbeing and
Leading design and build contractor McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as Principal Contractor by Wellcome Trust to deliver a major £52m office redevelopment at 80 Pelham Street in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London. The project will transform a previously underutilised site into a sustainable, high-quality
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has been selected as the preferred bidder to deliver a significant new residential development in Preston, following a competitive tender win for a mixed-tenure scheme with Community Gateway Association (CGA) – Preston’s largest social housing landlord. The £28 million contract will mark
Mulberry will open a 1,466 sq ft pop-up at Landsec’s Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth later this month, adding the British heritage label to the outlet’s line-up of premium brands. The temporary store, set within The Avenues, will showcase a range of the brand’s leather goods and follows a period of
As World Mental Health Day today (10/10/25) highlights the importance of wellbeing across all workplaces, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is urging builders to make mental health a top priority. With construction workers continuing to face suicide rates three to four times the national average, the FMB is campaigning
The sale follows Catesby Estates successfully overturning a refused planning application in 2024 Catesby Estates, a leading strategic land promoter, has completed the land sale of a 25 acre site in Latchingdon, Essex, to housebuilder Dandara Homes. The land, which is a dedicated greenfield site, has planning permission for 160
Europe’s €500 billion logistics real estate market faces a structural supply gap of more than €150 billion, according to a new Prologis Research white paper, Persistent Supply Constraints Position Europe For Value Growth. Regulatory hurdles, infrastructure bottlenecks, environmental requirements and political resistance are constraining new development across Europe. At the
G&H has secured a £12 million contract to deliver a complete mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) design and build for Harrogate District Hospital’s new state-of-the-art Day Care Surgery and Imaging Centre. Following a competitive tender, main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has appointed MEP service provider G&H to support the
Virgin Media customers are benefiting from faster and more seamless installations after the operator rolled out new training for 1,000 frontline technicians to improve customers’ joining experience. Now live across all nexfibre full-fibre connections, with plans to be rolled out more widely over the coming months, the project ensures that technicians arrive with all the tools and equipment required to complete the job first time. Traditionally, customers would receive two visits when they are first connected, with the first arranged to bring the fibre to their home, before a second technician visit where equipment would installed inside the home. By bringing these together into one seamless appointment, the operator has eliminated the need for follow-up appointments, minimising disruption for the customer and building greater trust from day one. The launch of SVI is part of Virgin Media O2’s ongoing commitment to deliver better for customers, and follows recent industry data which shows complaints are down by almost 50% year-on-year. In only its first few weeks, the initiative has already seen customers installed four days faster on average, with a significantly higher success rate of first-visit completion, and rescheduled appointments almost halved. Almost 1,000 Virgin Media O2 technicians have received additional training – including pole climbing, using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP) and carrying out digging works – giving them the skills they need to complete installations first-time. In addition to investing to upskill its people, Virgin Meda O2 has deployed a new fleet of purpose-built vans equipped for a wide range of install scenarios; introduced specific storage solutions for tools and spares, covering both overhead and underground kit; and refined planning and customer management processes to ensure installs are as smooth and efficient as possible. Single visit installs are now happening across all 2.4 million nexfibre locations, with the new team delivering thousands of new connections each month. Virgin Media O2 is looking to scale the programme across its network over the coming months, where currently many broadband installations still require two separate engineer appointments. Julie Agnew, Managing Director of Fixed Wholesale and Customer Delivery at Virgin Media O2, said: “When customers are joining us or moving home, we know they want a fast and simple installation to get their broadband and TV services up and running. While new joiners are already very happy with the install journey, we’re always looking at ways we can do better for our customers. “Already available to millions of customers with more to benefit soon, we are transforming the installation experience and, in just its first few weeks, we’re already seeing great results. Customers are getting set up with our services quicker than before while missed and rescheduled appointments have almost halved. “This illustrates our commitment to investing in our people, putting customers firmly at the heart of our operations, and delivering bold and innovative solutions that enhance our customers’ experience with us.” Rajiv Datta, nexfibre CEO, added: “At nexfibre, we’re focused on making full fibre broadband not just more accessible, but effortless for customers, from day one. By working in collaboration with Virgin Media O2 to streamline installations into a single visit, as well as investing in technician training and specialist equipment, we’re seeing reduced wait times, less disruption, and greater trust from the very first interaction. This is a great example of how a relentless focus on delivery processes can drive real improvements in customer experience at scale.” Customer feedback of SVI has been overwhelmingly positive, with teams praised for providing an “amazing service”, efficiency, punctuality, tidiness and professionalism. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments is pleased to announce that precision engineering design and manufacturing company, Fathomtree, is the latest business to commit to Fairham Business Park, Nottingham. Founded in Nottingham, Fathomtree has spent over 50 years building a strong reputation for delivering innovative, high-precision engineering solutions across multiple sectors including aerospace, automotive, and industrial design. Known for its technical expertise and collaborative approach, the company has evolved from a local start-up into a nationally recognised name with a growing portfolio of complex, high-impact projects. The move to Fairham Business Park represents a strategic relocation for the business, providing access to modern, purpose-built facilities in a thriving commercial environment. This new base will support Fathomtree’s next phase of growth, giving the company the space and infrastructure it needs to expand its capabilities, workforce, and client services. Located just minutes from the M1 and East Midlands Airport, Fairham Business Park is rapidly becoming one of the East Midlands’ most attractive destinations for forward-thinking businesses. With over 600,000 sq ft of commercial development already completed, the park offers state-of-the-art facilities, excellent transport links, and a strong focus on sustainability, all within the wider 606-acre Fairham mixed-use development. David Smith, Director at Fathomtree added: “Nottingham has always been our home, and this move to Fairham Business Park allows us to stay true to our roots while giving us the flexibility and space to evolve. The new facilities will enable us to grow our team, invest in new technologies, and better serve our clients across the UK and beyond.” James Richards, Director at Clowes Developments, commented: “We’re thrilled to announce Fathomtree at Fairham. Their journey of innovation and growth reflects the very ethos of what we’re building here. Fairham Business Park was created to give ambitious companies the tools they need to thrive, Fathomtree is a perfect fit.” Fairham Business Park is part of the wider Fairham development, one of the largest mixed-use projects in the UK, which will deliver thousands of new homes, employment opportunities, green infrastructure, and improved transport links across Nottinghamshire. Fathomtree’s new 30,000 sq ft facility is currently under construction and is expected to reach practical completion within the coming months. Meanwhile, a 100,000 sq ft unit for CLEAN, one of the UK’s leading commercial laundries, is also nearing completion. Once finished, both units will undergo extensive fit-out programmes as the occupiers prepare to launch their new operations. Interested parties can follow their progress via the links: Unit C1 – www.clowesdevelopments.reachtimelapse.co.uk/fairham/unitc1 Unit C2: www.clowesdevelopments.reachtimelapse.co.uk/fairham/unitc2 Clowes, alongside agents FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German, is now marketing Phase Two of Fairham Business Park, offering bespoke design and build opportunities up to 50,000 sq ft. Freehold and leasehold options are available and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of end users. For more information on development opportunities and updates, visit: www.fairhambusiness.co.uk To enquire about commercial opportunities, contact the site’s agents: FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Edge, the pan-European real estate company, has announced the topping out of EDGE London Bridge, its landmark 26-storey office development located on St Thomas Street, SE1. The milestone signals a major step towards delivering one of London’s most sustainable office towers, designed to set new standards in health, wellbeing and environmental performance. The project is being delivered by Mace as main contractor and is due for completion in 2026. Backed by long-term institutional capital through a joint venture between Edge and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, EDGE London Bridge demonstrates how global investment partnerships can drive domestic economic growth while accelerating the transition to a net zero carbon-built environment. The project highlights the crucial role of institutional investors in supporting sustainable development in the UK, fostering long-term growth and advancing the shift to a low-carbon economy. Located adjacent to London Bridge Station, the 260,000 sq. ft development has been designed by Pilbrow + Partners and is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certification. It features cutting-edge energy efficiency measures, smart building technologies and flexible, future-proofed office space designed to meet occupier demand for workplaces aligned with net-zero targets. Marian Herman, CEO, Edge said: “EDGE London Bridge embodies our vision of creating workplaces that are both people-focused and planet-positive. This milestone takes us one step closer to delivering a flagship office tower that demonstrates how sustainability and investment performance can go hand-in-hand. We are proud to be working with a long-term institutional partner to realise a project that will contribute to London’s global competitiveness while setting a new benchmark for the UK real estate market.” Fons van Dorst, Executive Managing Director UK Edge, said: “The topping out of EDGE London Bridge is not only a construction milestone but also a symbol of collaboration between developer, contractor, investors and the wider community. With its strong location, best-in-class sustainability credentials and future-ready design, EDGE London Bridge will help redefine what occupiers expect from prime London offices.” Ged Simmonds, Managing Director Private Sector Mace Construct, said:‘’We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone at Edge London Bridge, a project that exemplifies what’s possible when ambition and bold thinking come together. From the outset, our shared ambition with Edge has been to challenge convention and deliver a building that sets new benchmarks for environmental performance and sustainable construction. We’ve built on that commitment by pioneering low-carbon initiatives that push the boundaries of what’s achievable. Trust and a collaborative mindset have been central to our success. From design and project management to the supply chain, everyone is empowered to contribute ideas to achieve better outcomes. It’s this collective, proactive spirit that continues to shape a truly exceptional building.” EDGE London Bridge is Edge’s first London project and a flagship investment in the UK capital. It forms part of the company’s wider strategy to bring sustainable and future-ready workplaces to major European cities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading design and build contractor McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as Principal Contractor by Wellcome Trust to deliver a major £52m office redevelopment at 80 Pelham Street in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London. The project will transform a previously underutilised site into a sustainable, high-quality five-storey office building, totalling approximately 114,000 sq ft. Designed to meet modern office standards and attract long-term tenants, the scheme also respects the local heritage and enhances the surrounding streetscape. The development employs a contextual architectural approach, incorporating traditional materials such as stone and brick whilst drawing inspiration from surrounding heritage and neighbouring buildings. The design includes green roofs and terraces to support biodiversity, improved pedestrian experiences at street level, and the retention of gym facilities within the new building. The development is targeting BREEAM Outstanding, the highest environmental performance rating for building design, as well as WELL Platinum Certification, promoting health and wellbeing for building occupants. The project aims to achieve an EPC Rating A, demonstrating top-tier energy efficiency, as well as a NABERS 5-Star Rating for excellent operational energy performance. Enabling works are underway, with McAleer & Rushe delivering the main contract through to completion in October 2027. Darragh Greenan, Director at McAleer & Rushe, said, “We are proud to be chosen to deliver this exceptional new office development that combines outstanding design, sustainable practices, and community-oriented spaces. 80 Pelham Street, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, is a prime example of our expertise in delivering modern, efficient workplaces that enhance the local environment and support the wellbeing of occupants. We look forward to working closely with our client, partners, and valued supply chain to bring this prime new office development to life.” Robert Coke, Head of Buyout Investments and Residential Property at The Wellcome Trust, said, “This is a landmark scheme for the Wellcome Trust and we’re delighted to appoint McAleer & Rushe as our trusted contractor. Their proven expertise and responsible approach give us full confidence as we move into the next phase to deliver vibrant new office space that will generate new jobs, attract talent and bring fresh energy to Brompton Cross.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has been selected as the preferred bidder to deliver a significant new residential development in Preston, following a competitive tender win for a mixed-tenure scheme with Community Gateway Association (CGA) – Preston’s largest social housing landlord. The £28 million contract will mark the first collaboration between Vistry and CGA and will see the delivery of 126 homes in the first phase of this wider scheme. The development will offer a mix of tenures, supporting CGA’s commitment to providing a wider choice of good quality and affordable homes for the local community. Work is scheduled to begin on site in 2026, with Vistry bringing its proven expertise in delivering large-scale residential projects to the partnership. Zac Worthington, Managing Director of Vistry Merseyside & Cheshire West, said: “We’re delighted Community Gateway Association has chosen to work with us for the first time on this exciting new scheme in Preston. Working together we can deliver a significant number of homes for local people in a range of housing choices.” Stephen Galbraith, Head of Development and Regeneration at Community Gateway said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Vistry on this development, which will bring much-needed, high-quality homes to Preston. This partnership reflects our corporate priority of offering a wider choice of affordable housing and supporting our ongoing commitment to meet local housing needs.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mulberry will open a 1,466 sq ft pop-up at Landsec’s Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth later this month, adding the British heritage label to the outlet’s line-up of premium brands. The temporary store, set within The Avenues, will showcase a range of the brand’s leather goods and follows a period of active leasing and investment at the waterfront scheme. Recent arrivals include Citizen and Oliver Bonas, joining established names such as Penhaligon’s, AllSaints, Polo Ralph Lauren and Coach. The signing comes on the back of strong trading across Landsec’s outlet portfolio, with April–June sales up 11.2% year-on-year. The landlord’s ongoing investment programme at Gunwharf Quays aims to elevate the customer experience and support a more premium tenant mix. “We’re focused on elevating Gunwharf Quays as a destination for premium brands, and introducing Mulberry to The Avenues is a testament to its growing appeal,” said Pablo Sueiras, head of retail and hospitality leasing at Landsec. “With consistent high footfall and our ongoing investment programme enhancing the surroundings, we’re creating the ideal environment for brands to connect with guests. We are seeing continued rise in demand for elevated experiences, and this pop-up is perfectly placed to cater to that trend.” For retail property watchers, the move underscores how outlet destinations are using short-term formats to test demand, optimise unit sizes and maintain momentum in a competitive, experience-led market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As World Mental Health Day today (10/10/25) highlights the importance of wellbeing across all workplaces, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is urging builders to make mental health a top priority. With construction workers continuing to face suicide rates three to four times the national average, the FMB is campaigning for cultural change where open conversations and support become embedded in everyday work life. Long hours, a lack of job security, physical demands and a culture that has been historically less familiar with the idea of asking for help. As charity partners with the Lighthouse Charity, the FMB is reminding builders that they and their families can access their vital support services. This includes a confidential 24/7 helpline (0345 605 1956), counselling, emergency financial aid, and tailored wellbeing resources designed for the pressures of the construction sector. Brian Berry, FMB Chief Executive, said:“Mental Health in the construction sector is a topic that needs to be discussed much more within industry and beyond. The construction sector is built on teamwork and trust, and these values must extend to how we handle mental health. World Mental Health Day is a reminder that too many builders are still facing these challenges – caused by tough, physically demanding working conditions alone. Every small building business has a duty to prioritise mental wellbeing. It’s only through leadership, open discussion and action that we can create a safer, healthier construction sector – that encourages those who need help, to ask for it.” The FMB has partnered with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) for a podcast episode dedicated to the issue of mental health. It features the FMB’s award-winning member Dorian Bowen, alongside the FMB’s CEO Brian Berry. The episode discusses findings from the CIOB’ Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 report and offers practical advice for builders and business owners across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The sale follows Catesby Estates successfully overturning a refused planning application in 2024 Catesby Estates, a leading strategic land promoter, has completed the land sale of a 25 acre site in Latchingdon, Essex, to housebuilder Dandara Homes. The land, which is a dedicated greenfield site, has planning permission for 160 new homes, 50% of which will be affordable. The plans also include a designated plot for a children’s nursery, comprising a 300 sqm building with outside play space and on-site parking. More than 40% of the 25 acre site will be retained and transformed into a new community park. This green space will include a new children’s play area, community allotments and integrated walking and cycling routes. The site also makes provision for a 100 sqm office hub, designed to support residents working from home, local entrepreneurs and start-ups. Planning was achieved on this site in 2024 after Catesby Estate’s team successfully appealed Maldon District Council planning committee’s decision to refuse the scheme in 2023, despite a recommendation for approval by the Planning Officer. The refusal was overturned last year, with the Inspector’s report supporting Catesby Estates’ evidence of a significant shortfall of new housing delivery in Maldon. David Harper, Senior Area Land Director at Catesby Estates, comments: “The completion of this land sale to Dandara Homes will not only accelerate the delivery of much-needed new homes but it will also bring significant community benefits to the area, including a nursery, office hub, and dedicated play areas. “We’re proud that our team was able to demonstrate the demand for these new homes and facilities to the council on behalf of the landowner, and overturn a previously unsuccessful planning application. We look forward to seeing the team at Dandara Homes transform this land for the benefit of its future residents and surrounding community.” John Baines, Land Director at Dandara Homes, adds: “Dandara are really pleased to have completed the purchase of this site in Latchingdon and look forward to delivering a high-quality development that will make a real contribution to the local community. The mix of new homes, green spaces, and facilities such as the nursery and office hub will help create a vibrant and sustainable place to live.” David Brooks and Tom Bloomfield from Brooks Leney acted on behalf of the landowners. The price was not disclosed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Europe’s €500 billion logistics real estate market faces a structural supply gap of more than €150 billion, according to a new Prologis Research white paper, Persistent Supply Constraints Position Europe For Value Growth. Regulatory hurdles, infrastructure bottlenecks, environmental requirements and political resistance are constraining new development across Europe. At the same time, demand for modern logistics space continues to grow, fuelled by e-commerce, supply chain resilience strategies and expanding urban populations. Meeting this demand is becoming increasingly difficult as barriers mount. Europe’s Modern Logistics Concentration (MLC) index, which tracks logistics space relative to households, stands at 30 compared with 75 in the U.S. Because Europe’s cities are denser and networks more efficient, a perfect comparison is misleading; a benchmark closer to 50 is more realistic – still implying a major shortfall. Eva van der Pluijm-Kok, vice president, Prologis Europe Research: “Even if Europe were to reach a more balanced level of logistics space, the shortfall would remain significant. At today’s pace of construction, closing the gap would take around eight years and require more than €150 billion of investment” Development in urban locations faces the greatest challenges, pushing logistics construction further from cities — even though demand is strongest in urban markets. This is reflected in performance, with facilities close to consumers yielding higher rental growth. “City” and “Last Touch” sites have delivered rent growth of 150 to 240 basis points above the European average over the past three years. Quality matters too, with modern facilities commanding around a 9% rent premium in markets where occupiers have a choice. While vacancy rates have risen, modern stock remains scarce. Supply of high-quality, well-located facilities is being kept close to frictional levels by structural barriers, and occupiers consistently prioritise sustainable modern buildings in prime corridors. This dynamic is already supporting rental growth and is likely to drive continued outperformance of modern assets over the long term. The Netherlands illustrates how these forces converge. Grid capacity there is among the most constrained in Europe, a national nitrogen crisis has limited permitting, and public opposition to warehouse expansion – often described as the “boxification” of the landscape – has intensified political resistance. As a result, construction volumes for logistics real estate are well below peak levels. Ben Bannatyne, President, Prologis Europe: “Scarcity in European logistics real estate is structural, not cyclical. For customers, access to modern, sustainable space in the right locations is more critical than ever. For investors, it reinforces the long-term value of well-located facilities, where scarcity continues to drive performance. At Prologis, our scale, strong networks and executional capabilities allow us to deliver where others struggle – ensuring durable, long-term returns for our stakeholders.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
G&H has secured a £12 million contract to deliver a complete mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) design and build for Harrogate District Hospital’s new state-of-the-art Day Care Surgery and Imaging Centre. Following a competitive tender, main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction has appointed MEP service provider G&H to support the delivery of the new £50 million facility, which is part of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust’s (HDFT) transformation programme. Funding comes from the government’s Targeted Investment Fund 2 (TIF2) that invests in projects that will accelerate elective care recovery and reduce both waiting lists and times. A 60-strong team, including apprentices, started on site on 6 October, and will install and commission all MEP services in accordance with the designs created by G&H’s in-house design engineers. The modern facility will feature two new operating theatres, three x-ray rooms, an MRI suite, a procedure room and a dedicated day care ward. Drawing on its proven expertise in delivering intricate, technically complex health facilities, G&H will install the theatre equipment, piped medical gas, ultraclean canopies to the two MRI scanners, specialist nurse call, power and ventilation. Scheduled to be complete and ready for handover in Summer 2026, the building will boast many energy saving features, such as air source heat pumps, Ultra Clean Ventilation (UCV) canopies, chillers and plate heat exchangers. Due to the nature of the building, the resilience to the electrical supply is provided by two HV transformers, two UPS units, and a main generator with backup connection points. Steven Fry, project manager at Morgan Sindall said: ““Personally, for me it is great to be working with the G&H team again and also great to be part of the Morgan Sindall and G&H journey. “With G&H’s extensive experience in healthcare and fully collaborative approach aligning with ours here at Morgan Sindall, I am sure this project will be a success. “Both our values and expectations align, with regards to each and every project deliverable, from our Perfect Delivery strategy, encompassing Quality, Safe, Time and Recommended, to our commitment to social value. “All of the Morgan Sindall team are looking forward to working on this fantastic project with G&H, for our prestigious clients, Harrogate integrated Facilities and Harrogate District Hospital Trust.” Rob Woodward, senior contracts manager (north) at G&H, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be collaborating with Morgan Sindall and to have the opportunity to draw on our vast healthcare experience to deliver the new Day Care Surgery and Imaging Centre. “Our aim is always to bring buildings to life and transform them into safe, comfortable and efficient spaces where people can thrive. This new facility will help the Trust perform more surgeries, reduce waiting times, and provide an improved environment for patients and staff.” Established in 1998, G&H is a leading MEP provider. Its 200-strong experienced team designs, manages, delivers, and maintains every aspect of MEP schemes. Previous health projects include Knowl Park House, a centre for excellence for dementia day care awarded gold by the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre, and Bradford Royal Infirmary Women’s and Newborn Unit. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals