When embarking on public sector construction projects, selecting the right consulting firm is crucial to ensure efficiency, compliance and successful project delivery. Here is a list of the best construction consulting services for public sector projects. 1. Spire Consulting Group Spire Consulting Group is a prominent firm specializing in construction
After eight years of uncertainty, Manchester’s Central Retail Park is on the brink of a major transformation, with plans for a nine-storey office development and a new public park expected to get the green light this week. A New Era for Great Ancoats Street The £37m site, previously home to
A colossal 100ft-high steelworks, covering the equivalent of four football pitches, is set to rise near Meadowhall, solidifying Sheffield’s status as a powerhouse of British engineering. Forgemasters has secured planning permission for the £350m machining hall on Weedon Street, which will become the largest facility of its kind in the
Hortons has been granted planning consent for the final phase of a scheme to deliver c.334,000 sq ft of premium industrial/logistics accommodation in the UK’s ‘golden triangle.’ Saxon 68, a new Grade A warehouse spanning 68,000 sq ft, will be developed at Saxon Park on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate in
DEPUTY prime minister and housing minister Angela Rayner has announced a further £350 million pledged toward Labour’s momentous 1.5 million home target. However, while building new homes is essential to addressing the planning crisis, Derek Horrocks, owner of retrofit decarbonisation provider Sustainable Building Services UK Ltd and chair of the National
On Friday 14th February the IPPR has released a new report that has found 1.4m houses have been left unbuilt by developers since 2007. Cllr Adam Hug, Housing spokesperson for the LGA, said: “This report puts a spotlight on one of the key issues the LGA has long-called for Government
GMI Construction Group has started work on one of the largest regeneration projects in Grimsby’s history – the transformation of Freshney Place into a dynamic leisure, retail, food hub and complimentary market. This landmark investment, backed by the Government and North East Lincolnshire Council, aims to revitalise the shopping area
HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has announced plans to take on a further 20 apprentices – providing training and skilled jobs in the construction industry. The National Apprenticeship Week has 2025 recently taken place and marking T Level Thursday, BBV has opened applications for
Caple, as one of the UK’s leading kitchen and bedroom suppliers, is well known, by both the trade and the homeowner, for providing superior spaces. “Our starting point is always how people want to use their spaces and appliances; then we add intelligent design, technology and beautiful finishes. We love
Whitbread PLC, the owner of the Premier Inn chain, has started the construction of its most high-profile hotel development in Ireland at Dublin’s Clerys Quarter. Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash has been appointed as the principal contractor for the development which is an important part of the regeneration of
When embarking on public sector construction projects, selecting the right consulting firm is crucial to ensure efficiency, compliance and successful project delivery. Here is a list of the best construction consulting services for public sector projects. 1. Spire Consulting Group Spire Consulting Group is a prominent firm specializing in construction consulting services tailored for public sector projects. The company offers extensive services, including project management, dispute resolution and construction advisory. Spire’s team of experts is adept at navigating the complexities of public sector requirements, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Pros: Cons: 2. Deloitte Deloitte is a global leader in business consulting services, recognized for its capabilities in the public sector. The firm offers a broad portfolio of services catering to various government areas, including audit and consulting. Deloitte’s extensive experience enables them to handle complex government transformation efforts effectively. Pros: Cons: 3. Arup Group Arup is a British professional services firm that provides architecture, engineering, design and planning services. With a global footprint, Arup has been involved in numerous public sector projects, offering innovative solutions and sustainable designs. Its multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive project delivery. Pros: Cons: 4. Buro Happold Buro Happold offers engineering consultancy, design, planning and project management services. They have extensive experience in public sector projects, from courthouses to community centers. Their sustainable, innovative services enable complete project delivery. Pros: Cons: 5. Crowe LLP Crowe LLP offers project management services specifically designed for the public sector, including audit, tax and consulting. Their approach emphasizes clear communication, achievable timelines and disciplined execution. Crowe’s consultants assist in defining objectives and selecting appropriate methodologies, ensuring projects are completed efficiently. Pros: Cons: 6. YCP Group YCP Group provides Asia-focused consulting services for the public sector. The company offers tailored solutions, leveraging global insights to navigate the unique challenges of Asia’s public sector landscape. YCP’s expertise aids government bodies in achieving sustainable growth and impactful governance. Pros: Cons: Choosing the Right Consulting Partner for Public Sector Success Selecting the best construction consulting service for public sector projects is vital. Each of the firms listed above offers unique strengths and expertise. When choosing a consulting partner, consider factors such as specialization, range of services, experience and alignment with project goals to ensure successful outcomes.
After eight years of uncertainty, Manchester’s Central Retail Park is on the brink of a major transformation, with plans for a nine-storey office development and a new public park expected to get the green light this week. A New Era for Great Ancoats Street The £37m site, previously home to Toys R Us, Argos, and other retailers, has stood vacant since 2019. Initial proposals to turn it into a pay-and-display car park were overturned by a High Court challenge, and in the years since, the abandoned space has been a battleground for different visions—including a DIY skatepark nicknamed GooseSide, after goslings that moved in when the shops closed. However, after years of setbacks and town hall debates, the project gained momentum in 2023 when council leader Bev Craig announced that half the site had been sold. Now, with planning officers recommending approval, the long-running saga could finally reach its conclusion. A ‘Flagship Development’ for Manchester The new plans include:✅ A nine-storey office building to accommodate 7,000 civil servants✅ A one-hectare public park featuring 96 trees and three play areas✅ New retail spaces to enhance local amenities The Government Property Agency (GPA) has hailed the project as a “flagship development”, stating: “This building will set the standard for new government hubs through this decade and beyond, with flexibility, function, and collaboration at its core.” Dubbed the ‘Manchester Digital Campus’, the project is expected to create 6,000 construction jobs and fill a key gap on Great Ancoats Street. Final Decision Looms Manchester City Council’s planning committee is set to deliberate on the proposals at 2pm on Thursday, 20th February. If approved, it will mark the end of an era for Central Retail Park—and the beginning of a new chapter for Manchester’s urban landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A colossal 100ft-high steelworks, covering the equivalent of four football pitches, is set to rise near Meadowhall, solidifying Sheffield’s status as a powerhouse of British engineering. Forgemasters has secured planning permission for the £350m machining hall on Weedon Street, which will become the largest facility of its kind in the UK when it opens in 2028. A Game-Changer for British Defence and Engineering The cutting-edge facility will house 17 of the world’s most advanced vertical turning lathes, producing critical components for the British defence programme, including next-generation nuclear submarines. A second, smaller building will feature a state-of-the-art test-house and training facility, ensuring vital skills are passed down to the next generation of engineers. A Forgemasters spokesperson stated:“The sheer scale of this project will make it an iconic Sheffield landmark, surpassing even the UK’s largest open-die forging line, which is currently under construction at our adjacent Brightside Lane site.” Revitalising a Historic Industrial Site The steelworks will rise on a brownfield site previously owned by British Land, once earmarked for the ambitious ‘River Don District’, which aimed to create nearly 5,000 jobs but never materialised. The facility’s lathes are being produced by German engineering firm WaldrichSiegen, reinforcing Forgemasters’ commitment to cutting-edge technology. A Nationalised Future for Forgemasters Since its nationalisation in July 2021, Forgemasters is now fully owned by the Ministry of Defence and undergoing a £400m modernisation programme, securing its role at the heart of the UK’s strategic industrial and defence capabilities. With this landmark project, Sheffield’s steelmaking legacy is not just being preserved—it’s being revolutionised for the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hortons has been granted planning consent for the final phase of a scheme to deliver c.334,000 sq ft of premium industrial/logistics accommodation in the UK’s ‘golden triangle.’ Saxon 68, a new Grade A warehouse spanning 68,000 sq ft, will be developed at Saxon Park on Oakley Hay Industrial Estate in Corby. The development will offer modern, high-specification facilities, including 12.5m to haunch, a minimum 520 KVA power supply, first-floor offices, and enhanced PV roofing. The unit is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and an EPC A+ rating, reinforcing Hortons’ commitment to environmental sustainability. Construction is set to commence shortly, with completion expected in Q4 2025. Hortons has built a strong reputation for investing in and developing industrial/logistics assets, with more than 60% of its portfolio comprising industrial properties at key strategic locations throughout the East and West Midlands. The company acquired Saxon Park in 2023 as part of its long-term investment strategy. The broader redevelopment of the site includes the transformation of an existing building into two high-quality units, Saxon 79 and Saxon 129, which will comprise 78,500 sq ft and 129,300 sq ft respectively. Both units will be available for occupation from Q3 2025. Additionally, Hortons has successfully delivered Saxon 58, a comprehensively refurbished unit of 58,350 sq ft, which was let to Russell & Bromley in 2024. James Slater of Hortons said: “We are investing in a full-scale redevelopment programme at Saxon Park to create high-specification units that offer enhanced power and sustainability. Saxon 68 is a key part of this plan, delivering best-in-class industrial/logistics space in an established and sought after location.” Saxon Park lies four miles southwest of Corby town centre and five miles north of Kettering. It benefits from excellent road accessibility via the A6003 and A14, providing links to the M1/M6 and A1/M11. For more information, please contact retained agents, DTRE and TDB Real Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DEPUTY prime minister and housing minister Angela Rayner has announced a further £350 million pledged toward Labour’s momentous 1.5 million home target. However, while building new homes is essential to addressing the planning crisis, Derek Horrocks, owner of retrofit decarbonisation provider Sustainable Building Services UK Ltd and chair of the National Home Decarbonisation Group, believes that we must not overlook another critical factor when it comes to meeting the housing crisis: decarbonisation of existing stock. He said: While it’s reassuring seeing the government making strides in providing new stock, it’s important that with new-build homes taking centre stage in this discussion, we don’t lose focus on the work to be done on our existing housing stock. Bringing these existing homes up to standard – particularly when it comes to energy efficiency – can align with the visions for new homes, working side-by-side to tackle the housing shortages reported across national media every day. It’s also important that the focus on new homes does not create a new divide in terms of the quality living conditions. Improving the energy efficiency of existing homes not only tackles the housing shortage, but also other wider crises people face – including physical and mental wellbeing, and fuel poverty. Simply put, it means that comfortable, safe and healthy living environments and affordable energy bills are shared across everyone in any kind of home – not confined to those in newer builds. Though brilliant progress has been made in recent years installing retrofit decarbonisation measures in UK homes to bring them up to at least EPC rating C, there is still a journey ahead of us. Momentum is continuing to be promising, with the ongoing commitment to the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (previously the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund) and Warm Homes: Local Authority Grant – along with additional funding announced in last year’s Autumn Budget and changes to the National Planning Policy Framework. Together, our aim should be to completely decarbonise the UK’s current social housing stock as soon as possible, installing energy efficient upgrades to raise each home to at least EPC rating C. While certainly beneficial toward climate change, the impact we’re able to make in one home contributes massively to their wellbeing in multiple ways. Better energy efficiency can not only prevent health hazards like damp spreading but can also lower energy bills and provide a greater overall comfort. Put together, we’re making considerable progress against helping these families healthier – financially, physically, mentally, and socially. So, amid the exciting headlines around new homes, and among the discourse around deliverability, it’s crucial we don’t become distracted and take our foot off the pedal elsewhere. We need to keep building on the already-strong momentum – making sure work to decarbonise and retrofit existing homes works in tandem with building new ones to meet the requirements of every local area and community. Some of the focus must stay on our existing housing stock; otherwise, once the new homes are finally built, we risk creating a new problem – a property divide. Learn more about Sustainable Building Services here: www.sustainablebuildinguk.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On Friday 14th February the IPPR has released a new report that has found 1.4m houses have been left unbuilt by developers since 2007. Cllr Adam Hug, Housing spokesperson for the LGA, said: “This report puts a spotlight on one of the key issues the LGA has long-called for Government action on – the need to tackle slow build-out rates from some developers. “In order to deliver the homes we need, Government must work with councils and the housebuilding industry to ensure there is a suitable pipeline of sustainable sites, which once allocated in a Local Plan and / or given planning permission, are indeed built out. Councils approve 9 in 10 planning applications, but people cannot and do not live in planning permissions. Councils must be given greater powers to ensure prompt build out of sites with planning permission, also should be given the support to ensure they have an up-to-date local plan so they can give certainty to residents and housebuilders’ “Planning is about creating communities linked with the right economic activity and public services, whilst conserving and enhancing the natural and local environment generating a sense of place, culture and local identity. Developments require more than just houses to create thriving, attractive and desirable places and communities in which to live, and often it is the accompanying local and national infrastructure, to be delivered alongside new homes, which is of primary concern for residents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has started work on one of the largest regeneration projects in Grimsby’s history – the transformation of Freshney Place into a dynamic leisure, retail, food hub and complimentary market. This landmark investment, backed by the Government and North East Lincolnshire Council, aims to revitalise the shopping area in the heart of the port town to secure its long-term economic future. GMI, appointed principal contractor by the council’s regeneration manager Queensberry, will construct a modern market hall with refreshed facades, featuring internal upgrades, and a new five-screen cinema and adjacent leisure facility, developed as shell-only units providing greater flexibility for tenants. It will also deliver three commercial units designed for food and beverage operators, a newly designed public square serving as a central focal point, upgraded shopfronts and bulkheads within Market Square, as well as the refurbishment of three existing retail units. The initial phase involves an internal strip-out followed by the demolition in summer of the existing market hall and rooftop carpark. There will also be a partial demolition of the former BHS store on Flottergate and several commercial units in Flottergate Mall and the Bullring. Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson, joined representatives from GMI Construction Group on site to formally launch the project. He said: “We’re on a hugely ambitious journey, with significant investment of public funds across our towns and borough. We’re investing in one of the largest schemes this council has ever invested in, and I’m pleased to be working with GMI on this significant contract. “Our Freshney Place regeneration scheme is, in my firm belief, the most important regeneration project we have seen in North East Lincolnshire. It is key to the future of our town centre – underpinning the other regeneration taking place as well as securing the future of Freshney Place and the 1,700 local jobs it supports” Ed Weston, GMI’s Commercial Director, said: “We are proud to be part of this transformative project that will breathe new life into the town centre. Our expertise in delivering both urban regeneration projects and high-quality mixed-use developments will ensure that Freshney Place becomes a vibrant destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.” Paul Sargent, founder of Queensberry, and the Council’s Development and Asset Manager for Freshney Place, added: “We are looking forward to working with GMI’s team on this critical regeneration project that is vital to the continued success and popularity of Freshney Place. This is the sort of placemaking everyone talks about, but not everyone gets the opportunity to create.” The scheme has already attracted strong interest from key tenants, with local operator Parkway Cinema pre-let on the five-screen venue and Starbucks confirming its return, while discussions continue with a leading food outlet. The investment builds upon wider regeneration efforts across Grimsby, complementing projects such as the Onside Youth Zone and a new housing development at Garth Lane. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2’s construction partner for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has announced plans to take on a further 20 apprentices – providing training and skilled jobs in the construction industry. The National Apprenticeship Week has 2025 recently taken place and marking T Level Thursday, BBV has opened applications for construction-focused apprenticeship roles within its delivery and support teams. The opportunities include trainee roles in civil engineering, commercial, health and safety, environment and business administration. The company has already supported over 480 apprentices throughout its supply chain, working on construction sites and in office-based locations across a 90-kilometre section of the HS2 route. This covers an area from Warwickshire, into Birmingham and up to Staffordshire. An increasing number of apprentices are joining BBV via the T Level route, which offers an alternative to A Levels and focuses on vocational skills to help students into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or further study. Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement lasting for at least 45 days. A total of 30 students have been offered apprenticeships with BBV on board HS2 after completing their T Levels since they were first introduced in 2020. The business initially established a partnership with Walsall College and works with an increasing number of West Midlands-based higher education institutions to upskill and develop local talent. Among those to join the HS2 project with BBV as an apprentice civil engineer is Charlotte Gibberson, 19, from Sutton Coldfield. Charlotte’s interest in construction stems from childhood, with a T Level course in design, planning and surveying at Walsall College enabling her to explore this passion within an academic environment. Charlotte said: “This HS2 project is extremely dynamic and has immense potential for both professional and personal development. The exposure of working on one of the largest projects in Europe will not only assist with networking but will provide great insight into the various opportunities available on the project. “The prospect of being able to work in a role that will allow me to contribute to a bigger picture and create a sustained legacy for future generations gave me the confidence to pursue a role as a civil engineer.” After gaining his T Level qualifications, 22-year-old Miles Kenshole, also from Sutton Coldfield, embarked on a Level 3 health and safety apprenticeship which he successfully passed in 2024. Now a Health and Safety Advisor, his role involves travelling to 35 different HS2 sites to conduct inspections. Miles said: “I believe the guidance and support provided to me as a T Level student has been essential to my success in gaining a full-time role in the industry. “My advice for anyone looking to join BBV and work on HS2, especially if you are doing a placement, would be to approach the works with an open mind. I would advise anyone on joining this project. There are so many opportunities available, and it is a fantastic career path.” More than 1,800 people have already secured an apprenticeship on the high-speed rail project, with 31,000 people currently working on the programme in total between London and the West Midlands. The project is firmly on track to meet a target of generating at least 2,000 apprenticeships over the lifetime of the programme. Earlier this week, HS2 announced that it is searching for a total of 40 new apprentices based in HS2 offices and sites in London, Birmingham and Milton Keynes and across its wider supply chain to help support Britain’s high-speed railway. Julie Venn-Morton, HS2 Ltd’s Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager for the West Midlands, said: “Together with our construction and supply chain partners, HS2 is bringing thousands of new people into the workforce, increasing skills and helping to underpin the construction industry for years to come. “As the UK celebrates National Apprenticeship Week and highlights how vital apprenticeships are within any workplace, we’re pleased to see BBV recruiting even more apprentices and showcasing the importance of T Levels. T Levels are a great alternative to more traditional routes into an apprenticeship and provide an ideal stepping stone into the construction industry.” Balfour Beatty VINCI’s 2025 apprentice opportunities will be advertised on www.balfourbeattyvinci.com and on Apprentices and graduates – HS2 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caple, as one of the UK’s leading kitchen and bedroom suppliers, is well known, by both the trade and the homeowner, for providing superior spaces. “Our starting point is always how people want to use their spaces and appliances; then we add intelligent design, technology and beautiful finishes. We love the details, from spot-on task lighting right down to the last, satisfying (almost-silent) click of the cupboard door.” To further enhance the Caple experience, the website has been updated, as it is regularly, to make it smoother and more intuitive. ‘Where to buy’ The ‘Where to Buy’ section is now easier to find in the navigation bar. Quickly locate your nearest Caple retailer with our easy-to-navigate map and streamlined navigation. Enhanced product comparison The Compare feature helps customers to evaluate products side-by-side, complementing the personalised brochure tool to make decision-making a breeze. FAQs made clearer The revamped FAQs section now provides more detailed answers and an improved layout, helping customers quickly find the information they need. Streamlined navigation The improved navigation ensures key sections, like spare parts and product warrantyregistration, are now simple to locate under the new Service & Support category. Here is a short clip which illustrates the new functionality on the website. For more information on Caple, please visit www.caple.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitbread PLC, the owner of the Premier Inn chain, has started the construction of its most high-profile hotel development in Ireland at Dublin’s Clerys Quarter. Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash has been appointed as the principal contractor for the development which is an important part of the regeneration of one of Dublin’s most iconic department stores. The 229-bedroom hotel will be in the heart of the city at Earl Place, just off O’Connell Street, and will form part of a mixed-use development of Clerys Quarter, a new city centre destination that will regenerate Dublin’s landmark street. Gilbert-Ash’s scope of works at the former warehouse site include the construction of an eight-storey hotel plus basement and roof, with restaurant and reception on the ground floor. Whitbread acquired the development site in summer 2022 as part of its strategy to expand Premier Inn in Ireland, securing full planning permission to build the hotel from Dublin City Council in June 2023. The hotel, which is set for completion in summer 2026, will offer Premier Inn’s latest generation style bedrooms, and will be designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ target sustainability rating in line with Whitbread’s ‘Force for Good’ sustainability strategy. Emma O’Shiel, Project and Programme Manager for Whitbread in Ireland, said: “This new Premier Inn in the Clerys Quarter is an exciting step in Premier Inn’s growth story in Ireland. Dublin is a vibrant, high-demand market for both domestic and international travellers, and this hotel will offer guests an unbeatable city-centre location within one of Dublin’s most iconic and interesting areas. “We are thrilled to be contributing to the regeneration of such a beloved landmark and to bring the Premier Inn experience to more guests in Ireland. This development aligns with our commitment to creating outstanding hotels that deliver great value and comfort for our guests and it is sure to be one of the most popular Premier Inns in Ireland when we open the doors in 2026.” Gilbert-Ash Project Director, Sean Doran said the new hotel will be a key addition to the Clerys Quarter development: “Gilbert-Ash has a long-standing and excellent working relationship with Whitbread and we look forward to continuing this with the Clerys development. “For generations, the Clerys Department Store was an iconic Dublin landmark, and it is great to see the development work that has already gone on there. The Premier Inn hotel project forms part of the wider Clerys Quarter regeneration which will breathe new life into this historic location in the heart of the city. “Gilbert-Ash has an exceptional record delivering stand out projects in the hotels and leisure sector and we look forward to delivering another superb addition to Dublin’s expanding hospitality industry.” With the former department store a popular focal point for Dubliners and tourists alike, the regeneration of the area has been welcomed. The Clerys department store has been refurbished for a mix of business, retail and leisure uses with the development set to be fully open this year. The wider Clerys Quarter development will also boast the bustling Earl Place Market which will be a mecca for food and drink fans and a centre for Dublin’s thriving independent bar and restaurant scene. Whitbread has been growing rapidly in Ireland following the opening of the first Premier Inn hotel in Dublin City Centre in October 2021. The business currently offers its customers a choice of six hotel locations across the capital and Cork and is targeting 5,000 Premier Inn rooms in eleven towns and cities across Ireland where it wants Premier Inn to be represented. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. Sustainability is a key focus for Gilbert-Ash with a number of initiatives underway to help the company to drive down its carbon footprint. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com. For more on Whitbread plc visit www.whitbread.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals