Kenneth Booth
Capacity Crunch Threatens London’s Growth, Warns New Report

Capacity Crunch Threatens London’s Growth, Warns New Report

A growing shortage of construction capacity and a risk-averse approach to new projects could put the brakes on London’s development ambitions, according to the latest research from infrastructure consultancy Aecom. The findings, published in Aecom’s annual London Main Contractor Survey, reveal that many of the capital’s largest contractors—responsible for a

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Steering Growth: PTSG Welcomes Greg Ward as Chief Operating Officer

Steering Growth: PTSG Welcomes Greg Ward as Chief Operating Officer

Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) has announced the appointment of Greg Ward as its new Chief Operating Officer, marking a significant step in the company’s continued expansion and strategic development. Greg joins the specialist services provider at a pivotal time, bringing with him more than 25 years of leadership

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Wates Breaks Turnover Records Despite Profit Dip in Tough Market

Wates Breaks Turnover Records Despite Profit Dip in Tough Market

Wates Group, one of Britain’s leading family-owned construction firms, has reported its highest-ever turnover – despite grappling with economic headwinds that squeezed profits. The company’s 2024 turnover rose by nearly 10% to a record £2.4 billion (2023: £2.18 billion), thanks to robust performance across key sectors including construction, engineering, and

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Five reasons to not miss IWFM at the Workplace Event 2025

Five reasons to not miss IWFM at the Workplace Event 2025

Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 8 – 10 April, the Workplace Event 2025, is a key calendar date for the entire workplace and facilities management (WFM) community. By engaging with IWFM at the event, attendees will have access to the major insights, research and connections that will shape the

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LSH boosts regional strength with investment in Stiles Harold Williams (SHW)

LSH boosts regional strength with investment in Stiles Harold Williams (SHW)

Enhancing LSH’s service offering across South-East England, leveraging SHW’s local expertise and strong client relationships. Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has taken the first major step forward in its mission to become the UK’s leading commercial property advisory firm by acquiring a majority stake in leading South-East England consultancy SHW. As

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Major City Office Deal Signals Corporate Shift from Canary Wharf

Major City Office Deal Signals Corporate Shift from Canary Wharf

A landmark office deal in the City of London has been finalised, with Helical and Orion Capital Managers completing the £333 million forward sale of 100 New Bridge Street to an undisclosed owner-occupier. The buyer, confirmed by several sources familiar with the matter, is understood to be a major US-based

Read More »
UK’s first ‘all electric’ prison officially opens

UK’s first ‘all electric’ prison officially opens

The UK’s first all-electric prison has officially opened in York, marking a significant milestone in the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) drive to create modern, sustainable facilities that support prisoner rehabilitation. HMP Millsike, a Category C resettlement prison with a capacity for 1,500 prisoners, forms part of the MoJ’s New Prisons Programme

Read More »
Affordable homes at former Odeon cinema site ready for customers

Affordable homes at former Odeon cinema site ready for customers

VIVID, the fifth largest housebuilder among housing associations in England and a leading provider of affordable homes, is excited to announce the completion of 18 new affordable homes at the former Odeon cinema on Laburnum Grove in North End, Portsmouth. This redevelopment project, completed in partnership with Imperial Homes, transforms

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Work to begin on £12.9m Visitor Centre

Work to begin on £12.9m Visitor Centre

Oldham Council is set to begin construction on the exciting new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, a key part of the project to transform 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park.   The Northern Roots project

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Latest Issue
Issue 343 : Aug 2026

Kenneth Booth

Capacity Crunch Threatens London’s Growth, Warns New Report

Capacity Crunch Threatens London’s Growth, Warns New Report

A growing shortage of construction capacity and a risk-averse approach to new projects could put the brakes on London’s development ambitions, according to the latest research from infrastructure consultancy Aecom. The findings, published in Aecom’s annual London Main Contractor Survey, reveal that many of the capital’s largest contractors—responsible for a combined turnover of £6bn—have already filled their order books for 2025. The slowdown in tendering activity, combined with cautious contract selection, suggests the city may face serious barriers to meeting its construction and housing targets. Tendering activity among contractors has dropped to 60% in 2024, down from 72% last year. While still within Aecom’s “steady market” benchmark range of 60–70%, the decline indicates a hesitancy driven by ongoing economic uncertainty and the industry’s adjustment to the post-Grenfell regulatory landscape brought in under the Building Safety Act. London’s annual housing target sits just below 88,000 homes, but only around 38,000 are being delivered on average—less than half the goal. Aecom warns that this gap is likely to widen due to persistent labour shortages in both skilled and unskilled roles. While the slower progress of housebuilding schemes currently masks the issue, the anticipated acceleration in high-rise construction—once regulatory processes become more streamlined—could reveal a critical shortfall in available workers. Despite these headwinds, the report strikes a note of cautious optimism. Contractors are reporting a more stable market than in recent years, with a healthy pipeline of infrastructure and development projects on the horizon. London firms expect inflation to average 2.9% in 2025—marginally down on this year and closely aligned with Aecom’s forecast of 2.94%. Brian Smith, Aecom’s Head of Cost Management, commented: “There’s no shortage of opportunities for London’s major contractors, but the combination of tight regulations, a depleted labour pool, and economic aftershocks has made firms understandably cautious. The collapse of ISG last September was a stark reminder of the risks involved, and many are choosing stability over rapid growth.” He continued: “If the government is serious about delivering new homes and driving infrastructure-led growth, it must also support the industry in scaling up. This means renewed investment in skills training and addressing the post-Brexit loss of European labour—otherwise, the pipeline of planned projects may struggle to become reality.” As the capital aims to meet future housing and infrastructure needs, the message is clear: confidence is returning—but capacity must follow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Steering Growth: PTSG Welcomes Greg Ward as Chief Operating Officer

Steering Growth: PTSG Welcomes Greg Ward as Chief Operating Officer

Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) has announced the appointment of Greg Ward as its new Chief Operating Officer, marking a significant step in the company’s continued expansion and strategic development. Greg joins the specialist services provider at a pivotal time, bringing with him more than 25 years of leadership experience across sectors including aviation, security, facilities management, engineering, manufacturing and construction. His appointment is set to strengthen PTSG’s ability to drive operational performance and scale for future growth. Reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Varty, Greg will be responsible for delivering enhanced operational efficiency, accelerating execution of the company’s strategic plans and supporting the transformation of key business functions. With a proven history of leading business transformations and building high-performing teams, Greg’s arrival signals a new phase of momentum for the company. PTSG operates through five core divisions – Access & Safety, Electrical Services, Building Access Specialists, Fire Solutions and Water Treatment – and serves over 30,000 customers nationwide. Backed by a workforce of approximately 3,000, the group has earned a strong reputation for quality, responsiveness and technical excellence. Speaking on the appointment, CEO Nikhil Varty said:“PTSG has built an incredible track record of delivering the right services for our customers, wherever and whenever they need them. Greg’s leadership and experience will help us take this to the next level. His ability to drive operational excellence, develop talent and execute strategic initiatives will be instrumental in accelerating our growth and reinforcing PTSG’s position as a market leader. I’m delighted to welcome him to the team.” Greg’s expertise in scaling operations, streamlining processes and unlocking value aligns closely with PTSG’s ambition to remain at the forefront of specialist services. His appointment reflects the company’s commitment to investing in leadership that can drive long-term performance and innovation. With fresh energy at the helm of operations, PTSG is poised to navigate its next chapter with renewed focus and agility, reinforcing its leadership position across the sectors it serves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wates Breaks Turnover Records Despite Profit Dip in Tough Market

Wates Breaks Turnover Records Despite Profit Dip in Tough Market

Wates Group, one of Britain’s leading family-owned construction firms, has reported its highest-ever turnover – despite grappling with economic headwinds that squeezed profits. The company’s 2024 turnover rose by nearly 10% to a record £2.4 billion (2023: £2.18 billion), thanks to robust performance across key sectors including construction, engineering, and property services. However, pre-tax profits dropped significantly to £2.6 million, down from £44.9 million the previous year. Stripping out exceptional costs, underlying profit before tax stood at £31.4 million – still a sizeable fall from 2023. Operating profit also took a hit, with the group posting a small loss of £300,000 compared to a £44.6 million profit the year before. Despite the squeeze on profit margins, Wates remains bullish about the future. Its forward order book has surged to £8.64 billion, with year-end cash reserves up £57.6 million to £195.6 million – a strong platform for continued, sustainable growth. A major driver of both growth and expansion was the acquisition of Liberty Group, a move that added around 1,100 employees and boosted Wates’ total workforce to nearly 6,000. As a result, Wates now maintains around 600,000 social homes – equating to one in seven across England. The company’s profitability was dented by several factors, including higher administrative expenses driven by a major pension fund restructure. In 2024, Wates transferred members’ defined benefits to specialist Clara-Pensions, a move aimed at providing long-term financial security while de-risking the group’s pension liabilities. Chief Financial Officer Philip Wainwright said: “For the 25th consecutive year, Wates Group has delivered a profit before tax – a major achievement given the headwinds we faced. The pension transfer was a landmark step for the business and a key contributor to this year’s exceptional items.” The group’s solid turnover performance was underpinned by large-scale private and public-sector construction projects, SES Engineering Services, fit-out and refurbishment work through Smartspace, and significant growth within Property Services. However, a sharp rise in administrative costs – up £46.7 million – and increased losses from joint venture projects placed pressure on margins. A quieter year for land sales and some loss-making project closures also contributed to the dip in profitability. Still, Wainwright highlighted that gross profit rose by £32 million, with strong performances from SES, Smartspace and Property Services helping to cushion the impact. Chief Executive Eoghan O’Lionaird added: “We are performing well overall, with positive headline results: record turnover, a record order book, and 25 years of profit. 2024 was a year of progress and consolidation – and we’re well positioned to accelerate in 2025.” The company celebrated a number of high-profile contract wins in 2024. These include a major regeneration scheme in Gresham, Middlesbrough; the Victoria House life science hubs for Oxford Properties in London; and Ministry of Justice fit-out projects. Work also began on expanding HMP Highpoint in Suffolk, delivering 741 new prison places. Wates’ Property Services division had a standout year, increasing turnover by 30% to £547.2 million and expanding its forward order book to £2.7 billion – bolstered further by the Liberty Group acquisition. The division also secured work with the Peabody housing association, London Borough of Brent, and A2 Dominion through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Meanwhile, SES notched up record wins across a range of sectors including sport, education, commercial, and life sciences – reinforcing Wates’ position as a go-to partner for complex, high-spec projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Five reasons to not miss IWFM at the Workplace Event 2025

Five reasons to not miss IWFM at the Workplace Event 2025

Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 8 – 10 April, the Workplace Event 2025, is a key calendar date for the entire workplace and facilities management (WFM) community. By engaging with IWFM at the event, attendees will have access to the major insights, research and connections that will shape the sector in the time to come. Here are five reasons why, based on IWFM’s agenda.  1. Gain a competitive edge with “Outlook 2025: Advantage WFM?”  Kick off the event with this session on day one, at 12:30 at the main stage, which analyses the latest business and economic factors impacting the WFM sector, revealing critical workspace trends from IWFM’s 2025 Market Outlook Survey research. Discover how to optimise investments, boost productivity and keep ahead of the competition.  2. Boost your teams through upskilling at “Future-Ready Teams, Competent Organisations: Upskilling to Unlock Workplace Value.”  On day two at 11:15, don’t miss this main stage event which addresses the skills crisis in WFM and explores how strategic upskilling can achieve workplace objectives. Learn actionable strategies to cultivate competence and understand the impact of effective skills development.  3. Realise maximum value with “IM and Strategic Asset Management as the Gateways to an Optimised Built Environment.”  On day three, join us at the main stage at 10:30 for a session which focuses on data and planning, where this session’s panel will discuss how robust standards support better decision-making and long-term resilience in the built environment. Seize the chance to learn how to tackle maintenance backlogs and implement a sector-led approach to information management. 4. Boost your CPD with a visit to Professional Development Health Clinic   Whatever career stage you’re at, get CPD advice and guidance from our advisors on how you can advance your career. Discover more about IWFM’s professional development offering and how it enables you to make the most of your skills and insight in WFM.  You can take the assessment now and discuss your results with the team at the event.   5. Connect and grow with the IWFM community  Expand your network at the day two Networking Drinks Reception, taking place from 16:00, and meet the dedicated volunteers who drive IWFM’s Regions, Networks and Special Interest Groups. They will be on the stand for the entirety of the event, remember to pop by and say hello!  Don’t miss the chance to gain valuable knowledge, build essential connections and discover exclusive training offers. Register to attend the event today.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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LSH boosts regional strength with investment in Stiles Harold Williams (SHW)

LSH boosts regional strength with investment in Stiles Harold Williams (SHW)

Enhancing LSH’s service offering across South-East England, leveraging SHW’s local expertise and strong client relationships. Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has taken the first major step forward in its mission to become the UK’s leading commercial property advisory firm by acquiring a majority stake in leading South-East England consultancy SHW. As part of Connells Group—owned by Skipton Building Society and the UK’s largest residential estate agency—LSH is expanding rapidly through a mix of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. This strategic partnership is a key plank of LSH’s growth plan, and strengthens its regional commitment to providing best-in-class services. LSH and SHW share a belief in local insight, strong client relationships and hands-on service delivery.  SHW will continue operating as a partnership under its name across its ten offices in South-East England, including Brighton, Eastbourne, Fleet, Worthing, Crawley, Leatherhead, Kingston, Bromley, Croydon and London’s West End. Its suite of services, from agency and transactions to architecture, planning and building consultancy, with a team of over 200 professionals, perfectly complements LSH’s nationwide network of 30 offices and 15 service lines. Together, LSH and SHW will provide enhanced reach that deepens their client service capabilities across England, while providing even greater opportunities for their talent to flourish. Ezra Nahome, Chief Executive of Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity of investing in SHW. We see significant opportunity to drive revenue and grow profits. SHW are a great firm with a winning culture. This investment endorses our commitment to the growth in regions in the UK.” Russell Markham, Managing Partner of SHW, said: “This collaboration marks a significant step forward, enabling SHW to accelerate corporate growth and help to achieve our key business expansion objectives. Through this partnership, we look forward to further enhancing our service offering to clients whilst expanding our reach across the South and within the property industry. “In particular, the investment will also allow us to expand into Kent and Essex to widen our client services and reach.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Major City Office Deal Signals Corporate Shift from Canary Wharf

Major City Office Deal Signals Corporate Shift from Canary Wharf

A landmark office deal in the City of London has been finalised, with Helical and Orion Capital Managers completing the £333 million forward sale of 100 New Bridge Street to an undisclosed owner-occupier. The buyer, confirmed by several sources familiar with the matter, is understood to be a major US-based financial institution, marking one of the largest transactions in London’s office market in recent years. The sale sets the stage for a significant corporate relocation, as the purchaser prepares to vacate its current headquarters in Canary Wharf. This move underscores a growing trend of major tenants shifting away from Docklands in favour of more centrally located, premium office space in the City. Other high-profile firms making similar moves include HSBC and Clifford Chance, with Deutsche Bank also reportedly reassessing its presence in the area. Vacancy rates in the Docklands core market around Canary Wharf reached a record high of 19 per cent in the first quarter, according to data firm CoStar. 100 New Bridge Street is currently undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment, led by Helical and Orion, which is due for completion in April 2026. Once finished, the 10-storey building will provide 195,000 sq ft of office space designed to the highest standards of sustainability, wellbeing, and technology. The refurbishment includes a complete strip back to the frame, recladding, the addition of two new floors, and the creation of a rooftop terrace offering views of St Paul’s Cathedral and central London. The asset has been sold at a capital value of £1,712 per sq ft, reflecting a yield of 5% before transaction costs and rent-free allowances. The building, held on a 999-year virtual freehold lease from Network Rail Infrastructure, is part of a wider joint venture between Helical and a vehicle managed by Orion Capital Managers. Helical had previously sold a 50% interest in the development to Orion for £55 million. The transaction reflects a broader strategy among corporate occupiers to secure long-term control over prime office assets, rather than remaining in leased space. This has been particularly evident post-pandemic, as businesses seek to optimise their workplaces and attract employees back to physical offices through central, high-quality environments. In a statement, Matthew Bonning-Snook, Chief Executive of Helical, said:“This transaction is a true reflection of the quality of 100 New Bridge Street as a London headquarters destination. The very strong interest we received in the scheme over a year ahead of completion is testament not only to its best-in-class characteristics, but also the acute shortage of prime office space within the submarkets Helical has targeted as part of its significant development programme.” Aref Lahham, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Orion Capital Managers, added:“The sale of 100 New Bridge Street, following the leasing success of Panorama St Paul’s, represents a further vindication of Orion’s strategy to gain exposure to leasing risk in new best-in-class offices in the most in-demand locations across gateway cities in Europe.” The purchaser’s current headquarters at 20 Churchill Place in Canary Wharf is expected to be vacated before its lease expires in 2028. The departure follows a wave of corporate exits from Docklands. While some firms—including Barclays and Morgan Stanley—have opted to stay, the shift towards central London locations continues to reshape the capital’s office market landscape. The deal at 100 New Bridge Street highlights ongoing investor interest in high-quality office developments in core City locations, despite broader market uncertainty around office valuations and demand in the post-Covid environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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UK’s first ‘all electric’ prison officially opens

UK’s first ‘all electric’ prison officially opens

The UK’s first all-electric prison has officially opened in York, marking a significant milestone in the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) drive to create modern, sustainable facilities that support prisoner rehabilitation. HMP Millsike, a Category C resettlement prison with a capacity for 1,500 prisoners, forms part of the MoJ’s New Prisons Programme (NPP), one of several programmes which make up the 20,000 prison place programmes which aims to deliver 20,000 new prison places across the country. Designed with rehabilitation at its core, HMP Millsike will provide prisoners with the skills and training needed to secure employment upon release, supporting the government’s wider efforts to cut reoffending and improve public safety. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard acted as the lead designer on the project, working closely with the MoJ and Kier to deliver an efficient, safe, and secure facility. The consultancy has a long-standing partnership with the MoJ, spanning over two decades, and has been instrumental in shaping the design of multiple prisons, including HMP Five Wells, HMP Fosse Way, and HMP Oakwood. Jenny Curtlin, director at Pick Everard, said: “HMP Millsike sets a new standard for sustainable prison design, incorporating biophilic principles and energy-efficient solutions to create a facility that prioritises rehabilitation. Our work on the New Prisons Programme included developing the reference design—a blueprint that has been successfully used across multiple new prisons. This latest project builds on that foundation, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.” The prison will operate on 70 percent less energy than traditional prison facilities, thanks to air-source heat pumps, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting systems, generating over 8,500kWh of renewable energy on-site. HMP Millsike has been designed to provide a safe, secure, and rehabilitative environment, featuring six accommodation blocks, a central services hub, an entrance resource hub, workshops, kitchens, a support building, and a care and separation unit (CASU). The facility’s innovative approach to prison design reflects the MoJ’s commitment to creating environments that support rehabilitation while reducing the carbon footprint of the justice system. Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, said: “This Government is fixing the broken prison system we inherited, delivering the cells needed to take the most dangerous criminals off our streets. “HMP Millsike sets the standard for the jails of the future, with cutting crime built into its very fabric. It is a huge step in our plan to add 14,000 extra prison places by 2031. “But building jails only takes us so far in ending this crisis, which is why we’re also reviewing sentencing so we can always lock up dangerous offenders and make our streets safer.” With the successful completion of HMP Millsike, the MoJ and Pick Everard continue to drive forward sustainable and rehabilitative prison design, shaping the future of the UK’s custodial estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Affordable homes at former Odeon cinema site ready for customers

Affordable homes at former Odeon cinema site ready for customers

VIVID, the fifth largest housebuilder among housing associations in England and a leading provider of affordable homes, is excited to announce the completion of 18 new affordable homes at the former Odeon cinema on Laburnum Grove in North End, Portsmouth. This redevelopment project, completed in partnership with Imperial Homes, transforms a notable local site into much-needed housing. The scheme comprises 12 houses and 6 apartments, with 15 homes available for social rent and 3 for shared ownership. This project not only provides affordable housing but also repurposes the old, well-known local cinema site to benefit the community. The site includes road names such as Picture House Mews and a flat block named Mather Court, after the cinema’s architect Andrew Mather, honouring its cinematic history. Tristan Samuels, Group Development & New Business Director at VIVID, stated: “We’re committed to providing as many people as possible with the opportunity to have a place to call home. It’s been great to repurpose such a well-known space to provide homes to people who need them. I look forward to our customers moving in and enjoying their new homes.” Ben Olds, Land Director at Imperial Homes, said: “Imperial Homes have once again successfully worked in partnership with VIVID on the regeneration of the iconic Odeon Cinema on London Road Portsmouth. The scheme supports 18 new dwellings (a mixture of houses and apartments) following the demolition of the derelict and fire damaged cinema.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Hollywood Bowl to Launch New Flagship Entertainment Venue at The Oracle, Reading

Hollywood Bowl to Launch New Flagship Entertainment Venue at The Oracle, Reading

Hollywood Bowl has commenced fit-out works for its latest venue at Hammerson’s The Oracle in Reading, with an official opening slated for this summer. The £4.5 million investment will deliver a state-of-the-art entertainment hub featuring 24 bowling lanes, an extensive amusement arcade, and a vibrant themed bar and diner. The new Hollywood Bowl will complement the existing leisure and food & beverage offering at The Oracle, joining a dynamic mix of restaurants, bars, cafés, and a cinema. This opening forms part of Hammerson’s broader strategy to reposition The Oracle, which includes transforming a former department store into modern, mixed-use space. In total, approximately 40% of the centre—around 320,000 square feet—is undergoing redevelopment, marking it as Hammerson’s most ambitious transformation project to date. Rita-Rose Gagné, CEO of Hammerson, commented:“We are proud to be partnering with Hollywood Bowl and are thrilled by their commitment and scale of investment. It’s a significant endorsement of The Oracle’s strength, its catchment, and the demand we’ve cultivated over the years. The venue will further establish The Oracle as a vibrant, all-day destination.” Stephen Burns, CEO of Hollywood Bowl Group, added:“We’re excited to announce the opening of our newest centre at The Oracle in Reading—a significant milestone in our strategic UK expansion. This venue underlines our commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment experiences, catering to families, friends, and corporate groups alike in the heart of Reading.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Work to begin on £12.9m Visitor Centre

Work to begin on £12.9m Visitor Centre

Oldham Council is set to begin construction on the exciting new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, a key part of the project to transform 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park.   The Northern Roots project is part of the council’s ‘Green and Growing’ priority. The council has secured £12.9 million from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to deliver this transformative next phase. The work marks the next stage of the council project, which has been developed in close partnership with the Northern Roots charity and has already gained regional and national recognition.  Set in the woodland at the northern end of the site, the Visitor Centre will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, exhibition and performance space, as well as learning and meeting facilities.   Meanwhile, the Forestry Skills Centre, will provide residents with vocational learning opportunities linked to a range of technical and land-based skills and qualifications.  In 2023 Northern Roots established the first phase of the Urban Farm.  Over the last two years, the current site has created 80 volunteering opportunities, delivered activities for more than 600 children and young people, and engaged around 6,000 local residents through cultural and environmental activities.  And to date, there have been 2,000 trees planted, six ponds created to support local wildlife, and the establishment of a community garden and wildflower meadow.  The Visitor Centre marks a significant step forward for the project, which also includes car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping. Looking ahead, future plans for the site include a solar array, play areas, wild play and mountain biking facilities, and additional community growing spaces.  Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, said:  “Northern Roots is a ground-breaking project that will benefit our communities for generations to come – a place where nature, learning, and opportunity come together.  “Oldham Council is proud to be driving this project in partnership with Northern Roots, creating a thriving space for education, recreation, and enterprise, showcasing Oldham as a leader in green innovation.  “The Visitor Centre will provide our residents with skills, support opportunities for businesses, and enhance the local environment. It’s a win-win for our borough.”  The Northern Roots project demonstrates Oldham Council’s commitment to regeneration, sustainability, and community enrichment. With the construction underway, residents will soon see this Council initiative take shape.  Northern Roots CEO, Anna da Silva, added:  “This is a really exciting moment in the development of Northern Roots and a key step in unlocking the potential of the site. We are incredibly grateful to all the partners who have supported the vision for Northern Roots and helped bring the project to this stage, particularly Oldham Council, our local communities, and our funders.  “Northern Roots is pioneering a new, sustainable approach to harnessing and nurturing urban greenspace that we hope will become a model for future generations.”  Construction is being carried out by Willmott Dixon, with the Visitor Centre set to open in summer 2026.  Willmott Dixon’s team are now on site. Once the compound is set up, the first stage of works will be preparing the site to allow main works to start. Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for the North West at Willmott Dixon, said: “As an Oldham-based business we are really excited to be playing our part in shaping this invaluable community space, working in partnership with Oldham Council once again. “In partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating four new employment opportunities directly on the project. Through our bespoke ‘Building Lives Academy’ pre-employability programme, we will support 10 previously unemployed Oldham residents with qualifications, skills and work experience. “We will continue to work with local schools and colleges through site visits, industry workshops and employability sessions. To date, our project team have also volunteered more than 115 hours supporting Oldham people, including with The Salvation Army and the Northern Roots charity.” While the work takes place, the Northern Roots site remains open to visitors all year round.  To find out more about the regeneration work taking place in Oldham, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/regen Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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