Soaring levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports saw gas-fired output fall to its lowest level in 20 years in 2024. That was the main headline from a new report on on power generation in the British energy market by Montel Analytics. The study showed that
By Tom Brown, Managing Director, Real Estate at Ingenious As we move toward 2025, the UK real estate market is navigating a complex and ever-evolving landscape. Investors must weigh evolving factors such as political uncertainties, shifts in rental demand, and the impact of economic pressures on borrowing costs. Here’s five
Competition fosters innovation in AI and technology development to solve common pain points and drive the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry forward Trimble® (Nasdaq: TRMB) announced the winners of the SketchUp® 0-60 Challenge, an initiative created by Trimble SketchUp and Trimble Ventures to foster innovation and discover the next big idea that will transform how
The construction industry is constantly evolving, striving for efficiency and sustainability. Scandinavian countries lead the way with innovative design practices. Learning from their success could transform UK construction. Looking to the north, you can discover invaluable lessons from Scandinavian construction practices. These regions are renowned for their commitment to sustainable
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its flagship CI IV fund, has taken a major step in its commitment to renewable energy by approving the construction of two additional Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Scotland. These developments mark a turning point for the UK’s energy infrastructure, with CIP solidifying
Construction professionals highlight the UK’s most iconic projects, from The Shard to the Elizabeth Line. Construction professionals across the industry have weighed in, revealing their picks for the UK’s most impressive engineering marvels of the 21st century. The findings, based on a survey of over 500 industry pros, are part
– Award-winning student operator will manage residence for H.I.G and Primus – 402-bed PBSA scheme will open in Autumn 2025 with bookings being taken now – Scheme offers high quality, well-amenitised sustainable accommodation and aims to set a new bar for aspirational student living in Leeds Student accommodation specialist Nido Living has launched
NATIONAL regeneration housebuilder Lovell Partnerships has seen its work gather pace at a new mixed tenure development site in Telford, within the highly anticipated Station Quarter regeneration project alongside Telford and Wrekin Council, Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd, and Bowmer and Kirkland. The £45.7m scheme located just north of the town
Multi-discipline principal contractor Miller Knight reflects on a remarkable year of growth and achievement in 2024, marked by significant milestones, new ventures, new team members and a continued commitment to fire remediation, refurbishment and regeneration. The year saw the appointment of Matthew Flower as managing director bringing a fresh strategic approach
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Soaring levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports saw gas-fired output fall to its lowest level in 20 years in 2024. That was the main headline from a new report on on power generation in the British energy market by Montel Analytics. The study showed that GB gas-fired output totalled 72.6TWh in 2024 – down on the 86.8TWh recorded the previous year – and a significant drop on the 111.4TWh generated in 2022. The decrease in demand for gas was attributed to a rise in renewables output, which totalled 118.1TWh in 2024 – up on the 116.9TWh recorded in 2023. On average, renewable generation (including biomass) increased by 0.14GW to reach 13.5GW, which meant renewables contributed 45% to the overall GB power generation mix. Wind generation was the major contributor to renewable output with a 70% share. Based on historic data, average wind generation also reached a record high of 9.43GW, which was 0.39GW higher than the previous year. This record would have been even higher if wind generation had not needed to be curtailed due to constraints in the capacity of the transmission system during periods of high wind generation. Electricity imports were also a key reason for the record low gas-fired output. GB interconnectors saw average net imports of 3.8GW last year, a 40% increase compared to 2023 and the highest level on record in the last ten years. The top two major contributors to this total were France (2.2GW), and Norway (1.1GW). Gas prices began last year by declining through January and February, continuing a downward trajectory seen during Q4 2023, before generally following an upward trend throughout the remainder of the year. The subsequent uptick in prices was influenced by several factors, including intermittent production outages in Norway, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, supply disruptions to Ukraine due to the ongoing war with Russia, and occasional cold spells during winter. Despite these increases, the average gas price for the year fell by 16% from 2023 levels to £28.63/MWh. In a similar fashion, the profile of wholesale day-ahead electricity prices followed that of gas prices but dropped to a greater extent due to the increase in renewable output, falling by 23% year-on-year to an average of £72.58/MWh. The rise of renewables led to 139 hours of negative prices in GB – the highest level since 2019 when negative prices were first observed. The 2024 figure is significantly higher than the 86 hours recorded in 2023 and the 91 hours observed in 2020, when low demand during Covid lockdowns was a significant contributory factor. Phil Hewitt, Director at Montel Analytics said: “Last year gas prices were lower on average than in 2023, despite rising again from March onwards. These increases were recorded despite reduced demand for gas-fired generation, with total output at its lowest level for at least 20 years as a result of very high levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports through the interconnectors, particularly from France and Norway. Renewable output would have been higher because almost 10% of potential wind output could not be used because of transmission system constraints. Meanwhile, the importance of electricity transfer though the interconnectors has been accentuated following Ofgem’s recent approval of five major new undersea energy links, which will further strengthen connections between Britain and Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland”. “The initial decline in gas prices was driven by elevated wind generation as a consequence of storms Isha and Jocelyn in the early part of 2024, although prices generally rose during the rest of the year. At this time of year, gas price spikes are not uncommon as additional gas reserves are often needed to meet higher-than-usual demand during periods of cold, calm weather. The recent cold snap sparked a media frenzy recently when British Gas owner Centrica announced that the UK had less than a week of gas reserves in store although National Gas, which owns the UK gas network, has insisted that storage levels remain healthy.” The Montel study also highlighted the demise of coal in Britain after 142 years, with the last coal station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar closing at the end of September. The report also showed that nuclear power generation dropped to a record low of 38.2TWh, largely due to outages and delayed restarts which reduced the output of most units in the nuclear fleet Renewables were the dominant contributor to Britain’s fuel mix in 2024, accounting for 44.8% of the total. Gas-fired generation accounted for 27.5%, with nuclear (14.5%), imports (12.6%) and coal (0.6%) accounting for the rest. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Tom Brown, Managing Director, Real Estate at Ingenious As we move toward 2025, the UK real estate market is navigating a complex and ever-evolving landscape. Investors must weigh evolving factors such as political uncertainties, shifts in rental demand, and the impact of economic pressures on borrowing costs. Here’s five areas to watch in real estate in 2025: The political landscape continues to present risks for real estate in 2025. Key uncertainties include potential changes in global leadership, especially within major economies like the United States, and the ongoing repercussions of the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union. Challenges around trade deals, tariffs, and economic isolation remain a threat to market confidence and transaction volumes. For property investors and developers, these uncertainties make long-term planning increasingly complex. In a volatile political climate, many may adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on adaptable strategies to mitigate risk and anticipate shifts in policy. The rental market is expected to maintain strong momentum as homeownership remains difficult for many. The discontinuation of government schemes like Help to Buy, combined with high mortgage rates and inflation, have left first-time buyers struggling. Consequently, rental demand, particularly in urban areas, is set to grow, with residential rents seeing double-digit increases. Traditional buy-to-let investors continue to feel the pinch from a changed tax framework, increased regulations and a tougher compliance environment, reducing rental supply. This can only further elevate rents by reducing supply and underscores a shift towards Build-to-Rent developments. These purpose-built projects are designed with long-term renters in mind, providing stable and attractive returns for investors. Interest rates will remain a key driver for the real estate market in 2025. Although expectations are for gradual reductions, borrowing costs will stay elevated compared to pre-pandemic norms due to broader economic pressures, such as high global debt and inflation concerns. For homebuyers, developers, and the buy-to-sell market, this means persistent challenges in accessing affordable financing and moving forward with large-scale investments. The construction industry remains vulnerable to high inflation, despite anticipated base rate reductions. Rising costs for materials and labour have already strained smaller contractors, and a resurgence of inflation could see further financial stress. The introduction of a stricter regulatory environment under the Building Safety Act adds another layer of complexity and cost, potentially leading to delays in project timelines and further contractor difficulties. Co-Living continues to gain traction in dense urban areas like London, appealing particularly to young professionals seeking flexible, community-driven living arrangements. These modern spaces provide not just accommodation, but a lifestyle—with shared amenities and communal environments fostering a sense of connection. Investors are recognising the long-term growth potential of the Co-Living sector, which aligns with broader trends towards affordability and flexible living options. As housing costs remain high, Co-Living is poised to complement traditional rental models and become a key part of the housing market in 2025 and beyond. Conclusion The UK real estate market in 2025 is set to navigate a complex landscape shaped by political, economic, and regulatory factors. From political uncertainties and shifting rental dynamics to interest rate pressures and construction challenges, adaptability and strategic foresight will be key for investors. Emerging trends like Co-Living underline the sector’s evolution, offering flexible, community-driven solutions that resonate with changing market needs. As these dynamics unfold, the focus on resilience and innovation will define success in an increasingly demanding environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Competition fosters innovation in AI and technology development to solve common pain points and drive the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry forward Trimble® (Nasdaq: TRMB) announced the winners of the SketchUp® 0-60 Challenge, an initiative created by Trimble SketchUp and Trimble Ventures to foster innovation and discover the next big idea that will transform how architects, designers and project managers work. The 0-60 Challenge invited entrepreneurs, early-stage startups and developers to leverage SketchUp to develop transformative technology solutions that solve common industry pain points. Nine finalists selected from over 100 applicants were given an opportunity to collaborate with leading subject matter experts, innovators and technologists from within the global Trimble network to transform their ideas into reality. After a three-month development process, the finalists demoed their solutions for a live audience at 3D Basecamp at Dimensions, Trimble’s annual user conference. To learn more, visit: https://3dbasecamp.sketchup.com/en/SketchUp-0-60-Challenge-2024. “The ideas and solutions that came to light through the SketchUp 0-60 Challenge are nothing short of transformative,” said Christopher Cronin, VP & GM, architecture, design and education at Trimble SketchUp. “We created the challenge to stimulate creative problem solving, encourage collaboration and connection, and help turn ideas into solutions that will have a real-world impact on AEC workflows. Together with a talented third-party developer community, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and seeing how the integration of AI unlocks new levels of efficiency, interoperability and creative exploration for the SketchUp community.” The SketchUp 0-60 Challenge Winners are: First Place: ScaffPlan developed an extension that allows temporary works companies — builders of temporary structures required to enable the safe, efficient and permanent construction of a project — to create detailed drawings and documentation for scaffolding, formwork, propping and shoring projects in SketchUp. The solution solves the complex challenges temporary works companies face by optimizing material utilization and enabling precise delivery scheduling to reduce waste and delays. It also facilitates accurate on-site installation, compliance with stringent legal requirements, and thorough identification and mitigation of safety hazards. Second Place: To streamline the design to construction documentation workflow between SketchUp and Revit®, Skema‘s new integration addresses the need for greater interoperability between both solutions. The integration provides designers, developers, builders and owners a seamless way to leverage SketchUp’s early design capabilities to develop Building Information Models (BIM) more quickly for project delivery. This process reduces data loss and minimizes the need to re-model, allowing users to work more efficiently and confidently. Third Place: A plug-in from Spacely AI accelerates the process of creating high-quality renders of interiors by auto-populating 3D spaces with the appropriate entourage. The solution accelerates the time-consuming process of populating and rendering stylized 3D spaces, allowing interior designers to win more business, reduce costs and explore creativity. Amazon Web Services “Scaled Thought” Award: Extracting precise data from designs and manually labeling components is tedious and error-prone, often leading to incomplete or inaccurate data. Scene Intelligence, a SketchUp plugin created by Loci, uses state-of-the-art AI models to classify components in SketchUp to IFC 4 standard at the click of a button. Scene Intelligence makes it easy to filter and view critical elements such as furniture and structural components, and generate an accurate bill of materials in minutes, not hours. Judges selected the winners based on three product categories and against six different criteria to measure the efficacy of the proposals. First, second and third place winners received cash prizes and Loci will receive technical expertise in three complimentary workshops led by Solution Architects at Amazon Web Services. The innovation doesn’t end here — expect more from Trimble & SketchUp’s ongoing collaborations with the winners. All features are available to download and try on the SketchUp Extension Warehouse today. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction industry is constantly evolving, striving for efficiency and sustainability. Scandinavian countries lead the way with innovative design practices. Learning from their success could transform UK construction. Looking to the north, you can discover invaluable lessons from Scandinavian construction practices. These regions are renowned for their commitment to sustainable and efficient design, a pursuit that resonates with the modern push for eco-friendly and cost-effective building solutions. As the demand for innovative construction grows, integrating these practices, including efficient metal deburring methods, can significantly enhance project outcomes. Scandinavian Design Principles Scandinavian design is characterized by its minimalist approach, focusing on functionality and simplicity. This style contributes to efficient construction by reducing material waste and streamlining project timelines. Essential to this is the integration of efficient metal deburring methods, which play a crucial role in achieving smoother finishes while minimizing resource wastage. By embracing these principles, UK projects can reduce costs and improve overall project efficiency. These design principles also promote environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of renewable materials and energy-efficient technologies. The seamless blend of aesthetics and utility ensures that buildings not only look appealing but also contribute positively to environmental goals. This approach aligns well with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints in the construction industry. Furthermore, Scandinavian architecture often incorporates large windows to maximize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. This design feature not only saves energy but also enhances the well-being of building occupants by creating brighter and more inviting spaces. Efficient Construction Techniques In addition to design aesthetics, Scandinavia excels in implementing efficient construction techniques that can benefit UK builders. Prefabrication is a common practice, allowing for components to be manufactured off-site, ensuring precision and reducing on-site waste. Electropolishing in manufacturing is another method employed to ensure high-quality finishes and durability of metal components, further enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The focus on automation and advanced technology within construction processes helps minimize human error and accelerates project timelines. This technological integration ensures that projects are completed on schedule without compromising quality or environmental standards. By adopting such techniques, you can increase productivity while maintaining high standards of quality control. The integration of these methods into UK projects not only meets the growing demand for sustainable solutions but also positions the industry as a leader in innovative construction practices. Sustainability Practices Scandinavian countries prioritize sustainability through their choice of materials and design strategies. Eco-friendly materials like recycled steel and wood are commonly used, promoting a circular economy within the construction sector. Energy-efficient designs such as passive houses are also prevalent, minimizing energy consumption through superior insulation and airtightness. The environmental benefits of these practices are significant, reducing carbon emissions and lowering operational costs over a building’s lifecycle. By adopting similar strategies, UK projects can contribute to global sustainability goals while offering cost-effective solutions to clients. Moreover, these sustainable practices enhance a building’s value by meeting increasing market demands for green certifications and energy performance standards. Implementing these strategies offers competitive advantages in an increasingly environmentally conscious industry.
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its flagship CI IV fund, has taken a major step in its commitment to renewable energy by approving the construction of two additional Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Scotland. These developments mark a turning point for the UK’s energy infrastructure, with CIP solidifying its position as the nation’s leading investor in battery storage solutions. Scotland to Host Europe’s Largest Battery Projects The two projects, Coalburn 2 in South Lanarkshire and Devilla in Fife, are poised to become Europe’s largest battery storage facilities. Each site boasts an impressive 500MW capacity. Once operational, they will collectively deliver a staggering 1.5GW of power and store up to 3GWh of electricity, enough to meet the energy demands of over 4.5 million households for a two-hour period. These projects, representing a combined investment of £800 million, will expand CIP’s UK BESS construction portfolio to three sites, including the already underway Coalburn 1 project. This milestone further cements CIP’s reputation as a trailblazer in renewable energy and battery storage solutions. Transforming Energy Security and Sustainability The Coalburn and Devilla projects are more than just engineering feats; they are critical components of the UK’s transition to a clean power system by 2030. By enhancing energy security, enabling flexibility in the grid, and accelerating the deployment of low-cost renewables, these facilities align perfectly with Scotland’s and the UK’s ambitious net-zero goals. Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, underscored the significance of these projects:“The construction of Europe’s largest battery systems in South Lanarkshire and Fife is a major step forward for Scotland’s energy transition. These well-placed storage systems will ensure reliable power for homes and businesses, moving us closer to a net-zero future and directly supporting local communities. Scotland remains open for investment in transformative energy technologies.” A Partnership for Progress CIP’s success in delivering these groundbreaking projects is built on strong partnerships. The company’s collaboration with Alcemi, a large-scale BESS developer, began in February 2022 and has since flourished. Together, they are creating a robust portfolio of UK-wide battery storage projects aimed at delivering a clean power system by 2030. Nischal Agarwal, Partner at CIP, highlighted the importance of these initiatives:“Our investments in Scottish battery energy storage underline our commitment to a vibrant renewable sector in the UK. Projects like Coalburn and Devilla are essential for enhancing energy security, providing grid flexibility, and supporting the deployment of renewable energy faster and more efficiently.” Key partnerships with technology and engineering providers like e-STORAGE, H&MV Engineering, OCU Group, and Wood Group are ensuring these projects are delivered to the highest standards. e-STORAGE, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, will supply cutting-edge battery technology for all three projects, delivering 2GWh of storage capacity to the Coalburn 2 and Devilla sites. A Vote of Confidence in the UK’s Green Economy Baroness Gustafsson, UK Minister for Investment, praised the £800 million commitment as a testament to the UK’s attractiveness for green investment:“This landmark investment not only strengthens our mission to become a clean energy superpower but also ensures affordable, reliable renewable energy for millions of people across the UK. Energy is a key sector in our upcoming Industrial Strategy, and investments like this set the stage for long-term growth.” The Road Ahead As CIP continues to lead the charge in renewable energy, its transformative projects are laying the groundwork for a sustainable energy future. The Coalburn 2 and Devilla developments represent more than just milestones in battery storage; they embody a vision for an energy-secure, low-carbon world. With Scotland at the heart of these efforts, and with strong governmental and private sector backing, the UK is well on its way to becoming a global leader in clean energy innovation. CIP’s commitment to building better and building greener signals a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction professionals highlight the UK’s most iconic projects, from The Shard to the Elizabeth Line. Construction professionals across the industry have weighed in, revealing their picks for the UK’s most impressive engineering marvels of the 21st century. The findings, based on a survey of over 500 industry pros, are part of a broader study on sector achievements and satisfaction, spearheaded by Hubexo UKI’s NBS and Glenigan, both leading technology platforms for construction. Though tightly contested, professionals crowned The Shard, an iconic gem on London’s skyline, the most impressive engineering feat of the century (35%). As the tallest building in the UK, The Shard was chosen for its groundbreaking construction techniques, including innovative top-down building methods, solidifying its status as a modern engineering marvel. Incredibly, 95% of the construction materials used in the building are recycled. Interestingly, The Shard’s popularity soared among professionals at larger construction firms (£50-100 million turnover), highlighting their admiration for its size and scale. Over half (57%) ranked the skyscraper as their top choice. Close behind was the 2012 Olympics, with nearly one in three (31%) praising its mix of innovation, sustainability, and urban transformation as the top engineering achievement in the last 100 years. Built on a former industrial site, engineers transformed polluted land into a thriving, sustainable complex, featuring wetlands, green spaces, and renewable energy systems. The stadium itself was standout, designed to be lightweight and modular, and its use of recycled materials set new standards in sustainable construction. Just shy of third place was the Battersea Power Station redevelopment (30%), celebrated for retaining its Art Deco charm while showcasing cutting-edge heating and cooling innovation. Professionals praised its CHP network, seamlessly delivering efficient HVAC and electricity to the vibrant mixed-use complex. Other projects of note were the UK’s Crossrail project (28%), now known as the Elizabeth Line, one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, which revolutionised transport in London and its surrounding regions, and London’s Super Sewer (17%), designed to capture 39 million tons of untreated sewage annually. Dr Stephen Hamil, Innovation Director at NBS said: “This century has so far delivered some of the most iconic and groundbreaking building projects ever. Yet, for industry insiders, The Shard still stands tall as one of the UK’s most impressive feats of design and engineering. “The rise of digital construction and building product data sets the stage for groundbreaking new projects – with the likes of the Houses of Parliament Restoration and One Undershaft still to come to fruition, it’s an exciting time for anyone working in design and construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
– Award-winning student operator will manage residence for H.I.G and Primus – 402-bed PBSA scheme will open in Autumn 2025 with bookings being taken now – Scheme offers high quality, well-amenitised sustainable accommodation and aims to set a new bar for aspirational student living in Leeds Student accommodation specialist Nido Living has launched a new 402-bed scheme in Leeds on behalf of Joint Venture partners H.I.G and Primus. The award-winning operator of PBSA was appointed in 2023 to help launch and operate ‘The Fabric Works’, which will be opening in September 2025 and is ready for bookings. Nido has over 17 years’ experience designing, delivering and managing student accommodation in the UK and was involved with pioneering the first new high quality PBSA scheme of its kind with Blackstone in 2007. The Fabric Works aims to set a new bar for PBSA in the City. Its vision has been conceptualised by the award-winning Tim Groom Architects and it has been developed by CODU in partnership with Primus, whose team have over 10 years’ experience delivering high quality student accommodation across the UK. The building takes its inspiration from the arcades built in Leeds between 1878 and 1897, including Thornton Arcade, Queen’s Arcade, and County Arcade, and includes many features that are unique to the city. The accommodation itself offers premium student living focused on customer experience, with vibrant outdoor and indoor social living areas and plenty of sustainability attributes, including connection to the Leeds PIPES heat network. Importantly, there is a wide array of amenities including a games room, private dining room, co-working and study spaces, a cinema room, a fully-equipped gym, a yoga and fitness studio, and private outdoor gardens. Each studio room comes complete with a 43” SMART Ultra HD 4K TV, superfast WiFi connection, generous storage space, a fridge-freezer, cooking appliances, an ensuite bathroom, and acoustic flooring. Leeds is one of the most popular student cities in the UK with a lack of premium-quality city-centre PBSA. With its high specification and proximity to all major universities and higher education institutions, The Fabric Works is one of the most anticipated new schemes in the city, redefining student living. Nido is also well-renowned for offering a best-in-class student experience with an average 4.5/5 rating across Google, a 90% rebooking and referral rate, and an NPS of +41, 16pts ahead of the PBSA average. Darren Gardner, COO of Nido Living said: “The UK student accommodation market continues to be hugely undersupplied, with an acute lack of the type of professionally managed and design-oriented homes that residents demand. Leeds has long been a favourite of UK and international students, and this continues to be the case. While there are schemes already in the city, we are confident The Fabric Works is unique and will set a new bar for aspirational student living offering the best accommodation and amenities, with an added focus on both wellbeing and sustainability. In addition, with a new stable UK Government and as immigration policy becomes clearer, we expect the numbers of international students to rise again with Leeds one of the cities on their radar thanks to its vibrant lifestyle, its top 100 ranking and being part of the prestigious Russell Group.” Nido Living is also appointed on another scheme by H.I.G and Primus, a 380-bed PBSA development, The Sail Yard & The Sail Works, in Lancaster, in a nod to the site’s former use making sails. Duncan Melville, Director at Primus Property Group, said: “Nido is an award-winning European PBSA operator who has raised the bar in student accommodation management and experience, and we’re excited to leverage their track record and brand for our assets in Leeds and Lancaster. Early engagement with Nido in the development of the schemes has helped us integrate both technology and sustainable design in a way that delivers a positive impact for the students who will be living in our buildings. A key part of our asset management plan is to have fun, inclusive, and community-oriented spaces with a friendly and trusted team on the ground 24/7 for our student community, and we are delighted Nido represents all of this at The Fabric Works and The Sail Yard & Works.” To date, Nido has developed and managed over 18,000 student accommodation and coliving beds in the UK and Europe and is set to become one of the leaders in student-led accommodation, Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NATIONAL regeneration housebuilder Lovell Partnerships has seen its work gather pace at a new mixed tenure development site in Telford, within the highly anticipated Station Quarter regeneration project alongside Telford and Wrekin Council, Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd, and Bowmer and Kirkland. The £45.7m scheme located just north of the town centre will deliver 189 new homes in a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom townhouses and apartments, revitalising the Telford community through the first major project of its kind in the area. Lovell has been appointed by Nuplace – Telford & Wrekin Council’s wholly owned housing company – to deliver 31 low-rise apartments and 74 town houses. Bowmer and Kirkland has also been appointed to deliver the 5 storey, 84 nr apartment block. The homes will be available through a mix of private rent, affordable rent and shared ownership. Stuart Penn, regional managing director at Lovell Partnerships said: “This scheme marks an important milestone for Lovell in the West Midlands, having supported Telford & Wrekin Council for around 10 years on various projects to enhance the region’s housing provision, including five other projects in the Borough that we are currently developing. “Throughout that time, we have been led by our regeneration expertise and understanding of the local area, and we are proud to be part of this important regeneration for Telford. Station Quarter is an impressive scheme and will play a large part in supporting growth for the area, while also providing the existing communities with more job opportunities, access to new facilities and an overall enhanced living environment. “The West Midlands continues to be an incredibly important region for development that we are proud to be supporting, and we remain committed to working alongside key partners, regenerating brownfield sites and leaving a lasting legacy.” Nuplace has successfully secured £4.725m of grant funding from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to support the delivery of this scheme. Nuplace’s contemporary fully furnished apartments have been designed specifically with various eco-friendly features to contribute towards the council’s commitment to tackle climate change and help tenants to reduce their fuel bills. The apartment building will benefit from ground floor amenity space spilling out onto a terrace, providing residents with an opportunity for work from home hot desking and socialising. Development management and project management services are being provided for the apartments by Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd (GKRL). Matt Brennan, senior project manager, GKRL: “We are delighted and proud to be providing Development Management and Project Management services, working together with Telford & Wrekin Council, in the delivery of the Apartments at Station Quarter. Working together with Kate and the team, the apartments progressing is a momentous milestone in the station quarter journey. The scheme epitomises the catalyst for Telford’s significant regeneration plans.” Bowmer + Kirkland Regional Director, Gary Bradley, said: “We are delighted to be joining Telford & Wrekin Council, GKRL and the wider project team in constructing 84 apartments as part of the very important Station Quarter scheme. “The project will generate opportunities for local businesses and individuals and we are looking forward to seeing the project’s progress.” The Station Quarter residential project is part of a wider Telford and Wrekin regeneration programme aimed at transforming other areas of the borough including Oakengates and Wellington, with a total investment of £135m. This includes £52m in government grants topped up with a further £83m from Telford & Wrekin Council and other public/private sector partners. For more information, visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-discipline principal contractor Miller Knight reflects on a remarkable year of growth and achievement in 2024, marked by significant milestones, new ventures, new team members and a continued commitment to fire remediation, refurbishment and regeneration. The year saw the appointment of Matthew Flower as managing director bringing a fresh strategic approach to guide the company’s future. The senior management team and board of directors was further strengthened with several key appointments, including Chris Flint as regeneration director, Andrew Foster as commercial director and Jamie Baybrook as chief estimator. Additionally, Liam Bunce was promoted to technical director, and Mark Squires joined as operations director. These additions have bolstered the company’s strategic direction, reflecting a commitment to expertise and innovation across all levels of the business, with a combined total of 12 new people joining the team throughout the year. Commenting on 2024’s achievements, managing director, Matthew Flower, said: “2024 has been a transformative year for Miller Knight. From delivering outstanding projects to strengthening our leadership team, we have set a strong foundation for future growth. “I am immensely proud of the entire team’s dedication and the strides we have made together. Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering exemplary services to our clients and projects while creating a great place to work.” Miller Knight successfully delivered a range of impactful projects over the past year, ranging from regeneration, fire remediation and refurbishment. Among the highlights were the Gateway Student Accommodation project in Lincoln and the refurbishment of 25 Stoney Street in collaboration with Nottingham College. The Gateway Student Accommodation project involved an extensive remedial fire protection programme for an eight-storey building housing 500 students, ensuring compliance with the latest fire safety regulations were met, future proofing the building for generations. Meanwhile, the refurbishment of 25 Stoney Street, Nottingham College modernised educational facilities, creating state-of-the-art learning environments for students. Recognised as an industry leader in the sector, Miller Knight was commended as ‘Fire Safety Installer of the Year’ at the prestigious FSM Live Awards 2024. This accolade highlights the company’s excellence and dedication to improving the safety of buildings across the country. With much to celebrate, Miller Knight also launched a new website and hosted its first Building Safety Forum at the iconic Villa Park, home to Aston Villa Football Club as part of a new series of events. As part of its commitment to the communities it serves, Miller Knight has continued to invest in social value initiatives. The company sponsored the Hucknall Water Polo Club, supported local football programmes and contributed to the next generation of professionals through Quarrydale School’s mock interview programme. Looking forward to 2025, Miller Knight remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, safety and social responsibility. This year’s successes are a testament to the hard work of the team, a clear vision and the trust of its partners. For more information on Miller Knight, please visit: https://www.miller-knight.com/regeneration-refurbishment/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Personalised uniform, workwear and PPE suppliers, MyWorkwear are dedicated to providing products that provide safety and confidence among workers. With workwear playing a vital part in how workers conduct their role, as part of their latest study* MyWorkwear has delved into the cleanliness of uniforms worn by UK professionals to determine how often they clean and replace items alongside their general opinions of their workwear. According to the study, one in six construction workers only replace their workwear once per year! Considering the findings, MyWorkwear has also offered their expert guidance on how often workwear should be washed and replaced. Below are the key statistics for those working within the construction sector. When asked how often they clean items such as trousers, a third (33%) state once per week compared to 7% who state a couple of times per month. Looking at tops such as shirts, 24% wash them once per week, with 5% only washing them a few times per month. Delving further into items such as overalls, almost a quarter (24%) wash them once per week whereas 10% wash them a few times per month. For items such as jackets and fleeces, 30% wash them once per week compared to 10% who wash them a few times per month. Questioning workers about their reasons for cleaning their workwear, 10% expressed that their employer requires them to. However, when asked how often they replace their workwear, 15% only replace items once per year whereas 22% replace items once every two months. Analysing their opinions on their workwear, positively over two-fifths (41%) are happy with their workwear but 23% expressed that they’d like to change the items as they’re too tight fitting and 10% believe the items don’t compliment or suit different heights and body frames. James Worthington, Co-Owner and Co-Managing Director at MyWorkwear provides his expert guidance to construction workers. How often, ideally should different items of workwear be washed thoroughly and why? “It’s dependent on the items and as per the instructions and hygiene requirements of individuals. It’s also dependent on the environment in which the items are being used, for example, those on-site would need to wash items more regularly due to dirt build up compared to those off-site. “Wash under layers more often than outer layers and replace once stains can no longer be washed out therefore impacting brand image. It’s also important that all branded layers are washed regularly so that branding is always on show regardless of changing weather conditions, for example, if it suddenly starts to rain, a clean branded coat should be available.” How often, ideally should workwear be replaced with new items and why? “Sustainability should be kept in mind so higher quality items are suggested to ensure they don’t need to be replaced regularly from wear and tear. Also consider product types for example, wicking products for sweat reduction when working in warmer conditions. “You should also consider replacing items as and when new branding is required, for example, re-brands or staff moving to different departments with different personalisation required alongside whenever safety is compromised, for example, damage or staining to hi-vis items.” Other factors construction workers should consider when it comes to their workwear upkeep: “Always stick to care instructions. Business owners could also provide spare sets of uniforms in case of damage. Also, always wear appropriate garments for the area, for example, insulated and waterproof coats for on-site work and the correct level of PPE.” For further insight into maintaining workwear, please visit: https://www.myworkwear.co.uk/company/what-is-the-best-way-to-maintain-workwear/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals