Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has taken a significant step into the thriving Build-to-Rent (BtR) market by securing its first forward funding deal with Lloyds Living. This landmark partnership marks a major milestone for Hill Group as it ventures further into this expanding sector. The inaugural project involves the creation
The Passivhaus Trust responds to the Scottish Government’s Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent announcement The Scottish Government yesterday laid amendments to the Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations to enable the implementation of the Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard. This meets the commitment made by Ministers in December 2022 to give effect to Alex Rowley
A Christmas lunch attended by more than 200 women across the region’s construction sector has looked to ‘bridge the gap between education and industry’. The Women in Construction Anglia event, at Ipswich Town Football Club on December 10, aimed to inspire the next generation of women to take up a
An innovative project using continuous data feeds from hundreds of trucks, excavators, and other earthmoving equipment to boost efficiency and cut carbon emissions has helped one of HS2’s biggest contractors win a top sustainability award. EKFB – a joint venture made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall
A Victorian building close to the Imperial War Museum in London which has been designed and renovated into an architects practice, has been highly commended at this year’s annual Secured by Design (SBD) awards. The historic nature of the building and its position within the West Square Conservation Area in
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have announced an exciting partnership for the 2025 UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). The event, scheduled for 20–22 May 2025 in Leeds, will spotlight the pivotal roles of planning and surveying in shaping
Balfour Beatty today announces it has been awarded a contract by Prysmian to install 68 kilometres of high voltage direct current (HVDC) land cables from Fraisthorpe Sands to Drax in Yorkshire, England, as well as an additional 1 kilometre of HVDC land cable at Peterhead, in Scotland. The contract forms part
In today’s fast-paced construction industry, project leaders face a complex landscape marked by rising material costs, stricter environmental regulations, and growing sustainability demands. Harry Simpson is a seasoned project leader with extensive experience managing high-profile projects and pioneering innovative fire safety and remediation strategies. His work on award-winning initiatives has
Starlight Investments, a global leader in real estate investment and asset management, has taken another significant step in its UK growth strategy with the acquisition of a 300-suite build-to-rent (BTR) community currently under development in Leeds. The property, acquired from Leeds-based developer Torsion Group, occupies a prime location on the
HS2 has completed the first stage of work for the construction of a bridge that will take the high-speed railway line over the M42 motorway. During two weekend closures, the team of engineers worked around the clock to prepare the area for construction by removing pre-existing concrete foundations, installing underground
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has taken a significant step into the thriving Build-to-Rent (BtR) market by securing its first forward funding deal with Lloyds Living. This landmark partnership marks a major milestone for Hill Group as it ventures further into this expanding sector. The inaugural project involves the creation of 264 rental apartments in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. It represents a key phase of a larger masterplan, led by Hill, to deliver 576 apartments in Stevenage town centre. Designed to meet modern living demands, the one and two-bedroom apartments will be spread across three state-of-the-art buildings and offer residents exclusive amenities such as an on-site concierge, gym, co-working spaces, and parking facilities. Lloyds Living, the rental and shared ownership housing division of Lloyds Banking Group, is providing forward funding for the project and will oversee the management and leasing of the properties upon their scheduled completion in 2026. Expanding Hill Group’s BtR Footprint Building on its reputation as a trusted partner in the housebuilding industry, Hill is actively exploring BtR opportunities in collaboration with investors and partners. These initiatives include forward funding, forward commit, and joint ventures. The Stevenage development complements Hill’s growing pipeline of large-scale BtR projects, including flagship schemes in Coventry and Wembley. Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, shared his enthusiasm for the venture: “We are thrilled to announce our first Build-to-Rent deal, underscoring our commitment to this dynamic market. By combining our expertise in creating vibrant living spaces with Lloyds Living’s proven track record as a funder and operator, we are confident this Stevenage development will set a benchmark for quality rental homes. With its prime location and excellent amenities, this project is perfectly tailored to meet the needs of the growing number of professionals seeking rental properties in the area.” Meeting Housing Demand with Lloyds Living Andy Hutchinson, CEO of Lloyds Living, highlighted the significance of the Build-to-Rent sector: “BtR plays a crucial role in addressing the UK’s housing needs. Partnering with Hill on projects like this enables us to deliver high-quality homes for rent in areas where they are most needed, alongside the facilities that modern renters prioritise.” Looking Ahead The Stevenage project exemplifies the potential of Build-to-Rent to transform urban living by providing professionally managed rental properties in vibrant, well-connected locations. With both Hill Group and Lloyds Living focused on quality and community, this partnership is poised to deliver homes that meet the evolving expectations of today’s renters while contributing to the regeneration of Stevenage town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Passivhaus Trust responds to the Scottish Government’s Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent announcement The Scottish Government yesterday laid amendments to the Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations to enable the implementation of the Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard. This meets the commitment made by Ministers in December 2022 to give effect to Alex Rowley MSP’s final proposal for a proposed ‘Domestic Building Environmental Standards (Scotland) Bill’. Scottish Building Standards has issued an accompanying statement, outlining the next steps for the implementation of the Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent policy. The Passivhaus Trust welcomes the following: The Passivhaus Trust notes that the legislative amendments announced today are quite minimal in scope, as many of the changes needed to implement a Scottish Passivhaus equivalent policy are already possible within existing building standards and do not require substantial legislative changes. Scottish Building Standards has explained this further: “…our current regulations and mandatory standard which address energy and environmental performance already provided the means to deliver the improvements which are currently sought. However, changes were needed to The Building (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2004 to enable more effective reporting of evidence that compliance with relevant standards is achieved”. The Passivhaus Trust understands that the fine details of the policy are still to be revealed over the next few months. The outcome of the 2024 consultation process has yet to be announced and a further consultation in 2025 will determine the specific changes to performance targets and supporting compliance processes. The Scottish Building Standards team has stated that its consultation analysis report and Scottish Government response will be published shortly on the consultation webpage. In the next stage of proposals the Passivhaus Trust would like to see : Sarah Lewis, Research & Policy Director of the Passivhaus Trust said:“Today’s announcement by the Scottish Government is an important first legislative step but we are still awaiting the fine details of what that policy will look like. We are hopeful that the recommendations we put forward in our consultation response will have been taken on board so that Scottish building standards have the accurate tools and absolute energy targets that would be essential for any standard aiming to be a Passivhaus equivalent.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Christmas lunch attended by more than 200 women across the region’s construction sector has looked to ‘bridge the gap between education and industry’. The Women in Construction Anglia event, at Ipswich Town Football Club on December 10, aimed to inspire the next generation of women to take up a career in the sector, while giving students the opportunity to meet female role models in the industry. Organised by Clare Friel, Managing Director of marketing agency Friel and founder of Construction Anglia, the event also sought to create a supportive community of women in a wide variety of construction roles across East Anglia. Clare said: “I created Women in Construction Anglia so that people could form new connections, and students studying on construction-related courses could see the opportunities in the industry. “The biggest thing that came out from our first event in October was role models – the fact our panellists didn’t have them when they came into the industry, but the students that attended now do. “We can’t get more women into the industry if they don’t know the opportunities that exist. “That’s why it’s a priority for me to not only mix industry with education but to mix students together from different colleges.” The event was attended by staff and students from West Suffolk College and Suffolk New College and hosted by Siu Mun Li, CITB’s Most Influential Woman in Construction 2023 and Director at Temporary Works Forum. Averil Young, lecturer at West Suffolk College, said: “These events offer a unique and inspiring chance to bridge the gap between education and industry, providing my students with an invaluable window into the exciting and rewarding careers that could be part of their futures. “Meeting powerful role models—women excelling in roles across the industry, from hands-on trades to senior leadership—has an immeasurable impact, showing my students what’s possible and inspiring them to dream bigger than ever before.” The event was sponsored by DPL Group, LDD Construction, KLH Architects, Howard Construction, Breheny, TRU 7 Group and Hudson Group. Kaleigh Norris, Head of Careers and Employer Engagement at Suffolk New College, attended the event along with a group of female electrical students. She said: “For our learners to be able to hear stories about the industry directly from employers and to hear how passionate they are about the sector helps them feel pride in what they are studying and excited to go into this industry in their future careers.” For more information on Women in Construction Anglia and upcoming events, see www.womeninconstructionanglia.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An innovative project using continuous data feeds from hundreds of trucks, excavators, and other earthmoving equipment to boost efficiency and cut carbon emissions has helped one of HS2’s biggest contractors win a top sustainability award. EKFB – a joint venture made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall – which is delivering some of the largest cuttings and embankments on the new high-speed railway, has been awarded ‘Platinum’ status by the Supply Chain Sustainability School (SCSS). Part funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and industry partners, the School was set up in 2012 to boost knowledge and collaboration in the built environment. The new status was awarded in recognition of EKFB’s commitment to sustainable practices, which include the use of the Digital Earthworks programme and improvements to supply chain management. The Digital Earthworks programme – known as DIGGER (DIGital Graphical Earthworks Reporting) – is a partnership between EKFB and construction equipment supplier Finning to streamline earthmoving. It has already led to a saving of more than £25m for the project by avoiding unnecessary vehicle movements and cutting fuel consumption. It makes extensive use of data from 700 earthmoving machines, which are fitted with electronic weight sensors to monitor the millions of cubic metres of rock and earth that needs to be moved across the line’s 80km central section and telemetry devices that monitor utilisation of machines on site. This includes graders, loading shovels, dozers and compactors used on site as well as trucks and excavators. Anti-idling is also a key priority, not only to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs, and boost productivity, but also as a protective measure to minimise workers’ exposure to black carbon, improving their working conditions and benefiting the local community. This is achieved through the use of telematic data and workforce training. Andrea Davidson, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Carbon & Climate Change said: “Platinum status is a fantastic achievement for EKFB and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved. Their new processes are already cutting unnecessary vehicle movements and helping to optimise our earthmoving programme as well as boosting our supply chain management. “Across the whole project, we continue to reduce our carbon footprint in construction and it’s great to see our contractors engaging with the Supply Chain Sustainability School to ensure best practice is actively being shared across the whole industry.” Craig Downs, EKFB’s Plant Manager said: ‘’This is a tremendous achievement for not just EKFB but for our entire supply chain. In just seven months we’ve elevated from gold to platinum status – an incredible testament to the unwavering dedication of everyone involved. “By not only adhering to the HS2 Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) process but surpassing the targets set, we’ve achieved significant reductions in hydrocarbons and tailpipe emissions, as well as marked improvements in engine stages. This milestone underscores our collective commitment to sustainability and excellence’’. Construction of the HS2 project – which will improve journeys between London and the West Midlands while freeing up space on the existing West Coast Main Line for more freight and local services – is now well underway. As part of its section of the project – from the Chilterns to south Warwickshire – EKFB must shift 60.5 million cubic metres of rock and earth and the Digital Earthworks processes play a significant role in the job by ensuring vehicle movements are as efficient as possible. As well as the DIGGER programme, the school also recognised EKFB’s progress on embedding best practice across their supply chain. This includes a commitment to meet the high standard of the charter, working collaboratively with all parties and the provision of e-learning to move towards a more sustainable approach to construction. Alan Silvester, EKFB’s Carbon Manager said: “The DIGGER system has been invaluable to EKFB, helping us monitor heavy plant vehicle performance, fuel usage, and inefficiencies. By using real-time data, we aim to reduce carbon emissions through improved operator training and eco-friendly practices. The system also supports data-driven decisions, such as load optimization and resolving site road issues, enhancing efficiency and lowering emissions.” The school established the Plant Charter in 2020 to support the UK’s ambition of Net Zero by 2050. Signatories are encouraged to take measures to lower emissions on construction sites, address and reduce tailpipe emissions, and train staff on why and how to reduce emissions. These measures result in improved air quality and more environmentally friendly working practices. To achieve the platinum standard, companies must meet standards set by the SCSS, be reassessed every 12 months, demonstrate increased competency in sustainable practices, attend multiple training events and be at the forefront of sharing best practice with other companies. James Cadman, Head of Consultancy & Climate, Supply Chain Sustainability School, said: “The Plant, Tools and Equipment Charter is a clear declaration that organisations are committed to taking tangible steps to reduce air quality impacts and carbon emissions. EKFB has reaffirmed its dedication to these goals by being amongst one of the first companies in the UK to achieve Platinum certification in the Charter. “The recent introduction of the Platinum level highlights the highest standard of excellence, and EKFB’s achievement acknowledges the outstanding efforts they’ve made—and continue to make—in minimising air quality impacts and reducing carbon emissions.” EKFB were the first HS2 contractor to be certified by the SCSS, being awarded Bronze status in 2022 and Gold status the following year alongside fellow main works contractor SCS, a joint venture made up of Skanska, Costain and STRABAG who are building the London tunnels. EKFB has now become the first HS2 contractor to be awarded the highest status – Platinum. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Victorian building close to the Imperial War Museum in London which has been designed and renovated into an architects practice, has been highly commended at this year’s annual Secured by Design (SBD) awards. The historic nature of the building and its position within the West Square Conservation Area in Southwark required a balanced approach to the implementation of SBD Commercial Developments guidance, with the building being renovated and developed to include office space, a communal reception area, staff meeting space and staff terraces at the rear. Pre-planning commenced in November 2019 with EPR architects and the developer working with the local police Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO) to ensure that whilst the building was sympathetically renovated keeping as many original features as possible, appropriate security measures commensurate to the local crime risk were included in the building. The security features in the detached building, which had been unoccupied for some time, included new PAS 24:2016 certified sash windows; a new heritage style timber front door certified to PAS 24:2016 with a secondary door fitted internally on access control to allow for entry/exit during opening hours; access controlled doors leading from the reception areas to ensure that access into the building by visitors was controlled appropriately; a full range of CCTV cameras covering key positions, both internally and externally and monitored from reception; a monitored intruder alarm including glass sensors and door contacts; appropriate lighting to the front and back of the building; and the reintroduction of gates on the boundary of the building which had previously been removed. Receiving the award, Metropolitan Police Designing Out Crime Officer Alan Denyer said: “It was a pleasure to work with EPR on the crime prevention and SBD recommendations for this development. The result is a secure development that provides reassurance to those working at the location whilst respecting the architectural significance of the building”. Edward Wood, Associate Director EPR Architects, said: “As a reinvention of an existing Victorian building, the transformation of All Saints has not only provided us with a beautiful new studio but has also significantly enhanced the building’s security measures. “Achieving a Secured by Design Development Award certificate, our design introduced a fully integrated alarm and surveillance system and access control measures, including bespoke gates to the side of the building. Due to its historic nature, the integration of physical security upgrades needed to be carefully considered from the outset to ensure their appearance complimented the detailing of the existing building. With all the new measures and upgrades seamlessly in place, we feel confident that All Saints is a safe and secure workspace for the EPR team”. Improved security Developers around the UK can achieve SBD awards for incorporating crime prevention measures and techniques into their developments in all kinds of building sectors, such as residential, education, health, transport, commercial, retail, sport and leisure. Indeed, SBD can be used as evidence to discharge third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 (Security) to the English Building Regulations, the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 (Security) and Welsh Building Regulations Part Q (Security – Dwellings). These awards are gained by working with police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who advise architects, developers and local authority planners long before construction begins – and continue to provide advice and guidance until the development is complete. Academic and other research shows that improving standards of security in brand new and refurbished properties, helps deter and reduce crime. Reducing crime and the fear of crime has direct links to better physical and mental well-being, such as with regard to high volume crimes like domestic abuse. The built environment influences the behaviour of people who work, live, socialise or simply pass through. SBD seeks to create environments where the law-abiding feel safe and secure whilst at the same time causing the criminal or anti-social to feel vulnerable to detection and thereby influence behaviour in a positive way. This continues to be a key objective for SBD. Find out more about SBD Developers Awards here. SBD Design Guides SBD has produced a series of authoritative Design Guides to assist the building, design and construction industry to incorporate security into developments to comply with the Building Regulations in England, Scotland and Wales and meet the requirements of SBD. These Design Guides, available to download for free at the SBD website, have been updated over the years to keep pace with changing patterns of criminal behaviour and advances in building design and new technology. They are a valuable source of reference to architects, developers, self-builders, local authority planners and police officers and cover a range of building sectors, including residential, education, health, transport and commercial. Police Designing Out Crime Officers DOCOs provide specialist crime reduction advice to the public, businesses and colleagues about premises or property security. They also work with building developers, architects, and council planning departments regarding new developments and refurbishments, to ‘design out’ crimes like burglary and anti-social behaviour (ASB) by providing advice on street lighting, building and street layout, entrances and exits – as well as preferred standards and specifications for doors, windows, and locks, under the Secured by Design initiative. DOCOs are able to deliver site specific interventions required to help design out crime in areas that suffer disproportionately from acquisitive crime, based on local crime pattern analysis, police, local authority and community engagement and the collective knowledge and experience of how criminals behave. DOCOs are specialist problem solvers, working every day to make a positive difference, changing lives for the better and helping people to be safe and secure in their homes. Contact details for local DOCOs can be found here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have announced an exciting partnership for the 2025 UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). The event, scheduled for 20–22 May 2025 in Leeds, will spotlight the pivotal roles of planning and surveying in shaping the UK’s built environment. Elevating Industry Standards The RTPI, an international professional body representing over 27,000 town planners globally, continues its mission of shaping planning policy and accrediting world-class planning education. With a legacy spanning over a century, it remains the sole UK organisation conferring Chartered status to planners. RICS, renowned for driving professionalism across land, real estate, and infrastructure, brings its global influence to ensure consistency and excellence in the built and natural environments. Through certifications, training, and its respected standards, RICS fosters transformative industry practices. A Collaborative Hub at UKREiiF 2025 At the forum, RTPI and RICS will host a shared space dedicated to discussions, panels, and networking. This central hub will provide opportunities for stakeholders and industry leaders to engage on topics of sustainability, placemaking, and innovation in the built environment. Justin Young, Chief Executive of RICS, emphasised the importance of collaboration:“The UK government’s focus on the built environment aligns with our goals. Partnering with RTPI allows us to champion surveying’s impact on housing, energy-efficient commercial properties, and high-quality placemaking through our standards.” Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of RTPI, shared her enthusiasm:“This partnership highlights the vital role of planning and surveying in building sustainable and inclusive communities. It’s an opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore innovative solutions.” A Platform for Sustainable Growth Nathan Spencer, Managing Director of UKREiiF, welcomed the partnership:“The involvement of RTPI and RICS will elevate discussions at UKREiiF. Their expertise is instrumental in fostering sustainable and innovative solutions for infrastructure and investment in the UK.” As a flagship event, UKREiiF 2025 will attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainability and inclusivity in the property and construction sectors. Supported by leading UK companies, it continues to be a vital forum for shaping the future of the industry. For further details, visit the event website: UKREiiF 2025.
Balfour Beatty today announces it has been awarded a contract by Prysmian to install 68 kilometres of high voltage direct current (HVDC) land cables from Fraisthorpe Sands to Drax in Yorkshire, England, as well as an additional 1 kilometre of HVDC land cable at Peterhead, in Scotland. The contract forms part of the 2GW high voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical ‘superhighway’ cable link, 525kV, to be built between Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and Drax in North Yorkshire, England. The Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project is being jointly developed by SSEN Transmission and National Grid Electricity Transmission. Prysmian was awarded a contract worth in the region of €1.9 billion (£1.6 billion) by EGL2 Limited earlier this year, to design, manufacture, install, test and commission the required HVDC cable system which includes 436 kilometres of HVDC submarine cables. Balfour Beatty is delivering approximately 15% of the route on behalf of Prysmian, building on the company’s appointment by National Grid in June 2024, to replace and upgrade approximately 25 kilometres of new overhead lines in North Yorkshire, which will increase the capacity to connect the EGL2 project. The cables will be installed underground, to reduce the visual impact of the scheme and ensure that the landscape across East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and at Peterhead remains unhindered for the local community and visitors alike. The cables will connect to new converter stations located at either end of the cable, which will convert the clean, renewable wind energy that has been generated offshore and take it to homes and businesses in centres of demand across Great Britain. Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission and Distribution business said: “With a proven track record of working on complex cabling projects, this contract further demonstrates our leading role in delivering the vital infrastructure needed to reinforce the energy sector. “Our experience and deep domain knowledge positions us perfectly to complete these latest works for the project which will power around two million homes and businesses, supporting the UK’s transition to clean energy.” Balfour Beatty’s selection further bolsters its portfolio of nationally critical power transmission and distribution projects including the company’s recent appointment to deliver the £363 million Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement scheme. Main works are expected to commence in early 2025, with completion scheduled for 2029. At construction peak, the project is expected to employ 140 people including graduate and apprenticeship positions as part of Balfour Beatty’s commitment to The 5% Club. Balfour Beatty has unrivalled end-to-end capability in the UK energy market. Find out more here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In today’s fast-paced construction industry, project leaders face a complex landscape marked by rising material costs, stricter environmental regulations, and growing sustainability demands. Harry Simpson is a seasoned project leader with extensive experience managing high-profile projects and pioneering innovative fire safety and remediation strategies. His work on award-winning initiatives has made him a respected voice on the challenges and advancements shaping modern construction. In this interview, Harry shares his insights into adapting to industry pressures, leveraging digital tools for transparency, and exploring the future of facade engineering. The construction market is currently facing a number of challenges, including rising material costs and tightening environmental standards. How are you adapting to these conditions, and which industry trends do you see as most critical for the successful delivery of projects? Clearly, these challenges are affecting how we deliver projects. We now prioritise early engagement with the supply chain to balance performance, aesthetics, and budget. For instance, we collaborated with the subcontractor’s curtain wall manufacturer to examine aluminium options, ultimately choosing a system that contained 75% recycled aluminium. This decision significantly reduced the facade’s embodied carbon and aligned with the government’s net zero targets. Looking ahead, two trends are becoming critical: prefabrication and modular facade systems for faster, higher-quality construction, and stricter tracking of embodied carbon, especially in facade materials. Staying agile and technically innovative is essential, and we are actively pursuing these approaches. In light of these pressures, which project management practices do you find to be the most effective? A proactive approach is crucial. We should identify risks early during procurement and have a plan to deal with them as they arise. It is also helpful to negotiate with the supply chain early on, to secure prices, and to fix lead times in order to mitigate external factors such as rising raw material costs. Moreover, strong change control management is essential, including tracking costs and maintaining clear communication for evaluating and approving contract variations with all relevant parties. I understand that at Lendlease, you introduced processes that have since become a company-wide standard. Could you share how you persuaded the organisation to adopt a new approach to assessing design consultants’ competencies? It wasn’t about persuading the organisation, rather, creating something genuinely useful for the team, which led to its wider adoption. I am referring to our responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022. In response to that, I have developed a competency questionnaire for all new Principal Designer appointments. The questionnaire helps assess how companies or individuals ensure compliance with regulations and provide the necessary information to the principal contractor for managing health and safety during construction. It also allows them to present practical evidence of how they eliminate hazards and control risks during the design phase. Using this approach ensures that the partners we select for our projects are qualified. You’ve led both new-build developments and the refurbishment of existing faсades. What are the key differences in management approaches between these two types of projects? A lean approach is generally best suited to new-build projects, focusing on efficiency through effective planning. These projects involve multiple trades, each following its own schedule to meet key milestones. In contrast, facade remediation works—especially those related to fire safety—require an agile approach to project management. This is due to the potential for scope changes as inspections and uncovering progress. Continuous collaboration between the fire engineer, designers, and contractors is essential to ensure that any new scope is thoroughly evaluated for fire safety risks. Which facade project has been the most challenging for you personally, and what made it so? Probably the most challenging project I’ve worked on was the New American Embassy in London, because of the scope and logistics involved in getting materials from the US to a highly secure and restrictive building site in London. One of the major on-site challenges was planning the installation of 20+ foot column cladding, which required a complex lifting strategy using mobile spider cranes and specialist lifting devices. Additionally, we encountered significant issues with slab deflection on the ground floor, which led to the development of an innovative preloading system using calibrated weights. With this solution, we were able to adjust the façade’s preset positions precisely, helping us avoid substantial programme delays. In one of your columns, you mention that without reliable and transparent EPD declarations, reducing embodied carbon becomes something of a mystery. In your view, what are the main barriers to achieving full data transparency across the construction supply chain, and how can project leaders influence this in practice? The inconsistency in the way that data is collected, reported, and verified across different manufacturers is one of the biggest barriers to full data transparency, especially around EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations). In the facade industry we work with a wide range of materials—aluminum, glass, insulation, and sealants—often sourced internationally. Many suppliers either lack EPDs or provide ones that are not third-party verified or aligned with current standards, making it difficult to compare products consistently. As project leaders, we can promote transparency by integrating EPD requirements and low-carbon options into procurement processes at the tender stage. Additionally, we can engage with suppliers to encourage life cycle analysis and certification. Finally, digital tools and databases, such as One Click LCA or EC3, allow us to benchmark and track carbon data across design iterations. This makes informed decisions clear and measurable. What role do you see for digital technologies—such as BIM or carbon-tracking platforms—in improving transparency and reducing carbon emissions throughout the construction process? BIM has played a massive part in revolutionising the way we look at projects digitally. Over the past several years, I’ve personally seen significant improvements in the user interface and adoption. This has, historically, been a challenge due to the vast amount of information involved and the complexity of managing changes to ensure that the most up-to-date project data is presented. Construction projects are inherently dynamic, with designs evolving throughout, making strict supervision by a dedicated controller essential. For BIM to be effective
Starlight Investments, a global leader in real estate investment and asset management, has taken another significant step in its UK growth strategy with the acquisition of a 300-suite build-to-rent (BTR) community currently under development in Leeds. The property, acquired from Leeds-based developer Torsion Group, occupies a prime location on the eastern edge of Leeds city centre. Residents will enjoy easy access to popular spots like Kirkgate and other vibrant leisure destinations, all within walking distance, as well as excellent public transport links. The two-tower development, now under construction, will feature modern 10- and 17-storey buildings offering a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with 63 underground parking spaces. Upon completion, the community will be packed with premium amenities, including a state-of-the-art gym, a cinema, and two rooftop terraces. The design prioritises sustainability, reflecting Starlight’s commitment to eco-conscious living. Leeds, the UK’s third-largest city, is a thriving financial and employment hub known for its blend of historic charm and modern appeal. With a vibrant arts scene, leading universities, and a dynamic business environment, Leeds attracts a diverse population of students and professionals alike. This acquisition marks Starlight’s second in Leeds this year, reinforcing the company’s European residential asset management strategy. The addition of this project brings Starlight UK’s portfolio to over 3,600 managed suites, demonstrating its growing influence in the market. “We are excited to further strengthen Starlight’s footprint in Leeds, one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities,” said Jonnie Milich, Head of UK Residential at Starlight Investments. “This exceptional build-to-rent community highlights our dedication to providing high-quality rental housing across the UK. In 2024 alone, we’ve added over 2,400 suites to our UK portfolio, and we’re eager to continue expanding in the year ahead.” With its ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier residential properties, Starlight Investments continues to play a key role in shaping the future of UK housing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 has completed the first stage of work for the construction of a bridge that will take the high-speed railway line over the M42 motorway. During two weekend closures, the team of engineers worked around the clock to prepare the area for construction by removing pre-existing concrete foundations, installing underground ducting and creating a safe working area in the central reservation of the motorway. Once built, the M42 motorway box structure will measure 300 metres in length and will enable the high-speed line to cross over a 130-metre stretch of the M42 between junctions 6 and 7/7a near Birmingham Business Park and the NEC. The structure will be built using a modular construction method which reduces the need for lengthy motorway closures, minimising disruption to road users. It involves the assembly of giant building blocks that are manufactured away from site and transported to land next to the motorway. 1,500 hollow blocks, each weighing 14 tonnes on average, will be placed on top of each other, like bricks, before being filled with concrete to form the walls of the structure. 295 beams will bridge the gaps between these walls, followed by the installation of a bridge deck and parapets – with the structure due for completion in early 2027. Work can now begin on the build process following two temporary weekend closures and one weekday night-time closure of the M42 to allow for essential preparation work. Working in collaboration with National Highways, HS2 will build the structure in position while keeping three lanes of carriageway open on the M42, with a 50mph speed limit in place. Doug Barnett, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd, said: “I would like to thank motorists for their patience and our colleagues at National Highways for their support during these recent temporary closures of the M42. I also commend our site team who worked through the night to complete this essential work, enabling the motorway to reopen five hours earlier than planned. “Following this first phase of work, we can now start to build the structure in place from the ground up. We’ve prioritised a modular, self-supporting construction method as this avoids the need for any long-term motorway closures and reduces the overall construction time frame – keeping disruption to a minimum.” HS2 and its main works civil contractor for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), will continue to work in partnership with National Highways as the build gets underway. At peak construction, a dedicated workforce of 150 will support the complex operation. Oliver Shore, Project Director at Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “Now we’ve completed essential preparation works along a section of the M42, we’re ready to begin building this twin box structure which will carry HS2 trains over the motorway. Using a modular construction method, this impressive structure will be built in position, to minimise disruption on road users.” David Patmore, Network Planner for National Highways, said: “It is crucial for us that we keep traffic moving and we do all we can to ensure people’s journeys on our roads are as smooth as possible. When we need to carry out important and significant works such as these, we work closely with partners like HS2 to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. “We will continue to work closely with our partners to reduce the impact of the works on our roads and would like to thank road users and local communities for their patience.” As construction continues at pace between the West Midlands and London, HS2 now supports more than 31,000 jobs. When complete, HS2 services will run between London and the West Midlands on a dedicated high-speed line before reaching destinations further north via the existing West Coast Main Line. Britain’s new high-speed railway will provide significantly more efficient and faster journeys, while crucially freeing up space on the most congested part of the West Coast Main Line, allowing more local and freight trains to operate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals