USW’s new Chiropractic Clinic, being built on Treforest Campus, has reached a major milestone with the completion of its main structure. Kier Construction, the contractors appointed to build the clinic, and USW hosted a ‘topping out ceremony’ to celebrate the progress of the project, as the building reached its highest
Westminster City Council have appointed award-winning property management agent Rendall & Rittner to manage the first phase of homes being delivered under the ambitious regeneration of the Ebury Bridge estate in Knightsbridge and Belgravia. Comprising 226 homes in the first phase, alongside a business hub, concierge service, and reimagined public
GMI Construction Group is partnering with spatial computing and AI provider SimplyVideo, Leeds Beckett University, and software developer Anglestack as part of a £1m Innovate UK initiative to create an interactive digital platform to access key elements of the complex legislation contained within the new Building Safety Act. The incorporation
Triton Construction has announced significant progress on its £10 million contract to deliver 85,000 sq ft of industrial space at the Evolve development in Melton West, East Yorkshire, for Wykeland Group. The project, part of the Melton West business park, includes the design and construction of seven industrial units, alongside
AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, has released its latest Construction Intelligence Report for Q4 2024, which points towards a more stable and productive period for the sector going into 2025. However, it cautions that output may still be limited due to inflationary
Acquisition represents largest office investment deal in the city for half a decade Ashtrom Properties UK has acquired Central Square in the heart of Leeds’ financial district for £78M. The landmark office building transaction represents the largest office investment deal in the city for more than 5 years. Guy Lewinsohn,
In a landmark move for the UK housing market, Barratt Developments and Redrow have completed their highly anticipated £2.5 billion merger, forming a new giant in the industry: Barratt Redrow. The union, which has been in the works for over a year, received final approval from the UK’s Competition and
Construction of the new Orsett Heath Academy in Essex, which was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Education, has been completed by leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy. The 8,610m2 three-storey design and build project, which is McAvoy’s largest to date, comprises 209 modules encompassing collaborative breakout areas, a double-height dining
The Nemetschek Group, a leading global provider of software solutions for the AEC/O and media industries, today announced the launch of an artificial intelligence layer to be embedded in all of the Group’s major solutions from 2025. The AI layer is set to revolutionise creativity and productivity in architecture, engineering
By Tara Garraty, Biodiversity Specialist and Sustainability Scientist – Tunley Environmental As more buildings and developments continue to sprout across the UK, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has become a crucial part of the government’s strategy for environmental sustainability. BNG is a framework that ensures that any new development contributes positively
USW’s new Chiropractic Clinic, being built on Treforest Campus, has reached a major milestone with the completion of its main structure. Kier Construction, the contractors appointed to build the clinic, and USW hosted a ‘topping out ceremony’ to celebrate the progress of the project, as the building reached its highest point. Set to be completed in spring 2025, the clinic will replace the current facility at the William Price Business Park, bringing together all learning, teaching and practical elements on to the same site for the first time since USW’s Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) degree course started in 1997. Designed by a team of architects from Cardiff-based Stride Treglown, the 975 sqm, two-storey building will include 26 treatment rooms, DXA (bone density) and ultrasound scan rooms, a seminar room and support spaces for students and colleagues, among many more facilities. Quantum CLS, a project management and quantity surveying consultancy based in Cardiff, are also working on the project as cost consultants on its commercial matters. Quantum CLS employ several USW graduates who are actively engaged in the build and are providing essential support to the project team. It is being constructed with sustainability at the heart of the design to ensure that the building is as resilient and energy efficient as possible, supporting USW’s goal to becoming carbon neutral by 2040. This includes installing solar panels and developing a Blue / Green roof – a flat roof that stores rainwater and allows it to be dispersed slowly into the drain network, keeping the building cool as well as supporting wildlife. The Clinic building has now been weatherproofed, using a steel framing system and specialist cladding, and its windows have been installed. This will allow Kier to progress with the internal works, including the putting up internal walls, full mechanical and electrical installation and LED lighting. Mark Milton, USW Chief Operating Officer, said: “USW is very proud of this development. Our Chiropractic Clinic is a very successful educational institute, teaching close to 100 students a year the essential skills and knowledge to be a good, caring practitioner. “These students come from around the world to study with us and yet the 25,000 treatments they offer in a year primarily support the local community. The value offered by this new facility will be immeasurable in providing a modern, integrated, fit-for-purpose study environment. Our construction partners, Kier, have been great in the way that they have worked with us in delivering a good build and safely managing a complex site on an active university campus.” Jason Taylor, regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “The completion of the main structure marks a significant milestone for this project and is one we are incredibly proud to have reached. We are thrilled to be continuing our relationship with the University of South Wales, having previously delivered the Sport Park in Pontypridd.” Jaren Cervantes, a second year Civil Engineering student at USW, undertook a two-month placement with Kier over the summer, which involved ensuring work was being done safely, on schedule and according to design drawings. As part of this, he completed progress reports on the work by each subcontractor, tracked deliveries, and ensured safety signage and fencing was in place around the site to help prevent accidents. He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Kier on site. Everyone, from the project team to subcontractors, were very welcoming, helpful and happy to answer my questions. It was very insightful as I was able to watch the building’s progress and gain a deeper understanding of how the construction process works.” The Clinic is expected to welcome new patients from summer 2025 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Westminster City Council have appointed award-winning property management agent Rendall & Rittner to manage the first phase of homes being delivered under the ambitious regeneration of the Ebury Bridge estate in Knightsbridge and Belgravia. Comprising 226 homes in the first phase, alongside a business hub, concierge service, and reimagined public realm, Rendall & Rittner was recently appointed to deliver full management and mobilisation services. Developed in collaboration with the existing Ebury Bridge community, the renewal is set to deliver more high-quality affordable housing with a focus on sustainability. In addition to replacement homes for existing tenants, the first phase incorporates market sale, intermediate ownership, and social rent apartments. The first handovers at the development are expected to begin from October 2024. Daniel Steer, Director at Rendall & Rittner comments: “The Ebury Bridge redevelopment has placed resident needs at its heart. We are therefore proud to be able to extend this community focus with our customer-centric approach to property management. We are also delighted to be strengthening our relationship with Westminster City Council and we look forward to welcoming the first residents to Ebury Bridge.” With a portfolio of over 80,000 homes, Rendall & Rittner has cemented itself as one of the nation’s leading property management agents. With over 30 years of experience operating within the industry, Rendall & Rittner has a reputation for driving change and innovation within the sector to enhance the experience of clients, customers, and residents. Find out more about Rendall & Rittner’s London service offering at: https://www.rendallandrittner.co.uk/about-us/our-regions/london/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group is partnering with spatial computing and AI provider SimplyVideo, Leeds Beckett University, and software developer Anglestack as part of a £1m Innovate UK initiative to create an interactive digital platform to access key elements of the complex legislation contained within the new Building Safety Act. The incorporation of artificial intelligence into the platform ensures relevant safety regulations can be matched directly to specific types and stages of construction projects – ensuring consistent and efficient compliance by all parties involved while at the same time reducing the risk of oversight. Central to the initiative is the support of the “Golden Thread” concept, which provides a clear and complete record-keeping system which meticulously tracks all aspects of a building’s design, construction, and maintenance throughout its entire lifecycle, ensuring transparency and accountability. GMI Construction Group is investing in this project, highlighting its commitment to innovation and safety in the construction sector. Once fully assessed, this solution has the potential to be rolled out industry-wide, revolutionising the way safety compliance is accessed and managed. The project is also funded by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the UK’s innovation agency, which drives productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and realise the potential of new ideas. The platform will be accessible through a web app, mobile app, and smart glasses for site workers, as well as virtual reality (VR) Meta headsets via Microsoft’s immersive Mesh environment, enabling users to immerse themselves within a digital representation of the construction project. This VR Microsoft Mesh experience will include access to AI providing regulation information, Golden Thread information, and critical safety information, further enhancing understanding and engagement. Covering a wide spectrum of development and construction, including residential, office spaces, major manufacturing and logistics hubs, care homes, and hospitals, the resource could have a profound impact across the construction industry. The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced significant changes to the building control process, focusing on higher-risk structures and enhancing the competence of those overseeing, managing, and executing construction projects. Thomas West, Group Services Director at GMI Construction Group, said: “This collaboration is a game-changer for the business and builds upon the wider digital transformation that has taken place in GMI over recent years. By integrating AI with cutting-edge software solutions, we can provide our employees with immediate access to crucial regulatory information. This will not only streamline the compliance processes but also bring clarity, enhancing understanding and engagement for all those involved.” Alex Deighton, CEO of Leeds-based SimplyVideo, which is involved in the development of AI, smart glasses and VR using Microsoft Mesh, said: “We are combining both AI and spatial computing cutting edge technologies in a truly exciting way, to aid the construction industry in being compliant with the new BSA Regulation. Using AI to search both BSA regulation and Golden Thread information will save hours for construction professionals. Being able to access the AI and information in Smart Glasses and VR will be a gamechanger.” Dr Jamiu A Dauda, a Chartered Building Engineer and Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, said “The proposed i-GBSM platform will be groundbreaking, representing a pivotal advancement in supporting building safety compliance. By harnessing state-of-the-art technology, we’re empowering stakeholders to navigate complex regulations more effectively, facilitating the comprehensive realisation of the Golden Thread’s advantages across various infrastructure and building.” Omolola Arawomo, Director of Anglestack, said: “At Anglestack, our focus has always been on leveraging advanced software solutions to address the most pressing challenges in the construction industry and beyond. This project represents a significant leap towards ensuring that compliance with the Building Safety Act is not just a regulatory obligation but a streamlined, and intuitive process. By integrating this software with AI-driven insights, we are helping to create a platform that will transform how safety information is accessed, understood, and applied across the entire lifecycle of a building project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Triton Construction has announced significant progress on its £10 million contract to deliver 85,000 sq ft of industrial space at the Evolve development in Melton West, East Yorkshire, for Wykeland Group. The project, part of the Melton West business park, includes the design and construction of seven industrial units, alongside essential drainage and external works. The site will feature two larger units of 37,000 sq ft and 22,900 sq ft, plus a terrace of five smaller units, each 5,000 sq ft. The steel framework for one of the three main units is nearly complete, with cladding set to begin shortly. Incorporating sustainable features, the Evolve development is equipped with rooftop solar panels, green living walls, and fast electric vehicle charging stations, ensuring the project aligns with modern eco-friendly standards. Paul Clarkson, Managing Director of Triton Construction, shared his enthusiasm for the project: “We’re excited to be working with Wykeland on a development that will create new business opportunities and contribute to the economic growth of the East Riding. Our experience in delivering high-quality commercial developments makes us proud to be a part of the ongoing evolution of Melton West business park.” Looking ahead to 2024, when Triton celebrates its 20th anniversary, Clarkson noted that the Evolve project is a testament to the company’s expertise. “This kind of project demonstrates our capabilities in commercial development, and we’re thrilled to continue our work in the region.” Triton Construction has enjoyed a prosperous 2024, completing notable projects such as SPAR stores in Nafferton and Middlesbrough, as well as St George’s Retail Park in Middleton, Leeds. The firm has also commenced construction on several key developments, including the Cadet Training Centre in Beckingham, Brighouse Market, Barnsley and Preston Youth Zone, and a new teaching block in Huddersfield. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, has released its latest Construction Intelligence Report for Q4 2024, which points towards a more stable and productive period for the sector going into 2025. However, it cautions that output may still be limited due to inflationary pressures and delays in planning impacting schemes. Analysis of the sector by the professional services experts suggests there is growing optimism that output and investment will continue to rise in 2025, due to a more construction-friendly government with plans for reform of the planning system and a longer-term strategy for infrastructure driving activity. As a result, AtkinsRéalis has issued its forecast for Tender Price Inflation*, the measure used to demonstrate the trend of contractors’ pricing levels in accepted tenders, which includes allowances for output cost rises caused by materials, plant and labour. Following a lull in costs over the past year, AtkinsRéalis is forecasting a TPI of 3% nationally for the next 12 months (up from 2.25% for 2024), as increased activity will drive up tender prices. Max Wilkes, associate director for AtkinsRéalis’ project and programme services division, said: “The upturn in activity will push tender prices up as consultants and contractors look to secure construction professionals and materials. Suppliers are looking to ramp up production which has been reined back in the last 12 months as we are now witnessing increases in costs after a 12 to 15 month lull. “It is expected that the recovery cycle will be led by private investment which means that viability issues remain key for investment and, as a result, developers are looking for the rent and housing demand to make return worthwhile. “So, our forecast remains positive, it includes for a steady increase in output, along the lines forecast by the industry and accommodating a degree of planning reforms as well as a slight increase in the labour force. “As such, our advice continues to be to avoid additional costs and delays, be sure to provide early and detailed information, with early and good communication through the supply chain to achieve the best results.” The report recognises many of the issues affecting the construction sector currently, particularly in the planning system, where the procurement of more resources will take time. In addition other supply chain constraints through labour shortages and a reduction in suitable contractors will also act as a block on construction output. However, with the Government’s impetus on growth with infrastructure and housing at the heart of its agenda, the report points to the prospect of new opportunities for the sector to counter the current downward pressures. Wilkes adds: “Looking at the bigger picture most analysts agree that wise government investment in improved public services, green industries, energy and infrastructure to increase productivity is needed to sustain growth.” For a copy of the full report, go to: Construction Intelligence Report Q4 2024 – AtkinsRéalis (atkinsrealis.com) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Acquisition represents largest office investment deal in the city for half a decade Ashtrom Properties UK has acquired Central Square in the heart of Leeds’ financial district for £78M. The landmark office building transaction represents the largest office investment deal in the city for more than 5 years. Guy Lewinsohn, CEO of Ashtrom Properties UK, said: “We remain committed to strategically investing in the UK’s regional markets, confident they offer substantial opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.” CBRE and Knight Frank acted for Ashtrom Properties UK on the purchase. Savills acted on the sale. Central Square comprises 217,249 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation across 11 upper floors above 13,126 sq ft of retail, restaurant and ground floor leisure units. It has one of the largest column free floor plates in the city of circa 25,000 sq ft and houses a Winter Garden and Sky Garden with break out and entertainment space for tenants along with 128 basement parking spaces. It has exceptional sustainability credentials including BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A. Located off Wellington Street and Whitehall Road, Central Square is close to Leeds Station and Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds City Centre. Current tenants include Marks & Spencer PLC, PWC, RSM UK Management, Freeths, GXO Logistics, Sky, Sanderson Weatherall, BDO Services. Guy Lewinsohn, CEO of Ashtrom Properties UK further said: “The successful acquisition of this prominent building in the heart of Leeds marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to invest in the future of the UK’s regional city centres, which we believe are poised for strong growth. “I would like to extend sincere appreciation to the vendor for their professionalism and collaboration throughout this process, which ensured a smooth and mutually beneficial transaction. A special thanks goes to our in-house team, whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in driving this acquisition forward. Their commitment, along with the support of our external partners, guided us to a successful outcome.” Will Kennon, Executive Director, CBRE said: “Central Square is one of the best regional office assets located outside of London. Leeds is experiencing significant growth across all metrics, and the office market is facing an acute shortage of prime office space which we believe will lead to continued strong rental growth over the next cycle. With the market facing continued development viability challenges, we consider this acquisition will deliver strong risk adjusted returns over both short and long term. We are delighted to have helped Ashtrom Properties UK secure this exceptional asset, to add to their strong UK office portfolio in line with its current strategy to invest in core regional cities” Henrie Westlake, Head of the North Knight Frank LLP, commented; “The acquisition of Central Square by Ashtrom Properties UK aligns with their strategic decision to selectively invest in the UK Office market. As a long term holder of assets, the strategy is driven primarily by the strong underlying market fundamentals that will drive rental growth for prime assets. Notwithstanding this, there is no question that a normalised market will see significant yield compression that will further validate this approach. This will almost certainly be viewed as the bellwether deal of this cycle.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a landmark move for the UK housing market, Barratt Developments and Redrow have completed their highly anticipated £2.5 billion merger, forming a new giant in the industry: Barratt Redrow. The union, which has been in the works for over a year, received final approval from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both companies. This merger brings together two of the nation’s leading housebuilders, with the new entity expected to deliver around 23,000 homes annually and generate over £7 billion in revenue. Barratt Redrow will now play a pivotal role in addressing the UK’s housing shortage, offering a diverse range of homes at different price points. The CMA had raised concerns about a potential overlap in local competition, particularly around developments in Whitchurch, Shropshire, and Redrow’s 324-home site in Nantwich, Cheshire. To resolve this, both firms worked closely with the regulator, appointing Savills as an independent agent to oversee the sale of unsold properties at the Nantwich site, ensuring a fair market competition. David Thomas, CEO of Barratt and now head of the combined entity, described the merger as a “significant milestone,” highlighting the potential to accelerate housing delivery. “Together, we offer a broader range of homes and price points, while maintaining our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction,” he said. The integration process, expected to take 18 months, will see the two companies work together to streamline operations. Barratt Redrow aims to save £90 million annually through cost efficiencies, though this will result in the reduction of around 10% of jobs across both organisations. Despite these challenges, both firms are working closely with employees to ensure a smooth transition. With the merger officially approved and the integration process underway, Barratt Redrow is set to make a lasting impact on the UK housing sector. By combining their strengths and expertise, the newly-formed company is well-positioned to shape the future of the housing market and continue to meet the country’s growing demand for homes. Trading under the name Barratt Redrow is expected to begin soon, with the new company’s shares listed on the London Stock Exchange. The merger has been hailed as a pivotal moment for both companies, laying the foundation for future growth and innovation in UK housing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction of the new Orsett Heath Academy in Essex, which was commissioned by the Secretary of State for Education, has been completed by leading offsite manufacturer McAvoy. The 8,610m2 three-storey design and build project, which is McAvoy’s largest to date, comprises 209 modules encompassing collaborative breakout areas, a double-height dining area and a performing arts hub. McAvoy was also responsible for the extensive hard and soft landscaping, including car and bicycle parking provision, the creation of a new cycle path, new sports playing fields and the installation of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). The school was procured through the Department for Education’s (DfE) Mod C framework and completed over the course of 15 months, one week ahead of schedule. McAvoy was instrumental in the swift delivery of the new 1,200 pupil capacity school, for ages 11-16, through close stakeholder collaboration at every stage. First working with the school and local planning authority, McAvoy then engaged with archeological specialists to provide advice and excavation of the brownfield site. Manufacturing and ground works took place concurrently, and installation of the modules was completed during winter 2023. The offsite manufacturing process was not only efficient but served to avoid delays from weather disruption by having 70% of works, including screed floors, completed at McAvoy’s manufacturing facility. McAvoy also procured and liaised with utilities providers to manage the installation of the new power substation and water infrastructure for the school. To provide flexible delivery, McAvoy hired a local airfield close to the site, which alleviated road delivery restrictions and limited disruption. Undertaking Considerate Constructors Scheme practices throughout, McAvoy engaged with the local community through regular updates, foodbank donations, local employment, as well as student site visits. McAvoy also installed a four-phase clock on a new plinth, to commemorate the school opening. Gavin Ward, Contracts Manager at McAvoy, commented, “The new Orsett Heath Academy is an exemplary educational institution, demonstrating the strong capabilities and benefits that offsite manufacturing can provide, at the scale required to help the education sector quickly meet growing demand for fit-for-purpose education facilities. As our biggest project to date, this scheme also represents the growth and skill of our experienced team to deliver excellent education facilities on complex brownfield sites. Throughout the process, McAvoy has managed and delivered solutions to enable the quick and efficient turnaround of the school, to all necessary standards and building regulation requirements. We are thrilled with the final result and positive feedback received from teachers, students and the local community, who are all now benefitting from the great internal facilities and carefully considered external landscaping.” Steve Munday, Chief Executive Officer at South West Essex Community Education Trust commented: “We are thrilled to see the completion of this exciting new facility for Orsett Heath Academy, made possible by McAvoy’s unique approach. The attention to detail, from state-of-the-art learning spaces to the expansive sports facilities, reflects our vision to create a nurturing and dynamic environment for our students. We are excited to see the positive impact this new school will have on our community, and we look forward to watching our students thrive in this exceptional space for years to come.” Amy Tait, Project Director at the Department for Education, commented: “Orsett Heath Academy is a fantastic facility and offers excellent learning spaces to support the South West Essex Community Education Trust in continuing to offer high quality education to their students. McAvoy have worked closely with the Trust and the Local Authority to deliver this impressive educational facility which includes high quality outdoor sports pitches to support the school in providing excellent education and opportunities to students.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Nemetschek Group, a leading global provider of software solutions for the AEC/O and media industries, today announced the launch of an artificial intelligence layer to be embedded in all of the Group’s major solutions from 2025. The AI layer is set to revolutionise creativity and productivity in architecture, engineering and construction as well as management and operation. It will offer tools to simplify complex tasks and empower professionals to focus on innovative design and project execution. Yves Padrines, CEO of the Nemetschek Group, comments: “Our goal is to empower architects, engineers, contractors, and building managers by providing them with tools that expand their expertise. We believe that human intelligence, paired with advanced artificial intelligence, can push boundaries. By integrating the new artificial intelligence layer into our key solutions, we aim to unlock new possibilities and revolutionise workflow efficiency.” Nemetschek Group’s AI layer will leverage secure cloud technology to process user requests efficiently, whether they are making simple inquiries or conducting complex tasks. By managing users’ input quickly and delivering precise responses, the AI layer will support a large range of use cases, from design ideation to task automation. The layer is modular and can understand natural language, enabling fast and accurate responses while transforming and optimising the way users work with Nemetschek products. The AI layer is designed to integrate seamlessly and enhance a wide range of functions: Intelligent automation plays a central role by offering automated task execution, adaptive project management, and natural language interaction, simplifying even the most complex workflows. Insight-driven decision-making is achieved through AI-powered data insights, which guide design processes and optimise decision-making. Additionally, design augmentation allows AI to assist in design iterations, pattern creation, and scenario simulations, enabling more innovative and creative project outcomes. Those features ultimately enable better planning and execution for a more sustainable building process and a better built world. A key focus is on the user experience, making the interactions and engagements with the user more intuitive and efficient. The modular AI layer will also include collaboration tools that drive more effective communication between parties in the construction lifecycle; they will continue to improve based on user feedback. Julian Geiger, VP Head of AI Product & Transformation, Nemetschek Group, says: “We are excited to introduce an AI-powered layer that will be integrated across all our brands and products, bringing new levels of intelligence and automation to our entire ecosystem. Our intention is simple: We aim to make creativity more creative and productivity more productive. By embedding AI into our offerings, we are enabling more efficient workflows, more precise decision-making, and more personalised experiences that empower professionals to do their best work.” Nemetschek’s Vision of Ethical AI Nemetschek’s vision for ethical and trustworthy AI focuses on transparency, data privacy, and reliability. AI decisions should be understandable to users, with clear explanations provided. Stringent data security measures are in place, including user consent and anonymisation where possible. Before deployment, AI models will undergo rigorous testing and validation, with human oversight in critical areas. Clear accountability needs to be established within the organisation. Additionally, AI is used to promote sustainability and the well-being of our society as well as to help its users adjust to new realities, and therefore adapt to evolving job roles and expectations. “As a leading software provider in the AEC/O industry, we are dedicated to ensuring that our AI technologies are developed ethically, prioritising transparency, fairness, and accountability. We are committed to creating AI systems that are explainable and free from bias, promoting inclusivity for all users. Privacy and data security are at the core of our AI initiatives, and we implement strong safeguards to protect sensitive information”, adds Charlie Sheridan, Chief AI and Data Officer, Nemetschek Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Tara Garraty, Biodiversity Specialist and Sustainability Scientist – Tunley Environmental As more buildings and developments continue to sprout across the UK, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has become a crucial part of the government’s strategy for environmental sustainability. BNG is a framework that ensures that any new development contributes positively to biodiversity. The goal is to leave the environment in a better state post-development than it was before. Developers are required to assess the biodiversity value of a site before and after development, with a target of achieving a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity. Traditionally applied to larger projects, from April 2024 BNG now extends to smaller sites as well, following an update from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). The Small Sites Update: What’s New? Historically, BNG was a requirement primarily for larger developments. However, with the new regulation, small developments—defined as those under a hectare in size or involving fewer than nine dwellings—are now also subject to BNG rules. This expansion recognizes that cumulative impacts from smaller projects can significantly affect local biodiversity. To aid in the assessment of these smaller projects, Defra introduced the Small Sites Metric (SSM) calculation tool, a simplified tool adapted from the existing statutory biodiversity metric calculation tool, to help measure the biodiversity value of smaller sites, making it easier for developers to meet the BNG requirements. Why BNG Matters for Small Developments In the word of Tunley Environmental’s Biodiversity Specialist Tara Garraty “Implementing biodiversity net gain on small sites allows one to maximise ecological benefits across all scales, ensuring that every development, regardless of size, contributes to the restoration and enhancement of local biodiversity. This approach fosters a more resilient and sustainable environment for future generations.” The Small Sites Metric To assess and quantify the biodiversity impact of small developments, the UK government introduced the Small Sites Metric. This tool provides a simplified method for calculating the biodiversity value of a site, making it easier for developers of small projects to meet the BNG requirements. The metric considers factors such as habitat quality and area, guiding developers on how to achieve the mandatory 10% net gain in biodiversity. Steps to Implementing BNG in Small Developments Baseline Assessment: Start by evaluating the existing biodiversity of the site using the Small Sites Metric. This involves identifying and quantifying the types and quality of habitats present. Design and Plan: Develop a plan that outlines how the project will achieve at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity. This could include enhancing existing habitats, creating new ones or improving habitat connectivity. Implementation: Carry out the planned biodiversity enhancements during the construction phase and ensure ongoing management to maintain the biodiversity gains. Monitoring and Reporting: Regularly monitor the outcomes and report on the biodiversity improvements to relevant authorities. Who Should Comply with New BNG Regulations? Although, updates to BNG regulations applies to anyone involved in the construction and sustainability industry, it is particularly vital for developers, landscape architect or planner working on small development projects. Developers of Major Developments: Developers undertaking major projects, that typically involve large-scale construction activities, such as residential complexes, commercial buildings or industrial facilities, are required to incorporate BNG principles into their project planning and execution. This might include measures like creating green spaces, enhancing habitats or offsetting biodiversity losses through conservation projects elsewhere. Developers of Small Sites (Effective from 2 April 2024): This extension recognizes that even small developments can significantly impact local biodiversity. Developers of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (Effective from Late November 2025): From late November 2025, developers involved in nationally significant infrastructure projects, such as highways, railways and energy installations, will also need to comply with BNG regulations. These projects often have large footprints and can impact vast areas, making it essential to implement strategies that mitigate biodiversity losses. Land Managers Wanting to Sell in the BNG Market: BNG regulations also open up opportunities for land managers and owners to participate in the biodiversity market. By enhancing or restoring habitats on their land, they can generate biodiversity units that can be sold to developers needing to offset their biodiversity impacts. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs): Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) play a critical role in enforcing BNG regulations. They are responsible for reviewing and approving development proposals, ensuring that BNG assessments are properly conducted and that plans meet the required standards. Implications and Future Updates The inclusion of small sites under the BNG umbrella signifies a broader push towards comprehensive biodiversity protection. Developers, planners and landowners must now integrate biodiversity considerations into all scales of development projects to align with legal requirements and support global environmental and sustainability goals. Future Updates and Considerations: Continued Evolution of Metrics: As the understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem services deepens, the metrics and tools used to assess biodiversity impacts will likely keep evolving. This could include more nuanced metrics that consider ecological connectivity and specific landscape. Increased Regulatory Scrutiny: As enforcement mechanisms strengthen, developers may face more rigorous scrutiny to ensure compliance with BNG targets. Wider Adoption of BNG Principles: Beyond statutory requirements, there’s an increasing trend towards voluntary adoption of BNG principles by businesses and organisations committed to sustainability. Tara emphasises the strategic importance of integrating biodiversity into future planning efforts, stating, “As BNG becomes integral to planning, future considerations for developers will increasingly focus on innovative design and the integration of green infrastructure even on small sites. By prioritising nature-inclusive solutions, developers can contribute to larger ecological networks, enhancing habitat connectivity and resilience in the face of climate change. This forward-thinking approach will be crucial in meeting both environmental goals and regulatory requirements in the years ahead.” The Bottom Line The extension of BNG requirements to small sites marks a significant step in the UK’s biodiversity conservation efforts. Traditional metrics and frameworks often overlook these sites, despite their collective impact on local biodiversity. For developers and stakeholders, understanding and implementing these requirements is crucial for legal compliance and contributing to broader environmental goals. As the regulatory landscape continues