Contractor Henry Brothers is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the opening of its first English office with record turnover and growth. Part of the Northern Irish-based Henry Brothers Group, the company set up in Nottingham in February 2015 and following significant success in the North established an office in Manchester
Fashion powerhouse Urban Revivo is set to unveil its second UK flagship store at Westfield Stratford City, London. The brand will take up a spacious 30,000 sq ft, double-height unit on the first floor, joining a stellar line-up of fashion giants including Zara, UNIQLO, Mango, and H&M. Founded in 2006,
Major homebuilder Cala has launched a new business division, Cala Southern, as part of its growth strategy across the South of England. Cala Southern will spearhead the company’s westward expansion, enhancing Cala’s presence in Dorset, Hampshire and Southern Wiltshire, to meet strong demand for high-quality housing. The new division will
Leading property management firm Rendall & Rittner has promoted Marc Gomes to Senior Operations Manager, recognising his instrumental role in developing a thriving community engagement programme that has transformed residential schemes across London. Marc, who has been with the company for a decade, took on the role of Community Engagement
A new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Project Delivery in the UK has launched, bringing together MPs, Peers and key stakeholders to work to better deliver major projects in government. The Association for Project Management (APM) and the project professional community have played a pivotal role in leading the creation
Award-winning housebuilder, Spitfire Homes, recently hosted a fully booked launch event for prospective buyers to view its highly-anticipated show home at Maybank, a collection of design-led new properties in Halesowen. New data from Zoopla has revealed the housing market has made the strongest start to a year since 2022, with
The UK’s first fashion manufacturing lab the ‘Work in Progress Pavilion’ for Robotics Living Lab (RoLL) has completed. The pioneering pavilion, designed by Bennetts Associates for Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University, provides fashion designers and manufacturers a base from which to create and produce more sustainable fashion manufacturing
Exciting plans to revitalise the former Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre are set to be submitted to Manchester City Council, paving the way for a vibrant new neighbourhood in the heart of the community. The ambitious regeneration project is being led by Manchester-based developer PJ Livesey in partnership with the Greater
Arrowmere Capital, part of the Hurstwood Holdings Group, has submitted a planning application for a new £15 million industrial park in Dyce, Aberdeen. The proposed scheme, designed by RGP Architects, will deliver 80,000 sq ft of high-quality industrial and warehouse space across five modern units, ranging in size from 10,000
As the government announces its plans for the next generation of news towns, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) emphasises the critical role of a well-resourced planning system in delivering this vision. Research from the RTPI shows that public spending on planning dropped 16% from 2009 to 2022. Reforming planning without
Contractor Henry Brothers is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the opening of its first English office with record turnover and growth. Part of the Northern Irish-based Henry Brothers Group, the company set up in Nottingham in February 2015 and following significant success in the North established an office in Manchester in September 2022. It was originally named Henry Brothers Midlands and launched with a handful of staff. Under the leadership of managing director Ian Taylor and fellow directors John Sowter, John Fielding and Justin Hicklin, the company has grown strongly and consistently to become a £65m-a-year-turnover business, with a team of 60. Now renamed Henry Brothers Construction to reflect its work nationally, the business has expanded across the country – delivering key infrastructure developments including schools, university buildings, defence facilities and blue-light schemes. MD Ian Taylor said: “The Nottingham office was opened in 2015 to complement Henry Brothers’ offices in Northern Ireland and Scotland. “We started from scratch in the Midlands and have steadily grown to become a key member of the construction industry across the Midlands, into Yorkshire, the North West and further afield. “Our current order book stretches from the East of England across to the West Midlands and up into the North West, supporting our clients with significant infrastructure schemes. “We have delivered major projects for a wide variety of sectors including education, health, blue-light and defence, as well as for public bodies and commercial businesses. Many of these have been repeat contracts. “I am beyond proud of the team we have created at Henry Brothers Construction, thrilled at the growth we have achieved, and look forward to building on what we have already accomplished for both the company and our many clients.” Among the projects delivered by Henry Brothers since launching in the Midlands ten years ago are the joint headquarters for Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, the net zero nursery and forest school at Staffordshire University, Loughborough University’s SportPark Pavilion 4 – the first Passivhaus development on the university campus – and multiple projects at various military bases including a new dye pod facility for the Red Arrows at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, plus four schemes delivered for Nottingham Trent University, including the Dryden Enterprise Centre. Henry Brothers Construction is currently on a number of well-established national and regional Frameworks including Crown Commercial Service, Pagabo, Procure23, Department for Education, Ministry of Justice, North West Construction Hub, The University of Manchester and more. It specialises in delivering projects up to £30m in value, working in partnership with clients across a range of sectors including education, defence, blue-light, health, custodial and commercial. With defence projects a significant part of the work undertaken by Henry Brothers Construction, more than 75% of staff are security cleared. “Our ethos has always been to work hard and get the job done,” added Ian Taylor. “Our practical approach ensures integrity, reliability, quality, innovation and sustainability for all our partners and in all we do. These values were in the DNA of Henry Brothers when it was first established and are still very much evident throughout the business today. “We take enormous pride in our work because when we take on a project, we see it as an opportunity to deliver something inspiring that will benefit the community and the environment, long into the future. We are proud that many of our projects are secured through repeat business.” Henry Brothers Construction has an outstanding health and safety record, having been RoSPA Gold Award holders for eight years, with another rating due shortly. Last year, Henry Brothers received a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in recognition of its commitment to responsible business and sustainable practices, which have been at the heart of Henry Brothers’ operations since its inception. The story of Henry Brothers first began in 1976 when Jim Henry set up a small construction business called H&K construction, focusing on small-scale construction projects in Northern Ireland. Trading under this name for ten years, in 1986 the business became known as Henry Brothers. As it continued to flourish, several acquisitions followed during the 1990s, and Henry Brothers – along with the acquired businesses – became part of the wider Henry Group. Henry Brothers is now recognised as a leading construction company with offices in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Henry Group, meanwhile, comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. For more details visit www.henrybrothers.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fashion powerhouse Urban Revivo is set to unveil its second UK flagship store at Westfield Stratford City, London. The brand will take up a spacious 30,000 sq ft, double-height unit on the first floor, joining a stellar line-up of fashion giants including Zara, UNIQLO, Mango, and H&M. Founded in 2006, Urban Revivo has rapidly expanded its global footprint, now boasting over 400 stores worldwide. This latest move follows the retailer’s recent lease of 8-12 Neal Street in Covent Garden, reinforcing its commitment to UK expansion. Sam Foyle, co-head of global retail at Savills, commented: “This is a pivotal moment for Urban Revivo as we drive forward the brand’s ambitious European growth strategy for 2025. Having already achieved outstanding success in the APAC region, we’re thrilled to see Urban Revivo shaping the future of fashion in the UK.” Constantin Wiesmann, Leasing Director UK at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), added: “Westfield Stratford City remains a premier destination for global brands looking to cement their flagship presence in the UK. The arrival of Urban Revivo aligns with our ongoing mission to attract emerging and sought-after brands, offering both retailers and shoppers an elevated experience.” Savills advised Urban Revivo on the deal, while URW was represented by Cushman & Wakefield. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Major homebuilder Cala has launched a new business division, Cala Southern, as part of its growth strategy across the South of England. Cala Southern will spearhead the company’s westward expansion, enhancing Cala’s presence in Dorset, Hampshire and Southern Wiltshire, to meet strong demand for high-quality housing. The new division will also manage Cala’s existing live sites in these counties, including Winchester, Wimborne and Fordingbridge, previously overseen by Cala Thames. Cala Southern will be led by incoming managing director Rod Martin who brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked across the housebuilding sector for almost 25 years, including in leadership positions at Taylor Wimpey and Redrow. This year, Cala Southern will deliver 400 homes, with plans to increase this to over 500 homes annually by 2028. The division’s new headquarters in Winchester will open in March, and the region will support around 90 new direct roles so far, and hundreds more jobs through subcontractor partners and the supply chain. Kevin Whitaker, CEO of Cala Group commented: “Our strategy to expand Cala’s presence in the South West of England has taken a significant step forward. The expertise within our team and success of our high-quality, sustainable homes across England, have given us the confidence to invest in Cala Southern.” “Cala is well-positioned to achieve our goal of building over 4,000 homes by 2029, across the Group. Aligned with this ambition, our teams throughout the UK are proactively looking to invest in sites with and without planning permission, for both short-term and future development. They have the skill and financial backing to unlock potential across the full range of planning and development opportunities.” “We’re delighted to welcome Rod to the Cala Southern business. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the local market and our customer profile will further strengthen our team as they continue to invest in opportunities across the new patch.” Rod Martin, Managing Director of Cala Southern added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Cala at such an exciting time as we announce the launch of the Southern division. The business is already in a strong position, with 1,800 homes in the pipeline to be delivered between now and 2028.” “We will soon be opening our new head office in Winchester, which will perfectly position Cala to further capitalise on markets across Dorset, Hampshire and southern Wiltshire. We are focused on building on Cala’s success in the region to date and look forward to forging new relationships as we further expand the business.” Cala has a long-term plan for growth in England. The strategic decision to launch Cala Southern has been accelerated by the strong performance of Cala’s Thames division, which completed over 560 homes and delivered over £225m turnover in 2024. Cala Thames aims to deliver more than 1,800 homes in prime residential locations in Surrey, Berkshire and central Wiltshire by 2028. For more information about Cala Southern visit: www.cala.co.uk/southernland Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management firm Rendall & Rittner has promoted Marc Gomes to Senior Operations Manager, recognising his instrumental role in developing a thriving community engagement programme that has transformed residential schemes across London. Marc, who has been with the company for a decade, took on the role of Community Engagement Manager in 2018 and has since spearheaded initiatives that have turned residential developments into vibrant, connected communities. His early success as Estate Manager at Stanmore Place, where he pioneered a calendar of community events, laid the foundation for a blueprint now used across more than 50 developments. A Self-Sustaining Model for Resident-Led Initiatives Today, thanks to Marc’s resident-focused framework, many of these initiatives are led independently by residents and on-site teams. From seasonal celebrations like Halloween activities and Christmas parties to Recycling Week, bike repair pop-ups, and charity fundraising, the programme has become a vital part of community life. In 2024 alone, over £210,000 was raised for charities such as Great Ormond Street Hospital and White Rose through clothing banks. Marc’s promotion to Senior Operations Manager reflects the success of this sustainable model. In his new role, he will focus on operational leadership, overseeing on-site teams, training, and best practices to support Rendall & Rittner’s continued growth. Marc Gomes comments:“Managed developments are far more community-focused than they were five years ago, and engagement is now an integral part of what we offer. This has led to greater resident satisfaction, with many taking ownership of their own activities. Seeing our blueprint evolve into a self-sustaining success is incredibly rewarding, and my new role allows me to take a more strategic approach.” A Lasting Impact on Residents and Local Economies Resident-led initiatives, including gardening clubs, family meet-ups, and cinema nights, have fostered a stronger sense of belonging while also contributing to enhanced security, crime reduction, social value, and environmental awareness. Rendall & Rittner’s flagship developments, such as Royal Arsenal Riverside and Kidbrooke Village, now host community events attracting hundreds of attendees. Meanwhile, partnerships with local businesses and venues, including Battersea Park, Battersea Power Station, and Riverlight, continue to boost local economies and strengthen neighbourhood ties. Marc adds:“We’re not just managing bricks and mortar—we’re setting up communities to thrive. By creating engaged, connected neighbourhoods, we add value not just for residents, but also for leaseholders, landlords, developers, and the wider community.” With community engagement now firmly embedded in Rendall & Rittner’s approach, the company is setting a new standard for resident-focused property management—one where people don’t just live, but truly belong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Project Delivery in the UK has launched, bringing together MPs, Peers and key stakeholders to work to better deliver major projects in government. The Association for Project Management (APM) and the project professional community have played a pivotal role in leading the creation of the APPG and improving the delivery of projects that succeed and benefit society. At the inaugural meeting, Henry Tufnell MP was elected as Chair of the APPG, with Llinos Medi MP, The Rt Hon Lord Lilley, and Lord Goddard of Stockport appointed as Vice-Chairs. The APPG will lead the development of understanding of projects within Parliament and brings together expert voices in one place to improve public policy, acting as a conduit for parliamentarians to engage with each other, project professionals, academics, civil servants, Ministers, and others. It will champion project success, extol the value of the project profession, and outline the importance of project skills throughout Westminster and society, with a focus on: Chair of the APPG, Henry Tufnell MP said: “I’m delighted to have been elected as Chair of this vitally important APPG. We focus so often on projects, but not on project delivery. We plan to change that. This APPG has an ambitious work plan which will scrutinise project delivery and, through its meetings and reports, will provide valuable insight and advice on better delivery, whatever the type of project.” Andrew Baldwin, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at APM, spoke of the need for an APPG for Project Delivery, saying: “For too long there hasn’t been an APPG focused solely on project delivery. This has been a missed opportunity, given the number of announcements successive governments have made on major projects and the sheer scale of the task ahead. “The key here is the focus on the actual delivery of major projects including what we need to do to improve skills, bringing more people into the profession, and reducing supply issues. “The APPG has a long list of reports and studies to undertake, and we will be looking to our members, our corporate partners and academia to help us deliver them.” For more information on the APPG, please contact APM’s policy and public affairs team on external.affairs@apm.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning housebuilder, Spitfire Homes, recently hosted a fully booked launch event for prospective buyers to view its highly-anticipated show home at Maybank, a collection of design-led new properties in Halesowen. New data from Zoopla has revealed the housing market has made the strongest start to a year since 2022, with new sales agreed increasing by 12% year-on-year. Located at the former Sandvik HQ, the new West Midlands address includes a range of 61 two-to four-bedroom homes, plus two one-bedroom maisonettes, and first occupations are set from Spring 2025. All properties at Maybank include energy-efficient air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, and electric vehicle charging points, all as standard. In addition to retaining existing woodland, Spitfire is planning to plant a number of trees and enhance green areas to encourage wildlife and preserve the natural environment. Matt Vincent, Operations Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “We have seen unprecedented levels of interest at Maybank since acquiring the site in 2023, and the opening of the new show home marks a significant and exciting milestone for the collection. “Our database has been consistently growing and there was a real sense of anticipation ahead of the opening weekend, with a number of customers having already visited show homes at our other collections across the Midlands to experience the Spitfire difference. We are already 10 per cent sold prior to the show home launch so we would urge any prospective buyers to schedule their appointment to view.” The Midlands-based housebuilder welcomed customers to explore the Kedleston, a four-bedroom detached family home showcasing Spitfire’s Signature specification. As the largest property available at Maybank, it boasts an open-plan kitchen and dining area, as well as a spacious living room and study ideal for home working. Upstairs, the home presents four double bedrooms, including a premium en suite to the primary and a four-piece family bathroom. Dean Grove, Managing Director at Grove Properties Group, the instructed selling agent for Maybank, added: “We are not surprised by the high level of interest at Maybank because Spitfire Homes has a growing reputation as one of the leading housebuilders in the region, and the show home is testament to why that is. We’ve also found that buyers are prioritising futureproof homes due to the financial benefits of sustainable technologies and the general change in attitudes towards living a greener lifestyle, something that aligns well with Spitfire’s energy-efficient homes.” To find out more about Spitfire Homes, or schedule your appointment to view the show home at Maybank, please visit: https://spitfirehomes.co.uk/find-your-home/maybank/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s first fashion manufacturing lab the ‘Work in Progress Pavilion’ for Robotics Living Lab (RoLL) has completed. The pioneering pavilion, designed by Bennetts Associates for Manchester Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University, provides fashion designers and manufacturers a base from which to create and produce more sustainable fashion manufacturing with the aid of robotic technology. The pavilion design champions UK materials and construction methods that help reduce the upfront embodied carbon of the building in conjunction with passive environmental controls to reduce energy consumption for ventilation and cooling. This includes a UK Douglas fir timber frame, which is a native material, and UK straw insulated wall panels that lock away carbon captured within a much shorter timescale than traditional sequestering materials. The exterior is clad in a larch tree charred timber panelling which protects the straw cassette panels beneath. The simple, elegant pavilion occupies and enlivens an under used courtyard tucked away behind the listed Righton Building in central Manchester. The pavilion’s black shou sugi ban clad form and new landscaping give the previously unassuming courtyard a characterful, new sense of place. The timber frame forms and expressive waffle soffit structure, left exposed, with contrasting light this provides a calm backdrop to the changing roster of research outcomes on display. Bennetts Associates’ approach to the design has resulted in an upfront carbon figure of 468 kgCO2e/m2 GIA (A1-A5), the full breakdown of which is available to download here. A further -340 kgCO2e/m2 GIA biogenic carbon is captured in the building. This is expected to align with the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard new-build Higher Education target up to 2030. The project has now been submitted to the NZCBS Pilot Scheme, and a Post Occupancy Evaluation exercise is now underway. Bennetts Associates has also ensured that many of the materials and components can be reused in the future, adopting principles of the circular economy in line with the University’s Leadership in Sustainability strategy working towards a zero-carbon future, and Greater Manchester’s Zero Carbon Manchester 2038 plan. Adrian Lonsdale, Studio Director at Bennetts Associates, said: “The Work in Progress Pavilion is a pioneering space that not only represents a milestone in resource-conscious design and challenging conventional building techniques, but also marks a significant first for the university and the UK fashion industry. As a practice known for our commitment to sustainability, we are proud to deliver an exemplary project that highlights the potential of biogenic and regenerative low-carbon materials. It’s been fantastic to work with a client whose ambition for a low-carbon future aligns so well with our own. This has enabled us to develop a multifunctional space that is lean, elegant and minimises upfront carbon using low-carbon and biogenic materials.” Susan Postlethwaite, Professor of Fashion Technologies at MFI and Director of RoLL, said: “This launch is the culmination of years of planning, collaboration and research, and I’m delighted to showcase the important work of the lab inside this beautiful structure designed by Bennetts Associates to meet our climate commitments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Exciting plans to revitalise the former Chorlton Cross Shopping Centre are set to be submitted to Manchester City Council, paving the way for a vibrant new neighbourhood in the heart of the community. The ambitious regeneration project is being led by Manchester-based developer PJ Livesey in partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund. The proposal aims to deliver a diverse mix of homes and revitalised retail spaces, breathing new life into the area. Following extensive public consultation throughout 2023, the plans have been refined to reflect local feedback, with several key improvements: Georgina Lynch, Managing Director at PJ Livesey, commented: “Engaging with the local community has been vital in shaping our plans. We’ve had strong interest from people keen to live here and others who wanted to see more shops included. “We’re particularly excited about introducing the Makers Yard, which will offer space for independent retailers. We believe our final plans strike the right balance—delivering much-needed new homes, including affordable options, while also creating inviting green spaces and a thriving retail scene.” With a prior notice for demolition submitted in December 2024, work to clear the site is expected to begin soon, lasting approximately six months. The redevelopment will only proceed once the council grants approval. The submitted plans outline: PJ Livesey, a family-run company with over 45 years of experience, is known for its expertise in transforming historic properties and regenerating brownfield sites. The firm has recently been selected as one of Homes England’s preferred delivery partners, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in innovative and sustainable urban development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Arrowmere Capital, part of the Hurstwood Holdings Group, has submitted a planning application for a new £15 million industrial park in Dyce, Aberdeen. The proposed scheme, designed by RGP Architects, will deliver 80,000 sq ft of high-quality industrial and warehouse space across five modern units, ranging in size from 10,000 sq ft to 18,000 sq ft. Situated on a 12-acre site within the well-established Kirkhill Industrial Estate in Dyce, near Aberdeen Airport, the development will bring much-needed, state-of-the-art industrial accommodation to the area. Hurstwood Holdings acquired the site formerly home to The Quad and previously known as Craigievar House in 2023. The office building had remained vacant for several years before being demolished last year to make way for the new scheme. Sam Ashworth, Project Director at Hurstwood Holdings, comments: “There is a continuing demand for high quality industrial, innovation and science hubs in the area. This project will breathe new life into a derelict site, significantly enhancing the landscape while delivering substantial economic benefits to Dyce. There is a continuing demand for high-quality industrial and warehouse space in Aberdeen, and this scheme directly responds to that need. Ashworth continues: “Hurstwood Holdings has a strong track record of delivering exceptional industrial parks, having most recently completed the comprehensive redevelopment of Lune Industrial Estate in Lancaster. We are committed to creating a best-in-class working environment that will not only attract businesses but also generate new employment opportunities for the local community. Following a positive public consultation, we carefully considered all feedback to produce a scheme that will be hugely beneficial for the area. As responsible developers and investors, we are focused on long-term investment, ensuring this site reaches its full potential while supporting the local economy.” The proposed development underscores Hurstwood Holdings commitment to delivering high-quality industrial schemes and supporting economic growth in key regional locations. The Group, which has a national portfolio valued in excess of £300 million and looks after more than 1,200 occupiers in England, Scotland and Wales, already has a substantial presence in Aberdeen totalling more than 1 million sq ft including the two Aberdeen Innovation and Energy Parks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the government announces its plans for the next generation of news towns, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) emphasises the critical role of a well-resourced planning system in delivering this vision. Research from the RTPI shows that public spending on planning dropped 16% from 2009 to 2022. Reforming planning without investing in its capacity risks missing out on over £70 billion in potential value. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “Historically, new towns have proven that a well-resourced planning system can drive housing delivery, and offer us a model for solving the housing crisis today while delivering on the Government’s growth agenda. “But with the Planning and Infrastructure Bill on the horizon, we’re urging essential reforms to ensure the planning system can meet the government’s housing targets and support economic growth. To do this, planning departments need long-term effective solutions to resourcing issues and an enhanced corporate presence in local authorities through a statutory role for Chief Planning Officers, ensuring they have a seat at the top table. “The next generation of new towns needs to be flexible, and able to adapt and evolve as communities grow. The RTPI is commissioning extensive international case study-based research on how new towns can be designed with this in mind.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals