Evolve Estates, part of M Core, has added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of Park Point, a prominent mixed-use development in Longbridge town centre. Completed in 2013, Park Point covers 66,382 sq ft and features a 75-bed Premier Inn hotel, eight ground-floor retail and leisure units, and three
Pulse Fibre, a leading provider of next-generation broadband, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s recent legislation requiring all new homes to be gigabit broadband-ready, calling it a vital step forward in ensuring homes are equipped for the demands of modern living. “This requirement should have already been standard,” said Robert Buckingham,
Small and medium sized businesses from across Greater Manchester and Cheshire will have the opportunity to connect with key prospective clients at Manchester Airport’s annual Meet the Buyers event next month. More than 300 attendees representing over 150 companies are expected to be at the event on Thursday 13 March,
East West Rail (EWR) is bolstering its leadership team with two significant appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering one of Britain’s most transformative rail projects. New Railway Operations Director Joins the Team Ben Rule has been named Railway Operations Director, bringing over 25 years of experience across high-profile rail projects.
It is difficult to overstate the fundamental role that pressure plays in construction and engineering applications – and therefore, the importance of carrying out relevant and accurate pressure calculations. After all, when it comes to all manner of processes in these fields – such as designing foundations on soil, plumbing
Build and fit out contractor Cold Developments has completed the refurbishment of a Holden Kia dealership in Norwich. The dealership on Barker Street, north of the city, is now open to the public following a transformation to reflect Kia’s global rebrand. Its new brand identity was introduced in 2021, featuring
Lidl’s ambitious expansion across the UK continues, with two major new supermarket developments underway in York and Somerset. The retailer is investing millions in its property portfolio, strengthening its presence in key locations to meet growing consumer demand. York Welcomes Third Lidl Store Construction is now in progress on a
The world’s first carbon-neutral industrial laundry has been connected to the electricity grid by Vattenfall IDNO. Stretching across 20,000 square feet in Swindon, the ‘Big Blue 1’ site operated by Oxwash is run entirely on renewable energy and biogas. Operations at the site are environmentally sustainable, including the entire process
Design-led interiors firm Chameleon Business Interiors has completed the transformation of McCain Foods USA’s 63,000sqft Oakbrook Experience Centre, Chicago. Shaun Watts, chairman of Chameleon said: “McCain’s brief was clear. They needed to create a real ‘destination’ – an office environment that would ‘wow’ employees and visitors. We’ve been operating in North
Commercial property management and building consultancy firm Workman LLP has been appointed by NewRiver REIT to manage three key community shopping centres in Greater London. From mid-February, Workman will take on property management responsibilities at The Exchange Centre in Ilford, The Mall in Wood Green, and 17&Central in Walthamstow. The
Evolve Estates, part of M Core, has added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of Park Point, a prominent mixed-use development in Longbridge town centre. Completed in 2013, Park Point covers 66,382 sq ft and features a 75-bed Premier Inn hotel, eight ground-floor retail and leisure units, and three storeys of office space. Notable tenants include Costa Coffee and Greene King Brewing. Situated around six miles south of central Birmingham, Park Point is a key part of the wider Longbridge town centre regeneration project. Joe O’Keefe, co-founder of Evolve Estates, highlighted the appeal of the site: “We were attracted to the mixed-use nature of Park Point, the income profile, location, and the variety of tenants across different sectors. “Longbridge is one of the UK’s largest regeneration schemes, with further investment planned to bring new jobs to the area. Its excellent transport links and strong local services make it a strategic location. With our expertise in managing diverse assets, this acquisition represents an exciting opportunity.” Avison Young advised Evolve Estates on the deal, while Savills represented the vendor. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pulse Fibre, a leading provider of next-generation broadband, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s recent legislation requiring all new homes to be gigabit broadband-ready, calling it a vital step forward in ensuring homes are equipped for the demands of modern living. “This requirement should have already been standard,” said Robert Buckingham, Operations Director from Pulse Fibre. “When similar laws came into effect in England in December 2022, the opportunity to establish a nationwide standard was missed. However, this is an important step in ensuring that new homes across Scotland are prepared for the digital future.” The rise of smart homes and technology-reliant lifestyles has highlighted the need for robust broadband infrastructure. Pulse Fibre, already deploying 10Gb full-fibre broadband, not only complies with current regulations but also futureproofs developments, ensuring they can support technological advancements for years to come. Challenges and Opportunities for Developers and Providers Pulse Fibre acknowledges that developers and broadband providers may face challenges in implementing the new regulations. Installing high-speed infrastructure, especially in rural areas, can be costly and logistically complex. Developers must also balance upfront investment costs with ensuring that broadband infrastructure remains adaptable to future technological needs. To support developers, Pulse Fibre offers unique solutions like its Construction Mode, enabling developers to prepare smart homes with full broadband functionality before homeowners move in. Additionally, Day One Connectivity ensures that new homes are internet-ready from the moment they are occupied, setting a new benchmark for convenience and reliability. Pulse Fibre emphasises that collaboration between developers and broadband providers is critical to achieving these standards effectively. This includes early engagement, leveraging government incentives, efficient construction coordination, and embracing open network models that allow multiple service providers to operate on shared infrastructure, driving competitive pricing for homeowners. The new regulations promise an enhanced digital world for homeowners, with gigabit broadband providing better reliability and performance, empowering homeowners to support internet-heavy lifestyles, including smart home technology and streaming services. However, Pulse Fibre is advocating for further regulatory reforms to streamline gigabit broadband deployment. These include improving open network access and addressing high infrastructure fees that can slow progress. “Pulse Fibre is ready to partner with developers to meet these new standards, offering innovative and scalable broadband solutions that enhance connectivity while ensuring long-term adaptability,” Robert Buckingham added. “Together, we can build communities that are ready for the digital future.” For more information visit: www.pulsefibre.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Small and medium sized businesses from across Greater Manchester and Cheshire will have the opportunity to connect with key prospective clients at Manchester Airport’s annual Meet the Buyers event next month. More than 300 attendees representing over 150 companies are expected to be at the event on Thursday 13 March, including procurement teams from major names in the aviation, hospitality and construction industries like Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Holiday Inn & ibis budget, Bethell, Arup, and AmcoGiffen. Meet the Buyers will once again be hosted at Manchester Airport’s Runway Visitor Park. Last year’s event at the same venue saw more than £6m-worth of deals struck and organisers are hoping to see a similar windfall for local businesses this year. A waiting list is currently in operation for prospective suppliers, who will get guaranteed face-to-face time with buyers’ procurement teams as part of the organised event schedule. Guest speakers and a range of workshops and presentations are scheduled throughout the day, parallel to the exhibition in the Runway Visitor Park’s main hangar. These include talks and interactive workshops delivered by representatives from MAG and Manchester City Council. Marcella M’Rabety – Group Head of Social Sustainability, Manchester Airport says… Our Meet the Buyers event is back by popular demand this year, following the success of last year’s event. We know how much small and medium sized businesses from across our region value the opportunity to meet face -to-face with large prospective purchasers, including Manchester Airport. We are very proud of our role as a key economic enabler, not just for Greater Manchester but the wider region, and this event is an important part of how we achieve that.” Councillor John Hacking – Executive Member for Employment, Skills and Leisure, Manchester City Council – says… “Manchester City Council is delighted to support the successful Manchester Airport Meet the Buyers event. This event is more than just a commercial opportunity; it’s a vital platform for fostering community connections and empowering local businesses, including SMEs. “By facilitating meaningful interactions between Manchester-based businesses and a diverse range of suppliers, the event helps to strengthen the local economy and promote inclusive growth. It’s a key part of our City’s Economic Strategy – Investing in Success, ensuring that the benefits of economic development are felt by all members of our community.” Interested parties can register here: https://www.manchestermtb.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
East West Rail (EWR) is bolstering its leadership team with two significant appointments, reinforcing its commitment to delivering one of Britain’s most transformative rail projects. New Railway Operations Director Joins the Team Ben Rule has been named Railway Operations Director, bringing over 25 years of experience across high-profile rail projects. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping the operational framework for EWR as the project continues to develop. “We are very excited to welcome Ben to East West Rail. Ben will play a key role within the company, and his proven track record in the rail industry will be invaluable as we continue to refine our plans.” – David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company. Ben will join later this year to oversee operational planning, ensuring the railway delivers a seamless and efficient service. Engineering, Technical and Safety Director Appointment EWR has also appointed Andrew Went as its new Engineering, Technical and Safety Director. Currently Head of Rail Engineering at Arup and a Board Member of the Railway Industry Association, Andrew brings extensive expertise in rail infrastructure. “With consistent backing from consecutive governments, we are progressing with detailed designs for the railway. Andrew’s unparalleled experience will be vital as we continue to develop and refine our plans to reconnect Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge.” – David Hughes, CEO, East West Railway Company. Andrew will take up his role in the spring, leading EWR’s design and engineering work ahead of the upcoming Statutory Consultation and Development Consent Order submission. A Transformational Project for the Region East West Rail is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance connectivity across Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Cambridge. By providing a fast, sustainable, and affordable transport solution, the project is set to drive economic growth, with forecasts suggesting it could boost the local economy by £6.7 billion per year by 2050. These appointments mark a crucial step forward in ensuring EWR delivers long-term benefits for communities, businesses, and the wider region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
It is difficult to overstate the fundamental role that pressure plays in construction and engineering applications – and therefore, the importance of carrying out relevant and accurate pressure calculations. After all, when it comes to all manner of processes in these fields – such as designing foundations on soil, plumbing systems, deep excavations, pipelines, and concrete formwork – the structural integrity and stability of a given project can be greatly impacted by the fluid pressure exerted upon it. Inevitably, then, there is routinely a need across such operations to not only account for pressure factors, but also to undertake quick and accurate calculations and conversions of units of pressure. So, let’s outline some of the vital things to know about the contribution pressure calculations make to construction and engineering processes. What Do We Mean By ‘Pressure’, Anyway? Let’s start from the very beginning. As explained by BBC Bitesize to a KS3 physics audience, pressure can be defined as “a measure of how concentrated (or spread out) a force is.” This source further explains that “the amount of pressure exerted on an object depends on the force applied and the surface area it is spread over.” An Introduction to The Units Used to Calculate Pressure As construction and engineering professionals are more than familiar with, various units can be used to calculate pressure. Indeed, it doesn’t take much effort to perform a quick Google search and find an online pressure conversion calculator for bar, psi, and more. So, let’s take a look at some of those units: In What Ways, Then, Are Pressure Calculations Applied in Engineering and Construction? The following are examples of situations in which the ability to rapidly and precisely calculate pressure can be hugely important: Pressure calculations and conversions, then, are far from a merely “nice to do” across a broad range of specialised and demanding engineering and construction applications. Instead, these calculation processes must be regarded as no less than critical to the success, longevity, and safety of all manner of projects.
Build and fit out contractor Cold Developments has completed the refurbishment of a Holden Kia dealership in Norwich. The dealership on Barker Street, north of the city, is now open to the public following a transformation to reflect Kia’s global rebrand. Its new brand identity was introduced in 2021, featuring a new logo that reflects its position as a leader in electrification. As part of its rebranding, Kia designed the ‘Kia Store’ to revolutionise the look and feel of its dealerships. Two distinct zones separate the new showroom, comprising a ‘customer zone’ featuring wood accents and comfortable seating areas, and a ‘display zone’, showcasing the latest Kia models. The Kia ‘Showcase’ is an interactive system which allows customers to take an in-depth virtual tour of any Kia model. Nottingham-based Cold Developments undertook the strip out and fit out of the dealership over a 10-week period. Works included the respray of external cladding and shop front, a new HVAC system and suspended ceiling, decoration throughout, new lighting and doors, new partitions and glazed curtain walling to form the sales office, new hygienic internal cladding, new customer toilets, and the installation of wall panelling, display screens and furniture. Luke Burrows, MD at Cold Developments, said: “We are specialists in commercial fit out and create spaces that truly impact the customer experience. With our skilled team we deliver our services for well recognised brands throughout the UK and enjoy seeing our finished projects being used by our clients and their customers. “Thank you to the Holden Kia team for working with us in Norwich. The dealership has been transformed to a welcoming, comfortable and innovative space which perfectly reflects Kia’s brand and its fleet.” Darren Anderson, GM at Holden Kia Norwich, said: “This transformation marks a new era for Holden Kia Norwich. Our customers can now view our models in a state-of-the-art environment that is welcoming, comfortable and has the latest technology. Great to see the work of Cold Developments now in use by our customers.” Cold Developments is active on refurbishments, fit outs, enabling works and extensions across the UK and have worked with leading brands within automotive, service stations, town and shopping centre retail, convenience retail, food and beverage and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lidl’s ambitious expansion across the UK continues, with two major new supermarket developments underway in York and Somerset. The retailer is investing millions in its property portfolio, strengthening its presence in key locations to meet growing consumer demand. York Welcomes Third Lidl Store Construction is now in progress on a brand-new Lidl supermarket at Monks Cross in York, set to become the city’s third branch. Built on the former TK Maxx site next to Sainsbury’s, the store will feature a 1,516m² sales area, a bakery, the popular Middle of Lidl aisles, and modern customer facilities, including baby-changing amenities. Sustainability is a key focus for the project, with solar panels providing renewable energy and seven electric vehicle charging points installed in the car park. New trees will also be planted as part of the landscaping effort. Lidl GB’s regional head of property, Liam Schofield, said:“It’s fantastic to see construction underway at our newest York store. As well as creating dozens of jobs, this store will give residents even greater access to our high-quality, affordable products in an area where we’ve seen increasing demand.” With completion expected before the end of 2025, the store will bring 40 new jobs to the local community. New Lidl for Bridgwater’s Growing Community Meanwhile, in Somerset, Lidl is set to open another supermarket on the southern outskirts of Bridgwater. Located within the rapidly developing Bridgwater Gateway area near the M5, the store will provide a convenient shopping destination for hundreds of new homes and businesses planned for the site. Somerset Council has approved the plans, with construction expected to begin later this year. The development will include 105 parking spaces, cycle access, and a new pedestrian crossing over Wilstock Way. Lidl has committed £31,200 towards this crucial infrastructure, ensuring safer access for residents of the nearby Wilstock and Stockmoor housing estates. Dan Templeton, director of Planning Potential, speaking on behalf of Lidl, said:“This improved crossing point will help customers visiting the store from the Wilstock and Stockmoor area, making it easier for them to access local amenities.” This latest project follows Lidl’s recent investment in the expansion of the Strawberry Line active travel route alongside its new, larger store in Wells. Lidl’s Property Growth Strategy With these two new locations, Lidl is demonstrating its commitment to strategic growth across the UK. By investing in modern, accessible, and eco-friendly stores, the supermarket chain is not only creating new jobs but also enhancing local infrastructure and retail options for communities. As construction progresses in both York and Somerset, Lidl continues to cement its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket brands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The world’s first carbon-neutral industrial laundry has been connected to the electricity grid by Vattenfall IDNO. Stretching across 20,000 square feet in Swindon, the ‘Big Blue 1’ site operated by Oxwash is run entirely on renewable energy and biogas. Operations at the site are environmentally sustainable, including the entire process from packaging used to transport laundered items, to power for their electric vans and e-cargo bikes. Big Blue 1 also uses wet cleaning techniques which drastically reduce water and energy consumption as well as filtering out plastic microfibres, setting them apart from traditional dry cleaners that rely on harmful chemicals like ‘Perc’, which are banned in several countries. The contestable works, the building of the system needed to connect Big Blue I to the point of connection to the grid, were completed by SmOp Cleantech. Vattenfall IDNO will operate and maintain the assets needed for that connection, such as a 1 MVA 11kV/LV Substation and enclosure (transformer and ancillaries), LV Metering and LV cables. These electrical connection and assets mean Oxwash can now process over 15 million items a year, whilst eliminating the production of CO2 at the site. Stewart Dawson, Managing Director at Vattenfall IDNO said: “We are proud to support Oxwash with their Big Blue project. We urgently need to electrify as many of the UK’s industrial processes as possible in order to reduce carbon emissions and drive rapid progress towards net zero. The Oxwash carbon neutral project demonstrates how achievable it is to switch away from fossil fuels to clean power and we congratulate them for taking this bold step to create the world’s first carbon-neutral laundry. We have a great working relationship with SmOp Cleantech and look forward to adopting more of their projects and driving UK electrification forward together.” Stephen Alabi, Lead Project Engineer, at SmOp Cleantech, said: “Delivering the 11kV grid connection for Big Blue I was a simple project for us, but it’s a great example of how industry can drive sustainability. This project demonstrates what’s possible when business commits to carbon neutrality. It’s been a privilege to help power Big Blue I and to be part of setting a benchmark for the sustainability of large-scale industry in the UK.” Dr. Kyle C. Grant-Talbot, Founder & CEO, Oxwash Ltd said: “The delivery of the 11kV point of connection by SmOp, which is being adopted by Vattenfall, is a critical milestone for Big Blue I, enabling us to power the world’s first industrial-sized, carbon-neutral laundry entirely on renewable energy and biogas. The collaboration has been excellent, allowing us to scale our mission and our laundry business without compromising our planet. At 20,000 square feet, Big Blue I sets a new standard for industrial operations – carbon neutrality at this scale is not only achievable but essential if we are to reach net zero in time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Design-led interiors firm Chameleon Business Interiors has completed the transformation of McCain Foods USA’s 63,000sqft Oakbrook Experience Centre, Chicago. Shaun Watts, chairman of Chameleon said: “McCain’s brief was clear. They needed to create a real ‘destination’ – an office environment that would ‘wow’ employees and visitors. We’ve been operating in North America for several years, so we knew we’d be able to integrate with the whole team and transform the Oakbrook site. “This new space will now attract and retain talent and enhance the experience of McCain’s employees and visitors. It’s undeniably McCain and it’s been amazing to see the reactions of staff when they first enter the new space. “Central to McCain’s employee strategy is: creating a winning, fresh, modern and collaborative culture. Its new office will certainly support in fostering this.” The new space is designed with flexibility and collaboration in mind, providing a modern and dynamic environment for different work styles and activities. The inclusion of a townhall auditorium with movable tiered and lounge seating makes it adaptable for various events – like demonstrations and company meetings. The chef’s demonstration theatre and fully equipped commercial kitchen are unique features that will enhance team-building activities and serve as a place for workshops and culinary experiences. The smaller footprint of bench desking, while creating more open space, allows for the integration of different work settings. These work lounges, quiet areas, booths, and meeting rooms are thoughtfully categorised into ‘neighbourhoods,’ giving departments their own designated zones – while maintaining the ability to stay connected to the broader space. The investment in technology further highlights the commitment to modern, hybrid work practices. Surround sound speakers and immersive AV setups provide a more engaging, dynamic experience for those attending virtual meetings, product presentations, or cooking demonstrations. Large touchscreens in collaboration areas promote a seamless, interactive work environment, making it easier collaborate across teams. In terms of sustainability, Chameleon incorporated carbon neutral flooring throughout, utilised light sensors with energy efficient LEDs, used recycled and recyclable furniture, and reused existing elements wherever possible. Daylight harvesting systems were designed and installed to take advantage of natural sunlight and reduce the need for electric lighting. Howard Snape, McCain Foods’ regional president of North America, said: “The starting point was to be clear on the vision of what we were trying to achieve – which was really based around the theory of an experience centre. Chameleon understood that vision and has been a partner throughout this journey. They’ve proved themselves to be experts in their industry, regularly bringing fresh new ideas to the project. I am thrilled to see our company and our culture come to life in this new space – food, agriculture, manufacturing, sustainability and fun are all reflected in this forward-thinking design. With people at the heart of our business, we were purposeful to lead with safety, as we always do; we didn’t experience a single safety incident. “Investing in our physical spaces is just one way we’re creating an exceptional employee experience. With the renovation of our US corporate office, our employees and customers may now enjoy the new, modern and open spaces within the Oakbrook Terrace Tower.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commercial property management and building consultancy firm Workman LLP has been appointed by NewRiver REIT to manage three key community shopping centres in Greater London. From mid-February, Workman will take on property management responsibilities at The Exchange Centre in Ilford, The Mall in Wood Green, and 17&Central in Walthamstow. The appointment follows NewRiver’s acquisition of Capital & Regional at the end of 2024, a deal that created a combined retail portfolio valued at £0.9 billion. James Taylor, Partner at Workman, expressed enthusiasm for the new collaboration:“This is a fantastic opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with NewRiver. Our property management team looks forward to working closely with this leading real estate investment trust to support its strategic vision. Each of these centres has significant potential to grow as a vibrant hub within its local community.” Emma Mackenzie, Head of Asset Management and ESG at NewRiver, highlighted the continuity the appointment provides:“We are pleased to build on our long-standing partnership with Workman following our acquisition of Capital & Regional. Workman has successfully managed retail assets within our portfolio for many years, and their continued involvement ensures operational consistency as we integrate the new centres. Their experienced team will help us enhance our retail offering, support our occupiers, and create thriving shopping destinations.” In addition to this appointment, NewRiver has also enlisted Lambert Smith Hampton to oversee the management of three former Capital & Regional assets across England and Scotland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals