Multiplex has energised a 10MWp solar farm in Norfolk, marking a major milestone in its commitment to reducing carbon emissions across its London construction projects. The Northwold Solar PV generating station, developed in partnership with Ampyr Solar Europe (ASE), is now fully connected to the grid. This follows years of
The Scaffolding Association has announced the appointment of Mark Parkin as its new Strategic Director, reinforcing its commitment to raising standards, improving safety, and advocating for the industry’s recognition as a highly skilled and essential industry. With 37 years of experience in scaffolding—including 31 years in roles such as advanced
United Living Infrastructure Services (ULIS) has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract by gas distributor Cadent to deliver a critical pipeline diversion in Ulverston, Cumbria. The existing Ulverston to Barrow pipeline supplies gas to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. However, due to historical settlement issues and previous leakages, the
Ahead of tomorrow’s Spring Statement the chancellor has announced she is injecting £600m into construction training. In response to this news, Andy Rayner, Director of Learning and Development at Travis Perkins Plc says: “It’s encouraging to see the Government recognising the importance of skilled trades in delivering the UK’s housing
Vistry Group has exchanged contracts with Milton Keynes City Council to create a new 930-home village to the east of Newport Pagnell. The £270m Tickford Fields development is 45 hectares in size with 31% of the properties available on the affordable market. The deal marks a milestone in the creation
The owner of the popular competitive socialising brand Flight Club is setting its sights on over 45 new venues within the next five years. Red Engine, which also operates the Electric Shuffle concept, has announced plans to open six new Flight Club and two Electric Shuffle venues this year, bringing
An eight-week consultation and engagement process is now open that will gather local feedback around the principles for investment and development of the city centre fringe areas over the next decade and more. Manchester City Council (MCC) and Salford City Council (SCC) are working in collaboration on the ambitious proposals
The project will drive growth by tackling long standing congestion and improving connectivity between the south-east, the midlands and the north The government has just given planning permission for National Highways’ A122 Lower Thames Crossing project. The most significant road project in a generation will drive growth – the priority
AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments with €186 billion of assets under management[1], is set to follow completion of piling and excavation works with the commencement of main build construction this summer at its latest flagship London office development, Fifty Fenchurch Street. The Main Works contract for
For a limited time, Finning is offering customers a unique opportunity to get behind the wheel of the all-new, next generation Cat® 265 compact track loader (CTL) at their headquarters in Cannock, Staffordshire. Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat machines, parts and aftermarket services, is bringing
Multiplex has energised a 10MWp solar farm in Norfolk, marking a major milestone in its commitment to reducing carbon emissions across its London construction projects. The Northwold Solar PV generating station, developed in partnership with Ampyr Solar Europe (ASE), is now fully connected to the grid. This follows years of planning and a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed in November 2023, making Multiplex the first UK contractor to operate its own dedicated solar farm. From April 2025, green energy offset under the PPA will power four of Multiplex’s major London developments, including New Zealand House, One Exchange Square, and Bankside Yards (Building 2). The company intends to bring all future projects under this long-term 15-year renewable energy partnership. The Northwold PV project spans 19 hectares, housing 16,380 solar panels with a generation capacity of 10MWp. Producing around 11,448 MWh annually, it can supply energy to over 4,200 homes. A 7.5MW battery storage system, managed by GridBeyond, will provide additional grid support during peak demand. Multiplex UK regional director Tom Marke hailed the project as a game-changer for the construction industry, stating:“Northwold PV going online is a significant step in reducing our carbon emissions—delivering actions, not just words, in the drive to decarbonise UK construction. This self-generated renewable energy will result in verifiable emission reductions, aligning with the UK’s National Grid decarbonisation goals.” Ampyr Solar Europe chief executive Tarun Agrawal added:“This project is another vital step towards a cleaner, greener future. We’re proud to be expanding our European renewable energy portfolio while supporting the UK’s ambitious net zero targets.” By securing a long-term renewable energy supply, Multiplex is driving towards its 2030 sustainability targets, including net zero building operations, zero emissions transport, and zero avoidable waste—paving the way for a more sustainable construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Scaffolding Association has announced the appointment of Mark Parkin as its new Strategic Director, reinforcing its commitment to raising standards, improving safety, and advocating for the industry’s recognition as a highly skilled and essential industry. With 37 years of experience in scaffolding—including 31 years in roles such as advanced scaffolder, supervisor, managing director, CEO, and operations director—Mark has developed a profound understanding of the industry. His expertise spans operations, health and safety, and business management, making him a valuable addition to the Scaffolding Association’s team. Robert Candy, CEO of the Scaffolding Association, welcomed Mark’s appointment, stating: “Mark’s extensive industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and strategic mindset align perfectly with the Association’s mission. His expertise will help the Association continue its work in supporting members, driving innovation, and ensuring the scaffolding industry gains the recognition it deserves.” Mark’s vision is closely aligned with the Scaffolding Association’s values of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. “I’ve spent 37 years in the scaffolding industry, not just working within it but striving to understand it at its core—its challenges, its opportunities, and the people who make it what it is,” said Mark. “Now, as Strategic Director for the Scaffolding Association, I have the opportunity to drive meaningful change through collaborations and partnerships, ensuring our members and the wider industry thrive. All too often, I see businesses struggling because they can’t see the options available to them,” he noted. “Using the right approach for each challenge requires an open mind and the ability to think outside the box. Sometimes, you just need to reframe what’s in front of you to get a different perspective.” Through his role at the Scaffolding Association, Mark will work closely with the team to support its members, enhance industry-wide collaboration, and contribute to the ongoing development of best practices. His focus will be on strengthening the Association’s initiatives, helping to drive positive change, and ensuring the industry continues to evolve to meet future challenges. By working together, the Association and its members can build a stronger, more resilient scaffolding industry for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Living Infrastructure Services (ULIS) has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract by gas distributor Cadent to deliver a critical pipeline diversion in Ulverston, Cumbria. The existing Ulverston to Barrow pipeline supplies gas to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. However, due to historical settlement issues and previous leakages, the pipeline must be rerouted away from the canal embankment to a safer location in an adjacent field. ULIS will install an 850-metre diversion using heavy-wall 12-inch steel pipe, running parallel to the existing pipeline but outside the embankment zone. The project also includes the construction of a 75-metre micro-tunnel beneath Ulverston Canal, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding area. With the site bordering Morecambe Bay—a designated Ramsar, Special Protection Area (SPA), and Special Area of Conservation (SAC)—ULIS will work closely with ecologists, scheduling site visits to protect the local environment before any sensitive works begin. Once the new pipeline is fully operational, the existing pipeline will be safely decommissioned, enhancing safety, reliability, and environmental protection for the region’s gas network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ahead of tomorrow’s Spring Statement the chancellor has announced she is injecting £600m into construction training. In response to this news, Andy Rayner, Director of Learning and Development at Travis Perkins Plc says: “It’s encouraging to see the Government recognising the importance of skilled trades in delivering the UK’s housing ambitions. The construction industry has been facing significant challenges due to ongoing skills shortages, which have impacted the speed and scale at which projects can be delivered. “An investment of this scale into construction training and recruitment is not just a step in the right direction, but also a long-term commitment to the future of the industry. “Equipping the next generation with the right tools, training, and opportunities will help address critical gaps in the workforce, strengthen the supply chain, and support the industry in meeting ambitious build targets with greater confidence and resilience.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group has exchanged contracts with Milton Keynes City Council to create a new 930-home village to the east of Newport Pagnell. The £270m Tickford Fields development is 45 hectares in size with 31% of the properties available on the affordable market. The deal marks a milestone in the creation of a new residential community of exceptional quality for Newport Pagnell and the broader Milton Keynes area. With outline planning consent in place, the site will accommodate up to 930 new homes, along with community, education, and recreation facilities. The development will provide play areas, sports pitches (with pavilions and parking), and new pedestrian and cycle links. From one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom homes, the housing mix will cater to a diverse set of needs, with over 30% of the homes classed as affordable and therefore accessible to those on lower incomes. Incorporating principles of sustainability, such as air source heat pumps and using open-panel timber frame construction, the development is set to become a model for environmentally conscious living. The development will also aim to retain all established trees, tree groups, hedgerows, and water features, with conscientious mitigation strategies for any displaced features. The green and blue corridors woven throughout the site will not only enhance the living experience for residents but will also create a nurturing habitat for local wildlife. As part of this holistic vision, Vistry Group will introduce an on-site Skills Academy. This dedicated facility will provide valuable educational and vocational opportunities for college students and unemployed people in the local area, further building on the opportunities the scheme will provide for the community. Vistry Group and Milton Keynes City Council will pool their expertise together to deliver the Tickford Fields development in a cost-efficient and timely manner. With a proven track record in partnering and delivery within the housing sector, the collaboration is set to reshape the residential landscape of Newport Pagnell. Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry Group’s partnerships division in the South East Midlands, said: “It’s exciting to be working together with Milton Keynes City Council on this major new development that aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable, and community-centric places to live. We are determined to create a scheme that not only blends seamlessly with its surroundings but sets new benchmarks in modern living and offers benefits to the local community.” Councillor Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking at Milton Keynes City Council, said: “Improving access to affordable housing is at the heart of our Council Plan and I’m pleased that this development will not only deliver much-needed affordable homes for local families, but also energy-efficient and more sustainable properties that will ensure a greener future for our city. I look forward to seeing the development progress into a new thriving community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The owner of the popular competitive socialising brand Flight Club is setting its sights on over 45 new venues within the next five years. Red Engine, which also operates the Electric Shuffle concept, has announced plans to open six new Flight Club and two Electric Shuffle venues this year, bringing its total number of sites to 39. By the end of 2030, the group aims to expand its estate to an impressive 84 venues. This ambitious growth strategy comes as Red Engine reports a surge in sales, driven by its expanding global footprint. The company revealed on Tuesday that its revenue for 2024 had climbed to £77.1 million, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Steve Moore, Chief Executive and Co-founder of Red Engine, highlighted the strategic approach behind their expansion: “Growing our footprint is about more than just opening new doors. It’s about carefully choosing locations that align with our brands and the communities they serve. With each new venue, we see our global presence strengthen. “We’re incredibly excited about the journey ahead as we work towards making Flight Club and Electric Shuffle household names worldwide.” Since launching its first venue in Shoreditch in 2015, Red Engine has expanded across the UK to cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Internationally, the group has established a presence in Dublin, New York, Las Vegas, and Melbourne, with more global locations on the horizon. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An eight-week consultation and engagement process is now open that will gather local feedback around the principles for investment and development of the city centre fringe areas over the next decade and more. Manchester City Council (MCC) and Salford City Council (SCC) are working in collaboration on the ambitious proposals that could see 7,000 new homes built across seven distinct neighbourhood areas, which could support 4,500 jobs. The Draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Strangeways and Cambridge has already been heard by both Council’s respective Executive and Cabinet committees, and local people, businesses and other stakeholders are now invited to share their thoughts on the plans. Consultation People can provide feedback online (strangewaysandcambridgesrf.info) and in-person events will also be held for respondents to ask questions and find out more about the long-term regeneration proposals, which will also include refreshments and activities for families. Salford – Broughton Community Centre, Great Clowes Street, Salford, M7 1ZQ Salford – Broughton Community Centre, Great Clowes Street, Salford, M7 1ZQ Manchester – The Yard, 11 Bent Street, Manchester, M8 8NF Salford – Broughton Community Centre, Great Clowes Street, Salford, M7 1ZQ Salford – Broughton Community Centre, Great Clowes Street, Salford, M7 1ZQ Manchester – The Yard, 11 Bent Street, Manchester, M8 8NF Manchester – The Yard, 11 Bent Street, Manchester, M8 8NF The consultation will close on Monday 26 May 2025 after which the results will be reported back to MCC Executive and SCC’s cabinet committees. Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “This framework is our shared long-term vision, alongside our colleagues in Salford, to deliver a transformation in the Strangeways and Cambridge communities. “We have an opportunity to create a platform for development and investment, enabled by the successful work carried out by the Operation Vulcan partnership, to support businesses to grow and prosper in these neighbourhoods – creating thousands of new jobs and support the ongoing growth of our city – alongside a major new public park and new homes, including Council, social and genuinely affordable housing. “We know this area has challenges, including the prison that presents a key barrier to the regeneration of the area, but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential. “We will deliver huge change in Strangeways in the coming years, working alongside the people who live and work there, and as we move to consultation in the coming weeks, we want to speak to local people and businesses about how we can make this part of the city thrive.” Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added: “We’ve been on a journey of growth and regeneration in recent years, and our work has changed the landscape in different parts of Salford for the benefit of our residents. It’s now time to focus on the Cambridge area and working with colleagues in Manchester, this framework provides us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to do that. “This framework proposes options for the Salford part of the SRF, taking into account the requirements of residents and local businesses, and the need for quality housing in the area. The key will be to balance these needs with what the long-term flood data is telling us and how we future-proof the area against climate change. “The proposals in the framework seek to identify the best possible options for this area. These include the exciting opportunity to create a new city park for all, with an option for appropriate levels of mixed-use development, to continue to drive sustainable growth. “I’d urge everyone with a vested interest in this area, whether you’re a resident or business to engage with the consultation process and work with us help shape the future of this part of the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The project will drive growth by tackling long standing congestion and improving connectivity between the south-east, the midlands and the north The government has just given planning permission for National Highways’ A122 Lower Thames Crossing project. The most significant road project in a generation will drive growth – the priority in the government’s Plan for Change – by tackling long standing congestion at Dartford and improving connectivity between the south-east, the midlands and the north. For more than 60 years the Dartford Crossing has stood as the only road crossing across the Thames east of London, making it one of the country’s most vital trade routes that connects some of the UK’s busiest ports to the rest of the country. Today, it is used by far more traffic than it was designed for and acts as a bottleneck that causes delays and diversions that holds back the country’s economy. The Lower Thames Crossing is a 14-mile new A-road that will link the A2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Essex through the longest road tunnel in the UK. It will ease congestion at Dartford by almost doubling road capacity across the Thames east of London, and make tens of millions of journeys quicker, safer and more reliable every year. The government is currently exploring private finance options for the project. Construction could start as early as 2026, with the new road expected to open in the early 2030s. The National Highways project is the first in a new generation of projects that will accelerate the construction industry’s move to net zero by using fuels such as hydrogen to power its construction fleet and only using low-carbon concrete and steel. This pioneering approach to carbon has cut the project’s estimated construction footprint by around half so far, with a target to achieve a 70% reduction. The new blueprint for low-carbon construction created on the project is already being replicated across other sectors ranging from nuclear and water to rail and aviation. The project will also restore nature across Kent and Essex by delivering six times more green space than road. Plans include one million additional trees, a new community woodland, and two new public parks overlooking the Thames. The project will also encourage active travel across the area by providing almost three miles of new or improved routes for walkers, cyclists, or horse riders for every mile of new road. The design of the new road was developed following a comprehensive programme of consultation with the local community and a range of organisations. Improvements made following feedback include future proofing it with three lanes in each direction along most of the route, reducing the impact on ancient woodland by 70%, and increasing the length of the tunnel to reduce impacts on local communities and the environment. Around 80% of the route now runs through a tunnel, cutting or embankment to blend it into the landscape and seven green bridges will blend the road into the landscape and provide safer crossing points for people and wildlife. “The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects. It will unlock growth with quicker, safer, and more reliable journeys and redraw the blueprint for building major projects in a net zero future by scaling up the use low-carbon construction, and leaving a legacy of green spaces and green skills” Matt Palmer, National Highways Executive Director Lower Thames Crossing Matt Palmer, National Highways Executive Director Lower Thames Crossing, said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects. It will unlock growth with quicker, safer, and more reliable journeys and redraw the blueprint for building major projects in a net zero future by scaling up the use low-carbon construction, and leaving a legacy of green spaces and green skills. “Our plans have been shaped by the local community and refined by robust and rigorous examination from independent experts. We are more committed than ever to working with our neighbours to build the crossing in a way that offers them opportunities to work and learn new skills while reducing impacts. We are shovel ready and have our delivery partners on board, and today’s decision allows us to work with government on funding and start the detailed planning that will let us start construction as soon as possible.” During construction the project will give a boost to British jobs and skills by working with specialist suppliers from across the UK, and will employ almost half of its workforce locally, training them to build the Lower Thames Crossing and equipping them with the skills to take on future projects. Before main construction gets underway, the project and its three delivery partners will work with local authorities, landowners, and stakeholders to refine aspects of the design to further reduce the impact of construction on the local community and environment, and embed new and emerging low carbon technologies and materials. Over the coming months they will also carry out archaeological, ecological, and topographical surveys, as well as further ground investigations to prepare the detailed design and construction plans. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments with €186 billion of assets under management[1], is set to follow completion of piling and excavation works with the commencement of main build construction this summer at its latest flagship London office development, Fifty Fenchurch Street. The Main Works contract for the landmark 36-storey, 650,000 sq ft development has been awarded to Multiplex Construction Europe, with the development expected to complete in 2028. AXA IM Alts used the same contractor to construct 22 Bishopsgate which set a new quality benchmark for prime office space when it completed in 2020 and has recently achieved full occupancy. This successful milestone reflected both London’s status as a global hub for business and finance as well as the continued strong demand for well-located offices that integrate advanced technology, sustainability and amenities. Designed by Eric Parry Architects, Fifty Fenchurch Street is set to be one of the UK’s most sustainable and biodiverse high-rise office buildings, targeting BREEAM Outstanding and net zero in operation. It will be the first building of this scale to incorporate such extensive vertical landscaping in the City of London, comprising 10th floor internal and external gardens designed by the architecture and urban design studio DSDHA and more than 40 planted balconies and terraces, collectively introducing over 70 species of plant life to the site. Each upper-level office floor will have two terraces with shrubs and flowering plants, providing office staff with direct access to nature and fresh air from their workspace. The building’s abundant greenery will be seamlessly integrated with state-of-the-art technology and wellness-led amenities to deliver a future-focused, people-centric workplace for generations to come. The expansive urban greening continues at the ground plane with the creation of further gardens inspired by the original fenlands which once populated the area surrounding Fenchurch Street. The gardens also feature the Medieval Church Tower of All Hallows Staining as a spectacular historic centrepiece nestled within lush vegetation, trees and reed beds, all above a substantial new subterranean Livery Hall for The Clothworkers’ Company. Together with the reinstatement of Lambe’s Chapel Crypt beneath the new office tower, these initiatives are part of a broader ambition to integrate London’s medieval heritage into modern urban development, ensuring the preservation and public accessibility of these historic structures. Rob Samuel, UK Head of Development at AXA IM Alts, commented: “Our success at 22 Bishopsgate has confirmed the importance of tailoring buildings to align precisely with the evolving needs of occupiers to create high-quality, innovative workspaces that make employees want to come to the office. At Fifty Fenchurch Street our aim is to deliver exactly that, creating a landmark structure that will be both one of London’s most biodiverse office towers and combine best-in-class workspace with green, accessible public areas that uniquely incorporate heritage buildings that will enrich the City of London’s landscape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
For a limited time, Finning is offering customers a unique opportunity to get behind the wheel of the all-new, next generation Cat® 265 compact track loader (CTL) at their headquarters in Cannock, Staffordshire. Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat machines, parts and aftermarket services, is bringing the new Cat265 to the UK market this year. As part of the launch, Finning is offering a unique opportunity for customers, plant hire firms and owner operators to get hands on with this next generation model and experience the performance benefits offered by its innovative vertical lift design. Building on the success of the D3 series, the new Cat 265 compact track loader (CTL) has been redesigned from the ground-up, leveraging Caterpillar’s leading reputation for CTL’s with a host of enhanced performance capabilities. Alongside the recently launched Cat 255 CTL, the Cat 265 has been remodelled with the operator in mind, with customer feedback central to the enhanced performance of the new models. Finning is encouraging customers to reach out for this limited time-only to try out this innovative machine. Helen Day, BCP Product Manager at Finning UK & Ireland said: “We understand that heavy machines are a significant investment for any business, and we want to encourage customers to come and try-out our new CTL to experience the power, quality and performance first-hand, with a no-obligation test drive and demonstration. “We are incredibly excited to bring the new performance standard of this machine to our customers. When customers get behind the wheel, they will immediately feel the power from the Cat C2.8T engine which offers 74.3hp (55.4 kW) and maintains horsepower across a wider RPM, delivering significant torque increases of 43% compared to the previous model. “The test drive is also a good opportunity for customers to speak with the experts here at Finning about their unique needs and applications. The Cat 265 comes with fully integrated technology which allows Cat Smart Attachments to be automatically synchronised for full versatility. This allows operators to switch between applications more efficiently as the machine automatically recognises the attachment and corresponding joystick pattern. Being able to discuss the versatility of the 265 and more, means we can help our customers invest in the right tools, technology and support for their needs.” Day said: “At the heart of this machine is an enhanced operator experience, including a wider cab, lower entry point, advanced joysticks for integrated control, advanced touch screen monitors and new mechanical air-ride suspension seat options. “To really appreciate the power, performance and comfort of this next generation machine we are encouraging our customers to reach out to their local dealer to arrange a demonstration, so they can see the difference this machine would make to their application first-hand. “The race is on to secure a demonstration of the 265 so we are encouraging customers to get in touch today, so they don’t miss this incredible opportunity.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
