Kenneth Booth
Natural Ventilation: The Crowning Jewel

Natural Ventilation: The Crowning Jewel

WindowMaster brings the outdoors-in at the National Gemstone Centre The National Gemstone Centre is a ground-breaking jewellery boutique, exhibition space, and training facility set against the stunning backdrop of Derbyshire’s Carsington Reservoir. A benchmark in environmentally-friendly design, the building is the brainchild of pioneering-jewellers, C.W. Sellors (Sellors), which commissioned the

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Renewed investor appetite for high street retail and leisure markets, according to Lismore research

Renewed investor appetite for high street retail and leisure markets, according to Lismore research

Lismore’s latest investor research indicates growing confidence in Scotland’s prime city centre retail and leisure markets, with both Glasgow and Edinburgh seeing renewed investor interest. Strong tenant demand, attractive entry yields and signs of rental growth are helping to re-establish the investment rationale for these markets. Vacancy levels on Buchanan

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Caddick completes University of Cumbria's new Barrow island campus

Caddick completes University of Cumbria’s new Barrow island campus

Caddick Construction has reached completion of a new campus for the University of Cumbria in Barrow, forming part of the university’s investment in engineering, advanced manufacturing and health. The dockside campus, which spans 2.6 hectares, has a unique design inspired by Barrow’s maritime heritage and includes accessible and flexible teaching

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Founder of Premier Estates moves on after 27 years

Founder of Premier Estates moves on after 27 years

Premier Estates has announced that its founder and Chairman, Ben Jordan, is stepping away from the company after 27 years at the helm. Ben, who established Premier Estates in 1998, has played a pivotal role in the property management sector in the UK. The company will now be led by

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Latest Issue
Issue 333 : Oct 2025

Kenneth Booth

Natural Ventilation: The Crowning Jewel

Natural Ventilation: The Crowning Jewel

WindowMaster brings the outdoors-in at the National Gemstone Centre The National Gemstone Centre is a ground-breaking jewellery boutique, exhibition space, and training facility set against the stunning backdrop of Derbyshire’s Carsington Reservoir. A benchmark in environmentally-friendly design, the building is the brainchild of pioneering-jewellers, C.W. Sellors (Sellors), which commissioned the project with a very specific brief. At its core, the centre needed to serve as a model for sustainable specification, wellbeing-centric design and community integration.  Whilst the core objective was to unite its design and manufacturing operations and showcase its most luxurious pieces in a brand-new showroom, and important secondary aim was to maintain harmony between the building’s purpose and its idyllic setting. As a proudly Derbyshire-based business, it was keen to ensure it remained a source of pride for the local community and not detract from its scenic beauty. This meant the project architects, the award-winning Evans Vettori, needed to select the very latest, lowest-impact and energy efficient materials, fittings and finishes. It was felt this would go some way to achieving the brief’s three criteria, and provide staff and visitors alike with maximum comfort throughout the interiors. Yet success could only be guaranteed if this ethos extended beyond structural and decorative elements, to the very services and facilities specified, ensuring every detail aligned with the building’s intended embodiment of nature and community. So, the brief also extended to the services and utilities, particularly the site’s ventilation systems.  Keen to evoke the centre’s unspoiled, rural setting, Sellors wanted to ensure a steady flow of fresh, clean countryside air within the building, bringing the benefits of the surrounding nature indoors. After considering a range of different options, the project team agreed to introduce a natural ventilation system, which could be programmed and automated to allow plenty of fresh air to circulate throughout the centre efficiently. This inevitably led them to WindowMaster, one of the world’s leading natural and mixed-mode ventilation specialists, who joined the project during September 2023, to supply and install a new cutting-edge, low energy natural ventilation control system. With a proven track record on commercial projects including: Space House, London, a modernised, sustainable, Grade II-listed office building and St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, Derby, the UK’s first Net-Zero carbon biophilic school, Evans Vittori was impressed by WindowMaster’s ability to create healthy, happy, and productive indoor environments. When WindowMaster understood the blended requirements of the space, particularly an incorporated manufacturing facility it realised pureplay NV would not be adequate on its own. Alternatively, it recommended a strategy that combined high-quality components to amplify the naturally cool air of the Derby countryside. This was achieved through six of its market-leading WMX 826-1, 400mm window actuators. Devices that respond to monitoring factors such as CO2, temperature and humidity. By opening and closing windows to within millimetre-perfect precision, it meant the building could facilitate the flow of fresh air in, whilst taking stale air out. Working in conjunction with WindowMaster’s Motorlink® automated technology, users could achieve accurate window precision, without running the risk of over-ventilating or compromising their indoor comfort. This was especially important given the presence of on-site acid and ammonia-based chemicals used by jewellers, making the rapid removal of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) essential for safety. Backed by WindowMaster’s trademark NV Embedded®, a cloud-based decentralised Control System, Sellors were empowered to monitor and control of indoor environments in real time. Synched seamlessly with the National Gemstone Centre’s building management systems (BMS), it delivers optimum indoor air quality (IAQ), room temperature and energy efficiency, all year round. Commenting on the fitout of the natural ventilation system, David Brown, WindowMaster’s Sales Director, said: “With such beautiful surroundings, it was important for this building to capture a sense of nature by involving the surrounding open countryside. Thanks to WindowMaster’s NV Embedded Control system, the building occupants will have controlled clean fresh air, helping them stay alert & comfortable. John Evans, Evans Vettori, the project’s architectural lead says, “To enable control of the high-level clerestory glazing in the central atrium space, the project required fully-automatic actuators to be discretely integrated into the frames. The windowmaster system fulfilled the brief and the motorlink technology enabled a connection to the BMS for synchronised operation and feedback.” To find out more about WindowMaster’s market-leading smoke and ventilation solutions, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McLaren Construction Midlands and North strengthens leadership team to drive future delivery and growth

McLaren Construction Midlands and North strengthens leadership team to drive future delivery and growth

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has announced a series of key leadership appointments and promotions as it continues to build on a strong track record of project delivery and regional growth. The strengthening of the leadership team underscores the contractor’s long-term ambitions and reflects its commitment to internal progression, market diversification, and operational excellence – while building on the strength of McLaren’s robust industrial and logistics portfolio. Rejoining the business in the new role of Regional Strategic Director, Adrian Barnes plays a key role in the team and will support the business’s continued diversification across sectors. He will also enhance the region’s strategic approach to frameworks, two-stage procurement, and public sector opportunities. Adrian brings extensive experience across complex public-sector projects and local authority engagement, aligning with McLaren’s goal to strengthen and expand beyond its core industrial and logistics market. His appointment supports the region, which is renowned for its robust delivery model and high repeat business rate within this sector. Alongside Adrian’s appointment, several significant internal promotions demonstrate the business’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent from within. Luke Arnold has been promoted to Regional Director, bringing a wealth of experience and a long-standing professional relationship with Managing Director Gary Cramp. Since joining the business last year, Luke has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing the Midlands and North business alongside Gary. His contributions have been instrumental in the successful delivery of high-profile developments, and he will play a key role in strengthening and expanding McLaren’s presence across a diverse range of markets, leading the Midlands and North business with Gary. Guy Smith has been promoted to Commercial Director having played a key role in strengthening client relationships and expanding the commercial portfolio. Joel Casstles has stepped into the role of Operations Director, following a series of successful project completions and Paul Johnson has been promoted to Operations Director after joining the business in 2024, bringing 25 years’ experience leading high-performing delivery teams. These appointments have contributed significantly to the success of the region and reflect the business’s belief in developing and investing in its people. Several key project leaders across the business have also stepped into more senior roles – Harry Marles has been promoted to Senior Quantity Surveyor, John Hobson to Managing Quantity Surveyor, and Jonathan McGarry, Lee Brown and Oliver Cramp to Senior Site Managers, further strengthening delivery capability at site level. In addition, Tommy Bordicott, Trainee Planner and a current apprentice, has been shortlisted for a national award, highlighting McLaren’s continued focus on developing the next generation of construction professionals. McLaren Construction Midlands and North is now entering its next stage of growth, with a reinforced leadership team, a solid pipeline of secured work, and a growing portfolio of complex, high-quality projects across multiple sectors. The region continues to deliver major projects across industrial and logistics, student accommodation and retail sectors, and recently completed schemes including Project Phoenix, Box Four at Manchester Airport, Omega West, Matrix 49 Plot 3, Longwood Place, Talbot Street, Horizon 29 Phase 2, and St Gabriel’s – a flagship student accommodation development. These projects, delivered for both new and repeat clients, are testament to the team’s ability to consistently meet high standards of quality and performance – with the region now delivering 85% of its projects through repeat business. New projects currently on site include major industrial and commercial developments for TJ Morris and Panattoni, along with the Birmingham England Temple and the landmark redevelopment of Wrexham AFC. The region also continues to work with high profile clients in the retail sector and is delivering the Plot 4 development at the Matrix 49 site in Avonmouth. Within the student accommodation and multi-room sectors, the Midlands and North region have now delivered 2,200 rooms and is currently constructing a further 1,374, reinforcing its expertise and scale in this growing market. With further projects in the pipeline, McLaren is well-positioned to expand its offering across other sectors, leveraging both its regional knowledge and national reach. Looking ahead, McLaren’s growth strategy is focused on broadening its offering across frameworks and public sector procurement, while maintaining its position as a leader in the industrial and logistics space. Adrian Barnes will play a central role in this strategy, alongside the leadership team, to develop new opportunities and strengthen relationships with local authorities, and drive value through frameworks, two-stage and PCSA-led schemes. The regional strategy complements the wider Group’s national growth plans, where strong year-end results have laid the foundation for continued success into the next financial year. Adrian Barnes, Regional Strategic Director, said: “I’m excited to join rejoin McLaren Construction in a region that’s already performing exceptionally well, but also has huge untapped potential. My focus is to support the team in building on this foundation, bringing in opportunities through frameworks and tapping into wider public sector pipelines, while continuing to deliver the high-quality projects McLaren is known for.” Luke Arnold, Regional Director, said: “We’re in a great place – we have strong leadership, a brilliant team on the ground, and clear direction. The business is growing fast and we’re focusing on consistency, care for our people and a clear view of what our clients need.” Gary Cramp, Managing Director of Midlands and North, said: “McLaren’s strength lies in the quality of our people and the relationships we continue to build. These appointments and promotions are more than just new titles – they represent the journey we are on as a region and the confidence we have in the future. We’re growing as a business, but doing so with the right structure, talent, and a clear strategy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Renewed investor appetite for high street retail and leisure markets, according to Lismore research

Renewed investor appetite for high street retail and leisure markets, according to Lismore research

Lismore’s latest investor research indicates growing confidence in Scotland’s prime city centre retail and leisure markets, with both Glasgow and Edinburgh seeing renewed investor interest. Strong tenant demand, attractive entry yields and signs of rental growth are helping to re-establish the investment rationale for these markets. Vacancy levels on Buchanan Street in Glasgow and George Street in Edinburgh are virtually zero, while Princes Street in Edinburgh is below 10% and continuing to fall. This tightening supply is underpinning investor confidence, despite wider economic headwinds. Lismore’s quarterly investor sentiment survey highlights that 59% of respondents would consider investing in high street retail, with the strongest appetite among property companies (65%), followed by investment managers (56%). Funds remain more cautious, with only half expressing interest, often citing small lot sizes as a barrier. Across all groups, investors stressed that opportunities must be in prime micro-locations, particularly Scotland’s key high streets, where rebased rents and demonstrable demand create a compelling case. Secondary and tertiary towns remain largely out of favour. Expectations for prime high street yields over the next 12 months are broadly stable, with 55% of respondents predicting no change. A further 41% expect yields to harden, while only 3% anticipate any softening. Investor opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of mixed-use as the key to creating vibrant high streets in Scotland’s prime city centres, with 93% of respondents preferring it to pure retail/leisure. This view is consistent across all investor types, with 86% of property companies, 83% of funds and 90% of investment managers agreeing. Investors also warned that mixed-use schemes cannot succeed without addressing wider challenges, including parking charges, planning constraints, fragmented ownerships and poor shopping environments. Positive examples in Edinburgh and parts of Glasgow show how combining residential and well-occupied offices can help attract high-quality retailers and support leisure uses. Chris Thornton, Senior Associate at Lismore added: “We’re seeing renewed momentum in retail investment, as pricing becomes compelling relative to sectors like logistics. The future of high streets lies in making them true destinations, blending retail, leisure, hospitality and culture. Prime streets and dominant centres are already showing rental growth as retailers compete for the best space, but success remains highly location-specific and reliant on mixed-use strategies alongside public sector engagement. “Investor sentiment towards prime retail and leisure in Glasgow and Edinburgh is clearly improving, but selectivity remains key. With strong demand for the very best streets and rebased rents supporting early signs of growth, there are reasons for cautious optimism. The full Lismore Quarter 3 2025 Review, including Research Findings & Expert Views is available to download from: HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ideal Heating launches national campaign with Andy’s Man Club - supporting men’s mental health

Ideal Heating launches national campaign with Andy’s Man Club – supporting men’s mental health

Ideal Heating has confirmed its continued support for Andy’s Man Club (AMC), strengthening a partnership that puts men’s mental health front and centre – and uses Ideal’s reach in the trade to signpost men towards support. With more than 87,000 installers across the UK and a big presence in a male-dominated industry, Ideal Heating is in a unique position to help start conversations that many men find hard to begin. This autumn, Ideal is running a nationwide programme of activity to encourage conversation and raise funds for men’s mental and physical wellbeing – with installers and Ideal’s own teams all getting involved. AMC is a men’s suicide-prevention charity with a simple but powerful message: It’s Okay to Talk. The organisation runs more than 300 free peer-to-peer support groups every Monday evening, in person and online. Thousands of men attend each week, making AMC one of the fastest-growing movements for men’s mental health in the UK. Championing conversations with trade counter events Throughout October, Ideal’s Area Sales Managers will host Mental Health Awareness Days at trade counters in partnership with AMC. Installers visiting participating branches will be able to meet AMC reps, pick up information and resources, and join light-hearted activities designed to break the ice and open conversations. We’ll also be highlighting our ongoing support for Andy’s Man Club and making sure installers know where to turn if they or someone they know needs help. To find out more about where to access these events and other mental health resources, visit the blog: Backing the Boys: Our Nationwide Autumn Campaign with Andy’s Man Club. Movember activity In November, Ideal will go all-in for Movember, raising funds for both AMC and Prostate Cancer UK. Installers can join the Mo Wall of Fame by snapping a moustache selfie – real or stick-on – at trade counters across the country. The Ideal team will also take on a Move for Movember challenge, completing 100 miles in Movember, by walking, running and even stair climbs – raising awareness and funds for men’s mental and physical health. You can support the fundraising by donating here. Lucas Whitehead, Head of Marketing and Partnerships at Andy’s Man Club, said: “Support from companies like Ideal Heating helps us reach more men across the country. Every flyer handed out, every chat at a trade counter and every moustache photo shared makes it easier for men to talk. It really does make a difference.” The partnership runs year-round, with Ideal and AMC continuing to look for new ways to reach installers, employees and communities with the message: It’s Okay to Talk. Ideal’s Head of Marketing, Luke Pykett said: “We’ve supported Andy’s Man Club for years, and that commitment hasn’t changed. By teaming up with AMC and adding Movember activity, we’re backing men’s mental and physical health across the trade. Installers are at the heart of what we do, and we want to use our platform to make a real difference – raising awareness, encouraging open conversations and raising vital funds. That’s ideal.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Savills strengthens property management team with appointment of new director Terri Mattison

Savills strengthens property management team with appointment of new director Terri Mattison

Savills has strengthened its property management team with the appointment of Terri Mattison, who joins as a director at the firm’s Finsbury Circus office in the City of London. Terri has a wealth of experience in UK real estate, specialising in facilities management. She joins from Knight Frank where she held the position of regional head of facilities management for Yorkshire and the Northeast, as well as national head of shopping centres. Prior to this, Terri spent seven years at CBRE where she was national head of facilities management operations. At Savills, Terri will hold the position of demised services retail director, which will see her launch and grow the retail demised services offering across the national shopping centre portfolio. A key focus is to expand the service offering to retailers directly and integrate alongside the retail operations team within property management. Alongside this, Terri will focus on engaging with centre management teams to identify opportunities for business growth within Savills. Terri Mattison, Director, Savills Retail Demised Services, comments: “I am excited to join Savills, especially given that this is a very interesting time for retail with the continued growth of technological innovations within the sector. I am looking forward to working with the rest of the facilities management team and Savills strong existing network of experts to grow this capability.” Jordan Newall, Director, Savills Facilities Management, adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Terri to Savills. Her appointment highlights the strategic growth of our facilities management team, and with her depth of knowledge of the industry, along with her extensive experience in the retail sector, we look forward to seeing Terri play an instrumental role in growing the Retail Demised Services offering across the national shopping centre portfolio at Savills.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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UTB & Iron Bridge Celebrate Partnership Which Has Delivered Over 550 Homes Worth Over £200m

UTB & Iron Bridge Celebrate Partnership Which Has Delivered Over 550 Homes Worth Over £200m

United Trust Bank (UTB) and Iron Bridge Finance are celebrating a substantial milestone in their 10 year relationship with the successful completion of a solution supporting a 42 unit development in North London taking the total number of new homes created through their collaboration to 558 and a combined GDV of over £213m. Since late 2015, UTB and Iron Bridge have jointly funded 17 developments, with UTB providing over £129m of senior debt and Iron Bridge providing £37m of mezzanine debt on a wide variety of residential and mixed-use developments and conversions. The 558 new homes created are located across England from Cambridgeshire and the Midlands down to the South Coast. Four further developments to be funded by UTB and Iron Bridge are also in the pipeline with a combined GDV of £90m and a further 212 units. The most recent jointly funded scheme was for the acquisition and eventual development of a redundant office building in North London with planning to convert the building to 42 new apartments and potential for an additional 18 units on two additional floors via airspace development. UTB is providing just over £7m of funding towards the acquisition, and Iron Bridge over £4m. The project has an estimated GDV of over £20m once enhanced planning has been obtained. Adam Bovingdon, Head of Property Development, United Trust Bank, commented: “We are delighted to celebrate this fantastic milestone with Iron Bridge Finance. Reaching 558 new homes with a GDV of over £213m financed together is a testament to the strength of our long-standing partnership. Since our first meeting with Lance, it was clear that he and the team shared our commitment to supporting ambitious housebuilders and developers. Over the last 10 years, our collaboration has consistently delivered innovative funding solutions that help bring much-needed homes and regeneration projects to life. Successful solutions like the one supporting this exciting North London scheme show just what can be achieved when two specialist lenders work together with a common goal – helping to create outstanding places for people to live. We look forward to many more successful years working together.” Lance Joseph, CEO of Iron Bridge Finance, commented: “This milestone means a great deal to all at Iron Bridge Finance. From my first conversations with Adam and the team at United Trust Bank, it was clear we shared the same vision – to back ambitious developers with innovative funding solutions and create real places for people to call home. Our partnership extends beyond funding, shown in our joint charity work supporting rough sleepers. Over the past 10 years, we’ve built not only a strong professional relationship but lasting friendships, enabling sites that might otherwise never have been delivered. With a strong pipeline ahead, supporting developers to create 212 new homes and with a GDV of £90m, we’re excited about what the next chapter with UTB will bring.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lifting the past: Winchmore joins £1bn Lazari Building transformation on New Bond Street

Lifting the past: Winchmore joins £1bn Lazari Building transformation on New Bond Street

Winchmore Brickwork Group has secured the latest construction package at The Lazari Building on New Bond Street, the project converting the former Fenwick department store into a £1bn office-and-retail landmark designed by Foster + Partners. Faithdean is main contractor on the Mayfair scheme, with Erith Group delivering complex enabling works on a tightly constrained, heritage-sensitive site. The programme includes the jacking of entire floor slabs and façades to create higher ceiling heights and improved structural alignment, a technically demanding approach that preserves key fabric while readying the building for premium-grade commercial space. Winchmore’s scope spans alterations, extensions and sensitive retention across the basement, retail areas and ten upper office floors. The brief calls for intricate, handset traditional brickwork where new meets old, ensuring façades and internal interfaces read as one across a building that blends two centuries of architectural evolution. “We thank Faithdean for placing their trust in us to deliver such a prestigious, high-value project in the heart of London’s Mayfair Conservation Area,” the company said. “Securing such a project also enables our renowned apprenticeship scheme to thrive, with the next generation of bricklayers carrying out intricate, handset traditional brickwork — craftsmanship at its finest.” Positioned at the centre of one of Europe’s most valuable retail corridors, the scheme aims to set a benchmark for adaptive reuse: retaining significant elements, upgrading structure and services, and stitching in high-performance new build to meet modern occupier standards. For Winchmore, it is both a technical commission and an opportunity to showcase skilled brickwork on a flagship London redevelopment delivered alongside Faithdean, Foster + Partners and Erith. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glencar to spearhead first phase of VGP Park East Midlands by the M1

Glencar to spearhead first phase of VGP Park East Midlands by the M1

Glencar has been appointed principal contractor to design and build the opening phase of VGP Park East Midlands, an 835,000 sq ft logistics development planned near Castle Donington by Junction 24a of the M1. The initial tranche totals 370,000 sq ft across two speculative units with integrated offices: Unit 3 at 240,000 sq ft and Unit 4 at 130,000 sq ft. Alongside the vertical build, Glencar’s remit covers full site-wide earthworks and the formation of development plateaus to enable later delivery of Units 1 and 2. The package also includes significant infrastructure upgrades, with Section 278 highway works to Netherfield Lane and Tamworth Road, plus external works such as HGV and car parking, access roads and landscaping. Targeting BREEAM Excellent, the scheme aims to combine robust specification with sustainability measures from day one, setting a standard for subsequent phases. Peter Goodman, managing director at Glencar, said: “This is an important milestone for Glencar as we embark on our first project with both VGP and Newlands. The VGP Park East Midlands scheme stands out not just for its scale but also for its ambitious sustainability targets and technical complexity. We look forward to bringing our expertise to the table and working collaboratively to deliver a best-in-class logistics park.” The appointment marks Glencar’s first commission with VGP, the Belgian industrial real estate developer, and with Newlands, acting as development managers. Glencar moved on site in August and is scheduled to reach practical completion at the beginning of October 2026. The project team features PHP Architects, Avison Young (Manchester) as project manager/quantity surveyor and Stantec as engineer. Jonny Allen, VGP’s UK country manager, added: “VGP appointed Glencar to deliver this scheme after a competitive tender. They’ve made a great start and have already demonstrated their expertise in this sector of real estate development.” With groundwork preparing future plots and highways improvements baked into phase one, the programme is structured to accelerate the park’s build-out while minimising disruption to the strategic road network. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Caddick completes University of Cumbria's new Barrow island campus

Caddick completes University of Cumbria’s new Barrow island campus

Caddick Construction has reached completion of a new campus for the University of Cumbria in Barrow, forming part of the university’s investment in engineering, advanced manufacturing and health. The dockside campus, which spans 2.6 hectares, has a unique design inspired by Barrow’s maritime heritage and includes accessible and flexible teaching spaces, offices and catering facilities. Now launched, hosting higher education provisions from the Institute of Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing, and the Institute of Health, the striking new development includes exhibition and meeting spaces and specialised workshops. Designed with sustainable measures incorporated, the campus includes features to optimise natural light, solar panels to power mechanical services, a cloud BMS system and an air source heat pump to eliminate the need for gas. The new building, which has been designed to resemble a submarine surfacing from water, includes a bespoke rain screen cladding system and curved roofline with glazing, all of which have achieved a U value of 0.15W/m2k. Throughout construction, Caddick also created £1.8m of social value for the community by partnering with a range of organisations and charities. This included support for a school reading programme led by Hello Future, as well as donations made to the Furness Homeless charity, which is dedicated to providing wrap-around support for adults facing homelessness Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North West, commented: “We’re proud to have delivered this landmark project, which sets a new benchmark in educational design and demonstrates the power of construction when it’s rooted in community impact. Beyond the campus itself, we’re especially proud of the social value created by the team in Barrow, which has ensured the benefits of this project extend well beyond its walls.” University of Cumbria’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE, said: “The opening of our Barrow campus marks a transformative moment for both the University of Cumbria and the town itself. It is the result of nearly a decade of collaboration, vision, and belief in Barrow’s potential. This development directly supports our T2030 strategy, focusing on place, people, and partnership, by expanding access to higher education, nurturing local talent, and strengthening ties with industry and community. Barrow is now a university town, and that unlocks new possibilities for regional growth, national resilience, and lifelong opportunity.” The University of Cumbria adds to a growing portfolio of education projects being delivered by Caddick across the North West, including the newly completed 24,000 sq. ft expansion of Loreto College in Hulme.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Founder of Premier Estates moves on after 27 years

Founder of Premier Estates moves on after 27 years

Premier Estates has announced that its founder and Chairman, Ben Jordan, is stepping away from the company after 27 years at the helm. Ben, who established Premier Estates in 1998, has played a pivotal role in the property management sector in the UK. The company will now be led by Managing Director, Lisa Fantom, who has worked alongside Ben since 2007. Ben founded Premier Estates after leading a management buyout of the private property management department of the housing association where he was employed. Starting with just three employees managing 300 properties in Macclesfield, Ben grew Premier Estates into one of the UK’s leading residential property management companies. Today, the business manages around 35,000 properties across England and Wales, supported by a team of over 220 people. In 2021, Premier Estates became part of Odevo, the rapidly growing international property management group. The move provided the business with enhanced backing and access to leading-edge technology, compliance expertise and professional development opportunities, supporting its strategy of sustained growth. Reflecting on his decision to step down, Ben Jordan said: “Starting Premier Estates was a career defining moment for me and watching it grow into a company that now looks after tens of thousands of homes has been incredibly rewarding. The time now feels right to move on and take some space to explore new opportunities. Customer service has always been at the heart of our business, and our reputation was built on doing the right thing and putting residents first. One of my greatest achievements has been building such a talented and dedicated team. I leave, confident that Premier Estates is in very capable hands, and I know Lisa and the management team will continue to uphold the values that have always been important.” Ben has also been an influential voice in the wider property management industry. As Chairman of the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) in 2012, he was instrumental in the introduction of ARMA-Q, a pioneering self-regulatory accreditation scheme that raised standards across the sector. Today, ARMA has evolved into The Property Institute, continuing to advance professionalism in property management. A qualified accountant, Lisa joined the business as Finance Director before stepping into the Managing Director role in 2018. During her tenure, she has overseen substantial growth and a widening geographical spread across the UK. The company manages a broad range of developments and property types including several large-scale, multi-phased schemes in London. Lisa Fantom commented: “Ben was a big reason I joined Premier Estates – his passion and integrity have always been inspiring. He cares deeply about people, both the residents we serve and the team who deliver for them every day and that ethos remains at the heart of our business. As part of Odevo, we also have exciting opportunities ahead such as introducing market-leading technology through our sister company Dwellant. This sophisticated portal will give us increased transparency and better reporting for clients and residents. The combination of greater resources from being part of a larger group, combined with our personal, customer-first approach puts us in a strong position to continue growing and delivering exceptional service.” Premier Estates’ client base includes a mix of resident management companies, freeholders and many of the UK’s leading housebuilders, including Barratt Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Berkeley Homes and Cala Homes. With a strong track record built on long-standing partnerships and recommendations, and the continued backing of Odevo, the company is well placed to capitalise on the growing opportunities in the sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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