A major regeneration initiative for Waterloo Station and the surrounding South Bank area has taken a significant step forward following the signing of a new partnership agreement between Network Rail, Places for London, and Lambeth Council. The collaboration sets out a long-term vision to redevelop London’s fourth busiest rail hub
A new office in Blackpool, which will be home to over 3,000 employees from The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has completed. The £100m, 215,000 sq ft workspace – which forms phase three of the wider £350m regeneration of Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway – has been delivered by nationwide placemaker,
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) enlisted Bond Bryan to transform a modern office into a dynamic, efficient workspace to accommodate future-focused working. The GPhC – Great Britain’s regulator of pharmacies – relocated to One Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, which required a redesign after the firm had reassessed its working environment.
On Thursday 22nd May, Innovate UK marked 50 years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) by holding their Regional Forum meeting at Northumbria University. During the event the Innovate UK team met some of the Northumbria Academics involved in the programme including the University’s RIBAJ Rising Star Award for 2024, Catherine
Procure Plus, the Manchester-based social housing framework specialist, has announced an ambitious £1.5 billion initiative to accelerate the installation of low and zero carbon technologies across social housing stock in the UK. The new four-year framework, running from November 2025 to November 2029, is divided into 16 lots. It covers
Clowes Developments have handed over three roadside convenience units to their occupiers, Café Fortune Ltd trading as Starbucks (Drive-Thru), Gastronomy Restaurants Ltd trading as KFC and Greggs. The stores opened at the start of May and have seen a positive launch with record opening sales reported. Construction of a detached
Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to lead a major £130 million overhaul of the iconic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London, marking a significant step forward in securing the future of one of the capital’s most historic sporting venues. The appointment, made by the Greater London Authority
The redevelopment of Airedale General Hospital has taken a major step forward with the appointment of a multi-disciplinary design team to lead the ambitious £1 billion project near Keighley. Prompted by urgent concerns over the presence of structurally compromised reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) across the estate, Airedale’s rebuild has
ABM, the global provider of facility, engineering and infrastructure solutions, has secured a new €10 million contract with Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) to deliver cleaning services across eight key healthcare and administrative sites in Galway. The extensive agreement covers University Hospital Galway, Merlin Park University Hospital (MPUH), the Adult
Henry Boot Construction, part of Henry Boot, has officially completed work on a new net-zero-carbon-in-operation sports facility and the refurbishment of teaching spaces at Minsthorpe Community College in South Elmsall. Providing high-quality facilities designed for both students and the wider community, the net-zero-carbon-in-operation facility includes two activity studios, changing rooms,
A major regeneration initiative for Waterloo Station and the surrounding South Bank area has taken a significant step forward following the signing of a new partnership agreement between Network Rail, Places for London, and Lambeth Council. The collaboration sets out a long-term vision to redevelop London’s fourth busiest rail hub alongside improvements to the neighbouring public realm. The project aims to enhance station facilities, improve public spaces and accessibility, and boost the area’s attractiveness for investment, while supporting Lambeth Council’s ambitions to deliver more homes and business premises. Architectural firm Grimshaw has created the outline design for the transformation, which includes plans to reopen boarded-up railway arches, construct a new southern concourse, and add a large mansard rooftop extension along the station’s front entrance. Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail, described the joint vision as a catalyst to “unlock huge growth and investment opportunities” throughout Waterloo and the South Bank. Graeme Craig, Chief Executive at Places for London – the property arm of Transport for London – emphasised that the redevelopment would ensure passengers experience the very best London has to offer at this historic transport hub. The comprehensive regeneration project is expected to span 10 to 15 years, with a focus on minimising public expenditure by leveraging private sector investment and commercial developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new office in Blackpool, which will be home to over 3,000 employees from The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has completed. The £100m, 215,000 sq ft workspace – which forms phase three of the wider £350m regeneration of Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway – has been delivered by nationwide placemaker, Muse, Blackpool Council, and contractor VINCI Building. Located on King Street, the highly-sustainable, seven-storey building brings DWP’s employees into the heart of Blackpool from out-of-town, driving footfall for local businesses and the hospitality sector. It represents the largest commercial workspace to be built in Blackpool town centre and is the town’s most audacious build since Blackpool Tower. Designed by Make Architects to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards and an EPC ‘A’ rating, the office also sets new sustainability standards in Blackpool, with: As a result of all partners’ ambitions to deliver a building as environmentally considerate as possible, the workspace has achieved an upfront embodied carbon density of 630 kgCO2e/m2. compared with 1100kgCO2e/m2 for a typical office development. Elsewhere, a range of features have been incorporated into the building to promote occupant wellbeing and wellness. These include open-plan working areas, meeting rooms, and quiet zones to aid collaboration and productivity, while active low-carbon travel is promoted through extensive ground floor facilities including cycle storage, showers, and changing facilities. The development also promotes sustainable transport due to its proximity (250m) to Blackpool North train station and a new tram interchange, as well as cycle/pedestrian routes. Significant levels of social value were generated by the building’s creation too. The project provided over 350 weeks of training, created nearly 300 work placement weeks, and facilitated over 50 employment opportunities for people not in education, employment, or training. An on-site construction skills centre also helped 16 young people from Blackpool who had left school to complete qualifications and find work experience in trades such as bricklaying and plastering.12 of the young people impressed so much on site that they found permanent work with sub-contractors. The Minister for Transformation, Andrew Western, said: “I am delighted to announce the official opening of the new £100 million Civil Service Hub, a landmark development in our commitment to modernising and streamlining government operations. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a centralised workspace, fostering collaboration and innovation among our teams. “It is a testament to our dedication to creating efficient and sustainable working environments that support the vital work of our public servants. It will not only enhance productivity but also contribute significantly to the local economy by providing job opportunities and stimulating local businesses. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact this Hub will have on our community and the broader public sector.” Alan McBride, Technical Director at Muse, commented: “Completing the third phase of Talbot Gateway’s regeneration signifies a pivotal milestone on our journey with long-standing partners, Blackpool Council, to revitalise this iconic seaside destination and create opportunities for local people. “By bringing over 3,000 employees into the heart of Blackpool, this highly sustainable workspace will stimulate economic growth, and dovetails with Blackpool Council’s aim to future-proof the town for generations. With further phases still to come too, our and the Council’s ambition to build a bolder and brighter future for Blackpool is being realised.” Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, added: “This is one of the most impressive builds in Blackpool in decades. It shows our ambitions to make Blackpool better for everybody who lives and works here and how we are transforming the area around the train station into a real central business district. “Local people have found work and training on the construction, while the boost of bringing 3,000 new workers into the town centre should be felt by many businesses. The new landscaped space next to the building is a lovely green oasis for the town centre and anybody living or working here.” The regeneration of Talbot Gateway has already delivered the 125,000 sq ft Number One Bickerstaffe Square council office, a Sainsbury’s supermarket, and a refurbished 650-space multi-storey car park, alongside extensive public spaces for the community to enjoy. A new 4 star 144-bedroom Holiday Inn hotel and Marco Pierre White New York Italian restaurant opened in May 2024, while a tram-train interchange linking to Blackpool Promenade opened in June 2024. Plans have also been approved for a multiversity campus for Blackpool and the Fylde College, bringing up to 3,000 students and staff into the area, with work expected to commence later this year. Elsewhere, full planning permission has been granted for a new £45 million, 82,000 sq ft office off Talbot Road – to be developed by Muse on behalf of Blackpool Council – which would be home to another 1,000 civil service employees. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) enlisted Bond Bryan to transform a modern office into a dynamic, efficient workspace to accommodate future-focused working. The GPhC – Great Britain’s regulator of pharmacies – relocated to One Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, which required a redesign after the firm had reassessed its working environment. The brief was to create an inclusive, welcoming and professional interior. The space had several operational requirements, including meeting and hearing suites, hot-desking facilities and collaborative areas, alongside dedicated spaces for multi-faith observance, and focused work pods. With the challenge of an extremely tight deadline, this category B fit-out project was delivered from concept to completion in just 11 months. Using digital tools, the design team streamlined collaboration, visualisation and delivery, while providing positive social value to the local area. Visualising designs Working to the guidelines set by the landlord’s tenant handbook, Bond Bryan was unable to modify external walls, windows, or shared core spaces. And combined with a short programme and the complexity of coordinating multiple consultants – including MEP, fire and acoustic engineers – the need for clarity and quick decision-making was vital. Sinem Yilmaz, senior interior designer at Bond Bryan, explained: “We modelled everything in Archicad and used graphic overrides to communicate designs, such as furniture and specification changes. This made the process of review and approvals with the client and contractors really easy.” The GPhC occupies the 14th floor of One Cabot Square, which is split into two zones: a public-facing area used for hearings and a private office zone. The office zone is structured around flexible ‘neighbourhoods’, each featuring its own colour scheme. Using Graphisoft’s BIMx, the team could virtually walk through the designs. “By sharing the BIMx walk-through models with the GPhC team, they could understand the look and feel of the space much quicker,” Sinem added. Bond Bryan also used the Twinmotion plugin for Archicad to create high-quality renders from the model for presentations. Social value at the heart Bond Bryan believes that true impact extends beyond simply designing spaces. The firm aims to create inspiring, sustainable places that go beyond aesthetics and functionality. This ethos is evident in the GPhC project, and the team had a particular focus on social value. Bond Bryan prioritised a local supply chain for the project, with most of the project team located within 30 miles of the site. The team were also actively involved in community initiatives such as charity events, litter-picking, food bank donations, and work placements with the Leonard Cheshire partnership which supports disabled people to access work. And through The Construction Youth Trust and the Mental Health World Cup, the project welcomed young people and raised awareness of mental health. Sustainability The GPhC was clear in its vision for a space that aligned with broader environmental goals. Guided by Bond Bryan’s sustainability standards and the client’s own ‘Vision 2030’ strategy, the team was keen to minimise the environmental impact by reusing as much as possible from the previous office, and purchasing recycled materials where necessary. To furnish the 14th floor, the team selected low-VOC and EPD-certified products wherever possible. Ceiling tiles, lighting and cooling fans from the previous office were reused, and magnetic-backed carpets were laid to eliminate the need for glue – making them both recyclable and demountable for future relocation. By using Archicad’s Labelling Tool, Sinem could visually distinguish between reused furniture, items that required upholstery or laminate changes, and completely new pieces within the model. This allowed her to produce clear, detailed plans and schedules that accurately communicated the design intent to the client and contractor. “Archicad was vital in helping me to present the designs to the client and made it easier and quicker to get the contractors to understand what we were trying to achieve,” Sinem said. A flexible and dynamic workspace Before its relocation, the GPhC employees were split approximately 60% office-based, and 40% home-based. Anticipating a six-year business expansion trajectory, the client envisions a workforce comprising about 85% office-based employees. The relocation project not only underscores the GPhC’s commitment to operational efficiency but also heralds a new era of innovation and adaptability in its organisational ethos. Currently, the 14th floor of One Cabot Square hosts around 230 GPhC employees, including both office-based and hybrid workers. The space accommodates the firm’s diverse needs and fosters a dynamic work environment that enables productivity and collaboration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On Thursday 22nd May, Innovate UK marked 50 years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) by holding their Regional Forum meeting at Northumbria University. During the event the Innovate UK team met some of the Northumbria Academics involved in the programme including the University’s RIBAJ Rising Star Award for 2024, Catherine Sinclair. At the meeting Catherine presented her work as a KTP Associate with leading architect and design firm, Space Architects, through which she is aiming to drive forward innovation in the field of low carbon. Early intervention is crucial for whole life carbon (WLC) reduction, and Catherine is on a mission to bring WLC analysis to the forefront of the design decision-making process. Through the partnership she is developing a digital tool that can analyse the WLC of design decisions from the earliest stages, including location, form and structure. This enables WLC analysis to be treated as a core rather than specialist activity within architecture. Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group has been impressed by the work Catherine has completed, saying “We couldn’t be prouder of Catherine and all that she has already achieved in her career. Catherine exemplifies what it means to lead with vision, innovation and integrity, setting an inspiring example through her dedication to helping others and leading the research into Whole Life Carbon and reducing impact of the built environment.” Speaking on the benefits of undertaking her KTP Catherine said: “The partnership has allowed the opportunity for both Space Architects and Northumbria University to collaborate and progress early strategies for whole life carbon reduction across the design process. Embedding sustainability at the core of the design process and having developed the D-CARB tool to be used at the earliest stage of a project has already provided proven impact and outcomes in regard to whole life carbon reduction within our designs.” Following their visit to campus Richard Lamb, Head of KTP Programme, Innovate UK and John Clayton, Knowledge Transfer Adviser, Innovate UK KTN, met with the project team for the Northumbria University and Space Architects KTP. Speaking on the visit, Richard Lamb said: “It has been marvellous to visit Northumbria University as part of our wider North East tour celebrating the 50thbirthday of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme. It has been fantastic to hear about the ongoing KTPs at Northumbria and especially pleasing to meet Catherine and the team at Space Architects to hear about such a successful example of a KTP.” Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships bring together forward-thinking businesses and expert academics to tackle strategic innovation challenges to deliver economic, societal or environmental outcomes. The partnerships are tailored to the specific requirements of individual participants and businesses, each addressing specific needs. Through the placement of highly qualified graduates, businesses gain innovative solutions, new technologies and expertise over 12-36 months. Since 1975, KTPs have driven innovation and growth by creating collaborations between businesses and academic institutions. They have proven effective for businesses and universities, generating over £2 billion for the UK economy from 2010-2020, and currently support around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (this could be a university, college, research and technology organisation or Catapult) and over 850 graduates. Find out more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Northumbria University. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Procure Plus, the Manchester-based social housing framework specialist, has announced an ambitious £1.5 billion initiative to accelerate the installation of low and zero carbon technologies across social housing stock in the UK. The new four-year framework, running from November 2025 to November 2029, is divided into 16 lots. It covers a comprehensive range of retrofit services, from assessment, design, and coordination to the delivery of multi-measure installations. Technologies included span air and ground source heat pumps, solar panels, electric heating systems, battery storage solutions, as well as full retrofit packages incorporating insulation and ventilation. The framework breaks down into specialist areas: lots 1 to 6 focus on retrofit design and coordination services, operating both nationally and regionally across the North West, Midlands, Yorkshire, North East and North Wales. Lots 7 to 12 cover multi-measure retrofit installation works nationally and regionally, while lots 13 to 16 are dedicated to specific technologies, including air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, electric heating installation, and solar PV plus battery maintenance. This landmark initiative is aimed at supporting social housing providers in delivering retrofit projects aligned with the government’s net zero and decarbonisation targets. It opens the door to wide-ranging opportunities across the public sector, including housing associations, local councils, schools, NHS trusts, and emergency services. Procure Plus is inviting firms to submit bids by 30 June 2025. Successful contractors will play a key role in transforming social housing estates by introducing greener, more energy-efficient homes that reduce carbon emissions and help tackle fuel poverty. This framework represents a critical step in the UK’s journey towards sustainable housing, fostering collaboration and innovation in the retrofit sector. Interested organisations can find further information and apply through the Procure Plus website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments have handed over three roadside convenience units to their occupiers, Café Fortune Ltd trading as Starbucks (Drive-Thru), Gastronomy Restaurants Ltd trading as KFC and Greggs. The stores opened at the start of May and have seen a positive launch with record opening sales reported. Construction of a detached 1,850 sq ft Starbucks drive through facility at the front of the plot and a semi-detached unit totalling 3,200 sq ft KFC and Greggs store were officially built out earlier in the year following a brief fit out period, the stores are now fully open and operational. At the centre of the plot there is a parking facility for up to 38 vehicles, including 4 E-V charging stations for convenience of passing trade. Ian Gill, Property Director at Gastronomy Restaurants Ltd & Café Fortune Ltd, commented: “Gastronomy Restaurants Ltd and Café Fortune Ltd as appointed UK franchisee and licensees for KFC and Starbucks are delighted to have worked with Clowes Developments in bringing forward this scheme and allowing us to bring these brands to the population of Congleton. The process was amicable and smooth with the completed scheme looking exceptional.” Gillian Long, Retail Operations Director for Greggs, said: “Our new shop in Congleton has brought 12 new jobs to the local area, as well as providing customers with a modern, convenient new place to experience their Greggs favourites.” The retail units are conveniently located directly off Barn Road which runs through the centre of Viking Park, connecting Congleton town to the A536 link road. Starbucks, Greggs and KFC sit next to a hugely popular Aldi store which officially opened to the general public in September 2024. Marc Freeman, Director, Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd added: “We’re delighted to see the roadside retail element at Viking Park now fully open and trading. The arrival of Starbucks, KFC and Greggs significantly strengthens the offering for both the local community and passing traffic. Building on Aldi’s successful opening last autumn, Viking Park is rapidly establishing itself as a key destination in Congleton. Our thanks go to Roe Developments for delivering the units on time and to an excellent standard.” Elsewhere on the mixed-use scheme, residential developer Bloor Homes are progressing well with the construction of their homes. On completion, Viking Park will deliver up to 175 homes, as well as 36,800 sq ft office facilities and 219,500 sq ft of industrial units. Two industrial units have also achieved practical completion according to schedule and are now being fitted out by their occupiers, which are due to be announced in the next couple of weeks. Additionally, Clowes Developments in partnership with their principal construction contractor, Roe Developments, have commenced earthworks on the next phase of Viking Park. This phase will deliver two high-quality industrial/trade counter/warehouse units, each measuring 12,220 sq ft, with the flexibility to be subdivided into three terrace units of approximately 4,000 sq ft each. The units enjoy a prominent roadside position with direct access from the main road, offering excellent visibility and accessibility. Available on an all-enquiries basis, these units are scheduled for completion and ready for occupation by Q4 2025. Viking103, a 100,000 sq ft design and build opportunity is also being marketed on an all-enquiries basis, interested parties are invited to contact agents Mark Sillitoe, ms@willsill.co.uk or Andrew Groves, andrew.groves@harrislamb.com for more information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to lead a major £130 million overhaul of the iconic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London, marking a significant step forward in securing the future of one of the capital’s most historic sporting venues. The appointment, made by the Greater London Authority through the Southern Construction Framework, signals the beginning of a pre-construction phase involving detailed planning applications and listed building consent. Full-scale works are expected to begin in the latter half of next year. The ambitious scheme will see the comprehensive refurbishment of the centre’s ageing facilities, including a complete rebuild of the 50-metre swimming and diving pools. Upgrades are also planned for the indoor sports halls, external pitches and the athletics stadium, revitalising the venue while carefully preserving its Grade II* listed architecture. First opened in 1964, the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has long been a launchpad for British sporting talent. However, decades of wear have left the site in urgent need of modernisation. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan commented: “Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an historic and much-loved sporting and community facility where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained, but which needs major investment and refurbishment. I am committed to this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the site which will secure its future for decades to come.” The complex nature of the refurbishment is compounded by the need to work sensitively within the constraints of a protected structure, ensuring that heritage features are preserved while modernising the facility to meet current sporting and community needs. Richard Dobson, area director for London at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to this project, as the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an iconic facility that’s not only close to the hearts of people in the area but is also an important historic national sporting landmark. “We look forward to continuing our close and collaborative relationship with the Greater London Authority on this regeneration, which has been procured through the SCF framework. The project promises to breathe new life into the extensive sporting facilities, while delivering a wide range of health, wellbeing, and social value benefits for local communities.” The redevelopment is seen as a critical investment in London’s sporting infrastructure and a timely commitment to community health and wellbeing, as well as preserving a legacy site for future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The redevelopment of Airedale General Hospital has taken a major step forward with the appointment of a multi-disciplinary design team to lead the ambitious £1 billion project near Keighley. Prompted by urgent concerns over the presence of structurally compromised reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) across the estate, Airedale’s rebuild has been fast-tracked and is now part of Wave 1 in the government’s National Hospital Programme. Construction is expected to commence by 2028, with projected costs ranging between £1 billion and £1.5 billion. P+HS Architects has been named as lead consultant, working in partnership with AHR Architects and in collaboration with HDR, the originator of the ‘Hospital 2.0’ design model. The design team is tasked with implementing a modern, standardised healthcare environment that can be tailored to local needs. Supporting the architects are Curtins as structural and civil engineer, Aecom as building services engineer, Gleeds as project manager, and Archus providing specialist healthcare consultancy. Alastair Stewart, programme director for the ‘Securing the Future’ initiative at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to have made this key appointment for our programme, which will allow us to start work on designing a new hospital for Airedale. The team will be supporting us to use the latest design and technology approaches and to deliver the Hospital 2.0 model in a way that best meets the needs of the population we serve. Working with our patients, staff and local communities will also be vital to ensure we make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop high quality, sustainable healthcare facilities for Airedale.” Phil Bentley, director at P+HS Architects, added: “Our extensive experience in healthcare design and knowledge of the Airedale Hospital estate, combined with the expertise of our design team partners, means we are well-placed to support Airedale Hospital in creating a forward-thinking, sustainable facility that meets the highest standards for patients and staff.” Aecom will focus on engineering efficiency and environmental performance, ensuring high levels of thermal comfort and access to natural daylight. Curtins will lead on structural design and transport infrastructure, working closely with Aecom’s M&E and digital teams to embed the Hospital 2.0 principles of energy and carbon efficiency. The new Airedale facility will not only replace a deteriorating and outdated estate but also serve as a blueprint for next-generation NHS hospitals designed to be adaptable, resilient and patient-centred. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ABM, the global provider of facility, engineering and infrastructure solutions, has secured a new €10 million contract with Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) to deliver cleaning services across eight key healthcare and administrative sites in Galway. The extensive agreement covers University Hospital Galway, Merlin Park University Hospital (MPUH), the Adult Acute Mental Health Unit (AAMHU), and five HSE administrative buildings in Galway City. It also includes recently opened facilities such as MPUH’s outpatients’ department and the cystic fibrosis unit. ABM’s responsibilities extend to critical care environments including operating theatres and intensive care units, ensuring high standards of hygiene and infection control across all sites. In support of the Department of Health’s Waiting List Initiative, the company will also provide cleaning operatives for out-of-hours clinics, helping to reduce treatment delays. As part of the contract, ABM is investing around €1 million into equipment, staff uniforms, administration systems, and comprehensive training programmes. New smart scanning technology is being introduced to track and manage equipment usage, enhancing infection control and streamlining operations. The company is also implementing its structured Step Up Programme to support career development for cleaning operatives. Under the new agreement, up to 350 staff are transitioning from the previous provider to ABM. The mobilisation of the contract was completed seamlessly, with no downtime or disruption to healthcare services. An experienced ABM team was deployed on-site in Galway one month prior to the handover to ensure a smooth transition. Geoff Ginnetty, Services Manager at Galway University Hospitals, said: “We have found ABM to have an extremely professional approach to providing cleaning services at the two public acute hospitals in Galway city. ABM has so far demonstrated a responsiveness to the requirements of our hospitals, in a busy and challenging healthcare environment. We look forward to building on this promising start, to develop a strong working relationship between Galway University Hospitals and ABM.” David Ferguson, Operations Director for All Ireland at ABM, commented: “Building on the success we have in the Irish healthcare sector by providing more facilities management services is part of our growth strategy and was a key differentiator in our successful bid. We are looking forward to working together with our new team of over 350 people to deliver exceptional services and ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety throughout this critical setting.” This contract marks a significant milestone for ABM as it expands its footprint in the Irish healthcare sector and strengthens its position as a trusted provider of essential services in high-pressure environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henry Boot Construction, part of Henry Boot, has officially completed work on a new net-zero-carbon-in-operation sports facility and the refurbishment of teaching spaces at Minsthorpe Community College in South Elmsall. Providing high-quality facilities designed for both students and the wider community, the net-zero-carbon-in-operation facility includes two activity studios, changing rooms, toilets, storage facilities, office space, and a 6,394 sq ft main sports hall which opened in January this year. The final phase – including the installation of a new multi-use games area (MUGA) – has now been completed, marking the full handover of the project which has been funded by the Department for Education. Construction began in summer 2023 to replace the previous outdated sports facilities, alongside refurbishment works to several of the existing blocks. The sports facility has achieved an impressive EPC A+ rating and forms part of Minsthorpe Community College’s long-term strategy to enhance sports provision and establish a central hub for community engagement and physical wellbeing. In addition to meeting net-zero-in-operation standards, the facility also incorporates a green roof and integrated sustainable drainage solutions to enhance both biodiversity and environmental performance. Ryan O’Loughlin, Regional Director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have delivered a facility that will have a lasting impact on both the students of Minsthorpe Community College and the wider South Elmsall, South Kirby, and Upton community. “From day one, this project was about more than just bricks and mortar, it was about creating a sustainable space that supports physical and mental wellbeing, learning and community engagement. “Throughout the project, we also placed a strong focus on delivering social value – adopting a student-led approach to shaping the future of their sports facilities. We believe that quality social value is achieved through genuine collaboration, and we’re confident this development leaves a positive legacy that the whole community can be proud of.” Joint Principals Mark Gilmore and Rachael Merritt, from Minsthorpe Community College, added: “We were delighted to be chosen as one of the first 50 schools to be part of the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme. “The new sports centre and surrounding works, including a new multi-use games area, is the final piece in the jigsaw in bringing the College’s facilities into the 21st century – meaning the experiences of both our amazing students and fantastic community will be enriched for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
