Kenneth Booth
Fusion21 Selects 40 Firms for £1.5bn National Decarbonisation Drive

Fusion21 Selects 40 Firms for £1.5bn National Decarbonisation Drive

Procurement specialist Fusion21 has unveiled the 40 firms appointed to its latest national framework aimed at tackling carbon emissions through large-scale retrofit and energy efficiency works. Valued at up to £1.5 billion over the next four years, the framework has been designed to support a broad range of decarbonisation initiatives

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Better Fire Doors: Raising the Standard for Fire Safety Across the North

Better Fire Doors: Raising the Standard for Fire Safety Across the North

In a world where safety, compliance and reliability are non-negotiable, one manufacturer is proving that quality fire protection and expert craftsmanship can go hand-in-hand. Based in Barton, Preston, Better Fire Doors has firmly established itself as the North’s leading provider of timber fire doors and fire-rated screens — trusted across

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Aviva Unveils Plans for Landmark Office Tower in the City of London

Aviva Unveils Plans for Landmark Office Tower in the City of London

Aviva has submitted a planning application to transform 130 Fenchurch Street in the heart of the City of London into a striking 34-storey office tower, marking a significant addition to the capital’s evolving skyline. The proposal would see the current mid-20th century Fountain House demolished and replaced with a 146-metre-tall

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Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Plans have been confirmed for a major new health facility in Essex, with modular construction firm MTX Contracts appointed as the preferred builder for a state-of-the-art community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Pitsea. The £54 million project, which will be developed on the former site of a leisure centre and library

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Latest Issue
Issue 328 : May 2025

Kenneth Booth

Fusion21 Selects 40 Firms for £1.5bn National Decarbonisation Drive

Fusion21 Selects 40 Firms for £1.5bn National Decarbonisation Drive

Procurement specialist Fusion21 has unveiled the 40 firms appointed to its latest national framework aimed at tackling carbon emissions through large-scale retrofit and energy efficiency works. Valued at up to £1.5 billion over the next four years, the framework has been designed to support a broad range of decarbonisation initiatives across domestic, public, and educational buildings. It will enable public sector organisations to procure specialist services from fully accredited suppliers, ensuring all works meet the latest PAS 2030:2023 standards and carry the TrustMark seal of quality. Structured around two core lots—whole-house decarbonisation and the decarbonisation of public and educational buildings—the framework offers a turnkey delivery model. This approach allows clients to procure suppliers capable of managing complex retrofit programmes at scale, from initial assessments through to installation and long-term performance monitoring. Peter Francis, Operations Director at Fusion21, said: “Achieving the UK’s net zero goals by 2050 is an immense challenge, and we are proud to support our members on this journey. This refreshed framework provides access to trusted and experienced suppliers who are fully aligned with current industry standards. Together, we aim to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes and public buildings, with social value benefits that are tangible in local communities.” The appointed firms range from major national contractors to regional specialists, bringing a diverse set of skills and expertise to the framework. The full list includes names such as Wates Property Services, E.ON UK Green Funding Solutions, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Graham Asset Management, and Vital Energi Utilities, among many others. The framework is expected to play a key role in supporting public bodies and housing providers as they scale up retrofit activity, reduce energy bills, and contribute to wider climate targets. Suppliers appointed to Fusion21’s national decarbonisation framework are: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Trailblazing female crane operator inspires the next generation of women in construction

Trailblazing female crane operator inspires the next generation of women in construction

A trailblazing crane operator – the first woman to qualify in the UK – took centre stage at the latest Women in Construction Anglia Lunch this week. The sold-out event at Suffolk New College in Ipswich, on Wednesday April 30, was attended by almost 100 people and showcased the vast diversity of roles in the construction sector, encouraging more women to join the profession. Guests heard from keynote speaker Katie Kelleher, the first woman in the UK to complete a Lifting Technician Apprenticeship, who later worked on some of the biggest projects in the UK – including Crossrail and Tideway in London. Katie talked about some of the barriers she had faced in entering the sector, including backlash she has faced online and on social media, and how she overcame them. She said: “I loved today’s event, I think it was really great. It was a full room and everyone was positive, really supportive. “I think events like this are so important, showcasing what we do in this industry.  “There was a really nice mix of students and people already in this sector, which was a really nice blend. If any students need some more information, everyone is there for them.” She added: “If you are a woman considering entering the sector, I would say go for it.  “I never thought I would work in the industry but I absolutely love it. There’s plenty of scope, plenty of different jobs – so just go for it.” Women in Construction Anglia (WICA) was launched October 2024 and has already made a big impact in the sector, providing events and initiatives to inspire the next generation of women into the industry. Clare Friel, founder of WICA, who hosted the event alongside Siu Mun Li, said: “This was our fourth Women in Construction Anglia event, drawing key people from across the UK to showcase the wealth of opportunities the construction industry has on offer.. “Each event has built on the last, providing a space for people to connect, network and discover opportunities for a successful career in the sector.” Kat and Fi Parsons, who launched the Female Design and Build Project, and structural engineer Holly Peirson also featured as part of the event’s panel discussion. Amanda Ankin, from Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, a partner of Women in Construction Anglia, said: “I thought the event was really inspirational. “We had some fantastic speakers, we had a lot of conversation in the room as well. I think a lot of people will be walking out of here thinking, yeah, we can do this.” For more on Women in Construction Anglia and its upcoming events, see www.womeninconstructionanglia.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Winvic announces pavilion programme at UKREiiF and ‘Beds for Beds’ charity partnership

Winvic announces pavilion programme at UKREiiF and ‘Beds for Beds’ charity partnership

Winvic Construction Ltd has announced its pavilion programme at UKREiiF next month and has a new partnership with Leeds-based charity, Zarach. The pavilion, ‘Winvic and Partner’s Hub’, will be a place for thought leadership and dynamic industry collaboration, with panel discussions and interactive sessions addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the construction industry. Partners joining Winvic in the pavilion include Ridge, UMC Architects and Maber, who alongside industry and government representatives, will bring expertise together to drive conversation and action on key topics such as Net Zero, ESG and social value, the housing crisis, the Building Safety Act, and the growth of data centres. As part of its UKREiiF attendance, Winvic will be proudly supporting Zarach, a Leeds-based charity helping children living in poverty by providing beds to those without a safe, comfortable place to sleep. The ‘Beds for Beds’ programme will see the contractor fundraising in the run up to and throughout the event, by inviting its clients, supply chain and partners to join them in making a meaningful impact. With a target of 24 bed bundles – a bed, mattress, bedding and pyjamas – which symbolises the contractors 24 storeys at its Lisbon Street multi-room scheme in Leeds, Winvic will match-fund the number of bed bundles pledged during the event via a QR Code in the pavilion. Winvic is also proud to be working with Leeds-based social enterprise Shine for its catering. Heidi Salmons, Director of Marketing, Business Development and Social Responsibility at Winvic, said: “We’re thrilled to be a pavilion partner at UKREiiF 2025. Collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do, from industry-wide knowledge sharing to supporting grassroots initiatives that make a real difference. Our sessions will explore key topics and insights into the latest industry trends and challenges, shaping the future of construction and the built environment. “Guided by our ’Doing It Right’ ethos and The Winvic Way values, our partnership with Zarach reflects our commitment to balancing commercial endeavour with positive community impact during UKREiiF and beyond. It means a great deal to us to be supporting such a dynamic and effective charity, which puts the wellbeing and educational needs of children in Leeds at its heart. We hope our partners and wider network embrace the opportunity to make a difference and support our ‘Beds for Beds’ fundraising campaign.” Arun Thaneja, Sustainability and Technical Services Director at Winvic, said: “What was clear from the panel session we hosted at UKREiiF last year, is that taking inspiration from others and collaborative ideas will help the construction and property sectors reach its environmental, sustainability and social value goals more efficiently. Having recently joined the Advisory Board of the Westminster Policy Liaison Group on ESG as the Voice of Construction, we are eager to share our expertise and help advance the industry’s ESG journey. Our primary goal at UKREiiF is to help accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive and transformational buildings and infrastructure assets.” Ellie McGrath, Fundraising and Supporter Engagement Manager at Zarach, said: “Zarach is delighted to partner with Winvic and we are grateful that their contribution to our mission will enable us to lift many more children out of bed poverty. We believe that every child deserves a good night’s sleep and a bed to call their own, and partnerships like this have an impact that lasts a childhood.” Nathan Spencer, Managing Director at UKREiiF, said: “We are thrilled to have Winvic on board as a pavilion partner for our 2025 event. Their expertise and reputation in the construction industry make them a perfect fit for UKREiiF, where we aim to showcase the best of the UK’s real estate, infrastructure, and investment sectors. Winvic’s participation underscores the importance of innovation and sustainability in the built environment, and we look forward to the insights and contributions they will bring to the forum.” Recognised as the nation’s leading ‘shed specialist,’ Winvic recently celebrated the construction of 100 million sq ft of industrial space.  In addition, Winvic has built a strong reputation for complex civil engineering and infrastructure projects, with over 125km of highways works and six Rail Freight Terminals built to date. As a prominent player within the build-to-rent and student accommodation sector, it has delivered over 12,000 beds. For more information on Winvic, its plans at UKREiiF or the company’s latest project news and job vacancies, please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (Formally Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Freedom Of Information Request Reveals How Many Women Are in Council Maintenance Jobs

Freedom Of Information Request Reveals How Many Women Are in Council Maintenance Jobs

Women continue to be very underrepresented in council maintenance roles across the UK, with only three metropolitan district councils employing more women than men in these types of jobs. This is according to a freedom of information (FOI) request made by builder’s merchant Travis Perkins, which also revealed that the majority of local authorities surveyed had recruited more men than women in these roles over the past three years. In the 24 responses of the 36 metropolitan district councils asked, many councils do at least appear to be making efforts to increase female representation though. Number of women employed in manual or maintenance roles Liverpool City Council, Manchester City Council and Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council are the only three councils who responded to the FOI which currently have more women in manual or maintenance roles than men. There are 119 women out of a total of 153 employees in these types of jobs at Liverpool City Council, representing a 77.78 per cent split in favour of women. Manchester City Council has 1,535 women out of 2,283 total members of staff (a 67.24 per cent split) and Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council 608 women out of 976 overall employees (a 62.3 per cent split). On the other end of the scale, North Tyneside Council only has 14 women in manual or maintenance roles out of 587 employees in total – a 2.39 per cent split. Sunderland City Council (eight women out of 323 overall members of staff, representing a 2.48 per cent split) and City of Wolverhampton Council (ten women out of 311 employees in total) do not fare much better in this part of the FOI. Number of new hires which were female over last three years The numbers are a bit more appealing when councils were asked how many women they had hired into manual or maintenance roles in the past three years, as seven local authorities revealed they had recruited more women than men during this period. Liverpool City Council again come out on top when these statistics were analysed, with 17 of the 21 new starts in the last three years being women – an 80.95 per cent split in favour of women. The other councils to have recruited more women than men recently are as follows: However, a total of 16 councils which responded to the FOI request had recruited more men than women into manual or maintenance roles over the three-year period analysed. North Tyneside Council (five female new starts out of 162 total employees in the past three years – a 3.09 per cent split) and Sunderland City Council (again five female new starts but this time out of 130 employees overall in the last three years – a 3.85 per cent split) have shown particularly minimal progress when looking to get more women into manual and maintenance roles.   Are councils encouraging recruitment, retention & representation of women in manual or maintenance roles? An encouraging aspect of the FOI request is that 13 of the 24 councils which responded said that they had initiatives, policies or programmes in place which look to encourage more women to be recruited into manual or maintenance roles at the local authority. These schemes also aim to better retain female members of staff once they are in these types of jobs. Targets and strategies designed to increase the representation of women are also setup at ten of the local authorities surveyed. Efforts being made include: Natalie Ashcroft HR Business Partner at Travis Perkins and also member of the D&I board, commented: “Travis Perkins is always challenging ourselves, our colleagues and our peers on the gendered imbalance that still exists within our industry. Creating an inclusive environment where everyone belongs is an important message that we want to put across. “Our FOI request has shown some positive steps in the number of councils which have recruited more women than men into manual or maintenance roles in recent years. There appears to be a lot of effort being made by various local authorities to encourage more women to be recruited, retained and represented in these types of jobs. “However, more needs to be done. Only three of the councils who responded to our FOI have more women in the roles focused on than men, with many local authorities admitting they do not have any specific policies, initiatives, programmes or targets which could change this underrepresentation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Better Fire Doors: Raising the Standard for Fire Safety Across the North

Better Fire Doors: Raising the Standard for Fire Safety Across the North

In a world where safety, compliance and reliability are non-negotiable, one manufacturer is proving that quality fire protection and expert craftsmanship can go hand-in-hand. Based in Barton, Preston, Better Fire Doors has firmly established itself as the North’s leading provider of timber fire doors and fire-rated screens — trusted across residential, education and healthcare sectors. With a purpose-built manufacturing facility and accreditation under the BWF Certifire scheme, Better Fire Doors offers fully certified FD30, FD60 and FD120 doors. These products not only meet stringent UK fire safety regulations but are also tailored to deliver high performance, style and long-term durability. The company’s product range includes bespoke and pre-hung door sets, flush and glazed options, as well as factory-fitted ironmongery, enabling faster installation and reducing time spent on site. They also offer fully glazed fire screens, tested to provide integrity and insulation for up to 60 minutes — a perfect fit for modern buildings where aesthetics must balance strict compliance. Beyond fire protection, Better Fire Doors delivers solutions for high-demand environments. In education, doors are designed to withstand constant use while meeting severe-duty fire and acoustic performance standards. In healthcare, the firm provides hygienic, robust doors for hospitals, clinics and care homes — always combining ease of access with safety and a therapeutic design touch. What truly sets Better Fire Doors apart is their comprehensive in-house joinery expertise. From handcrafted staircases and traditional windows to bespoke kitchens and outdoor structures, their attention to detail and use of both traditional skills and CAD planning ensures each project is delivered to exacting standards. Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed — the firm was recently named Best Fire Door Manufacturer 2023 – Northern England, a reflection of their commitment to British manufacturing and industry-leading service. In an industry where fire safety saves lives, Better Fire Doors continues to push boundaries — offering better quality, better design, and ultimately, better protection. Contact Better Fire Doors:📞 07731 454 121🌐 www.betterfiredoors.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Award-winning homebuilder partners with Radcliffe on Trent community to boost local business

Spitfire Homes is launching a new community-focused initiative in Radcliffe on Trent to help support local small businesses, at a time when 37 shops are pulling down their shutters for the final time every day in the UK. Following the success of the Gold Card at Spitfire’s Malabar development in Daventry, the popular scheme is being extended to the homebuilder’s latest collection named Sherbourne, situated on Grantham Road in Radcliffe on Trent. Completely free to join, the unique initiative offers a mutually beneficial opportunity where new Spitfire homeowners are introduced to trusted local businesses, while participating establishments enjoy increased exposure and footfall.  According to research by PwC, there were more than 13,500 UK store closures across all retail sectors in 2024 – on average 37 stores closing every day – with the cost-of-living crisis and out-of-town retail parks presenting high streets with unprecedented challenges. Mark Swaddle, Head of Marketing at Spitfire Homes said: “As a homebuilder with a passion for supporting the local area, the Gold Card scheme reflects our commitment to creating collections which integrate with the existing community and have a positive impact on the local economy. “Sherbourne has attracted a variety of purchasers, including those relocating to Radcliffe on Trent, and the launch of this scheme presents an exciting opportunity to highlight local businesses to new residents of the village, showcasing the variety of local businesses within the village. “The success of the scheme at our collection in Daventry makes it even more exciting to extend the campaign to Radcliffe on Trent. We are proud to be partnering with small businesses and we look forward to supporting the local economy at the same time. If you are interested in becoming a Gold Card partner, we would love to hear from you.” Forming a brand new community, Sherbourne showcases 280 new design-led homes ranging from one- to five-bedrooms. As the first homeowners get ready to collect their keys this summer, they can unlock exclusive discounts through their Gold Card which will be valid for twelve months after moving in. With history stretching back over a century, one of the first businesses to sign up to the Gold Card scheme is Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club. One of the premier golf courses in Nottinghamshire, the club is not only known for its scenic 18-hole parkland course but also for its commitment to bringing people together – whether through golf, social events, or supporting local causes. Commenting on the club’s involvement, General Manager, Rob Smith, added: “We’re proud to be part of this exciting new initiative in collaboration with Spitfire Homes, which not only supports the village’s economy but also extends a warm welcome to the new homeowners that are soon to be living at Sherbourne. As a longstanding local business, Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club has strong community roots so this forward-thinking scheme aligns perfectly with our values, whilst introducing our facilities to a selection of new residents. We look forward to working with Spitfire and welcoming new members to our club.” Spitfire Homes would like to hear from any local businesses in Radcliffe on Trent, and the surrounding area, who are interested in joining the Gold Card scheme. Please email goldcard@spitfirehomes.co.uk for further information. To find out how it is already working in Daventry, please visit https://spitfirehomes.co.uk/spitfire-gold-card/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Aviva Unveils Plans for Landmark Office Tower in the City of London

Aviva Unveils Plans for Landmark Office Tower in the City of London

Aviva has submitted a planning application to transform 130 Fenchurch Street in the heart of the City of London into a striking 34-storey office tower, marking a significant addition to the capital’s evolving skyline. The proposal would see the current mid-20th century Fountain House demolished and replaced with a 146-metre-tall building offering around 600,000 square feet of prime commercial space. The scheme is being developed in partnership with commercial real estate specialist CO-RE and renowned architecture studio WilkinsonEyre, with engineering consultancy Arup on board to deliver structural and building services design. Pending approval, demolition of the outdated 16-storey structure is expected to begin in 2026, with piling works targeted for late 2027. The development aims to respond to the shifting demands of post-pandemic office life, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, wellbeing and flexibility. Among the standout features of the new tower are two upper-level public spaces: a cultural and exhibition area on the 17th floor, and a public viewing gallery on the 20th floor, complete with an expansive outdoor terrace overlooking London’s Eastern Cluster. In addition to delivering high-quality office accommodation, the project promises an enhanced public realm. Plans include a new pedestrian route linking Cullum Street to Fen Court, revitalised ground-floor retail and hospitality spaces, and improved landscaping to create a more accessible and engaging street environment. The tower will be built with sustainability at its core, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL Platinum, and a 5.5-star NABERS rating. The project will also follow circular economy principles, aiming to retain and reuse materials from the existing building wherever possible. Whole Life Carbon assessments are currently being undertaken in line with the latest industry guidance. Stephen Black, Director at CO-RE, highlighted the importance of futureproofing office developments: “This project is about more than just creating a new workplace—it’s about reimagining what an office building can offer. From cultural programming and green spaces to cutting-edge sustainability features, we’re delivering a best-in-class destination that meets the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.” Though the site lies just outside a conservation area, it is surrounded by key heritage assets such as Leadenhall Market, the Lloyd’s Building and The Ship Tavern. As such, the design has been carefully developed to respond sensitively to its historic context while still delivering a bold, contemporary presence. Fountain House, built between 1954 and 1958, has long since outlived its design life. With poor environmental performance, dated interiors, and vacant office floors, the existing structure is no longer suited to the demands of modern commercial tenants. Earlier redevelopment plans were granted permission in 2014 and 2016, but were never implemented. Now, with London’s commercial sector rebounding and demand for high-quality, flexible office space on the rise, the scheme at 130 Fenchurch Street represents an opportunity to bring new energy, connectivity and innovation to one of the capital’s most iconic business districts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Luton Town Signs International Contractor for Long-Awaited Stadium Move

Luton Town Signs International Contractor for Long-Awaited Stadium Move

Luton Town Football Club has taken a major step toward its future by appointing Limak International as the main contractor for its new 25,000-capacity stadium at Power Court. The Turkish construction firm, which is currently involved in the redevelopment of FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou, will begin work this summer as part of a transformative project for both the club and the wider Luton area. The new stadium will more than double the capacity of the club’s current home at Kenilworth Road, which holds just over 12,000 supporters. The first competitive fixture at the new ground is targeted for the start of the 2028/29 season. The development is being driven by 2020 Developments, the club’s property and regeneration arm. Alongside the stadium, plans include a broader regeneration scheme comprising residential development, a hotel, and supporting infrastructure—designed to revitalise central Luton and deliver long-term economic benefits to the town. Gary Sweet, Chief Executive of Luton Town FC, said: “This is a landmark moment for the club and the town. Our new stadium is not just about football—it’s a symbol of progress and ambition. We’ve long shared the desire with our fans for a new home that represents who we are and where we want to go. This project is central to that vision. “Partnering with Limak, a company with global experience and a track record of delivering major infrastructure projects, brings valuable expertise to the table. Together, we’ll ensure that this stadium becomes a hub of pride and progress for our community.” Limak’s portfolio spans across high-profile international projects including a key role in Turkey’s record-breaking 1915 Çanakkale Bridge and a new terminal at Kuwait Airport. In the UK, its entry into the Power Court development marks a major move into the domestic sports infrastructure market. Gokalp Kahraman, Limak’s Regional Director for the UK and Western Europe, added: “We’re honoured to begin work on this exciting project and to bring our international knowledge to support Luton Town’s bold vision. The early stages will involve detailed technical planning and assembling a top-class team of UK-based trade partners. We look forward to delivering a venue that fans and the town can be proud of.” The new stadium is expected to inject fresh momentum into Luton Town’s long-term sporting ambitions, including a future return to the Premier League. More than just bricks and mortar, the development aims to provide a lasting foundation for community growth, commercial opportunity, and civic pride. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sainsbury’s Launches First New Store of 2025 as Expansion Plans Take Shape

Sainsbury’s Launches First New Store of 2025 as Expansion Plans Take Shape

Sainsbury’s has kicked off its 2025 store expansion drive with the opening of a brand-new supermarket in Felixstowe — the first of 14 planned site conversions following a major property acquisition in late 2024. Located on a 19,000 sq ft site, the Felixstowe store marks the retailer’s first presence in the Suffolk town, bringing Sainsbury’s full grocery offer to local residents for the first time. The store is part of a strategic expansion effort that will see over 400,000 sq ft of new retail space added to Sainsbury’s portfolio over the next two years. The newly opened supermarket is one of 14 locations secured last autumn, largely comprising former Homebase units and two sites previously operated by the East of England Co-op. Alongside larger supermarkets, the retailer has also announced plans to open 25 additional convenience stores over the same period. Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Chief Property and Procurement Officer, said: “We’re thrilled to open our first ever store in Felixstowe, bringing our quality food and excellent service closer to more customers. It’s also a proud moment for the business as this store marks the first of many new supermarkets we’ll be unveiling over the next two years.” He added: “Our expansion reflects the confidence we have in our brand and our commitment to investing in communities across the country. The Felixstowe site has been transformed in just a few months, and we’re looking forward to continuing this momentum as we bring more Sainsbury’s stores to life.” The wider expansion is part of a bold growth strategy to strengthen the supermarket’s reach in both new and existing markets, offering customers greater convenience and access to its full range of products. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Pitsea to Welcome £54m Diagnostic and Community Health Hub

Plans have been confirmed for a major new health facility in Essex, with modular construction firm MTX Contracts appointed as the preferred builder for a state-of-the-art community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Pitsea. The £54 million project, which will be developed on the former site of a leisure centre and library in the town centre, is set to become the largest diagnostic facility in mid and south Essex. Construction is expected to commence later this year. Designed as a two-storey, multi-functional healthcare hub, the Pitsea CDC will house a full suite of diagnostic services including CT and MRI scanners, X-rays, blood testing, and an eight-room endoscopy suite. The facility will also serve as a vibrant community space, with wellbeing amenities such as a purpose-built activity centre and a brand-new library incorporated into the design. Michael Thorpe, Portfolio Director at the Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “By bringing services under one roof, we’re making healthcare more convenient and accessible for local residents. With Pitsea being our largest CDC, we’ll be able to treat more patients quickly and locally—offering essential diagnostic tests without lengthy travel or delays.” The project is being delivered in collaboration with Essex County Council and Basildon Council, with a focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and community wellbeing across the region. MTX Contracts, a Cheshire-based firm known for delivering modern healthcare buildings, brings its expertise in modular construction to the scheme. Managing Director David Hartley highlighted the use of offsite manufacturing and modern methods of construction, allowing for faster build times, reduced disruption, and lower environmental impact. “Our approach ensures quicker delivery, better value, and ultimately faster access to vital healthcare services,” Hartley noted. “It means the Trust can begin using the facility sooner, improving outcomes for patients and staff alike.” Once complete, the Pitsea CDC will play a central role in reshaping how diagnostics and community services are delivered in Essex, helping reduce waiting times and supporting earlier detection and treatment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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