Plans are advancing for a major AI data centre development at the Teesworks site in Northeast England, with the UK government aiming to position it as Europe’s largest AI infrastructure hub. But behind the headlines of digital transformation and investment, the project is fast becoming a focal point for debates
The Crown Estate has acquired the headlease of 100 Regent Street, a prominent mixed-use building in London’s West End, for £95 million. The purchase was made from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate and further cements The Crown Estate’s long-term commitment to revitalising the capital’s iconic retail and
On the 25th July 2025, NHS Property Services, Deputy Mayor of Preston Councillor Nweeda Khan and the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board came together to celebrate the opening of the modernised Ingol Healthcare Centre. This transformative project represents a significant investment in local healthcare infrastructure, designed
New land bridge to provide level access route through urban park to connect the High Street to the River Tees. Esh Construction has marked a significant milestone in the transformational Stockton Waterfront urban park project with the installation of the precast beams to form a new land bridge being completed.
New lighting in schools, refurbishing a local wellbeing centre, creating crisis packs and wellbeing bags, running education events and donating almost £60,000 to community causes are some of the ways that the construction company building the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) have delivered social value to the local area. The construction
Temporary power distribution specialist IDE Systems has installed a customised Cat® DE110E2 diesel generator, supplied by Finning UK & Ireland, at its manufacturing centre in Cannock. The standby generator will provide resilience against power outages and ensure seamless operations in producing power distribution equipment for critical sectors, including data centres, healthcare
A key milestone has been marked in St Helens, as McLaren Construction Midlands and North celebrated the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West – a 421,249 sq. ft. industrial and logistics development. Representatives and stakeholders gathered on site alongside the Mayor and Leader of St Helen’s Borough Council, to commemorate
Bankfoot APAM has submitted a planning application to Warrington Borough Council for the regeneration of a key brownfield site at Hawleys Lane. The proposed scheme will deliver a new, high-quality mid-box industrial and logistics development, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of this strategically located employment site. The 14-acre
Ikea has opened the doors to its first small-format store in Harlow, Essex, kicking off a wave of new compact locations designed to bring the brand closer to customers across the UK. Two more stores, in Norwich and Chester, are expected to follow later this year. Situated in retail parks,
A striking new addition to Belfast’s waterfront is on the horizon, as Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC) move forward with plans for the latest phase of the City Quays development. Contractors are now being invited to express interest in the design and construction of City Quays 4 – a landmark 23-storey
Plans are advancing for a major AI data centre development at the Teesworks site in Northeast England, with the UK government aiming to position it as Europe’s largest AI infrastructure hub. But behind the headlines of digital transformation and investment, the project is fast becoming a focal point for debates around sustainability, governance, and planning priorities. Teesworks Ltd submitted a planning application in June for a proposed hyperscale campus covering nearly 500,000 square metres. The facility would anchor the UK’s second AI Growth Zone, complementing the existing site at Culham in Oxfordshire. The development forms part of the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and Compute Roadmap, both designed to increase the UK’s sovereign computing power. Backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the project is seen as essential for scaling AI workloads, providing dedicated energy access, and embedding the infrastructure into wider industrial and academic ecosystems. Early interest from leading tech firms suggests strong commercial momentum, with site selection favouring Teesside’s ample brownfield space, utilities access, and regeneration incentives. Yet the project faces mounting tension from within government and beyond. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has flagged environmental risks, especially around the expected energy draw and water usage of large-scale AI centres. These concerns are amplified by a parallel proposal at the site: BP’s blue hydrogen and carbon capture (CCUS) facility. Local authorities and Teesworks Ltd have previously expressed opposition to the CCUS scheme, citing incompatibility with the data centre plan. This clash of priorities sets up a critical decision for Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who is due to rule on the CCUS proposal by 28 August. The outcome could determine whether Teesworks becomes a national flagship for digital infrastructure or encounters prolonged planning conflict. Adding further complexity, Teesworks has come under scrutiny for its governance practices. A 2024 independent review raised questions about transparency and public value. This led to a best value notice issued in April 2025 and the creation of an improvement board to oversee development and accountability. With public-private collaboration at the core of the site’s ambition, confidence in management practices is crucial. For the building, design, and construction sector, the Teesworks data centre raises major questions about how future infrastructure projects balance innovation with environmental stewardship. As AI becomes more embedded in everyday systems—from smart cities to automated construction tools—the physical spaces that support this technology must align with broader sustainability goals. Constructing a site of this scale will demand integrated approaches across civil engineering, energy planning, facilities management, and digital systems architecture. Whether in HVAC systems tailored for server cooling, or sustainable power sourcing to mitigate emissions, design choices made now will influence long-term outcomes for both climate impact and operational resilience. If approved, the Teesworks campus could offer a blueprint for integrating hyperscale compute infrastructure into post-industrial landscapes. But it also highlights the increasing pressure on developers and public bodies to deliver technological progress without compromising environmental integrity or public trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Crown Estate has acquired the headlease of 100 Regent Street, a prominent mixed-use building in London’s West End, for £95 million. The purchase was made from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate and further cements The Crown Estate’s long-term commitment to revitalising the capital’s iconic retail and business corridor. The Grade II-listed property spans more than 53,000 square feet of retail and office accommodation. Already holding the freehold interest through the Regent Street Partnership—its joint venture with Norges Bank Investment Management—The Crown Estate will now gain full operational control of the building. This acquisition is seen as a strategic move to unlock the site’s full potential, both commercially and environmentally. The Crown Estate has confirmed plans to enhance the office interiors, refresh the retail offering, and invest in sustainability upgrades to improve the building’s overall energy performance. Dominic Packwood, investment manager at The Crown Estate, commented: “This important acquisition marks a key step in delivering our long-term vision for Regent Street and the wider West End. Direct ownership of 100 Regent Street will help us to realise our ambitious plans across our portfolio, including the delivery of our development pipeline and public realm investment, alongside our wider goal to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable West End.” Property consultancy Savills acted on behalf of The Crown Estate during the transaction. As part of its wider strategy, The Crown Estate continues to focus on modernising key assets across its central London holdings—enhancing both their commercial value and contribution to the city’s urban regeneration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On the 25th July 2025, NHS Property Services, Deputy Mayor of Preston Councillor Nweeda Khan and the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board came together to celebrate the opening of the modernised Ingol Healthcare Centre. This transformative project represents a significant investment in local healthcare infrastructure, designed to both modernise existing facilities and enhance sustainability. The project has attracted a substantial investment of over £1.3 million, with £526,000 allocated from developer contributions secured through the planning process at Preston City Council and £730,000 coming from NHS Property Services (NHSPS) – with £240,000 earmarked for energy improvements through the health and property organization. This funding underscores NHSPS’ commitment to creating a more efficient and environmentally responsible healthcare environment. The improved facilities are expected to service approximately an additional 35,000 patients and a total of 5,300 new homes in North West Preston. In addition to a full refurbishment of existing clinical rooms, the project will add seven new clinical rooms to increase capacity for GP services and convert the site into a Net Zero facility. New forms of insulation have been installed (cavity wall and loft insulation), the move to electric heating was made and energy-efficient upgrades such as LED lighting, double glazed windows and solar PV panels were put into place. These measures will ensure long-term cost savings and reduced carbon emissions. The project was launched to address the growing demand for GP clinical services and to improve the sustainability and long term future of the building. NHSPS and the ICB’s Strategic Estates and Infrastructure Team were played a central role in to the project, handling everything from the initial Section 106 bid, negotiations with GP’s and other delivery partners, design and tender phases, to legal agreements and project management. Ben Gammer, NHSPS Estate Strategy Lead, said: “This project is a standout example of how smart space optimization can directly support the goals of the NHS’s 10-year health plan. By transforming underutilized areas into high-impact clinical environments, we’re not only increasing capacity but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering accessible, quality care in every neighborhood. It’s a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and sustainable design.” Now completed, the site’s increased GP capacity will alleviate pressure on local services, while the energy-efficient infrastructure will offer long-term benefits for both the local healthcare system and the environment. Dr Nidghtta Anjan, Partner GP at North Preston Medical Practice, said: ‘We are delighted to announce the completion of the newly renovated health centre, which signifies a substantial positive change for the community. We are committed to supporting the NHS’s long-term strategy to deliver high-quality healthcare whilst minimizing environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. With the new developments surrounding the area, we eagerly anticipate welcoming new patients to our practice, allowing us to showcase our enhanced clinic rooms, improved waiting area and modern reception desk.” Deputy Mayor of Preston Councillor Nweeda Khan said: “The improvements at the centre have been made possible by what is known as Section 106 agreements in relation to various planning applications made to Preston City Council. “These agreements are made to reduce the impact of a significant development on a local community, by providing such things as affordable housing, improving public spaces, enhancing local services or the environment. The upgrades will make a huge difference to the quality of service the health centre can provide and to the number of people in the area who now have access to essential services.” Geoff Lavery, Strategic Estate Lead for the ICB said: “We have worked incredibly hard with NHSPS and other delivery partners over several years to deliver this project and we are grateful that the S106 funding was in place to support it, however even with the availability of the funding the project has been incredibly challenging. The aim has always been to deliver increased capacity, sustainability and improved primary care services in the area and we were determined to achieve those aims. I hope the delivery of the Ingol project highlights the commitment of the ICB to serve the needs of its patient populations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New land bridge to provide level access route through urban park to connect the High Street to the River Tees. Esh Construction has marked a significant milestone in the transformational Stockton Waterfront urban park project with the installation of the precast beams to form a new land bridge being completed. The North of England contractor is carrying out the £23 million urban park on behalf of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. The project is a major part of the Council’s blueprint for the regeneration of Stockton over the next 25 years. Upon completion, it will feature a series of green, flexible spaces capable of hosting events and impressive, unique play areas, transforming the High Street and providing uninterrupted access to the riverside. With paving works progressing at pace along Finkle Square in the upper park, works to connect the High Street to the River Tees via a new land bridge and Millennium Bridge, have taken a significant step forward. A total of 47 prestressed concrete bridge beams have been installed with support from reinforced concrete specialists BEMAC Construction, to form the land bridge above the A1305 Riverside Road carriageway. The beams, which were manufactured by Shay Murtagh Precast Ltd in the Republic of Ireland, include 45 standard units measuring 21.5 metres in length and weighing 17 tonnes, alongside two edge beams which weigh 35 tonnes each. David Player, Contracts Manager at Esh Construction, said: “The bridge beam installation is a key milestone in the Stockton Waterfront project and a testament to the collaborative planning and engineering expertise of all involved. “With the beams in place, we can now move forward with casting the bridge deck and progressing the next phase of public realm works that will bring the land bridge to life.” A 200-tonne crane was used to lift the 47 beams into position over four days, with the heaviest lift taking place at an 11-metre radius. Ahead of the installation, Esh Construction’s project team visited Shay Murtagh’s manufacturing facility in County Westmeath to inspect the cast beams, review the quality assurance process, and ensure compliance with project specifications. Working closely with the specialist precast concrete provider, robust plans were then implemented to ensure safe delivery of the product in line with the installation schedule. Steve Lowe, Chief Structural Engineer at Shay Murtagh Precast Ltd, explained that the beams for this project are environmentally advanced with concrete using 40% GGBS replacement of Portland cement making them a significantly carbon efficient option. He added: “It was great to bring our technical expertise to this project and support Esh Construction in the beam and bridge deck installations, which will enable the next construction phase of the development of the land bridge and support the urban park’s progress for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.” With the beams forming the base for the 55-metre-wide land bridge above the realigned Riverside Road, the next phase of works will involve pouring 170m3 of concrete to cast the bridge deck, followed by the installation of 163m2 of porphyry paving, 420m2 of resin and 75m2 of granite paving to create a seamless public realm open space. The project will create an iconic, nationally recognisable new public space for the Borough’s residents and visitors and is part of Council ambitions to make Stockton-on-Tees a place of choice for people to live, work and visit. Councillor Richard Eglington, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: “It’s very exciting to see the progress of the transformation of the Stockton Waterfront site taking place and this important milestone helps make the vision of reconnecting the High Street to the river more of a reality. “The scale of change will also be felt across the entire Borough. Stockton Waterfront is set to be the catalyst for further regeneration work across Central Stockton and North Thornaby and we are looking to build on this success to create a thriving place for our communities and businesses.” In the coming months, residents and visitors will see marked changes on the site as works commence to install the amphitheatre and landscaping elements across the lower park, while construction of a new play park in the upper park is also set to begin. Procured via North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), Esh is working with design partners Ryder Architecture and Billinghurst George & Partners to deliver the project. To find out more about Stockton Waterfront Urban Park, visit Stockton Waterfront urban park – Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New lighting in schools, refurbishing a local wellbeing centre, creating crisis packs and wellbeing bags, running education events and donating almost £60,000 to community causes are some of the ways that the construction company building the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) have delivered social value to the local area. The construction of the 70-bed purpose-built rehabilitation centre near Loughborough is being carried out by Integrated Health Projects (IHP), a joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine and VINCI Building, and investing in the local community has been high on their priorities since the beginning of the programme. The NRC will be staffed and run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) when it opens to our first patients later this year and aims to transform rehabilitation in the UK. Through their social value scheme, IHP contractors have volunteered 988 hours of their time within a 20-mile radius of the NRC and paid for the materials to deliver a variety of projects. These included: In addition, IHP has supported the local area by employing more than 150 local employees and 8 apprentices, and running 41 weeks’ worth of work placements for people aspiring to work in the construction industry. Miriam Duffy, NRC Director, said: “The commitment to social value was one of the key factors in our decision to select IHP and we’re delighted to see the impact they have had on our local communities. “The NRC is about improving the lives of our patients through rehabilitation following a serious illness or injury. I’m pleased that the building of such an important centre has also had a positive impact locally.” One key project has been refurbishing the lighting system at the nearby St Peters Church of England Primary School in Loughborough to help them to save 27% of their annual energy costs. This project was especially fitting as the design of the NRC uses modern methods of construction and will be the first operational carbon neutral NHS building in the country. T-Clarke, the company which has been completing Mechanical and Electrical installation, donated a total of 332 hours to replace all the faulty equipment with newer and more energy efficient lighting. Anton Melia from T-Clarke said: “The school’s existing lighting system was an outdated fluorescent installation that was not energy efficient and had also been causing the school a few issues. Following a report by an energy expert, we were approached under social value responsibility to see if we could aid with bringing this both up to date and reduce both energy usage and carbon dioxide production. “Together with our partner Lightcraft Technology, we installed a point for point LED based solution – resulting in a 27% energy reduction and a significant improvement to the learning environment for the children.” Another important project carried out by IHP as part of their social value commitments saw a refurbishment of the Loughborough Wellbeing Centre which provides a safe and supportive place for adults experiencing mental health problems. The refurbishment included installing sustainable, energy-efficient lighting, reconfiguring the interior space, making acoustic enhancements to make the space more peaceful, and created a new café area. This project is still on going and will be finished in the coming months. Numerous contractors from the project donated 70 hours and £3,267 to make the project possible. Helen Carter, CEO at the Loughborough Wellness Centre, said: “Through the works provided so far, we have already seen a difference with new cost-effective lighting being installed and creating a new cafe space for our Wellbeing Cafe within our building. “We are so grateful to have the support of IHP, Clear Engagement, T-Clarke, and Sherwood Interiors from the construction of the National Rehabilitation Centre to enable these improvements to be made. The works that you and your team have carried out have been greatly appreciated and have created a calmer space for our mental health charity beneficiaries which has been very well received by all.” The £105million NRC programme will create a specialist facility combines NHS care with research and innovation, all on the same site as the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre and is part of the New Hospital Programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Temporary power distribution specialist IDE Systems has installed a customised Cat® DE110E2 diesel generator, supplied by Finning UK & Ireland, at its manufacturing centre in Cannock. The standby generator will provide resilience against power outages and ensure seamless operations in producing power distribution equipment for critical sectors, including data centres, healthcare and infrastructure projects. The installation ensures that in the event of a mains failure, IDE Systems’ manufacturing operations can continue without interruption, protecting customer delivery timelines and production schedules. Matt Collins, Head of Power Distribution at IDE Systems, said: “Our facility produces a full range of power distribution panels, including everything from small dual 16 A sockets to 4,000 A generator connections. Any disruption on site doesn’t just impact us, it can delay critical deployments for customers. This new standby system from Finning gives us the resilience we need to operate with confidence, even during unexpected outages.” Customised at Finning’s Cannock site, the generator was tailored to IDE Systems’ requirements with fuel system upgrades and a branded enclosure. The unit delivers 110 kVA at 50 Hz and is powered by a Cat C4.4 engine. With a 250-litre tank and fuel consumption of 23.8 L/hr at full load, the system provides up to 10.5 hours of continuous runtime, enough to cover most outages without the need for immediate refuelling. Martyn Drinkwater, Senior Sales Manager of Electric Power UK & Ireland at Finning, said: “The DE110E2 is engineered for fast response in environments where downtime isn’t an option. It meets ISO 8528-5 transient response standards and can accept 100% block load in a single step. This means power is restored instantly without any phased ramp-up. “It meets EU Stage II emissions standards and is housed in a sound-attenuated enclosure suitable for installation near offices or testing bays. With its 50°C ambient capability, it’s well suited to real-world UK site conditions, including the kind of summer extremes we’ve seen in recent years.” Finning UK & Ireland is the exclusive distributor for Cat equipment and power systems across the region. With in-house engineering, service, and customisation capabilities, the company supports customers in construction, manufacturing, energy, and other critical sectors with power solutions. For more information please visit: https://www.finning.com/en_GB Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A key milestone has been marked in St Helens, as McLaren Construction Midlands and North celebrated the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West – a 421,249 sq. ft. industrial and logistics development. Representatives and stakeholders gathered on site alongside the Mayor and Leader of St Helen’s Borough Council, to commemorate the handover of the high-specification facility, which marks the final phase in the transformation of the wider Omega West scheme. Developed by Miller Developments and forward funded by Indurent, Indurent 420 presents warehousing and office space built to exacting sustainability and operational standards. The event acknowledged the collective efforts of the team and the positive impact the scheme will bring to the local economy. Comprising premium logistics and distribution space – including a two-storey main office, hub office, high-specification warehouse space, car parking, and comprehensive landscaping – Indurent 420, Omega West has been delivered to the highest environmental and operational standards achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and EPC A+. Sustainability was embedded throughout the project, with all site plant and machinery operated on alternative fuels, and construction waste tracked and managed via the Smartwaste platform. Enhanced photovoltaic panels have been installed, and a full cut-and-fill balance was achieved to reuse all excavated cohesive materials on site. The building has been future proofed with natural roof lighting to reduce energy consumption alongside infrastructure to support future EV charging. Externally, the scheme features extensive Landscaping, including a wildflower meadow and new green spaces, enhancing biodiversity and the overall environmental value of the site. McLaren’s commitment to health and safety during the scheme saw over 750 personnel on site and successfully delivered over 139,299 hours without a single reportable incident (RIDDOR). Community engagement has been a cornerstone of McLaren’s delivery approach, with regular communication shared through local newsletters and council updates, alongside outreach events held in partnership with schools and colleges to raise awareness of career opportunities in construction. McLaren delivered a wide range of social value activity aimed at supporting the local community, with the project team engaging with a local collection point to donate timber offcuts and surplus pallets. The site team also actively participated in several careers’ events at Trinity High School, De La Salle School, Cowley College, and Carmel College providing valuable career guidance. The team also supported local employment by hiring a Senior Site Manager from the St Helens community and prioritising the use of local suppliers and materials throughout the programme. Ongoing onsite work experience was given to a Warrington College student throughout the scheme and McLaren also sponsored the Woolton Santos U9 football team and donated laptops to Martin Murray’s local boxing academy. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We’re very proud to have marked the completion of Indurent 420, Omega West with our partners and stakeholders on site. This development continues McLaren’s strong legacy at Omega and reflects the power of collaboration, sustainability, and a commitment to delivering high-performance logistics infrastructure.” David Milloy, Managing Director of Miller Developments, added: “This celebration marks not just the end of a successful build but the continuation of our long-term vision for Omega. McLaren has once again delivered a best-in-class development, and we thank the team for their professionalism, collaboration, and shared ambition.” Councillor Richard McCauley, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council said: “It is fantastic to see the completion of the final phase of development at Omega West. Throughout the planning and construction process there has been a commitment to delivering direct benefits for the local community through the use of local suppliers and meaningful engagement with our young people through local schools, colleges, and community groups. Now complete, Omega West will continue to benefit the residents of St Helens Borough by providing high quality employment opportunities futureproofed for generations to come.” Dan Austin, Director and Head of North – Logistics at Indurent commented: “The successful completion of Indurent 420, Omega West marks a significant milestone for Indurent, as we continue to deliver future-ready logistics space in strategic locations across the UK. Omega West has been a flagship project for us, combining technical excellence, sustainable design and genuine community value and we’re proud to see this vision come to life.” Indurent 420, Omega West builds on McLaren Construction’s successful track record at the business park, following the earlier delivery of Units 2 and 3. The completion further cements the contractor’s role in shaping the future of sustainable logistics infrastructure across the Midlands and North. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bankfoot APAM has submitted a planning application to Warrington Borough Council for the regeneration of a key brownfield site at Hawleys Lane. The proposed scheme will deliver a new, high-quality mid-box industrial and logistics development, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of this strategically located employment site. The 14-acre site, currently occupied by 375,000 sq ft of outdated logistics floorspace, will be reimagined as four energy-efficient, future-ready employment units totalling 295,000 sq ft. Designed to meet the evolving needs of occupiers in logistics, distribution, and light manufacturing, the scheme will support long-term employment and sustainable economic development in Warrington. “This is a rare opportunity to regenerate a strategic brownfield employment site with modern logistics space designed for the future economy,” said Andy Day, Senior Director at Bankfoot APAM. “Our proposals have been designed to support local jobs, reduce carbon impact, and enhance the urban environment around Hawleys Lane.” Future-Ready Industrial Space for a Sustainable EconomyKey features of the proposed development include: Supporting Employment and Local GrowthThe redevelopment aligns with the site’s designation as an ‘Existing Employment Area’ under the adopted Warrington Local Plan. With the imminent departure of the existing occupier, Great Bear, the proposals ensure that the site continues to provide high-value employment opportunities in an upgraded, environmentally conscious format. Bankfoot APAM is delivering the project alongside a leading multidisciplinary team, including AEW Architects, Savills, Rihbell, HTS, CWC, Pegasus Group, and Urban Green. Knight Frank and DTRE have been appointed as joint letting agents, bringing their market-leading expertise to support occupier engagement and leasing strategy. Hawleys Lane adds to Bankfoot APAM’s growing national portfolio of regeneration and repositioning projects, focused on de-risking and creating value in our clients’ stranded and complex assets by delivering future-ready real estate across the industrial, residential, and mixed-use sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ikea has opened the doors to its first small-format store in Harlow, Essex, kicking off a wave of new compact locations designed to bring the brand closer to customers across the UK. Two more stores, in Norwich and Chester, are expected to follow later this year. Situated in retail parks, these new stores aim to offer a faster, more convenient shopping experience while maintaining Ikea’s signature inspiration and functionality. Visitors can explore curated roomsets, browse seasonal collections, and get hands-on with small furnishings and home accessories. While the full 12,000-product range isn’t held on site, customers can easily place orders for home delivery or in-store collection. As part of Ikea’s push towards sustainability and customisation, the Harlow store includes planning services for kitchens and bedrooms, a team of advisors ready to help, and the option to exchange pre-owned items for store credit. The beloved range of Swedish snacks and meals is also available, both to dine in and take away. Peter Jelkeby, CEO and CSO of Ikea UK & Ireland, commented: “The opening of Ikea Harlow marks an exciting milestone as we explore new ways to bring Ikea closer to our customers. We are opening our doors just over 100 days after acquiring the lease to the site, having made use of the existing structure to get our store ready at pace. “By continuously reviewing and adapting our store formats, we aim to offer a more personalised and accessible retail experience. These new small-format stores fit seamlessly into our wider omnichannel strategy, ensuring our physical and digital channels work together to meet the diverse needs of our customers.” The Harlow launch is part of a broader UK expansion strategy for Ikea in 2025. The company is also set to open additional Plan and Order Points in Dundee and York, new small-format stores in Norwich and Chester, and a city-centre store in Brighton. This follows recent openings in Hull and on London’s Oxford Street. With its new compact concept, Ikea is reshaping how Britain shops for home essentials—bringing big ideas into smaller spaces, and closer to home. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A striking new addition to Belfast’s waterfront is on the horizon, as Belfast Harbour Commissioners (BHC) move forward with plans for the latest phase of the City Quays development. Contractors are now being invited to express interest in the design and construction of City Quays 4 – a landmark 23-storey residential tower that will bring 256 apartments to the heart of the city. A formal contract notice has been published, marking the next step in the regeneration of Belfast’s historic docklands. The £50 million scheme will include a 12-storey adjoining element and boast a gross floor area of approximately 20,400 square metres (219,585 sq ft). The design features piled foundations and a reinforced in-situ concrete frame, complemented by glazed windows and external cladding to create a contemporary urban profile. Construction is slated to begin in February 2026, with completion targeted for November 2028. The procurement route will follow a two-stage novated design and build process, beginning with a nine-month pre-construction services agreement (PCSA), followed by a 24-month construction phase. City Quays, a £275 million regeneration initiative, has already delivered three Grade A office buildings – City Quays 1, 2 and 3 – reshaping Belfast’s waterfront with modern workspaces and public realm improvements. The introduction of residential development in phase four marks a major step towards a more mixed-use, vibrant city quarter. With this next tower, Belfast’s skyline – and its ambitions – continue to rise. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
