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Spectacular Drone Footage Shows Construction On Track for Student Accommodation at 292-298 St Vincent Street, Glasgow

Spectacular Drone Footage Shows Construction On Track for Student Accommodation at 292-298 St Vincent Street, Glasgow

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

Spectacular drone footage has captured construction progress of high-quality student accommodation at 292-298 St Vincent Street, Glasgow which is on schedule for completion in summer 2026. Developer Artisan Real Estate and Homes for Students, the UK’s largest independent student management company, are partnering with building contractor GRAHAM on the £70

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Speedy Hire Partners with WellChild to Transform Garden for Daisy

Speedy Hire Partners with WellChild to Transform Garden for Daisy

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire company, is proud to have partnered with WellChild’s Helping Hands programme to complete a life-changing garden transformation for 14-year-old Daisy in Huddersfield. Daisy has a chromosome disorder and epilepsy, which affects her mobility, meaning she requires specialist care. The new outdoor

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Improving compliance and safety remains the top priority for FM industry, new survey reveals

Improving compliance and safety remains the top priority for FM industry, new survey reveals

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

New data reveals that the industry’s biggest challenges are budget constraints, under-staffing, and barriers to technology adoption According to a recent survey, improving compliance and safety continues to be the number one priority for facilities management professionals. However, 14% of respondents expressed uncertainty about meeting building maintenance compliance standards, while

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

Kenneth Booth

Spectacular Drone Footage Shows Construction On Track for Student Accommodation at 292-298 St Vincent Street, Glasgow

Spectacular Drone Footage Shows Construction On Track for Student Accommodation at 292-298 St Vincent Street, Glasgow

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

Spectacular drone footage has captured construction progress of high-quality student accommodation at 292-298 St Vincent Street, Glasgow which is on schedule for completion in summer 2026. Developer Artisan Real Estate and Homes for Students, the UK’s largest independent student management company, are partnering with building contractor GRAHAM on the £70 million scheme. The completed development, to be known as St Vincent Studios, will provide 321 high quality self-contained studio apartments together with a range of additional facilities and amenities over 16 floors. This includes a dedicated reception, study rooms and common areas together with private dining, a gym, cinema room, roof terraces and secure internal cycle storage for 160 bikes. The drone footage shows progress on the building’s concrete superstructure is now well underway since construction started in September 2024. “It’s very exciting to see the building coming out of the ground, well on schedule for completion in summer 2026,” says Artisan Real Estate’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater. “The next six months will see a big difference as we complete the concrete frame and floors and look forward to topping out the building. The completed development will meet the urgent need for high-quality purpose-built student accommodation in the city. The site is in a superb city centre location, within easy walking or cycling distance to several higher and further education establishments.” Gary Holmes, Regional Managing Director at GRAHAM Building North, adds: “It’s good to work with Artisan Real Estate to deliver attractive student residences within Glasgow city centre to alleviate the continued demand. Our team is now successfully bringing the development out of the ground, breathing life back into a site which has remained vacant for almost six years.” The completed development will be managed by Homes for Students, the largest independent student management company in the UK. Chief Executive Officer Martin Corbett says: “We are pleased to be working closely with Artisan Real Estate to ensure this will be a best-in-class, purpose-built scheme. We will be creating high-quality accommodation and amenities for students to enjoy, providing an exceptional user experience using the skills of our property team to foster and support student wellbeing whilst closely integrating with the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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North East Mayor praises Believe Housing’s home energy upgrade programme and wants to scale up retrofitting in the region

North East Mayor praises Believe Housing’s home energy upgrade programme and wants to scale up retrofitting in the region

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has praised a regional housing association for its ongoing programme of home energy upgrades, highlighting the role this work plays in tackling poverty, cutting household bills, and building a greener future.  Mayor McGuinness said: “I am committed to making the North East the home of real opportunity. To do that we must support the thousands of families across our region who are struggling with fuel poverty and make sure everyone has a warm home they’re proud of.   “That’s why it’s great to see organisations like believe housing building sustainable homes and making thousands of energy upgrades to houses in the North East, helping their customers keep more money in their pockets.   “As Mayor, I will scale up our retrofitting industry with more jobs, reinforcing our region as a leader in green energy. That will mean skilled green jobs for local people, upgrading homes across our communities.”   The Mayor made the comments during a visit to believe housing, a not-for-profit landlord which manages more than 18,000 homes across the North East.  During her visit, leaders outlined believe housing’s ongoing work to improve existing homes — which includes ensuring every property meets at least an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of C which makes them warmer, greener and more affordable to heat for residents.   And they spoke about its delivery of about 200 high-quality, energy-efficient new homes a year, where they are most needed.   This work is central to believe housing’s commitment to providing healthy, affordable homes and goes hand in hand with a wide range of support services for customers and communities, including employability programmes, welfare benefits advice, and community grant funding.  Mayor McGuinness also heard how long-term investment in social housing is helping to create green jobs and boost local economic growth.   She met representatives from RE:GEN Group, believe housing’s delivery partner for energy improvement works, who said that visible, ongoing investment gives them the confidence to grow their skilled workforce — enabling them to continue delivering upgrades and support the region’s transition to a greener economy.  As part of her visit, the Mayor met believe housing customer Val Singleton at her home in Crook, which recently benefited from improvement and decarbonisation works, including a new roof with solar panels and enhanced loft insulation.  Val’s home is one of 3,477 believe housing homes to receive energy efficiency upgrades, part-funded by the government.  “It was lovely to meet Val, whose home is one of many that have already been fitted with energy efficiency upgrades, including solar panels and insulation, not only making her home warmer, but reducing her heating bills too,” said the Mayor.  “We are already making it easier for people in County Durham to get the advice they need to reduce their bills.   “I am working closely with the industry to increase the supply of sustainable social housing, and retrofit more homes across the North East to help more people, like Val, save on their energy bills.”   Alan Smith, Chief Executive of believe housing, said: “We welcome the opportunity to show the Mayor some of our work and to talk about how it supports her missions for the region — creating a stronger, fairer economy, generating job opportunities, tackling poverty, and advancing green energy.  “We also discussed the wider challenges facing the social housing sector and how we can work together with the North East Combined Authority, through the North East Housing Partnership, to do even more to make our region a better place to live and work.”  The North East Housing Partnership is a group of social housing providers and local authorities, working together to support the North East Mayoral Combined Authority to deliver a comprehensive housing plan for the region that drives inclusive economic growth through the delivery of new homes, supports net zero and skills, and helps residents live healthier lives.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Strong performance as Caddick Construction Group reports record £356m turnover

Strong performance as Caddick Construction Group reports record £356m turnover

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

Caddick Construction Group has reported an annual turnover of £356m for the year ending 31 August 2024, reflecting the wider Caddick Group’s focus on steady, sustainable growth and a strong future. Representing a 12% growth in revenue compared to the previous 2022/23 year, the uplift powered pre-tax profit forward to £8m with a margin remaining stable at 2.4%. Alongside growth in revenue, Caddick Construction Group’s order book has continued to grow by 7% to £750m and year-end cash increased to £32.8m from £31.9m along with no debt, positioning Caddick Construction Group well for a strong future. The results form part of the 2023/24 figures for the wider Caddick Group, which consists of Caddick Construction, Caddick Developments and Moda Living. The group saw a consolidated turnover of £606m, a 23% increase in gross profit to £70m and net asset growth to £202m.  Caddick Construction Group’s results follow a year of milestones for the business, including the launch of its new Wakefield headquarters in June last year. This was followed by the recent opening of its first North East office in Durham. The year also saw Caddick Construction Group grow its project pipeline across the Northwest, Cumbria, North East, Yorkshire and the Midlands with key appointments including the new Schneider manufacturing facility in Scarborough alongside Caddick Developments. Work in the public sector also includes the expansion of Loreto Sixth Form College in Manchester. Growing its portfolio of residential and industrial and logistics projects, Caddick Construction’s recent appointments include the first phase of Cole Waterhouse and Taurus Investment Holdings LLC’s Upper Trinity Street in Birmingham and Max Spielman’s new warehouse on the Wirral.   The 2023/24 annual results for Caddick Construction Group also includes the turnover of its two specialist sub-contracting businesses, Caddick Civil Engineering and CCL Facades, both of which are sustainably growing their turnover and profitability both with Caddick Construction and industry third parties. Paul Caddick, Chairman at Caddick, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the results we’ve achieved this financial year, with a strong turnover reflecting the hard work and dedication of our staff as we continue to build our pipeline and further invest in our people. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and these results are a testament to the collective effort across the business, underlining our purpose of creating thriving communities.” Paul Dodsworth, Construction Group Managing Director, commented: “The past few years have seen the group achieve significant operational and financial progress. We are determined to work with clients and partners that share our values for quality and as a result, the contracts within our order book reflect the bidding discipline and risk management now embedded in the business.  “Our strategy is to balance our portfolio between the public and private sectors, growing our education and defense work pipeline alongside our core residential and industrial sectors. This ensures stable profitability to protect our business, our people, our clients and our supply chain. The success for future years is underpinned by the year-end order book, resulting from a large number of contract wins across Construction, Civil Engineering and CCL Facades, providing multi-year revenue visibility. “We are well positioned to continue benefiting from UK Government spending commitments and we are confident in sustaining strong cash generation, especially over the last few years, allowing us to grow and deliver the evolved long-term sustainable growth plan for Caddick Construction Group. “Over the past year, the Caddick Group has also extended its commitment to having a positive impact in the places where it operates. We have made real progress in our scope 1 and scope 2 emissions.” Jessica Harmen, Group Head of ESG and Sustainability, is leading the group’s ‘Places for Life’ strategy, originally launched in 2023, aimed at ensuring the projects across the different arms of the business will prioritise the three key ESG areas – communities, environment and business – to create sustainable places for current and future generations.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Speedy Hire Partners with WellChild to Transform Garden for Daisy

Speedy Hire Partners with WellChild to Transform Garden for Daisy

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

Speedy Hire, the UK’s leading tools and equipment hire company, is proud to have partnered with WellChild’s Helping Hands programme to complete a life-changing garden transformation for 14-year-old Daisy in Huddersfield. Daisy has a chromosome disorder and epilepsy, which affects her mobility, meaning she requires specialist care. The new outdoor space created is designed to be safe, accessible, and stimulating, allowing her to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time with her family and friends. Daisy loves being outside, but her garden was previously inaccessible. Over the course of the project, a dedicated team of Speedy Hire volunteers from Huddersfield and the surrounding areas worked alongside WellChild to level the ground, install secure fencing, and introduce sensory-friendly features such as artificial grass, sensory lighting, and accessible play equipment. In addition to volunteering their time and expertise for Daisy’s garden renovation, Speedy Hire also provided free tool hire to support the successful completion of the project, as they do for all WellChild Helping Hands projects across the UK. The WellChild Helping Hands programme enriches the lives of children with complex medical needs across the UK by creating safe, sensory and accessible environments for them and their families to truly thrive at home. Daisy’s Mum Jenny said: “This garden has transformed Daisy’s experience of being outdoors. She now has a safe and enjoyable space where she can relax, play, and interact with nature. We can’t thank Speedy Hire and WellChild enough for making this possible.” Amelia Woodley, ESG Director at Speedy Hire, commented: “We are delighted to support WellChild’s Helping Hands initiative. At Speedy Hire, we believe in making a positive impact in our communities, and this project is a perfect example of how we can use our resources to create meaningful change. Seeing Daisy enjoy her new outdoor space is truly rewarding.” Kieran Cullen, Helping Hands Programme Manager at WellChild, added: “The success of projects like this relies on the generosity and dedication of corporate partners like Speedy Hire. Their commitment to helping children and families across the UK is invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.” This initiative reflects Speedy Hire’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and community support, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. For more information about WellChild and the Helping Hands programme, visit www.wellchild.org.uk. Watch video now Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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United Trust Bank Supports £40m Build-to-Rent Development in London’s Canary Wharf

United Trust Bank Supports £40m Build-to-Rent Development in London’s Canary Wharf

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

United Trust Bank (UTB) Property Development has completed a £27.8m facility to support a £40m build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Canary Wharf. The development is being undertaken by Lotus Living, a privately owned and experienced BTR developer-operator with a strong track record of delivering high specification BTR schemes across Greater London and Home Counties. The development, known as Bellerive House, comprises the conversion of a redundant office building to 50 rental apartments ranging from studio to 2 bedrooms, and the creation of 9 new rooftop airspace duplex apartments. In addition, the ground floor will offer 3000sqft of commercial space and parking. Like all of Lotus Living’s build-to-rent developments, each apartment will be presented to a very high standard with professional management, consistent policies and Lotus Living Resident friendly app. Rents will range from £2,200.00 to £4,600.00 pcm. The first apartments should be ready to move in by Q1 2026. UTB’s £27.8m facility supports the acquisition of the freehold of the building, conversion and construction costs, S106 and CIL liabilities, professional fees, interest and a 4-month VAT bridge. Paul Flannery, Senior Director – Property Development, United Trust Bank, commented: “We’re very keen to increase our lending to experienced specialist developers of BTR, PBSA and Co-living accommodation and I am delighted UTB is funding this exciting BTR scheme for Lotus Living. Raj and the team have created an outstanding portfolio of attractive homes in sought after locations, and at the same time established a reputation as an excellent landlord. Bellerive House will provide a great place to live in a vibrant area of London, and I look forward to UTB supporting many more successful Lotus Living schemes in the future.” Rajiv Nehru, CEO – Lotus Living, commented: “Paul and the wider UTB property development team have been a pleasure to work with. It’s clear that they share our vision and commitment to creating high-quality, affordable rental homes designed to meet the diverse needs of Londoners. When completed early next year, Bellerive House will provide attractive, well-connected and comfortable homes, conveniently located in the heart of Docklands, just a few minutes from Central London and City Airport.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Abloy UK and HKC showcase digital security innovation at The Security Event 2025

Abloy UK and HKC showcase digital security innovation at The Security Event 2025

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

Abloy UK and HKC successfully showcased their market-leading digital access solutions and intelligent intruder alarm systems at The Security Event 2025, held at the NEC Birmingham. The three-day exhibition attracted thousands of security professionals from across the UK, Ireland, and beyond to explore the latest innovations in security and smart building management. With the growing convergence of physical security and digital technologies, the event provided an ideal platform for Abloy and HKC to demonstrate how their integrated systems support safer, smarter, and more sustainable buildings. Visitors to the stand engaged with live product demos, received expert insights, and explored how to adopt digital connected systems with confidence. Pip Courcoux, Technical and Product Director at Abloy UK, commented: “As buildings become smarter and the demand for seamless, secure movement increases, digital access is no longer a luxury – it’s essential. “Buildings are rapidly becoming digital environments, and access control plays a key role in enabling that transformation. From commercial offices to critical infrastructure, the need for flexible and scalable access management is growing rapidly. “We were delighted to connect with customers, consultants, and industry leaders at The Security Event 2025 to share how our solutions – including PROTEC2 CLIQ and PRIMO – can support their journey to smarter, more secure, and more sustainable operations.” Abloy UK’s portfolio on display included its comprehensive range of electromechanical and wireless locking systems, software platforms for access management, and cloud-based solutions that enable secure, real-time control of doors, cabinets, and gates – even in remote or high-risk environments. Damian Lloyd, Marketing Lead at HKC, echoed this, highlighting the rapid evolution of intruder detection systems in the digital age: “Over the past decade, the security landscape has undergone a major transformation – driven in large part by the evolution of intruder alarm connectivity. “Technological advancements have reshaped industry attitudes, prompting a shift in how alarm systems are designed, installed, and maintained. Modern alarm systems are now smarter, more integrated, and significantly more reliable than earlier generations. Innovations in wireless communication, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have all contributed to this progress. “These technologies have ushered in a new era, enabling real-time insights, effortless remote access, and a greatly enhanced user experience. The Security Event was the ideal opportunity for us to discuss this topic with visitors face-to-face, demonstrating how our HKC solutions can be tailored for residential, commercial, and vertical specific environments.” HKC’s stand featured its latest range of intruder alarm panels, wireless sensors, app-controlled systems, and cloud management tools – all designed with installers and end-users in mind. The company’s integrated approach aligns with today’s demand for security systems that not only detect but also deter and inform. Both Abloy UK and HKC are part of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in access solutions, and their participation in The Security Event 2025 demonstrates the group’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and future-ready technology. For more information on HKC Security, please visit: hkcsecurity.com For further information on Abloy UK, visit https://bit.ly/4hN2iOO, call 01902 364 500, or email info@abloy.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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HelloParks to Deliver Two New Warehouse Halls North and West of Budapest – Expanding Domestic Supply by 88,000 sqm

HelloParks to Deliver Two New Warehouse Halls North and West of Budapest – Expanding Domestic Supply by 88,000 sqm

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

HelloParks has commenced construction of two new sustainable industrial and logistics facilities in Fót and Páty (North and West of Budapest), adding over 88,000 sqm of space to its domestic development pipeline. Upon completion, the company will operate a total of 11 buildings across its megapark network by the end of the year. These developments directly respond to robust market demand, with warehouses at both sites operating near full capacity. The new buildings are designed to meet the highest sustainability standards—complying with the Outstanding rating criteria under the BREEAM New Construction certification and the stringent requirements of the EU Taxonomy. Construction has begun on the fourth facility (PT5) in the Páty HelloParks Budapest West megapark. The structural works are complete, and concrete flooring will soon be poured. Completion is scheduled for Q3 2025. Once finished, this 42,000 sqm BigBox warehouse will bring the total completed industrial space in Páty to 184,000 sqm. Existing facilities in the park currently enjoy an 84% occupancy rate, with tenants including prominent global logistics and transportation providers such as dm-Drogerie Markt, DHL, Gebrüder Weiss, and Transdanubia. Strategically situated in the western agglomeration of Budapest, the 87-hectare HelloParks Páty lies adjacent to the M1 motorway and close to the M0 and M7 junctions—making it an ideal hub for local, national, and international logistics. Meanwhile, work is advancing on the FT3 warehouse in Fót, HelloParks North, with groundwork underway and structural columns to be installed shortly. This 46,000 sqm BigBox facility is scheduled for completion by the end of the year, expanding the Fót megapark to four buildings totalling 164,000 sqm. Existing warehouses here are almost entirely let, with notable tenants including BYD and Samsung. Located in the northern vicinity of Budapest, adjacent to the M0 and M3 motorways, the 57-hectare Fót HelloParks Budapest North offers capacity for up to 254,000 sqm of industrial space. Notably, every building in the park has received EU Taxonomy certification—a unique achievement in Hungary. With the addition of these two new facilities, HelloParks will operate 11 buildings across its megaparks by year-end, spanning North, West, South and East of Budapest (Fót, Páty, Alsónémedi, and Maglód). All properties are constructed in alignment with BREEAM sustainability standards and EU Taxonomy criteria, offering tenants environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and future-proof spaces. Only 3% of buildings worldwide achieve BREEAM’s Outstanding rating. HelloParks is the sole developer in Hungary that consistently meets these rigorous benchmarks. Five of its buildings have received the Outstanding certificate, with two more achieving the Excellent rating. As regulatory pressures increase, sustainable facilities are increasingly crucial to occupiers in meeting their ESG objectives. “Our development pace is dictated by market demand. Occupancy rates clearly show the continued strong interest in well-located, modern industrial properties. We aim to respond swiftly and strategically while ensuring that every new building meets the strictest sustainability standards. It’s not enough to simply add capacity – we’re committed to creating spaces where our partners can operate long-term under optimal, energy-efficient conditions,” said Rudolf Nemes, CEO of HelloParks. Both warehouses under construction will feature heat pump-based heating and cooling systems and rooftop solar panels that can reduce office areas’ primary grid energy consumption to zero. Each facility will be equipped with advanced building management systems (BMS) that optimise heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical and water infrastructure capable of detecting and preventing leaks. Tenants will also benefit from HelloParks’ proprietary mobile application, which integrates with the parks’ building control systems, enabling remote management of rented areas. Users can adjust heating, ventilation, and lighting settings, monitor utility usage, and access detailed technical data for their leased units. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Morson Group announced as the headline sponsor for the new Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025

Morson Group announced as the headline sponsor for the new Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

Morson Group has joined this year’s Big Construction Diversity Challenge as its Headline Sponsor. The company, which has built on its 55+ year history in recruitment to develop engineering, consultancy, training services and more across the UK, US and Canada, says it’s delighted to offer its support to the BCDC in this, its inaugural year. The Big Construction Diversity Challenge aims to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across the construction sector. It also supports the importance of EDI and how inclusivity can be tackled collaboratively and collectively to create stronger cultures and broader empathy. The event promotes inclusive practices and highlights the benefits to be gained from them. Gary Smithson, Director for Morson Group, says, “Morson Group is supporting The Big Construction Diversity Challenge to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion within the construction industry. “As a leading technical recruitment company, we recognise that fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for driving innovation and achieving sustainable success. In an increasingly competitive skills market, employers need to focus on widening talent pools rather than limiting the number of applicants. By participating in this event, we aim to showcase the positive impact that diverse teams have on business performance and encourage collaborative efforts in creating inclusive workplace cultures. “Allied with our work with the Big Rail Diversity Challenge and our continued involvement in engaging students from diverse backgrounds in STEM subjects as part of our STEM Foundation, we committed to highlighting pathways and expanding inclusion across the sectors in which we operate.” Organised by multi-media specialists Nimble Media Ltd, the 2025 BCDC will be held at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire, on Friday, June 27. Like its sister events, The Big Rail Diversity Challenge and The Big Logistics Diversity Challenge, it will feature a collection of physical and mental team tests and keynote speeches from industry influencers. It is an opportunity for organisations within the industry to share best practices, network, and help shape a more inclusive sector. It also recognises and rewards employees with a fun and entertaining day. Vicky Binley, Nimble Media Ltd Director, says: “The success of our previous events has been shown by how much they have grown and how much they are anticipated each year by their respective industries. “We are truly excited to extend them to the construction industry so that it too can enjoy what is a fantastic, action-packed day, carrying the key message that an inclusive culture breaks down barriers and reaps rewards for everyone.” BCDC 2025 will also raise funds for CRASH, a charity founded in 1996 that helps homeless charities and hospices with vital construction projects. CRASH brings together companies and their professional expertise to help renovate and refurbish hospices, hostels, and day centres, improving not only the buildings and their environments but also the quality of life for those who need them. For more information about getting involved in The Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025 or to support the event, call to speak to a member of the Nimble Media team on 01780 432930 or email bigconstruction@nimblemedia.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Improving compliance and safety remains the top priority for FM industry, new survey reveals

Improving compliance and safety remains the top priority for FM industry, new survey reveals

Kenneth Booth April 16, 2025

New data reveals that the industry’s biggest challenges are budget constraints, under-staffing, and barriers to technology adoption According to a recent survey, improving compliance and safety continues to be the number one priority for facilities management professionals. However, 14% of respondents expressed uncertainty about meeting building maintenance compliance standards, while only 23% plan to increase their investment in compliance and safety measures. SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance, surveyed 190 professionals from various roles across the built environment, construction and real estate to assess challenges and priorities regarding facility management. The survey reveals that while the industry faces significant pressure, professionals are focused on innovation and improvement, with clear priorities and strategies for 2025. Compliance and safety as top priority The survey reveals that improving compliance and safety remains the top priority for facilities management professionals. A significant 77% of respondents reported compliance to be at least a moderate challenge, reflecting the ongoing issue of meeting complex regulatory requirements.  Budget constraints and cost reduction Budget constraints are currently the biggest challenge in the industry, as reported by 75% of respondents. At the same time, reducing operational costs is the second biggest priority for FM professionals. Rising energy costs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions all make it increasingly difficult to deliver quality and cost-efficient services within tight budgets. As organisations strive to meet compliance demands and implement essential safety measures, 40% report a budget decrease over the past year, with 13% citing a significant reduction. 69% of facilities management professionals have the same or less budget than the previous year. Meanwhile, staffing shortages are widening the talent gap in facilities management, with 80% of professionals reporting their facility management teams are understaffed, and 24% stating they are significantly understaffed. Technology adoption  Digital transformation has become a core focus within the FM industry, as organisations seek to lever technology to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance compliance. 53% of respondents rated digital transformation as a ‘highly important’ strategic priority for their organisation.  However, high costs remain a major obstacle to technology adoption in facilities management, with 33% stating it as their main barrier. Many facility management teams work under tight budget constraints, making large-scale investment in digital advancements a struggle. Other challenges revealed were: integration with existing systems (19%), a lack of internal expertise (16%), and a resistance to change within the organisation (17%). Kirsty Cogan, Managing Director at SFG20, says: “As the facilities management industry evolves, improving the quality of asset data, achieving compliance, and controlling costs will be the key priorities in 2025. The survey findings highlight the significant pressures faced by professionals in the sector but also show how they are driving change and innovation to address these challenges. “It’s encouraging to see the industry increasingly prioritising technology as a vital tool for achieving compliance and reducing operating costs. To overcome the significant challenges facing the sector, technology must play a central role. Recognising this, SFG20 are incorporating technologies such as AI search and asset mapping into our software and developing API integrations to assist industry with FM systems connectivity. A great way to start is to build a technology roadmap that is aligned to your organisation’s objectives” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Plans for the first office building at Brabazon follow start of construction on new train station

Plans for the first office building at Brabazon follow start of construction on new train station

Kenneth Booth April 15, 2025

YTL Developments has now submitted a planning application for a landmark Grade-A office building that will be the gateway to Brabazon, located next to the new train station.  The new eight-storey office development will be the first permanent commercial space at Brabazon and marks the first step in delivering a business address like no other in North Bristol. Designed by AHR Architects, it will deliver the Grade-A office specification businesses need, as well as the amenities and connectivity that their high-skilled staff expect.  At a time when there is a shortage of new commercial buildings in Bristol city centre, Brabazon will now offer the same quality space occupiers would expect from a prime urban location. The new offices will meet modern sustainability standards, targeting EPC A rating, BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5* ratings as well as WiredScore Platinum certification for connectivity.  But unlike Aztec West or other dedicated business parks, Brabazon is also a more accessible location. Not only is the new building located immediately above the new station, but it will also actually house a ticket office, making it just the third in the region after Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway to be staffed.  “The start of construction on the new station at Brabazon earlier this month is a game changer for North Bristol.   “At a time when Central Bristol is struggling to meet demand for top-quality commercial space, now city centre occupiers have a genuine and sustainable alternative. Brabazon will offer all the advantages of the city centre and amazing road access to the M4 and M5, but none of the compromises of traditional uninspiring, car-dependent business parks.  “The first new Grade A office space at Brabazon is a landmark moment for the new neighbourhood. Located next to the new train station at Brabazon, it will provide the area’s world-leading commercial cluster with the space, connectivity and opportunity to grow and expand.”  The new train station will connect to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes, providing easy access to the Ministry of Defence at Filton Abbey Wood and to Bristol University’s new Temple Quarter Campus.  In addition, the thousands of staff working at engineering, aviation and technology companies like Airbus, GKN and Rolls-Royce, will now be able to take the train to work from Lawrence Hill, Stapleton Road and Ashley Down. The University of the West of England’s Frenchay Campus is also less than 1.5 miles away from the new station and office, while the M4 MetroBus will connect directly to Bristol Parkway station.   Alongside the connectivity, it will also offer employees all the amenities that they would expect of city centre office space. There will be a retail dining space on the ground floor for food, spilling out onto the public square that will be the gateway to the new neighbourhood. 107 cycle spaces and shower facilities will encourage office staff to walk, run or cycle to work. And with the new Arena coming soon, the offices at Brabazon will offer all the lifestyle advantages needed to attract and retain high-skilled talent.  This new landmark will comprise 123,330 square feet of Grade A office space in total, located in the heart of North Bristol’s world-leading commercial cluster, where approximately 48,000 people work in high-value manufacturing, life science and technology industries. Up to 800 people are expected to work in the building when it is fully occupied. Typical floor plates measure 13,190 sq ft of net useable space, with the ability to subdivide space into a number of different combinations.  YTL Developments has submitted a planning application for the new office building at Brabazon this week. Subject to planning approval, construction would be undertaken by the YTL Group’s in-house contracting firm – YTL Construction UK – and is expected to complete in early 2028.   The new commercial buildings are part of YTL Developments’s approved masterplan for Brabazon, which includes over 6,500 new homes, 2,000 beds of student accommodation, and 86 acres of public squares, parks and playing fields. The 3.7m square feet of commercial space will support up to 30,000 jobs, while over £100 million is being invested in sustainable transport infrastructure.  Brabazon is already established as one of the best new residential addresses in the West Country. The largest dedicated student accommodation project in the region is currently under construction, while the innovative Boxworks container-based workspace studios are already incubating a new generation of early-stage and start-up businesses.  The announcement of the first permanent commercial space at Brabazon is the next stage in the evolution of this award-winning new city district into a thriving new neighbourhood for Bristol.   Adam Spall at AHR Architects said:  “This new first office building at Brabazon makes a bold statement. It sets a new standard for sustainable design that aligns with the environmental goals of a modern business. The thoughtfully designed ground floor seamlessly blends the private office space with the station entrance, publicly accessible cafe and vibrant public square.  “Offering cutting edge amenities, rail connectivity and an inspiring workplace environment, the new building will provide businesses with everything they need to attract the next generation of talent to Bristol.”  Visit Brabazon.co.uk to learn more about Station Office building. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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