British Land has appointed Bam to lead a £100m transformation of Broadgate Tower, a landmark office building near Liverpool Street in London. The project will see the addition of a three-storey extension, including a 6,200 sq ft terrace at the front of the building. Tower floors and Broadgate Plaza will
Following its 5-mile drive underneath the capital, HS2 lifted Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Sushila’ out of the ground at the Green Park Way site in Greenford, West London. The cutterhead, front and middle shield, weighting 850 tonnes, were lifted from the vent shaft in one piece on Saturday, March 15, using a
A fast-growing Midlands construction consultancy has been appointed to support a prestigious £5.8 million state-of-the-art Porsche centre in the West Country. Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to provide quantity surveying and employers agent services to the creation of a cutting edge new Porsche dealership in Exeter. The
Cadogan announces the first retail tenants at The Gaumont, a landmark £235 million development, and the creation of its ‘creative quarter’. The new retail signings are independent businesses New Forms, BookBar and Art Play, bringing an exciting blend of art, music, and literature to the King’s Road, enhancing the area’s cultural vibrancy and continued legacy
RED Construction Group has announced the completion of 21-25 Bruton Place, with the specialist main contractor’s Special Projects division delivering the project on behalf of Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM). The Special Projects team delivered a considered conversion of three existing mews properties covering 15,000 sq ft, into a unified
Finning has used Cat® VisionLink technology to deliver significant reductions in idle time and increased profitability for Jennings BCE. As part of the broader shift towards advanced telematics software in the construction industry, VisionLink is a cloud-based fleet management solution that allows operators and business owners to view data including
Japanese fashion retailer UNIQLO is expanding its UK presence with the launch of its first Midlands store at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre. Spanning 20,000 sq ft across three floors, the new store will feature a trading space of 11,840 sq ft, offering UNIQLO’s full range of men’s, women’s, and children’s
Two property and energy experts have today launched Hertford Birch, a specialist energy commercialisation consultancy. Co-founded by Richard Price and Ben Smith, the firm aims to provide strategic advice and brokerage services to help landlords and operators commercialise power across their assets. Operating across the UK, Hertford Birch will act
British Land has gained planning approval for a major £600 million transformation of Euston Tower, a 1960s skyscraper in London, into a cutting-edge life sciences and workspace hub. The ambitious project, designed by 3XN, will deliver 560,000 square feet of high-quality office space, alongside improved public areas and expanded amenities.
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has officially commenced construction on a Distribution Centre for leading retailer, TJ Morris Ltd, at the Unity Yorkshire development in Doncaster. The new Distribution Centre will play a crucial role in the region’s industrial expansion, bringing 1000 new jobs and opportunities to Doncaster and the
British Land has appointed Bam to lead a £100m transformation of Broadgate Tower, a landmark office building near Liverpool Street in London. The project will see the addition of a three-storey extension, including a 6,200 sq ft terrace at the front of the building. Tower floors and Broadgate Plaza will also undergo significant refurbishment, with the scheme expected to complete by late 2026. Originally built in 2008, the 34-storey tower is set for a major refresh aimed at enhancing workspaces while improving environmental performance. The redevelopment is targeting top sustainability certifications, including BREEAM Outstanding, an EPC A rating, and WELL certification pre-conditions. Circular economy principles will be applied to reduce embodied carbon, featuring a hybrid pavilion structure incorporating reused steelwork and cross-laminated timber. Kim Sides, construction director at Bam, commented: “With this upgrade, Broadgate Tower will become one of London’s most desirable office destinations, offering flexible, modern workspaces with outstanding facilities. We are thrilled to work with British Land to bring its sustainability vision to life, delivering long-term value for businesses and communities.” David Lockyer, head of development at British Land, added: “We are excited to be repositioning Broadgate Tower, creating high-quality, sustainable office space that meets the evolving needs of today’s occupiers. This project, following our commitment to 2 Finsbury Avenue last year, marks another key milestone for Broadgate and the City as we deliver sought-after modern office space in a competitive market.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following its 5-mile drive underneath the capital, HS2 lifted Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Sushila’ out of the ground at the Green Park Way site in Greenford, West London. The cutterhead, front and middle shield, weighting 850 tonnes, were lifted from the vent shaft in one piece on Saturday, March 15, using a 750 tonne gantry crane. The TBM – with a cutterhead spanning 9.48 metres in diameter – was launched from West Ruislip in October 2022 and completed its journey in December 2024. TBM Sushila excavated over 1.2 million tonnes of earth and installed 4,217 tunnel rings. TBM Sushila was used to construct part of the Northolt Tunnel – an 8.4-mile tunnel being built by four TBMs which will take HS2 trains from Old Oak Common Station to the outskirts of the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A fast-growing Midlands construction consultancy has been appointed to support a prestigious £5.8 million state-of-the-art Porsche centre in the West Country. Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to provide quantity surveying and employers agent services to the creation of a cutting edge new Porsche dealership in Exeter. The development, in Matford Park Road, includes the demolition of an existing dealership, a new large vehicle showroom, new high quality workshop areas, servicing and testing bays and a wet and dry valeting building . The development also includes drainage and civils installation, landscaping and extensive parking areas. The project is due for completion early next year. TCC has been involved since the initial project feasibility stage. As employers agents, TCC will have responsibility for acting on behalf of Ryland Automotive and Dealership Developments Ltd to see the project through to completion. TCC director Gareth Powell said, “We are delighted to have been appointed to this prestigious project which involves combining premium design and advanced technology into a space which embodies the Porsche brand and reflects Porsche’s high status and luxury.” TCC has a wealth of experience across public and private sectors including industrial, commercial, retail, leisure, care and residential projects. Headquartered in Bennett’s Hill, TCC is a multi-disciplined consultancy providing specialist project management, quantity-surveying, employers agent, building surveying and health and safety services to a wide range of sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cadogan announces the first retail tenants at The Gaumont, a landmark £235 million development, and the creation of its ‘creative quarter’. The new retail signings are independent businesses New Forms, BookBar and Art Play, bringing an exciting blend of art, music, and literature to the King’s Road, enhancing the area’s cultural vibrancy and continued legacy as a hub for creative innovation. All are set to open in late spring 2025. This marks the first phase of openings for The Gaumont, a 220,000 sq. ft mixed-use building, delivering Cadogan’s long-term vision to create a new commercial and cultural anchor for the King’s Road. It features flagship retail, a revitalised independent cinema, creative and office spaces, hospitality venues including a rooftop bar with panoramic views and pub theatre, and a significant public art installation by internationally acclaimed artist Shezad Dawood. A new destination is taking shape as part of this development, focused on its return elevation along Chelsea Manor Street. Curated in response to community feedback, which highlighted a resounding call for more independents focused on the arts, music, and literature, a cluster of subsidised small spaces have been dedicated to nurturing young creative enterprises. The initial signings are: BookBar will take a 1,242 sq. ft unit for its independent bookshop, wine, and coffee bar, cultivating a vibrant literary scene through author talks, book clubs, and events, while also providing a welcoming space for late night browsing and drinking four days a week. New Forms will occupy 1,045 sq. ft as a vinyl café and boutique record shop curated by the team behind Next Door Records. It will serve as a hub for vinyl culture and social connection, while also featuring a music-led bar that regularly hosts events and collaborations with artists and musicians. Art Play will initially establish itself at 20a Chelsea Manor Street before relocating to a larger 2,200 sq. ft space at 5 Chelsea Manor Street. Originally founded in Shoreditch, Art Play’s Chelsea expansion will offer a dynamic space for artists and art lovers alike. With an emphasis on creative engagement, it will provide workshops, exhibitions, and a collaborative environment for the local art community. Hugh Seaborn, CEO at Cadogan, said: “The Gaumont is a new landmark that celebrates the community, heritage, and artistic spirit of Chelsea. From the outset, we have collaborated closely with local residents to shape a development that reflects their vision, celebrating Chelsea’s cultural heritage, while supporting its thriving creative scene. Welcoming BookBar, New Forms, and Art Play will establish Chelsea Manor Street as a dynamic day-to-night destination for both locals and visitors. We look forward to seeing these businesses thrive and contribute to the continued evolution of King’s Road as a world-class cultural and retail destination.” Chelsea Manor Street’s creative quarter will strengthen the King’s Road’s reputation as a place where creators, innovators, and artists can flourish. With a strong emphasis on independent, community-driven offerings, these occupiers mark an exciting step toward the evolution of a new cultural landmark in Chelsea. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group has announced the completion of 21-25 Bruton Place, with the specialist main contractor’s Special Projects division delivering the project on behalf of Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM). The Special Projects team delivered a considered conversion of three existing mews properties covering 15,000 sq ft, into a unified building designed for commercial and office use, linked to Mayfair’s renowned Berkeley Square. The refurbishment involved the removal of existing structural roof and floor slabs, the retention of the front and rear façades, the construction of an external terrace, and the internal installation of a new steel frame alongside an additional Glulam / CLT single storey extension at roof level. A sustainable and innovative approach to the works focused on retaining the architectural character of the area while introducing modern design elements and performance. The project completion follows BEAM’s appointment of RED Construction Group on another of its schemes in the capital, to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of 8 Lancelot Place in Knightsbridge while the building remains occupied. The 35,000 sq ft prominent office development is located at the corner of 8 Lancelot Place and 70 Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, opposite the Grade II listed department store, Harrods. Nathan Farrar, Managing Director of RED Special Projects, commented: “Our work on Bruton Place is a great example of Special Projects’ bread and butter. The more complex developments that require specific expertise like this are where our specialism sits, with Bruton Place proving that great outcomes can be delivered for logistically challenging sites. Not only have we completed the works to a high specification, but we have also been appointed by BEAM on the refurbishment of Knightsbridge’s 8 Lancelot Place as a result of the client’s satisfaction in what we deliver.” Alex Rich at BEAM, added: “Bruton Place’s unique requirements meant that we needed a construction team that understood and could deliver the quality expected of such a distinct historic location. We are so proud of what has been achieved here together and have been particularly impressed by the RED Special Projects team’s ability to overcome the challenges of such a structurally complex refurbishment.” The completion of Bruton Place follows the news that RED Construction Group’s South West division has completed works of the 4-star Zeal Hotel at Exeter Science Park, finalising the construction of the UK’s first Net Zero hotel for operational carbon without offsetting. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finning has used Cat® VisionLink technology to deliver significant reductions in idle time and increased profitability for Jennings BCE. As part of the broader shift towards advanced telematics software in the construction industry, VisionLink is a cloud-based fleet management solution that allows operators and business owners to view data including operating hours, geographical and performance metrics. Having worked with Jennings Building and Civil Engineering Contractors for over 25 years Finning, the world’s largest dealer of Catmachinery, parts and aftermarket services, identified the challenges impacting the company’s operational costs and provided solutions to increase profitability. North Wales based Jennings BCE has over 40 years’ experience in building, civil engineering, groundwork and rock armour, and manages projects across Wales, Northwest England and the Midlands. To remain competitive, profitable and sustainable the company recently invested in the VisionLink technology on the recommendation of experts at Finning. Iwan Jenkins, Sales Representative at Finning UK and Ireland said: “Proper fleet management is key to ensuring efficiency and profitably to companies such as Jennings BCE, and VisionLinkoffers accurate real-time insights to allow businesses to enhance their operations. “For instance, during our work with Jennings BCE we saw that one of their machines was pulling in data demonstrating the machine was idling 71% of the time. We worked with the team at Jennings to reveal how VisionLinkcould tackle things like idle time by sending real-time alerts and performance data to allow their team to address challenges as they occur.” Danny Jones Managing Director at Jennings BCE said: “We have worked with Finning to introduce VisionLink to half of our fleet and are already seeing the benefits of the technology. By identifying and addressing non-productive idle events we have not only cut fuel usage and emissions, but because of the increase in efficiency we have also seen an increase in overall profitability. “VisionLink is designed to optimise a fleet and isn’t just for reducing idle time, we have found it invaluable when it comes to real-time monitoring, fuel efficiency analysis and maintenance scheduling which all work towards ensuring our machines are working to their true capacity. “As a company we are focused on innovation and providing consistent, high-quality service to our customers. We feel the most recent investment with Finning bolsters our innovative offering and has allowed us to maximise fleet efficiency and boost our overall profitability.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Japanese fashion retailer UNIQLO is expanding its UK presence with the launch of its first Midlands store at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre. Spanning 20,000 sq ft across three floors, the new store will feature a trading space of 11,840 sq ft, offering UNIQLO’s full range of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. The Birmingham opening marks a major step in UNIQLO’s regional expansion strategy, aligning with the city’s dynamic and fashion-conscious demographic. Paul O’Brien, director of leasing and commercialisation at Bullring’s owner Hammerson, commented: “Bullring continues to attract leading global brands looking for a flagship presence in the region. UNIQLO’s arrival reinforces the centre’s status as the Midlands’ premier retail destination, complementing its diverse line-up of top fashion and lifestyle names.” Alessandro Dudech, chief operating officer of UNIQLO UK, added: “We are committed to growing our presence across the UK, both through physical stores and e-commerce. Bringing UNIQLO to the Midlands is a key milestone for us, and Birmingham’s Bullring—at the heart of the UK’s second city—is the perfect location.” UNIQLO joins a wave of investment at Bullring, following the recent openings of Zara’s 51,000 sq ft flagship store, Sephora’s Midlands debut, and PURESEOUL’s second store outside London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two property and energy experts have today launched Hertford Birch, a specialist energy commercialisation consultancy. Co-founded by Richard Price and Ben Smith, the firm aims to provide strategic advice and brokerage services to help landlords and operators commercialise power across their assets. Operating across the UK, Hertford Birch will act as a delivery partner for electric vehicle (EV) charging projects and energy deals, looking to capture the unrealised potential for income generation from energy in commercial spaces. The group will also act as a strategic advisor to landlords, offering advice on supply challenges with the aim of minimising risks for new and existing sites across the country. Backed by investment firm Spire Ventures, the founding team have over 20 years of collective experience serving major institutions and landlords across retail, leisure, and commercial assets. The pair also have first hand operational experience of working with UK-based EV charging operators, including Ospreys, Connected Kerb, and most recently, Syzygy. Richard Price said: “Demand for EV and energy infrastructure is far outpacing supply and this is true across all commercial asset types, presenting a prime opportunity for landlords and asset managers to secure attractive, long-term revenue streams from power. The market potential is huge, and we’re seeing unprecedented demand from landlords to help them navigate the complexities of pricing, process and operational challenges to integrate energy assets into their portfolios on deals that deliver stable, risk-mitigated income “In real estate terms, the energy deals that we’re able to secure today for unrentalised car parking bays can provide rental income consistent with, if not outperforming, that of a traditional F&B deal on the same site – and with significantly less risk and minimal capital contribution.” Ben Smith added: “Landlords face hugely complex challenges in managing their energy assets and minimising connectivity or capacity risks. The energy supply gap is growing steadily as record numbers of organisations are engaging with the grid to secure power connections; struggling to keep up with demand for energisation projects across the UK, the grid connection queue can mean a 10 year wait. “Securing reliable capacity with clarity on connection dates is today as critical to project timelines and feasibility as any other part of the construction or asset management programme. Working with private networks is an opportunity to significantly reduce operational cost and carbon footprint, as our clients look to us to help expedite the energisation of assets and optimise their energy infrastructure.” Hertford Birch is currently instructed on EV Charging and Private Networks commercialisation projects on behalf of institutional landlords, REITs, occupiers and private capital investors across retail parks, shopping centres and leisure assets, MSPs and industrial, logistics, and commercial workspace sites UK-wide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land has gained planning approval for a major £600 million transformation of Euston Tower, a 1960s skyscraper in London, into a cutting-edge life sciences and workspace hub. The ambitious project, designed by 3XN, will deliver 560,000 square feet of high-quality office space, alongside improved public areas and expanded amenities. With redesigned 19,000-square-foot floor plates, the scheme aims to cater to the evolving demands of modern businesses. Following concerns over sustainability, British Land revised its initial proposals last year, focusing on a more environmentally conscious approach. The approved plans will involve partial demolition and retrofitting, preserving the building’s central core and foundations while dismantling the façade and floor slabs. This method retains 31% of the original structure, reducing environmental impact. The redeveloped 31-storey tower will feature 4,000 square feet of restaurant and café space, alongside 8,000 square feet dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovation initiatives. The site, located within British Land’s Regent’s Place campus, will operate on an all-electric system and target a BREEAM Outstanding rating for sustainability. Camden Council granted approval for the scheme during a planning committee meeting on 20 March, with a final decision still required from the Mayor of London. David Lockyer, head of development at British Land, commented: “We are delighted to receive planning consent for this incredible scheme – the first West End tower in a generation, and likely to be the last. This world-class building will provide space for the UK’s greatest minds to turn research into real-world solutions. “The tower is ideally located at our Regent’s Place campus, where the Knowledge Quarter meets the West End, offering businesses access to a thriving ecosystem of academic and research institutions stretching from Harley Street to King’s Cross.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has officially commenced construction on a Distribution Centre for leading retailer, TJ Morris Ltd, at the Unity Yorkshire development in Doncaster. The new Distribution Centre will play a crucial role in the region’s industrial expansion, bringing 1000 new jobs and opportunities to Doncaster and the region. Unity Yorkshire is a flagship mixed-use regeneration project, transforming the area into a thriving business and employment hub, set within a sustainable mixed use flagship development. Strategically located directly off Junction 5 of the M18/M180 motorway interchange, the scheme benefits from excellent transport links and infrastructure which enables occupiers such as TJ Morris to further enhance their supply chain efficiency and reinforce their commitment to nationwide customer service The new circa 1 million sq. ft facility, located at Unity Connect, will consist of a fully automated distribution hub, with a 43-metre-high bay and significant low bay and cold storage areas, designed to support TJ Morris’ expansion plans. The groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone in the expansion of T J Morris’ national distribution network. The event was attended by Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, and representatives from City of Doncaster Council and Business Doncaster, Waystone Hargreaves Land, Atkins Realis, some of the logistics and automation team for TJ Morris and McLaren Construction Midlands and North – symbolising a collaborative effort in driving economic growth and investment in the region. Construction is set to progress rapidly, with completion scheduled for October 2026. Upon completion, the facility will hand over to Witron for installation of automated picking equipment, The site will be highly automated and will service 300+ Home Bargains stores by mid 2028.. McLaren Construction, a leading UK contractor renowned for delivering high-quality, large-scale industrial and commercial projects, is proud to partner with TJ Morris Ltd and developer – Waystone Hargreaves Land, to bring this ambitious project to life. Speaking at the event, Stuart Goss, Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are thrilled to break ground on this major project for TJ Morris Ltd. This development is a testament to our expertise in delivering high-specification logistics facilities that drive business growth and regional economic development.” Neil Kelson, Head of Logisitics at TJ Morris added: “The new Distribution Centre represents a key step in our logistics strategy, enabling us to serve our customers more efficiently and support our expansion plans while creating significant employment opportunities for the local community.” Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, added; “Today marks a milestone for the local area and wider City of Doncaster as we break ground on this state-of-the-art Distribution Centre. “This new addition to the Unity Yorkshire development not only strengthens our local community but also creates new, well-paid jobs for our residents. This is just the start of such a transformational development and is testament to our city’s growth and commitment to building a brighter future for all.” Helen McLoughlin, Director at Waystone Hargreaves LLP, said: “This is a tremendously exciting moment for everyone connected with the development of Unity. TJ Morris quickly identified the many benefits that Unity has to offer as a strategic location, so we are thrilled that they are commencing work on-site. This will be a landmark building which will well and truly put Unity Yorkshire on the map, and we look forward to seeing construction progress in the months ahead.” The Unity Yorkshire development supports a bespoke Employment Academy, an initiative funded by Waystone Hargreaves Land and delivered in partnership with Business Doncaster to support businesses and employees located on site to assist with their recruitment and training needs and promote all available employment opportunities to Doncaster residents and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
