A powerhouse delegation, headed by the Government’s Lisa Nandy MP (Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), visited Everton Stadium during the Labour party’s annual conference in Liverpool. Ms Nandy, the MP for Wigan, was accompanied on the tour of the Club’s new waterfront home by Steve Rotheram,
GRAHAM has been awarded the next phase of key infrastructure works to create the eastern access into the Western Growth Corridor development for City of Lincoln Council. Leading on the design and construction, works include, the new bridge crossing Tritton Road across the existing railway line, a new signalised junction
The management team has successfully completed a buyout at leading workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, Blueprint Interiors. Rachel Biddles and Chloe Sproston have taken ownership of the business, which will see chairman and founder Rob Day take a step towards retirement and his passion for community-led projects for
Harron Homes has introduced its enhanced Homemover schemes designed to simplify the homebuying and selling process for househunters searching across Yorkshire and the North Midlands. The two schemes, Assisted Move and Part Exchange, provide practical solutions for customers looking to move into a new Harron home while avoiding the common
Star Platforms is delighted to announce its successful re-accreditation as an IPAF Rental+ company for the upcoming year. The company achieved an outstanding score of 98% during the comprehensive independent audit conducted at its Reading depot. IPAF Rental+ certification is a mark of excellence in the powered access industry, ensuring
CBRE, the global real estate advisory firm, is pleased to announce Tej Singh as the new head of its Southampton office. He takes on the role from 1st October 2024. Tej succeeds James Brounger, who will move to a new role focusing on client management and major pursuits across the
Workspace Design Show announces the theme of its 2025 edition: ‘Activate the Senses’; which will explore how multi-sensory, immersive environments aid wellbeing, productivity and engagement in the workplace. Workspace Design Show returns to the Business Design Centre from 26 – 27 February 2025 and it is a welcomed addition to
The main construction work on the first phase of Our Cultural Heart – Kirklees Council’s major regeneration scheme in Huddersfield town centre – is officially underway. Following the appointment of BAM as the principal contractor for this phase of work, core construction work began in earnest this week. This includes
Following what continues to be a constant evolution to the operational landscape for the commercial property sector, Propertymark Commercial Members continue to witness a reimagination and development of the sector in response to the rise of online retailers over the last ten years and the aftereffects of the Coronavirus pandemic.
In a significant step forward for the UK’s aspirations to be a ‘science superpower’, specialist investor, developer and operator for the science and innovation sector Mission Street and BGO, a leading global real estate investment manager, received planning consent to deliver a world-class 23-acre urban science district in central Cambridge.
A powerhouse delegation, headed by the Government’s Lisa Nandy MP (Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), visited Everton Stadium during the Labour party’s annual conference in Liverpool. Ms Nandy, the MP for Wigan, was accompanied on the tour of the Club’s new waterfront home by Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Andy Burham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Jade Botterill MP prior to their attendance at the conference, which is regarded as one of the biggest political gatherings in Europe. The political VIPs, along with senior Government civil servants and policy makers, were impressed to hear how advanced manufacturing, digital technology and assembly techniques had been utilised on this ‘once-in-a-generation’ development. Everton’s Interim CEO Colin Chong hosted the group with Laing O’ Rourke’s CEO Cathal O’Rourke, as they toured the stadium. As well as learning more about The Plaza, the refurbished Grade II Listed hydraulic tower and the Club’s steadfast commitment to accessibility, the delegation also learnt how more than £280m of social value had been created during the build. Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “Everton is a Club with a rich and proud history – this new stadium will play an important part in not only the club’s next chapter, but also the future of Liverpool City Region. “Both Andy and Steve have expressed the incredible contribution that Everton Football Club makes to the local community, and we absolutely share their excitement for the official opening in August 2025”. Everton Stadium, which has been under construction since the summer of 2021, is widely recognised as one of the largest single-site private sector developments in the country, contributing an estimated £1.3bn boost to the UK economy, creating tens of thousands of jobs and is estimated to attract 1.4m visitors to the city of Liverpool, annually. Colin Chong, Everton’s Interim CEO, said: “It was great to have to the opportunity of hosting the Secretary of State and Lisa’s Labour colleagues at Everton Stadium. “I’d like to thank Lisa, Steve, Andy, Jade and all the civil servants for taking the time out of their busy conference schedule to see this important development for themselves. “I know they were impressed with the stadium and how the Club’s Stadium Operations team and Laing O’Rourke have harnessed digital technologies and modern methods of construction to deliver a project of the highest quality. As the project nears completion, they also saw how transformative it will be for city as the Club’s ambitious plans continue to provide new opportunities, raise aspirations and create a lasting legacy.” Everton Stadium is due to be completed on schedule later this year and the Club is planning a series of test events early next year in anticipation of playing their first competitive fixture at the new waterfront home next August. Cathal O’Rourke, Group Chief Executive at Laing O’Rourke, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Secretary of State and Mayors of Liverpool and Manchester as well as their Labour colleagues to Everton Stadium to see the incredible progress our team is making. As a result of our manufacturing led approach to construction, in less than three and a half years we have gone from a water-filled dock to a world-class stadium that is now just months from completion. We are proud to be working with Everton on a project that is the catalyst for the regeneration of this part of north Liverpool, and which has created employment, training and educational opportunities for thousands of local people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM has been awarded the next phase of key infrastructure works to create the eastern access into the Western Growth Corridor development for City of Lincoln Council. Leading on the design and construction, works include, the new bridge crossing Tritton Road across the existing railway line, a new signalised junction on Tritton Road including modifications to the existing Dixon Street junction and enabling works. Discussing the award, Alastair Lewis GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “We’re delighted to be leading on the next phase of works for City of Lincoln Council. The new bridge and associated works will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the development of the surrounding area, enhancing connectivity while driving economic growth. Alastair added: “With works off the ground we’re looking forward to playing our part in this project and working collaboratively with the client and key stakeholders.” Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Western Growth Corridor is a key priority for our council, and the next phase of the development will be a crucial step toward achieving our future vision for the city. “This phase of development will fulfil our urban extension plans to improve our city’s sustainability and long-term growth for years to come. With plans to deliver thousands of new homes, Western Growth Corridor will play a transformative role in addressing Lincoln’s housing needs and driving economic prosperity for our local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The management team has successfully completed a buyout at leading workplace consultancy and commercial interior design firm, Blueprint Interiors. Rachel Biddles and Chloe Sproston have taken ownership of the business, which will see chairman and founder Rob Day take a step towards retirement and his passion for community-led projects for the company. Operations director Rachel Biddles and creative director Chloe Sproston have been with Blueprint Interiors for 22 and 19 years respectively, having played a significant part in its innovation and growth over the years. The new ownership marks a new chapter for the Ashby-based business – as it celebrates a record 12 months of trading and secures significant projects with household names in 2025. Set up by Rob 23 years ago, Blueprint Interiors continue to shape the future of workplace design, meeting the evolving needs of employer and employee. Rachel Biddles, said: “This has been three years in the planning and it’s wonderful to be able to share the news with the industry. While it’s a strategic move, it has felt a natural transition with Chloe and me being in the business for such a long time. “With a very busy order book and some big projects to announce in the coming months, there is plenty for Chloe and me to deliver and celebrate. This new ownership will enable us to continue to drive forward innovation and quality in workplace design, which is what Blueprint is known for.” Chloe Sproston, said: “Rob has passionately created a vibrant company with strong ethics and values. His success is significant and he has been a fantastic mentor to Rachel and me. “We have always had a clear sense of who we are at Blueprint, our expertise, and our desire to provide the best experience for our clients. We love this company and have always treated it as our own, so to now be a co-owner is incredibly rewarding. “I want to thank Rob for putting his trust in us to take things forward, and the dedicated team who Rachel and I will be working alongside in this next phase of organic growth and expansion.” Rob Day, said “As we celebrate 23 years in business and a number of recent talent acquisitions, we now also celebrate this exciting new chapter for Blueprint. “This has been a long time in the planning and I feel grateful and proud that Chloe and Rachel will now take the business forward. They have been instrumental in creating the company we have today so it couldn’t be in better hands. “Their commitment to Blueprint along with their ambition, vision and sheer talent, ensure the ongoing success of the company, providing clients with our unique services and nurturing the best team in the business. “Now is the perfect time to hand the reins over, whilst I’ll remain in my role as chairman and founder, as well as continuing to help drive our community and social value activities. There may also be some sailing on the horizon for me as I relish a little more free time! I wish Chloe, Rachel and the team the very best for the future and look forward to seeing their continued success.” Blueprint Interiors follow the WELL Building Standard; a universally recognised benchmark which puts mental wellbeing and emotional health as key considerations when creating productive workplaces. The Standard helps organisations to optimise their workplaces around the health and wellbeing of their people, which allows teams to be their very best selves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Harron Homes has introduced its enhanced Homemover schemes designed to simplify the homebuying and selling process for househunters searching across Yorkshire and the North Midlands. The two schemes, Assisted Move and Part Exchange, provide practical solutions for customers looking to move into a new Harron home while avoiding the common pitfalls of selling their current property. Assisted Move offers a tailored plan for homeowners who need to sell their current home before moving into their new one. First, Harron arranges valuations from three independent estate agents to provide a fair market value for the customer’s property. Then, they create a personalised marketing strategy to sell their property at the very best price. The customer’s property is kept on the market until it has sold, and Harron Homes’ knowledgeable sales experts remain on hand to assist with the sale through-out the entire process. Once the home has been sold, Harron pay the estate agent fees, and the customer can reserve their brand new and energy-efficient Harron home. The second Homemover scheme is Part Exchange, which is available only on selected properties. This process provides a guaranteed cash buyer for the current home, eliminating property chain delays and streamlining the transition into a new Harron home. “We are excited to offer these comprehensive Homemover schemes,” says Natalie Griffiths, Sales and Marketing Director for Harron Homes North Midlands. “Both the Assisted Move and Part Exchange schemes are designed to make the homebuying journey as seamless and stress-free as possible for our customers. One of the most daunting parts of buying a house is the struggle of having to sell your current property while meeting timelines and battling with property chains. With our Homemover schemes, the customer has expert support to ensure they sell their old house and move into their new Harron home at a pace that suits them.” For more information on Harron Homes’ Homemover schemes, please visit: https://www.harronhomes.com/purchasing-assistance/homemover-schemes/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Star Platforms is delighted to announce its successful re-accreditation as an IPAF Rental+ company for the upcoming year. The company achieved an outstanding score of 98% during the comprehensive independent audit conducted at its Reading depot. IPAF Rental+ certification is a mark of excellence in the powered access industry, ensuring that rental companies meet the highest standards in training, equipment inventory, and customer satisfaction. The audit, which this year focused on the Reading depot, confirms that Star Platforms consistently upholds these esteemed standards. Del Patterson, Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) Manager, Star Platforms, commented: “Achieving a 98% score in the IPAF Rental+ assessment is a fantastic accomplishment. This result reflects the dedication and hard work of every member of the Star Platforms team. The IPAF Rental+ accreditation highlights our commitment to providing top-quality platforms and exceptional support to our customers, while maintaining the highest safety and operational standards in the industry.” The IPAF Rental+ scheme, operated by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), identifies rental companies that excel in critical aspects of powered access operations. The certification process evaluates maintenance practices, training and safety records, environmental standards, and company policies and procedures. The IPAF Rental+ status assures customers of high standards throughout the Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) hire and rental process, confirming their choice of a company that adheres to rigorous health, safety, and quality standards. To maintain this accreditation, members must undergo an intense annual audit, ensuring a proactive approach to continual improvement. Steve Simmons, Joint Managing Director, Star Platforms, added: “Retaining the IPAF Rental+ certification is a testament to our relentless focus on quality and excellence. This re-accreditation not only affirms our commitment to industry-leading practices but also reinforces our position as a trusted partner in powered access solutions. We are proud of the team’s efforts and the standards we have set.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE, the global real estate advisory firm, is pleased to announce Tej Singh as the new head of its Southampton office. He takes on the role from 1st October 2024. Tej succeeds James Brounger, who will move to a new role focusing on client management and major pursuits across the South Coast, as well as continuing to support with the overall growth of the Midlands and South business. Tej joined CBRE Southampton in 2014, where he has worked with investors, developers, lenders, local authorities and occupiers across the UK and the south coast. He was promoted to Director in 2019. Tej said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Head of the Southampton office. The real estate market on the south coast has fantastic potential and I look forward to continuing to work with our talented colleagues across all services to deliver exceptional client outcomes.” James Brounger has led CBRE Southampton for 14 years and will remain based in Southampton, continuing to work with clients alongside his new role. He said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Southampton office and I am proud of all we have achieved. Tej has an impressive track record in the local market and with our clients, and I have no doubt he will be an outstanding successor.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Workspace Design Show announces the theme of its 2025 edition: ‘Activate the Senses’; which will explore how multi-sensory, immersive environments aid wellbeing, productivity and engagement in the workplace. Workspace Design Show returns to the Business Design Centre from 26 – 27 February 2025 and it is a welcomed addition to London’s design calendar, attended by the top architects, designers, occupiers, developers, consultants, coworking and fit-out companies. It is the event to explore workspace innovation, unveil the latest products, ignite your creative spark through thought-provoking talks and immersive programs. “Activate the Senses” invites attendees to embark on a journey of immersive experiences that stimulate all five senses. Guests will step into a space which showcases how each ‘sense’ has a profound impact on the mind, contributing to wellbeing, engagement and productivity. Comfort factors such as light, sound and temperature play a hugely important role in the design of the working environment. The same factors can also be divisive, if not careful considered throughout the design process, with every individual having different levels of tolerance, sensitivity and needs. From acoustics to lighting to aromas and textures, each element plays a central role in creating a multi-sensory workspace to enhance employee focus and wellbeing. As we embrace technological advancements and invest in new design approaches, the understanding of how external influences affect everyone becomes increasingly more apparent. ‘Activate the Senses’ explores what this means for the future of workplaces and the people working within. “With the industry being at such a pivotal point of change we are looking to gain a deeper understanding of how, through research and knowledge, technological innovations can benefit the workplace environment. We are all becoming increasingly more in tune with our personal needs and how they differ from one person to the next. Through talks, exhibitors and connections Workspace Design Show will bring this to life.” – Esha Bark-Jones, Co-Founder of Workspace Design Show. Workspace Design Show, 26 – 27 February 2025, Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH workspaceshow.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The main construction work on the first phase of Our Cultural Heart – Kirklees Council’s major regeneration scheme in Huddersfield town centre – is officially underway. Following the appointment of BAM as the principal contractor for this phase of work, core construction work began in earnest this week. This includes the demolition of some sections of the former Queensgate Market building, as its transformation into a vibrant new food hall and modern library ramps up. The core Listed sections of the building will be fully refurbished, enhancing the end result and celebrating the venue’s unique heritage and character. BAM has already completed significant pre-construction site preparation, with work including the ‘soft stripping’ of all non-structural and internal fixtures and fittings, as well as the removal of the former market stalls and asbestos. To mark this significant project milestone, senior figures from Kirklees Council – including the Leader of the Council, Councillor Carole Pattison – joined project colleagues from Turner & Townsend and BAM. This first phase of the masterplan concentrates on the major refurbishment of the Queensgate Market building, converting it into a new food hall and incorporating a new library within the existing east wing of the same building. Both the food hall and new library will directly feed out to a new public square, with the connecting space perfectly suited to outdoor cultural events and gatherings. Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “It’s a proud moment to see the main construction work on Our Cultural Heart get going and comes after extensive planning and consultation efforts over the last few years. “We have high ambitions for this new era of our town centre. Developments like Our Cultural Heart will bring more visitors to the town and help to drive growth and investment in Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees borough. “Now that the internal strip out is completed and the real work is underway, the transformation of the site will quickly become visible to all in our town and a source of pride and excitement for what’s to come.” Paul Cleminson, Pre-Construction Director at BAM, said: “This is an exciting scheme for Huddersfield and we’re delighted to be starting work on site. “An important driver for BAM is ensuring our projects positively impact the local community and we want to make sure that this project also leaves a lasting legacy for the people and businesses of Kirklees. “We’re driving investment into the local economy by employing Kirklees-based subcontractors, procuring materials locally, and creating employment and apprenticeship opportunities on the project. “We’ll also be reaching out to local schools and colleges, to provide learning opportunities on the project.” Kirklees Council submitted updated plans for the second phase of the Our Cultural Heart development earlier this month, concentrating on a flagship new museum and art gallery in the former library building on Princess Alexandra Walk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following what continues to be a constant evolution to the operational landscape for the commercial property sector, Propertymark Commercial Members continue to witness a reimagination and development of the sector in response to the rise of online retailers over the last ten years and the aftereffects of the Coronavirus pandemic. Many town centres are starting to embark on a phase of revitalisation that brings a new focus for many communities, transforming space that was traditionally wholly retail focused into areas that provide a sensible balance of business space, leisure, entertainment, education, and health-related facilities that better suit future demand. There has been a positive uplift in rental sentiment for smaller businesses such as the takeaways sector. However, sentiment in the leisure sector has shifted to negative and agents remain concerned about rents for large-scale office space, pubs and restaurants. There are future challenges to consider within the sector, as uncertainty persists about future government legislation, other factors include high building costs and rates liabilities being highlighted as key concerns within the medium to long term. Michael Sears, Commercial Advisory Panel Member, comments: “The commercial property sector remains challenging, as we continue to transition away from traditional retail-based models and witness the ongoing impact of online shopping across the retail landscape. In addition, we have seen a defined shift away from demand on large-scale office space, with many businesses striking a new balance offering long-term and permanent homeworking alternatives. “As aspects evolve, they provide deep insight into how the commercial property sector must focus for the future. The after-effects of the pandemic continue to reformat many conventional ways of thinking about how the industry has invested over the years. “However, we do sit at the start of an exciting phase where many town and city centres are looking at large-scale redevelopment ensuring they are fit for purpose for future generations to come. Within this process there are exciting opportunities to ensure a healthy mix of property types which ensures communities have a defined offering that coexists and complements the growth of online retailing and the evolution of homeworking.” The latest Commerial Property Report can be found at: https://www.propertymark.co.uk/resource/commercial-outlook-q2-2024.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a significant step forward for the UK’s aspirations to be a ‘science superpower’, specialist investor, developer and operator for the science and innovation sector Mission Street and BGO, a leading global real estate investment manager, received planning consent to deliver a world-class 23-acre urban science district in central Cambridge. Approved by Cambridge City Council’s planning committee subject to Section 106 and Conditions, the district will be just 10 minutes’ cycle from the central railway station and will be developed on a site that has been unused for decades. The district, which is one of the largest new urban science district developments in the UK, will facilitate a variety of research and development uses, catering to companies throughout their growth journey, from start-up to large multinational, within a single location. Innovative companies that have previously been forced to relocate or fragment their businesses will have the space to scale within the ecosystem, with the advantage of being part of a major science and technology cluster in a central location. Totaling 1,000,000 sq ft of GIA across 7 buildings, the scheme’s design has been led by master planners Hawkins Brown in collaboration with other leading design practices. Anchored by a central square, the fully pedestrianised masterplan – open to the public – will create a destination for all ages, including units suitable for local businesses, fitness infrastructure, a threefold increase of play space for children, a diverse food and beverage offering and community events space. Provision has also been made for an active programme of events such as Public Art including an Artist in Residence, and a STEM-based educational outreach partnership with the Cambridge Science Centre that is already being implementing in local schools. “Since our first consultation with local stakeholders and the Cherry Hinton community, we’ve said that this is about breaking down the barriers prevalent with traditional science parks, creating an open and inviting innovation district, and putting the science on show. This project embodies the principle that it is entirely possible to blend R&D space for world-leading innovators with community amenities that everyone can enjoy,” said Artem Korolev, CEO, Mission Street. “We look forward to engaging further with planning officers, the community and other statutory consultees, as we deliver a globally significant science destination that current and future generations will be proud of.” According to market data tracked by Mission Street, there is demand for over six hundred thousand square feet of lab space in Cambridge, with a highly constrained active pipeline that cannot adequately meet growing demand levels. Demand is particularly high for inner-city R&D space – a relatively new concept to the UK that is well-established in the US. During construction, the project is expected to create over 800 jobs and £7 million of local expenditure, as well as apprenticeship and training programmes. Once complete, it will create nearly 4,000 high-skill jobs, with a mandated Cambridge Living Wage. Mission Street and BGO’s partnership has a development pipeline of over 1.5 million square feet of lab and office space in key strategic locations including Cambridge, Oxford, and Bristol. Recent projects include Fabrica and Inventa, which total 180,000 square feet of flexible R&D space in central Oxford, and The Press, Foxton, providing c. 100,000 square feet of multi-tenanted laboratory and office floorplate in the Cambridge Southern Biomedical Cluster. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals