The grand feature staircase, modern ensuite bathrooms and solar panels on the roof are now all in place at the first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), as plans which have been in the pipeline for a decade continue to come to life. The 70-bed purpose-built rehabilitation centre near Loughborough will
SSE and Gilkes Energy have submitted a Section 36 planning consent application to Scottish Government Ministers for the proposed joint venture Fearna pumped storage hydro (PSH) project in Scotland’s Highlands. The 50:50 development joint venture project is located at the western end of Glengarry, around 25km west of Invergarry and
In partnership with Knowsley Council and procurement specialist Fusion21, Bloor Homes has smashed its social value targets at its Elowen Garden Village development in Halsnead Garden Village, as part of the council’s planning obligations. Fusion21 has been working with Knowsley Council using its Social Value Through Planning initiative to support
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, comments on the latest MCS data: “February continued the strong start to the year for small-scale renewables. There were more than 27,000 certified installations in February, bringing the total for the year so far to more than 50,000 – the quickest we have hit this
Wetherby Wall Systems, part of the ROCKWOOL Group, is delighted to announce the launch of SOQEL A2, a fully compliant, impact-resistant, and moisture-protected External Wall Insulation (EWI) system designed for below damp-proof course (DPC) applications. Launching on March 17th, SOQEL A2 sets a new benchmark for fire safety and durability
FMX Urban Property Advisers has successfully secured eight new locations across London for Marks & Spencer’s growing food hall concept. Over the past six months, FMX has secured sites in: A spokesperson for FMX commented: “With several more deals nearing exchange this quarter and additional locations in legal negotiations, we
New and upgraded infrastructure at Cheshire site will drive regional prosperity and UK energy resilience Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen as programme delivery partner by Urenco to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure at its site in Capenhurst, Cheshire. The framework is expected to see contracts awarded to
Saint-Gobain has completed its £826.5 million ($1.025 billion) acquisition of Fosroc, a leading specialist in construction chemicals, in a move that significantly expands its presence in high-growth markets. The deal aligns with Saint-Gobain’s strategy to strengthen its position in the global construction sector, particularly in regions experiencing rapid infrastructure development.
Peabody has taken delivery of its first electric micromobility vehicle from Northgate Vehicle Hire, helping cut carbon emissions, noise pollution and promote sustainable ways of getting about. It will halve the time it takes caretakers to travel between homes in the Earls Court area of West London, giving them more
AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, has delivered designs for cutting-edge facilities including new data and energy centres, as part of plans to transform a former manufacturing site into a sustainably-powered enterprise campus – driving the energy transition programme in Ireland. The project
The grand feature staircase, modern ensuite bathrooms and solar panels on the roof are now all in place at the first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), as plans which have been in the pipeline for a decade continue to come to life. The 70-bed purpose-built rehabilitation centre near Loughborough will be staffed and run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and aims to transform rehabilitation in the UK. The £105million NRC programme is part of the New Hospital Programme. As 2025 progresses and the NRC prepares to begin accepting its first patients in the summer, construction efforts at the site near Loughborough continue to gather pace, with more than 200 tradespeople working on the build each day. Inside the building, the statement staircase has been installed in the main atrium where patients will first enter the centre, and bedrooms continue to take shape as bedheads are installed and the en-suite bathrooms fitted. Elsewhere, flooring is being laid and miles of wiring installed. The latest drone footage shows the solar panels in place which will help to power the building alongside air source heat pumps, as well as the metal framework progressing along the outside of the building, ready for the final rainscreen cladding. Ryan McCormack, Head of Commercial and Construction for the NRC, said: “With fewer than six months to go to when we will be welcoming our first patients, it’s exciting to see how quickly the interior of the building is changing on an almost day to day basis. “It’s been a pleasure to see this incredible building emerge from the ground up, and these next few months are where it will all suddenly come to life as more and more of the fixtures and fittings are installed and finishes are complete, ready for our very first patients.” The construction is being carried out by IHP, a joint venture between VINCI Building and Sir Robert McAlpine. The Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough, already home to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre which opened in 2018, was carefully selected as the site for the NRC to bring together these two centres of excellence and drive rehabilitation standards both nationally and internationally. The design of the NRC uses modern methods of construction and will be highly energy efficient, with plans for the building to support the NHS ambition to be Carbon Net Zero by 2045. Work continues to integrate the Smart Hospital design to make the NRC as digitally advanced as possible, with the capability to incorporate additional cutting-edge technology in the future. Find out more about the construction of the NRC on our NRC website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SSE and Gilkes Energy have submitted a Section 36 planning consent application to Scottish Government Ministers for the proposed joint venture Fearna pumped storage hydro (PSH) project in Scotland’s Highlands. The 50:50 development joint venture project is located at the western end of Glengarry, around 25km west of Invergarry and adjoins SSE Renewables’ existing Loch Quoich reservoir in the Great Glen hydro scheme. Delivery of the project would be subject to securing planning consent and a final investment decision, including an investible route-to-market. Fearna PSH has a proposed installed capacity of 1.8GW with a stored capacity of up to 36GWh, providing 20hrs of storage and which would make it the largest such scheme in the UK if delivered. Fearna could support around 500 jobs at peak during its approximated seven-year construction period, boosting employment and the local economy in the Scottish Highlands. Plans for the project envisage the development of tunnels and a new power station connecting SSE Renewables’ existing reservoir at Loch Quoich with an upper reservoir at Loch Fearna. Under the terms of the joint venture agreement announced in July 2024, Gilkes Energy will lead the project’s development under a developer services agreement with SSE Renewables. SSE Renewables already operates the largest fleet of hydro-electric power and pumped storage hydro assets in Scotland. It is now progressing development plans for new pumped storage hydropower projects in the Highlands to complement its existing fleet and deliver the large-scale, long-duration electricity storage (LDES) needed as part of Britain’s future energy mix. Fraser Allison, Project Director of the Fearna PSH project, said:“We are pleased to have submitted a Section 365 planning consent application to Scottish Ministers for Fearna. “This exciting long duration electricity storage project could be the largest in the UK for both installed capacity and stored energy. “We are looking forward to continued engagement with stakeholders, supply chain partners and the local community as the planning process moves forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In partnership with Knowsley Council and procurement specialist Fusion21, Bloor Homes has smashed its social value targets at its Elowen Garden Village development in Halsnead Garden Village, as part of the council’s planning obligations. Fusion21 has been working with Knowsley Council using its Social Value Through Planning initiative to support the delivery and monitoring of social value throughout the construction phase of the development. The collaboration between Bloor Homes, Fusion21, and Knowsley Council has delivered a range of positive outcomes for the community, achieving three headline social value outcomes in the local area including: The 11 employment opportunities created are helping to fill key roles at Elowen Garden Village as part of the Halsnead Garden Village development, including a local National House Building Council (NHBC) inspector, ceramic tiler, groundworker, joiner, sales advisor, and six bricklayers. This has achieved the social value aim of increasing the amount of Knowsley residents working on-site at the Bloor Homes development. What’s more, two local young people who started as apprentices on the development have now been hired as full-time bricklayers. A primary focus of this collaboration was to create more opportunities for local residents that will lead to quality full-time employment. Sarah Maguire, Head of Social Value at Fusion21 said: “At Fusion21, we work with local authorities and developers to ensure construction projects create meaningful, sustainable, and long-term benefits for communities. “Through this partnership, Bloor Homes has provided jobs, apprenticeships, and opportunities that will have a lasting impact on local people and businesses in Knowsley. This is exactly the kind of positive change Knowsley Council champions through its Social Value Framework.” James Clark, Managing Director at Bloor Homes’ North West region, said: “We are proud to have exceeded our social value targets in Knowsley, and it has been very rewarding to welcome so many local people and businesses into our team at Elowen Garden Village. We will be continuing our work experience scheme into 2025 and look forward to welcoming more young people to learn about the high standards of building we have at Bloor Homes.” Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic, said: “Construction of new housing at Halsnead Garden Village is not only creating much needed new homes it is also providing employment and apprenticeships for Knowsley residents and creating supply chain contracts for Knowsley businesses. Additionally, the employment site to the south of the M62 will deliver around 1,000 new jobs. “Halsnead Garden Village is the largest combined housing and employment development in the City Region and will provide a significant boost to the local economy.” Part of the wider Halsnead Garden Village development, Bloor Homes’ Elowen Garden Village development includes a range of three and four-bedroom homes located on Windy Arbor Road, with a sales centre open daily from 10am – 5pm. For more information about Bloor Homes’ developments in the North West, visit bloorhomes.com To find out more about Knowsley Council’s Social Value framework, visit www.knowsley.gov.uk To find out more about how to unlock the potential of social value through planning visit www.fusion21.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, comments on the latest MCS data: “February continued the strong start to the year for small-scale renewables. There were more than 27,000 certified installations in February, bringing the total for the year so far to more than 50,000 – the quickest we have hit this mark in scheme history. “It was another record month for battery storage with more than 2,500 certified installations, and heat pumps also had a strong month with over 5,000 certified installations – an 18% increase on February last year. There were almost 20,000 certified Solar PV installations – a 35% increase on February 2024 – demonstrating the ongoing strength of the solar market. “As MCS continues to support its certification bodies in preparing to offer the redeveloped Scheme, it’s great to see that consumer appetite for small-scale renewables is growing. With more consumers turning to home-grown energy, it’s crucial that there is a skilled installer base delivering high-quality installations against industry-recognised standards, backed by strong consumer protections. That is what the redeveloped MCS will deliver.” To view the MCS Data Dashboard for real-time dynamic visualisations of renewables uptake, please visit: https://mcscertified.com/about-the-mcs-data-dashboard/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wetherby Wall Systems, part of the ROCKWOOL Group, is delighted to announce the launch of SOQEL A2, a fully compliant, impact-resistant, and moisture-protected External Wall Insulation (EWI) system designed for below damp-proof course (DPC) applications. Launching on March 17th, SOQEL A2 sets a new benchmark for fire safety and durability in external wall insulation. It’s the first fully fire-tested system for below DPC applications, meeting the latest A2-s1,d0 fire classification required for materials in buildings over 11 meters. This ensures compliance with the UK Building Regulations and provides a solid solution for the construction industry. With UK building regulations now requiring that materials used in buildings over 11 meters must meet a minimum A2-s1,d0 fire rating, SOQEL A2 offers architects, contractors and specifiers a reliable solution in line with these regulations. Designed for use in below DPC areas, as well as balconies, walkways and plant rooms, the system improves fire resistance, impact protection and long-term moisture durability. Unlike traditional solutions, such as bitumen paint, SOQEL A2 delivers a more effective and resilient alternative. This game-changing system integrates Coverrock x-2 pre-coated insulation, which ensures a strong and durable bond for coatings while protecting the A1-rated Stone Wool core during installation. Paired with Heck K+A SL coating and Heck CER Mesh, it also provides superior impact and moisture resistance, withstanding harsh weather and high foot traffic in exposed areas like balconies and plant rooms. SOQEL A2 incorporates Heck 4S Silicone Render, ensuring a seamless finish that matches the overall façade system. Unlike traditional below DPC treatments, which may distrupt the building’s aesthetics, it offers a modern, integrated look while maintaining full regulatory compliance. Joe Ragdale, Technical Director at Wetherby Wall Systems: “We have worked alongside our ROCKWOOL Group sister company, HECK in Germany to launch this innovative system into the UK market. We are delighted to introduce SOQEL A2, the first system of its kind for below DPC and base areas.” “This solution provides architects and contractors working on remediation projects with a compliant, durable, and efficient way to enhance building safety while ensuring a seamless finish alongside insulated façade systems.” For more information about SOQEL A2 or to discuss your project requirements, visit www.wall-systems.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
FMX Urban Property Advisers has successfully secured eight new locations across London for Marks & Spencer’s growing food hall concept. Over the past six months, FMX has secured sites in: A spokesperson for FMX commented: “With several more deals nearing exchange this quarter and additional locations in legal negotiations, we remain focused on expanding the M&S Food Hall footprint. We are actively seeking further opportunities, whether leasehold, freehold, development sites, land parcels, high street units, retail park locations, or standalone premises.” Towards the end of last year, M&S announced its intention to accelerate its store expansion strategy. FMX is encouraging property owners and developers with suitable locations to get in touch with its team members David Justice, Henry Foreman, and Howard Quigley to discuss potential opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New and upgraded infrastructure at Cheshire site will drive regional prosperity and UK energy resilience Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been chosen as programme delivery partner by Urenco to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure at its site in Capenhurst, Cheshire. The framework is expected to see contracts awarded to Costain over a minimum of three years. Costain will lead and deliver an integrated programme of Urenco’s infrastructure investment activities, including developing the design, procurement, construction and commissioning of works and upgrades at Capenhurst. Urenco’s Capenhurst site provides uranium enrichment services to produce fuel for civil nuclear power stations in the UK and around the world to generate low-carbon electricity. The site is undergoing a series of complex work programmes to support the long-term resilience of the site, including establishing Europe’s first High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) advanced fuels facility. Costain will work closely with local supply chain partners and provide strategic direction, integration, assurance and governance of the works. The programme will also deliver social and economic value to local communities, including supporting the creation of jobs and developing skills across the North West of England. Sam White, managing director, natural resources at Costain, commented: “Ensuring the supply of safe, low-carbon electricity is critical for creating a sustainable future. We’re bringing decades of experience in predictable, best-in-class delivery to help safeguard the UK’s energy security and support the transition to more sustainable energy generation. “Costain has a strong presence in the North West and this award reinforces our commitment to improving the lives of local communities through the provision of new jobs, developing skills and driving prosperity.” Costain is delivering a number of critical projects across the UK’s nuclear energy ecosystem, providing a range of services and solutions including project delivery, design, build, decommissioning, and maintenance of nuclear energy sites across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Saint-Gobain has completed its £826.5 million ($1.025 billion) acquisition of Fosroc, a leading specialist in construction chemicals, in a move that significantly expands its presence in high-growth markets. The deal aligns with Saint-Gobain’s strategy to strengthen its position in the global construction sector, particularly in regions experiencing rapid infrastructure development. Expanding into Key Growth Markets Fosroc, headquartered in the UK, has built a strong reputation for its advanced chemical solutions used in infrastructure, industrial, and commercial projects worldwide. The company has a well-established presence in fast-growing regions, including India, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, where large-scale construction projects are driving demand for specialised chemical products. By acquiring Fosroc, Saint-Gobain gains direct access to an extensive distribution network and an established customer base in these key markets. The integration will enhance its ability to provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of diverse construction environments. Boosting Product Innovation and Technical Expertise Fosroc’s expertise spans a wide range of construction chemicals, including concrete admixtures, waterproofing systems, grouts, adhesives, and industrial flooring solutions. This acquisition allows Saint-Gobain to offer a more comprehensive suite of construction products, creating a one-stop solution for developers, engineers, and contractors. The deal is also expected to drive further investment in research and development, leading to new high-performance solutions for complex construction challenges. By combining Fosroc’s chemical innovation with Saint-Gobain’s existing materials expertise, the company aims to push the boundaries of sustainable and efficient building technologies. A Strategic Step in a Changing Industry This acquisition is one of Saint-Gobain’s most significant in recent years and reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the construction industry. As demand for infrastructure continues to rise, particularly in emerging economies, major players are increasingly seeking strategic mergers to enhance their capabilities and market reach. With this move, Saint-Gobain positions itself for sustained growth, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and expanding its influence across the global construction landscape.
Peabody has taken delivery of its first electric micromobility vehicle from Northgate Vehicle Hire, helping cut carbon emissions, noise pollution and promote sustainable ways of getting about. It will halve the time it takes caretakers to travel between homes in the Earls Court area of West London, giving them more time to keep residents’ communal areas clean and tidy. The bike, officially known as an electric cargo bike, can travel about 25 miles on one charge. It can use bus lanes so will reduce the time caretakers spend waiting in traffic and will be easier to park, particularly when traveling between homes on West Cromwell Road, Earls Court Road and Fulham Road, which are on red routes where parking is very limited. “There are lots of benefits to having a micromobility vehicle like this on our fleet,” said Eugene Brown, Peabody’s Head of Estate Services for Northwest London. “It is kinder to the environment than our traditional vehicles and will make it much easier for caretakers to move between estates with their equipment. By using bus lanes, it can avoid traffic jams and parking will be much easier as caretakers can park it in communal paved and garden areas while they service sites.” Switching its fleet to electric vehicles is one of the pledges of Peabody’s Sustainability Strategy and while vehicle emissions account for only a small part of the Group’s overall carbon footprint, every small change helps. Northgate has supplied the bike to Peabody on a four-year long-term hire contract, which includes battery charging. The cost is roughly half that of the smaller diesel vans Peabody currently uses in London, which emit nearly two tonnes of carbon each a year*. By contrast, an electric cargo bike has no emissions. If successful, the Estate Services team will add more bikes in other neighbourhoods. Peabody is in the process of installing more chargers so caretakers and other colleagues who travel around London can switch to electric vehicles. Melanie Creedy, Northgate’s EV Business Development Manager, said: “Since we launched our electric micromobility proposition in 2024 we have had many fleets like Peabody trial the different types of vehicles that we have on offer. Feedback has been very positive as electric cargo bikes offer numerous benefits over standard vans in urban areas like London where manoeuvrability, restricted parking and emission reduction are big considerations for operators. “We look forward to supporting Peabody as it continues to grow its electric fleet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, has delivered designs for cutting-edge facilities including new data and energy centres, as part of plans to transform a former manufacturing site into a sustainably-powered enterprise campus – driving the energy transition programme in Ireland. The project is a joint venture between Meridiam, an independent investment Benefit Corporation and an asset manager in long-term sustainable infrastructure solutions, and Gyrogy, an Irish energy-tech firm, which acquired the Premier Periclase business in May 2023. Since then, the partners have designed plans to transform the site on the north bank of the River Boyne beside Drogheda Port into a state-of-the art industrial campus for large energy users. Drogheda manufacturer Premier Periclase Limited (PPL), appointed AtkinsRéalis to deliver full multidisciplinary design services* for the unique business campus on its site, which could ultimately involve an investment of between €600 million and €1 billion over the next ten years. This would facilitate and manage flexible and renewable energy in ‘real-time’ for the national grid and will pave the way for a net zero industrial campus emissions model that can change how large energy users operate in Ireland. The appointment has seenAtkinsRéalis develop its designs to support PPL’s redevelopment of the Drogheda manufacturing site, involving demolition and site remediation works, substantial upgrades to the PPL site infrastructure, and the integration of renewable energy sources and advanced energy storage systems on the new CORE campus. The first phase of development will focus on installing sustainable energy infrastructure and a 32MW data centre. Kevin Holland, Director of Infrastructure for AtkinsRéalis Ireland, said: “The project is a fantastic example of how AtkinsRéalis can support the delivery of grid positive initiatives which will drive the energy transition in Ireland. “Not only will it bring investment and new jobs to the area, but it also aligns with Ireland’s climate action objectives and the AtkinsRéalis purpose of engineering a better future for our planet and its people.” This appointment follows AtkinsRéalis’ previous appointment to undertake a feasibility plan for the site. A planning application has been submitted for the new campus by PPL and it is hoped, subject to approval, that the site will grow to accommodate a range of high-tech industries, such as biopharma, food, beverage, horticulture and sustainable manufacturing. The site’s decarbonisation and development focus will make the campus extremely attractive to large foreign direct investment and Irish projects. The planning application for the redevelopment of the site is a major milestone for Drogheda, as the project would bring essential infrastructure upgrades and enhanced biodiversity to the area. The development, which will be known as the CORE sustainably powered enterprise campus, will significantly reduce emissions, noise, and light pollution, complementing the special areas of conservation and special protection zones associated with the River Boyne. CEO of Gyrogy, Colin Kelly, stated: “By transitioning to a sustainable business model, this project will secure the long-term future of this historic industrial site, creating more jobs and economic opportunities than ever before for the local community. “We are proud to be part of a project that delivers significant energy transition and community benefits which will set a new benchmark for sustainable energy practices in Ireland.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
