GRAHAM has been awarded a c.£14 million contract by Hillingdon Council for the design and construction of a new academic building for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Meadow High School in Harefield. Meadow High School is a mixed-gender SEND secondary school catering to 257 pupils in
Lewisham Council has appointed Higgins as the main contractor for its major new housing development at Ladywell Park Gardens, marking the next step in the regeneration of the former Ladywell Leisure Centre site in south London. The project will see the creation of 102 high-quality residential apartments, spread across four
Green energy experts have launched a new guide for the sector showing how solar PV can cut costs, support electrification and strengthen sustainability As rising energy costs combine with growing demand from automation and fleet electrification, UK warehousing and logistics operators are under pressure to accelerate investment in solar PV.
New appointment brings range of services into one team to offer complete end-to-end service AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company, has strengthened its Buildings & Places team in the UK and Ireland with the appointment of Richard Bonner as managing director, bringing a wide range of services and
Respected, strategic FM leader will head up Bellrock’s engineering and technical service lines as it continues to disrupt the sector Facilities management industry disruptor Bellrock has appointed Mark Evans as Director of Sales, Engineering Services, where he will lead the growth strategy for Bellrock’s critical engineering and technical service lines.
Compliance Group, the UK leader in integrated safety and regulatory compliance across water, air, fire and electrical announced the official appointment of Colin Lang as Managing Director for its Electrical division. He will be responsible for leading the electrical compliance division, focusing on strategic growth, operational excellence, and the harmonisation
Experts in a diverse range of skills in fire safety are becoming the Fire Aware Educators to help guide those in the supply chain trying to find their way around the wave of legislation and compliance currently being introduced. Key changes under the Building Safety Act involve data collection for
International real estate advisor Savills has announced the appointment of William Davies as Co-Head of PBSA Valuations, based at the firm’s Margaret Street headquarters. He will focus on student accommodation valuations within Savills Operational Capital Markets (OCM) division. Davies joins Savills from Allsop LLP, where he spent over 15 years
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has completed the 350,000 sq. ft first phase of logistics hub Atlantic Park in Bootle, Liverpool. Atlantic Park is a 52-acre site, formerly home to Rolls
XPE Group has announced an exciting new chapter for one of Glasgow’s best-known leisure and entertainment destinations, as XSite Braehead prepares to rebrand as GRID. The fresh identity marks the start of a £12.6 million investment programme that will transform the site into a next-generation hub for fun, fitness and
GRAHAM has been awarded a c.£14 million contract by Hillingdon Council for the design and construction of a new academic building for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Meadow High School in Harefield. Meadow High School is a mixed-gender SEND secondary school catering to 257 pupils in school years 7-14 (aged 11-19) with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are SEND schools in Hillingdon, which are at full capacity and, with demand growing in recent years for support for pupils with additional needs, there is a pressing need to increase facilities in the borough. This new 2276m²’ sq ft, two-storey academic building will provide a supportive and best-in-class learning environment while enhancing existing capacity for up to 100 pupils. Works will include the creation of a range of learning spaces and a multi-use games area, along with extensive landscaping surrounding the building. Additionally, the installation of temporary classrooms, ancillary structures, heat pump and substation enclosures, along with revised vehicular access, car and cycle parking and associated external works. Cllr Susan O’Brien, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “We continue to deliver on our pledge to provide children in Hillingdon with a high quality and fully inclusive education. This exciting project will create more school places for children with SEND, helping them to reach their full potential in a supportive learning environment, and I’m looking forward to seeing it take shape.” Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property, added: “Our school improvement and expansion programme is delivering excellent facilities across the borough, and this new facility in Harefield will enhance our offer. Our continued investment locally will also help reduce the council’s reliance on expensive independent special school places.” Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “This new building will significantly improve SEND facilities and capacity in Meadow High School, also contributing to meeting increasing demand in the wider borough. Thoughtfully designed to ensure an optimum, inspiring, safe and high-quality educational environment for pupils with a range of additional needs, we are excited to deliver this fantastic and much needed project.” GRAHAM will work in collaboration with a project team that includes architect Noviun Architects and structural and civil engineer Hydrock. Construction commenced this summer, with project completion anticipated in Summer 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lewisham Council has appointed Higgins as the main contractor for its major new housing development at Ladywell Park Gardens, marking the next step in the regeneration of the former Ladywell Leisure Centre site in south London. The project will see the creation of 102 high-quality residential apartments, spread across four architecturally designed blocks by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. The development aims to provide a balanced mix of homes, including 47 social rent apartments for families on the council’s housing waiting list, alongside 55 shared ownership properties to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder. Planning permission for Ladywell Park Gardens was secured in October 2023, with the scheme forming a key part of Lewisham Council’s ongoing commitment to delivering more affordable homes within the borough. The appointment of Higgins, a contractor with a strong track record in community-focused regeneration, signals an important milestone in turning these plans into reality. Although the final contract details are still being clarified, early preparatory works have already begun on site. The development is expected to be completed by spring 2028, creating a new residential community designed to meet high standards of sustainability, design quality and accessibility. Declan Higgins, chief executive of Higgins Group, said: “This development represents an important opportunity to provide much-needed housing while working collaboratively with our partners and the local community. We are proud to be part of a project that will not only deliver new homes but also enhance the wider neighbourhood.” Once finished, Ladywell Park Gardens will form part of the council’s broader housing strategy, which focuses on tackling the borough’s growing demand for affordable and family-friendly accommodation. The mix of tenures is designed to foster a diverse, inclusive community while ensuring that local residents benefit from the regeneration of underused sites. With construction activity now underway, the transformation of the former leisure centre into a vibrant new residential hub represents a significant step forward for Lewisham’s housing ambitions – and another example of how local authorities and private contractors are working together to deliver homes that make a lasting difference. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Green energy experts have launched a new guide for the sector showing how solar PV can cut costs, support electrification and strengthen sustainability As rising energy costs combine with growing demand from automation and fleet electrification, UK warehousing and logistics operators are under pressure to accelerate investment in solar PV. This is according to a new guide from nationwide renewable energy installers, Geo Green Power, which outlines how warehouses, distribution centres, and last-mile hubs can respond, utilising rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV to reduce costs, lower emissions, and build resilience in carbon-conscious supply chains. In its research for its guide, ‘Power to Deliver’, the firm has found that the warehousing and logistics sector is one of the UK’s biggest consumers of electricity, with cold storage, automation and always-on operations among the biggest drivers of demand. Rapid electrification has also been found to be adding further pressure to the sector, particularly as the number of electric vans and trucks on UK roads has seen an annual increase of almost a third. Against this backdrop, the guide aims to help warehousing and logistics businesses understand the commercial, operational and environmental benefits of solar PV and take practical, informed steps towards reducing costs, gaining greater resilience and cutting carbon emissions. The guide also explores real-world examples of businesses already benefiting from solar PV, including Revis Transport, which worked with Geo Green Power to install a 500kWp solar system on its premises. Generating more than 372,000kWh of electricity annually, Revis has reduced the carbon impact of its transport operations while improving energy cost control. James Cunningham, Managing Director at Geo Green Power, said: “With grid constraints increasing and electricity prices among the highest in Europe, solar PV is now the logical next step for logistics operators. It’s about more than just saving money; it’s about enabling automation and electrification without energy becoming a strategic risk.” ‘Power to Deliver’also examines funding routes, from self-funded systems with payback in four years to Power Purchase Agreements that require no upfront capital. The guide is now available for download at: https://www.geogreenpower.com/solar-guide-for-commercial-sectors/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New appointment brings range of services into one team to offer complete end-to-end service AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company, has strengthened its Buildings & Places team in the UK and Ireland with the appointment of Richard Bonner as managing director, bringing a wide range of services and expertise under his leadership. His appointment to the newly-created role leading a team of around 2,000 built environment professionals, is in response to the growing client need for a fully-integrated end-to-end service, from planning and building design to project management and programme delivery. The bolstering of the business unit will mean it can more effectively support clients as they meet the challenge of delivering the investments needed to position our cities, towns and high streets for economic revival. Bonner said: “Our ambition is about more than buildings and together with our partners we’ll be deploying our capabilities to support national and local government, our private sector and industry partners and institutions that fund and finance built assets. “The Buildings & Places market is at the heart of developing thriving communities and driving economic growth in our regions, from new housing, schools and green spaces to city regeneration and new towns.” Bonner, a Chartered Civil Engineer, joined AtkinsRéalis in 2023 and brings almost 20 years’ experience working with local and regional government, transport providers and the private sector to help them navigate the evolving demands of the urban environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Respected, strategic FM leader will head up Bellrock’s engineering and technical service lines as it continues to disrupt the sector Facilities management industry disruptor Bellrock has appointed Mark Evans as Director of Sales, Engineering Services, where he will lead the growth strategy for Bellrock’s critical engineering and technical service lines. His focus will be on strengthening client partnerships, expanding market presence, and embedding a culture that unites commercial excellence with people-centred leadership. With over 20 years’ experience in the facilities management and built-environment sector, including almost 10 years with Integral and five years at JLL, Evans brings a proven record of leadership, strategic growth, and client partnership development to the role. Known for combining commercial insight with a people-first approach, he has built and led teams that consistently deliver value, performance, and trust. He said: “This is a great time to be joining the Bellrock team. Their disruptive approach is redefining the industry. Engineering Services sits at the heart of the business, and we have a real opportunity to accelerate growth by blending our technical capability with the power of data, technology, and AI. My focus will be on creating value through insight, strengthening relationships with clients, empowering our people, and delivering solutions that are efficient, intelligent, and truly connected. “Bellrock’s positioning as the trusted challenger in property; driven by insights, powered by technology, and delivered by talented people completely resonates with me. It reflects the way I believe this industry should evolve: smarter, more collaborative, and more purpose-driven.” Colette Fellows, Managing Director of Bellrock Critical Engineering, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Mark to Bellrock. He brings both deep sector experience and a forward-thinking mindset that aligns perfectly with our strategic vision. His ability to connect commercial growth with innovation and people development makes him a powerful addition to our senior leadership team. As we continue to embed data, technology and AI across our engineering services, Mark’s appointment will help us drive even greater value for our clients.” Evans’ appointment signals another step in Bellrock’s commitment to redefining the property and engineering services landscape, combining trusted expertise with digital intelligence to deliver performance, efficiency, and impact for clients across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Compliance Group, the UK leader in integrated safety and regulatory compliance across water, air, fire and electrical announced the official appointment of Colin Lang as Managing Director for its Electrical division. He will be responsible for leading the electrical compliance division, focusing on strategic growth, operational excellence, and the harmonisation of service delivery nationwide. Lang’s career foundation spans more than two decades, beginning with an electrical apprenticeship which provided him with deep, hands-on knowledge. His trajectory in operational leadership accelerated when he joined Intersafe, part of Compliance Group as Operations Manager. He subsequently moved into the Operations Director role, where he was instrumental in overseeing a period of ambitious and scalable expansion. Under his leadership, the business achieved a remarkable 400% growth, a success attributed to a focus on streamlining processes, boosting productivity, and establishing a robust, client-centric service model. He was appointed Managing Director of Intersafe in 2024 and was also appointed Managing Director of Compliance Group Electrical (CGE) earlier this year. “We are thrilled to have Colin officially step into the role of Managing Director of the electrical division,” said Sarah Dixon, CEO of Compliance Group. ” Colin’s journey, from the field to leading a division responsible for significant growth, is exceptional. He possesses the perfect blend of deep technical knowledge and proven operational leadership. His strategic focus on harmonising operations at scale and embedding a high-performance, people-first culture makes him the ideal leader to drive the next stage of our electrical division’s growth. Under Colin’s leadership, we are confident the division will continue to be a pillar of market trust and operational excellence, aligning with the values of the wider Compliance Group.” “My vision for the division is clear: to continue pushing what we do well, harmonise our operations, and maintain strong, sustained growth,” added Colin Lang, Managing Director Electrical at Compliance Group. “We want to focus on delivering a quality job every time and building a reputation for long-term relationships and partnerships with our customers. My personal driver is to build a thriving culture, and by aligning our people’s growth with the Compliance Group’s core values, we ensure our high standards and technical excellence are maintained.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Experts in a diverse range of skills in fire safety are becoming the Fire Aware Educators to help guide those in the supply chain trying to find their way around the wave of legislation and compliance currently being introduced. Key changes under the Building Safety Act involve data collection for all information at key stages of construction, while there have been amendments to Approved Document B and new regulations for Residential Evacuation Plans which come into effect in 2026. The growing fire safety industry body Fire Aware has a number of specialist members who also act as technical guidance experts for members who need help around the new challenges of legislation. Gavin Skelly, Fire Aware CEO, said members specifically provide training courses relating to fire safety and management relevant for designers, main contractors, domestic trades, material suppliers, building management, hotel and leisure, commercial and private landlords and local authorities. He said: “At a time of increasing concern for the safety of the public who use our buildings and spaces, the fire safety industry is under increasing scrutiny and those with a duty of care should understand this is more than a job, it is a vocation. “We believe there is enough legislation to ensure safety if they are understood and followed. We have specialists who can help guide anyone in the supply chain around some of this new legislation because it can be challenging given its complexity and scale.” The expanding industry body is leading the way by focusing on the moral responsibility of all those working in the fire safety supply chain including designers, developers, asset owners, managers and other stakeholders. It aims to change the culture of the built environment sector by introducing a moral code of conduct via a series of charters designed to influence how member companies behave in upholding their duty of care. Fire Aware is a recognised membership body serving the built environment and related sectors with a common aim to work and trade responsibly to all best practice standards in the interests of the safety of the general public. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International real estate advisor Savills has announced the appointment of William Davies as Co-Head of PBSA Valuations, based at the firm’s Margaret Street headquarters. He will focus on student accommodation valuations within Savills Operational Capital Markets (OCM) division. Davies joins Savills from Allsop LLP, where he spent over 15 years specialising in valuations across the residential and student housing sectors. He brings extensive experience in valuing Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and Student HMO Portfolios across the UK with a particular focus on Greater London and the South of England, covering both development and operational assets. His client base has included banks, debt funds, bridge lenders, developers, operators and property companies. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Surveyor at Cluttons LLP. In his new role, Davies will co-lead the PBSA Valuation team, building on the strong foundations established by Rachel Coates, the existing Co-Head of the team. He will also work closely with Savills market leading PBSA Capital Markets team, led by Lizzie Beagley, to further strengthen the firm’s position in the sector. Tim Stoyle, Head of Operational Real Estate Valuations at Savills, says, “According to our latest OpRE Investor Survey, PBSA has overtaken multifamily housing as the top investment priority in the Living sectors across the UK and Europe. 62% of our respondents indicated they are actively seeking to deploy capital into the sector. William’s expertise will be instrumental as we continue to deliver best-in-class advice and support to our clients in this space.” William Davies, Co-Head of PBSA Valuations, comments, “Joining Savills at an exciting time for the PBSA sector is a fantastic opportunity. With significant demand for insightful and strategic valuation advice, I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s continued success and delivering outstanding support to our clients across both development and operational assets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has completed the 350,000 sq. ft first phase of logistics hub Atlantic Park in Bootle, Liverpool. Atlantic Park is a 52-acre site, formerly home to Rolls Royce Engineering works, which sits within the Port of Liverpool Freeport zone and will boast a total of 800,000 sq. ft of high-quality industrial space when complete. Delivered on behalf of Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) Property, Winvic has designed and built four units of flexible and sustainable logistics and manufacturing space – sized at 40,000 sq. ft, 50,000 sq. ft, 110,000 sq. ft and 125,000 sq. ft. The development has been designed in accordance with RLAM Sustainability Strategy, which aims for new build property developments to achieve Net Zero in operation by 2030. With haunch heights of 12.5 metres large service yards, and two-storey office spaces, the units are designed to meet the evolving needs of occupiers and investors. The first phase also included the installation of new services, separate concrete service yards, an access road and all hard and soft landscaping, with 20 per cent of the parking spaces having EV charging points. BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating has been achieved on the project and a 10 per cent biodiversity net gain; with bird, bat and insect nest boxes installed. With the successful completion of the first phase, RLAM has appointed Winvic to deliver the 420,000 sq. ft second phase, with the contractor having commenced the 50-week build programme back in July. Phase two will bring three further units to Atlantic Park with floor spaces ranging from 53,750 to 216,000 sq. ft. As with phase one, the units will feature two-storey office spaces, service yards and car parking with EV charging bays. Completion is expected in summer 2026. Winvic is delivering the second phase as Net Zero Carbon in Construction, employing its tried and tested Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) process, which is aligned with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Whole Life Carbon Assessment, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), and the zero carbon network London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI), as well as independently third-party verified. In line with Winvic’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy in communities local to its projects, the contractor has developed an Employment and Skills Plan and will work closely with Sefton at Work, Invest Sefton and supply chain partners to match employment and training opportunities for local people, and collaborate with local education providers to offer career talks and work experience placements to students. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics at Winvic, said: “We are pleased to be working once again with RLAM to deliver the second phase of this impressive scheme in the Northwest and are proud to be appointed based on our high-quality delivery in phase one. “With industry-leading credentials, Winvic worked collaboratively with RLAM to meet ambitious sustainability and social value goals for the first phase – and this will continue in phase two as we work to deliver Net Zero in construction. “Atlantic Park is bringing in-demand state-of-the-art facilities and supporting regional growth through job creation and training opportunities and Winvic is proud to be the construction partner.” Tenants signing on to Atlantic Park will benefit from its prime location; being 1.3 miles from M57 and M58 motorways, 2 miles from the Port of Liverpool Freeport, and 4.5 miles from Liverpool, providing excellent connectivity for national and international logistics operations. Matt Barnes, Senior Asset Manager at Royal London Asset Management, added: “Atlantic Park is a future-ready logistics hub, which is strategically located, sustainably built, and designed to deliver long-term value. “This development is a crucial part of our strategy to deliver high-quality, sustainable assets that support long-term value for our investors. “With Phase one now complete, we are excited to see it attract leading occupiers in the industrial and logistics sectors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
XPE Group has announced an exciting new chapter for one of Glasgow’s best-known leisure and entertainment destinations, as XSite Braehead prepares to rebrand as GRID. The fresh identity marks the start of a £12.6 million investment programme that will transform the site into a next-generation hub for fun, fitness and family entertainment. The name GRID pays homage both to the electric buzz of its upcoming attractions and to the location’s industrial heritage as a former electricity plant. At the heart of the redevelopment will be K1 Speed, a world-class indoor e-karting venue that will feature the longest indoor race track on the planet when it opens in summer 2026. The venue promises an adrenaline-fuelled experience unlike anything else in Scotland. But GRID isn’t just about speed. The revamped destination will also welcome new family-focused offerings including a Gymnastics Academy and Heavenly Desserts, alongside convenient electric vehicle charging stations in the car park. Existing tenants are also getting in on the action, with ODEON unveiling a cutting-edge laser IMAX screen, and both Paradise Island Adventure Golf and Funstation undergoing major refurbishments to refresh their appeal. The rebrand comes as GRID joins Braehead Shopping Centre, Braehead Arena, IKEA and other local partners in the Braehead Ambition collective – a new initiative dedicated to enhancing the overall visitor experience across the wider estate. Pete Cooper, director of XPE Group, said the transformation will redefine what visitors can expect: “The launch of GRID will extend the destination’s appeal far beyond its existing catchment. Our goal is to create a space that delivers international standards with local relevance – from how our teams engage with guests to every small detail of the experience.” The investment is also set to bring significant economic benefits, creating over 200 new local jobs. Matt Beddow, senior director of asset management at Pradera Lateral, added: “2026 will be another landmark year for Braehead. Backed by substantial investment and a renewed focus on the visitor experience, GRID represents the next exciting chapter for this much-loved destination.” With its combination of high-energy attractions, family-friendly offers and strong community ties, GRID is gearing up to take pole position as the region’s premier leisure hotspot. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals