A major regeneration scheme in East London has taken a decisive step forward after Berkeley Group secured full planning consent for a £250 million clean-up of the former Beckton gasworks site. The investment, led by its St William business, will pave the way for the delivery of 2,900 new homes
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 works on a Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Leeds city centre. The 548-bed project – named Threadworks – delivered on behalf of
Early works have begun on the £140 million Stratford 46 Business Park, a major new mixed-use employment scheme set to boost the local economy on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. Developer IM Properties has commenced enabling works, marking a significant milestone for the long-awaited 65-acre project. Located just off the A46,
Midlands-based homebuilder Spitfire Homes has submitted plans for 521 new homes across the Midlands, advancing its strategic growth in the region. Proposals submitted in the past month are led by a statement scheme of 136 new homes in Balsall Common, Solihull, alongside a further 50 properties at the site of
New report sets out how integrated planning can cut delays, reduce costs and boost confidence in UK infrastructure AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, today released its latest report, Rebuilding Britain: Unlocking Growth from the UK’s Infrastructure Strategy, outlining a transformative roadmap to help the UK Government deliver on its
On the banks of the River Clyde, a significant urban regeneration project, Central Quay, is rapidly taking shape. Main contractor GRAHAM is leading the development, which includes four student accommodation buildings for UNITE Students that will redefine this part of the Glasgow cityscape. The current phase of the UNITE Students
SITECH is helping firms to adapt to the projected uplift in urban development and demands of modern construction with the latest Trimble® GNSS technology. Global Navigation Satellite System technology (GNSS) has previously faced some key limitations when used for accurate positioning on many construction sites, with GNSS receivers struggling against
Winter is coming to the Northern Hemisphere. That means reinforced concrete bridges, parking garages, and buildings could be in for a wild ride on the “roller coaster” of freeze-thaw cycling. To minimize damage from these inevitable temperature swings, Cortec® recommends taking the simple maintenance step of applying a water repellent
Following the successful delivery of energy efficiency projects across seven of the City of London Corporation’s iconic buildings, Vital Energi have moved on to a second phase of works to further accelerate its journey to net zero. Together, both phases will deliver annual carbon savings of over 1,500 tonnes and
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced the appointment of its Special Projects division by V7 to complete a £18.7m office retrofit and redevelopment of 78 – 90 Colmore Row, Birmingham. The appointment signals RED Construction Group’s first project in Birmingham, as the business expands its regional presence
A major regeneration scheme in East London has taken a decisive step forward after Berkeley Group secured full planning consent for a £250 million clean-up of the former Beckton gasworks site. The investment, led by its St William business, will pave the way for the delivery of 2,900 new homes as part of the ambitious Beckton Riverside development. The 30-acre site, which has lain derelict since the 1960s, forms one of the largest brownfield regeneration opportunities in the capital. The extensive remediation and enabling works will prepare the land for transformation into a vibrant new community, complete with housing, green spaces, and modern infrastructure. Dean Summers, managing director of St James & St William, described the milestone as a major step towards realising the long-term vision for Beckton Riverside. “This marks a significant step forward for this complex, long-term regeneration site. There is still a long way to go to bring this project into delivery, and we continue to work closely with the council, GLA, Homes England, and local stakeholders to develop a viable scheme that unlocks the site’s enormous potential,” he said. The £250 million initial phase will see Berkeley Group remediate contaminated land, enhance flood defences, and deliver key infrastructure improvements to support future phases of the project. Plans also include the creation of a riverside park, community facilities, and a series of connected public spaces, opening up a new stretch of the Thames waterfront that has been closed off to the public for decades. Summers added that unlocking the Beckton site could act as a catalyst for wider investment in the surrounding area and strengthen the case for the proposed DLR extension to Beckton and Thamesmead. If all goes to plan, construction on the first homes is expected to begin in 2028, with residents moving in by 2030. The Beckton Riverside project represents a cornerstone in East London’s regeneration story, transforming a disused industrial site into a sustainable new neighbourhood. Once complete, it will deliver thousands of homes, boost local employment, and breathe new life into one of London’s most strategically significant riverside locations. 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 works on a Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Leeds city centre. The 548-bed project – named Threadworks – delivered on behalf of client CASL Lisbon Street, is located on the corner of Lisbon Street and Castle Street and is part of the wider redevelopment of the former International Swimming Pool site. The development was managed jointly by DLC Europe and Colliers, with Employer’s Agent role undertaken by KS4. The 24-storey single tower block – built to BREEAM Excellent – provides single occupancy and en-suite bedrooms together with shared amenities such as cinema rooms, a fitness centre, relaxation spaces, a games room and a TV lounge. Students also benefit from a 1,593 sq ft roof terrace on the first floor. During construction, Winvic introduced an innovation to reduce the carbon impact associated with hot works by replacing gas fired boilers for electric alternatives. This approach not only cut emissions but also improved safety by eliminating open flames, with the boilers’ in-built technology preventing element overheating. Throughout the project, Winvic promoted cross-contractor collaboration on the wider four-plot development, which includes build-to-rent apartments, hotel, and commercial spaces. In line with Winvic’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy in communities where it works, the contractor developed an Employment and Skills Plan to maximise Social Value. Working with supply chain partners and education providers, Winvic generated new employment and training opportunities, ran career talks and work experience programmes, and supported apprenticeships. 134 new jobs were created during construction, with a strong focus on local recruitment. Nine local people who were new to the industry were supported into work, while five veterans gained employment in engineering and electrical roles, with a sixth supported into training and employment as a window fitter through supply chain partner Unique Windows. Three local apprentices were recruited, while 30 existing apprenticeships were sustained through the project. Further outreach included career workshops in local schools and colleges, and the donation of 50 books to a local primary school ensuring each child in the class could take a book home on World Book Day. In addition, Winvic’s Trainee Site Manager signed up to support delivery of Leeds City Council’s Apprenticeship Academy. Winvic also built partnerships with local charities and community groups, raising funds for Zarach, which provides beds for children affected by bed poverty, donating £250 to Leeds Community Wood Recycling to expand employment and volunteering opportunities, and supplying hygiene products alongside an on-site clothes bank for homelessness charity St George’s Crypt. Mark Jones, Managing Director of Multi-Room at Winvic Construction, said:“Winvic is proud to have been the trusted partner of CASL and the scheme’s fund, to deliver this landmark PBSA development in the heart of Leeds. With its close proximity to the city’s two main university campuses and Leeds train station, it provides students with a vibrant and well-connected place to live.” Students have now moved into the scheme ready for the 2025/2026 academic year. Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Early works have begun on the £140 million Stratford 46 Business Park, a major new mixed-use employment scheme set to boost the local economy on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. Developer IM Properties has commenced enabling works, marking a significant milestone for the long-awaited 65-acre project. Located just off the A46, the development will deliver a flexible mix of logistics, office, and roadside space designed to attract a diverse range of occupiers. Initial works are now underway to create a new roundabout and access road, with Montel Civil Engineering appointed as highways contractor to deliver the access route, utilities, and key early-stage infrastructure. Construction of the new business park buildings is expected to begin towards the end of 2026, with the main build contractor set to be announced in due course. Once complete, the scheme will provide units ranging from 20,000 to 300,000 square feet, suitable for single or multi-tenant use. Each unit will be built to meet EPC A and BREEAM Excellent standards, ensuring strong sustainability credentials. The buildings will also be Net Zero Ready, incorporating solar PV panels and energy-efficient design features. Lewis Payne, development director at IM Properties, commented: “It has been a long and complex journey to reach this point. With a clearer timeline now in place, we can progress formal discussions with potential occupiers eager to benefit from the location and access to a skilled workforce in the immediate vicinity.” Stratford 46 Business Park benefits from excellent transport connectivity, situated just nine miles from junction 15 of the M40, providing direct links to the M25 and M42. This makes it ideally placed to serve regional and national distribution networks, as well as local businesses seeking high-quality commercial space. In addition to its commercial offering, the project will include a 17-acre nature reserve on neighbouring land, transforming existing farmland into a new wildlife habitat and community green space. This ecological enhancement forms a key part of IM Properties’ commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The launch of Stratford 46 marks a major step in bringing new employment, investment, and biodiversity improvements to the area, setting the stage for one of Warwickshire’s most significant business park developments in recent years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Midlands-based homebuilder Spitfire Homes has submitted plans for 521 new homes across the Midlands, advancing its strategic growth in the region. Proposals submitted in the past month are led by a statement scheme of 136 new homes in Balsall Common, Solihull, alongside a further 50 properties at the site of a former police station in Harborne, and a collection of 47 homes in the Worcestershire village of Belbroughton, all forming part of Spitfire’s Bespoke Collection. There are also plans for 127 homes at Little Impney, Droitwich, where Spitfire is working with applicant Impney Ltd on the residential element of a mixed use scheme that will regenerate the 140-acre Impney Estate. Additional applications include 113 homes in the Cotswold village of Broadway and 48 new homes adjacent to the homebuilder’s existing collection, Pembleton, in Kislingbury, Northamptonshire. These applications represent a significant step forward in Spitfire’s ambition to deliver a broad range of high-quality, sustainable homes tailored to the needs of local communities. The schemes will also contribute to regional employment, supporting more than 1,800 jobs across the supply chain. Matt Vincent, Operation Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Submitting these planning applications is an important milestone in our ongoing growth plans across the Midlands. Our proposals would deliver more than 500 high-quality new homes across the region, offering a diverse mix of properties tailored for first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers seeking style and comfort without compromise. “We remain dedicated to investing in the Midlands through delivering homes that are both beautifully designed and energy efficient. As with all our collections, we’re committed to creating places where communities can thrive and we look forward to working closely with local authorities to help bring these exciting schemes to life.” The announcement comes amid new data from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) showing that planning permissions for new homes have dropped to their lowest level since 2012. Just 44,520 homes were granted permission in England during Q2 2025, a 17% fall year-on-year and the tenth consecutive quarter of decline. Only 1,410 sites were approved between April and June, with just 8,200 sites gaining approval over the past 12 months, less than half the 2019 total. Vincent added: “These latest figures underscore the scale of the challenge in meeting national housing targets. With housing delivery holding steady at around 200,000 homes a year, we remain some way off the 1.5 million homes pledged for this parliamentary term. “However, underlying demand for high-quality homes remains strong and as a forward-thinking SME, we’re able to offer a premium product that stands out for its design, efficiency and flexibility. Planning delays remain a challenge but as the market continues to evolve, we see a real opportunity to keep innovating and deliver homes that better reflect the needs and expectations of today’s buyers.” To find out more about Spitfire Homes, please visit https://spitfirehomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New report sets out how integrated planning can cut delays, reduce costs and boost confidence in UK infrastructure AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, today released its latest report, Rebuilding Britain: Unlocking Growth from the UK’s Infrastructure Strategy, outlining a transformative roadmap to help the UK Government deliver on its ambitious 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy. The Company is recommending that the government’s planning reforms go further to better integrate projects across sectors and regions to accelerate delivery of the £725 billion National Infrastructure Pipeline. The report presents 10 actionable recommendations across three strategic pillars, accelerating project delivery, embracing AI-first infrastructure, and unlocking private investment, aimed at driving economic growth, enhancing national resilience, and positioning the UK as a global leader in infrastructure innovation. “AECOM is ready to continue its partnership with the UK Government to help turn the Infrastructure Strategy’s vision into reality,” said Troy Rudd, AECOM’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our global record in delivering some of the most complex and sensitive infrastructure projects equips us with the skills, experience and insight to drive economic growth, enable sustainable energy and strengthen national security.” AECOM’s key recommendations include: “The UK government has made commendable progress with its planning reform agenda, which is a vital step towards delivering the infrastructure and homes this country needs,” said Richard Whitehead, chief executive Europe & India at AECOM. “The focus must now shift to ensuring those reforms translate into real-world results. By putting these ideas into action, we believe the government can turbocharge efforts to meet, and exceed, its ambitious infrastructure goals within this parliament and make infrastructure funding go further.” The report draws on AECOM’s 100-year legacy of success and experience delivering landmark UK projects including Manchester’s Metrolink, Crossrail, Heathrow and the restoration of the Elizabeth Tower. Today, the Company is helping to deliver some of Britain’s most ambitious projects including the Great Grid Upgrade as well as supporting regional priorities through the reintroduction of passenger services to the Northumberland Line in North-East England. To read the full report, visit https://www.aecom.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On the banks of the River Clyde, a significant urban regeneration project, Central Quay, is rapidly taking shape. Main contractor GRAHAM is leading the development, which includes four student accommodation buildings for UNITE Students that will redefine this part of the Glasgow cityscape. The current phase of the UNITE Students development includes a 21-storey tower, which will stand as one of the city’s tallest structures. Handling the complex concrete package for this landmark project is specialist contractor 4D Structures. The firm is responsible for delivering seven structural cores with walls typically 300 mm thick, and thousands of square metres of slab work across a logistically challenging site, adjacent to the busy Clydeside Expressway. To meet the project’s demanding schedule, 4D is leveraging a combination of modern formwork technology and a long-standing partnership with supplier PERI UK. “From the early engagement during the design phase, right through to the ordering of materials, the level of communication from every member of the PERI team has been excellent,” said Paul McMenamin, contracts manager at 4D Structures. A coordinated climb For the seven primary cores, 4D Structures is using a PERI RCS Rail Climbing System, integrated with TRIO Panel Formwork and BR Access Platforms. This combination creates a self-contained, safer working environment that climbs with the core structure, cycle by cycle. The choice of a crane-lifted system over a hydraulic one was deemed the most cost-effective solution for the project schedule, while the BR Access Platforms promote a safer working area inside the core cells as they climb. For the vast horizontal slab work, the 4D team is using the SKYDECK Panelised Slab Formwork system. Its lightweight, aluminium components are a key advantage on a busy site. “The efficiencies in the SKYDECK system are significant here,” explained Scott MacIntrye, field sales manager at PERI UK. “Every component is manhandleable, so no machinery is needed for assembly. Once the team sets up one area, it becomes a highly repetitive and fast process as the structure goes up.” An investment built to last While 4D’s operatives are highly experienced with the systems, the partnership extends to on-site support to maintain best practices. “We still assist on site,” McIntyre added. “A site demonstrator will go out to give a refresher, making sure all the correct assembly procedures are being followed.” The long-term nature of the relationship is also evident in the equipment itself. Some of the PERI formwork panels in 4D’s own stock, currently in use at Central Quay, have been reused on many different projects – a testament to the contractor’s initial capital investment and the equipment’s durability. Trust as the foundation The relationship between the two companies, which spans more than a decade, has proved to be a critical factor in the project’s smooth execution. “When you have a project with this many active work areas, things can get complex. But for us and 4D, it’s a run of the mill job,” Scott explained. “We have worked on so many projects together that we implicitly understand what they want, how they like the designs, and how their teams work on site. That level of understanding is priceless.” This established trust streamlines the entire procurement and design process. Over a number of projects, the two companies have built up a set of shared design guidelines, making the requirements clear and familiar to both teams from the outset. “Thanks to the PERI design team’s thorough understanding of our requirements, built over more than a decade of working closely with us, the collaboration on this project has been seamless,” Paul McMenamin from 4D Structures concluded. As the concrete frame at Central Quay continues its steady climb, the project stands as a case study of how technical solutions and trusted, long-term partnerships are the essential ingredients for delivering complex structures efficiently and safely. Learn more about PERI UK products. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SITECH is helping firms to adapt to the projected uplift in urban development and demands of modern construction with the latest Trimble® GNSS technology. Global Navigation Satellite System technology (GNSS) has previously faced some key limitations when used for accurate positioning on many construction sites, with GNSS receivers struggling against obstacles, whether it’s steel-framed buildings, tree cover or dense urban environments. The new generation of GNSS positioning technology is providing a solution for companies looking to optimise efficiency within urban developments, which is crucial given the Government’s ambitious housing development plans which have increased the need for infrastructure development. Brian Core, UK Regional Sales Managers at SITECH UK & Ireland said: “One way of achieving this is with technology that connects to multiple satellite constellations simultaneously, such as the Trimble® MS976 GNSS Smart Antenna which connects to GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou. Equipped with Trimble® ProPoint technology, the MS976 can refine the signal, filtering out interference and adapting in real-time to satellite availability. “The technology has been game-changing for contractors working in urban infrastructure developments where they are likely to experience unreliable GNSS coverage, which results in interruptions to machine control. Technology such as the Trimble® Earthworks Grade Control Platform along with the MS976, allows operators to maintain a precise positioning fix, eliminating downtime and providing the ability to continue working without reverting to manual methods.” The MS976 is indicative of a larger movement towards fully connected workflows. Platforms such as Trimble® WorksManager allows design files to be automatically updated across the fleet using the cloud. Engineers, surveyors and site managers can use the platform to manage assets by tracking machine locations, operating hours and generating utilisation reports, scheduling preventative maintenance and detecting unauthorised machine movements. Similarly, platforms like Trimble® WorksOS open up real-time tracking of cut, fill and volume metrics, allowing project managers to see site progress across multiple sites without waiting for survey teams. Additionally, SITECH are also able to access the technology, with permission, to perform remote diagnostics which further limits the need for site visits, and subsequent downtime. Brian said: “The construction industry has long relied on experience and intuition. And while that expertise will continue to be invaluable, the next generation of GNSS technology is proving that connected systems are now just as critical in helping firms adapt to the demands of increased urbanisation and compensate for the engineering skills gap.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winter is coming to the Northern Hemisphere. That means reinforced concrete bridges, parking garages, and buildings could be in for a wild ride on the “roller coaster” of freeze-thaw cycling. To minimize damage from these inevitable temperature swings, Cortec® recommends taking the simple maintenance step of applying a water repellent at least once every ten years. Here’s a closer look at why that is important. The Danger of Freeze-Thaw Cycling Residents of northern climates know what it is like to experience days or weeks of freezing winter temperatures, followed by a sudden thaw that temporarily melts snow and ice before freezing it again. Unfortunately, concrete absorbs moisture, which expands when it freezes, putting stress on the concrete and eventually causing it to crack. This allows more corrosives to enter, exacerbating the problem until corrosion and deterioration set in. Benefit of Applying Water Repellents One simple step toward minimizing the effect of the freeze-thaw cycle is to limit the amount of moisture (and chlorides) entering the porous structure by applying a silane water repellent that still leaves the concrete breathable and does not change its appearance. A good practice to follow is application once every 10 years, starting as early as possible in the life of the structure. Choose Your Level of Protection Engineers and contractors can choose from a range of silanes that offer varying degrees of protection, but the fact is that any water repellent is better than nothing. The use of a 40% silane water repellent tends to be more budget-friendly, while the use of a 100% silane water repellent keeps out more moisture. Combining either of these with an MCI® surface applied corrosion inhibitor (SACI) is even better, providing two-in-one protection against the ingress of corrosives and actively fighting against corrosion at the rebar level if any corrosives do find their way into the concrete. The following options represent lower to higher protection: Protect Your Concrete Before Winter The next time you shiver at the thought of winter snow and cold, be sure to consider giving an extra layer of protection to your reinforced concrete to help it withstand harsh winters better. Whether your concrete is new or old, adding an MCI® water repellent is a great way to fortify your concrete structure against the effects of freeze-thaw cycling to promote a longer service life. Winter is coming. Prepare your structure now. Contact Cortec® MCI® for additional technical support on selecting the best water repellent for your situation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following the successful delivery of energy efficiency projects across seven of the City of London Corporation’s iconic buildings, Vital Energi have moved on to a second phase of works to further accelerate its journey to net zero. Together, both phases will deliver annual carbon savings of over 1,500 tonnes and financial savings of £1.25m, forming a key part of the City Corporation’s ambitious strategy to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its operational estate by 2027, before reaching net zero across all its activities by 2040. Bespoke decarbonisation plans have been developed for each building, incorporating the latest renewable technologies and energy conservation measures. These upgrades are designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce heat loss, and lower energy bills, while respecting the heritage and operational needs of each site. Featured buildings: Alderman Alison Gowman, Climate Action Lead at the City of London Corporation, said: “The built environment sector is the largest source of carbon emissions in the Square Mile, so our work with Vital to decarbonise City Corporation buildings is crucial for meeting our own net zero goals, as well as supporting the wider Square Mile net zero goal. “Energy use is central to this challenge. By improving efficiency and investing in low-carbon energy solutions, such as heat pumps and solar power, we can make a real impact on the City Corporation’s energy emissions. We can also show it’s possible to make historic and operationally complex buildings part of a low-carbon future: Practical steps that turn climate ambition into tangible progress. “Since launching our Climate Action Strategy in 2020, we have made strong progress in cutting carbon emissions and reducing climate risks – meaning we remain on track for net zero across our full value chain and the whole Square Mile by 2040.” Scott Lutton, Regional Director at Vital Energi, said: “We’re proud to be continuing our partnership with the City of London Corporation to deliver the next phase of decarbonisation works across some of the capital’s most iconic and historically significant buildings. “By combining renewable technologies with tailored energy conservation measures, we’re not only helping to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs, but also supporting the Corporation’s bold commitment to achieving net zero across its own operations by 2027. Each building presents unique challenges, and our bespoke decarbonisation plans ensure that sustainability goes hand-in-hand with heritage and operational excellence.” Learn more about phase one of the project here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced the appointment of its Special Projects division by V7 to complete a £18.7m office retrofit and redevelopment of 78 – 90 Colmore Row, Birmingham. The appointment signals RED Construction Group’s first project in Birmingham, as the business expands its regional presence across the Midlands. Dating back more than a century and located in a prime business district, this historic building is set to undergo an extensive transformation. The project will involve an intricate cut and carve office refurbishment, restoring the buildings period details while introducing a new 5th floor office extension, a new roof terrace overlooking Birmingham Cathedral and new cycle parking, changing facilities and showers to deliver an exemplar office development in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre. Nathan Farrar, Managing Director of RED Special Projects, commented: “RED Construction Group is firmly established across London and the South West, with controlled and considered plans to expand our presence across the Midlands. Colmore Row marks the second project in the region, following the development and delivery of 60 lodge-style, themed guest rooms at Merlin Entertainment’s Warwick Castle.” “We are well equipped for the intricacies demanded of the Colmore Row project, works of this nature and scale are what we at Special Projects do best, and we are proud to be partnering with V7 on what will be an exemplar office and commercial space in a vital hub of commerce for the UK’s second city.” Zak Veasey, Co-founder and Director at V7, added: “We’ve been ambitious in what we are looking to accomplish with Colmore Row, a wellness-focused high-quality office space with exceptional commercial opportunities, set to make its mark on Birmingham’s city centre. We appreciate the level of expertise RED Construction Group’s Special Projects’ team bring with them and know they will make a key contribution that will transform the building while maintaining the legacy it already possesses.” This news follows the RED Special Projects team’s appointment by Clermont Hotel Group to complete the multimillion-pound refurbishment works at The Tower Hotel by Thistle. This also joins the Group’s extensive experience of hotel works across London, the South West, and the West Midlands, worth c. £110m. This includes the development and delivery of 60 lodge-style, themed guest rooms at Merlin Entertainment’s Warwick Castle, as well as the recently completed voco Zeal Hotel at Exeter Science Park in 2024, the UK’s first branded net zero carbon hotel. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals