Plans to regenerate Gateshead’s Baltic Quarter have taken a significant step forward after the council agreed a pre-development deal with Muse and ECF to progress a major mixed-use scheme of around 1,600 new homes. Under the agreement, ECF will work alongside Gateshead Council to develop the long-term vision for the
Work is due to begin later this year on a major refurbishment of Holborn Circus, as developer Tishman Speyer prepares to appoint a contractor for the landmark Farringdon building. Construction is scheduled to start in the second half of the year at the former Sainsbury’s headquarters, marking the next stage
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has signed two brands at Multistory, its 295,000 sq ft (NIA) office building in Birmingham. This follows the completion of phase one last year, which comprised the creation of 27,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space on the
The latest research by BPS London has revealed that London’s office sector is being held back by a lack of investment in refurbishment and remodelling, with just 7.5% of currently available office rental stock in the capital considered premium workspace. BPS London analysed the size and annual change of the UK
c.£100m five-year project will provide critical access to Agratas gigafactory in Somerset. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been appointed to design and build a new junction on the M5 motorway. Awarded through the Regional Delivery Partnership (RDP) framework, the contract is worth approximately £100m to Costain over a five-year
Façade lighting plays an important role in shaping how buildings are perceived after dark, while also supporting the safety and usability of outdoor spaces. For residential, hospitality and commercial environments, wall luminaires must deliver not only visual impact, but also durability, efficiency and installation flexibility. When specifying exterior wall lighting,
Kubota (UK) has marked one of the largest single equipment deals in its history after securing a major order from GGH Hire. The Enfield-based hire firm has taken delivery of the first machines from a 150-strong order of compact excavators, forming part of a multi-million-pound investment programme. The purchase follows
In the construction industry, advanced roofing diagnostics are becoming essential. New technologies are changing how roofing issues are identified and fixed. Staying updated with these advancements is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Advanced roofing diagnostics are reshaping traditional practices in the construction sector with modern solutions. As buildings become
Planning approvals for housing fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025 to their lowest level since 2019, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The figures sharpen the challenge for housing secretary Steve Reed, whose ‘Build, Baby, Build’ drive and the Government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes is being
Proteus Waterproofing has been shortlisted as a Finalist in three major categories at this year’s Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) Awards, reinforcing its growing influence and technical leadership within the UK liquid waterproofing market. The LRWA Awards recognise excellence, best practice and innovation across the liquid roofing and waterproofing
Plans to regenerate Gateshead’s Baltic Quarter have taken a significant step forward after the council agreed a pre-development deal with Muse and ECF to progress a major mixed-use scheme of around 1,600 new homes. Under the agreement, ECF will work alongside Gateshead Council to develop the long-term vision for the site, shaping funding, phasing and delivery. The Baltic Quarter plays a central role in the council’s regeneration strategy unveiled last autumn. Initial work will focus on how new homes and workspaces can be introduced alongside improved public spaces, landscaping, routes and infrastructure. The proposals aim to support the area’s existing business community, including Gateshead College and the Northern Design Centre, while creating space for future growth. The council said the regeneration will build on the quarter’s established creative and commercial character, helping current businesses remain and expand, while attracting new companies and talent to Gateshead and neighbouring Newcastle. An early masterplan for the Baltic Quarter has been prepared by architect Brown + Company. Sustainability sits at the heart of the proposals, with the area already benefiting from a district energy network powered by the UK’s largest urban solar farm and mine water heat. A recently completed 1,000-space car park has also been designed to support large-scale electric vehicle charging. Sir Michael Lyons, chair of ECF, said the pre-development agreement allows partners to work closely with the council and local stakeholders to shape proposals that reflect Gateshead’s industrial heritage while delivering lasting economic and social benefits. The agreement was secured through Pagabo’s developer-led framework. Council leader Martin Gannon said the scheme could deliver more than 1,600 homes, new office space and high-quality public realm, creating a visible statement of confidence in Gateshead that could help attract further investment to the borough.
Work is due to begin later this year on a major refurbishment of Holborn Circus, as developer Tishman Speyer prepares to appoint a contractor for the landmark Farringdon building. Construction is scheduled to start in the second half of the year at the former Sainsbury’s headquarters, marking the next stage in the building’s evolution. The project will reimagine the property as a modern, highly sustainable office destination designed for the future of work. Plans include the introduction of new internal atriums to bring more light into the building, a complete overhaul of the ground floor and basement spaces, and the creation of a new roof terrace offering outdoor amenity space. Martin Simonneau, Managing Director at Tishman Speyer, said the scheme reflects the company’s confidence in London’s office market and its long-term prospects. He added that the development will draw on Tishman Speyer’s placemaking and development expertise, with the aim of delivering one of the City’s most attractive and environmentally responsible working environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has signed two brands at Multistory, its 295,000 sq ft (NIA) office building in Birmingham. This follows the completion of phase one last year, which comprised the creation of 27,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space on the ground floor, with now only one unit remaining to let. 92 Degrees Coffee, founded in Liverpool in 2014, is opening its first Birmingham location at Multistory in early February, a vibrant space that reflects its belief in quality, community, and experience. The new coffee shop will be open to the public and tenants, offering sit-in or takeaway coffee, alongside a dedicated kiosk within the new co‑working hub. It will be serving its signature Damn Fine Coffee, as well as its curated range of great products. That Day, the gym and wellness studio, has also signed at Multistory for 5,300 sq ft, delivering a state-of-the-art facility for occupier use, offering wellbeing workshops, fitness classes, therapy, and coaching. It is due to open in Q1 this year, adding to a collection of amenity uses designed to enhance productivity and wellbeing within Multistory’s workspaces, such as a library, a 15,000 sq ft indoor-outdoor bar and café area with a 2,000 sq ft terrace, an adjoining atrium, and a unique 80-seat auditorium. Emily Atkinson, Asset and Transaction Manager at Railpen, said: “Securing That Day Fitness and 92 Degrees Coffee is a strong endorsement of the direction we are taking with Multistory. These brands share our ambition to create places that establish a sense of community and connection between employees and their place of work. This is an approach we take across our entire office portfolio, selecting brands that will add real value for people working in and around our developments, but also ones that encourage staff retention, attraction, and productivity.” Jack Brewitt, CEO of 92 Degrees Coffee, said: “This opening is a special one for us. It’s not just our first franchise, but our first Birmingham store – a city that’s been on our radar for some time. Multistory felt like the perfect fit: a development that shares our values, with a strong sense of place, a diverse community, and a real vision for the future. We’re proud to partner with Ketch&Co to bring #DamnFineCoffee™️ to the heart of Birmingham and to keep building connections that matter.” Multistory is a grade A standard office building in the heart of Birmingham, boasting the city’s largest single floorplate at 41,000 sq ft, which is now available to let. A three-minute walk from Snow Hill train station, five minutes from Birmingham New Street, and five minutes from the proposed HS2 station, Multistory plays a key role in supporting Birmingham’s continued regeneration and wider UK growth by offering flexible, future-focused space designed around people and place. As well as targeting BREEAM Outstanding, WiredScored Platinum, EPC B and a Fitwell two-star rating, Multistory has parking for over 280 bikes with shower and changing facilities, 92 car parking spaces, and ten EV charging points. Multistory is just one of Railpen’s developments across its office portfolio in the UK, which have all been designed and developed to create high-quality, sustainable, and amenity-rich workspaces that appeal to modern occupiers and their employees. The portfolio also includes Mill Yard and Botanic Place in Cambridge, both of which are currently under construction, alongside several in London, such as Red Lion Square, 125 Wood Street, 101 Bayham, Jamestown Courtyard, 4 Coleman Street, and 12 Smithfield. CBRE and Creative Retail are the retail and leisure leasing agents on Multistory, CBRE and Avison Young lead on the office leasing, with V7 Asset Management advising. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest research by BPS London has revealed that London’s office sector is being held back by a lack of investment in refurbishment and remodelling, with just 7.5% of currently available office rental stock in the capital considered premium workspace. BPS London analysed the size and annual change of the UK commercial property remodelling sector, before conducting further analysis of current London office rental listing stock to assess how much of the market is meeting the standard expected by today’s workforce. Commercial property remodelling sector on the decline The research* shows that in 2022, following the removal of Covid restrictions, the commercial property remodelling sector boomed as businesses adapted to reduced physical attendance and evolving workplace expectations. In total, the sector grew to £6.86bn, marking an annual increase of 25.1%, a rate of growth which then slowed dramatically in 2023 (+6.1%) and 2024 (+1.2%) What’s more, in 2025 the commercial property remodelling market declined by -2.1% to £7.21bn and is forecast to fall by a further -2.7% in 2026, down to £7.01bn. Just 7.5% of available London offices considered premium BPS London believes this decline is arriving at precisely the wrong time, as London’s office market continues to evolve in a post-pandemic landscape and occupiers demand higher-quality, fit-for-purpose space. In fact, BPS London’s analysis** of current London office rental opportunities shows that the vast majority of available stock sits below premium price thresholds. Almost half of office rentals are priced between £31 and £60 per sq ft (46.6%), while more than a quarter fall into the lowest price bracket of £0 to £30 per sq ft (27.4%). Just 7.5% command a premium price point of £91+ per sq ft. Current London offices fail to provide even most basic features Further analysis*** of the features currently being advertised within London’s office rental stock also suggests that many buildings are failing to meet even baseline expectations. Security / security systems were the most common feature, present in 60% of listings, while only 35% of listings provide 24-hour access, despite the evolving working patterns seen since the pandemic. Meanwhile, controlled access is present in just 21% of office rentals. On-site amenities remain limited across much of the capital’s current office stock, with just 18% offering an on-site restaurant and 17% featuring a roof terrace. Fitness centres and concierge services are each available in only 5% of listings, whilst features such as day care and leisure facilities are virtually non-existent, accounting for just 0.1% of available listings stock respectively. Commenting on the findings, Mahir Vachani, Director at BPS London, said: “It’s been said that that mid-week office attendance has now returned to post-pandemic levels and that’s great news for London’s commercial sector. However, the workplace has changed dramatically since Covid, and the capital’s workforce now has higher expectations than ever before when it comes to the quality of their working environment. Today, flexible working is the norm and that means businesses can’t expect employees to commit to travelling into the office if the space itself feels tired, uninspiring, and poorly equipped. Yet our analysis shows that just a small proportion of London’s current office rentals can be considered premium, while many buildings are still falling short on fundamentals such as security, controlled access, and 24-hour availability. At the same time, the UK commercial property remodelling sector has started to contract, with a decline recorded in 2025 and a further reduction forecast for 2026. This is happening at a point where investment is needed most, not only to modernise London’s office stock, but to create fit-for-purpose workspaces that support productivity, wellbeing, and the expectations of the modern-day worker.” Data Tables and Sources Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
c.£100m five-year project will provide critical access to Agratas gigafactory in Somerset. Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been appointed to design and build a new junction on the M5 motorway. Awarded through the Regional Delivery Partnership (RDP) framework, the contract is worth approximately £100m to Costain over a five-year period. Junction 22A is a new motorway junction being constructed between Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater, in Somerset. It will provide access to the Gravity Smart Campus and £4bn gigafactory being developed by Agratas, which will be Britain’s biggest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility. The junction will consist of north facing slip roads and will alleviate congestion on the motorway south of the Huntspill river. Costain’s role as the project’s delivery integration partner and main works contractor will see it design and construct the new junction before handing it over to National Highways upon completion. In its role, Costain will provide a range of best-in-class infrastructure services, including design, engineering, programme delivery and supply chain management. WSP will support Costain as design partner. Alex Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer of Costain, commented: “This award is built on our long-established highways delivery expertise and trusted partner relationship with National Highways. We will work closely with our supply chain partners to design and deliver this new junction that will provide access to the new gigafactory and help to drive economic growth in this region of the UK. “This investment, supporting the UK’s growth ambitions, is another example of Costain’s commitment to deliver critical national infrastructure programmes that improve people’s lives.” Costain is a long-term partner to National Highways and last year completed the construction of 41 emergency areas on the M1 ahead of schedule. Costain is also providing specialist technical engineering advice to National Highways under its Specialist Professional and Technical Services Framework (SPaTS3), which will cover the whole of the period for Roads Investment Strategy 3 (2026-2031). The infrastructure solutions company is also National Highways’ delivery partner for the M60/M62/M66 Simister Island Interchange scheme. In addition, Costain was recently added to join the Eastern Highways Alliance’s EH4 Framework, covering a range of civil engineering and construction works across the East of England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Façade lighting plays an important role in shaping how buildings are perceived after dark, while also supporting the safety and usability of outdoor spaces. For residential, hospitality and commercial environments, wall luminaires must deliver not only visual impact, but also durability, efficiency and installation flexibility. When specifying exterior wall lighting, professionals must consider a number of factors, including light distribution, colour temperature, glare control, environmental protection and long-term reliability. Increasingly, there is also demand for solutions that offer adaptability on site, allowing lighting effects to be fine-tuned to suit different architectural styles and changing project requirements. To meet these needs, LEDVANCE has expanded its outdoor luminaire portfolio with the URBAN WALL VARIO – a highly versatile, decorative wall light designed to combine architectural aesthetics with robust outdoor performance. URBAN WALL VARIO is designed to provide upward, downward or combined up-and-down light emission, enabling specifiers and installers to accentuate façade textures, highlight entrances and create depth and visual interest across building elevations. Interchangeable reflectors are supplied as standard, allowing beam angles of 30° for more focused accent lighting or 55° for a wider, softer distribution, making it easy to tailor the lighting effect to the application. On-site adjustability allows lighting effects to be fine-tuned during or after installation, with discreet controls enabling changes to light direction, colour tone and output without affecting the clean external appearance. This allows more sensitive integration of lighting with different façade materials and architectural styles. Built for long-term outdoor use, the luminaire combines robust construction with protection against weather, impact and temperature extremes, making it suitable for a wide range of exterior settings. High durability and extended service life also help to reduce maintenance demands over the lifetime of the installation. Durability remains just as critical, especially in exposed outdoor locations where luminaires must withstand weather, temperature fluctuations and physical impact over many years of operation. URBAN WALL VARIO is rated IP65 for protection against dust and water ingress and IK08 for impact resistance, with a robust aluminium housing and C4 corrosion protection to ensure long-term performance in challenging external environments. A long lifetime of up to 100,000 hours (L70/B10) further reduces maintenance requirements and supports lower whole-life costs. From an installation perspective, efficiency and adaptability are also high on the priority list. With dual cable entries for through-wiring, snap-in connectors and a mounting design that allows installation in either orientation, the luminaire accommodates varied wiring approaches and simplifies coordination on site, helping to reduce installation time on fast-paced projects. For projects requiring intelligent control and seamless integration with building management systems, URBAN WALL VARIO is also available with DALI-2 control gear. These versions enable precise digital dimming, individual addressing and flexible grouping zones. Head of Project Sales at LEDVANCE UK – David Goddard adds, “Architectural lighting should enhance a building’s character while standing up to the realities of outdoor use. Our aim with URBAN WALL VARIO was to create a solution that supports creative façade lighting while also addressing the practical challenges faced by designers and installers on site.” Supported by LEDVANCE’s technical guidance and project support services, the URBAN WALL VARIO range is positioned to help professionals deliver exterior lighting schemes that balance visual quality, reliability and ease of implementation across a wide variety of outdoor applications. For more information, contact LEDVANCE UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kubota (UK) has marked one of the largest single equipment deals in its history after securing a major order from GGH Hire. The Enfield-based hire firm has taken delivery of the first machines from a 150-strong order of compact excavators, forming part of a multi-million-pound investment programme. The purchase follows GGH Hire’s recent acquisition by St Albans-based Herts Tool Company and was completed through local dealer Boss Plant Sales. The order spans a wide range of Kubota mini and midi excavators, from the sub-one-tonne KX008-5 to the 8.5-tonne KX085-5, the manufacturer’s largest compact model. Around 100 of the machines will be used to fully refresh GGH Hire’s existing fleet, while the remaining 50 excavators have been earmarked to support future growth as demand continues to rise. GGH Hire was acquired by Herts Tool Company in December 2025. Both businesses will continue to operate independently, with David Shallow taking full responsibility for the Enfield operation. Former owner Gerry Gardiner remains involved with the business following the acquisition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In the construction industry, advanced roofing diagnostics are becoming essential. New technologies are changing how roofing issues are identified and fixed. Staying updated with these advancements is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Advanced roofing diagnostics are reshaping traditional practices in the construction sector with modern solutions. As buildings become more complex, the need for precise and efficient diagnostic methods grows. Innovations like thermal imaging and drone surveys have made these diagnostics more accessible and effective. By embracing these advancements, you can enhance accuracy and streamline operations across various projects. Companies like NWIR are at the forefront of these innovations, offering cutting-edge solutions for the industry. Technologies driving roofing diagnostic advancements Thermal imaging has revolutionised roofing diagnostics by providing non-invasive methods to detect moisture and insulation issues. This technology allows you to identify hidden problems without dismantling parts of a structure. By analysing temperature variations on roof surfaces, contractors can pinpoint potential leaks or insulation failures with precision. The ability to see beneath the surface without physical disruption significantly improves both speed and accuracy. Drone surveys offer another leap forward in roofing diagnostics, allowing for comprehensive aerial inspections that were previously challenging. With drones, you can capture high-resolution images and videos, offering a complete view of the roofing area. This method saves time and reduces safety risks associated with manual inspections. By combining drone imagery with data analytics, you gain insights into structural integrity and potential problem areas that might otherwise go unnoticed. Moisture meters and infrared sensors complement thermal imaging by providing detailed readings of water infiltration and humidity levels within roofing systems. These handheld devices enable you to conduct targeted investigations in specific areas flagged by broader diagnostic scans. When combined with digital reporting systems, the data collected can be stored and analysed over time to track deterioration patterns and predict maintenance needs. This layered approach to diagnostics ensures that no potential issue escapes detection, allowing for comprehensive roof health assessments that support long-term asset management strategies. Benefits of advanced diagnostics in construction Integrating advanced roofing diagnostics into construction projects brings numerous advantages. Primarily, these technologies lead to significant cost savings by reducing the need for extensive manual labour and minimising material wastage. Identifying issues early through precise diagnostics helps you avoid expensive repairs later. Additionally, the efficiency gained through technology can lead to shorter project timelines, benefiting both contractors and clients. Moreover, advanced diagnostics enhance decision-making by providing detailed data that informs strategic planning and resource allocation. When you leverage these insights effectively, project managers can better anticipate needs and adjust schedules accordingly. This proactive approach fosters a more efficient workflow, enabling you to deliver higher quality outcomes while maintaining budgets and deadlines. Environmental sustainability is another significant benefit of implementing advanced roofing diagnostics in modern construction. By accurately identifying problem areas and enabling targeted repairs, you reduce material waste and minimise the environmental impact of unnecessary replacement projects. These technologies also help optimise energy efficiency by detecting insulation deficiencies and thermal bridging that contribute to heat loss. As building regulations increasingly emphasise environmental performance, the ability to document and improve a structure’s thermal envelope through precise diagnostics becomes invaluable for meeting compliance standards and achieving green building certifications. Real-world applications and future trends The practical implementation of advanced roofing diagnostics has shown impressive results in various construction projects. Large-scale commercial developments have benefited from reduced overheads and improved project delivery times by employing these technologies early in the planning phase. This not only mitigates risks but also boosts client satisfaction by ensuring timely completion. The future of roofing diagnostics is promising, with potential innovations set to further transform construction practices. Emerging technologies like AI-driven analytics promise to enhance data interpretation, offering predictive insights that help anticipate future challenges. You may soon find AI integrated into diagnostic tools to automatically assess risks and recommend preventive measures. Staying informed about these developments will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in the construction industry.
Planning approvals for housing fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025 to their lowest level since 2019, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The figures sharpen the challenge for housing secretary Steve Reed, whose ‘Build, Baby, Build’ drive and the Government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes is being tested by a weakening housing pipeline. Residential planning approval value ended 2025 at £35.5bn, down 13% on 2021 and 25% below 2019, even though the wider construction market is up around 20% versus pre-COVID. Fewer approvals today mean fewer sites starting in the months ahead, slowing new supply, keeping upward pressure on prices and rents, and pushing the 1.5 million homes target further out of reach. “Last year, Steve Reed called on the industry to build, baby, build, but we’re yet to see any reaction,” said Ed Griffiths, head of business and client analysis at Barbour ABI. “The approvals pipeline for new homes has shrunk to its weakest since 2019, while money and momentum have shifted to energy infrastructure. “We don’t expect to see new housing spend to return to 2022 levels until 2027 and unless we see planning approvals recovering and contract awards broadening beyond a few large schemes, the 1.5 million homes target is looking increasingly impossible.” Contract awards, a key indicator of market health and future workload that signal the move from planning to delivery, remain broadly flat in housing. The value of residential awards edged up 4% in 2025 but has hovered around £22bn for three years. It’s a similar picture on applications. With no answer to current viability issues, residential remains stagnant increasing only 5% in overall application value with a 13% drop in the number of applications. By contrast, the rest of construction is performing. Overall planning approval value across all sectors rose 22% last year to £112bn, even as the number of approvals fell. Infrastructure is a particular highlight, as planning application value improved 45%, and planning approval value jumped 108% in 2025, powered by government-backed energy investment. Seven of the eight infrastructure projects approved in 2025 above £1bn were in the energy sector. Last year also saw growth across most regions, driven by high value transport and utility orders and urban regeneration in cities like Leeds and Manchester. Despite ongoing challenges like high costs and planning delays there are signs that private investors are committing to signing off on new contracts. But how quickly these can translate to activity on the ground in 2026 remains to be seen Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proteus Waterproofing has been shortlisted as a Finalist in three major categories at this year’s Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) Awards, reinforcing its growing influence and technical leadership within the UK liquid waterproofing market. The LRWA Awards recognise excellence, best practice and innovation across the liquid roofing and waterproofing sector. Being shortlisted across multiple categories highlights Proteus Waterproofing’s ability to deliver consistently high-performing solutions across a diverse range of applications, environments and project complexities. Each shortlisted scheme also demonstrates the company’s commitment to robust system design, technical assurance and collaborative working. From large-scale commercial roofing at M&S Putney, to demanding buried Blue Roof System at Welbourne and the technically sensitive waterproofing of public realm water features at Jubilee Park Fountains, these projects highlight the versatility and reliability of Proteus liquid waterproofing systems. “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted in three categories at this year’s LRWA Awards.,” said Justin Pitman, Sales Director at Proteus Waterproofing. These projects reflect the strength of our systems, the quality of our technical support and, most importantly, the trusted partnerships we have with Proteus Approved Contractors who share our commitment to getting waterproofing right.” The shortlisting also reflects the company’s wider impact on the liquid waterproofing market. Proteus continues to invest heavily in product development, technical guidance and installer support, helping specifiers and contractors achieve durable, compliant and long-lasting waterproofing solutions for clients. Winners of the LRWA Awards will be announced later this year. The 3 shortlisted projects, delivered in collaboration with trusted contractor partners, are: (MAIN PICTURE) Marks & Spencer (M&S) Putney, with APA Roofing & WaterproofingLiquid Roofing Project of the Year – over 1000m² For more information about Proteus Waterproofing visit www.proteuswaterproofing.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals