Sodexo Health & Care has been appointed as one of only 15 strategic suppliers to the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and wider health organisations, as part of the newly launched National Strategic Supplier Relationship Management (SSRM) programme. The SSRM programme is a joint initiative between
Innovative office redevelopment’s accreditation a first for Gilbert-Ash Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has welcomed confirmation its £29million office redevelopment on Manchester’s Great Bridgewater Street has been recognised as a ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ project. BREEAM is an internationally recognised standard for sustainability and to achieve this rating, the developer, architects
NHS Property Services (NHSPS) is delighted to announce that construction is underway on the Northwood & Pinner Health Centre, a state-of-the-art facility set to open in the summer of 2026. This project represents a significant investment of £12 million in the Hillingdon area. A groundbreaking event held on Wednesday 7
Preparations are officially underway for the transformation of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, as RG Carter is appointed to deliver a new multi-storey car park ahead of the hospital’s planned rebuild. The £18 million scheme will see a 1,310-space car park constructed on the site of the former
When a blue roof was needed as part of a major sustainable renovation at the Acre in London, it was vital that the solution specified could be installed while other work on aspects of the roof were underway. With so many moving parts to the renovation, ACO Building Drainage had
Plans to transform Kew Retail Park in South West London into a vibrant new neighbourhood featuring up to 1,200 homes and a modernised Marks & Spencer store have been put on indefinite hold, leaving the future of the site in question. Located in Richmond, the 10-acre retail park was partially
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has confirmed the acquisition of a prominent development site at Horizon 120 Business Park in Braintree, Essex. The project, known as Panattoni Park Braintree, is set to deliver 575,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art industrial and logistics space, bolstering both local and regional
The care home is the first development to be completed at Trafford Waters – an emerging 55-acre waterside district in Greater Manchester that will create 3,000 new homes and 20-acres of landscaped parkland and public realm. Trafford Waters Care Home has welcomed the arrival of its first residents, marking a
Builders’ merchants and construction suppliers are accelerating investment in AI, as they seek to modernise operations and stay competitive, according to new research. The study by eCommerce agency PushON, found that nearly half of businesses in the sector (49%) now see the rise of AI and automation as the most
The UK’s construction materials sector has stumbled once again in early 2025, as demand for heavy-side building materials continues to falter under the weight of economic uncertainty, planning delays, and weakened infrastructure investment. Fresh industry data reveals a sharp fall in sales of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete during the first
Sodexo Health & Care has been appointed as one of only 15 strategic suppliers to the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and wider health organisations, as part of the newly launched National Strategic Supplier Relationship Management (SSRM) programme. The SSRM programme is a joint initiative between DHSC, the NHSE, and the Cabinet Office. It represents a shift in how the health system engages with its most critical suppliers – moving from traditional procurement approaches to a structured, collaborative model that emphasises relationship-building, long-term value creation, and innovation. Health organisations undertook a thorough process to identify the suppliers most vital to the delivery of health services. Following an invitation, Sodexo will now participate in this long-term, high-impact programme. Philip Leigh, CEO of Sodexo Health & Care UK & Ireland, said: “Being selected as a strategic supplier is a proud milestone for Sodexo. We look forward to contributing to the SSRM programme and are keen to see the programme accelerate the innovation and scale that partner organisations like Sodexo can bring to providers—driving efficiency, compliance, and improved outcomes.” The appointment builds on Sodexo’s long-standing position as a strategic supplier to the Government. It will continue to work separately with its own Cabinet Office Crown Representative. This development follows a series of recent milestones for Sodexo. In 2024, Sodexo Health & Care secured a place on the Crown Commercial Service’s RM6331 Healthcare Soft Facilities Management Services framework. This national framework streamlines access for all UK public sector bodies to pre-approved suppliers, evaluated on both quality and cost. Additionally, Sodexo was recently appointed by East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust to deliver food and facilities management services across its Colchester, Ipswich, and community estate. Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health (Secondary Care), added: “Our healthcare system can’t function without its suppliers. They play a critical role in driving innovation, ensuring better value for taxpayers, and putting more money in people’s pockets through long-term growth.” In November 2024, Sodexo also achieved the highest maturity level in the NHS Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment, which promotes carbon reduction, ethical sourcing, and social value creation in alignment with the NHS’s 2045 net zero target. Simon Lilley, Director of Strategy at Sodexo Health & Care, said: “We have worked closely with the senior leadership team at the NHS and, of course, NHS Trusts for many years. Therefore, this formal collaboration with the NHS, DHSC, and our peers is a natural extension—collectively fuelling change as we support providers and systems facing unrelenting clinical and financial pressures.” Sodexo’s inclusion in the SSRM programme signals confidence in the company as a trusted, strategic partner in transforming healthcare delivery across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Innovative office redevelopment’s accreditation a first for Gilbert-Ash Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has welcomed confirmation its £29million office redevelopment on Manchester’s Great Bridgewater Street has been recognised as a ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ project. BREEAM is an internationally recognised standard for sustainability and to achieve this rating, the developer, architects and engineers must think outside the box in order to create a truly sustainable project. In the UK, less than 1% of registered non-domestic buildings have achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating. This is the first Gilbert-Ash project to have received this accreditation. Gilbert-Ash’s scope of works at the former warehouse site included the design and build redevelopment of an existing office building with the addition of two levels to form new CAT A office space over nine floors, including basement. As the company continues its relentless drive to deliver generational projects, a number of innovative approaches were taken throughout the work on Havelock House to ensure the BREEAM Outstanding rating could be achieved. From the outset, OMI Architects engaged with the BRE Green Guide and this engagement was followed through into the construction stage to ensure appropriately sourced products from the supply chain were selected. A deep retrofit strategy, included the installation of an entirely new façade system, developed as the optimum solution through the use of a whole-life carbon option appraisal, ensuring that, through the utilisation of the existing structure, the project retained 2,000 CO2e of embodied carbon, the equivalent of planting 10,250 trees. The offsite fabrication of the unitised façade reduced waste and shortened the construction time on site while the rainwater harvesting in the basement minimised the site’s water consumption. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said this rating is further evidence of the company’s ability to deliver stand-out iconic projects. “At Gilbert-Ash we have delivered some of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic spaces and we are thrilled Havelock House is our first project to receive BREEAM Outstanding certification. “Innovation, collaboration and determination are at the heart of everything we do and this recognition is thoroughly deserved.” Gilbert-Ash Environmental, Social and Governance Lead, Michael Heron said everyone involved with the project is proud their efforts have been recognised in this manner. He said: “Over the years, Gilbert-Ash has garnered a plethora of BREEAM Excellent and Very Good ratings but this is a new level for us. “To achieve this BREEAM Outstanding recognition, we had to implement at least 10 minimum standards including an air quality plan, a building user guide, seasonal commissioning and the responsible sourcing of construction products. “It would not have been possible to achieve this accreditation without early engagement by OMI Architects with the Green Guide. Implementing BREEAM Outstanding will ensure resource efficiency and lower maintenance and energy costs over the structure’s lifespan.” Havelock House has been used in the UK Green Building Council document ‘Building the Case for Net Zero: Retrofitting Office Buildings’ and has achieved Wiredscore (Platinum) and NABERS 5* accreditation. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. It is also seeking to attract the industry’s best talent to deliver landmark projects. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com/careers Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NHS Property Services (NHSPS) is delighted to announce that construction is underway on the Northwood & Pinner Health Centre, a state-of-the-art facility set to open in the summer of 2026. This project represents a significant investment of £12 million in the Hillingdon area. A groundbreaking event held on Wednesday 7 May was attended by representatives from health, property and construction partners including Emily Curtis, Director of Capital and Infrastructure at the Department of Health and Social Care. The project is a refurbishment and extension of a locally listed building, transforming it into a modern 1,500 sqm health centre. Originally constructed in the 1920s and used as a cottage hospital during the war, the building had been vacant since the late 2000’s. The building still retains historical elements such as the founder’s plaque and memorial beam, which will be prominently displayed in the new scheme. The project also includes rationalising the estate, enabling important value release from the disposal of surplus land, with 100% of the disposal proceeds recycled into the construction of the new health centre. NHSPS alongside the NHS North West London and new occupiers have worked collaboratively for over five years to ensure the delivery of this important project for Hillingdon. The project was approved by the NHS North West London and DHSC via the NHS Business Case process with all proposed occupiers agreeing leases for the new building, working closely with the design team to ensure the building matches their healthcare delivery requirements. The new health centre will offer a range of services including district nursing, ambulatory wound care, health visiting, school nursing, a diabetes clinic, bladder and bowel care, a GP surgery, diabetic eye screening, mental health services and talking therapies. The facility will also feature three garden areas, cycle stores, staff showers, collaborative meeting spaces, EV charging stations, water efficient flow restrictors and new trees and planting to increase biodiversity. Additionally, air-source heat pumps, LED lighting and thermal efficient building fabric will be used to improve the building’s energy performance. At this week’s groundbreaking event Adrian Powell, Director of Investment and Development Management for NHSPS, said: “Northwood and Pinner is a key hub that is used by thousands across the locality. We are breathing new life into the building, creating a state-of-the-art facility to serve its community and deliver excellent patient care.” Claire Eves, Service Director for Outer London Services, added: “Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWLFT) is proud to support the redevelopment of the Northwood and Pinner Cottage Hospital into a modern health centre. This project represents a significant investment in local healthcare infrastructure, aiming to enhance the delivery of both physical and mental health services to the community.” Joan Butfield, Chair, Carepoint Patients’ Participation Group said: “It is great to see work start on the new centre, it has been a long time in the planning. It will be wonderful for the doctors and patients to have a fit for purpose surgery. We cannot wait.” Mr Desraj Dahele, Chair, Acre and Acrefield Surgery, Patients’ Participation Group commented; “Wonderful news regarding the new Northwood Health Centre building opening next year. It will allow more services to be available for local patients, a better workplace for doctors and staff, plus improved facilities for all.” William Logan, Managing Director of Logan Construction SE Ltd, added: “We are excited to have been awarded, via the ProCure23 Framework, the Northwood & Pinner Health Centre project. We look forward to collaborating closely with our client, NHS Property Services, to successfully complete this important facility. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality work within the agreed timelines and budget, and we plan to engage with our partners at every stage of the process. We are confident that Logan Construction’s expertise and dedication to quality will enable us to deliver a state-of-the-art health centre. This new facility will not only provide essential services but also create a welcoming environment for both patients and healthcare professionals. As a Principal Supply Chain Partner (PSCP) within the ProCure 23 Framework, we are eager to continue strengthening our partnerships with NHS Trusts and look forward to achieving a successful outcome for NHS Property Services on this project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Preparations are officially underway for the transformation of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, as RG Carter is appointed to deliver a new multi-storey car park ahead of the hospital’s planned rebuild. The £18 million scheme will see a 1,310-space car park constructed on the site of the former Inspire Centre, which was demolished in 2023. This critical infrastructure will serve as a key enabler for the much-anticipated replacement of the hospital, which is currently scheduled to begin construction in 2027–28. The new Queen Elizabeth Hospital will be built on the footprint of the existing main car park, necessitating the creation of alternative parking facilities to maintain patient and staff access during the redevelopment phase. RG Carter’s appointment as main contractor marks a significant milestone in these enabling works. This development follows the government’s recent confirmation of a funding envelope between £1 billion and £1.5 billion for the delivery of the new hospital. The existing building, which has long suffered from structural concerns due to its use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), has been deemed unfit for the future. Construction of the multi-storey car park is due to commence in early 2026, and it will play a vital role in ensuring operational continuity as the wider transformation of the site begins. Once complete, it will provide modern, efficient parking facilities and clear the way for the next chapter of healthcare provision in the region. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust is working closely with delivery partners and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption to services throughout the build process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When a blue roof was needed as part of a major sustainable renovation at the Acre in London, it was vital that the solution specified could be installed while other work on aspects of the roof were underway. With so many moving parts to the renovation, ACO Building Drainage had to work with contractors to be able to make their usual installation process more dynamic and accommodate unexpected changes along the way. The brutalist building – previously known as 90 Long Acre, now shortened to The Acre – was built in the 1970s and by 2020 was in need of major renovations to restore its status as one of Covent Garden’s architectural highlights. The 240,000 square foot building would include office spaces, a café, and 113 residential flats. Moreover, once complete, The Acre was to be one of the most eco-friendly developments in the city. Boosting The Acre’s green credentials meant overhauling several key systems including heating, the electrical supply, and roof drainage. With conditions around the site and the project itself meaning storage space was limited, deliveries had to be carefully planned and ACO’s speedy adaptability proved to be a major advantage. With ACO’s contributions to the project, The Acre went on to be awarded Sustainability Project of the Year by the LRWA. Commencing with calculations ACO Building Drainage was invited by building design firm Arup to collaborate on the roof drainage part of The Acre’s renovation. ACO visited the site and provided calculations for the water attenuation the building would need, and recommended products that could provide the attenuation required in line with the overall sustainability goals and planning conditions of the project. ACO’s calculations accounted for the different sections of roof and the fact that raised areas of the roof drained onto lower parts. The provided calculations also took into consideration the combination of blue and blue green roof that was to be installed as part of the plan to better conserve water, boost biodiversity, clean the air, and improve the microclimate of The Acre. Following the calculations however, complications arose due to the concurrent installation of solar equipment and privacy screening on the same areas of the rooftop where ACO’s RoofBloxx were to be installed. Unexpected obstructions Due to limited on-site storage space and multiple aspects of the renovation being carried out simultaneously, only a small portion of the required ACO RoofBloxx could be delivered at a time. To overcome this challenge, ACO communicated closely with Lendlease’s site managers and adapted its usual delivery process to ensure product was at The Acre at the time it was needed. This flexibility was made possible due to ACO’s facility in Shefford, which houses products ready for shipping in cases when short lead-times or sudden changes are a factor. The main hurdle ACO and contractors from MAC Roofing had to contend with was the unexpected appearance of struts installed directly onto the rooftop to support other building services. These were in place to hold PV panels and screens to block plant equipment from public view to improve The Acre’s visual aesthetic. The schematic for the ACO RoofBloxx installation had been created before these struts were known to ACO. MAC Roofing discovered their placement when they arrived to carry out the drainage installation. Because of this, designs had to be adapted quickly, while ensuring that the finished product would provide the attenuation needed and prevent any leaks. Cutting carefully For each of the more-than one-hundred struts MAC had to work around, pitch pockets had to be put in, the insulation had to be altered, and the ACO RoofBloxx units had to be cut to fit the space available. MAC contractors measured the obstruction, cut the ACO RoofBloxx units to the new size by hand, and then taped and sealed each part individually. ACO provided instructions on how to do this without risking any unwanted water ingress. With each cut that had to be made, the potential for leaks increased, therefore it was vital to the success of the project that the unplanned adaptations were completed to a high standard across all seven sections of roof. Once the ACO RoofBloxx units were in place, other parts of the renovation meant that pipes and pedestals were placed directly on to the ACO RoofBloxx which was also an unforeseen change. ACO created a new set of structural load calculations to ensure that the components combined with the gravel would not compromise the ACO RoofBloxx’ performance or any aspect of building safety. Layers and loads In most blue roof systems, the final ballast weight needed to prevent insulation floating is significant and can impact load calculations as well as project costs and timelines as delivery and placement of ballast material is factored in. Due to ACO’s patented system which prevents the floatation of insulation on an inverted roof, only normal ballast weight is required, keeping costs low and project timelines on track. With ACO’s expertise, even with the unexpected challenges encountered during the project, MAC Roofing and ACO were able to complete their part of the project successfully, providing The Acre with a sustainable roof drainage system. The complications highlight the need for drainage to be a consideration from the very early stages of any building or renovation project. Rowan Gutteridge, Group Director at MAC said: “As with many construction projects, unexpected challenges arise all the time and we work to overcome them. The changes here were bigger than usual and it was in large part thanks to ACO that we were able to complete this installation successfully. When we suddenly had to cut the ACO RoofBloxx to shape, ACO’s expert advice meant we knew exactly how to do it and what adjustments were needed for the installation to make sure everything delivered the desired result. The ACO RoofBloxx units themselves are easy to work with which only helped the project progress. I’m looking forward to working with ACO and its products again on future projects.” Kevin Bohea, Managing Director at ACO Building
Plans to transform Kew Retail Park in South West London into a vibrant new neighbourhood featuring up to 1,200 homes and a modernised Marks & Spencer store have been put on indefinite hold, leaving the future of the site in question. Located in Richmond, the 10-acre retail park was partially acquired by developer Berkeley Group in 2021, with the remainder still owned by M&S. In 2022, St George, a division of Berkeley, unveiled proposals to regenerate the underutilised site with housing, shops, and enhanced public spaces. The design included a relocated and upgraded M&S beneath residential units, reflecting ambitions to create a thriving, mixed-use community. Initial consultations in mid-2022 revealed general support for the redevelopment, with many locals describing the existing single-storey retail layout and surface car parking as an inefficient use of prime land. However, concerns were also raised over the potential scale of the project, with some calling for a sensitive approach to density and design. Despite early momentum and community engagement, the project has since lost traction. A planning application, initially expected by summer 2023, never materialised. By late 2024, a brief update on the developer’s website confirmed that the site would “be retained in its current use as a retail investment” for the foreseeable future. No formal timeline has been offered for revisiting the proposals. Although the redevelopment is paused, both St George and M&S submitted a joint statement to Richmond Council in June 2024, outlining their continued interest in shaping the borough’s Local Plan. This planning framework, currently being finalised, identifies Kew Retail Park as a key location for future housing, retail, office, and leisure use. A draft version of the plan supports the site’s redevelopment for a substantial number of new homes—up to 900 if fully transformed—with an expectation that affordable housing be included. The council also emphasised the need to maintain commercial activity, encouraging a mix of retail, cafes, and community-focused businesses to foster a vibrant local environment. Representatives for the landowners have confirmed that discussions are ongoing and that a comprehensive masterplan is being developed. However, the pace of progress appears tied to negotiations over key elements—particularly the scale of the proposed new foodhall for M&S, which could determine how much of the site becomes available for housing. While the Local Plan advances, residents and stakeholders are left in limbo, awaiting clarity on whether one of the area’s most prominent redevelopment opportunities will be realised or remain on hold. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has confirmed the acquisition of a prominent development site at Horizon 120 Business Park in Braintree, Essex. The project, known as Panattoni Park Braintree, is set to deliver 575,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art industrial and logistics space, bolstering both local and regional supply chain infrastructure. Strategically positioned just over 15 minutes from London Stansted Airport and under an hour from the M25, Port of Felixstowe, and London Gateway, the site offers exceptional access to London, the Southeast, and international markets – making it an ideal location for logistics and distribution operators. This acquisition marks as a strategic launchpad into the East of England, paving the way for further development opportunities in the region. Construction is already underway on Phase 1, which comprises a single speculative unit of 171,915 sq ft, scheduled for completion in Q2 2026. In parallel, a Reserved Matters planning application has been submitted for Phase 2, which will deliver an additional 405,000 sq ft across three units, ranging from 65,000 sq ft to 240,000 sq ft, with completion anticipated in Q4 2026. All buildings at Panattoni Park Braintree will be delivered to leading sustainability standards, achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ ratings and EPC ‘A’ certification. The scheme is also targeting Net Zero Carbon in construction, with sustainability-focused features such as rooftop photovoltaic panels, EV charging infrastructure, and low-energy LED lighting. Future-proofed power supplies will support occupiers’ evolving needs, while biodiverse landscaping and exercise walkways will promote employee wellbeing. James Watson, Head of Development, Southern England & London at Panattoni, commented: “Panattoni Park Braintree represents a key milestone in our commitment to deliver next-generation logistics hubs in the UK’s most supply-constrained and strategically important locations. This development will offer exceptional connectivity, market-leading sustainability credentials, and flexibility for occupiers seeking to future-proof their operations. We are delighted to bring this scheme forward and contribute to Braintree’s growing position as a logistics and employment hub.” Panattoni Park Braintree benefits from proximity to local amenities and transport links, including direct access to the A131 and the Horizon 120 Gridserve Electric Forecourt, which offers cutting-edge EV charging and retail facilities, enhancing convenience for businesses and employees alike. Furthermore, with Braintree’s working-age population forecast to grow at more than double the national average and over 14,000 new homes planned for the area, the development will support local employment and skills advancement, further cementing its role within the community. CBRE and Coke Gearing are appointed as the leasing agents. For more information on this scheme, please visit: www.panattoni.co.uk/braintree Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The care home is the first development to be completed at Trafford Waters – an emerging 55-acre waterside district in Greater Manchester that will create 3,000 new homes and 20-acres of landscaped parkland and public realm. Trafford Waters Care Home has welcomed the arrival of its first residents, marking a significant moment for the state-of-the-art residential care home and a major milestone for the wider development of Trafford Waters. The momentous occasion is a testament to the collaborative efforts of waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters, who are the master-planners of the wider Trafford Waters district, developer Montpelier Estates, contractors Rowlinson Construction and Tanglewood, who have taken over the management and operation of the completed care home. The 85-bed care home offers a calming and supportive environment for its residents, with a focus on providing exceptional care and enhancing the quality of life. An onsite salon has been designed into the scheme, offering residents the opportunity to have their hair styled and nails manicured, Tanglewood will also be working with ‘Dementia Friendly Barbers’ – a specialist barbering service for care home residents, focused on bringing dignity, comfort and vintage nostalgia to every experience. BeGreat Fitness will offer enjoyable, safe and accessible weekly fitness classes to boost residents’ mobility, independence, and well-being; whilst Myley Tours will offer residents a bi-monthly out-of-home tour and experience to a destination of their choice. Trafford Waters will also be opening their doors to the wider local community with various community events throughout the year, providing opportunities for schools, groups and organisations to use the spaces within the home to host workshops, classes and engage with the residents. The new 1.35 acre home also has a variety of thoughtfully designed ‘destinations’ and amenities for residents to enjoy including a cinema room fitted with a vintage popcorn machine; a retro inspired sweet shop, library and reading rooms, multi-faith room, and a variety of colourful lounges and garden room, all of which have been designed to encourage socialising in comfortable, safe and supportive spaces. The outdoor sensory spaces, gardens and terrace overlook the emerging Trafford Waters district and will provide an ever changing, evolving and captivating view for residents of the care home to watch over. Daniel Rowark Donowa, C.E.O, Tanglewood Care Homes said: “We are delighted to announce a major milestone in the Tanglewood Care Homes journey with the opening of our very first home in Greater Manchester, nestled within the vibrant new Trafford Waters development. This marks the 19th home in Tanglewood’s growing portfolio, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring our 24/7, year-round commitment to care, compassion, and community to such a dynamic and promising area. “As Trafford Waters starts to welcome new residents, we are eager to enrich the lives of our residents and build lasting relationships within the wider TraffordCity community, and we would love to collaborate with local groups and amenities to create a truly connected, inclusive, and supportive environment.” The first resident to move into the Trafford Waters Care Home is 98-year-old George Matrejek, who’s arrival coincided with the same date as the official opening of the new home and symbolises the beginning of a new chapter for Trafford Waters as it moves from constructing developments to building a community. George, who celebrated his 98th birthday just a couple of days after moving into the Trafford Waters Care Home added: ‘It is a privilege to be the first resident in this home and an honour to move in on the very first day it opened. The team here is amazing and lovely, I don’t know where they got them but well done, I’m very happy here.’ Peel Waters secured outline planning permission for the new waterside district which sits within TraffordCity in December 2018 and it will see the delivery of 3,000 new homes, an on-site primary school, new hotels and 20-acres of open space to improve health, wellbeing and access to nature. Since the outline planning permission was secured, Peel Waters have completed phase one infrastructure work which provides access to Trafford Waters via Trafford Way and Redclyffe Road, connecting the emerging residential district to the wider TraffordCity retail and leisure destination. £8million has been spent on delivering the essential infrastructure, which in addition to highways access includes tree-lined footpaths, cycleways, utility connections, drainage and levelling of future development plots. The completed 85-bed care home, along with L&Q’s affordable development that is currently under construction and X1 Developments’ residential scheme which will be starting on site later this year, all form part of the first phase of 376 residential properties to be built at Trafford Waters. James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters said: “Opening the first homes at Trafford Waters is a huge moment for us and to have George, the very first resident of Trafford Waters move in on the same day made it even more meaningful and impactful for us as it symbolised the start of our future community. “We have been designing and developing TraffordCity for many decades, and Trafford Waters is an integral part of our vision. This residential led new waterside side district will deliver much-needed high quality homes, amenities and public realm and will see the elderly, living alongside families and individuals within affordable developments, with a mix of young professionals, couples, renters and buyers all nearby. We have thought out every future development here, with the aspiration for Trafford Waters to be a neighbourhood that offers something for everyone. “We’re looking forward to working with our development partners to deliver this vision and we’re very excited to see the arrival of more residents to Trafford Waters.” The Trafford Waters care home is now open, with immediate availability offering residential care, respite care and dementia care, offered with an all-inclusive fee. To find out more information about Trafford Waters Care Home, please contact Tanglewood’s team by ringing: 0161 394 1382, email: info@twhealthcare.co.uk or visit: https://www.traffordwaterscarehome.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Builders’ merchants and construction suppliers are accelerating investment in AI, as they seek to modernise operations and stay competitive, according to new research. The study by eCommerce agency PushON, found that nearly half of businesses in the sector (49%) now see the rise of AI and automation as the most significant trend shaping their digital strategies, ahead of platform upgrades and product information management. Partnering with an Amazon full service agency like beBOLD Digital can help brands capitalize on these trends by offering tailored automation, data-driven insights, and end-to-end support across the Amazon marketplace. The report, Building the Future: The Evolution of Construction eCommerce, reveals a sharp uptick in the use of AI to drive personalisation, forecasting and customer experience improvements. Nearly two-thirds of firms surveyed said they were already using AI to offer personalised recommendations to customers, with plans to expand further. Inventory forecasting and stock management are also undergoing transformation, with 40% of companies deploying AI to better predict demand and optimise supply chains. AI’s impact extends into customer service and marketing operations. Almost half of businesses (48%) report using AI chatbots to enhance responsiveness and support, while 46% are automating their marketing efforts to streamline operations. Enhanced site search functionality, using AI to better match customer queries with relevant products, has also emerged as a key investment area, with 49% of businesses investing in smarter search tools to drive better online engagement and conversion rates. Sam Rutley, managing director of PushON, said: “Our research shows that AI adoption is accelerating rapidly in the construction supply sector and is reshaping the future of digital commerce. Builders’ merchants and suppliers that embrace these technologies now will be better positioned to meet changing customer expectations and drive future growth, while those who delay risk falling behind.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s construction materials sector has stumbled once again in early 2025, as demand for heavy-side building materials continues to falter under the weight of economic uncertainty, planning delays, and weakened infrastructure investment. Fresh industry data reveals a sharp fall in sales of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete during the first quarter of the year, with both products declining by 6.3% compared to the previous quarter. Asphalt sales are now at their lowest point in over a decade, not counting the pandemic years, pointing to a particularly subdued road-building pipeline. Ready-mixed concrete volumes have dropped to around three million cubic metres per quarter—the lowest level seen in over 60 years. While the UK’s major infrastructure projects like HS2, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C continue to drive some demand for aggregates and concrete, they are increasingly the exception rather than the rule. The roads sector is especially under pressure, with numerous local and national schemes postponed or cancelled. This has had a direct impact on asphalt consumption, signalling a wider slowdown in public infrastructure spending. There was a modest 0.5% uptick in primary aggregates (crushed rock and sand & gravel), offering little comfort in an otherwise downbeat picture. The only sustained growth came from mortar sales, which rose by 3.8% for the fourth consecutive quarter—an indication that housebuilding activity, while still below normal levels, may be stabilising. External economic forces are also casting a shadow. Trade tensions stemming from recent global policy shifts, including fresh tariffs introduced by the US, are expected to disrupt supply chains and increase market volatility. There are concerns that redirected cement imports could place further strain on the domestic market, which already sees nearly a third of cement sourced from abroad. Leaders within the industry are calling for stronger government intervention to safeguard the UK’s mineral products sector. With construction so reliant on materials like cement, aggregates, and concrete, industry voices warn that a lack of policy support—on energy costs, planning reform, and public procurement—risks undermining the very foundations of future growth. Aurelie Delannoy, Director of Economic Affairs at the Mineral Products Association, commented that while housebuilding shows “early signs of improvement”, the broader construction outlook remains “fragile”, with delays in investment and interest rate uncertainty threatening progress. As the UK seeks to revive its building sector and deliver on net zero and growth ambitions, ensuring a robust domestic materials supply chain is more important than ever. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
