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 exceeded social value targets in its delivery of the second phase of Prologis Park at Beddington Lane in Croydon, South London.  In alignment with real estate logistics provider Prologis’ Social Value Charter, Winvic implemented a robust Employment and Skills Plan in collaboration with Sutton Council, Sutton and District Training, and the South London Careers Hub.   The contractor surpassed its Section 106 Employment and Skills commitments, delivering high-impact social value initiatives as part of its partnership with Prologis and the London Borough of Sutton.  The expansion of Prologis Park Beddington Lane comprises of four low-carbon logistics units totalling over 110,640 sq. ft, including 97,105 sq. ft of warehouse space and 13,535 sq. ft of modern office facilities built to BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+ ratings.  Winvic surpassed extensive training and skills targets, hosting 11 work insight sessions (83% above target) and seven site visits.   Work insight sessions included six engagement with students from Sutton and District Training, helping to raise awareness of construction careers and skills pathways, and two tailored construction and sensory sessions for SEN learners at Greenholm School, offering an inclusive and engaging experience and engaging for young people with additional learning needs.   Further activities included supporting a speed networking event at Harris Academy Sutton, where students interviewed members of the site team, and providing an employer talk as part of a site visit with representatives from London Borough of Sutton Council, to the same school. This led to one of the students completing a work experience placement with Winvic. In addition, mock interviews were delivered at Greenshaw School, helping Year 12 students prepare for future employment.  Winvic coordinated apprenticeships and work placements, including a local Civil Engineering apprentice who was recruited directly onto the Beddington Lane site and continues to train with Winvic on another project. Another local Civil Engineering apprentice, engaged through shared apprenticeship provider Co-Train, successfully gained employment with Winvic to continue her apprenticeship.   Winvic’s social value activities extended to supporting charity and community sector organisations including social enterprise Hey Girls, site signage provider Nuneaton Signs, who provide employment for people with disabilities , and the Daniel Baird Foundation, a charity which provides publicly accessible bleeding control packs for stab victims, with Winvic donating a pack for the local community.  Emma Alderman, Senior Social Responsibility Manager at Winvic, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at Beddington Lane. Our goal was not just to meet the extensive targets but to do so in a meaningful way. By working closely with Sutton and District Training, local schools, and shared apprenticeship providers, we’ve delivered a wide range of impactful opportunities that reflect our long-term commitment to social value.”  Danny Nelson, Managing Director – Industrial, Logistics & Data Centres at Winvic, said: “Beddington Lane Phase 2 is a great example of delivering not only sustainable, high-quality logistics units, but also long-lasting benefits for the local community. We’re pleased to be building on our long-standing relationship with Prologis with whom we share many of our core values. The team’s passion for engaging with local learners and creating real employment pathways has been wonderful to watch. I’m incredibly proud of our results and how we’ve embedded social value into the very fabric of this project, making a difference to people’s lives and the community.”  Tim Burn, Director – Development Management at Prologis UK, added “Projects like Prologis Park Beddington Lane show how we bring our Social Value Charter to life on the ground. Working with partners such as Winvic, local authorities and education providers allows us to create opportunities that have a lasting impact on people and communities, not just buildings. We are proud of what has been achieved at Beddington Lane and of the positive legacy it is creating locally.”  Recognising the quality and impact of the social value work, Beddington Lane has been awarded a Silver National Site Award by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, achieving an exceptional 44 out of 45 score, including a best practice point.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Clowes Developments is progressing a major multi-million-pound redevelopment at Harrier Park in Hucknall, with extensive site preparation and enabling works now well advanced on the landmark brownfield site. The site, historically linked to the development of the Harrier Jump Jet and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is undergoing a significant transformation to unlock up to 500,000 sq ft of modern industrial and warehouse accommodation. The project represents a key early phase in Clowes Developments’ long-term vision to bring forward high-quality employment space in the area. Lead contractor TanRo is delivering the works, which include land remediation, bulk earthworks and major infrastructure upgrades across two development plots. According to Clowes Developments, remediation works are nearing completion, with more than 90 per cent of the overall programme now finished and practical completion anticipated by the end of January. On plot one, a 134-metre retaining wall has been fully installed, alongside the completion of major storm drainage works and high-voltage diversion ducting. Existing surfacing and underground obstructions have been removed, while the formation of the future access road is in place. Bulk earthworks are largely complete, with only minor activity remaining. Plot two has also seen strong progress, with storm drainage diversion completed and earthworks approaching completion. Despite encountering unforeseen underground features and other technical challenges, the project team has successfully re-sequenced works to avoid any material impact on the programme. A notable achievement included the installation of a new manhole connection into the existing storm drainage network on Dorey Way, completed over a four-week period while maintaining a live traffic lane. Clowes Developments worked closely with Ashfield District Council and specialist advisors Pegasus Group to manage heritage considerations relating to unlisted buildings, enabling works to continue without delay. The site is being jointly marketed by FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German, with consent in place for units ranging from 64,000 sq ft to 117,000 sq ft. Agents report strong early interest from national occupiers, with both plots expected to be construction-ready by the end of January. This would allow occupiers to be operational before the end of the year, supported by a swift 36-week construction programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Firethorn has acquired a 17-acre site situated on the A41 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, from Taylor Wimpey with plans to deliver a new, best-in-class mid-box logistics development. The land forms the employment element of Taylor Wimpey’s residential-led development at Hampden Fields, and benefits from outline consent for up to 314,000 sq ft of employment use. Firethorn plans to invest £50m in the developmentand engage with the Local Authority planning team and local stakeholders to progress reserved matters planning consent, with speculative development anticipated to commence in mid-2027. Following its recent purchase of a 10-acre site in Maidenhead, and with further transactions under offer, this acquisition demonstrates Firethorn’s continued commitment to the UK I&L sector. James Sanders, Head of Industrial and Logistics at Firethorn, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with the Taylor Wimpey team and consultants on a site that we’re excited to bring forward. The development presents an compelling opportunity for occupiers, who continue to be displaced by affordability constraints of nearby markets. With excellent connectivity and Grade A product, we expect the project will allow us to address a gap for future customers and look forward to moving into the delivery phase. “The site complements our recent acquisition in Maidenhead and we hope, with further announcements to come, our logistics portfolio will continue to grow, suiting occupier requirements across different sizes and geographies. This reflects our focus on pursuing strategic opportunities in well-connected locations with strong fundamentals across the UK.” Henry Pauncefort-Duncombe, Head of Strategic Land at Kirkby Diamond (now part of Eddisons), who acted on behalf of Taylor Wimpey alongside Alex Jenden, said: “We are delighted to have advised on the sale of this significant 17-acre site in Aylesbury, working alongside joint agents Bidwells. Kirkby Diamond has been involved with the site at Hampden Fields for over 20 years, so it is particularly rewarding to see it move into its next phase. This is a major transaction for the region and, once complete, we expect the best-in-class development to attract strong interest from a wide range of occupiers, ultimately delivering substantial employment opportunities and long-term economic benefits for the local area.” Located south-east of Aylesbury, the site provides direct access to the A41 dual carriageway offering connectivity to the M40 and M25, which are both within 20 miles. Firethorn was advised by Cushman & Wakefield, Taylor Wimpey was advised by Kirkby Diamond (now Eddisons). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals