Newett Homes has appointed Mathew Drake as its new Head of Land, reinforcing the company’s ambitious growth plans. Mathew joins the Yorkshire housebuilder with more than 20 years’ experience in land acquisition and residential development, having built an impressive track record of identifying and securing strategic development opportunities throughout the
Three businesses in the same building in the east end of Glasgow have been named in the Sunday Times Fast Growth 50, underlining the impact of regeneration efforts by Clyde Gateway in attracting innovative, high-growth businesses to the area. Utopi, Acumen Cyber, and Morris & Spottiswood are all based at
Reinstatement contractors serving Hertfordshire split into two groups that are easy to confuse: highway and utility reinstatement specialists who close excavations to the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways, and insurance reinstatement firms who rebuild property after fire or flood. This shortlist covers the first group only, because
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor specialising in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has completed the civils and infrastructure programme and two industrial facilities at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), marking a major milestone in
Prospective students can now get an early glimpse of life at The Propeller Quarter, with newly released images revealing the premium student accommodation at Brabazon. With many school leavers currently waiting on A-Level results and the start of university clearing on 13th August, YTL Developments has confirmed that The Propeller Quarter is ready to welcome hundreds of students from September. The new images showcase the modern, affordable student homes and social spaces including bedrooms, shared living and
The Crown Estate has unveiled the next phase of its long-term transformation of London’s West End, bringing forward plans to deliver more than 169,000 sq ft of high-quality office, retail and hospitality space through two major regeneration projects in the heart of the capital. The developments at 10 Piccadilly and
Watkin Jones has secured £60 million of new contracts, strengthening its project pipeline as demand continues to grow for the refurbishment, fire safety remediation and modernisation of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) across the UK. The residential developer and asset manager has signed six new contracts during the second half of
Natural Power has strengthened its position as one of Scotland’s leading providers of renewable energy services after securing a contract with ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) to support five onshore windfarms across southern Scotland. The new five-year contract sees Natural Power appointed to provide operations and maintenance services at Ewe Hill 1,
GSK has announced plans to open a major new global research and development centre at Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The 300,000 sq ft centre will become home to GSK’s R&D operations in the UK, representing a £400 million investment commitment by the company. Prologis is the development partner for the new
Conlon Construction and Cassidy + Ashton have completed the £19m refurbishment of the East Estate at Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), delivering a fully reconfigured 6,778 sqm, four-storey academic building within a live campus environment. The scheme comprised a full internal strip-out of the existing 1970s structure, including removal of
Newett Homes has appointed Mathew Drake as its new Head of Land, reinforcing the company’s ambitious growth plans. Mathew joins the Yorkshire housebuilder with more than 20 years’ experience in land acquisition and residential development, having built an impressive track record of identifying and securing strategic development opportunities throughout the region. Prior to joining Newett Homes, Mathew held senior land roles at Bellway Homes Yorkshire and spent more than 12 years with Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West Division. Throughout his career, Mathew has led complex land acquisitions from initial appraisal through to contract completion and planning delivery, securing opportunities through both competitive tender processes and off-market transactions. He has also established strong relationships with landowners, agents, promoters and key stakeholders across the region. In his new role, Mathew will lead Newett Homes’ land function, overseeing land acquisition strategy, planning and promotion, commercial appraisal, due diligence and pipeline growth to support the company’s continued expansion. Commenting on his appointment, Mathew said: “Newett Homes’ strengths lie in its ability to identify and acquire high-quality land opportunities, make decisions quickly, build strong stakeholder relationships and combine commercial discipline with an entrepreneurial approach to delivering successful developments. “My focus will be on establishing a robust pipeline of land opportunities that supports the company’s long-term ambitions while helping maintain the high standards of quality and customer service that Newett Homes is known for. I want to build a strong and scalable land function, strengthen industry relationships and create lasting value that supports the sustainable growth of the business.” Mathew’s appointment reflects Newett Homes’ ongoing investment in its leadership team as the business continues its growth journey, expanding its portfolio of high-quality residential developments while maintaining its reputation for delivering exceptional homes and communities. In April this year Newett Homes secured its first site outside of Yorkshire with the acquisition of a seven-acre greenfield site in the Lincolnshire village of Kirton in Lindsey, representing a key milestone in its long-term strategy to expand its geographical footprint beyond the region. Newett Homes chief executive, Will Newett, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mathew to Newett Homes. His extensive experience, exceptional track record and deep understanding of the Yorkshire land market make him a valuable addition to our senior leadership team. “As we continue to grow, securing high-quality land opportunities remains fundamental to our strategy. Mathew’s expertise, commercial insight and relationship-building skills will play a pivotal role in strengthening our land pipeline and supporting the delivery of high-quality new homes across the region.” Established in 2017, Newett Homes is an award-winning housebuilder dedicated to delivering quality-led homes in hand-picked locations. Employing over 70 people, the business currently has 10 active developments, supported by a growing land pipeline. In March 2026, it was awarded its first five-star rating from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) recognising the businesses continued commitment to excellence in build quality and outstanding customer experience. For more information visit https://newetthomes.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three businesses in the same building in the east end of Glasgow have been named in the Sunday Times Fast Growth 50, underlining the impact of regeneration efforts by Clyde Gateway in attracting innovative, high-growth businesses to the area. Utopi, Acumen Cyber, and Morris & Spottiswood are all based at EastWorks in Dalmarnock, a project spearheaded by regeneration company Clyde Gateway. They were all named in the Sunday Times list which required an average annual growth in revenue of at least 20 per cent across the two most recent financial years. Scottish Government minister, Tom Arthur, visited the businesses to see the impact of place-based investment in supporting business expansion and job creation. EastWorks, a former Victorian gas purifier shed, was transformed by Clyde Gateway and completed in 2023 and partly funded by the Scottish Government. Today, the building is fully let and also home to Red Tree @ EastWork, a flexible office workspace, Simera Sense which works in the space sector, and café Vin 18, creating a vibrant ecosystem for high growth innovation. Utopi is the multi award-winning intelligence platform for transforming building performance, purpose-built for PBSA. Across 85,000 beds and 13 countries, the platform turns real-time room-level data into proven energy savings, compliance certainty, and enhanced asset value. Acumen Cyber is headquartered at EastWorks and provides 24/7 managed cyber security services through its Security Operations Centre (SOC), supporting businesses across the UK and Ireland with threat detection, incident response and cyber resilience. Founded in Glasgow in 1925, Morris & Spottiswood is one of the UK’s leading construction, fit-out, refurbishment and building services groups. The independently owned business delivers projects across the commercial, public and residential sectors through a portfolio of specialist companies, employing thousands of staff across the UK. Situated next to Dalmarnock railway station, EastWorks is part of Clyde Gateway’s ambitious plans to make Dalmarnock Cross a focal point for an emerging mixed-use neighbourhood, combining new homes and commercial space with world-class innovation facilities. Tom Arthur, Minister for Business and Fair Work, said: “Backed by the Scottish Government, Clyde Gateway has been a huge success in regenerating the east end of Glasgow and Rutherglen, creating a vibrant place to live, work and play. “These companies are real proof of the success story this regeneration has been. This building was once derelict and on contaminated land. Now, it is home to some of Scotland’s fastest growing and most innovative businesses. It was a pleasure to see the important work they are doing.” Martin McKay, Chief Executive at Clyde Gateway, added: “Bringing high growth, innovative companies to Clyde Gateway is central to regeneration that is focused on people, place and jobs. Clusters like these are the future of the Scottish economy and we are delighted that they have put down roots here in Dalmarnock. Funding from the Scottish Government and our other partners, Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Enterprise, has played a key part in making this happen. “EastWorks is now part of a revitalised Dalmarnock Cross, with a new station, greenspace, hundreds of new homes, high quality commercial space, and a Lidl supermarket opening soon. Combined, this has created a vibrant and connected community.” Jonathan Trower, Chief Revenue Officer, at Utopi, said: “Being recognised by the Sunday Times as one of the fastest growing companies in the country is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. It was great to welcome the minister to EastWorks today to see this work in action. “Moving here a few years ago is symbolic of the growth journey that we have been on. We were the first organisation to move in and it’s been great to watch EastWorks evolve into a thriving cluster of cutting edge, high growth businesses.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reinstatement contractors serving Hertfordshire split into two groups that are easy to confuse: highway and utility reinstatement specialists who close excavations to the Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways, and insurance reinstatement firms who rebuild property after fire or flood. This shortlist covers the first group only, because that is the work developers, civils contractors, water companies and council procurement teams actually need to buy when a trench is open in an adopted road. Search results for the term mix the two groups freely, and most “best surfacing contractor” lists rank firms on driveways and car parks without mentioning street works qualifications once. Reinstatement in the public highway is a regulated activity. Under section 71 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, the undertaker must reinstate using prescribed materials and workmanship, and the performance standards sit in the fourth edition of the SROH, statutory in England since May 2021. A contractor who cannot talk fluently about that document is not a reinstatement contractor. The six firms below all have a genuine, publicly evidenced presence in Hertfordshire highway, utility or civils reinstatement. They are listed alphabetically and are not ranked, because the right choice depends on whether the job is a single trench, a framework of reactive repairs or a Section 278 highway scheme. Accreditation claims are those the companies publish themselves, and any buyer should ask for current certificates before appointment. Bestco Surfacing, Waltham Cross Bestco Surfacing has been surfacing in and around Hertfordshire for over 40 years from a base at Waltham Cross, working across north and east London, Essex, Bedfordshire and the county itself. The company publishes CHAS and Constructionline accreditation on its commercial surfacing pages, and the work spread runs from private roads and car parks through to groundworks and drainage. Bestco is strongest as a surfacing and asphalt contractor rather than a utilities undertaker, so the natural fit is resurfacing an area of highway or a commercial estate road rather than managing permit phases on behalf of a statutory undertaker. Buyers on public highway schemes should confirm street works qualifications separately, because CHAS and Constructionline are prequalification schemes and say nothing about NRSWA cards. KLT Utilities KLT Utilities is a multi-utility contractor covering gas, water, electricity and telecoms connections across London and the South East, with GIRS accreditation on the gas side. Reinstatement and resurfacing sit inside the wider offer, alongside plant, transport and licensed waste transfer facilities for arisings. The waste and recycling capability is a genuine differentiator on urban jobs where muck-away logistics decide the programme. For a Hertfordshire client whose reinstatement follows a gas connection or a mains renewal, KLT is a sensible single-contractor option; for water-only work, a WIRS accredited firm is the closer match. McFadden Utilities, Welwyn Garden City McFadden Utilities is a family-run utility contractor founded by Tony McFadden in 1980 and now run by his son Paul, working B2B for water companies, local authorities, developers and Tier 1 civils contractors from a Welwyn Garden City base. The accreditation stack is WIRS for self-lay water, then WIAPS, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, Constructionline Gold and Achilles. Direct water company clients are Affinity Water and Thames Water, and HS2 is also a client. The firm works on clean water only and does not touch sewers, which is worth knowing before a tender goes out. Reinstatement scope is where McFadden separates itself from a pure surfacing firm. Backfill, permanent tarmac reinstatement, white works in concrete, cold applied reinstatement, line painting and anti-skid surfacing are all delivered under one contractor, so a trench opened for a main repair can be filled, surfaced and re-lined without three separate subcontractors and three separate mobilisations. That breadth is the reason the firm’s reinstatement works are worth comparing service by service against a surfacing-only quote, because the gap usually shows up in the white works and the signing and lining, not the black top. Reactive capability is the other distinguishing feature. The company runs 24/7 standby crews on its Affinity Water repair and maintenance contract, which means the operational habit of turning out at short notice already exists rather than being promised at tender stage. R.A.L Surfacing, Hemel Hempstead R.A.L Surfacing, part of Recycled Aggregates, operates from Eastman Way in Hemel Hempstead and lists utilities reinstatement alongside road surfacing, pavement surfacing, trenching and car park work. The company publishes CHAS accreditation and RoSPA membership. A Hemel base gives useful travel times across west Hertfordshire and into Buckinghamshire, which matters more than it sounds on defect remediation where a two-hour drive each way kills the day’s productivity. As with the other surfacing-led firms here, ask for SWQR card details rather than treating the phrase “utilities reinstatement” as evidence in itself. SB Civil Engineering SB Civil Engineering works across the east and south east of England on highways schemes, adoptable roads, drainage, traffic calming and excavation and reinstatement, and describes itself as a Thames Water approved contractor working to ISO 14001. The company also states that its site supervisors hold street works certification alongside SSSTS and SMSTS. The Section 278 and adoptable highway experience makes SB the better fit where reinstatement is one element of a larger developer-funded highway package rather than a standalone trench repair. Of the surfacing and civils firms reviewed here, it publishes the clearest statement about street works trained supervision. Total Surfacing Solutions Total Surfacing Solutions covers Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Kent and London with asphalt, concrete, block paving, line marking, pothole repair and highways surfacing, and offers site visits before quoting. The highways and major works side of the business is the relevant one for reinstatement buyers. The company describes itself as fully accredited and insured without naming the schemes on its public pages, so a procurement team will need to request the certificates directly. The site visit policy is a practical positive, because reinstatement quotes given without seeing the surrounding surface course routinely miss the extent of the bond or the matching problem. What to look
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor specialising in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has completed the civils and infrastructure programme and two industrial facilities at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), marking a major milestone in the delivery of the development. Developed by client SEGRO, SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton is a strategic logistics hub combining modern warehousing, rail freight connectivity and extensive transport infrastructure. Over the last five years, Winvic has delivered a comprehensive programme of civils and infrastructure works across the site, supporting the transformation of the land into a major logistics destination. The works delivered by Winvic include the construction of the Roade Bypass bridge and associated highways works, a new 2.6km bypass for Roade village incorporating bridge and roundabout construction, significant earthworks and associated infrastructure to facilitate the wider strategic rail freight interchange and logistics development. Winvic also delivered major highways improvements to Junction 15 of the M1, requiring complex traffic management and phased delivery to maintain network resilience while increasing capacity and accessibility to the park. Further works included the delivery of the site’s Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI), featuring a dedicated 35-acre rail terminal and a 55,000m² intermodal and HGV slab, comprising 38,000m² of intermodal hardstanding and a 17,000m² HGV area to support container handling and freight operations. The works also included the construction of a 170-metre-long tunnel shielding trains entering and exiting the terminal, forming a critical element of the freight interchange infrastructure. Alongside the civils and infrastructure programme, Winvic also completed Plot 7, a 2.3 million sq ft distribution facility – for a major online retailer and Plot 4 for end user Yusen Logistics. The 1.2 million sq ft industrial and logistics facility is the first operational building at the park and comprises a 1.14 million sq ft ground floor warehouse and a 333,251 sq ft mezzanine. The project achieved BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings and was delivered as Net Zero in Construction in line with the UK Green Building Council Framework. Located adjacent to Junction 15 and four miles south of Northampton town centre, SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton will ultimately provide up to 5 million sq ft of industrial and logistics space alongside its now operational strategic rail freight interchange and is expected to create around 7,450 jobs. As one of the UK’s largest rail-connected logistics hubs, the development has been designed to support more sustainable supply chains and strengthen freight connectivity. Winvic has worked closely with SEGRO and local stakeholders to create lasting benefits for the surrounding community, whilst minimising disruption during construction. Supporting SEGRO’s Community Investment Plan and the Employment Scheme requirements of the Development Consent Order (DCO), the project established an Employment & Skills Forum and Community Liaison Group to identify opportunities for local engagement, employment and skills development. Throughout the project, Winvic and its supply chain partners provided 42 apprentice, year-in-industry and work experience placements, employed 793 local people, and invested over £60 million with local subcontractors. The wider project team also supported 13 community initiatives through the donation of time, resources and materials, alongside 26 educational engagement activities including employer talks, careers fairs and site visits. At SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, Winvic also launched its STEM after-school club, delivering seven sessions for 32 Year 7 to Year 10 students at Northampton Academy, helping to inspire the next generation of construction and engineering professionals. SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton has been independently verified as a Net Zero Carbon in Construction project, aligned with the UKGBC 2019 Definition Framework. Upfront embodied carbon emissions for stages A1–A5 were assessed at RIBA Stages 4, 5 and third-party verified at RIBA Stage 6, following RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment methodology. This enabled carbon performance to be tracked throughout construction, with key material hotspots including earthworks, in-situ concrete, roads and pavings, and rail track infrastructure identified, monitored and targeted for reduction up to Practical Completion. The Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) supported the implementation of carbon reduction measures, including maximising material reuse within earthworks, replacing cement content within rail slabs with a 30% Pulverised Fly Ash (PFA) content and achieving 20% recycled content within the rail track itself. Rob Cook, Managing Director for Civils and Infrastructure at Winvic, said: “Completing the civils and infrastructure programme at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton is a significant achievement for Winvic and reflects years of collaborative working with our long-standing client SEGRO. “This has been a highly complex and nationally significant project, involving major highways improvements, strategic rail infrastructure and extensive enabling works, all delivered in live operational environments and alongside the ongoing development of the wider park, while carefully minimising disruption to ongoing operations and the surrounding area. “Our teams have worked collaboratively to deliver infrastructure that will support more sustainable freight connectivity, unlock economic growth and create long-term value for the region. We are extremely proud of the role Winvic has played in helping bring this nationally important development forward.” Kate Bedson, Senior Director, National Markets at SEGRO, said: “We’re hugely proud of the progress that has been made over the last five years, from the completion of the rail terminal, bypass, and motorway junction improvements to the first buildings going up. It’s even more exciting that our investment to create this amazing facility already has its first occupiers, helping move goods, drive growth, and create jobs.” The scale and impact of Winvic’s works at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton have been recognised through a series of industry accolades during the delivery of the project. The Roade Bypass project won highly commended ‘Project of the Year’ at the Civil Engineering Contractors Association Awards 2024, in recognition of the complexity of the scheme and its collaborative delivery. The project and wider team were also recognised at the Highways Awards 2024, where Roade Bypass was shortlisted for the ‘Major Project Award’, and at the Highways Excellence Awards, where Winvic Site Engineer, Amarra Dassu, who worked on the scheme, was shortlisted for a ‘Rising Star
Prospective students can now get an early glimpse of life at The Propeller Quarter, with newly released images revealing the premium student accommodation at Brabazon. With many school leavers currently waiting on A-Level results and the start of university clearing on 13th August, YTL Developments has confirmed that The Propeller Quarter is ready to welcome hundreds of students from September. The new images showcase the modern, affordable student homes and social spaces including bedrooms, shared living and dining spaces, gym and the main entrance. Two residential buildings built by YTL Construction UK, using a range of innovative off-site solutions, will open at the start of this academic year, providing 745 beds for students studying in Bristol and the South West. A further two residential buildings are due to open in the following academic year, taking the total number of beds to more than 1,500. When fully complete, The Propeller Quarter from YTL Developments will be one of the largest purpose-built student accommodation options in the UK, taking pressure off Bristol’s private rental market, where large numbers of shared student houses can upset the balance of some neighbourhoods. Rooms currently start from £180 per week, offering students a more affordable option in a city where accommodation costs continue to be a major consideration when choosing where to study. The Propeller Quarter is minutes from UWE Frenchay and has transport links to all major Bristol Campuses – including the new University of Bristol Enterprise Campus – via the brand-new Bristol Brabazon train station, which is opening in Autumn this year. Dedicated Metrobus services are already running through Brabazon. Students can choose from fully furnished shared ensuite cluster flats, private studios and accessible rooms, with utilities and high-speed internet included. Shared social amenities feature dedicated study areas, an onsite gym, outdoor wellbeing spaces, a cinema lounge, karaoke and gaming rooms, music and content creation studios. Students will be part of the growing lifestyle at Brabazon as the most exciting new city district in the South West – from pop-up food destinations and padel courts to immersive golf experiences and an exciting food and drink quarter coming early next year. The nearby Spitfire Hangar community hub, home to Mokoko Bakery, hosts regular events and social activities, while Cribbs Causeway is just a short distance away. Future residents will also be among the first to experience the wider transformation of Brabazon, including live music at the new Aviva Arena, a 20,000-capacity venue currently under construction. Jon McDiarmid, Director of Sales and Marketing at YTL Developments, said: “It’s fantastic to see The Propeller Quarter taking shape ahead of welcoming its first students this September. We know that finding good-quality accommodation that offers value for money is a key consideration for students and their families, and The Propeller Quarter has been designed to provide exactly that. “As well as modern, affordable accommodation, students will be part of an exciting new neighbourhood with excellent transport links, high-quality facilities and a range of amenities on their doorstep.” Prospective students can find out more at prestigestudentliving.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Crown Estate has unveiled the next phase of its long-term transformation of London’s West End, bringing forward plans to deliver more than 169,000 sq ft of high-quality office, retail and hospitality space through two major regeneration projects in the heart of the capital. The developments at 10 Piccadilly and 21–29 Glasshouse Street form part of the organisation’s wider strategy to enhance its 10 million sq ft central London portfolio while preserving the architectural heritage of one of the world’s most recognisable commercial destinations. At the centre of the programme is the comprehensive refurbishment of 10 Piccadilly, the Grade II listed building that completes the famous curve of Regent Street overlooking Piccadilly Circus. The historic landmark, once home to the Swan & Edgar department store and later Tower Records, will be sensitively restored and repositioned as a vibrant mixed-use destination. The redevelopment will create approximately 90,800 sq ft of accommodation, including 62,700 sq ft of premium office space alongside a 26,400 sq ft hospitality offering spanning the basement, ground and first floors. A further 1,700 sq ft of retail space will front Regent Street, helping to strengthen one of London’s busiest shopping and leisure destinations. Meanwhile, The Crown Estate will deliver a significant retrofit scheme at 21–29 Glasshouse Street by combining two existing office buildings into a single contemporary commercial development. The project will provide around 63,000 sq ft of upgraded workplace accommodation, featuring modernised interiors, an enhanced reception area and a new rooftop space designed to improve occupier wellbeing and amenity. At street level, approximately 15,500 sq ft of retail accommodation will be created across the basement and ground floors, further enhancing the area’s commercial offer. Together, the schemes demonstrate the growing role of retrofit and adaptive reuse in the evolution of central London’s commercial property market. By repurposing existing buildings rather than replacing them, the developments seek to preserve important heritage assets while delivering modern, sustainable workplaces and destination retail and hospitality spaces. The projects also complement wider proposals to improve the public realm across Regent Street, Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus, with The Crown Estate continuing to work in partnership with Westminster City Council to enhance connectivity, accessibility and the overall visitor experience throughout the West End. For the construction and property sectors, the programme highlights the continued investment being made in mixed-use regeneration across London’s prime commercial districts. The emphasis on heritage-led refurbishment, high-quality workplace environments and integrated retail and hospitality uses reflects the changing demands of occupiers and visitors, while supporting the long-term resilience of the capital’s built environment. Kristy Lansdown, Managing Director of Development at The Crown Estate, said: “These developments mark the next step in our long-term vision for the West End, redeveloping historic buildings to reinvigorate an equally historic place. By taking an estate-wide view, we can invest in the places and experiences that help the West End succeed on the global stage – places such as 10 Piccadilly and 21–29 Glasshouse Street, where we are sensitively bringing heritage assets into their next chapter, creating outstanding new office, retail and hospitality spaces for London. “Our ambition is to shape a destination that continues to attract world-class businesses and visitors, while strengthening the city’s future resilience. Through long-term planning and investment, we are working to deliver a West End that will thrive for generations to come.” As demand continues to evolve across London’s commercial property market, the latest developments reinforce The Crown Estate’s commitment to delivering sustainable, mixed-use regeneration that balances heritage conservation with contemporary design, ensuring the West End remains one of the world’s leading destinations for business, retail, hospitality and culture.
Watkin Jones has secured £60 million of new contracts, strengthening its project pipeline as demand continues to grow for the refurbishment, fire safety remediation and modernisation of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) across the UK. The residential developer and asset manager has signed six new contracts during the second half of its financial year, with five awarded through its specialist Refresh division, which focuses on upgrading existing student accommodation assets through refurbishment, remediation and compliance-led improvement works. The projects span Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Glasgow, covering approximately 1,750 student beds and reflecting increasing investment across the sector to improve the quality, safety and long-term performance of existing accommodation. Alongside the retrofit programme, Watkin Jones has also partnered with Marick Real Estate to deliver a new Staycity aparthotel development in Oxford city centre, further broadening its activity across the living and hospitality sectors. The latest contracts underline a growing trend within the PBSA market, where investors are increasingly prioritising the enhancement of existing assets rather than solely pursuing new-build developments. Fire safety improvements, sustainability upgrades, energy efficiency measures and operational enhancements are becoming key drivers of investment as owners seek to extend building lifecycles while meeting evolving regulatory requirements and occupier expectations. Watkin Jones said the newly secured projects have been agreed at margins consistent with previous guidance, providing greater visibility over future revenues while supporting its strategy to diversify the business beyond traditional development activity. The company has also taken proactive steps to manage cost pressures by bringing forward procurement of selected subcontract packages and key construction materials, helping to reduce exposure to inflation and supply chain volatility. Despite the positive momentum, the company acknowledged that wider market conditions remain challenging. Ongoing uncertainty within real estate investment markets and slower transaction activity continue to influence the pace of recovery across the sector. Chief Executive Alex Pease said: “While market conditions remain challenging and continue to impact the pace of recovery and short-term real estate transaction liquidity, the long-term fundamentals of our end markets remain attractive. “The signing of six new contracts, with a combined value of £60 million at margins in line with guidance, signals further progress of our strategy to diversify the business, allowing us to strengthen our secured pipeline and enhance future revenue predictability.” For the construction and property sectors, the latest contract wins highlight the growing importance of retrofit within the UK’s living sector. As rising construction costs continue to affect the viability of some new developments, investment is increasingly being directed towards upgrading existing buildings, improving fire safety compliance, enhancing sustainability credentials and extending the operational life of residential assets. With demand for high-quality student accommodation remaining resilient in many university cities, refurbishment and asset optimisation are expected to play an increasingly significant role in the evolution of the UK’s PBSA market over the coming years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Natural Power has strengthened its position as one of Scotland’s leading providers of renewable energy services after securing a contract with ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) to support five onshore windfarms across southern Scotland. The new five-year contract sees Natural Power appointed to provide operations and maintenance services at Ewe Hill 1, Ewe Hill 2, Hagshaw Hill 2 and Wether Hill, while its existing contract at Black Law Windfarm has also been extended. The award forms part of ScottishPower Renewables’ latest operations and maintenance framework, representing a record investment of £102.9m in the UK’s onshore wind supply chain and reinforcing the important role that local businesses play in supporting the country’s clean energy infrastructure. Matthew Kelly, Director of Operations and Asset Management at Natural Power, said: “We’re delighted to have strengthened our long-standing relationship with ScottishPower Renewables through this latest contract award. It reflects the confidence in our people, our operational expertise and our ability to safely deliver high-quality services across its onshore wind portfolio. “As a business headquartered in south-west Scotland, we’re particularly proud that this investment supports skilled jobs within local communities while helping maintain the reliable operation of renewable energy assets that are making an important contribution to Scotland’s clean energy ambitions. “We’ve invested in expanding our teams in both Dumfries and Lanark to support the contract, creating new opportunities for skilled engineers and strengthening our operational capability for the future. We look forward to continuing to work closely with ScottishPower Renewables and continuing to support the production of reliable, clean energy.” Headquartered in Dumfries and Galloway, Natural Power has expanded its local operational teams to deliver the contract, creating new engineering roles alongside employees who transferred into the business under TUPE. The company has employed an additional 23 dedicated staff across its Dumfries and Lanark operations, supporting the delivery of services across the five windfarms. The project team in Dumfries comprises ten employees, including wind turbine technicians, a lead technician and a logistics coordinator. In Lanark, the business has further strengthened its capabilities with a team of 13 employees, including newly created leadership positions to support contract delivery and future growth. The investment demonstrates Natural Power’s continued commitment to developing skilled employment opportunities within Scotland while ensuring experienced, locally based teams are supporting critical renewable energy infrastructure. Natural Power has been providing technical and operational services to the renewable energy sector for almost three decades and supports wind, solar and battery storage assets throughout the UK and internationally. The latest contract further strengthens the company’s operations and maintenance portfolio while reinforcing its commitment to supporting Scotland’s growing renewable energy industry through local expertise, long-term investment and highly skilled engineering teams. Find out more about operations and asset management at Natural Power here: Renewables Operations & Asset Management | Natural Power Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GSK has announced plans to open a major new global research and development centre at Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The 300,000 sq ft centre will become home to GSK’s R&D operations in the UK, representing a £400 million investment commitment by the company. Prologis is the development partner for the new centre, which will be located at Discovery Drive on Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The centre is planned across three interconnected buildings – 2000, 3000 and 4000 Discovery Drive. Construction is under way on 2000 Discovery Drive, 3000 Discovery Drive has full planning permission whilst 4000 Discovery Drive recently received planning committee approval, subject to formal planning permission. Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone for Cambridge Biomedical Campus, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading life-sciences ecosystems, where biomedical research, patient care, academia and industry come together to support the discovery and development of new medicines. For Prologis, the commitment marks an important milestone in the delivery of Phase 2 expansion at the campus. With 1000 Discovery Drive fully occupied, GSK’s commitment means that Phase 2 will be fully committed once the remaining buildings are delivered. The phase represents $635 million (£500 million) of foreign direct investment by Prologis. The commitment also demonstrates the value of investing ahead of demand in specialist life-sciences infrastructure. By bringing forward high-quality laboratory and research space, Prologis is helping ensure that the infrastructure is available when globally significant organisations choose to establish or expand their operations in the UK. Andrew Blevins, SVP, Life Sciences, Prologis, said: “GSK’s decision is a powerful endorsement of Cambridge Biomedical Campus and the unique ecosystem that has been created here. Prologis invested ahead of demand at Discovery Drive because we believed global life-sciences organisations would continue to choose Cambridge. Having the right specialist infrastructure available allows companies to establish world-class facilities more quickly and strengthens the UK’s ability to compete for internationally significant life-sciences investment.” Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, said: “The UK is a genuine world leader in the life sciences, an industry providing life-saving new treatments to patients, while creating and supporting jobs in postcodes across the country. “This announcement from GSK is yet another vote of confidence in the sector and demonstrates the success of the Government’s Industrial Strategy in unlocking vital private investment into the UK, one year on from the launch of the Life Sciences Sector Plan. “This is great news for the sector and Prologis’ multi-billion pound future investment ambitions at Cambridge Biomedical Campus, demonstrating the success of the life sciences sector in the UK in attracting investment and supporting innovation which will drive discoveries that save and improve lives.” Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “Cambridge Biomedical Campus has become one of Europe’s leading centres for life sciences because it brings together pioneering research, outstanding healthcare and ambitious businesses in one place. GSK’s expanded presence is another vote of confidence in our region and demonstrates the continued appeal of Cambridgeshire as a place where global organisations choose to innovate and grow.” Prologis is working in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council to deliver Phases 3 and 4, with the potential to create a further 2.4 million sq ft of life-sciences space and representing an additional investment ambition of $4 billion (£3 billion) over the next two decades. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Conlon Construction and Cassidy + Ashton have completed the £19m refurbishment of the East Estate at Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), delivering a fully reconfigured 6,778 sqm, four-storey academic building within a live campus environment. The scheme comprised a full internal strip-out of the existing 1970s structure, including removal of partitions, finishes and all mechanical and electrical services, followed by a complete reconfiguration of the building to deliver modern teaching, research and collaboration spaces, designed by principal architect, Cassidy + Ashton. The completed facility provides new and upgraded seminar and teaching rooms, meeting spaces, breakout and informal study areas, and specialist facilities including a Bloomberg Suite, prayer rooms, café and staff lounge. A new glazed link corridor has also been delivered, connecting the East Estate to the University Spine and West Pavilion, requiring structural alterations and façade modifications. Acting as main contractor, Conlon delivered the works within a constrained live campus environment using a single-point logistics access route, with phased delivery across four floors and multiple concurrent workfaces. Fire-rated hoarding and controlled pedestrian routes were installed throughout to maintain safe segregation between construction areas and university operations. The project involved full replacement and integration of building services, including mechanical and electrical systems, ventilation distribution and electrical infrastructure, alongside connection into Lancaster University’s district heating network. Externally, the building was upgraded with replacement roof coverings, façade repairs, masonry works and new energy-efficient glazing. Internally, the building was fully refurbished with new partitions, acoustic treatments, flooring, ceilings, and doors, alongside installation of a new passenger lift and improved accessibility routes. The refurbishment has created a carbon saving of more than 80 per cent compared to an equivalent new build. This, combined with revised design principles that allow more effective uses of space, has led to an estimated saving of more than 4,700 tonnes of carbon expenditure, equivalent to the carbon produced by more than 400 homes in a year. The scheme was also delivered in line with Conlon Construction’s social value commitments, with a focus on apprenticeships and the use of local labour wherever possible. Guy Parker, managing director and chair of Conlon Construction, said: “It’s fantastic to deliver a project once again with our long-standing partners Cassidy + Ashton, who we have previously worked with on the recent completion of GVS Filter Technology UK’s HQ in Lancaster, as well as a number of education schemes across the region. “This is Conlon’s biggest education scheme to date, making it a special milestone for the business, and it’s particularly rewarding to see it deliver high-quality facilities that will directly support students and young people in our home of Lancashire.” Lawrence McBurney, director and architect at Cassidy + Ashton, said: “We are delighted to see the successful completion of the £19 million refurbishment of Lancaster University Management School, a project that reinforces the University’s position as one of the UK’s leading destinations for business and management education. “Working closely with Lancaster University, Conlon Construction and the wider project team, we have transformed the building into a contemporary, flexible and highly sustainable learning environment that reflects the School’s global reputation for excellence. The refurbished spaces will support world-class teaching, research and collaboration, while enhancing the experience of students, staff and visitors. “We are proud to have helped deliver a facility that matches the ambition, prestige and future vision of Lancaster University Management School.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals