SEGRO has announced further progress in its growing data centre programme, which now exceeds 2.5GW of planned capacity. The company has signed an agreement for a new powered shell data centre at the Slough Trading Estate, strengthening its long-standing presence at one of Europe’s largest data centre hubs. The development
IKEA has opened a new Plan and Order Point at Kingsway West Retail Park in Dundee, expanding its presence in Scotland. The new location focuses on helping customers plan kitchens, bedrooms and living spaces, offering tailored design consultations. Visitors can book a free appointment with in-store specialists or make use
Engineering services group Amcomri Group is set to acquire the compliance and testing division of Enerveo in a £1 deal. The transaction will be carried out through GridCore Electrical Services, a newly formed subsidiary of Amcomri. Enerveo, which is owned by SSE, has entered into a Business Purchase Agreement to
National independent national commercial building, project and sustainability consultancy Jones Hargreaves has added a series of European based investment funds to its client base during a further year of growth. During the year ended 31 December 2025, Jones Hargreaves completed more than 900 instructions and increased its headcount from 39
Leading commercial property developer, Stoford has completed a bespoke manufacturing facility for MiTek at Worcester Six Business Park. The 278,048 sq ft building consolidates MiTek’s UK and European operations, serving as the business’ EMEA headquarters. Delivered by main contractor Benniman, the development is the first to be delivered on the
Bouygues UK, in partnership with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and leading infrastructure investor Equitix, has secured planning permission from the London Borough of Southwark for the transformative redevelopment of Bankside House. The new 1,945-bed student residence, located at 24 Sumner Street, SE1 – just steps
Marks & Spencer is continuing its push to grow its food business, with plans to open its third new food store in just two weeks. The latest site, located in Farnham, is set to open on Wednesday 25th. The 18,600 sq ft store is one of 12 former Homebase locations
Architect Hopkins has revealed detailed proposals to transform 1 Embankment Place above London’s Charing Cross Station, reworking the ageing office building into a high-specification, low-carbon workplace and mixed-use destination. The scheme is being brought forward for developer Bridgemont and centres on a substantial retrofit of the Terry Farrell-designed property. Rather
Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver a £46m hotel development in Leeds city centre, marking another significant addition to the city’s growing West End regeneration. The project is being brought forward by joint developers Marrico and Helios, who have secured funding for the scheme on Lisbon Street. The site,
Public sector procurement organisation YPO has announced the successful suppliers appointed to its £500 million modular buildings framework. The four-year agreement is designed to make it easier for public sector bodies to buy or hire modular buildings. It will support a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, housing and
SEGRO has announced further progress in its growing data centre programme, which now exceeds 2.5GW of planned capacity. The company has signed an agreement for a new powered shell data centre at the Slough Trading Estate, strengthening its long-standing presence at one of Europe’s largest data centre hubs. The development will deliver 30,000 sq m of space across three floors of data halls, along with a rooftop plant deck. Planning permission has already been secured through the estate’s Simplified Planning Zone, allowing the project to move forward efficiently. The facility will be built to high sustainability standards, with SEGRO targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The agreement also includes the provision of 50MVA of power once fully operational, with the customer contracting the supply directly. In a separate update, SEGRO confirmed that it has received planning committee approval for its first fully fitted data centre at SEGRO Premier Park in Park Royal. The scheme is being delivered in partnership with Pure Data Centres Group. The facility will benefit from 70MVA of incoming power and will incorporate energy-efficient design features, including closed-loop liquid cooling technology aimed at reducing water consumption. The partners will now continue working with stakeholders to finalise planning and secure a pre-let agreement. Andrew Pilsworth, Managing Director of Data Centres and Strategic Partnerships at SEGRO, said the latest developments highlight continued momentum in delivering on the company’s long-term data centre strategy. He noted that SEGRO’s established footprint at Slough Trading Estate, built up over two decades, combined with its planning framework, has enabled further expansion for an existing customer while making efficient use of a relatively compact site. He added that securing planning approval at Premier Park marks an important step in advancing both the joint venture project and SEGRO’s broader ambitions in fully fitted data centre developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
IKEA has opened a new Plan and Order Point at Kingsway West Retail Park in Dundee, expanding its presence in Scotland. The new location focuses on helping customers plan kitchens, bedrooms and living spaces, offering tailored design consultations. Visitors can book a free appointment with in-store specialists or make use of self-service tools to create their own designs. Customers are able to order from IKEA’s full product range at the site, with options including next-day collection or home delivery. The store also includes a collection point for online orders, as well as a returns service. Kevin Coventry, Market Manager at IKEA, said the new space has been created to inspire customers while showcasing kitchen ranges and smart storage solutions. He added that the aim is to provide affordable home furnishing options suited to a wide range of needs. The Dundee opening is part of IKEA’s broader UK expansion plans. Over the past year, the retailer has launched seven new locations, including city centre stores in London’s Oxford Street and in Brighton, Plan and Order Points in Hull and York, and smaller format retail park stores in Harlow, Norwich and Chester. The new site strengthens IKEA’s footprint in Scotland, complementing its existing stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with a further Plan and Order Point planned for Aberdeen. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Engineering services group Amcomri Group is set to acquire the compliance and testing division of Enerveo in a £1 deal. The transaction will be carried out through GridCore Electrical Services, a newly formed subsidiary of Amcomri. Enerveo, which is owned by SSE, has entered into a Business Purchase Agreement to sell its National Compliance and Testing division, with completion expected towards the end of May. The deal remains subject to the successful transfer of contracts and employees to GridCore. For the year ending 31 March 2025, the division generated revenues of around £5 million. Amcomri will acquire net assets valued at approximately £1.5 million for just £1, including an established customer base and an experienced operational team. The move comes during a challenging period for Enerveo, which reported a 10.8 per cent drop in revenue to £194.7 million, down from £218.4 million the previous year. The business also recorded an operating loss of £800,000, compared with an £800,000 profit in FY2024, reflecting exceptional costs and ongoing strategic restructuring. This includes the disposal of its Infrastructure Solutions arm, which incurred a £3.5 million charge as part of preparations for sale. Despite these pressures, Enerveo strengthened its financial position, with net assets rising to £33.4 million following recapitalisation by SSE. Amcomri said the acquisition will strengthen its presence in the power electrical maintenance and engineering sector, a key strategic focus for the group. It will also complement businesses such as Drurys Engineering and Claro Precision Engineering, both acquired in 2024. The deal marks Amcomri’s third acquisition since joining the Alternative Investment Market in December 2024. Looking ahead, the group expects strong financial performance for FY2025, with adjusted EBITDA forecast to rise by 17 per cent to more than £9 million. Revenues are also projected to increase by 22 per cent to around £70.9 million, up from £58.1 million. This growth has been driven by consistent demand across Amcomri’s core markets, particularly within its Embedded Engineering division. The division has secured major new contracts with both new and existing clients, including a £12.9 million agreement with a UK-based renewable energy developer, to be delivered over the next two financial years. Further momentum has been supported by strong demand from the defence and civil aerospace sectors. Chief operating officer Mark O’Neill said the acquisition presents strong opportunities for collaboration across the group’s engineering businesses. He added that the company is now focused on completing the deal and working closely with the National Compliance team as the integration progresses. Further updates are expected in due course. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National independent national commercial building, project and sustainability consultancy Jones Hargreaves has added a series of European based investment funds to its client base during a further year of growth. During the year ended 31 December 2025, Jones Hargreaves completed more than 900 instructions and increased its headcount from 39 to 55. Meanwhile, its revenue increased by 26% compared to the year-ended 31 December 2024. During 2025, the consultancy added several European investment funds to its client roster, including Iroko Zen, Epsicap REIM, Alderan and Inter Gestion. Jones Hargreaves works with a range of developers, investment funds, financial institutions, property companies and occupiers to help them realise value on every project or portfolio. Work also began on a number of instructions for Marks & Spencer as part of their £500m+ store rotation program to modernize their estate. Other instructions completed during the year included a full portfolio of building appraisals for Modella Capital as part of a key retail acquisition, together with large scale national portfolio acquisitions for Farran Investments, Colombia Threadneedle and Canada Life. The team also concluded the multi-million pound refurbishment of 99 Queen Victoria Street, London, for Fidelity International. Expanding the client base has been the catalyst for further investment in the Jones Hargreaves team. In the last 12 months, the consultancy has increased headcount in all of its existing locations and opened a Birmingham office; as well as supported 12 internal promotions and 3 APC passes for graduate team members. Matthew Jones, Founding Partner at Jones Hargreaves, said: “2025 was a year in which we were able to broaden our work to continue providing real value to a range of large-scale funds managing a whole host of commercial assets right across the UK. This has been possible because of the expert team we have, working across disciplines that our clients find much more helpful to have access to under one roof. “I’m really proud of the way in which our team is organically growing to meet demand. Not only does this allow our senior team to shine and thrive on exciting projects, securing new clients allows us to also invest in the next generation of commercial property professionals who are able to cut their teeth in a fast paced multi-disciplinary environment.” Jones Hargreaves is a sound, self funded business, with a growing multi-disciplinary team trusted to deliver quality work to strict deadlines. Jones added: “Our team has the knowledge, experience and ability to overcome difficult periods in the property industry with a clear understanding of the markets and impacts of decisions at senior level.” Jones Hargreaves’ expert multi-disciplinary team of building surveyors, ESG consultants and electrical & mechanical engineers advise on a range of commercial assets spanning predominantly industrial, office and retail space. With a number of large-scale retained clients, Jones Hargreaves is astute in delivering building projects together with dilapidations, TDDs, ESG work and much more. Established by founders Matthew Jones and Peter Hargreaves, and joined by Managing Partner, Matt Williams, the consultancy is a growing business which has a commitment to investing in its team and the next generation of the property industry. Jones Hargreaves has offices in Manchester, Leeds, London, Cardiff, Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham – enabling the team to offer expert regional insight with a truly national approach. For more information, visit www.joneshargreaves.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading commercial property developer, Stoford has completed a bespoke manufacturing facility for MiTek at Worcester Six Business Park. The 278,048 sq ft building consolidates MiTek’s UK and European operations, serving as the business’ EMEA headquarters. Delivered by main contractor Benniman, the development is the first to be delivered on the southern extension. Completion follows a ribbon cutting ceremony which was attended by MiTek Chairman and CEO, Mark Thom who travelled from the United States for the occasion. Stoford directors Edward Peel and Alex Morgan, and senior dignitaries from both Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Council were also present. James Morgan, Managing Director at MiTek: “Opening our home at Worcester Six marks a new chapter in MiTek’s journey as an offsite construction enabler. This facility establishes our European hub for streamlining design, manufacturing, and innovation, and offers a collaborative space where partners across the industry can co-create solutions that accelerate timber construction and raise standards for everyone.” Edward Peel, Director at Stoford: “MiTek’s decision to establish its EMEA headquarters at Worcester Six is significant for the region. It further strengthens Worcestershire’s reputation as a hub for international business. We’re extremely proud to have achieved practical completion on this state-of-the-art facility which will support new jobs, attract long-term investment, and contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic growth for years to come.” Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Business and Skills at Worcestershire County Council, said: “This is great news for Worcestershire and for local people. MiTek choosing to base its European headquarters here shows the confidence global companies have in our area. Developments like this bring skilled jobs, investment and long-term benefits for the local economy.” Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon District Council and Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, said: “Securing one of the largest business developments the county has seen in many years reflects the strength of Worcester Six as a location and is a sign of confidence in Wychavon and Worcestershire as a whole. MiTek’s decision to base its EMEA headquarters here brings high-value jobs, long-term investment and international visibility, reinforcing Wychavon’s reputation as a place where ambitious businesses can grow and succeed.” Worcester Six is a high-quality business park, located off junction 6 of the M5, that has already attracted a number of world class businesses to the region, including: Alliance Flooring Distribution, IONOS, ZwickRoell, Kohler Mira, Sierra Engineering, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Super Smart Service, Stop Start Logistics and Bidfood. For details about availability at Worcester Six, please contact the schemes retained agents: Charles D’Auncey at Harris Lamb – charles.dauncey@harrislamb.com or Tom Arnold at Colliers – tom.arnold@colliers.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK, in partnership with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and leading infrastructure investor Equitix, has secured planning permission from the London Borough of Southwark for the transformative redevelopment of Bankside House. The new 1,945-bed student residence, located at 24 Sumner Street, SE1 – just steps from Tate Modern and the heart of Bankside’s cultural district – will break ground in 2027 and is scheduled to open before September 2032. The scheme represents one of the largest purpose-built student accommodation developments in central London replacing the existing mid-century office conversion with a landmark piece of civic architecture. The project will deliver high-quality, affordable student living and create new public amenities for the Bankside community. Addressing Student Need This significant investment directly supports LSE’s 2030 Strategy goal to offer 6,000 university-controlled bed spaces and guarantee an accommodation offer to every new first-year student. With over 12,000 full-time students, around 60% currently rely on London’s private rental market accommodation. The Bankside redevelopment will make a major contribution to closing this gap, easing housing pressure and supporting student access. Excellence in Development and Construction Bouygues UK is leading both the development and construction of this landmark project, drawing on its track record in sustainable, large-scale delivery in complex urban environments, in partnership with leading infrastructure investor Equitix. Bouygues UK’s team has managed the project from the outset: overseeing an international architectural competition, community and stakeholder engagement, and all planning processes, working closely with design partners Carmody Groarke and Sheppard Robson, as well as planning advisors Montagu Evans Planning, Heritage & Townscape, Viability and Socioeconomics The approved design features three stepped towers of 24, 26 and 28 storeys, linked by two low-rise pavilions, all arranged around generous landscaped courtyards. At ground level, new public routes and active frontages will seamlessly connect Sumner Street with the wider Bankside cultural quarter, creating an open, welcoming environment for students and the local community alike. Sustainability and Innovation Environmental performance is at the core of the development. The scheme targets BREEAM Excellent (with an aspiration for Outstanding), follows WELL principles for health and wellbeing, and aims for Passivhaus certification for operational energy performance. The building will be all-electric, with high-performance insulation and extensive rooftop solar panels, achieving exceptionally low operational energy use (45–55 kWh/m²/year). Bouygues UK will target more than 99% diversion of construction waste from landfill and ensure at least 20% of materials by value are recycled or reused. Through structural optimisation and careful façade specification, the project will minimise upfront embodied carbon, setting a new benchmark for sustainable construction in the sector. Affordable Living and Social Value All student rooms will be offered at sub-market rents, with 15% of bed spaces meeting the London Plan’s definition of Affordable Student Accommodation. A diverse range of room types and price points will broaden access to LSE and help relieve pressure on the wider London rental market. The development is also designed to deliver significant community benefits, including: Quotes “Securing planning permission for Bankside House is a landmark moment for Bouygues UK and for the student accommodation sector in London. In partnership with LSE and Equitix, we’ve developed a scheme that puts affordability, sustainability and community at its core. We’re proud of the role we have had in bringing this project from concept to consent, and we look forward to delivering a building that will stand as a genuine piece of civic architecture for generations to come.”Oliver Campbell, Managing Director, Development, Bouygues UK “This is the culmination of a ten-year engagement with the borough on the redevelopment of our Bankside residences. Working with the Southwark team we have crafted an affordable, sustainable and high-quality design which will make a significant contribution to the borough. The scheme’s civic offer is incredibly strong with genuine public access and community uses integrated within the building and we can’t wait to see LSE’s world class estate extended south of the river.” Julian Robinson, Director of Estates, London School of Economics and Political Science “LSE’s aim is to guarantee an offer of accommodation to all new, first year students. Securing planning permission for Bankside House is a major step forward towards our goal. Our team are extremely excited about the new scheme and what it will mean for LSE students. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the officers and Councillors in Southwark who have been so supportive of our vision for the site.”Ian Spencer, Director of Residential and Catering Services, London School of Economics and Political Science “Bankside House represents a new benchmark for socially impactful investment in central London and the London School of Economics’ role as an international centre of excellence. Securing planning approval is an important milestone for the project for all partners. Working alongside Bouygues and LSE, we remain committed to creating affordable, high‑quality student accommodation that will support the university, its students and the wider community for many years to come.”Hugh Crossley, CEO, Equitix “We are delighted that Southwark Borough Council has granted planning approval for LSE’s Bankside House. Conceived as three distinct yet connected houses, the project will provide an important new home for the LSE student community while contributing a confident addition to London’s river skyline. At ground level, a series of pavilions open the site to the city, strengthening the public realm and creating a welcoming threshold between LSE, the Bankside and the wider urban context. On a student scale, we wanted every room – both spatially and climatically – to be a genuinely good room, meeting Passivhaus standards and setting a new benchmark for sustainable design. We look forward to progressing the project in close collaboration with our partners, Bouygues UK, Equitix and LSE.”Rupert Goddard, Partner at Sheppard Robson and Rowan Seaford, Director at Carmody Groarke Next steps With planning permission now secured, Bouygues UK will progress detailed construction planning work, including its gateway 2 submission. The new Bankside House is scheduled to open before September 2032, ready to welcome its first cohort of students at the start
Marks & Spencer is continuing its push to grow its food business, with plans to open its third new food store in just two weeks. The latest site, located in Farnham, is set to open on Wednesday 25th. The 18,600 sq ft store is one of 12 former Homebase locations currently being redeveloped by the retailer. This follows two recent openings: a 16,000 sq ft store in Luton Bramingham and a 15,000 sq ft food outlet at Hatfield Oldings Corner, both also converted from former Homebase units. These rapid launches form part of M&S’s wider strategy to significantly expand its food division by increasing its store footprint across the UK. The larger format stores allow the retailer to introduce an enhanced in-store experience, including features such as hot chicken counters, bakeries and dedicated coffee areas. Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, said the business is undergoing a major transformation, with a focus on delivering both value and high-quality, innovative products to customers. He explained that securing the right locations with sufficient space is key to offering a broader range suited to families and everyday shopping needs. He added that the company is bringing M&S Food to three new towns this month, with a strong pipeline of further openings planned throughout the year. In addition to new stores, M&S is also investing in its existing estate. Its latest renewal project launched last Thursday at Westway in Chelmsford, following an eight-week refurbishment. Looking ahead, M&S is targeting around 500 locations across the UK for new, larger sites capable of stocking its full food range, with the average store size expected to reach around 18,000 sq ft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Architect Hopkins has revealed detailed proposals to transform 1 Embankment Place above London’s Charing Cross Station, reworking the ageing office building into a high-specification, low-carbon workplace and mixed-use destination. The scheme is being brought forward for developer Bridgemont and centres on a substantial retrofit of the Terry Farrell-designed property. Rather than demolish and rebuild, the plans will retain around 90 per cent of the existing structure, along with most of the current façade, while comprehensively overhauling the building internally and at street level. The redevelopment will provide 35,000 sq m of Grade A office accommodation, alongside new outdoor terraces, upgraded occupier amenities and a reimagined ground floor. A more premium mix of retail, food and leisure uses is proposed at lower level, with the intention of creating a livelier, more attractive destination in this high-profile central London location. A key part of the design is the opening up of the building at street level, particularly along Villiers Street. Active frontages and improved access to daylight are intended to strengthen the relationship between the building and the public realm, helping to create a more welcoming and better-connected urban environment. Sustainability is central to the proposals. The project is targeting a 70 per cent reduction in operational energy use, supported by all-electric building systems and integrated rooftop solar panels. The scheme is also aiming for leading environmental credentials, including BREEAM Outstanding, reflecting the growing demand for high-performance, retrofit-led commercial space in central London. In addition to the internal reconfiguration and energy upgrades, the wider plans include improvements to pedestrian routes around the site, reinforcing its role within one of Westminster’s busiest transport and commercial hubs. The proposal positions 1 Embankment Place as one of the capital’s most significant retrofit office opportunities, combining the retention of a recognised landmark structure with the delivery of modern workspace, upgraded amenities and stronger environmental performance. The plans have now entered public consultation ahead of a formal planning submission. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver a £46m hotel development in Leeds city centre, marking another significant addition to the city’s growing West End regeneration. The project is being brought forward by joint developers Marrico and Helios, who have secured funding for the scheme on Lisbon Street. The site, formerly home to the Leeds International Swimming Pool, is set to be transformed into a new hospitality destination as part of wider redevelopment plans in the area. Caddick will act as main contractor on the 16-storey scheme, which will feature 200 hotel rooms under the ‘room2 hometel’ brand, operated by Lamington Group. The accommodation will include a mix of studios and suites designed to cater for both short stays and longer-term guests, reflecting changing patterns in the hospitality market. In addition to guest rooms, the development will include a ground floor café and bar, meeting and events facilities, a gym, laundry provision and a selection of retail concessions. The scheme is intended to create a flexible, modern hospitality offering that supports Leeds’ expanding visitor economy. Designed by DLA Architecture, the building will be fully electric and powered by renewable energy, aligning with wider sustainability targets and contributing to the city’s ambitions for low-carbon development. Construction is expected to begin in May 2026, with completion targeted for spring 2028. Steve Ford, regional managing director of Caddick Construction Yorkshire and North East, said the scheme represents an important opportunity to support the continued regeneration of Leeds’ West End while delivering a high-quality and sustainable hotel development. He added that the project builds on Caddick’s experience in delivering complex city centre schemes and reinforces its presence across Yorkshire and the North East. The Lisbon Street development is set to play a key role in revitalising the surrounding area, bringing new activity, investment and amenities to a prominent city centre site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Public sector procurement organisation YPO has announced the successful suppliers appointed to its £500 million modular buildings framework. The four-year agreement is designed to make it easier for public sector bodies to buy or hire modular buildings. It will support a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, housing and justice, by providing faster and more flexible building solutions. Michelle Walker, Head of Procurement Service and Supply Solutions at YPO (pictured), said the framework brings together a strong group of providers delivering both innovative and sustainable options. She explained that the organisation is looking forward to working closely with suppliers and helping contracting authorities get the most value from modular construction, both in terms of efficiency and long-term benefits. A total of 28 companies have secured places across 15 lots on the framework. These include: Actiform LimitedAirport Capacity Solutions LimitedCleveland Sitesafe LimitedElite Systems (GB) LimitedHealth Spaces LimitedHealthmatic LimitedIdeal Building Systems LimitedInstaspace LtdIntegra Buildings LimitedJDC Building Works LtdMac Zero Modular Buildings LtdMcAvoy Modular Offsite LimitedModuleCo Healthcare LimitedModuleCo LimitedMy Fab LimitedP McVey Building Systems LtdPKL Group (UK) LimitedPortable Offices (Hire) LimitedPortakabin LimitedPremier Modular LimitedQube Structures Ltd trading as The QubeSilwood Facilities Limited trading as Silwood SpaceSKW Construction LtdStelling Modular Limited trading as Stelling PropertiesThurston Group LimitedWernick Buildings LimitedWestern Building Systems LtdZED Pods Ltd The framework is expected to play a key role in accelerating the adoption of modular construction across the UK public sector, helping organisations deliver buildings more quickly, sustainably and cost-effectively. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals