Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, and Abri, a large housing provider operating across the south of England, have reached a key milestone at their 1,500-home Fordham development in West Sussex, agreeing the forward sale of 141 affordable homes to Abri through their joint venture, Ford North LLP.
Jones Hargreaves, the national commercial building, project and sustainability consultancy, has completed the project management of 3 Embankment, a five-storey Grade A office refurbishment in Leeds city centre. Located on Sovereign Street in Leeds’ Southbank, the brick-fronted building has been comprehensively refurbished to create high-quality, contemporary workspace. The scheme features
CBRE Investment Management (“CBRE IM”), on behalf of CBRE UK Single Family Housing Partners (“SFHP”), has completed the acquisition of a 222-home single family housing portfolio in the South East of England from UK housebuilder, Bellway. The transaction represents the seed investment for CBRE IM’s newly launched SFHP strategy, established
Planning services for small modular reactor (SMR) development and major project approvals Jacobs has been selected by Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) to provide planning and consenting services for the proposed small modular reactors (SMRs) development in the U.K. Jacobs will provide strategic planning, consent support and leadership to
The long-awaited transformation of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has taken a major step forward after planning permission was granted for the landmark redevelopment, with main contractor Morgan Sindall expected to begin work before the end of the year. The extensive refurbishment will revitalise the iconic 15-hectare sporting venue,
Kier has been appointed main contractor for the landmark redevelopment of 10 Piccadilly, as The Crown Estate continues to progress its long-term transformation of London’s West End through a series of high-profile mixed-use regeneration projects. The appointment marks the next phase of The Crown Estate’s ambitious development pipeline, alongside the
Kier has secured almost £100 million of new education work after being appointed to deliver two major school redevelopment projects, including one of the Department for Education’s flagship low-carbon GenZero pathfinder schools. The contractor has been confirmed as main works contractor for the £45 million redevelopment of Wellfield Academy in
A brand-new neighbourhood is coming to life in Wembdon as construction continues at Centenary Heights. The 109-home development, being delivered by South West housebuilder Cavanna Homes in partnership with Martin Grant Land, will welcome its first prospective buyers when homes are released to registered customers in August 2026. As construction
Portakabin has strengthened its position in the public sector construction market after being appointed as an approved supplier to Place Group’s Everything Estates framework, providing public sector organisations with faster access to modular building solutions through a compliant procurement route. The appointment will enable local authorities, education providers, NHS trusts
Ten years after launching its pioneering “Inspector” app, Siderise has unveiled the next generation of this digital tool. Named “Siderise Inspection App,” it has been developed to help installers verify the quality of passive fire protection and acoustic installations, maintain robust records of competency and meet their obligations under the
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, and Abri, a large housing provider operating across the south of England, have reached a key milestone at their 1,500-home Fordham development in West Sussex, agreeing the forward sale of 141 affordable homes to Abri through their joint venture, Ford North LLP. The transaction is for 76 Section 106 affordable homes and a further 65 affordable homes, which Abri plan to develop with support through grant funding from Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency. These homes will be delivered as part of Phase 1 of the scheme. Crucially, the forward sale enables the commencement of the housing phase at Fordham, marking the transition from planning to delivery of this major new community, with construction anticipated to start in September 2026. Ford North LLP, the joint venture between Vistry and Abri, is leading the delivery of the wider scheme, with Abri also acting as the end purchaser for the affordable homes within this first phase. The agreement demonstrates the strength and flexibility of the partnership, enabling both organisations to accelerate the delivery of much-needed homes. Fordham is a landmark mixed-use development on the former Ford Airfield site, which will deliver around 1,500 high-quality new homes alongside extensive infrastructure and community facilities. Of these, 960 homes are being delivered through the Vistry and Abri joint venture. Planning approval has already been secured from Arun District Council for the initial phases of development, including nearly 700 homes and significant infrastructure. This includes a primary spine road, new pedestrian and cycle routes, bus connectivity, and more than 11 hectares of public open space, alongside play areas, sustainable drainage systems and ecological enhancements. The wider development will also feature a new primary school, a care home, a local centre and employment space, creating a sustainable and well-connected neighbourhood. The vision for Fordham has been shaped by more than a decade of collaboration with local partners and is a key strategic allocation within the Arun District Local Plan. Alex Jordan, Managing Director for Vistry South East, said: “This forward sale represents a major milestone for Fordham and, importantly, enables us to begin delivering new homes on site. Our partnership with Abri is central to the success of this scheme, and this agreement highlights how our joint venture model can accelerate delivery while maintaining a strong focus on quality and place-making. “Fordham is a transformational development that will provide not just new homes, but the infrastructure and community facilities needed to support long-term, sustainable growth.” Sally Ingham, Director of Development at Abri, commented: “This agreement secures a significant number of affordable homes for Abri customers and marks the next stage of delivery at Fordham, transforming a long-held vision into a new community with homes, green spaces, transport links and facilities for local people. The inclusion of additional homes that we plan to develop with support from Homes England grant funding will help maximise the affordable housing provision delivered through the development. “Our long-standing partnership with Vistry demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together. Fordham is a great example of how collaborative working can unlock large scale developments, helping us deliver the homes and communities needed while supporting Abri’s ambition to build 20,000 new homes by 2036.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jones Hargreaves, the national commercial building, project and sustainability consultancy, has completed the project management of 3 Embankment, a five-storey Grade A office refurbishment in Leeds city centre. Located on Sovereign Street in Leeds’ Southbank, the brick-fronted building has been comprehensively refurbished to create high-quality, contemporary workspace. The scheme features a striking reception, business lounge and upgraded communal areas, with suites ranging from 2,507 sq ft to 33,281 sq ft. Jones Hargreaves delivered the six-month project on behalf of UKRO, working alongside RU Creative, Adapt Real Estate and Time Limit Interiors. Other projects completed by Jones Hargreaves during the first half of 2026 include a variety of landlord and tenant-led office refurbishments together with the £1.6m refurbishment of Robin Hood Industrial State, Nottingham, for Hines. The office refurbishment projects reflect a growing trend across the UK, with landlords increasingly investing in the refurbishment of existing office buildings to deliver the high-quality, sustainable workspace occupiers are seeking. Avison Young reports that refurbishment projects now account for the majority of office development pipelines across the UK’s nine largest regional office markets, with refurbishment space increasing 12% year-on-year. The recent project completions cap a busy first half of 2026 for Jones Hargreaves. Between January and June, the consultancy delivered 540 instructions nationally, including more than 5,000 onsite inspections covering ESG, building surveys, project management and dilapidations. The business also welcomed six new team members during the first half of the year, taking its headcount to 59 across offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Manchester. The team in Manchester have recently moved to bigger premises to support future growth of Jones Hargreaves in the North West. During the same period, several graduates achieved Chartered Surveyor status after successfully completing their APCs. The team will also welcome back Abi Colling in August following the completion of her degree at the University of Reading, where she received the CIOB Certificate of Excellence for achieving the highest mark in her final year. Three other new graduate recruits are also set to join in late summer. Matthew Jones, Founding Partner at Jones Hargreaves, said: “The completion of 3 Embankment reflects the type of projects we’re increasingly delivering for investors, landlords and occupiers looking to reposition existing assets. Our joined up approach combining core Building Surveying, MEP and energy consultancy delivers real benefits for our clients. “Combined with the growth of our team and the volume of instructions we’ve completed in the first half of the year, it has been a positive period for the business. We’re grateful to our clients for their continued confidence and are looking forward to building on this momentum during the second half of 2026.” 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. For more information, visit www.joneshargreaves.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE Investment Management (“CBRE IM”), on behalf of CBRE UK Single Family Housing Partners (“SFHP”), has completed the acquisition of a 222-home single family housing portfolio in the South East of England from UK housebuilder, Bellway. The transaction represents the seed investment for CBRE IM’s newly launched SFHP strategy, established in partnership with Moda Living. The platform is focused on delivering and operating high-quality, professionally managed family rental homes in structurally undersupplied UK markets, providing investors with access to a growing and resilient residential segment. The portfolio comprises a mix of completed homes and forward-funded development across three sites in established residential markets: Stevenage, Milton Keynes and Burgess Hill. All homes are expected to be delivered by the end of 2027. The sites all have excellent access to high quality transport links, proximity to major employment centres, schooling and attractive local amenities. The developments will deliver predominantly two- and three-bedroom homes, with a layout and specifications aligned to the needs of family renters and long-term occupiers. Homes within the portfolio will be operated by CBRE IM’s partner, Moda Living. Tom James, Head of UK Transactions at CBRE Investment Management, said: “This is an exciting addition to our residential platform and a great first step in growing our single family housing fund, delivering high-quality houses on attractive sites in locations where demand for best-in-class, professionally managed rental housing continues to outstrip supply. Working alongside Moda Living, we are building a platform designed to deliver at scale, both in terms of operational execution and investor outcomes, focused on homes that meet the evolving needs of renters and generate sustainable income over time.” Johnny Caddick, CEO of Moda Living, commented: “These first acquisitions are an important milestone for the platform and reflect the progress we’ve made since launching the partnership earlier this year. “Demand for professionally managed rental homes continues to outstrip supply and, with the backing of committed, long-term capital and Moda’s integrated development and operational platform, we’re well placed to help address that challenge. We’re looking forward to building on this strong start as we continue to grow the platform by utilising Moda’s delivery and operational capabilities – together with the wider Caddick Group land pipeline – to deliver more high-quality homes across the UK.” Ian Gorst, Regional Chair, Bellway Homes, said: “We are delighted to have completed this portfolio transaction with CBRE IM and Moda as they launch their new UK Single Family BTR Fund. Their investment in Whitehouse Gardens, Milton Keynes, Forster Park, Stevenage, and Fallow Wood View, Burgess Hill demonstrates confidence in the strength of these outstanding new communities. We are proud they have chosen Bellway as their delivery partner, recognising our proven HBF 5-Star homebuilder track record for quality and customer satisfaction. We wish CBRE IM and Moda every success with this exciting new venture and look forward to building on our relationship in the years ahead.” The acquisition follows the recent launch of CBRE UK Single Family Housing Partners, a dedicated single family housing strategy established by CBRE IM in partnership with Moda Living, part of Caddick Group. Backed by an initial £400 million available capital and supported by core, long-term investor capital, the strategy has a clear ambition to grow to £2 billion in value over time. The platform is designed to address the growing demand for high-quality rental homes while providing investors with access to one of the UK’s most compelling residential sectors. TT&G Partners and CBRE advised CBRE IM, and Savills advised Bellway. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning services for small modular reactor (SMR) development and major project approvals Jacobs has been selected by Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) to provide planning and consenting services for the proposed small modular reactors (SMRs) development in the U.K. Jacobs will provide strategic planning, consent support and leadership to key land-use planning activities to help advance required project approvals. Initially, the focus will be on new nuclear development at the Gwyndod (formerly Wylfa Newydd) and Oldbury-on-Severn sites, with the potential to include additional sites that will support GBE-N’s future ambitions. Work is likely to include Development Consent Order and Town and Country Planning Act applications. The services will be delivered with planning subconsultant Quod. The work will also entail statutory stakeholder engagement, socio-economic and traffic and transport assessments to help inform project planning and community considerations. Jacobs Executive Vice President Richard Sanderson said: “New nuclear generation will play an important role in strengthening energy security and supporting the transition to lower-carbon power systems. Delivering this project requires careful planning, robust engagement with communities and a clear path through complex regulatory processes. Our integrated team will support GBE-N in advancing the planning framework for their sites, enabling development proposals to be informed by strong analysis, stakeholder input and long-term regional considerations.” GBE-N Chief Executive Simon Roddy added: “Continuing to deliver the first of the U.K.’s fleet of SMRs with pace and focus will require a deep understanding of the planning and consenting processes for energy infrastructure in the U.K., and I’m pleased to have appointed Jacobs and Quod to help us in this effort.” Jacobs will help guide planning applications and post-application activities, including engagement with planning authorities, regulators, communities and other groups. The team will also contribute to socio-economic and traffic and transport assessments to help inform regional impacts and workforce considerations. Jacobs’ appointment builds on more than 60 years of experience delivering global civil nuclear solutions across the full asset lifecycle in highly regulated environments—from new build programs to decommissioning and waste management and disposal. The company continues to play a leading role in the U.K.’s civil nuclear industry, contributing to major programs such as Sizewell C, Hinkley Point C and Sellafield. The company was also recently selected by GBE-N to provide environmental services for potential SMR nuclear development at its Oldbury site. This experience planning for SMRs will also have increasing relevance across the globe as the energy sector looks to keep pace with demand. At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow – delivering outcomes and solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a team of approximately 47,000, we provide end-to-end services in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water. From advisory and consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, we’re creating a more connected and sustainable world. See how at jacobs.com and connect with us on LinkedIn,Instagram, X and Facebook. Jacobs employs more than 6,000 people across the U.K., operating from 15 core offices and over 35 additional sites. Working with HM Government, local authorities and the private sector, Jacobs helps shape and deliver the nation’s most critical infrastructure, energy, environmental and community programs — creating social value by improving resilience, driving economic growth and enhancing quality of life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The long-awaited transformation of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has taken a major step forward after planning permission was granted for the landmark redevelopment, with main contractor Morgan Sindall expected to begin work before the end of the year. The extensive refurbishment will revitalise the iconic 15-hectare sporting venue, modernising its facilities while carefully preserving the heritage and architectural significance of one of the UK’s most recognisable sports complexes. The redevelopment has been designed to create a modern, sustainable and accessible destination capable of supporting everyone from grassroots participants to elite athletes, securing the centre’s future as a leading sporting and community asset for London. Morgan Sindall will lead the construction programme, delivering a comprehensive upgrade that balances contemporary sporting requirements with the conservation of the site’s historic features. The project also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, ensuring the refurbished centre meets modern environmental standards while extending the lifespan of the existing buildings. A multidisciplinary consultant team has been assembled to deliver the scheme, bringing together sports masterplanning specialists WOO Architects, architects FaulknerBrowns, decarbonisation and sustainability consultants Max Fordham, structural engineers and heritage conservation experts Alan Baxter Associates, together with Employers Agent and commercial advisers Currie & Brown. For the construction and built environment sectors, the project highlights the growing importance of breathing new life into existing public assets through sensitive refurbishment rather than wholesale redevelopment. The scheme combines heritage conservation, sustainable construction and specialist sports facility design, demonstrating how major public infrastructure can be modernised to meet future demands while respecting its architectural legacy. Alongside the physical improvements, Morgan Sindall has already begun delivering social value initiatives linked to the project, including education, training and skills programmes for local schools and communities. These initiatives are intended to leave a lasting legacy beyond the construction works by creating employment opportunities and encouraging greater participation in the built environment and construction industries. Richard Dobson, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in London, said: “We can’t wait to start delivering the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre renovation now that planning has been approved, as we know this project is going to unlock incredible benefits for so many people in the South London area. “The design for the revitalised centre is a real showcase for what can be achieved when ambitious, innovative planning for a sustainable sports centre is combined with considerate, insightful collaborations with the people, athletes and stakeholders that are going to be most affected by this transformative development.” He added: “I’m also incredibly proud of the social value work the team has already implemented, with a long list of training and upskilling opportunities provided for local schools and communities. This underlines the capacity for this project to change lives, and I can’t wait to see all the ways this momentum is going to be carried forward now that planning has been approved.” With construction expected to commence later this year, the redevelopment will restore one of Britain’s most historic sporting venues, ensuring Crystal Palace National Sports Centre continues to serve future generations while reinforcing its status as a flagship destination for sport, recreation and community activity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier has been appointed main contractor for the landmark redevelopment of 10 Piccadilly, as The Crown Estate continues to progress its long-term transformation of London’s West End through a series of high-profile mixed-use regeneration projects. The appointment marks the next phase of The Crown Estate’s ambitious development pipeline, alongside the refurbishment of 21–29 Glasshouse Street, where BAM is serving as principal contractor. Together, the two schemes will deliver approximately 169,300 sq ft of high-quality office, retail and hospitality accommodation within one of London’s most prestigious commercial districts. Located at the gateway to Piccadilly Circus, 10 Piccadilly occupies one of the West End’s most recognisable heritage buildings, completing the iconic curve of Regent Street. The Grade II listed property has played a significant role in London’s retail history, having originally housed the famous Swan & Edgar department store before becoming home to Tower Records during the 1980s. Kier will deliver a comprehensive refurbishment of the 90,800 sq ft building, carefully preserving its historic character while creating a contemporary mixed-use destination designed to meet the evolving needs of occupiers and visitors. The redevelopment will provide approximately 62,700 sq ft of premium office accommodation, alongside a 26,400 sq ft hospitality offering spread across the basement, ground and first floors. A further 1,700 sq ft of retail space fronting Regent Street will reinforce the building’s presence within one of the UK’s premier shopping destinations. For the construction and property sectors, the project highlights the continued demand for high-quality retrofit and heritage-led regeneration across central London. Rather than replacing existing buildings, the scheme demonstrates how historic assets can be sensitively adapted to deliver modern, sustainable commercial space while preserving their architectural significance. The development also forms part of The Crown Estate’s wider strategy to enhance its 10 million sq ft London portfolio through long-term investment in mixed-use destinations that combine offices, retail, hospitality and improved public spaces. In parallel with the building projects, The Crown Estate is working in partnership with Westminster City Council to deliver major public realm improvements across Regent Street, Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus, creating a more attractive and accessible environment for businesses, workers, residents and visitors. 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.” The appointment of Kier marks another significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration of the West End, where heritage conservation, sustainable retrofit and mixed-use development continue to reshape one of the world’s most iconic commercial and retail destinations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier has secured almost £100 million of new education work after being appointed to deliver two major school redevelopment projects, including one of the Department for Education’s flagship low-carbon GenZero pathfinder schools. The contractor has been confirmed as main works contractor for the £45 million redevelopment of Wellfield Academy in Leyland, Lancashire, alongside the £53 million replacement of the Anglo European School in Ingatestone, Essex, further strengthening its position in the UK’s education construction sector. The Wellfield Academy project will deliver a new 6,540 sq m secondary school, designed to showcase the next generation of ultra-low carbon educational buildings through the Department for Education’s pioneering GenZero programme. Designed by Kier Design, the new campus will comprise a three-storey teaching block connected at first-floor level to a two-storey central commons building, while retaining the existing sports hall. Construction will be carefully phased to minimise disruption, beginning with the demolition of an existing building to make way for the new commons facility before the remaining teaching accommodation is replaced. Sustainability sits at the heart of the development, with the new school incorporating a cross-laminated timber structural frame, ground source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels, natural ventilation and enhanced airtightness measures to significantly reduce both embodied and operational carbon emissions. The scheme will also feature extensive landscaping, biodiversity enhancements and outdoor learning environments, creating a campus that promotes wellbeing alongside environmental performance. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2028. Meanwhile, in Essex, Kier will deliver a £53 million replacement school for the Anglo European School following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), which led to the closure of the school’s sixth form centre in 2023. Planning permission has already been granted for the redevelopment, which will provide a new three-storey teaching building alongside a canopy, multi-use games area, amphitheatre, car parking and extensive hard and soft landscaping. The new school has been designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation while delivering significantly enhanced teaching facilities that support the school’s internationally recognised curriculum and specialist educational ethos. For the construction and education sectors, the two projects reflect the continued investment being made in modernising the UK’s school estate through sustainable design, low-carbon construction and future-ready learning environments. The Wellfield Academy scheme, in particular, is expected to help shape future education projects by testing innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions across both construction and long-term building operation. Together, the two developments represent a significant addition to Kier’s education portfolio, demonstrating the growing emphasis on delivering high-quality, environmentally responsible schools that not only improve educational outcomes but also contribute to the UK’s wider net zero ambitions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A brand-new neighbourhood is coming to life in Wembdon as construction continues at Centenary Heights. The 109-home development, being delivered by South West housebuilder Cavanna Homes in partnership with Martin Grant Land, will welcome its first prospective buyers when homes are released to registered customers in August 2026. As construction progresses, the development is already delivering benefits beyond the homes themselves, with more than £971,000 being invested into the local area to support schools, transport and community infrastructure across Bridgwater and Wembdon. The investment includes at least £595,574 towards primary education, £93,743 for early years provision, £96,889 to support local bus services, £139,767 for off-site highways improvements and £10,496 to enhance Public Rights of Way. Land has also been set aside for a new primary school, neighbourhood centre and extensive play areas, helping to create a thriving new community alongside the new homes. Located on the edge of Wembdon, Centenary Heights will offer a collection of two, three and four-bedroom homes, carefully designed to complement the character of the local area while making the most of its setting between Bridgwater and the Somerset countryside. Infrastructure and groundwork are now well underway, with the development steadily taking shape as construction continues towards its first sales launch later this summer. Hannah Newnes, Sales and Marketing Director at Cavanna Homes, said: “There’s a real sense of momentum on site now. It’s always exciting when you reach the stage where people can begin to picture what a new community will become, and that’s exactly what’s happening at Centenary Heights. “We know there’s strong demand in this part of Bridgwater from people who want to stay local but are looking for a high-quality new home. One of the real strengths of this development is the range of homes available, giving first-time buyers, growing families and downsizers genuine choice in one location. “Just as importantly, it’s about creating a place that will serve the community for years to come. Alongside the new homes, there’s significant investment in schools, transport and local infrastructure, as well as land for future community facilities, helping to ensure the development makes a positive contribution to the wider area. “We’re looking forward to welcoming our first visitors later this August and giving them the opportunity to see everything Centenary Heights has to offer.” Further details, including house types, pricing and launch dates, will be announced in the coming weeks. To register interest and be among the first to hear about the launch, visit cavannahomes.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Portakabin has strengthened its position in the public sector construction market after being appointed as an approved supplier to Place Group’s Everything Estates framework, providing public sector organisations with faster access to modular building solutions through a compliant procurement route. The appointment will enable local authorities, education providers, NHS trusts and other public sector bodies to procure both temporary and permanent modular buildings without the need for lengthy tendering processes, helping accelerate the delivery of new facilities and estate improvements. Everything Estates is designed to simplify procurement by allowing organisations to either directly appoint approved suppliers or undertake a streamlined mini competition, reducing timescales while ensuring compliance with public sector procurement requirements. For the construction and built environment sectors, the framework offers a practical route for delivering projects where speed, flexibility and value are critical. It supports organisations responding to increasing demand for services, replacing ageing infrastructure or delivering additional accommodation quickly and efficiently. Portakabin’s inclusion on the framework reinforces the growing role that modular construction continues to play across the public estate, where off-site manufacturing is increasingly being adopted to minimise disruption, improve programme certainty and deliver sustainable, high-quality buildings. Keith Rayner, Head of Frameworks at Portakabin, said: “Joining the Everything Estates framework reinforces our commitment to making it easier for public sector organisations to access high-quality modular building solutions, for both temporary and permanent requirements. “Whether responding to growing demand, replacing ageing facilities or delivering new accommodation at pace, the framework provides customers with a compliant and streamlined procurement route that saves valuable time, while ensuring excellent value.” Claire Delaney, Managing Director of Everything Estates, added: “Everything Estates gives control to our clients by allowing customers to obtain the best value for money based upon their requirements and not those that are pre-determined by the framework operator. It removes unnecessary bureaucracy and creates a time efficient route for procurement, which delivers enhanced return on investment for all parties.” As demand continues to grow for flexible and efficient estate solutions, the appointment highlights the increasing importance of framework agreements in supporting the rapid delivery of public sector projects, while providing clients with greater choice, improved procurement efficiency and access to trusted construction partners. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ten years after launching its pioneering “Inspector” app, Siderise has unveiled the next generation of this digital tool. Named “Siderise Inspection App,” it has been developed to help installers verify the quality of passive fire protection and acoustic installations, maintain robust records of competency and meet their obligations under the Building Safety Act. Gateway 3 requires contractors to demonstrate that they have carried out installations competently and in accordance with the plans, specifications and documents approved at Gateway 2. In practice, this means embedding evidence-gathering into the construction process from the outset. The Siderise Inspection App enables users to document installations in real time using mobile devices. Captured photographs and key project data are then compiled into structured reports that are reviewed by Siderise’s technical team, to confirm alignment with manufacturer installation guidelines. This not only reduces the time spent waiting for in-person inspectors but also ensures any remedial actions are identified early in the construction process, preventing issues either being missed or repeated across multiple areas of the project. The reports can also be incorporated as part of the Golden Thread of information and as evidence of installations being carried out in accordance with manufacturer guidance, as required in Gateway 3 compliance reports. “Before developing the Siderise Inspection App, we undertook a comprehensive research programme to better understand the challenges our customers face on site every day,” explained Lee Nichols, Technical Director at Siderise Group. “Those insights have directly influenced its functionality, creating a truly unique tool that is not only easier to use in busy site environments, but also integrates seamlessly with wider project documentation and workflows. “All interactions with Siderise through the new App now feed directly into our wider project management system, enabling us to generate comprehensive reports where required and identify customer-specific trends, such as recurring installation issues. This allows us to take a more proactive approach to support, whether through targeted training, additional site inspections or provide feedback to the Principal Contractor about installation team competency. Available to download for free from Google Play and Apple App Stores, The Siderise Inspection App is part of the technical support ‘wrapper’ that surrounds the manufacturers’ highly tested product ranges, including technical advice, in-person inspection services, product, application and installation training, benchmark installations and more. This holistic support makes it easier for all Siderise customers to demonstrate their competence and assist them in delivering high-quality outcomes at every project stage and Gateway. For more information, visit Fire safety – Inspection app | Siderise or email app.support@siderise.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals