Kenneth Booth
Noise and Wellbeing Central to Return-to-Office Strategy

Noise and Wellbeing Central to Return-to-Office Strategy

As41 percent of UK businesses increased their requirement for on-site working, and nearly three-quarters of employers reported a rise in office attendance during the past year, a growing challenge is emerging: workplace noise. While organisations continue to refine their hybrid working strategies, workplace design specialists Prestige Interiors say that many offices have

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POD Management Celebrates Outstanding Success at the ACE Awards 2026

POD Management Celebrates Outstanding Success at the ACE Awards 2026

Multiple Wins and Industry Recognition Highlight POD’s Commitment to People, Service and Excellence in Property Management POD Management is celebrating an exceptional night of success at the prestigious ACE Awards 2026, hosted by The Property Institute (TPI) at London’s iconic Old Billingsgate venue. Widely regarded as one of the residential

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Double Success for Accent at the Housing Heroes Awards

Double Success for Accent at the Housing Heroes Awards

Accent, who has head offices in Bradford and Peterborough, is celebrating double success at this year’s Housing Heroes Awards, recognising both its commitment to customer voice and the people-first culture they have built together over the past 18 months. Accent winners included customer Richard Wilkinson, who received the Lifetime Achievement

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Savills Strengthens Property Management Leadership with Senior Appointment

Savills Strengthens Property Management Leadership with Senior Appointment

Savills has reinforced its commitment to delivering high-quality property management services with the appointment of Marcus Hutchings as Director within its London-based property management team. Joining the business from CBRE, where he spent more than 12 years and most recently served as Senior Director, Hutchings brings over 15 years of

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Installation excellence celebrated at 2026 BIFIS awards

Installation excellence celebrated at 2026 BIFIS awards

The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists hosted it’s fifth annual awards, the BIFIS Awards, last night, 23 June 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, in partnership with InstallerSHOW. The BIFIS Awards programme, which launched in 2021, has seen continuous year-on-year growth, attracting more than 200 entries in its fifth year,

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Latest Issue
Issue 342 : Jul 2026

Kenneth Booth

Noise and Wellbeing Central to Return-to-Office Strategy

Noise and Wellbeing Central to Return-to-Office Strategy

As41 percent of UK businesses increased their requirement for on-site working, and nearly three-quarters of employers reported a rise in office attendance during the past year, a growing challenge is emerging: workplace noise. While organisations continue to refine their hybrid working strategies, workplace design specialists Prestige Interiors say that many offices have not aligned with the expectations of a post-pandemic workforce. Years of home working have reset employees’ expectations around concentration, privacy and noise levels, making office acoustics an increasingly important factor in workplace satisfaction and productivity. Research suggests that workplace noise is far more than a minor annoyance. A recent study found that higher sound levels in the workplace were associated with lower levels of work satisfaction, while previous research in open-plan offices identified noise as a significant factor affecting both employee wellbeing and job satisfaction. The findings underline the growing importance of acoustic design in creating workplaces where employees can focus, collaborate, and perform at their best. This suggests that acoustic comfort is not simply a matter of preference, but a measurable factor influencing productivity, concentration, and workplace satisfaction in modern office environments. Fiona MacMillan, Director for Prestige Interiors, thinks that the physical office environment is likely to play a role in whether return-to-office policies succeed. She commented, “We’re seeing a clear shift in how people experience the office after years of hybrid and remote working. Employees have become accustomed to quieter, more controlled environments at home, and returning to open-plan offices can feel overstimulating for many. “Noise is no longer just an inconvenience; it’s a wellbeing and performance issue. If organisations want people back in the office regularly, they need to create spaces that actively support focus, not compete with it.” “We are seeing an increased demand for acoustically balanced workspaces, including quiet zones, focus rooms, and flexible layouts that allow employees to choose environments based on task type.  The trend reflects a broader shift in workplace expectations, where wellbeing is now viewed as part of office design rather than an optional consideration.” For more information about Prestige Interiors, please visit www.prestigeinteriors.co.uk/services/office-fit-out-and-refurbishment Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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POD Management Celebrates Outstanding Success at the ACE Awards 2026

POD Management Celebrates Outstanding Success at the ACE Awards 2026

Multiple Wins and Industry Recognition Highlight POD’s Commitment to People, Service and Excellence in Property Management POD Management is celebrating an exceptional night of success at the prestigious ACE Awards 2026, hosted by The Property Institute (TPI) at London’s iconic Old Billingsgate venue. Widely regarded as one of the residential property sector’s most respected awards programmes, the ACE Awards bring together leading professionals from across the industry to recognise excellence in property management. POD Management was honoured to receive multiple awards and Highly Commended recognitions, reflecting both the organisation’s commitment to excellence and the exceptional talent within its teams. The company was named Winner of the Employee Training and Development Award, recognising its ongoing investment in creating opportunities for professional growth and career progression. POD also received Highly Commended recognition in two other company categories: Managing Agent of the Year (10,001-20,000 units) and Outstanding Customer Service. Individual achievements were also celebrated, with three POD team members taking home top honours. Gemma Dicker was named Unsung Hero, Elena Marian won Wellbeing Champion, and Eloise Stratford was awarded Rising Star. Further success came through additional Highly Commended individual recognitions. Negin Mortazavi and Sara de Sousa were recognised in the On-Site Staff Member category, while Roxanne Steenkamp received Highly Commended for Wellbeing Champion. These accolades reflect the dedication, professionalism and passion demonstrated by POD Management teams every day in delivering exceptional service to clients, residents and communities. Commenting on the success, POD Management CEO David Goldberg said: “This is an amazing achievement, and I am exceptionally proud of everyone at POD who has contributed to our success as a company, especially those team members who have rightly received individual recognition. It demonstrates the breadth of talent across the business and recognises this is a team effort. Being shortlisted alone is no small feat, and every person and team nominated deserves to take a moment to celebrate their contribution. These awards reflect the standards we set ourselves every day – investing in our people, supporting wellbeing, and delivering a consistently high level of service for residents and clients. To be recognised across so many categories is a real credit to the strength, talent and commitment we have across POD. Congratulations to the entire team, and well done to all the other winners and finalists recognised on the night.” The ACE Awards celebrate the very best in property management, offering recognition, visibility and an opportunity to showcase excellence across the sector. For POD Management, this year’s results are a reflection of the company’s values, culture and commitment to raising standards across the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Double Success for Accent at the Housing Heroes Awards

Double Success for Accent at the Housing Heroes Awards

Accent, who has head offices in Bradford and Peterborough, is celebrating double success at this year’s Housing Heroes Awards, recognising both its commitment to customer voice and the people-first culture they have built together over the past 18 months. Accent winners included customer Richard Wilkinson, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Accent’s Culture and People team, who were named Team of the Year (Over 10,000 homes). 72-year-old Richard, from Bradford, is not only a long-standing customer of 35 years, but he was also Accent’s only customer Board member, helping ensure that customers’ voices are heard at the very highest level. His journey with Accent reflects something deeper than tenancy, it is a lifelong commitment to community, fairness and making a difference to his community and the wider sector. Richard said: “I was honoured and humbled to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award. I do so really on behalf of hundreds of residents who, over the years, have worked with landlords to improve outcomes for customers and their communities.” Nick Apetroaie, CEO at Accent, added: “I am incredibly proud of everything we’re achieving at Accent. Our investment in people and culture is making a real difference, and it’s fantastic to see that recognised. Congratulations to our Culture and People team on this well-deserved award, and to Richard Wilkinson, whose dedication and contribution to Accent and the wider housing sector have been truly exceptional. I’d also like to congratulate all of this year’s finalists from Accent and across the sector.” Debbie Hinbest, Executive Director of People and Culture, said: “I am beyond proud to see Accent recognised through awards that celebrate the outstanding work taking place across our organisation. These achievements reflect the dedication, passion and commitment of our colleagues and customers, who work every day to make a difference. “Our People Strategy is more than a plan on paper. It is brought to life by leaders and colleagues who care deeply about creating a great place to work, helping people thrive and enabling us to deliver the very best service for our customers. “Accent is a place to grow, belong and make a difference together. A special congratulations to Richard on this well-deserved recognition.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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STARK UK champions regional builders by backing “Game-Changing” new Foundation`

STARK UK champions regional builders by backing “Game-Changing” new Foundation

STARK Building Materials UK Ltd is backing The Regional Building Foundation (RBF), which launched on 8 June, describing the new initiative as “game-changing” for the regional builders who shape Britain’s communities. The Foundation has been created by The Kings Foundation and the University of the Built Environment following a government backed Knowledge Transfer Partnership. Its mission is to build a new ecosystem for Place Building, coordinating regional builders, landowners, funders, materials suppliers, and professionals to deliver the walkable, locally distinctive, and resilient communities people want to call home. Through its actions, STARK UK is walking the talk and reflecting a clear commitment from the senior leadership to invest in its regional builder team. Over the last year, the company has built a dedicated taskforce of seven Business Development Directors (BDDs), supported by 14 Key Account Managers (KAMs) in back-office and operational roles. These specialist teams provide a uniquely tailored service that meets each customer’s bespoke needs, taking the time to really understand their businesses. They are developing a community of local suppliers and service providers that can, together with the extensive Jewson branch network, deliver each business solution with precision and care. As part of this commitment, as STARK UK has developed its unique proposition for regional builders, it has also supported its Business Development Director Edwin de Silva’s work to develop the framework of the Regional Building Foundation, and he now sits on its Board. Commenting on the way STARK UK is helping to build and create thriving local communities, Edwin de Silva said: “The concept we have developed for regional house builders is in complete harmony with the Regional Building Foundation; both are game changers for the housebuilding sector and particularly for the smaller and regional builders, who are in dire need of support. “For us, it’s all about understanding that the SME sector is totally unique. These are often family-run businesses who are creating homes in the communities where they live, and that responsibility weighs heavily on them as their name is above the door. Today they face an unprecedented number of challenges, so by helping them to overcome some of those and giving them security of supply, we can play our part in ensuring that not only do these businesses survive but thrive in the years to come.” Kieran Griffin, Jewson’s Divisional Managing Director for Southeast and Central England and Wales, added: “We’ve hand-picked colleagues who are great at looking after regional builders and their businesses, and who know how to lead the operations management needed to create and deliver bespoke solutions for our customers on time, in full, every time. “With the depth and breadth of experience within this taskforce, alongside our great Jewson branch colleagues, who are also very much part of the concept, I’m delighted to see how our customers are responding to a proposition that grows stronger with every regional builder who partners with us.” As the Regional Building Foundation establishes itself, STARK UK’s backing is the latest example of the industry coming together in new ways to demonstrably support and champion the trades, and to promote the benefits of a healthy, thriving and sustainable UK economy and society. Coupled with this, STARK UK, led by its Jewson brand, continues to drive the Let’s Get Britain Building – NOW! campaign, a petition aimed at putting the voice of regional builders at the heart of Government and securing the relief and support needed to fund a national pro-building stimulus package. With 100,000 signatures needed to trigger a public, action-focused Parliamentary debate, and a deadline of this November, Jewson is calling on the industry and the general public to get behind a petition that will benefit everyone, through greater affordability, improved planning, skills-building and job creation. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/766641 #LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Savills Strengthens Property Management Leadership with Senior Appointment

Savills Strengthens Property Management Leadership with Senior Appointment

Savills has reinforced its commitment to delivering high-quality property management services with the appointment of Marcus Hutchings as Director within its London-based property management team. Joining the business from CBRE, where he spent more than 12 years and most recently served as Senior Director, Hutchings brings over 15 years of experience managing complex institutional property portfolios and mixed-use estates. His appointment reflects the continued evolution of Savills’ property management offering as demand grows for specialist expertise across increasingly sophisticated real estate assets. Based at Savills’ Margaret Street headquarters in London, Hutchings will play a key role in supporting clients across a broad range of commercial and mixed-use properties, helping to drive operational performance, asset value and occupier experience. Throughout his career, Hutchings has advised many of the UK’s leading institutional investors and property owners, working across large-scale, high-profile portfolios. His experience includes overseeing strategic property management mandates for organisations including M&G Real Estate and Shaftesbury Capital, where the focus has been on delivering operational excellence, long-term asset performance and effective portfolio management. The appointment comes at a time when the role of property management continues to evolve rapidly. Alongside traditional estate management responsibilities, today’s property managers are increasingly expected to deliver value through sustainability initiatives, ESG performance, digital innovation, building safety, occupier wellbeing and data-driven asset optimisation. As owners and investors seek to maximise long-term returns while responding to changing occupier expectations, experienced professionals capable of managing complex portfolios have become increasingly valuable across the commercial property sector. Katrina Mackay, Chief Operating Officer of Property Management at Savills, said Hutchings brings an impressive track record of advising some of the UK’s largest and most complex real estate portfolios. She added that his expertise in delivering operational excellence would strengthen the firm’s expanding retail and business space platforms, while supporting continued growth across the wider property management business. Hutchings said he was excited to join Savills during an important period of growth, describing the firm as having a clear vision, an outstanding reputation within the sector and a strong client-focused culture. He added that he looked forward to contributing to the continued development of the business and supporting clients across its expanding portfolio. The appointment further highlights Savills’ ongoing investment in attracting experienced industry leaders as the firm continues to enhance its property management capabilities and respond to the evolving needs of investors, landlords and occupiers across the UK’s commercial real estate market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Yorkshire firm earns place on Sunday Times Best Places to Work list for 2026

Yorkshire firm earns place on Sunday Times Best Places to Work list for 2026

Howarth Timber & Building Supplies has been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, in partnership with WorkL, recognising the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing, engagement, and creating a positive workplace culture across its nationwide network. The prestigious annual awards celebrate organisations that excel in employee experience, highlighting businesses that have demonstrated outstanding levels of workplace satisfaction, inclusivity, professional development, and leadership. The recognition reflects Howarth Timber’s ongoing investment in its people, with initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing, career progression, training opportunities, and fostering a supportive and collaborative working environment throughout the business. The award follows a period of continued growth for the company, which employs colleagues across its network of timber and builders’ merchant branches, manufacturing facilities, and support functions throughout the UK. Gavin Knowles, Head of Marketing and Digital at Howarth Timber, said: “Being recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the culture we’ve built across the business. Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and this award reflects the commitment, dedication, and values demonstrated by our teams every day.” “We’re proud to create an environment where people feel supported, valued, and able to develop their careers. This recognition reinforces our commitment to continuing to invest in our people and ensuring Howarth Timber remains a great place to work.” The accolade highlights Howarth Timber’s dedication to putting its employees first and recognises the positive workplace culture that continues to drive the business forward. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Installation excellence celebrated at 2026 BIFIS awards

Installation excellence celebrated at 2026 BIFIS awards

The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists hosted it’s fifth annual awards, the BIFIS Awards, last night, 23 June 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, in partnership with InstallerSHOW. The BIFIS Awards programme, which launched in 2021, has seen continuous year-on-year growth, attracting more than 200 entries in its fifth year, from both businesses and individuals, across eighteen categories, including the introduction of the Installer’s Choice awards, with installers voting for the best products and retailers in the sector. There was also the presentation of the Special Recognition Award which was presented to Simon Acres of the Simon Acres Group. The 2026 BIFIS Award winners are: Young Installer of the Year 2026 Ethan Houghton, Ken Beard & Son Community Champion of the Year 2026 Steve Redding, SR Home Installations Customer Service Champion of the Year 2026 Regal Kitchens Limited Apprentice of the Year 2026 Skye Rayer-Chu, Miles Bathrooms & Kitchens Limited Environmental Champion of the Year 2026 Rehome Industry Newcomer 2026 Miles Bathrooms & Kitchens Limited Bedroom Installer of the Year 2026 Andrew Gallimore, C H Joinery Solutions Limited Bathroom Installer of the Year 2026 James Johnson, Johnson Design & Installation Kitchen Installer of Year 2026 Andy Snelson, That Kitchen Fitter Installation Manager of the Year 2026 Gurpreet Singh Sudan, Easy Bathrooms Installation Business of the Year 2026 Ken Beard & Son Limited The Installer’s Choice Awards : Installer-friendly product of the Year 2026 Affinity Magnetic Track Lighting, Sensio Lighting Group Independent Bathroom Retailer of the Year 2026 Christian Andrews Interiors Independent Kitchen Retailer of the Year 2026 Lima Kitchens Bedroom Retailer of the Year 2026 JLC Interiors National Bathroom Retailer of the Year 2026 Easy Bathrooms National Kitchen Retailer of the Year 2026 Wren Kitchens Limited Special Recognition Award 2026 Simon Acres The evening was a great success, with some of the industry’s most prominent brands and businesses in attendance, alongside shortlisted finalists from the fitted interiors installation sector. The evening was hosted by TV presenter and writer, Philippa Forrester, and guests were also entertained with a pre-match Q&A session with ex-England footballer, Steve Hodge, before a live screening of FIFA World Cup match between England and Ghana. BIFIS CEO, Damian Walters commented “The BIFIS Awards are now an established fixture in the fitted interiors industry calendar. Recognising and rewarding the dedication, skill and professionalism of installers is essential, as they are often the driving force behind successful fitted interiors projects. The BIFIS Awards not only celebrate excellence but also help promote higher standards across the sector and inspire the next generation of installation professionals and businesses. It was fantastic to see so many deserving individuals and companies receive recognition, supported by the businesses they work alongside. The level of engagement from across the industry continues to be outstanding, whether through nominations, sponsorship or attendance and last night’s event reflects the importance and growing influence of the fitted interiors installation community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glasgow Approves Landmark 25-Storey PBSA Tower as £250m Gateway Regeneration Progresses

Glasgow Approves Landmark 25-Storey PBSA Tower as £250m Gateway Regeneration Progresses

A major new chapter in Glasgow’s city centre regeneration has moved a step closer after plans for a 25-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) tower received planning approval, paving the way for the first phase of a £250m mixed-use development. The scheme forms part of the ambitious Charing Cross Gateway masterplan, which aims to transform a prominent gateway site into a vibrant new urban quarter featuring student accommodation, Grade A offices, residential homes, retail space and high-quality public realm. Developer CXG Glasgow has secured detailed planning consent for a 620-bed student accommodation building at Elmbank Gardens, located on the corner of Bath Street and Newton Street. Designed by Michael Laird Architects, the development will create modern student living in one of Glasgow’s most accessible city centre locations, helping to address continued demand for high-quality accommodation close to the city’s universities. Enabling works are already underway, with demolition specialist Reigart Contracts currently clearing two former 1960s buildings from the site. The demolition programme is expected to be completed by August, preparing the site for the next stage of development. Construction of the student accommodation tower is anticipated to begin during 2027, with the completed development expected to welcome students in 2030. The approval represents the first significant milestone for the wider Charing Cross Gateway regeneration, which secured outline planning consent last year. Future phases will introduce Grade A office accommodation, private residential homes, retail and leisure uses, creating a diverse mixed-use destination that will reconnect an important part of Glasgow’s city centre. As well as delivering much-needed student accommodation, the wider masterplan is expected to generate substantial economic benefits through construction activity, long-term employment opportunities and increased investment in the surrounding area. Andrew Richardson, Managing Director of Development at ESR DevCo, described the approval as a major milestone for the project, saying it brings the development team significantly closer to transforming one of Glasgow’s most prominent gateway sites. He added that the investment would help support construction jobs while creating fresh momentum for regeneration across the city centre. Purpose-built student accommodation continues to attract strong investor interest across the UK, with university cities such as Glasgow experiencing sustained demand driven by growing student populations and a continued shortage of modern, professionally managed accommodation. Developments such as Charing Cross Gateway are increasingly combining student housing with commercial, residential and public realm improvements to create well-connected, sustainable urban communities. With demolition progressing and construction scheduled to commence in 2027, the Charing Cross Gateway project represents one of Glasgow’s most significant city centre regeneration schemes and is set to play an important role in shaping the city’s future skyline and economic growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Powering Britain's Net Zero Future: Balfour Beatty Secures £325m Scottish Superhub Project

Powering Britain’s Net Zero Future: Balfour Beatty Secures £325m Scottish Superhub Project

Balfour Beatty has strengthened its position at the forefront of the UK’s electricity infrastructure transformation after securing a £325m contract to deliver a major new transmission hub in Aberdeenshire that will play a critical role in connecting the next generation of renewable energy projects. Awarded by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), the contract will see Balfour Beatty construct the Netherton Hub, one of the largest and most strategically important electricity transmission developments currently planned in Scotland. The project forms part of the UK’s ongoing investment in strengthening the national grid to support increasing volumes of clean, homegrown renewable energy. The two-year contract has been awarded through SSEN’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment Offshore Framework and builds upon Balfour Beatty’s existing involvement at the site, having previously been appointed to undertake enabling works. Located in Aberdeenshire, the Netherton Hub will become a key component of Scotland’s expanding transmission network, helping to connect offshore wind farms and other renewable energy generation projects while improving energy security and supporting the UK’s transition towards a low-carbon economy. Under the contract, Balfour Beatty will deliver extensive earthworks and major civil engineering infrastructure across the site. The development will include five large platforms designed to accommodate two electrical substations and three converter stations, together with an operational base and supporting infrastructure required to manage one of the country’s most significant grid investment programmes. Construction activity is expected to support more than 800 jobs at its peak, providing a significant economic boost to the region. In addition, Balfour Beatty has committed to ensuring that at least five per cent of its workforce on the project will comprise apprentices and graduates, helping to develop the next generation of engineering and construction professionals. The award reflects the rapidly growing demand for specialist contractors capable of delivering complex energy infrastructure as network operators continue to invest billions of pounds in upgrading Britain’s electricity transmission system. As offshore wind generation expands and electricity demand rises through the electrification of transport, heating and industry, major transmission hubs such as Netherton will become increasingly vital to maintaining a resilient and flexible national grid. Philip Hoare, Group Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty, said the Netherton Hub will play a pivotal role in enabling the delivery of secure, homegrown, low-carbon power at scale, supporting the UK’s long-term energy security while accelerating progress towards Net Zero. The project also highlights the growing importance of Scotland within the UK’s renewable energy landscape, where significant investment in transmission infrastructure is essential to unlock the full potential of offshore wind resources and support future economic growth. As construction progresses, the Netherton Hub is expected to become a cornerstone of Britain’s evolving energy network, providing the infrastructure needed to connect clean electricity generation with homes, businesses and industries across the UK for decades to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Groundbreaking ceremony marks major milestone for Priory Centre redevelopment

Groundbreaking ceremony marks major milestone for Priory Centre redevelopment

A groundbreaking ceremony in June officially marked the start of the next phase of construction at the multi-million redevelopment of the Priory Shopping Centre on Bridge Street in Worksop. With £17.9 million of UK Government funding, in addition to £2 million from Bassetlaw District Council, the scheme is being delivered by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council, under The Medium Works Framework, which Pagabo manage on behalf of The Education Alliance. Representatives from Bassetlaw District Council, including Leader of the Council Cllr Julie Leigh, joined project partners G F Tomlinson, Pagabo, project managers Beyond Consult, Anotherkind Architects and consultants, Gleeds at the ceremony to celebrate the commencement of construction works following the completion of the demolition phase. The event marked another significant milestone in the transformation of the Priory Centre site, which is set to become a revitalised leisure and retail destination at the heart of Worksop town centre. Enabling works began on site in February 2026, followed by the careful demolition of sections of the existing Priory Centre building. Works were completed while maintaining access to operational retail units and key pedestrian routes through the town centre, ensuring minimal disruption to businesses, residents and visitors. Construction activity is now underway with the shopping centre set to host facilities including a climbing wall, indoor adventure play area and a bowling alley. Further works include public areas being refreshed and the installation of a pedestrian bridge over the Chesterfield Canal, providing a new gateway to the redevelopment and town centre. The redevelopment set to deliver a modern, attractive environment designed to increase footfall, strengthen the town centre offer and support long-term economic growth within the area. Located within the historic market town of Worksop, the project continues to present complex logistical considerations due to its proximity to existing retailers, residential properties and busy access routes. G F Tomlinson has worked closely with the Council and stakeholders throughout the programme to ensure works are delivered safely and efficiently while maintaining public access and business operations. Bassetlaw District Council purchased the site in 2023, with the majority of the £20 million redevelopment funding secured through the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund. The regeneration scheme forms a key part of the Council’s wider ambitions to enhance the town centre and create a destination that better serves local residents, businesses and visitors. Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: “The ground-breaking ceremony represents a proud moment for everyone involved in this transformational project and demonstrates the collaborative working approach that has brought us to this stage. Following the successful completion of the demolition works, it is exciting to see construction now progressing on site and the vision for the future of The Priory Centre beginning to take shape. “As a contractor with a long history of delivering regeneration projects across the Midlands, we understand the importance of developments such as this in supporting local communities and creating lasting economic and social value. Our team has worked closely with Bassetlaw District Council and project stakeholders throughout the planning and early delivery phases to ensure the works are carried out safely and sensitively within this busy town centre environment.” Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: ““We have reached a major milestone in this transformational development that will bring modern leisure and entertainment facilities to our town centre. The change is already remarkable, and the true scale of the project is becoming clear. It is exciting to see the foundations being laid for a new destination that will help to revitalise the high street and compliment the impact we are already making by attracting new businesses and supporting existing retailers.” Elliott Talbot, senior category manager at Pagabo, said: “It’s fantastic to see construction progressing on this important regeneration project following the successful completion of the demolition phase. The redevelopment of The Priory Centre demonstrates the value of strong collaboration between the public sector, delivery partners and the local supply chain to bring ambitious town centre renewal projects to life. Through The Medium Works Framework, we’re proud to support Bassetlaw District Council in delivering a scheme that will create lasting social and economic benefits for Worksop, helping to enhance the town centre experience for residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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