Plans have been submitted for a major retrofit of HSBC’s landmark Canary Wharf headquarters, paving the way for one of the world’s largest office building transformations. Canary Wharf Group and building owner Qatar Investment Authority have lodged proposals with Tower Hamlets Council to reinvent the 45-storey tower at 8 Canada
Cutting-edge building replaces existing Liberton High School as part of new community, lifelong learning and sports campus Staff and pupils at Liberton High School have started the new school year in their brand new state-of-the-art learning and community campus this week, after the building was handed over to the Council.
Lovell Renew and Amplius kickstart year two of their partnership REFURBISHMENT and retrofit specialist Lovell Renew has officially commenced the second year of its three-year retrofit partnership programme with social housing provider Amplius. As part of the £58m Wave 3 Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund programme, the contract will deliver
Housing association believe housing has achieved its best ever customer satisfaction results, with feedback helping to shape services and lessons from complaints driving further improvements. The not-for-profit landlord, which owns and manages more than 18,000 homes across the northeast of England, has recorded its highest Tenant Satisfaction Measures results. Overall
By Amman Boughan, CEO at Pagabo Group. Members of the new Labour cabinet are busy making their arrival known, with announcements coming thick and fast. Procurement has been a frequent talking point for prime minister Andy Burnham since his resurgence and rise to the top of government. However, talking is
Peel Group has launched a £582 million cash bid to acquire Harworth Group, offering shareholders 172.5p per share in a move that could reshape the future of one of the UK’s leading brownfield regeneration and strategic land developers. The offer values the listed developer at approximately £582 million and comes
A Who’s Who of thought leaders and experts headline the new-look Main Stage at UK Construction Birmingham this autumn (NEC, September 29 to October 1), where high-level, conference sessions will explore a myriad of issues including policy, leadership, major projects, skills, productivity, technology, sustainability and the future direction of construction.
The Fit Out Awards UK 2026 has strengthened its expert judging panel with the appointment of acclaimed interior designer Mia Karlsson-Matthews, Founder and Director of Mia Karlsson Interior Design, as preparations continue for one of the UK’s leading celebrations of excellence across the fit out and interiors sector. Based in
CCL Facades has been appointed to deliver a major façade package at Bicycle Works, the 331-home residential development forming the first phase of Wolverhampton’s wider Smithgate regeneration. The specialist façade contractor will work alongside parent company and lead contractor Caddick Construction on the scheme, which is being delivered for English
Endurance Land has appointed Multiplex as main contractor for 99 City Road, a major 36-storey office development set to create a new landmark on the northern edge of the City of London. Part of Nan Fung Group, Endurance Land is progressing the high-rise commercial scheme with an experienced design and
Plans have been submitted for a major retrofit of HSBC’s landmark Canary Wharf headquarters, paving the way for one of the world’s largest office building transformations. Canary Wharf Group and building owner Qatar Investment Authority have lodged proposals with Tower Hamlets Council to reinvent the 45-storey tower at 8 Canada Square as a new mixed-use destination combining offices, hospitality, leisure and publicly accessible spaces. While the development cost has not been confirmed, the ambitious project is expected to represent an investment in the region of £800 million to £1 billion. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the retrofit-led scheme will retain much of the existing 1.1 million sq ft structure while making substantial architectural interventions to reposition the former banking headquarters for its next generation of occupiers. A major feature of the design will be the transformation of the tower’s upper levels, where sections of the existing floorplates will be removed to introduce landscaped terraces and create a striking new profile on the Canary Wharf skyline. The redevelopment will retain significant office accommodation while introducing an 181-room hotel, restaurants and leisure facilities across the upper floors, reflecting the continued evolution of Canary Wharf from a predominantly commercial district into a broader mixed-use destination. At the centre of the proposals is the “Cloud”, a new publicly accessible destination across levels 42 and 43. Large sections of the upper floorplates will be removed to create a rooftop venue offering panoramic 360-degree views across London. At ground level, the redevelopment will also improve connectivity through the estate. A new north-south pedestrian route is planned through the building, creating a direct connection between the Elizabeth line station and Canada Square Park and helping to open up the tower to the surrounding public realm. HSBC is due to leave 8 Canada Square in 2027 when its existing lease expires, ahead of relocating its headquarters to the City of London. Strip-out works are expected to begin following the bank’s departure, with the main three-year construction programme scheduled to commence in 2028. KPF secured the commission after winning a design competition for the redevelopment in 2024. The shortlist is understood to have included Foster + Partners, the architectural practice responsible for the original tower, and Danish studio 3XN. The wider professional team brings together a number of leading construction and engineering specialists. Gardiner & Theobald is acting as project manager and cost consultant, Robert Bird Group is providing structural engineering expertise, while Sweco is responsible for MEP and sustainability consultancy. The proposals represent a significant example of large-scale adaptive reuse within the commercial property sector, retaining much of an existing high-rise structure while introducing new uses, modern building services, public spaces and extensive architectural alterations. If approved, the transformation of 8 Canada Square will mark a new chapter for one of Canary Wharf’s most recognisable buildings, demonstrating how major office towers can be repositioned to meet changing occupier requirements while supporting the district’s continuing shift towards a more diverse mix of workplaces, hospitality, leisure and public amenities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cutting-edge building replaces existing Liberton High School as part of new community, lifelong learning and sports campus Staff and pupils at Liberton High School have started the new school year in their brand new state-of-the-art learning and community campus this week, after the building was handed over to the Council. Balfour Beatty was appointed by the Council to deliver the new building, which has been designed by jmarchitects. The new campus has been formed with the needs of learners in mind. To encourage collaborative learning, the school building features breakout and retreat spaces to offer pupils choice on where they want to work, socialise or take time out. Large windows fill the building with natural light, while helping to connect departments and classrooms with outdoor spaces. Internal spaces have been decorated with warm colours and light woods to create comfortable spaces for learning and coming together. Outdoor sports facilities include a new 3G synthetic rugby and football pitch and a multi-use games area. A new grass recreation area that can be lined for football or other sports activities will be added following the demolition of the former Liberton High School building. The 1,200-space school forms the centrepiece of the new Liberton Community Campus, a multi-purpose facility to help meet the needs of young people, their families and the wider community. Its spaces have been designed to allow all generations to come together in a number of ways, including a community café, library, GP surgery and workspaces for Council partners. New sports facilities operated by Edinburgh Leisure will feature bookable amenities for the whole community, including a fitness suite and dance studio. Information on when the other community facilities within the building will be ready for use will be published soon. The new Community Campus has been built to Passivhaus standard, minimising energy consumption and reducing the reliance on active heating or cooling systems, ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly construction. In addition to the Passivhaus design, the new school contains other sustainable features supporting the Council to meet its sustainability commitments. This includes measures to improve the air quality and thermal performance of the building which are vital to achieving Passivhaus certification. The new school building has been designed in line with the guiding principles of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Strategy and is one of the projects in the second phase of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme, alongside the project to redevelop Wester Hailes High School. Children, Education and Families Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish, said: The opening of the new Liberton High School marks a major milestone for pupils, staff and the wider community. This building has been designed to be futureproof with sustainability at its core, and I’m proud that it stands as one of Scotland’s first Passivhaus secondary schools. The school’s leadership team has played a crucial role in shaping a learning environment that puts the needs of young people first, while also meeting our commitments to a net‑zero future. This project is however about more than just a school. It’s the foundation of a community lifelong‑learning and sports hub that will bring together education, public services and local amenities in one accessible place, from a Community Library to an NHS GP Surgery. This reflects our ‘Living Well Locally’ strategy, ensuring local services are co‑located where people need them most. Our aim is simple: to put local people at the heart of this campus, giving everyone the opportunity to learn, participate and thrive. I’m delighted that this exceptional new building will help to bring more local people in the community together, and we’re looking forward to announcing more about the new community facilities soon. Stuart Danskin, Project Director at Balfour Beatty said: As Balfour Beatty’s first Passivhaus secondary school and the centrepiece of the new Liberton Community Campus, the successful completion of Liberton High School demonstrates our expertise in delivering innovative and sustainable infrastructure that creates lasting value for communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lovell Renew and Amplius kickstart year two of their partnership REFURBISHMENT and retrofit specialist Lovell Renew has officially commenced the second year of its three-year retrofit partnership programme with social housing provider Amplius. As part of the £58m Wave 3 Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund programme, the contract will deliver extensive energy-efficiency improvements to homes across Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Peterborough. Following a successful first year that saw 713 homes upgraded in 2025/2026, the partnership is now scaling up operations, to complete 750 in year two, 750 in year three and a further award of additionality to complete circa 1,500 additional properties within the same period. In total, the Wave 3 programme aims to improve more than 3,700 properties across Amplius’ portfolio by March 2028. Working with Amplius – a Strategic Partner with DESNZ, Lovell will also be improving approximately 250 more homes with Solar PV and battery installations taking us to almost 4000 upgraded properties. Matt Hickman, refurbishment partnerships director at Lovell Renew said: “Reaching the start of year two in our Wave 3 programme is a fantastic milestone for our team and our longstanding partners at Amplius Living. The application for funding to complete a further 1,800 homes also showcases the confidence in the partnership and our ability to deliver people-focused retrofit at scale and pace. “Having set high standards during Wave 2, we’re proud to build on that foundation and continue delivering high-quality, resident-focused decarbonisation across Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Peterborough. We also understand that retrofit is about far more than lowering carbon emissions, focusing on how we can improve people’s lives, tackle fuel poverty and make homes warmer and healthier. “ The Wave 3 programme builds on the successful completion of the earlier £15m Wave 2 contract, where Lovell Renew upgraded 260 properties in 2024/2025 installing more than 3,000 energy measures. That initial phase achieved a 98% resident satisfaction score (against a 95% target), 99.6% waste diversion from landfill and a 100% success rate in raising energy performance ratings from D-G up to EPC C or higher. Through a full PAS 2035 turnkey approach, homes are benefiting from a comprehensive suite of measures– including external and internal wall insulation, loft insulation, high-efficiency windows and doors, solar PV, air source heat pumps and AICO environmental monitoring sensors. Fallon Warren, head of asset optimisation, sustainability and commercial facilities at Amplius said: “Building on the success of our first year, we’re delighted to continue our partnership with Lovell Renew as we enter the next phase of our Warm Homes programme. What makes this partnership so successful is our shared vision and passion for delivering retrofit the right way – not simply installing energy efficiency measures, but creating safer, healthier and more affordable homes while putting our customers at the heart of every decision we make. “Together, we’ve developed a collaborative approach that focuses on quality, resident engagement and long-term outcomes, ensuring customers are supported throughout their retrofit journey. As we significantly increase delivery over the coming two years, we’re confident that by continuing to work together we can improve thousands more homes, reduce fuel poverty, lower carbon emissions and leave a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve.” Lovell Renew has also consistently prioritised social value within its programmes by employing a local supply chain and promoting material reuse and recycling. Outside of physical works, the team heavily invested in the community, completing initiatives such as coffee mornings and drop-in days for residents to give feedback, school engagement sessions focused on sustainable construction careers and environmental responsibility and making Christmas donations of selection boxes across the delivery areas. In addition, Lovell Renew has been working with ‘Stop Social Housing Stigma’ – a tenant led campaign that celebrates the value of social housing, acting to breakdown the stereotypes and stigma associated with being a social housing tenant. For more information, visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/lovell-renew Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housing association believe housing has achieved its best ever customer satisfaction results, with feedback helping to shape services and lessons from complaints driving further improvements. The not-for-profit landlord, which owns and manages more than 18,000 homes across the northeast of England, has recorded its highest Tenant Satisfaction Measures results. Overall satisfaction rose from 78% in 2024-25 to 82% in 2025-26, while satisfaction with repairs increased from 76% to 85%. More customers also said they feel safe in their homes, up from 82.3% to 84.9%, and that they are treated fairly and with respect, up from 83.1% to 86.2%. The results reflect the work believe housing has done to listen to customers and act on what they say. But the organisation says there is always more to learn and is continuing to gather insight from customer feedback, comments and complaints. One way it is doing this is through its new Customer Complaints Panel, established in November 2025. The panel brings together customers who want to use their experiences to improve complaint handling, learn from complaints and help ensure the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code is followed. Members have received training on believe housing’s complaints policy, the Code and what good complaint handling looks like in practice. Meeting at least every three months, the panel reviews performance information, explores customer journeys and identifies learning from complaints and feedback. Members will also hear from colleagues across the business to understand how customer insight can help improve services. The panel helps believe housing understand what is working well, where improvements are needed and what actions should be taken next. Louise Taylor, Executive Director of Governance and Strategy at believe housing, said: “These are our best ever Tenant Satisfaction Measures results and they reflect the commitment of colleagues across believe housing to do the right thing for customers every day. “We’re particularly pleased that more customers told us they are treated fairly and with respect. Feedback regularly highlights the professionalism, kindness and commitment of our colleagues, and that’s something everyone across the organisation should be proud of. “But our focus is on continuous improvement. Whether customers tell us we’ve done something well or raise a complaint when we’ve fallen short, every conversation gives us valuable insight. “Customer feedback helps shape services, while the learning we gain through complaints helps us understand where we can do better. “By listening to customers and acting on what they tell us, we can continue to provide healthy homes, a quality service and a better customer experience.” Customer feedback is already helping believe housing improve services, shape policies and communicate more clearly. During 2025/26, customers shared their views through more than 6,000 feedback survey responses, 1,164 Tenant Satisfaction Measures survey responses, consultations, co-design projects, workshops, app and portal testing, and Customer Complaints Panel meetings. The latest Tenant Satisfaction Measures results are available on believe housing’s website at tenant satisfaction measures | believe housing believe housing customers who would like to share their views and help shape services can find out more at get involved | believe housing Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Amman Boughan, CEO at Pagabo Group. Members of the new Labour cabinet are busy making their arrival known, with announcements coming thick and fast. Procurement has been a frequent talking point for prime minister Andy Burnham since his resurgence and rise to the top of government. However, talking is one thing and issuing a procurement policy note (PPN) is another. With that in mind, we wholeheartedly welcome and are encouraged by the direction of travel that the government is embarking on with the announcement of PPN 026 – the social value model – this week. The direction of travel, to simplify the model, helps to cut the red tape that locks smaller firms out, and focuses squarely on jobs, skills and community impact, which is what the Pagabo Group has been championing for a decade across wider public procurement. Continued simplification of an industry that is often overcomplicated can unlock so much opportunity. As our strapline goes: ‘Simply better procurement.’ Our focus has always been on helping the public sector deliver outcomes faster and creating impact where communities need it most. The government wants to back British jobs and skills in every postcode, so that’s exactly what its new weighting in public contracts will help achieve. Though it’s vital that social value is measured and proven, not just promised, as we’ve been advancing through our digital operating system. We don’t have long to wait until the rules begin to apply and we stand ready to be a partner in leading the change that the government wants to see. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peel Group has launched a £582 million cash bid to acquire Harworth Group, offering shareholders 172.5p per share in a move that could reshape the future of one of the UK’s leading brownfield regeneration and strategic land developers. The offer values the listed developer at approximately £582 million and comes as Peel, already Harworth’s largest shareholder through subsidiary Goodweather Holdings, looks to take full control of the business. Goodweather currently owns around 29.96% of Harworth’s issued share capital. Harworth has established itself as a major player in the UK’s regeneration sector, with a portfolio comprising modern industrial and logistics assets alongside extensive strategic land holdings across the North of England and the Midlands. The business has played a significant role in transforming former industrial sites into employment, residential and mixed-use developments, including securing planning approval last year for its £190 million Gascoigne Interchange scheme. However, Peel believes the company’s current financial model is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain, citing rising administrative and financing costs alongside weakening recurring rental income. For the year ending 31 December 2025, Harworth reported administrative expenses of £36.34 million and net interest costs of £10.6 million, representing increases of 9.5% and 58.2% respectively compared with the previous year. During the same period, rental income from its investment portfolio fell by 7% to £14.7 million. Peel argues these figures demonstrate growing pressure on Harworth’s cash flow, with operating and financing costs significantly exceeding the income generated from its investment portfolio. The proposed acquisition also reflects Peel’s view that Harworth’s stock market listing no longer provides meaningful strategic benefits. The investor points to the company’s concentrated shareholder base, with the three largest shareholders controlling approximately 75.7% of the business, limiting trading liquidity and reducing the advantages typically associated with being publicly listed. Peel further noted that Harworth has not raised new equity for almost a decade and believes current market conditions, combined with what it describes as a persistent discount to the company’s underlying value, make future equity fundraising unlikely to deliver attractive returns. The cash offer represents a substantial premium for shareholders, equating to 36.9% above Harworth’s one-month volume-weighted average share price and 36.0% above the three-month average. For the construction, development and property sectors, the proposed acquisition could have significant implications. Harworth has become one of the UK’s foremost brownfield regeneration specialists, delivering large-scale industrial, logistics, residential and mixed-use developments that support regional economic growth while unlocking previously underutilised land. Should the transaction proceed, Peel would gain full ownership of a substantial regeneration pipeline and strategic land portfolio, further strengthening its position within the UK’s development and regeneration market. The proposed takeover also highlights the continuing attractiveness of long-term regeneration assets, as investors seek to secure development opportunities capable of delivering future residential, commercial and industrial growth across key regional markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Who’s Who of thought leaders and experts headline the new-look Main Stage at UK Construction Birmingham this autumn (NEC, September 29 to October 1), where high-level, conference sessions will explore a myriad of issues including policy, leadership, major projects, skills, productivity, technology, sustainability and the future direction of construction. Built around the core themes of Building Better, Building Smarter and Building Responsibly, the Main Stage – one of five theatres at UKCW Birmingham – will welcome an array of leading luminaries, including: Main Stage seminar highlights include: Tuesday 29th September 10.30am – 11.15am The Construction Reset: What Needs to Change and What Happens if We Don’t? [Build Better] This session will examine where the industry can unlock growth, improve performance and build a future-ready workforce through innovation, collaboration and new career pathways. Speakers: Jackie Rigby (Homes England), Saul Humphrey (Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Tim Balcon (CITB) 12.30pm – 1.15pm Housing at Scale: The Race to 1.5 Million Homes This session will examine the opportunities created by planning reform, New Towns and strategic growth areas, while exploring whether more scalable delivery models can help increase capacity. With political focus, investment and innovation aligning, the next five years could represent the biggest opportunity for housebuilding in a generation. Speakers: Ed Griffiths (Barbour-ABI); Emma Osmundsen (Chair, Passivhaus Trust Board) 2.15pm – 2.45pmWho are the people changing construction for the better? Announcing the UKCW Role Models Winners for 2026 With three categories: Rising Star, Pioneer and Icon, UKCW Role Models recognises outstanding achievement at every stage of a career. This special session will reveal the 2026 winners and celebrate the exceptional leadership, innovation and impact that have earned them recognition as some of the industry’s most inspiring role models. Presenters: Christina Riley, Senior Planning Manager, Coniston Ltd & Co-Founder, Building Equality; Rebecca Rickwood, CEO, Gement Group Wednesday 30th September 11.30am – 12.15pm Constructing the Gold Standard: Choosing the Right Framework for Better Supply Chain Partnerships This panel will explore how the principles of the Construction Excellence Gold Standard are reshaping procurement, moving beyond lowest-price tendering towards fairer risk allocation, earlier supply chain engagement and longer-term collaborative relationships. Moderator: Alison Nicholl (Head of Constructing Excellence, BRE & DfE) Speakers: Prof. David Hancock (Construction Director and Infrastructure Practice Lead, His Majesty’s Treasury, Expert Advisory Team & NISTA); Rob Byrnes (Frameworks Director, Vinci Building UK) 2.30pm – 3.15pmNet Zero That Pays: Making Commercial Sustainability Work in Construction An opportunity to examine how whole-life carbon, material choices, energy performance and retrofit strategies are increasingly shaping procurement decisions, project outcomes and competitive advantage. Speakers: Ste Garlik (Strategic Lead for Decarbonisation & Retrofit, Building Design Partnership & Chief Executive, Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB)); Will Arnold (Head of Sustainable Materials, Useful Simple Trust) Thursday 1st October 12.30pm – 1.15pm AI in Construction: Reimagining How Real Applications Deliver Real Results [Build Smarter] This session will showcase real examples of AI being used to automate repetitive tasks, improve document and data management, accelerate design coordination, enhance project controls and increase productivity across construction workflows. Speakers: Paul Beeston (Partner – Head of Industry and Service Insight, Rider Levett Bucknall); Meghan Davies (Co-Founder, Cammina) 1.30pm – 2.15pm The New Industrial Revolution: How Digital-First Construction Can Finally Scale Productivity How digital-first approaches, combined with standardisation, better data and new ways of working, can help the industry move away from fragmented project-by-project delivery towards more repeatable, efficient and scalable systems. Moderator: Trudi Sully (Industrialised Construction Director, Mott MacDonald and Co-Chair Building Better: Community of Practice (BB:CoP))Speakers: Lilian Ho (Associate Director – Digital & BIM, UK+I Architecture + Design , AECOM); George Mokhtar (Director, Turner & Townsend) Martin Hurn, UKCW Birmingham Editorial Director, commented: “Our theme of The Construction Reset will position UKCW Birmingham as a marketplace and industry meeting point, built around the real challenges, opportunities and partnerships shaping construction today. “The Main Stage is at the very heart of that, with some of the biggest names in the industry coming together to discuss, debate and help shape the conversations that will define the future of the built environment. From innovation and digital transformation to sustainability, skills and policy, the programme has been designed to provide practical insight, fresh thinking and meaningful discussion for everyone working across the sector.” Sponsored by Wyre, HotelPlanner and Build Warranty, UKCW Birmingham will feature over 250 leading brands; 200 speakers and over 150 hours of CPD accredited seminars across four stages, alongside a series of built-for-purpose sections. Architect, TV presenter and UKCW ambassador, George Clarke will officially open the show and also host the Main Stage discussions on Day One (September 29th). To find out more and to register free for UKCW Birmingham, visit https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/0hcnqiudc1lrv?actioncode=1000 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Fit Out Awards UK 2026 has strengthened its expert judging panel with the appointment of acclaimed interior designer Mia Karlsson-Matthews, Founder and Director of Mia Karlsson Interior Design, as preparations continue for one of the UK’s leading celebrations of excellence across the fit out and interiors sector. Based in London, Karlsson-Matthews brings more than 20 years of award-winning design experience to the judging process, having built an internationally recognised practice renowned for creating bespoke residential interiors that combine Scandinavian functionality with contemporary luxury. Originally from Sweden, she established Mia Karlsson Interior Design in 2004, developing a distinctive design philosophy centred on intelligent space planning, craftsmanship and timeless interiors. Since then, the studio has successfully completed more than 300 residential projects, earning a reputation for delivering highly personalised environments that balance aesthetics with practical living. Her work has featured extensively in leading interior design publications, reflecting the studio’s consistent commitment to quality and innovation across a diverse portfolio of high-end residential commissions. Karlsson-Matthews also brings strong academic and professional credentials to the judging panel. She holds a first-class degree in Interior Design and Technology and is a prominent member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). As a former BIID Board Director, she has also played an influential role in supporting the continued development of professional standards across the UK’s interior design and interior architecture sectors. Her appointment further strengthens an already distinguished judging panel for the Fit Out Awards UK 2026, which brings together leading experts from across architecture, workplace design, sustainability, academia and the wider built environment. The awards programme features 32 categories recognising excellence across every aspect of the fit out industry, including commercial office fit out projects, hospitality, healthcare, retail, residential and conservation, alongside awards celebrating sustainability, collaboration, product innovation and overall project delivery. Karlsson-Matthews joins Judging Coordinator Ann-Marie Aguilar of IWBI alongside Vanessa Brady of SBID, Vyvyan Byrne of VB Design, Dr Eshrar Latif of Cardiff University, Giuseppe Parito of Studio Seilern Architects, Professor Robert Schmidt III of Loughborough University and Lydia Szewczyk of IWBI. For the construction, architecture and interior fit out sectors, the awards continue to showcase the outstanding talent, innovation and technical expertise shaping the UK’s built environment. The appointment of experienced industry professionals such as Mia Karlsson-Matthews reinforces the awards’ commitment to recognising projects that demonstrate exceptional quality, creativity and excellence in design and delivery. The Fit Out Awards UK 2026 will culminate in a gala ceremony on 24 September 2026 at the Park Plaza London Riverbank, where the industry’s leading designers, contractors, architects and suppliers will come together to celebrate the year’s most outstanding achievements in fit out and interior design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CCL Facades has been appointed to deliver a major façade package at Bicycle Works, the 331-home residential development forming the first phase of Wolverhampton’s wider Smithgate regeneration. The specialist façade contractor will work alongside parent company and lead contractor Caddick Construction on the scheme, which is being delivered for English Cities Fund (ECF), the regeneration partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse. Under the contract, CCL Facades will be responsible for the design, supply and installation of the doors, 400 sq m of curtain walling and 2,900 sq m of windows across the development’s three six-storey buildings. The package includes the installation of 1,324 individual windows. The appointment represents an important construction milestone for Bicycle Works as work progresses on the residential-led regeneration of this key Wolverhampton city centre site. Bicycle Works will provide 331 new homes and represents the opening phase of the much larger Smithgate masterplan. Once developed, the new mixed-use neighbourhood is expected to deliver up to 1,000 homes alongside new shops, amenities and public spaces, helping to create a vibrant new destination in the heart of Wolverhampton. CCL Facades is due to begin work on site in October and will collaborate with its specialist supply chain throughout delivery. The company will focus on high-quality design and innovative façade solutions, with sustainability forming an important part of its approach. The contract further strengthens CCL Facades’ presence across the Midlands and adds another substantial residential regeneration project to its growing portfolio. The contractor is also currently working on Cole Waterhouse’s flagship Upper Trinity Street regeneration development in Digbeth, Birmingham, further demonstrating its expanding role in major mixed-use and residential schemes across the region. With Caddick Construction leading delivery and CCL Facades undertaking a significant element of the building envelope, Bicycle Works is set to provide the first major residential component of the wider Smithgate transformation. The project will ultimately contribute to the creation of a new mixed-use city centre neighbourhood, combining hundreds of new homes with commercial amenities and improved public realm as Wolverhampton continues to attract investment into regeneration and residential development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Endurance Land has appointed Multiplex as main contractor for 99 City Road, a major 36-storey office development set to create a new landmark on the northern edge of the City of London. Part of Nan Fung Group, Endurance Land is progressing the high-rise commercial scheme with an experienced design and engineering team led by architect Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF). AKT II is providing structural engineering expertise, while Arup is advising on mechanical, electrical and public health services alongside sustainability. Designed as a next-generation workplace, 99 City Road will provide office accommodation for around 4,000 people, adding significant new Grade A commercial floorspace to an area benefiting from continued investment and regeneration. Sustainability and building performance will form a major part of the development. The project is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and a NABERS 5-star rating, alongside SmartScore and WiredScore Platinum certifications, placing energy efficiency, connectivity and smart building technology at the heart of the design. Multiplex’s appointment follows its earlier involvement with the project as Construction Partner under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement. This pre-construction phase has enabled the contractor to work alongside Endurance Land and the wider consultant team ahead of the main construction programme, supporting design development, buildability and delivery planning for the complex high-rise scheme. The contract also represents the second major collaboration between Endurance Land and Multiplex. The contractor recently completed Jahn Court and Brassworks at Regent Quarter, another significant Endurance Land development. The scheme has subsequently been leased to OpenAI and is expected to open in 2027. The appointment to 99 City Road therefore builds on an established relationship between the developer and contractor, with Multiplex bringing its experience of delivering complex commercial towers and major central London developments to the project. With KPF, AKT II and Arup forming part of the professional team, the development brings together architecture, structural engineering, building services and sustainability expertise as Endurance Land looks to create a high-performing workplace capable of meeting the evolving requirements of major occupiers. The project also reflects continued confidence in London’s premium office market, where developers are increasingly focusing investment on highly sustainable, technologically advanced buildings offering strong environmental performance and high-quality working environments. Once delivered, the 36-storey 99 City Road will provide a substantial new commercial destination for thousands of workers while adding another major high-rise development to the evolving skyline around the northern edge of the City. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals