Kenneth Booth
MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® introduces the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, delivering a breakthrough solution for HVAC professionals. Designed for residential and light commercial technicians, this cordless recovery machine transfers refrigerant out of HVAC systems so that repairs can be made. By eliminating the need for external power sources, MILWAUKEE® enables a fully cordless

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JD Gyms aims high with regional debut at Harlequin Watford

JD Gyms aims high with regional debut at Harlequin Watford

Harlequin Watford, the top 30 retail and leisure destinationowned and operated by SGS UK Retail, has announced the signing of JD Gyms, one of the UK’s fastest growing fitness operators. Recognising the unique duality of Harlequin, which serves as both the heart of Watford and as a destination of choice for customers living

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Overton Electrical Services appointed to support nationwide VodafoneThree retail transformation programme

Overton Electrical Services appointed to support nationwide VodafoneThree retail transformation programme

Overton Electrical Services has been appointed by a long-standing client to deliver an M&E package as part of a major nationwide retail transformation programme for VodafoneThree stores across the UK. Under this appointment, Overton Electrical Services will deliver works across 29 retail locations nationwide, supporting the rebrand and refurbishment of

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Homes connected to nature keep garden city dream alive in Letchworth

Homes connected to nature keep garden city dream alive in Letchworth

Housebuilder David Wilson Homes has secured reserved matters approval from North Hertfordshire Council for a new Garden City-style 120-home development in Letchworth, known as Heritage Gardens. The homes will be built on a 13-acre site at Talbot Way, formerly owned by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation. David Wilson Homes has

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McLaren Construction completes flagship Panattoni Park Swindon development

McLaren Construction completes flagship Panattoni Park Swindon development

McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has completed the flagship industrial and logistics facility at Panattoni Park Swindon, delivering the major scheme and marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of the site. The 545,000 sq. ft. speculative development has been delivered within a 39-week construction schedule, forming part of the

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Plans approved for nearly 1,200 homes across Derby city centre

Plans approved for nearly 1,200 homes across Derby city centre

‘Derbion Masterplan’ will bring forward new homes, commercial space and public space improvements at Eagle Quarter and Bradshaw Way Shopping centre owner Derbion has secured planning permission for two major regeneration sites in Derby city centre, paving the way for 1,152 homes and around 3,500 sq m of commercial space

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Global fashion manufacturer Q Collection completes UK HQ in Ashby

Global fashion manufacturer Q Collection completes UK HQ in Ashby

Singapore-based fashion manufacturer Q Collection has completed works on its new UK HQ in Ashby. Q Collection manufactures apparel and textiles for international fashion brands and retailers, specialising in high-quality, sustainable production. With a need for a UK centre of excellence to grow the UK-based team, expand its operations, enhance

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Better Green Living secures refurbishment project at Edgbaston Park Hotel

Better Green Living secures refurbishment project at Edgbaston Park Hotel

Sustainable refurbishment specialist Better Green Living has been appointed to refurbish Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre in Birmingham. Owned by the University of Birmingham, the hotel will benefit from a soft refurbishment to enhance its facilities. The new business win marks a pivotal moment in Better Green Living’s expansion

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Latest Issue
Issue 342 : Jul 2026

Kenneth Booth

Canvas Offices Expands Central London Presence with Launch of Kingsbourne House Location

Canvas Offices Expands Central London Presence with Launch of Kingsbourne House Location

Flexible workspace provider Canvas Offices has announced the latest addition to its growing portfolio with the opening of Kingsbourne House at 229-231 High Holborn, just seconds from Holborn station, in the heart of London. The newest location is close to existing Canvas spaces, 175 High Holborn and 88 Kingsway and officially opens its doors in July. Kingsbourne House is within walking distance of Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road and other iconic destinations and demand is already strong with demand from interest from a diverse range of clientele. The building itself, a grand Edwardian facade with six floors, including a gym in the basement area, has undergone an internal transformation led by Canvas’ in-house design team, staying true to its ‘homeification’ design philosophy, creating a home away from home. The refurb focuses on natural light, bespoke furnishings, and a state of the art gym in the basement, designed to enhance wellbeing. Businesses can also take advantage of the building’s expansive rooftop terrace, a highly sought after feature and a rare luxury in the heart of Central London. The space contains private offices, ranging from 12 persons to 145 persons, providing impressive views of the capital. Included in the business rates are meeting rooms, phone booths, access to communal and breakout spaces as well as the fitness centre. Yaron Rosenblum, Co-founder and CEO of Canvas Offices, commented:“The opening of Kingsbourne House represents another significant step in our growth across London. This building embodies everything Canvas stands for- exceptional workspace, thoughtful design, and a flexible environment that supports the evolving needs of today’s businesses. We are incredibly proud to welcome businesses to Kingsbourne House to enjoy a home away from home with Canvas.” Established in 2018, Canvas Offices is underpinned by a growing team of industry experts. Their 16 locations across London include Shoreditch, Farringdon, Holborn and Mayfair and are home to hundreds of ever-expanding businesses such as influential brands like Rough Trade, Football Co, Freixenet and Von Dutch. For more information about Canvas Offices and its new Kingsbourne House space, visit canvasoffices.co.uk.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls

MILWAUKEE® introduces the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, delivering a breakthrough solution for HVAC professionals. Designed for residential and light commercial technicians, this cordless recovery machine transfers refrigerant out of HVAC systems so that repairs can be made. By eliminating the need for external power sources, MILWAUKEE® enables a fully cordless workflow that optimises speed and run time for service calls. The M18™ brushless recovery pump delivers instant power and no hassle, giving HVAC technicians complete cordless convenience on the job. By removing the need to search for outlets or manage extension cords, this solution streamlines service calls and maximises productivity. The recovery pump is A1, A2, and A2L compatible, reinforcing MILWAUKEE®‘s commitment to providing dedicated HVAC solutions that tackle core challenges without compromise. Pairing the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump with the existing M18 FUEL™ Vacuum Pump 5 CFM delivers a fully cordless service calls, unlocking productivity for HVAC technicians. Eliminating the need to search for outlets, ask customers for access to power, or drag extension cords onto a roof; this combination saves time and reduces job site frustrations. Both solutions are A1, A2, and A2L compatible to meet the refrigerant standards, giving technicians confidence while working with modern refrigerants. This solution is equipped with a digital display for visibility in any environment. Helping protect equipment and ensure efficient operation, the self-purge feature removes refrigerant residues. A balanced carrying handle enables single-handed transport, making it easy to move the machine between service locations. These thoughtful design elements combine to deliver a solution that prioritises convenience, safety, and efficiency for HVAC professionals. MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to delivering disruptive innovation by working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing job site safety and productivity. Specifications M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump M18 BLRP-121 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, (1) M18 FB12 Battery pack, (1) M12-18 FC Charger, (2) filters  To find out more about the new M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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JD Gyms aims high with regional debut at Harlequin Watford

JD Gyms aims high with regional debut at Harlequin Watford

Harlequin Watford, the top 30 retail and leisure destinationowned and operated by SGS UK Retail, has announced the signing of JD Gyms, one of the UK’s fastest growing fitness operators. Recognising the unique duality of Harlequin, which serves as both the heart of Watford and as a destination of choice for customers living in North London and across the Home Counties, JD Gyms will bring high-spec, premium fitness facilities together with exceptional value to the centre. At over 30,000 sq ft, the development will serve as a regional flagship for JD Gyms. It will deliver a fitness experience that combines a state-of-the-art gym and studio facilities with a huge range of cutting-edge equipment, all set within a bold, design-led space anchored by a striking glass atrium. The brand will join Harlequin Watford’s carefully selected mix of leading UK and international retail and leisure operators, such as Uniqlo, Space NK, PuttShack, and Boom Battle Bar, adding to what is already a unique mix in the region. It will benefit from Harlequin Watford’s annual footfall of 17.2 million, which is ahead of many super regional centres in the UK, and cater to the destination’s diverse catchment, which extends into London and across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Robert Jewell, Managing Director of Asset Management at Pradera, commented: “As Harlequin continues to evolve as a dual-purpose destination for both retail and leisure, the signing of such an in-demand brand as JD Gyms is another landmark moment for the centre’s ongoing evolution. Harlequin continues to welcome its visitors back time and time again, and the arrival of JD Gyms will create yet another reason for customers to spend more time at the centre as part of their active lifestyles.” Darren Pallett, Property Director at JD Gyms, adds: “We are delighted to be bringing a new flagship gym to Harlequin Watford, combining standout design, exceptional facilities, and great value. The site provides us with a high-quality, high-footfall destination and it marks another step in our ambition to bring our award-winning concept to more locations across the South East.” Set to open in autumn this year, the signing comes after the news that Activate, the fast-growing competitive socialising brand, is also joining the scheme. This, alongside JD Gym’s signing, reaffirms Harlequin Watford’s investment in best-in-class retail and leisure brands for its expansive catchment of 6.8 million people. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Overton Electrical Services appointed to support nationwide VodafoneThree retail transformation programme

Overton Electrical Services appointed to support nationwide VodafoneThree retail transformation programme

Overton Electrical Services has been appointed by a long-standing client to deliver an M&E package as part of a major nationwide retail transformation programme for VodafoneThree stores across the UK. Under this appointment, Overton Electrical Services will deliver works across 29 retail locations nationwide, supporting the rebrand and refurbishment of existing Three stores alongside modular refresh works to existing Vodafone sites. Overton Electrical Services has supported the Vodafone estate, now part of VodafoneThree, for the last 15 years, delivering projects across the Newbury headquarters, office buildings nationwide, data installations and the retail portfolio. The company continues to be trusted to deliver high-quality M&E packages within demanding live retail and commercial environments. The programme is scheduled to run from May 2026 through to February 2028 and Overton Electrical Services will deliver comprehensive M&E packages tailored to the requirements of each individual store. Works will include electrical installations in support of the wider refit scheme, alongside HVAC, data and fire alarm installations where required. The project forms part of a significant retail modernisation initiative aimed at enhancing customer experience and refreshing the in-store environment across the VodafoneThree estate. The works will be carried out across multiple regions nationally, with each store receiving a bespoke approach to meet its operational and technical requirements. Josh Brocklehurst, Director at Overton Electrical Services, said: “We’re delighted to continue our long-standing relationship on this exciting nationwide programme. This appointment reflects the confidence built through many years of successful collaboration and our team’s ability to deliver high-quality electrical installations within fast-paced retail environments. “The scale of the VodafoneThree rollout presents a fantastic opportunity for us to support the transformation of stores across the UK, and we look forward to delivering a reliable and efficient service throughout the duration of the programme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Planning approval granted for first phase of forthcoming development in Hitchin

Planning approval granted for first phase of forthcoming development in Hitchin

Barratt Homes has secured reserved matters approval for Phase 1 of its forthcoming 700-unit development at Highover Farm, Hitchin. The approval covers the first 236 homes and an area of open space containing a play park for local children and will enable work to commence this summer to deliver much-needed market and affordable housing. The development will bring one to five-bedroom new homes, approximately 40% of which will be affordable, to the local area. The overall scheme will deliver 500sqm of neighbourhood-level facilities including a community hub, a new two-form entry primary school, open space including the creation of the new centrally located Highfield Park, play areas, green infrastructure and associated access. The hub will be accessible by public transport and provide a focal point for residents and the wider community. The new homes to be built on the site will support North Herts Council’s current Local Plan, which aims to create at least 13,000 new homes between 2011 and 2031.[1] Mark Osborn, Senior Planning Manager at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, comments: “We are pleased to announce that we have secured planning permission for our upcoming development in Hitchin, which will bring much-needed new homes and community infrastructure to the area. Following the grant of outline planning permission in 2024, we have worked closely with North Herts Council to ensure our plans for this first phase work for the local area, both now and for future generations. “We have a proven track record of success in Hitchin, including at our Lavender Grange development which completed in 2023, so look forward to returning to the area for our latest development.” Biodiversity and sustainability have been carefully considered at every stage of the scheme design, with the proposals set to achieve a biodiversity net gain of 10%. Energy efficient new homes built to the latest Part L standard will help reduce carbon emissions and generate lower energy bills for residents. Section 106 contributions agreed with North Herts Council at the outline planning stage will see more than £30m contributed to education, healthcare, sports facilities, a community centre, sustainable transport and other improvements in the Hitchin and surrounding area. Mark Osborne concludes: “Sustainability and access to green space are at the heart of our plans, with the creation of Highfield Park – a new public green space and play area – alongside an extensive network of tree-lined streets and attractive greenways throughout the development. In addition to increasing access to high-quality local housing opportunities, we are also proud to support employment and economic growth by creating job opportunities throughout every stage of the development’s lifecycle. Barratt North Thames is currently building across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. To find out more, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk. [1] https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-12/North%20Hertfordshire%20Local%20Plan%202011-2031.pdf Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Homes connected to nature keep garden city dream alive in Letchworth

Homes connected to nature keep garden city dream alive in Letchworth

Housebuilder David Wilson Homes has secured reserved matters approval from North Hertfordshire Council for a new Garden City-style 120-home development in Letchworth, known as Heritage Gardens. The homes will be built on a 13-acre site at Talbot Way, formerly owned by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation. David Wilson Homes has partnered with the foundation to develop a contemporary interpretation of traditional Garden City housing, rooted in the area’s historic character while meeting modern expectations. The development has been designed around Garden City principles, with green space and landscaping integrated throughout the site. Plans include two main public green spaces, retained woodland, tree-lined streets, pocket parks and dedicated play areas. The development will include one and two-bedroom apartments, alongside two, three, four and five-bedroom houses. Plans also include 48 affordable homes, comprising a mix of affordable rent, shared ownership and social rent properties, with an emphasis on larger family homes and wheelchair-accessible housing. The development will be arranged across four character areas intended to reflect local architectural styles, with features including asymmetrical catslide roofs, dormer and bay windows, and decorative crease tile detailing. This development follows outline planning permission for the site, which was secured by the previous landowner in December 2024. Reserved matters approval has now been granted by North Hertfordshire Council, with a show home expected later this year and first occupations anticipated in spring 2027. Under the planning agreement, David Wilson Homes will contribute more than £1m towards local infrastructure, including walking and cycling improvements, allotment facilities, libraries, schools and youth provision. Lauren Potter, Development Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, said: “Heritage Gardens on the edge of Letchworth will take the very best principles that founded this beautiful Garden City and update them for a new generation. Homes here will be surrounded by green spaces, sustainably built and designed to facilitate healthy and active lifestyles.” For more information about Heritage Gardens or David Wilson Homes, visit www.dwh.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McLaren Construction completes flagship Panattoni Park Swindon development

McLaren Construction completes flagship Panattoni Park Swindon development

McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has completed the flagship industrial and logistics facility at Panattoni Park Swindon, delivering the major scheme and marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of the site. The 545,000 sq. ft. speculative development has been delivered within a 39-week construction schedule, forming part of the wider regeneration of the former Honda manufacturing site, transforming a historic brownfield location into a high-quality logistics and employment hub for the South West. The project was designed around a structured and collaborative delivery strategy to meet timescales, with early supply chain engagement across key packages including steel frame and cladding, to ensure all partners were aligned to the programme from inception. The programme involved working to ensure successful on-time completion, supported by planning and consistent communication with key contractors, maintaining momentum throughout every stage of the build. During the delivery, the scheme set a new internal benchmark for quality and sustainability achieving a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating and targeting net zero upfront embodied carbon. A range of sustainability measures were integrated without impacting the programme, including the use of cement replacement in concrete, the incorporation of recycled steel and the use of modern methods of construction such as precast concrete walling, lift cores and stair units. The team also implemented robust environmental practices, including segregated waste streams and smart waste management, while reusing excavated materials through a carefully engineered cut-and-fill balance refined at design stage. Alongside delivery, McLaren Construction maintained a strong focus on social value and responsible construction, and the project achieved an excellent score of 43 out of 45 in its Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) assessment, with a high score for community engagement environmental management, and workforce wellbeing. The report highlighted the team’s proactive communication with stakeholders, robust environmental processes, and a strong commitment to workforce welfare including mental health support and high-quality site facilities. McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) also supported skills development throughout the programme with apprentices across multiple trades, including five scaffolders and two electricians, as well as work placement opportunities. The completed building offers high-specification logistics space with premium office accommodation, including a main reception area, feature link bridge and high-quality internal finishes including bespoke kitchenette areas with custom Corian worktops, glass splashbacks and feature staircases with glass balustrades. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Delivering Panattoni Park Swindon is a fantastic achievement and a real credit to the entire project team. From the outset, this was an ambitious schedule, and through careful planning, strong collaboration and the commitment of our trusted supply chain, we’ve been able to complete the project on time and to an exceptional standard. “I’d like to thank Paul, Gareth and the wider project team, along with our supply chain partners, whose dedication and coordination were critical to maintaining momentum throughout. This project demonstrates what can be achieved when the right team is aligned behind a clear programme and shared goal.” Peter Carter Wall, Construction Director at Panattoni, said: “McLaren Construction delivered the first building on our flagship development site which is the first to implement our new interior design concept and finishes. The team took an aspiration to create something special and delivered an impressive reality that has been widely admired. It has been a pleasure working with the team, and this building stands as a showpiece achievement everyone involved should be very proud of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Plans approved for nearly 1,200 homes across Derby city centre

Plans approved for nearly 1,200 homes across Derby city centre

‘Derbion Masterplan’ will bring forward new homes, commercial space and public space improvements at Eagle Quarter and Bradshaw Way Shopping centre owner Derbion has secured planning permission for two major regeneration sites in Derby city centre, paving the way for 1,152 homes and around 3,500 sq m of commercial space on under-used land around Derbion. The Derbion Masterplan covers the former Eagle Market site, now known as Eagle Quarter, and Bradshaw Way Retail Park. Together, the schemes will bring new homes, public space, commercial uses and improved links across two prominent city centre locations. National planning and development consultancy Lichfields led the planning process and secured consent for both regeneration schemes on behalf of the owners of Derbion Shopping Centre, having advised on the site since 2014.  Both schemes required careful consideration because of their city centre locations, nearby listed buildings and the need to ensure new development sat comfortably within views connected to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Eagle Quarter, granted outline permission in June 2026, will redevelop the former Eagle Market site to provide building up to 19 storeys, 674 homes, new commercial space and a large public square, creating a new entrance to the retained Derby Theatre and improving links towards the River Derwent. The scheme includes the Green Heart, a new landscaped space connecting Derbion, Derby Theatre and Morledge through a green boulevard. New walkable streets, ground-floor food and beverage, leisure and town centre uses are also planned, alongside a landmark building at the eastern corner of the site. Bradshaw Way, which was approved in October 2025, will replace an existing retail park, currently dominated by low-rise retail units and surface parking, with buildings up to 14 storeys, with 478 homes and ground-floor commercial units. The professional team behind the project includes Leonard Design Architects, Eurofund Group, Currie & Brown, Bidwells and Waterman. Alison Bembenek, Associate Director, Lichfields, said: “These approvals mark an important step in the major city centre regeneration around Derbion. “The sites are important city centre sites, and the planning case had to deal carefully with heritage, townscape, design, viability and public benefit. Our role was to bring those strands together, working closely with Derby City Council and Historic England, and provide a clear route through a complex planning process. “The permissions show how a joined-up planning strategy can support new homes, commercial space and public realm improvements. The development will bring new footfall and revitalisation to Derby Centre, supporting its longer-term success, whilst respecting the city’s historic context.” It builds on the Eastern Gateway scheme, approved in May 2024, which forms the first phase of Eagle Quarter. Supported by the Future High Streets Fund, the scheme is delivering public space improvements at East Street and Morledge. It has also brought the former market hall back into temporary use, with padel courts and a skatepark helping to attract people to the area ahead of longer-term redevelopment. Alberto Esguevillas CEO UK, Eurofund Group, which is acting as development manager, said: “The Derbion Masterplan is about making better use of land in a key part of Derby city centre. Eagle Quarter and Bradshaw Way will introduce new homes, public spaces and commercial uses in locations that are well placed to support the wider city centre. “Lichfields has played a central role in guiding the planning strategy and helping us bring forward proposals that respond to Derby, its heritage and its long-term growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Global fashion manufacturer Q Collection completes UK HQ in Ashby

Global fashion manufacturer Q Collection completes UK HQ in Ashby

Singapore-based fashion manufacturer Q Collection has completed works on its new UK HQ in Ashby. Q Collection manufactures apparel and textiles for international fashion brands and retailers, specialising in high-quality, sustainable production. With a need for a UK centre of excellence to grow the UK-based team, expand its operations, enhance its technology, and a space to welcome clients, the manufacturer identified Ashby as the right location in the heart of the Midlands to realise its plans. Located in Excelsior House on Excelsior Road in the town, local workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors was appointed to deliver internal design and fit out of the 7,000 sq ft space. After an eight-week fit out phase, Q Collection now has a state-of-the-art office, design and manufacturing facility which includes a lingerie lab, with 14 sewing machines, cutting tables, cup moulders and a dark room, and a knitting lab, with four full-size knitting machines, steam press and yarn library. Other features include a fit room, where garments can be modelled and photographed, connected to a presentation area with tiered seating, next to a runway. This space allows for co-creation sessions, bringing designers and customers together to realise garments and 3D modelling technology to develop new collections. Q Collection also has its new client lounge, which can be set up as a showroom or bespoke retail experience to display collections, with large video conferencing set up for global communications. During the works, Blueprint encouraged Q Collection to pursue a SKA certification –  an environmental assessment method developed specifically for commercial office fit outs, that helps landlords and tenants to measure sustainability across factors like energy and water use, CO2 emissions, materials, waste and pollution. The project successfully secured a SKA Silver certification. Alongside partner TecInteractive, Blueprint and Q Collection developed a ‘Virtual Quality Lab’ – a unique space with high resolution, high zoom cameras with links into the manufacturer’s Singapore, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh sites, where colleagues can use the technology to see the samples in the labs from thousands of miles away, enabling them to make faster decision, saving time and costs. Boutaina Faruq, Director at Q Collection, said: “This investment reflects our long-term commitment to the UK market, our global brand partners and to innovation and sustainability. “Our dedicated team was also a primary factor in creating a space that truly puts people first. We wanted to acknowledge their commitment and design a workplace around them, which inspires creativity, supports wellbeing, and enables our people to do their best work in the space that they need. “Blueprint are visionaries and were easy and dynamic to work with from day one. We thought we knew what we wanted and what was possible until we met with Chloe and the team. They really took us to the next level with their expertise of workspaces that put wellbeing and productivity front and centre. It was a real collaboration and an incredible end result. “Excelsior House is already strengthening collaboration, accelerating innovation, making us more efficient and is bringing us closer to our customers. We are proud to be a manufacturing business in Ashby.” This is the third project Blueprint has delivered for Q Collection, having also worked on the design of its head office in Singapore, and a new 50 head count office facility in Sri Lanka. Chloe Sproston, Creative Director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “We are proud to have had the opportunity to work with Boutaina and the team at Q Collection again on what is a really bespoke and innovative project. Securing the SKA Silver rating is a particular highlight, allowing us to realise our passion for truly sustainable fit out into reality. “Providing Cat B design and fit out services on a significant single-storey space was a real opportunity to create something special, which would meet and surpass Q Collection’s objectives. We’ve challenged ourselves at every level to deliver a really exciting project. “As a team we took the time to fully understand the intricacies of Q Collections operations and this included on the ground research here and abroad. Blending this with our knowledge of how people work, and how to create memorable and successful workplace experiences – for colleagues and visitors – we guided Boutaina and the team on what’s possible. “The new UK HQ is an incredible open-plan space, separated into zones to enable workflow and collaboration. Every element has a purpose from the furniture to the fixtures and fittings and can be moved and adapted as the space evolves. This was a highly unique and technical project which provides the best possible environment for the team, and a place for clients to partake in the co-creation process of garments.” Q Collection is looking at further expansion in the Midlands and wants to encourage more manufacturing companies back to the region to create British-made products. Boutaina adds: “The Midlands used to be a centre for apparel manufacturing and we see great opportunity for firms operating in the space, like us, to bring this back. We are working to support students wanting to learn the skills needed for a career in fashion design and production and are investing in the next generation who will hopefully enable this movement to grow and scale.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Better Green Living secures refurbishment project at Edgbaston Park Hotel

Better Green Living secures refurbishment project at Edgbaston Park Hotel

Sustainable refurbishment specialist Better Green Living has been appointed to refurbish Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre in Birmingham. Owned by the University of Birmingham, the hotel will benefit from a soft refurbishment to enhance its facilities. The new business win marks a pivotal moment in Better Green Living’s expansion within the commercial sector. With previous projects including Co-op Live Manchester, the largest indoor entertainment arena in the UK, Better Green Living has firmly established itself as a trusted name in sustainable design and build, retrofitting and refurbishment. The project will involve the refurbishment of 12 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a staircase and meeting rooms across the venue. The works also include moving and creating a new reception desk and building a new luggage room. The company will lead on all aspects of project management, contractor coordination and on-site delivery to ensure the project runs smoothly and efficiently. Refurbishment is considered a sustainable practice as it extends the lifecycle of the existing built environment, reducing landfill waste and saving embodied carbon, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a material. Deborah Parsons, CEO & Sustainability & Outreach Director at Better Green Living, commented: “Refurbishment is an inherently sustainable approach to property development, as it improves existing spaces, rather than building from the ground up. This aligns with Better Green Living’s values as a zero waste to landfill company. Our method for refurbishment focuses on delivering high-quality updates that meet modern standards, while reusing materials wherever possible. We hope our work at Edgbaston Park Hotel will give the building a new lease of life, ready to receive guests at the start of August.” Julie Crump, Director of Operations at Edgbaston Park Hotel, commented: “Edgbaston Park Hotel receives guests for every occasion, from relaxing breaks and conferences to weddings. By upgrading some of our rooms to a stylish, modern standard, we ensure that our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their stay with us. The reconfiguration of the foyer to accommodate the new reception desk means that the hotel is a better fit for purpose, while providing brand-new luggage rooms enables us to accommodate all our guests comfortably.” Better Green Living, part of Better Green Group, is a specialist refurbishment company dedicated to sustainable retrofitting and commercial fit outs. Known for delivering high-profile refurbishment projects for King’s College London, the company continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in environmentally conscious construction. To find out more about Better Green Living, please visit: www.better-greenliving.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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