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Kenneth Booth
Siemens’ Gridscale X redefines system operations and agentic transmission planning

Siemens’ Gridscale X redefines system operations and agentic transmission planning

Kenneth Booth May 5, 2026

Siemens continues to be at the forefront of technological innovation, today announcing the next evolution of its Gridscale X platform at the Grid Software Summit in Amsterdam. Gridscale X provides the digital foundation for utilities to manage their grids at greater speed, and complexity at scale. Siemens also unveiled the next generation of PSS E on Gridscale X, introducing advanced AI‑powered, agentic capabilities to the transmission planning software.  As utilities face rising demand and growing system complexity, both transmission planning and

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Perega appointed on major Horsham residential development

Perega appointed on major Horsham residential development

Kenneth Booth May 5, 2026

Perega is tackling some of the South East’s toughest water neutrality requirements and fifteen metres of unstable made ground to deliver the civil and structural engineering strategy for Taylor Wimpey’s major residential masterplan in the Horsham and Crawley region.   Early ground investigations confirmed deep and variable fill across the

Read More »
Steel rises at Mountpark Ferrybridge as first unit takes shape

Steel rises at Mountpark Ferrybridge as first unit takes shape

Kenneth Booth May 1, 2026

GMI Construction Group has begun erecting the structural steel frame of the first unit at Mountpark Ferrybridge, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the former Ferrybridge C Power Station coal yard. Developed by specialist industrial and logistics developer Mountpark, the scheme secured hybrid planning consent in 2024, paving

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Upper Brook Street student scheme reaches structural milestones

Upper Brook Street student scheme reaches structural milestones

Kenneth Booth April 30, 2026

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has made significant progress at the £160m Upper Brook Street student accommodation development in Manchester. Since McLaren’s appointment late last year, work has advanced with both tower cranes now fully operational and concrete cores for both buildings reaching full height. The 23-storey UBS tower has

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Major Regeneration project reaches key milestone as reservations go live at Moda and Apache’s Makers Place

Major Regeneration project reaches key milestone as reservations go live at Moda and Apache’s Makers Place

Kenneth Booth April 30, 2026

Landmark Jewellery Quarter build-to-rent neighbourhood opens for reservations following major city centre transformation Reservations have officially gone live at Makers Place, Moda Living and Apache Capital’s landmark Build-to-Rent neighbourhood in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, marking a major milestone in the delivery of a significant city-centre regeneration project. The scheme delivers 722

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Latest Issue
Issue 340 : May 2026

Kenneth Booth

Siemens’ Gridscale X redefines system operations and agentic transmission planning

Siemens’ Gridscale X redefines system operations and agentic transmission planning

Kenneth Booth May 5, 2026

Siemens continues to be at the forefront of technological innovation, today announcing the next evolution of its Gridscale X platform at the Grid Software Summit in Amsterdam. Gridscale X provides the digital foundation for utilities to manage their grids at greater speed, and complexity at scale. Siemens also unveiled the next generation of PSS E on Gridscale X, introducing advanced AI‑powered, agentic capabilities to the transmission planning software.  As utilities face rising demand and growing system complexity, both transmission planning and grid operations are being pushed beyond the limits of traditional approaches. Electrification, data centers, and AI‑driven industries are scaling faster than anticipated, while renewables are injecting volatility that traditional grids cannot absorb. Meeting these challenges requires true system operations. A unified grid model and digital twin enables system‑wide visibility to actively manage flexibility, reduce operational risks and operate grids closer to their technical limits with confidence – laying the foundation for autonomous, resilient grids.   “Gridscale X is the integral digital backbone that bridges long‑term planning and real‑time operations to enable true system operations,” said Sabine Erlinghagen, CEO of Siemens Grid Software. “The platform can support self-developed applications, enabling utilities to migrate their own applications onto Gridscale X to run and scale them on a shared grid model, integrating their innovations directly into system operations workflows. We are delighted that this has already been deployed by Alliander in The Netherlands.”  Dutch network operator Alliander, a strategic partner of Siemens, is the first utility to integrate its custom-built applications directly into the platform. Since announcing the partnership in 2024, Alliander has expanded medium‑voltage grid coverage from 65 percent to 100 percent, migrated 85 applications onto Gridscale X, and achieved a 30 percent leaner IT landscape. This demonstrates how a shared digital backbone can unlock grid capacity, reduce complexity, and scale at speed.  Gridscale X PSS E: Unlocking the future of agentic transmission planning  Extending the same platform and shared grid model principles into transmission planning, Siemens has taken a major step toward unlocking the future of agentic transmission planning, unveiling the next generation of PSS E on Gridscale X. The software introduces new AI-powered capabilities that deliver the speed, transparency, and scalability required for resilient, sustainable, and autonomous grids. By combining proven simulation with domain-specific AI-automation and a new user experience, the software accelerates planning studies and workflows, expands team capacity, and improves decision-making end to end.  Supported by over 2000 open APIs with automation capabilities, Gridscale X PSS E enables seamless integration, powerful automation, and the foundation for digital twin-based planning.  The latest release directly supports data center and large load integration scenarios, enabling planners to assess, prioritize, and respond to connection requests with significantly greater speed and transparency. A redesigned, cloud-native user experience streamlines workflows and automation for connection studies, cutting response times by up to 50 percent and helping transmission operators manage surging demand while maintaining system reliability. “For more than 50 years, PSS E has been widely regarded as the benchmark for transmission planning, trusted by planners around the world,” added Erlinghagen. “We are incredibly proud to build on that foundation with the next generation of PSS E. By introducing AI‑powered, agentic capabilities and a modern user experience, we are giving planners the tools they need to tackle growing complexity, work faster under increasing time pressure, and lead the next era of transmission planning with confidence.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Glamox’s office light wins prestigious Red Dot Award for outstanding design

Glamox’s office light wins prestigious Red Dot Award for outstanding design

Kenneth Booth May 5, 2026

Glamox, a global leader in lighting, has received a prestigious Red Dot Design Award for its newly launched Luxo Align office light. In recognition of its high design quality, the stylish free-standing office light received the Red Dot Award 2026 in the Product Design category. This latest award is the second major design award for Luxo Align, following its Best Industrial Design award at the IDC.25 Awards last year in Norway.    Luxo Align is a family of free-standing and pendant luminaires designed to integrate into any modern office space. With a minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic and flexible configurations, the Align range allows you to personalise your lighting to suit any office layout. “Winning the Red Dot Award for Luxo Align is a strong validation of our focus on high-quality design and continuous innovation,” said Astrid Simonsen Joos, Group CEO of Glamox. “We supply lighting solutions to commercial office buildings all over the world and we are seeing demand for products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also highly energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and durable.” “At Glamox, the research and development of our lighting products are led by the needs of our customers. Through our range of quality lighting brands, we create comfortable, flexible and stimulating working environments. Our office lighting is also built with sustainability in mind, helping our customers to reduce their energy footprint, as well as costs.”   The collection features a slim, free-standing single-arm model suitable for 1-2 desks and a double-arm model for 2-4 desks. The Pendant variations use clean line design principles and seamlessly blend into any office environment.   Built to be highly energy-efficient and sustainable, the Align family is created using circular-economy design principles. All models are constructed using 75% recycled aluminium and are equipped with presence sensors and support daylight harvesting to reduce energy consumption when natural light is available. The environmentally friendly LED luminaires provide an energy-efficient 144 lm/w, while an innovative reflector design provides comfortable light with good distribution, upwards (Ca. 70% or 80%) and downwards (Ca. 20% or 30%), eliminating the need for ceiling lights. Smart technology is incorporated into both the free-standing and pendant designs. In the free-standing models, light output is easily adjustable via built-in controls on the pole or remotely through Bluetooth via an app. The pendant version uses an IR switch for individual light control. The luminaires are matte powder-coated and available in white, grey, or black. Users can personalise their light by dimming it and selecting the light temperature that’s best for them. “When designing the Luxo Align, we wanted to create a lighting solution for the modern office environment that combines style with long-term usability,” said Hans Bleken Rud, Industrial Designer at Glamox. “The project builds on Luxo’s heritage in task lighting, where ergonomics and visual comfort are fundamental. By rethinking how one luminaire can serve multiple workstations while maintaining performance and simplicity, Luxo Align represents a more resource-efficient and human-friendly approach to office lighting. This is especially important given that the luminaire could last 40 years, while offices are normally refurbished every 10-15 years.” The Red Dot Design Awards is one of the world’s largest design competitions. Glamox has received numerous Red Dot Design Awards in previous years, including a Best of the Best 2023 award for Luxo Adapt in the Lamps and Luminaires category and a Best of the Best 2022 award for Glamox in the Corporate Design and Identity category. This year’s Red Dot award ceremony will take place on 7 July at the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen, Germany.   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Perega appointed on major Horsham residential development

Perega appointed on major Horsham residential development

Kenneth Booth May 5, 2026

Perega is tackling some of the South East’s toughest water neutrality requirements and fifteen metres of unstable made ground to deliver the civil and structural engineering strategy for Taylor Wimpey’s major residential masterplan in the Horsham and Crawley region.   Early ground investigations confirmed deep and variable fill across the development parcels. To address this, Perega has designed a piled foundation solution with piles driven up to 25 metres through the deep unstable material to sufficiently embed into the soil beneath. The piles are linked by reinforced concrete ground beams to support the walls of the masonry housing with precast concrete floors. Pile layouts have been coordinated with the architectural design to suit each parcel and tying beams were omitted where the pile’s lateral capacity allowed. This reduced concrete volumes while maintaining structural performance. Water neutrality has been a key driver of the overall civil engineering strategy. Perega has incorporated sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) across the site, including permeable paving and controlled discharge developed in coordination with the wider drainage masterplan. Ground beam concrete mixes include GGBS to reduce embodied carbon and a cut-and-fill earthworks approach retains material on-site to limit waste and vehicle movements. The civils package includes highways, drainage and external works delivered within defined level constraints. Perega is managing technical approvals with the local Highways Authority and AWIN – an independent water company – while supporting the project through RIBA Stages 4 and 5 across multiple parcels. Amy Norman, Senior Civil Engineer at Perega, said: “This project demonstrates what’s possible when you combine rigorous engineering with environmental responsibility. Having built a strong relationship with Taylor Wimpey over similar developments, we’re effectively coordinating multiple parcels simultaneously. The challenge is ensuring every individual plot achieves seamless integration back into the masterplan infrastructure.” Finn Neylon, Associate at Perega, added: “Establishing the piled foundation strategy early allowed the team to manage ground risk and support the delivery programme. Close coordination with the wider design team has been essential in delivering a practical solution suited to site constraints.” Tom Emery, Land Manager at Taylor Wimpey South Thames, said: “This site presented a complex engineering challenge and we are grateful to Parega for stepping up with a robust solution. Their excellent work in the early stages of the site will mean a smooth transition to construction, and will give our customers added confidence that their home is built on solid foundations.” The appointment demonstrates Perega’s capability to deliver integrated civil and structural engineering solutions on multi-phase masterplan developments. For more information on Perega, please visit: perega.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Steel rises at Mountpark Ferrybridge as first unit takes shape

Steel rises at Mountpark Ferrybridge as first unit takes shape

Kenneth Booth May 1, 2026

GMI Construction Group has begun erecting the structural steel frame of the first unit at Mountpark Ferrybridge, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the former Ferrybridge C Power Station coal yard. Developed by specialist industrial and logistics developer Mountpark, the scheme secured hybrid planning consent in 2024, paving the way for up to 1.64 million sq. ft of B2 general industrial and B8 storage and distribution space, alongside significant infrastructure and connectivity improvements. Once fully operational, Mountpark Ferrybridge could support between 2,000 and 2,500 jobs. The first unit now rising on the 110-acre site is a 65,800 sq. ft distribution facility pre-let to Warburtons, the UK’s largest bakery brand. Secured on a 20-year lease, it will become the company’s 18th UK distribution depot. The project also marks the first collaboration between Mountpark and GMI. As part of the first phase of the development , it will also construct a second high-specification industrial unit. The second unit will total a 40,000 sq ft Grade-A logistics facility where foundations are underway. Practical completion is expected to occur in October 2026 and is available to let. Both buildings are targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification and EPC A/A+ ratings. Sustainability measures include roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, air-source heat pumps, enhanced building fabric performance, intelligent LED lighting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and facilities designed to encourage active and sustainable travel. Yorkshire-based GMI will also deliver extensive enabling works unlocking the wider site. In addition, there will also be new highway junctions, estate roads, drainage and landscaping infrastructure, together with modifications to existing rail infrastructure to maintain operational connectivity for neighbouring industrial users. Strategically located north of Ferrybridge, adjacent to the A1(M) and M62, the previously developed site is bordered by the River Aire and surrounded by established industrial operations. Following demolition of the former power station in 2022, the site was designated for employment use, creating a significant opportunity for long-term regeneration. Working alongside GMI as principal contractor, the wider consultant and advisory team include Oxalis Planning, SMR Architects, Ridge and Partners, SK Environmental, BWB, Circle Sustainability, Lampos, and Whitings. Ed Weston, Regional Director (Yorkshire) at GMI Construction Group, said: “The erection of the steel frame is a highly visible sign of progress and a real milestone. Ferrybridge has long been synonymous with energy and industry. Seeing new structures take shape signals the start of a new chapter focused on advanced logistics, manufacturing and high-quality job creation. We’re proud to be working alongside Mountpark to bring forward this next phase in the site’s evolution.” Brett Huxley, Development Director UK and Ireland at Mountpark, added: “Seeing real progress at this stage of construction is a key moment for the project. The strong momentum on site reflects continued demand for high-quality, sustainable logistics space in strategically located markets. With steel now in the ground, our vision is rapidly becoming a reality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Future hospitals take shape as groundwork begins on new £12.8m urgent treatment centre at Leicester Royal Infirmary

Future hospitals take shape as groundwork begins on new £12.8m urgent treatment centre at Leicester Royal Infirmary

Kenneth Booth May 1, 2026

Our future hospitals are quickly becoming a reality, with groundwork now officially underway on the new £12.8 million Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The site has been set up, hoardings are in place, and excavation has begun to prepare the foundation area for the new facility – a visible and exciting step forward for the project. This marks a significant milestone in improving urgent care services for patients across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The new UTC was announced in December 2025 and is expected to open in 2027. It will replace the existing Minor Injuries and Minor Illnesses (MIaMI) unit and will provide a modern, purpose-built environment designed around the needs of patients requiring same-day treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive, said: “The start of groundwork on our new Urgent Treatment Centre is a really important and exciting moment for our Trust and for local communities. Seeing activity on site brings this investment to life and demonstrates our commitment to improving urgent care. This new facility will support our colleagues and significantly improve the experience for patients when they need us most.” As work gets underway, patients, visitors, and colleagues will begin to see changes across the Leicester Royal Infirmary site. The new Urgent Treatment Centre forms part of our future hospitals programme, which is focused on modernising hospital facilities and ensuring services are fit for the future. It will complement the £39m of funding secured in December last year from the national New Hospital Programme. This will fund essential enabling works to start this year, including the relocation of services such as the hearing and balance service from the Knighton Street campus to the East Midlands Planned Care Centre in early 2027. These works will support plans for a new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, with building expected to start in 2032. It is expected to bring maternity, neonatal, gynaecology and children’s services together into a single, state‑of‑the‑art building.  Natalie Forrest, Chief Programme Officer of the New Hospital Programme said: “It’s great to see work starting on site at Leicester Royal Infirmary, marking real progress for local patients and communities. This new Urgent Treatment Centre will provide a modern, purpose-built space that supports faster, more effective care closer to home. We’re proud to be working with local partners to deliver facilities that meet the needs of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland now and into the future.” Dr Saad Jawaid, Consultant in Emergency and Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine at UHL, said: “The new Urgent Treatment Centre will give us a purpose-built space that reflects how urgent care is delivered today. It will help us improve patient flow, provide care in a more appropriate environment and deliver a better overall experience for patients.” The UTC builds on a period of significant investment across our hospitals over the past 12 months, including the East Midlands Planned Care Centre and Endoscopy Unit at Leicester General Hospital, the Preston Lodge rehabilitation unit in North Evington, and the Hinckley Community Diagnostic Centre. These developments are helping to deliver world‑class services closer to where patients live, supporting improved access to care, and contributing to the Government’s 10‑year plan for the NHS. Construction work is being delivered by Henry Brothers, one of the UK’s leading construction companies, with further updates to be shared as the project progresses. Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers, said: “Breaking ground on this new Urgent Treatment Centre marks a significant milestone. We’re proud to be working at the forefront of the health construction sector, helping to bring a vital and inspiring community resource to fruition. Once complete, these facilities will make a real difference to how local people access urgent care close to home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Upper Brook Street student scheme reaches structural milestones

Upper Brook Street student scheme reaches structural milestones

Kenneth Booth April 30, 2026

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has made significant progress at the £160m Upper Brook Street student accommodation development in Manchester. Since McLaren’s appointment late last year, work has advanced with both tower cranes now fully operational and concrete cores for both buildings reaching full height. The 23-storey UBS tower has progressed to level five floor slabs, and the nine-storey K block has reached level four. The project team has also completed the installation of the attenuation tank and established exemplary site accommodation nearby. Current works are focused on progressing the concrete frame with floor slab construction ongoing across both buildings, and this phase will continue over the coming months with façade installation expected to commence in the summer. Modern methods of construction remain central to the scheme, and the project incorporates a full concrete frame and fully unitised prefabricated façade panels. The development is targeting high sustainability standards, including BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, alongside a broader commitment to reducing environmental impact through efficient construction practices. The project has set social value deliverables including creating local jobs, dedicating time supporting unemployed people back into work, improving local skills including by hosting site visits, creating apprenticeships and supporting young people into work, 20% of construction value to be spent locally, and supporting local community projects to help increase green space and biodiversity. The team has started to develop this by working closely with local organisations, including initiatives in partnership with the Salvation Army, to provide work experience opportunities. Engagement with community groups is also ongoing, with discussions underway to support a local Scout group and a proposed greenhouse project linked to a nearby residents’ initiative at Brunswick allotments. Upper Brook Street will deliver 737 student beds across two buildings of 9 and 23 storeys, alongside a range of shared amenities including study areas, fitness facilities and social spaces.  Once complete, the development will provide new public and community-focused facilities, contributing to the wider Oxford Road Corridor. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Progress on Upper Brook Street has been excellent, with the team achieving key structural milestones in a short period of time. Reaching full height on both concrete cores is an achievement and is testament to the collaboration and expertise across the team. As we move forward, we remain focused on maintaining this momentum while continuing to deliver meaningful social value within the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Major Regeneration project reaches key milestone as reservations go live at Moda and Apache’s Makers Place

Major Regeneration project reaches key milestone as reservations go live at Moda and Apache’s Makers Place

Kenneth Booth April 30, 2026

Landmark Jewellery Quarter build-to-rent neighbourhood opens for reservations following major city centre transformation Reservations have officially gone live at Makers Place, Moda Living and Apache Capital’s landmark Build-to-Rent neighbourhood in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, marking a major milestone in the delivery of a significant city-centre regeneration project. The scheme delivers 722 high-quality rental homes across a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, forming a long-term, operationally efficient rental neighbourhood in a key central Birmingham location. The project has reactivated a long-vacant city-centre site that had remained undeveloped for over 70 years in a key gateway position. Contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the city’s renowned Jewellery Quarter, Makers Place brings the plot back into use and establishes a thriving new gateway neighbourhood the centre of Birmingham. The development comprises three buildings ranging from five to 39 storeys, forming a distinctive new addition to Birmingham’s skyline and joining The Mercian – Moda and Apache Capital’s first Birmingham development and one of the city’s tallest residential buildings. Designed by Ryder Architecture and delivered by Sisk, Makers Place has been shaped through a highly contextual design approach, responding directly to its position between the historic Jewellery Quarter, with elegant, elaborate brick work in a low-rise design, blending seamlessly into the more contemporary design high rise design on the edge of the nearby Colmore Business District.   The project has also delivered significant economic and social value during construction. Over 600 jobs were created through Sisk and the wider supply chain, with 788 employees in project-related roles based within 11 miles of the site. The scheme has supported 185 individuals previously long-term unemployed into work, alongside care leavers, prison leavers, ex-military personnel and individuals with disabilities. In addition, 42 apprentices, graduates and interns have been engaged, with 116 people under 24 supported into employment or training. To further integrate the neighbourhood into its Jewellery Quarter community Moda launched reservations with the introduction of five local Makers – creative individuals running independent businesses in the area – to embed the local character into the resident experience at Makers Place from day one. The makers include: Residents will also benefit from the Moda Apache JV’s most considered and elevated range of amenities to date, including a sky lounge and bar with views over the city, co-working spaces, private dining rooms, rooftop terraces and landscaped courtyards, alongside a 24-hour gym and fitness studio and cinema room. Strategically located within walking distance of Snow Hill and Birmingham New Street stations, Makers Place sits within a well-connected city centre location. Richard Smith, MD Operations at Moda Living, said: “Makers Place is an exciting and important addition to our Birmingham portfolio, and we’re pleased to now have reservations live ahead of welcoming our first residents to this amazing new neighbourhood in the summer. “As the Build-to-Rent market continues to evolve, differentiation is key. At Makers Place, we’ve focused on creating a neighbourhood that reflects the character of the Jewellery Quarter, while delivering the quality, consistency and service that define Moda. The inclusion of our local makers plays a central role in bringing that to life, ensuring residents feel connected to the area and their homes from day one.” Richard Lawrence, Executive Director for Place, Prosperity and Sustainability at Birmingham City Council, said: “Makers Place is a landmark development for Birmingham, and it’s exciting to see it reach this important milestone. The scheme has transformed a site that stood vacant for decades into a vibrant new part of the city centre, and in doing so sets a new standard for ambitious, design-led regeneration. “It shows what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared vision to create places that genuinely add to the life of the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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NG Block Management secures funding boost for Nottingham cladding safety works

NG Block Management secures funding boost for Nottingham cladding safety works

Kenneth Booth April 30, 2026

NG Block Management has secured funding through the Cladding Safety Scheme to support essential fire safety works at River Crescent, a residential development in Nottingham. The company took over management of the scheme in March 2023 and has since been working to address fire safety concerns and bring the building in line with current regulatory standards. After a fire risk assessment identified issues with the external wall system, NG Block Management introduced a waking watch as an immediate safety measure. It also oversaw a full upgrade of the building’s fire alarm system, allowing the evacuation strategy to move from ‘stay put’ to simultaneous evacuation. The firm then began progressing a long-term remediation plan, supported by the building consultancy team at NG Chartered Surveyors. As River Crescent leaseholders qualify as protected leaseholders under the Building Safety Act 2022, an application was made to the Cladding Safety Scheme to help fund the required works. Initial approval enabled the creation of a specialist project team and allowed the scheme to move into the design and tender stages. Full approval has now been granted by the Building Safety Regulator following months of coordination. Remediation works are due to begin shortly, with scaffolding expected to be installed on the first elevation in the coming weeks. Jamie Pervin, facilities management surveyor at NG Block Management, said the project had been complex and demanding from the start, but resident safety had remained the company’s priority. He added that securing approval from both the Cladding Safety Scheme and the Building Safety Regulator was a major step towards delivering the works. The project team includes BEFS Ltd as fire engineer, Boothe King as structural engineer, CEB Services as principal contractor and Craig Foster Partners as architect. NG Chartered Surveyors has also been involved in contract administration and cost consultancy. Paul Rogers, head of building consultancy at NG Chartered Surveyors, said the project highlighted the firm’s experience in delivering complex refurbishment and remediation schemes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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AstraZeneca secures green light for major Cambridge conference and office hub

AstraZeneca secures green light for major Cambridge conference and office hub

Kenneth Booth April 30, 2026

AstraZeneca has received planning approval for a significant new office and conference building at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, marking the latest phase in the continued expansion of one of Europe’s leading life sciences clusters. Designed by Jestico + Whiles, the six-storey development will deliver the 12,000 sq m of high-quality floorspace, including offices for more than 700 staff. The scheme also incorporates a 200-person conference centre, a 450-seat auditorium and a 110-cover restaurant, creating a flexible environment geared towards collaboration, events and knowledge sharing. The building will be located on Francis Crick Avenue, positioned just south of AstraZeneca’s landmark headquarters designed by Herzog & de Meuron, which was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize. The project forms part of a wider masterplan for the campus, with Herzog & de Meuron acting as masterplan and design architect, supported by landscape architect Gillespies. The scheme is intended to support AstraZeneca’s long-term strategy of consolidating its Cambridge-based operations, bringing together research, commercial and partner teams within a single, integrated campus environment. By enhancing connectivity between disciplines, the development aims to strengthen innovation and collaboration across the organisation. A multidisciplinary consultant team has been assembled to deliver the project, including Ramboll on civils, structures, MEP and transport, Bidwells on planning, MFS on façades and The Fire Surgery on fire engineering. The site, spanning approximately 2.2 hectares, is currently used as a temporary car park and construction support area for the neighbouring Rosalind Franklin building, designed by Hawkins\Brown and being delivered by Mace. The new development will sit around 150 metres from the forthcoming Cambridge South station, further enhancing accessibility to the campus. While earlier outline consent for a commercial building on the site formed part of a wider application submitted in 2010, the approval had lapsed in 2021. As a result, AstraZeneca brought forward the current proposals as a standalone application, while still adhering to the overarching principles of the original masterplan. The project represents a further investment in high-specification, research-led commercial space, reinforcing Cambridge’s position as a global hub for life sciences and innovation-led development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Complii accelerates growth with the launch of a new lifts and escalators division

Complii accelerates growth with the launch of a new lifts and escalators division

Kenneth Booth April 30, 2026

Complii, formerly known as Compliance Group, and one of the UK’s leading providers of building safety and regulatory compliance services, has announced the launch of a dedicated lift and escalators compliance division – the latest step in the company’s ambitious ‘buy and build’ growth strategy to deliver a fully comprehensive building compliance offering. The new lift and escalators division expands Complii’s portfolio of specialist building compliance services, which already spans water, air, fire and electrical compliance. With lift and escalator safety a critical and increasingly regulated area of building management, the launch positions Complii as the go-to single-source partner for building owners and operators seeking to reduce risk and assure compliance across all major aspects of their estate. The launch of the lifts and escalators division marks a significant milestone in Complii’s rapid expansion. The business has grown substantially in recent years through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic growth, building out a network of specialist businesses that together provide building compliance services across all major risk areas. With the lifts and escalators division now in place, Complii serves a broad range of sectors, including hospitality and leisure, manufacturing, social housing, care homes, the public sector, construction, healthcare, pharmaceutical, education, and retail. Sarah Dixon, CEO of Complii commented: “The launch of our lifts and escalators division is a proud moment for Complii and a clear signal of our intent. Our vision has always been to offer building owners and managers a single trusted partner for their compliance needs – one that removes complexity, reduces risk, and delivers consistently high standards across every discipline. We are growing quickly, but we are growing with purpose, and we remain absolutely committed to the quality and expertise that our clients depend on.” For Complii’s clients, the expansion means greater convenience, consistency, and confidence. Rather than managing a fragmented network of specialist contractors across different compliance disciplines, building owners and managers can now rely on a single partner with proven expertise across every major area of building safety – from fire, water and air through to electrical and now lifts and escalators. It is a model built around making compliance simpler, not just safer. With the addition of the lifts and escalators division, Complii now offers one of the most comprehensive building compliance portfolios available in the UK market. The company’s integrated model – combining specialist expertise across water, air, fire, electrical, and now lifts and escalators – enables clients to consolidate compliance management through a single partner, delivering both operational efficiency and greater consistency of compliance outcomes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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