Sybron, a leading supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in UK hospitality, has announced its relocation into a new Head Office and distribution centre at ICON Harlow. Scheduled for August, this move represents a major step for Sybron, supporting the company’s strategy for
A global business has taken one of the first available units at the sustainable industrial development in North Yorkshire Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”) and Opus North have completed a deal to let a 10,000 sq. ft. unit at Harrogate 47, their sustainable employment development in North Yorkshire, to global business
New Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service from Siemens enables enhanced 24/7 cybersecurity for critical infrastructures Siemens offers comprehensive and overarching protection with its MDR service and in-depth OT expertise across multiple sites Reduces capital expenditures by up to 80 percent and lowers ongoing operating costs for cyber defense by
As the commercial property sector faces mounting pressure to cut costs and deliver measurable ESG outcomes, a project at Exchange Quay in Manchester is demonstrating how both can be achieved – quickly and without capital expenditure. The office campus has deployed CSR Sustain’s AI-powered PEAK platform, which uses advanced building
Helical plc has reported a period of strong operational and development progress, underpinned by robust leasing activity and a growing pipeline of prime office and mixed-use schemes across central London. In a trading update covering the period from October 2025 to April 2026, the developer highlighted continued momentum across its
Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has announced the promotion of Stuart Rogers to the position of Operations Director, a national role within the business Rogers first joined the North West team in April 2022, with nearly 20 years’ project management experience across the built environment sector. Since his appointment, he played
Winvic Construction is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted for the prestigious Contractor of the Year (turnover over £500M) category at the Construction News Awards 2026 as it celebrates its 25th year in business. Recognised as one of the construction industry’s most respected and competitive accolades, the Construction
wienerberger UK & Ireland has delivered the first pilot of its Trades of Tomorrow programme, a three‑day initiative designed to help care‑experienced young people explore careers in construction while responding to the industry’s long‑term skills challenge. Developed as part of the company’s Social Impact Strategy, the programme was delivered in
Bricklaying students visited Bellway’s Roe Wood Park development in Harold Hill to get an insight into work on a construction site. The 10 students, who are all studying for their Level 1 Bricklaying qualification at New City College, were welcomed by Bellway Senior Site Manager David Barden. The visit took
Property developer Stoford has completed the first stage of the Typhoo Wharf development with the transformation of The Tea Factory into the new sustainable, fit for purpose home of the BBC in Birmingham. The BBC and its contractors will now complete an internal fit out of the building, which is
Sybron, a leading supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in UK hospitality, has announced its relocation into a new Head Office and distribution centre at ICON Harlow. Scheduled for August, this move represents a major step for Sybron, supporting the company’s strategy for growth, improving day to day operations and giving a modern, future-proof space that reflects what Sybron is as a business today. The facility at Third Avenue is over 70,000 sq ft, including a two-storey, Grade A specification office building. There will be six dock-level loading doors, two level access doors, a 50m-deep secure yard, designed for efficient HGV movement, 12.5m height for improved storage capacity and parking for over 40 cars. The HQ and distribution centre has been built in line with the company’s commitment to sustainability, with LED lighting throughout, air-source heat pumps, EV charging and PV solar panel capability. “We’re delighted to share this very exciting news,” says Sybron operations director, Bradley Henwood. “This is a huge moment for Sybron, reflecting the hard work, commitment and growth achieved by the whole team. We’re genuinely excited about what this next chapter will bring.” This major development follows Sybron’s management buyout 12 months ago and the opening of a second distribution centre in Stafford in November. The Stafford distribution centre has strengthened service levels by increasing delivery frequencies to Sybron’s growing number of national customers and offering more efficient support to key areas such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby and Leeds. “Our strategy of controlled growth remains on target,” says Sybron’s sales & marketing director, George Mason. “The new facility gives Sybron the space to grow, provides flexibility and allows us to take the business where we want to go in the next 10 to 15 years. From a customer perspective, the new HQ allows increased bulk ordering and the opportunity to explore expanding our products and services. It also signals a great move for staff too, offering scope to develop new skills and for more individual progression.” Sybron’s current Harlow headquarters is in Crammond Park in Lovet Road. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A global business has taken one of the first available units at the sustainable industrial development in North Yorkshire Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”) and Opus North have completed a deal to let a 10,000 sq. ft. unit at Harrogate 47, their sustainable employment development in North Yorkshire, to global business Restrain Company Limited (Restrain). Restrain, a global leader in the potato storage industry, has agreed a 10-year term to lease the unit, which will become its new UK HQ. This move marks a return to the company’s roots, strengthening its presence in the UK while supporting its rapidly growing global operations. The new facility features larger, modern premises for the firm designed to optimise operations and enhance distribution efficiency as its global network continues to expand. Rachel Cook-Coulson, Director, Restrain Company Limited, commented: “With our leadership team now based in the UK, we’re perfectly positioned to combine solid and focused expertise to support our expanding markets and global vision. The UK HQ is more than a new workspace; it’s a hub for innovation, efficiency, and collaboration that will enable us to better serve our global customer base.” The deal completes as construction works conclude on the first phase of development at Harrogate 47, with the delivery of circa 106,000 sq. ft. of speculatively developed Grade A, flexible business units. Appointed contractor Stainforth Construction has completed two terraces of flexible business units ranging in size from 5,570-12,132 sq. ft., plus three detached units from 10,000-21,409 sq. ft. – one of which is now occupied by Restrain. The units are situated on a 45-acre site near Harrogate at J47 of the A1(M) in North Yorkshire, which in total comprises more than 600,000 sq. ft. of employment space for industrial, logistics, hi-tech and office uses, as well as amenity uses, within a landscaped environment. Planning permission was secured from Harrogate Borough Council for the low-carbon scheme, which is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and has the potential to support 2,000 jobs. The next phase of construction work is due to commence shortly, which will facilitate and service the next tranche of development. The site is close to a number of North Yorkshire towns including Harrogate, Knaresborough and York, with motorway links to access Leeds, Hull and Sheffield via the M1 and M62. Jake Shilston, Investment Manager, Bridges Fund Management, said: “Harrogate 47 has been created to appeal to a broad spectrum of regional and national occupiers seeking sustainably designed accommodation to future-proof business operations. There are chronic shortages of new space like this in the region, and we are seeing keen interest in the available units.” Ryan Unsworth, Joint MD, Opus North said: “Restrain’s new UK headquarter operations are a welcome addition to Harrogate 47 and to have the deal coincide with the completion of this first phase of works is indicative of the demand for high quality, sustainably developed business units in a prime location.” Paul Mack, Director at GV&Co Property Consultants, who negotiated the transaction, said: “We are delighted to welcome such a global name and market leader to Harrogate 47 which is in keeping with the quality of the buildings and the overall park”. Bridges Fund Management invests in the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy. It specialises in property solutions that help to create jobs, reduce carbon emissions and regenerate brownfield land. Opus North is recognised as one of the most active and successful developers in Yorkshire, with extensive development delivery experience. Appointed agents for Harrogate 47 are CBRE and GV&Co. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service from Siemens enables enhanced 24/7 cybersecurity for critical infrastructures Siemens offers comprehensive and overarching protection with its MDR service and in-depth OT expertise across multiple sites Reduces capital expenditures by up to 80 percent and lowers ongoing operating costs for cyber defense by up to 50 percent With its new Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service, Siemens Smart Infrastructure is strengthening cyber resilience for energy suppliers and operators of energy-intensive industries and critical infrastructures like data centers and airports. As information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) continue to converge, companies are being challenged to manage a growing flood of security alerts. They often lack the required staffing with the appropriate expertise and 24/7 availability. The new service from Siemens addresses this gap and helps companies operate their increasingly digitalized systems securely, in compliance with NIS 2 EU-wide legislation concerning cybersecurity and from a single source of trust. Compared to setting up in-house 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), Siemens’ MDR service reduces investment costs by up to 80 percent. Ongoing operating costs for cyber defense are reduced by up to 50 percent through a predictable and scalable service model that is NIS 2-compliant. The MDR service provides 24/7 protection through monitoring, analysis of potential incidents, and recommendations for action. This enables up to 90 percent faster defense against cyber threats. The process begins with collecting security-related data from the customer’s IT and OT systems, which is securely transmitted to the Security Operations Center (SOC). The core task is alarm assessment and incident handling: Incoming events are analyzed, classified, and prioritized from false alarms to critical incidents. Based on this, the customer receives specific recommendations for mitigation and resolution. To ensure smart and proactive threat detection, the detection rules are continuously maintained, expanded, and adapted to new threat landscapes. “Today, energy security is inextricably linked to cybersecurity. This is precisely where we offer our customers crucial support,” said Stephan May, CEO of Electrification and Automation at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “Our MDR service combines technology with the expertise of our OT specialists. This allows operators of critical infrastructure to focus on their core business while we protect their systems from cyberattacks. This is the only way we can securely advance the digital transformation and help accelerate the energy transition.” One of the first companies to benefit from this comprehensive protection is Hertener Stadtwerke, a municipal utility in Germany. It is already using the new MDR service to safeguard its operational systems. “The requirements for cybersecurity, especially for critical infrastructures like ours, are constantly increasing,” said Stefan Burkert, Head of Communications Technology at Hertener Stadtwerke. “The MDR service from Siemens is a crucial building block for us to meet these requirements and protect our critical infrastructure. It helps us comply with regulations and gives us peace of mind knowing that our systems are monitored by experts at all times. It allows us to focus on ensuring a reliable energy supply.” The MDR service provides the highest level of cybersecurity in accordance with the principles of the Charter of Trust. Siemens thereby helps operators of critical infrastructure worldwide to drive their digital transformation forward in a secure, scalable, and cost-effective manner. Initiated by Siemens, the Charter of Trust calls for binding rules and standards to build trust in cybersecurity and further advance digitalization. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the commercial property sector faces mounting pressure to cut costs and deliver measurable ESG outcomes, a project at Exchange Quay in Manchester is demonstrating how both can be achieved – quickly and without capital expenditure. The office campus has deployed CSR Sustain’s AI-powered PEAK platform, which uses advanced building analytics to continuously monitor and optimise heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) performance. By analysing live data from the existing building management system, the platform identifies inefficiencies and translates them into actionable improvements. The results are already significant. In Q1 2026, electricity consumption across the estate fell by 10.8% year-on-year, delivering a cost saving of approximately £30,000 in just three months. If maintained, this equates to an annual saving of around £120,000 – achieved purely through operational optimisation. This is a key point. Unlike traditional energy reduction strategies, which often rely on capital-intensive upgrades, the PEAK platform focuses on eliminating inefficiencies already present within building systems. These include issues such as plant running unnecessarily, control errors and systems operating out of hours – problems that are widespread, but often invisible. The scale of opportunity is substantial. More than 4,500 operational issues have already been identified at Exchange Quay, creating an ongoing pipeline of improvements and cost savings as actions are implemented. The financial case is reinforced by speed of return. Because the platform targets operational gains rather than physical upgrades, return on investment is typically achieved within four to six months, with savings beginning almost immediately after deployment. Alongside cost reduction, the platform is delivering measurable ESG benefits. In the first quarter alone, the estate reduced carbon emissions by around 30 tonnes of CO₂ year-on-year, with annual savings projected at approximately 120 tonnes. Crucially, these figures are based on real in-use performance, aligning with the industry’s growing focus on operational metrics such as NABERS. There are also implications for asset value. Buildings that can demonstrate lower energy consumption, reduced carbon emissions and improved occupier comfort are becoming increasingly attractive to both investors and tenants. At Exchange Quay, early feedback highlights not only improved environmental performance, but also direct financial benefits for occupiers, including five-figure energy savings within individual buildings. From a portfolio perspective, scalability is a major advantage. The PEAK platform integrates with existing systems and can standardise fragmented or unstructured data, making it suitable for both modern assets and older buildings where inefficiencies are often greatest. It also introduces greater transparency and governance. Performance can be tracked, benchmarked, and audited in real time, providing asset managers with clear evidence of how buildings are operating and where improvements are being made. As the sector shifts towards performance-based regulation and increasing scrutiny around ESG delivery, this ability to evidence outcomes is becoming critical. Collaboration has been fundamental to the success of the rollout. Till AM, as the asset manager, has played a key role in enabling deployment across their portfolio, supporting a performance driven approach to building operations. Their commitment to improving in-use performance has been critical in unlocking the value of the platform. Equally, CBRE as managing agent for Exchange Quay, has been instrumental in facilitating the delivery on site; from co-ordinating access and supporting integration with the existing infrastructure to working closely with site teams and contractors to ensure actions are implemented effectively. Crucially, the success of the project comes from the alignment between ownership, management and operational delivery. The platform identifies the opportunities, but it is the collaboration between all parties that ensures those insights are transformed into real, measurable improvements. Exchange Quay provides a clear example of how AI is moving beyond innovation into practical application. By combining rapid ROI, measurable cost savings and proven carbon reduction, CSR Sustain’s PEAK platform highlights a growing opportunity for landlords and asset managers to unlock value from existing assets – without the need for major capital spend. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Helical plc has reported a period of strong operational and development progress, underpinned by robust leasing activity and a growing pipeline of prime office and mixed-use schemes across central London. In a trading update covering the period from October 2025 to April 2026, the developer highlighted continued momentum across its portfolio, particularly at The Bower in EC1 (pictured). A resurgence in demand from technology occupiers has translated into a series of lettings, including a circa 20,000 sq ft deal with AI platform incident.io, alongside a further 32,000 sq ft currently under offer. Additional lease regears across multiple floors are also progressing, with occupancy expected to rise to over 96% once transactions complete. Across its development pipeline, Helical now has more than 700,000 sq ft of office space under construction. This includes the imminent completion of 100 New Bridge Street, EC4, a 194,500 sq ft refurbishment which has been forward sold to State Street Corporation for £333 million. The project is set to complete on programme and budget, delivering a return of equity to the business. Further schemes nearing completion include Brettenham House in WC2 and 10 King William Street in EC4, both scheduled for delivery later this year. These projects are positioned to benefit from a supply-constrained prime office market, with early occupier interest already evident. Helical’s pipeline is being strengthened through its joint venture with Places for London. At Southwark, SE1, a 429-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme has been forward funded, significantly de-risking the project while targeting strong returns. Meanwhile, at Paddington, a 240,000 sq ft office scheme is progressing following site acquisition and the appointment of Mace as main contractor. The development is targeting high sustainability standards, including BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5.5-star ratings. In Farringdon, the joint venture has also secured planning consent for a new 55,000 sq ft office building at 63 Charterhouse Street, further expanding the group’s central London pipeline. Financially, Helical has strengthened its position through a £220 million development financing facility with PIMCO, supporting the delivery of the Paddington scheme and enhancing capital efficiency. Overall, the update reflects a developer capitalising on improving occupier demand, particularly in the technology sector, while advancing a pipeline of high-quality, sustainable office assets in prime London locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has announced the promotion of Stuart Rogers to the position of Operations Director, a national role within the business Rogers first joined the North West team in April 2022, with nearly 20 years’ project management experience across the built environment sector. Since his appointment, he played an integral role leading on the delivery of major projects across the region, including the ongoing plans for St Helens, Prestwich, Wythenshawe and Oldham town centres. Stuart has also been part of Muse’s nationwide ESG and sustainability team, and has driven Muse’s strategic approach with the Building Safety Regulator Following his contribution, Rogers was promoted to the position of Director of Project Management for the North West region. After two successful years in post supporting significant growth in the regional business, he will now move into the newly created national senior leadership role. Within his position he will be responsible for driving high-quality standards for delivery across the whole business – with a focus on overseeing and optimising the day-to-day operational activities of the company. This includes a strengthening of Muse’s partnership approach, with robust national strategic relationships with supply chain, contractors and consultants integral to the business as it looks to convert its strong pipeline to delivery. Over the last 12 months Muse has been preparing sites across the country as part of a strategic expansion of its development pipeline to £6.3 billion (including preferred bidder positions). In the last year this has increased by 29%, from £4.9billion. As regional teams in London, the Midlands, North West and Yorkshire & the North East work with local partners to translate visions into great places, Stuart will be focused on ensuring that robust delivery systems and structures are in place to ensure Muse retains and enhances its high standards. Phil Mayall, Managing Director at Muse, said: “We’re delighted to announce Stuart’s promotion to the newly created position of Operations Director.Since joining us he has brought insight, strategic vision, and drive to Muse – helping play a leading role in driving forward transformative placemaking projects with our partners in the North West region. “As we look to deliver against our significant pipeline nationwide and drive forward positive, meaningful, growth, we want to ensure that we are not only maintaining our high standards but enhancing our reputation for excellence and innovation. In his new role, Stuart will allow us to achieve this, ensuring we have aligned, streamlined, delivery structures in place that will enable us to create high-quality, sustainable, places where people can live, work and thrive.” Stuart Rogers, Operations Director at Muse, said: “Since joining Muse I have had the privilege to work with a fantastic team and committed partners to deliver impactful regeneration projects in the North West. What we do at Muse is not easy, but our determination to deliver and resilience is something I’m deeply proud of “As our significant development pipeline continues to grow nationally, I am delighted to be promoted to the position of Operations Director. Our business priority has always been about delivery, and I am looking forward to not only continuing to support the excellent team in the North West, but those across the country, who have been working hard with our national and local partners to progress visions. “It is important that as we look to deliver against these ambitions, and that we are genuinely meeting the needs of the communities and enabling long-term social and economic growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted for the prestigious Contractor of the Year (turnover over £500M) category at the Construction News Awards 2026 as it celebrates its 25th year in business. Recognised as one of the construction industry’s most respected and competitive accolades, the Construction News Awards celebrate the organisations, projects and people that are driving excellence, innovation and impact across the built environment. Also marking the 30th anniversary of the awards – a rigorous judging process is led by an independent panel of over 100 senior industry figures, being shortlisted is a significant achievement and testament to Winvic’s Doing It Right ethos and values-led approach, The Winvic Way, delivering outstanding results for clients and the communities in which it operates. The Contractor of the Year category highlights organisations that demonstrate exceptional performance across a range of criteria, including project delivery, sustainability, innovation and workforce development. Winvic’s shortlisting, on the 25th year anniversary of the business, reflects the strength of its diverse portfolio and its ability to deliver complex, high-quality projects across multiple sectors, alongside recognising the company’s ongoing investment in its people and innovative construction methods, such as the use of a unitised brick façade system enabling the rapid installation of 2,768 prefabricated panels without scaffolding, HP SitePrint Robot and the UK’s first deployment of Skyline Cockpit for remote tower crane operation at Crown Place, Birmingham. Operationally, Winvic expanded delivery and community outcomes across its three core sectors in 2025, completing 20 Industrial & Logistics, 34 Civils & Infrastructure, and five Multi-Room projects, while launching a fourth sector, Data Centres in 2026. It also announced the early completion of a £14m infrastructure scheme in Milton Keynes, delivered three months ahead of programme, helping to minimise disruption and improve efficiency. The contractor showcased its leading ESG credentials achieving Achilles Net CarbonZero Certification, reducing overall carbon footprint by 71% in compliance with the Achilles Climate Impact Programme Part 3 requirements, and innovated an industry-first water pollution solution at SEGRO Park, Coventry. During the year, Winvic completed its 91st Net Zero/ Low Carbon facility and hosted its 10th workshop with 80 partners from its Green Supply Chain to collaboratively embed best practice and accelerate progress towards a Net Zero future. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Logistics and Data Centres at Winvic, said: “Winvic’s shortlisting for Contractor of the Year is a commendable achievement and a reflection of the hard work, commitment and expertise of teams across our entire business. “We pride ourselves on consistently delivering best-in-class projects while continuing to invest in our people, innovation and sustainable practices. I’d like to thank our teams, clients, supply chain and partners for their continued commitment and collaboration, which has made both this shortlisting and the last 25 years possible. Congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted.” Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
wienerberger UK & Ireland has delivered the first pilot of its Trades of Tomorrow programme, a three‑day initiative designed to help care‑experienced young people explore careers in construction while responding to the industry’s long‑term skills challenge. Developed as part of the company’s Social Impact Strategy, the programme was delivered in partnership with charity The National House Project and the Greater Manchester Youth Network, bringing together young people from across the North West with lived experience of the care system. With demand for skilled trades continuing to outstrip supply, Trades of Tomorrow was created to provide practical, real‑world insight into the construction sector, build confidence, and demystify the different routes into employment, training and further education. The programme sits alongside wienerberger’s wider, long‑standing support for construction skills development, including its backing of and provision of materials for national skills competitions such as Super Trowel, SkillBuild and the Guild of Bricklayers. Sarah Nurton, Social Impact Manager at wienerberger UK & Ireland, said: “Construction is facing a long‑term skills challenge, and as an industry we have a responsibility to think differently about where future talent comes from. Trades of Tomorrow is about opening up access to the sector and providing practical, real‑world insight for young people who may not otherwise see construction as an option. “By working alongside trusted partners and employers, we can help care‑experienced young people build confidence, understand the breadth of opportunities available, and make informed decisions about their next steps.” Across the programme, participants were introduced to a broad range of construction trades, including heritage skills through sessions delivered by Donald Install Associates. Activities included hands‑on clay work and a practical roofing session, designed to give participants a tangible feel for working on site and with materials. The group also visited Stockport College, where they toured the construction department, took part in a brick‑building exercise and spoke directly with teaching staff about course options, entry requirements and what to expect from further education in the built environment. The programme concluded with a site visit to an Anwyl Homes development in Chorlton, offering a live view of housebuilding in progress. Participants took part in a site tour and Q&A session with an apprentice, providing insight into day‑to‑day site life and the different pathways into construction careers. Kat Luckock, Director of Partnerships at The National House Project, commented: “It has been fantastic to partner with wienerberger to co‑produce the Trades of Tomorrow programme with young people from two of our Local House Projects. For care leavers, access to industry insight and real career pathways can be transformative, and construction is a sector full of opportunity. “Working in partnership with an employer like wienerberger ensures the programme is grounded in real industry experience and opens doors that might otherwise feel out of reach. It also supports our existing partnership, where wienerberger provides a bursary to young people looking to start or develop their career in construction. “We’re excited to continue growing the programme to support care‑experienced young people to build sustainable, skilled careers in the construction sector.” Mathew Harrison, Group HSE Director at Anwyl Homes, said: “It was our pleasure to welcome such an enthusiastic group of young people to our Dalton Fields development in Chorlton and give them an insight into the everyday workings of a construction site. We hope we have inspired them to consider housebuilding as a future career path.” Andy George, Director of Skills and Attraction at Home Builders Federation, said: “It’s great to see targeted interventions like Trades of Tomorrow being launched by the industry and shows how initiatives like this can really open up construction careers and strengthen the talent pipeline. This programme builds on the success of the HBF Partner a College programme, which works by connecting employers with colleges to provide hands-on experience, giving clearer pathways into the sector and enabling more work-ready students.” Following the success of the pilot, wienerberger plans to build on the programme, with ambitions to deliver further Trades of Tomorrow sessions and continue working with partners to support care‑experienced young people into long‑term careers across the construction industry. www.wienerberger.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bricklaying students visited Bellway’s Roe Wood Park development in Harold Hill to get an insight into work on a construction site. The 10 students, who are all studying for their Level 1 Bricklaying qualification at New City College, were welcomed by Bellway Senior Site Manager David Barden. The visit took placeon Friday 20 March and included talks from Bellway staff and contractors GSQ Brickwork, as well as a tour of the site and the chance to have a go at bricklaying. Roe Wood Park is a joint venture with Mercury Land Holdings, a wholly owned company of Havering Council. The 120-home project is redeveloping the former Quarles Campus of Havering College – now part of New City College – and the sale of the site provided funding towards the college’s Specialist Construction and Engineering Centre at Rainham. David said: “As a company, we are very much focused on providing opportunities for young people to gain the skills and experience they need to progress in their careers, and developing the skilled workforce we need as a business now and into the future. “It was a pleasure to welcome this group of young people to Roe Wood Park and give them an insight into what the job of a bricklayer looks like on a live construction site, where we are building homes at scale. “It is particularly rewarding to be welcoming students who are benefitting from the state-of-the-art facilities on the Rainham Construction and Engineering campus, which was supported by the regeneration of the former Quarles Campus site. “This is all part of our commitment to the local community – to not only provide high-quality housing, but also create jobs and invest in local infrastructure and facilities.” Jane Nugent, Work Related Curriculum Advisor at New City College, said: “Our Brick students learnt so much whilst at Roe Wood Park– they came out of there beaming, and for most of them it was the first time they had used real cement. Bellway’s Senior Site Manager David Barden was so informative, and we truly appreciate the opportunity.” When complete, Roe Wood Park will comprise 53 houses and apartments for private sale, including a mix of one, two and three-bedroom properties, 47 affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership and 20 new homes for private rent. As part of the planning agreement for the development, the aim is for 20 per cent of people working on site to be residents of Havering or neighbouring boroughs. More information about career opportunities with Bellway can be found at https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property developer Stoford has completed the first stage of the Typhoo Wharf development with the transformation of The Tea Factory into the new sustainable, fit for purpose home of the BBC in Birmingham. The BBC and its contractors will now complete an internal fit out of the building, which is due to open in 2027. The broadcast centre is the culmination of several years’ work to revitalise the historic former Typhoo Tea factory on Bordesley Street in Digbeth. Funded by Aviva Investors on behalf of its Lime Property Fund, The Tea Factory was developed by Stoford in partnership with The Gooch Estate, alongside support from Birmingham City Council. Built by main contractor, BAM, the BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ development preserves the heritage of the original 1930s structure while using low carbon principles to deliver the BBC’s most environmentally sustainable and flexible broadcast centre to date. The building will house several BBC editorial teams, including The Archers, BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today, when it officially opens. Typhoo Wharf occupies a strategic gateway site linking Digbeth to HS2 and Birmingham city centre, and unlocks major construction and development opportunities as set out by Birmingham City Council’s Digbeth Prospectus. As part of the wider masterplan, several plots are now ready for future development, alongside a new area of public realm which reconnects the site with the canal network. Up to 800,000 sq ft of residential, office and hospitality space will be delivered on more than 10 acres of land around the new BBC building. Creating a clear pipeline for further investment, this new capacity will play a major role in the long-term regeneration of Digbeth. The relocation of the BBC to a new Midlands HQ in Digbeth is part of a wider investment in new productions like MasterChef, Silent Witness and Peaky Blinders as part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy. Located close to Digbeth Loc Studios, The Tea Factory is set to strengthen the Midlands’ creative sector, supporting new jobs and attracting further investment to the region. BBC commissioned analysis forecasts that its recent investment in Digbeth and the West Midlands will add £282 million of economic benefit by 2032. Gerard Ludlow, Director at Stoford, said: “Working with The Gooch Estate, Aviva Investors and Birmingham City Council, we’ve taken a building with real history and given it a new purpose, one that we hope will have a lasting impact on Digbeth and the wider Birmingham creative scene. “There have been challenges along the way, particularly in adapting a building like this to meet the BBC’s needs, but that makes the end result all the more significant. To have the BBC as an occupier says a lot about the quality of what’s been delivered, and we are thankful to our professional team and BAM for helping us get here. “The Tea Factory is an important first step for the wider Typhoo Wharf plans, and we’re looking forward to continuing that journey over the coming years.” Jason Horton, Chief Operating Officer for BBC Nations, said: “This marks a major milestone on the journey towards our new home in Digbeth, a 100-year-old industrial building being brought back to life as a sustainable broadcasting and digital production centre. “It underlines our commitment to the West Midlands, one of the BBC’s priority creative clusters, and to supporting investment and skills development across the region. “I’m looking forward to the Tea Factory opening its doors and helping to scale up the ambition of turning Digbeth into a world-class creative quarter.” Neil Dobson, Director, Transactions, at Aviva Investors, said: “We are really pleased this development has reached completion and to have seen all parties working tirelessly to deliver it. This is an investment we expect to provide long-term, inflation-linked cashflows, secured against a world class facility. “Designed and built with top sustainability credentials whilst maintaining the heritage of the original 1930s building, it is a great example of Aviva Investors using its investment activity to create world-class facilities and a flagship production centre for the national broadcaster in one of the UK’s key regions for the creative industries, whilst also delivering great investment outcomes.” Joanne Roney CBE, Managing Director Birmingham City Council, said: “The Tea Factory is a powerful symbol of Birmingham’s ambition — a heritage landmark reimagined as a world-class home for the BBC and a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Digbeth. This project shows what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared vision, and it strengthens the city’s position as a thriving hub for the UK’s creative industries. The completion of this first phase at Typhoo Wharf unlocks new opportunities for jobs, investment and innovation, and marks an exciting step forward in Birmingham’s long-term growth.” Mike Lyons, the Chair of the Enterprise Zone Partnership Board, said: “The Enterprise Zone Partnership Board is extremely pleased to see the transformation of the former and derelict Typhoo building, supported by £16.6 million of Enterprise Zone funding, to bring this iconic building back into use, offering a high quality bespoke home to one of the cities important employers, the BBC, and supporting the creation of a cluster of digital business and job creation. “Digbeth is a key growth area in the Enterprise Zone, and with the arrival of HS2 which will transform the economic growth potential for Digbeth, the area needs to deliver high quality growth at city scale to allow the market to attract high value employers and help Digbeth to become a desirable investment location. The redevelopment of the former Typhoo tea factory is a key catalyst to achieve this.” For more information, visit: https://www.typhoowharf.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals