Rupali Court in Lozells Birmingham officially reached the topping out stage, marking the highest point in the construction of Housing 21’s flagship cohousing scheme. Stakeholders who have worked with the future residents to shape the scheme, gathered to celebrate the construction milestone and the opening of the Rupali Court show
This morning, the first passenger train arrived at the newly rebuilt platforms at Huddersfield Station, marking a major milestone in Phase One of the station upgrades. This achievement takes customers one step closer to faster, cleaner, more reliable trains across the North. Over the past month, our TRU West Alliance
A new £8.8m educational facility in the heart of Mansfield is set to prepare young people for careers in key industries while helping local businesses grow. West Nottinghamshire College officially launched its latest centre, the Mansfield Ambition Exchange, with educationists, students, civic leaders and employers praising the project. Built by
Balfour Beatty has today announced its appointment by SSEN Transmission to upgrade the New Deer electricity substation in Aberdeenshire, marking a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey towards a clean power, energy secure future. Originally energised in 2019, Balfour Beatty will now extend the substation to accommodate the forecast growth in homegrown,
Carrier Solutions UK has announced that its recently launched AquaSnap 30AWH-P monobloc air-to-water heat pump has achieved Quiet Mark certification for its outstanding low-noise operation. Carrier Solutions UK Ltd (formerly Toshiba Carrier UK Ltd) is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy
NHS Property Services is pleased to announce Community Health Partnerships (CHP) has signed an agreement for the provision of NHS Open Space, following a successful pilot in partnership with Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent and South-East London ICBs. NHS Open Space provides a modern online portal, enabling users to view building details,
St John’s College has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick for the next phase of expansion at St John’s Innovation Park, Cambridge. The 85,000 sq ft Dirac Building will provide new office space alongside a dedicated Transport Hub. Barbour ABI values the project at around £50m, with Bowmer & Kirkland, Vinci and McLaughlin &
The London Borough of Lambeth has approved plans for a mid-rise residential development in Brixton, with Higgins Partnerships securing consent for a series of blocks delivering 378 apartments on Somerleyton Road. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with full completion scheduled for 2030. The project is a joint
Located right in the centre of Birmingham’s prime business district, 81 Colmore Row, a Grade II listed building, has been fitted out by Thirdway on behalf of client Kinrise. Taking its design cues from the rich history and heritage features of the building, this 27,657 sq ft mixed CAT A
The Gym Group has issued an updated requirements list as it looks to speed up openings across the UK. The low-cost operator, now at 250 locations, is targeting units of 5,000–20,000 sq ft in highly visible spots and will consider both leasehold and freehold opportunities. Suitable sites include retail parks,
Rupali Court in Lozells Birmingham officially reached the topping out stage, marking the highest point in the construction of Housing 21’s flagship cohousing scheme. Stakeholders who have worked with the future residents to shape the scheme, gathered to celebrate the construction milestone and the opening of the Rupali Court show home. Unlike other housing developments, Rupali Court is a unique cohousing initiative where the future residents are involved before construction to provide their feedback and input, helping to shape the design of the scheme. Future resident Marie Francis, who has lived in Lozells for over 30 years, said she was excited about Rupali Court reaching the milestone in construction. “I am happy to see the scheme is almost complete; we are all excited to see the final design,” she said. “I was involved in making decisions about the colour scheme of my apartment and the layout- I opted for an open plan layout. I’m now looking forward to moving in next year.” Rupali Court will offer 25 apartments, including a residents’ lounge, a multi-faith room and landscaped community garden. Residents including Marie are at the centre of all decisions made regarding the scheme. The Rupali Court Cohousing Core Group is a growing collective of engaged residents who are working together using consensus decision-making. The group consists of 25 committed individuals who are actively involved in ongoing decisions about the design, management, and culture of their future home. Steph Ramsden, Director of Sales, Acquisitions and Partnerships at Housing 21 said: “We are pleased to celebrate the significant milestone in the construction of our cohousing scheme. “Rupali Court and Housing 21’s Cohousing initiative has given the residents an opportunity to create and shape their own community where they have played a vital role in making decisions regarding their future home. “We are looking forward to welcoming the residents into their new home in 2026.” To celebrate the construction milestone, representatives from Housing 21, Deeley Construction, Osbornes Quantity Surveyors, Triangle Architects and Legacy West Midlands attended a topping-out ceremony at the site on Birchfield Road. Local community support group Aspire and Succeed and Councillor Waseem Zaffar from Birmingham City Council also attended the event. Martin Gallagher, Managing Director at Deeley Construction, said: “It has been fantastic to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Housing 21 to bring forward its flagship cohousing scheme. “This marks a major milestone for the innovative residential scheme, which will see the creation of a new inclusive and supportive housing community in Birmingham. “The input from residents into the design has made this a truly unique project and we have worked with our design partners to bring their vision to life.” Rupali Court is scheduled for completion in 2026 with the residents expected to move in shortly after. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This morning, the first passenger train arrived at the newly rebuilt platforms at Huddersfield Station, marking a major milestone in Phase One of the station upgrades. This achievement takes customers one step closer to faster, cleaner, more reliable trains across the North. Over the past month, our TRU West Alliance has been working around the clock to transform the station. The work, which included demolishing the old platforms and building new ones, strengthening Huddersfield viaduct, replacing John William Street bridge, installing new track and upgrading the signalling, will all lead to faster, more reliable journeys for customers and help support local economic growth by connecting Huddersfield more efficiently with Manchester, Leeds and beyond. While the station was closed to services, Team TRU has: James Richardson, Managing Director for TRU said: “Seeing the first train pull into the new platform this morning was a proud moment for everyone involved. People can see from today how this transformation is a key step forward in delivering a modern, future-ready station for Huddersfield, by offering customers more capacity, better services and greater reliability. “While we’re pleased to have achieved this key milestone, we have to extend a sincere thank you to passengers, local residents, community groups and local Huddersfield businesses for their patience and understanding while the station was closed. We know these works cause disruption and we greatly appreciate the support that’s been shown over the last month. “This weekend marked the 200th anniversary of the railway, an invention that changed the lives of millions all over the world. As phase two of the works continues partially out of public view until early 2027, all of us on TRU are proud of the difference we are making across the enterprise, taking the railway well into the future for years to come.” From today (29 September), Huddersfield station will operate with a temporary layout using just three platforms (Platforms 1, 2 and 3) while phase two of the work continues behind new barriers. The changes mean: · Platform 2 (Sheffield services) becomes platform 1 · Platform 1 (Manchester services) becomes platform 2 · Platform 4 (Leeds services) becomes platform 3 The remaining platforms, canopy restoration, track work and signalling enhancements will be undertaken over the next two years, with the station upgrade completed in early 2027. During this phase, some services will run from different platforms, and others may be replaced by rail replacement buses, so customers are urged to check before travelling and allow some extra time. Chris Nutton, Major Projects & TRU Director at TransPennine Express, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome customers back into Huddersfield station and we’d like to thank them and our local communities for their continued patience and understanding while these upgrade works were carried out as part of the once-in-a-lifetime Transpennine Route Upgrade. “The end of the 30-day closure is a major milestone in the history of our iconic station, and I couldn’t be prouder of how we came together as an industry to deliver it. From track engineers to train crew, and from train planning to rail replacement bus coordinators – everyone played a vital role. “While trains are now running through Huddersfield again, there are a number of changes to how the station operates, with fewer platforms available and changes to some of the services. We advise customers to plan ahead and take extra time when travelling.” Liam O’Shaughnessy, TRU Programme Delivery Lead at Northern, said: “We’d like to thank our customers for bearing with us over the last 30 days while these upgrade works have been carried out. We’d also like to thank all our colleagues from across the industry who’ve come together to keep customers moving during this time. The amount of work that has taken place at Huddersfield Railway Station and the surrounding areas over the last month has been staggering, and that is testament to all the planning that went into this piece of work across the rail industry.“Whilst the next phase of construction at Huddersfield Railway Station takes place, Northern services that normally run into Huddersfield from Bradford Interchange will be unable to do so due to reduced platform capacity, this also affects stopping services from Leeds which will be diverted via Brighouse. Our advice to customers is to plan ahead and check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new £8.8m educational facility in the heart of Mansfield is set to prepare young people for careers in key industries while helping local businesses grow. West Nottinghamshire College officially launched its latest centre, the Mansfield Ambition Exchange, with educationists, students, civic leaders and employers praising the project. Built by Nottingham-based Clegg Construction, the state-of-the-art building at the Chesterfield Road campus delivers courses up to level 3 and will accommodate more than 350 students studying business and T Level professional construction programmes. The centre will strengthen the college’s long-established industry links, enabling students and employers to collaborate on real-world projects. It will also act as a strategic hub for business engagement, hosting conferences, masterclasses, roadshows and events alongside partners including Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Mansfield and Ashfield Business Network (MABN) and East Midlands Chamber. In addition, the centre will provide a space for knowledge-exchange between the college, university and local businesses – with events offering insights into future trends, technological opportunities, and support for product and process innovation. The flagship project aims to equip Mansfield and the surrounding area to meet future labour market needs, address skills gaps, and create well-paid jobs in emerging industries. Businesses will also benefit from access to support and a pipeline of skilled talent, helping them enhance competitiveness and efficiency. Senior leaders from the college, NTU, MABN, Clegg Construction and Mansfield District Council, Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams, and college students came together to unveil the building. This coincided with MABN’s monthly business breakfast networking meeting – the first employer event to take place in the centre – where the Mayor, college principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley MBE, and MABN chair Ian Jephson addressed an audience of local business representatives. Darren Chapman, operations director at Clegg Construction, said: “As a Nottinghamshire-based company, Clegg Construction was proud to have been appointed to deliver this exciting expansion for West Nottinghamshire College. “We are very pleased to see how well the Mansfield Ambition Exchange has been received now that it is operational, and we are particularly happy to see that it is accommodating the T Level professional studies in construction course – helping to train the next generation of construction experts. “Being born and bred in Mansfield, and having attended the college as a teenager to study construction, this is a project that’s close to my heart.” Mansfield Ambition Exchange spans 1,343 sq. m. of high-quality teaching space including classrooms, IT suites, a Learning Resource Centre, and a T Level room that doubles as a conferencing facility. Flexible spaces support meetings, events and independent study. Located at the rear of the college’s sixth-form building, the centre spans two levels to accommodate the site’s natural slope. Light wells bring daylight into the lower ground floor, while heat recovery and variable refrigerant flow systems maintain a comfortable learning environment. Upgraded car parking and modernised landscaped areas create a welcoming environment for students, staff and visitors. Clegg Construction carried out the 16-month build, hosting T Level student Archie Martin on an industry placement during the construction phase. The 17-year-old is now among the first cohort of learners to study in the purpose-built centre. The facility sits adjacent to Ashfield House, an early 19th-century Georgian building now being transformed into a student services hub, linking Mansfield’s history with its educational future. The stone portico from the former School of Art building on the site was carefully removed, preserved and incorporated as the main entrance to the new centre, maintaining the site’s historical character. Mansfield Ambition Exchange has been made possible thanks to £4.3m from the UK Government’s Towns Fund, £3.8m from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (now part of the Department for Education), and £734,000 from the college and NTU. It is among several major schemes being made possible through Mansfield’s £12.3m Towns Fund allocation secured by the Mansfield Place Board with the support of Mansfield District Council. Other projects include the Warsop Health Hub, Destination Mansfield and work to make Berry Hill Park a Destination Park. Andrew Cropley MBE, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College and chair of the Mansfield Place Board, said: “It’s great to celebrate the opening of Mansfield Ambition Exchange, which is already providing a great experience to over 350 young learners on our business studies and professional construction courses. “This excellent facility also gives us a great venue to offer technical courses to adults wishing to take their career forward or in a new direction, and to support businesses to prosper and grow. We will work closely with our partners at Nottingham Trent University to ensure this is an exciting and ambitious offer. “I’m delighted to see the Mansfield Place Board deliver another major project. Mansfield Ambition Exchange will support the ambitions set out in the ‘Make it in Mansfield’ strategy to grow our economy and create opportunities for local people. “I’m confident that the range of courses and events hosted in this building will raise the aspirations of businesses in the area, help them develop their plans, and then support them in turning those plans into reality. Meanwhile, the courses offered in the centre and across the wider college will support local people to seize the opportunities that emerge. “We already have several such events and courses planned, and we look forward to working with colleagues at MABN, NTU, East Midlands Chamber and others to bring them to life.” Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, said: “The Ambition Exchange puts opportunity where it belongs – on our doorstep. This college site has come full circle, from cherished memories to a new sixth-form hub in 2021, and now to a place where education, enterprise and community meet. “Our goal is simple: equip people with the capabilities our economy needs and energise the town centre while we do it. If we want streets that are lively all week and into the evening, we must attract, develop and retain our young people – students, apprentices, founders and early-career professionals – because footfall follows opportunity. “When
Balfour Beatty has today announced its appointment by SSEN Transmission to upgrade the New Deer electricity substation in Aberdeenshire, marking a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey towards a clean power, energy secure future. Originally energised in 2019, Balfour Beatty will now extend the substation to accommodate the forecast growth in homegrown, clean power, across the north of Scotland. The expansion will add four new electricity connection bays to the existing platform, which will enable future connections to the transmission network. Once complete, the extension will support the rapid growth of onshore and offshore renewable energy projects across the north of Scotland, enabling clean energy to go to where it is needed. Tony Wilson, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution business, said: “We are proud to be delivering the New Deer substation extension on behalf of SSEN Transmission. Our appointment is testament to our unrivalled expertise and the capability of our people. “We now look forward to working closely and collaboratively with SSEN Transmission, as we lay the groundwork for a successful construction phase and help power the UK’s journey to net zero.” Paul Cooley, who started this month in a new role as Director of Onshore Capital Delivery at SSEN Transmission, said: “The start of construction work at our existing New Deer Substation marks a significant step in our wider onshore Pathway to 2030 programme of transmission infrastructure for the north of Scotland. “While the work involved in this project all takes place within the existing New Deer Substation site, the project will play a major role in connecting new renewable energy to the grid and help to transport clean energy to where it is needed. “The project – which will see around 40 working at the site during peak construction – also supports local contracts to firms across the north of Scotland, including AJ Engineering who are based in Forres and Beauly-based Global Infrastructure Scotland, and we’re looking forward to working with them. We’re committed to engaging with the local community throughout the project’s construction to maximise business and other opportunities. “By investing in our network today, we’re building a clean energy future.” Breaking ground at the New Deer substation extension marks another step forwards in SSEN Transmission’s ambitious Pathway to 2030 programme – a major programme of electricity transmission projects that are part of its plans to invest at least £22 billion in the coming years. The programme will unlock Scotland’s homegrown, clean power potential and deliver the infrastructure needed to meet national energy security and clean power targets, all while bringing jobs and local benefits to the community. Works have already commenced with completion of the initial phase expected in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Carrier Solutions UK has announced that its recently launched AquaSnap 30AWH-P monobloc air-to-water heat pump has achieved Quiet Mark certification for its outstanding low-noise operation. Carrier Solutions UK Ltd (formerly Toshiba Carrier UK Ltd) is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. Quiet Mark is the independent global certification programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation, recognising best-in-class acoustic design across multiple industries. Only 10–20% of the quietest products in each category receive the certification. The AquaSnap 30AWH-P combines innovative design and environmental stewardship, using ultra-low GWP R290 natural refrigerant and quieter operation for residential and light commercial applications. End users benefit from low sound levels, further reduced in night mode, as well as flexible installation options across outputs from 4 to 14 kW. From a distance of 5m, the 30AWH-P features a low sound pressure level starting at just 24dB on the smallest size, thanks to the acoustic insulation on the metal panels around the hydraulic and refrigerant modules. “Innovating key features that provide important benefits been central to the development of the AquaSnap 30AWH-P,” said David Dunn, Managing Director, UK&I, Carrier CSE-R. “Earning Quiet Mark certification highlights the success of our design in delivering low noise alongside responsible performance, providing real benefits for end users.” For more information on the AquaSnap 30AWH-P, visit: Air-to-water heat pump | AquaSnap 30AWH-P Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NHS Property Services is pleased to announce Community Health Partnerships (CHP) has signed an agreement for the provision of NHS Open Space, following a successful pilot in partnership with Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent and South-East London ICBs. NHS Open Space provides a modern online portal, enabling users to view building details, photographs and floor plans as well as accessing room availability, accessibility information and opening hours. The pilot delivered an 83% positive user satisfaction rate, with 79% of users likely to book space again following their experience. The platform allows both NHS teams and pre-approved external organisations – including charities, local public sector and local providers – to book clinical and non-clinical space supported by robust and intuitive utilisation and data analytics, actively supporting the government’s 10 Year Health Plan commitment to shift the NHS from analogue to digital systems over the next decade. The award-winning digital booking platform, developed by NHS Property Services and recognised by industry experts*, is designed to help NHS landlords better manage their estate by improving utilisation and enabling flexible service delivery. The newly announced agreement follows a successful pilot, run by CHP in collaboration with South-East London and Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), with existing bookable room users and CHP tenants. The trial demonstrated measurable improvements in estate utilisation across 18 CHP sites with 151 bookable rooms, maximising the use of available space for clinicians and other users, while reducing the time spent by NHS colleagues on administrative processes, unlocking greater value and freeing them up to focus on patient care. “The team understood the ICB’s requirements and supported delivery of the expected outcomes,” said Tony Rackstraw, Programme Director at South-East London ICB. “We are confident that NHS Open Space will become the predominant booking application for our estate.” Chris King, Head of NHS Open Space, said: “We are thrilled that CHP, ICBs, tenants and partners have seen such great results since adopting NHS Open Space in the pilot locations. The NHS Open Space solution is about making every square metre of the NHS estate work harder for patients, staff, and communities, and the success of this pilot demonstrates how NHS Open Space can transform estate management, reduce administrative burden, and unlock new opportunities for care delivery.” Kate Ronan, Director of Digital, Data & Technology at Community Health Partnerships, added: “From the NHS Open Space pilot, we saw some really positive and tangible benefits delivered for our partners, room users, and tenants. Based on this success, CHP has agreed to work with NHS Property Services on the wider roll out of NHS Open Space to more of CHP’s bookable estate. We are working collaboratively with ICBs on this project alongside other partners over the next two years, and look forward to working with NHSPS to help services better support their patients in the local community.” CHP are currently working with ICBs across England to explore options to roll out NHS Open Space to appropriate healthcare buildings across their portfolio of 308 Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) buildings, with four ICBs confirmed for a phased rollout to 18 buildings in 2025/6. The initiative supports the NHS’s strategic shift toward neighbourhood health services from hospital-based care, also outlined in the Government’s 10-Year Plan as one of the three key priorities. The success of the pilot and subsequent partnership also follows the delivery of NHSPS’ recent Space Optimisation Survey which revealed that almost 9 out of 10 NHS leaders have a low to medium awareness of current space utilisation across their estate. Following this research, the property experts published their NHS Estate Optimisation Guide, designed to help the NHS best approach the process of assessing and adapting its spaces with more than 500 copies downloaded since it went live this summer. For more details read the NHS Open Space CHP Pilot case study here: NHS Property Services | NHS Open Space and Community Health Partnerships Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
St John’s College has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick for the next phase of expansion at St John’s Innovation Park, Cambridge. The 85,000 sq ft Dirac Building will provide new office space alongside a dedicated Transport Hub. Barbour ABI values the project at around £50m, with Bowmer & Kirkland, Vinci and McLaughlin & Harvey understood to have also bid. Work starts on site in November, with completion scheduled for Q2 2027. “This development exemplifies our commitment to building sustainable, high-quality spaces that meet the needs of forward-looking businesses,” said Stuart Deverill, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s Building division. “With our strong track record and experienced team, we look forward to bringing this important next chapter of St John’s Innovation Park to life.” The professional team includes Gardiner & Theobald (project manager), Sheppard Robson (architect), Ramboll (structural, civil and highways), Hoare Lea (building services), Stace (cost manager), Savills (town planning and commercial advisory) and OFR (fire engineering). Owned by St John’s College, the park hosts science, technology and knowledge-intensive organisations including PwC, Darktrace, Cambridge GaN Devices and Cambrionix. The Dirac Building continues a sustained investment programme supporting the North Cambridge R&D cluster. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The London Borough of Lambeth has approved plans for a mid-rise residential development in Brixton, with Higgins Partnerships securing consent for a series of blocks delivering 378 apartments on Somerleyton Road. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with full completion scheduled for 2030. The project is a joint venture between Higgins Partnerships and Lambeth Council. Of the 378 flats, 187 will be affordable, including 63 low-cost extra care homes. The scheme also includes a community gym, new community and commercial spaces, and significant public realm improvements along Somerleyton Road. Higgins Group chief executive Declan Higgins said: “This application is about more than delivering much-needed affordable homes. It’s about creating a sustainable, inclusive and vibrant neighbourhood that reflects the true spirit of Brixton.” Kathryn Eames, director of housing delivery and strategy at Lambeth Council, added: “With more than half of these new homes approved as affordable, this scheme is a powerful demonstration of Lambeth’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis. Less than a year since the launch of our refreshed New Homes Programme, we are proud that our first major partnership project with Higgins has already secured approval. By next year, construction will begin in Brixton, bringing much-needed homes and new community amenities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Located right in the centre of Birmingham’s prime business district, 81 Colmore Row, a Grade II listed building, has been fitted out by Thirdway on behalf of client Kinrise. Taking its design cues from the rich history and heritage features of the building, this 27,657 sq ft mixed CAT A & CAT A+ space offers unique, stand-out office spaces in the UK’s second city. Heritage as a starting point 81 Colmore Row (formerly The Chatwin Building) was designed by Julius Alfred Chatwin and completed in 1862 – it was originally designed as a library, but instead became the Joint Stock Bank, and then Lloyds Bank. As such the building boasts many traditional features such as the Corinthian columns, and an arcade of arched windows on the façade. Taking these heritage features as a reference point, Thirdway aimed to create a seamless cohesion between the exterior of the building, and the newly fitted out interiors. Rich textures and muted tones The use of rich textures and muted tones, and understated lines allowed the heritage features to take centre stage. This is seen in the reception area, where dark natural wood frames the reception desk, and is crafted in a rounded shape, mimicking the shape of the arched windows of the building. This shape is continued subtly throughout the reception, as seen in the rounded furniture and even the light fixture. Focus on contemporary While the design in part paid homage to the heritage features, it also had to deliver a contemporary feel as Kinrise’s brief was to create high-end, modern workspaces that would attract and impress the right tenants. To achieve this, contemporary styling was used through with the placement of bespoke modern art prints, abstract sculptures, and brightly coloured furnishings that brought freshness and modern feel to contrast with the traditional architectural features. An example of this is on the first floor CAT A+ space, where the welcome area features statement seating, adding a pop of colour to the neutral, timeless space. Standing out from the crowd Thirdway’s challenge was to create spaces that really stood out from other premium workplaces in the commercial district. The fourth floor exemplified this ambition, with a full-service space designed with earthy tones and clean, modern lines to offer complete versatility; whether it was used for daytime meetings and client hosting, or as an adaptable canvas for evening events. Enhancing this vision further, is ‘The Library’ on the third floor, which offers a contemporary communal workspace inspired by the building’s former life as a public library. Thoughtfully designed for informal meetings or as an inspiring alternative to open-plan seating, it features a striking gallery wall of modern art, brought to life with rich reds and browns that unify the space and encourage creativity. Flexibility for landlord and tenant To give ultimate flexibility for Kinrise and its tenants, Thirdway devised an adaptable floorplate that offered a choice of CAT A and CAT A+ spaces within the building. Integrated in the interior fit out were larger fully-fitted spaces that allowed businesses to move in straight away, as well as CAT A floors that were ready for customisation, so that tenants could personalise their own space. Thirdway also designed the second and third floors as CAT A+ spaces with smaller floorplates. These were designed to accommodate a variety of business needs, making them particularly suitable for smaller organisations or creative studios. Each of these compact yet highly functional layouts included open-plan desk areas, phone booths, a tea point, a communal workspace, and a four-person meeting room, as well as a large boardroom. Design-wise they focused on enhancing the heritage features, while opting for natural materials and a gentle colour scheme. This blend of design and amenities ensured a versatile workspace environment which is adaptable and appealing to businesses of all sizes. “Having the opportunity to work on an important heritage building in the heart of Birmingham was a great privilege for the whole Thirdway project team. Delivering on Kinrise’s brief to create high-end, sought after contemporary, flexible CAT A & CAT A+ workspaces without detracting from the heritage features of the building was a challenge that we relished. We believe we have created something unique that will enhance the business district of Birmingham, bringing in new, dynamic businesses and occupiers,” said Abi Munslow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Gym Group has issued an updated requirements list as it looks to speed up openings across the UK. The low-cost operator, now at 250 locations, is targeting units of 5,000–20,000 sq ft in highly visible spots and will consider both leasehold and freehold opportunities. Suitable sites include retail parks, mixed-use schemes, car showrooms and food stores. The company is prioritising catchments of at least 20,000 people within a five-minute drive time, with easy access to parking or strong links to nearby transport hubs. The push is part of a plan to add 50 gyms over the next three years. A strong pipeline is already in place, with 14–16 new locations due to open in 2025. Savills has been retained to identify opportunities and progress acquisitions. Landlords and agents with qualifying space are encouraged to get in touch, as The Gym Group looks to deploy its standardised, value-led format at pace in well-connected, high-visibility settings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals