Newcastle United Football Club, a cherished home for generations of fans since 1892, has introduced two new escalators as part of a refurbishment of its on-site merchandising outlet. Through close collaboration with Newcastle United Football Club, the Stannah Major Projects team designed and delivered a bespoke escalator system, offering seamless
Leading installer of regulatory-compliant passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have been honoured with a dedicated ‘Injectaclad Contractors Award’ in recognition of their successful implementation of the Injectaclad solution across the UK. The Injectaclad Contractors Award celebrates approved installers who demonstrate outstanding delivery, meticulous project management and a strong dedication
Dandara, one of the UK’s leading independent housebuilders, recently joined forces with Aviva Investors, Milton Keynes College and Packaged Living to deliver an ambitious education initiative, aimed at giving young people in Milton Keynes real insight into careers in construction and property. The initiative was created and funded by Aviva
A project devised by Sodexo Health & Care at Wythenshawe Hospital has won two awards at the prestigious 2025 Safety & Health Excellence (SHE) Awards, recognising Sodexo’s team at the hospital for their hard work and commitment to maintaining safe and healthy working environments. The SHE Awards, delivered in conjunction
A new study from Oscar Acoustics, Great Britain’s specialists in architectural acoustic finishes, highlights a growing workplace challenge: Excessive office noise is undermining productivity, employee well-being, and the ‘Great Return to the Office.’ Noise has become a major deterrent for employees returning to in-office work. The push to end hybrid working
REGIONAL businesses have joined forces to expand education and training opportunities, tackling the growing construction skills gap and creating new entry routes for both young people and those upskilling across Yorkshire and the Humber. Stakeholders spanning building services, housing, construction, engineering, and manufacturing, alongside government agencies, charities, and training providers,
United Living Group, the provider of infrastructure, affordable housing, property services, and telecoms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Kershaw as CEO of its subsidiary United Living Property Services. Claire is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in the social housing sector, covering property maintenance, refurbishment,
SEGRO has completed the 35-acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at its state-of-the-art multimodal development SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, enabling freight trains to access the site ahead of the launch of regular services later in the year. Maritime Transport agreed terms to operate the terminal in June 2022. The completion follows
British Land has unveiled the newly completed Dock Shed, a 180,000 sq ft highly sustainable mixed-use building at Canada Water designed by Allies and Morrison with lobby interiors by Conran and Partners. A 21st century take on a classic docklands warehouse, Dock Shed is a BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 4.5*
ROCKWOOL has secured approval for its first planning submission for a new manufacturing facility that would support hundreds of jobs in the West Midlands. The leading global non-combustible insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL submitted a Section 73 application to Birmingham City Council requesting permission to vary some of the details in the
Newcastle United Football Club, a cherished home for generations of fans since 1892, has introduced two new escalators as part of a refurbishment of its on-site merchandising outlet. Through close collaboration with Newcastle United Football Club, the Stannah Major Projects team designed and delivered a bespoke escalator system, offering seamless transportation and significantly enhancing user experience. Open seven days a week, the club’s refurbishment plans aim to celebrate and preserve its rich history and heritage while showcasing its widest range of football kits and merchandise, introduced as part of its £30 million partnership with Adidas. The works The project entailed a full refurbishment of the club’s shop following a £30m deal with Adidas as NUFC’s official kit supplier. This included removing the existing escalator, and designing and installing two new escalators to integrate with the updated layout. Stannah Lift Services worked alongside 442 Design, a leading interior design company, to ensure the new escalators would seamlessly integrate into the architectural framework. Together, they identified necessary structural changes, including adjustments to the pit area to address conflicts between the stadiums’ structural supports and the original layout. Stannah also carried out a detailed evaluation of the existing escalator and its surrounding infrastructure to find the best and safest removal solution. While the client liaised and initiated the removal with the demolition company, Stannah removed key components, such as the steps and drive unit, to facilitate easier manoeuvring of the escalator sections. The challenge The client set a tight budget and a strict timescale in order for the work to be completed in a timely manner and offer value to NUFC fans. To address this, Stannah provided detailed guidance on an escalator solution that met the building and shop layout requirements while balancing cost and efficiency. Stannah faced other challenges as logistics were disrupted due to conflicts impacting the Suez Canal, which made it unsafe and inaccessible for ships to pass through. As a result, logistic companies were forced to reroute deliveries around the Cape of Good Hope, causing significant delays in the delivery of materials. To mitigate further delays and to meet the store opening deadline, Stannah increased on-site labour resources to ensure the installation, commissioning and testing proceeded as planned. The integration of the new escalators also demanded technical precision to address structural modifications to ensure the installation aligned seamlessly with the architectural framework and complied with rigorous safety standards. Extensive testing was conducted by Stannah’s engineers to confirm the escalators’ safety and performance, ensuring they met the BS115 standard. Stannah provided comprehensive training on escalator operation, maintenance and safety to the building management team and store staff, providing all the skills and knowledge needed to manage and operate the systems efficiently. The escalator solution Stannah proposed the installation of two new A2C escalators to improve traffic flow between the ground and shop’s mezzanine levels, ensuring seamless access and greater convenience for users. With a high-quality design, the escalators’ design focused on minimising friction, vibration and noise, delivering a smooth and quiet ride capable of efficiently managing increased foot traffic during peak periods. To maximise energy efficiency and to provide flexibility on how the client would like to use the escalators, Stannah provided features such as stop-and-start technology and reduced speed operation so they can choose the correct operational philosophy to suit their current or future requirements. Star/delta bypass was also provided which provides redundancy in case of VVVF inverter failure. Stannah’s A2C escalator package is a reliable solution for commercial, retail, hotel and office environments. With a rise of 3.0 to 15.8 metres and speeds ranging from 0.5 to 0.75 metres per second, these escalators are finished with a glass balustrade and natural anodised aluminium handrail guide frames for a modern and durable design. Ryan Robson, Head of Projects, at Newcastle United Football Club, said: “The new escalators are a step forward to improving the efficiency of foot traffic around the NUFC. Stannah’s expertise and attention to detail throughout the process, from design to installation, were incredible. Their ability to deliver a solution tailored to our needs and manage challenges swiftly has been beneficial to the completion of this project.” John Metcalfe, Project Delivery Manager at Stannah Lifts, said: “This project was an exciting opportunity to showcase our expertise in delivering tailored escalator solutions that seamlessly integrate into unique architectural environments. By collaborating closely with the client, we were able to address their specific requirements for increased foot traffic, while incorporating energy-saving features like the VVVF drive system.” All of Stannah’s escalators are fully compliant with the latest British Standards, including BS5656 and BS115, and are equipped with the latest passenger safety features. Find out more information on escalators and moving walkways or contact Stannah for a range of lift products and services at www.stannahlifts.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading installer of regulatory-compliant passive fire barriers, Injecta Fire Barrier, have been honoured with a dedicated ‘Injectaclad Contractors Award’ in recognition of their successful implementation of the Injectaclad solution across the UK. The Injectaclad Contractors Award celebrates approved installers who demonstrate outstanding delivery, meticulous project management and a strong dedication to upholding the highest standards in fire protection.As the UK’s first independent approved installer of the patented Injectaclad system, Injecta Fire Barrier has been commended for its commitment to compliance through minimally disruptive installations in UK high-rise buildings. “From complex residential retrofits to large-scale remediation works, we’ve consistently delivered safe, compliant and minimally disruptive fire protection solutions using the Injectaclad system – and it’s an honour to be recognised with this prestigious Injectaclad Contractors Award!” says Shaun Tasker, Managing Director at Injecta Fire Barrier. Injectaclad is an acrylic based graphite sealant that expands when exposed to heat to slow the spread of flames and smoke between wall and floor cavities, giving a building’s occupants critical time to safely evacuate.By eliminating the need for major alterations to a building’s façade, the solution offers building owners a more cost-effective alternative than the removal of potentially dangerous cladding. With the growing demand for passive fire safety solutions following the Grenfell tragedy and subsequent regulatory reforms, including the Fire Safety Act (2021), installers such as injectaclad have sought to leverage the innovative solution to help buildings across the UK become better safeguarded from fire. “With stricter regulations creating challenges for property developers, passive fire barriers like Injectaclad are becoming essential. Now as an award-winning installer, we remain committed to providing cost-effective fire safety solutions for high-rise buildings, while supporting property developers in achieving compliance” adds Shaun. Operating as a subsidiary in the Light Science Technologies Holdings PLC Group, Injecta Fire Barrier is a trusted partner in the fire protection industry, focusing solely on supplying and installing the innovative passive fire barriers. With 2025 shaping up to be a busy year, filled with major projects and industry events, Injecta Fire Barrier is looking forward to expanding its reach and impact to further strengthen their role in safeguarding UK buildings from fire. “This esteemed award is a testament to the hard work, precision and commitment our team poured into every project. A massive thank you to Injectaclad for this recognition and to our clients and partners for your continued trust in our expertise. Here’s to raising the bar in passive fire protection and to many more milestones ahead!” concludes Shaun. More information about Injecta Fire Barrier can be found at: https://injectafirebarrier.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dandara, one of the UK’s leading independent housebuilders, recently joined forces with Aviva Investors, Milton Keynes College and Packaged Living to deliver an ambitious education initiative, aimed at giving young people in Milton Keynes real insight into careers in construction and property. The initiative was created and funded by Aviva Investors with contributions from Dandara and Packaged Living to offer a bespoke careers programme to inspire young people in overcoming barriers and achieving their full career potential. It follows the announcement last year that Aviva Investors had funded the creation of 212 new family homes across two brand new communities in Shenley Wood and Whitehouse Park as part of a partnership with Packaged Living, which will be delivered by Dandara. Over seven weeks, 17 students studying a T-Level course in construction participated in a series of hands-on workshops, practical challenges and career-focused sessions designed to build skills, boost confidence and open doors to future opportunities in the industry. The standout session, The Big Build, saw students step into the role of property developers, constructing sustainable models using only the materials provided – with a budget of £30 million in mock capital to manage. From wooden pegs to lollipop sticks, creativity and sustainability were the name of the game. The more sustainable and resource-efficient the design, the higher the team scored – with the winning team selected by a judging panel from all three companies. Students not only tackled real-world issues like climate change and sustainable building practices, but also explored asset management and investment strategy, helping them to understand the wider ecosystem of the built environment. In what was a programme highlight; interview preparation sessions gave students invaluable insight into professional life – many having never sat an interview before. As a result, Dandara is now looking to offer work placements to T-Level students to create long-term pathways into the industry. Lesley Treacy, Head of ESG at Dandara, who supported several sessions and was a judge on the panel, said: “Working directly with the students has been a genuinely inspiring experience. Their enthusiasm, creativity and commitment to sustainability gave me great confidence in the next generation of construction professionals. At Dandara, we’re passionate about investing in future talent and ensuring the built environment evolves with fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. “The level of engagement we saw, especially during interview preparation and practical sessions, highlighted just how important real-world exposure is at this stage in a student’s development. The students showed an impressive understanding of sustainability and collaboration – two values at the core of what we do.” Ben Sanderson, Managing Director, Real Estate, at Aviva Investors, added: “We think it’s really important for investors to recognise the projects they fund do not sit in isolation. They are also a great opportunity for companies to interact with – and give back to – the local community and to add social value. Creating this initiative was a wonderful chance to meet young people in Milton Keynes who might have an interest in property or construction, to help nurture their enthusiasm and hopefully inspire the next generation to explore jobs in the industry. It was terrific to see how engaged they were and to show them the role these professions can play in helping the UK get ready for the future by investing into communities and having a positive impact on the surrounding areas.” The final feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of students reporting, they are confident to extremely confident they have the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. The programme brought learning to life in a fun, interactive way that connected classroom theory with industry practice. At the end of the programme, each student received a certificate and credits towards their course, recognising their participation and achievements. As Dandara continues to expand its presence across the UK, its involvement in programmes like this reflects a genuine commitment to creating opportunities for young people and strengthening ties with the communities it serves. By working directly with students and educational partners, the company is helping to equip future talent with the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive in the world of construction and beyond. To find out more about Dandara visit www.dandara.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A project devised by Sodexo Health & Care at Wythenshawe Hospital has won two awards at the prestigious 2025 Safety & Health Excellence (SHE) Awards, recognising Sodexo’s team at the hospital for their hard work and commitment to maintaining safe and healthy working environments. The SHE Awards, delivered in conjunction with the British Safety Industry Federation (BSiF) and now in their eighth year, promote the importance of innovation and underline the highest standards of excellence within health and safety. The project secured top honours in two key categories: Best Health and Safety Project and Best Use of Health and Safety Data to Lower Incidents. Focused on reducing slips, trips, and falls across the hospital, the project has delivered impressive results, including the elimination of slip-related injuries in 2024. Using data-led approach the project, identified high-risk areas using the digital safety platform Salus Sodexo then partnered with Manchester-based WearerTech to provide 363 staff with ergonomic, anti-slip footwear, while reinforcing safe behaviours through digital campaigns, revised protocols, and over 150 safety walks. The impact has been profound: zero reportable slip, trip, and fall incidents, alongside marked improvements in staff wellbeing and engagement. In addition to the two awards, Sodexo Health & Care’s Sally Holdsworth, Health & Safety Manager at Wythenshawe Hospital, was highly commended in the Manager of the Year category for her leadership in health and safety which has played a key role in developing a strong safety culture at Wythenshawe Hospital. Sally’s proactive approach to risk management, innovative use of the Salus safety system, and dedication to employee wellbeing are just a few of the reasons behind her recognition. She regularly carries out on-site safety walks, encourages colleagues to raise concerns, and has been instrumental in reinstating the site’s Health & Safety Committee. Philip Leigh, CEO healthcare, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and collaboration of our colleagues. At Sodexo, safety is not just a priority – it’s deeply ingrained in everything we do. We aim to ensure that everyone leaves work in the same safe state they arrived. The success at Wythenshawe Hospital shows what’s possible when data, technology, and people come together to drive real change. This positive safety mindset takes real effort to achieve, and it’s something truly worth celebrating.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new study from Oscar Acoustics, Great Britain’s specialists in architectural acoustic finishes, highlights a growing workplace challenge: Excessive office noise is undermining productivity, employee well-being, and the ‘Great Return to the Office.’ Noise has become a major deterrent for employees returning to in-office work. The push to end hybrid working is gaining momentum, with corporate giants like Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, and Barclays[1] leading the charge and setting the tone for what some call “the great return.” Yet, despite efforts by employers to improve office environments, more than half (56%) of UK office workers still describe their workplaces as noisy, and fewer than one in three believe their surroundings fully support their productivity. The findings, based on a survey of 2,000 UK business professionals, reveal the impact of poor acoustic design on employee satisfaction and productivity: The data also reflects a generational divide: Two in three employees aged 25-34 say they would quit if forced to return to full-time office work, while just 1 in 10 Gen Z workers actively prefer office hours. A productivity problem ignoredDespite the global focus on workplace well-being, the percentage of employees who describe their office as noisy has remained stubbornly high—from 59% in 2019 (Oscar Acoustics, Noisy Workspace, 2019) to 56% in 2025. Noise-related productivity issues are also worsening: In 2023, 81% of employees reported that office noise affected their performance, up sharply from 41% in 2022. To cope, employees are increasingly turning to noise-blocking methods, including headphones, with usage nearly doubling from 23% in 2022 to 41% in 2025. While effective in the short term, this reduces collaboration and team cohesion, stifling opportunities for spontaneous learning and innovation, especially for junior colleagues who are in a stage of their careers requiring mentorship and on-the-job coaching. Rob Smith, Director, tp bennett, outlined: “There needs to be more logic in how offices are designed, ensuring a seamless transition from quieter zones to vibrant, high-energy areas. When people do find themselves in those busier environments, there should be easily accessible refuge spaces. This is where we can truly leverage acoustics and lighting to create retreats that offer relief when the noise becomes overwhelming.” It’s all in the designAcoustic issues continue to be overlooked in office design despite the growing evidence of their impact. Only 29% of workers feel their office acoustics meet their needs, with the same number revealing that implementing acoustic solutions would improve their productivity. This aligns with reports from architects highlighting a lack of focus on sound management in project briefs. Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics, commented: “Productivity in the UK is already under scrutiny, with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reporting declines in Q1 2025[2] and EY revising GDP growth forecasts down to 1%[3]. Employers, architects, and developers cannot afford to treat acoustics as an afterthought. Investing in sound management isn’t just a matter of employee well-being—it’s a strategic priority for business success.” Derek Clements-Croome, Emeritus Professor at the University of Reading, said “The landscape is changing. By incorporating features like restoration pods, for example, we’re acknowledging that taking breaks is not only acceptable but beneficial for the brain. It doesn’t mean you’re unproductive; quite the opposite, as creative thoughts can occur at any moment in any place. You’re often more productive when you give your brain the respect it deserves.” Oscar Acoustics calls on companies to prioritise workplace acoustics as part of their return-to-work strategy, empowering employees to thrive in environments designed for both productivity and collaboration. To find out more about Oscar Acoustics’ study, download their 2025 Whitepaper ‘Shaping Spaces for The Great Return to the Office,’ here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
REGIONAL businesses have joined forces to expand education and training opportunities, tackling the growing construction skills gap and creating new entry routes for both young people and those upskilling across Yorkshire and the Humber. Stakeholders spanning building services, housing, construction, engineering, and manufacturing, alongside government agencies, charities, and training providers, came together last week at Leeds College of Building for the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP) in the region. GSAP is a UK-wide member-led initiative, with regional panels established to support the delivery of green skills and employment pathways needed to meet the national net zero targets. The Yorkshire and the Humber panel is the latest to launch, forming a dedicated hub to drive collaboration and impact locally. Founding members of the panel include EN:Able Communities, the charitable arm of housing consortium Efficiency North, Barnsley College, Leeds College of Building, Sustainable Building Services (UK) Ltd, and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Simeon Perry, head of operations at EN:Able Communities, said: “It should come as no surprise that some of the sectors most in need of levelling up are those with the fewest opportunities. While it won’t happen overnight, real change is essential, especially in regions like ours, where the ambition is high but the solutions are few. “By joining forces with key construction businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber, we’re able to harness the power of collaboration to address the industry’s future capacity challenges. That means not just increasing headcount but also investing in and supporting the existing workforce.” With more than 13,000 new construction workers needed in North Yorkshire & York by 2031 to meet government targets, on top of West Yorkshire Combined Authority aiming to retrofit all social housing by 2038, requiring 838,000 heat pumps installed, 205,000 homes connected to heat networks and 569 megawatts of rooftop solar installed, the panel’s work is both timely and necessary. The group’s inaugural meeting marked the start of a collaborative journey to strengthen regional green talent pipelines, create accessible career routes, and support a workforce equipped to deliver a net zero future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Living Group, the provider of infrastructure, affordable housing, property services, and telecoms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Kershaw as CEO of its subsidiary United Living Property Services. Claire is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in the social housing sector, covering property maintenance, refurbishment, and regeneration. She has held a variety of leadership roles in companies such as Mitie, Willmott Dixon, and Kier where she led business strategy and delivered operational, customer experience, work winning and procurement improvement programmes. Luke Anderson, Chief Operating Officer of United Living Group, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Claire to the team. Her professional credibility and strong leadership will be instrumental in driving our successful Property Services business forward, ensuring we continue to provide high-quality, innovative and sustainable solutions for our clients and communities and deliver on our ambitious growth plans. “We are also pleased to announce that Vlad Nedelcu will be joining Claire’s Senior Leadership Team as COO of United Living Property Services. Vlad has played a pivotal role in PiLON’s journey, which United Living Group acquired in 2024, growing the business from the ground up into the successful and respected organisation it is today. As PiLON continues to thrive under the United Living Group’s Property Services pillar, Vlad will bring his proven track record and deep sector knowledge to enhance our operational capabilities and support our continued growth.” Both Claire and Vlad are Members of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIHM) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO has completed the 35-acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at its state-of-the-art multimodal development SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, enabling freight trains to access the site ahead of the launch of regular services later in the year. Maritime Transport agreed terms to operate the terminal in June 2022. The completion follows a 54-hour rail possession over the Easter period, during which SEGRO and its contractor Winvic, along with Network Rail delivered all critical elements of the scheme, including the commissioning of the main line and intermodal signalling. The rail terminal connects to the West Coast Mainline via the Northampton Loop Line and is expected to play a pivotal role in shifting freight movement from road to rail, reducing emissions and congestion. Kate Bedson, Senior Director, National Markets at SEGRO, said: “We’re excited to see real momentum at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, with the completion of the rail freight terminal infrastructure and strong progress on Yusen Logistics’ new facility – the first warehouse on the park to be constructed. “Each freight train can remove up to 76 HGVs from the road with a consequential reduction in carbon emissions, making this a crucial step towards more sustainable logistics. With rail freight contributing £1.7 billion to the economy, this milestone is not only a shot in the arm for growth, also it supports a greener, more efficient supply chain.” The rail terminal is part of SEGRO’s wider £200 million investment in local infrastructure around Northampton, delivered in partnership with National Highways, Network Rail and local authorities. The development has consent for 5 million sq ft of logistics and warehousing space and can accommodate units starting from 100,000 sq ft. The development is expected to create around 7,500 new jobs and will provide over 80 acres of parkland and amenity grassland, 18 kilometres of footpaths, 20 kilometres of hedgerows, and 60,000 newly planted trees — enhancing biodiversity and improving community access to green space. Other improvements completed over the last year include upgrades to M1 Junction 15, the A508, and the A45, significantly enhancing access and traffic flow. Final landscaping and perimeter works are set to be completed soon. Located adjacent to Junction 15 of the M1, just four miles from Northampton, the park is one of the UK’s premier multi-modal logistics hubs. Notes to editors: SEGRO has incorporated a successful intermodal SRFI, operated my Maritime Transport, at SEGRO Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway near Castle Donnington. It can accommodate up to 16 freight trains a day and provides direct access to the UK’s SRFI network, as well as major UK ports such as Southampton, Felixstowe, London Gateway and the Channel Tunnel. About SEGRO SEGRO is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), listed on the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Paris, and is a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and industrial property. It owns or manages 10.3 million square metres of space (111 million square feet) valued at £20.3 billion at 31 December 2024 serving customers from a wide range of industry sectors. Its properties are located in and around major cities and at key transportation hubs in the UK and in seven other European countries. For over 100 years SEGRO has been creating the space that enables extraordinary things to happen. From modern big box warehouses, used primarily for regional, national and international distribution hubs, to urban warehousing (including data centres) located close to major population centres and business districts, it provides high-quality assets that allow its customers to thrive. A commitment to be a force for societal and environmental good is integral to SEGRO’s purpose and strategy. Its Responsible SEGRO framework focuses on three long-term priorities where the company believes it can make the greatest impact: Championing Low-Carbon Growth, Investing in Local Communities and Environments and Nurturing Talent. Striving for the highest standards of innovation, sustainable business practices and enabling economic and societal prosperity underpins SEGRO’s ambition to be the best property company. See www.SEGRO.com for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land has unveiled the newly completed Dock Shed, a 180,000 sq ft highly sustainable mixed-use building at Canada Water designed by Allies and Morrison with lobby interiors by Conran and Partners. A 21st century take on a classic docklands warehouse, Dock Shed is a BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 4.5* workspace situated within the heart of the first phase of British Land and AustralianSuper’s 53-acre masterplan. Dock Shed features extensive 2,000-5,000 sq ft terraces overlooking waterside surroundings – including British architect Asif Khan’s iconic red boardwalk, Rafter Walk – and views of the London skyline. Allies and Morrison has referred to the heritage of the docks throughout the design of the building, with distinctive saw-tooth steel roof profile and materials chosen to channel the former deal (timber) sheds which lined the docks. Internally, Conran and Partners has designed a seven-metre-high, multipurpose social lobby on the ground floor, featuring a mezzanine level offering three private meeting rooms for occupiers’ use. Designed to meet the needs of headquarter occupiers, the up to four-metre floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows flood the 40,000 sq ft floors with natural light, while openable windows enhance fresh air circulation throughout Dock Shed, while the terraces are designed to encourage outdoor meetings, serve as informal breakout areas, relaxation zones or for social events. On the lower floors and basement of the building, British Land, Allies and Morrison and Roberts Limbrick have delivered a state-of-the art leisure centre for Southwark Council. With a multi-station gym, eight-lane swimming pool, yoga studios and a sports hall, Canada Water Leisure Centre will offer access to world-class wellness facilities for people working at Dock Shed, and will open later this year. Occupiers will benefit from a range of retail and leisure amenities including the recently opened Corner Corner, a new cultural hub featuring live music, exceptional food and beverage pop-ups and London’s largest indoor commercial farm, as well as Padel courts (opening later this spring). The area will be further enhanced later this year, with a growing selection of retail and dining options at Canada Water; Sushi Revolution and The Village Tree were recently announced as the first two occupiers of the newly built spaces. The launch of Dock Shed follows the success of Paper Yard, a modular science and technology campus at Canada Water, and precedes the launch of further state-of-the-art workspace with Three Deal Porters, which sits adjacent to Dock Shed, later this year. British Land’s Head of Development, David Lockyer, said: “As we near completion of the first phase of our masterplan, we’re proud to unveil Dock Shed, our first commercial building at Canada Water. Drawing on the area’s industrial heritage, Dock Shed reinterprets the character of the former dockside warehouses, brought to life through British Land’s expertise in creating market-leading campus environments. “Designed for the future of work, Dock Shed offers a best-in-class combination of sustainability, digital infrastructure and modern amenities, with expansive, light-filled floorplates. Set within the growing cultural and leisure scene emerging across the wider masterplan – with a nature reserve on its doorstep, a state-of-the-art leisure centre beneath, and green spaces all around – Dock Shed presents a unique workspace proposition that supports both productivity and wellbeing.” Paul Eaton, Partner at Allies and Morrison, said: “Dock Shed’s completion marks an important milestone in the realisation of the Canada Water masterplan, a project Allies and Morrison has been involved with for over a decade. As a distinctive new presence on the edge of Canada Dock, Dock Shed is a context-driven hybrid building providing both important local amenity and inspiring, high-quality new workspace. And as part of the masterplan, Dock Shed works hard to define a new public space – Dock Office Courtyard – and vital new connections between the waterside and Southwark Park.” Simon Kincaid, Principal and Partner at Conran and Partners, said: “Dock Shed balances elegance with casual comfort, as we’ve approached the interior design with the same mindset we bring to hospitality, creating spaces that are welcoming and full of character to draw people together. Introducing a café into the lobby of the first commercial building was a deliberate move to foster a sense of community and social activation from day one. The interiors are purposefully unexpected, from sculptural rope installations to furniture and finishes that draw inspiration from hospitality and residential settings rather than conventional office design, whilst nodding to Canada Water’s rich history.” At the intersection of both an Underground and Overground train line, more under-35s are able to reach Canada Water within 45 minutes than any other central London commercial hub (JLL research), highlighting its strength as an emerging office location. Dock Shed also benefits from exceptional connectivity, and is located just a minute’s walk from Canada Water station from where you can reach London Bridge or the West End within 10 minutes on the Jubilee line, or via the Elizabeth line just one stop away. The City of London can also be reached in 10 minutes by bike. Part of the 53-acre Canada Water Masterplan, Dock Shed is part of the first phase, which completes later this year and sees a further 120,000 sq ft of flexible workspace, 186 new homes at The Founding, and public realm. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ROCKWOOL has secured approval for its first planning submission for a new manufacturing facility that would support hundreds of jobs in the West Midlands. The leading global non-combustible insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL submitted a Section 73 application to Birmingham City Council requesting permission to vary some of the details in the current planning permission for the Peddimore site, north east of Birmingham. Now approval has been secured, ROCKWOOL plans to submit a more detailed Reserved Matters application later in 2025 or early 2026, which will provide specifics about the design of the facility. If the Reserved Matters application is approved, construction could begin later in 2026 with the facility becoming operational in 2029. ROCKWOOL, which has operated from South Wales since 1979, has strong foundations in the UK and the Peddimore facility would be the company’s second local site, supporting hundreds of construction jobs and creating new, long-term skilled roles. The proposed state-of-the-art insulation manufacturing facility would boost supply capacity for UK and Republic of Ireland customers, whilst also supporting the company’s ambitious global sustainability plans. Engaging with the local community Since plans for the new facility were announced in November 2024, ROCKWOOL has carried out the first phase of a community engagement programme to share initial information and listen to feedback. ROCKWOOL plans to carry out a second phase of engagement once more detailed plans and designs have been developed. Information about the plans is available to view at www.rockwool.com/uk/peddimore and will be updated as the proposal develops. Nick Wilson, Managing Director of ROCKWOOL UK & Ireland, said: “We are very pleased to have received approval for our Section 73 application and look forward to developing the plans further and sharing them with the community in the months ahead. “We are grateful to everyone who took the time to provide feedback on our initial plans, which we will be considering as we progress. The West Midlands has a skilled, local workforce, a strong manufacturing tradition, and excellent transport links, so we believe the Peddimore site is an ideal location for us to expand our business and bolster our service to customers across the UK and Ireland.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
