Despite the UK construction industry employing over 2.2 million people, only 15% are women, and they make up only 2% of manual skilled roles, such as electricians and plumbers. And the stakes are high, with the UK government committing over £700 billion in infrastructure investment over the next decade, targets
Planning permission has been granted for the major extension and redevelopment of New Aquitaine House in Theale, paving the way for Pulleyn Properties (part of Cube Cold) to establish a new headquarters at the site. Cube Cold is a leading provider of end-to-end temperature-controlled logistics solutions across Europe. Its UK
DTZ Investors has completed the £58 million acquisition of a freehold hotel and retail block in London’s West End. The asset, located at 120-134 Tottenham Court Road, 48-50 Grafton Way and 5 Warren Street, extends to around 174,575 sq ft and is anchored by a 330-room hotel. The hotel is
Wrexham AFC have appointed McLaren Construction Midlands and North under a PCSA (Pre-Construction Services Agreement) for the redevelopment of the iconic Kop Stand at the world’s oldest international football stadium still in use – the STōK Cae Ras. The appointment marks the start of Wrexham AFC’s long-term vision for the
Northern Ireland joinery and fit-out contractor Mivan has been appointed principal contractor for the Grand Apartments at 1 Mayfair, one of London’s most exclusive residential developments. The multi-million-pound contract sees Mivan take on work at the £2 billion scheme on South Audley Street, developed by Phones 4U founder John Caudwell.
Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £30.5 million contract to build a new custody suite for Derbyshire Constabulary in Chesterfield. The three-storey facility, located on Dunston Road, will provide 36 cells and has been designed by Corstorphine & Wright. The scheme includes photovoltaic panels, site-wide groundworks, drainage, car parking and
Heidelberg Materials is building the world’s first carbon capture facility to enable fully decarbonised cement production after reaching a FID (Final Investment Decision) with the UK Government for its carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in north Wales. The announcement, made today by Michael Shanks, Energy Minister in the Department
MILWAUKEE® continues to provide innovative lighting solutions for the professional job site with the expansion of their M18™ lighting line up. Wireless remote to rotate, adjust, and power from afar. Our M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light is the first of its kind, allowing power utility users to spot lines and
Landsec is reshaping its development priorities, pausing new office schemes in favour of a major push into retail acquisitions worth £1bn. Chief executive Mark Allan used the company’s latest investor day to set out the shift, highlighting stronger opportunities for growth in shopping centres compared with new-build commercial offices. The
A main contractor has been selected for the first phase of Cheltenham’s landmark Golden Valley project, a £1bn mixed-use development set to become a centre for UK cyber, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. HBD, part of Henry Boot, has appointed Bowmer & Kirkland to lead the initial stage of the
Despite the UK construction industry employing over 2.2 million people, only 15% are women, and they make up only 2% of manual skilled roles, such as electricians and plumbers. And the stakes are high, with the UK government committing over £700 billion in infrastructure investment over the next decade, targets for 1.5 million new homes by 2029, and a critical labour shortage across the country. To highlight this issue, Excavator Parts Direct (EPD), a leading UK supplier of excavator parts, has revealed key construction roles with significant gender disparities, what the opportunities are and what can be done. According to recent data, here are six positions with key opportunities to bridge the workforce gap: Position No. Of Female Employees Annual Recruitment Requirement (People/Year) Average Annual Salary Carpenter / Joiner 0.5% 5280 £35,000 Electrician 0.7% 3500 £34,000 Plumber 1.8% 1250 £32,000 Roofer 1.9% 690 £30,000 Painter and Decorator 7.7% 690 £30,000 Plant Operator 10.3% 1130 £28,000 Over a third of new entrants (37%) to the construction sector are female, however retention and progression is limited, with only 16% of senior roles held by women. The gender pay gap is also stark as women earn up to 33% less than men in equivalent roles, making it the biggest gap of any UK industry. This imbalance is particularly concerning given the UK’s severe labour shortage. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates the UK will need over 250,000 additional workers by 2028 to meet demand from infrastructure and housing projects. With 35% of the workforce over 50, retirement rates are outpacing recruitment. And despite growing conversations around workplace diversity, the latest ONS data shows that the number of women in skilled construction trades has remained stagnant for two decades, at 298,000. Jane McGuire Head of Business Services & HR from EPD, commented: “The construction industry is a great sector to work in; however female representation is shockingly low. Gender representation isn’t just a social issue – it’s a strategic one. There is a real shortage in labour, as well as a huge gap in terms of gender in construction roles, in particular skilled manual roles. This is a missed opportunity for everyone.” “The data shows us that women are significantly underrepresented in skilled trades and site-based roles, yet they make up over a third of new entrants to the industry. That gap between entry and progression is where we need to focus. At EPD, we believe the path forward includes inclusive apprenticeships, better PPE and site conditions, flexible working policies, and visible role models. When women can see themselves in these roles, and are supported to thrive, the entire industry benefits. It’s not just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more resilient workforce that is fit for what the country needs.” For more information about Excavator Parts Direct, visit https://excavatorpartsdirect.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning permission has been granted for the major extension and redevelopment of New Aquitaine House in Theale, paving the way for Pulleyn Properties (part of Cube Cold) to establish a new headquarters at the site. Cube Cold is a leading provider of end-to-end temperature-controlled logistics solutions across Europe. Its UK operations are delivered through Pulleyn, the Reading-based specialist logistics company known for serving critical sectors such as medical, pharmaceuticals, NHS public health, frozen food and fine art. Construction on the new 10,155 sqm facility is underway and will feature extended warehouse and office space, enabling Cube Cold to expand its operations and meet the growing demands of its clients. It will involve the partial demolition and extension of the current vacant building, with additional upgrades including new access routes, landscaping, car parking and recladding of retained structures to modernise the site. Acting on behalf of Cube Cold, Thames Valley based planning and development consultancy Lichfields worked closely with West Berkshire Council, Theale Parish Council and local enterprise and economic development bodies which was fundamental to secure approval for the expansion. The development will generate significant economic growth in the region, both during the construction phase and once operational. It is envisaged that over the 46-week construction period, the project will create 155 jobs and contribute £24.5 million in gross value added (GVA). Upon completion and once operational, the new facility will host up to 145 permanent roles at the site. The expansion will also generate an additional 40 spin-off jobs in the local economy, contributing £10.3 million annually in GVA. The development will target a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ for its environmental performance and deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of over 17%. This ensures that both environmental and sustainability goals are met while also providing significant economic benefits. Nick Kirby, Planning Director at Lichfields, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for Cube Cold’s much needed expansion into New Aquitaine House, which will bring a vacant building into use alongside substantial economic and operational benefits to the local community and broader region. The project highlights Lichfields’ expertise in steering complex major developments through the planning system and we’re proud to have played a key role in enabling Cube Cold to increase their capacity for growth in the Thames Valley.” Established in 1976, Pulleyn Properties, as part of Cube Cold, has earned a reputation for providing high-quality specialist storage and logistics services across the UK, Europe and worldwide. This expansion will allow them to retain their strategic location in the Thames Valley while continuing to lead the market in their sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DTZ Investors has completed the £58 million acquisition of a freehold hotel and retail block in London’s West End. The asset, located at 120-134 Tottenham Court Road, 48-50 Grafton Way and 5 Warren Street, extends to around 174,575 sq ft and is anchored by a 330-room hotel. The hotel is leased to Radisson Blu on a long-term agreement running until 2163, with fixed five-yearly uplifts. The tenant is currently investing approximately £7.5 million in a phased refurbishment of the property. Alongside the hotel, the block includes around 26,365 sq ft of retail accommodation across 12 units, let to a mix of occupiers including Tesco, Boots, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Caffè Nero, Paul, Rosa’s Thai and Wasabi. Tony Gibby, senior director at DTZ Investors, said: “This acquisition provides long-term, inflation-linked income from a prime West End location. The combination of a landmark hotel and resilient high-street retail offers both secure income and asset management potential, aligning with our strategic objectives.” RX London, Savills and Forge advised DTZ Investors, while Knight Frank acted for the vendor. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wrexham AFC have appointed McLaren Construction Midlands and North under a PCSA (Pre-Construction Services Agreement) for the redevelopment of the iconic Kop Stand at the world’s oldest international football stadium still in use – the STōK Cae Ras. The appointment marks the start of Wrexham AFC’s long-term vision for the stadium, while the redevelopment of the Kop Stand will not only be a physical transformation of the renowned Racecourse Ground, but a cultural and symbolic landmark in the Club’s historic journey. The return of the Kop Stand will restore the ground to its full four-sided structure, reinforcing Wrexham AFC’s ambitions on and off the pitch. Under the PCSA, McLaren Construction will lead on developing final designs, tendering subcontractor packages and refining construction timelines and delivery strategies for the works. Early works will begin later this month. The full build programme is scheduled for completion during the 2026/27 season. Michael Williamson, CEO of Wrexham AFC, said: “The appointment of McLaren under PCSA is a pivotal moment for the Club, not only in delivering on a long-standing promise to our supporters but in unlocking the potential of the Racecourse Ground as a top-tier venue for domestic and international football. The new Kop Stand will be the heart of the reimagined stadium – increasing capacity, enhancing the experience for fans, and anchoring our place in our home city and as part of the wider Gateway Partnership regeneration plans.” The new stand will ultimately increase stadium capacity to over 18,000 delivering modern facilities for Club stakeholders and enable the Club to achieve UEFA Category 4 compliance and host more international matches. As part of the wider Wrexham Gateway Partnership, which includes Wrexham University, Wrexham County Borough Council and the Welsh Government, the Kop Stand redevelopment is the first major step in a series of transformational projects designed to enhance the city’s infrastructure and public realm. Joel Casstles, Operations Director at McLaren Construction, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of a project with such historical, cultural, and sporting significance. Wrexham AFC holds a special place in the heart of the community, and we’re committed to delivering a high-quality scheme that supports the Club’s ambitions, creates local employment opportunities, and celebrates the legacy of this unique football ground.” Progress updates and further construction milestones will be shared via Wrexham AFC’s official channels as the project advances. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Northern Ireland joinery and fit-out contractor Mivan has been appointed principal contractor for the Grand Apartments at 1 Mayfair, one of London’s most exclusive residential developments. The multi-million-pound contract sees Mivan take on work at the £2 billion scheme on South Audley Street, developed by Phones 4U founder John Caudwell. The eight-storey block is designed as London’s finest ultra-prime residential address, comprising 24 principal residences of up to eight bedrooms, alongside penthouses, townhouses, pieds-à-terre, and grand entertaining spaces set around a central garden. Amenities will mirror those of a five-star hotel. Mivan chief executive John Cunningham said: “Our appointment as principal contractor at 1 Mayfair reflects the confidence placed in Mivan to deliver projects of the highest calibre. These residences represent the very top of the super-prime market, and we are proud to be among the few contractors in London with the capability and experience to deliver residences of this standard in partnership with our esteemed client Caudwell.” The project follows Mivan’s recent handover of The Chancery Rosewood, the transformation of the former US Embassy in Grosvenor Square into a luxury hotel. Mivan was responsible for the fit-out of 144 suites, the Eagle Bar and the central atrium, working alongside Multiplex and developer Qatari Diar. Mivan continues to expand its portfolio, reporting a 25% rise in turnover to £74.3 million in 2024 (2023: £58.1 million). However, pre-tax profit declined to £966,000 from £5.6 million in 2023 due to higher costs. To support its growing pipeline, the company is recruiting project managers, a quantity surveyor, planner and MEP manager. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £30.5 million contract to build a new custody suite for Derbyshire Constabulary in Chesterfield. The three-storey facility, located on Dunston Road, will provide 36 cells and has been designed by Corstorphine & Wright. The scheme includes photovoltaic panels, site-wide groundworks, drainage, car parking and external works. Procured through the SCAPE Construction framework, construction begins this month and is scheduled for completion in June 2027. The project reinforces Willmott Dixon’s growing role in blue light infrastructure, following its £55 million refurbishment of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s headquarters earlier this year and an £18 million contract to deliver Pendle Police Station for Lancashire Constabulary. Michelle Cotterill, project director at Willmott Dixon, said: “As a company with extensive experience in law-and-order projects, we understand the unique requirements of custody facilities and the importance of creating environments that support both operational efficiency and officer wellbeing.” Willmott Dixon has built an extensive track record in emergency services projects, ranging from custody suites in Birmingham, Newcastle, Sheffield and Cardiff to headquarters buildings in Liverpool, Dorset and Humberside, as well as fire and forensics centres across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heidelberg Materials is building the world’s first carbon capture facility to enable fully decarbonised cement production after reaching a FID (Final Investment Decision) with the UK Government for its carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in north Wales. The announcement, made today by Michael Shanks, Energy Minister in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, allows the company to start construction of a carbon capture facility at its Padeswood cement works later this year and will enable production of net zero cement in 2029. The funding decision aligns with the UK Government’s ambitions to reduce CO₂ emissions and deliver economic growth through construction. Simon Willis, CEO at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: “Our constructive partnership with the UK Government has allowed us to reach this major milestone, which is fantastic news, not just for us, but for the industry as a whole. “Our new facility at Padeswood will be a world-leader. It will capture around 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year from our existing cement works, allowing us to produce evoZero carbon captured net zero cement, which will help the UK construction industry reach its decarbonisation aims. “CCS is a growing sector worldwide and our Padeswood project is an exemplar, helping position the UK as a global force at the forefront of this technology. It will also pave the way to decarbonising our domestic cement industry, helping it remain competitive while mitigating against climate change.” Cement is an essential construction material. It is the ‘glue’ in concrete, the most widely used building material in the world, but its production gives rise to CO₂. As these emissions result from the chemical process involved in cement’s manufacture, they cannot be avoided by using low carbon or renewable energy sources. The only way to remove them and produce the net zero cement the UK needs is to capture them using CCS before they enter the atmosphere. The carbon capture facility at Padeswood is designed to capture almost all (around 95 per cent) of the CO₂ emissions from the process. The emissions captured from the kiln include biogenic CO₂ from biomass fuels, mainly from domestic food, wood and paper wastes that cannot be recycled, which could allow the cement produced at Padeswood to be net negative.* The carbon captured at Padeswood will be compressed and transported via an underground pipeline for secure storage under the seabed in Liverpool Bay as part of the HyNet North West project. Heidelberg Materials’ CCS project will bring significant economic benefits to north Wales through investment and job creation: it will protect over 200 jobs and create around 50 new ones, as well as up to 500 more during construction. Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “Our clean-energy mission means good jobs, regional growth, and investment for local communities. “This trailblazing cement works showcases the north Wales workforce on the global stage – leading the charge in the clean industries of the future and powering Britain’s reindustrialisation through this UK-first project.” Today’s announcement is another demonstration of Heidelberg Materials’ commitment to decarbonising cement production through CCS. The Padeswood project is the first of its kind in the UK and is Heidelberg Materials’ first full-scale carbon capture facility to reach FID. It follows the official opening of the world’s first carbon capture facility at a cement works at its Brevik site in Norway in June this year. Here, 50 per cent of the plant’s CO₂ emissions are being captured as part of the Norwegian government’s Longship programme. Find out more about the Padeswood CCS project at: padeswoodccs.co.uk or on Heidelberg Materials’ CCUS experience website: Heidelberg Materials – CCUS Experience Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® continues to provide innovative lighting solutions for the professional job site with the expansion of their M18™ lighting line up. Wireless remote to rotate, adjust, and power from afar. Our M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light is the first of its kind, allowing power utility users to spot lines and flood fields from up to 1,200 metres away. This cordless light performs with up to 4,250 lumens of TRUEVIEW™ high-definition output and adapts to provide either spot or flood mode. Also included is a pre-paired wireless remote control that enables the light to rotate, adjust, and power from afar. The MILWAUKEE® Utility Remote Spot Light is weather-resistant to survive outdoor use. This light is also ONE- KEY™* compatible, making it easy to track via the ONE-KEY™ online app. The M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light has up to 12 hours run time on a low setting when used with M18™ FORGE™ 12.0 Ah battery pack. MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light with ONE-KEY™ is compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 315 solutions. *ONE-KEY™ is the first digital platform for tools and equipment. By integrating industry-leading tool electronics with a custom-built cloud-based program, ONE-KEY™ provides a new level of control and access to information that revolutionises the way work gets done. The ability to customise, track, and manage through ONE-KEY™ fundamentally changes the way users interact with their tools and equipment. Specifications M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light with ONE-KEY™ M18 URSL-0 To find out more about the new M18™ Utility Remote Spot Light with ONE-KEY™ see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec is reshaping its development priorities, pausing new office schemes in favour of a major push into retail acquisitions worth £1bn. Chief executive Mark Allan used the company’s latest investor day to set out the shift, highlighting stronger opportunities for growth in shopping centres compared with new-build commercial offices. The strategy marks a decisive pivot for one of the UK’s biggest developers, which has already seen success from previous retail investments. Over the next three years, Landsec plans to scale back its office-led pipeline to around £200m by mid-2026. In the same period, it will recycle about £2bn of capital by selling office assets, redirecting the funds into retail expansion. Allan told investors: “Having sold £295m of offices well ahead of schedule, Landsec intends to accelerate further capital recycling over the next 12–18 months, to reinvest in major retail.” The move signals a halving of office development in the medium term, reflecting shifting market dynamics. Yet Landsec insists its wider ambitions remain intact, particularly in residential. The group is pressing ahead with regeneration at Mayfield in Manchester, along with proposals for new homes above Lewisham shopping centre in south London. By focusing on retail at scale while maintaining a foothold in housing, Landsec is betting on consumer-led growth to drive the next chapter of its portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A main contractor has been selected for the first phase of Cheltenham’s landmark Golden Valley project, a £1bn mixed-use development set to become a centre for UK cyber, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. HBD, part of Henry Boot, has appointed Bowmer & Kirkland to lead the initial stage of the scheme, which will be delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council. The 200-hectare development will eventually provide around 2,500 new homes and 1.25 million sq ft of commercial space, positioned next to the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). The first phase will feature two flagship buildings, Idea and Router, alongside enabling works to support future development. Work is scheduled to begin on site in spring 2026. Idea, the National Cyber Innovation Centre, will provide 160,000 sq ft of workspace and flexible event facilities. Router, a transport hub powered by smart technology, is designed to enable sustainable travel across the wider scheme and will sit alongside new leisure, retail and wellbeing amenities. Bowmer & Kirkland has an established relationship with HBD, having most recently delivered Island, a £60m office scheme in Manchester city centre. Ed Hutchinson, managing director of HBD, said: “The importance of Golden Valley in strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in secure innovation really can’t be overstated. The development will play a key role in driving innovation across cyber and deep tech industries while delivering significant economic benefits for Gloucestershire and the wider southwest. With outline planning consent for phase one approved, it’s positive to be able to announce the appointment of Bowmer & Kirkland as we focus on getting started on-site.” Stuart Fanshaw, regional construction director at Bowmer & Kirkland, added: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with HBD on this exciting scheme, which will contribute to putting the UK at the forefront of cyber innovation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals