UK property portal Rightmove has reported a 7% increase in revenue for the second half of 2024, reaching approximately £390 million, and is forecasting further growth of 8% to 10% in 2025. Despite this revenue rise, pre-tax profit saw a slight dip of 1% year-on-year, falling from £260 million to
Lowfield Timber Frames, one of the UK’s largest independent timber frame manufacturers, has expressed its optimism for the continued growth of the sector as it announces that it successfully contributed to the delivery of nearly 2,500 new homes in 2024, and with it already actively involved in 1,500 units so
Battery manufacturer Volklec has joined forces with Chinese firm Far East Battery (FEB) as part of its long-term ambition to establish a 10GWh gigafactory in Coventry by the end of the decade. The Coventry-based company has signed an exclusive licence agreement with FEB to support the production of advanced lithium-ion
Wickes has secured four former Homebase locations as part of its ongoing expansion, following the DIY retailer’s collapse into administration last year. The newly acquired stores in Dunfermline, Bury St Edmunds, and Leeds Moor Allerton will reopen under the Wickes brand later this year. They join a Northampton site, acquired
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has indicated she is “minded to approve” Gatwick Airport’s £2.2bn expansion plans, subject to the development of noise mitigation measures. The airport has applied to bring its northern runway into regular use, currently restricted to acting as a taxiway or backup for the main runway. The
British Land has signed a host of high-profile fashion retailers, including Ralph Lauren, Mango, Luca Faloni, Hobbs, and Whistles, for its Broadgate Central development in the City of London. The 120,000 sq ft retail and hospitality hub spans the ground and lower ground floors of 1 Broadgate and 100 Liverpool
A major housing development in South Wokingham has been approved, paving the way for 1,434 new homes, a primary school, public spaces, and a local centre. The project, a collaboration between Miller Homes and Kier Property, forms part of the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location (SWSDL) in Berkshire. Wokingham Borough
A highly innovative screed, proven to deliver a lower carbon footprint, has played a key role in a major construction project, helping reach new heights at Canary Wharf in London’s Docklands! The project involved the development of two high-rise residential towers, known as Buildings J1 and J3, reaching an impressive
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced the completion of the 4-star voco Zeal Hotel at Exeter Science Park, finalising the construction of the UK’s first branded Net Zero Carbon hotel. Innovations in the design and construction mean the hotel is operating with industry-leading benchmark-setting Energy Use Intensity
Work has started on a brand new £6 million 60-bedroom care home at Clifton Moor near York. Lime Trees is due to open in 2026 and will offer residential, dementia, respite and day care. Located off Shipton Road in Clifton, the new luxurious care home is being developed by Yorkshire
UK property portal Rightmove has reported a 7% increase in revenue for the second half of 2024, reaching approximately £390 million, and is forecasting further growth of 8% to 10% in 2025. Despite this revenue rise, pre-tax profit saw a slight dip of 1% year-on-year, falling from £260 million to £258 million. However, underlying operating profit increased to £273.9 million, up £9.3 million from the previous year. User engagement on the platform also grew, with a 6% rise in activity, totalling 16.4 billion minutes spent on Rightmove in 2024. The final dividend for the second half of the year stood at 6.1p per share, bringing the total for the year to 9.8p, a 7% increase from 2023. Rightmove returned £181.7 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks in 2024, down from £201.7 million the previous year. Chief executive Johan Svanstrom said the results highlight the “resilience” of Rightmove’s business model, with the platform attracting 2.3 billion visits last year. He added that Rightmove continues to invest in technology, rolling out more than 5,000 AI-driven updates and enhancements in 2024. “Our strategy is focused on further digitising the home-moving market, leveraging the UK’s largest property data and insights platform,” he said. “There is significant potential to expand and enhance our services, and we’re maintaining that momentum into 2025.” Rightmove was also revealed to be the fourth most-visited UK-based digital platform in 2024, trailing only the BBC, Reach, and Gov.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lowfield Timber Frames, one of the UK’s largest independent timber frame manufacturers, has expressed its optimism for the continued growth of the sector as it announces that it successfully contributed to the delivery of nearly 2,500 new homes in 2024, and with it already actively involved in 1,500 units so far this year, it forecasts that 2025 will be even more successful. The announcement comes as the firm proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary. Since its founding in 2000, Lowfield Timber Frames has grown from a team of just four, to an award-winning team of over 130 people all committed to championing sustainable construction. Providing modern methods of construction (MMC) to a wide range of both residential and commercial building projects across the UK, Lowfield Timber Frames has continually invested in cutting-edge technology and recently became the first firm in the UK to invest in a new Hundegger Compact Robot Drive CNC machine to enhance production capacity and drive forward innovation. Commenting on the quarter-century milestone, managing director Darren Jarman said: “We are incredibly proud to reach this 25-year milestone, which is testament to the hard work, expertise and dedication of the entire team. “As we look ahead, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction, investing in innovation, and playing a key role in shaping the future of the built environment.” In addition to expanding its manufacturing capabilities, Lowfield Timber Frames is investing in the future of the industry and has committed to integrating a dedicated training space at its recently revamped headquarters. Due to open in summer 2025, this facility will provide invaluable insights for developers, housebuilders, and commercial property stakeholders, and equip them with the knowledge and expertise to maximise the benefits of timber frame construction. Concluding, Darren Jarman said: “As we continue to invest in enhancing our production capabilities, our success is driven by our dedicated workforce, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver on the promises we make. “We take pride in the length of service that so many of our team have built with us over the years and this undoubtedly adds value to the service that our clients receive.” With 1500 new homes and five schools already in its order book for 2025, Lowfield Timber Frames anticipates continued success in the year ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Battery manufacturer Volklec has joined forces with Chinese firm Far East Battery (FEB) as part of its long-term ambition to establish a 10GWh gigafactory in Coventry by the end of the decade. The Coventry-based company has signed an exclusive licence agreement with FEB to support the production of advanced lithium-ion batteries at the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, where manufacturing is set to begin later this year. Phil Popham, former chief executive of Lotus Cars and now executive director at Volklec, highlighted the importance of securing the UK’s battery supply chain. He said: “There is no greater transformation today than the electric revolution in transport and mobility. The British start-up scene is thriving, but there is a substantial gap in the supply chain. Our mission is to help these innovators thrive.” Volklec plans to invest over £1bn in the development of its gigafactory, with Coventry emerging as a potential location. The company is reportedly in discussions with Coventry City Council to take over the proposed gigafactory site at Coventry Airport, which has yet to secure an investor despite planning permission being granted three years ago. The West Midlands Combined Authority recently announced a £23m funding package to unlock the site’s potential, including the installation of a dedicated energy supply to support large-scale battery production. With permission set to expire in March, the council remains confident it will secure an extension for another two years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wickes has secured four former Homebase locations as part of its ongoing expansion, following the DIY retailer’s collapse into administration last year. The newly acquired stores in Dunfermline, Bury St Edmunds, and Leeds Moor Allerton will reopen under the Wickes brand later this year. They join a Northampton site, acquired in July 2024, which is currently undergoing refurbishment. The acquisitions align with Wickes’ strategic growth plans, allowing the company to expand into new catchment areas while continuing its store opening programme. Wickes chief executive David Wood said, “We are delighted to be acquiring these former Homebase stores and welcoming all colleagues currently working there into the Wickes family. This move further strengthens our ambitious store expansion strategy, helping even more customers bring their home improvement projects to life.” Wickes is among several home improvement retailers capitalising on Homebase’s restructuring. B&Q has taken over eight former Homebase locations across the UK and Ireland, while new Homebase owner CDS Superstores—operator of The Range and Wilko—has committed to rebranding up to 70 stores. With these latest acquisitions, Wickes continues to reinforce its presence in the home improvement sector, bringing its product range and expertise to more communities nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has indicated she is “minded to approve” Gatwick Airport’s £2.2bn expansion plans, subject to the development of noise mitigation measures. The airport has applied to bring its northern runway into regular use, currently restricted to acting as a taxiway or backup for the main runway. The proposal includes shifting the northern runway’s centre line 12 metres north to enable dual runway operations while maintaining international safety standards. Plans also feature terminal extensions, a new aircraft parking pier, enhancements to an existing pier, and flyovers to separate local and airport traffic to ease congestion. The five-year project includes new passenger facilities, car parks, offices, and hotels. Gatwick submitted its application to the Planning Inspectorate in July 2023. Following a review, the Inspectorate presented its findings to the Department for Transport on 27 November 2024, with a deadline for a response set for 27 February 2025. In her statement, Alexander said: “I have issued a ‘minded to approve’ letter for Gatwick’s northern runway development consent order (DCO) under the Planning Act 2008. As the examining authority has recommended an alternative DCO with additional operational controls, I am allowing more time to seek views on these provisions before a final decision.” The final ruling has now been extended to 27 October 2025. London Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate welcomed the update, stating: “It is vital that any planning conditions allow us to confidently invest £2.2bn in this project and unlock the full benefits of bringing the northern runway into routine use. “This project will create 14,000 jobs and generate £1bn annually in economic benefits. By increasing capacity and resilience, we can strengthen the UK’s global connectivity and drive economic growth in the southeast and beyond. We remain committed to responsible growth, balancing passenger demand with minimising noise and environmental impact.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land has signed a host of high-profile fashion retailers, including Ralph Lauren, Mango, Luca Faloni, Hobbs, and Whistles, for its Broadgate Central development in the City of London. The 120,000 sq ft retail and hospitality hub spans the ground and lower ground floors of 1 Broadgate and 100 Liverpool Street, creating a key link between Liverpool Street station and Finsbury Avenue Square. The wider 1 Broadgate scheme is set for completion later this year, with 96% of its office space already pre-let to JLL and A&O Shearman. British Land has had a strong start to the year, securing or placing under offer 200,000 sq ft of space across its Broadgate portfolio, including at 155 Bishopsgate, Broadgate Tower, Broadwalk House, and 10 Exchange Square. Chief executive Simon Carter said: “The fantastic additions to our retail offer at Broadgate Central will only enhance the campus’s appeal.” He also highlighted the continued demand for workspace in the area, driven by Broadgate’s connectivity, amenities, and high-quality office environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major housing development in South Wokingham has been approved, paving the way for 1,434 new homes, a primary school, public spaces, and a local centre. The project, a collaboration between Miller Homes and Kier Property, forms part of the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location (SWSDL) in Berkshire. Wokingham Borough Council initially resolved to grant planning permission in May 2021 and has now given the final go-ahead. Construction is set to begin this spring, subject to reserved matters applications and planning conditions. The development also includes plans for a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) to help offset environmental impacts. David Brown, managing director of Miller Homes Southern, said: “This project marks an important step in delivering much-needed housing, infrastructure, and amenities for South Wokingham. The addition of a new primary school and public spaces will create a thriving community for future residents. Our commitment to sustainable and timely delivery will ensure the success of this strategic development.” Kier Property managing director Leigh Thomas added: “By working closely with Miller Homes, Wokingham Borough Council, and the local community, we aim to provide not only essential housing but also sustainable infrastructure and vibrant public spaces that serve both current and future generations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A highly innovative screed, proven to deliver a lower carbon footprint, has played a key role in a major construction project, helping reach new heights at Canary Wharf in London’s Docklands! The project involved the development of two high-rise residential towers, known as Buildings J1 and J3, reaching an impressive 34 and 48 storeys respectively – or 180 metres! Main contractors, Canary Wharf, and specialist contractors TCS, needed a screed solution that could be pumped to such significant heights without compromising quality or performance. Gypsol TS-15, from LKAB was the product of choice. This groundbreaking step means that even the very tallest buildings can now install an advanced screed solution to support underfloor heating and other services – a product which LKAB Minerals will be showcasing for the first time at Futurebuild on Stand No E40. Traditional concrete and other options on the market tend to segregate during pumping at such great heights, which is why Gypsol was seen as the obvious choice. LKAB Minerals’ screed maintains its consistency, ensuring a flawless finish without the risk of segregation and the screed offers reduced carbon emissions as well as countless other advantages compared to its competitors! Other benefits include its ultra-thin application, which allows for greater floor-to-ceiling height and maximises usable space and its ability to deliver larger bay sizes, which reduces the need for joints, resulting in a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing floor. Gypsol TS-15 can also be poured more quickly and easily, reducing project timelines costs and is a preferred choice compared to traditional cement-based screeds. “LKAB Minerals’ Gypsol TS-15 screed proved to be the perfect solution for this ambitious project,” said Aaron Butterfield, of Canary Wharf Contractors. “The combination of its technical performance and pumpability made it a clear choice for us.” “This project has also set a new standard for high-rise construction. Using Gypsol screed allowed us to install, quickly and efficiently, a screed application at unprecedented heights.” Gypsol TS-15 delivers a low carbon footprint, aligning with Canary Wharf’s commitment to environmentally friendly development. The minimal thickness of the screed – it can be placed at a depth of just 15mm in either bonded or unbonded constructions – further minimises the weight on the building’s structure, contributing to overall efficiency. The project has delivered 790 new apartments, private amenity spaces and vibrant ground-floor retail and leisure facilities, all housed within two stunning towers. This development represents a significant step forward in creating a thriving and environmentally responsible urban community within London! “We were proud to be a part of this groundbreaking project,” said Timothy Draper, Technical Sales Manager for LKAB Minerals. “Our Gypsol TS-15 screed demonstrates how innovative materials can contribute to achieving ambitious construction goals while keeping responsible sourcing in mind.” “This project also signifies a major leap forward in high-rise construction. The use of Gypsol TS-15 screed not only addresses the technical challenges of reaching extreme heights, but further demonstrates our commitment to environmentally conscious building practices.” Gypsol TS-15 screed, a revolutionary liquid screed material specifically formulated for interior floors uses anhydrite as its primary binder. Anhydrite production generates significantly less CO₂ compared to cement! Furthermore, the Gypsol product range delivers faster drying times compared to traditional screeds, allowing for quicker project completion, matched by excellent strength and durability. It is suitable for a wide range of different applications including new build, refurbishment, underfloor heating systems and timber floor applications making it a compelling choice for architects, builders and developers seeking innovative construction methods. This has been demonstrated at Canary Wharf where the success of this project paves the way for even more ambitious high-rise developments. With innovative materials like Gypsol TS-15 pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, the future of urban skylines appears to be reaching new heights, quite literally! Come and visit us at Futurebuild on stand E40. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced the completion of the 4-star voco Zeal Hotel at Exeter Science Park, finalising the construction of the UK’s first branded Net Zero Carbon hotel. Innovations in the design and construction mean the hotel is operating with industry-leading benchmark-setting Energy Use Intensity (EUI) levels, a critical measure that will define building sustainability in the decades to come. The 100% electric hotel, with the UK’s first vertical photovoltaic cladding system, generates more solar energy each year than the building consumes, integrated into multiple facades in a way that enhances the hotel’s overall design. Securing a 70% reduction in operational cost energy, the building has an EUI of less than 60kWh/m2/yr, significantly outperforming the CRREM 2050 target of 95kWh/m2/yr. The building has achieved a 50% reduction in embodied carbon, with less than 750kgCO2e/m2, surpassing the LETI and RIBA 2030 targets for embodied carbon established for commercial buildings. Most importantly, the sustainability achievements were realised at no additional cost, with no compromise to quality. Spanning 54,000 sq ft, the £22m milestone project has achieved these industry-leading metrics through a series of principles agreed at design conception: ensuring a fabric first approach to the envelope design; utilising sustainable low-energy solutions and low embodied carbon materials; and the adoption of green renewable technologies. RED Construction Group’s South West division worked alongside the highly collaborative team of voco Zeal Hotels, ECE Westworks, Introba and Hydrock Bristol, from the outset. The completed 4-star hotel comprises 142 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar with private dining, conference facilities and a gym, as well as electric vehicle and electric bike charging points. RED Construction South West Managing Director, Derek Quinn, commented: “This voco Zeal hotel has got to be an exemplar for all new build hotels, highlighting what is achievable when collaboration and ambition meet. The project team dynamic has been crucial in its success, paving the way from the very outset with a BREEAM Outstanding at the design stage. This is a milestone project for all of our careers, and a prototype for what’s possible, evidence of how our expertise can help deliver projects that put the South West’s innovation on the map nationally.” Tim Wheeldon, Founding Director, Zeal Hotels, added: “Celebrating the construction of the UK’s first branded Net Zero Carbon hotel is a moment we are exceptionally proud of at voco Zeal Hotels. Creating a benchmark for the hotel industry on a global scale required a first-class project team, and RED Construction Group has been a brilliant partner to have through this process, bringing their expertise to the project and going above and beyond to achieve not only the sustainability goals, but at a cost that makes new hotels viable, improving our environment without costing more. This is a first for the industry and we are looking forward to collaborating with other hoteliers and developers regarding additional Net Zero Carbon hotels.” This news follows the announcement that RED Construction Group’s London team has been appointed on the second phase of works for The Sheppard Trust’s £21.8m redevelopment of the former Royal Cambridge Home, involving the demolition and redevelopment of a new 62,000 sq ft facility, Elizabeth Court. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has started on a brand new £6 million 60-bedroom care home at Clifton Moor near York. Lime Trees is due to open in 2026 and will offer residential, dementia, respite and day care. Located off Shipton Road in Clifton, the new luxurious care home is being developed by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire-based construction firm Hobson & Porter for Yorkare Homes, whose headquarters is in Brough. This marks the ninth collaboration between the two companies, and the new facility will be Yorkare’s sixteenth care home to open across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Work to demolish the Lime Trees Medical Centre, which previously occupied the site, began at the end of 2024. As part of the development, Yorkare has generously gifted a parcel of land to the neighbouring York Sports Club, allowing for the creation of additional new pitches. Nicola Anderson, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager at Yorkare, said: “Breaking ground on Lime Trees is a significant milestone for us. Our development will transform a disused site into a vibrant space, providing much-needed residential care to people in the Clifton area of York and beyond, while also creating around 80 new jobs. The fact that we’ve been able to contribute to the delivery of vital community sports facilities at the same time makes this a win for everyone.” Lime Trees will offer a warm and welcoming environment for residents, featuring 20 en-suite rooms on each of its three floors. One floor will be dedicated exclusively to dementia care, ensuring specialised support for those who need it. The home will also include a variety of well-designed communal spaces and first-class amenities, providing both residents and their visitors with comfortable, enjoyable spaces to relax and connect. Nicola shared: “We aim to create a nurturing and comfortable atmosphere where everyone feels valued and cared for, making it a truly special place for both residents and the local community. Our facility will feature two in-house bars, including one with a barista station, alongside restaurant standard dining rooms, a beauty and hairdressing salon, a cinema, a bowls green, a greenhouse with raised garden beds, and outdoor terraced balconies offering views of the grounds. It will truly feel like a home away from home, complete with a wide range of exceptional on-site amenities.” Richard Hunter, from Hobson & Porter, said: “We are thrilled to be building our ninth home for Yorkare. Last summer we completed our eighth project for the company in less than 10 years – Haxby Hall. The £10million, 63-bedroom care home in Haxby, that’s four miles north of York city centre, has proved so popular with residents and we are confident Lime Trees will be just as successful. “The home will have all the latest sustainable features, including solar panels and high-efficiency heating and hot water systems, and we plan to build an EPC ‘A’ and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rated building. All the rooms have en-suite wet rooms and emergency call systems, and the ground-floor bedrooms have doors leading out to private patio areas. It’s going to be a fabulous home which will become a landmark in Clifton Moor when work completes early next year.” For more information about the development visit www.yorkarehomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
