McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has completed the £41m Phase 2 of the major industrial and logistics development at Horizon 29 in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Delivered on behalf client, Equation Properties, Phase 2 comprises two high-specification single-storey distribution warehouses, Units 7 and 8, each spanning approximately 250,000 sq. ft., including two-storey
McLaughlin & Harvey and National Grid celebrate steel signing milestone at the new Electricity Transmission Control Centre National Grid has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey as main contractor to build its brand new, state-of-the-art control centre that will reinforce network resilience, uphold National Grid Electricity Transmission’s (NGET) world-class reliability standards and
Overbury has been appointed to deliver a landmark £1.1bn refurbishment of Citi’s 42-storey headquarters at 25 Canada Square, in one of the largest commercial refits undertaken in London. Originally unveiled in early 2022, the scale of Citi’s investment has now been confirmed at more than ten times initial estimates, underlining
Savills has expanded its development project management industrial & logistics team, which is part of its building & project consultancy division, with the appointment of Susannah Packer, who joins as an associate at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Susannah has over seven years’ experience working in property
Huddersfield station will reopen on Monday 29 September with three rebuilt and extended platforms under new numbering, marking an important step in the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). From this date, only platforms 1, 2 and 3 will be in use, meaning trains will run to and from different platforms than
MILWAUKEE® introduces the brand new M12™ Multi-Directional Flood Light with PACKOUT™ Compatibility. Delivering flood lighting for any job with an adjustable light-head, multi-material mounting and PACKOUT™ compatibility for secure job site transportation. The completely versatile and compact design provides up to 1,200 lumens of TRUEVIEW™* High-Definition output to light up
Sky and Legal & General have secured planning consent to almost double Sky Studios Elstree in Hertfordshire. Hertsmere councillors have approved the £400m Sky Studios Elstree North project, adding 10 extra stages and 210,000 sq ft of Tier 1 space. The Borehamwood complex will rise to 22 stages across 65
CBRE Investment Management’s (CBRE IM) ambitious sustainability approach has been fulfilled, with the final BREEAM certification for 30 Semple Street being awarded at the top “Outstanding” level. With a final score of 93.2%, this marks a number of significant achievements for the project as it becomes Scotland’s first BREEAM Outstanding-certified
Leading office interior design consultancy, OP, has completed the refurbishment of Cooper Parry’s Manchester office. The six-week project has transformed 15,000 sq ft of existing office space, creating a workplace with a homely feel that brings elements of Manchester into the design. The refurbishment features a business lounge welcome area
Robertson Facilities Management has won a five-year, £5m contract to provide hard FM services across eight National Galleries of Scotland sites. The portfolio includes the National, Portrait, Modern One and Modern Two, the Royal Scottish Academy, and associated storage facilities around Edinburgh. Following a mobilisation phase, the contract goes live
McLaren Construction (Midlands and North) has completed the £41m Phase 2 of the major industrial and logistics development at Horizon 29 in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Delivered on behalf client, Equation Properties, Phase 2 comprises two high-specification single-storey distribution warehouses, Units 7 and 8, each spanning approximately 250,000 sq. ft., including two-storey office accommodation, 23 loading docks and dedicated transport offices. The completion marks a significant milestone in the continued transformation of the 1.15 million sq. ft. site, strategically located just one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, making it a prime location for national and regional logistics operations. McLaren Construction also completed Phase 1A and 1B of Horizon 29 in February last year, which comprised four warehouse units (Units 1, 2, 4 and 5) alongside earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing, lift shaft and stair installations, nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding. With the latest phase now finalised, Horizon 29 continues to offer some of the region’s most sought-after logistics space with exceptional transport links north and south via the M1. Constructed to a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’, Units 7 and 8 feature a wide range of sustainability enhancements including solar PV panels, air source heat pumps, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging points, enhanced cladding, and responsibly sourced materials. The units also incorporate biodiversity-friendly features such as bird and bat boxes. The external works, also completed by McLaren Construction, have been carefully designed to fit in with rural surroundings due to their proximity to Bolsover Castle. These have included constructing hard standings, car parking, landscaping, drainage, and installation of 60-cycle racks per unit, along with new gate houses. Luke Arnold, regional director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Completing Phase 2 at Horizon 29 is the next major milestone for the expanding hub for large-scale logistics, which we have been an integral part of since starting construction on Phase 1A and 1B in 2022. We’ve delivered two more energy-efficient units to the same high standard as earlier phases, using sustainable materials and the latest low-carbon technologies. “We’re proud to continue our work with our valued client Equation Properties to realise the vision for Horizon 29, a landmark destination for the East Midlands distribution and logistics sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaughlin & Harvey and National Grid celebrate steel signing milestone at the new Electricity Transmission Control Centre National Grid has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey as main contractor to build its brand new, state-of-the-art control centre that will reinforce network resilience, uphold National Grid Electricity Transmission’s (NGET) world-class reliability standards and power the clean energy transition. The secure, sustainable facility, called the Electricity Transmission Control Centre (ETCC), is being built on the site of National Grid’s decommissioned, former 275 kilovolt substation at Hams Hall in the Midlands. Construction of the new control centre, which will incorporate multiple control functions into a single, collaborative space, is a key part of National Grid’s investment to increase the network’s capacity and make it easier to connect the energy needed to power the clean energy transition. Britain’s electricity transmission system is expanding at a rapid pace to support decarbonisation and meet energy security needs. As new sources of electricity generation come online and demand patterns change, management of the growing electricity network is becoming more complex, driving the need for the modern, purpose-built new facility. Once built and fully operational, the ETCC will work in parallel with National Grid’s existing Transmission Network Control Centre (TNCC), and will operate 24/7 365 days a year to control the operations of the high-voltage electricity transmission system. A brownfield site, Hams Hall has powered the Midlands for a century and tells the story of Great Britain’s energy transition. Having previously housed three coal power stations it will now be home to the transmission network’s nerve centre, responsible for ensuring that clean power can travel the length and breadth of England and Wales. The ETCC will also support National Grid in attracting and retaining the highly skilled staff needed to operate the increasingly complex network with hundreds of skilled jobs created both during construction and in engineering roles based at the facility. On Monday, 15th September, Paul Griffen, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, joined Jon Davies, Director of Network Operations and Intelligence at National Grid, to mark the steelwork commencement milestone. To commemorate the occasion, both Paul and Jon signed a steel beam, symbolising this important step forward in the construction process. Paul Griffen, Managing Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “It’s great to be at the site to celebrate the steel signing milestone with the project teams involved. We are committed to building this essential facility in collaboration with National Grid to enable the future energy needs of the UK to be met. Complex construction projects like this one highlight the capabilities of our talented employees to deliver outstanding results, not just in energy, but across various sectors.” Jon Davies, Director of Network Operations and Intelligence at National Grid said: “The development of a brand-new Electricity Transmission Control Centre marks an exciting new age for managing the complex and rapidly growing transmission network. Driven by a need to modernise and adapt to the country’s changing energy needs, the facility will futureproof our grid’s resilience and house the talented people responsible for operating our world-class transmission network for decades to come.” McLaughlin & Harvey officially began construction in April 2025 with initial preparatory groundworks, followed by the commencement of piling in July, which saw the physical foundations of the new building being laid. The first set of steel structures for the facility are being installed in September 2025, with the new network control room expected to go-live in 2028. Construction of the building will leave other lasting positive benefits on the local community, by redeveloping a previously unused, brownfield site, minimising embodied carbon throughout construction, enhancing biodiversity at the site by at least 10% and supporting STEM learning and development by providing education opportunities on electricity and the future energy network. In addition, National Grid’s Community Grant Programme (CGP) will offer funds of up to £20,000 for community organisations and charities in the local area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Overbury has been appointed to deliver a landmark £1.1bn refurbishment of Citi’s 42-storey headquarters at 25 Canada Square, in one of the largest commercial refits undertaken in London. Originally unveiled in early 2022, the scale of Citi’s investment has now been confirmed at more than ten times initial estimates, underlining the bank’s long-term commitment to the UK and its role as a global financial hub. The project will reimagine the two-decade-old tower into a state-of-the-art, sustainable, people-centred workplace designed to future-proof Citi’s London operations. David Livingstone, Citi’s chief client officer, said: “This significant investment, which I am pleased to say is progressing on schedule and within budget, underscores Citi’s deep roots and future ambitions in the UK.” Around two-thirds of the £1.1bn spend will flow to UK firms and workers, creating substantial opportunities for SMEs across the supply chain. Citi said that by completion almost 6,000 people will have worked on the project, many living within 25 miles of the building. Edward Skyler, Citi’s head of enterprise services and public affairs, added: “It’s a statement to our thousands of colleagues that they deserve best-in-class workspaces and to our communities that they deserve our lasting commitment.” Delivered by Overbury, Morgan Sindall Group’s office fit-out and refurbishment specialist, the programme aims to set new benchmarks for workplace design, sustainability and user experience. Staff are due to begin moving back into the tower from spring next year. Citi employs about 14,000 people across the UK, including in London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Jersey, making the Canada Square redevelopment a defining project for the bank and a significant moment for London’s commercial property market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills has expanded its development project management industrial & logistics team, which is part of its building & project consultancy division, with the appointment of Susannah Packer, who joins as an associate at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Susannah has over seven years’ experience working in property development, specialising in the delivery of industrial property. This involved both asset and investment management for new build projects, industrial estates and a varied portfolio of real estate, for clients including CEVA Logistics, Sandvik and Goodyear Tyres. Following a relocation from Australia, she joins from Hesperia, a boutique developer based in Perth. At Savills, Susannah will focus on supporting existing clients within the industrial & logistics sector, from both a landlord and occupier perspective. As well as working with the firm’s wide network of logistics experts to help secure new business. Susannah Packer comments: “I am excited to be joining the market leading development project management team at Savills. I look forward to working with new colleagues and other market specialists across the business on both new opportunities and also strengthening relationships with existing clients.” Will Cooper, head of the London development project management industrial & logistics team at Savills, adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Susannah, whose dynamic and detailed approach will no doubt increase our capability to offer our clients a best in class service. With a strong varied background, she brings with her a unique insight that can only be positive for the wider team” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Huddersfield station will reopen on Monday 29 September with three rebuilt and extended platforms under new numbering, marking an important step in the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). From this date, only platforms 1, 2 and 3 will be in use, meaning trains will run to and from different platforms than before and some services will be replaced by rail replacement buses. Passengers are advised to check the latest information before travelling and allow extra time when using the station. While the station will be open, phase two of the upgrades will continue behind a sectioned-off area, allowing construction teams to complete the remaining platform, canopy and track work. Once finished in early 2027, Huddersfield station will be able to accommodate longer trains with more seating capacity, delivering more comfortable and reliable journeys. During this stage of the upgrade, some services* will be affected. Stations including Cottingley, Morley, Batley, Ravensthorpe, Brighouse, Halifax, Low Moor and Bradford Interchange will not have direct trains to Huddersfield, and customers may need to change trains as part of their journey. Passengers are advised to plan ahead and check the latest travel information at www.nationalrail.co.uk. Extra staff will be on hand at Huddersfield and other key stations to provide advice and assistance. Paul Sumner, Senior Sponsor for TRU, said: “We’re looking forward to reopening Huddersfield station at the end of this month, however, we know customers will notice some changes. This includes trains arriving/departing from different platforms and some temporary service alterations. “We want to thank customers for their patience as we continue this once-in-a-generation investment and would encourage anyone travelling through the area to plan their journey ahead of time.” Chris Nutton, Major Projects & TRU Director at TransPennine Express, said: “We’re excited to welcome customers back to Huddersfield station next week and for them to see all the work that has taken place whilst the station was closed. “As we move into phase two of the Huddersfield station upgrade, it will look and operate differently than it did before – with fewer platforms available and some minor changes to TransPennine Express services. “With one week to go before the station reopens, we encourage customers to plan ahead and check if these changes will affect you.” The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a multi-billion-pound programme transforming rail travel across the North, delivering faster journey times, increased capacity and more reliable services between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® introduces the brand new M12™ Multi-Directional Flood Light with PACKOUT™ Compatibility. Delivering flood lighting for any job with an adjustable light-head, multi-material mounting and PACKOUT™ compatibility for secure job site transportation. The completely versatile and compact design provides up to 1,200 lumens of TRUEVIEW™* High-Definition output to light up the job from any angle. BUILT TO DELIVER TARGETED LIGHTING WHERE YOU NEED IT, THIS LIGHT IS EQUIPPED WITH 3 DIFFERENT OUTPUT MODES AND RUNS FOR UP TO 16 HOURS ON THE M12™ 4.0 AH BATTERY PACK. The multi-material mounting options include a strong magnet, integrated hand hook and PACKOUT™ cleat. The strong rear-facing magnet is made for job site surfaces like steel studs, I-Beams, and job boxes. The light’s streamlined base also gives you a handheld option for inspection lighting. Built to withstand the toughest conditions, this compact pivoting flood light has an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. 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 M12™ Multi-Directional Flood Light with PACKOUT™ Compatibility is fully compatible with the entire M12™ line, now offering more than 120 solutions. MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to delivering disruptive innovation by working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing job site safety and productivity. *TRUEVIEW™ Technology utilises the most advanced LED technology and optical designs to deliver a consistent beam, optimised colour temperature and true representation of colours and detail leading to a more productive work area Specifications M12™ Multi-Directional Flood Light with PACKOUT™ Compatibility M12 ALIP-0 Kit Includes: (1) M12™ Multi-Directional Flood Light with PACKOUT™ Compatibility To find out more about the new M12™ Multi-Directional Flood Light with PACKOUT™ Compatibility 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
Sky and Legal & General have secured planning consent to almost double Sky Studios Elstree in Hertfordshire. Hertsmere councillors have approved the £400m Sky Studios Elstree North project, adding 10 extra stages and 210,000 sq ft of Tier 1 space. The Borehamwood complex will rise to 22 stages across 65 acres and 470,000 sq ft in total. Construction is scheduled to start next year, creating around 600 jobs. The build will be on a similar scale to the original Sky Studios Elstree South complex delivered by BAM. Sky has pledged £6.5m for local road upgrades, a new community green and the safeguarding of 27 acres for wildlife. The professional team includes architect UMC, civil and structural engineer Fairhurst, and M&E consultant Hoare Lea. Sustainability measures span solar panels on every rooftop, LED lighting throughout and a fully electric vehicle fleet. The expansion will also grow Sky Up Academy Studios, offering training and career pathways for 11–18 year olds. By adding 210,000 sq ft of new Tier 1 facilities, the scheme will help address the UK’s projected 1.4m sq ft studio shortfall by 2027—capacity equivalent to at least one additional feature film a year plus multiple high-end TV productions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE Investment Management’s (CBRE IM) ambitious sustainability approach has been fulfilled, with the final BREEAM certification for 30 Semple Street being awarded at the top “Outstanding” level. With a final score of 93.2%, this marks a number of significant achievements for the project as it becomes Scotland’s first BREEAM Outstanding-certified office building, Scotland’s highest-rated BREEAM building across all asset classes, and the second highest-scoring completed building refurbishment in the world, according to published BRE records. In addition to such other accreditations as NABERS 5*, “Platinum” scores for Air-Rated and Active Score, and an EPC “A”, the building is designed to achieve net zero carbon operation status in accordance with the UK Green Building Council’s framework definition. Zoe Gray, director at CBRE IM, commented: “Achieving the highest possible BREEAM rating for 30 Semple Street highlights our commitment to sustainability, future-proofing our assets, and delivering value to our occupiers and investors. We believe this office building embodies the future of work, providing a space designed to foster innovation and a high-quality, sustainable environment for our occupiers.” Nick Ball, managing director of Corran Properties, added: “We are delighted to have realised CBRE IM’s and our ambitions to create a genuinely class-leading office development. To have achieved such a high level of BREEAM accreditation is testament to the dedication of the entire design team who ensured every possible detail was considered in order for the building to operate as sustainably as possible.” Designed by MLA Architects, the redevelopment of 30 Semple Street comprised the strip-back to bare frame of the former office building on the site, the addition of two new floors, as well as a stunning 360-degree contemporary façade. The building has flexible floorplates up to 8,040 sq. ft. and an abundance of natural light and opening windows. The design team also included mechanical and electrical engineering consultancy K J Tait, project management and cost consultancy Axiom Services Limited, structural and civil engineering consultancy Blyth & Blyth, and Atelier Ten as fire engineering consultants. Ogilvie Construction was the main contractor. Cuthbert White and Knight Frank are marketing the remaining 25,000 sq. ft. of space in the property. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading office interior design consultancy, OP, has completed the refurbishment of Cooper Parry’s Manchester office. The six-week project has transformed 15,000 sq ft of existing office space, creating a workplace with a homely feel that brings elements of Manchester into the design. The refurbishment features a business lounge welcome area with a lounging feel that leads to the client suite. The space includes east and west wings with predominantly open plan desking, and a north wing with a mixture of open plan desking and the Orangery – an extension of the social area featuring gaming facilities including pool table, darts and ping pong, paired with various seating settings. The project has retained and celebrated the building’s original features, including parquet flooring and exposed services. The design approach emphasised sustainability through extensive reuse of existing elements including desks, task chairs, existing glazing, and minimal new partitioning. The original parquet flooring was retained and polished, with repairs made where walls had been removed. Room naming incorporates Manchester references developed with the client team, including meeting rooms called the Hacienda and the Mill. The design features Manchester’s bee culture as you enter the business lounge area. The space includes biophilia and planting throughout, with layered design elements including wallpaper, patterns, and pendant lighting replacing standard office lighting to create texture and visual interest. The project was completed while staff remained working in the building, with phasing across four areas to minimise disruption. “Our vision for Cooper Parry’s Manchester office was to create a workspace that feels authentically connected to the city while maintaining the warmth and comfort of home. “ Emily Cowgill, Designer at OP “We’re delighted with the transformed space. It looks fantastic and has been very well received by everyone in the office.” Jo Giles, Head of Facilities at Cooper Parry Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robertson Facilities Management has won a five-year, £5m contract to provide hard FM services across eight National Galleries of Scotland sites. The portfolio includes the National, Portrait, Modern One and Modern Two, the Royal Scottish Academy, and associated storage facilities around Edinburgh. Following a mobilisation phase, the contract goes live on 1 December. Scope covers planned and reactive building maintenance together with mechanical, electrical and plumbing works. The venues hold around 120,000 works spanning Botticelli and Titian to contemporary art, including what is widely regarded as the world’s greatest collection of Scottish art. More than 2.4 million visitors passed through National Galleries of Scotland sites last year. Adrian Mole, executive managing director at Robertson Facilities Management, said: “Our experience in managing complex estates allows us to provide a high standard of service for our partners. Working with the National Galleries of Scotland provides us the opportunity to support one of the country’s most important cultural institutions while strengthening our portfolio. We look forward to developing a strong and collaborative partnership that helps the Galleries continue sharing Scotland’s art and heritage with millions of visitors each year.” The award builds RFM’s public sector footprint and supports its Edinburgh growth strategy. Earlier this year the company secured a five-year deal with National Records of Scotland and is mid-way through a separate five-year contract supporting the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals