Kenneth Booth
East West Rail unveils major redesign as £7bn plan accelerates

East West Rail unveils major redesign as £7bn plan accelerates

The team behind East West Rail has revealed a significant rethink of the Oxford–Cambridge route, with a much larger and more ambitious station-building programme now at the heart of the £7bn scheme. More than 80 design changes have been added as the project moves towards its Development Consent Order, reshaping

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Caledonia Housing Association appoints new executive director of finance

Caledonia Housing Association appoints new executive director of finance

Caledonia Housing Association (CHA) has welcomed Ross Carlin as Executive Director of Finance. Ross will lead the development of CHA’s financial and treasury management strategy ensuring long term sustainability, while also overseeing IT and business improvement functions, driving growth, innovation and transformation across the organisation.   Ross is a Chartered Accountant

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Eldridge and Vita Expand Partnership with 10th Transaction

Eldridge and Vita Expand Partnership with 10th Transaction

Latest loan brings combined total financing commitments to £1.1 billion Eldridge Real Estate Credit, the real estate investing strategy of Eldridge Capital Management, and Vita Group, a leading UK and European developer and operator of premium student and residential co-living brands, today announced the continued expansion of their long-standing partnership.

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Pick Everard appointed by National Trust to support net zero aims

Pick Everard appointed by National Trust to support net zero aims

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard will support the National Trust in meeting its net zero and other sustainability targets, after being selected to provide built heritage services for the conservation charity. Appointed under the Building Surveying Associate Model, Pick Everard’s specialist culture and heritage team will work alongside the National Trust to protect

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HiiLIFE completes bespoke AV installation at The Store House PBSA

HiiLIFE completes bespoke AV installation at The Store House PBSA

HiiLIFE, a bespoke technology provider to the property sector, recently completed an audio-visual (AV) installation at The Store House, a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Leeds, to coincide with the start of the 2025 academic year.                         

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The Rokbak RA30 vs RA40: which dump truck is right for you?

The Rokbak RA30 vs RA40: which dump truck is right for you?

Whether working in quarries, infrastructure projects or large-scale earthworks, customers choosing between Rokbak’s robust RA30 and high-capacity RA40 can rely on expert guidance from the Scottish articulated hauler manufacturer’s product team. While both models share Rokbak’s hallmark durability, product manager Graeme Blake details the differentiating factors when selecting the optimal

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Latest Issue
Issue 338 : Mar 2026

Kenneth Booth

East West Rail unveils major redesign as £7bn plan accelerates

East West Rail unveils major redesign as £7bn plan accelerates

The team behind East West Rail has revealed a significant rethink of the Oxford–Cambridge route, with a much larger and more ambitious station-building programme now at the heart of the £7bn scheme. More than 80 design changes have been added as the project moves towards its Development Consent Order, reshaping the service pattern, expanding station provision and introducing new access points across the line. The most dramatic shift affects the Marston Vale Line, where nine ageing stations are set to be replaced by four larger, modern facilities. One of these is a completely new station at Stewartby, positioned to support the proposed Universal Studios theme park. The other three consolidated stations at Woburn Sands, Ridgmont and Lidlington will take the place of nine existing low-use stops, forming a more streamlined and efficient set of interchanges. Key new and updated stations include:• Cambridge East – a new station near Cambridge Airport, now within the project scope and dependent on third-party funding.• Cambourne (EWR) – unchanged in location but now one of five stations serving the wider Cambridge area.• Stewartby (new) – serving Universal Studios’ proposed visitor resort.• Three new consolidated Marston Vale Line stations – replacing nine smaller stops.• Tempsford (new) – with an added southern entrance to support government-backed new town plans, and a fast-tracked East Coast Main Line phase.• Cambridge station – a new eastern entrance with an active travel hub and enhanced walking and cycling connections.• Bletchley station – a proposed eastern entrance improving town-centre and bus interchange access, subject to external funding. Cambridge sees the most substantial expansion, with the new Cambridge East station easing mounting pressure on the city’s busy main station and opening up new growth opportunities. The long-planned eastern entrance at Cambridge station also forms part of the redesign. Bletchley is in line for its own eastern entrance, improving integration with the town centre. In Oxford, adjustments have been made to support the reinstatement of the Cowley Branch Line, which will unlock capacity at Oxford station and allow East West Rail to operate its full timetable. Further east, the planned southern entrance at Tempsford will link directly with the government’s new town proposals, while ministers have instructed East West Rail Company and Network Rail to accelerate the East Coast Main Line phase in response to future development pressures. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the project represents far more than a new railway, describing it as a catalyst for growth, jobs and long-term regional opportunity. She added that modern infrastructure investment would help create a greener and more reliable network for millions of passengers. A further round of consultation is expected in the New Year, ahead of a full DCO submission planned for late spring or early summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Moda Group achieves GRESB Four-Star status, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable living

Moda Group achieves GRESB Four-Star status, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable living

Moda Group is proud to announce its certification as a GRESB Four-Star organisation for the first time, while also retaining its GRESB Green Star status for the second consecutive year. This recognition highlights Moda’s ongoing leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and reaffirms its commitment to creating sustainable, future-proof communities across the UK. GRESB is the global benchmark for ESG performance in real estate and infrastructure. This year, Moda delivered strong, measurable improvements across both its Development and Operations GRESB platforms, to achieve its four-star rating, putting its scores above peer and global averages. These results underscore Moda’s unwavering commitment to driving performance and continuous improvement across every area of its business. The GRESB Development Benchmark assesses the sustainability of projects throughout planning, design and construction, while the Operational Benchmark evaluates how assets are managed in terms of energy use, emissions, waste and social impact. Together, these frameworks provide a comprehensive view of how organisations like Moda perform against international sustainability standards. Moda Group’s development platform rose to an impressive 96/100, up from 89/100, while its operational platform increased to 89/100, up from 81/100. Moda’s ESG strategy, Next Generation Futures, continues to guide how the business designs, builds and operates its neighbourhoods, with sustainability embedded in every decision. This strategic approach has directly contributed to Moda’s outstanding GRESB scores, ensuring that environmental and social responsibility are not only prioritised but also measured and improved year-on-year. Several Moda neighbourhoods, including New York Square in Leeds, The Mercian in Birmingham, The Lexington in Liverpool and The McEwan in Edinburgh are REGO certified, sourcing electricity from 100% renewable sources such as wind, hydro and solar. The Group has also committed to reducing operational carbon, waste and water consumption with a group-wide commitment to strategically driving down emissions for the long term. Moda’s neighbourhoods are designed with sustainability at their core, featuring energy-efficient lighting, low-carbon heating systems and EV charging points, supported by travel management initiatives such as free access to Beryl Bikes to reduce congestion and air pollution. In partnership with Utopi, Moda also utilises smart building technology that enables real-time monitoring of energy use and indoor air quality, helping residents make more sustainable choices. Tarry Depledge, ESG Manager at Moda Group said:“These results are firm evidence that sustainability and governance are taken seriously and are at the core of Moda Group’s strategy. As an established and trusted developer and operator, we will continue our dedicated work to deliver the most environmentally and socially sustainable places for our residents, teams and wider communities.” Moda’s continued success across GRESB and other ESG benchmarks reflects its ambition to lead the way in responsible, people-first development, driving progress through innovation, transparency and collaboration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Loudoun Retail Park officially launches as Greggs and Farmfoods open their doors

Loudoun Retail Park officially launches as Greggs and Farmfoods open their doors

Multimillion-pound investment brings up to 60 jobs, Scotland-leading ultra-rapid EV charging points and a confidence boost for the Irvine Valley East Ayrshire’s Irvine Valley has received its most significant economic boost in decades with the formal launch of the new Loudoun Retail Park in Galston last Thursday (13 November). In addition to retailers Greggs and Farmfoods which are already drawing crowds, energy giant E.ON has installed eight 300 kW EV charging bays which are amongst the most powerful and fastest in Scotland. The development, led by local businessmen Gareth Downie and Paul McIvor of Downie & McIvor Capital, represents a multimillion-pound investment and is already delivering on its ambition to revitalise confidence in the potential of the Irvine Valley with modern retail, new employment and improved amenities. Farmfoods’ state-of-the-art 11,000 sq ft store features its newest format, while Greggs’ 1,500 sq ft unit, includes plans to launch Just Eat deliveries shortly. Both retail offerings have already proved popular with higher-than-forecast footfall. Together, the stores are expected to create dozens of jobs and retain everyday spending within the Irvine Valley rather than obliging residents to travel to Kilmarnock. In addition, the development will boost local contracting jobs in ongoing maintenance and landscaping work. The site’s eight E.ON ultra-rapid 300 kW EV charging bays also puts Galston firmly on the map since it is amongst only a handful of locations in Scotland with such levels and rapidity of charging capability. Drivers can charge from around 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes, creating a new “stop and shop” destination for electric vehicle users. More than 24,000 vehicles pass the site every day, with initial data showing a further increase in traffic since opening. Loudoun Retail Park has over 100 parking spaces, laid out to maximise accessibility including dedicated disabled, parent and child bays, and a separate zone for EV charging. Gareth said: “This is genuinely the most significant development for the Irvine Valley in thirty years, not only in terms of private sector investment, but in the impact it will have on jobs, confidence and the quality of life in our community. “Our aim from the outset was to bring proper amenities, modern retail and real economic activity back into the Valley, and it is already doing exactly that. “Historically, the Irvine Valley has been largely overlooked by national retailers, but this is now changing. The successful opening of Loudoun Retail Park demonstrates the strength of the local market and should act as a catalyst for further investment across the wider area. “It also opens the door for delivery platforms such as Just Eat to serve national retailers in the Valley properly for the first time, creating further local employment and economic activity. “Both Paul and I grew up here, so this is personal. We are grateful for the encouragement we have received from East Ayrshire Council and are extremely proud of what we have created and the positive difference it is already making. “We are already getting lots of interest in the remaining 3,000 sq ft of roadside retail space which can be split into two units, plus our new 2,500 sq ft modern two-storey office building with its own entrance and foyer, whose occupiers will benefit from free parking, on-site retail and the ultra-rapid EV chargers.” Paul said: “We wanted this to be a development that genuinely supports the local economy throughout its lifespan, from the contractors building it to the people working and shopping here. “Throughout the construction phase, the project employed a broad range of local contractors and suppliers, supporting jobs locally, and we aim to continue that theme. The early response from local people has been fantastic, and we’re only just getting started.” Gareth added: “This isn’t just about a retail park; it’s about the bigger picture. The jobs, footfall and amenities are important, but the real legacy will be the confidence it creates for further private investment across the Irvine Valley.” All retail and office enquiries are being handled by Stephen McParlane at McParlane Property. Loudoun Retail Park website: www.loudounretailpark.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CBRE and LM6 Jointly Instructed on New Warehouse Scheme at Eurolink 7, St Helens

CBRE and LM6 Jointly Instructed on New Warehouse Scheme at Eurolink 7, St Helens

More than 71,000 sq ft of refurbished industrial space in St Helens due to hit pipeline Real estate advisor, CBRE has been jointly instructed alongside LM6 on a new warehouse scheme at Eurolink 7 in St Helens.  The development by Tandem Investments will deliver 71,000 sq of fully refurbished industrial units with Unit 4 completed and the remaining units due to complete in the New Year. The former manufacturing facility, located close to J7 of the M62 at St Helens, will be comprehensively refurbished to a high standard to deliver a multi-let industrial site with 6 distinct units ranging from 14,850 sq ft to 37,350 sq ft. Availability for potential occupiers includes Unit 1, (37,350 sq ft) with up to 9m eaves; Unit 3 (14,850 sq ft) and Unit 4 (19,020 sq ft).  Each unit will benefit from large dedicated service yards.  In addition, Units 1 and 4 have the potential to be let with an open storage area extending to 0.68 acres. Tandem has already secured curtain maker and retailer RB Furnishings on the first unit (5) on site, comprising 8,850 sq ft. Darren Hill, Director, CBRE said: “Eurolink 7 will provide for some much needed high quality, second hand refurbished industrial/warehouse space in a market where we are seeing extremely constrained supply in the sub 50,000 sq ft bracket.  In addition to the quality of the specification, the units will benefit from large dedicated service yards, with the ability to acquire an additional 0.68 acres of external storage if required.  This represents a key USP for occupiers and is a major attribute in addition to the strategic location within minutes of Jn 7 of the M62” CBRE have been appointed jointly alongside Tony O’Keefe at LM6. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Caledonia Housing Association appoints new executive director of finance

Caledonia Housing Association appoints new executive director of finance

Caledonia Housing Association (CHA) has welcomed Ross Carlin as Executive Director of Finance. Ross will lead the development of CHA’s financial and treasury management strategy ensuring long term sustainability, while also overseeing IT and business improvement functions, driving growth, innovation and transformation across the organisation.   Ross is a Chartered Accountant with extensive leadership experience in the financial services sector.  He held several senior finance positions at Morgan Stanley before joining Baillie Gifford Investment Management Europe as Chief Financial Officer, later progressing to Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer. Ross Carlin said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be joining Caledonia Housing Association as they take the next exciting step in their journey. As a strong, values-driven organisation with a clear commitment to improving the lives of its tenants, I’m looking forward to collaborating with the talented team to strengthen financial strategy, drive business transformation, and ensure long-term sustainability that benefits the communities we serve. Supporting Caledonia’s continued mission to deliver high-quality, affordable homes and build thriving communities is a truly exciting opportunity.” Welcoming Ross to the organisation, Julie Cosgrove, Chief Executive, said: “Ross is a welcome and exciting addition to CHA’s executive management team, with the leadership, strategic and financial skills, knowledge and experience which are vital to the delivery of our growth and improvement plans. Ross joins us at a critical time as we develop our new Business Plan, “Shaping the Future”, which will continue to focus on providing high quality affordable housing, building new homes, regenerating communities and meeting the needs of our tenants.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Eldridge and Vita Expand Partnership with 10th Transaction

Eldridge and Vita Expand Partnership with 10th Transaction

Latest loan brings combined total financing commitments to £1.1 billion Eldridge Real Estate Credit, the real estate investing strategy of Eldridge Capital Management, and Vita Group, a leading UK and European developer and operator of premium student and residential co-living brands, today announced the continued expansion of their long-standing partnership. This marks their tenth transaction, with a combined total of £1.1 billion in financing commitments. Since 2020, Eldridge and Vita Group have partnered on ten developments across purpose-built student accommodation (“PBSA”) and co-living, delivering more than 7,500 beds across the UK and Spain. The partnership has helped scale Vita’s investment-grade living platform, which unites development, operations, and brand to deliver high-quality, service-led assets across Europe’s key cities. Each brand within the Group responds to a different stage of modern urban life, together meeting the growing demand for high-quality, experience-driven living. Eldridge Real Estate Credit focuses on investing in opportunities throughout the US, UK, and Europe, including term, construction, transitional, and special situation opportunities across the capital structure. The platform has originated over $10 billion in loans, leveraging an experienced team with a disciplined approach seeking to create long-term value. “Over the past five years, our partnership with Vita has been a testament to our shared vision and commitment to long-term success,” said Graham Keable, Managing Director at Eldridge Capital Management. “This tenth transaction together not only underscores Vita’s proven expertise in the space, but also reinforces our confidence in the continued growth and resilience of the UK and European living sector.” “The developments we’ve delivered together have consistently outperformed benchmarks, validating the strength of our model across student and co-living assets,” said Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer at Vita Group Our relationship is a powerful example of how long-term financing partnerships, combined with our integrated approach to design, development, and operation, address a clear market need and deliver sustainable value.” Backed by ongoing undersupply and continued strong international student demand, Eldridge and Vita have delivered high-quality PBSA assets in a high-growth market. The teams believe their partnership demonstrates best-in-class execution, combining stable returns and robust downside protection underpinned by resilient credit structuring. The latest transaction is a £146.1 million senior development loan for Vita Student First Street, an 861-bed PBSA scheme in Manchester’s First Street regeneration area. Construction is already underway following Building Safety Act approval, with completion targeted for June 2028 ahead of the 2028/29 academic year. The 170,000 sq ft development expands Vita Student’s presence in Manchester, where its existing developments maintain occupancy rates of 95 to 99 percent. “We are delighted to complete this plot sale to Vita which will continue the delivery of the First Street masterplan at this strategic gateway into the city,” said John Hughes, Managing Director at Ask Real Estate, the landowner and developer of the First Street Estate. Now one of Manchester’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, this latest Vita development will further add to the exciting mix of businesses and residents already located at First Street, all of which are supported by a rich blend of amenities and facilities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pick Everard appointed by National Trust to support net zero aims

Pick Everard appointed by National Trust to support net zero aims

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard will support the National Trust in meeting its net zero and other sustainability targets, after being selected to provide built heritage services for the conservation charity. Appointed under the Building Surveying Associate Model, Pick Everard’s specialist culture and heritage team will work alongside the National Trust to protect and care for its historic environment. It will assess and advise across mansion properties, let estates and in-hand buildings in the charity’s stewardship, and prepare low impact and future proofed specifications for conservation repairs, retrofit upgrades, as well as access and infrastructure improvements.  Maintaining safety, quality and function of sites cared for by the charity are among the key goals of the work.  In this, Pick Everard’s role will be to support strategic conservation by balancing these outcomes with the enhanced sustainability performance of its buildings and structures. Pick Everard will provide contract administration, building surveying, principal designer (CDM and Building Regulations), sustainability, and project management services across all regions in England and Wales.   Headed up by Strategic Account Director, Matthew Appleton, Pick Everard’s heritage building surveying team has an excellent reputation for delivering solutions that ensure heritage sites meet modern day standards, preserve and enhance their significance, and prepare them for our future world. He said: “Some of the UK’s most treasured sites are in the care of the National Trust. By sharing our expertise and experience, we look forward to helping preserve and protect the nations heritage. “Taking into account the new generation of environmental and social challenges ahead of us, we will offer advice and guidance to support the National Trust in its aim of keeping historic places open to everyone now, and for future generations.” The National Trust estate is a diverse mix of historic sites, coastline and green spaces including more than 500 houses, castles, parks and gardens. In total the charity owns and cares for more than 28,500 buildings and structures – one of the largest, most varied and most significant collections of built structures anywhere in Europe.  Tim Danson, Director of Sustainability and Energy at Pick Everard, added: “The National Trust has a target to meet carbon net zero by 2030, and to embed climate change adaptation in its decision making. We are thrilled to be in a position to help the Trust deliver its charitable purpose by embedding industry best practice approaches for sustainability on our heritage assets. “Our collaboration with the National Trust will also provide added value through knowledge sharing, CPD opportunities and work placements, helping to create lasting positive legacies for our client, the communities in which we work, and the wider environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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HiiLIFE completes bespoke AV installation at The Store House PBSA

HiiLIFE completes bespoke AV installation at The Store House PBSA

HiiLIFE, a bespoke technology provider to the property sector, recently completed an audio-visual (AV) installation at The Store House, a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Leeds, to coincide with the start of the 2025 academic year.                                                                                                      The Store House includes 369 en-suite bedrooms, which comprise a mix of studios and cluster flats, and amenity areas that accommodate a variety of uses to support productivity, wellness, and entertainment. HiiLIFE was appointed by Manner and worked closely with Orange Electrical and HG Construction to deliver comprehensive AV solutions across all amenity areas. This included co-working spaces and private study rooms, gym studio, games hub, cinema lounge, and a karaoke room. The advanced solutions installed have created a high-end, immersive technology experience that elevates the resident experience. HiiLIFE’s AV installation in the cinema lounge includes a high-performance projection and audio system. The technical solution also included the Control4 platform, which allows users to control lighting, sound, and video via a single touchpad display, offering both accessibility and ease of use. The gym studio is equipped with a fully integrated audio system and multiple displays, allowing users to connect and control the system from their personal devices. The games hub features consoles and high-definition displays, creating a space where residents can relax and socialise. HiiLIFE also installed a comprehensive AV set up for a karaoke room, introducing microphones, dynamic screens, and user-friendly controls to enhance the entertainment experience at The Store House. Jake Stephens, Technical Director at HiiLIFE, says: “Student living is evolving at a rapid pace, and today’s residents expect more from the spaces they live in. Our goal at The Store House was to design and deliver technology that enhances the living experience. We’re proud to have created a range of spaces that are seamless to use and inspiring to be in.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Rokbak RA30 vs RA40: which dump truck is right for you?

The Rokbak RA30 vs RA40: which dump truck is right for you?

Whether working in quarries, infrastructure projects or large-scale earthworks, customers choosing between Rokbak’s robust RA30 and high-capacity RA40 can rely on expert guidance from the Scottish articulated hauler manufacturer’s product team. While both models share Rokbak’s hallmark durability, product manager Graeme Blake details the differentiating factors when selecting the optimal truck for productivity and efficiency. So, which one will you choose? Rokbak articulated haulers are delivering reliable performance on tough job sites around the world. With two models, the decision over which truck to use depends on the demands of the operation. The RA30 and RA40 share Rokbak’s core DNA of durability, simplicity and high uptime. Either model can suit almost any application. Which mean the key differentiating factors lie in areas such as payload needs, site layout and the equipment already on site. The RA30, with its 28 tonne (30.9 US ton) payload capacity, is the agile and versatile option. Its compact size and strong manoeuvrability make it well suited to tighter or more challenging environments such as steep quarry routes, smaller infrastructure works or sites where ground conditions frequently change. The larger RA40 offers a 38 tonne (41.9 US ton) payload for operations where moving more material per cycle is the priority. It performs at its best in high-volume production environments such as open-pit mines, large quarries or earthmoving projects with wide haul roads and long travel distances. When a site can support bigger loading equipment, the RA40 helps customers maximise output by ensuring an efficient flow of materials and reducing the cost per tonne. Matching the truck to the job Aligning the hauler with the right excavator or loading tool is essential. A typical target is four to six passes to fill the truck body. If significantly more passes are required, the extra payload capacity is not being fully utilised and overall productivity compromised. Likewise, haul road width and site congestion should influence fleet selection. Compact European sites, such as those in France, commonly rely on RA30 trucks, while markets with larger working areas and extended operating hours, such as Indonesia, often favour the RA40. Tough and tougher Many customers choose to deploy mixed fleets, combining the nimble efficiency of the RA30 with the payload power of the RA40 to suit different areas of the same site. The RA30 is the quiet workhorse that is always delivering results, while the RA40 is its tougher big brother, built to push productivity even further. Both offer strong operator comfort and control, with the RA30 equipped with true independent front suspension as standard. More than hauling Rokbak articulated haulers are not limited to material movement. Both models have been adapted for specialist roles such as water tankers for dust suppression and scraper units for surface stripping, demonstrating their versatility. Their durable build and dependable components ensure they can operate for long hours in demanding conditions where uptime is critical. By working closely with customers to understand their requirements in detail, we’re ensuring that whether it’s the RA30, the RA40 or both, the right solution is always available. Visit the Rokbak website to learn more about Rokbak articulated haulers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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United Infrastructure Secures £14m New Contracts with Bromsgrove District Housing Trust

United Infrastructure Secures £14m New Contracts with Bromsgrove District Housing Trust

United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Social Infrastructure, has secured two major contracts totalling £14 million with Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (bdht), to enhance and decarbonise social housing across the Midlands. bdht is a registered provider of affordable homes, managing around 4,000 properties across Bromsgrove and the surrounding areas. bdht is committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable housing and services that meet the needs of local people. The first contract will see United Infrastructure deliver circa £10 million of large-scale retrofit and decarbonisation measures across bdht’s housing portfolio. The initiative aims to improve the energy efficiency of more than 500 homes in its initial phase, with the potential to scale to 1,000 properties over the duration of the programme. Scheduled to begin straightaway and delivered over two years, with potential for extension, the project will ensure that all bdht homes meet an EPC rating of C or above by 2030. The retrofit measures will reduce carbon emissions, improve the thermal performance of homes, and make them more affordable to heat. The works will also address longstanding issues such as damp and mould, significantly enhancing resident wellbeing. United Infrastructure has also been awarded a £4 million contract to deliver a comprehensive programme of planned refurbishment works. The project, procured through the Procurement for Housing (PfH) Framework, will commence in November 2025 and is scheduled to complete in March 2026. The works will involve the replacement of kitchens and bathrooms, installation of new boilers and heating systems, upgrades to windows and doors, and the renewal of roofing elements. This investment reflects bdht’s ongoing commitment to maintaining modern, energy-efficient homes and supports United Infrastructure’s mission to deliver safe, comfortable, and sustainable living environments for local communities. United Infrastructure will work in close collaboration with bdht to ensure the delivery of high-quality outcomes. Both contracts place strong emphasis on delivering meaningful social value, including the creation of employment and training opportunities, support for bdht’s liaison staff, and a neighbourhood-based approach that maximises community benefit across all tenures. These important contracts help further broaden United Infrastructure’s footprint in the Midlands, making it a significant local employer and contributor to local economic growth.  Vlad Nedelcu, Chief Operating Officer, Social Infrastructure, commented:  “We are proud to partner with bdht on these transformative programmes. Together, we are not only improving the quality and energy performance of homes but also delivering long-term value to residents and supporting sustainable communities across the Midlands.” Steve Phillips, Head of Asset Management, bdht, said: “These new contracts with United Infrastructure will make a real difference to bdht customers and their communities. The £14 million investment will make hundreds of homes warmer, more energy-efficient and more affordable to run. Alongside this, essential upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, roofs, windows, and doors will help ensure our homes remain safe, modern and well-maintained for many years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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