British Gypsum and Isover have launched episode six of their Building Better video series – taking viewers on a tour of the cutting-edge Energy House 2.0 facility, where academics are closing the gap between the design and performance of new build properties. The largest test and research facility of its
A mini split system offers flexibility, efficiency and convenience to keep your home comfortable year-round. Whether you want to upgrade an older house without ductwork or simply cut your energy bills, they have become your go-to choice. But with so many brands and models on the market, choosing the right
Global leader in energy solutions Aggreko has bolstered its industrial HVAC and process temperature specialist support with two appointments across its European team. With over four decades of cross-sector experience at Aggreko between them, Andreas Essmann is now Business Development Manager for Temperature Control and HVAC in Europe North, while
CR Smith, the window and door specialist, has recruited two highly experienced figures from Scotland’s construction and manufacturing industries to its leadership team, reflecting the firm’s commitment to expanding its public sector operations alongside its long-established domestic customer base. Danny McArthur, formerly managing partner at Hardies Property & Construction Consultants,
Construction professionals need versatility, efficiency and maneuverability on the jobsite. Bulldozers and tractors may be too large, so they call on mini excavators for tight spaces. How can you compare mini excavator brands to ensure you get the right equipment? Here’s a guide to navigate the vast market. How To
IES, a Glasgow-headquartered climate tech firm which has helped to improve the energy performance of iconic buildings, including Heathrow’s Terminal 5, MGM Las Vegas, San Francisco and the Dubai Opera House, has appointed Christine Mullin as its new chief executive officer. Christine succeeds IES founder, Dr Don McLean, who has
British Land has signed 16,000 sq ft of new retail and dining deals at Broadgate Central, next to Liverpool Street Station, taking the ground and lower floors of the newly completed 1 Broadgate to 79% let or under offer. The latest line-up blends fragrance, fashion and fast-casual dining. Headliners include
Castleforge LLP , a London-based real estate investment firm, and Conversant Capital LLC, a New Jersey-based real estate investment firm that specializes in investing in platforms and providing creative capital solutions within the real estate and real estate-related sectors, today announced a partnership to invest in Central London office assets,
AXA IM Alts has secured a resolution to grant planning permission to redevelop part of the former BBC Elstree Studios into a modern film and TV campus, to be rebranded Fairbanks Studios in honour of former owner Douglas Fairbanks Jr. AXA IM Alts acquired 50% of the 16-acre site in
Graham Construction has been appointed main contractor for the new Oasis Academy Temple Quarter in Bristol, after the Department for Education awarded a £49.9m contract. Work starts this month, with the school scheduled to open in September 2027. The scheme will deliver a main secondary school building and convert a
British Gypsum and Isover have launched episode six of their Building Better video series – taking viewers on a tour of the cutting-edge Energy House 2.0 facility, where academics are closing the gap between the design and performance of new build properties. The largest test and research facility of its kind, led by the University of Salford, Energy House 2.0 is the world’s first fully climate-controllable new build home. British Gypsum and Isover supported the exciting project to construct the three-bed detached new build home, designed to meet future performance and regulation requirements. In the previous episode, the Building Better series also unveiled Energy House 1, which features a Victorian end-terrace home. Both projects are helping to revolutionise the way in which the industry designs, builds and retrofits homes for a future of more sustainable and zero-carbon living. In this latest episode, Prof Richard Fitton, Professor of Energy Performance of Buildings for the University of Salford, takes us behind the doors of this high-tech facility where real houses are tested under simulated extreme weather conditions to evaluate energy performance, running costs and resilience. “With too much uncertainty in field testing conditions, Energy House 2.0 allows us to recreate the conditions of anywhere in the world where people live. As part of our testing, we can fast forward through climate change prediction, going 30, 50, even 80 years into the future to test how the house copes with those changes,” said Professor Richard Fitton. “Once testing is complete, we will then have huge amounts of measured data that we can share with the industry to help inform how they create smart living for the future. Research from Leeds Beckett University found in some circumstances up to a 150% gap between design and actual performance in in-field testing, whereas Energy House 2.0 has a gap of less than 10%, meaning that this is an extremely well-performing building.” Built within a sealed environmental chamber, Energy House 2.0 can replicate a wide range of weather conditions – from rain, wind, snow and solar through to temperatures ranging from -20°C to 40°C – enabling accurate, repeatable testing that accelerates innovation and reduces real-world risk. The research spans everything from fabric performance, airtightness, and U-values across floors, windows, ceilings, and roofs, to a thermography study. Órla Whelan, Customer Solutions and Portfolio Development Director at Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, said: “This innovative climate-controlled testing provides us with a catalyst for speeding up the pace of development and hopefully paving a way for us to reduce our carbon emissions to zero. We are honoured to be a part of such a forward-thinking initiative. “The accurate data that is obtained from this testing allows the academics at the University of Salford to create calibrated models of the buildings with an accuracy within better than 5%. With this huge amount of insight, manufacturers can see exactly how these buildings perform before they are even built.” By showcasing the transformational research taking place at the University of Salford, the episode reinforces British Gypsum and Isover’s commitment to helping people live low-carbon lives through high-performance building solutions. Hosted by renowned architectural designer and television personality Charlie Luxton, Building Better delivers inspirational and thought-provoking content through weekly episodes, available on YouTube and via the Building Better Hub. To watch the full episode and explore more on how we’re building a better tomorrow, visit: www.saint-gobain.co.uk/building-better-hub. Or watch the episode directly on the Building Better YouTube Channel and hit subscribe to stay updated. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A mini split system offers flexibility, efficiency and convenience to keep your home comfortable year-round. Whether you want to upgrade an older house without ductwork or simply cut your energy bills, they have become your go-to choice. But with so many brands and models on the market, choosing the right one can be tricky. What is a Mini Split System? A mini split system is an air conditioner for heating and cooling a single room or zone. Typically, an outdoor compressor unit powers one or more indoor units connected by refrigerant lines. The main difference from “normal” air conditioning is the absence of ductwork in a mini split. This eliminates energy loss through ducts, increasing energy efficiency and allowing for zone-specific temperature control. They are a good option for homes without existing ducts, requiring only a small hole for the refrigerant lines. The Top 10 Mini Split Systems for Homes Examine the top-rated companies to help you make an informed, confident decision when investing in a mini split system. Ingrams is a leading online retailer specializing in HVAC solutions, including mini split systems, central air and furnaces. With decades of experience, it serves homeowners and contractors nationwide. IWAE stands out for its extensive product selection, competitive pricing and expert customer support. Its website makes it easy to compare, purchase and arrange delivery of top-rated products. Ingram’s deep inventory includes options from various brands, allowing consumers to choose from the best range of mini split systems for homes. Buyer guides and detailed product information on the site empower homeowners to make informed decisions. The company highlights the energy-saving ratings of each product and showcases advanced features such as auto-mode and smart controls. This customer-first approach and robust after-sales support make Ingrams a best-in-class winner for householders wanting to buy a mini split system. Mitsubishi Electric is a leader in HVAC technology and is renowned for its innovation and reliability. With over a century of experience, the company has set industry standards for ductless mini split systems, offering advanced comfort solutions for your home. Its units are praised for their energy efficiency, quiet operation and precise climate control, making them ideal for zoning and retrofitting older homes. The company’s inverter-driven compressors and smart controls ensure consistent comfort and lower energy bills. A commitment to quality is evident in robust warranties and a strong dealer network with excellent after-sales support. Mitsubishi Electric’s focus on sustainable and healthy indoor air distinguishes it in the market, making its systems popular for homeowners seeking reliable and eco-friendly solutions. Daikin is the world’s largest HVAC manufacturer, bringing decades of innovation and expertise to the mini split market. It offers a comprehensive range of systems, heat pumps and VRV multi-zone solutions for residential and commercial use. Its products are known for advanced inverter technology, high SEER ratings and reliability. Daikin’s commitment to research and development ensures cutting-edge features, such as smart controls and eco-friendly refrigerants. With multiple manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Daikin provides robust support and quick product availability. Its systems are designed for energy savings, comfort and flexibility, making them a good choice for homeowners seeking customizable climate control. LG Air Conditioning Technologies is a major player in the global HVAC market, offering innovative ducted and duct-free solutions for homes and businesses. Known for sleek design and advanced technology, LG’s mini split systems combine high efficiency with smart home integration, including Wi-Fi and voice assistant compatibility. The product line includes single and multi-zone systems, wall-mounted, floor-mounted and ceiling cassette units, catering to diverse installation needs. LG’s systems are engineered for quiet operation, reliable performance and user-friendly controls. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its energy-efficient models and use of eco-friendly refrigerants. With a strong brand presence and customer support network, LG stands out for its blend of style, tech and performance. Fujitsu General United States is a trusted provider of high-efficiency heating and cooling solutions, with a strong focus on mini split and VRF systems. Its Airstage line offers advanced comfort for residents, featuring various capacities and configurations. Fujitsu’s mini splits are known for their quiet operation, high SEER ratings and eco-friendly performance. The company emphasizes customer support, training and technical resources, ensuring homeowners have the guidance they need. With over 40 years in the U.S. market, Fujitsu has built a reputation for reliability, innovation and energy savings. Its systems are ideal for retrofits and homes seeking superior indoor air quality. GREE is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of air conditioners, with a rapidly growing presence in North America. The company offers a wide selection of ductless and mini split systems, including single and multi-zone options, portable AC units and smart controls. GREE’s products are recognized for their affordability, reliability and energy efficiency, making them accessible to a broad range of homeowners. The company’s mini splits feature inverter technology, quiet operation and user-friendly interfaces. GREE’s global scale allows for robust research, development and quality control, ensuring consistent product performance. The brand’s commitment to innovation and value has earned it a loyal customer base. GREE is a solid contender for those seeking cost-effective, dependable and efficient solutions. Pioneer Mini Split is a popular direct-to-consumer brand specializing in ductless mini split systems for residential and light commercial use. Based in Miami, Florida, Pioneer offers a wide range of single and multi-zone systems, focusing on affordability and ease of installation. Its products are DIY-friendly, often including pre-charged linesets and comprehensive installation guides. Pioneer stands out for its competitive pricing, fast shipping and strong customer support, including a 5-year warranty and a 45-day satisfaction guarantee. The company’s online platform makes it easy for homeowners to select, purchase and install their own systems. Budget-conscious consumers and DIY enthusiasts can appreciate its commitment to value, accessibility and customer satisfaction. MrCool has revolutionized the mini split market with its innovative DIY systems, designed for straightforward installation by homeowners. The brand’s flagship series features pre-charged linesets and simple, tool-free connections, eliminating the need for professional refrigerant handling. MrCool’s product range
Global leader in energy solutions Aggreko has bolstered its industrial HVAC and process temperature specialist support with two appointments across its European team. With over four decades of cross-sector experience at Aggreko between them, Andreas Essmann is now Business Development Manager for Temperature Control and HVAC in Europe North, while Christophe Chihaoui is Head of Temperature Control for France, and supporting Europe South. They join recently appointed Head of Temperature Control for the UK, Chris Smith, on Aggreko specialist industrial HVAC and process temperature control team working across a range of sectors, including the construction industry. This includes providing temporary and supplementary cooling, heating and dehumidification solutions to support with on-site maintenance works, system upgrades, temperature spikes and unexpected outages throughout the year. The appointments come following prolonged periods of extreme and unpredictable weather over the summer, including record temperatures reached during heatwaves[1]. Such conditions have been cause for concern for safety on sites and potential for operational and process temperature challenges. The prolonged periods of heat have led to growing strain on HVAC systems across industries, resulting in further demand from businesses and their appointed contractors for reliable and efficient temporary alternatives during critical maintenance and upgrade schedules. Early forecasts for the coming winter have conversely predicted colder than normal temperatures to face Europe with areas over the North-West and Southern Europe set to experience above average rainfall[2]. Responding to this, Aggreko is warning HVAC contractors and engineers, facilities managers and businesses across sectors to ensure they have plans in place to mitigate challenges caused by changing weather throughout the year. To support construction sites to remain resilient through unpredictable and extreme weather across the year, Aggreko has invested significantly in its fleet. Through its new team of specialists leveraging Aggreko’s extensive energy expertise, customers will also be able to receive integrated assistance using the company’s innovative power and temperature control fleet to boost efficiency and resilience. This includes accessing the latest offerings from Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades™ portfolio, such as hybrid temperature control solutions using battery energy storage systems alongside Stage V generators to save fuel, reduce emissions and improve reliability. On his appointment, Andreas said: “I am pleased to be leading the charge working with across Europe North to satisfy their temperature control needs. With rising temperatures and increasing demand for reliable, efficient HVAC systems, it is more important than ever that we support businesses with solutions capable of adapting to not only the changing weather patterns, but their evolving needs too. At Aggreko, we have made significant investment in our expertise and solutions meet the demands of industrial customers in Europe North and I look forward to leading our expert engineering teams to deliver this.” Christophe said: “Extreme weather conditions we have been seeing across France can have a significant impact on HVAC systems, and customers are finding themselves in need of additional capacity, fast. As part of this team, we have the expertise to help these companies plan for their requirements throughout the year and implement the correct technologies quickly. I’m excited to get started and help our customers futureproof their industrial HVAC, process temperature and efficient power solutions so they are prepared for anything.” Robert Wells, Europe President at Aggreko, said: “We are committed to ensuring our solutions and expertise respond to the changing needs of our customers to deliver the efficiency, reliability and sustainability they need on site. As unpredictable European weather continues to pose challenges, the appointment of two experienced experts into a dedicated team aimed at supporting our customers with their evolving industrial HVAC and process temperature is a central part of this. Alongside Chris Smith, Head of Temperature Control for the UK and Ireland, Andreas and Christophe bring together over six decades of on the ground experience across our key sectors in Europe and can ensure we can bring deep local knowledge backed by our global expertise.” Click the link for more information about Aggreko’s industrial HVAC and process temperature control solutions [1] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/13/temperature-records-heatwave-europe-france-croatia-wildfires [2] https://www.severe-weather.eu/long-range-2/winter-2025-2026-early-forecast-la-nina-polar-vortex-cold-pattern-united-states-canada-europe-fa/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CR Smith, the window and door specialist, has recruited two highly experienced figures from Scotland’s construction and manufacturing industries to its leadership team, reflecting the firm’s commitment to expanding its public sector operations alongside its long-established domestic customer base. Danny McArthur, formerly managing partner at Hardies Property & Construction Consultants, joins CR Smith as Director of Commercial to lead the firm’s social housing and commercial activities. A qualified quantity surveyor, CDM principal designer, and project manager, Danny brings a wealth of expertise, having delivered major social housing development projects across Scotland. Alistair Mercer has been appointed Director of Manufacturing, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in manufacturing operations management. Skilled in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and project management, Alistair will oversee the CR Smith state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fife. He will drive process innovation and workforce development, ensuring the facility continues to meet the complex demands of made-to-order and made-to-measure production. CR Smith, which designs, manufactures, and installs high-quality windows, doors, and home extensions, reported a 30% increase in revenues during Q1 2025, following several major contracts to upgrade social housing stock. As local authorities and housing associations implement ambitious plans to meet new sustainability standards, the firm is increasingly being chosen as a trusted partner, building on more than 50 years of success in the private housing, commercial house builder and public sector markets. The addition of Danny and Alistair to the CR Smith management team follows the recent appointments of Sharon Glass as Director of Finance and Michael Leggiero as Director of IT. Gerard Eadie, Chairman of CR Smith, commented: “The appointments of Danny and Alistair mark a significant step in our growth strategy. Both bring exceptional expertise and proven track records in their respective fields, which will be instrumental as we scale our operations to meet growing demand from both the public and private sectors. Their leadership will strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient solutions for our customers across Scotland.” CR Smith, which has offices in Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen, as well as its head office and manufacturing plant in Fife, has been a cornerstone of Scottish business since Gerard Eadie CBE took over in 1974, consistently investing in its people and innovation. The firm became one of Scotland’s most recognised brands in 1984 when it simultaneously sponsored both Rangers and Celtic. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction professionals need versatility, efficiency and maneuverability on the jobsite. Bulldozers and tractors may be too large, so they call on mini excavators for tight spaces. How can you compare mini excavator brands to ensure you get the right equipment? Here’s a guide to navigate the vast market. How To Compare Mini Excavator Brands The best mini excavator brand depends on your project’s needs, whether trenching, grading or utility installation. Construction professionals may add augers, breakers and thumbs to get the job done. It’s also essential to remember comfort, considering you’ll sit in the machine for a while. You can find these qualities in household-name manufacturers. Here are some of the top mini excavator brands and what they’re known for: Caterpillar Caterpillar’s mini excavators have spacious cabs, ergonomic controls and convenient attachments. Komatsu Komatsu prioritizes multifunctional motions, precise bucket movements and automated technologies. John Deere John Deere mini excavators include auxiliary hydraulics, foldable blades and climate-controlled cabs. Bobcat Bobcat mini excavators are renowned for their digging power and smooth controls. Hitachi Hitachi’s mini excavators are easily adjustable based on the worksite. The lineup includes electric machines to reduce the environmental impact. What to Prioritize in Mini Excavator Brands Searching for mini excavators should include a comprehensive list of priorities. Here’s what you should use in your research: Dealers Selling Top Mini Excavator Brands Once you decide on a brand, it’s time to find a reputable dealership. Here are three businesses with expert guidance and positive buying experiences. 1. Gregory Poole Equipment Company Gregory Poole Equipment Company has been eastern North Carolina’s premier Cat equipment dealer since 1951. It prioritizes customers by supporting them after the sale. Gregory Poole sells Caterpillar mini excavators in varying sizes and power. For instance, the 310 gets 69.5 horsepower, whereas the 300.9D VPS has 13 horsepower in the engine. Customers benefit from the dealer’s deep knowledge, parts inventory and in-house financing. Key features: 2. Linder Since 1953,Linder has delivered high-quality equipment like mini excavators to the Southeast. For over 70 years, it has implemented strong leadership to meet customer needs. The Florida-based dealer is an authorized Komatsu dealer. Customers can find mini excavators with operating weights up to 12,000 pounds, whether the PC30MR-5 or the PC55MR-5. Choosing this dealership includes diagnostic inspections, oil analysis and planned maintenance programs. Key features: 3. RPM Machinery RPM Machinery finds the right equipment for its customers, whether purchasing a mini excavator or a bulldozer. The family-owned Indiana dealer offers a comprehensive buying process to fulfill your needs. RPM Machinery sells CASE mini excavators with differing operating weights. The CASE CX37C weighs 7,598 pounds and has 28.4 horsepower, whereas the CASE CX80C weighs 18,585 pounds and has 54 horsepower. Key features: Sorting Through Mini Excavator Brands Finding the best mini excavator is critical to navigating your jobsite’s unique challenges. Modern brands like Hitachi and Caterpillar offer unique features and advanced technologies. Search for authorized dealers with post-sales support, flexible solutions and quality equipment.
IES, a Glasgow-headquartered climate tech firm which has helped to improve the energy performance of iconic buildings, including Heathrow’s Terminal 5, MGM Las Vegas, San Francisco and the Dubai Opera House, has appointed Christine Mullin as its new chief executive officer. Christine succeeds IES founder, Dr Don McLean, who has led the business for over three decades and will continue to support the company as he moves into the role of non-executive director. Christine brings significant senior leadership experience across international technology and B2B SaaS operations, with a proven track record in scaling businesses, driving growth, and delivering successful outcomes. She has held senior roles at Microsoft UK, Dext, MetaPack, and Bookatable, where she scaled operations, drove acquisitions, and spearheaded market expansion. Most recently, Christine served as COO at Texthelp, a leading global provider of assistive software to both education and corporate organisations. Christine has also completed the MIT AI and Machine Learning: Leading Business Growth programme, further enhancing her strategic expertise. Christine Mullin, CEO of IES, said: “IES has an exceptional reputation for innovation and impact, having enabled the energy-efficient design, retrofit and operation of some of the most well-known buildings and infrastructure projects in the world. In doing so, we have empowered countless architecture, engineering and construction firms, building owners and operators to reduce costs, enhance the occupant experience, and lower the carbon impact of our global built environment. “What drew me to IES is the same thing that drives everyone here – a belief in the power of our technology to make a tangible difference by optimising the energy performance of buildings and infrastructure worldwide, helping to enable a truly sustainable planet. With demand for intelligent climate tech solutions only growing globally, this is an important moment for the business. I’m honoured to get the opportunity to build on Don’s remarkable legacy, working with the outstanding IES team and our broader network of industry partners to lead IES into its next phase of growth. Together, we can empower more organisations to make confident, data-driven decisions that help decarbonise the built environment at scale.” Over the past three decades, Don’s leadership has guided IES from its origins as a small start-up, inspired by his PhD research, into a global climate leader whose technology has been applied to more than 1.5 million buildings worldwide. During that time, the built environment has faced a succession of profound shifts – from early concerns over energy security, to the mounting urgency of the climate crisis, and the pressing need for resilient, low-carbon infrastructure today. IES has remained at the forefront of this transformation, helping to reduce the energy consumption and emissions of some of the world’s most iconic buildings. Don’s vision, combined with the dedication of the IES team, has established the company as a trusted global partner in enabling a more sustainable built environment. Dr Don McLean, founder and non-executive director at IES, commented: “When I founded IES just over 31 years ago, the conversation around buildings was only beginning to recognise the importance of energy security and environmental impact. Since then, we’ve seen the climate agenda move to the centre of global policy and business, and I’m proud that IES has played an important role in that transformation. “From pioneering the use of digital technology in building performance to contributing to major global projects, the company has always been driven by innovation and a determination to make a difference. I am so proud of everything that we have achieved so far. But there is still much more to do if we are to meet the pressing challenges our society faces when it comes to mitigating the worst impacts of climate change and the role that our buildings play within that. “While I remain committed to furthering the decarbonisation of our global built environment, now feels the right time to hand over the reins to Christine, whose experience, vision, and drive will help to take IES into its next exciting phase. I look forward to supporting her and the team as IES continues its vital mission.” Christine’s appointment follows IES’s landmark 2024 strategic investment from the Apax Global Impact Fund, which is helping to accelerate the company’s expansion and mission to decarbonise buildings around the world. For more information about IES, visit www.iesve.com or follow the company on LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land has signed 16,000 sq ft of new retail and dining deals at Broadgate Central, next to Liverpool Street Station, taking the ground and lower floors of the newly completed 1 Broadgate to 79% let or under offer. The latest line-up blends fragrance, fashion and fast-casual dining. Headliners include Boots Fragrance – the retailer’s first dedicated fragrance-only boutique – alongside Molton Brown, Swiss chocolatier Läderach and Parisian patisserie Ladurée. On the food side, NOTTO To Go, Sandwich Sandwich and Sushinoya are set to join the mix. Menswear brand MOSS, hair removal clinic Strip and grooming specialist Murdock London round out the signings. They will sit alongside fashion names already secured for the scheme, such as Mango, Luca Faloni, Hobbs and Whistles, plus Vagabond wine bar. Across the wider estate, Broadgate now offers 289,000 sq ft of retail, hospitality and leisure, with an established roster that includes Eataly, Los Mochis London City, Everyman, Monica Vinader, Tommy Hilfiger and Space NK. Kelly Cleveland, head of real estate and investment at British Land, said the campus is seeing “fantastic leasing momentum”, with a diverse mix of brands choosing Broadgate to grow their central London presence. “These latest lettings build on recent announcements and reflect the enduring appeal of Broadgate’s location, connectivity and curated offer,” she added. With a strong pipeline and fresh anchors in fragrance, fashion and food, British Land’s latest signings continue the repositioning of Broadgate as a seven-day destination for office workers, locals and visitors alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Castleforge LLP , a London-based real estate investment firm, and Conversant Capital LLC, a New Jersey-based real estate investment firm that specializes in investing in platforms and providing creative capital solutions within the real estate and real estate-related sectors, today announced a partnership to invest in Central London office assets, including acquisitions and structured capital solutions. Affiliates of Conversant have committed an initial £150 million to Castleforge Partners V (Special Opportunities Fund) (the “Fund”), which will focus on investing in the Central London office market. “I’m excited to be working with Michael and his team. Our two organisations have a lot of overlapping relationships and think very similarly about investing,” said Michael Kovacs, Founding Partner at Castleforge. “Central London remains one of the most dynamic office markets in the world, yet the imbalance between supply and demand is now more pronounced than ever. With Conversant’s support, we are well-positioned to deliver prime, well-located office space at a time when companies are looking to bring employees back to the office and prioritise quality, connectivity, and sustainability. Our investment in 75 London Wall, a rare, large-scale redevelopment that will provide London with a new benchmark for high-quality, future-proofed workspace epitomises this strategy.” “Our partnership with Castleforge reflects our conviction in London’s office market and in our collective ability to identify and unlock value,” said Michael Simanovsky, Managing Partner of Conversant Capital. “We believe the current dislocation in the sector presents an exceptional opportunity, where limited new supply and rising demand create the conditions for outsized risk-adjusted returns. With our two firms’ deep domain expertise and relationships, coupled with a flexible mandate to invest across the capital structure, this Fund is structured to capture opportunities others cannot, combining downside protection with significant upside potential.” The Fund is being launched at a time when demand for prime office space in Central London is well above the long-term average, supported by return-to-office strategies and relocations to more central, transport-connected submarkets. Meanwhile, construction cost inflation and a more burdensome regulatory environment have limited new development starts, creating a shortage of high-quality office space. Castleforge and Conversant believe this environment creates an attractive entry point for this strategy, which takes a value-add approach and expects to be able to invest at meaningful discounts to pre-pandemic pricing. The Fund is structured to invest in more than £1 billion of total asset value over the next several years. Importantly, it is designed to invest across the capital structure, including both equity and credit positions as well as joint ventures, enabling it to tailor solutions to a wide range of opportunities. Initial Investments The Fund, acting as a credit provider, recently closed on the £90 million recapitalization of 55 Mark Lane, a 162,000 square foot multi-let office asset in the City of London’s EC3 insurance district. Proceeds will refinance the existing mortgage and fund a capital improvement plan. Castleforge will serve as lender, asset manager, and development manager. The Fund also acquired a secondary interest in 75 London Wall, Castleforge’s flagship office redevelopment. At nearly 500,000 square feet, the project is among the largest underway in the City and is being repositioned into a next-generation workplace focused on sustainability, occupier wellbeing, and modern design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AXA IM Alts has secured a resolution to grant planning permission to redevelop part of the former BBC Elstree Studios into a modern film and TV campus, to be rebranded Fairbanks Studios in honour of former owner Douglas Fairbanks Jr. AXA IM Alts acquired 50% of the 16-acre site in January 2024 for £70m. The remaining half, recently upgraded by the BBC and held on a long-term lease for productions including EastEnders, is unaffected. The proposals transform existing studios and ancillary spaces into a 266,000 sq ft media campus for TV and independent film. Designed by UMC Architects with an art deco frontage, the scheme will more than quadruple stage space to about 100,000 sq ft across five sound stages ranging from 16,000 to 21,000 sq ft. New workshops, offices, a café, base camp, backlot and improved cycle and parking facilities are included. A five-storey ‘media hub’ will add 58,000 sq ft of office and amenity space for media-related businesses directly linked to the studios. Specialist developer-operator Oxygen Studios has been appointed to advise, with construction planned to start later this year. Rob Samuel, head of UK development at AXA IM Alts, said the plan builds on a century of screen heritage, delivering state-of-the-art studios to support Britain’s creative sector while bringing local employment, architectural distinction and sustainable design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Graham Construction has been appointed main contractor for the new Oasis Academy Temple Quarter in Bristol, after the Department for Education awarded a £49.9m contract. Work starts this month, with the school scheduled to open in September 2027. The scheme will deliver a main secondary school building and convert a smaller listed structure—the former boiler shop—into a new sports hall. In total, the project provides 12,182 sq m GIFA with capacity for 1,600 pupils on the Silverthorne Lane site. Head teacher Richard James called the development “a major milestone for East Bristol”, adding that the permanent campus would be “a lasting home for learning, growth, and community pride”. Graham regional director Peter Reavey said the start on site follows “several years of hard work by the entire project team”, and that the new facility will benefit “generations of school children in the Bristol area”. The project is being delivered for Oasis Community Learning under the Department for Education’s programme to expand and modernise school places across the city. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals