Bloor Homes has officially opened its new £5.2m Midlands regional headquarters in Wall, Lichfield, bringing its teams together in a modern, purpose-built workspace designed to support the next stage of the housebuilder’s growth across the region. The 18,500 square foot, two-storey building was delivered by Deeley Construction, and now serves
Almost 30 new machines have now been delivered to civil engineering and plant hire business The Walters Group as the UK heads into a new era of large infrastructure project delivery. The investment supports large infrastructure and quarrying contracts across England and Wales and brings the five-year total of machines
Technical construction and engineering specialist Tonroe Group has surpassed the £1 billion turnover milestone for the first time, with surging demand for hyperscale data centres and a strong performance across the UK driving record financial results. The Gerrards Cross-based group reported revenue of £1.19 billion for 2025, representing a 27%
HELPING modernise existing building stock for the next generation of customers, leading fit-out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst is set to complete more than 127,000 sq ft of refurbishment works across three Prologis logistics facilities this summer. The projects span the West Midlands and the Home Counties, the largest of which is a 104,500 sq ft distribution centre
A major mixed-use development could reshape part of the Greenwich Peninsula after developer Tribe submitted plans for two high-rise towers that would deliver student accommodation, co-living homes and affordable housing close to the Silvertown Tunnel. Designed by CJCT, the proposed scheme would transform a vacant site on Millennium Way into
More than 500 homes across North Yorkshire and Tees Valley are set to receive energy efficiency home improvements, making them warmer, more efficient and lowering energy bills for residents. The programme of works will include retrofit assessments and upgrades such as cavity wall and loft insulation, improved ventilation, installation of
Egis in the UK & Ireland has landed a major contract with Yorkshire Water, securing a place on its Technical Services and Assurance Framework. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the firm, reinforcing its water sector growth plans. The multi-year contract will support Yorkshire Water’s Asset Management Period 8
Design and Build contract will deliver a 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry. Glencar has commenced construction of Unit 3C, a new 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry, following its appointment by SEGRO to deliver the
A major affordable housing development in Greenwich has taken a significant step forward after Wembley-based Formation Design and Build secured Gateway 2 approval for Hyde’s 182-home scheme at Charlton Riverside. The Eastmoor Street project marks Hyde’s first development to successfully navigate the Building Safety Regulator’s enhanced Gateway 2 process, clearing
London’s ability to deliver 31,500 new purpose-built student bedrooms over the next decade will depend on boroughs applying the Draft London Plan’s new targets flexibly, according to planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The draft Plan introduces individual purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) targets for London boroughs for the first time, giving
Bloor Homes has officially opened its new £5.2m Midlands regional headquarters in Wall, Lichfield, bringing its teams together in a modern, purpose-built workspace designed to support the next stage of the housebuilder’s growth across the region. The 18,500 square foot, two-storey building was delivered by Deeley Construction, and now serves as the operational base for more than 50 members of staff, with capacity to train and develop further employees as Bloor Homes continues to address critical regional and national housing needs. Paul Degg, Regional Managing Director for Bloor Homes’ Midlands region, said: “This represents a new chapter for Bloor Homes Midlands; the investment we have in our teams and creating the right environment for collaboration is important as we continue to deliver high quality new homes and communities across the region. “We have created a workspace that not only reflects modern working practices and meets our needs today, but also futureproofs the way our teams will work for years to come. Here’s to the next chapter from our new home.” Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification, the new headquarters places sustainability at its core, incorporating 160 solar panels, 20 electric vehicle charging points, permeable paving and a sustainable urban drainage system. BREEAM – the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method – is used to specify and measure the sustainability performance of buildings. Excellent certification demonstrates that stringent benchmarks relating to reduced carbon emissions, low impact design, adaptation to climate change, ecological value and biodiversity protection have been met. The new Bloor Homes Midlands headquarters is located at Wall, Lichfield. Career opportunities across the Midlands region can be found at: bloorhomes.com/careers For further information about Bloor Homes’ developments across the Midlands, visit: bloorhomes.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Almost 30 new machines have now been delivered to civil engineering and plant hire business The Walters Group as the UK heads into a new era of large infrastructure project delivery. The investment supports large infrastructure and quarrying contracts across England and Wales and brings the five-year total of machines supplied by Finning UK & Ireland to Walters to 400. The most recent order includes a series of excavators, soil compactors and dozers designed for high-level precision and peak efficiency on large-scale sites. Among the 28 machines is a stand-out Centennial Edition D6 XE dozer, painted Centennial Grey to mark 100 years of Caterpillar®. Dai Walters, Group Chairman at The Walters Group, said: “I am extremely proud to see the Cat Centennial Edition D6 join our fleet. Over the last 45 years we have owned and operated a huge number of Cat machines from rigid dump trucks, large wheel loaders and dozers through to mini excavators as the scope of some of our work has somewhat changed particularly more locally.” All the machines have been supplied with a four-year / 8,000-hour warranty and complete Customer Value Agreements (CVAs) ensuring the investment is optimised for maximum reliability and performance. Darren Bodio, National Account Manager at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “Walters and Finning have a long history of working together and it is a partnership that continues to grow with the success of Walters Group. “Projects that are shaping the industry this year are the major infrastructure, transport and housing schemes. To seize these opportunities, customers like The Walters Group need a fleet of machines that can handle significant workloads and ensure deadlines are met. High-performance equipment like the Cat machines delivered to Walters directly contribute to efficiency and quality of delivery and ultimately project success. “Thanks to the long-standing relationship with Finning, Walters has the confidence to commit to another substantial fleet investment that will support its versatile and agile working methods.” Huw Richards, Group Managing Director at The Walters Group outlined that the family owned business believes in offering stability in times of economic unpredictability is important to help customers build operational resilience. He said: “We provide certainty of delivery through owning, operating and maintaining one of the largest heavy plant fleets in the UK. Our reputation for delivery is based on a right-first-time approach, an engaged workforce and a commitment to utilising modern equipment and working methods. “Staying invested helps to foster long-term growth and through Finning we know we are dealing with experts who understand not only our needs but those of our customers. We can’t wait to see these latest additions join our varied and extensive fleet, helping to drive economic growth through key, milestone projects to upgrade infrastructure and accelerate productivity.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Technical construction and engineering specialist Tonroe Group has surpassed the £1 billion turnover milestone for the first time, with surging demand for hyperscale data centres and a strong performance across the UK driving record financial results. The Gerrards Cross-based group reported revenue of £1.19 billion for 2025, representing a 27% increase on the previous year, while pre-tax profits rose 15% to £48 million. The growth has been fuelled by a rapidly expanding international portfolio of data centre projects alongside continued investment in specialist technical construction across multiple sectors. A significant proportion of the group’s success has been driven by its overseas operations, with international projects now generating just over half of total revenue at £608 million. Major contracts secured during the year include work on one of Europe’s largest hyperscale data centre campuses in Portugal, together with projects across Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain. The group’s UK contracting arm, TSL Ltd, also delivered another strong year, increasing turnover by 12% to £592 million and forecasting revenues in excess of £600 million this year, supported by a healthy secured order book. Although pre-tax profits at TSL eased from £27 million to £25 million due to changes in project mix and operating margins, the business strengthened its financial position by increasing cash reserves to almost £70 million while expanding its workforce by nearly 48% to 372 employees. Throughout the year, TSL completed a diverse range of technically complex projects spanning logistics, manufacturing, aviation and food production. These included two major facilities for Greggs, a robotic fulfilment centre in the North East, a significant data centre in the South East and a new aircraft engineering hangar for Jet2. The contractor also commenced work on a fourth manufacturing facility at SmartParc SEGRO Derby for a major international food producer, while continuing to grow its presence across automated logistics, cold storage, advanced manufacturing and pharmaceutical developments. As part of its strategic focus on specialist technical construction, TSL also completed the disposal of its Rockland Concrete division following the financial year-end. The business generated approximately £20 million of revenue during 2025 before being sold through a trade and asset transaction. For the construction and built environment sectors, Tonroe Group’s latest results underline the continuing strength of investment in digital infrastructure, with data centres remaining one of Europe’s fastest-growing construction markets. Demand for highly specialised engineering expertise, combined with growth in advanced manufacturing, logistics and mission-critical facilities, is creating significant opportunities for contractors capable of delivering technically demanding projects. Jackie Wild, Group Chief Executive, said: “2025 was a year of strong growth across the Group, driven by our valued client and supply chain partnerships and sustained focus on consistent delivery. “We also continued to invest capital in the business to enable our sustained growth as we deliver complex projects across a wide international footprint. “With a strong pipeline confirmed for 2026 and beyond, including major capital projects spanning several years, we remain focused on delivering technical construction and engineering excellence for our clients.” With a robust order book and major international projects extending well into the future, Tonroe Group is well positioned to build on its record-breaking performance as investment in hyperscale data centres, advanced industrial facilities and mission-critical infrastructure continues to accelerate across the UK and Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HELPING modernise existing building stock for the next generation of customers, leading fit-out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst is set to complete more than 127,000 sq ft of refurbishment works across three Prologis logistics facilities this summer. The projects span the West Midlands and the Home Counties, the largest of which is a 104,500 sq ft distribution centre at Prologis Park Marston Gate, Milton Keynes. Undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment to transform a building dating back to the late 1990s, works include a full strip-out, replacement mechanical and electrical systems, new plumbing, upgraded office and warehouse accommodation, refreshed breakout spaces, transport drivers’ facilities and new outdoor seating areas to support employee wellbeing. The refurbishment work across all three projects will improve the buildings’ energy performance, as minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) continue to tighten ahead of a 2031 deadline. Solar PV panels and EV charging infrastructure are being installed, alongside the use of more sustainable materials throughout the projects. Ashley Williams, associate director at Pexhurst, said: “The size and layout of Prologis buildings may vary, but the quality of refurbishment remains consistent across every project, and that’s where Pexhurst has built its expertise. “Refurbishing existing buildings extends their lifespan, improves their energy performance and delivers high-quality logistics facilities that are ready for customers with minimal additional investment.” Since completing its first project for Prologis in 2016, Pexhurst has refurbished 23 units across the Midlands, London and the Home Counties. Paul Johnson, construction director at Prologis, said: “Investing in our existing portfolio is an important part of how we continue to meet customer demand while improving the sustainability and performance of our buildings. Having trusted partners who can consistently deliver high-quality refurbishment projects is essential, and Pexhurst has proven that across a wide range of schemes.” To find out more about Pexhurst and its full range of services, visit: www.pexhurst.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major mixed-use development could reshape part of the Greenwich Peninsula after developer Tribe submitted plans for two high-rise towers that would deliver student accommodation, co-living homes and affordable housing close to the Silvertown Tunnel. Designed by CJCT, the proposed scheme would transform a vacant site on Millennium Way into a high-density residential development, contributing new homes and purpose-built student accommodation within one of London’s fastest-growing regeneration areas. The plans include a 27-storey tower providing 673 purpose-built student bedrooms alongside a 23-storey building comprising 380 co-living homes. An additional 80 affordable homes also form part of the wider development, helping to support Greenwich’s housing requirements while responding to increasing demand for flexible urban living. Located adjacent to the Silvertown Tunnel approach roads and opposite the former gasholder site, the development occupies a strategic location within the wider Greenwich Peninsula regeneration programme, where thousands of new homes, commercial buildings and public spaces are planned. Planning documents submitted with the application highlight a significant shortage of student accommodation across the area, identifying a deficit of 1,871 student bedspaces within the wider catchment and around 581 within Greenwich itself, even after taking account of schemes currently in the pipeline. The proposals have also received support from Ravensbourne University, which has stated that demand for student accommodation remains exceptionally strong, reinforcing the need for additional high-quality housing for students studying in southeast London. For the construction and property sectors, the development reflects the continued growth of London’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and co-living markets, with developers increasingly delivering mixed-tenure schemes that combine student housing, residential accommodation and affordable homes within a single masterplan. The Tribe proposals are the latest in a series of significant developments planned across the Greenwich Peninsula. Nearby projects include Scape’s proposed three-tower student accommodation scheme on the former gasholder site, Fairview’s revised plans for Boord Street and Knight Dragon’s wider masterplan, which includes around 1,000 student bedrooms alongside extensive residential, commercial and leisure development. Together, these projects demonstrate the growing importance of the Greenwich Peninsula as one of London’s leading regeneration locations, where investment in residential-led mixed-use developments continues to support housing delivery, educational growth and long-term economic regeneration. If approved, the latest scheme would add further momentum to the transformation of the Peninsula, creating a diverse mix of accommodation while strengthening the area’s role as a major destination for students, residents and investment within the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than 500 homes across North Yorkshire and Tees Valley are set to receive energy efficiency home improvements, making them warmer, more efficient and lowering energy bills for residents. The programme of works will include retrofit assessments and upgrades such as cavity wall and loft insulation, improved ventilation, installation of smart thermostats, low-energy lighting and more. Beyond Housing has partnered with heating and renewable specialists, 0800 Repair, who have recently won a number of contracts with housing association and local authority clients including Home Group, North Star Housing Group, Northumberland County Council and Gateshead Borough Council. The 12-month contract, with an option to extend for a further one year, was awarded to the Houghton-le-Spring headquartered company through the CHIC Framework (Communities and Housing Investment Consortium) via a direct award. Work is due to start this week with selected homes in Scarborough and Whitby and Michael Pallister, Operations Director at 0800 Repair, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Beyond Housing on this energy efficiency contract, which extends our excellent working relationship of delivering cavity wall insulation to homes. Our experienced team are looking forward to working in residents homes to deliver these improvements. “As part of the agreement, we are also committed to delivering social value, including educational workshops in schools located within the communities where we are carrying out home improvement works.” Jamie Whitaker, Asset Sustainability Manager at, said: “Beyond Housing is delighted to be partnering with 0800 Repair on our largest energy efficiency improvement programme to date, supporting the forthcoming Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards by 2030. “The project will improve more than 500 homes across Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, with measures including loft and wall insulation, energy-efficient lighting, smart heating controls and more. By improving the energy performance of our homes, we aim to help customers reduce energy consumption, lower their household bills and enjoy warmer, healthier living environments. “We look forward to working closely with 0800 Repair to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for our customers and communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Egis in the UK & Ireland has landed a major contract with Yorkshire Water, securing a place on its Technical Services and Assurance Framework. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the firm, reinforcing its water sector growth plans. The multi-year contract will support Yorkshire Water’s Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) investment programme, providing access to specialist engineering, asset management and technical assurance expertise to help deliver critical infrastructure improvements and strengthen long-term asset health across the region. Commencing on 1 July, Egis has been appointed to Lot 1 of the £80 million framework, which has been established to provide Yorkshire Water with specialist technical support as it delivers its AMP8 investment priorities. The contract will run until 2030, with options to extend for a further two years. Under Lot 1, which is worth a combined £12.7 million of the framework, Egis will provide project-level engineering and design services, including feasibility testing, optioneering and construction support. The work will span a range of disciplines including civil, mechanical and electrical design. The appointment further strengthens Egis’s growing presence in the water sector, building on its long-standing work with Uisce Éireann in Ireland, ongoing commitments with Severn Trent Water and involvement with major international water projects. Egis’s collaborative approach was a key factor in securing the appointment. The firm works closely with clients, partners and stakeholders from the earliest stages of project development, ensuring that priorities are aligned, challenges are addressed proactively, and solutions deliver shared outcomes for customers, communities and the environment. Through the framework, Egis will draw on its expertise in storm overflow mitigation, pollution reduction and asset health resilience, combining local knowledge with international best practice. This flexible and responsive approach will enable Yorkshire Water to access specialist capabilities as programme requirements evolve throughout AMP8. Michael Timmins, Director of Water at Egis in the UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Yorkshire Water to help deliver one of the water sector’s largest and most ambitious Asset Management Period programmes. “This framework win represents an important milestone for Egis, and we look forward to bringing together expertise from across the UK, Ireland and our global network to support Yorkshire Water in improving asset health, enhancing environmental performance and delivering positive outcomes for customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Design and Build contract will deliver a 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry. Glencar has commenced construction of Unit 3C, a new 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry, following its appointment by SEGRO to deliver the purpose-built development. The appointment marks the third project Glencar has delivered for SEGRO, continuing the companies’ ongoing collaboration in the industrial and logistics sector. Located within the 215-acre SEGRO Park Coventry development, south of Coventry Airport, the wider scheme has outline planning permission for up to 3.7 million sq. ft of industrial and logistics accommodation, supporting manufacturing, distribution and warehouse occupiers. The new facility has been pre-let to Volvo Group, which recently announced a £24 million investment in the site to create a new Regional Distribution Centre serving the UK and Ireland. Once operational, the purpose-built facility will feature an automated storage and picking system, supporting faster and more efficient parts distribution across Volvo Group’s UK and Ireland operations. Construction commenced this month and is scheduled for completion in January 2027. Delivered under a Design and Build contract, Glencar’s scope includes the design and construction of the new facility, comprising a 12-metre clear haunch height warehouse, integrated two-storey office accommodation and all associated external works. These include cement-stabilised earthworks, mass fill foundations, below-ground drainage and underground services, a petrol interceptor, rainwater harvesting system, service yards, EV-enabled car parking, landscaping and wider site infrastructure. Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, the development will incorporate photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and energy-efficient building systems, supporting SEGRO’s commitment to low carbon growth. The wider development also incorporates approximately 100 hectares of community parkland, woodland walks, wetlands and landscaped public open space, placing sustainability, biodiversity and occupier wellbeing at the heart of the scheme. Chris Looney, Construction Director at Glencar, said: “We’re pleased to be working with SEGRO once again on another important industrial development. Delivering a third project together reflects the strength of our ongoing relationship and our shared commitment to creating high-quality industrial, manufacturing and logistics facilities that meet the evolving needs of customers and occupiers. Unit 3C will provide Volvo Group with a purpose-built, sustainable facility in a strategically important location, and we look forward to working collaboratively with SEGRO and the wider project team to successfully deliver the project for completion in January 2027.” Sabrina Loyer, General Manager, Service Operations & Technology, Volvo Group UK, said: “The move to Coventry represents a significant investment in the future of our parts distribution network and a key milestone in supporting Volvo Group UK’s continued growth. As customer expectations and operational demands evolve, it is essential that we invest in facilities that provide both the capacity and flexibility needed to support our long-term ambitions.” Once operational, the new Regional Distribution Centre is expected to fulfil more than 1.3 million order lines each year, supporting Volvo Group’s UK and Ireland operations and demonstrating the continued demand for purpose-built industrial facilities at SEGRO Park Coventry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major affordable housing development in Greenwich has taken a significant step forward after Wembley-based Formation Design and Build secured Gateway 2 approval for Hyde’s 182-home scheme at Charlton Riverside. The Eastmoor Street project marks Hyde’s first development to successfully navigate the Building Safety Regulator’s enhanced Gateway 2 process, clearing the way for construction to begin on one of the first phases within the wider Charlton Riverside Opportunity Area. The scheme will deliver 182 affordable homes, with around two-thirds allocated for social rent and the remaining properties made available through affordable home ownership, helping to address the growing demand for high-quality, affordable housing in southeast London. The development represents the first Hyde-led project within Charlton Riverside, where the housing association has planning consent to deliver around 1,200 new homes alongside commercial space, public realm improvements and enhanced connections to the Thames Path. Formation Design and Build worked closely with Hyde throughout the Gateway 2 approval process, coordinating the architectural, structural, fire safety and construction information required to satisfy the Building Safety Regulator’s more rigorous design and compliance requirements. For the construction sector, the successful approval highlights the growing importance of early contractor involvement and integrated project teams in navigating the post-Building Safety Act regulatory environment. Gateway 2 has become a critical milestone for higher-risk residential developments, requiring significantly greater levels of design coordination and technical information before construction can commence. Sean O’Brien, Chief Executive of Formation Design and Build, said: “This approval demonstrates the value of early and close collaboration between Hyde, Formation Design and Build, and the wider project team. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Hyde, as we move into the construction phase and deliver much-needed affordable homes in Greenwich.” The Eastmoor Street development also forms part of the long-term regeneration of Charlton Riverside, one of London’s largest Opportunity Areas. Future phases are expected to deliver up to 8,000 new homes, thousands of new jobs and a mix of commercial, community and public spaces, creating a vibrant new riverside neighbourhood while supporting the capital’s housing and economic growth ambitions. As more higher-risk residential projects progress through the Building Safety Regulator’s approval process, schemes such as Eastmoor Street are helping to establish new benchmarks for design quality, regulatory compliance and collaborative delivery across the UK’s residential construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London’s ability to deliver 31,500 new purpose-built student bedrooms over the next decade will depend on boroughs applying the Draft London Plan’s new targets flexibly, according to planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The draft Plan introduces individual purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) targets for London boroughs for the first time, giving local authorities a clearer role in planning where new schemes should be delivered. The approach gives PBSA a clearer place within London’s housing strategy, recognising its role in supporting the capital’s universities and easing pressure on the private rented sector. For the targets to translate into the delivery of new accommodation, boroughs will need to treat them as a basis for delivery rather than a fixed limit, with enough flexibility to respond to changes in student demand, universities’ growth strategies and development viability. Jonathan Hoban, Associate Director in Lichfields’ London office, said: “The introduction of borough-level targets gives local authorities a much clearer basis on which to plan for student accommodation. “PBSA is an important part of London’s housing mix, supporting the capital’s universities while reducing the number of students competing for homes in the wider private rented market. “The key is ensuring that the targets support delivery without becoming an artificial limit. Demand will change over the lifetime of the Plan, so boroughs will need to provide sufficient flexibility to consider suitable schemes where there is clear evidence of demand.” The Draft London Plan requires boroughs to meet local student accommodation needs and create opportunities for new development. PBSA would also continue to contribute towards general housing delivery, with every 2.5 student bedrooms counted as one home. Local plans should, however, avoid relying on a limited number of sites allocated specifically for student housing. Allowing PBSA on a wider range of suitable residential sites would give councils and developers more scope to respond to changing demand. Hoban added: “Student accommodation requirements and development conditions can change more quickly than local plans. A broader approach to site allocation would allow proposals to be assessed against the evidence available at the time, rather than restricting delivery to a fixed list of locations.” The draft policy states that new schemes should generally be within around 30 minutes’ travel of a university campus and have good access to public transport, services and facilities. Boroughs could also introduce policies to manage concentrations of student housing where these affect mixed and inclusive communities. The Plan also proposes greater choice over how PBSA developments contribute towards affordable housing. Developers could provide affordable student rooms, combine a reduced proportion of affordable student accommodation with a payment towards conventional affordable housing, or deliver conventional affordable homes. Hoban said: “The wider choice of affordable housing options is a constructive step. Different sites and operators face different circumstances, and greater flexibility should make it easier to agree an approach that supports delivery and helps meet London’s affordable housing objectives. “The Draft Plan gives PBSA clearer strategic status. The detail will now be important in helping boroughs turn those targets into new accommodation.” The consultation on the Draft London Plan closes at 5pm on 15 October 2026. For more information, visit: https://lichfields.uk/blog/2026/july/27/pbsa-in-london-becoming-a-strategic-housing-target Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals