Wates Group, one of Britain’s leading family-owned construction firms, has reported its highest-ever turnover – despite grappling with economic headwinds that squeezed profits. The company’s 2024 turnover rose by nearly 10% to a record £2.4 billion (2023: £2.18 billion), thanks to robust performance across key sectors including construction, engineering, and
Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 8 – 10 April, the Workplace Event 2025, is a key calendar date for the entire workplace and facilities management (WFM) community. By engaging with IWFM at the event, attendees will have access to the major insights, research and connections that will shape the
Enhancing LSH’s service offering across South-East England, leveraging SHW’s local expertise and strong client relationships. Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has taken the first major step forward in its mission to become the UK’s leading commercial property advisory firm by acquiring a majority stake in leading South-East England consultancy SHW. As
A landmark office deal in the City of London has been finalised, with Helical and Orion Capital Managers completing the £333 million forward sale of 100 New Bridge Street to an undisclosed owner-occupier. The buyer, confirmed by several sources familiar with the matter, is understood to be a major US-based
The UK’s first all-electric prison has officially opened in York, marking a significant milestone in the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) drive to create modern, sustainable facilities that support prisoner rehabilitation. HMP Millsike, a Category C resettlement prison with a capacity for 1,500 prisoners, forms part of the MoJ’s New Prisons Programme
VIVID, the fifth largest housebuilder among housing associations in England and a leading provider of affordable homes, is excited to announce the completion of 18 new affordable homes at the former Odeon cinema on Laburnum Grove in North End, Portsmouth. This redevelopment project, completed in partnership with Imperial Homes, transforms
Hollywood Bowl has commenced fit-out works for its latest venue at Hammerson’s The Oracle in Reading, with an official opening slated for this summer. The £4.5 million investment will deliver a state-of-the-art entertainment hub featuring 24 bowling lanes, an extensive amusement arcade, and a vibrant themed bar and diner. The
Oldham Council is set to begin construction on the exciting new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, a key part of the project to transform 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park. The Northern Roots project
Affordable housing provider SO Resi (part of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing) has launched its third Rent to Buy and second London Living Rent scheme in two years, SO Flexi Southall. The development will be available through its dedicated ‘SO Flexi’ brand, which offers a host of affordable rental schemes and
RSK has successfully supported Heidelberg Materials UK in achieving planning permission for the company’s Padeswood carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in North Wales – the first carbon capture enabled cement works in the UK – representing a groundbreaking project for the cement industry. Planning permission was received from the
Wates Group, one of Britain’s leading family-owned construction firms, has reported its highest-ever turnover – despite grappling with economic headwinds that squeezed profits. The company’s 2024 turnover rose by nearly 10% to a record £2.4 billion (2023: £2.18 billion), thanks to robust performance across key sectors including construction, engineering, and property services. However, pre-tax profits dropped significantly to £2.6 million, down from £44.9 million the previous year. Stripping out exceptional costs, underlying profit before tax stood at £31.4 million – still a sizeable fall from 2023. Operating profit also took a hit, with the group posting a small loss of £300,000 compared to a £44.6 million profit the year before. Despite the squeeze on profit margins, Wates remains bullish about the future. Its forward order book has surged to £8.64 billion, with year-end cash reserves up £57.6 million to £195.6 million – a strong platform for continued, sustainable growth. A major driver of both growth and expansion was the acquisition of Liberty Group, a move that added around 1,100 employees and boosted Wates’ total workforce to nearly 6,000. As a result, Wates now maintains around 600,000 social homes – equating to one in seven across England. The company’s profitability was dented by several factors, including higher administrative expenses driven by a major pension fund restructure. In 2024, Wates transferred members’ defined benefits to specialist Clara-Pensions, a move aimed at providing long-term financial security while de-risking the group’s pension liabilities. Chief Financial Officer Philip Wainwright said: “For the 25th consecutive year, Wates Group has delivered a profit before tax – a major achievement given the headwinds we faced. The pension transfer was a landmark step for the business and a key contributor to this year’s exceptional items.” The group’s solid turnover performance was underpinned by large-scale private and public-sector construction projects, SES Engineering Services, fit-out and refurbishment work through Smartspace, and significant growth within Property Services. However, a sharp rise in administrative costs – up £46.7 million – and increased losses from joint venture projects placed pressure on margins. A quieter year for land sales and some loss-making project closures also contributed to the dip in profitability. Still, Wainwright highlighted that gross profit rose by £32 million, with strong performances from SES, Smartspace and Property Services helping to cushion the impact. Chief Executive Eoghan O’Lionaird added: “We are performing well overall, with positive headline results: record turnover, a record order book, and 25 years of profit. 2024 was a year of progress and consolidation – and we’re well positioned to accelerate in 2025.” The company celebrated a number of high-profile contract wins in 2024. These include a major regeneration scheme in Gresham, Middlesbrough; the Victoria House life science hubs for Oxford Properties in London; and Ministry of Justice fit-out projects. Work also began on expanding HMP Highpoint in Suffolk, delivering 741 new prison places. Wates’ Property Services division had a standout year, increasing turnover by 30% to £547.2 million and expanding its forward order book to £2.7 billion – bolstered further by the Liberty Group acquisition. The division also secured work with the Peabody housing association, London Borough of Brent, and A2 Dominion through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. Meanwhile, SES notched up record wins across a range of sectors including sport, education, commercial, and life sciences – reinforcing Wates’ position as a go-to partner for complex, high-spec projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 8 – 10 April, the Workplace Event 2025, is a key calendar date for the entire workplace and facilities management (WFM) community. By engaging with IWFM at the event, attendees will have access to the major insights, research and connections that will shape the sector in the time to come. Here are five reasons why, based on IWFM’s agenda. 1. Gain a competitive edge with “Outlook 2025: Advantage WFM?” Kick off the event with this session on day one, at 12:30 at the main stage, which analyses the latest business and economic factors impacting the WFM sector, revealing critical workspace trends from IWFM’s 2025 Market Outlook Survey research. Discover how to optimise investments, boost productivity and keep ahead of the competition. 2. Boost your teams through upskilling at “Future-Ready Teams, Competent Organisations: Upskilling to Unlock Workplace Value.” On day two at 11:15, don’t miss this main stage event which addresses the skills crisis in WFM and explores how strategic upskilling can achieve workplace objectives. Learn actionable strategies to cultivate competence and understand the impact of effective skills development. 3. Realise maximum value with “IM and Strategic Asset Management as the Gateways to an Optimised Built Environment.” On day three, join us at the main stage at 10:30 for a session which focuses on data and planning, where this session’s panel will discuss how robust standards support better decision-making and long-term resilience in the built environment. Seize the chance to learn how to tackle maintenance backlogs and implement a sector-led approach to information management. 4. Boost your CPD with a visit to Professional Development Health Clinic Whatever career stage you’re at, get CPD advice and guidance from our advisors on how you can advance your career. Discover more about IWFM’s professional development offering and how it enables you to make the most of your skills and insight in WFM. You can take the assessment now and discuss your results with the team at the event. 5. Connect and grow with the IWFM community Expand your network at the day two Networking Drinks Reception, taking place from 16:00, and meet the dedicated volunteers who drive IWFM’s Regions, Networks and Special Interest Groups. They will be on the stand for the entirety of the event, remember to pop by and say hello! Don’t miss the chance to gain valuable knowledge, build essential connections and discover exclusive training offers. Register to attend the event today. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Enhancing LSH’s service offering across South-East England, leveraging SHW’s local expertise and strong client relationships. Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has taken the first major step forward in its mission to become the UK’s leading commercial property advisory firm by acquiring a majority stake in leading South-East England consultancy SHW. As part of Connells Group—owned by Skipton Building Society and the UK’s largest residential estate agency—LSH is expanding rapidly through a mix of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. This strategic partnership is a key plank of LSH’s growth plan, and strengthens its regional commitment to providing best-in-class services. LSH and SHW share a belief in local insight, strong client relationships and hands-on service delivery. SHW will continue operating as a partnership under its name across its ten offices in South-East England, including Brighton, Eastbourne, Fleet, Worthing, Crawley, Leatherhead, Kingston, Bromley, Croydon and London’s West End. Its suite of services, from agency and transactions to architecture, planning and building consultancy, with a team of over 200 professionals, perfectly complements LSH’s nationwide network of 30 offices and 15 service lines. Together, LSH and SHW will provide enhanced reach that deepens their client service capabilities across England, while providing even greater opportunities for their talent to flourish. Ezra Nahome, Chief Executive of Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity of investing in SHW. We see significant opportunity to drive revenue and grow profits. SHW are a great firm with a winning culture. This investment endorses our commitment to the growth in regions in the UK.” Russell Markham, Managing Partner of SHW, said: “This collaboration marks a significant step forward, enabling SHW to accelerate corporate growth and help to achieve our key business expansion objectives. Through this partnership, we look forward to further enhancing our service offering to clients whilst expanding our reach across the South and within the property industry. “In particular, the investment will also allow us to expand into Kent and Essex to widen our client services and reach.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A landmark office deal in the City of London has been finalised, with Helical and Orion Capital Managers completing the £333 million forward sale of 100 New Bridge Street to an undisclosed owner-occupier. The buyer, confirmed by several sources familiar with the matter, is understood to be a major US-based financial institution, marking one of the largest transactions in London’s office market in recent years. The sale sets the stage for a significant corporate relocation, as the purchaser prepares to vacate its current headquarters in Canary Wharf. This move underscores a growing trend of major tenants shifting away from Docklands in favour of more centrally located, premium office space in the City. Other high-profile firms making similar moves include HSBC and Clifford Chance, with Deutsche Bank also reportedly reassessing its presence in the area. Vacancy rates in the Docklands core market around Canary Wharf reached a record high of 19 per cent in the first quarter, according to data firm CoStar. 100 New Bridge Street is currently undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment, led by Helical and Orion, which is due for completion in April 2026. Once finished, the 10-storey building will provide 195,000 sq ft of office space designed to the highest standards of sustainability, wellbeing, and technology. The refurbishment includes a complete strip back to the frame, recladding, the addition of two new floors, and the creation of a rooftop terrace offering views of St Paul’s Cathedral and central London. The asset has been sold at a capital value of £1,712 per sq ft, reflecting a yield of 5% before transaction costs and rent-free allowances. The building, held on a 999-year virtual freehold lease from Network Rail Infrastructure, is part of a wider joint venture between Helical and a vehicle managed by Orion Capital Managers. Helical had previously sold a 50% interest in the development to Orion for £55 million. The transaction reflects a broader strategy among corporate occupiers to secure long-term control over prime office assets, rather than remaining in leased space. This has been particularly evident post-pandemic, as businesses seek to optimise their workplaces and attract employees back to physical offices through central, high-quality environments. In a statement, Matthew Bonning-Snook, Chief Executive of Helical, said:“This transaction is a true reflection of the quality of 100 New Bridge Street as a London headquarters destination. The very strong interest we received in the scheme over a year ahead of completion is testament not only to its best-in-class characteristics, but also the acute shortage of prime office space within the submarkets Helical has targeted as part of its significant development programme.” Aref Lahham, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Orion Capital Managers, added:“The sale of 100 New Bridge Street, following the leasing success of Panorama St Paul’s, represents a further vindication of Orion’s strategy to gain exposure to leasing risk in new best-in-class offices in the most in-demand locations across gateway cities in Europe.” The purchaser’s current headquarters at 20 Churchill Place in Canary Wharf is expected to be vacated before its lease expires in 2028. The departure follows a wave of corporate exits from Docklands. While some firms—including Barclays and Morgan Stanley—have opted to stay, the shift towards central London locations continues to reshape the capital’s office market landscape. The deal at 100 New Bridge Street highlights ongoing investor interest in high-quality office developments in core City locations, despite broader market uncertainty around office valuations and demand in the post-Covid environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s first all-electric prison has officially opened in York, marking a significant milestone in the Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) drive to create modern, sustainable facilities that support prisoner rehabilitation. HMP Millsike, a Category C resettlement prison with a capacity for 1,500 prisoners, forms part of the MoJ’s New Prisons Programme (NPP), one of several programmes which make up the 20,000 prison place programmes which aims to deliver 20,000 new prison places across the country. Designed with rehabilitation at its core, HMP Millsike will provide prisoners with the skills and training needed to secure employment upon release, supporting the government’s wider efforts to cut reoffending and improve public safety. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard acted as the lead designer on the project, working closely with the MoJ and Kier to deliver an efficient, safe, and secure facility. The consultancy has a long-standing partnership with the MoJ, spanning over two decades, and has been instrumental in shaping the design of multiple prisons, including HMP Five Wells, HMP Fosse Way, and HMP Oakwood. Jenny Curtlin, director at Pick Everard, said: “HMP Millsike sets a new standard for sustainable prison design, incorporating biophilic principles and energy-efficient solutions to create a facility that prioritises rehabilitation. Our work on the New Prisons Programme included developing the reference design—a blueprint that has been successfully used across multiple new prisons. This latest project builds on that foundation, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.” The prison will operate on 70 percent less energy than traditional prison facilities, thanks to air-source heat pumps, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting systems, generating over 8,500kWh of renewable energy on-site. HMP Millsike has been designed to provide a safe, secure, and rehabilitative environment, featuring six accommodation blocks, a central services hub, an entrance resource hub, workshops, kitchens, a support building, and a care and separation unit (CASU). The facility’s innovative approach to prison design reflects the MoJ’s commitment to creating environments that support rehabilitation while reducing the carbon footprint of the justice system. Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood, said: “This Government is fixing the broken prison system we inherited, delivering the cells needed to take the most dangerous criminals off our streets. “HMP Millsike sets the standard for the jails of the future, with cutting crime built into its very fabric. It is a huge step in our plan to add 14,000 extra prison places by 2031. “But building jails only takes us so far in ending this crisis, which is why we’re also reviewing sentencing so we can always lock up dangerous offenders and make our streets safer.” With the successful completion of HMP Millsike, the MoJ and Pick Everard continue to drive forward sustainable and rehabilitative prison design, shaping the future of the UK’s custodial estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VIVID, the fifth largest housebuilder among housing associations in England and a leading provider of affordable homes, is excited to announce the completion of 18 new affordable homes at the former Odeon cinema on Laburnum Grove in North End, Portsmouth. This redevelopment project, completed in partnership with Imperial Homes, transforms a notable local site into much-needed housing. The scheme comprises 12 houses and 6 apartments, with 15 homes available for social rent and 3 for shared ownership. This project not only provides affordable housing but also repurposes the old, well-known local cinema site to benefit the community. The site includes road names such as Picture House Mews and a flat block named Mather Court, after the cinema’s architect Andrew Mather, honouring its cinematic history. Tristan Samuels, Group Development & New Business Director at VIVID, stated: “We’re committed to providing as many people as possible with the opportunity to have a place to call home. It’s been great to repurpose such a well-known space to provide homes to people who need them. I look forward to our customers moving in and enjoying their new homes.” Ben Olds, Land Director at Imperial Homes, said: “Imperial Homes have once again successfully worked in partnership with VIVID on the regeneration of the iconic Odeon Cinema on London Road Portsmouth. The scheme supports 18 new dwellings (a mixture of houses and apartments) following the demolition of the derelict and fire damaged cinema.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hollywood Bowl has commenced fit-out works for its latest venue at Hammerson’s The Oracle in Reading, with an official opening slated for this summer. The £4.5 million investment will deliver a state-of-the-art entertainment hub featuring 24 bowling lanes, an extensive amusement arcade, and a vibrant themed bar and diner. The new Hollywood Bowl will complement the existing leisure and food & beverage offering at The Oracle, joining a dynamic mix of restaurants, bars, cafés, and a cinema. This opening forms part of Hammerson’s broader strategy to reposition The Oracle, which includes transforming a former department store into modern, mixed-use space. In total, approximately 40% of the centre—around 320,000 square feet—is undergoing redevelopment, marking it as Hammerson’s most ambitious transformation project to date. Rita-Rose Gagné, CEO of Hammerson, commented:“We are proud to be partnering with Hollywood Bowl and are thrilled by their commitment and scale of investment. It’s a significant endorsement of The Oracle’s strength, its catchment, and the demand we’ve cultivated over the years. The venue will further establish The Oracle as a vibrant, all-day destination.” Stephen Burns, CEO of Hollywood Bowl Group, added:“We’re excited to announce the opening of our newest centre at The Oracle in Reading—a significant milestone in our strategic UK expansion. This venue underlines our commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment experiences, catering to families, friends, and corporate groups alike in the heart of Reading.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oldham Council is set to begin construction on the exciting new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, a key part of the project to transform 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park. The Northern Roots project is part of the council’s ‘Green and Growing’ priority. The council has secured £12.9 million from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to deliver this transformative next phase. The work marks the next stage of the council project, which has been developed in close partnership with the Northern Roots charity and has already gained regional and national recognition. Set in the woodland at the northern end of the site, the Visitor Centre will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, exhibition and performance space, as well as learning and meeting facilities. Meanwhile, the Forestry Skills Centre, will provide residents with vocational learning opportunities linked to a range of technical and land-based skills and qualifications. In 2023 Northern Roots established the first phase of the Urban Farm. Over the last two years, the current site has created 80 volunteering opportunities, delivered activities for more than 600 children and young people, and engaged around 6,000 local residents through cultural and environmental activities. And to date, there have been 2,000 trees planted, six ponds created to support local wildlife, and the establishment of a community garden and wildflower meadow. The Visitor Centre marks a significant step forward for the project, which also includes car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping. Looking ahead, future plans for the site include a solar array, play areas, wild play and mountain biking facilities, and additional community growing spaces. Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, said: “Northern Roots is a ground-breaking project that will benefit our communities for generations to come – a place where nature, learning, and opportunity come together. “Oldham Council is proud to be driving this project in partnership with Northern Roots, creating a thriving space for education, recreation, and enterprise, showcasing Oldham as a leader in green innovation. “The Visitor Centre will provide our residents with skills, support opportunities for businesses, and enhance the local environment. It’s a win-win for our borough.” The Northern Roots project demonstrates Oldham Council’s commitment to regeneration, sustainability, and community enrichment. With the construction underway, residents will soon see this Council initiative take shape. Northern Roots CEO, Anna da Silva, added: “This is a really exciting moment in the development of Northern Roots and a key step in unlocking the potential of the site. We are incredibly grateful to all the partners who have supported the vision for Northern Roots and helped bring the project to this stage, particularly Oldham Council, our local communities, and our funders. “Northern Roots is pioneering a new, sustainable approach to harnessing and nurturing urban greenspace that we hope will become a model for future generations.” Construction is being carried out by Willmott Dixon, with the Visitor Centre set to open in summer 2026. Willmott Dixon’s team are now on site. Once the compound is set up, the first stage of works will be preparing the site to allow main works to start. Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for the North West at Willmott Dixon, said: “As an Oldham-based business we are really excited to be playing our part in shaping this invaluable community space, working in partnership with Oldham Council once again. “In partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating four new employment opportunities directly on the project. Through our bespoke ‘Building Lives Academy’ pre-employability programme, we will support 10 previously unemployed Oldham residents with qualifications, skills and work experience. “We will continue to work with local schools and colleges through site visits, industry workshops and employability sessions. To date, our project team have also volunteered more than 115 hours supporting Oldham people, including with The Salvation Army and the Northern Roots charity.” While the work takes place, the Northern Roots site remains open to visitors all year round. To find out more about the regeneration work taking place in Oldham, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/regen Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Affordable housing provider SO Resi (part of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing) has launched its third Rent to Buy and second London Living Rent scheme in two years, SO Flexi Southall. The development will be available through its dedicated ‘SO Flexi’ brand, which offers a host of affordable rental schemes and operates as an offshoot of SO Resi, which acts as MTVH’s existing Shared Ownership arm. SO Flexi Southall is a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments nestled in the established residential area of Beaconsfield Road and within a five-minute walk of Southall railway station. All brand-new apartments at SO Flexi Southall will be available through the London Living Rent scheme for those who live and work in the London Borough of Ealing. Residents will have access to landscaped communal outdoor space, their own private balconies or terraces and a car club membership for three years. According to Yahoo Finance!, average rents in London are predicted to be 2.4% higher than in 2024, with a record monthly high of £2,695 per month, compared with the UK average of £1,341[1]. SO Flexi Southall offers rents at a discount of approximately one third of the local median household income on a three-year contract, with rents starting at £956 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and £1,062 for a two-bedroom apartment. Tenants will be encouraged to use the savings from the discounted rent to save up for a deposit and purchase the property using Shared Ownership at the end of the rental term, with the view that all homes will be sold in ten years. To qualify for SO Flexi Southall and London Living Rent, residents must live and work in the London Borough of Ealing, have a formal rental tenancy in place, or live in an informal arrangement with family or friends as a result of struggling with housing costs, not own a home or be able to buy a home on the open market, and have a household income below £67,000. Kevin Sims, Director of SO Resi, comments: “London will always hold an attraction for people and at SO Resi, we don’t believe that anyone should miss out in living in their dream location due to affordability issues or soaring private rental costs. Our third SO Flexi development reinforces that London Living Rent and Rent to Buy remains a core part of SO Resi, and as such we are investing heavily in this scheme and rolling out homes in key locations across the capital. “Ealing Borough Council has confirmed that they will need almost 28,000 affordable new homes over the next 15 years, and 70% of these should be available at social or affordable rent[2]. Last year, we also delivered 52 apartments at SO Flexi Acton in the borough and so far at SO Flexi Southall, we have seen unprecedented demand with over 540 enquiries to date. This demand signifies the need for affordable rent in the capital and the SO Flexi scheme offers a solution for people unable to save alongside costly rental prices.” Southall offers a host of amenities for a range of buyers including young professionals and families. From a plethora of cafés and restaurants to Hanwell Zoo, Southall offers an endless list of South Asian restaurants, a vibrant market selling food and handmade jewellery and a range of green open spaces. SO Flexi Southall is also within a five minute walk from Southall railway station offering services along the Elizabeth Line with access to Paddington in 20 minutes and Heathrow Airport in nine minutes. By road, Southall offers quick access to the M4 for journeys to the west of the UK. Currently available at SO Flexi Southall is a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments, available from just £956 per month. All applicants to SO Flexi Southall must live and work in the London Borough of Ealing, have a formal rental tenancy in place, or live in an informal arrangement with family or friends as a result of struggling with housing costs, not own a home or be able to buy a home on the open market, and have a household income below £67,000. To find out more, visit www.soflexi.co.uk call 020 8607 0550. [1] https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/uk-rent-prices-average-london-rightmove-060001786.html [2] https://www.ealing.gov.uk/news/article/2224/new_plans_for_tackling_housing_shortage Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RSK has successfully supported Heidelberg Materials UK in achieving planning permission for the company’s Padeswood carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in North Wales – the first carbon capture enabled cement works in the UK – representing a groundbreaking project for the cement industry. Planning permission was received from the Welsh Government on 4 April 2025 – five months ahead of schedule. Padeswood carbon capture and storage project, which will connect to the HyNet North West project, aims to be the first net zero cement facility in the UK and a global exemplar for the deployment of carbon capture technology at an existing cement works site. Once operational, it will capture and store approximately 800,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum, capturing up to 95% of CO2 emissions from the existing Padeswood cement kiln. RSK Environment Principal Environmental Consultant Harry Cross said the project is the furthest advanced carbon capture project at an operational cement works in the UK by some distance. He said: “We are proud to have achieved planning permission for this important and rewarding project that demonstrates the UK leading the way on deploying CCS in the cement industry. “Our work here saw RSK Environment acting as environment, consents and permitting lead, including coordinating the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and project managing the development of national significance (DNS) application. We were also able to draw on the skills and experience of 12 additional RSK Group businesses, including Joanna Berlyn from Stephenson Halliday as planning lead and Copper Consultancy as communications lead for the programme of community engagement and consultation.” It is estimated that the project will create up to 500 additional jobs during the construction phase and will also create around 50 direct, long-term operational employment opportunities. The project also proposes the creation of four new ponds, nine hibernacula and 17 refugia (places where amphibians can rest during the day and escape from predators and the sun and, in winter, where they will hibernate). It is envisaged that the planting of mixed deciduous woodland and the enhancement of grassland will cover an area of around 10.13 ha and will improve its value for great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) foraging and offer wider biodiversity benefits for other protected species. Harry said the project is an impressive example of how RSK can draw on its broad range of multidisciplinary skills to achieve a major infrastructure planning application. The combined RSK team compiled and submitted more than 100 documents as part of its contribution to the planning submission. The 13 businesses involved in the DNS application were: He said that throughout the programme, RSK Environment worked closely with the project front end engineering design (FEED) team, advising on design requirements for planning. Harry said that RSK Environment collaborated with other RSK Group businesses to prepare and submit the EIA scoping report in late 2022. A scoping direction from Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) was received in April 2023. He said: “Our collaboration continued as the EIA evolved and work on the environmental statement began in 2023 through to 2024. Nine environmental factor assessments were undertaken, including landscape and visual, biodiversity, climate and noise and vibration, to understand the impact of the project on the environment and propose mitigation and enhancements to offset the impacts. Findings were reported in the environmental statement. “Alongside this, Copper Consultancy coordinated a programme of community engagement and consultation and organised two pre-consultation events in 2022, a further three online and six non-statutory and statutory pre-application consultation events at local venues in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The planning application was submitted on 27 September 2024.” Heidelberg Materials UK Chief Executive Officer Simon Willis said: “This is fantastic news and a brings our plans to create the UK’s first net zero cement works a step closer. “Cement is essential to the UK’s transition to net zero. It is fundamental to the development of everything from new offshore wind farms to nuclear power stations, to low carbon infrastructure, and the thousands of green jobs these projects will create. “Our Padeswood CCS project will bring significant inward investment and opportunity to the region, boosting the North Wales economy and securing the future of hundreds of skilled jobs. “Once operational, it will also provide net zero building materials for major projects across the country and will act as an exemplar for sustainable cement production in the UK and across the globe.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
