Leading design & build contractor, McAleer & Rushe, together with Vita Group, have celebrated a significant construction milestone with the topping out of their purpose-built student accommodation scheme at New Waverley in Edinburgh. Bringing together key project stakeholders, including senior representatives from McAleer & Rushe, Vita Group and Puma Property
Teesside’s ambitions to lead the UK’s low-carbon revolution have been handed a sizeable boost, with Saudi Arabian investor Alfanar confirming plans for a £2bn sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant at the North Tees industrial cluster. The Lighthouse Green Fuels project will convert around 1.5 million tonnes of waste biomass into
Options Greathire, a leading provider of luxury event furnishings, is expanding its presence at SEGRO Park North Feltham by taking an additional 20,000 sq ft of industrial space The company, known for its statement tableware and furniture for hire, already occupies an adjacent 30,400 sq ft unit and will now
Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has completed on the 526 new homes on a 47-acre site in Boulton Moor, Derby. This new development promises an excellent mix of much-needed family homes for the area, including affordable homes, homes for the private rental sector and properties for
The 2025 Spending Review commits £13.2 billion to increasing energy efficiency in existing homes under the Warm Homes Plan, making retrofit a top priority. However, achieving Net Zero in retrofit projects, and new builds alike, depends on effective occupant education. Otherwise, we risk ambitions stalling at the point of handover.
Salix Finance is proud to be working in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on an initiative to help decarbonise public sector buildings across the region. The new Public Building Retrofit fund (PBRf), launched and administered by GMCA, will provide grant funding to public sector organisations to support the
Colliers has created a new commercial director post and named Lucy Stainton to the role, signalling a step change in its growth ambitions across London’s retail and office markets. Stainton joins from Green Street, where as vice president she played a central role in integrating the Local Data Company (LDC)
Savills has continued to grow its London project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with the appointment of data centre specialist Alex Thomas who joins as an associate director at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Alex has over 15 years’ experience across the construction
Stanhope and Cheyne Capital have taken the reins of Row One, a landmark consented development on London’s South Bank previously owned by Landsec. The partners have acquired the 1.24-acre site between London Bridge and Southwark Bridge, close to Borough Market and Tate Modern, and will now steer delivery of a
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has reached practical completion on a landmark 323-bedroom student accommodation scheme in the heart of Nottingham. Delivered on behalf of McLaren Property, the £26 million scheme now known as Fabric, which is located at 77 Talbot Street, has transformed the site of a former office
Leading design & build contractor, McAleer & Rushe, together with Vita Group, have celebrated a significant construction milestone with the topping out of their purpose-built student accommodation scheme at New Waverley in Edinburgh. Bringing together key project stakeholders, including senior representatives from McAleer & Rushe, Vita Group and Puma Property Finance, the ceremony marked the structural completion of the development, which will deliver a 267-bed Vita Student residence in time for the 2026 academic year. Representing the fifth project McAleer & Rushe have undertaken as part of the £240M New Waverley regeneration masterplan, the scheme is transforming a brownfield site to cater for Edinburgh’s growing need for more student accommodation. Once complete, Vita Student New Waverley will feature amenities such as a state-of-the-art gym, social and study spaces, as well as Vita Student’s industry-leading customer experience which has been designed to help students maximise their university experience and ‘Begin Big.’ This development is among a series of collaborations between McAleer & Rushe and Vita Group, including ongoing projects at Gough Street in Birmingham and India Street in Glasgow, as well as the award-winning Bruce Street scheme in Belfast. The new scheme will be the third Vita Student residence in Edinburgh, joining established sites at Fountainbridge and Iona Street. Mark Diamond, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe said: “We’re delighted to celebrate this important milestone and reflect on the collective efforts of our partners, project team and valued supply chain in bringing this landmark development to life. We look forward to completing the scheme to the highest standards, creating a first-class living environment for students in Edinburgh while continuing to deliver lasting investment into this vibrant area of the city.” Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer for Vita Group said: “We’re proud to celebrate the topping out of Vita Student New Waverley, marking a significant step forward in delivering our third residence in the city. Edinburgh is home to a thriving student community, and this development will provide much-needed high-quality accommodation designed to support student wellbeing and success. This milestone also reflects the strength of our trusted partnership with McAleer & Rushe, as together we continue to create outstanding student living environments across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Teesside’s ambitions to lead the UK’s low-carbon revolution have been handed a sizeable boost, with Saudi Arabian investor Alfanar confirming plans for a £2bn sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant at the North Tees industrial cluster. The Lighthouse Green Fuels project will convert around 1.5 million tonnes of waste biomass into up to 180 million litres of SAF each year—enough, by the developer’s estimates, to power roughly 25,000 short-haul or 2,500 long-haul flights. The scheme promises scale and speed in a market racing to decarbonise flight. By producing drop-in fuels compatible with existing aircraft and airport infrastructure, SAF is widely seen as the most immediate route to cutting lifecycle emissions from aviation while newer propulsion technologies mature. Locating a large-format plant in the Tees Valley ties production into an industrial ecosystem already geared towards energy, chemicals and advanced manufacturing. Alfanar’s commitment follows a trade mission to Riyadh by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who met senior company figures including vice-chairman Sabah Al Multaq while promoting the Teesside Freeport to international investors. “It is outstanding news that Alfanar has committed to delivering this project on Teesside,” said Houchen. “Developments such as Lighthouse Green Fuels put our region at the forefront of a growing industry which is primed for massive expansion.” Jobs and local supply chains stand to benefit. More than 2,000 roles are expected during construction, with ongoing opportunities in operations, maintenance and logistics once the plant is live. For contractors and suppliers, the project points to high-value packages spanning civils, process engineering, storage, utilities and grid connections, as well as specialist control and safety systems typical of complex process plants. A defining feature of the development is its planned link to carbon capture and storage (CCS). Lighthouse Green Fuels will connect to the Northern Endurance Partnership’s CO₂ transport and storage network being developed off the Teesside coast, enabling the capture and permanent sequestration of process emissions. The integration is projected to avoid more than 750,000 tonnes of CO₂ a year and underscores Teesside’s emerging role as a UK hub for CCUS-enabled industry. Public backing has helped de-risk the early phases. The Department for Transport has already awarded the scheme £40m through its Advanced Fuels Fund, recognising Lighthouse Green Fuels as one of several strategic projects putting Teesside on the UK map for low-carbon aviation fuels. The Freeport designation adds further appeal, with potential tax and customs incentives that can improve project viability and accelerate delivery. The choice of a waste-biomass feedstock reflects a push towards fuels that deliver credible carbon savings without direct competition with food crops. It also opens the door to regional partnerships on waste aggregation and pre-processing, creating a circular-economy supply chain that can grow alongside the plant. As the market evolves, close attention will fall on traceability, lifecycle accounting and the robustness of emissions verification—areas where large, integrated projects can set a benchmark. While precise construction milestones are yet to be confirmed, the scale of the investment, the CCS hook-up and the Freeport location together signal a project designed to anchor a new industrial chapter for Teesside. If delivered as planned, Lighthouse Green Fuels would materially expand the UK’s domestic SAF capacity, support thousands of jobs, and help airlines cut emissions without waiting for an entirely new fleet or fuel system. For a region reshaping its industrial identity around net-zero growth, the message is clear: Teesside isn’t just courting the future of clean industry—it is building it, at scale, on the banks of the Tees. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Options Greathire, a leading provider of luxury event furnishings, is expanding its presence at SEGRO Park North Feltham by taking an additional 20,000 sq ft of industrial space The company, known for its statement tableware and furniture for hire, already occupies an adjacent 30,400 sq ft unit and will now strengthen its commitment to the West London location. SEGRO is refurbishing the unit to high standards, meeting the customer’s specific operational requirements. In line with the developer’s commitment to Champion low-carbon growth, the facility incorporates a range of sustainability features. These include existing PV panels that support on-site renewable energy generation, as well as infrastructure for EV charging, which has been installed as part of customer-led upgrades to support more sustainable commuting. An electric boiler has also been introduced to provide a lower-carbon heating option, while retaining gas to maintain operational flexibility. The new lease brings SEGRO Park North Feltham’s occupancy to 97%, underscoring the continued demand for high-quality industrial and logistics space in key London corridors. Bernard Aherne, Managing Director, at Options Greathire, said: “We are delighted to have secured additional space within SEGRO Park North Feltham. As we continue our significant growth and embark on an ambitious five-year plan, this additional warehouse space is fundamental to our ambition. I am pleased to continue our excellent relationship with SEGRO.” Gareth Baker, Director, Western Corridor at SEGRO, said: “It’s fantastic to support Options Greathire as it continues to grow its footprint at SEGRO Park North Feltham. The expansion is a testament to the strength of its business and the ongoing demand for well-located, high-quality industrial space. “We’re proud to play a role in our customer’s success and to see continued positive momentum in the West London market.” SEGRO Park North Feltham is a highly sought-after West London industrial estate with unrivalled connectivity to Central London and Heathrow. Offering flexible and high-quality spaces from 4,000 sq ft, SEGRO Park North Feltham is home to a diverse range of businesses, big and small. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has completed on the 526 new homes on a 47-acre site in Boulton Moor, Derby. This new development promises an excellent mix of much-needed family homes for the area, including affordable homes, homes for the private rental sector and properties for sale on the open market. The site will also feature a playground for the younger members of the new community. Dave Bradley, Managing Director of Vistry North Midlands, said: “I am delighted that our land team has completed the acquisition of land to build 526 high-quality new homes at Boulton Moor. This marks a significant step forward in bringing much-needed housing to the area, including a blend of affordable, PRS and private homes designed to create a vibrant and sustainable community. We look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to bring this development to life and provide homes that cater to the needs of local people.” This development forms the third phase of Derby’s Strategic Urban Extension, designed to create a 2,600-home village attached to the city. It will incorporate facilities including schools, shops, a care home, businesses, a transport hub, and electric charging stations. Planning permission was granted in May 2025 with work expected to start later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The 2025 Spending Review commits £13.2 billion to increasing energy efficiency in existing homes under the Warm Homes Plan, making retrofit a top priority. However, achieving Net Zero in retrofit projects, and new builds alike, depends on effective occupant education. Otherwise, we risk ambitions stalling at the point of handover. Recent findings from the leading authority in building services testing, intelligence, and research, BSRIA, reveal that despite nearly all (97%) of construction professionals agreeing that occupant behaviour plays a defining role in whether retrofits deliver operational efficiency, the vast majority are failing to measure or validate outcomes post-handover. The research found that three quarters (76%) of construction professionals admit that they do not prioritise post-occupancy evaluations (POEs), highlighting a significant lack of follow-up assessments to ensure that retrofit measures meet original design intentions. For both retrofit projects and new build developments, POEs are crucial to identify discrepancies between intended outcomes and real-world use. POEs enable adjustments that improve building performance while simultaneously supporting people in running their homes, or other buildings, efficiently to maximise indoor environmental quality and energy savings. Industry data has found that buildings are acutely affected by occupant behaviour, with recent studies indicating a difference between predicted building performance and measured output of as much as 300%[1]. This demonstrates how failing to embed occupant engagement and education into the handover process can leave retrofit work at risk of severe performance shortfalls, which can significantly erode energy efficiency and comfort. Adding to the challenge, BSRIA’s research found that over half (55%) of consumers are unfamiliar with what ‘retrofit’ means and only a third of homeowners (31%) believe that retrofit will reduce energy use. Furthermore, half of people say they are unclear about the impact of retrofit upgrades on carbon targets, underscoring the vital need for occupant education. Tom Garrigan, Executive Director at BSRIA, commented: “For housebuilders and developers, the handover of a retrofitted home can’t be the end of the story: implementing measures alone is not enough. Performance issues emerge when occupants don’t fully understand low-carbon systems and indoor environmental controls, leading to higher running costs and missed targets. “While there has been progress in some areas of the market, it’s critical that the wider industry prioritises occupant education to ensure that homes work for people in practice, not just on paper. “This doesn’t just apply to retrofit projects, either. With the Future Homes Standard approaching, residents in both new builds and refurbished buildings will require greater support to confidently manage longer heating cycles, responsive controls, and new approaches to comfort and efficiency.” With 62% of the industry agreeing that retrofit projects offer greater benefits than new builds, it’s clear that there is appetite within the sector for refurbishing existing housing stock. However, next-generation homes demand next-generation handover practices. By combining evidence-based specification, robust building diagnostics, verified product testing and thorough user guidance, the sector can deliver homes that both perform and satisfy, helping to drive mass-market decarbonisation. Garrigan adds, “Investing in robust post-retrofit evaluations and support will help to close the gap between design ambition and real-world results. This means that occupant education must be integral to the retrofit journey to ensure that the fabric improvements made will contribute to achieving Net Zero not just at point of installation, but for the long-term.” BSRIA continues to champion this approach through research, training and demonstrator projects that showcase retrofit leadership for the industry. Find out more: https://www.bsria.com/uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salix Finance is proud to be working in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on an initiative to help decarbonise public sector buildings across the region. The new Public Building Retrofit fund (PBRf), launched and administered by GMCA, will provide grant funding to public sector organisations to support the installation of low-carbon heating systems and energy efficiency measures in their buildings. Salix will play a key role in the delivery of the fund by undertaking the technical assessment of funding applications. With up to £28 million of capital funding available between 2025/26 and 2027/28, the scheme will support Greater Manchester’s ambition to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reach net zero by 2038. This is 12 years ahead of the UK’s national target. This funding for GMCA has been delivered as part of the government’s devolution policy, providing mayoral authorities the tools to shape the future of their local areas, while improving accountability and building capacity across the local government sector. Salix chief executive Kevin Holland said: “We have built up extensive skill at Salix in delivering innovative, large scale and impactful decarbonisation projects across the public sector on behalf of government. “Our knowledge is valued across the sector, and we’re delighted to work with Greater Manchester Combined Authority on this new fund. “Our work on the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme equips us well to support GMCA through effective and impactful technical assessments, enabling the successful delivery of retrofit projects.” The fund will be delivered through a competitive application process, with several funding windows opening over the course of the programme. The first application window is set to open this summer, with additional dates to be announced later in the year by GMCA. The initiative aligns closely with national policy priorities, targeting the 9% of UK emissions that come from heating buildings. By supporting the replacement of fossil fuel-based systems and improving building efficiency, The Public Building Retrofit fund is expected to contribute directly to reducing energy consumption and improving comfort in public buildings. Kevin added: “Our partnership with GMCA shows our stakeholders the breadth of Salix’s capabilities and the value of our trusted expertise. “We look forward to building on this relationship and continuing to expand our impact across the public sector and beyond. “We’re on a mission at Salix and we’re committed to help the UK meet its ambitious 2050 net zero targets.” For more about Salix visit our website https://www.salixfinance.co.uk/ For full details about the Public Building Retrofit fund, visit the Public Building Retrofit fund – Greater Manchester Combined Authority Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Colliers has created a new commercial director post and named Lucy Stainton to the role, signalling a step change in its growth ambitions across London’s retail and office markets. Stainton joins from Green Street, where as vice president she played a central role in integrating the Local Data Company (LDC) following its acquisition. Before that, she served as a board-level commercial director at LDC. Her career has been defined by data-driven strategy and client development—skills Colliers aims to place at the heart of its London offer. Operating under Colliers’ ‘One London’ platform, Stainton will work across the firm’s retail and office teams to deliver joined-up advice for owners and occupiers. The brief spans data-led location strategy, portfolio optimisation, analytics, and strategic partnerships, aligning market insight with practical delivery on leasing, acquisitions, workplace moves and asset performance. Paul Souber, head of One London at Colliers, said: “Lucy’s appointment marks a significant step forward in our London strategy. Her deep expertise and proven ability to build lasting client relationships will be instrumental in delivering smarter insights and stronger outcomes for our clients. We’re excited about the energy and innovation she brings to the team.” Commenting on her appointment, Stainton said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Colliers at such a transformative moment. With data and strategic partnerships more critical than ever, I’m looking forward to help shape the next chapter of growth through building meaningful client relationships and delivering real impact alongside my new colleagues.” The creation of the role reflects how London’s leasing market is increasingly shaped by evidence-based decision-making. For retailers, this means network plans informed by granular catchment and footfall data, and for office occupiers, portfolios that balance location, amenity and commute patterns with cost and sustainability objectives. For landlords, it is about positioning assets to capture demand from brands and businesses seeking well-connected, service-rich space. By uniting its retail and office specialists under One London, Colliers is aiming to provide a single entry point for clients navigating mixed-use locations, evolving consumer dynamics, and shifting workplace expectations. Stainton’s remit—combining analytics, relationships and execution—is designed to bridge those worlds, turning market intelligence into growth strategies that can be implemented rapidly on the ground. With London’s core districts continuing to adapt, Colliers’ move suggests a sharper focus on cross-sector collaboration and measurable outcomes. Stainton’s arrival gives the firm a dedicated commercial lead to convert data and partnerships into deals—an approach that looks well-timed for a market where speed, insight and coordination increasingly decide who wins. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills has continued to grow its London project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with the appointment of data centre specialist Alex Thomas who joins as an associate director at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Alex has over 15 years’ experience across the construction industry, delivering complex data centre projects throughout EMEA for clients including AWS and Microsoft. He joins from Rider Levett Bucknall, having previously worked at CBRE Global Workplace Solutions after starting his career as a structural engineer. At Savills, Alex will join the data centre project management team working alongside Marc Edmondson who joined the firm earlier this year. Together, they will work with the company’s wider data centre experts in the UK and EMEA, ranging from planning to capital advisory. Alex Thomas comments: “I am delighted to join Savills data centre project management team, strengthening the firm’s capability to help satisfy increasing demand from both cloud providers and AI businesses. This remains an exciting area of expansion and I look forward to working with Savills strong existing network of data centre experts across the UK and EMEA.” Simon Collett, Executive Director and head of BPC at Savills adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Alex to Savills. This is a significant growth area for the business and his experience and expertise will no doubt bolster our ability to offer our clients a first-class service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stanhope and Cheyne Capital have taken the reins of Row One, a landmark consented development on London’s South Bank previously owned by Landsec. The partners have acquired the 1.24-acre site between London Bridge and Southwark Bridge, close to Borough Market and Tate Modern, and will now steer delivery of a best-in-class office building with a gross development value of around £450m. With demolition already complete, enabling works will pave the way for the main contract to begin in early 2026, followed by an anticipated two-year build. The consented scheme comprises two basement levels and 11 storeys above ground, providing 235,000 sq ft of flexible Grade-A workspace supported by 15,000 sq ft of retail at ground level. Generous terraces and outdoor areas are planned to maximise the site’s riverside setting and create the kind of amenities increasingly sought by occupiers. Stanhope will act as development and asset manager, drawing on a London pipeline that currently includes 70 Gracechurch Street, One Undershaft, The British Library and 1 Victoria Street. The company’s investment head, Joe Binns, called Row One “a rare opportunity to acquire a significantly de-risked, best-in-class office development in one of London’s most vibrant sub-markets”. He highlighted the South Bank’s continuing evolution as a complementary business district to the City, and pointed to a tightening supply of Grade-A space towards the end of the decade as a key context for the acquisition. “There is an opportunity for high-conviction investors to play a crucial role in ensuring the capital retains its position as a pre-eminent global business hub,” he said, adding that the deal brings another blue-chip capital partner into Stanhope’s orbit. Cheyne Capital, an alternative investment fund manager with a growing presence in real estate, will provide funding alongside Stanhope and help to shape the project’s sustainability ambitions. Nick Grosse, director in Cheyne’s Real Estate Group, said the partnership would deliver “a best-in-class office building distinguished by exceptional ESG credentials, design quality and occupier amenities”. He noted that the scheme already benefits from planning consent and significant site preparation undertaken under Landsec’s stewardship. Occupier expectations are central to the brief. The design is set to prioritise daylight, access to outdoor space, and high-performance building systems that reduce operational carbon and enhance resilience. Excellent connectivity—by rail, Tube, riverboat and active travel—adds further weight to the location’s appeal, while the retail accommodation aims to knit the ground plane into the neighbourhood’s established food, culture and leisure offer. For London’s office market, Row One is another signal that capital is flowing into highly specified, well-located, consented schemes with clear delivery pathways. While secondary stock faces tougher headwinds, prime developments that can demonstrate environmental leadership, strong amenities and transport links are continuing to move forward. If Row One advances on its current timeline, the project will complete into a market that many expect to be short of new Grade-A floorspace—particularly in amenity-rich, mixed-use districts such as the South Bank. As the team progresses design, procurement and enabling works, attention will focus on locking in the building’s sustainability credentials and tenant experience, alongside the rhythm of a construction programme set to begin in 2026. For now, the change of ownership marks a fresh chapter for a prominent riverside site—and another statement of confidence in central London’s long-term office fundamentals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has reached practical completion on a landmark 323-bedroom student accommodation scheme in the heart of Nottingham. Delivered on behalf of McLaren Property, the £26 million scheme now known as Fabric, which is located at 77 Talbot Street, has transformed the site of a former office block into high-specification student living, ready for occupation ahead of the 2025/26 academic year. Designed by Leonard Design Architects, the nine-storey building offers a mix of en-suite cluster bedrooms and premium studios, alongside amenities including a gym, yoga studio, cinema room and social study spaces. The top floor features large-format studios with panoramic views across the city. Internally, the accommodation includes high-quality finishes, upgraded soft furnishings, and enhanced design details – reflecting evolving expectations for modern student living. With sustainability embedded throughout, the development has achieved BREEAM Excellent and incorporates traditional foundations into the city’s sandstone bedrock, alongside specialist works which have included cave probing to meet complex planning conditions. Around 40% of the workforce has been sourced locally, supporting regional employment and skills. McLaren has worked closely with both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, offering student site visits and work experience placements to provide practical learning opportunities in areas such as live construction, health and safety, and technical design. Extensive community engagement has also played a central role in the delivery of the project, with the site team maintaining regular contact with neighbouring businesses and supporting nearby Huntingdon Academy with improvements to outdoor facilities. Charitable initiatives have included fundraising for the Lighthouse Club and Save the Children, as well as a mental health awareness session led by the Strong Men charity. Luke Arnold, regional director at McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: “Talbot Street now known as Fabric, has been a flagship project for our Midlands and North business – combining sustainable construction methods, collaborative delivery, and a strong commitment to community engagement. We are proud to bring the scheme to fruition, handing over in time for students in the September intake.” Ed Court, development director at McLaren Property, said: “Fabric is a great example of our purpose-built student accommodation and we’re delighted to see Talbot Street completed to such a high standard. Working closely with McLaren Construction, we’ve delivered a scheme that reflects the evolving expectations of students – offering high-quality amenities, great design, and a strong focus on sustainability.” Fabric adds to McLaren Property’s growing portfolio of residential and student accommodation schemes and represents a major investment in Nottingham’s built environment and student infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals