Using the highest-rated fire performance cables will help firefighters in the event of a fire in some of the largest new buildings being developed, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the need for the use of Category 3 fire performance cables which are designed to
Engineering specialist, SES, has announced the appointment of Robert Doherty as Regional Managing Director for its Engineering North division. Robert brings over 20-years’ experience in delivering complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) packages at SES, and was previously Interim Managing Director for the North. Prior to this, he worked as
Jacobs has appointed Richard Sanderson as the company’s new General Manager for Europe and U.K., effective September 29, 2025. Richard brings more than 30 years of experience with Jacobs to his new role. A transport planner by background, he has built a career that spans technical delivery, operational management, sales,
Lidl has secured a major investor-backed deal to support the construction of 35 new stores across the UK and Europe, marking a significant shift in its approach to property development. The portfolio, which includes 17 UK supermarket sites, is currently under offer from global investment firm ICG for more than
Teesside Freeport has secured a landmark renewable energy project, with NatPower announcing plans to invest £1bn in one of the UK’s largest ever battery energy storage systems (BESS). The Teesside GigaPark will be developed on a 32-acre site at Wilton International in Redcar, owned by Sembcorp Energy UK. Once completed,
Canary Wharf is set to gain a striking new leisure attraction as Canary Wharf Group (CWG) unveils plans for a 50-metre natural lido at Eden Dock. The new facility, to be named Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, will include a six-lane open-air pool, a community clubhouse, saunas, and a carefully curated
As the Planning and Infrastructure Bill makes its way through Parliament, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has secured an amendment to ensure design quality is at the heart of new development. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to speed up and streamline the delivery of new homes and
Plans to regenerate one of the largest brownfield sites in the West Midlands and build a new, 600 home community have reached a key milestone. Sandwell Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) haveappointed top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat as their preferred developer to construct the Friar Park Urban Village
WJ Group has been nominated for Product of the Year after it successfully completed the installation of coloured surfacing on over 150 Emergency Refuge Areas (ERAs) as part of the National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR) programme for National Highways. Shortlisted for Product of the Year at the Highways Awards later
Leading workplace design and build company Claremont, has announced a strategic leadership transition that marks a new chapter in the company’s growth and future. Taking immediate effect, Tim Frankland, currently Managing Director, will assume the role of Executive Chairman. Tim played a pivotal role in Claremont’s transition into an Employee-Owned
Using the highest-rated fire performance cables will help firefighters in the event of a fire in some of the largest new buildings being developed, says leading cable supplier AEI Cables. AEI Cables has been highlighting the need for the use of Category 3 fire performance cables which are designed to withstand heat and flames for up to 120 minutes, helping to protect equipment, property and even lives, supporting critical safety circuits in tall buildings, office spaces, hospitals, shopping malls and stadia. Category 1 cables guarantee 30 minutes of defence against flames, making them ideal for emergency lighting, while Category 2 cables give 60 minutes of fire protection and are commonly used for alarm systems. For firefighting, additional time is required and Category 3 cables are able to withstand up to 120 minutes of exposure to fire, providing enhanced emergency power to assist firefighters. The guidance for Category 3 Control fire performance cables applies to evacuation alarms for the disabled in care homes, emergency voice communications systems and voice alarm systems in relevant buildings. Stuart Dover, general manager of AEI Cables, said: “In the interest of safety of property and lives in these critical spaces we are recommending these cables because they meet all compliance requirements. This provides specifiers, installers and asset owners peace of mind when considering cabling for new and existing buildings.” The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire. AEI Cables’ Firetec Enhanced cabling has been approved and certified by LPCB to BS8519 (Annex B), Category 3 Control in addition to Category 2 Control. The BS Code of Practice under BS8519 contains six categories of cables, three for power cables and three for control cables each covering survival times of 30, 60 or 120 minutes. All AEI Cables’ products are supplied with approvals from independent bodies including BASEC and LPCB. It also holds approvals from organisations including Lloyds, the MoD, Network Rail and LUL and works to international standards around the world. For more information see the AEI Cables website, tel 0191 410 3111 or email sales@aeicables.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Engineering specialist, SES, has announced the appointment of Robert Doherty as Regional Managing Director for its Engineering North division. Robert brings over 20-years’ experience in delivering complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) packages at SES, and was previously Interim Managing Director for the North. Prior to this, he worked as Director of Major Projects and Operations Director where he played a pivotal role in delivering SES’ complex engineering solutions across some of the UK’s most high-profile developments. He will be responsible for delivering the region’s growth strategy as part of SES’ operational board. He will lead SES Engineering’s entire Northern operations, driving operational excellence and continued innovation in project delivery, as well as strengthening customer relationships with Tier 1 contractors and end users alike. Robert’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for SES Engineering North. With offices in Leeds, Manchester, Sunderland and Glasgow, it is delivering major projects including an expansion at a major football stadium in Manchester and the SeAH Wind monopile factory in Teesside. The division is experiencing significant momentum as part of SES’s wider transformation. In 2024, SES reported record financial results, with a 55 per cent rise in turnover year-on-year to £463.7 million, with profit before tax up 60 per cent to £9.3m. The company’s forward order book has also more than doubled, reaching £1.2 billion, reflecting strong demand and confidence in SES’s capabilities. Rob Clifford, Executive Managing Director of SES, said: “Robert’s appointment reflects the strength of talent within SES and our commitment to developing leaders who understand the technical and strategic demands of our industry, and how our proud heritage supports our future ambitions. His leadership on major projects has been instrumental to our success, and I’m confident he will bring the same energy and insight to our North region as we continue to grow and deliver exceptional results for our customers.” Robert Doherty, Regional Managing Director of SES North, said: “I have worked for SES in the North for almost two decades and I am proud of the legacy we have cemented for ourselves, through our work on some truly transformative projects and the strength of the team responsible for them. “I want to build on this further and deliver an ambitious growth strategy, underpinned by our commitment to engineering excellence and long-term customer partnerships. I look forward to working with the SES Board and our regional teams to realise this vision.” Robert’s appointment supports SES’s recent restructure of its core engineering business into three regional divisions – North, Central, and South – enhancing national coverage and operational agility alongside the company’s continued investment in digital engineering, smart technologies, and offsite manufacturing capabilities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Jacobs has appointed Richard Sanderson as the company’s new General Manager for Europe and U.K., effective September 29, 2025. Richard brings more than 30 years of experience with Jacobs to his new role. A transport planner by background, he has built a career that spans technical delivery, operational management, sales, and market solutions. Beyond transportation, Richard has worked extensively with clients across infrastructure, energy, water, environment, and urban development, consistently driving innovation, resilience, and positive outcomes for communities. Throughout his career, he has contributed to some of Jacobs’ most complex and high-profile programs, demonstrating a unique ability to integrate engineering, consulting, and program management expertise. Most recently, he served as Head of Sector for Transportation in Europe, where he strengthened client partnerships and advanced strategic priorities, while also championing cross-sector collaboration and sustainability. Jacobs Executive Vice President Keith Lawson commented: “Richard is a highly respected leader with deep industry knowledge and a proven track record of collaboration, building strong teams and lasting client relationships. His leadership style, strategic mindset, and ability to inspire will be invaluable as we continue to grow and deliver impact across Europe and the U.K.” Jacobs incoming General Manager for Europe and U.K. Richard Sanderson added: “This is a hugely exciting time for Jacobs and it’s a privilege to lead such a talented team. We will continue to work with our clients, partners, and the wider industry to bring together Jacobs’ hallmarks of engineering excellence, consulting insight, and program management experience to deliver sustainable, technology-enabled solutions across multiple sectors and markets.” At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow – delivering outcomes and solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a team of almost 45,000, we provide end-to-end services in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water. From advisory and consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, we’re creating a more connected and sustainable world. See how at jacobs.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lidl has secured a major investor-backed deal to support the construction of 35 new stores across the UK and Europe, marking a significant shift in its approach to property development. The portfolio, which includes 17 UK supermarket sites, is currently under offer from global investment firm ICG for more than €250 million (£215 million), according to The Grocer. Once construction is complete, all stores will be leased back to Lidl under a sale-and-leaseback agreement. This approach mirrors Lidl’s first UK deal of this kind, struck with Roadside Real Estate in October last year. Traditionally, Lidl has focused on building and owning its sites outright, but the move towards leasehold arrangements indicates a new strategic direction aimed at speeding up its store rollout. The deal is expected to complete within the current financial year. A spokesperson for Lidl International said: “The qualitative and quantitative expansion of our network of stores has always been a key driver for the sustainable growth of our company. As a matter of principle, we do not focus on short-term developments, but always think long-term, economically, and sustainably. In particularly promising market situations, we consciously decide to develop properties and projects together with partners and investors.” ICG has declined to comment on the transaction. The news comes as Lidl pushes ahead with plans to open over 40 new UK stores this financial year, with a long-term goal of reaching a 1,500-strong estate across the country. By tapping into investor capital, Lidl is reinforcing its commitment to rapid growth while balancing flexibility in its property portfolio – a move that could reshape how the discounter expands in increasingly competitive markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Teesside Freeport has secured a landmark renewable energy project, with NatPower announcing plans to invest £1bn in one of the UK’s largest ever battery energy storage systems (BESS). The Teesside GigaPark will be developed on a 32-acre site at Wilton International in Redcar, owned by Sembcorp Energy UK. Once completed, it will deliver an initial storage capacity of at least four gigawatt hours, with the potential to double to eight gigawatt hours in later phases. The privately financed project aims to connect to the national grid by 2028, subject to reforms set by the National Energy System Operator. Battery storage systems play a crucial role in balancing the grid, capturing surplus electricity generated during periods of high renewable output and releasing it back when demand peaks or when production is low. NatPower intends for the Teesside GigaPark to integrate with maritime electrification infrastructure and store power generated from offshore wind and other renewable sources. Stefano Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower UK, said Teesside’s established infrastructure and industrial base made it an ideal location. “This mix of demand ensures resilience and supports Teesside’s dual role as both a digital and maritime hub,” he commented. NatPower is also exploring opportunities with potential off-takers in sectors such as logistics, shipping, data centres and clean energy manufacturing. The scale of the scheme would mark a step change for the UK’s energy landscape. The country’s largest operational battery system today is a 600MWh facility in Thurrock, connected to the grid in 2023. By comparison, Teesside’s proposed GigaPark would offer storage on a scale not yet delivered in Britain. However, the announcement comes at a time of mounting pressure over land use across Teesside Freeport. Ministers recently designated Teesworks, a former steelworks site outside Middlesbrough, as the UK’s second artificial intelligence growth zone. Plans for a 464,000 square metre data centre campus have already secured outline planning approval, with more detailed applications expected to follow. That designation has sparked concerns for other projects vying for the same land. In particular, BP’s proposed blue hydrogen and carbon capture plant faces uncertainty after Teesworks’ backers argued the development would clash with space required for the data centre, describing the AI-focused project as of “critical national importance”. BP has countered that both schemes could coexist, but tensions remain unresolved. As the government reviews its special economic zone programme under its wider industrial strategy, the Teesside GigaPark highlights both the potential and the pressures facing the UK’s largest freeport: a region balancing energy transition ambitions, digital infrastructure growth, and competing claims over some of its most strategic land. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Canary Wharf is set to gain a striking new leisure attraction as Canary Wharf Group (CWG) unveils plans for a 50-metre natural lido at Eden Dock. The new facility, to be named Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, will include a six-lane open-air pool, a community clubhouse, saunas, and a carefully curated food and beverage offer. Designed, built, and operated by the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton – the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre – the project will provide Londoners with a distinctive space for health, wellbeing, and community activity. The pool itself will be 50 metres long, with six lanes and a uniform depth of 1.3 metres. Floating in the dock and cut off from the River Thames, it will use natural filtration to maintain clean water. Eden Dock is already recognised for its excellent water quality under EU bathing standards, making it a popular spot for open water swimmers nationwide. CWG’s Chief Executive, Shobi Khan, said:“Almost one year on from the opening of Eden Dock, we’re making another bold step forward in the enhancement of our green and blue spaces at Canary Wharf. Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will build on the success of Eden Dock as a unique wellness destination, where access to nature, leisure and world-class amenities are seamlessly integrated.” Eden Dock itself was created in partnership with the Eden Project and has been transformed into an urban oasis in the heart of Canary Wharf. With planting, wildlife habitats, and access to the water, it offers opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and enjoying cultural performances along the waterfront. The new lido is expected to cement Canary Wharf’s reputation not just as a financial centre, but also as a growing hub for health, leisure, and community life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the Planning and Infrastructure Bill makes its way through Parliament, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has secured an amendment to ensure design quality is at the heart of new development. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to speed up and streamline the delivery of new homes and critical infrastructure through reforms to the planning system and a number of legislative changes, including a focus on strategic planning implemented through Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs). These will guide local plans, identify key infrastructure requirements and strategic locations for development. RIBA’s amendment to the Bill would require SDSs to include a design vision, which is a clear articulation of what an area or project should be like in the future, developed with the local community and stakeholders. The inclusion of a design vision in SDSs is vital for high-quality design to be prioritised in the strategic planning process, and would ensure new development meets the practical needs of residents and communities, while embedding the principles of safety, sustainability and accessibility. The amendment has been tabled by the Liberal Democrat Lords Housing Spokesperson Baroness Thornhill MBE, who RIBA is working closely with to amplify its call to prioritise high-quality development. It will be debated when Parliament returns from summer recess. RIBA has also secured support for the amendment from the Design Council, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and NLA, and support from Peers across the political spectrum. RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki said: “We are vocal advocates of a strategic approach to planning policy as a crucial way to ensure sustainable growth while meeting housing and infrastructure needs. However, high-quality design must be prioritised in new development from the outset. Good design can create a wide range of improvements – from health and wellbeing to productivity. But without the requirement for a design vision in the Bill, there is no guarantee that this will be delivered. We are grateful to Baroness Thornhill for tabling our amendment and look forward to working with parliamentarians and our partners across the sector to embed design quality in legislation.” Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) President, Eddie Weir, said: “High-quality design is fundamental to creating places that people love, and which meet our current and future needs, as well as those of the planet. Integrating design visions within Spatial Development Strategies gives communities the opportunity to shape local development at an early stage, building support for new homes, amenities, and infrastructure. As design professionals, Chartered Architectural Technologists regularly work alongside Architects, and CIAT is pleased to support RIBA in advocating for this important amendment.” Design Council Director of Place and Infrastructure, Edward Hobson said: “Good design is central to building the homes and infrastructure we need and ensuring it is fit for purpose, long-lasting and regenerates our environment. Creating a clear vision for a place’s future is fundamental to delivering innovative, sustainable places and resilient communities. We fully support Baroness Thornhill’s amendment and look forward to working with RIBA and parliamentarians to place quality at the heart of the government’s housebuilding and infrastructure programmes.” NLA Chief Executive, Nick McKeogh said: “We welcome Baroness Thornhill’s amendment to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill. The NLA has worked closely with the GLA and successive London Mayors to put design vision at the heart of the London Plan, and we believe that there is much for the government to build upon from that work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to regenerate one of the largest brownfield sites in the West Midlands and build a new, 600 home community have reached a key milestone. Sandwell Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) haveappointed top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat as their preferred developer to construct the Friar Park Urban Village scheme in Wednesbury. The appointment follows a selection process which has been progressed since January 2024 and ending with Sandwell Council Cabinet approval at the end of July. The scheme, a joint project between the council and WMCA, will see around 600 homes built on the huge site, approximately the size of 32 football pitches. At least 25% of the homes will be classed affordable. The site, which is joint owned by the council and WMCA, has been home to a waste treatment plant, a foundry and hospital in the past but has lain undeveloped for more than 40 years due to the complexity involved in making the land ready for housing. Cllr Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure said: “It’s great to see another step forward in our ambitious plans to regenerate Sandwell and to be able to offer more jobs, homes, green space and infrastructure to our residents. “This project will be genuinely collaborative between the WMCA, Keepmoat, the Council and local residents. We will work hard to ensure that we deliver a site which is a real asset to the Borough and something which improves quality of life.” Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “I’m pleased to see more progress on this project. “This is not an easy site to bring forward, but when I met with the Environment Agency, they assured me they are treating our land clean-up plans as a top priority now. That matters because thousands of families need a safe, warm home and this site can deliver 600 of them. “The appointment of Keepmoat is a real step forward. They can now start designing a new community that will help meet our housing needs, create jobs and support the regeneration set out in my Growth Plan.” Keepmoat is a leading housebuilder and has achieved 5-star builder status in the National Home Builders Federation (HBF) Awards. It is also a strategic partner of the WMCA with the two organisations signing an agreement in 2023 under which Keepmoat committed to building 4,000 additional homes in the West Midlands. Charlotte Goode, Divisional Chair at Keepmoat added: “We’re thrilled to be working collaboratively with the WMCA and Sandwell Council to unlock this complex brownfield site. “At Keepmoat, we’re committed to transforming lives and creating a thriving new community in Wednesbury is an exciting project to deliver much-needed high quality housing for local people. “As brownfield specialists, with almost 70 percent of our current developments being delivered on brownfield land, the plans to breathe new life into Friar Park will champion affordability, accessibility, green space and connectivity. We have a strong relationship with the West Midlands Combined Authority and we’re immensely looking forward to continuing our work together on this flagship regeneration project with Sandwell Council.” The first phase of work on Friar Park Urban Village will be to treat the land to address historic contamination issues so that it can be made ready for housebuilding. A planning application will be submitted by the Council and WMCA for the remediation work shortly and will be available for public comment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WJ Group has been nominated for Product of the Year after it successfully completed the installation of coloured surfacing on over 150 Emergency Refuge Areas (ERAs) as part of the National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR) programme for National Highways. Shortlisted for Product of the Year at the Highways Awards later next month (September), WJ Group’s new product, RapidGrip was installed across the £390 million programme developed to improve driver confidence and safety by reducing the distance between emergency refuge areas. This ensures drivers have a safe space to pull over along smart motorways during situations such as breakdowns. Having high friction levels in each emergency area was essential to support safe stopping distances from vehicles rapidly decelerating from motorway speeds. Without the correct surface treatment, drivers risk skidding. Given the important role these bays play in supporting motorists during emergency situations, the speed at which they can be installed was a major factor. However, traditionally ERA bays required a two-coat high-friction coloured surfacing system. This method involved multiple teams and vehicles with long curing times, resulting in higher emissions, greater costs and increased work-related road risks. To address these challenges, SMP Alliance – the enterprise delivering the NEAR programme for National Highways – sought to find a more efficient solution. In response, WJ Group developed RapidGrip, a one-coat, cold-applied system that combines pigment, aggregate, and binder into a single application – enabling 2 bays to be completed in 1 shift. Developed in house, working closely with National Highways and SMP Alliance to ensure technical and operational compliance, the system went through extensive lab and live-site testing to ensure it delivered all of the Alliance’s requirements. This product eliminates the need for a road sweeper and multiple curing stages, significantly streamlining the installation process while maintaining high levels of skid resistance and surface performance. Since deployment, RapidGrip has delivered measurable outcomes: Martin Webb, Innovation Director at WJ Group, said: “WJ Group has been involved with the smart motorway programme since its inception, supporting the installation of ERA bays. However, with the scale and pace of the NEAR programme rollout, it became clear that a new solution was needed to address the limitations of previous methods. “Thanks to our close collaboration with SMP Alliance, and the capabilities of our in-house engineering, product manufacturing, and contracting teams, we knew we could develop a smarter way to deliver surfacing for ERA bays, one that truly worked better for our crews, clients, road users, and the environment. “With RapidGrip, I believe we’ve created a solution that meets all three of National Highways’ core imperatives: Safety, Customer, and Delivery.” For more information about RapidGrip and WJ Group’s surfacing innovations, visit www.wj.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading workplace design and build company Claremont, has announced a strategic leadership transition that marks a new chapter in the company’s growth and future. Taking immediate effect, Tim Frankland, currently Managing Director, will assume the role of Executive Chairman. Tim played a pivotal role in Claremont’s transition into an Employee-Owned Business, successfully navigated the company through the Pandemic and led Claremont through some of its most successful and profitable periods. Succeeding Tim as Managing Director will be Lisa Flannery, the current Deputy Managing Director, who brings 36 years of experience and a proven track record of leadership within the organisation. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time serving as Managing Director over the past 13 years,” said Tim. “As Executive Chairman, I look forward to supporting Lisa and the wider Senior Leadership team as we continue to solve workplace problems, strengthen our market position, and deliver value to our clients.” Lisa Flannery joined Claremont in 1989 and has played a fundamental role in supporting the business during its growth. Previously Lisa led the Design, Commercial and Furniture teams within Claremont. In this new role, she will oversee the company’s day-to-day management, operational direction, and continued client development. “Claremont is entering an exciting phase and a new chapter,” said Lisa. “I’m delighted to take on this role and build on the strong foundations and success that Tim has delivered. Together with our talented team, we will continue to push boundaries, exceed client expectations and build a business we’re proud of.” Alongside these current changes, Mike Gardner, current Chair of Claremont is set to retire from the role, bringing an end to an illustrious 39 years at the helm, Mike will assume an independent EOT board role, ensuring effective governance of the employee-owned organisation. “I’m incredibly proud of how Claremont has developed since becoming employee-owned,” said Mike. “Within my role as an Independent on the Claremont EOT board I’m looking forward to supporting the future governance of Claremont and helping guide them through this next exciting period”. These changes follow a number of years of succession planning ensuring a smooth transition, and reflects Claremont’s commitment to client delivery, succession planning, and long-term strategic vision. Claremont has been delivering office interior design and fit-out projects for the likes of Softcat, PFA and Admiral (to name but a few) from its offices in Warrington and Bristol for over 48 years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals