Waitrose is introducing enhanced CCTV measures across its supermarkets in a bid to deter theft and improve safety for customers and staff. The retailer has begun installing CCTV cameras and live-feed screens at store entrances, displaying real-time footage of shoppers as they enter and leave, alongside a clear message stating
Superdrug is set to strengthen its position in Dundee city centre with a significant expansion at the Overgate Shopping Centre. The health and beauty retailer is enlarging its existing store by more than a third, taking over the neighbouring unit previously occupied by Clintons. The move will see Superdrug grow
Developer hands over keys to 135 of scheme’s first owners Amenity Club opens doors to residents with swimming pool & spa, gym, sports court, social spaces and cinema room Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has completed Phase 1 of Waterhouse Gardens, the £195m GDV scheme currently
A planning application has been submitted for the Sir Bobby Robson Institute, a £30m cancer treatment and research centre proposed for Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. Robertson Construction North East is supporting Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through the planning process, with construction expected to begin next spring subject to approval. Named
Winvic Construction has begun work on a 250,000 sq ft warehouse development at Coton Park in Rugby for Newlands Developments, deploying innovative enabling works to tackle complex site conditions. The 60-week programme marks Winvic’s return to Coton Park, where the contractor previously delivered two units on plots 2 and 3.
Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the September 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of August 2025, focusing on underlying projects with a total value of £100 million or less (unless otherwise
Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower has been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize – the first time in the award’s history that a conservation project has been nominated. One of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks, its restoration was considered a ‘veritable masterclass in conservation and craftsmanship’
Primark has opened its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo, marking a milestone for the retailer’s expanding interiors offering. The new two-storey, 12,000 sq ft store showcases an extensive homeware range, including bedding, throws, decorative items, and storage solutions. A mezzanine floor also houses Primark’s
Bouygues UK has been appointed by UPP as the lead contractor for the ambitious West Park development at the University of Exeter, following financial close. The project will redefine student accommodation, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency while providing modern, purpose-built living spaces. Bouygues UK will partner with UPP, the
Places for People is to extend its affordable living portfolio into Hunstanton, Norfolk, with the development of 61 brand-new independent living apartments for people aged 55 and over at Lavender View. The leading social enterprise, which owns or manages more than 245,000 homes across the UK, celebrated the development alongside
Waitrose is introducing enhanced CCTV measures across its supermarkets in a bid to deter theft and improve safety for customers and staff. The retailer has begun installing CCTV cameras and live-feed screens at store entrances, displaying real-time footage of shoppers as they enter and leave, alongside a clear message stating that recording is in progress. The aim is to discourage crime by making surveillance more visible to customers. Additional screens have been fitted throughout stores in higher-risk areas, including the fresh meat and alcohol sections, selected personal care aisles, and at checkout zones. Waitrose confirmed the initiative has been gradually rolled out over the past year and is now in place in more than half of its 315 stores nationwide. A company spokesperson emphasised that all data is handled strictly in line with data protection legislation, and information is only shared with police when formally requested to support investigations. The use of cameras and live screens has become increasingly common in UK supermarkets as retailers look to tackle a rise in retail crime. While traditional CCTV has long been present in stores, recent years have seen an expansion into more visible and targeted systems, such as prominent live-feed screens near self-checkouts, sometimes referred to as VAR-style surveillance. Other supermarket groups are also trialling new technologies in response to the issue. Sainsbury’s recently announced the introduction of facial recognition technology in selected locations to help protect staff and customers. Working in partnership with Facewatch, the system alerts stores to criminal behaviour reported by their own or neighbouring retailers, supporting a wider collaborative approach to tackling theft. Waitrose’s latest investment reflects the growing importance of visible deterrents in maintaining safe and secure shopping environments, while ensuring that any surveillance is managed responsibly and transparently. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Superdrug is set to strengthen its position in Dundee city centre with a significant expansion at the Overgate Shopping Centre. The health and beauty retailer is enlarging its existing store by more than a third, taking over the neighbouring unit previously occupied by Clintons. The move will see Superdrug grow from 7,125 sq ft to 9,739 sq ft, creating one of its largest stores in Scotland. When complete, the new-look branch will feature a range of upgraded services, including dedicated beauty studios, enhanced fragrance counters, and a private nurse clinic alongside an expanded pharmacy. The investment is part of Superdrug’s wider strategy to modernise, refurbish, and extend many of its strongest performing stores nationwide. Dundee has been identified as a key location, with the expansion designed to provide a more contemporary and comprehensive shopping experience for local customers. Malcolm Angus, centre manager at Overgate, welcomed the announcement:“Once complete, the new store will offer a significantly elevated shopping experience for our customers. The introduction of new Beauty Studios, each offering a range of popular and affordable treatments, is an exciting development. The enhancement of Superdrug’s pharmacy with a new face-to-face private nurse clinic will also bring a welcome personalised healthcare service. “This commitment by Superdrug is a resounding vote of confidence in Overgate, and in the future of bricks-and-mortar retail in Dundee city centre. There is no doubt this new store will prove highly popular with our customers.” Clare Jennings, property director at Superdrug, added:“This store extension in Overgate, Dundee is a significant milestone in expanding Superdrug’s presence locally, allowing us to offer an even broader selection of products and services to our valued customers. By upgrading the store, we’re now able to offer a more modern shopping experience – featuring top health and beauty brands, a premium fragrance section, and our in-store Beauty Studio. This new extension allows us to support local employment in Overgate and the surrounding communities.” Overgate Shopping Centre was acquired by Frasers Group and spans 440,000 sq ft. Anchored by Frasers, the centre is home to a strong mix of national and international retailers, including Primark, Next, Mango, H&M, River Island, New Look, Sports Direct, Footasylum, Office, Castore, Rituals, Pandora, Clarks, DV8, Holland & Barrett, and Boots. The expansion of Superdrug at Overgate reflects both consumer demand for accessible health and beauty services and the ongoing confidence of major retailers in Dundee’s city centre. With the opening scheduled later this year, the enlarged store is expected to strengthen Overgate’s role as a leading regional retail destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer hands over keys to 135 of scheme’s first owners Amenity Club opens doors to residents with swimming pool & spa, gym, sports court, social spaces and cinema room Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has completed Phase 1 of Waterhouse Gardens, the £195m GDV scheme currently under construction on the site of the former Boddington’s brewery. Phase 1 comprises apartments and the scheme’s well-appointed amenities. Keys to the first completed residences in Blocks C & D of the scheme have been handed over to owners – a combination of owner-occupiers and private landlords. These residents will be the first to enjoy some of the scheme’s extensive leisure and social facilities that are ready for use in the Amenity Club, including the 2,500-sqft gym, pool, sauna, cold plunge, steam room, and sports court, as well as extensive social spaces and games room, a private dining room, and a cinema room fitted out with luxury oversize sofa-style seating. At full completion in Q1 2026, the regenerative scheme will comprise 556 apartments, 30,000 sq ft of commercial space and a fully private landscaped podium garden. Running through the scheme will be a new public avenue, designed to foster a vibrant sense of community. Simon Ismail, MD of Salboy, comments: “Watching a scheme’s first residents collect their keys, move into their homes, and start to enjoy the wide range of leisure and socialising facilities available at our Amenity Club is a hugely satisfying and motivating experience for everyone involved in the development process. “We ensured that the quality of the social and leisure spaces Salboy has become known for in our other developments fed through to everything we built at Waterhouse Gardens. In doing so, we’ve raised the bar for what residents can expect from developments in this area just north of the city centre.” “Waterhouse Gardens was specially designed to breathe new life into an unloved, underinvested part of central Manchester, and the people who would eventually call Waterhouse Gardens their home were right at the heart of that design process. Every facility, space and small detail was included with their convenience, enjoyment and satisfaction in mind. We look forward to seeing how Waterhouse Garden’s first residents take to the space as we keep moving at a fast pace to complete the entire scheme on time and on budget by early 2026.” Sales for both phases of the Waterhouse Gardens scheme remain ahead of targets. By early September 2025, 90% of Phase 1 apartments were sold, as were 65% in Phase 2. In May this year, Hamptons reported how the North West is outperforming all other regions in England and Wales for off-plan apartment sales, including London.* Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A planning application has been submitted for the Sir Bobby Robson Institute, a £30m cancer treatment and research centre proposed for Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. Robertson Construction North East is supporting Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through the planning process, with construction expected to begin next spring subject to approval. Named after the late Sir Bobby Robson – the legendary football player and manager who died of lung cancer in 2009 – the new institute is designed to pioneer innovation in cancer care and expand the number of clinical trials available to patients across the region. The project will be funded by The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, with the trust overseeing its future operation. Robertson Construction North East was appointed as main contractor through the ProCure23 framework and has been working alongside project partners since January, providing pre-construction and design services from RIBA Stage 1 through to Stage 4 technical design. Working with P+HS Architects, the project team has developed a design inspired by the molecular structure of a hexagon – a feature associated with Rubraca, the first cancer drug developed in the North East. The new three-storey institute will bring together the existing Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and the hospital’s cancer and blood disorder research teams. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the building will allow for a 50% increase in clinical research activity over five years. This will enable specialist teams to deliver larger and more complex trials, benefiting patients locally, nationally and internationally. Neil Kennedy, regional managing director at Robertson Construction North East, said:“Our team has been supporting the trust with pre-construction and design to make sure it is ready to move seamlessly into delivery if approved. Having already delivered a number of high-quality projects with the trust, we have seen the positive impact they bring, and I’m confident this proposed project will also make a real difference for patients, staff and the wider community.” The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has already raised £20m towards the development, with a new fundraising campaign set to launch to secure the remaining £10m required. If planning permission is granted, construction is expected to begin next spring, with the building scheduled to open in 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction has begun work on a 250,000 sq ft warehouse development at Coton Park in Rugby for Newlands Developments, deploying innovative enabling works to tackle complex site conditions. The 60-week programme marks Winvic’s return to Coton Park, where the contractor previously delivered two units on plots 2 and 3. This prior experience of the site’s infrastructure is expected to play a key role in the successful delivery of the latest phase. The single-storey facility will incorporate 15,000 sq ft of office space and will be built using a structural steel, multi-span portal frame, with a clear internal height of 15 metres. It is targeting a BREEAM Excellent certification and an EPC rating of A/A+, underlining its sustainability credentials. One of the most significant enabling works undertaken so far has been the installation of a 34-metre ex-Ministry of Defence tank bridge to span a 457mm high-pressure gas main. The 350-tonne crane lift was a critical step in providing safe access to the development site. To further mitigate the risks posed by the gas infrastructure, Winvic is also constructing a Filcor (polystyrene) road to wrap around a 54-metre-long culvert measuring 4m by 2m. Traditional construction techniques such as cement and compacted fill were deemed unsuitable, as the imposed loads would have compromised the gas main. Winvic is working closely with Cadent Gas to ensure that the solutions not only protect the integrity of the utility but also safeguard operatives during construction. Danny Nelson, managing director of industrial, distribution and logistics at Winvic, commented:“Working with partners, our solution to overcome the complex challenges of this site brought by the gas main highlights our commitment to safety and a collaborative culture.” The project reflects both the scale and complexity of modern warehouse development, where careful planning, innovative engineering and collaboration with infrastructure stakeholders are essential to delivering facilities that meet occupier and sustainability demands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the September 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of August 2025, focusing on underlying projects with a total value of £100 million or less (unless otherwise stated). All figures are seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. The September Index reveals that the high hopes for an industrywide recovery, forecast through a steady increase in activity during Q.2, were premature, with the value of work starting on-site dipping by 4% in the three months to the end of August, standing 6% lower than 2024 figures during the same period. The uptick in residential activity observed during the spring and summer, which drove the majority of the recent impressive growth, is starting to slow as Autumn starts. This is giving way to general decline, with starts-on-site falling 18% on the preceding three months, and 16% year-on-year, as persistent international socioeconomic pressures and unpopular Government policies erode investor and consumer confidence. However, the overall drop in performance was somewhat mitigated in the non-residential sector, which experienced a relatively positive period, registering a 13% increase on the preceding three months to stand 11% up on the previous year. Commenting on the results, Glenigan Economist Drilon Baca says, “Many contractors and subcontractors will be deeply frustrated by the apparent ‘false start’ performance-wise, especially within the residential verticals. However, as the numbers show, the sector is still in a far stronger position than it was during last winter, holding relatively steady overall when compared like-for-like against last year’s figures, with a modest dip in the single figures. He continues, “However, we need to be cautious. There remains a high degree of uncertainty. In the lead up to the widely-rumored Autumn Budget Statement, the sector will not be helped by persistent international pressures and, closer to home, ongoing speculation around property tax increases.” Taking a closer look at the Index results… Sector Analysis – Residential The residential sector faced pronounced headwinds. Overall starts were down 18% in the three months to the end of August compared to the previous 3-month period, finishing 16% below 2024. Private housing fell 16% during the Index period and 16% compared to the previous year. Social housing fared even worse with activity slashed by almost a quarter (-24%) to stand 17% lower year-on-year. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential Performance was generally subdued in non-residential sectors, however, there were some very impressive results within individual verticals. Activity within offices was outstanding. Starts surged 103% during the Index period and were 232% up on the previous year. These extraordinary figures can be attributed to shovels going into the ground on a number of major developments, including the retrofit of 30 Finsbury Square in London. It was a mixed bag elsewhere. Industrial project starts edged up by 1% compared to the preceding three months, but were still 11% below 2024 levels. Likewise, health sector activity grew 7%, but was 5% lower compared to last year’s figures. Elsewhere, community and amenity project starts were down 26% compared to the previous 3 months but saw a 35% increase compared to 2024. Hotel & leisure starts, in turn, dipped 5% but were 4% higher year-on-year. Civil engineering work inched up 2% on the preceding three months but remained 22% below year-ago levels. Infrastructure project starts rose 12% against the Index period, although they were down 17% year-on-year. Utilities construction declined 9% to finish 27% lower than last year. The retail and education verticals were the biggest losers. The former took a significant hit, falling 23% compared to the previous 3 months and were down 34% compared to last year. The latter experienced significant setbacks, dropping 14% compared to the preceding three months and 37% when measured against 2024 levels. Regional Performance London outperformed other regions, with project starts reaching £2,973 million, up a whopping 39% compared to the preceding three months, and a staggering 36% compared to the same period last year. Not to be outdone, the North East experienced strong growth, rising 61% against 2024 results and increasing by almost a third (+29%) against the preceding three months. The West Midlands also posted robust results, up 21% on the previous three months and 36% year-on-year. In contrast, the South East and South West both registered sizeable declines; the former fell by 15% compared to the previous 3 months, and 21% on the year; the latter dropped 29% and 32%, respectively. The North West slipped 5% on the preceding three months and 12% compared to last year. North of the border, Scotland declined 29% against the previous year and 16% on the preceding three months. Find out more about Glenigan here: www.glenigan.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower has been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize – the first time in the award’s history that a conservation project has been nominated. One of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks, its restoration was considered a ‘veritable masterclass in conservation and craftsmanship’ by RIBA’s judges. Submitted for entry by Purcell – consultant architect on the project – the conservation was the most extensive and complex in the building’s history, combining traditional skills and crafts with cutting-edge upgrades that made the building fit for the 21st century. Chris Elliot, Managing Director of UK Parliament’s Strategic Estates team, said: “This nomination celebrates the successful restoration of the UK’s most photographed landmark, achieved through close collaboration with our architects, Purcell, alongside our exceptional supply chain. As custodians of a UNESCO World Heritage site, we are proud to have maintained and preserved the Elizabeth Tower as a symbol of our national heritage.” Running from 2017-2022, the project safeguarded the architectural integrity of the Elizabeth Tower and ensured that Big Ben could continue to ‘bong’ for decades to come. Prior to the restoration, the landmark suffered from many of the issues seen in buildings of its age, including crumbling stones, rusty ironwork, leaking roofs and, in this case, an aging clock. Repairing problems that could not be fixed while the clock was in action, the project also conserved key elements of Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin’s design, including stone carvings, the clock dials and the gilded spire. The restoration works repaired and redecorated the interior, renewed the building services, and made improvements to health and safety and fire protection systems. The works also improved energy efficiency, reducing the Elizabeth Tower’s environmental impact, as well as providing better access for maintenance and emergency services. A wide range of specialist companies and tradespeople from across the UK were involved in the programme, including from: Other areas involved include the North West England (building and M&E design), South East England and London (stone restoration and glass designers), South Yorkshire (stone replacements and cast-iron repairs) amongst others. The conservation of the UK’s most iconic landmark has already earned widespread recognition, including a RIBA National Award, RIBA London Award, AABC Conservation Award, Michael Middleton Civic Trust Award and Digital Construction Project of the Year Award. Parliament’s Strategic Estates team has also been nominated for the RIBA Client of the Year award, acknowledging their role in championing excellence throughout the project. Members of the public can find out more about the restoration through guided tours – and take home a piece of Big Ben memorabilia from the Houses of Parliament Shop. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Primark has opened its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo, marking a milestone for the retailer’s expanding interiors offering. The new two-storey, 12,000 sq ft store showcases an extensive homeware range, including bedding, throws, decorative items, and storage solutions. A mezzanine floor also houses Primark’s travel collection, with luggage and travel accessories available for shoppers. Alongside the debut Home store, Primark has invested in its existing Trafford Palazzo branch. The store has undergone a significant makeover, featuring an expanded womenswear department, upgraded fixtures across health and beauty, and the introduction of a new beauty studio. Leandra Dwyer, asset manager at Peel Retail & Leisure, said:“Trafford Palazzo is fast establishing itself as the UK’s leading destination for new flagship retail and leisure concepts. The launch of Great Britain’s first standalone Primark Home store at Trafford Palazzo is a fantastic example of how Peel Retail & Leisure partners with major brands to create vibrant spaces where retail and leisure thrive and where consumers want to be. We are looking forward to seeing the progression of this exciting new store evolve.” The new concept complements Primark’s existing stores across Greater Manchester and follows the earlier launch of a standalone Primark Home in Belfast. The move highlights the retailer’s growing commitment to expanding its homeware range as part of its wider strategy to diversify its product offer and enhance the shopping experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has been appointed by UPP as the lead contractor for the ambitious West Park development at the University of Exeter, following financial close. The project will redefine student accommodation, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency while providing modern, purpose-built living spaces. Bouygues UK will partner with UPP, the UK’s leading provider of on-campus student accommodation infrastructure, to deliver this innovative project for the University of Exeter. As the appointed lead contractor, Bouygues UK will spearhead the construction efforts, ensuring the creation of modern, energy-efficient student residences to Passivhaus standards. The West Park development includes the construction of six new student accommodation blocks and the refurbishment of one existing block within the University’s Streatham campus. Designed to accommodate 1,849 students, the development promotes interactive social lives with central social facilities on the main campus. The project’s design, led by Willmore Iles Architects and Architype, is to Passivhaus standards, an internationally recognised standard for energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Additionally, the development will be accredited to the WELL Community standard, ensuring a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of residents. Philippe Bernard, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, commented, “We are delighted to lead the construction for the Passivhaus West Park development, a project that symbolises innovation and sustainability in student accommodation. Bouygues UK is committed to delivering exemplary projects that meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and resident wellbeing and we are grateful for the trust of our client. We look forward to collaborating with UPP to bring this vision to life.” Elaine Hewitt, UPP CEO said, “We are delighted to reach financial close on this major project and to be working with Bouygues UK on the delivery of such an innovative scheme.” Bouygues UK is excited to contribute to a project that sets a new benchmark for university accommodation across the country and is committed to fostering a transformative student experience at the University of Exeter. The first tranche of students is expected to be welcomed into the new accommodation in September 2027, with full occupation in 2028. The project is scheduled for completion over a three-year period. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Places for People is to extend its affordable living portfolio into Hunstanton, Norfolk, with the development of 61 brand-new independent living apartments for people aged 55 and over at Lavender View. The leading social enterprise, which owns or manages more than 245,000 homes across the UK, celebrated the development alongside its partners on Tuesday 2 September with a traditional ‘topping-out’ ceremony – held to mark the construction reaching its highest point. Attendees included Cllr Thomas and Cllr Jamieson from Norfolk County Council, Cllr Rust from King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council, Teresa Snaith, Business Development Director of Lovell Later Living, Deepesh Patel, Executive Director of Radis Community Care and Simon Medler, Regional Managing Director of Lovell Partnerships. The event was facilitated by Ben Ruston, Director of Developments – South East Region at Places for People. Places for People is collaborating with partners including Norfolk County Council – which has provided £2.9m capital funding to support the scheme as part of its Independent Living programme, Homes England – which has provided £5.7m in grant funding for the scheme, alongside developer Lovell Later Living, building contractor Lovell Partnerships and care provider Radis Community Care. The development of this new community designed by Langtry Langton Architects will deliver 61 one and two bedroom affordable-rent apartments by the end of summer 2026. The Radis Community Care team will provide on-site care and support 24/7 at Lavender View, enabling individuals to remain independent in a home of their choice. It has aptly been named Lavender View after the rich and vibrant lavender fields established since 1932 and located three miles south of Hunstanton. The new community is being developed in the Hunstanton area of Norfolk and will bring much-needed independent living accommodation to people over 55 living here. Neil McKay, Head of Commercial. Quality and Growth at Places for People, said: “Tackling the housing crisis means providing homes that meet everyone’s needs. Lavender View is a vital development, offering people the right environment to live happy, independent lives. We are delighted to see progress on site and look forward to welcoming the first residents next year.” Lavender View will also offer residents an onsite café, an activity room for healthy and positive living, impressive communal areas including a main lounge and landscaped gardens, on-site hairdressing, a spa room, mobility scooter storage and on-site parking for residents and their visitors. Lavender View is due for completion in late summer 2026. Cllr Alison Thomas, cabinet member for Adult’s Services at Norfolk County Council, said: “This topping out ceremony marks an exciting moment for Hunstanton as we move another step closer to providing residents with an accessible, safe new home in a vibrant community as they age. “Norfolk County Council remain committed to investing in schemes just like Lavender View that prioritise independence, but with the added peace of mind of on-site care and support when they need it.” Kate Collins, Senior Manager for Provider Management at Homes England, said: “Increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions. “Lavender View is a prime example of how we work collaboratively with partners like Places for People to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud to call home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals