A pioneering entry-level initiative giving people the chance to access careers in the construction industry has been launched in East London. Bellway’s Barking Project Team has invited Site Ready Solutions to set up a base in its main compound at Barking Riverside – including a cabin classroom, cabin tool store
Birmingham’s specialist residential developer, Court Collaboration, has rebranded as Sphere Group, led by CEO Alex Neale and Managing Director, Thomas Taylor. Continuing to operate from Alpha Tower, Birmingham, the change comes with new branding, a new website and a growing team, with Sphere already welcoming its first major appointment in
When talking about the trends that will shape kitchens in the next decade, it’s not necessarily about whether dark or light cabinets will be popular in 2030. Aesthetic appeal is important, but we need to focus more on investing in durable, adaptable, and smart infrastructure. Design trends come and go,
Cardiff’s long-anticipated 16,500-capacity indoor arena has taken a major step forward, with financial close now officially reached on the £300 million project. The development, backed by Cardiff Council and a consortium led by Live Nation and Robertson Property, has also named McLaren Construction as the main contractor, with work set
Asda is accelerating its presence in the convenience sector with the rapid rollout of 20 new Asda Express stores across the UK over the course of just four weeks. The expansion marks a significant step forward in the supermarket giant’s mission to strengthen its reach in busy urban areas, residential
Outline planning has been approved for new 5,000 sqm Data Centre at 45 Maylands Avenue in Hemel Hempstead. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for Northtree Investment Management, proposals provide much needed digital infrastructure while creating a new high-quality workplace and public realm. Proposals maximise space on the industrial site by replacing
England’s largest not-for-profit later-living provider, Anchor, celebrated the topping out of Mulberry House located near Gresley Way in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The development will provide 64 one and two-bedroom later living apartments with affordable ways to buy and rent. Once open, the brand-new development will also provide future residents with various
British Land and GIC’s Broadgate joint venture has secured a £450 million five-year Green Loan for 1 Broadgate, following the development’s practical completion in July. The landmark building is already 96% pre-let, with major tenants including A&O Shearman and JLL. The 545,000 sq ft scheme delivers some of the most
Britain’s multi-billion-pound construction pipeline is under threat, as new data reveals the industry must recruit 61,000 new workers annually* – putting the Government’s five-year investment plan in jeopardy – including Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2030. According to CV-Library, the UK’s leading job for construction roles*, demand
With over 140,000 vacancies, the UK construction industry is facing a major skills shortage[2]. To help address this gap, leading housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has hosted a week long work experience at its Clipstone Park development in Bedfordshire, encouraging more young people to consider careers in construction.
A pioneering entry-level initiative giving people the chance to access careers in the construction industry has been launched in East London. Bellway’s Barking Project Team has invited Site Ready Solutions to set up a base in its main compound at Barking Riverside – including a cabin classroom, cabin tool store and access to power and water supplies – to provide a safe working environment for training in real site conditions. The concept, led by GSQ Brickwork, is to provide initial two-week training courses to give participants the essential technical and soft skills required for entry-level construction roles. The participants are mentored by experienced tradespeople, with the initial course followed by a 12-week structured employer placement. The first course for bricklaying commenced on Monday 4 August with an initial cohort of four students taking part. David Burns, Managing Director at Bellway’s Barking Project Team, said: “We have a close working relationship with the excellent team at GSQ Brickwork who have worked on several of the phases of construction here at Barking Riverside. When we learned of their forward-thinking Site Ready Solutions initiative we were very keen to get involved and to support the scheme.” Site Ready Solutions brings together employers, training and education centres, trade bodies and local stakeholders, including charities and community groups, to remove barriers to entry for individuals of all ages, streamline the onboarding process for recruits and ensure long-term workforce development. The initial two-week Site Ready Programme includes as standard Level 1 Health & Safety and CSCS certification, along with practical skills in areas like employability and financial management. The following 12-week employer placement includes continuous support from Site Ready Solutions, ensuring learners are fully prepared for the workplace. Barking Riverside is regenerating the former Barking Power Station site in East London, with the scheme planned to eventually deliver around 20,000 homes, subject to planning permission, with Bellway set to build at least 4,000 of these. Construction work is well underway on the fifth phase of Bellway’s Fielders Quarter development at Barking Riverside – Horizons at Fielders Quarter – which will deliver 440 new one, two and three-bedroom homes. David said: “As part of our overarching Better with Bellway strategy we are committed to having a positive impact in the communities where we build and this initiative will help give local people the opportunity to access employment in construction. The participants will benefit from the real-life experience and expertise of the mentors and how to work alongside people of all ages. “To further address the skills shortage within the industry and to support the local community, Barking Riverside is also due to become home to an NHBC Multi-Skills Academy early next year, when the first cohort is due to start. “Both of these collaborations allow us to tap into the local talent and to give local people the chance of a career in the construction industry.” Garry Staines, CEO at Site Ready Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to be able to deliver training and jobs for local people to become skilled tradespeople. “We’re extremely grateful to Bellway for providing such a fantastic site-based environment for our learners to experience site conditions in a safe area before they begin work on site. “We’re also grateful for the collaboration of our partners at Graysons, Camtech and Brickjackets for their kind donations ensuring the tools and materials used for training mirror those they will be using on site. The skills shortage is acute and will only be addressed by us all working together to develop the next generation of skilled workers.” Further details about Site Ready Solutions can be found at https://sitereadysolutions.co.uk. For information about careers at Bellway go to https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk/vacancies. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham’s specialist residential developer, Court Collaboration, has rebranded as Sphere Group, led by CEO Alex Neale and Managing Director, Thomas Taylor. Continuing to operate from Alpha Tower, Birmingham, the change comes with new branding, a new website and a growing team, with Sphere already welcoming its first major appointment in the form of Rob Bould, who has joined the business as a Non-Executive Director and Board Member. Rob is the former CEO of GVA and Executive Vice President of Bilfinger Real Estate GmbH. A former Land Aid Chair and Founder of the Land Aid Patrons Network, Rob is also a past chairman and life member of The Investment Property Forum and an inductee of the Property Week Hall of Fame in 2022. He runs his own consultancy business with various senior advisory and NED roles. Speaking of his appointment, Rob comments: “It’s an exciting challenge and a real pleasure to have joined Sphere. Alex and his team have built an enviable reputation in the residential development market in the Midlands, so to share some of my experience with them, in a city where I started my career, is a fantastic opportunity at the start of the next property cycle.” Sphere will focus on, Open Market Sale, Build to Rent and Mixed-Use developments in the region, identifying and unlocking opportunities through combined expertise in land assembly, planning and construction. Sphere CEO, Alex Neale, said: “With our exciting new identity, Sphere will continue to be a ‘one stop shop’ for ground up development projects, identifying medium and large-scale opportunities in strategic locations and unlocking them via a wealth of experience spanning institutional investment, land assembly, planning and construction. “By identifying these opportunities and boasting a best in-class team, we’ll be able to re-position opportunities into the market and use our strong local and national relationships to realise and extract maximum value for our partners, investors and other key stakeholders. “I’m thrilled to be officially launching the new brand today and excited about our plans. Sphere is the culmination of all the great experiences I have gained over the years and something I have been working towards for a long time – I truly believe strong partnerships are the key to success. We must work together to overcome challenges and embrace a culture of trust and optimism to create catalysts for growth in our sector. “By bringing our partners on the journey with us, we can maximise social and economic value for all. “I welcome Tom and Rob to the board. Watch this space for more team news and details of Sphere’s next project. In the meantime, all contact details will still be in use or automatically redirected to new versions so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When talking about the trends that will shape kitchens in the next decade, it’s not necessarily about whether dark or light cabinets will be popular in 2030. Aesthetic appeal is important, but we need to focus more on investing in durable, adaptable, and smart infrastructure. Design trends come and go, but a smart layout that can adapt to new technologies without losing functionality and appeal is the best you can offer future homebuyers, restaurant owners, or food manufacturers. This approach ensures a kitchen remains functional and valuable, especially in a future that might involve advanced cooking robots. In light of these aspects, let’s see what it means to truly future-proof kitchen fit-outs. Adaptability and Modular Design Flexibility is key in the food industry, making modular design a crucial element for both residential and commercial kitchens of the future. We’re talking about a kitchen that can evolve with the user’s needs. This is where prefabricated and reconfigurable layouts come in, with scalable designs that can expand or contract based on needs. Elements like modular cabinet systems, movable islands with integrated utilities, and flexible storage solutions will be a must-have in the near future. Prefabricated modules reduce installation time and lower construction costs, but also allow a space to be reconfigured for a new owner or a change in lifestyle. This kind of adaptability helps future-proof investments, ensuring that spaces can pivot to new food trends without requiring a complete rebuild. But modular and flexible doesn’t mean flimsy and easily replaceable. Durability will also be a key factor in future kitchens. Since the kitchen area may have to endure heavy use across multiple tenants, its surfaces, floors, and fixtures must withstand constant turnover. Smart and Sustainable Equipment and Infrastructure The future is clearly technology-driven, and the kitchen is not exempt. In fact, we’re already seeing smart appliances designed for lower energy consumption, with better safety features. One great example comes from induction stoves, which are better for the environment and for users than traditional gas ones. If you have a look at current equipment suppliers’ offers (such as Restaurant Supply pro kitchen equipment catalogue), you already see a trend toward scalable, future-ready tools that can handle the demands of multi-concept operations. However, to ensure future kitchens can adapt to new tools and appliances, many of which don’t even exist yet, contractors and designers must approach smart technology as a core part of the infrastructure. This means moving beyond a single Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerator and instead building an integrated, adaptable system. This involves providing dedicated circuits to support future appliances and installing built-in USB-A, USB-C, and wireless charging pads to power a growing number of smart kitchen devices like tablets and smart thermometers. A strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal is a given, but a truly future-proof kitchen should also have Ethernet ports. Hardwired connections are more secure, reliable, and faster, which is essential for things like remote monitoring, smart appliance management, and streaming media. Automation, AI, and Data-Driven Kitchens Yes, the future will most likely put artificial intelligence in kitchens. Although it may seem like a bit of a stretch, automation is already part of the food industry, and can boost kitchen functionality at home as well. Big, industrial kitchens already use IoT sensors in commercial refrigerators and pantries to track inventory in real-time. This automated process can alert managers when supplies are low and predict usage patterns to minimize waste. Ovens, fryers, and grills are equipped with sensors and smart controls that can automatically adjust temperature and cooking time based on the specific food item. This way, we reduce the risk of human error and limit the spread of foodborne illness. In residential kitchens, we now have touchless faucets that use motion sensors to turn on and off. This is great for both hygiene reasons and conserving water. Next, smart lighting systems adjust brightness based on time of day or occupancy, which is great for energy efficiency. The Kitchen of the Future The trends show that home kitchens will stop being a collection of disparate appliances and instead, turn into a central hub of efficiency, health, and creativity. The entire room will function as a single, interconnected system. We might even have robotic arms, discreetly integrated into a kitchen island, handling tasks like chopping vegetables or kneading dough. The induction cooktop will be able to adjust the temperature automatically, and smart vent hoods will regulate air quality and ventilation in real-time. We may even have an AI system that analyzes each family’s nutritional needs and dietary preferences, suggesting personalized meal plans and automatically ordering groceries when supplies are low. This way, cooking at home will no longer take up at least an hour of your day, and it will become a pleasurable activity instead of a chore. In the food industry, the kitchen of the future will be a high-tech ecosystem optimized for speed, precision, and safety. Human chefs will be able to exercise their full creativity and thirst for innovation, while AI and robotics will handle the repetitive, high-volume tasks. There will also be AI-powered systems continuously monitoring every aspect of the operation, from the temperature of ingredients to the cleanliness of the cooking surfaces, ensuring that every dish meets the highest standards of safety and consistency. Wrap Up In simple terms, kitchens will soon become ecosystems of technology, sustainability, and adaptability. This means that kitchens built today need to align with future operational demands, shifting consumer trends, and ever-stricter environmental regulations.
Cardiff’s long-anticipated 16,500-capacity indoor arena has taken a major step forward, with financial close now officially reached on the £300 million project. The development, backed by Cardiff Council and a consortium led by Live Nation and Robertson Property, has also named McLaren Construction as the main contractor, with work set to begin immediately. Originally estimated at £280 million in March 2023, rising inflation has pushed the cost of the scheme past the £300 million mark. The arena is now on track for completion and opening in 2028. Designed to attract major touring acts and global performers, the new venue is expected to transform Cardiff’s music and cultural landscape, while also delivering significant economic and social impact to the region. Cardiff Council leader Huw Thomas said: “This arena will transform Cardiff’s visitor economy in a way nothing has since the stadium opened in 1999. It’s not just about the bricks and mortar; it’s about underpinning and enhancing Cardiff’s status as a vibrant, dynamic destination for music and culture. “The project will ensure that Cardiff continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and innovation. It is the cornerstone of our Music City strategy, which aims to support every part of Cardiff’s music ecosystem – from musicians to producers, promoters, and venues. “But crucially, this project will drive economic growth and social value, particularly in the area surrounding the arena, creating jobs and lifting horizons in some of Wales’ most economically-challenged communities. It is for all these reasons that the arena has been a priority for this Council administration for over a decade, and why I’m delighted that this decisive milestone has now been achieved.” Elliot Robertson, chief executive of Robertson Group, added: “The Cardiff Arena marks a transformative moment for the city, bringing world-class live entertainment to the city while driving significant economic and social benefits. This project is more than just a venue; it’s a catalyst for growth, creating over a thousand jobs, boosting local businesses, and solidifying Cardiff’s position as a cultural and creative hub on the global stage.” With work now underway, the Cardiff Arena stands poised to become a landmark destination, promising not only to enhance the city’s international profile but to generate lasting benefits for local communities and businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Asda is accelerating its presence in the convenience sector with the rapid rollout of 20 new Asda Express stores across the UK over the course of just four weeks. The expansion marks a significant step forward in the supermarket giant’s mission to strengthen its reach in busy urban areas, residential communities, and key transport hubs – locations where it has traditionally had a lighter footprint. The first of these new stores is set to open in Castleford, Yorkshire, in October, with a wave of further openings scheduled to follow swiftly from late October onwards. Asda Express stores are designed to meet a wide range of everyday shopping needs. From quick ‘top up’ grocery runs to on-the-go lunches and convenient dinner solutions, the stores aim to bring greater flexibility to modern shoppers looking for speed, value, and accessibility. Although the Express format was initially introduced in 2022, Asda temporarily paused the launch of standalone locations while it focused on integrating the 469 convenience stores it acquired from the Co-op and EG Group. With much of that work now complete, the retailer is refocusing on new sites as part of its broader convenience strategy. David Lepley, Asda’s Chief Supply Chain Officer, said: “We’re thrilled to kick off the next phase of our Express rollout and bring our heritage in delivering outstanding value to more locations across the UK. In just three years, we’ve grown from zero convenience stores to establishing a major presence in the channel, with almost 500 stores by the end of the year. This continued investment reflects the confidence we have in our convenience strategy and our focus on bringing Asda’s low prices to more local communities.” The new Asda Express sites will be launched in the following locations: With this burst of store openings, Asda is not only expanding its physical footprint, but also reinforcing its commitment to bringing everyday essentials and low prices closer to where people live and travel. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Outline planning has been approved for new 5,000 sqm Data Centre at 45 Maylands Avenue in Hemel Hempstead. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for Northtree Investment Management, proposals provide much needed digital infrastructure while creating a new high-quality workplace and public realm. Proposals maximise space on the industrial site by replacing an existing two storey warehouse and office building with a new three-storey, state-of-the-art facility, serviced by office accommodation, a substation, car parking and servicing areas. Designs echo the scale of neighbouring logistics and light industrial buildings, using a contemporary architectural language and high-quality materials to enhance the frontage to Maylands Avenue. Existing levels on the site will be utilised to maximise available space while reducing the height of the building facing the street. The existing access from Maylands Avenue will be enhanced to provide accessible parking and a point arrival for guests, pedestrians and those arriving by bicycle, while access from Cleaveland Way will be gated and dedicated to HGV and staff vehicles. A generous setback from the roadside creates opportunity to reinforce the boulevard and significantly improve the quality of the public realm along Maylands Avenue. New landscaping with seating areas will encourage pedestrian and cycle movement and contribute to the visual amenity on the estate. The sustainability strategy includes measures such as a fabric first approach for the design and a layout that allows for naturally ventilated offices via openable windows, while maintaining the security of restricted spaces. A mixture of locally native trees and shrub species will be planted along the boundaries to the south and west of the site to create a vegetative buffer for the development and habitat for local wildlife. Drawing upon an inherent understanding of the advanced technology sector and experience of working across a range of projects and scales, Scott Brownrigg’s proposal for 45 Maylands Avenue is set to make the most of the site available, densifying industrial land use, with consideration of installation, maintenance, replacement and construction from the outset, whilst carefully considering how the occupied spaces can positively contribute and improve on the existing street scene. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
England’s largest not-for-profit later-living provider, Anchor, celebrated the topping out of Mulberry House located near Gresley Way in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The development will provide 64 one and two-bedroom later living apartments with affordable ways to buy and rent. Once open, the brand-new development will also provide future residents with various modern communal spaces including an on-site café, residents lounge, a hair and beauty salon and landscaped gardens. Residents will have full access to Anchor’s Be Well 360 service, ensuring support for health, well-being and social connection. Anchor’s Delivery Officer, George Weeden said: “The topping out at Mulberry House is an important milestone for both Anchor and the development. Mulberry House will deliver much needed, high-quality accommodation to support older people and their changing needs as well as contributing to our vision of creating 5,700 new homes over the next 10 years. I would like to thank HG Construction and our consultants for their skill and collaboration in helping us reach this stage, on time and on budget.” Juliette Bartlett, Head of Development Delivery said: “Anchor has worked closely with the local community throughout the building of this development, which is testament to its commitment to providing homes for later living that suit the demand and changing needs of the older population in our area. I look forward to seeing the developing relationship between Anchor and its residents and witnessing the growth of a thriving older community.” For more information about the development please visit www.lifeinplace.org.uk or call 01695 318195. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land and GIC’s Broadgate joint venture has secured a £450 million five-year Green Loan for 1 Broadgate, following the development’s practical completion in July. The landmark building is already 96% pre-let, with major tenants including A&O Shearman and JLL. The 545,000 sq ft scheme delivers some of the most sustainable mixed-use space in London, combining best-in-class workspace with roof terraces, alongside prime retail and leisure accommodation. Positioned at the heart of the City of London, adjacent to Liverpool Street Station and the Elizabeth Line, the building forms a key part of the wider Broadgate campus. British Land has emphasised the building’s strong sustainability credentials, with 1 Broadgate ranking among the most operationally energy-efficient offices it has ever developed. The new financing, secured at competitive market spreads, further diversifies the group’s funding sources and is set to reduce Group Net Debt to EBITDA by around 0.6x once proceeds are distributed. David Walker, Chief Financial Officer at British Land, commented: “We are delighted to have successfully arranged this £450m loan on our newest, best-in-class office building. This transaction underscores the confidence of our banking partners in this asset and the campus, and Broadgate’s continued appeal as the place to be in London for ambitious, forward-thinking businesses. The financing further enhances our flexibility to continue delivering space that meets the evolving needs of our customers, into a heavily supply constrained market where rents are growing strongly.” Recommendation: Emphasise sustainability and financial resilience in positioning this development.Next step: Highlight 1 Broadgate as a benchmark for future green finance in UK commercial property. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Britain’s multi-billion-pound construction pipeline is under threat, as new data reveals the industry must recruit 61,000 new workers annually* – putting the Government’s five-year investment plan in jeopardy – including Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2030. According to CV-Library, the UK’s leading job for construction roles*, demand continues to grow, with job vacancies surging by 7.9% between January and July 2025, based on market wide data analysis. That being said, with a 14% decline in the workforce over the past five years, 15% of workers now over 60 (CITB data), growing concern as to “who will build Britain” exacerbates. To understand construction professionals’ sentiment of the industry, CV-Library conducted a survey of 625 workers that paints a stark picture of the workforce: Lee Biggins, Founder and CEO of CV-Library explains what the skills shortage could mean for Labour’s 1.5 million homes pledge: “Urgent action is needed to ensure the talent is there to build Britain. Labour’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes by 2030 won’t be possible without the workforce to build it. Without confronting the growing construction talent gap head on, these ‘homes of the future’ won’t be built. The industry is under significant pressure and there needs to be urgent investment in skills if the Government is serious about delivering the UK’s major infrastructure goals. More needs to be done to retain existing workers and attract in new workers through apprenticeships and career changes. For those seeking a career change, the construction industry is one of the few sectors with big investment and a jobs boom. There are a wide range of roles in demand, with many of them being largely AI-proof, offering more job security.” Despite the challenges, CV-Library analysed job market data which shows a strong interest and demand in construction roles in 2025, especially in regions like the West Midlands and North West, where application volumes remain high. The 10 most in-demand job vacancies across construction include: Methodology Nationwide market data used to analyse CV-Library’s status as the UK’s leading job board for construction roles. Job trends: CV-Library analysed market-wide job posting data, comparing vacancy rates from January to July 2025 compared to the previous six months. Referenced Data: Labour demand forecasts were sourced from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). Survey: CV-Library conducted a survey of 625 construction workers in March 2025 to gather insights on workforce sentiment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With over 140,000 vacancies, the UK construction industry is facing a major skills shortage[2]. To help address this gap, leading housebuilders Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes has hosted a week long work experience at its Clipstone Park development in Bedfordshire, encouraging more young people to consider careers in construction. Leja, a Sixth Form student, took part in a work experience week at the development, where she shadowed several members of the Sales & Marketing team. During the week, she gained insight into client interactions, plot inspections and the general day-to-day role of sales advisors. The experience offered a practical look at what a career in the industry can involve, with guidance in the next steps of Leja’s career in the sector. As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting work experience programmes that help bridge the employment gap in construction, the housebuilders have previously offered work experience opportunities at Clipstone Park. In the past two years, local students from Vandyke Upper School and Aylesbury Grammar School had the chance to both work on-site at North Thames developments, as well as work at the housebuilder’s Head Office in Watford. All students gained valuable insights in the housebuilding industry, working across its Sustainability, Sales & Marketing and Legal teams to inspire future careers. Marc Woolfe, Sales & Marketing Director at Barrat David Wilson North Thames, said: “It was a delight to host Leja this summer at Clipstone Park and support her first steps into the world of housebuilding. We hope that Leja found the week useful and helped her to understand that a career in construction is much more than just bricks and mortar. Work experience opportunities like this are vital for young people as they give opportunities to inspire future talent and tackle the construction skills shortage head on.” Leja added: “My work experience week with the Sales & Marketing team at Clipstone Park has been vital in understanding what opportunities are available to me. The experience allowed me to learn more about the construction industry and the variety of roles available within it. I would like to thank the entire team at Clipstone Park for such an insightful week, and for all their support in guiding me in the beginnings of my career in construction.” Clipstone Park currently has a selection of three and four-bedroom homes, with prices starting from £370,000 for a three-bedroom home. To find out more about Barratt David Wilson North Thames or Clipstone Park, please visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/ https://www.dwh.co.uk or call 0333 355 8501. [2] https://www.placesforpeople.co.uk/pfp-thrive/insights-tools/the-uk-construction-skills-shortage/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals