STEPNELL has completed the core structure of a new communal area that will link two technical and vocational teaching blocks at New College Swindon. With the reinforced concrete structure now in place and the steel framing on the external facade complete, the new central two-storey Welcome Hub will integrate the
SafeSite Facilities has promoted Kerry Glyde to stock manager and has appointed Jack Lowdell as sales manager to support its growth strategy. Kerry, who has worked at SafeSite Facilities for 10 years, was promoted from the role of purchase ledger after working across numerous departments within the company. Jack brings
Black & White Engineering, a global engineering design consultancy, has announced the acquisition of Homan O’Brien, an independent consulting engineering firm based in Ireland. This acquisition is a critical move in Black & White Engineering’s strategy to expand its global presence, particularly in the data centre and infrastructure sectors. Established
A construction company has been fined after a kitchen fitter was crushed to death by a pack of concrete blocks at a site in the Cotswolds. Martin Dunford, who was 33, was ‘very much loved’ by his family who say they miss him ‘every day’ since the incident on 23
Supermarket Income REIT has launched a strategic joint venture with funds managed by Blue Owl Capital, a leading US asset manager with more than $250 billion (£188 billion) in assets under management. The partnership marks Blue Owl’s first major investment into the UK grocery real estate sector. The joint venture,
The first students to take part in the pilot Careys Construction Campus at Oxford North, the free three-week training course for people aged 17 years and over, have graduated with flying colours. Six students, five of whom have joined through SOFEA, the Didcot-based charity that provides education, employability and wellbeing
A transformational £1bn development aimed at revolutionising cancer research and treatment has taken a major step forward, as plans are officially submitted for a world-leading innovation centre in Sutton, south London. Property investment firm Aviva Capital Partners and mixed-use developer Socius have submitted a comprehensive planning application to the London
Orion Capital Managers and the Barbican have entered into an exclusive partnership agreement to showcase original digital moving artworks at Panorama St. Paul’s on 81 Newgate Street; a new 592,000 sq. ft office being developed adjacent to St. Paul’s in the City of London. The new partnership forms part of
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has been appointed to deliver Plot 4 of the transformative Matrix 49 industrial scheme in Avonmouth, Bristol, on behalf of Equation Properties Ltd. Works on Plot 4 commenced in February this year, with a forecasted programme of 66 weeks to deliver completion by April 2026.
A wave of store reinvestments is sweeping through The Liberty Romford as four major high street brands commit to upgrading their spaces, signalling growing confidence in one of East London’s most prominent shopping destinations. Jewellery favourite Pandora is spearheading the rejuvenation, currently undertaking a significant refit of its 1,582 sq
STEPNELL has completed the core structure of a new communal area that will link two technical and vocational teaching blocks at New College Swindon. With the reinforced concrete structure now in place and the steel framing on the external facade complete, the new central two-storey Welcome Hub will integrate the college’s Lyra and Phoenix buildings at the North Star Campus, New College Swindon’s technical and vocational teaching facility. Secured under the Procure Partnerships Framework (PPF) and due to open in August ahead of the next academic year, the project will incorporate a centralised reception area, as well as upstairs meeting rooms, offices, welfare facilities and a multi-faith room. This will create a new entrance that affords easier traffic flow, room availability, accessibility and security provision. Rob Speirs, regional director at Stepnell, said: “We aim to deliver the new central hub through an approach to construction that, like the design, is harmonious with the existing facilities and meets the needs of students and staff to enhance the on-campus experience.” Externally, the scope of works will also include landscaping to enhance its visual appeal and a dedicated drop-off zone to optimise pedestrian and traffic flow. To support its social value commitments to the project, complete construction partner Stepnell has been liaising closely with senior staff in supporting the delivery of its construction related courses at the college. A work experience programme provides students with site visits and the opportunity to be supervised while gaining valuable experience of working alongside a range of bricklayers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. To date, more than 120 students studying various technical and construction-related disciplines have been provided with visits to the live construction site, and this is scheduled to expand with the start of a comprehensive work experience and careers support programme that spans over 13 weeks during the summer months. Rob added: “Through close collaboration across various construction-related teaching specialisms we are ensuring that the live site is facilitating the opportunity to enhance the learning experience of the technical college students. “Our commitment to student engagement is testament to the strong relationship we have built with PPF to deliver phenomenal project value in the public sector.” Matt Butcher, vice president of commercial skill & partnerships at New College Swindon said: “Students undertaking work experience is vital at New College Swindon, so for them to have this opportunity to work alongside Stepnell and gain a vast range of real-world experience is fantastic.” To find out more about Stepnell, visit www.stepnell.co.uk, or join in the conversation at @Stepnellltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SafeSite Facilities has promoted Kerry Glyde to stock manager and has appointed Jack Lowdell as sales manager to support its growth strategy. Kerry, who has worked at SafeSite Facilities for 10 years, was promoted from the role of purchase ledger after working across numerous departments within the company. Jack brings a wealth of sales experience to support the business, which is considered a leader in construction, event site safety and security. SafeSite Facilities has also recently appointed Rob Blakeman, who will join the company soon as business development manager. Paul Goossens, operations director at SafeSite Facilities said: “We’re so pleased to promote Kerry, whose many years of experience have enabled her to know the business inside out. The appointment of Jack and Rob are exciting strategic new hires, supporting plans to expand our operations, build on client relationships and enhance our reputation for excellent customer service. I’m convinced they will all play a major role in delivering an exciting future for the business.” Kerry’s role will involve keeping a close eye on current inventory, managing replenishment, and making sure older stock is rotated or moved to avoid space issues, as well as ensuring the sales team can secure orders and deliver within tight time frames. Kerry said: “This new role is an exciting challenge that I’m genuinely looking forward to. “This position looks set to be fast paced, requiring constant adaptation and attention to detail as we ensure optimal stock levels for sales and hires. I can’t wait to put my experience into practice.” As sales manager, Jack will lead and support the sales team to drive revenue growth. He will also expand the business’ market presence, coach the team and ensure together they exceed their goals, while maintaining exceptional customer service. He joins the business with 15 years of hands-on sales experience and a passion for individual and team development. Jack said: “I was looking for the opportunity to join a company going through a period of growth. The chance to join a well-established team and be part of and contribute to that journey was a big driver in my decision.” Rob will soon join the newly formed external sales team as business development manager, bringing a proven track record of delivering results through a strategic, customer-focused approach. With extensive experience across both the construction and non-mechanical sectors, he is ideally positioned to drive growth and build strong client relationships. For further information please visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Black & White Engineering, a global engineering design consultancy, has announced the acquisition of Homan O’Brien, an independent consulting engineering firm based in Ireland. This acquisition is a critical move in Black & White Engineering’s strategy to expand its global presence, particularly in the data centre and infrastructure sectors. Established in 1990 through the merger of Robert Jacob and Partners (founded in 1955) and Seamus Homan Associates (founded in 1978), Homan O’Brien specialises in mechanical and electrical engineering design services. Their expertise spans various sectors, including data centres, healthcare, education, laboratories, commercial, residential, and industrial facilities. Mick Cairns, CEO and Founder of Black & White Engineering said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome Homan O’Brien to Black & White Engineering, a business that shares our values and drive for excellence. Dublin’s strategic role in the global data centre market makes it the ideal location for strengthening ties with our clients, and establishing a regional headquarters in Ireland is a significant step in our growth journey. Homan O’ Brien’s strong local presence and specialist expertise align perfectly with our ambitions, and I’m thrilled to bring such talented people into our global team. It’s a great fit that unlocks new momentum as we continue to expand internationally.” Steven Horn, Managing Director at Europe, of Black & White Engineering comments, “Homan O’Brien is well-established in Ireland and its trusted team of experts will further enhance our expanding capabilities in region and support our European data centre projects, enabling us to deliver even greater value to both our existing and new clients.” Black & White Engineering operates across 18 cities worldwide with over 700 employees. With over 15 years of innovation, Black & White has seen rapid growth, achieving a 500% increase in size since 2020, and is highly regarded across industry for its technical excellence, data centre sector expertise and sustainable delivery across complex infrastructure projects. Simon O’Brien, Managing Director of Homan O’Brien, commented: “This is an exciting next step for our business. We remain committed to our clients and the team we have built, while gaining the scale and support of being part of Black & White to accelerate our growth and deliver more for our staff and clients.” Joint Managing Director Brian Homan will be retiring from Homan O’ Brien on 30th April 2025. Brian comments, “Having been in the industry for over 40 years I have taken this opportunity to step back and wish my colleagues at Homan O’ Brien all the success in their new venture going forward.” The acquisition is backed by Waterland, an independent investment group that partnered with Black & White Engineering in 2024 to support its rapid growth strategy. Waterland’s partnership has been instrumental in enabling Black & White Engineering to expand geographically and pursue its first strategic acquisition. Wendy McMillan, Partner at Waterland (UK) commented, “We are delighted to support Black & White Engineering as it continues to grow, expanding its capabilities and international footprint. The partnership with Homan O’Brien is a strong strategic fit bringing together complementary expertise, regional strength and a shared focus on technical excellence.” The two businesses will begin working together immediately, with future plans to scale and expand the team in Ireland to deliver a growing pipeline of regional and international projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A construction company has been fined after a kitchen fitter was crushed to death by a pack of concrete blocks at a site in the Cotswolds. Martin Dunford, who was 33, was ‘very much loved’ by his family who say they miss him ‘every day’ since the incident on 23 January 2020. Martin, from Pocklington in Yorkshire, was killed after being pinned against the side of a lorry loader as two stacks of concrete blocks fell onto him. Martin’s sister, Tracey Hunter, provided a statement on behalf of his family. She said: “Martin went to work and never came home. His life was unjustly cut short. “Little did he know on that date that he was going to work on a site that had ongoing issues and was not following HSE guidelines for working safely on a construction site. “Martin was very much loved by his family and friends. He is missed every day and nothing can ever fill the hole that is left by him no longer being here. “We, his family, and friends are still all navigating throughout this endless period of grief and today’s verdict is the start of some sense of justice towards his senseless death.” Martin had been working at Ebrington Rise, near Chipping Campden – a development of 16 three, four and five bedroomed houses being built by Piper Homes Construction Limited. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Martin had walked around a lorry loader to talk to a driver about how long he would be on site, as he needed access to one of the properties being built. A stack of concrete blocks which had been placed on top of another stack of blocks, which was also supported by a wooden pallet, toppled over onto him, pinning him against the side of the lorry. He sustained severe internal and head injuries and died on site. Piper Homes Construction Limited, who were the principal contractor on the site, had failed to ensure that a suitable, level storage area was provided for the safe offloading of construction materials. The company had also failed to ensure that wooden pallets in a suitable condition were used for the storage of construction materials and that persons were excluded from delivery areas. HSE guidance on pallet safety is available. Piper Homes Construction Limited, which is currently in liquidation, of Lace Market Square, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay £5,236 in costs at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 29 April 2025. HSE inspector James Lucas said: “This was an entirely avoidable incident and our thoughts remain with Martin’s family. “Storage of construction materials should be properly planned and managed, to ensure that if materials are stored at height the necessary measures are in place to prevent them from falling and potentially injuring persons. “Storage areas should be level and accessories such as wooden pallets should be regularly inspected to ensure that they are in suitable condition to be used to store materials. “Had this been done on this particular site, Martin would have returned home safely to his family.” This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Arfaq Nabi and paralegal officer Jason Dix Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Supermarket Income REIT has launched a strategic joint venture with funds managed by Blue Owl Capital, a leading US asset manager with more than $250 billion (£188 billion) in assets under management. The partnership marks Blue Owl’s first major investment into the UK grocery real estate sector. The joint venture, which aims to scale to £1 billion over time, begins with a seed portfolio of eight supermarket assets from Supermarket Income REIT’s existing holdings. These properties were transferred into the venture at a 3% premium to their December 2024 book value, representing a combined worth of £403 million. The portfolio delivers an average net initial yield of 6.6% and a weighted average unexpired lease term of 11 years. Supermarket Income REIT retains a 50% stake in the venture and has received approximately £200 million in cash from the asset sale. The company will continue to manage the assets, earning a management fee of 0.6% per annum on the gross asset value, along with a performance-based fee if financial targets are achieved. The REIT, which specialises in grocery-anchored property investment, views the partnership as a platform for future growth, offering access to third-party capital and building on its recent strategic progress. Robert Abraham, CEO of Supermarket Income REIT, commented: “The joint venture with Blue Owl’s managed funds brings a high-quality strategic partner that shares our belief in the strength and resilience of UK grocery assets. With ambitions to scale to £1 billion, this venture is a major endorsement of our expertise and track record in the sector.” He added that the move forms part of a broader strategy announced in late 2024, which includes renewing key leases, reducing operational costs through internalised management, and undertaking further capital recycling to enhance shareholder returns. Marc Zahr, co-president and global head of real assets at Blue Owl, said: “SUPR stands out as the UK’s leading investor in grocery real estate. We are pleased to partner with a company that brings deep knowledge and proven performance in this space. Our collaboration will allow us to tap into an attractive pipeline of assets in what we see as a resilient and growing sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The first students to take part in the pilot Careys Construction Campus at Oxford North, the free three-week training course for people aged 17 years and over, have graduated with flying colours. Six students, five of whom have joined through SOFEA, the Didcot-based charity that provides education, employability and wellbeing programmes for vulnerable young people, have completed their course in curbing, block paving, drainage and finishing. The course ran for five days a week from 8am to 4pm. Their graduation ceremony was held at Oxford North on Friday 11 April 2025 with attendees from Oxford North, Thomas White Oxford, Careys, Mace, SOFEA, Activate Learning and Abingdon and Witney College. They were joined by Councillor Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, to see the campus and meet the teachers and students. The campus is place-based rather than project-based so that upon graduation the students are able to consider jobs at Oxford North and on other construction sites across Oxford and Oxfordshire. All students have completed their Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card training and have had an interview. Three have been offered jobs at Oxford North and the remainder have interviews in progress and work is underway to look at placing them at other developments within the county. Oxford North Ventures is the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Stanhope which, with Careys, has funded the initial pilot. E.ON Energy partnered with SOFEA to fund materials and transportation to and from Oxford North. Simon Ruck, managing director, Oxford North said: “We offer many congratulations to the first cohort of students at Careys’ campus. What an achievement – they should be very proud of themselves. Our sincere thanks to Careys, and Mace as principal contractor, for their hard work in putting together the campus and course. Their dedication to supporting these young people and training our future construction workers has been admirable. This is what Oxford North is all about – providing opportunities for local people and having a positive social impact.” Tom Wraight, regional director at Careys, stated: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our first graduates on this significant achievement! We take great pride in their accomplishments. Many young individuals are overlooked due to past trauma or anxiety. We are dedicated to providing support through our campuses. We are in Wembley, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, and now Oxford, and our initiative is proving effective. These locations offer invaluable opportunities for individuals. “As we face a skills gap in the construction sector, while not everyone may choose this path, we strive to engage with these young people through three weeks of structured learning and at the age of 17 and above they can obtain their CSCS card, qualifying them for work on construction sites. Our aim is to equip individuals with both trade skills and essential social skills within a practical setting. A sincere thank you goes out to Mick, Martin, Maddy and Madison and the entire Careys and Mace teams for their unwavering commitment and hard work in making this possible.” Kaiden, graduate, Construction Construction Campus said: “I heard about this course through a family friend and saw it online and wanted to apply as I have thought about construction in the past and wanted to get into it. I’ve learnt stuff that I never thought I would learn and picked up a few new skills like drainage, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. But now I’ve learned new ways and different techniques and the safety regulations which make it easier for me. I would say anyone thinking about doing this course to really, really do it. It’s amazing. I’m proud to have gained an offer of a job and start work as soon as my CSCS card comes through.” Cait Hayton, pre-apprenticeship lead, SOFEA added: “We have seen a transformation in the young people who have taken part in this course in both their confidence and learning new skills – they should be so proud of themselves. We have had positive feedback from their parents and guardians that the course has made a noticeable difference in their children, empowering them and providing positive motivation. We are grateful to EON for supporting us with materials and transportation. We’re so excited for the students to see them grow and what future they have ahead of them.” Fiona, graduate, Construction Construction Campus added: “When I was 15 years old I started work in a scaffolding business and I absolutely loved it – my grandad and my uncle were in construction and a few months ago, I started to miss scaffolding. I kept being told that you needed a CSCS card and I kept thinking to myself that I had to do it. I had to search it up and then found out about this course through SOFEA. I have loved it – just everything about construction is great because it is satisfying to see your work and what you do expand. I would recommend anyone thinking of doing this course to do it because it’s such an amazing opportunity. Getting my certificates is one of my biggest achievements. Honestly, that is amazing.” Councillor Susan Brown, leader, Oxford City Council added: “It was a real privilege to meet all the young people who have been learning at the construction campus. I have heard from everyone involved here today about how beneficial this opportunity has been to giving confidence and skills to these amazing young people. It’s so important for us, for our city and for our country that we encourage people to develop construction skills. We know that there are lots of people out there currently looking for work, and I’m really pleased and grateful that Careys and Oxford North have given local young people this opportunity. It was an important part of the planning approval that local jobs were created and supported but it’s good to see the imaginative ways in which Oxford North has taken
A transformational £1bn development aimed at revolutionising cancer research and treatment has taken a major step forward, as plans are officially submitted for a world-leading innovation centre in Sutton, south London. Property investment firm Aviva Capital Partners and mixed-use developer Socius have submitted a comprehensive planning application to the London Borough of Sutton, seeking approval to significantly expand the existing London Cancer Hub. If approved, the development will turn a 12-acre site into a vibrant, collaborative ecosystem for cancer research, combining state-of-the-art laboratories, specialist facilities, and community-focused amenities. Located adjacent to The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, the proposed development aims to create one of the most ambitious life sciences clusters in Europe, dedicated solely to oncology. The design team, which includes renowned architect Gensler and global engineering consultancy Arup, has put forward plans for over one million square feet of advanced research and laboratory space. The aim is to bring together pharmaceutical giants, pioneering life sciences start-ups, academic researchers, and clinicians to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The development isn’t just about buildings—it’s about building a community. At the heart of the proposal is a vision for an open, interconnected campus that fosters innovation through proximity and purpose-built collaboration spaces. From top-tier wet labs and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facilities to flexible workspaces for smaller biotech firms, the site will cater to a wide range of scientific needs. Modern office spaces and shared amenities will help foster the exchange of ideas and create an inclusive environment that draws in talent from across the country—and beyond. To support those working within the hub, the plans also include new lifestyle and community offerings. Around 220 affordable homes for key workers are proposed, alongside a selection of cafes and restaurants to create a lively campus feel. A crèche will provide vital support for working families, while a ‘Learning Lab’ with educational facilities aims to inspire local students and nurture the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and innovators. The planning application is now in the hands of the London Borough of Sutton, with a decision expected in 2025. If approved, the development will mark a significant milestone not only for Sutton but for the UK’s wider ambition to become a global leader in life sciences and healthcare innovation. Socius Managing Director Barry Jessup believes the London Cancer Hub represents a rare and powerful opportunity to reshape how cancer research is conducted. “There is a unique opportunity at the London Cancer Hub to deliver state-of-the-art lab and research facilities alongside two world-renowned institutions, The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden, to supercharge investment into cancer research,” he said. “Our plans are not just about delivering new facilities to attract cutting-edge businesses; it is about reorienting the district so there is better connectivity between the buildings, more natural ‘collision points’ and places to meet to drive collaboration and innovation.” The proposed layout of the campus places significant emphasis on the human experience—replacing isolated institutional buildings with a connected urban framework that encourages social interaction, knowledge sharing, and a sense of community. Outdoor spaces, pedestrian routes, and green infrastructure will all play a role in shaping the district into an accessible and attractive destination for workers, researchers, and visitors alike. Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the London Borough of Sutton, hailed the submission as a major step towards fulfilling the borough’s strategic vision. “The London Cancer Hub will position Sutton as London’s global centre for oncology,” he stated. “Already recognised as a leading life science cluster in the capital, the site’s uniqueness lies in its current delivery of world-class cancer research, discoveries, and treatment all within a single location.” He continued: “The life science sector and associated development will be pivotal to the future growth of the capital over the coming years, as recognised by the Mayor of London’s growth plan that names the London Cancer Hub as the key engine for this growth. The submission of this planning application marks a significant step forward in this exciting development for Sutton and the capital.” The London Cancer Hub already enjoys a reputation for excellence, with The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research frequently cited among the world’s leading institutions in oncology. This new development aims to build on that legacy by creating the infrastructure and environment needed to attract global investment, cutting-edge start-ups, and top-tier scientific talent. With the NHS under increasing pressure and the global demand for advanced cancer treatment and research growing rapidly, this expansion could not come at a more critical time. It signals a bold, proactive step by both public and private sectors to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of medical innovation—while also delivering real economic benefits through job creation, regeneration, and global competitiveness. The £1bn Sutton development stands to become not only a beacon of hope for those affected by cancer but also a vital driver of future economic growth. If approved, it will be a powerful demonstration of how long-term vision, cross-sector collaboration, and investment in science and health can reshape cities and save lives. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Orion Capital Managers and the Barbican have entered into an exclusive partnership agreement to showcase original digital moving artworks at Panorama St. Paul’s on 81 Newgate Street; a new 592,000 sq. ft office being developed adjacent to St. Paul’s in the City of London. The new partnership forms part of Orion’s placemaking drive – having reached an agreement last year with the City of London Corporation to pedestrianise King Edward Street to create Greyfriars Square – which will become the Square Mile’s largest public square (measuring 3,000 square metres). The LED video screen, set to become operational in 2027, will run the length of a newly created pedestrian route going through the site, connecting Greyfriars Square and St. Martin’s Le Grand. The screen is 5.5m in height, spanning the ground and first floor of the building, and will be over 30m in length. The pixel pitch (density) of 1.2mm will make the screen one of the highest resolution public LED screens of its kind in Europe. To create a landmark arts and culture destination nestled within the heart of London’s iconic Square Mile, the Barbican’s Immersive team will curate unique creative content for the digital wall from the building’s completion date. This will be a series of exciting moving digital artworks for the public to engage with at a scale not seen before in the Square Mile. As part of the partnership, Orion Capital Managers will also become the lead sponsor of Barbican Immersive exhibitions held at the Barbican Centre each summer. The content will be original works of digital moving art, which can take many forms. This could work as one immersive experience or be multi-channel content. The screen will have the capabilities to showcase stand-alone digital artwork, but can also draw upon film, video, and performance-related footage related to Barbican programming, which will extend the Centre’s programme across the city. Aref Lahham, Founding Partner at Orion Capital Managers, said: “This partnership marries well into our wider strategy in the redevelopment of Panorama St. Paul’s; to create a truly outstanding office asset with best-in-class amenities in a prime location. The very best offices in the most sought-after European cities continue to benefit from intense competition among companies for top-quality, well-located space that offers something special to their employees. The new digital wall will represent something unique at the intersection of business, arts and culture with the curatorial oversight of the Barbican. In Panorama St. Paul’s we are determined to create an asset that represents an oasis within the bustling heart of The City. With the Barbican’s input, we aim to engage the wider community and further support the City of London’s vision of creating vibrant and animated spaces that complements one of the world’s most historic financial districts.” Barbican Immersive develops and curates exhibitions focused on contemporary culture, emerging technology and digital creativity. This will be the first time that the Barbican Immersive team has curated a digital wall in London, taking Barbican’s programme outside of the Barbican’s walls and into the heart of the City of London. Devyani Saltzmann, Director for Arts & Participation, Barbican, said: “Through this partnership, we extend the Barbican’s reach beyond its walls, bringing bold, innovative digital art right into the heart of the Square Mile, and supporting the City of London Corporation’s ambitious Destination City strategy. We look forward to commissioning works that challenge convention and redefine what public art can be, offering the City’s residents, workers and visitors thought-provoking works that ignite joy and spark meaningful conversations about the world in all its complexity.” Leading cultural placemaking agency Futurecity played a key role in brokering the partnership as part of its Cultural Strategy for 81 Newgate Street. Panorama St Paul’s was designed by international architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has been appointed to deliver Plot 4 of the transformative Matrix 49 industrial scheme in Avonmouth, Bristol, on behalf of Equation Properties Ltd. Works on Plot 4 commenced in February this year, with a forecasted programme of 66 weeks to deliver completion by April 2026. Early works are set to include ground improvements and piling works, alongside the installation of a new foul pumping station, and the programme will see the design and construction of a 596,000 sq. ft speculative warehouse unit, accompanied by office space, transport hubs, a link bridge, and a gatehouse. The project also includes external works, underground drainage, utility connections, and landscaping, contributing further to the site’s evolution into a prime logistics and industrial hub. Aligning with McLaren Construction’s commitment to sustainability, the scheme is aiming to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and will adhere to the Considerate Constructors Scheme and Smart Waste BRE standards. Once complete, the development will provide new employment opportunities and long-term economic benefits to the local community. McLaren’s partnership with Equation Properties has been instrumental in driving the phased transformation of Matrix 49, Plot 3, a £21.6 million development spanning 13 acres. Plot 3 is currently on track to deliver a 219,660 sq. ft warehouse and 11,365 sq. ft of office space. Nearing completion, the phase showcases McLaren’s capability to manage complex site conditions, including rhine diversions and ground level improvements, while protecting local ecology. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Our continued work with Equation Properties reflects our dedication to delivering high-quality, sustainable industrial spaces. Plot 4 builds upon the success of Plot 3, contributing further to the development of this strategic site in Avonmouth. This phase presents exciting opportunities to enhance local employment while meeting the evolving needs of future tenants striving towards net zero targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A wave of store reinvestments is sweeping through The Liberty Romford as four major high street brands commit to upgrading their spaces, signalling growing confidence in one of East London’s most prominent shopping destinations. Jewellery favourite Pandora is spearheading the rejuvenation, currently undertaking a significant refit of its 1,582 sq ft store in Liberty Square. The revamp introduces the retailer’s latest concept layout, which includes a newly designed central island feature, a more spacious shop floor, and the addition of on-site engraving services, allowing customers to personalise their purchases. But Pandora is far from alone in recognising the value of a refreshed presence at The Liberty. Also set to benefit from a major uplift is The Perfume Shop, which is planning a full upgrade of its 1,157 sq ft store located on the centre’s East Mall, with works expected to complete in May. The new fit-out aims to enhance the shopping experience through improved layout and customer flow, as well as updated displays to showcase their growing portfolio of fragrance brands. Meanwhile, health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett is responding to increasing footfall and customer demand by refitting its expansive 2,629 sq ft store, also on the East Mall. The refurbishment, scheduled for this spring, reflects a broader shift within the brand towards creating more engaging, experience-led environments for consumers. Digital and mobile giant EE has already completed its transformation at the centre, introducing its latest store concept to its 2,559 sq ft space. The new format incorporates immersive technology experiences and digital consultation zones, aimed at helping customers better engage with the brand’s evolving suite of services. This flurry of activity comes as part of a wider strategy by Redical, the owner of The Liberty Romford, to future-proof the shopping centre and ensure it evolves in line with consumer expectations and changing retail dynamics. The strategy focuses on enhancing the tenant mix, creating dynamic spaces for experiential retail, and reinforcing the centre’s role as a vital social and commercial hub for the local community. Daniel Tucker, Leasing Manager at The Liberty Romford, commented on the renewed interest from national retailers: “Brands are finally recognising, and taking advantage of, the full potential that The Liberty Romford has to offer as the number one London satellite shopping centre for retail spend opportunity. This latest wave of commitments from leading brands is a clear signal of the confidence they hold in the centre and its location, and we’ll continue to work together with partners to strengthen and elevate the tenant mix while delivering positive change for the wider area.” The reinvestment trend follows hot on the heels of new leasing activity at the centre, including the recent arrival of jewellery and accessories brand Lovisa. These developments reflect growing optimism around the centre’s positioning, particularly as it serves an expansive catchment area stretching across East London and Essex. In parallel to the store refurbishments, long-term planning for the next chapter of The Liberty Romford is already underway. Developer HUB has been appointed to lead the upcoming transformation of the site, which is likely to include a mix of residential accommodation alongside enhanced commercial and community infrastructure. Though still in its early stages, this next phase could help reshape the town centre, boosting local employment, housing availability, and economic resilience. For many within the property and retail sectors, The Liberty Romford represents a compelling case study in how regional shopping centres can adapt and thrive in the post-pandemic landscape. While many UK high streets continue to grapple with vacant units and subdued footfall, The Liberty is charting a different path by actively reinvesting in its spaces and collaborating with occupiers to deliver experiences that go beyond conventional retail. This proactive approach reflects wider shifts in consumer behaviour, where the in-store experience, customer service, and community feel are becoming as important as the products on offer. Retailers are increasingly recognising the importance of creating environments where customers want to spend time — not just transact — and Romford’s main shopping hub is stepping up to meet that demand. The renewed momentum also comes at a time when East London is experiencing substantial regeneration. Improved public transport links, investment in housing, and a growing population are all contributing to Romford’s rising profile as a destination in its own right. For retailers, this means an opportunity to tap into a younger, more diverse consumer base looking for convenience, variety, and quality. With more refurbishments and signings expected over the coming year, the sense of momentum at The Liberty Romford shows no sign of slowing. As more brands commit to enhancing their presence in the centre, local shoppers stand to benefit from upgraded experiences, expanded services, and greater choice. Cushman & Wakefield and Green & Partners advised on leasing for The Liberty Romford, while representation for Pandora was provided by Stephen Kane & Co. What’s clear is that in a shifting retail landscape, places like The Liberty Romford are proving that well-managed, community-focused centres can not only survive but flourish — attracting new investment, modernising facilities, and retaining their central place in the lives of local residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
