Paul Goossens, operations manager at SafeSite Facilities takes a look at what’s new in 2025 and picks out his top trends for the year ahead. A growing focus on delivering circularity Circularity is becoming a buzzword in the sustainability space and describes sustainable models that focus on re-use and the
Potential opportunity for gym operator at the Energy Park, Bridge of Don AM Sci Tech has announced the submission of a planning application to Aberdeen City Council, seeking a change of use for the Innovation Centre, within Aberdeen Energy Park in Bridge of Don, proposing a shift from Class 4
Aggregate Industries, part of the leading Holcim Group, has announced the appointment of Kevin Murgatroyd to its Executive Committee, as Managing Director for its Contracting business. Kevin’s promotion into this role follows more than two years with Aggregate Industries. He joined the business as Regional Director for the South in
New findings show changes to the VAT rebate scheme for the heritage sector would better safeguard the country’s fragile historic attractions, widen public access, and provide an economic boost. Historic Houses, the association that represents Britain’s independently owned historic houses, castles, and gardens, urges government to make simple changes to
Legal & General (‘L&G’) has announced the completion of New Acres, delivering one of the UK’s largest purpose-built rental developments. The sites are located on either side of Swandon Way, Wandsworth, and include amenities for residents, workspaces, commercial opportunities at street level, as well as substantial public realm, including a
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced the appointment of its London division on the second phase of The Sheppard Trust’s redevelopment of the former Royal Cambridge Home site, an independent living facility located in East Molesey, Surrey. Valued at £21.8 million and spanning 62,000 sq ft, phase
Opus North and Bridges start on site to speculatively develop 106,000 sq. ft. of highly sustainable business units, as part of a scheme that could support 2,000 jobs Opus North and Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”) have begun construction of the Harrogate 47 sustainable employment development in North Yorkshire. These works
OP has successfully partnered with global technology leader Epson, to design and deliver its transformative 30,000 sq ft UK headquarters at The Clarendon Works in Watford. The leading office interior design consultancy has completed a fast-track project, which reflects Epson’s transition from a conventional office, to one that supports hybrid
Books and stationery retailer The Works has unveiled plans to open 60 new stores over the next five years as part of its growth strategy. The company aims to boost sales to over £375 million by 2030. Currently operating 506 stores across the UK, The Works is focusing on expanding
The Ofwat Innovation Fund will double to £400 million to support projects that could transform the water sector to meet and solve the many challenges it faces. Established in 2020, the original £200 million Ofwat Innovation Fund has been awarded to collaborative projects which see water companies working with promising
Paul Goossens, operations manager at SafeSite Facilities takes a look at what’s new in 2025 and picks out his top trends for the year ahead. A growing focus on delivering circularity Circularity is becoming a buzzword in the sustainability space and describes sustainable models that focus on re-use and the elimination of waste. For construction businesses and construction sites, the use of products and equipment in the supply chain can be a significant part of their carbon footprint. Extending the lifecycle of products is particularly relevant to construction sites, because when a job is complete the temptation is to simply send unwanted products to landfill. Many sites are now thinking harder about how to re-use those products instead, whether that’s barriers, safety fencing or electronic equipment. Businesses should look out for suppliers which offer an option to hire rather than buy, which reduces Scope 3 emissions associated with manufacturing the product. A good example might be CCTV equipment which is no longer required once the construction project is completed. Another solution is to work with suppliers that offer a buy-back service. Equipment that is bought back is either re-sold, sent to scrap metal experts who can re-use it – or to manufacturers who can melt down the material and use it in the production process. All these methods encourage circularity. Products that are recyclable, or made from recycled material, can also create a circular economy. Working with other businesses that have ISO 14001 certification A growing interest in sustainability and the measurement of carbon in the supply chain is driving changes in procurement. Scope 3 emissions are an important part of any Net Zero plan, and constructors are increasingly asking many more questions about the emissions of businesses they partner with. The first benchmark to look out for is ISO 14001 certification, a global standard created by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO). The rise of high-tech CCTV solutions There is an increased risk environment for construction sites in 2025 and CCTV is coming to the rescue. Whether the risks are due to increased crime, the threat of community protests, vandalism or extreme weather, CCTV technology is moving fast to help construction sites keep people safe – and to prevent crime. The need for CCTV is clear. Crime tends to rise in an economic downturn, whilst changes to planning laws, encouraging developers to build on green and grey belt land, may lead to community tension in some areas. An estimated 26% (409,000) of all business premises, in England and Wales, were a victim of crime last year, according to figures from the Home Office released in September 2024. The most prevalent offence type experienced was theft (14%), followed by burglary including attempts (8%) and vandalism (8%). In addition, winter storms and summer heat provide health and safety issues on site. New CCTV systems can monitor sites for criminality or trespass (which is often children looking for adventure and failing to understand the risks). But they can also help spot health and safety threats such as fallen fences and loose roof tiles. Highly visible CCTV towers can also provide lighting and built-in alarms – which means they act as a deterrent. New-generationCCTV allows for remote monitoring and 360-degree coverage, as well as a response protocol for service providers and keyholders. In addition, AI technology is enabling CCTV to tell the difference between animals and humans, which means fewer false alarms and fewer callouts, whilst systems are now more effective in the dark than they have ever been, providing clear pictures at night. Supporting and protecting wildlife on a construction site As the government looks to make it easier for constructors to build on green belt land, the issue of how to protect wildlife on site is likely to become a hot topic. A range of specially designed barriers for protected species are available on the market that keep wildlife safe on site, whether that is great crested newts, amphibians or even snakes. For further information please visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Potential opportunity for gym operator at the Energy Park, Bridge of Don AM Sci Tech has announced the submission of a planning application to Aberdeen City Council, seeking a change of use for the Innovation Centre, within Aberdeen Energy Park in Bridge of Don, proposing a shift from Class 4 (Business Use) to Class 11 (Leisure Use). This exciting proposal positions the building as an ideal home for a gym operator, meeting the growing demand for fitness and well-being facilities in the area. Located at the heart of a thriving and rapidly developing community, the Innovation Centre on Exploration Drive is a standalone building, set over two floors and measuring approximately 14,000 sq ft (1,300 sq m). It is perfectly placed to serve a diverse and growing population, offering a bright welcoming foyer, with the calming environment of a beautiful atrium, with natural light from the large glass roof. Around the atrium, it offers a generous floorplan, high ceilings and ample parking facilities, making it well-suited to be converted into a modern gym or fitness studio. Its convenient location ensures easy access for the growing number of residents, as well as professionals working within the business park. The site’s excellent transport links to Aberdeen city centre and proximity to key arterial roads (including the AWPR) add to its appeal, ensuring it is well-connected and accessible. Over recent years, since the demolition of the former Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre, the surrounding area has seen a surge in new residential developments, with hundreds of new homes currently being built and many more in the planning pipeline from leading developers like Cala and Persimmon Homes. This future influx of residents has created a significant need for local amenities, particularly fitness and leisure facilities, making this proposed change of use both timely and strategic. Overall, almost 900 homes are currently being built or are in the planning system. Gordon Pirie, Asset Manager at Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks said: “We are very excited to submit this Change of Use Planning Application, which we believe reflects the evolving needs of the parks and the local community. With the area undergoing significant residential growth, there is an increasing demand for high-quality leisure facilities and we believe a gym operator would thrive in this prime location. This development will not only benefit residents but also add value to the wider business park.’” Aberdeen Energy & Innovations Parks have already established itself as a key hub for commerce, with a mix of modern multi-let office and industrial units that support a diverse range of businesses. The introduction of a leisure facility such as a gym would further enhance the appeal of the park, offering an additional amenity to workers and creating a vibrant destination that promotes health and well-being. This Change of Use Planning Application comes at an exciting time for the area. Alongside the ongoing and planned residential developments, significant investment in local infrastructure is paving the way for a more connected and prosperous community. The inclusion of a gym or fitness centre would complement this growth, delivering a vital service that aligns with the needs of the local population and encouraging active, healthy lifestyles. Subject to planning approval, AM Sci Tech is keen to progress this transformation and is actively seeking expressions of interest from gym operators and leisure providers. For more information or to discuss potential opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to contact Gordon Pirie on 07525 240 453. Knight Frank and Ryden are joint agents for Aberdeen Energy & Innovation Parks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aggregate Industries, part of the leading Holcim Group, has announced the appointment of Kevin Murgatroyd to its Executive Committee, as Managing Director for its Contracting business. Kevin’s promotion into this role follows more than two years with Aggregate Industries. He joined the business as Regional Director for the South in 2022, managing ten Asphalt plants and the southern contracting business. Since April last year he has had overall responsibility for the Contracting division and its circa 400 employees. Taking up the Managing Director role will now see Kevin lead on the business’ strategy development, maintaining key customer relationships with National Highways and other tier one and two contractors, as well as ensuring strict compliance to sustainability targets. Aggregate Industries is a UK leader in sustainable construction, with clear and specific 2025 goals focussed on decarbonisation, nature, circular economy and people and communities. With a proven track record in a career spanning more than 25 years, Kevin has consistently led improvements in profit margins and operational efficiency, successfully mobilised high-profile contracts and implemented strategic cultural and operational changes. Commenting on his new role, Kevin said: “I’m delighted to have taken up the role of Managing Director for Aggregate Industries’ Contracting business and stepping up to the Executive Committee. Having joined the company two years ago, I can already see the incredible work Aggregate Industries offer to its customers, not only in the services and products we provide, but doing so sustainably. “To work for a company that has such a clear desire to do better for the planet, in a traditionally carbon-intensive industry is really exciting, and there’s so many strides we can take in the Contracting business especially to lower our carbon footprint in our transportation and the products we supply. I’m thrilled to be on this journey with them.” Lee Sleight, Chief Executive Officer for Aggregate Industries, said: “Kevin has a proven track record in leading the operations for a number of high-profile companies, and at the same time demonstrating significant growth and improved profit margins. Since joining us in 2022 he has shown incredible leadership skills and strategic thinking and is so very deserving of his promotion to Managing Director for our Contracting business. I look forward to working with him closer as he joins the Executive Committee at an incredible time of growth for Aggregate Industries.” Aggregate Industries is one of the UK’s leading national surfacing contractors, with over 85 years of experience delivering asphalt and hydraulically bound pavement solutions to projects nationwide. For further information, please visit www.aggregate.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New findings show changes to the VAT rebate scheme for the heritage sector would better safeguard the country’s fragile historic attractions, widen public access, and provide an economic boost. Historic Houses, the association that represents Britain’s independently owned historic houses, castles, and gardens, urges government to make simple changes to the existing VAT rebate scheme following new research. The research, carried out by Harlow Consulting, found that government is unnecessarily exacerbating an already daunting backlog of urgently needed repairs currently costed at an estimate of £2bn (as reported by Historic Houses members)– threatening the fabric of some of the UK’s best-loved buildings. Ben Cowell, Director General of Historic Houses, said: “The average property surveyed spends around £160,000 on its repairs and maintenance each year, but the investment is diminished in value by around 18% as VAT eats into tight budgets. Given the scale of the preservation task they face, it’s not surprising that owners report that almost all money recouped from the tax (90%) would be ploughed into further much-needed work.” About 80% of Historic Houses properties open to the public are VAT-registered, meaning they can reclaim VAT-able expenditure on buildings that form part of their business operations. This can reduce net VAT payments to somewhere between 2% and 5% for those attractions. However, not all buildings qualify for VAT reclamation, including those that provide free public access, which disqualifies them from the role of ‘business operations’ that the VAT reclaim system is designed for. These sites include not just independent places represented by Historic Houses, but free attractions in the care of charities like the National Trust, such as Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester, and English Heritage, which includes Ironbridge in Shropshire, and Kenwood House in London. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) already recognises that VAT can create disincentives for the maintenance of invaluable heritage, which is why it created a multi-million-pound pot for VAT rebate grants to churches under the Listed Places of Worship Scheme (LPOW). The LPOW scheme was recently confirmed for 2025/26, to support the restoration of thousands of listed places of worship. Historic Houses estimates that extending eligibility for the existing rebate scheme to listed buildings that open to the public for at least 28 days a year would cost not much more than £6m, and yield as much as £5.5m in additional vital repairs and maintenance. On top of that, additional public access incentivised by this scheme would help direct millions of pounds worth of new economic activity to rural areas, and boost other taxable business activity, potentially netting the Treasury an overall fiscal gain. Ben said: “This targeted support would allow owners to choose the best contractors for the job, increasing the demand for specialist heritage skills, and it would encourage almost certainly encourage beneficial reinvestment of recovered VAT expenditures into additional repair and maintenance works.” James Legard, Associate Director at Harlow Consulting, said: “This report provides new insight into the impact of VAT on repair works for historic buildings. Research of this kind can help inform policies that better support the conservation of the UK’s cultural and historical assets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legal & General (‘L&G’) has announced the completion of New Acres, delivering one of the UK’s largest purpose-built rental developments. The sites are located on either side of Swandon Way, Wandsworth, and include amenities for residents, workspaces, commercial opportunities at street level, as well as substantial public realm, including a new station square. New Acres provides 1034 homes across 18 buildings next to Wandsworth Town Station, making it L&G’s largest Build to Rent (BTR) scheme to date. Due to the supply/demand imbalance in the city, the Mayor of London’s latest Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) identifies that the net unmet housing need in London has now reached a shortfall of 66,000 homes per year. Through the creation of a BTR asset class, L&G is looking to use its sources of long-term capital to help address the chronic lack of housing supply and meet the increasing demand for sustainable, quality rental accommodation. New Acres is now a significant contributor to tackling this shortage, providing purpose-built rental homes for all ages, demographics, and social groups. The scheme also includes 35% affordable housing within one of Central London’s most established and popular residential areas. As such, it continues to experience significant demand and is over 75% let. Dan Batterton, Head of Residential, Private Markets, L&G Asset Management: “We’re very excited to reach this milestone at our New Acres scheme. This has been in development since 2019, and it is a significant step to help address an enduring national housing crisis and clear imbalance of supply and demand in our local communities. “We believe greater investment to deliver new homes is needed, therefore, the BTR sector plays a vital role in providing net-additional homes that wouldn’t otherwise exist. We aim to maximise our social outcomes, bring renewed life to neighbourhoods, and re-think the mixed use of real estate environments, all whilst offering long-term rental growth potential and income security for investors.” Situated adjacent to Wandsworth Town station, a major transport hub, New Acres is integral to a broader plan aimed at developing modern, consumer-focused areas. This initiative seeks to foster a vibrant community for its 1,500+ residents and the local area by activating over 50,000 sq. ft of commercial space. A carefully curated line up of independent retailers is being selected to drive footfall and support the longevity of the high-street retailers alongside that of co-working spaces, creative makers studios, and the weekly market. The initiative is providing a diverse selection of brands with their first year rent-free to help independent businesses and promote entrepreneurship, all in line with L&G’s ‘Future Places’ mission. Phil Catcheside, Residential Sector Lead, Hawkins\Brown: “We are very proud to have helped Legal & General Investment Management design and deliver one of their largest Build to Rent led mixed use, mixed tenure developments, which delivers over 1000 homes, in an exciting new urban quarter for Wandsworth Town. We envisaged a family of buildings, each with similar characteristics but each with its own individual identity. We’re thrilled to have successfully delivered our largest single phase residential project through close collaboration with the contractors and our client Legal & General Investment Management.” The completion of New Acres is a testament to L&G’s long-standing commitment to developing and delivering rental properties; most recently demonstrated by the firm’s new partnership with PGGM and UK pension scheme Nest, which is expected to grow to a BTR portfolio of £1bn over the coming years. Since 2016, L&G has deployed over £3 billion of capital into the Build to Rent sector, delivering over 6,000 homes amid sustained demand for high-quality rental housing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced the appointment of its London division on the second phase of The Sheppard Trust’s redevelopment of the former Royal Cambridge Home site, an independent living facility located in East Molesey, Surrey. Valued at £21.8 million and spanning 62,000 sq ft, phase two works focuses on the creation of a new facility, Elizabeth Court, to deliver high-quality and fully functioning living spaces, created by architects PRP. The project includes the demolition of buildings comprising the former Royal Cambridge Home, and the construction of a new 61-bedroom independent living facility in its place. The new accommodation will come equipped with apartments specially designed to support independent living with support and care when it is needed, alongside communal areas, garden spaces, and parking. This appointment follows the completion by RED Construction London of phase one of the project. To ensure a seamless transition, the first phase involved the creation of a 32-bed care home adjacent to the Royal Cambridge Home. In August 2024, upon completion the residents moved into the new building, allowing for the commencement of phase 2 demolition and the creation of Elizabeth Court in its place. RED Construction London worked closely with The Sheppard Trust, the client team, and stakeholders at Royal Cambridge Home, and will be continuing this partnership into phase two, which is expected to complete June 2026. Mark Iori, Managing Director of RED Construction London, commented: “The appointment of RED Construction London for this second phase redevelopment is testament to the power of partnership, the high standards we consistently deliver, and our ability to working with a variety of stakeholders. We understand the challenges that comes with a site neighbouring an inhabited building, and The Sheppard Trust know we will deliver this with respect and consideration for the residents, as we did for phase one. This is a project that will have a positive impact on the people who ultimately come to live here, and that makes it incredibly rewarding to work on.” Clare Scott Booth, Chief Executive of The Sheppard Trust, added: “Our decision to once again partner with RED Construction Group was an easy one to make, having already shown the standard and efficiency to which they completed phase one of this redevelopment. This project in itself is especially significant in that it demands the construction of a first-class facility that meets modern requirements, and also there is a very active community that will benefit. We are pleased to be able to move forward with such confidence in the project and are appreciative of the bespoke and considered approach we have come to know is synonymous with RED Construction Group.” Following the completion of the phase one works, residents were quickly able to move into the new Royal Cambridge Home, which provide the high quality facilities and world class care The Sheppard Trust are known for. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Opus North and Bridges start on site to speculatively develop 106,000 sq. ft. of highly sustainable business units, as part of a scheme that could support 2,000 jobs Opus North and Bridges Fund Management (“Bridges”) have begun construction of the Harrogate 47 sustainable employment development in North Yorkshire. These works will deliver new flexible business units totalling more than 106,000 sq. ft. of high-specification Grade A space, with a focus on sustainability. The units are expected to complete in Autumn 2025. The partners will speculatively develop two terraces of flexible business units from 5,540-12,188 sq. ft., as well as three detached units from 10,200-21,600 sq. ft. Access and infrastructure works for this major new mixed-use employment scheme are now complete, allowing delivery of the first units on site. The appointed contractor is Stainforth Construction. The units are situated on a 45-acre site near Harrogate at J47 of the A1(M) in North Yorkshire, which in total comprises more than 600,000 sq. ft. of employment space for industrial, logistics, hi-tech and office uses, as well as amenity uses, within a landscaped environment. Planning permission was secured from Harrogate Borough Council for the low-carbon scheme, which is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and has the potential to support 2,000 jobs. The site is close to a number of North Yorkshire towns including Knaresborough, Harrogate and York, with motorway links to access Leeds, Hull and Sheffield via the M1 and M62. Ryan Unsworth, Joint MD, Opus North said: “Seeing construction of the units get underway at Harrogate 47 is a great way to start the year. Our innovative scheme has been designed with energy efficiency in mind to offer sustainable, high-quality property solutions for businesses.” Henry Pepper, Partner, Bridges Fund Management, said: “This well-connected development on the A1(M) corridor will support economic growth and job creation in the local area. Our plan is to develop sustainable units that will be highly attractive to a range of regional or national occupiers looking for cost-efficient, future-proofed employment space. We are delighted that construction can now begin on the units.” Opus North is recognised as one of the most active and successful developers in Yorkshire, with extensive development delivery experience. Bridges Fund Management invests in the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive economy. It specialises in property solutions that help to create jobs, reduce carbon emissions and regenerate brownfield land. North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, said: “This is a very welcome investment in mixed use business accommodation in North Yorkshire. It’s in a prime location to boost employment in the county and encourage economic growth across a range of sectors. We look forward to seeing the development take shape and hearing about the businesses that will eventually occupy the site.” Appointed agents for Harrogate 47 are CBRE and Gent Visick. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OP has successfully partnered with global technology leader Epson, to design and deliver its transformative 30,000 sq ft UK headquarters at The Clarendon Works in Watford. The leading office interior design consultancy has completed a fast-track project, which reflects Epson’s transition from a conventional office, to one that supports hybrid working. The new office, spread across two floors, incorporates a range of flexible workspaces, creating a modern, green, and collaborative environment. Breakout areas are positioned at the heart of the office, with abundant natural light and external views, enhancing connectivity and foot traffic between floors. These spaces are strategically placed near staircases to ensure flow, encouraging employee interaction and engagement. A key component of the redesign was ensuring that the space would cater not only to employees but also provide flexibility for customer interaction. The dedicated demonstration space allows Epson to showcase its products in a dynamic environment, complete with meeting rooms and a product display area. OP’s design reflects the building’s industry-leading sustainability credentials, as well as Epson’s, who are in the top 1% of their industry for sustainability according to independent accessors EcoVadis. It uses existing furniture, environmentally responsible products, and incorporates extensive planting throughout the office. Neil Brookhouse, Operations Manager at OP, attributed the success of the project to the seamless collaboration between OP and Epson’s teams. He said: “The biggest challenge was time. With a firm deadline to meet, we needed to create an inspiring and functional space within a 12-week programme. “Through constant communication and collaboration with Epson’s UK and European teams, and the support of our construction software, we were able to complete the project two weeks ahead of schedule.” “OP’s delivery of our new UK headquarters at The Clarendon Works has been exceptional from start to finish. Their honest on-site management and professional approach made the entire process seamless, while their flexible design management helped us achieve our vision for a modern hybrid workplace. The team’s practical approach to problem-solving and ability to adapt to our program requirements was impressive, ultimately delivering our 30,000 sq ft space ahead of schedule. Their collaborative spirit and technical expertise in handling complex installations proved invaluable throughout the project.” Lee Roberts, Epson UK Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Books and stationery retailer The Works has unveiled plans to open 60 new stores over the next five years as part of its growth strategy. The company aims to boost sales to over £375 million by 2030. Currently operating 506 stores across the UK, The Works is focusing on expanding its footprint in approximately 100 target locations. Recent activity included three new store openings, two relocations, and eight closures of underperforming outlets during the first half of the 2025 financial year. A further net reduction of five stores is expected by the end of the year, followed by plans to resume growth with five new stores in 2026. In the 26 weeks ending 3rd November 2024, The Works reported a 1.3% increase in total revenue, reaching £124.2 million. Like-for-like sales dipped slightly by 0.8%, aligning with expectations, while adjusted pre-tax losses improved from £10.4 million to £6.5 million. Chief Executive Officer Gavin Peck remains optimistic despite challenges such as fragile consumer confidence and rising costs. He commented: “We are confident that our actions to grow revenue, enhance margins, and reduce costs will deliver better results this year and in FY26. Our new strategy lays the groundwork to transform The Works, significantly improving performance and shareholder returns in the years to come.” The retailer’s plans signal a renewed focus on sustainable growth and operational efficiency, positioning it as a key player in the competitive retail landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Ofwat Innovation Fund will double to £400 million to support projects that could transform the water sector to meet and solve the many challenges it faces. Established in 2020, the original £200 million Ofwat Innovation Fund has been awarded to collaborative projects which see water companies working with promising innovators from across different sectors and around the world to develop and deploy solutions to the water sector’s biggest challenges. Today’s announcement will extend the fund for a further five years to 2030. The fund was highlighted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer following a meeting of UK regulators on 16 January as one of a number of promising ways in which regulators are supporting the Government’s plan for economic growth. Investment expenditure is set to quadruple over the next five years as part of a wider £104 billion plan for the sector. Helen Campbell, Senior Director for Sector Performance, Ofwat, said: “There’s no question that the water sector faces many urgent challenges – reaching net zero emissions, ending the overuse of storm overflows, preventing leaks, and adapting to the impact of climate change – all while ensuring customers are properly served and enabling economic growth. Our £400m commitment to continued investment in innovation will support highly collaborative projects to develop and deploy solutions to these enormous challenges. While the first five years championed nascent technologies and new approaches to demonstrate their future potential, the next five years must see them scale and deliver a lasting and beneficial impact for customers, society and the environment”. Through multiple competitions (four Water Breakthrough Challenges, the first Water Discovery Challenge – plus the pilot Innovation in Water Competition in 2020), the fund has so far supported 93 projects involving more than 240 partners, including water companies, universities, environmental charities, local governments, civil society organisations and other utilities. The fifth Water Breakthrough Challenge is underway and the winners will be announced in Spring 2025. Previous winners have included robots that spot cracks from inside pipes, seagrass restoration projects, citizen science initiatives, partnerships to help communities adapt to increased rainfall and new ways to process sewage sludge to destroy forever chemicals. The funding for the next five years will see further annual Water Breakthrough Challenges, focused on innovative ideas from consortia led by water companies, and at least two more Water Discovery Challenges, seeking groundbreaking ideas to revolutionise the water sector from companies outside the industry. It will also introduce three new funding streams to support the implementation and scaling of successful innovations, solutions which require collaboration across the entire sector, and challenges across other sectors. The water sector must transform its environmental impact whilst encouraging growth, and innovation is crucial to end the overuse of storm overflows, cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce leaks. It must innovate to continue improving services for customers, provide value and meet the high standards that the public demands. Collaboration is at the core of the innovation fund – it fosters new thinking and new approaches to develop effective solutions that are fit for the future. The Ofwat Innovation Fund will be delivered by innovation prize experts, Challenge Works (a Nesta enterprise), in collaboration with Arup and Isle Utilities. Natalie Wadley, CEO of ChangeMaker 3D, a partner in Water Breakthrough Challenge 3 winning project, Water Industry Printfrastructure, said: “The Ofwat funding has quite simply been game changing for both our company and the development of Printfrastructure as a positive impact for the UK water sector. The funding has unlocked new jobs for our business, five new products, a patented design and a significant opportunity to add value in the next five years. We are incredibly proud to work alongside all of the project partners, United Utilities, Scottish Water and Print City, in what has been the most trailblazing project to date. This project has truly delivered several UK firsts, pushed all of the technology boundaries and demonstrated how we can return tangible value to water customers.” Paul Lavender, UK Water Utilities Director at Royal HaskoningDHV, a partner in Water Breakthrough Challenge 4 winning project, Biopolymers in the Circular Economy, said: “As a technology provider, we highly value this centralised innovation funding approach for its role in supporting the development of large, impactful projects. We’ve witnessed strong collaboration among partners who share a unified vision to address major industry challenges, effectively bridging gaps across the supply chain. We’re excited about the next steps, as engagement with the water company project partners and widespread industry dissemination will help us to develop new opportunities.” Professor Ana Soares from Cranfield University, a leader and partner on multiple Ofwat Innovation Fund winning projects, including Water Discovery Challenge winner, Innovative Coagulant Free Phosphorus Removal Technology, said: “Having participated in three Ofwat Innovation Fund challenges, I have witnessed firsthand how the programme nurtures collaborative innovation, transformative projects addressing strategic challenges, and the introduction of fresh perspectives from new innovators. The programme is inclusive, supporting every stage from the conception of new ideas to their practical implementation. It supports ambitious projects that address long-term challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency, and resilience, while embracing inclusivity, leveraging leading-edge technologies and services, and ensuring tangible benefits for customers, communities, and the environment.” To find out more about the Ofwat Innovation Fund and its previous winners, visit waterinnovation.challenges.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
