Groundbreaking construction techniques are slashing build times and transforming the delivery of retirement housing – offering a potential solution to the UK’s critical shortage of later living accommodation. With the country facing a shortfall of one million senior living homes by 2040, the race is on to develop innovative approaches that can
Bouygues UK joined Swansea Council representatives to officially open 71/72 Kingsway, a striking five-storey office development in the heart of the city designed to operate at net zero. Bouygues UK was the lead contractor for the project, located at the former Oceana nightclub site. The building, worth £32.6million a year
Work began in March to demolish St Helen’s Tower, the incumbent building on the site of the planned tallest building in London, One Undershaft. This will be the tallest building to be demolished in the capital to date. Based on details shared in planning documents published by the City of
GMI Construction Group has begun work on a multi-million pound project to redevelop and extend ISCAR Tools’ UK headquarters and demonstration facility in Birmingham. It involves the partial demolition of an existing two-storey building to allow for the reuse of the steel framework – an approach that not only reduces
CCTV is often seen as a tool to deter theft and vandalism but its role on construction sites is far more powerful and wide-reaching. From improving health and safety compliance to supporting project management and protecting a company’s reputation, CCTV is fast becoming an essential part of modern site operations.
BAM UK and Ireland has appointed Abigail Farrell-Black as its new Executive Director of Finance. Abigail joins BAM from Thames Water, where she held the position of Finance Director for Operations. Prior to her time at Thames Water, Abigail held senior finance leadership positions at some of the UK’s largest
Building costs will increase by a predicted 14% over the next five years to 2Q2030, while tender prices will rise by 15% over the same period, according to the latest construction forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work output is expected to grow by 18% between
Promat has released a significant update to its renowned Passive Fire Protection Handbook, which offers a go-to resource for best practice in specifying and installing passive fire protection systems across the UK construction sector. The newly revised edition introduces an overhauled section on structural steel protection, aligned with the latest
Avison Young has announced the appointment of Kat Hanna as Head of UK Market Intelligence and Strategy. Hanna, who currently serves as the firm’s Co-Managing Director for London, steps into the newly created role with a focus on enhancing strategic direction and advising clients and industry stakeholders. In her expanded
Mace has been appointed by Pegasi Management Company to lead the extensive refurbishment of 3 Lower Thames Street in the City of London. The project will see Fresh Wharf – a prominent 120,000 sq ft office building constructed in the 1980s and located adjacent to London Bridge – undergo a
Groundbreaking construction techniques are slashing build times and transforming the delivery of retirement housing – offering a potential solution to the UK’s critical shortage of later living accommodation. With the country facing a shortfall of one million senior living homes by 2040, the race is on to develop innovative approaches that can deliver high-quality housing for older people more rapidly and cost-effectively. Leading this charge in the Midlands is construction specialist McPhillips. The award-winning company has partnered with developer-operator Untold Living to pioneer an innovative £20 million Integrated Retirement Community (IRC) in Shropshire – a county where pensioners are expected to make up more than a quarter of Shropshire’s residents by 2026. Here, factory-built components and Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are dramatically accelerating construction timelines. The project will create much-needed flexible and supportive living for retirees in the form of 61 apartments, 15 bungalows, on-site bistro and integrated care facilities. Paul Inions, managing director of McPhillips, said: “Construction on-site at Newport is being driven by modern, factory-led approaches to reduce costs, speed-up timelines and minimise disruption to nearby residents. “This type of approach must become commonplace if we are to stand a chance at resolving the growing demand for older living accommodation and meet the seniors housing target of 50,000 units a year. “Currently, as a nation we are falling woefully short of this target and demand is only going to get higher with people live longer and longer.” Use of MMC at Newport means the large, steel supporting structures for the main apartment blocks will arrive pre-manufactured complete with windows, insulation and brick ties. Further innovation is planned for the site’s bungalows, with roofs to be built at ground level before being craned into position. This technique not only speeds up the construction process but significantly improves site health and safety. Paul added: “The apartment panels are due to arrive on-site later this month (July) from our subcontractor Remagin based in Leeds. “Once here, the panels will be craned into position and the main apartment block structures will be erected in just 12 weeks – 40 per cent faster than if we were using traditional methods but with no sacrifice on quality. “This approach is a gamechanger for the senior living housing sector and we are proud to be demonstrating our commitment. “We’re not only helping to meet the rising demand for retiree housing, but we are also helping to address the wider housing needs in the Newport area by freeing up larger homes for younger families. “It’s a model that could certainly be replicated across more towns in the UK.” The government recently announced £39 billion for new social and affordable housing and the Housing Minister recently noted that the “need to provide sufficient housing to meet older people’s specific needs is critical.” ARCO, the national membership body for housing-with-care, believes at least 20 per cent of this new investment should be reserved for specialist housing for older people and in particular Integrated Retirement Communities like the one being developed in Newport. Work on the Newport retirement community started in October 2024 and is due for completion in summer 2026. The innovative scheme has been designed by Gaunt Francis Architects and the project is being managed by Total Project Integration. Architectural and technical designer Michael Carruthers said whilst MMC required more upfront design work, the payoff was significant with much faster on-site construction. “The approach we’ve taken at Newport combines the precision of factory-made components with local construction expertise, allowing us to create high-quality homes that are specifically designed for older residents while minimising disruption to the surrounding community.” Stephen Brunker, associate director for Gaunt Francis, who is also working on the scheme with Michael, added that the benefits of retirement communities extended far beyond just housing. “The evidence shows that residents in these communities see their GPs less often, require fewer hospital visits, and recover more quickly when returning from hospital. “This development will help reduce the burden on local health services while providing purposeful accommodation where residents can maintain their independence with support available when needed.” Once handed over to Untold Living in summer 2026, the retirement village will be named Sundew Court. It will provide much-needed flexible and supportive living for older residents, giving retirees the opportunity to ‘right-size’ into quality homes without leaving the local area. Amy Herbert, director of operations at Untold Living, said: “There’s a pressing need nationally for high-quality, smaller housing options for retirees and our Newport development demonstrates our commitment to helping to resolve this shortage. “This development will enable older residents to remain within their cherished community whilst enjoying more manageable and supportive living environments. “Here retirees can live independently but with the reassurance of 24-hour on-site care staff should it be needed.” For more progress updates on the development visit: – Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK joined Swansea Council representatives to officially open 71/72 Kingsway, a striking five-storey office development in the heart of the city designed to operate at net zero. Bouygues UK was the lead contractor for the project, located at the former Oceana nightclub site. The building, worth £32.6million a year to Swansea’s economy, will house 600 workers, including TUI, IWG and Futures First. It includes 114,000 square feet of commercial floor space with flexible co-working and office opportunities for businesses in sectors like tech, digital and the creative industries. The standout features of this innovative development include a lush roof terrace, beautifully landscaped with trees, shrubs, and other greenery, complemented by tree planters on all balconies. The building also boasts a versatile ground floor retail space and a dynamic basement event space, poised to become a hive of activity. A new pedestrian link connects The Kingsway with Oxford Street, while balconies offer impressive views of the city centre and Swansea Bay. Stephen Davies, Operations Director of Bouygues UK in Wales and the West, said: “It’s fantastic to attend the offical opening of Kingsway as this development marks a significant milestone for Swansea in setting a new benchmark for sustainable building in the region. Delivering a building that operates at net zero aligns perfectly with our wider goal of making all our projects carbon neutral.” Sustainability was at the forefront of this project. The building has solar panels on top of the building, as well as heat recovery systems to minimise energy use and a rainwater capture feature to help with water supply to plants and trees in and around the development. It also includes 69 bike spaces and electric bike charging as well as extensive shower and changing facilities. Social value has been another key factor during the build. Throughout the project, Bouygues UK delivered almost 2,000 weeks of employment for apprentices, trainees, graduates, and previously unemployed people. Additionally, 84% of the sub-contracts were procured from within Wales, with the aim of supporting local businesses and the Welsh economy. Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said : ‘’The 71/72 Kingsway development will help tackle a lack of high-quality office space in Swansea while also creating more footfall for the benefit of other city centre businesses. “The construction of the scheme, led by our contractor Bouygues UK, has created a Grade A office complex that will combine with other schemes either complete, under construction or planned to deliver a thriving city centre for working, living, enjoying, visiting and studying. A number of tenants have already been announced for the scheme and more will be announced in the near future. We anticipate the scheme being 100% let.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work began in March to demolish St Helen’s Tower, the incumbent building on the site of the planned tallest building in London, One Undershaft. This will be the tallest building to be demolished in the capital to date. Based on details shared in planning documents published by the City of London, Switzerland-based carbon removal specialist neustark calculated a ‘missed’ opportunity to reuse 49,000 tonnes of concrete aggregate removed from the site, and at the same time permanently store at least 490 tonnes of CO₂ in recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), thus permanently removing these residual emissions from the atmosphere and further supporting a circular economy within London’s construction sector – offering a significant opportunity for a permanent carbon sink. The ‘reuse’ and remove (CO₂) opportunity within London’s skyline The clear opportunity to reuse some, if not all, of the 49,000 tonnes of concrete aggregate from the demolition of St Helen’s Tower would allow it to be returned to the same site at One Undershaft, London’s newest ‘tallest building’. According to details published, One Undershaft will require 170,000 tonnes of concrete. Assuming building contractors utilise the full 20% substitution of gravel with RCA allowed by UK standards (BS8500-2) – roughly 14,000 tonnes of carbonated recycled concrete aggregate (cRCA) could be reused at the same site – which would incorporate 140 tonnes of CO₂ to be permanently stored. Under the current UK legislation, limit of 20% aggregate, this would leave a surplus of approximately 35,000 tonnes of RCA (left over from the demolition of St Helen’s Tower) and a further opportunity to sink a further 350 tonnes of CO₂ on other local building projects. Answering the call of London’s circular economy are projects such as 100 Leadenhall Street and 50 Fenchurch Street. Both projects are in pre-construction phase and have been recognised for their respective ‘green’ credentials. These projects have architects, owners, and operators who are likely to welcome the opportunity to reduce embodied carbon, a key metric used by green certification bodies such as RIBA and BREEAM. The sharp reality of the capital’s continuous evolution coupled with City of London’s goal for a greener, more environmentally sustainable Square Mile, means there will never be a shortage of building projects willing to support all avenues of green construction. However, it is legislation holding back construction businesses from reaching the potential for carbon removal and building green supply chains. UK construction needs supportive ‘green construction’ regulation in line with EU UK standards (BS8500-2), which limit recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) use to 20% in reinforced concrete, significantly constrain greener building solutions. In contrast, countries within the EU and Switzerland are allowed to use 80%+ (depending on use cases) in commercial buildings. A compelling example is the Bellis project near Zürich, a mixed-use residential and commercial development featuring 44 apartments, office and commercial space, and business apartments. Except for prefabricated elements, all concrete structures – including walls, floors, floor slabs, and ceilings – were built using cRCA. In total, 7,500 m³ of concrete incorporating cRCA was used, allowing for approximately 75 tonnes of CO₂ to be stored within the structure. Raising the limits of RCA use in line with the rest of Europe will allow London’s high-profile regeneration projects such as One Undershaft to reuse all of the demolished concrete from the incumbent building, St Helens Tower. Other landmark developments, such as Canary Wharf Group’s Wood Wharf, are already demonstrating this approach in action, where concrete from a decommissioned, 100-year-old quay nearby has been broken down and repurposed for the foundations of new residential buildings. “The UK is one of the leading countries within Europe for its efforts towards decarbonisation. However, within the construction industry, regulation and green standards are lagging behind countries such as Switzerland and Netherlands”, says Valentin Gutknecht, Founder and Co-CEO at neustark. “Updating guidelines, in line with Europe, for the use of recycled concrete for commercial construction will enable London construction firms to utilise existing waste stream, like demolition concrete, as a tool for climate action. Carbonated recycled concrete aggregate will indeed present an opportunity to turn a problem into a solution by taking one of the most essential materials for commercial construction and turning it into a carbon sink.” Building a circular economy for construction within the capital London has been a city of progress since the industrial age. It is therefore inevitable that London’s skyline will continue to evolve. With the scale of these projects expanding, it has become important that London construction firms embrace practices of the circular economy. To meet climate targets, London must invest in more local, greener supply chains and reuse demolition waste within flagship projects such as One Undershaft, Leadenhall Street and Fenchurch Street – building a more circular economy within the construction sector. “Investing in local supply chains and carbonated recycled concrete aggregate is one of the most efficient ways for London to reduce emissions from commercial construction projects. The environmental benefits are clear, and the cost-effective nature of this solution should be a significant factor in its adoption,” says Valentin. Neustark’s partnership with a leading UK supplier of sustainable building solutions established a London site supplying cRCA to firms like Canary Wharf Group for development projects around the city. cRCA is a groundbreaking material that offers a cost-effective and largely untapped solution for significantly removing the UK’s carbon emissions, as well as strengthening the circular economy by using demolished concrete – one of the largest waste streams at 1 billion tonnes per year – as a carbon sink. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has begun work on a multi-million pound project to redevelop and extend ISCAR Tools’ UK headquarters and demonstration facility in Birmingham. It involves the partial demolition of an existing two-storey building to allow for the reuse of the steel framework – an approach that not only reduces costs but significantly reduces the site’s carbon footprint. This will be followed by the construction of a new single-storey office and seminar suite, alongside enhancements to parking and the wider site infrastructure. Work commenced following a groundbreaking ceremony attended by representatives from ISCAR Tools, GMI Construction Group, and key project stakeholders. Located at Woodgate Business Park in Bartley Green, the expanded facility will be the central hub of ISCAR Tools UK, accommodating core departments including purchasing, customer service, and finance. It will also serve as a venue for training events, promotional activities, and customer visits, incorporating a CNC-equipped demonstration unit to showcase the company’s cutting-edge technologies. Completion is expected in early 2026. Now celebrating more than 45 years in the UK, ISCAR Tools is a recognised market leader in advanced cutting tool technologies. The redevelopment reflects its ongoing growth and long-term commitment to innovation in the metalworking sector. David Jones, General Manager at ISCAR Tools UK, said: “This groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone for ISCAR as we celebrate more than four decades of serving the UK’s metalworking sector. Our new headquarters will enable us to expand our technical training capacity, enhance customer experiences, and futureproof our operations as we continue to lead in the field of cutting tool innovation. We are pleased to be working with GMI Construction Group on this important project.” Adam Taylor, Regional Director for the Midlands at GMI Construction Group, added: “Delivering a project of this scale and complexity for a global manufacturing leader like ISCAR Tools is a privilege. It showcases our capability to manage intricate redevelopment schemes that blend demolition, refurbishment, and new-build elements. We look forward to creating a high-performance facility that meets ISCAR’s evolving needs and reflects their commitment to sustainability and innovation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CCTV is often seen as a tool to deter theft and vandalism but its role on construction sites is far more powerful and wide-reaching. From improving health and safety compliance to supporting project management and protecting a company’s reputation, CCTV is fast becoming an essential part of modern site operations. Paul Goossens, operations director at SafeSite Facilities, believes it’s time to change the conversation around surveillance. He said: “CCTV is the ultimate double protection tool. Yes, it helps prevent crime, but it also plays a critical role in keeping employees safe, managing projects more efficiently and even reducing insurance costs. It’s a vital asset for any construction site.” Here are seven ways CCTV is transforming construction site safety and operations: 1. Boosting health and safety compliance When workers know they’re being monitored they’re more likely to follow safety protocols such as wearing five-point PPE. Some modern CCTV systems even use AI to detect whether workers are wearing hard hats and high-vis gear, sending real-time alerts to site managers if they’re not. This proactive approach helps reduce accidents and ensures compliance with HSE regulations. 2. Using public address systems to prevent unsafe behaviour Many CCTV towers are now equipped with public address systems that allow site managers to issue live or automated warnings. If someone is seen entering a restricted area or not following safety procedures, a quick announcement can stop the behaviour immediately before it leads to an incident. 3. Reviewing incidents to learn and improve In the event of an accident, CCTV footage provides a clear, unbiased record of what happened. This can be used to investigate the cause, identify areas for improvement and prevent similar incidents in the future. It also helps protect businesses from false claims and provides support to resolve genuine claims. 4. Reducing insurance premiums and managing claims Insurers increasingly recognise the value of CCTV in reducing risk, so sites with comprehensive surveillance systems may benefit from lower premiums. In the event of a claim, having footage can speed up investigations and reduce liability, saving time and money, as well as mitigating the risk of reputational damage. 5. Protecting children and the public from harm Construction sites can be tempting playgrounds for children, especially during school holidays. CCTV with thermal imaging and AI detection can identify intruders, even in low light, and trigger alarms or public address warnings to prevent accidents. This not only protects lives but also shields companies from legal issues, protecting their reputation. 6. Improving project management and delivery coordination CCTV isn’t just for safety. It’s a powerful project management tool. Off-site project managers can monitor progress remotely, check whether key milestones have been met and ensure that materials have been delivered and installed on time. This visibility helps keep projects on track and stakeholders informed. 7. Ensuring compliance with delivery conditions Planning permissions often come with strict conditions around delivery times and access routes. CCTV allows site managers to monitor and record all deliveries, ensuring compliance and providing evidence in the event of complaints. For example, if a lorry blocks a neighbour’s driveway, footage can quickly identify the issue and help resolve it. Paul added: “Tragically the Health and Safety Executive reported 51 people died in the construction industry between 2023-2024 at the end of last year. “And every year we read of a several devastating instances where children die after entering a construction site. “Employing CCTV to monitor site safety and prevent accidents is just one of the important defences construction sites should deploy to keep their employees and members of the public safe.” For more information, visit: https://www.safesitefacilities.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BAM UK and Ireland has appointed Abigail Farrell-Black as its new Executive Director of Finance. Abigail joins BAM from Thames Water, where she held the position of Finance Director for Operations. Prior to her time at Thames Water, Abigail held senior finance leadership positions at some of the UK’s largest utility companies, including Southern Water and UK Power Networks. She brings over 20 years of financial, commercial, strategic, and operational experience in regulated industries. Abigail will be part of the UK and Ireland Divisional Leadership Team and will report directly to Henri de Pater, BAM UK & Ireland’s former Executive Director of Finance, who has now taken up the role of Chief Financial Officer at Royal BAM Group. Abigail Farrell-Black Executive Director of Finance at BAM UK & Ireland. comments: “I’m excited to be part of BAM, an organisation that places sustainability and people at the heart of everything it does. BAM is on an exciting journey, going from strength to strength, and playing a key role in delivering the projects and infrastructure that are shaping the UK’s future — from critical infrastructure and net zero schools to leading the transition to green energy. Its values align closely with my own passion for creating inclusive working environments, where every team member feels empowered to bring their authentic self to work and perform at their best.” John Wilkinson, Chief Operating Officer BAM UK and Ireland, comments: “We’re delighted to welcome Abigail to BAM. Her extensive experience in financial leadership roles across major UK utility companies makes her an excellent addition to our team. Her expertise will be instrumental in supporting our commitment to delivering strong, predictable performance, high-quality projects, and lasting value to the communities where we operate. Her passion for driving digital innovation, combined with her dedication to building and empowering strong teams, aligns perfectly with BAM’s culture and values.” Henri de Pater, Chief Financial Officer at Royal BAM Group said: “At Royal BAM Group, we are proud of the progress we have made in recent years — delivering solid financial results while contributing to a more sustainable and better-connected world. This success is only possible thanks to the dedication of our people and the strength of our strategy, which is firmly anchored in our company mission, ‘building a sustainable tomorrow’. I’m truly pleased to welcome Abigail to our team. Her deep expertise in the utility sector and her thoughtful leadership style will be a great asset as we continue to grow and deliver lasting impact together.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building costs will increase by a predicted 14% over the next five years to 2Q2030, while tender prices will rise by 15% over the same period, according to the latest construction forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work output is expected to grow by 18% between 2025 and 2030. Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: “At the mid-point of the year, the construction sector is still stagnating, with output growth subdued. Confidence continues to be weighed down by a combination of domestic uncertainty and wider global pressures. “That said, the 27% quarterly rise in new orders we saw in the first quarter, particularly in infrastructure and industrial sectors, offered a welcome indication that demand could be starting to recover. “How far that optimism carries through will depend heavily on the translation of the government’s Spending Review and 10-year strategies into actual activity. For all the announcements made by the government in the last few weeks, we still don’t have sight of the long-promised updated project pipeline. A greater degree of certainty around funding and delivery timelines remains key to lifting the sector out of its current malaise.” The BCIS All-in Tender Price Index, which measures the trend of contractors’ pricing levels in accepted tenders, i.e. the cost to client at commit to build, saw annual growth of 2.3% in 2Q2025, the same as was recorded in the first quarter of the year. On the input costs side, labour remains the main driver of project costs, with increases to employers’ National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage feeding into an expected 7.1% annual increase in the BCIS Labour Cost Index in 2Q2025. The index is forecast to increase overall by 16% through to 2Q2030. Dr Crosthwaite added: “The risks to this forecast remain on the upside, as skills shortages remain prevalent in the market and continue to impact projects. Similarly with our materials costs forecast, the expected uptick in market activity could put inflationary pressure on the cost of construction materials.” Materials cost inflation has been moderating since peaking in 2022 and annual growth in the BCIS Materials Cost Index was in negative territory from the third quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of 2024. BCIS expects the index to grow by 13% over the forecast period. Total new work output fell by 5.1% between 2023 and 2024 and BCIS is predicting subdued growth in new work output throughout 2025. ONS data showed a 0.9% increase in new work output in the first quarter of 2025 compared with 4Q2024, and a quarterly increase of 1.7%. The greatest annual increases in 1Q2025 were in public non-housing, which includes education, health and justice projects, and in private industrial. Dr Crosthwaite said: “We are expecting more robust output growth from next year and over the rest of the forecast period, much of which will be fuelled by a recovery in housing. Private funding for infrastructure projects will be crucial, especially with the state of public finances putting much public spending at risk.” For more information about BCIS, please visit www.bcis.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Promat has released a significant update to its renowned Passive Fire Protection Handbook, which offers a go-to resource for best practice in specifying and installing passive fire protection systems across the UK construction sector. The newly revised edition introduces an overhauled section on structural steel protection, aligned with the latest test standards and regulatory requirements. This new content supports contractors, designers and specifiers working to meet the heightened compliance demands introduced under the Building Safety Act. The update reinforces the handbook’s role in promoting best practice and delivering peace of mind as the sector adjusts to tighter safety regulations. In particular, it supports the Golden Thread requirement by providing up-to-date and traceable technical detail on tested systems. The newly updated structural steel section includes information on choosing the correct protective board, performance guidance for specialist steel protection boards including VERMICULUX®-S, PROMATECT®-250 and PROMATECT®-XW, installation guides for 1, 2, 3 and 4-sided encasements, and treatment of complex steel profiles, including cellular beams. The handbook also covers how to calculate the level of protection needed, and guidance on achieving a range of fire resistance from 30 minutes up to 240 minutes. It also highlights the standards that need to be met, such as EN 13381-4 and EN 1363-1. The revised content brings Promat’s technical guidance in line with the latest industry testing and performance criteria. Promat now offers the most comprehensive testing portfolio for structural steel fire protection available in the UK, making the handbook a vital reference for professionals involved in specifying and installing life critical safety. Josh Slack, Commercial Director at Promat, said: “The Passive Fire Protection Handbook is one of the most trusted resources in UK construction. This update takes it to the next level. With the spotlight rightly on building safety, there’s a real desire for absolute clarity, certainty and compliance – and that’s exactly what this updated guidance delivers. “It gives our customers the confidence they need when specifying structural steel protection, which is especially important as this continues to be a popular construction method.” This structural steel update is part of Promat’s wider commitment to raising standards to support the latest legislation to improve building safety. By offering detailed technical data and real-world application guidance, the handbook helps to ensure that fire protection systems are not only specified correctly, but installed to perform as tested. Josh added: “For anyone responsible for demonstrating compliance – from principal designers through to contractors and building owners – the handbook provides a reliable, thoroughly tested foundation to work from. It reflects Promat’s role as a proactive partner in the industry’s drive towards safer, more accountable construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Avison Young has announced the appointment of Kat Hanna as Head of UK Market Intelligence and Strategy. Hanna, who currently serves as the firm’s Co-Managing Director for London, steps into the newly created role with a focus on enhancing strategic direction and advising clients and industry stakeholders. In her expanded remit, Hanna will spearhead efforts to help clients anticipate change, identify emerging opportunities, and stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic real estate market. Working closely with the firm’s market intelligence team, she will integrate advanced data analytics and AI with the first-hand knowledge of Avison Young’s transactional and consultancy professionals to provide meaningful, actionable insights. Hanna brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held senior positions at Lendlease, Cushman & Wakefield, and the Centre for London prior to joining Avison Young three years ago. Nick Walkley, Principal and UK President at Avison Young, commented:“Kat’s deep understanding of the built environment and the UK market, along with her ability to distil complex insights into clear strategic guidance, will be instrumental in helping our clients navigate disruption and achieve tangible outcomes. Her appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering valuable and forward-thinking expertise.” Reflecting on her new position, Hanna said:“After three years at Avison Young, I’m thrilled to be stepping into a role that allows us to better connect our data and analytical strengths with both clients and colleagues. I look forward to collaborating with our exceptionally talented team of real estate analysts and global partners, combining their knowledge with my background in politics, policy and strategy to support informed decision-making and effective delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace has been appointed by Pegasi Management Company to lead the extensive refurbishment of 3 Lower Thames Street in the City of London. The project will see Fresh Wharf – a prominent 120,000 sq ft office building constructed in the 1980s and located adjacent to London Bridge – undergo a major transformation to meet contemporary sustainability and performance standards. Originally designed by renowned architect Richard Seifert, the 11-storey building is being reimagined with ambitious environmental targets, including BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum, NABERS 4.5 Stars, and WiredScore Platinum certifications. The refurbishment, led by architectural practice Buckley Gray Yeoman, exemplifies a growing shift towards retrofitting existing structures to enhance their environmental performance and market appeal. Sustainability is central to the project. Around 50% of the building’s raised access flooring panels will be retained and reused. In newly refurbished areas, low-carbon panels made from 86% recycled content will be installed, each supported by an Environmental Product Declaration and a material passport to ensure traceability and future reuse. In the early stages of the retrofit, 30 tonnes of glazing from the original structure have already been removed and sent for recycling via Saint-Gobain’s closed-loop glass system. Upon completion in 2026, the rebranded Fresh Wharf – formerly known as St Magnus House – will offer 25,150 sq ft of outdoor space, alongside a new riverside café and restaurant, creating a vibrant destination for occupiers and visitors alike. Stewart Ward, Managing Director for Fit Out & Retrofit at Mace Construct, commented: “This project is about more than refurbishment; it’s about redefining what’s possible with existing buildings. At Fresh Wharf, we’re proving that a 1980s structure can be transformed into a workplace that meets today’s highest sustainability standards, while delivering on design, modern occupier demands and creating long-term value.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
