Resonance, one of the UK’s leading social impact investors, has announced that Gloucestershire Pension Fund (GPF) has invested £30m into its National Homelessness Property Fund 2 (NHPF2). £20m of this investment will be invested directly into immediately buying and refurbishing around 90 properties in Gloucestershire, helping the region cut the
Barhale has secured its place on Yorkshire Water’s Complex Non-Infrastructure Framework to support delivery of the water company’s capital investment programme through the forthcoming Asset Management Plan 8 (AMP8) period from April 2025 to 2030. The civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist has been appointed to Lot 1 of the
The UK construction sector is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of a specialised AI training programme. The AI Construction Training (ACT) modules offer free live sessions designed to equip professionals with the skills necessary to lead AI-driven initiatives, bridging the gap between technological innovation and practical
Soaring levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports saw gas-fired output fall to its lowest level in 20 years in 2024. That was the main headline from a new report on on power generation in the British energy market by Montel Analytics. The study showed that
By Tom Brown, Managing Director, Real Estate at Ingenious As we move toward 2025, the UK real estate market is navigating a complex and ever-evolving landscape. Investors must weigh evolving factors such as political uncertainties, shifts in rental demand, and the impact of economic pressures on borrowing costs. Here’s five
Competition fosters innovation in AI and technology development to solve common pain points and drive the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry forward Trimble® (Nasdaq: TRMB) announced the winners of the SketchUp® 0-60 Challenge, an initiative created by Trimble SketchUp and Trimble Ventures to foster innovation and discover the next big idea that will transform how
The construction industry is constantly evolving, striving for efficiency and sustainability. Scandinavian countries lead the way with innovative design practices. Learning from their success could transform UK construction. Looking to the north, you can discover invaluable lessons from Scandinavian construction practices. These regions are renowned for their commitment to sustainable
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its flagship CI IV fund, has taken a major step in its commitment to renewable energy by approving the construction of two additional Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Scotland. These developments mark a turning point for the UK’s energy infrastructure, with CIP solidifying
Construction professionals highlight the UK’s most iconic projects, from The Shard to the Elizabeth Line. Construction professionals across the industry have weighed in, revealing their picks for the UK’s most impressive engineering marvels of the 21st century. The findings, based on a survey of over 500 industry pros, are part
– Award-winning student operator will manage residence for H.I.G and Primus – 402-bed PBSA scheme will open in Autumn 2025 with bookings being taken now – Scheme offers high quality, well-amenitised sustainable accommodation and aims to set a new bar for aspirational student living in Leeds Student accommodation specialist Nido Living has launched
Resonance, one of the UK’s leading social impact investors, has announced that Gloucestershire Pension Fund (GPF) has invested £30m into its National Homelessness Property Fund 2 (NHPF2). £20m of this investment will be invested directly into immediately buying and refurbishing around 90 properties in Gloucestershire, helping the region cut the number of households in unsuitable temporary accommodation. Known as homelessness property funds, the model operates by attracting capital from institutional investors, such as pension funds, to acquire properties, refurbish them to a high standard, improve their energy efficiency and lease them to expert housing partners, including homelessness charities and housing associations. Tenants are provided with stable, affordable accommodation in safe areas in the heart of local communities. They will also receive support with their health, wellbeing and in seeking employment and training opportunities. This support will be provided by Developing Health and Independence (DHI), who will lease the properties from the fund. Chris Cullen, Head of Homelessness Property Funds at Resonance, said: “There are over 117,000 households living in temporary accommodation across England, including over 130,000 dependent children, and this number continues to rise. “We are very grateful for Gloucestershire Pension Fund’s place-based investment into National Homelessness Property Fund 2, which illustrates the difference that local government pension funds can make to the area in which their members live. He continued: “It will enable us to provide much needed homes in Gloucestershire for some of those households that are in temporary accommodation and that don’t have a place to call home.” Across all of Gloucestershire Local Authorities there were, as of March 2024, 315 households in Temporary Accommodation, including nearly 200 in Gloucester City alone. This news comes as many councils grapple with mounting financial pressures, with £2.29bn spent a year on providing emergency temporary accommodation to homeless households, an increase of 29% from the previous twelve months.[1] Rosie Phillips, CEO at DHI, commented:“As a social inclusion charity, the provision of safe affordable housing is of paramount importance. Housing is the single biggest cost pressure on struggling individuals and families and lack of affordable housing causes stress, inequality and poor health. “Without a secure place to live, progress in other aspects of life will be poor. A safe place to call home provides people with a platform on which to build their lives.” She went on to add: “It is great to be able to work in partnership with Resonance on this initiative, which aligns with our approach of helping people to achieve their potential from the foundations up, while improving health and wellbeing and reducing inequalities and disadvantage in communities.” NHPF2 operates across England and, including this investment, has to date raised c£129m, and purchased over 350 homes, housing almost 500 tenants who were facing a housing crisis. This latest £30m investment will help provide homes for potentially 750 individuals and families over the lifetime of the fund. Institutional investors into the fund include other pension funds, such as Greater Manchester Pension Fund, and several local authorities. [1] https://www.crisis.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/council-spending-on-emergency-accommodation-tops-22bn/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barhale has secured its place on Yorkshire Water’s Complex Non-Infrastructure Framework to support delivery of the water company’s capital investment programme through the forthcoming Asset Management Plan 8 (AMP8) period from April 2025 to 2030. The civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist has been appointed to Lot 1 of the AMP8 framework, for complex works, with Yorkshire Water retaining the option to extend for up to a further five years through the AMP9 period. Delivery of the £850M lot will cover both water and wastewater sites with projects typically ranging from £1m to £35m although with no upper limit. Project scope includes, although is not limited to: pre-construction survey and investigation; design and construction management; design and build based on client’s concept design; and site works (construction, civils, process, mechanical, electrical, controls and instrumentation). Services will include, design, construction, civil engineering, and process works, (encompassing mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and telemetry). The framework will require strong programme management, progress and performance reporting, quality management and commissioning. Mark Wood, Regional Director (Yorkshire) at Barhale, is looking forward to building on the relationship his team established through AMP7 and to working with Yorkshire Water on its largest-ever capital investment programme. “There is a very large and exciting plan for the next five years and beyond,” he said. “It will help to improve water quality and network resilience, reduce carbon footprint and enhance bio-diversity and deliver a better customer experience across the region. “The programme will continue Yorkshire Water’s focus on value, innovation and improved environmental performance. It will build on the legacy established in AMP7 of delivering large-scale improvements to existing infrastructure alongside groundbreaking projects – such as Clifton Wetlands where we were proud to play our part in the creation of a sustainable and low-carbon, nature-based solution that replaced a conventional wastewater treatment facility. “The long contract term will allow Barhale to continue to grow as a business and to invest in our team. Our graduate programme will have a strong base to build on and as we move into the full design and build sector for civil and mechanical and electrical projects and provides us with the opportunity to become a full multi-disciplinary principle contractor construction business.” Rachael Fox, head of programme delivery at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re looking forward to working with our chosen partners as we embark on an ambitious investment programme from 2025. There’s a big challenge ahead – not only to meet new regulatory requirements, but to meet customer expectations too – and effective collaboration will be key to our success.” Barhale is joined on the Non-Infrastructure Framework Lot 1 framework by Ward and Burke Construction Ltd, Tilbury Douglas Construction Limited, Mott MacDonald Bentley Ltd, Galliford Try Construction Limited, Kier Integrated Services Ltd, and Glanua Ltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK construction sector is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of a specialised AI training programme. The AI Construction Training (ACT) modules offer free live sessions designed to equip professionals with the skills necessary to lead AI-driven initiatives, bridging the gap between technological innovation and practical application within the industry. The modules form part of the Innovate UK BridgeAI ‘AI in construction: Skills for the future’ Programme, which is being developed and implemented by Trilateral Research. The Importance of AI in Construction Facing challenges such as labour shortages, increasing project complexities, and sustainability demands, the construction industry can significantly benefit from artificial intelligence (AI). AI enhances efficiency, predicts risks, and supports sustainable practices, transforming how construction projects are designed and executed. This programme ensures SME managers are equipped to adopt AI effectively, enabling them to drive innovation and improve their organisations’ competitiveness. About the Training Modules ACT comprises four comprehensive modules, each addressing a key aspect of AI adoption and implementation in construction: Data and AI: Understanding the fundamentals | Attendees will gain a strong foundation in AI and data, exploring their transformative potential and relevance to the construction industry. AI business cases: Securing buy-in | Attendees will learn how to build compelling business cases for AI adoption, convincing stakeholders of its value and aligning with organisational goals. AI project management: Ensuring success | Attendees will discover strategies to manage AI projects effectively, from planning to execution, ensuring they deliver measurable results. Responsible AI: Establishing standards | Attendees will develop an understanding of the ethical and regulatory considerations for AI, establishing robust governance frameworks to ensure responsible implementation. Programme Highlights Expert Endorsements “These modules are a timely and essential resource for SME managers looking to embrace the future of construction,” said Sara El-Hanfy, Head of AI & Machine Learning, Innovate UK. “By offering practical tools and knowledge, we aim to empower construction professionals to drive meaningful change through AI.” Launch Details The first cohort of ACT will run throughout February and March 2025, with registrations now open. The fully online format ensures accessibility for professionals across the UK, allowing participants to enhance their skills without disrupting their work commitments. How to Register Spaces are limited to maintain a high-quality learning experience. For more information and to secure your place, visit https://aiconstructiontraining.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Soaring levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports saw gas-fired output fall to its lowest level in 20 years in 2024. That was the main headline from a new report on on power generation in the British energy market by Montel Analytics. The study showed that GB gas-fired output totalled 72.6TWh in 2024 – down on the 86.8TWh recorded the previous year – and a significant drop on the 111.4TWh generated in 2022. The decrease in demand for gas was attributed to a rise in renewables output, which totalled 118.1TWh in 2024 – up on the 116.9TWh recorded in 2023. On average, renewable generation (including biomass) increased by 0.14GW to reach 13.5GW, which meant renewables contributed 45% to the overall GB power generation mix. Wind generation was the major contributor to renewable output with a 70% share. Based on historic data, average wind generation also reached a record high of 9.43GW, which was 0.39GW higher than the previous year. This record would have been even higher if wind generation had not needed to be curtailed due to constraints in the capacity of the transmission system during periods of high wind generation. Electricity imports were also a key reason for the record low gas-fired output. GB interconnectors saw average net imports of 3.8GW last year, a 40% increase compared to 2023 and the highest level on record in the last ten years. The top two major contributors to this total were France (2.2GW), and Norway (1.1GW). Gas prices began last year by declining through January and February, continuing a downward trajectory seen during Q4 2023, before generally following an upward trend throughout the remainder of the year. The subsequent uptick in prices was influenced by several factors, including intermittent production outages in Norway, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, supply disruptions to Ukraine due to the ongoing war with Russia, and occasional cold spells during winter. Despite these increases, the average gas price for the year fell by 16% from 2023 levels to £28.63/MWh. In a similar fashion, the profile of wholesale day-ahead electricity prices followed that of gas prices but dropped to a greater extent due to the increase in renewable output, falling by 23% year-on-year to an average of £72.58/MWh. The rise of renewables led to 139 hours of negative prices in GB – the highest level since 2019 when negative prices were first observed. The 2024 figure is significantly higher than the 86 hours recorded in 2023 and the 91 hours observed in 2020, when low demand during Covid lockdowns was a significant contributory factor. Phil Hewitt, Director at Montel Analytics said: “Last year gas prices were lower on average than in 2023, despite rising again from March onwards. These increases were recorded despite reduced demand for gas-fired generation, with total output at its lowest level for at least 20 years as a result of very high levels of renewable generation and a significant rise in electricity imports through the interconnectors, particularly from France and Norway. Renewable output would have been higher because almost 10% of potential wind output could not be used because of transmission system constraints. Meanwhile, the importance of electricity transfer though the interconnectors has been accentuated following Ofgem’s recent approval of five major new undersea energy links, which will further strengthen connections between Britain and Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland”. “The initial decline in gas prices was driven by elevated wind generation as a consequence of storms Isha and Jocelyn in the early part of 2024, although prices generally rose during the rest of the year. At this time of year, gas price spikes are not uncommon as additional gas reserves are often needed to meet higher-than-usual demand during periods of cold, calm weather. The recent cold snap sparked a media frenzy recently when British Gas owner Centrica announced that the UK had less than a week of gas reserves in store although National Gas, which owns the UK gas network, has insisted that storage levels remain healthy.” The Montel study also highlighted the demise of coal in Britain after 142 years, with the last coal station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar closing at the end of September. The report also showed that nuclear power generation dropped to a record low of 38.2TWh, largely due to outages and delayed restarts which reduced the output of most units in the nuclear fleet Renewables were the dominant contributor to Britain’s fuel mix in 2024, accounting for 44.8% of the total. Gas-fired generation accounted for 27.5%, with nuclear (14.5%), imports (12.6%) and coal (0.6%) accounting for the rest. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Tom Brown, Managing Director, Real Estate at Ingenious As we move toward 2025, the UK real estate market is navigating a complex and ever-evolving landscape. Investors must weigh evolving factors such as political uncertainties, shifts in rental demand, and the impact of economic pressures on borrowing costs. Here’s five areas to watch in real estate in 2025: The political landscape continues to present risks for real estate in 2025. Key uncertainties include potential changes in global leadership, especially within major economies like the United States, and the ongoing repercussions of the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union. Challenges around trade deals, tariffs, and economic isolation remain a threat to market confidence and transaction volumes. For property investors and developers, these uncertainties make long-term planning increasingly complex. In a volatile political climate, many may adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on adaptable strategies to mitigate risk and anticipate shifts in policy. The rental market is expected to maintain strong momentum as homeownership remains difficult for many. The discontinuation of government schemes like Help to Buy, combined with high mortgage rates and inflation, have left first-time buyers struggling. Consequently, rental demand, particularly in urban areas, is set to grow, with residential rents seeing double-digit increases. Traditional buy-to-let investors continue to feel the pinch from a changed tax framework, increased regulations and a tougher compliance environment, reducing rental supply. This can only further elevate rents by reducing supply and underscores a shift towards Build-to-Rent developments. These purpose-built projects are designed with long-term renters in mind, providing stable and attractive returns for investors. Interest rates will remain a key driver for the real estate market in 2025. Although expectations are for gradual reductions, borrowing costs will stay elevated compared to pre-pandemic norms due to broader economic pressures, such as high global debt and inflation concerns. For homebuyers, developers, and the buy-to-sell market, this means persistent challenges in accessing affordable financing and moving forward with large-scale investments. The construction industry remains vulnerable to high inflation, despite anticipated base rate reductions. Rising costs for materials and labour have already strained smaller contractors, and a resurgence of inflation could see further financial stress. The introduction of a stricter regulatory environment under the Building Safety Act adds another layer of complexity and cost, potentially leading to delays in project timelines and further contractor difficulties. Co-Living continues to gain traction in dense urban areas like London, appealing particularly to young professionals seeking flexible, community-driven living arrangements. These modern spaces provide not just accommodation, but a lifestyle—with shared amenities and communal environments fostering a sense of connection. Investors are recognising the long-term growth potential of the Co-Living sector, which aligns with broader trends towards affordability and flexible living options. As housing costs remain high, Co-Living is poised to complement traditional rental models and become a key part of the housing market in 2025 and beyond. Conclusion The UK real estate market in 2025 is set to navigate a complex landscape shaped by political, economic, and regulatory factors. From political uncertainties and shifting rental dynamics to interest rate pressures and construction challenges, adaptability and strategic foresight will be key for investors. Emerging trends like Co-Living underline the sector’s evolution, offering flexible, community-driven solutions that resonate with changing market needs. As these dynamics unfold, the focus on resilience and innovation will define success in an increasingly demanding environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Competition fosters innovation in AI and technology development to solve common pain points and drive the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry forward Trimble® (Nasdaq: TRMB) announced the winners of the SketchUp® 0-60 Challenge, an initiative created by Trimble SketchUp and Trimble Ventures to foster innovation and discover the next big idea that will transform how architects, designers and project managers work. The 0-60 Challenge invited entrepreneurs, early-stage startups and developers to leverage SketchUp to develop transformative technology solutions that solve common industry pain points. Nine finalists selected from over 100 applicants were given an opportunity to collaborate with leading subject matter experts, innovators and technologists from within the global Trimble network to transform their ideas into reality. After a three-month development process, the finalists demoed their solutions for a live audience at 3D Basecamp at Dimensions, Trimble’s annual user conference. To learn more, visit: https://3dbasecamp.sketchup.com/en/SketchUp-0-60-Challenge-2024. “The ideas and solutions that came to light through the SketchUp 0-60 Challenge are nothing short of transformative,” said Christopher Cronin, VP & GM, architecture, design and education at Trimble SketchUp. “We created the challenge to stimulate creative problem solving, encourage collaboration and connection, and help turn ideas into solutions that will have a real-world impact on AEC workflows. Together with a talented third-party developer community, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and seeing how the integration of AI unlocks new levels of efficiency, interoperability and creative exploration for the SketchUp community.” The SketchUp 0-60 Challenge Winners are: First Place: ScaffPlan developed an extension that allows temporary works companies — builders of temporary structures required to enable the safe, efficient and permanent construction of a project — to create detailed drawings and documentation for scaffolding, formwork, propping and shoring projects in SketchUp. The solution solves the complex challenges temporary works companies face by optimizing material utilization and enabling precise delivery scheduling to reduce waste and delays. It also facilitates accurate on-site installation, compliance with stringent legal requirements, and thorough identification and mitigation of safety hazards. Second Place: To streamline the design to construction documentation workflow between SketchUp and Revit®, Skema‘s new integration addresses the need for greater interoperability between both solutions. The integration provides designers, developers, builders and owners a seamless way to leverage SketchUp’s early design capabilities to develop Building Information Models (BIM) more quickly for project delivery. This process reduces data loss and minimizes the need to re-model, allowing users to work more efficiently and confidently. Third Place: A plug-in from Spacely AI accelerates the process of creating high-quality renders of interiors by auto-populating 3D spaces with the appropriate entourage. The solution accelerates the time-consuming process of populating and rendering stylized 3D spaces, allowing interior designers to win more business, reduce costs and explore creativity. Amazon Web Services “Scaled Thought” Award: Extracting precise data from designs and manually labeling components is tedious and error-prone, often leading to incomplete or inaccurate data. Scene Intelligence, a SketchUp plugin created by Loci, uses state-of-the-art AI models to classify components in SketchUp to IFC 4 standard at the click of a button. Scene Intelligence makes it easy to filter and view critical elements such as furniture and structural components, and generate an accurate bill of materials in minutes, not hours. Judges selected the winners based on three product categories and against six different criteria to measure the efficacy of the proposals. First, second and third place winners received cash prizes and Loci will receive technical expertise in three complimentary workshops led by Solution Architects at Amazon Web Services. The innovation doesn’t end here — expect more from Trimble & SketchUp’s ongoing collaborations with the winners. All features are available to download and try on the SketchUp Extension Warehouse today. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction industry is constantly evolving, striving for efficiency and sustainability. Scandinavian countries lead the way with innovative design practices. Learning from their success could transform UK construction. Looking to the north, you can discover invaluable lessons from Scandinavian construction practices. These regions are renowned for their commitment to sustainable and efficient design, a pursuit that resonates with the modern push for eco-friendly and cost-effective building solutions. As the demand for innovative construction grows, integrating these practices, including efficient metal deburring methods, can significantly enhance project outcomes. Scandinavian Design Principles Scandinavian design is characterized by its minimalist approach, focusing on functionality and simplicity. This style contributes to efficient construction by reducing material waste and streamlining project timelines. Essential to this is the integration of efficient metal deburring methods, which play a crucial role in achieving smoother finishes while minimizing resource wastage. By embracing these principles, UK projects can reduce costs and improve overall project efficiency. These design principles also promote environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of renewable materials and energy-efficient technologies. The seamless blend of aesthetics and utility ensures that buildings not only look appealing but also contribute positively to environmental goals. This approach aligns well with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints in the construction industry. Furthermore, Scandinavian architecture often incorporates large windows to maximize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. This design feature not only saves energy but also enhances the well-being of building occupants by creating brighter and more inviting spaces. Efficient Construction Techniques In addition to design aesthetics, Scandinavia excels in implementing efficient construction techniques that can benefit UK builders. Prefabrication is a common practice, allowing for components to be manufactured off-site, ensuring precision and reducing on-site waste. Electropolishing in manufacturing is another method employed to ensure high-quality finishes and durability of metal components, further enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The focus on automation and advanced technology within construction processes helps minimize human error and accelerates project timelines. This technological integration ensures that projects are completed on schedule without compromising quality or environmental standards. By adopting such techniques, you can increase productivity while maintaining high standards of quality control. The integration of these methods into UK projects not only meets the growing demand for sustainable solutions but also positions the industry as a leader in innovative construction practices. Sustainability Practices Scandinavian countries prioritize sustainability through their choice of materials and design strategies. Eco-friendly materials like recycled steel and wood are commonly used, promoting a circular economy within the construction sector. Energy-efficient designs such as passive houses are also prevalent, minimizing energy consumption through superior insulation and airtightness. The environmental benefits of these practices are significant, reducing carbon emissions and lowering operational costs over a building’s lifecycle. By adopting similar strategies, UK projects can contribute to global sustainability goals while offering cost-effective solutions to clients. Moreover, these sustainable practices enhance a building’s value by meeting increasing market demands for green certifications and energy performance standards. Implementing these strategies offers competitive advantages in an increasingly environmentally conscious industry.
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its flagship CI IV fund, has taken a major step in its commitment to renewable energy by approving the construction of two additional Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Scotland. These developments mark a turning point for the UK’s energy infrastructure, with CIP solidifying its position as the nation’s leading investor in battery storage solutions. Scotland to Host Europe’s Largest Battery Projects The two projects, Coalburn 2 in South Lanarkshire and Devilla in Fife, are poised to become Europe’s largest battery storage facilities. Each site boasts an impressive 500MW capacity. Once operational, they will collectively deliver a staggering 1.5GW of power and store up to 3GWh of electricity, enough to meet the energy demands of over 4.5 million households for a two-hour period. These projects, representing a combined investment of £800 million, will expand CIP’s UK BESS construction portfolio to three sites, including the already underway Coalburn 1 project. This milestone further cements CIP’s reputation as a trailblazer in renewable energy and battery storage solutions. Transforming Energy Security and Sustainability The Coalburn and Devilla projects are more than just engineering feats; they are critical components of the UK’s transition to a clean power system by 2030. By enhancing energy security, enabling flexibility in the grid, and accelerating the deployment of low-cost renewables, these facilities align perfectly with Scotland’s and the UK’s ambitious net-zero goals. Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, underscored the significance of these projects:“The construction of Europe’s largest battery systems in South Lanarkshire and Fife is a major step forward for Scotland’s energy transition. These well-placed storage systems will ensure reliable power for homes and businesses, moving us closer to a net-zero future and directly supporting local communities. Scotland remains open for investment in transformative energy technologies.” A Partnership for Progress CIP’s success in delivering these groundbreaking projects is built on strong partnerships. The company’s collaboration with Alcemi, a large-scale BESS developer, began in February 2022 and has since flourished. Together, they are creating a robust portfolio of UK-wide battery storage projects aimed at delivering a clean power system by 2030. Nischal Agarwal, Partner at CIP, highlighted the importance of these initiatives:“Our investments in Scottish battery energy storage underline our commitment to a vibrant renewable sector in the UK. Projects like Coalburn and Devilla are essential for enhancing energy security, providing grid flexibility, and supporting the deployment of renewable energy faster and more efficiently.” Key partnerships with technology and engineering providers like e-STORAGE, H&MV Engineering, OCU Group, and Wood Group are ensuring these projects are delivered to the highest standards. e-STORAGE, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, will supply cutting-edge battery technology for all three projects, delivering 2GWh of storage capacity to the Coalburn 2 and Devilla sites. A Vote of Confidence in the UK’s Green Economy Baroness Gustafsson, UK Minister for Investment, praised the £800 million commitment as a testament to the UK’s attractiveness for green investment:“This landmark investment not only strengthens our mission to become a clean energy superpower but also ensures affordable, reliable renewable energy for millions of people across the UK. Energy is a key sector in our upcoming Industrial Strategy, and investments like this set the stage for long-term growth.” The Road Ahead As CIP continues to lead the charge in renewable energy, its transformative projects are laying the groundwork for a sustainable energy future. The Coalburn 2 and Devilla developments represent more than just milestones in battery storage; they embody a vision for an energy-secure, low-carbon world. With Scotland at the heart of these efforts, and with strong governmental and private sector backing, the UK is well on its way to becoming a global leader in clean energy innovation. CIP’s commitment to building better and building greener signals a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction professionals highlight the UK’s most iconic projects, from The Shard to the Elizabeth Line. Construction professionals across the industry have weighed in, revealing their picks for the UK’s most impressive engineering marvels of the 21st century. The findings, based on a survey of over 500 industry pros, are part of a broader study on sector achievements and satisfaction, spearheaded by Hubexo UKI’s NBS and Glenigan, both leading technology platforms for construction. Though tightly contested, professionals crowned The Shard, an iconic gem on London’s skyline, the most impressive engineering feat of the century (35%). As the tallest building in the UK, The Shard was chosen for its groundbreaking construction techniques, including innovative top-down building methods, solidifying its status as a modern engineering marvel. Incredibly, 95% of the construction materials used in the building are recycled. Interestingly, The Shard’s popularity soared among professionals at larger construction firms (£50-100 million turnover), highlighting their admiration for its size and scale. Over half (57%) ranked the skyscraper as their top choice. Close behind was the 2012 Olympics, with nearly one in three (31%) praising its mix of innovation, sustainability, and urban transformation as the top engineering achievement in the last 100 years. Built on a former industrial site, engineers transformed polluted land into a thriving, sustainable complex, featuring wetlands, green spaces, and renewable energy systems. The stadium itself was standout, designed to be lightweight and modular, and its use of recycled materials set new standards in sustainable construction. Just shy of third place was the Battersea Power Station redevelopment (30%), celebrated for retaining its Art Deco charm while showcasing cutting-edge heating and cooling innovation. Professionals praised its CHP network, seamlessly delivering efficient HVAC and electricity to the vibrant mixed-use complex. Other projects of note were the UK’s Crossrail project (28%), now known as the Elizabeth Line, one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, which revolutionised transport in London and its surrounding regions, and London’s Super Sewer (17%), designed to capture 39 million tons of untreated sewage annually. Dr Stephen Hamil, Innovation Director at NBS said: “This century has so far delivered some of the most iconic and groundbreaking building projects ever. Yet, for industry insiders, The Shard still stands tall as one of the UK’s most impressive feats of design and engineering. “The rise of digital construction and building product data sets the stage for groundbreaking new projects – with the likes of the Houses of Parliament Restoration and One Undershaft still to come to fruition, it’s an exciting time for anyone working in design and construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
– Award-winning student operator will manage residence for H.I.G and Primus – 402-bed PBSA scheme will open in Autumn 2025 with bookings being taken now – Scheme offers high quality, well-amenitised sustainable accommodation and aims to set a new bar for aspirational student living in Leeds Student accommodation specialist Nido Living has launched a new 402-bed scheme in Leeds on behalf of Joint Venture partners H.I.G and Primus. The award-winning operator of PBSA was appointed in 2023 to help launch and operate ‘The Fabric Works’, which will be opening in September 2025 and is ready for bookings. Nido has over 17 years’ experience designing, delivering and managing student accommodation in the UK and was involved with pioneering the first new high quality PBSA scheme of its kind with Blackstone in 2007. The Fabric Works aims to set a new bar for PBSA in the City. Its vision has been conceptualised by the award-winning Tim Groom Architects and it has been developed by CODU in partnership with Primus, whose team have over 10 years’ experience delivering high quality student accommodation across the UK. The building takes its inspiration from the arcades built in Leeds between 1878 and 1897, including Thornton Arcade, Queen’s Arcade, and County Arcade, and includes many features that are unique to the city. The accommodation itself offers premium student living focused on customer experience, with vibrant outdoor and indoor social living areas and plenty of sustainability attributes, including connection to the Leeds PIPES heat network. Importantly, there is a wide array of amenities including a games room, private dining room, co-working and study spaces, a cinema room, a fully-equipped gym, a yoga and fitness studio, and private outdoor gardens. Each studio room comes complete with a 43” SMART Ultra HD 4K TV, superfast WiFi connection, generous storage space, a fridge-freezer, cooking appliances, an ensuite bathroom, and acoustic flooring. Leeds is one of the most popular student cities in the UK with a lack of premium-quality city-centre PBSA. With its high specification and proximity to all major universities and higher education institutions, The Fabric Works is one of the most anticipated new schemes in the city, redefining student living. Nido is also well-renowned for offering a best-in-class student experience with an average 4.5/5 rating across Google, a 90% rebooking and referral rate, and an NPS of +41, 16pts ahead of the PBSA average. Darren Gardner, COO of Nido Living said: “The UK student accommodation market continues to be hugely undersupplied, with an acute lack of the type of professionally managed and design-oriented homes that residents demand. Leeds has long been a favourite of UK and international students, and this continues to be the case. While there are schemes already in the city, we are confident The Fabric Works is unique and will set a new bar for aspirational student living offering the best accommodation and amenities, with an added focus on both wellbeing and sustainability. In addition, with a new stable UK Government and as immigration policy becomes clearer, we expect the numbers of international students to rise again with Leeds one of the cities on their radar thanks to its vibrant lifestyle, its top 100 ranking and being part of the prestigious Russell Group.” Nido Living is also appointed on another scheme by H.I.G and Primus, a 380-bed PBSA development, The Sail Yard & The Sail Works, in Lancaster, in a nod to the site’s former use making sails. Duncan Melville, Director at Primus Property Group, said: “Nido is an award-winning European PBSA operator who has raised the bar in student accommodation management and experience, and we’re excited to leverage their track record and brand for our assets in Leeds and Lancaster. Early engagement with Nido in the development of the schemes has helped us integrate both technology and sustainable design in a way that delivers a positive impact for the students who will be living in our buildings. A key part of our asset management plan is to have fun, inclusive, and community-oriented spaces with a friendly and trusted team on the ground 24/7 for our student community, and we are delighted Nido represents all of this at The Fabric Works and The Sail Yard & Works.” To date, Nido has developed and managed over 18,000 student accommodation and coliving beds in the UK and Europe and is set to become one of the leaders in student-led accommodation, Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
