Baxi, part of the BDR Thermea Group, has announced the appointment of Alstom MD Jason Baldock as the new MD for Baxi UK & Ireland. This follows the news that out-going MD and Dutch national Jan Rijnen has re-located to head up sister BDR company Remeha, covering the Belgium, Netherlands
SLR CONSULTING has strengthened its integrated approach to placemaking with the appointment of experienced masterplanner Louise Fountainas associate director for urban design. With more than 20 years of experience in masterplanning, urban design and architecture across both the public and private sectors, Louise has held senior roles at AECOM, Planit,
Arc & Co. and Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) have completed a £21.5 million development facility to support the delivery of a 210-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in central Nottingham. The sponsor, an experienced developer, appointed Arc & Co. to structure and arrange the £21.5m facility, with HTB providing the
A historical landfill site is to be redeveloped to create a solar farm as part of the first phase of a green hydrogen infrastructure initiative being delivered by bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited (bpAHEL), a joint venture between Aberdeen City Council and bp. RSK Renewables, an RSK Group company, will
Building on their successful partnership, OP will deliver Techspace’s newest eight-floor coworking facility on St Andrew Street in London, marking their second collaboration. The leading interior design consultancy will deliver a complete strip-out and combined CAT A and CAT B fit out across 16,300 sq ft of workspace for tech
Paul Silver, CEO of Dorchester Living, said: “The inclusion of Heyford Park in the Government’s new towns programme shows a growing commitment to building not just more homes but better places – places with identity, infrastructure and long-term purpose. That’s exactly what we’ve been working towards at Heyford Park. “Our
Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn, has appointed HG Construction to deliver a high-quality purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) site in Hackney Wick. Part of the Firethorn Living portfolio, Hackney Wick will comprise 204 modern and spacious student bed spaces, 35% of which will be affordable accommodation. Residents will
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has agreed to the purchase of two parcels of land at Parsonage Road in Takeley, Essex, with plans to deliver a high-quality new residential community of 108 homes. The site, which spans almost 16 acres, was acquired through land promoter Endurance Estates and agent Sworders
The London Irish Centre has awarded its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE, the distinguished businesswoman, entrepreneur, and industry trailblazer renowned for her transformative impact on the waste management and construction sectors. The award, presented by his excellency the Irish Ambassador to the UK, Mr. Martin Fraser, recognises
Finning has tested and built a Cat® 988 wheel loader 150-metres below ground, enhancing operations for the UK’s biggest salt mine at Compass Minerals in Winsford, Cheshire. Compass Minerals, a global leader in mineral extraction, has invested in a Cat 988 wheel loader from Finning UK & Ireland, to support
Baxi, part of the BDR Thermea Group, has announced the appointment of Alstom MD Jason Baldock as the new MD for Baxi UK & Ireland. This follows the news that out-going MD and Dutch national Jan Rijnen has re-located to head up sister BDR company Remeha, covering the Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg (Benelux) region. Jan will continue to be responsible for Baxi UK&I until Jason joins on October 1st . Jason has 29 years’ experience in commercial and project delivery roles, most recently as MD of Alstom UK&Ireland Digital and Integrated Systems division since 2020. During his time at Alstom, Jason oversaw numerous significant contract wins in the rail sector, which included securing the largest market share of Network Rail’s Major Signalling Framework Agreement (MSFA). Both Jan and Jason will report into BDR Group CEO Tjarko Bouman. Of his UK&I replacement, Jan said: “Jason has immense experience in helping complex organisations to upgrade and replace their legacy control systems for the 21st century. His experience is a great fit for Baxi in our role to help organisations replace existing heating systems with sustainable solutions that reduce carbon, reduce costs and improve controls. We’re extremely pleased Jason is joining our BDR team.” Commenting on his appointment, Jason said; “I am truly excited to be joining Baxi UK & Ireland and look forward to building on the company’s strong heritage and exploring new opportunities as we embrace the decarbonisation agenda.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SLR CONSULTING has strengthened its integrated approach to placemaking with the appointment of experienced masterplanner Louise Fountainas associate director for urban design. With more than 20 years of experience in masterplanning, urban design and architecture across both the public and private sectors, Louise has held senior roles at AECOM, Planit, Taylor Young (now Arcadis), and PRP Architects and led on major regeneration projects. Her portfolio includes 1,500 homes within the Greater Manchester Places for Everyone (PfE) plan, Jackson’s Brickworks in Manchester, 2,500 homes at New Eastern Villages near Swindon, and the historic Woolwich Barracks site in Greenwich. Based in Manchester, Louise will enhance SLR’s Place team in the North West, which includes 15 masterplanning and landscape specialists. The team is involved in some of the region’s most significant projects. These include the South Warrington Eastern Urban Extension for Homes England, Bold Garden Village in St Helens, Droylsden Town Centre Masterplan, Leigh Civic Square, First Street and Bootle Strand. Louise said: “I admire the creativity and ambition of the place team at SLR, the combination of visionary design with technical excellence uniquely positions the team to deliver sustainable, people-focused places. By bringing my own experience together with the established team, we’ll strive for outstanding placemaking that positively impacts both communities and the environment.” She also brings leadership experience in town and city centre regeneration, having worked on frameworks and strategies such as the Warrington Growth Ambition, Sheffield City Centre Priority Frameworks, and Northwich Development Framework, alongside regeneration schemes in Radcliffe and Ashton, and residential capacity studies in Sheffield and Leicester. She has also delivered design codes in Prestwich and Keighley. Alongside her practice work, Louise serves as Supporting Chair of the RIBA Places Matter design review panel, providing independent design advice across the North West. She intends to use this experience to strengthen SLR’s internal design review process and its advocacy for design quality. Pol MacDonald, director of the place team at SLR Consulting, said: “Louise’s extensive masterplanning expertise and commitment to raising design quality will play a key leadership and mentoring role for the Manchester studio and beyond, as we continue to expand our place team across specialist disciplines and levels of experience. “Since fully merging OPEN with SLR in 2022, our place team across the UK has gone from strength to strength, benefiting from the support of SLR’s wider disciplines such as ecology, transport, heritage and infrastructure – combining creativity with technical rigour to ensure that placemaking projects are deliverable and sustainable.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Arc & Co. and Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) have completed a £21.5 million development facility to support the delivery of a 210-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in central Nottingham. The sponsor, an experienced developer, appointed Arc & Co. to structure and arrange the £21.5m facility, with HTB providing the development funding. Construction has commenced and the scheme is targeting completion ahead of the 2027 student intake. Nottingham, home to both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is a key regional student market where demand continues to outstrip supply. The development will deliver 210 new bed spaces in a high-quality scheme designed to meet the needs of a growing student population. Philip Kay, Director at Arc & Co, said: “PBSA remains a highly active sector for Arc & Co., and we were very pleased to support the sponsor on this important Nottingham scheme. “Our role was to structure and arrange a funding solution that aligned with the developer’s requirements, and HTB proved to be an excellent partner throughout the process. Their ability to navigate the complexities of a transaction of this scale and deliver with certainty made them the right lender for this project.” Andrew Dignum, Lending Director at HTB, said: “This was a significant opportunity to support a new to bank client on a complex PBSA scheme. “The £21.5m facility underlines HTB’s capability in structuring and funding large student accommodation developments in key regional markets, and it has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Arc & Co. to deliver this transaction. We look forward to seeing the scheme progress and to building on this new relationship.” Neil Leitch, Managing Director of Development Finance at HTB, added: “Student accommodation remains one of the most resilient sectors in regional property markets, with Nottingham a prime example of a location where demand continues to exceed supply. Transactions of this scale and complexity require specialist sector knowledge and certainty of funding. “At HTB we are building a strong PBSA track record, and this facility reinforces our role as a trusted partner for complex regional development.” So far in 2025, Arc & Co. has completed a series of £20m+ funding transactions, including a £26m bridging loan for a Prime London residential property; a 111-bed PBSA scheme in London with a £36m GDV; and a £59m loan secured against a hotel portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A historical landfill site is to be redeveloped to create a solar farm as part of the first phase of a green hydrogen infrastructure initiative being delivered by bp Aberdeen Hydrogen Energy Limited (bpAHEL), a joint venture between Aberdeen City Council and bp. RSK Renewables, an RSK Group company, will work with bpAHEL on the project on the former Ness Landfill site, located on Coast Road in Aberdeen, adjacent to Nigg Bay. Engineering design work has started at the site, with construction expected to start early in the new year. RSK Renewables Managing Director Adrian Strudwick said the team was excited about contributing to a project that redevelops a historical landfill site to produce renewable energy. He noted that it was also part of the first phase of a green hydrogen infrastructure initiative being delivered by the bpAHEL joint venture. This will provide power for a hydrogen production facility and refuelling station for buses and trucks. Adrian said: “RSK Renewables is responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and testing of the planned 8 MW solar farm. Guided by our in-house design and structural engineering teams, we identified a custom ‘tree-type’ mounting system as the optimal solution. This innovative design minimises ground disturbance, preserving the integrity of the former landfill’s protective capping while securely and efficiently supporting the solar array. With this solution also not requiring concrete or ballasted foundations, it enables the project to be built with a reduced CO₂ impact.” At the peak of the project, the team expects to have 50 to 60 people on-site, including civil engineering and electrical specialists. RSK Renewables will also remain with the project for two years as part of the operating and maintenance contract associated with the project. The solar farm will feature: Other RSK Group companies contributing to the project include RSK Advantage (pre-contract services) and RSK Asbestos (providing on-site monitoring services in relation to the former landfill site). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building on their successful partnership, OP will deliver Techspace’s newest eight-floor coworking facility on St Andrew Street in London, marking their second collaboration. The leading interior design consultancy will deliver a complete strip-out and combined CAT A and CAT B fit out across 16,300 sq ft of workspace for tech entrepreneurs and growing businesses. The comprehensive sixteen-week project spans from basement to sixth level, creating flexible workplace suites and collaborative areas that incorporate Techspace’s signature approach to flexible working, featuring private offices, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces. Key features of the refurbishment include a reimagined ground floor reception and welcome area, a central cafe and social hub will be installed, featuring purpose-built seating areas and collaboration zones designed to encourage networking and community building among members. OP will maximise the existing windows to flood the new offices with natural light and views of London. The design will retain and enhance existing architectural features while introducing modern finishes and contemporary workplace amenities. The project includes comprehensive M&E upgrades, new lighting systems, and refreshed common areas throughout all eight floors. Modern end-of-journey facilities will be uplifted, and OP will install new secure bike storage to support sustainable commuting. Sustainability credentials are central to the refurbishment, with energy efficient systems, low VOC materials, and sustainable finishes specified throughout. The project targets strong environmental performance ratings while creating a healthy, productive workspace for Techspace members. The fit out will support Techspace’s established model of providing forward-thinking tech companies with access to premium workspace, high-speed connectivity, and networking opportunities in London’s vibrant business ecosystem. Stephen Parsons, Group Managing Director of OP, said: “We’re delighted to be furthering our relationship with Techspace following our successful delivery of their Old Street location. This comprehensive transformation represents exactly the kind of inspiring workspace that supports London’s thriving tech sector. The complete strip-out and redesign across eight floors will create a truly modern environment where innovation can flourish, while the fast-track sixteen-week programme demonstrates our ability to deliver complex projects to demanding timescales.” Paul Sandilands, Property Director of Techspace said: “We’re excited to be partnering with OP once again following the success of our Worship Street location. This latest full-building transformation reflects Techspace’s mission to empower the tech community with spaces designed for growth. By creating flexible, collaborative environments with best-in-class facilities, we’re giving scale-up teams the platform they need to innovate, connect and thrive.” The project is scheduled for completion in December 2025, with Techspace members benefiting from enhanced facilities and expanded capacity across the transformed building. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Paul Silver, CEO of Dorchester Living, said: “The inclusion of Heyford Park in the Government’s new towns programme shows a growing commitment to building not just more homes but better places – places with identity, infrastructure and long-term purpose. That’s exactly what we’ve been working towards at Heyford Park. “Our development is one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in the UK, and it’s shaped by a clear masterplan and a strong sense of place. From new homes and schools to community spaces, green infrastructure, local employment and plans to become the UK’s first energy-surplus town, Heyford Park is designed to grow in a sustainable and balanced way. We’ve already come a long way in transforming a former RAF base into a thriving, modern community, and the next chapter is about delivering on that original vision with ambition and care. “As momentum builds behind the new towns programme and strategic growth across the region, Heyford Park stands as a clear example of what’s possible when development is led by placemaking. This recognition gives us the platform to build on everything achieved so far and deliver create a long-lasting legacy for Oxfordshire.” For more details and to view the masterplan in full, visit: www.heyfordpark.com/heyford-park-masterplan Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn, has appointed HG Construction to deliver a high-quality purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) site in Hackney Wick. Part of the Firethorn Living portfolio, Hackney Wick will comprise 204 modern and spacious student bed spaces, 35% of which will be affordable accommodation. Residents will benefit from generous amenities, including co-working study spaces, common rooms, private dining space, a gym and two outdoor roof terraces. Firethorn will also work with a local community interest group to create around 1,400 sq. m. of affordable and incubator workspace at the site, to support the local creative industry. Set on the grounds of the former Broadwood piano factory, the development will preserve and incorporate the site’s historic brick chimney, originally built in 1902. Sustainable features have been incorporated into the design, with a target BREEAM “Excellent” rating. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn said: “Hackney Wick reflects our commitment to increasing the provision of high-quality student accommodation in key university cities across the UK. HG Construction’s strong track record in delivering modern PBSA developments, combined with the team’s local expertise, makes it the ideal partner for this project. We look forward to working together to bring the development to swift completion.” Adam Quinn, Chief Executive Officer of HG Construction, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Firethorn to deliver this exciting new scheme. Having previously delivered several successful developments just a stone’s throw from the site, we know the area well and value its rich heritage. The opportunity to preserve key historical elements while bringing forward high-quality student accommodation aligns perfectly with our ethos. “We look forward to collaborating with Firethorn to deliver this scheme with a commitment to quality and sustainability, and to maximising social value opportunities throughout the construction phase and beyond.” The development is within a 15-minute walking distance of University Arts London and UCL East, and the surrounding area offers a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants and shopping centres. Work is due to start on site immediately, with completion on track for the 2027/28 academic year. Hackney Wick is Firethorn’s third PBSA development, with the others located in Stratford, London, and Leith Walk in Edinburgh, which has reached the topping out stage and is scheduled for practical completion in September 2026. Firethorn’s growing living portfolio also includes the delivery of a 138-bedroom hostel in Dublin, sleeping up to 716 persons, and the office-to-residential conversion of One Bessborough Gardens in central London. For more information, visit www.firethorntrust.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has agreed to the purchase of two parcels of land at Parsonage Road in Takeley, Essex, with plans to deliver a high-quality new residential community of 108 homes. The site, which spans almost 16 acres, was acquired through land promoter Endurance Estates and agent Sworders and has a gross development value of £50 million. 40% of the development will be delivered as affordable housing, comprising one and two-bedroom apartments, and two to four-bedroom houses for affordable rent and shared ownership. The development will also offer a range of two to five-bedroom houses for private sale. To better align with the housing needs of Uttlesford District Council, Hill will replace an existing reserved matters consent for a 66-bedroom care home on part of the land, identified as surplus to local requirements, with additional housing. A reserved matters application for 88 homes and a full application for 20 homes are expected to be submitted in October 2025, with a start on site targeted for summer 2026. The new homes will be designed to meet high environmental standards in line with Hill’s commitment to sustainable development. Features will include energy-efficient fabric-first construction, air-source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage, and private or shared outdoor space. Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: “Parsonage Road is a well-located site that will enable us to deliver high-quality new homes in an area where there is a strong housing need. By adapting existing consents to reflect local housing requirements, we can create a new residential community that truly enhances the local area. We look forward to engaging with residents and stakeholders as we develop our detailed proposals.” Takeley is a thriving Essex village located between Bishop’s Stortford and Great Dunmow, with excellent transport links via the M11 corridor to both London and Cambridge, as well as close proximity to Stansted Airport. The village benefits from a wide range of community amenities, schools, and local services, making it an attractive setting for home movers. Hill has a proud tradition of delivering high-quality new homes in Essex, with its headquarters based locally in Waltham Abbey. Current developments include Hollymead Square in Newport and a large-scale development at Kennel Lane in Billericay, both of which showcase Hill’s design-led approach to placemaking. Together with the new proposals for Takeley, these projects demonstrate Hill’s long-term commitment to working in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders to deliver much-needed sustainable new homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The London Irish Centre has awarded its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE, the distinguished businesswoman, entrepreneur, and industry trailblazer renowned for her transformative impact on the waste management and construction sectors. The award, presented by his excellency the Irish Ambassador to the UK, Mr. Martin Fraser, recognises Jacqueline’s outstanding contribution to the Irish community in London, where she has long been a leading advocate, mentor, and supporter. Jacqueline’s career has been marked by exceptional leadership and innovation. As one of the most influential women in the construction and waste management industries, she has not only broken barriers but also championed sustainable practices, safety standards, and opportunities for others to thrive. Her remarkable achievements have been recognised on both sides of the Irish Sea. She was previously honoured by President Michael D. Higgins with the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for her extraordinary commitment to the Irish diaspora, and in King Charles III’s 2023 Birthday Honours she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her outstanding contribution to recycling, safety, and industry. Speaking about the award, Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE said: ‘It is an incredible honour to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the London Irish Centre. I am deeply proud of my heritage, and it has always been important to me to give back to the Irish community in London, which has played such a vital role in my own journey. To be recognised in this way, and by the Irish Ambassador, is truly humbling.” A respected role model for women in business, Jacqueline continues to inspire future generations with her unwavering dedication to community, innovation, investment and leadership. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Finning has tested and built a Cat® 988 wheel loader 150-metres below ground, enhancing operations for the UK’s biggest salt mine at Compass Minerals in Winsford, Cheshire. Compass Minerals, a global leader in mineral extraction, has invested in a Cat 988 wheel loader from Finning UK & Ireland, to support demand in its salt mining operation. Sourced from the USA, the machine was assembled and tested by Finning at its Winsford workshop. Jamie Lennon, Mine Mechanical Engineer, at Compass Minerals UK said: “Our rock salt mine is the largest and oldest working mine in the UK, lying approximately 150 meters under the Cheshire countryside. When we were looking for machinery that could meet the demands of these unique working conditions the Cat 988 ticked every box for the level of durability and capability we needed, especially as we approach the uplift in the seasonal demand for salt as we look towards the UK winter season.” Last year, over 2 million tonnes of salt were spread on roads across the country to combat harsh weather conditions, it is essential its machinery can keep up with these demands. However, there were added complexities in the delivery of this machine, as the available access shafts to the Compass Minerals UK mine are only 4 metres by 4 metres. This presented a logistical challenge as the Cat 988 is a 51-tonne machine, with a maximum height of 7455 mm 24.5ft with the bucket raised, and would not be able to access the mine in its entirety. To address the challenge, the machine was stripped down and each component was carefully lowered through the mine shaft, and then rebuilt underground by a dedicated team of Finning Field Service engineers. Once rebuilt and rigorously tested the machine was commissioned for 24/7 mining operations – where it will remain for the remainder of its life. Though it is common for heavy machinery in mining applications to be assembled underground, the challenges this presents are numerous and include heightened safety concerns, accessibility restrictions and higher associated costs. Mike McGrady, Area Manager at Finning UK & Ireland said: “The Cat 988 is designed for demanding environments, and is expected to deliver up to 15% fuel savings, as well as achieve multiple lifecycles – essential for Compass Minerals’ 24/7 operation. However, having to perform underground assembly does bring many additional variables to this delivery. “We were able to mitigate some of these challenges by performing robust testing to ensure the machine will perform to our exact specifications before beginning the meticulous process of dismantling and transporting it underground. “Delivering the parts for safe and efficient assembly by our Field Service engineers was our priority. The underground environment presents complex challenges including the risk of ground instability and accidents to limited visibility and manoeuvrability. However, the expertise and collaboration from both teams ensured a safe delivery and assembly, demonstrating the importance of having a reliable partner to mitigate risks and ensure operations remain safe, efficient, and sustainable.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals