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
Midlands-based housing provider GSA is looking to sell its offsite housing manufacturing business, LoCaL Homes. The 25,000-home provider has announced plans to exit the Walsall-based business in line with its strategy to simplify and strengthen and focus on its core social landlord services. Mona Shah, Chief Finance and Investment Officer,
M&G Investments has appointed Ruth Jackson as head of UK investment management within its real estate division. Jackson joins from Hines, where she was managing director of investment management with responsibility for three major European funds, overseeing assets valued at more than €5 billion (£4.37 billion). Her career also includes
Developers Mitsubishi Estate London and CO—RE have officially broken ground on Vista at 72 Upper Ground, a £800m mixed-use scheme on London’s South Bank. Main contractor Multiplex is delivering the 640,000 sq ft redevelopment of the former ITV Studios site, slated to open in 2029 as a new office and
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has described the Government’s decision to press ahead with a new generation of new towns as one of the most ambitious development initiatives in more than fifty years – and one that must be built on lessons from the past if it is to
European automotive component distributor, Olympus Global, has announced it is soon to break ground on its new multi-million pound distribution facility in the North East of England. Ambitious growth plans and a significant £2.7m investment by the Midlands-HQ’d company, as well as industrial architectural designs, civil engineering and project management
Developer Wykeland Group has officially opened a newly-completed £10m development at the fast-growing Melton West business park in East Yorkshire. Evolve @ Melton West provides growing companies with high-quality, modern space in the heart of one of Yorkshire’s most sought-after business locations. Medequip, the UK’s leading provider of community equipment
Works have begun to convert Wakefield’s Grade II-listed Crown Court into a new social and cultural venue, marking the latest step in the Civic Quarter’s renewal. Leeds-based Mulberry Construction Group has started on site for Harrogate developer Rushbond, working in partnership with Wakefield Council. Designed by Group Ginger and delivered
Rupali Court in Lozells Birmingham officially reached the topping out stage, marking the highest point in the construction of Housing 21’s flagship cohousing scheme. Stakeholders who have worked with the future residents to shape the scheme, gathered to celebrate the construction milestone and the opening of the Rupali Court show
This morning, the first passenger train arrived at the newly rebuilt platforms at Huddersfield Station, marking a major milestone in Phase One of the station upgrades. This achievement takes customers one step closer to faster, cleaner, more reliable trains across the North. Over the past month, our TRU West Alliance
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
Midlands-based housing provider GSA is looking to sell its offsite housing manufacturing business, LoCaL Homes. The 25,000-home provider has announced plans to exit the Walsall-based business in line with its strategy to simplify and strengthen and focus on its core social landlord services. Mona Shah, Chief Finance and Investment Officer, said: “LoCaL Homes has made an important and innovative contribution to housebuilding in the UK, and our product has been used by housing providers on developments up and down the country – that is something to be proud of. However, the landscape has changed significantly and while it has been a difficult decision to exit, it is a necessary one. We have a strategic objective to simplify and strengthen our organisation to enable us to focus on our core offer and to realise our vision of being a great social landlord. “We are in active discussions with interested parties and remain hopeful of finding a buyer. However, having made the decision to exit LoCaL Homes, this cannot continue indefinitely and if we are unable to do so, we will close the factory in spring 2026. “We have informed all LoCaL Homes colleagues and customers and our focus in the coming weeks and months will be on supporting them as we continue our search for a buyer.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
M&G Investments has appointed Ruth Jackson as head of UK investment management within its real estate division. Jackson joins from Hines, where she was managing director of investment management with responsibility for three major European funds, overseeing assets valued at more than €5 billion (£4.37 billion). Her career also includes senior roles at Invesco, in a pan-European capacity, and at JLL with a focus on investment and development in the City of London. In her new position at M&G, Jackson will lead bespoke mandates and develop fresh investment solutions, reporting to Peter Riley, head of UK commercial and capital solutions. Commenting on the appointment, Riley said: “We are delighted to welcome Ruth to M&G. Her appointment reflects our commitment to building the capabilities required to capitalise on global opportunities and deliver for clients as the UK market enters a new phase of growth. Ruth’s proven leadership and impressive track record will be invaluable for leading our UK commercial team through compelling opportunities for our clients.” Jackson added: “I’m excited to join M&G at such a pivotal time as the UK commercial real estate market is reinvigorated. Stabilising capital values, easing interest rates and structural demand across key sectors are creating a compelling environment for performance-led strategies. This is an opportunity for M&G Real Estate to lead in the UK market recovery and I look forward to building on its strong track record of innovation and performance.” M&G Real Estate, part of M&G’s £77 billion private assets division, manages a portfolio that includes retail landmarks such as Manchester Arndale and Cribbs Causeway in Bristol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developers Mitsubishi Estate London and CO—RE have officially broken ground on Vista at 72 Upper Ground, a £800m mixed-use scheme on London’s South Bank. Main contractor Multiplex is delivering the 640,000 sq ft redevelopment of the former ITV Studios site, slated to open in 2029 as a new office and cultural destination. Designed by Make Architects, the commercially led scheme centres on a 25-storey office tower linked to two smaller buildings of 14 and 6 storeys, all set on a substantial podium. The design includes external terraces and balconies facing the Thames, a public rooftop restaurant and terrace, and a transformed public realm, with 40% of the site given over to public space. The buildings will be all-electric and are targeting net zero carbon in operation alongside BREEAM Outstanding. Masanori Iwase, senior executive officer at Mitsubishi Estate, said: “Breaking ground at Vista marks the beginning of a new chapter for London’s South Bank. We understand and respect the responsibilities that come with being a major investor in London, and it makes us very proud to demonstrate what can be achieved when working with local government and communities to achieve a shared vision.” Bradley Baker, chief executive of CO—RE, added: “This is a new cultural and commercial destination that will open up the riverfront, support Lambeth’s creative economy, and set new benchmarks for sustainability and wellbeing.” The ceremony brought together senior figures from government, international investment and the project team, including Japan’s ambassador to the UK, Hiroshi Suzuki. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has described the Government’s decision to press ahead with a new generation of new towns as one of the most ambitious development initiatives in more than fifty years – and one that must be built on lessons from the past if it is to succeed. The Government has confirmed that at least three new towns will be advanced in this Parliament, following recommendations from the New Towns Taskforce, which identified twelve potential locations. The RTPI, which recently published survey data showing that 73% of the public are not confident new towns will meet community needs in 50 years’ time, has urged the Government to ensure lessons are learned from the past and that local communities are placed at the heart of planning and delivery. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “The Government’s commitment to a new generation of new towns is a bold step, and one of the most ambitious approaches to development in half a century. It represents an opportunity to think differently about how and where we create the places of the future. “However, while it’s good to see the Government looking toward the future, it’s important to remember the lessons from the past. The first wave of new towns showed what can be achieved when government and planners work at scale, but they also highlight the importance of getting design, infrastructure, and community voice right from the very start. Public support for new towns will depend on learning those lessons and making sure they reflect the aspirations of the people who will live and work in them. Our members stand ready to deliver successful places and communities for now and many generations to come. “Our research shows that people want to see a variety of organisations involved in delivery, new ways of planning and funding explored, and – above all – local communities given a genuine say in shaping their future. “If this generation of new towns is built around those principles, they can become thriving, sustainable places that stand the test of time and capture the same spirit of ambition that inspired their predecessors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
European automotive component distributor, Olympus Global, has announced it is soon to break ground on its new multi-million pound distribution facility in the North East of England. Ambitious growth plans and a significant £2.7m investment by the Midlands-HQ’d company, as well as industrial architectural designs, civil engineering and project management expertise by Building Design Northern (BDN) all come together on Monday 06 October when construction starts at the 16,000 sq ft Newton Aycliffe site. The announcement coincides with this year’s North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) event (25 September) which sees organisations from across the whole industry supply chain attend the annual expo held in Sunderland. Olympus Global, a UK and European-wide distributor of high-quality engineered components, is building its second UK warehouse distribution facility (the first in the North East) to directly serve industrial, automotive and wider supply chain companies in northern and Scottish regions. The bespoke build – designed, delivered and project managed collectively by architectural and engineering firm, BDN, will see prime brownfield land at Aycliffe Business Park in County Durham be fully transformed into a fit-for-purpose scheme with dedicated storage space and modern offices. The site will facilitate existing international customers including Unipres, Thorn Lighting and Gestamp Tallent (located opposite), and is anticipated to ship more than £7m worth of parts and engineering components in the first year of operations alone. The new facility will create up to 10 new jobs making a significant contribution to the local economy. Ryan Doyle, Director at Building Design Northern (BDN) which is working on behalf of major UK-wide industrial and commercial clients including Olympus Global, commented: “Being able to announce the start of construction onsite is fantastic and it’ll be great to start seeing our designs coming out of the ground. “We have worked closely with Olympus Global right from the start across all requirements to support this major scheme, and our knowledge, industry insight and technical expertise across different architectural and engineering disciplines has proved critical given our client is also based outside the region. The main contractor is ready to go so getting ready to break ground on the site is good news for Olympus Global, the industry and the wider business community too.” BDN has appointed Hall Construction as principal contractor to deliver the development which also includes bespoke ‘green’ features to align with Olympus Global’s commitment to carbon reduction and sustainability. Olympus Global – a £38m turnover business – supplies engineering fasteners, precision-turned and machined components, castings, aluminium extrusions and forgings to major organisations within the industrial and automotive sectors. The Newton Aycliffe development will become the company’s fifth site including its head office and distribution centre in the Midlands and further facilities in Spain and Hungary. Keith Rice, Managing Director at Olympus Global, said: “We are delighted to be breaking ground at Newton Aycliffe as it is a key strategic site for the company, and one which marks a new chapter in our 50+ year history. We work very closely with the region’s automotive supply chain, so it is also very timely to announce the start of construction date at NEAA’s expo event. “The North East and County Durham is a prime location providing direct access to main transport routes and proximity to the industry’s big players and cluster locations. “Our clients are fast-paced organisations that require the highest level of turnaround, dispatch and efficiency, so we’re delighted to be starting construction and making our mark here in the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Wykeland Group has officially opened a newly-completed £10m development at the fast-growing Melton West business park in East Yorkshire. Evolve @ Melton West provides growing companies with high-quality, modern space in the heart of one of Yorkshire’s most sought-after business locations. Medequip, the UK’s leading provider of community equipment loan services, has already occupied one of Evolve’s two larger units. Now, with the speculative development complete, interest is growing in a second larger unit, of 37,000 sq ft, and five smaller, 5,000 sq ft units, with one of these already under offer. Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director of Wykeland, owner and developer of the 200-acre business park, said: “We’re delighted to have completed this major new development at Melton West, providing commercial space which is best in class and unmatched for quality in the local area. “We have delivered this development speculatively, reflecting our confidence in the proposition Evolve offers and our commitment to stimulating investment and growth. That decision has already been rewarded by securing an excellent first tenant in Medequip. “Now that the other units are available to occupy, we’re seeing growing interest, reflecting a pent-up demand from growing businesses looking for the high-spec, future-proofed facilities Evolve offers.” In completing Evolve, Wykeland has delivered 85,000 sq ft of commercial space, split across seven units. The units cater for a broad range of businesses and uses, including industrial, manufacturing and distribution, with associated office space. Evolve provides growing businesses with modern, purpose-built facilities which also boast outstanding sustainability features. All of the units are EPC A-rated, with rooftop solar panels, green living walls and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The buildings are highly energy efficient, meaning occupiers benefit from reduced running costs, while ensuring their operations are fit for the future. Cllr Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, which has supported Evolve with grant funding, cut the ribbon to declare the development officially open. She said: “Melton West is one of the region’s premier business locations and a jewel in the crown of the East Riding of Yorkshire’s outstanding investment offer. “Melton West has seen hundreds of millions of pounds of investment from world-class businesses such as Amazon and Smith+Nephew. Evolve now adds a new dimension to the business park and offers an exciting opportunity for more businesses to join this thriving commercial community.” Melton West is home to leading businesses such as Heron Foods, generator manufacturer Allam Marine and shower maker Kohler Mira. In recent times they have been joined by an Amazon last-mile facility, with the global ecommerce giant adding to this by opening a £200m retail logistics fulfilment centre this month. Construction is also well underway at Melton West on a £100m manufacturing facility for global medical technology business Smith+Nephew. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Works have begun to convert Wakefield’s Grade II-listed Crown Court into a new social and cultural venue, marking the latest step in the Civic Quarter’s renewal. Leeds-based Mulberry Construction Group has started on site for Harrogate developer Rushbond, working in partnership with Wakefield Council. Designed by Group Ginger and delivered by Mulberry, the 25,000 sq ft scheme will reposition the former courthouse as a commercial and cultural destination alongside Rushbond’s nearby residential regeneration, now nearing phase one completion. Built in 1810 and extended in the 19th century, the building has stood vacant since the early 1990s. The plans include a new city-facing entrance and landscaped public terrace; an events space within the former courtroom; a restaurant/food hall with indoor and terrace seating and a café shop; plus co-working and studio spaces. Completion is scheduled for summer 2026. The project forms part of a wider strategy to revitalise Wood Street and the wider Civic Quarter, complementing new homes and the restoration of neighbouring heritage sites, including the former police station, Gills Yard and Gills Mews. The aim is to reinforce Wakefield’s appeal for business, investment and cultural activity. Rushbond founder and chairman Jonathan Maud said the Crown Court is “one of [Wakefield’s] most treasured sites”, adding that the vision is to restore it as a focal point for the city with creative workspace, leisure and event facilities and public art. Cllr Jack Hemingway, cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said the restoration would act as a catalyst for growth and help create a vibrant new community in the city centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rupali Court in Lozells Birmingham officially reached the topping out stage, marking the highest point in the construction of Housing 21’s flagship cohousing scheme. Stakeholders who have worked with the future residents to shape the scheme, gathered to celebrate the construction milestone and the opening of the Rupali Court show home. Unlike other housing developments, Rupali Court is a unique cohousing initiative where the future residents are involved before construction to provide their feedback and input, helping to shape the design of the scheme. Future resident Marie Francis, who has lived in Lozells for over 30 years, said she was excited about Rupali Court reaching the milestone in construction. “I am happy to see the scheme is almost complete; we are all excited to see the final design,” she said. “I was involved in making decisions about the colour scheme of my apartment and the layout- I opted for an open plan layout. I’m now looking forward to moving in next year.” Rupali Court will offer 25 apartments, including a residents’ lounge, a multi-faith room and landscaped community garden. Residents including Marie are at the centre of all decisions made regarding the scheme. The Rupali Court Cohousing Core Group is a growing collective of engaged residents who are working together using consensus decision-making. The group consists of 25 committed individuals who are actively involved in ongoing decisions about the design, management, and culture of their future home. Steph Ramsden, Director of Sales, Acquisitions and Partnerships at Housing 21 said: “We are pleased to celebrate the significant milestone in the construction of our cohousing scheme. “Rupali Court and Housing 21’s Cohousing initiative has given the residents an opportunity to create and shape their own community where they have played a vital role in making decisions regarding their future home. “We are looking forward to welcoming the residents into their new home in 2026.” To celebrate the construction milestone, representatives from Housing 21, Deeley Construction, Osbornes Quantity Surveyors, Triangle Architects and Legacy West Midlands attended a topping-out ceremony at the site on Birchfield Road. Local community support group Aspire and Succeed and Councillor Waseem Zaffar from Birmingham City Council also attended the event. Martin Gallagher, Managing Director at Deeley Construction, said: “It has been fantastic to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Housing 21 to bring forward its flagship cohousing scheme. “This marks a major milestone for the innovative residential scheme, which will see the creation of a new inclusive and supportive housing community in Birmingham. “The input from residents into the design has made this a truly unique project and we have worked with our design partners to bring their vision to life.” Rupali Court is scheduled for completion in 2026 with the residents expected to move in shortly after. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This morning, the first passenger train arrived at the newly rebuilt platforms at Huddersfield Station, marking a major milestone in Phase One of the station upgrades. This achievement takes customers one step closer to faster, cleaner, more reliable trains across the North. Over the past month, our TRU West Alliance has been working around the clock to transform the station. The work, which included demolishing the old platforms and building new ones, strengthening Huddersfield viaduct, replacing John William Street bridge, installing new track and upgrading the signalling, will all lead to faster, more reliable journeys for customers and help support local economic growth by connecting Huddersfield more efficiently with Manchester, Leeds and beyond. While the station was closed to services, Team TRU has: James Richardson, Managing Director for TRU said: “Seeing the first train pull into the new platform this morning was a proud moment for everyone involved. People can see from today how this transformation is a key step forward in delivering a modern, future-ready station for Huddersfield, by offering customers more capacity, better services and greater reliability. “While we’re pleased to have achieved this key milestone, we have to extend a sincere thank you to passengers, local residents, community groups and local Huddersfield businesses for their patience and understanding while the station was closed. We know these works cause disruption and we greatly appreciate the support that’s been shown over the last month. “This weekend marked the 200th anniversary of the railway, an invention that changed the lives of millions all over the world. As phase two of the works continues partially out of public view until early 2027, all of us on TRU are proud of the difference we are making across the enterprise, taking the railway well into the future for years to come.” From today (29 September), Huddersfield station will operate with a temporary layout using just three platforms (Platforms 1, 2 and 3) while phase two of the work continues behind new barriers. The changes mean: · Platform 2 (Sheffield services) becomes platform 1 · Platform 1 (Manchester services) becomes platform 2 · Platform 4 (Leeds services) becomes platform 3 The remaining platforms, canopy restoration, track work and signalling enhancements will be undertaken over the next two years, with the station upgrade completed in early 2027. During this phase, some services will run from different platforms, and others may be replaced by rail replacement buses, so customers are urged to check before travelling and allow some extra time. Chris Nutton, Major Projects & TRU Director at TransPennine Express, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome customers back into Huddersfield station and we’d like to thank them and our local communities for their continued patience and understanding while these upgrade works were carried out as part of the once-in-a-lifetime Transpennine Route Upgrade. “The end of the 30-day closure is a major milestone in the history of our iconic station, and I couldn’t be prouder of how we came together as an industry to deliver it. From track engineers to train crew, and from train planning to rail replacement bus coordinators – everyone played a vital role. “While trains are now running through Huddersfield again, there are a number of changes to how the station operates, with fewer platforms available and changes to some of the services. We advise customers to plan ahead and take extra time when travelling.” Liam O’Shaughnessy, TRU Programme Delivery Lead at Northern, said: “We’d like to thank our customers for bearing with us over the last 30 days while these upgrade works have been carried out. We’d also like to thank all our colleagues from across the industry who’ve come together to keep customers moving during this time. The amount of work that has taken place at Huddersfield Railway Station and the surrounding areas over the last month has been staggering, and that is testament to all the planning that went into this piece of work across the rail industry.“Whilst the next phase of construction at Huddersfield Railway Station takes place, Northern services that normally run into Huddersfield from Bradford Interchange will be unable to do so due to reduced platform capacity, this also affects stopping services from Leeds which will be diverted via Brighouse. Our advice to customers is to plan ahead and check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals