The Natural History Museum has officially appointed Mace to lead the construction of its new state-of-the-art collections, research, and digitisation centre at Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, in a project valued at £100 million. This major development marks a pivotal step in the Museum’s ambition to safeguard and enhance
John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has received the official go-ahead to redevelop its Waitrose site in West Ealing, paving the way for hundreds of new homes and a modernised retail space as part of a major investment in the capital’s housing landscape. The scheme, which proposes the transformation of an existing
Downing has secured planning approval for a major twin-tower development in North Acton, West London, marking another milestone in the area’s transformation into a high-density urban centre. The Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has given the go-ahead for a 668-unit scheme that will replace the existing Holiday
Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), is proud to mark its 90th anniversary this year, celebrating a legacy of engineering excellence and innovation in the temporary works industry. Founded in 1935, the company has been at the forefront of the construction industry, consistently setting industry standards in delivering efficient, reliable, and
Work has started on a new housing development that will provide more affordable homes in Gloucester. Gloucestershire-based housing association Bromford has begun work at its site in West Lodge Drive in the city, where it will be providing 35 new homes. The site is the former home of Holly House
KFC UK & Ireland is set to supercharge its expansion strategy with a record-breaking £1.49 billion investment plan over the next five years, aiming to further solidify its place as a leader in the UK’s fast-growing quick-service restaurant sector. The fried chicken giant, which already operates over 1,000 outlets across
A major regeneration initiative for Waterloo Station and the surrounding South Bank area has taken a significant step forward following the signing of a new partnership agreement between Network Rail, Places for London, and Lambeth Council. The collaboration sets out a long-term vision to redevelop London’s fourth busiest rail hub
A new office in Blackpool, which will be home to over 3,000 employees from The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has completed. The £100m, 215,000 sq ft workspace – which forms phase three of the wider £350m regeneration of Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway – has been delivered by nationwide placemaker,
On Thursday 22nd May, Innovate UK marked 50 years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) by holding their Regional Forum meeting at Northumbria University. During the event the Innovate UK team met some of the Northumbria Academics involved in the programme including the University’s RIBAJ Rising Star Award for 2024, Catherine
Procure Plus, the Manchester-based social housing framework specialist, has announced an ambitious £1.5 billion initiative to accelerate the installation of low and zero carbon technologies across social housing stock in the UK. The new four-year framework, running from November 2025 to November 2029, is divided into 16 lots. It covers
The Natural History Museum has officially appointed Mace to lead the construction of its new state-of-the-art collections, research, and digitisation centre at Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield, in a project valued at £100 million. This major development marks a pivotal step in the Museum’s ambition to safeguard and enhance access to its globally significant collections. Once complete, the 25,000 sq metre facility—equivalent in size to three football pitches—will house approximately 28 million specimens, representing around one third of the Museum’s total holdings. The centre is being developed as part of the NHM Unlocked Programme, which is supported by £201 million in government funding aimed at advancing the UK’s science, research, and innovation capacity. Construction is set to begin shortly, with completion expected in 2027 and full operational readiness anticipated by 2031. The new facility will serve as a hub for cutting-edge scientific research and technology. It will feature advanced imaging and digitisation suites, state-of-the-art laboratories for molecular biology and ancient DNA analysis, cryo-storage for tissue samples, as well as conservation and quarantine labs. Rob Lemming, Managing Director for Public Sector and Life Sciences at Mace, described the project as both a cultural and scientific milestone. “This centre will be more than a repository for priceless specimens—it will be a beacon for innovation and collaboration, offering the scientific community world-class tools to tackle urgent challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.” The design team for the project includes Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios as lead architects and engineering consultancy Ramboll. Mace will oversee construction and procurement, supported by CPC Project Services for project management and Arcadis for cost consultancy. The facility will also become home to several specialist collections including fossilised mammals and invertebrates, marine life such as corals and crustaceans, and the Museum’s valuable molecular and micropalaeontological archives. The transfer of these materials to Shinfield is expected to be the largest move of natural history specimens ever undertaken worldwide. Situated within the innovation campus of the University of Reading, the development is poised to enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in bioscience, environmental research, and digital innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has received the official go-ahead to redevelop its Waitrose site in West Ealing, paving the way for hundreds of new homes and a modernised retail space as part of a major investment in the capital’s housing landscape. The scheme, which proposes the transformation of an existing Waitrose store and adjacent car park, will deliver 428 new homes, along with a public square, community facility and commercial space. Initially submitted in mid-2023, the application was stalled by delays in the local planning process, prompting JLP to appeal on grounds of ‘non-determination’ in summer 2024. That appeal has now been upheld by a government planning inspector, clearing the path for development to proceed. The approval comes amid renewed national efforts to meet housing targets, with the government recently reaffirming its goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes within five years. Under the latest update to the National Planning Policy Framework, greater weight is being given to brownfield development within established urban areas—an approach that has benefited the West Ealing proposal. JLP views the project as part of a long-term strategy to make better use of its property assets while contributing to the delivery of much-needed rental housing. The new homes will be brought forward under the build-to-rent model, with the aim of fostering long-term community engagement alongside reliable returns. Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent at JLP, welcomed the decision, describing it as a multi-million-pound opportunity to reinvigorate a site that has served the local community for decades. “The inspector’s decision reinforces national policy support for well-located brownfield regeneration,” she said. “We look forward to working with local stakeholders to ensure the development is delivered responsibly and reflects the needs of the community.” The project is being developed in partnership with investment firm Aberdeen Group through a £500 million joint venture. Svitlana Gubriy, head of indirect real assets at Aberdeen, said the initiative reflects wider momentum in the build-to-rent sector, where long-term social value and community cohesion are becoming central to investor priorities. Construction is expected to begin following further engagement with the community and the completion of detailed designs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Downing has secured planning approval for a major twin-tower development in North Acton, West London, marking another milestone in the area’s transformation into a high-density urban centre. The Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has given the go-ahead for a 668-unit scheme that will replace the existing Holiday Inn Express adjacent to North Acton Underground station. The plans form part of the broader North Acton Town Centre Cluster masterplan aimed at revitalising the area into a vibrant neighbourhood hub. The approved project includes a 31-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) tower with 609 beds, and a separate 17-storey build-to-rent (BTR) block offering 59 residential units. The scheme also incorporates 35% affordable housing and 255 sqm of commercial space at ground level. Residents will benefit from outdoor amenity areas, though no on-site parking is planned. Downing submitted revised proposals in September 2024 following extensive collaboration with the local authority. The updated designs aim to contribute positively to the evolving townscape of North Acton while addressing housing demand. The taller PBSA tower will feature anodised aluminium rainscreen cladding combined with panels of clear and patterned glazing, delivering a modern visual identity. Meanwhile, the smaller BTR building will be clad in terracotta with blue anodised aluminium detailing and clear-framed windows. Martin Fenlon, associate projects director at Downing, highlighted the strategic importance of the location: “Situated just outside of the city centre, North Acton is becoming a hotbed of regeneration. Its vibrant community, excellent transport links and close proximity to leading universities make it the ideal location for high-quality student accommodation and rental housing.” Fenlon added that the development will help meet growing demand for housing among both domestic and international students attending nearby institutions such as Imperial College London, the University of West London and the University of the Arts. The project represents a significant investment in West London’s future and reflects growing interest in the area’s regeneration potential. Downing’s scheme is expected to play a key role in shaping North Acton’s identity as a thriving, mixed-use district over the coming years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK), is proud to mark its 90th anniversary this year, celebrating a legacy of engineering excellence and innovation in the temporary works industry. Founded in 1935, the company has been at the forefront of the construction industry, consistently setting industry standards in delivering efficient, reliable, and safe temporary works solutions to support construction projects worldwide. Evolving from its early days as a British scaffolding business to a global leader in above and below-ground temporary works today, Altrad RMD Kwikform is well known for its industry expertise. The company’s history is a rich tapestry of pioneering engineering, innovation, and strategic growth. Altrad RMD Kwikform’s roots stem from two pioneering firms: Mills Scaffolding (Kwikform) and The Douglas Group (RMD), two brands that have been fundamental in shaping who they are today. Mills Scaffolding, founded in 1935, became known for its innovative and safety-focused scaffolding solutions. After being acquired by GKN plc in 1983, it was rebranded as GKN Kwikform and introduced the iconic Kwikstage modular scaffolding system, revolutionising construction site efficiency. Later acquired by Bandt Plc in 1995, it became Kwikform UK Ltd. Meanwhile, the Douglas Group (formally known as R.M. Douglas Holdings Ltd), founded in the 1930s by Sir Robert McCallum Douglas OBE, a distinguished engineer and industrialist, excelled in temporary works solutions through its subsidiary R.M. Douglas Construction Ltd, which engineered an innovative steel shuttering system in response to post-war timber shortages. This development led to the formation of Rapid Metal Developments Ltd (RMD) in 1948. RMD expanded globally and developed renowned products such as Rapid Ply, Superslim Soldiers, and Megashor, earning industry recognition which led to the business receiving the prestigious Queen’s Award to Industry for engineering excellence in 1975. In 1999, RMD and Kwikform UK Ltd merged to create RMD Kwikform, combining their expertise to focus on comprehensive temporary works solutions. The company expanded globally throughout the 2000s and introduced 3D visualisation technologies in 2013 to enhance customer support. In 2015, RMD Kwikform entered the ground shoring market, broadening its capabilities even further. In 2021, RMD Kwikform was acquired by the Altrad Group, strengthening its global presence. Now operating as Altrad RMD Kwikform, the company remains a trusted provider of above and below ground temporary works solutions for projects of all scales worldwide. Mark Pickard, UK Managing Director for Altrad RMDK explained: “For nearly a century, RMD Kwikform has been at the forefront of engineering excellence, providing trusted solutions for projects across diverse sectors such as transport and highways, ground works and utilities, commercial and residential developments, to name just a few. “Celebrating 90 years is a remarkable achievement, and our journey has been defined by our dedication to pushing boundaries and the trust we’ve built with our partners and customers globally. We are proud to be a trusted name in the temporary works industry – recognised for engineering excellence, reliability and innovation. We owe our success to our employees, past and present, who have driven our mission to deliver world-class solutions with integrity and expertise. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to driving innovation through digital solutions, sustainable practices, and collaborative partnerships to continue delivering the highest quality of service to the construction industry. We will also continue to build on our strong foundations and maintain our well-established reputation as a trusted leader in temporary works.” For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has started on a new housing development that will provide more affordable homes in Gloucester. Gloucestershire-based housing association Bromford has begun work at its site in West Lodge Drive in the city, where it will be providing 35 new homes. The site is the former home of Holly House NHS care home but has laid empty since the buildings were demolished in 2013. The housing association was granted permission for the development last year and its in-house construction team started work on the new homes this month. The new homes will be a mixture of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, all of which will be for social rent, the most affordable form of social housing rent. Bromford has been the country’s biggest builder of social rent homes over the past five years. Project Manager Louisa Fryer said: “It’s fantastic to see work getting underway on our latest development in Gloucestershire. These 35 affordable homes will make a real difference for local families and individuals who are looking for quality, secure housing in Gloucester who may have been priced out of the private rental market. We’re proud to be providing these much-needed affordable rental homes and look forward to welcoming customers into their new homes when they’re completed next year.” This month Bromford announced it had secured a site in Gloucester city centre where it will be building 113 affordable homes, while earlier in the year the housing association purchased an 11-acre site on the outskirts of Gloucester to build 95 homes. Bromford is the largest housing association in Gloucestershire with more than 10,000 homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
KFC UK & Ireland is set to supercharge its expansion strategy with a record-breaking £1.49 billion investment plan over the next five years, aiming to further solidify its place as a leader in the UK’s fast-growing quick-service restaurant sector. The fried chicken giant, which already operates over 1,000 outlets across the UK and Ireland, has confirmed ambitious plans to open 500 new restaurants by 2034. A significant portion of the investment – approximately £466 million – will be dedicated to acquiring and developing new sites across both urban centres and drive-thru hotspots, reflecting changing consumer behaviours post-pandemic. This property-focused strategy builds on a period of steady growth over the past five years. Since 2019, KFC has opened dozens of new locations each year, often focusing on drive-thru formats and food courts within retail parks – a trend accelerated by demand for convenience and off-premise dining. At the same time, the company has leaned into refurbishing its existing footprint, with over 200 restaurants earmarked for upgrades under the new investment plan. Key to KFC’s growth is its franchise-first model. Around 95% of its UK sites are run by local franchisees, who will be supported by this new wave of investment. The upgrades will include digital ordering enhancements, modernised kitchen equipment, and sustainable building improvements to meet growing environmental expectations. Rob Swain, general manager of KFC UK & Ireland, said: “We’ve never seen such demand for freshly prepared fried chicken as we’re seeing today. That’s why we’re doubling down on our commitment to the UK and Ireland with a major investment into our restaurants and in the suppliers who have been so crucial to our success.” This investment also signals a strategic counter to increased competition in the UK chicken market. Newcomers such as Popeyes, Wingstop, and Slim Chickens have captured attention in key urban areas, creating pressure for established brands to innovate and invest. KFC’s planned expansion and estate upgrades not only aim to strengthen its market leadership but also promise a positive ripple effect on local economies, with job creation and supply chain growth expected as part of the programme. As KFC celebrates its 60th anniversary in the UK, this latest move underscores its long-term confidence in the British market and its appetite for sustainable, modern growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major regeneration initiative for Waterloo Station and the surrounding South Bank area has taken a significant step forward following the signing of a new partnership agreement between Network Rail, Places for London, and Lambeth Council. The collaboration sets out a long-term vision to redevelop London’s fourth busiest rail hub alongside improvements to the neighbouring public realm. The project aims to enhance station facilities, improve public spaces and accessibility, and boost the area’s attractiveness for investment, while supporting Lambeth Council’s ambitions to deliver more homes and business premises. Architectural firm Grimshaw has created the outline design for the transformation, which includes plans to reopen boarded-up railway arches, construct a new southern concourse, and add a large mansard rooftop extension along the station’s front entrance. Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail, described the joint vision as a catalyst to “unlock huge growth and investment opportunities” throughout Waterloo and the South Bank. Graeme Craig, Chief Executive at Places for London – the property arm of Transport for London – emphasised that the redevelopment would ensure passengers experience the very best London has to offer at this historic transport hub. The comprehensive regeneration project is expected to span 10 to 15 years, with a focus on minimising public expenditure by leveraging private sector investment and commercial developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new office in Blackpool, which will be home to over 3,000 employees from The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has completed. The £100m, 215,000 sq ft workspace – which forms phase three of the wider £350m regeneration of Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway – has been delivered by nationwide placemaker, Muse, Blackpool Council, and contractor VINCI Building. Located on King Street, the highly-sustainable, seven-storey building brings DWP’s employees into the heart of Blackpool from out-of-town, driving footfall for local businesses and the hospitality sector. It represents the largest commercial workspace to be built in Blackpool town centre and is the town’s most audacious build since Blackpool Tower. Designed by Make Architects to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards and an EPC ‘A’ rating, the office also sets new sustainability standards in Blackpool, with: As a result of all partners’ ambitions to deliver a building as environmentally considerate as possible, the workspace has achieved an upfront embodied carbon density of 630 kgCO2e/m2. compared with 1100kgCO2e/m2 for a typical office development. Elsewhere, a range of features have been incorporated into the building to promote occupant wellbeing and wellness. These include open-plan working areas, meeting rooms, and quiet zones to aid collaboration and productivity, while active low-carbon travel is promoted through extensive ground floor facilities including cycle storage, showers, and changing facilities. The development also promotes sustainable transport due to its proximity (250m) to Blackpool North train station and a new tram interchange, as well as cycle/pedestrian routes. Significant levels of social value were generated by the building’s creation too. The project provided over 350 weeks of training, created nearly 300 work placement weeks, and facilitated over 50 employment opportunities for people not in education, employment, or training. An on-site construction skills centre also helped 16 young people from Blackpool who had left school to complete qualifications and find work experience in trades such as bricklaying and plastering.12 of the young people impressed so much on site that they found permanent work with sub-contractors. The Minister for Transformation, Andrew Western, said: “I am delighted to announce the official opening of the new £100 million Civil Service Hub, a landmark development in our commitment to modernising and streamlining government operations. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a centralised workspace, fostering collaboration and innovation among our teams. “It is a testament to our dedication to creating efficient and sustainable working environments that support the vital work of our public servants. It will not only enhance productivity but also contribute significantly to the local economy by providing job opportunities and stimulating local businesses. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact this Hub will have on our community and the broader public sector.” Alan McBride, Technical Director at Muse, commented: “Completing the third phase of Talbot Gateway’s regeneration signifies a pivotal milestone on our journey with long-standing partners, Blackpool Council, to revitalise this iconic seaside destination and create opportunities for local people. “By bringing over 3,000 employees into the heart of Blackpool, this highly sustainable workspace will stimulate economic growth, and dovetails with Blackpool Council’s aim to future-proof the town for generations. With further phases still to come too, our and the Council’s ambition to build a bolder and brighter future for Blackpool is being realised.” Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, added: “This is one of the most impressive builds in Blackpool in decades. It shows our ambitions to make Blackpool better for everybody who lives and works here and how we are transforming the area around the train station into a real central business district. “Local people have found work and training on the construction, while the boost of bringing 3,000 new workers into the town centre should be felt by many businesses. The new landscaped space next to the building is a lovely green oasis for the town centre and anybody living or working here.” The regeneration of Talbot Gateway has already delivered the 125,000 sq ft Number One Bickerstaffe Square council office, a Sainsbury’s supermarket, and a refurbished 650-space multi-storey car park, alongside extensive public spaces for the community to enjoy. A new 4 star 144-bedroom Holiday Inn hotel and Marco Pierre White New York Italian restaurant opened in May 2024, while a tram-train interchange linking to Blackpool Promenade opened in June 2024. Plans have also been approved for a multiversity campus for Blackpool and the Fylde College, bringing up to 3,000 students and staff into the area, with work expected to commence later this year. Elsewhere, full planning permission has been granted for a new £45 million, 82,000 sq ft office off Talbot Road – to be developed by Muse on behalf of Blackpool Council – which would be home to another 1,000 civil service employees. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On Thursday 22nd May, Innovate UK marked 50 years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) by holding their Regional Forum meeting at Northumbria University. During the event the Innovate UK team met some of the Northumbria Academics involved in the programme including the University’s RIBAJ Rising Star Award for 2024, Catherine Sinclair. At the meeting Catherine presented her work as a KTP Associate with leading architect and design firm, Space Architects, through which she is aiming to drive forward innovation in the field of low carbon. Early intervention is crucial for whole life carbon (WLC) reduction, and Catherine is on a mission to bring WLC analysis to the forefront of the design decision-making process. Through the partnership she is developing a digital tool that can analyse the WLC of design decisions from the earliest stages, including location, form and structure. This enables WLC analysis to be treated as a core rather than specialist activity within architecture. Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group has been impressed by the work Catherine has completed, saying “We couldn’t be prouder of Catherine and all that she has already achieved in her career. Catherine exemplifies what it means to lead with vision, innovation and integrity, setting an inspiring example through her dedication to helping others and leading the research into Whole Life Carbon and reducing impact of the built environment.” Speaking on the benefits of undertaking her KTP Catherine said: “The partnership has allowed the opportunity for both Space Architects and Northumbria University to collaborate and progress early strategies for whole life carbon reduction across the design process. Embedding sustainability at the core of the design process and having developed the D-CARB tool to be used at the earliest stage of a project has already provided proven impact and outcomes in regard to whole life carbon reduction within our designs.” Following their visit to campus Richard Lamb, Head of KTP Programme, Innovate UK and John Clayton, Knowledge Transfer Adviser, Innovate UK KTN, met with the project team for the Northumbria University and Space Architects KTP. Speaking on the visit, Richard Lamb said: “It has been marvellous to visit Northumbria University as part of our wider North East tour celebrating the 50thbirthday of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme. It has been fantastic to hear about the ongoing KTPs at Northumbria and especially pleasing to meet Catherine and the team at Space Architects to hear about such a successful example of a KTP.” Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships bring together forward-thinking businesses and expert academics to tackle strategic innovation challenges to deliver economic, societal or environmental outcomes. The partnerships are tailored to the specific requirements of individual participants and businesses, each addressing specific needs. Through the placement of highly qualified graduates, businesses gain innovative solutions, new technologies and expertise over 12-36 months. Since 1975, KTPs have driven innovation and growth by creating collaborations between businesses and academic institutions. They have proven effective for businesses and universities, generating over £2 billion for the UK economy from 2010-2020, and currently support around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (this could be a university, college, research and technology organisation or Catapult) and over 850 graduates. Find out more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Northumbria University. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Procure Plus, the Manchester-based social housing framework specialist, has announced an ambitious £1.5 billion initiative to accelerate the installation of low and zero carbon technologies across social housing stock in the UK. The new four-year framework, running from November 2025 to November 2029, is divided into 16 lots. It covers a comprehensive range of retrofit services, from assessment, design, and coordination to the delivery of multi-measure installations. Technologies included span air and ground source heat pumps, solar panels, electric heating systems, battery storage solutions, as well as full retrofit packages incorporating insulation and ventilation. The framework breaks down into specialist areas: lots 1 to 6 focus on retrofit design and coordination services, operating both nationally and regionally across the North West, Midlands, Yorkshire, North East and North Wales. Lots 7 to 12 cover multi-measure retrofit installation works nationally and regionally, while lots 13 to 16 are dedicated to specific technologies, including air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, electric heating installation, and solar PV plus battery maintenance. This landmark initiative is aimed at supporting social housing providers in delivering retrofit projects aligned with the government’s net zero and decarbonisation targets. It opens the door to wide-ranging opportunities across the public sector, including housing associations, local councils, schools, NHS trusts, and emergency services. Procure Plus is inviting firms to submit bids by 30 June 2025. Successful contractors will play a key role in transforming social housing estates by introducing greener, more energy-efficient homes that reduce carbon emissions and help tackle fuel poverty. This framework represents a critical step in the UK’s journey towards sustainable housing, fostering collaboration and innovation in the retrofit sector. Interested organisations can find further information and apply through the Procure Plus website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals