Central Co-op has announced that its climate targets have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – a significant step in the Society’s journey to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2040. The validation confirms that Central Co-op’s science-based approach aligns with
Catella APAM has completed a 35,000 sq ft letting at Arlington Park, Reading, marking a major milestone in the Park’s leasing performance. A global occupier specialising in mission-critical technical services has taken full occupancy of Building 1240, a three-storey, Grade A office building. The transaction reflects the ongoing demand for
Southwark Council has appointed Bouygues UK as its development partner for the delivery of key worker homes in the borough. The project will deliver approximately 150 affordable homes for key workers including social workers, teachers, fire-fighters, police and NHS clinical staff, enabling them to live close to their workplace, reducing
Senior team members have visited their new home-to-be as Ideal Heating fits out its industry-leading research and development centre. The £19.2m UK Technology Centre ( UKTC ), located at Ideal’s headquarters site in Hull, will enhance significantly the company’s R&D capabilities, providing a testbed for both current and future products.
Liverpool City Council has appointed global real estate advisory firm, CBRE, to prepare the recently acquired Great George Street site for the delivery of a mixed-use regeneration scheme. Following a competitive tender process, CBRE has been chosen by the Council to provide professional support in developing a business case to
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has announced the topping out of Crown Place, Birmingham – a landmark 33-storey purpose-built student accommodation scheme for client Crown Student Living. The milestone ceremony –
The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest housing associations, held an event to celebrate topping out at their Northolt Road development in Harrow, North London - a development which will provide 191 new affordable homes. The event was attended by The Guinness Partnership’s Group Chief Executive Catriona Simons, who was joined
LOCAL authorities must champion multi-purpose educational hubs as a cornerstone of regeneration efforts, according to a major new survey of senior construction professionals. Undertaken by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, the survey took stock of developer, consultant and contractor concerns as the UK government commits £6.7 billion in capital investment improvements in the sector across the
A HIGHLY sustainable housing project in Daventry has officially broken ground, as Midlands based housebuilder Morro Partnerships begins work on delivering 52 new eco-conscious homes. Appointed by emh group and funded by Homes England, the £12.6 million development is set to regenerate a former brownfield site on London Road, which
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has successfully completed the £12.8 million B4 industrial scheme at Manchester Airport. A milestone in the wider transformation of the World Freight Terminal, delivered in partnership with long-standing client, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, B4, which completed two weeks earlier than scheduled, comprises a 92,000 sq. ft. high-spec
Central Co-op has announced that its climate targets have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – a significant step in the Society’s journey to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2040. The validation confirms that Central Co-op’s science-based approach aligns with the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement: limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The SBTi validation covers near-term, long-term, and Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) targets, reinforcing Central Co-op’s position as a values-led business taking robust, science-backed climate action. Following an extensive review, the initiative confirmed that the Society’s decarbonisation plan is credible, transparent and ambitious – putting it among a growing number of organisations committed to real, accountable progress on climate. Central Co-op’s strategy includes reducing its operational emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 44 per cent by 2030 and by 90 per cent by 2035, from a 2022 baseline. For value chain emissions (Scope 3), including those generated from the sale of fossil fuel products, the Society is targeting a 55 per cent reduction per million pounds of value added by 2030, and a 97 per cent reduction by 2040. In addition, it will reduce emissions related to land use (FLAG) by 36 per cent by 2030 and 72 per cent by 2045, and eliminate deforestation from high-risk commodities by 31 December 2025. Remaining residual emissions, expected to account for no more than 5–10 per cent, will be addressed through high-quality carbon removals and beyond-value-chain mitigation. Paul Lockwood, Head of Sustainability and Net-Zero at Central Co-op, said: “This validation is a clear recognition of the Society’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. These science-based targets provide a credible pathway to net-zero and reinforce Central Co-op’s determination to act on climate in a way that reflects our co-operative values.” Central Co-op has already made significant progress. Since 2010, the Society has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80 per cent and has been awarded the Carbon Trust Triple Standard for achievements in carbon, water and waste reduction. It has rolled out solar panels across 123 sites, including solar carports at its Wildwood store and a mini solar farm at its Shelton Lock store – generating over 8.4 million kWh of green electricity and saving nearly £2 million in energy costs since 2022. Central Co-op is currently over 7 per cent self-sufficient in renewable energy and expects to exceed 25 per cent by 2026, supported by a new wind power purchase agreement. Beyond operational emissions, Central Co-op has worked with sustainability consultancy Simply Sustainable to create a best-in-class FLAG strategy and has voluntarily included complex Scope 3 categories such as customer travel and cooking emissions. These measures demonstrate a comprehensive approach to climate action and reflect a strong commitment to a fair transition for colleagues, suppliers and communities. From its investment in natural and woodland burial services via its funeral business, to tackling food waste and supporting local, sustainable suppliers through its shops, Central Co-op continues to take practical, long-term action rooted in its values as a co-operative. This milestone comes during a landmark year for the global co-operative movement – the UN International Year of Co-operatives – aligning closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on climate action, clean energy and sustainable land use. The validated targets are published on the SBTi website from the 19th of June, and Central Co-op will report annually on progress. A set of clear key performance indicators underpins the strategy and will be regularly reviewed to ensure they remain aligned with the Society’s 2040 net-zero ambition. For further details, head to the centralcoop.co.uk/. Details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Catella APAM has completed a 35,000 sq ft letting at Arlington Park, Reading, marking a major milestone in the Park’s leasing performance. A global occupier specialising in mission-critical technical services has taken full occupancy of Building 1240, a three-storey, Grade A office building. The transaction reflects the ongoing demand for high-quality workspace in strategically connected regional locations. Arlington Park comprises 365,000 sq ft across 11 buildings, set within a landscaped, amenity-rich environment. Over the past decade, Catella APAM has delivered a long-term asset management strategy, including seven whole-building refurbishments, a new amenity hub, and a curated occupier engagement programme. “This letting is a testament to our consistent asset management approach,” said Max Bingham, Asset Manager at Catella APAM. “Having acted as asset manager at Arlington Park for nearly ten years, we’ve created a community that supports modern business needs.” This latest deal rounds off a strong four months for Arlington Park, with over 68,000 sq ft transacted across 4 lettings and renewals – highlighting continued leasing momentum across the estate. About Catella APAMCatella APAM, an independent and market-agnostic asset and investment manager, has been delivering sustainable real estate solutions since 2010, managing £4B worth of assets across the UK and Ireland. As part of the Catella AB Group, we leverage our global network and extensive market knowledge to provide tailored, effective solutions across all market cycles to achieve remarkable outcomes for our clients. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Southwark Council has appointed Bouygues UK as its development partner for the delivery of key worker homes in the borough. The project will deliver approximately 150 affordable homes for key workers including social workers, teachers, fire-fighters, police and NHS clinical staff, enabling them to live close to their workplace, reducing travel times and offering an improved work-life balance to those providing vital services for their community. The rent levels will be equivalent to London Living Rent levels, calculated by Ward. The housing will be available to key workers with a combined household annual salary of between £26,000-£67,000 per year The site, next to the Arnold Estate near Zone 1, with close proximity to London Bridge and Bermondsey stations, will be the first development project under the council’s emerging Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Guidance. The development includes the delivery of a new community centre, with a large flexible double-height space and a number of smaller support spaces. The centre will be available for all the community for a range of events, activities and for hire; and the council will be seeking an independent operator to manage the space nearer to the time of opening. Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development said: “Key workers are the backbone of any community and ensuring that their work is recognised and their lives made easier is the least we can do to repay the efforts they make every day. I’m really excited and proud that we’re going to be delivering around 150 homes for keyworkers in partnership with Bouygues UK. “Creating affordable housing in London is always a challenge but Southwark Council is dedicated to meeting this challenge head-on as part of our 2030 strategy. The new homes will contribute positively to recruitment and retention of key workers in our borough, shaping a positive future and making lives better.” Subject to planning, construction will start around mid-2026 on the new development, with completion targeted for 2029. Oliver Campbell, MD of Bouygues UK’s development arm said: “We are thrilled to have been selected by Southwark Council as the development partner for this landmark scheme in SE1. Building on our successful collaboration on several projects, including the Tustin Estate scheme where we are delivering nearly 700 new homes, we value our strong partnership with the council. “Providing affordable housing for keyworkers is a vital step in supporting those who are indispensable to the wellbeing of the community. This project represents an exciting opportunity to further our collaboration and make a lasting contribution to the future of Southwark, and we eagerly anticipate bringing this vision to fruition. Construction will progress at pace, ensuring that these much-needed facilities are delivered promptly and to the highest standards.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Senior team members have visited their new home-to-be as Ideal Heating fits out its industry-leading research and development centre. The £19.2m UK Technology Centre ( UKTC ), located at Ideal’s headquarters site in Hull, will enhance significantly the company’s R&D capabilities, providing a testbed for both current and future products. The UKTC is due to be operational from September and forms part of a wider £60m investment across the Hull site as the market leader pivots towards technologies which will decarbonise UK heating. The R&D workforce at the Hull site has more than doubled over recent years, reflecting Ideal’s significant investment in its product development capabilities. The new centre will bring together more than 100 R&D and product development specialists who are currently located in various facilities across the site. Stephen Patton, Ideal Heating’s R&D Director (Thermodynamics), toured the facilities as they take shape with colleagues, and said: “The UKTC represents a step change in our in-house R&D and testing capabilities. “Bringing world-class equipment and testing facilities to our site in Hull will accelerate and advance the development of our products. The UKTC brings with it significant benefits in time, cost and efficiency of R&D processes. “The UKTC will be, quite simply, the leading facility of its kind in the UK. Work on the centre is progressing well and we look forward to opening the building later this year.” The UKTC will feature six climatic chambers, with temperature and humidity controlled from -20°C to 50°C. It means Ideal can stress-test products in even the most dramatic and extreme of temperatures and environments. Alongside the climatic chambers are specialist test chambers including hemi-anechoic chambers, which test the noise emissions and sound levels from both boilers and heat pumps, and EMC chambers which test products for electromagnetic interference from other “smart” appliances found in the home. Ideal Heating’s R&D team will relocate from their existing facilities to the UKTC in phases. Product testing in the climatic chambers will begin in September, with anechoic and EMC testing due to commence in early 2026. Jason Speedy, Chief Operations Officer at Ideal Heating, said: “The UKTC is a major statement of intent. It reaffirms our commitment to the energy transition and investing in the technologies which will heat our homes for decades to come. “For more than century, the name Ideal has been synonymous with quality and innovation, as we continually work to meet the ever-changing needs of the heating sector. “The UKTC will enable us to continue to push boundaries, set new standards in heating technology and develop the next generation of products.” Testing within the UKTC is split into two key areas – performance and reliability. The centre provides Ideal Heating’s R&D team with dedicated work and collaboration spaces directly next to where the testing is taking place. Also located within the UKTC is an in-house training room and a 3D printing facility, which will be used to produce prototype components and parts. The UKTC has been designed and built to BREEAM standard – a world-leading sustainability assessment for the built environment. Key sustainability features include LED lighting and controls, air source heat pumps, a mechanical heat recovery system, sub-metering of electrical distribution, and high-performance building fabric to reduce heat loss. Ideal Heating is also installing new solar panels at its Hull site, which will provide renewable electricity for the UKTC. The UKTC development has been principally delivered by Yorkshire-based contractor Henry Boot Construction. The project is backed by more than £2m of seed capital funding from Humber Freeport, having been identified as a significant project which will help the Humber region decarbonise its industries and transition to a net zero economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Liverpool City Council has appointed global real estate advisory firm, CBRE, to prepare the recently acquired Great George Street site for the delivery of a mixed-use regeneration scheme. Following a competitive tender process, CBRE has been chosen by the Council to provide professional support in developing a business case to define the optimum vision and route to market for the key city centre gateway site. CBRE has teamed up with Liverpool-based architect firm, Brock Carmichael, to work on the design element of the business case, and will undertake early market and community engagement to inform the proposals. The Great George Street site is a 4.55 acre brownfield plot which lies within Liverpool’s historic Chinatown and close to the Baltic Triangle district, adjacent to Liverpool Cathedral. Its development has been stalled since 2017, subject to a series of complex legal challenges which the City Council has taken action to resolve. In a major step forward to unlock development, the City Council succeeded in the High Court last November to secure the site under its own unified ownership (as the freeholder of the site), clearing the way for new homes and businesses on this critical site. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) supported the Council’s approach, with an allocation of £10million funding to complete the purchase and bring forward development options for the site. This is the latest positive step in building confidence in Liverpool’s exciting investment pipeline, and joins the unlocking of other major brownfield sites such as the nearby Festival Gardens and Central Docks at Liverpool Waters. The legal ratification also demonstrates the City Council’s commitment to address a legacy of stalled development sites across Liverpool, following its successful exit from statutory government intervention. The Great George Street site is also closely linked to opportunities being realised in the neighbouring Baltic Triangle, where the new Liverpool Baltic Station has secured £96 million of funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and is due to open in 2027. Cllr Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said: “The acquisition of the stalled Great George Street development is a hugely significant step in resetting the story of this major gateway site. “Its proximity to the Baltic Triangle, which is undergoing huge change with plans afoot to radically upgrade the transport infrastructure there, means the future development of the Great George Street site is of critical importance to the city. “I’d like to thank Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) and the government for their support in this process. I am looking forward to delivering new opportunities, homes and businesses, to create a vibrant and positive future for our historic Chinatown district.” CBRE senior director, Andrew Playfer, added: “CBRE is delighted to have been instructed by Liverpool City Council (LCC ) to provide consultancy advice on this high-profile opportunity and to play our part in shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for this key area of Liverpool.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has announced the topping out of Crown Place, Birmingham – a landmark 33-storey purpose-built student accommodation scheme for client Crown Student Living. The milestone ceremony – attended by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal – celebrated the topping out of Crown Place Birmingham which is now the tallest student accommodation building in the city. Representatives from Winvic, Crown Student Living, Corvette Capital, student housing brand and operator Yugo and funders Beaufort Capital, attended the ceremony, which took place on Level 32 of the tower, celebrating the development reaching its highest structural point and solidifying it as an iconic addition to Birmingham’s skyline. Attendees from the design consultants, Birmingham universities, industry consultants and members of the local community were also invited to visit the development and take a tour of the marketing suite. Winvic is partnering with engineer, Meinhardt, and architect, ECE Westworks to deliver the £85 million, 814-bed student scheme on Lancaster Street, conveniently located near Birmingham city centre and within easy reach of Aston University, Birmingham City University, and the University of Birmingham. Crown Place which will be operated by Yugo, Europe’s biggest student housing provider, will offer a variety of studios, cluster flats and duplexes, alongside over 13,000 sq ft of extensive amenity spaces. Standout features of the accommodation include a sky lounge, cinema room, karaoke room, private dining areas and a gym – setting new standards for student living in the city. The scheme will complete in December 2025, with Yugo preparing to welcome students from January 2026. Since breaking ground, the project has led the way in innovation with this milestone following Winvic’s successful UK-first deployment of Skyline Cockpit – a remote tower crane control system operated from ground level to improve safety and operational efficiency. Integrated advanced technology and sustainable practices were implemented across the project, including the use of HP SitePrint robotic layout and GAMMA AR tools for enhanced precision, as well as the AmpD Enertainer battery system to cut diesel use by 7,645 litres weekly, supporting greener operations. Winvic prioritised social value at the Crown Place scheme, supporting local communities through employment, education, and charity. Achieving outstanding CCS scores of 49 and a Silver National Site Award, the team has delivered over 2,900 weeks of employment to Birmingham residents into new roles on site. Since starting the project, 13 students and apprentices have been supported at Crown Place including T Level placements, Year In Industry students and graduates. The opportunities provided has enabled them to develop and grow their academic and practical skills with support from the site team. Initiatives include a Magical Santa’s Grotto for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, canal clean-up efforts, and charity events raising over £4,800. Educational partnerships with Aston University, Walsall College, BMET and South and City College Birmingham, plus local schools have seen the site being used to inspire the next generation, delivering interactive workshops and showcasing the newest innovations. Mark Jones, Managing Director of Multi-Room at Winvic Construction, said: “Topping out Crown Place Birmingham is a proud moment for all involved. This project is not only Winvic’s tallest scheme to date, but one of our most innovative – where new cutting-edge technologies have been at the heart of this project resulting in industry and business firsts – driving enhanced efficiency, safety, precision and programme certainty. “The quality of the build is testament to the collaborative approach between Crown Student Living, Yugo, our supply chain, and our exceptional Winvic team and the topping out ceremony is a celebration of the incredible progress made. We now look forward to continuing works at this industry-leading development ready for practical completion in December.” Alan Pulver, Director at Crown Student Living, said: “This is a significant milestone not just for Crown Student Living, but for the city of Birmingham as a whole. Set to redefine student living with its exceptional design, amenities, and location, reaching the topping out stage at Crown Place has been a proud moment, made possible by the collaboration and expertise of our project partners. We’re excited to see this flagship development come to life and to welcome students to a truly elevated experience in 2026.” Robin Moorcroft, Senior Vice President – Commercial, Yugo, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the launch of Crown Place Birmingham, a space that represents the high-quality student accommodation Yugo is proud to manage. “At Yugo, we go beyond housing; we’re committed to creating vibrant, sustainable, and supportive communities where students can truly thrive. Crown Place brings this vision to life with stunning views of the Birmingham skyline, dedicated study areas, and generous communal spaces designed to foster connection and belonging. “By working with institutional-grade partners like Crown we’re able to invest and deliver operational excellence at scale – benefiting students and clients across both existing and emerging markets. We’re particularly excited to welcome students to Crown Place when it opens its doors in January.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest housing associations, held an event to celebrate topping out at their Northolt Road development in Harrow, North London - a development which will provide 191 new affordable homes. The event was attended by The Guinness Partnership’s Group Chief Executive Catriona Simons, who was joined by Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing, and the London Borough of Harrow’s Mayor, Cllr Anjana Patel. They were also joined by London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, Krupesh Hirani; Roxeth ward Councillor Jerry Miles; the Borough’s Chief Planning Officer Viv Evans along with members of his team; Managing Director Ben Searle from the appointed contractors, Howarth Contractors Ltd; Guinness’s Group Director of Development & Commercial Services Kevin Williams and other members and partners of Guinness’s development team. The development consists of 123 shared ownership and 68 London Affordable Rent homes – a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, close to the underground station and just one mile south of central Harrow, with its amenities, shops and overground station. The homes are being delivered with the support of funding from the Mayor of London, under a GLA Strategic Partnership agreement. Catriona Simons, Group Chief Executive at The Guinness Partnership said: “The topping out at Northolt Road is an important step towards delivery of our 191 new, high-quality affordable homes in Harrow that will make a real difference to people’s lives. We are grateful for the significant investment by the Mayor of London, and for the continued support from Harrow Council, and Howarth Contractors Ltd, who we are working with to build these new affordable homes in northwest London – and of course our teams on site who are making it happen.” Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing, said: “City Hall has invested more than £15m in this all-affordable new development and I am delighted to see The Guinness Partnership move closer to delivering the high-quality homes that Londoners urgently need at prices they can genuinely afford. The Mayor and I will continue working with boroughs and housing providers across London to support good growth like this as we build a fairer, better London for everyone.” Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration said: “The council is focused on providing high-quality new homes to meet the needs of our residents, as well as the growing demand for housing in Harrow. The topping out ceremony represents a key milestone in the delivery of 191 much needed, new and high-quality homes for South Harrow. Our regeneration plans for Harrow are ambitious and we welcome the contribution The Guinness Partnership and Howarth are making to those plans.” Ben Searle, Managing Director at Howarth Contractors said: “We are thrilled to be working with The Guinness Partnership on this all-affordable development and reaching this significant milestone in the construction. It’s a proud moment to mark the topping out at Northolt Road, Harrow and continue this journey of providing 191 much needed homes for the residents in the London Borough of Harrow. We are now looking forward to handing over the first homes for occupation in Spring 2026.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LOCAL authorities must champion multi-purpose educational hubs as a cornerstone of regeneration efforts, according to a major new survey of senior construction professionals. Undertaken by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, the survey took stock of developer, consultant and contractor concerns as the UK government commits £6.7 billion in capital investment improvements in the sector across the current year. A chief concern for respondents is engaging sector designers to create dual-purpose spaces for wider community and interest groups, with 75% citing this should be the most important aim for local authorities and town planners in revitalising our towns and cities. The survey revealed ‘increased local employment opportunities’ (62%) and ‘community engagement and collaboration’ (66%) as key benefits that educational facilities bring forward. This reflects the call to arms to prioritise an interlink between education facilities and inner-city regeneration efforts to drive long-term community outcomes. However, the barriers to delivery are numerous. Funding shortfalls (54%) coupled with a lack of long-term planning and educational maintenance (35%) are the most cited obstructions to educational regeneration, indicating that the sector’s most persistent issues continue to affect decision-making and undermine economic vitality. Matt Hall, national director at Pick Everard, said: “Our survey shows that those working in the construction industry understand the value educational facilities have in the wider revitalisation of our towns and cities. At a time when there is heavy focus on planning and infrastructure improvements and creating new towns, it’s clear that construction professionals believe that placing education hubs at the heart of the community is key to unlocking true transformation and social value. “Unsurprisingly, funding continues to eat away at day-to-day worries. However, it is clear from the responses that while there is room for improvement, policymakers must continue to place conviction in education as a regeneration tool, thereby increasing investment confidence and boosting economic prospects.” A closer look at early-years education highlights a growing demand for more specialist schools, such as those catering to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This trend likely reflects recent reports of an increase in the number of pupils requiring special education support – with UK government data showing that the number of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has risen by more than 80% since 2016, reaching 434,000 in the 2023/24 academic year. When construction professionals were asked whether demand for new educational facilities was outpacing supply or if efforts should shift towards improving existing buildings, opinions were divided. However, a slight majority – 56% of respondents – believed that upgrading current facilities should take priority over constructing new ones, aligning with government initiatives to replace ageing and end-of-life stock. Matt added: “The decision to create new or improve is a constant battle for educational policymakers, as is the case across the wider public sector. An increasing population only brings with it questions over space, and it’s clearly a chief concern for our respondents when analysing the requirements for future schools. “Reimagining spaces – especially in terms of cost, sustainability, and long-term maintenance – remains a key concern within the industry. Nearly 40% of school buildings are nearing the end of their usable life, and recent challenges, such as the ‘RAAC crisis’, have further highlighted the urgency of addressing existing infrastructure issues before shifting focus to building new.” Rounding off the survey, respondents were invited to share open-ended suggestions on how education could contribute more effectively to the regeneration of towns and cities. A recurring theme was the call for a top-down ‘nationalised strategy’ that prioritises year-round community use of educational spaces. In fact, ‘community’ – whether mentioned alone or as part of a phrase – was the most frequently used word among responses, underscoring its central importance. Many also advocated for the integration of healthcare services, such as GP clinics and dental surgeries, within school environments – further reinforcing the push for multi-use, accessible public spaces. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A HIGHLY sustainable housing project in Daventry has officially broken ground, as Midlands based housebuilder Morro Partnerships begins work on delivering 52 new eco-conscious homes. Appointed by emh group and funded by Homes England, the £12.6 million development is set to regenerate a former brownfield site on London Road, which was previously occupied by a car wash and nursery. Each plot, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom family homes, will come equipped with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points as standard. Designed with sustainability at the core, the development also features timber frame construction to reduce carbon emissions and lower both environmental impact and future energy bills for residents. Abdul Mozzamdar, head of social purpose at Morro Partnerships, said: “Prioritising ESG within our developments is something we will always commit to, and this project is no different. We’ve pledged to deliver more than £1 million in social value during the course of this build, which includes hiring five direct employees, offering eight work placements, and 50 hours of volunteering. “We are also ensuring that our construction methods remain environmentally conscious. So far, 90% of site waste has been recycled, with 15 tonnes diverted from landfill. Even the rubble from the site’s previous buildings has been crushed, tested, and reused in the new development.” The project balances green innovation with social impact, offering a 50/50 split between shared ownership and affordable options, providing accessible housing to those who need it most. Simon Preston, managing director for the East Midlands at Morro Partnerships, added: “Projects like this are an honour to be part of and begin the vital steps to help transform local communities. These homes won’t just support local families, they’ll also set a benchmark for responsible construction. With work now underway, we’re on track for the first completions in spring 2026.” Chris Jones, executive director for development at emh group, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Morro for the London Road development, which will provide quality new homes for social rent and shared ownership in a thriving community. We are proud that together, we can achieve our aim of creating sustainable places to live which meet the housing needs of the local community. I look forward to seeing this scheme progress over the coming months, and to welcoming residents to their new homes.” For more information on Morro Partnership’s affordable and sustainable home projects across the Midlands, visit: https://morropartnerships.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has successfully completed the £12.8 million B4 industrial scheme at Manchester Airport. A milestone in the wider transformation of the World Freight Terminal, delivered in partnership with long-standing client, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, B4, which completed two weeks earlier than scheduled, comprises a 92,000 sq. ft. high-spec industrial and logistics unit with integral office space, external works and landscaping, situated within airport security boundaries at one of the UK’s most important logistics hubs. The building has been constructed to a BREEAM Rating of Excellent and EPC A+, aligning with McLaren’s commitment to delivering highly sustainable, future-proofed facilities. The scheme is the latest in a series of developments delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands and North for Columbia Threadneedle at the World Freight Terminal at Manchester Airport. Previous developments include Dnata City North – a £30m, 145,000sq ft facility, and B401 – an £11.2m project comprising three new warehouse units ranging in size from 21,594sq. ft. to 84, 098 sq. ft. Collaborating with key stakeholders including Manchester Airport Group (MAG) Utilities, McLaren coordinated complex planning to minimise disruption to airport operations during the 50-week programme. Recycled materials from previous demolition works were used during construction, and careful attention was paid to environmental and ecological impacts, particularly in areas adjacent to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The landscaping has also been tailored to support biodiversity and align with the scheme’s BREEAM objectives. Luke Arnold, Regional Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “B4 represents another major step forward in the long-term regeneration of the World Freight Terminal. With several successful projects now complete at Manchester Airport, our team has developed a strong understanding of working within the unique logistical and security constraints of the live airport environment. “We’re also delighted to have completed the scheme two weeks earlier than planned and we will continue our close collaboration with Columbia Threadneedle Investments, building on our trusted partnership and shared vision for creating high-quality, sustainable industrial infrastructure in this key location.” Columbia Threadneedle Investments is a leading global asset management group that continues to play a key role in reshaping Manchester Airport’s logistics landscape through strategic investment in high-quality, sustainable developments. The completion of B4 strengthens Manchester Airport’s position as a gateway for northern freight distribution and further enhances the World Freight Terminal’s offer to businesses seeking best-in-class industrial accommodation with unparalleled connectivity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
