McLaughlin & Harvey have completed construction of Etex’s plasterboard manufacturing facility in Bristol. Etex has officially opened its 200 million euros expansion of its plasterboard production facility in Bristol. It is Etex’s largest production investment ever and a commitment to UK manufacturing as the industry grows. Delivered by McLaughlin & Harvey, the new autonomous plasterboard production line and warehouse facility comprises of a 53,000m2 GIA. The 0.5km long facility consists of a board line calcination plant and storage facility with first floor office accommodation spanning the board line.  The expansion has doubled the sites capacity near the Port of Bristol and has a core focus on sustainability, utilising a rainwater harvesting system, installation points for solar PV and electric car charging stations, and a fully electric forklift fleet. The extra space also supports post-consumer gypsum recycling. The facility produces plasterboard for the Siniat brand and is Etex’s most efficient plasterboard production line in Europe when considering its line size, speed and complexity. The capacity installed allows Etex, a global lightweight construction materials manufacturer, to produce over 98% of its portfolio of boards for the UK and Ireland in the new state-of-the-art facility. The plant leverages new technologies to bring efficiency but also sustainability to the forefront of operations. Increasing local production gives Etex greater flexibility and allows for significant carbon savings by decreasing the need to transport boards from other countries. Robbie Clark, Operations Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, commented: “We are proud to have completed the construction of Etex’s new plasterboard production facility in Bristol. Our experienced delivery team maintained a strong focus on quality and sustainability in managing the building and civil engineering works, and coordinating the client’s direct equipment installers.  The high degree of integration of the state-of-the-art process equipment within our construction works was achieved seamlessly through our ‘one team’ approach with Etex and their consultants. This approach ensured the plant was fully commissioned and ready for setting to work ahead of the planned completion date. This accomplishment is a testament to teamwork, commitment and collaboration, demonstrating what we can achieve when a project team works together towards a common goal.” The new site is a zero waste to landfill plant – and part of Etex’s Road to Sustainability 2030 ambitions – which, in the UK, includes rainwater harvesting and increasing its product recycled content year-on-year. Etex is the first manufacturer in the UK to have recycled content certified in new products (through SCS certification), with recycled content in UK products ranging from 23% up to 45% in plasterboards. Bernard Delvaux, CEO of Etex:  “Etex is a pioneer in the construction sector globally, and in the UK. In Europe, we hold important market positions for our portfolio of products and solutions; plasterboards, fibre cement, insulation, fire protection and modular construction. But at the core of our business is our partnerships with customers. Through our complementary portfolio of brands, we are able to take our relationships with customers beyond simply being a supplier and instead work in true collaboration. This is thanks to our solution-first approach, focusing more and more on delivering full solutions and technical expertise to customers, rather than simply supplying individual products.” John Sinfield, UK and Ireland Country Manager: “The new Bristol plant expansion is proof of Etex’s strong footprint in Europe and its commitment to continually investing in innovation. As a pioneer in lightweight construction, we strive to deliver better products and construction methods. Through a solutions-first approach within our key brands, we can offer trusted design solutions that are fully tested whenever our customers need them, ultimately making construction time and processes easier, cheaper and more sustainable.” Etex operates more than 160 sites across 45 countries and employs 13,500 people worldwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Works for Omega West Unit 4, a £28million major industrial and logistics (I&L) development within the Omega Business Park in Warrington, are on track for completion. Led by McLaren Construction Midlands and North, Unit 4 is due to finish in June 2025 and follows the successful completion of Units 2 and 3, also on behalf of Omega St Helens Limited, but with a fund managed by Blackstone as the purchaser. Once complete, the unit will be a 420,000 sq. ft. development featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including two-story offices, extensive warehouse space, a hub office, car park facilities, and comprehensive external works and landscaping. Currently, the stage 3 commissioning of the intake substation on plot is progressing well, alongside the offsite manufacture and delivery of the enhanced photovoltaic panels, which are being readied to commence installation along with the internal SRC slabs to the warehouse. Externally, the SRC Yard Slabs are anticipated to be substantially completed by mid- to late March, with the office fit-out to the main office block final finishes due to commence late March 2025. The team has worked to tackle challenging elements of the site, including the diversion of an existing watercourse along its southern and western boundaries, which required an eight-meter buffer zone to maintain construction safety. Additionally, a 132kVA cable diversion below ground on the northern boundary helped careful planning to ensure safe excavation and groundwork activities. The development will incorporate 10% natural roof light implementation, future capacity for EV charging, and a full cut and fill balance of the existing ground to reuse all on-site cohesive materials in line with McLaren Construction’s sustainability commitment. A wild meadow planting arrangement and increased green space areas will also be distributed through the extensive landscaping and all generators and plant machinery have run on alternative fuels, with waste managed through an online data system, Smartwaste, and recycling targets monitored monthly during construction. Upon completion, the development is expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and an EPC rating of A+. Throughout the project, locally sourced materials and suppliers have been utilised, wherever possible, to support the local economy. With careful consideration of the local community at its heart, throughout the project, McLaren Construction Midlands and North has regularly engaged with local schools and colleges, providing job fairs and mock interview sessions to promote industry opportunities for young people. The team also attended the Cowley College: Futures Fair last year alongside the Your Futures Careers Fair at De La Salle School. Students were able to discuss industry career opportunities with the team, to expand their knowledge and inform them of future job options. Monthly meetings with the local council and planning teams have been hosted with stakeholders in attendance, alongside newsletters being regularly distributed to keep the community informed. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Pivotal works are progressing to schedule at Unit 4, and we are proud of our team for continuing to deliver a high-quality sustainable product, as part of the latest phase in our successful track record at Omega Business Park. “We’ve been working closely with the community to regularly engage with local educational establishments and stakeholders, to ensure a seamless construction process with sustainability at the heart of the scheme.” David Milloy, Managing Director of M2 Group (owner of Omega St Helens), added: “We are very pleased to continue our partnership with McLaren Construction on this pivotal development. Their commitment to quality and community engagement aligns with our values and vision for Omega Business Park.” The commencement of Omega West Unit 4 underscores McLaren Construction Midlands and North’s ongoing dedication to fostering sustainable growth and innovation in industrial and logistics infrastructure. With a steadfast commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, the contractor is poised to deliver a project that not only meets the highest standards of construction excellence but also contributes positively to the Warrington community and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured Reserved Matters (detailed) planning permission for warehousing and distribution units on a 30-acre site on Newmarket Lane, Wakefield, just off Junction 30 of the M62. The 152,000 sq. ft scheme, comprising of 12 commercial units of varying sizes of flexible storage space with offices, will be a welcome addition to Newmarket Lane which has become an established and sought after industrial and logistics hub. The latest planning approval also covers a new access road onto Newmarket Lane along with car parking, service yards, landscaping, and ancillary road and drainage infrastructure. Network Space Developments’ Managing Director Ste Barnes said: “This is a prime commercial and industrial site that is just a few minutes away from Junction 30 of the M62 and the M1 interchange, making it an ideal location for national and international operators. “The Newmarket Lane area has become established as one of Yorkshire’s most attractive logistic hubs and we are delighted to have secured planning that will help promote this prime location even further .” The wider Newmarket Lane commercial area – once home to Newmarket Silkstone Colliery which closed in 1983 – covers approximately 200 acres, with potential development of up to 1million sq. ft. With Amazon, Newcold and Phoenix Healthcare already established on site, there are currently circa 1,500 people employed with a further 1,500 jobs anticipated once the area is fully developed out. Spawforths were planning consultants to NSD for this scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

GMI Construction Group has celebrated the successful completion of the £32.9m Urban 8 Logistics Park at King’s Norton, Birmingham – transforming the former Pilkington Automotive and GKN Aerospace sites into a state-of-the-art warehousing and logistics hub. The 400,000 sq. ft speculative development by Canmoor Asset Management and Tristan Capital Partners, in partnership with regeneration specialists St Francis Group, comprises eight BREEAM Outstanding EPC A-rated units ranging from 25,000 sq. ft to 70,000 sq. ft. The 29 acre former brownfield site is set to bring up to 900 jobs to the area, further enhancing the West Midlands’ infrastructure and logistics capabilities. GMI delivered the project on time and to a high standard despite initial adverse weather conditions and the constraints of the site, located off Eckersall Road and adjacent to the A441 and A38. The development features a variety of sustainable measures including LED lighting, over 300,000kWh/annum of PV power generation, electric vehicle charging and energy saving infrastructure – resulting in overall CO2 emissions savings of 25%. The high specification detached units are set amid landscaped surroundings and are externally finished in composite metal cladding in various grey and silver finishes, with glazing incorporated into entrances and office spaces. Simon Dale, Director of Operations at St Francis Group, said: “From commencement to PC, the GMI Team have been a pleasure to work with – a delivery partner in the truest sense. Working in a collaborative way the site team met all of the challenges that multi-unit schemes provide, to deliver a high-quality development that matched everyone’s expectations. Well done to the GMI Team.” Adam Taylor, GMI’s Regional Director, Midlands, added: “This project underscores GMI’s capability to deliver large-scale, impactful developments. It will significantly contribute to local employment and skills development while showcasing Birmingham’s prominence in the logistics sector. The collaboration between all stakeholders has been outstanding, and we are proud to hand over this first-class facility.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Work will complete this spring on a multi-million-pound state-of-the-art incinerator at Newton Aycliffe in County Durham that will process up to 10,500 tonnes of clinical and hazardous waste each year and transform it into a low-carbon heat source for local businesses. The 75,000 sq ft facility at Merchant Park is being development managed by INDEV Projects on behalf of Fornax Environmental Solutions and Gresham House, which is an £8.3billion asset management fund. Yorkshire based Tate Consulting is providing full mechanical and electrical design services on the project and GMI Construction Group is the principal contractor. The high-temperature treatment facility, which is set to create more than 17 highly skilled jobs, will be operated by Fornax Environmental Solutions and will process waste that cannot be sent to landfill, recycled or go to other types of energy-from-waste plants. The site’s innovative technology will produce a zero-carbon district heating scheme within Merchant Park. The development is part of an initial £15million investment, excluding the incinerator installation, which will be undertaken as a second phase by renewable heat specialist, Nordheat. The site is set to open in 2026 and has been designed to comfortably meet and surpass new regulations on emission controls, which will be introduced later this year. Currently there are only three high-temperature treatment facilities for clinical and hazardous waste in the UK. Once the site is operational, it will process all types of clinical waste from hospitals, nursing homes, dental clinics, GP surgeries and veterinary practices. It will also be used for certain items of hazardous waste which could include electrical items, DIY related materials and certain beauty products. Ray Cavanagh, who is a director at Yorkshire headquartered Tate Consulting, said: “This is the first thermal treatment project that we’ve worked on, but it’s a perfect fit for us because it plays to our strengths of adding value to pioneering and high-quality developments that are environmentally astute, highly sustainable and institutionally funded. “We have designed and will be implementing cutting-edge solutions at every stage of the project spanning the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services, a highly advanced sprinkler system as well as integrating the site into a 5.6MW district heating system.” Nick McTague, from INDEV Projects, which is a joint venture between Tate Group and Generate Real Estate, said: “Once complete, the facility will boast the latest energy-from-waste technology, which will be complemented by a wide range of green credentials. “The whole building will be highly insulated and constructed with low or zero volatile organic compound materials, Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, some recycled steel, eco-friendly paint, solar panels and a sustainable urban drainage system. All this will combine to create one of the most advanced, high-temperature treatment facilities of its kind in Europe.” Other companies in the development team include architects, ASA, structural engineering practice, Burrows Graham and quantity surveyor and employer’s agent, KAM. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Barnfield Group have secured planning approval for three additional industrial units at their APTUS logistics scheme in Preston, Lancashire. The £100 million development is set to create up to 1,500 jobs and will deliver a total of 800,000 sq ft of high-quality, sustainable industrial space just off Junction 31A of the M6. The latest phase includes two adjoining units of 26,507 sq ft each, alongside a larger detached unit spanning 53,841 sq ft. Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director of HBD, said: “We’re pleased to have secured planning for a further 108,000 sq ft at APTUS. Its prime location, combined with strong sustainability credentials and power capabilities, continues to attract significant interest from potential occupiers.” Tracy Clavell-Bate, Head of Development at Barnfield Group, highlighted the benefits of the approval: “Having planning permission allows us to go to market with a ready-to-go scheme, making it highly attractive to occupiers. With limited supply in the region, we are ahead of the curve.” The scheme will incorporate a range of energy-saving features, including electric vehicle charging points and photovoltaic panels, as well as a 15-acre landscaped wildlife area designed for occupiers to enjoy. Across the wider APTUS development, units ranging from 25,000 sq ft to 500,000 sq ft will be available. Property agents Gerald Eve, Young & Co, and Eckersley Property have been appointed to market the scheme. The first confirmed occupier at APTUS is Kerakoll, with construction set to begin this summer on its 145,000 sq ft unit. HBD is one of the UK’s most established property developers, with a strong financial track record and a £1.3 billion development pipeline. The company focuses on industrial and logistics, urban regeneration, and residential projects, working in partnership with local authorities, investors, and developers. Barnfield Group, a Lancashire-based contractor, developer, and investor, has been delivering projects across the UK for more than 40 years. With a turnover of £80 million, the company is currently involved in more than 30 live developments, spanning a diverse range of sectors. With the latest approvals in place, APTUS is on track to become a major industrial and logistics hub in the North West, offering state-of-the-art facilities in a prime location. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hartwell Plc, the automative and property development company, has unveiled £100 million regeneration plans to deliver Phoenix Yard, a landmark mixed-use scheme at the heart of Digbeth, Birmingham. The proposals will seek to transform an outdated and under-utilised brownfield site which totals 2.8-acre (1.134 hectare) and is beside Coventry Street, Oxford Street, Meriden Street, and Digbeth High Street to deliver a new gateway to Digbeth. The site has the potential to provide 260,000 sq ft (24,228 sq m) of media and educational space, commercial floorspace, 240 new homes units, retail, public realm and high-quality landscaping. The proposals have been sensitively developed by award-winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris to pay homage to the site’s industrial history as Phoenix ironworks. This is combined with ambitious sustainability targets across the site which include BREEAM ‘Excellent’, WELL certification, WiredScore Platinum, SmartScore, NABERS and a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain. Phoenix Yard proposals will respond to Digbeth’s recognised potential as a growth area in Birmingham, which contributes to its ongoing transformation into a thriving and vibrant creative area. This includes the BBC’s new multi-million-pound Birmingham HQ at Typhoo Wharf and approval of the £1.9 billion Smithfield Market masterplan. The proposed Phoenix Yard is forecast to create circa 200 construction jobs and has the potential to create upwards of 500 FTE jobs, as well as attract a range of new residents to the area and provide a meaningful boost to the economy to support the area’s social and economic growth. Joanne Churchill, group property manager, Hartwell Plc said: “We are delighted to unveil our vision to transform an under-utilised brownfield site to deliver Phoenix Yard, a new mixed-use neighbourhood at the heart of Digbeth. Through unlocking the potential of this site, our plans promise to positively contribute to the area’s ongoing transformation into a thriving and vibrant part of Birmingham, delivering an exciting range of new opportunities and living space for the future. “In recent years Digbeth has benefitted from significant investment and is recognised by Birmingham City Council as a key growth area. This scheme has been designed with this investment and the wider ambitions for Birmingham in mind. The potential delivery of media and educational space will support the continuing growth of BBC Midlands HQ and its ecosystem following the BBC’s multi-million-pound investment into the area. Similarly, new homes will complement the site’s location in Digbeth’s creative centre. This will be supported by excellent connectivity, which is enhanced by nearby major transport investments including HS2’s Curzon Street Station and the Metro Eastside Extension. “We look forward to receiving comments on the proposals from local residents and businesses, with feedback set to help inform our final planning application.” Ahead of submitting a hybrid planning application to Birmingham City Council, Hartwell Plc has launched a public consultation for local residents and businesses to see and comment on the plans. A dedicated consultation website is now live at https://www.phoenixyard-digbeth.com/ with the deadline to provide feedback to close at 12pm on 31st March 2025. Acting on behalf of Hartwell are Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Ridge, Cundall, Hoare Lea, Macfarlane + Associates and Newmark. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals