The UK’s largest logistics development has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of an operator for its strategic rail freight interchange (SRFI) on the West Coast Mainline. Maritime Transport has inked a deal for the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) contract with Oxford Properties Group and developer Logistics Capital Partners.
SEGRO Park Rainham has reached full occupancy following the agreement of a new lease with Wolseley – one of the UK’s leading merchants in plumbing, heating, cooling and infrastructure with over 500 UK branches. Wolseley has agreed to occupy 27,783 sq ft of urban warehouse space across two units at
Wykeland Group has announced a new development at Melton West business park in East Yorkshire. Evolve @ Melton West will comprise two larger units of 37,000 sq ft and 22,000 sq ft and a terrace of five smaller units of 5,000 sq ft each, all available to let from early
The company has acquired 40,000 square meters of land in Lancashire to establish a new production plant, the second in the region. Carl Gardner has been appointed General Manager UK and Regional Director UK, Nordics and the Netherlands Kerakoll Group, an international leader in sustainable building with B Corp status,
Network Space Developments (NSD) has let a 17,000 sq ft unit at the flagship Broadheath Networkcentre in Altrincham. A professional services company has taken the last remaining self-contained unit at the Atlantic Street site which means the development, which only completed in February, is already two thirds full. There is
Prologis UK, a leading owner, investor and developer of logistics property, is bringing to market an additional 159,000 sq. ft. of space to the logistics ‘Golden Triangle’ through an extension of Prologis Park Coventry. Planning consent has been granted to deliver either a single unit or two-unit scheme on the
A joint venture (JV) between Chancerygate and Northwood Urban Logistics has achieved practical completion on its 130,483 sq ft Bridgewater Point development at Trafford Park in Manchester. The last-mile urban logistics scheme comprises 16 high specification Grade A leasehold units, ranging in size from 5,114 sq ft to 13,571 sq
GLP, the leading global business builder, owner, developer, and operator of logistics real estate, data centers, renewable energy, and related technologies, has today announced the successful completion of Magna Park South in Lutterworth. The completion of units MPS 9, MPS 10 and MPS 11 which are 388,000, 136,000, and 119,000
Plans for Greenlight Urban’s sustainability-led Redditch industrial/logistics scheme have been given the go-ahead. The logistics platform has already secured a pre-let to existing occupier Honeywell for a refurbished and extended 66,000 sq ft facility Greenlight Redditch will consist of a further four industrial/logistics units which will target BREEAM Outstanding and
British Steel’s plans to build Electric Arc Furnace on Teesside as part of £1.25 billion decarbonisation plan have been approved. The company’s application was approved by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council following a detailed consultation period. Its application to build another Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), at its Scunthorpe site, is
The UK’s largest logistics development has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of an operator for its strategic rail freight interchange (SRFI) on the West Coast Mainline. Maritime Transport has inked a deal for the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) contract with Oxford Properties Group and developer Logistics Capital Partners. This joint venture acquired the 734-acre site in 2021 and is spearheading the largest rail-served logistics development in the UK. With a workforce of 3,000 spread across 40 sites and rail terminals, Maritime stands as the largest privately owned intermodal (road/rail) logistics operator in the UK, boasting an annual turnover of £400 million. The company will oversee the SRFI, which will complement 8 million square feet of prime warehouse facilities at the £1 billion WMI project. Additionally, Maritime has submitted a planning application for its site offices. Maritime reports a significant increase in container movements by rail, rising from 6% in 2019 to over 24% in 2023, and is gearing up for the introduction of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Site work has commenced, encompassing substantial earthworks, highways construction, water installation, and the establishment of two new community parks. Phase 1 of the WMI will entail the construction of six logistics units, totaling a combined 2.7 million square feet of space. James Boadle, Senior Vice President at Oxford Properties, remarked, “This next step to create the leading intermodal logistics facility in the UK’s Golden Triangle is a significant one. Maritime are the leaders in their field, and WMI is the leading logistics development in the country – the two coming together will deliver a significant boost to the regional and national Economy.” “Demand for best-in-class logistics space that’s sustainable and well connected continues to significantly outstrip supply,” Boadle continued. “With WMI poised to reduce up to 50 million kilometres of HGV traffic annually, today marks yet another milestone for a project that exemplifies both Oxford’s conviction in UK logistics, and our commitment to ESG.” James Markby, Managing Partner at LCP, added, “Our agreement with Maritime, securing them as the long-term SRFI operator, demonstrates great confidence in the strategic success of West Midlands Interchange. The project is key to decarbonising UK logistics, with rail freight producing up to 70% less CO2 emissions compared to road freight, and a leading operator like Maritime will ensure it lives up to its potential.” John Williams, Group Executive Chairman of Maritime, expressed, “As the leading road and rail freight logistics provider in the UK, West Midlands Interchange is the obvious next addition to our rail network.” “Being the long-term operator of WMI fits exactly with our wider strategy of decarbonising the full load supply chain by moving cargo closer to the end user by rail,” Williams added. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO Park Rainham has reached full occupancy following the agreement of a new lease with Wolseley – one of the UK’s leading merchants in plumbing, heating, cooling and infrastructure with over 500 UK branches. Wolseley has agreed to occupy 27,783 sq ft of urban warehouse space across two units at the development. The company will join a diverse range of occupiers including Transport for London and London Ambulance Service. With BREEAM Excellent certification and an EPC A+ rating, the high-quality, flexible industrial units are designed to maximise space and natural light, and feature smart sensors that monitor electricity usage, heating and airflow, to enable the customer to benefit from cost reductions. In line with the company’s Responsible SEGRO commitment to Champion low-carbon growth, every unit at SEGRO Park Rainham incorporates highly efficient sustainability measures built for the long term, including photovoltaic panels installed on the roofs and walls, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points as standard. SEGRO Park Rainham is part of the company’s East Plus regeneration scheme – a partnership with the Greater London Authority which will deliver 1.4 million sq ft of modern industrial space, spanning the London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Newham, and regenerating previously derelict land. Roger Connett, Managing Director (Specialist and Acquisitions Division) at Wolseley, said: “The investment at SEGRO Park Rainham further strengthens Wolseley’s growth strategy across the UK and Ireland. The unit will be occupied by Neville Lumb, a specialist market-leading supplier of commercial sanitaryware to new build and refurbishment projects. “The new location will further enhance Neville Lumb’s proposition for customers in London and the South whilst, materially improving the environmental impact of its operations.” Bonnie Minshull, Head of London at SEGRO, said: “This new letting to Wolseley is an important milestone for SEGRO Park Rainham, as all units that form part of the second phase of development are now fully let. “It is fantastic to see that our deliberate design and focus on sustainability, longevity and innovation has created a vibrant and thriving business community for customers of all shapes and sizes, and we’re pleased that Wolseley is joining us here as the latest and final occupier.” Space is still available at the development’s Enterprise Quarter. With a range of units, it provides customers with options to take up more space as their businesses expand, and offers flexible leases, additional support services and access to amenities to aid growth. It comprises two parts: The Innovation Business Centre, which is tailored to meet the needs of start-ups; and the Enterprise Business Centre, which offers slightly larger units for growing SMEs. SEGRO Park Rainham is located adjacent to the A13, with fast access to central London and the M25. The development is on the perimeter of the UK’s largest market – with 46% of the UK’s population within a 90-minute drive. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wykeland Group has announced a new development at Melton West business park in East Yorkshire. Evolve @ Melton West will comprise two larger units of 37,000 sq ft and 22,000 sq ft and a terrace of five smaller units of 5,000 sq ft each, all available to let from early 2025. Leading Yorkshire commercial property developer Wykeland Group has announced a new speculative development, Evolve @ Melton West. This computer-generated image shows one of two larger units within the scheme. The development will form part of the wider Melton West site, off the A63 west of Hull, and will create a total of 84,000 sq ft of business space, to enable companies to grow and expand their operations. The £10 million development is being delivered speculatively by leading Yorkshire commercial property developer Wykeland as the latest major investment at Wykeland’s thriving Melton West site. Construction is expected to begin in May, with the new units due to be ready for occupation late in the first quarter of 2025. Evolve @ Melton West will feature a terrace of five smaller units, as well as two larger buildings. The new development, forming part of the wider Melton West business park, will provide modern, energy-efficient and fully fit-for-purpose facilities for growing businesses. Wykeland Development Director Jonathan Stubbs said: “We’re delivering Evolve @ Melton West to provide much-needed modern space to meet the needs of growing businesses. The market is telling us there is a shortage of high-quality facilities of this kind and a pent-up demand for them. “We are approached regularly by businesses looking for a new space to move into, to support their growth. Those companies are looking for facilities that are ready-made, modern, energy-efficient and fully fit for purpose. “The shortage of such facilities is stifling investment and growth within the region and that’s an issue that Evolve @ Melton West will help to address.” The buildings will be EPC A-rated, with rooftop solar panels, green living walls and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Cycle storage shelters will form part of the development, which will also feature planted green roofs, with fast electric vehicle charging also available for public use. The buildings allow high levels of natural light in, thanks to translucent roof panels, creating bright and attractive workplaces and reducing the length of time when artificial lighting is required. The project will create almost 100 jobs during the construction phase, with employment for around 150 full-time equivalent positions once the facilities are occupied. Evolve @ Melton West will feature a terrace of five smaller units, as well as two larger buildings. This image shows the living wall on the building’s side elevation of the building featuring the smaller units. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The company has acquired 40,000 square meters of land in Lancashire to establish a new production plant, the second in the region. Carl Gardner has been appointed General Manager UK and Regional Director UK, Nordics and the Netherlands Kerakoll Group, an international leader in sustainable building with B Corp status, ramps up its growth plans in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe with the acquisition of 40,000 square meters of land in Lancashire for its new production plant – the second in the UK. Additionally, the company announces the appointment of Carl Gardner as General Manager UK and Director UK, Nordics, and the Netherlands, signalling its strategic focus on international expansion. With construction set to commence by late 2024 and completion expected by spring 2026, the facility in Preston, Lancashire, will add to the one already existing in Leyland, Lancashire, and will serve as a hub for manufacturing and distributing the Group’s products across the UK and Northern Europe. It will be Kerakoll Group’s twentieth production site globally. The investment will lead to an expansion by 30% of the Group’s workforce in the UK as well as a striking 100% increase in production capacity in the country by 2028. In 2023, Kerakoll Group achieved a turnover of £40 million in the UK, supported by a dedicated team of over 130 employees and a strong and loyal customer base. The new plant will leverage green technologies and sustainable practices, such as photovoltaic panels, which are expected to produce 245 kWh per day, and advanced rainwater recycling systems. In line with its B Corp status, Kerakoll Group is committed to achieving Very Good, or above, in the BREEAM rating, an internationally recognised assessment of environmental performance. Carl Gardner will lead the expansion of Kerakoll Group in the UK at a significant moment, with the Group in the process of integrating the brands Kerakoll and Tilemaster Adhesives, a company specialising in ceramic and flooring installation systems it acquired in 2017. Additionally, his appointment is a step toward the implementation of the new International Business Unit of the Group, which also sees Filippo Iacconi, hitherto UK General Manager, assume the role of International Marketing Manager. Carl Gardner brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles in renowned companies, including Saint-Gobain Artex, Travel Perkins and Jeld-Wen, positioning Kerakoll Group for continued success in its growth trajectory. Marco Zini, CEO of Kerakoll Group, commented: “I couldn’t be prouder of Kerakoll Group’s latest accomplishments. Both the launch of our second production site project in Lancashire and the appointment of a seasoned professional like Carl Gardner reflect Kerakoll Group’s unwavering dedication to accelerating expansion in strategically vital regions. I’m sure Carl will make a big impact in his new role, helping us sustain the momentum in our trajectory of international growth”. “I’m thrilled to be joining Kerakoll Group at a time of such great transformation and drive for growth. Leading a talented team in developing key markets for the Group, such as the UK and the Nordics, is an exciting challenge and one that I am thankful to have been entrusted with”, Carl Gardner said. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Space Developments (NSD) has let a 17,000 sq ft unit at the flagship Broadheath Networkcentre in Altrincham. A professional services company has taken the last remaining self-contained unit at the Atlantic Street site which means the development, which only completed in February, is already two thirds full. There is also strong interest in the remaining units which offer between 2,000 and 9,000 sq ft of high-quality workspace for small to medium sized enterprises. Simon Eaton, Senior Development Manager at Network Space, said: “Attracting yet another high calibre occupier to Broadheath Networkcentre is testament to the quality and prime location the development provides. “It also helps our occupiers meet their ESG aims, due to the high sustainability credentials of the workspace.” On behalf of NSD, Bansco constructed the 206,000 sq ft Broadheath Networkcentre, which provides 25 units. Regenerating a brownfield site, it is a mix of high-quality refurbished space alongside new builds. Achieving BREEAM Very Good and EPC A ratings, significant efforts were made to further improve sustainability during the construction process by recycling and reusing the existing building materials where possible. In operation initiatives include renewable energy provision through solar panels and electric vehicle charging points across the entire scheme. Ultimately it will support some 400 new jobs and was fast tracked with a £23.25 million loan from Trafford Council and, with over 95% of the project budget being invested in a supply chain within 45 miles of the site, a significant number of local training and employment opportunities were also delivered during construction. Will Kenyon at B8 and Jonathan Williams at Savills are the letting agents for Broadheath Networkcentre by Network Space. In addition to this latest deal, a flurry of pre-lets were swiftly secured, with XPand Logistics, Maersk and worldwide event hire company, Options Greathire, moving onto the now thriving business park. Will Kenyon, director at B8RE, said: “Following completion of all works at Broadheath Network Centre, its great to welcome another global occupier onto the estate. Interest has now ramped up across the smaller units with several currently under offer and due to go through shortly. The estate has already become one of the best in the Manchester area & surrounds, proving to be popular to a wide range of businesses.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK, a leading owner, investor and developer of logistics property, is bringing to market an additional 159,000 sq. ft. of space to the logistics ‘Golden Triangle’ through an extension of Prologis Park Coventry. Planning consent has been granted to deliver either a single unit or two-unit scheme on the site, depending on customer demand. Located five minutes from M6 J3 and within 15 miles of five different motorways, Prologis Park Coventry is a highly sought-after location for businesses within the automotive and wider logistics sector. The scheme provides a unique opportunity for prospective customers to take full advantage of Prologis UK’s build-to-suit offering and secure prime logistics space in one of the UK’s most desirable locations. This latest investment follows a string of other recent planning successes for the business, including at Prologis Parks Luton, Hemel Hempstead and Croydon. Once complete, the scheme at Prologis Park Coventry will bring the total value of assets under Prologis management in the Midlands to over £3 billion and the business’ Warwickshire footprint to over 3.4 million sq. ft., spread across its holdings at Prologis Park Ryton and Prologis Park Coventry. Maria Bailey, Head of Planning at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, added: “It is our foremost priority to support activity which will directly provide a net benefit to our region. The granting of this planning application means that there are more chances than ever for the local community to pursue roles within a stable and progressive industry. Supporting the growth of businesses, and attracting more commercial activity to the area, will secure the delivery of a valuable employment site and bring inward investment and jobs to the borough.” Planned with employee wellbeing in mind, the scheme is located opposite Coventry Country Park with connecting access routes for employees and the community. Another key feature of Prologis UK’s PARKlife offering, landscaped communal areas have been drawn up in the planning designs. With the opportunity to be neighbours with major companies such as IFCO, Halfords, DHL, Parcel Force and Co-Op, the unit will be delivered to Prologis UK’s high sustainability standards, targeting an EPC A and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, as well as being net zero carbon in construction. Caroline Musker, Head of Planning at Prologis UK, said: “This multi-million-pound expansion of Prologis Park Coventry will help to activate growth of local businesses and generate further inward financial opportunities. We pride ourselves in our expertise in providing agile spaces that deliver scalable groundbreaking solutions. Delivering flexibility through our two permissions at this scale means we can be adaptable to the market and the requirements of prospective tenants.” Businesses at Prologis Park Coventry are supported by a highly skilled labour pool and potential talent base that is ideally suited to the logistics and distribution operations, across a wide range of sectors. Avison Young and Holt Commercial are acting on behalf of Prologis UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A joint venture (JV) between Chancerygate and Northwood Urban Logistics has achieved practical completion on its 130,483 sq ft Bridgewater Point development at Trafford Park in Manchester. The last-mile urban logistics scheme comprises 16 high specification Grade A leasehold units, ranging in size from 5,114 sq ft to 13,571 sq ft with the potential to combine units to provide a single unit of 44,694 sq ft. Bridgewater Point has been supported by a joint multi-million pound loan from the North West Evergreen Fund and Trafford Council to enable the delivery of high-quality, sustainable employment premises. Located at 103 Barton Dock Road, the scheme sits on one of the most prominent sites in Trafford Park and benefits from excellent access to Manchester city centre and is one mile from junction 9 of the M60. Neighbouring occupiers include Kellogg’s, Amazon, L’Oréal and Adidas. All the units at Bridgewater Point feature electric vehicle charging points and solar cells on their roofs which provide up to 35 per cent of the units’ energy needs. In addition, the units are constructed from high-performance building materials to reduce CO2 emissions. The scheme has achieved an EPC A and BREEAM Very Good rating. Following practical completion at Bridgewater Point, a 12,576 sq ft unit and a 8,748 sq ft unit are currently under offer at the development. Chancerygate development director and head of its Warrington office, Mike Walker, said: “Bridgewater Point is the first new build Grade A multi-unit scheme to be built in Trafford Park for 15 years. “Sitting in one of the premier industrial locations for Manchester, the scheme is best placed to serve the city and the wider North West region. “There is strong demand from businesses for high quality, sustainable accommodation, and thanks to its prime location and close proximity to key infrastructure, Bridgewater Point will help meet this. “We have seen strong early interest in the units and currently are in serious negotiations with several occupiers, so expect to put more units under offer very soon.” The North West Evergreen Fund exists to support the delivery of commercial property and infrastructure projects in Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Cheshire and Lancashire. It is managed by CBRE’s investment advisory team, part of CBRE Capital Advisors. Northwood Urban Logistics is part of Northwood Investors, a privately held firm that owns and operates real estate across the US and Europe. The firm currently manages approximately $10bn of investor capital with its Manchester office headed by executive director Richard Pellatt. Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest urban logistics property developer and asset manager and the only one operating nationwide. The company currently has around 2.65m sq ft of urban logistics space under construction or ready for development across 19 sites ranging from Edinburgh to Chichester. Agents for Bridgewater Point are JLL and Davies Harrison. For more information visit www.chancerygate.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GLP, the leading global business builder, owner, developer, and operator of logistics real estate, data centers, renewable energy, and related technologies, has today announced the successful completion of Magna Park South in Lutterworth. The completion of units MPS 9, MPS 10 and MPS 11 which are 388,000, 136,000, and 119,000 sq. ft respectively, bring to the market a combined footprint of almost 645,000 sq. ft. This is a significant milestone at Magna Park Lutterworth as it completes the development of the Magna Park South area of the park. These new units, along with MPS 5 (187,000 sq.ft,), provide four Grade A, sustainable logistics buildings for immediate lease. The completion of Magna Park South ends a five-year period of activity, which has seen GLP speculatively develop 2.9m sq. ft across eleven buildings over three phases. The first phase units (MPS 1, 2, 3 & 4) were successfully leased to Amazon, Whistl, Movianto and JD.com. After the successful completion of the first phase, GLP developed MPS 5, 6, 7 & 8, providing a further 1m sq ft. Energy supplier Centrica acquired 460,000 sq. ft in two units for a new national training centre and logistics hub, and Unipart, already a well-established business in the park, decided to continue to expand their business operations at Magna Park South. Throughout the development of Magna Park Lutterworth, GLP has sought to maintain and advance the highest environmental standards. MPS 10 and MPS 11 have already achieved BREEAM Excellent ratings. MPS 9 meanwhile is striving for an Outstanding rating, reflecting GLP’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. Achieving this top rating would make MPS 9 the third of GLP’s buildings to gain this accreditation in the UK. Bruce Topley Managing Director at GLP commented: “The completion of Magna Park South is a major milestone for us. The park contains some of the most environmentally responsible warehouses in the country, affirming our commitment to maintaining the highest sustainability credentials. The combination of state-of-the-art facilities, a prime location, and an enviable list of existing and prospective tenants positions Magna Park South for continued long-term success.” About Magna Park Lutterworth Covering over 1400 acres (including 200 acres of country park to be completed in April 2024), Magna Park Lutterworth is recognised as the UK and Europe’s largest dedicated logistics and distribution park. It is currently home to 32 different tenants, occupying over 13 million SQ FT of sustainable floor space across 49 buildings. Its location, bounded by the M1, M6 and M69 motorways, widely known as the “Golden Triangle,” makes it an ideal choice for logistics firms due to its strategic position in the centre of the country. This project stands as GLP’s blueprint for the development of successful large-scale logistics parks worldwide, including our second UK-based Magna Park logistics park in Milton Keynes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for Greenlight Urban’s sustainability-led Redditch industrial/logistics scheme have been given the go-ahead. The logistics platform has already secured a pre-let to existing occupier Honeywell for a refurbished and extended 66,000 sq ft facility Greenlight Redditch will consist of a further four industrial/logistics units which will target BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ ratings. Greenlight – a logistics joint venture platform between Coltham and Delancey client funds – has obtained a resolution to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of an existing manufacturing complex in Redditch, Worcestershire. A pre-let to retain existing occupier Honeywell has also been secured – marking the latest in a string of innovative companies that are benefitting from Greenlight Urban’s portfolio of first-class industrial assets with excellent sustainability credentials, under construction across the UK. This inventive retention of Honeywell’s existing building, which is being fully refurbished, not only reduces the embodied carbon emissions by retaining the structure of the building but also introduces photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps to remove any reliance on natural gas within their operation. Greenlight Redditch consists of the partial demolition of the existing buildings onsite and the construction of four new units with high-quality sustainability credentials, totalling 126,715 sq ft, targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating and EPC A+ for the build base. The new units have been designed to improve energy performance and reduce the environmental impact. The units will use technologies such as photovoltaic panels, EV charging infrastructure, rainwater harvesting and air source heat pumps to mitigate and adapt to climate change, cut carbon emissions, and reduce occupiers’ costs. Alongside benefitting from strong sustainability credentials, Greenlight Redditch’s units will also include Category A office space and cycle parking, while Units 1 and 3 will feature balcony space for employees. The site benefits from connectivity to the A4023 Coventry Highway and is just 15 miles from Birmingham city centre. These factors make Greenlight Redditch a prime place to accommodate the growing number of pioneering businesses in the West Midlands. Mark Enderby, Director of Development at Delancey, said: “We are thrilled to secure Honeywell – a firm which is dedicated to driving technological transformation for a sustainable future – to Greenlight Redditch. We look forward to working with Honeywell and we are already in talks with other companies on the scheme which are looking for highly sustainable mid-box industrial accommodation in the area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Steel’s plans to build Electric Arc Furnace on Teesside as part of £1.25 billion decarbonisation plan have been approved. The company’s application was approved by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council following a detailed consultation period. Its application to build another Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), at its Scunthorpe site, is set to be decided imminently by North Lincolnshire Council. The manufacturer’s proposed transformation – its biggest in more than a century of steelmaking – is subject to appropriate support from the UK Government. British Steel President and CEO Xijun Cao said: “We’re delighted to have received planning permission to build an Electric Arc Furnace at our Teesside site, and thank everyone who has supported our proposals to bring steelmaking back to the region. “The proposed installation of EAFs in Scunthorpe and Teesside is central to our journey to a green future as they would help us reduce emissions of CO2 by more than 75 per cent. However, it is crucial we now secure the backing of the UK Government. “Our owner, Jingye, is committed to the unprecedented investment decarbonisation requires and our desire to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint, coupled with challenging market conditions, means it is imperative swift and decisive action is taken to ensure a sustainable future for British Steel. “We started talks with the UK Government in 2022 about the timely support we require on our journey to net zero, including the need for the British government to adopt the correct policies and frameworks now to back our drive to become a clean, green, and successful company. We are committed to working with the UK Government and need to reach an agreement quickly so we can achieve our ambitious goals, secure thousands of jobs and keep making the steel Britain needs for generations to come.” Significant preparation works, including environmental and technical studies, and equipment selection, are underway to ensure the company’s ambitious proposals can be delivered at the earliest opportunity while discussions with the UK Government continue. Both proposed EAFs would replace the aging iron and steelmaking operations at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site which are responsible for the vast majority of its CO2 emissions. The company proposes maintaining current operations until a transition to electric arc steelmaking. British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification, and has promised to support employees affected by its decarbonisation plans. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals