Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is on schedule with works for construction of a new multifunctional building and grounds at Sutton on Sea’s former Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens site. Working alongside their design team CPMG and Alan Wood Associates, in close collaboration with client East Lindsey District Council, through the Pagabo Medium Works framework – the enhancements will provide local residents and visitors with a new state-of-the-art building, with lettable space for retail, sea view café and restaurant, along with transformative facilities including toilets and new exhibition space. Additional seating areas and recreational space will also be created in the former Pleasure Gardens alongside a large sea view deck, new beach huts and dedicated artisan studio spaces for pop up events and markets. Improved promenade access will connect the promenade via a link bridge to the new building and there will be planting and community gardens together with the creation of additional walkways. Popular nearby existing features will be retained, which include the paddling pool, tennis court and the anchor water feature. Works are progressing well on site with the steelwork and main drainage complete, alongside the ground and first floors installed. The blockwork has been completed and the installation of the structural steel frame is now underway. The scheme is part of the Mablethorpe Connected Coast Town Deal which has been approved by the Government to receive £4.2m of Town Deal funding, with the remaining costs match funded directly by East Lindsey District Council. The revitalisation of the area will provide new inward investment to the town, and residents alongside the Lincolnshire coast. Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to be involved in the significant redevelopment of this landmark cultural tourist attraction for Sutton-on-Sea, encouraging further investment into the Eastern coastline. “Our team have worked closely with all sub-contractor partners to carefully manage the enhancement of the existing structure with transformative elements that will deliver tangible benefits to the local residents and visitors to the town. We are moving forward at good pace and we are in a good position to deliver on schedule.” Councillor Martin Foster, the Council’s champion for the project, said: “We are delighted with the continued positive progress on the colonnade site, and seeing G F Tomlinson leading the construction process that will ensure the new facilities will be delivered to the highest quality of workmanship and suitable for its unique, scenic coastal surroundings. “When completed it will bring new tourism and income for the town, create new jobs and opportunities, and provide residents and visitors with a place to enjoy our stunning Eastern coastline from.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Octagon, Birmingham’s tallest building, the city’s first official skyscraper and newest landmark with a world-first design, has ‘topped out’, marking the highest point of construction. The Octagon is a stunning addition to the city’s skyline and the world’s tallest pure octagonal residential tower reaching 49 floors and 155 metres.  It will offer residents unparalleled views across the city when the first Build to Rent (BTR) apartments become available in late summer 2025 after a three-year build programme. Backed by global real estate investor, City Developments Ltd of Singapore (CDL), the construction of the £110 million project has been undertaken by high-rise construction specialist Midgard, part of the JRL Group, and has been designed by the team at Birmingham architects Howells. The building is an integral part of the city’s £1.2 billion Paradise estate being brought forward by development and asset manager MEPC, which is delivering up to 10 new buildings and three new public squares as well as new pedestrian connections and thousands of new jobs in the very heart of the city. The Topping Out ceremony brought together the building’s principal partners CDL, MEPC and Midgard along with project team members and further stakeholders with celebrations at the very top of the building.   This included an early morning visit from winners of the ‘lucky eight golden tickets’ which were available to the general public, as well as a ‘Vertical Mile’ charity run with the project team which took place prior to the Topping Out ceremony itself and raised over £4,500 for local charity Acorns Children’s Hospice with support from  CDL, Midgard, MEPC, Howells, Turley, Arup, Quantem, JRL Ark, SOM, OFR, Design MEP, Thompson AV, D Line, Spray Plaster Specialists Ltd and Flick Lighting who all helped to assemble teams with more than 70 runners. The winning Team was from Howells, with the winning individual runner, Jamie Parish, completing the climb in 5 minutes and 7 seconds. Neil McGinty, director at CDL, said: “The original investment we made in the city with The Octagon was rightly recognised as one of the largest pieces of FDI made in the UK regions in recent years. That original investment has now come to fruition as we underline our commitment to Birmingham as a world class, international destination with a strong regional economy. “The Octagon is also about creating a new landmark for the city of Birmingham. By building some of the finest city centre homes ever seen in the UK, the building establishes a powerful statement of intent for the city. As a high-profile skyscraper with a world-first design as well as highly sustainable ethos, The Octagon will become an important part of the city’s skyline for years to come.” The building’s 360-degree design openly addresses each part of the city and offers a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes, all enjoying spectacular views through the 10.5m wide windows on each elevation. Ross Fittall, Commercial Development Director at Paradise asset and development manager MEPC, said: “The topping out of The Octagon is a key moment not just for Paradise, but for the whole city which can rightly take pride in this new landmark.  It is a celebration of what has been an excellent collaborative effort between the design, delivery and construction teams and an exemplary build contract undertaken with care and commitment by Midgard, its staff, and sub-contractors, which has led us to hold today’s event. “We’re delivering a highly recognisable landmark for our city that will build on Birmingham’s growing reputation both at home and abroad, and provide hundreds of much-needed new homes for the city. The Octagon is an integral piece of the next phase of Paradise that is also delivering new commercial buildings and public realm and which underlines the true mixed-use offer of Paradise as a place to live, work and visit all year round.“ The pair of tower cranes on site reached their final height of 189 metres earlier this year – more than twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in New York. Kevin Keegan, director of contractor Midgard, said: “Midgard is very proud to be delivering this landmark for the city and today is a really important milestone for us. It is a chance to reflect on the expertise and wide-ranging skills of the whole team actively working together to deliver this complex building.   As a major contractor active in Birmingham, we look forward to completing the building over the next year as fit-out and completion works continue to take place, ready for residents to move in during late summer 2025.” As an important contributor to regional growth, Paradise is committed to creating high-quality, new pedestrian streets and squares for everyone to enjoy, as well as improving wider pedestrian and public transport links across the city. Paradise sits in the country’s largest city centre Enterprise Zone and has already benefited from investment in enabling and infrastructure works. Paradise has already completed phase one of the development with One & Two Chamberlain Square and the reopening of the square itself, together with the completion of One Centenary Way last year, the first phase two building. There are over 6,000 people already working at Paradise which is also home to a growing roster of leisure operators including Albert’s Schloss, Dishoom, F1®Arcade, Rosa’s Thai and Yorks Cafe along with the soon to open Cow & Sow and La Bellezza from Big Mamma Group. Further progress on The Octagon can be viewed on the live time-lapse camera at www.paradisebirmingham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A planning application has been submitted to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the redevelopment of a portion of the iconic 350-year-old Truman Brewery site on Brick Lane. The ambitious plans, managed by Grow Places, aim to transform the area with 35,000 square metres of new and refurbished buildings, offering job and training opportunities, affordable housing, and an enhanced public realm. The proposal follows extensive community engagement, with three rounds of pre-planning public consultations. The redevelopment will take place in phases, focusing on eight distinct blocks. Notably, this scheme is separate from a previously approved development for Brick Lane and Woodseer Street. The Truman Brewery, known for housing a diverse range of businesses, from creative industries and galleries to independent shops and restaurants, will see the replacement of vacant, underused buildings with vibrant new structures. The proposed buildings will host a variety of community and commercial spaces, including areas for exhibitions, events, a creative hub, microbrewery, food markets, and affordable workspaces. Mixed-tenure housing, aimed at providing affordable options for local families, will also be part of the plan. The primary development site is located east of Brick Lane, bordered by Buxton Street and Spital Street. It will feature five refurbished or new buildings and two public yards—Chimney Yard and Cooperage Yard. Currently, much of this area is used for parking and occasional events. Two additional plots, Ely’s Yard and a derelict building on Grey Eagle Street, are located within the Truman Brewery estate, adding up to a total of eight development sites. A relocation strategy is in place for tenants affected by the removal of existing structures. This includes plans for the Banglatown Cash and Carry, Backyard Market, and various workspace tenants. The development aims to reduce daily vehicle movements by 30%, while increasing the site’s biodiversity by introducing more greenery and wildlife, which will create stronger ties to nearby Allen Gardens park. Tom Larsson, founder of Grow Places, expressed his excitement: “We are proud to work with the Truman Brewery and the local community in Brick Lane, Spitalfields, and Banglatown. Together, we are evolving the site in a sustainable and authentic way, ensuring that the Truman Brewery remains a vibrant hub for locals, workers, and visitors alike.” Amr Assaad, director of Buckley Gray Yeoman, the architects behind the masterplan, added: “Brick Lane holds a special place in the hearts of many Londoners. Our proposals aim to transform this largely detached brownfield site into a space that future generations will cherish, adding a new chapter to the Brick Lane story.” The redevelopment promises to revitalise the historic site, preserving its legacy while adapting it for modern needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

THE CITY of Nottingham has seen the opening of a brand-new green space, representing a key milestone for the wider £2 billion Broad Marsh regeneration project – one of the largest development spaces of any core city in Europe. The ‘Green Heart’, which was officially unveiled by Nottingham City Council leaders and local school children, has been described by officials as ‘a place for locals to enjoy nature’, with 38 trees, 34 of which are newly planted, alongside colourful planting, a superbloom providing nectar to wildlife all year round, as well as a new marsh pond and rain garden areas. Pathways have been created from sandstone, which wind around the Green Heart and allow visitors to wander through the new public space, while the main path through the Green Heart serves as a direct route to the local train and bus stations, as well as the interconnecting city centre. Multi-disciplinary firm Pick Everard was behind the scheme, operating through Perfect Circle under the SCAPE Consultancy framework to deliver advisory, contract management, project and cost management, health and safety, and civil engineering services. The firm has worked closely with contractor Willmott Dixon and Nottingham City Council to bring the project to life, following its successful delivery of the Broad Marsh Bus Station and Car Park, Nottingham Central Library, Collin Street play area, and interconnecting public realm work. Oliver Hatton, director at Pick Everard, said: “The completion of the Broad Marsh Green Heart scheme represents a significant milestone in the quest to redevelop a key part of Nottingham’s public infrastructure. “Our team has collaborated closely with project partners to ensure the delivery of a vibrant community space, which reflects changing attitudes to the way we view our towns and cities, with plenty of accessible greenery that contributes positively to modern sustainability goals. “Having been a key part of the team that has delivered several Broad Marsh initiatives, including the car park, adjacent library and Collin Street revamp, we’re proud to be continuing to lead the charge in transforming Nottingham’s future, and look forward to the Green Heart becoming an integral part of the city’s Southside area.” The Green Heart project was funded through the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities fund, a £161 million package given to Nottingham and Derby in 2020 to keep cities moving and improve connections between and around cities. Its transformation is among several redevelopment initiatives taking place in Nottingham city centre, with plans for a green infrastructure network connecting Nottingham Castle to the city’s £1.4 billion Island Quarter project, which is set to deliver new homes, grade-A office space, a five-star hotel, retail units, and student accommodation. More progress on the ongoing regeneration of the wider Broad Marsh area is still to come, with a state-of-the-art NHS Community Diagnostic Centre set to open in the area, as well as plans for new homes and offices.  Councillor Neghat Khan, Nottingham City Council leader and executive member for strategic regeneration, transport and communications, said: “I’m proud to officially open this beautiful new green space for the city. It’s wonderful to see so many people already enjoying it. Following the collapse of the intu Broadmarsh shopping centre, we asked people in Nottingham what they wanted to see in this space, and they overwhelmingly asked for a new green park.  “I’m pleased that something amazing has bloomed, creating a wonderful new space for people and wildlife alike. Thank you to council colleagues and partners who have brought this to life. “The Green Heart is just the latest step in regenerating the Broad Marsh area, following the new Central Library, pedestrianised streets, and the bus station and car park. New homes and offices will follow in the future – providing a complete revamp for this part of the city.” Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “After demolishing the old shopping centre on the site, we’re pleased to have delivered new spaces for children, shoppers, workers and the local wildlife to enjoy. “The vibrant, biodiverse Green Heart and the new play area on Collin Street have created a welcoming gateway between the city centre and the train station. Nottingham is currently a hub of regeneration, and the addition of these pedestrianised routes will also help to drive connectivity between the city’s different quarters.” For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

One of North London’s waterside neighbourhoods has reached practical completion in Tottenham Hale, bringing 505 new homes to the area.    Hale Wharf is situated off Ferry Lane, close to Tottenham Hale rail and underground stations. The completed project has made a valuable contribution to the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority’s aspiration for 2,000 new homes in the borough and features local retail space, canal-side public realm and infrastructure which has transformed this part of North London. Delivered by Waterside Places, a partnership between Canal & River Trust and Muse, the first phase of development saw 249 homes delivered in 2018, with 108 for rent through leading landlord, Grainger plc. The second and final phase has added a further 256 homes to Hale Wharf with 191 affordable homes for LB Haringey and Grainger plc acquiring 65 build-to-rent homes, expanding its ownership within the overall project. One of the key elements that has helped breathe life into Hale Wharf is a new major pedestrian bridge across the River Lea Navigation. This links the new and surrounding community to a 10-acre area of green space, the Paddock Community Nature Park, opening new public spaces and walking routes for all and wider access to the Lee Valley Regional Park. As with all Waterside Places developments, the water’s edge has also been regenerated thanks to upgrades of access routes for commercial barges as well as canal wall repairs and the addition of floating reed beds. Waterside Places has delivered this project alongside McLaren Construction and architect Allies and Morrison, with Stace acting as Project Manager. On behalf of Waterside Places, Chris Coxall, Project Director at Muse, said: “Everyone working in regeneration wants to make a positive and lasting difference in the community. That’s what we feel we have achieved at Hale Wharf. Our scheme has transformed a forgotten waterside area by the River Lee Navigation and created a great place to live with access to green space. The project team recognised the importance of looking beyond the red lines and have found ways to connect the community to a diverse environment of woodland, scrub, meadow and ponds – which makes a huge difference in a densely populated city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Richard Desmond, the newspaper tycoon, has finally secured planning approval for his ambitious £1bn redevelopment of the Westferry Printworks site on the Isle of Dogs, London. After eight years and three attempts, Tower Hamlets Council has granted permission for the construction of 1,360 luxury flats on the 6.15-hectare brownfield site, which was once home to Desmond’s Northern & Shell publishing company. The Westferry Printworks scheme will be a comprehensive mixed-use development featuring 13 buildings, ranging from 4 to 31 storeys, to be constructed in four phases over a six to eight-year period. The development will include 1,358 homes, with 35% designated as affordable housing, a significant increase from the 21% proposed in previous applications. In addition to the residential units, the plans feature a 1,200-place secondary school, over two hectares of public open space, a rejuvenated dock front, and a variety of ground-floor amenities such as shops, restaurants, a community centre, and workspaces. The approval comes nine years after the controversial redevelopment was first submitted to Tower Hamlets Council. The project has faced significant challenges and controversy, with two previous planning applications being rejected by the council. In 2016, the then London mayor, Boris Johnson, overruled the council and approved a scheme with 722 flats. Two years later, a revised application for 1,500 flats across five tower blocks was also rejected. However, in 2020, the then Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, controversially overturned the council’s decision, despite opposition from the Planning Inspectorate. This decision was later quashed after it was revealed that Northern & Shell had donated £12,000 to the Conservative Party shortly after the approval. The latest application was approved after significant revisions, including the increase in affordable housing, which appears to have been a key factor in swaying the council. Mace is acting as the development manager for Northern & Shell, with the design by architect PLP, MEP engineering by Aecom, and WSP serving as the civil and structural engineer. Demolition and site enabling work have already been completed, and construction is expected to commence later this year. The approval marks a major milestone in the transformation of the former Westferry Printworks, once the largest printing facility in Europe, into a luxury residential and commercial development that will reshape the Millwall outer dock waterfront. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Working for The Arch Company, four railway arches situated on America Street, Southwark, SE1 were comprehensively renovated and turned into space designed for businesses to thrive. Glencar, a leading UK construction company that was recently ranked amongst Europe’s fastest growing businesses, has today announced that is has completed a project to renovate four railway arches situated on America Street, Southwark SE1 for new customer The Arch Company. The scope of works encompassed demolition, groundworks, fire rated façade installation, waterproofing, a new substation and extensive sustainable fit-out. Commenting on the appointment, Glencar Commercial Director – Special Projects Neil Johnstone said : “This development breathes new life into these spaces and provides a blank canvas for restaurants, cafes, bars, and other leisure businesses looking to contribute to the local community and economy. We were very happy to work with the team at The Arch Company for the first time to not only revitalise these historic structures into high-quality, repurposed spaces but also to deliver a development that meets high sustainability standards, an area where Glencar leads the way. Energy efficient elements that featured in the restoration included the re-lining of all arch spaces, new insulated floor slabs suitable for restaurant use and the installation of new LED smart lighting and glazed front infills. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the exceptional project team that worked on this development and we look forward to collaborating again with The Arch Company in future”. Roger King, Operations Director at The Arch Company, said: “We’re pleased to complete the transformation works of these arches, turning them into spaces for businesses to thrive in the heart of Southwark. Designed for restaurant, bar, retail, or gym use, we encourage anyone interested in letting to get in touch directly.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals