Plans to create a brand-new state-of-the-art Acoustics building as part of Crescent Salford’s innovation zone have been accepted by Salford City Council. The University of Salford submitted the plans to create a world-class facility to house the research, commercial and teaching activities of its globally recognised acoustics group at the
GMI Construction Group has announced the practical completion of Citylabs 4.0, a state-of-the-art, 125,000 sq. ft laboratory and workspace development in Manchester. Delivered on behalf of Bruntwood SciTech and in joint venture with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the £42m project is the latest addition to the Citylabs campus,
Kadans Science Partner (“Kadans”), a leading European investor in the development of ecosystems and real estate with a dedicated focus on knowledge-intensive sectors, has commenced construction on its purpose-built laboratory facility, Versa. As the second project to be delivered by Kadans within the Tileyard Quarter in King’s Cross, London, this
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has announced its involvement in the prestigious Birmingham England Temple project for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The scheme, which is set to re-define the local landscape, officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony on 22nd March, attended by over 300 guests which
A fast-growing Midlands construction consultancy has been appointed to support a prestigious £5.8 million state-of-the-art Porsche centre in the West Country. Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to provide quantity surveying and employers agent services to the creation of a cutting edge new Porsche dealership in Exeter. The
British Land has gained planning approval for a major £600 million transformation of Euston Tower, a 1960s skyscraper in London, into a cutting-edge life sciences and workspace hub. The ambitious project, designed by 3XN, will deliver 560,000 square feet of high-quality office space, alongside improved public areas and expanded amenities.
AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, has delivered designs for cutting-edge facilities including new data and energy centres, as part of plans to transform a former manufacturing site into a sustainably-powered enterprise campus – driving the energy transition programme in Ireland. The project
Designs for Phase Two of a tech development at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus have been approved by the Vale of White Horse District Council for planning. Designed by Scott Brownrigg, Tech Foundry West will create 70,000 sq ft laboratory, advanced manufacturing, and office space to support a growing community
Kao Data has unveiled plans for a third state-of-the-art data centre at its Harlow campus in Essex, further strengthening its position as a leader in high-performance computing and AI infrastructure. The new KLON-03 facility will deliver 17.6MW of capacity and operate entirely on renewable energy. It will feature advanced hybrid-cooled,
Turner & Townsend has been appointed as the project manager and employer’s agent for the prestigious regeneration of Canons House in Bristol. This appointment follows Turner & Townsend’s recent deal to integrate CBRE’s project management business into its global operations in January. Canons House, a Grade II listed building located
Plans to create a brand-new state-of-the-art Acoustics building as part of Crescent Salford’s innovation zone have been accepted by Salford City Council. The University of Salford submitted the plans to create a world-class facility to house the research, commercial and teaching activities of its globally recognised acoustics group at the start of the year. Today Salford City Council announced that plans for the 1,300m2 building have been accepted and it is expected work will begin on site this summer, taking around 18 months to complete. The site is a key part of the University of Salford’s multi-million pound Campus Connectivity Plan, which is the most ambitious redevelopment of research, teaching and public spaces that the University has ever undertaken. The new facility represents an investment into acoustics of international scale, drawing together an impressive range of testing equipment of the highest technical specification to underpin the most rigorous acoustic measurements. Each space in the new building will enable active research by one of the largest acoustics groups in the world, supported by the hands-on expertise of specialist technical staff. The University of Salford has been delivering world-leading research in acoustics for over six decades, working with some of the biggest brands in manufacturing to ensure their products emit acceptable levels of noise. Salford’s research has fed into the development of products that companies make and sell worldwide, as well as regulations and standards used in the UK and internationally. Most recently, Salford’s experts have worked on projects to manage drone noise, develop e-scooter alarm noises and make forklift trucks safer in a work environment. The new centre will see an increase in the research, innovation and development that the University of Salford Acoustics team will be able to offer. The Acoustics building will also sit in Crescent Innovation, which forms part of the wider £2.5bn, 240-acre Crescent Salford masterplan being delivered by the Crescent Partnership, comprising the University of Salford, Salford City Council and ECF – a joint partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse. The 29-acre Crescent Innovation area lies north of the University’s Peel Park campus and the building will be located on a former industrial site on Lissadel Street. It will build on existing research and development capabilities to drive further economic growth in Salford and facilitate enhanced links between academia, research and business. The Acoustics building marks the next step in the creation of Crescent Innovation, after work began on Salford Rise last September. Morgan Sindall Construction is working on the building, having previously collaborated with the University on the creation of multiple new learning environments including the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, which is also within Crescent Innovation. Director of the National Institute of Airborne Acoustic Metrology at the University of Salford, Claire Lomax said: “The whole acoustics team at Salford are thrilled planning consent has been granted for this globally unique building. Every person on earth is affected by what they can or cannot hear, which is why acoustics as a science is so significant. “To have this facility in Salford shows the University’s commitment to innovation to enrich lives – in this case through pioneering research, impacting policy and industry standards, and shaping products sold worldwide.” In line with the latest sustainability standards, the all-electric building will target a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ and utilise low-energy and low-carbon technologies to minimise energy consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of the building. Max Bentham, Development Director at ECF, said: “With plans now approved for the Acoustics building, we’re looking forward to this state-of-the-art facility coming to life and bringing world-class research potential to Crescent Innovation. “The highly sustainable building will function as a training hub for the next generation of acoustics experts, offering cutting-edge research facilities aimed at enhancing quality of life by reducing the harm caused by noise. Bringing industry and education together, it will further cement Salford as a leader in this field. “With Salford Rise on site and work on Willohaus set to complete next year, the approval of plans for the Acoustics building marks an exciting next step in the creation of the Crescent Salford masterplan. As momentum builds, the vision is becoming a reality.” Steven Gregory, Morgan Sindall Construction’s area director for the North West said: “We’re very proud to be part of the team that will deliver another world-class facility for Salford University and the wider Crescent Salford innovation zone. We can’t wait to get started in the summer. “In our delivery of other projects on campus, we have developed a close, collaborative working relationship with the University. On this latest scheme, we will again ensure our presence brings wider benefits to the University’s students as well as the wider Salford community.” Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: “This state-of-the-art Acoustics building will be an incredible addition to the growing Crescent Innovation zone, building on the completed North of England Robotics Innovation Centre and Salford Rise, which is due to complete next year. This new development will reinforce our city’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research and development and aligns perfectly with the Council’s Corporate Plan objectives, by driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities for skills development. By investing in world-class facilities like this, the University are not only supporting our local economy, but contributing to global advancements in acoustics, that will improve lives for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has announced the practical completion of Citylabs 4.0, a state-of-the-art, 125,000 sq. ft laboratory and workspace development in Manchester. Delivered on behalf of Bruntwood SciTech and in joint venture with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the £42m project is the latest addition to the Citylabs campus, a thriving innovation hub for diagnostics, medtech, digital health, and genomics businesses. Situated within the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust campus, England’s largest NHS Trust, Citylabs 4.0 provides a world-class environment for start-ups, scale-ups, and global corporates in life sciences and healthcare technology. Through Bruntwood SciTech’s unique partnerships and co-location with MFT, the development offers direct access to the NHS, leading academic institutions, and over 20,000 STEM graduates annually, making it an ideal setting for businesses at the forefront of medical advancements. The seven-storey facility features cutting-edge infrastructure tailored to the needs of businesses in precision medicine, diagnostics, biotech, medtech, AI-driven healthcare, and genomics. Key specifications include containment level 1 and 2 biology and chemistry labs, enhanced cooling and ventilation systems, and high-capacity floor loading to support specialist equipment. Designed with sustainability at its core, Citylabs 4.0 is Net Zero carbon in construction and operation of shared spaces. The building is fully electric with an EPC A rating, BREEAM Very Good certification, and a NABERS 5-star rating. It incorporates 208m² of solar panels and a highly energy-efficient cladding system made from 75% recycled post-consumer aluminium, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development in the life sciences sector. Anthony Judge, Regional Director, North West, at GMI Construction Group, said: “The practical completion of Citylabs 4.0 is a milestone for GMI and further strengthens its partnership with Bruntwood SciTech. This facility will drive innovation in healthcare by providing specialist space for companies working on pioneering medical solutions. We are extremely proud to have delivered a development that not only enhances Manchester’s position as a global leader in life sciences, but one that prioritises sustainability and collaboration.” The contract is worth £33mto GMI, which is also delivering the nearby £87m No 3 Circle Square development for Bruntwood SciTech. The 287,000 sq. ft of sustainable office space is due for completion this Spring. Citylab’s 4.0 was designed by Sheppard Robson, with contributions from Arup, Hilson Moran, Gardiner & Theobald, and Layers. It has been supported by a £32m senior loan from the North West Evergreen Fund, managed by CBRE’s Investment Advisory team, which is part of CBRE Capital Advisors. Part of the wider Citylabs masterplan, already home to major players such as Qiagen, APIS Assay Technologies, and Takagi, it expands the campus from 192,000 sq. ft to 327,000 sq. ft. The hub is surrounded by some of the UK’s most eminent teaching hospitals, including Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary’s Hospital and the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital – all part of MFT. Sitting at the heart of the city’s health and life science cluster, it is surrounded by world-class research centres including Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, two of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Clinical Research Facility sites, the Pankhurst Institute, and the operational home of the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre. Life science businesses at Citylabs also gain access to the Oxford Road Corridor knowledge quarter, which is home to more than half of the city’s life science businesses and generates around £3bn GVA each year. The hub is also a government-designated High Potential Opportunity Zone for Diagnostics and Healthy Ageing. Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer for Bruntwood SciTech, the UK’s largest property platform dedicated to the growth of science, tech and innovation sectors, added: “Citylabs 4.0 is a significant milestone in the continued evolution of Manchester’s world-leading life sciences ecosystem. The campus has already played a crucial role in supporting pioneering healthcare businesses to scale and work in direct collaboration with the NHS, and this latest development further cements its position as a location for scientific breakthroughs and innovation. By bringing together industry and the NHS we’re creating a collaborative environment where innovation can thrive, ultimately leading to real-world healthcare advancements that will benefit patients across Greater Manchester and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kadans Science Partner (“Kadans”), a leading European investor in the development of ecosystems and real estate with a dedicated focus on knowledge-intensive sectors, has commenced construction on its purpose-built laboratory facility, Versa. As the second project to be delivered by Kadans within the Tileyard Quarter in King’s Cross, London, this is a significant milestone for both the area and London’s life science sector more generally. Due to complete in Q2 2026, and located at 4 Brandon Road, Versa will provide 51,500 sq ft of space, designed to accommodate a range of uses from CL2 labs to dedicated production and pilot spaces, supplying key King’s Cross specialisms including biomedical, life science, data, and precision medicine with cutting-edge facilities tailored to the needs of pioneering companies and individuals. The four storey building will also include best-in-class amenities, such as dedicated cycle parking, on-site showers and private, landscaped external space for occupiers to enjoy, improving wellbeing, productivity and knowledge sharing. This construction milestone extends Kadans’ commitment to Tileyard Quarter and London’s life science cluster, having recently launched its neighbouring 114,000 sq ft hub, Mayde, at the end of 2024. Versa will supplement the existing facilities at Mayde, where tenants can access high quality GMP and pilot manufacturing facilities, fully operated CAT B spaces and CAT A labs complimented by associated write up, specifically designed to support expansion from research and development into commercialisation. The combination of these two buildings sets an exciting platform for Kadans’ further development plans to deliver over 300,000 sq ft of high specification laboratory, office and manufacturing space at Tileyard Quarter. Occupiers of these spaces will not only benefit from access to Kadans’ wider, global support network of occupiers and partners but those situated within the Tileyard Quarter will also be part of a close-knit community of academics, creatives, independent businesses, and clinicians across King’s Cross. Will Fogden, Head of Investment and Development at Kadans Science Partner, said: “Versa will be an enabler of Kadans’ growing ecosystem at King’s Cross, offering flexible, turn-key spaces designed to evolve with our tenants’ needs. Tileyard Quarter is more than just buildings, it’s a dynamic, mixed-use innovation district addressing the demand for space that fosters discovery, development, and collaboration. “Kadans doesn’t deliver standard work or lab space. We pride ourselves on being experts in creating bespoke facilities that are curated to our occupiers’ needs and we are excited to continue delivering this world-class space here in King’s Cross. “We would like to extend our thanks to Morgan Sindall and our other project partners including David Miller Architects, PSK, CB3, HDR, Hoare Lea and Steer for the collaborative role in bringing this shared vision to life.” Richard Dobson, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Area Director for London, said: “This groundbreaking ceremony at King’s Cross marks a key milestone in the development of what will be an important cornerstone of London’s dynamic health and life sciences sector. Once complete, Versa, 4 Brandon Road, will boost the amount of specialist labs and R&D space in the burgeoning Tileyard Quarter, complementing the facilities that have already been delivered in the now operational Mayde, 5-10 Brandon Road. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Kadans during the development and can’t wait to see what innovations and ideas will be born in this facility in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has announced its involvement in the prestigious Birmingham England Temple project for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The scheme, which is set to re-define the local landscape, officially commenced with a groundbreaking ceremony on 22nd March, attended by over 300 guests which was live streamed globally on YouTube. The project involves the demolition of an existing administrative building to make way for a new Temple and ancillary building that will house office space and living accommodation. Alongside the construction of the Temple and accommodation block, McLaren will oversee the renovation of the existing meeting house and extensive landscaping works, including the planting of mature trees to enhance the natural surroundings, to be complete and well-established by project handover. The new two-storey accommodation block will be built with a steel frame and brick façade, complemented by bespoke stonework. The Temple itself will feature a central 38-metre-high spire and a stone façade, designed with exceptional craftsmanship. The contractor will manage the installation of new electrical, mechanical, and ancillary systems, including water supply, fire protection, and advanced security measures, to ensure the facility operates to the highest standards. Such a high-profile project presents several key challenges – the site, located in a predominantly residential area, requires careful planning and co-ordination to mitigate disruption to neighbouring properties. The formation of a new entrance from Penns Lane involves diverting multiple services, adding another layer of complexity, while the procurement of a specific shade of limestone from a Portuguese quarry is essential to maintaining consistency with other Temples constructed worldwide. One of the most striking features of the project is the 38-metre spire, which is being constructed directly under the flight path of Birmingham Airport. This requires close coordination with aviation authorities to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The Birmingham England Temple project will be built to the highest standards, with a focus on bespoke design elements, including carved stone façades, custom joinery, and feature lighting. The scheme is set to target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, reflecting McLaren’s commitment to sustainable building practices. Luke Arnold, Operations Director at McLaren, said: “We are honoured to be entrusted with such a significant project that carries deep meaning for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and its global community. This is not just a construction project, but a testament to the Church’s vision and legacy. Our team is dedicated to delivering an exceptional standard of craftsmanship and quality that reflects the sacred purpose of the Birmingham England Temple.” McLaren Construction Midlands and North is committed to delivering a world-class facility that will serve the Church and the wider community for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A fast-growing Midlands construction consultancy has been appointed to support a prestigious £5.8 million state-of-the-art Porsche centre in the West Country. Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to provide quantity surveying and employers agent services to the creation of a cutting edge new Porsche dealership in Exeter. The development, in Matford Park Road, includes the demolition of an existing dealership, a new large vehicle showroom, new high quality workshop areas, servicing and testing bays and a wet and dry valeting building . The development also includes drainage and civils installation, landscaping and extensive parking areas. The project is due for completion early next year. TCC has been involved since the initial project feasibility stage. As employers agents, TCC will have responsibility for acting on behalf of Ryland Automotive and Dealership Developments Ltd to see the project through to completion. TCC director Gareth Powell said, “We are delighted to have been appointed to this prestigious project which involves combining premium design and advanced technology into a space which embodies the Porsche brand and reflects Porsche’s high status and luxury.” TCC has a wealth of experience across public and private sectors including industrial, commercial, retail, leisure, care and residential projects. Headquartered in Bennett’s Hill, TCC is a multi-disciplined consultancy providing specialist project management, quantity-surveying, employers agent, building surveying and health and safety services to a wide range of sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land has gained planning approval for a major £600 million transformation of Euston Tower, a 1960s skyscraper in London, into a cutting-edge life sciences and workspace hub. The ambitious project, designed by 3XN, will deliver 560,000 square feet of high-quality office space, alongside improved public areas and expanded amenities. With redesigned 19,000-square-foot floor plates, the scheme aims to cater to the evolving demands of modern businesses. Following concerns over sustainability, British Land revised its initial proposals last year, focusing on a more environmentally conscious approach. The approved plans will involve partial demolition and retrofitting, preserving the building’s central core and foundations while dismantling the façade and floor slabs. This method retains 31% of the original structure, reducing environmental impact. The redeveloped 31-storey tower will feature 4,000 square feet of restaurant and café space, alongside 8,000 square feet dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovation initiatives. The site, located within British Land’s Regent’s Place campus, will operate on an all-electric system and target a BREEAM Outstanding rating for sustainability. Camden Council granted approval for the scheme during a planning committee meeting on 20 March, with a final decision still required from the Mayor of London. David Lockyer, head of development at British Land, commented: “We are delighted to receive planning consent for this incredible scheme – the first West End tower in a generation, and likely to be the last. This world-class building will provide space for the UK’s greatest minds to turn research into real-world solutions. “The tower is ideally located at our Regent’s Place campus, where the Knowledge Quarter meets the West End, offering businesses access to a thriving ecosystem of academic and research institutions stretching from Harley Street to King’s Cross.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, has delivered designs for cutting-edge facilities including new data and energy centres, as part of plans to transform a former manufacturing site into a sustainably-powered enterprise campus – driving the energy transition programme in Ireland. The project is a joint venture between Meridiam, an independent investment Benefit Corporation and an asset manager in long-term sustainable infrastructure solutions, and Gyrogy, an Irish energy-tech firm, which acquired the Premier Periclase business in May 2023. Since then, the partners have designed plans to transform the site on the north bank of the River Boyne beside Drogheda Port into a state-of-the art industrial campus for large energy users. Drogheda manufacturer Premier Periclase Limited (PPL), appointed AtkinsRéalis to deliver full multidisciplinary design services* for the unique business campus on its site, which could ultimately involve an investment of between €600 million and €1 billion over the next ten years. This would facilitate and manage flexible and renewable energy in ‘real-time’ for the national grid and will pave the way for a net zero industrial campus emissions model that can change how large energy users operate in Ireland. The appointment has seenAtkinsRéalis develop its designs to support PPL’s redevelopment of the Drogheda manufacturing site, involving demolition and site remediation works, substantial upgrades to the PPL site infrastructure, and the integration of renewable energy sources and advanced energy storage systems on the new CORE campus. The first phase of development will focus on installing sustainable energy infrastructure and a 32MW data centre. Kevin Holland, Director of Infrastructure for AtkinsRéalis Ireland, said: “The project is a fantastic example of how AtkinsRéalis can support the delivery of grid positive initiatives which will drive the energy transition in Ireland. “Not only will it bring investment and new jobs to the area, but it also aligns with Ireland’s climate action objectives and the AtkinsRéalis purpose of engineering a better future for our planet and its people.” This appointment follows AtkinsRéalis’ previous appointment to undertake a feasibility plan for the site. A planning application has been submitted for the new campus by PPL and it is hoped, subject to approval, that the site will grow to accommodate a range of high-tech industries, such as biopharma, food, beverage, horticulture and sustainable manufacturing. The site’s decarbonisation and development focus will make the campus extremely attractive to large foreign direct investment and Irish projects. The planning application for the redevelopment of the site is a major milestone for Drogheda, as the project would bring essential infrastructure upgrades and enhanced biodiversity to the area. The development, which will be known as the CORE sustainably powered enterprise campus, will significantly reduce emissions, noise, and light pollution, complementing the special areas of conservation and special protection zones associated with the River Boyne. CEO of Gyrogy, Colin Kelly, stated: “By transitioning to a sustainable business model, this project will secure the long-term future of this historic industrial site, creating more jobs and economic opportunities than ever before for the local community. “We are proud to be part of a project that delivers significant energy transition and community benefits which will set a new benchmark for sustainable energy practices in Ireland.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Designs for Phase Two of a tech development at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus have been approved by the Vale of White Horse District Council for planning. Designed by Scott Brownrigg, Tech Foundry West will create 70,000 sq ft laboratory, advanced manufacturing, and office space to support a growing community of leading scientists, engineers, and innovators within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. The speculatively designed building will occupy a site on the north-western corner of Harwell campus adjacent to Phase One of the development, Tech Edge 1 & 2, which is currently under construction. The design creates a clear distinction between pedestrianised public spaces and service areas with vehicular access by dividing and extruding the floorplan across an east west axis. A sawtooth roof both unifies and defines nine individual mid-tech units, each benefitting from a private entrance and views out across extensive landscaping to the south. Provision of individual units combined with a flexible layout ensures the building will be fully equipped to accommodate multi-tenancy and meet a variety of spatial requirements now, and in the future. A carefully considered palette of materials – dark standing seam and naturally finished timber cladding – will complement the natural setting and enhance the building’s striking architectural form. Supporting Harwell’s sustainability objectives and commitment to delivering a Campus Fit for the Future, the design follows a fabric first approach. Use of modulated brise soleil on south facing glazed facades and polycarbonate on north facing facades optimises natural light, manages solar gain, and minimises artificial light spill to the surrounding environment. The buildings serrated profile creates opportunities to introduce Photovoltaic Voltaic (PV) panels onto southwest facing sections of the roof. Landscaping proposals focus on enhancing biodiversity on site through the introduction of juvenile trees and planters inspired by woodland tree leaf cells. Provision of valuable outdoor amenity to support the wellbeing of building users includes the completion of a pedestrian nature trail that weaves through the campus. With construction now started on site, Tech Foundry West is expected to complete in early 2026. Project team: Client: The Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Limited Partnership Architect: Scott Brownrigg Project Manager: Bidwells Services Engineer: Etch Associates Civil & Structural Engineer: Baynham Meikle Quantity Surveyor: Tetra Tech Landscape Architect: RPS Planning Consultant: Carter Jonas Sustainability Consultant: Eight Versa Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kao Data has unveiled plans for a third state-of-the-art data centre at its Harlow campus in Essex, further strengthening its position as a leader in high-performance computing and AI infrastructure. The new KLON-03 facility will deliver 17.6MW of capacity and operate entirely on renewable energy. It will feature advanced hybrid-cooled, hot aisle containment (HAC) systems, capable of supporting high-density computing with rack densities of up to 130kW. Since opening in 2018, Kao Data’s 656,600 sq ft Harlow campus has become a key hub for AI, cloud computing, and GPU-powered deployments. Its existing KLON-01 and KLON-02 data centres each provide 10MW of capacity. David Bloom, founder and chairman of Kao Data, reflected on the milestone: “This year marks a decade since our vision for the Harlow campus began, and it’s fantastic to see it firmly established as the UK’s leading destination for advanced computing. KLON-03 will set a new benchmark for our industrial-scale data centre platform, delivering one of the country’s largest footprints of liquid-cooled capacity in line with the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan.” Kao Data chief executive Doug Loewe added: “The era of AI is truly here, and it’s fitting that we continue to innovate on the very campus where Sir Charles Kao pioneered fibre optics. Our technical team has refined the design to push the boundaries of efficiency, and we’re excited to bring our first large-scale, liquid-cooled infrastructure to life.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Turner & Townsend has been appointed as the project manager and employer’s agent for the prestigious regeneration of Canons House in Bristol. This appointment follows Turner & Townsend’s recent deal to integrate CBRE’s project management business into its global operations in January. Canons House, a Grade II listed building located on Bristol’s Harbourfront within the City Dock Conservation Area, was acquired in December 2024 by Kinrise and Mactaggart Family & Partners (MFP) from Lloyds Banking Group. The development partners plan to transform the iconic structure into a premier office building for Bristol, incorporating top-specification headquarters office spaces, independent restaurants, and rooftop terraces. Originally designed by Arup Associates and constructed by Bovis Construction in the late 1980s, Canons House was granted Grade II listed status in April 2023. The building was recognised for its significant role in the post-industrial transformation of Bristol’s docks, its distinctive architectural heritage, and its picturesque location by the waterfront. The project is part of Kinrise’s ongoing mission to rejuvenate iconic buildings in major UK cities, creating dynamic, community-focused spaces that deliver economic, social and environmental benefits. Once completed, Canons House will offer 200,000 square feet of office, retail, food and beverage, and leisure amenities, contributing to a vibrant, mixed-use environment at the heart of Bristol’s waterfront. Turner & Townsend’s expertise will be central to ensuring the successful delivery of this ambitious vision, supporting Kinrise and MFP in creating a sustainable, community-driven workplace that prioritises long-term value creation and environmental responsibility. The company’s role will involve overseeing the entire project, from design through to execution, ensuring a seamless integration of the redevelopment’s various elements. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
