AWS’s planned investments are estimated to contribute £14 billion to the UK’s total GDP over the next five years. Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest £8 billion over the next five years (2024-2028) building, operating, and maintaining data centres in the UK. This investment is part of the company’s long-term commitment to supporting growth and productivity across the country, and is estimated to contribute £14 billion to the UK’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through to 2028, and support an average of more than 14,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs on an annual basis at local UK businesses. These positions all form part of the AWS data centre supply chain, ranging from construction, facility maintenance, engineering, telecommunications, and other jobs within the broader local economy. Increasing investment in the UK AWS first launched an AWS Region in the UK in December 2016, and over the last few years, the company has continued to expand the Region to include three Availability Zones (AZ), two WaveLength Zones, two Edge Locations, and a Regional Edge Cache. In fact, since the start of the decade (2020-2023), AWS has invested over £3 billion in the UK to help meet the growing needs of its customers. This investment is estimated to have supported an average of more than 6,000 FTE jobs at local businesses. Combined with today’s announcement, this will bring AWS’s total planned investment in the UK from 2020-2028 to more than £11 billion. Today, organisations of all sizes and across all industries are using AWS – from the fastest growing startups, to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the largest enterprises, public sector organisations, educational institutions, and government agencies. Customers like AstraZeneca, Cancer Research UK, Deliveroo, easyJet, EDF, Genomics England, Just Eat, Monzo, Natural History Museum, NatWest Group, Sainsbury’s, Swindon Borough Council, The Very Group, UK Biobank, and Zilch are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “This £8 billion Amazon Web Services investment marks the start of the economic revival and shows Britain is a place to do business. I welcome the announcement as part of the Government’s mission to boost growth, unlock investment and make every part of Britain better off.” Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: “Today’s announcement reflects the growing strength of the UK’s digital economy with a key player like Amazon Web Services committing to growing and expanding on our shores. As Technology Secretary, I am committed to supporting digital advancement so that it can improve lives and livelihoods for the better. From increasing compute power to providing access to AI – it is vital that innovators have the infrastructure they need to grow our digital economy and drive breakthroughs.” Tanuja Randery, Vice President and Managing Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) at AWS, said: “The next few years could be among the most pivotal for the UK’s digital and economic future, as organisations of all sizes across the country increasingly embrace technologies like cloud computing and AI to help them accelerate innovation, increase productivity, and compete on the global stage. We’re proud to announce our plans to invest £8 billion in digital and AI infrastructure over the next five years to help meet the growing needs of our customers and partners, and support the transformation of the UK’s digital economy.” Helping the UK take full advantage of the growing benefits of cloud computing and artificial intelligence The total economic impact of cloud computing in the UK accounted for over £42 billion in 2023, according to independent analysis by Telecom Advisory Services. That’s equivalent to 1.6% of GDP, or larger than the UK’s automotive manufacturing sector. To better understand the current and potential impact of cloud computing and AI in the UK, AWS commissioned independent consultancy, Public First, to undertake new quantitative research on how UK businesses are using – and plan to use – cloud computing. As part of this, Public First polled over 2,000 senior business decision-makers and constructed new economic modelling on the connections between digital technology and business productivity. Cloud computing is an important enabling technology for UK growth Cloud computing has enabled startups, small businesses and public sector bodies to have access to the same technologies as the largest enterprises, which has helped them to drive innovation faster, reduce costs, and compete on a global stage. According to Public First’s polling, 84% of respondents who are AWS customers think that their business has saved money as a result of investing in cloud infrastructure, with an average cost saving of 28% compared to using on-premises infrastructure. On average, respondents said that using AWS reduces the time it takes to deploy new software by over a quarter (27%). In addition, 82% of AWS customers think that cloud computing has made it possible for them to take their business global, while 85% agree that the use of cloud computing has made it easier to compete with larger companies. Cloud computing has not only reduced costs and increased innovation, it also helps businesses and the public sector to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability too. The polling revealed that more than three quarters (78%) of AWS users say they have reduced their energy consumption and improved their sustainability as a result of using the cloud. How technology can bring more value to the UK economy As part of the research, Public First gave each company who responded a digital intensity score based on the extent to which they were using and benefiting from cloud computing and other digital technologies. There was a clear correlation between companies’ overall level of digital intensity and their average revenue growth last year. Digital Leaders – companies in the top 20% of digital intensity – were four times more likely to have seen strong revenue growth above 5% in the last year. To help the UK take full advantage of the growing economic benefits of technologies including cloud computing and AI, more companies will need to adopt these tools – not just

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christ Church City of Mercy, has successfully acquired the office building at 11 New Princess Street, Holbeck, Leeds, from property experts Towngate Plc. The purchase, which was completed for an undisclosed sum, follows the recent award of Planning Permission to convert the space into a vibrant new place of worship. The newly acquired property, previously occupied by ICT service provider GCI (now Nasstar), features 4,338 sq ft of self-contained accommodation spread across the ground and first floor levels, as well as generous ceiling heights on the first floor, ample parking facilities, and a private car park to the rear. The building’s strategic location on the southern edge of Leeds City Centre, situated next to the M621 motorway, offers excellent transport links to support access for the community. The RCCG plans to utilise the ground floor space for administrative functions related to the church’s operations, while the first floor will be modified to accommodate a larger room for congregational worship. The church anticipates a large assembly of people, with Sunday services scheduled from 9:30am to 11:30am, and will also be available via online broadcast. Badmus Olanrewajuat, pastor at the RCCG, commented: “We are thrilled to have finalised this purchase and are eager to start transforming the space. This new location will significantly enhance our ability to serve and engage with the community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new home and expanding our outreach efforts.” The RCCG is a holiness Pentecostal megachurch and denomination headquartered in Nigeria. Founded in 1952, RCCG operates globally — including in the UK, India, the United States, and Canada — with a mission to spread the message of Jesus Christ and support communities worldwide. The church already has several locations in Leeds, including Mabgate Mills, Walter Street, and Meanwood Road. Tom Lamb, property manager at Towngate Plc, said: “We are delighted to have been able to assist the RCCG in their plight to acquire the perfect building for their latest church. The building’s prime location and modern features will provide a significant boost to its transformation efforts, offering a substantial ‘step up’ in their ability to serve and engage with the community. We wish them every success and hope they will be welcoming their new congregation soon.” Richard Fraser of Carter Towler, who represented Towngate Plc, added: “The successful acquisition of this prominent property represents the growing demand for significant community spaces in Leeds and surrounding areas. The location’s visibility and accessibility will enhance RCCG’s outreach efforts, and we are proud to have played a role in facilitating this important project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects has welcomed leaders from new client Aitchison Developments and funders Savills Investment Management to the Bourn Quarter site in Cambridge to mark the steel frame erection with a signing ceremony. Winvic is progressing its first Life Sciences project at pace and the nine facilities, targeting Net Zero Carbon in construction, will be constructed by the end of this year. People from each of the organisations signed a steel member which will be installed in Unit 16, the largest building on the 4.66 Ha site. Bourn Quarter is a best-in-class Life Sciences, Research and Development, production and storage development offering space for a broad spectrum of businesses, and Winvic is delivering nine facilities in six buildings within Phase 2, totalling 144,330 sq ft. Three industrial units – 17,800 sq ft, 16,010 sq ft and 21,400 sq ft – are detached and the remaining six facilities will be constructed in adjoining pairs. The connected buildings range from 6,880 sq ft to 11,630 sq ft. The scheme will achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and EPC A+ and Winvic is delivering the project in line with the clients’ aspirations to achieve Net Zero Carbon in construction. Each facility comprises a single-storey office space – ranging from 1,870 sq ft to 5,360 sq ft – which Winvic will fit out to CAT A standard. Winvic’s contract also comprises all associated service installations and the construction of on-site roads, yards and car parks. The facilities will be complete by December 2024. However, the scheme will reach practical completion in the Spring when Winvic will have finished the extensive planting scheme; a total of 351 trees alongside shrubs and multiple insect blocks, significantly enhancing Biodiversity on the site. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics, said: “We were delighted to welcome partners from Bourn Quarter’s funders and developer, and they were delighted with our construction progress. The start of a steel frame erection programme is always an exciting milestone, and the signing of the steel member is a meaningful way to mark that progress. Entering the Life Sciences sector marks another significant enhancement to Winvic’s project portfolio. “I’d like to thank new client Aitchison Developments for putting their trust in Winvic to deliver Phase 2 of Bourn Quarter, a ‘small-box’ development primed for Life Sciences and Research and Development companies. And also, to the Winvic team for once again bringing their sustainability expertise, passion for quality delivery and commitment to safe but swift delivery.” Harry Aitchison, Development Manager, Aitchison Developments commented: “Following the successful letting of Phase 1 we are delighted to be working with Winvic to deliver Phase 2 at Bourn Quarter to provide much-needed high-quality space to the Cambridge market. It has been great working with Winvic to try and improve on every aspect of the scheme from our Net Zero Carbon aspirations to the quality and finish of the buildings. The speed at which Winvic are attacking the programme is impressive and the team on site have been very considerate to our Phase 1 tenants throughout.” Tom Bird, Director from Savills added: “Following lots of hard work from the team through planning and procurement, its brilliant to see Winvic continuing to push the project forward through the construction stage. The drive and can-do attitude of the Winvic team gives us confidence that works will be completed to allow occupation from Q1 2025. Savills Project Management are delighted to be leading another project on behalf of Aitchison Developments and Savills Investment Management whilst adding more experience to our proven track record within the life sciences/mid tech sector.” For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (formerly Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Restoration of a 32-year-old Antarctic runway and significant construction milestones on the new Science and Operations building, mark the end of the austral summer season for British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP). Modernisation of Rothera Research Station, the UK’s polar science hub, is nearing the finish line, which BAS and programme partners, BAM, Ramboll and Sweco and their teams have been meticulously planning and delivering since 2017. The transformation will ensure BAS continues to enable the UK to remain at the forefront of climate, biodiversity, and ocean research in the Antarctic.  Restoring Rothera’s Runway. Critical to the continued effective operations of Rothera is its runway. At 32-year-old the extreme weather had taken its toll. This season, the planned Ramboll design and carefully sequenced resurfacing and restoration of the runway to its original length was completed by BAM amid challenging weather conditions. The new runway incorporates existing local rock materials from the previous wharf project, aligning with BAS’s commitment to sustainability. The team installed new and improved energy-efficient runway lighting to maintain safe flying operations in the station. The works also included upgraded drainage and a new aircraft turning pad as part of the overall modernisation programme. Penultimate construction year for new science and operations building. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the Discovery Building, a state-of-the-art facility for scientific support and operations, with its high degree of insulation took shape internally, with interior partitioning for offices, the medical centre, plant room and storage areas. Externally, glazing and solar panel installations, which will support the station’s energy needs have been completed. Mechanical and electrical, work was also undertaken with four other buildings on the station having new energy-efficient heating systems installed. Designed by Hugh Broughton Architects, internally the building will use colour, light and space to create an environment intended to foster well-being. Elen Jones, Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme Director, BAS, said: “At the end of a long, productive and challenging season, these strides forward would not have been possible without our incredibly collaborative team. We have progressed to such an extent that we’re looking forward to completing next season’s work, which will see the Discovery Building being handed over and brought into operational use” For the first time, AIMP team members working on construction joined the existing on-site winterers who operate the station under extreme conditions and prolonged darkness. These ‘overwintering’ efforts see joiners and electricians focus on the interior fit-out of the Discovery Building, preparing the facility for the next austral summer construction phase beginning in November. “Thank you to everyone involved for their commitment this season and good luck to all our winterers who make a huge contribution in an extraordinary environment,” Elen continued. Huw Jones, Executive Director, BAM, said: “Upgrading the runway to ensure access to Antarctica for the international science community in one of the world’s harshest and most remote locations is an incredibly complex operation. Our success this season is a result of the collective effort of our team, partners, and suppliers.  We’re proud to be part of a project that aligns perfectly with our own values of building a sustainable tomorrow and that will enable important climate research to continue in the region.” Natalie Wathen, Framework Manager at Ramboll, said: “It is incredible what the team has achieved this season, it has once again all been down to the collaboration across our partnership. Working to deliver a more sustainable and long-lasting future for Rothera has been extremely rewarding for us all”. About the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) is a long-term investment in the Polar Regions, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of climate, biodiversity and ocean research in Antarctica. The programme is delivered in partnership with BAM, Ramboll, Sweco, GA Barnies and Hugh Broughton Architects. Since 2017, BAS has utilised the expertise and knowledge of the partnership and its wider value chain to ensure the successful delivery of complex engineering solutions in the world’s harshest environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The eagerly anticipated Air and Space Institute (ASI) in Newark has now received its first intake of students. The £15.4m state-of-the-art facility provides world-class educational opportunities for future generations of the aerospace industry. Procured through the Pagabo National Framework for Major Construction Works and delivered by Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, the new ASI facility provides a unique opportunity for students aged 16-18 to train for pilot, engineer and ground-crew roles in airlines, the military, airports and logistics companies across the UK and abroad. The new three-storey college building constructed for Newark College, which is part of the Lincoln College Group, sits adjacent to the Newark and Sherwood District Council offices on the former Cattle Market and is only the second of its kind to be built in the UK. The facility provides high tech training for the air and space industry, accommodating a full-sized Airbus A318 for enhanced hands-on teaching experience, alongside a double height entrance hall, large open space hangar, flight simulators, teaching zones, engineering workshops, lecture and seminar areas. It is anticipated that the building blueprint could form a model for future establishments of this type, across other areas of the UK. Introducing a full-sized commercial aeroplane into the building posed a number of complexities including ensuring the installation was successfully implemented within the tight tolerances of the building. The initial brief was just a section of the fuselage to be placed into the building. Through collaborative innovation with the client and designers on how the plane would be supported on specially designed wheel mounts, we were able to install the Airbus A318 as a whole unit, enhancing the learning experience for students. G F Tomlinson sourced specialist advice from a private Flight Director who provided industry expertise to collaboratively assist with the permanent installation in the hangar. The aircraft was transported from the Air Salvage International base in Cirencester and travelled 110 miles by police escort to Newark. Prior to arrival, reinforced concrete pads and beams were installed to strengthen the floor slab and a specialist hydraulic gantry was erected within the building to lift the fuselage from the low loader and temporarily suspend and support the aircraft mid-air. Specially designed structural steel supporting systems were manufactured and installed to stabilise and take the weight of the aircraft, fixing it in its final position. G F Tomlinson used BIM technology software from the conception of the scheme, to digitally map the complex build which comprised numerous articulated angles. Using world coordinate systems for its design and construction, the software allowed the contractor and client to work the design and use real time updates to navigate through all fundamental stages towards completion. This software helped ensure the plane installation could be completed accurately, with tolerances down to millimetres. Sustainability was an integral part of the project, with initiatives such as five air source heat pumps, two air handling units and three extracts incorporated within the building to reduce the overall energy building requirements. During the project, 1140 car miles were driven using low-emission vehicles and we sourced 92% local spend and 92% local labour within 40 miles of site. 135.53 tonnes of wood waste materials were rescued from the waste stream and 99.3% of site waste was recycled, aligning with the target of offsetting carbon during the project, in line with the Government’s Net Zero agenda. G F Tomlinson provided £25,315,802 of Total Social Value opportunities for the local community, which was calculated using social impact software, Loop. This included organised site visits, regular newsletters and career talks with students from nearby schools. 228 hours of work experience placements, 948 apprentice hours and 723 local student engagements were provided. Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s been an honour to turn Lincoln College Group’s vision into a reality, providing a world-class training facility for young people going into the aerospace industry. “We worked closely with the client using the latest technology and specialist advice to ensure the seamless construction of the new campus building and the installation of the large commercial aircraft for educational purposes – consulting with third party experts to manage the transportation and stabilisation of the aircraft to its final fixed position.” Councillor Matthew Spoors, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a huge moment not just for Newark but the whole district. We now have an amazing world-class training centre right in the heart of our community which will be giving local students opportunities to pursue successful and inspiring careers like they’ve never had before. “This goes beyond just education but will create exciting developments for our local community. It will provide employment opportunities and boost our local economy and will be home to over 200 students each year.  “It will directly create almost 40 new jobs for the area and importantly will create many more over the coming generations to those wanting to embark on careers and pathways into better skilled, well-paid jobs in the civil and military aviation industries. “The ASI has all been made possible thanks to the successful Newark Town Board bid for £25m as part of the Government’s Towns Fund initiative in 2019 and it’s been great to see students already studying at the site after years of planning and construction.” Tom Marsden, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Lincoln College Group, said: “We are thrilled with the exceptional work done by GF Tomlinson and their team of contractors in constructing our new state-of-the-art facility. “Their dedication and expertise have truly transformed the space into a cutting-edge hub for education and training that will benefit not only the students of Newark but also the entire surrounding region. We are excited to see the positive impact this facility will have on our community for years to come.” David Llewellyn, head of construction and infrastructure at Pagabo Group, said: “Our goal is always to make procurement simple, effective and compliant, and this type of large-scale project is the

Drone footage at Milton Park shows construction is well underway on Nebula, a £40m research and development (R&D) scheme. Following a ground-breaking ceremony with Science Minister Andrew Griffith MP earlier in the year, a drone fly-through shows one of the three Nebula buildings timber beams have been put in place. The video shows the scale of the structural frame being built by Barnwood, which features sustainably sourced and recyclable glue-laminated (glulam) timber beams in place of steel. Targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A sustainability standards once finalised, Barnwood and Milton Park are also working together to minimise the scheme’s environmental impact during construction. Barnwood will intercept and donate surplus wood to RAW Workshop, an Oxfordshire-based social enterprise employing a range of people, many of whom are experiencing mental health issues, addiction and homelessness. The surplus will be recycled in RAW’s workshop and through its education programmes, helping to minimise the environmental impact whilst maximising social value. Nebula will offer just under 80,000 sq ft space for science, technology and advanced engineering companies alike. The building units range from 6,000 to 30,000 sq ft, combining flexible R&D space with high quality CAT A office accommodation. Kathryn Andrew, Development Manager at MEPC Milton Park, said: “It only felt like yesterday that we were finalising the CGIs of what Nebula would look like, but the fly-through really brings the project to life and showcases the full scale and potential of the development. “Once complete, Nebula will offer adaptable R&D space, providing significant flexibility for any future occupier’s needs. We’re looking forward to sharing more updates in the coming months as the development progresses.” Dave Piper, Joint Managing Director, Barnwood Limited, said: “It has been incredibly rewarding to utilise innovative and more sustainable materials like glulam on the Nebula project, and see the structures come to life in recent weeks. “One of our objectives is to ensure we minimise our environmental impact through the materials we use. We’re pleased to be working with RAW who will be recycling off-cuts and surplus wood from site. We are also progressing new initiatives with MEPC to generate a positive impact from the constriction process and look forward to reporting back soon.” Commenting at the ground-breaking ceremony, Science Minister Andrew Griffith said: “This state-of-the-art facility will facilitate those achieving breakthroughs from engineering to life sciences, support skilled jobs here in Oxfordshire, and enhance the UK’s position as a science superpower.” Plans for Nebula were submitted for approval to the Vale of White Horse District Council via the Park’s Local Development Order (LDO), a 10-day LDO which simplifies the planning process and allows developments to be fast tracked. Working alongside Milton Park and Barnwood Limited as part of the project team are SRA Architects, ASA Landscape Architects, Ridge & Partners LLP (BREEAM, cost management, M&E, principal design, project management), Stantec (civil and structural engineering), William Downie Associates (utilities), Cundall (carbon consultant), CBRE (letting agent) and ProVision (planning). For more information or to enquire about Nebula, please visit: https://www.miltonpark.co.uk/availability/nebula-190-192-park-drive Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals