Liverpool City Council has launched a public consultation on proposed improvements to the Chinatown area, focusing on Great George’s Square. The council, working with community groups and the University of Liverpool Architecture School, has developed plans to attract visitors, investment, and create an enhanced neighbourhood. The project’s centrepiece is the installation of two stone lions, donated by the Chinese Consulate General in Manchester. The plans also include: Residents are invited to provide feedback on the junction, playground, and memorial garden proposals. The work is anticipated to be completed in early 2026. The consultation is open until March 31st at liverpool.gov.uk/chinatowndevelopment. Residents can also provide feedback at a community information event at the Black-e on Great George Street on March 4th. The scheme complements broader revitalisation plans for Chinatown, including new homes and businesses on Great George Street and the upcoming Liverpool Baltic Merseyrail station. Cllr Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, emphasised the city’s pride in its historic Chinatown and the goal of creating a vibrant space for residents and tourists. Chinese Consul General Tang Rui expressed hope that the stone lions would bring prosperity to Chinatown. Ming Wang, Secretary General of Merseyside Chinese Association Joint Action Group, highlighted the community’s connection to Chinatown and welcomed the regeneration plans. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

When embarking on public sector construction projects, selecting the right consulting firm is crucial to ensure efficiency, compliance and successful project delivery. Here is a list of the best construction consulting services for public sector projects. 1.  Spire Consulting Group Spire Consulting Group is a prominent firm specializing in construction consulting services tailored for public sector projects. The company offers extensive services, including project management, dispute resolution and construction advisory. Spire’s team of experts is adept at navigating the complexities of public sector requirements, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Pros: Cons: 2.  Deloitte Deloitte is a global leader in business consulting services, recognized for its capabilities in the public sector. The firm offers a broad portfolio of services catering to various government areas, including audit and consulting. Deloitte’s extensive experience enables them to handle complex government transformation efforts effectively. Pros: Cons: 3.  Arup Group Arup is a British professional services firm that provides architecture, engineering, design and planning services. With a global footprint, Arup has been involved in numerous public sector projects, offering innovative solutions and sustainable designs. Its multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive project delivery. Pros: Cons: 4.  Buro Happold Buro Happold offers engineering consultancy, design, planning and project management services. They have extensive experience in public sector projects, from courthouses to community centers. Their sustainable, innovative services enable complete project delivery. Pros: Cons: 5.  Crowe LLP Crowe LLP offers project management services specifically designed for the public sector, including audit, tax and consulting. Their approach emphasizes clear communication, achievable timelines and disciplined execution. Crowe’s consultants assist in defining objectives and selecting appropriate methodologies, ensuring projects are completed efficiently. Pros: Cons: 6.  YCP Group YCP Group provides Asia-focused consulting services for the public sector. The company offers tailored solutions, leveraging global insights to navigate the unique challenges of Asia’s public sector landscape. YCP’s expertise aids government bodies in achieving sustainable growth and impactful governance. Pros: Cons: Choosing the Right Consulting Partner for Public Sector Success Selecting the best construction consulting service for public sector projects is vital. Each of the firms listed above offers unique strengths and expertise. When choosing a consulting partner, consider factors such as specialization, range of services, experience and alignment with project goals to ensure successful outcomes.

International construction and property consultancy Thomas & Adamson, part of Egis Group, has appointed a new associate to oversee the building surveying team within its London office, adding extensive new capabilities to its offering in the capital city. Stephen Hart joins the Thomas & Adamson team from John Rowan and Partners, where he spent the last decade working across a range of commercial and residential projects and services, including large scale cladding remediation projects, external façade risk assessments, building pathology investigations and overseeing all specialist party wall matters. As an experienced chartered surveyor and member of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors, Stephen brings a wealth of specialist knowledge under the Party Wall etc Act 1996, including providing advice on legal regulatory matters. He has been involved in a number of complex cases to date and will bring his expertise to his new role with Thomas & Adamson, adding an additional service to the company’s offering. Future projects already in the pipeline include the management of cladding remediation work on behalf of a national UK housebuilder, as well as the pre-acquisition survey and reinstatement cost assessment of a Victorian Stucco rendered grade II listed hotel, comprising of five merged grand house terraces located within the Bayswater Conservation Area. Founded in 1935, Edinburgh-headquartered Thomas & Adamson has a team of over 100 staff across the UK delivering building surveying, project management, cost management and construction safety services. The firm was acquired by global architectural, advisory, construction engineering and mobility services firm Egis last year, bringing a wider range of services to clients. Adding to the team in London, Jack Chamberlain was also recently hired as a senior project manager, bringing diverse experience from development schemes in the hotels and hospitality, commercial, education, residential and retail sectors. He joins the consultancy from Corrigan Gore and previously held roles with Cushman & Wakefield and Gardiner & Theobald. Hamish Paterson, director and head of building surveying at Thomas & Adamson, said: “The introduction of Stephen, leading our London office to provide extensive building surveying capabilities, is an exciting step for the firm and increases the services we are currently offering for clients in the capital. Stephen has wide-ranging experience in a variety of sectors, and his specialism in party wall matters will be an especially valuable addition. We are pleased to welcome him on board and look forward to expanding the team further in due course.” Stephen added: “Joining Thomas & Adamson to head up London building surveying team, and continuing to support the growth of its business in the south was an opportunity that came at an ideal time. The firm has a strong reputation in the market and ambitious plans for 2025 that I am excited to be part of this process.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Specialist lab and office space at Nexus University of Leeds and York Biotech campus available CBRE’s Office Agency team in Leeds has been appointed on two leading Life Sciences hubs in Yorkshire.   The team has been instructed by Nexus University of Leeds and the York Biotech campus to market specialist laboratory and office space aimed at innovative and entrepreneurial businesses in the high growth Life Sciences sector. Nexus is located on Discovery Way in Leeds and offers flexible workspace for a vibrant community of innovators and entrepreneurs that want to turn their big ideas into reality.  Life Sciences occupiers can access a range of office space spanning 11,821 sq ft accommodating from 4-75 desks; 8,752 sq ft labs and office space including a 2nd floor 828 sq ft lab;  2,341sq ft lab space, as well as meeting rooms, co-working space, event space, a business lounge and a café. The Nexus community of innovators benefit from access to the University’s campus facilities and thriving academic environments, where innovative research takes place across a wide range of themes from digital health to robotics. As well as access to the ecosystem in West Yorkshire, residents also have full support from specialist collaboration and community teams who back businesses in developing new products, accessing funding and growing their ventures.  Businesses can also be connected to key industry sectors and relevant academic, clinical expertise and research to help elevate their brand and credibility with potential investors and partnerships. Nexus celebrated its 5th anniversary this year with its community of entrepreneurial students, business start-ups, advisory partners and funding networks turning bright ideas into world-changing innovations, including Atlas Endoscopy, who are creating one of the most advanced robotic colonoscopy systems in the world and Itecho Health, who are using digital health to help patients with chronic conditions.  The company’s first tenant, Vet-AI has achieved extraordinary growth offering rapid access to veterinary professionals via its innovative Joii Pet Care application and now boasts more than 100 employees serving over 300,000 online customers. The York Biotech campus which sits on 80-acre parkland at Sand Hutton in York is just 8 miles from the city centre and offers 260,000 sq ft of world class laboratory space, as well as flexible office accommodation to support and enable scientific discovery, innovation and application for businesses in the bioscience industry from start-ups to established businesses. It boasts a raft of facilities and amenities including a restaurant, fitness centre, on site nursery, co-working space, 250-seat auditorium, cycle storage, warehouse space, communal space, networking and collaboration opportunities, as well as 550 car parking spaces. York Biotech also has the first fully flow through field scale mescocosm facility in Europe, 54 growing houses, 1.2m honey bees in on-site apiaries, 82 controlled environment rooms, an insect research laboratory, quarantine facility and has one of the largest mass spectrometry suites in the UK. Alex Hailey, Senior Director, CBRE Leeds said: “This instruction is testament to our growing Life Sciences expertise in a sector which has seen rapid growth in the last decade which has led to increased demand for specialist labatory and office space across the country.  Leeds has become a hotspot for Life Sciences and technology and businesses are recognising the opportunities both the city and county has to offer, such as great transport links and a pipeline of fresh talent from world-class universities. York Biotech is a leading destination for science research, innovation and discovery with first class facilities.” Jonny Lowe, CBRE’s Head of Science and Technology for the North said: “The UK Life Sciences sector is being transformed by the rise of AI, digital health, and data-driven healthcare, driving demand for advanced facilities and collaborative ecosystems. Yorkshire is at the heart of this shift, with hubs like Nexus and York BioTech Campus nurturing AI-led health innovations which have direct access into NHS England, responsible for digital, data and tech platforms, providing an anchor to the region as a leader in data-driven healthcare. With VC funding and M&A activity into the sector on the rise across the board during the last quarter, there is increased optimism this year with a number of schemes shaping up for delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory Team is celebrating a highly successful first year, having transacted over 1 million square feet of commercial space across key UK cities. The team’s achievements include a standout deal for Auto Trader, securing their new headquarters in Manchester. Formed in January 2024, the Occupier Advisory Team, led by Director Stephen Downey, has quickly made its mark in the industry by supporting clients with strategic advice and tailored real estate solutions. “We’ve had an incredibly successful first year, surpassing all expectations,” said Stephen Downey. “Our occupier-only approach has been central to our success. By acting exclusively in the interests of tenants, we’re able to offer independent, conflict-free advice that delivers optimal results for our clients. This year, we’ve successfully supported clients with several significant acquisitions, and we look forward to continuing that momentum into 2025. A key highlight of the team’s first year is its work with Auto Trader, securing a new, state-of-the-art headquarters at No. 3 Circle Square in Manchester. The 130,000 sq ft space spans seven floors, featuring a private rooftop terrace, and is set to be completed in April 2025. The building will be a model of sustainability, achieving net-zero carbon in construction, BREEAM Excellent, NABERS 5-star accreditation, and an EPC A rating. The headquarters will accommodate Auto Trader’s HQ function and reflect the company’s commitment to both sustainability and employee well-being. “We are delighted to have advised Auto Trader in this landmark deal for Auto Trader. The relocation is part of a broader trend we’re seeing, where businesses are prioritising high-quality office environments to attract and retain top talent. Today’s office isn’t just a place to work; it’s an essential part of driving business growth and employee satisfaction.” Stephen Downey, Director, Newsteer Occupier Advisory The Auto Trader deal is one of the largest regional office transactions in the North West, underscoring the team’s expertise in the regional market. Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory Team offers a full range of services, including portfolio strategy, confidential property searches, site selection, lease negotiations, re-gears, and both freehold and leasehold disposals. Newsteer’s Occupier Advisory team is one of a range of specialist services provided by Newsteer, which celebrated five years of successful operations in 2024. Newsteer’s emphasis on building strong relationships and delivering truly independent advice has supported the company’s rapid growth, with Occupier Advisory being the latest branch of the company to showcase its success. For more information, please visit www.newsteer.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals