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
ACCELERATING educational development, construction is underway to deliver a new design, technology, and science block at a 400 year-old+ school in Northamptonshire, transforming the campus for its students. Leading multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is working on the project at Wellingborough School on London Road, delivering architectural and civil engineering services
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
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
NATIONAL real estate consultancy Naismiths has appointed a new senior surveyor, boosting the business’ growth in the South. Peter Norris joins the team with a wide variety of experience, having started in the industry as an apprentice aged 18 before completing a Higher National Certificate in Building Studies, as well
GLOBAL leader in sustainability solutions, SLR Consulting, has provided a wide range of its extensive services to Eren Holding for the £1bn transformation of Shotton Mill Limited. SLR is providing a substantial suite of its long line of services, including planning and EIA teams, GIS, ecology, hydrology, transport, landscape, air quality,
Nottingham based construction management consultancy, Cube, is celebrating its five-year milestone with the launch of its new construction management software, Milestone. November 2024 marked a milestone in more ways than one for construction management consultants, Cube, as it celebrated a significant business anniversary and unveiled its latest project, Milestone, on
Leading property and construction consultancy CHPK Group has launched a new Façade Design service offer that responds to industry demand for an independent, all-encompassing service supported by chartered fire engineers. Developed to further support building owners, architects and contractors, the new service is headed by Chouaib Lekmiti, director of external wall
Leading decentralised energy consultancy HermeticaBlack have appointed Jason Robinson as Strategic Director for Real Estate and Regeneration. Aligning with HermeticaBlack’s industry leadership in the investment, development and asset management of energy and infrastructure, Jason will boost the company’s real estate practice in embedding net zero into development planning and delivery. Jason
LEADING engineering consultancy Rodgers Leask has brought its multi-disciplinary offering to the Cotswold Canals Connected project, playing an important part in helping restore the ‘missing mile’ of the Stroudwater Navigation. This ambitious award-winning restoration is the largest, and most complex National Heritage Lottery Funded project in the South-West. Driven by Cotswold
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
ACCELERATING educational development, construction is underway to deliver a new design, technology, and science block at a 400 year-old+ school in Northamptonshire, transforming the campus for its students. Leading multidisciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is working on the project at Wellingborough School on London Road, delivering architectural and civil engineering services alongside principal contractor Bowmer + Kirkland. Though the project handover is set for the end of 2025, this is the first scheme in a much larger overarching transformation of the campus across the next 30 years. The two and three storey building will feature new design and technology workshops, the largest lecture theatre on campus seating 220 students, as well as seminar rooms, office spaces, and computer lab connected by a large glass fronted modern reception. The design and materials of the building have been closely collaborated on by Pick Everard and school stakeholders, helping mix the school’s heritage and history with modernity and innovation. Dora Vestito, associate at Pick Everard, said: “This project is a brilliant example of how a modern building can pay service to and respect its history and heritage, which this school is steeped in. “The space itself balances those modern and traditional touches, with a large glass front flooding the space with natural light, while the surrounding materials deliberately call back to a Victorian era, such as red brick and stone finishes. “Once the 30-year masterplan for the campus, which we developed in partnership with the school, is complete, it will be a very impressive overarching vision, with new sports, science and teaching facilities, as well as a new art and theatre venue, within a greatly improved, wider landscape and open space design. “Everyone at Pick Everard is proud to be playing a role in transforming this English institution.” Though the current campus on the edge of Wellingborough was first developed almost 150 years ago in 1881, the school itself was founded as a Tudor-era grammar school in 1595 making it one of the oldest in the country. Today, its 180,000 square metre site is home to mixed pupils from reception all the way to sixth form. Gary Bradley, regional director at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “We have worked alongside Pick Everard for more than 20 years – much of that time on educational projects – and are delighted to continue that relationship on this most prestigious of schools. We are proud to be building this excellent new design and technology centre.” The project is targeting BREAAM Very Good for energy efficiency. Design has taken a fabric first approach with several sustainability aspects included such as PV roof panels, natural ventilation and thermal modelling performance measuring concurrent with construction to ensure optimum comfort levels for the occupiers and end users. For more information on Pick Everard’s services, head to https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/ 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
NATIONAL real estate consultancy Naismiths has appointed a new senior surveyor, boosting the business’ growth in the South. Peter Norris joins the team with a wide variety of experience, having started in the industry as an apprentice aged 18 before completing a Higher National Certificate in Building Studies, as well as a master’s degree in Commercial Management at the University of Westminster. After becoming a chartered surveyor, Peter progressed to the position of associate director at consultancy BAQUS. Peter has experience in sectors spanning healthcare, residential, education, leisure and commercial, and has recently spent time working on a self-employed basis as a project manager and quantity surveyor, completing various projects, including a golf club, for an ultra-high-net-worth individual in Hampshire that saw them develop a 400+ unit-strong residential portfolio. Other significant projects Peter has completed include a 50,000 sq. ft office building. Now based in the business’ London office, Peter’s primary responsibility will be fund monitoring projects across Kent, Surrey and London. He is already working on a number of projects, including five care homes throughout the South East, notably a 70-bed care home in Westgate on Sea, as well as a variety of residential schemes in Kent and South London. Peter said: “Having worked for myself for a number of years it felt like the right time for a change, and Naismiths is the perfect business for me to join at this point in my career. Most of my previous experience has been in quantity surveying so I’m looking forward to working with a variety of funders in London and developing my skills in that area, as well as learning more about Naismiths Analytics and how this can further support my clients. “The team has been welcoming and from the very beginning I’ve had a fantastic rapport with everyone, particularly our directors Marcus Higgins and Ross Wilson, who were keen to get me on board and have helped me settle in. I’m now looking forward to getting out and spending more time on site to see our projects for myself.” Ben Harwood, group chief executive, said: “It’s been an exciting few months for Naismiths and Edmond Shipway following our strategic partnership, and Peter is another fantastic addition to the team. We’re keen to continue to grow in the South, and we know Peter’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we progress.” Naismiths is a modern yet mature national real estate consultancy with offices in eight cities across the UK. Earlier this year the business announced a strategic partnership with fellow consultancy Edmond Shipway. The joining up of these two industry-leading businesses has resulted in a stronger, more versatile organisation, capable of delivering an even higher level of expertise and support to clients across various sectors. For more information please visit www.naismiths.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GLOBAL leader in sustainability solutions, SLR Consulting, has provided a wide range of its extensive services to Eren Holding for the £1bn transformation of Shotton Mill Limited. SLR is providing a substantial suite of its long line of services, including planning and EIA teams, GIS, ecology, hydrology, transport, landscape, air quality, noise and vibration, sustainable waste management, permitting, safety advisory and process engineering. The consultancy was the first to be appointed to the project after being initially contacted by Eren Holding back in March of 2020, tasked with identifying sites that would be suitable for a UK paper manufacturing facility. After scoping out numerous locations, SLR then facilitated an introduction to the previous owners of the chosen site and acted as a trusted advisor during the sale, before providing various due diligence and looking at the potential environmental impact of the site. The planning in particular required an innovative approach, with SLR splitting the planning into separate applications so the project itself could be delivered at the pace to meet necessary deadlines. Paul Wright, EU regional sector leader, industry & technology at SLR and the project delivery director, said: “The Shotton Mill project is not only a clear indication of how SLR can act as trusted advisors for the entire duration of a project, but also the wide range of services we have available. “The brief itself started off with finding suitable locations for the paper mill, but this quickly grew into a substantial service offering, with Shotton Mill Limited enjoying an ‘all under one roof’ type service. Working in this way allows our clients to enjoy an integrated service and great value for money. “With sustainability at the heart of what we do, this project also aligns perfectly with us as a business as the facility will significantly improve recycling levels in the UK. Previously, the UK has exported significant quantities of our recovered fibre, but Shotton Mill will enable the UK to change that and drastically reduce exports of recovered fibre and imports of finished products in the process creating value in the UK.” Dan Johnson, general manager at Shotton Mill, said: “SLR has provided great support for the duration of this project. The consultancy has helped us navigate the planning and permitting processes related to this development with great skill and efficiency given the scale and complexity of this brownfield redevelopment.” Formerly used to produce newsprint paper employing more than 500 people in the 1990s, the facility will now be turned into one of the UK’s largest containerboard and tissue production facilities – with an aim to start operating in 2025. The project itself is considered to be a significant infrastructure project in the UK and the first phase, once completed will create approximately 400 jobs and produce up to 750,000 tonnes of containerboard and 67,000 tonnes of tissue annually. For more information on SLR Consulting, visit slrconsulting.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nottingham based construction management consultancy, Cube, is celebrating its five-year milestone with the launch of its new construction management software, Milestone. November 2024 marked a milestone in more ways than one for construction management consultants, Cube, as it celebrated a significant business anniversary and unveiled its latest project, Milestone, on its mission to build best practice into every element of construction. The past five years has seen construction experts Nicola Slater and Mark Johnston, MCIOB, NECReg working with some of the biggest names in the construction industry. Combining their 60+ years in the sector, the entrepreneurial duo has helped regional and tier 1 contractors complete significant projects on time, protect margins, reduce client frustrations and mitigate project risk. Now, they have captured their extensive, hands-on construction expertise into a construction management software platform, Milestone, designed for construction professionals by construction experts. Milestone, Cube’s Building Safety Act compatible construction management software, is a real time, digital solution which helps contractors manage every stage of a construction project from award, through design to project delivery, completion and aftercare. Co-founder and construction consultant, Nicola Slater shares: “From a standing start, with no clients and little industry recognition of how construction management consultancy could help make a difference to the successful outcome of construction projects, we set up Cube. “Fast forward five years and we’ve captured our expertise into Milestone, a robust digital tool to help construction managers maximise their efficiency in managing projects and meeting targets.” The simple to use software includes all the tools construction managers need to reduce risk, ensure consistent work and allocate processes and projects to team members. Through a real-time online dashboard, Milestone gives instant access to project information for the whole team whether on-site or off, enabling issues or remediation actions to be proactively managed. Initially they set out to provide business development support, process improvement reviews, construction expertise and training and mentoring services to the building and construction sector. And, while much of this is still part of what they do today, the pair have learned to evolve and adapt as new opportunities presented themselves. Milestone being the latest in a string of construction management projects. Another proud moment for Cube, in 2021, it became a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Chartered Construction Management Consultancy, further demonstrating to clients and partners its ongoing commitment to the principles and values of best practice, ethical standards and professionalism. Co-founder and construction consultant, Mark Johnston, Vice Chair of the CIOB Nottingham Hub adds: “Having got the business off the ground from a standing start and weathered the storm of a global pandemic, we found ourselves working with some of the biggest names in the construction industry, providing construction management consultancy on projects such as the regeneration of an enclosure at London Zoo and a listed building at a historic university campus”. “More recently, The Building Safety Act (BSA) has become a significant focus for us. Holding multi-disciplinary workshops in London and Nottingham has embedded us firmly in the discussion about where the industry is heading in terms of competency and best practice. We’ve incorporated that into Milestone software so it is a practical tool to help firms meet their obligations under the Act, demonstrate competency and provide a digital ‘Golden Thread’ of project information.” For more details on Cube’s construction management consultancy and software, Milestone, visit: https://www.cube-cc.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property and construction consultancy CHPK Group has launched a new Façade Design service offer that responds to industry demand for an independent, all-encompassing service supported by chartered fire engineers. Developed to further support building owners, architects and contractors, the new service is headed by Chouaib Lekmiti, director of external wall and façade, and the wider CHPK Fire Engineering experienced team of chartered fire engineers and structural fire engineers, including façade designers and specialist structural façade engineers with the added benefit of academic architectural training backgrounds. The team provides comprehensive design solutions for remediation projects and new builds. It covers all cladding systems and is designed to prioritise safety, aesthetics and structural integrity simultaneously. With safety, a top priority and key driver for the launch of the new service, fire safety and risk mitigation strategies are integrated into the design process from the outset to ensure compliance with local regulations and international standards. The service provides a holistic, full-service approach across the complete lifecycle of buildings. This, alongside the latest technologies available, not only provides consistency with a single point of contact from start to completion but also streamlines and speeds up the project process. With new projects underway for Telford Homes and others, the team has been brought in to design façades on remediation projects. They use their extensive knowledge and skill to ensure the building retains its original design and style whilst replacing unapproved insulation and building products with approved materials. Chouaib Lekmiti said, “This service is a direct response to the urgent need for independent, accredited fire engineering advice to deliver fire safety compliance in façade design. Alongside the obvious safety and structural demands, we also know that façades play an important role in placemaking and must support quality architecture, design, and sustainability. With our new Façade Design service, we aim to offer comprehensive design solutions that meet all these priorities. “Working with architects, developers, and building owners on commercial high-rise buildings, residential complexes, and institutional buildings, we are excited about the opportunities to safeguard and optimise projects that this new service presents.” By fostering open dialogue and cooperation, the team works closely with clients, utilising other CHPK Group services to become a single solution. For more information about CHPK Group’s Façade Design service, please visit www.fire-engineer.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading decentralised energy consultancy HermeticaBlack have appointed Jason Robinson as Strategic Director for Real Estate and Regeneration. Aligning with HermeticaBlack’s industry leadership in the investment, development and asset management of energy and infrastructure, Jason will boost the company’s real estate practice in embedding net zero into development planning and delivery. Jason joins HermeticaBlack from his role as Director of Special Projects at London’s largest new regeneration scheme at Old Oak Common. While at Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), he led the commercialisation and preparation for delivery of a new district heating network that will capture low carbon heating from data centres. The project has recently been named as one of the Government’s six new UK heat network zones and HermeticaBlack are key advisers. Across a successful career in the property sector, Jason has played an intrinsic role in leading large urban regeneration projects, including the successful environmental and social legacies of two Olympic Games – most recently the trailblazing regeneration scheme in Stratford that accompanied London 2012. He has also led the delivery of major regeneration projects in Australia and the Middle East. He will use this expertise to support HermeticaBlack’s clients across the real estate and infrastructure sectors, in embedding decarbonisation into their development and asset management strategies. His work will allow them to translate broad net zero objectives into effective and practical development approaches, whilst navigating their implications on project strategy and delivery. Jason’s appointment comes alongside a period of expansion for HermeticaBlack as they support increased decarbonised energy activity in the real estate and investment markets, and respond to the growth of higher standards in sustainable investment and adoption of net zero policy. Chris Holmes, Managing Director at HermeticaBlack said of Jason’s appointment: “We’re thrilled to have someone with Jason’s expertise, commitment and background delivering world-class urban developments join the HermeticaBlack team. “Jason’s passion for high quality urban design alongside decarbonising the property industry aligns with HermeticaBlack’s leading position in developing and delivering energy efficient projects, and we’re looking forward to seeing him bring his considerable skillset to bear.” Jason Robinson, Strategic Director for Real Estate and Regeneration at HermeticaBlack said: “It’s fantastic to be joining HermeticaBlack, whose commitment to decarbonisation in the real estate sector and more widely, aligns with my own dedication to high quality regeneration and delivering social and environmental value alongside the economic. “With the new UK Government coming in full of ambition for the low carbon energy and housing sectors, it’s clear the future of real estate and regeneration is to bring high quality development in line with net zero and social aims from the very outset – something I saw first-hand at OPDC. “For me, HermeticaBlack is the ideal organisation at which to progress this ethos and exercise my expertise in originating, planning and delivering large-scale regeneration. Exciting times lie ahead and I look forward to leveraging my expertise to help our industry solve our net zero challenges.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LEADING engineering consultancy Rodgers Leask has brought its multi-disciplinary offering to the Cotswold Canals Connected project, playing an important part in helping restore the ‘missing mile’ of the Stroudwater Navigation. This ambitious award-winning restoration is the largest, and most complex National Heritage Lottery Funded project in the South-West. Driven by Cotswold Canals Connected, a partnership led by Stroud District Council and Cotswold Canals Trust, it aims to re-establish a section of canal that was filled in during the creation of the M5 motorway in the 1960s Led from their Bristol office, Rodgers Leask’s civil, structural and geo-environmental engineering teams bring a multi-disciplinary approach to the project, in which they are working closely with the charity’s project delivery team to meet the challenging technical, budgetary and delivery demands of the scheme. The team is designing a replacement aqueduct that will allow the canal to cross over Oldbury Brook once again. The work involves developing an initial concept for the aqueduct and adjoining John Robinson Lock and detailing key components such as a triple pipe culvert arrangement and protective cover slab. Retaining walls have been designed using modular bag units to fulfil the design brief for a sturdy but simple solution that will allow the charity volunteers to actively participate in construction. By simplifying material choices, the engineering consultancy has been able to keep construction costs low while ensuring the project meets the high standards that it sets itself and end users of the canal would expect. Dave Bathurst, regional director for Rodgers Leask in Bristol, said: “The solutions being developed are a blend of technicality and practicality, which wouldn’t be possible without determined coordination and collaboration with Cotswold Canal Connected and enthusiasm for design excellence within our team. At the heart of this project is a sense of social value that will be returned to an impressive but long forgotten connection to our industrial past. Once restored the canal will take on a new, but no less important purpose, as an amenity for local people. Trading its initial use for transporting coal and other important goods, for one that will facilitate leisure and tourism. “For Rodgers Leask, this project represents another successful example of our growing portfolio of canals and waterways projects that also includes recent involvement in the restoration of Chesterfield Canal.” The `Missing Mile’ is a key part of the second phase of the Cotswold Canals Connected project. It promises numerous benefits for the region including the creation of a new community-led wildlife corridor with conservation and biodiversity projects. In addition to these environmental advantages, the restored canal is expected to become a vibrant tourist destination, celebrating the area’s rich industrial heritage and boosting the local economy. Chris Mitford-Slade, project manager at Cotswold Canals Connected, said: “The restoration of this section of the canal is an exciting step forward for both the local community and the environment. It will create a space that blends heritage and habitat for the benefit of all.” The Cotswold Canals Connected project is enabled by the work of the charity Cotswold Canals Trust. For further information, membership enquiries and volunteering opportunities, visit https://cotswoldcanals.org/ For more information on Rodgers Leask, visit https://rodgersleask.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals