The Crown Estate has unveiled details of its pipeline of developments in London’s West End. The three projects, which have a Gross Development Value of over £430 million, will deliver 251,000 sq ft of office, leisure and retail space in the heart of the Capital. Amongst the three developments is New Zealand House – the landmark Grade II listed building at the southern gateway to Haymarket, the Arts Quarter and St James’s Market.  Opened in 1963, the modernist landmark served as a symbol of the New Zealand Government’s post-Second World War commitment to the United Kingdom, and as a home-away-from-home for New Zealanders overseas. It featured ample office space, a state to which it will return when the retrofit works are complete, with the New Zealand High Commission returning to take substantial space in the building, including in the podium and the top floors. Its iconic mid-century architecture, designed by renowned architect Robert Matthew, Johnson Marshall & Partners, dominates the skyline in St James’s as the only building of height in the area, providing sweeping views of Westminster to the south and the wider West End to the north. As the first major office tower in London and the first to be fully glazed on all sides, its design paved the way for a broader acceptance of modernist, tall buildings. When it was constructed, it was a shining example of innovation and modernity, boasting the first fully air-conditioned office in the Capital. It is this focus on innovation that is once again at the heart of construction works at New Zealand House. During the retrofit project, 90% of the structure is being retained and 1,600 sq m of heritage finishes are being carefully preserved, respecting the listed status of the building. The project has already seen 7,000 items collected for reuse in other projects, steel obtained from reused sources, over 1,300 sq m of marble being reused throughout and renewable energy will be purchased through a PPA from a solar farm in Norfolk to power the construction site. One of the building’s most unique interior features is the giant Te Pouihi; an intricate and spiritually important Māori carving, which sits in the entrance of New Zealand House. Te Pouihi was created specifically for New Zealand House by Inia Te Wīata, a New Zealand Māori opera singer, master carver, film actor and artist, alongside his two sons. They carved the 50ft, two-tonne pouihi over seven years in the building’s basement carpark. The original pouihi will maintain its position in the refurbished New Zealand House, where it embodies the enduring link between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The building’s iconic glazing, which provides a striking line of site through the building from St James’s to Westminster, will be replaced with an innovative alternative to improve thermal performance and passive shading, with The Crown Estate installing digital systems to accurately monitor environmental performance. In total, the construction phase is anticipated to use less embodied carbon than The Crown Estate’s ambitious target of 400kgCO2/m2 across its development portfolio.  The works, which are already underway, also include the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade I listed Royal Opera Arcade. Designed by John Nash and George Repton and completed between 1816 and 1818, it is considered to be London’s oldest existing shopping arcade having survived a fire and the Blitz. Its vaulted roof, circular skylights and protruding quadrant-cornered shopfronts lining the passageway were influenced by Parisian arcades, whilst its overall layout and covered shopping concept paved the way for future arcades in the Capital. Once completed, New Zealand House will deliver 138,000 sq ft of quality office and hospitality space, transforming the site and wider district once more into a thriving, progressive destination. Clare Harrison, Development Director at The Crown Estate, said: “New Zealand House was once a beacon of modernity and innovation in London – we now have the chance to reclaim its former glory and celebrate its striking mid-century architecture. “With the New Zealand High Commission returning to its historic home in St James’s, today’s news represents both a celebration of our shared heritage, and a positive look towards our future. Along with 10 Spring Gardens and 33-35 Piccadilly, the development of New Zealand House will provide spaces and places that work for both the needs of today and future generations.” New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Phil Goff, said: “The New Zealand Government is delighted to be partnering with The Crown Estate on this project to redevelop and refine New Zealand House in its central and landmark site.  When complete, the building will meet the modern needs of New Zealand government agencies in London.  With the restoration of the unique Pouihi, it will continue to reflect New Zealand’s culturally rich Māori heritage. “Redeveloping the building retains the history of the site, and through its prominence and centrality New Zealand House continues to represent the close, deep and enduring relationship between New Zealand and the United Kingdom.”  The Crown Estate has also revealed details around two other developments in its pipeline. 10 Spring Gardens – located between The Mall and Trafalgar Square – will deliver c.80,000 sq ft of sustainable workspace, distributed over ground floor, basement and eight upper storeys. This project also places a high priority on sustainable design and construction retaining over 90% of the building’s structure and façade, minimising the use of new raw materials, whilst enhancing the quality of the office floor plates, amenity spaces and entrances.  Upon completion it is targeting a NABERS 5* rating, EPC A and BREEAM Excellent, as well as a WELL Gold Certification. 33-35 Piccadilly is the only new building construction project in The Crown Estate’s development pipeline.  The redevelopment will provide 3,000 sq ft of prime retail and food & beverage space on the ground floor, with 30,000 sq ft of office space on the floors above. This represents an 85% increase in office and retail floor space. The project will also provide an improved connection between St James’s Church and Swallow Street, alongside improved

MODERNISING operational policing requirements, work has commenced on the £55m redevelopment of Hertfordshire Constabulary headquarters, delivering a flexible and agile workspace for 600 operational staff. The new space, which involves the demolishment and consolidation of five buildings, will be set across 9,000 sqm and provide a new home for services and departments including the major crime unit, victim services and dog unit, along with the senior leadership team and operational support staff. Targeting BREEAM Excellent for ultra-high sustainability standards, the building is also set to include heat recovery units, solar panels, and sustainable drainage systems, while the new building will also respond to modern working requirements by prioritising hot desking and wellbeing initiatives in its design. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, is behind the scheme, operating via Perfect Circle, in a technical advisory role from RIBA Stage 3 under the SCAPE Consultancy framework. The firm is working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary and contractor Willmott Dixon to bring the project to fruition. Andy Robinson, director at Pick Everard, said: “This project recognises Pick Everard’s commitment to supporting the UK’s blue light sectors, providing industry-leading expertise that enables police, healthcare, and other emergency services to support its staff and the surrounding community effectively. “Policing is a job unlike any other, and with it comes its own unique considerations in design. Key to this is the thorough stakeholder management programme established on the project, which will result in a flexible workspace that responds to current need while being scalable for the future. “Working closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary and Willmott Dixon, we’re looking forward to the new space delivering a lasting legacy for police services across Welwyn Garden City.” As well as helping reduce the current Stanborough estate’s long-term running costs, the new building is also targeting a WELL Platinum Certification, a major benchmark for advancing health and wellbeing within a single building. Stewart Brundell, managing director at Willmott Dixon in North London and Northern Homes Counties, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Hertfordshire Constabulary to deliver its new headquarters. As a proud Hertfordshire-based company, it is fantastic to be starting on site to provide a new facility for our county’s police force. “This project follows on from our successful delivery of the Bedfordshire Police’s new custody suite. The new HQ will provide Hertfordshire Constabulary’s people with a sustainable, flexible working environment which can be utilised for police and community groups as well.” Victoria Brambini, chief executive at Perfect Circle, said: “This project is a prime example of where Perfect Circle can add real value to the public sector. Commissioning our industry-leading consultancy experts at Pick Everard, we will provide the technical expertise for the redevelopment of the headquarters of Hertfordshire Constabulary, alongside ensuring the building will meet exceptional sustainability targets. “I’m delighted the project will be delivered through both SCAPE’s Consultancy and Construction frameworks, demonstrating that as SCAPE partners, we can provide all that is needed to deliver projects from start to finish.”  Mark Robinson, group chief executive at the SCAPE group, added: “With sustainability in mind, the redevelopment of the headquarters of Hertfordshire Constabulary will provide a much-improved flexible work environment for the county’s police force. “This is a significant project for us as through the SCAPE consultancy framework, SCAPE and Perfect Circle will play an integral role in supplying consultancy services and expert advisory solutions in relation to the complexities of the project. SCAPE is also working in close collaboration with Willmott Dixon through the SCAPE Construction Framework, to deliver efficiency and cost savings throughout the project.” Designed by Vincent & Gorbing Architects, work will complete in summer 2026 on the new headquarters. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Seddon, a family-owned construction contractor, is set to begin work this month on a significant renovation project at Bromborough Fire Station for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. The 31-week project, valued at £1.6 million, will enhance the station’s facilities and contribute to the service’s decarbonisation efforts. The comprehensive upgrade includes re-roofing the whole fire station, new M&E installations, interior fit-out to modern standards, and implementation of sustainability measures to reduce the station’s carbon footprint. Key to the project is the removal of gas systems and traditional fossil fuel boilers, to be replaced with green energy solutions. This shift towards renewable energy sources is a crucial step in Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service’s decarbonisation plan, demonstrating Seddon’s continuous commitment to environmental sustainability. The green energy upgrades will not only lower the station’s carbon emissions but also contribute to long-term cost savings and energy efficiency. Another crucial aspect of the project is ensuring the fire station remains fully operational throughout the renovation. Seddon’s experienced team will work closely with station personnel to minimise disruption and maintain emergency response readiness at all times. This commitment to uninterrupted service underscores Seddon’s expertise in managing sensitive, live-site renovations where maintaining functionality is key to public safety. Matthew Sargeson, Operations Director at Seddon Property Services, said: “We’re proud to partner with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service on this important project. Our team’s expertise in managing complex, live-site renovations will ensure Bromborough Fire Station continues to serve its community while we deliver these crucial upgrades. This project aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting essential services and promoting sustainability in the built environment.” Anthony Holland, Estates Development Manager at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, commented: “The newly refurbished and modernised Fire Station will provide an improved working environment for firefighters and improved facilities for the community. “As Estates Development Manager I am extremely proud to be leading on this key project for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority, the works have begun on site and are quite extensive.The scheme will run for approximately 30 weeks while we continue to operate as a live fire station. Operational staff have been supportive and patient through the development of the scheme, from feasibility to work commencing on site.” This project strengthens Seddon’s growing portfolio in the blue light sector, following successful collaborations with other emergency services including Staffordshire Police. The company is also poised to undertake similar decarbonisation projects at additional fire stations in the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has announced the appointment of six companies to a new alliance to build Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for the Armed Forces. The six companies – Bowmer and Kirkland, ExtraSpace Solutions, Kier McAvoy, Kier Metek, Laing O’Rourke and REDS10 – will be awarded contracts through an existing Crown Commercial Services framework. Each company submitted a tender to be considered for the new alliance, which was rigorously assessed on a range of requirements by DIO and their technical support provider, Arcadis. The alliance, which will run for six years, will see 16,000 new bedspaces built as part of a wider MOD plan to build or refurbish 40,000 SLA bedspaces over ten years. The work will improve the lived experience for service personnel occupying those rooms. The appointment of the six companies is part of DIO’s new Programmatic Approach for SLA, which is intended to improve the delivery of new accommodation by finding efficiencies and improving value for money. A library of SLA designs has been created, providing a common base design with variations and flexibility to adapt according to the needs of the site and its personnel, such as the number of rooms required. The design can be used for accommodation intended for short-term occupancy, such as recruits undergoing initial training or for personnel are on exercise on the Defence training estate, as well as permanent accommodation in military bases. While the SLA design catalogue allows for different construction methods, providing flexibility for all accommodation requirements, the SLA Programmatic Approach focuses on Modern Methods of Construction with new blocks built off-site in sections. This should improve the speed of manufacture and reduce the time spent on site, minimising disruption. The designs were created with sustainability in mind and will contribute to the Government’s Net Zero Carbon strategy. The alliance will champion collaborative behavior and innovation to improve delivery, learning from each completed project and using that knowledge to improve the next. Charlie Hoskins, DIO’s Director of Major Programmes and Projects, said: “I am convinced this new alliance using a programmatic approach will be crucial to improve our broader delivery of Single Living Accommodation. These blocks are one of the Armed Forces facilities we build the most and this approach will ensure we can safely build blocks faster, to a common design ensuring consistency of standards, and drive better value for money. Ultimately, this is about improving the living conditions for our Armed Forces personnel and every one of our suppliers is motivated by this aim.” Over the next two years, a hybrid approach will be adopted with the full new approach being used for all projects from 2026 onwards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A NEW government office development in Darlington has been given the go-ahead by planners. The application to construct a 5-storey, 10,000m2 government hub in Brunswick Street, put forward by the Government Property Agency (GPA), has been approved by the town planning committee. The new office on Brunswick Street will build on the success of the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC), currently comprising Feetham House and Bishopsgate House, both situated in the town centre. With works on site set to begin later this year and completion earmarked for 2027, the modern, energy efficient office complex will be part of the wider DEC, and home to 1,400 civil servants from across a number of government departments. The campus incorporates HM Treasury, the Department for Business and Trade, for whom Darlington will be the second headquarters, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Office for National Statistics, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Competition and Markets Authority. It also includes the Department for Education who have been based in Darlington since the 1960s. The DEC forms part of the Government Hubs Programme supporting economic growth across the UK through the redevelopment of brownfield sites or repurposing existing buildings to create efficient, sustainable and productive workplaces. Georgia Gould, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, said: “The new development will support Darlington’s economy and allow the Civil Service to draw on talent and skills across the region. This Government is committed to economic growth in every region of the UK and we will get behind cities and towns to deliver new jobs and opportunities for their communities.” Mark Bourgeois, the GPA’s CEO, said: “This is excellent news for our departmental clients and for the town of Darlington. We are delighted to achieve planning permission for this development which will help deliver on the Government’s mission in supporting economic growth in the region.It also supports the transformation of the Civil Service through delivery of a modern, inspirational and energy-efficient office complex.” Second Permanent Secretary to the Treasury Beth Russell said: “This is a great step forward in developing the Darlington Economic Campus.With over 920 new civil service jobs already created in the town and 480 more to come, we are offering the opportunity for people in the north east to do government jobs that were traditionally only available in London, making government policy-making more reflective of the communities we serve.” Jo Crellin, DBT, Director General, Domestic and International Markets and Exports said: “Having the Darlington hub as our second HQ means we can recruit people from all kinds of backgrounds into the civil service, securing this permission will enable us to build on the 250 brilliant staff we already have.  The new site will also continue to ensure we are listening directly to businesses all over the UK as we are designing and delivering our support”. There has been extensive public consultation prior to the submission of the Darlington government hub application in March this year. The new hub in Brunswick Street will create extensive employment opportunities in the town, creating wider economic benefits for the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

VIVO Defence Services and its tier one supply chain partner Henry Brothers Construction have staged a topping out ceremony on a £6m scheme at Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton. A key point has been reached in the construction of the new facility for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Troop which is relocating from Chetwynd Barracks, Nottingham, to the Warwickshire base. The project is being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). The building will feature space for offices, garages and stores, and is being built at Gamecock Barracks ready for the Troop’s move next year. Now, as it reaches a significant point in construction, a topping out ceremony has been held, attended by representatives from VIVO, Midlands-based construction company Henry Brothers Construction, the DEO Army Programme, DIO, Gamecock Barracks and construction partner William Gough. Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure, said: “We are continuing to deliver significant investment across the Defence estate to support military capability and provide modern, high quality working facilities for Army personnel. “I am delighted to see the steady pace of progress on the new infrastructure at Gamecock Barracks, and I look forward to completion of the project next year when the EOD Troop are due to relocate and take full advantage of their new building.” Warren Webster, Programme Director for DIO Major Projects (Army) said: “This is another demonstration of our commitment to increase the pace, quality and volume of Defence infrastructure delivery, by doing things differently. “We are working closely with our colleagues in DIO Regional Delivery and their long-term partner VIVO and its suppliers, to build this important capability. Collaboration remains at the heart of our delivery intent, and when completed, Gamecock Barracks will provide first class Explosive Ordinance Disposal facilities for the central region.”  Jerry Moloney, Managing Director of VIVO Defence Services, added: “As one of the UK’s largest providers of estate services to the MOD, we at VIVO are involved in a huge array of innovative and important design and build projects for the military.  “I am really pleased that we have reached such a key stage in the building of this excellent new facility for the Troop when they relocate and would like to thank our teams across VIVO and our supply chains for all their hard work.” Managing Director of Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor, said: “We were honoured to be appointed to build this new purpose-built facility for EOD Troop and very pleased to have now reached the topping out stage. “Henry Brothers has worked on numerous projects at MOD sites across the UK and we are proud to see how this latest project is progressing.” The scheme for EOD Troop at Gamecock Barracks is due to be completed in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

While headlines have revealed the small amount of allocated Levelling Up funding that has been spent to date, the Conservative Party has pledged a further £20m for 30 towns over the next 10 years to add to its long-term plan for levelling up. At a time when many local councils are struggling financially – with some issuing Section 114 notices, and 18 given permission by the government to sell-off assets and delay projects to release cash ahead of the general election – it may come as a surprise that projects with government funding have not yet made progress. However, there are different reasons, as well as solutions, explains Pagabo’s director of national delivery Karen Carter. A report published by the Public Accounts Committee has revealed that despite £10.47bn in Levelling Up funding coming from central government, so far only £3.7bn has been given to local authorities. Given the need for allocated funding to be spent between 2020-21 and 2025-26, there has naturally been criticism of the situation. Moreover, as of September 2023, local authorities have only managed to spend £1.24bn. In reference to the original plan, almost none of the 71 projects that were successful in the first round of funding are on track – despite being due to be complete in March. While this may paint a fairly bleak picture, it has not been smooth sailing since the first round of successful bidders were announced in October 2021. Unusually high inflation has meant project budgets set by bidders when the government funding was applied for are no longer feasible. Add to this the fact that overall council budgets have become tighter, meaning the risk of starting projects without needing to find additional funding is simply too high. Bridging the financial gap would be a solution, but a tricky task to do. 18 councils have been given permission from government to sell off assets to bridge budget gaps and avoid any further council bankruptcies ahead of the election – expected to release £1.4bn in capital resources across 2024/25. The fear here is projects being abandoned altogether, or losing funding allocation due to delays, so another – perhaps more realistic – option is to review project viability and adjust the scope where required. To do this, it’s key that the right people are on board. From procurement professionals through to contractors and consultants, collaboratively engaging on issues and presenting the problems is the only way to find meaningful solutions. With construction projects, it’s the industry experts that can advise what market opportunities could be released to make a budget work hardest. From our conversations with the public sector organisations that have secured Levelling Up funding, it’s not that the projects are completely unrealistic – but they need to be very carefully reassessed to ensure every stage from remediation through to delivery can be completed. Giving credit where its due, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has so far been flexible with projects – allowing many to start late and retain their funding – which is a big relief to local authorities. This flexibility stems from an understanding and awareness of the market changes and challenges that are impacting projects. We encourage those overseeing projects to be proactive in seeking support and to discuss the challenges they are facing. At the Pagabo Group alone, we have a huge range of resources and connections that can strengthen the position of local authorities, giving them the confidence to kick on. For example, we have multiple compliant procurement solutions covering project analysis support, cost modelling, project recovery, along with contractor and developer engagement options to fully analyse the best way forward for a project. But, if the findings from this analysis are not encouraging enough, there is the opportunity to use Loop to strategically demonstrate social value, stakeholder engagement and return on investment. Ultimately, it’s not too late for Levelling Up funded projects and it’s definitely not time to panic. The same goes for the 30 towns promised an injection of funding to support their plans for the future. It’s time for open, honest and optimistic conversations about how to mitigate the impact of current challenges and create impactful, long-lasting change for communities. For more information, please visit www.pagabo.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals