Extra MSA Group has appointed Glencar as the main construction contractor for a new motorway service area (MSA) at Junction 11 of the M62, a major development expected to deliver modern facilities, support local employment, and promote sustainable growth in the region. The multi-phase design-and-build contract will see Glencar undertake extensive earthworks, drainage, and ground improvement to establish the development platform. This will be followed by the installation of utilities, highways, and site-wide infrastructure in preparation for the construction of the main Amenity Building, parking areas, and external works. Glencar will also manage enabling and access works for the fuel filling station and coordinate future landscaping packages. The hybrid fuel facility will include a retail store, refuelling forecourts for cars and HGVs, canopies, EV chargers, and supporting infrastructure such as parking, lighting, and cycle spaces. The first phase of the project will also involve the diversion of Silver Lane Brook and the creation of a new peatland habitat zone, alongside wider landscaping and site circulation improvements. Once complete, the Warrington MSA will provide over 530 car parking spaces, 105 HGV spaces, 16 coach bays, 15 caravan spaces, and 15 motorcycle spaces. Glencar will play a central role in achieving Extra MSA’s sustainability and social value goals, applying an ESG-led approach to ensure high standards of environmental performance and community impact. Key ecological enhancements include the peatland habitat creation and restoration of Silver Lane Brook to boost biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience. The project also includes a robust social value programme, with initiatives to generate employment opportunities, support local SMEs, and establish skills partnerships with Birchwood High School, Gorse Primary, Warrington & Vale College, and Cheshire Skills Bootcamp, aiming to inspire the next generation of construction talent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) to deliver Station Gardens, a transformational housing development set to create 81 new homes on a key brownfield gateway site near Rochdale town centre. The project will revitalise the extensive site near Drake Street, located on the doorstep of Rochdale railway station. The area has remained vacant for several years but is considered a strategic gateway into the borough. The development will feature two, three, and four-bedroom homes available in a mix of tenures, including social and affordable housing. The properties will be the first net zero homes delivered as part of a housing scheme supported by the council, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has been enabled by a successful bid to the government’s Community Regeneration Partnerships Fund and forms part of the council’s rail corridor strategy, which aims to rejuvenate the areas around Rochdale’s five railway stations by creating new homes on brownfield sites. Michael Poole-Sutherland, Director for the North West at Willmott Dixon: “We’re extremely proud to play our part in the continued regeneration of Rochdale in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency. “We share Rochdale Borough Council and RDA’s passion for ensuring Station Gardens leaves a lasting legacy in this community. As part of this, we will create employment opportunities for local people who have been long-term unemployed and will be engaging with both T-Level and apprentice students at Hopwood Hall College, Rochdale Sixth Form and Hollingworth High School, offering 180 weeks of training throughout the project.” Councillor Danny Meredith, cabinet member for housing and regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council: “It’s great to finally break ground on this site, as we’ve been working hard to move this project forward, following an unsuccessful funding bid to the previous government. We kept at it and were delighted to recently receive the money from the community regeneration partnership, which has enabled us to get going. These new homes will be a fantastic addition to this area, transforming a site which has been empty for years into a thriving new neighbourhood which will be built to the highest environmental standards.” The development is also part of the wider regeneration of the area around Rochdale railway station, which involves the creation of a new public square in front of the station and 33 new apartments on a brownfield site on the corner of Maclure Road and Station Road, whose construction is set to start in early 2026. The project is being delivered by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council, with Willmott Dixon acting as main contractor. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction firm Beard is marking ten years of delivering ambitious and innovative projects which have transformed communities and businesses across Bristol and the wider region. Beard’s Bristol office opened in September 2015 and was originally established in Westbury-on-Trym, before moving to its current location of Langford Lodge, 109 Pembroke Road in Clifton. The office has grown from a team of just three to a 54-strong workforce, delivering high-quality design and build, new-build, restoration and refurbishment projects across sectors including heritage, commercial, healthcare, residential, sports, leisure, and education. Experienced construction professional Mike Hedges led the Bristol office from its inception before being promoted to company operations director in 2023. He said: “For more than 130 years, Beard has delivered exemplary projects that support businesses and enhance communities across diverse sectors. “The Bristol team has been instrumental in Beard’s recent success, and we’re proud of the collective achievements over the past decade. “This milestone is a testament to the skill and dedication of our team, past and present, as well as the trust and expertise of our valued customers, subcontractors, suppliers, and wider network. My thanks, on behalf of the Beard directors, goes to all of them.” To mark the occasion, Beard hosted a celebratory event at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) earlier this month, attended by team members, supply chain partners, and customers. In 2022, Beard completed the RWA’s light and inspiration project, a scheme to reduce the building’s reliance on fossil fuels and improve the efficiency of the historic building. It was the most significant refurbishment in over a century, also delivering structural repairs and improving accessibility to preserve the cultural landmark. Matt Cooper, Bristol director since 2021, has steered the team through a period of significant growth. He added: “The work of our Bristol office demonstrates Beard’s wider commitment to quality, innovation, and community impact. We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone with our team and partners, and we look forward to helping shape Bristol’s built environment for many more years to come.” One of the Bristol team’s first projects was the £4.7million refurbishment of the University of Bristol’s law school. Beard also delivered the iconic new Being Brunel museum for the SS Great Britain Trust, telling the story of Brunel’s impact in Bristol and beyond. Beard Bristol’s current projects include the construction of a gorilla house and visitor centre for Bristol Zoological Society; the restoration of Glastonbury’s Baily’s Building into a dynamic co-working space; and the refurbishment and extension of One Friary Quay in Bristol. Other projects in Bristol’s varied portfolio over the past decade have included: Beyond construction, the team has raised over £18,000 for Grief Encounter this year alone. Their chosen charity for two years, the organisation provides specialist bereavement support to children, young people and their families. Money has been raised through everything from skydives and cycle challenges to dress down days and bake sales, reflecting the team’s commitment to positive community impact. Founded in 1892 by Edward William Beard, the company is now led by the fourth-generation of the family, Mark Beard. Its head office opened in Swindon, followed by Oxford, Guildford and Bristol. The firm opened its newest office in Southampton in January 2024. For more information about Beard, visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

RED Construction Group, the specialist contractor, has announced that its South West division has completed works on Alumno Group’s £13m Hollis Wharf student accommodation project in Bath, and Bristol’s Harbourside cladding remediation works. These project milestones coincide with the opening of a new Exeter office, the expansion of the existing Bristol office, and key senior leadership appointments.  Hollis Wharf, the 45,000 sq ft, 120-student apartment building, was designed by AWW Architects and spans five floors. The RED South West team has completed its works on the project, accommodating the city’s growing student population. The team also drew upon extensive experience in minimising the environmental impact of the works, not only due to its position adjacent to two Grade II listed buildings, but also as it sits within a World Heritage Site, Housing Development Boundary, and Enterprise Area.  This coincides with the completion of the £5m cladding remediation at Bristol’s Harbourside, comprising fire safety remedial works to occupied apartments. The South West team delivered works that included the replacement of existing combustible external wall systems, balcony decking, cavity barriers, and associated build-up, support systems, and accessories. As the RED South West team expands through new appointments, successful completions, and new offices, the business has strengthened its senior leadership team. James Devey is now leading the South West team as Divisional Director, following Derek Quinn’s promotion to COO at RED Construction Group. Georgina Lillington is taking on the role of Commercial Director, bringing over two decades of experience to the role, and Founding Director Grant Millar, takes up a new role of Technical Services Director.  James Devey, Divisional Director of RED South West, commented: “Our team continues to go from strength to strength, and as we remain committed to delivering high-quality works, we also continue to expand our senior leadership team and expertise. The sustained growth of RED South West is propelled by our ability to complete great projects like Hollis Wharf and Harbourside, and we’re proud to work with the best client teams in the region, that focus on tangible, positive outcomes for our communities.” David Campbell, Founder and Managing Director of Alumno Group, added: “RED Construction’s South West team are experts in the region, so they were the obvious choice when choosing who to partner with for Hollis Wharf. The works here speak volumes, with this transformation set to serve both Bath’s significant student population.”  These project completions and team restructuring have come as RED Construction South West has relocated in Bristol, into an office triple the size. The new Bristol office has been joined by RED’s inaugural Exeter office, extending the main contractor’s presence in the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

AP UK (Ashtrom Properties) has appointed McLaren Construction as Construction Manager for the refurbishment of Colmore Gate, transforming the landmark tower into a Grade A office building in the heart of Birmingham’s business district. Originally built in the 1990s, Colmore Gate occupies a prime city-centre location between Colmore Row and the Snow Hill Business District. The building sits opposite Snow Hill Station and is just a six-minute walk from the new HS2 station at Birmingham Curzon Street. Once refurbished, the tower will offer 290,000 square feet of Grade A office space, strengthening its position as a key commercial address in the city. Managing Director for Construction Management & Specialist Projects at McLaren Construction, Vince Lydon, said: “This is a further success for McLaren’s construction management delivery model which allows us to form a true partnership with our client and involve the supply chain early on in the process.” AP UK CEO Guy Lewinsohn added: “We are delighted to be moving forward with the transformation of Colmore Gate, a landmark building at the heart of Birmingham’s business district. This project reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable Grade A office space that meets the evolving needs of occupiers and supports the city’s growth as a leading hub for business. We look forward to working in close partnership with McLaren to bring our vision for this building to life.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The transformation of the historic Brabazon Hangars at Filton Airfield has taken a major step forward, with demolition contractor John F Hunt completing the strip-out to unlock full construction of the 20,000-capacity YTL Arena. At the heart of the scheme, the central hangar has been pared back to its original 1940s steel frame, revealing the building’s vast proportions. The iconic Esavian sliding hangar doors have been removed, opening sightlines straight through the structure that once witnessed the birth of Concorde. Enabling works are now under way to remove seven major structural trusses along with the existing roof. This will clear the volume for the new seating bowl, the core of the venue’s live events offer. Surrounding outer buildings have already been demolished, making room for the next phase of development, including a new bridge that will connect the arena complex to the wider Brabazon new town. Main contractor YTL Construction UK, incorporated in 2023 as a subsidiary of YTL Land & Property, is leading delivery. Chief executive John Thompson, who joined in November 2024 after 17 years with Wessex Water, said: “Demolishing parts of the hangar has been a delicate operation, as we know how important it is to preserve its structure both for its legacy as the birthplace of Concorde and its bright new future. The project team and I are delighted to be delivering this exciting new venue, which promises to put Bristol on the world stage.” The works at Filton, in north Bristol, mark the shift from heritage-sensitive demolition to major build. With the shell now exposed and approaches cleared, the programme will pivot to heavy construction, façade interventions and fit-out to create a contemporary arena within an historic envelope. The YTL Arena is expected to open in 2028, anchoring the wider Brabazon regeneration and adding a flagship cultural destination to the city’s skyline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Yorkshire-based GMI Construction Group has been appointed to the North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC) Refurbishment Framework, marking a significant step forward in its public sector growth strategy. The company has secured a place in the £4m-£10m project value band for the Yorkshire and Humber region, with projects to be delivered from its Leeds office. The four-year framework supports refurbishment schemes across NEUPC’s network of members, associates, and affiliates, including universities, further education colleges, schools, NHS Trusts, and other public sector organisations. NEUPC is one of six regional purchasing consortia that form the UK Universities Procurement Consortia (UKUPC), which collectively manage collaborative procurement agreements across the UK’s higher education sector. It also marks an early success for Ken Rawe who recently joined GMI as Head of Frameworks. The newly created role is central to the company’s strategy to expand its footprint across public sector frameworks and strengthen long-term relationships with institutional clients. He brings more than 20 years of experience in framework management, procurement, and project delivery, having previously held senior roles at Kier Group, mac-group, and Shaylor Group. Ken Rawe said: “We are proud to have been selected by NEUPC to deliver high-quality refurbishment projects that support the continued development of education, healthcare, and public service environments. “NEUPC is a recognised leader in collaborative, client-focused procurement, and its values are closely aligned with our own. This appointment demonstrates our commitment to supporting the public sector and creating lasting value for the communities we serve.” GMI’s inclusion on the NEUPC framework builds on a strong track record within the public sector. The company already holds positions on several major procurement frameworks, including Pagabo, Procure Partnerships, North East Purchasing Organisation (NEPO), and the University of Manchester Construction Works framework. Andy Hughes, Deputy Head of Operational Procurement and Category Manager, said: “We are pleased to award a long term framework that is open to all members of the NEUPC, covering a diverse range of requirements in refurbishment works that we hope will provide savings as well as quality work for our members.” Gareth Jones, GMI’s Group Managing Director, added: “Ken’s experience in navigating national and regional frameworks is already helping strengthen our presence in this vital sector. “Being added to the NEUPC framework is a valuable addition to our growing public sector portfolio and a strong endorsement of GMI’s capabilities and collaborative approach.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Brighton & Hove City Council as the preferred contractor for the £65 million transformation of the King Alfred Leisure Centre. The landmark seafront project will replace the city’s ageing leisure centre with a modern, accessible and sustainable facility designed to set new standards for coastal leisure provision. Plans include pools, a gym and café offering sea views, as well as improved landscaping that connects with a revitalised public realm. Work is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with the new centre expected to open in spring 2028. The current King Alfred Leisure Centre will remain open for as long as feasible during construction. The redeveloped complex will feature a larger fitness suite, a leisure water area with a family entertainment zone, and full accessibility throughout. Sustainability will be embedded in the design, with innovative technologies aimed at delivering environmental resilience and reducing carbon impact. Richard Poulter, Managing Director in the South at Willmott Dixon, said: “We are excited to be appointed as the preferred contractor for this transformational project. Having recently delivered the successful transformation of Brighton Metropolitan College, we understand the importance of creating facilities that truly serve this vibrant coastal community. “The new King Alfred Leisure Centre presents an exciting opportunity to create a world-class facility that maximises its unique seafront location through innovative design and sustainable construction practices. Drawing on our extensive experience of delivering over 160 leisure facilities nationwide – including 108 swimming pools – we bring proven expertise in complex waterfront developments and environmental resilience. We’re particularly excited to integrate cutting-edge sustainable technologies and accessibility innovations that will set new standards for coastal leisure facilities. Working alongside Brighton & Hove City Council and our expert partners, we’re committed to delivering not just a building, but a community hub that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come.” The project will be delivered through a collaborative partnership, with Willmott Dixon working alongside Brighton & Hove City Council’s main delivery partner Alliance Leisure. The scheme is being procured through the UK Leisure Framework, with the design team including GT3 Architects, DHA Planning Group, Engenuity Ltd, VZDV Consulting Engineers and Hadron Consulting as project manager. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Domis Construction has broken ground on Podium, a £120m build-to-rent scheme in Trafford, Greater Manchester. Delivered by developer Glenbrook, the project will provide 440 new homes across four buildings and a central podium, with the first phase scheduled for completion in Q2 2026 following start on site in early 2024. The development is being funded through a joint venture between Moorfield Group, on behalf of Moorfield Real Estate Fund V, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, advised by CBRE. The scheme forms part of Trafford’s 55-acre Civic Quarter masterplan, close to Old Trafford’s football and cricket grounds, which will bring forward up to 4,000 new homes, commercial space, public realm and green areas. Charles Ferguson-Davie, Co-CEO & Chief Investment Officer, Moorfield Group, said: “Our joint venture with Greater Manchester Pension Fund sees us partner with a forward-thinking UK institutional investor who understand the long-term benefits high-quality purpose-built rental housing can bring to local communities and economies. “This transaction enables us to recycle capital into other compelling opportunities we are seeing within UK living real estate. There is a long-standing structural demand-supply imbalance, and a need for new housing of different tenures and typologies.” Podium will deliver a mix of apartments and townhouses aimed at young professionals and families. Residents will have access to a range of amenities including lounges, co-working areas, a gym and studio, roof terrace, cycle storage and a 200-space car park. The landscaped communal areas will be the largest of any build-to-rent development in Manchester. The project also incorporates extensive sustainability measures under an ESG-linked development agreement between Moorfield and Glenbrook. At least 95% of the homes will achieve a minimum EPC B rating, with the scheme designed for net zero operational carbon through full electrification. Construction methods will include the use of cement replacements and recycled materials, alongside the installation of photovoltaic roofing, EV charging points and measures to deliver biodiversity net gain. For Moorfield, Podium marks its third build-to-rent investment in Manchester, following The Trilogy in Castlefield and Duet in Salford Quays. GMPF continues to support housing delivery across Greater Manchester, with previous commitments including £100m into Legal & General’s Affordable Housing Fund and a joint venture with Manchester City Council’s housing company, This City, to bring forward 1,600 affordable homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals