RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment by Aviva Investors to carry out a major £20m office refurbishment to Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, Shoreditch. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building previously housed furniture and clothing manufacturing and is set to
GMI Construction Group has marked a significant milestone in the delivery of the North East’s first Dakota Hotel by hosting a steel signing ceremony. The erection of the steel marks a crucial phase in the transformation of the vacant St Anne’s Wharf building on Newcastle’s vibrant Quayside into a 118-room
Bouygues UK has been appointed by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as lead contractor for the design and build of the new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex University Hospital and demolition works of the current MRI building at the hospital have commenced. This new collaboration, secured through
Work has begun on GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd’s new £14m manufacturing facility and office complex, which will transform a 24,000 sqm vacant site on Caton Road in Lancaster into a sustainable and captivating riverside location. Conlon Construction and Cassidy + Ashton are leading on the project and will deliver
Showcasing a legacy dating back to April 1924, Walter Lilly’s excellent reputation in recent decades stems from its commitment to delivering exclusive homes, iconic landmark and heritage buildings, and state-of-the-art science and higher educational facilities. This impressive milestone marks not only the company’s continued success, but a hard- fought journey
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced the completion of its works for LEGOLAND Windsor’s Woodland Village. Delivered by the Special Projects division, RED has partnered with Merlin Entertainments again – this news shortly following the topping out of a new hotel at Warwick Castle – to create
Embrace Steel Group (Embrace), a leading UK-based provider of steel frame building solutions, has announced the appointment of Matt Gibson as its new Chief Operating Officer ahead of what is expected to be a significant period of transformational growth for the business. Beginning his career within the banking and wider financial
Durham University has selected UPP to be the Preferred Bidder to develop, in a partnership, a detailed scheme proposition for the refurbishment of the College of St Hild and St Bede on its historic Riverside location and the development of new college accommodation at the Leazes Road site. UPP are
A principal contractor has been appointed to develop a new retail and trade park within Wynyard Business Park, anchored by a Sainsbury’s superstore. Hebburn-based Castle will lead the scheme, developed by Northumberland Estates, which includes 52,000 sq ft of retail space and a 45,000 sq ft trade park at the
Award-winning contractor Beard has started work on an extensive upgrade of listed buildings in Oxford’s historic city centre. The £4.6m project is set to significantly boost energy performance. Beard is working on 19-21 St Johns Street, three late Georgian Grade II listed buildings used for student accommodation for nearby St
BDC 322 : Nov 2024
RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment by Aviva Investors to carry out a major £20m office refurbishment to Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, Shoreditch. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building previously housed furniture and clothing manufacturing and is set to undergo extensive refurbishment and structural alterations to the existing office into Cat A and B workspace. RED Construction’s London team will carry out the works, implementing new structural walkways, rooftop terraces, a new main entrance, reception area and new lifts. Designed by architects, Anomaly, Curtain House will be refurbished with a key focus on sustainable practices, aiming for BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. Set to complete in Q3 2025, the project will see the RED team undertake considered external masonry and window restoration, a refurbishment of the existing timber floors, and repair of internal brickwork and steel columns. The works are set to complement the rich history associated with the building, whilst transforming the office facilities for the modern-day tenant. Dave Osborne, Group Director at RED Construction London, commented: “Our appointment to work on such a historic building in the capital is a testament to RED Construction London’s extensive track record with considered refurbishment. The team’s experience working with heritage-rich sites and implementing new-age sustainable practices make RED the ideal partner for Aviva Investors’ plans to preserve and progress Curtain House.” RED Construction Group’s partnership with Aviva Investors has developed throughout the project’s PCSA period, with the companies aligning on their values to give back to the community. Working with the Black Girls in Property Programme at The Land Collective, an organisation aiming to bridge the gap between ethnically diverse youth and the built environment industry, the Curtain House project team welcomed 20 girls for a site visit and talks from expert speakers. RED Construction Group’s active contribution aims to build a more inclusive and dynamic future for the industry, emphasising the significance of social value and the importance of leaving a positive legacy. The news follows RED Construction Group’s completion of comprehensive refurbishment works at Hines’ £36.6m flagship mixed-use retail and office scheme at 80 New Bond Street, working alongside award-winning architecture firm Orms to transform the 37,414 sq ft space in the heart of London. RED Construction Group continues to be the contractor of choice for sustainable redevelopment and refurbishment projects, and delivering on historic inner-city London sites. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has marked a significant milestone in the delivery of the North East’s first Dakota Hotel by hosting a steel signing ceremony. The erection of the steel marks a crucial phase in the transformation of the vacant St Anne’s Wharf building on Newcastle’s vibrant Quayside into a 118-room luxury boutique hotel. Attended by key stakeholders and project team members, the ceremony highlighted the collaborative effort and commitment to excellence which defines the project. Dakota Hotel Newcastle will generate 150 new jobs and provide an additional 65,000 visitor nights per year – creating an estimated £1.5m boost to the local economy. Much of the building’s current features and details will be retained to complement its architectural heritage, with a number of exciting additions, including a new-look entrance lobby, reception and signature ground floor Bar & Grill. An existing courtyard is being reconfigured to create a vehicle drop off area, while the first floor will feature bedroom terraces. PV panels and Air Source Heat Pumps will be installed to provide renewable energy. Construction of Dakota Hotel Newcastle is on schedule, with completion anticipated for Spring 2025. The project sees GMI continue its strong relationship with developer Evans Property Group’s Dakota brand – having previously completed three Dakota Hotels in Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow. The UK hotel chain, which also has hotels in Edinburgh and Motherwell, regularly welcomes celebrity guests. The building at 112 Quayside previously held a number of tenants, including law firm Womble Bond Dickinson. It had been based there since 1998 until relocating its 400 staff into the Spark building at Newcastle Helix. Gary Oates, GMI’s Regional Director, North East, said: “The steel signing represents a major step forward in the redevelopment of this landmark building. Our team is committed to delivering a hotel that reflects the high standards and elegance associated with the Dakota brand. “This project showcases GMI’s dedication to quality and innovation in construction, and we are excited to see the vision taking shape.” Marc Banks, a director of Evans Property Group, added: “Reaching this milestone in the development of Dakota Hotels Newcastle marks a significant achievement and we are proud to bring a project of this calibre to the North East, which offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and comfort.“ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has been appointed by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as lead contractor for the design and build of the new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex University Hospital and demolition works of the current MRI building at the hospital have commenced. This new collaboration, secured through a competitive bid process, builds on the long-term partnership between the Trust, Bouygues UK and its subsidiaries. The new five-storey facility will provide vital diagnostic and treatment services in cancer, renal and imaging for local residents in Hounslow, Richmond and Ealing. It aims to reduce health inequalities, improve patient outcomes and provide care closer to home, freeing up space in the main hospital for inpatient care. The centre will support outpatient care and will offer day services for patients. The project includes five storeys of new build, a rooftop plant and a small terrace area. On the ground floor there will be a new single storey link corridor to the existing hospital building. Social value will play a key role in the project and the contractor will be supporting the local community with apprenticeships and work experience placements, as well as working with educational institutions in the area and taking part in local charity initiatives. Bouygues UK is currently working in partnership with MITSkills, London Borough of Hounslow and JCP Hounslow on a training and skills development programme and sustainable long-term employment opportunities for local people. The contractor will be taking on 11 apprentices and providing around 50 work experience opportunities with MITSkills throughout the project. Fabienne Viala, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK said, “We are thrilled to be partnering again with Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and leading the construction of this much-needed diagnostic centre. This project underscores our commitment to delivering sustainable, state-of-the-art facilities that will significantly benefit the local community.” Lesley Watts CBE, Chief Executive of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The new diagnostic centre at West Middlesex University Hospital will provide a vital service for our residents, speeding up diagnosis and treatment. Most importantly it will improve early diagnosis and health outcomes for patients in our community for years to come.” Bouygues UK has a track record of delivering healthcare infrastructure across the United Kingdom, following the successful completion of University College London Hospital’s Grafton Way building a state-of-the-art cancer and surgery centre in 2022, and the ongoing development of Oriel, an integrated eye care, research and education centre. This new development is designed to be an all-electric building and supports both Bouygues UK’s and the Trust’s commitment to the sustainable development of new builds and facilities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has begun on GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd’s new £14m manufacturing facility and office complex, which will transform a 24,000 sqm vacant site on Caton Road in Lancaster into a sustainable and captivating riverside location. Conlon Construction and Cassidy + Ashton are leading on the project and will deliver a transformative UK headquarters that pays homage to the company’s Italian heritage. With roots stretching back to 1979, GVS manufactures highly technical filtration systems for healthcare, life science, safety and automotive sectors. The move will see all c.200 employees from GVS’s current UK office in Morecambe relocate to a new two-storey, low carbon waterside development in Lancaster, in a move that supports the company’s drive to net zero. Leveraging extensive experience in delivering sustainable projects, Conlon Construction will incorporate renewable energy and heat transfer management systems into the build. The new headquarters will also feature a sophisticated drainage system that channels surface water through grassed swales within the car park, leading to a meticulously landscaped wildlife pond, before ultimately releasing the water into the River Lune. The Bamber Bridge-based contractor is working alongside North West architects and planning consultancy, Cassidy + Ashton, who designed the scheme and secured planning permission for the ambitious project. The proposals see both parties working in partnership to transform an existing warehouse into GVS’s new production facilities, comprising injection moulding and high-tech filter manufacturing, which is carried out under ‘clean room’ standards. Conlon will also deliver space for warehousing and storage, plus a striking reception, office, and administration area. Darren Lee, commercial director at Conlon Construction, said: “This project suits our skills and experience at Conlon to a tee. We’ve delivered net zero builds for multiple clients, from the education sector to industrial units, and we’re thrilled to be involved in transforming this site into an inspiring and efficient workplace. “As a Lancashire business, we’ve a rich history of bringing spaces across the county, and beyond, to life – whether that’s through transforming areas with untapped potential or restoring historically significant buildings. “The plans by Cassidy + Ashton are spectacular. GVS will soon have a UK base reflective of its Italian roots and manufacturing prowess.” Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, GVS, a leading manufacturer of medical products and personal protective equipment, played a pivotal role in supplying the NHS with protective face masks specified to the highest classification. Miguel Aranda, Managing Director at GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd, said: “I am very impressed with the progress of the new building and am looking forward to the move next year in 2025. I can’t wait to start afresh in a new location where there will be improvements in our main drivers like safety, quality, delivery, productivity and cost, sustainability, inventory and the most important one, an improved working environment for our people.” Alistair Baines, chairman of Cassidy + Ashton, said: “After several years in the making, it’s great to finally see the works progressing on site. We know how important this project is for GVS as a company and I’m sure it will help strengthen their operations both regionally and globally.” Conlon Construction has broken ground on the former Sofidel site, kicking off construction in a special ceremony attended by representatives from the contractor, Cassidy + Ashton, GVS, structural engineer Sleater & Watson and M&E designer, DRB Environmental Design. Completion is expected in spring 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Showcasing a legacy dating back to April 1924, Walter Lilly’s excellent reputation in recent decades stems from its commitment to delivering exclusive homes, iconic landmark and heritage buildings, and state-of-the-art science and higher educational facilities. This impressive milestone marks not only the company’s continued success, but a hard- fought journey of growth and unwavering dedication. Since its establishment the company has evolved from a modest family business founded by tradesman, Walter Gent Lilly, who capitalised upon his good fortune after winning the freehold of a London builder’s yard in a game of cards, to a prominent leader within the specialist construction market. To this day, the family business spirit at Walter Lilly lives on, having continued trading under this name since it was acquired by Y.J. Lovell Group in 1955 and who later became Renew Holdings plc. The company’s portfolio has since expanded to include some of London’s most prestigious buildings including Café Royal, Southwark Cathedral, Palace of Westminster, 1 Cornwall Terrace – Britain’s most expensive terraced property at the time – and 100 Park Lane, one of the few surviving aristocratic townhouses in London. More recently, the company delivered its largest project to date, the £84m Laboratory of Medical Sciences for the Medical Research Council, which has garnered industry wide recognition including a victory in the Integration and Collaborative Working category at the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards. As the focus across the industry shifts towards the UK Government’s 2025 net zero target, Walter Lilly is working alongside their clients in providing sustainable project delivery. Examples include the reservicing of a number of Grade I London Palaces to assist in achieving carbon neutral estates including a BREEAM Excellent rating. Walter Lilly’s reputation for delivering the finest quality projects has resulted in remaining profitable year on year despite challenging and fluctuating market conditions. With only nine Managing Directors in its 100-year history, and the average length of staff service being 10 years, the Walter Lilly name continues to strengthen across the industry. Managing Director Chris Butler, said “We are extremely grateful to our loyal clients, dedicated employees, and trusted supply chain partners who have been integral to our success throughout this remarkable journey. This anniversary represents not only a century of hard work, determination, and continuous improvement, but also the immense potential that awaits us as we look to the future.” Visit the dedicated centenary website for more details of the company’s rich and expanding history including book and documentary – 100.walterlilly.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced the completion of its works for LEGOLAND Windsor’s Woodland Village. Delivered by the Special Projects division, RED has partnered with Merlin Entertainments again – this news shortly following the topping out of a new hotel at Warwick Castle – to create a large hospitality ‘hub’ within the Village. The Village, valued at £35 million, aims to create a unique experience that the whole family can enjoy. It has been incorporated into the resort’s surrounding woodland space and includes 150 accommodation lodges, nature trails, brick-building activities, story time areas, and a host of woodland creatures constructed from LEGO® bricks. The team at RED Special Projects was tasked with constructing a substantial ‘hub’, designed to provide an array of hospitality facilities for the thousands of UK and international visitors expected to stay in the Village each year. This has added an on-site restaurant, industrial kitchen, entertainment space consisting of various play areas, and a stage and bar, to the internationally-renowned destination. David Nelson at Merlin Entertainments commented: “When investing in such a famous UK landmark destination, it is important to surround yourself with partners that are just as passionate about the project, and able to deliver some very unique and bespoke works. The completion of this project, amongst others, tells us we have found that with RED Special Projects. The Woodland Village, and all the facilities within it, will create long-lasting magical memories for the families that come here, and it makes for an exciting addition to LEGOLAND Windsor.” Nathan Farrar, Construction Director at RED Special Projects, said: “Construction can deliver so much for the people it serves, and nowhere is that easier to see than at LEGOLAND Windsor with this Woodland Village. We have built a great partnership with Merlin Entertainments, helping them generate long-lasting memories for the next generation. It is developments of this kind that RED Special Projects was designed to undertake, a complex scheme that really benefitted from bespoke solutions with support from RED Construction Group, and we are enthused by its cultural impact and the legacy we leave behind.” This announcement follows RED Special Projects’ recent topping out of Warwick Castle Hotel, a £10.3m project that was also completed in partnership with Merlin Entertainments. This newest addition to Warwick Castle’s accommodation consists of a new two-story hotel, which has added 60 lodge-style, themed guest rooms at Warwick Castle and has joined the existing Woodland Lodges, Medieval glamping, and Tower Suites. This continued partnership with Merlin Entertainments emphasises the consistency of RED Special Projects and their ability to deliver on a versatile range of projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Embrace Steel Group (Embrace), a leading UK-based provider of steel frame building solutions, has announced the appointment of Matt Gibson as its new Chief Operating Officer ahead of what is expected to be a significant period of transformational growth for the business. Beginning his career within the banking and wider financial services industry which included partnering with ambitious entrepreneurs and prominent business leaders at Coutts & Co, Matt joined Hambleton Steel, a steel designer and fabricator headquartered in North Yorkshire, in 2017 as its Financial Director. After the business was acquired by Embrace in 2022, Matt was subsequently promoted to Managing Director where he most recently helped to double the business’ revenue to £26.5m (FY23), representing a record annual turnover in the entire business’ history. The news of Matt’s appointment comes hot on the heels of Embrace announcing the milestone acquisition of Shufflebottom last month, a steel fabrication company based in South Wales renowned for its innovative solutions and commitment to quality. This is the second acquisition completed since Embrace acquired Hambleton Steel in 2022 which now contributes to the Group’s current combined revenue of c.£55m. Embrace aims to harness the agility of smaller, innovative operators with the financial and capacity advantages of a larger group, and Matt will play an important role in cementing Embrace’s position as one of the major players in the British steel and wider construction industry with plans to achieve a Group revenue of over £100m within the next two years. On his new appointment as Embrace’s COO, Matt Gibson, commented: “Becoming the COO of the Embrace Steel Group is a great honour for me and I look forward to building the Group to its true potential. We have an incredible hardworking and talented team behind us and our culture of partnership, something I’m deeply passionate about, will enable us to drive significant growth for the business in the years to come.” Dominic Curnock, Co-Founder and Director at Embrace, added: “We have seen first-hand Matt’s dedication to pursue excellence across all aspects of Hambleton Steel which was clearly evident in not only the stellar financial results he produced but the culture he created throughout the business. We’re now looking forward to seeing Matt share his unique expertise across the Group and, in the process, enabling Embrace to become one of the UK’s leading structural steelwork businesses.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Durham University has selected UPP to be the Preferred Bidder to develop, in a partnership, a detailed scheme proposition for the refurbishment of the College of St Hild and St Bede on its historic Riverside location and the development of new college accommodation at the Leazes Road site. UPP are the leading provider of on-campus student accommodation infrastructure in the UK. One of the key drivers for this project for both Durham University and Durham City is to increase the proportion of students living in high quality Durham University owned or managed accommodation. Jeremy Cook OBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Colleges and Student Experience), Durham University commented “We are delighted to announce UPP as preferred bidder and look forward to working together to develop a scheme for the redevelopment of the Leazes Road site. The project will seek to rejuvenate The College of St Hild and St Bede on its iconic and beautiful site on the slope of the river Wear, providing excellent accommodation with a first-class student experience for the future. In securing preferred bidder status, UPP is working in partnership with the University to shape exciting plans and state of the art designs for accommodation at the Leazes Road site.” While this work takes place, the College of St Hild and St Bede will be located at Rushford Court – offering modern, purpose-built student accommodation, within walking distance of the city centre. Durham University highlighted some particularly important factors in their choice of UPP including: UPP will now continue to work with Durham University to refine the proposal with the scheme currently scheduled to start in 2025. Elaine Hewitt, UPP CEO said: “UPP is delighted to be working on this incredibly important project at Durham University. This scheme is about respecting, protecting and enhancing the history and heritage of Durham University for the benefit of future students. We are excited to co-create an environment that puts student experience at its heart, building on each unique college identity.” UPP is the UK’s only multi-discipline, full-service Design, Build, Fund and Operate (DBFO) company that is dedicated to the Higher Education sector. With over 25 years of experience operating in the sector and having invested over £3.5bn, UPP has a strong track record of delivering next generation campuses at scale. Find out more The College of St Hild and St Bede Refurbishment and redevelopment plans Rushford Court UPP Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A principal contractor has been appointed to develop a new retail and trade park within Wynyard Business Park, anchored by a Sainsbury’s superstore. Hebburn-based Castle will lead the scheme, developed by Northumberland Estates, which includes 52,000 sq ft of retail space and a 45,000 sq ft trade park at the Stockton site. The development will feature seven units, including the 46,000 sq ft superstore, alongside a Starbucks, Howdens, Screwfix, and Doves. Additional key retailers are anticipated to take space at the site. The broader Wynyard Business Park is home to over 60 businesses, employing around 5,000 people. The Sainsbury’s store alone is expected to create 124 jobs. Construction is set to begin this month, with the site fully operational by June 2025. Castle, headquartered in Hebburn, also has offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Teesside. The business has secured a turnover of £65m for 2024. Managing Director Andrew Dawson said: “After a successful tender process, we have been appointed as principal contractor to deliver the facilities at the new retail and trade park. “The project will involve our teams in everything from initial enabling works, statutory services, earthworks, groundworks, frame and envelope through to partial MEP services and external services, including associated roads and car parks.” Craig Muldoon, divisional director, build, at Castle, added that sustainability will play a significant role throughout the works. “There will be substantial renewable energy measures, including EV charging points and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to store energy from solar panels and release it when needed.” Peter Dalby, development manager at Northumberland Estates, said: “We are delighted to have obtained planning permission for the first phase of the Wynyard Retail and Trade Park. This is a key development for Northumberland Estates, which will provide consumer choice and promote economic growth in the region. As we move into the construction phase, we look forward to working with Castle to deliver the project to a high specification.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning contractor Beard has started work on an extensive upgrade of listed buildings in Oxford’s historic city centre. The £4.6m project is set to significantly boost energy performance. Beard is working on 19-21 St Johns Street, three late Georgian Grade II listed buildings used for student accommodation for nearby St John’s College. To achieve high energy performance standards, Beard is upgrading the external fabric of the building to drastically reduce heat loss. It is also installing high performance woodfibre insulation to the internal face of the building. This will greatly increase energy performance at the same time as allowing traditional stonework to breathe. The works include replacing gas boiler systems with air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water. To improve air tightness and soundproofing, Beard is also upgrading the windows with sensitively designed, secondary internal glazing. The design team has carefully pursued this approach to minimise the impact on the external appearance of the listed buildings. Beard is working to protect and retain the building’s special historic features, including existing floors and stonework. Dean Averies, Beard director for its Oxford office, said: “We are actively conserving these wonderful, listed buildings and using innovative techniques to bring them up to an extremely high energy performance standard. This important project will reduce carbon emissions and improve students’ standard of living. Our work is based on decades of experience in completing complex development and restoration projects, including St Johns College itself, and many other high-profile listed buildings across Oxford.” Ian Stokes, works bursar at St John’s College, Oxford, said: “We are very pleased to work with Beard again, drawing upon their wealth of knowledge and experience, not only in restoration but in high energy performance techniques.” Beard is a family-owned and run construction company based in Swindon, with more than 130-years of experience. Alongside its head office in Swindon, Beard has regional offices in Bristol, Oxford, and Guildford, and a new south coast office. The design team is: Project managers/contract Administrators: Fusion Project Management Architects: TSH Architects M,E & Sustainability Engineers: CPW Structural and Civil Engineers: HRW Landscape Architects: Adams Habermehl. For more information, please visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
