Winvic Construction has secured a major contract to deliver a 544-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Coventry, marking a new partnership with developer Gilltown. Located at Westwood Business Park, just a mile from the University of Warwick, the development—dubbed Progress House—will transform the site of a former office building
Work has officially begun on a major £65 million refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Haringey Civic Centre in north London, as contractor John Sisk & Son moves ahead with the much-anticipated upgrade. A ground-breaking ceremony held recently marked the start of construction on the project, which will see the 1950s
Mission Street, a specialist investor, developer and operator for the science and innovation sector, and BGO, the global real estate investment manager, have appointed leading construction and development company Bowmer + Kirkland on Fabrica, central Oxford’s largest commercial science scheme. Construction will begin in May 2025, marking the biggest UK
GMI Construction Group is celebrating the opening of Dakota Newcastle, the North East’s first Dakota Hotel, which it constructed on the city’s bustling Quayside. The luxury 118-room boutique hotel, located at St Anne’s Wharf, has now opened its doors to guests and is set to become a key player within
Sir Robert McAlpine has secured a major £30 million contract to deliver the North East Space Skills & Technology Centre (NESST) for Northumbria University in Newcastle. The appointment follows a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) and marks a significant step forward in the creation of a cutting-edge facility aimed at driving
Network Rail has appointed Skanska to undertake the replacement of the Clifton Bridge near Penrith, Cumbria. The £43 million contract involves designing, constructing, and installing a new 130-metre single-span steel bridge to replace the existing structure that carries the West Coast Main Line over the M6 motorway. Skanska has been
Grimsby’s pioneering new Horizon Youth Zone has reached a major construction milestone, with work now complete on the roofline of the final building, which offers a first glimpse of how the development will look on the town’s skyline. Located on Garth Lane, the development is being delivered by national charity
The University of Warwick has appointed Kier as the lead contractor for the first phase of its ambitious £700 million STEM Connect programme – a landmark development set to reshape the university’s science and engineering landscape. As part of its long-term strategy to expand teaching and research in science, technology,
One of the UK’s leading principal contractors is continuing to branch out into education after making a high-profile hire. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, has appointed Billy Sneddon as its dedicated Contracts Manager for this specialist area with the brief of generating more than
HG Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on a new purpose-built student accommodation in Stratford being developed in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate. The N16 Stratford scheme will comprise 504 student beds constructed over two blocks reaching 10 and 18 storeys. The project will also
Winvic Construction has secured a major contract to deliver a 544-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Coventry, marking a new partnership with developer Gilltown. Located at Westwood Business Park, just a mile from the University of Warwick, the development—dubbed Progress House—will transform the site of a former office building into a six-storey, high-spec student community designed with both comfort and sustainability in mind. As well as a 4,000 sq ft commercial unit at ground level to serve students and the surrounding neighbourhood, the scheme boasts an impressive line-up of amenities. These include a gym, fitness studio, cinema room, dinner party space, games lounge, quiet study rooms and a garden lounge. Outdoor features will include a sports area and pétanque court, promoting both wellness and social engagement. Sustainability is central to the project’s design, with Progress House targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating and aiming for WiredScore Platinum certification—underlining its focus on digital connectivity and environmental performance. While the initial planning application was turned down in July 2023 due to local opposition, it was granted approval on appeal in March 2024. The development is now on track for completion in summer 2027, ready for student occupancy in the 2027/28 academic year. Mark Jones, Managing Director for Multi-Room at Winvic, commented:“Coventry is home to a thriving student population, and Westwood Business Park is at the heart of that. Progress House will offer students a modern, connected, and vibrant place to live, while enhancing the wider community. We’re proud to be working alongside Gilltown to deliver not just accommodation, but real social value—this is the Winvic Way in action.” James Gillespie, Co-Owner of Gilltown, added:“This is a key project for us and we’re thrilled to get underway. Westwood Business Park is ideally positioned for student living, and we’re confident that Winvic’s expertise will help us realise our vision for a high-quality, future-proofed development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has officially begun on a major £65 million refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Haringey Civic Centre in north London, as contractor John Sisk & Son moves ahead with the much-anticipated upgrade. A ground-breaking ceremony held recently marked the start of construction on the project, which will see the 1950s civic building reimagined as a modern, sustainable workspace and community hub. Originally built in 1958 and granted listed status in 2018, the Civic Centre is being redeveloped with a sensitive yet forward-thinking approach. The scheme, approved by Haringey Council’s planning sub-committee in September last year, will include the creation of a new annex, improved office space, and restored civic areas. Council leader Peray Ahmet described the refurbishment as a pivotal moment for the borough. “This project will re-establish the Civic Centre as the heart of public life in Haringey. It’s not just about upgrading a building — it’s about creating a welcoming, inclusive space that reflects our ambitions for a greener and more collaborative future,” she said. The refurbished centre is set to provide high-quality, accessible office accommodation for up to 900 council staff. It will also offer public-facing spaces and community facilities designed to support civic engagement and partnership working. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the redevelopment. The project forms part of Haringey Council’s wider commitment to achieving a zero-carbon estate. As part of the works, Sisk will introduce energy efficiency upgrades across the site, including insulation enhancements and the installation of solar panels. Steven McGee, chief operating officer for Sisk in Ireland and the UK, highlighted the significance of the scheme. “This is a landmark project for the borough and for us as a contractor. The team is bringing innovative techniques to the table and keeping sustainability front and centre,” he said. “A new central courtyard and extensive landscaping will help reframe the Civic Centre as an open, accessible place for residents and staff alike. We’re proud to be part of this transformation and look forward to delivering a result the community can take pride in.” Once complete, the revitalised Civic Centre will embody a blend of architectural heritage and modern performance standards, reflecting the council’s drive to preserve the borough’s past while planning responsibly for its future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mission Street, a specialist investor, developer and operator for the science and innovation sector, and BGO, the global real estate investment manager, have appointed leading construction and development company Bowmer + Kirkland on Fabrica, central Oxford’s largest commercial science scheme. Construction will begin in May 2025, marking the biggest UK science project to start in the first half of the year following the completion of groundworks and site preparation by Colemans. Expected to complete in early 2027, the 180,000 sq ft Fabrica scheme is located on Botley Road in Oxford’s West End, the city’s only innovation district within walking distance of the main train station, university and city centre amenities. Arranged across five floors, Fabrica has been designed with high flexibility to accommodate the evolving requirements of science and innovation companies. The scheme will also provide over 7,000 sq ft of amenities including an F&B offering open to both occupiers and the wider public, intended to bridge the gap between science and the community. Fabrica is the first commercial science building in the UK to target a BREEAM Outstanding certification, and is designed to the highest sustainability standards, including EPC A and WiredScore Platinum. It will also be Oxford’s first Living Wage building, requiring all employees working within it to receive a Living Wage or higher. Bowmer + Kirkland will engage the local workforce in the scheme’s construction as part of its procurement commitments. Fast becoming one of the science and innovation sector’s leading contractors, Bowmer + Kirkland is also engaged under a Pre-Contract Services Agreement at Mission Street and BGO’s 23-acre District East in Cambridge, among the UK’s largest planned science schemes. Selected by Mission Street for its extensive track record, Bowmer + Kirkland has completed 2.6 million sq ft in the last five years, at a total value of £661 million. Colin Brown, development director at Mission Street, said: “Following a collaborative, positive procurement process, Bowmer + Kirkland will shortly take forward the science and innovation sector’s biggest construction start of 2025 so far. As science companies increasingly look to central Oxford for its extensive amenities and unrivalled transport connections, which will include the future link to East West Rail, Fabrica’s delivery represents a major vote of confidence in the UK market.” Fabrica marks the second phase of Oxford’s Central Science District, following the completion of Mission Street and BGO’s Inventa scheme in 2024. Inventa was the first commercial science building to complete in Oxford’s West End, solidifying Mission Street as a first mover in the country’s largest emerging science and innovation district, which has a wider pipeline of 2.5 million sq ft of academic and commercial space. Inventa has attracted some of Oxford’s most exciting innovation companies, including 3D genomics pioneer Nucleome, with further announcements due shortly. Neil Brook, Group Construction Director at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as the construction partner for this exciting and innovative lab, office, and collaboration space in the heart of Oxford, strengthening our existing relationship with Mission Street and BGO in the rapidly evolving life sciences sector. “Our teams approached this project collaboratively from the start, allowing us to complete the tender process in just 10 weeks. We look forward to starting on-site at the end of May with a 96-week programme.” The joint venture between Mission Street and BGO has a wider pipeline of 1.5 million sq ft across the UK’s prime science and innovation districts in Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol. Earlier this month, the partnership completed construction of the second phase of The Press, Cambridge, delivering 100,000 sq ft into the Cambridge market, having secured the scheme’s first occupier, Syndex Bio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group is celebrating the opening of Dakota Newcastle, the North East’s first Dakota Hotel, which it constructed on the city’s bustling Quayside. The luxury 118-room boutique hotel, located at St Anne’s Wharf, has now opened its doors to guests and is set to become a key player within the region’s hospitality sector. The project has transformed the landmark building into a deluxe venue to further bolster Newcastle’s reputation as a major visitor hub. As the principal contractor, GMI successfully regenerated and upgraded the vacant office building to create the upscale hospitality venue. Its completion marks the fourth Dakota Hotel delivered by GMI for the brand’s owners Evans Property Group, following successful projects in Leeds, Manchester, and Glasgow, with a fifth hotel currently under development at Manchester Airport. Gary Oates, GMI’s Divisional Managing Director for the North East, said: “We are delighted to have completed Dakota Newcastle, marking our latest successful collaboration with the Dakota brand. This is a key milestone in the regeneration of the Quayside and this project showcases our expertise in high-end hospitality developments, as well as our commitment to delivering exceptional construction solutions that elevate cityscapes. “The transformation of this landmark site is a testament to GMI’s dedication to preserving architectural heritage while introducing contemporary design and sustainable solutions. The result is a stylish and sophisticated venue that will enhance Newcastle’s status as a top-tier hospitality and tourism destination.” The design of Dakota Newcastle retains many of the original architectural features of the former office building while introducing a striking new entrance, a signature ground-floor Bar & Grill, and upgraded guest accommodations. The hotel also incorporates renewable energy technology, including PV panels and Air Source Heat Pumps, ensuring a commitment to sustainability. The site, which previously housed law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, underwent a complete transformation to meet the Dakota brand’s high standards of luxury and contemporary hospitality. The reconfigured courtyard at the front now serves as a convenient vehicle drop-off area, while bedroom terraces on the first floor offer guests an enhanced experience. Marc Banks, of Evans Property Group, added: “We are incredibly proud to have brought the Dakota brand to Newcastle, a city known for its dynamic spirit and vibrant hospitality scene. This hotel will set new standards in style and service, offering visitors a world-class experience in the heart of the Quayside.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sir Robert McAlpine has secured a major £30 million contract to deliver the North East Space Skills & Technology Centre (NESST) for Northumbria University in Newcastle. The appointment follows a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) and marks a significant step forward in the creation of a cutting-edge facility aimed at driving innovation in the UK’s space sector. Located on Northumbria University’s city campus, the scheme involves the complete demolition, rebuild, and extension of the existing Wynne Jones building. Once complete, the new facility will span seven storeys, including a ground floor and six upper levels, covering a footprint of approximately 900 square metres. Backed by investment from the UK Space Agency and Lockheed Martin UK Space, NESST is designed to foster collaboration between academia and the space industry. The centre will feature satellite manufacturing clean rooms, advanced prototyping labs, a mission operations centre, state-of-the-art teaching spaces, and collaborative areas tailored for industry partnerships. Construction is already progressing at pace, with steelwork now rising on site. The landmark project is expected to be completed by autumn 2026, reinforcing Newcastle’s position as a key player in the UK’s growing space economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail has appointed Skanska to undertake the replacement of the Clifton Bridge near Penrith, Cumbria. The £43 million contract involves designing, constructing, and installing a new 130-metre single-span steel bridge to replace the existing structure that carries the West Coast Main Line over the M6 motorway. Skanska has been appointed to remove the existing structure and replace it with a new 130 metre single span steel bridge. The new Clifton bridge will be built in a location close to the existing structure. At the end of this year, the current bridge will be removed and the new one moved into position and commissioned during a 15-day blockade on the West Coast Main Line, starting 31 December. The scheme is the first that Skanska has been awarded under Network Rail’s five-year North West and Central Framework (April 2024-March 2029). “Over recent months, we have worked closely with Network Rail to simplify and refine the design and construction methodology, ensuring that it meets budget and programme targets,” said James Corker, Operations Director (Rail). “This is a complex project that will be delivered to tight timescales, and we are delighted to have been appointed. It draws on our expertise delivering similar schemes, with close support from our supply chain team. “We have found ways to reduce cost, time and carbon, including through value engineering to minimise works required in reusing existing bridge support structures, such as abutments and piers. It’s been a really collaborative process and we are now very much looking forward to beginning main construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grimsby’s pioneering new Horizon Youth Zone has reached a major construction milestone, with work now complete on the roofline of the final building, which offers a first glimpse of how the development will look on the town’s skyline. Located on Garth Lane, the development is being delivered by national charity OnSide, in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, which is contributing to the development as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal, and the Department of Culture Media and Sport, through the Youth Investment Fund. The site is being transformed by Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter and is due to open this autumn. As part of the work, a series of Grade II listed 19th century maltings and grain store buildings, known as West Haven Maltings and Migar House, have been fully restored and repurposed. The middle part of the building sits at the heart of the development alongside the River Freshney and on a river wall which had to be rebuilt using a pontoon in the river to create a safe working platform. The building had fallen into a state of disrepair but it has been rebuilt, and work is now complete on its new roof structure. In addition to the refurbishment and restoration aspects of the project, the final piece of the scheme will see Hobson & Porter constructing a large outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA). Horizon Youth Zone will offer a safe and inspiring place for young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, to enjoy their leisure time. There will be over 20 activities taking place each evening, for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit, including football, boxing, climbing, creative arts, music, drama and employability training. Joe Booth, Business Development Director from Hobson & Porter, said: “With construction due to complete this summer ahead of the Youth Zone opening in autumn, this part of the development and restoration of the building, which was in a poor state of disrepair, is an achievement worth marking for the whole project team. “It’s been a highly complex part of the scheme, that also required a retaining river wall to be built, but it’s the final piece of the jigsaw that now shows how Horizon Youth Zone will integrate into Grimsby’s skyline. The feedback we’ve received from the people of Grimsby has been fantastic, regardless of whether or not they’re connected to the project, because it’s given these buildings and this site a new lease of life and is going to make a huge difference to so many local young people, as well as bringing a state-of-the-art facility to the town.” Lucy Ottewell-Key, CEO of Horizon Youth Zone, said: “We’re delighted with how work is progressing and to see the completed roofline on this final building feels like a major milestone ahead of our opening later this year. “There’s a genuine buzz across North East Lincolnshire about Horizon Youth Zone and what it means for young people throughout the region, especially because so many local businesses, organisations and patrons are supporting us and making it possible, which is very exciting for everyone involved.” Horizon Youth Zone is an independent charity with a private sector led board, and once opened, it will be part of the OnSide network of 15 Youth Zones nationwide, which support over 50,000 young people annually. After completion, it’s estimated that Horizon could benefit up to 4,000 young people from North East Lincolnshire each year. Capital funders of Horizon Youth Zone comprise of Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Youth Investment Fund, Evergreen Life, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, Ørsted and Greencoats Wind UK. Horizon Youth Zone is also building a fabulous family of Founder Patrons, comprising of local organisations and philanthropists, who will support the Youth Zone during its first four years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Warwick has appointed Kier as the lead contractor for the first phase of its ambitious £700 million STEM Connect programme – a landmark development set to reshape the university’s science and engineering landscape. As part of its long-term strategy to expand teaching and research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the university is investing heavily in state-of-the-art facilities, including a £425 million Science and Engineering Precinct at the heart of its campus. Kier has been named preferred contractor for the opening phase of the programme, with construction expected to begin later this year following the completion of enabling works. Leading the design is BDP, acting as both lead consultant and principal designer. Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, hailed the announcement as a significant milestone:“Appointing a contractor for Phase 1 of the STEM Connect Programme marks a major step forward in what is a transformative journey – and fittingly, it comes in our 60th anniversary year.“This initiative will not only enhance learning for our students, but also reinforce our global standing in STEM disciplines. We’re proud to be partnering with Kier – one of the UK’s top contractors – to realise this bold vision.” Mark Dady, Managing Director of Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, added:“We’re delighted to be delivering the first phase of this forward-thinking project. Drawing on our expertise in creating world-class educational spaces, we aim to build a facility that fosters innovation, collaboration, and sustainability at the University of Warwick.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading principal contractors is continuing to branch out into education after making a high-profile hire. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, has appointed Billy Sneddon as its dedicated Contracts Manager for this specialist area with the brief of generating more than £3m in revenue over the next twelve months. The company’s ability to manage complex projects and deliver on time and to budget has made it a natural choice for schools and colleges, with £1m of contracts already completed for organisations in the West Midlands and the North West. These have included a special education needs centre at Birchwood Community High School and multiple jobs for the Invictus Education Trust, which looks after eight schools across Dudley and South Staffs. “Education has always been an area we wanted to explore as we have all the core refurbishment skills required to deliver high quality projects quickly and at the right cost – as we all know the taxpayer has to see value for money,” explained David Cotterill, Managing Director of Inco Contracts. “Labour has announced a big cash injection to upgrade existing schools and, with the supply chain already creaking under pressure, we feel now is the right time to accelerate our expansion and provide services so desperately required to ensure our children learn in the best possible buildings.” He went on to add: “The appointment of Billy Sneddon is an important moment for us. He brings over 10 years’ experience in this sector, a massive book of contacts and supply chain specialists who have a proven track record in education.” Inco Contracts can work alongside architects, designers, and directly with schools to bring buildings back to life or to the required modern-day standards. Services provided range from roof repairs, classroom/toilet refurbishments, mechanical and electrical upgrades, extensions and PV installation. In just the last six months, Inco has transformed an existing library into a dedicated special educational needs unit, equipped with six classrooms, meeting rooms, toilets, reception area and state-of-the-art playground. Invictus Education Trust has also called on the company for resurfacing work, emergency repairs and a refurb of its headquarters at Kinver High School. Billy Sneddon picked up the story: “This is a really exciting opportunity to shape our education offer, so that we bring something a little bit different to an established marketplace. “The beauty of Inco Contracts is that we are agile. This means we can pick up smaller jobs quickly yet are big enough to handle £multi-million projects across the UK. Our people all have experience of working in this environment and understand the need to prioritise the safety of the children and teachers, whilst completing projects alongside their studies. “My approach is to build partnerships with schools, colleges and education providers so we are their ‘go to firm’ in an emergency or for planned works.” He concluded: “Our target is £3m in revenues over the next twelve months and increasing my team so that we have two or three dedicated people working with me on projects.” For further information, please visit www.incocontracts.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HG Construction has been appointed as the main contractor on a new purpose-built student accommodation in Stratford being developed in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate. The N16 Stratford scheme will comprise 504 student beds constructed over two blocks reaching 10 and 18 storeys. The project will also include over 1,500 sqm of high-quality amenity space for students, including roof terraces and courtyards. Situated in the heart of Stratford, home to several well-established and accredited universities, the development will provide a significant boost to the student accommodation offering in the area. N16 Stratford is targeting an EPC rating of A and a BREEAM rating of Outstanding. HG Construction will self-deliver key elements of the build process, securing programme and quality benefits. The scheme is currently in the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) review phase and the main build is anticipated to start later this year. Adam Quinn, CEO, HG Construction said: “We are pleased to announce our involvement in this landmark PBSA development in partnership with HG Living and M&G Real Estate, an announcement which comes as we celebrate our 25th anniversary as a company. “As we continue to navigate the ever-changing construction market, we are learning to adapt as an industry. Working in partnership as funder, developer and contractor has enabled us to overcome early challenges to successfully secure this scheme. We are well underway with preparing the BSR submission and we look forward to making a meaningful start on construction towards the end of year in preparation for receiving students in the 2028/2029 academic year, and to working collaboratively with M&G Real Estate as the scheme progresses.” Craig McPhail, Director, HG Living added: “We are delighted to partner with M&G Real Estate and HG Construction on N16 Stratford. M&G Real Estate’s expertise and strategic vision align perfectly with our commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality accommodation with strong ESG credentials in a key undersupplied student market. This scheme will deliver a significant number of student beds in an excellent location, and we look forward to working collaboratively with HG Construction and M&G Real Estate to deliver another best-in-class PBSA asset and to maximising our social value contributions throughout.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
