Work has started on transforming the former Typhoo Tea factory in Digbeth into the new BBC’s new Birmingham home. Stoford, the leading developer behind the new landmark 84,001 sq ft custom-built broadcast centre to be called The Tea Factory, located on Bordesley Street, marked the occasion with a start on
Plans to transform the museum area and overall visitor experience at Birkenhead Priory have been approved. It is benefitting from investment of more than £350,000 under the Town Deal grants awarded to Birkenhead that will enable significant improvements to be carried out at the historic site, which originally dates back
Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been appointed by Hub South East to deliver two new primary schools, valued at £43 million, in East Lothian, Scotland. Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the design and construction of the two new primary schools, located in Craighall and Blindwells, which will
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its results for the 2022/23 financial year. Alongside stabilising its revenue, the Group has used the year – and subsequent months – to set the company up for more than 60% growth in 2023/24. Across the financial period, from 1st April
A multimillion-pound scheme to transform the civic and cultural quarter of Crewe town centre is under way. The project involves: Salford-based MC Construction has completed the first phase of the scheme, which involved enabling works to strip out the former library next to Memorial Square where the history centre will
GMI Construction Group has appointed Darryl Brown to the newly created role of Regional Commercial Director for the North East. Working alongside Regional Director Gary Oates, he is tasked with further growing the independent company’s presence in the region. Having moved into larger offices on Teesside earlier this year, GMI
Caddick Construction Group has appointed Dave Saville as Regional Managing Director for the North West, representing new leadership for the region following its most successful year to-date with turnover in excess of £150m in 2023. Dave joins Caddick Construction from Wates Construction where he has been Managing Director for the
VIVO Defence Services and its tier one supply chain partner Henry Brothers Construction have broken ground on a £6m scheme to house an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Troop at Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton. The troop is relocating from Chetwynd Barracks, Nottingham, to Gamecock Barracks, in Warwickshire, under the Defence Estate
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has announced the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust as its chosen charity for 2024. Aortic Dissection is a serious heart condition caused by a partial tear in the wall of the aorta, which prevents blood supply and can lead to the rupturing of organs. Seventy people
After a long and successful career in the construction industry, and with more than 20 years at the helm of Clegg Construction as managing director, Simon Blackburn has announced his retirement. Michael Sims has stepped up to become MD from his previous role as commercial director, with Darren Chapman and
Work has started on transforming the former Typhoo Tea factory in Digbeth into the new BBC’s new Birmingham home. Stoford, the leading developer behind the new landmark 84,001 sq ft custom-built broadcast centre to be called The Tea Factory, located on Bordesley Street, marked the occasion with a start on site launch event, which was attended by Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, as well as Hayley Valentine, BBC Head of Midlands; Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council; Neil Dobson, Director, Aviva Investors; Andy Street, the West Midlands Mayor; Dave Hartley and Alan Bell of BAM Construction. Gerard Ludlow, Stoford Director, said: “After months of planning and preparing the site, it’s exciting to start work on revitalising this historic building and, in time, working with our partner The Gooch Estate, we will bring forward a much larger mixed-use scheme known as Typhoo Wharf which sits around the wider area adjacent to the Bordesley Street landmark. “With our strategic partners, we have created an exciting blueprint that will provide a stunning home for the BBC, which will be the corporation’s most sustainable and flexible centre yet. Over the next three years, as work progresses, anyone visiting Digbeth will be able to see the scheme unfolding.” When it completes in 2026, the custom-built scheme, which is located next to Digbeth Loc Studios, will house several BBC editorial teams, including The Archers, BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today. Stoford is committed to retaining the historic legacy of the almost 100-year-old factory but also delivering a pioneering scheme using low carbon principles. The reuse of the original iconic 1930s building will be the heart of the Typhoo Wharf scheme and is on target to achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC ‘A’ rating. BAM Construction is the appointed contractor to deliver the scheme, which is majority-funded by Aviva Investors on behalf of its Lime Property Fund, with a grant from Birmingham City Council. Neil Dobson, Director, Real Estate, at Aviva Investors, said: “As one of the largest investors in UK real estate, we are really pleased to contribute towards the development of this scheme, revitalising an area of underutilised land in the city and with the potential to add significant social value to the local economy through job creation and local business opportunities. We look forward to working with our partners in bringing the project to life as an enviable flagship site, whilst reflecting our focus on high-quality, sustainable and low carbon real estate.” Tim Davie, BBC Director-General, said: “This is a significant step, not just for the BBC, but for invigorating the wider creative industries in the Midlands. We are transforming The Tea Factory into a world-class state of the art production facility which will benefit the region for generations to come. “Digbeth will deliver world-class programmes, be a centre for excellence and bring investment and new opportunities to one of the most vibrant parts of the country.” Birmingham City Council leader Cllr John Cotton said: “The council has worked closely with the BBC, Stoford and The Gooch Estate, providing vital funding through the Enterprise Zone, to get this exciting project to this stage and I’m delighted that building work is now underway. “The Tea Factory will further cement Digbeth’s growing reputation as a hub for media and creativity and the rebirth of this historic site will be a catalyst for the wider regeneration and development, creating jobs and opportunities for the people of Birmingham.” Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This latest announcement marks a major step forward in the wider story of the resurgence of the creative industries in the West Midlands. The Tea Factory – set to be the BBC’s new home in Birmingham – has been years in the making and the spades now in the ground will help supercharge the regeneration already underway in Digbeth.” Over the next decade, Stoford plans to deliver up to 800,000 sq ft of new residential, office and hospitality accommodation around the new BBC building. The wider scheme will see more than 10 acres of underutilised land around Typhoo Wharf and the adjoining canal basin transformed into a new mixed-use neighbourhood characterised by attractive public spaces and open thoroughfares. The scheme will also benefit from a new tram stop and is just a couple of hundred metres from the planned HS2 Curzon Street terminus.For more information about Typhoo Wharf, visit: www.typhoowharf.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to transform the museum area and overall visitor experience at Birkenhead Priory have been approved. It is benefitting from investment of more than £350,000 under the Town Deal grants awarded to Birkenhead that will enable significant improvements to be carried out at the historic site, which originally dates back to the year 1150. A key part of this investment will see the transformation of one of the most eye-catching parts of the existing Birkenhead Priory into a much-improved visitor attraction. The revamp of the ‘Undercroft’, which dates back to the 14th century and features an imposing – and intact – vaulted stone ceiling, will make for a much-enhanced visitor experience, enabling residents and visitors to gain an even-greater insight into the history and heritage of this unique attraction. Improvements supported by the Town Deal grant will also include the reinterpretation of displays to exhibit even more artefacts that tell visitors about the former monastery’s fascinating history, some using state-of-the-art museum equipment and technologies. Visitors will be able to get a better view of the historic floor, with a new system to protect it from harm installed. Proposals have also been made to improve access to the Refectory space on the floor above with the installation of a platform lift. Other improvements to the wider site included in the overall investment are repairs to the historic Chapter House chapel and the installation of a new landmark lighting system on the tower of St Mary’s Church, the only remains of the church, which occupied the site between 1819 and 1977. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been appointed by Hub South East to deliver two new primary schools, valued at £43 million, in East Lothian, Scotland. Balfour Beatty will be responsible for the design and construction of the two new primary schools, located in Craighall and Blindwells, which will house state-of-the-art, modern teaching facilities and learning spaces for over 840 students. The primary schools are required to meet demand from ongoing and planned house building in the local area, and on completion, will support East Lothian Council’s vision to develop a modern, safe, sustainable learning estate that enhances and supports communities whilst improving the lives of families. The primary schools will be constructed using Passivhaus principles – a quality assurance process for the design and construction of low energy buildings – and will utilise high-performance windows and doors as well as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery to reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality and reduce energy demand and heating bills. In addition, as part of its commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy in the communities in which it operates, Balfour Beatty has committed to provide at least 20 employment opportunities for local people, as well as deliver a number of employability workshops, including drone and virtual reality sessions, at nearby schools and colleges. Hector MacAulay MBE, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional construction business in Scotland, said: “This latest contract award is testament to our expertise and experience in delivering high-quality, sustainable educational facilities in Scotland and our proven track record of giving back to local communities. “We look forward to working closely and collaboratively alongside Hub South East and East Lothian Council, to successfully deliver these new schools which will provide an exciting and inspirational learning environment for hundreds of children.” Construction is due to commence next month with completion expected in 2025. At construction peak, Balfour Beatty will employ 200 people with 5% of its workforce made up of apprentices, graduates and trainees to support its commitment to The 5% Club. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its results for the 2022/23 financial year. Alongside stabilising its revenue, the Group has used the year – and subsequent months – to set the company up for more than 60% growth in 2023/24. Across the financial period, from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023, RED Construction Group reported a turnover of £62.15m, maintaining a pre-tax profit of more than £1m, and growing the team by a third. This represents a stabilised income stream when comparing with the previous year, with the 12-month period solidifying RED Construction Group’s reputation for delivering quality developments throughout London and the South West. The last financial year, and the nine months that have since passed, has allowed RED Construction Group to implement the infrastructure required to expand the business. The Group has already secured £100m in contracts for the current financial year, with expectation of this rising further, and including significant growth for the South West division – which launched in late 2021 – going from returns of £12m in 2022/23 to a predicted £35m in 2023/24. RED Special Projects, created to deliver on schemes valued between £2m and £10m, will itself turnover more than £25m in the current financial year, while across the Group, staff numbers have risen from 132 in April 2023 to now just under 200. The evolved business structure, alongside investment in back-of-house processes, has given RED Construction Group the ability to scale to meet the needs of new and existing clients. Graham Sturge, CEO, RED Construction Group, commented: “The focus of the last financial year was to stabilise the business, while investing in key areas that would enable us to grow in the future. I’m delighted to say we have achieved both and are already seeing the benefits of it. The past two years have been challenging, with a volatile construction market and many businesses suffering along the way. In spite of this, we laid the foundations for growth, have doubled our team size and are contracted on projects that will guarantee us a more than 60% revenue uplift. With a record year already on the horizon, we’ll continue to push what RED Construction has built its reputation on: creating long-lasting relationships, channelling real enthusiasm for the work, and delivering great schemes our people and our clients are proud of.” Key project wins and completions in that timeframe include Phase One of the £35m LEGOLAND Woodland Village scheme in Windsor for Special Projects, the London team’s delivery of a £26m commercial scheme in the City of London, the appointment on landmark office projects with Grosvenor and Hines, and a £13.5m contract in the South West to construct extra-care apartments for the St Monica Trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A multimillion-pound scheme to transform the civic and cultural quarter of Crewe town centre is under way. The project involves: Salford-based MC Construction has completed the first phase of the scheme, which involved enabling works to strip out the former library next to Memorial Square where the history centre will be developed, clearing the structure over the existing Civic Centre car park and erecting a temporary entrance to the magistrates’ courts. MC Construction will begin the next phase in February when it dismantles the former library building and the existing concourse. This phase is expected to be completed by summer 2024. The works by MC Construction are being undertaken for Cheshire East Council. Russ Forshaw, managing director of MC Construction, said: “This scheme will transform the civic and cultural quarter of Crewe town centre by providing new and greatly improved facilities for the public. “Having successfully completed numerous other projects for Cheshire East Council, we are proud to be working with the authority once again and to further strengthen our relationship with this valued client.” The revamp is being supported by the government’s Towns Fund and Future High Streets Fund. The history centre, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will co-host the regional’s written and pictorial history collections with a second history centre being built in Hoole, Chester. This scheme has been driven by Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, a shared service of Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester councils. The centres will replace the archive service’s current facility and open the collections to new audiences across Cheshire. The centres will have climate-controlled environments and will feature event and gallery areas to host performances, workshops and exhibitions, more space for people to conduct research and better spaces to make the collections more accessible to the public. Other professionals involved alongside MC Construction include Bowker Sadler Architecture, Davis Partnership and Wardell Armstrong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has appointed Darryl Brown to the newly created role of Regional Commercial Director for the North East. Working alongside Regional Director Gary Oates, he is tasked with further growing the independent company’s presence in the region. Having moved into larger offices on Teesside earlier this year, GMI further strengthened its position after joining the framework of the North East Purchasing Organisation (NEPO), allowing it to tender for public sector contracts involving the region’s 12 local authorities. GMI, one of the largest independent construction firms in the North of England and Midlands, recently completed several high profile projects including 362,600 sq. ft of commercial units at Hillthorn Business Park, Washington, and the 650,000 sq. ft Connect warehouse and logistics scheme at the Integra 61 development near Bowburn, Durham. Chris Weathers, Group Commercial Director said: “The North East is a key area for the business as it delivers the necessary infrastructure that will attract investment and jobs to the area” “As a result, we have expanded our team to reflect our growing pipeline of work and having Darryl in the Regional Commercial Director role is pivotal in delivering significant new projects.” Gary Oates, Regional Director of the North-East said: “Darryl brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of landing new contracts and taking overall commercial control of major projects. “We look forward to the positive impact Darryl’s appointment will have on the region and its future growth.” With more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, Darryl joins GMI from Leeds-based Priestley Construction, where he was Head of Commercial. Having graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a Bsc in Project Management, he started out as an assistant site manager, later progressing through a series of Quantity Surveyor roles. Darryl, from North Yorkshire, said: “I’m delighted to join GMI and look forward to working with its team in the North East and growing its portfolio of public and private clients across multiple sectors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction Group has appointed Dave Saville as Regional Managing Director for the North West, representing new leadership for the region following its most successful year to-date with turnover in excess of £150m in 2023. Dave joins Caddick Construction from Wates Construction where he has been Managing Director for the North and Midlands since 2022 following three years as Business Unit Director for the North West. With 30 years of industry experience, Dave brings a wealth of expertise to his new role at Caddick Construction, having led a number of major private and public sector projects before leading John Sisk & Son and Wates’ North West regional businesses. As Regional MD at Caddick Construction, Dave will lead a team of 130 in delivering a diverse portfolio of projects across the North West, including high profile residential, commercial, manufacturing and industrial developments. Dave’s appointment closely follows news that current Regional MD, Ian Threadgold, is set to retire following a nine-year tenure at Caddick Construction. With a career spanning three decades, Dave has held a number of leadership roles, including 20 years with Laing O’Rourke, with projects including a number of PFI, healthcare and education projects delivered using modern methods of construction. In Dave’s previous role he oversaw projects across the North and Midlands in the leisure, low-rise residential, blue light, education and manufacturing sectors. The latter included Astrazeneca’s new Sterile Production Plant in Macclesfield. Of his appointment, Dave commented: “Caddick is a strong brand in the North West, and its position in the market is down to the Caddick business and its balance sheet. I’m honoured to be taking the reins of a business with such an excellent reputation, and I’m excited to be continuing to deliver the high standards Caddick is known for. “As I take on this role I want to recognise the many talented people that make up the North West Caddick team, and they will be my focus, along with our clients, projects and supply chain. Looking to the future, I’m determined to preserve and build on Caddick’s success as an approachable and sustainable business that works with integrity. In-line with Caddick Construction Group’s wider strategy, we will also look to grow our presence on regional frameworks to balance our portfolio of public and private sector projects.” Paul Dodsworth, Managing Director of Caddick Construction Group, comments: “Ian Threadgold built an incredible team, a stable business and a strong reputation for Caddick Construction in the North West, all of which we’re committed to nurture and grow. Having worked with Dave previously, I’m confident that he has the right attributes, passion, knowledge and determination to achieve this. We’re very excited to welcome Dave to the Caddick team and look forward to what the future holds for Caddick in the North West and Cumbria.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VIVO Defence Services and its tier one supply chain partner Henry Brothers Construction have broken ground on a £6m scheme to house an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Troop at Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton. The troop is relocating from Chetwynd Barracks, Nottingham, to Gamecock Barracks, in Warwickshire, under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme. Henry Brothers has been selected by client VIVO Defence Services to deliver the new building for the troop. It will feature space for offices, garages and stores, and will be built at the Southern edge of the base. Joined by representatives from the DEO Army Programme, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Gamecock Barracks and construction partners William Gough, VIVO and Midlands-based Henry Brothers Construction have now broken ground on the scheme. 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 Ordnance Disposal facilities for the central region.” Managing director of Henry Brothers Construction, Ian Taylor, said: “Henry Brothers is very pleased to be continuing the successful relationship with VIVO Defence, which follows delivery of a new dye pod facility recently at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. “This development at Gamecock Barracks will rehome an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Troop – giving them modern, purpose-built, secure facilities as part of the MOD’s investment into the armed forces. “Henry Brothers has significant experience of working within MOD sites across the UK, helping to improve and upgrade key military resources, and we are delighted to have now broken ground and started work on this latest development.” Jerry Moloney, Managing Director of VIVO Defence Services, added: “It is great news that work is now underway to build this important new facility at Gamecock Barracks. “We look forward to delivering it with our supply chain partners to the troop and are proud to work so closely with the UK military on developing new important infrastructure for them.” Belinda Lunn, Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme Director said: “I am delighted to see this significant project get off the ground, expanding our ongoing programme of investment and construction across the UK, to benefit Army personnel and support military capability. “I look forward to working with all partners involved in this project and to seeing the new infrastructure at Gamecock Barracks take shape over coming months.” The scheme for EOD Troop at Gamecock Barracks is due to be completed by the end of the year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has announced the Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust as its chosen charity for 2024. Aortic Dissection is a serious heart condition caused by a partial tear in the wall of the aorta, which prevents blood supply and can lead to the rupturing of organs. Seventy people are diagnosed with the condition each week in the UK and Ireland with only an average survival rate of 50%. The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust aims to help raise awareness and funding for research into early detection, supporting prevention, treatment, and cures for the condition, which if diagnosed and treated in time, has an 80% survival rate. Having received a letter from Pauline Latham, OBE MP who has been writing to local businesses in Derbyshire asking them to support the charity following the sad loss of her son, Ben, in 2018 from the condition, Group Chairman, Andy Sewards was keen to pledge G F Tomlinson’s support as their chosen charity for 2024. As part of its commitment to the charity, the contractor will be hosting a variety of fundraising events from January through to December next year to help towards prevention and treatment of the condition, in the hope that it will save many more lives. Andy Sewards said: “We are honoured to be supporting such a worthy charity for 2024. Aortic Dissection is a serious condition and it’s vital that we work together to raise awareness for its diagnosis and treatment, to prevent unnecessary fatalities. “In line with our social value ethics and support for local charities, we will be planning multiple fundraising events throughout 2024 to ensure that we help the trust continue with its incredible work for next year and beyond.” Pauline Latham said: “I am so grateful to G F Tomlinson for their wholehearted support for Aortic Dissection. Many people don’t know anything about it until their family is devastated by it. The more we can do to prevent unnecessary deaths the better. We need better outcomes for patients and G F Tomlinson’s support will really help the charity’s ability to fund research into this little-known condition. I want to thank them for all they will be doing over this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
After a long and successful career in the construction industry, and with more than 20 years at the helm of Clegg Construction as managing director, Simon Blackburn has announced his retirement. Michael Sims has stepped up to become MD from his previous role as commercial director, with Darren Chapman and Ross Crowcroft continuing in their roles as operations director and pre-construction director respectively. The change in leadership comes as Clegg Construction has secured its strongest carry-forward order book, with more than £82m secured turnover for 2024. Simon, who joined Clegg Construction in 2002, before becoming MD two years later, will remain as a group director until the end of May 2024 in support of the new generation of leadership which will take the business forward into 2024 and beyond. “Over the last 20 years I’ve been extremely proud to lead a business that has delivered in excess of 7,000 student beds, 1,500 apartments, 1,000 care home beds, 750 hotel bedrooms and more than one million square feet of industrial schemes,” he said. “Projects have included new builds, refurbishments, re-cladding & extensions, providing education facilities for primary, secondary, further, higher and vocational training, advanced manufacturing centres, research and development labs, offices, distribution, storage, libraries, leisure facilities, hotels, residential developments, community centres, places of worship, sports facilities, retail buildings, archives, courtrooms, the odd glulam replacement here and there, a raft ride, a cable-ski and even a crematorium. “I am pleased to be handing over the business with a record level of carry forward workload and I congratulate Michael on his new role as managing director and wish him, and the other directors, all the best for the future.” Michael Sims, who joined Clegg Construction in spring 2021, bringing to the business over 20 years of industry experience with key expertise in commercial and risk management and contract negotiation, paid tribute to his predecessor. “I am proud to have been appointed to follow in his footsteps and take up the reins as the new MD for a company that is so well regarded and has such a long history. “Alongside the other directors, I look forward to building on Simon Blackburn’s legacy and continuing to provide design and construction excellence to our clients across the country.” Clegg Construction is a Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. Part of Clegg Group and the sister company to Clegg Food Projects, Clegg Construction has been trading since the 1930s. Its headquarters is in the Lace Market, Nottingham. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
