Trades & Services : Construct & Build News
Ashe stands down for safety initiative

Ashe stands down for safety initiative

Work came to a standstill on all Ashe Group sites for an hour this week for an innovative safety initiative. The special event, Stand Down for Safety, devised by Ashe’s health and safety team, involved everyone in the company stopping work for an hour to watch a presentation live streamed

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McAlpine Faces Criticism as Hotel Cladding Panel Comes Loose Again

McAlpine Faces Criticism as Hotel Cladding Panel Comes Loose Again

Sir Robert McAlpine is under renewed scrutiny after another cladding panel became loose on the Hilton Hotel in Woking, forcing yet another road closure. High winds last weekend led to the discovery of the issue, prompting the closure of the adjacent A320 Victoria Way for safety inspections and repairs. This

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McPhillips builds on diamond year with multi-million project pipeline

McPhillips builds on diamond year with multi-million project pipeline

Award-winning Shropshire constructor McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd is building on the success of its milestone 60th year, kicking off 2025 with a strong order book across diverse sectors.  The company marked its diamond anniversary throughout 2024 with a series of celebration events and initiatives – starting with its ’60 for 60′

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Funding approved for next phase of Huddersfield town centre

Funding approved for next phase of Huddersfield town centre

Kirklees Council has approved funding for the second phase of its ambitious Huddersfield town centre regeneration programme, Our Cultural Heart. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on January 21, marking another milestone in the transformation of the town’s cultural and leisure offerings. Phase one of the project is

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Mace signs contract for Reading weather centre

Mace signs contract for Reading weather centre

The Government Property Agency has appointed Mace to deliver the new headquarters of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading Whiteknights campus. Appointed through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework, Mace will be responsible for constructing the state-of-the-art building, which will serve as a

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Main works approved for Green Transport Hub, Dundee

Main works approved for Green Transport Hub, Dundee

McLaughlin & Harvey have been awarded the main construction works at a major new green transport initiative in Dundee. McLaughlin & Harvey have been awarded the main construction works at a major new green transport initiative in Dundee. Councillors accepted their £11.1m bid for the main contract works on Friday. 

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Wolverhampton city centre transformation to begin

Wolverhampton city centre transformation to begin

Work on a major £19 million project to transform Wolverhampton city centre is set to begin this month. The improvements will focus on key areas including Lichfield Street, Queen Square, and Darlington Street, following extensive consultation with businesses, the public, and key stakeholders. The completed scheme will bring a range

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Bradford city centre revamp nears completion

Bradford city centre revamp nears completion

The majority of the major infrastructure project to transform Bradford city centre is now complete. All major changes to the road network, the new bus loop, and the pedestrian core area are in place. Construction work began in July 2023 as part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities

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Latest Issue
Issue 327 : Apr 2025

Trades : Construct & Build News

Celebration ceremony marks start of new Staffordshire primary school build

Celebration ceremony marks start of new Staffordshire primary school build

A new primary school will be coming to Stafford this year, opening to students for the start of the new school intake for 2025/26. Burleyfields Primary School will be located on Martin Drive in Stafford and will be part of the Creative Learning Partnership Trust, catering to demand for extra school positions in the area. Led by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson and Entrust, construction works will be delivered through the Constructing West Midlands framework on behalf of Staffordshire County Council. The scheme will involve the construction of a new two-storey 2FE school with landscaping, car parking facilities, and pedestrian and vehicular paths – providing 420 places from reception to year six which will be opened in a phased approach year on year. The school will have 15 classrooms in total and the build will also include a library, SEN rooms, hall, kitchen facilities, offices and breakout spaces for staff, alongside a studio. Burleyfields has been commissioned as part of the Burleyfields housing development, which has provided 1600 homes in the area, and the primary school is the 10th school delivered for Staffordshire County Council using the Touchstone design model. A ground-breaking ceremony on Friday 17th January marked the start of construction works and was attended by members of the school and stakeholders including G F Tomlinson, Staffordshire County Council, Entrust and the Creative Learning Partnership Trust. Close liaison has been established with local residents to ensure they are kept up to date with site developments, and a delivery time management schedule has been put into place to minimise disruption to the surrounding area. G F Tomlinson has vast experience working within the education sector, providing high quality school provision across the region. Through their long-standing relationship with Staffordshire County Council and Entrust, the contractor has delivered nine schools to date, the most recent being St Leonard’s Primary School and Beaconfields Primary School in Stafford. The new cohort of students has been asked to imagine and design what they believe their new school will look like and colours and ideas will be incorporated into the final elements of the school design, giving back to the local community. In line with social value commitments, G F Tomlinson will provide site tours and engagement events with the school, meeting local families with pupils who will join Burleyfields in the new school intake. Group managing director of G F Tomlinson, Adrian Grocock, said: “It’s an honour to continue our long-standing relationship with Staffordshire County Council providing much needed educational provision in the region. “Following our ground-breaking ceremony, we are well-positioned to deliver the build for this landmark primary school, ensuring much-needed primary and nursery places in the area.” Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Education including SEND, Jonathan Price, said: “It’s great to see the start of work on the new school, which is really important for the area and for the families in the new estate. “It’s vital that we have sufficient school places for children from across the county and that our schools are fit for future learners.  We know that having good facilities helps improve children’s learning, and once open with its state-of-the-art facilities, I’m sure children will thrive. “The new school will also be one of the most sustainable in the County, which will help meet our target of reaching net zero by 2030.  I look forward to seeing the school grow over the next few years.” Sam Compton, CEO of The Creative Learning Partnership Trust said: “We as a Trust are delighted to support the Local Authority, the Department of Education and GF Tomlinson in the opening of Burleyfields Primary School. We are excited that Burleyfields will become part of our family of schools in our trust. As a trust, we have a mission to create transformational educative opportunities, promoting social justice and unlocking individual freedom. Burleyfields Primary School will be part of the Burleyfields community offering a welcoming environment where children can flourish academically, creatively and socially.  We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of children who will be walking the Burleyfields way.” Rebecca Bell, Principal Designate, said “We have a strong culture of collaboration and look forward to meeting our new children and their families as they embark on their educational adventure.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Ashe stands down for safety initiative

Ashe stands down for safety initiative

Work came to a standstill on all Ashe Group sites for an hour this week for an innovative safety initiative. The special event, Stand Down for Safety, devised by Ashe’s health and safety team, involved everyone in the company stopping work for an hour to watch a presentation live streamed to all of Ashe’s construction sites and offices.  A presentation was given by one of the UK’s most inspirational speakers, Jason Anker MBE, who was paralysed from the waist down due to an avoidable accident on a construction site when he was just 24 years old. Statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive recently revealed a rise in fatalities in the construction industry with 51 fatal injuries to workers in the year to March 2024, an increase on an average of 42 deaths per year during the previous five years. The sobering figures also revealed 47,000 construction workers sustained non-fatal injuries at work during the same period. Jason told the story of his life after falling 10 feet from an untethered ladder whilst undertaking roofing works on a construction site. Initially told he would recover from his injuries, tests showed he would never walk again.  Jason explained the ripple effect of his decision not to tether the ladder; the months in rehab, the strain on his marriage and the affect his injuries have had on all aspects of his life including his family and friends.  The training initiative, saw over 600 people across 20 sites in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire and London attend the presentation designed to be a hard-hitting way of sending the construction safety message home to all those connected to Ashe’s projects. Among those attending were employees and directors from Ashe Construction and Ashe Roofing, architects, project subcontractors and their directors, and clients. Subcontractor, Hayden Topp who is senior site manager at Bellwood Interiors attended the presentation at Ashe’s Bedford Academy site and said: “A big thank you to Ashe Group for hosting a very insightful seminar based on health, safety and wellbeing.  The seminar covered a wide range of topics such as workplace safety, including the impact it has on you, your employer, your colleagues and family.” The presentation also covered mental health awareness and steps on improving wellbeing, such as improving sleep and the way diet and attitude can affect the way you feel both physically and mentally. Ben Hamblin, architectural technologist at GSSArchitecture watched the presentation and said: “Jason’s presentation highlighted the impact that serious injuries can have, not just on those injured, but also on the people, they know, and that your decisions are important. “Part of our responsibility as architects is to design out the risks, such as working at height and we factor in the safety of those who’ll undertake the future maintenance of our buildings, too. Jason’s talk was a great reminder that if you spot something unsafe on site, you must speak up.” Ian Berrie, head of health and safety said: “I have no doubt the impact of Jason’s story will leave a lasting impression on all of us and my hope is it will help encourage safe working on our sites and be a springboard for safer working for all in 2025 and beyond.” Robin Blake, Ashe’s group chief executive said: “Whilst process and procedures always receive much attention, we wanted to do something more to enhance our safety culture. Stand Down for Safety is an opportunity to consider the human aspect of our work, the impact it has on family and wellbeing. “Jason’s story is a powerful way of reminding us of our responsibilities and how something that could easily be avoided can have life changing consequences. Don’t gamble on your safety, particularly for the sake of your family. Speak up if something doesn’t look right or feel right.” Ashe Group employs 130 people and operates from offices in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.  The company specialises in building schools and healthcare facilities. Major projects currently underway include MK East and Bedford Academy. Ashe has recently been awarded Five Stars in a British Safety Council Audit. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McAlpine Faces Criticism as Hotel Cladding Panel Comes Loose Again

McAlpine Faces Criticism as Hotel Cladding Panel Comes Loose Again

Sir Robert McAlpine is under renewed scrutiny after another cladding panel became loose on the Hilton Hotel in Woking, forcing yet another road closure. High winds last weekend led to the discovery of the issue, prompting the closure of the adjacent A320 Victoria Way for safety inspections and repairs. This marks yet another disruption, as the road had only recently reopened in mid-January following similar concerns raised in December. Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Leader of Woking Borough Council, expressed frustration over the ongoing problems:“The closure of Victoria Way is incredibly disruptive, and I am deeply frustrated that another panel has failed despite previous assurances that they were secure. A plan is in place to address the issue, and we are urging swift action to prevent this from happening again.” A spokesperson for Sir Robert McAlpine confirmed that the latest issue followed the impact of recent storms:“Following Storm Herminia and Storm Eowyn, one cladding panel was found to be loose on the western elevation of the hotel. For safety reasons, Victoria Way will remain closed until the panel is secured and further checks are completed. Unfortunately, this is expected to take several weeks, and we apologise for the disruption caused.” Woking MP Will Forster has written to McAlpine’s chief executive, Neil Martin, demanding a clear remediation plan to prevent further incidents. Meanwhile, local leaders continue to push for a permanent solution to ensure public safety and minimise future disruptions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McPhillips builds on diamond year with multi-million project pipeline

McPhillips builds on diamond year with multi-million project pipeline

Award-winning Shropshire constructor McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd is building on the success of its milestone 60th year, kicking off 2025 with a strong order book across diverse sectors.  The company marked its diamond anniversary throughout 2024 with a series of celebration events and initiatives – starting with its ’60 for 60′ food bank donation programme and culminating in the launch of its new McPhillips Community Fund. Managing director Paul Inions said the company was looking to build on its recent successes and maintain its position of strength and diversity in its project portfolio. He said: “Last year was momentous for McPhillips – it was a chance for us to take stock of everything we’ve delivered in the last six decades and to celebrate with all the people who helped us achieve this success. “In the summer we brought together 400 of our staff and their partners which includes our directly-employed workforce working on more than 30 projects across the Midlands, North West and beyond, for a party at Telford International Centre. And in November, we celebrated with our supply chain, against the dramatic backdrop of aircraft at RAF Cosford. We would not be where we are without them.” A flagship project completed in December 2024 was the Heart of Africa development at Chester Zoo, creating new wildlife habitats. The company’s proven expertise in delivering complex schemes has led to a further contract with the zoo to create 51 new luxury lodges on site. This safari-style accommodation project, which includes a two-storey welcome building with restaurant and bar facilities, will continue until summer 2025. January 2025 will see the McPhillips team start on new multi-million projects in Telford & Wrekin and Stafford, progress a £20m project in Newport for retirement living developer Untold Living and deliver a number of ongoing schemes across the Midlands and North West.  Company secretary Val Hardy said 2025 would see a continued focus on skills and workforce development, including recruitment into the McPhillips Apprenticeship Scheme. She said: “We are a rarity in our industry because we choose to directly employ our workforce. This sets us apart from many contractors and is rooted in our commitment to training our talent and building their skills for the future. “Although it undoubtedly creates additional overheads compared to competitors who rely on subcontracted labour, our sector crisis is caused by a skills gap. “If we don’t train our own and do our bit, then how can we expect it to be any different? So, we’ve got to keep doing what is the right thing to do – train people and employ them directly. The result is consistently high-quality delivery for every client, whether public or private sector,” she added. The company’s commitment to social value took a significant step forward in 2024 with the launch of the McPhillips Community Fund, delivered in partnership with Shropshire Community Foundation. The fund will support innovative projects across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin that help improve mental health, reduce social isolation and promote long-term wellbeing in local communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Funding approved for next phase of Huddersfield town centre

Funding approved for next phase of Huddersfield town centre

Kirklees Council has approved funding for the second phase of its ambitious Huddersfield town centre regeneration programme, Our Cultural Heart. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on January 21, marking another milestone in the transformation of the town’s cultural and leisure offerings. Phase one of the project is already well underway, focusing on revitalising the former Queensgate Market. The space is being transformed into a vibrant community hub featuring a library, food hall, and a new public square designed for socialising and events. Plans for phase two, revealed earlier this year, aim to breathe new life into the historic four-storey former library building. One of Huddersfield’s most significant landmarks, it is set to become a state-of-the-art museum and art gallery. The plans include a 50-seat café with an outdoor terrace and a new extension designed to improve accessibility and connectivity with the surrounding outdoor space and the broader Our Cultural Heart development. Councillors approved the release of £5.413 million from the overall project budget to fund contractor procurement and detailed design for phase two. An additional £250,000 was allocated for a master plan study to explore future phases of the programme. This study will investigate how to deliver the remaining elements of Our Cultural Heart without requiring additional capital borrowing while ensuring the project’s overarching vision is maintained. The council also approved reallocating capital funding for specific services within the programme. This includes £371,000 to support the West Yorkshire Archive Service’s relocation to the new library and £50,000 for preparations for future events in the public square. The report accompanying the funding decision outlined service operating costs and the financial requirements for the interior design and functionality of the museum and gallery. While the Museum Service will seek external funding to cover the estimated £14.48 million cost, the council noted that funds might need to be reallocated from within the existing programme budget if external sources cannot be secured. Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “Our Cultural Heart is our most ambitious regeneration programme, when completed it will bring a new, community-centred arts and leisure offer to the town, providing cultural activities to enjoy during the day and into the evening. “It will play a significant role in making Huddersfield a family-friendly, prosperous town centre which provides exciting places to live, work or visit. “As with all large regeneration schemes, there are hurdles to jump and challenges to overcome, a worldwide pandemic and wars in other countries have of course made things even more complex. This has meant we’ve had to continually assess our finances and prioritise spend that will lead to the successful delivery of the first phases of the scheme, whilst still allowing for exciting new developments in the future. “Releasing the funds demonstrates our commitment to delivering something everyone can be proud of and doing that in a way that delivers real changes on the ground in the next few years. “Regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar. Our ambition is to give local people and visitors more reasons to spend time in the town centre. By increasing footfall, and in turn commercial opportunities, our plans will also benefit existing and future businesses from all sectors. Thriving businesses in turn provide employment opportunities for our communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McLaren Construction Midlands and North leads new nationwide laptop donation initiative

McLaren Construction Midlands and North leads new nationwide laptop donation initiative

Providing vital online access and technological support for those in need, McLaren Construction is launching a new initiative to donate repurposed laptops to charities across the UK with the first donation taking place in the Midlands and North. Kick-starting the initiative, 20 repurposed company laptops were donated to the St Helens-based Martin Murray ThinkFAST academy, providing young people with online support to help with educational development. McLaren Construction Midlands and North has a long-standing relationship with the Martin Murray academy, which aims to help young people with high-quality social support and development through the discipline and ethos of boxing. The laptop drop off is the latest support initiative for the academy and it follows a joint donation of £30,000 that was provided in 2023, by the contractor and Miller Developments. As part of McLaren Construction’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates, alongside its sustainability strategy for 2025 – legacy computing assets that are fit for reuse will now go through an IT repurposing programme instead of secure disposal, to enable monthly laptop donations by the McLaren Construction Group. The new scheme will see approximately 250-400 laptops repurposed and donated annually to chosen charities across the UK and drop-offs will include protective equipment alongside the laptops to ensure longevity. The next donation will be a drop-off to Sele SEND School in Hertford and the ‘London & South’ region. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are proud to be kick-starting our laptop donation initiative with our first drop off of the year at the Martin Murray academy in St Helens – helping young people and offering online and technological support at a fundamental time of their lives. Martin Murray, founder of the ThinkFAST academy, said: “The opportunities that can be harnessed through having laptop access cannot be underestimated and we can’t thank the team at McLaren enough for the laptops and their continued support over the past couple of years. The joint donation that we received from them along with Miller Developments in 2023 has helped to ensure that our academy can keep on doing the much-needed work that we do. “These laptops will provide access to a vast amount of information, enable interactive learning experiences and will be used to personalise learning, dependent on the young person’s individual needs.” Dan Blackman, Group IT and Security Director at McLaren Construction Group PLC, said: “Launching this initiative will enable our high-quality fit-for-use legacy assets to be repurposed and donated to those in need, and we are delighted to be contributing to our communities in this way, providing online access and a resource for educational development, to change lives for the better.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Mace signs contract for Reading weather centre

Mace signs contract for Reading weather centre

The Government Property Agency has appointed Mace to deliver the new headquarters of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading Whiteknights campus. Appointed through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework, Mace will be responsible for constructing the state-of-the-art building, which will serve as a global hub for weather and climate research. The new headquarters will feature a range of advanced facilities, including modern workspaces, meeting rooms, a lecture theatre, a council chamber, and an interactive weather room. The building’s design incorporates a strong emphasis on sustainability, with features such as optimised solar shading and energy-efficient systems to align with the 2030 LETI (Low Energy Transformation Initiative) standards for operational energy. This project marks a significant step forward in enhancing the capabilities of the ECMWF in its crucial work of providing accurate weather forecasts and climate information. Georgina Dunn, Interim Director of Capital Projects at the GPA, said: “The new ECMWF headquarters will not only advance capabilities in weather and climate research but also bring significant benefits to the local community. By prioritising both embodied and operational carbon reductions, this project exemplifies our commitment to both sustainable development and scientific innovation.” Located next to the University of Reading’s renowned Department of Meteorology, the new ECMWF headquarters will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff to support world-leading work on all aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production, and research into climate change. Rob Lemming, Managing Director, Public Sector and Life Sciences, Construction, UK at Mace, added: “This new state-of-the-art weather centre will be a global hub for scientists to advance numerical weather prediction and inform the fight against climate change. Our focus on sustainability and innovation for this project will help the new headquarters meet the highest environmental standards. “Every design decision has been driven by our commitment to reducing carbon emissions, in both operational and embodied carbon. This project exemplifies our dedication to creating a more sustainable future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Main works approved for Green Transport Hub, Dundee

Main works approved for Green Transport Hub, Dundee

McLaughlin & Harvey have been awarded the main construction works at a major new green transport initiative in Dundee. McLaughlin & Harvey have been awarded the main construction works at a major new green transport initiative in Dundee. Councillors accepted their £11.1m bid for the main contract works on Friday.  McLaughlin & Harvey have already undertaken the enabling works at the Bell Street multi-storey car park and will continue transforming it into a Green Transport Hub.  The main works project, delivered as part of SCAPE Scotland’s framework, will include installing 350 electrical vehicle charging points supported by a solar panel array on the roof, a battery storage system, car share spaces, and an e-bike hire service. When completed, the existing ground floor of the car park will be fully pedestrianised and include information points and meeting spaces. Framework Director at McLaughlin & Harvey, Chris Boyle commented, “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Dundee City Council at the new Green Transport Hub. This project has harnessed collaborative engagement through the SCAPE framework to fast track the design and construction processes to deliver to the Council’s objectives and timescales. The regeneration of the Bell Street area and re-purposing the existing carpark into a 21st century sustainable transport hub for the city centre will help deliver a greener city, providing active travel options for the communities of Dundee”. Convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Cllr Steven Rome from Dundee City Council said: “This project represents an ambitious redevelopment of the car park into a pioneering green transport hub which is designed to help change people’s travel habits for the future.  “It will make a significant contribution towards our goal of creating a greener city made up of strong communities where people feel empowered and safe, and where we are tackling climate change to reach our target of net zero emissions by 2045.  “The hub will accommodate infrastructure to provide people with access to sustainable transport options that improve connectivity and make the city centre greener, safer, and a more attractive place to live, work and visit.”             The area surrounding the car park will include enhanced landscaping with active travel routes designed to accommodate future active travel connections and development.    The Green Transport Hub & Spokes initiative was allocated £14.4 million from the previous UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. £1.6 million for the main works came from Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Wolverhampton city centre transformation to begin

Wolverhampton city centre transformation to begin

Work on a major £19 million project to transform Wolverhampton city centre is set to begin this month. The improvements will focus on key areas including Lichfield Street, Queen Square, and Darlington Street, following extensive consultation with businesses, the public, and key stakeholders. The completed scheme will bring a range of high-quality enhancements to the city, including wider, brighter, and safer streets, vibrant public event spaces, increased greenery, more seating, and improved access for buses, cycles, and taxis. The project aims to attract more visitors, boost spending with local businesses, and act as a catalyst for further investment. Additionally, it will contribute to creating a more pleasant environment, promoting healthy, city living lifestyles. This initiative is the third and final phase of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s city centre improvement programme. It follows the successful completion of schemes in the Victoria Street and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls areas. These areas have already seen an increase in footfall and economic activity, with events regularly staged in the newly revamped spaces. The changes have also attracted new investments, such as the upcoming opening of Superbowl UK at the Mander Centre off Victoria Street. Councillor Chris Burden, the council’s Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “We want people to enjoy our city centre from the moment they arrive, and this is the next step in our transformation plans that are delivering positive outcomes for businesses, residents and visitors. “Creating enhanced walking, cycling and dwell space, as well as infrastructure for events and attractions, and a better environment for city centre living is helping to boost the local economy. “The works will also complement other transformational development schemes already underway or in the pipeline in the city centre, including the £150 million Interchange and commercial district, and thousands of new homes coming at City Centre West and Canalside – all helping to create hundreds of new jobs and further investment opportunities.” The works will be carried out by contractor Taylor Woodrow in stages, with the entire scheme expected to last for 2 and a half years, including pauses in the works for key city centre events and during Christmas periods. The first works on Darlington Street, between Chapel Ash Island and Red Lion Street, will start in the week commencing 20 January and are expected to last for around 6 months, subject to weather conditions. They will involve excavation and installation of new paving on north and south footways. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bradford city centre revamp nears completion

Bradford city centre revamp nears completion

The majority of the major infrastructure project to transform Bradford city centre is now complete. All major changes to the road network, the new bus loop, and the pedestrian core area are in place. Construction work began in July 2023 as part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund. Key changes include a new Croft Street gyratory, a new pedestrian and cyclist crossing, and significant improvements around the National Science and Media Museum and Alhambra Theatre. The new bus loop connects key areas of the city centre, including North Parade, The Broadway Shopping Centre, and the university area. New cycleways and bus stops have been installed throughout the city centre. All new pedestrianised areas are now open to the public, creating a safer and more accessible space for pedestrians. Landscaping and planting are mostly complete, with the remaining work to be finished early in the new year. Work in the Norfolk Gardens area, the final piece of the project, is progressing well, with the majority of the groundwork now complete. The project team will return to the city centre after the festive break to complete this final section. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport praised the work of those constructing the scheme and said: “The teams working on the scheme have pulled out all the stops to get the project to this stage in time for the Christmas break. “We are already seeing the benefits of moving the heavy traffic out of the core of the city centre. Air quality has improved, and the new traffic-free public spaces are making it easier to get around and between shopping and entertainment areas. “As each area has been opened up the feedback from the public has been great and we can’t wait to showcase Bradford to the country next year as the UK City of Culture. The remaining work at Norfolk Gardens to complete the project will begin in earnest in the new year and is scheduled to be completed in the next few months, creating a fantastic new green park in the heart of the city centre.” The Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvements project is being delivered through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund, which is a capital grant transport fund, provided by the Department for Transport and cannot be used for other purposes, such as delivering day to day services or other projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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