GRAHAM has surpassed the £1bn turnover milestone for the second consecutive year as revenue increased to £1.125bn. The headline figure from recently published accounts (year ending 31st March 2024) is a 2.8% increase on the Group’s 2023 results (£1,093.7bn). The leading national contractor and developer also recorded profit before tax
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has announced that Nick Crossfield will join the Group later this year as CEO of its UK Construction Services business. Nick will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business, delivering on its business plans with a focus on further
Award-winning construction company Beard has started work on a cutting-edge habitat environment for Bristol Zoological Society. The project, worth £9.2 million to Beard, will see the company’s Bristol office build the new Central African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project – bringing together Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas and Endangered
Construction firm Henry Boot Construction has completed a £7.5 million extension to Weston Park Hospital’s radiology department in Sheffield. The block has been designed and built to incorporate linear accelerator (LINAC) machines – a device commonly used to deliver external beam radiation treatments to cancer patients. The extension, which connects
Tellon Capital, real estate investment and development business, has appointed RED Construction Group to deliver its redevelopment of 40 Broadway, creating a high-quality, wellbeing-led office building within the heart of Westminster. Spanning more than 130,000 sq ft GIA, works on the landmark scheme will be carried out by RED Construction’s
Caddick Construction has grown its further education portfolio with an appointment to build a new 24,000 sq ft extension at Loreto Sixth Form College in Hulme, a project that will accommodate 264 new students. Work is now underway on the new three-storey campus building, which is being constructed on Moss
RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment by Aviva Investors to carry out a major £20m office refurbishment to Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, Shoreditch. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building previously housed furniture and clothing manufacturing and is set to
GMI Construction Group has marked a significant milestone in the delivery of the North East’s first Dakota Hotel by hosting a steel signing ceremony. The erection of the steel marks a crucial phase in the transformation of the vacant St Anne’s Wharf building on Newcastle’s vibrant Quayside into a 118-room
Bouygues UK has been appointed by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as lead contractor for the design and build of the new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex University Hospital and demolition works of the current MRI building at the hospital have commenced. This new collaboration, secured through
Work has begun on GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd’s new £14m manufacturing facility and office complex, which will transform a 24,000 sqm vacant site on Caton Road in Lancaster into a sustainable and captivating riverside location. Conlon Construction and Cassidy + Ashton are leading on the project and will deliver
GRAHAM has surpassed the £1bn turnover milestone for the second consecutive year as revenue increased to £1.125bn. The headline figure from recently published accounts (year ending 31st March 2024) is a 2.8% increase on the Group’s 2023 results (£1,093.7bn). The leading national contractor and developer also recorded profit before tax of £14.8m and maintained its robust balance sheet position with cash at bank and in hand of £151m. This “strong performance” in the face of well documented inflationary pressures and significant economic and geopolitical headwinds followed the successful delivery of major projects in each of its core market sectors (building, civil engineering, interior fit-out, facilities management and development management). Across the wider industry, higher borrowing costs and the evolving regulatory and legislative environments have led to a slow down in planned start dates for major construction projects while impacting upon contractor profitability. To offset many of these challenges, the Group has focussed on a sustainable growth model built on the platform of strategic supply chain management and selective work winning. This approach has resulted in a record pipeline of secured work in excess of £2bn. Commenting on the latest accounts, Andrew Bill, GRAHAM Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “The latest published accounts for the Group are pleasing and underline the strong performance of each our divisions within our core market sectors. We prioritise robust governance and commercial management which are the backbone of our sustainable growth model. Significantly, the continued success of the Group has been achieved despite global economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures. The market has been challenging but our consistent focus on quality delivery and commitment to securing repeat business through the development of collaborative client relationships have allowed us to grow sustainably over the past year. Looking forward, we have developed a significant pipeline of opportunity to allow us to positively approach the next 12 months, and beyond, with energy and optimism.” Breadth of delivery The scale, scope and variety of GRAHAM’s national portfolio have been central to its continued strong financial performance. Projects such as Candleriggs, a 346 unit Build to Rent development in Glasgow (£81.5m), improvement works to the M25 Junction 28 in Essex (£154m), the interior fit-out of BT’s new 76,000 sq. ft. offices in Dundee and the restoration of the historic Cathays Grade II Listed Library for Cardiff Council underline the breadth of its expertise. At Lord’s Cricket Ground, the iconic home of cricket, the company has also been named as the preferred bidder for an iconic redevelopment project encompassing the Tavern and Allen Stands, while it recently secured planning consent for a transformative regeneration project at Meadowbank in Edinburgh that will see the development of over 700 much-needed homes – over 35% of which will be affordable – across a five-hectare site that will create one of the city’s “greenest neighbourhoods”. Environmental, Social and Governance Beyond the balance sheet figures, GRAHAM’s track record for “delivering lasting impact” is evidenced in the £538.4m Social Return on Investment (SROI) it has delivered for communities across the UK and Ireland. As a responsible, sustainable business, the Group’s drive to Net Zero has also resulted in a 19% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions and the achievement of a 98% rate for the diversion of construction waste from landfill. GRAHAM continues to make substantial investments in the skills and development of its people and supply chain with a robust training program that provides five days of training per person each year. Notably, GRAHAM was the first UK organisation to achieve Investors in People (IIP) “We invest in Wellbeing Platinum” status this year. Additionally, IIP reaccredited GRAHAM with “We invest in People Platinum” for the third time—an achievement attained by only 5% of organisations across all industries. Most recently, GRAHAM earned the “Investor in Diversity Gold” award and secured the 29th position among the Top 100 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion companies in the UK. Attributing the continued success of the business to the concerted efforts of the 2,500-strong workforce, Andrew, added: “The ongoing growth of GRAHAM is due to the hard work and dedication of our people, both on site and those in central support services. Individually and collectively they embody ‘The GRAHAM Way’ which is the unique culture that sets us apart. On a daily basis they continue to build lasting relationships with clients, innovate in our approach to delivery, and strive for excellence, which, as a package, is the bedrock behind the strong financial figures published within these latest accounts.” For more information on GRAHAM, please visit: www.graham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has announced that Nick Crossfield will join the Group later this year as CEO of its UK Construction Services business. Nick will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business, delivering on its business plans with a focus on further developing its presence in the growing infrastructure market – including the energy, defence and sustainable transportation sectors – as the partner of choice for notable customers and clients such as SCAPE, the Environment Agency, the NHS and Rolls Royce, as well as local authorities. Nick will sit on the Executive Committee and report directly into Group Chief Executive, Leo Quinn. Having studied Mechanical Engineering at Reading University, Nick has over 40 years’ experience within the industrial and engineering industries, starting his career as a graduate with BAE Systems, and going on to work with British Steel, Network Rail, and Siemens. Currently Nick is the Managing Director of Alstom Transportation’s UK and Ireland business, a role he has held since 2015. Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick to Balfour Beatty. “He brings with him a wealth of experience working directly with Government on behalf of industry, as well as a strong track record of managing large businesses, successfully delivering sustainable profitable growth, and navigating highly regulated environments with a focus on driving operational improvements. His experience and understanding of the markets in which Balfour Beatty operates makes him perfectly positioned to lead our UK Construction Services business.” Commenting on his appointment, Nick Crossfield said, “I very much look forward to joining Balfour Beatty. I have watched with interest over the last ten years as the Group has continued to position and win work in its core markets and I look forward to continuing the successful delivery of national and local infrastructure across the UK”. Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business consists of three business units: Scotland, Buildings – responsible for the delivery of construction projects in the aviation, health, defence, education and development sectors in England, and Civils – responsible for delivering civil engineering projects across the transportation (highways, public realm, and rail), flood and coastal defence, and industrial and energy sectors in England. As well as specialist brands Balfour Beatty Living Places, Balvac and Balfour Beatty Homes Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning construction company Beard has started work on a cutting-edge habitat environment for Bristol Zoological Society. The project, worth £9.2 million to Beard, will see the company’s Bristol office build the new Central African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project – bringing together Critically Endangered western lowland gorillas and Endangered cherry-crowned mangabeys for the first time in a UK zoo. Works will include the construction of the new gorilla house, along with a crocodile house and parrot aviary. Alongside their living quarters, Beard will be building extensive outdoor spaces for the gorillas which will be surrounded by a moat. An integrated viewing area and learning space will also be built, enabling visitors and school groups to get up close with the animals. Beard has worked closely with specialist contractors and BZS throughout the design process to ensure the habitat meets the exacting requirements of each threatened species. This includes water treatment, heating, atmospheric conditions and the necessary plants required for the Critically Endangered slender-snouted crocodiles. Meanwhile, Beard will complete extensive landscaping and use sympathetic and non-toxic plants and materials to replicate the dense forest and landscape of Equatorial Guinea. The gorillas will have more than four-times the space in their new home among the vast woodland of the zoo’s 136-acre site. Alongside technical challenges, the remote location of the site, along with sensitive root and tree protection orders, means Beard will have the logistical challenge of access and managing deliveries. However, Beard has completed extensive planning, working with the zoo and all stakeholders to minimise disruption in live environments and ensure visitors, staff and animals remain safe – particularly to allow for the installation of services. Bristol Zoo Project will remain open throughout the scheduled works, with construction due to be completed in spring 2025. The development is the first stage in the Society’s plan to create a new, modern conservation zoo, where up to 90% of species are both threatened and part of targeted conservation programmes. Matt Cooper, Beard’s Bristol director, said: “It is a real privilege for Beard to be chosen to design and build this unique habitat which will deliver a conservation first in a UK zoo. It is an opportunity for us to showcase more than 130 years of experience in delivering complex and cutting edge spaces. “We are working closely with Bristol Zoological Society, specialist contractors and all stakeholders to ensure this exciting vision and conservation project is fully realised. The Society shares our ethos of building with ambition and we look forward to working with them and all parties throughout this one-of-a-kind project.” Justin Morris, Chief Executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for us and a significant milestone in our vision to create a modern conservation zoo at Bristol Zoo Project. Central African Forest will see us create a new environment that will not only give our animals the opportunity to live in spaces more closely reflecting their natural habitats, it will also help to raise vital awareness of the threats these precious species are facing around the world. “Currently, 78% of the animals we care for are both threatened, and part of targeted conservation programmes. Our aim is for this to rise to 90% of species by 2035. “We have ambitious plans for the future, and this is just the beginning. Following the completion of CAF, we will also be creating a new Central African Savannah habitat, new visitor facilities and a Conservation Campus for students studying to become conservationists. This work will be delivered in phases over the next few years. We hope our visitors, partners and supporters will join us on this journey.” Brian Zimmerman, Director of Conservation and Science at Bristol Zoological Society, said: “All of the mammals, birds, reptiles and fish that will live in Central African Forest are classified as threatened in the wild. The creation of this habitat not only presents a unique opportunity for us to bring these wonderful creatures together and expand our conservation work, it also enables us to participate in, and lead, managed breeding programmes, which will help to protect them in the future.” For more information, please visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. To find out more about Bristol Zoo Project and the Bristol Zoological Society, please visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm Henry Boot Construction has completed a £7.5 million extension to Weston Park Hospital’s radiology department in Sheffield. The block has been designed and built to incorporate linear accelerator (LINAC) machines – a device commonly used to deliver external beam radiation treatments to cancer patients. The extension, which connects to Weston Park’s main radiotherapy department, also hosts consultation spaces, plant rooms, offices, meeting rooms, and a small waiting area for patients. Due to the high-energy X-rays that LINAC machines use, the new reinforced concrete building utilises internal concrete walls to provide the required radiation protection. The LINAC chambers themselves are also windowless. A green living wall has been installed to the side of the building as well as enhanced soft landscaping to external areas to incorporate attractive design elements. Weston Park Hospital, part of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is a National Centre of Excellence and the only provider of radiotherapy in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire. Designed by James Totty Partnership, the expansion of the radiotherapy facilities is a response to the increasing need for radiotherapy at the hospital, which has seen demand – among its 60,000 patients per year – increase by 38% in the last 15 years. Tony Shaw, Managing Director from Henry Boot Construction, said: “As a company, we are always keen to invest in our local communities and deliver projects that can genuinely make a difference. This project is the perfect example of how our construction expertise can positively shape the future of our healthcare provision. We’re pleased to assist Weston Park Hospital in expanding their facilities, further enhancing their renowned quality of care.” The project was secured via the Procure Partnerships National Framework. As part of this, Henry Boot delivered key social value outputs through the utilisation of a local supply chain and on-site construction training initiatives. This extension is one of several recent updates to Weston Park Hospital, with Henry Boot also delivering a new aerial walkway connection between Weston Park and Royal Hallamshire Hospital back in 2020. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tellon Capital, real estate investment and development business, has appointed RED Construction Group to deliver its redevelopment of 40 Broadway, creating a high-quality, wellbeing-led office building within the heart of Westminster. Spanning more than 130,000 sq ft GIA, works on the landmark scheme will be carried out by RED Construction’s London team. The redevelopment will offer a variety of Grade A office space from the basement to the eighth floor, together with a ground floor café, roof terraces on the majority of floors, and a communal roof terrace with exceptional views across St James’s Park, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. The vision aims to maximise building performance and wellness for occupants and will achieve WELL Platinum and BREEAM Excellent ratings. Situated within the Broadway and Christchurch Gardens Conservation Area, the design of 40 Broadway has been sensitively considered to seamlessly sit within its surroundings. RED Construction Group’s London team will deliver the works, and will erect a steel frame from the ground to eighth floor and create a natural stone façade on the Broadway elevation with projecting full-length feature windows. In keeping with the appearance of the neighbouring Grade II listed buildings, the rear of the building features traditional brick work and a metal clad mansard from the fifth floor to the roof. With Tellon Capital’s successful track record of delivering exceptional developments that respond to and enhance the local character, 40 Broadway will encourage innovative and collaborative working, with offices enhanced by landscaped outdoor terraces. James Burchell, Founder of Tellon Capital, added: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of RED Construction Group for 40 Broadway, allowing us to commence construction of this landmark new building for Westminster. We are thrilled to be delivering a high-quality office development that sets an example for a high-performing building whilst considering the sensitive local context. This is a really exciting project, breathing new life into Westminster.” Ian Hopkinson, Executive Director at RED Construction Group, commented: “The redevelopment of 40 Broadway is a prime example of what RED Construction London does best. Nestled in the heart of Westminster, our team is well-versed in appraising the unique construction challenges due to the capital’s heritage and scale. Tellon Capital’s 40 Broadway is yet another first-class well-being-focused office development that we are excited to be a part of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has grown its further education portfolio with an appointment to build a new 24,000 sq ft extension at Loreto Sixth Form College in Hulme, a project that will accommodate 264 new students. Work is now underway on the new three-storey campus building, which is being constructed on Moss Road West adjacent to the existing campus on Chichester Road South. Planning permission for the expansion was secured in September last year, following which Caddick Construction undertook a series of preparatory works under a pre-construction services agreement. With an emphasis on environmental sustainability and minimising operational carbon, the new campus building will have 39.8% of its electrical demands met by renewable sources. Features include air source heat pumps, solar panels, passive ventilation systems and night cooling. Sustainable forms of transport will also be encouraged as part of the campus investment with the introduction of EV charging and bike storage for 100 bikes. The new building will sit alongside the existing college building, with facilities to enhance the learning environment and curriculum delivery. These include 20 classrooms, a lecture theatre with a seating capacity of 200 and a new study centre. The work will also include partial refurbishment of existing college buildings with new science labs, new catering facilities and a 110 sq m outdoor canopied seating area. A science garden and landscaped reflection spaces will also be created to maximise the use of green space. Throughout the building work, Caddick Construction will work with Loreto College to ensure the students are engaged in the project, including opportunities to complement the teaching curriculum. Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North West, commented: “Education projects are a chance to make a real difference. Loreto College has taken on an ambitious project to not only bring more students into the college, but to offer them the very best education. To do so while also investing in ways to operate more sustainably is a testament to the quality of education Loreto provides. We are very proud to be delivering the college’s vision and look forward to working closely with them as the project progresses.”Michael Jaffrain, Principal at Loreto College, added: “We are excited about the opportunities this expansion brings and to maximise our green space for biodiversity and air quality.” The project was procured through the NHS Shared Business Services Public Sector Construction Works Framework, which covers all types of building and construction works, providing the NHS and the wider public sector a compliant route to market for construction works. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, has announced its appointment by Aviva Investors to carry out a major £20m office refurbishment to Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, Shoreditch. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building previously housed furniture and clothing manufacturing and is set to undergo extensive refurbishment and structural alterations to the existing office into Cat A and B workspace. RED Construction’s London team will carry out the works, implementing new structural walkways, rooftop terraces, a new main entrance, reception area and new lifts. Designed by architects, Anomaly, Curtain House will be refurbished with a key focus on sustainable practices, aiming for BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. Set to complete in Q3 2025, the project will see the RED team undertake considered external masonry and window restoration, a refurbishment of the existing timber floors, and repair of internal brickwork and steel columns. The works are set to complement the rich history associated with the building, whilst transforming the office facilities for the modern-day tenant. Dave Osborne, Group Director at RED Construction London, commented: “Our appointment to work on such a historic building in the capital is a testament to RED Construction London’s extensive track record with considered refurbishment. The team’s experience working with heritage-rich sites and implementing new-age sustainable practices make RED the ideal partner for Aviva Investors’ plans to preserve and progress Curtain House.” RED Construction Group’s partnership with Aviva Investors has developed throughout the project’s PCSA period, with the companies aligning on their values to give back to the community. Working with the Black Girls in Property Programme at The Land Collective, an organisation aiming to bridge the gap between ethnically diverse youth and the built environment industry, the Curtain House project team welcomed 20 girls for a site visit and talks from expert speakers. RED Construction Group’s active contribution aims to build a more inclusive and dynamic future for the industry, emphasising the significance of social value and the importance of leaving a positive legacy. The news follows RED Construction Group’s completion of comprehensive refurbishment works at Hines’ £36.6m flagship mixed-use retail and office scheme at 80 New Bond Street, working alongside award-winning architecture firm Orms to transform the 37,414 sq ft space in the heart of London. RED Construction Group continues to be the contractor of choice for sustainable redevelopment and refurbishment projects, and delivering on historic inner-city London sites. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has marked a significant milestone in the delivery of the North East’s first Dakota Hotel by hosting a steel signing ceremony. The erection of the steel marks a crucial phase in the transformation of the vacant St Anne’s Wharf building on Newcastle’s vibrant Quayside into a 118-room luxury boutique hotel. Attended by key stakeholders and project team members, the ceremony highlighted the collaborative effort and commitment to excellence which defines the project. Dakota Hotel Newcastle will generate 150 new jobs and provide an additional 65,000 visitor nights per year – creating an estimated £1.5m boost to the local economy. Much of the building’s current features and details will be retained to complement its architectural heritage, with a number of exciting additions, including a new-look entrance lobby, reception and signature ground floor Bar & Grill. An existing courtyard is being reconfigured to create a vehicle drop off area, while the first floor will feature bedroom terraces. PV panels and Air Source Heat Pumps will be installed to provide renewable energy. Construction of Dakota Hotel Newcastle is on schedule, with completion anticipated for Spring 2025. The project sees GMI continue its strong relationship with developer Evans Property Group’s Dakota brand – having previously completed three Dakota Hotels in Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow. The UK hotel chain, which also has hotels in Edinburgh and Motherwell, regularly welcomes celebrity guests. The building at 112 Quayside previously held a number of tenants, including law firm Womble Bond Dickinson. It had been based there since 1998 until relocating its 400 staff into the Spark building at Newcastle Helix. Gary Oates, GMI’s Regional Director, North East, said: “The steel signing represents a major step forward in the redevelopment of this landmark building. Our team is committed to delivering a hotel that reflects the high standards and elegance associated with the Dakota brand. “This project showcases GMI’s dedication to quality and innovation in construction, and we are excited to see the vision taking shape.” Marc Banks, a director of Evans Property Group, added: “Reaching this milestone in the development of Dakota Hotels Newcastle marks a significant achievement and we are proud to bring a project of this calibre to the North East, which offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and comfort.“ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has been appointed by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as lead contractor for the design and build of the new Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex University Hospital and demolition works of the current MRI building at the hospital have commenced. This new collaboration, secured through a competitive bid process, builds on the long-term partnership between the Trust, Bouygues UK and its subsidiaries. The new five-storey facility will provide vital diagnostic and treatment services in cancer, renal and imaging for local residents in Hounslow, Richmond and Ealing. It aims to reduce health inequalities, improve patient outcomes and provide care closer to home, freeing up space in the main hospital for inpatient care. The centre will support outpatient care and will offer day services for patients. The project includes five storeys of new build, a rooftop plant and a small terrace area. On the ground floor there will be a new single storey link corridor to the existing hospital building. Social value will play a key role in the project and the contractor will be supporting the local community with apprenticeships and work experience placements, as well as working with educational institutions in the area and taking part in local charity initiatives. Bouygues UK is currently working in partnership with MITSkills, London Borough of Hounslow and JCP Hounslow on a training and skills development programme and sustainable long-term employment opportunities for local people. The contractor will be taking on 11 apprentices and providing around 50 work experience opportunities with MITSkills throughout the project. Fabienne Viala, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK said, “We are thrilled to be partnering again with Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and leading the construction of this much-needed diagnostic centre. This project underscores our commitment to delivering sustainable, state-of-the-art facilities that will significantly benefit the local community.” Lesley Watts CBE, Chief Executive of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The new diagnostic centre at West Middlesex University Hospital will provide a vital service for our residents, speeding up diagnosis and treatment. Most importantly it will improve early diagnosis and health outcomes for patients in our community for years to come.” Bouygues UK has a track record of delivering healthcare infrastructure across the United Kingdom, following the successful completion of University College London Hospital’s Grafton Way building a state-of-the-art cancer and surgery centre in 2022, and the ongoing development of Oriel, an integrated eye care, research and education centre. This new development is designed to be an all-electric building and supports both Bouygues UK’s and the Trust’s commitment to the sustainable development of new builds and facilities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has begun on GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd’s new £14m manufacturing facility and office complex, which will transform a 24,000 sqm vacant site on Caton Road in Lancaster into a sustainable and captivating riverside location. Conlon Construction and Cassidy + Ashton are leading on the project and will deliver a transformative UK headquarters that pays homage to the company’s Italian heritage. With roots stretching back to 1979, GVS manufactures highly technical filtration systems for healthcare, life science, safety and automotive sectors. The move will see all c.200 employees from GVS’s current UK office in Morecambe relocate to a new two-storey, low carbon waterside development in Lancaster, in a move that supports the company’s drive to net zero. Leveraging extensive experience in delivering sustainable projects, Conlon Construction will incorporate renewable energy and heat transfer management systems into the build. The new headquarters will also feature a sophisticated drainage system that channels surface water through grassed swales within the car park, leading to a meticulously landscaped wildlife pond, before ultimately releasing the water into the River Lune. The Bamber Bridge-based contractor is working alongside North West architects and planning consultancy, Cassidy + Ashton, who designed the scheme and secured planning permission for the ambitious project. The proposals see both parties working in partnership to transform an existing warehouse into GVS’s new production facilities, comprising injection moulding and high-tech filter manufacturing, which is carried out under ‘clean room’ standards. Conlon will also deliver space for warehousing and storage, plus a striking reception, office, and administration area. Darren Lee, commercial director at Conlon Construction, said: “This project suits our skills and experience at Conlon to a tee. We’ve delivered net zero builds for multiple clients, from the education sector to industrial units, and we’re thrilled to be involved in transforming this site into an inspiring and efficient workplace. “As a Lancashire business, we’ve a rich history of bringing spaces across the county, and beyond, to life – whether that’s through transforming areas with untapped potential or restoring historically significant buildings. “The plans by Cassidy + Ashton are spectacular. GVS will soon have a UK base reflective of its Italian roots and manufacturing prowess.” Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, GVS, a leading manufacturer of medical products and personal protective equipment, played a pivotal role in supplying the NHS with protective face masks specified to the highest classification. Miguel Aranda, Managing Director at GVS Filter Technology UK Ltd, said: “I am very impressed with the progress of the new building and am looking forward to the move next year in 2025. I can’t wait to start afresh in a new location where there will be improvements in our main drivers like safety, quality, delivery, productivity and cost, sustainability, inventory and the most important one, an improved working environment for our people.” Alistair Baines, chairman of Cassidy + Ashton, said: “After several years in the making, it’s great to finally see the works progressing on site. We know how important this project is for GVS as a company and I’m sure it will help strengthen their operations both regionally and globally.” Conlon Construction has broken ground on the former Sofidel site, kicking off construction in a special ceremony attended by representatives from the contractor, Cassidy + Ashton, GVS, structural engineer Sleater & Watson and M&E designer, DRB Environmental Design. Completion is expected in spring 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
