Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the transformation of Atlantic House in Reading, delivering the new Reading Police Station for Thames Valley Police (TVP). The fit-out and refurbishment specialist has repurposed over 37,000 sq ft of office space across three floors, providing TVP with a facility that delivers the operational requirements
Maslon’s office design prioritizes health and collaboration, setting a new standard for law firms Perkins&Will Minneapolis studio has partnered with Maslon LLP to set a new benchmark in workplace design, reimagining the law firm’s offices on the 29th and 30th floors of Capella Tower into a model of well-being and sustainability, and making Maslon the
Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation. Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College,
An office fit-out project by Morris & Spottiswood that incorporates modular construction and circular economy approaches has delivered embodied carbon savings equivalent to driving 45,255km in a large diesel car[1] – enough to circumnavigate the globe (40,000 km at the equator). The project to relocate Morris & Spottiswood’s own Glasgow
Innovative office redevelopment’s accreditation a first for Gilbert-Ash Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has welcomed confirmation its £29million office redevelopment on Manchester’s Great Bridgewater Street has been recognised as a ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ project. BREEAM is an internationally recognised standard for sustainability and to achieve this rating, the developer, architects
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the restoration and refurbishment of the former Granada cinema building in east London on behalf of Waltham Forest Council, delivering a transformative project that has reinvested millions into the local community. It opens as a new cultural and entertainment venue, managed by Soho Theatre Walthamstow,
Practical completion reached at The Crescent Centre as fit out company appointed On behalf of investment and development company CEG, Kier has completed the redevelopment of Crescent at Temple Quay in Bristol. The building has been transformed to include a new two-storey feature façade, a rooftop extension and the addition
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is delighted to announce its new partnership with The Skills Centre to deliver essential training and support for individuals pursuing careers in the finishes and interiors sector. This collaboration aims to address the growing skills shortage in construction, specifically in this sector, which faces
The Government Property Agency (GPA) has appointed Wates Smartspace to deliver the Category B (Cat B) fit-out of its flagship First Street Hub in Manchester city centre, marking a major step toward the completion of one of the UK’s most significant regional government office projects. The appointment follows a competitive
One of the UK’s leading principal contractors is continuing to branch out into education after making a high-profile hire. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, has appointed Billy Sneddon as its dedicated Contracts Manager for this specialist area with the brief of generating more than
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the transformation of Atlantic House in Reading, delivering the new Reading Police Station for Thames Valley Police (TVP). The fit-out and refurbishment specialist has repurposed over 37,000 sq ft of office space across three floors, providing TVP with a facility that delivers the operational requirements for the area. The completion of the project enables TVP to consolidate its operations and transition from its previous premises on Castle Street in Reading. Each floor of Atlantic House has been fully refurbished with new ceilings, partitions, and high-quality finishes, alongside upgraded MEP systems. Police officers and staff working from the new facility also benefit from new locker and shower facilities, and other improvements such as communal break-out areas which enhance workplace wellbeing. The project worked to high environmental standards and is set to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating. It was delivered via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF). As part of its commitment to social value, Willmott Dixon Interiors invested in the local community through supplier partnerships, engagement with schools and colleges, and employment opportunities. Nick Kent, project director at Willmott Dixon Interiors said: “The successful refurbishment of Atlantic House provides TVP with a high-quality, efficient, and sustainable workplace tailored to the needs of a modern police force. Beyond delivering a first-class facility, we are proud to have made a meaningful contribution to the local community, supporting employment, skills development, and social initiatives that leave a lasting legacy.” James Wright, head of SCF (South East & London) said: “The completion of this modern and sustainable workspace is a big milestone for TVP and will enable their teams to continue delivering the highest standards for the community. It has been a pleasure to support such a crucial public service in the delivery of these new facilities.” Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed more than 50 fit out and refurbishment projects in the blue light and secured environment sector in recent years. These include projects for the Ministry of Defence and Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and the provision of justice and custody facilities for the Ministry of Justice. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Maslon’s office design prioritizes health and collaboration, setting a new standard for law firms Perkins&Will Minneapolis studio has partnered with Maslon LLP to set a new benchmark in workplace design, reimagining the law firm’s offices on the 29th and 30th floors of Capella Tower into a model of well-being and sustainability, and making Maslon the first law firm in Minnesota to achieve WELL Certification from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) at the Gold level. The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being. Unlike traditional sustainability certifications that focus primarily on energy and environmental performance, WELL Certification prioritizes the health and well-being of occupants, requiring adherence to rigorous standards across air, water, nourishment, light, movement, and other critical factors that influence workplace experience. By prioritizing employee health and well-being, Perkins&Will helped Maslon redefine what a law office can be, blending innovation, sustainability, and human-centered design to create a workplace that enhances productivity, collaboration, and overall wellness. Designing for Well-Being, Not Just Work Perkins&Will fostered Maslon’s vision for a healthier, more engaging work environment for the firm’s attorneys and professional staff. The office integrates WELL principles through: New Era for Law Office Design Historically, law offices have been characterized by enclosed, hierarchical layouts with limited transparency. Maslon’s new space challenges this traditional model, embracing openness and connectivity. Employees now benefit from glass partitions that maintain privacy while increasing visibility, equitably sized offices, an open work café fostering informal collaboration, and a dynamic, flexible workspace tailored for modern workstyles. “WELL Certification goes beyond sustainability—it’s about creating spaces where people thrive,” said Anne Smith, Senior Interior Designer at Perkins&Will’s Minneapolis studio. “Maslon embraced a revolutionary approach to law office design, prioritizing well-being, collaboration, and flexibility in ways that challenge traditional legal workplaces. We’re proud to have helped bring this forward-thinking vision to life.” A Strategic Investment in Talent and Culture In a competitive talent market, workplace experience plays a critical role in attracting and retaining top professionals. Maslon’s pursuit of WELL Certification was driven by a commitment to creating a workplace that prioritizes its people. This investment has already yielded tangible results: A Leesman survey measuring workplace experience showed a significant jump in employee satisfaction, with scores rising from 71.4 to 86.5—far surpassing the industry benchmark of 66.1. “We wanted to demonstrate our commitment to the health and well-being of our employees and partners and to create an environment that encourages everyone to come into the office,” said Susan Cyronek, Maslon’s Director of Human Resources. “We wanted a new space to support recruitment efforts by showcasing our collaborative environment, its many amenities, and our artwork, and we’re thrilled with the result.” Pioneering the Future of Workplace Design WELL Certification underscores a broader shift in office design trends. More organizations are recognizing that prioritizing employee well-being isn’t just a benefit—it’s a strategic imperative. Perkins&Will continues to lead this evolution, designing workplaces that blend innovation, sustainability, and human-centric solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation. Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College, with its trailblazing USP Immersive Theatre, both spaces were designed to challenge the norms of traditional teaching and deliver deeply engaging, real-world-ready learning environments. Designing the Future with USP College At USP College, the goal was ambitious: to build a flexible immersive theatre that could seamlessly incorporate VR and provide an experience far beyond conventional classrooms’ limits. In an interview with Dan Pearson, USP College CEO, he quoted saying “we have a vision of what we want the space to be able to do. A strategic vision about… future purpose and ensure we stay ahead of time. We knew that the architects that we chose have to be somebody that deliver, someone that can come and give it the wow factor.” WindsorPatania Architects was the chosen entity and led the charge from day one. “Design information was presented in a format that enabled both the client and building user to easily understand how the physical space was going to be utilised,” said John Blundell (MCIOB) from TJEvers. This early alignment helped everyone involved see the vision. As the Architect Director of this project, my main challenge, as usual, is to keep everything together. All these orders, requests, as well as the budget constraints, the timeline. And we’re really pleased to say that we managed to achieve our great results.” The team tackled key design requirements such as adaptability, future-proofing, and ease of use well before construction. Their early involvement ensured that the physical environment would serve the evolving needs of students and staff alike. Our Development Director, Ryan Windsor notes that when we’re thinking about what we’re doing to the space and how we’re gonna transform it, we often think about assets. We want to create an asset for the College or Universities. We want to inspire the students. James McInroy, USP College Executive Director shared that- “What we’ve done is… provided brand-new facilities which are modern, state-of-the-art, and conducive with the current climate and reflect the external employment environment.” One of the most significant breakthroughs came from how the people involved used VR during the design phase. “The ability of the VR technology to quickly model on ‘Site Survey’ and ‘As Built’ information greatly assisted design change, coordination of M&E services, and installation of FF&E elements,” Blundell added. Despite the project’s technical complexity, the group completed the immersive theatre fit-out in 12 weeks—a testament to Windsor Patania Architects streamlined design and integration process. Chris Murgatroyd, USP College Vice Principal Academic added, “previously, the space was drab, it was old, it was tired, it was slightly depressing to walk into.” WindsorPatania Architects’ task was to come in and build that wow factor. We decided to go for a really minimalistic look for everything, such as old tribunes, the sitting area, the monitor, and we just decided to emphasize the ceiling as the main feature of the space. Dan Pearson commented that -” the transformation was outstanding”. After seeing the complete transformation of the spaces. While Chris Murgatroyd added a compliment as “Now, when we come into the area, it’s engaging, and it’s exciting.” Steven Hendy, USP College CFO, expresses his desire to have an environment that is available to all USP College students. He is proud that the investment has paid off. When you design a beautiful space with a wow factor, you also have to think about how you get to the space from outside. So, in the case of the immersive theatre, we found the opportunity to create feature corridors, like a portal that leads you to a new dimension. As you’re walking into the new space, you feel like something beautiful is going to happen. And as you open the doors and enter, your expectations are fully satisfied as you see a stunning masterpiece bought together by a collaboration of experts with a feature of a delicate and illuminated ceiling which highlights the area. The main aspect of the T-level labs to make them successful as a design was to channel all the requests and the brief from the college itself into a functional layout. Creating Connection with The XR Lab At Eastern Education Group, the vision was clear: build a space that removes the barrier of geography and brings education closer to the real world. The result was the XR Lab—an immersive environment where students don’t just learn about their subjects, but they live them. Learners can use the XR Lab in a wide range of subjects: health, counselling, chemistry, engineering, renewables, maths, logistics, and more. “There are so many examples,” Tom Lloyd shared. Every Friday, our health and applied science students come into study using a specific piece of software that our team has created.” Staff also receive training and hands-on support. “As part of every personal development day, all staff get the chance to work and better understand the capabilities of the XR lab,” Tom Lloyd said. “The XR team are [sic] available to offer significant support to them every time they want to use the new technology.” Designing this space meant considering how students of all learning styles and abilities would interact with the technology. Ethical use, community engagement, and preferred learning styles were all factored into WindsorPatania’s thoughtful and inclusive design approach. “We wanted to create a cutting-edge space that would remove the barrier of geography and close the gap between industry and education,” said Tom Lloyd from Eastern Education Group. The impact has been transformational. “It increases engagement in our experience. It also stimulates excitement to learn and supports knowledge and skill acquisition. The data captured backs this up,” Tom Lloyd added. The immersive nature of the lab boosts student motivation, and early data trends point to better learning outcomes
An office fit-out project by Morris & Spottiswood that incorporates modular construction and circular economy approaches has delivered embodied carbon savings equivalent to driving 45,255km in a large diesel car[1] – enough to circumnavigate the globe (40,000 km at the equator). The project to relocate Morris & Spottiswood’s own Glasgow office to new premises Eastworks, in the Dalmarnock area of the city, offered a unique opportunity for the business to showcase its full end-to-end service, drawing on expertise from the wider Morris & Spottiswood Group. With a clear focus on carbon reduction, the team committed to a circular approach, which included re-purposing existing flooring finishes and sourcing second hand furniture through partner company, Inspire Spaces. The reuse of materials has reduced the project’s carbon impact by 7.591 tonnes CO2e, which is a saving of 8.73% compared to procuring new materials and products. What’s more, the use of an innovative ‘plug and play’ modular pod system has saved 1.790 tonnes CO2e compared to creating a similar build-up using traditional methods – equivalent to flying 11,701km in short haul economy flights to and from the UK. The prefabricated pods are manufactured offsite, with all necessary cabling, lighting and services already integrated within the partitions, ready to be quickly assembled onsite and simply connected to a standard power supply. Various pod configurations are available, all of which are fully demountable and can be easily reconfigured or even disassembled and moved elsewhere should the need arise. This modular design vastly speeds up project delivery, with pods assembled in a matter of days rather than weeks, while waste is reduced thanks to the precision engineering and high-quality finish that can be achieved in a factory setting. “The pods have enabled us to deliver a high-quality fit-out within much shorter timescales,” Gordon Clyne, Joint Managing Director at Morris & Spottiswood commented. “In this instance, we installed a glass-fronted boardroom, flanked by two adjoining multi-purpose office spaces. The three pods were assembled and functional within four days – a feat that would have taken several weeks if we were required to construct and connect the spaces using traditional methods. “From work commencing on site in early January, to project completion at the end of March, this project has been delivered at an accelerated pace without compromising on quality – a testament to the efficiencies, both in time and carbon savings, that can be achieved by a multi-disciplinary service provider, such as the wider Morris & Spottiswood Group.” Decarbonisation has been a firm priority throughout the project and a Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA) was undertaken by crbn solutions, another business within the Morris & Spottiswood Group that specialises in carbon reduction strategies. The LCA found that the project’s upfront embodied carbon was 93kg CO2e / m2 – significantly lower than the current 2025 threshold suggested by the UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard (260kg CO2e / m2) but also comfortably achieving the 2038 target of less than 100kg CO2e / m2. Oliver Connew, Associate at crbn solutions commented: “We viewed the Dalmarnock office move as an opportunity to deliver a flagship project that demonstrates our full service offering and incorporates the latest in fit-out approaches. The carbon reductions found in the LCA are a clear indication of this and reflect the careful decision making that has gone into every aspect of the project – from purposefully choosing a building that offers long term energy security, being part of a district heat network, to considering things such as the local transport facilities to help reduce travel-related carbon.” Drawing on the expertise of the wider Morris & Spottiswood Group, the project exemplifies the unique end-to-end service offering through its portfolio of nine businesses working seamlessly together to deliver a truly turnkey solution – including Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA) by crbn solutions; architectural design and building warrant applications managed by McLennan Chartered Architects, who also contributed to the interior design alongside Inspire Spaces; M&E design and installation supplied by Livingston; materials supplied by Builders Station; flooring installed by Morris & Spottiswood’s Flooring division and bespoke carpentry details provided by Morris & Spottiswood’s in-house joinery workshop. The upper floor presents the Inspire Spaces furniture showcase and hospitality area for hosting internal and external events. Utilising this space, the new office was officially opened to staff at a celebratory event on Thursday 24th April, which was attended by George Morris – Chairman of the Morris & Spottiswood Group and grandson of founder George Morris – and his mother, Janet Morris. For more information please visit: www.morrisandspottiswoodgroup.co.uk [1] Total embodied carbon savings of 9.381 tonnes CO2e, with comparison calculated using an emissions factor of 0.20729 kgCO2e/km from the latest 2024 DESNZ ghg conversion factors: www.gov.uk/government/publications/greenhouse-gas-reporting-conversion-factors-2024 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Innovative office redevelopment’s accreditation a first for Gilbert-Ash Leading construction and fit-out company, Gilbert-Ash, has welcomed confirmation its £29million office redevelopment on Manchester’s Great Bridgewater Street has been recognised as a ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ project. BREEAM is an internationally recognised standard for sustainability and to achieve this rating, the developer, architects and engineers must think outside the box in order to create a truly sustainable project. In the UK, less than 1% of registered non-domestic buildings have achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating. This is the first Gilbert-Ash project to have received this accreditation. Gilbert-Ash’s scope of works at the former warehouse site included the design and build redevelopment of an existing office building with the addition of two levels to form new CAT A office space over nine floors, including basement. As the company continues its relentless drive to deliver generational projects, a number of innovative approaches were taken throughout the work on Havelock House to ensure the BREEAM Outstanding rating could be achieved. From the outset, OMI Architects engaged with the BRE Green Guide and this engagement was followed through into the construction stage to ensure appropriately sourced products from the supply chain were selected. A deep retrofit strategy, included the installation of an entirely new façade system, developed as the optimum solution through the use of a whole-life carbon option appraisal, ensuring that, through the utilisation of the existing structure, the project retained 2,000 CO2e of embodied carbon, the equivalent of planting 10,250 trees. The offsite fabrication of the unitised façade reduced waste and shortened the construction time on site while the rainwater harvesting in the basement minimised the site’s water consumption. Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said this rating is further evidence of the company’s ability to deliver stand-out iconic projects. “At Gilbert-Ash we have delivered some of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic spaces and we are thrilled Havelock House is our first project to receive BREEAM Outstanding certification. “Innovation, collaboration and determination are at the heart of everything we do and this recognition is thoroughly deserved.” Gilbert-Ash Environmental, Social and Governance Lead, Michael Heron said everyone involved with the project is proud their efforts have been recognised in this manner. He said: “Over the years, Gilbert-Ash has garnered a plethora of BREEAM Excellent and Very Good ratings but this is a new level for us. “To achieve this BREEAM Outstanding recognition, we had to implement at least 10 minimum standards including an air quality plan, a building user guide, seasonal commissioning and the responsible sourcing of construction products. “It would not have been possible to achieve this accreditation without early engagement by OMI Architects with the Green Guide. Implementing BREEAM Outstanding will ensure resource efficiency and lower maintenance and energy costs over the structure’s lifespan.” Havelock House has been used in the UK Green Building Council document ‘Building the Case for Net Zero: Retrofitting Office Buildings’ and has achieved Wiredscore (Platinum) and NABERS 5* accreditation. Gilbert-Ash has a unique approach to construction, fit-out and refurbishment based on the belief that great buildings come about through hard work, inspired innovation and genuine collaboration. It is also seeking to attract the industry’s best talent to deliver landmark projects. To find out more about Gilbert-Ash visit www.gilbert-ash.com/careers Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the restoration and refurbishment of the former Granada cinema building in east London on behalf of Waltham Forest Council, delivering a transformative project that has reinvested millions into the local community. It opens as a new cultural and entertainment venue, managed by Soho Theatre Walthamstow, from May 2025. The Grade II* listed building has been transformed into a modern, 960-seat multi-purpose cultural venue, providing a vibrant space for residents, communities and businesses. The restoration, originally budgeted at £30 million, was shaped by extensive consultation with local people, ensuring it meets the needs of Walthamstow’s cultural scene and night-time economy. The theatre includes a fully restored and refurbished main auditorium, complete with new stage and seating arrangements to enhance sightlines and acoustics. There are three new bar areas, two studio spaces, a media suite and a café catering to local residents and visiting audiences. Willmott Dixon Interiors has carefully revived the historic features of the building, using an “arrested decay” approach in the main auditorium which retains the character of the space, whilst key features such as the foyer, ziggurat ceiling and main façade have been restored and repaired. The venue will house the very best UK and international comedy, theatre, cabaret and panto, alongside a lively creative engagement programme. It will support the local and night-time economy, providing jobs and a boost to existing businesses. More than £6.7 million in social and economic value has been invested by Willmott Dixon Interiors into Waltham Forest’s communities during the project’s delivery. This includes a significant commitment to locally based supply chain partners and the creation of over 60 new jobs. Staff from Willmott Dixon Interiors also donated a combined total of more than 4,000 hours dedicated to supporting unemployed people into work, offering training, apprenticeship and work experience opportunities for young people aged 16-24. Simon Wilson, operations director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, commented: “Restoring the Grade II* listed former Granada cinema has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Not only have we brought this much-loved building back to life as a world-class entertainment venue, but we have also delivered substantial social and economic value for the local community. “Our project team has successfully balanced the preservation of the building’s heritage with the need for a modern, functional space. We’re proud to have played a part in its revival and are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the local community for years to come.” Cllr Ahsan Khan, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and regeneration said: “We are thrilled that after years of dedicated restoration the former Granada cinema building reopened its doors as Soho Theatre Walthamstow this May. The revival of this iconic venue embodies our vision of Waltham Forest as a vibrant neighbourhood where there is culture on every corner. “Our investment will create new job opportunities for local people, provide an important boost to the night-time economy, and open up the joy of creating and performing to a new generation. The long-term benefits will make a real difference for everyone that lives, works, or studies in Waltham Forest.” Courtney Cole, client relationship manager – South at Procurement Hub, said: “We’re proud to celebrate the completion of the former Granada cinema building – a stunning restoration of a 1930s cinema-turned-theatre. Thanks to the vision of the London Borough of Waltham Forest and the expertise of Willmott Dixon Interiors, the building has been transformed into a vibrant, multi-use space for the local community. It’s been a pleasure working with both parties on bringing this historic gem back to life.” The restoration of the venue, opening as Soho Theatre Walthamstow, is part of Waltham Forest Council’s London Borough of Culture 2019 legacy. Design architects, Pilbrow & Partners, fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, and construction architects, Bond Bryan, designed, renovated, refurbished and breathed new life into the historic building, with guidance from Historic England and expertise from the council’s conservation and project team, alongside Soho Theatre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Practical completion reached at The Crescent Centre as fit out company appointed On behalf of investment and development company CEG, Kier has completed the redevelopment of Crescent at Temple Quay in Bristol. The building has been transformed to include a new two-storey feature façade, a rooftop extension and the addition of three private roof terraces, the most prominent of which offers unrivalled views over Temple Gardens from the fifth floor. The first letting has already been secured with OVO relocating its UK headquarters to 22,894 sq. ft of space, which includes the entire fifth floor and a fourth-floor suite. Crescent offers 100,000 sq ft of office space and has the largest private garden in the city centre as an added benefit for its occupiers. There is also a secure weatherproof cycle park for 164 bikes and a repair docking facility, wellbeing and fitness studio with leisure club changing facilities. As well as targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, the building is targeting Net Zero Carbon in operation. Reuse of the existing structure provides a 45% reduction in upfront embodied carbon over new build, allied with best-in-class energy efficient heating and cooling, makes Crescent a compelling sustainability option. CEG has now appointed Bath-based fit out specialist, Interaction, to deliver break out workspace and beautiful fitted office suites. The fitted office suites will provide occupiers with the option of taking tailor made space ready for immediate occupation or taking traditional office suites where they can deliver their own fit out. Interaction’s Business Director, Hannah Eardley said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with CEG on such a transformative project. The design balances sustainability with a deep respect for the building’s heritage, incorporating nods to Bristol’s rich manufacturing history such as the original fabric racks and pottery. By reimagining communal areas with thoughtful, flexible design, we’re creating a space that really works for its occupiers, offering something for everyone. This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to deliver not just a workplace, but a destination where community and sustainability are at the heart of the experience.” Paul Richardson, Investment Manager at CEG, said; “Crescent sits in a prime location on Temple Back. This is a first-class redevelopment and Interaction’s interior design will deliver a contemporary and healthy place to work, supported by amenities including a ribbon business lounge, Temple Grind café, well-being and fitness studio.” The development will offer floor plates of 18,000 sq ft. It also benefits from the ability to accommodate a range of requirements from 1,600 sq ft upwards. Carter Jonas and Savills have been appointed to launch the development to market. Harry Allen, Director of Office Agency South-West at Savills, said: “Crescent offers exceptional space for small and growing businesses, from 16 desks to 180, it will create a vibrant and thriving business community. The building’s flexibility and market leading tenant amenities, from a private garden to a café and gym, will appeal to Bristol businesses seeking best in class working environments for their staff with Net Zero commitments.” This £30 million investment is the latest in significant investments into the CEG Group’s portfolio in Bristol which, to date, stands at £234 million. The team is managing a 250,000 sq ft Bristol portfolio, has refurbished the Quorum, delivered the award-winning EQ at 111 Victoria Street and 1000 Aztec West. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) is delighted to announce its new partnership with The Skills Centre to deliver essential training and support for individuals pursuing careers in the finishes and interiors sector. This collaboration aims to address the growing skills shortage in construction, specifically in this sector, which faces a critical demand for skilled workers. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the construction sector will require an additional 251,500 workers by 2028. Furthermore, 61% of FIS members report struggling to find skilled workers, highlighting the urgency of this partnership to address the skills gap. As the UK continues to invest in reaching its Net Zero targets, retrofit projects will increase, driving continued demand for insulation and drylining skills as the 2050 deadline approaches. Through this collaboration, The Skills Centre will deliver a series of Bootcamps designed to provide individuals with the hands-on training and industry-specific knowledge necessary to kickstart their careers in the finishes and interiors sector. These intensive programmes will bridge the gap between talent supply and employer demand, offering practical experience and career support to participants. The first offering will be an Introduction to Insulation and Drylining course, which is a free, eight-week programme. Successful participants will earn a Level 2 qualification. The training and qualifications* will include: -Cskills Level 1 Health & Safety -CITB CSCS Health & Safety Environment (Green Card) -Level 2 Understanding Domestic Retrofit -Level 2 Removing Non-Hazardous Waste in the Workplace (Blue Card) -Environmental awareness in the construction industry -Introduction to Interior Systems -Introduction to Passive Fire In addition, a new Drylining Apprenticeship will be available for pre-screened local candidates who have come through funded Bootcamps. This specialist training will cover Partition Walls, MF Ceilings, Grid Ceilings, Shaft Walls, Metsec Installation, Rainscreen Cladding and Passive Fire Protection. Employers in the finishes and interiors sector are encouraged to get involved and support the initiative by providing interview opportunities or offering work experience placements with a view to future employment. The initiative aims to support workforce development, create opportunities for career growth, and enhance the talent pipeline within the sector. Commenting on the initiative, FIS Head of Skills Beena Nana, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with The Skills Centre to enhance the support we provide to our members while tackling the growing skills shortages in our industry. This partnership enables us to combine resources and expertise, fostering opportunities for development, training, and growth, which will ultimately benefit our members and the broader community by addressing critical workforce challenges.” Sam Downton, Director at The Skills Centre added: “Our new partnership with FIS marks a significant step forward for the interior systems and drylining sector. This part of the industry plays a critical role in shaping the internal environments where we live, work, and learn—but it continues to face skills shortages and often flies under the radar as a long-term, rewarding career option. “Joining forces with FIS brings together their sector leadership and our expertise in delivering high-quality, hands-on training. Central to this partnership are our specialist Bootcamps, which are imperative for attracting new talent into the industry. They provide a direct route for individuals—many of whom are new to construction—to gain essential skills, site experience, and the confidence to move straight into employment. “For employers, these Bootcamps open up access to a wider, work-ready talent pool and offer a practical solution to workforce gaps. Together with FIS, we’re not only building stronger pathways into the sector, but also helping to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and skilled future for interior systems and drylining across London and Essex”. Employers can also attend planned visits to the following training centres to meet candidates and see the training in action: If you are an employer interested in attending any of these sessions or would like to support this initiative, please contact Beena Nana at beenanana@thefis.org or call 0121 707 0077. For employers interested in finding out more about the Bootcamps and how they can get involved, a dedicated webinar will provide all the information needed to get started. *Actual qualifications delivered may vary based on employer demand at the time of delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Government Property Agency (GPA) has appointed Wates Smartspace to deliver the Category B (Cat B) fit-out of its flagship First Street Hub in Manchester city centre, marking a major step toward the completion of one of the UK’s most significant regional government office projects. The appointment follows a competitive tender process and will see Wates Smartspace take on responsibility for the full internal fit-out of the nine-storey building, transforming it into a fully functional office space for around 2,600 civil servants. The new hub is part of the GPA’s wider Government Hubs Programme and will house teams from several key departments, including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), and the Department for Education (DfE). Completion of the project is expected in Autumn 2026. With the recent completion of the Category A (Cat A) fit-out and lease commencement, the Cat B contract marks the final major hurdle ahead of the building’s full operational readiness. Once complete, the First Street Hub will be one of the largest cross-departmental government facilities outside London and is set to become a key anchor for civil service operations in the North. In addition to its scale, the hub is notable for its strong focus on sustainability, targeting an impressive NABERS 5.5* rating. “We are proud of the progress we continue to make as we work to provide high-quality and sustainable workplaces for civil servants across the UK,” said Georgina Dunn, Interim Director of Capital Projects at the GPA. The £105 million development has been forward-funded by the Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), and supports the Government Hubs Programme’s mission to rationalise the public estate, promote flexible working, and drive economic growth across the UK’s towns and cities. Photo credit: Jon Matthews Architects Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading principal contractors is continuing to branch out into education after making a high-profile hire. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, has appointed Billy Sneddon as its dedicated Contracts Manager for this specialist area with the brief of generating more than £3m in revenue over the next twelve months. The company’s ability to manage complex projects and deliver on time and to budget has made it a natural choice for schools and colleges, with £1m of contracts already completed for organisations in the West Midlands and the North West. These have included a special education needs centre at Birchwood Community High School and multiple jobs for the Invictus Education Trust, which looks after eight schools across Dudley and South Staffs. “Education has always been an area we wanted to explore as we have all the core refurbishment skills required to deliver high quality projects quickly and at the right cost – as we all know the taxpayer has to see value for money,” explained David Cotterill, Managing Director of Inco Contracts. “Labour has announced a big cash injection to upgrade existing schools and, with the supply chain already creaking under pressure, we feel now is the right time to accelerate our expansion and provide services so desperately required to ensure our children learn in the best possible buildings.” He went on to add: “The appointment of Billy Sneddon is an important moment for us. He brings over 10 years’ experience in this sector, a massive book of contacts and supply chain specialists who have a proven track record in education.” Inco Contracts can work alongside architects, designers, and directly with schools to bring buildings back to life or to the required modern-day standards. Services provided range from roof repairs, classroom/toilet refurbishments, mechanical and electrical upgrades, extensions and PV installation. In just the last six months, Inco has transformed an existing library into a dedicated special educational needs unit, equipped with six classrooms, meeting rooms, toilets, reception area and state-of-the-art playground. Invictus Education Trust has also called on the company for resurfacing work, emergency repairs and a refurb of its headquarters at Kinver High School. Billy Sneddon picked up the story: “This is a really exciting opportunity to shape our education offer, so that we bring something a little bit different to an established marketplace. “The beauty of Inco Contracts is that we are agile. This means we can pick up smaller jobs quickly yet are big enough to handle £multi-million projects across the UK. Our people all have experience of working in this environment and understand the need to prioritise the safety of the children and teachers, whilst completing projects alongside their studies. “My approach is to build partnerships with schools, colleges and education providers so we are their ‘go to firm’ in an emergency or for planned works.” He concluded: “Our target is £3m in revenues over the next twelve months and increasing my team so that we have two or three dedicated people working with me on projects.” For further information, please visit www.incocontracts.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
