Government spends £377 million in 9 months to keep British Steel’s Scunthorpe site operating
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) quickly intervened to save British Steel’s Scunthorpe blast furnaces from closure, and has spent £377 million so far to keep the site operational with no budget set at the 2025 Spending Review, and no end date for the intervention a new report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has found.1 Jingye, the owner of British Steel, and DBT had been in talks around transitioning to electric arc furnaces between 2022 and 2025, but had not reached an agreement.2 In March 2025, Jingye announced that it was losing £700,000 per day due to challenging market conditions, tariffs, and high environmental costs, and it was considering the closure of the blast furnaces. This would have resulted in a large number of job losses at Scunthorpe and affected key customers in the supply chain, such as Network Rail. In April 2025, DBT intervened after assessing that timescales were critical due to stocks of raw materials running low, and there was a risk of the blast furnaces being switched off. 3 Emergency legislation – the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025 – was passed to allow DBT to issue formal instructions to British Steel to continue operating its blast furnaces. DBT acted quickly to mobilise a team on site, secure raw materials and put governance arrangements in place. DBT has so far spent £377 million to keep British Steel operating, including spending £15 million on advisers between 12 April 2025 and 31 January 2026, and £359 million to British Steel for operating activities such as paying for raw materials, payroll, and other operating costs. 4 Spending is expected to reach £615 million by June 2026. If spending continues at current rates, it could exceed £1.5 billion in 2028 depending on policy choices that may be taken in the future. DBT has no repayment schedule in place, and it is not apparent that British Steel will be able to repay the loan. 5 DBT was not allocated funding for the intervention at the Spending Review and will have to make savings elsewhere to fund part of the intervention from its existing budgets for 2025-26. DBT considers that the benefits of the intervention have been to ensure the continued and safe operation of the two blast furnaces at the Scunthorpe site, giving the department time to undertake a national security and economic assessment of the steel sector, and to retain primary steelmaking capability in the UK. DBT has been in contact with the owner, with a view to finding a way through that meets the government’s aims of preserving steelmaking in Scunthorpe and enabling future discussions about investment. Longer-term, a transition plan for converting from blast to electric arc furnaces, and a wider transformation plan may be required to support the future viability of the business. DBT has established the Steel Programme which covers on-site management at Scunthorpe and work on future steel policy. DBT plans to publish a steel strategy which is expected to outline measures to address sector-wide challenges and attract investment. 6 The government has also previously announced a £2.5 billion commitment to the steel industry. 7 Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: “DBT was able to act quickly to save British Steel’s Scunthorpe furnaces from closure, avoiding heavy job losses and serious impacts on major UK infrastructure and construction projects. However, the trade-off is the significant cost of maintaining operations, and uncertainty over how long this will continue.” “DBT should learn from this experience to be better prepared for future interventions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Race to the sky: Cardiff set for Wales’ tallest tower
Plans for a striking 50-storey skyscraper in the heart of Cardiff have been granted planning permission, paving the way for what will become the tallest building in Wales. Developer REAP 3, a subsidiary of build-to-rent specialist BlueCastle Capital, has secured approval to replace its previously consented 35-storey project with a significantly taller mixed-use tower. The development will rise to 178 metres and be located beside Cardiff Central Station and the Principality Stadium. Once built, the tower will comfortably surpass Swansea’s 107-metre Meridian Tower, which currently holds the title of Wales’ tallest building. The new scheme will deliver 528 build-to-rent apartments, including 344 one-bedroom and 184 two-bedroom homes. Plans also include a two-storey pavilion building providing commercial space for uses such as restaurants. The development site sits between Wood Street and Rose Lane within the city’s Central Square regeneration district. The new skyscraper will dominate the skyline in this part of the city and significantly exceed the height of the existing 29-storey Meridian Tower in Swansea. Designs for the building include two staircases and five lifts to support residents and visitors. According to REAP 3, the development has been carefully designed to accommodate heavy footfall, particularly during major events at the nearby Principality Stadium, when as many as 80,000 people can pass through the area. The project team includes architect 5plus, structural and MEP engineer WSP, cost consultant Gleeds and BREEAM adviser RLB. BlueCastle Capital is currently assembling a pipeline of build-to-rent developments across several UK cities, although the company is still working to move its first wave of schemes into construction. At present, the developer’s pipeline stands at around 2,500 homes across five projects. BlueCastle Capital build-to-rent pipeline Scheme | Location | Scale | Status Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Firethorn secures Gateway 2 approval for Stratford PBSA development
Firethorn has secured Gateway 2 approval for its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project in Stratford, East London, marking a key regulatory milestone for the developer. The 284-bed development, which will include 35% affordable student accommodation, is being delivered by McAleer & Rushe and forms part of Firethorn’s growing Living portfolio. Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator confirms that the detailed design and construction control arrangements meet critical safety requirements and provide greater regulatory certainty, as outlined in the Building Safety Act. Full-scale construction can now take place, with works due to complete in time for the 2028/29 academic year. Located on Stratford High Street, the development will feature shared study, social and fitness amenities, alongside a ground-floor community space for public use. The site benefits from close proximity to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and is within walking distance of both UCL East and University of the Arts London. In line with Firethorn’s strong commitment to delivering sustainable, best-in-class assets, the development has a target BREEAM “Excellent” rating, with a focus on high-quality building performance and long-term operational efficiency. Paul Martin, Head of Development at Firethorn, commented: “Securing Gateway 2 approval marks a significant milestone, enabling us to move confidently into the construction phase and continue expanding our PBSA platform in one of London’s most dynamic and well‑connected areas. “Working alongside McAleer & Rushe, we are proud to deliver modern, high‑quality and sustainable accommodation in Stratford — a thriving Higher Education hub with exceptional transport links. This development will help meet the strong and growing demand from East London’s student population.” Mark Diamond, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe, commented: “We look forward to progressing the scheme following this approval, which reflects the strength of the collaborative approach taken by the Firethorn and McAleer & Rushe project team. Our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of building safety, quality and sustainability as works commence on-site, delivering safe, modern student accommodation in East London.” The site forms part of Firethorn’s Living portfolio, including PBSA developments in Hackney Wick, Stratford, and The Malt Works at Leith Walk in Edinburgh. For more information, visit www.firethorntrust.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Arup joins team shaping Britain’s first small modular reactor
Engineering consultancy Arup has been appointed to carry out early-stage design and engineering work for the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR), planned for the Wylfa site on Anglesey. Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) confirmed that Arup will provide early-phase foundation engineering and design support as the landmark project begins to take shape. Small modular reactors are designed to accelerate the construction of new nuclear power generation. Their smaller, factory-built components are intended to simplify construction compared with traditional nuclear plants. SMRs are also expected to play a key role in supporting intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, helping to maintain electricity supply during periods of low generation, sometimes referred to as a dunkelflaute or “dark doldrums”. They could also provide direct power connections for major industrial energy users. Plans for the Wylfa scheme were confirmed in November 2025, when GBE-N announced proposals to build three reactors at the site in Ynys Môn, Wales, using technology developed by Rolls-Royce. The project is backed by £2.5bn of UK government funding. Earlier this year, US engineering firm Amentum was selected to lead the delivery programme. It is being supported by a team including Turner & Townsend, Hochtief, Mace Consult and Unipart. Arup’s appointment brings together a group of specialist partners working on the early stages of the project. Landscape architects and master planners LDA Design are involved in shaping the wider site vision, while nuclear safety specialists TÜV SÜD Nuclear Technologies will provide safety expertise. Gleeds has been appointed to focus on cost engineering during the initial phases of site and infrastructure development. Simon Roddy, chief executive of GBE-N, said delivering a safe and integrated design for the UK’s first SMR would require close collaboration between engineering and technology partners. He said the project would rely on strong technical decision-making and innovation, adding that Arup and its partners would play a key role alongside GBE-N and Rolls-Royce SMR. Jeremy Stain, Arup’s nuclear business lead, said the project represented the first step towards a potential fleet of small modular reactors across the UK. He said the development aligned with national energy policy and the drive to reduce carbon emissions while strengthening energy security, with nuclear expected to remain a vital part of the future energy mix. Stain added that Arup was pleased to bring its multidisciplinary engineering expertise and local knowledge to the landmark project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PERI UK launches AI-enabled custom formwork fabrication service powered by dataform.work
PERI UK is making AI-driven custom formwork design and fabrication available to contractors nationwide, following the successful deployment of the technology on an infrastructure scheme in Warwickshire. Powered by dataform.work – the digital construction joint venture co-founded by PERI Group and DataB – the system automates the translation of 3D models into production-ready components, enabling faster, more precise, and more cost-effective delivery of complex geometries. Bespoke formwork has traditionally required extensive manual detailing, programming, and workshop time, particularly where non-standard shapes are involved. Infrastructure schemes, architecturally ambitious buildings, and high-rise projects frequently demand window and door box-outs, void formers, or freeform formwork units that are challenging to achieve using standard system components. The digital workflow enabled by DataB software significantly reduces that complexity while increasing planning reliability. It means that the process — from concept models to component production — can be carried out in less than half the time. Proven on HS2 The technology was first deployed in the UK on foundations for a footbridge along the High Speed 2 route near Coventry. The foundation design featured 13 different facets and angles, engineered to optimise structural load paths and reduce concrete consumption for a lower embodied carbon footprint. dataform.work’s automated production process enabled the precise manufacture of the complex internal void former quickly and economically, demonstrating the system’s viability for demanding infrastructure applications. The workflow starts with PERI engineers uploading a project’s 3D model into the dataform.work platform. The software automatically generates the cutting data and detailed assembly instructions for the substructure’s geometry. Components are then precision-milled from plywood using advanced 5-axis CNC machinery before being assembled in a PERI production facility and delivered to site ready for installation. The innovative joint design significantly reduces the need for screws and the use of glue altogether. As well as accelerating assembly in the warehouse, the design incorporates integrated striking elements that allow void formers for windows and doors in particular to be removed more efficiently and with reduced risk of damage. This improves the practicality of reuse in the high-rise market and helps contractors maintain programme certainty on complex pours. “Bespoke formwork has often involved significant manual input and a degree of programme uncertainty due to the level of precision that these requirements demand,” says Matt Binder, National Product Manager at PERI UK. “With our enhanced fabrication services through dataform.work, we’re able to mobilise production and respond to customer orders for void formers or multi-faceted box out units much faster. Not only have we simplified the process, but we’ve also reduced the need for remedial work by narrowing the margin for error. It’s a huge step forward for efficiency and project certainty, with production lead times measured in days rather than weeks.” dataform.work, established as a joint venture in 2025, with PERI Group and DataB each holding a 50% stake, forms part of the wider PERI initiative to integrate digitalisation and automated production into custom formwork solutions, supporting greater productivity and commercial certainty across the construction sector. Learn more about PERI and dataform.work bespoke formwork capabilities Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MPW expands with new property and asset management division
Property consultancy MPW has broadened its services with the launch of a dedicated property and asset management arm, strengthening its ability to support clients from strategic planning through to day-to-day operational delivery. The move reflects increasing demand from property owners and regeneration partners for a more integrated approach that combines consultancy expertise with hands-on management of assets. The new division, MPW Property and Asset Management, will provide active management services for retail and mixed-use destinations. Its offer will include facilities management, financial and car park management, and strategic destination marketing designed to help revitalise town centres and commercial locations. MPW was established in Bangor, North Wales, in 2024 with a focus on delivering bilingual consultancy services and strategic guidance to shopping centre owners, local authorities and third sector organisations. The business has positioned itself as a specialist partner for high street regeneration projects across Wales and the wider UK. Founder and director Medi Parry-Williams said the expansion marks an important step in the company’s evolution, allowing it to translate strategic advice into long-term operational impact. She explained that while the consultancy had been advising clients on the future of their retail and mixed-use assets, the new arm enables MPW to remain directly involved in delivering those strategies and ensuring they continue to create commercial and community value. “We’re thrilled to be expanding the MPW Group so that we’re not only advising asset owners what they should do with their centres, we’re actively delivering and ensuring action is sustained over time,” she said. “Launching MPW Property and Asset Management allows us to bridge the gap, ensuring our strategies are implemented in a way that creates commercially viable assets while genuinely supporting the places and communities around them.” The new division has already secured its first major appointment, signing a two-year asset management agreement with the owners of the 120,000 sq ft Menai Centre in Bangor. The scheme joins a growing client portfolio that includes organisations such as RivingtonHark, Bangor City Council and Menter Môn. MPW said the expansion will allow the business to play a more direct role in shaping the long-term success of retail and mixed-use destinations, particularly as towns and city centres continue to adapt to changing consumer habits and regeneration priorities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals