Fiege establishes first UK base at Prologis Park Hams Hall
Prologis UK has leased the 261,147 sq. ft. DC2 facility at Prologis Park Hams Hall to Fiege, one of Europe’s leading logistics providers. The deal marked Fiege’s entry into the UK market, where it is servicing a major existing e-commerce client. Located just one mile from Junction 9 of the M42 and 10 miles from Birmingham city centre, Hams Hall offered Fiege excellent connectivity. The park sits at the heart of the UK motorway network and includes an on-site intermodal rail freight terminal linking directly to major seaports and the Channel Tunnel. This strategic position enabled Fiege to strengthen its client’s European fulfilment network and respond directly to rising UK demand for e-commerce fulfilment services. From Hams Hall, the company can manage cross-border flows more effectively, shorten delivery times, and reduce transport miles by serving customers from a centrally located hub. The site also provides the scalability Fiege needs to grow, ensuring future capacity in one of the UK’s most competitive logistics markets. Kristian Loepert, Senior Manager Key Accounts & Real Estate at Fiege, said: “Opening our first UK site was a milestone for Fiege. The quality and readiness of Hams Hall made it the right choice for our expansion, allowing us to support our client with a modern and highly efficient operation. We were excited to build on our trusted relationship with Prologis, who already support us across Europe.” DC2 was delivered to Prologis’ high sustainability standards. The facility achieved net zero carbon in construction, holds a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, and has an EPC A rating. Its enhanced fit-out included smart LED lighting, full sprinkler and frost-protection systems, and EV-ready car parking bays, saving incoming occupiers up to £2.95 million and 24 weeks of installation lead time. Fiege also benefited from a comprehensive turnkey solution through Prologis Essentials, which included wide-aisle racking, a full office fit-out, modern staff welfare amenities, and IT and power infrastructure. Delivered alongside the enhanced base build, these measures allowed the company to accelerate its start-up schedule and ensure operations could begin without delay. Jason Pickering, Director, Capital Deployment at Prologis UK, said: “By providing a move-in ready facility through our Essentials platform, we enabled Fiege to focus on their customer from day one rather than on set-up. It’s a practical example of how we reduce lead times and de-risk market entry for our customers.” With this agreement, Prologis Park Hams Hall became fully occupied. The park is already home to leading brands including Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, DHL and Kuehne+Nagel, reinforcing its role as a hub for manufacturing and logistics in the West Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DC01UK delivers major UK infrastructure deal with landmark sale
DC01UK today announced the sale of its South Mimms data centre site in Hertfordshire to Equinix, one of the world’s largest data centre companies and operators. The deal represents one of the largest infrastructure and real estate transactions in the world in recent years. This milestone transaction marks a defining moment for UK digital infrastructure. With a projected total investment value in the region of £3.9bn, the deal lays the foundation for one of Europe’s largest and most advanced data centre campuses – a project of unprecedented scale and ambition that will drive the next wave of cloud and AI innovation. The 85-acre site in South Mimms, Hertsmere – now named the ‘Hertfordshire Campus’ by Equinix – will deliver over two million square feet of cutting-edge data centre space. Designed to meet both current and future demand for data, storage, and AI-powered services, the campus will set a new benchmark for excellence in digital infrastructure. The sale reflects a strategic vision executed at pace by the DC01UK team, underpinned by collaboration with experts, local and national government and precision planning. Once operational, the development is expected to support thousands of skilled jobs nationwide through the wider digital supply chain and contribute billions to the UK economy. This pivotal sale also highlights the UK’s growing prominence in global digital infrastructure investment. It follows the Government’s designation of data centres as Critical National Infrastructure last year – an announcement that majored on the scale and ambition of the DC01UK project. James Craig, Director of DC01UK, said: “This is a landmark moment for the UK and a powerful example of local entrepreneurship driving national innovation. The ambition behind the DC01UK project is extraordinary and we are delighted that the vision for this project will be taken forward by leading experts committed to delivering it to the highest standards, maintaining our ambition, realising the community benefits, and embedding themselves in the growth and future of Hertfordshire. For us, it’s a proud moment that also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we continue to progress other UK data centre development opportunities to drive further innovation and investment in this space across the UK.” Andy Brewer, Director of DC01UK, said: “This deal marks a significant step forward for this world-class project and for the UK’s digital future. It was born of local ingenuity and determination and aligns closely with the Government’s ambition for the UK to be a global leader in AI and advanced technology. With one of the world’s largest operators now taking our vision forward, the project is entering an exciting new phase, one that will help position the UK at the forefront of the data revolution.” Stephen Beard, Global Head of Data Centres at Knight Frank, who advised on the project, said: “This is a seismic moment for the UK’s infrastructure landscape. The scale, ambition and strategic value of this site are unmatched. It’s rare to find a location that ticks every box – power, connectivity, proximity to key markets – and this one does. Today’s announcement gives the UK a major leg up in the global AI infrastructure race.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beauty Comeback: Bodycare Set for Major Revival Under New Ownership
High street favourite Bodycare is preparing for a major return, with plans to open up to 50 new stores across the UK following its recent acquisition by Charles Denton, the former chief executive of The Body Shop. The beauty and personal care retailer, which went into administration last month, was forced to close all of its remaining stores after years of trading challenges. Now, a new chapter is about to begin as Denton looks to revive the much-loved brand and bring it back to high streets – starting with a first wave of re-openings scheduled for early 2026. The relaunch will initially focus on the north west of England, where Bodycare has historically enjoyed a strong following. Between 30 and 50 new stores are planned, though each opening will depend on landlord approval. Charles Denton, who has a strong background in retail transformation, expressed his confidence in the brand’s potential to make a successful comeback. He said: “Bodycare is much-loved and trusted – it matters deeply to the communities it serves. We now have the mandate to bring stores and jobs back by transforming Bodycare’s rich legacy into a modern, scalable and profitable business.” Founded in 1970, Bodycare built its reputation by offering affordable health and beauty products to shoppers across the UK, particularly in town centres and retail parks. Its straightforward approach and value-driven offering made it a household name, especially in the north of England. The new ownership aims to retain Bodycare’s community-focused ethos while modernising the brand for today’s retail landscape. This will likely include refreshed store designs, updated product ranges and an improved digital presence to better connect with contemporary shoppers. Nick Holloway, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, welcomed the acquisition, commenting: “We are pleased to hand Bodycare to an experienced new owner with a clear plan to restart operations. We wish the business every success in the future.” With its new direction, strong leadership and focus on both legacy and innovation, Bodycare looks poised to re-establish itself as a key player in the UK beauty retail scene – proving that even the most embattled high street brands can find a way back to life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work starts on final phase of £200 million Coventry regeneration project
Work on the sixth and final phase of a transformative regeneration project in the heart of Coventry has begun, creating more than 1,000 new homes for local residents. Delivered by top 10 housebuilder, Keepmoat, the latest phase at the Spirit Quarters development will create 190 new homes, with 90 designated for affordable housing in partnership with leading housing association, Citizen. The flagship regeneration project has created more than 1,000 homes to date, with the latest phase taking the total above 1,200 multi-tenure new homes. Since 2010, the large-scale project has created multiple local jobs and apprenticeship opportunities, supporting the local economy and supply chain whilst bringing lasting change to the community. Ben Leather, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, West Midlands, comments: “At Keepmoat, we’re committed to building communities and transforming lives. Leading this significant transformation, creating much-needed housing for local people and contributing to the city’s housing targets, is a testament to that commitment. “As we approach the milestone of more than 1,200 homes and near the conclusion of the building work, we are delighted to see the thriving community that has been created and look forward to welcoming the next phase of residents to Spirit Quarters. This ambitious development is also a key example of our robust partnership model, collaborating with Coventry Council, Citizen and Moat House Community Trust to create high-quality, multi-tenure homes in the area.” Cllr Seyi Agboola, Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council added: “It’s really great to see the latest stage of this housing project get underway. These will be good standard homes that are affordable for local people to be able to enjoy. “I’m also pleased that a number of the homes will be social housing – I hope this can have long term benefits for the area.” Phase six of Spirit Quarter is set to be completed in 2030. Kevin Roach, Director of Regeneration Services at Citizen Housing, added: “It’s fantastic news to see work starting on the latest and final phase of Spirit Quarters. From day one, the community has led and influenced the project and by working with our partners Keepmoat, Moat House Community Trust and Coventry City Council, we are pleased and proud to have delivered their vision that has and will make a positive difference to the lives of residents and the community. “We’re looking forward to seeing work progress at this site and in time, welcoming customers to the homes.” Dianne Williams, Chief Executive of Moat House Community Trust, said: “It’s so exciting to see more new, much-needed homes transforming the area and contributing to a growing and thriving community.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality homes in regions across the UK. To date, Keepmoat has built over 35,000 homes, transforming brownfield sites into thriving new communities. To find out more, please visit: https://www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM appointed to deliver a new building for Meadow High School in Harefield
GRAHAM has been awarded a c.£14 million contract by Hillingdon Council for the design and construction of a new academic building for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Meadow High School in Harefield. Meadow High School is a mixed-gender SEND secondary school catering to 257 pupils in school years 7-14 (aged 11-19) with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are SEND schools in Hillingdon, which are at full capacity and, with demand growing in recent years for support for pupils with additional needs, there is a pressing need to increase facilities in the borough. This new 2276m²’ sq ft, two-storey academic building will provide a supportive and best-in-class learning environment while enhancing existing capacity for up to 100 pupils. Works will include the creation of a range of learning spaces and a multi-use games area, along with extensive landscaping surrounding the building. Additionally, the installation of temporary classrooms, ancillary structures, heat pump and substation enclosures, along with revised vehicular access, car and cycle parking and associated external works. Cllr Susan O’Brien, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “We continue to deliver on our pledge to provide children in Hillingdon with a high quality and fully inclusive education. This exciting project will create more school places for children with SEND, helping them to reach their full potential in a supportive learning environment, and I’m looking forward to seeing it take shape.” Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Property, added: “Our school improvement and expansion programme is delivering excellent facilities across the borough, and this new facility in Harefield will enhance our offer. Our continued investment locally will also help reduce the council’s reliance on expensive independent special school places.” Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “This new building will significantly improve SEND facilities and capacity in Meadow High School, also contributing to meeting increasing demand in the wider borough. Thoughtfully designed to ensure an optimum, inspiring, safe and high-quality educational environment for pupils with a range of additional needs, we are excited to deliver this fantastic and much needed project.” GRAHAM will work in collaboration with a project team that includes architect Noviun Architects and structural and civil engineer Hydrock. Construction commenced this summer, with project completion anticipated in Summer 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Higgins Appointed to Deliver New Homes at Lewisham’s Ladywell Park Gardens
Lewisham Council has appointed Higgins as the main contractor for its major new housing development at Ladywell Park Gardens, marking the next step in the regeneration of the former Ladywell Leisure Centre site in south London. The project will see the creation of 102 high-quality residential apartments, spread across four architecturally designed blocks by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. The development aims to provide a balanced mix of homes, including 47 social rent apartments for families on the council’s housing waiting list, alongside 55 shared ownership properties to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder. Planning permission for Ladywell Park Gardens was secured in October 2023, with the scheme forming a key part of Lewisham Council’s ongoing commitment to delivering more affordable homes within the borough. The appointment of Higgins, a contractor with a strong track record in community-focused regeneration, signals an important milestone in turning these plans into reality. Although the final contract details are still being clarified, early preparatory works have already begun on site. The development is expected to be completed by spring 2028, creating a new residential community designed to meet high standards of sustainability, design quality and accessibility. Declan Higgins, chief executive of Higgins Group, said: “This development represents an important opportunity to provide much-needed housing while working collaboratively with our partners and the local community. We are proud to be part of a project that will not only deliver new homes but also enhance the wider neighbourhood.” Once finished, Ladywell Park Gardens will form part of the council’s broader housing strategy, which focuses on tackling the borough’s growing demand for affordable and family-friendly accommodation. The mix of tenures is designed to foster a diverse, inclusive community while ensuring that local residents benefit from the regeneration of underused sites. With construction activity now underway, the transformation of the former leisure centre into a vibrant new residential hub represents a significant step forward for Lewisham’s housing ambitions – and another example of how local authorities and private contractors are working together to deliver homes that make a lasting difference. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals