First power as Port of Liverpool marks major solar milestone
Peel Ports Group and E.ON have celebrated a significant milestone at the Port of Liverpool by successfully generating the first power from the new solar panels on the new nearly 260,000 square foot Alexandra Dock warehouse, part of a major sustainability programme at the Port and the creation of the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar array. A total of almost 7,000 (6,926) solar panels have been installed on the warehouse known as the ‘Alex Shed’ and have now been connected to the grid – the first instalment of an ambitious project that will see up to 48,000 solar panels installed across many more buildings at the Port of Liverpool. The project is part of a 25-year agreement between Peel Ports Group and E.ON, which is set to cut CO2e emissions(2) by 4,700 tonnes each year – equivalent to taking more than 1,600 cars off the road(3). This will play a central role in helping the Peel Ports Group to achieve its net zero emissions goal by 2040. Vijay Tank, Chief Operating Officer of E.ON Energy Solutions, said: “The Port of Liverpool is a critical national infrastructure site, and decarbonising places like this is essential for the UK’s environmental and economic targets. The first grid connection of this major solar project is a big leap towards creating a clean energy system fit for the future. “We’ve been energy partners of the Peel Ports Group for more than two decades and I’m extremely proud of our relationship and their continued trust in our ability to collaborate further in meeting their future energy ambitions.” The grid connection represents a key strategic objective for the port operator, which is seeking to secure 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Once complete, the panels are expected to deliver 25MW of electricity, providing enough energy to meet a quarter of the port’s annual requirements and matching the yearly consumption of more than 10,000 average UK homes(1). The full solar array is being financed and delivered by E.ON, with a commitment to employing local contractors for installation and ongoing maintenance throughout the 25-year agreement. In line with the sustainability ambitions of the port, all work has been completed within the existing port footprint, maximising available roof space, with all equipment and materials transported to the port by sea, minimising impact to the local community. Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director – Port Services at Peel Ports Group said: “Generating the first power from this landmark solar project is a major milestone for the Port of Liverpool and for Peel Ports Group as a whole. By transforming our warehouse rooftops into clean energy assets, we’re taking practical, large-scale action to decarbonise a critical national gateway which enables regional trade and economic growth. “We are proud to be an industry leader in decarbonising port operations, having recently reported a 48% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse emissions across the group, in just five years.” “This project demonstrates how ports can lead the transition to renewable energy by maximising existing infrastructure, working with trusted partners like E.ON, and delivering long-term benefits for our customers, local communities and the environment as we progress towards our net zero target by 2040.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Brian Uy FIStructE CEng appointed as IStructE President for 2026
The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) has appointed Brian Uy as its 105th President for 2026. Today, The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the representative body for the profession worldwide, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Uy FIStructE CEng as its 105th President for 2026. Brian, who is currently Scientia Professor at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia brings decades of expertise and experience to the role. His career has been as rich as it is varied, spanning roles at leading consultancies including Arcadis, Worley and Arup, working on some of the world’s largest and most complex projects. He has also been actively involved in the development of landmark industry codes and standards as well as being instrumental in ensuring they’re both fit-for-purpose and deliver positive outcomes. In addition to his role at UNSW, Brian chairs the Australian/New Zealand Standards on Steel and Composite Structures and serves as Vice President of the International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE). Involved in research in steel and composite structures for over 30 years, Brian has served on the editorial boards of fourteen international journals for structural engineering and is Chief Editor (Asia-Pacific) for Steel and Composite Structures and serves on the Editorial Board of IStructE’s flagship research journal Structures. He is also a significant contributor to international codes of practice in steel and composite construction and has served on the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Task Committee 5 on Composite Construction and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), Technical Committee on Composite Construction. His singular and visionary approach combines academic leadership with practical application, and his presidential year will focus on three interconnected themes that align with IStructE’s 2026-2030 strategic pillars: Registration and supervision – Championing greater professionalism through regulatory frameworks, exploring supervision models and safety initiatives. He aims to strengthen learning from structural failures through global programmes like CROSS, ensuring the profession continues to prioritise safety across all designs and builds. Structural efficiency and embodied carbon – Raising further awareness of sustainable design practices by promoting structural efficiency principles how these can lead to the reduction of embodied carbon. He will actively encourage structural engineers to design optimised structures that consider the system and material behaviour across the whole structure or building’s lifecycle, from cradle to grave. Technical competence and research – Supporting professionals by focusing on core learning and development areas, including composite systems, sustainable structures and low embodied carbon solutions. His aim is to ensure engineers have the advanced knowledge needed to design high-performance, sustainable structures with purpose, that benefit people, planet and the wider structural engineering profession. Commenting on the achievement, Brian Uy, incoming IStructE President, says: “Structural engineering is an ever-changing profession that demands technical excellence, a commitment to sustainability and is punctuated by the collaboration of teams of professionals. Looking to the future, I want to ensure our members have the knowledge, support and regulatory frameworks they need to design structures that are not only safe and efficient, but also have a positive impact on society-at-large. By creating opportunities for closer collaboration between academia, industry and professional bodies, we can enhance our profession and empower structural engineers across the world to deliver better outcomes for the built environment.” Yasmin Becker, IStructE CEO, said: “Brian’s distinguished 35-year academic career together with his active involvement with IStructE since 1992, underscores his significant contribution to the advancement of structural engineering worldwide. A champion of collaboration between academia and professional practice, Brian is also a strong advocate for structural efficiency. I look forward to working with him as he takes up the position of the IStructE’s 105th President in 2026.” Brian succeeds Mohamad Al-Dah and takes up the presidency for the entirety of 2026. To register to watch Brian’s inaugural address, which takes place at 18:00 (GMT) on Thursday 22 January 2026 click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic establishes Data Centres as fourth core sector
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has announced its expansion into the Data Centre market. Building on 25 years of proven delivery, Winvic will now deliver purpose-built, resilient, and scalable data centre solutions to meet growing market demand, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, operational excellence and supporting the digital economy. Data Centres is Winvic’s fourth core sector, sitting alongside Industrial & Logistics, Multi-room, and Civils & Infrastructure. As a Tier 1 partner of the UK’s most complex industrial and infrastructure developments, Winvic has built an enviable record of disciplined delivery and the highest standards of quality. Its move into the Data Centre market is part of its ongoing growth and diversification, bringing its core values and expertise to a rapidly expanding market. Danny Cross, Director – Head of Data Centre Delivery at Winvic, said: “Over the last eighteen months we have focused on developing our supply chain, upskilling our teams and recruiting new expertise. Working alongside specialist MEP partners, we’re combining civil engineering scale and management with technical precision to deliver data centres designed for uptime, resilience, and scalability. “This marks a significant milestone in Winvic’s evolution as we expand into one of the fastest-growing construction sectors whilst maintaining our commitment to quality, collaboration, and excellence.” Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Logistics and Data Centres at Winvic, said: “Our entry into the Data Centre market is a natural evolution of our capabilities as these developments share similar attributes to buildings we’ve been specialising in for over 25 years. Our proven delivery of large-scale and complex industrial and logistics projects, rigorous safety and quality standards through our ‘Doing It Right’ culture, and a collaborative approach gives us a strong advantage. “ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Chinese Mega-Embassy Cleared for Construction at Royal Mint Court
Plans for a vast new Chinese embassy complex in central London have been approved, clearing the way for the construction of what would become China’s largest diplomatic outpost in Europe. The £255m scheme at Royal Mint Court, located just east of the City of London and directly opposite the Tower of London, has received final sign-off from housing secretary Steve Reed. The decision follows years of delays and political scrutiny, with opposition raised by MPs across parties over national security concerns. The 20,000 sq metre development occupies the former Royal Mint site, which was purchased by China in 2018 for around £230m. The approval concludes a prolonged planning process that included three separate delays and a previous refusal by Tower Hamlets Council in 2022, which cited safety and security risks. In confirming the decision, Reed described the approval as a quasi-judicial determination taken in line with planning policy. He said the decision is final unless successfully challenged through the courts. A 240-page planning report concluded that, when assessed as a whole, the proposals comply with the local development plan and warrant both planning permission and listed building consent. The proposed embassy will include extensive office accommodation, staff facilities, a large basement and living quarters for approximately 200 personnel. A new underground tunnel is also planned to link key embassy buildings across the site. Its proximity to sensitive fibre-optic infrastructure serving financial institutions has been a focal point of ongoing concern. The architectural proposals, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, involve the retention and repurposing of the listed Johnson Smirke and Seamen’s Registry buildings, alongside the demolition of other structures and the construction of new office and residential elements. For security reasons, internal layouts for parts of the scheme have been redacted from publicly available documents. Construction management advice is being provided by BCEGI UK, with Arcadis acting as project manager. Turner & Townsend is serving as cost consultant, Arup is advising on structural and civil engineering, Cundall on building services and Thornton Tomasetti on façade design. Ministers confirmed that intelligence agencies were consulted throughout the process and that a package of protective security measures has been developed. However, the Home Office has pressed for the introduction of a hard perimeter to restrict public access, a requirement that could still necessitate a further planning application. With a final government position on security expected next month, the project now moves closer to delivery, though heightened ministerial scrutiny means concerns beyond planning policy could yet influence its future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen’s Botanic Place HQ development in Cambridge achieves 100% BREEAM score at design stage
Railpen, manager of the £34bn Railways Pension Scheme in the UK, has achieved a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ design-stage score for Botanic Place, its 325,000 sq ft landmark development in the heart of Cambridge. Botanic Place attained an unprecedented 100.54% credits, although the score is capped at 100%. This milestone achievement officially makes Botanic Place the first office building in the UK to achieve 100% at Design stage[1]. Railpen’s ambition for Botanic Place is to create global-standard headquarters offices for companies operating predominantly in the AI, tech, innovation, and pharmaceutical sectors seeking a significant presence in the UK’s Golden Triangle. Currently under construction and due for completion in Q1 2028, Botanic Place comprises two buildings: 1 Botanic Place (175,000 sq ft) and 2 Botanic Place (150,000 sq ft). BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the global gold standard for sustainability in the built environment. While a score of 85% is required to reach the ‘Outstanding’ threshold, Botanic Place has exceeded this by a significant margin. The record-breaking score was made possible through a suite of pioneering environmental features integrated via intelligent design. Each represents market-leading thinking and innovation by Railpen, working closely with its development manager, Socius, and wider team. Many of Botanic Place’s innovations also respond to specific contextual factors, such as the well-documented pressures on water supply in Cambridge. Examples include: Maria Averkina, Senior Asset and Development Manager at Railpen, commented: “Achieving the first 100% BREEAM score for an office development at design stage in the UK is a testament to Railpen’s commitment to understanding not only what occupiers want and need but as importantly, what the surrounding context requires. Botanic Place is a global blueprint for the future of the office, and one that also makes a significant positive contribution environmentally and socially to Cambridge. By using intelligent design to push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable development, we are providing our future occupiers with a space that prioritises environmental integrity and human wellbeing, supporting productivity and talent retention. The recognition is also testament to the innovation and shared commitment among our professional team and development manager, Socius.” Dan Asquith, BREEAM Business Development Team Leader at BRE, added: “BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ represents the top 1% of UK non-domestic buildings, but Botanic Place has created a category of its own. By integrating pioneering technologies, from the night purge ventilation mode to the dynamic façade design, this project has pushed the boundaries of our assessment criteria. A score of 100.54% is a testament to a rigorous, holistic approach to sustainability that balances carbon reduction with biodiversity and occupant wellbeing. We are delighted to see such a high level of technical excellence being delivered by Railpen in the heart of Cambridge.” Located adjacent to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden and minutes from Cambridge station, Botanic Place will offer private and common roof terraces of 40,000 sq ft providing outstanding 360 degree views of the city, including Botanic Garden from multiple levels, as well as market-defining public spaces, landscaped gardens, internal amenties, events spaces, and food and beverage areas. These will be complemented by 1,300 cycling spaces and exceptional end-of-journey facilities. Railpen has assembled a world-class team to deliver Botanic Place, including development manager Socius, architect Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), contractor Skanska, and construction consultants, Real PM, with sustainability and MEP consultancy provided by Hoare Lea. Railpen’s office leasing agents for Botanic Place are JLL, Knight Frank, and Savills. In addition to Botanic Place, Railpen’s unique Mill Yard campus-style mixed-use development is under construction and due for completion in Q1 2027. It has also achieved BREEAM Outstanding, placing it within the top 0.5% of sustainable buildings globally. Both developments form part of Railpen’s Cambridge Innovation Cluster, which comprises 11 assets totalling 1.9m sq ft of high-quality space, including the recently consented 1m sq ft Beehive innovation hub. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 Marks Major Milestone as Chilterns Longest Tunnel Completes Civil Works
Construction has been completed on HS2’s longest tunnel, marking a significant milestone for one of the UK’s most complex civil engineering projects. Civil engineering works have now concluded on the 10-mile twin-bore Chiltern tunnels, following the completion of the final vent shafts at Chesham Road and Little Missenden. The achievement brings to a close nearly five years of intensive construction activity through the Chiltern Hills and clears the way for the next phase of fit-out works. With the structural works finished, the tunnels are now ready to be equipped with track, overhead power systems and mechanical and electrical installations. Enabling works for mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are expected to begin later this year, with rail systems to follow once that stage is complete. Main construction of the tunnels was carried out by Align JV, a joint venture between Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine and Volker Fitzpatrick. Works began in May 2021 with the staggered launch of two 2,000-tonne tunnel boring machines from a site near the M25 at Maple Cross in Hertfordshire. Ahead of tunnelling, five deep ventilation and access shafts were constructed along the route, reaching depths of up to 78 metres. Each shaft headhouse was designed by Grimshaw Architects to sit sensitively within the Chilterns landscape. The tunnel boring machines advanced north at an average rate of 16 metres per day before completing their drives near Great Missenden in early 2024. Since then, teams have focused on constructing the porous tunnel extensions at the north and south portals, installing internal walkways and completing 40 cross passages linking the twin bores. HS2 Ltd’s head of civil engineering for the Chiltern tunnel, Mark Clapp, described the project as a rare opportunity for engineers to work on a scheme of such scale and complexity. He praised the collaboration between HS2 Ltd, Align JV and its supply chain, highlighting the quality and commitment shown throughout delivery. Align JV project director Adrien Baudard said completing the civil works was a point of pride for the entire team, noting advances in safety, sustainability and technical performance achieved during the programme. He added that the project’s approach to carbon reduction, safety innovation and skills development would influence tunnelling best practice for years to come. The Chiltern tunnel is the second of HS2’s five twin-bore tunnels to reach structural completion, following the one-mile Long Itchington Wood tunnel in Warwickshire, completed last year. Despite progress on individual elements, the wider HS2 programme remains behind schedule and over budget. HS2 Ltd chief executive Mark Wild continues to work on a reset plan aimed at delivering the remaining London to Birmingham route more efficiently and at the lowest reasonable cost. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals