Emerging designs for new St Mary’s Hospital revealed
Emerging designs for the redevelopment of the St Mary’s Hospital site in Paddington have been revealed by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, as part of a second round of public consultation on its plans. The redevelopment sees the construction of a new, 800-bed major trauma and general hospital to meet growing needs and make the most of new technologies and models of care. Instead of services being spread across several buildings developed piecemeal over time, the new hospital will be a single, taller building on a smaller footprint. This will also enable the wider regeneration of the site to include an expansion of the existing cluster of health and technology businesses (Paddington Life Sciences) that has developed around St Mary’s. The latest proposals are informed by responses to the first phase of public consultation on redevelopment plans, which took place earlier this year and indicated strong support for the Trust’s approach. Public engagement events The Trust is now inviting patients, staff, local residents, businesses and community groups to feedback on the updated designs, online or at in-person events. This next phase of consultation will run from 4 June to 17 July 2026. It includes three drop-in events, where anyone is welcome to find out more about the proposals, speak to the project team and share their views. These will take place at: There will also be an online webinar on Wednesday 17 June, 6pm, via Zoom. Registration is via the Trust’s website (www.imperial.nhs.uk/st-marys-development) or by emailing imperial.redevelopment@nhs.net. The designs can also be viewed on the Trust’s website, along with an online survey on the proposals: www.imperial.nhs.uk/st-marys-development Feedback from this phase will help shape the next stage of design development, before further consultation later in 2026 and submission of a planning application for the hospital and the wider site in spring 2027. Increasingly urgent need for redevelopment St Mary’s Hospital has been at the forefront of healthcare and innovation for more than 175 years. It is home to London’s busiest major trauma centre and has a long history of teaching and research breakthroughs, including the discovery of penicillin. However, the St Mary’s estate is one of the oldest in the NHS, with parts dating back to its foundation in 1845. Imperial College Healthcare, the NHS trust that includes St Mary’s, has the NHS’s biggest backlog maintenance liability – the estimated cost of work needed to bring buildings up to an acceptable condition. And it’s getting worse – in the last four years, the Trust’s backlog maintenance liability increased by 22.5 per cent – or £157 million – far outstripping the £104 million it was able to spend on reducing backlog maintenance. This is increasing the scale and impact of building ‘failures’, including structural weakness in its main outpatient facility, requiring it to be closed with services relocated within the next year, significant structural problems in the Mint building requiring additional underpinning, and a range of other infrastructure issues creating infection and other safety risks. Latest proposals With funding from the Government’s New Hospital Programme, the Trust has been carrying out detailed design and planning work with the support of a wider programme team, including leading development managers Stanhope Plc, masterplan architects Allies and Morrison and hospital design architects HOK. Bringing services together in one modern, taller facility – around 30-storeys high – will provide better links between emergency care, diagnostics, theatres and intensive care. It will be much easier for patients and visitors to navigate and be more efficient to operate. It is also being designed to be flexible – allowing spaces to be adapted easily if needs change, such as during the pandemic – and there will be integrated teaching, research and engagement spaces to support innovation and learning. The busiest and most urgent services will be on the lower floors, so they are the easiest to reach, while wards will be in quieter areas with more privacy and natural light. And outdoor and communal areas, such as roof gardens, are being integrated into the design to support patients, visitors and staff. There will also be a helipad, bringing St Mary’s major trauma service into line with other services across the capital. Wider masterplan The new hospital will be built first, in a part of the estate that can be freed up relatively easily, allowing the existing hospital to run as normal during construction. Once services move into the new building, the rest of the site will be developed in line with the overall masterplan. This includes the expansion of Paddington Life Sciences, the cluster of health and technology businesses that has developed around St Mary’s, generating jobs, investment and economic growth as well as even greater innovation. It also allows the whole site to be opened up with plans for new public spaces, more trees and greenery, improved access to the canal and better connections with the surrounding streets and neighbourhood. Making better use of the land around the hospital would also release value to support investment in the new NHS facilities. Matt Tulley, redevelopment director at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “St Mary’s Hospital is continuing its extraordinary track record in healthcare and innovation, but our facilities are simply no longer fit for purpose. Despite spending millions of pounds every year on maintenance, we can’t keep up with the rate of deterioration, which is why we are now seeing an increase in major building failures. “We urgently need a new hospital, and we now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a future-proofed, landmark facility alongside wider regeneration that will bring even wider benefits for local communities. We want to hear from local residents and businesses, as well as patients and staff, to make sure we produce the best possible designs.” Next stepsWith partners in the wider St Mary’s Redevelopment Funding Taskforce, Imperial College Healthcare is continuing to explore additional financing sources and models to allow the main hospital building works to begin as soon as there is planning permission in place. The Trust is aiming to submit a
Work starts to build new homes as part of project to restore historic mansion in Wilmington
Bellway has started groundworks on a project which will bring 93 new homes to Wilmington, including apartments within historic Kingsfield House. The new development, called Cedarcroft, will be located on the western part of the North Kent College campus, off Oakfield Lane. Bellway is renovating Kingsfield House and The Lodge to create 28 converted homes as part of the project. The demolition of the other buildings on the site, which were no longer needed by the college, has now been completed and groundworks are underway to prepare for the construction of 65 new-build houses and apartments. The development is due to open this autumn when the first homes will be released for sale. Ed Brading, Acting Head of Sales for Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “Cedarcroft is set to transform this part of the North Kent College campus into an attractive new residential community for Dartford, set within nearly five acres of green open space including a number of beautiful mature cedar trees which give the development its name. “The main part of Kingsfield House is being retained and restored to become a landmark feature within the new neighbourhood, and we have now completed the demolition of the unattractive modern extensions which previously detracted from the building’s appearance. “With groundworks underway, we are looking forward to starting construction of the 65 new-build homes on the site – comprising 37 three, four and five-bedroom houses for private sale and 28 houses and apartments available as affordable housing for local people. These will be highly energy-efficient homes, with solar PV panels and air source heat pumps to reduce carbon emissions and electric vehicle charging points to promote greener travel. “We are also converting Kingsfield House into 27 one, two and three-bedroom apartments and The Lodge into an attractive and unique three-bedroom house, preserving these two historically significant buildings while providing a further 28 homes for private sale. “Our development will start a new chapter for this landmark site in Wilmington and we are looking forward to welcoming the first visitors to the development when it opens later this year.” Kingsfield House was built in 1859 for stockbroker Edward Satterthwaite before being sold to social pioneer Madame Martina Bergman-Osterberg in 1895. She set up a physical training college at the site specialising in gymnastics for girls and young women and is credited with inventing the modern game of netball at the location. Her life is commemorated by two blue English Heritage plaques – one of which is at Kingsfield House. The college continued to expand following Madame Osterberg’s death in 1915 and was renamed several times, most recently to North Kent College in 2015. Kingsfield House has been vacant since 2022 and had fallen into a state of disrepair. Its conversion into residential use will ensure its long-term future, while the sale of the land, which is no longer needed by the college, has provided additional funding for education resources. For more information about the new homes at Cedarcroft, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/thames-gateway/cedarcroft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
100 days on: Iran conflict creates a different challenge for construction than previous global shocks
One hundred days after the outbreak of conflict in Iran, the UK construction sector is facing mounting pressure from rising energy costs, persistent inflation and weakening demand, according to analysis by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). While the conflict initially impacted commodity markets, its effects are now spreading more widely through the economy, creating challenges for construction firms, clients and investors alike. Dr David Crosthwaite, BCIS chief economist, said: “The conflict is no longer simply a commodity market story. The longer it continues, the more its effects are spreading. “Construction is being affected through multiple channels simultaneously. Higher energy costs are increasing pressure on supply chains and materials, while inflationary pressures and uncertainty around interest rates are weighing on confidence, investment decisions and demand. “What makes the current situation unusual is that the industry is experiencing rising cost pressures at the same time as activity is weakening. Previous shocks have often been characterised either by strong inflationary pressures or weak demand. Today we are seeing both forces at work simultaneously.” The most immediate impact has been through energy markets. Brent crude oil has remained above $100 per barrel since mid-March, while natural gas prices have also remained elevated. This has increased transport, logistics and manufacturing costs across the construction supply chain. Provisional data from BCIS work category indices show that DERV (diesel engined road vehicle) fuel prices were 38% higher in April 2026 than a year earlier, adding pressure to plant operation, distribution and wider construction logistics costs. At the same time, key construction-related commodities have experienced significant price increases. Aluminium prices, for example, rose from $2,967 per tonne in early January to $3,769 per tonne by late May, approaching levels seen during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The BCIS aluminium windows and doors work category index increased by 14% between April and May. The wider economic implications are becoming increasingly significant. Although UK inflation eased in April, BCIS expects inflationary pressures to remain elevated for longer as higher energy, transport and import costs continue to feed through the economy. Financial markets have also shifted their expectations for interest rates, with the prospect of lower borrowing costs becoming increasingly uncertain. Earlier expectations for construction growth have also weakened as uncertainty around inflation, interest rates and economic growth has increased. Residential construction is expected to be among the sectors most exposed to these pressures due to its sensitivity to mortgage rates and consumer confidence. Dr Crosthwaite said the current situation differs from previous global disruptions affecting the construction sector. He said: “During the height of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, significant cost inflation was accompanied by relatively strong demand conditions, enabling higher costs to feed through more readily into tender prices. “By contrast, the current conflict is unfolding against a backdrop of weaker economic growth, subdued construction activity and declining confidence. It also differs from the Red Sea shipping disruption, where impacts were more heavily concentrated on logistics and freight.” This tension between rising costs and weaker demand is also reflected in feedback from the BCIS Tender Price Index (TPI) Panel in 2Q2026. The panel, which comprises practising cost consultants from firms involved in multiple tenders across the UK, reported cost pressures in energy-intensive materials. Several respondents highlighted rising steel prices linked to geopolitical tensions and trade measures. Petroleum-derived products such as PIR insulation, PVC and roofing materials are also expected to see upward pressure. Dr Crosthwaite added: “Weak construction demand and material surpluses have limited the extent to which some increases have fed through into project costs, with mixed evidence of price rises in tender returns. This suggests that competitive market conditions are continuing to constrain the extent to which higher costs are reflected in tender prices. “The longer the conflict continues, the greater the risk that higher energy and commodity costs become embedded throughout supply chains. The key question for the industry is not whether rising costs will affect tender prices, but how far those pressures can feed through in a market where demand remains so weak.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Burges Salmon advises on £199m Tritax Big Box asset sale
Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised Tritax Big Box REIT plc, one of the UK’s leading listed investors in high-quality logistics real estate, on the completion of a £199 million sale of a portfolio of six logistics assets. The deal forms part of the FTSE100 logistics real estate investor’s strategy to recycle capital and increase investment in higher-growth opportunities across its development pipeline. The disposals comprised big box and urban logistics assets located at Leamington Spa, Peterborough, Didcot and Kettering. The assets generate total contracted annual rent of £12 million. Burges Salmon provided legal advice to Tritax Big Box throughout the transaction, supporting on all aspects of the sale process. The Burges Salmon team advising on the transaction was led by Ross Polkinghorne with support from Jonathan Cantor, Gregory Nash, Ceren Ghanem (corporate real estate), Alexander Clayton, Matt Sims, Jess Garner, Emma Everett, Megan Long and Kate Davies (real estate), Matt Tucker (planning), Christian Mulhilvill (construction) and Hilary Barclay and Jess Chesterfield (real estate tax) Bjorn Hobart, Investment Director at Tritax Big Box, comments: “We are pleased to have completed this £199 million transaction with EQT Real Estate, with the proceeds enabling us to invest in higher-returning development opportunities while further strengthening our financial position. The Burges Salmon team provided clear, commercially focused advice throughout and were a pleasure to work with.” Ross Polkinghorne, Partner at Burges Salmon, adds: “We are pleased to have supported Tritax Big Box on this significant portfolio sale. The transaction highlights the enduring attractiveness of prime logistics assets and the sophistication of investors operating in this space. Working closely with the Tritax Big Box team, we were able to deliver pragmatic, solution-focused advice to help achieve a successful outcome.” This is the latest of a series of deals that the Burges Salmon’s real estate team have advised Tritax Big Box on – the last being the £1b+ acquisition from Blackstone last year which helped to promote Tritax to the FTSE 100. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Roofing apprentices say mentor support is key to building confidence in the trade
Roofing apprentices are opening up about the role that mentor support plays in building their confidence, enhancing their skills, and helping them progress within the trade. The insight comes from applications submitted to the 2026 BMI UK & Ireland Apprentice of the Year competition, which this year received a record number of entries from apprentices. Among the 68 applicants across pitched and flat roofing categories, more than two-thirds (68%) said they would first turn to a mentor, manager or experienced colleague when faced with a challenge on site, highlighting the importance of day-to-day support in helping apprentices develop both technically and professionally. “I feel very confident and comfortable asking the people I work with,” one applicant shared, emphasising the vital role mentors play in apprenticeships. “I always ask my manager or others on site for help.” Another apprentice added: “I feel lucky, my boss is always happy to show me what to do and teach me new things. I know I can always ask for help in my company.” The findings suggest that apprentices prefer learning the trade through peer-to-peer interactions, alongside formal training routes, particularly when developing confidence on-site and learning to handle real-world challenges. When peer support is unavailable, 20% of applicants indicated they would turn to free online resources, including Instagram, YouTube, and manufacturer-led content to learn from other skilled professionals. This suggests that practical learning, whether in person or online, is still highly valued in the trade, especially given the ongoing concerns about skills shortages. “As a young person, I use YouTube to see if I can gain any knowledge there,” explained one apprentice. The findings come at a time when the roofing industry continues to face significant recruitment and retention challenges. According to the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the UK will need an additional 3,800 roofers by 2029. However, current training routes are projected to deliver only 1,550, resulting in a shortfall of over half. Completion rates further compound this issue. The latest ‘Apprenticeship Gap Report’ reveals that the completion rate for roofing apprenticeships is just 28%, the lowest among construction trades, meaning nearly three in four roofing apprentices do not finish their training. Several applicants also expressed ambitions to progress into leadership positions or eventually establish their own roofing business, reflecting the long-term career aspirations emerging across this year’s cohort. The findings suggest strong workplace support and positive site cultures could play an important role in supporting these ambitions and improving retention within the industry. Stuart Farnell, Lead Technical Trainer at BMI Academy, said: “What stands out from this year’s applications is how much apprentices value having experienced people around them who are willing to support, teach and share their knowledge on site. “Technical training is essential, but confidence, encouragement and practical guidance also play a huge role in helping apprentices develop successful long-term careers in roofing. Creating supportive environments where people feel able to ask questions and continue learning is incredibly important for the future of the industry.” The final of the Apprentice of the Year competition will be held on July 22nd and 23rd, 2026, at the BMI Academy in Gloucestershire. To find out more about the event or training courses provided by the academy, visit: https://www.bmigroup.com/uk/bmi-academy/?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=Release&utm_campaign=Insights&utm_id=insights Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rocklands Youth Football Club wins Huws Gray’s inaugural Pitch in competition
Huws Gray, a leading national building materials supplier, providing end-to-end solutions to tradespeople and the DIY market, is pleased to unveil Rocklands Youth FC as the winner of its inaugural Pitch in competition, securing £5,000 worth of building materials to help transform the club’s facilities and create a more inclusive environment for players, volunteers and the wider community With grassroots football playing a vital role in bringing people together, improving wellbeing and creating inclusive spaces for local communities, Huws Gray launched Pitch in to support these community hubs that face growing financial pressures and struggling with outdated or inadequate facilities. Based in Norfolk, Rocklands Youth FC supports 10 teams from Under 7s through to Under 15s, including two female teams, and is run by 24 dedicated volunteers. The club plans to use the building materials donation to refurbish its clubhouse and bathroom facilities, ensuring it is inclusive and accessible for all players, volunteers, families and visitors. The improvements will help the club meet growing demand, support participation across all age groups and provide a welcoming community hub for local residents, reflecting Huws Gray’s commitment to giving back to its communities and relating to its sponsorship of the Professional Game Match Officials. Daksh Gupta, CEO of Huws Gray, commented: “Grassroots football clubs play a vital role in bringing communities together, creating opportunities for young people and providing welcoming spaces for families and volunteers. Clubs are under increased financial pressure, leaving essential repairs unresolved. Pitch In strives to help create safe spaces for all who use a club’s facilities, supporting our local communities and providing more opportunities for young people to stay active and connect with one another. Rocklands Youth FC impressed us with its commitment to inclusivity, the impact it has on its local community and its clear vision for how these improvements will benefit players for years to come. We’re delighted to support the club through Pitch in and look forward to seeing the transformation take shape.” Rhys Verney, Chairman of Rocklands Youth FC, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected as the winner of Huws Gray’s Pitch in competition. It’s an excellent initiative that recognises the important role grassroots football clubs play in their local communities and provides practical support where it can make a real difference. Providing invaluable help to Rocklands, the building materials will help us improve our clubhouse and facilities, benefiting our players, volunteers, families and visitors, while helping us continue to grow and provide opportunities for young people in our community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals