Scottish Water sets out £13.4bn investment drive for 2027–2033
Scottish Water has unveiled a £13.4bn investment programme aimed at protecting and modernising the nation’s water and wastewater infrastructure over the six-year period from 2027 to 2033. The publicly owned utility said the plan is designed to future-proof ageing assets, respond to climate change pressures and sustain service standards, while maintaining some of the lowest customer charges in the UK. Of the total investment, £8bn will be directed towards maintaining and upgrading core infrastructure, including pipes, treatment works and associated assets. The remaining funding will cover essential operating expenditure to ensure services continue to run safely, reliably and efficiently. The programme will be delivered across Scotland, with the utility highlighting its potential to support employment, skills development and regional supply chains. Scottish Water said the plan reflects extensive engagement, with more than 25,000 people contributing feedback during its preparation. Chief executive Alex Plant said the blueprint balances long-term resilience with affordability. He noted that customers had made clear the need to safeguard essential services while ensuring investment remains fair and proportionate. As a publicly owned body, Scottish Water reinvests all income into its network and services. The organisation said its charges remain among the lowest of any UK water utility and emphasised that financial support schemes will continue for households requiring assistance. Currently, more than 53 per cent of customers receive some form of support. To fund the proposed programme, Scottish Water has put forward annual increases in customer charges of 3.3 per cent above CPI. The utility argues that this approach will provide the financial stability needed to address infrastructure resilience, environmental compliance and climate adaptation over the coming decade. The proposals have now been submitted to the Water Industry Commission for Scotland for regulatory scrutiny. A draft determination is expected in June, with a final determination scheduled for October 2026. This will confirm investment levels and customer charges for the 2027–2033 regulatory period, ahead of a detailed Delivery Plan being published in advance of the new cycle. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fleete opens UK’s largest dedicated commercial vehicle electric charging hub at Port of Tilbury
Marking a major milestone in the electrification of the country’s freight and logistics sector, Fleete has officially opened the UK’s largest dedicated commercial vehicle electric charging hub at the Port of Tilbury. The 5MW facility features 16 ultra-rapid chargers enabling up to 16 electric HGVs to charge simultaneously. This site is the first of a network of shared commercial vehicle charging hubs, designed to accelerate fleet electrification across the UK by providing high-powered charging at strategic logistics locations without the need for costly, time-consuming depot upgrades. Delivering high-capacity charging at scale Fleete’s new hub, delivered in partnership with the Port of Tilbury and Thames Freeport, is supported by £1 million from the UK government’s Thames Freeport Seed Capital Programme, with further funding provided by the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) Programme, funded by the Department for Transport in partnership with Innovate UK. The investment marks an important step in the Port of Tilbury’s green energy transition, supporting cleaner air for local communities, enabling businesses to capitalise on new opportunities in sustainable transport and contributing to economic growth and job creation. Strategically located at one of the UK’s busiest multimodal freight hubs, Fleete’s facility serves the growing number of zero emission HGVs operating in and through the Port of Tilbury and along the A13 corridor into London. It also supports national infrastructure programmes including the Lower Thames Crossing, where major contractors are switching to electric vehicles to reduce emissions on one of the country’s largest infrastructure construction projects. The official opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from Fleete, project partners and fleet customers, with the hub formally opened by Madam Mayor Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock. “Today is an important moment for Thurrock and for the wider move towards cleaner freight. The opening of Fleete’s electric HGV charging hub here at the Port of Tilbury, the largest dedicated hub of its kind in the UK, highlights what can be achieved through strong partnership between industry, government and Thames Freeport. This investment supports cleaner transport, improves air quality for our communities, and reinforces Thurrock’s role in adopting practical, forward looking low carbon solutions,” said Madam Mayor Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock. State-of-the-art eHGV charging Fleete’s shared-user model provides fleet operators with access to reliable, high-quality charging without the need for dedicated facilities, addressing common barriers to electrification including grid capacity, land constraints and upfront infrastructure cost. The new 5 megawatt (MW) site includes: The hub was delivered with design and construction support from industry partners including Envevo, bringing high-voltage charging infrastructure into operation within a live port environment. The site has been designed to accommodate additional fleet operators as demand grows. Speaking at the opening event, Chris Morrison, CEO at Fleete, said: “Today marks a major milestone for Fleete and for the wider logistics sector. From announcing the project last year, to now opening the site, our focus has been on proving that shared, high-capacity charging infrastructure can remove one of the biggest barriers to fleet electrification. “The Port of Tilbury hub shows what’s possible when industry and government work together to deliver infrastructure at scale. By supporting customers and collaborating with partners across the supply chain, we’re helping accelerate the transition to zero-emission commercial transport where it’s needed most.” Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said: ”This is a significant milestone in our drive to decarbonise road freight, helped by £1million Government investment at the Port of Tilbury site to install EV chargers for HGVs. “Road freight is the backbone of our economy, keeping goods moving and businesses growing. By supporting the sector to go electric, we’re cutting emissions and backing the industry to thrive long into the future.” Strengthening partnerships at Port of Tilbury The new hub forms part of a wider effort to support cleaner freight movement and future-proof one of the UK’s most important logistics gateways. David Webster, Regional Director – Tilbury and Thames Freeport board member, said: “The opening of Fleete’s EV charging hub is a significant step forward for the Port of Tilbury as we work to support the decarbonisation of freight and logistics at one of the UK’s busiest ports. “With thousands of HGV movements through the port every day, access to high-capacity, reliable charging infrastructure is critical. This shared facility will play an important role in helping our customers reduce emissions while maintaining efficient operations.” Stuart Rimmer, CEO (Interim), Thames Freeport added: “This is exactly the kind of project Thames Freeport was established to support. By using targeted seed capital funding to unlock private investment, we are helping to deliver infrastructure that strengthens the Port of Tilbury and supports its long-term competitiveness. For Thurrock and the wider Thames Freeport region, this means cleaner freight operations, modern infrastructure and continued confidence that the area is well placed to attract further investment in sustainable logistics.” Logistics UK Chief Executive Ben Fletcher said: “Public charging infrastructure on this scale, and in such a key strategic location, is precisely what is needed to encourage more operators to use electric vehicles. “The charging hub is vast, and with 16 ultra rapid chargers it will help operators make the switch to electric fleets – especially smaller operators who can struggle to install chargers at their depots.” 1) eFREIGHT 2030 is part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstration programme – funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE appointed to sell investment on “the best UK office building outside of London”
The Birmingham capital markets team at leading commercial real estate services firm, CBRE, has been appointed to sell the investment for 3 Chamberlain Square, a landmark office building that has been labelled “the best outside of London.” Managed by Federated Hermes, the 191,000 sq ft building is considered best-in-class with purposeful design features that exemplify a modern workplace. Located in Birmingham’s central business district, 3 Chamberlain Square is part of the £1.2 billion Paradise development, expanding the area’s business, residential and leisure offering. Completed in May 2025, the building’s innovative design has achieved a host of certifications. This list includes EPC A, BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and NABERS UK 5*, acknowledging its exemplary sustainability credentials, as well as ActiveScore ‘Platinum’ and WiredScore ‘Platinum’, recognising how its design supports active travel and its advanced use of technology respectively. All nine office floors were placed under offer ahead of practical completion, with the final letting achieving a rent of £52 per square foot, the highest of the UK’s big six cities. Tenants include global law firm, Eversheds, international accounting and advisory firm, Forvis Mazars and ‘big four’ accounting firm, EY. The building has also become home to CBRE’s Birmingham office. The asset boasts a Weighted Average Unexpired Lease Term (WAULT) of over 10 years to breaks and 14 years to expiries. Nick Woodward, Head of CBRE’s Birmingham Investment team, said: “3 Chamberlain Square is a unique investment opportunity. The building itself achieves excellence in every category, from sustainability credentials to design, making it arguably the best office building outside of London. This is further demonstrated through the extremely high calibre of occupiers that the building has attracted, offering a stable and already reversionary rental income. “Birmingham as a city is brimming with opportunity, which is only going to get more attractive as HS2 continues to progress and the level of inward investment increases. 3 Chamberlain Square entering the market is the perfect opportunity for those looking to benefit early from Birmingham’s inevitable growth.” CBRE is quoting a price of £123.2m, which reflects a Net Initial Yield of 6.5% for the asset. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AI technology goes under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London
From design and planning to cost estimating and site safety monitoring, the increasing role of AI (artificial intelligence) in construction will be a key focus at UK Construction Week London (May 12-14), the UK’s Built Environment super event. New for 2026 and one of six stages delivering over 150 hours of CPD accredited seminars, The Contech and AI Hub will bring together the brightest minds and the most forward-thinking technologies transforming the built environment. Confirmed talks include: Cutting-edge AI applications across the full project lifecycle How artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integrated partner throughout the entire project lifecycle. Rather than focusing solely on discrete technological interventions, this session considers AI as an ecosystem that connects strategy, design, delivery and long-term stewardship. Speaker: Andrew Johnson (Okana) Beyond the hype: building AI-ready teams for the digital built environment An opportunity to gain insight into the organisational, cultural and technical transformations required to develop teams who are capable of leveraging AI effectively. The session will address challenges such as skill gaps, change management and aligning AI initiatives with broader business objectives, as well as highlighting successful case studies from leading projects. Speakers: David Philp FICE, FCIOB, FRICS, FCInstCES (Bentley Systems) and Prof Sean Smith BSc PhD FHEA FIOA FRSA HonFRIAS HonFCIAT (University of Edinburgh) From concept to construction: the impact of AI in architecture This session brings together four distinguished architects who are actively engaging with artificial intelligence (AI) to advance contemporary design practice. The panel will examine how emerging AI methodologies are reshaping early concept generation, enabling rapid exploration of form, materiality and spatial performance. Speakers: TBC Real world application of AI in construction and what people don’t tell you! How artificial intelligence (AI) is moving from buzzword to practical tool in the construction industry. Rather than replacing human expertise, this session explores how AI is augmenting it, helping teams analyse complex data, anticipate risks and automate repetitive tasks. Speaker: Lilian Ho AI or Die: Rewriting the Rules of Construction Sales and Marketing This no-nonsense panel cuts through the hype to show how AI is already reshaping construction sales and marketing—and where it clearly isn’t. Panellists will share practical, real-world uses that drive leads, improve targeting, and save time, while calling out common myths and missteps. Speaker: Leigh Simpson (Insynth Marketing) Sam Patel, Divisional Director, UK Construction Week London, commented: “A key element of UKCW London is informing and updating visitors on the rapidly changing technology which is playing an increasing role in the industry – of which AI is a huge part. Anyone working in construction – from architects to site managers – needs to know how this transformative technology can help them in every aspect of their work, so these talks and panel events are a must for everyone.” In addition to the focus on AI, UK Construction Week London will explore a wide spectrum of the most pressing and important topics which affect the industry today, with a packed programme of CPD-accredited panels and seminars covering everything from innovation in construction methods to product testing and assurance; housing insight to workforce capacity; workplace culture to data-driven project management. Bringing together construction leaders, innovators and decision makers from across the industry, UKCW London will run alongside both Futurebuild and The Stone & Surfaces Show, attracting over 25,000 industry professionals. Sponsored by Sage, Wyre, HotelPlanner, Zurich Resilience Solutions and Build Warranty, UKCW London will feature over 300 leading brands; over 25 trade bodies and associations, including the Federation of Master Builders, CIBSE, and the National Association Of Air Duct-Cleaners UK. Visitors can register for free by visiting: https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-london-2026/cab-campaign. Following the London show in May 2026, UKCW Birmingham will return to the NEC from 29 September to 1 October 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni secures full occupancy at M1 logistics park as pharma demand rises
Panattoni has achieved full occupation at Panattoni Park J28 Central M1, completing the leasing of the scheme and reinforcing the strength of demand along one of the UK’s key logistics corridors. Located with direct access to Junction 28 of the M1, the park has established itself as a prime Midlands distribution hub, offering strong connectivity to national networks. The development has attracted a diverse mix of occupiers, reflecting broad-based demand for well-located Grade A logistics space. The final unit has been let to Alloga, a specialist pharmaceutical logistics provider and part of Cencora. The deal marks the second building Panattoni has delivered to Alloga, further strengthening the park’s occupier profile. Existing tenants include Super Smart Services and a Chinese third-party logistics operator, underlining the appeal of the location to both international and specialist operators. The latest letting highlights the growing presence of pharmaceutical businesses within the logistics market. Increasing regulatory requirements, more complex temperature-controlled supply chains and the need for GDP- and GMP-compliant facilities are driving demand for highly specified warehouse space across the UK and Europe. Panattoni has responded to this shift through a series of specialist developments. In Germany, the company recently delivered a GDP- and GMP-compliant facility incorporating climate-controlled zones between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, WGK III areas and advanced digital monitoring systems. In Poland, Grupa Olmed has taken 9,500 sq m at City Logistics Łódź VI, with the space configured to support expanding e-commerce operations through automation and mezzanine floors. Andy Preston, senior development director at Panattoni, said reaching full occupation at J28 reflects ongoing demand for sustainable, strategically located accommodation across the Midlands and nationally. He added that the M1 corridor continues to perform strongly, attracting occupiers ranging from e-commerce operators to pharmaceutical specialists. Panattoni remains active across the corridor, recently acquiring a site in Worksop for a 462,000 sq ft speculative development and a site at Northampton West with capacity for up to 1 million sq ft. Leasing agents at J28 were FHP, CBRE and APEX, with Savills advising Alloga. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Atis picks St James’s Park for 16th London opening at The Broadway
Atis is expanding its London estate again, with the fast-growing restaurant brand set to open its 16th site at The Broadway, the 1 million sq ft mixed-use development in St James’s Park. Founded in 2019 by Eleanor Warder and Phil Honer, Atis will take a 3,600 sq ft unit at the scheme, adding to a portfolio that already includes locations in Covent Garden, Notting Hill, Borough Yards, Mayfair and King’s Cross. The latest signing underlines the brand’s continued push into prime central London destinations with strong commuter and office footfall. Atis will join an emerging food and lifestyle line-up at The Broadway, alongside operators including Farmer J, Açaí Berry, Nostos Coffee and Nobleman Barber. The development is seeking to establish a high-quality, wellness-led retail mix that supports the needs of residents, office occupiers and visitors throughout the day. Designed by Squire & Partners, The Broadway comprises 258 homes arranged across six towers, 116,000 sq ft of office accommodation and 24,000 sq ft of street-level retail and dining space. A number of units remain available and are currently being marketed by CBRE. The deal follows the recent appointment of property developer Valouran as asset manager for The Broadway, signalling a renewed focus on curating the scheme’s commercial and retail offering. Alex Michelin, co-founder and chief executive of Valouran, said Atis is one of the capital’s fastest-growing food brands and an ideal fit for the development. He noted that the restaurant will occupy a prominent corner position with frontages onto both Broadway and Victoria Street, helping reinforce the destination’s retail appeal. Phil Honer, co-founder of Atis, said The Broadway’s location aligns strongly with the brand’s approach to simple, real food served in carefully designed spaces. He added that the team is looking forward to becoming part of the area’s continued evolution and introducing Atis to a new audience in St James’s Park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals