NHS SBS launches Hard FM3 framework to support safer, more resilient healthcare estates
Leading corporate services provider, NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has launched its third-generation Hard Facilities Management framework, Hard FM3, providing NHS organisations and the wider public sector with a compliant route to access a comprehensive range of hard facilities management services, maintenance solutions and specialist estates support. Procured in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, the framework provides a transparent, flexible and efficient route to market. Replacing the current Hard Facilities Management framework (Hard FM2), it has been developed in response to demand for more efficient procurement routes that help estates and capital teams procure essential services efficiently while responding to pressures including ageing infrastructure, increasing statutory and regulatory requirements, workforce constraints, backlog maintenance and the transition to net zero. Worth up to £400 million over its full-term, the new Hard FM3 framework runs from 20 October 2026 to 19 October 2028, with the option to extend to 19 October 2030. It provides access to suppliers across 28 specialist lots, ranging from building management systems, electrical and mechanical maintenance, medical gas pipeline services and statutory inspections, critical ventilation services, standby power systems, estates consumables and fully managed hard FM services. The launch comes at a time when NHS estates face significant challenges. The latest Estates Returns Information Collection (ERIC) data from NHS England show the estimated cost of eradicating backlog maintenance across the NHS estate continues to grow and has now risen to £15.9 billion, highlighting the importance of effective maintenance, compliance and asset management strategies. Unlike many frameworks that focus on a narrow range of services, Hard FM3 brings together specialist and managed service solutions under a single route to market, helping organisations reduce procurement complexity, strengthen operational resilience and access expertise for planned and reactive works. The framework places particular emphasis on supporting statutory compliance, building safety and long-term estate transformation. The framework also incorporates sustainability and social value considerations and is structured to encourage participation from both national suppliers and SMEs through a regional delivery model. Olivia Mallett, Principal Category Manager, said: “Estates teams are managing increasingly complex challenges, from ageing infrastructure and backlog maintenance to statutory compliance and the transition to more sustainable estates. “Our Hard Facilities Management 3 Framework (SBS10524) has been designed to meet the evolving needs of NHS and wider public sector organisations by providing a compliant, flexible and efficient route to market. “Procured in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, the framework provides a transparent and effective way for organisations to access the expertise and services they need, while supporting competition, supplier diversity and value for money. “We are proud to offer a framework that supports statutory compliance, estate resilience, value for money and sustainability and long-term improvement across public sector estates.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Statom Secures Prestigious Super Prime Residential Contract in London’s Bayswater
Statom’s specialist turnkey delivery business, Fancourt Property Group, has secured a prestigious super prime residential construction contract in Bayswater, Westminster, involving the redevelopment of Esca House into 17 luxury residences. Appointed by Sunley Project Solutions, Fancourt Property Group will oversee a technically demanding redevelopment that combines demolition, façade retention and new construction within one of central London’s most desirable residential locations. The project will involve the demolition of existing elements of Esca House, while retaining the façade across the first two floors, followed by the construction of a new four-storey residential building. A significant engineering challenge will be the development’s location directly above the London Underground’s Circle and District lines, which run beneath the site. This sensitive setting will require careful coordination of demolition, piling, structural engineering and foundation works to ensure the successful delivery of the new building while addressing the constraints associated with constructing above operational railway infrastructure. The scheme represents a substantial undertaking within London’s specialist luxury residential construction market, where complex urban sites, retained architectural features and demanding structural requirements frequently influence the design and delivery process. Integrated Construction Expertise A key feature of the Esca House project will be the involvement of Statom’s vertically integrated construction businesses, enabling multiple specialist disciplines to contribute to the redevelopment under a coordinated delivery structure. Statom Demolition will undertake the demolition works, while Franki Foundations will provide specialist piling expertise. Apex Engineering will be responsible for design services, with Statom Group delivering the foundations and structural frame. Trident Lifting Solutions will provide tower crane services, while Harvill Brickwork will undertake the brickwork package. Mechanical and electrical installations will be delivered by Spark Tech MEP, completing the integrated team responsible for the principal construction disciplines. The involvement of these specialist businesses will enable Fancourt Property Group to coordinate key stages of the programme, from initial demolition and groundworks through to structural construction and building services installation. This approach is particularly relevant to projects involving complex site constraints, where close collaboration between engineering, structural and construction teams is essential. Building Above London’s Underground Network The location of Esca House above the Circle and District lines introduces an additional layer of technical complexity to the redevelopment. Construction projects situated above or close to operational underground railway infrastructure require detailed consideration of structural loading, ground conditions, vibration and the potential impact of construction activities on surrounding assets. For the Esca House development, the combination of demolition, retained façade elements and new structural works will make the coordination of the building’s foundations and frame a particularly important aspect of the delivery strategy. The involvement of Franki Foundations and Apex Engineering will bring specialist expertise to the ground engineering and structural design elements of the project. Meanwhile, the use of Statom’s wider construction capabilities will support the coordination of works across the constrained central London site. Delivering Super Prime Residential Accommodation Bayswater has become an increasingly prominent location within London’s luxury residential market, benefiting from its central position, established architectural character and proximity to Hyde Park and the wider West End. The redevelopment of Esca House will contribute 17 new super prime residences to the area, transforming the existing property into a modern residential building. Projects within this sector frequently require a combination of architectural sensitivity, specialist construction expertise and high standards of building services integration. The retention of existing façade elements at Esca House will also require careful consideration of how the historic or established external building fabric is incorporated into the new structure. For Fancourt Property Group, the appointment demonstrates the capabilities of Statom’s integrated construction model in delivering complex residential developments involving multiple specialist trades and challenging engineering conditions. The scheme also highlights the continuing opportunities for specialist contractors within London’s super prime residential market, particularly where redevelopment involves constrained sites, retained structures and significant below-ground infrastructure. With seven specialist construction businesses contributing to the project, the Esca House redevelopment will bring together expertise spanning demolition, piling, structural engineering, lifting operations, brickwork and mechanical and electrical services. The completed four-storey development will deliver 17 luxury residences in Bayswater, representing another example of the technically demanding construction and redevelopment projects shaping London’s high-end residential property sector. 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Landlords explore major portfolio changes ahead of Autumn Budget
Heightened speculation surrounding property taxation ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget has prompted UK landlords to actively evaluate their long-term portfolio strategies, according to new research from CIA Landlords. Analysis of Google Trends data reveals a surge in property owners seeking information across multiple operational paths ahead of potential financial changes. Searches for “transfer property to limited company”[1] and “property SPV”[2] (Special Purpose Vehicle) both increased by over 5,000% in the past month, compared with the preceding month, while searches for “buy to let limited company”[3] were up more than 5,000% on the same period last year. Interest in tax and selling also climbed over the same period. Searches for “landlord tax change”[4] recorded a breakout rise of more than 5,000%, as did “sell buy to let”[5] and “selling rental property”[6]. Taken together, the data suggests landlords are considering a range of options, from restructuring how they own their properties to scaling back. These search trends reflect exploration rather than confirmed decisions or transactions. But whichever route landlords are considering, changes to ownership can affect how a property needs to be insured, and CIA Landlords is encouraging property owners to check their cover before making any major moves. Ensuring protection after incorporation Transferring a property into a Limited Company or SPV changes who legally owns it, and therefore who needs to be insured. A policy taken out in a landlord’s personal name will no longer be valid once the title deed has been transferred. Therefore, landlords will need to take out a new policy, issued under their new registered company name to remain compliant. Landlords with more than one property should also check that each one is covered under the right policy and the right name, particularly if only some of their portfolio is being moved. Navigating the void period during potential sales Selling remains an option that some landlords are considering, and with the average time to sell a home sitting at 5 months[7] landlords need to be aware of any potential void periods and ensure they’re properly protected. Most standard landlord insurance policies contain specific unoccupancy terms. If a property remains empty for more than a set period of time – often 30 to 60 consecutive days – owners may require specialist unoccupied property cover. Otherwise, they could find themselves unprotected against risks such as escape of water, fire, or accidental damage. Terms vary between insurers, so it’s worth checking the policy wording or speaking to your insurer early. Nick Long, Managing Director of CIA Landlords, comments: “Our research shows that speculation before the Autumn Budget is driving property owners to look at their portfolios and evaluate their options. What’s important to understand is that if a landlord moves a property into a limited company or SPV, it’s usually the company, not the landlord personally that will need to be named on the insurance policy. To avoid coming into complications down the line, it is better to have this arranged with your insurance broker or insurer before the transfer than to find out afterwards that something has been missed.” “This also applies to properties that are between tenants or are on the market. Landlord insurance policies typically have conditions around how long a property can be empty, so it’s important to check the wording of the policy. Whether a landlord decides to move a property into a limited company or sell up, they should speak to qualified financial advisor and their insurance broker or insurer to ensure that they are covered.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ROCKWOOL Wall Systems achieves 50-year life expectancy under new Kiwa certification
Selected stone wool render systems now offer a 50-year assessed life expectancy above and beyond the 30-year industry standard, with no additional system costs. ROCKWOOL Wall Systems has announced that four selected stone wool external wall insulation render systems now have a 50-year assessed life expectancy under new Kiwa certification. Available for registered projects, the certification gives architects, specifiers, contractors and building owners additional evidence to support long-term façade decisions. For projects requiring a system life expectancy beyond the 30-year benchmark, these selected systems offer a 50-year assessed life expectancy—an additional 20 years, or a 66.7% increase—with no additional system investment required as a result of the extended assessment. The certification covers masonry and direct-fix steel frame systems incorporating stone wool insulation with HECK 4S Silicone Render or A1 Mineral Render finishes. Further assessment supports long-term confidence The milestone follows an in-depth assessment of hygrothermal and freeze-thaw testing, examining how the systems respond to cycles of heat and moisture, and repeated freezing and thawing. The new Kiwa certification supports a 50-year life expectancy for the specified system configurations, subject to its scope and conditions. For an industry making decisions that affect buildings for decades, this provides additional durability evidence to consider alongside thermal performance, fire classification and suitability for the project. Joe Ragdale, Technical Director at ROCKWOOL Wall Systems, said: “When specifying an external wall insulation system, confidence in its long-term performance matters. This new Kiwa certification supports a 50-year life expectancy for four of our stone wool render systems, giving project teams stronger evidence to support their decisions. “There are no additional system costs or installation steps arising from the extended assessment. That is a significant benefit for customers considering durability and long-term value in their next project.” Meeting longer-term specification requirements at no additional system cost. For projects requiring a system life expectancy beyond the 30-year benchmark, our selected systems offer a 50-year assessed life expectancy under new Kiwa certification. This represents an additional 20 years—a 66.7% increase—with no additional system costs arising from the extended assessment. The specified products and installation method remain unchanged, with no additional installation steps required. For architects and specifiers, this provides additional evidence to support longer-term durability requirements when selecting a complete wall insulation system. For contractors and installers, the 50-year assessed life expectancy is available on eligible projects, provided the requirements of the new certification are followed. For housing associations, local authorities and building owners, it supports informed investment decisions, asset planning and consideration of whole-life value. Supporting a longer-term approach to buildings Durability also has a role in responsible resource use. Keeping suitable building systems in service for longer can help avoid or delay replacement materials and associated works. Any resulting cost or environmental benefits depend on the individual project, its maintenance and replacement assumptions. Four eligible system configurations The 50-year assessed life expectancy is available for using the following configurations covered by the new Kiwa certification: The assessed life expectancy is subject to the scope and conditions of the relevant Kiwa certification, including requirements for design, installation, inspection and maintenance. To discuss an eligible new project or request the relevant certification, contact ROCKWOOL Wall Systems at www.wall-systems.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Urban Splash and igloo Secure Landmark Deal to Deliver 800 Homes at Liverpool’s Festival Gardens
Liverpool’s ambitious waterfront regeneration plans have taken a significant step forward after the city council approved legal agreements with Urban Splash and igloo, paving the way for the transformation of the former International Garden Festival site into a major new residential neighbourhood. The development partnership is progressing plans to deliver approximately 800 homes across the 27-acre Festival Gardens site, with around 440 properties proposed for the first phase of construction. The agreement represents a major milestone for one of Liverpool’s most prominent regeneration opportunities, bringing the prospect of residential development closer following years of challenges surrounding the site’s redevelopment. Urban Splash and igloo were selected as preferred development partners in August 2025, securing the opportunity ahead of competing proposals from Muse, Vistry and CERT Property. With the legal agreements now approved, the developers will advance detailed design work and community consultation ahead of submitting a planning application by the end of 2027. The proposals will seek to establish a diverse residential community, offering a broad range of housing types and tenures designed to accommodate different household requirements and stages of life. More than 30 house types are being considered, including social rented accommodation, traditional family housing, retirement living and opportunities for self-build homes. This mixed-tenure approach is intended to create a varied residential environment rather than a conventional single-format housing development, reflecting the growing emphasis on inclusive neighbourhood planning and long-term community development. A consortium of delivery partners will support the regeneration, with Urban Splash and igloo undertaking elements of the construction programme themselves alongside housing and development organisations including Alpha Living, Regenda Homes, TOWN and Starship. Six architectural practices are involved in shaping the proposals, bringing together different design approaches to establish a distinctive new neighbourhood within the waterfront setting. The development will follow a substantial programme of site preparation and environmental remediation, which has already addressed one of the principal barriers to bringing Festival Gardens back into productive use. Vinci previously undertook a £53 million remediation programme to tackle contamination across the former International Garden Festival site, preparing the land for future redevelopment. The extensive clean-up was an essential enabling stage, overcoming environmental constraints that had complicated earlier proposals and delayed progress on the site. Liverpool City Council originally acquired Festival Gardens for £6 million in 2015, with the intention of securing its long-term regeneration. Previous development ambitions had envisaged the construction of up to 1,500 homes, although the scale of the proposals has subsequently been reduced to approximately 800 properties under the current development strategy. The revised approach places greater emphasis on a varied residential offer, with different housing types and development partners contributing to the overall scheme. Jonathan Falkingham, Co-founder of Urban Splash, welcomed the latest milestone and highlighted the combined experience of the two development organisations. “With Urban Splash and igloo working in partnership, we’re combining decades of experience to turn this large-scale regeneration project into a community Liverpool can be proud of,” he said. The Festival Gardens project represents another important opportunity for Liverpool to unlock previously developed land for new housing while strengthening the relationship between the city’s residential neighbourhoods and its waterfront. For the construction and development sectors, the scheme also demonstrates the importance of major remediation investment, coordinated masterplanning and partnerships between local authorities, private developers and housing providers in bringing complex regeneration sites forward. The involvement of multiple architects and delivery partners is expected to contribute to the development of a varied housing offer, while the phased construction strategy will allow the neighbourhood to emerge progressively as individual elements receive approval. The next stage will see Urban Splash and igloo intensify design development and consultation, working towards the submission of a formal planning application before the end of 2027. Subject to securing the necessary consents, construction will then proceed in phases, beginning the transformation of the former festival site into a new residential destination. With legal agreements now approved and the major remediation works completed, Festival Gardens is moving closer to realising its potential as one of Liverpool’s significant new housing and waterfront regeneration schemes, bringing hundreds of homes to a site that has remained a longstanding development opportunity for the city. 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Landsec Halts £1.5bn Lewisham Regeneration as Construction Costs and Affordable Housing Dispute Derail Plans
Landsec has suspended plans for its £1.5 billion transformation of Lewisham Shopping Centre, dealing a major setback to one of south east London’s largest residential-led regeneration projects amid rising construction costs, development viability pressures and disagreements over affordable housing provision. The developer has confirmed that it no longer sees a sufficiently certain route to delivering the ambitious mixed-use scheme, which would have replaced the existing 1970s shopping centre with a new retail district, residential towers, student accommodation and extensive public amenities. Construction had been expected to commence in 2027, with the masterplan proposing buildings rising to 35 storeys and a substantial new residential neighbourhood in the heart of Lewisham. The redevelopment would have delivered 1,744 homes, alongside 660 purpose-built student accommodation beds and 445 co-living rooms, creating a high-density mixed-use destination combining residential, retail, leisure and cultural facilities. Plans also included a 500-capacity music venue and a rooftop meadow, introducing new green space and community facilities as part of a comprehensive redesign of the town centre. However, the project’s delivery depended on securing additional land, including the neighbouring former Citibank office building, Lewisham House. Landsec had sought support from Lewisham Council to progress the necessary land assembly arrangements, but the borough’s new Green administration declined to support the next stage without a substantial increase in affordable housing. Although the redevelopment had secured planning approval under the previous Labour administration, the new leadership has maintained that the proposed level of social rented accommodation was insufficient. The consented scheme included 98 social rent homes and 231 discounted rental properties intended for key workers, forming part of the wider 1,744-home residential development. Mayor of Lewisham Liam Shrivastava, who had previously supported a campaign opposing the proposals, reiterated the administration’s position on affordable housing. “This administration is laser focused on delivering genuinely affordable housing and I’ve consistently said the level of social rent homes in this scheme needed to increase,” he said. However, the Mayor also acknowledged the wider challenges affecting major regeneration projects. “The fact is the conditions for such projects are simply not favourable right now.” For Landsec, the requirement to substantially revise the housing mix comes against an increasingly challenging economic backdrop for large-scale development in London. The company pointed to higher interest rates, construction cost inflation and additional building regulatory requirements as significant factors affecting the financial viability of the redevelopment. Increasing the affordable housing provision would require material changes to the approved proposals, introducing further uncertainty around project costs, funding and delivery. In a statement, Landsec said: “This position, combined with the exceptionally difficult economic conditions, mean that we no longer see a sufficiently certain route to delivery and have taken the difficult decision to deprioritise the redevelopment of Lewisham Shopping Centre.” The decision highlights the difficulties facing major urban regeneration schemes, particularly those combining substantial residential development with the replacement of existing retail infrastructure. Projects of this scale frequently depend on complex land assembly arrangements, substantial upfront investment and a carefully balanced development mix to make construction financially viable. In Lewisham, the proposed transformation would have represented a fundamental change to the existing shopping centre, introducing a new urban district designed around residential growth, commercial activity and public space. The scheme had already begun influencing the existing retail environment, with Boots relocating in preparation for the anticipated redevelopment and NatWest also announcing plans to move. Despite shelving the regeneration proposals, Landsec has confirmed that it will continue operating and investing in Lewisham Shopping Centre, which it has owned for more than two decades. The existing retail destination will therefore remain operational while the developer reassesses its longer-term options for the site. For the wider construction and property development sectors, the decision underlines the growing pressures surrounding the delivery of major mixed-use schemes in London, where affordable housing requirements, construction inflation and increasingly complex regulatory obligations must be balanced against commercial viability. While the £1.5 billion masterplan has been deprioritised rather than permanently abandoned, there is currently no confirmed timetable for restarting the redevelopment. The future of the Lewisham site will now depend on whether a financially deliverable regeneration strategy can be established that satisfies both the developer’s investment requirements and the Council’s ambitions for increased affordable housing. The setback leaves one of south east London’s most prominent town centre regeneration opportunities facing an uncertain future, despite the scale of residential, commercial and community investment originally envisaged. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals