Stepnell boosts North West expansion with £428m framework win
COMPLETE construction partner Stepnell has secured a place on the £428m North West Rise Construction Framework, boosting its regional presence and underpinning its wider UK growth strategy. The appointment follows the opening of the regional contractor’s Liverpool office and forms part of its commitment to fostering long-term relationships and sustainable growth across the North West construction market, delivering high-quality, socially responsible projects through established public sector frameworks. Procured by Regenda Group in partnership with Rise Construction Framework, the agreement runs until March 2030 and sees Stepnell appointed to Lot 1 – General Construction within the £15m+ value band, as one of five contractors selected. The framework attracted 79 tenders for this lot, with 38 firms appointed in total, placing Stepnell within a highly competitive group of contractors operating at scale. Craig Finn, framework director at Stepnell, said: “This is a significant appointment for Stepnell and a strong endorsement of our approach as a responsible, long-term construction partner. “Our focus has always been on more than just delivering buildings – we work to create real value for clients and the communities we operate in. That includes delivering meaningful social value, supporting local people and ensuring every project contributes positively beyond the built environment. “Securing this place on the framework aligns with our growth in the North West and reflects the strength of our offer, our people and our commitment to delivering lasting value for clients and communities.” The contractor will support initiatives across the North West region, including working with care leavers, engaging with Rise’s social mobility programme and contributing to community activity through volunteering and fundraising. Stepnell will also collaborate with voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) and support engagement with school leavers. The framework, which has generated over £100 million in social return on investment over the last decade, supports public sector clients including local authorities, NHS trusts, blue light services, housing providers and education bodies across North West England, North Wales and Yorkshire and the Humber. Sara Lawton, director at Rise Construction Framework, said: “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Rise Construction Framework we are delighted to launch the latest re-iteration of Rise. “Importantly we are looking forward to continuing to change the lives of people across our communities; we are proud to hold the Kings Award for Enterprise for our commitment to social mobility meaning the public sector not only have access to experienced supply partners who deliver quality capital projects, but they are investing in communities each time they access our services.” The win comes amid continued growth for Stepnell, following a fifth consecutive year of profit, as the contractor strengthens its presence across key UK regions through targeted expansion and framework opportunities. For more information on Stepnell and its services, visit https://www.stepnell.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Report Calls for Temporary Power to Ease EU Grid Strain
A new white paper has revealed how temporary and engineered on-site power solutions can accelerate grid modernisation across Europe and alleviate rising pressure on transmission and distribution networks. “Breaking the Gridlock”, published by engineered energy and temperature solutions specialist Aggreko, maps the structural challenges facing Europe’s electricity networks as the continent undergoes rapid electrification, decentralisation and renewable energy expansion. The report highlights that transmission and distribution network operators are working closer as a decentralised style of grid operation based on renewables becomes the norm. It argues this shift demands major investment to upgrade ageing assets, expand lines and redesign a network built for one-way flows from large plants. It also highlights the temporary on-site power solutions that can be used to break common utilities bottlenecks. These include balancing power, bridging power, seasonal power and emergency power. Alan Dunne, managing director for UK and Ireland at Aggreko, said: “Europe’s grid modernisation plans are urgent and complex, with the ongoing shift to a decentralised, renewable-led power system demanding collaboration, new investment and on-site expertise to keep projects moving while future capacity is built. “These changes are essential for security, resilience and decarbonisation, but they create practical challenges. Large volumes of reliable power will be needed for every aspect of the transition for decades to come. Successful projects will be those with access to the right equipment and expertise.” According to the white paper, congestion and connection delays remain two of the most prominent structural barriers. Across 16 European countries, around 1,700 GW of renewable projects are currently stuck in grid queues, while curtailment could reach up to 310 TWh a year by 2040 if bottlenecks persist. To download “Breaking the Gridlock”, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mix Manchester takes off with major first-phase planning submission
Plans have been submitted for the first phase of the landmark Mix Manchester development, a 1.6 million sq ft scheme set to become the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation and advanced manufacturing campus. The hybrid planning application marks a significant step forward for the joint venture partnership behind the project, bringing forward a substantial pipeline of industrial and commercial space designed to support high-growth sectors. Phase one will deliver more than 70,000 sq ft of flexible mid-tech workspace, targeting innovative and fast-scaling businesses. The proposals also include a 1,500-space multi-storey mobility hub, incorporating cycle facilities and ground-floor commercial uses to support sustainable transport and on-site amenities. In addition, the application outlines 500,000 sq ft of medium and large-scale advanced manufacturing space, alongside a further 600,000 sq ft allocated for research and development, offices, laboratory facilities and hotel accommodation. The mix of uses reflects a growing demand for integrated campuses that combine production, innovation and business operations within a single location. Helen Ratcliffe, head of agency and development at Mix Manchester, said the submission follows months of detailed preparation and represents a key milestone for the scheme. She noted that the development will provide high-specification, technology-led space, with the first units expected to be delivered from the fourth quarter of 2027. The hybrid nature of the application seeks detailed consent for the initial phase while also securing outline approval for future expansion, enabling long-term flexibility as the scheme evolves. The wider vision is to create a transformative destination that supports start-ups and established occupiers alike, while generating significant employment opportunities across the region. Mix Manchester is being brought forward through a partnership between Manchester Airports Group, Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Pension Fund and Beijing Construction Engineering Group, highlighting a collaborative approach to delivering one of the UK’s most ambitious industrial-led developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lidl accelerates UK expansion with £600m investment and major store rollout
Lidl has unveiled plans to open 50 new stores across the UK over the next 12 months, forming part of a wider £600 million investment programme that signals a significant push in the industrial and retail property sectors. The discount supermarket chain described the initiative as the most ambitious standard store opening programme currently planned within the UK grocery market. The expansion is expected to generate close to 2,000 new jobs nationwide, supporting both local economies and regional development. Among the locations earmarked for new stores are Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington in Cheshire, and Thornbury in Gloucestershire, with several openings scheduled for completion this summer. The rollout reflects continued demand for modern retail space and highlights ongoing investment in strategically located sites. Alongside its store development pipeline, Lidl is strengthening its logistics network to support its growing footprint. Construction is progressing on a new warehouse facility in Leeds, which is expected to become operational next year. In London, the company has submitted proposals to expand and integrate its existing distribution warehouses in Belvedere, further enhancing capacity within a key urban logistics hub. Ryan McDonnell, chief executive of Lidl GB, said the expansion is designed to deliver long-term value beyond retail growth. He noted that the programme will contribute to regional economic development, create high-quality employment opportunities, and provide greater certainty for British suppliers seeking to scale their operations. Kate Dearden, minister for employment rights and consumer protection, welcomed the investment, describing it as a strong example of how large-scale corporate growth can align with wider economic objectives. She highlighted the importance of job creation, fair wages, and improved living standards, adding that Lidl’s plans demonstrate confidence in the UK’s economic strategy while delivering tangible benefits to communities and businesses alike. The programme underlines the continued role of major retailers in driving demand for new commercial and industrial space, with logistics infrastructure playing an increasingly critical role in supporting expansion across the sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Boots Opticians unveils new premium store on prestigious central London street
Boots Opticians today unveils its new Wigmore Street store, a luxury destination for premium designer frames and specialist eyecare. Located in the heart of London, Boots Opticians Wigmore Street brings together cutting-edge clinical technology, specialist expertise and an elevated customer experience. Following a seven-week refurbishment, the store now showcases over 40 designer brands including Lindberg, Porsche Design and Gucci, alongside Cartier and Chopard frames which are exclusively available to customers in the Wigmore Street store. Consumers can also access expert in-store services including optomap eye scans, dry eye relief and contact lens care. From specialist consultation areas to contact lens trial stations, every element of Boots Opticians Wigmore Street has been carefully considered with both customers and clinicians in mind, to support personalised, proactive eyecare. The store also reflects the brand’s ongoing investment in innovation and its role at the forefront of eyecare in the UK. Rich in history, the store – formerly Dollond & Aitchison – held a royal warrant and supplied eyewear to Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh. Boots Opticians has occupied the site since 2009 following the merger of the two brands. Gordon Dingwall, Director of Retail, Operations, Property & Franchise at Boots Opticians, says: “We’re incredibly excited to open Boots Opticians Wigmore Street, in one of London’s most conic luxury retail destinations. Combining world class brands and expert clinicians, the store has been thoughtfully designed using gold motifs, heritage-inspired patterns and tonal gradients from our Boots brand identity. Boots Opticians Wigmore Street represents a marked evolution for Boots Opticians, celebrating the store’s rich history whilst setting a new benchmark for premium eye care.” The opening reflects Boots Opticians’ commitment to helping customers see what’s possible through better eye health. Customers can book an appointment at Boots Opticians Wigmore Street online at bootsopticians.com or in-store. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shakespeare Martineau advises on landmark Barratt Redrow joint venture for 8,500-home garden town scheme
National law firm Shakespeare Martineau has advised Barratt Redrow on a major joint venture with Places for People to deliver one of the UK’s most ambitious new community developments. The scheme will create a pioneering garden town-style development in East Hertfordshire, delivering around 8,500 homes – including at least 1,950 affordable properties – across a network of six walkable villages on the outskirts of Gilston. In addition to housing, the development will incorporate extensive infrastructure and placemaking features, including integrated green space and allotments, 15km of heritage trails, schools, leisure facilities, 29,000 sqm of commercial space, and community hubs – highlighting the scale and complexity of the transaction. The joint venture brings together Barratt Redrow’s delivery capability as leading UK housebuilder with Places for People’s expertise in long-term stewardship and community management, creating a partnership model that offers enhanced certainty, credibility and longevity for a project of this scale. The deal was led by residential development partners Lucy Haynes and Debbie Irwin, with corporate support from James Hawkeswood. Lucy said: “This is a landmark project not only in terms of scale but also in how it will be delivered. Structuring a joint venture of this nature requires careful alignment of long-term objectives, risk allocation and delivery mechanisms, and it has been a privilege to support Barratt Redrow on such a forward-thinking development. “The transaction reflects a growing trend toward risk-sharing joint venture structures in large-scale, long-term residential schemes. As planning, infrastructure and phasing risks become more pronounced, developers are increasingly seeking partners who can contribute more than capital – bringing land control, asset management capabilities and community stewardship credentials. “It also highlights a broader shift in the residential development sector. While housing numbers remain critical, there is a clear and increasing focus on design quality, sustainability and long-term legacy, as demonstrated by the garden town model underpinning this scheme. “The complexity of a project of this scale reflects the evolution of the market. Developments of this magnitude require sophisticated legal frameworks capable of supporting phased delivery, major infrastructure commitments and long-term stewardship arrangements.” The joint venture is forecast to generate more than £6 billion in economic impact – creating thousands of local jobs, apprenticeships and opportunities for local businesses across Hertfordshire. David Thomas, chief executive at Barratt Redrow, said: “Working with Places for People offers the opportunity to show what large-scale, responsible, community-led development looks like. “Our new joint venture will deliver up to 8,500 new homes, featuring our three brands – Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Redrow – plus Places for People so giving customers the best possible choice for their new home. This is a once-in-a-generation project where we can create a modern garden town, connecting people to nature and growing with the community.” Greg Reed, CEO of Places for People, added: “The UK cannot meet its housing targets without partnerships that deliver differently. Our vision for this development is a new blueprint for modern garden towns, shaped by deep community insight and a commitment to doing things the right way from day one. “By combining Places for People’s long-term stewardship and social value approach with Barratt Redrow’s exceptional capability to deliver homes at scale and like-minded approach to social value, we can accelerate one of the most significant new communities in the UK. “This partnership unlocks delivery at a pace and scale that neither organisation could achieve alone and ensures we deliver the infrastructure, green space and high-quality homes that people deserve. “They say the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and with Gilston we did just that. It’s taken two decades to get to this point and now we are ready to roll.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals