Full refurbishment of 13,000 sq ft of Grade A office space in Southampton completes
Crown House 1 has completed its transformation into a high-quality, Grade A workspace in the heart of Southampton. Landlord, Craigard, has invested heavily in Crown House 1 since their purchase in 2018 including new and energy-efficient HVAC systems throughout. The design and layout of the property provides a modern, attractive space to suit a variety of businesses. Spread across four floors, Crown House 1 boasts high-quality facilities close to the train station and within walking distance of parks and restaurants and has a secure car park. CBRE Southampton and Realest have been instructed to market the 13,000 sq ft opportunity, which can be let as a whole or as separate units. The ground floor (1,518 sq. ft.) provides a fully fitted, high-specification office suite, ready for immediate occupation. This space has been thoughtfully designed to create an inviting workspace to accelerate productivity and collaboration. The landlord’s attention to detail ensures a light and bright characterful space with a generous kitchen breakout space and zoom room. The suite has been designed using soft colours and a variety of different materials to break the space up and provide a relaxed environment. The first (4,031 sq. ft.) and second floors (4,026 sq. ft.) offer open-plan floor plates ready for a tenant fit-out. These have been refurbished with LED lighting, new carpets and fully redecorated. The first floor also benefits from its own dedicated shower and toilets. The Penthouse (3,670 sq ft) provides high-quality workspace with glass partitioning defining a fully fitted kitchen and breakout area, a dedicated boardroom/conference room and bespoke meeting pods. Workstations are provided throughout the space anda distinctive feature that sets the space apart is its dedicated private shower/changing and toilet facilities. Emma Lockey, Director at CBRE Southampton, said: “The attention to detail in Crown House 1 provides a specification rarely found in a city centre location. In a prime location, the space offers an exciting opportunity for any occupier.” Lauren Udall, Director at Realest said: “The short supply of quality office suites in the wider Southampton market, allows Crown House 1 to provide occupiers market leading space over a variety of suite sizes.” David Foster, Craigard said: “We are acutely aware that in order to let office space in today’s market a landlord needs to create a building and environment that occupiers and their employees want to come too and we believe we have done that at Crown House 1. Combined with highly competitive overall occupational costs, and its own secure car park, the building ticks all the boxes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK logistics market demand remains resilient amid sharp slowdown in new development
Constrained pipeline expected to support rental growth The UK industrial and logistics market continued to demonstrate resilience during Q3 2026, with occupier demand remaining ahead of long-term averages despite ongoing economic uncertainty and extended decision-making timelines. According to Colliers’ latest data, take-up of units over 100,000 sq ft reached 6.7 million sq ft during Q3, taking year-to-date (YTD) volumes to 21.8 million sq ft, slightly ahead of the pre-pandemic 10-year average. Activity remains concentrated among a core group of occupiers and locations and continues to be driven by retail, e-commerce and fulfilment businesses, which collectively account for 78% of YTD take-up. The Midlands remains the dominant logistics market, accounting for 63% of all space transacted so far this year. Several major deals completed during the quarter, including Super Smart Service expanding its Midlands footprint through a number of 15-year lease commitments, DIRKS Consumer Logistics pre-letting 306,000 sq ft at SEGRO Park Coventry, DHL pre-letting 450,000 sq ft at Westworks Corby, and TikTok committing to the recently completed Rugby 251 for its ecommerce platform. However, the defining trend in the market continues to be on the supply side, where development activity has fallen sharply. Although availability edged up slightly during the quarter, the UK vacancy rate held steady at 8.6%. Crucially, the quarterly increase has not been driven by new speculative development. Q3 speculative completions totalled less than 500,000 sq ft, marking the lowest quarterly delivery volume in nearly 10 years. Over the past 12 months, the amount of newly built space available across the UK has fallen by 10.3%, while second-hand availability has increased by 20%. New Grade A stock now accounts for just 36% of available space, down from 43% a year ago. Looking ahead, only 7.3 million sq ft of speculative space is currently expected to complete in 2026, representing a 45% shortfall against the five-year average, and the lowest annual delivery volume since 2018. Deirdre O’Reilly, Head of Industrial Research UK at Colliers, said: “The UK logistics occupier market continues to prove more resilient than the wider economic backdrop might suggest. While occupiers are taking a little longer to press the button, demand remains healthy and is well on track to deliver take-up of around 30 million sq ft this year. “Development activity has slowed considerably, resulting in a shrinking pipeline of new Grade A logistics space coming forward. Although vacancy has risen modestly again, the proportion of new and modern space available is falling, which means occupiers are facing a more competitive environment for the highest-quality space in the right locations.” The slowdown in development reflects a trend being seen across Europe, where industrial and logistics space under construction has declined significantly over the past year. At the same time, vacancy rates across many European markets are beginning to stabilise, supporting a more balanced outlook for the sector. Average rental growth remains positive across the UK, with rents increasing by 4.3% year-on-year in August, while prime big-box rents rose 2.7% annually to September. However, net effective rental growth continues to be moderated by increasing incentive packages, with average rent-free periods rising from 14.8 months last year to 15.8 months in 2026. Len Rosso, Co-Head of Industrial & Logistics at Colliers, added: “Retailers, e-commerce businesses and fulfilment operators continue to drive demand across the logistics sector, with Chinese occupiers remaining a particularly important source of activity. These businesses remain focused on core Golden Triangle locations that offer access to the majority of the UK’s consumer population. “With around 15 million sq ft currently under offer and the development pipeline becoming increasingly constrained, well-located logistics assets should remain well-positioned, not only supporting landlord confidence but reinforcing the importance of early decision-making for occupiers. The availability of new, high-quality space is becoming more and more limited, and that is likely to support rental growth prospects in the coming year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Milton Keynes’ most sustainable office becomes only UK building to hold a 5 Star NABERS UK whole building rating
The RO Group is delighted to announce that its flagship property in Milton Keynes, Silbury House, has achieved a 5 Star NABERS UK Energy for Offices Whole Building rating, recognising the building’s outstanding operational energy performance. Silbury House is currently the only building in the UK to hold a 5 Star NABERS UK rating, and is the third highest-rated Whole Building certified in the country. NABERS UK measures the actual energy use of office buildings, rather than their predicted performance at the design stage, providing independent verification of how efficiently a building is operating in practice. The rating represents the latest milestone in RO’s extensive refurbishment of Silbury House, originally constructed in 1998. The project set out to transform the existing building into the most sustainable office building in Milton Keynes, significantly improving its energy efficiency while avoiding the embodied carbon associated with demolition and redevelopment. The refurbishment has included the installation of 116 rooftop solar panels with a total capacity of 41 kWp, capable of generating up to 20% of the building’s energy demand. The building also benefits from an energy-efficient hybrid Variable Refrigerant Flow heating and cooling system with heat recovery technology, alongside LED lighting and advanced controls designed to reduce energy consumption. These measures have already helped Silbury House achieve an EPC A+ ( Net zero) rating. Silbury House’s sustainability credentials extend beyond energy performance. The building has secured a 3 Star Fitwel certification for health and wellbeing, making it the only building in Milton Keynes to hold the accreditation. Further reinforcing its focus on building performance, it is also the only building in the region to achieve and maintain RESET Air Certification, with indoor air quality continuously monitored, and independently verified against globally recognised standards, to ensure a healthy, comfortable and productive indoor environment for occupiers. Sustainability was also embedded in the materials and construction process. Existing materials were retained and repurposed wherever possible, including recovered raised access flooring, while carpet tiles contain 75% recycled content. No waste generated by the refurbishment was sent to landfill. Ana Bajri, Group Head of Sustainability at the RO Group, said: “Achieving a 5 Star NABERS UK Whole Building rating is a significant milestone for Silbury House and demonstrates what can be achieved through thoughtful investment in existing buildings. “What is particularly important about NABERS is that it measures actual operational performance. This rating provides independent evidence that the work undertaken at Silbury House is delivering lower energy consumption and greater efficiency for our occupiers. “We have shown that an existing building can be transformed to meet the standards expected of modern, high-quality office space. Being the only building in the UK currently holding a 5 Star NABERS UK whole building rating is a fantastic recognition. For us, this is not simply about achieving a certification; it is about using real performance data to create better buildings for occupiers and the environment. Silbury House demonstrates that sustainability, occupier experience and commercial performance can go hand in hand. We hope it provides confidence to other building owners considering how they can improve the performance of their existing assets.’’ NABERS UK was launched in 2020 and is administered by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). Its Energy for Offices ratings assess the measured operational energy performance of existing office buildings, enabling owners and occupiers to understand, track and improve energy efficiency. Silbury House provides Grade A office accommodation in central Milton Keynes, incorporating smart building technology, fitted office suites and upgraded amenities as part the RO Group’s comprehensive refurbishment of the property. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction sector needs to do more to accommodate neurodiversity in the industry, here’s why
With October marking ADHD Awareness Month, experts reveal how the trades sector can do more to accommodate neurodiverse tradies With October marking ADHD Awareness Month, Patricia Gardiner, trades expert for Trade Direct Insurance, has outlined the barriers that neurodiverse tradies still face, as well as how the sector can adjust to help affected tradespeople. “Tradies are significantly more likely to be neurodiverse than the general population. Research has found that whilst an estimated 15-20% of Brits are neurodiverse, over half (52%) of tradespeople consider themselves to have a neurodiverse condition1. “For many people with neurodiversity, a practical career as a tradesperson offers many significant benefits over other career options that may lead them to pursue a career on the tools. Independence and flexibility, the nature of hands-on practical work, and individual learning in the form of apprenticeships and mentor schemes, are all positive factors that many people on the neurodiverse spectrum find appealing. “However, the environment that attracts neurodiverse talent can also present challenges. If the sector wants to expand its current talent pool and secure a healthy future by growing the workforce, it must go further to accommodate the needs of all tradespeople.” The hidden obstacles facing neurodiverse tradies “It’s true that the trades play to many of the strengths associated with neurodiversity, but the day-to-day realities of working on-site also present unique challenges, particularly for those with ADHD. “For a self-employed tradie, their job extends beyond practical work. Invoicing, communication, managing quotes, tracking inventories, and scheduling demands high levels of organisation and effective time management. For a tradesperson with ADHD, tackling these tasks can be overwhelming, and could lead to forgotten admin or even friction with clients, due to communication challenges or missed deadlines. These administrative problems are not usually an indicator of a tradie’s ability to do their job to a high standard, but can cause doubt or a loss of confidence for customers. “Insurance, that can be vital for tradies but can be complex and difficult to understand, also presents challenges for neurodiverse tradespeople. Fully understanding the details of a policy can be daunting and can leave tradies underprotected if they do not possess the right public liability insurance, their tools insurance does not cover the full value of their inventory, or if they plan to take on an apprentice but do not have the correct employer’s liability insurance policy. “On-site communication is another hurdle. Many people with neurodiversity find it easier to follow written instructions or may need to clarify key points before they understand what is being asked of them, but asking for instructions to be written down or repeated can be perceived negatively. This could cause a tradie to choose not to ask for clarification in future, resulting in misunderstandings that could be avoided.” Unlocking the overlooked potential for the industry “Addressing these challenges is vital for solving the construction skills shortage the UK is facing. Younger generations have a much greater awareness of their neurodiversity than previous generations. Combined with this, a perceived lack of attractive career options is driving many into unemployment, as individuals feel uninspired and unsuited to the world of work. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims for young people aged 16–24 with ADHD and autism have tripled in recent years2, an issue which is contributing to increasing numbers of young people being out of work, education or training, commonly known as NEETs (Not in Employment Education or Training). “The construction industry should recognise this as a significant recruitment opportunity. If the sector can become more accessible to neurodiverse individuals, and if we can successfully highlight the many perks and benefits that make it a genuinely attractive career for young people, we can address youth unemployment and the skills shortage crisis at the same time. “Many young people claiming PIP or seeking adjustments are doing so because office jobs are not suited to their ways of working. Construction offers an environment that ticks many of the boxes that motivate neurodiverse individuals, such as variety and visible progress towards goals. By positioning the trades as a natural and rewarding path for young people, the industry can tap into a motivated pool of talent currently overlooked by office-based sectors. “What’s more, many of the required adjustments are universally beneficial to all tradespeople, as well as being particularly helpful for those who are neurodiverse. We can adjust regulatory and insurance language to ensure that it’s clear, to the point, and easy to understand. We can change apprenticeship curriculums to make them focused on practical learning, digital management and organisation. “Changing how we promote the trades as a career choice for young people will allow us to appeal to talented individuals who are struggling to find direction, by giving them greater awareness of an option that might just be a perfect match for them.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bosch Commercial & Industrial launches higher outputs for its dual-fuel boiler range
The Uni Condens 8000F now offers outputs up to 1200kW, providing more flexible solutions for higher commercial heating demands Bosch Commercial & Industrial has today launched a new higher output for its Uni Condens 8000 F series, providing more flexibility for installers and specifiers looking for a solution for commercial, industrial or heat network applications. The UC8000F launched in 2024 and is a first-of-its-kind boiler in the UK, as well as being CE-certified. It is a dual-fuel boiler that can run on both natural gas or hydrogen, with the ability to seamlessly switch between both. Outputs are available from 145kW to 1200kW, with the option to easily cascade multiple appliances to reach even higher outputs of multiple megawatts. Through a partnership with industrial combustion specialists Dunphy, customers can expect assured quality, with Dunphy providing the burner for the appliance. The UC8000F also offers low emissions due to an included flue gas recirculator, which keeps NOx emissions under 40mg/kWh. Pete Mills, Commercial Technical Operations Manager at Bosch Commercial & Industrial, said, “A mix of technology and fuel options for heating will be essential for us to reach the UK’s lofty decarbonisation targets – with hydrogen being a part of that. By introducing a new higher output for our UC8000F, we are now able to offer more options and hopefully remove barriers for early-adopters of hydrogen projects.” For more information on the UC8000F visit; https://www.bosch-industrial.com/gb/en/ocs/commercial-industrial/hydrogen-boilers-20753156-c/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Milton Keynes named UK’s top construction hotspot outside London as opportunity soars
New research reveals the UK locations where the construction industry is thriving, with Milton Keynes taking the top spot. Milton Keynes has been named the UK’s most thriving construction hotspot outside London, according to new research from construction branding specialists Monster-Mesh. The study analysed five key indicators across 95 UK locations to identify the towns and cities outside the capital where the construction industry is showing the strongest signs of activity, investment and future growth. While London continues to dominate the UK construction landscape, the research reveals a number of regional locations where a combination of established construction businesses, economic output, workforce growth, job opportunities and investment in construction branding is helping to drive a thriving local industry. The study by Monster-Mesh ranked locations according to: Each indicator was scored out of 100 before being combined to create an overall index score out of 500. To ensure a fair comparison between locations of different sizes, figures were standardised according to population or presented as percentages. The UK’s top 10 construction hotspots outside London (index score out of 500) 1st) Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire: 339 2nd) Rochester, Kent: 318 3rd) Canterbury, Kent: 312 4th) Tunbridge Wells, Kent: 310 5th) Dartford, Kent: 309 6th) Stevenage, Hertfordshire: 308 7th) Chelmsford, Essex: 297 =8th) Oxford, Oxfordshire: 296 =8th) Reading, Berkshire: 296 10th) Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: 279 Milton Keynes named the UK’s top construction hotspot Milton Keynes has taken the number one position in this year’s ranking, scoring 339 out of 500. The town benefits from the strength of the wider South East construction market, which accounts for 16.9% of the UK’s construction businesses. This is the highest proportion of any region included in the study. Construction in the South East also generates £41,319 in GVA per head, providing a strong economic backdrop for locations such as Milton Keynes. The city also stands out for the amount being invested in construction branding. Monster-Mesh data shows that £59,211 is spent on construction branding solutions per 100,000 people in Milton Keynes, giving it the highest branding spend among all locations analysed. That investment has also more than doubled year-on-year, with construction branding spend in Milton Keynes increasing by 103% compared with last year. However, the research suggests that Milton Keynes’ construction market is not simply being driven by branding investment. The region is forecast to see a 3% increase in its construction workforce between 2026 and 2030, while the city currently has five advertised construction jobs for every 100,000 residents. Mark McLennan, Founder at Monster-Mesh said, “Milton Keynes taking the top spot from Tunbridge Wells this year is a really interesting result. It demonstrates that a thriving construction sector isn’t necessarily about having the highest number of job vacancies or the fastest workforce growth in isolation. The combination of a strong regional construction base, economic output and business investment all play a part in a thriving local sector. “The particularly strong increase in construction branding spend is also worth highlighting. Businesses don’t generally invest in their visibility unless they see an opportunity to compete and grow, so this could be a useful indicator of the confidence within Milton Keynes’ construction sector.” Rochester takes second place Rochester has climbed into second place, scoring 318 out of 500. Like Milton Keynes, Rochester benefits from the wider strength of the South East construction industry, with 16.9% of UK construction firms located across the region and construction generating £41,319 in GVA per head. Construction branding investment is particularly strong in Rochester, reaching £44,246 per 100,000 people, and perhaps more significantly, branding spend has increased by 104% year-on-year. This suggests a rise in investment from construction businesses looking to increase their visibility and compete for new opportunities. Rochester currently has 12 advertised construction jobs per 100,000 people, while the regional construction workforce is forecast to increase by 3% between 2026 and 2030. Canterbury comes in at third place Canterbury takes third place with an overall index score of 312. The Kent location combines the strength of the wider South East construction market with significant investment in construction branding. Construction businesses in Canterbury are spending £37,356 per 100,000 people on branding solutions, representing a 14% increase compared with last year. The location also has 25 advertised construction jobs per 100,000 people, while the wider South East is expected to see construction workforce growth of 3% between 2026 and 2030. With 16.9% of the UK’s construction firms located across the wider South East and construction generating £41,319 in GVA per head, Canterbury’s position in the top three highlights the continuing strength of Kent and the wider South East as a construction hub. Mark said, “London will always be an enormous construction market, but it’s important not to overlook what’s happening elsewhere in the UK. “This year’s research shows some really interesting regional hotspots. Milton Keynes, Rochester and Canterbury are leading the way, while locations such as Dartford, Stevenage, Oxford and Reading are seeing particularly significant increases in construction branding investment. “The construction landscape is constantly changing, and looking beyond London gives us a much better picture of where businesses are investing, where employment opportunities are emerging and where the sector could be heading next.” Construction branding investment surges across UK cities Construction businesses across the UK are significantly increasing their investment in branding, with the number of construction branding units ordered over the past year rising by 89%, while total spend on construction branding has increased by an even greater 94%. The latest Monster-Mesh data reveals the cities where construction branding investment is growing fastest, with Bath recording the biggest increase in spending, up by an impressive 297% over the past year. Portsmouth follows closely behind, with construction branding spend increasing by 295%, while Slough saw spending rise by 285%. For further information about the study and to speak to the team, visit Monster-Mesh.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals