Savills Earth Capital Advisors advises Anglo Renewables on sale of 50 MW BESS project to Kinetics
Savills Earth Capital Advisors (“SECA”) has advised Anglo Renewables on the sale of Kitwell, a fully consented 100 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) project near Birmingham, to Kinetics Technologies Holdings for an undisclosed sum. The project is expected to connect to the grid in 2028 and represents the latest transaction on which Savills has advised Anglo Renewables, following the sale of Hebden and Rock Farm solar schemes. The acquisition is Kinetics’ first project in the UK BESS market and a significant step forward in delivering flexible, low-carbon energy infrastructure. Battery energy storage is playing an increasingly important role in supporting the UK’s transition towards a more renewable energy system. By storing electricity when generation exceeds demand and releasing it when it is needed, BESS projects can help manage fluctuations in renewable power generation, strengthen the resilience of the electricity network and support security of supply. Henry Grant, Director at Savills Earth Capital Advisors, comments: “Supporting Anglo Renewables on another successful transaction is an important milestone for our team. Battery energy storage will be vital to the continued expansion of renewable power generation in the UK, helping to balance supply and demand and improve the resilience of the electricity system. Kitwell is a fully consented project, and we are pleased to have advised Anglo Renewables on its sale to Kinetics Technologies Holdings.” James Stone, Managing Director, Anglo Renewables, says: “We’re delighted to have completed the sale of Kitwell, battery storage project near Birmingham. This transaction reflects our continued focus on developing high-quality projects. We look forward to seeing Kitwell progress towards construction and operation” Mehmet Katmer, General Manager, Kinetics, adds: “The completion of Kitwell marks a milestone for Kinetics. Battery storage has an important role to play in keeping the grid flexible and reliable, and we look forward to delivering an operating BESS project as part of our strategy to deliver 800MW of low and zero carbon assets across Europe.” Kinetics was advised by Freeths (legal) and DNV (technical). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
What connected lighting can do for industrial facilities
How smart, connected lighting boosts efficiency, safety, and sustainability in industrial facilities It’s no secret that the manufacturing industry has a heavy responsibility for emissions of greenhouse gases. In the US, manufacturing accounts for almost a quarter (23%) of direct carbon emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In Europe the situation is equally dire: the industry emits an annual total of 880 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents, making it one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases on the continent. Big changes need to be made across every aspect of manufacturing facilities to make the industry sustainable and future-proof growth. But its not that simple. The industrial sector faces several challenges: the increasing pressures from ecommerce to produce at speed, the need to stock strategically, the importance of picking accuracy at warehouses, and so on. Broader issues like energy conservation and sustainable operations are also adding pressure on the sector. Gladly, there are (quick) solutions, like connected lighting, that support the digital transformation of any facility. Challenges faced by industries Warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities are all tough environments with specific design needs. These include: Industrial environments present unique lighting challenges, from maintaining consistent illumination across varying mounting heights to providing reliable light levels during long operating hours or to support specific tasks. Research shows that poor lighting can reduce task speed and output quality, while also contributing to unplanned maintenance and costly downtime. While the challenges and pressures are many, the good news is that connected lighting can create a safer, more productive working environment for workers in industrial environments. The role of connected lighting In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial and factory environments, the role of lighting extends far beyond illumination. Connected lighting solutions like Signify Interact have emerged as a transformative force, offering unprecedented control, efficiency, and sustainability advantages for industries. As industries worldwide strive to optimise operations, reduce energy consumption, enhance workplace safety, and deliver on their digitalisation and decarbonisation strategies, integrating connected lighting has become a strategic imperative. The right kind of lighting has shown to have a positive impact on production efficiency and quality, employee safety and wellbeing, and a facility’s sustainability and cost efficiency. Significant energy, carbon, cost, and light quality improvements can be made by simply swapping out inefficient legacy lighting for new efficient LED lighting. LED lighting can be up to 80% more efficient and can last longer than conventional lighting, resulting not only in significant energy and cost savings, but also in reduced maintenance costs, which can be very expensive in industrial facilities with high ceilings. Taking it a step further, connected LED lighting can play a significant role in enabling a manufacturing facility or a warehouse to become even more digital and sustainable whilst providing a safer, healthier, and more productive place to work. Connected systems, energy-efficient LED luminaires, sensors, and comprehensive wireless system monitoring and management software create an intelligent network. These connected systems enable businesses and building owners to gather valuable data and insights from the facility. This data can then be used to unlock additional value adds, features and benefits Connected lighting has evolved from an energy-saving technology into a strategic sustainability platform. It not only cuts electricity consumption but also provides the data and intelligence needed to optimise building performance, support ESG reporting, improve worker safety and wellbeing, and extend asset life. As manufacturers and logistics operators face increasing pressure to decarbonise while maintaining productivity, connected lighting offers a practical solution that delivers environmental, operational and financial benefits simultaneously. Connected lighting can significantly improve the management of emergency lighting by enabling remote testing, monitoring and reporting, helping organisations maintain compliance while reducing maintenance costs and operational disruption. This also includes any fault detection and reduced maintenance costs. The future is connected Connected LED lighting solutions are transforming industries and factories/warehouses into more efficient, sustainable, and connected/digital spaces. From energy savings and automated controls to adaptive lighting and enhanced safety features, the benefits of connected lighting systems are multifaceted. As industries continue to embrace digital transformation, connected lighting is emerging as a crucial component in optimising operational processes, reducing costs, and creating safer and more productive work environments. Learn more about Signify Interact and what it can do for your manufacturing facility: Interact IoT lighting | Interact Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Techspace signs 15-year lease for new 25,725 sq ft City of London workspace
Techspace announces 9th location as the business plans to double in size over the next three years Thursday 5th November,flexible workspace and tech occupier specialist Techspace has taken a 15-year lease on 25,725 sq ft of space within the newly refurbished D/ALS on Chiswell Street, marking the latest step in its London expansion. The deal at the 140,000 sq ft building is with a joint venture between Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Greycoat Real Estate and will provide workspace, amenities and an events space and programme designed for up to 21 scaling tech companies and approximately 400 people. This marks Techspace’s ninth location across London and Berlin and will open in February 2027. Over 40% of Techspace’s Chiswell Street space has been pre-sold to occupiers, with a target of 50% pre-sold before opening. The deal forms part of Techspace’s plans to double its portfolio over the next three years, with a focus on central London. The operator is targeting opening two or three sites per year as it expands its footprint. Alongside workspace, the Chiswell Street space includes 15 meeting rooms, phone booths, a large event space – the largest Techspace has delivered to date – for 160 seated or 200 standing, a gym, wellness studio and roof terrace. At the centre of the experience will be the Techspace-run members’ lounge and ground-floor café space, which will be open to all occupiers in the building. Techspace has also recently extended its lease at the newly refurbished 130 Clifton Street, EC2, which it has occupied for 10 years. The extension adds a further 10 years to the lease. Together these agreements underline the operator’s long-term commitment to London. Jonathan Bevan, CEO of Techspace, said: “We are so confident in the Moorgate location, which has become one of the more active mixed tech and finance corridors in the City, that we’re prepared to underwrite a 15-year commitment on a conventional lease. “We’ve spent 12 years learning what high-performing teams need from a workspace, and Chiswell Street gives us that space to support ambitious tech businesses while creating amenities that benefit the wider building.” Dan Higginson, Director, Greycoat Real Estate added: “Greycoat Real Estate and our joint venture partners at Goldman Sachs Asset Management are delighted to welcome Techspace to D/ALS. They will be a fantastic addition to the building; their flexible offices, meeting rooms and conferencing space will provide a valuable amenity to our occupiers, and their operational skills and experience will help to bring our Café Lounge to life as a fully functioning social space. We will work in partnership to enhance the tenant experience across the building, with Techspace delivering a program of events that will appeal to a wide range of ambitious businesses.” About Techspace Founded in London in 2012, Techspace provides flexible workspaces for pioneering technology companies across London and Berlin. Its private offices, meeting rooms and event spaces are designed to support ambitious tech businesses as they grow, combining high-quality workspace with technology infrastructure, networking opportunities and a curated programme of events. Techspace is home to a community of more than 4,000 members from 150 companies across its London and Berlin locations. www.techspace.co Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Increased revenue, product lines and customer demand for Prologis Essentials
Prologis Essentials, the company’s turnkey warehouse solutions platform, has seen a significant rise in demand over the past 12 months, representing a near doubling in revenue for the business line. In 2026, over 30 major projects have been completed for a range of customers, including those currently operating from a Prologis facility and those who own or lease from elsewhere. Projects the team have been involved with have been wide-ranging across the lifespan of a logistics operation, including the turnkey fit-out of new distribution centres, setting up new manufacturing facilities, the expansion of onsite storage through mezzanine floor installations, the refurbishment of office and amenity and the installation of LED lighting, fire and lighting systems. Projects are delivered with a “white-glove” mentality: taking complex operational requirements and seamlessly co-ordinating services and suppliers with a single point of contact for project management, procurement and consultancy. To support the business’ continued growth, Prologis Essentials recently hired Essentials Solutions Manager, Liam Jarvis, to the team. Liam has an extensive background within logistics operation, including over nine years at SSI Schaefer, a leading provider of intralogistics, materials handling and storage systems. Liam’s appointment enables the further growth of the Essentials business, creates additional bandwidth and furthers Prologis’ technical knowledge. He will predominantly support customers in the London and South East markets; two of Prologis UK’s primary areas of operation. Danny Bostock, Operations Essentials Lead, Prologis UK, said: “Since I joined Prologis to establish the Essentials business here in the UK, we’ve experienced a 600% growth in Gross Sales. That level of growth has allowed the team and the proposition that we offer customers to both expand. “In an industry-first, we’re offering our services not just to the Prologis customer base. The whole market can benefit from our design consultancy, procurement power and project management expertise across the lifespan of their operational needs – from moving in and the initial fit-out, capacity expansion or refurbishments to moving out and the removal of elements like racking and mezzanine flooring at lease expiry. “The combination of a highly experienced internal team with an expansive network of suppliers and their knowledge means that we’re able to cater to the increase in demand. Liam’s experience and knowledge make him a much-welcomed addition to the team, and we wish him all the success with us at Prologis.” Liam Jarvis, Essentials Solutions Manager, Prologis UK, said: “The Prologis approach means simplifying, streamlining, and solving problems for our customers. The team are increasingly seeing calls for more bespoke and technically sophisticated fit-outs, which means constantly expanding our expertise and trusted supplier base. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heaton Group Advances £180m Wigan Regeneration with Approval for 179 New Homes
Heaton Group is preparing to progress the next major phases of its £180 million Cotton Works regeneration in Wigan, following planning approval for 179 new rental homes at the former Eckersley Mills complex. The ambitious development will transform the historic industrial site into a new mixed-use neighbourhood, combining residential accommodation with commercial, hospitality and leisure facilities. The latest approval marks an important milestone for the local developer, which has already completed the first phase of the regeneration through the restoration of the Grade II-listed Mill One. Attention is now turning to the delivery of Block A, a six-storey residential building that will introduce modern rental accommodation within the wider Cotton Works masterplan. 179 New Homes Planned for Cotton Works Block A will provide 179 one- and two-bedroom private rented homes on the former site of Mill Two, which has been demolished to make way for the new development. Positioned between the existing Mill One and Mill Three buildings, the residential scheme will form a central part of the emerging neighbourhood. Architectural practice Fletcher Rae is progressing the detailed design, working alongside a professional team that includes Brennan Consult, QED, Paul Butler Associates and OFR Consultants. The project will introduce new-build residential accommodation alongside the retained historic mill buildings, combining contemporary architecture with the site’s industrial heritage. A main contractor has not yet been formally appointed, although Heaton Group has previously delivered projects through its own construction business, HG Developments, including the restoration of Mill One. The next stage of the development will represent a substantial construction opportunity, with the residential scheme requiring new structural works, building services, internal fit-out and associated infrastructure. £14m Funding to Support Residential Development The Block A development has also received a significant financial boost, with Greater Manchester allocating £14 million from its Good Growth Fund to help unlock the scheme. The funding will support the progression of the residential phase and contribute to the wider regeneration of the former industrial complex. The investment reflects the importance of bringing previously developed urban sites back into productive use, particularly where regeneration projects can deliver additional housing alongside employment and community facilities. For Wigan, the new homes will form part of a wider programme intended to revitalise the former mill estate and create a sustainable mixed-use destination. Historic Mill Buildings Given New Purpose Heaton Group has already completed the transformation of Grade II-listed Mill One, establishing the first major element of the Cotton Works development. The restored building now accommodates the developer’s headquarters, Grade A office space, The Three Mills pub and rooftop bar and events facilities. The successful refurbishment has demonstrated the potential to retain and repurpose the site’s historic industrial buildings while introducing modern commercial and hospitality uses. Work is also progressing on plans for the redevelopment of Mill Three. Earlier proposals to convert the Grade II-listed building into 137 apartments have been abandoned in favour of a new commercial and leisure scheme. The revised plans include the restoration of the historic engine house and boiler house, retaining important elements of the site’s industrial character while creating opportunities for new occupiers and visitors. Together, Block A and Mill Three will form the next major construction phases at Cotton Works. Further Residential and Commercial Development Planned The wider £180 million masterplan includes additional residential accommodation, commercial space, public realm improvements and a hotel. The combination of new housing, restored heritage buildings and modern leisure facilities is intended to establish Cotton Works as a distinctive destination within Wigan. The development also reflects a growing emphasis on the regeneration of former industrial sites, where existing buildings can be adapted for contemporary uses while new residential accommodation is introduced on surrounding land. For the construction and property sectors, Cotton Works represents a significant long-term development programme involving heritage restoration, new-build housing, commercial refurbishment and public realm improvements. With planning permission secured for Block A and detailed design progressing, Heaton Group is moving closer to delivering the next major stage of its regeneration plans. The 179-home residential development, together with the proposed refurbishment of Mill Three, will provide further momentum for the transformation of the former Eckersley Mills complex, supporting Wigan’s ongoing residential and commercial regeneration.
Thurston Group Announces Major Manufacturing Expansion to Boost UK Industrial and Energy Infrastructure
Thurston Group has announced a multimillion-pound investment in its Ottringham manufacturing site, with plans to develop a new purpose-built production facility dedicated to its specialist engineered solutions business. The investment will deliver a 1,250 sq m manufacturing facility, significantly expanding the company’s capacity to produce highly engineered buildings and enclosures for some of the UK’s most technically demanding industrial and infrastructure sectors. Backed by Thurston Group’s owner, GCH Corporation, the development forms part of a wider programme of investment aimed at strengthening the company’s manufacturing capabilities and supporting growing demand across energy, hydrogen, utilities, data centres, rail and defence. The new facility is expected to become operational during the first half of 2027 and will increase Thurston’s specialist manufacturing output capability by 158%. It also represents an important step towards establishing Ottringham as a manufacturing operation capable of supporting more than £40 million in annual output. New Manufacturing Facility to Support Critical Infrastructure The purpose-built development will provide a dedicated production base for Thurston’s engineered solutions division, specialising in the manufacture of buildings and enclosures designed for demanding industrial environments. Products manufactured at the facility will include blast-resistant buildings, toxic refuges, equipment and control housings, battery and electrolyser enclosures, and bespoke containerised solutions. These specialist structures are used across sectors where operational reliability, safety and protection of critical equipment are essential. The expansion will enable Thurston to increase production capacity for projects involving hydrogen infrastructure, offshore energy installations, industrial facilities and other technically complex applications. For the wider construction and engineering industries, the investment reflects increasing demand for specialist prefabricated and engineered building solutions that can be manufactured under controlled factory conditions before installation on site. Advanced Production and Quality Control Facilities The new manufacturing building will incorporate dedicated fabrication areas with overhead lifting capabilities, supporting the assembly and movement of large engineered structures. A specialist shot blast booth will provide surface preparation facilities, while controlled paint finishing areas will support the application of protective coatings. A dedicated final inspection bay will enable completed products to undergo quality assurance checks before leaving the manufacturing facility. The investment will also introduce segregated production zones, helping to improve workflow efficiency and maintain safe operating conditions throughout the manufacturing process. Surface preparation and finishing are particularly important for structures designed to operate in corrosive, offshore and heavy industrial environments, where equipment and building enclosures may be required to perform reliably for decades. The improved production infrastructure will allow Thurston to manufacture larger volumes of technically demanding products while maintaining the stringent quality standards required by its customers. Responding to Growing Demand Across Energy and Industrial Markets Matt Goff, Group Managing Director at Thurston Group, highlighted the importance of the investment in meeting increasing customer demand. “Customers come to us with their most complex and technically demanding work, structures that have to protect people, house critical equipment, or perform offshore, in a hazardous or regulated location,” he said. “We solve those challenges through engineering expertise and practical experience, turning difficult requirements into solutions that perform in the real world.” Goff explained that demand for specialist engineered structures is increasing, particularly across emerging energy technologies and critical infrastructure applications. “Demand for this work is increasing rapidly, particularly across areas such as hydrogen, offshore energy and equipment housings and this new facility will allow us to undertake more of this work, at a greater scale, along with the stringent quality assurance this type of work demands.” Supporting the Future of UK Industrial Manufacturing The expansion at Ottringham represents a substantial commitment to UK manufacturing, supporting the production of specialist structures used across construction, energy and infrastructure projects. As investment in hydrogen production, battery technology, data centres and energy infrastructure continues to develop, demand for purpose-built equipment housings and protective structures is becoming increasingly important. Thurston’s investment will provide additional manufacturing capacity to serve these markets, while strengthening its ability to deliver bespoke engineered solutions for complex industrial applications. The facility also highlights the growing role of offsite manufacturing within the built environment, where precision fabrication, controlled production processes and specialist engineering can support the delivery of technically demanding projects. With the new 1,250 sq m facility scheduled to become operational in the first half of 2027, Thurston Group is positioning its Ottringham operation for substantial growth. The investment will increase specialist manufacturing output capability by 158% and support the company’s longer-term ambition to develop a manufacturing base capable of delivering more than £40 million in annual output, reinforcing its role in supplying engineered building solutions to the UK’s industrial and infrastructure sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals