Galldris clears lithium-ion charging from canteens and offices at Sizewell C
Batteries were being charged where people eat and work. Armorgard’s VoltHub, a purpose-built ventilated unit, now gives civil engineers at Galldris a dedicated place to store and charge them on site. Galldris Group has moved lithium-ion battery charging out of canteens and offices at Sizewell C and into Armorgard‘s VoltHub, a purpose-built, ventilated unit with integrated fire suppression. As a major UK civil engineering contractor, delivering complex, often critical infrastructure projects, Galldris manages a large volume of power tools and battery-powered equipment on busy, high-risk sites. Before VoltHub, batteries were being charged in canteens and offices which put a fire hazard in the rooms where people eat and work, while trailing cables added trip hazards of their own. Furthermore, there was no purpose-built, lithium-ion-specific storage or segregation and nothing in place to deal with thermal runaway if a battery did fail. Chargers were regularly misplaced, meaning batteries weren’t always charged properly. This set-up presented a serious risk as well as a major compliance issue, prompting calls from Galldris’ own health and safety team to urgently address the situation with a scalable solution. From Hinkley Point C to Sizewell C Galldris were drawn to Armorgard as a lithium-ion battery storage and charging partner having seen its technology in action at a Safety Forum led by the Sizewell C health and safety team. The principal contractor was also encouraging a safer charging setup. In particular, it saw Armorgard’s flagship VoltHub unit as the right solution ahead of new Class-L fire-safety standards coming into force, and wanted a unit that could connect directly to the site’s fire alarm system. The selection was further reinforced by the direct experience of Julian Beard, Galldris Group’s Health and Safety Manager on the Sizewell C project, who had used VoltHub while part of the safety team in the intake tunnels at Hinkley Point C How VoltHub works on site VoltHub is a ventilated unit, purposefully-developed for storing and charging lithium-ion batteries on site, with integrated fire suppression that deals with battery-related incidents while high-performance ventilation stops heat building up inside. The batteries themselves are held in lockable storage, which gives the site clear accountability for who has what. Offering further risk mitigation, an integrated fire alarm connection means VoltHub becomes part of the site’s emergency systems, and its IP-rated construction is built for demanding site conditions. For added portability, it’s easy to move so teams can set up safe charging wherever and whenever they need it. Commenting on choosing VoltHub, Julian Beard, Health and Safety Manager for Galldris Group on the Sizewell C project, said: “Introducing VoltHub across the site was one of the first initiatives I implemented, especially after seeing the benefits it offered when I worked on Hinkley Point C, including easy storage, improved fire safety, no trailing cables, and desks and tables free from clutter. This enables people to eat and work in peace, without constant beeping in the background. Since using the VoltHub station at SZC, we have reduced damage and product loss, as it has enabled operatives to take responsibility for their own equipment.” The results Charging at Galldris is now organised and centralised, and health and safety teams and site management have greater confidence in how batteries are stored and charged. Galldris reports stronger compliance with the new Sizewell C fire-safety standards (a closer fit with what tier-one contractors require) and the company says this has helped it to be seen as a leader across the project and the wider business. Matt Partridge, Head of Product Development at Armorgard, said: “Charging batteries in canteens and offices puts a fire risk in the rooms where people eat and take their breaks. VoltHub gives site teams a dedicated place to do it instead, with ventilation to stop heat building up and fire suppression in case a battery does fail. “Julian first used VoltHub at Hinkley Point C, and he chose it again as one of his first initiatives at Sizewell C. That means a lot to us because it’s a decision made by someone who has seen the unit working on a live site, and we’re also pleased to hear it has reduced damage and product loss at Galldris. When operatives have a secure place to charge their own equipment, they take more responsibility for it.” To find out more about VoltHub or to arrange a demonstration, contact the Armorgard team on 023 9238 0280 or visit https://www.armorgard.co.uk/products/battery-charging-units/volthub/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PERI UK now offers HS&E Operatives test alongside scaffolding and formwork training
Candidates can now sit the mandatory Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Operatives test at PERI UK’s facilities immediately before their CISRS-accredited scaffolding course or formwork training, removing a common cause of delayed starts. As a CISRS Centre, PERI UK has incorporated the Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) Operatives test into its training provision, enabling candidates to complete this mandatory pre-course requirement alongside their practical training and simplifying the route to professional capability. The initiative helps address a common issue PERI UK has identified as being experienced by training providers across the industry, where delegates arrive for courses without a current HS&E test certificate, preventing them from starting their scheduled training and creating unnecessary delays to a construction timeline. Making training more accessible The HS&E test is an established industry-recognised assessment associated with construction competence and card schemes. Candidates undertaking CISRS-accredited scaffolding training must have a current HS&E test, with tests valid for five years. “People were arriving ready to complete their training only to discover their health and safety test had expired or they hadn’t completed one at all,” explains Terry Hall, field services manager at PERI UK. “That meant they couldn’t continue with the course and had to leave to arrange another assessment. “By offering the test alongside our training, we’re removing that obstacle. Candidates can complete everything they need in one place and continue with their training without unnecessary delays.” Previously, candidates would typically have taken the HS&E test at a separate test centre, often at locations that also provide driving theory tests. PERI UK’s approach provides greater flexibility by bringing the assessment closer to the practical training environment. While the service is currently available at PERI UK’s dedicated training facilities in Brentwood, the arrangement can also be extended to other PERI facilities where appropriate. Supporting competence across PERI’s training programme The HS&E test is relevant across PERI UK’s training provision and is not limited to scaffolding courses. It complements the company’s wider training programmes covering scaffolding, formwork, climbing systems, and other product training. All candidates receive joining instructions confirming that a current HS&E test is required before training. However, where a candidate arrives without a valid test, the availability of the assessment at the training centre provides an opportunity to complete it on the day rather than having to postpone their training. “Training shouldn’t simply be about compliance,” Terry states. “It’s about ensuring people are genuinely competent before they go onto site. The better prepared someone is before they begin work, the safer they’ll be, the more confident they’ll become and the better the outcome for the project.” The HS&E Operatives test assesses candidates’ knowledge of general construction health and safety, helping to demonstrate that they understand the fundamental requirements for working safely on site. Investing in workforce competence PERI UK continues to invest in training and workforce development across its product portfolio, supporting contractors through accredited learning programmes covering formwork, climbing systems, and scaffolding. The integrated HS&E testing provision is the latest addition to PERI UK’s training offering, complementing accredited product training, technical demonstrations, and The Brentwood Experience visitor programme. Together, these initiatives reflect PERI UK’s long-term commitment to helping contractors improve competence, raise safety standards, and ultimately get more from modern construction systems and improve the industrial landscape from the ground up. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK commercial property returns expected to strengthen from 2027 despite near-term pressures
Colliers forecasts average annual total returns of 7% over five years, with retail expected to outperform A recent Colliers’ report has revealed that UK commercial real estate total returns are forecast to reach 4.4% in 2026 before strengthening to 6.3% in 2027 and 8.2% in 2028. Over the five years to 2030, total returns are forecast to average 7% per annum According to the latest Q3 UK Real Estate Investment Forecasts report, the 2026 total return forecast has been revised down from 5%, reflecting higher gilt yields and increased uncertainty. Colliers expects all-property capital values to decline by 0.3% in 2026 before returning to growth of 1.6% in 2027, with limited property yield movement expected over the next few years. UK commercial real estate investment volumes increased from £10 billion in Q2 to around £11 billion in Q3. While this was ahead of Q3 2025, volumes remained 13% below the five-year quarterly average. Year-to-date investment reached £31 billion, marginally below the corresponding 2025 figure. Oliver Kolodseike, Head of Research & Strategic Insights at Colliers, commented: “Higher gilt yields and borrowing costs continue to create a challenging investment environment, limiting the potential for significant capital growth in the near term. However, occupational fundamentals remain resilient across parts of the market and we expect returns to strengthen from 2027. “With limited scope for yield compression, income and rental growth will be increasingly important drivers of performance. Retail continues to stand out, while demand for high-quality office and industrial space is supporting rental growth in those parts of the market.” Looking into specific sectors, retail is expected to lead performance over the next five years, with total returns forecast to average 8.5% per annum between 2026 and 2030, compared with 7% for all property. Shopping centres are forecast to generate the strongest returns at more than 10% per annum, while retail warehouses are expected to return around 8.9%. The outlook for offices and industrial remains more polarised, with demand continuing to favour higher-quality assets. Both sectors are forecast to deliver average total returns of 6.6% per annum over the five years to 2030. Industrial is expected to deliver the strongest mainstream-sector rental growth over the period, averaging 3.3% per annum. Overall, the report points to a market where income resilience, rental growth and asset quality will be increasingly important to performance as higher financing costs limit the scope for significant yield compression in the near term. Access the full Q3 UK Real Estate Investment Forecasts report here.
Sir Robert McAlpine Secures £133m Contract to Transform Bank of England’s Historic London Headquarters
Sir Robert McAlpine has secured a £133 million construction contract to deliver a major refurbishment of the Bank of England’s historic headquarters in the City of London, marking a significant investment in the modernisation of one of the UK’s most important public institutions. The contractor has been selected ahead of Bovis and Overbury to undertake an extensive four-year programme of refurbishment, infrastructure replacement and workplace improvements across the Bank’s Threadneedle Street estate. The project will form the centrepiece of the Bank of England’s wider Location Strategy, which aims to consolidate and modernise its existing accommodation while ensuring that the historic headquarters remains operational throughout construction. The appointment follows a competitive procurement process launched approximately seven months ago, when the contract was initially valued at £142 million. Four tenders were submitted, with three contractors progressing to the final assessment stage before Sir Robert McAlpine was selected for the £133 million programme. Major Modernisation of Historic Banking Estate The refurbishment will involve extensive upgrades to the Bank of England’s existing building infrastructure, alongside improvements to workplace accommodation, public-facing areas and operational facilities. The scope includes the replacement of core building infrastructure, refurbishment of office floors, improvements to ground-floor spaces and upgrades to the building’s auditorium. Significant basement works will also form part of the construction programme, adding further complexity to the delivery of the project within the historic estate. The investment is intended to modernise the Bank’s working environment and essential building systems while supporting the continued use of its established headquarters. Some areas of the Threadneedle Street estate have not undergone substantial renewal since 1942, highlighting the scale of the modernisation required. The age and complexity of the existing buildings will present considerable challenges for the contractor, particularly where ageing infrastructure and concealed building conditions may only become apparent once refurbishment works commence. The Bank has previously acknowledged the possibility of unforeseen conditions emerging during construction, reflecting the uncertainties associated with undertaking major building works within a historic property. Complex Construction Within a Live Operational Environment One of the most demanding aspects of the project will be the requirement to deliver extensive construction works while the Bank of England continues operating from its Threadneedle Street headquarters. The building’s status as a secure financial institution, combined with its architectural heritage and central London location, will require carefully managed construction logistics, detailed programming and close coordination with the Bank’s operational teams. Works will need to be planned around the continued occupation of the estate, with particular attention to maintaining essential services, security arrangements and safe access throughout the refurbishment. The replacement of major infrastructure systems within an occupied building is expected to be a particularly important element of the programme. Mechanical, electrical and other essential building services will need to be carefully coordinated to minimise disruption while supporting the long-term performance and reliability of the estate. The project will also require a sensitive approach to the existing building fabric, ensuring that modernisation works are compatible with the historic character of the headquarters. For the construction industry, the contract represents a significant example of the technical challenges involved in upgrading major public sector buildings without taking them out of operation. Phased Delivery and Flexible Construction Programme Rather than proceeding as a single uninterrupted construction package, the refurbishment will be divided into separate sections, allowing the Bank of England to maintain greater control over the programme as works progress. The detailed scope of individual packages will be developed during the pre-construction phase, with each section requiring separate authorisation from the Bank before proceeding. This phased approach will enable the project team to respond to emerging building conditions, operational requirements and any additional works identified during the refurbishment. The Bank will retain the flexibility to expand, reduce or omit individual elements of the programme, depending on its requirements and the findings of further investigations. Such arrangements are particularly relevant to complex refurbishment projects involving older buildings, where the full condition of structural elements and existing services cannot always be established before construction begins. The approach will place considerable emphasis on pre-construction planning, cost management and collaboration between the contractor, design teams and client. It will also allow construction activities to be coordinated with the Bank’s ongoing operational needs, reducing the risks associated with undertaking major works within a continuously occupied estate. Supporting the Bank of England’s Long-Term Property Strategy The Threadneedle Street refurbishment forms a central part of the Bank of England’s Location Strategy, which is focused on improving the efficiency and suitability of its property accommodation. The programme will support the consolidation of existing facilities while upgrading workplace environments and essential infrastructure to meet future operational requirements. Across the public sector, major estate modernisation projects are increasingly focused on extending the useful life of existing buildings, improving operational efficiency and adapting established properties to changing workplace requirements. The Bank of England project reflects these priorities, combining investment in existing infrastructure with the refurbishment of working spaces and supporting facilities. The decision to modernise the existing headquarters also presents an opportunity to preserve the continued use of a prominent historic building within the City of London. For Sir Robert McAlpine, the appointment adds another substantial and technically challenging refurbishment project to its construction portfolio, requiring specialist expertise in complex building environments, structural coordination and occupied-site delivery. Construction Programme to Run Until 2030 Formal contract signing is scheduled for late November 2026, with the initial agreement expected to run until November 2030. The contract also includes an option to extend the programme by a further year, providing additional flexibility should the Bank require more time to complete individual phases. The four-year construction period will see Sir Robert McAlpine undertake a carefully sequenced programme of refurbishment and infrastructure improvements, with works progressing in accordance with the Bank’s operational requirements and approval of individual packages. The £133 million investment represents a major commitment to the long-term future of the Bank of England’s Threadneedle Street estate. Once completed, the programme is expected to provide modernised workplace accommodation, upgraded building
David Wilson Homes Secures Approval for 120 Sustainable Homes in Hertfordshire with 20% Biodiversity Gain
David Wilson Homes has secured planning approval for a new 120-home residential development between Hatfield and Welham Green in Hertfordshire, with the scheme set to deliver more than 20% biodiversity net gain alongside new affordable housing, extensive green spaces and significant investment in local infrastructure. Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has approved the detailed design and layout of the development, which will be located off South Way, following the granting of outline planning permission in autumn 2025. The scheme represents another important addition to Hertfordshire’s residential development pipeline, combining new family housing with environmental improvements, low-carbon building technologies and investment in community facilities. New Homes and Affordable Housing The development will provide 120 new homes, including 90 properties for open market sale and 30 affordable homes, representing 25% of the overall scheme. The open market housing will comprise a mix of two, three and four-bedroom properties, providing accommodation for families and buyers seeking modern homes within the Hatfield area. Two custom-build plots will also be incorporated into the development, offering opportunities for purchasers to create homes tailored to their individual requirements. The affordable housing provision will include a combination of Social Rent, Affordable Rent and Shared Ownership properties, with one to four-bedroom apartments and houses designed to accommodate a broad range of local housing needs. The inclusion of different housing types and tenures is intended to support a mixed residential community, providing opportunities for first-time buyers, families and households requiring affordable accommodation. All properties are planned to meet the Future Homes Standard, incorporating low-carbon heating systems and high levels of energy efficiency. These measures will support the delivery of more sustainable residential accommodation, reflecting the housebuilding sector’s increasing focus on reducing operational carbon emissions and improving the long-term environmental performance of new homes. Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure at the Heart of Development A defining feature of the proposals is the emphasis on biodiversity, landscaping and accessible public open space. Approximately 12 acres of dedicated green space will be incorporated into the development, providing recreational areas for residents while creating new habitats for wildlife. The landscape strategy includes a water meadow, community orchard, birch copse, two ponds and additional meadow areas, alongside two fully equipped children’s play areas. Together, these features are designed to improve ecological connectivity, encourage biodiversity and establish an attractive natural environment throughout the neighbourhood. Council planning officers concluded that the proposed landscaping and habitat improvements would increase biodiversity across the site by more than 20%. This exceeds the statutory 10% biodiversity net gain requirement generally applicable to major residential developments in England, demonstrating a commitment to integrating environmental improvements into the housing scheme. The development will also benefit from its proximity to existing open spaces to the south of Hatfield, helping connect the new neighbourhood with the surrounding landscape. Lauren Potter, Development Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, welcomed the approval and highlighted the importance of combining housing delivery with environmental improvements. “This new, sustainable development off South Way will bring forward a new community of quality homes that complement the local area, while also providing much-needed affordable family housing,” she said. “Green space will be at the heart of the plans, with attractive landscaped areas designed to create an appealing setting for residents as well as support biodiversity.” Potter added that the development would provide opportunities for residents to enjoy a greener and better-connected lifestyle, with the landscape proposals expected to deliver biodiversity improvements exceeding 20%. £4m Investment in Education and Community Infrastructure Alongside the new homes, David Wilson Homes will provide a serviced site for a future school, supporting the long-term educational requirements of the growing local community. The development will also generate a £4 million Section 106 contribution towards education and other essential infrastructure and public services. Funding will support primary and secondary education, childcare provision and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facilities. Additional contributions will be directed towards fire and rescue services, highways improvements, medical facilities and local sports provision. These commitments form an important part of the development’s wider planning obligations, helping ensure that new housing is accompanied by investment in the infrastructure and services needed to support population growth. For the public sector and construction industries, the scheme demonstrates the increasingly important relationship between residential development, community infrastructure and long-term local authority planning. Improved Walking Routes and Public Access The development will also introduce improvements to existing pedestrian and recreational connections across the site. A public footpath and bridleway will be upgraded, while a new ridgeway walk will be created around the perimeter of the development. These improvements will provide enhanced opportunities for walking and outdoor recreation, helping residents access the surrounding countryside and nearby green spaces. The combination of landscaped areas, wildlife habitats and improved public routes is intended to create a neighbourhood where the natural environment forms an integral part of the residential layout. This approach reflects a wider shift in housing design towards creating communities that prioritise accessible green space, active travel and environmental quality alongside the delivery of new homes. Supporting Hertfordshire’s Long-Term Housing Growth The approved scheme forms part of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s wider housing strategy, which aims to deliver approximately 13,400 new homes across the borough by 2036. With housing demand continuing to place pressure on local authorities across the South East, developments that combine market housing, affordable accommodation and supporting infrastructure remain central to meeting long-term residential requirements. The South Way development will contribute 120 additional properties towards these ambitions while incorporating measures intended to improve sustainability and biodiversity. For David Wilson Homes, the approval represents an opportunity to demonstrate how modern housebuilding can combine energy-efficient construction, mixed-tenure housing and landscape-led masterplanning. The scheme’s commitment to more than 20% biodiversity net gain is particularly significant as developers increasingly seek to integrate measurable ecological improvements into residential projects. With detailed planning approval now secured, the development moves another step closer to delivering a new neighbourhood between Hatfield and Welham Green. Once completed, the project will provide 120 homes, substantial public open space
Bidvest Noonan pledges to help 10,000 people into work and training by 2030
Bidvest Noonan, one of the UK’s leading facilities management companies, has pledged to help 10,000 people into employment and training by 2030, with a particular focus on those who face the greatest barriers to work. The commitment was announced today as Bidvest Noonan launched its Purpose in Action strategy. The launch was attended by Mpumi Madisa, Chief Executive of the Bidvest Group, the Johannesburg-listed parent company and the first Black woman to lead a JSE Top 40 company. Bidvest Noonan, which provides cleaning, security and facilities services, marks its 50th anniversary in 2027. The pledge sits at the heart of Purpose in Action, the company’s new social value strategy, launched today. It commits Bidvest Noonan to two goals by 2030: supporting 10,000 people into employment and future skills, and delivering one million hours of community impact through volunteering, fundraising and local partnerships. Those supported will include people with disabilities, refugees, women returning to the workforce and the long-term unemployed, helped through work placements, recruitment mentoring, employability workshops and training. The commitment builds on Bidvest Noonan’s partnerships with organisations such as Tent UK – a network of over 80 major companies that are committed to hiring refugees across the country and helping them become job-ready. Ola is one example of how that support can lead to a real opportunity. Originally from Nigeria, Ola, 33, struggled to find work despite a background in hospitality and IT, unsure how to navigate an unfamiliar jobs market. With support into employment, he received CV and interview support before completing the training, vetting and licensing required to become a Security Officer. He is now building a career with Bidvest Noonan. “When I arrived, I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t know how the system worked here. I kept applying for jobs and hearing nothing back, and I started to wonder if I’d ever get settled. The support I received helped me understand the process and gave me the confidence to go for it. Now I have a job I’m proud of and a future I can plan for.” Ola, Security Officer at Bidvest Noonan. Stories such as Ola’s show what can be achieved through partnerships that help people overcome barriers to employment. Bidvest Noonan works with organisations including Business in the Community Ireland and Tent UK to widen access to work and support sustainable careers. Jen Stobart, Director of Tent UK, said: “Refugees arrive with skills, experience and a determination to rebuild their lives, but too often they struggle to get a foot in the door. Hiring refugees is a win for refugees and it’s also good business. We’re proud to support this pledge by Bidvest Noonan – companies that lead the way can gain motivated and loyal talent while giving refugees the stability to rebuild their lives.” Julie Mernagh, Chief People and Culture Officer at Bidvest Noonan, said: “Talent and potential exist in every community we are part of. Access to opportunity does not. Purpose in Action is our commitment to help close that gap. Through our colleagues and partnerships, we can open doors for people, whether that is a first job, a step up in their career or new skills for the future.” Declan Doyle, Chief Executive Officer of Bidvest Noonan, said: “Bidvest Noonan has grown over almost 50 years because of the people who deliver its services every day. A job can be a first opportunity, but people also need the chance to learn and progress, and this commitment brings the two together. As the company approaches its 50th anniversary, we want it to be known not only for the services it delivers, but for the opportunities it creates.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals