£1.4bn flood defence push gathers pace with 600 schemes lined up
The Environment Agency has set out plans for a £1.4bn flood defence programme that will accelerate more than 600 schemes across England over the next two years, marking a significant step up in efforts to tackle rising flood risk. The investment will fund a broad mix of major infrastructure projects, smaller repair works and nature-based interventions designed to improve resilience and better manage water across catchments. Several flagship schemes are already progressing, including the £59.3m Bridgwater Tidal Barrier in Somerset, the £37.1m Derby Flood Risk Management Scheme and the £24.3m Kendal flood scheme in Cumbria. These projects form part of a wider pipeline aimed at protecting communities, infrastructure and economic activity from increasing climate pressures. Major flood protection schemes currently in the programme include: Alongside new-build defences, around £260m has been allocated to repair and maintain existing flood assets, including damage caused by recent storms. This represents a renewed focus on improving the condition and reliability of ageing infrastructure after years of decline. The programme forms part of a wider £10.5bn investment plan running through to 2036, the largest flood and coastal protection initiative ever undertaken in England. As well as traditional engineering solutions, the Environment Agency is increasing its use of natural flood management techniques, including measures to slow water upstream and reduce peak flows during extreme weather events. Caroline Douglass, the Environment Agency’s flood director, said the strategy combines hard infrastructure with nature-based approaches to deliver long-term resilience. The scale of the programme is expected to support thousands of jobs across the construction and environmental sectors, while also unlocking development in areas previously constrained by flood risk. With procurement activity ramping up and delivery partners mobilising, schemes are set to move rapidly into construction through 2026 and 2027 as the government pushes ahead with its long-term flood resilience strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barberry lands heavyweight letting with Trident Fitness
Barberry has strengthened its leisure line-up after securing a West Midlands city centre letting to expanding gym operator Trident Fitness. The Midlands-based investor and developer completed the 10-year lease at 50 Bishop Street, Coventry, shortly after previous tenant Pure Gym vacated the 19,555 sq ft unit. Barberry property surveyor Emilie Meddings said Trident Fitness agreed heads of terms promptly, with the lease completing at a rent of £175,000 per annum, subject to an upward-only rent review in year five. Positioned within Coventry’s ring road and adjacent to a sizeable car park, 50 Bishop Street represents a prime city centre retail and leisure opportunity, offering strong accessibility and prominence in the heart of the West Midlands. Trident Fitness has taken the entire building as part of its continued UK expansion. The operator has a proven trading history and a growing portfolio of gyms across the UK including Birmingham, Liverpool, Plymouth, Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil. Emilie said: “We are delighted to have secured Trident Fitness at 50 Bishop Street on a 10-year term. The letting demonstrates continued demand for well-located, high-quality leisure accommodation in strong regional city centres. “Following Pure Gym’s departure in October, we acted swiftly to secure a new occupier on robust terms that reflect both the strength of the asset and Coventry’s improving city centre offer. Trident Fitness is an ambitious and expanding operator with a strong track record, and we are pleased to support their continued growth.” The deal underlines Barberry’s continued focus on proactive asset management, securing long-term income and keeping its regional portfolio in peak condition. Barberry has a 3.6 million sq ft industrial/logistics development pipeline with a Gross Development Value of more than £650 million and a growing income-producing commercial portfolio, delivering sustainable returns. The company also has 520 acres of strategically located residential and employment development land, capable of delivering 3,500 new homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Metso rolls out AI-driven maintenance tools as data questions linger
Metso has unveiled new machine learning features within its digital support platform, designed to predict maintenance needs and improve equipment uptime across its aggregates portfolio. The Finnish manufacturer says the latest upgrade uses advanced data analysis to identify early signs of wear in crushing and screening equipment, helping operators intervene before faults develop into costly downtime. By combining live machine data with its own OEM expertise, Metso aims to deliver more accurate and timely maintenance recommendations directly through its digital platform. The system is built around continuous data capture from on-board sensors, monitoring factors such as pressure, temperature, machine settings and location. As more data is gathered, the machine learning models can be refined, improving their ability to detect patterns and anticipate potential issues. The predictive maintenance functionality is immediately available to machines already equipped with Metso’s Metrics connectivity hardware, while retrofit kits are being offered to bring older equipment into the system. Jaakko Huhtapelto, vice president for technology and digital business in Metso’s aggregates division, said the development represents a step forward in making heavy equipment more efficient and easier to manage. He noted that combining digital tools with decades of engineering knowledge allows operators to optimise performance, reduce unexpected failures and simplify maintenance planning. The technology was launched at ConExpo in the United States, a market where attitudes towards machine data have historically been cautious. In the early days of telematics, some equipment owners resisted data logging over concerns that operational data could be used in legal disputes or shared with third parties. Those concerns have not disappeared, particularly as data becomes increasingly valuable and regulatory frameworks around privacy continue to evolve. Questions around how data is stored, who can access it and how it might be used remain central to wider industry adoption of AI-driven systems. Addressing these issues, Metso said customers retain control over whether to use the data-driven features. All data is stored on servers within the European Union and processed in line with current privacy and data protection legislation. The company added that any sharing of data with third parties would require either customer consent or a legal obligation, such as a court order. Access to insights and recommendations is restricted on a need-to-know basis, although information may be shared with authorised distributors or service partners where required to support operations. As machine learning becomes more embedded in construction and aggregates equipment, the balance between performance gains and data governance is likely to remain a key consideration for operators. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Firethorn completes 80-acre logistics acquisition in Bardon
Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn, has acquired an 80.2-acre logistics site in Bardon, Leicestershire. The site benefits from detailed planning consent for two units totalling 947,650 sq. ft., with B2 and B8 use. Firethorn has completed the acquisition from Diamantem and will now progress development of the project, with plans to invest in excess of £125m to deliver the units on a speculative and build-to-suit basis. Located within the East Midlands’ “Golden Triangle”, the site sits within the UK’s logistics heartland with direct access to the strategic national highway network at Junction 22 of the M1. The new development will follow previous phases delivered by Mountpark which are now occupied by established distribution and manufacturing occupiers including Amazon, DHL, Eddie Stobart, VF, Vistry, and Pharmacy2U. This is the latest in a series of purchases by Firethorn, following the acquisitions of two logistics sites in Maidenhead and Aylesbury in December, which added a further 26.3 acres to its portfolio. James Sanders, Head of Industrial and Logistics at Firethorn, said: “This latest acquisition reflects our disciplined approach to logistics investment, targeting high quality assets that enable us to create long-term value. “Bardon is one of the UK’s most established logistics locations, ideally suited to large-scale occupiers demanding scale, connectivity, and access to skilled labour. This is an exciting project for Firethorn and we’re looking ahead to delivering best-in-class product in a proven core market. “We continue to actively target prime opportunities in the sector throughout the UK that will deliver strong returns for our shareholders, and respond to market demand.” Firethorn has commenced infrastructure delivery and expect to reach practical completion in 2027. Firethorn was advised by CBRE. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TClarke steps back from £4bn Agratas gigafactory project
Building services contractor TClarke has reportedly withdrawn from its role on the major £4bn Agratas electric vehicle battery gigafactory currently under construction in Somerset. Industry sources suggest the company has stepped away from the mechanical and electrical delivery team on the vast Gravity Smart Campus development near Bridgwater, following growing difficulties in its working relationship with client Agratas, the Tata Group’s global battery manufacturing business. TClarke had originally been appointed alongside NG Bailey around 18 months ago as joint MEP delivery partners for the project, which is set to become the UK’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility once complete. According to insiders, tensions between Agratas and TClarke have intensified in recent months as the project moves closer to the start of major installation works. As a result, the contractor is understood to have redeployed staff previously assigned to the scheme to other projects across its business. NG Bailey is now expected to take on the majority of the MEP delivery package previously allocated to TClarke. A specialist contractor is also likely to be brought in to undertake the highly technical cleanroom installation works required for battery production. One industry source said the working relationship between the parties had become increasingly strained as the scheme progressed, ultimately leading to the two organisations parting ways. Sir Robert McAlpine continues to act as construction manager on the project, although its role has evolved into more of a project management function as Agratas engages directly with a number of major package contractors. The change in the supply chain comes shortly after a large-scale MEP “meet the buyer” event linked to the development and is expected to increase pressure on NG Bailey to expand its workforce to meet the demands of the installation programme. The gigafactory scheme has already experienced delays, although construction activity across the site is now accelerating. Steel contractor Severfield recently completed the structural frame for the first phase of the facility, allowing external cladding works to begin ahead of the next stage of MEP installation. Supporting infrastructure works are also progressing. Earlier this year Costain secured a £123m contract to design and construct a new junction on the M5 motorway to serve the site. The new connection, known as Junction 22A, forms part of a wider plan to support construction activity and future operations at the campus by improving access to the motorway network. Procurement activity is also underway to appoint a provider for the site’s water supply and wastewater infrastructure. When finished, the Gravity Smart Campus is expected to play a central role in the UK’s electric vehicle supply chain. TClarke declined to comment on the reported changes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer chosen to deliver new affordable neighbourhood at Birley Fields in Hulme
A developer has been chosen to deliver a new 100% affordable neighbourhood at Birley Fields in Hulme following early engagement with local residents and stakeholders to understand their priorities for the site. Green community space also is at the heart of the development of the new neighbourhood, ensuring improved biodiversity across the site – including a new garden space, while existing trees will be retained and celebrated. Following a two-stage bidding process, Glenbrook has been named as the preferred developer to take forward an ambitious programme of investment to deliver a new residential-led development of genuinely affordable housing. The final tenure mix is expected to include options such as social rent, affordable/discounted rent and affordable home ownership, with details to be confirmed as proposals are refined. Engagement in early 2025 with local residents and stakeholders looked to create meaningful and long-term community involvement to help guide future investment at the site. The process highlighted a number of shared priorities, including: Current proposals set out an ambition to deliver 293 affordable homes, across a range of housing types to meet local need, alongside new high quality public spaces. These are emerging proposals and may evolve as designs are refined through engagement and the planning process. The development will take advantage of modern methods of construction and a fabric-first, low-energy design approach – supported by technologies such as air source heat pumps and solar panels, each contributing to a low‑carbon build. A green heart to the scheme is proposed through the Birley Community Garden – a generous shared space shaped around growing food, informal play spaces, community activity and improved biodiversity. A clear strategy has been set out for achieving a biodiversity net gain, including a combination of on-site enhancements and underpinned by an ecological assessment. Extensive planting will create ‘ecological corridors’ through the site that will create a welcoming green environment, enhancing the biodiversity of the site, where existing mature trees will be retained and celebrated. A largely car-free layout, supported by improved walking and cycling routes, reflects the community priorities around safety and clean air. While shared streets will bring about a day-to-day neighbourliness, supporting a sustainable long-term community of residents – including a new community corner that will provide space for a future creative hub and neighbourhood workspace. The specific uses for this space will be shaped further through ongoing engagement. The development will also have strong social value credentials, linking in with organisations already active in Hulme to support local groups and community-led initiatives – including Sow the City that will help design green spaces through the site, and Venture Arts that will contribute a mural within the scheme celebrating local creativity. The scheme is also expected to create 71 new full-time jobs, support 90 additional roles, and provide a Hulme bursary through Regeneration Brainery to provide an employment pathway into the construction industry for local young people. Glenbrook will now begin to refine emerging designs ahead of further public engagement, which will include the formation of a Community Engagement Collective that will help provide local insight and guide proposals ahead of a formal planning application. Cllr Bev Craig OBE, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The Birley Fields site has been an underused site for many years, so it’s great to see proposals emerging with the level of ambition and vision that is being developed, as well as a clear commitment to improving biodiversity across the site. “Importantly, genuinely affordable homes – including social rent homes – are at the heart of this scheme, including quality green spaces and opportunities for the local community to come together. This approach has been guided by local people and it’s important that we continue to engage in the neighbourhood as the plans develop further. “This is a great scheme for Hulme, one that we know will meet local need and be a real credit to the community.” Jamie Sutton at Glenbrook, said: “We’re excited by the opportunity at Birley Fields and delighted to continue our partnership with Manchester City Council as their selected development partner. “The essence of Hulme is one of resilience and community spirit – a part of our city that has helped shape modern British music, design, and identity. As a developer, we are acutely aware of the responsibility we hold in delivering such an important scheme, one that provides considered architecture and public realm whilst responding to the needs of the wider community.” “ Over the coming months we will be reaching out and consulting with key stakeholders across the ward as we develop our initial concept in preparation of a planning application later this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals