Nationwide Platforms supports Antarctic infrastructure modernisation at Rothera Research Station
Nationwide Platforms has supported construction works at one of the world’s most remote research facilities, supplying specialist powered access equipment to BAM UK&I at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica. The work forms part of the British Antarctic Survey’s long-term Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme, a rolling investment programme to futureproof the UK’s polar research capabilities. At Rothera, BAM UK&I has delivered a series of major upgrades, including the new Discovery Building, runway improvements and redevelopment of the station’s wharf to accommodate the polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough. To support internal construction works, Nationwide Platforms supplied four scissor lifts with minimal environmental footprint for installation work within the Discovery Building. Operating in Antarctica presents a unique combination of logistical, environmental and operational challenges. Machinery must function reliably in sub-zero temperatures and high winds, while also meeting strict environmental protection standards and working within limited on-site power capacity. Within the Discovery Building itself, narrow corridors and sensitive early-stage infrastructure require low-emission, compact equipment capable of predictable, controlled operation. Working closely with BAM UK&I, Nationwide Platforms supplied Dingli JCPT0807PA hydraulic-oil free electric scissor lifts. The machines were delivered in standard ISO containers and supported with on-site spares to minimise the need for additional imports or external technical support. Despite the challenges of battery performance in extreme cold, the electric units remained in daily use through careful battery management, while their low power draw helped reduce demand on Rothera’s diesel-generated energy supply. The oil-free configuration also eliminated the risk of hydraulic leaks, supporting compliance with the stringent environmental protocols enforced by the British Antarctic Survey. Matt Parfitt, Head of Market Development at Nationwide Platforms, said, “With proven reliability in a region where margin for error is minimal, the JCPT0807PA has demonstrated the value of compact, oil-free, electric access machinery in enabling safe, low-impact progress at one of the world’s most challenging and extraordinary construction sites.” Johannes Smit, Construction Manager at BAM UK&I, said: “Working in Antarctica demands a level of planning and precision unlike any other environment. Every piece of equipment must justify its place on site, not only in terms of performance, but in sustainability, reliability and ease of maintenance. The compact, oil-free scissor lifts supplied by Nationwide Platforms have been invaluable in supporting safe, efficient progress within the Discovery Building, helping our teams deliver critical works while protecting the unique Antarctic environment.” As the Rothera modernisation programme continues, Nationwide Platforms and BAM UK&I remain in ongoing collaboration to support future phases of construction, including further infrastructure and renewable energy upgrades at the station. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning Approval Secured for Transformation of Kirklevington Hall into Five-Star Hotel and Luxury Spa
Planning permission has been granted for the landmark redevelopment of Kirklevington Hall, paving the way for the transformation of the historic estate near Yarm into a five-star boutique hotel and luxury spa destination. The decision by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council unlocks a £25 million-plus investment that will breathe new life into the former Judges Country House Hotel site, which has remained vacant since closing in March 2023. The ambitious plans will restore and enhance the estate to create a high-end leisure destination combining heritage architecture with contemporary hospitality facilities. The project is being led by Teesside developer Chris Musgrave OBE, working in partnership with experienced hotel operator Kymel, with Architectural design by GSSArchitecture and planning consultancy Lichfields. Under the approved proposals, the historic hall will be carefully refurbished to create 18 individually designed guest suites, complemented by a contemporary restaurant extension designed to contrast with and enhance the original building. A new luxury wellness spa will provide treatment rooms, relaxation areas, a swimming pool, sauna and steam facilities, as well as a boutique restaurant and state of the art exercise studio. The wider estate will also feature walled garden spa lodges and twenty woodland lodges, offering guests an immersive wellness experience. In addition, a dedicated events pavilion and converted Victorian Stables building will provide a venue for weddings, conferences and private gatherings underpinned by the sites fantastic landscaped gardens. Chris Musgrave OBE said: “As someone born and bred in Tees Valley, I’m passionate about investing in the area and helping to drive long-term prosperity and job creation. Securing planning permission is a major step forward for Kirklevington Hall and allows us to move ahead with confidence. “This is prominent site in a prime location, rich in history and local significance. Our vision is to celebrate its heritage while creating a destination of genuine regional and national appeal. The development will revitalise the area and deliver meaningful economic benefits for the wider community.” Paul Mackings, chairman at Kymel, added: “We’re delighted that planning permission has now been secured. Kirklevington Hall presents a rare opportunity to create a truly special destination, incorporating fine dining and luxury overnight stays to spa breaks, bespoke weddings and high-end events. This development will deliver a premium hospitality experience that addresses a recognised gap in the North East market.” Project Partner Simon Rennison-Rae has worked closely with the wider consultant team to develop a design that carefully balances the estate’s historic character with high-quality contemporary additions, commented: “This is a great result for the clients involved and for the local area, creating not only a destination hotel and spa but securing investment and job creation in the region. This is a dream project for us, its not often you get this level of bespoke design with both contemporary and conservation Architecture wrapped together. We cant wait to get cracking on the detailed design stages and delivering the scheme” GSSArchitecture has developed a strong reputation nationally within the hotel and hospitality sector, working on a wide range of boutique hotels, spa destinations and leisure-led developments across the UK. The practice combines expertise in heritage restoration, contemporary hospitality design and destination-led placemaking, helping clients bring forward projects that create memorable guest experiences while supporting long-term economic growth. GSSArchitecture has built a strong national portfolio within the hospitality sector and has recently delivered hotel projects across County Durham, Wales and Northumberland. To view their extensive experience, visit: GSSArchitecture Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cole Brothers set to be transformed as Urban Splash receives planning consent
Award-winning regeneration company Urban Splash has secured planning approval for the redevelopment of the former Cole Brothers department store at Barker’s Pool in Sheffield. The iconic building, which closed its doors in 2022, has long been a landmark in the city centre. Urban Splash was appointed by Sheffield City Council to lead its transformation, working alongside architects AHMM to evolve plans that will bring the Grade II-listed 1963 building back into active use. The approved proposals will see the lower ground and ground floors transformed into vibrant leisure, entertainment, food, drink and retail space, while the upper floors will be converted into high-quality, flexible workspace. Plans also include the creation of a rooftop terrace, with the existing plant room repurposed as a restaurant or bar with an external terrace, accessed directly from ground level via the building’s main lift core. The scheme will open up the Barker’s Pool and Cambridge Street frontages to create outdoor dining areas, echoing the successful on-street seating introduced on Division Street and helping to further animate the city centre. Sian Stanhope, Development Manager at Urban Splash said: “We are thrilled with this decision, which paves the way for bringing this much-loved building back into use for the people of Sheffield. “We understand the significance of Cole Brothers, and at the heart of our proposal is a commitment to re-establishing it as a place for the city. Over the past year we have already introduced a range of successful meanwhile uses, hosting organisations and events including BBC Sounds, the Crossed Wires Festival, Jarvis Cocker and the FORM careers fair. Planning approval allows us to evolve that momentum into something permanent – creating new places to eat, shop and work, with lively ground floor uses and flexible workspace above to support Sheffield’s growing business community.” Urban Splash is now engaging with businesses looking for space at the building, as Richard Lace, the company’s Head of Commercial Lettings explained: “Planning approval means we can move forward with discussions with occupiers, engaging with likeminded organisations who want to be a part of bringing Cole Brothers back to life.” Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council: “This is an important milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Sheffield city centre. The former Cole Brothers building holds a special place in the hearts of many residents, and we welcome plans that will sensitively restore and reinvigorate it for a new generation.” Urban Splash already has a strong connection to Sheffield, having completed hundreds of homes and new amenities at Park Hill. The company is now moving forward on a fourth phase at the building having secured funding from Homes England in January. For further information about Cole Brothers, and the spaces available visit: https://www.urbansplash.co.uk/regeneration/projects/cole-brothers or contact the appointed agents for the building; Tim Bottrill at Colloco, James Fox at Smith Young and Sammy Jones and David Bell at Starka. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Young first-time buyers step onto the ladder at Little Bowden
Buying their first home together was always going to be a milestone moment for Amy Bassi and Ben Thompson – but after nearly two years of saving, planning and living back at home, moving into their new Davidsons property in Little Bowden felt even more special. Amy, 29, and Ben, 28, moved into their Stanbrook at Davidsons at Little Bowden in June last year, marking the end of a long journey to get onto the property ladder. The couple, who met at university, were balancing busy careers in different directions. Amy, originally from Dudley, works in marketing for a babywear company called My 1st Years in Northampton, while Ben, who grew up in Ireland, is a project manager for a web design agency in London. Finding somewhere that worked for both of them was key. Amy said: “We looked at lots of different areas because it had to work for both of us – I needed to be able to drive easily to Northampton, and Ben needed a straightforward train into London. As soon as we came to Market Harborough, it just felt right. It’s such a lovely town, and the station makes it so easy for Ben to get into London in under an hour.” As first-time buyers, the couple were determined to make a smart decision, even if that meant making sacrifices in the short term. They moved in with Amy’s parents for almost two years to build up their deposit. Amy said: “Living back at home in your twenties isn’t for everyone, but we’re so proud of ourselves for doing it. It took us a while to save, but it was completely worth it to be able to buy relatively young and get the house we really wanted.” After viewing a number of new build developments, they felt that Davidsons Homes stood out. Amy said: “We looked at other new builds, but some felt a bit crammed in. With Davidsons, the homes have so much character and space around them. They don’t feel squeezed together, and that was really important to us.” Visiting the show homes proved invaluable in helping them picture their future life there. Amy said: “Seeing the show homes was such a great way to understand how you’d actually live in the space. It made everything feel more real. We knew quite quickly that the Stanbrook 4th Edition was the one for us.” The couple were particularly drawn to the home’s open-plan layout downstairs – and one feature in particular. Amy said: “We really wanted a kitchen island. We love hosting and having people to stay, and the open-plan kitchen and living area is perfect for that. Choosing our kitchen was probably the most exciting day of the whole process.” Reserving their home in October 2024, long before it was actually built, meant a longer wait than some buyers experience – but Amy and Ben said the support from the sales team made all the difference. Amy said: “Because we were living with my parents, we couldn’t pop by regularly to check on progress, but Kelly and Michelle kept us informed every step of the way. We always felt updated and reassured, which made the whole process really smooth.” They were able to personalise their home by selecting fittings and finishes, making it feel like theirs from day one. Eight months on, the couple have fully embraced life in Little Bowden. Their spacious main bedroom and the large, open-plan living area remain firm favourites, along with their south-facing garden. Amy said: “Downstairs is definitely our favourite space. It’s light, open and perfect for having everyone round. We had a huge Halloween party and decorated everywhere, which was so much fun. Our parents come to stay as well, and there’s plenty of room.” Beyond the walls of their new home, they’ve quickly felt part of the local community. Amy said: “Everyone’s so friendly. Neighbours help each other out, even something as simple as taking your bins out if you’re away. There’s a lovely pub within walking distance, and I’ve already found a great nail technician, which is important!” For Amy and Ben, buying their first home wasn’t just about bricks and mortar – it was about creating a base that works for their careers, their social life and their future. Amy said: “It was a big commitment, and saving took time, but we couldn’t be happier. The whole process was smooth, we felt really supported throughout, and now we’ve got a home we absolutely love.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BIFIS Awards 2026 now open for entries
The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists is pleased to announce that the BIFIS Awards 2026, in partnership with InstallerSHOW, is now open for entries. The BIFIS Awards recognises talent, contribution and achievement in the fitted interiors installation sector and has seen significant growth since it launched in October 2021, and this year will feature new six categories, including the Installer’s Choice Awards, with installation professionals voting for the best products and brands in the sector. The BIFIS Awards are free to enter, and businesses and individuals can nominate themselves, their business, a colleague, business associate, or a company that they work with via a dedicated online platform. Entries can be submitted from Tuesday 10 March and more information on the entry criteria, the submission process and key dates can be found at www.entertoday.co.uk. The 2026 categories are: The Installer’s Choice – voted for by BIFIS registered installers BIFIS CEO Damian Walters commented “The consistent year-on-year growth in both entries and industry support highlights just how important it is to properly recognise and reward this vital workforce. This recognition matters not only to installers themselves, but to the wider fitted interiors industry that depends on their skill, professionalism, and dedication. Each year, we are inspired not just by the volume of submissions, but by the calibre of talent across the sector, from apprentices and installers to installation businesses and managers. The BIFIS Awards provides an inclusive platform that brings the entire installation community together to celebrate excellence and achievement.” New for 2026 BIFIS has teamed up with InstallerSHOW to bring the BIFIS Awards Gala Dinner Ceremony to the show for the very first time! The BIFIS Awards will be presented on the evening of Tuesday 23 June 2026. The BIFIS Awards Gala Dinner will also support the BIFIS Charity of the Year, the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, in recognition of the foundation’s outstanding work supporting people affected by motor neurone disease, following the loss of former BIFIS Inspector, Geoff Jackson, to the disease in 2025. More information on the BIFIS Awards 2026 can be found at www.entertoday.co.uk For information on remaining sponsorship opportunities, please email comms@bifis.org or call 01375 219 199, option 6. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lights, camera, construction: £104m boost set to spark arena and film studio projects across the North East
A £104m public funding package aimed at kick-starting a new arena, film studios and cultural infrastructure across the North East could unlock major construction work beginning this summer. The ambitious Crown Works Studios project in Sunderland is among the developments expected to move forward as part of the investment programme. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said the funding would help unlock plans for the large-scale film studio complex while also supporting enabling works for a long-planned arena at Gateshead Quays. The largest single scheme within the programme is the £39m Crown Works Studios development. Preparatory construction work for phase one is expected to begin in July. The first phase will deliver around 125,000 sq ft of studio space, combining a new Studio One building with the conversion of the former Doxford Printworks site beside the River Wear. Once complete in 2027, the development is expected to rank among the largest film studio facilities in northern England. Funding for the scheme includes £11m of recyclable investment funding, £500,000 a year in operational support over five years, and £25m from previously allocated Trailblazer Devolution Deal funding. Alongside the Sunderland development, the Mayor has earmarked £24m to help unlock a new arena scheme at Gateshead Quays. The funding would support infrastructure works needed to prepare the riverside site for a proposed 12,500 to 15,000-seat arena. Plans also include a new public performance square next to The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and the creation of a green linear park linking the Tyne riverside with the Baltic Quarter. The investment is expected to help restart development at the Gateshead Quays site, where arena plans stalled during the pandemic amid rising construction costs. In January 2023 it was revealed that the estimated cost of the project had increased from £260m to more than £350m. The arena is also set to become the first major scheme linked to the Newcastle–Gateshead Mayoral Development Zone, which was established last year to accelerate regeneration along the Tyne corridor. Beyond the major construction projects, the wider £104m package also includes a £42m North East Culture, Creative Industries and Sport framework. This funding is intended to support grassroots venues, festivals and wider growth across the region’s creative sector. Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “If you have a creative dream, you don’t need London to succeed. We’ll prove that.” The proposals are due to go before the North East Combined Authority cabinet next week for approval. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals