Bluebeam Max Launches Globally, Bringing AI-Powered Productivity to AEC Teams Everywhere
Bluebeam has announced that Bluebeam Max is now available to all customers globally, giving AEC teams the option to upgrade to a premium subscription that delivers AI-powered automation and next generation review tools. First unveiled at Bluebeam’s Unbound 2025 conference, Bluebeam Max was made available to select customers under a beta program, where it delivered strong early results. Now widely available, Bluebeam Max expands the power of Bluebeam Revu with advanced automation and AI tools that help AEC teams reduce manual work and financial liability through early detection and improve collaboration across the entire project lifecycle. “AI is ushering in a new era for the built environment – one where complexity becomes manageable and data becomes actionable,” said Usman Shuja, CEO of Bluebeam. “Bluebeam Max is designed to help every user operate like a superuser – embedding intelligence into familiar workflows while seamlessly bridging PDFs and BIM. The result is a more connected, more productive project experience, where teams can focus less on managing information and more on delivering outcomes.” Intelligent Tools Designed for Real-World Work With today’s launch, existing Bluebeam customers can now officially upgrade and access a set of innovations included in Bluebeam Max: Driving Real Impact for AEC Teams Early adopters from a beta program involving more than 2,000 users report meaningful productivity gains with Bluebeam Max, with customers calling it a “game changer” for design and planning workflows. Martin-Harris Construction One success story from the Max beta program involves Martin-Harris Construction, a Las Vegas construction management firm consistently listed among the Top 10 Southwest General Contractors. Their Beta users leveraged Bluebeam Max to streamline complex project plans across a variety of developments. Martin-Harris’ projects span multi-family residential, industrial, educational, healthcare, and high-rise sectors. The team uses Smart Overlay and Smart Review in Max to compare revisions for pricing and impact analysis during both design and construction, helping quickly pinpoint where teams should focus their attention. “Bluebeam is already the backbone of how we review and collaborate on projects, but Bluebeam Max takes that to another level,” said James Miranda, director of preconstruction at Martin-Harris Construction. “Features like Smart Overlay help us instantly see what’s changed and where to focus, which is critical when you’re managing complex projects at scale. As the full AI capabilities continue to evolve, this has the potential to significantly reduce manual effort and free up our teams to focus on higher-value coordination and decision-making.” KPFF Consulting Engineers – Los Angeles (LA) Civil Office Early adopters are already seeing meaningful gains with Bluebeam Max across design and planning workflows. At KPFF LA Civil Office, a leading civil and structural engineering firm, teams are using new capabilities to streamline day-to-day design tasks and reduce manual effort. “Even small improvements can have a big impact on our workflows,” said Dillon Wilke, associate and Bluebeam Max early adopter at KPFF LA Civil Office. “Features like offset are reducing the need to go back into CAD for certain tasks, especially when working with parallel utilities or curved geometry. What used to take multiple manual steps can now be done much more efficiently in one place.” Bluebeam Max is now available globally. Customers can learn more, start a free trial, and purchase Bluebeam Max directly through the Bluebeam webstore by visiting www.bluebeam.com/bluebeam-max. Bluebeam is a leading developer of solutions and services for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals worldwide and part of the Nemetschek Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HALO points light up Liverpool City centre boosting safety and night-time economy
Liverpool City Centre has unveiled nine new Halo Points as part of Operation Halo, combining smart lighting technology, emergency support access and visible safe spaces to strengthen safety, tackle violence against women and girls and support the city’s thriving night-time economy. Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, have launched Halo Points as part of Operation Halo, marking the next phase of the initiative to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and better protect people across Liverpool’s night‑time economy. The initiative is being funded by the Hyper-Local Policing Fund, awarded by the Home Office and secured by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, and Merseyside Police. What are Halo Points Halo Points are nine clearly identifiable, designated safe spaces located across key locations within Liverpool City Centre. Each point provides a place where anyone who feels unsafe, or at risk can seek immediate support, reassurance and practical help. Their visibility acts as a deterrent to offenders, while ensuring those who need help can access it quickly and discreetly. Each point will offer direct contact with emergency services via 999 and will be linked to City Watch CCTV, offering immediate reassurance and rapid intervention by VAWG champions or police officers for anyone feeling vulnerable or in distress. The launch builds on the earlier introduction of VAWG Champions, who are already embedded across venues and trained to recognise vulnerability, challenge harmful behaviour and respond effectively to incidents such as spiking. Signify lights up Halo Points This project was delivered in partnership with McCann Ltd, a leading civil, technology and electrical engineering construction company operating throughout the UK on major road, rail and airport infrastructure projects for public and private sector clients. Each Halo point is lit with Signify Copenhagen LED luminaires, making for designated safe spaces to seek immediate support, reassurance, and practical help. The timeless luminaire design delivers high performance for many lighting applications. The luminaires feature a built in LEDGINE-O engine, and the wide range of application-tailored optics, delivering the right amount of light and in the right direction on any street, enabling important energy savings. The Copenhagen LED Gen2 is ready to pair with advanced control and lighting software applications such as Interact. The luminaires enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city through illuminated green “Halo” lanterns and bright orange columns. Connected with Interact City CMS, the IoT enabled lighting system ensures that any faults with the luminaire are detected and repaired without delay, making them responsive, resilient and sustainable. Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene at Liverpool City Council said: “Liverpool is already recognised as one of the safest cities for a night out, as demonstrated by our Purple Flag status. Even so, we remain committed to ending violence against women and girls in our city. “These new Halo Points reinforce our shared commitment to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the city with confidence. No matter what concerns someone may have, they can be assured that there will always be someone available to help and to keep them safe.” By launching Halo Points and expanding the network of trained VAWG Champions, Merseyside Police and partners are continuing to build a culture of safety across Liverpool’s night-time economy, ensuring more people, particularly women and girls, can enjoy a safer night out. The Halo points can be found in the following locations across the city: Concert Square area Mathew Street area “McCann is proud to announce the public launch of Operation Halo, an innovative safety initiative developed in partnership with Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council to help protect vulnerable people within Liverpool’s busy nightlife areas. The scheme introduces a network of highly visible lighting units positioned across key locations in the city, designed to provide an accessible way for individuals to seek help if they feel unsafe or at risk. This system, developed in collaboration with Signify, are the first of their kind to be deployed in England. McCann, Signify, Liverpool City Council and Merseyside Police hope that Operation Halo will not only enhance safety across Liverpool but also serve as a model for wider national adoption, reinforcing a shared commitment to preventing violence and safeguarding communities,” James McDaid, Head of Local Authority at McCann. “Reliable access to emergency assistance remains an important yet often overlooked component of nighttime safety for women and girls. Halo Points, well-lit, highly visible points across the city centre, marked by distinctive green and white lighting is a great initiative ensuring the city provides a more dependable solution, allowing quick assistance in high-stress situations. We are proud to be the chosen lighting provider for the project, working in partnership with J McCann, contributing towards protecting vulnerable individuals and tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Liverpool’s night-time economy.” said Carl Williams, Key Account Manager, Signify. Learn more about the initiative on the Liverpool City Council website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stockport Set for £150m Residential Boost as Keady Secures Landmark Scheme
Developer Amstone has appointed Keady Construction as main contractor for the £150m No.1 Knightsbridge residential development in Stockport. The major scheme will deliver 588 apartments across a series of residential blocks ranging from five to 15 storeys, further strengthening Stockport’s growing appeal as a key residential and regeneration hotspot in the North West. Construction is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2027, with the project being delivered in phases over the following two-and-a-half years. Keady Construction, part of the wider OHOB Group, was selected due to its strong track record in large-scale residential delivery and experience within the private rented sector market. Adnan Siddiqi, Director at Amstone Ventures, said the developer was particularly attracted to Keady’s expertise within the residential sector, alongside its approach to design quality and environmental considerations. He highlighted the contractor’s recent completion of a 31-storey residential tower on Skinner Street in Leeds, which delivered 399 private rented apartments, as evidence of the company’s capability to successfully deliver large urban living schemes. Kieran Duggan, Director at Keady Construction, described No.1 Knightsbridge as another important milestone for the contractor as it continues expanding its portfolio of major residential developments across the north of England. He added that following the successful completion of the Leeds project for Ridgeback Group, the Stockport scheme further strengthens Keady’s growing client base, which also includes major names such as Peel Holdings and Legal & General. The project reflects continued investor confidence in regional residential markets, particularly in well-connected town and city centres where demand for modern apartments and build-to-rent accommodation remains strong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mayfair Office Scheme Moves Forward with Sustainable Vision
Contractor Legendre UK has secured the main construction role on the major redevelopment of 50 Stratton Street in the heart of Mayfair, London, on behalf of Berkeley Estate Asset Management. Designed by acclaimed architects Stiff + Trevillion, the 135,000 sq ft office development is set to deliver a premium commercial destination tailored to the evolving demands of the central London market. The scheme has been created with a strong emphasis on sustainability, modern workplace design and long-term building performance. Targeting both BREEAM Outstanding and LEED Gold certifications, the redevelopment will introduce a highly efficient all-electric building designed to align with the growing demand for low-carbon office environments across the capital. A key feature of the project is its focus on reducing embodied carbon through innovative construction methods and material selection. Lightweight steel will be used throughout the structure, alongside the addition of four new cross-laminated timber floors, helping to minimise environmental impact while supporting modern standards of sustainable development. The redevelopment will also significantly enhance the building’s external appearance and operational efficiency. New façades featuring high-quality stone cladding, aluminium-framed glazing and curtain walling systems will create a refined architectural identity suited to Mayfair’s prestigious commercial landscape. As demand continues to grow for sustainable Grade A office space in London’s prime business districts, the project reflects a wider industry shift towards environmentally responsible redevelopment and future-ready workplaces that prioritise energy performance, occupier wellbeing and design excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO Partners with LTA to Open Up Tennis and Padel Across UK Communities
SEGRO has been announced as a new Official Partner of the Lawn Tennis Association, in a partnership designed to support the growth of tennis and padel across communities throughout the UK. The agreement will also see SEGRO become development partner to LTA padel, helping to widen access to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The partnership will focus on national and community-level initiatives, including the launch of a new grassroots padel programme during the 2026 season. The LTA is the National Governing Body for tennis and padel in Great Britain, working to grow both sports from grassroots participation through to the professional game. Its wider ambition is to open up tennis and padel to more people by working with schools, volunteers, coaches and venues across the country. SEGRO, one of Europe’s leading owners, developers and managers of modern warehousing, industrial property and data centres, said the partnership aligns with its long-standing commitment to supporting communities around its estates. The new grassroots padel initiative will aim to make the sport more inclusive and accessible, particularly for children and young people, women and people from underserved backgrounds. SEGRO will bring experience from its community investment programme, which supports local projects, skills development and employment opportunities. Padel has seen rapid growth in Great Britain in recent years. Participation has risen from around 15,000 players in 2019 to more than 860,000 by the end of 2025. The country’s padel infrastructure has also expanded, with 1,553 courts across 559 venues recorded by the end of 2025. James Craddock, UK Managing Director at SEGRO, said: “SEGRO is a business rooted in places and the communities around them. This partnership with the LTA reflects our commitment to widening opportunity and supporting wellbeing through sport. “By also working in tandem to deliver a new grassroots padel programme, we are helping to remove barriers to participation and open up the sport to more communities across the UK.” Scott Lloyd, Chief Executive of the LTA, said the organisation was delighted to welcome SEGRO as an official partner. He added that the partnership would help extend the LTA’s reach into new communities, accelerate its padel community initiatives and support more people to experience the physical and mental health benefits of racket sports. The agreement highlights the growing role of sport-led community investment, with SEGRO and the LTA aiming to create more opportunities for people across the UK to pick up a racket and get active. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Positive results belie struggling construction sector
Glenigan | A Hubexo Product (Glenigan), one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the May 2026 edition of its Construction Review. The May Review focuses on the three months to the end of April 2026, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report providing a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the past year. Looks can be deceiving; on first appearance there are reasons to be cheerful. Superficially, the May Review presents a sector rebounding, with detailed planning approvals rising by 8% against the preceding three months, complemented by a stronger 29% increase in main contract awards and a 22% uplift in project starts. However, scratch beneath the surface and a different picture emerges, when these figures are compared against the previous year’s result. Detailed approvals hit rock bottom, nose-diving 54% year-on-year, while main contract awards have slipped 11% and project starts are 17% lower. It highlights how the UK construction sector remains stuck in the woods with little current direction to guide it out. Looking ahead, the industry’s trajectory will continue to be shaped by wider economic and policy developments. Elevated borrowing costs, ongoing viability challenges and cautious investor sentiment have constrained activity over the past year. According to Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen, “Whilst this encouraging uptick will come as some relief after months of decline, the sector must not risk falling into a fool’s paradise. The true impact of the US/Iran War is yet to be felt and, if it’s anything similar to previous major global events, then the aftershock will ripple through markets, causing disruption well after the conflict, hopefully, comes to an end. An early resolution of the current impasse and the ending of the Strait of Hormuz blockade would start to rebuild investor confidence and ease pressure on the construction industry.” “However, last week’s King’s speech provides some clarity to latch onto and, once the Downing Street shenanigans have died down, a degree of certainty may return to help get us back on track. There are windows of opportunity in niche areas which savvy contractors are already involved in, or starting to wake up to. So, whilst the outlook remains overcast, it’s not a time to stand and stare, but to seize opportunity where it exists to weather the current climate and be ready for the sunshine when it eventually arrives.” Taking a closer look at the May Review’s highlights and the lowlights: Residential Residential held its ground during the three months to April, with project starts dipping just 2% year-on-year while main contract awards climbed 9% and detailed planning approvals jumped 17% on 2025 levels. Quarter-on-quarter performance was even more upbeat, buoyed by major projects coming to the fore. Social Sector Housing stole the show, accounting for 51% of starts and rocketing 236% year-on-year, though private housing and private apartments told a different story, falling 45% and 56% respectively. The wider outlook is finely balanced: Nationwide reported a 3% lift in house prices, while Halifax noted a dip amid geopolitical jitters, and both will likely shape residential construction in the months ahead. Regionally, Yorkshire & the Humber led the charge, with project starts powered largely by sizeable social housing heating works in Leeds. London also enjoyed a strong run, cementing its status as a key residential market. Elsewhere the picture was patchier, with the South East, East Midlands and Scotland all sliding back against the previous year. Non-residential Non-residential was a real mixed bag during the three months to April. Offices put on a show, with project starts soaring 217% year-on-year on the back of an eye-catching 868% rise in major schemes worth over £100 million. Detailed planning approvals climbed 30%, though main contract awards slipped 57%. Hotel & Leisure also offered cheer, with planning approvals leaping 80%, even as starts dipped 3% and awards eased 29%. Health saw approvals rise 32%, hinting at a pipeline gathering pace despite a 39% drop in starts. Retail, Education & Industrial were broadly muted, while Community & Amenity had a tough time of it, with starts down 60% and contract awards tumbling 83%. Regionally, London ruled office activity, lifted by the British Library Extension development. Scotland topped Hotel & Leisure starts after strong year-on-year growth, while Wales emerged as a Health hotspot with starts up 748%. Scotland also led Education starts (+68%), with the North West taking top spot for both Retail and Community & Amenity. Civils & Infrastructure Civil Engineering had a tough quarter, with project starts tumbling 72% year-on-year and detailed planning approvals diving 87% against the previous year. Main contract awards offered a flicker of stability, holding steady against 2025 levels in an otherwise challenging period. The numbers point to a clear slowdown in project initiation, though there’s brighter news further out, with expected investment in road and rail infrastructure from 2026/27 set to lift activity, alongside continued spending in utilities and the water industry. Roads projects led the way despite a hefty decline, while water-related schemes brought welcome stability, and harbour and ports work also slipped back. Regionally, the East of England led the field on project starts, scooping 35% of total value following a 133% year-on-year rise. The East Midlands topped planning approvals with a 31% share, up 31% on the previous year, though the region itself saw a moderate 6% dip in starts. London experienced a similar 5% dip in starts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals