New Head of Construction at Bellway North East aims to build on improved levels of customer satisfaction
Continuing to drive up levels of customer satisfaction is the main focus for Bellway North East’s new Head of Construction. Ben Singlewood has been appointed to the role with the housebuilder’s North East division on a permanent basis, having held the position in an interim capacity since last May. Based in the North East division’s head office in Gateshead, Ben will be responsible for sites across Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham. He believes that delivering key infrastructure at an earlier stage in the construction process has played an important part in the division improving its customer satisfaction scores – and he is determined to ensure that the buyer experience remains front and centre in his planning and decision making. Ben, 51, from Bishop Auckland, said: “We have a ‘Customer First’ policy that is part of the company ethos. This is massive for the success of the business and for customer feedback. “Ensuring that all roads and other infrastructure are finished to an adoptable standard as a development progresses ensures that customers move into a street that feels complete. Historically this work might have been done towards the end of the project, but we try to do it while we are still on site. That means we control it better and it makes it easier for people who have moved in to get around. We are judged on our scores and surveys, and we find our scores are getting better because we are doing this work as we go.” Decisions around which homes are completed and handed over to customers and when this happens also have a big impact on the customer experience. “Occupation strategies are important because we want to move people into the correct environment, especially as on a large development work may be completed over several phases, over several years, and we are still the neighbours to our customers.” Ben has been with Bellway for 21 years, having joined the company as an assistant site manager in Darlington in 2004. “Bellway is a great company to work for with good employee engagement. It’s a very inclusive and forward-thinking business,” he said. Ben became a site manager in 2011, working in Darlington, Durham and Washington. Between 2014 and 2016 he was Senior Site Manager at Stannington Park – a regeneration project on the former St Mary’s Hospital site in Stannington in Northumberland for which Ben won a prestigious Pride in the Job Quality Award from the National House Building Council (NHBC). In 2016 he became Construction Manager and in 2018 Senior Construction Manager. Major projects on the horizon include Bellway’s DH1 development to the north west of Durham, where the company is building 368 homes all fitted with sustainable air source heat pumps. The role of Head of Construction entails long-term strategic involvement not just in construction on-site but in every part of the process from land acquisition and planning to technical and sales. Ben enjoys the fast pace and problem-solving demands of the role in an industry that is constantly on the move. He said: “The one thing that is constant is change, and that’s a big appeal of the role for me. It’s a very dynamic role and I like the variety.” In some ways his motivation is the same as it was when he was a site manager. He said: “We are creating communities and I get a lot of satisfaction in turning over a good house and a good product.” To find out more about Bellway North East, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-east. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hazardous lighting for L’Oréal NZ hub
When global beauty leader L’Oréal set out to develop its new distribution centre in Auckland, New Zealand, the brief extended far beyond operational efficiency. The Dangerous Goods Store within the facility required a robust, compliant lighting solution for a Zone 2 hazardous environment, while also contributing to a sustainability ambition that would ultimately make history in New Zealand. Delivered in November 2025, the project brought together a strong collaboration team: developer James Kirkpatrick Group, architect Gravitas Consulting, builder Waide Commercial Construction, and Electrical and Lighting Consultant Electrical Consulting Services. Electrical Consulting Services, in collaboration with Techlight, was entrusted with delivering a lighting solution that would meet stringent safety, performance, and environmental benchmarks. There was only one manufacturer they wanted to partner with, Petrel. Designing for Zone 2: Safety Without Compromise The Dangerous Goods Store was classified as Zone 2, an environment where explosive gas atmospheres are not likely to occur in normal operation, and, if they do occur, will exist only for a short time. In such settings, lighting is not merely functional; it is critical infrastructure. To address this, 73No Petrel ALED4/G/Z2/156E luminaires were installed as high-bay fittings, illuminating aisles and open warehouse areas with powerful, consistent light output. These fixtures are engineered specifically for hazardous locations, providing the necessary ingress protection, durability and compliance for Zone 2 applications. Their robust construction ensures long-term reliability while minimising maintenance requirements, an essential consideration in environments handling dangerous goods. Complementing the general lighting, 12No Petrel 9LED5700/EM units were deployed to provide emergency illumination across aisles and open areas. In any hazardous facility, emergency lighting must operate seamlessly in the event of power failure, ensuring safe evacuation and maintaining visibility during critical incidents. The integration of dedicated emergency luminaires reinforces the project’s uncompromising approach to safety. Supporting a 6-Star Green Star Milestone While safety and compliance were paramount, sustainability remained central to the project vision. The distribution centre has achieved New Zealand’s first-ever 6-Star Green Star Design Certified rating, the highest possible rating awarded by the New Zealand Green Building Council. This world-leading certification represents excellence in sustainable design and places the facility at the forefront of environmentally responsible industrial development in New Zealand. Commenting on the project, Stuart Head, Technical and Certification Manager at Petrel Ltd said “Lighting is central to Green Star performance, influencing energy use, operational carbon and overall environmental quality. By combining high-performance LEDs with precise optical control, the L’Oréal Dangerous Goods Store achieves lower emissions, reduced energy demand and safer working conditions. Petrel is proud to have supported the delivery of this award-winning outcome.” By combining hazardous-area compliance with energy-efficient design, Petrel’s solution demonstrates that performance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive; they are mutually reinforcing. Collaboration Driving Innovation Projects of this calibre depend on close collaboration between stakeholders. Early engagement with the end user, developer, design consultants and construction team ensured that lighting specifications aligned seamlessly with architectural intent, structural constraints, electrical and fire suppression infrastructure. The result is a facility that not only meets stringent hazardous-area standards but also aligns with global best practice in sustainable industrial design. Techlight’s National Sales Manager, Pierre Abrahamse, said: “The L’Oréal Dangerous Goods Store project sets a new benchmark, demonstrating how specialist lighting capability can drive both operational excellence and environmental leadership. Credit goes to the team at Petrel for their skill, commitment and genuine passion for the sector.” In an era where supply chain infrastructure must be safer, smarter and greener, this Auckland facility sets a new global standard. Through thoughtful design, precision engineering and collaborative delivery, it proves that even the most technically demanding environments can achieve world-class sustainability outcomes. To learn more about this story and the products featured, please visit Petrel’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mears sharpens housing focus with £18m FM disposal
Mears has sold its education and health facilities management division for £18m as it accelerates its strategic shift towards core housing services. The contractor confirmed the sale of Morrison Facilities Services Limited following a competitive sales process, marking another step in its plan to streamline operations and concentrate exclusively on the housing sector. The transaction was completed on a debt and cash-free basis with a normalised level of working capital. Morrison Facilities Services, which primarily delivered facilities management contracts across education and healthcare settings, generated revenue of £32m and pre-tax profit of £2.8m in the year to 31 December 2025. The business had previously been reported within Mears’ maintenance-led segment. Mears originally acquired the business in 2011 from Anglian Water Group for £24m. The latest disposal reflects a decisive repositioning of the group’s portfolio in response to evolving market conditions and long-term demand dynamics. Chief executive Lucas Critchley said the move represented further progress in simplifying the group’s structure and aligning it with its strategic priorities. He added that the disposal reinforces Mears’ focus on delivering housing services, a market underpinned by strong regulatory drivers and sustained investment requirements. The decision comes at a time when social housing providers and local authorities are facing increasing pressure around compliance, building safety and decarbonisation. These factors are driving significant, long-term demand for maintenance, refurbishment and asset management services across the housing estate. By narrowing its operational focus, Mears is positioning itself to capitalise on these structural growth drivers while reducing exposure to non-core activities. The sale is expected to provide greater clarity to investors regarding the group’s direction and strengthen its ability to allocate capital and management resource towards its core housing operations. The disposal signals a more concentrated and disciplined strategy as Mears seeks to build scale and resilience within the UK housing services market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
£7.5bn AI Data Centre Mega-Campus Approved for Lincolnshire
Plans for what is set to become the UK’s largest artificial intelligence data centre campus have received outline planning approval, marking a major milestone for digital infrastructure in the country. The vast scheme near Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire will transform the former RAF Elsham Wolds airfield into a hyperscale technology campus capable of supporting the rapidly growing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing services. The development, known as Elsham Tech Park, would deliver more than 1.5 million square metres of data centre floorspace spread across 15 data halls. Once completed, the campus is expected to support up to 1,000MW of IT load, placing it among the most ambitious digital infrastructure projects ever proposed in the UK. The project is being brought forward by Elsham Tech Park Ltd, a company established specifically to deliver the scheme and overseen by planning and infrastructure specialist Greystoke. The proposals cover a 176-hectare site and include a significant supporting energy infrastructure to power the facility. At the heart of the masterplan is a new energy centre capable of generating up to 49.9MW on site, alongside substations, battery energy storage systems, district heating infrastructure and additional flexible commercial space. A distinctive element of the project is the inclusion of energy-efficient greenhouse agriculture facilities. These would reuse excess heat generated by the data halls to support food production, creating a more circular approach to energy use and sustainability. The scale of the development is expected to generate significant economic activity during construction. A 10-year build programme has been outlined, with estimates suggesting the project could support between 2,600 and 3,600 full-time equivalent construction jobs each year across the supply chain. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in 2027, with the first phase of the campus targeted to open in 2029. Buildings across the site would range between 7m and 23m in height. Extensive landscape bunds reaching up to 10m high, together with new woodland planting, are proposed to reduce visual impact and integrate the campus into the surrounding countryside. The scheme will also feature a central spine road connecting all 15 development zones, each capable of being delivered independently. A new primary access route will link the campus to the nearby industrial estate. If completed, Elsham Tech Park would place Lincolnshire at the forefront of the UK’s rapidly expanding artificial intelligence and cloud computing sector, creating a major new hub for digital infrastructure and technology investment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield launches next round of consultation on The Croydon Project
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has today [12 March 2026] launched the next round of public consultation on The Croydon Project, its vision to regenerate Croydon town centre and strengthen its role as a key destination in South London. Led by URW The Croydon Project will transform the Whitgift Centre, Centrale and the iconic Allders building, alongside surrounding areas on North End, into a vibrant mixed-use destination with new homes, public spaces, shops, restaurants and leisure uses. The evolving masterplan outlines how Croydon town centre could be transformed into a modern mixed-use destination, combining new homes with a stronger retail, leisure and cultural offer that keeps the town centre active throughout the day and evening. As part of the proposals, the project aims to deliver: The revitalisation of the historic Allders building The latest proposals also respond directly to feedback received during earlier consultations, including calls for greener public spaces, improved accessibility, more cultural and leisure activities, and the protection and reuse of Croydon’s historic buildings. The consultation will give residents, businesses and visitors the opportunity to review the latest masterplan ideas and provide feedback on how the project can best meet the needs of Croydon’s communities. As part of the consultation, the project team will host a series of pop-up events across Croydon where local people can learn more about the proposals and share their views directly with the team. The pop-up events will take place at: (weather dependent) Progress is already underway on the project. New shops and restaurants have opened at Allders Parade, refurbishment of shops along North End is continuing and a planning application for improvements to Centrale was submitted earlier this year. Adam Smith, Strategic Development Director at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “The Croydon Project aims to reimagine Croydon town centre and restore its role as the economic and creative capital of South London. Our ambition is to create a thriving mixed-use destination with new homes, public spaces and a vibrant mix of retail, leisure and cultural activity that reflects Croydon’s energy and creativity. This long-term regeneration will bring new life and investment to the heart of the town centre. Community feedback will remain central, with this next round of consultation giving local people the chance to help shape the evolving masterplan.” Residents and businesses can also view the proposals and provide feedback online at TheCroydonProject.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals