Savills Strengthens Property Management Leadership with Senior Appointment
Savills has reinforced its commitment to delivering high-quality property management services with the appointment of Marcus Hutchings as Director within its London-based property management team. Joining the business from CBRE, where he spent more than 12 years and most recently served as Senior Director, Hutchings brings over 15 years of experience managing complex institutional property portfolios and mixed-use estates. His appointment reflects the continued evolution of Savills’ property management offering as demand grows for specialist expertise across increasingly sophisticated real estate assets. Based at Savills’ Margaret Street headquarters in London, Hutchings will play a key role in supporting clients across a broad range of commercial and mixed-use properties, helping to drive operational performance, asset value and occupier experience. Throughout his career, Hutchings has advised many of the UK’s leading institutional investors and property owners, working across large-scale, high-profile portfolios. His experience includes overseeing strategic property management mandates for organisations including M&G Real Estate and Shaftesbury Capital, where the focus has been on delivering operational excellence, long-term asset performance and effective portfolio management. The appointment comes at a time when the role of property management continues to evolve rapidly. Alongside traditional estate management responsibilities, today’s property managers are increasingly expected to deliver value through sustainability initiatives, ESG performance, digital innovation, building safety, occupier wellbeing and data-driven asset optimisation. As owners and investors seek to maximise long-term returns while responding to changing occupier expectations, experienced professionals capable of managing complex portfolios have become increasingly valuable across the commercial property sector. Katrina Mackay, Chief Operating Officer of Property Management at Savills, said Hutchings brings an impressive track record of advising some of the UK’s largest and most complex real estate portfolios. She added that his expertise in delivering operational excellence would strengthen the firm’s expanding retail and business space platforms, while supporting continued growth across the wider property management business. Hutchings said he was excited to join Savills during an important period of growth, describing the firm as having a clear vision, an outstanding reputation within the sector and a strong client-focused culture. He added that he looked forward to contributing to the continued development of the business and supporting clients across its expanding portfolio. The appointment further highlights Savills’ ongoing investment in attracting experienced industry leaders as the firm continues to enhance its property management capabilities and respond to the evolving needs of investors, landlords and occupiers across the UK’s commercial real estate market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New tenant secured at Sheffield industrial unit following refurbishment
Network Space has let a 22,537 sq. ft warehouse at Grange Mill Lane following an extensive refurbishment of the Grange 34 industrial estate. ACM Meat Factory Ltd t/a Haiducci, a cured meat specialist, has taken the space on a seven-year lease to expand its manufacturing and wholesale business across the UK. The well-located industrial space at Grange 34 is just minutes from the M1 and Meadowhall. Angelica Ciaciru, from Haiducci, said: “We wanted high-specification warehouse space which would also provide offices and facilities for our team. Grange 34 offers this, as well as a fantastic location adjacent to the M1 at the heart of the UK so we can easily reach all of the specialist shops around the country which sell our products.” Located on Grange Mill Lane, just off Junction 34 of the M1 and minutes from Meadowhall, only three units now remain available ranging from 10,064 to 50,505 sq. ft (935 to 4,692 sq. m). The industrial units with integral offices have been fully refurbished internally and externally to deliver high-spec, energy-efficient accommodation, which includes power capacity upgrades, PIR LED lighting, 8m clear internal height, full height loading and a secure shared yard with ample parking. Helen Gordon, Property Director at Network Space Investments, said: “We are delighted to welcome Haiducci to Grange 34. We have comprehensively refurbished and repositioned the site following its acquisition last year. By delivering energy-efficient, modern accommodation, these high-quality, flexible units appeal to both local operators and national occupiers seeking immediate access to the motorway network.” Sheffield and Rotherham city centres are within 20 minutes’ drive, with a population of more than 2 million economically active people within a 45-minute catchment. This strong location, coupled with the modern specification, makes Grange 34 an attractive proposition for warehousing, logistics and manufacturing businesses, underpinned by the limited supply of this size of unit along this M1 corridor. CPP and Knight Frank are appointed as letting agents. Toby Vernon, director at CPP said: “It’s excellent news to welcome Haiducci as the first tenant to this newly refurbished industrial estate in Sheffield. Grange 34 provides high quality units which are now available for immediate occupation. We have received strong levels of interest since the refurbishment completed and hope to be in a position to announce further lettings in the coming weeks.” The refurbishment works were undertaken by Bansco, with project management led by GV&Co. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Supercomputer Construction Begins on Landmark £750m National Research Facility
Construction has officially commenced on the UK’s next-generation national supercomputer, marking the start of one of the country’s most significant scientific infrastructure projects and reinforcing Britain’s ambitions to become a global leader in advanced computing, artificial intelligence and research innovation. Robertson Construction Central East has begun work on the £750m development at the University of Edinburgh, where the new facility will provide an unprecedented increase in computing capability, enabling researchers and businesses to tackle some of the world’s most complex scientific and engineering challenges. Backed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and funded through an investment of up to £750m from the UK Government, the new supercomputer will be approximately 50 times more powerful than the UK’s current national system, ARCHER2, which is also hosted by the University of Edinburgh. Once operational, the machine will be capable of performing at least one billion-billion calculations every second, representing a transformational leap in computational power. Experts believe this capability will accelerate breakthroughs across a wide range of sectors, including aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, climate modelling, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, medical research and artificial intelligence. The new facility will dramatically reduce the time required to process highly complex simulations and datasets, enabling calculations that currently take days to be completed in just a matter of hours. Researchers anticipate this will significantly accelerate innovation in areas such as cancer drug discovery, extreme weather forecasting, aircraft engine design and next-generation AI systems. The University of Edinburgh was selected to host the project in recognition of more than three decades of expertise in high-performance computing through its EPCC National Supercomputing Centre. Previous generations of the university’s supercomputers have played a critical role in supporting Covid-19 drug discovery, improving wind farm performance and enhancing the efficiency of aircraft engines used around the world. Sustainability has also been placed at the heart of the development. The building itself, approximately the size of a large supermarket, has been designed to minimise its environmental impact through a range of innovative measures. The cooler Scottish climate will naturally reduce the energy required for cooling, while the latest cooling technologies will further improve operational efficiency. In addition, waste heat generated by the supercomputer will be captured and used to warm university buildings, with longer-term research exploring how surplus heat could eventually be transferred into water contained within disused mine workings to support low-carbon heating for nearby communities. The construction programme has also been carefully planned to minimise environmental disruption. Existing structures are being retained wherever possible to reduce demolition waste and embodied carbon, while Robertson Construction is delivering a series of biodiversity initiatives including tree planting, the protection of mature trees and wildlife conservation projects across the site. Professor Mark Parsons, Director of EPCC at the University of Edinburgh, described the project as a “profound leap in compute power for the UK”, adding that its impact will extend across science, industry and society by enabling discoveries that improve lives, strengthen the economy and support future innovation. UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said the project represents a major milestone in delivering the UK’s long-term computing strategy, ensuring British researchers, businesses and innovators have access to world-class computing capability within the UK. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with the supercomputer scheduled to become operational during spring 2028. Once online, it is expected to become one of Europe’s most powerful computing systems and a cornerstone of the UK’s future research, technology and industrial strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fusion Strengthens UK PBSA Pipeline with £176m Construction Investment
Purpose-built student accommodation developer Fusion Group has awarded two major construction contracts worth a combined £176m to CField Construction, reinforcing continued investment in the UK’s growing student housing sector. The projects, located in London and Glasgow, will deliver a total of 1,269 student bedrooms alongside affordable housing and significant public realm improvements, with both developments scheduled to welcome students for the 2028 academic year. The largest of the two schemes is a £97m mixed-use development in Wood Green, north London. The project will provide 636 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds alongside 79 affordable homes, creating a vibrant mixed-use community supported by new public spaces and enhanced public realm. Meanwhile, in Glasgow, CField has commenced construction of a £79m development on Sauchiehall Street that will deliver a further 633 student bedrooms. The project also incorporates the sensitive restoration of a 1930s Art Deco façade and the reinstatement of the historic Wellington Arcade, helping to preserve an important piece of the city’s architectural heritage while supporting the wider regeneration of the surrounding area. Together, the two developments demonstrate the continued strength of the UK PBSA market, where demand for high-quality student accommodation remains robust across major university cities. Developers are increasingly seeking to deliver schemes that combine modern student living with placemaking, heritage restoration and wider community benefits. The appointments further strengthen the long-standing relationship between Fusion Group and CField Construction, with both businesses continuing to expand their presence within the living sector. Originally established in County Cork, CField has been operating successfully across the UK for approximately 15 years, building a strong reputation for delivering complex residential, education and mixed-use developments. Gavin O’Flaherty, Managing Director of CField Construction, described the twin contract awards as an important milestone for the business and a reflection of the company’s proven expertise within the living sector. André Ferdinand, Projects Director at Fusion Group, said both the Wood Green and Sauchiehall Street developments are central to the company’s long-term growth strategy. He added that CField’s delivery capability and collaborative approach will play a key role in ensuring both schemes are completed in time for the 2028 student intake. As demand for purpose-built student accommodation continues to outstrip supply in many university cities, developments of this scale are expected to remain a significant driver of investment across the UK’s residential and regeneration sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Canvas Offices Expands Central London Presence with Launch of Kingsbourne House Location
Flexible workspace provider Canvas Offices has announced the latest addition to its growing portfolio with the opening of Kingsbourne House at 229-231 High Holborn, just seconds from Holborn station, in the heart of London. The newest location is close to existing Canvas spaces, 175 High Holborn and 88 Kingsway and officially opens its doors in July. Kingsbourne House is within walking distance of Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road and other iconic destinations and demand is already strong with demand from interest from a diverse range of clientele. The building itself, a grand Edwardian facade with six floors, including a gym in the basement area, has undergone an internal transformation led by Canvas’ in-house design team, staying true to its ‘homeification’ design philosophy, creating a home away from home. The refurb focuses on natural light, bespoke furnishings, and a state of the art gym in the basement, designed to enhance wellbeing. Businesses can also take advantage of the building’s expansive rooftop terrace, a highly sought after feature and a rare luxury in the heart of Central London. The space contains private offices, ranging from 12 persons to 145 persons, providing impressive views of the capital. Included in the business rates are meeting rooms, phone booths, access to communal and breakout spaces as well as the fitness centre. Yaron Rosenblum, Co-founder and CEO of Canvas Offices, commented:“The opening of Kingsbourne House represents another significant step in our growth across London. This building embodies everything Canvas stands for- exceptional workspace, thoughtful design, and a flexible environment that supports the evolving needs of today’s businesses. We are incredibly proud to welcome businesses to Kingsbourne House to enjoy a home away from home with Canvas.” Established in 2018, Canvas Offices is underpinned by a growing team of industry experts. Their 16 locations across London include Shoreditch, Farringdon, Holborn and Mayfair and are home to hundreds of ever-expanding businesses such as influential brands like Rough Trade, Football Co, Freixenet and Von Dutch. For more information about Canvas Offices and its new Kingsbourne House space, visit canvasoffices.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls
MILWAUKEE® introduces the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, delivering a breakthrough solution for HVAC professionals. Designed for residential and light commercial technicians, this cordless recovery machine transfers refrigerant out of HVAC systems so that repairs can be made. By eliminating the need for external power sources, MILWAUKEE® enables a fully cordless workflow that optimises speed and run time for service calls. The M18™ brushless recovery pump delivers instant power and no hassle, giving HVAC technicians complete cordless convenience on the job. By removing the need to search for outlets or manage extension cords, this solution streamlines service calls and maximises productivity. The recovery pump is A1, A2, and A2L compatible, reinforcing MILWAUKEE®‘s commitment to providing dedicated HVAC solutions that tackle core challenges without compromise. Pairing the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump with the existing M18 FUEL™ Vacuum Pump 5 CFM delivers a fully cordless service calls, unlocking productivity for HVAC technicians. Eliminating the need to search for outlets, ask customers for access to power, or drag extension cords onto a roof; this combination saves time and reduces job site frustrations. Both solutions are A1, A2, and A2L compatible to meet the refrigerant standards, giving technicians confidence while working with modern refrigerants. This solution is equipped with a digital display for visibility in any environment. Helping protect equipment and ensure efficient operation, the self-purge feature removes refrigerant residues. A balanced carrying handle enables single-handed transport, making it easy to move the machine between service locations. These thoughtful design elements combine to deliver a solution that prioritises convenience, safety, and efficiency for HVAC professionals. MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to delivering disruptive innovation by working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing job site safety and productivity. Specifications M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump M18 BLRP-121 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, (1) M18 FB12 Battery pack, (1) M12-18 FC Charger, (2) filters To find out more about the new M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals