Triple awards success for G F Tomlinson at National Federation of Builders Awards 2025
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is celebrating a triple win at the Construction Awards of Excellence ceremony held in Birmingham by the National Federation of Builders (NFB), taking home the title spots for three prestigious categories – Rising Star, Innovation in Construction Technology and the Remarkable Heritage and Conservation Project. The awards, held annually by the NFB, celebrate outstanding achievements across the UK construction sector, recognising excellence in construction, innovation, sustainability, collaboration and individual contribution. The Rising Star award recognises emerging talent demonstrating exceptional potential, innovation, and leadership within the construction industry. G F Tomlinson had two shortlisted out of the four finalists, with Amy Kelly and Harry Gilsenan who had been selected from 300 applicants. Amy Kelly was triumphant on the night, standing out for her journey from Technical Trainee to Assistant Site Manager in under six years, showcasing technical skill, environmental responsibility and a commitment to community engagement. Amy has made an impact through mentoring young people, promoting sustainability on-site, and driving improvements in operational efficiency. Her passion for social value and outreach has connected hundreds of local students and residents with live construction projects – including the high-profile Sherwood Observatory scheme. The Innovation in Construction Technology award celebrates projects that use advanced digital tools and modern methods of construction to transform the way the industry delivers. G F Tomlinson received this award for its work on the Sherwood Observatory in Sutton-in-Ashfield – a £6.8 million world-class STEM facility that has reimagined a disused Victorian underground reservoir into a cutting-edge educational and community destination. By merging heritage, science, and technology, the contractor delivered a landmark scheme that not only celebrates engineering excellence but also fosters educational opportunities and community pride. The project demonstrated outstanding innovation through its use of 3D laser scanning, Building Information Modelling (BIM), off-site manufacturing and real-time digital engagement tools to achieve precision, quality and sustainability. Stephen Spiegelhalter, G F Tomlinson’s Project Manager for the scheme was on hand to receive this prestigious award. The Remarkable Heritage and Conservation Project award recognises outstanding craftsmanship, sensitivity, and innovation in the preservation and restoration of historically significant sites, and the nominated scheme recognised G F Tomlinson’s exceptional work on the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade II Listed Central Building at the University of Nottingham’s Castle Meadow Campus. A landmark project that has transformed a unique 1990s tensile-roof structure into a modern education and events hub, the restoration involved the sensitive preservation of one of the UK’s youngest listed buildings, including the complex renewal of its 4,500 sq. metre PTFE roof, extensive structural repairs and refinishing of over 900m² of glass and aluminium cladding. Through innovative engineering solutions, collaborative heritage stewardship and a commitment to carbon reduction, the team delivered major programme, cost and sustainability benefits for the university, while breathing new life into a building of significant architectural importance. Lee Roberts, G F Tomlinson Site Manager, who has worked for the company for over 30 years, proudly received the award on behalf of the project team. This triple success reflects G F Tomlinson’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact across its diverse project portfolio throughout the region. Andy Sewards, Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been recognised with three prestigious awards at this year’s Construction Awards of Excellence organised by the NFB. Each win is a testament to the dedication, talent and collaborative spirit of our team. “These accolades celebrate not only our technical excellence but also our purpose to build responsibly, sustainably and with long-lasting benefit for the communities in which we operate.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic appointed to major M&S logistics facility at Axis Works, Avonmouth
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Stoford and Epta Development Corporation (EDC) to deliver a new 390,000 sq. ft logistics facility for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at Plot 5, Axis Works, Avonmouth. The appointment underscores Winvic’s proven track record in the design and delivery of complex industrial and logistics projects, including temperature-controlled and food storage facilities for major retailers and developers across the UK. The high-specification facility, which is expected to complete by summer 2026, has been pre-let to M&S on a 20-year lease and is being forward funded by LondonMetric for £74 million, forms a key part of the retailer’s investment in its national food supply chain. Designed to the highest sustainability standards, the building will target BREEAM Excellent, EPC A with embodied carbon performance evaluated in line with the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) Second Edition methodology. Sustainability features will include rainwater harvesting, a roof-mounted PV system, LED lighting, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), EV charging infrastructure and green roof cycle shelters, supporting M&S’s long-term environmental objectives. Internally, the building will accommodate extensive temperature-controlled environments, comprising a 900m² freezer section operating at -18°C to -20°C, and 20,000m² of chiller chambers maintaining temperatures between +1°C and +3°C. These areas will feature PIR Cold box panels box within a box, insulated wall and ceiling panels, high-density insulated floors with electric heater mats, and airtight composite seals. The facility will be equipped with GEA temperature monitoring and control systems linked to a monitoring station, with data logging and alarm functions for compliance. Two on-site generators will provide backup power to protect stock during outages, while ventilation systems, rapid-rise doors, air curtains and pressure relief vents minimise frost ingress. Insulated docks, inflatable shelters, and overhead evaporator and condenser units will maintain the cold chain throughout loading and storage operations. The project also incorporates significant civil engineering works, including the installation of three culverts to carry an existing drainage channel (Rhine) beneath a newly constructed access road. This ensures continued water flow and provides vehicle access across land managed by the Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board. On-site engineering innovations include the use of Prefabricated Vertical Drainpiles and a Menard piling solution to optimise foundation performance. Located within the 101-acre Axis Works site at Central Park, South Gloucestershire, the scheme sits at the heart of the Avonmouth-Severnside Enterprise Area – one of the UK’s landmark logistics locations. Once complete, Axis Works will deliver approximately 2 million sq. ft of industrial, warehouse, and logistics space. Winvic has completed 27 Net Zero Carbon in Construction projects to date, totalling 72 individual facilities, with a further nine underway, alongside 12 low carbon projects, with seven more underway. Danny Nelson, Managing Director – Industrial and Logistics at Winvic Construction Ltd, said: “Our appointment to deliver the new M&S logistics facility at Axis Works builds on Winvic’s strong expertise and reputation for constructing complex temperature-controlled environments, as well as large-scale, sustainable logistics hubs for leading retailers and developers across the UK. “We’re proud to be working collaboratively with Stoford, LondonMetric and Epta Development Corporation (EDC), for the build, which will prioritise efficiency and sustainability in the food supply chain. Avonmouth continues to be a critical logistics location, and this scheme reflects both market confidence and the strength of our specialist industrial and logistics expertise.” Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford, said: “We’re pleased to appoint Winvic to deliver this significant new logistics facility for M&S at Axis Works. Their expertise in delivering high-quality industrial and logistics developments will help us bring this next phase of the scheme to life. “The project is the result of more than two years of close collaboration with EDC and demonstrates confidence in Avonmouth as one of the UK’s most important distribution locations. It will provide LondonMetric and M&S with a facility that meets the highest standards of design and sustainability.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Green Light for £500 Million Transformation of Maidenhead Town Centre
A major overhaul of Maidenhead town centre has moved a step closer after councillors approved London developer Areli’s long awaited plans to demolish the outdated Nicholson Centre and replace it with a new high rise mixed use quarter. The hybrid planning application, endorsed by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s planning committee, clears the way for 856 new homes spread across buildings up to 20 storeys tall, along with 55 new shops and commercial units. A ten storey car park providing 452 spaces is also included in the proposals. The scheme involves demolishing almost the entire 1960s shopping centre, with only two existing buildings retained. Four new residential towers of 10, 13, 17 and 20 storeys will take its place. Most of the new homes will be one bedroom apartments, with 100 allocated for residents aged over 75. None of the units will be affordable. Designed by architect JTP, the wider Nicholson Quarter masterplan also introduces a new civic plaza intended to act as the town’s central gathering space. The updated approval replaces an earlier consent granted in 2021 and reflects market changes, including a significant reduction in office space and a drop from the previous 25 storey height peak. Final sign off is subject to a Section 106 agreement, which includes contributions towards local car park improvements. Construction is hoped to begin in the first quarter of next year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Frasers Group Expands Retail Empire with Acquisition of Braehead Shopping Centre
Frasers Group has acquired the 1.1 million square foot Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow from SGS UK Retail, in a deal believed to be worth around £220 million. The seller, SGS UK Retail, which also owns the Victoria Centre in Nottingham and Harlequin Watford, has overseen a major transformation programme at Braehead since completing a restructuring process in 2024. This work has helped secure a series of new tenants, including the first SuperPark in the United Kingdom, an indoor leisure and recreation attraction due to open early next year. Other recent arrivals at the centre include Miniso, Snowflake Gelato and BPerfect. Claire Barber, chief executive of SGS UK Retail, said:“The sale of Braehead was always part of our strategic plan and, through active management, we have delivered substantial value enhancement and successfully stabilised the asset, attracting new brands and increasing its relevance and appeal to customers. We have created a strong platform from which Frasers Group can continue to drive growth, leveraging its retail expertise to further unlock Braehead’s potential as one of Scotland’s leading retail destinations.“In light of strong leasing performance and the significant progress made in discussions with brands, we continue to see major value creation opportunities across the Group’s remaining three assets.” Michael Murray, chief executive of Frasers Group, said:“This acquisition is an important step in delivering our property ambitions and accelerating the Elevation Strategy. It strengthens the Group’s position as a leading operator and supporter of physical retail destinations while creating more opportunities to serve communities with the best brands, environments and experiences possible.” Frasers Group was advised by CBRE, while JLL acted for SGS UK Retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Blues Reveal Vision for Landmark Stadium with Twelve Towering Chimneys
Birmingham City Football Club has unveiled dramatic plans for a new 62,000 capacity stadium featuring twelve chimney like structures supporting a fully retractable roof. Designed by Heatherwick Studio in partnership with United States stadium specialist Manica, the proposed ground would form the centrepiece of a new Birmingham Sports Quarter in Bordesley Green. Known as the Birmingham City Powerhouse Stadium, the project is expected to cost around £1.2 billion to deliver. Its design features a steep, compact bowl creating a continuous 360 degree wall of supporters, with acoustics engineered to heighten noise and atmosphere. The twelve chimney formed towers take inspiration from the brickworks that once occupied the site. Beyond their visual impact, they will provide essential structural support for the roof while housing lifts, staircases and ventilation systems. One of the chimneys is set to contain a lift leading to what would be the highest bar in the city, offering panoramic views and an immersive experience celebrating Birmingham’s industrial heritage. At ground level, the Championship club aims to create a seven day destination rather than a venue used only for matchdays. Plans include food markets, cafés, children’s play areas and new public spaces intended to open up an area of East Birmingham that has long been closed off. Tom Wagner, Knighthead co chief executive and Birmingham City chairman, said the club aims to have the stadium open for the 2030–31 season, with public engagement on the project beginning in 2026.“This is a huge milestone for Birmingham City Football Club, creating a home that reflects our ambition to compete at the highest level. More than that, the iconic design is a statement of intent for the city and the West Midlands, testament to a region on the rise.“The stadium draws upon the proud heritage of the West Midlands — a heritage of industry, ingenuity and growth.” Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, said:“Too often stadiums feel like spaceships that could have landed anywhere, sterilising the surrounding area.“Ours grows from Birmingham itself — from its brickworks, its history of a thousand trades, and the craft at the core of its culture. Our goal is to capture the spirit of the city and play it back to Birmingham.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Secures Major Contract for £130 Million Birmingham Rental Neighbourhood
Winvic Construction has been appointed main contractor for a £130 million build to rent development in Birmingham, as developers McLaren Living and Heim Global Investor press ahead with their latest joint venture. The scheme, known as Oasis, will bring 456 new rental homes to Kent Street in Birmingham city centre. It is being forward funded by Heim Global Investor, with McLaren Living leading development and Winvic overseeing construction. This marks the second collaboration between Heim and McLaren Living, following their ongoing Water Lane project in Leeds’ South Bank regeneration area, where a 375 home build to rent development is currently under construction and scheduled to complete in 2027. Oasis will comprise one and two bedroom apartments within an eleven storey building, supported by a range of resident amenities including a gym, lounge and co working space. Outdoor facilities will feature a landscaped courtyard and roof terraces. The development is expected to complete in 2029. McLaren Living managing director Matthew Biddle said:“Following our successful collaboration with Heim on Water Lane in Leeds, we are delighted to build on our trusted partnership and add to our strong pipeline of projects across the UK’s best locations and cities. Oasis, with its city centre location, local amenities and strong transport links, is a great addition to our portfolio. We look forward to continuing to grow our partnership with Heim and collaborating on developments where we share a clear vision.” Heim Global Investor director David Peacock said:“We are pleased to continue our partnership with McLaren Living, alongside Winvic Construction, to deploy further capital for our UK build to core fund. This development fits perfectly with our strategy of delivering mid market rental homes across the UK’s key cities with experienced partners. We remain very active in the market and have a strong pipeline of opportunities as we continue to expand our presence in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals