Kier secures another £250m to expand UK prison capacity
Kier has landed a further £250m of Ministry of Justice work to deliver an extra 480 places across two sites, reinforcing its role as one of the government’s preferred prison builders. Under the Small Secure Houseblocks Programme (SSHP) alliance, Kier will construct four new houseblocks at HMP Northumberland and four at HMP Lancaster Farms, alongside site-wide infrastructure upgrades and improvements to ancillary facilities. Completion is targeted for early 2027. The awards take Kier’s recent justice-sector tally to 30 houseblocks delivered or in delivery for the MoJ and the Scottish Prison Service. The contractor has already completed major programmes at HMP Five Wells and HMP Millsike, and continues to expand HMP Elmley, HMP Bullingdon and HMP Channings Wood. The latter is a £200m expansion under the Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme (AHDP), lifting capacity by around 40%, with the first phase – including new staff facilities – recently handed over. The programme forms part of the government’s drive to create 14,000 additional prison places by 2031. Current delivery models emphasise repeatable design, modern methods of construction and lifecycle value to speed programme and reduce cost in use. Rebecca Boundy, Kier Construction’s managing director (justice), said: “We’re proud to be a trusted delivery partner for the government, supporting transformative expansion across the UK prison estate. We are working in alliance with our partners to focus on repeatability and continuous improvement to drive better performance in delivery and lifecycle costs. Our specialist teams are delivering high-quality, state-of-the-art prison accommodation and facilities that are fit for the future.” Fiona Parker, deputy director for the small secure houseblocks programme at His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service, added: “The expansions at HMP Lancaster Farms and HMP Northumberland mark a critical step forward in delivering secure, modern, and rehabilitative prison facilities that maintain public protection as part of our wider commitment to increase prison capacity. The new houseblocks and supporting facilities will help ensure prisoners have the opportunity to develop skills.” For the construction supply chain, the next phase will centre on standardised houseblock packages, coordinated MEP systems, low-energy design and robust materials, with site logistics and security interfaces critical to working within live prison environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Consultation opens on updated designs for the Fleming Centre, a new research and engagement hub at St Mary’s Hospital
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has unveiled updated designs for the Fleming Centre, to be built on the St Mary’s Hospital campus in Paddington, drawing on initial public, staff and partner feedback earlier this year. The Centre will be a world-first research and public engagement hub dedicated to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It is due to open in 2028 to help mark the centenary of the discovery of penicillin – the first true antibiotic – at St Mary’s by Sir Alexander Fleming. It is a key development of the global Fleming Initiative, a collaboration with Imperial College London led by Professor the Lord Darzi of Denham. Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from the first phase of public consultation, the Trust is now inviting feedback on the updated designs. There are three different ways to get involved: Website The designs have been published online at www.imperial.nhs.uk/FlemingConsultation, together with a short survey to be completed by Monday 3 November. Online webinar Public exhibition at The Bays, St Mary’s Hospital The design, led by award-winning architects Stanton Williams, focuses on: The Trust is aiming to submit a planning application in December 2025, with construction due to begin in 2026. Matt Tulley, Director of redevelopment, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We’re proud to be creating a sustainable and welcoming building that will help find solutions to antimicrobial resistance, one of the biggest global health threats we face. The Centre will also bring new opportunities and investment to the area as part of Paddington Life Sciences, the growing cluster of life sciences and data business around St Mary’s. “Huge thanks to everyone who has given us feedback so far and helped to shape our designs. It’s vital the Centre reflects the views and needs of our local communities, as well as researchers, policy makers and partners.” Professor Alison Holmes, Director of the Fleming Initiative, said: “We are committed to ensuring the Fleming Centre reflects the needs and priorities of our community. Public and stakeholder feedback is invaluable as we refine these updated designs, and we strongly encourage everyone to share their thoughts and help us create a unique and beautiful hub, which will both engage the public and have an impact on research and policy.” Funding to build and run the Fleming Centre is separate to NHS funding for St Mary’s Hospital. The Centre is planned as a precursor to the redevelopment of the whole of the St Mary’s site as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme. Find out more and get involved: www.imperial.nhs.uk/FlemingConsultation Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tillbridge greenlight: government approves 3,000-acre solar scheme in Lincolnshire
The government has granted a Development Consent Order for the Tillbridge Solar Project, paving the way for one of the UK’s largest ground-mounted solar farms on 3,000 acres (1,214 hectares) of farmland near Glentworth, north-west Lincolnshire. Brought forward by Tillbridge Solar Limited, a joint venture between Tribus Clean Energy and Canada’s Recurrent Energy, the scheme qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. It will comprise extensive solar arrays with associated battery storage, grid connection works and supporting infrastructure for construction, operation and decommissioning. While the anticipated generating capacity is stated as in excess of 50MW, the site’s scale positions it among the country’s most substantial solar developments. Following acceptance for examination in May 2024, the Planning Inspectorate took representations from local communities, consultees and interested parties before making recommendations to the Secretary of State on 14 July 2025. Consent has now been issued by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. Supporters say the project will help shield bill-payers from volatile gas prices and advance the UK’s energy security and net-zero pathway. Energy minister Michael Shanks said: “Families across Lincolnshire and the rest of the country have seen their energy bills go through the roof as a result of our exposure to volatile gas prices. Solar is one of the cheapest and quickest power sources we can build, it is crucial in our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower – giving us energy security, good jobs and growth across the country.” Keith McKinney, general manager UK & Ireland at Recurrent Energy, added: “Tillbridge is one of the most significant solar projects planned for the UK to date and we’re thrilled to see the ambition behind it backed by the government today with their decision to award consent. Through our plans, we’ll not only deliver clean energy for hundreds of thousands of homes, but develop the project in a way that gives back to the environment around it, and supports the local communities it is rooted in.” The decision has, however, reignited debate over land use. CPRE chief executive Roger Mortlock criticised the loss of high-quality agricultural land: “The approval of a mega solar farm covering an area of high-quality farmland the size of Heathrow Airport highlights a deeply concerning trend: industrialising the countryside with ground-mounted solar while too many rooftops remain unused.” He pointed to CPRE research suggesting rooftop and car-park installations could deliver a large share of national solar targets without sacrificing productive landscapes. Next steps will focus on grid connection agreements, detailed design, habitat and landscape mitigation, and a construction phasing plan. The developers say advanced factory and site controls for the battery and electrical systems will support safety, quality and commissioning, while commitments on biodiversity and community benefit funds are expected to be clarified as the project moves towards delivery. For local authorities, landowners and contractors, the Tillbridge approval underscores two parallel realities: the rapid scaling of renewables to cut carbon and costs, and the growing imperative to balance energy generation with food production, biodiversity and community consent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
STRABAG UK secures contract to deliver main works at SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett
STRABAG UK is delighted to announce that its building business arm has been awarded the contract for the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett. Located at the former Radlett Aerodrome site in Hertfordshire, SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett will deliver a state-of-the-art rail freight terminal complete with extensive distribution warehouses and over 600 acres of enhanced green space. The development aims to shift freight transportation from road to rail, significantly reducing carbon emissions and road congestion. Construction is anticipated to take place over the next three years. The scheme also promises numerous community and environmental benefits, including biodiversity net gain, employment and training opportunities, and integrated transport improvements. STRABAG UK’s Build Subdivision Technical Director, Ian Burford, said: “By shifting freight from road to rail, this project will play a major role in cutting carbon emissions and reducing road congestion. We look forward to working closely with SEGRO and other delivery partners to deliver this transformative project, maximising its sustainable legacy. This success is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our teams, and we look forward to delivering another landmark project for the UK.” Charles Blake, Senior Director, National Markets at SEGRO, added: “We’re pleased to be working with STRABAG UK on this vital next phase of SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett. STRABAG’s expertise will help deliver key infrastructure that supports the shift from road to rail, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances over 600 acres of green space. This is a major step towards a more sustainable and connected future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Government’s last-minute Planning Bill amendments will tackle blockers and boost growth
The Government has announced several major amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which further streamline the planning process. They include reducing the length of consultation, stripping uncooperative councils of the right to make certain decisions, and paring back the impact and ability to raise legal disputes. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders said: “Planning reform was never going to be a quick endeavour because our sclerotic, siloed system needs careful analysis to unpick and understand. The Government should be commended on recognising this and taking a proactive approach to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill because it will be an integral piece of legislation in ensuring all projects can be delivered more quickly.” Proposed amendments to Planning and Infrastructure Bill, include: The Bill, announced as part of the King’s Speech in July 2024, is designed to fast-track major infrastructure projects deemed to be of national significance, make grid connections and pylon construction easier, and give greater compulsory purchase and planning fee setting power to local authorities. The Government believes these new tweaks will remove barriers to their plans for economic growth and fulfil their 1.5 million homes target by the end of the Parliament. Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the National Federation of Builders said: “Tweaks to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will help deliver the water and grid capacity that projects require to get planning permission. They will stop councils finding loopholes to avoid building homes. This is a clear indication that the Government understands that ‘Build, baby, build’ is a mantra, not a slogan.” The 11th-hour rewrite to the Bill was demanded by the Prime Minister, with ministers working over the weekend on drafting the amendments. The amendments, while backed by the Government, need to be approved by Parliament in a vote on Monday 20 October 2025. Once the Bill is approved by the House of Lords, it will go back to the Commons. Ministers hope it will become law by early November 2025, meaning that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will be able to consider the economic benefits that will come from it in time for the Autumn Budget. The amendments are laid out here. The Government’s press release is available here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newmark strengthens UK leisure team with Cardiff duo hire
Newmark has added two senior appointments to its UK leisure team, hiring partner Carys Chandler and associate Leo Llewellyn from Avison Young. Both will be based in the firm’s Cardiff office as Newmark expands its specialist coverage across the leisure sector. Chandler brings extensive valuation expertise spanning holiday parks and residential caravan parks nationwide, along with experience in large-scale portfolio valuations and single-asset appraisals for loan security, taxation and internal purposes. Llewellyn specialises in valuation and agency across licensed leisure, hotels, caravan parks, heritage venues, visitor attractions and sports stadiums, with a track record that includes high-profile leisure disposals in Wales, off-market pub sales and valuations of international holiday assets. Welcoming the pair, Dan Anning, co-head of Newmark’s UK leisure team, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Carys and Leo to the team. Their combined expertise and deep market knowledge will be instrumental as we continue to expand our leisure offer across the UK. Their appointments will significantly enhance our reach, reflecting the strong growth momentum of Newmark’s national leisure service line.” Chandler commented: “I’m excited to join Newmark at such a pivotal moment. The firm’s platform and collaborative culture provide a fantastic opportunity to grow our presence and deliver exceptional value to clients.” Llewellyn added: “Joining Newmark’s leisure team is a great step. I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and continuing to work on some of the most interesting and diverse leisure assets in the market.” For investors, lenders and operators, the hires signal Newmark’s continued push into specialist leisure sub-sectors—particularly holiday parks and mixed leisure portfolios—where market activity remains resilient and data-led valuations and strategic disposals are in demand. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals