Wykeland submits £25m plans for stylish Moxy hotel
Commercial property developer Wykeland Group has submitted revised plans for a stylish new hotel in Hull city centre, under the Marriott group’s chic Moxy brand. Subject to planning approval, a £25m investment would see the hotel built opposite the city’s Connexin Live arena. Wykeland already has planning permission for a hotel on the site. With Moxy now lined up, revised plans have been submitted to Hull City Council to meet the hotel brand’s specific requirements. The development is planned for next to the recently-restored Castle Buildings and former Earl de Grey pub, and delivery of the hotel would mark the completion of a transformative regeneration project across the wider site. Jonathan Stubbs, Development Director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “We’re proud of our work to restore Castle Buildings and the Earl de Grey and the development of a Moxy hotel would complete this prominent development site, as well as being an impressive addition to the Hull skyline. “The hotel’s location, on the doorstep of the Connexin Live arena and close to Hull’s city centre, marina, Fruit Market and Old Town, make it the perfect location for both leisure and business visitors. “These revised plans ensure the building reflects the stylish Moxy brand. Approval of the planning application will pave the way for the development of a high-quality new hotel that the business community, the tourism and hospitality sectors, and visitors to Hull have been crying out for.” The revised plans are for a seven-storey hotel with 122 bedrooms. The ground floor would include a bar and food area, a gym and a relaxation space, and business section. The hotel would meet a pent-up demand for accommodation in the city centre. Independent market research commissioned by Wykeland found there are 100 nights every year when city centre hotel capacity is full, with potential visitors forced to stay outside of the city. It would be owned by Wykeland and operated by Legacy Hotel Management Services, which manages more than 25 hotels across the UK on behalf of developers, investors and property owners. Moxy is Marriott’s quirky, non-traditional brand, offering guests a buzzing, contemporary vibe. Guests are welcomed with a drink as they check in at the bar, with convenient food options available both in the bar and at a grab-and-go counter. Moxy hotels can be found in 130 locations in more than 25 countries, with each hotel designed with a unique theme reflecting the host city. In the UK, Moxy has hotels in major cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast. Internationally, Moxy can be found in the likes of Bangkok, Shanghai, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Lisbon. Molly Turpie, Senior Manager, International Hotel Development, for Marriott International Hotels, said: “We’re excited at the prospect of creating a hotel that reflects the spirit of the city while delivering the high standards and global reach of Marriott International. “At Moxy, we believe hotels should be more than just a place to sleep – they should be social hubs, full of energy, creativity and personality. From check-in at the bar to buzzing communal spaces, the brand is all about creating memorable experiences at an accessible price point. “Hull’s independent spirit and cultural vibrancy make it a natural fit for Moxy, and we’re excited at the prospect of bringing something fresh, playful and distinctive to the city’s hospitality scene.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pilbeam Construction builds better lives in Rustington retirement village
Elderly residents at a sheltered housing complex in Rustington are getting together more frequently after a modern community hall was completed by Pilbeam Construction. Littlehampton and Rustington Housing Society said since the hall was officially opened residents have been leading busier social lives, attending quizzes, film nights and some even had their own Christmas celebrations in the space. The original 1970s communal building had reached the end of its life and was replaced by the award-winning Booker Hall, which features sustainable design, vaulted ceilings, large skylights, a fully equipped kitchen and ample space for events. Sussex contractor Pilbeam delivered the scheme alongside architects Studio Scott Taylor for owner Littlehampton and Rustington Housing Society, which said the new facilities are also providing an events space for the local community groups. The scheme was highly commended in the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards 2025 in the public and community category. Alan Corbett, managing director of Pilbeam Construction, said: “We worked closely with Littlehampton and Rustington Housing Society to ensure a smooth process and a positive experience for everyone. “It’s great to hear how well used the hall has been since opening and that it’s helped to create a much stronger sense of community for residents who are enjoying socialising in a modern and brighter space.” The project included the demolition of an outdated communal hall, laundrette and office facilities and replacing them with a Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) framed hall, a modern laundrette, offices and new flats, all with sustainable design at their core. The new structures are energy efficient and purpose built, providing a warm, welcoming and modern design which is tailored for residents, the wider community and employees. Next to the hall, the laundrette offers a practical yet inviting environment, complete with a courtyard that allows for natural drying in good weather and a social space for residents located at the heart of the site. The timber frame and glue-laminated beams lean into the sustainable feel of the whole complex. Locally sourced flint, an element of locally sourced bricks and a zinc roof with concealed gutters ensure the buildings are not only visually appealing, but also environmentally sound. Emily Scott, director of Studio Scott Taylor, the project’s architectural firm, said: “From the outset we worked closely with the client team to nurture a project that incorporates their specific needs & creates welcoming spaces for staff and residents. “This project seamlessly integrates modern and traditional construction methods, making use of locally sourced materials, resulting in a unique civic building that enriches the local community and enhances the lives of those it serves. “The project has a strong emphasis on sustainability incorporating prefabricated timber construction methods, biodiverse planting and renewable energy sources. This includes solar panels, air source heat pumps and a natural ventilation strategy. At its heart, the project is designed to foster connections and promote the wellbeing of both residents and staff, reflecting a people-centred approach to architecture.” The communal spaces are available for hire by the wider Rustington community, creating an additional revenue stream for the housing society and strengthening local ties. The new office buildings provide employees with a collaborative workspace with large windows providing generous daylight and views to the surrounding planting. Sally Shepherd CEO Littlehampton and Rustington Housing Society said: “Since the communal hall officially opened, our residents have been holding a number of events which is making them feel less isolated. “For those residents who do not have or do not see their friends and family very much they can become lonely – the new hall is helping them integrate with others on a much more regular basis.” Community groups and residents who want to hire the hall can find out more here: https://www.rustingtonhall.co.uk/ For further information visit: https://www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
From design to delivery: how Brymec delivered end-to-end M&E at Portal Way
Brymec, a leading manufacturer and supplier of future-proofed solutions to the M&E sector, recently provided end-to-end M&E infrastructure for Portal Way, North Acton, a large-scale, contemporary residential development in west London. An ambitious project from the outset, the specifications were extensive, with multiple mechanical systems running across the building, including drainage, water, waste and pressure-regulated pipework. It demanded a technical partner involved from the earliest stages. Brymec, which has decades of experience working within high-rise structures, was appointed at the design stage to provide mechanical systems support, joining the project team from the first design review and providing support from specification through to on-site delivery. Early involvement makes a difference Brymec’s involvement began long before any pipe was laid. The team worked through early design reviews, shaping the drainage specification and advising on cast iron drainage systems suited to the building’s requirements. Multiple technical take-offs followed, with Brymec checking drawings, identifying potential issues and recommending the right M&E pipework and fittings across water, waste and pressure-regulated systems. Brymec approached the project as a technical consultancy as much as a supplier. Working as a material-agnostic partner, the team assessed each system on its merits, advising on material compatibility across drainage, water and waste systems and matching products and specifications to the building’s specific requirements. Recommendations were driven by performance, giving the contractor confidence at every stage. Carter Cowley, Key Accounts Manager, Brymec, said: “We were involved in the project from the outset, supporting the initial design conversations through to take-offs, onsite reviews and ongoing technical decisions. That kind of early engagement means problems get solved before they become costly on site. It’s the way we work.” Supporting prefabricated bathroom pods Prefabrication is an increasingly common feature of large-scale residential construction, used to reduce on-site labour demands and improve programme certainty. Portal Way was no exception. One of the more complex elements of the project involved prefabricated pods, including bathroom, shower and utility modules, assembled off-site before delivery. Brymec managed the prefabrication supply chain directly, supplying mechanical components to the prefabrication partners and ensuring everything arrived correctly specified and ready to install. The team then carried out on-site installation reviews as the completed pods were fitted into the building. That level of end-to-end support, from early specification through to installation checks, helped reduce labour demands on-site and kept the build programme on track. Having a single technical team backing the project meant the contractor had one consistent point of contact, regardless of which system or component they needed guidance on. Controlled delivery, consistent quality Delivery was managed through the Brymec Breeze supply model, giving the contractor the certainty of on-time, in-full delivery aligned to the project programme. Products arrived when they were needed, correctly specified and ready to install. The consistency of product quality meant installation teams could work without disruption, with components that fitted first time and required no reworking on-site. That reliability reduced site storage pressures and kept the programme moving. Throughout the project, Brymec adapted as new drawings arrived and the scope evolved. The technical team stayed close, monitoring updates and advising on any implications for the systems already specified. Adam Habib, Project Manager, CJ O’Shea, adds: “Brymec were with us from the start. They understood the project and what we were trying to achieve. When issues came up, we knew exactly who to call and they always had a practical answer.” A trusted partner across the full project For M&E contractors working on complex residential schemes, Portal Way is a clear example of what integrated mechanical systems support looks like in practice: a single technical team, embedded from design stage, delivering certainty from the first drawing to the final installation. To find out more about how Brymec can support your next project, visit here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cross passage construction complete on HS2’s Northolt Tunnel in London
The team building the Northolt Tunnel for HS2 have reached a new milestone, completing the construction of 34 cross passages. Cross passages connect the northbound and southbound tunnel and are a safety feature which allows passengers to cross to the adjacent tunnel in the event of an emergency. The Northolt Tunnel is 8.4 miles long, running underground between West Ruislip Victoria Road in Ealing, west London – just outside HS2’s Old Oak Common station. At its deepest point, the tunnel is 35 metres below ground. The tunnel was constructed using four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and the excavation was finished in June 2025. Following completion of the cross-passages, engineers will turn to the installation of reinforced concrete secondary collars, which will form the permanent openings for cross passage doors and enable the installation of permanent fire-rated sliding doors. It is expected that all structural works on the tunnel – the second longest on the 140-mile route between London and the West Midlands – will be completed later this year. The tunnel will then be readied for installation of the rail systems such as tracks and overhead power in the coming years. Malcolm Codling, Project Client for HS2 Ltd, said: “The progress made to construct the Northolt Tunnel demonstrates the commitment of our teams to deliver this vital infrastructure efficiently and safely. “Completing the construction of the cross passages is an important step towards finishing the civil engineering on the tunnel which will allow us to ultimately begin rail systems work including laying track.” The connections have been made using a spray concrete lining (SCL) mining technique where the team methodically cuts through the ground between the two tunnel bores. The distance between the two tunnel bores ranges from 6metres to 20metres. The work is carried out using mini-excavators, and every metre of earth cut is supported with sprayed concrete lining while the cross-passage slowly takes shape. Once the team has completed the lined tunnel, a water-proof membrane is installed followed by a secondary concrete lining. 11 of the cross passages were constructed using a ground freezing technique. This method was adopted due the presence of water bearing soils with a high-water table present in the ground in the western section of the tunnel. The methodology required the team to insert freeze pipes through special tunnel segments to create a 2m thick freeze wall to stabilise the ground before excavation could take place. HS2’s London Tunnels Contractor is Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV). They are responsible for the main works civils construction of HS2 between Hillingdon and Camden, bringing the HS2 line into Euston. Dave Hannon, Tunnels & Routeway Director from SCS JV said: “The completion of all 34 cross passages along the Northolt Tunnel marks another important step forward for the programme, demonstrating consistent progress across multiple work fronts and the coordinated effort of our teams working deep beneath London. “With this phase complete, we can progress on the next stage of works on the tunnel, with safety and productivity at the forefront.” Booth Industries in Bolton are manufacturing the doors for all the tunnels across the HS2 route. With high-speed trains passing within metres of the doors, they will be capable of withstanding constant 14Kpa pressure cycles, along with 2hr Integrity and 2hr Insulation against fire – a world first and setting a new benchmark within the industry. They are being manufactured using majority UK made steel. While the completion of the cross passages for the Northolt Tunnel demonstrates progress on the HS2 route, there is still a vast amount of work to do across the 140-mile route between London and Birmingham. Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, is leading a comprehensive reset of the project to ensure the remainder of the route is delivered as efficiently as possible and for the lowest reasonable cost. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction Group reports record £375m turnover
Caddick Construction Group has reported a consolidated £375m turnover and £4.5m Profit Before Tax (PBT) for its last financial year as the Group’s Construction, Civil Engineering and Facades divisions target a combined 4% margin fuelled by a £1.4bn forward order book. Representing an 8% increase in revenue compared to 2023/24’s turnover, Caddick Construction Group’s financial performance also saw the Group end the year with £36m cash and cash equivalents, a 10% increase on the previous year. The 2024/25 performance consolidates all businesses within Caddick Construction Group, including Construction divisions in Yorkshire & North East, North West & Cumbria and the Midlands, as well as sub-contracting businesses, CCL Facades and Caddick Civil Engineering. Underpinning the progress, the year saw a series of key investments to support long-term growth. These include £600k in new plant for Caddick Civil Engineering, and investments in new premises in Durham, and a £500k refurbishment of the Warrington premises, including energy efficiency upgrades. Key project wins for the year include Stone Yard, a 1,000 home BTR development in Birmingham on behalf of sister company, Moda, and its joint venture partner, Aviva Capital Partners. Caddick has also rapidly become an established presence in the North East, with major projects underway for Richardson Barberry in County Durham and Placefirst in Sunderland. Alongside pipeline and geographical growth, Caddick has balanced its public and private sector projects to ensure stable work pipelines. Within the reporting year, this included Caddick’s appointment to Prosper’s £500m New Build Development Framework and Torus’ £224m housing and retrofit framework. New frameworks for Caddick also include four lots of the Department for Education’s (DfE) £15bn Construction Framework 2025 for projects valued from £4.4m to £12m in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, and North West and West Midlands. The recent reported year also saw Caddick Construction Group welcome 100 new colleagues, invest in 26 new apprentices and trainees as well as achieving an industry leading health and safety record with an accident frequency rate of 0.08. The business’ ESG strategy, Places for Life, which it shares with the wider Caddick Group, continues to make a tangible difference to its communities, and reported a collective £189 million local spend in 2024. Throughout the year, Caddick Construction Group overcame a number of industry-wide headwinds, including project delays and viability challenges due to the Building Safety Act, inflationary pressures and material price volatility. The year also saw the business write off remaining legacy losses on projects adversely affected by hyperinflation and sub-contractor insolvency. (pictured) Paul Dodsworth, Group Managing Director of Caddick Construction Group: “We are delighted with a year of real progress across Caddick Construction Group. We share in the industry’s headwinds, and we are proud to have maintained a resilient and growing group of businesses despite these challenges. Our success is down to the hard work of our people and their wealth of expertise. We are determined to sustainably grow while retaining our reputation for high quality, and this is a vision we share as a team. “With the Group’s strong short-term visibility and significant medium to long-term potential, the Board remains confident that our three-year journey to deliver a consistent 4% margin will be achieved. Alongside our pipeline growth, we will continue to invest in our people, our business and our capability to ensure we keep pace with the huge technological and policy changes our industry is seeing, so that we can continue to deliver exceptional work for our clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Visionary Finance completes £25.5 Million Ultra High-Net Worth lending facility on prime Holland Park residence
Visionary Finance has successfully structured and completed a £25.5 million lending facility for an Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) Indian National residing in the Middle East, secured against a £42.5 million prime residential property on one of the most prestigious roads in London. The borrower was introduced by one of their professional partners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who approached Visionary Finance to assist their client in securing enhanced lending terms on their UK residence. Although the client had already received indicative terms directly from a lender, Visionary Finance was mandated to restructure and materially improve the financing package. Following a detailed assessment of the client’s complex cross-border income structure and international profile, Visionary Finance secured a £25.5 million lending facility from an international private bank on a 10-year interest-only term with a margin of 1.15% over Bank Base Rate (BBR), with no information relating to Assets Under Management (AUM) required. The facility refinances the existing mortgage with a capital raise to cover the costs of recent significant development works to the property. It represents a highly successful outcome in the Prime Central London market, particularly given the complex process, bespoke underwriting required to accommodate the client’s sophisticated income streams and expatriate status. This transaction reinforces Visionary Finance’s position as a leading advisor to HNW & UHNW clients, including those who are international based, seeking UK property finance solutions. Navigating multi-jurisdictional income, offshore structures, and lender appetite at this level requires deep market access and structuring expertise. Hiten Ganatra, Managing Director of Visionary Finance, commented: “When dealing with UHNW clients, the difference between indicative terms and optimised execution can be substantial. Our role was to interrogate the initial proposal, understand the client’s wider balance sheet and long-term objectives, and leverage our lender relationships to deliver materially stronger terms. “Cases involving international clients often require careful presentation of layered income streams, corporate holdings and overseas assets. By structuring the deal correctly from the outset and working closely with our introducer partner, we were able to deliver a market-leading outcome.” Visionary Finance continues to advise High Net Worth (HNW) and Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) individuals on bespoke UK property finance solutions, with a particular focus on complex expat requirements, large-ticket lending, and structured facilities above £5 million. This transaction also highlights the strength of Visionary Finance’s relationships with its strategic partners. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals