Glencar Marks Major Construction Milestone at Oxford University Collections Storage Facility Expansion in Swindon
Glencar has marked a key construction milestone at Oxford University’s expanding Collections Storage Facility (CSF) in Swindon with a ceremonial slab pour held on Thursday 5 March. The event brought together representatives from Glencar, Ridge, Bidwells and Oxford University’s Bodleian Libraries team, alongside the workforce delivering the project on site. During the event, Richard Ovenden OBE, Head of Gardens, Libraries and Museums and the Helen Hamlyn Director of the University Libraries, who currently serves as the 25th Bodley’s Librarian at the University of Oxford, delivered remarks highlighting the significance of the development for the long-term preservation of the University’s collections. To commemorate the occasion, Glencar presented Richard Ovenden with a small quantity of ceremonial concrete from the pour, symbolising the foundations being laid for the next phase of the development. The milestone marks significant progress on the expansion of the prestigious storage facility at South Marston, Swindon, commissioned by Oxford University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM). The specialist development represents a major investment in the long-term preservation of Oxford University’s globally significant collections. The project involves the extension of the existing Collections Storage Facility through the construction of a new climate-controlled storage chamber, known as Chamber 5, alongside the development of a Spirit Collection Store (SCS), a dedicated building designed for the safe storage of zoological specimens. Once complete, the expanded facility will increase storage capacity for the Bodleian Libraries’ vast holdings, which include more than 10 million books and manuscripts, as well as artefacts from the University’s four museums: the Ashmolean Museum, Museum of Natural History, Pitt Rivers Museum and the History of Science Museum. Designed to Passivhaus Classic Standards, the new buildings will achieve exceptional levels of energy efficiency and environmental control, critical for safeguarding sensitive cultural, scientific and archival materials. The development will also introduce a range of specialist facilities to support the care, research and accessibility of the collections. These include new visitor rooms and washroom facilities, a conservation laboratory and working area for the maintenance of fragile materials, and a photography and digitisation studio to support high-resolution imaging and digital archiving. A secure loading bay designed to accommodate 7.5-tonne vehicles will ensure efficient and protected collection handling, while the new Spirit Collection Store will feature ATEX-rated mechanical and electrical installations and a fume cupboard compliant with DSEAR regulations to safely house zoological specimens. The main storage chamber is being constructed to achieve airtightness of 0.3 air changes per hour, providing the optimal environmental conditions required for long-term preservation. The slab pour milestone follows the groundbreaking ceremony held in July, which marked the start of construction and brought together representatives from across the project team. Delivered over a 69-week programme, construction commenced in April 2025, with practical completion scheduled for August 2026. Glencar is delivering the project as main contractor, working alongside Purcell Architects, Bidwells, Ridge and Price & Myers, in collaboration with colleagues across Oxford University’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums institutions. The development represents a significant advancement in sustainable storage design and reinforces Glencar’s role in supporting the safeguarding of cultural heritage while enabling future academic research and discovery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TCC gets in bed with Travelodge
A new 82-bedroom hotel is taking shape in Greater London, with help from a leading Birmingham-based construction consultancy. The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to support the development of a new £8.6 million Travelodge in Upminster in the London Borough of Havering. TCC is providing contract administrator and quantity surveying services to the creation of the new hotel in Station Road. It will be Travelodge’s 86th hotel in London, and add to the hotel chain’s portfolio of 600 hotels around the UK. The new hotel will feature 24 family rooms, 49 double rooms with showers and nine wheelchair accessible rooms. The project also includes ground floor retail units along with car parking and landscaping. As contract administrator TCC has the responsibility of acting on behalf of developers Eastern Iron Works Ltd alongside construction manager Stack London Ltd to see the project through to completion. TCC co-founder and director Sandeep Sunner said, “We are delighted to have been appointed to this project which will provide high quality accommodation for business and leisure visitors to the area, contributing to the local economy of Upminster.” TCC has a wealth of experience across public and private sectors including industrial, commercial, retail, leisure, care and residential projects. Headquartered in Bennett’s Hill, TCC is a multi-disciplined consultancy providing specialist project management, quantity-surveying, employers agent, building surveying and health and safety services to a wide range of sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK Celebrates Completion of Tustin Estate Phase 1, Delivering 167 New Homes For Southwark
Bouygues UK, acting as both developer and contractor, today announces the successful completion of Phase 1 of the Tustin Estate regeneration project in partnership with the London Borough of Southwark. The milestone marks the delivery of 167 high-quality new homes for existing residents, representing a transformative step in the community-led redevelopment of this 1960s housing estate near Old Kent Road. Phase 1, which is 100% replacement affordable homes, forms part of a larger £303million regeneration project that will ultimately deliver 690 homes across the estate by 2030. The completion of this first phase demonstrates Bouygues UK and Southwark’s commitment to resident-focused development and sustainable urban regeneration. A community-led approach to estate regeneration The Tustin Estate redevelopment was mandated through a democratic resident ballot in February 2021, where residents voted in favour of comprehensive estate renewal. This resident-first approach has been central to the project’s success, with the community actively shaping every aspect of the design and delivery through the Tustin Resident Project Group and extensive consultation sessions. “The completion of Phase 1 represents more than just new buildings, it’s the realisation of the residents’ vision for their community,” said Philippe Bernard, CEO and Chair at Bouygues UK. “Working as both developer and contractor has allowed us to maintain our commitment to quality, sustainability, and community engagement throughout every stage of this project. We’re incredibly proud to have delivered these homes in partnership with Southwark Council and, most importantly, the Tustin Estate community.” Sustainable design and quality housing The completed Phase 1 homes are spread across three sites on the estate and have been designed by award-winning architects dRMM, in collaboration with Adam Khan Architects and JA Projects. The development prioritises sustainability and quality of life, featuring: The wider masterplan targets a 94% reduction in carbon emissions when in use, reflecting both Bouygues UK and Southwark Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: “This is a proud moment for the Tustin community and for Southwark. These first new homes are more than bricks and mortar – they represent security, opportunity and a fresh start for the families who are moving in. We worked closely with residents every step of the way, and their ideas have helped shape a neighbourhood that is greener, safer and built to last. Delivering 167 new council homes in this first phase shows the scale of our ambition. We are determined to keep building the high quality, affordable homes that people in our borough deserve.” Resident voices at the heart of Tustin Estate Development The success of Phase 1 has been built on genuine partnership with the Tustin Estate community. Residents have participated in weekly drop-in sessions, design workshops, and monthly project updates throughout the development process, ensuring their voices shaped the final outcome of their new homes. Andrew Eke, a Tustin Estate resident and Chair of Tustin Community Association, said: “The completion of Phase 1 reflects the strength of residents, the council, and the developer working together with trust, respect, and a shared purpose. This milestone has delivered the high quality homes our community deserves and reinforces our collective commitment to transforming the Tustin Estate into the vibrant, welcoming estate we all envision” The project team worked with community engagement specialists Urban Symbotics to ensure inclusive consultation, reaching younger residents, older residents, and all demographics across the estate. This approach resulted in the Tustin Estate Residents’ Manifesto, which has guided decision-making throughout the project. Lee, who is due to move into his new flat this week said ‘This new home will be life-changing for me and my wife. She is a wheelchair user and she can now finally have some independence and she is able to start cooking again.’ Phase 1 of this project has also seen community days as a focus to bring together everyone living on the estate and the teams involved in transforming it. The Tustin Estate regeneration project represents a significant investment in South London’s future, combining quality housing delivery with meaningful community engagement and environmental sustainability. David Banfield, Senior Project Manager at Pulse Consult, which led the project planning and programming for Phase 1 and will continue to work on the remaining phases, said: “From the outset, this project has been built on collaboration with the community and a real understanding of their needs. We’ve put clear workflows and processes in place to keep work moving efficiently, while remaining flexible to adapt as needed, always with the end users in mind. Consistent communication has been key – within project teams, the council, and most importantly the local community – ensuring everyone stays informed and engaged. This reflects a standard approach at Pulse: combining strong planning with proactive collaboration to deliver outcomes that truly meet the needs of those who will use them.” Future phases of Tustin Estate With Phase 1 now complete, work continues on subsequent phases of the Tustin Estate regeneration. Phase 2, with Bouygues UK as Developer and Contractor, will deliver 284 homes and is currently progressing through the planning process. The completed estate will include: A model for estate regeneration The Tustin Estate project was the first large-scale development procured through Pagabo’s Developer Led Framework, establishing a precedent for efficient, community-focused estate regeneration. Jonathan Parker, Head of Construction at Pagabo, commented: “It would be difficult to find a better large-scale scheme than that of Tustin Estate to be the first procured through our Developer Led Framework. Connecting Bouygues UK with the London Borough of Southwark is set to create social and economic value for the local community following a fair and competitive tender process – ensuring the best outcomes for all involved.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Race to the sky: Cardiff set for Wales’ tallest tower
Plans for a striking 50-storey skyscraper in the heart of Cardiff have been granted planning permission, paving the way for what will become the tallest building in Wales. Developer REAP 3, a subsidiary of build-to-rent specialist BlueCastle Capital, has secured approval to replace its previously consented 35-storey project with a significantly taller mixed-use tower. The development will rise to 178 metres and be located beside Cardiff Central Station and the Principality Stadium. Once built, the tower will comfortably surpass Swansea’s 107-metre Meridian Tower, which currently holds the title of Wales’ tallest building. The new scheme will deliver 528 build-to-rent apartments, including 344 one-bedroom and 184 two-bedroom homes. Plans also include a two-storey pavilion building providing commercial space for uses such as restaurants. The development site sits between Wood Street and Rose Lane within the city’s Central Square regeneration district. The new skyscraper will dominate the skyline in this part of the city and significantly exceed the height of the existing 29-storey Meridian Tower in Swansea. Designs for the building include two staircases and five lifts to support residents and visitors. According to REAP 3, the development has been carefully designed to accommodate heavy footfall, particularly during major events at the nearby Principality Stadium, when as many as 80,000 people can pass through the area. The project team includes architect 5plus, structural and MEP engineer WSP, cost consultant Gleeds and BREEAM adviser RLB. BlueCastle Capital is currently assembling a pipeline of build-to-rent developments across several UK cities, although the company is still working to move its first wave of schemes into construction. At present, the developer’s pipeline stands at around 2,500 homes across five projects. BlueCastle Capital build-to-rent pipeline Scheme | Location | Scale | Status Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Firethorn secures Gateway 2 approval for Stratford PBSA development
Firethorn has secured Gateway 2 approval for its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project in Stratford, East London, marking a key regulatory milestone for the developer. The 284-bed development, which will include 35% affordable student accommodation, is being delivered by McAleer & Rushe and forms part of Firethorn’s growing Living portfolio. Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator confirms that the detailed design and construction control arrangements meet critical safety requirements and provide greater regulatory certainty, as outlined in the Building Safety Act. Full-scale construction can now take place, with works due to complete in time for the 2028/29 academic year. Located on Stratford High Street, the development will feature shared study, social and fitness amenities, alongside a ground-floor community space for public use. The site benefits from close proximity to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and is within walking distance of both UCL East and University of the Arts London. In line with Firethorn’s strong commitment to delivering sustainable, best-in-class assets, the development has a target BREEAM “Excellent” rating, with a focus on high-quality building performance and long-term operational efficiency. Paul Martin, Head of Development at Firethorn, commented: “Securing Gateway 2 approval marks a significant milestone, enabling us to move confidently into the construction phase and continue expanding our PBSA platform in one of London’s most dynamic and well‑connected areas. “Working alongside McAleer & Rushe, we are proud to deliver modern, high‑quality and sustainable accommodation in Stratford — a thriving Higher Education hub with exceptional transport links. This development will help meet the strong and growing demand from East London’s student population.” Mark Diamond, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe, commented: “We look forward to progressing the scheme following this approval, which reflects the strength of the collaborative approach taken by the Firethorn and McAleer & Rushe project team. Our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of building safety, quality and sustainability as works commence on-site, delivering safe, modern student accommodation in East London.” The site forms part of Firethorn’s Living portfolio, including PBSA developments in Hackney Wick, Stratford, and The Malt Works at Leith Walk in Edinburgh. For more information, visit www.firethorntrust.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Arup joins team shaping Britain’s first small modular reactor
Engineering consultancy Arup has been appointed to carry out early-stage design and engineering work for the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR), planned for the Wylfa site on Anglesey. Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) confirmed that Arup will provide early-phase foundation engineering and design support as the landmark project begins to take shape. Small modular reactors are designed to accelerate the construction of new nuclear power generation. Their smaller, factory-built components are intended to simplify construction compared with traditional nuclear plants. SMRs are also expected to play a key role in supporting intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, helping to maintain electricity supply during periods of low generation, sometimes referred to as a dunkelflaute or “dark doldrums”. They could also provide direct power connections for major industrial energy users. Plans for the Wylfa scheme were confirmed in November 2025, when GBE-N announced proposals to build three reactors at the site in Ynys Môn, Wales, using technology developed by Rolls-Royce. The project is backed by £2.5bn of UK government funding. Earlier this year, US engineering firm Amentum was selected to lead the delivery programme. It is being supported by a team including Turner & Townsend, Hochtief, Mace Consult and Unipart. Arup’s appointment brings together a group of specialist partners working on the early stages of the project. Landscape architects and master planners LDA Design are involved in shaping the wider site vision, while nuclear safety specialists TÜV SÜD Nuclear Technologies will provide safety expertise. Gleeds has been appointed to focus on cost engineering during the initial phases of site and infrastructure development. Simon Roddy, chief executive of GBE-N, said delivering a safe and integrated design for the UK’s first SMR would require close collaboration between engineering and technology partners. He said the project would rely on strong technical decision-making and innovation, adding that Arup and its partners would play a key role alongside GBE-N and Rolls-Royce SMR. Jeremy Stain, Arup’s nuclear business lead, said the project represented the first step towards a potential fleet of small modular reactors across the UK. He said the development aligned with national energy policy and the drive to reduce carbon emissions while strengthening energy security, with nuclear expected to remain a vital part of the future energy mix. Stain added that Arup was pleased to bring its multidisciplinary engineering expertise and local knowledge to the landmark project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals