Solent Freeport and Solent Growth Partnership launch new £50,000 apprenticeship incentive to support SMEs and young people
Solent Freeport, in partnership with the Solent Growth Partnership through the Solent Business Growth Service, has today launched a new £50,000 Apprenticeship Incentive Programme designed to help small and medium-sized businesses across the Solent region recruit an apprentice for the first time, while supporting young people who have previously been not in education, employment or training (NEET). Solent Freeport, in partnership with the Solent Growth Partnership through the Solent Business Growth Service, has today launched a new £50,000 Apprenticeship Incentive Programme designed to help small and medium-sized businesses across the Solent region recruit an apprentice for the first time, while supporting young people who have previously been not in education, employment or training (NEET). The programme offers financial incentives of up to £2,000 per apprentice to eligible employers, alongside tailored business support, helping to reduce recruitment barriers, strengthen local skills pipelines and support inclusive economic growth across the Solent. The incentive fund will support: Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to eligibility and availability. The initiative focuses on four priority growth sectors critical to the Solent economy: By targeting employers who are taking on an apprentice for the first time, and apprentices who were previously NEET, the programme aims to unlock opportunity for those furthest from the labour market while supporting businesses to invest in the future workforce they need. Brian Johnson, Chair of the Solent Freeport said:“This programme is about creating real opportunity – for employers who want to grow but face recruitment challenges, and for individuals who need a route into skilled employment. By working with the Solent Growth Partnership, we’re ensuring Freeport investment directly supports people, productivity and long-term prosperity across the region.” Rachael Randall, Chair of the Solent Growth Partnership Business Board added:“Apprenticeships are a proven way for SMEs to build skills and talent, but the first step can feel daunting. This incentive, combined with practical business support through the Solent Business Growth Service, helps employers take that step with confidence while opening doors for young people who might otherwise be left behind.” In addition to the financial incentive, participating employers will receive guidance through the Solent Business Growth Service, supporting them with recruitment, onboarding and longer-term business growth. Eligibility and applications To be eligible, employers must: Apprenticeship starts must fall within the programme application window, and applications cannot be made retrospectively. Further details, including full terms and conditions and application guidance, are available via the Solent Business Growth Service on www.solentgrowthpartnership.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reds10 Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Former Wates Director
Modular construction specialist Reds10 Group has appointed industry veteran Steve Beechey as its new Executive Chair as the company looks to accelerate growth and expand its role in delivering modern methods of construction across the public sector. Beechey will join the business in July, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience at Wates, where he most recently served as Group Public Sector Director. During his time with the contractor, he played a leading role in delivering major programmes across defence, education and justice, while also serving on the Wates Group Executive Committee for more than a decade. His appointment comes as Reds10 continues to strengthen its senior leadership team following the recent arrival of Matt Thorpe as Chief Financial Officer. The move reflects the company’s ambitions to scale its operations and further establish itself as a leading provider of off-site manufactured building solutions for public sector clients. Reds10 specialises in modern methods of construction and has built a strong reputation delivering projects across defence, education, healthcare, justice, temporary accommodation and social housing sectors. The company’s approach focuses on manufacturing buildings off-site before transporting and assembling them on location, helping to reduce programme times, improve quality and support sustainability objectives. Central to its operations is a 300,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Driffield, East Yorkshire, where building components are produced in a controlled factory environment before being installed on site. Paul Ruddick, Chief Executive of Reds10 Group, said Beechey’s extensive experience in both construction and the public sector would be invaluable as the business enters its next phase of development. He added that his leadership and strategic insight would help support the company’s ambition to industrialise construction and expand the adoption of modern building techniques. Commenting on his appointment, Beechey said he was joining the business at an exciting stage in its growth journey. He highlighted Reds10’s strong reputation for innovation and its clear ambition to transform how construction projects are delivered. As demand continues to grow for faster, more efficient and sustainable construction solutions, Reds10’s latest leadership appointment underlines its commitment to driving innovation and supporting the wider evolution of the UK construction industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One London Set to Redefine the Capital’s Skyline with £1bn Landmark Tower
Plans have been unveiled for a landmark £1bn skyscraper that is set to become the tallest building in the City of London and one of the most significant commercial developments in Europe. Developed by Aroland Holdings, advised by Perennial Holdings, alongside Stanhope and Eric Parry Architects, the project known as One London will transform the City skyline with a striking new tower rising to 309.6 metres. Formerly known as 1 Undershaft, the development is expected to become London’s tallest skyscraper, the tallest office building in the UK and the joint-tallest building in Western Europe when completed in 2033. Located at the prominent junction of Leadenhall Street and St Mary Axe, the development will deliver approximately 1.2 million sq ft of office-led accommodation at the heart of the capital’s financial district. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses, the tower will provide high-quality workspace while reinforcing the City’s position as a global centre for finance, technology and innovation. The scheme received full planning approval from the City of London Corporation in December 2025, marking a major milestone for one of the capital’s most ambitious commercial projects. The development occupies a highly connected location, situated within a short walk of six London Underground lines and the Elizabeth line, offering exceptional accessibility for workers, visitors and businesses alike. In addition to its transport connections, the site benefits from proximity to around 1,000 hospitality venues and 27 acres of public open space, helping to create a vibrant environment that supports both professional and social activity within the Square Mile. Preparatory work is already progressing, with the deconstruction of the existing St Helen’s Tower now underway. The project team expects to appoint a main contractor later this year, with full construction anticipated to commence in 2028 following the completion of deconstruction and enabling works, as well as the finalisation of development financing arrangements. Once complete, One London is expected to become one of the defining buildings of the next decade, joining the ranks of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks. Beyond its impressive scale, the development reflects the continued confidence in London’s commercial property market and the growing demand for premium, sustainable and future-focused office space in prime locations. The project also highlights the ongoing evolution of the City of London, where new generations of workplace environments are being developed to accommodate changing occupier requirements, technological advancement and increasing expectations around sustainability, wellbeing and connectivity. As construction moves closer, One London is poised to play a major role in shaping the future skyline of the capital, creating a new focal point for business, investment and architectural ambition in one of the world’s leading financial centres. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni starts 462,000 sq ft speculative development in Worksop
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has commenced construction at Panattoni Worksop 460, a 462,000 sq ft speculative logistics and manufacturing development at Manton Wood Distribution Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire. The scheme is scheduled for completion in Q1 2027. Panattoni Worksop 460 will be delivered to the highest sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings and achieving net zero carbon in construction. The development incorporates a range of sustainability features including roof-mounted photovoltaic solar systems, EV charging, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting. The scheme offers a gross internal area of 462,000 sq ft, comprising 441,699 sq ft of warehouse accommodation, Grade A office space across ground and two upper floors totalling 14,943 sq ft, and a transport area of 5,057 sq ft. The building has been specified to meet the requirements of modern logistics and manufacturing occupiers, with an 18 metre clear internal height, 43 dock doors including 8 Euro dock doors, 4 level access doors, a yard depth of 55 metres, 386 car parking spaces and 48 EV charging points. The site is accompanied by an additional five acres of adjacent land, available to occupiers requiring room for expansion beyond the primary building footprint. Worksop is a well-established logistics destination in North Nottinghamshire, situated at the heart of the UK’s principal distribution corridor. The town sits within easy reach of the M1 (Junction 31) and A1(M), providing direct connectivity to major population centres across the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East. The area is home to major operators including DHL and B&Q, both of which run substantial logistics and distribution facilities nearby, and benefits from a strong local labour pool and competitive rental levels relative to more southern locations. Andy Preston, Senior Development Director at Panattoni, said: ” Worksop punches above its weight as a logistics location. It offers great connectivity and a genuinely strong labour market within commuting distance of Sheffield, Doncaster and Nottingham, and that combination is increasingly difficult to find at this scale. We are seeing real depth of demand from occupiers who need large-format, high-specification space and need it quickly, and this building is designed to meet that requirement from day one. We already have some early engagement from occupiers on the speculative opportunity. For occupiers with longer-term growth ambitions, there is also an additional five acres of land directly adjacent to the site, which could be used for HGV parking or external storage – a flexibility that is increasingly hard to find at this scale and in this location.” The development reflects Panattoni’s continued strategy of speculative delivery in supply-constrained markets, bringing forward high-specification, sustainable assets aligned with long-term occupier demand. For more information, please visit www.panattoni.co.uk/our-properties/worksop/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oxford’s Former Debenhams Set for Science-Led Future in £125m Transformation
A landmark former department store in the heart of Oxford is set to begin a new chapter after Morgan Sindall secured the fit-out contract for a major £125m redevelopment that will transform the historic building into a cutting-edge life sciences hub. Located at 1–12 Magdalen Street, the former Debenhams store will be repurposed to provide approximately 100,000 sq ft of laboratory-enabled incubator and accelerator space, creating a significant new destination for science and technology businesses within one of the UK’s leading innovation centres. The project is being delivered through a partnership between The Crown Estate, Pioneer Group and Oxford Science Enterprises, with international architecture practice Perkins&Will leading the design. The fit-out package secured by Morgan Sindall is expected to be worth more than £35m. The redevelopment will breathe new life into the prominent city centre building while preserving its historic character. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the scheme will retain and repurpose the existing late-19th century structure, creating flexible laboratory facilities and workspace across the upper floors. The development will also feature conference and collaboration spaces, alongside a showcase laboratory designed to engage the wider public with scientific discovery and innovation. A key feature of the project is its strong sustainability focus. By retaining the building’s existing structural frame and external envelope, the development team aims to significantly reduce embodied carbon and minimise the environmental impact associated with large-scale redevelopment. The approach reflects the growing emphasis across the construction and property sectors on adaptive reuse and the preservation of valuable built assets. The scheme also highlights the increasing demand for specialist laboratory and research facilities as Oxford continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s most important science and technology clusters. The new hub will provide flexible accommodation for start-ups, scale-ups and established businesses operating across a range of scientific disciplines, helping to support innovation, collaboration and commercial growth. The redevelopment forms part of The Crown Estate’s ambitious £1.5bn investment programme focused on science, innovation and technology sectors over the next 15 years. The long-term strategy is designed to support the growth of knowledge-based industries while creating sustainable and future-ready environments that encourage research, development and entrepreneurship. Once complete, the transformation of the former Debenhams building will create a vibrant new centre for life sciences in the heart of Oxford, combining heritage preservation, sustainability and innovation to deliver a flagship destination for the city’s growing scientific community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lakeside secures new F&B deals, as Vue commits to major investment
Lakeside, the top five out-of-town super-regional destination owned and operated by SGS UK Retail, has announced the signing and opening of five leading food and beverage brands, and one UK debut. The new additions are part of SGS’s strategy to continue to evolve Lakeside’s offer, and are complemented by an extensive investment by longstanding leisure anchor, Vue. Leading the new additions is GAIL’s, with the premium bakery and coffee shop committing to a 2,033 sq ft store on the lower level. GAIL’s joins other recent lifestyle additions to Lakeside, including The White Company, which recently opened. Black Sheep Coffee has signed to Lakeside, and will be launching in a 1,500 sq ft space on the lower level this summer, adding to the variety of coffee options available The strong demand for Lakeside among leading F&B brands has been evident with the arrival of Maki & Ramen and Smoke & Pepper, both having opened in recent weeks. The operators provide more choice for visitors and extend Lakeside’s appeal as an evening destination for socialising Satisfying sustained visitor appetite for more grab-and-go options, Lakeside has also secured the UK debut of chocolate-themed dessert concept, Chocofay, and a second location for Pret, in 250 sq ft and 650 sq ft locations respectively The cinema anchor at Lakeside’s unique waterfront, Vue is investing in a transformation of its nine-screen experience, strengthening Lakeside’s leisure offer and complementing the retail and F&B mix to further boost its appeal as a lifestyle destination. The investment will include Vue’s latest recliner seating, its new premium large format Epic, proving enhanced colour and 3D sound, and a new foyer concept. Together, the enhancements will create a best-in-catchment cinema experience Rob Jewell, Managing Director of Asset Management at Pradera, commented: “Lakeside is revitalised, with investment in the destination attracting new brands and growing consumer loyalty to unprecedented levels. Lakeside’s out-performance is becoming self-fulfilling too, with demand from new and existing brands outstripping supply. This is reflected in these new F&B signings and openings; we have worked with each operator to create the ideal space, confident they will appeal to visitors from across our catchment. They are all great additions to Lakeside that, combined with Vue’s investment, reinforce its position as the dominant destination in the catchment, one with a unique lifestyle offer.” Lakeside is a UK top five out-of-town super-regional destination (CACI). Revitalised over the last three years, it is the location of choice in a catchment of 7.2 million people with £23.2 billion of available spend. Framed by its signature lake and active waterfront, it provides a unique mix of retail and leisure that drives benchmark-setting performance. Smith Young and LM are Lakeside’s retail leasing agents, and Metis and LM lead the leisure leasing. Pradera asset manages Lakeside on behalf of SGS UK Retail. Forty Group acted for GAIL’s and Black Sheep Coffee represented themselves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals