Sisk completes Farrans Construction acquisition
John Sisk & Son (Sisk) has completed all legal and regulatory requirement for the acquisition of Farrans Construction, following Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) approval last month. As announced in September, Sisk reached an agreement to acquire Farrans, a leading Northern Ireland based, building and civil engineering contractor, with over 600 employees, delivering world-class projects in core sectors including aviation, water and renewable energy in Ireland and the UK. The Farrans business will continue to trade under its own brand, and all project operations will continue as normal. The consideration will not be disclosed.Sisk is Ireland’s largest construction and civil engineering company, operating across Ireland, the UK and Europe. The coming together of these two successful contracting businesses will unlock new opportunities for delivering major infrastructure projects across the UK and Ireland. Sisk acquired Farrans from the building materials provider CRH. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Orwell Bridge Project Wins Outstanding Achievement Award at National Highways ACE “Better Together” Awards
Winvic Construction Ltd has been recognised for its industry-leading approach to collaboration and project delivery, with the Orwell Bridge Westbound Joint Replacement project winning the Judges’ Outstanding Achievement Award at this year’s National Highways Asset Community East (ACE) “Better Together” Awards. Delivered through National Highways’ Scheme Delivery Framework (SDF) in the East Region, the project exemplified Winvic’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, customer excellence, and health and safety leadership. The vital scheme addressed the urgent replacement of deteriorated expansion joints on the A14 Orwell Bridge – a critical transport link connecting the Port of Felixstowe to the wider UK road network. Despite the complex technical and logistical challenges, the project was delivered safely on time, and within budget. From the earliest planning stages, close collaboration between Winvic, National Highways, WSP, Chevron, Maurer, and Roocroft was central to its success. Innovative techniques such as hydro demolition safeguarded the bridge’s structure, bespoke engineering solutions resolved complex design issues, and advanced traffic modelling minimised disruption for road users. The judges selected the Orwell Bridge project for its exemplary demonstration of collaboration, customer focus, and stakeholder engagement at every stage – from early planning through to delivery. They commended the extensive communication and engagement efforts carried out before any works began, ensuring public awareness, customer confidence, and minimal disruption. This partnership-driven approach reduced the construction programme from a potential 175 days to just 37 days, saving £9 million, while also achieving outstanding results in environmental performance, community engagement, and social value. Local suppliers were engaged throughout the project to strengthen the regional economy and reduce environmental impact. The team delivered a range of community initiatives, including school visits to promote safety awareness to over 120 pupils at Morland Primary School, volunteering at St. Elizabeth’s Hospice’s pop-up shop in Ipswich, and participating in public engagement events such as the Suffolk Show and Buttermarket Centre to promote road safety and raise awareness of the scheme. The award was presented by Paul Bowman, Chair of Asset Community East and representative from Colas. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Managing Director for Civils and Infrastructure said:“Winning the Judges’ Outstanding Achievement Award for the Orwell Bridge project is a proud moment for everyone involved. This success highlights how collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to safety and customer focus can turn complex challenges into industry-leading results. It’s an honour to see our project team and supply chain partners recognised for delivering excellence on such an important piece of infrastructure.” Winvic was also shortlisted in multiple categories – including Customer Experience of the Year, Project/Team of the Year, and Collaborative Project/Team of the Year – and continues to champion best practice across the sector. As both a finalist and a sponsor of this year’s awards, Winvic reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the UK’s highways network. Rob Barron, National Highways Supplier Relationship Manager East said:“The Orwell Bridge project has been recognised for exemplifying the Asset Community East’s ethos of “Better Together”. The Judges commended the initiative for its outstanding collaboration, customer-centric approach, and comprehensive stakeholder engagement throughout every phase – from early planning through to successful delivery. This Award honours all those involved for their unwavering commitment to partnership and collaborative working. The Judges were particularly impressed with the proactive communication and engagement strategies deployed before any physical works began. These efforts ensured good public awareness, built customer confidence, and minimised disruption – setting a benchmark for infrastructure projects across the region.” Richard Salter, WSP’s Technical Director said: “The Orwell scheme was a shining example of the collaboration that can be achieved through a mature and experienced supplier relationship on the Scheme Delivery Framework. Working together on numerous schemes such as M20 Medway and Allington, A404 Bisham Brook and M3 Bramley Wood enabled WSP and Winvic to build a trusting partnership enhancing our ability to succeed on such a complex and high-profile scheme as Orwell. I look forward to continuing this pattern of success through the remainder of the framework.” Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Join National Highways Asset Community East on LinkedIn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HFD Construction Appoints Hyperscale Infrastructure Veteran Martin Smith as Managing Director
30-year construction industry leader to oversee billions of pounds in AI data centre, renewable energy, and commercial developments across Scotland. HFD Construction, the dedicated construction and delivery arm of HFD, today announces the appointment of Martin Smith as its new Managing Director, effective immediately. Mr. Smith joins HFD Construction at a transformational time for the business, as the company executes HFD Group’s ambitious pipeline of next-generation developments across central Scotland, with billions of pounds worth of construction scheduled in the coming years. Martin Smith brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the UK and Europe in the construction industry, with a career spanning hyperscale data centres, large-scale infrastructure, and high-profile commercial developments. Most recently, Martin served as Group Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at ISG plc, Interserve, Robertson Group, and Miller Construction, where he managed major projects with values exceeding £650 million. At ISG, Martin directed the successful delivery of several hyperscale projects for global technology clients, including Google’s €450 million, 60MW data centre in Belgium. His portfolio also includes complex developments such as the Amazon logistics hubs, and film studio and semiconductor facilities across the UK and Europe. His experience extends to a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, hospitality, and sustainable office developments, where his leadership has consistently focused on delivering high-quality projects via innovation, operational excellence and stakeholder collaboration. Martin holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and an LLM in Construction Law from the University of Strathclyde and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building. His career is distinguished by a strong operational foundation, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to health, safety, and sustainability. Under Martin Smith’s leadership, HFD Construction will manage the build-out of a diverse and ambitious portfolio of projects, including the construction of hundreds of megawatts of cutting-edge AI-ready data centres for DataVita, HFD’s data centre division, the development of private-wire microgrids integrating renewable energy generation and storage for sustainable power delivery, the creation of industry-leading city-centre office developments, including premium flexible workspace for Ospa – HFD’s serviced office division and the development of current and proposed upper scale hotels across the region. William Hill, CEO of HFD Group, commented: “Martin joins at an exciting time for the business, with billions of pounds worth of construction scheduled across central Scotland in the coming years. His leadership will be crucial as we deliver on these ambitious projects.” Martin Smith, Managing Director of HFD Construction, said: “Joining HFD Construction at this pivotal moment is an exciting challenge. My career has been focused on leading complex, large-scale developments, including critical hyperscale data centre infrastructure across Europe. I look forward to leveraging that 30 years of experience, alongside the talented HFD Construction team, to successfully deliver the Group’s ambitious pipeline of next-generation projects, including vital AI and renewable energy sectors and market leading office and commercial developments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
How Stairlift Building Regulations Affect Your Home Renovation’ work for you?
Home renovations can be exciting, but adding accessibility features like stairlifts can make planning more complex. Stairlifts are a practical solution for anyone who struggles with stairs, yet they come with specific rules that can influence how your renovation is designed and carried out. Knowing these requirements early helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures the lift fits safely, functions smoothly, and complements your home’s style. This guide explores how stairlift regulations affect renovations and offers tips for planning a safe, accessible, and stylish home from the very start. Why Stairlift Regulations Matter Stairlift regulations exist for safety, accessibility, and quality assurance. They are designed to prevent accidents and ensure the stairlift is installed in a way that won’t compromise the structure of your home. Ignoring regulations can lead to issues with insurance, resale value, or even legal complications. Regulations also ensure that stairlifts are accessible for everyone, including people with mobility challenges, and that they operate safely under different conditions. Properly following rules gives homeowners confidence that their renovation will meet both safety standards and practical needs, avoiding costly adjustments later. Planning for a Stairlift During Renovation Incorporating a stairlift into your renovation requires careful planning. It’s not just a matter of picking a model and installing it. You need to consider: Most stairlifts can be fitted without major structural changes, and planning permission is not usually required. However, thinking about these factors at the planning stage makes it easier to integrate a stairlift without disrupting the overall flow of your renovation. Key Rules and Standards Homeowners need to understand the specific rules for stairlifts, often referred to as stairlift building regulations. These cover areas such as: In the UK, Part M of the Building Regulations 2015 focuses on accessibility in residential and commercial buildings. It specifies that stairs in newly built homes must have a minimum width of 850 mm, allowing space for the future installation of a stairlift. If you’re considering a platform lift or through-floor lift instead, you may need planning permission, since those systems can involve cutting into floors or altering structural elements. Adhering to these regulations ensures the stairlift functions safely and efficiently. Working with certified suppliers and professional installers helps homeowners meet these standards without guesswork. Practical Renovation Challenges and How Regulations Help Even experienced homeowners can face unexpected challenges when adding a stairlift during a renovation. For example: Narrow Staircases One common issue is discovering that the stairs are slightly too narrow for a standard lift. By following stairlift building regulations and consulting a supplier early, a homeowner can select a slimline model or adjust rail placement safely without compromising stair access. Low Ceilings or Landings Some older homes have limited headroom at landings. Regulations guide how much clearance is needed, allowing installers to adjust the lift’s track or choose a folding seat, keeping both safety and functionality intact. Electrical Planning Installing a stairlift requires a nearby power source. Homeowners who ignore this can face costly rewiring. Compliance with regulations ensures the lift is powered safely and efficiently while avoiding hidden electrical issues. Future-Proofing for Multiple Users Regulations also recommend considering maximum load and accessibility for different users. Following these rules early prevents the need to replace or retrofit the lift as needs change. Addressing these challenges through proper planning and adherence to regulations keeps renovations on track and ensures the stairlift integrates smoothly into the home, both visually and functionally. Benefits of Following Regulations Following stairlift regulations ensures compliance and has other tangible benefits: Investing time in understanding regulations upfront pays off in the long run, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable and stylish home without worry. Make Your Renovations Safe Stairlift regulations might feel like an extra hurdle, but they are essential for creating safe and functional homes. Considering these rules early in your renovation makes planning easier and prevents costly delays. From layout adjustments to choosing the right model, being aware of requirements ensures your stairlift fits seamlessly, operates safely, and complements your home’s style. Working with professional suppliers and installers guarantees compliance while giving you a solution tailored to your needs. Taking regulations seriously results in a home that is both accessible and inviting, making daily life easier for everyone.
Premier Inn gets the green light in Leeds city centre
Whitbread secures planning consent to convert Verity House in the South Bank area of the city centre into a 131-room hotel Whitbread plc, owner of Premier Inn – the UK’s largest hotel brand – has received planning consent to transform Verity House, a vacant office building in the South Bank area of Leeds city centre, into a 131-room hotel. Seeing the opportunity to capitalise on a highly accessible location minutes from Leeds Railway Station and the scenic waterfront of Granary Wharf, the FTSE-100 hotel company purchased the 44,000 sq ft (GIA) former office building at risk in October 2024. A planning application for the development was submitted to Leeds City Council in May 2025. Last week, the crucial section 106 agreement between Whitbread and the Council was signed, effectively paving the way for the development to proceed, following the delegation of decision-making to the city’s planners. Construction work is expected to commence in early 2026 and complete in Spring 2027. Jill Anderson, Acquisitions Manager for Whitbread, said: “Gaining approval of our plans for Verity House is a major achievement in our efforts to deliver more high-quality, affordable bedrooms for our guests in Leeds City Centre. We’re seeing huge demand in the city and this wonderfully accessible location is sure to be incredibly popular for our business and leisure guests. “Whitbread has a long and successful track record of converting office buildings into high-quality, successful Premier Inn hotels. By purchasing Verity House freehold last autumn, we demonstrated that Whitbread is unafraid to take on planning and development risk to convert former offices into hotels in locations that match our network plan requirements and meet the expectations of our guests for outstanding, easily accessible hotel locations. “We’re actively looking for similar opportunities across the north of England as we continue to grow our hotel estate in the region.” On opening, Verity House will complement three trading Premier Inns in Leeds city centre with a new 143-bedroom Premier Inn at Leeds Harewood Quarter is also under contract as part of a Council-led redevelopment. The hotel will offer the latest format Premier Inn ‘Standard’ and ‘Premier Plus’ bedrooms. Based on a mature occupancy of more than 80%, Whitbread expects more than 57,000 of its guests will stay at the Premier Inn at Verity House every year generating an additional £5.5 million in visitor expenditure annually – half of which is expected to be spent in Leeds city centre. This latest investment in the city forms an important part of Whitbread’s strategy of expanding its hotel network in the north of England. Across the region, the company is searching for more than 20 new Premier Inn locations, in addition to 15 targets in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as it grows towards its long-term potential target of 125,000 UK & Ireland rooms. As part of Whitbread’s Force for Good sustainability strategy, all Whitbread self-built or converted hotels will be powered solely by renewable electricity from 2025, and the company has a stated target to reduce water consumption per sleeper by 20% by 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reading’s Minster Quarter to Get £250m Makeover as McLaren Living Leads Regeneration
Reading’s long-awaited Minster Quarter regeneration has taken a major step forward after the council signed a £250 million development agreement with McLaren Living. The deal clears the way for one of the town’s most significant urban renewal schemes in recent years, transforming a prominent brownfield site into a new mixed-use neighbourhood. The 5.2-acre site, previously occupied by the town’s Civic Centre, will be redeveloped to deliver more than 600 new homes, of which 30% will be affordable. Alongside the residential element, the plans include 40,000 sq ft of workspace, new shops, food and drink venues, and a 102-bed hotel – all centred around a new civic square in front of The Hexagon Theatre. The project will also deliver a new community hub and upgraded public spaces connecting Reading Minster and the market on Hosier Street. McLaren Living’s design aims to create a vibrant new quarter that blends homes, culture, leisure, and workspaces in a central and accessible location. The scheme will prioritise sustainability and placemaking, with green spaces, pedestrian-friendly routes, and improved links to existing cultural and retail destinations across the town centre. The developer is already playing a major role in Reading’s urban transformation, leading the nearby Broad Street Mall redevelopment, which will bring hundreds of additional homes and new commercial opportunities to the area. Combined, the two projects represent a pipeline of around 1,200 new homes, helping to meet local housing needs while reinvigorating the heart of the town. A spokesperson for McLaren Living said the Minster Quarter represents “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine Reading’s civic and cultural core” and will be delivered in partnership with the local community and stakeholders. For Reading Borough Council, the agreement marks a major milestone in a long-term ambition to revitalise the town centre and repurpose underused land for housing and economic growth. Construction is expected to start following detailed design and planning work, with the scheme set to act as a catalyst for wider regeneration across central Reading. Once complete, the Minster Quarter will deliver a new destination that celebrates Reading’s history while providing the modern homes, amenities, and public spaces needed for its future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals