
Bricklaying students given insight into construction at Roe Wood Park
Bricklaying students visited Bellway’s Roe Wood Park development in Harold Hill to get an insight into work on a construction site. The 10 students, who are all studying for their Level 1 Bricklaying qualification at New City College, were welcomed by Bellway Senior Site Manager David Barden. The visit took placeon Friday 20 March and included talks from Bellway staff and contractors GSQ Brickwork, as well as a tour of the site and the chance to have a go at bricklaying. Roe Wood Park is a joint venture with Mercury Land Holdings, a wholly owned company of Havering Council. The 120-home project is redeveloping the former Quarles Campus of Havering College – now part of New City College – and the sale of the site provided funding towards the college’s Specialist Construction and Engineering Centre at Rainham. David said: “As a company, we are very much focused on providing opportunities for young people to gain the skills and experience they need to progress in their careers, and developing the skilled workforce we need as a business now and into the future. “It was a pleasure to welcome this group of young people to Roe Wood Park and give them an insight into what the job of a bricklayer looks like on a live construction site, where we are building homes at scale. “It is particularly rewarding to be welcoming students who are benefitting from the state-of-the-art facilities on the Rainham Construction and Engineering campus, which was supported by the regeneration of the former Quarles Campus site. “This is all part of our commitment to the local community – to not only provide high-quality housing, but also create jobs and invest in local infrastructure and facilities.” Jane Nugent, Work Related Curriculum Advisor at New City College, said: “Our Brick students learnt so much whilst at Roe Wood Park– they came out of there beaming, and for most of them it was the first time they had used real cement. Bellway’s Senior Site Manager David Barden was so informative, and we truly appreciate the opportunity.” When complete, Roe Wood Park will comprise 53 houses and apartments for private sale, including a mix of one, two and three-bedroom properties, 47 affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership and 20 new homes for private rent. As part of the planning agreement for the development, the aim is for 20 per cent of people working on site to be residents of Havering or neighbouring boroughs. More information about career opportunities with Bellway can be found at https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lucky winners of Finning giveaway collect excavator prizes
Finning has revealed the two winners of its ‘Win Big’ competition, each receiving brand-new Cat® excavators to help power their projects forward. Finning UK & Ireland launched the free-to-enter competition, organised to mark Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary, with one winner in mind, however the high calibre of entries led to Finning naming two winners: the Colin Burt Reserve for Wildlife Conservation and Valley Veterans. Both winners were invited to Finning UK & Ireland headquarters in Cannock, Staffordshire to celebrate their win with the Finning team. During the day Finning provided training on mini excavators, as well as tutorial on how the new machine owners can get the very best from their new excavators with telematics. The Colin Burt Reserve, in Killin in the central Highlands of Scotland, opened in 2005 in memory of keen conservationist Colin Burt who died aged 38 following a motorcycle accident. The 50 acre site was a poor-quality piece of waste wet land and is now a diverse nature reserve open to all. The project has won a Cat 301.6 excavator to continue its development. Valley Veterans, a charity based in the Rhondda Valley, was founded more than 20 years ago as an informal support group for PTSD sufferers and is now a vibrant hub with more than 140 active participants. Its Equi-Grow project includes the development of a purpose-built equine and horticultural space for activities supporting the mental and physical health and wellbeing of veterans. It has won a Cat 301.5 excavator to help get groundwork underway. To mark Caterpillar’s centenary year in 2025, Finning hosted the giveaway on its website, asking participants: ‘How would winning a Cat machine or generator help you build something that lasts?’ Gary Megarrell, Managing Director at Finning UK and Ireland, said the high quality of the entries meant it was impossible to select just one winner. He said: “The 100th anniversary of Caterpillar provided the perfect opportunity to gift our winners with the equipment they need to take their projects forward. “The answers from the Colin Burt Reserve and Valley Veterans truly embodied the values we share at Finning around safety and inclusivity. Caterpillar’s centenary and Finning’s desire to have a positive impact within the community “We are delighted both organisations are now the owners of mini excavators, and that this will make a real, tangible difference to their projects and to their visitors. This prize-giving has been a fantastic way to mark what has been a very memorable year celebrating the Finning partnerships.” The winners were given the choice between a Cat 301.6 excavator or a Cat DE110E2 genset as their prize. They were also automatically enrolled in a set of monthly prize draws – with rewards up for grabs including a trip to Malaga. Ashley Pearson of the Colin Burt Reserve, said: “We encourage participation in practical conservation tasks and wildlife habitat improvements, and our work includes carrying out regular maintenance and projects to promote increased biodiversity. “Winning this Cat excavator means we can progress our development plans so that even more visitors can experience being in the outdoors.” Valley Veterans was last year honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. It has been presented with the centenary celebration Cat machine that was on display at Finning’s headquarters in Cannock during the anniversary year. Nigel Locke, Secretary at Valley Veterans, said: “This recognition from Finning comes on the back of a remarkable year for us, and inspires us to keep working to make a difference to veterans and their families. “The Equi-Grow project will allow Valley Veterans to vastly increase capacity to train and mentor existing members as well as extending the offer to a far wider veteran and community cohort in the South Wales Valleys region. “Having the new excavator means we can focus on delivering the project and support more veterans to combat the challenges resulting from isolation and loneliness.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Smarter Skip Hire in Britain – How to Choose the Right Skip for Fast, Affordable Waste Removal
When people start searching for the right waste solution, they often want a practical guide to hiring skips near you that makes sense of size, cost, timing and local service standards without the jargon. In the UK, skip hire is not simply about dropping a container on a driveway and filling it up; it is about choosing a reliable service that matches the scale of your job, avoids delays, keeps a site tidy, and helps householders, tradespeople and site managers stay in control of waste from the first clear-out to the final collection. Whether you are renovating a kitchen, stripping out an office, clearing a garden, or managing ongoing construction debris, the right skip can save time, reduce stress and make the whole waste removal process far more efficient. Why the Right Skip Hire Choice Matters More Than Most People Think In the skip hire industry, the biggest mistakes usually come from choosing too little capacity, booking too late, or focusing only on the headline price. Many customers begin with searches such as cheap skip hire near me, assuming the lowest quote will naturally be the best value. Still, experienced operators know that true value comes from a balance of price, availability, local knowledge, legal compliance and dependable collection times. A skip that arrives late, is too small for the volume of waste, or cannot legally be placed where you need it, can end up costing more in labour, inconvenience, and repeat collections than a better-planned booking would have in the first place. For readers of bdcmagazine.com, this matters because waste management sits at the heart of efficient property, construction and improvement work. Even on smaller domestic jobs, poor waste planning can slow progress, create hazards and make an otherwise straightforward project feel chaotic. On larger sites, it can affect housekeeping standards, workflow and customer satisfaction. Good skip hire is therefore not an afterthought; it is part of a well-run job. The best approach is to see skip hire as a practical support service that keeps work moving, helps separate waste streams where needed, and gives people confidence that rubbish, rubble and unwanted materials are being handled straightforwardly and responsibly. Understanding Which Skip Size Works Best for Your Job One of the most common questions in the trade is whether a customer should opt for a small skip hire or move up to a larger one. In practice, the answer depends as much on the type of waste as on its volume. Heavy materials such as soil, hardcore, concrete, and bricks quickly reach fill weight limits. In contrast, lighter waste from packaging, mixed household clutter, timber or old fittings may need more space before weight becomes an issue. This is why experienced skip providers will often ask what kind of project you are doing rather than simply asking how much rubbish you have. A small skip is often ideal for bathroom upgrades, modest garden clearances, garage tidies, and small trade jobs where the waste is predictable, and space on site is limited. It is especially useful in tighter urban settings where access is restricted, and customers want a neat, manageable solution that does not dominate the property. For many domestic jobs, small skip hire offers the sweet spot between affordability and practicality. It keeps the project organised without encouraging overfilling, which is of leading cause of collection delays and safety concerns. Typical situations where a smaller skip makes sense include: That said, underestimating waste is very common. If the job involves bulky items, repeated clear-outs, or multiple rooms, stepping up one size can often be the more economical choice. A slightly larger skip can prevent the need for a second order and give teams or householders room to work without constantly compressing loads or worrying about running out of space halfway through the job. What People Really Mean When They Search for Cheap Skip Hire Near Me The phrase cheap skip hire near me reflects a perfectly reasonable concern: people want waste removal that is affordable and convenient. Yet the most experienced view in the industry is that “cheap” should never mean careless. A good quote should include delivery and collection, a realistic hire period, and clarity on what can and cannot be loaded into the skip. Hidden extras, rushed service and vague terms are often the reasons a seemingly low-cost booking becomes frustrating. When comparing options, people should look beyond price alone and consider the following: This is where local skip hire often stands out. A local operator usually knows the area, typical access constraints, council permit realities and the day-to-day pressures customers face. That local knowledge can make the booking smoother and more accurate, especially where roads are narrow, parking is tight, or projects are moving quickly. In other words, affordable skip hire is not only about shaving pounds off a quote; it is about getting dependable service that prevents hold-ups and keeps waste under control from start to finish. Why Local Skip Hire Still Gives Customers an Edge There is a reason local skip hire remains a strong search term across the UK. People want a provider that feels accessible, practical and accountable. Local service matters because waste jobs are often time-sensitive. A house clearance may need to happen before a sale completes, a building team may need a fast turnaround to keep the site clear, or a shopfit may require out-of-hours coordination to avoid disruption. In each case, having a nearby operator who understands the area can make a noticeable difference. Local service also tends to work well for communication. Customers usually value straightforward advice over hard selling. They want someone to tell them whether they really need a permit, whether the skip will fit on the drive, what should be kept out, and whether a small or larger size is the better option. The strongest local firms make this simple. They do not overcomplicate the process; they solve problems before they grow. Practical habits that lead to a smoother skip hire experience The most

External photograph of The Tea Factory, the new fit for purpose home of the BBC in Birmingham.
Property developer Stoford has completed the first stage of the Typhoo Wharf development with the transformation of The Tea Factory into the new sustainable, fit for purpose home of the BBC in Birmingham. The BBC and its contractors will now complete an internal fit out of the building, which is due to open in 2027. The broadcast centre is the culmination of several years’ work to revitalise the historic former Typhoo Tea factory on Bordesley Street in Digbeth. Funded by Aviva Investors on behalf of its Lime Property Fund, The Tea Factory was developed by Stoford in partnership with The Gooch Estate, alongside support from Birmingham City Council. Built by main contractor, BAM, the BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ development preserves the heritage of the original 1930s structure while using low carbon principles to deliver the BBC’s most environmentally sustainable and flexible broadcast centre to date. The building will house several BBC editorial teams, including The Archers, BBC Asian Network, BBC Newsbeat, BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today, when it officially opens. Typhoo Wharf occupies a strategic gateway site linking Digbeth to HS2 and Birmingham city centre, and unlocks major construction and development opportunities as set out by Birmingham City Council’s Digbeth Prospectus. As part of the wider masterplan, several plots are now ready for future development, alongside a new area of public realm which reconnects the site with the canal network. Up to 800,000 sq ft of residential, office and hospitality space will be delivered on more than 10 acres of land around the new BBC building. Creating a clear pipeline for further investment, this new capacity will play a major role in the long-term regeneration of Digbeth. The relocation of the BBC to a new Midlands HQ in Digbeth is part of a wider investment in new productions like MasterChef, Silent Witness and Peaky Blinders as part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy. Located close to Digbeth Loc Studios, The Tea Factory is set to strengthen the Midlands’ creative sector, supporting new jobs and attracting further investment to the region. BBC commissioned analysis forecasts that its recent investment in Digbeth and the West Midlands will add £282 million of economic benefit by 2032. Gerard Ludlow, Director at Stoford, said: “Working with The Gooch Estate, Aviva Investors and Birmingham City Council, we’ve taken a building with real history and given it a new purpose, one that we hope will have a lasting impact on Digbeth and the wider Birmingham creative scene. “There have been challenges along the way, particularly in adapting a building like this to meet the BBC’s needs, but that makes the end result all the more significant. To have the BBC as an occupier says a lot about the quality of what’s been delivered, and we are thankful to our professional team and BAM for helping us get here. “The Tea Factory is an important first step for the wider Typhoo Wharf plans, and we’re looking forward to continuing that journey over the coming years.” Jason Horton, Chief Operating Officer for BBC Nations, said: “This marks a major milestone on the journey towards our new home in Digbeth, a 100-year-old industrial building being brought back to life as a sustainable broadcasting and digital production centre. “It underlines our commitment to the West Midlands, one of the BBC’s priority creative clusters, and to supporting investment and skills development across the region. “I’m looking forward to the Tea Factory opening its doors and helping to scale up the ambition of turning Digbeth into a world-class creative quarter.” Neil Dobson, Director, Transactions, at Aviva Investors, said: “We are really pleased this development has reached completion and to have seen all parties working tirelessly to deliver it. This is an investment we expect to provide long-term, inflation-linked cashflows, secured against a world class facility. “Designed and built with top sustainability credentials whilst maintaining the heritage of the original 1930s building, it is a great example of Aviva Investors using its investment activity to create world-class facilities and a flagship production centre for the national broadcaster in one of the UK’s key regions for the creative industries, whilst also delivering great investment outcomes.” Joanne Roney CBE, Managing Director Birmingham City Council, said: “The Tea Factory is a powerful symbol of Birmingham’s ambition — a heritage landmark reimagined as a world-class home for the BBC and a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Digbeth. This project shows what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared vision, and it strengthens the city’s position as a thriving hub for the UK’s creative industries. The completion of this first phase at Typhoo Wharf unlocks new opportunities for jobs, investment and innovation, and marks an exciting step forward in Birmingham’s long-term growth.” Mike Lyons, the Chair of the Enterprise Zone Partnership Board, said: “The Enterprise Zone Partnership Board is extremely pleased to see the transformation of the former and derelict Typhoo building, supported by £16.6 million of Enterprise Zone funding, to bring this iconic building back into use, offering a high quality bespoke home to one of the cities important employers, the BBC, and supporting the creation of a cluster of digital business and job creation. “Digbeth is a key growth area in the Enterprise Zone, and with the arrival of HS2 which will transform the economic growth potential for Digbeth, the area needs to deliver high quality growth at city scale to allow the market to attract high value employers and help Digbeth to become a desirable investment location. The redevelopment of the former Typhoo tea factory is a key catalyst to achieve this.” For more information, visit: https://www.typhoowharf.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Chartway hands over the last of 400 new homes at Whitstable Heights in Whitstable
Chartway Partnerships Group has completed the handover of 400 new homes at Whitstable Heights to the Hyde Group, creating a new community for Whitstable. Located off the Thanet Way, the scheme has been delivered through the long-standing partnership between Chartway and Hyde. It provides a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes for outright sale, shared ownership, affordable rent and social rent. The development also delivers affordable and social rented homes beyond Section 106 requirements, made possible through Hyde’s strategic relationship with Homes England and Canterbury City Council. Alongside the new homes, the development includes around 20 hectares of public open space, featuring meadow planting, walking routes, play areas, a multi-use games area, a miniature football pitch and community allotments. Environmental improvements have been a key part of the project, with more than 5,800 trees planted across the site, alongside an extension to Duncan Down. This has created a lasting village green, which has been handed over to Canterbury City Council for long-term stewardship as community open space, in partnership with the Friends of Duncan Down. Social value has been embedded throughout the construction of Whitstable Heights. Chartway supported improvements to Whitstable’s Umbrella Centre community facility, carrying out electrical upgrades and internal refurbishment works. By prioritising local supply chains for goods, trades and services, as well as providing training opportunities for subcontractors on site and employing five apprentices, the project has generated more than £2.3 million in value for the local economy. Construction began in 2021 and the development has gradually taken shape over the past five years as residents have moved in and the neighbourhood has grown. Hannah, a new resident who moved to Whitstable Heights through the shared ownership programme, said: “Moving here was a big decision, especially with three children, but it’s honestly the best thing we’ve ever done. Shared ownership has given us real security and a proper foundation as a family. The children have so much more freedom, and we’re just happier, we love it here and can really see this as our forever home.” She added: “There’s such a strong sense of community here, everyone is so friendly and looks out for each other. The children have made friends so quickly and are always out playing together, and things like the allotments have really brought people together. It doesn’t feel like a big development at all, it feels like a proper neighbourhood, and that’s really special.” Graham Chivers, Group Chief Executive Officer at Chartway Partnerships Group, said: “Whitstable Heights has grown into a fantastic new neighbourhood and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the development now complete with residents settled into their homes.” As well as providing a wide range of homes, the scheme has created generous green spaces and facilities that will support the community for years to come. I’m hugely proud of the team who have worked so hard to bring this project to life.” Jaime Buckley, Group Development Director at Hyde, said: “Whitstable Heights has delivered much-needed homes for local people in an area where housing demand continues to grow. Developments like this play an important role in helping more people access high-quality, well-designed homes. Working alongside Chartway, we’ve been able to bring forward a scheme that provides a range of housing opportunities while contributing to the long-term growth of the local area.” With the final homes now complete, Whitstable Heights stands as an outstanding example of how partnership working can deliver well-designed homes alongside green space and community infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Landmark laboratory building at the University of Southampton Science Park tops out
The University of Southampton Science Park marked a major construction milestone on 14 April with the topping out of Infinity Labs, a landmark development set to redefine innovation space in the Central South economy. Designed by Scott Brownrigg, the new multi‑tenancy building will deliver 3,400 sqm of much‑needed laboratory accommodation at the Science Park’s entrance. The traditional topping‑out ceremony celebrated the completion of Infinity Labs’ distinctive curved steel frame, designed to symbolise the flow of ideas and collaboration. The building will also serve as a gateway for future development across the Science Park. The event brought together over fifty key stakeholders from across the region including representatives from local council, businesses, academia, project team and supply chain partners. A keynote speech was delivered by Cllr Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council. A highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic tightening of a bolt on the roof of the building with a golden spanner undertaken by Cllr Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council. The moment represented the completion of the building’s highest structural point and served as a powerful acknowledgement of the collaboration and dedication demonstrated by all involved. Guests were also invited to sign the structure’s uppermost steel beam. CEO of Southampton Science Park, Dr Robin Chave, said, “Southampton Science Park is the only commercial space in the Central South region that is dedicated to the needs of science and technology businesses. Our multi-million-pound investment in Infinity Labs boosts our offering further by providing the vital laboratory space needed to equip the South-Central economy for growth and enterprise through scientific discovery. Today, we reached a major milestone in our work to achieve this goal. On behalf of the Science Park team, I thank everyone involved in the project so far and those who are yet to work on it this year. This building design is ingenious, offering technically optimised space for a healthy, productive and sustainably focused working environment, strategically located in an entrepreneurial setting geared up for breakthrough performance. We cannot wait to welcome our first residents to Infinity Labs!” Cllr Nick Adams-King, Leader of Hampshire County Council, was keynote speaker at the event. He said, “This is a major milestone in the development of the Infinity Labs at Southampton Science Park. Once finished, they will enhance the Science Park’s already significant innovation offer by providing purpose-built places especially designed to support the complex, evolving needs of science, technology and research and design organisations. This is a brilliant addition to the local economic eco-system, helping to retain Hampshire and the Solent’s place as a leading player in the Country’s economy.” Managing Director of main contractor, Amiri Construction, Jon Daines, commented, “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone on the project. Reaching this stage safely and successfully reflects the strength of our partnership and the shared ambition to deliver a high-quality development. Today’s ceremony also provided an opportunity to thank the workforce and reflect on the journey so far, while looking ahead to the next phase of the build, including the cladding and internal works. With the structure now complete, Infinity Labs continues to progress on programme, maintaining strong momentum towards its anticipated completion in later in the year.’’ Amy Bourne, Associate at Scott Brownrigg said: “What was once a vision on paper is now a tangible gateway presence. As the building emerges from the landscape and curves around the approach road, it truly invites you into the Park. A strong connection to nature was a key part of the design and, as the façade progresses, this is now evident in the views of the beautiful surroundings captured within the offices and laboratories. We are excited to see the rest of the building take shape over this year.” Infinity Labs is designed to meet the evolving needs of science, technology and R&D‑led businesses, combining high‑specification laboratory, office and collaborative space within a single, visually striking facility. Named to reflect the limitless potential of successful technology businesses, the flagship building will further enhance the offer of one of the UK’s top three science parks. Construction of Infinity Labs is on target to complete at the end of 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
