Adaston and Synergize secure places on £695m national building safety framework
Yorkshire-based specialists Adaston and Synergize have both secured places on the £695m Procure Plus Framework. Harrogate-headquartered Adaston has been appointed to Lot 4 – Fire Precaution and Compartmentation Works National, while Synergize has secured a place on Lot 11 – External Fabric Improvements to Medium and High Rise Building. Both lots are part of the “Framework for Building Safety and Compliance Works, and Associated Consultancy Services”. The framework provides public sector organisations and housing providers with a compliant route to market for specialist building safety and refurbishment works, supporting faster procurement and access to pre-vetted contractors. Being part of the framework strengthens their ability to deliver compliant fire safety and building improvement projects for public sector clients across the UK. The dual appointment creates a unique combined offering across internal and external building safety works, enabling the two Yorkshire firms to support clients with integrated solutions spanning passive fire protection, fire doors, compartmentation, façade remediation and wider building modernisation works. Paul Ward, Acting Managing Director of Adaston, said: “Being appointed to the Procure Plus framework is an important strategic milestone for Adaston and reinforces our position as a trusted specialist in passive fire protection and compartmentation works. “Frameworks such as Procure Plus provide public sector clients with confidence that they are working with competent, compliant contractors who understand the complexities of modern building safety requirements. “This appointment also creates exciting opportunities to collaborate alongside Synergize to provide clients with a more holistic approach to fire safety and building compliance projects.” Mark Loftus, Managing Director of Synergize, said: “Securing a place on the Procure Plus framework is a significant achievement for Synergize and reflects the strength of our expertise in external building improvements and remediation works. “As demand continues to grow for specialist high-rise compliance and refurbishment solutions, frameworks like this are becoming increasingly important in helping housing providers and public sector organisations deliver projects efficiently and compliantly. “Together with Adaston, we can now offer a genuinely complementary service that addresses both the internal and external aspects of building safety and modernisation.” Procure Plus supports social housing providers and public sector bodies with compliant procurement solutions for building maintenance, compliance and capital works projects. The framework appointment comes amid continued growth for both businesses as demand increases for specialist remediation, compliance and refurbishment expertise following evolving building safety legislation and regulatory reform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Canmoor appoints Muir Group to deliver next stage of speculative 91,560 sq ft warehouse development at Westway
Work to commence this month on £15 million Westway Court scheme Canmoor has appointed Muir Group as the main contractor for the next phase of speculative development at Westway, adjacent to Glasgow Airport. The new £15 million development, known as Westway Court, will comprise of nine speculative warehouse / industrial units, ranging from 6,430 sq ft to 37,560 sq ft with the ability to combine up to 91,560 sq ft. The scheme will include three larger units and six smaller units, all featuring high-quality office accommodation, dedicated yards and car parking and access to a secure 24/7 managed estate. Construction is due to commence later this month, with completion targeted for Q3 2027. Gregor King, Canmoor’s Scotland Director at Westway said: “We have established a strong track record at Westway, having successfully completed more than 400,000 sq ft of top quality speculative development at the estate over the past few years, all of which has been let before practical completion. “Our continued commitment to speculative development reflects our confidence in Westway and the wider Glasgow market. Westway Court will provide much-needed best in class space and offer certainty to occupiers requiring relocation or expansion opportunities. “It will be a pleasure to be working with Muir Group once again on the delivery of this latest phase.” David Fairweather, Business Development Director of Muir Group added: “We are delighted to have been awarded another contract at Westway. We have extensive experience in delivering high-quality industrial developments and look forward to continuing our successful relationship with Canmoor.” Joint Leasing Agent, Iain Davidson, Director at Colliers, said: “With demand for prime located high quality industrial space remaining strong and availability limited, we anticipate strong demand from both local and national industrial and logistics occupiers across Scotland who are seeking modern, highly specified, sustainable industrial accommodation. “We would welcome early discussions with potential tenants, keen to secure new space to help drive operational efficiencies in their businesses” Designed with sustainability at its core, Westway Court is targeting EPC “A” and BREEAM “Excellent” ratings. Sustainability features will include electric vehicle charging points, provision for photovoltaic (PV) panels and air source heat pumps, complementing wider ESG initiatives across the Westway estate. The units will be constructed using a steel portal frame design and will provide clear internal heights of between eight and 10 metres. The accommodation will be suitable for a wide range of occupiers, including storage, manufacturing, distribution and service-based businesses. Westway Court will benefit from excellent connectivity, with quick and direct access to Junction 28 of the M8 via the Barnwell Street Bridge, as well as close proximity to Glasgow Airport and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). The development is expected to attract further inward investment and support additional employment opportunities within the area. Canmoor’s joint leasing agents are JLL and Colliers, with management by Knight Frank. For more information on Westway Court, please visit: HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Taylor Wimpey secures planning approval for 272 new homes at Alconbury Weald
Taylor Wimpey East Anglia has announced that it will bring 272 new homes to Alconbury Weald, just north of Huntingdon, after receiving planning approval. The new homes will be situated close to Alconbury Weald’s Runway Park, the former runway of RAF Alconbury, which will be a central part of the wider open space at Alconbury Weald. Taylor Wimpey’s new homes will provide a mix of one to five-bedroom homes including houses, apartments and townhouses. More than 12% of homes will be designated to affordable housing, including affordable rent and shared ownership. Taylor Wimpey’s planning application was approved by Huntingdonshire District Council in May 2026, with works due to commence in late summer 2026 and the first homes set to go on sale in March 2027. They will form part of the wider Alconbury Weald masterplan, which is set to deliver up to 6,500 homes, local employment, education and community facilities. Andrew Wright, Acting Technical and Planning Director at Taylor Wimpey East Anglia, said:“We’re pleased to have received planning approval for our new homes at Alconbury Weald. The development already has a thriving community of new homes, open green space and community facilities that we’re proud to become a part of. Not only will we be building 272 new homes at Alconbury Weald, but we will also be contributing to the 700 acres of open space with our own pocket park. “We look forward to work commencing shortly and seeing the Alconbury Weald community continue to grow.” Mike Jenner, Development Manager for Alconbury Weald master developer Urban&Civic, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Taylor Wimpey to Alconbury Weald. These will be their first homes here, further expanding the choice and diversity of homes available to those looking to join the Alconbury Weald community. Alongside new homes, Phase 3 will deliver a range of key amenities including a health centre, community centre and library, shops and services, a sports hub and the future Runway Park, supporting the continued growth of Alconbury Weald as a vibrant and well-connected place to live.” For further information and to register your interest in the new homes at Alconbury Weald, please visit: https://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/new-homes/cambridgeshire or https://www.alconbury-weald.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Crown Estate signs Dubarry of Ireland for new UK flagship store
Premium footwear and clothing brand to take 1,362 sq ft at 6 Conduit Street The Crown Estate has today announced the signing of Dubarry of Ireland for a new UK flagship store at 6 Conduit Street, just off Regent Street. Occupying 1,362 sq ft, Dubarry has signed a 6-year lease for the new store, which will open this summer. The move represents an expansion from Dubarry’s existing Sloane Square location, giving the brand a stronger presence in central London and a prominent position close to Regent Street. Founded in Galway in 1937, Dubarry combines traditional craftsmanship with technical performance across footwear, clothing and accessories, creating products designed for outdoor lifestyles and long-term wear. The brand launched its first physical retail space in Dublin in 2012, followed by its first UK store in London in 2013 and Cheltenham in 2016. The latest signing marks the next stage in its UK growth, following a recent opening in Edinburgh. Dubarry of Ireland is the latest heritage-led brand to join The Crown Estate’s West End portfolio, sitting alongside iconic names such as Burberry, Barbour, and Mulberry, and most recently British travel brand Antler, whose Regent Street store opened in April 2026. The signing reinforces The Crown Estate’s strategy to curate a strong mix of quality brands across the Regent Street area. Adjacent streets such as Conduit Street play an important role, providing a complementary location to Regent Street for brands seeking central London visibility, strong footfall and access to a broad customer base of shoppers, residents, office workers and visitors. Laura Thursfield, Retail Leasing Director at The Crown Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dubarry of Ireland to its new UK flagship store on Conduit Street. With its reputation for craftsmanship, quality and timeless design, the brand is ideally suited to the premium retail mix around Regent Street. “This signing reflects our continued focus on curating a balanced retail offer across the West End, bringing together established names, newer brands and evolving concepts that add variety, quality and character. This blend helps ensure the area continues to appeal to a broad range of visitors while maintaining its position as a world class destination for shopping, leisure and hospitality.” Michael Walsh, Marketing Director at Dubarry of Ireland, said: “Opening our new flagship store in The Crown Estate’s portfolio marks an exciting milestone for Dubarry. This location gives us the opportunity to showcase the full breadth of our collection in a setting that reflects both our heritage and our commitment to quality craftsmanship. As a brand with deep roots in Ireland, we are delighted to bring the Dubarry experience to one of London’s most prestigious retail destinations and look forward to welcoming both loyal customers and new audiences through our doors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
West Fraser and Kirkwood Timber Frame strengthen partnership to support UK offsite construction growth
A strong and reliable supply chain is essential to the continued growth of offsite construction in the UK, and the collaboration between West Fraser and Kirkwood Timber Frame Ltd is a clear example of how aligned partnerships are helping to deliver high-quality timber buildings at scale. Founded in August 2021, Kirkwood Timber Frame has quickly established itself as a dynamic manufacturer of open and closed panel timber frame systems, supplying projects across Scotland, the Highlands and Islands, and Northern England, with reach extending across the wider UK. Today, the business produces around 1,000 plots per year, serving a diverse client base including self-builders, SME developers, housing associations, and national housebuilders. Since partnering with West Fraser in 2023, Kirkwood has standardised on the manufacturer’s panel products, embedding them across its offsite production process. According to Managing Director, Malcolm Thomson, this has been key to maintaining quality and consistency at scale. “West Fraser supplies all our OSB and chipboard flooring. Their products run right through everything we produce – it’s fundamental to our system,” he said. SterlingOSB Zero plays a central structural role within Kirkwood’s systems, used in wall panels, roof applications, floor and roof cassettes. Its consistent performance and reliability support the precision manufacturing environment required for timber frame construction. Alongside this, CaberDek is also used across floor cassette systems, offering a robust, moisture-resistant decking solution with a built-in protective layer, reducing on-site labour, and protecting floors during installation. The products are delivered directly into Kirkwood’s manufacturing facility, where they are incorporated into factory-built kits before being transported to developments across Scotland and Northern England. These systems are used in a wide range of applications, including residential housing, care homes, sports pavilions and community buildings. Included among the company’s recent work, Kirkwood also contributed to the DIY SOS project in Manchester, helping to expand the Joshua Tree Family Centre in Cheshire, doubling the size of the facility to better support families affected by childhood cancer. Kirkwood’s supply relationship with West Fraser is managed through both direct engagement, working with Nigel Morris, and through merchant partners including Jewson and Huws Gray, ensuring a consistent and flexible procurement route. The collaboration was further showcased during the Timber Learning Journey, an industry initiative supported by the Structural Timber Association (STA). Designed to provide a holistic understanding of the timber supply chain, the programme brings together industry professionals to explore each stage of the process – from responsibly sourced raw materials through to manufacturing and installation. As part of the tour, participants visited both West Fraser and Kirkwood Timber Frame, gaining first-hand insight into how engineered wood panels are produced and then transformed into complete timber frame systems. “It really shows how everything connects,” Thomson added. “You see the materials being made, and then how they become finished structures ready for site. With the number of kits we’re producing, everything has to work together,” said Thomson. “West Fraser products allow us to deliver consistently, project after project.” For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dräger showcases advanced respiratory protection at Hillhead 2026
(Hillhead 2026, 23-25 June) Dräger, an international leader in medical and safety technology, will showcase a range of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) designed to protect construction and quarrying workers from harmful particles, gases and vapours. Central to Dräger’s lineup is the X-plore 8000. A versatile, customisable system, the X-plore 8000 combines a choice of blower units with headpieces including hoods, face shields, helmets, and welding visors, as well as a comprehensive selection of filters, charging options, carrying solutions, and accessories. The newly launched X-plore 8300 will be another important element of the Dräger’s stand. The smallest and lightest PAPR in its class, the 8300 is designed for safe and intuitive operation and easy cleaning. The rugged unit provides reliable respiratory protection, even in the demanding environments seen in construction and quarrying, and also offers excellent wearing and breathing comfort. Visitors will also be able to see how the Dräger X-plore 8500 blower unit provides respiratory protection and comfort without breathing resistance. Built for daily use in tough industrial environments, it combines robust construction with low-maintenance operation. A wide range of accessories makes the system fully customisable to specific workplace needs, and safety functions help minimise user errors while ensuring reliable protection. For hazardous atmospheres, the Dräger X-plore 8700 Ex is engineered for environments with flammable or combustible substances and potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX-certified, the unit is approved for use in Ex zones 1, 2, 21, and 22. Encapsulated electronics, anti-static materials, and smart supervisory controls ensure both safety and operational reliability in the most demanding conditions. Tom Pearson, Marketing Manager (Industry) Breathing Systems & Engineered Solutions at Dräger says Hillhead provides an excellent platform to demonstrate the breadth of Dräger’s expertise in respiratory protection: “Our X-plore PAPR range is built to deliver reliable, comfortable, and flexible protection for workers exposed to dust and hazardous particles, reflecting our commitment to safety in industrial environments.” Dräger’s stand is located at RC7 in the registration Pavillion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals