Pexhurst supports Prologis refurbishment programme across three sites
HELPING modernise existing building stock for the next generation of customers, leading fit-out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst is set to complete more than 127,000 sq ft of refurbishment works across three Prologis logistics facilities this summer. The projects span the West Midlands and the Home Counties, the largest of which is a 104,500 sq ft distribution centre at Prologis Park Marston Gate, Milton Keynes. Undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment to transform a building dating back to the late 1990s, works include a full strip-out, replacement mechanical and electrical systems, new plumbing, upgraded office and warehouse accommodation, refreshed breakout spaces, transport drivers’ facilities and new outdoor seating areas to support employee wellbeing. The refurbishment work across all three projects will improve the buildings’ energy performance, as minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) continue to tighten ahead of a 2031 deadline. Solar PV panels and EV charging infrastructure are being installed, alongside the use of more sustainable materials throughout the projects. Ashley Williams, associate director at Pexhurst, said: “The size and layout of Prologis buildings may vary, but the quality of refurbishment remains consistent across every project, and that’s where Pexhurst has built its expertise. “Refurbishing existing buildings extends their lifespan, improves their energy performance and delivers high-quality logistics facilities that are ready for customers with minimal additional investment.” Since completing its first project for Prologis in 2016, Pexhurst has refurbished 23 units across the Midlands, London and the Home Counties. Paul Johnson, construction director at Prologis, said: “Investing in our existing portfolio is an important part of how we continue to meet customer demand while improving the sustainability and performance of our buildings. Having trusted partners who can consistently deliver high-quality refurbishment projects is essential, and Pexhurst has proven that across a wide range of schemes.” To find out more about Pexhurst and its full range of services, visit: www.pexhurst.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Greenwich Peninsula Plans Advance with Twin Student and Co-Living Towers
A major mixed-use development could reshape part of the Greenwich Peninsula after developer Tribe submitted plans for two high-rise towers that would deliver student accommodation, co-living homes and affordable housing close to the Silvertown Tunnel. Designed by CJCT, the proposed scheme would transform a vacant site on Millennium Way into a high-density residential development, contributing new homes and purpose-built student accommodation within one of London’s fastest-growing regeneration areas. The plans include a 27-storey tower providing 673 purpose-built student bedrooms alongside a 23-storey building comprising 380 co-living homes. An additional 80 affordable homes also form part of the wider development, helping to support Greenwich’s housing requirements while responding to increasing demand for flexible urban living. Located adjacent to the Silvertown Tunnel approach roads and opposite the former gasholder site, the development occupies a strategic location within the wider Greenwich Peninsula regeneration programme, where thousands of new homes, commercial buildings and public spaces are planned. Planning documents submitted with the application highlight a significant shortage of student accommodation across the area, identifying a deficit of 1,871 student bedspaces within the wider catchment and around 581 within Greenwich itself, even after taking account of schemes currently in the pipeline. The proposals have also received support from Ravensbourne University, which has stated that demand for student accommodation remains exceptionally strong, reinforcing the need for additional high-quality housing for students studying in southeast London. For the construction and property sectors, the development reflects the continued growth of London’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and co-living markets, with developers increasingly delivering mixed-tenure schemes that combine student housing, residential accommodation and affordable homes within a single masterplan. The Tribe proposals are the latest in a series of significant developments planned across the Greenwich Peninsula. Nearby projects include Scape’s proposed three-tower student accommodation scheme on the former gasholder site, Fairview’s revised plans for Boord Street and Knight Dragon’s wider masterplan, which includes around 1,000 student bedrooms alongside extensive residential, commercial and leisure development. Together, these projects demonstrate the growing importance of the Greenwich Peninsula as one of London’s leading regeneration locations, where investment in residential-led mixed-use developments continues to support housing delivery, educational growth and long-term economic regeneration. If approved, the latest scheme would add further momentum to the transformation of the Peninsula, creating a diverse mix of accommodation while strengthening the area’s role as a major destination for students, residents and investment within the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beyond Housing partners with 0800 to improve efficiency to over 500 homes
More than 500 homes across North Yorkshire and Tees Valley are set to receive energy efficiency home improvements, making them warmer, more efficient and lowering energy bills for residents. The programme of works will include retrofit assessments and upgrades such as cavity wall and loft insulation, improved ventilation, installation of smart thermostats, low-energy lighting and more. Beyond Housing has partnered with heating and renewable specialists, 0800 Repair, who have recently won a number of contracts with housing association and local authority clients including Home Group, North Star Housing Group, Northumberland County Council and Gateshead Borough Council. The 12-month contract, with an option to extend for a further one year, was awarded to the Houghton-le-Spring headquartered company through the CHIC Framework (Communities and Housing Investment Consortium) via a direct award. Work is due to start this week with selected homes in Scarborough and Whitby and Michael Pallister, Operations Director at 0800 Repair, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Beyond Housing on this energy efficiency contract, which extends our excellent working relationship of delivering cavity wall insulation to homes. Our experienced team are looking forward to working in residents homes to deliver these improvements. “As part of the agreement, we are also committed to delivering social value, including educational workshops in schools located within the communities where we are carrying out home improvement works.” Jamie Whitaker, Asset Sustainability Manager at, said: “Beyond Housing is delighted to be partnering with 0800 Repair on our largest energy efficiency improvement programme to date, supporting the forthcoming Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards by 2030. “The project will improve more than 500 homes across Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, with measures including loft and wall insulation, energy-efficient lighting, smart heating controls and more. By improving the energy performance of our homes, we aim to help customers reduce energy consumption, lower their household bills and enjoy warmer, healthier living environments. “We look forward to working closely with 0800 Repair to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for our customers and communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-Winning Interior Designer Mia Karlsson-Matthews Joins Fit Out Awards UK 2026 Judging Panel
The Fit Out Awards UK 2026 has strengthened its expert judging panel with the appointment of acclaimed interior designer Mia Karlsson-Matthews, Founder and Director of Mia Karlsson Interior Design, as preparations continue for one of the UK’s leading celebrations of excellence across the fit out and interiors sector. Based in London, Karlsson-Matthews brings more than 20 years of award-winning design experience to the judging process, having built an internationally recognised practice renowned for creating bespoke residential interiors that combine Scandinavian functionality with contemporary luxury. Originally from Sweden, she established Mia Karlsson Interior Design in 2004, developing a distinctive design philosophy centred on intelligent space planning, craftsmanship and timeless interiors. Since then, the studio has successfully completed more than 300 residential projects, earning a reputation for delivering highly personalised environments that balance aesthetics with practical living. Her work has featured extensively in leading interior design publications, reflecting the studio’s consistent commitment to quality and innovation across a diverse portfolio of high-end residential commissions. Karlsson-Matthews also brings strong academic and professional credentials to the judging panel. She holds a first-class degree in Interior Design and Technology and is a prominent member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). As a former BIID Board Director, she has also played an influential role in supporting the continued development of professional standards across the UK’s interior design and interior architecture sectors. Her appointment further strengthens an already distinguished judging panel for the Fit Out Awards UK 2026, which brings together leading experts from across architecture, workplace design, sustainability, academia and the wider built environment. The awards programme features 32 categories recognising excellence across every aspect of the fit out industry, including commercial office fit out projects, hospitality, healthcare, retail, residential and conservation, alongside awards celebrating sustainability, collaboration, product innovation and overall project delivery. Karlsson-Matthews joins Judging Coordinator Ann-Marie Aguilar of IWBI alongside Vanessa Brady of SBID, Vyvyan Byrne of VB Design, Dr Eshrar Latif of Cardiff University, Giuseppe Parito of Studio Seilern Architects, Professor Robert Schmidt III of Loughborough University and Lydia Szewczyk of IWBI. For the construction, architecture and interior fit out sectors, the awards continue to showcase the outstanding talent, innovation and technical expertise shaping the UK’s built environment. The appointment of experienced industry professionals such as Mia Karlsson-Matthews reinforces the awards’ commitment to recognising projects that demonstrate exceptional quality, creativity and excellence in design and delivery. The Fit Out Awards UK 2026 will culminate in a gala ceremony on 24 September 2026 at the Park Plaza London Riverbank, where the industry’s leading designers, contractors, architects and suppliers will come together to celebrate the year’s most outstanding achievements in fit out and interior design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Egis secures Yorkshire Water framework appointment
Egis in the UK & Ireland has landed a major contract with Yorkshire Water, securing a place on its Technical Services and Assurance Framework. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the firm, reinforcing its water sector growth plans. The multi-year contract will support Yorkshire Water’s Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) investment programme, providing access to specialist engineering, asset management and technical assurance expertise to help deliver critical infrastructure improvements and strengthen long-term asset health across the region. Commencing on 1 July, Egis has been appointed to Lot 1 of the £80 million framework, which has been established to provide Yorkshire Water with specialist technical support as it delivers its AMP8 investment priorities. The contract will run until 2030, with options to extend for a further two years. Under Lot 1, which is worth a combined £12.7 million of the framework, Egis will provide project-level engineering and design services, including feasibility testing, optioneering and construction support. The work will span a range of disciplines including civil, mechanical and electrical design. The appointment further strengthens Egis’s growing presence in the water sector, building on its long-standing work with Uisce Éireann in Ireland, ongoing commitments with Severn Trent Water and involvement with major international water projects. Egis’s collaborative approach was a key factor in securing the appointment. The firm works closely with clients, partners and stakeholders from the earliest stages of project development, ensuring that priorities are aligned, challenges are addressed proactively, and solutions deliver shared outcomes for customers, communities and the environment. Through the framework, Egis will draw on its expertise in storm overflow mitigation, pollution reduction and asset health resilience, combining local knowledge with international best practice. This flexible and responsive approach will enable Yorkshire Water to access specialist capabilities as programme requirements evolve throughout AMP8. Michael Timmins, Director of Water at Egis in the UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Yorkshire Water to help deliver one of the water sector’s largest and most ambitious Asset Management Period programmes. “This framework win represents an important milestone for Egis, and we look forward to bringing together expertise from across the UK, Ireland and our global network to support Yorkshire Water in improving asset health, enhancing environmental performance and delivering positive outcomes for customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Essential Role of Private Certification in Housing Development
Getting a housing development approved in Australia can be challenging. Whether it’s a small renovation or a large construction project, making sure everything follows the National Construction Code (NCC) and local rules is complicated. For many years, local councils were the only ones who handled this. But now, things have changed. Private certification is a key option that makes the process faster, more efficient, and smoother for projects to get started. Why Private Certifiers Matter Private certifiers are independent experts who are approved to check and sign off on building plans, do required inspections, and issue occupation certificates. They do the same regulatory work as a council building surveyor, but they run their own businesses. This difference means they can offer a level of service and specialisation that busy local councils often can’t match. Their job isn’t to help developers cut corners. Instead, they give expert advice and do thorough checks to make sure a project is safe, accessible, and compliant. Bringing in an experienced Building Certifier is a smart move for developers. It helps ensure their project follows all the right codes from the very beginning. These professionals are a single point of contact throughout the whole construction process, from the first design review to the final sign-off. This continuous involvement means they understand the project better. It also helps avoid misunderstandings or delays that can happen when you’re dealing with many different departments in a larger organisation. Speeding Up Housing Approvals In construction, time is money, and approval delays can be costly. Private certifiers often provide faster approvals than councils because they focus solely on building certification rather than balancing multiple public services. They also offer more flexible inspection scheduling, helping projects stay on track. For builders and developers, this faster, more efficient process supports better cash flow and helps deliver new homes sooner. Complying Development Certificates A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is one of the fastest approval pathways for projects that meet specific state planning standards. It combines planning and construction approval, removing the need for a full Development Application (DA). Private certifiers can assess and issue CDCs for eligible projects, including new homes, granny flats, swimming pools, renovations, extensions, and some small commercial or industrial developments. This pathway is a key part of efforts to make housing construction more efficient. As the industry looks for better ways to build homes, streamlining approval processes is becoming increasingly important. If a project meets all the CDC requirements, a certifier can approve it in as little as 20 days. Avoiding Common Pitfalls A good private certifier does more than just approve plans; they actively help manage risks. By involving a certifier early in the design phase, developers can spot and fix potential compliance problems before they become expensive issues. A certifier can look at early drawings and point out anything that doesn’t meet rules for fire safety, energy efficiency, disability access, or structural strength. Catching these issues early saves time and money by reducing the need for redesigns, resubmissions, and other setbacks that can lead to costly construction delays and affect project budgets and timelines. The expertise required for this role comes from a strong understanding of building codes, planning requirements, construction standards, and relevant industry qualifications. This knowledge allows certifiers to identify compliance issues early and help ensure projects progress smoothly from design through to completion. It also reduces the chance of defects or orders to stop work during construction by ensuring the project meets requirements from the foundation to the roof. Private certifiers offer a modern, efficient, and expert way to handle the complicated world of building approvals. For developers, builders, and even homeowners, working with the right professional can be the difference between a project that’s delayed and over budget, and one that’s finished smoothly, on time, and fully compliant.