
Fuse Energy acquires 20MW solar farm from Caerphilly County Borough Council to power 6,000 homes and accelerate grid flexibility
Savills Earth Capital Advisory (SECA) has advised Caerphilly County Borough Council (Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili) on the sale of Cwm Ifor Solar Farm, a fully consented 20MW solar project located near Caerphilly, South Wales, to Fuse Energy, one of the UK’s fastest-growing energy suppliers, for an undisclosed sum. The project is expected to connect to the grid in December 2026, with the potential to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 6,000 homes annually. Cllr Amanda McConnell, Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, says, “This agreement is an important step in tackling the climate emergency and increasing renewable energy in Caerphilly. The Cwm Ifor Solar Farm could power around 6,000 homes with clean electricity, while supporting a more flexible and resilient energy system. We’re pleased to be working with Fuse Energy to bring this project forward and deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits for our communities.” Henry Grant, Director, Savills Earth Capital Advisory, comments, “We’re pleased to have supported the Local Authority with this transaction. Investor appetite for solar remains strong as these projects continue to play a critical role in accelerating the UK’s transition to a low carbon energy system.” The acquisition expands Fuse Energy’s growing renewable portfolio with a current 1GW pipeline across solar and wind projects. It follows the company’s strategy to integrate generation, infrastructure, and supply under one roof, aimed at reducing costs passed onto the consumer and improving energy system efficiency. Fuse Energy plans to develop Cwm Ifor using in-house engineering, procurement and construction. A previous solar project was recently completed by the company at a 30% lower cost per MW peak than industry average. The Cwm Ifor Solar Farm project marks a significant step in scaling Fuse Energy’s renewable generation portfolio and advancing a lower-cost energy system in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Tower Hamlets Lines Up £500m Housing Upgrade Programme
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is preparing to launch a major £500m housing works programme, aimed at improving homes, strengthening compliance and delivering long-term investment across its residential estate. The east London council has placed contractors on alert ahead of a formal procurement process expected to begin this summer. The programme will support Tower Hamlets’ wider capital investment plans and is set to cover a broad range of major works, including housing refurbishments, fire safety improvements and essential building upgrades. The council plans to divide the programme into eight major contracts, creating a substantial pipeline of work for contractors with experience in residential refurbishment, compliance-led improvements and estate renewal. The scope is expected to include fire-prevention installations, electrical upgrades, plumbing works and wider overhaul projects across the borough’s housing stock. Initial contracts are expected to run from October 2027 to November 2031. However, the framework could be extended in phases through to 2041, creating the potential for a 14-year delivery programme. This would provide Tower Hamlets with a long-term route to procure planned investment works while giving the market greater visibility over future opportunities. Tower Hamlets is expected to use the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. The approach allows more flexibility in the procurement process, including scope for dialogue and negotiation with bidders during the tender stage. This could help the council shape contract delivery around its estate requirements, compliance priorities and value-for-money objectives. A procurement launch briefing has been scheduled for 10.30am on 16 June at Tower Hamlets Town Hall in Whitechapel. The event will give interested firms an overview of the proposed procurement structure, the council’s housing stock profile and the indicative scope of the contracts. The formal tender notice is currently expected to be issued on 3 August. The programme represents a significant opportunity for contractors operating in housing maintenance, retrofit, fire safety and refurbishment. It also underlines the scale of investment required by local authorities as they work to improve ageing housing stock, meet evolving safety standards and provide better homes for residents. Once underway, the Tower Hamlets programme is expected to play a central role in delivering safer, more efficient and better-maintained council housing across the borough. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Prologis and George Clarke launch campaign as major DIRFT construction programme gathers pace
Prologis UK has partnered with TV presenter and architect George Clarke on a new content campaign designed to challenge perceptions of logistics buildings and bring greater visibility to one of the UK’s most essential but often overlooked sectors. The campaign includes a new brand film, The Power of Logistics, and a six-part docuseries, Logistics Unboxed. Fronted by Clarke, the series goes behind the scenes at Prologis RFI DIRFT, where 1.8 million sq ft of logistics space is currently under construction. Across the series, Clarke follows the development journey from groundwork through to completion, exploring the design, engineering, sustainability and specialist expertise behind modern logistics spaces. George Clarke said: “Most people don’t think about logistics buildings, but they are part of the hidden architecture of everyday life. Once you get behind the scenes, the scale, design and engineering involved is genuinely fascinating. These are spaces that keep the country moving, and I’m excited to help tell that story with Prologis.” The campaign launches as activity at Prologis RFI DIRFT continues to gather pace, with three build-to-suit developments under construction for Marks & Spencer, XPO / Arla and Laura James alongside the speculatively developed DC107. Prologis is also continuing to progress the wider development of DIRFT, including work linked to the completion of Phase III and the progression of future phases. Together, the activities underway underline the scale of activity at DIRFT and its role as one of the UK’s most important logistics locations. Paul Weston, Regional, Head at Prologis UK, said: “Warehouses are part of the infrastructure of everyday life, but they are rarely seen by the wider UK population who rely on them. We wanted to open up the story behind these buildings and show the thought, innovation and expertise that goes into creating them. George brings genuine curiosity, credibility and a passion for the built environment, making him the ideal partner for this campaign.” Logistics Unboxed is now available via Prologis UK’s website and on social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Study Inn Wins Student Accommodation Operator of the Year at RESI Awards 2026
Study Inn has been named Student Accommodation Operator of the Year at the Property Week RESI Awards 2026, widely regarded as one of the most distinguished accolades in the UK’s residential property market. The award highlights operators who are truly setting the standard, delivering exceptional resident experiences, driving innovation, and going beyond expectations in an increasingly competitive market. The judges commented: “Study Inn truly sets the benchmark in student accommodation, delivering exceptional service backed by outstanding resident satisfaction scores. With an innovative all-inclusive model and a market-leading wellbeing offer, they have created a best-in-class student experience.” Matt Shakespeare, Managing Director of Operations at Study Inn, commented: “We continually evolve our offering to meet the needs of our guests, and this award is an endorsement of our intense focus on making sure every resident feels safe, supported and truly at home. It’s a testament to our team’s commitment in delivering our brand standards.” The RESI Awards celebrate innovation, excellence, and leadership across the UK residential property industry, recognising developers, investors, and operators who are making a meaningful impact. For Study Inn, this recognition reinforces its position as the leading serviced accommodation operator in the student sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

What Are the Top-Rated Solutions for Improving the Durability of Asphalt Pavements?
Asphalt pavements have to handle far more stress today than they did decades ago. Heavier freight traffic, fluctuating temperatures, moisture intrusion and tighter municipal budgets have all placed additional pressure on road networks. Therefore, building asphalt pavements that last can be challenging. You need the right product that can extend pavement life, reduce maintenance costs and improve long-term return on investment. Here are the top-rated solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements. 1. Reinforcement Fiber by FORTA FORTA introduced synthetic reinforcement fibers to the U.S. in 1978 and has been developing the technology ever since. Its asphalt solution, FORTA-FI, remains one of the most recognized solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements. Designed for airports, highways, streets, and industrial parking lots, FORTA-FI creates a three-dimensional reinforcement matrix within asphalt mixes to help reduce thermal, reflective, and fatigue cracking, as well as rutting and raveling. The synthetic fiber blend can extend pavement life by up to 50% and has a tensile strength five times that of steel. It also integrates into existing batch and drum plant operations without disrupting production efficiency. Key Features 2. Polymer Modified Asphalt Binders by Dow Dow offers polymer-modified asphalt technologies, ideal for roads that need to survive heavy traffic, changing climates and constant wear without demanding endless maintenance. Its award-winning ELVALOY RET Polymers improve asphalt flexibility, cracking resistance and rutting performance. The company also incorporates post-consumer recycled plastics into its asphalt solutions, turning waste into high-performance pavement additives that support circular-economy goals. These technologies are already used in projects across the U.S., Indonesia and India as part of its ambition to help collect, reuse or recycle a million tons of plastic by 2030. Key Features 3. Geogrid Reinforcement Systems by Tensar Tensar is improving the durability of asphalt pavements by strengthening what sits beneath the surface. Its GlasGrid and GlasPave systems act as a hidden reinforcement layer between asphalt courses, helping pavements resist reflective cracking, moisture intrusion and long-term fatigue. Traditional overlays typically delay cracking by only about one year per inch of asphalt applied, but Tensar’s interlayer systems may extend service life far more efficiently. The open grid structure allows strong bonding between asphalt layers and transfers stress more efficiently across the pavement system. GlasPave paving mats also create a moisture barrier by limiting water infiltration into lower pavement layers. Key Features 4. Warm Mix Asphalt by BoDean Company BoDean Company’s Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology proves that cooler can sometimes be better. While traditional asphalt is typically produced at temperatures above 320° Fahrenheit, the company lowers production temperatures to below 275° Fahrenheit by injecting atomized water molecules into hot binder oil. That reduction helps eliminate blue smoke, cuts CO2 emissions and lowers energy consumption, but still preserves the asphalt binder against excessive oxidation. Because WMA cools more slowly than traditional hot mix asphalt, your crews can pave more effectively in colder weather and transport material farther without worrying about rapid temperature loss. Plus, it requires fewer roller passes for compaction, which enhances productivity and worker safety. Key Features 5. Asphalt Rejuvenators by Pavement Technology, Inc. Pavement Technology, Inc. has focused on asphalt rejuvenation since 1972, when it began refining the application of Reclamite, the original maltene Deplacement Technology. Instead of simply coating pavement surfaces, Reclamite chemically restores the maltene components that asphalt loses over time. Therefore, it helps improve flexibility, adhesion and durability. The company later expanded into sustainability-focused preservation with A.R.A.-1 Ti/PlusTI Asphalt Rejuvenator, introduced in 2017 as America’s first titanium-dioxide-enhanced asphalt rejuvenator. Along with slowing pavement oxidation, the technology can reduce nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and heat absorption linked to urban heat effects. Key Features Quick Comparison Table of the Top Asphalt Durability Products The following is how the top-rated solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements compare side by side. Company Solution Type Product Main Benefit FORTA Reinforcement Fiber FORTA-FI Tensile strength is five times that of steel, and can extend pavement life by up to 50% Dow Polymer Modified Asphalt Binders ELVALOY RET Improves flexibility and resistance to aging Tensar Geogrid Reinforcement Systems GlasGrid and GlasPave systems Reinforces overlays and mitigates reflective cracking BoDean Company Warm Mix Asphalt Warm Mix Asphalt Lowers oxidation and improves compaction Pavement Technology, Inc. Asphalt Rejuvenators Reclamite/PlusTi Restores asphalt flexibility and slows oxidation Criteria of the Solutions for Improving the Durability of Asphalt Pavements The companies and solutions in this list meet several factors, including: Frequently Asked Questions Here are some commonly asked questions about asphalt pavements. Q: How long should a well-designed asphalt pavement last? A: A well-designed asphalt pavement can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, depending on traffic loads, climate conditions, drainage quality and maintenance practices. Preventive maintenance and reinforcement technologies can significantly extend service life. Q: What causes asphalt pavements to fail prematurely? A: Poor drainage, insufficient compaction, heavy traffic loads, thermal cracking, oxidation and weak subgrade conditions typically cause premature pavement failure. Q: Why is compaction important for asphalt durability? A: Proper compaction reduces air voids within the pavement. Excessive voids allow moisture infiltration and oxidation, both of which accelerate pavement deterioration. Paving the Way Forward The five solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements on this list can help roads last longer while facing heavier traffic, harsher environmental conditions and tighter maintenance budgets. Choosing the right one for your needs can lead to fewer repairs, lower life cycle costs and more resilient infrastructure that performs better for years to come.

Developer sought for major Cheshire town centre residential scheme
A former grammar school site, latterly used as a business centre, in Winsford Town Centre, Cheshire has been brought to market as a residential development opportunity. Cheshire West & Cheshire Council has appointed CBRE as its agent for Verdin Exchange. Verdin Exchange is a 51,968 sq ft listed red-brick building dating back to 1895 on an extensive 3.89 acre site fronting the town’s High Street (A54). Originally built as a technical school and latterly used as a business centre, the site has been identified as prime for redevelopment as a residential-led scheme, subject to planning. Initial feasibility work highlights the site’s potential for a blend of one, two and three-bedroom apartments set across the existing building and two new-builds, complemented by landscaped amenity space and high-quality public realm. The development could create a sustainable living environment in an established and well-connected Cheshire location, adjacent to the recently redeveloped Winsford Cross Shopping Centre, at the heart of the town’s ongoing regeneration. The scheme represents a rare opportunity to combine the conversion of a heritage asset with new-build development, enabling the creation of a distinctive residential destination within a revitalised town centre setting. Neil Kirkham, Head of Liverpool Office at CBRE commented: “Verdin Exchange represents a compelling opportunity to deliver a high-quality residential scheme in a well-connected and evolving Cheshire town. The combination of a prominent town centre location, strong transport links and the character of the existing building provides developers with the chance to create a truly distinctive place to live. With capacity for a mix of apartment types alongside landscaped amenity and public realm improvements, this is a site that can make a meaningful contribution to Winsford’s continued regeneration.” The site is being offered for sale on a freehold basis, with interest sought from developers capable of bringing forward a deliverable, design-led scheme. Verdin Exchange is being marketed on an all enquiries basis, but recognises there is a strong residential development opportunity. Gemma Davies, Director of Economy and Housing, Cheshire West & Chester Council “The Verdin Exchange is an iconic and much-loved building in Winsford town centre. Its striking architecture makes it a Winsford icon and it is a building that the community is keen to see open its doors again. Cheshire West & Chester Council is seeking a developer who can support its goal to safeguard the future of Verdin Exchange and give it a new lease of life by restoring the listed building and maintaining and enhancing the community uses of the site. Ensuring this building can play its part in the vitality and vibrancy of the town long into the future. The first phase of regeneration works has already been a real success story and we’re excited to see what comes forward from developers for the Verdin Exchange to support us in achieving our ambitions for this great town that Winsford residents now and in the future can be proud of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
