Cambridge’s Mill Yard reaches new heights with major topping out milestone
A key milestone has been reached in the development of Mill Yard in Cambridge, as MY Central – the scheme’s main office building – has officially topped out. The moment was marked by Railpen, development partner Socius and lead contractor Morgan Sindall Construction, who are working together to deliver the £180 million mixed-use campus. Located on Devonshire Road, the Mill Yard scheme will transform a central part of Cambridge into a sustainable new neighbourhood. The finished development will include three office buildings – MY North, South and Central – along with two residential buildings and a nursery, all arranged around a publicly accessible park. MY Central, a five-storey office building at the heart of the site, reached its topping out on Tuesday 10th March. To mark the occasion, members of the project team and local community visited the site and viewed the scheme from the newly completed roof. When complete, the development will provide around 110,000 sq ft of flexible workspace, 70 build-to-rent homes, a 2,100 sq ft nursery, as well as a restaurant, café and bakery, and an outdoor pavilion for community events. The workplaces will overlook landscaped gardens and are designed to support collaboration and innovation. Sustainability is a key priority, with targets including NABERS Design for Performance 5-star and BREEAM Outstanding ratings. All buildings at Mill Yard will be fully electric, powered by a combination of on-site and off-site renewable energy sources. Through its Intelligent Solutions approach and use of the CarboniCa digital tool, Morgan Sindall has reduced environmental impact, diverting 99 per cent of waste from landfill and aiming to achieve an embodied carbon saving of more than 5,000 tonnes. The project also aims for a 280 per cent biodiversity net gain, with features such as bat, bird and bee boxes, green roofs, hedgehog habitats and evergreen planting. In total, the development will offer 1.55 acres of publicly accessible green space, including more than 120 trees and a mix of edible and ornamental planting. The gardens will feature a community pavilion designed by George King Architects, along with a perimeter running track, secure cycle parking and end-of-journey facilities. Mill Yard is due for completion in 2027 and forms part of Railpen’s wider Cambridge innovation cluster. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO powers ahead with major data centre expansion in Slough and West London
SEGRO has announced further progress in its growing data centre programme, which now exceeds 2.5GW of planned capacity. The company has signed an agreement for a new powered shell data centre at the Slough Trading Estate, strengthening its long-standing presence at one of Europe’s largest data centre hubs. The development will deliver 30,000 sq m of space across three floors of data halls, along with a rooftop plant deck. Planning permission has already been secured through the estate’s Simplified Planning Zone, allowing the project to move forward efficiently. The facility will be built to high sustainability standards, with SEGRO targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The agreement also includes the provision of 50MVA of power once fully operational, with the customer contracting the supply directly. In a separate update, SEGRO confirmed that it has received planning committee approval for its first fully fitted data centre at SEGRO Premier Park in Park Royal. The scheme is being delivered in partnership with Pure Data Centres Group. The facility will benefit from 70MVA of incoming power and will incorporate energy-efficient design features, including closed-loop liquid cooling technology aimed at reducing water consumption. The partners will now continue working with stakeholders to finalise planning and secure a pre-let agreement. Andrew Pilsworth, Managing Director of Data Centres and Strategic Partnerships at SEGRO, said the latest developments highlight continued momentum in delivering on the company’s long-term data centre strategy. He noted that SEGRO’s established footprint at Slough Trading Estate, built up over two decades, combined with its planning framework, has enabled further expansion for an existing customer while making efficient use of a relatively compact site. He added that securing planning approval at Premier Park marks an important step in advancing both the joint venture project and SEGRO’s broader ambitions in fully fitted data centre developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
IKEA brings personalised home design to Dundee with new planning hub
IKEA has opened a new Plan and Order Point at Kingsway West Retail Park in Dundee, expanding its presence in Scotland. The new location focuses on helping customers plan kitchens, bedrooms and living spaces, offering tailored design consultations. Visitors can book a free appointment with in-store specialists or make use of self-service tools to create their own designs. Customers are able to order from IKEA’s full product range at the site, with options including next-day collection or home delivery. The store also includes a collection point for online orders, as well as a returns service. Kevin Coventry, Market Manager at IKEA, said the new space has been created to inspire customers while showcasing kitchen ranges and smart storage solutions. He added that the aim is to provide affordable home furnishing options suited to a wide range of needs. The Dundee opening is part of IKEA’s broader UK expansion plans. Over the past year, the retailer has launched seven new locations, including city centre stores in London’s Oxford Street and in Brighton, Plan and Order Points in Hull and York, and smaller format retail park stores in Harlow, Norwich and Chester. The new site strengthens IKEA’s footprint in Scotland, complementing its existing stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with a further Plan and Order Point planned for Aberdeen. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Amcomri snaps up Enerveo compliance arm in £1 deal to fuel growth
Engineering services group Amcomri Group is set to acquire the compliance and testing division of Enerveo in a £1 deal. The transaction will be carried out through GridCore Electrical Services, a newly formed subsidiary of Amcomri. Enerveo, which is owned by SSE, has entered into a Business Purchase Agreement to sell its National Compliance and Testing division, with completion expected towards the end of May. The deal remains subject to the successful transfer of contracts and employees to GridCore. For the year ending 31 March 2025, the division generated revenues of around £5 million. Amcomri will acquire net assets valued at approximately £1.5 million for just £1, including an established customer base and an experienced operational team. The move comes during a challenging period for Enerveo, which reported a 10.8 per cent drop in revenue to £194.7 million, down from £218.4 million the previous year. The business also recorded an operating loss of £800,000, compared with an £800,000 profit in FY2024, reflecting exceptional costs and ongoing strategic restructuring. This includes the disposal of its Infrastructure Solutions arm, which incurred a £3.5 million charge as part of preparations for sale. Despite these pressures, Enerveo strengthened its financial position, with net assets rising to £33.4 million following recapitalisation by SSE. Amcomri said the acquisition will strengthen its presence in the power electrical maintenance and engineering sector, a key strategic focus for the group. It will also complement businesses such as Drurys Engineering and Claro Precision Engineering, both acquired in 2024. The deal marks Amcomri’s third acquisition since joining the Alternative Investment Market in December 2024. Looking ahead, the group expects strong financial performance for FY2025, with adjusted EBITDA forecast to rise by 17 per cent to more than £9 million. Revenues are also projected to increase by 22 per cent to around £70.9 million, up from £58.1 million. This growth has been driven by consistent demand across Amcomri’s core markets, particularly within its Embedded Engineering division. The division has secured major new contracts with both new and existing clients, including a £12.9 million agreement with a UK-based renewable energy developer, to be delivered over the next two financial years. Further momentum has been supported by strong demand from the defence and civil aerospace sectors. Chief operating officer Mark O’Neill said the acquisition presents strong opportunities for collaboration across the group’s engineering businesses. He added that the company is now focused on completing the deal and working closely with the National Compliance team as the integration progresses. Further updates are expected in due course. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Year of growth underpinned by investment fund client wins
National independent national commercial building, project and sustainability consultancy Jones Hargreaves has added a series of European based investment funds to its client base during a further year of growth. During the year ended 31 December 2025, Jones Hargreaves completed more than 900 instructions and increased its headcount from 39 to 55. Meanwhile, its revenue increased by 26% compared to the year-ended 31 December 2024. During 2025, the consultancy added several European investment funds to its client roster, including Iroko Zen, Epsicap REIM, Alderan and Inter Gestion. Jones Hargreaves works with a range of developers, investment funds, financial institutions, property companies and occupiers to help them realise value on every project or portfolio. Work also began on a number of instructions for Marks & Spencer as part of their £500m+ store rotation program to modernize their estate. Other instructions completed during the year included a full portfolio of building appraisals for Modella Capital as part of a key retail acquisition, together with large scale national portfolio acquisitions for Farran Investments, Colombia Threadneedle and Canada Life. The team also concluded the multi-million pound refurbishment of 99 Queen Victoria Street, London, for Fidelity International. Expanding the client base has been the catalyst for further investment in the Jones Hargreaves team. In the last 12 months, the consultancy has increased headcount in all of its existing locations and opened a Birmingham office; as well as supported 12 internal promotions and 3 APC passes for graduate team members. Matthew Jones, Founding Partner at Jones Hargreaves, said: “2025 was a year in which we were able to broaden our work to continue providing real value to a range of large-scale funds managing a whole host of commercial assets right across the UK. This has been possible because of the expert team we have, working across disciplines that our clients find much more helpful to have access to under one roof. “I’m really proud of the way in which our team is organically growing to meet demand. Not only does this allow our senior team to shine and thrive on exciting projects, securing new clients allows us to also invest in the next generation of commercial property professionals who are able to cut their teeth in a fast paced multi-disciplinary environment.” Jones Hargreaves is a sound, self funded business, with a growing multi-disciplinary team trusted to deliver quality work to strict deadlines. Jones added: “Our team has the knowledge, experience and ability to overcome difficult periods in the property industry with a clear understanding of the markets and impacts of decisions at senior level.” Jones Hargreaves’ expert multi-disciplinary team of building surveyors, ESG consultants and electrical & mechanical engineers advise on a range of commercial assets spanning predominantly industrial, office and retail space. With a number of large-scale retained clients, Jones Hargreaves is astute in delivering building projects together with dilapidations, TDDs, ESG work and much more. Established by founders Matthew Jones and Peter Hargreaves, and joined by Managing Partner, Matt Williams, the consultancy is a growing business which has a commitment to investing in its team and the next generation of the property industry. Jones Hargreaves has offices in Manchester, Leeds, London, Cardiff, Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham – enabling the team to offer expert regional insight with a truly national approach. For more information, visit www.joneshargreaves.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stoford completes new Worcestershire HQ for global manufacturer, MiTek
Leading commercial property developer, Stoford has completed a bespoke manufacturing facility for MiTek at Worcester Six Business Park. The 278,048 sq ft building consolidates MiTek’s UK and European operations, serving as the business’ EMEA headquarters. Delivered by main contractor Benniman, the development is the first to be delivered on the southern extension. Completion follows a ribbon cutting ceremony which was attended by MiTek Chairman and CEO, Mark Thom who travelled from the United States for the occasion. Stoford directors Edward Peel and Alex Morgan, and senior dignitaries from both Worcestershire County Council and Wychavon District Council were also present. James Morgan, Managing Director at MiTek: “Opening our home at Worcester Six marks a new chapter in MiTek’s journey as an offsite construction enabler. This facility establishes our European hub for streamlining design, manufacturing, and innovation, and offers a collaborative space where partners across the industry can co-create solutions that accelerate timber construction and raise standards for everyone.” Edward Peel, Director at Stoford: “MiTek’s decision to establish its EMEA headquarters at Worcester Six is significant for the region. It further strengthens Worcestershire’s reputation as a hub for international business. We’re extremely proud to have achieved practical completion on this state-of-the-art facility which will support new jobs, attract long-term investment, and contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic growth for years to come.” Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Business and Skills at Worcestershire County Council, said: “This is great news for Worcestershire and for local people. MiTek choosing to base its European headquarters here shows the confidence global companies have in our area. Developments like this bring skilled jobs, investment and long-term benefits for the local economy.” Cllr Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon District Council and Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, said: “Securing one of the largest business developments the county has seen in many years reflects the strength of Worcester Six as a location and is a sign of confidence in Wychavon and Worcestershire as a whole. MiTek’s decision to base its EMEA headquarters here brings high-value jobs, long-term investment and international visibility, reinforcing Wychavon’s reputation as a place where ambitious businesses can grow and succeed.” Worcester Six is a high-quality business park, located off junction 6 of the M5, that has already attracted a number of world class businesses to the region, including: Alliance Flooring Distribution, IONOS, ZwickRoell, Kohler Mira, Sierra Engineering, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal, Super Smart Service, Stop Start Logistics and Bidfood. For details about availability at Worcester Six, please contact the schemes retained agents: Charles D’Auncey at Harris Lamb – charles.dauncey@harrislamb.com or Tom Arnold at Colliers – tom.arnold@colliers.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals