Citrus Secures Planning For £340M Second Phase Of Integra 61
Durham County Council Gives Green Light For Extra 3M Sq Ft Citrus Durham has secured planning consent from Durham County Council for the next £340M investment at its Integra 61 mixed-use development at J61 of the A1(M). Approval has been granted for an extension to the west of the Integra 61 scheme to accommodate a further 3 million sq ft of employment space. The plans for the second phase follow the success of the existing £400M Integra 61 development, where 90% of the 3m sq ft of developable space is already complete. The major investment into the second phase has the potential to create some 300 new jobs throughout the build resulting in up to £30m in additional economic output (GVA) into the economy each year. Operationally the development could support c3000 jobs once operational dependant on occupiers, generating up to £100m of additional economic output (GVA) into the economy each year. The outline planning consent allows for a range of storage/distribution and manufacturing units of varying sizes, to reflect market demand from regional businesses as well as those looking to invest in premises in the region. Now that the fundamental development principles of bringing a scheme forward have been approved, later reserved matters applications will evolve the exact design and scale, following the principles now established. The proposed development will, dependant on speed of uptake and demand, require the delivery of the Bowburn Development Route (relief road) in conjunction with Durham County Council and other stakeholders. Integra 61 is already home to Amazon’s 2m sq ft fulfilment centre, a further 640,000 sq ft of speculative logistics space at Connect at Integra 61 and an impressive roadside portfolio including Costa and Greggs along with an incoming £4 million EG On The Move petrol station with a convenience store and separate Starbucks drive-thru. Tesla has also installed 19 new Superchargers on site. Construction is well underway on Marton Care’s new 73 bedroom care home facility to complement the 260 new homes already developed by Persimmon and Bellway. James Taylor, Regional Director at Citrus, said: “We are extremely pleased to have secured outline planning consent, which is a significant milestone and the culmination of a long-held vision to expand Integra 61 and build on our successes across two phases, together once complete creating one of the region’s largest employment destinations. We’d like to thank the many stakeholders that continue to support us on this journey and we look forward to delivering this exciting phase with our partners.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
“Every part of the build must be lower carbon”: Holcim UK says new towns plan and Future Homes Standard will test industry readiness
The housebuilding sector has been urged to embed lower carbon delivery into every part of the build following the publication of the Future Homes Standard. According to Ian Dean, Managing Director, Concrete Products at Holcim UK, the combination of the new regulatory requirements with government plans for seven new towns across England demands a far more holistic and coordinated approach to sustainable construction. He said the UK is entering one of its most ambitious phases of housebuilding in decades, and that meeting rising expectations will depend on earlier collaboration and stronger attention to embodied carbon. He also stressed the pressures the sector faces as 2028 approaches. “We all want to get spades in the ground tomorrow, but the industry needs time to adapt. Planning cycles are long and 2028 is not far away, which means we must move faster and close regulatory loopholes if the policy is going to deliver what it promises.” Lower carbon materials must be embedded throughout construction Dean emphasised that decarbonising new homes begins long before heat pumps or rooftop solar are installed. “It is a positive step to see heat pumps and rooftop solar mandated, but if the concrete blocks, the foundations, the groundworks and the driveway materials are not low carbon or made with recycled content, you undercut the green credentials of the development from the start. We have to embed lower carbon delivery into every part of the build.” He said attention must now turn to embodied carbon in core materials. “The structure, the subbase and the infrastructure around the home all have a major role to play. If we get that right, the operational improvements delivered through the Future Homes Standard will go even further.” Early involvement is essential to achieving the best outcomes Holcim UK argues that early project involvement is fundamental to delivering the performance expected from new housing developments. According to Dean, early collaboration allows the company to combine traditional and lower carbon solutions in the most effective way. “Collaboration at the design stage allows us to bring forward the right mix of traditional and sustainable products and identify the best solution for each project.” He highlighted Holcim UK’s ability to support the full construction process. “Whether it is aggregates, asphalt, recycled materials, ready mix concrete using lower carbon cement, recycled aggregates or recycled blocks, we support developers at every stage. We invest in innovation because customers need solutions that are high quality, cost efficient and lower carbon.” Performance, he added, remains non-negotiable. “Quality and cost efficiency are always central. The shift toward more sustainable construction only works if it delivers higher quality outcomes at the same time.” New towns require deeper collaboration across the value chain The scale of the new towns programme makes supply chain coordination more important than ever. Dean believes early engagement will be critical to building places that are genuinely fit for the future. “If we get involved early with construction teams and supply chain partners, we can build better towns and better places to live.” Yet he also pointed to the hurdles. “There is still friction in parts of the value chain. We need more holistic partnerships if we are to deliver these new communities at the scale and quality required.” A positive policy direction, but delivery capability must follow Dean welcomed the ambition behind the new towns programme and the Future Homes Standard, while urging continued focus on practical delivery. “This is a step in the right direction, but we must ask whether everything needed to make it happen is fully in place. The hope is that it leads to greener construction and greater quality, but we all have a role to play in making sure it does.” Holcim UK plans to work with its construction sector partners to establish a new benchmark for integrated, low carbon development. Early collaboration, thoughtful material choices and consistent regulation will be essential to creating communities that work well now and, in the years, ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hygiene and Acoustic Standards delivered for Alhambra Centre, Barnsley
The Alhambra Centre in Barnsley, once a shopping centre, is undergoing a major transformation into a town centre health hub. This redevelopment aims to alleviate growing pressures on Barnsley Hospital by providing easily accessible healthcare services in a more central location. To support this transition, the interior design required a ceiling solution that met rigorous hygiene and acoustic standards while delivering strong aesthetic impact. CHALLENGE The project team faced several key challenges in transforming the Alhambra Centre into a functional and welcoming health hub. Aesthetic appeal was one of the top priorities, as the space required a fresh, modern look with a visually impactful ceiling design that would not only impress visitors but also create a calming and visually comfortable environment or all users. Hygiene compliance was equally important. Given the building’s new role as a healthcare facility, all materials, including ceiling systems, needed to meet strict hospital-grade hygiene standards to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for patients and staff. Acoustic performance also had to be carefully considered. A calm, quiet atmosphere is essential in healthcare settings, especially in waiting areas and treatment rooms. The team needed a ceiling solution that could help manage sound effectively to promote patient comfort and well-being. Lastly, service integration and accessibility presented a practical challenge. The ceiling system had to accommodate complex mechanical and electrical installations while still allowing easy access for future maintenance, ensuring long-term functionality without compromising design. SOLUTION Following a CPD session with Zentia and a review of relevant case studies, the architectural team, James Totty Partnership, selected a range of Zentia ceiling solutions to address the project’s diverse and complex requirements. In the reception and waiting areas, the architect envisioned a bold, eye-catching ceiling feature to make a strong first impression. They opted for Sonify Curved Baffles in a mixture of green and black, installed on the patented Sonify Create grid system. This combination not only delivered the striking visual impact they were after, but also provided Class A sound absorption to ensure patients would be in an acoustically comfortable space. For the circulation spaces, the team chose Prestige SL2 Planks. These were selected for their modern, streamlined appearance and, importantly, their ease of accessibility. In areas with frequent foot traffic and the need for ongoing service access, these planks offer a practical and efficient solution that supports long-term maintenance without compromising the aesthetic. In the clinical and utility areas, performance and hygiene were essential. The team specified Biobloc Acoustic tiles for treatment rooms and general medical zones, where sound control and cleanliness are essential. The Biobloc Acoustic tile delivers both excellent sound absorption, and compliance with hospital-grade hygiene standards, such as the Health Building Note 00-10 Part B: Walls and Ceilings, due to its additional coating that actively inhibits the growth of micro-organisms. For high-moisture environments such as shower rooms, Hydrabloc was chosen for its 100% Humidity Resistance (RH), water resistance, and easy-clean properties, ensuring both durability and safety in demanding conditions. However, Zentia’s involvement did not end with supplying products. The team delivered a full Sonify 3D Studio design service, working closely with the architects to bring the ceiling vision to life. In addition, Zentia collaborated with main contractor’s O&P Construction and installers JR Whinfrey Ltd to provide detailed system walkthroughs, support with quotations and order planning, and on-site guidance during installation to ensure a smooth project delivery. The redesigned Alhambra Centre is set to become a welcoming, efficient health hub with ceilings that do more than cover the space – they define it. With bold design statements in public areas and robust technical performance in clinical zones, Zentia’s ceiling systems have helped ensure the redevelopment meets both functional demands and architectural ambition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE Secures letting of 411,470 sq ft at Gateway 4, Doncaster in Rapid Deal
A 411,470 sq ft grade A distribution unit at Gateway 4, Doncaster has been let to Danish global logistics leader A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) in a deal completed in just seven days. The landlord, CBRE Investment Management (“CBRE IM”) was advised by real estate advisory firm CBRE. The letting of the high-specification unit, prominently located adjacent to Junction 4 of the M18, reflects strong demand for prime, large-scale, fitted logistics space across South Yorkshire and the wider Yorkshire region. Gateway 4 offers best-in-class specification, including 15m eaves height, extensive yard depths, a strong power supply and excellent connectivity to the UK’s strategic road and rail networks, making it ideally suited to modern distribution requirements. Maersk, one of the world’s leading integrated logistics companies and the second largest container shipping operator globally, will use the facility to further enhance its UK logistics and distribution capabilities. Rosie Hulbert, UK Industrial and Logistics Director, CBRE Investment Management said: “We’re delighted to welcome Maersk to Gateway 4, Doncaster. This deal underscores CBRE IM’s operator capabilities, having completed the letting in just seven days, and is a direct result of the close relationships we have with the occupiers across our portfolio. We look forward to supporting more businesses seeking strategic, well‑connected locations both within our standing portfolio and our extensive portfolio of land under development.” Mike Baugh, Head of the Leeds Office, CBRE said: “Completing a transaction of this scale within just seven working days is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the strong landlord–tenant relationship demonstrated between CBRE IM and Maersk. This letting highlights the continued demand from occupiers for high‑specification, fitted logistics space, and we are delighted to have supported CBRE IM in securing such a high‑calibre tenant as Maersk.” Gateway 4 forms part of a key logistics corridor, benefiting from immediate access to the M18 and proximity to major distribution hubs including iPort Rail. CBRE’s Industrial team in Leeds acted on behalf of CBRE IM in the letting, alongside CPP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nixon Hire brings modular buildings to Scotland with Dundee launch at ScotPlant 2026
Nixon Hire is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at ScotPlant 2026, Scotland’s largest construction equipment exhibition, taking place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. Modular buildings launch in Scotland In a significant milestone for the company’s Scottish operations, Nixon Hire will use ScotPlant to unveil its new Modular Buildings Centre of Excellence at Dundee – the first dedicated modular hub across its five Scottish depots. Supported by the company’s Renewable Power Centre of Excellence in Glasgow, the new facility represents a major investment in Scotland and underlines Nixon Hire’s commitment to bringing its full range of sustainable site solutions to Scottish customers. A live sustainable site setup Visitors to the Nixon Hire stand will find a fully operational, live sustainable site setup, running in real conditions exactly as it would on a customer site. At its centre is an eight-bay modular building, demonstrating the thermal performance and build quality – a reflection of Nixon Hire’s higher spec modular range. Alongside it, on show will be Nixon Hire’s largest and most powerful battery storage unit to date, designed to support larger sites with clean, reliable power, as well as a fully refurbished 12′ Smart Air Solar mobile welfare unit – rebuilt entirely from existing materials. Monitoring the setup behind the scenes will be a working replica of Nixon Hire’s Renewable Energy Hub, a sophisticated control centre designed, configured and run by its in-house Technical Support Team. Pulse: the new customer portal Visitors will be able to experience Pulse, Nixon Hire’s recently launched online customer portal – the result of an 18-month, seven-figure investment. The browser-based platform gives customers autonomous insight into energy use, carbon impact and cost performance across their renewable energy equipment on hire. By replacing the manual collation and estimates that have traditionally been the norm across the sector, Pulse enables teams to report quickly, compare performance across locations and make more informed decisions about how equipment is deployed and operated. Brian Cornett, CEO of Nixon Hire, commented: “Nixon Hire has supported customers across Scotland for more than 40 years, and ScotPlant is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of our offer there today. The opening of our new Dundee Modular Buildings Centre of Excellence reflects our continued investment in the region and our focus on delivering more sustainable, full-service site solutions closer to where customers need them. “We look forward to engaging with customers and industry stakeholders at ScotPlant and discussing how Nixon Hire can support the changing needs of sustainable site projects across Scotland.” Visit Nixon Hire at ScotPlant 2026 at Ave D No 3 on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. To book a walkthrough with one of the company’s senior team, please contact Rose Docherty at rose@almastrategic.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Shoosmiths adds Head of Planning to drive practice build-out
Shoosmiths is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Fitzpatrick as Partner and Head of Planning. Her arrival marks a significant milestone in the continued build-out of Shoosmiths’ Planning team across the UK, following the promotion of Matt Nixon to Partner in London and appointment of Steven Stewart as Partner in Scotland. Sarah joins from Norton Rose Fulbright, where she was a partner and head of planning, and will lead the Shoosmiths’ national Planning team, arriving with more than 25 years of experience advising on all aspects of planning law. She brings particular expertise in London regeneration and redevelopment, compulsory purchase, high-rise development, energy infrastructure, road and rail, and large-scale multi-use schemes. She has a wide-ranging client base and strong network across mixed-use and residential developers, housebuilders, industrial and freight operators, hotel & leisure providers and major sports organisations. Her strength in compulsory purchase further enhances Shoosmiths’ ability to support complex development, regeneration and infrastructure projects, and expands its capabilities in key sectors including Energy & Infrastructure. Joe Mazzucca, Partner and Head of Real Estate, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Sarah to Shoosmiths. Her appointment is a significant step forward in the growth of our Planning offering, strengthening our capabilities at a national level and positioning us to support on increasingly complex mandates. “Sarah’s depth of experience reflects our ambitions to drive growth and deliver outstanding results for clients. As Head of Planning, Sarah will play a leading role in building out this key pillar of the firm as we progress our ambitious 2030 strategic growth plan.” Sarah Fitzpatrick said: “I’m delighted to be leading Shoosmiths’ Planning offering, working alongside colleagues like Matt and Steven to build on the excellent work the team is undertaking. The firm’s innovative, forward-thinking approach to client delivery aligns closely with my own practice and leadership style, and I look forward to contributing to the team’s continued growth.” Sarah’s hire builds on sustained, strategic investment in Shoosmiths’ Planning practice. The firm promoted Matt Nixon to Partner in March 2026 and added Steven Stewart as a Partner in Scotland in September 2025. Matt heads the London and Southern planning teams, advising on all aspects of planning throughout the lifecycle of developments. Steven leads Shoosmiths’ Scottish planning and environmental team across both contentious and non-contentious matters. The Planning team works closely with Shoosmiths’ wider Real Estate teams. Real Estate—one of three core practice areas for the firm—has seen several hires in recent months, reflecting increased focus on the most complex real estate client work and the firm’s strategic priority to build a market-leading practice. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals