Dialight supports safe and efficient operations at new Port of Tilbury grain store
Dialight, the global leader in industrial and hazardous-location LED lighting, has supplied a complete lighting solution for a major new bulk grain storage facility at the Port of Tilbury in Essex, UK. The Tilbury Berth 43 Cefetra Bulk Grain Store was completed in July 2026 and handed over to the Port of Tilbury, part of Forth Ports, shortly afterwards. Delivered by principal contractor Harmonix Construction, the project has transformed a former open-air container depot into a purpose-built storage facility designed to support the growing demand for imported grain handling and storage. Grain storage presents particular safety and operational requirements, as airborne combustible dust can create a potentially explosive atmosphere. The internal area of the new store has therefore been designated as a Zone 22 hazardous area, requiring suitably certified lighting capable of performing consistently within a demanding industrial environment. The exposed port location also meant that luminaires needed to withstand wet, marine conditions. Dialight became involved during the early design phase after Harmonix Construction first approached the company in November 2024. Following Harmonix’s appointment as principal contractor in February 2025, Dialight developed the lighting scheme using the construction drawings and the Port of Tilbury’s specifications. The design covered the grain store, surrounding external areas and a vehicle refuelling point, with particular requirements for operational areas including the quayside. The final installation comprises more than 200 Dialight luminaires, including ProSite Floodlights, SafeSite luminaires, Emergency GRP Linears and Vigilant Bulkheads, selected to meet the different requirements across the site. The project showcases a large-scale deployment of the Zone 22 ProSite Floodlight in a hazardous-area application. An initial scheme based on 110 SafeSite High Bay luminaires was refined to 78 ProSite Floodlights. The wider range of optical distributions available with ProSite enabled Dialight’s lighting designers to reduce the number of fittings required whilst also maintaining the specified light levels. The design also needed to account for the shadowing created by the facility’s large traversing cranes, as well as the defined light levels required around the quayside and water’s edge. Careful positioning and alignment were necessary because of the building’s mounting heights, while the use of marine-grade luminaires supports performance in the exposed and wet conditions found within a port environment. Aidan Brown, UK/EIRE Sales – EMEA at Dialight, said, “The project demonstrates the value of involving the lighting manufacturer early, particularly when a facility has hazardous-area classifications and several distinct operational requirements. Working closely with Harmonix allowed us to refine the design as the project developed. By using the different optical options available with the ProSite Floodlight, we reduced the number of luminaires required within the grain store while still achieving the specified light levels. The result is a lighting scheme that combines the required safety and performance with a more efficient use of equipment, supporting long-term reliability in a demanding port environment.” Port of Tilbury is an established Dialight customer and has used the company’s ATEX-certified lighting during maintenance upgrades across existing parts of its grain terminal. Berth 43 provided the first opportunity for Dialight products to be incorporated into a new-build project at the port, allowing the environmental, safety and access requirements to be considered from the outset. Jenis Mistry, Project Engineer at the Port of Tilbury, commented, “The new grain store has been developed to provide the safe, reliable infrastructure required for this important area of our operations. Lighting needed to meet the requirements of the hazardous internal environment, the external areas and the quayside, while also being suited to the exposed conditions at the port. The completed installation provides the light levels needed across these different spaces and supports the facility’s long-term operation.” Close coordination between Dialight and Harmonix Construction continued throughout the design and delivery stages. Early product selection and advance ordering with Dialight’s factory helped ensure that the luminaires were available well before they were required on site, supporting the construction programme and installation process. David Thrower, Project Director of Harmonix Construction, added, “The successful delivery of the lighting package was supported by early engagement and a close working relationship throughout the project. Dialight responded to changes in the construction design and developed the lighting scheme in line with the Port of Tilbury’s specifications. Having the products ordered and delivered well ahead of installation also gave our team the certainty needed to plan the work effectively.” Alongside its ability to meet the project’s safety and performance requirements, the selected LED lighting provides a long-life solution for areas where access for future maintenance can be challenging. Dialight’s standard luminaires offer a rated life of more than 150,000 hours and are backed by a ten-year warranty, helping to reduce the frequency of replacement and associated maintenance interventions. Emergency lighting batteries will be included within the facility’s ongoing inspection and replacement programme. The completed project demonstrates the importance of early collaboration, clearly defined lighting requirements and appropriate product selection when designing lighting for ports, grain stores and other complex industrial facilities. By combining hazardous-area certified products with considered lighting design, the scheme provides a robust solution for the Port of Tilbury’s new grain storage operation. For more information about Dialight’s industrial and hazardous-location LED lighting solutions, visit www.dialight.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sika UK launches SikaFiber®-200, a natural fibre alternative for concrete crack control
Sika UK has introduced SikaFiber®-200, a 100% natural, biodegradable cellulose microfibre developed to help manage plastic and drying shrinkage cracking in structural and non-structural concrete, screeds and mortars. The launch adds a natural, biodegradable cellulose-based option to Sika’s fibre reinforcement range, offering specifiers, contractors and architects an alternative to synthetic polypropylene microfibres without a change in handling or mix design. Shrinkage-related cracking during the early curing period remains a persistent issue across floors, screeds, pavements and decorative concrete work, often driven by moisture loss as fresh concrete cures. SikaFiber®-200 is designed to address this directly. The ultra-fine cellulose fibres disperse evenly through the mix, creating a three-dimensional network that supports more uniform stress distribution as the concrete cures, reducing the formation of early-age cracks. As a cellulose-based product, SikaFiber®-200 is fully biodegradable, offering a lower-impact option for projects where material sourcing and embodied carbon considerations form part of the specification process. The fibre is suitable for a range of non-structural applications, including floors and screeds, pavements and hardstandings, decorative concrete finishes, and mortars. Amy Sapien, National Fibre Manager at Sika UK, commented on the launch: “SikaFiber®-200 gives specifiers and contractors a natural alternative to polypropylene fibres, without asking them to change how they work. It disperses through the mix in exactly the same way, but offers a biodegradable option for projects where material sourcing is increasingly part of the conversation. We see this as a practical step forward for crack control, not a compromise on performance, which is why we are incredibly excited to introduce it to the market.” SikaFiber®-200 is available now. Full technical data, application guidance and the product brochure are available from Sika’s website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis sets UK property record by unveiling its 100th Planet Mark-certified building
Prologis has announced that it has become the first UK property company to reach 100 Planet Mark-certified developments. This sustainability milestone is part of its work with Planet Mark and charity, Cool Earth, providing benefits for the environment, local and indigenous rainforest communities Prologis UK has announced that DC107, a brand-new logistics unit at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), will be its 100th Planet Mark-certified development, an internationally recognised sustainability accreditation. Working with Planet Mark’s Charity partner, Cool Earth, this major milestone has helped to protect over 20,000 acres of rainforest and raised £2 million to support indigenous rainforest communities. Prologis was the first UK property company to measure, reduce and mitigate the carbon emissions embodied in the structures and fabrics of its buildings, achieving its first certification nearly two decades ago at Prologis Park Pineham. Since 2008, every new building has been certified by Planet Mark, with each project targeting rigorous environmental and sustainability requirements. Certified projects include distribution centres and logistics hubs in Prologis Parks, provided for customers from grocers such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco and M&S to distribution businesses, such as Royal Mail. The assessment measures whole-life carbon across raw materials, construction, operation, maintenance and end-of-life. Projects must demonstrate continuous improvement by reducing carbon in design, construction and operation, and through positive engagement with communities and the development supply chain. Unavoidable embodied carbon is mitigated, and communities and stakeholders engaged to raise awareness and encourage further action. Over the past 20 years, this approach has resulted in the certification of 23.6 million sq ft of new buildings. The programme extends beyond carbon reduction, supporting rainforest protection and sustainability education in local communities. Simon Cox, Senior Vice President, Head of Development Management at Prologis UK, said: “This milestone highlights our dedication to making sure our buildings deliver cost savings for customers and better environmental outcomes for communities, helping protect the environment, educate local children and support indigenous people by protecting the rainforest they call home. This legacy of sustainable development is something we pass on to every customer of a new Prologis building, with facilities designed to optimise energy use and support the transition to renewable energy sources. Today, 25 million sqft of our UK portfolio have achieved BREEAM Excellent or Outstanding ratings.” Steve Malkin, Founder at Planet Mark said: “To avert a climate disaster, we need to take action now. By providing a credible, robust and verified approach to measuring and significantly reducing whole-life carbon emissions, we have forged an effective partnership with Prologis that demonstrates the far-reaching impact businesses can achieve when they take responsibility for their carbon emissions. Prologis has kept ahead of its industry with its commitment to sustainable and responsible real estate, and our shared, continuous work to decarbonise their buildings. The business has captured the attention and support of stakeholders, including investors, suppliers, and customers.” Each new development certified through Planet Mark provides direct support for communities protecting the rainforest. Through its long-term partnership with Cool Earth, a climate change charity working with indigenous peoples and local communities, Prologis has mitigated 100% of the unavoidable embodied carbon emissions from its new developments by supporting efforts to protect endangered rainforest and tackle the climate crisis. As part of Cool Earth’s unique model, funding goes straight to indigenous and local communities through investment, technology and training to prevent deforestation at a grassroots level. In the areas where Cool Earth works, 99% of rainforest remains intact. These ecosystems play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, and are crucial for regulating the planet’s climate, protecting biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of indigenous communities. Matthew Owen, CEO at Cool Earth said: “When you see the personal and environmental impact that deforestation brings it’s hard not to want to go the extra mile and play your part in protecting the rainforest for future generations. Together, Prologis and Cool Earth are working to safeguard some of the world’s most vital rainforests, creating benefits not only for the environment but also for local communities and future generations. As the partnership approaches the milestone of reaching a cumulative donation of £2m, we are extending protection further into the forest, with five new communities in Papua New Guinea set to join the programme.” This partnership has meant reliable, long-term funding to ensure communities can be reached effectively and directly, on their own terms. Since 2008, Prologis buildings have helped to protect over 20,000 acres of rainforest in the Peruvian Amazon, Peru and Papua New Guinea. Prologis has been funding work across five community areas, supporting 1,264 people and stewarding 4.8m trees that store 5.7m tonnes of carbon. Prologis also educates children close to its developments on the importance of protecting the local and global environment, and its sustainability programme funds education officers from The Eden Project to go into local schools and empower children to protect the planet. Prologis has delivered this programme to 13,875 students in 94 schools and colleges. The team also sponsor Warwickshire College Group’s involvement with the Planet Mark certification scheme to reduce carbon, energy, water and waste. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gensler partners with Cheapside Business Alliance on vision to transform Cheapside’s public realm
The Cheapside Business Alliance Public Realm Vision & Strategy sets out a long-term framework to create a greener, inclusive and better-connected Cheapside in the City of London. Gensler was appointed by Cheapside Business Alliance to develop a new Public Realm Vision & Strategy, establishing a long-term framework for the area’s evolution. The Vision sets out an ambitious approach for partnership working and a Strategy for how Cheapside’s streets and public spaces can transform into a greener, more welcoming and vibrant destination for all. Informed by extensive engagement with local businesses and stakeholders, the document provides a framework for future public realm improvements across the heart of the City. Prepared in collaboration with the City of London Corporation throughout its development, it aligns closely with the Corporation’s key strategic priorities, including the City Plan 2040 and the flagship Destination City Policy. Charlotte Fletcher, Chair of the Cheapside Business Alliance, said: “Our Public Realm Vision & Strategy sets out a clear, shared ambition for the future of Cheapside, bringing together opportunities to create a more welcoming, vibrant and attractive destination for businesses, workers, residents, and visitors alike. “We are proud to present this document as both a statement of ambition and a framework for delivery. We look forward to working closely with the City of London, Transport for London, property owners and other key stakeholders to develop the longer-term projects and begin implementing the quick-win initiatives outlined in the Vision. Through collaboration, we can deliver shared, long-term success and start a new chapter for Cheapside, continuing its evolution as one of the City’s most iconic and distinctive destinations.” Covering the area from St Paul’s Cathedral in the west to Bank Junction in the east, the Vision focuses on one of London’s most historic and important commercial districts, building on Cheapside’s rich heritage while responding to the changing needs of the City. Its aim is to strengthen Cheapside’s unique identity as London’s civic spine. At a pivotal moment for the Cheapside area, with significant investment and transformation projects currently underway, the Vision looks beyond individual schemes to consider how streets and spaces can bring key stakeholders together to work collaboratively and create a more cohesive, attractive and connected destination. Building on over a decade of work by the Cheapside Business Alliance, this document provides a clear direction for future placemaking initiatives and for collaboration with public and private sector partners, aligning local ambitions with the City of London’s wider aspirations for a more sustainable, vibrant and people-focused Square Mile. Ian Mulcahey, Global Director of Cities, Principal at Gensler, said: “Great cities are defined by the experiences they create for people. This Vision & Strategy builds on Cheapside’s rich history to create a more connected, vibrant public realm, re-establishing it as a destination in its own right and a vital part of London’s civic identity.” At the heart of the Vision are five Place Narratives that draw on Cheapside’s historic role as a centre of trade, ceremony, craft and civic life, translating these qualities into a contemporary framework for placemaking. From reimagining Cheapside as a destination for cultural events and public gathering to revealing the area’s hidden heritage and strengthening connections between its streets, churches and commercial destinations, the narratives establish a cohesive design approach rooted in the area’s identity. Together, they explore how targeted improvements to the public realm can create a more connected, distinctive and people-focused experience across the district. Michaela Winter-Taylor, Cities and Urban Design Lead at Gensler, said: “Working with Cheapside Business Alliance and the City of London Corporation, we’ve developed a Vision & Strategy that celebrates the area’s unique identity while responding to its future needs. We’ve outlined a clear framework for change, with proposed interventions that reveal hidden heritage and create more welcoming public spaces.” The Vision identifies 39 public realm opportunities and catalyst projects, alongside six priority projects. The proposals range from improved green gateways and enhanced pedestrian routes to cultural activations, heritage-led placemaking and improvements to key public spaces, creating a roadmap for long-term change across the area. John Edwards, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Streets & Walkways Committee, said: “The Cheapside Business Alliance Public Realm Vision & Strategy sets out a clear and ambitious plan for one of the City’s most historic and important districts, and our primary shopping street. By creating greener, healthier and more welcoming streets and spaces, we can improve the experience of everyone who lives, works and visits here while supporting the area’s continued economic success, realizing the ambition of our Transport Strategy. “This Vision reflects the strength of partnership working between the City Corporation, local businesses and stakeholders, and demonstrates our shared commitment to delivering a more sustainable, accessible and vibrant Cheapside for years to come.” Cheapside Business Alliance will continue to work collaboratively to explore opportunities to take the Vision forward and translate priorities into tangible improvements for the area. To read the full Cheapside Business Alliance Public Realm Vision & Strategy as well as the Executive Summary, please visit: incheapside.com/public-realm. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Demolition Underway as Bradford’s 1,000-Home City Village Regeneration Moves Forward
Major demolition works have commenced in Bradford city centre as plans to transform two former shopping centres into a new residential and mixed-use neighbourhood move into the next stage of delivery. Wakefield-based Metropolitan Demolition has begun dismantling the former Oastler Shopping Centre, marking a significant milestone in the ambitious City Village regeneration programme being delivered by Bradford Council in partnership with urban regeneration specialist ECF. The redevelopment will ultimately provide up to 1,000 new homes alongside retail, leisure and community facilities, transforming underutilised city centre land into a new residential neighbourhood designed to support Bradford’s long-term regeneration ambitions. Metropolitan Demolition has been appointed to undertake an extensive eight-month clearance programme at the Oastler site, removing the former shopping centre and surrounding buildings to prepare the land for residential development. The initial works will unlock the first phase of City Village, comprising 97 two and three-bedroom townhouses, with construction currently expected to begin in summer 2027. The demolition programme also includes the Bazaar building and properties at 22–24 Rawson Road, previously occupied by Bradford Brewery. Alongside the Oastler works, Metropolitan Demolition is progressing a separate clearance programme at the former Kirkgate Shopping Centre, another key location within the wider City Village masterplan. A six-month internal strip-out is already underway at Kirkgate, with external demolition scheduled to commence in spring 2027. The removal of the former retail buildings will release further development land, enabling the delivery of hundreds of apartments across two subsequent phases of the regeneration programme. Together, the two sites will play a central role in reshaping Bradford’s urban landscape, replacing ageing retail infrastructure with new housing, commercial opportunities and public spaces. The redevelopment reflects a broader shift in town and city centre regeneration, where former shopping centres and retail assets are increasingly being repurposed to accommodate residential-led mixed-use developments. By introducing a substantial new residential population into central Bradford, City Village aims to support existing businesses, encourage additional investment and create a more active and sustainable urban environment. The enabling works are being supported by the first allocation of funding from £30 million secured through Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has also committed a further £13 million towards the regeneration programme, demonstrating the importance of public sector investment in unlocking major brownfield development opportunities. The funding will help address the challenges associated with preparing complex urban sites for redevelopment, including demolition, land clearance and essential enabling infrastructure. Given the central location of the former shopping centres, careful management of the demolition programme will be essential to maintaining access and minimising disruption to surrounding businesses and public areas. Simon Dew, Managing Director for Yorkshire and the North East, highlighted the scale and complexity of the works. “A demolition programme of this scale in an urban centre is a significant undertaking, but every measure is being put in place to minimise the impact – including maintaining access to local businesses,” he said. The wider professional team supporting City Village includes 5plus Architects, re-form Landscape Architecture, Avison Young, Cushman & Wakefield and Turner & Townsend. Their involvement reflects the multidisciplinary approach required to deliver a regeneration programme combining new residential accommodation, commercial space, landscape design and improvements to the wider urban environment. For Bradford, City Village represents an important opportunity to rebalance its city centre, creating a stronger residential community while introducing new uses to sites previously dominated by traditional retail. The first 97 townhouses will establish the initial residential element of the development, with subsequent phases introducing higher-density apartment accommodation as the former shopping centre sites become available. With demolition now underway at Oastler and preparatory works progressing at Kirkgate, the City Village programme is moving from planning towards physical delivery. The redevelopment is expected to play a significant role in Bradford’s continuing transformation, demonstrating how large-scale brownfield regeneration can create new homes, support economic activity and breathe new life into established city centres. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Turning student housing demand into delivery
Rosita Mendonca, Operations & Marketing Director at J3 Advisory, said: “Across much of the PBSA market, demand and investor interest remain strong, although conditions vary by location and scheme. The opportunity is to translate those fundamentals into deliverable projects that are supported by the right capital, insurance and technical strategy. “New student accommodation has an important role to play in supporting universities, relieving pressure on other parts of the rental market and contributing to investment in towns and cities. The focus should be on creating a dependable route from demand to delivery. “That means making connected decisions early. A funding structure cannot be considered separately from lender requirements, technical due diligence, the structural warranty, the construction programme or the scheme’s long-term operating model. When those elements are aligned, they can support rather than obstruct delivery.” A £60 million, 267-bed development on Old Kent Road in Southwark shows how those dependencies work in practice. Its structural warranty had to align with the construction programme and technical profile, with inspections and outstanding requirements coordinated through to practical completion. J3 says the case demonstrates a wider delivery issue: schemes cannot rely on demand figures alone, and the combination of decisions needed to satisfy funders, insurers and technical stakeholders will differ according to the site, design, procurement route and intended operation. Why delivery risks differ across PBSA schemes The balance of risks will not be the same on every project. Site conditions, design, procurement, lender requirements, ownership and the intended operating model can each change what must be resolved and when. For some developments, the central issue will be demonstrating local demand and an affordable room mix. For others, construction methodology, inspection requirements or the proposed ownership structure may shape the route forward. Identifying those dependencies early allows the design, procurement and funding strategy to respond before they become obstacles to delivery. “Another scheme may involve a different demand profile, delivery partnership, construction method or exit. The lesson is not that every developer should follow the same sequence, but that the relevant commercial and technical considerations need to be understood together and addressed at the right stage for that particular project,” Rosita said. “The long-term fundamentals of PBSA remain compelling, but successful delivery depends on detail. When demand, design, finance, insurance and the operating strategy support one another, developers are better placed to convert opportunity into completed accommodation,” Rosita concluded. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals