ASWS showcases unrivalled expertise in County Hall window restoration
Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) carefully selects skilled operatives for its specialist projects, ensuring they are fully prepared for the unique challenges involved. Each team member receives comprehensive training to approach every task with confidence and diligence, supported by the right safety equipment and expert supervision. This commitment to excellence enabled ASWS to deliver outstanding results on projects such as the restoration of 40 distinctive ‘porthole’ and rectangular steel windows overlooking Westminster Bridge. Recently completed, the contract concerned the 5th and 6th floors of The Marriott Hotel which forms part of the iconic County Hall building, once occupied by the Greater London Council (GLC), and where ASWS has undertaken multiple contracts for different clients over the past 30 years. This most recent one was won partly on the basis of its unrivalled experience in the field, but was the first time the company had worked with either the main contractor Red Construction or Studio Loren, which led the design work. Having initially assisted a previous architect with technical advice and preliminary assessments of the damage the ageing steel windows had suffered, ASWS began work on site during the summer of 2023, but had to take multiple breaks due to the complexity of the internal reconfigurations being carried out by Red Construction. Significantly, the difficulty of overhauling and redecorating the 15 crescent-shaped porthole windows at 5th floor level, that included a large central roundel with no opening vents, and the two dozen rectangular windows, mainly measuring 1800 x 2000mm and arranged across both floors, was magnified by it not being possible to scaffold the elevations involved. The Operations Director for ASWS, Kris Bennell, explained: “While we were only decorating the inside of the windows, a lot of them had to be deglazed which, without scaffolding, required special measures and very strict procedures to ensure the work was carried out safely – both for our staff and the public. We have a ‘tool tethering’ system for any of our operatives to use when required; the NLG, or Never Let Go toolbelt secures hammers, screwdrivers or anything else to their bodies using tethers, tapes and lanyards. If the tool does not have an eyehole or other attachment point, a special tape is applied around the handle to secure the cable. It is not just the initial training which all our operatives undergo, but also explaining the importance and managing it on a contract-by-contract basis which results in our excellent safety record going back years. “Not only was it many of the steel frames with their through-glazing bars that were in need of significant repair, but much of the glazing also had to be replaced, while all of the ironmongery had to be demounted. The glass was internally beaded which helped, but being located up on the fifth floor there is obviously a large potential ‘fall zone’ so we had to set up quite a wide exclusion zone on the ground below; while we worked during County Hall’s non-operational hours. The team got in early and worked from 5am before the restaurant below opened, carrying out all the hazardous tasks. In addition, we applied a very strong film across the surfaces of the glass before we broke any of it out.” While the majority of the windows were refurbished in-situ, two which had been isolated for decades by a false wall were found to be very heavily corroded as they took the brunt of the weather off the river. Fortunately, these were demounted from a balcony and removed from site for full restoration: with shot-blasting revealing many parts that required replacement. No longer in production, the Mid-Universal sections had to be fabricated from flat bar and angle lengths in the ASWS workshops and then welded into position. Kris Bennell summed up: “Sequencing was a challenge and managing noise was particularly restricting as, apart from the two floors we were working on, the hotel remained fully occupied. For instance, the principal suite in the Marriott was above us on the 7th floor, and overall, we were limited to a three-hour period every day, before lunch when we could make noise. However, we stuck to our initial quotation, and the different operations were completed in coordination with the other trades.” ASWS offers a full range of survey, repair, replica replacement and maintenance services for all ages and types of metal and timber windows. For more information on ASWS, please visit asws.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glencar emerges as frontrunner for landmark north London data centre
Glencar is understood to be on course to secure a major new data centre contract in north London, strengthening its growing reputation in the UK’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure market. Industry sources suggest the contractor is set to be appointed on a £100m-plus scheme for Pure Data Centres at Brent Cross, forming the next phase of the developer’s wider £1bn campus investment in the area. If confirmed, the project would represent another significant win for Glencar in the highly competitive data centre sector. The proposed facility is expected to stand out not only for its scale but also for its design credentials. Central to the scheme is a vast living wall wrapping around the building, covering approximately 7,400 square metres and incorporating more than 750,000 plants. The feature is intended to soften the appearance of the development, enhance biodiversity and contribute to improved air quality, reflecting the increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental performance in data centre design. Sources close to the procurement process indicate the contract came down to a straight contest between Glencar and Winvic, with Glencar ultimately emerging as the preferred contractor. The decision is understood to have been influenced by Glencar’s strong delivery record on complex logistics and technology-led projects, particularly in west and north London. Glencar has previously delivered data centre schemes in the capital, including a six-storey facility at Park Royal for Vantage Data Centers, which reached completion late last year. That project is said to have demonstrated the contractor’s ability to manage technically demanding builds within constrained urban sites, while maintaining programme certainty and quality. The latest Brent Cross scheme would further consolidate Glencar’s position as a go-to contractor for large-scale data centre developments, at a time when demand for digital infrastructure continues to accelerate across London and the South East. Neither Glencar nor Pure Data Centres has formally commented on the appointment, but an announcement is expected once contractual arrangements are finalised. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Major construction milestones reached at TJ Morris Distribution Centre, Doncaster
McLaren Construction Midlands and North is continuing to make strong progress on the TJ Morris Distribution Centre in Doncaster, with significant structural, envelope and internal milestones now achieved. The steel frame for the development was completed in November, with ground floor slab works also commencing the same month. The building is on track to become fully watertight by the end of February, with cladding works progressing well and targeted for completion in the Spring. Significant progress has also been made on the Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU) with the steel structure now fully erected, approximately 90% of the cladding installed and the fit out of the internal workshop scheduled to commence in March. Externally, a major milestone will also be reached in late March with the completion of base course tarmac to the external hard standing areas. Internally, office fit-out works across the ground, first and second floors will begin in early February, delivering modern office accommodation alongside a commercial kitchen and canteen. Within the warehouse, high-level mechanical and electrical services installation is nearing completion, including the sprinkler system. Once slab works are finalised, teams will return to bring internal levels up to finished ground level. Specialist industrial freezer works are scheduled to commence in the spring. Loading dock installation is now complete, with all 106 dock doors installed, while approximately 50 per cent of office windows are in place. Full window installation is expected within the next four weeks, further supporting the programme to achieve full weather tight status. The project is also incorporating several efficiency- and sustainability-led construction practices. These include on-site concrete batching by specialist subcontractor McCoys, with approximately 20,200m³ of concrete produced to date. This comprises 14,000m³ for yard slabs, 2,500m³ for waterproofing in pits, 2,000m³ for ground beams and bases, 1,300m³ for dock slabs and 400m³ for miscellaneous drainage and associated works. All concrete has been batched on site, significantly reducing vehicle movements and the project’s overall carbon footprint. In addition, all precast piles installed on the project have been cropped, crushed, and reused on site for temporary works areas, further reducing waste and associated transport impacts. Once complete, the 829,000 sq. ft highly automated distribution centre will serve more than 300 Home Bargains stores nationwide and is expected to create up to 1,000 new jobs, forming a cornerstone of TJ Morris’ long-term logistics and distribution strategy. In addition to its commercial impact, the project underscores McLaren’s commitment to local engagement and sustainability. Key initiatives include a highly localised supply chain, with 70 percent of suppliers currently located within 50 miles of the site, innovation applied to the steel requirements to ensure the scheme is as economical as possible, the use of borrow pits and local fill materials significantly reducing transport emissions, and the sponsorship of a local football team, including full kit provision. Located at Unity Connect, the facility is part of the wider Unity Yorkshire masterplan – a transformative mixed-use regeneration scheme that spans over 250 hectares, delivering homes, jobs, and infrastructure across the region. The Unity scheme is also home to a dedicated Employment Academy, an initiative funded by Waystone Hargreaves Land and delivered in partnership with Business Doncaster aimed at supporting recruitment, training, and access to employment opportunities for local residents Luke Arnold, Regional Director, at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Progress on the TJ Morris Distribution Centre continues to gather momentum, with a number of key milestones achieved. This is a complex, large-scale logistics project and the pace of delivery is a real credit to the project team and our supply chain partners. “As we move towards making the building fully watertight and into the next phases of fit-out and external works, we will see the scale of this facility and the long-term benefits it will bring to Doncaster.” Neil Kelson, Head of Logistics, TJ Morris said “It is great to be part of a business that continues to invest in future growth and the very latest technology to maximise efficiency and keep prices low for our customers. Working with our build partners for this project, McLaren Construction, great progress has been made, with the build on track to hand over to Witron to start the automation install later this year. I am excited that by the summer of 2028 we will be fully operational at the Doncaster site, taking all of the key learnings and best practice from our recently opened Omega Distribution Centre, St Helens”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitbread opens the doors to flagship Hub by Premier Inn hotel
Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business and owner of Premier Inn, opened yesterday [Wednesday 4th February] formally open its latest hotel in the City of London – setting a new benchmark for affordable hotel design in the capital. It brings 212 contemporary hotel bedrooms – which will be operated under Whitbread’s popular hub by Premier Inn brand – to an area packed with history, culture, global landmarks and international business headquarters. Taking care to respect the heritage aspects of the building, the hub by Premier Inn London Farringdon (Old Bailey) is built within a Victorian-era former police station, retaining many of the original features of the era including a historic entrance way, ‘reading room’, staircase and a dramatic atrium that celebrates both old and new architecture. Hotel guests and visitors to the City will be able to enjoy a free-to-enter cultural space at the entrance to the hotel and in a central atrium space, featuring the work of two Goldsmith’s trained London-based artists – Hilary Yip and Leily Mojdehi – designed to integrate the hotel within the City of London’s ‘Culture Mile’ initiative. Unique heritage bedrooms have been designed at the front of the Grade II listed building, and the ‘hub’ brand’s compact bedrooms are also arranged across the rear new building, set behind a historic retained façade across eight storeys. Affordable hotels are in high demand in the City of London as domestic and international guests increasingly seek out value from which to enjoy the City’s many unique cultural attractions and leisure opportunities, and to take advantage of the Square Mile’s transport connections, particularly the Elizabeth line. It is a use the City of London Corporation has been encouraging through its ‘Destination City’ growth strategy to attract more visitors and workers into the Square Mile which recognised the opportunity for hotels, alongside office workspaces, for which it is internationally renowned. Whitbread has been operating Premier Inn hotels in the City of London catchment since 2013 and has stepped up investment in recent years to meet consistently high customer demand and to capitalise on opportunities to transform former office buildings into high quality, affordable hotels. Following the opening of the London Farringdon (Old Bailey) hub by Premier Inn hotel, the FTSE100 hotel company now offers its guests a choice of seven Premier Inn and hub hotels across the City with a further two Square Mile locations under construction or in planning. Nationwide, nearly 30% of the FTSE100 hotel company’s development pipeline are hub by Premier Inn hotels, the majority of which are focused in the capital. Jonathan Langdon, Senior Acquisition Manager for Whitbread, said: “We have poured our heart and soul into creating a showcase development at Farringdon (Old Bailey) – demonstrating how affordable hotels like hub by Premier Inn can breathe fresh life into vacant historic buildings in Central London. “The new hotel achieves so much, creating a fantastic new addition for our customers, retaining heritage, and contributing towards a buzzing and vibrant seven-day-a-week City of London through the activity and spending of our guests. “We’re very proud with what we have achieved and are grateful to the vision and hard work of so many people who have contributed to make the development happen.” Whitbread acquired the former City of London Snow Hill Police Station from the City of London Corporation and worked closely with City planners to create a hotel development that balances the need to revitalise the site whilst respecting its heritage. Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, said: “The transformation of the former Snow Hill Police Station into a modern, affordable hotel shows how heritage and planning innovation can work hand in hand, an excellent example of how thoughtful, high-quality design can bring new life to one of the City’s historic buildings. “As we continue to diversify the Square Mile’s offer, projects like this help ensure the City remains a vibrant, welcoming and culturally rich place for workers, residents and visitors alike. We welcome Whitbread’s commitment to celebrating the area’s history while supporting the City’s growth.” Whitbread’s hub by Premier Inn is designed for locations in major cities where property prices are relatively high but, thanks to the brand’s smaller room format, is able to deliver a strong commercial performance whilst providing affordable rooms for guests. Launched on St Martins Lane in Covent Garden in 2014, the brand now offers nineteen centrally located hotels and almost 3,300 bedrooms in locations across Central London and Edinburgh City Centre. In line with Whitbread’s sustainability strategy, Force For Good, the hub by Premier Inn London Farringdon (Old Bailey) hotel is powered by electricity backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) – with the building incorporating heat recovery systems and air source heat pumps to create a low energy demand. The hub also features a blue roof design, which means it stores the rainwater and releases it slowly to reduce flood risk in the area. A team of 35 have been recruited or offered opportunities for career progression with Whitbread through the new hotel opening – with new job opportunities promoted to residents of Central and Inner London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
£1bn London Cancer Hub set to transform UK life sciences landscape
Plans for a £1bn expansion of the London Cancer Hub in Sutton have been granted planning consent, paving the way for one of the UK’s most significant investments in cancer research, treatment and life sciences infrastructure. Backed by Aviva Capital Partners alongside developer Socius, the scheme will create a major new campus bringing together global pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, clinicians and manufacturers in a single, highly connected environment. Designed by Gensler, the development will deliver a mix of specialist research and innovation space, including wet laboratories, advanced manufacturing facilities and flexible offices aimed at encouraging collaboration across industry, academia and healthcare. Supporting amenities will include a dedicated Learning Lab, cafés, a crèche and landscaped public spaces, alongside 220 affordable homes for key workers. The campus is positioned as nationally significant science infrastructure, aligning closely with government ambitions to accelerate growth in the UK life sciences sector and strengthen the country’s position as a global leader in medical research and innovation. Once complete, the London Cancer Hub is expected to support thousands of highly skilled jobs and act as a catalyst for wider economic growth across south London. Buildings will be arranged around new pedestrian and cycle routes, with a strong focus on placemaking and accessibility. The masterplan prioritises sustainability, with all buildings targeting net-zero carbon in operation and designed to promote healthy, low-energy environments for both researchers and residents. With planning now secured, the project is expected to move into delivery, with contractor procurement anticipated to begin shortly. Construction will mark the next major step in bringing the ambitious vision for the campus to life. The wider professional team includes Arup as structural and building services engineer and Aecom providing project management and cost consultancy services. Once delivered, the expanded London Cancer Hub will play a central role in accelerating breakthroughs in cancer treatment, fostering collaboration across disciplines and reinforcing the UK’s life sciences ecosystem for decades to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Experts reveal winter workwear mistakes construction workers make and how to avoid them
The winter months and their wet and cold weather bring many challenges to the construction sector and its workers, with one of these being the need for extra workwear maintenance. The harsh weather conditions can exaggerate dirt and debris, leaving PPE looking worse for wear and uncomfortable to use. Correct upkeep during these months helps maintain garment performance and wearer visibility, but laundering mistakes are common. Adam Halewood, Head of Sales at custom workwear supplier Clothes2order, reveals the most common winter workwear maintenance mistakes, the issues these cause and how to avoid them. Don’t skip the pre-wash tasks Adam says, “When you’ve changed out of your wet and muddy clothes after a day at work, most of us will throw them straight into the washing machine with little thought, but this is the first mistake many make. With workwear becoming heavily soiled with mud, dust and other debris from building sites in the winter months, it’s important to remove as much of this before clothing items go into the washing machine, not only to ensure all dirt is removed during the laundry process, but to keep your washing machine in top condition. You can usually shake excess dry debris from clothing or gently wipe items down with a damp cloth to remove surface marks, so it doesn’t have to be a time-consuming step. Always avoid harsh scrubbing, especially on hi-vis pieces, as this can damage reflective material, leading to non-compliance with safety guidelines. Once surface grime has been removed, always fasten up items and turn them inside out before putting them in the washing machine. This stops zips, Velcro and other fastenings from snagging on the items during the wash cycle, protecting from pulls, scratches and holes being made in the material.” Avoid harsh wash cycles Adam explains, “Once PPE is ready for the washing machine, the next most common mistake made is using harsh cleaning cycles, which can cause fluorescent-coloured fabrics to fade fast and shorten garment lifespan. When washing workwear, you should follow the manufacturer’s care label instructions in the first instance, but generally it’s advised to avoid running hot water cycles; instead, opt for a cool temperature of 30°C. Whilst it may be tempting to use stain remover or bleach on stains, these harsh chemicals can damage the fibres within clothing, leaving it at risk of developing holes and needing to be replaced more frequently, so they should also be avoided unless the care label suggests otherwise. The best practice is to use only mild detergent on a cool wash and a gentle cycle. To be extra sure that all the detergent residue has been removed and won’t cause any future damage, an extra rinse can also be used at the end of the cycle.” Check before you tumble dry “Most workwear needs to be air-dried, unless the label specifies it is safe for the tumble dryer”, Adam says, “The high temperatures used in tumble dryers can cause clothing to shrink, and with hi-vis items, this can lead to reflective strips becoming dull, degrading and in some extreme cases, melting. Whilst we typically have our radiators on during the winter months, drying PPE directly on these should also be avoided for the same reasons. If you find your items are still holding a lot of water after their wash cycle, never wring them out, as this can cause damage to the material. Instead, put them back into the machine for a spin-only cycle to help remove the excess moisture, before hanging them to dry on an airer in a well-ventilated room.” Adam concludes, “It is really important to keep on top of PPE workwear maintenance all year round, but in the winter months, extra care should be taken to ensure protective clothing remains in good condition. The weather in winter not only brings more dirt to construction sites, but days with little daylight, rain and fog bring poor visibility, making compliant hi-vis clothing even more vital to workplace safety.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals