First span of new Walton-on-Trent Bridge lifted into place
Local leaders joined Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, and principal contractor Chasetown Civil Engineering, to watch a 600-tonne crawler crane lift the first major span of the new Walton Bridge over the River Trent. The lift took place on the morning of Friday 27 February 2026, following two earlier postponements caused by flooding and high winds. Vistry and Chasetown Civil Engineering were joined by stakeholders from Derbyshire County Council, South Derbyshire District Council, Staffordshire County Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council, Walton Parish Council and Drakelow Parish Council for the opportunity to watch the operation and capture the occasion with a group photograph. Drone footage was also recorded during the lift. * Phil McHugh, Divisional Managing Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “After the challenges posed by the weather, it’s fantastic to see the first span of Walton Bridge finally lifted into place. This is a major milestone for the project and a vital step in improving transport links for both existing communities and future residents.” The new bridge forms part of the new 1.5km bypass construction project to replace the existing one‑way weight restricted, traffic signal controlled, bailey bridge at Walton‑on‑Trent, which has long acted as a bottleneck for traffic. Once complete, it will provide vital unrestricted access across the River Trent, improving connectivity for local residents and for the 2,000 new residents planned at Dracan Village, Vistry’s major regeneration project on the former Drakelow power station site. The scheme is also expected to support economic growth across the wider area. Work on the £25m bypass project began in February 2025, following planning consent from South Derbyshire District Council and East Staffordshire Borough Council. The bridge is 150 metres long and constructed from three spans, with the central span across the River Trent measuring 64 metres with157 tonnes of steelwork, while the eastern and western spans each measure 43 metres and weigh 93 tonnes. The total weight of the structural steelwork is approximately 510 tonnes, including bracings. The underside of the bridge has been designed to allow around 2.6 metres of flood clearance, and the highway construction will include six culvert structures to cater for flood waters, enhancing long‑term resilience. Installation of the bridge will take place in six separate lifting phases, with approximately nine weeks required to install the girders and main deck elements. Abutment and pier construction is already complete, with surfacing and finishing works to follow once the main structure is in place. In total, around 10,750 tonnes of tarmac will be used as part of the scheme. A full trial assembly of the bridge steelwork took place in December 2025 at Jamestown’s steel manufacturing facility in Portarlington, Ireland. In‑person inspections were carried out during production and the bridge installation executed through Chasetown Civil Engineering and their collaborative Shropshire Alliance partnership with Beaver Bridges and Foundation Piling.** Matt Procter, Head of Business Development from Chasetown Civil Engineering said: “It is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved. This is a perfect example of how strategic infrastructure unlocks communities – connecting people, places and new homes while solving long-standing local transport challenges”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Community Diagnostic Centre brings new medical imaging services to Luton
Residents of Luton and surrounding areas will have access to earlier diagnosis of medical conditions resulting in better long-term health thanks to a new community diagnostic centre (CDC) being built by Ashe Construction on the University of Bedfordshire’s Luton Campus. The £10m project for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, part of a £25m investment will see 1,500sqm of former teaching space remodelled to house advanced medical diagnostic services for the local community. This follows the reprovision of teaching space elsewhere on the campus to continue to provide, modern, student focussed facilities. The scheme aims to provide the services nearer to where users live and in more accessible facilities with state-of-the-art technology. Patients will see improved access to high quality imaging, and shorter waiting times for critical tests including, routine, non-complex CT, Endoscopy, and bone density (Dexa) scanning services all available there. The facility will benefit from a new drop-off area and dedicated entrance to allow easy access to the new facilities without impacting the University’s teaching spaces. A plant tower will also be built at the Park Street end of the University’s C Block building to house all the necessary plant and equipment to run the state-of-the-art machinery. Ashe will deliver the project in phases to minimise disruption to the campus with the first phases including minor enabling works making way for the main construction and re-modelling work. The mechanical and electrical fit out will then take place, ready for installation of the specialist medical imaging equipment. With completion set for March 2027, the CDC will facilitate earlier diagnoses, improved long-term condition management, and better care coordination for many patients across Luton and South Bedfordshire, ultimately helping to enhance patient outcomes and reduce health inequalities for the local community. The project concept has been designed by Phillips & Co, AD Architects, TB&A and Perega, and the project design has been progressed by Roberts Limbrick; the project management is led by the Trust and BCAL is the structural engineer. Cost management for the project will be provided by AECOM and Stuart McCurry & Partners is the Building Services Designer. Procured through the Pagabo Refit & Refurbishment Framework, the scheme provides a great example of cross-sector collaboration between Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Bedfordshire University, with further opportunities for research and innovation, and student placement opportunities for teaching and training. Ashe has recently completed Lloyds Court CDC in central Milton Keynes for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Gilbert Hitchcock House (GHH) in Bedford, also for Bedfordshire Hospital’s NHS Foundation Trust. The success of the project at GHH has resulted in a further £2m contract to fit out the first floor, and provide £200k of improvements to the second floor, with completion scheduled for May this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
John F Hunt takes on complex Euston Tower deconstruction
John F Hunt has been appointed by British Land under a pre-construction services agreement to deliver the demolition and deconstruction package for the redevelopment of London’s Euston Tower. The contractor previously carried out the soft strip of the 36-storey building in 2024 and will now dismantle the structure while retaining its reinforced concrete core, which will stand at its full height of 126 metres. The decision to preserve the lift-and-stair core forms a central part of the redevelopment strategy. To facilitate the safe removal of the surrounding structure, John F Hunt’s engineering consultancy, RKD, has designed a complex temporary works solution to stabilise and strengthen the core as it becomes free-standing. The engineering challenge is significant, with the retained core expected to be one of the tallest of its kind in London. RKD director Mark Blackmore said the team would work closely with British Land’s engineers, Arup, throughout the design process. He described the scheme as potentially the first in London to engineer a 126-metre core to remain free-standing, highlighting both the complexity and technical innovation involved. In a departure from traditional demolition methods, John F Hunt will replace the standard scaffold envelope used for perimeter protection with hydraulic frame technology. A six-storey Climbing Protection Screen will be installed at upper floor levels, providing safe access and reducing operatives’ exposure to working at height. The bespoke, automated system will descend progressively as the demolition advances. Although the existing foundations are being retained, the basement will be extended to accommodate the increased footprint of the new building, which will grow from 350,000 sq ft to 550,000 sq ft. Basement works, piling and the construction of the new ground floor structure will proceed while deconstruction continues several metres above. Mace is acting as main contractor on the £600m redevelopment. Glen Clark, managing director of John F Hunt’s London business, said the project presented significant technical challenges and underlined the value of early engagement and collaboration in delivering a solution focused on safety, sustainability and programme certainty. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fusion 360 urges businesses to ‘act now’ to avoid global rise in cost of solar PV panels
Specialist electrical and solar panel contractors, Fusion 360 Group, have urged businesses to secure their solar energy systems before an anticipated rise in cost in April. Driven by global supply chain issues and material shortages, solar PV (photovoltaic) markets have announced that the price of solar panels in the UK will go up from April 1st. “Commercial, industrial, housing and public sectors looking to invest in solar energy are best to act now. Delaying projects could mean paying more for panels, incurring longer lead times and potentially disrupting any sustainability targets for your business” says Joanne Skinner, Commercial Director of Fusion 360. The upcoming solar panel availability and cost changes are reportedly driven by a reduction in Chinese manufacturing subsidies, global supply chain constraints and surging material costs, including silver and polysilicon. Leading solar energy installers, like Fusion 360, have suggested that securing solar panels before the price rise in April ensures the project can remain in budget and on schedule “These price rises have been anticipated for some time, so we’ve been proactively working with businesses to help them secure the hardware required for their solar energy systems. Until April, we’re able to offer the opportunity to lock in better pricing, guarantee availability and ensure their solar panels are delivered and installed on time” adds Joanne. Established in 1997, Fusion 360 – formerly Fusion Electrics – specialise in managing the supply and installation of electrical and energy systems for business and domestic customers throughout the UK. With a dedication to safety, innovation and long-term value for clients, Fusion has supported the design and installation of solar energy systems that power businesses and properties with clean, renewable energy. “Whether you’re cutting energy costs, improving green credentials or looking to become more energy independent – solar energy is a smart, long-term sustainable investment. And, with this month being the best time to act, our services will be available for businesses and organisations across the UK” concludes Joanne. Read more about Fusion 360: https://fusion360group.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
International Women’s Day: Taylor Wimpey East Anglia celebrates women in construction
This year’s International Women’s Day encourages everyone to ‘Give to Gain’, and Taylor Wimpey East Anglia is highlighting the inspiring and collaborative career journeys of Hollie-Jayne Bennett, Assistant Site Manager and Rhianna Darling, Trainee Assistant Site Manager. ‘Don’t hesitate to throw out an idea’ and ‘no question is a silly question’ are the two valuable lessons Hollie-Jayne Bennett says she has learnt since starting a role as Assistant Site Manager at Taylor Wimpey’s Lantern Croft development in Ely. Originally starting her career in the housebuilding industry as a painting and decorating apprentice, Hollie-Jayne grasped the opportunity to begin her management pathway. Joining Taylor Wimpey as an Assistant Site Manager in August 2022, Hollie-Jayne has multiple qualifications in site management and supports the Site Manager with the day-to-day running of the development and always keep health and safety at the forefront. Hollie-Jayne said: “I thoroughly enjoy site work and everything it entails. I love coordinating with contractors and producing an incredibly high-quality product for Taylor Wimpey customers to enjoy. It’s rewarding to see a development progress from the early stages through to a completely new community, knowing the work that the team has put in to create homes that people are proud of. “I do feel like I’m breaking down barriers within the industry, being a female in a leading position. Being a woman isn’t something that phases me about my role. Developing confidence is a process, but through hard work and gaining experience, you can strengthen your belief that you bring value to the table. In the next five years, I hope to become the first female Site Manager in the East Anglian region.” Having formerly been a sales coordinator and a director’s PA within the housebuilding industry, Rhianna Darling’s entry into working on site was unconventional. Rhianna joined Taylor Wimpey six months ago and is currently a Trainee Assistant Site Manager at Northfield View in Stowmarket. Her role is to support the Site Manager in ensuring the smooth operation of the development to maintain the build schedule, including coordinating with contractors and ensuring that materials are delivered and ordered on time. “I gained valuable experience within sales and as a PA, but there wasn’t much opportunity for me to progress. I realised after speaking with my colleagues that my coordination, organisation and management skills were transferable to a role on site. Curiosity combined with support from my colleagues and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone helped me transition into my current role.” “No two days are ever the same, which is something I really enjoy. I love being out on site, seeing the progress day by day and knowing I’ve played a part in bringing someone’s dream home to life. Having such a wonderful, tangible achievement paired with the happiness of a family on move-in day is so rewarding.” International Women’s Day (IWD), which takes place on the 8th March 2026, is an opportunity for the world to come together to forge gender equality. 2026’s theme is Give to Gain, which encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. For more information on careers at Taylor Wimpey, please visit: https://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/jobs/jobs-you-can-do/construction Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When Business Leaders Need a Criminal Defense Attorney
Business leaders often face heavy responsibilities that extend beyond managing profits and people. With so much at stake, they can sometimes find themselves dealing with criminal allegations that threaten both their freedom and their company’s reputation. These legal issues may involve financial misconduct, workplace incidents, or even accusations tied to criminal law, such as drug crimes or domestic violence. A criminal record can damage not only personal credibility but also the trust investors and employees place in a company. Knowing when to seek a criminal defense attorney is essential for protecting both career and business. Why Criminal Charges Happen Running a company means making complex decisions, and mistakes can lead to serious consequences. Leaders may face drug charges if employees are caught with drug possession on company property, or they may be accused of gun charges if weapons are found in violation of workplace rules. In other cases, misdemeanor charges like simple assault could arise from conflicts in the workplace. Criminal law covers a wide range of situations, and business leaders aren’t immune. For example, a chief executive might face accusations of fraud if financial statements mislead investors. A manager could be investigated if police reports show safety violations that harmed employees. Even unintentional errors can result in criminal allegations, which is why leaders must stay alert to the risks tied to their positions. What a Criminal Defense Attorney Does Consulting with criminal lawyers in Brisbane or nearby helps clients understand their constitutional rights and guides them through investigations. They explain defense strategies, review police reports, and prepare responses to charges. For business leaders, this support is critical because the consequences can include prison, fines, or license suspension that affects their ability to run a company. Attorneys also handle cases that go beyond corporate matters. They may defend leaders accused of drug trafficking, domestic violence, or other serious crimes. In each situation, the attorney works to challenge evidence, negotiate plea bargains, and bring in expert witnesses when needed. Without this guidance, leaders may struggle to protect themselves and their businesses. Protecting Reputation and Business Interests Reputation is often as valuable as financial success. Criminal allegations can quickly erode trust among investors, employees, and customers. Even before a trial begins, media coverage can harm the company’s image. Defense attorneys help manage these risks by advising on communication strategies and ensuring legal responses are carefully planned. For example, if an executive is accused of drug crimes or fraud, the attorney may coordinate with public relations teams to release statements that protect credibility while avoiding legal missteps. This balance between defense and reputation management is vital for long‑term survival. Common Situations That Call for Legal Help Several scenarios show when business leaders should seek immediate legal counsel: These examples show that criminal defense isn’t limited to traditional corporate crimes. Modern business creates new risks that leaders must be ready to handle. Why Acting Quickly Matters Timing makes a huge difference in criminal cases. Waiting too long to seek legal help can weaken a defense. Investigators may already be gathering police reports, interviewing witnesses, and building a case before charges are filed. Leaders who consult an attorney early can respond proactively instead of waiting for problems to grow. For instance, if a company is under investigation for tax fraud or drug trafficking, waiting until charges are filed may leave little room to negotiate or correct mistakes. Early involvement of a defense attorney allows for clarification, cooperation with authorities, and sometimes avoiding charges altogether. Balancing Leadership and Legal Defense Leaders can’t simply step away from their duties when facing legal challenges. They must continue guiding their organizations while preparing their defense. This balance requires careful planning. Attorneys often work with leaders to minimize disruptions. They may schedule meetings outside business hours or coordinate with in‑house legal teams. This way, leaders can keep their focus on operations while still preparing for their defense. Managing both responsibilities shows why professional legal support is so important. Conclusion Criminal charges against business leaders are serious matters that can affect both personal freedom and company stability. From drug charges and domestic violence to gun charges and misdemeanor charges, the risks are wide‑ranging and complex. A criminal defense attorney provides essential guidance, helping leaders protect their constitutional rights, reputation, and business interests. Acting quickly and strategically can make the difference between a damaging conviction and a manageable resolution. For any leader, knowing when to seek legal help isn’t just smart—it’s necessary for protecting both career and company.