Komatsu PC220 – what can be done by OEMs to encourage tiltrotator adoption and purchase in the UK
The construction industry is constantly seeking ways to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety on the jobsite. While excavators remain the core of earthmoving operations, attachments like the tiltrotator are significantly enhancing the precision and efficiency of traditional excavators. James Venerus, General Manager Product Marketing at Komatsu Europe, discusses how Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can accelerate tiltrotator adoption through deeper collaboration with leading manufacturers and simplified integration that puts operators first. Growing Demand for Tiltrotators Long standard in Scandinavia, the demand for tiltrotators is now rapidly growing across the rest of Europe. This surge in adoption showcases tiltrotators’ ability to enhance excavator versatility, reduce manual labour and significantly improve on-site productivity. The UK market has historically been slower to adopt tiltrotators compared to Scandinavia, but this is now changing. Multiple factors have held back adoption, including hardware costs, installation complexity, and industry mindset. As UK adoption accelerates, OEMs have a clear responsibility to address these barriers and ensure customers can adopt this technology seamlessly. Deep Collaboration with Tiltrotator Manufacturers Driving true value for our customers means eliminating complications through closer collaboration with tiltrotator manufacturers. By doing so, OEMs can enable quality-assured, factory-integrated solutions. This means a deep collaboration where the OEM brings their engineering expertise to design the machine’s electrical and hydraulic systems from the ground up, ensuring the excavator is built to recognise and communicate perfectly with specific tiltrotator brands. For the Komatsu PC220LC/LCi-12, this collaboration resulted in a “smart” Plug & Play approach that requires only a small number of connections between the machine, the tiltrotator and the controller. This significantly cuts installation time and ensures reliability right from the start. In addition, the machine features programmable control levers with integrated tiltrotator functionality as standard, so no further work is required to replace the control levers. Making Operation Intuitive Making a machine more efficient also means making the operator’s life easier. Full utilisation of the tiltrotator’s capabilities depends on intuitive control features. Modern excavators, such as the Komatsu PC220LCi-12 with Intelligent Machine Control 3.0, offer unique assistance features that simplify tiltrotator operation. The system can control rotation and tilting while also including features such as posture hold control, which automatically maintains attachment orientation. This makes digging and grading with a tiltrotator easier for the operator, especially for those new to tiltrotator technology. Looking Ahead: Listening to Customers and Delivering Solutions As technology advances and job sites become increasingly sophisticated, OEMs need to proactively develop machines with enhanced tiltrotator readiness. However, this must be driven by listening closely to customer needs and understanding their specific operational challenges. The role of the OEM is to foster deeper collaboration with tiltrotator manufacturers to deliver integrated solutions that genuinely address customer pain points. By working together, OEMs and tiltrotator manufacturers can create seamless, factory-integrated systems that reduce installation complexity and costs, making the technology more accessible to customers and help them be prepared to meet future demands. To find out more about Komatsu Europe, please visit: komatsu.eu Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hines buys trophy office in central London from HB Reavis
Hines, a leading global real estate investment manager, has acquired Worship Square, a newly built Grade A office building at 65 Clifton Street in the heart of the City of London, from HB Reavis, a preeminent European real estate developer and investor, in an off-market transaction. The 139,000-square-foot property offers premium workspace across nine floors with terraces and amenities. Located right in the heart of the City, the building was completed by HB Reavis in 2024 and is 97% leased to leading occupiers, including Wise, a global technology company, and Frontier Economics, a prominent European economic consultancy. A mix of flexible workspace is available, with the lower ground and basement floors offered by HB Reavis’ brand HubHub. 3,800-square-foot of retail space is also available on the ground floor. Alfonso Munk, Global Co-Head of Investment Management at Hines, said: “We are delighted to make this acquisition at a time when compelling demand-supply dynamics for prime office space in London have created an extremely favorable backdrop for rental growth.” “Occupiers are demanding high-quality, amenity-rich office space in the city’s best locations, and this building delivers on every front. Our research shows a growing bifurcation between best-in-class offices and the rest, and Worship Square positions us firmly on the right side of that trend.” Steven Skinner, CEO of HB Reavis Developments, added: “Worship Square is a landmark, multi-award-winning UK project that embodies our long-held strategic focus delivering highly sustainable and healthy workplaces that put the occupier at the heart. The calibre of occupier and attracting a near 100% occupancy at building completion is testament to the quality of development. The completion of the asset sale to Hines enables additional capital to reinvest into our existing development pipeline.” With limited Grade A availability and rising construction costs, businesses have been driving a flight to quality, prioritizing modern, sustainable and well-located offices. Institutional liquidity is also returning to the London office market, reinforcing confidence in prime assets like Worship Square. Jake Walsh, Managing Director at Hines said: “Securing an asset of this quality in a prime location in London off market is a testament to Hines’ unique ability to deliver on behalf of our investors, in a market where alpha creation at all stages of the ownership lifecycle is vital.” This investment, made on behalf of a Hines-sponsored fund, aligns with the firm’s global strategy to focus on prime assets across all asset types in gateway cities, delivering resilient income and positioning its portfolio to benefit from new macroeconomic and geopolitical trends shaping the future. HB Reavis’ long-term strategy continues to centre on premium projects and long-term asset management, while retaining the flexibility to respond to opportunities which support the strategic optimisation of its portfolio. In this context, transactions such as the sale of Worship Square create additional capacity for the company to advance new development opportunities in the United Kingdom and Germany, which remain key markets in its development strategy Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic appointed to major M&S logistics facility at Axis Works, Avonmouth
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has been appointed by Stoford and Epta Development Corporation (EDC) to deliver a new 390,000 sq. ft logistics facility for Marks & Spencer (M&S) at Plot 5, Axis Works, Avonmouth. The appointment underscores Winvic’s proven track record in the design and delivery of complex industrial and logistics projects, including temperature-controlled and food storage facilities for major retailers and developers across the UK. The high-specification facility, which is expected to complete by summer 2026, has been pre-let to M&S on a 20-year lease and is being forward funded by LondonMetric for £74 million, forms a key part of the retailer’s investment in its national food supply chain. Designed to the highest sustainability standards, the building will target BREEAM Excellent, EPC A with embodied carbon performance evaluated in line with the RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) Second Edition methodology. Sustainability features will include rainwater harvesting, a roof-mounted PV system, LED lighting, Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), EV charging infrastructure and green roof cycle shelters, supporting M&S’s long-term environmental objectives. Internally, the building will accommodate extensive temperature-controlled environments, comprising a 900m² freezer section operating at -18°C to -20°C, and 20,000m² of chiller chambers maintaining temperatures between +1°C and +3°C. These areas will feature PIR Cold box panels box within a box, insulated wall and ceiling panels, high-density insulated floors with electric heater mats, and airtight composite seals. The facility will be equipped with GEA temperature monitoring and control systems linked to a monitoring station, with data logging and alarm functions for compliance. Two on-site generators will provide backup power to protect stock during outages, while ventilation systems, rapid-rise doors, air curtains and pressure relief vents minimise frost ingress. Insulated docks, inflatable shelters, and overhead evaporator and condenser units will maintain the cold chain throughout loading and storage operations. The project also incorporates significant civil engineering works, including the installation of three culverts to carry an existing drainage channel (Rhine) beneath a newly constructed access road. This ensures continued water flow and provides vehicle access across land managed by the Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board. On-site engineering innovations include the use of Prefabricated Vertical Drainpiles and a Menard piling solution to optimise foundation performance. Located within the 101-acre Axis Works site at Central Park, South Gloucestershire, the scheme sits at the heart of the Avonmouth-Severnside Enterprise Area – one of the UK’s landmark logistics locations. Once complete, Axis Works will deliver approximately 2 million sq. ft of industrial, warehouse, and logistics space. Winvic has completed 27 Net Zero Carbon in Construction projects to date, totalling 72 individual facilities, with a further nine underway, alongside 12 low carbon projects, with seven more underway. Danny Nelson, Managing Director – Industrial and Logistics at Winvic Construction Ltd, said: “Our appointment to deliver the new M&S logistics facility at Axis Works builds on Winvic’s strong expertise and reputation for constructing complex temperature-controlled environments, as well as large-scale, sustainable logistics hubs for leading retailers and developers across the UK. “We’re proud to be working collaboratively with Stoford, LondonMetric and Epta Development Corporation (EDC), for the build, which will prioritise efficiency and sustainability in the food supply chain. Avonmouth continues to be a critical logistics location, and this scheme reflects both market confidence and the strength of our specialist industrial and logistics expertise.” Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford, said: “We’re pleased to appoint Winvic to deliver this significant new logistics facility for M&S at Axis Works. Their expertise in delivering high-quality industrial and logistics developments will help us bring this next phase of the scheme to life. “The project is the result of more than two years of close collaboration with EDC and demonstrates confidence in Avonmouth as one of the UK’s most important distribution locations. It will provide LondonMetric and M&S with a facility that meets the highest standards of design and sustainability.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Green Light for £500 Million Transformation of Maidenhead Town Centre
A major overhaul of Maidenhead town centre has moved a step closer after councillors approved London developer Areli’s long awaited plans to demolish the outdated Nicholson Centre and replace it with a new high rise mixed use quarter. The hybrid planning application, endorsed by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s planning committee, clears the way for 856 new homes spread across buildings up to 20 storeys tall, along with 55 new shops and commercial units. A ten storey car park providing 452 spaces is also included in the proposals. The scheme involves demolishing almost the entire 1960s shopping centre, with only two existing buildings retained. Four new residential towers of 10, 13, 17 and 20 storeys will take its place. Most of the new homes will be one bedroom apartments, with 100 allocated for residents aged over 75. None of the units will be affordable. Designed by architect JTP, the wider Nicholson Quarter masterplan also introduces a new civic plaza intended to act as the town’s central gathering space. The updated approval replaces an earlier consent granted in 2021 and reflects market changes, including a significant reduction in office space and a drop from the previous 25 storey height peak. Final sign off is subject to a Section 106 agreement, which includes contributions towards local car park improvements. Construction is hoped to begin in the first quarter of next year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Frasers Group Expands Retail Empire with Acquisition of Braehead Shopping Centre
Frasers Group has acquired the 1.1 million square foot Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow from SGS UK Retail, in a deal believed to be worth around £220 million. The seller, SGS UK Retail, which also owns the Victoria Centre in Nottingham and Harlequin Watford, has overseen a major transformation programme at Braehead since completing a restructuring process in 2024. This work has helped secure a series of new tenants, including the first SuperPark in the United Kingdom, an indoor leisure and recreation attraction due to open early next year. Other recent arrivals at the centre include Miniso, Snowflake Gelato and BPerfect. Claire Barber, chief executive of SGS UK Retail, said:“The sale of Braehead was always part of our strategic plan and, through active management, we have delivered substantial value enhancement and successfully stabilised the asset, attracting new brands and increasing its relevance and appeal to customers. We have created a strong platform from which Frasers Group can continue to drive growth, leveraging its retail expertise to further unlock Braehead’s potential as one of Scotland’s leading retail destinations.“In light of strong leasing performance and the significant progress made in discussions with brands, we continue to see major value creation opportunities across the Group’s remaining three assets.” Michael Murray, chief executive of Frasers Group, said:“This acquisition is an important step in delivering our property ambitions and accelerating the Elevation Strategy. It strengthens the Group’s position as a leading operator and supporter of physical retail destinations while creating more opportunities to serve communities with the best brands, environments and experiences possible.” Frasers Group was advised by CBRE, while JLL acted for SGS UK Retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Blues Reveal Vision for Landmark Stadium with Twelve Towering Chimneys
Birmingham City Football Club has unveiled dramatic plans for a new 62,000 capacity stadium featuring twelve chimney like structures supporting a fully retractable roof. Designed by Heatherwick Studio in partnership with United States stadium specialist Manica, the proposed ground would form the centrepiece of a new Birmingham Sports Quarter in Bordesley Green. Known as the Birmingham City Powerhouse Stadium, the project is expected to cost around £1.2 billion to deliver. Its design features a steep, compact bowl creating a continuous 360 degree wall of supporters, with acoustics engineered to heighten noise and atmosphere. The twelve chimney formed towers take inspiration from the brickworks that once occupied the site. Beyond their visual impact, they will provide essential structural support for the roof while housing lifts, staircases and ventilation systems. One of the chimneys is set to contain a lift leading to what would be the highest bar in the city, offering panoramic views and an immersive experience celebrating Birmingham’s industrial heritage. At ground level, the Championship club aims to create a seven day destination rather than a venue used only for matchdays. Plans include food markets, cafés, children’s play areas and new public spaces intended to open up an area of East Birmingham that has long been closed off. Tom Wagner, Knighthead co chief executive and Birmingham City chairman, said the club aims to have the stadium open for the 2030–31 season, with public engagement on the project beginning in 2026.“This is a huge milestone for Birmingham City Football Club, creating a home that reflects our ambition to compete at the highest level. More than that, the iconic design is a statement of intent for the city and the West Midlands, testament to a region on the rise.“The stadium draws upon the proud heritage of the West Midlands — a heritage of industry, ingenuity and growth.” Thomas Heatherwick, founder and design director of Heatherwick Studio, said:“Too often stadiums feel like spaceships that could have landed anywhere, sterilising the surrounding area.“Ours grows from Birmingham itself — from its brickworks, its history of a thousand trades, and the craft at the core of its culture. Our goal is to capture the spirit of the city and play it back to Birmingham.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals