The Rokbak RA30 vs RA40: which dump truck is right for you?
Whether working in quarries, infrastructure projects or large-scale earthworks, customers choosing between Rokbak’s robust RA30 and high-capacity RA40 can rely on expert guidance from the Scottish articulated hauler manufacturer’s product team. While both models share Rokbak’s hallmark durability, product manager Graeme Blake details the differentiating factors when selecting the optimal truck for productivity and efficiency. So, which one will you choose? Rokbak articulated haulers are delivering reliable performance on tough job sites around the world. With two models, the decision over which truck to use depends on the demands of the operation. The RA30 and RA40 share Rokbak’s core DNA of durability, simplicity and high uptime. Either model can suit almost any application. Which mean the key differentiating factors lie in areas such as payload needs, site layout and the equipment already on site. The RA30, with its 28 tonne (30.9 US ton) payload capacity, is the agile and versatile option. Its compact size and strong manoeuvrability make it well suited to tighter or more challenging environments such as steep quarry routes, smaller infrastructure works or sites where ground conditions frequently change. The larger RA40 offers a 38 tonne (41.9 US ton) payload for operations where moving more material per cycle is the priority. It performs at its best in high-volume production environments such as open-pit mines, large quarries or earthmoving projects with wide haul roads and long travel distances. When a site can support bigger loading equipment, the RA40 helps customers maximise output by ensuring an efficient flow of materials and reducing the cost per tonne. Matching the truck to the job Aligning the hauler with the right excavator or loading tool is essential. A typical target is four to six passes to fill the truck body. If significantly more passes are required, the extra payload capacity is not being fully utilised and overall productivity compromised. Likewise, haul road width and site congestion should influence fleet selection. Compact European sites, such as those in France, commonly rely on RA30 trucks, while markets with larger working areas and extended operating hours, such as Indonesia, often favour the RA40. Tough and tougher Many customers choose to deploy mixed fleets, combining the nimble efficiency of the RA30 with the payload power of the RA40 to suit different areas of the same site. The RA30 is the quiet workhorse that is always delivering results, while the RA40 is its tougher big brother, built to push productivity even further. Both offer strong operator comfort and control, with the RA30 equipped with true independent front suspension as standard. More than hauling Rokbak articulated haulers are not limited to material movement. Both models have been adapted for specialist roles such as water tankers for dust suppression and scraper units for surface stripping, demonstrating their versatility. Their durable build and dependable components ensure they can operate for long hours in demanding conditions where uptime is critical. By working closely with customers to understand their requirements in detail, we’re ensuring that whether it’s the RA30, the RA40 or both, the right solution is always available. Visit the Rokbak website to learn more about Rokbak articulated haulers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Infrastructure Secures £14m New Contracts with Bromsgrove District Housing Trust
United Infrastructure, a leading provider of solutions for the UK’s critical infrastructure, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Social Infrastructure, has secured two major contracts totalling £14 million with Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (bdht), to enhance and decarbonise social housing across the Midlands. bdht is a registered provider of affordable homes, managing around 4,000 properties across Bromsgrove and the surrounding areas. bdht is committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable housing and services that meet the needs of local people. The first contract will see United Infrastructure deliver circa £10 million of large-scale retrofit and decarbonisation measures across bdht’s housing portfolio. The initiative aims to improve the energy efficiency of more than 500 homes in its initial phase, with the potential to scale to 1,000 properties over the duration of the programme. Scheduled to begin straightaway and delivered over two years, with potential for extension, the project will ensure that all bdht homes meet an EPC rating of C or above by 2030. The retrofit measures will reduce carbon emissions, improve the thermal performance of homes, and make them more affordable to heat. The works will also address longstanding issues such as damp and mould, significantly enhancing resident wellbeing. United Infrastructure has also been awarded a £4 million contract to deliver a comprehensive programme of planned refurbishment works. The project, procured through the Procurement for Housing (PfH) Framework, will commence in November 2025 and is scheduled to complete in March 2026. The works will involve the replacement of kitchens and bathrooms, installation of new boilers and heating systems, upgrades to windows and doors, and the renewal of roofing elements. This investment reflects bdht’s ongoing commitment to maintaining modern, energy-efficient homes and supports United Infrastructure’s mission to deliver safe, comfortable, and sustainable living environments for local communities. United Infrastructure will work in close collaboration with bdht to ensure the delivery of high-quality outcomes. Both contracts place strong emphasis on delivering meaningful social value, including the creation of employment and training opportunities, support for bdht’s liaison staff, and a neighbourhood-based approach that maximises community benefit across all tenures. These important contracts help further broaden United Infrastructure’s footprint in the Midlands, making it a significant local employer and contributor to local economic growth. Vlad Nedelcu, Chief Operating Officer, Social Infrastructure, commented: “We are proud to partner with bdht on these transformative programmes. Together, we are not only improving the quality and energy performance of homes but also delivering long-term value to residents and supporting sustainable communities across the Midlands.” Steve Phillips, Head of Asset Management, bdht, said: “These new contracts with United Infrastructure will make a real difference to bdht customers and their communities. The £14 million investment will make hundreds of homes warmer, more energy-efficient and more affordable to run. Alongside this, essential upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, roofs, windows, and doors will help ensure our homes remain safe, modern and well-maintained for many years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Verdion and L&G set to deliver £30m urban logistics scheme in Woolwich
Verdion has joined forces with Legal & General’s Industrial Property Investment Fund (IPIF) to secure a prime urban logistics development site in the West Thamesmead Opportunity Area, marking the first collaboration between the two organisations. The 2.6-acre brownfield plot on Nathan Way, within the West Thamesmead/Plumstead Industrial Area and designated Strategic Industrial Location, has a gross development value of £30m. Verdion will lead the development, while L&G will take ownership of the completed asset. Plans are in place for a speculative urban logistics scheme delivering 78,987 sq ft of new industrial floorspace across six small and mid-box units, ranging from 7,500 sq ft to 18,000 sq ft. The scheme is targeting BREEAM Excellent and A-plus energy performance certification, with a strong emphasis on whole-life carbon reduction, energy efficiency, biodiversity enhancements and responsible supply chain practices. Mark Garrity, UK development director at Verdion, said the acquisition represented an important milestone in the company’s UK strategy. He highlighted the site’s strong Thamesmead location and the increasing appeal of inner South East London for logistics operators. Garrity added that the masterplan had been shaped to support a wide variety of occupiers, anticipating demand from both businesses displaced by redevelopment elsewhere in London and new entrants drawn by improved transport links. Verdion expects the scheme to complete in the second quarter of 2027. Matt Lilley, assistant fund manager of IPIF and head of industrial development strategies at L&G, said the Nathan Way acquisition aligned with their strategy of investing in fast-growing industrial sub-sectors such as urban logistics. He emphasised the opportunity to embed net-zero-carbon principles from the outset, helping to create a future-proofed, high-quality asset in an undersupplied London market. The partnership signals a strong commitment to sustainable industrial growth and further strengthens the area’s role as a key logistics location in the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ikea caps landmark year with first Northern Ireland outlet at The Boulevard
Ikea has chosen The Boulevard in Banbridge for its first-ever outlet store in Northern Ireland, rounding off a landmark year of expansion for Ikea UK & Ireland. The 2,691 sq ft pop-up store, which will trade until spring 2026, is designed as a convenient hub for planning services, home furnishings and online order pick-ups. Customers can explore a curated selection of 150 home furnishing accessories across kitchen, bedroom and living spaces, with Ikea co-workers on hand to offer product advice and support with home projects. A key feature of the new outlet is its “Collect Near You” point, enabling shoppers to have online orders delivered to The Boulevard for easy collection. This service complements existing collection locations in Ballymena, Limavady and Dungannon, strengthening Ikea’s footprint across Northern Ireland and making it easier for customers to access the full range without travelling to a larger store. The Banbridge opening comes at the end of a busy 2025 for Ikea in the UK and Ireland, as the retailer continues to roll out smaller, more flexible formats closer to where people live and work. This year has seen the launch of a city store on London’s Oxford Street, new city and smaller-format stores in Brighton, Harlow, Norwich and Chester, as well as “Plan and Order” points in Dundee, Hull and York. Together, these locations form a key part of Ikea’s strategy to blend traditional out-of-town stores with compact formats, planning studios and collection points in high street and regional centres. Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property, owner of The Boulevard, said he was delighted to welcome Ikea’s first pop-up initiative in Northern Ireland. He described the arrival of the global home furnishings brand as a strong endorsement of The Boulevard’s growing reputation for attracting “first” and “only” locations, and a timely boost as the scheme gears up for the Christmas trading period. With the Banbridge outlet now open, Ikea is signalling its commitment to meeting customers where they are, using a mix of store formats and collection points to offer greater choice, convenience and flexibility across the UK and Ireland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Luton’s ‘Stage’ Set for £136m Town Centre Transformation
Willmott Dixon has secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, paving the way for a £136m regeneration of Luton town centre. Known as The Stage, the flagship scheme will be delivered through the Southern Construction Framework and will transform the former Bute Street Shoppers car park into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. The plans include 292 new homes, ground-floor commercial space, a multi-purpose food and events venue, and a new public garden square designed to act as a focal point for the community. Supported by £20m from the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, The Stage is a key component of Luton’s town centre masterplan. The project aims to boost footfall, attract new businesses and create a more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and commuters. Sustainability and placemaking sit at the heart of the design. The development will incorporate photovoltaic panels, upgraded insulation and high-performance building fabric to improve energy efficiency. New landscaped spaces will be structured around sustainable drainage systems and biodiverse planting, helping to manage surface water while enhancing the local environment. Located beside the rail station and bus interchange, The Stage occupies one of the most accessible locations in the town. The scheme is intended to make better use of this gateway site, encouraging sustainable travel and supporting the wider regeneration of the surrounding area. Stewart Brundell, chief operating officer at Willmott Dixon’s construction business, said the project represented exactly the kind of comprehensive town centre renewal needed to revitalise urban areas and deliver long-term benefits for local communities. The Luton scheme adds to Willmott Dixon’s growing portfolio of large-scale regeneration projects, which includes the Queen Mary University School of Business and Management redevelopment, the Barnes Hospital regeneration and Oldham’s 450,000 sq ft Spindles Town Square upgrade. Willmott Dixon will deliver The Stage in partnership with Rider Levett Bucknall and WSP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henry Boot Construction appointed to deliver new energy-efficient homes in Chesterfield
Henry Boot Construction has been appointed by Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver 18 brand-new energy-efficient homes in Mastin Moor, marking a key step in the council’s commitment to expanding its affordable housing supply. Work is now underway on site. This project marks one of the first housing developments to be supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Brownfield Housing Fund. This initiative, funded by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and delivered in partnership with Homes England, will unlock stalled residential developments and breathe new life into under-used land across the region. The development will see 13 new council homes built on Miller Avenue, whilst a further five houses will also be constructed on Edale Road. In total, Henry Boot Construction will deliver seven four-bedroom homes and eleven two-bedroom homes, all allocated to families on the council’s housing register. Each home is designed to achieve A-rated energy performance, with sustainability measures built in from the start of construction. Solar PV panels and air-source heat pumps will be installed across all plots, helping reduce running costs for future tenants and reducing carbon emissions across the borough. External works will provide private gardens and off-road parking for residents, while both locations are situated close to public transport routes for easy access to local services. Additional environmental features include bat and bird boxes on every plot and electric vehicle charging points. Mat Clarke, Head of Construction at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We’re proud to be supporting Chesterfield Borough Council in its mission to deliver affordable, energy-efficient homes for families across the borough. “It’s great for us to be back in Chesterfield after recently working with the council on its largest housing development in decades at Badger Croft, and we’re delighted to continue playing our part in increasing the local housing supply.” Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “As a council, we remain committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing for local people and this latest project is helping us to achieve this. “We are really pleased that EMCCA has allocated part of its Brownfield Housing Fund to help deliver this project that will provide much needed homes for local families. We look forward to working with EMCCA and Henry Boot Construction and watching the project progress. “With the cost of living continuing to rise, we know how important it is to our tenants to keep homes warm but energy costs down, so we’re really pleased to be delivering new properties with the top energy efficiency rating.” To mark the start of the project, Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, joined the Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Councillor Tricia Gilby, and the council’s cabinet member for housing, Councillor Jean Innes for a site visit hosted by Henry Boot Construction. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This project is a powerful example of how we’re turning our vision for inclusive growth into reality. Through the Brownfield Housing Fund, we’re creating high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of local families while supporting greener, more sustainable communities. By investing in places like Mastin Moor, we’re making the East Midlands a region that everyone is proud to call home.” EMCCA has secured a devolved allocation of Brownfield Housing Fund investment from the UK Government to support the delivery of housing on brownfield sites in the East Midlands. The funding commitment will deliver more than 2,000 high-quality homes, supporting Mayor Claire Ward’s ambition to build 100,000 new homes in the region by 2035. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals