Barbican set for £231m retrofit as landmark arts centre overhaul wins consent
A £231m transformation of London’s Barbican Arts Centre has secured planning and listed building consent, paving the way for a comprehensive retrofit of one of the UK’s most recognisable post-war cultural landmarks. Approval from the City of London Corporation enables long-awaited works to address ageing building fabric, accessibility constraints and outdated infrastructure across the Grade II-listed Brutalist complex. The project has been designed by Allies and Morrison in collaboration with Asif Khan Studio and engineer Buro Happold. Crucially, the scheme is entirely retrofit-led. No additional floorspace will be created. Instead, the focus is on repairing, upgrading and optimising the existing structure, preserving the character of the 1980s arts centre while bringing it up to modern standards. A central element of the plans is the full refurbishment of the Barbican Conservatory. Long-standing maintenance issues will be resolved and a new climate-controlled environment introduced to safeguard plant life. A new lift and stair will open up the raised balconies for the first time, creating publicly accessible viewing areas and improving circulation. Accessibility improvements run throughout the wider building. A new lift in the Conservatory will provide step-free access to the fly tower for the first time, while a second lift in the main foyer will enhance routes to the Concert Hall and Theatre. The scheme also includes upgraded wayfinding, additional toilet facilities and a new multi-faith room. Externally, the lakeside terrace and foyers will undergo a careful, sustainability-led upgrade. Original materials, including glazing and paving within the Conservatory, will be retained and reused wherever possible to minimise embodied carbon and protect the integrity of the Brutalist design. The conservation-led approach has received backing from national heritage bodies, including Historic England and the Twentieth Century Society. The City of London Corporation has committed £191m towards Phase 1 of the programme, with further funding to be raised through philanthropy and partnerships. Major on-site works are scheduled to begin in 2027. Between June 2028 and 2029, most Barbican activity will pause to enable the most intensive phase of construction, although Cinemas on Beech Street will remain open and programming will continue with resident partners such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Opened in 1982 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Barbican welcomes more than one million visitors each year. The approved scheme is intended to secure the building’s fabric, accessibility and cultural relevance for at least the next half century. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis and EQT Real Estate complete Midlands logistics portfolio transaction
Prologis UK and EQT Real Estate have completed the sale and acquisition of a three-asset, fully leased logistics portfolio in the Midlands for an undisclosed sum. The portfolio comprises Nuneaton Bermuda Park DC1 and Rugby Central Park DC1 and DC2, totalling approximately 909,000 sq ft across the East and West Midlands. The Midlands continues to play a critical role in the UK’s distribution network, supported by established infrastructure and resilient customer demand. For Prologis, the sale reflects active portfolio management. Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK, said: “These are high-quality, stabilised assets in core locations. The transaction reflects our disciplined approach to capital allocation. We regularly assess where we can realise value and redeploy capital into development and other opportunities that support our long-term priorities in the UK.” The acquisition strengthens EQT Real Estate’s presence in UK logistics markets, one of Europe’s most established and strategically located distribution hubs. Jonathan Mackie, Managing Director at EQT Real Estate, added: “The Midlands is one of the UK’s most important logistics hubs, and this portfolio is well positioned to serve the evolving needs of occupiers while benefiting from active asset management and long-term sustainability-led value creation. The addition of these assets to our portfolio aligns strongly with EQT Real Estate’s strategy of acquiring modern, high-potential logistics properties in underserved markets in Europe.” The transaction reflects continued investor demand for stabilised logistics assets in core UK markets. The sector benefits from long-term demand trends and limited availability of modern space in established locations, which continues to attract institutional investment. Prologis continues to deploy capital across the UK. Recent activity includes four development starts at DIRFT, including M&S Food’s flagship National Distribution Centre and being announced as development partnership for Manchester Airport Group at East Midlands Airport Freeport. Prologis were advised by CBRE & DTRE, EQT were advised by Knight Frank. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic appointed to deliver Waterbeach Station Haul Road under EHA Framework
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 the Greater Cambridge Partnership to deliver the Waterbeach railway station haul road – the company’s first project awarded under the Eastern Highways Alliance Framework (EHF4). The £800 million framework is managed by Central Bedfordshire Council and includes a collaborative group of ten local authorities across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk, and Thurrock. The project commenced in November and is due for completion in Summer 2026, with Winvic delivering the works under a NEC4 Option A contract. Procured via a competitive mini competition under Lot 1 of the EHA Framework, the £3 million scheme forms a key early enabling element of the wider gateway works for the construction of the new town of Waterbeach and the future railway station. The 3.1km haul road is crucial to providing access for the next phase of works, enabling Spencer Group to begin construction of the new station. Approximately 830 metres of the route will utilise the existing former airfield taxiway as a foundation within the Urban & Civic site, with a further 2.3km of new carriageway constructed across the wider Waterbeach development. On completion, the road will feature a 3.75m-wide single carriageway with passing bays on the farmland section and a 7.0m-wide single carriageway along the taxiway, supported by drainage and fencing throughout. A significant programme of earthworks and utilities protection will be undertaken, with Winvic reusing surplus site-won material for level adjustments, bund creation and ditch excavations. Winvic is also further exploring value-engineering opportunities to reduce material use, cost and carbon where feasible. Winvic will manage extensive stakeholder engagement throughout delivery, including regular coordination with the Greater Cambridge Partnership, which is responsible for the delivery of the new railway station itself, and the developer Urban & Civic. Key traffic and pedestrian management measures will be implemented on Bannold Drove (Green Lane), with early engagement planned to minimise disruption to the surrounding community. The site’s historic use as a former army barracks also introduces archaeological oversight, UXO considerations and remote working requirements, with the team operating up to 3km from the main compound. As part of its EHA social value commitments, Winvic will deliver a structured programme of employment, skills and community initiatives in collaboration with local supply chain partners, SMEs, educational providers and charities. Activities will be shaped by local needs and aligned with framework reporting requirements, including opportunities for apprentices, underrepresented groups and targeted community support. Rob Cook, Winvic’s Managing Director for Civils and Infrastructure, said: “Securing our first project under the EHA Framework is a significant milestone for Winvic and reflects the strength of our relationship with the Greater Cambridge Partnership, Cambridgeshire County Council and partners across the region. The Waterbeach Station haul road is an important enabling scheme that underpins the long-term growth of the new town and the delivery of critical transport infrastructure. We look forward to bringing our civil engineering expertise, collaborative approach and commitment to creating a positive impact in the local area, helping set the standard for future schemes under the framework.” Thomas Fitzpatrick, Head of Programme at the Greater Cambridge Partnership, said: “We’re pleased to appoint Winvic to the first phase of work for the new Waterbeach station – building the haul road. The road is designed to minimise disruption to residents during construction of the new station later in the year. We’ve got a package of transport projects in Waterbeach – a new travel hub with park and ride facilities, a new busway, and the Waterbeach Greenway. With the new station, we’re not only providing another sustainable transport option but also unlocking new housing for local people.” Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bovis returns to Paternoster Square with £200m London Stock Exchange overhaul
Bovis has secured a major contract to refurbish, extend and fit out 10 Paternoster Square in the City of London, in a £200m transformation of the London Stock Exchange’s headquarters. Developers Oxford Properties and Hines have appointed Bovis Construction (Europe) under a pre-construction services agreement to deliver the comprehensive reconfiguration of the landmark building. The scheme marks a notable return for Bovis, which originally completed the property in 2003 as part of the wider Paternoster Square development. The project will reshape the building to provide best-in-class office accommodation alongside a new public-facing attraction in the heart of the Square Mile. Central to the redevelopment is the reimagining of the London Stock Exchange’s ceremonial core. For the first time, the daily market opening and closing ceremonies will be made visible to the public through the introduction of a new glass atrium, bringing traditionally private moments into view. The works will also include new roof extensions, the creation of an events pavilion and the addition of terraces and balconies offering panoramic views towards St Paul’s Cathedral. The aim is to deliver a more open, engaging and experience-led workspace that reflects the evolving demands of occupiers in prime central London. Sustainability sits at the core of the proposals. The scheme is targeting BREEAM Excellent and NABERS 5-star accreditation, with more than 95 per cent of the existing structural frame and façade to be retained in line with circular economy principles. This retention-led approach is expected to significantly reduce embodied carbon while extending the life of the building. Bovis chief executive David Cadiot said it was a privilege to return to a building the company had originally delivered more than two decades ago, adding that the transformation would create both high-quality workspace and a new visitor destination for the City. Pre-construction services are due to commence next month, with completion anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
John Lewis plots Waitrose buyback as retail turnaround gathers pace
John Lewis Partnership is reportedly exploring plans to buy back a number of Waitrose supermarkets from landlords, as it doubles down on its core retail operations. According to reports in a leading UK broadsheet newspaper, the employee-owned retailer is considering repurchasing certain stores after building up around £1.5bn in cash reserves. While the number of supermarkets under review has not been disclosed, sources close to the business suggest the approach is likely to be selective and opportunistic rather than part of a wholesale acquisition strategy. The potential buyback forms part of a broader repositioning by the group, which has recently stepped away from its previously announced £500m build-to-rent housing programme. That scheme had been designed to diversify income streams, but was abandoned amid shifting economic conditions and a renewed focus on retail fundamentals. Instead, John Lewis Partnership is understood to be concentrating investment on modernising its store estate, strengthening digital platforms and enhancing supply chain efficiency. Reacquiring certain Waitrose sites would give the business greater control over key trading locations and long-term asset strategy, while potentially improving balance sheet resilience. The reported move comes as the retailer signals growing confidence in its turnaround strategy. Recent announcements include a 6.9 per cent pay rise for staff, lifting hourly rates to £13.25 nationwide and £14.80 within the M25. For full-time shop floor colleagues, this could equate to up to £1,600 in additional annual earnings, with the new rates taking effect from 1 April. The renewed emphasis on core retail follows a period of strategic reassessment across the partnership, including the cancellation of large-scale residential development ambitions. By prioritising investment in established brands such as John Lewis and Waitrose, the group appears to be focusing on strengthening its competitive position on the high street and in food retail. While formal details of any property transactions have yet to be confirmed, the reported buyback plans underline a shift towards consolidation and control within the partnership’s retail portfolio as it seeks to build momentum in its recovery strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NORR Partners with Qflow to Deliver Workplace Project Targeting Zero Carbon Certification
Global A&E firm teams with construction data platform to track real-time materials and carbon data for flagship workplace pilot NORR, a global architecture and engineering firm with 750 professionals across 12 market sectors, announces its collaboration with Qflow, a leading construction data capture and analysis tool focused on real-time tracking of materials, waste, and carbon data. The Toronto-based workplace project is pursuing the Living Future Institute’s Zero Carbon Certification, demonstrating NORR’s commitment to data-driven sustainability strategies. The collaboration addresses a critical challenge in sustainable construction: the gap between design-phase carbon assumptions and as-built reality. While traditional lifecycle assessment (LCA) tools provide essential design-phase carbon estimates, Qflow complements these tools by capturing comprehensive, real-time data on materials arriving on site. This approach delivers more detailed information that is easier to collect, providing accurate as-built carbon tracking essential for rigorous certifications. Bridging design intent and construction reality Real-time visibility will enable NORR’s sustainability team to identify supply chain risks, verify Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and make informed decisions about material substitutions during construction rather than relying solely on design-phase estimates. Enabling faster, carbon-informed decisions NORR identified three key benefits that Qflow’s platform will deliver for the firm’s sustainability-focused projects: A foundation for future collaboration Beyond the Toronto pilot project, NORR plans to leverage this partnership as a framework for future sustainability-focused projects. As the firm recognises that construction industry standards are evolving toward requiring as-built carbon data rather than design-phase estimates, this partnership places NORR at the forefront of accurate carbon accounting practices. The collaboration also supports NORR’s broader ethos of integrated thinking and inspired design, providing the data infrastructure needed to educate clients on sustainable design value propositions and demonstrate the long-term return on investment of high-performance buildings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals