Major refurbishment at iconic 43 Castle Street in Liverpool
A significant refurbishment programme is underway at 43 Castle Street in Liverpool City Centre, as the Local Authority Pension Fund owner invests in upgrading the iconic and well-known office building to meet evolving occupier expectations and needs. The works will focus on enhancing both workspace quality and occupier wellbeing, with a full refurbishment of the first floor alongside the introduction of new end-of-journey facilities. Due for completion in December 2026, the first-floor refurbishment will deliver a range of modern office suites, including spaces with access to private terraces. The redesign reflects changing demand for high-quality, flexible accommodation in central locations. A further phase, completing in Q1 2027, will see the delivery of new basement end-of-journey facilities. These will include showers, secure cycle storage and dry lockers, supporting more sustainable commuting choices and day-to-day convenience for occupiers. The building, located in Liverpool’s established commercial quarter and Castle Street Conservation Area, has already undergone upgrades in recent years, including improvements to the reception and selected office floors. This latest programme represents the next stage in its repositioning. Project management consultancy T&T is advising on the scheme. Simon Hepple, Project Manager at T&T, said: “Environmental and social improvements, including diversity, inclusivity, belonging and equity is embedded in all aspects of our advice and project delivery to enhance sustainability and occupant wellbeing, including access to and around the building.” Letting agent CBRE says the refurbishment is aligned with clear shifts in occupier priorities. Jade Bushell, Surveyor at CBRE, commented: “Occupier requirements have shifted significantly over recent years, with businesses prioritising quality, flexibility, ESG and wellbeing in their real estate decisions. This refurbishment scheme reflects those priorities, helping to create an environment that supports modern working practices and enhances everyday occupier experience.” Suites will be available in a range of sizes, targeting both established businesses and growing occupiers seeking a central Liverpool base with upgraded amenities. CBRE is sole letting agent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
M Group launches first Sustainability Strategy alongside 2026 ESG Report
Five-year plan commits M Group to 100% electric company cars and a 42% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by FY30, as FY2026 results show emissions are already 20.7% below baseline. M Group, the UK’s leading infrastructure services partner, has launched its first Sustainability Strategy, turning its environmental, social and governance priorities into a clear set of measurable commitments through to 2032. The move comes after the Group unveiled record levels of revenue, profit and order book in its FY26 results. Published alongside M Group’s FY2026 ESG Report, the strategy follows the Group’s first Double Materiality Assessment, carried out with independent sustainability advisers ERM. It focuses on seven material outcomes across three pillars: Environmental Stewardship, Social Responsibility, and Trusted Operations. The Group Operations Board has endorsed the strategy, with each outcome given a named executive owner and sitting within M Group’s risk and assurance processes, with progress reported annually. The strategy’s headline commitments include: The accompanying FY2026 ESG Report records: Andrew Findlay, M Group Chief Executive, said: “We support the country’s critical regulated businesses to deliver vital services for communities across the UK, and they need like-minded partners who can help them deliver their binding environmental commitments. Our ambition is simple: to leave things better than we found them – better infrastructure, better careers and a better business for those who come after us.” Andrew Hunt, Director of ESG and Innovation at M Group, said: “The report shows how we’ve performed; the strategy sets out where we’re going. Each material outcome has an owner and a measurable target or milestone, and we’ll report progress every year. This is the direction our business is heading, will measure, and be held accountable to.” M Group’s Sustainability Strategy 2027-2032 is available here and the ESG Report 2026 is available here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading premium workspace and amenity provider x+why appointed to enhance Level 7 in one of London’s most prestigious buildings, 22 Bishopsgate
x+why is delighted to announce its appointment to enhance the offering of Level 7 at 22 Bishopsgate, its first work and events space within The City of London. This exceptional workspace, to be known as OnSeven at 22 Bishopsgate, will combine world-class hospitality, coworking, breathtaking skyline views, and a vibrant community of ambitious professionals at the centre of the City’s financial district. Due to open in January 2027, the new space forms part of a strategy to evolve the amenity offer at 22 Bishopsgate, one of London’s most prominent office buildings, and continue to meet the changing needs of occupiers. The 12,860 sqft space will include 80 dedicated desks, 150 co-working spaces, 4 meeting rooms and 70 seat, theatre style event space which will be available 24/7. x+why will deliver its signature curated programme of events calendar for both members and other occupiers in the building including social breakfasts and drinks events, wellness including yoga and breathwork, shared curiosity and thought leadership talks. The events space and meeting rooms will be available to non-members for executive meetings, AGMs, half day or by the hour. Under 10 minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street, Bank and Moorgate Stations, On Seven at 22 Bishopsgate offers fantastic transport links to the rest of London, the Home Counties and beyond and will provide a flexible base for businesses and individuals working in and around the City, including companies in the financial, legal and technology sectors, SMEs, entrepreneurs and hybrid workers. Rupert Dean, founder and CEO of x+why comments: “Bringing x+why to 22 Bishopsgate is a defining milestone for us. It gives us the opportunity to deliver a workplace at its very highest level with exceptional service, outstanding amenity and experiences that bring people together. We want to create far more than somewhere people simply come to work: we want to create a destination where work, events, learning and social connection all come together.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kingsbourne Academy welcomes first pupils following completion by Conlon Construction
Operated by North West Academies Trust (NWAT), which operates 14 primary and secondary schools across Cheshire and Shropshire, the new school provides modern teaching and learning facilities across two floors and is now welcoming its first intake of Reception pupils. The official opening was marked with a ribbon cutting by Mayor of Nantwich, Cllr Kim Jamson, and attended by representatives from Conlon Construction, Cheshire East Council and NWAT, alongside headteacher Sally Burns, pupils, staff and members of the project team. The new school provides eight classrooms, alongside dedicated spaces for learning, sport and play. External facilities include an athletics track, multi-use sports field and kitchen garden, with measures also incorporated to support and enhance biodiversity across the site. Sustainability and social value were embedded throughout the project. Conlon worked with local suppliers and created opportunities to engage with future pupils during construction, including inviting local children to take part in a steel frame signing event earlier this year. Pupils added their initials to a structural beam, leaving a permanent mark within their new school. The project builds on Conlon Construction’s established relationship with Cheshire East Council and its track record of delivering education, regeneration and public-sector projects across the borough. Previous schemes include the transformation of Wilmslow High School and Springfield School in Wilmslow, while Conlon also handed over Crewe Municipal Buildings earlier this year. Guy Parker, Chair and Managing Director of Conlon Construction, said: “Kingsbourne Academy is an important investment in the growing Kingsley Fields community and a project we’re incredibly proud to have delivered. “Our long-standing relationship with Cheshire East Council is built on collaboration, trust and a shared commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for local communities. It’s fantastic to now see pupils coming through the doors and making the school their own. “Creating places that deliver lasting value is what our work is ultimately about, and we wish Sally, her team and every pupil at Kingsbourne Academy every success in their new school.” Steve Docking OBE, Chief Executive Officer of North West Academies Trust, said: “Today is a hugely significant moment for Kingsbourne Academy and for the Nantwich community. Opening a brand-new school is a rare opportunity, and to see our very first pupils arrive this morning has been a tremendously proud moment for everyone involved. “We are delighted to welcome Sally, her staff team and our founding families to the Kingsbourne community. There is an enormous amount of excitement about what this school can become, and we are looking forward to watching it grow over the coming years.” Councillor Laura Crane, cabinet member for children’s services at Cheshire East Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see Kingsbourne Academy officially opening its doors and welcoming its first pupils. This new school is a wonderful addition to Nantwich, providing much-needed places for local families and creating exciting opportunities for children to learn, grow and thrive. “Kingsbourne is about so much more than a new building. It will become an important part of the local community, providing support for families, helping to meet growing demand for school places, and giving children the best possible start to their education. “I’d like to thank Conlon Construction and the North West Academies Trust for bringing this fantastic new school to life. I’m excited to see Kingsbourne Academy become a valued part of the community and look forward to celebrating the successes of its pupils for many years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Level boarding confirmed for Elizabeth line services at HS2’s Old Oak Common superhub station
Future passengers using Elizabeth line services at HS2’s Old Oak Common in west London will benefit from step free access following agreement between HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, Transport for London and the Department for Transport. Located between Paddington and Acton Main Line, Old Oak Common will be the 42nd stop on the Elizabeth line and one of the UK’s best-connected stations, with trains serving more than 100 destinations. The decision follows extensive technical, operational and accessibility work, including consultation with campaign groups, accessibility panels and relevant train operators. The Department for Transport has approved an exemption from the usual national platform height requirements. This will allow platforms 5 to 8 to be constructed at a height optimised for Elizabeth line trains while complying with applicable accessibility requirements. The reduction in step and gap between Elizabeth line trains and the platforms will enable many passengers with reduced mobility to board and leave trains independently, without the need for a ramp or staff assistance. Level boarding will also make journeys easier for people travelling with luggage, parents and carers with pushchairs, older passengers and anyone who finds it difficult to negotiate the usual step between a platform and train. The HS2 platforms at Old Oak Common, located underground, will also be step-free, so passengers interchanging between Elizabeth line and HS2 services will have a seamless and safe step-free journey through the new superhub station. Under the previous plans, the platforms would have been built to the standard height used across the national rail network, and ramps would have been required to provide step free access to Elizabeth line trains. The engineering solution was made possible by close collaboration through the new Old Oak Common area delivery model. Established as part of the HS2 Reset, the model brings together key organisations involved in the station’s design, construction and future operation. Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said: “Everyone should be able to travel confidently and independently on our rail network, so I’m delighted that passengers using the Elizabeth line at Old Oak Common will benefit from level boarding and seamless step-free access. “This is a practical improvement that will make journeys easier for thousands of people and shows what can be achieved when the rail industry works together to put passengers first.” Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, said: “Old Oak Common is set to become one of the best-connected new stations ever built in the UK and delivering step-free access here is vital for passenger safety and accessibility.” “This engineering solution shows what can be achieved when HS2, Network Rail, Transport for London, the Department for Transport, train operators and accessibility groups work together to prioritise passengers.” “The new station is projected to boost the west London economy by £10 billion over the next decade. We remain focussed on safely opening the railway from Old Oak Common to Birmingham Curzon Street in 2037 and creating a station that provides better journeys and supports growth for generations to come.” Rupert Walker, Major Programme Director, Network Rail, said: “Old Oak Common will be one of the UK’s most important transport interchanges, connecting people to more than 100 destinations across the UK. Making sure customers can move through the station and onto Elizabeth line services as independently and seamlessly as possible has been a key priority for everyone involved. “By providing level boarding for customers using platforms 5 to 8, we’re making it easier for Elizabeth line customers to travel independently. This means more people will be able to travel with confidence, access new opportunities and benefit from the exceptional connectivity that Old Oak Common will provide. “This outcome has only been possible through a huge joint effort by teams in HS2, Network Rail, Transport for London, the Department for Transport, train operators and accessibility groups, all working together to create a more accessible railway for everyone.” Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “Elizabeth line passengers are expected to account for around 90 per cent of interchanges at Old Oak Common, so level boarding is vital for the safety and accessibility of our customers. “The platforms will also be step-free from the street, benefitting local residents as well as those travelling through the station, and supporting the growth in homes planned in the area. “The solution that has been achieved highlights the importance of collaboration in the rail industry and with stakeholders, and it is fantastic news that Old Oak Common will join the Elizabeth line’s 41 stations that provide step-free access.” The engineering solution involves lowering the tracks serving platforms 5 to 8 and installing solid concrete slab track through the station rather than ballast. The platforms will be designed to accommodate a range of passenger and freight services, providing operational flexibility for the railway. Level boarding will, however, only be available to Elizabeth line passengers when services are calling at their usual platforms. Construction of Old Oak Common’s six underground high-speed platforms has been completed, and work will now begin on the eight conventional platforms at ground level. These will serve the Elizabeth line, Great Western Main Line and Heathrow Express. Economic research published by HS2 last year showed that the arrival of the new station could boost the west London economy by £10 billion over a decade. The research, conducted by Arcadis, found that HS2 could support more than 22,000 homes, 693,000 square metres of commercial floorspace and 18,782 jobs within 1.5 miles of Old Oak Common. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Signify achieves its highest-ever EcoVadis score of 88 and Platinum medal
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has been awarded an EcoVadis Platinum medal with an overall score of 88 out of 100, its highest score to date. Signify also received 100 out of 100 in the Environment theme. The Platinum medal places Signify among the top 1% of companies rated by EcoVadis during the preceding 12 months and marks the company’s seventh consecutive year of Platinum recognition. The overall score increased from 84 in the previous assessment. “Achieving a score of 100 for Environment is a result our teams can truly be proud of. It reflects the work taking place across Signify, from advancing energy-efficient LED lighting and connected systems that help customers reduce emissions to embedding circularity into product design through Signify Circle. Customers increasingly want clear evidence of how their partners manage sustainability. The EcoVadis assessment gives them greater transparency while helping us identify where we need to improve further,” said Maurice Loosschilder, Head of Sustainability at Signify. Signify’s Environment score reflects its comprehensive approach to climate action and circularity. The assessment highlighted Signify’s strengths in setting science-based environmental targets, improving energy efficiency, while using 100% renewable electricity and advancing circularity. It also recognized its strong environmental governance and product lifecycle programs that support repair, reuse, take-back and recycling. EcoVadis evaluates the quality of a company’s sustainability management system across 21 criteria, grouped into four themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. The overall score is based on the company’s policies, actions, and reported results, supported by documented evidence and external information. More than 150,000 businesses use EcoVadis’ sustainability ratings and related tools. The Platinum medal is awarded to companies ranked in the top 1% of all businesses rated by EcoVadis during the preceding 12 months. Full details of Signify’s EcoVadis recognition are available here: https://recognition.ecovadis.com/GRra9rOSlkSl5MhfgklKmA For more information about sustainability at Signify, please visit: https://www.signify.com/global/sustainability Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals