SEGRO Community Investment Plan launched to benefit local people in the St Albans area
Local people in the communities around SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett are set to benefit from investment in careers advice, employability training and wellbeing support as part of a newly launched Community Investment Plan by SEGRO, the developer of the former Radlett Aerodrome site The plan was developed in partnership with seven community and education partners – Communities 1st, Emmaus, Mind in Herts, St Albans Foodbank, Citizens Advice Bureau, Oaklands College and SmallPeice Trust – to improve social inclusion and community wellbeing. The Community Investment Plan, which will be funded by SEGRO and supported by its suppliers and future customers, aims to achieve the following outcomes by the end of 2028: 1,000 students, including young people from local schools such as Batchwood and Links Academy, will benefit from a coordinated programme of careers advice, STEM and skills-based initiatives. SEGRO and its partners will help inspire young people to pursue rewarding careers in construction and logistics through career workshops, specialist insights and site visits. 300 local unemployed people supported through targeted employment and skills services. Working alongside local community partners, the programme will include volunteering opportunities, as well as helping participants build confidence, enhance digital skills and access routes into long-term, sustainable work. SEGRO is also funding a new CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) training centre at Oaklands College that will enable 650 construction learners and 120 adults seeking a job in the sector to prove they have the necessary training, qualifications and competence to work on a site. More than 300 residents will benefit from initiatives promoting physical and mental wellbeing, including expanded access to health and counselling services, nutrition and lifestyle workshops, and targeted support for those experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. Neil Impiazzi, Partnership Development Director, at SEGRO, said: “Through the Community Investment Plan, we want to create a lasting, positive change by supporting local people into employment, inspiring young people about careers in construction and logistics, and improving wellbeing across the community living area around SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett. “We know from our conversations with community partners there is increasing demand for their services from vulnerable members of the local community, and we’re happy to work in partnership to ensure we are benefitting residents that really need our support.” The Community Investment Plan covering the St Albans area forms part of SEGRO’s broader commitment to Invest in local communities and environments, boosting skills, training and employment, in the communities where it operates across the UK and Continental Europe. It builds on a series of pilot initiatives launched in 2024, including careers workshops and site visits for local students, as well as funding for educational equipment at Batchwood School and Links Academy. The success of the Community Investment Plan relies on collaboration, and the community partners are central to delivering programmes and initiatives that will have meaningful positive impact. Stephen Craker, Chief Executive, Communities 1st, said: “Our aim is to strengthen opportunities for people in the south of the district. SEGRO’s Community Investment Plan will enable the St Albans Community Partnership to extend practical help for those who will benefit from tailored training, structured pathways into work and wider wellbeing support. It will reinforce existing community networks and help create long-term prospects for local residents.” Chloe Hawkins, Director of Adult & Work Based Training, Oaklands College, said: “We’re delighted to partner with SEGRO on this initiative which will directly support our construction students and adult learners in a sector which is important to both our organisations. The new CSCS training centre it will fund will give more local people access to the essential qualifications they need to work safely and confidently on site, helping them take the next step in their careers and supporting the wider construction sector across our community.” SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett will deliver 335,000 sq m of state-of-the-art, sustainable logistics space, enabled by a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange on site, set within in 600 acres of managed woodland, conservation grazing and public country park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning submitted for next 3m sq ft phase of Integra 61
£340M Investment Plans Submitted To Durham County Council Citrus Durham has submitted plans for the next £340M phase of development at its Integra 61 mixed-use development at J61 of the A1(M). Following a recent public consultation process, an outline planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council to create an extension to the west of the Integra 61 scheme to accommodate a further 3 million sq ft of employment space. The first phase of the existing £400M Integra 61 development, which includes 3m sq ft of developable space, is already 90% complete and the major investment into the second phase could see some 300 new jobs being created in the North East throughout the build and operational stages. The planning application details proposals for a range of storage/distribution and manufacturing units of varying sizes, to reflect market demand from regional businesses as well as those looking to invest in premises in the region. The submitted application is in outline, which seeks to secure the fundamental development principles of bringing a scheme forward at this stage, latter reserved matters applications will evolve the exact design and scale which will all have to be within the principles sought to be established now. The new development in its latter stages would require the delivery of the Bowburn Development Route (relief road) in conjunction with Durham County Council. Integra 61 is already home to Amazon’s 2m sq ft fulfilment centre, a further 640,000 sq ft of speculative logistics space at Connect at Integra 61 and an impressive roadside portfolio including Costa and Greggs along with an incoming £4 million EG On The Move petrol station with a convenience store and separate Starbucks drive-thru. Tesla has also installed 19 new Superchargers on site. Construction is well underway on Marton Care’s new 73 bedroom care home facility to complement the 260 new homes already developed by Persimmon and Bellway. James Taylor, Regional Director at Citrus, said: “We are delighted to have now submitted this significant planning application for the second phase of Integra 61, building on the success of phase one and firmly establishing Integra as a premier business location in the region. Securing planning consent is an important early stage in the journey to bringing this phase to fruition and we look forward to working with all stakeholders during this process.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Burges Salmon acts for Benniman on back-to-back transactions delivering major UK logistics and industrial projects
The Construction and Engineering team at Burges Salmon has advised independent construction company Benniman Limited on a series of significant projects across the UK. Led by director Christian Mulvihill, the firm provided legal support on large-scale developments for leading names in the logistics and industrial sectors. Notably, Burges Salmon advised Benniman on the creation of three new logistics and distribution facilities at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) in Northamptonshire. Totalling 618,000 sq ft, the schemes will deliver high-quality space and strengthen DIRFT’s position as a key hub for rail-connected logistics, supporting efficient supply chain operations and sustainable freight solutions. Further advice was provided across three other projects including on the construction of a c. 50,000 sq ft best-in-class industrial and warehousing estate in Reading, the development of eight industrial units in Milton Keynes totalling 200,765 sq ft., as well as recent work delivered for property developer Clowes Developments. The team also advised Benniman in relation to the construction of three industrial units in Birmingham on behalf of Coltham as well as a 57,000 sf ft unit in Worcester Six Business Park for Stoford. Christian Mulvihill, director at Burges Salmon, says: “We are delighted to have supported Benniman on these projects, which demonstrate the strength of the UK logistics and industrial sectors. Completing five transactions back-to-back within a short timeframe required careful co-ordination and a thorough understanding of contractual and regulatory issues. It is a testament to the strength and agility of our team that we were able to deliver seamless advice across multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring our client could move forward with confidence and efficiency.” Paul Barfoot, Commercial Director at Benniman, comments: “Delivering major projects concurrently was a significant undertaking, and Burges Salmon’s ability to manage the legal complexities was outstanding. Their proactive approach, responsiveness and sector expertise gave us the confidence to progress each development without delay.” With over 40 specialist lawyers working across the firm’s Built Environment, Infrastructure and Energy & Utilities sector groups, Burges Salmon has one of the largest construction and engineering legal teams in the UK and is a first port of call for highly complex and innovative projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GLP celebrates the legacy of the Lutterworth Community Fund and latest G-Tour charity donations
GLP marked the closing of its Lutterworth Community Fund (the “Fund”), having reached the end of its funding cycle, with a celebratory lunch to recognise the local organisations, sponsors and partners who have helped deliver more than £1.4 million in community support. The initiative was set up in 2020 by GLP, the developer and owner of Magna Park Lutterworth now part of Ares Management Real Estate, to support the local community, charities and voluntary organisations in and around Magna Park. The Fund has been administered through Lutterworth Area Community Projects Limited (LACPL), which was formally launched on 1 November 2020 with a five-year lifespan to invest in the parishes surrounding Magna Park. Since inception, the Fund has supported a wide range of local initiatives spanning education, wellbeing, youth services, the environment and local infrastructure. This has included: These awards reflect GLP’s long-term commitment to building strong, sustainable relationships in the regions where it operates. GLP remains deeply committed to community investment across the UK through its wider G+ Community programme, which continues to fund and deliver social impact projects linked to GLP developments nationwide. Alongside the Fund’s local activity, GLP also contributes to national causes through its annual G-Tour cycling challenge, a Europe-wide event that brings together employees, partners and customers to raise money for charity. The G-Tour’s donations for the last two years have been a combined £45,000 distributed among five UK charities: Dementia UK, LandAid, Parkinson’s UK, The Christie Charity & Mind. Bruce Topley, Managing Director at GLP UK, said: “The Lutterworth Community Fund and the G-Tour represent two sides of the same commitment: supporting both the communities around our developments and wider causes that matter to our people and partners. Over the years, the Fund has provided real and lasting benefits for local organisations, while G-Tour continues to bring together our network to raise vital funds for national charities. The scale of what’s been achieved reflects the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone involved, from our sponsors and partners to the colleagues who give their time each year. On behalf of everyone at GLP, I want to thank them all for helping us make a meaningful difference, both here in Lutterworth and across the UK”. The celebratory lunch was attended by representatives from the community partners marking the formal close of the Fund and celebrating the collective achievements it has enabled. Since its inception, the Lutterworth Community Fund has formed a central part of GLP’s G+ Community programme, the company’s pan-European initiative to deliver social value through local investment, volunteering and fundraising. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Altrad RMD Kwikform opens second training academy in Aldridge to strengthen industry skills and innovation
Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK) has officially opened its second dedicated Training Academy at the company’s Head Office in Aldridge, West Midlands. The new facility builds on the success of the first academy in Skelmersdale, further reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to developing skills, safety, and technical excellence across the construction industry. Unveiled by Managing Director Mark Pickard, the Aldridge Training Academy will serve as a central hub for advancing knowledge in above and below ground temporary works systems. It features purpose-built training areas, a live demonstration zone, and digital resources that replicate real-world site environments, enabling employees and customers to deepen their understanding of Altrad RMDK’s innovative systems and engineering solutions. Together with the Skelmersdale academy, the Aldridge facility forms a unified learning network. The combined facilities increase training capacity and make learning more accessible for employees and customers across the UK, promoting continuous improvement, technical excellence, and best practice throughout the temporary works sector. Mark Pickard, Managing Director at Altrad RMD Kwikform, commented: “The opening of our Aldridge Training Academy represents the next phase in our investment in people and the future of the industry. By expanding our training offering, we’re giving our teams and customers the opportunity to strengthen their technical expertise, improve safety standards, and deliver excellence on every project. “It’s a proud moment for everyone at Altrad RMDK as we continue building on the success of the Skelmersdale academy and look ahead to shaping the next generation of construction professionals.” The addition of the Aldridge facility ensures that training is now accessible to Altrad RMDK teams and customers from North to South, supporting the company’s growing workforce and customer base throughout the UK. For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction reaches fast-track milestones at Panattoni Park Swindon
Construction is advancing at pace at Panattoni Park in Swindon, with McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) firmly on track to deliver the landmark 545,000 sq. ft. logistics and industrial scheme within the 39-week programme. McLaren is delivering the speculative design and build contract on behalf of Panattoni, supported by UMC Architects, KAM Project Consultants, BWB Consulting and Construction CDM Services. The project continues to hit key milestones of the 39-construction week schedule, and the steel frame is now complete, the internal roof largely finished, windows are being installed, and cladding installation is progressing steadily. Roofing works are well advanced with lining sheets due for completion, and externally, concrete slab works are underway, the multi-story car park deck is poured, kerbs are being installed, alongside power and water service installations. The office area is fully glazed and cladding of the striking link bridge – connecting the main building to the multi-storey car park – is now taking place. First-fix mechanical and electrical services have begun within the warehouse, and internal finishes and the office fit-out is progressing well. On completion, the development will offer premier logistics space with two storeys of high-spec office accommodation and a decked car park. The scheme is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC A+/A ratings, with a commitment to achieving net zero upfront carbon emissions. Historically, the site was used as brownfield land before being an airfield during World War II, and then later it was redeveloped for car manufacturing by Honda in the late 20th century. This regeneration is part of Panattoni’s wider plan to bring new life and jobs to the area following the closure of Honda’s operations in 2021. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Midlands & North, said: “We’re proud to be delivering this project at pace and to such a high standard. This is a flagship scheme, not only for Panattoni but for the wider region, and our team is focused on maintaining momentum right through to completion in early 2026.” Panattoni Park Swindon is poised to deliver high-quality industrial space in a location with excellent connectivity and legacy infrastructure, further strengthening Swindon’s position as a key logistics hub in the South West. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals