Supercomputer Construction Begins on Landmark £750m National Research Facility
Construction has officially commenced on the UK’s next-generation national supercomputer, marking the start of one of the country’s most significant scientific infrastructure projects and reinforcing Britain’s ambitions to become a global leader in advanced computing, artificial intelligence and research innovation. Robertson Construction Central East has begun work on the £750m development at the University of Edinburgh, where the new facility will provide an unprecedented increase in computing capability, enabling researchers and businesses to tackle some of the world’s most complex scientific and engineering challenges. Backed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and funded through an investment of up to £750m from the UK Government, the new supercomputer will be approximately 50 times more powerful than the UK’s current national system, ARCHER2, which is also hosted by the University of Edinburgh. Once operational, the machine will be capable of performing at least one billion-billion calculations every second, representing a transformational leap in computational power. Experts believe this capability will accelerate breakthroughs across a wide range of sectors, including aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, climate modelling, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, medical research and artificial intelligence. The new facility will dramatically reduce the time required to process highly complex simulations and datasets, enabling calculations that currently take days to be completed in just a matter of hours. Researchers anticipate this will significantly accelerate innovation in areas such as cancer drug discovery, extreme weather forecasting, aircraft engine design and next-generation AI systems. The University of Edinburgh was selected to host the project in recognition of more than three decades of expertise in high-performance computing through its EPCC National Supercomputing Centre. Previous generations of the university’s supercomputers have played a critical role in supporting Covid-19 drug discovery, improving wind farm performance and enhancing the efficiency of aircraft engines used around the world. Sustainability has also been placed at the heart of the development. The building itself, approximately the size of a large supermarket, has been designed to minimise its environmental impact through a range of innovative measures. The cooler Scottish climate will naturally reduce the energy required for cooling, while the latest cooling technologies will further improve operational efficiency. In addition, waste heat generated by the supercomputer will be captured and used to warm university buildings, with longer-term research exploring how surplus heat could eventually be transferred into water contained within disused mine workings to support low-carbon heating for nearby communities. The construction programme has also been carefully planned to minimise environmental disruption. Existing structures are being retained wherever possible to reduce demolition waste and embodied carbon, while Robertson Construction is delivering a series of biodiversity initiatives including tree planting, the protection of mature trees and wildlife conservation projects across the site. Professor Mark Parsons, Director of EPCC at the University of Edinburgh, described the project as a “profound leap in compute power for the UK”, adding that its impact will extend across science, industry and society by enabling discoveries that improve lives, strengthen the economy and support future innovation. UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said the project represents a major milestone in delivering the UK’s long-term computing strategy, ensuring British researchers, businesses and innovators have access to world-class computing capability within the UK. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with the supercomputer scheduled to become operational during spring 2028. Once online, it is expected to become one of Europe’s most powerful computing systems and a cornerstone of the UK’s future research, technology and industrial strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fusion Strengthens UK PBSA Pipeline with £176m Construction Investment
Purpose-built student accommodation developer Fusion Group has awarded two major construction contracts worth a combined £176m to CField Construction, reinforcing continued investment in the UK’s growing student housing sector. The projects, located in London and Glasgow, will deliver a total of 1,269 student bedrooms alongside affordable housing and significant public realm improvements, with both developments scheduled to welcome students for the 2028 academic year. The largest of the two schemes is a £97m mixed-use development in Wood Green, north London. The project will provide 636 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds alongside 79 affordable homes, creating a vibrant mixed-use community supported by new public spaces and enhanced public realm. Meanwhile, in Glasgow, CField has commenced construction of a £79m development on Sauchiehall Street that will deliver a further 633 student bedrooms. The project also incorporates the sensitive restoration of a 1930s Art Deco façade and the reinstatement of the historic Wellington Arcade, helping to preserve an important piece of the city’s architectural heritage while supporting the wider regeneration of the surrounding area. Together, the two developments demonstrate the continued strength of the UK PBSA market, where demand for high-quality student accommodation remains robust across major university cities. Developers are increasingly seeking to deliver schemes that combine modern student living with placemaking, heritage restoration and wider community benefits. The appointments further strengthen the long-standing relationship between Fusion Group and CField Construction, with both businesses continuing to expand their presence within the living sector. Originally established in County Cork, CField has been operating successfully across the UK for approximately 15 years, building a strong reputation for delivering complex residential, education and mixed-use developments. Gavin O’Flaherty, Managing Director of CField Construction, described the twin contract awards as an important milestone for the business and a reflection of the company’s proven expertise within the living sector. André Ferdinand, Projects Director at Fusion Group, said both the Wood Green and Sauchiehall Street developments are central to the company’s long-term growth strategy. He added that CField’s delivery capability and collaborative approach will play a key role in ensuring both schemes are completed in time for the 2028 student intake. As demand for purpose-built student accommodation continues to outstrip supply in many university cities, developments of this scale are expected to remain a significant driver of investment across the UK’s residential and regeneration sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Canvas Offices Expands Central London Presence with Launch of Kingsbourne House Location
Flexible workspace provider Canvas Offices has announced the latest addition to its growing portfolio with the opening of Kingsbourne House at 229-231 High Holborn, just seconds from Holborn station, in the heart of London. The newest location is close to existing Canvas spaces, 175 High Holborn and 88 Kingsway and officially opens its doors in July. Kingsbourne House is within walking distance of Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road and other iconic destinations and demand is already strong with demand from interest from a diverse range of clientele. The building itself, a grand Edwardian facade with six floors, including a gym in the basement area, has undergone an internal transformation led by Canvas’ in-house design team, staying true to its ‘homeification’ design philosophy, creating a home away from home. The refurb focuses on natural light, bespoke furnishings, and a state of the art gym in the basement, designed to enhance wellbeing. Businesses can also take advantage of the building’s expansive rooftop terrace, a highly sought after feature and a rare luxury in the heart of Central London. The space contains private offices, ranging from 12 persons to 145 persons, providing impressive views of the capital. Included in the business rates are meeting rooms, phone booths, access to communal and breakout spaces as well as the fitness centre. Yaron Rosenblum, Co-founder and CEO of Canvas Offices, commented:“The opening of Kingsbourne House represents another significant step in our growth across London. This building embodies everything Canvas stands for- exceptional workspace, thoughtful design, and a flexible environment that supports the evolving needs of today’s businesses. We are incredibly proud to welcome businesses to Kingsbourne House to enjoy a home away from home with Canvas.” Established in 2018, Canvas Offices is underpinned by a growing team of industry experts. Their 16 locations across London include Shoreditch, Farringdon, Holborn and Mayfair and are home to hundreds of ever-expanding businesses such as influential brands like Rough Trade, Football Co, Freixenet and Von Dutch. For more information about Canvas Offices and its new Kingsbourne House space, visit canvasoffices.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls
MILWAUKEE® introduces the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, delivering a breakthrough solution for HVAC professionals. Designed for residential and light commercial technicians, this cordless recovery machine transfers refrigerant out of HVAC systems so that repairs can be made. By eliminating the need for external power sources, MILWAUKEE® enables a fully cordless workflow that optimises speed and run time for service calls. The M18™ brushless recovery pump delivers instant power and no hassle, giving HVAC technicians complete cordless convenience on the job. By removing the need to search for outlets or manage extension cords, this solution streamlines service calls and maximises productivity. The recovery pump is A1, A2, and A2L compatible, reinforcing MILWAUKEE®‘s commitment to providing dedicated HVAC solutions that tackle core challenges without compromise. Pairing the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump with the existing M18 FUEL™ Vacuum Pump 5 CFM delivers a fully cordless service calls, unlocking productivity for HVAC technicians. Eliminating the need to search for outlets, ask customers for access to power, or drag extension cords onto a roof; this combination saves time and reduces job site frustrations. Both solutions are A1, A2, and A2L compatible to meet the refrigerant standards, giving technicians confidence while working with modern refrigerants. This solution is equipped with a digital display for visibility in any environment. Helping protect equipment and ensure efficient operation, the self-purge feature removes refrigerant residues. A balanced carrying handle enables single-handed transport, making it easy to move the machine between service locations. These thoughtful design elements combine to deliver a solution that prioritises convenience, safety, and efficiency for HVAC professionals. MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to delivering disruptive innovation by working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing job site safety and productivity. Specifications M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump M18 BLRP-121 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, (1) M18 FB12 Battery pack, (1) M12-18 FC Charger, (2) filters To find out more about the new M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
JD Gyms aims high with regional debut at Harlequin Watford
Harlequin Watford, the top 30 retail and leisure destinationowned and operated by SGS UK Retail, has announced the signing of JD Gyms, one of the UK’s fastest growing fitness operators. Recognising the unique duality of Harlequin, which serves as both the heart of Watford and as a destination of choice for customers living in North London and across the Home Counties, JD Gyms will bring high-spec, premium fitness facilities together with exceptional value to the centre. At over 30,000 sq ft, the development will serve as a regional flagship for JD Gyms. It will deliver a fitness experience that combines a state-of-the-art gym and studio facilities with a huge range of cutting-edge equipment, all set within a bold, design-led space anchored by a striking glass atrium. The brand will join Harlequin Watford’s carefully selected mix of leading UK and international retail and leisure operators, such as Uniqlo, Space NK, PuttShack, and Boom Battle Bar, adding to what is already a unique mix in the region. It will benefit from Harlequin Watford’s annual footfall of 17.2 million, which is ahead of many super regional centres in the UK, and cater to the destination’s diverse catchment, which extends into London and across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Robert Jewell, Managing Director of Asset Management at Pradera, commented: “As Harlequin continues to evolve as a dual-purpose destination for both retail and leisure, the signing of such an in-demand brand as JD Gyms is another landmark moment for the centre’s ongoing evolution. Harlequin continues to welcome its visitors back time and time again, and the arrival of JD Gyms will create yet another reason for customers to spend more time at the centre as part of their active lifestyles.” Darren Pallett, Property Director at JD Gyms, adds: “We are delighted to be bringing a new flagship gym to Harlequin Watford, combining standout design, exceptional facilities, and great value. The site provides us with a high-quality, high-footfall destination and it marks another step in our ambition to bring our award-winning concept to more locations across the South East.” Set to open in autumn this year, the signing comes after the news that Activate, the fast-growing competitive socialising brand, is also joining the scheme. This, alongside JD Gym’s signing, reaffirms Harlequin Watford’s investment in best-in-class retail and leisure brands for its expansive catchment of 6.8 million people. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Overton Electrical Services appointed to support nationwide VodafoneThree retail transformation programme
Overton Electrical Services has been appointed by a long-standing client to deliver an M&E package as part of a major nationwide retail transformation programme for VodafoneThree stores across the UK. Under this appointment, Overton Electrical Services will deliver works across 29 retail locations nationwide, supporting the rebrand and refurbishment of existing Three stores alongside modular refresh works to existing Vodafone sites. Overton Electrical Services has supported the Vodafone estate, now part of VodafoneThree, for the last 15 years, delivering projects across the Newbury headquarters, office buildings nationwide, data installations and the retail portfolio. The company continues to be trusted to deliver high-quality M&E packages within demanding live retail and commercial environments. The programme is scheduled to run from May 2026 through to February 2028 and Overton Electrical Services will deliver comprehensive M&E packages tailored to the requirements of each individual store. Works will include electrical installations in support of the wider refit scheme, alongside HVAC, data and fire alarm installations where required. The project forms part of a significant retail modernisation initiative aimed at enhancing customer experience and refreshing the in-store environment across the VodafoneThree estate. The works will be carried out across multiple regions nationally, with each store receiving a bespoke approach to meet its operational and technical requirements. Josh Brocklehurst, Director at Overton Electrical Services, said: “We’re delighted to continue our long-standing relationship on this exciting nationwide programme. This appointment reflects the confidence built through many years of successful collaboration and our team’s ability to deliver high-quality electrical installations within fast-paced retail environments. “The scale of the VodafoneThree rollout presents a fantastic opportunity for us to support the transformation of stores across the UK, and we look forward to delivering a reliable and efficient service throughout the duration of the programme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals