Crewe’s £1.3bn Super Hospital Takes Major Step Forward
Plans for the £1.3bn transformation of Leighton Hospital in Crewe have received planning approval, marking a significant milestone for one of the flagship projects within the Government’s New Hospital Programme. The approval paves the way for the delivery of a state-of-the-art healthcare facility that will replace much of the existing hospital estate and provide modern, purpose-built facilities designed to meet the evolving needs of patients, staff and the wider community for decades to come. Submitted by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the hybrid planning application proposes the creation of a 1.2 million sq ft hospital campus, with the majority of the new development situated to the north of the current Leighton Hospital site. The project has been accelerated following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) throughout significant areas of the existing hospital. Around 80% of the 1970s-built estate has been identified as being affected, increasing the urgency to replace ageing infrastructure with a more resilient and future-ready healthcare environment. The new development is expected to be delivered by the Integrated Health Projects (IHP) joint venture between Sir Robert McAlpine and VINCI Building. The partnership is poised to construct the six-storey main hospital building alongside a range of supporting healthcare facilities. These include a dedicated ambulatory cancer care centre, a central sterile services department, an energy centre, associated plant buildings and a 1,000-space multi-storey car park designed to support the needs of patients, visitors and staff. The project will now move into its next phase, with detailed design work and business case approvals progressing ahead of the procurement of major supply chain packages. A key aspect of the scheme is its adoption of the NHS’s standardised Hospital 2.0 approach. The model has been developed to improve efficiency across the New Hospital Programme by accelerating delivery, reducing costs and creating a more consistent approach to the design and construction of healthcare facilities nationwide. While the majority of the existing estate will eventually be replaced, several buildings located around the perimeter of the site are set to be retained and repurposed. Together providing approximately 96,840 sq ft of accommodation, these facilities include the current emergency department, audiology and ENT services, satellite outpatient facilities and the Ward 27 and Ward 28 buildings. The wider development strategy also incorporates substantial enabling and infrastructure works. Full planning permission has been granted for the demolition of the South Cheshire Building and its temporary conversion into a 283-space car park to support construction activities during the early phases of the project. In addition, outline approval has been secured for the demolition of most of the remaining hospital estate, the construction of new healthcare facilities, the creation of a dedicated emergency vehicle access route from Middlewich Road and a new servicing entrance from Flowers Lane. Extensive landscaping proposals also form part of the wider masterplan, helping to create a more accessible and welcoming environment for patients, staff and visitors. The project team assembled to deliver the ambitious scheme includes WSP and Ryder Architecture, supported by Gleeds, WT Partnership, Mott MacDonald, Greengage and PwC. Construction is currently expected to commence in 2027, with the new hospital scheduled to become operational by 2032. Once services have transferred into the new facilities, demolition of the remaining older buildings will begin, with the final phases of the redevelopment anticipated to conclude in 2034. As one of the first schemes within the Government’s New Hospital Programme to secure planning approval and move towards delivery, the Leighton Hospital redevelopment represents a major investment in the future of healthcare infrastructure. Beyond replacing outdated facilities, the project promises to provide a modern hospital environment designed around efficiency, patient care and long-term resilience, ensuring the people of Mid Cheshire have access to high-quality healthcare services for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Adaston and Synergize secure places on £695m national building safety framework
Yorkshire-based specialists Adaston and Synergize have both secured places on the £695m Procure Plus Framework. Harrogate-headquartered Adaston has been appointed to Lot 4 – Fire Precaution and Compartmentation Works National, while Synergize has secured a place on Lot 11 – External Fabric Improvements to Medium and High Rise Building. Both lots are part of the “Framework for Building Safety and Compliance Works, and Associated Consultancy Services”. The framework provides public sector organisations and housing providers with a compliant route to market for specialist building safety and refurbishment works, supporting faster procurement and access to pre-vetted contractors. Being part of the framework strengthens their ability to deliver compliant fire safety and building improvement projects for public sector clients across the UK. The dual appointment creates a unique combined offering across internal and external building safety works, enabling the two Yorkshire firms to support clients with integrated solutions spanning passive fire protection, fire doors, compartmentation, façade remediation and wider building modernisation works. Paul Ward, Acting Managing Director of Adaston, said: “Being appointed to the Procure Plus framework is an important strategic milestone for Adaston and reinforces our position as a trusted specialist in passive fire protection and compartmentation works. “Frameworks such as Procure Plus provide public sector clients with confidence that they are working with competent, compliant contractors who understand the complexities of modern building safety requirements. “This appointment also creates exciting opportunities to collaborate alongside Synergize to provide clients with a more holistic approach to fire safety and building compliance projects.” Mark Loftus, Managing Director of Synergize, said: “Securing a place on the Procure Plus framework is a significant achievement for Synergize and reflects the strength of our expertise in external building improvements and remediation works. “As demand continues to grow for specialist high-rise compliance and refurbishment solutions, frameworks like this are becoming increasingly important in helping housing providers and public sector organisations deliver projects efficiently and compliantly. “Together with Adaston, we can now offer a genuinely complementary service that addresses both the internal and external aspects of building safety and modernisation.” Procure Plus supports social housing providers and public sector bodies with compliant procurement solutions for building maintenance, compliance and capital works projects. The framework appointment comes amid continued growth for both businesses as demand increases for specialist remediation, compliance and refurbishment expertise following evolving building safety legislation and regulatory reform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Canmoor appoints Muir Group to deliver next stage of speculative 91,560 sq ft warehouse development at Westway
Work to commence this month on £15 million Westway Court scheme Canmoor has appointed Muir Group as the main contractor for the next phase of speculative development at Westway, adjacent to Glasgow Airport. The new £15 million development, known as Westway Court, will comprise of nine speculative warehouse / industrial units, ranging from 6,430 sq ft to 37,560 sq ft with the ability to combine up to 91,560 sq ft. The scheme will include three larger units and six smaller units, all featuring high-quality office accommodation, dedicated yards and car parking and access to a secure 24/7 managed estate. Construction is due to commence later this month, with completion targeted for Q3 2027. Gregor King, Canmoor’s Scotland Director at Westway said: “We have established a strong track record at Westway, having successfully completed more than 400,000 sq ft of top quality speculative development at the estate over the past few years, all of which has been let before practical completion. “Our continued commitment to speculative development reflects our confidence in Westway and the wider Glasgow market. Westway Court will provide much-needed best in class space and offer certainty to occupiers requiring relocation or expansion opportunities. “It will be a pleasure to be working with Muir Group once again on the delivery of this latest phase.” David Fairweather, Business Development Director of Muir Group added: “We are delighted to have been awarded another contract at Westway. We have extensive experience in delivering high-quality industrial developments and look forward to continuing our successful relationship with Canmoor.” Joint Leasing Agent, Iain Davidson, Director at Colliers, said: “With demand for prime located high quality industrial space remaining strong and availability limited, we anticipate strong demand from both local and national industrial and logistics occupiers across Scotland who are seeking modern, highly specified, sustainable industrial accommodation. “We would welcome early discussions with potential tenants, keen to secure new space to help drive operational efficiencies in their businesses” Designed with sustainability at its core, Westway Court is targeting EPC “A” and BREEAM “Excellent” ratings. Sustainability features will include electric vehicle charging points, provision for photovoltaic (PV) panels and air source heat pumps, complementing wider ESG initiatives across the Westway estate. The units will be constructed using a steel portal frame design and will provide clear internal heights of between eight and 10 metres. The accommodation will be suitable for a wide range of occupiers, including storage, manufacturing, distribution and service-based businesses. Westway Court will benefit from excellent connectivity, with quick and direct access to Junction 28 of the M8 via the Barnwell Street Bridge, as well as close proximity to Glasgow Airport and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). The development is expected to attract further inward investment and support additional employment opportunities within the area. Canmoor’s joint leasing agents are JLL and Colliers, with management by Knight Frank. For more information on Westway Court, please visit: HERE Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Taylor Wimpey secures planning approval for 272 new homes at Alconbury Weald
Taylor Wimpey East Anglia has announced that it will bring 272 new homes to Alconbury Weald, just north of Huntingdon, after receiving planning approval. The new homes will be situated close to Alconbury Weald’s Runway Park, the former runway of RAF Alconbury, which will be a central part of the wider open space at Alconbury Weald. Taylor Wimpey’s new homes will provide a mix of one to five-bedroom homes including houses, apartments and townhouses. More than 12% of homes will be designated to affordable housing, including affordable rent and shared ownership. Taylor Wimpey’s planning application was approved by Huntingdonshire District Council in May 2026, with works due to commence in late summer 2026 and the first homes set to go on sale in March 2027. They will form part of the wider Alconbury Weald masterplan, which is set to deliver up to 6,500 homes, local employment, education and community facilities. Andrew Wright, Acting Technical and Planning Director at Taylor Wimpey East Anglia, said:“We’re pleased to have received planning approval for our new homes at Alconbury Weald. The development already has a thriving community of new homes, open green space and community facilities that we’re proud to become a part of. Not only will we be building 272 new homes at Alconbury Weald, but we will also be contributing to the 700 acres of open space with our own pocket park. “We look forward to work commencing shortly and seeing the Alconbury Weald community continue to grow.” Mike Jenner, Development Manager for Alconbury Weald master developer Urban&Civic, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Taylor Wimpey to Alconbury Weald. These will be their first homes here, further expanding the choice and diversity of homes available to those looking to join the Alconbury Weald community. Alongside new homes, Phase 3 will deliver a range of key amenities including a health centre, community centre and library, shops and services, a sports hub and the future Runway Park, supporting the continued growth of Alconbury Weald as a vibrant and well-connected place to live.” For further information and to register your interest in the new homes at Alconbury Weald, please visit: https://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/new-homes/cambridgeshire or https://www.alconbury-weald.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Crown Estate signs Dubarry of Ireland for new UK flagship store
Premium footwear and clothing brand to take 1,362 sq ft at 6 Conduit Street The Crown Estate has today announced the signing of Dubarry of Ireland for a new UK flagship store at 6 Conduit Street, just off Regent Street. Occupying 1,362 sq ft, Dubarry has signed a 6-year lease for the new store, which will open this summer. The move represents an expansion from Dubarry’s existing Sloane Square location, giving the brand a stronger presence in central London and a prominent position close to Regent Street. Founded in Galway in 1937, Dubarry combines traditional craftsmanship with technical performance across footwear, clothing and accessories, creating products designed for outdoor lifestyles and long-term wear. The brand launched its first physical retail space in Dublin in 2012, followed by its first UK store in London in 2013 and Cheltenham in 2016. The latest signing marks the next stage in its UK growth, following a recent opening in Edinburgh. Dubarry of Ireland is the latest heritage-led brand to join The Crown Estate’s West End portfolio, sitting alongside iconic names such as Burberry, Barbour, and Mulberry, and most recently British travel brand Antler, whose Regent Street store opened in April 2026. The signing reinforces The Crown Estate’s strategy to curate a strong mix of quality brands across the Regent Street area. Adjacent streets such as Conduit Street play an important role, providing a complementary location to Regent Street for brands seeking central London visibility, strong footfall and access to a broad customer base of shoppers, residents, office workers and visitors. Laura Thursfield, Retail Leasing Director at The Crown Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dubarry of Ireland to its new UK flagship store on Conduit Street. With its reputation for craftsmanship, quality and timeless design, the brand is ideally suited to the premium retail mix around Regent Street. “This signing reflects our continued focus on curating a balanced retail offer across the West End, bringing together established names, newer brands and evolving concepts that add variety, quality and character. This blend helps ensure the area continues to appeal to a broad range of visitors while maintaining its position as a world class destination for shopping, leisure and hospitality.” Michael Walsh, Marketing Director at Dubarry of Ireland, said: “Opening our new flagship store in The Crown Estate’s portfolio marks an exciting milestone for Dubarry. This location gives us the opportunity to showcase the full breadth of our collection in a setting that reflects both our heritage and our commitment to quality craftsmanship. As a brand with deep roots in Ireland, we are delighted to bring the Dubarry experience to one of London’s most prestigious retail destinations and look forward to welcoming both loyal customers and new audiences through our doors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Managing director of third-generation family electrical firm is elected President of Scotland’s largest construction trade association
Darren Crockett, boss of RAS Crockett and Partners in Dundee, says he is ‘excited and honoured’ to take over at campaigning industry body Scotland’s largest trade construction association, SELECT has elected the managing director of a third-generation Dundee electrical company as its 68th President. Darren Crockett is Managing Director of RAS Crockett and Partners, a family firm of electrical engineers which has been operating successfully in the city since 1964. The businessman was elected at the SELECT AGM in the DoubleTree by Hilton Queensferry last week (June 4) and replaces Mike Stark, who will become Immediate Past President after two years in the position. David Harris, MD of Glasgow-based DMH Electrical Services, was elected SELECT Vice President at the same event, with Mike Campbell, Apprenticeship Programme Manager at Inverness-based RSE, the association’s new Depute Vice President. Speaking in a new video to mark his election, Darren said: “I’m extremely honoured and excited to be taking over as the new President of SELECT and it’s a privilege to be representing the Members of this historic and well-respected association. “It’s a great honour to take up this role at a time when SELECT is campaigning on a number of vitally important issues for the electrotechnical industry and wider construction sector. “I’m now looking forward to raising awareness of regulation and promoting the importance of protection of title for the electrical industry, while at the same time helping to lobby the Scottish Government to secure more funding for apprenticeships.” As a nine-strong family business, RAS Crockett, has built a strong reputation in Dundee and won Best Small Contractor at the SELECT Awards in Glasgow in 2014. The thriving family business was founded by Darren’s grandfather, Bert – a Grade One football referee – who passed it to son Sinclair in 1974 when he retired. Sinclair’s son Darren joined the company when he left school in 1986 and served as Chair of the SELECT Tayside Branch in 2013 before becoming Depute Vice President of the association in 2020 and Vice President in June 2024. Darren, whose wife, Gill, sons Liam and Kieran and uncle Paul also work in the business, said: “It’s been a great privilege to work alongside outgoing President Mike Stark during my time as Vice President. “I’d like to thank him for the invaluable insights and knowledge that he’s passed on to me and which I hope to use to equally good effect throughout my Presidency.” RAS Crockett has been a member of SELECT for all 62 years of its existence and Darren says the association has provided invaluable technical, employment, health and safety and training support down the decades. He added: “Being a Member of SELECT means we have business credibility, guaranteed customer confidence and vital access to industry experts whenever we need it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals