Sika provides roofing solution for Lancashire Cricket Club’s new AO Farington cricket ground pavilion
Located between Lostock Hall and Leyland within the Lancashire green belt, the new Lancashire Cricket Club AO Farington Cricket Ground Pavilion has been designed to become one of the UK’s leading cricket facilities. Designed and developed as a state-of-the-art second ground for Lancashire Cricket Club, the facility will support professional cricket alongside more than 750 hours of community use each year. The impressive development includes two full-size cricket ovals, 36 pitches, a central viewing pavilion with a 5,000-spectator capacity, changing rooms, and fitness facilities. The club also hopes the new venue will host men’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup fixtures and become a Women’s Centre for Excellence for the North-West. Designed by BDP and built by main contractor Eric Wright Construction, the Pavilion’s striking triangular form was driven by the need to provide uninterrupted views across both cricket pitches. Large, cantilevered canopies and an efficient triangular roof structure enabled long open spans and the creation of a highly flexible, multi-functional internal space with spectacular panoramic views. Set within a sensitive landscaped green belt environment, the project demanded a low-impact, durable roofing solution capable of delivering long-term waterproofing performance while supporting the building’s ambitious architectural design. To meet these requirements, a comprehensive Sika roofing specification was selected, centred around the high-performance SikaShield® reinforced bituminous membrane system. Installed by roofing contractors, AMS Cladding Ltd, the roofing build-up included SikaRoof® Primer-610 Spray, chosen for its quick and easy application properties and its ability to improve adhesion of air and vapour control layers and self-adhering membranes. The waterproofing system incorporated SikaShield® E74 PE SA 3 mm underlay and SikaShield® HB79 Tex 4 mm capsheet membranes, delivering exceptional durability, flexibility, and long-term weather resistance. Within Safe2Torch exclusion zones, SikaShield® E79 MG SA 4 mm was specified to provide a flame-free application solution, helping to enhance safety during installation. SikaShield® membranes combine polymer-modified bituminous compounds with reinforced layers and protective surface finishes to create a robust waterproofing system capable of withstanding long-term environmental exposure, including UV degradation and harsh weather conditions. The system also offers excellent flexibility at low temperatures and strong adhesion between layers. To enhance thermal performance, Sikatherm® EPS 200 031 RJ1 insulation was installed. This high-performance rigid expanded polystyrene insulation board provides excellent thermal efficiency while protecting the waterproofing system with minimal water absorption. A SikaRoof® EPS Filter Layer was also incorporated to minimise cold rainwater flow beneath the insulation and reduce the migration of fines and debris from upper roofing layers. The completed roof was finished with a stone ballast surface, complementing the Pavilion’s architectural design while contributing to the overall durability of the roofing system. The AO Farington Cricket Ground Pavilion now provides Lancashire Cricket Club with a modern, sustainable and architecturally distinctive venue that supports high-performance cricket, community engagement, and the long-term future of the sport across the North-West For more information about the AO Farington Cricket Ground Pavilion project visit: http://spkl.io/60417OQg3 Client: Lancashire Cricket ClubRoofing Contractor: AMS Cladding LtdProduct Used: SikaShield®Project Size: 1,186m Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Doka PCF expansion clears way for smarter product choices and improved supply chain sustainability
Doka is further enhancing its position as a leader in transparent sustainability data for the construction industry. The global formwork and scaffolding specialist is expanding Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) to more than 9,000 products. By increasing the dataset, Doka is removing a major barrier to transparent, evidence-based decision-making across the construction supply chain. The expansion forms part of Doka’s wider sustainability ‘mindset’, embedded across its long-term strategy. Julia Weber, Head of Sustainability at Doka, said: “Expanding our Product Carbon Footprint data to more than 9,000 products creates even greater transparency throughout the entire construction process. Reliable emissions data helps our customers better understand the CO₂ impact of their projects, make informed procurement decisions, and effectively support their own climate targets.” The construction industry is a major contributor to the UK’s carbon footprint. According to the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee report, the built environment accounts for circa 25% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Wider adoption of initiatives such as PCF data will be crucial to the UK meeting its net zero goal. Expanding sustainable strategy A product carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by a single item throughout its entire life cycle – from cradle-to-grave. Doka’s expansion of its PCF dataset is its sustainability strategy’s latest landmark achievement. In December 2024, it became the first formwork company worldwide to commit to the Science Based Targets initiative – the global benchmark for net zero, aligning annual emissions-reduction targets with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. Doka is progressing its ambitious 2040 net zero target while committing to reducing its Scope 1, 2 and 3 CO₂ emissions by 42% by 2030. This is alongside the company’s continued investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable logistics across its own operations. Julia Weber continued: “Expanding our Product Carbon Footprint data is a natural extension of our sustainability mindset, not a standalone milestone. It reflects how we operate as a business — absorbing sustainability into every part of our operations as we work towards net zero.” For more information on Doka projects and services, click here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
G F Tomlinson strengthens growth strategy with business development appointment
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson,has bolstered its team with the appointment of Glenn Slater as Business Development Manager. Glenn joins G F Tomlinson with 31 years’ experience in business development within the construction industry, with a focus on Public Sector Frameworks, and his primary focus will be to drive new business generation and growth for the construction firm across the Midlands and South Yorkshire, while promoting Public Sector Frameworks. He will support Head of Business Development, Les Needham, and will nurture new and existing client relationships, as well as supporting other teams across the business. A committee member for the Forum for the Build Environment East Midlands, Glenn also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Management and a Cambridge University Institute for Sustainable Leadership certificate in Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions. On his new position and joining G F Tomlinson, Glenn said: “I have always thoroughly enjoyed working with construction businesses to positively contribute to their growth and development. I am pleased to be given the opportunity to continue this passion with G F Tomlinson working alongside Les Needham and building our presence across the Midlands and South Yorkshire. “I’m looking forward to using my decades of experience in this industry to bring a fresh perspective to a long-established business, contributing to the company’s ongoing success.” Andy Sewards, Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s great to have someone of Glenn’s calibre on board. His appointment is pivotal as we embark on the next phase of our company’s growth, and we’re delighted to welcome him to the business development team with Les Needham. Glenn’s invaluable experience and sector knowledge will be key for the whole business, and for driving our initiatives forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 launches new apprenticeship pathway for the unemployed
HS2 is launching a new fast-track training programme to help unemployed West Midlands residents secure a construction apprenticeship on Britain’s new railway. The programme is being led by HS2’s West Midlands construction partners, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) – who are delivering the 90km section of the railway between Warwickshire, Birmingham and Staffordshire, and Mace Dragados – who are building Curzon Street Station. The new initiative builds on the success of BBV’s well established routes into employment programmes. In the West Midlands, 2,273 unemployed local residents have already secured a job on HS2 and 885 have started an apprenticeship. Now, for the first time, the two joint ventures are teaming up to deliver a new six-week general operatives training programme, which will equip participants with the skills and health and safety accreditation they need to start working in construction. Candidates who successfully complete the six-week course, and want to progress their career in construction, will automatically qualify for an interview for an 18-month apprenticeship. Julie Venn Morton, HS2 Ltd’s Senior Skills and Inclusion Manager for the region said: “We work exceptionally hard to ensure that local residents benefit from career opportunities on HS2, and it’s great to see our construction partners working together to create more new entry-level jobs for local people. “A project the size and scale of HS2 offers a unique opportunity to upskill the next generation and we’re proud of our achievements to date, with over 2,000 people starting an apprenticeship and over 5,700 unemployed people starting new careers on the programme.” The six-week general operatives training programme will be delivered at South and City College’s Bordesley Green campus and starts on 28 September. Eight successful candidates will go on to secure an 18-month Level 2 apprenticeship, where they will join the teams delivering the city’s new flagship terminus station. Beatriz Ramos Albert, Communications, Skills & Social Value Lead at Mace Dragados said: “Collaboration is essential to maximising the social value we create through HS2, and this programme is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition. We are delighted to be partnering with Balfour Beatty VINCI and are grateful for the expertise and best practice they are bringing to this programme. “As construction of Curzon Street Station progresses, we continue to create opportunities across our city centre project and supply chain, and initiatives like this help to ensure those opportunities are accessible to local residents”. Four candidates will progress onto a Level 2 apprenticeship with BBV, where they will join the teams constructing the railway as it travels through Solihull and Warwickshire. Kam Hundal, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Skills, Employment and Education Business Partner said: “We’re creating more new apprenticeship opportunities for local people who are currently out of work, as part of our on-going commitment to leave a lasting skills legacy in the West Midlands. “Candidates who successfully complete a six-week training programme are guaranteed an interview for these entry-level roles. Along the way, we’ll equip them with the skills and health and safety accreditation they need to start working in construction.” West Midlands residents who are interested in joining the programme should register their interest with their local Jobcentre Plus. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Where Performance Meets Practice: The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham
From Passivhaus to working at height; roofing to insulation; fire safety to solar integration, the new Building Envelope Stage at UK Construction Week Birmingham will offer visitors a practical and technical focus on the systems and materials that determine a building’s performance, safety, durability and energy efficiency. Bringing together contractors, manufacturers, specifiers and installers, the programme will explore the latest developments in roofing, cladding, insulation, facades and waterproofing, alongside key issues such as fire safety, regulation, retrofit and net zero delivery. Partnering with organisations such as the National Retrofit Hub and NFRC, topics covered on the Building Envelope Stage will include: Passivhaus at Scale: Why Major Housebuilders Are Embracing Higher Performance Standards; Healthy Homes: Building Fabric, Ventilation and Occupant Wellbeing; and Roofing for Net Zero: Design, Performance and Whole-Life Value. Stage highlights include: Tuesday 29th September 12.30pm – 1.15pmHealthy Homes: What Really Makes a Building Good for People?Demonstrating best practice, the session will provide evidence-based guidance on delivering homes that are not only energy efficient, but demonstrably better for occupant health and wellbeing.Speakers: Dr Anastasia Mylona (CIBSE), Jade Lewis (Healthy Homes & Buildings Group), Mark Allen (Fortem), Olga Turner Baker (Ekkist) 1.30pm – 2.15pmThe Retrofit Reset: Beyond Grants to Long Term DeliveryGovernment grants have played an important role in kickstarting retrofit, but they won’t deliver the scale or pace of home upgrades the UK needs on their own. What comes next? How do we move beyond short-term funding towards a stable, long-term retrofit market that gives homeowners, landlords, local authorities and industry the confidence to invest?Speakers: Carl Bairstow (Efficiency North), Rachael Owens (National Retrofit Hub), Sarah Louise Fletcher (Leeds Beckett University) Wednesday 30th September 2.30pm – 3.15pmRight First Time: The Future of Membrane SuitabilityApproved Document B, Awaab’s Law and the Future Homes Standard are converging on the roof. As fire safety rules tighten, repair timeframes shorten, and solar PV goes mainstream, membrane suitability is a critical compliance consideration. This panel cuts through the noise to ask what “suitable” will mean going forward, and how the sector can get it ‘right first time’.Speakers: Adrian Howe (Stormforce Roofing), Matthew Sexton (BMI UK & Ireland), Thomas Marshall (Don & Low Ltd) 3.30pm-4.15pmBeyond Sedum: The Next Generation of Green RoofsThis session will explore the technical and practical considerations of designing, specifying and maintaining roofs that respond to local vernaculars, support Biodiversity Net Gain objectives and function as genuine nature-based solutions rather than compliance measures.Speakers: Chris Bridgman (Bridgman & Bridgman and Chair, Green Roof Organisation (GRO), Vice President, European Federation of Green Roof and Wall Associations and Founder, World Green Roof Day), Keith Hills (Eco Green Group), Luke Rootham (Axter Ltd), Maggie Fennel Wells (The Environment Partnership (TEP) Ltd) Thursday 1st October 10.30am – 11.15amSolar, Storage and Heat Pumps: What New Build and Retrofit Mean for Your BusinessThis session will explore how the Future Homes Standard and the Warm Homes Plan are shaping demand for solar PV, battery storage and heat pumps, and what businesses need to do now to prepare.Speakers: Jason Howlett (Energy Storage Association), Neil Evans (GoodWe), Nigel Banks (Octopus Energy) 12.30pm – 1.15pmNet Zero Transition Planning: Turning Construction Ambition into ActionThis presentation will explore how organisations can build robust transition plans, align with the emerging ISO Net Zero Standard, and integrate carbon reduction into business planning, procurement and project delivery.Speaker: Lucie Shackley (Carbon Trust) Martin Hurn, UKCW Birmingham Editorial Director, commented: ““The Building Envelope Stage reflects a shift we’re seeing across the industry: performance is no longer an abstract ambition, it’s a practical discipline. By bringing contractors, manufacturers, specifiers and installers together, we’re creating a space where real world challenges meet real world solutions. This is where innovation becomes practice, and where the sector moves forward together.” Sponsored by Barbour ABI, Zutec, Wyre, HotelPlanner and Build Warranty, UKCW Birmingham will feature over 250 leading brands; 200 speakers and over 150 hours of CPD accredited seminars across four stages, alongside a series of built-for-purpose sections. Architect, TV presenter and UKCW ambassador, George Clarke will officially open the show and also host the Main Stage discussions on Day One (September 29th). To find out more and to register free for UKCW Birmingham, visit https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/0hcnqiudc1lrv?actioncode=1000 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec Wins Approval to Restart £1bn North London Regeneration
Landsec has secured planning approval for a major reset of its £1 billion O2 Centre regeneration in North London, unlocking revised plans for up to 1,800 homes alongside new retail, workspace, leisure and public spaces. Camden Council has approved changes to the 14-acre Finchley Road masterplan after the original proposals stalled amid rising construction costs, viability pressures and new building safety requirements. The revised approach will allow Landsec to increase the height of several buildings and reduce the proportion of affordable housing, with the changes intended to make the substantial mixed-use development deliverable. Affordable housing across the masterplan will fall from the previously planned 35% to 20%, reflecting emergency measures introduced by the Government and Mayor of London to help unlock stalled residential developments. Despite the changes, the overall ambition remains to deliver up to 1,800 homes while transforming an underused site into a new neighbourhood incorporating shops, workplaces, leisure facilities, community amenities and extensive public realm. The first phase, which has secured detailed planning permission as part of the hybrid application, will provide 651 homes. Additional floors have been introduced to several blocks, with some of the buildings now expected to rise to around 17 storeys. The redesigned scheme also incorporates changes required to respond to updated building safety regulations, which have become an increasingly important factor in the design, viability and delivery of higher-rise residential projects. More than half of the wider development site is planned as publicly accessible space, with new landscaped areas, green spaces and improved walking and cycling connections between Finchley Road and West Hampstead. Landsec has also committed £10 million towards providing step-free access at West Hampstead Underground station, supporting wider improvements to connectivity around the new neighbourhood. GRID Architects and Heatherwick Studio have worked on the revised designs. The wider professional team includes AtkinsRéalis as cost consultant, Pell Frischmann providing civil and structural consultancy and Buro Happold responsible for MEP consultancy. Mike Hood, CEO of Landsec, said: “Camden Council gave us a clear mandate in 2023 to transform this isolated, underused land into a mixed-use neighbourhood with new homes, public space and community facilities. “The economic reality has shifted since then and that’s why we’re updating the first phase of the masterplan. “Our changes, which respond to emergency measures from the Government and Mayor of London, would enable delivery and protect the many public benefits that the scheme can deliver. Our vision for a greener, healthier and better connected neighbourhood remains the same.” The regeneration is expected to be delivered across three phases over approximately 10 to 15 years, representing one of the most significant long-term residential and mixed-use development projects in this part of London. The existing O2 shopping and leisure centre will continue operating through the earlier stages of the redevelopment before being demolished as part of the final phase. With the revised plans now approved, Landsec has cleared an important hurdle in bringing the stalled project back towards delivery, while retaining the wider vision of creating a greener, better-connected mixed-use neighbourhood around Finchley Road and West Hampstead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals