Project Four takes Gateway 2 track record beyond 10,000 homes as it joins Vadella
Project Four Building Safety Experts has joined the Vadella Group as the business enters its next phase of growth, building on a strong track record of supporting clients through the Building Safety Act and Gateway 2 process. The Northwest headquartered consultancy has taken more than 10,000 homes through Gateway 2, with over 30 schemes already securing approval and a live Gateway 2 portfolio of more than 14,000 units nationally. The projects span some of the North West’s most significant residential and mixed-use developments, with P4 supporting developers, contractors and wider project teams through the increasingly complex Building Safety regime. For Project Four, the partnership with Vadella is about building on that momentum rather than changing direction. Max Meadows, Managing Director at Project Four, said: “We’ve built Project Four around one simple idea – good people, good technical advice and getting the job done properly. “The Building Safety Act has changed the way the industry has to approach projects, and Gateway 2 has raised the bar again. We’ve been right in the middle of that, working with some of the region’s biggest development teams and helping them navigate what is still a relatively new and challenging process. “We’ve got a strong business, a great team and a lot of opportunity in front of us. Vadella gives us the investment and additional capability to build on that rather than take our foot off the gas. “We’re still Project Four. The people, the clients and the way we work remain at the heart of the business. This is about building the next phase properly.” Project Four’s Gateway 2 work includes major schemes across Manchester and Leeds, ranging from developments of hundreds of homes to large-scale projects, with its wider portfolio collectively covering more than 14,000 units. Its experience includes work with leading developers and contractors across the residential, build-to-rent and student accommodation sectors. Alan Robson, Chairman, said: “We’ve always wanted Project Four to be bigger and better without losing what made it successful in the first place. “The business has grown quickly, and the Building Safety market is only becoming more important. We’ve reached a point where the right partner can help us take the next step while giving the team more opportunity to develop and the business more capability to invest. “Vadella felt like the right fit. They understand what we’re trying to build and, importantly, they understand that Project Four has its own identity, its own culture and its own way of doing things.” James Knight, Group CEO of Vadella, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the Project Four team to Vadella. Their Building Safety Act and Principal Accountable Person expertise is a fantastic addition to the Group. Project Four’s track record with some of the UK’s leading contractors and developers makes them a natural fit alongside the compliance specialisms our clients already rely on us for.” The partnership will support further investment in Project Four’s people, systems and technical capability, while creating opportunities to collaborate across the wider Vadella Group. Project Four will continue to operate under its existing brand and leadership, with Max Meadows continuing as Managing Director. Its existing services, client relationships and projects will continue as normal. The business will also continue to develop its wider Building Safety offer, including Gateway 2, Building Safety consultancy, Principal Designer services, Principal Accountable Person and Safety Case support, CDM and Principal Contractor Support. Max added: “There is a lot of talk about Building Safety at the moment. For us, this isn’t a new market we’ve suddenly decided to enter – it’s what we’ve been doing every day for years. “The opportunity now is to take what we’ve learned, keep developing our people and help more clients get their projects through the process safely and properly. “That’s the bit we’re excited about.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning Approved for £41.8m Regeneration of Former Revlon Factory Site in Maesteg
Planning permission has officially been approved for a transformative £41.8 million redevelopment project at Ewenny Road, Maesteg, bringing 192 new homes to a prominent brownfield site that has stood vacant for over 12 years. The project is being delivered by Sylfaen, the commercially driven development subsidiary of Bridgend-based housing association Valleys to Coast, in partnership with housebuilders Tai Derw Developments Ltd, an Edenstone Group company. The site was prepared for development following £3.5 million in remediation funding from Bridgend County Borough Council and the Cardiff Capital Region. Located adjacent to the Oakwood Estate and a short walk from Ewenny Road railway station, the landmark development represents Sylfaen’s first scheme to date and a major milestone in meeting local housing demand across Bridgend. Designed to create a diverse and thriving neighborhood, the mixed-tenure community will comprise 192 homes tailored to various needs, including 35 homes for social rent, 19 affordable rent homes, 54 shared ownership properties and 84 homes for open-market sale. Future residents will also be able to enjoy a community garden, public open spaces, and a fully equipped children’s play area on-site. The scheme will deliver substantial community benefits through a contribution of more than £100,000 to support local initiatives. Revenue generated from the open-market sales will be reinvested to help strengthen Valleys to Coast’s ongoing investment in delivering and maintaining social homes across South Wales. Work on-site is scheduled to commence in October 2026, with the first homes expected to be ready by April 2027. Phased construction will continue through to target completion in 2031. James Griffiths, Managing Director of Sylfaen, said: “For more than a decade, this site has stood empty, but soon it will be a vibrant, thriving neighborhood. By offering a true mix of social rent, affordable ownership, and open market sale properties, we are creating opportunity and meeting a range of local housing needs. “Our goal is to build communities where people can grow, work and belong and we look forward to working closely with key partners and local residents as we turn this long-awaited vision into reality.” As part of its commitment to involving the local community early in the process, Sylfaen is establishing an on-site Community Cabin. The space will act as a base for the development team to answer questions from neighbors and will provide a venue for local councillors to hold surgeries with constituents. Sylfaen is also inviting local residents and customers to help shape the identity of the site by submitting naming suggestions for the development, its six new streets, and its eight house types, honoring the rich industrial heritage of the former Revlon factory. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
SCAPE opens procurement for £8 billion national construction framework
Public sector procurement specialist SCAPE has published the Tender Notice for its next generation SCAPE Construction Works and Services Framework, covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The framework offers a fully compliant, actively managed procurement route for public sector organisations, maximising value through the creation of long-term strategic partnerships. The framework has a total capacity of £8 billion over a four-year period. Fully aligned with the Procurement Act 2023, it is expected to run between 2027 and 2031, with the option of a two-year extension. Following extensive pre-market engagement with public sector bodies, alongside more than 100 organisations from the construction industry, the next generation framework has strategically evolved in response to client and industry feedback and to reflect the changing needs of the public sector. Providing an accelerated route to market, it will support organisations ranging from local authorities and blue light to housing associations and universities to deliver a range of cross-sectoral projects. These include new build, refurbishment, retrofit and long-term programmes of work. The framework’s five lots are designed to deliver on precise client requirements, allowing for the development of enduring strategic partnerships between the public sector and contractors. A competitive selection process will allow clients to ask project-specific questions based on their bespoke needs. To provide greater choice, the framework will appoint three delivery partners per lot in response to market feedback. The five lots are as follows: The re-procurement builds on the strong performance of the current SCAPE Construction Framework, which has supported over 240 completed projects and 100 live projects. The announcement closely follows the procurement of SCAPE’s £8.5 billion standalone Defence and Complex Environments Framework in August 2026, which was launched following the construction framework’s consultation process. The market engagement indicated strong demand for a dedicated solution focused specifically on defence and complex environments. All 11 of SCAPE’s current frameworks have achieved Gold Standard verification, reflecting its commitment to collaborative working practices, robust governance and continuous improvement that leads to consistent, high-quality outcomes. SCAPE framework delivery partners are actively managed, audited and performance monitored against the framework agreement, driving continuous improvement and providing clients greater confidence in project delivery. Craig Murphy, Director of Frameworks at SCAPE, said: “Informed by extensive market engagement with both contractors and public sector organisations, SCAPE’s Construction Works and Services Framework responds to an evolved legislative environment alongside demand for greater choice and flexibility over delivery partners. “Building on the success of our current framework – which has successfully delivered hundreds of often high-profile public sector projects over the last few years – its next generation successor offers no less than five sector-specific lots designed to meet client requirements. Through an actively managed service, the framework aims to deliver exceptional project outcomes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.” 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