Mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) service provider G&H has secured a contract with Centrica Business Solutions to deliver turnkey MEP solutions at Solihull Hospital to support net zero plans. Solihull Hospital Trust appointed international energy and services provider Centrica Business Solutions to install a new energy management system after
Reds10, a leader in industrialised construction, has unveiled a new senior leadership structure to drive the next phase of its ambitious growth strategy, targeting £500m in turnover and accelerating the integration of advanced technologies across the business. At the heart of this evolution is the promotion of three senior leaders,
Fairham Business Park, Nottingham, developed and managed by Clowes Developments, is set to welcome a major new occupier: global technology leader ABB. The 100,000 sq ft state-of-the-art standalone building, designed by IMA Architects, and built by TanRo will accommodate ABB’s growing demand for Furse® earthing and lightning protection solutions. It
Two High Value Manufacturing industrial units have been built on formerly contaminated land which had been described as one of the most polluted inner-city sites in the UK. The units were completed ‘on time and on budget’ after a funding boost from the Scottish Government. Named Innovation Shawfield, the South
Spitfire Homes is launching a new community-focused initiative in Radcliffe on Trent to help support local small businesses, at a time when 37 shops are pulling down their shutters for the final time every day in the UK. Following the success of the Gold Card at Spitfire’s Malabar development in
Clowes Developments have announced that unit 5b, a 27,000 sq ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park, has been let to ULD management solutions provider Unilode Aviation Solutions. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Unilode oversees the largest digitised fleet of nearly 200,000 Unit Load Devices (ULDs) in the aviation sector. The
Klipboard, the global business management software platform that was initially acquired by Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) in July 2024 before KCS recently rebranded to adopt the Klipboard name, has completed the acquisition of RAM Tracking, marking a strategic expansion of its capabilities in the facilities management software sector. The acquisition
Global real estate firm, Avison Young UK, today announces 43 senior promotions across the business to Associate Director and Director levels. These team members have been recognised for their exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the firm. Of the promotions, 23 have stepped up to the role of Director, while
Only two contenders remain in the race to acquire WHSmith’s high street business as the retailer considers withdrawing from town and city centres across the UK. Alteri, the owner of Bensons for Beds, and Modella Capital, which owns Hobbycraft, are now the final bidders in discussions with WHSmith and its
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, and Ridgelift, its development partner, have secured consent from Cambridge City Council for 230 Newmarket Road, a 157,000 sq ft six-storey Grade A office building in the city. Outline consent has also been granted for 10,000 sq ft of
Mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) service provider G&H has secured a contract with Centrica Business Solutions to deliver turnkey MEP solutions at Solihull Hospital to support net zero plans. Solihull Hospital Trust appointed international energy and services provider Centrica Business Solutions to install a new energy management system after receiving funding from Phase 3C of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). The project aims to significantly reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint by 1,185 tonnes each year, deliver 75 percent of heating requirements and £62,000 in energy cost savings per year.* Partnering with Centrica Business Solutions, a 25-strong team from G&H, including apprentices, will provide full MEP design, off-site prefabrication, and installation at Solihull Hospital. Completion is expected by February 2026. Richard Tandy, head of projects at Centrica Business Solutions, said: “We’re pleased to continue our relationship with G&H, as they support our delivery of a new Energy Centre at Solihull Hospital. The project will deliver significant carbon reductions that support the Trust’s net zero journey” James Sherburn, director at G&H, said: “Our extensive healthcare sector experience, combined with our off-site fabrication capabilities, means we are well placed to support Centrica in delivering this critical project. “The scope of Solihull Hospital’s decarbonisation project is such that it will benefit from all-round G&H team involvement and that extends to our apprentices who will be actively involved in the delivery of the contract.” The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launched the PSDS in 2020 to provide grants for public sector organisations, funding decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures to help meet the UK government’s 2050 net zero greenhouse gas emissions target. Established in 1998, G&H is a market-leading MEP provider. Its 200-strong team designs, manages, delivers, and maintains every aspect of MEP schemes across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reds10, a leader in industrialised construction, has unveiled a new senior leadership structure to drive the next phase of its ambitious growth strategy, targeting £500m in turnover and accelerating the integration of advanced technologies across the business. At the heart of this evolution is the promotion of three senior leaders, Phil Cook, Joe Shepherd and Ryan Geldard to Managing Directors of their respective divisions. Together they will lead the delivery of Reds10’s strategy to revolutionise construction across Defence, Public Sector and Offsite Manufacture. They will be supported by a strong and experienced leadership team. Scott Laird takes on the newly created role of AI & Technical Director, while Uthira Balachandar continues in her role as Design Director. David Newey and James Bateman remain in their positions as Construction Directors, and Stephanie Mehra continues as Finance Director. This blend of newly promoted and established leaders will drive Reds10’s mission to industrialise construction, embed AI across its operations, and deliver exceptional value to clients. As part of the changes, Chief Executive Matt Bennion will assume a new role at Reds10’s sister company, Thrive-AI after six years in his current role. Matt will focus on accelerating growth at the smart building technology business. Thrive-AI applies machine learning to help clients operate their buildings more efficiently, improve user experience, reduce energy consumption, save money, eliminate redundancy in design and optimise the lifespan of critical assets. Founder and Chairman, Paul Ruddick will assume day to day leadership of the Reds10 business, working closely with the leadership team to scale operations and deepen Reds10’s technological capabilities. Paul Ruddick, Reds10 Founder and Chairman said: ““Following four years of strong growth, we are moving to the next phase of our strategy focused on advancing technologies to fully industrialise our design, production and construction processes and integrate AI across the business. As part of our plan, Matt Bennion is taking on the leadership of Thrive-AI to accelerate its development and growth, while a new generation of leaders takes the helm at Reds10. We thank Matt for his outstanding contribution to date, and we are excited to move forward on our mission to modernise construction, driving up productivity, quality, and sustainability and delivering exceptional value to clients.” Matt Bennion, Reds10 Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to be able to hand the baton on to the new leadership team.It has been a huge privilege to have worked with them and led such a talented Reds10 team over the past six years. These promotions put Reds10 on a firm footing for the next stage of its development and allow me to hand over my CEO responsibilities, safe in the knowledge that the business will continue to go from strength to strength. I’m excited to be spending more time developing and growing our sister company Thrive-AI, our intelligent building platform that puts end users, operators and asset owners in control of their building, carbon footprint and operating costs. It’s a great business and gives Thrive-AI and Reds10 the opportunity to transform the use and operation of buildings for our customers.” The changes come after Reds10 announced its fourth consecutive year of growth for the year ended 31 March 2024, with revenue rising by 70% YoY to £142.5m. Reds10 designs and builds high-quality sustainable buildings for the public sector, with a particular focus on defence, education, health, justice, accommodation and social housing. The business has a secured pipeline of over £300m of work and turnover is forecast to rise to £160m in the current financial year. Most recently, Reds10 was named by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) as one of five construction companies appointed to a new alliance to build Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for the Armed Forces. Reds10 has set out an ambitious plan to grow its revenue and is targeting an expansion into the healthcare sector, as well as the affordable housing and temporary accommodation sectors, providing high quality sustainable homes for local authorities to help them tackle the housing crisis in their communities. Reds10 manufactures all its buildings off-site and its advancing construction facility in Driffield, East Yorkshire, where it has five factories totalling 300,000 sq ft with the current capacity to produce 4,000 units per year. Following a process of industrialisation this capacity will increase to production of 12,000 units per year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fairham Business Park, Nottingham, developed and managed by Clowes Developments, is set to welcome a major new occupier: global technology leader ABB. The 100,000 sq ft state-of-the-art standalone building, designed by IMA Architects, and built by TanRo will accommodate ABB’s growing demand for Furse® earthing and lightning protection solutions. It incorporates advanced technology, flexible automation, R&D and testing capabilities, and digital systems to increase production capacity, improve efficiency, and support sustainable manufacturing. More than 100 employees will relocate to the new site from ABB’s existing Nottingham premises, continuing the company’s deep local heritage—Furse was founded in Nottingham in 1893, and ABB has operated in the city for over a century. Situated within Fairham, a 606-acre flagship mixed-use neighbourhood just minutes from Nottingham city centre, Fairham Business Park offers outstanding connectivity. The site is close to Junction 24 of the M1, East Midlands Airport, and is adjacent to the NET Tram Park & Ride. Notably, it lies outside the Nottingham Workplace Parking Levy, making it an attractive option for employers and employees alike. The business park includes over one million square feet of commercial space, with more than half already developed. ABB’s new facility is built to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards, featuring photovoltaic rooftop panels, electric vehicle charging points, energy-efficient systems, and waste-reduction processes. Inside, the building promotes collaboration, training, and advanced research and development. James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments and Fairham Business Park, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome ABB to Fairham Business Park. Their investment validates the site’s exceptional location, diverse occupier mix, and top-tier industrial units. As we launch the next phase of development, we look forward to delivering even more opportunities.” He also thanked Tim Gilbertson of FHP Property Consultants, who facilitated the deal: “Tim’s insight into ABB’s needs proved instrumental in bringing this exciting opportunity to life.” Tim Gilbertson, FHP Property Consultants, added: “This is a landmark deal for Nottingham. ABB needed a first-class, future-ready facility close to the city but outside the parking levy. Fairham offered the ideal solution. We’re proud to have supported ABB’s continued growth in the region.” Fairham Business Park has been designed with sustainability and economic growth at its core. Spanning 200 acres of landscaped infrastructure, it offers a vibrant environment that blends commercial and residential development. With phase one now largely sold or let, phase two is ready to begin. It will offer flexible space for manufacturing, distribution, offices, hotel and leisure facilities, alongside roadside retail and trade counters—creating a dynamic ecosystem for business and community. Charles Warrack, Fisher German, commented: “The success of Fairham has positioned Phase 2 as a truly unique offering. It can accommodate a wide range of occupiers—including education, health, gym, hotel, and office users—through bespoke, high-specification design and build projects. The integration of industrial and residential spaces will benefit both residents and employees.” With direct access to dedicated cycle routes, pedestrian pathways, and robust public transport links, Fairham Business Park offers an ideal location for forward-thinking businesses to thrive and attract local talent. For more information on development opportunities and updates, visit: www.fairhambusiness.co.uk To enquire about commercial opportunities, contact the site’s agents: FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two High Value Manufacturing industrial units have been built on formerly contaminated land which had been described as one of the most polluted inner-city sites in the UK. The units were completed ‘on time and on budget’ after a funding boost from the Scottish Government. Named Innovation Shawfield, the South Lanarkshire development was visited by the Scottish Government Investment Minister, Tom Arthur on 27th May, to inspect the newly finished commercial spaces that form the first phase of a new £500 million regeneration programme called ‘Clyde Gateway Innovation’. Innovation Shawfield has been jointly funded by the UK Government, Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Clyde Gateway, with additional funding for further infrastructure works also being provided by South Lanarkshire Council. The works are spearheaded by Clyde Gateway, Scotland’s largest regeneration project, which in addition to the construction of the two new units, also includes further site acquisition and remediation works as well as the treatment of contaminants from the old chemical works near the Polmadie Burn. The site has been remediated over a number of years, transforming derelict land that had otherwise lain empty for decades, into an area of investment, growth, opportunity and job creation. Built on the former J&J Whites Chemical plant, also known as Shawfield Chemical Works, which operated from 1820 to 1967 and at one point produced up to 70% of the UK’s chromate products. This activity generated significant volumes of hazardous chromium waste, which continues to be remediated by Clyde Gateway. Remediation works initially commenced in Shawfield in 2013, which led to the construction of ‘Red Tree Magenta’, a 40,000sq. ft managed office building, which opened in December 2018 and now supports 21 companies and over 180 jobs. This latest £8.75m project is part of a £25m investment programme currently underway on site, which includes a £14.6m contribution in November 2023 from the UK Government (formerly Levelling Up Funding Round 3), £1.2m from Scottish Enterprise and £7.5m from The Scottish Government, with Clyde Gateway and South Lanarkshire Council contributing the remainder. The two industrial units, totalling 2,700m2 (29,000sq. ft), received planning permission in March 2024 and have been constructed by Heron Bros. Designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status in addition to exemplary ESG credentials, they are designed for High Value Manufacturing (HVM) use. Investment Minister in the Scottish Government, Tom Arthur, said: “Our significant investment in this project has helped to remove toxic chemicals from the former Shawfield Chemical Works site and transform it into a thriving hub for businesses. “The completion of these works is welcome news for Glasgow and Rutherglen, creating up to 90 permanent jobs and ultimately reducing pollution in the River Clyde. “To benefit people throughout Scotland, we are providing £62.15 million for regeneration projects in 2025/26. This will revitalise green spaces, town centres and derelict sites across the country.” Martin McKay, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway said: “Remediating this land not only removes an eyesore from the local community, it will also bring jobs and economic activity well into the future. Clyde Gateway has remediated the equivalent of over 400 football pitches since our inception and this work has transformed the areas of Rutherglen, Dalmarnock and Bridgeton, with new housing, green spaces and businesses now filling what was dead space. “With the help of funding from our partners, including the Scottish and UK Governments, we have been able to create these new spaces on time and on budget. This development forms part of our £500m vision for Clyde Gateway that will establish the area as a hub for innovation, green jobs and advanced manufacturing, bringing new homes, hotels and employment opportunities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spitfire Homes is launching a new community-focused initiative in Radcliffe on Trent to help support local small businesses, at a time when 37 shops are pulling down their shutters for the final time every day in the UK. Following the success of the Gold Card at Spitfire’s Malabar development in Daventry, the popular scheme is being extended to the homebuilder’s latest collection named Sherbourne, situated on Grantham Road in Radcliffe on Trent. Completely free to join, the unique initiative offers a mutually beneficial opportunity where new Spitfire homeowners are introduced to trusted local businesses, while participating establishments enjoy increased exposure and footfall. According to research by PwC, there were more than 13,500 UK store closures across all retail sectors in 2024 – on average 37 stores closing every day – with the cost-of-living crisis and out-of-town retail parks presenting high streets with unprecedented challenges. Mark Swaddle, Head of Marketing at Spitfire Homes said: “As a homebuilder with a passion for supporting the local area, the Gold Card scheme reflects our commitment to creating collections which integrate with the existing community and have a positive impact on the local economy. “Sherbourne has attracted a variety of purchasers, including those relocating to Radcliffe on Trent, and the launch of this scheme presents an exciting opportunity to highlight local businesses to new residents of the village, showcasing the variety of local businesses within the village. “The success of the scheme at our collection in Daventry makes it even more exciting to extend the campaign to Radcliffe on Trent. We are proud to be partnering with small businesses and we look forward to supporting the local economy at the same time. If you are interested in becoming a Gold Card partner, we would love to hear from you.” Forming a brand new community, Sherbourne showcases 280 new design-led homes ranging from one- to five-bedrooms. As the first homeowners get ready to collect their keys this summer, they can unlock exclusive discounts through their Gold Card which will be valid for twelve months after moving in. With history stretching back over a century, one of the first businesses to sign up to the Gold Card scheme is Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club. One of the premier golf courses in Nottinghamshire, the club is not only known for its scenic 18-hole parkland course but also for its commitment to bringing people together – whether through golf, social events, or supporting local causes. Commenting on the club’s involvement, General Manager, Rob Smith, added: “We’re proud to be part of this exciting new initiative in collaboration with Spitfire Homes, which not only supports the village’s economy but also extends a warm welcome to the new homeowners that are soon to be living at Sherbourne. As a longstanding local business, Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club has strong community roots so this forward-thinking scheme aligns perfectly with our values, whilst introducing our facilities to a selection of new residents. We look forward to working with Spitfire and welcoming new members to our club.” Spitfire Homes would like to hear from any local businesses in Radcliffe on Trent, and the surrounding area, who are interested in joining the Gold Card scheme. Please email goldcard@spitfirehomes.co.uk for further information. To find out how it is already working in Daventry, please visit https://spitfirehomes.co.uk/spitfire-gold-card/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments have announced that unit 5b, a 27,000 sq ft facility at Stud Brook Business Park, has been let to ULD management solutions provider Unilode Aviation Solutions. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Unilode oversees the largest digitised fleet of nearly 200,000 Unit Load Devices (ULDs) in the aviation sector. The company also operates the most extensive global network for maintaining, repairing ULDs, ULD rentals, inflight galley cart equipment and digitalisation solutions to over 90 airlines, utilising a network that spans more than 550 airports, 18 regional offices, and 50 certified repair stations, all supported by their dedicated global team of over 800 employees. Unilode will be relocating to Unit 5b at Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington which will see the company invest and grow their services to fulfil their customer’s needs at East Midlands Airport, just a stone’s throw away from Stud Brook Business Park. Janis Balkens, Chief Operating officer at Unilode Aviation Solutions said about on their move, “At Unilode, thanks to our dedicated team and valued customers, we take great pride in the achievements we’ve already made at our East Midlands airport location. Our focus has been on delivering exceptional service, while creating a positive working environment. The decision to relocate our operations, that’s includes our 30 strong workforce, to Studbrook Business Park, will not only enhance our service capabilities but also enable us to support a larger customer base, while aligning with our sustainability goals on a local and global scale. Unilode also recognise the importance of a sustainable business model that benefits our employees, customers, and the planet. With this new state of the art facility, we’re committed to our sustainability initiatives, such as utilising 100% renewable energy, improving waste management practices, and aiming for BREEAM certification for our new operations at East Midlands Airport. Together with our customers, partners and suppliers we are embracing a circular economy that drives positive change. Our East Midlands Airport operations move, as well as developments across the globe such as the moves to new Hong Kong and Singapore MROs, and refurbishments at both Newark (USA) and our London Heathrow MRO, help us to continuously invest and makes sure we remain responsive to the growing needs of our global customer base, which at our East Midland operations includes DHL, West Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, Aer Lingus, Finnair, TUI and many more. ” The deal was put together by Tim Gilbertson, Director of FHP Property Consultants who added: “It’s fantastic to announce the letting of a further unit at Stud Brook and again to a globally known company. The move will help Unilode expand and improve again their services to their clients in the region and from our perspective, it sees yet another deal done at Stud Brook with only a couple of units left available in the first phase. The final units are due to complete and be ready for occupation at the end of May and with interest still good in the last couple of units, hopefully there will be other deals to announce shortly. The focus then switches to smaller units which are being developed out speculatively at Stud Brook of up to 5,000ft² which will all be ready for occupation by the end of 2025. A pleasure to work with Unilode on this deal and I wish them well for the future.” Whilst available space at Stud Brook Business Park is limited there does remain some opportunity for leasehold agreements. Interested parties are invited to contact agents directly via richards@ng-cs.com and tim@fhp.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Klipboard, the global business management software platform that was initially acquired by Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) in July 2024 before KCS recently rebranded to adopt the Klipboard name, has completed the acquisition of RAM Tracking, marking a strategic expansion of its capabilities in the facilities management software sector. The acquisition brings RAM Tracking’s advanced cloud-based mobile work management solutions into Klipboard’s technology stack, adding robust capabilities including job management, scheduling, vehicle tracking, video monitoring, fleet management, and driver compliance to its existing portfolio. RAM Tracking has established itself as a key player by helping companies optimise their field operations through smarter asset management, reduced fuel costs and emissions, minimised unplanned downtime, theft prevention, increased worker productivity, and safer driving practices that often result in lower insurance premiums. Currently serving more than 22,000 SMB customers throughout Europe and North America, RAM Tracking processes millions of data points daily, transforming raw information into practical insights that enable facilities managers to make informed operational decisions. This acquisition enhances Klipboard’s position in the business management software market, complementing its comprehensive suite of solutions for managing physical and field operations, which now encompasses field services management, asset tracking, logistics, and rental software solutions offered to clients worldwide. “When I founded Klipboard, it was born from a belief that technology should simplify complexity, not add to it. We built software that felt intuitive, empowering field service businesses to focus on growth, not paperwork.” Draven McConville, Founder of Klipboard who sold the company to Kerridge Commercial Systems in 2024 “I am delighted to announce we are joining forces with KCS. The combination represents an opportunity to provide a broader SMB product suite to our customers, hastening the pace at which we can provide innovative technology and products supporting our clients to maximise efficiency and productivity and therefore, their profit generation capabilities. For our team, this represents an exciting opportunity to grow together with the larger global organisation that is KCS and work towards the goal of becoming a leading provider of software solutions and data insights to manage field operations.” Nick McClellan, Chief Executive Officer of RAM Tracking “We are excited to welcome RAM Tracking to KCS. This acquisition provides our customers in the retail, distribution, servicing, manufacturing and rental trades a more comprehensive solution to manage their physical operations. With this acquisition, we demonstrate our commitment to support the digital transformation of our customers’ operations by enabling our clients with fleets and equipment or who provide delivery, logistics or field service to efficiently manage and increase productivity via our software and data insights.” Ian Bendelow, CEO of Klipboard The acquisition is expected to deliver significant benefits to facilities managers across the UK who are increasingly seeking integrated digital solutions to streamline complex operations, control costs, and meet sustainability targets in a competitive market. To learn more about how this acquisition might impact operations, further information can be found at klipboard.com.
Global real estate firm, Avison Young UK, today announces 43 senior promotions across the business to Associate Director and Director levels. These team members have been recognised for their exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions to the firm. Of the promotions, 23 have stepped up to the role of Director, while 20 have been promoted to Associate Director level. Driving future growth, this cohort will be central to the efficient delivery of the firm’s strategic objectives. In total, the promotions span across 10 regions Avison Young operates in including: Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle and Stoke on Trent. The wave of promotions encompasses seven key business groups including: Building and Project Consultancy, Client and Business Solutions, Place, Professional Advisory, Rating and Technology, REIFM and Transactions. Nick Walkley, Principal and UK President at Avison Young UK, said: “I look forward to working closely with this highly skilled cohort of new senior leaders, who exemplify our values and will continue driving forward our vision. Highlighting professional excellence and dedication to our collaborative company culture, these accomplishments showcase our belief in creating positive impact. “Underlining the wealth of internal talent at Avison Young, these promotions display the diverse expertise and experience our teams offer. We continue to invest in our people, supporting current and future leaders within the business.” Stephen Cowperthwaite, Principal and Managing Director, Regions and Liverpool at Avison Young UK said: “Regional investment is key to Avison Young’s growth strategy for 2025 and beyond, our local market experts are vital in achieving this goal. These promotions will help deliver real growth and net benefit to our towns, cities and communities across the UK.” Full List of promotions: Directors Business Group Location Mark Beer Building and Project Consultancy London David Roobottom Building and Project Consultancy Birmingham Clive Withers Building and Project Consultancy London Andrew James Building and Project Consultancy London Paul Herrington Building and Project Consultancy Leeds Kate Inskip Client and Business Solutions Birmingham Richard Oxley Client and Business Solutions London Chris Whetstone Client and Business Solutions London Matt Pigott Place London Ed Harvey Place Manchester Emily Davies Place Manchester Julie Taylor Professional Advisory London Geraldine Horner Professional Advisory Edinburgh Naymesh Patel Rating and Technology Birmingham James Millson REFIM Leeds Robert Reeve REFIM London Dave Bamford REFIM London Laura Loom REFIM Stoke on Trent Pete-James Robinson REFIM Birmingham Helen Ewles REFIM Newcastle James White Transactions Birmingham Pete Harding Transactions Glasgow Sarah Miles Client and Business Solutions London Associate Directors Business Group Location Eliott Kelly Place Bristol Henry Sayers Professional Advisory London James Drury Building and Project Consultancy London Robert Hayes Building and Project Consultancy Edinburgh Megan Stacey-Green Building and Project Consultancy London Mandy Poon Rating and Technology Manchester Charlotte Smith Building and Project Consultancy Birmingham Jamie Sim Transactions Newcastle James Short Transactions Bristol James Parton REFIM Client site Gemma Houghton REFIM London Graham Cunningham REFIM London Ralph Smart REFIM Brighton Emma Parker REFIM Stoke on Trent Emma Parkin REFIM Birmingham Kushay Shah Client and Business Solutions London Sophie Russell Client and Business Solutions Birmingham Helen Whitesmith Client and Business Solutions Bristol Andy Smith Client and Business Solutions London Kate Young Client and Business Solutions Manchester Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Only two contenders remain in the race to acquire WHSmith’s high street business as the retailer considers withdrawing from town and city centres across the UK. Alteri, the owner of Bensons for Beds, and Modella Capital, which owns Hobbycraft, are now the final bidders in discussions with WHSmith and its advisers regarding a potential deal. Doug Putman, the owner of HMV, is no longer involved in negotiations, although the Canadian businessman could still submit an offer before the auction process concludes. This follows WHSmith’s announcement in January that it was exploring strategic options for its high street division, including a potential sale. The retailer, which operates around 500 high street stores across the UK, has increasingly shifted its focus to its global travel division, which now accounts for 85% of its trading profit. A sale could result in WHSmith giving up the rights to its brand name, raising the possibility that the retailer – a presence on British high streets since 1792 – may disappear from town centres altogether. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, and Ridgelift, its development partner, have secured consent from Cambridge City Council for 230 Newmarket Road, a 157,000 sq ft six-storey Grade A office building in the city. Outline consent has also been granted for 10,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space in a separate single-storey building adjacent to the office. Designed by Leonard Design Architects, 230 Newmarket Road is in a prominent position on a major thoroughfare into Cambridge. It has been conceived as a multi-occupier headquarters building, providing exemplary quality and amenities. The ground floor contains a generous reception area and extensive cycling and end-of-trip facilities, with space to park 438 bikes. Moving up through the building, the first floor includes an elevated lobby café and offices, with the floors above providing flexibility of configuration to reflect varied occupier requirements. The top floor features two pavilion-style office spaces designed for co-working, both opening onto an inside-outside terrace. Externally, the consent includes a new carpark with 45 spaces, 26 with EV charging. Railpen also has strong ambitions for 230 Newmarket Road’s sustainability credentials, and is aspiring for BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and at least 20% biodiversity net gain. The design follows the principles of the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) and RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, with targets including net zero enabled in operation, low embodied carbon (800 kg/CO2e/m2), and a maximum operation energy performance of 55 KwH/ m2. More widely, 230 Newmarket Road is a gateway to Railpen’s proposed 1m sq ft Beehive, which will blend modern workspace, retail, leisure, entertainment and community spaces, and is currently going through planning, along with proposals to enhance the neighbouring Cambridge Retail Park through the introduction of new retail and leisure facilities. Together, the developments will create a new business district in Cambridge to serve the innovation and STEM sectors as part of the UK’s Golden Triangle, which was recently ranked by Savills as a top three life sciences hub globally. Matthew Howard, Head of Property at Railpen, said: “We’re delighted with the council’s decision to grant consent for 230 Newmarket Road, with the development adding to the quality of offices available to accommodate growth in a world-leading city for innovation. As importantly, it is the first stage of a new business district for the city that will bring more long-term employment and prosperity to one of the UK’s most important economic areas.” 230 Newmarket Road is the latest of Railpen’s investments in Cambridge. Part of its strategy of supporting the UK’s economic and social growth through the clustering of assets in key sectors and locations, it joins Mill Yard, its 180,000 sq ft mixed-use campus adjacent to Cambridge rail station, and the nearby Botanic Place, Railpen’s 500,000 sq ft headquarters office development. Railpen also has a number of other significant proposed developments in the city, including its 1m sq ft Beehive scheme, which has been called in by the Secretary of State. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals