Blackpool Council has announced plans to appoint new commercial marketing agents to promote the Blackpool Central site to international leisure investors, aiming to attract fresh investment for the high-profile location. The move signals the termination of the previous agreement with developer Nikal Ltd. and marks a new phase in the
Bristol City Council has announced the start of major construction work on Victoria Street aimed at improving accessibility and making the area more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. The project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The transformation will include several significant upgrades to enhance the experience of walking,
Residents and staff at Greenfield, a Retirement Living scheme in Hull, are celebrating the completion of a significant refurbishment project, just in time for the festive season. The £900,000 refurbishment was undertaken by Esh Construction, commissioned by registered social housing provider Riverside. This project is part of Riverside’s broader initiative
Plans for a new leisure centre in Trowbridge estimated to cost around £25 million have been approved. The new Trowbridge Leisure Centre, set to be built on the East Wing site of Bythesea Road, will include a 6-lane 25m pool, a learner pool, a cafe seating up to 60 people
Peel Waters has named construction firm GRAHAM as the delivery partner for the first phase of the Central Docks development, the largest brownfield site in Liverpool and a key part of the ambitious Liverpool Waters regeneration project. Spanning over 10.5 hectares, Central Docks is set to become the largest of
Specialist engineering techniques are transforming the River Don’s banks as Esh Construction is pushing forward with work on the £4.1 million public realm project at Rotherham Riverside. The scheme, commissioned by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council through the YORhub YORcivil2 framework, is a significant step in revitalising the riverside area. Esh’s
An ambitious project to redevelop Abbey Fields Swimming Pool in Kenilworth is to receive additional funding from the HS2 Community & Environment Fund (CEF). The £75,000 HS2 grant has been awarded to Warwick District Council (WDC) to support external landscaping and groundwork improvements as part of the multi-million-pound investment in
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) has announced a 50/50 joint venture with Vistry Group to develop 948 new homes in Pudding Mill Lane, Stratford. The project led by LLDC and Vistry Group will create a residential and commercial neighbourhood adjacent to Pudding Mill Lane DLR station. The development will
Caddick Construction has completed work on a new plastic packaging manufacturing facility to its long-standing client, Alpla, forming the 4th and final phase of the manufacturer’s new development at Stone Cross Business Park in Warrington. The 8,471 sq. ft development comprised the design and build of a new steel framed
The Bicester Arc, a state-of-the-art 48-acre commercial business park near Oxford, is making strides toward delivering cutting-edge infrastructure tailored to meet the demands of modern businesses. The development promises to offer bespoke facilities, flexible workspaces, and exceptional connectivity, solidifying its position as a premier destination for innovation and growth. The
Blackpool Council has announced plans to appoint new commercial marketing agents to promote the Blackpool Central site to international leisure investors, aiming to attract fresh investment for the high-profile location. The move signals the termination of the previous agreement with developer Nikal Ltd. and marks a new phase in the site’s redevelopment, which is already underway. Earlier this year, the first stage of the Blackpool Central project was completed with the opening of a 1,306-space multi-storey car park, funded through private sector investment under the former agreement. Demolition work at the site is scheduled to begin early in the new year, following the appointment of contractor DSM Demolition. The project will see the removal of the old police station, municipal courts, and a former joke shop on Central Drive. The demolition costs will be covered by funding from the Blackpool Town Deal, part of a UK Government initiative announced in 2022. Located near the iconic Blackpool Tower and adjacent to the Promenade, the Blackpool Central site spans up to 15 acres and boasts prime accessibility, including a direct route from the motorway to the new car park. Once the site of the world’s busiest train station, it now presents a significant opportunity to add to Blackpool’s £1.7 billion visitor economy and generate new jobs for the local community. The Council has retained ownership of most of the Blackpool Central land, ensuring it remains available for future development while safeguarding public finances. The agreement with Nikal generated £4.5 million for the Council, supporting local services and providing an option to acquire the new car park for a nominal fee in the future. In the coming months, Blackpool Council will begin working with international marketing agents to attract private sector investors and developers. The goal is to secure a new leisure attraction that will complement the town’s existing offerings and further boost Blackpool’s status as a premier destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bristol City Council has announced the start of major construction work on Victoria Street aimed at improving accessibility and making the area more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. The project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The transformation will include several significant upgrades to enhance the experience of walking, wheeling, and cycling along the street. Planned improvements include: The project is part of the broader A37/A4018 transport corridor initiative, which is focused on enhancing the number 2 bus route, a key 15-mile route connecting Stockwood and Henbury. The work will be carried out in phases over approximately 15 months, with completion expected in early 2026. Victoria Street will remain open for most of the construction period, though temporary traffic signals will be in place, potentially causing delays. Side streets connecting to Victoria Street may also face temporary closures. Road resurfacing will occur overnight towards the end of the project. To ease the transition and encourage sustainable travel, the council is offering incentives during the construction period. Residents and commuters can access up to £100 in travel offers, including free bus and train travel vouchers, bike loans, and cycling training. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Residents and staff at Greenfield, a Retirement Living scheme in Hull, are celebrating the completion of a significant refurbishment project, just in time for the festive season. The £900,000 refurbishment was undertaken by Esh Construction, commissioned by registered social housing provider Riverside. This project is part of Riverside’s broader initiative to upgrade Retirement Living accommodations nationwide. Key improvements included extensive upgrades to the fire alarm system, lighting, and the replacement of all communal fire doors and flat entrance doors. The exterior grounds also saw enhancements, with upgraded fencing, improved footpaths, and a reconfigured, resurfaced car park. Inside Greenfield, the refurbishment focused on modernising communal spaces with new mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems, full redecoration, and the installation of new flooring. The guest room, laundry room, and communal kitchen underwent partial refurbishments. A new conservatory was added, and an internal space was created for residents’ scooters, eliminating the need for them to access their mobility devices through an external garage. Simon Scott, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, said: “Carrying out works like these within an occupied building can naturally cause some disruption, and we are thankful to the residents and staff at Greenfield for their patience and cooperation during this time. Julie Aryiku went above and beyond to assist the team, and we developed a key relationship with her to facilitate the needs of the project. “We are proud to collaborate with Riverside to enhance and secure the future of vital social housing developments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a new leisure centre in Trowbridge estimated to cost around £25 million have been approved. The new Trowbridge Leisure Centre, set to be built on the East Wing site of Bythesea Road, will include a 6-lane 25m pool, a learner pool, a cafe seating up to 60 people and a changing village. As well as the swimming facilities, the new site opposite County Hall will also boast a fitness suite catering to 120 people, three different fitness studios, a 30-person group cycle studio, a community meeting room and an adventure play area. Wiltshire Council has also approved a new four-way signalised junction with pedestrian crossings on every side to allow access to the leisure centre, and a car park which will incorporate electric vehicle charging, bus, coach and disabled parking, and bike stands alongside regular parking spaces. “It’s excellent for Trowbridge,” said Trowbridge Council leader, Stewart Palmen. “It’s right in the centre of town and the location is practically perfect.” According to planning officers, the site is being built around active travel principles to get as many people to the leisure centre by means other than cars. To ensure sustainability is at the heart of these plans, the roof is being designed with solar panels, air sourced heat pumps and other insulated techniques to make the leisure centre as sustainable and energy efficient as possible. Over 1,000 responses were received after a lengthy consultation process with residents, sports groups and organisations, and almost all of them were positive. Trowbridge Civic Society is the only third party to have formally objected to the plans, with concerns that the development would detract rather than enhance the overall contribution to Trowbridge. But sharing his enthusiasm, Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling called the plan “a complete package that has been thoroughly thought through,” while Councillor Ernie Clark declared the leisure centre to be “exactly what Trowbridge needs”. “It was great to witness the overwhelming support from the local residents and the wider community for this impressive, modern and highly sustainable leisure centre that will support active wellbeing,” said Mr Bloomfield, director of the architects team. “The proposals support the regeneration of Trowbridge town centre. The scheme is highly sustainable and all electric.” Planning permission has now been granted after a unanimous vote, but on the condition that car parking space usage will be reviewed within the first year. This comes after Councillor Jonathon Seed pointed out that many of the disabled parking spaces built at Melksham’s leisure centre aren’t used. Councillors also clarified that sports hall provisions, not provided in the new centre, will remain at Clarendon Academy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peel Waters has named construction firm GRAHAM as the delivery partner for the first phase of the Central Docks development, the largest brownfield site in Liverpool and a key part of the ambitious Liverpool Waters regeneration project. Spanning over 10.5 hectares, Central Docks is set to become the largest of the five planned neighbourhoods within the Liverpool Waters district. The project is a cornerstone of the transformation of a 60-hectare historic waterfront site, with plans to create a vibrant, mixed-use community that will drive significant economic growth in North Liverpool and the wider Liverpool City Region. Following a competitive tender process through Pagabo’s Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework, GRAHAM will oversee the final designs and conduct site investigations for Central Docks’ infrastructure and Central Park, which will be a focal point of the new neighbourhood. During this phase, GRAHAM will work closely with contractors and suppliers to integrate them into the design process, ensuring a seamless collaboration. This includes designing roads, underground utilities, public spaces, and the impressive 2.1-hectare Central Park, which is set to become one of Liverpool’s largest green spaces. This infrastructure is essential to support approximately 2,350 new homes planned for the Central Docks area. The homes will feature diverse tenures, including affordable housing, build-to-rent options, and properties for the elderly, aligning with the UK government’s initiative to build 1.5 million new homes within the next five years. The second stage of the project, involving the construction of infrastructure and the completion of Central Park, will commence after the first phase is finalised. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist engineering techniques are transforming the River Don’s banks as Esh Construction is pushing forward with work on the £4.1 million public realm project at Rotherham Riverside. The scheme, commissioned by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council through the YORhub YORcivil2 framework, is a significant step in revitalising the riverside area. Esh’s civil engineering team is repairing existing river walls near Westgate, incorporating over 250 sheet piles to form a robust new foundation for a planned riverside footpath. The installation of 127 pairs of sheet piles, some measuring up to 18 meters in length and weighing six tonnes each, was completed within five weeks. A temporary piling mat, stretching 170 meters in length and capable of supporting the substantial machinery used during construction, has also been constructed. This mat consists of 1,500 tonnes of capping, measuring 8 meters wide and 550 millimetres deep. Collaboration with Sheet Piling UK brought sustainable innovation to the project. The company supplied Emirates Steel Arkan’s (EMSTEEL) GreenSheetPile™ low-carbon sheet piles, manufactured via the Electric Arc Furnace method. This process significantly reduces embedded carbon, achieving an embedded carbon value of 708kg per tonne—far lower than the industry norm of 2,300kg per tonne. Beyond the riverbank work, Esh is making extensive upgrades near Westgate and on Water Lane, incorporating cut-and-fill operations, deep drainage, Japanese knotweed removal, and the construction of gabion basket retaining walls. As the project progresses into 2025, the piling mat will be removed, and the area between the river wall and sheet piles backfilled. A capping beam and balustrades will be added before work begins on constructing the footpath itself. This comprehensive effort ensures a sustainable, resilient riverside area, providing a modern public space while preserving the integrity of the River Don’s banks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An ambitious project to redevelop Abbey Fields Swimming Pool in Kenilworth is to receive additional funding from the HS2 Community & Environment Fund (CEF). The £75,000 HS2 grant has been awarded to Warwick District Council (WDC) to support external landscaping and groundwork improvements as part of the multi-million-pound investment in the town’s community swimming facilities. Located within the site of an ancient scheduled monument on Abbey Fields, the pool was originally built in the 1890s. Newer buildings were developed in the 1930s, 1960s and 1980s – with the latter being demolished in 2022 to make way for a full redesign and rebuild project. Once developed, the new facility will provide state-of-the-art swimming facilities including family and learner pools with moveable floors to accommodate all ages and abilities. In addition, a multi-use community space will include a café and outdoor terrace. Funding from HS2 will go towards creating an engaging outdoor space surrounding the new pool building, featuring footpaths, landscaping and public seating areas, all sensitively designed to blend in with the historic location. Following a delay caused by the discovery of extensive medieval remains on the site, construction work on the new buildings began in May with completion due in summer 2026. Councillor Jim Sinnott, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Leisure at Warwick District Council, said: “The Council is making a huge investment in this exciting project to provide Kenilworth and the wider district with the additional swimming pools required to meet the needs of a growing population. We very much welcome the additional funding we will receive from the HS2 which will make a significant contribution to our aim of creating a wonderful asset for the whole community.” The Abbey Fields Swimming Pool project is one of over 300 initiatives to be awarded funding from HS2’s Community & Environment (CEF) and Business & Local Economy Fund (BLEF). So far, HS2 Ltd has awarded over £17 million to 320 community projects since the funds were launched in 2017. Projects in the West Midlands, including Greater Birmingham, Warwickshire and Staffordshire, have received just over £3.5 million. HS2’s community and business funds are managed and administered on behalf of HS2 Ltd by the charity Groundwork UK. HS2’s CEF and BLEF schemes will provide up to £40 million in funding throughout the construction of HS2, supporting community groups and business partnerships to deliver projects that will improve the environment or bring direct benefits to local people and local economies. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) has announced a 50/50 joint venture with Vistry Group to develop 948 new homes in Pudding Mill Lane, Stratford. The project led by LLDC and Vistry Group will create a residential and commercial neighbourhood adjacent to Pudding Mill Lane DLR station. The development will be delivered in four phases and aims to meet diverse housing needs. At least 45% of the homes will be affordable, including low-cost rental options, with a significant emphasis on family housing. The project contributes to LLDC’s commitment to ensuring 50% affordable housing across key Stratford developments, including Stratford Waterfront and Rick Roberts Way. In addition to housing, the scheme includes 30,000 sqm of commercial space, with retail, community, and leisure facilities designed to foster a sustainable, long-term community. The neighbourhood will also offer employment and skills opportunities for East London residents, businesses, and start-ups, supporting the growth and innovation goals of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The new development will enhance the Park’s thriving Innovation Cluster and its Knowledge, Culture, and Education District. Construction is to begin in early 2026, with the project’s completion scheduled for 2033. LLDC were advised by Deloitte and Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF). Greg Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Vistry Group, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our partnerships business to revitalise this area of East London and create a thriving and sustainable new community. We are very pleased to be working in partnership with the LLDC and the GLA to provide the mix of high-quality new homes that residents desperately need, alongside the infrastructure, facilities and socio-economic opportunities required to support them.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has completed work on a new plastic packaging manufacturing facility to its long-standing client, Alpla, forming the 4th and final phase of the manufacturer’s new development at Stone Cross Business Park in Warrington. The 8,471 sq. ft development comprised the design and build of a new steel framed extension, the refurbishment of the existing entrance and boardroom facilities, as well as the upgrade of external works, including car parking facilities. This contract followed Caddick’s appointment to three former phases at the manufacturing facility in Golbourne. Phases one and two began in 2021 and included the design and build of a new link bridge across Yew Tree Way, which now connects the existing GB2 unit with the former Carlsberg distribution unit, which has been renamed as Alpla GB4. Phase three also saw Caddick build an 80,000 sq. ft extension to the Alpla existing GB4 unit, including HGV trailers, cab parking and a 25m turning circle for HGV use. Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director for Caddick Construction North West, commented: “This state-of-the-art development proves what’s possible through meticulous planning and programming, a high-quality and local supply chain, and a great working relationship with our client. Having worked with Alpla for a number of years, delivering all phases of this project, we are thrilled to see this recent build come together for our valued development partner. “With production facilities maintained, and full access to the building required by approximately 400 occupants throughout, our team kept to an extremely tight programme, providing flexibility and open communication throughout. The final result is a state-of-the art facility that complements Warrington’s thriving business district.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Bicester Arc, a state-of-the-art 48-acre commercial business park near Oxford, is making strides toward delivering cutting-edge infrastructure tailored to meet the demands of modern businesses. The development promises to offer bespoke facilities, flexible workspaces, and exceptional connectivity, solidifying its position as a premier destination for innovation and growth. The park boasts a dedicated 13.7MVA power supply, a unique feature that sets it apart in the competitive market. Combined with a skilled local workforce, ample housing, and sustainability initiatives, Bicester Arc is designed to accommodate businesses seeking hybrid and future-focused operational solutions. Located near Bicester Village retail park, the site offers seamless transport links. Oxford is just 14 minutes away by train, London Marylebone is reachable in 46 minutes, and the M40’s Junction 9 is only a two-minute drive, ensuring excellent access to major hubs like London and Birmingham. The development has secured over 600,000 sq. ft of flexible commercial space through three major planning permissions, including a 62,000 sq. ft headquarters office/laboratory and 100,000 sq. ft across two office and R&D buildings. These sustainable structures will sit within landscaped plots, complemented by an exclusive 15-acre eco-park featuring biodiversity-rich environments and walking routes for occupiers. The site caters to a wide range of industries, attracting leaders in advanced engineering, deep tech, and new technologies. Its buildings, ranging from 10,000 to 600,000 sq. ft, provide opportunities for businesses of all sizes to thrive in one of the UK’s most economically vibrant regions. Bicester Arc is a joint venture between Peveril Securities Limited, a subsidiary of Bowmer & Kirkland, one of the UK’s most successful privately owned construction companies, and Sladen Estates, known for delivering high-quality projects nationwide. Construction will be managed by Bowmer & Kirkland, ensuring a seamless delivery experience. The project has also retained CBRE, White Commercial and Knight Frank as letting agents to enhance its market reach, with White Commercial leveraging its expertise in the automotive and technology sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
