BDC Magazine

specialist services

Oxfordshire’s Bicester Arc to deliver bespoke facilities

Cristina Diaconu December 4, 2024

Graham lands £100m Cardiff Crossrail contract

Graham lands Cardiff Crossrail contract

Cristina Diaconu December 2, 2024

Kirklees Council approves additional funds for Huddersfield hotel

Cristina Diaconu November 7, 2024

Morgan Sindall completes Community Diagnostic Centre

Cristina Diaconu November 1, 2024

London Stadium solar panels given green light

Cristina Diaconu October 22, 2024

University of Warwick advances £700m campus plan

Cristina Diaconu October 18, 2024

Rendall & Rittner to manage private sale at Brent Cross Town

Cristina Diaconu October 16, 2024

Castlemere Developments secures London location

Cristina Diaconu October 11, 2024

MC Construction completes school extension in Cheshire

Cristina Diaconu October 9, 2024

Willmott Dixon to build secure children’s home in Sleaford

Cristina Diaconu October 7, 2024

Issue 327 : Apr 2025

specialist services

Oxfordshire’s Bicester Arc to deliver bespoke facilities

Cristina Diaconu December 4, 2024

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

Graham lands Cardiff Crossrail contract

Cristina Diaconu December 2, 2024

GRAHAM has been awarded a contract to design and build the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail project. The ambitious project aims to transform Cardiff’s transport infrastructure. As part of an early contractor involvement (ECI) deal, GRAHAM will work closely with Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales to optimise the design and construction process. The first phase of the project will involve building a new tramway between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay. The route will pass through Callaghan Square and run alongside the existing Cardiff Bay Line. The project will also include the construction of new platforms at Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay stations, as well as significant highway modifications and public space improvements. The Welsh and UK Governments have jointly committed £100 million to fund the initial phase of the tram project. Cardiff Council has also appointed consultants to manage the project’s programme and costs. Andrew Henry, GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “We are delighted to be part of such a transformative project for Cardiff. The tram system that will significantly enhance connectivity and support sustainable urban development. “The team will be working to minimise impact to the public and road users, especially around Callaghan Square, as we integrate the tramline and associated systems with the highway. We look forward to collaborating with Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales to bring this vision to fruition”. A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “It is great news that we have had the funding confirmed from both the UK and Welsh Government. This means that the detailed work can now begin, with the detailed design set to be complete by Autumn 2025 and work on the ground due to start at the end of next year. “During the contract, the Council and TfW will be working closely with the GRAHAM Group to secure the best possible social value for the contract, by creating jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities for local people. Under the current programme of works, the construction could be complete by early 2028, with trams running on the track from later that year. “The Cardiff Crossrail is an ambitious plan to deliver Cardiff’s new tram transport system which will eventually run from the northwest of the city, all the way to the east of the city connecting with the proposed Parkway Station. Following further funding opportunities, we intend to provide a cross-city tram service that is affordable and reliable for the public to use, and to connect some of Cardiff’s poorest communities to the rail network for the first time. “To start this process, the first phase of the scheme must be built between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay. This will finally ensure that Butetown is properly connected to the city centre, via Cardiff Central, providing further capacity for residents and visitors to access the wide range of attractions that Cardiff has to offer.” The detailed design phase is set to be completed by Autumn 2025, with construction work commencing at the end of next year. Under the current programme, construction is expected to be completed by early 2028, with trams operational later that year. The Cardiff Crossrail project is a key component of Cardiff’s new tram transport system, which will eventually extend from the northwest to the east of the city, connecting with the proposed Parkway Station. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Kirklees Council approves additional funds for Huddersfield hotel

Cristina Diaconu November 7, 2024

The restoration project for a historic Huddersfield hotel has received a further cash injection of £9.8 million from Kirklees Council. The vacant George Hotel was purchased by the council four years ago after lying dormant since 2013, with a number of improvements still required for it to be available for use. Once restored, the George – a key priority within the Huddersfield Blueprint, Kirklees Council’s masterplan to transform the town centre – will be managed by internationally renowned hotelier Radisson. The Grade II* listed building has already received £20.2 million from the council’s Cabinet two years ago, but increases in construction costs and additional issues found on site, mostly due to the nature of the historic building and its complexities, meant further funds were required. The latest influx in cash will bring the project’s total to £30 million, with the hotel aiming to be open in 2027. The council have also explored the possibility of increasing the number of rooms planned from 91 to 108, in a bid to help the George generate more income to repay the Cabinet’s investment. Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “The George Hotel plays such a key role in Huddersfield’s past, and for people travelling by rail it will always be one of the very first buildings to welcome you as you enter the town centre. “Bringing this building back to life is one of our priorities within the Huddersfield Blueprint, and we’re unwavering in that commitment. “As with many of our regeneration plans – particularly projects which involve the refurbishment of such beautiful, historic structures – it’s a hugely complex process, greatly impacted by the current economic climate. “What we’re proposing is a more streamlined vision for the hotel, with greater capacity and solutions that take better care of this beautiful building’s history. She added: “I’m pleased that Cabinet continue to see bringing this beautiful building back into use as a priority.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morgan Sindall completes Community Diagnostic Centre

Cristina Diaconu November 1, 2024

Morgan Sindall has completed work at Southlands Hospital’s new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), with phase two of the project in Shoreham, Sussex, handed over. The facility, which initially opened in October 2023, will now be able to deliver a wider range of vital healthcare services in the heart of the local community. The project was procured via SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading procurement specialists, on behalf of the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. The work involved the strip-out and demolition of a previous structure, with the new facility housing four state-of-the-art ultrasound rooms, two dedicated echo treatment rooms, two lung function testing rooms, and a specialised gynaecological treatment area. The project also included the strategic reconfiguration of an existing X-ray section. Complementing these clinical spaces, the CDC incorporated various ancillary facilities such as waiting areas, cleaning stations, restrooms, a welcoming reception area, office spaces, and medical storage facilities. The new facility is part of the government’s scheme to deliver more community-based facilities. Statistics show patients have already benefited from over 7 million tests, checks and scans via CDC funding across England. Since opening, more than 60,000 patients have already been seen at Southlands CDC. As part of Morgan Sindall’s commitment to social value generation and upskilling the next generation of construction professionals, its team supported two local T-Level students during the construction activity. The team also arranged several trips for students from nearby Northbrook College to visit the project at various times throughout the development. Additionally, Morgan Sindall supported a work starter from the local area by employing them as an operative on site. To assist the team’s physical wellbeing, several health sessions were arranged to check on cholesterol, prostate cancer, thyroid testing and blood pressure. Guy Hannell, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in the Southern Home Counties, said: “The completion of phase two at Southlands Hospital’s new CDC marks a significant moment, as it will bring significant healthcare benefits to the local community. Having this state-of-the-art facility on their doorstep provides the people living and working in Shoreham with a high-quality diagnostic service that will help to better assess those in critical need while reducing waiting times. “The collaborative, innovative relationship that we’ve developed with University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and SCAPE has been central to this project’s success. In addition, at Morgan Sindall we’ve delivered numerous CDCs around the country and so have been able to leverage this expertise and experience on this project. This has ensured that the completed facility is tailored to the needs of patients, clinicians and stakeholders.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

London Stadium solar panels given green light

Cristina Diaconu October 22, 2024

London Stadium is on track to become one of the most environmentally-friendly sports and concert venues globally as work begins on installing 6,500 square metres of solar membrane panels. This green initiative, known as the LLDC Solar Membrane Project, is the first to receive funding from the £500 million Mayor of London’s Green Finance Fund, which provides low-cost financing to help public sector bodies accelerate the city’s decarbonisation and transition to Net Zero. The £4.35 million project will enable the stadium to cut over 200 tonnes of carbon emissions annually and generate enough energy to power all of its major events. The solar energy produced is expected to provide 850,000 kWh per year, which will cover the power needs for approximately 20 football matches, four concerts, two MLB games, and one international athletics event. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions at London Stadium. In addition to the solar panels, energy-saving measures include LED lighting upgrades, improvements to chillers and air handling systems, and energy-efficient kiosks. Stadium staff are also being encouraged to adopt energy-saving practices. These combined efforts will reduce the stadium’s energy consumption by 1.9 million kWh by March 2025, with the solar panels expected to further reduce usage by 0.8 million kWh annually, cutting electricity costs by 10%-15%. By 2026, the stadium will have reduced its reliance on the national grid by 3 million kWh, lowering its annual energy draw from 11.5 million kWh to 8.5 million. Ameresco, a leading energy service company specialising in cleantech and renewable energy infrastructure, has been awarded the contract to install, operate, and maintain the solar membrane panels. The stadium’s roof design has been adapted by Populous, the original architect of the venue for the 2012 Olympics, to accommodate the lightweight thin-film photovoltaic (PV) panels while ensuring compliance with fire regulations. The installation, set for completion by summer 2025, will make London Stadium the Premier League ground with the largest solar array, positioning it as a leader in sustainability for major sporting and entertainment events. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

University of Warwick advances £700m campus plan

Cristina Diaconu October 18, 2024

The University of Warwick has announced a £700 million investment in its West Midlands campus as part of its Connect Programme, the largest single investment in the university’s 60-year history. This transformative initiative aims to enhance facilities for Social Sciences and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), fostering interdisciplinary education and research. The first phase of the investment, called the STEM Connect Programme, will create cutting-edge facilities, including new teaching spaces and laboratories, designed to bolster the university’s world-leading research and education programmes. The facilities will cater to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, enhancing learning opportunities and supporting innovative research. Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, highlighted the programme’s long-term vision: “The Connect Programme demonstrates how we are fostering curiosity and creativity, equipping our students, researchers, and partners to tackle the urgent global challenges of today and tomorrow.” Professor Mark Williams, Academic Director for the STEM Connect Programme, said: “Through the STEM Connect Programme, Warwick will maintain its position as a global powerhouse for STEM research and education, creating partnerships to address the world’s pressing challenges.” Beyond education, the Connect Programme is set to create over 1,500 construction-related jobs and foster collaboration with businesses, local authorities, and communities across the West Midlands and beyond, contributing to the UKs knowledge economy. The programme also aims to attract the world’s brightest students and build on Warwick’s history of pioneering research, from medical innovations to addressing social isolation as a human rights issue. Further announcements regarding the Social Sciences Connect Programme are expected later this year. Construction for the STEM Connect Programme is expected to commence over the coming 12 months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Rendall & Rittner to manage private sale at Brent Cross Town

Cristina Diaconu October 16, 2024

Rendall & Rittner has been chosen to manage the first collection of private sale homes at Brent Cross Town, the £8 billion, 180-acre park town development in north London being delivered by Related Argent, in partnership with Barnet Council. Brent Cross Town is guided by four pledges: to be London’s home for participation in sport and play, to be a place where people can flourish, to be a net zero carbon town by 2030 and to drive physical and social connectivity. Through this appointment, Rendall & Rittner will be managing a selection of 277 private sale apartments and a wide range of amenities. Brent Cross Town, when complete, will comprise 6,700 new homes, over 50 locations for retail, food and drink, best-in-class workspaces for over 25,000 people and build a community around health and wellness with fantastic new amenities, including 50 acres of parks and playing fields. Rendall & Rittner’s role at Brent Cross Town began earlier this year with a focus on mobilisation ahead of an expected handover later this year. Once residents move in, Rendall & Rittner will be responsible for the management of a variety of on-site amenities including a residents’ gym, communal courtyard, residents’ lounge and dining room, rentable parking space, and co-working areas. Rendall & Rittner will also be providing staffing solutions for the development including a Building Manager, Concierge team, Cleaner, and Estate Operatives, together with sustainability initiatives that will complement the scheme. Richard Daver, Group CEO at Rendall & Rittner commented: “With its ambitious vision to create a new park town for London, Brent Cross Town has placed community, wellbeing and sustainability at the heart of its design. Reflecting our own commitment to enhancing the experiences of residents and the wider communities in which we operate, we are delighted to be working with Related Argent as we prepare to welcome the first residents to their new homes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Castlemere Developments secures London location

Cristina Diaconu October 11, 2024

Castlemere Developments has secured a prime location in London for its latest residential project. The company plans to construct five one-bedroom airspace apartments at Nicholas Court, Burnt Ash Hill, in Grove Park. The £1.35 million development will follow Castlemere’s signature approach, utilising offsite construction methods. Once completed, the prefabricated units will be lifted into place to finalise the project, in line with the company’s other airspace schemes. This innovative construction method allows for efficient use of space and minimal disruption to the surrounding area, contributing to London’s growing need for residential housing. Nicholas Court, which is a three-story apartment block, will deliver aspirational and affordable modular penthouse living. The project is expected to be completed by early 2025, with the apartments expected to be on the market for around £260,000 – £270,000 each. Kris Collett, managing director of Castlemere Developments, said: “We have exchanged contracts on securing Nicholas Court and will be delivering properties that are focused on being starter homes and that appeal to first time buyers. “The price of these one-bedroom apartments is going to be very reasonable based on the London property market. “There is a huge demand for residential properties and we will continue to source suitable locations that we can develop to help meet this need.” Nicholas Court will be built off-site as Castlemere Developments purposely choses off-site MMC so that it can deliver projects much quicker than onsite developments, reduce the disruption to current residents, and ensure its developments are as environmentally friendly as possible. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

MC Construction completes school extension in Cheshire

Cristina Diaconu October 9, 2024

MC Construction has completed work on a multimillion-pound school extension in Cheshire to create additional places for children with severe learning difficulties and complex needs. The scheme at Springfield School in Crewe will help address an urgent need for extra provision in the Cheshire East area, with demand at an all-time high. MC Construction, working on behalf of longstanding client Cheshire East Council, built a wrap-around extension to the existing sports pavilion to create eight additional classrooms, new ancillary spaces including calm rooms, a sensory room and a therapy room, along with new hygiene suites and toilets, and improved kitchen facilities. A ceremony to mark the official opening was attended by pupils, staff, MC Construction team members involved in the project, local councillors and Cllr Sally Graham, deputy mayor of Crewe. Springfield School, whose motto is ‘Every day is a new chance to shine’, caters for pupils aged from four to 19 with severe learning difficulties and complex needs, including autism. It is rated as outstanding by Ofsted and was named 2022 School of the Year at the National Schools Awards. The expansion of Springfield School increases its capacity from 170 to 250 pupils. During the works at Springfield, MC Construction supported the school with a variety of social value initiatives. These included drawing competitions, creating a suite of awards to recognise pupil progress, environmental projects and the creation of a forest school area. On Friday, October 25, a team of 16 volunteers from MC Construction, consultants who worked on the extension project and council representatives will take part in a volunteer day to work on the new forest school. Lisa Hodgkison, headteacher at Springfield School, said: “Our new extension enables us to greatly improve and expand our educational provision for those children who require specialist support. We have moved our secondary and sixth-form pupils into the new block, creating more space in the main body of the school. “This fantastic expansion offers our pupils new, larger classrooms and direct access to the sports facilities alongside a new food technology room. Pupils love the feel of the new high school and what it has to offer.” MC Construction’s contract with Cheshire East Council was procured through the North West Construction Hub framework. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Willmott Dixon to build secure children’s home in Sleaford

Cristina Diaconu October 7, 2024

Willmott Dixon has secured a multi-million-pound contract to construct a new 28-bed secure children’s home in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, aimed at providing enhanced facilities for young people. The project, procured through Pagabo’s Major Works Framework, saw Willmott Dixon chosen by Lincolnshire County Council last year to develop design proposals for the facility, situated on Bonemill Lane at the edge of Sleaford. Funded by the Department for Education, the home will cater to some of Lincolnshire’s most vulnerable children and serve as a national resource for secure accommodation. It replaces an existing smaller site that is coming to the end of its useful life and will help meet rising demand from a national increase in the number of children requiring both criminal justice and welfare placements. It will deliver a truly ground-breaking service, becoming a flagship project for the sector. The home is designed to reach net-zero in operation, providing an innovative partial grid solution, which will be supported by extensive solar panels and state-of-the-art power storage. The home has been designed by Kier and is due to be completed in late 2026. Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “This is a hugely significant scheme, not only for Lincolnshire to address an acute need for secure accommodation, but also for the wider country as it will bring together best practice from across the UK and Europe. “It will help young people get their lives ‘back on track’ using a whole host of facilities including on-site education, wellbeing, vocational and sports facilities, as well as delivering against important sustainability credentials to make the building’s legacy especially evident.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

specialist services

Oxfordshire’s Bicester Arc to deliver bespoke facilities

Graham lands Cardiff Crossrail contract

Kirklees Council approves additional funds for Huddersfield hotel

Morgan Sindall completes Community Diagnostic Centre

London Stadium solar panels given green light

University of Warwick advances £700m campus plan

Rendall & Rittner to manage private sale at Brent Cross Town

Castlemere Developments secures London location

MC Construction completes school extension in Cheshire

Willmott Dixon to build secure children’s home in Sleaford

Latest Issue

Issue 327 : Apr 2025

specialist services

Oxfordshire’s Bicester Arc to deliver bespoke facilities

Graham lands Cardiff Crossrail contract

Kirklees Council approves additional funds for Huddersfield hotel

Morgan Sindall completes Community Diagnostic Centre

London Stadium solar panels given green light

University of Warwick advances £700m campus plan

Rendall & Rittner to manage private sale at Brent Cross Town

Castlemere Developments secures London location

MC Construction completes school extension in Cheshire

Willmott Dixon to build secure children’s home in Sleaford

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