Thurston Group building, securing jobs for over 200 employees.

Jobs Secured: Thurston Group Acquired Out of Administration, Safeguarding Over 200 Roles

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Wakefield-based modular building manufacturer, Thurston Group, has been successfully acquired out of administration, securing the future of over 200 jobs. The deal, finalised on December 23rd, 2025, sees the company purchased by privately owned industrial firm GCH Corporation Ltd, preventing significant redundancies.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 200 jobs saved at Thurston Group.
  • GCH Corporation Ltd has acquired the modular building specialist.
  • Thurston Group faced “several business challenges” leading to administration.
  • The new owners are committed to stabilising and investing in the business.

Administration and Acquisition

Thurston Group, a manufacturer of modular and offsite buildings for sectors including healthcare, education, commercial, and industrial, had filed a notice to appoint administrators in late November 2025. The company, which employed 275 people at the time, appointed restructuring specialists Leonard Curtis to manage the administration process and identify a potential buyer. The sale to GCH Corporation Ltd was completed swiftly, with administrators confirming that the deal successfully protected over 200 jobs, although some redundancies were unavoidable.

New Ownership and Future Outlook

GCH Corporation Ltd, a London-based industrial manufacturing and distribution firm, acquired Thurston Group for an undisclosed sum. Cassie Hutchings, CEO of GCH Corporation, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “Thurston is a respected UK manufacturer of modular buildings with a strong heritage and deep sector expertise. As a long-term, privately owned industrial group, GCH is committed to stabilising and investing in the business. We are excited to welcome Thurston into the GCH family and look forward to supporting its next phase of growth.”

Business Challenges and Strategic Position

Thurston Group’s most recent annual results, for the year ending October 31, 2024, showed a revenue of £46.5m and a pre-tax profit of £2.5m. However, the company had warned of “numerous external pressures” impacting the construction industry, including decreased client spending, cost inflation, and labour shortages. Despite these challenges, Thurston Group holds positions on several significant public-sector frameworks, such as LHC Procurement Group’s £265m modular buildings framework and the £3bn Major Works Education Framework in London. The company had also made strategic acquisitions in the past year, including Storplan Racking Ltd and Alsim System Building, and had set ambitious turnover targets for 2027.

Sources

Former Rowley Regis Day Centre site with vacant lot and derelict building.

New Flats Proposed for Former Rowley Regis Day Centre Site

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Plans have been unveiled to transform the site of the former day centre and library in Harvest Road, Rowley Regis, into a new housing development. SWG Construction, in partnership with Sandwell Council, has submitted a proposal to build eight one, three, and four-bedroom flats on the land.

Key Takeaways

  • Eight new flats, including one, three, and four-bedroom options, are proposed for the former day centre site in Harvest Road, Rowley Regis.
  • The development aims to address a critical shortage of family-sized flats in the area, with long waiting times for three and four-bedroom properties.
  • The site previously housed a day centre and a special library service before being demolished.

Addressing Housing Needs

Sandwell Council’s housing officers have highlighted a significant demand for larger family homes. Current figures indicate waiting times of nearly a year for one-bedroom flats for those with non-emergency needs, such as overcrowding. More critically, families seeking three-bedroom flats face waits of over four years, and those needing four-bedroom properties could wait nearly nine years.

The proposed mix of one, three, and four-bedroom flats is intended to directly address this identified shortage and provide much-needed family accommodation.

Site History and Future Development

The former Harvest Road day centre had a varied history, serving as a library for over a decade before its demolition. The council granted permission for the demolition in 2022. Prior to the current flats proposal, the NHS had received approval in 2021 to build eight houses on the same land.

The site is located opposite the Harvest View nursing home, an 80-bed facility that opened in 2022 and integrates health and social care services to aid patient recovery and return home after hospital stays.

SWG Construction and Sandwell Council are also exploring similar housing initiatives in other areas, including a scheme near the new Horseley Road metro stop in Tipton.

Sources

Kier Group contract for new Darlington Government Hub building.

Kier Group Secures Major Contract for New Darlington Government Hub

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Kier Group has been awarded a significant contract by the Government Property Agency (GPA) to construct a new civil service office in Darlington. This development marks a key milestone in the Government Hubs Programme, aiming to decentralise government functions and boost regional economies. The project is set to create a modern, collaborative workspace for over 1,500 civil servants.

Key Takeaways

  • Kier Group will lead the construction of a new government hub in Darlington.
  • The hub will house over 1,500 civil servants from multiple government departments.
  • Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2028.
  • The project is part of the wider Darlington Economic Campus initiative.

Project Overview

The new government hub, located on Brunswick Street, will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster collaboration and smarter working practices among civil servants. It is part of the Government Hubs Programme, which aims to establish modern, efficient, and sustainable workplaces across the UK, moving jobs away from London and supporting the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.

The project involves the construction of a five-storey building on the site of a former car park. Kier’s initial involvement included preliminary ground remediation works, such as clearing debris and removing remnants of previous structures. These early works, which began in September and are expected to conclude in December, have helped to de-risk the project and prepare the site for main construction.

Timeline and Occupation

Main construction works are slated to commence in early 2026 and are anticipated to last approximately two years. The hub is projected to be ready for occupation in the first quarter of 2028. This timeline ensures the project aligns with the broader development of the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC), which already includes Feethams House and Bishopsgate House.

Departments and Impact

Staff from seven government departments will eventually be based at the new hub. These include HM Treasury, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The relocation of these roles is seen as a significant boost for the North East, contributing to economic growth and creating new job opportunities within the region. Darlington already hosts a substantial number of civil service roles, with ten major government departments represented in the town.

Collaboration and Future Growth

The Government Property Agency (GPA) is leading the development, working closely with Kier Group. This partnership aims to deliver a high-quality, inclusive, and digitally-enabled workspace. The project is expected to create substantial regional economic benefits and contribute to a more representative Civil Service workforce.

Planning permission for the five-storey building was approved in August 2024, following archaeological surveys. The development is a key component of the DEC, reinforcing Darlington’s position as a significant hub for central government operations outside of London.

Sources

Henry Group Holdings liquidation: creditor claims and financial distress.

Henry Group Holdings Faces £141 Million in Creditor Claims Amidst Liquidation

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Administrators for Henry Group Holdings (HGH) have reported receiving claims totalling £141.15 million from unsecured creditors. The London-headquartered company, established in 2016 and solely owned by Mark Henry, entered liquidation on August 18, 2023. HGH is the parent company of Henry Construction Projects, which is also currently in administration.

Key Takeaways

  • Unsecured creditors have lodged claims amounting to £141.15 million against Henry Group Holdings.
  • The parent company, HGH, entered liquidation in August 2023.
  • Its subsidiary, Henry Construction Projects, is also under administration.
  • Administrators are working to assign some claims to the subsidiary’s administration process.
  • A separate £31 million High Court claim has been filed against former directors of Henry Construction.

Claims Against Henry Group Holdings

Joint liquidators Kevin Coates and Robert Starkins from Grant Thornton UK Advisory are managing the winding-up progress for HGH. Their report indicates efforts are underway to assign certain claims to the administrators of Henry Construction Projects Ltd. The primary remaining tasks involve monitoring the progress of these assigned claims, which includes seeking advice from their legal team. Future realisations are currently uncertain and will depend on the successful pursuit of these claims.

Legal Action Against Henry Construction

Meanwhile, the administration of Henry Construction is being handled by FRP Advisory. This firm has initiated a £31 million High Court claim against six family members and former directors of Henry Construction, including Mark Henry. The claim alleges unlawful payments were made from the firm for a family home and relatives’ tax bills, with administrators seeking repayment. A defence document filed with the court asserts that the parties deny all accusations of wrongdoing and argue that the payments were part of a legitimate intercompany arrangement.

The defence document further states that the defendants deny liability on all fronts. The administrators’ claim highlights a “pattern of conduct by Mark Henry” to transfer sums from his companies to “connected persons shortly before they entered insolvency”.

Financial Performance and Insolvency

Henry Construction Projects previously reported a turnover of £402.2 million and a pre-tax profit of £14 million in its financial accounts for the year ending June 30, 2021. However, the firm appointed administrators in June 2023, at which point it owed more than £40 million to suppliers. The next report to creditors from HGH’s liquidators is expected by December 25, 2026.

Sources

Collapsed wall at construction site, injured worker.

Construction Firm Fined £100,000 After Worker Left Disabled by Collapsed Wall

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Matrod Frampton Limited has been fined £100,000 after a 69-year-old steel-fixer suffered life-changing injuries when a newly constructed wall collapsed on him at a Sandbanks construction site. The incident occurred in August 2022, leaving the worker partially disabled and requiring extensive medical care.

Key Takeaways

  • Matrod Frampton Limited fined £100,000 for health and safety breaches.
  • Worker sustained life-changing injuries after a wall collapse.
  • Company failed to properly assess risks and appoint a temporary works coordinator.
  • Safety concerns had been flagged just eight days before the accident.

The Incident

The serious incident took place on August 19, 2022, on Old Coastguard Road in Sandbanks, Dorset. The victim, Patrick Grant, was working in an excavation for a swimming pool at a luxury property when a breeze block wall collapsed, crushing him against the concrete floor. The court heard that the wall had been backfilled prematurely before the mortar had properly set, leading to its failure.

Rescue and Injuries

Emergency services were called to the scene, but access to the excavation was hampered by an unstable ladder, delaying the rescue. Fire and rescue crews eventually hoisted Mr Grant out. He was airlifted to hospital with severe injuries, including multiple pelvic fractures, a crushed bladder and urethra, and a significant head injury. He has since been left partially disabled and requires aids to walk.

Health and Safety Breaches

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that Matrod Frampton Limited had failed to adequately assess the risks associated with temporary works on the site. Crucially, the company had not implemented a temporary works design or appointed a coordinator or supervisor for these structures. These issues had been specifically highlighted as a serious concern in a safety report issued by the company’s own health and safety consultants just eight days prior to the accident.

Legal Consequences

Matrod Frampton Limited pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on December 5, 2025. In addition to the £100,000 fine, the company was ordered to pay £8,242 in costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge. HSE inspector Alexander Ashen stated that the incident was “wholly avoidable” and reiterated the HSE’s commitment to taking action against companies that fail to manage serious risks on construction sites.

A Preventable Tragedy

Mr. Grant and his family have spoken about the devastating impact of the accident, highlighting the ongoing physical and psychological effects. The HSE emphasized that proper planning and execution of temporary works are fundamental to construction safety, and the failure to act on prior warnings made this tragedy all the more poignant.

Sources

Pomona Island development with new homes and public access.

Manchester Waters Masterplan Advances: 2,600 Homes and Public Access for Pomona Island

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Peel Waters has submitted a significant outline planning application to Trafford Council for the next phases of its £800 million Manchester Waters masterplan. This proposal aims to transform approximately 25 acres of brownfield land on Pomona Island into a vibrant new neighbourhood, offering extensive public access and amenities for the first time in decades.

Key Takeaways

  • An outline planning application has been submitted for the next phases of the Manchester Waters masterplan.
  • The development will regenerate 25 acres of brownfield land on Pomona Island.
  • Plans include approximately 2,600 new homes across various tenures.
  • Over half of the site will be dedicated to public and green spaces, including a five-acre park.
  • The masterplan aims to open Pomona Island to the public for the first time in many years.

A New Waterfront Neighbourhood

The comprehensive masterplan for Manchester Waters includes proposals for around 2,600 new homes, encompassing affordable housing, build-to-rent options, homes for sale, student accommodation, and facilities for older people. Beyond residential units, the development will feature a hotel, flexible workspaces, retail premises, leisure facilities, and spaces for hospitality businesses.

A key aspect of the plan is the significant allocation of land for public and green spaces. More than half of the 25-acre site is earmarked for these areas, including a substantial five-acre park situated by the water. The design also incorporates new routes for walking and cycling, intended to seamlessly connect the site to central Manchester, MediaCity, and Trafford Wharfside, further promoting sustainable travel alongside existing tram links.

Community Engagement and Future Vision

Prior to submitting the application, Peel Waters conducted a thorough public consultation. This engagement involved an online survey and a webinar, attracting around 100 participants. The company reports that 78% of respondents expressed support for the neighbourhood’s development. Feedback primarily focused on green space provision, ground-floor uses, and improvements to cycling infrastructure. Peel Waters has stated that all feedback was considered in refining the submission, and they are now collaborating with local residents on potential names for new public areas and parks.

Leigh Thomas, Development Director at Peel Waters, highlighted the significance of this step, stating, “This masterplan will open up Pomona Island to the public for the first time in decades, creating a unique ‘island’ neighbourhood with parks and recreation space for future visitors, residents and workers to enjoy, whilst ensuring there is a housing option for all incomes and ages.” He added that over 1,000 new homes could be completed within the next five years, a prospect he described as “exciting.”

Building on Previous Success

The Manchester Waters project builds upon earlier phases of development. Nearly 600 homes have already been delivered in partnership with X1 Developments and Hestia, with an additional 500 homes scheduled to commence construction in 2026. Furthermore, at Cornbrook, Peel Waters has facilitated projects with Glenbrook and Forshaw Group, resulting in 280 homes and a convenience store, with another phase of 237 residences, an aparthotel, and a café planned. This latest application represents a crucial step in Peel Waters’ broader strategy of regenerating waterfront locations across the UK.

Sources

New housing estate development in London with apartment buildings.

London Set for Major Housing Boost as 1,000-Home Estate Regenerations Get Green Light

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Two significant estate regeneration projects in London, set to deliver nearly 2,000 new homes, have received planning approval. These developments, spearheaded by housing associations and developers, aim to transform existing estates into vibrant communities with a substantial proportion of affordable housing and improved public amenities.

Key Takeaways

  • Two major London housing developments, totalling almost 2,000 homes, have secured planning permission.
  • Both projects emphasize a significant commitment to affordable housing, including social and London Affordable rent.
  • The schemes will introduce new public green spaces, community facilities, and improved amenities for residents.

Northwick Park Regeneration Moves Forward

Housing association Network Homes has been granted approval for a scheme comprising nearly 1,000 homes on land adjacent to Northwick Park Hospital in north-west London. This project is the second phase of a larger £450 million development that will ultimately deliver 1,600 homes. The overall development, designed by PRP, will feature 19 buildings and include student facilities, commercial spaces, and a nursery. A key feature of this phase is the commitment to 40% affordable homes.

The first phase of this development, which included 654 homes, received approval last year. The partnership behind this regeneration includes Network Homes, London North West Hospitals NHS Trust, Brent Council, and the University of Westminster. This collaboration has also secured £500,000 from the One Public Estate programme to optimize land use.

Friary Park Estate Transformation

In west London, Ealing council has given the go-ahead for a 990-home regeneration of the Friary Park estate. This project is a collaboration between housing association Catalyst and developer Mount Anvil. Subject to the signing of section 106 agreements, construction is expected to commence next year.

The scheme, designed by Levitt Bernstein, will introduce four new tower blocks, with heights ranging from 14 to 24 floors. A significant aspect of the plans is the commitment to delivering 45% genuinely affordable housing, which includes 237 social rent homes and 28 London Affordable rent homes. Beyond housing, the regeneration will significantly enhance green spaces, offering residents private balconies and terraces, podium gardens, play trails, and a new community centre with an improved multi-use games area.

Sources

Empty train carriage on a railway track.

Babcock Rail Plunges to £5m Loss Amidst Rail Framework Slowdown

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Babcock Rail has reported a significant pre-tax loss of £5.2 million for the year ending March 31, 2025, a stark contrast to the £4.8 million profit recorded in the previous year. The downturn is attributed to a slowdown in work across several major rail frameworks and reduced client budgets, leading to a substantial drop in turnover.

Key Takeaways

  • Babcock Rail experienced a pre-tax loss of £5.2m in the year to 31 March 2025.
  • Turnover fell by a third, from £171m to £116.3m.
  • Reasons cited include a slowdown on major frameworks and reduced budgets from clients like Translink.
  • The company incurred £2.7m in restructuring costs.
  • Provisions for future costs increased significantly, including a £5.2m legal provision.

Financial Performance and Contributing Factors

The company’s financial performance was heavily impacted by a confluence of factors. Turnover at Babcock Rail decreased by approximately 32%, falling from £171 million to £116.3 million. This reduction in revenue is linked to the completion of projects on multiple frameworks and a general transition to a new control period within the rail industry. Daniel Hall, finance director at Babcock International, explained that trading reflected “underlying market conditions” leading to revenue reductions during this transition phase.

Specific project impacts include a significant reduction in revenue from Northern Ireland’s Translink, following the completion of major projects and a decrease in the client’s annual funding. Furthermore, revenue from the Medium Signalling Framework in Scotland more than halved, dropping from £20.4 million to £7.2 million, as existing projects concluded.

Restructuring and Provisions

In response to the dip in activity, Babcock Rail undertook restructuring activities costing £2.7 million. The business is now organised around two primary delivery streams: Rail Systems Alliance Scotland and Rail Systems. The company also reported an increase in provisions for future costs, rising from £1.5 million to £8.5 million. This includes a substantial £5.2 million legal provision related to late payment interest charges and penalties stemming from potential compliance errors concerning supplier payments, specifically linked to the Construction Industry Scheme and Domestic Reverse Charge VAT. An additional £2.4 million provision was made for dilapidation costs and contractual obligations on infrastructure.

Future Outlook

Despite the recent losses, Babcock Rail remains optimistic about its future prospects. The company has an order book valued at £16.7 million and sees potential in market opportunities and its position on several zero-valued frameworks. The decline in employee numbers, from 745 to 676, and a corresponding reduction in the wages bill, from £55.9 million to £48.7 million, reflect the company’s adjustments to the current market conditions. The challenges faced by Babcock Rail echo sentiments from other industry players who have also cited delays in Network Rail projects as a reason for reduced profit forecasts.

Sources

UK Construction Output Falters in October 2025, Showing Fragile Recovery

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UK construction output experienced a decline in October 2025, falling by 0.6% compared to the previous month. This downturn follows a modest increase in September, highlighting the ongoing fragility of the sector’s recovery. Both new construction projects and repair and maintenance work contributed to the monthly decrease.

Key Takeaways

  • Monthly construction output fell by 0.6% in October 2025.
  • The three-month period to October saw a 0.3% decrease in total output.
  • Private housing repair and maintenance was the main contributor to the decline.
  • Concerns remain over planning system delays and developer confidence.

Monthly Output Decline

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that monthly construction output contracted by 0.6% in October 2025. This followed a 0.2% rise in September. The decrease was driven by a 0.7% fall in new work and a 0.6% drop in repair and maintenance activities.

Three-Month Trends

Over the three months leading up to October 2025, total construction output saw a decrease of 0.3%. Within this period, repair and maintenance work fell by 1.0%, while new work experienced a slight growth of 0.1%. Four out of the nine sectors surveyed reported a decline.

Sectoral Performance

The private housing repair and maintenance sector was identified as the primary negative contributor to the overall decrease, experiencing a significant drop of 2.3%. Private new housing also saw a decline of 1% during the three-month period.

Industry Expert Opinions

Industry professionals expressed concerns about the sector’s stability. Jo Streeten, managing director for buildings & places at Aecom, noted that the dip underscores the fragility of the recovery and that clients are awaiting clearer signs of faster progress before committing to major projects. She suggested that practical measures like increasing the number of planners, alongside the adoption of AI and digital tools to expedite review processes, could boost confidence and create a more robust pipeline for 2026.

Neil Leitch, managing director of development finance at Hampshire Trust Bank, echoed these sentiments, stating that housebuilding has struggled for momentum. He highlighted that developers face tightening viability conditions and a lack of clarity and support from the surrounding system. Leitch pointed to planning system pressures, with a significant number of planners considering leaving the profession, which could further lengthen decision times and widen the gap between granted permissions and actual site starts. He emphasized the need for consistency, capacity, and follow-through from policymakers, alongside collaboration between policymakers, developers, and lenders, to ensure construction underpins economic growth.

Sources

Architectural rendering of new homes and amenities at York Central.

York Central Development Submits Plans for Nearly 1,000 Homes and Major Amenities

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Plans have been officially submitted for a significant portion of the £2 billion York Central development, marking a major step forward for one of the UK’s largest city centre regeneration projects. The application covers nearly 1,000 new homes, alongside a hotel, innovation hub, retail spaces, and extensive parkland, all situated around York Central station.

Key Takeaways

  • Nearly 1,000 homes are part of the new planning application.
  • The development includes a hotel, innovation hub, retail, and leisure spaces.
  • A new western entrance for York Station, featuring a cycle hub, is planned.
  • The project aims to create a vibrant new live-work-play community.

A New Urban Quarter Takes Shape

The submitted plans detail 999 mixed-tenure homes, with 20% designated as affordable housing. This forms the first phase of at least 2,500 homes planned for the 45-hectare site. Alongside the residential units, the application includes a 213-bedroom hotel, a 100,000 sq ft innovation hub, and 70,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space.

Enhanced Station Access and Green Spaces

A key feature of the proposal is a new western entrance for York Station. This will include a substantial 300-space cycle hub and a public civic space named Coal Drops Square. The development also incorporates new parkland, stretching from the National Railway Museum towards the western edges of the site, aiming to create a significant green lung for the city.

Public-Private Partnership Driving Progress

The York Central development is a public-private partnership led by McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, in collaboration with Homes England and Network Rail. Architects involved in this phase include Allies & Morrison, 3D Reid, Grant Associates, Haworth Tompkins, and Cartwright Pickard. This submission follows the earlier approval of a government office building within the first phase.

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

Developers have highlighted the project’s potential to create up to 6,500 jobs and add £1.1 billion to York’s economy. With £135 million in government funding already secured for infrastructure, the project is seen as a significant catalyst for inward investment. A decision on the latest planning application is anticipated in spring next year, with construction timelines to follow.

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