Tag Archive for: construction security

Strabag acquires Van Elle, enhancing UK piling capabilities.

Strabag Secures Van Elle Acquisition for £58.8m, Bolstering UK Piling Expertise

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European construction firm Strabag is set to acquire UK-based geotechnical specialist Van Elle for £58.8 million. This strategic move significantly expands Strabag’s capabilities in the UK’s piling and ground engineering sector, aligning with its goal of building a vertically integrated construction platform. The deal, which represents a substantial premium on Van Elle’s share price, has received unanimous backing from Van Elle’s board and is anticipated to conclude by the end of June.

Key Takeaways

  • Strabag UK agrees to acquire Van Elle for £58.8 million.
  • The acquisition enhances Strabag’s geotechnical and ground engineering capabilities in the UK.
  • Van Elle is a major player in the UK’s ground engineering market, employing around 650 staff.
  • The deal is expected to complete by the end of June 2026.

Strategic Expansion for Strabag

The acquisition of Van Elle marks a significant step in Strabag SE’s growth strategy within the UK. By integrating Van Elle’s established ground engineering and geotechnical platform, Strabag aims to strengthen its position as a vertically integrated market leader. This move complements Strabag’s existing operations and is expected to drive additional value through shared client relationships and market access. The company recently also announced the acquisition of structural steelwork specialist Crofton Engineering, further demonstrating its commitment to expanding its UK presence.

Van Elle’s Market Position and Financials

Van Elle is recognised as one of the UK’s largest specialist geotechnical engineering contractors, operating with a national footprint and employing approximately 650 staff. In the previous financial year, the company reported a turnover of £130.5 million and an underlying profit before tax of £5.3 million. The company has a diverse range of end markets, including residential and housing, infrastructure, and regional construction, having delivered over 1,000 projects in the last financial year.

Shareholder and Board Approval

Van Elle’s board has unanimously recommended the cash offer of 52.3 pence per share, which represents a 58.5% premium to the company’s Aim-listed share price. Chairman Frank Nelson stated that the offer provides shareholders with the certainty of cash consideration and assures Van Elle’s customer base of a supportive owner focused on developing its product offering. Strabag has already secured significant backing for the deal through irrevocable undertakings and letters of intent, indicating strong support for the transaction.

Sources

New 24-storey tower proposed for Manchester's Green Quarter.

Manchester’s Green Quarter Set for Major Transformation as 24-Storey Tower Proposed

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A long-vacant site in Manchester’s Green Quarter is poised for a dramatic change, with developer Linear Living submitting plans for a striking 24-storey residential building. The scheme aims to deliver 251 new homes and contribute to the broader regeneration of the area, adjacent to the city centre.

Key Takeaways

  • Proposal is for a 24-storey tower with 251 homes at One Lord Street.
  • Includes four townhouses and seven adaptable homes for residents with additional needs.
  • Marks Linear Living’s first venture into Manchester city centre.
  • Subject to approval, construction is hoped to begin before the end of 2026.
  • Project aligns with wider regeneration goals for the Green Quarter and surrounding districts.

One Lord Street: The New Arrival Gateway

The proposed tower, to be named One Lord Street, is situated at a prominent site bordered by Cheetham Hill Road, Lord Street, and Fernie Street. Historically home to shops and business units, the land has remained underused for years after partial demolition of existing structures.

Linear Living, seeking to make a significant architectural impression, has worked with AEW Architects on designs that both honour the area’s industrial heritage and introduce a contemporary living approach. The design includes a red brick façade, dual-aspect apartments, and active streetscape at ground level.

Creating Diverse and Accessible Homes

Out of the 251 homes planned, seven units are specifically designed to be adaptable, ensuring that the scheme is inclusive for residents with mobility needs, such as wheelchair users. Four townhouses are also included to provide alternative housing options within the high-rise context.

Residents would enjoy communal amenities such as a lounge and roof terrace, while several of the apartments and townhouses would feature private outdoor spaces. This mix aims to foster a sense of community and offer high-quality urban living for a diverse population.

Supporting Manchester’s Regeneration Vision

The site is located at the northern gateway of Manchester city centre and stands adjacent to the ambitious Strangeways and Cambridge Regeneration Framework. That long-term initiative, jointly led by Manchester and Salford councils, seeks to deliver more than 7,000 homes, business spaces, and a major city park over the next three decades.

Linear Living’s project complements neighbouring developments already underway and is aligned with the vision of enhancing the Green Quarter as a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable urban area.

Next Steps and Timeline

Following public consultations held in late 2025 and early 2026, the application is now awaiting council approval. Should the project receive the green light, construction could begin before the close of 2026 and is targeted for completion in early 2029.

The plans underscore Linear Living’s growth strategy after their recent Trafford Gardens project and highlight strong confidence in the continuing demand for city centre homes.

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Industrial conveyor belt system in a quarry setting.

Huws Gray Fined £2.2 Million After Tragic Conveyor Belt Fatality

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Building merchant Huws Gray has been fined £2.2 million following the tragic death of a worker, Paul Coulson, who was crushed by a three-tonne pallet of timber at their Herringswell Sawmills site in Suffolk in May 2024. The incident occurred when a colleague unknowingly started a conveyor belt while Mr Coulson was inside its framework, leading to fatal crush injuries.

Key Takeaways

  • Huws Gray pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.
  • The company was fined £2.2 million and ordered to pay £9,929 in costs.
  • The incident highlights failures in safeguarding machinery and preventing access to dangerous areas.

The Fatal Incident

The tragic event unfolded on May 22, 2024, when 56-year-old labourer Paul Coulson was tasked with removing plastic packaging from timber pallets before they entered the mill’s processing machinery. Mr Coulson climbed inside the conveyor’s framework to access some of the packaging. However, another operative, unable to see him, started the conveyor. The pallet of timber moved forward, colliding with Mr Coulson. The operative attempted to reverse the pallet, but this resulted in a second collision, causing fatal crush injuries.

Investigation and Findings

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Huws Gray had previously identified employees accessing the danger zone within the conveyor and had placed signage instructing them not to. Despite this, CCTV analysis showed that between April 14 and May 23, 2024, operatives entered the conveyor framework on 19 separate occasions. While warning stickers were placed on the machinery, no further action was taken to prevent access until after the tragedy.

Sentencing and Company Response

At Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on March 26, 2026, Huws Gray Limited pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £2.2 million and ordered to pay full costs. In a statement, Huws Gray acknowledged the judgment, expressed deep regret, and stated that their thoughts remain with Mr Coulson’s family. They emphasised that additional safety measures have been swiftly implemented to prevent future occurrences.

HSE Statement and Recommendations

HSE inspector Joanne Williams described the incident as a “staggering failure” that cost a man his life. She highlighted that the company chose to control a serious risk through instruction alone, rather than implementing proper safeguarding measures. The HSE stressed that all companies must follow the hierarchy of control for guarding dangerous machinery. Following the incident, Huws Gray introduced physical guards on the conveyor, procedural changes to ensure pallets are unwrapped before processing, and increased CCTV coverage.

Sources

Government construction framework blueprint for public sector projects.

Government Unveils £120bn Construction Framework: A New Era for Public Sector Projects

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The UK government, through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), has launched a significant tender for its next major public sector construction framework, estimated to be worth a colossal £120 billion before VAT. This eight-year agreement, known as Construction Works and Associated Services 3 (CWAS3), is set to commence in January 2027 and will consolidate several existing frameworks, including the NHS ProCure route.

Key Takeaways

  • A new eight-year public sector construction framework valued at an estimated £120 billion (excluding VAT).
  • The framework, CWAS3, will run from January 2027 to January 2035.
  • It integrates existing CCS construction frameworks and the NHS ProCure platform.
  • The scope is broad, covering general construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, offsite solutions, defence, international projects, and nuclear work.
  • The tender process is open, with enquiries due by 30 April and tenders by 21 May.

A Consolidated Approach to Public Construction

The CWAS3 framework is designed to streamline procurement for central government departments and a wide array of public sector bodies across the UK. This includes local authorities, health bodies, police, fire and rescue services, educational institutions, housing providers, charities, defence organisations, and devolved administrations. The framework aims to provide a single, simplified route for procuring construction works, associated goods, and services for all types of built assets and infrastructure.

Extensive Lotting Structure for Diverse Needs

To cater to the varied requirements of public sector projects, the framework has been meticulously divided into seven core lots, further broken down into 41 specific lots and sub-lots. These cover general construction and civil engineering, which are further segmented by region and value band, ranging from projects under £5 million to those exceeding £250 million. Specialised areas such as demolition, offsite solutions, health, justice, defence (including maritime, airfields, and nuclear projects), international work, and nuclear projects are also addressed in dedicated lots.

Integration of NHS ProCure and Offsite Solutions

A significant aspect of CWAS3 is its incorporation of the next generation of the NHS ProCure route, known as ProCure 24. This ensures continuity for major healthcare capital programmes. Additionally, the framework absorbs the Offsite Construction Solutions agreement, reflecting a growing emphasis on modern methods of construction. CCS anticipates that the framework will allow for call-offs both with and without competition, a feature designed around the principles of the Construction Playbook and industry ‘Gold Standards’.

Procurement Timeline and Evaluation Criteria

The procurement process is being managed as an open procedure. Suppliers are invited to submit enquiries by 30 April, with tenders due by 21 May. CCS expects to make award decisions by 11 January 2027. The evaluation of bids will consider price as a significant factor (30%), alongside crucial elements such as lifecycle value, supply chain management, delivery capabilities, social value, accessibility, innovation, and alliancing strategies. Suppliers will be subject to a fee of 0.2 per cent of charges invoiced under call-off contracts.

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Iconic office block undergoing revitalisation by Hopkins Architects.

Hopkins Architects to Revitalise Terry Farrell’s Iconic Charing Cross Office Block

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Hopkins Architects has unveiled ambitious plans to overhaul 1 Embankment Place, the distinctive 1990s office block designed by the late Sir Terry Farrell, situated above Charing Cross station. The project aims to enhance the building’s energy efficiency and operational carbon usage while respecting its original postmodern design.

Key Takeaways

  • Hopkins Architects is collaborating with Max Farrell, son of the original architect, on the refurbishment.
  • The project seeks to retain approximately 90% of the existing structure, including much of its facade.
  • Plans extend beyond the building to improve the surrounding urban realm and the Charing Cross station arrival experience.

A Vision Reimagined

Hopkins Architects is working in partnership with Max Farrell, founder of LDN Collective, to reimagine 1 Embankment Place. The building, currently serving as the headquarters for PwC, is set for a significant refurbishment by developer Bridgemont. The proposals are designed to maintain the “distinctive character and design intent” of the 15-storey structure, which has been a prominent feature on the Thames since its completion in 1991.

Enhancing the Urban Realm

The initiative extends to a wider urban realm upgrade around the central London site. A second public consultation has been launched, detailing aims to transform the narrow streets adjacent to the building. In collaboration with Network Rail, the project will improve the arrival experience at Charing Cross station. Specific improvements include enhancing street-level frontages on Villiers Street and Embankment Place, as well as revitalising Victoria Embankment Gardens into a tranquil riverside oasis.

Honouring the Original Design

Max Farrell’s LDN Collective is closely involved, ensuring that the “essence of the original design is respected and intelligently adapted for a contemporary city context.” He expressed his privilege in helping to carry forward his father’s vision, stating, “preserving the bold spirit of the original design while enhancing it in a way that reflects today’s needs and values.” Mike Taylor, principal at Hopkins Architects, added that the designs build upon previous principles, responding to consultation feedback and strengthening the building’s connection to the city. The focus is on improving daylight, openness, sustainability, and ensuring the building’s long-term viability for both commercial occupiers and the public.

Public Consultation

The public consultation period runs from March 25th to April 19th. Two public exhibitions are scheduled to be held at the Clermont Hotel in the Adam Suite, Charing Cross, on March 25th and 26th, both from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Sir Terry Farrell, a leading figure in British postmodernism, passed away last year at the age of 87. His other notable projects include the MI6 headquarters in Vauxhall.

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HS2 construction site with cranes and machinery.

HS2 Costs Soar Past £43 Billion as Contractors Prepare for Scrutiny

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The High Speed 2 (HS2) project has now surpassed an astonishing £43 billion in expenditure, with contractors bracing for significant criticism over escalating budget increases. The Department for Transport has revealed that £43.6 billion has been spent to date, a substantial rise from previous figures, as the government commits to a renewed effort to control costs and streamline the construction programme.

Key Takeaways

  • Over £43 billion has been spent on HS2, with the latest figures showing a significant increase.
  • The government is undertaking a “reset” of the project to control costs and improve productivity.
  • Reducing the top speed of trains is being considered as a potential cost-saving measure.
  • Revised cost and schedule estimates are expected by the summer recess.

Escalating Expenditure and Government Response

The Department for Transport’s latest six-month update indicates that £43.6 billion has been spent on the HS2 scheme as of the end of last month. This figure rises to £46.2 billion when accounting for the £2.6 billion spent on the now-abandoned Phase 2 of the project. The majority of the expenditure, £30.9 billion, has been allocated to civil engineering works, with an additional £2.9 billion directed towards station construction.

HS2 chief executive Mark Wild, who assumed leadership in 2024, has been actively engaged in renegotiating construction contracts with firms in an effort to curb rising costs. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander has previously voiced concerns about “uncontrolled costs and extremely poor productivity and performance from the supply chain.”

Efforts to Reset and Reduce Costs

In response to the ongoing budget challenges, the government is implementing a “reset” of the project. This initiative includes reshaping HS2 Ltd and continuing dialogue with suppliers to review contracts. Recommendations from an independent review are also being implemented to ensure the railway is delivered safely and at the lowest feasible cost.

One significant proposal under consideration is reducing the top speed of the trains. Currently designed to operate at 360 kph (224 mph), this specification is higher than any existing railway in the UK or globally. The current approach necessitates the construction of HS2 tracks before train testing can commence, potentially increasing costs and delaying completion. An alternative would involve testing trains abroad on existing high-speed tracks.

Mr. Wild’s initial assessment suggests that reducing train speeds could save “low billions” and expedite the railway’s entry into service by mitigating risks associated with programme delivery and testing. A final decision on this matter, along with revised cost and schedule estimates, is expected from Mr. Wild before Parliament’s summer recess in mid-July.

Future Outlook

The government will review the outcomes of these assessments and supplier engagements before publishing the new cost and schedule estimates, pending full assurance and approval. While acknowledging that these measures will not rectify past failures, they are intended to establish a realistic and controlled pathway for completing the remaining work on the HS2 project.

Sources

Plymouth Civic Centre undergoing transformation into flats and skills hub.

Plymouth Civic Centre Set for £50m Transformation into Flats and Skills Hub

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Plans have been officially submitted for a significant £50 million redevelopment of Plymouth’s iconic Civic Centre. The ambitious project aims to breathe new life into the long-empty building, transforming it into a vibrant hub featuring 144 new apartments and a state-of-the-art campus for City College Plymouth. This initiative is poised to be a cornerstone of the city centre’s regeneration.

Key Takeaways

  • £50 Million Investment: The project is backed by substantial public funding and corporate borrowing.
  • Dual Purpose: The Civic Centre will house both residential apartments and an educational facility.
  • Skills Development: City College Plymouth’s new campus will focus on future-proof industries.
  • Revitalised Public Space: The surrounding area will undergo landscaping and refurbishment.

A New Era for the Civic Centre

The lower floors of the Civic Centre are earmarked for City College Plymouth’s “Blue-Green Skills Hub.” This facility is designed to train up to 2,000 students annually, offering a wide array of courses from apprenticeships to higher education. The curriculum will focus on key growth sectors such as marine engineering, renewable energy, and sustainable construction, preparing students for the jobs of the future.

The upper levels of the tower will be converted into 144 one and two-bedroom apartments. These homes are being designed to meet modern living standards, incorporating elements of the building’s original structure, including the distinctive concrete “waffle” ceilings, to create a stylish, contemporary aesthetic.

Funding and Development Details

The project has secured approximately £47.5 million for the initial shell and core works from various public sources, including the Future High Streets Fund, the Levelling Up Fund, and the Homes England Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund. City College Plymouth and a private residential developer will separately fund the fit-out of their respective spaces.

Councillor Mark Lowry, city centre champion, expressed his excitement, stating, “The Civic was symbolic of the city’s post-war regeneration and it is playing a leading part in our new vision for the city centre.” The surrounding area will also be enhanced with new planting, seating, and a refurbished pond.

Public Engagement and Future Vision

While a small percentage of the population responded directly to surveys, public engagement efforts saw significant online interaction, with hundreds of thousands viewing social media posts and visiting the consultation website. Feedback indicated strong support for the project, particularly from younger demographics eager for new living and learning opportunities in the city centre. Despite some lingering desires for demolition, the building’s listed status means preservation and redevelopment are the chosen path forward.

The transformation of the Civic Centre, originally opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1962, marks a significant step in Plymouth’s ongoing urban regeneration, aiming to create a dynamic and functional heart for the city.

Sources

Crumbling road with potholes and a construction worker.

Britain’s Roads Crumble: £19bn Repair Backlog and Rising Attacks on Workers

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A staggering £19 billion repair backlog on local roads across England and Wales has been revealed, painting a grim picture of the nation’s infrastructure. Despite increased funding, the condition of roads continues to deteriorate, leading to frustration among road users and a disturbing rise in aggressive behaviour towards road maintenance crews.

Key Takeaways

  • A record £18.62 billion backlog exists for local road repairs in England and Wales.
  • Despite a 17% increase in highway maintenance budgets, visible improvements are lacking.
  • Roads are resurfaced on average only once every 97 years.
  • Attacks on road workers by motorists are surging due to growing anger over road conditions.

The Scale Of The Problem

The Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey highlights a national disgrace in the state of local roads, with a £18.62 billion backlog of carriageway repairs. This figure has grown despite a 17% increase in highway maintenance funding for the 2025/26 financial year. Experts warn that long-term underinvestment and adverse weather conditions have severely impacted road infrastructure, and increased funding alone will not resolve the issue in the short term.

Deteriorating Conditions And Funding Shortfalls

Only 51% of local roads are reported to be in good structural condition, with approximately 16% having less than five years of structural life remaining. Councils estimate they would need an additional £1.37 billion annually to maintain road networks at their target condition, a 10% increase on the previous year. This shortfall means roads are being resurfaced on average only once every 97 years, and a staggering 1.9 million potholes were filled in the past year alone.

Attacks On Road Workers

The deteriorating road conditions and increased frustration have led to a disturbing surge in attacks on road workers. Motorists, angered by potholes and delays, are exhibiting increasingly aggressive behaviour towards those tasked with maintaining the roads. The AA reported attending 137,000 pothole-related incidents in January and February 2026, a significant increase from the previous year, underscoring the growing public discontent.

A Call For Long-Term Solutions

Industry experts are calling for a shift from short-term pothole repairs to long-term resurfacing programmes. They suggest that clearing the backlog could reduce annual maintenance costs by £1 billion, freeing up funds for other council services. A front-loaded funding approach, rather than a gradual increase towards 2030, is also advocated to accelerate repairs and improve the experience for all road users.

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Construction of the Hereford bypass road project.

Graham Secures Design Contract for £35 Million First Phase of Hereford Bypass

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Construction firm Graham has been awarded a significant contract to design the initial phase of the Hereford bypass, a project valued at £35 million. This development marks a crucial step forward for the long-awaited Western Bypass, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the city and improving regional connectivity.

Key Takeaways

  • Graham will lead the design and delivery strategy for a 3.6km link road.
  • The project is the first phase of the 8km Western Bypass.
  • Construction is anticipated to commence in December, with completion by the end of 2028.

Project Overview

The newly rebranded Phase 1 of the 8km Western Bypass project will see Graham develop the design and delivery strategy for a new 3.6km link road. This road will connect the A49 and A465, aiming to significantly ease congestion on the southern approaches to Hereford. By diverting traffic away from busy urban routes, the bypass is expected to improve traffic flow within the city and enhance connections to South Wales and the Hereford Enterprise Zone.

Design and Delivery Strategy

Graham will collaborate with AtkinsRéalis to undertake the early-stage design and technical development work. The scope of this phase includes the planning for several structures and underpasses, notably a bridge designed to span the Hereford–Newport railway line. This early involvement is seen as critical for mitigating potential risks and ensuring a successful project execution.

Future Plans

A separate tender process will be initiated this summer to appoint the main contractor responsible for the full construction package. Following the design and planning stages, construction is slated to begin on site in December. The revived scheme, which had been previously paused in 2019, is now on track for completion of its first phase by the end of 2028.

Sources

New housing development under construction in York.

York’s New Garden Village Takes Root: 314 Homes Under Construction

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Construction has officially commenced on the first phase of 314 new homes in Huntington, York, marking a significant step in the development of the larger Monks Cross Village Gardens project. This ambitious 10-year plan aims to transform 164 acres into a vibrant community, complete with essential amenities and extensive green spaces.

Key Takeaways

  • Construction has begun on 314 homes, the first phase of a larger 970-home development.
  • The project, Monks Cross Village Gardens, will include a primary school, sports pitches, a shop, and a country park.
  • 30% of the initial homes will be designated as affordable housing.
  • Concerns regarding transport infrastructure and the mix of housing types have been raised.

A Decade-Long Vision for Monks Cross

The Monks Cross Village Gardens development, spearheaded by Redrow, is designed to emulate the original garden village concept, emphasizing green streets, tree-lined avenues, and easy access to open spaces. This initial phase will feature landscaped public areas and integrated walking and cycling routes, forming a crucial part of the wider masterplan.

The entire scheme, approved after a call-in by the government following a planning appeal, is set to deliver a total of 970 homes over the next decade. Alongside housing, the development will incorporate a new primary school, sports facilities, a retail unit, and a country park, aiming to create a self-sufficient and desirable community.

Addressing Community Concerns

While the development promises significant benefits, local councillors and residents have voiced concerns. Issues raised include the impact on existing transport infrastructure, particularly access from North Lane, and the provision of a diverse range of housing to cater to all age groups and first-time buyers. Developers have stated that the site will have two entrances and that they are committed to addressing these concerns and mitigating potential impacts.

The first 314 homes will go on sale this summer, offering a mix of two, three, four, and five-bedroom properties from Redrow’s Heritage Collection. A notable aspect of the development is its commitment to energy efficiency, employing a ‘fabric first’ approach with high-quality insulation and low-energy technologies like air source heat pumps.

Development Timeline and Future Phases

The master plan for the entire Monks Cross scheme was approved in 2022. The current phase focuses on the northern part of the site, with subsequent phases planned for the central and southern sections. The project’s approval followed a lengthy process, with the council’s decision-making being a factor in the government’s intervention.

Of the 314 homes in this first phase, 212 will be available on the open market, while 94 will be designated as affordable housing. Additionally, five percent of the homes are set aside for self and custom build options, reflecting a commitment to diverse housing solutions.

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