Tag Archive for: Sports

Bricklayer in court over asbestos case.

High Court Ruling: Self-Employed Bricklayer Deemed Employee in Landmark Asbestos Case

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In a significant ruling, the High Court has determined that a self-employed bricklayer, exposed to asbestos, should have been classified as an employee. This decision has far-reaching implications for how employment status is viewed, particularly in cases involving occupational health risks and potential compensation claims.

The case centred on a bricklayer who had worked for a company for many years, undertaking numerous jobs. Despite being issued with invoices and operating under a contract that labelled him as self-employed, the court found that the reality of his working relationship pointed towards an employment status.

Key Takeaways

  • The High Court has reclassified a self-employed bricklayer as an employee for the purposes of an asbestos-related claim.
  • The ruling emphasises that the true nature of the working relationship, rather than contractual labels, will determine employment status.
  • This decision could impact future claims for workers exposed to hazardous materials and potentially lead to a review of employment practices.

The Ruling’s Rationale

The court’s decision was based on a detailed examination of the control exercised by the company over the bricklayer’s work. Factors considered included the level of supervision, the integration of the worker into the company’s operations, and the degree of autonomy the individual possessed. The court found that the company exerted a significant degree of control, consistent with an employer-employee relationship, despite the contractual designation.

This judgment highlights the importance of looking beyond the surface-level contractual arrangements to understand the genuine nature of the working relationship. It suggests that companies cannot simply label individuals as self-employed to avoid employment obligations and responsibilities, especially when it comes to health and safety.

Implications for Asbestos Claims and Beyond

The ruling is particularly pertinent for individuals who have suffered or may suffer from asbestos-related diseases due to historical workplace exposure. By being recognised as an employee, the bricklayer may have a stronger basis for claiming compensation from the company or its insurers. This could open the door for other individuals in similar situations, who were classified as self-employed but worked under conditions indicative of employment, to pursue their own claims.

Furthermore, the decision serves as a stark warning to businesses that rely on a contingent workforce. It underscores the need for a thorough review of their employment practices and contractual agreements to ensure compliance with employment law and to mitigate potential liabilities, especially concerning health and safety at work.

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

Modern leisure centre construction with cranes and scaffolding.

Willmott Dixon Set to Construct £31m Passivhaus Leisure Centre in Surrey After Delays

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Willmott Dixon has emerged as the preferred bidder for the construction of Cranleigh Leisure Centre, a £31 million project in Surrey. The development, designed to meet stringent Passivhaus sustainability standards, faced delays due to evolving market conditions and the resolution of planning conditions. Construction is now slated to commence next summer, with an anticipated opening in winter 2027.

Key Takeaways

  • Willmott Dixon is the preferred bidder for the £31m Cranleigh Leisure Centre.
  • The project has been delayed, with construction now expected to start next summer.
  • The new facility will be built to Passivhaus standards and is projected to open in winter 2027.

Project Overview

Waverley Borough Council has selected Willmott Dixon as the preferred contractor for the new Cranleigh Leisure Centre. The project, valued at approximately £31 million, was initially planned to begin construction this autumn following the attainment of planning permission in March. However, the council has revised the timeline, with work now scheduled to start next summer.

Reasons for Delay

The council cited several factors contributing to the project’s revised schedule. The planning permission came with “several conditions that took time to resolve.” Furthermore, significant changes in market conditions during this period prompted a comprehensive review of the project, leading to the timeline adjustment. Despite these setbacks, the council stated that steady progress is being made behind the scenes to prepare for the commencement of construction.

Facility Features and Sustainability Goals

The new Cranleigh Leisure Centre will be a state-of-the-art facility built to Passivhaus sustainability standards. It is set to include a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a gymnasium, a soft play area, and a café. This modern facility will replace the existing 55-year-old leisure centre, which has reportedly “exceeded its life expectancy.”

Sustainability is a core focus of the new development. The centre is expected to consume 60% less energy per square metre compared to the current building and aims for a 75% reduction in annual operational carbon emissions. The council approved a revised capital budget of around £31 million for the scheme in October 2023. The project’s history dates back to 2018, with initial plans being put on hold due to the Covid pandemic.

Willmott Dixon’s Portfolio

This project adds to Willmott Dixon’s ongoing portfolio of leisure centre developments. The company is also involved in a £31.5 million build in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.

Sources

A9 road through a Scottish valley.

A9 Dualling: Three Giants Vie for £205m Pitlochry to Killiecrankie Contract

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Transport Scotland has announced that three major contractors have been shortlisted for a significant £205 million contract to dual a crucial 6.4km section of the A9 between Pitlochry and Killiecrankie. This marks another step forward in the ambitious Scottish Government initiative to transform the A9 into a dual carriageway.

Key Takeaways

  • Three contractors – Balfour Beatty, Kier Transportation, and Wills Bros Civil Engineering – are in contention for the £205m project.
  • The scheme involves upgrading 6.4km of the A9 and constructing or upgrading nine bridges.
  • The contract is expected to be awarded in autumn 2026, with completion anticipated by the end of 2030.
  • This section will be the third to utilise Transport Scotland’s modified NEC4 contract, incorporating a carbon reduction fund.

The Pitlochry to Killiecrankie Project

The selected contractors will participate in a competitive dialogue process, after which they will submit final tenders for the project. This section of the A9 dualling programme will see approximately 6.4 kilometres of single carriageway upgraded to dual carriageway standard. A key feature of the project will be the construction or upgrade of nine bridges. These include a new crossing over the River Tummel, adjacent to the existing Tummel Bridge, a second bridge over Loch Faskally near the existing Clunie Bridge, and a new rail bridge spanning the Highland Mainline Railway.

Advancing the A9 Dualling Programme

This contract is a vital part of the wider A9 Dualling Programme, a Scottish Government commitment to convert 129km of the A9 between Perth and Inverness into a dual carriageway by 2035. Once the Pitlochry to Killiecrankie section is complete, nearly half of the A9 between Perth and Inverness will be dualled. The project also aims to enhance active travel links and non-motorised user crossings, including routes along the Rob Roy Way.

Contractual Framework and Sustainability

The project will be delivered under Transport Scotland’s modified NEC4 Engineering and Construction contract. This version includes a capped carbon reduction fund, designed to financially support and incentivise the successful contractor to implement lower-emission construction measures. This approach underscores a commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.

Timeline and Social Value

Following the competitive dialogue and final tender evaluation, the contract award is anticipated in autumn 2026. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2030. The procurement process also includes social value requirements, focusing on commitments to skills and training, wellbeing, local subcontracting, and educational outreach through the Academy9 programme.

Transport Scotland has confirmed that the government remains dedicated to the completion of the A9 dualling works. The ongoing procurement stage is crucial for refining designs to ensure value for money for the Scottish taxpayer.

Sources

Liverpool Street Station concourse with trains and passengers.

Liverpool Street Station Redevelopment Decision Postponed as Network Rail Re-evaluates Project

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Network Rail has announced a delay in the decision-making process for the proposed redevelopment of Liverpool Street Station. The £1 billion project, which has faced significant public and heritage body opposition, is now undergoing a thorough re-evaluation. Originally expected to reach a planning committee by the end of this year, the decision has been pushed back to spring, with the project team working to address concerns and present a revised, more heritage-sensitive plan.

Key Takeaways

  • The planning decision for Network Rail’s £1 billion Liverpool Street Station redevelopment has been delayed until spring.
  • The project, initially designed by Herzog & de Meuron and later by Acme, has faced substantial public and heritage objections.
  • Network Rail is re-evaluating the scheme, aiming for a design that is more sympathetic to the station’s listed status.
  • The revised plans focus on improving passenger capacity and experience while respecting the historical architecture.

Project History and Public Opposition

The redevelopment of Liverpool Street Station has been a contentious issue since its initial proposals were revealed. The original £1.5 billion plan, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and developed with Sellar, faced widespread criticism for its perceived negative impact on the grade II-listed station and the adjacent grade II*-listed Great Eastern Hotel. This led to over 2,200 objections from the public and strong opposition from heritage groups like Historic England.

Shift to a New Design Approach

In response to the significant backlash, Network Rail scrapped the initial plans and appointed Acme as the lead architect for a revised scheme. This new approach, valued at around £1 billion, aims to be more heritage-led. Key changes include scaling back the controversial office tower that was planned to cantilever over the hotel and focusing on retaining more of the existing station structure. The new design seeks to improve passenger flow, increase capacity, and enhance the station’s overall user experience, with a particular emphasis on respecting the historical context of the site.

Addressing Heritage and Capacity Concerns

The revised proposals are designed to be more sympathetic to the station’s Victorian architecture and the adjoining Great Eastern Hotel. Acme’s design avoids altering the listed hotel and focuses on redeveloping the 1980s and 1990s extensions. Network Rail has engaged in extensive consultations with heritage bodies and the public to ensure the new plans are well-received. Beyond aesthetic considerations, the redevelopment aims to address the station’s increasing passenger numbers, which have surged following the opening of the Elizabeth Line, making it the UK’s busiest station.

Sources

Modern indoor arena at night with city backdrop

McLaren Set to Transform Cardiff with £300m Indoor Arena at Atlantic Wharf

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Cardiff saw a significant milestone this week as work commenced on the city’s long-awaited £300 million indoor arena at Atlantic Wharf, following news that McLaren Construction has secured the flagship scheme. Set to open in 2028, the development promises to reshape the music, entertainment, and cultural profile of the Welsh capital.

Key Takeaways

  • McLaren Construction appointed main contractor for £300m Cardiff Arena
  • The project will deliver a 16,500-capacity venue and 182-room hotel
  • Scheduled for completion in 2028, the arena will anchor the Atlantic Wharf regeneration
  • Over 1,000 jobs to be created during construction and operation
  • Arena expected to attract more than a million visitors a year

A New Landmark for Cardiff Bay

The Cardiff Arena development is a centrepiece of the city’s ambitious Atlantic Wharf masterplan. Backed by Cardiff Council alongside partners Live Nation and Robertson Property, the plan extends far beyond the arena itself. Alongside the major events venue, the regeneration will see new cultural venues, offices, homes, a four-star hotel, leisure spaces, and public squares emerge over 30 acres in Cardiff Bay.

Designed by the architectural firms Populous and HOK, with interiors by Jump Studios, the arena draws inspiration from Cardiff Bay’s industrial past. Its distinctive, swooping façade features patinated corrugated panels and gold-toned accents, while generous glazing evokes the natural landscape of South Wales.

A Boost for Jobs and Cultural Profile

The arena will generate around 1,000 new jobs during its build and ongoing operation, supporting both skilled trades and long-term roles in hospitality and events. Once operational, it is predicted to attract over a million visitors annually, firmly establishing Cardiff as a major destination for international touring acts and cultural events.

Importantly, the seating bowl has been engineered for a compact footprint with sightlines and a crowd experience prioritised. Hospitality seating is integrated within the main arena, fostering a unified atmosphere among all guests.

Economic and Community Impact

City officials and project leaders highlight the transformative potential of the development for Cardiff’s economy and social landscape. Cardiff Council’s leader called it the most significant investment since the city’s stadium opened in 1999, underlining its importance for the region’s visitor economy, local business, and creative sector. The project also aligns with Cardiff’s Music City strategy, ensuring broad benefits from musicians and promoters to businesses and local communities.

Robertson Group and Live Nation echoed these sentiments, describing the arena as a “catalyst for growth” that will support regeneration in one of Wales’ most deprived areas, while also elevating Cardiff as a creative and entertainment powerhouse.

Looking Ahead

Rising construction costs—driven by inflation—mean the value of the scheme now tops £300 million. Major subcontractors have been named for groundworks, steelwork, piling, envelope, and MEP packages, reflecting the scale and complexity of the project.

With ground broken and main construction underway, Cardiff Arena is on track to become a new icon for Wales, reinforcing the city’s place on the world stage and promising lasting benefits for generations to come.

Further Reading

Emirates Stadium expansion construction aerial view

Arsenal Lay Groundwork for 80,000-Seat Emirates: Ambitious Stadium Expansion Plans Revealed

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Arsenal Football Club have initiated plans for a major redevelopment of Emirates Stadium, eyeing a dramatic increase in capacity to potentially up to 80,000 seats. With escalating demand from fans and a need to keep pace with rivals, the Gunners are exploring the biggest transformation in the club’s modern era.

Key Takeaways

  • Arsenal are considering expanding Emirates Stadium to 80,000 seats
  • Plans are at a preliminary stage, with various designs under review
  • A major capacity boost would restore Emirates’ position as London’s largest club ground
  • The project could cost around £500 million and may require a temporary relocation

Background: Why Emirates Expansion Now?

Since its 2006 opening, Emirates Stadium has boasted a capacity of just over 60,000. However, recent years have seen North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur open a larger modern ground, and West Ham’s London Stadium also surpass the Emirates’ size. With over 100,000 fans on Arsenal’s season ticket waiting list, the club’s owners have recognised the need for more seats and enhanced facilities, ensuring Arsenal remain competitive on and off the pitch.

Expected Benefits for Arsenal

A jump to a possible 80,000 seats would see Emirates return to the top of London’s football venues, overtaking both Tottenham and West Ham. The potential revenue gains from increased ticket and hospitality sales could be substantial, echoing the financial successes of recent stadium redevelopments at clubs like Real Madrid. This will support Arsenal’s ambitions domestically and in Europe while offering more fans the chance to experience matchdays.

Potential Designs and Construction Challenges

The Emirates’ current bowl shape was designed with future expansions in mind but still presents logistical hurdles. The redevelopment could involve adding seating tiers or redeveloping one end of the ground, subject to planning approval and overcoming the area’s space constraints, such as proximity to residential blocks and transport routes. Complexities may result in an extended construction period, reportedly costing up to £500 million.

Temporary Relocation and Timelines

As the plans are likely to disrupt matches, Arsenal may need a temporary home, with Wembley Stadium identified as the most probable substitute venue. However, the club must consider competition for Wembley from other teams like Chelsea, who are also exploring stadium upgrades. There is currently no definitive timeline, but construction is not expected to begin before the end of the 2026/27 season.

Fan Reactions and Board Leadership

Initial fan response has been largely enthusiastic, seeing the move as a statement of intent matching Arsenal’s on-field ambitions. The ownership group, guided by figures with significant real estate development experience, is involved from the start, indicating the seriousness of the project.

Emirates Stadium’s expansion promises to be a defining moment in Arsenal’s modern history, providing a legacy for future generations while reinforcing their presence among Europe’s elite both on and off the pitch.

Sources

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