Author Archives: Colin Marrs

The government has published its official guidance encouraging the inclusion of second staircases in blocks of flats taller than 18 metres – plus advice on adding evacuation lifts. Some contractors paused work on high-rise schemes when the government announced its intention to consult on how to improve fire safety by…

And so to Cannes for this year’s MIPIM conference. While the annual jamboree in France is dominated by property types – a very different breed to contractors – many big construction firms see value from getting themselves in front of existing and potential clients in the south of France. Kier,…

Government infrastructure chiefs have announced plans to increase the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in project management – with checks in place to stop computers making decisions that should be taken by humans. The Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) this week launched a new framework to guide collaboration between departments…

ISG is in line to scoop the circa-£65m contract to convert a London Docklands office block into a life-sciences facility. The contractor has been working on designs for the scheme under a preconstruction agreement it won last year. The 17 Columbus Courtyard project, designed by architect Scott Brownrigg, is set…

Former rugby union professional Matt Cannon is celebrating five years in charge of engineering contractor Clancy, a period marked by continuous growth Pulling off a quiet country lane and through the entrance gates of Clancy’s Middlesex headquarters feels a little like entering the grounds of a grand country estate. The…

Lendlease will work up new plans for development around London's Euston Station, the government confirmed in today’s Spring Budget, amid a growing rift over the shape of the scheme. The contractor was appointed as master developer for the site in 2018, but uncertainty over its role emerged after the government…

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the election of the UK’s first Labour government. Ruling with a minority government propped up by the Liberal Party, prime minister Ramsay MacDonald lasted less than a year before the Conservatives swept back to power. Despite the short spell in office, Labour’s administration…

With less than two months to go, the new system for registering the competence of building-control inspectors appears to be in chaos. Construction News investigates How easy is it to make the move from an unregulated profession to a regulated one? When it comes to building inspectors, we’re about to…

Earlier this month, Construction News revealed emerging plans for a new initiative for contractors to collaborate on promoting the sector through schools outreach. Specialist firm the School Outreach Company is working with senior sector figures on plans to raise £100,000 with the aim of creating a network of five regional…

As coalition education secretary between 2010-2014, Michael Gove gained a reputation for sweeping aside vested interests and bureaucracy to get things done. Housing secretary since 2021, Gove has been robust in taking on recalcitrant developers and freeholders. Whether he can succeed in these areas remains to be seen. But at…