Technology

Construction firms working on joint ventures with the government are being given bespoke security guidance to avoid cyber attacks on the UK’s biggest construction projects. Spy chiefs at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have produced the advice to help contractors working on projects such as HS2 and Crossrail to…

A construction partner is being sought to deliver a £10bn nuclear fusion plant in the UK. The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) posted a prior information notice to contractors for the work as part of its plans to build an experimental nuclear fusion reactor. The tender is expected in December.…

Britishvolt, the company behind a £3bn gigafactory in the north east, is looking for new leadership after the sudden resignation of its chief executive and founder. Orral Nadjari, who had led the battery technology firm for the last three years, said he was stepping down to allow it to enter…

Outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson has approved funding for the construction of Sizewell C. A senior government official told The Times that Johnson, who is set to leave office in September, has taken the decision to part-fund the £20bn nuclear power station in Suffolk. “The decision has been taken in…

Work being carried out by ISG on a vehicle battery ‘gigafactory’ in the north-east has been paused amid design changes. ISG was appointed to a £300m construction contract for the Britishvolt factory in Cambois, Northumberland, in December 2020 and began phased construction on the site in September. The client recently…

Work to construct the UK’s first gigaplant car-battery facility in Northumberland is progressing “in line” with the development plan, despite suggestions that the project has been paused. In December 2020, ISG was appointed as the main contractor to deliver the factory that will produce lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. The…

McLaren Construction has appointed a specialist M&E firm to carry out mechanical, electrical and plumbing work, worth £16m, at the new Aston Martin Formula One headquarters in the Midlands. E7 Building Services is a regional division of the MEP specialist firm, Michael J Lonsdale Group, covering the Midlands and the…

Housebuilder Countryside Partnerships has put its modular panel factory in Bardon, Leicestershire, up for sale. Last month, Construction News reported that the firm had closed one of its three modern method of construction (MMC) factories as it grapples with loses. It followed the business’ adjusted operating profit, dropping from £37m…

Bolton-based contractor Seddon Construction has been appointed to undertake £175m of work at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria. The contractor has been appointed via a fourth framework agreement to the job, which will run for 17 years until 2039 and includes building walls and ceilings. Screeding, flooring, painting and…

Local developer Bruntwood Works has lodged an application to build a £93m office tower in Manchester. The 18-storey building, known as The Alberton, will host offices, but also include a pool on its rooftop as part of its vision to combine wellbeing facilities and work spaces. Hot and cold treatment…