Project Reports

In the biggest construction programme undertaken so far by Oxford University, the city’s skyline is being pierced by a major new science hub Project client: Oxford University Development partner: Legal & General Investment Management Total cost: £200m Contract type: JCT Design & Build Main contractor: Wates Architect: NBBJ Structural engineer:…

A largely unloved ‘citadel’ of modern architecture in Covent Garden is undergoing a thorough overhaul by Lendlease that will transform its unwelcoming presence Client: Northwood Investors Development manager: Platform Architect: Gensler Main contractor: Lendlease Contract value: £120m Contract type: JCT Design & Build Construction start: 1 Jul 2021 Construction completion:…

In a sea of concrete and glass, Skanska is working on London’s tallest limestone-faced building since St Paul’s Cathedral Scheme: 20-22 Ropemaker Street Client: Old Park Lane Management Development manager: Co-Re Architect: Make Architects Main contractor: Skanska Contract value: £250m Contract type: JCT Design & Build Construction start: March 2019…

Crossing a busy road and several waterways, building HS2’s Colne Valley Viaduct has prompted some novel approaches. Ben Vogel finds out how the Align JV is taking on the challenge Project: Colne Valley Viaduct and Chiltern Tunnels, both part of HS2 Phase One Central 1 (C1) Client: HS2 C1 overall…

With limited space, Gilbert-Ash is transforming a former multistorey car park site into a hotel, commercial and office space. Paul Thompson reports Scheme: 68-86 Farringdon Road ‘Clerkenwell Hotel’ Client: Whitbread Group Architect: Sheppard Robson Main contractor: Gilbert-Ash Overall construction contract value: £45m Overall development value: £90m Construction start date: March…

Ian Weinfass visits the Manor Road Quarter in Canning Town to see how Morgan Sindall is tackling Newham’s tallest building Project: Manor Road Quarter Contractor: Morgan Sindall Construction Client: English Cities Fund Project value: £107m Contract type: JCT (amended) Start date: September 2021 Phase one completion date: autumn 2024 Project…

Now that the sporting circus has left town, Luke Haynes hears how a flagship venue is being renovated for use by local communities in the West Midlands Project: Sandwell Aquatics Centre Client: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Project value: £85m Main contractor: Wates Construction Contract type: NEC Project start date: autumn…

Despite a lengthy delay due to lockdown and the constraints of a very tight site, Bam Construct delivered a new office block in Leeds using innovative methods. Joshua Stein reports.   Scheme: Globe Point, Leeds Client: CEG Main contractor: Bam Construct Structural engineer: Arup MEP subcontractor: Hoare Lee Architect: Feilden…

McLaren is adding three storeys and seamlessly joining two separate office blocks in one of the busiest locations in London – without disrupting the businesses inside Scheme: The Hub Victoria Client: Gaw Capital Main contractor: McLaren Construction Contract value: £71.5m Contract type: JCT Design and Build Start on site: February…

The precast factories for HS2’s Colne Valley Viaduct and the Chiltern Tunnel are responsible for some of the most ambitious prefabrication works ever attempted in the UK. Joshua Stein reports