Buildings

Which projects are likely to have the biggest impact on the industry in the year ahead? 

With the infrastructure boost offset by a slow housebuilding market and the ongoing skills crisis, the construction industry is hoping for a better year ahead

HS2’s Colne Valley viaduct opened in September. At 3.3km, it is the longest of more than 50 viaducts being built for the high-speed rail megaproject. The Grade II*-listed Tyne Bridge carries 70,000 vehicles daily, and with its 2028 centenary fast approaching, a major restoration by Esh is underway. Sir Robert…

Stuart Kings is technical director at contract management and software company Sypro The Joint Contracts Tribunal’s (JCT) Target Cost Contract (TCC) 2024 has added to the contract landscape. The target cost model has existed for years, but until now, those preferring the JCT suite did not have this option under…

Last week, Homes England published its new strategic plan to support the government in achieving its commitment to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current parliament. So far, net additions to the housing stock between July 2024 and November 2025 amount to only about 275,600 homes ─ roughly…

Richard Brettell, pictured left, is commercial director (industrial) and Jamie Sangster is director of strategy at Sir Robert McAlpine With the UK’s AI market set to grow to about £750bn by 2035, according to one estimate, the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and AI Growth Zones are giving political shape…

Ashley Wheaton has spent more than a decade steering a specialist surveying faculty towards a new future as the University of the Built Environment. Now vice-chancellor of the new institution, he reflects on the journey – and sets out a vision for expansion.

Daniel Singh is a director at Clancy Consulting The government’s announcement that it plans to build up to 40,000 homes on surplus railway land is a bold, welcome move. Platform4, a new government-backed development company, is championing local regeneration in areas including Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Cambridge. Across the UK,…

Soorya Sasidharan is associate director of risk management at consultancy Linesight The UK’s life sciences sector is experiencing rapid expansion, fuelled by increased demand for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and growing government support. However, these facilities must be constructed in line with tight regulatory frameworks, under strict quality controls and…

Peter Stockill is a partner and head of construction advisory and dispute resolution at law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper  Those involved in administering payments under construction contracts know all too well that, in the absence of a payment or pay-less notice, an application for payment may give rise to a…