Construction News

Vinci to clinch £80m BNP Paribas Real Estate Kings Cross HQ

9-Feb-2012 | By Jack Sidders

Contractor to build new home for BNP Paribas Real Estate at Argent’s regeneration scheme

Analysis: Blacklist files reveal extent of information on workers

9-Feb-2012 | By Mark Lewis

Last week, Construction News revealed evidence suggesting union representatives may have “liaised” with contractors to blacklist workers from construction jobs.

Gatwick Airport appoints new construction director

8-Feb-2012 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

Gatwick Airport has announced the appointment of Derek Hendry as construction director.

Report shows solar costs drop as DECC starts internal review

8-Feb-2012 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

DECC has released a report that estimates solar installation costs are due to drop by up to 30 per cent in 2012, but admits that huge uncertainty faces the industry.

Infrastructure UK chief: PFI supporters must sell it to the public

8-Feb-2012 | By Luke Cross

The Treasury official leading on the financing of the UK’s infrastructure has told the industry that if it backs the private finance initiative it must make that case to the public.

Surveyors sceptical about government construction initiatives

8-Feb-2012 | By Sarah Dennis

Surveyors are sceptical about government initiatives to support the construction sector, according to new findings from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Major project leaders to come from Whitehall under £6.7m academy

7-Feb-2012 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

The government will train project leaders to come from within Whitehall as it attempts to grapple with a portfolio of 206 projects worth more than £400 billion of which less than half are performing on time and on budget.

UK contractors should export London 2012 expertise

30-Jan-2012 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

International construction consultant McBains Cooper has urged the government to expand overseas work for UK contractors who have helped to deliver the Olympic Games.

CH2M Hill named as HS2 delivery partner

24-Jan-2012 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

HS2 Ltd has announced the proposed appointment of CH2M Hill as its development partner for the next phase of engineering, design and environmental work on the first phase of the £32bn scheme.

Autumn Statement: Full list of the 40 priority infrastructure projects

29-Nov-2011 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

The government has set out a list of its top-40 priority infrastructure projects as part of the National Infrastructure Plan 2.

Autumn Statement: Industry wishlist names 72 projects to ‘unlock’

24-Nov-2011 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

The construction industry has submitted a list to the government of 72 projects worth tens of billions of pounds it would most like to see “unlocked”.

TV presenter Noel Edmonds faces £1m loss after failed property claim

7-Nov-2011 | By Jack Sidders

Television presenter Noel Edmonds is facing losses of up to £1 million pounds after a judge ruled against him on two claims in the construction court.

Costain lands £400m London Bridge contract

1-Nov-2011 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

Costain has been awarded the £400 million London Bridge station redevelopment contract, fending off competition from tier one rivals including Carillion and Skanska.

Exclusive: Bidders revealed for £2.4bn prisons frameworks

18-Oct-2011 | By Jack Sidders

Interserve, Lend Lease, Vinci and Wates lead the way with invitations to tender all four £600m MoJ frameworks.

Treasury and pension funds meet twice a month to answer £20bn infra question

4-Jan-2012 | By Luke Cross

Treasury representatives are meeting with leading pension fund members at least twice a month, with a view to making a public announcement by the 2012 Budget on how they intend to open the gates to UK infrastructure investment.

SFT holds talks with Infrastructure UK on PFI alternative

29-Dec-2011 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

The director of finance at the Scottish Futures Trust, responsible for procurement of £2.5bn in Scottish infrastructure where contractor profits are capped, said he is ‘hopeful’ that Treasury officials will consider the model as they search for a replacement for PFI.

Feed-in tariff cuts 'unlawful', judge rules

21-Dec-2011 | By Katie Barker

Friends of the Earth wins legal challenge against government over FITs

Costain FD positive on PFI

14-Dec-2011 | By Luke Cross

The success of the private finance initiative in managing construction costs shows infrastructure can be a safe investment for pension funds, Costain finance director Tony Bickerstaff has told Construction News.

Industry fights for BREEAM-rated schools

27-Jan-2012 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

The construction industry is fighting to keep BREEAM-accredited schools after Construction News revealed new schools may no longer have to achieve a ‘Very Good’ standard.

Government considers scrapping BREEAM requirements for schools

24-Jan-2012 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

The Department for Education is proposing scrapping BREEAM requirements for new schools under its £2bn priority schools programme, Construction News has learned.

Let the Treasury use its review to get PFI right – and quickly

This week, the Treasury will receive responses to its review of the private finance initiative.

Apprentices are vital in these difficult economic times

Trade skills are the life blood of our industry. That’s why National Apprenticeship Week is a timely reminder that even in tough economic times, major contractors must show leadership and invest in skills.

New energy secretary must immediately review the Green Deal

Consulting engineering firm Encraft’s managing director Matthew Rhodes on the steps Ed Davey should take as the new energy secretary

Four in frame for £100m Magnox FM contract

8-Feb-2012 | By Tom Fitzpatrick

Interserve, Mitie, EC Harris and Carillion are bidding for a Magnox facilities management contract worth up to £100m.

Sir Robert McAlpine wins £80m Aldgate tower

9-Feb-2012 | By Jack Sidders

Contractor bags 17 storey speculative City office scheme