Construction Disrupted Episode 85 - Build, Baby, Build (01.10.25)
Announcement Details:
- The UK government has pledged to initiate three new town schemes during the current parliamentary term.
- Locations include Bedfordshire, North London, and Leeds, with a taskforce identifying 12 potential sites for development.
Sector Reactions:
- Industry leaders have welcomed the announcement but raised concerns about the viability of the projects due to rising construction costs.
- Calls have been made for Homes England to step in and "de-risk" sites, particularly those with a 40% affordable housing requirement.
Challenges:
- Persistent construction cost hikes and infrastructure challenges are key obstacles.
- Ensuring affordability and sustainability in the new towns is a priority for stakeholders.
Project Delays:
- The Northern Powerhouse Rail project, connecting Liverpool and Manchester, faces fresh delays due to another review of its costs and value for money.
- The government has not provided updates in recent spending reviews or infrastructure pipelines.
Funding and Timeline:
- The Department for Transport proposed £1.5 billion in early funding to start work by 2030, but the Treasury is cautious due to concerns over cost overruns similar to HS2.
Political and Economic Implications:
- Northern mayors view the rail line as essential for economic growth and resolving transport constraints in the North West.
- The project is strongly supported by political figures like Andy Burnham and Lucy Powell, but criticised by Reform UK, which advocates scrapping the line.
Engineering Feat:
- At the Fifty Fenchurch Street development in London, a 700-year-old church tower (All Hallows Staining Church) has been preserved on 45-foot tall stilts.
- This innovative engineering solution allows the church to remain suspended above a 60,000 sq ft excavation site.
Construction Milestone:
- The ceremony marked the completion of excavation work, involving the removal of over 125,000 tonnes of earth.
- The site will host a 36-story flagship development blending modern workspace with historical features.
Collaborative Efforts:
- Key players include AXA IM Alts (developer), YardNine (delivery partner), Arup (engineering consultant), and Multiplex Construction Europe (main contractor).
- The project is celebrated for its unique integration of historical preservation and state-of-the-art...