Author: Dillan Gandhi

Innovative materials and processes are reducing carbon emissions in residential road projects across Greater London.

A recent residential road improvement in the London Borough of Redbridge highlights significant progress in low carbon construction techniques. Heidelberg Materials UK, in partnership with Kenson Highways, utilised evoZero cement and advanced asphalt technologies to deliver a project with substantially reduced carbon emissions. The evoZero cement is produced using carbon capture technology in Norway, allowing for near-zero carbon cement to be supplied without increasing transport emissions. This cement was used in kerbs, edging haunching, and the footway sub-base, demonstrating its versatility in residential infrastructure.

The project also incorporated asphalt containing 25 per cent reclaimed asphalt and a bio-binder known as CarbonLock, which absorbs and permanently locks CO₂ within the pavement. This innovation contributes to a 25 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional hot mix asphalt. Additionally, the asphalt was produced using Heidelberg’s Era 140 warm mix process, which lowers production temperatures by up to 40ºC, cutting fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 15 per cent. This method also improves working conditions and accelerates project delivery.

From a construction management perspective, this project exemplifies the importance of close collaboration with suppliers and technical teams to integrate novel materials effectively. Managing the supply chain to ensure product performance while meeting sustainability targets is essential for achieving carbon reduction goals in high-end residential projects. Such coordinated efforts enable projects to progress smoothly and deliver on environmental commitments without compromising quality or timelines.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Industry leaders gather in London to explore digital tools shaping construction management and project delivery.

Digital Construction Week, held at London’s Excel, offers an intensive two-day programme showcasing the latest advances in digital construction technology and practices, attracting over 9,000 professionals from across London, Greater London, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire. The event provides a comprehensive platform with more than 230 seminars and 150 exhibitors, focusing on practical applications of digital tools within the built environment.

Key sessions examine critical themes such as asset intelligence, the integration of AI in compliance and decision-making, and the evolution of Building Information Modelling (BIM) over the past decade. Discussions led by industry experts highlight how digital twins can transcend mere visualisation to deliver actionable project intelligence, while emerging platforms promise to enhance real-time collaboration among site teams, subcontractors, and clients. These innovations address long-standing challenges in construction management, including improving data accuracy, streamlining communication, and automating compliance processes.

For construction management in London and the Home Counties, the event underscores the importance of adopting digital strategies that align with regional planning and development priorities. Effective management of digital workflows can significantly reduce project risks and costs, particularly in heritage-sensitive areas and complex commercial developments common in these regions. At Atico Solutions, the emphasis on integrating digital tools with traditional project oversight ensures smoother coordination and more informed decision-making, enabling projects to progress efficiently through planning and construction phases while meeting high standards of quality and sustainability.

Source: Construction Management

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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A major joint venture is underway to manage the two-decade redevelopment of Old Oak in West London.

The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has initiated a search for a private sector partner to oversee a £12 billion joint venture focused on the regeneration of Old Oak, a significant brownfield site in West London. This ambitious project spans around 31 hectares and is set to transform the area into a vibrant urban district anchored by the new Old Oak Common station, which will connect High Speed 2, the Elizabeth line, the Great Western Mainline, and the Heathrow Express.

In practical construction management terms, this project presents a complex, long-term challenge. Coordinating the delivery of approximately 8,000 homes, including affordable options, alongside up to 200,000 square metres of commercial and community space, requires meticulous planning, phased construction, and strong stakeholder engagement. The integration of new community facilities, parks, and a canal-side neighbourhood further calls for sensitive design and heritage considerations within a heavily urbanised environment.

The scale and duration of the contract, with a 20-year term and a potential 10-year extension, highlight the importance of robust governance and risk management frameworks. Effective construction management will be essential to navigate regulatory requirements, infrastructure interfaces, and the evolving needs of the local community over the two decades of development.

Atico Solutions recognises that projects of this magnitude benefit greatly from experienced construction management. Clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and adaptive scheduling ensure that complex urban regeneration schemes like Old Oak progress smoothly, delivering quality outcomes that meet both commercial and community aspirations.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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The rebrand unifies fit-out services under a historic name with a growing order book and market confidence.

Paragon, a specialist fit-out contractor established in 2005 and acquired by Interserve in 2013, has rebranded as Tilbury Douglas Fit Out. This change aligns its fit-out and refurbishment capabilities with the Tilbury Douglas brand, which carries a long heritage dating back to 1884. The rebrand aims to present a clearer identity for clients and partners across the construction and refurbishment sectors, particularly in Cat A and B fit-out, workplace transformation and technically complex interior delivery.

From a construction management perspective, this rebranding signals a strategic consolidation of expertise and resources under a well-established name with a strong market presence. For projects across London, Greater London and the Home Counties including Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, the alignment enhances client confidence by emphasising a unified approach to technical delivery and internal refurbishment. The growing order book, now exceeding £1.6 billion, reflects the scale and ambition of the business to offer integrated solutions that meet evolving market demands.

Effective construction management is crucial in navigating such transitions, ensuring continuity in project delivery while leveraging the broader capabilities and reputation of the Tilbury Douglas group. This rebranding exemplifies how a clear and coherent brand identity can support operational efficiency and client trust in high-end fit-out and refurbishment projects within the region.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Innovative snake tunnels in Berkshire enable safe wildlife movement across roads to support protected habitats.

In a pioneering conservation effort within Berkshire’s Greenham and Crookham Commons, two specially designed adder underpasses have been installed to connect isolated populations of the UK’s only native venomous snake. This project marks the first use of such wildlife tunnels on UK roads, addressing the critical issue of habitat fragmentation caused by the Old Thornford Road, which previously separated these vulnerable snake groups.

From a construction management perspective, the installation of these 10-metre-long tunnels involved careful consideration of environmental and heritage factors. The structures incorporate features such as wing walls to guide the adders, gravel substrates for natural footing, and basking areas created by clearing surrounding vegetation. Removable grates allow for ongoing inspection and maintenance, ensuring the tunnels remain effective over time. These design elements reflect a sensitive approach to integrating modern infrastructure within protected heathland, a landscape of significant ecological and cultural importance in the Home Counties.

The success of this project demonstrates how construction management in heritage and conservation settings must balance technical requirements with ecological sensitivity. Coordinating with wildlife trusts and environmental agencies, managing site access to minimise disturbance, and selecting durable yet unobtrusive materials are essential practices. This initiative exemplifies how thoughtful construction management can facilitate biodiversity enhancement alongside infrastructure development, supporting the resilience of protected species and the preservation of heritage landscapes in Berkshire and the wider region.

Source: Construction Management

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Housing planning applications increase while overseas investment in commercial property slows in London and surrounding counties.

The first quarter of 2026 has seen a notable rise in housing planning applications across England, with London and the Home Counties experiencing contrasting trends. While applications outside London, including Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire, have reached their highest levels since 2022, London itself has seen a decline in new housing submissions to their lowest point since mid-2023. This divergence reflects ongoing challenges in the capital’s housing market, where planning delays and site viability issues persist despite steady application numbers elsewhere.

From a construction management perspective, these trends underscore the importance of navigating complex planning landscapes and managing cost pressures effectively. Rising construction costs, inflation, and infrastructure limitations are key factors slowing development progress post-approval. For high-end residential projects, particularly in London and the Home Counties, careful coordination between planning, design, and delivery phases is essential to mitigate delays and maintain project viability.

In the commercial property sector, overseas investment has slowed sharply in Q1 2026, with London’s office market standing out as a relative bright spot amid subdued industrial and retail activity. This shift in investment patterns highlights the growing appeal of operational real estate sectors such as healthcare and build-to-rent housing, which align with long-term demographic and lifestyle trends relevant to high-end residential developments.

Atico Solutions recognises that robust construction management is critical in this evolving environment. By proactively addressing planning complexities, cost inflation, and market shifts, construction managers can help ensure projects progress smoothly from application through to completion, maintaining quality and delivery standards despite external uncertainties.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Understanding the subtle role of Chinese materials and systems is vital for effective project management across the region.

China’s involvement in UK construction extends far beyond headline-grabbing infrastructure projects, quietly embedding itself into the supply chains of residential and commercial developments across London, Greater London, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. Materials and components such as facade systems, modular building units, photovoltaic glass, insulation, flooring and coatings often originate from Chinese manufacturers, entering projects through complex subcontracting and procurement routes.

For construction managers and project teams, this nuanced reality means that supply chain transparency is essential. Identifying the provenance of critical materials and understanding the availability of alternatives are crucial steps to mitigate risks related to tariffs, shipping delays or certification challenges. The presence of Chinese-origin products is typically driven by technical suitability, cost competitiveness and availability rather than geopolitical considerations.

Effective construction management in this context requires meticulous supplier mapping and risk assessment at the project level. By adopting a disciplined approach to procurement and material specification, project teams can ensure continuity and quality while navigating the complexities of global supply chains. Recognising the embedded nature of Chinese manufacturing within the regional construction sector allows for informed decision-making rather than reactionary policy responses.

At Atico Solutions, comprehensive supply chain insight and proactive risk management underpin our approach to delivering high-end projects. This understanding enables us to maintain programme integrity and quality standards, ensuring that developments in London and the Home Counties progress smoothly despite the intricate global sourcing landscape.

Source: Construction Management

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Falco’s renewed six-year contract with UK Power Networks highlights safety and sustainability in power infrastructure projects.

UK Power Networks has renewed its groundworks contract with Falco, covering London Power Network and regions across the Home Counties including Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire. This six-year agreement, with options to extend, reflects the importance of consistent, high-quality groundwork in maintaining and upgrading critical electricity infrastructure supporting millions of homes and businesses.

From a construction management perspective, such long-term contracts require rigorous adherence to health and safety protocols and operational excellence. Falco’s record of zero accidents over five years, supported by extensive site audits and toolbox talks, exemplifies the level of oversight necessary to successfully manage complex utility projects in densely populated and heritage-sensitive areas. Their commitment to sustainability, including trials of zero-emissions electric diggers, aligns with the increasing demand for environmentally responsible construction practices in the capital and surrounding counties.

For construction managers overseeing commercial infrastructure projects, this renewal underscores the value of partnering with contractors who prioritise safety, quality, and innovation. Effective management ensures projects not only meet operational requirements but also contribute positively to wider environmental and community objectives. Atico Solutions recognises that such integrated approaches are essential for navigating the evolving landscape of construction in London and the Home Counties.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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Senior leadership appointment signals focus on complex projects and sustainability in London and surrounding counties.

Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) has appointed Matt Buntine as head of project and programme management for London and Europe, bringing extensive experience in managing complex construction and development projects across multiple sectors. His background includes leadership roles in consulting, sustainability, and corporate strategy, with a particular focus on projects in London and key Home Counties such as Surrey and Hertfordshire.

Buntine’s expertise spans alternative energy, heritage conservation, commercial development, and transport infrastructure, making him well-equipped to oversee projects with diverse requirements, including those involving historic buildings and major public clients like Transport for London and the Houses of Parliament. His previous stewardship of sustainability initiatives, such as the Mission Zero strategy, reflects an increasing emphasis on environmentally responsible construction practices in the capital and its surrounding regions.

From a construction management perspective, this appointment underscores the growing importance of integrated project leadership that can navigate the complexities of urban development, heritage preservation, and sustainability targets simultaneously. Effective management ensures continuity for clients and smooth delivery despite the often challenging regulatory and planning environment in London and the Home Counties.

Atico Solutions recognises that strong leadership with a clear vision for sustainability and stakeholder engagement is critical in advancing projects through planning and construction phases efficiently. As development pressures rise in London, Greater London, and counties such as Kent and Buckinghamshire, having experienced project management at the helm helps mitigate risks and align outcomes with both client expectations and policy frameworks.

Source: The Construction Index

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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The shift of major projects from central oversight increases complexity for local authorities managing heritage and construction works.

On 1 April, the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) significantly reduced the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) from 213 to 81 projects, transferring oversight of 132 high-risk projects to government departments and local authorities. While this streamlining focuses central expertise on fewer, larger projects, it raises concerns for construction management, especially regarding heritage and listed building projects across London, Greater London, and the Home Counties.

Many of the projects removed from central control remain complex and high-risk, requiring stringent management and oversight. Local authorities in Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire now face increased responsibilities without the direct support and challenge previously provided by central bodies. This shift is particularly significant for heritage works where sensitive restoration and compliance with conservation regulations demand specialised expertise and coordination.

Fragmented management across multiple bodies often leads to delays and cost overruns, as demonstrated by recent findings from the European Court of Auditors. The absence of a unified central oversight risks magnifying these challenges, potentially affecting the quality and timeliness of heritage conservation projects. In London and the surrounding counties, where numerous listed buildings and heritage sites require careful stewardship, this decentralisation poses tangible risks.

From a construction management perspective, effective planning, rigorous risk assessment, and clear communication channels become even more critical under these conditions. Experienced project management can help bridge gaps in capability and oversight, ensuring that heritage projects progress smoothly despite the increased decentralisation. Atico Solutions recognises that maintaining high standards in listed building works demands not only technical skill but also strategic coordination among all stakeholders to navigate this evolving landscape successfully.

Source: Construction Management

Led by Trevor Read and Dillan Gandhi, Atico Solutions is a high-end construction management and procurement company. Learn more here.

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