Author: Dillan Gandhi

A platform collapse on a City of London project reveals the importance of rigorous design and supervision in construction safety.

A serious incident on a high-end refurbishment project in the City of London has emphasised the vital need for robust temporary works design and management. During work to create a service riser shaft at Paxton House, a temporary wooden platform collapsed, causing severe injuries to a drilling operative working beneath it. The Health and Safety Executive found that no formal design or load calculations had been made for the platform, with inadequate supervision and unclear risk management contributing to the collapse.

In practical terms, this incident underlines the necessity for competent temporary works coordinators to oversee all temporary structures on site, ensuring they are designed, inspected, and maintained to withstand anticipated loads. Verbal instructions and informal monitoring are insufficient safeguards. Clear communication and coordination between contractors, principal contractors, and operatives are essential to prevent hazardous working conditions, especially in complex multi-floor operations common in London’s high-end residential and commercial refurbishments.

Atico Solutions recognises that meticulous construction management, including detailed risk assessments, method statements, and continuous supervision, is fundamental to project safety and success. Implementing formal temporary works procedures and ensuring all personnel are competent and vigilant protects both workers and project timelines, maintaining the highest standards expected in premium developments across 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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Advanced crowd-management technology ensured secure and efficient control during the Arsenal Champions League events.

The recent deployment of Sunbelt Rentals’ new barrier system during the Arsenal Champions League Final screening and subsequent open-top bus tour in London showcased the importance of innovative crowd-control solutions in urban event management. With a capacity crowd of 37,000 and a procession through central London, the project demanded meticulous planning and precise execution to ensure public safety and smooth operations.

From a construction management perspective, the installation of this advanced barrier system required close coordination with multiple stakeholders, including the football club, event organisers, and property management teams. The barriers were positioned strategically to secure access points and control the route, demonstrating an operational flexibility that allowed phased removal even as crowds dispersed. Crucially, this required overnight installation, highlighting the need for efficient scheduling and resource management within tight urban environments.

For projects in London and the Home Counties, where public events often intersect with complex urban infrastructure and heritage considerations, integrating such crowd-management technology is vital. It not only mitigates risks but also supports compliance with local safety regulations. Effective construction management ensures that temporary infrastructure is both robust and adaptable, minimising disruption while maximising safety.

Atico Solutions recognises that the successful delivery of infrastructure for large-scale public events depends on detailed planning, stakeholder collaboration, and flexible operational strategies. By applying these principles, construction managers can help projects navigate the challenges of urban event environments, delivering outcomes that prioritise safety and efficiency.

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 acquisition of Multiplex by Obayashi highlights evolving opportunities in London and wider UK construction markets.

Japanese construction giant Obayashi Corporation has acquired Multiplex, a leading construction company with a strong presence in London and across the UK. This move reflects Obayashi’s ambition to expand its global footprint, particularly within the UK’s office and mixed-use development sectors where Multiplex holds a competitive position.

For construction management professionals operating in London and the Home Counties, this acquisition underscores the increasing importance of international partnerships in delivering complex commercial projects. Multiplex’s expertise in technically demanding developments, including high-rise buildings and data centres, aligns closely with Obayashi’s engineering strengths, offering enhanced capabilities for managing large-scale urban construction challenges.

Practically, this consolidation means that project teams can expect a blending of global best practices with local market knowledge, potentially improving efficiencies and risk management on commercial sites. The continuity of Multiplex’s leadership and operations ensures stability for ongoing projects, while access to Obayashi’s resources may accelerate innovation in construction techniques and sustainability standards.

From Atico Solutions’ perspective, such developments highlight the value of robust construction management frameworks that adapt to evolving corporate structures. Effective coordination and clear communication become even more critical when integrating new stakeholders, ensuring that projects in London, Greater London, and the Home Counties progress smoothly despite organisational changes. This acquisition ultimately points to a more interconnected construction landscape where high-end management expertise will be essential to capitalise on emerging opportunities.

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 crane solutions enable seamless construction within Westminster’s constrained urban site.

The redevelopment of 1 Victoria Street in Westminster presents a notable example of managing complex construction logistics within a tightly constrained urban environment. The project retains substantial parts of the original 1960s office block, aligning with sustainability goals by reducing carbon impact through refurbishment rather than full demolition.

A critical challenge has been the installation and operation of tower cranes on the site’s original foundations. Conventional crane positioning and anchoring methods were not feasible due to the existing structural layout. To address this, Wolffkran utilised a bespoke cross-frame system, allowing each crane leg to be individually adjusted in length and the entire tower to be rotated for precise alignment with available support points. This innovative approach ensured stability without the need for purpose-built foundations.

The cranes have supported a phased construction programme, including partial demolition, core construction with slipforming concrete techniques, and heavy lifting of machinery and materials within a restricted footprint. As the basement slabs are cast around the crane bases, dismantling these cranes will require specialised methods using ceiling hoists and low-level forklifts due to limited headroom and access.

Looking ahead, the crane configuration will transition to the roof for upper-floor construction and façade installation, maintaining operational efficiency through tailored lifting solutions. This project exemplifies how meticulous planning and adaptive crane engineering are essential in central London’s heritage-sensitive and space-limited sites.

From a construction management perspective, this redevelopment highlights the importance of early-stage coordination between structural engineers, crane specialists, and contractors. Effective communication and innovative problem-solving enable projects to progress smoothly despite spatial constraints and complex logistics. For high-end developments across London and the Home Counties, such integrated management ensures that technical challenges are met without compromising timelines or safety standards.

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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A £1 billion regeneration project in Camden integrates heritage, housing, and creative industries in a sustainable urban design.

Camden Council has recently approved Yoo Capital’s ambitious £1 billion Camden Film Quarter, a regeneration scheme that blends heritage conservation with innovative urban development. Situated near Kentish Town underground and Thameslink stations, this project will revitalise a previously inaccessible industrial estate, incorporating 11 new sound stages alongside 485 residential units, half of which are designated affordable housing.

From a construction management perspective, the integration of production facilities, creative workspaces, education institutions, and public parks within a single masterplan presents both opportunities and challenges. The collaboration with specialists in planning, historic environment, landscape architecture, and sustainability underscores the importance of meticulous coordination to preserve the area's heritage while delivering modern infrastructure. Ensuring sensitive treatment of the historic townscape and maintaining community engagement are crucial in meeting regulatory requirements and achieving long-term project viability.

Atico Solutions recognises that projects of this scale and complexity benefit significantly from experienced construction management. Effective planning and communication between multidisciplinary teams help to navigate the intricacies of heritage considerations alongside contemporary construction demands. This approach facilitates smoother approvals, minimises risks, and upholds the quality standards essential for creating a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood that supports both cultural heritage and future growth.

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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Holcim’s new Tilbury facility enhances cement supply resilience and supports low-carbon construction in London and the Home Counties.

Holcim has commenced importing cementitious materials at its Tilbury Cement Works, marking a significant advancement in supply infrastructure for London, Greater London and the Home Counties. Situated at the Port of Tilbury, this facility is designed to meet the high demand for construction materials in the South East, including critical projects such as the Lower Thames Crossing.

From a construction management perspective, the introduction of deep-water marine access combined with automated logistics and large-scale storage at Tilbury reduces reliance on long-distance inland transport. This localisation of high-volume processing capacity improves supply chain resilience and minimises potential delays often caused by transport disruptions, a crucial factor for high-end residential projects where timing and quality are paramount.

The facility’s innovative features, such as the UK’s first 30,000-tonne dome silo and enclosed conveyor systems, enable efficient handling and storage of materials, ensuring consistent availability. The planned commissioning of a vertical roller mill in 2026 will further enhance capabilities by producing low-carbon and circular cement blends, aligning with the increasing demand for sustainable building materials in luxury residential developments across Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

Atico Solutions recognises that well-managed construction logistics and material supply are vital to maintaining project schedules and quality standards, especially in high-end residential construction. Facilities like Tilbury not only support the delivery of premium materials but also facilitate the industry’s transition towards more sustainable building practices. Effective construction management integrates these advancements to ensure projects progress smoothly despite evolving supply chain dynamics.

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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Air source heat pumps demonstrate significant efficiency gains in new builds aligned with Future Homes Standards.

Recent research conducted within a controlled climate chamber has revealed that air source heat pumps (ASHPs) can deliver over four times the heat output per unit of energy compared to traditional gas boilers. This finding is particularly relevant for new residential developments across London, Greater London and the Home Counties, where stringent environmental policies are shaping construction practices.

The study tested a full-scale three-bedroom home under a range of simulated climates, demonstrating that ASHPs maintain high efficiency even in typical winter temperatures around 5ºC, with heating costs as low as £1.19 per day. This efficiency is optimised by maintaining a consistent low-level heat throughout the day, supplemented by increased heating during mornings, evenings or colder spells. Even at temperatures as low as -5ºC, ASHPs remain effective, producing nearly three units of heat per unit of energy consumed.

With the Future Homes Standard set to mandate low-carbon heating solutions such as heat pumps from 2027, this research confirms the practical viability of ASHPs in meeting these regulatory requirements. For construction managers, this signals a clear shift in project planning and specification, emphasising early integration of heat pump systems and fabric-first design to maximise energy performance.

Atico Solutions recognises that meticulous construction management will be essential to navigate these changes smoothly. Coordinating early design decisions, ensuring compliance with evolving standards, and overseeing the installation of ASHPs to their optimum specification will be critical for delivering homes that meet both performance expectations and policy mandates. This approach not only supports sustainability goals but also enhances occupant comfort and long-term operational cost savings.

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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Construction has commenced on a 67-home affordable housing development in Surrey to meet regional demand.

Construction has begun on a new affordable housing scheme in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, comprising 67 homes across a 2.23-acre site. The development includes a variety of one to four-bedroom properties and is part of ongoing efforts to increase affordable housing stock in Surrey and the wider South East region.

The project is a collaboration between Chartway Partnerships Group and Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), a not-for-profit organisation managing over 57,000 homes. MTVH aims to deliver 1,000 new homes annually through partnerships with housebuilders, reflecting a strategic approach to addressing the region’s housing needs.

From a construction management perspective, this development highlights the importance of effective partnership working to navigate the complexities of affordable housing projects. Coordinating multiple stakeholders ensures that social value objectives are met alongside high-quality build standards, which is essential in delivering homes that support thriving communities.

At Atico Solutions, we recognise that strong project governance and collaborative frameworks are critical in progressing schemes like this successfully. Managing timelines, budget controls, and compliance with local planning policies in Surrey requires a detailed and proactive approach to deliver outcomes that align with both client ambitions and community expectations.

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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A family-run business expands its fleet with versatile Kubota machinery to meet increasing project requirements.

The continued investment in advanced Kubota machinery by Park Cliffe Farm Ltd highlights a practical response to the increasing scale and complexity of construction projects in Surrey. The acquisition of the Kubota U145, a 14-tonne mid-weight excavator equipped with a two-piece main boom and Engcon tilt rotator, exemplifies a strategic upgrade to handle larger workloads efficiently.

From a construction management perspective, the versatility offered by such equipment is invaluable. The U145’s configuration, including multiple operating modes and auxiliary circuits, allows for adaptability across diverse site tasks, reducing the need for multiple specialised machines. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in residential and commercial developments across the Home Counties where project scopes can vary significantly.

Moreover, the emphasis on reliable dealer support and machine performance ensures minimal downtime, a critical factor in maintaining project schedules and budgets. The close relationship with P.V. Dobson, a local dealer, underscores the importance of accessible after-sales service in sustaining operational continuity.

Atico Solutions recognises that effective construction management extends beyond planning and execution to encompass equipment selection and maintenance strategy. Integrating versatile, well-supported machinery like the Kubota U145 enables projects in London, Greater London, and the Home Counties to progress smoothly, meeting client expectations while adapting to evolving site demands.

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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New apprenticeship programme offers faster training to support skilled workforce in London and the Home Counties.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has introduced an accelerated apprenticeship scheme designed to tackle the pressing skills shortage in construction trades critical to heritage and listed building projects across London, Greater London, and the Home Counties. The programme condenses traditional training from two to three years into just 14 to 18 months through intensive early-stage instruction, block-release learning, and on-site experience.

This initiative targets regions including Hertfordshire and Kent within the Home Counties, where demand for skilled tradespeople such as bricklayers, carpenters, and roofers is particularly acute. The faster training timeline aims to increase apprenticeship uptake and improve completion rates, ultimately supplying the sector with a more resilient workforce capable of meeting the unique challenges of heritage construction.

From a construction management perspective, this accelerated pathway offers opportunities to mitigate project delays often caused by labour shortages in specialised trades. However, it also requires careful oversight to ensure that the compressed training period does not compromise the high standards of workmanship essential in listed building restoration and conservation.

Effective management must balance the urgency of skills supply with rigorous quality control, supporting apprentices with mentoring and continuous professional development. Atico Solutions recognises that well-structured training combined with experienced supervision is vital to maintain heritage integrity while responding to the evolving demands of the construction sector in London and the Home Counties.

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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