The Week That Was - 3 October 2025

Welcome to The Week That Was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

Building Safety Regulator consultation on competence management standards

The Building Safety Regulator’s Industry Competence Committee (ICC) has launched a consultation on its draft guidance, “Setting Expectations for Competence Management”.  This guidance addresses statutory obligations under Part 2A of the Building Regulations 2010 and the Higher-Risk Buildings (Management of Safety Risks etc) (England) Regulations 2023, requiring organisations to establish systems and processes that ensure the competence of all individuals working under their control.  

The draft outlines principles for proportionate application, taking into account organisational size, complexity, and risk profile.  It is relevant to organisations of all sizes involved in development, construction, and property management.  

The consultation closes on 6 November 2025. While there is no confirmed date for publication of the final guidance, stakeholders are expected to refer to the draft in the interim.

Read the full article here.

UK construction sector shows signs of stabilisation amid insolvency concerns, says Gleeds

Gleeds’ Q3 2025 UK Construction Market Report describes the sector as “fragile but stabilising”, with output rising for a second consecutive month in August after new orders fell 8.3% in Q2, driven by downturns in infrastructure, industrial and commercial work.  Insolvencies continue to affect the sector, accounting for 16.3% of company failures, with specialist subcontractors most affected. 

Persistent challenges include inflation, rising labour costs, subdued demand, and unpredictable supply chain production.  Nevertheless, Gleeds identifies opportunities in public housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and office development.  The report calls for faster procurement, improved supply chain resilience, and clearer risk allocation between project partners to support sector recovery.

Read the Construction News here or access the Gleeds Report here.

12 potential new towns across England

On 28 September, the government confirmed it had shortlisted 12 destinations in England as potential locations for new towns, as recommended by the New Towns Taskforce.   The Taskforce's recommendations include building at least 10,000 homes in each town, with a minimum of 40% affordable housing.  The government plans to begin development in at least three new towns during this Parliament (i.e before May 2026).

The government's response to the Taskforce's recommendations suggests that sites at Tempsford (Bedfordshire), Crews Hill (Enfield) and Leeds South Bank look most promising for early development.  The final locations and funding are expected to be confirmed in spring next year. 

Whilst these plans appear promising for the industry, there has been pushback from some environmental charities and residents of the proposed new towns in relation to countryside and greenbelt areas being lost to development. 

For more information see here and here.

A new 31-storey office tower coming to Fenchurch Street

The City of London Corporation has granted planning permission for a 31-storey office tower at 130 Fenchurch Street.  The development will replace an existing tower currently known as Fountain House. 

The new building will feature a stepped “jewel-like” design intended to blend with the surrounding skyline while protecting sightlines to heritage landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.  It will adopt a low-carbon structural frame, a prefabricated facade system, and a restrained material palette aimed at enhancing performance and long-term durability.

Building materials, including recycled aluminium, glass with solar control coatings, and precast concrete elements at podium level, have been selected for recyclability and weather resistance.  

Completion of the new tower is expected in 2030. 

For more information see here. 

Radius launches major social housing tender for West Belfast

Radius Housing Association has launched a tender for the second phase of the Hannahstown development in Belfast, aiming to deliver 140 new social homes - including 73 houses, two wheelchair-accessible bungalows, and 65 apartments - on a greenfield site off Glen Road. 

The £60 million scheme will feature communal spaces for older residents, landscaping, a children’s play area, and other amenity works. The contract is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and run for approximately 36 months, with tender documents expected in late 2025. 

Procurement will follow the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, involving multi-stage tendering, negotiation, and evaluation based on price, social value, and quality. There is potential for a third phase, adding up to 120 further units, subject to successful delivery and agreement on value for money. The deadline for requests to participate is 23 October 2025.

For more information see here.

Fenchurch Street’s medieval tower soars above new skyscraper site

At 50 Fenchurch Street in the City of London, the grade I-listed Tower of All Hallows Staining (c.1320) has been suspended on 45ft stilts to enable Keltbray to carry out piling and excavation works beneath, while the grade II Lambe’s Chapel Crypt (c.1200) will also be restored. 

The site will be transformed by a £400m, 36-storey tower designed by Eric Parry, featuring office and retail space, a public roof garden, winter garden, and a new public area centred around the restored church tower. 

The development will include a replacement underground livery hall, vertical green wall, bespoke ceramic cladding, and more than 40 planted balconies and terraces with over 70 plant species. 

The project team comprises developer Axa IM Alts, contractor Multiplex, development manager Yard Nine, project manager Third London Wall, QS Core Five, and ME consultant Arup. Completion is expected in 2028.

For more information see here.

With thanks to Emily Snow, Bodene Robertson-Wright and Brendan Marrinan.

Disclaimer: The information in this publication is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  We attempt to ensure that the content is current as at the date of publication, but we do not guarantee that it remains up to date.  You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.