Welcome to the Friday Feed, our rundown of this week’s construction news
🚉 Rail
In rail news, it has been revealed that HS2 is dominating total rail spend in the country. Between April 2024 and March 2025 69% of all investment in rail infrastructure enhancements were spent on HS2. Funding has been approved for the £140M redevelopment of Cardiff Central. Wales’ busiest train station is aiming to increase capacity and improve accessibility, with the majority of the work is taking place between 2026 and 2029. Mott Macdonald have been appointed to lead the transformative intercity rail scheme in Ireland. The programme – known as Connect – is set to last for 25 to 30 years and will have a total value of approximately £32.5Bn.
🛫 Ports and Aviation:
Associated British Ports have revealed a further £42M of investment in its operations in South Wales – part of a wider £137M capital programme. The investment will be used to deliver upgrades to Cardiff and Swansea while also developing a new deep‑water berth at Middle Quay in the Port of Newport.
⚡Energy
Ofgem has approved the ÂŁ28Bn funding plan to strengthen the electricity transmission network as well as maintaining gas networks. The five year plan is going to reduce the reliance on imported gas as well as making electricity less expensive. However, the funding will be paid for by increasing household energy bills by ÂŁ108 on average by 2031.
đźš— Roads
Gloucestershire County Council has commenced procurement for a new four year highways framework worth up to ÂŁ60M, which will streamline major projects across the county from 2026. The government has pledged a record ÂŁ7.3Bn in funding for local roads in the next four years. This is focused on current road maintenance, and will be allocated regionally. Bromley council have announced a ÂŁ71M tender to re-procure its highways and street lighting maintenance contracts. Once awarded, the contracts are going to last for six years until 2032.
🏠Property and development
Plans for a new “super-hospital” in Scotland has been submitted to ministers. The business case estimates a £700M cost to construct the University Hospital Monklands. Laing O’Rourke are leading on the project in part due to their positive track record of delivering 18 major hospitals since 2010. Lewisham Council have been permitted to regenerate the Achilles Street estate in New Cross. The project will cost £125M and will see the development of 278 homes. Leatherhead town centre has a new £350M revamp plan. If approved, the Kier Property and Mole Valley District Council joint venture will see the development of 480 homes, as well as office and leisure facilities to support the new residents and bring businesses to the area.
đź’§Water
Regulators have recommended that the Abingdon reservoir also known as SESRO should progress to the next stage of development. However, there are concerns about the value of the project compared to the ÂŁ7Bn cost. Anglian water are seeking a partner on a Major Infrastructure Delivery Framework worth ÂŁ1.5Bn. The investment is focused on fighting the challenges presented by climate change adaptations and anticipated population growth.
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