Tag: construction

Prioritising sustainability and preserving history at Shugborough 

Shugborough Estate, a historic National Trust property in Staffordshire, is undergoing a major development programme to cultivate and promote the site’s natural landscape and highlight its unique past. 

On track for transformation 

As part of the 57-week project, which kicked off in November 2024, we were instructed to deliver a series of reorientation works which would transform the site’s accessibility. This includes an additional car park, bridge, woodland paths, visitor centre and facilities.  

We are also adding a new entrance and access road from the A513, a new exit road which includes a new bridge over the existing Sher Brook, and new pathways across the site. The works will improve access to the site, allowing visitors to easily enter and leave the historic estate through the woodland areas. 

Our construction works are prioritising eco-friendly practices and sustainability, echoing the National Trust’s shared values, of driving sustainability and supporting local communities. For example, we’re using straw bales, UK-felled timber, lime, clay and other porous materials for buildings and tapping into solar energy with panels and lighting bollards to enable safe navigation for visitors during all hours of the day.  

To maintain the integrity of Shugborough’s local flora, all plants are quarantined before being brought to site. By adopting a nature-first approach, we’re preserving the site’s woodlands and gardens for a future generation of visitors. 

We have decades of experience combining excellence and practicality and are working closely with the National Trust team to create visually appealing spaces that can be enjoyed by the local community and visitors. In order to incorporate Staffordshire’s rich nature into the design, we will be building the new visitor centre around an ancient oak tree. 

The right touch to improve accessibility  

Improving access is a crucial part of this project and one of the estate’s key commitments, which makes this an exceptionally rewarding project for our specialist in-house team. From design to implementation, our expert team are experienced in providing the right touch to create accessible, dynamic spaces that meet a variety of needs.  

Through collaborating with the National Trust team, our aim is to create a space that will serve a wide range of needs for visitors, the local community, and nature for years to come. 

Find out more about how we transform sites when delivering civil engineering projects across the country. 

2025 marks a pivotal year for construction to advance towards net zero goals, increase innovation, and boost efficiency. However, to step towards a more streamlined, and resilient future, key strategies including keeping sustainability at the forefront of the industry, implementing new technologies and project management tools and upskilling the workforce, must be prioritised. 

Breaking new boundaries in 2025 will depend on the industry keeping sustainable policies and practices at the top of the agenda. To achieve progress, firms need to implement the core principles of the circular economy: reusing, recycling, or repurposing materials and components. Embracing this approach will minimise the need for new resources, reduce landfill waste, conserve resources and cut costs. 

Increased innovation is also essential to see growth in 2025. According to recent research of over 1,000 technology decision makers in construction, 87 per cent of firms invest in new technologies to address their key business challenges. However, new technologies present a concern for the industry due to the range of different systems and file formats working together to output information.  

Since it’s becoming difficult to understand and absorb data in a way that is tangible and useful, a Common Data Environment (CDE), a centralised system for managing all project documentation and data, should be utilised as a viable solution to improve productivity and profitability. A CDE will make it easier for supply chain participants to access information, lower the cost of storing and retrieving documents, and ensure accurate decision-making. 

Firms should also focus on upskilling their workforce in 2025. To bridge the skills gap and guarantee the construction industry’s sustained prosperity, it is critical to promote construction careers to the younger generations and invest in training such as apprenticeships, both on site and in office roles. 

During times of rapid change, including implementing new automated solutions, adjusting to new regulations, and developing green construction, construction businesses need to take a more proactive approach to upskilling trades and attracting fresh talent in 2025. 

The momentum from 2024, bolstered by infrastructure investment and government commitments, sets a promising foundation. To sustain it and reach new limits, the industry’s focus must lie on sustainability, adopting advanced technologies and circular economy practices and developing a skilled workforce. 

Click to find out more about our civil and construction work.