Work to provide access into Doncaster’s Waterfront development and help redevelop this prime town centre location is back on track and set to start on Tuesday 2 April 2013.

The initial phase of works will see improvements made to the Holmes Market roundabout which will be followed by the construction of the proposed internal spine road into the 15 hectare site.

A joint venture between two north-east construction companies has resulted in a range of cost-effective, quick to construct, eco-friendly permanent school buildings that taking the education world by storm.

Gateshead-based Koru Property Services and Clearspace Buildings formed a strategic partnership earlier this year, bringing together the innovative designs of Clearspace Buildings and the in-house production and construction facilities of Koru.

Skanska expands its highways operations and maintenance business with a major acquisition from Atkins

Today, Skanska UK announces it has signed an agreement to purchase a highways operations and maintenance business from Atkins for £18 million, of which £2 million is to be deferred and paid subject to future performance.

The business comprises eight live contracts with six local authorities and the Highways Agency to deliver operations and maintenance for the road and motorway network.

The purchase is in line with Skanska's strategy to position itself as a significant player in the UK highways operations and maintenance market, building on the Asset Support Contract Area 2. 

The business Skanska will acquire reported revenue of £80.0 million and an operating profit of £1.3 million in the six months to 30 September 2012. It has a workforce of 1,200 people.

Commenting on the acquisition, Skanska UK’s President and CEO, Mike Putnam, said: “We look forward to welcoming this skilled and experienced team into the Skanska family. This represents a significant, strategic development for our UK business. It demonstrates our strength and confidence in the UK market, on the back of four years of robust performance by our UK operations.” 

Executive Vice President Bill Hocking said: “Our new clients are set to benefit from Skanska’s global highways maintenance experience, as well as our commitment to responsible project delivery with minimal impact on the environment. We look forward to working with our clients to safely achieve their goals and efficiency aspirations. This acquisition positions us well for further growth in this market.” 

Skanska assumes ownership on 1 June 2013.

Homes by Skanska, the residential property arm of Swedish construction company Skanska, has received planning permission on its first Cheltenham residential development.

The planning application was approved as part of Cheltenham Borough Council’s redevelopment of North Place car park, on the northern edge of the city centre.

‘Trinity Square’ will offer 143 properties, comprising a mix of four-bedroom townhouses, as well as a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments all with underground parking.