Building Weekly Digest - 1 March 2024

The final decision on the Oxford Street M&S demolition and fallout from the CMA's investigation into the housebuilding market have been the standout stories of the week, and we've gone into them. But they are not the only thing that's made headlines. We have also delved into the ramifications of the change of leadership at Sir Robert McAlpine and celebrated the launch of our fifth annual Digital Building Week. Explore this and more below.

What does the High Court’s ruling mean for M&S’s Oxford Street plans?

Today the High Court overruled Michael Gove's decision to reject M&S' proposals to demolish its flagship store and replace it with a much larger retail and office building. What had been seen as a watershed moment for sustainability has been reversed, to the dismay of campaigners. But what does it mean for the scheme in question? M&S will have to wait before swinging the wrecking ball - Gove will first need to redetermine the plans and could refuse planning permission for a second time. But the High Court's ruling, which has been highly embarrassing for the government, can be expected to carry some weight. Read Tom Lowe 's analysis here .

CMA could fine housebuilders a combined ￡2.5bn

This week it was revealed that eight UK housebuilders being investigated over alleged “anti-competitive behaviour” could pay a combined maximum penalty of ￡2.5bn if they are found guilty . The Competition and Markets Authority announced on Monday it was opening a probe into?alleged breaches of competition law ?by Barratt, Bellway, Berkeley, Bloor Homes, Persimmon, Redrow, Taylor Wimpey and Vistry. In this piece, Matilda Battersby unpacks the key points from the UK competition regulator’s report into the housebuilding market .

McAlpine’s new boss wins plaudits as industry prepares for firm to reset

The dust has barely settled on the news that former Lendlease boss Neil Martin has taken the reigns at Sir Robert McAlpine but this week David Rogers explored what the industry thinks of Martin’s appointment. He took a look at what the move means for one of construction's most respected names and explored exactly what Martin needs to do to propel McAlpine forward.

Has MMC gone from an industry salvation to a pseudo solution?

Once touted as?the answer to all our productivity woes,?modern methods of construction (MMC) increasingly looks like it may have been just another wacky idea with little chance of success in these uncertain times. Or at least those are the thoughts of Gleeds global chair Richard Steer FRICS, Hon FRIBA, FCIOB, FAPM . He argues that without some transformative action from the government, MMC looks like it may have been just another pseudo solution from disinterested and ill-informed ministers .

Building safety case reports explained

The requirement for principal accountable persons to prepare safety case reports under the Building Safety Act has now come into force. So that raises the question, how can this best be done ? In this piece, Gemma Whittaker and Danielle Klepping of Gowling WLG explain how now is the time for principle accountable persons to consider, or perhaps reconsider, how technology can support them with assessing and managing building safety in a compliant manner.

We have hit a landmark this week, with the fifth iteration of Digital Building Week officially launching.

This year we are set to cover a host of hot topics, including AI, the role of technological advancements on issues such as net zero and building safety, as well as what is next for platform approaches and DfMA. Explore the full agenda and register for free here.

Meanwhile, registrations are still open for our CPD-certified Risk & Regulations and Housing Today Live events.

Meanwhile, for any of our readers working in the architecture space keep your eyes peeled for a big announcement next week.

Changing priorities in London office market are driving up costs

In the post-covid world there is now denying the needs of those renting out commercial space in the centre of London are looking for. Occupiers now want better, more flexible and sustainable facilities but inevitably this comes at a price, according to Jayson Crosley , director at Turner & Townsend alinea . Read the explanation here .

From the newsdesk

Each week we give a round up of some of the other headlines that have grabbed attention this week. Check them out below:

• Standardised design for New Hospital Programme to be published in May
• Sellar's construction director departs
• Profit at Bouygues’ construction arm ticks up
• Bids back within days for first phase of Tata’s ￡4bn Somerset battery factory
• Mace and Arcadis consortium wins PM role on $16bn New York tunnel job

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend