NEWS
Construction is underway on the £40m One Bankmore development on Dublin Road in Belfast, with Heron Bros Ltd appointed as main contractor. Base-build completion is scheduled for June 2027 with Kainos set to move in that summer and its subsidiary, Bankmore Investments, having already introduced the property to the commercial real estate market to seek further tenants. It is the first new-build Grade A office building in Belfast since 2023 and expected to be the first in Northern Ireland to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, with, air-source heat pumps, heat-recovery ventilation and low-energy LED lighting. Floorplates are optimised for natural light and views, with operations enabled for net zero. The 12-storey scheme features 11 office floors totalling around 75,000sqft, together with cafe and restaurant space. Kainos will be the lead occupier, taking four upper floors as its new global headquarters, with the remaining space available to other organisations. Smart systems, including touchless smartphone access, a tenant engagement app, smart lift optimisation and real-time energy/ waste monitoring will create a frictionless, intuitive experience day to day. www.onebankmore.com HERON BROS COMMENCES CONSTRUCTION ON BELFAST’S ONE BANKMORE
L-R: Ed Byrne, host, Marcus Harvey, and David Grace, K Rend (sponsor).
JP CORRY EMPLOYEE NAMED UK-WIDE APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR 2025
Marcus Harvey has been named Trainee/Apprentice of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Builders’ Merchants Awards in London on November 28. Marcus joined JP Corry in May 2022 at just 17 years old through the JobStart programme, a 26-week placement that marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Shy and reserved when he first arrived at the Trade Centre, Marcus quickly distinguished himself through his curiosity, willingness to learn and determined work ethic. Since October 2024, he has successfully completed a wide range of training and development programmes including JobStart learning modules (completed
ahead of schedule), forklift truck licensing, fire marshal training and extensive cross-departmental experience spanning the yard, counter service, telesales and security. Marcus was selected for a full-time telesales position ahead of more experienced colleagues. He has already been shortlisted for other industry accolades, including the Rising Star award
at the 2024 Octabuild Awards. Scott McDonald, Branch Director,
said, “Marcus is an exceptional young man, whose hard work, attitude and commitment have made a lasting impact on our business.” www.jpcorry.co.uk
BELFAST AND DUBLIN CONSTRUCTION LAW FIRMS COMBINE FORCES
Three of Ireland’s top construction lawyers have united with the aim of becoming one of Ireland’s leading construction law firms. Jamie Ritchie and Stefan Berry have joined ranks with Kenny Caldwell, who established Caldwell Solicitors in 2017, to create Caldwell Ritchie Berry - a specialist law practice with market-leading expertise in construction and procurement law across the UK and Ireland.
L-R: Kenny Caldwell, Jamie Ritchie and Stefan Berry, directors.
The firm will operate from Belfast with an office in Dublin and will service clients locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Caldwell Ritchie Berry will be a specialist law firm focused on construction and infrastructure with the capability to deliver across multiple jurisdictions, said Kenny. Jamie, formerly with LK Shields and Byrne Wallace Shields in Dublin, said the growing number of adjudications in the Republic of Ireland – due in part to tighter margins - will be a key area of focus for the new firm. Stefan, who joined Kenny Caldwell in 2019, said the expanded firm will actively target growth in both the Republic of Ireland and the UK and is planning to grow its headcount. www.caldwellritchieberry.com
CGI impresson of One Bankmore.
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