2025 is nearly at an end and as always, we’re taking some time to stop and reflect on the year. It’s safe to say it’s been a year of change, an evolution, not just for renaissance but for the industry as a whole. As you can probably guess, the Building Safety Act has signalled a huge shift in the regulatory landscape that has sent reverberations through the industry.
At a practice level we’ve continued to ratchet up the pace of our project delivery, whilst strengthening our client relationships to keep momentum going. The variety of work across our portfolio, both on site and in design, reflects a practice that’s diverse, resilient and forward-looking.
In this short article, we’re getting down on paper all of the above and more, reflecting on the successes and challenges of 2025 all with one eye on what 2026 has to bring.
Progress across major projects
Landmark schemes moving into delivery
Viadux 2 has naturally attracted attention this year. It’s a project of huge ambition and visibility, but it represents only one element of our wider programme of work. As we outlined in our recent case study, the project is a fantastic example of pushing the boundaries on what’s possible with complex, high profile schemes.
Another project that sits in the same headliner category as Viadux 2 is St Michael’s. IN development for a number of years no, construction is well underway with the outline of the end product advancing further each day.
Alongside these 2, we’ve had plenty of other projects reach important milestones. Five separate schemes have now progressed through the Gateway 2 process, which has become an increasingly influential and constructive stage for both clients and design teams. The consistency and clarity the act brings have supported better coordination and strengthened design outcomes long before these projects reach site.
Strong activity on site
There’s been no shortage of physical progress either. This year we’ve seen:
- The Acoustic Studio building move successfully into construction
- Upper Trinity Street in Birmingham begin on site
- Star Academy progress through early delivery
- Christie Road move into its main construction phase.
These projects cover a wide range of sectors, scales and design challenges and while they may not generate the same headlines as the largest schemes, they show the reliability of our delivery and the breadth of our technical approach. For us, engineering excellence and considered design are just as important on a teaching block or community asset as it is on a high profile sky scraper.
An exciting expansion into Scotland
We also announced this year that we’d expanded our operations across the border into Scotland. Since its inception, the Glasgow office has grown with remarkable speed. In a short space of time it’s established a clear identity, expanded its technical offer and built meaningful local relationships.
2026 is going to be an exciting period for renaissance in Scotland as we look to start bringing some of the learning points from our work in Manchester and apply them (with consideration for the Scottish system) in Glasgow and beyond.
We successfully achieved our SER Body approval earlier this year and have already completed several SER certificates also helping project teams without SER approval capability by certifying their works and streamlining what the certifier needs.
We have had a variety of new project wins since we launched in April, working in a variety of sectors, locations and with some of the best Architects in Scotland. We are working on both new build and existing building projects which we are excited to be able to talk more about in 2026.
Stockport and Greater Manchester transport projects
Continuing success in Stockport
Stockport 8 is massive and continues to be a driving force in the town’s evolution. Our work on Stockport Interchange, although completed last year, has turned heads and brought recognition. The Concrete Society Award was a highlight, not simply for the accolade, but for what it signifies about the quality of collaboration across the project team.
The work at Stopford Park, previously Royal George Village, is another huge part of Stockport’s forward progress in 2025 and a scheme that we’ve had to bring multiple considered designs to. The project brings together four distinct building typologies across one site, offering a unique mix of engineering challenges. The scheme includes small scale new build, adaptive reuse, a larger residential building and transitional urban blocks that respond directly to their context.
With piling for the major new building expected to begin in February, subject to final BSA approval, the project will be a key focus in early 2026. The breadth of work on this single site captures much of what the practice does best. It combines detailed engineering, heritage sensitivity, contemporary design principles and long term collaboration.
Next steps with Bury Interchange
Bury Interchange will begin on site in the middle of 2026 and like Stockport Interchange, is another important piece of Greater Manchester’s transport ambition. It supports the wider GMCA commitment to improved public transport environments and healthier travel networks. Coming off the back of Stockport, it represents a continuation of the region’s investment in sustainable transport infrastructure and the engineering opportunities that follow.
Expanding expertise in heritage and reuse
Heritage and adaptive reuse are a huge part of our work going on the North West. This includes projects ranging from Grade I listed buildings through to unlisted structures that hold local significance. This variety shows the hunger for unlocking the environmental and social value of existing buildings.
This year also marked the addition of a second CARE accredited engineer within the practice. The combined expertise of two CARE accredited specialists strengthens our heritage capability and demonstrates our long term commitment to conservation engineering. As always, it’s a core part of our offer.
Shifts in the regulatory landscape
The growing influence of the Building Safety Act
As every other business operating in the built environment can attest, the BSA has been a massive seismic shift in the way we design and build structures, particularly high risk ones.
The initial shockwave of the incredibly vital act has matured over the past year into a more structured, predictable and ultimately constructive framework. Gateway 2 has been particularly influential, creating earlier intervention points that align well with disciplined engineering practice.
The practical benefits of the Act are becoming clearer across the projects we are delivering. Clients are more aware of their responsibilities. Design decisions are being recorded with greater clarity. Information is being managed with more rigour. While the transition has demanded adjustment, the sector is moving in a healthier direction and we’re well positioned to support clients through it.
Strengthening relationships and collaborations
One of the clearest themes this year has been the continued strengthening of our client and collaborator relationships. Many of these partnerships are long standing and have grown further through repeat work, shared challenges and continued trust. At the same time, we’ve been introduced to several new clients who have already become important parts of our pipeline.
What these relationships share is an appreciation for lean, efficient and sustainable design. We’ve seen a noticeable rise in clients seeking a more performance led approach, with early engineering involvement shaping cost, carbon and buildability outcomes. This has played directly into our strengths and is reflected in the projects we’ve taken on this year.
Our new home in Manchester
2025 saw us take up residence in our new home. We’re all settled into the studio and it’s become a natural meeting point for clients, partners and collaborators. We loved seeing you all at our office warming earlier in the year we’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors in 2026.
Team achievements and professional development
People remain the most important part of the practice and this year has seen great progression across the team. Several colleagues have either achieved chartership or moved closer to it. We want our people to feel supported in their personal development and we celebrate their successes with them. Their individual accomplishments also strengthen the practice and we always look to create a supportive environment for them to pursue that development.
Looking ahead to 2026
With lots of great work ahead for 2026, one thing that won’t change is our approach. We’ll continue to work with curiosity, technical ambition and deliver the considered engineering designs we’re known for.
Thanks to everyone who’s contributed to our work throughout 2025. We’ve loved working with you all and we can’t wait to build on these successes in the new year.
