Robertson appointed to £208m extra care housing framework. Karbon Homes has appointed Robertson Construction Group to a new £208m multi-supplier construction framework, supporting the delivery of much-needed extra care and supported housing developments across the North East and Yorkshire. Robertson, alongside two other contractors, has secured a place on the framework agreement for Principal Contractor services, which will support the development of specialist extra care housing schemes, including facilities ranging from 80 to 150 apartments, alongside associated residential and housing projects. Extra care housing combines independent living with access to tailored care and support services, helping residents maintain their independence while benefiting from a safe and supportive environment. Robertson is currently delivering two new projects in South Tyneside for Karbon Homes and South Tyneside Council, a 95-apartment scheme in Hebburn and a 124-apartment scheme in South Shields. Both are progressing well and will provide modern, energy-efficient homes designed around the needs of older people and those requiring additional care and support. Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: "Securing a place on the new framework further strengthens its relationship with Karbon Homes. Robertson Group is currently the delivery partner of choice for them on two state-of-the-art extra care schemes, adding to its extensive experience in the sector across England. "Our commitment to community wealth building means we are supporting the local economy and helping local people into work and training while delivering a final product that supports independent living. We look forward to continuing to work with Karbon Homes to provide quality schemes with people and communities at their heart." Sarah Robson, Executive Director of Development and Asset Management, Karbon Homes, said: "The establishment of the framework and appointment of Robertson, Esh and Caddick is an important step in supporting its plans to deliver more extra care housing across the North East and Yorkshire. "Demand for specialist housing continues to grow and we are committed to investing in affordable, high-quality homes that help people live independently for longer. We have appointed trusted partners who share our commitment to quality, value and meeting the needs of our communities, enabling us to accelerate delivery of these important developments." Developments delivered through the framework will contribute to a pipeline of future projects, increasing the supply of in-demand specialist accommodation across the region. Framework contracts are due to start soon and will be for an initial five-year period to September 2031, with the option to extend for up to a further two years. Artist impression of Griffin Court, Extra Care development in Hebburn

Controversial Stockyard transformation to get underway this October. Construction work on the new Stockyard project will begin in October, it has been announced. Work was originally scheduled to start in 2025 but was delayed with events on site being blamed for the delay including the NBA Beef Expo which was described as a major achievement for the town. The last update said work would begin in July 2026. Today (Friday) it's been confirmed that Robertson Construction - Yorkshire and East Midlands has been appointed by Melton Borough Council (MBC) to deliver the works, with the initial phase focusing on improvements to the Trader Hall and associated facilities. Melton Borough Council say they have worked closely with market operator Gillstream Markets Ltd (GML) and contractors Robertson to develop arrangements that allow trading and events to continue throughout the construction programme. Together, the partners have focused on minimising disruption and ensuring that businesses can continue operating while improvement works are delivered. Markets will remain on site, with traders temporarily relocating to the Exhibition Hall and Banqueting Suite while works take place. Visitors can continue to to shop, attend events and support local businesses during the transformation. The majority of events and activities will also continue to take place using similar arrangements where possible, helping to maintain Stockyard's role as a destination for markets, food, drink and community activity throughout the works. The main exception is the Sunday Car Boot and market, which was discontinued recently as it could not be accommodated within the revised site arrangements. Melton Borough Council say the public are encouraged to continue visiting Stockyard throughout the works. In a statement they said: "Regular market days will continue, events will still take place, and the site will remain a hub for local food, drink and community activity. Whether you're a regular visitor or planning your first trip, Stockyard remains open and ready to welcome you." The first phase of construction will include improvements to the Trader Hall providing upgraded infrastructure for traders, visitors and event organisers. Delivered by Robertson Construction - Yorkshire and East Midlands, these works represent the first visible stage of the wider Stockyard transformation programme, with construction activity expected to continue on site through to March 2028. The phased approach has been developed collaboratively by MBC, GML and Robertson to minimise disruption wherever possible. The partnership has been working closely with traders and event organisers to plan temporary arrangements that maintain activity on site while the long-term improvements are delivered. By delivering improvements to the Trader Hall at an early stage, traders will benefit from an enhanced trading environment while the wider redevelopment progresses across the site. Cllr Ronan Browne, Leader of Melton Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Growth, Communities and Place, said: "The start of construction marks an important milestone for Stockyard and a major step forward in delivering its vision for the site. While people will soon start to see works taking place on the ground, one of its key priorities has been ensuring that traders, markets and events can continue to operate throughout the redevelopment programme. The temporary arrangements that have been put in place will allow Stockyard to remain open for business while these improvements are delivered. Working alongside Robertson Group and Gillstream Markets Ltd, NEMM is taking a phased approach that supports the businesses already based here while creating a more modern and sustainable future for the site. The improvements to the Trader Hall are the first visible stage of a wider transformation that will celebrate its livestock market heritage, support local businesses and strengthen Melton Mowbray's reputation as the Rural Capital of Food." Hugh Brown, CEO of Gillstream Markets Ltd, added: "We are delighted that the Stockyard development project is now moving from plans to reality and that our existing traders will be the first to benefit. We thank our traders and customers for their patience and in advance for working with us and the project team to keep the market open during the works." Stockyard Melton Mowbray(TM) forms part of a joint programme of works being delivered by Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council, using £22.95m of UK Government Levelling Up Funding awarded in 2022. The programme is designed to put innovation into action across the two rural areas, strengthening the local economy and improving connectivity between Melton Mowbray and Oakham. It focuses on food, digital, health, mobility and tourism innovation, delivered through four linked projects across the two towns.

GBSS helps unlock canal skills. 2 hours Falkirk civil engineers GBSS will support Robertson Construction in the delivery of Lock 16, Scotland's Centre of Excellence for Canals and Traditional Skills, being developed by Scottish Canals and Historic Environment Scotland. Lock 16, on the banks of the Forth & Clyde Canal, will transform the former AG Barr factory site into a national hub for heritage skills, canal innovation, volunteering, training and employment opportunities. Supported by Scottish Government Investment of £4 million from the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and Pride in Place Impact Fund, the project will help address the growing need for specialist traditional skills while safeguarding Scotland's historic waterways and built heritage for future generations. As part of GBSS's first partnership with Robertson Construction, the firm will support the delivery of infrastructure and civil engineering works as the project progresses, including all groundworks such as excavations, roads, hardstanding, drainage, various concrete works like new slabs, foundations along with all external finishes. The company's involvement will contribute to a landmark regeneration project that is set to create lasting social, economic and environmental benefits for Falkirk and the surrounding area. Once complete, the Lock 16 Centre of Excellence will provide specialist training in traditional trades, including stonemasonry and blacksmithing, while creating opportunities for apprenticeships, volunteering and employment. Delivered in partnership by Scottish Canals and Historic Environment Scotland, the centre will help develop the specialist skills needed to care for Scotland's canals, bridges, aqueducts, castles and other historic assets for generations to come. Construction of the new centre is now underway and is expected to continue into 2027. Once complete, Lock 16 Centre of Excellence will provide a permanent base for Scottish Canals' operational teams while creating a national destination dedicated to canal management, heritage conservation, traditional skills training, volunteering and innovation.