Many people are unaware that a number of construction projects are set to take place this year. The projects will regenerate cityscapes across the UK and improve vital transport systems and infrastructure.
They will have a major impact on our economy and quality of life. While they won’t all be completed in 2025, many of the projects are well underway. As reported by Strong Group, here is a breakdown of the top 10 major projects that are ongoing in the UK.
Lower Thames Crossing
The Lower Thames Crossing will link Tilbury in Essex and Gravesend in Kent. The new tunnel will hopefully relieve traffic on the UK’s busiest motorway.
The £10 billion scheme, which was recently given a £590 million boost from the Government, is set to begin in 2026 and be finished by 2031. Plans for the tunnel were approved in March following 16 years of work.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “This is a turning point for our national infrastructure, and we’re backing it with funding to support thousands of jobs and connect communities.” National Highways added that the 14.5-mile road could reduce traffic on the M25’s Dartford Tunnel by 20%.
Transpennine Route Upgrade
The Transpennine Route Upgrade will make travel between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York more frequent, greener and faster. The project was originally given the green light in 2022 and is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s.
The multi-billion-pound project was given an additional £415 million in funding earlier this year. The upgrade is funded by the Department for Transport and delivered by Network Rail.
James Richardson, managing director for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said: “The government’s continued support for TRU is a clear vote of confidence in the work we are doing, which is an enabler to releasing the economic potential of the North. This funding supports our onward journey to be truly transformational, delivering faster, more reliable rail services that connect people to jobs, education, and leisure opportunities.
“By improving connectivity and increasing capacity, we are not only enhancing journeys for customers but also helping to drive up investment supporting more housing and more jobs and boosting productivity across the region.”
A9 Dualling Project
The A9 Dualling Project, which will cost £3 billion, will span between Inverness and Perth. The massive motorway route is hoped to slash the time it takes to get between the towns.
The project will upgrade 83 miles of road between Perth and Inverness by developing 11 separate sections of existing motorway on the A9. It will save drivers roughly 18 minutes as they travel on the road between Perth and Inverness.
Bankside at Colliers Yard
The project in Colliers Yard, Salford, will be completed this year. The Bankside is a 43-storey residential tower that stands 129 metres tall.
It is set to provide 444 apartments in the area and is part of a wider urban regeneration project.
Viadux
Plans have been confirmed to develop a 76-storey skyscraper in Manchester. The £360 million development will include a five-star Nobu hotel, featuring a swanky restaurant, 160 rooms and 452 luxury branded “residences”.
The skyscraper, located between Deansgate Locks and Manchester Central, will become the tallest UK building outside of London with a height of 246m. Nobu Hospitality CEO Trevor Horwell said: “We are proud to include Manchester in our global collection, with its vibrant culture and growing global status.
“Strong partnerships are essential to our success, and with Salboy, Fred Done, and Simon Ismail, we have the best-in-class partners with a solid reputation and a world-renowned vision.”
Statera Energy’s 680MW Battery Storage
Statera Energy has announced plans for a 680-megawatt battery energy storage facility in the Trafford Low Carbon Energy Park, eight miles southwest of Manchester.
Carrington Storage will be among Europe’s largest battery storage plants. It’s expected to be completed by 2026.
Cambridge Children’s Hospital
Building work is ongoing for the Cambridge Specialist Children’s Hospital, which is expected to open in 2029 and deliver cutting-edge health care.
Modular and Prefabricated Construction Initiatives
A number of modular and prefabricated building techniques are being employed by the construction industry this year. These help to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Components are assembled off-site before being transported for on-site fitting. This reduces construction time and wastage.
Government Construction Plans and Sustainability Initiatives
The government plans to improve structural development and sustainability initiatives this year, hoping to stimulate growth in the construction industry.
The plans focus on sustainable programs as well as building infrastructure.
Overcoming the Construction Industry Workforce Shortage
The building industry has suffered from a shortage of labour over recent years. Work is now being done to resolve the issue in order to maintain the growth of the industry.