The Architecture and Construction News Roundup

151,020

The number of new housebuilding projects started in the UK in 2019, according to data published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This represents a 10% decrease from the previous year, indicating construction was already declining prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

20%

The rate of increase in enquiries about extensions in the UK in the first week following the UK government’s announcement that all non-essential workers should work from home, according to modular housebuilder Built & Spaces. The company reports that many of the inquiries come from parents facing months of home schooling.

4,000

The number of beds that will eventually be in NHS Nightingale, the coronavirus field hospital built in the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in London, the UK. Developed by BDP, the scheme saw 500 beds come online at the 115,000m² centre within the first nine days of work.

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84%

The percentage of UK building firms still waiting to hear back about their applications to the government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, according to the Federation of Master Builders. 10% of those who have applied for a loan have already been rejected.