Congratulations to Aamar Lovell, an Apprentice Engineer from our Manchester Infrastructure & Environment team who has been shortlisted for the ICE North West Rising Star Award.

We are delighted that Aamar has progressed to the judging stage of these prestigious Awards, which recognise emerging talent making a strong contribution early in their careers.

Through his work with the Civil & Bridge Structures Team, Aamar has supported a range of infrastructure projects, including Manchester City Council’s 2026 General Inspection programme and structural assessment work for DRAX Hydro in Scotland. His involvement has included supporting inspection planning and delivery, undertaking site inspections, contributing to technical assessments, and producing clear reports to support informed asset management and maintenance decisions.

Alongside his technical role, Aamar is actively involved in professional engagement and early careers outreach. He is a member of the ICE North West Rising Star Committee and volunteers at careers and employability events, where he promotes civil engineering apprenticeships and career pathways within the industry.

The winner will be announced at the awards dinner on 7 May 2026 at the Hilton Hotel, Liverpool.

Fingers crossed for Aamar!

The redevelopment of Manchester Metropolitan University’s Cambridge Halls accommodation will go ahead following the finalisation of a groundbreaking partnership between the university and Unite Students.

Situated in the heart of the city’s university quarter, the Cartwright Pickard-designed scheme will deliver 2,302 new student bedrooms, arranged across towers of 30 and 24 storeys. To make way for the new blocks, the existing 1990s-built Cambridge Halls will be demolished.

Each member of Waterman’s team has the opportunity to take paid Volunteering Leave every year. As 2025 draws to a close, we are proud to reflect on the remarkable efforts of colleagues across our business who have dedicated their time and energy to volunteering initiatives across the UK. From supporting mental health to environmental conservation, and from mentoring students to engaging with local communities, their contributions have made a real difference.

In London, our teams supported mental health at The Listening Place, shared their career journeys at St Paul’s Catholic School, cleaned canals and rivers with Moo Canoes and Overbury, and took part in Lambeth Palace Day with our Charity of the Year, CHECT. We also joined beach cleans with Better Bankside and Recorra, volunteered in the gardens at Lucy Brown House, and even contributed to Coral Reef and Turtle Conservation projects.

Meanwhile, colleagues in Glasgow rolled up their sleeves for a conservation volunteering day at Chatelherault Country Park, and down in Redhill, our team participated in the Rochester Bridge Trust selection panel for the Phil Tindal Memorial Medal and led a Scouting Leadership Camp with 150 young people. Across Scotland, we mentored students at the University of the West of Scotland, whilst in Sheffield, we continue to support Food Works by working in a community garden.

In Bristol, our team got involved in community projects at Ashton Keynes Millennium Green, helped care for trees with Avon Needs Trees and tackled bramble bashing at the Bristol Cycling Centre. Elsewhere, in Manchester, we joined a Scout Summer Camp, supported rewilding efforts with Friends of Bridestones, celebrated community spirit at Global Grooves Carnival Day and worked alongside Friends of Outwood on conservation activities.

Furthermore, colleagues in our specialist secondment business, Waterman Aspen, have been busy supporting a whole range of important causes. In 2025, they racked up nearly 500 hours of volunteering in local communities across the UK. From spending time in care homes, to restoring community wildlife areas, and delivering books to schools, they were proud to make a real difference and received plenty of positive feedback for all their efforts.

The transformation of Bury College’s Woodbury Building in Greater Manchester has now completed.

Reimagining the existing building, the new facility provides a stunning cafeteria and professional kitchens, social spaces, and new garden for students, staff, and visitors to enjoy. In addition, the Wilson Mason-designed scheme features a new entrance and enhancements to existing windows to maximise natural light whilst minimising solar gain, reducing energy use and enhancing indoor comfort.