As Wallace Whittle hits 60 years, another milestone unfolds in the North West of England. Within the journey of our company, the Warrington Office marks a decade of unwavering dedication & impactful projects.

With over 10 years’ worth of projects, designs and dedication, our Warrington office has created an impression and continues to contribute to the ongoing presence of Wallace Whittle within the North West of England. To mark this occasion, we sat down with Paul Dean, Location Director of our Warrington & Manchester Offices, to reflect on the decade journey that has shaped not only the office in Warrington but the landscape of engineering within the region.

To truly understand Warrington’s 10-year journey of success, we spoke directly with Paul Dean, the driving force behind the office’s growth. Paul’s path into engineering goes beyond professional milestones—it’s a story shaped by early influences from family and education that laid the groundwork for his career. Reflecting on those formative years, Paul shared:

“I wasn’t particularly keen on school, and at 16, I left and started an apprenticeship as an electrician, whilst attending college on a day release basis. College was different – I enjoyed it and that’s where things really started to take off. In total, I spent 12 years in education, from leaving school to graduating with my part-time Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Central Lancashire at 28. 

I became an engineer for several reasons, but the initial interest came from the influence of my family. My father was an engineer, so it was just natural for me to be drawn to it.”

Since the age of 28, Paul has built a strong reputation as an accomplished electrical engineer, working across diverse sectors throughout the UK and abroad. His career has included roles with respected firms like Haden, ARUP, Hoare Lea, and AMEC. In 2012, drawn by the potential for career growth and the chance to open a new office, Paul made a significant move by joining Wallace Whittle as Location Director.

“I had the opportunity to build a new location, which was special. It was the chance to open an office and recruit a team from scratch. Allowing us to identify ourselves within the industry and the northwest of England.”

The Warrington Office was established in 2014 and has since experienced significant growth in staff and space, all whilst showcasing a distinguished project portfolio. Expanding to over 22 team members who work across various sectors—including Healthcare, Industrial, Residential, PBSAs, Life Sciences, Data Centres, Leisure & Hotel, and Commercial—has been no small feat. Warrington has not only built a strong workforce but also successfully retained motivated staff while training and developing new talent.

“It’s been a monumental achievement maintaining a reputation of ‘quality of product’ and ‘quality of service’, and all the details that lead up to those accomplishments have been key milestones in themselves, to me and the entire team here. Also, the fact that there has been such a growth in staff that we have trained, educated, and promoted internally. We value our team and their development; whether it is existing staff through the Wallace Whittle Academy or taking on apprentices and supporting them with their future education and journey through funded college or university.”

Leadership

The Warrington office’s success can be attributed to many factors, both internal and external, but Paul’s leadership has played a significant part. Characterised by a hands-on and supportive approach, his leadership has been the driving force behind a decade of continuous staff engagement and motivation. Through large-scale projects, technological advancements, and the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, his leadership has proven instrumental.

Rooted in technical knowledge, Paul’s leadership style shapes and underpins the work he oversees, ensuring he can be client-focused while the office runs smoothly.

“My management skills have developed over the years. I’ve found myself being much more strategic. The development and progression of the staff in the office allows me to concentrate a lot more on the wider business, the development of staff and business development. I still like to remain hands-on though. I know about all our projects via weekly meetings with the management team, and I maintain direct contact and dialogue with all our clients.”

While Paul’s leadership style has evolved over the past decade, the entire industry has undergone significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As new technologies and regulations emerge, adaptability has become essential. The Warrington Team embraces these changes as opportunities for growth. Through ongoing training and regular CPD sessions, they ensure their work remains industry leading.

“From CAD to BIM, most of our engineers are all conversant and draw straight to screen in Revit, prior to the work undergoing its QA check by the senior BIM team. We now have six or seven dedicated technicians in the office, who are fully conversant with Revit and BIM and collaborate across the whole design team, which just goes to show the nature of how we continue to push the boundaries of traditional engineering into a more technologically advanced system.”

Collaboration and Staff

With Paul shedding light on the importance of collaboration within the office, we briefly discussed how the collaborative culture is not only promoted but cultivated. With Warrington being a tight-knit team, there are many opportunities for social gatherings and frequent correspondence regarding projects and important topics.

Weekly meetings with the management team serve as a platform not only for discussing projects and internal communications but also for reinforcing the sense of unity within the office.  As the WO utilises hybrid working, like much of the industry, this allows for staff flexibility. The office in Warrington has managed to reap the benefits of hybrid working by creating opportunities for team bonding beyond work tasks. Whether it’s through charity fundraisers or office-wide social events, this means the BIM, Sustainability, Mechanical, and Electrical teams can come together and not only deliver strong teamwork on projects but also cultivate a strong team bond. When asked, Paul explained

“I always think it’s the little things that matter. Don’t get me wrong, we do the big social nights out, but we also do personal things as an office. As examples, we head up to Manchester or Liverpool for social nights, or we will have a themed day in the office and charity events such as the Macmillan cake & coffee mornings. It’s the little things that help with team morale.”

Challenges

Aside from the moments shared over coffee and the camaraderie, the team at Warrington has confronted challenges that resonate far beyond the walls of their office. These challenges are shared across the industry, centered around a common struggle – recruitment.

“The challenges have been the same as for most of the industry at present – recruitment and the lack of candidates within the industry brings its challenges, however, we have successfully overcome this by collaborating with the wider company, which allows us to maintain the numbers throughout projects.

The Degree Apprenticeship Schemes and how Wallace Whittle supports graduates and industry placements, is where we shine and overcome potential issues arising from a reduced number of candidates.”

Impact via Projects

As Wallace Whittle and the entire industry try to navigate the challenges associated with recruitment, it’s crucial to consider the importance of our project portfolio and the role it plays in not only shaping the industry but retaining and attracting top-tier talent. Warrington has worked on various projects, with repeat customers, from differing sectors over the past 10 years.

“Our major projects and the variety of sectors showcase our staff’s experience versatility and technical expertise across the Built Environment. From the expansive Boddingtons residential development, which includes the creation of over 500 new units, to our work in healthcare & Life Sciences with The Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Kadans Manchester projects, respectively. Projects involving major new build and refurbishment facilities.”

Warrington exemplifies versatility and innovation, with projects spanning from Data Centres and state-of-the-art commercial spaces to the transformation of The Store Oxford, a historic 18th-century building, into a luxurious 4-star boutique hotel featuring 101 guestrooms, a restaurant, bar, spa/gym, and rooftop bar.

You can learn more about Warrington’s Project Portfolio here – Highlighting: Warrington Projects – Wallace Whittle

As we reflect on a decade marked by triumphs, challenges, and unwavering dedication to quality, Warrington’s journey is symbolic of our commitment to progress. As Wallace Whittle continues to chart its path in England, we look forward to seeing how Paul navigates the next 10 years in Warrington and Manchester.

As Wallace Whittle continues to expand and innovate, we invite you to explore our career opportunities in the region. If you’re interested in joining our forward-thinking team or have a project that could benefit from our expertise, we encourage you to get in touch at [email protected] or explore the roles listed below. 

As we transition into autumn, we’re excited to announce the latest internal promotions within our team. October is always an exciting month within our industry, and at Wallace Whittle, it’s the ideal time to celebrate the talent and dedication that drive our success across the business.   

Our ongoing progress wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of our staff, and we’re thrilled to see so many of them embracing new responsibilities, stepping into leadership roles, and advancing within the company. 

Swipe through the team’s photos to hear directly from them about their promotion and new role!

Glasgow

The recent promotions across the company reflect our broader business objectives. As we continue to grow, it’s essential to empower individuals who not only possess the necessary skills but also embody our core values of leadership, quality, and teamwork. Each promotion aligns directly with our strategic priorities, ensuring that our teams are led by individuals who are committed to driving Wallace Whittle forward. 

“At Wallace Whittle, we pride ourselves on being an organisation that prioritises the development of our staff, helping them achieve their individual goals alongside those of the business. The growth of the Glasgow office, and the wider company, is only made possible by the dedication and hard work of our employees. Being able to reward their efforts with promotions is a key aspect of our overall strategy.” Barry McKeane, Location Director, Glasgow shared.

Edinburgh

We believe in nurturing talent through structured development programs, mentorship, and continuous learning opportunities. We’ve implemented initiatives like our WW:Academy program, which provides sessions to help our team members grow both personally and professionally. 

“Through our WW:Academy, we facilitate and provide opportunities for growth and development. These recent promotions highlight the importance of these programs in driving both personal development and company-wide success” Raymond Kelly, our Quality & Standardisation Manager shared.

Sustainability

With each of these promotions, we envision new responsibilities and greater opportunities for leadership. Each individual will take on more strategic roles within their areas, focusing on developing their teams, drive quality, and standardise processes. Moving forward, we believe that their ability to adapt, collaborate, and inspire others will be essential to our collective success and continued growth across the business. 

“These promotions are just the beginning for each of them. In their new roles, they will need to focus more on their leadership qualities to ensure that both the products they produce and the performance of those they manage meet Wallace Whittle’s exacting standards. There is always room for growth, and we expect them to continue striving for future development and promotions. This will require them to continuously evolve as engineers, mentors, and leaders.” Stephen Osborne, Location Director for Edinburgh, shared.

Warrington

As Wallace Whittle continues to expand its presence in England, we are proud to recognise the contributions of our talented team members in Warrington who have been pivotal to this success. Paul Dean, Director of our Warrington and Manchester offices, shared his thoughts on the recent promotions within his area.

“Mike & Dan’s promotions from Associate to Associate Director are true recognition of their technical performance across multiple sectors, but primarily due to the development of their management skills and responsibilities. They are extremely organised and empowered to lead their respective teams.” Paul said.

This kind of leadership has been instrumental as we continue to build a strong foundation in the English market. Mike and Dan’s contributions reflect the broader growth strategy, where developing our leadership team aligns directly with expanding our capabilities across the UK.

The ongoing development of our teams across all locations, is vital to our future. Our strategy is clear: as we grow, we will continue to invest in our people, providing opportunities for development and ensuring we have the right leaders in place to drive Wallace Whittle forward.

If you’re interested in joining Wallace Whittle or learning more about our ethos, please reach out to us at [email protected] or visit WW:Careers

Our regional Directors and Healthcare Leads for England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales recently attended the 2024 Healthcare Estates Conference, Exhibition and Awards in Manchester. Organised by IHEEM, the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management, this two-day event is the UK’s largest event for healthcare management and engineering professionals. With over 200 exhibitors, more than 50 industry speakers, and upward of 3500 attendees, Healthcare Estates is the perfect platform to network, share insights and investigate opportunities that shape the future of healthcare across the entire UK. Over the 8th & 9th of October, our delegates had to opportunity to chat about our ongoing healthcare portfolio and meet with individuals across the industry.  

This year we had our own stand, which was ideal for our attendees to discuss, network, share and gather valuable insights, all whilst cultivating relationships within the industry.  

With our expansion into Birmingham and Manchester in May, our Regional Leads, Darren Wright and Paul Dean, attended the conference alongside our Healthcare Leads Paul Cooper and Jonathan Blackhurst, and found significant value in sharing our healthcare expertise with other attendees. Currently our teams are involved in several Healthcare Projects, from acute centers, to primary care, to assisting on larger scale facilities like the New Monklands Replacement Project.  

“Healthcare Estates has been incredibly valuable, and I believe it will be beneficial long term as well. We have been able to meet some great contacts and speak to the right people to share our insights and expertise.” Darren Wright shared

Our eye-catching stand, designed in our bold orange and grey branding, created a vibrant space that certainly stood out among the exhibitors. Attendees were drawn to our iconic orange water bottles and orange fluffy WW socks we had to giveaway – they might have been the top merchandise item of the event, if we do say so ourselves!  

“We’ve had a fantastic couple of days, meeting a range of people and forging great connections. It’s been great to engage with various partners and new faces alike. With our presence distinguished in Scotland, we’re excited about the opportunity to expand our reach and build our reputation here in England!” Paul Cooper, our Healthcare Lead for Scotland & Ireland shared.

Beyond satiating the event with our bold branding, our team was busy sharing insights into Wallace Whittle’s healthcare engineering achievements. We emphasised our contribution to some of the most significant healthcare projects across the UK.  

Over the last five years in Healthcare, we have: 

• Delivered 15 projects totaling £1.5 billion in value 

• Provided close to 1000 hospital beds across the UK 

• Worked with more than 10 boards & trusts  

“It’s been a very well-organised event, and it has been so busy! We’ve had the chance to connect with many people in the industry and showcase some of our work. It’s been especially interesting to discuss the digital-first approach that we are taking with the New Monklands Replacement Project with a range of people.” Paul Cooper shared.

With our dedicated team on hand to chat all things Wallace Whittle Healthcare, attendees got a real sense of our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare environments that prioritise patient care, energy efficiency, and sustainability. 

“Each conversation has been a valuable opportunity to promote the Wallace Whittle name here and showcase our expertise. We’ve had people come along, see our photos of projects we’re working on and tell us about their involvement. It’s great to get that wider perspective from a range of different disciplines that we don’t often come across face-to-face in the standard project stages – it’s allowed us to exchange ideas and learn from one another.” Our Healthcare Lead for England & Wales, Jonathan Blackhurst shared. 

We would like to thank all the attendees, partners, and organisers of Healthcare Estates 2024 for the opportunity to participate and share our vision. Looking forward to 2025 already! 

The UK government has scrapped its planned review of the London Plan in a bold move to accelerate housing development in the capital. Announced by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, this decision reflects a commitment to a new “partnership approach” between the government and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, aiming to tackle London’s housing crisis head-on.

This change in strategy comes as London faces the ambitious goal of delivering ‘81,000 new homes annually’—more than double its recent average of 37,200 homes a year. To meet these ambitious targets, collaboration between government bodies, local authorities, and the private sector will be essential. This shift aims to address London’s pressing housing crisis and unlock economic growth by focusing on collaborative efforts rather than potentially adversarial reviews. This is where Wallace Whittle stands ready to play a pivotal role.

We spoke with Craig Robertson, our Director for England and Head of Residential, who brings over 40 years of experience in the sector. He has focused deeply on London since our leading role in the development of the Athletes Village (now East Village) for the 2012 London Olympics.

“We’re really encouraged by the government’s move towards collaboration and partnership to tackle London’s housing challenges. With our decades of experience in the residential sector and a proven history of working closely with developers and local authorities, we’re in a great position to help deliver the large-scale, sustainable housing that London urgently needs.”

Partnering for Sustainable Communities

With sustainability at the heart of the government’s housing agenda, our expertise is more critical than ever. We have consistently demonstrated our ability to integrate cutting-edge MEP technology to optimise energy performance in developments, reducing carbon footprints and creating cost-effective, sustainable solutions for developers and residents alike.

“Our work with developers like Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, Drum Property, Lendlease, Peabody, and L&Q on key projects like Elephant Park, Dagenham Green, Dyecoats Leeds and Greenwich really shows what we can achieve when it comes to delivering sustainable housing at scale. These aren’t just homes we’re building—they’re setting new standards for energy efficiency and sustainable living, and they’re playing a crucial role in helping London meet its ambitious climate goals.”

Unlocking Funding and Development Potential

As part of our commitment to driving housing delivery, we also provide expert assistance in securing grant funding for projects that contribute to London’s housing and sustainability targets. Our involvement in initiatives like the Brownfield Development Fund and Low Carbon Initiatives ensures that we help unlock the potential of sites that might otherwise remain undeveloped, transforming them into thriving, sustainable communities.

“By supporting developers with the technical expertise required to navigate these funding opportunities, we enable projects to move forward faster, ensuring that London can meet its housing targets while minimising environmental impact.”

Meeting the Challenge of 81,000 Homes Per Year

The challenge of delivering 81,000 homes annually will require a significant increase in construction capacity, resources, and sustainable practices. At Wallace Whittle, we are ready to step up to this challenge. Our expertise spans all tenures and aspects of the housing sector, from affordable housing to market-rate and specialised housing for vulnerable populations.

“We know that London’s diverse population needs housing that reflects a wide range of needs, and we’re fully committed to delivering solutions that create safe, sustainable, and inclusive communities for everyone.”

Wallace Whittle: Your Partner in Building London’s Future

As London embarks on this new chapter of housing development, Wallace Whittle is committed to playing a leading role. We believe that by working together—across sectors and with a focus on sustainability—we can not only meet the government’s housing targets but also create a brighter, greener future for Londoners.

Whether it’s through delivering sustainable energy solutions, optimising developments with cutting-edge MEPH technology, or helping unlock funding to bring projects to life, Wallace Whittle is ready to help build the future homes London needs. With our experience and collaborative approach, we are proud to contribute to London’s housing solutions, setting new standards for 2025 and ensuring that every new home fosters a more sustainable and inclusive city.

Speak to Craig today about your next project, or to chat about all things Residential, reach out to us at [email protected]

Princes Street lies at the forefront of Edinburgh’s New Town, nestled under the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, and serves as the Highstreet dividing the Old and New Town.  

Once renowned for its bustling high-street brands and must-visit shops, Princes Street is now characterised by a mix of Scottish souvenir stores offering tartans and keepsakes, alongside boarded-up retail spaces. Edinburgh’s unique character is deeply rooted in its rich history and iconic architecture, while the contrasting New Town embodies the city’s cultural evolution and modern vibrancy. This contrast not only enhances the city’s appeal to tourists but also helps preserve a strong cultural identity for both locals and those who work in the city. 

History of Princes Street

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a living testament to the city’s medieval past, with its narrow, winding streets, towering tenements, and hidden closes. Dating back to the 12th century, it was the original heart of Edinburgh, with the Royal Mile serving as its main artery. Known for its marketplaces, cathedrals, and tight-knit communities, the Old Town was thriving, but by the 18th century, it had become overcrowded, sparking the need for cleaner and more spacious housing. 

In response, James Craig designed the New Town, which represented a departure from the chaotic nature of the Old Town. With its grid-like pattern and wide streets, the New Town embodied the ideals of order, making Princes Street quickly become the focal point of Edinburgh’s commercial life, attracting the city’s wealthiest residents and most prestigious businesses. It was lined with grand hotels, shops, and elegant townhouses. 

But in recent years, Princes Street has faced new challenges. The changing demands of shoppers and swift change in retail behaviour moving online and the recent completion of St James Quarter, one of our projects in 2021, further impacted footfall and demand on Princes Street. 

Despite these challenges, Princes Street continues to evolve, reflecting the broader trends of urban regeneration and mixed-use development. With numerous stores and businesses being closed or boarded up, the opportunity for transformation and regeneration has sparked—a full-circle moment, if you will—as the construction and redevelopment of buildings reflect residential living and the luxurious hotels reminiscent of the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Opportunities for Regeneration

Edinburgh’s Princes Street is currently experiencing a renaissance, as we begin to see a shift from the traditional retail that has dominated the area for the past few decades to a dynamic mix of hotels, residential spaces, and leisure spots. 

This regeneration trend is quite apparent throughout the city, for example St Andrew Square. Like many urban areas within the city, St Andrew Square experienced a bit of a decline in the 20th century. Businesses began to move to more suburban locations, and the square, along with the surrounding buildings, aged and lost much of its former vibrancy. The square itself, originally intended as a private garden for residents, became neglected and underutilised. However, with funding from the City of Edinburgh Council and private developers, St Andrew Square has been transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use space. 

The success of this regeneration lies in its versatility. It includes improvements to the public realm, the revitalisation of the square itself, as well as enhancements to surrounding commercial and retail development in the area. For example, the former headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland at the center of the square was repurposed as The Edinburgh Grand, a luxury hotel that also includes residential apartments and a lively restaurant scene. The regeneration of St Andrew Square was carefully planned to integrate with the surrounding New Town and the wider city. 

St Andrew Square’s regeneration showcases the success that can be achieved through thoughtful urban planning and placemaking alongside strong public-private partnerships. By drawing on these principles, Princes Street is undergoing a similar transformation, evolving into a vibrant, mixed-use destination that honors its past while embracing the future, and we are excited to be a part of such a transformation! 

New Developments on Princes Street  

At Wallace Whittle, we are thrilled to be part of the ongoing transformation and redevelopment of Princes Street. With our Edinburgh office located on nearby Thistle Street, Princes Street is not only geographically close to home but also holds symbolic significance for many of our staff members. We believe that the new regenerative projects we are currently involved in will breathe new life into the area, benefiting both locals like us and the many tourists who visit Edinburgh each year.  

We are currently involved in four major developments on Princes Street: Ruby Hotel, Criterion’s Zedwell Hotel, Old Waverley Hotel, and Hunter REIM’s Apartments. This mix of hotels and residential apartments will help to guide Princes Street in a new direction—one that reflects both its historical character and its future potential. 

The Ruby Hotel, developed by Hunter REIM at 104 to 108 Princes Street, will be the first of its kind in Scotland and represents the most significant single investment on Princes Street since the Johnnie Walker Experience. The hotel will feature approximately 300 rooms across seven floors, along with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views. This development will incorporate fully electric and fossil fuel-free MEP systems, aligning with modern sustainability standards while respecting the historical and architectural significance of the surrounding area. 

Criterion’s Zedwell Hotel will transform the former Debenhams building on Princes Street into Scotland’s first Zedwell hotel. The hotel will feature the brand’s signature ‘cocoon’ bedrooms, designed with noise-reducing walls, floors, and doors, complemented by warm ambient lighting. As the MEP and Sustainability Consultants on this project, we are ensuring the design is both efficient and sustainable. Zedwell will be fully electric, significantly reducing carbon emissions. 

The Old Waverley Hotel, a historic establishment dating back to 1848, is also undergoing significant renovations. This B-listed building will see several changes to both its interior and exterior, including the addition of a new ground-floor restaurant and bar while retaining the four existing retail shops fronting Princes Street. On the first floor, the reception and front-of-house areas will be relocated to create space for additional bedrooms, along with the installation of new passenger and service lifts. We recently worked with the design team to secure planning consent for further roof-level extensions and refurbishments, and class 3 food and beverage planning approval. 

The Hunter REIM Apartments on Princes Street will consist of 30 serviced units operated by Destiny Scotland. The proposal for this site includes restoring and refurbishing the interiors of the buildings at 72-77 Princes Street and 1-5 Hanover Street while preserving all the ground-floor retail premises at the corner location. In addition to the extensive restoration work, the plans will activate 2,250m2 of previously unused space on the upper floors and include a rooftop extension.  As MEP and Sustainability Consultants on this project, our role extends beyond lighting, heating, power, and ventilation—we are also prioritising sustainability with a focus on reducing carbon emissions during construction, and end-use emissions.  

Full Circle

Princes Street is returning to its roots with a resurgence of hotels and residential developments reshaping the area. While some express concerns about the proliferation of hotels, these reflect broader anxieties about urban development in Edinburgh. The historic city is shifting toward designs that emphasise placemaking, encouraging people to live, work, and socialise in close proximity. 

Preserving the unique character of Princes Street is essential, alongside the need to adapt to the changing demands and evolving needs of the city. By carefully balancing heritage conservation with new development, Princes Street can remain a vital part of Edinburgh’s identity, offering a blend of old and new that honours the past while embracing the future 

Edinburgh’s hotel sector is outperforming the UK national average in revenue growth, according to Cushman & Wakefield, and with more than £170 million in investment transactions occurring in the city’s hospitality sector last year, this year-on-year growth suggest that Princes Street is returning to its 18th-century roots as a hub of hospitality and accommodation. 

At Wallace Whittle, we are deeply committed to preserving heritage and the cultural significance of Edinburgh’s historic buildings. Our portfolio reflects this dedication, from our work on the new St James Quarter to our ongoing projects across the city, including commercial fit-outs and restorations of Category A and B listed buildings. 

To learn more about our projects on Princes Street, please reach out directly to our Edinburgh Director, Stephen Osborne, or contact us at [email protected]