At the end of another busy year, here’s a reminder of the features and interviews that stood out for our readers

Every week Building talks to the key people working in construction. We meet industry leaders, key players and also the innovators who are changing the way we work. Here we have compiled a list of the most-read features and interviews over the entire year.  

The list, based on unique page views according to Google Analytics, places the most popular stories at the top of the rankings. 

1. To refurb or rebuild: what next for Old Trafford?

Published May

As billions of pounds have flooded into Premier League clubs, the majority of football fans are no longer happy to stand on an uncovered terrace with a lukewarm pie and plastic cup of Bovril at half-time.

Manchester United is the latest club with big decisions to make about what next for its ageing stadium. So Dave Rogers asked the experts behind other iconic ground developments for their advice. 

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2. The scheme now approaching the finish is Crossrail: All aboard the Elizabeth line

Published March

It has been open for several months now, but last spring the new and much-delayed line was still awaiting completion when Jordan Marshall took the 10-minute journey from Paddington to Liverpool Street with the railway’s boss Mark Wild.

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3. An interview with Alison Cox, London MD of Sir Robert McAlpine

Published March

In 2003 Sir Robert McAlpine’s London MD, Alison Cox, took a nine‑year break and almost left the industry, fearing the long hours were incompatible with having a young family. But, with the help of her employer, she found a way back and is now at the top of her game..

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4. It’s hard to let go: Laing O’Rourke and the problem with succession

Published October

The latest man tipped to replace Ray O’Rourke is leaving the firm after less than a year, throwing the 2024 float into doubt. Dave Rogers considers why the septuagenarian founder is still at the helm of his firm.

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5. The Building Safety Bill is now law – here’s what you need to know

Published April

The government’s flagship Building Safety Bill received Royal Assent in the spring. Carl Brown explains why it is important plus the key areas that changed as it passed through parliament.

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6. Independent review into the RICS scandal: key findings

Published September

Tom Lowe looks in detail at the bombshell report by Alison Levitt QC that led to resignation of four of the RICS’ senior team.

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7. Hempcrete: a natural solution in the quest for better materials

Published January

Construction’s journey towards a zero-carbon future has largely focused on modern materials and technologies. But, according to Thomas Lane, the insulation and low carbon credentials of bio-based materials such as hempcrete are winning over some serious players.

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8. Your guide to the key players shaping construction in Manchester

Published August

Manchester has long been a home for visionaries and creative thinkers and nowhere more so than in its built environment. As part of Building magazine’s Manchester week, Carl Brown and Ben Flatman profiled some of the main movers and shakers in the city.

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9. Factory International: Manchester’s new joy division

Published November

Looks like we have a lot of readers in Manchester… Thomas Lane talked to the people behind Manchester’s Factory International, who are hoping that the space, technology and flexibility of this new mega‑venue will encourage artists and performers to push the boundaries of performance – just as the designers and engineers have done.

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10. Recession dos and don’ts: Industry leaders’ advice on keeping afloat

Published November

A slightly gloomy note to finish on but, as we head towards what has the potential to be the longest downturn since the 1930s, Daniel Gayne asked construction experts for their tips on how to ride out the hard times. 

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