Procurement for an engineering partner to deliver the UK’s Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (Step) fusion power plant at West Burton, Nottinghamshire, will restart in 1–2 years after the initial tender process collapsed, while selection of a construction partner is said to be close. The Step project, led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority and targeting a grid-connected prototype fusion plant, will demand complex nuclear-grade civil works, deep excavations and heavy-shielded structures around the spherical tokamak. Engineers can expect future tenders to emphasise constructability under stringent nuclear safety, thermal loading and electromagnetic compatibility constraints.

Work to extend HS2’s longest cut-and-cover “green tunnel” near Greatworth, West Northamptonshire has advanced after engineers realigned a local road to create the working width needed for the next excavation phase. The realignment allows construction teams to continue forming the reinforced concrete box that will later be buried and landscaped to restore agricultural land and visual screening over the railway. For designers and contractors, the sequence underlines the importance of early highway diversions to maintain traffic while maximising safe access for deep excavation and heavy plant.

Luton Airport’s expansion, including raising its passenger cap from 18M to 32M a year and adding a new terminal, can proceed after the High Court dismissed a legal challenge to the transport secretary’s development consent order. The scheme, promoted by Luton Rising, entails significant airfield, apron and landside works, plus upgrades to the M1–A1081 corridor and local rail/bus interchanges. Campaign group LADACAN is now considering an appeal, prolonging uncertainty for detailed phasing, surface access design and environmental mitigation commitments.