Why McLaren Is Investing in Its Specialist Projects Division

Major Tier 1 contractor, McLaren, has been making moves to bolster its Construction Management & Specialist Projects Division in response to growing customer demand for services on sophisticated buildings and infrastructure.

Its latest step is the appointment of industry veteran, Martin Ewing, as new Director of the division.

Decades in construction management

Martin brings 40 years worth of experience in construction management to his new role.

His career includes working on behalf of high-profile clients such as Grosvenor, Stanhope and The Crown Estate.

It has seen him establish a respected portfolio of projects, from the refurbishment and upgrade of the Ritz Hotel to the delivery of The Peninsula Hotel, London’s first billion-pound hotel. 

He also completed the upgrade of the iconic Selfridges building and delivered Colchester Garrison.

Construction management delivery

McLaren’s latest appointment is part of its work to support a high standard of Construction Management delivery.

“McLaren has significantly invested in technology, quality and safety practices which are key to successful Construction Management delivery,” says Martin.

“Major projects are increasingly cost sensitive and an early, collaborative engagement with the client is vital in achieving a timely, successful completion of buildings and infrastructure.”

His new role will see him lead the division’s portfolio of projects in progress, under Vince Lydon, Managing Director for Construction Management and Specialist Projects at McLaren.

“Martin’s experience will help us ensure that quality, safety and innovation continue to be applied consistently throughout the projects that we’re building and that we work collaboratively with our customers to achieve the best outcomes,” says Vince.

Delivering large-scale projects 

The company’s Construction Management and Specialist Projects division is currently delivering Cardiff Arena, for clients Live Nation and Cardiff City Council.

The project is part of a three-year framework agreement also requiring the completion of key support and accommodation facilities for Sizewell C and major refurbishment of Colmore Gate, a landmark, mixed-use commercial building in Birmingham.

Meanwhile, the company’s Midlands and North business is delivering Wrexham AFC's Cae Ras stadium.

The project has passed a significant construction milestone with the successful installation of the new Kop Stand's 125-tonne inverted ribbon truss, which McLaren describes as one of the most technically demanding operations in the project to date.

Elsewhere on site, main concourse steelwork, stair and lift cores, and all upper floor slabs are complete, with blockwork, MEP risers, first-fix work, and precast terrace installation now progressing.

The scheme remains on programme for completion ahead of the 2027/28 season.

McLaren’s large-scale projects helped it surpass the £1bn turnover barrier last year.

Its turnover jumped from £924m (US$1.24) to £1.12bn (US$1.50bn), with pre-tax profit nearly doubling from £11.9m (US$15.95) to £21m (US$$28.14m).

McLaren's key partners:

J&D Pierce Contracts 

This structural steel specialist is  responsible for fabricating and erecting the Wrexham AFC's Cae Ras stadium’s steelwork, including the 125-tonne ribbon truss and the off-site fabricated, intumescent-coated dolphin beams.

Network Rail

Involved in the Wrexham AFC's Cae Ras stadium project, it is working alongside McLaren and the engineering team to help sequence and coordinate the truss lift safely around surrounding infrastructure.

Citygrove Securities

On the £23m (US$30.82) mixed-use residential and community Aldershot scheme, McLaren partnered with developer Citygrove Securities with Citygrove's Construction Director praising McLaren's understanding of the project and calling it a strong addition to the team.