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McAleer & Rushe Degree Apprenticeship Brochure

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Earn as you learn.

Degree Apprenticeships at McAleer & Rushe 028 8676 3741 www.mcaleer-rushe.co.uk


Our Company is built on strong family values and a distinctive characteristic of our business is to retain and develop a highly experienced workforce.

Privately owned & family-run. Almost 60 years of landmark developments across the UK & Ireland. 2


Build as a team. Grow as individuals. Seamus McAleer

Eamonn Laverty

Founder & Chairman

Group Chief Executive

£627m

Founded in 1967, McAleer & Rushe is one of the UK and

2025 turnover

complex, high-quality projects on time and within budget.

Ireland’s leading Design & Build contractors, delivering

In 2024, turnover reached £491m and pre-tax profits rose 46%,

450+

supported by a strong pipeline and £71m cash reserves. In 2025, we

talented staff

residential, student accommodation, hotel, office and later living sectors.

achieved £627m turnover, reflecting client trust and our presence across

Success is driven by early engagement, hands-on leadership,

20+

and a client-first approach from feasibility to aftercare. We’ve

live jobs

for net zero by 2045. Our strength comes from our people,

invested in our London HQ and set a clear ESG strategy, aiming supply chain partnerships, and commitment to excellence.

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Commercial Office 2.5 million sq ft McAleer & Rushe undertakes commercial office projects on a design and build basis, having a specialist delivery team in place with extensive experience of implementing the end-user specification requirements to ensure compliance with institutional standards.

Residential 12,500 homes McAleer & Rushe has extensive experience within the Residential sector and over the past 59 years has delivered a portfolio of over 12,500 units for a wide range of clients.

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Hotel 26,000 bedrooms McAleer & Rushe is long-established in the Hotel sector and to date has completed in excess of 26,000 hotel bedrooms for a range of leading investors and across all major brands and operators.

Student Acc. 20,000 units Since entering the Student Accommodation sector in January 2014, the company has become a recognised specialist in the field. We currently have an additional 6,000 student units under construction with a further 3,000 in the pipeline.

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A national presence. A local approach. With offices across the UK and Ireland, we are uniquely positioned to deliver projects whereverTHE our clients need us. REGE NT ’S

As the map illustrates, we’ve successfully PARK completed or are currently delivering major schemes in key cities nationwide. From standalone landmark buildings to large-scale, mixed-use developments, our projects typically from MARY Lrange E B O NE £20m to £200m in value. B L AC K F R I A R S

No matter the size or complexity, we bring same level of care, HYDEthe PA RK

NSI NGTO N ARDE N S

commitment, and delivery certainty to every location.

WAT E R LO O

W ESTMI NSTE R BERMONDSEY

CHELS E A

BAT TE RSE A PA RK

Head Office

London Office

17-19 Dungannon Road

Drury Works

Cookstown

4 Parker Street

Northern Ireland

London

BT80 8TL

WC2B 5PN

+44 (0) 28 8676 3741

+44 (0) 20 7224 4900

BAT T ER S E A

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CL A PHA M CO M M O N


Building the future. Safely & Sustainably.

VI CTORI A PAR K

3,917 281

young people engaged in educational initiatives

B R O M L apprentices EY taken on BY B OW across our sites in 2025

45/50 CAN ARY W HAR F

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average CCS score across all sites

Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) Awards

99%

of all site waste

48%

reduction in carbon

4

Green Apple Awards

13.6%

diverted from landfill

intensity since 2019

achieved since 2024

increase in no. of environmental near misses reported

T HE O 2

£170k+

donated to a range of charities across the UK

25%

reduction in

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sustainability

construction waste (absolute data)

GR E E NW I C H

176

work experience

37

health & wellbeing

Doubled

placements taken on across company

initiatives G RE E NW I CH PA RK

volunteering hours across all sites

certifications achieved in 2024

14%

reduction in water

100%

of sites achieved a

consumption (absolute data)

compliant NRMM audit

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Earn as You Learn. Investing in the Next Generation. 8


Degree Apprenticeship Programme 2027

9


U LST E R U N I V E R S I T Y PA RT N E R S H I P

Degree Apprenticeship Programme

“Ulster University have long established links with McAleer & Rushe and we are proud that so many of our alumni students now enjoy successful careers with the Company.”

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Kevin Hughes Training & Development Manager McAleer & Rushe We are excited to be able to offer this programme to students who are enthusiastic about the construction industry and want to learn from our combined expertise.

Abbie McKenna Head of Centre for Apprenticeships Skills & Flexible Education Ulster University Ulster University have long established links with McAleer & Rushe and we are proud that so many of our alumni students now enjoy successful careers with the Company. We are confident that as we continue to work together, we will strengthen the joint success story Ulster University and McAleer & Rushe have together.

Clare Mahon Course Director, BSc Hons Construction Engineering and Management HLA Ulster University This is an incredible opportunity for school leavers to gain a pathway into the construction industry. Along with ourselves in Ulster, McAleer & Rushe have carefully sculpted the bespoke delivery model for the Degree Apprenticeship to include a range of flexible learning opportunities at university and in the work place. We are really excited to be part of it. This partnership offers apprentices the opportunity to gain a university level qualification tailored to meet the needs of McAleer & Rushe. This earning and learning pathway not only leads up to graduation but also paves the way for apprentices to pursue professional chartered status as they progress in their careers.

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EXPERIENCE

Your Apprenticeship Starting an apprenticeship with McAleer & Rushe is the beginning of an exciting journey into the world of construction. As an apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn, gaining real industry experience on major projects while working towards a fully funded, university-level qualification. This is your opportunity to build practical skills, grow in confidence, and take the first step into a rewarding long-term career. With the support of our experienced teams and dedicated mentors, you’ll be guided every step of the way. From hands-on learning on live sites to one day a week at university, your apprenticeship is designed to help you thrive, combining academic study with meaningful, real-world responsibility. You’re not just starting a job, you’re building your future.

What is an Apprenticeship? An Apprenticeship is paid employment, where an employee is offered hands on experience, gets comprehensive training and gains a technical qualification.

What Apprenticeships do we offer?

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Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management

Construction Engineering & Management

OPTION 1

OPTION 2


Your Apprenticeship at McAleer & Rushe

Gain Industry Experience

Earn While You Learn

Fully Funded Degree

Industry Recognised Qualification

How does it work? An Apprentice will combine work with study. Typically, an Apprentice will attend University one day per week and work four days per week during term time. Outside of term time Apprentices will work five days per week.

What support will Apprentices receive? Apprentices will work closely with a mentor who will provide continuous support, guidance and advice. Apprentices will be monitored closely and given feedback throughout their apprenticeship journey.

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BENEFITS

Your Apprenticeship Choosing McAleer & Rushe for your apprenticeship means joining a company that invests in your future from day one. Our apprentices enjoy a supportive learning environment, competitive rewards, and opportunities to work on high-profile projects across the UK & Ireland. With mentoring, professional development, and a wide range of employee benefits, we provide everything you need to grow, succeed, and thrive throughout your apprenticeship journey.

Why choose McAleer & Rushe for your Degree Apprenticeship?

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Competitive salary

Annual Bonus

33 Days Holidays

Work on multimillion pound schemes

Various CPD Opportunities

Mentorship

Paid Professional Membership

Health Cash Plan

Pension Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Gym Subsidy

Referral Scheme

Volunteering & Charity Events

Company-wide Team Events

Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave

Death in Service


How to Apply Applications are accepted through our online application portal, which opens in December/January.

The Interview If you are shortlisted you will be invited to attend interview. The interview process will involve a face-to-face interview with the Training Manager and a member of the Human Resources Team and one of our Directors. You will be given more information about the role you have applied for, the Apprenticeship programme, and what you can expect if you come to work for McAleer & Rushe.

Equal Opportunities McAleer & Rushe are an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating a working environment that values fairness, diversity and inclusion. McAleer & Rushe are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates and provide equal opportunities throughout the recruitment process and employment.

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Real Projects. Real Skills. Real Impact.


Recent Projects


LONDON STUDENT ACC.

Following demolition of the

65 Crutched Friars

level, construction began for

769 units | £105 million

office block to basement the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation scheme to provide over 700 student residences in a 21-storey building with basement.

Live Job

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LONDON RESIDENTIAL

Bermondsey Block DE

Construction of Building DE as part of The Bermondsey Project masterplan in the London Borough of Southwark.

225 units | £95 million

Buildings DE will deliver 225 Build to Rent apartments in a mixture of studio, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units complimented by amenity spaces, within a 21-storey building.

Live Job

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LONDON RESIDENTIAL

Mount Pleasant 501 units | £193 million

We delivered phases 2, 3 & 4 of the iconic mixed-use ‘Postmark’ development which transformed the site of the former Royal Mail Mount Pleasant sorting office in Farringdon. Phases 3 & 4 delivered 370 apartments across 5 blocks ranging from 6-15 storeys, constructed in sequence and over a basement with complex substructures due to the existing postal rail tunnels underground.

Complete

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LEEDS COMMERCIAL OFFICE

The office development is designed

City Square House

rating and WiredScore Platinum

140,000 sq ft | £47 million

to achieve a BREEAM Excellent with the office accommodation laid out in large flexible floorplates of up to 16,000 sq ft.

Complete

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LONDON RESIDENTIAL

Smugglers Way 554 units | £190 million

The new build construction of 554 build to rent and affordable apartments across 13 blocks with 3 podiums and ranging in height between 8 & 16 storeys. Designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and Home Quality Mark 4, the apartments will have dual or treble aspect, with communal roof gardens and external courtyard amenity space at the first floor.

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Complete

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LONDON RESIDENTIAL

South West Lands 741 units | £186 million

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Complete


LONDON RESIDENTIAL

Southbank Place 92 units | £140 million

Southbank Place Building 5 is the final phase of the Southbank Place development and will provide 92 apartments and 18,600 square feet of retail space. At 15 storeys tall, the retail space will be located on the ground level, and 88 apartments, ranging from one to four bedrooms, will span Levels 1 to 11, with four super prime double height penthouse suites situated on the upper levels at Level 12 to 13.

Complete

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Real-world learning that sets you apart. 26


Apprentice Spotlights

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Antain McGinn Apprentice Quantity Surveyor “For me, choosing to do an apprenticeship was easy. It offers the chance to gain hands on experience and learn on the job whilst studying towards my degree.”

I am an Apprentice Quantity

My favourite part of the

on experience and learn on the job

Surveyor and I am studying

apprenticeship so far is the

whilst studying towards my degree.

towards my Quantity Surveying

variety of work, no day is the

The support you get is great. My

and Commercial Management

same, one day you're in the office,

mentors are always there if I need a

degree in Ulster University Belfast.

the next you are travelling to

hand with anything, the same goes

site and watching as the project

for anyone in the office, everyone

unfolds. For me, choosing to do

is there to help you. I am currently

an apprenticeship was easy. It

working on the Taxi House project

offers the chance to gain hands

in Westbourne Park, London.

For A levels I studied Business and BTEC Double award Constuction at Omagh CBS. I always had an interest in Construction, I studied it at GCSE before taking it on at A level but was unsure of which role

Taxi House, London Residential

in particular to pursue a career.

Project Value £52.5 million

McAleer & Rushe gave me the opportunity to do work experience with them back in February of 2024. I shadowed Peadar McCann, Tiernan McVey and Placement student at the time, Lauren McCarney. All three gave me a great insight to their roles and responsibilities and I knew from then that Quantity Surveying was a career that interested me.

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332 units


Killian Toner Apprentice Site Engineer

“Being involved in real projects has helped me develop practical skills that I wouldn’t get from the lecture theatre. ”

I am currently an Apprentice

Plus, earning while learning is

theatre. I travel to Glasgow and I

Site Engineer while studying

a huge advantage, as it means

am based on the Renfield Street,

Construction Engineering

I’m gaining industry experience

Broadway site. Being in Glasgow

and Management BSc at

and qualifications at the same

also adds to the experience, as

Ulster University. At A Level

time, putting me in a strong

it gives me the opportunity to

I studied Construction, ICT

position for my future career.

work in a busy city environment

and Technology & Design.

Being involved in real projects has

The reason I chose to pursue

helped me develop practical skills

an apprenticeship is for many

that I wouldn’t get from the lecture

and see how large projects are managed in an urban setting.

different reasons. I am a physical learner, and I wanted to gain hands

Broadway Studios, Glasgow

on experience while studying.

Student Accommodation

Learning in a real working environment allows me to develop practical skills that I wouldn’t get from just being in a lecture theatre. Being on site means I get to see the process of how projects come together in real time from start to finish, work with experienced site team, and understand the challenges that come with construction projects.

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Dara McGinley Apprentice Quantity Surveyor What A Levels (or equivalent) did you study? Maths, Engineering (BTEC), Business Studies (BTEC) Why did you choose to pursue an apprenticeship? Gain invaluable experience of what this job actual consists of and the ins and outs of the day-to-day life of a Quantity Surveyor, while also avoiding any student debt that would be built up through university.

What’s been your favourite part of the apprenticeship so far? Travelling to site and getting to see everything that we are learning about in university, as well as matching up the work we are doing in the office to what happens on site. Gaining hands on experience, by watching the project develop while also learning from my mentors, Cormac Hannigan and Aidan McCarron. What city do you travel to/what project do you work on? The India Street Student Accommodation in Glasgow. What degree are you studying towards & what’s your role? I am Studying Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management

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India Street, Glasgow Student Accommodation 370 units | Project Value £148 million


Orla Dobbin Apprentice Quantity Surveyor What degree are you studying

What’s been your favourite part of

towards & what’s your role?

the apprenticeship so far?

Quantity Surveying &

Hands on experience. Studying and

Commerical Management

working - allows you to learn alot

What A Levels (or equivalent) did you study?

more and get hands on experience alongside the stuff you learn in uni.

A-Level Business, Technology

What city do you travel to/what

& Design & Btec Engineering

project do you work on?

Why did you choose to pursue an apprenticeship? Hands on experience mixed with part time studying

I travelled to London when I was working on Mount Pleasant 3 & 4 and our London offices on Drury Lane.

rather than full time.

Mount Pleasant Phases 3 & 4, London Residential 370 units | Project Value £148 million

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Emma Murphy Apprentice Quantity Surveyor What degree are you studying towards & what’s your role? The degree I am currently studying towards is Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management (HLA) - BSc (Hons) What A Levels (or equivalent) did you study? Maths, Psychology and Sports Studies (Btec) Why did you choose to pursue an apprenticeship? I chose to pursue an apprenticeship as I felt I would gain more knowledge and experience, while studying and working at the same time.

GMV Plot 401 & 403, London Residential 203 units | Project Value £76.5 million

What’s been your favourite part of the apprenticeship so far? My favourite part of the apprenticeship is the fact you get the hands-on experience, both on site and in the office, making it easier to understand the work you do in University. As well as getting the chance to earn while you learn. What city do you travel to/what project do you work on? I travel to London, and I am currently working on Greenwich Millenium Village Plot 401 & 403.

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WATC H

Day-in-the-Life Reels Check out our Day in the Life series on Instagram, showing what a day at McAleer & Rushe can look like. Below you can click to follow Donna and Claire’s day.

Tap to see Donna’s Day

Tap to see C

laire’s Day

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WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

Leading Ladies At McAleer & Rushe, we are proud of the talented women making an impact across the business, from administration right through to director level.

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Charlene Millen Director of Sustainability & ESG I am proud to lead the Environment & Sustainability team in the Company to ensure we are protecting and enhancing the environment within our construction projects and delivering social value strategies to leave a positive lasting legacy. I love how broad and varied the role is, and as society transitions into a low carbon economy the work has never been more fast paced and challenging.

Tanya O’Neill Winner “Surveyor of the Future” Tanya O’Neill first joined us as a placement student in June 2021 and was granted a McAleer & Rushe bursary for her final year of studies. Tanya was named ‘Surveyor of the Future 2023’ by Ulster University in their annual Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management Awards.

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Build as a team. Grow as individuals.

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We Reward Performance

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Paul Marlow Contracts Director since 2024 I joined McAleer & Rushe in 2008 after graduating from Ulster University with a degree in Quantity Surveying. I found working with a mentor was a great foundation which provided me with the tools and knowledge I needed to manage my first project. From entry level McAleer & Rushe has offered me multiple opportunities. Their approach to staff development and training played a huge role in me being the youngest ever person to receive the Construction Manager of the Year Award in 2016.

2008

2010

2012

Assistant Project Manager

2014

2016

Project Manager

2018

2020

Contracts Manager

2023

2024

Project Director

2026 Contracts Director

Eoin Gormley Contracts Director since 2024 Since starting with McAleer & Rushe I’ve had the opportunity to work on many types of projects from large scale hotels to inner city, high-end, residential projects. My initial role as Site Engineer involved all technical aspects of on-site surveying. Mentoring from my senior managers provided me with the knowledge and key opportunities to push further with my career which took me in project management and, more recently, a Contracts Director role.

2012 Site Engineer

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2014

2016

Site Manager

2018

2020

Project Manager

2022

Project Director

2024

2026

Contracts Director


Eimear Doyle Empowered through career progression I joined McAleer & Rushe in 2017 as a Site Engineer. My senior managers trusted me to advance within a very short period of time into a Senior Site Engineer role. I’ve also been given the opportunity to mentor a Graduate Site Engineer which not only helped to build my leadership skills but has also given me an additional form of job satisfaction. I’ve recently been promoted to Fitout Project Manager. I enjoy the mathematical and pragmatic elements of the role as well as the many challenges on site. It is a truly rewarding career where hard work pays off.

2017

2018

2019

Site Engineer

2020

2021

2022

Senior Site Engineer

2023

2024

2026 Fitout Project Manager

Site Manager

Eoin Cullinan Site Manager since 2024 During my time with McAleer & Rushe I have been presented with the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, from high rise student accommodation to inner city residential projects. My early experience as a Placement Site Engineer, followed by my return as a Graduate Site Engineer, equipped me with the fundamental skills required to be a Senior Site Engineer. I have recently been promoted to Site Manager and look forward to progressing my career with McAleer & Rushe.

2017

2018

2019

Site Engineer

2020

2021

2022

Senior Site Engineer

2023

2024

2026

Site Manager

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Why Choose McAleer & Rushe to Start Your Career? On The Job Learning

Benefits

At McAleer & Rushe we believe the best way

•

Competitive salary

•

Pay increase after first year for Graduates

•

33 days holiday entitlement, with

to develop is with practical experience. This takes the form of a combination of onsite and office based learning. From the outset you will be given specific tasks and responsibilities.

December holiday shut down

Workplace Mentor

•

Accommodation and flights provided (if required)

You will be paired with a mentor who will help you

•

Pension Scheme with Company contribution

•

Opportunity for exceptional placement

on your journey and will offer advice, support and guidance as required. Our development programme

students to be offered the McAleer & Rushe

ensures you are equipped with the tools you need to

bursary to assist with their University fees

achieve your career aspirations and you always have someone at hand for assistance or a second opinion.

•

Opportunity to work on award winning projects

Chartership

•

Health Cash Plan

Should you wish to pursue chartership or professional

•

Gym subsidy available

IMechE, McAleer & Rushe will support you through

•

Cycle to work scheme

the process and cover the relevant membership fees.

•

Recruitment Referral scheme

Structured Training

•

Fast track career progression

•

Volunteering and charity opportunities

•

Participation in project team and company

membership, for example through CIOB, RICS or

Our programme has been specifically tailored to give you the best training experience available within the industry including CPD events, work

wide events including team building days

shadowing and external training courses.

and various health and wellbeing events. •

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Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.


Corporate Responsibility & Values

Our approach to corporate responsibility and our sustainability policies and practices are directly linked to our three fundamental corporate values: 1.

We think CREATIVELY Our staff are our most valuable assets. Our success is built upon a highly experienced workforce who strive to innovate and think creatively.

To develop high quality buildings that meet the needs of today’s occupiers whilst at the same time creating sound investments.

We stand for QUALITY We strive to exceed our clients’ expectations and

2.

To adopt best practice in the design, specification

our experience as a Developer and a Design & Build

and construction of these buildings whilst doing

contractor differentiates us from our competitors.

so within agreed programmes and budgets. 3. To ensure that quality assurance and health and safety procedures are implemented at all times

We do amazing PROJECTS

thus maintaining efficiency of working practices

Our project portfolio includes student accommodation,

and safety of staff and sub-contractors.

residential, hotels and office schemes.

We do it ON TIME We work in a fast-paced environment to challenging deadlines but we pride ourselves on the ability to deliver to programme on all our projects.

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65 Crutched Friars, London

21-storeys

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Construction Expertise

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EXPERTISE

High Rise Buildings

Gough Street, Birmingham

29 storeys

Our evolving expertise in high-rise and mixed-use construction— demonstrated through Exchange Square 2, Gough Street, and The Bermondsey Project—equips us to confidently deliver ambitious developments. Clients can trust that their projects will be executed safely, innovatively, and on time, benefiting from our deep technical knowledge, robust supply chain partnerships, and unwavering commitment to quality.

The Bermondsey Project, Buildings D&E, London

21 storeys

City Square House, Leeds

12-storey steel frame 44


Exchange Square, Birmingham

34 storeys

As the business has grown, so

storeys, we are now involved with

ABOVE: Procedure showing the use

has our exposure to larger-

schemes of 30 storeys and above.

of a 1,000-tonne crane to remove site

scale projects, which in turn

crane erected on top of the core. This

As a result, we have developed

involved precise planning, including

our skills and techniques in

close co-ordination with the local

Whilst we previously had extensive

conjunction with the appropriate

council and removal of street furniture.

experience of delivering multi-

specialist supply chain members.

has included taller buildings.

storey buildings of more than 20

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EXPERTISE

Modern Methods of Construction At McAleer & Rushe, we embrace Modern Methods of Construction to enhance the delivery of large-scale developments. Through prefabricated components, modular systems and off-site manufacturing, we improve quality and programme certainty while reducing waste, site activity and installation time. Our experience across complex schemes allows us to identify the right solutions for each project, combining efficient construction with the quality, performance and attention to detail expected of modern buildings.

Modular Bathroom Pods

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Overnight installation of premanufactured rooftop Plant Room at Longley Place


Installation of precast facade panels at height in Birmingham city centre

Core-mounted crane

Smarter, more efficient construction – delivering quality buildings with greater certainty through Modern Methods of Construction Each project is carefully assessed to identify where modern construction techniques can add the greatest value, improving efficiency and buildability without compromising design, quality or long-term performance.

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Investing in the next generation of construction.

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www.mcaleer-rushe.co.uk


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