McAleer & Rushe in Edinburgh

CITIES PORTFOLIO 2026

McAleer & Rushe in

Edinburgh Building Edinburgh. Together.

Privately owned and family-run.

Almost 60 years of landmark developments across the UK & Ireland.

20,000 Student Beds

12,500 Residential Homes

2.5m sq ft Commercial Office

26,000 Hotel Bedrooms

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From the feasibility and pre-planning stages, through to design management, demolition, construction, successful completion and aftercare, we are with you all the way.

Committed to excellence since 1967.

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.

440+

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

Ireland’s leading Design & Build contractors, delivering

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

talented staff

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

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

live jobs

invested in our London HQ and set a clear ESG strategy, aiming

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

and a client-first approach from feasibility to aftercare. We’ve for net zero by 2045. Our strength comes from our people, supply chain partnerships, and commitment to excellence.

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McAleer & Rushe Construction Board

Jonathan O’Neill

Mark Diamond

Ed Laverty

Eamon Higgins

Emmett McGinley

Shane McCullagh

Darragh Greenan

Senior Director

Senior Director

Senior Director

Finance Director

Commercial Director

Director

Director

From landmark new builds to complex refurbishments, we blend sustainability, functionality, and architectural flair while meeting budgets and timelines precisely.

We don’t just build buildings; we build relationships.

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McAleer & Rushe have worke d across many cities. Each one diverse and vibrant.

This brochure looks at how we have engaged with Edinburgh across various projects over the past deca de.

Some of our previous clients in Edinburgh

Barry in Auld Reekie

McAleer & Rushe in

Edinburgh 5

Building Edinburgh’s Future

A historic city. A modern outlook.

A trusted delivery partner.

Edinburgh is a city where heritage and ambition sit side by side.

One of the UK’s most distinctive and internationally recognised cities, it continues to evolve through investment in new homes, student accommodation, hotels and mixed-use developments.

Working alongside leading developers, investors and institutional clients, we are delivering high-quality developments that respond to the needs of a growing, dynamic city. From complex urban sites to major residential and purpose-built student accommodation schemes, our work reflects both the opportunities and the unique challenges of building in Edinburgh.

Our experience combines the certainty and capability of a major UK contractor with a collaborative, partnership-led approach. We understand the importance of working sensitively within established communities and historic surroundings, while delivering efficiently, sustainably and to the highest standards.

As our presence in Edinburgh continues to grow, so too does our commitment to the city, strengthening local relationships, supporting communities and creating places designed to make a positive and lasting contribution.

Together, we’re helping shape Edinburgh’s next chapter, respecting its past while building for its future.

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Edinburgh in Numbers

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Major Projects

£435m+ Delivered 3 Live Projects 1,450+

Student Beds

1,000+

Hotel Beds

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Local Placements

269 Volunteering Hours 72 8

Apprenticeships

Ocean Drive Residential

Baltic Street

373 homes

Student 604 units

Adagio Aparthotel

LEITH

Vita New Waverley Student Hub by Premier Inn

267 units

Premier Inn WESTSIDE EDINBURGH OLD TOWN

New Waverley Offices

Ibis Soco

Haymarket

Unite Students, Salisbury Court

Hotel

Student

349 beds

579 units

Projects 9

McAleer & Rushe continues to contribute to Edinburgh’s evolving built environment, delivering projects that respect the city’s rich architectural heritage while embracing contemporary design.

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a cultural and political hub, home to the Scottish Parliament and a thriving arts scene that draws visitors from around the world.

From the cobbled Royal Mile to the elegant crescents of the New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh offers a rich tapestry of stories, traditions, and innovation, making it a city where the past and present coexist in remarkable harmony.

Apprenticeships

Reclaiming the his

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tory

Generating Jobs

Volunteering & Donations

Award Wi nni

ng

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With its rich heritage engraved in the landscape and influenced in the architecture, Edinburgh continues to evolve as one of the UK’s most explored and beloved cities.

McAleer & Rushe are evolving too, growing and expanding with each project. Even though we are growing, our values remain the same and stronger than before, giving back is ever more important and present in each of our projects.

With many of our ongoing projects in construction we hope our work in this city continues to grow alongside this progressive city.

2 69 h o u r s

£34,429 s n o i t a n o D in

Volunteering Over 269 hours spent volunteering across our various projects in Edinburgh

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s p i h s e c i t Appren Over 72 apprenticeships created across our various projects in Edinburgh

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e are McAleer & Rush mmunity dedicated to co ing to engagement, aim ces we improve the spa with develop not just giving buildings but by es to the time and resourc them people living in

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The Water of Leith Conservation Trust works to improve and protect the river, its heritage and wildlife: the Trust promotes education and recreation, working with volunteers and community groups to deliver clean-ups and habitat improvement.

McAleer & Rushe’s Edinburgh teams have dedicated many hours to helping the Water of Leith Conservation Trust in their mission to restore the river and improve the quality of life of the wildlife inhabitants.

Water of Leith Volun

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32 Work

P l a c e m e nt s

nteering

18 Education

Engagements 15

“McAleer & Rushe have played a vital role in our New Waverley regeneration development in Edinburgh having already successfully delivered three hotels on time and within budget.

The competence and professionalism shown at all levels from management level through to the site team is not something to take for granted and encompasses their approach for tackling any challenges head on rather than reporting problems.”

Clive Wilding Property Director Artisan Real Estate

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Live Projects

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Baltic Street Apr ‘25 - Jun ‘27 The project comprises construction of a 622-unit development, comprising 604 Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) rooms and 18 apartments.

The project will transform a former gasworks and naval yard into the largest single-site student-living scheme, featuring 604 ensuite rooms alongside amenity spaces and landscaped gardens with 50 new trees.

Located in Leith, Edinburgh, students will benefit from access to the city’s tram line, providing a 15-minute journey to Edinburgh’s West End, Old Town and city centre, alongside access to Edinburgh’s four universities and their respective campuses.

Designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, the project will reuse and repurpose all three of the existing historic buildings on site, protecting important heritage and saving 3,260 tonnes of carbon.

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t n e d St u n io t a d o m m o c c A

Live Job

604 unit s

Why it matters Baltic Street is helping breathe new life into a key part of Edinburgh, transforming a previously underused site into a vibrant new place to live and contributing to a more sustainable, connected and resilient Edinburgh.

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g n i t s a L g n i Creat Local Value

l 9 1 Lo c a Labour onsite

at Baltic Street

25 of whom have now reached 26 weeks on site

The team on our Baltic Street project has supported local employment, apprenticeships, work placements and training, while engaging with more than 100 students and welcoming groups from the University of Edinburgh and Women in Property onto site.

101 Students Re a c h e d

That commitment has extended into the wider community through volunteering, charitable donations and local initiatives. Together, these activities are helping the project deliver a meaningful social legacy for the people and communities around it.

Team Charity Walk Our team participated in a 5k charity walk for Social Bite Charity 20

Water of Leith Cleanup Working with the Water of Leith Conservation Trust

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Apprentices

Women in Propert y Site Walk

25+ Hours Volunteer Work

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y t i l i b a n i a t s u S t a e t i S n O Baltic Street

Sustainability has been embedded throughout the delivery of Baltic Street, with a focus on reducing embodied carbon, conserving resources and enhancing the site’s long-term environmental value.

The project is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and a FitWel 3 Star rating, alongside a calculated Biodiversity Net Gain of 229%.

Practical measures on site include the use of GGBS within concrete and hybrid technology to reduce fuel consumption, while circular economy principles have helped keep valuable materials in use.

Existing concrete, soil and stone are being reused on site, with 100% of construction and excavation waste diverted from landfill to date.

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229% Biodiversity Net Gain

Reducing rb o n Embodied Ca

system & Flybrid punch rs used to hybrid generato nsumption. o c l e fu e c u d re

Circular Economy 100% of construction & excavation waste has been diverted from landfill to date.

70% GGBS in our s Foundation

BREE AM 'Excellent' targeted & FitWel 3 Star rating targete d

Approx .

100 tonnes of stone reused from the existing buildings

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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

New Waverley Aug ‘24 - Jul ‘26 Construction of 267-bed purpose-built student accommodation development, new Vita Student residence at New Waverley North, part of the £240 million New Waverley regeneration project in a unique location at the heart of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage site.

Offering 207 high-quality studio apartments along with 60 cluster rooms, which will be complemented by excellent amenity including a state-of-the-art gym, social and study spaces as well as Vita Student’s outstanding customer experience which has been designed to help students maximise their university experience and ‘Begin Big’.

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267 units

St u d e n

Live Job

t Accommoda tion

Why it matters Part of the wider New Waverley regeneration, Vita New Waverley is helping continue the regeneration of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, transforming a brownfield site into much-needed student accommodation.

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Investing in Edinburgh’s Communities l a c o L 3 6 Labour onsite

t St u d e n Site Visit Hosting site visits for final-year students from Munster Technological University (MTU).

MA Architecture

Student Visit £2,000 Donations 23

Apprentices

206 volunteering hours 26

We hosted MA Architecture students at the University of Edinburgh on site, providing a site tour and offering insights into the project.

We’ve loved having a positive relationship with the local community during this project.

The Yard Volunteering Our team volunteered their time to buiding on The Yard 27

y Sustainabilit On-Site on New Waverley Sustainability was embedded into the delivery of Vita New Waverley from the outset, combining efficient construction methods with responsible material choices and a focus on longterm building performance.

From recycling construction waste and using certified timber to embracing Modern Methods of Construction, the project demonstrates how considered design and delivery can reduce environmental impact while creating high-quality, energyefficient homes in the heart of Edinburgh.

crete n o c d e c u Red nd lower a s e m lu o v for the ix m n o b car ure & substruct cture superstru 28

90%

of apartments achieved EPC B

Smarter, faster, and more sustainable – delivering value through Modern Methods of Construction.

100%

construction & excavation waste diverted from landfill

“Outstandin 48/50

BREE AM Excellent

g”

CCS Score

Sustainable D

1,425 tonnes of soil reused on site

esign

Prefabricated bathroom pod s

Green roof, cli mbing wall and hedge PV Panels insta ll

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McAleer & Rushe were a joy to work with throughout.

They provided professional and personable on-hand support during a challenging transition period between our completion, handover and check in, which contributed to the successful launch of our largest operational and award winning student accommodation scheme in the UK.” Maria Rogers General Manager The Student Housing Company

“The whole team, from director level down through to the site management team, were committed to the highest possible standards. The professionalism and attitude towards the importance of Health, Safety and Wellbeing from the team has been exemplary.. ” Martyn Cawse Managing Director Collaton Safety

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Completed Projects

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PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Ocean Drive Mar ‘23 - Q1 ‘26 Construction of a next-generation buildto-rent neighbourhood in Leith, Edinburgh, delivering 373 homes, including family and affordable housing, across four apartment blocks and providing 1.3 acres of new public realm space.

Its delivery followed a detailed ESG strategy that includes the creation of £2 million worth of socio-economic benefits, including 60 local jobs, and a 55% reduction in operational carbon emissions, making Dockside one of Scotland’s most sustainable residential developments.

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2.5 Acre Site s Albert Dock

Complete

Residential 373 homes

Why it matters Ocean Drive has delivered 373 homes, affordable housing and community benefits. The development combines regeneration with ambitious sustainability targets, creating a greener, more connected place to live.

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r o f g n i r e v i l De the Community

323

Volunteering Hours

at Ocean Drive At Ocean Drive, the project’s impact has extended well beyond the construction site. Through apprenticeships, local employment, work placements, student engagement and volunteering, the team has created meaningful opportunities for people across Edinburgh while supporting local organisations and community initiatives.

With 39 apprentices, 707 local labour opportunities, 16 work placements and engagement with 219

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Apprentices

16

Work Placements

students, alongside 323 volunteering hours and more than £32,000 in donations, the project has delivered tangible social value and helped create a positive legacy for the surrounding community.

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Students Re a c h e d 34

Students reached from community engagement

£32,300 Donated to Charity

Our team d to volunteere Water help on the anup of Leith cle

707 Local Labour onsite

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Supported by a Whole Life Carbon Assessment and a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating at design stage.

BREE AM

>99%

construction & excavation waste diverted from landfill

ner Silver Win at the CCS e National Sit Awards

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Very Good “Excellent” 46/50 CCS Score

y Sustainabilit On-Site at Ocean Drive Community, wellbeing and sustainability have been prioritised alongside commercial performance with Dockside having achieved a 3-Star FitWel rating and winning Silver at the Considerate Construction Scheme Awards.

Sustainable Desig

n

The buildings wer e constructed with in-situ concr ete frames using varying leve ls of GGBS cement replacemen t and facades were optim ised with reclaimed bri ckwork.

30% GGBS conten t in concrete mixes.

From reclaimed brickwork and lower-carbon concrete mixes to hybrid site technology and extensive waste diversion from landfill, practical measures have been adopted across the project to reduce its carbon footprint.

id system Punch Flybr o reduce t e n a r c r fo used issions. m e n o b r a c fuel and age Units Battery Stor rator) (hybrid gene to reduce used on site ption. f u e l co n s u m

55%

reduction in operational ca rbon emissions

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Salisbury Court Dec 15 - Aug 17 Located in Edinburgh and in close proximity to St Leonard’s Church, the Salisbury Court development offers astonishing views of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags.

The building is designed around a central courtyard, with direct access from St Leonard’s Street via the entrance pend. It is also broken up into discrete frontages that step down the street and is also held back from the street in certain areas to reflect the similar manner of its surrounding tenements.

The building is designed to incorporate green infrastructure and landscaping to benefit biodiversity and the residents’ experience, such as a communal roof garden on Level 3.

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BREE AM Excellent

579 beds

Complete

S t u d e nt Accommodation

Why it matters Salisbury Court delivered 579 much-needed student bedrooms in Edinburgh, sensitively designed to complement the surrounding tenements and its spectacular setting beside Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags.

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Complete

Aparthotel

146 bedrooms

Why it matters Set within Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, Adagio Aparthotel brought new life to a key Royal Mile site, integrating contemporary development with the listed Sailor’s Ark façade and contributing to the wider regeneration of New Waverley.

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BREE AM Very Good

Adagio Aparthotel

Design, construction and fit-out of an Adagio Aparthotel behind an existing façade facing the Royal Mile and within the centre of a World Heritage Zone.

Works included the demolition of the existing Sailor’s Ark building with the listed façade facing The Royal Mile, carefully retained and incorporated into the new hotel.

The project includes 5 commercial units that line the New Lane, now known as Sibbald Walk, which leads into the new public plaza. The development formed part of the significant New Waverley masterplan.

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Hampton

by Hilton

Edinburgh Airport

We successfully accelerated delivery of the project to handover to the client 2 months ahead of programme thus allowing the hotel to take advantage of the peak Christmas period.

The building spans 6 storeys and includes a bar & restaurant, a gym, meeting and conference space. Works also included construction of an adjoining 75 space car park beside the hotel.

We successfully accelerated delivery of the project to handover to the client 2 months ahead of programme thus allowing the hotel to take advantage of the peak Christmas period.

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BREE AM Very Good

Complete

Airport Hotel

240 bedrooms

Why it matters Hampton by Hilton strengthened Edinburgh’s visitor infrastructure with 240 new hotel rooms just minutes from the airport terminal, supporting the city’s position as a leading international destination and gateway to Scotland.

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New Waverley Offices BREE AM Excellent Construction of a seven-level development, which comprises two interlinked office buildings providing almost 250,000 sq. ft. of ultra-modern Grade A office space in a unique location at the heart of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage site.

The two buildings are connected by a doubleheight link bridge and an atrium ‘spine’ that opens up views to Calton Hill and brings light and street-level activity deep into the buildings at ground level.

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al i c r e m m o C Office

Complete

250,000 square feet

Why it matters New Waverley Phase 2 brought a major UK Government hub into Edinburgh’s historic heart, creating a modern workplace for thousands while helping regenerate and reconnect a key part of the Old Town.

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Complete

259 bedrooms

Hotel

Why it matters SoCo regenerated a long-derelict Old Town site after the 2002 fire, delivering a 259-bedroom hotel, commercial space and improved public realm while restoring La Belle Angele.

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Ibis SoCo

The redevelopment comprises a 259-bedroom Ibis Hotel, 2 retail & 3 commercial units and 2 adjoining night clubs with works including demolition of existing building and constructing of a new build on an infill site.

The hotel incorporated within additional mixeduse development and a series of external terraces providing a new pedestrian route and spaces through this part of historic Edinburgh. Also included was the re-establishment of the jazz club La Belle Angele that was located on the site prior to the fire and extensive new external public realm space.

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McAleer & Rushe are well d established in Edinburgh an city. continue to contribute to the e We also take great pride in th e work we continue to do in th rward local community and look fo y. to the future in this vibrant cit

Lang May Ye 48

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

City Square House,

21 storeys

Leeds

12-storey steel frame 50

Exchange Square, Birmingham

34 storeys

As the business has grown, so

over twenty storeys, we are

ABOVE: Procedure showing the use

has our exposure to larger-

now involved with schemes

of a 1,000-tonne crane to remove site

scale projects, which in turn

up to and above 30 storeys.

crane erected on top of the core. This

As a result we have developed

co-ordination with the local council and

has included taller buildings.

Whilst we previously had extensive

our skills and techniques in

experience of delivering multi-

conjunction with the appropriate

storey buildings up to and

specialist supply chain members.

involved precise planning, including close removal of street furniture.

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EXPERTISE

Modern Methods of Construction Harnessing innovation to build Grade A offices with precision, speed and sustainability.

At McAleer & Rushe, we harness Modern Methods of Construction to deliver faster, smarter and more sustainable buildings. Drawing on our experience across landmark office schemes such as City Square House in Leeds and The Ewart in Belfast, we integrate prefabricated systems, modular components and digital processes to enhance quality, reduce waste and provide long-term value.

Rooftop Plant installed at City Square House

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Installation of precast facade panels at height in Birmingham city centre

Core-mounted crane

Smarter, faster, and more sustainable – delivering value through Modern Methods of Construction.

Each project is carefully assessed to ensure the right solutions are applied, maximising efficiency without compromising design or performance.

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Environmental, Social & Governance

Some of our Social Successes in 2025

Director of Sustainability & ESG

3,917

McAleer & Rushe

young people engaged in

Charlene Millen

educational initiatives

Since establishing our 2019 carbon baseline, we have reduced carbon intensity by more than 48% relative to turnover, with SBTi-validated targets to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2045.

281 apprentices taken on across our sites in 2025

45/50 average CCS score

During 2025, we accelerated operational decarbonisation

across all sites

through renewable electricity, early grid connections, energybattery energy storage system, while strengthening our

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approach to Scope 3 emissions across the value chain.

Considerate Constructors

efficient technologies and the piloting of the Revolution

Scheme (CCS) Awards

We also demonstrated sustainable development in practice through the reuse and retrofit of our London office, achieving EPC A and BREEAM Excellent, and secured our first Fitwel 3-Star certification at our residential development in Leith, Edinburgh.

Our approach to social value was embedded across our projects to ensure we create a lasting legacy, and in 2025

£170k+ donated to a range of charities across the UK

placements and reached more than 3,900 students through

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education and career engagement, alongside 1,090 hours

work placements taken on

our projects have supported 281 apprenticeships, 176 work

of volunteering and £170k of community investment.

This progress was recognised through multiple industry ESG

across the company

awards and strengthened by our first supply chain social value

Doubled

forum, supporting shared outcomes with our partners.

volunteering hours across all sites

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99%

of all site waste

48%

reduction in carbon

4

Green Apple Awards

13.6%

increase in no. of

redirected from landfill

intensity since 2019 (scope 1 & 2 per £1m turnover)

achieved since 2023

environmental near misses reported

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A national presence, a local approach With offices across the UK and Ireland, we are uniquely positioned to deliver projects wherever our clients need us. As the map illustrates, we’ve successfully completed or are currently delivering, major schemes THE REGE NT ’S in key cities nationwide.

PARK

From standalone landmark buildings to large-scale, mixed-use developments, our projects typically range from £20m to £200m in value.

MARY L E B O NE

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

B L AC K F R I A R S

commitment, and delivery HYDE PA RK

NSI NGTO N ARDE N S

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

A competitive edge, built on experience Our competitive edge is built on decades of experience, financial VI CTORI A strength and a proven ability to deliver.

PAR K A strong supply chain, Director-led relationships and a lean operating model enable us to B R Oand M L Ecommercially Y remain agile, responsive

BY B OW

focused throughout every project.

Proven Track Record In Landmark Projects

Contact us

CAN ARY W HAR F Repeat Clients (60-70% of Business)

T HE O 2

Contractor/Developer Approach Enables Efficient Methods & Mindset from the Outset GR E E NW I C H

Flexible Approach to Procurement Routes (Single-stage / Two-stage)

Chris Johnson Business Development Manager +44 (0) 20 7224 4900 +44 (0) 7553 354 405 chris.johnson@mcaleer-rushe.co.uk

Strong & Loyal Supply Chain G RE E NW I CH PA RK

Director-led Key Account Management

Lean & Efficient Company Structure Enables Competitive Delivery

Jerry Browne Business Development +44 (0) 7976 913 954 jerry.browne@mcaleer-rushe.co.uk 57

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.

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 a wide-ranging experience of implementing the end-user specification requirements to ensure compliance with institutional standards.

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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.

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

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www.mcaleer-rushe.co.uk