John Lewis has launched the first stages of a sweeping multimillion-pound investment across its stores, starting with significant upgrades to its Oxford Street flagship and stores in High Wycombe and Cheadle. These locations are among the first to showcase expanded beauty halls and refreshed shopping spaces designed to enhance the
York’s historic riverside is set for a stunning transformation as Helmsley Group’s ambitious Coney Street Riverside masterplan receives approval from the City of York Council’s planning committee. The masterplan, which will bring new life to a long-overlooked area, was praised by council members, who lauded Helmsley’s commitment to community engagement
Real estate investment firm Castleforge has clinched a substantial £115 million loan to support the redevelopment of the iconic Grade II-listed 1 Golden Lane office building in London’s Square Mile. This significant funding will enable Castleforge to bring to life an ambitious vision for the site, reflecting its commitment to
SEGRO plc (“SEGRO” or the “Group”) announces the sale of SEGRO Park Victoria Road in Park Royal, West London to the Imperial College London (‘Imperial’) for a base consideration of £115 million, a premium to book value. The 10-acre urban warehouse estate has been owned by SEGRO since the acquisition
A significant milestone in Bolton’s educational landscape was marked yesterday with a sod-cutting ceremony at The Orchards Federation schools. The event signalled the commencement of a £8.6 million expansion and improvement project aimed at enhancing facilities for students at The Orchards Nursery, Cherry Tree Primary School and Green Fold Special
Affordable and social housing developer EDAROTH (a wholly owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has begun work on a multiple-site scheme in Surrey to deliver sustainable affordable homes in partnership with a housing association. Social housing provider Raven Housing Trust is now working with EDAROTH (Everyone Deserves a Roof Over Their Head)
Responding to the Government’s housing announcements, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: “We are pleased the Government has acted on our call to increase Affordable Homes Programme funding. We have made the case for councils to be empowered to build more affordable, good quality homes quickly
Denmark-based ROCKWOOL Group is pleased to announce it is acquiring Wetherby Building Systems Ltd. The acquisition marks an important milestone in ROCKWOOL’s quest to expand its façade expertise in the UK. Wetherby Building Systems Ltd, headquartered in Golborne, Greater Manchester, is a leading UK supplier for external thermal insulation composite
John Lewis has launched the first stages of a sweeping multimillion-pound investment across its stores, starting with significant upgrades to its Oxford Street flagship and stores in High Wycombe and Cheadle. These locations are among the first to showcase expanded beauty halls and refreshed shopping spaces designed to enhance the in-store experience. The Oxford Street store stands out with upgrades across all six floors, modernising departments including home, technology, jewellery, and electricals. Shoppers will also soon be able to enjoy a new Jamie Oliver Cookery School, set to open in spring 2025, marking an exciting collaboration with the renowned chef. Additionally, a Waterstones concession was recently unveiled in-store, part of an impressive £800 million investment aimed at elevating John Lewis’ offerings. Peter Ruis, Executive Director for John Lewis, shared his enthusiasm: “There’s a renewed energy in John Lewis, and we’re committed to giving customers even more reasons to shop in our exceptional stores. We’re investing heavily to ensure customers continue to enjoy the quality, service, and value they expect from our brand.” Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, added, “John Lewis’ continued investment in Oxford Street underscores London’s status as a top destination for beauty and fashion retail. The upcoming Jamie Oliver Cookery School and new Waterstones concession bring fresh, exciting elements to the Oxford Street store, enriching the experience for locals and visitors alike. This is the kind of investment we need to help revitalise Oxford Street and build a thriving, prosperous London.” These latest enhancements reflect John Lewis’ commitment to creating vibrant, immersive shopping environments that appeal to today’s customers while supporting the wider regeneration of London’s iconic retail spaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
York’s historic riverside is set for a stunning transformation as Helmsley Group’s ambitious Coney Street Riverside masterplan receives approval from the City of York Council’s planning committee. The masterplan, which will bring new life to a long-overlooked area, was praised by council members, who lauded Helmsley’s commitment to community engagement and revitalisation of York’s iconic waterfront. “This scheme is long overdue and will be a real positive for York,” noted Councillor Jonny Crawshaw, Chair of the planning committee, who highlighted the importance of restoring listed buildings with sensitivity. With nearly unanimous support, the council approved both the masterplan and a separate listed building application. The Coney Street Riverside project will introduce 250,000 square feet of diverse retail, leisure, commercial, and residential spaces, reimagining York’s historic core with a strong focus on community accessibility and sustainable design. The project includes creating a riverside walkway, which will enhance public access to the River Ouse, along with revitalising the historic lanes connecting Coney Street to the river. Notably, the site encompasses a cluster of listed buildings and structures of local significance within York’s Central Conservation Area, offering a unique opportunity to blend heritage with modern development. Among those in support was prominent disability campaigner Flick Williams, who called Helmsley’s inclusive design approach “a breath of fresh air,” and Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID, who emphasised the project’s potential to rejuvenate one of York’s most valuable areas. Max Reeves, Development Director at Helmsley Group, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “This project offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to restore historic Coney Street as the social heart of York, reconnecting it with the riverfront.” With over 40 years of local development experience, Helmsley Group has committed to long-term investment in the project and anticipates beginning on-site work by 2026, barring any planning conditions. Pending the Secretary of State’s review on certain listed building elements, the plan is set to proceed with a dedicated team from Helmsley Group, brown + company, O’Neill Associates, and others. This transformative project aims to forge a dynamic and inclusive riverside destination, breathing new life into York’s cherished urban landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate investment firm Castleforge has clinched a substantial £115 million loan to support the redevelopment of the iconic Grade II-listed 1 Golden Lane office building in London’s Square Mile. This significant funding will enable Castleforge to bring to life an ambitious vision for the site, reflecting its commitment to creating sustainable and adaptable modern workplaces. With planning approval already granted by the City of London, the project will transform 1 Golden Lane into a cutting-edge, eco-conscious office space. On completion, the building will provide approximately 115,000 square feet of premier office accommodation, right in the heart of London’s financial hub. This redevelopment aligns closely with Castleforge’s research-led investment approach, focusing on enhancing property value through strategic operational improvements. The financing, secured through Cheyne Capital Management and Apollo Global Management, highlights investor confidence in Castleforge’s vision and in the enduring demand for high-quality office spaces within London’s business centre, despite the evolving landscape of commercial real estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO plc (“SEGRO” or the “Group”) announces the sale of SEGRO Park Victoria Road in Park Royal, West London to the Imperial College London (‘Imperial’) for a base consideration of £115 million, a premium to book value. The 10-acre urban warehouse estate has been owned by SEGRO since the acquisition of Brixton plc in 2009. SEGRO has actively managed the estate and grown rents significantly since it took ownership, but the age and layout of the estate has meant that the recent strategy has been to secure vacant possession to facilitate redevelopment. Consequently, the estate is 64 per cent occupied and generates rental income of £3.2 million. Imperial will operate the site to provide commercial science innovation facilities to early-stage companies with interests aligned with the university’s academic mission as part of the ‘WestTech Corridor’, a new globally competitive innovation ecosystem in West London. The site has been identified for future mixed-use development by Imperial’s strategic partners Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) and Ealing Council as part of the area’s significant regeneration plans. Bonnie Minshull, Head of London at SEGRO, said: “SEGRO Park Victoria Road has performed very well for SEGRO over the past decade. This sale to a special purchaser, for the provision of commercial science and innovation facilities, allows us to reinvest the proceeds into our wider London portfolio. “Imperial’s WestTech Corridor vision is a welcome initiative from a world-leading institution, adding another powerful driver of demand to London’s primary industrial and logistics cluster, in which SEGRO owns approximately 6 million square feet of space.” Hugh Brady, Imperial President, said: “Imperial College London is investing in its ambitious vision for a new globally competitive deep tech innovation ecosystem in West London. The Imperial WestTech Corridor will act as a powerful engine for investment, inclusive economic growth, and job creation at a local, regional, and national level supported by the Government’s emerging Industrial Strategy.” SEGRO was advised by Montagu Evans and Gowling WLG (UK) LLP. Savills (UK) Ltd acted on Imperial’s behalf as agents and CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP acted as Imperial’s legal advisory. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A significant milestone in Bolton’s educational landscape was marked yesterday with a sod-cutting ceremony at The Orchards Federation schools. The event signalled the commencement of a £8.6 million expansion and improvement project aimed at enhancing facilities for students at The Orchards Nursery, Cherry Tree Primary School and Green Fold Special School, which caters for pupils with Autism, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD. This ambitious project is a collaborative effort between Bolton Council, procurement partner Clear Futures, and family-owned construction contractor Seddon, demonstrating a shared commitment to improving educational facilities in the area. The project will see the creation of two new extensions providing eight additional classrooms across the Upper and Lower sites, along with internal remodelling to bring existing spaces up to modern specifications. These improvements will increase the schools’ combined capacity from 140 to 185 pupils, addressing the growing demand for SEND and PMLD places in Bolton. The enhancements also include improved outdoor spaces, a new multi-use games area for year-round access, and upgraded facilities such as hygiene suites to meet specific SEND requirements. Katie Hague, Executive Head of The Orchards Federation, said: “This is an exciting project which will further enhance our oversubscribed outstanding provision. Green Fold continues to be the special school of choice for many families and we are delighted that we will be able to welcome more pupils to flourish with us. The creation of a purpose built Early Years extension to house our Nursery in the same building as Cherry Tree school and our Green Fold PMLD classes will further enhance our inclusive offer and bring more opportunities for collaboration. Local families will be able to benefit from this beacon of excellence.” Recognising the unique challenges of working within an operational school environment, Seddon has undertaken extensive pre-construction planning to ensure minimal disruption to the schools’ daily activities. This includes careful consideration of the high volume of mini-buses used for student transport and the four different collection times every day for the on-site nursery. The construction, set to complete by April 2026, will be carried out in seven carefully planned phases, allowing the schools to continue functioning throughout the project duration. Matthew Sargeson, Operations Director at Seddon, commented: “This project exemplifies our commitment to creating spaces that truly make a difference in our communities. By expanding and improving The Orchards Federation schools, we’re helping to provide vital educational opportunities for children with special needs. Our team has worked diligently in the pre-construction phase to ensure that we can deliver this project safely and efficiently while maintaining a conducive learning environment for the students. This level of planning and care will continue throughout the construction process, prioritising the well-being and education of the students above all else.” Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said: “This marks an important phase in the expansion of Green Fold, an outstanding school which provides its pupils with the very highest level of education and support. “Like many areas in the UK, we are seeing an increase in demand for places for children with additional needs. “We want to ensure as many children as possible can be educated in the borough, closer to their families and friends. “As a local authority we are committed to inclusive practice, and the expansion of Green Fold Special School is one element of our wider Belonging in Bolton Strategy which also aims to ensure that mainstream schools are well placed to meet the additional needs of children with SEND.” Rachel Salter, Head of Project Management Office from Clear Futures, said: “Clear Futures is proud to be supporting Bolton Council in delivering additional special educational needs school places for the Orchards Federation. “As well as bringing fantastic new facilities, the project will also provide apprenticeship opportunities and educational support sessions for young people in the Borough. Delivering this social value for the community is a key part of the strategic partnership between Clear Futures and Bolton Council and just one of the ways we support growth in the area.” Seddon has pledged to achieve £2,250,000 in local supply chain spending throughout the course of the project, further supporting the local economy. Seddon has also committed to at least 100 hours of volunteering and £7,000 in donations to local community initiatives, including support for Bolton CVS and Urban Outreach’s Bolton Lunches appeal. Additionally, the company is providing significant training and employment opportunities, including 56 weeks of upskilling for apprentices and industry placements for T-Level students from Bolton College. The sod-cutting ceremony was attended by representatives from Bolton Council, Clear Futures, The Orchards Federation, and the Seddon team, marking a collaborative effort to enhance educational facilities in Bolton and create a lasting positive impact on the community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Affordable and social housing developer EDAROTH (a wholly owned subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis) has begun work on a multiple-site scheme in Surrey to deliver sustainable affordable homes in partnership with a housing association. Social housing provider Raven Housing Trust is now working with EDAROTH (Everyone Deserves a Roof Over Their Head) to develop the new houses, using offsite manufacturing methods to create low energy-use, net zero homes while providing additive capacity for the housing market. The homes will be the first to be delivered by EDAROTH for a housing association and will be built across four development sites in Epsom and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council areas, repurposing disused garage sites belonging to Raven. The initial development will provide 12 much-needed homes in well-located areas of the town, with the majority of building parts being manufactured at a UK factory, transported and assembled onsite, reducing the carbon impact of the process. By using this approach the homes will be delivered more quickly compared to traditional methods of construction, with reduced disruption to residents living near the development sites. The homes will also be built to EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) A+, the highest efficiency rating possible to keep energy usage and carbon emissions low. Mark Powell, Managing Director of EDAROTH, said: “This is a progressive development to build much-needed affordable housing for residents within communities, delivering high quality, net zero housing stock in the most efficient way. “EDAROTH was established with the guiding principle to create sustainable, low carbon and affordable housing, and we’re pleased that work is underway in what we hope will be a programme of development working with Raven Housing Trust, a truly collaborative partner which shares our vision for developing communities.” Stephen Clements, Assistant Development Director for Raven Housing Trust, said: “Our priority is to provide high quality, sustainable, affordable homes for our residents, and so it’s a great moment to see work beginning on these sites. “This scheme will transform these sites and provide much greater value to communities as new homes which are in such high demand both here and across the county.” The scheme in Surrey is the first in a number of new contracts due to go live for EDAROTH, which is bringing a fresh approach to the housing market by utilising brownfield and former industrial land to release genuine social and economic value back into communities. This in turn supports housing associations in their goals to provide affordable, energy-efficient homes in areas of acute shortage, as well as meeting net zero targets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Responding to the Government’s housing announcements, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: “We are pleased the Government has acted on our call to increase Affordable Homes Programme funding. We have made the case for councils to be empowered to build more affordable, good quality homes quickly and at scale and this will boost councils’ ability to build desperately-needed affordable housing for local communities. “It has become increasingly impossible for councils to replace homes as quickly as they’re being sold through the Right to Buy (RTB) scheme. The LGA has long-called for reform to RTB and these positive measures will support the replacement of sold homes and to stem the continued loss of existing stock. “A 5-year rent settlement is a step in the right direction in providing certainty for councils on rental income, but to really strengthen and provide stability to Housing Revenue Accounts, a minimum 10-year rent settlement is needed, alongside restoration of lost revenue due to the rent cap and a review of the self-financing settlement of 2012. This would better support long-term business planning to ensure councils can deliver high quality homes and associated support for their tenants. “Councils stand ready to work with the Government to increase affordable housing and help people on council housing waiting lists and record numbers stuck in temporary accommodation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Denmark-based ROCKWOOL Group is pleased to announce it is acquiring Wetherby Building Systems Ltd. The acquisition marks an important milestone in ROCKWOOL’s quest to expand its façade expertise in the UK. Wetherby Building Systems Ltd, headquartered in Golborne, Greater Manchester, is a leading UK supplier for external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS). Wetherby will become part of the ROCKWOOL Wall Systems organisation under the new designation Wetherby Wall Systems, joining counterpart organisations that include ETICS specialists HECK Wall Systems in Germany and FAST Wall Systems in Poland. Importance of the acquisition The energy efficiency of buildings plays an important role in meeting the UK’s commitment to reaching net zero by 2050. ROCKWOOL Group CEO Jes Munk Hansen states, “This acquisition underlines ROCKWOOL’s commitment to further expanding our presence in the UK market and to continuing to transform the construction sector towards sustainable and non-combustible façade solutions. The share of stone wool insulation in the Wetherby business has been growing steadily, and we will be completing this transition to a fully stone wool-based portfolio, as we have done in other markets in the past.” For Wetherby Building Systems Ltd, this acquisition is a significant step in its long-term development. The company will continue its existing partnerships with developers, customers, and suppliers. Wetherby Managing Director Bob Deane comments: “There is a long-standing relationship between Wetherby and ROCKWOOL, and the match is strong on all significant drivers, from business model and technology to company culture and values. I am convinced that inside the ROCKWOOL organisation, Wetherby will meet its full potential for wall system solutions.” The transaction does not affect ROCKWOOL’s financial expectations for 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
