London Stansted recently revealed details of a five-year £1.1bn investment programme that will deliver wide-ranging benefits to passengers and help secure links to even more global destinations. The centrepiece of the plans is a £600m extension to the airport’s existing terminal, which will create a bright spacious environment, with more
GMI Construction has secured a major Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) contract to deliver a £50m scheme in Bristol. The project, on behalf of Host, represents GMI Construction’s first major residential contract win in the Southwest of England as it expands the footprint of its Midlands-based operation. Located at the heart
Hilton Woking features extensive meeting and event facilities, including Surrey’s largest hotel ballroom, alongside panoramic views from its 22nd floor LOFT Sky Bar, and marks a significant step in the town’s regeneration. Hilton has just celebrated the opening of Hilton Woking, a 189-room hotel situated in the heart of the town’s
The Urban Splash Residential Fund (USRF), advised by SURE Capital Partners, has announced a significant new partnership with sustainable developer Citu, formalised through a £200 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This five-year agreement grants USRF priority access to Citu’s pioneering properties, which include single-family homes across Yorkshire, marking a major
Leading house builder Crest Nicholson has secured planning permission for 109 new homes in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, marking the next phase of the wider Meon Vale development site. As part of the wider scheme, Crest Nicholson will bring a mix of two, three, four and five bedroom homes, each featuring PV
Bouygues UK and Carmarthenshire County Council have committed to working with a team of local suppliers and subcontractors to transform an old retail store into a state-of-the-art health, wellbeing, education and leisure hwb. The major contractor and Carmarthenshire County Council, in collaboration with Hywel Dda University Health Board and the
Balfour Beatty has invested over £5 million in new overhead line strategic assets to support the substantial growth in its Power Transmission & Distribution business. The company has the UK’s largest overhead line equipment fleet and over the last 18 months, has acquired eight new Puller-Tensioner machines to support the
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, said: “We congratulate Kemi Badenoch on their successful election campaign and encourage them to collaborate with property professionals to uncover answers to these significant problems impacting the housing sector. “Although there is a cross-party consensus that more homes need to be
London Stansted recently revealed details of a five-year £1.1bn investment programme that will deliver wide-ranging benefits to passengers and help secure links to even more global destinations. The centrepiece of the plans is a £600m extension to the airport’s existing terminal, which will create a bright spacious environment, with more seating areas plus new shops, bars and restaurants to give travellers even more choice than they have today. The plans were first announced at the government’s International Investment Summit yesterday and follow London Stansted reporting record-breaking passenger numbers for each month in 2024. Planning permission for the extension was secured last October, and Stansted today released images and a video to showcase its plans for the first time. The terminal development will help enable the airport serve up to 43 million passengers a year, which in turn will create up to 5,000 new on-site jobs, and see the airport’s economic contribution double to £2 billion annually. Also included in the airport’s £1.1bn investment programme are a number of projects to enhance the passenger journey and support Stansted’s commitment to deliver a sustainable future, such as: In addition, a number of other projects have already been completed or underway with airport partners, including a new EV charging forecourt and drive-thru restaurants, new Emirates business lounge and new baggage reclaim carousel. Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said: “Stansted is embarking on an exciting new chapter. We aim to add even more choice of airlines to continue growing our extensive route network that is valued and enjoyed by the millions of passengers who choose to fly from London Stansted every year. “We are already welcoming a record number of passengers, with people drawn to the fact we give them a great choice of destinations, at excellent value and with fantastic access into central London and the whole of the East of England. “We are unique among major airports in operating a single terminal, which means we can give people a simple, efficient and seamless experience, which we know they value, whether travelling for business, leisure or to visit friends and family. These exciting plans mean we are able to retain all those benefits, while introducing an array of new facilities and giving us the space we need to grow. “Since receiving planning permission last October, our teams have carefully considered every touch point of a passenger’s journey through the terminal to ensure the extension transforms the airport experience by adding more space, choice, comfort and range of services on offer, from check-in right through to arrivals. I believe we have successfully achieved this while maintaining the ease, simplicity and original design concept of our fantastic terminal building. “This is a really exciting time for everyone connected with Stansted as we know we have a critical role to play in serving the future capacity needs of London. Our aim is to be the airport of choice for even more passengers and we’re confident our investment plans will boost our competitiveness within the London aviation market, as well as supporting economic growth, jobs and vital international connectivity for London and the East of England.” The extension to Stansted’s terminal will add three-bays to the back of the terminal building, extending it by 16,500m2. The updated design also reveals an enlarged immigration hall moving from its current location, freeing up additional space for a bigger departure lounge plus new larger arrivals baggage carousels. The more spacious departure lounge will feature additional seating, a greater choice of shops, bars and restaurants, and a larger security hall with more security lanes equipped with next-generation scanners. The extension will also provide more state-of-the-art check-in desks plus increased baggage capacity. Stansted served a record breaking 29.3 million passengers in the year to September 2024, the busiest 12-month period in the airport’s history, and as it now enters a new phase of growth, the extended terminal will improve capacity at busy times and provide the extra space required to accommodate forecast growth. Over the past 12 months, a number of new airlines have started flying from Stansted for the first time, including Royal Jordanian and Sun Express, plus the welcome return of British Airways, boosting the number of destinations on the departure board to more than 200 this summer. Video graphics of the new extension can be viewed here. Jackie Sadek, Independent Chair of the UK Innovation Corridor, said: “This is to be welcomed with open arms. London Stansted provides vital underpinning for the current £189bn per annum GVA of the UK Innovation Corridor, and this new investment will be crucial for our shared mission to double the size of our economy by 2040. We are definitely on our way.” John Dickie, Chief Executive of BusinessLDN, said: “As a gateway to the world, London Stansted plays a critical role in welcoming visitors to London and the UK. This investment is a vote of confidence in the capital that will boost our global connectivity and enhance the experience of passengers. It will also underpin regional growth and will help us remain a world leader in the highly competitive international market.” Harriet Fear, Chair of Cambridge Ahead, said: “International connectivity is vitally important for organisations based in the innovative sectors that are so strong in the East of England, making London Stansted key to the success of the region and beyond. This significant new investment into the airport’s infrastructure, which will help create an even better experience for passengers and support the airport’s long-term route development aims, is wonderful to see.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction has secured a major Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) contract to deliver a £50m scheme in Bristol. The project, on behalf of Host, represents GMI Construction’s first major residential contract win in the Southwest of England as it expands the footprint of its Midlands-based operation. Located at the heart of the city’s Temple Meads Quarter, the 447 bed PBSA complex will create two new apartment blocks and a standalone mixed-use building around an open courtyard on the site of the former Chanson Foods facility. 200 metres from Bristol Temple Meads railway station and overlooking the city’s Floating Harbour, the scheme will also be close to the forthcoming Bristol University Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. Designed by Chapman Taylor, GMI Construction will deliver the scheme, which was created in consultation with Bristol City Council, across a two year build programme that is expected to be complete for start of the 2026 academic year. This is the latest in a portfolio of PBSA schemes delivered, or being delivered, by GMI in key university cities. For example, the company recently completed the 604-bed Carlton Hill development for Pickard Properties in Leeds and Alumno’s 167-bed Dogpool Lane in Birmingham. Wider to this, GMI Construction is currently building a £50m, 275-bed scheme for Olympian Homes and a 303-bed PBSA development on behalf of S Harrison Developments, both of which are in York. Adam Taylor, GMI Construction’s Regional Director in the Midlands, said: “We are exceptionally proud to secure this major project with Host, which will deliver much needed, high-quality, additional student accommodation in the centre of Bristol. This project also strengthens GMI’s credentials in the construction of multi-occupancy developments, particularly in the student accommodation sector, and our expansion into new regions of the UK.” Keith Dean, Hosts Development Manager, said “Given the level of unmet demand from students currently unable to access PBSA in Bristol, the development of Avon Street is great news for the city. We are excited to realise the ambitious plans for Avon Street with GMI, which are focussed on combining the highest quality accommodation with an outstanding location to provide the best student living experience available in Bristol.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hilton Woking features extensive meeting and event facilities, including Surrey’s largest hotel ballroom, alongside panoramic views from its 22nd floor LOFT Sky Bar, and marks a significant step in the town’s regeneration. Hilton has just celebrated the opening of Hilton Woking, a 189-room hotel situated in the heart of the town’s ongoing regeneration project. Located in the newly developed Victoria Square, the hotel is within walking distance of 150 shops, restaurants, the New Victoria Theatre Woking, the Italia Conti dance conservatoire, and Woking Superbowl – an entertainment complex featuring bowling, an arcade and laser quest. The property features well-appointed rooms, including 14 suites and executive rooms with access to the Executive Lounge on the 22nd floor, providing the perfect backdrop to work or unwind. Each room is equipped with contemporary interiors and offers panoramic views of Woking and the Surrey countryside. Additionally, all guests will have access to a 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness centre, equipped with Technogym. Culinary delights await too, with the LOFT Sky Bar on the 22nd floor serving expertly crafted cocktails and a Pan-Asian menu designed to be shared, featuring dishes like Banana Leaf Wrapped Scallion Chimichurri Stone Bass, Josper Grilled Hereford Beef Fillet and Padrón Pepper Kushiyaki Skewer. The OXBO restaurant on the 21st floor celebrates farm-to-fork British cuisine, featuring a selection of sharing platters, that highlights the freshest local produce and reflects the hotel’s commitment to the environment and community. Standout items include the Steak and Blue Cheese Flatbread, OXBO Burger with Brown Ale Rarebit, and Spicy Cauliflower Fritters. For a more casual gathering with friends or colleagues, the GLOW Lounge offers a modern barista experience. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president and managing director, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: “As Woking continues its impressive transformation, we’re proud to play a key role in shaping its future. With a prime location, contemporary design and exceptional amenities, Hilton Woking is committed to meeting the growing demand for high quality accommodation in the area, and we look forward to welcoming guests to this fantastic new hotel.” Guests can easily explore some of the UK’s premier family-friendly attractions, including Mercedes-Benz World, Thorpe Park and LEGOLAND Windsor, all within a 30-minute drive of the hotel. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel’s exceptional location, situated under 20 miles from 20 of the top 100 golf courses in England. Among these is the historic Woking Golf Club, one of England’s oldest heathland courses and Wentworth Golf Club, which is home to the BMW PGA Championship. A short walk away from Woking Station, the hotel also offers direct train links to Central London, with London Waterloo reachable in under 25 minutes. All terminals at London Heathrow Airport are accessible within 45 minutes by car, and London Gatwick Airport is approximately an hour’s drive away, making the hotel an ideal base for guests looking to travel further afield. Hilton Woking features extensive event facilities, including Surrey’s largest hotel ballroom with a theatre-style capacity of 609 people and a banqueting capacity of 384, plus eleven versatile meeting rooms and two private dining spaces, making it the perfect venue for corporate events, weddings, or meetings. Each space is equipped with premium audio-visual technology to ensure seamless experiences. The hotel also proudly participates in Hilton’s ‘Meet with Purpose’ programme, which helps clients reduce the environmental impact of their meetings and make a positive contribution to the local community. The programme focuses on three key areas: reducing waste and energy use, offering locally sourced, healthier catering options, and promoting attendee wellness. Honouring Woking’s historical evolution, the 23-storey hotel has been designed by Benoy, the lead architect for the wider Victoria Square mixed-use development, with hotel fit-out design by Gensler, and Hilton contributing its expertise in hospitality. Gensler prioritised sourcing local materials and commissioned contemporary artwork from local artists to feature in the hotel. The integration of metal finishes with timber elements reflects both the town’s 19th-century growth, driven by the arrival of the railway, and its surrounding natural landscape. The hotel’s signage, featuring a font inspired by that era’s typography, pays homage to Woking’s transformation from a rural village into a key transport hub connecting London to nearby regions. Kelly Shrives-Wrist, general manager of the hotel said: “We’re thrilled to open the doors to this incredible new hotel, offering fantastic rooms, great meeting spaces, and vibrant dining options for visitors and locals alike. Not only is it a great place to stay, but we’re immensely proud to be supporting the local community – from creating 60 jobs to working with nearby suppliers that share our core value to make a positive impact.” Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, leader of Woking Borough Council, added: “It’s great to see the much-anticipated opening of Hilton Woking. We hope that the state-of-the-art hotel will bring significant economic benefits and strengthen Woking’s position as a vibrant and attractive destination to live, work and visit. I wish the new hotel every success.” Guests of all Hilton properties can benefit from the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme, allowing members who book directly with Hilton to earn Points for hotel stays and experiences. Hilton Honors members can also unlock access to instant rewards and benefits, such as contactless check-in with room selection and exclusive member discounts. Victoria Square is the latest successful milestone in Woking town centre’s regeneration. In addition to the Hilton hotel, the development comprises The Marches, a purpose-built residential scheme offering 429 high-quality apartments that are now fully let, providing a wonderful community in the heart of the town centre. There is also 125,000 sq. ft of retail space, anchored by a 50,000 sq. ft Marks and Spencer store and a 27,500 sq. ft Boots. The retail space features a mix of local and national operators, including GAIL’s Bakery, Lark, Sostrene Grene, and Skechers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Urban Splash Residential Fund (USRF), advised by SURE Capital Partners, has announced a significant new partnership with sustainable developer Citu, formalised through a £200 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This five-year agreement grants USRF priority access to Citu’s pioneering properties, which include single-family homes across Yorkshire, marking a major milestone in the fund’s expansion strategy. This alliance – the second for USRF after a similar agreement with Urban Splash – encompasses 600 homes with potential for future growth. As part of the initial investment, USRF will acquire 52 Citu homes located in the Climate Innovation District in Leeds and Kelham Central, Sheffield. Both developments reflect Citu’s principles of placemaking, building resilient, green, mixed-use neighbourhoods with energy-efficient homes that prioritise community and environmental responsibility. Adding Citu’s homes diversifies USRF’s portfolio, expanding its range of sustainable, single-family residences across the UK. Akeel Malik, Partner at SURE Capital Partners, commented, “This partnership aligns capital with regeneration, empowering us to support the creation of vibrant new neighbourhoods. Leeds and Sheffield are dynamic cities where people want to live, work, and play, and we’re proud to be part of this transformation.” He continued, “Our mission is to build a portfolio of design-led rental homes, and Citu’s award-winning properties and communities offer the ideal product for that vision.” Tom Bloxham MBE, also a Partner at SURE, added, “Investors are ready to back design-led homes – a concept that has proven successful with Urban Splash and now extends to Citu. I have long admired Citu’s work and am delighted to see this agreement finalised.” Bloxham added that this deal underscores SURE Capital’s dedication to connecting UK and international capital with top UK developers such as Citu, Urban Splash, and Javelin Block, supporting sustainable housing projects with substantial investor returns. Yorkshire-based Citu is known for its innovative and environmentally conscious developments. Building to Passivhaus standards, Citu’s homes are about 75% more energy-efficient than traditional UK homes. They are also manufactured locally using modern construction methods in Citu’s Yorkshire factory, further minimising carbon emissions. Through this partnership, Citu will introduce high-quality rental properties to its developments, a strategic new direction for the company. Jonathan Wilson, Citu’s Managing Director, stated, “This collaboration is a substantial step forward for Citu. Our growth strategy is centred on creating sustainable communities with a variety of tenures, and we’re thrilled to offer rental options in partnership with USRF, a partner who shares our commitment to sustainable development.” Established in 2017, USRF has gained a leading position in the market by actively engaging with local communities. Its initiatives include 100% green energy and a resident platform called Ark, offering discounts with local businesses. This new agreement with Citu will allow both organisations to continue fostering sustainable urban living across Yorkshire, benefiting both communities and the environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading house builder Crest Nicholson has secured planning permission for 109 new homes in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, marking the next phase of the wider Meon Vale development site. As part of the wider scheme, Crest Nicholson will bring a mix of two, three, four and five bedroom homes, each featuring PV solar panels and Electric Vehicle Charge Points. The homes will include several of Crest Nicholson’s house types such as the Filey and the Windsor. Of the 109 homes being built, 40% will be designated as affordable, with 29 plots allocated for affordable rent, and nine available through shared ownership. Tim Brickley, Managing Director for Crest Nicholson Midlands commented: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission to deliver much needed, energy efficient homes within the village. Being able to offer 40% of the development as affordable housing is an important step in making home ownership more accessible and we look forward to providing high quality new homes that will contribute to the vibrant, sustainable community of Meon Vale” The Marston Leys development will introduce a new phase to the rural, self-sufficient village of Meon Vale. Once a Ministry of Defence site, Meon Vale has transformed into a thriving community complete with a school, sports fields, playgrounds, a skate park, and leisure and community centres. Work is anticipated to start in early 2025 with the first homes due for completion towards the end of the year. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, Meon Vale also benefits from being joined to Stratford-upon-Avon’s flagship cycle and footpath, which sweeps through the heart of the village and continues to Stratford-upon-Avon town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK and Carmarthenshire County Council have committed to working with a team of local suppliers and subcontractors to transform an old retail store into a state-of-the-art health, wellbeing, education and leisure hwb. The major contractor and Carmarthenshire County Council, in collaboration with Hywel Dda University Health Board and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, is transforming the former Debenhams at St Catherine’s Walk into the Health and Wellbeing Hwb, which will provide a variety of facilities all under one roof. Lead contractor Bouygues UK is committed to using local subcontractors as part of its commitment to provide employment, training and skills opportunities to local people and underrepresented groups. It has already been working closely with sub-contractors from the area on its other prestigious project at Pentre Awel in Llanelli and continues to do so at the Health and Wellbeing Hwb – with a further commitment to upskill all those working in its supply chain on the importance of embedding sustainability into their work. The groundwork was carried out by Cambrensis Civil Engineering, with Shufflebottom Ltd providing the secondary steelwork. Both companies are based in Cross Hands. Castle Scaffolding, from Ammanford, supplied the required scaffolding, and Davies Cranes, located in Carmarthen, handled the steelwork and mechanical & electrical crane lifts. FP Hurley, also from Cross Hands, is managing the MEP (Mechanical, Engineering, and Plumbing) services. Security and cleaning services are being provided by the CSA Service Group, based at Llanelli Gate Business Park. The Gavin Griffiths Group from Swansea is overseeing commercial waste management, and Cwmgwili Recycling Facility in Carmarthen is also working with Bouygues UK. Project Lead Dylan Jones said: “It’s fantastic to see so many local firms working alongside us to help transform the former retail store into an exciting health, wellbeing and leisure hwb for Carmarthenshire. Working with local business is a key part of our commitment to using a local supply chain on projects as well as creating employment opportunities for the neighbouring community. It’s a truly collaborative approach that is proven to work.” Once complete, Carmarthenshire residents will be able to access community health services at the Health and Wellbeing Hwb that are being provided by Hywel Dda University Health Board. Alongside health and wellbeing services, the remodelled building will partner with Actif Sport and Leisure to facilitate a new 24-hour gym, which will include top of the range equipment, and flexible fitness suites for group and individual workouts. There will also be a high-spec family entertainment centre that will include a range of activities for families, including indoor adventure golf, toy town soft play, E-Go Karting and TAG Active. The entertainment centre will also house party rooms and offer food and beverages. It is expected that once open to the public it will increase footfall for the town centre and drive further economic resilience for local traders and retailers. When the department store closed in May 2021 the knock-on effect on trade in the town centre was significant. It is hoped that the new all-encompassing Hwb – the first of its kind in Carmarthenshire – will encourage more people from the region into the town centre to take advantage of the public and leisure services that will be available under one roof. Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented: “I am delighted to see that so many Carmarthenshire sub contractors are being utilised to work on this development. The Health and Wellbeing Hwb will serve as a place that local people can more easily access community health care and County Council Customer Services, as well as having a place to bring their children to the family entertainment zone or even to get healthier by using our gym. The development will significantly increase footfall in the town centre and encourage people to visit for the day, which will positively impact our other local businesses in and around the town. Thank you to Bouygues UK for their ongoing work within our community.” This project is funded in partnership with £7million from Welsh Government via the Health and Social Care Integration and Rebalancing Capital Fund Programme, as part of the wider West Wales Regional Partnership Board Capital Programme and also funding of £18m from the UK Government. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty has invested over £5 million in new overhead line strategic assets to support the substantial growth in its Power Transmission & Distribution business. The company has the UK’s largest overhead line equipment fleet and over the last 18 months, has acquired eight new Puller-Tensioner machines to support the delivery of major projects including the Bramford to Twinstead Electricity Network Reinforcement Scheme and the Isle of Skye Reinforcement Project. The industry-leading machines will support the installation and replacement of overhead lines and are fitted with the latest technology such as radio remote controls and onboard telematics. Four quad and four twin Puller-Tensioners have already been delivered, with another ten machines scheduled for delivery over the next 12 to 24 months. Balfour Beatty’s UK Power Transmission and Distribution Operational Manager, Neil Johnson, said: “Our ongoing investment in power transmission assets further demonstrates our commitment to supporting both the UK electricity network and our clients in achieving greater efficiency and delivering exceptional quality. “We stand ready to meet the demands of the market and play our part in helping the UK reach its ambitious goal of achieving net zero by 2050.” Balfour Beatty has also invested in 20 new Massey Ferguson winch tractors, used for various lifting and carrying activities, which are set for delivery at the start of 2025. With the largest fleet of bespoke overhead line equipment in the UK and a commitment to advancing technology and capacity, this strategic investment affirms Balfour Beatty’s position as the industry leader in Power Transmission & Distribution. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, said: “We congratulate Kemi Badenoch on their successful election campaign and encourage them to collaborate with property professionals to uncover answers to these significant problems impacting the housing sector. “Although there is a cross-party consensus that more homes need to be built, there are still many issues that need addressing by all the political parties such as the lack of investment in the private rental sector due to spiralling taxes and regulations, the costs that many homeowners and landlords face with making their homes more energy efficient, and the obstacles that are hindering an increase in housing supply and affordability. “We hope that Kemi Badenoch can provide a fresh insight into these ongoing challenges, and we look forward to working with them to further champion the role of property agents.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
