Kadans Science Partner is excited to today announce the official opening of their new state-of-the-art laboratory building MAYDE, 5-10 Brandon Road. Located in King’s Cross, London, MAYDE is the most recent high-specification office and laboratory building to join the world-famous Knowledge Quarter. This new laboratory scheme of 114,000 sq ft
Solihull Council has joined forces with national developer Muse to lead the transformation of Mell Square, the iconic retail centre at the heart of Solihull. The two parties have formalised a Development Agreement to revitalise Mell Square with new retail options, leisure facilities, public spaces, and up to 1,600 homes.
Bouygues UK is thrilled to announce the completion of the Peckham Flaxyard project, a mixed-use, residential-led scheme in the heart of Peckham. This milestone marks the successful delivery of a £46.8m development that will significantly benefit the local community. Bouygues UK and Southwark Council celebrated the completion of the scheme
Persimmon Homes, one of the UK’s foremost housebuilders, has announced a bold expansion in the West Midlands, with plans to deliver 1,200 new homes across the region. This move is a substantial boost to local housing supply and forms a key part of the company’s strategy for long-term growth and
The Range is poised to acquire up to 75 Homebase stores as part of a pre-packaged administration deal, potentially saving around 1,500 jobs. Reports from Sky News indicate that administrators are being appointed to facilitate the sale, with The Range set to take over not only the stores but also
Work to build HS2’s 700-metre-long Burton Green Tunnel in Warwickshire has reached the halfway mark, with new images and video footage showcasing the latest progress. Once built, the tunnel will carry HS2 trains through the village of Burton Green, near Kenilworth, and will feature a green space above for use
The property management landscape is rapidly transforming, with increasing regulatory requirements and heightened expectations from clients, freeholders, developers, and residential management companies (RMCs). To stay ahead, FirstPort Group is committed to not just meeting these changes but to becoming a proactive partner that brings valuable insights and tailored solutions to
Renewable energy experts, Green Building Renewables, has announced a merger with sister company 21 Degrees, and will bring all its 14 subsidiaries together under the 21 Degrees umbrella. With this update, the group streamlines its comprehensive offering for architects and specifiers, enabling them to benefit from a unified approach to
THE recent Autumn Budget made a firm statement for growth and improvement in public services, with a focus on regionality with six authorities with ‘track records of managing major programmes’ announced as eligible for integrated funding settlements to invest in their areas, including the West Midlands Combined Authority. With this
Kadans Science Partner is excited to today announce the official opening of their new state-of-the-art laboratory building MAYDE, 5-10 Brandon Road. Located in King’s Cross, London, MAYDE is the most recent high-specification office and laboratory building to join the world-famous Knowledge Quarter. This new laboratory scheme of 114,000 sq ft includes high-quality good-manufacturing-practices (GMP) pilot plant facilities and is the only space in London offering GMP manufacturing facilities alongside R&D and office space. This includes one floor of fully fitted lab and office space ready to occupy immediately. The building was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours for guests, and speeches from Steve Bates, CEO BioIndustry Association (BIA) and James Sheppard, International Head of Asset Management at Kadans Science Partner. Will Fogden, Senior Development Manager at Kadans said: “We are thrilled to announce the official launch celebration of MAYDE, 5-10 Brandon Road. The space offers a unique opportunity for tenants to expand from R&D into commercialisation all under one roof with GMP manufacturing facilities alongside R&D and office space. It has been an exciting journey to reach this stage from inception all the way through to completion and we look forward to welcoming in new tenants. MAYDE is the first of four buildings within Kadan’s ownership at Tileyard, in King’s Cross providing over 350,000 sq ft of science innovation space. We are excited to continue our expansion and building on this already vibrant Science and Innovation ecosystem.” Construction began in 2022 with the intention of creating a space that boasted a high technical specification. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Solihull Council has joined forces with national developer Muse to lead the transformation of Mell Square, the iconic retail centre at the heart of Solihull. The two parties have formalised a Development Agreement to revitalise Mell Square with new retail options, leisure facilities, public spaces, and up to 1,600 homes. The ambitious plans were unveiled at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May and received Cabinet approval from Councillors last month. This project is a core part of the Solihull Town Centre Masterplan, which sets out a bold vision for growth and investment across the town centre. Muse, known for its high-profile developments like Newcastle Quayside, was selected as the preferred development partner in October 2023. Since then, a series of public consultations have engaged local residents and businesses in shaping the future of Mell Square. The latest round of feedback sessions is underway, offering the community an opportunity to weigh in on the evolving plans. This input will inform a planning application set for submission early next year. Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, remarked, “This partnership marks a crucial step in Mell Square’s transformation. With Muse’s expertise, we’re poised to reinvigorate Solihull’s retail and leisure offerings, support local businesses, and diversify our town centre’s appeal. I’m especially pleased that new housing forms a significant part of the plans, helping us attract more residents and boosting the local economy.” He also highlighted the importance of local input: “Further public engagement sessions are planned this November, giving residents and businesses a direct voice in this exciting redevelopment.” Maggie Grogan, Midlands Managing Director at Muse, added, “Our vision for Mell Square is to create a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood that will meet the changing demands of Solihull’s town centre. Securing this Development Agreement allows us to move forward with community consultations, and we look forward to sharing our innovative plans with residents.” The Mell Square redevelopment marks a new era for Solihull, promising to create a dynamic urban hub for work, leisure, and community living at the heart of the West Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK is thrilled to announce the completion of the Peckham Flaxyard project, a mixed-use, residential-led scheme in the heart of Peckham. This milestone marks the successful delivery of a £46.8m development that will significantly benefit the local community. Bouygues UK and Southwark Council celebrated the completion of the scheme on 12 November, chatted to residents and had a tour of the development. The event concluded with an uplifting performance by the brass band from local St. James the Great Primary School. The project, executed in collaboration with Southwark Council has delivered 120 new affordable homes. This includes 96 council homes for social rent – part of Southwark Council’s commitment to tackling the local housing crisis by building thousands of new council homes across the borough – along with 24 shared ownership homes. Additionally, the scheme features disabled car parking, cycle storage for residents, commercial space on the ground floor, and landscaped surrounding areas. Situated near key community amenities such as the library, leisure centre, high street, primary and secondary schools, and existing homes, the project was completed through close collaboration with the local community and key stakeholders. Bouygues UK has contributed over £6m in social value, including over 300 hours of volunteering in the local area and donations of over £40,000 to local charities. In addition the contractor spent more than £10,000 on small local business and helped over 50 local unemployed residents benefit from training and employment sessions. To minimise energy use and related carbon emissions during the construction, Bouygues UK partnered with Gaia to identify, monitor, and reduce power consumption using AI and sensor software. This collaboration successfully reduced our energy use by over 55,000kwh and CO2 emissions by 17 tonnes over the duration of the project. Amine Azidine, Projects Director at Bouygues UK, commented: “We are so proud to have partnered with Southwark Council to deliver this important scheme which will make such a positive difference to the local area and increase the availability of affordable housing.” Ishmel Brady, Project Manager at Peckham Flaxyard, added: “Having grown up in Peckham, it has always been my dream to build something meaningful in the area. This project is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, and I am incredibly proud to see it come to fruition.” Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: “We want everyone in Southwark to live in decent, safe and well-maintained homes, and building more affordable homes, especially council homes is at the heart of this ambition. “I’m so proud to be completing these brand new homes for local people, despite all the economic challenges over recent years. There is a housing crisis and it is vital that we continue to build new homes in response. “Located in the heart of Peckham, close to local facilities including schools, the library and leisure centre, this 100% affordable housing development will provide wonderful new homes for local people, and I look forward to celebrating with residents when they start to move in.” The completion of the Peckham Flaxyard project is a significant achievement for both Bouygues UK and Southwark Council, setting a benchmark for future developments aimed at addressing the housing needs of the local community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Persimmon Homes, one of the UK’s foremost housebuilders, has announced a bold expansion in the West Midlands, with plans to deliver 1,200 new homes across the region. This move is a substantial boost to local housing supply and forms a key part of the company’s strategy for long-term growth and investment in the area. In the past six months, Persimmon has secured planning approvals for a series of developments in sought-after locations, including Lichfield, Kenilworth, Redditch, Sandwell, and Burton on Trent. Additional land acquisitions have been finalised in Dunchurch and Bedworth, with another in Wednesbury anticipated by month’s end. Stephen Cleveley, Regional Chairman of Persimmon Homes, commented: “The West Midlands is crucial to our future. We see enormous potential to deliver quality homes in the region, supporting the government’s ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. Our partnerships with Local Authorities and Registered Housing Providers have been central to our success, and we greatly value their collaboration.” The development of these new homes is projected to drive significant economic benefits, bolstering job creation and helping meet the increasing demand for housing in the West Midlands. Persimmon has highlighted the importance of strong partnerships with local authorities and housing associations, which have facilitated planning approvals and enabled the smooth progress of these projects. Supporting this growth is Persimmon’s national timber frame facility in Castle Bromwich, which plays a vital role in producing sustainable building materials. The facility manufactures timber frames, insulated wall panels, and roof components for up to 9,500 homes annually, underscoring the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly, high-quality construction. With this extensive West Midlands project, Persimmon Homes is not only contributing to regional housing supply but also stimulating local economies and supporting job creation. The initiative reinforces the company’s national goals and its long-term commitment to addressing housing needs across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Range is poised to acquire up to 75 Homebase stores as part of a pre-packaged administration deal, potentially saving around 1,500 jobs. Reports from Sky News indicate that administrators are being appointed to facilitate the sale, with The Range set to take over not only the stores but also the Homebase brand and its e-commerce operations. Approximately 1,600 Homebase employees would join The Range under this agreement. This latest move comes after The Range’s acquisition of Wilko last year, following Wilko’s entry into administration. Once appointed, Teneo, the advisory firm managing the sale, is expected to secure buyers for an additional 50 Homebase locations. Interest has reportedly been shown by discount food retailers, DIY competitors, and other high street brands. The deal would mark the end of Homebase’s six-year ownership by Hilco, a retail investor with a history of rescuing troubled brands such as HMV. Prior to Hilco, Homebase was owned by Australia’s Wesfarmers, which implemented a company voluntary arrangement in 2018, leading to store closures and revised lease terms to improve financial stability. Earlier this year, Sainsbury’s reached a £130 million agreement to purchase 10 Homebase stores, converting them into supermarkets. The potential acquisition by The Range could be a lifeline for the embattled homeware retailer, preserving jobs and providing new direction for the Homebase brand under The Range’s management. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work to build HS2’s 700-metre-long Burton Green Tunnel in Warwickshire has reached the halfway mark, with new images and video footage showcasing the latest progress. Once built, the tunnel will carry HS2 trains through the village of Burton Green, near Kenilworth, and will feature a green space above for use by the local community. It is one of five ‘green tunnels’ being built on the project – shallower tunnels which will be finished with trees, plants and shrubs on top, helping them blend into the natural landscape. As well as Burton Green, green tunnels will be constructed at Copthall in Hillingdon, Wendover in Buckinghamshire and Chipping Warden and Greatworth, both in Northamptonshire. Delivered by HS2’s main works civils contractor for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), and designed by Mott MacDonald engineers from the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture (DJV), the Burton Green structure is being constructed using a ‘top down’ construction method which involves building the structure from existing ground level. This includes initially building the side walls and roof of the tunnel, with large openings to ease excavation. The tunnel is then excavated and the tunnel base is constructed. In the last year, work on the tunnel has ramped up and has seen the completion of the 200-metre-long southern portal entrance and a series of underground structural elements, including retaining walls and over 1,300 piles – concrete pillars built underground – using 33,000 cubic metres of concrete in total. An onsite team of 150 people will now focus on the next phase of the build ahead of full completion in Autumn 2026. This includes further tunnel excavation work – with excavated soil being reused as part of wider landscaping plans – and the installation of roof slabs, base slabs and internal structures. Doug Barnett, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have achieved the 50% completion mark here at Burton Green Tunnel and to be celebrating this milestone moment. Delivering a complex structure of this scale requires a huge amount of expertise and energy, which is thanks to everyone involved – from onsite engineers and machine operators, to design and support colleagues working behind the scenes.” A key feature of the Burton Green Tunnel for people in the local area is the realignment of the Kenilworth Greenway, which provides a link from Balsall Common to Kenilworth via Burton Green for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. Once construction and landscape work is complete, the Greenway will be restored close to its original alignment, running across the top of the new tunnel. While the railway is being built, HS2 has created a temporary route for the Kenilworth Greenway which starts at the site of the Burton Green Village Hall and then follows the existing field boundaries linking with Berkswell Station in the northwest. Rupert Blake, Project Manager for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “As an engineer, it’s hugely rewarding to lead the delivery of the 700-metre-long Burton Green Tunnel in Warwickshire. This is a fascinating structure both in terms of scale and complexity, but its green characteristics are what really sets this tunnel apart. When it’s complete, the roof will be finished with trees, plants and shrubs, so it blends in seamlessly with the existing landscape.” Tim Akers, Engineering Manager for Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture, said: “We’re extremely proud of the Burton Green Tunnel design, which we’ve been working on and evolving over the past five years, in close collaboration with the local community and other stakeholders. The result is a ‘railway within a landscape’ where the original character of the Kenilworth Greenway and ecological connectivity to the wider landscape are restored.” As construction continues at pace between the West Midlands and London, HS2 now supports more than 31,000 jobs. When complete, Britain’s new high-speed railway will create quicker and more reliable journeys, driving economic growth while crucially freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested part of the existing West Coast Main Line. In recent weeks, HS2 construction progress in the West Midlands has seen work start on the 2,000 underground columns that will support the flagship Birmingham Curzon Street Station, as well as the beginning of foundation work for a new bridge designed to carry HS2 trains under a section of the A38 near Lichfield. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The property management landscape is rapidly transforming, with increasing regulatory requirements and heightened expectations from clients, freeholders, developers, and residential management companies (RMCs). To stay ahead, FirstPort Group is committed to not just meeting these changes but to becoming a proactive partner that brings valuable insights and tailored solutions to the table. Navigating a Changing Industry New standards, such as the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) consumer code introduced in 2022, reflect the sector’s shift towards greater transparency and higher standards. The code establishes new guidelines for how developers work with property managers and communicate with buyers, demanding more clarity and a commitment to quality service. FirstPort views these regulatory changes as opportunities to better serve both clients and future residents. By understanding the challenges faced by developers, whether related to building safety, leasehold reform, or the NHQB code, FirstPort is able to support clients in navigating complex issues effectively. Strengthening Client Connections with Dedicated Support A core part of FirstPort’s approach is through its Client Services team, which acts as the link between clients and the operational aspects of property management. The team’s role is to identify challenges and create solutions that address both immediate concerns and the long-term needs of developments. In a sector where digital transformation is key, FirstPort is also exploring new digital tools to improve client engagement and streamline service delivery. Fostering Collaboration with Developer Clients One of FirstPort’s recent initiatives has been training programmes for developer sales teams working on new-build projects. Often, buyers are not fully aware of the role of a property manager and the associated costs, which can lead to misunderstandings. By directly training sales teams, FirstPort helps them communicate the benefits of property management to prospective buyers. This approach has been well-received, with clients noting the value of having well-informed teams. Increasingly, developers are recognising the benefits of collaborating with property managers early in the planning stages. Involving FirstPort early allows for forward-thinking solutions around the long-term management and sustainability of a development. From establishing appropriate budgets to considering biodiversity goals, this proactive collaboration ensures that FirstPort’s services are seamlessly integrated into the vision for the development from the outset. Enhancing the Service Model As client expectations evolve, FirstPort is adapting its service model to provide more localised and accessible support. By regionalising client services and establishing dedicated account managers, FirstPort is able to offer clients a closer and more personalised level of support. This structure not only enhances relationship-building but also enables faster, more responsive service tailored to local needs. Looking Ahead FirstPort’s focus as the industry evolves is on building deeper relationships with clients through exceptional service, collaborative planning, and insightful guidance. By remaining flexible and proactive, FirstPort is ready to meet the industry’s challenges head-on and continue delivering a valuable and supportive service for its clients. Jess Farrell, Director of Client Services, The FirstPort Group Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Renewable energy experts, Green Building Renewables, has announced a merger with sister company 21 Degrees, and will bring all its 14 subsidiaries together under the 21 Degrees umbrella. With this update, the group streamlines its comprehensive offering for architects and specifiers, enabling them to benefit from a unified approach to building performance. The restructure and rebrand of the group to 21 Degrees arose after a significant period of growth, including 115% increase in turnover year-on-year, thanks to both organic growth and through the recent acquisitions of JEM Energy, Doré Woodman, H2-ecO, Solar Voltaics, and J L Phillips, alongside seven others. Green Building Renewables has been a trusted partner in the low-energy building market for decades, providing high-performance products and expert guidance on projects that require careful specification. Now, with the restructure and rebrand of the group to 21 Degrees, the firm looks to bring its people, knowledge, and expertise together to enhance its offering to architects and specifiers – encompassing thermal performance solutions alongside renewable energy technologies to address the growing demand for sustainable housing solutions. “We understand that effective design is a partnership, and our role is to simplify the process for architects and specifiers,” said Andy Mitchell, managing director. “Through the merger and rebrand, our consolidated specification services take the guesswork out of choosing the right products, offering a full suite of options that deliver optimal building performance from the outset. And our teams’ expertise can help to meet efficiency goals and targets through our design support services.” Alex Payne, CEO, emphasised the company’s long history in this sector: “Our legacy speaks for itself. We were pioneers in bringing Passivhaus standards to the UK, and today, we’re leveraging our experience to offer whole-house solutions that de-risk the design and specification process for our partners. We, as a nation, have the power to realise a future where every building requires far less energy for heating and cooling, and where the energy it does need is harnessed from renewable sources.” While the newly restructured 21 Degrees extends its service offering to architects and suppliers, the company’s core products – including high-performance windows, doors, ventilation, and insulation systems – remain unchanged, ensuring continuity in quality, while integrating sustainable technologies such as heat pumps and solar energy systems to create low-energy-demand homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
THE recent Autumn Budget made a firm statement for growth and improvement in public services, with a focus on regionality with six authorities with ‘track records of managing major programmes’ announced as eligible for integrated funding settlements to invest in their areas, including the West Midlands Combined Authority. With this continued focus on regeneration opportunities and maximising public sector investments, leading procurement specialist Pagabo is launching a series of regional events aimed at driving further success and growth. The events will be further backed by the organisers of the largest built environment conference of the year, UKREiiF, for which Pagabo Group is returning as platinum partner for 2025. The events intend to connect those in local government responsible for regeneration with innovative funders and developers, with the first event focusing on the West Midlands being hosted at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. The ‘Regional Investment Collabs’ will provide a centralised forum that serves as a platform of development success and springboards opportunities across the board. With space to not only explore options for upcoming developments, the events will also bring forward public sector procurement success stories – making sure that local government, developers and funders are all able to take learnings into their future projects and see a greater level of success as a result. At Symphony Hall in Birmingham, a programme of panel discussions and talks will be accompanied by targeted networking to connect local and combined authorities directly with the developers who can turn their visions into reality. The programme will place focus on regeneration success in the West Midlands, the scale of opportunities and potential challenges, and how procurement and social value fits into the bigger picture. Jonathan Parker, development director at Pagabo, said: “There’s a palpable feeling across the country of the opportunity that lies ahead, especially when looking at plans to unblock the planning process and push development and housing forwards. The greatest success comes, however, from that bigger picture regeneration – going beyond the development of just one project or small site. “No one party can create large-scale development by themselves, and that’s where relationships become central to success. Our Regional Investment Collabs are there to build and nurture relationships that drive that town and city-wide regeneration that brings about transformation not just from a built environment perspective, but from the social, economic and environmental side too. “The West Midlands has already seen great success in many areas, such as the City West and St George’s developments in Wolverhampton which have been procured through the developer-led framework Pagabo manages. This being said, there’s a palpable feeling of the opportunity in front of us, and there is so much potential still to be unlocked in the West Midlands – from remediating disused brownfield sites to town or city-wide redevelopment.” Attendees have already been confirmed from West Midlands Combined Authority, Birmingham City Council, City of Wolverhampton Council, Coventry City Council, Lichfield District Council, West Midlands Growth, Staffordshire County Council, and Newcastle-upon-Lyme Borough Council. During the day, a panel of leading UK funders will also share what they look for when deciding how to allocate investment in the West Midlands, seeking to help those local government officials in the room improve their bidding processes. Matt Christie, director of external relations and content at UKREiiF, said: “We are delighted that Pagabo Group has returned as UKREiiF’s headline partner in 2025. By organising this event, it’s clear the team wants to take our shared principles – of facilitating the unlocking of regeneration across the country – beyond the three-day UKREiiF programme, which is something we fully support. “The buzz around this inaugural gathering – particularly from local authority participants – is building. I hope many of the conversations that are set to take place feed into Pagabo Group’s programme at UKREiiF in May 2025 – we may even see some early success stories emerge.” A regional report will be released after the West Midlands Investment Collab, which takes place on 27 November. Similar events will be hosted in other regions around the UK in the run up to UKREiiF itself, taking place in Leeds in May 2025. For more information, please get in touch with the Pagabo team via info@pagabo.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
