City of Wolverhampton Council and ECF – a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – have submitted a hybrid planning application for City Centre West in Wolverhampton. The partnership has put forward detailed plans for phase one, which includes over 330 new high-quality homes, as well as
Landsec has expressed strong confidence in expanding its investment in the retail sector, highlighting plans to deploy further capital in the coming months. The real estate investment trust (REIT) recently strengthened its portfolio with a £120m acquisition of an additional stake in Bluewater, Kent. The company revealed that retail offers
Algeco UK has completed one of its most distinctive buildings ever for a UK client, having put the finishing touches to a two-floor GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® with retail and coffee outlet in a structure with four curved sides in Stevenage. The building has been completed in just 11 weeks by
Pennyfarthing Homes has unveiled an exceptional collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments at Oakwood Grove, a modern development offering affordable homes through the Government-backed First Homes scheme, now available via Dorset Council. Located in the scenic rural village of Alderholt, Oakwood Grove provides the perfect blend of countryside charm and
Ardent Capital Partners has marked its first foray into the UK property market with a landmark £200 million investment in a transformative build-to-rent (BTR) development in Leeds. This ambitious project is a significant milestone in the city’s regeneration, reaffirming Leeds as a hotspot for modern urban living. Set on the
GLP, a leading global business builder, owner, developer, and operator of logistics real estate, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and related technologies, announces that GLP Clean Energy, its renewable energy business in Europe, has completed a new installation of a rooftop solar PV system at its logistics centre in Belfeld, in
Following last month’s successful appeal decision, Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured planning consent for up to 215 homes in Carlton, Barnsley. Of the 215 homes approved, 10% will be designated as affordable housing with an agreed contribution of over £1m to improve local education provision. The proposals also include
Bromford has entered a new partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Citizen Housing, Green Square Accord, Midland Heart, and whg, to address the growing need for affordable homes in the West Midlands. The Homes for the West Midlands LLP partnership represent a dedicated effort to accelerate housing delivery,
City of Wolverhampton Council and ECF – a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – have submitted a hybrid planning application for City Centre West in Wolverhampton. The partnership has put forward detailed plans for phase one, which includes over 330 new high-quality homes, as well as retail opportunities on disused land between Peel Street and Market Square. The submission also includes outline plans for the remaining phases of the masterplan. As well as delivering over 1,000 new homes, including affordable homes, the masterplan offers new opportunities for shops, cafes, and restaurants – and will support the delivery of an enhanced Market Square. By delivering a thriving new place, the masterplan is part of an economic strategy to bring more people into the city centre, boost footfall and elevate Wolverhampton’s wider offer. Initial concepts for City Centre West were made public earlier this year. The submission of the application follows extensive engagement with the community and other partners, which helped shape the final design. As the local planning authority, City of Wolverhampton Council will now consider the application before making a final decision. This is expected in early 2025 and, if approved, construction of the first phase could begin as soon as next year. Basit Ali, Development Director at ECF, said: “This is a significant milestone for the regeneration of Wolverhampton city centre. Our partnership approach, which has been informed by extensive consultation, is designed to create a thriving new neighbourhood and draw people into the city centre in greater numbers. “It is a strategy to help elevate the city centre’s offer, with new opportunities to live, and spend time. Our approach will also support Market Square to become an exciting place in its own right. “Over the coming weeks we will continue to work closely with our partners, City of Wolverhampton Council, as they review and consider our proposals.” Cllr Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills, at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “This planning application provides a masterplan for what is a key regeneration site in Wolverhampton city centre. “City Centre West is an opportunity to put people at the heart of the city with new homes, shops, cafes or restaurants. “It aligns with our ambitions to transform the city centre and the planners will now consider the submission in detail.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec has expressed strong confidence in expanding its investment in the retail sector, highlighting plans to deploy further capital in the coming months. The real estate investment trust (REIT) recently strengthened its portfolio with a £120m acquisition of an additional stake in Bluewater, Kent. The company revealed that retail offers “the most attractive risk-adjusted returns,” with high single-digit income yields and rising rents. Despite this optimism, Landsec noted that new supply in the market is “non-existent.” For top-tier assets, non-value-adding capital expenditure remains minimal, accounting for just 0.2% of total asset value. This statement coincides with Landsec’s release of its half-year results for the 2024 financial year, covering the six months up to 30 September. The company reported a pre-tax profit of £243m, a significant recovery from a £193m loss during the same period last year. Landsec attributed part of its success to a shift in retail trends, where brands are prioritising fewer but larger flagship stores. This approach has led to new leases and upsizes with prominent names such as Primark, Pull&Bear, Bershka, Sephora, and JD Sports across its portfolio. The group’s retail portfolio occupancy now stands at 96%, exceeding pre-Covid levels and marking a 70-basis-point improvement. Leases worth £26m have been signed or are nearing completion, with rents 7% above estimated values. Mark Allan, Landsec’s Chief Executive, commented:“Our operational outperformance continues, with further growth in occupancy and positive rental uplifts across both our retail and London portfolios. This progress is translating into accelerated income growth.” He added:“Property values have stabilised, and rising rental values are driving a modest increase in capital values. This has delivered a positive total return on equity. We expect these trends to continue, supported by strong customer demand for our premium spaces and increased activity in the investment market. Our repositioning towards higher-return opportunities, combined with disciplined balance sheet management, leaves us well-positioned to deliver growth and attractive returns.” Earlier this year, Landsec announced its intention to focus on acquisitions throughout 2024, leveraging funds from recent disposals to capitalise on emerging opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Algeco UK has completed one of its most distinctive buildings ever for a UK client, having put the finishing touches to a two-floor GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® with retail and coffee outlet in a structure with four curved sides in Stevenage. The building has been completed in just 11 weeks by Algeco UK on behalf of GRIDSERVE, which was looking for a building to sit alongside electric vehicle chargers at Knebworth Estate, Stevenage just off the A1 – which was identified as a critical location for volume electric car users. There is no shortage of available charging stations on the site, hosting 30 EV charging bays, including 24 High Power bays with up to 360kW of power – some of the fastest chargers publicly available today, capable of adding up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes. The ground floor of the building has 4,247 sq. ft. of space, and features a grocery retail outlet and coffee shop to keep drivers busy while their cars are charging. There’s enough space for 30 vehicles including two accessible spaces and two parent-and-child spaces. Level two of the building, with 4,236 sq. ft. of space, contains an EV experience area and airport-style lounge. Algeco UK is a leading provider of permanent modular buildings, temporary accommodation and storage containers delivering construction expertise to diverse sectors including retail, commercial, industrial, education, health, defence and justice, and many more. GRIDSERVE is best known for opening the UK’s first Electric Forecourt® in Braintree in 2020 and has since opened Electric Forecourts® in Norwich and London Gatwick Airport. The structure created for GRIDSERVE in Stevenage is based on Algeco’s IBEX modular unit and built at its Carnaby factory. However this is the first of its type for any client with all four sides being curved. Paul Beard, Senior Design Manager for Algeco UK, explained the curved sides of the building created new challenges as it tested the tolerance of the steel used, before finding a solution to ensure it was as strong as the rest of the structure. He said: “The curves to all four sides of the building pose many challenges with tolerances experienced while curving the hot-rolled frames at temperatures exceeding 500 degrees. The external cladding also has to be millimetre perfect to achieve the desired aesthetics.” Julian Foster, Chief Operating Officer at GRIDSERVE said: “Being able to deliver reliable charging quickly and efficiently helps us on our mission to give drivers the confidence to switch to EV. “However building an Electric Forecourt® is not just about infrastructure; it’s about paving the way for a sustainable future. This project demonstrates our commitment to innovation, net zero energy, and a greener world for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pennyfarthing Homes has unveiled an exceptional collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments at Oakwood Grove, a modern development offering affordable homes through the Government-backed First Homes scheme, now available via Dorset Council. Located in the scenic rural village of Alderholt, Oakwood Grove provides the perfect blend of countryside charm and contemporary living. These apartments are available at a 30% discount off market value for essential workers, making homeownership significantly more accessible. Designed to foster a vibrant new community, the homes aim to offer an aspirational lifestyle at an affordable price. Set for completion in early summer 2025, the First Homes scheme presents a unique opportunity for first-time buyers to secure a foothold on the property ladder. Pennyfarthing Homes will support buyers through the application process, with dedicated sales advisors available to guide them through the final steps. The apartments at Oakwood Grove feature flexible layouts ideal for contemporary lifestyles. Each home boasts an open-plan kitchen and living area, perfect for hosting gatherings or spending quality time with family. Available in one- and two-bedroom configurations, some ground-floor apartments include their own front doors, enhancing privacy and convenience. The exterior design combines traditional red brickwork with modern grey weatherboarding, creating a sophisticated terraced aesthetic. Sustainability is central to the development, with air-source heat pump cylinders providing efficient heating and EV charging points installed in parking areas. These features meet the latest environmental standards, paving the way for greener living. Nestled in a prime East Dorset location, Oakwood Grove is surrounded by picturesque countryside and offers easy access to the renowned New Forest National Park, just a short drive away. The bustling city of Salisbury is 30 minutes away, while Bournemouth’s stunning coastline can be reached in 25 minutes, providing residents with a perfect balance of rural tranquility and urban convenience. The development includes a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with woodland trails connecting to existing paths in Alderholt, encouraging outdoor exploration. A landscaped play area is also being created, fostering a sense of community for families with young children. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ardent Capital Partners has marked its first foray into the UK property market with a landmark £200 million investment in a transformative build-to-rent (BTR) development in Leeds. This ambitious project is a significant milestone in the city’s regeneration, reaffirming Leeds as a hotspot for modern urban living. Set on the former site of the Leeds International Swimming Pool, the development will deliver 578 cutting-edge rental apartments to the heart of the city. Valued at approximately £200 million, the scheme is poised to redefine Leeds’ city centre, catering to the growing demand for quality, centrally located rental homes while expanding the city’s vibrant core. Leeds’ BTR sector is experiencing remarkable growth, fuelled by extensive regeneration projects and a strong appetite for urban living. The city centre’s footprint is projected to double in size from 228 acres to 458 acres over the next decade. With 24 BTR schemes currently proposed and three existing developments maintaining occupancy rates above 94%, the city is rapidly establishing itself as a leading hub for rental investment. Ardent’s project aligns seamlessly with Leeds’ vision for its South Bank area—a cornerstone of the city’s redevelopment strategy. This district aims to deliver 8,000 new homes, create 30,000 jobs, and revitalise the River Aire as a central feature of Leeds’ future. By addressing the growing demand for premium residential spaces, Ardent’s investment reinforces the city’s ambitions for urban transformation. The rising demand for high-quality rental properties in Leeds has driven rents to between £22 and £27 per square foot, with premium developments exceeding £30 per square foot. This growth echoes trends seen in mature BTR markets such as Manchester and Salford, positioning Leeds as a compelling choice for investors seeking opportunities in the sector. Ardent Capital’s £200 million commitment not only marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of Leeds but also highlights the city’s rising status in the UK’s build-to-rent market. Their confidence in Leeds as a prime destination for high-value developments underscores the city’s potential for sustained growth and modernisation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GLP, a leading global business builder, owner, developer, and operator of logistics real estate, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and related technologies, announces that GLP Clean Energy, its renewable energy business in Europe, has completed a new installation of a rooftop solar PV system at its logistics centre in Belfeld, in the Netherlands. GLP’s Venlo Belfeld logistics centre of approximately 3,8000 SQM, has been equipped with 8,000 solar panels across its roof, with 4.6MWp of power generation capacity that will supply the annual equivalent of 1,145 Dutch households. The project is expected to save around 1,400 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per year, helping to improve air quality and environmental health around the municipality of Venlo. The entire electricity output of approximately 4,200 MWh per year will be sold to Scholt Energy, a Dutch independent energy supplier. This arrangement allows for the generated power to be directed to the grid, where it will contribute to the broader energy mix used by regional and national consumers. Acquired by GLP in April 2022, the Venlo Belfeld logistics centre is situated along several important trade routes, namely the A61, A67 and A73 motorways, positioning it as one of the most desirable areas for European logistics operations in the Netherlands. The Venlo Belfeld facility carries a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification. It features a range of biodiversity initiatives including the provision of habitat corridors for local native species, nesting habitats for insects, birds, and bats, a variety of ecologically valuable plants, and four bat pole boxes near the boundaries of the property. These efforts to preserve local biodiversity underline GLP’s commitments to sustainability and to the protection and promotion of the natural environment. Stefano Fissolo, Senior Director, GLP Clean Energy: “We recognise the importance of helping to accelerate the energy transition and work towards a clean energy future by leveraging the opportunity of our extensive property portfolio.” Philippe Hendriks, Country Director Netherlands & Belgium at GLP, said: “The integration of renewable energy solutions into logistics assets is essential to enabling our sector to meet its net zero targets and secure long-term asset value. As we continue to expand our presence in the Netherlands, we are proud to be providing our customers with high-quality, sustainable logistics facilities that are built for the future, while at the same time supporting the Netherlands’ energy transition goals.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Following last month’s successful appeal decision, Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured planning consent for up to 215 homes in Carlton, Barnsley. Of the 215 homes approved, 10% will be designated as affordable housing with an agreed contribution of over £1m to improve local education provision. The proposals also include local highways improvements and enhanced protection for local wildlife sites. Footpaths are also being widened and a new pedestrian crossing will be installed at the entrance of the development, giving access to the popular Trans Pennine Trail. It is also hoped the wider development will include new links to existing public rights of way and offer scope for additional pedestrian access to Barnsley Canal. Simon Eaton, Senior Development Manager for NSD said: “We are delighted to have secured outline planning permission for the Shaw Lane site which will bring much-needed housing for Barnsley residents. Its location is ideal for commuting to Sheffield, Wakefield and Leeds and enjoys easy access to the rail network via nearby Carlton and Barnsley stations. “The successful appeal comes as a result of great efforts from our whole professional team. The development will ultimately deliver quality homes for the newest Carlton residents who want to live in this thriving village, but also improve local amenities for the wider community to enjoy and benefit from.” With outline planning permission now secured NSD is finalising a sales marketing pack with the intention of marketing the site in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bromford has entered a new partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Citizen Housing, Green Square Accord, Midland Heart, and whg, to address the growing need for affordable homes in the West Midlands. The Homes for the West Midlands LLP partnership represent a dedicated effort to accelerate housing delivery, increase affordability, and support sustainable community growth across the region. Bromford and its partners will work closely with WMCA to identify strategic sites and opportunities to develop genuinely affordable homes that meet the needs of local people. For Bromford, this partnership aligns with its mission to build strong communities and provide safe, affordable housing. On 18 October, Chief Executive Robert Nettleton joined fellow CEOs and the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, to celebrate the launch of the new partnership. The event took place at LoCal Homes, an award-winning offsite housing manufacturing facility in Walsall. Robert Nettleton, CEO of Bromford, said “ This marks a significant step forward in tackling the housing challenges our region faces. By collaborating with WMCA and fellow housing associations, we’re able to take a more unified approach to identifying sites, accelerating the development of affordable homes, and addressing specific local needs with greater impact. This partnership offers a unique platform to pool our knowledge, resources, and strategic insights to deliver affordable homes that truly meet the needs of our communities.” Highlighted in Bromford’s recent mid-year trading update1, with turnover rising to £167 million and significant investments in both new developments and existing homes, Bromford is well-positioned to support the affordable housing vision of this collaboration. Managed by consultancy firm Integer Advisory Ltd, the partnership is structured to focus on effective, results-driven development, including adopting innovative building techniques like modern methods of construction (MMC) and modular housing. These homes are constructed in factory-controlled environments and then assembled on-site, enabling the delivery of energy-efficient, low-carbon housing more quickly and at lower costs. The first project for the partnership will be a 100% affordable housing development on a former industrial site in the Black Country, reflecting the groups dedication to repurposing land in a way that supports community needs and sustainable growth. The partnership also provides a solid framework for developing and implementing the region’s Affordable Homes Programme, which will be devolved from Homes England to the WMCA in 2026. This transition will give Bromford and its partners greater influence in shaping housing priorities, ensuring that affordable housing projects are well-suited to meet the demand across the West Midlands. At present, 64,000 people are on the region’s housing waiting list, with over 6,500 households, including 13,000 children, residing in temporary accommodation. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has made housing one of his top priorities, setting a goal of 2,000 social rent homes per year until 2028 to reach a total of 20,000 new affordable homes by the end of the decade. Bromford is ready to support this vision, bringing both its expertise and commitment to sustainable construction practices to the forefront of regional development efforts. As the country’s biggest builder of social rent homes2, Bromford is already committed to expanding affordable housing options. This new partnership strengthens Bromford’s ability to deliver affordable homes at scale across the West Midlands, supporting community needs and sustainable growth. Bromford believes this collaborative approach will provide a robust response to the housing crisis, allowing resources and expertise to be pooled for maximum impact. This united effort will accelerate the delivery of high-quality, affordable homes across the West Midlands and enable Bromford to continue building homes and communities where people can thrive. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
