Marks & Spencer’s flagship store on Oxford Street is set for a transformative redevelopment, following approval from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. This decision paves the way for the creation of a modern retail and office space, marking a significant milestone in the revitalisation of one of London’s most iconic
Zephyr X Developments has been granted detailed planning permission for a transformative £135 million build-to-rent (BTR) development at 500 Avebury Boulevard in Milton Keynes city centre. This ambitious redevelopment will replace the former Allianz offices with 376 high-quality, luxury apartments, redefining the rental landscape in the region. Modern Living Redefined
VINCI Building has seen the first of two tower cranes go up on Sheffield Forgemasters’ Brightside Lane site last week. Each crane, a WOLFF 355 B Luffing Jib Crane from WOLFFKRAN of Germany, is fully electric and has the capacity to lift of 28 metric tonnes. The two WOLFF 355
A trusted supplier of luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Commercial has partnered with Oxford Brookes University to build a vibrant and sustainable student community in harmony with its woodland setting. The new Clive Booth Student Village, set close to the university’s Headington Campus, replaces outdated student accommodation built in the 1970s
Specialist engineering techniques are transforming the River Don’s banks as Esh Construction is pushing forward with work on the £4.1 million public realm project at Rotherham Riverside. The scheme, commissioned by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council through the YORhub YORcivil2 framework, is a significant step in revitalising the riverside area. Esh’s
Peel Retail & Leisure has welcomed Siobhan Ellis as the new property manager for its retail park division, a significant step in fortifying its operations and tenant relationships across its portfolio. Ellis joins Peel from Glenbrook Property, bringing over a decade of experience in property and asset management. Overseeing a
Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) not only reinforced the need for all councils to have local plans, but made clear that if local policy was met, planning applications would be ‘fast tracked’
The partnership behind the housing led regeneration of 10 sites across Gateshead, has launched a new construction skills academy. The new facility, located at the Gateshead Regeneration Partnership’s (GRP) Freight Village development, just off St James Road, will offer construction skills training courses and educational opportunities for hundreds of children,
Marks & Spencer’s flagship store on Oxford Street is set for a transformative redevelopment, following approval from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. This decision paves the way for the creation of a modern retail and office space, marking a significant milestone in the revitalisation of one of London’s most iconic shopping streets. A Long Road to Approval M&S first submitted its redevelopment proposal for the Marble Arch site in March 2021, envisioning a flagship store complemented by a café, gym, and offices. While the plans initially received approval, they faced a setback in 2023 when then-Secretary of State Michael Gove rejected them. His concerns centred on the perceived harm to local heritage sites, including the neighbouring Selfridges store and nearby conservation areas. The recent green light from the government marks the end of a three-year struggle. Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, expressed relief and optimism:“I am delighted that, after years of unnecessary delays and political posturing, our plans have finally been approved. This project is a chance to rejuvenate the UK’s premier shopping street, create 2,000 jobs, and set a global benchmark for sustainability.” A Vision for the Future The redevelopment promises to breathe new life into the Marble Arch site. Alongside a revamped M&S store, the plans include a café, fitness facilities, and modern office spaces designed to attract businesses to the heart of London. The new building will prioritise sustainability, aligning with the government’s ambitions to revitalise urban centres. It is also expected to act as a catalyst for rejuvenating Oxford Street, which has seen challenges in recent years due to the decline of traditional retail. A Step Towards Urban Revival The approval of M&S’s plans aligns with broader efforts to modernise UK cities and reinvigorate high streets. Machin’s comments reflected this sentiment:“We share the Government’s ambition to breathe life back into our cities and towns and are pleased to see they are serious about getting Britain building and growing.” Next Steps With approval in hand, M&S aims to move quickly on the project, signalling a commitment to delivering on its promise to enhance both the retail experience and urban environment at Marble Arch. The redevelopment of this flagship site stands as a symbol of resilience and reinvention for Oxford Street, offering a glimpse of a more dynamic and sustainable future for London’s most famous shopping destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Zephyr X Developments has been granted detailed planning permission for a transformative £135 million build-to-rent (BTR) development at 500 Avebury Boulevard in Milton Keynes city centre. This ambitious redevelopment will replace the former Allianz offices with 376 high-quality, luxury apartments, redefining the rental landscape in the region. Modern Living Redefined The development, designed to integrate seamlessly with Milton Keynes’ vibrant urban landscape, will deliver eight storeys of meticulously crafted living spaces. Each apartment is designed with comfort and style at its core, featuring: Zephyr X’s Managing Director, Graham Haydon-White, expressed excitement about the project’s transformative potential:“Our vision for 500 Avebury Boulevard is to create more than just apartments—it’s about fostering a vibrant community that elevates residents’ lifestyles while enhancing the dynamism of Milton Keynes.” Prime Location Situated at the heart of Milton Keynes, the development boasts unparalleled connectivity: A Sustainable Vision The project follows Zephyr X’s recent success in Manchester, where a £70 million BTR scheme with a sustainable focus was approved. The Milton Keynes development reflects similar principles, with an emphasis on integrating advanced design and technology to create eco-conscious urban living spaces. Building Community with BTR Zephyr X’s innovative approach to BTR housing prioritises lifestyle and community integration. By blending cutting-edge design with lifestyle-focused amenities, 500 Avebury Boulevard promises to set a new benchmark for urban living. Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2025, with a vision to bring an elevated residential experience to Milton Keynes. This development marks another step in Zephyr X’s mission to lead the way in creating state-of-the-art spaces tailored for modern living. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VINCI Building has seen the first of two tower cranes go up on Sheffield Forgemasters’ Brightside Lane site last week. Each crane, a WOLFF 355 B Luffing Jib Crane from WOLFFKRAN of Germany, is fully electric and has the capacity to lift of 28 metric tonnes. The two WOLFF 355 Bs are the first wholly owned by VINCI Building and together represent an investment of around £2.5m for a full package and a significant commitment to the strategically important work at the £138m project at Sheffield Forgemasters to build a 13,800 sqm building to house the UK’s largest open-die forging facility, as the MoD-owned company drives its substantial recapitalisation programme forward. The cranes will be used to construct the press pit foundations – a key element in the works – a 40-metre-high superstructure, erect gantries, chimneys and redistribute materials. The second WOLFF 355 B will be on site in the middle of 2025, and both will be working until early 2026. The two tower cranes, ordered by VINCI Building, are driven by all electric motors – in line with VINCI Building ambitions to provide zero emission electricity to complement their carbon reduction roadmap and journey. Craig Fisher, Programme Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “The arrival of tower cranes on our new Forge site will be one of the first external indicators of the large programme of work we are undertaking and marks a step forward in the delivery of the Forge building.” The WOLFF 355 B travelled across Europe from the WOLFFKRAN Plant in Heilbronn, southern Germany. The journey took almost a week and setting up the first tower crane took around 48-hours – all of which you can follow via videos on social media and VINCI Building (vinci-building.co.uk). Transporting the WOLFF 355 B is both cost-effective and convenient. The crane’s slewing elements can fit easily on standard trucks, optimising space, and reducing transportation costs. The WOLFF 355 B is designed for ease of assembly on site: its components are divided into separate latticework sections, keeping the total mounting weight low. Chris Winspear, VINCI Building regional director, said: “These cranes are a first for us – we own them outright and the arrival and set up of the first WOLFF 355 B is a major landmark for Sheffield Forgemasters and particularly for us at VINCI Building. It marks an investment in the project and our business. We are optimistic for 2025 and this all-electric crane proves our intent to deliver on major schemes of benefit for the UK economy and to do it in as sustainable a manner as possible. We are grateful to the WOLFFKRAN team for all their assistance in the specification and delivering it to our team.” Adrian Hawkins, WOLFFKRAN Ltd. Sales Director, said: “We are incredibly proud and privileged to be VINCI Building’s chosen supplier. Witnessing the cranes being erected in Sheffield, is a special moment for us. Both WOLFF 355 B tower cranes will receive comprehensive service and maintenance from WOLFFKRAN under our maintenance agreement for many years to come. We eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with VINCI Building on the Sheffield Forgemasters project and future endeavours where these cranes will play a vital role. We sincerely thank VINCI Building for their confidence in WOLFFKRAN products, and we look forward to building a more sustainable future together with this partnership.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A trusted supplier of luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Commercial has partnered with Oxford Brookes University to build a vibrant and sustainable student community in harmony with its woodland setting. The new Clive Booth Student Village, set close to the university’s Headington Campus, replaces outdated student accommodation built in the 1970s with a complex of accommodation blocks that sit sensitively within the established wooded landscape and conform to Passivhaus and BREEAM design principles. Appointing MICA Architects and Karndean Commercial alongside a multi-disciplinary team, including landscape architects, ecology and arboricultural consultants as well as transport and heritage consultants, Oxford Brookes University is constructing 12 environmentally friendly blocks containing over one thousand spacious and airy study bedrooms within contemporary shared apartments. Richard Allen, sales director at Karndean Commercial said: “In an urban area with extreme pressure on rental housing like Oxford, having purpose built accommodation for students is a boon for the university and the wider community. We are proud to be involved with a project that is increasing the availability of much needed student accommodation whilst protecting the established woodland setting, retaining prize specimens and planting new trees to enhance the landscape. “Our designs are all inspired by the wonderous beauty of nature and the precious woods and stones we source from around the world so we understand the benefits of connecting our living spaces to the healing power of the natural world and the need to minimise our impact on the environment.” Named after Professor Sir Clive Booth, a former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, the new student village offers convenient contemporary accommodation with light filled study bedrooms and spacious communal kitchen and living spaces. Jessie Turnbull, senior associate at MICA Architects, said: “The university was keen to construct high quality, low impact accommodation that would be a calm and secure place to live, offering students a living space where they can relax and bring their best selves to their studies. “The site is positioned adjacent to Headington Hill Hall, a listed historic manor house, and positioned within the Hall’s arboretum so it was important that the new accommodation blocks would integrate into this landscape to create a woodland village. To enhance this feeling of connection with nature, each building has been named in honour of native trees.” Self-contained apartments include between six and 11 study bedrooms, each with a compact ensuite, and a generously sized shared kitchen dining living room. Wider and shallower than frequently found for student accommodation and fitted with large windows that open for plenty of natural ventilation, the study bedrooms benefit from daylight that penetrates all the way to the back of the room, connecting the interior with its woodland surroundings. The interior boasts a contemporary biophilic style that has been developed around the project’s key priorities of sustainability, practicality and wellbeing. Alongside a natural colour palette and furniture made from recycled materials, oak design flooring from Karndean Commercial’s Knight Tile range creates a warm and welcoming environment. Jessie explained: “The university was very keen to use LVT throughout the accommodation as this would be easier to clean and would provide a modern vibe that appeals to both domestic and international students. Carpeted bedrooms are very much a British choice while hard floors are more usual in homes across Europe, Asia and the United States. Following consultation with a group of student ambassadors, we opted for the warm natural tones of Lime Washed Oak in the bedrooms and Rose Washed Oak with its slightly greyer hues in each living space to complement the duck egg blue kitchen units. The concrete frame construction called for a rigid core format, with its enhanced acoustic benefits and easier installation. “The feedback we’ve had from students has been absolutely fantastic and, although it’s early days, the flooring is holding up really well.” With sustainability a key consideration for the project, Morgan Sindall Construction’s CarboniCa tool was used to evaluate the construction’s holistic life cycle, collating embodied carbon and life cycle costing from each material’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). With a durable construction that ensures longevity, Karndean flooring contributes a lower overall life cycle carbon cost than other flooring options, as evidenced in its third party verified EPDs. Karndean’s Knight Tile rigid core flooring, part of the Karndean Living collection, features a host of practical benefits including a waterproof, hygienic surface that’s easy to maintain, a durable 0.3mm wear layer and R10 slip resistance, while an integrated acoustic layer reduces impact noise transfer to rooms below by 19dB. With a click-locking mechanism, Knight Tile is easy to install over most hard subfloors and is suitable for any residential setting or light to moderate commercial use. Each floor comes with a lifetime residential or ten year commercial guarantee. To explore the Knight Tile rigid core range, visit www.karndeancommercial.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist engineering techniques are transforming the River Don’s banks as Esh Construction is pushing forward with work on the £4.1 million public realm project at Rotherham Riverside. The scheme, commissioned by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council through the YORhub YORcivil2 framework, is a significant step in revitalising the riverside area. Esh’s civil engineering team is repairing existing river walls near Westgate, incorporating over 250 sheet piles to form a robust new foundation for a planned riverside footpath. The installation of 127 pairs of sheet piles, some measuring up to 18 meters in length and weighing six tonnes each, was completed within five weeks. A temporary piling mat, stretching 170 meters in length and capable of supporting the substantial machinery used during construction, has also been constructed. This mat consists of 1,500 tonnes of capping, measuring 8 meters wide and 550 millimetres deep. Collaboration with Sheet Piling UK brought sustainable innovation to the project. The company supplied Emirates Steel Arkan’s (EMSTEEL) GreenSheetPile™ low-carbon sheet piles, manufactured via the Electric Arc Furnace method. This process significantly reduces embedded carbon, achieving an embedded carbon value of 708kg per tonne—far lower than the industry norm of 2,300kg per tonne. Beyond the riverbank work, Esh is making extensive upgrades near Westgate and on Water Lane, incorporating cut-and-fill operations, deep drainage, Japanese knotweed removal, and the construction of gabion basket retaining walls. As the project progresses into 2025, the piling mat will be removed, and the area between the river wall and sheet piles backfilled. A capping beam and balustrades will be added before work begins on constructing the footpath itself. This comprehensive effort ensures a sustainable, resilient riverside area, providing a modern public space while preserving the integrity of the River Don’s banks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peel Retail & Leisure has welcomed Siobhan Ellis as the new property manager for its retail park division, a significant step in fortifying its operations and tenant relationships across its portfolio. Ellis joins Peel from Glenbrook Property, bringing over a decade of experience in property and asset management. Overseeing a Diverse Portfolio In her new role, Ellis will manage more than one million square feet of retail space spanning seven retail parks across the UK, including locations in Stockport, Gloucester, Edinburgh, Yeovil, Hyndburn, Washington, and Barnsley. With an annual eight-figure rent roll under her purview, she is set to make a substantial impact. Working from Peel’s Trafford City headquarters, Ellis aims to introduce streamlined operational procedures and strengthen the portfolio by attracting new tenants to bolster the parks’ retail offerings. Leadership’s Perspective Mark Whittaker, managing director at Peel Retail & Leisure, shared his confidence in Ellis’s capabilities:“We are thrilled to bring such high-calibre talent into the Peel family. Siobhan’s extensive expertise in managing diverse properties and her proven ability to foster strong tenant relationships will be invaluable as we continue to evolve our retail portfolio.” A Vision for Growth Expressing her enthusiasm, Ellis highlighted Peel’s legacy and her vision for the role:“It’s incredibly energising to join a company with a 50-year reputation for innovation and growth. I look forward to working closely with our existing tenants to enhance operations while introducing exciting new names and consumer offerings to our parks.” Driving Retail Innovation This appointment aligns with Peel’s strategy to maintain its market-leading position in retail park management by integrating innovative solutions and nurturing tenant partnerships. Ellis’s expertise is expected to enhance the operational excellence and commercial appeal of Peel’s retail parks, ensuring they remain key destinations for both tenants and customers. With this pivotal hire, Peel Retail & Leisure is set to continue evolving its portfolio, strengthening its position as a leader in UK retail park management. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) not only reinforced the need for all councils to have local plans, but made clear that if local policy was met, planning applications would be ‘fast tracked’ and not frustrated by politics. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “We are often asked what is meant by ‘removing the politics from planning’ and it is as simple as getting a planning permission if you meet policy. Planning committees deferring or battling policy compliant planning applications harm smaller builders the most, as they do not have the finances to hire expensive consultants and legal teams to turn a three-year battle into a year long one. This doesn’t serve planners well either, who despite being hired as experts to make these judgments, are constantly over-ruled.” Rayner told Kuenssberg, “We’ve told councils, they’ve got to have those [local] plans. If developers follow the framework, the national framework which protects environments, looks at a number of different elements and also follows the local plan, they shouldn’t be stuck in the system for years.” The BBC reported that Conservative shadow Treasury minister, Richard Fuller criticised Labour’s approach and claimed, “Labour seems to be saying that Angela is best, and local people can be ignored.” Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the NFB, said: “We are pleased to see NFB’s ‘meet policy, get planning’ recommendation accepted by the Government. Smaller builders delivering up to 100 homes a year, particularly on sites of fewer than fifty, will be the biggest beneficiaries as the change would remove some risks, reduce delays and dampen the discretionary process which plagues the planning process. Far from ignoring local people, local plans create a long-term placemaking framework with local needs at its heart. It fails if it isn’t backed up by a rules-based system. There may be occasions where more scrutiny is required on a large scheme, but this should be a rare occurrence and local politicians who create local frameworks should not then waste council resources and their planner’s time to scrutinise every development. In planning and housing, the Conservative government left Labour a poisoned chalice and although reforms have not come quickly enough to save some companies from leaving the industry, there are clear indications that Labour will create an environment which is consistent, and Angela Rayner is proving that she intends to live up to her government’s promises.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The partnership behind the housing led regeneration of 10 sites across Gateshead, has launched a new construction skills academy. The new facility, located at the Gateshead Regeneration Partnership’s (GRP) Freight Village development, just off St James Road, will offer construction skills training courses and educational opportunities for hundreds of children, young people and unemployed residents over the next three years. Funded and established by the GRP’s delivery partner, Vistry North East – part of Vistry Group – The Sanderson Skills Academy has been named in honour of former employee, Ross Sanderson. He sadly passed away aged 30, in 2019, due to complications associated with a rare primary immune deficiency known as CVID. Ross started his career as a trainee, and his parents Graham and Julie Sanderson, joined GRP representatives – from partners Gateshead Council, Vistry and registered housing provider Home Group – to speak with young people already using the resource to enhance their own learning. Julie said: “The naming of this fantastic skills academy in Ross’ memory means so much to us. We are continually humbled by the regard in which his former colleagues hold him and that his memory remains strong. It is clear he made a big impression on so many people. “Ross would really have approved of this. Before he joined Vistry North East – as a trainee himself – Ross was involved in performing arts and was a tutor and mentor to younger performers. He said at the time that tutoring was one of the most rewarding things he had done as he was able to help young people develop confidence and skills they could take forward and use in their future. Although in a very different industry, I’m sure that the Sanderson Skills Academy will achieve just this.” Courses available will include a ‘Step into Construction’ programme, a retrofit qualification, a construction multi-skills course and a net zero themed ‘Step into Green Skills’ programme. They will be delivered by Gateshead Council Learning and Skills and training providers, Optimum Skills and TRN. Although the students won’t actually be working on the new Freight Village homes, they will benefit from learning on site, gaining experience from industry professionals and course leaders – and working with real materials and equipment. Sean Egan, managing director with Vistry North East, said: “We are delighted to be opening the Sanderson Skills Academy, named in memory of our much-loved colleague Ross. I’m sure that this excellent resource will inspire a new generation of people looking to make their own way in the construction sector – just as Ross did when he joined us as a trainee back in 2014. “Vistry Group has seen great outcomes on similar academies across the UK – with a view to addressing skills shortages – and I’m confident our first North East based project will be no different. Working with our GRP partners to widen the courses available, further highlights the benefits of partnership working. It’s not just about delivering houses; it’s about enhancing communities and providing opportunities.” Councillor Adams, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Chair of governors at LearningSkills at Gateshead Council, said: “We’re delighted to bring together Gateshead Council, Optimum and TRN, to provide training opportunities for local people at the Sanderson Skills Academy. We want all residents to be able to access opportunities to enable them to thrive and learn new skills and we need to ensure the construction skills are there to deliver more homes in Gateshead.” Andy Hall, North East Regional Director of Operations at Home Group, added: We’re delighted to be involved in the Sanderson Skills Academy, especially as it is delivering courses that are so important to the housing sector and beyond. A big challenge for housing associations is retrofitting our homes and meeting our targets for net zero. So, it is great to see retrofit and green skills programmes on the curriculum.” GRP has so far delivered 570 homes across 10 sites within the borough. These include a mix of properties for affordable rent, shared ownership and open market sale. The partnership is also providing job and training opportunities – a minimum of 25% of which go to local people – and commits to spend a quarter of the supply budget with businesses within the borough. The partnership has plans to build a further 169 homes over the next 12 months and is currently working at Trilogy III, in Bensham; The Cedars, in Birtley and the former Hookergate School site, in High Spen – as well as at the Freight Village development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
