Croydon Council has given its backing to Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s (URW) masterplan to transform the heart of Croydon, marking a major step forward in long-awaited regeneration efforts. The proposals for the ‘North End Quarter’ aim to create a vibrant mixed-use destination, incorporating new homes, retail, offices, leisure facilities, cultural spaces and green
A major build-to-rent (BTR) scheme is set to transform the Kirkstall Road area of Leeds, delivering 618 new homes as part of a multi-million-pound investment backed by an unnamed US insurance company. The five-acre site, located next to the River Aire and just a mile from the city centre, will
WHSmith could vanish from UK high streets as the retailer considers selling its 500-store high street division, with reports suggesting any deal may not include the rights to its historic brand name. The company, which has been a fixture of British high streets since 1792, is shifting its focus towards
Plans for a cutting-edge new Extra Care scheme in South Shields have been submitted for approval. The much-needed specialist accommodation, developed and managed by housing association Karbon Homes in partnership with South Tyneside Council, would consist of 124 one and two-bed apartments, designed to help people with differing levels of
Interior design consultancy OP has completed the transformation of a new two-storey extension at the Derbyshire headquarters of global mining solutions provider, MMD. The eight-week project has delivered 4,800 sq ft of modern, collaborative space that seamlessly blends the company’s rich mining heritage with contemporary workplace amenities. The development creates
UK property portal Rightmove has reported a 7% increase in revenue for the second half of 2024, reaching approximately £390 million, and is forecasting further growth of 8% to 10% in 2025. Despite this revenue rise, pre-tax profit saw a slight dip of 1% year-on-year, falling from £260 million to
Lowfield Timber Frames, one of the UK’s largest independent timber frame manufacturers, has expressed its optimism for the continued growth of the sector as it announces that it successfully contributed to the delivery of nearly 2,500 new homes in 2024, and with it already actively involved in 1,500 units so
Heather Fleming tells trade association how apprenticeship set her on the path to a successful career 37 years ago… Campaigning trade association SELECT has tracked down Scotland’s first-ever female electrical apprentice to discuss her career journey in an inspiring new video for Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Former textile machinist Heather Fleming
Croydon Council has given its backing to Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s (URW) masterplan to transform the heart of Croydon, marking a major step forward in long-awaited regeneration efforts. The proposals for the ‘North End Quarter’ aim to create a vibrant mixed-use destination, incorporating new homes, retail, offices, leisure facilities, cultural spaces and green public areas. The scheme will replace previous plans for a Westfield-branded shopping centre, which had been stalled for over a decade. Historic landmarks such as the Whitgift Almshouses and the distinctive frontage of the former Allders department store will be preserved and integrated into the development. Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, said: “Croydon has so much potential, and regenerating our town centre is crucial to unlocking it, putting our borough back on the map and restoring pride. This is a top priority for me, and I have been working with a wide range of external partners to drive forward an exciting vision for our town centre.” Penny Cameron, head of development at URW, added: “Our vision for the North End Quarter will breathe new life into Croydon’s town centre through a truly mixed-use offer while celebrating the area’s unique heritage.” URW has designed the masterplan to align with Croydon Council’s Town Centre Regeneration Strategy, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality homes catering to a diverse range of residents. As the project moves forward, a ‘NextGen Panel’ made up of 16- to 25-year-olds who live, work, or study in Croydon will collaborate with URW to help shape the final proposals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major build-to-rent (BTR) scheme is set to transform the Kirkstall Road area of Leeds, delivering 618 new homes as part of a multi-million-pound investment backed by an unnamed US insurance company. The five-acre site, located next to the River Aire and just a mile from the city centre, will feature a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments spread across five buildings. Residents will have access to over 10,000 sq ft of shared amenities, including a lounge, co-working space, gym, two private roof terraces, and 3,800 sq ft of commercial space. Designed with sustainability in mind, the development will incorporate air source heat pumps and solar panels, targeting HQM 4* and EPC ‘B’ certifications. Glenbrook co-founder Ian Sherry said: “We are thrilled to be partnering again with Barings Real Estate on this impactful project. This development not only addresses the urgent need for housing in Leeds but also contributes to the revitalisation of the Kirkstall Road area. We believe creating high-quality living spaces is essential for fostering thriving communities.” Ben Pile, head of European residential investment and asset management at Barings Real Estate, highlighted Leeds as a key market for institutional residential investment. He said: “Given the stabilising economic and political environments in the UK, and as we enter a new real estate cycle in Europe, we expect the picture for residential property—and our other preferred sector of logistics—to become even more positive. We are seeking further opportunities to deploy capital on behalf of our partners.” This latest funding deal marks the fourth collaboration between Glenbrook and Barings. Allsop Letting and Management will oversee operations at the Leeds site upon completion. CBRE advised Glenbrook on the transaction. Construction is now underway, with the scheme expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WHSmith could vanish from UK high streets as the retailer considers selling its 500-store high street division, with reports suggesting any deal may not include the rights to its historic brand name. The company, which has been a fixture of British high streets since 1792, is shifting its focus towards its more profitable travel retail business. In January, WHSmith confirmed it was exploring strategic options for its high street division, including a potential sale. However, it is now understood that any deal may exclude the WHSmith branding, raising questions about the future identity of the stores. Among those reportedly interested in acquiring the high street business are HMV owner Doug Putman, Bensons for Beds owner Alteri, and Modella Capital, which owns Hobbycraft. Despite recording an operating profit of £32 million last year, WHSmith’s high street stores remain largely focused on greeting cards, books, and stationery, while its travel division – which offers a broader range of food, drinks, and technology – now accounts for 85% of the company’s overall profits. If the sale goes ahead without brand retention, it could spell the end of WHSmith as a recognisable presence on UK high streets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a cutting-edge new Extra Care scheme in South Shields have been submitted for approval. The much-needed specialist accommodation, developed and managed by housing association Karbon Homes in partnership with South Tyneside Council, would consist of 124 one and two-bed apartments, designed to help people with differing levels of care and support needs to live well and independently. The scheme, located on the corner of Galsworthy Road and Benton Road, on the site of the former Chuter Ede school and community association, has been designed to help address the lack of specialist, affordable accommodation options in the borough. 25 of the apartments are specifically designed for people living with dementia. Zoey Hawthorne, Assistant Director of Development Delivery at Karbon Homes, said: “We’re pleased to be submitting this exciting planning proposal for our second Extra Care scheme in South Tyneside, bringing much-needed supported housing to the borough which will enable local people to remain living independently for longer. “We’re looking forward to working with South Tyneside Council to help us deliver the vision for scheme, to create a modern and welcoming place that helps empower people with additional care and support needs to live life to the full. and brings the local community together.” The scheme would be the second Extra Care facility developed by Karbon Homes in partnership with South Tyneside Council, the first being a 96-apartment scheme in Hebburn town centre, which started on site at the end of last year. The partnership supports the Council’s ambitions to build strong communities and help people in South Tyneside to stay well and healthy throughout their lives. Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “This development is a really exciting concept which would provide much-needed specialist accommodation for adults with care and support needs, as well as integrating modern facilities for local people to use. “Our residents have been clear that they would rather live as independently as possible than go into residential care, and this extra care facility would enable them to do just that, living right in the heart of their communities with the support they need.” Karbon has worked with Tyne and Wear based JDDK Architects on the design, which delivers a spacious, socially focused scheme, with high environmental and energy efficiency standards. The apartments would sit across four-storeys, laid out around a central communal courtyard. Ground floor apartments have access to private patio areas, with upper storey apartments benefitting from balconies. The wider scheme would include a variety of landscaped areas and small quiet gardens. The proposal is for the heating and hot water to be powered by air source heat pumps, with additional energy generated through roof mounted solar PV panels. The design has also been guided by the needs of the community. If approved, the scheme will be the first of Karbon’s Extra Care schemes to have an integrated Community Hub, alongside a bistro café and multi-use spaces for activities open to the general public and community groups, helping to facilitate community cohesion. Its delivery would be part-funded by Homes England, through Karbon’s Strategic Partnership with the Government’s housing delivery agency. This strategic partnership is supporting Karbon to deliver 2,200 new affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire over the next few years, 10% of which will be new homes for people requiring additional support needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Interior design consultancy OP has completed the transformation of a new two-storey extension at the Derbyshire headquarters of global mining solutions provider, MMD. The eight-week project has delivered 4,800 sq ft of modern, collaborative space that seamlessly blends the company’s rich mining heritage with contemporary workplace amenities. The development creates a vibrant destination where warehouse and office staff can come together to socialise, exercise and collaborate – moving away from traditional separated working patterns to foster a more inclusive company culture. At the heart of the scheme is a ground floor dining facility featuring a commercial-grade kitchen and servery. Taking inspiration from traditional British social clubs, the space incorporates brass lighting, dark green seating and classically-styled booths, creating a warm atmosphere that pays homage to MMD’s industrial roots. Sustainability and heritage elements are woven throughout the office design, including upcycled granite table tops salvaged from an unused reception counter. A glass cabinet displaying historical miner’s lamps from the 1800s provides a striking connection to the region’s mining past. The workplace incorporates extensive recreational amenities including a retro arcade machine, pool and ping-pong tables, and a popular darts area that has sparked ongoing friendly competitions between teams. A fully-equipped gym facility promotes employee wellbeing while providing practical benefits to staff. Careful consideration has been given to creating an inclusive environment, with durable, wipeable surfaces used throughout to ensure the space works equally well for both office and warehouse personnel. The success of the transformation was demonstrated during the recent festive period, when 95 staff members gathered in the new space for their festive celebrations – exemplifying the project’s goal of bringing people together in a welcoming, communal environment. Gary Tailby, managing director of OP, said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with MMD on this transformative project that perfectly balances heritage with innovation. The design not only creates essential amenity spaces but facilitates a cultural shift towards more collaborative ways of working. By incorporating sustainable technologies and celebrating MMD’s industrial heritage, we’ve created a recreational space that will serve their team well into the future.” Graham Griffiths at MMD said: “This development represents a significant step in MMD’s evolution, creating spaces where our teams can come together, collaborate and relax. OP’s understanding of our heritage and vision for the future has resulted in a design that will transform how we work and interact as a company.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK property portal Rightmove has reported a 7% increase in revenue for the second half of 2024, reaching approximately £390 million, and is forecasting further growth of 8% to 10% in 2025. Despite this revenue rise, pre-tax profit saw a slight dip of 1% year-on-year, falling from £260 million to £258 million. However, underlying operating profit increased to £273.9 million, up £9.3 million from the previous year. User engagement on the platform also grew, with a 6% rise in activity, totalling 16.4 billion minutes spent on Rightmove in 2024. The final dividend for the second half of the year stood at 6.1p per share, bringing the total for the year to 9.8p, a 7% increase from 2023. Rightmove returned £181.7 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks in 2024, down from £201.7 million the previous year. Chief executive Johan Svanstrom said the results highlight the “resilience” of Rightmove’s business model, with the platform attracting 2.3 billion visits last year. He added that Rightmove continues to invest in technology, rolling out more than 5,000 AI-driven updates and enhancements in 2024. “Our strategy is focused on further digitising the home-moving market, leveraging the UK’s largest property data and insights platform,” he said. “There is significant potential to expand and enhance our services, and we’re maintaining that momentum into 2025.” Rightmove was also revealed to be the fourth most-visited UK-based digital platform in 2024, trailing only the BBC, Reach, and Gov.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lowfield Timber Frames, one of the UK’s largest independent timber frame manufacturers, has expressed its optimism for the continued growth of the sector as it announces that it successfully contributed to the delivery of nearly 2,500 new homes in 2024, and with it already actively involved in 1,500 units so far this year, it forecasts that 2025 will be even more successful. The announcement comes as the firm proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary. Since its founding in 2000, Lowfield Timber Frames has grown from a team of just four, to an award-winning team of over 130 people all committed to championing sustainable construction. Providing modern methods of construction (MMC) to a wide range of both residential and commercial building projects across the UK, Lowfield Timber Frames has continually invested in cutting-edge technology and recently became the first firm in the UK to invest in a new Hundegger Compact Robot Drive CNC machine to enhance production capacity and drive forward innovation. Commenting on the quarter-century milestone, managing director Darren Jarman said: “We are incredibly proud to reach this 25-year milestone, which is testament to the hard work, expertise and dedication of the entire team. “As we look ahead, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction, investing in innovation, and playing a key role in shaping the future of the built environment.” In addition to expanding its manufacturing capabilities, Lowfield Timber Frames is investing in the future of the industry and has committed to integrating a dedicated training space at its recently revamped headquarters. Due to open in summer 2025, this facility will provide invaluable insights for developers, housebuilders, and commercial property stakeholders, and equip them with the knowledge and expertise to maximise the benefits of timber frame construction. Concluding, Darren Jarman said: “As we continue to invest in enhancing our production capabilities, our success is driven by our dedicated workforce, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver on the promises we make. “We take pride in the length of service that so many of our team have built with us over the years and this undoubtedly adds value to the service that our clients receive.” With 1500 new homes and five schools already in its order book for 2025, Lowfield Timber Frames anticipates continued success in the year ahead. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heather Fleming tells trade association how apprenticeship set her on the path to a successful career 37 years ago… Campaigning trade association SELECT has tracked down Scotland’s first-ever female electrical apprentice to discuss her career journey in an inspiring new video for Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Former textile machinist Heather Fleming tells viewers how she got her big break 37 years ago, how she insisted on being treated as an equal to her male counterparts – and why she still believes an apprenticeship is an invaluable way to help climb the career ladder. Produced in partnership with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the video has also been released ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March. In the film, entitled Blazing a Trail, Heather reveals how she switched careers when she joined SELECT Member firm HF Electrical in Glasgow in 1988. She says: “I was working as a sewing machinist in a factory and had the afternoon off, so went to the local careers office and found a leaflet called Would You Like to be an Electrician? “Electricity had always been like black magic – it was just there – so it piqued my interest and I thought, ‘I’ll go for it and if I don’t get it, I don’t get it.’ “I was sent for an aptitude test and then told, ‘You’ve passed everything. Where would you like to work?’ I had no idea so they set me up with an interview at HF, I got the job and started work.” Heather duly became Scotland’s first female electrical apprentice, attending Clydebank College – now West College Scotland – but insists she was never given any special treatment. She tells the film: “HF looked after me but there was never any, ‘Wow, you’re the first’. I still had a job to do and there was an attitude of, ‘This person is part of our team and we will make sure we give her opportunities.’ “Although I’d gone from a very female-oriented job to a very male oriented one, for my own part it was just a job and I didn’t think it was any big deal.” Heather also said she also insisted on equality as she continued her studies at Stow College, night school and university, revealing: “I was the only female in most classes and sometimes the lecturers would say, ‘We’d like to put you forward for something because you’re female.’ “But I always said, ‘I’m not the best person for that, not if there’s a guy that’s better than me – put them forward’. Just because you’re a female you don’t need to be promoted more.” After rising through the ranks and working at a consultancy, Heather gained a degree in Building Services and is now an engineer with the Estates Department at the University of Edinburgh, who are also members of SELECT. She said: “Life is about earning money and having a good lifestyle and an apprenticeship will get you to the stage of having a good job and being able to go up the tree.” The video also comes more than three decades after Heather discussed her apprenticeship in SELECT’s cabletalk magazine, in which she said: “Sometimes there’s some taunting on-site, but I try to ignore it and if that doesn’t work I just give it back to them.” And she said: “I think the attitude to women in the workplace in general has changed since then. I just think it’s a natural progression and I’ve been accepted in every job that I’ve been to.” SELECT Director of Employment Affairs Catherine Gillon said: “As we celebrate achievements of electricians everywhere as part of our 125th anniversary, we are grateful to Heather and the University of Edinburgh for giving up their time and allowing us to discuss her journey in the industry. “Some 37 years after we first interviewed her, it is heartening to see that Heather is still working in our sector. It shows that with a solid apprenticeship and the ongoing support of industry bodies like SELECT and SECTT, anything is achievable.” SECTT CEO Fiona Harper added: “Heather’s story is an inspiring one and is the perfect example for Scottish Apprenticeship Week as it shows the rewards and opportunities that are available to young learners starting out on their own career path. “As we look ahead to International Women’s Day, it also shows that there are no barriers in the electrotechnical industry and we should rightfully celebrate the achievements of the many women who currently enjoy successful careers at all levels of the sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
