A new chapter in later living has been approved for Brent Cross Town, as Barnet Council grants planning permission for a major retirement living development by Audley Group and Senior Living Investment Partners. The approved plans will see the delivery of a 10-storey building comprising 148 high-quality apartments designed specifically
Great progress is being made at Yorkshire Housing’s latest affordable housing development in Beverley, thanks to a partnership with Strata and Summers-Inman. The first homes at the much sought after Anthem development have been made watertight, marking a significant milestone for the project. With demand for affordable housing higher than
Pivot is pleased to announce the completion of a £4.1 million development exit facility to Torsion Care, supporting the stabilisation and sale of a completed retirement living scheme in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire. The loan is secured against 29 self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments at Royles Lodge, a purpose-built retirement development for
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, comments on the latest MCS data: “The latest data from the MCS Data Dashboard shows that March was the best month of 2025 so far, totaling more than 31,000 certified installations – up 49% from March 2024. “Heat pump uptake continues to rise, with 5,604
Two Tyneham 290HT 27kW air source heat pumps from Hamworthy Heating – a trusted British manufacturer and supplier of commercial heating and hot water products – have been installed in cascade for underfloor heating in a new extension at a primary school in Cambridge. To accurately meet the heating requirements
Matalan is pressing ahead with ambitious expansion plans following a £25 million injection of new funding from its investors. The family-focused fashion and homeware retailer is set to open ten new stores this year, while also revitalising a number of its existing locations. With more than 220 sites already operating
Driving through cities you will see a mass of buildings being built as they are popping up everywhere these days. Construction projects are at the heart of every city and countryside. One thing you will notice about construction sites is that they get put up rather fast. What makes them
Dreaming of a sun-drenched, coastal-inspired home in Melbourne? Hamptons-style homes are soaring in popularity—and for good reason. They blend timeless coastal living elegance with relaxed luxury, perfect for modern living in Australia. But where do you start? This post will walk you through everything you need to know, from custom
Online casinos in the UK have entered a new era. Fast-loading games, smoother layouts, and smarter features now set the tone. Players no longer settle for outdated sites that look and feel the same as they did five years ago. Expectations have shifted. A strong visual identity and intelligent systems
A new chapter in later living has been approved for Brent Cross Town, as Barnet Council grants planning permission for a major retirement living development by Audley Group and Senior Living Investment Partners. The approved plans will see the delivery of a 10-storey building comprising 148 high-quality apartments designed specifically for residents over 60. This will mark the first retirement community within the 180-acre Brent Cross Town regeneration — one of Europe’s most ambitious urban renewal projects, being delivered by Related Argent in partnership with Barnet Council. The development, valued at £8 billion, is already reshaping this area of north-west London, with thousands of new homes, expansive office space, schools, parks, and a vibrant high street in the pipeline. With two residential buildings already completed and occupied, the community is beginning to take shape. Audley’s new scheme will operate under its Mayfield Villages brand, known for its contemporary, wellness-focused approach to retirement living. It will also be the brand’s first location in the capital and only the second in its portfolio. Residents will benefit from 17,000 sq ft of shared amenities, including a health and wellbeing centre, landscaped gardens, a village hall, and a café-bistro that will be open to the public, encouraging community interaction. The project is being delivered in partnership with Senior Living Investment Partners, a £200 million joint venture between Octopus Real Estate and Pension Insurance Corporation. Nick Sanderson, chief executive of Audley Group, commented: “Planning approval for the new Mayfield Village at Brent Cross Town is a fantastic step forward. The demand for specialist retirement living properties isn’t slowing down and it’s important we give more people more choice over how and where they live as they get older. Mayfield Brent Cross will become an important part of the vibrant intergenerational community being created in this area of London.” Tom Goodall, chief executive of Related Argent, added: “We are delighted that the first retirement living homes at Brent Cross Town have been given the go-ahead. This builds on the continued inward investment secured over the last 12 months and accelerates our bold vision to create an intergenerational community with diverse housing options. We look forward to bringing this vibrant new project to life with industry leaders Audley Group.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Great progress is being made at Yorkshire Housing’s latest affordable housing development in Beverley, thanks to a partnership with Strata and Summers-Inman. The first homes at the much sought after Anthem development have been made watertight, marking a significant milestone for the project. With demand for affordable housing higher than ever, the development, which is situated off Minster Way, will see a total of 136 homes built across a mixture of tenures, including social rent, shared ownership and rent-to-buy. It’s hoped the first homes will be ready to move into this summer. Part-funded by Homes England, the development is part of Strata’s Anthem project, with Summers-Inman providing cost consultancy and employer’s agent support. Summers-Inman has a strong track record with Yorkshire Housing, having worked on a number of previous developments. The company is also involved in several other much needed affordable housing projects across the North of England, supporting developments of all sizes. Commenting on progress at the Beverley site, Summers-Inman director and specialist housing lead, David Blakey, said: “We were delighted to win this latest project which will make a substantial contribution to easing the affordable housing shortage in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and at the same time creating communities with a real sense of belonging. “We have been able to develop a highly effective working relationship with Yorkshire Housing over many years on schemes throughout the region. Clients appreciate the innovation and expertise we can bring to projects which we have gained on a variety of housing projects working in the capacity of employer’s agent, quantity surveyor, project manager and principal designer, all of which are all familiar territory for us. We hope we will be able to provide our expertise on many more Yorkshire Housing schemes in the future.” Yorkshire Housing has ambitious plans to build homes in the coming years. So far, almost 3,500 have already been completed, with another 1,200 in the pipeline. Their focus is on providing high-quality, affordable and sustainable developments to make sure more people have a place they’re proud to call home. Sian Webster, executive director of growth and assets at Yorkshire Housing, said: “We’re excited to see our Beverley development come to life and to be working with Strata with support from Summers-Inman to deliver much-needed affordable homes in the area. Demand for high-quality, energy-efficient housing is high, and this project is a great example of what strong partnerships can achieve. “At Yorkshire Housing, we’re committed to building homes that are both affordable and sustainable. We’re looking forward to welcoming the first residents in summer and continuing to work with our partners to tackle the housing crisis in Yorkshire.” Rob Larkin, pre-construction director at Strata, added: “It’s great to be working on another contract with Yorkshire Housing, a valued partner of Strata, to deliver much needed affordable housing to the Beverley area. We believe modern, energy efficient homes should be accessible to anyone, regardless of tenure and this partnership is another important step towards this for the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pivot is pleased to announce the completion of a £4.1 million development exit facility to Torsion Care, supporting the stabilisation and sale of a completed retirement living scheme in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire. The loan is secured against 29 self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments at Royles Lodge, a purpose-built retirement development for residents aged 55 and over. The modern development sits within the wider Marsh Mill Village, a picturesque and well-established leisure and residential destination close to the Fylde Coast. The development reached practical completion in 2023 and offers high-specification, age-exclusive accommodation. The funding enables Torsion Care to refinance its original development facility while allowing time to execute a dual-track strategy of unit sales and long-term lettings. Twelve units have already been sold to date, with a dedicated on-site sales team now in place and marketing across multiple platforms. The transaction showcases Pivot’s commitment to working with experienced developers on complex transitional assets, where income stabilisation and a structured repayment strategy are key. It also reflects Pivot’s dedication to supporting schemes that positively impact local communities and provide high-quality housing. By backing developers like Torsion Care, Pivot plays an active role in delivering well-designed homes that enable independent living and contribute to long-term community wellbeing. Martin Hutson of Torsion Care, commented: “We’re delighted to partner with Pivot on this transaction. Their understanding of the retirement living sector and ability to tailor a structure around both sales and lettings gives us the flexibility to maximise value at Royles Lodge. We’re also pleased to deliver another high-quality scheme that meets growing demand for independent living options for over-55s.” Andreas Yianni, Commercial Director at Pivot, added: “It’s a pleasure to support Torsion Care, a highly capable operator with a growing track record in the care and retirement living sector. This deal reflects our appetite to fund completed, high-quality schemes and committed sponsor. We’re proud to play a role in bringing more housing to the market that is tailored to supportive living.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, comments on the latest MCS data: “The latest data from the MCS Data Dashboard shows that March was the best month of 2025 so far, totaling more than 31,000 certified installations – up 49% from March 2024. “Heat pump uptake continues to rise, with 5,604 certified installations – a 22% increase on March of last year – as more homeowners transition to low-carbon heating, driven by initiatives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). “Solar PV also had a strong month, with a total of 22,599 installations in March. This was a 49% increase on March 2024 and an 18% increase on last month. This means that there are now over 1.7 million MCS certified solar PV installations. “March was another record-breaking month for battery storage, with almost 3,000 certified installations, beating the previous record set in February and a 147% increase on March 2024. This brings the total battery storage installations to over 33,000. “It’s great to see that the number of people adopting low-carbon alternatives is continuing to grow month on month, a positive step towards helping the UK achieve its net zero targets. With this growth, it is crucial to focus on ‘delivered quality’ to ensure consumers have growing confidence when investing in home-grown energy. This is what the redeveloped MCS will achieve, putting consumer protection at the heart of what we do.” MCS holds the most comprehensive repository of data on the uptake of small-scale renewable technologies across the UK on The MCS Data Dashboard. For near-real-time updates on renewable installations, you can sign up for free to The MCS Data Dashboard here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two Tyneham 290HT 27kW air source heat pumps from Hamworthy Heating – a trusted British manufacturer and supplier of commercial heating and hot water products – have been installed in cascade for underfloor heating in a new extension at a primary school in Cambridge. To accurately meet the heating requirements of the new school extension and ensure an even distribution of heat, the new system from Hamworthy Heating includes two 290HT 27kW Tyneham heat pumps with natural refrigerant, configured in a hydraulic cascade set up. The heat pumps are connected to a 500L buffer cylinder, which also features an electrical heating element, controlled by a BMS. The buffer connections, Exogel anti-freeze valves and degassers were also supplied by Hamworthy Heating. This cascade arrangement allows for the heat capacity to be equally distributed according to the specific heating demands of the new school building. Rather than rely on a larger single heat pump that could run inefficiently at partial load, the new cascade set up enables the units, which have inverter controlled compressors, to adjust their capacities as needed which will enable the school to achieve a more accurate match to its actual heating demand and optimise performance. Additionally, as the new system can adjust to keep the heat pumps operating at their most efficient state, cycling of heat pumps and unnecessary energy consumption is avoided. The two new Tyneham 290 HT installation also provides the school with increased protection against breakdowns. Unlike a single heat pump installation, which can result in complete downtime, the new system now supplies the new building with uninterrupted heating. Furthermore, as the workload is shared across two Tyneham heat pumps, stress and wear on individual components is significantly reduced. Following a previously successful collaboration with Hamworthy Heating on the schools existing heating system, Sotham Engineering were keen to stick with a brand they could trust on the second phase of its project. Ricky Harris, Sotham Engineering Services Ltd comments, “We choose Tyneham heat pumps due to their overall performance and efficiency. Having collaborated with Hamworthy during the first stage of the project, we found them easy to work with and always available to provide support and assistance”. Building on the success of its popular Tyneham heat pump range, the new 290HT heat pump utilising natural refrigerant offers a co-efficiency of performance (COP) of up to 4.94 for optimum efficiency. Quiet in operation, with noise levels as low as 64db(A), the latest 290HT heat pump range is available in five outputs from 15kW through to 50kW and can be cascaded to achieve higher outputs and can be combined with alternative Hamworthy Heating products to achieve a low-carbon hybrid heating system. Following a successful installation, the new extension now benefits from a reliable and efficient heat pump system that will help the school to reduce its carbon footprint and lower operational costs. For more information on the Tyneham 290HT commercial heat pump range, please visit www.hamworthy-heating.com/ or call 01202 662 552. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Matalan is pressing ahead with ambitious expansion plans following a £25 million injection of new funding from its investors. The family-focused fashion and homeware retailer is set to open ten new stores this year, while also revitalising a number of its existing locations. With more than 220 sites already operating nationwide, Matalan is now on the hunt for additional premises in key retail hotspots. The retailer is specifically targeting Use Class E units in retail parks, town centres, and shopping centres, ideally ranging in size from 10,000 to 35,000 sq ft. For smaller sites, between 10,000 and 20,000 sq ft, mezzanine space will be a requirement to accommodate its full offer. While leasehold sites are preferred, the retailer is open to considering freehold opportunities where appropriate. To support its expansion drive, Matalan has appointed property consultants across different regions: Savills is focusing on Scotland and Northern Ireland, Stockford Anderson is covering Wales and the North of England, and Smart 4 has been tasked with identifying locations in the South of England and London. In parallel with its new store openings, Matalan is rolling out an extensive refurbishment programme aimed at enhancing the shopping experience for customers. Thirty existing stores are set to be refreshed this year, with work already completed at Linwood, near Glasgow, and Croydon. Upgrades to stores in Dumfries and Bristol Filton are also expected to wrap up in the coming weeks. This dual focus on expansion and enhancement reflects Matalan’s confidence in the UK retail landscape and its ongoing commitment to offering customers value-led fashion and homeware in accessible, well-designed spaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Driving through cities you will see a mass of buildings being built as they are popping up everywhere these days. Construction projects are at the heart of every city and countryside. One thing you will notice about construction sites is that they get put up rather fast. What makes them so appealing? The inherent strength, durability, and versatility of these structures contribute to their growing prominence. Let’s take a look at how these structures are being used, what’s making them so popular, and the key things that make them work in construction. Speed of Construction Metal buildings are quick to put up. Construction crews love that. Time is money, right? Need a warehouse built in a hurry? Metal is the answer. I watched a team assemble one in days, not weeks. Steel frames bolt together easily, with no fuss. Unlike wood, which can warp or rot, metal stays solid. That speed makes it a go-to for businesses needing storage or office space quickly. Cost-Effectiveness Then, there’s the cost. Metal buildings save wallets from crying. They’re cheaper than brick or concrete most of the time. I’ve noticed contractors pick them for budget projects. Schools, gyms, even churches—metal fits the bill. You get a sturdy building without breaking the bank. Plus, maintenance is low. A little paint, some checks for rust, and you’re good for years. Versatility in Design Now, let’s talk variety. Metal buildings aren’t just one style. Factories, barns, garages—you name it. I saw a prefabricated Quonset hut kit turned into a workshop once. Curved roof, tough as nails. Those kits come ready to assemble, like giant Lego sets. Designers tweak them for any purpose faster to better suit the need. Need a big open space? No problem. Want walls for rooms? Easy enough. That flexibility keeps architects happy. Durability and Safety Durability is another big win. Metal laughs at bad weather. Hurricanes, snowstorms, and even earthquakes—steel holds up better than most. I heard about a metal storage unit surviving a tornado while woodsheds nearby got shredded. Fire resistance is a bonus too. Insurance companies love that, so premiums might drop. Builders pick metal when safety is the priority. Environmental Benefits Eco-friendly vibes? Metal has those too. Most steel is recycled. Using it cuts down on chopping trees or mining stones. I like how it feels sustainable. Energy efficiency is another perk. Insulate a metal building right, and heating or cooling costs shrink. Solar panels bolt on easily too. Green projects lean hard into metal for those reasons. Residential and Small-Scale Uses It’s not just big projects. Smaller stuff uses metal buildings too. Think carports or backyard sheds. I have a buddy who turned one into a home gym. It took a weekend to set up. Residential projects are jumping on the trend. Tiny homes made of steel? Yes, they’re real. Affordable and tough, they’re perfect for young folks starting out. Customization Options Customization—can’t skip that. Metal buildings bend to your imagination. Paint them any color. Add windows, skylights, whatever. I saw a café with a metal frame, all glassed up, looking super modern. Businesses want that unique vibe to stand out. Metal lets them play without crazy costs. Agricultural Applications There’s agriculture too. Farmers love metal buildings. Barns for hay, shelters for cows, and even greenhouses. I drove by a farm with a shiny steel silo—it stood out like a beacon. Weather is brutal on crops and livestock, but metal doesn’t care. It protects what’s inside, no matter the storm. Industrial Strength Industrial sites are the metal’s playgrounds. Factories, distribution centres, you name it. Those places need wide-open spaces for machines. Metal frames deliver that without tons of support columns. I worked near a construction site once and saw a massive steel warehouse go up. Forklifts were zooming inside days later. That’s efficiency. Challenges and Solutions Challenges exist, though. Metal conducts heat, so the insulation must be spot-on. Rust can creep in if you skimp on coatings. I learned that the hard way with an old shed. Noise is another thing—rain on a metal roof sounds like a drum solo. But fixes for those are simple enough. Good planning avoids most headaches. The Future of Metal Buildings The future is bright for metal buildings. Tech is making metal buildings even cooler! I was reading about these new metal mixes – they’re super light but seriously strong. Plus, 3D printing is starting to pop up, which means they can make custom parts really quickly. Honestly, the whole construction scene is changing, and it looks like metal is right there at the front. You see it everywhere now, from little backyard sheds all the way up to huge skyscraper frames. Conclusion So, metal buildings are the unsung heroes of construction. Quick, cheap, tough, and flexible. I bet you’ll notice them more now—warehouses, barns, even cool cafés. They’re built to last, and that’s why they’re loved. Next time you pass one, give it a nod. It’s doing more than you think.
Dreaming of a sun-drenched, coastal-inspired home in Melbourne? Hamptons-style homes are soaring in popularity—and for good reason. They blend timeless coastal living elegance with relaxed luxury, perfect for modern living in Australia. But where do you start? This post will walk you through everything you need to know, from custom homes must-haves, various phases during the Hamptons home design stage, to finding the right builder. Read on. Why Choose a Hampton-Style Home Hampton homes aren’t just pretty facades—they’re designed for comfort, light, and effortless entertaining. Think of soaring ceilings, open-plan living, and a neutral colour palette with crisp white weatherboards. They’re ideal if you love the following: a home with classic charm that comes with modern functionality, good indoor-outdoor flow for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, and high-end finishes and premium materials that feel inviting. Plus, they’re a savvy investment. Stunning Hampton homes in Melbourne have broad appeal which helps boost resale value. Key Features of Hampton Home Builds Hampton homes are known for their one-of-a-kind look. They usually have the following characteristics: coastal-inspired exteriors, open-plan living areas, and the use of natural materials that withstand the test of time. First, a Hampton home’s exterior sets the tone. Aim for the following: weatherboard cladding (painted white or soft grey), gabled rooflines or pitched roofs with dormer windows, wraparound verandas or deep front porches with timber posts, and black or charcoal accents on windows, doors, and railings for contrast. You can also add a portico or breezeway to enhance curb appeal. When it comes to the interiors, spacious and light-filled spaces are a must-have. Key elements include: void areas or high ceilings to amplify space, large windows (either bay, sash, or French-style) for allowing natural light in, and a central kitchen with a butler’s pantry—perfect for entertaining. Finally, timeless quality is ideal in terms of the materials and finishes for Hamptons homes. High-quality finishes are possible when using solid timber floors (oak or spotted gum) in light stains, shaker-style cabinetry with matte brass or chrome handles, and stone benchtops (Carrara marble or quartz lookalikes). Skip glossy finishes; matte and muted is the Hampton way. Choosing the Right Builder in Melbourne Not all builders ‘get’ Hampton style. Here’s how to pick the best: It’s recommended that you compare at least three different custom builders to come up with the best deal possible. Custom vs. Project Home: What’s Best for You? Quick question: custom or project home? Which one should you go with? The following pointers will help you make an informed decision. Custom Hampton builds are tailored to your block, lifestyle, and budget. They’re also ideal if you want one-of-a-kind features for your home. Nonetheless, they command a longer construction timeline and higher cost. Project Hampton homes are faster to build and less pricier. They’re ideal if you love a builder’s existing Hampton design. Keep in mind that you have limited customization options though. Budgeting for Your Hampton Home Have a budget set out for hassle-free construction of custom Hamptons home. Your team of builders will give you a quote on how much the whole construction project would run you. Some cost drivers to consider include land slope (steep blocks need retaining walls), different material upgrades (hardwood floors over engineered timber), and many more. Pro tip: Allocate 10–15% extra for unforeseen expenses. Land Considerations in Melbourne Land considerations are a part of building a custom home in Melbourne. You’ll have to look into the following: Decorating Your Hampton Home Make the most out of your new Hamptons home by being smart with your decoration choices. When it comes to colour palette, stick to whites, creams, soft greys, and navy accents. Avoid bold colours. Meanwhile, go for upholstered sofas in linen or cotton and washed oak tables and woven light fixtures for furniture. Finally, top styling touches you can use to top off your living space include using oversized mirrors to reflect light and jute rugs and ceramic vases for texture. Final Thoughts: Is a Hampton Home Right for You? If you crave a home that’s both elegant and liveable, a Hampton build could be your perfect match. With the right builder, block, and budget, you’ll have a timeless retreat that suits Melbourne’s coastal-meets-urban vibe. Ready to take the next step? Start by shortlisting builders with proven Hampton expertise—your dream home awaits!
Online casinos in the UK have entered a new era. Fast-loading games, smoother layouts, and smarter features now set the tone. Players no longer settle for outdated sites that look and feel the same as they did five years ago. Expectations have shifted. A strong visual identity and intelligent systems now work together to shape the future of online gaming. It is no longer just about having a big game library. The way players experience that library—how they move through the site, how offers appear, how fast the platform responds—matters more than ever. Artificial Intelligence Is Changing the Game Artificial intelligence now shapes nearly every part of the online casino experience. It helps sites respond faster, recommend better games, and offer timely support without the long wait. Some of the most interesting changes are coming from new casino platforms in the UK. These sites focus on flexibility, larger bonuses, and quicker registration, offering a fresh approach to the gambling experience. You can find examples across ESI’s list, where operators are testing bold ideas, such as tailored offers and faster navigation. AI tools behind these sites track user activity and adjust the interface in real-time. When someone returns to a site, the homepage often already shows their most played games. Bonus offers change based on session length or preferred genres. This makes the site feel responsive without users having to ask for anything. The same tools also play a part in safety. Some platforms monitor behavior patterns and flag accounts that show signs of risky activity. These alerts help teams step in early. While that system is not perfect, it adds a level of attention that was missing from many older sites. Design That Works Without Distractions Many UK casino sites used to focus only on the flash. Bright colours, spinning banners, and loud sounds filled the screen. That approach has shifted. The best design today is clean and focused. It lets players move around the site without stress. Menus are shorter. The text is clearer. Most of all, mobile versions work as well as desktop ones. This balance comes from real testing. Designers now study how people use the site, what they click first, and where they stop. That data shapes how new pages get built. Players do not want long explanations or cluttered homepages. They want to find a game, understand how to play it, and start. The new design trend supports that goal by making everything feel faster, smoother, and easier to follow. Game Developers Are Adapting AI tools are now helping developers before a game ever reaches the public. Early testing can reveal which parts of a game players enjoy and which they skip. Some studios use those insights to shape how bonus rounds appear or how often rewards pop up. Game themes are also changing. Developers are dropping older styles in favour of sharper graphics and fresh ideas. But the biggest shift is in how games feel. Players expect a game to respond well on both mobile and desktop, with no delays or clunky controls. Games still aim to feel exciting, but not overwhelming. Sounds, animations, and win sequences now feel more polished and intentional. The goal is steady fun, not chaos. Conclusion The next phase of UK online casinos is already here. It feels smoother, looks cleaner, and responds faster. AI brings smarter support and better personalisation. Design teams now focus on the player, not just the theme. Together, these changes shape a better kind of casino experience. One that respects time, rewards loyalty, and adapts without being loud about it. That is the future, and it is already live.
