Get Living, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent operators and developers, has submitted revised proposals for the next and final phase of its Elephant and Castle town centre transformation, bringing further homes for rent, including affordable homes, as well as landscaped public realm and a major cultural venue. The West
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed the delivery of 284 new energy-efficient homes in Enfield, as part of a development on land at North Middlesex University Hospital. The project, being delivered in partnership with Vistry Group and the Hyde Group, is the latest milestone in the Mayor’s ongoing
The transformation and extension of 76 Southbank, a Grade II listed building adjacent to the National Theatre, has successfully reached practical completion – delivering 300,000 sq. ft. of cutting-edge and sustainable office space. The scheme has been delivered with Stanhope Plc as Development Manager, LaSalle Investment Management as asset manager
Plans for a new development of ten contemporary coastal homes at Steamer Point have been given the go-ahead. Developer Pennyfarthing Homes has secured planning approval for the 1.3-hectare scheme, which will replace a series of disused buildings with architecturally distinctive properties, set against the backdrop of sea views and the
Practical completion reached at The Crescent Centre as fit out company appointed On behalf of investment and development company CEG, Kier has completed the redevelopment of Crescent at Temple Quay in Bristol. The building has been transformed to include a new two-storey feature façade, a rooftop extension and the addition
Marks & Spencer has announced a £90 million investment to expand and upgrade its store portfolio across London, with six brand new food halls and 11 enhanced stores set to open or relaunch in the coming years. The retail giant will add around 70,000 sq ft of new space through
Caddick Construction has broken ground on a major urban logistics development in Leeds, after being appointed by developer Chancerygate as main contractor for its £46.5 million T45 scheme. Situated just off junction 45 of the M1 motorway, the 11.1-acre site will deliver 23 high-specification commercial units ranging in size from
London’s worsening homelessness emergency represents the “single biggest risk” to boroughs’ finances and is pushing town halls towards bankruptcy, London Councils has warned. Analysis from the cross-party group estimates that skyrocketing numbers of homeless Londoners needing a roof over their heads and spiralling temporary accommodation costs mean boroughs in the
Many governments across the globe are starting to invest heavily in artificial intelligence because of the many benefits this technology provides. For example, AI has the potential to completely revolutionise public services and reduce costs by fully automating routine tasks and performing them much quicker than humans. In other words,
Get Living, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent operators and developers, has submitted revised proposals for the next and final phase of its Elephant and Castle town centre transformation, bringing further homes for rent, including affordable homes, as well as landscaped public realm and a major cultural venue. The West Site sits alongside The Elephant, the second phase of the scheme, which is providing 485 new homes, a diverse mix of restaurants, shops, leisure and cultural facilities, a new university campus, workspace, improved transport infrastructure including a new underground station and a new public square. The updated plans for the West Site, have been submitted to Southwark Council this month and form the third phase of Get Living’s £1.5 billion regeneration of the Elephant and Castle Town Centre. The enhanced proposal reinforces Get Living’s commitment to creating a thriving destination and a new meeting place for locals, prospective residents and visitors alike. It will be the company’s flagship mixed use scheme, incorporating retail, leisure, culture, education and infrastructure improvements alongside the new homes for rent. Building on the original 2019 masterplan, the revisions introduce 452 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds, easing pressure on the local private rental market and responding to the growing demand for high-quality rental and student accommodation. In Southwark alone, there has been a 25% rise in the student population over the past decade. In response to local community feedback, retail space on the first floor facing Pastor Street has been replaced with nine additional homes, increasing the total number of homes to 507, of which 165 are affordable. The plans introduce architectural improvements to complement Elephant and Castle’s distinct character alongside providing a new public square, which will serve as a focal point for the area’s social and cultural life. Sustainability remains at the heart of the project, with an all-electric low carbon energy system, increased green spaces, and a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions where possible by adopting the principles of passive haus design. A significant carbon reduction will be achieved by repurposing part of the existing LCC Workshop into an exciting new cultural venue. The adaptive reuse of the structure will help to preserve Elephant and Castle’s rich history and social fabric whilst creating flexible spaces for arts, performances, and community activities. The development also carefully respects the surrounding streetscape, providing the transition between the nearby Elliott’s Row Conservation Area and Victorian houses on Oswin Street to the new Elephant and Castle town centre. The West Site becomes available for redevelopment in early 2028, following the relocation of the LCC to its new, state-of-the-art campus building next door at The Elephant. The launch of the development will mark the delivery of a game changing regeneration of Elephant and Castle, set to be central London’s newest and exciting mixed use destination. Rick de Blaby, Chief Executive of Get Living, said: “Elephant and Castle has always been a place where cultures, commerce, and communities converge and we are working hard to honour that legacy as we continue the extraordinary transformation. “We are pleased to submit our planning application for the final phase that better reflects local need while significantly enhancing the sustainability credentials. “Alongside our work on the West site, our vision for the second phase of The Elephant is quickly becoming a reality and we are progressing some very exciting conversations with both well-known brands and unique independents, which will be opening their doors when the scheme launches in 2026. “As long-term stakeholders, we are committed to delivering a new meeting place where people can come together to live, work and socialise, delivering much-needed homes, including affordable homes, student accommodation and vibrant public spaces that bring energy and opportunity to the area.” The first phase of Get Living’s Elephant and Castle development, Elephant Central, launched in 2017, and included 374 homes for rent, 278 student homes and 65,659 sq ft of commercial space, comprising a supermarket, gym and nursery. Its second phase, The Elephant, is launching in early 2026, and will include 135,000 sq ft of shops, restaurants and leisure space, a 370,000 sq ft university buildings for UAL, landscaped public realm, 55,000 sq ft of workspace, and 485 new homes for rent, of which 172 will be affordable. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed the delivery of 284 new energy-efficient homes in Enfield, as part of a development on land at North Middlesex University Hospital. The project, being delivered in partnership with Vistry Group and the Hyde Group, is the latest milestone in the Mayor’s ongoing drive to tackle the capital’s housing crisis. The homes will be a mix of social rent and shared ownership, set within a development that includes low-rise flats and terraced properties ranging from one to four bedrooms. “I’m determined to do everything in my power to make housing more affordable and sustainable for Londoners, which is why I’m partnering with Vistry Group to deliver 284 new homes at North Middlesex University Hospital – a 100 per cent genuinely affordable housing scheme,” said the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. “In addition to delivering much needed new homes, this landmark development will feature new green spaces and first-class community facilities – including a nursery and café – serving not only future residents, but the wider community as a whole. “Tackling housing pressures in the capital and delivering affordable new homes for Londoners remains a top priority for me as we work together to build a better, fairer London for everyone.” The homes will meet high standards of energy efficiency and design, including triple glazing, dual aspect layouts, and advanced ventilation systems. They will be connected to Enfield’s new borough-wide low-carbon energy network, which removes the need for individual boilers and is expected to reduce energy costs for residents. In addition to housing, the scheme will provide 1,500 square metres of green space, a community café, nursery, and a 3,000 square metre office building to support local jobs and services. The development is designed to integrate with the hospital campus and benefit the wider community. Kevin Delve, Managing Director of Vistry East London, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the GLA and Hyde to deliver 284 homes in Enfield, of which 100% will be affordable, meeting a crucial need for high-quality housing. “Drawing on our extensive experience in delivering transformational residential-led projects in London, this mixed-use development will not only provide much-needed homes but also new office space. “We will also deliver a new park, café, and nursery, ensuring long-term benefits for the wider community and helping to create a thriving, well-connected place for people to live and work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The transformation and extension of 76 Southbank, a Grade II listed building adjacent to the National Theatre, has successfully reached practical completion – delivering 300,000 sq. ft. of cutting-edge and sustainable office space. The scheme has been delivered with Stanhope Plc as Development Manager, LaSalle Investment Management as asset manager and was overseen by Multiplex as the Main Contractor. PayPal, a global leader in digital payments, will be the building’s first occupier, after signing a lease for 40,000 sq. ft. of the top floor of the building. Targeting a Q2 2026 occupancy, PayPal selected 76 Southbank based on the building’s amenity offerings, proximity to their current City offices and its transport connectivity. Six stations, including Waterloo, Charing Cross and Blackfriars, are within a 10-minute walk from 76 Southbank, providing direct access to the West End, City of London and Canary Wharf. The completed refurbishment features impressive outdoor terraces spanning 50,000 sq. ft., offering panoramic river views alongside biophilic landscaping. A double-height entrance lobby provides a generous office reception, with a striking centrepiece staircase serving as a visual focal point. 76 Southbank prioritises occupant wellbeing, with the revitalised building offering adaptable office spaces designed to enhance productivity and comfort while fostering collaboration. Forward-thinking design principles prioritise the end user experience, such as touchless entry systems and curated amenity areas. The iconic space sets a new standard in low-carbon office design. The project construction has embraced a circular economy approach, prioritising off-site fabrication to minimise on-site waste and incorporating reused steel in its construction. This dedication to sustainability is embodied through energy-efficient solutions that have been installed whilst protecting the building’s brutalist heritage. The project is targeting a BREEAM Outstanding certification and NABERS Design Reviewed Target Rating of 5 Stars. The transformation project renews the last significant work of Sir Denys Lasdun, the renowned architect behind iconic structures such as the National Theatre. The remodelling and refurbishing of this historically significant Grade II listed building has been carried out with the utmost sensitivity, ensuring that 80% of its iconic structure is preserved for future generations. The architectural redesign has been led by AHMM. Stanhope are the Development Manager and LaSalle Investment Management are the asset managers for the project. Global alternative asset manager Cheyne Capital Real Estate provided the financing for the project. Leading real estate agencies CBRE and JLL have been appointed as agents for 76 Southbank. JLL acted for Paypal. Kevin Darvishi, Head of Leasing at Stanhope said: “Practical completion of 76 Southbank and the arrival of PayPal will breathe new life into this brutalist icon. Built for the future, 76 Southbank is accessed from a spectacular triple height reception and provides large floor plates that all benefit from unrivalled views of the Thames, in a thriving part of central London. An occupier of PayPal’s calibre underlines market demand for low-carbon and amenity-rich workspaces.” Chris Lewis, Managing Director, International Accounts, Europe, LaSalle Investment Management said: “The completion of 76 Southbank marks a significant milestone. Its strong location, best-in-class amenities and historical significance position it as a standout commercial property in central London. PayPal’s decision to occupy space here underscores the building’s appeal, and we look forward to welcoming their employees to this exceptional development next year.” Simon Bladon, PayPal UK CEO said: “This is an exciting time for PayPal in the UK, and we’re looking forward to welcoming in the next chapter with a brand new home on London’s iconic South Bank.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a new development of ten contemporary coastal homes at Steamer Point have been given the go-ahead. Developer Pennyfarthing Homes has secured planning approval for the 1.3-hectare scheme, which will replace a series of disused buildings with architecturally distinctive properties, set against the backdrop of sea views and the neighbouring Steamer Point Nature Reserve. Designed by David James Architects, the development embraces a landscape-led approach, carefully integrating the homes within the site’s natural surroundings. Many of the mature trees on the plot are protected by Tree Preservation Orders, and the design prioritises the retention of greenery and enhancement of biodiversity. New planting schemes, along with ecological safeguards—such as minimising light pollution near a known bat corridor—underscore the environmentally sensitive strategy. The layout takes full advantage of the site’s elevated position, with four of the homes adopting an ‘upside-down house’ design to maximise sea views. These frontline properties will feature living areas on the upper floors with direct access to gardens via external staircases, while bedrooms will be located on the ground level. The remaining six homes, situated just behind the frontline units, will offer more traditional layouts but still enjoy ocean-facing orientations. The architectural style reflects a blend of natural textures and modern design, with materials such as light stone, brick, bronze-toned aluminium, and timber cladding echoing the surrounding cliffs and woodland. Overhanging roofs and generous glazing aim to soften the visual impact of the buildings while creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Construction is scheduled to commence in autumn 2025, with the first homes expected to be completed by early 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Practical completion reached at The Crescent Centre as fit out company appointed On behalf of investment and development company CEG, Kier has completed the redevelopment of Crescent at Temple Quay in Bristol. The building has been transformed to include a new two-storey feature façade, a rooftop extension and the addition of three private roof terraces, the most prominent of which offers unrivalled views over Temple Gardens from the fifth floor. The first letting has already been secured with OVO relocating its UK headquarters to 22,894 sq. ft of space, which includes the entire fifth floor and a fourth-floor suite. Crescent offers 100,000 sq ft of office space and has the largest private garden in the city centre as an added benefit for its occupiers. There is also a secure weatherproof cycle park for 164 bikes and a repair docking facility, wellbeing and fitness studio with leisure club changing facilities. As well as targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, the building is targeting Net Zero Carbon in operation. Reuse of the existing structure provides a 45% reduction in upfront embodied carbon over new build, allied with best-in-class energy efficient heating and cooling, makes Crescent a compelling sustainability option. CEG has now appointed Bath-based fit out specialist, Interaction, to deliver break out workspace and beautiful fitted office suites. The fitted office suites will provide occupiers with the option of taking tailor made space ready for immediate occupation or taking traditional office suites where they can deliver their own fit out. Interaction’s Business Director, Hannah Eardley said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with CEG on such a transformative project. The design balances sustainability with a deep respect for the building’s heritage, incorporating nods to Bristol’s rich manufacturing history such as the original fabric racks and pottery. By reimagining communal areas with thoughtful, flexible design, we’re creating a space that really works for its occupiers, offering something for everyone. This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to deliver not just a workplace, but a destination where community and sustainability are at the heart of the experience.” Paul Richardson, Investment Manager at CEG, said; “Crescent sits in a prime location on Temple Back. This is a first-class redevelopment and Interaction’s interior design will deliver a contemporary and healthy place to work, supported by amenities including a ribbon business lounge, Temple Grind café, well-being and fitness studio.” The development will offer floor plates of 18,000 sq ft. It also benefits from the ability to accommodate a range of requirements from 1,600 sq ft upwards. Carter Jonas and Savills have been appointed to launch the development to market. Harry Allen, Director of Office Agency South-West at Savills, said: “Crescent offers exceptional space for small and growing businesses, from 16 desks to 180, it will create a vibrant and thriving business community. The building’s flexibility and market leading tenant amenities, from a private garden to a café and gym, will appeal to Bristol businesses seeking best in class working environments for their staff with Net Zero commitments.” This £30 million investment is the latest in significant investments into the CEG Group’s portfolio in Bristol which, to date, stands at £234 million. The team is managing a 250,000 sq ft Bristol portfolio, has refurbished the Quorum, delivered the award-winning EQ at 111 Victoria Street and 1000 Aztec West. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer has announced a £90 million investment to expand and upgrade its store portfolio across London, with six brand new food halls and 11 enhanced stores set to open or relaunch in the coming years. The retail giant will add around 70,000 sq ft of new space through the launch of food halls in Covent Garden, Leytonstone, Clapham Common, Putney, New Malden, and Fulham Broadway—subject to planning permission. These additions are part of a wider strategy to strengthen M&S’s presence in the capital by catering to growing customer demand for high-quality, convenient food offerings. In addition to the new openings, 11 existing stores are undergoing significant upgrades. Among them is the Clapham South food hall, which has already reopened featuring a refreshed produce section, expanded frozen and ambient food areas, a larger in-store bakery, and improved fixtures including new flooring, refrigeration, and checkouts. Further refurbishments are under way at stores in Brooklands, Islington, Brent Cross, Whetstone, Wimbledon, and Chiswick. Meanwhile, revamped M&S food outlets have recently reopened in key London transport hubs including Euston, St Pancras, and Charing Cross stations. One of the most high-profile projects is the phased renewal of M&S’s flagship Pantheon store on Oxford Street. The renovation will begin with a complete overhaul of the basement food hall in April, which will stay open throughout the works. A temporary food offering will be in place while construction progresses. Once completed, the updated food hall will include a fresh pizza counter, hot chicken options, and an all-new coffee shop concept. This investment in the capital follows the company’s announcement of a separate £50 million plan for the North West, aimed at increasing store space and modernising outlets in the region. Sacha Berendji, Operations Director at M&S, said:“London has always held a special place in the M&S story—from our early days with penny bazaars to the modern Foodhalls we operate today, like the one we reopened in Brixton last year. We serve thousands of customers each day across the capital, from large full-line stores to grab-and-go outlets in train stations. This new wave of store investment is our commitment to bringing the best of M&S to every corner of London—from Brixton to Barnet—for many years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has broken ground on a major urban logistics development in Leeds, after being appointed by developer Chancerygate as main contractor for its £46.5 million T45 scheme. Situated just off junction 45 of the M1 motorway, the 11.1-acre site will deliver 23 high-specification commercial units ranging in size from 4,450 sq ft to 34,000 sq ft. In total, the development will add 223,000 sq ft of new logistics and industrial space to the region, with completion expected in early 2026. The project marks the fourth collaboration between Chancerygate and Caddick, following successful developments in Carlisle, Aintree, and Knutsford. With sustained demand for logistics and manufacturing space across the UK, Caddick has significantly expanded its regional footprint. The company is also delivering a £42 million manufacturing facility for Schneider Electric in North Yorkshire, while nearing completion of a £28 million site in Howden for Yara International — soon to be home to the UK’s largest specialist fertiliser plant. T45 is expected to attract a broad range of occupiers and contribute to the ongoing regeneration and economic development of the Leeds area. Its strategic location, just minutes from the national motorway network, makes it an ideal site for logistics and light industrial businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London’s worsening homelessness emergency represents the “single biggest risk” to boroughs’ finances and is pushing town halls towards bankruptcy, London Councils has warned. Analysis from the cross-party group estimates that skyrocketing numbers of homeless Londoners needing a roof over their heads and spiralling temporary accommodation costs mean boroughs in the capital were forced to overspend on their homelessness budgets by at least £330m in 2024-25. This represents a 60% increase on their original homelessness budget plans for the year. Local authorities have a legal duty to provide temporary accommodation to homeless households qualifying for support under housing law, making it essentially impossible for councils to place strict limits on their homelessness expenditure. London boroughs also highlight a growing mismatch between their temporary accommodation costs and the subsidy they receive for this from the government. In 2023-24 the gap was around £96m, but London Councils estimates the gap for 2024-25 reached £140m – a 45% increase. London Councils fears that if current trends continue, more boroughs will need emergency support from the government and may even be at risk of issuing Section 114 notices – effectively declarations of bankruptcy [1]. London Councils highlights the following: London Councils emphasises the need for urgent national policy action in the Spending Review to reduce homelessness pressures, including through more financial support for hard-pressed boroughs and additional investment in affordable housing. The government is set to conclude its Spending Review in June, which will determine levels of investment in public services for the coming years. The government is also preparing a new national strategy on homelessness. Cllr Grace Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration, said: “The worsening homelessness emergency is devastating the lives of too many Londoners and represents the single biggest risk to boroughs’ finances. “Homelessness spending is fundamentally driven by factors outside our control. Boroughs have a legal duty to provide homelessness support – and we’re seeing homelessness numbers skyrocket while accommodation costs spiral. “If things carry on as they are, we will see more boroughs’ become effectively bankrupt. This brings massive uncertainty to the future of our communities’ local services, and could ultimately mean more costs to the government when emergency interventions are required. “London boroughs are doing everything we can to turn this situation around, but we need urgent action from ministers. Only national government has the powers and resources required to bolster councils’ budgets and reduce homelessness pressures – particularly through investing far more in affordable housing.” Cllr Williams recently gave evidence in parliament on boroughs’ unsustainable homelessness spending, including showing MPs a “chart of doom” based on boroughs’ fast-rising overspends [3]. London Councils is calling on the government to: Help councils meet the cost of temporary accommodation by ending the fourteen-year freeze on the amount local authorities can claim back from government to meet their temporary accommodation costs. The subsidy gap has become the key driver of financial insecurity for boroughs, reducing investment in prevention and is consequently leading to lower quality accommodation. Make the increase in Local Housing Allowance rates a permanent measure. Research published by London Councils shows only 5% of London’s private rental listings in the capital are affordable to households in the private rented sector relying on Local Housing Allowance (which goes to eligible households as part of their housing benefit or Universal Credit payment if they have a private landlord). Boroughs want LHA rates updated annually to track inflation and help ensure adequate support for low-income tenants in the private rented sector. This would prevent significant levels of homelessness in the capital. Progress work on the national cross-departmental strategy to reduce homelessness. In line with the government’s commitment to a new strategy with a clear role for councils, tackling homelessness must be a major priority at a national level with government departments working together – in addition to key partners such as local authorities – as effectively as possible. Boost long-term grant funding for affordable housing. The chronic and longstanding shortage of affordable housing is the key factor driving London’s homelessness emergency. At the Spending Review, the government should announce a more ambitious and longer-term Affordable Homes Programme on top of the initial investment confirmed for 2026-27. With more investment available for social and affordable housing, boroughs will be in a better position to deliver the affordable housing London’s communities are crying out for. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Many governments across the globe are starting to invest heavily in artificial intelligence because of the many benefits this technology provides. For example, AI has the potential to completely revolutionise public services and reduce costs by fully automating routine tasks and performing them much quicker than humans. In other words, thanks to AI-powered tools, systems, products, and services, public services become quicker and far more efficient. Let’s dive straight in to discover some of the other main reasons why the UK government is keen to improve investment in the AI sector. Why does the UK believe that more investment is needed in the AI sector? The UK government has decided that investing heavily in the development of artificial intelligence systems will not only help improve the delivery of public services across government, but also it will help the economy grow when the technology is applied to various key sectors, all while reducing costs. The UK’s AIAP (Artificial Intelligence Action Plan) is a pioneering initiative that’s expected to drive £47 billion to boost the economy. It’s also expected to boost productivity by up to 1.50% each year, and the key sectors that will benefit from or completely transform include healthcare and infrastructure, as well as reduce administrative burdens for teachers. Which key sectors benefit from AI? AI-powered tools and systems are also greatly benefiting and improving the following key sectors: Which other key sectors will also benefit from AI? Artificial intelligence can also be used in the education sector to provide students with personalised learning experiences and individualised support. Plus, it can help teachers and lecturers plan out their lessons and monitor students’ academic progress. In the cybersecurity sector, AI is helping to safeguard users in many ways by detecting and preventing cyber attacks and other digital threats, and in the digital entertainment and media sector, AI-powered tools can monitor/analyse audience/user behaviour to improve their services and provide more personalised/tailored experiences. What are the biggest AI companies in the United Kingdom? The United Kingdom is home to numerous AI companies, and some of the most notable ones that you may already be familiar with by now are DeepMind (acquired by Google), Wayve, Graphcore, Synthesia, Darktrace, Quantexa, Multiverse, and Lendable. Others include DataToBiz, OneTrust, AlphaSense, Klaviyo, Pixelette Technologies, and Stability AI, to name just a few. These companies specialise in a range of AI products and services that can help businesses grow by enabling them to make more strategic business decisions. Some specialise in creating AI-powered autonomous driving technology, video synthesis technology, and data management, and others specialise in developing Intelligence Processing Units (IPUs), stable diffusion image-generating software, marketing automation platforms, and so much more. Final thoughts To ensure the UK doesn’t fall behind its rivals, the government must continue to support startup AI companies via research and development, initiatives, continued investment, and education. Using AI to bolster the UK economy will eventually provide jobs for the future and lead to a safer, more efficient, highly functioning society in which people can live.
