Plans to transform Kew Retail Park in South West London into a vibrant new neighbourhood featuring up to 1,200 homes and a modernised Marks & Spencer store have been put on indefinite hold, leaving the future of the site in question. Located in Richmond, the 10-acre retail park was partially
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has confirmed the acquisition of a prominent development site at Horizon 120 Business Park in Braintree, Essex. The project, known as Panattoni Park Braintree, is set to deliver 575,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art industrial and logistics space, bolstering both local and regional
The care home is the first development to be completed at Trafford Waters – an emerging 55-acre waterside district in Greater Manchester that will create 3,000 new homes and 20-acres of landscaped parkland and public realm. Trafford Waters Care Home has welcomed the arrival of its first residents, marking a
Builders’ merchants and construction suppliers are accelerating investment in AI, as they seek to modernise operations and stay competitive, according to new research. The study by eCommerce agency PushON, found that nearly half of businesses in the sector (49%) now see the rise of AI and automation as the most
The UK’s construction materials sector has stumbled once again in early 2025, as demand for heavy-side building materials continues to falter under the weight of economic uncertainty, planning delays, and weakened infrastructure investment. Fresh industry data reveals a sharp fall in sales of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete during the first
Plans to transform Kew Retail Park in South West London into a vibrant new neighbourhood featuring up to 1,200 homes and a modernised Marks & Spencer store have been put on indefinite hold, leaving the future of the site in question. Located in Richmond, the 10-acre retail park was partially acquired by developer Berkeley Group in 2021, with the remainder still owned by M&S. In 2022, St George, a division of Berkeley, unveiled proposals to regenerate the underutilised site with housing, shops, and enhanced public spaces. The design included a relocated and upgraded M&S beneath residential units, reflecting ambitions to create a thriving, mixed-use community. Initial consultations in mid-2022 revealed general support for the redevelopment, with many locals describing the existing single-storey retail layout and surface car parking as an inefficient use of prime land. However, concerns were also raised over the potential scale of the project, with some calling for a sensitive approach to density and design. Despite early momentum and community engagement, the project has since lost traction. A planning application, initially expected by summer 2023, never materialised. By late 2024, a brief update on the developer’s website confirmed that the site would “be retained in its current use as a retail investment” for the foreseeable future. No formal timeline has been offered for revisiting the proposals. Although the redevelopment is paused, both St George and M&S submitted a joint statement to Richmond Council in June 2024, outlining their continued interest in shaping the borough’s Local Plan. This planning framework, currently being finalised, identifies Kew Retail Park as a key location for future housing, retail, office, and leisure use. A draft version of the plan supports the site’s redevelopment for a substantial number of new homes—up to 900 if fully transformed—with an expectation that affordable housing be included. The council also emphasised the need to maintain commercial activity, encouraging a mix of retail, cafes, and community-focused businesses to foster a vibrant local environment. Representatives for the landowners have confirmed that discussions are ongoing and that a comprehensive masterplan is being developed. However, the pace of progress appears tied to negotiations over key elements—particularly the scale of the proposed new foodhall for M&S, which could determine how much of the site becomes available for housing. While the Local Plan advances, residents and stakeholders are left in limbo, awaiting clarity on whether one of the area’s most prominent redevelopment opportunities will be realised or remain on hold. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has confirmed the acquisition of a prominent development site at Horizon 120 Business Park in Braintree, Essex. The project, known as Panattoni Park Braintree, is set to deliver 575,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art industrial and logistics space, bolstering both local and regional supply chain infrastructure. Strategically positioned just over 15 minutes from London Stansted Airport and under an hour from the M25, Port of Felixstowe, and London Gateway, the site offers exceptional access to London, the Southeast, and international markets – making it an ideal location for logistics and distribution operators. This acquisition marks as a strategic launchpad into the East of England, paving the way for further development opportunities in the region. Construction is already underway on Phase 1, which comprises a single speculative unit of 171,915 sq ft, scheduled for completion in Q2 2026. In parallel, a Reserved Matters planning application has been submitted for Phase 2, which will deliver an additional 405,000 sq ft across three units, ranging from 65,000 sq ft to 240,000 sq ft, with completion anticipated in Q4 2026. All buildings at Panattoni Park Braintree will be delivered to leading sustainability standards, achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ ratings and EPC ‘A’ certification. The scheme is also targeting Net Zero Carbon in construction, with sustainability-focused features such as rooftop photovoltaic panels, EV charging infrastructure, and low-energy LED lighting. Future-proofed power supplies will support occupiers’ evolving needs, while biodiverse landscaping and exercise walkways will promote employee wellbeing. James Watson, Head of Development, Southern England & London at Panattoni, commented: “Panattoni Park Braintree represents a key milestone in our commitment to deliver next-generation logistics hubs in the UK’s most supply-constrained and strategically important locations. This development will offer exceptional connectivity, market-leading sustainability credentials, and flexibility for occupiers seeking to future-proof their operations. We are delighted to bring this scheme forward and contribute to Braintree’s growing position as a logistics and employment hub.” Panattoni Park Braintree benefits from proximity to local amenities and transport links, including direct access to the A131 and the Horizon 120 Gridserve Electric Forecourt, which offers cutting-edge EV charging and retail facilities, enhancing convenience for businesses and employees alike. Furthermore, with Braintree’s working-age population forecast to grow at more than double the national average and over 14,000 new homes planned for the area, the development will support local employment and skills advancement, further cementing its role within the community. CBRE and Coke Gearing are appointed as the leasing agents. For more information on this scheme, please visit: www.panattoni.co.uk/braintree Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The care home is the first development to be completed at Trafford Waters – an emerging 55-acre waterside district in Greater Manchester that will create 3,000 new homes and 20-acres of landscaped parkland and public realm. Trafford Waters Care Home has welcomed the arrival of its first residents, marking a significant moment for the state-of-the-art residential care home and a major milestone for the wider development of Trafford Waters. The momentous occasion is a testament to the collaborative efforts of waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters, who are the master-planners of the wider Trafford Waters district, developer Montpelier Estates, contractors Rowlinson Construction and Tanglewood, who have taken over the management and operation of the completed care home. The 85-bed care home offers a calming and supportive environment for its residents, with a focus on providing exceptional care and enhancing the quality of life. An onsite salon has been designed into the scheme, offering residents the opportunity to have their hair styled and nails manicured, Tanglewood will also be working with ‘Dementia Friendly Barbers’ – a specialist barbering service for care home residents, focused on bringing dignity, comfort and vintage nostalgia to every experience. BeGreat Fitness will offer enjoyable, safe and accessible weekly fitness classes to boost residents’ mobility, independence, and well-being; whilst Myley Tours will offer residents a bi-monthly out-of-home tour and experience to a destination of their choice. Trafford Waters will also be opening their doors to the wider local community with various community events throughout the year, providing opportunities for schools, groups and organisations to use the spaces within the home to host workshops, classes and engage with the residents. The new 1.35 acre home also has a variety of thoughtfully designed ‘destinations’ and amenities for residents to enjoy including a cinema room fitted with a vintage popcorn machine; a retro inspired sweet shop, library and reading rooms, multi-faith room, and a variety of colourful lounges and garden room, all of which have been designed to encourage socialising in comfortable, safe and supportive spaces. The outdoor sensory spaces, gardens and terrace overlook the emerging Trafford Waters district and will provide an ever changing, evolving and captivating view for residents of the care home to watch over. Daniel Rowark Donowa, C.E.O, Tanglewood Care Homes said: “We are delighted to announce a major milestone in the Tanglewood Care Homes journey with the opening of our very first home in Greater Manchester, nestled within the vibrant new Trafford Waters development. This marks the 19th home in Tanglewood’s growing portfolio, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring our 24/7, year-round commitment to care, compassion, and community to such a dynamic and promising area. “As Trafford Waters starts to welcome new residents, we are eager to enrich the lives of our residents and build lasting relationships within the wider TraffordCity community, and we would love to collaborate with local groups and amenities to create a truly connected, inclusive, and supportive environment.” The first resident to move into the Trafford Waters Care Home is 98-year-old George Matrejek, who’s arrival coincided with the same date as the official opening of the new home and symbolises the beginning of a new chapter for Trafford Waters as it moves from constructing developments to building a community. George, who celebrated his 98th birthday just a couple of days after moving into the Trafford Waters Care Home added: ‘It is a privilege to be the first resident in this home and an honour to move in on the very first day it opened. The team here is amazing and lovely, I don’t know where they got them but well done, I’m very happy here.’ Peel Waters secured outline planning permission for the new waterside district which sits within TraffordCity in December 2018 and it will see the delivery of 3,000 new homes, an on-site primary school, new hotels and 20-acres of open space to improve health, wellbeing and access to nature. Since the outline planning permission was secured, Peel Waters have completed phase one infrastructure work which provides access to Trafford Waters via Trafford Way and Redclyffe Road, connecting the emerging residential district to the wider TraffordCity retail and leisure destination. £8million has been spent on delivering the essential infrastructure, which in addition to highways access includes tree-lined footpaths, cycleways, utility connections, drainage and levelling of future development plots. The completed 85-bed care home, along with L&Q’s affordable development that is currently under construction and X1 Developments’ residential scheme which will be starting on site later this year, all form part of the first phase of 376 residential properties to be built at Trafford Waters. James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters said: “Opening the first homes at Trafford Waters is a huge moment for us and to have George, the very first resident of Trafford Waters move in on the same day made it even more meaningful and impactful for us as it symbolised the start of our future community. “We have been designing and developing TraffordCity for many decades, and Trafford Waters is an integral part of our vision. This residential led new waterside side district will deliver much-needed high quality homes, amenities and public realm and will see the elderly, living alongside families and individuals within affordable developments, with a mix of young professionals, couples, renters and buyers all nearby. We have thought out every future development here, with the aspiration for Trafford Waters to be a neighbourhood that offers something for everyone. “We’re looking forward to working with our development partners to deliver this vision and we’re very excited to see the arrival of more residents to Trafford Waters.” The Trafford Waters care home is now open, with immediate availability offering residential care, respite care and dementia care, offered with an all-inclusive fee. To find out more information about Trafford Waters Care Home, please contact Tanglewood’s team by ringing: 0161 394 1382, email: info@twhealthcare.co.uk or visit: https://www.traffordwaterscarehome.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Builders’ merchants and construction suppliers are accelerating investment in AI, as they seek to modernise operations and stay competitive, according to new research. The study by eCommerce agency PushON, found that nearly half of businesses in the sector (49%) now see the rise of AI and automation as the most significant trend shaping their digital strategies, ahead of platform upgrades and product information management. The report, Building the Future: The Evolution of Construction eCommerce, reveals a sharp uptick in the use of AI to drive personalisation, forecasting and customer experience improvements. Nearly two-thirds of firms surveyed said they were already using AI to offer personalised recommendations to customers, with plans to expand further. Inventory forecasting and stock management are also undergoing transformation, with 40% of companies deploying AI to better predict demand and optimise supply chains. AI’s impact extends into customer service and marketing operations. Almost half of businesses (48%) report using AI chatbots to enhance responsiveness and support, while 46% are automating their marketing efforts to streamline operations. Enhanced site search functionality, using AI to better match customer queries with relevant products, has also emerged as a key investment area, with 49% of businesses investing in smarter search tools to drive better online engagement and conversion rates. Sam Rutley, managing director of PushON, said: “Our research shows that AI adoption is accelerating rapidly in the construction supply sector and is reshaping the future of digital commerce. Builders’ merchants and suppliers that embrace these technologies now will be better positioned to meet changing customer expectations and drive future growth, while those who delay risk falling behind.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s construction materials sector has stumbled once again in early 2025, as demand for heavy-side building materials continues to falter under the weight of economic uncertainty, planning delays, and weakened infrastructure investment. Fresh industry data reveals a sharp fall in sales of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete during the first quarter of the year, with both products declining by 6.3% compared to the previous quarter. Asphalt sales are now at their lowest point in over a decade, not counting the pandemic years, pointing to a particularly subdued road-building pipeline. Ready-mixed concrete volumes have dropped to around three million cubic metres per quarter—the lowest level seen in over 60 years. While the UK’s major infrastructure projects like HS2, Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C continue to drive some demand for aggregates and concrete, they are increasingly the exception rather than the rule. The roads sector is especially under pressure, with numerous local and national schemes postponed or cancelled. This has had a direct impact on asphalt consumption, signalling a wider slowdown in public infrastructure spending. There was a modest 0.5% uptick in primary aggregates (crushed rock and sand & gravel), offering little comfort in an otherwise downbeat picture. The only sustained growth came from mortar sales, which rose by 3.8% for the fourth consecutive quarter—an indication that housebuilding activity, while still below normal levels, may be stabilising. External economic forces are also casting a shadow. Trade tensions stemming from recent global policy shifts, including fresh tariffs introduced by the US, are expected to disrupt supply chains and increase market volatility. There are concerns that redirected cement imports could place further strain on the domestic market, which already sees nearly a third of cement sourced from abroad. Leaders within the industry are calling for stronger government intervention to safeguard the UK’s mineral products sector. With construction so reliant on materials like cement, aggregates, and concrete, industry voices warn that a lack of policy support—on energy costs, planning reform, and public procurement—risks undermining the very foundations of future growth. Aurelie Delannoy, Director of Economic Affairs at the Mineral Products Association, commented that while housebuilding shows “early signs of improvement”, the broader construction outlook remains “fragile”, with delays in investment and interest rate uncertainty threatening progress. As the UK seeks to revive its building sector and deliver on net zero and growth ambitions, ensuring a robust domestic materials supply chain is more important than ever. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
