The gradual recovery of the UK commercial real estate market continued into April 2025, with the latest CBRE UK Monthly Index reporting modest yet consistent growth in capital values and rental returns. Capital values across all property sectors edged up by 0.2% in April, maintaining the steady momentum seen throughout
Sisk has been named as one of eight contractors to win a place on Liverpool City Council’s Highways Planned Works Framework, securing a position on Lot 2: Projects over £1.5 million. The new multi-supplier framework is designed to streamline the procurement of high-quality highways services by enabling the council to
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, today announces it has opened the doors to a brand new 43-room hotel in Bromsgrove. Located just a 6-minute walk from Bromsgrove train station and a 30 minute drive away from Birmingham
Barratt, the UK’s largest volume housebuilder, has announced a landmark move to futureproof its developments in the capital. Going forward, all of its new residential schemes in London will be built to meet or exceed the Passivhaus standard—setting a new benchmark in sustainable urban housing. The developer’s new ‘Lo-E’ (low
Outsourcing and FM specialist Mitie has been awarded a £12 million contract to deliver integrated facilities management services across the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) estate in Newport, Wales. Under the three-year agreement—renewable for an additional two years—Mitie will provide a full suite of services including engineering, cleaning, and waste management
Barratt London has announced a new housing concept, Lo-E Homes, which aims to deliver climate-resilient, ultra-sustainable homes across the capital that exceed Passivhaus standards. The developer will initially submit plans for 728 Lo-E Homes across two major developments at High Barnet and Bollo Lane, in partnership with Places for London,
Robertson Construction has broken ground on a landmark cultural and leisure development in the heart of Redcar, marking a major milestone in the town’s regeneration journey. Valued at approximately £17.4 million, the new library, entertainment and community complex is the centrepiece of the £25 million Redcar Town Deal — an
A new team of experts tasked with supercharging a multi-billion pound regeneration drive in Liverpool, has been announced. Called Imagine Liverpool, the partnership – to be chaired by Patrick Nolan, former Vice Chairman, HSBC Global Banking & Markets – has been appointed to accelerate development within the city over the
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and construction of private and public sector works and civil engineering projects has announced its appointment to deliver a new 544-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme on Westwood Way in Coventry, for new client Gilltown. Located a
The Range has successfully completed the first phase of its ambitious store conversion programme, transforming 55 former Homebase locations into fully operational superstores. The move follows The Range’s acquisition of the Homebase brand and up to 70 of its stores in November, following the DIY retailer’s fall into administration. Now
The gradual recovery of the UK commercial real estate market continued into April 2025, with the latest CBRE UK Monthly Index reporting modest yet consistent growth in capital values and rental returns. Capital values across all property sectors edged up by 0.2% in April, maintaining the steady momentum seen throughout the first quarter of the year. Rental values followed suit, also rising by 0.2%, while total returns for the month reached 0.7%. Retail assets led the market for the fourth month in a row, delivering the highest total return of 0.8%. This was driven by a 0.6% income return and a 0.2% increase in capital values. Within the retail sector, Retail Warehouses posted the strongest performance, with a 0.3% rise in capital values, while Standard Shops and Shopping Centres both saw gains of 0.2%. Retail rental values grew by 0.3% overall. The office sector posted total returns of 0.6% for the month. Central London offices performed particularly well, with capital values rising by 0.7%. Offices in the rest of the UK experienced a 0.1% increase, while Outer London and M25 offices recorded a slight dip of 0.2%. Nevertheless, rental values across all office segments rose by 0.2%. Industrial assets mirrored the overall market trend, returning 0.6% in April. Both capital and rental values increased by 0.2%, with little disparity between the South East and the rest of the UK. Steven Devaney, Senior Director of UK Research at CBRE, commented:“Rental growth continued to support the gradual rebound in capital values during April. While yields were largely unchanged, we’re seeing a narrowing gap between vendor and purchaser price expectations. Last week’s cut to the UK Bank Rate—and the possibility of further reductions—could help ease borrowing costs and influence bond yields, potentially paving the way for increased activity in the second half of the year.” With inflation moderating and confidence slowly returning to the market, investors may find cautious optimism in the current trajectory of the UK’s commercial property landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sisk has been named as one of eight contractors to win a place on Liverpool City Council’s Highways Planned Works Framework, securing a position on Lot 2: Projects over £1.5 million. The new multi-supplier framework is designed to streamline the procurement of high-quality highways services by enabling the council to form long-term partnerships with pre-approved contractors. This will significantly reduce the need for individual tendering processes for each project and accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure improvements. The framework will cover a broad range of planned works across the city, including resurfacing, active travel schemes, sustainable transport infrastructure, traffic signal and junction upgrades, and bridge improvements. The initiative comes as part of Liverpool City Council’s wider strategy to modernise and enhance the city’s highways network, backed by substantial financial investment. It aligns closely with the council’s City Plan and 2023 Transport Plan, which place a strong emphasis on sustainable travel, accessibility and the prioritisation of walking and cycling. Extensive market engagement began in June 2024 to ensure the framework reflected the needs of both the city and potential suppliers, while fostering transparency and collaboration. Alan Rodger, Managing Director of Sisk Infrastructure, said: “Sisk Infrastructure is delighted to win a place on Lot 2 of the Liverpool City Council – Highways Planned Works Framework. Having recently completed the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal, the city is seeing tangible investment in large infrastructure programmes. We have a strong presence and capability of supply chain partners in Liverpool and the North-West and are looking forward to helping deliver improvements through the Framework that will benefit the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, today announces it has opened the doors to a brand new 43-room hotel in Bromsgrove. Located just a 6-minute walk from Bromsgrove train station and a 30 minute drive away from Birmingham Airport, the hotel offers excellent transport links. Guests can explore a range of local attractions, including scenic walks in the parkland of Hagley Hall and the Walton and Clent Hills. Sanders Park, the Norton Collection Museum, and the historic St John’s Church are all within a mile of the hotel. For day trips, the historic city of Worcester and the West Midland Safari Park are both a short drive away. A variety of restaurants and cafés are also located nearby, perfect for dining after a day out. The hotel features Travelodge’s new, premium look and feel design which includes a newly designed reception area and next generation rooms – offering everything a business or leisure guest needs for a comfortable and relaxing stay. This hotel is a former Ibis, acquired as part of Travelodge’s UK development strategy to expand through rebrand acquisitions of existing hotels that meet its locational and branding criteria. Travelodge continues to grow rapidly, with a strong commitment to expanding its hotel network to give customers more choice while supporting local communities through nationwide job creation. The company already operates 22 hotels across Birmingham. Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer, Travelodge, comments: “We’re thrilled to officially open our new Bromsgrove hotel. It’s a fantastic spot for both business and leisure travellers, and we’re excited to welcome guests to the newest addition to our growing UK portfolio. With around 600 Travelodge hotels now open across the country, we’re aiming to add 300 more locations, including 20 in the Midlands region. This expansion will create new jobs and offer even more choice and great value for our customers visiting the area and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barratt, the UK’s largest volume housebuilder, has announced a landmark move to futureproof its developments in the capital. Going forward, all of its new residential schemes in London will be built to meet or exceed the Passivhaus standard—setting a new benchmark in sustainable urban housing. The developer’s new ‘Lo-E’ (low energy) design approach promises to deliver homes that are not only environmentally responsible but also significantly more affordable to run. Residents can expect up to 80% savings on heating and hot water bills compared to conventional district heating systems, alongside up to 90% reductions in carbon emissions. Passivhaus is an internationally recognised standard for ultra-efficient buildings, requiring minimal energy for heating or cooling. In response to London’s growing need for sustainable and resilient housing, Barratt is committing to this standard across all future developments in the city. The first Lo-E homes will be delivered at High Barnet, in partnership with Places for London. This scheme will deliver approximately 300 homes—40% of which will be classed as affordable. Every affordable home on the site will be built to Lo-E specifications, a commitment that will extend to all future London developments. Together with a parallel scheme at Bollo Lane, Acton, Barratt is aiming to develop 728 Lo-E homes across the capital in its initial phase—one of the largest Passivhaus rollouts in the UK to date. Craig Carson, Managing Director at Barratt West London, said: “Our Lo-E concept rethinks the traditional approach to high-density housing. It’s a response to the unique climate and affordability challenges we face in London. We’re proud to lead the way in delivering low-carbon, future-ready homes at scale.” Lo-E homes will incorporate key features such as advanced façade engineering to minimise solar gain, triple-glazed Passivhaus windows for superior thermal insulation, and climate-resilient air tempering systems to filter and improve indoor air quality. For residents, the benefits go well beyond environmental impact. In addition to lower running costs, the homes promise improved indoor comfort and health—particularly during the colder months—while reducing reliance on energy sources susceptible to price volatility. Barratt’s shift to Passivhaus is backed by positive feedback from local authorities and the Greater London Authority. Pending planning approvals, the company aims to roll out its new model across all its future developments in the capital. This bold step positions Barratt at the forefront of sustainable housebuilding in the UK, signalling a clear intent to lead the capital’s transition to greener, more energy-efficient living. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Outsourcing and FM specialist Mitie has been awarded a £12 million contract to deliver integrated facilities management services across the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) estate in Newport, Wales. Under the three-year agreement—renewable for an additional two years—Mitie will provide a full suite of services including engineering, cleaning, and waste management across the IPO’s two main sites. Existing facilities staff at the IPO will transfer to Mitie under TUPE regulations. The IPO, officially operating as the Patent Office, plays a central role in administering the UK’s intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyright, and design protections. Abigail Henry, Head of Facilities Management at the IPO, welcomed the new partnership: “The IPO is very pleased to welcome Mitie as our new Total Facilities Management provider here at our offices in Newport. We’re very much looking forward to working in partnership with Mitie to deliver high-quality and innovative facilities management services. Our relationship with Mitie will help ensure the effective maintenance of our estate – promoting efficiencies while helping us reach our goals through a range of innovative initiatives.” Jason Towse, Managing Director of Business Services at Mitie, added: “We’re pleased to support the smooth running of the IPO’s estate in Newport through full-service Integrated Facilities Management, expertly delivered by our colleagues. “With our commitment to deliver better places and support thriving communities, we’re also bringing our decarbonisation and sustainability expertise to support the IPO’s net zero targets. We’re proud to have a positive local impact by generating jobs with Mitie in Newport and providing development opportunities for colleagues to build long-lasting and fulfilling careers.” The contract highlights Mitie’s continued role in supporting major public sector estates, while aligning with the IPO’s goals for operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barratt London has announced a new housing concept, Lo-E Homes, which aims to deliver climate-resilient, ultra-sustainable homes across the capital that exceed Passivhaus standards. The developer will initially submit plans for 728 Lo-E Homes across two major developments at High Barnet and Bollo Lane, in partnership with Places for London, in what is believed to be one of the UK’s largest rollouts of certified Passivhaus homes to date. The initiative comes as London faces rising summer temperatures, with the capital hitting a record 40.2°C in July 2022 – a level expected to become increasingly common. Designed in collaboration with sustainability specialists Beyond Carbon, the Lo-E Homes concept offers a scalable model for high-density, low-energy housing that goes beyond current building regulations. Craig Carson, Managing Director at Barratt West London, said: “Our Lo-E Homes concept is an opportunity to think differently and deliver a new approach to high-density, sustainable housing in London. This is a significant milestone for the business, as we look to the future and consider the unique challenges faced in the capital, such as more heatwave conditions every few years. Feedback from local councils and the GLA has been supportive, so we look forward to securing planning approval and moving ahead with our first homes, before rolling out on all future London schemes, subject to relevant approvals. “I am particularly pleased that we are planning to unveil the first Lo-E Homes across two significant partnership sites – High Barnet and Bollo Lane, as part of the West London Partnership we have with Places for London. Partnership working is vital in addressing London’s acute housing crisis, and through collaboration and a shared vision, we can achieve greater outcomes for our residents and the surrounding communities.” Lo-E Homes will feature carefully engineered façades to manage solar gain, triple-glazed Passivhaus windows for superior thermal comfort, and climate-resilient air tempering systems to improve indoor air quality. The design promises significant energy savings for residents—up to 75% less energy needed for heating and a 90% reduction in carbon emissions—making them resilient to future energy price shocks. The High Barnet site, located next to the Tube station, will deliver around 300 homes, 40% of which will be affordable, along with small-scale commercial spaces. Meanwhile, the Bollo Lane development in Acton will see 455 Passivhaus-certified homes built in its second phase, forming part of a wider 900-home community complete with green spaces, improved cycling and pedestrian routes, and new commercial units. The West London Partnership – a £1.9 billion collaboration between Barratt London and Places for London – aims to deliver over 4,000 new homes in the capital over the next decade. The Lo-E Homes initiative places sustainability, comfort, and resilience at the heart of its strategy, setting a new benchmark for future urban housing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robertson Construction has broken ground on a landmark cultural and leisure development in the heart of Redcar, marking a major milestone in the town’s regeneration journey. Valued at approximately £17.4 million, the new library, entertainment and community complex is the centrepiece of the £25 million Redcar Town Deal — an initiative aimed at breathing new life into the town centre and driving long-term economic growth. The multi-use development will be situated between the Esplanade and the High Street, transforming a key gateway between the beachfront and the town centre. Once complete, it will feature a new library designed to support digital inclusion, community learning, and children’s literacy through an immersive storytelling space and dedicated makerspace. In addition to family-focused entertainment and events facilities, the building will maximise natural light and coastal views, with architectural elements inspired by Redcar’s seaside identity. The project follows the demolition of the former M&S and Goodwins buildings, and extensive coordination with neighbouring property owners during design and preparation works. The development is expected to generate local employment opportunities, attract more visitors, and offer a welcome boost to Redcar’s high street businesses. Robertson is also nearing completion of another significant project in the town — the transformation of the Grade II listed Central Station. That scheme is supported by the government’s Levelling Up Partnership fund, Welcome to Redcar and Cleveland, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and the Railway Heritage Trust. Neil Kennedy, regional managing director at Robertson Construction North East, commented: “We are proud to be leading delivery of this transformative project and to continue our strong partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. This scheme represents a vital step in regenerating the town, creating local jobs and establishing a vibrant new community asset.” Catherine Clennett, chair of the Redcar Town Deal, added: “We’re thrilled to see the development now under way. This new space will connect the esplanade to the high street, offering both indoor and outdoor venues that enhance the town for residents and visitors alike. It’s an important investment in Redcar’s future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new team of experts tasked with supercharging a multi-billion pound regeneration drive in Liverpool, has been announced. Called Imagine Liverpool, the partnership – to be chaired by Patrick Nolan, former Vice Chairman, HSBC Global Banking & Markets – has been appointed to accelerate development within the city over the coming decade. Imagine Liverpool will consist of 13 board members including former economic adviser to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Lord Stewart Wood, and Liverpool-born, BAFTA-winning producer Jimmy Mulville. The team of national and international experts, whose formation has been endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, MP, have been given a brief to act as ambassadors and advisors for Liverpool, with the aim of helping to give confidence to investors, landowners, developers and occupiers in the reshaping of the city’s economic landscape. The new team gathered for their first meeting in Liverpool today (Monday, 19 May) before a delegation heads to the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, tomorrow, to promote investment opportunities in the city. A recruitment drive for the board was announced last Autumn with a brief to “provide strategic leadership to drive forward regeneration opportunities, accelerate development, and enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents”, in a new phase in the development of the city. As one of the fastest growing cites in the UK, Liverpool City Council wants to take advantage of brownfield sites to deliver thousands of quality new homes to meet the governments housing targets. It also wants to focus on the specialisms of the city in health and life science, creative and digital, maritime and advanced manufacturing to innovate, accelerate job creation and diversify the economy. One area of focus will be Liverpool’s iconic waterfront and docks. Capitalising on Everton FC’s arrival at Bramley Moore Dock, and the private sector investment from the Fredkin Group, as well as nearby schemes backed by Tom Morris and Global Port Holdings, Imagine Liverpool will oversee the establishment of the emerging Locally Led Urban Development Corporation for the city’s North Docks to support and accelerate development. The board will also input into the New Town bid which aims to create an urban extension in North Liverpool. Developed jointly with Sefton Council, this ambitious long-term vision to revitalise this key part of the city includes plans to develop 10,000 new homes. In addition to having oversight into an existing pipeline of major projects, including Festival Gardens, Kings Dock, Paddington Village South and the Littlewoods TV and Film Studios, the new board will have a strategic overview on regeneration city wide. They will also advise on the city narrative that builds a strong investable proposition to secure private and institutional investment, foreign investment, and future allocations from government. Imagine Liverpool was a key recommendation of the Liverpool Strategic Futures Advisory Panel, chaired by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram with support from Baroness Judith Blake and the late Sir Howard Bernstein. The Imagine Liverpool team will be supported by the Council’s City Development Team. Imagine Liverpool – board members: REACTION Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, MP, said: “Liverpool is a world-famous city with a rich history and a bold vision for the future. It’s fantastic to see this new partnership bring together leading experts to help unlock even more of that potential, with new investment, homes and jobs that will create real, lasting change for local people. “Through our Plan for Change we are building the 1.5 million high-quality homes and vital infrastructure that communities like Liverpool are crying out for. Imagine Liverpool is exactly the kind of ambitious, locally-led transformation we want to see, and we’ll work hand in hand with the city to make it happen.” Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “The establishment of Imagine Liverpool is a major milestone in our ongoing regeneration story and a new chapter for the city. Liverpool is on the cusp of delivering some truly transformational schemes, especially in the docks and north of the city, and we need to ensure the opportunities arising from the momentum we’re creating is fully maximised. “We have assembled an immensely diverse, talented and experienced board and I look forward to working with Patrick and all the members to inject a new energy into our plans for the city and fully realise Liverpool’s amazing potential. I know the Council and the Combined Authority are as one in our desire to improve how we work with the private sector and with government to make this one of the most exciting city regions to live and work in.” Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “This is a major step forward for Liverpool—one rooted in the vision and hard graft of the Strategic Futures Advisory Panel that I was proud to chair. “We were clear that the city needed a new kind of regeneration partnership, one that works with local communities and brings in the right expertise to unlock Liverpool’s full potential. The new body does exactly that. With the right team in place, this next decade could see the biggest transformation in a generation delivering new homes, better jobs, and the kind of investment that genuinely improves people’s lives.” Patrick Nolan, Chair of the Imagine Liverpool board, said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be asked to join and Chair Imagine Liverpool. The global brand of Liverpool is truly incredible, and there is so much opportunity here. “I’ve been hugely impressed by the vision, drive and commitment of the Mayor Steve Rotheram and Cllr Liam Robinson, as well as the Liverpool City Council team. Their establishment of a highly experienced advisory board to help them deliver the regeneration plan is a clear sign of intent. I’d like to think we can help Liverpool reach its full potential as a place to live and work. “There has been a huge amount of positive work done in Liverpool over the past 20 years – but there is still so much more to do, particularly north of the city where our
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and construction of private and public sector works and civil engineering projects has announced its appointment to deliver a new 544-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme on Westwood Way in Coventry, for new client Gilltown. Located a mile from the University of Warwick campus, Progress House involves the demolition of an existing office building to make way for six-storeys of contemporary student accommodation. The scheme will include a 4,000 sq ft ground floor commercial unit to serve both students and the local community. Positioned on Westwood Business Park, Progress House will add to the existing student accommodation provision within the park and will be a much-needed addition to the student village community – as demand for accommodation remains high. The development will include premium amenities comprising a gym, fitness studio, cinema, dinner party room, games lounge, study rooms and garden lounge, alongside en-suite bedrooms designed to provide high-quality living standards. An external sports area and petanque court will also feature. With sustainability at the forefront of Winvic’s operations, Progress House will be targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating and a WiredScore Platinum certification. Working in partnership with Gilltown and Coventry City Council, Winvic will deliver social value through the scheme, creating a positive impact for the local community. This will include creating opportunities for local employment, training, apprenticeships and work experience, while also supporting the local economy by maximising opportunities for SMEs and social enterprises such as Nuneaton Signs. The project will leave a meaningful and lasting legacy in Coventry by supporting community organisations and promoting green and sustainable practices. The development is set for completion in Summer 2027, ready to welcome students for the 2027/28 academic year. Mark Jones, Managing Director for Multi-room at Winvic, said: “Coventry has a significant and vibrant student community at Westwood Business Park, with students choosing it for its location and social and academic facilities. Progress House will sit at the heart of this community, giving students a high-spec, sustainable and well-connected place to call home. “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Gilltown to deliver high-quality accommodation and create a positive legacy in this student community. Seeing the creation of the social value element of this scheme come to life as well as the new facility itself is something all parties are looking forward to. It’s a reflection of the Winvic Way ethos and our commitment to Doing It Right across all of our operations.” James Gillespie at Gilltown, said: “We are pleased to see work commence on this, our latest exciting PBSA development. Westwood Business Park is an ideal location for student housing and we are delighted to collaborate with Winvic Construction whose expertise and dedication to quality make them an ideal construction partner.” Winvic Construction specialises in the design and delivery of multi-sector construction and civil engineering projects and has delivered 12,000 beds since 2009 within its Multi-room sector, spanning Build-to-Rent, student accommodation, and bespoke hotel schemes. For more information on Winvic, the company’s latest project news and job vacancies please visit https://www.winvic.co.uk/?utm_source=pr&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=progresshouse. Join Winvic on social media – visit X (Formally Twitter) @WinvicLtd – and LinkedIn Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Range has successfully completed the first phase of its ambitious store conversion programme, transforming 55 former Homebase locations into fully operational superstores. The move follows The Range’s acquisition of the Homebase brand and up to 70 of its stores in November, following the DIY retailer’s fall into administration. Now rebranded under The Range fascia, the sites have been revitalised to offer a broader and more convenient customer experience. Several of the newly launched stores now include dedicated garden centres and kitchen showrooms, with bathroom displays expected to be added to selected locations in the coming months. CDS Superstores, the parent company of The Range, confirmed that details of the second rollout phase will be revealed shortly as part of the group’s wider growth strategy. The retailer also continues to strengthen its collaboration with grocery partner Iceland, with the partnership now extended to over 150 co-located stores across the UK. Alex Simpkin, CEO of CDS Superstores, commented: “We’re extremely proud of the transformation achieved across these former Homebase sites. These stores not only safeguard jobs but offer customers an enhanced retail environment tailored to their home and garden needs. “Our growing partnership with Iceland, alongside the introduction of Wilko own-brand products, reinforces our focus on convenience, quality and value. We remain committed to supporting local communities and delivering a standout shopping experience.” As high street retail continues to evolve, The Range’s strategic expansion underlines its ambition to become a dominant force in the UK’s home, garden and value retail sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
