A bold new £500 million vision to strengthen a major Scottish location for innovation, High Value Manufacturing, business space and green growth in Glasgow will be unveiled today with plans for business space, hotels and hundreds of homes delivering a coherent and cohesive proposition to ‘connect, collaborate, and create’. Clyde
Oxford Properties (“Oxford”), alongside asset manager M7 Real Estate (“M7”) have secured approval for its planned redevelopment of Beckton Gateway Retail Park in East London into a Grade A industrial and logistics hub from the London Borough of Newham. This follows an extensive pre-application process with London Borough of Newham
At 14-stories, Waterhouse Garden’s final and fifth residential building, reaches highest point Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has ‘topped out’ on the last of the five buildings under construction at Waterhouse Gardens, the central Manchester scheme comprising 556 apartments and 30,000 sq ft of commercial space.
Up to 200 Poundland branches may be forced to close under the terms of a potential rescue deal, placing hundreds of jobs and high street presences at risk. The discount retail chain, which has been on the market since March, is attracting final bids this week. According to The Sunday
With 1,080 solar panels on its roof, and a host of sustainable features, the new multi-million-pound campus, delivered by Robertson Construction North West on behalf of WEPco, is now Flintshire County Council’s first net-zero carbon in operation school. Flintshire County Council’s Climate Change Committee recently visited the Mynydd Isa Campus
Representatives from government bodies, local councils and development partners gathered in the parish of Martlesham on 16 May to celebrate the opening of 47 new homes for local people in East Suffolk, providing much-needed affordable housing for the area. Hastoe Housing Association has worked in partnership with East Suffolk Council,
A bold new £500 million vision to strengthen a major Scottish location for innovation, High Value Manufacturing, business space and green growth in Glasgow will be unveiled today with plans for business space, hotels and hundreds of homes delivering a coherent and cohesive proposition to ‘connect, collaborate, and create’. Clyde Gateway unveiled their plans at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds. The urban regeneration company say that the new ‘Clyde Gateway Innovation’ initiative will transform over 100 hectares – equivalent to the size of over 130 football pitches – of prime development land in Glasgow’s east end and South Lanarkshire into a dynamic, mixed-use ecosystem designed to create high-value jobs, deliver sustainable business growth and sustain increased inward investment. The masterplan, supported by Glasgow City Council, South Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Enterprise and key academic institutions including the University of Strathclyde, features a development-ready pipeline of commercial and industrial opportunities across High Value Manufacturing (HVM), R&D, Sci-Tech, Health & Life Sciences, and other sectors. It includes the potential for one million square feet of flexible business and commercial floorspace, innovation labs, sites for two hotels and residential development, all with direct access to existing low carbon heat networks and green infrastructure centered on the river Clyde corridor. Priority pipeline developments include Red Tree Labs, XWorks HVM, and the landmark Innovation Central building, a striking, centrally located anchor building providing flexible workspace and communal / event facilities underpinning the Clyde Gateway Innovation offer next to the River Clyde. In Shawfield, Red Tree Labs will deliver flexible laboratory spaces that will be connected to the low carbon ambient loop heat network, addressing the growing demand for high quality research space in Glasgow, and which already benefits from detailed planning consent. In Dalmarnock, a 130-bed hotel adjacent to Dalmarnock train station with proximity to the Emirates Arena and Celtic Park is proposed as well as XWorks, a 40,000 sq ft High Value Manufacturing facility – with the detailed planning application for this being submitted on 16 May 2025. Dalmarnock Riverside will provide almost 80,000 sq ft of lab-enabled office space across two buildings with a focus on wellness and sustainability. A 150-bedroom hotel and 450 homes have also been proposed for the redevelopment of the former Shawfield Stadium to create an exciting new mixed-use neighborhood which has recently secured outline planning consent from South Lanarkshire Council, with additional commercial and residential development opportunities across the remainder of the masterplan area. Since its inception, Clyde Gateway has already successfully delivered thousands of new homes, high quality business premises and amenities such as Topgolf and Cuningar Loop Woodland Park, in addition to the significant investment in its ‘infrastructure first’ approach which includes two heat networks serving the Dalmarnock and Shawfield areas. Martin McKay, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway, said: “Clyde Gateway Innovation represents the next chapter in our nationally significant regeneration journey, one that will attract world-class talent, business and investment into Glasgow’s east end. “With a focus on high-growth sectors like advanced manufacturing, life sciences and clean energy, this masterplan reflects our ambition to create a place where innovation and community go hand in hand. We’re building a sustainable, scalable ecosystem that will support everything from start-ups and university spinouts to major employers, while continuing to deliver jobs, homes and opportunities for local people. This is about thinking globally and acting locally, and we’re just getting started.” Victoria Carmichael, Director of Property, Growth Infrastructure & Major Projects at Scottish Enterprise, welcomed the vision:“This ambitious new phase of the Clyde Gateway programme dovetails perfectly with our mission-based approach to transforming Scotland’s economy. By collaborating with key partners, it’s our ambition to help attract more investment to infrastructure focused projects and accelerate the creation of world-class industrial accommodation that will function as growth hubs for high-value sectors such as advanced manufacturing.” Mark Robertson, Partner at Ryden, who have supported the development of the Clyde Gateway Innovation proposition, added: “This is a market-facing, investor-ready opportunity in one of Scotland’s most compelling locations. The scale and diversity of development options, combined with excellent transport links, talent access and ESG credentials, make Clyde Gateway Innovation uniquely positioned to deliver both commercial returns and wider impact.” Clyde Gateway Innovation is being promoted to UK and international investors, developers and occupiers during UKREiiF, as Clyde Gateway seeks to build new strategic partnerships to bring forward the next wave of projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oxford Properties (“Oxford”), alongside asset manager M7 Real Estate (“M7”) have secured approval for its planned redevelopment of Beckton Gateway Retail Park in East London into a Grade A industrial and logistics hub from the London Borough of Newham. This follows an extensive pre-application process with London Borough of Newham Planning and Design Officers and extensive public and stakeholder consultation. Beckton Gateway will be transformed into 324,000 sq ft of Grade A, flexible warehousing space and ancillary offices across three new buildings designed to meet modern occupier requirements and provide a range of employment uses. The three high performing drive-thru retail units, currently operated by McDonalds, KFC and Starbucks, will be retained. Sustainability is central to the redevelopment, with rooftop renewable energy PV panels resulting in a BREEAM Excellent and EPC A level of performance. Rainwater will be collected and reused with water efficient design that will help reduce unnecessary consumption. Electric vehicle charging spaces will be introduced as part of the overall parking strategy and secure cycle parking and servicing will also be provided. Oxford and M7 plan to increase biodiversity through an integrated ecological and green infrastructure strategy that will see 92 new native trees planted and deliver a biodiversity net gain of over 10%. This will enhance occupier wellbeing and will be designed to provide safe and accessible pedestrian and cycle routes through the site. Beckton Gateway’s proximity to the A13 provides excellent vehicle access in and out of London and to Essex. Upon completion, the project is expected to contribute £23.5 million to the local economy annually, stimulating growth and prosperity. Over 300 full time equivalent jobs will be created, including opportunities during construction, leading to an estimated 160% increase in total local employment across a variety of growing sectors. During the construction process, there will also be opportunities for apprentices, trainees and graduates from the local area to gain meaningful employment and experience within the industry. Construction is expected to begin in 2030, allowing for the transition to be managed appropriately. Existing retailers will have nearly five years to plan their futures and M7 is actively engaging with tenants and nearby landlords to identify suitable alternative sites within the area. Paul Holdsworth, Director European Industrial & Logistics at Oxford commented: “This planning consent is an exciting milestone on our business plan for Beckton Retail Park, which was identified as a development opportunity to deliver a best-in-class urban logistics asset, in a key London submarket. It’s testament to M7’s asset management capabilities that they have been able to unlock this consent and underpin the value of this site to Oxford. We look forward to the next stage as we move forward to delivery of the scheme.” Titus Chapple, Asset Manager at M7, added: “Warehouse occupiers are increasingly demanding well located, best-in-class space that meets the highest standards of sustainability. At Beckton Gateway we are creating a Grade A industrial and logistics hub that will lead the way for this type of real estate in the nearby area. “We have worked closely with the London Borough of Newham and other local stakeholders to ensure this scheme delivers maximum economic benefit for the local community, including a significant increase in employment opportunities. We would like to thank them for their support for this project and look forward to continuing to work with them as we progress the redevelopment in the years ahead.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
At 14-stories, Waterhouse Garden’s final and fifth residential building, reaches highest point Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has ‘topped out’ on the last of the five buildings under construction at Waterhouse Gardens, the central Manchester scheme comprising 556 apartments and 30,000 sq ft of commercial space. Together with its dedicated construction partner, DOMIS, Salboy is preparing for the completion and handover of apartments in Phase 1 to residents by this summer, with the whole site on track to complete in Q1 2026. Waterhouse Gardens is a mixed-use development, specifically designed to create a dynamic and energetic new neighbourhood for Manchester’s students and young professionals, a few minutes’ walk away from the city’s main retail, business and nightlife districts. With a maximum height of 25-storeys, the scheme will comprise 556 apartments, duplexes and penthouses, each catering to diverse needs but all offering stylish, contemporary living. Residents will have access to a private clubhouse offering high-end amenities including swimming pools, a squash/basketball court, lounges and a private cinema. Commercial space around the scheme will be home to boutique traders, independent restaurants and bars, and modern office and co-working spaces with their own private landscaped gardens. Running through the scheme will be a new public avenue, designed to foster a vibrant sense of community. Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “We are delighted to reach this important milestone at Waterhouse Gardens, a prestigious scheme that’s breathing life into a part of Manchester that was neglected and underinvested for almost twenty years. We’re committed to delivering an exceptional standard of living throughout the city and we’re excited to now bring that commitment to the students, graduates and young professionals who want to make Waterhouse Gardens their home as together they shape the future of Manchester. We are looking forward to the full completion later this year.” The scheme, designed by local architects Studio Power, celebrates the best that city centre living has to offer to Manchester’s increasingly young, professional and international population. Sales for both phases of the Waterhouse Gardens scheme are ahead of targets. By early May 2025, 85% of Phase 1 apartments were sold, as were almost half of those in Phase 2. This comes as new Hamptons data shows that the North West is outperforming all other regions in England and Wales for off-plan apartment sales, including London.* Show homes are available on site, allowing prospective local owner occupiers to walk around and sample life on location. A number of discussions with prospective commercial tenants have also reached legal terms. Kingsley Thornton, Managing Director at Domis, adds: “A project as ambitious and transformative as Waterhouse Gardens comes with its own complex challenges. Domis was faced with a significant shift in levels across the site requiring a very detailed and methodical approach to planning and coordination. Using this strategy, we were able to progress and work on multiple fronts simultaneously to maintain momentum across the scheme. We are very proud to be restoring a sense of community and prosperity to an area that was disused and unloved for far too long.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Up to 200 Poundland branches may be forced to close under the terms of a potential rescue deal, placing hundreds of jobs and high street presences at risk. The discount retail chain, which has been on the market since March, is attracting final bids this week. According to The Sunday Times, investment firm Gordon Brothers has emerged as the leading contender. Other interested parties include Hilco Capital, Endless, and Modella Capital — the private equity group behind The Original Factory Shop and the recent buyer of WHSmith’s high street business. With 825 stores nationwide, Poundland has struggled in the face of surging operating costs and growing pressure from major supermarket chains offering budget-friendly alternatives. The retailer’s parent company, Pepco Group, confirmed earlier this year that it is shifting focus away from fast-moving consumer goods in favour of higher-margin clothing and general merchandise. This strategic pivot includes “actively exploring separation options for Poundland, including a potential sale”. A spokesperson for the group added: “Poundland is executing a turnaround programme to get the business back on track, focusing on its core heritage strengths and a simpler pricing proposition and customer offer.” While a deal could inject much-needed direction for the embattled chain, the fate of hundreds of locations across the UK now hangs in the balance. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With 1,080 solar panels on its roof, and a host of sustainable features, the new multi-million-pound campus, delivered by Robertson Construction North West on behalf of WEPco, is now Flintshire County Council’s first net-zero carbon in operation school. Flintshire County Council’s Climate Change Committee recently visited the Mynydd Isa Campus in Mold, along with cabinet members, school representatives and the Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPco) to find out more about the school’s sustainability credentials. Attendees also powered up a specially commissioned neon sign with the word ‘Croeso’ (Welsh for ‘Welcome’) to symbolise the energy that the building is creating for itself. The state-of-the-art school is one of the most energy-efficient in Wales, demonstrating Flintshire’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and creating a greener future. Being net zero in operation means Mynydd Isa Campus has been designed to produce as much energy as it uses, thanks to a range of energy-saving features. One of the standout components is the impressive solar panel system with photovoltaic cells covering approximately 80% of the roof, an area of over 2,500m². These panels are expected to generate over 300,000 kWh of electricity each year, reducing carbon emissions by more than 70 tonnes annually. During the summer months, any extra electricity produced will be sent back to the grid. Due to the careful selection of materials which are less carbon intensive, the campus is also low in embodied carbon. Utilising air source heat pumps for heating and hot water, rather than fossil fuels, the campus also benefits from a special drainage system to manage rainwater naturally, helping to prevent flooding and support local wildlife. The grounds have been designed to promote biodiversity, with green spaces, wildlife-friendly landscaping, and outdoor areas that encourage pupils to engage with nature. Recycled and low-carbon materials have also been used in the construction of the outdoor spaces including a play base made from recycled tyres. Active travel is encouraged through new dedicated cycling and walking routes and electric vehicle charging points. The two-storey, 10,500m² campus is able to accommodate 1,300 pupils, including 43 nursery-age children, 600 primary pupils, and 700 high school students. All pupils will benefit from the cutting-edge facilities designed for 21st-century learning. High school pupils were first to move to the campus earlier in May, with the remainder of pupils moving in after the summer break. Mynydd Isa Campus is being built through the WEPco, using the Mutual Investment Model (MIM) developed by the Welsh Government to fund major capital projects. Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “Delivering Mynydd Isa Campus as Flintshire’s first net-zero carbon in operation school marks a significant step forward for sustainable building in Wales. “Collaborating with WEPCo and Flintshire County Council, this project underscores our dedication to delivering projects that support communities and promote a sustainable future. We will continue to maintain the campus through Robertson Facilities Management and look forward to being part of the community for many years to come.” Flintshire County Council Cabinet member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Mared Eastwood said: “I was delighted to represent the Council’s Climate Change committee and see this remarkable project coming to life. It not only reflects our commitment to high-quality education but also to a greener, more sustainable future for our children.” The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle said: “I am delighted that the new Mynydd Isa Campus is open for learners. “So many pupils will benefit from these outstanding facilities which are net zero in operation, embedding our commitments towards reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change. We are not just building a school, we’re creating an environment where the next generation can learn first-hand about sustainability.” Neil Cutting, Project Director at WEPCo, said: “We’re delighted with the net zero carbon solution for this project. A first of its kind for MIM, we are thrilled with the completed building which demonstrates how state of the art education facilities can be built responsibly. “Together with our construction partners, WEPCo is proud to have been entrusted with delivering this special 3-16 education campus for Flintshire County Council and the communities of Mynydd Isa, now and into the future. Diolch yn fawr.” The school is part of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which is focused on modernising school buildings with sustainability at its heart. The project highlights the wider commitment of Flintshire County Council to tackle climate change and ensure that public buildings are built with the future in mind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Representatives from government bodies, local councils and development partners gathered in the parish of Martlesham on 16 May to celebrate the opening of 47 new homes for local people in East Suffolk, providing much-needed affordable housing for the area. Hastoe Housing Association has worked in partnership with East Suffolk Council, Martlesham Parish Council and Homes England to deliver the new homes, which constitute Hastoe’s largest land-led development to date. All homes have been built to Hastoe’s New Build Standard, which substantially exceeds Building Regulation Standard. The homes include Future Homes Standard construction elements to reduce carbon emissions, and feature air source heat pumps, double glazing, LED lighting, increased insulation levels and electric vehicle charging points for every home. The development site also includes lots of open space and a small play area for residents. There is a newly created path and a 28-space car park to improve access to the nearby parish play park. Martlesham Parish Councillor Jane Hall said: “Martlesham Parish Council fully supports a vision for a well-integrated Martlesham community, containing a variety of well-designed housing types which meet the needs of residents of all ages and build on Martlesham’s strength as a welcoming, safe and peaceful place to live, with a strong sense of community. Developments such as this help to achieve this vision. We are delighted to welcome our new Hastoe residents and wish them every happiness as they move into their stunning new homes.” East Suffolk District Councillor Mark Packard said: “This is exactly the kind of affordable housing we need in Suffolk; excellent design and a high-quality finish. Once the residents have settled in, it will be important for them to build a community; I’m sure the Parish Council will help them to do this.” James Hick, Affordable Housing Delivery Manager at Homes England, said: “As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions. It is great to see that funding from the Affordable Homes Programme has enabled this development and provided much-needed new homes in Martlesham.” Lindy Morgan, Hastoe Board Chair, said: “As our largest land-led development to date, Martlesham is a very special development for Hastoe. All 47 homes are energy efficient, built to an extremely high-quality finish and benefit from beautiful design which suits the local area. Hastoe’s commitment to this project is now to care for the homes and provide excellent services to our residents, long into the future.” Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, MP for Suffolk Coastal, was also able to visit the site and meet with residents later the same week. She said: “This development is a great example of the kind of truly affordable homes to rent and buy that we urgently need more of. It’s helping local people stay rooted in their community, and I was delighted to see the real difference it’s already making.” Works began on site in October 2023 and completions have taken place over a phased period. Development partners were architects Ingleton Wood, Rose Builders Ltd and employer’s agent Potter Raper. Hastoe invested £9,634,717 in the development, together with a £3,534,000 Homes England grant. In total, the development cost £13,168,717. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
