JV North has announced the list of contractors and consultants appointed to its £500 million social housebuilding framework, which aims to deliver around 3,000 homes across the North West over the next four years. The housing consortium, which includes 14 members, launched the procurement process in January. Call-offs under the
Oldham town centre regeneration has taken a major step forward, with planning consent now granted for all six sites earmarked for transformation through the partnership between Muse and Oldham Council. The approval represents a significant milestone in the long-term vision to create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable town centre that
Work has officially begun on site to prepare Eston Precinct for demolition, marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of the area. The process, which initially includes the safe removal of asbestos, paves the way for a major redevelopment project aimed at delivering high-quality retail facilities for both residents and
WilSon Energy, a leading provider of fully integrated Heating, Metering, Pre-Payment and Billing & Bureau Services, has carried out a full audit and replacement of the heat metering system at a high spec residential development in Bath. North Range is a prestigious new build development located in Bath’s Artisan Quarter
Consero, a luxury developer of Surrey’s super-prime homes, has been granted planning permission to build a boutique collection of detached homes in the highly sought-after area of Send, in Surrey, by Guildford Borough Council. The plans for the site – named Oaktrees – will deliver just four contemporary, high-end homes
The rapid rollout of 5G networks, combined with advancements in edge computing, is reshaping modern commercial developments. These technologies enable faster data processing, ultra-low latency, and stronger connectivity, allowing buildings and complexes to run more efficiently while providing improved experiences for occupants and visitors alike. Enhancing Leisure and Entertainment Venues
JV North has announced the list of contractors and consultants appointed to its £500 million social housebuilding framework, which aims to deliver around 3,000 homes across the North West over the next four years. The housing consortium, which includes 14 members, launched the procurement process in January. Call-offs under the framework are expected to begin in early August. Three construction lots were made available, covering projects valued up to £4 million, between £4 million and £12 million, and £12 million and above. Contractors for the up to £4 million category include GK Construction & Project Management, J Greenwood (Builders) Ltd, John Southworth Builders Ltd, M&Y Maintenance and Construction Ltd, McCaul Build Ltd, PLP Construction Ltd, RP Tyson Construction Ltd, The Casey Group, Westshield Ltd and Whitfield and Brown (Developments) Ltd. In the £4m to £12m lot, the selected firms are GK Construction and Project Management, J Greenwood (Builders) Ltd, John Southworth Builders Ltd, M&Y Maintenance and Construction Ltd, PLP Construction Ltd, Rowlinson, RP Tyson Construction Ltd, Seddon Construction Ltd, The Casey Group, Vistry Partnerships, Watson Construction Ltd and Whitfield and Brown (Developments) Ltd. For projects over £12m, Breck Homes, Eric Wright Construction Ltd, Rowlinson, Seddon Construction Ltd, Termrim Construction Ltd, Vistry Partnerships and Watson Construction Ltd were appointed. The framework also includes appointments in professional service categories, covering architectural services, employer’s agents, purchaser agents, engineering services, clerks of works, and principal designers. Architectural firms appointed include Arcus Consulting LLP, Bowker Sadler Partnership, BTP Architects, Buttress Architects, Halsall Lloyd LLP, Jennings Design Associates, John McCall Architects, Levitt Bernstein Associates Ltd, Pozzoni Architecture, and Studio KMA Ltd. Ten employer’s agents were named: Arcus Consulting LLP, CPC Project Services LLP, Drees & Sommer, Gateley Vinden, Identity Consult, Markhams, Neo Projects Ltd, Poole Dick Associates, WhiteleyEaves Ltd and Wilkinson Cowan Partnership Ltd. Purchaser agents selected are Arcus Consulting LLP, CPC Project Services LLP, Drees & Sommer, Neo Projects Ltd, Tetra Tech Ltd and Wilkinson Cowan Partnership Ltd. In engineering services, the appointed companies are Alan Johnston Partnership Ltd, Curtins Consulting Ltd, HBL Associates, Rodgers Leask Ltd, Shape Consulting Engineers and Sutcliffe Projects Ltd. Clerks of works named include Amrin Resources Ltd, Markhams, Michael Dyson Associates Ltd, WhiteleyEaves Ltd, Wilkinson Cowan Partnership Ltd and WSP UK Ltd. Principal designers appointed are Airey Miller Ltd, Anderton Gables Ltd, Arcus Consulting LLP, Keelagher Okey Associates Ltd, Markhams, Poole Dick Associates, Vista Consulting Group Ltd and Wilkinson Cowan Partnership Ltd. For the first time, principal designers for Building Regulations were procured, with appointments going to Airey Miller Ltd, Arcus Consulting LLP, Baily Garner, Bowker Sadler Partnership Ltd, BTP Architects, John McCall Architects, Kartar Consulting, Keelagher Okey Associates Ltd and Vista Consulting Group Ltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oldham town centre regeneration has taken a major step forward, with planning consent now granted for all six sites earmarked for transformation through the partnership between Muse and Oldham Council. The approval represents a significant milestone in the long-term vision to create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable town centre that respects Oldham’s heritage while addressing the evolving needs of its communities. The plans will see the development of up to 1,619 high-quality, energy-efficient new homes across the six sites. The housing mix will include one to three-bedroom apartments catering to families, older people, and young professionals, with a strong emphasis on social and affordable housing to ensure accessibility for local residents. “This is a huge moment for Oldham and a proud one for the whole team at Muse. We’ve worked closely with Oldham Council, local stakeholders and the community to shape proposals that deliver lasting value – not just new homes, but new energy for the town centre. We’re excited to move forward and bring these plans to life, starting later this year with Prince’s Gate,” said Alex Vogel, Senior Development Manager. As part of the wider regeneration effort, several underused and derelict areas will be brought back into productive use, supporting local businesses and helping to create a cleaner, greener future for Oldham. The project follows extensive public consultation held earlier this year, with hundreds of residents contributing feedback that helped shape the final proposals to reflect local priorities. With planning approvals now in place, site investigation work at the Civic Centre has been completed. Construction will begin at Prince’s Gate later this autumn, followed by work at the former Magistrates’ Court before the end of the year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has officially begun on site to prepare Eston Precinct for demolition, marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of the area. The process, which initially includes the safe removal of asbestos, paves the way for a major redevelopment project aimed at delivering high-quality retail facilities for both residents and visitors. The transformation will not only provide retail services but also enhance the overall appeal of Eston as a vibrant and welcoming destination. Planned improvements to the surrounding area include new paving, trees, benches, lighting, and upgraded power infrastructure to support events and markets, creating a more attractive environment for shoppers and businesses. As part of the first phase, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council will oversee the construction of seven new retail units, totalling 14,600 square feet, alongside the creation of a new outdoor space. The project is being funded by Government and Tees Valley Combined Authority. Phase one is expected to be completed by summer 2026. Following a public consultation held last month, it has been confirmed that the site will retain its name ‘Eston Precinct’. Councillor Lynn Pallister, Cabinet Member for Growth and Enterprise at the council, speaking at the site today (Thursday 3 July), said: “This is an important day for the local community, who have waited a long time for this to happen. “The demolition is set to be completed by early October, and the construction of seven new, high-quality retail units will follow. “I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing this project to Eston, and to the local community for their patience. I can’t wait to be back next summer to celebrate its opening.” Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Eston Precinct has been in dire need of improvement for years so it’s great to see demolition work now getting underway. While there’ll be memories left behind, the precinct will be getting a much-needed modern makeover – and I’m looking forward to seeing work finished next year.” Esh Construction has been appointed as the principal contractor for both the demolition and the new build. Andy Radcliffe, Chief Executive at Esh Construction, said: “We are proud to be delivering the first phase of Eston Precinct and playing our part in this important regeneration project for the area. “As a local contractor, we are committed to maximising the social and economic benefits throughout the scheme by procuring locally, delivering award-winning school engagement initiatives, and supporting charitable and voluntary initiatives within the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WilSon Energy, a leading provider of fully integrated Heating, Metering, Pre-Payment and Billing & Bureau Services, has carried out a full audit and replacement of the heat metering system at a high spec residential development in Bath. North Range is a prestigious new build development located in Bath’s Artisan Quarter situated on the historic Old Walcot Yard. The collection of nine contemporary, lateral and duplex apartments had been completed, incorporating a centralised heat network plant with modular gas boilers. Each property has a Heat Interface Unit (HIU) with an energy meter, with a hard wired Mbus output. After all the properties were completed, sealed and tenanted it was handed over to the property management company to manage the building and associated billing. It was soon discovered that there was no means of remotely collecting data on energy usage at each of the properties. The only option was to go door to door to collect meter readings, which led to issues with access, lack of accurate billing and no way to resolve any queries regarding energy consumption for tenants and occupiers. Andy Wilkinson, CEO at WilSon Energy, explains: “A combination of misspecification and a lack of awareness about billing on property, once complete, led to several issues for the property management company. There was no cable network or any data logging devices installed, so there was no remote way to connect to gather meter readings.” After completing a full audit of the heating system, WilSon Energy engineers found that the original meters supplied with the HIUs were low cost, with a single output which could not be connected, as the meters would not accept interchangeable modules. The WilSon Energy solution included replacing all heat meters with wireless MBus, enabling remote data monitoring and a central data collection device. This removed the need for manual meter readings and meant that access into the properties was no longer required. It also provided hourly updates on usage, ensured and accurate billing for residents. Andy Wilkinson continues: “It is very common that metering and billing gets forgotten about during the construction phase. The original developer designs the project, specifies the equipment and neither the designer nor contractor has considered the future management of the property. A lack of foresight, knowledge and planning leads to additional costs for new meters and the required installation. This causes problems with ongoing management and maintenance for property or buildings management teams as well as residents. That’s why we like to work with design teams at the commissioning stage to help specify the right heat network and the associated metering, data collection and billing solutions.” Now that the new wireless metering system is in place, WilSon is also working on behalf of the property management company to provide billing and bureau services to ensure accurate billing and maximising returns on energy costs. As an established energy procurement specialist, WilSon has also secured a better energy supply deal, providing overall savings and reducing costs to residents. For more information about WilSon Energy’s heat network, smart metering, billing and bureau services, visit: https://wilsonenergy.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Consero, a luxury developer of Surrey’s super-prime homes, has been granted planning permission to build a boutique collection of detached homes in the highly sought-after area of Send, in Surrey, by Guildford Borough Council. The plans for the site – named Oaktrees – will deliver just four contemporary, high-end homes with Consero’s expertise as a leader in the future of luxury living and award-winning design. Located on Clandon Road, a 1960s six-bedroom detached house is being demolished to create four exceptional five-bedroom homes, spread over three floors. Each 2,800 sq ft / 260 m2 home will boast a spacious, open-plan kitchen, dining and living space overlooking the garden, separate utility, private study, separate formal living room, master bedroom with dressing room and ensuite, plus a further four bedrooms and three ensuite/bathrooms. Outside, south-westerly facing gardens will be approximately 110 ft feet long with private parking for two vehicles at the front of each property with EV car chargers. Jason Lawrence, Managing Director at Consero, said: “We are pleased to have received approval for our planning application for this site in Send, a well-connected Surrey village with fantastic links to Guildford and access to outstanding schools. We’re bringing all our expertise and in-house architectural and design skills from building some of the country’s most beautiful homes to deliver four exceptional properties in Send. “The collection of homes will be named Oaktrees, in reference to the ancient oaks on the site boundary, and we can’t wait to reveal more soon.” Established in 2004, Consero is a master in designing homes with timeless architecture, discretion, and impeccable detail. The housebuilder is behind some of the UK’s most super-prime homes in prestigious addresses, including the Wentworth Estate and St George’s Hill and is now bringing its knowledge and vision to a wider audience of homeowners with hand-picked sites in desirable locations. For further information on Consero, visit: https://consero.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The rapid rollout of 5G networks, combined with advancements in edge computing, is reshaping modern commercial developments. These technologies enable faster data processing, ultra-low latency, and stronger connectivity, allowing buildings and complexes to run more efficiently while providing improved experiences for occupants and visitors alike. Enhancing Leisure and Entertainment Venues From smart offices that adjust lighting and temperature instantly to retail centres delivering tailored services, 5G and edge computing now underpin intelligent infrastructure. This trend is not confined to traditional commercial properties; leisure and entertainment venues are also embracing these technologies to remain competitive and engage customers more effectively. For example, some innovative sectors within the entertainment industry, including UK casinos not on GamStop, are using 5G and edge computing to offer seamless, high-speed digital platforms that deliver real-time interactivity and personalised experiences beyond conventional regulatory frameworks. This highlights how the combination of advanced connectivity and local data processing extends across diverse commercial settings, ushering in a new era of smart development. These digital platforms rely heavily on the speed and reliability that 5G provides. Low latency is essential for delivering a fluid user experience, particularly in interactive environments such as online gaming or live betting. Edge computing complements this by handling data close to the user, which reduces delays and lowers the chance of service interruptions. This combination allows operators outside the traditional regulatory systems to innovate more freely and cater to niche audiences, while maintaining high standards of performance and security. As these technologies mature, their influence is likely to expand further into other leisure and entertainment sectors, reshaping how venues interact with their customers. Boosting Security and Safety Measures Security is another area where 5G and edge computing prove valuable. High-definition cameras, facial recognition, and instant alert systems depend on fast data transfer and processing. These tools are especially useful in crowded commercial spaces where safety needs to be maintained without interrupting visitor flow. By analysing video locally, edge computing sends only critical alerts to central control systems, reducing bandwidth requirements and speeding up responses. Coordinated Resource Management in Mixed-Use Developments Mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and leisure facilities see even greater advantages. Sharing data across different areas allows for coordinated management of resources like parking, waste collection, and transport access. This improves efficiency and enhances the experience for residents, workers, and visitors alike. Real-Time Energy Management and Customer Experience In commercial properties such as offices and retail centres, these technologies support a broad range of applications. Smart lighting, heating, and security systems react instantly to changes in the environment or occupancy. Sensors detect when rooms are empty and adjust energy consumption accordingly, helping to reduce waste and cost. Such real-time monitoring is only possible due to the low latency and high bandwidth of 5G paired with edge computing’s ability to process data locally. Retailers benefit as well. Personalised promotions can be sent directly to shoppers’ smartphones based on their preferences and behaviour. Data gathered from multiple sources can be analysed almost immediately, allowing staff to respond swiftly to changes in demand or operational issues. The seamless connection between devices prevents systems from becoming overloaded, ensuring smooth operation during busy periods. Driving Engagement in Entertainment Spaces The entertainment industry is also harnessing the potential of these technologies. Beyond casinos, concert halls, theatres, and sports arenas invest heavily in connectivity infrastructure to support interactive experiences. Live streaming, augmented reality, and real-time crowd control are just some examples where 5G and edge computing boost engagement and safety.
