A major step forward has been taken in one of London’s most ambitious regeneration schemes, as the London Borough of Tower Hamlets grants planning approval for the £800 million transformation of the Teviot Estate in Poplar, East London. The Hill Group, in partnership with housing association Poplar HARCA, has received
Today, Siemens Smart Infrastructure announced a collaboration agreement with Microsoft to transform access to Internet of Things (IoT) data for buildings. The collaboration will enable interoperability between Siemens’ digital building platform, Building X, and Microsoft Azure IoT Operations enabled by Azure Arc. Azure IoT Operations, a component of this adaptive
GREATER Manchester has unveiled its vision for the next decade – a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life. The city region is setting its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a second city to rival any other on the planet
Panattoni, Europe’s largest logistics real estate developer, has acquired a prime site in Haydock from Bericote Properties for the development of Haydock 66, a 65,890 sq ft speculative industrial and manufacturing unit, strategically located fronting the A580 East Lancashire Road and less than 1.5 miles from Junction 23 of the M6.
Promat has released a significant update to its renowned Passive Fire Protection Handbook, which offers a go-to resource for best practice in specifying and installing passive fire protection systems across the UK construction sector. The newly revised edition introduces an overhauled section on structural steel protection, aligned with the latest
Avison Young has announced the appointment of Kat Hanna as Head of UK Market Intelligence and Strategy. Hanna, who currently serves as the firm’s Co-Managing Director for London, steps into the newly created role with a focus on enhancing strategic direction and advising clients and industry stakeholders. In her expanded
The casino industry has always been eager to adopt cutting‑edge technologies, yet the latest shift goes beyond eye‑catching screens and decorative lighting. Architects and operators now rely on artificial intelligence and smart‑building systems from the very first blueprint. By running traffic‑flow simulations, planners can test multiple entrance points, gaming‑floor layouts,
A major step forward has been taken in one of London’s most ambitious regeneration schemes, as the London Borough of Tower Hamlets grants planning approval for the £800 million transformation of the Teviot Estate in Poplar, East London. The Hill Group, in partnership with housing association Poplar HARCA, has received a resolution to grant planning permission for the large-scale redevelopment, which will deliver 1,928 new homes—508 of which will be affordable. The scheme will also introduce a range of community assets, retail units, and public spaces, including a reimagined Langdon Park. The regeneration will be delivered in four phases, with the first due to commence in 2026. Phase one will provide 475 new homes, of which 44%—comprising 140 homes for social rent and 24 for shared ownership—are classified as affordable. The first completions are anticipated by 2028. Designed by architecture practice BPTW, the eight-hectare masterplan includes a diverse mix of studios, apartments, and family homes. The development will also feature five new public squares, green corridors, enhanced access to Langdon Park station, upgrades to Fawe Street Bridge and Limehouse Cut, and a more accessible pedestrian tunnel under the A12. Additional investment in lighting and CCTV aims to boost safety and reduce anti-social behaviour. Teviot residents have played an integral role in shaping the vision and design of the masterplan through a sustained consultation process. Existing social rent tenants within the regeneration zone have been assured the right to remain at social rent levels in newly built homes—a key factor in securing strong community backing for the scheme. Andy Hill, founder and chief executive of The Hill Group, commented:“This is a landmark moment for Teviot and a major step forward in delivering lasting change for the community. Securing planning permission means we can now move forward with our shared vision, which prioritises creating high-quality homes and improved communal spaces that reflect the needs of residents. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Poplar HARCA and the local community to bring these plans to life.” Paul Dooley, Director of Regeneration and Development at Poplar HARCA, added:“We’re proud to have secured planning permission for the regeneration of Teviot—an exemplar national project shaped through genuine community partnership. This is a real win for residents who have given their time and energy to ensure this masterplan delivers what truly matters to local people. “We’re excited to begin work and, together with Hill, build a brighter future for Teviot.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Siemens Smart Infrastructure announced a collaboration agreement with Microsoft to transform access to Internet of Things (IoT) data for buildings. The collaboration will enable interoperability between Siemens’ digital building platform, Building X, and Microsoft Azure IoT Operations enabled by Azure Arc. Azure IoT Operations, a component of this adaptive cloud approach, provides tools and infrastructure to connect edge devices while integrating data, enabling organizations to optimize their operations and utilize the potential of their IoT environments. The interoperability of Building X and Azure IoT Operations is making IoT-based data more accessible for large enterprise customers across commercial buildings, data centers, and higher education facilities and provides them with the necessary information to enhance sustainability and operations. It enables automatic onboarding and monitoring by bringing datapoints such as temperature, pressure, or indoor air quality to the cloud, for assets like heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, valves, and actuators. The solution will even allow customers to develop their own in-house use cases such as energy monitoring and space optimization. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GREATER Manchester has unveiled its vision for the next decade – a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life. The city region is setting its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a second city to rival any other on the planet by 2050, with new underground transport services and a flagship underground station at Manchester Piccadilly. Speaking to a packed room at Manchester’s Campfield on Wednesday, the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, joined by Leaders and partners from across the city region, shared the city region’s blueprint for a greener, fairer future. The announcements were made during the launch of The Greater Manchester Strategy 2025-2035. At its heart is a Growth Plan and a People Plan, which together will ensure that every person and every place in Greater Manchester feels the benefits of economic growth. The Mayor set out how we will continue to put housing first by unlocking land for thousands of new homes, and pledged that, by 2027, Greater Manchester will be building more social housing than it is losing through Right to Buy. The Mayor also revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines and train stations to connect thriving communities across the city region with an integrated, lower cost transport system – helping more people get out and access new opportunities. Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will start by 2028 while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport will begin by 2030. And two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network by next December, with another six joining by 2028. The Greater Manchester Strategy also sets out how we’ll transform our technical education system, including through delivery of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate. This includes giving every young person who needs one access to a guaranteed high-quality 45-day work placement. And to help connect young people with work and study opportunities, Greater Manchester will also introduce half price bus travel for 18-21-year-olds from September 2025. A pilot of free 24-hour bus travel for older and disabled people will also be rolled out in August, lifting the morning restrictions before 9.30, and will be evaluated to see how it could be developed. The Mayor announced Sebastian Coe as Chair designate of a new Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to spearhead the Old Trafford Regeneration scheme – the biggest sports-led scheme since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which Lord Coe was instrumental in securing and delivering. Steve Coogan was named co-chair designate of the proposed Middleton MDC alongside Rose Marley, Chief Executive of Co-operatives UK. The actor, comedian and producer will return to his hometown to work with Rochdale Council and the local community to revive the town. The new Mayoral development vehicles will help drive a new decade of inclusive growth across Greater Manchester, attracting investment and building pride in our towns. The Mayor also announced plans to unlock transformative investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050 Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool and regeneration of the surrounding area – making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Our first decade of devolution has shown how much we can achieve by working together. We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era “Our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents. We’ve never believed in a “trickle-down” model of growth here – that if a few people and places do well then, somehow, that will benefit everyone. We know we will only change the fortunes of all our people and places if we’re prepared to intervene and fix the foundations of life. “That means making sure everyone has a healthy home, in a safe and welcoming community; it means offering people support to tackle the everyday stresses and strains of life; and it means helping all our young people to fulfil their potential by providing a clear line of sight to great jobs in our growing economy, with strong technical routes as well as academic ones. All this must be underpinned by a low-fare public transport system, connecting people to opportunities. “We’ve proved that we’re ready to forge our own place-based solutions and the Government has recognised this by making us the UK’s first ‘Prevention Demonstrator’. We’ll develop a better way of delivering public services, treating people as names not numbers and creating the conditions for everyone to live well, rather than waiting until people are in crisis to offer support. “Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve. There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.” To lock in growth for the next decade, Greater Manchester will use its devolved powers to pioneer a new way of delivering regeneration. Our Integrated Pipeline will spread the benefits of growth across the city region, building on a scale and at a pace not seen before in this century. As well as thousands of new homes, it will deliver new manufacturing sites, commercial spaces, innovation districts, and hubs for entrepreneurship, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and cementing Greater Manchester’s reputation as a great place to do business. The new Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs) and Zones (MDZs) will kickstart regeneration. They’re innovative tools that Greater Manchester can use to bring together local partners and drive forward our ambitions to build new homes, bring jobs and investment, and support economic growth. MDCs are statutory bodies, set up by the Mayor, designed to speed up development and attract investment within a specific area. They can take on broad powers including land
Panattoni, Europe’s largest logistics real estate developer, has acquired a prime site in Haydock from Bericote Properties for the development of Haydock 66, a 65,890 sq ft speculative industrial and manufacturing unit, strategically located fronting the A580 East Lancashire Road and less than 1.5 miles from Junction 23 of the M6. Construction will start on site over the summer, with practical completion in Q1 2026. This new addition to the Panattoni UK portfolio forms part of its long-term strategy to strengthen its presence in key logistics corridors and deliver high-specification, future-proof industrial space across the country. With excellent access to Liverpool2 Deep-Water Port just 16 miles away and immediate connectivity to the A580 via a new signalised all-ways junction, the site offers outstanding local, regional and port-linked logistics reach. Positioned at the front of to the established Haydock Industrial Estate, Haydock 66 benefits from a strong regional labour pool and immediate access to the M6, M62, and A580 corridors, making it a prime location for both national and last-mile logistics, across the Merseyside and Greater Manchester conurbations. The speculative facility will be delivered to the highest sustainability standards, targeting both BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A certifications. The building offers 11-metre clear internal height, two level access loading doors, and six dock loading doors, including two Euro dock bays, allowing for operational flexibility. A generous 56-metre yard depth provides extensive maneuvering and loading capacity. Haydock 66 also includes a significant level of infrastructure to support modern occupiers. The site provides 65 car parking spaces, including 14 EV charging points, four designated car share bays, and four accessible bays. There are also 11 dedicated HGV parking spaces, 36 cycle storage spaces, and four motorcycle bays. The facility is equipped with a sprinkler tank area and benefits from rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to support energy efficiency. Inside, the office accommodation will be fully fitted, and features raised access floors on the upper level to suit a range of the occupier’s needs. Dan Burn, Head of Development, North West & Yorkshire at Panattoni comments: “This project also reflects Panattoni’s commitment to speculative development across all tenant types, including active growth for SMEs looking to expand in the mid-box market – an increasingly vital segment in the UK’s logistics landscape. The acquisition of Haydock site enhances our strategic position in the Northwest, a region with resilient occupier demand and supply constraints for modern, sustainable industrial stock. This development opportunity provides near-term availability, top-tier sustainability credentials, and exceptional infrastructure connections, which makes it highly attractive to a wide range of potential occupiers. We are excited to bring this unit to market and continue building momentum in one of the UK’s most critical logistics regions.” CBRE advised on the transaction and have been retained as marketing agents with Box 4 Real Estate. For more information on this scheme, please visit: www.panattoni.co.uk/haydock Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Promat has released a significant update to its renowned Passive Fire Protection Handbook, which offers a go-to resource for best practice in specifying and installing passive fire protection systems across the UK construction sector. The newly revised edition introduces an overhauled section on structural steel protection, aligned with the latest test standards and regulatory requirements. This new content supports contractors, designers and specifiers working to meet the heightened compliance demands introduced under the Building Safety Act. The update reinforces the handbook’s role in promoting best practice and delivering peace of mind as the sector adjusts to tighter safety regulations. In particular, it supports the Golden Thread requirement by providing up-to-date and traceable technical detail on tested systems. The newly updated structural steel section includes information on choosing the correct protective board, performance guidance for specialist steel protection boards including VERMICULUX®-S, PROMATECT®-250 and PROMATECT®-XW, installation guides for 1, 2, 3 and 4-sided encasements, and treatment of complex steel profiles, including cellular beams. The handbook also covers how to calculate the level of protection needed, and guidance on achieving a range of fire resistance from 30 minutes up to 240 minutes. It also highlights the standards that need to be met, such as EN 13381-4 and EN 1363-1. The revised content brings Promat’s technical guidance in line with the latest industry testing and performance criteria. Promat now offers the most comprehensive testing portfolio for structural steel fire protection available in the UK, making the handbook a vital reference for professionals involved in specifying and installing life critical safety. Josh Slack, Commercial Director at Promat, said: “The Passive Fire Protection Handbook is one of the most trusted resources in UK construction. This update takes it to the next level. With the spotlight rightly on building safety, there’s a real desire for absolute clarity, certainty and compliance – and that’s exactly what this updated guidance delivers. “It gives our customers the confidence they need when specifying structural steel protection, which is especially important as this continues to be a popular construction method.” This structural steel update is part of Promat’s wider commitment to raising standards to support the latest legislation to improve building safety. By offering detailed technical data and real-world application guidance, the handbook helps to ensure that fire protection systems are not only specified correctly, but installed to perform as tested. Josh added: “For anyone responsible for demonstrating compliance – from principal designers through to contractors and building owners – the handbook provides a reliable, thoroughly tested foundation to work from. It reflects Promat’s role as a proactive partner in the industry’s drive towards safer, more accountable construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Avison Young has announced the appointment of Kat Hanna as Head of UK Market Intelligence and Strategy. Hanna, who currently serves as the firm’s Co-Managing Director for London, steps into the newly created role with a focus on enhancing strategic direction and advising clients and industry stakeholders. In her expanded remit, Hanna will spearhead efforts to help clients anticipate change, identify emerging opportunities, and stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic real estate market. Working closely with the firm’s market intelligence team, she will integrate advanced data analytics and AI with the first-hand knowledge of Avison Young’s transactional and consultancy professionals to provide meaningful, actionable insights. Hanna brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held senior positions at Lendlease, Cushman & Wakefield, and the Centre for London prior to joining Avison Young three years ago. Nick Walkley, Principal and UK President at Avison Young, commented:“Kat’s deep understanding of the built environment and the UK market, along with her ability to distil complex insights into clear strategic guidance, will be instrumental in helping our clients navigate disruption and achieve tangible outcomes. Her appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering valuable and forward-thinking expertise.” Reflecting on her new position, Hanna said:“After three years at Avison Young, I’m thrilled to be stepping into a role that allows us to better connect our data and analytical strengths with both clients and colleagues. I look forward to collaborating with our exceptionally talented team of real estate analysts and global partners, combining their knowledge with my background in politics, policy and strategy to support informed decision-making and effective delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The casino industry has always been eager to adopt cutting‑edge technologies, yet the latest shift goes beyond eye‑catching screens and decorative lighting. Architects and operators now rely on artificial intelligence and smart‑building systems from the very first blueprint. By running traffic‑flow simulations, planners can test multiple entrance points, gaming‑floor layouts, and emergency routes long before ground is broken. Early integration of AI also allows developers to forecast energy loads, refine structural requirements and schedule materials more accurately. The result is a foundation that’s not just sturdy but data‑driven—ready to adapt over time and support a fully connected, experience‑focused resort. Data‑Driven Design Decisions Once the groundwork is set, AI continues to influence how every square metre is allocated. Real‑time footfall analytics help designers position high‑interest zones—restaurants, VIP lounges, or immersive slot clusters—where they produce the most engagement. Heat‑mapping technology identifies potential bottlenecks so architects can widen aisles or re‑route traffic before construction even starts. By referencing historical data from similar venues, teams can predict dwell times, seasonal peaks and demographic trends. These insights ensure the final build maximises guest satisfaction while keeping staffing costs predictable. For investors, this precision translates directly into higher revenue per visit and a faster return on capital. Competing with the Convenience of Online Casinos Physical venues also face a new challenger: the rise of online casinos UK players can register with. These platforms deliver instant play, 24‑hour service and effortless account setup—luxuries that bricks‑and‑mortar properties cannot ignore. To remain attractive, land‑based casinos are blending AI‑driven features—adaptive lighting, personalised way‑finding and app‑controlled ambience—to create experiences the home screen can’t replicate. Facial‑recognition check‑in, automated valet parking and biometrically secured VIP areas all aim to match the convenience of online play while offering something digital sites cannot: a fully sensory environment. The message is clear—if guests can spin reels in their living room, physical casinos must leverage technology to make the journey irresistible. Smarter Construction with AI and BIM During the build itself, AI‑enhanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) streamlines scheduling and logistics. Predictive algorithms analyse weather forecasts, supplier lead times and labour availability to prevent delays. Automated conflict‑detection flags design clashes—such as HVAC ducts intersecting structural beams—before materials arrive on site. These efficiencies are critical for large casino resorts where every day of delay translates into significant lost revenue. Contractors equipped with AI dashboards can also optimise waste management, reducing environmental impact and improving sustainability credentials, a growing priority for regulators and shareholders alike. AI‑Powered Surveillance and Security Once operational, a casino’s most sophisticated tech often sits silently behind the scenes. AI‑driven surveillance systems monitor gaming floors, entrances and cash‑handling areas, spotting suspicious patterns in real time. Behaviour‑analysis software can differentiate between a celebratory crowd and a potential disturbance, alerting security staff instantly. Facial‑recognition gates speed up ID checks, easing congestion while maintaining robust compliance. These measures reduce reliance on large security teams, lower insurance premiums and foster an environment where guests feel both safe and indulged. Intelligent Energy and Sustainability Management Modern resorts consume vast amounts of power, yet AI is helping them run greener. Smart sensors adjust HVAC output room by room, learning occupancy habits and local weather shifts to minimise wastage. Dynamic LED systems dim or brighten zones according to foot traffic, preserving ambience without burning excess electricity. In some venues, AI even controls window shading to balance natural light with cooling loads. These incremental savings add up—protecting margins while supporting corporate sustainability goals that increasingly influence licensing and investor confidence. Personalised Guest Environments Beyond efficiency, AI shapes how guests perceive the space. Digital signage swaps themes for sporting events or seasonal promotions in seconds. Loyalty‑programme data feeds into ambient settings, so a returning high‑roller’s favourite playlist and drink order appear moments after they sit down. Rooms equipped with voice‑activated controls let visitors tailor lighting, temperature and entertainment with a simple request. Such hyper‑personal touches transform a standard gaming trip into a memorable, share‑worthy experience that online platforms struggle to rival. Predictive Maintenance and Asset Protection Keeping a 24/7 venue running is a logistical feat; AI sensors embedded in lifts, escalators and refrigeration units detect micro‑anomalies long before human staff notice a fault. Maintenance teams receive automated alerts, scheduling repairs during low‑traffic windows to avoid revenue‑sapping downtime. Predictive upkeep extends asset life cycles, cuts emergency call‑outs and maintains consistent guest satisfaction—essential in an industry where even minor technical glitches can tarnish reputation. VIP Zones Designed by Data High‑limit rooms and private salons generate disproportionate revenue, so their design is crucial. AI evaluations of betting patterns and dwell times inform everything from chair ergonomics to table spacing. Discrete entrances use biometric verification for seamless, secure access, while sound‑masking panels ensure privacy. By aligning physical space with high‑value players’ expectations, casinos deepen loyalty and encourage longer stays. When combined with bespoke service apps and real‑time rewards, these environments deliver a brand experience no home office or smartphone can imitate. Smart Parking and Traffic Flow Guest experience begins in the car park. AI‑powered guidance systems direct vehicles to available bays via digital signage and mobile notifications, reducing congestion and first‑impression frustration. Licence‑plate recognition automates payment and security checks, allowing seamless transition from motorway to gaming floor. These efficiencies free staff for higher‑value hospitality roles and provide valuable data on peak arrival times, informing future layout tweaks and promotional scheduling. Integrated Building Management Systems Finally, AI ties everything together in a central Building Management System (BMS). From a single dashboard, operators monitor energy use, security alerts, occupancy rates and even social‑media sentiment. Cross‑analysis of these data streams helps executives fine‑tune everything from staffing levels to in‑house concert schedules. The casino becomes a living organism—adapting minute by minute to guest behaviour and external factors. Such responsiveness sets a new benchmark for hospitality venues worldwide.
