The City of Westminster Council has appointed Altius Real Estate as its delivery partner for the comprehensive redevelopment of Huguenot House, a prominent site nestled between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. The 1960s-era building is set to be replaced with a vibrant mixed-use scheme, including a cinema, hotel, new residential
Metrocentre in Gateshead has secured two significant retail deals, with Superdrug set to open its largest store in the region and Danish lifestyle brand Søstrene Grene preparing to launch its first outlet at the scheme. Superdrug will upsize its unit within the centre’s Red Mall to 10,000 sq ft, marking
A future defining office building set to lead on design, sustainability and occupier experience in Leeds Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) has unveiled Z – a bold, future-focused 111,000 sq ft office development at Whitehall Riverside which is set to redefine workplace standards in Leeds. Positioned on a prime riverside
Landmark leases secured for 300,000 sq ft of speculatively developed industrial space Development and asset manager, Canmoor Asset Management (Canmoor), has secured major lettings at practical completion of two brand new, speculatively developed buildings, totalling almost 300,000 sq ft at Westway at Glasgow Airport. The UK Government has signed a
Skanska has been appointed by National Highways to deliver a long-awaited upgrade to the A47 Thickthorn junction near Norwich, under a contract valued at £153 million. The junction, which links the A47 with the A11 south of the city, is a critical gateway to the region, serving routes towards Norfolk
Craig Thow has been appointed Operations Director of Robertson Construction Northern, following nine successful years with Robertson Construction Tayside. Craig joined Robertson in 2016 as Operations Manager and has since played a pivotal role in delivering high-quality projects for public and private sector customers across Dundee, Angus, Fife, and Perthshire.
More than 100 keen golfers swung into action at Worsley Park for the annual Algeco Manchester Golf Day – raising more than £72,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. A total of 28 teams teed off yesterday (July 15), with the money raised enough to fund 2,057 nights of ‘home
The City of Westminster Council has appointed Altius Real Estate as its delivery partner for the comprehensive redevelopment of Huguenot House, a prominent site nestled between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. The 1960s-era building is set to be replaced with a vibrant mixed-use scheme, including a cinema, hotel, new residential flats, modern office space, and significant improvements to the surrounding public realm. Altius Real Estate will collaborate with contractor Erith and world-renowned architects Foster + Partners to bring the project to life. With design work now underway, a planning application is expected to follow a period of public consultation. The council first identified full-scale redevelopment as the preferred approach in 2021, following extensive studies and community engagement over several years. Councillor David Boothroyd, Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform, commented:“The redevelopment of Huguenot House represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a key site in the heart of the West End. Altius has demonstrated a clear commitment to delivering high-quality homes, including much-needed affordable housing, alongside vibrant community spaces and a reimagined public realm.” The scheme aims to revitalise this strategic location with a mix of cultural, commercial and residential uses, helping to reinforce the West End’s role as one of London’s most dynamic and liveable districts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Metrocentre in Gateshead has secured two significant retail deals, with Superdrug set to open its largest store in the region and Danish lifestyle brand Søstrene Grene preparing to launch its first outlet at the scheme. Superdrug will upsize its unit within the centre’s Red Mall to 10,000 sq ft, marking a 31% increase on its previous space. The upgraded store will feature the brand’s latest concept, including treatment studios and cosmetic services, as well as new signage, flooring, ceiling tiles, and energy-efficient LED lighting. The enhanced space will strengthen Superdrug’s position as a wellness anchor in the Red Mall, joining leading fashion and lifestyle brands such as Zara, Flannels, River Island, and upcoming arrivals Stradivarius and Urban Outfitters. Meanwhile, in the Lower Green Mall, Søstrene Grene has signed for a 5,000 sq ft unit opposite Next. Known for its Scandinavian-inspired home décor, furniture, crafts and gift items, the retailer will join an established line-up that includes ProCook, Clarks, and Holland & Barrett. Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset manager of Metrocentre, said:“We firmly believe that creating growth opportunities for existing brands is paramount to not just a successful tenant mix, but the overall visitor experience. Superdrug will be benefiting from that after years of success, delivering a greater range of services and products in a better and more enhanced environment. The arrival of Søstrene Grene will also elevate the centre, with both retailers highlighting confidence in our destination as we provide even more reasons for people to visit and uphold our position as the go-to destination in the North East.” These latest signings follow continued investment in Metrocentre, including a full refurbishment of Boots’ 40,000 sq ft unit, as well as new openings for Kuoni, Muffin Break, and the regional debut of Clinton’s new store format. Lunson Mitchenall and Time Retail Partners represent Metrocentre on leasing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A future defining office building set to lead on design, sustainability and occupier experience in Leeds Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) has unveiled Z – a bold, future-focused 111,000 sq ft office development at Whitehall Riverside which is set to redefine workplace standards in Leeds. Positioned on a prime riverside site, the 11-storey building will deliver a next-generation workspace that blends intelligent building systems, exceptional sustainability credentials, and distinctive architecture. Designed for ambitious, connected businesses, it will offer the most technologically advanced and experience-led office space in the city. Z is intentionally distinctive – a bold, single-letter name inspired by its spiritual, astrological and mathematical associations of knowledge, wisdom, understanding, beauty, harmony and completeness. It symbolises ambition, modernity, and a new era of workspace thinking: where performance, design, and wellbeing converge. More than a name, Z reflects a progressive shift in how we work, connect, and care for our environment. A New Brand with Creative at Its Core To support the launch, TCS has introduced a striking new visual identity and brand for Z, now live at zleeds.com. The campaign includes a series of unique, AI-generated images that blend people with elements of nature – symbolising Z’s connection to its immediate natural surroundings. A fully interactive virtual tour is also now available on the website, giving prospective occupiers a dynamic preview of the spaces and amenities on offer. Craig Burrow, Group Property Director at TCS said “As workspace continues to evolve, Z has been designed to be more than just a building. Set within an unrivalled riverside location, it provides best-in-class, smart, energy-efficient office spaces, with the highest level of amenity. We are excited to be setting new standards with a new breed of workspace”. A Smart, Sustainable, Future-Ready Workplace Z will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies that monitor air quality, occupancy, and energy usage in real time – empowering occupiers to make data-driven decisions. Flexible floorplates and a variety of workspace formats are supported by a communal rooftop terrace, lounge areas, multipurpose spaces, and high-spec meeting and event facilities. TCS is currently in advanced discussions with potential occupiers and plans to bring forward Z as a key component of the wider Whitehall Riverside masterplan. This includes a new flagship CitiPark multi-storey car park and travel hub, offering 478 EV-enabled spaces to support sustainable commuting and future mobility. A Riverside Destination for Business and Community Set within a reimagined public realm, Z connects directly to the River Aire via landscaped walkways, rain gardens, and biodiverse planting. The animated ground floor will act as a vibrant hub of activity, featuring a riverside terrace, on-site café, and social spaces designed to support both work and leisure. Z represents a major investment in the future of Leeds – a dynamic new destination that reflects how people want to work, live, and connect. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landmark leases secured for 300,000 sq ft of speculatively developed industrial space Development and asset manager, Canmoor Asset Management (Canmoor), has secured major lettings at practical completion of two brand new, speculatively developed buildings, totalling almost 300,000 sq ft at Westway at Glasgow Airport. The UK Government has signed a long lease on Westway 200, a brand new 202,862 sq ft unit, which was completed in early July 2025. The deal is believed to be Scotland’s largest speculative industrial and logistics letting in three decades. Meanwhile, Westway 90, extending to 88,017 sq ft has been let at practical completion in April this year to sustainable packaging technology company Pulpex Ltd, under a 20 year lease. The building will be used by Pulpex as the location for its first commercial-scale fibre bottle manufacturing facility, which was announced in February. Both buildings embody sustainable design, earning BREEAM “Excellent” and EPC “A” ratings. The facilities are all-electric capable and include electric vehicle charging stations, photovoltaic panels, and air source heat pumps. Key amenities include dedicated car parking, HGV parking and extensive yard space, all within Westway’s 24/7 fully secure environment. The deals mark a major milestone for Westway and for Canmoor’s speculative development programme which delivers best-in-class, sustainable industrial spaces, which continues to resonate with forward-thinking occupiers. Strong demand for the developments and the continued strength of the West Scotland market, underscores Canmoor’s commitment to speculative development at the estate. Westway stands as one of Scotland’s premier industrial estates. It offers quick and direct access to Junction 28 of the M8, via the recently opened Barnwell Street Bridge, as well as easy connectivity to Glasgow Airport and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). Further exciting developments are on the horizon at Westway. Following the planned demolition of Block F, a new phase of build-to-let opportunities will be introduced, featuring purpose-built industrial units ranging from 20,000 to 300,000 sq ft. Joint letting agents at Westway are JLL and Colliers. The main contractor on this development was Muir Construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Skanska has been appointed by National Highways to deliver a long-awaited upgrade to the A47 Thickthorn junction near Norwich, under a contract valued at £153 million. The junction, which links the A47 with the A11 south of the city, is a critical gateway to the region, serving routes towards Norfolk and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Long plagued by congestion, the site is now set for major redevelopment to support future residential and commercial growth. The scheme has faced a series of delays and rising costs. Initially estimated at between £50 million and £100 million, the price tag later surged to £161 million, leading to the termination of the previous contract with Galliford Try—also the contractor for two other A47 upgrades at Blofield to North Burlingham and North Tuddenham to Easton. All three projects were delayed by ultimately unsuccessful legal challenges. Now back on track, enabling works are under way, with full construction expected to commence in early 2026. The new junction is not expected to open to traffic until 2029. Once complete, it will include a 1.6km free-flow link road connecting the A11 northbound to the A47 eastbound via two new underpasses, alongside a 1km local link road joining Cantley Lane South with the B1172 Norwich Road. This local route will feature a modular bridge spanning the A11 and the new link road. The project also involves the creation of two new junctions on the local road network, the widening of the A47 westbound slip road, and the removal and replacement of an existing footbridge with a structure suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders. Skanska is partnering with consulting engineer Sweco to deliver the project, which will include five new structures and over 3km of utility diversions. At its peak, the scheme will employ more than 300 people. Andrew English, executive vice president at Skanska UK, said:“We have worked collaboratively with National Highways to develop the design and scheme budget to ensure it meets the overall cost envelope for the project. Our focus on cost, while ensuring we can deliver the full benefits of the scheme safely and on programme, has been key to our approach. It’s a great outcome that has been achieved as a result of our trusted working relationship with National Highways, developed over more than two decades. We’re now looking forward to moving into main construction, delivering these much-needed improvements that will generate long-lasting benefits for the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Craig Thow has been appointed Operations Director of Robertson Construction Northern, following nine successful years with Robertson Construction Tayside. Craig joined Robertson in 2016 as Operations Manager and has since played a pivotal role in delivering high-quality projects for public and private sector customers across Dundee, Angus, Fife, and Perthshire. His leadership spans a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, hospitality and commercial. Notably, he was involved in the delivery of a number of prestigious projects across the Tayside region including Scotland’s first accredited Passivhaus primary school, Riverside Primary School, and the £26m office development in Dundee. With almost 30 years of industry experience, Craig will now oversee all operational aspects of project delivery in the Northern region. His responsibilities include ensuring projects are completed to the highest quality, delivered efficiently, on programme and within budget, alongside identifying and securing new opportunities. One of his first major projects will be the construction of a new business park at Oban Airport, which recently received planning approval. Craig studied civil engineering at Heriot-Watt University and has worked for several construction companies, starting as a Site Engineer and progressing to Project Manager before joining Robertson. Speaking on his appointment, Craig said: “With strong opportunities on the horizon and a solid pipeline of ongoing projects, it’s a great time to be joining the Northern business. I look forward to sharing my experiences with the team and supporting the business’ continued success.” Craig also acted as a Young People Champion for four years, responsible for delivering operational support to embed and enhance the Robertson NextGen Strategy. This is geared towards providing meaningful career development and engagement opportunities for employees aged 16 to 24 years. Craig added: “Ensuring there is enough development and support given to the younger generation is important to me and is fundamental for the industry. Through our dedicated team delivering small works, we are creating real opportunities for young people to gain hands-on experience, earn qualifications and learn a trade on live projects. It’s a model that not only supports skills development but offers a clear career path for life.” Regional Managing Director Ian Phillips commented: “Craig is a strong and welcome addition to our high-performing team. He brings valuable operational leadership experience along with a deep understanding of the Robertson way of working. His expertise will further strengthen the business as we continue to grow across the region.” With offices in Elgin, Inverness and Fort William, Robertson Construction Northern is a trusted partner of choice for an array of customers covering Moray, Highlands & Islands, Lochaber and Aberdeenshire. It is part of Robertson Group, one of the largest family-owned construction, infrastructure, property and support services businesses in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than 100 keen golfers swung into action at Worsley Park for the annual Algeco Manchester Golf Day – raising more than £72,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. A total of 28 teams teed off yesterday (July 15), with the money raised enough to fund 2,057 nights of ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families with children in hospital. Algeco UK is a leading modular buildings, temporary accommodation and storage container provider, delivering construction expertise to diverse sectors including schools, hospitals, office locations and many more. The company is a longstanding partner of McDonald’s. Paul Beard, Senior Design Manager at Algeco, explained: “We are immensely proud to be the headline sponsor once again for this fantastic annual event. The impact of the work carried out by the charity for children and their families is incredible, and we are pleased to play our small part in supporting this.” Algeco UK has provided McDonald’s with offsite build solutions since 2010 and has constructed more than 220 new stores using its modular retail construction process. This includes McDonald’s Market Drayton, which was notably the UK’s first carbon net zero restaurant (using the UKGBC’s net zero carbon buildings framework) and the two-storey Drive-Thru restaurant in North Acton, London, also the first of its kind in the UK. As a key partner to McDonald’s, Algeco UK is a long-standing supporter of its house charity. Over the years, the marketing team from Algeco UK has attended Ronald McDonald House Birmingham, donating their time to help keep the 65 bedrooms, communal kitchens and living room spaces clean for people with children in hospital. Tony Morton, Director of Partnerships at Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Algeco UK, for their continued support of our Manchester Golf Day. They’ve contributed significantly to another hugely successful event, with a fantastic day of golf and most importantly, an incredible amount raised to help keep families close to their sick children in hospital. “Algeco UK’s support for our cause extends beyond the Manchester Golf Day, with staff giving up their time to volunteer in our Houses. We thank them for their amazing efforts, which make such a difference to families going through unimaginably difficult times.” This year, Algeco UK entered four teams, featuring Algeco OSS staff, a further team with staff from Algeco Hire, and five more teams on behalf of partners and suppliers. Other entrants consisted of key McDonald’s partners, suppliers and sub-contractors. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola, Scania and McCain were among the other sponsors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
