Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has secured a 10-acre site in Heathrow, strategically located on the established North Feltham Trading Estate just two miles from Heathrow Airport. This acquisition reinforces Panattoni’s focus on delivering high-quality logistics solutions in prime, supply-constrained areas. The new development, Panattoni Park
Clowes Developments, in partnership with contractor Roe Developments, has commenced enabling works for the next phase of Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington. The project will deliver five new trade counter, warehouse, and industrial units ranging in size from 3,229 sq ft to 4,606 sq ft, following planning approval
Plans have been formally submitted for a major riverside regeneration project in Sunderland, with enabling works on the new Sheepfolds neighbourhood potentially starting as early as autumn. The hybrid planning application outlines proposals for up to 600 new homes, as well as commercial space and a car park, forming a
EG On the Move, founded in 2023 by Zuber Issa and Imraan Patel following the restructuring of EG Group’s UK operations, is rapidly establishing itself as a major force in the UK’s forecourt and convenience retail sector. The company now operates over 150 sites nationwide and employs around 4,500 people.
An exciting new collaboration between one of the leading operators of student accommodation, Fresh, and British department store, John Lewis & Partners is taking the stress out of move-in weekend for student residents. As part of Fresh’s commitment to resident wellbeing, the collaboration is designed not only to ensure residents
Now is a time of change for UK’s ‘broken’ water sector Publication of the final report of the independent review into the water sector’s regulatory system in England and Wales has been welcomed by ACE Group. The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, has now concluded its investigation
LiGHT 25 – the UK’s only trade show dedicated to high-end lighting specification, returns to the Business Design Centre, Islington, London on the 19th and 20th of November 2025, promising its biggest and most inspiring edition yet. Following a record-breaking 2024 event that welcomed over 5,500 visitors, this year’s show
The UK housing market, as well as several other economic indicators across the country, sustained a wrecking ball of a blow back in September 2022. This was the result of former prime minister Liz Truss’ disastrous mini-budget. All of the games made coming out of the beginning of the decade
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has secured a 10-acre site in Heathrow, strategically located on the established North Feltham Trading Estate just two miles from Heathrow Airport. This acquisition reinforces Panattoni’s focus on delivering high-quality logistics solutions in prime, supply-constrained areas. The new development, Panattoni Park Heathrow, presents an opportunity for occupiers to secure bespoke, build-to-suit logistics space of up to 250,000 sq ft, tailored to specific operational needs. Ahead of submitting a planning application, Panattoni is actively seeking build-to-suit pre-let agreements to deliver flexible, purpose-built facilities for occupiers in one of the most strategically connected locations in the country. This development is highly significant for the logistics sector in the Heathrow area. Heathrow Airport is a critical hub for international trade and distribution and the demand for logistics and industrial space in its vicinity is consistently high. The proximity of Panattoni Park Heathrow to the airport makes it an ideal location for businesses requiring cargo operations, facilitating access to international markets and efficient distribution networks for London and the wider Southeast. Panattoni’s latest acquisition is a pivotal development for occupiers seeking Grade A logistics space near Heathrow and across the Thames Valley. In one of the UK’s most land-constrained markets, this ten-acre site brings much-needed capacity, with a flexible masterplan that can deliver units of varying sizes to suit to suit tenant requirements. Drawing on its extensive build-to-suit expertise, Panattoni is meeting surging demand for modern, high-quality facilities that streamline last-mile delivery in London while maintaining seamless regional and international distribution via the airport. This project underlines Panattoni’s commitment to providing truly flexible solutions for leading logistics and e-commerce operators. Alex Mitchell, Development Manager at Panattoni, commented: “This acquisition at Heathrow represents a significant opportunity to provide much-needed, high-quality logistics space in a critically important and supply-constrained market. Panattoni Park Heathrow represents one of the latest significant development sites near the airport, offering occupiers the chance to secure sustainable, bespoke buildings in a market defined by limited availability. The park will cater to the strong demand from businesses looking to capitalise on Heathrow’s connectivity for both London and international operations. We are excited to bring this project forward and further solidify our presence in the UK’s key logistics corridors.” Panattoni was advised by JLL on the acquisition Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments, in partnership with contractor Roe Developments, has commenced enabling works for the next phase of Stud Brook Business Park in Castle Donington. The project will deliver five new trade counter, warehouse, and industrial units ranging in size from 3,229 sq ft to 4,606 sq ft, following planning approval from North West Leicestershire District Council. Located on Plot 1, the units will be built around the fully operational Starbucks Drive-Thru, which sits prominently at the entrance of the business park and offers excellent access and ample central parking. The site is also adjacent to a newly opened Sainsbury’s Local, further enhancing the location’s appeal. Designed primarily for trade counter operators, the new units are part of a strategic expansion of the park. Occupier announcements are expected in the coming months. Roe Developments has been appointed as the main contractor and will deliver the scheme under a 30-week build programme. Units are scheduled for handover around Christmas 2025, with occupiers anticipated to begin trading in the New Year. James Richards, Development Director at Clowes Developments, commented: “We’re excited to move forward with the next phase at Stud Brook Business Park. The development has seen strong demand from trade operators since its launch, and Plot 1 represents a key opportunity to build on that momentum. With its prime location and excellent amenities, this phase is set to attract high-quality occupiers. Our ongoing collaboration with IMA Architects and local stakeholders ensures the scheme supports both commercial needs and the broader Castle Donington community.” Potential trade counter occupiers are invited to contact the site’s agents directly via Richard Sutton richards@ng-cs.com 07977 121 340 and Tim Gilbertson tim@fhp.co.uk 07887 787 893. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been formally submitted for a major riverside regeneration project in Sunderland, with enabling works on the new Sheepfolds neighbourhood potentially starting as early as autumn. The hybrid planning application outlines proposals for up to 600 new homes, as well as commercial space and a car park, forming a key part of the city’s broader ambition to re-populate and revitalise its centre. Sheepfolds will become the most densely populated of the four emerging neighbourhoods within the Riverside Sunderland masterplan, located on the north side of the River Wear and connected to the city centre via the new Keel Crossing. Vistry Group, named as the council’s preferred development partner in May, is spearheading the plans. The hybrid application includes a detailed submission for the first phase of remediation works, which could begin in autumn 2025, with full housing construction targeted to start in early spring 2026. Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, said:“There is a pace to the development programme in this city that sends a clear message to our residents that we deliver what we say we will. The works proposed within the planning application will prepare the site for the first phase of residential development, which will be located to the east of the neighbourhood, connecting the fantastic new Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy with the St Peter’s Metro station.” The Riverside Sunderland vision aims to regenerate 32 hectares of brownfield land, delivering 1,000 new homes across four communities, with Sheepfolds set to play a central role in shaping the area’s future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
EG On the Move, founded in 2023 by Zuber Issa and Imraan Patel following the restructuring of EG Group’s UK operations, is rapidly establishing itself as a major force in the UK’s forecourt and convenience retail sector. The company now operates over 150 sites nationwide and employs around 4,500 people. To fuel its next phase of growth, EG On the Move has appointed commercial property advisor Colliers to secure more than 120 new roadside sites over the next three years. The business is targeting locations ranging from 0.35 to 10 acres, with a preference for high-traffic areas such as A-road junctions, edge-of-town retail parks, and other prominent roadside plots. The company’s expansion strategy focuses on locations suitable for drive-through formats, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, petrol filling stations, and convenience retail. It is acquiring sites on behalf of a number of leading food and drink brands, including Starbucks, Greggs, Subway, Popeyes, Chaiiwala, and Sbarro. In addition to roadside plots, EG On the Move is also seeking retail units of up to 1,500 sq ft in high-footfall areas, such as university campuses, transport hubs, and town centre leisure districts. The latest expansion drive follows the company’s acquisition of 98 forecourts from Applegreen in early 2025, increasing its total portfolio to 151 forecourt sites and over 200 foodservice concessions. The deal also included a fuel card business, strengthening its offer to both consumers and fleet customers. EG On the Move’s continued investment reflects broader trends in the UK’s forecourt landscape—namely, consolidation, a growing shift towards EV infrastructure, and the rise of convenience-led retail as part of the roadside experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An exciting new collaboration between one of the leading operators of student accommodation, Fresh, and British department store, John Lewis & Partners is taking the stress out of move-in weekend for student residents. As part of Fresh’s commitment to resident wellbeing, the collaboration is designed not only to ensure residents feel comfortable and supported from day one, but also features exclusive offers and practical support tailored to students’ needs. The partnership reflects Fresh’s ongoing investment in enhancing the student experience and is part of a wider programme of wellbeing-focused initiatives. Sam Scott, Managing Director of Fresh, explains: “Check-in weekend can feel stressful for many students but at Fresh we are providing more than just a home. We want our residents to be welcomed into a community and feel valued from the day they move in. Our collaboration with John Lewis adds a greater level of enjoyment for all involved. With fabulous pop-up shops in several of our Fresh locations, free lunches and parking we are confident we will be making the move-in experience less stressful, taking the pressure off our new residents and their parents and carers for a smooth experience.” The John Lewis & Partners pop-up shops will be available at selected Fresh properties as students move in, selling everything from power banks to duvets. Its stock is designed to ensure that students can access all forgotten essentials, no matter how big or small, to ensure check-in day is a seamless experience. The unique collaboration between Fresh and John Lewis & Partners will also see dedicated shopping lists available for students who simply don’t know where to start with their university packing. Created with Fresh properties in mind, the shopping lists take account of what students will already have in their rooms, as well as what they might need. Parents and carers are also supported via the collaboration, with vouchers available for discounted food and drinks and free parking at participating John Lewis & Partners stores during check-in weekend (time limits apply). The offer means adults can take a breather and give their youngsters a couple of hours to unpack and meet their fellow residents, before ensuring all is well and saying their goodbyes. The collaboration with John Lewis & Partners is the latest in a string of innovations implemented by Fresh to support students’ wellbeing. The company already delivers the best-in-class Be Wellbeing programme, supporting the evolution of vibrant communities where residents can thrive. The programme is an integral part of the Fresh experience, meaning every student is supported to build friendships and enjoy a sense of belonging. Regular events and activities take place throughout the year as part of the Be Wellbeing programme, from sushi-making classes and breakfast get-togethers to art therapy and puppy yoga. Students are also welcomed to a wide range of cultural and religious celebrations, including for Christmas, Lunar New Year, Holi Bhai Dooj, Eid, Ramadan and Hanukkah. Louise Julier, Business Partnerships Executive at John Lewis & Partners comments: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Fresh to deliver this unique new service to students in support of their wellbeing. A stress-free start to the university term supports young people to settle in more quickly and enjoy the experience, rather than the anxiety of forgotten essentials. It’s a weight off minds for parents and carers too, knowing their young people have everything they need to embrace their fledgling independence.” To find out more, visit www.thisisfresh.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Now is a time of change for UK’s ‘broken’ water sector Publication of the final report of the independent review into the water sector’s regulatory system in England and Wales has been welcomed by ACE Group. The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, has now concluded its investigation into the provision of water and the quality of our natural water environment. The review is a direct response to a catalogue of pollution cases, financial difficulties, mismanagement and infrastructure failures within the sector, which combined have shaken the public’s trust. With firm recommendations on driving resilience, enabling innovation, supporting supply chain capacity, speeding up delivery and the capability of water companies to roll out large infrastructure projects, ACE Group is calling on Government to embed these into law at the earliest opportunity. Director of Policy at ACE Group, Marie-Claude Hemming, said: “ACE Group has long argued that the UK’s water sector is fundamentally broken, still driven by cycles of boom and bust alongside challenging business models, a lack strategy and pipeline visibility. “The publication of the Cunliffe review highlights that it really is now time for change. Trust has been broken and we all have a part to play in its restoration. “This cannot be done in isolation. While we urge the government to implement the recommendations of this independent review as soon as possible, we must all be cognisant of big decisions ahead. “Primarily, it is no longer possible to continue with the current approach, whereby the industry is deprived of necessary investment – does not drive economic growth and the longer-term environmental outcomes future generations deserve. “We need honest conversations about cost and the finance models needed to deliver the world class water infrastructure society expects. “ACE Group urges Government not to shy away from difficult decisions and seize the opportunity to deliver this once in a generation reform to our water sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LiGHT 25 – the UK’s only trade show dedicated to high-end lighting specification, returns to the Business Design Centre, Islington, London on the 19th and 20th of November 2025, promising its biggest and most inspiring edition yet. Following a record-breaking 2024 event that welcomed over 5,500 visitors, this year’s show continues to evolve with a dynamic new addition to the layout. To reflect the scale and scope of the lighting industry today, LiGHT 25 will be divided into three distinct zones, helping visitors easily explore the vast range of brands, technologies, and innovations on display. One of the most exciting developments for 2025 is the introduction of the Technical Zone, located in the Gallery Hall. Already generating considerable interest, the new zone will showcase brands such as Casambi, Eldoled, Kvant, ProtoPixel, and TM Technologie. With only a handful of exhibitor spaces remaining, the Technical Zone is designed specifically for companies leading the way in urban and commercial lighting, control systems, OEM components, lamps, gear, and emergency lighting. LiGHT 25 is about far more than just product displays. Alongside hundreds of decorative and architectural lighting brands, attendees can enjoy an array of engaging content, including the return of the dedicated two-day [d]arc thoughts talks programme, which, for another year running, is in collaboration with Lutron. With unprecedented interest in speaker slots this year, the upcoming panel discussions and presentations are set to deliver thought-provoking insights and big ideas from the industry’s most influential voices. Topics and speaker announcements are set to be revealed soon, which will also encompass the separate splinter talks programme in the Association’s lounge. The exhibition also offers unrivalled opportunities for networking, branding, and social engagement. Visitors can connect with exhibitors directly on their stands, enjoy late-night welcome drinks on the opening evening, and take part in the much-loved LiGHT Lunch on day two. More informal catch-ups can happen over coffee at Jacks, the on-site gallery-level café, or in the LiGHT WORK lounge – a calm, dedicated space designed for deeper conversations and collaborative meetings. Helen Ankers, Managing Editor at [d]arc media, said: “We are delighted to bring the lighting and design communities together for the most anticipated UK event in the lighting industry for the fourth year running. LiGHT 25 is not just for lighting designers – we value bringing together inspiring leaders and passionate people to share ideas and solutions to grow the future of the entire industry. A common misconception is that trade shows dedicated to lighting specification are just for lighting specialists, yet by bringing together architects, interior designers and other professionals in the community, with innovative brands and suppliers, LiGHT 25 is the perfect opportunity to network and seek inspiration, whatever role you play in a project.” Completely free to attend, LiGHT 25 continues to set the standard for lighting exhibitions in the UK. With exhibitor slots – especially in the Technical Zone – in high demand, now is the time to secure your presence at the industry’s most anticipated event. For more information or to enquire about exhibiting, visit https://www.lightexpo.london. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK housing market, as well as several other economic indicators across the country, sustained a wrecking ball of a blow back in September 2022. This was the result of former prime minister Liz Truss’ disastrous mini-budget. All of the games made coming out of the beginning of the decade were wiped out, and then some. A slow recovery has ensued, but the need for the new government to try to fill the budget chasm left by the last has led to some hefty changes to the housing market. The culmination of the changes for the usually hot summer market has seen the buyers gain leverage. The figures would suggest that the number of properties up for sale has allowed buyers to negotiate for lower prices because of the competition among sellers. This new state of play as a buyers’ market has led some sellers to try other means of getting a fair price on their property. Shifting the Market with a Few Major Changes Three major changes arrived in short order to impact property owners and would-be sellers and buyers. These changes concerned landlord laws, taxation on second homes, and stamp duty. The latter had the most immediate impact on home buyers. Here, the brackets were moved to put a duty on movers paying £125,001 or more. This was a hefty change from the previous bracket of needing to spend at least £250,001 to incur a five per cent stamp duty tax on top of the purchase. The new lower bracket, which is £125,001 to £250,000, is only two per cent, but it is a new tax for more properties nonetheless. Regarding landlords, the laws are being changed to make the whole sector far more renter-friendly. New rules with stricter regulations on rent increases, simplified tenancy agreement structures, and the abolition of no-fault evictions are all in the Renters’ Rights Bill. Understandably, this will have several landlords selling properties. Finally, there are the long-overdue second home taxes. The UK is a rather small country and is already lacking in housing stock, so it’s only right that those who want a second home and often aren’t using a property should pay extra for the privilege. With councils permitted to double tax on these properties, many second-home owners sold. Circumventing the Traditional Market As it turns out, after a significant spike and then drop around stamp duty changes, there’s now a very competitive housing market for buyers. Having negotiation power and many options, in many postcodes, cuts of over 15 per cent to asking prices are now the average. Further, people want to shed properties before incurring more costs. To try to circumvent these trials of the traditional market as well as limit additional costs coming in, many affected by the recent rule changes have pivoted to cash home buyers. Popular among landlords looking to retire, people going through a divorce, and those facing repossession, cash buyers now have an even wider audience. The key to the increased success of this kind of buyer is the speed at which they operate. A seller would enter their postcode and a few other details to get a free cash offer fast. If it’s to their liking, the cash buyer goes through the motions of selling a property – the cost of which is factored into the offer rather than charged later – and they complete. So many different parties now want to find ways to sell their property. Specifically, ways that help to speed up the process and skip past a buyer’s paradise where hefty discounts are being sought. So, it makes sense that cash house buyers have become so popular in the UK.
