Landsec has announced the unconditional sale of Queen Anne’s Mansions (QAM) in SW1 to the Arora Group, in a £245 million deal that crystallises significant value and strengthens the company’s capital recycling strategy. The office building, originally developed by Landsec in the 1970s, is currently fully let on a lease
Prologis has been selected to deliver a build-to-suit National Distribution Centre for Marks & Spencer at DIRFT — a flagship development that will support the transformation of the retailer’s food logistics network while showcasing Prologis’ expertise in designing and delivering highly complex logistics facilities. Spanning 1.3 million square feet, the
Superdrug has reinforced its presence in Oxford with two significant store developments, underlining the retailer’s strategy to grow and modernise its national portfolio. At Landsec’s Westgate Centre, Superdrug has expanded its existing store by taking on the adjacent Units 21-22, creating a larger 6,792 sq ft space. The store, which
Housebuilder Avant Homes South Wales and housing association Valleys to Coast have announced the exchange of contracts on a £42m deal to deliver 194 affordable homes in Maesteg. The new housing development will be built on the former Ewenny Road Industrial Estate which comprises 16-acres and is one of the
Orbit Homes is continuing its drive to deliver quality, energy efficient homes in Suffolk with plans to bring 220 new homes to Reydon at its new development, Copperwheat Place. Over half of the homes at Copperwheat Place will be affordable homes with 118 for affordable rent and Shared Ownership, alongside
Balfour Beatty VINCI has moved a 112m long, 1,631 tonne steel structure over a section of Lawley Middleway – part of Birmingham’s ring road, four days ahead of schedule. The operation was successfully delivered by Balfour Beatty VINCI and their bridge move contractor Mammoet. To minimise disruption to road users,
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to provide an in-depth MEP analysis of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) estate to ensure efficient operation and a comfortable environment for visitors. Pick Everard will deliver a full mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) asset verification, which will kickstart the procurement of facilities management
Nationwide Platforms, the UK’s leading provider of powered access solutions, has entered into a new multi-year partnership with WS Specialist Logistics to oversee its haulage operations across the North of England and Scotland. Effective from October 2025, the agreement will see Nationwide Platforms’ existing HGV fleet and drivers from nine
Balfour Beatty has just announces that it has been awarded two places on National Grid’s c. £59 billion High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) supply chain framework. The company is one of 19 suppliers appointed to the framework which covers a period of five years, with an option for a three-year
Development and asset manager, Canmoor, is delighted to announce that Westway at Glasgow Airport has been shortlisted for Best Overall Scheme (Logistics Park) at the prestigious Industrial Agents Society (IAS) Awards 2025. The recognition places Westway among the UK’s most outstanding industrial and logistics developments. The IAS Awards, regarded as
Landsec has announced the unconditional sale of Queen Anne’s Mansions (QAM) in SW1 to the Arora Group, in a £245 million deal that crystallises significant value and strengthens the company’s capital recycling strategy. The office building, originally developed by Landsec in the 1970s, is currently fully let on a lease running until December 2028. While the asset continues to generate stable rental income, much of its current valuation is tied to its long-term redevelopment potential. The transaction represents substantial early progress towards Landsec’s target of releasing £2 billion of capital from office assets by 2030. The strategy is focused on repositioning the portfolio towards holdings that deliver sustainable income growth and improved returns over the long term. Completion of the sale is expected in early December 2025, following the receipt of a 10 per cent non-refundable deposit. The £245 million sales price is in line with the asset’s expected book value, adjusted for income receipts and depreciation since the last valuation date. The disposal is anticipated to reduce Landsec’s loan-to-value ratio by 1.3 percentage points, to 38.4 per cent. As the transaction was achieved earlier than planned, the finance lease income originally due to be received across 2025 and 2026 will instead be consolidated as a capital receipt in 2025. While this reallocation will reduce EPRA earnings in FY26 and FY27, overall cash generation remains unaffected, with proceeds available for reinvestment into accretive opportunities. Mark Allan, Chief Executive Officer of Landsec, commented: “This sale provides clear evidence of recovery within the central London investment market and enables us to crystallise full value for this off-strategy asset sooner than anticipated. Including QAM, total disposals since March stand at approximately £500 million, ahead of expectations and underpinned by strong operational performance across the wider business. This represents encouraging progress towards delivering our long-term strategy.” The deal also reinforces signs of renewed confidence in London’s office investment market, with institutional and private buyers seeking prime opportunities to capitalise on redevelopment potential and long-term rental growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis has been selected to deliver a build-to-suit National Distribution Centre for Marks & Spencer at DIRFT — a flagship development that will support the transformation of the retailer’s food logistics network while showcasing Prologis’ expertise in designing and delivering highly complex logistics facilities. Spanning 1.3 million square feet, the facility represents a £340 million investment — the largest in M&S’s food supply chain history — and forms a key part of the company’s strategy to double the size of its food business. The construction phase is expected to support over 2,000 jobs, with around 1,000 roles once operational — covering logistics, management, and technical engineering. The development combines chilled storage, advanced automated fulfilment, returns and recycling operations, and dedicated office space — all tailored to M&S’s operational requirements and growth ambitions. TGW Logistics has been appointed as the automation partner for the project. Located at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, the campus will be fully electric and designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating — an internationally recognised benchmark for sustainable building performance. Proven Build-to-Suit Expertise With decades of experience in land acquisition, site selection, permitting, construction and delivery, Prologis is uniquely positioned to manage complex, large-scale projects like this one. Its in-house teams streamline the process from design through delivery, ensuring maximized value engineering, accelerated timelines and reliable technical expertise at every step. By partnering with industry-leading architects, consultants and contractors, Prologis consistently delivers facilities on or ahead of schedule. Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “M&S selected Prologis for our experience in delivering complex large-scale logistics projects designed to meet the highest environmental standards. This development enables a future-fit supply chain for M&S and brings lasting economic value to the Midlands — through skilled jobs, resilient infrastructure and investment in one of the UK’s most important logistics locations.” DIRFT: A Key Driver of Regional Growth This latest milestone takes Prologis’ leased or committed space at DIRFT III to over 75%, reinforcing the site’s role as one of the UK’s most mature intermodal logistics hubs. Currently, more than 10,000 people are employed across DIRFT in a growing range of logistics, operations, and technical roles. In 2023/24 alone, customers at DIRFT contributed £13.1 million in business rates. The site generates £219 million in annual GVA, making it one of the region’s most important economic assets. Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This investment is a strong signal of continued confidence in West Northamptonshire and wider South Midlands region as a centre of national and European logistics. As the UK’s largest inland port, DIRFT plays a critical role in supporting jobs, attracting business, and driving economic growth across the backbone of the UK. We look forward to working with all stakeholders on the long-term future of the site as it continues to evolve.” Setting New Standards for Sustainable Logistics On completion, the new M&S facility is expected to be the largest building in the world to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification and is also targeting EPC A+. On-site features include a large-scale rooftop PV array, EV charging, energy-saving technologies, and extensive use of recycled materials — demonstrating how Prologis build-to-suit developments combine technical excellence with sustainable innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Superdrug has reinforced its presence in Oxford with two significant store developments, underlining the retailer’s strategy to grow and modernise its national portfolio. At Landsec’s Westgate Centre, Superdrug has expanded its existing store by taking on the adjacent Units 21-22, creating a larger 6,792 sq ft space. The store, which opened earlier this year, is held on a new 10-year lease with a tenant break and rent review at year five, providing flexibility for both the retailer and the landlord. In addition, Superdrug has signed an agreement to lease the current Poundland unit at Templar Shopping Park in Cowley. The property, managed by CBRE Investment Management and Quadrant Estates on behalf of Hampshire Pension Fund, will be handed over in August. This second deal is also structured as a 10-year lease with similar break and review provisions. Together, the new lettings push Superdrug beyond its target of 25 store openings in 2025, reflecting strong performance in both city centre and retail park locations. Simon Horner of GCW, acting for Superdrug, said the moves highlight the retailer’s dual approach to growth: “Oxford is a great example of how Superdrug is expanding on two fronts – through larger, more modern units in high-footfall city centre destinations, and through selective acquisitions in successful out-of-town retail parks.” CBRE acted for Landsec on the Westgate deal, while Curson Sowerby Partners represented the landlord at Templar Shopping Park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housebuilder Avant Homes South Wales and housing association Valleys to Coast have announced the exchange of contracts on a £42m deal to deliver 194 affordable homes in Maesteg. The new housing development will be built on the former Ewenny Road Industrial Estate which comprises 16-acres and is one of the largest redevelopment and regeneration projects in the region. This marks Pontypridd-based Avant Homes South Wales’s inaugural deal with Valleys to Coast, and also the first since the housebuilder established a presence in Wales last year. Using Cardiff Capital Region funding, Bridgend County Borough Council worked to remediate the brownfield site to allow the new homes development to take place. Avant Homes will deliver a mix of energy efficient, practically designed house types. Of the homes, at least 108 will be built to Welsh Design Quality Requirements with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A and be carbon free, with the remainder achieving an EPC ‘B’ rating. The mix of homes available will include one-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom terraced, semi-detached and detached properties. The site has outline planning permission and Avant Homes South Wales will submit a reserved matters application in August. Subject to planning, work is expected to start next March, with the first residents scheduled to move in to their new homes next December. Avant Homes South Wales managing director, Martin Smith, commented: “This deal is an excellent example of effective collaborative working between Bridgend County Borough Council, Cardiff Capital Region, Valleys to Coast and ourselves. “It’s successful conclusion enables the provision of more quality new homes for the South Wales Valleys in a development that will create a thriving new community within Maesteg. “This is a landmark deal for Avant Homes South Wales with it being our first one with Valleys to Coast, and our first in Wales. “We have a highly capable and ambitious local team in our business who are proud to be playing their part in delivering this exciting and essential regeneration project. “We will continue to build upon this momentum and we are in advanced discussions regarding a number of other deals to provide quality affordable new homes throughout South Wales.” Avant Homes Group is headquartered in Barlborough, near Chesterfield, and operates across South Wales, the north of England, the Midlands and Scotland. The housebuilder has a multi-tenure growth strategy which sees it deliver homes for private sale, the private rented sector (PRS) and additional affordable housing. For the year ended 30 June 2025, the Avant Homes Group delivered 1,659 completions with net debt of less than £90m. For further information on Avant Homes visit www.avanthomes.co.uk and for Valleys to Coast go to www.valleystocoast.wales Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Orbit Homes is continuing its drive to deliver quality, energy efficient homes in Suffolk with plans to bring 220 new homes to Reydon at its new development, Copperwheat Place. Over half of the homes at Copperwheat Place will be affordable homes with 118 for affordable rent and Shared Ownership, alongside a further 84 for market sale. 11 homes will be available as self-build plots and 7 homes will be for those impacted by or at risk of coastal erosion. The development will feature a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses, and one, two and three-bedroom bungalows. The homes will be built to Orbit Homes’ sector-leading design and safety standards, which have been matched against the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Safer by Design framework to limit the most common hazards found in a home. All homes at Copperwheat Place are also planned to include several features to support energy efficiency as standard, including Air Source Heat Pumps, electric vehicle charging points and enhanced cavity insulation. The scheme will be designed to embrace sustainability and biodiversity, supporting Orbit Group’s biodiversity commitment to enable nature’s recovery in 30% of its outdoor spaces by 2030, and will include public spaces, a children’s play area and connecting footpaths to new and existing walkways. Copperwheat Place will also include at least one nature positive feature for every new home built, as part of Orbit Homes’ commitment to ‘Homes for Nature’, a five-year initiative from the Future Homes Hub dedicated to increasing wildlife on all new developments. Homes for Nature measures include bird nesting boxes, hedgehog highways and nature friendly planting. Construction is set to begin in autumn 2025. Ray Winney, Regional Managing Director for Orbit Homes in the East, commented: “We are delighted to announce plans to bring 220 quality, energy efficient new homes to Suffolk at Copperwheat Place in Reydon. This development continues our investment in the region and will deliver much-needed new homes in a mix of tenures to support the local housing need. “Copperwheat Place is designed to be a sustainable new community, providing customers with energy efficient homes and attractive green spaces for residents to enjoy which help wildlife thrive. We’re excited to see this site progress over the coming years.” Copperwheat Place is situated in Reydon, a village offering the best of both worlds with its stunning countryside location and the bustling seaside of Southwold just a mile and a half away. Copperwheat Place joins several developments that Orbit Homes is currently delivering in Suffolk, including Homestead Park in Stonham Aspal, Weavers Grove in Bildeston, Brickmakers Place in Woolpit and Harolds Gate on the Norfolk-Suffolk border in Harleston. For more information about Copperwheat Place and to register your interest, visit: www.orbithomes.org.uk/copperwheat-place Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty VINCI has moved a 112m long, 1,631 tonne steel structure over a section of Lawley Middleway – part of Birmingham’s ring road, four days ahead of schedule. The operation was successfully delivered by Balfour Beatty VINCI and their bridge move contractor Mammoet. To minimise disruption to road users, the huge span was moved during night-time road closures – moving between 18 and 24 metres every night using a special skidding system – ensuring that the road has remained open during the day. From the first day of the move on 15 August, the team – helped by favourable weather conditions, were able to get ahead of programme, meaning the road will be back to normal from 6am on Friday 22 August instead of the planned full reopening on Monday 25 August. Georgios Markakis, Project Manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “This is a proud moment for my team, who have worked hard to deliver this impressive feat of engineering. Through careful planning and expert support from our supply chain, we were able to deliver the operation much quicker than planned. “Not only have we successfully delivered a milestone feat of engineering on the HS2 project, we’ve also been able to get the road back to normal early – which is good news for everyone.” HS2’s Head of Delivery for the Curzon Approaches, Greg Sugden said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the team, and the culmination of two years’ work including detailed design, planning, construction and delivery of this highly technical launch operation. “It is the first steel structure to be put in place for the one mile stretch of viaducts on the approach to Birmingham Curzon Street Station – a pivotal part of the high-speed railway now starting to take shape.” “Not only have we successfully delivered a milestone feat of engineering on the HS2 project, we’ve also been able to get the road back to normal early – which is good news for everyone.” Rather than building the bridge in situ, disruption to road users was drastically reduced by constructing the steel span on land next to Digbeth Canal over the last two years. On 15 August 2025, heavy lifting engineering experts Mammoet rotated the bridge 90 degrees using two self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs). Over the following four nights, a skidding system – with a jacking push/pull mechanism, was used alongside the SPMTs to move the structure into place across Lawley Middleway. This combination of techniques is rarely used and is a first for Balfour Beatty VINCI on the HS2 project. Lawley Middleway bridge forms part of the railway’s approach to Birmingham, with high-speed trains travelling out of the west portal of the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel at Washwood Heath and onto a one mile stretch of five connected viaducts – Duddeston Junction, Curzon 1, Curzon 2, Lawley Middleway and Curzon 3 which links onto the platforms of Birmingham Curzon Street Station. Now at peak productivity, work will progress on this section of the railway with the second Bromford Tunnel breakthrough, Curzon 2 viaduct move, first Duddeston Junction Viaduct move, reopening of Aston Church Road, demolition of the old Aston Church Road bridge and start of construction of the new Saltley Viaduct – all set to happen over the next 12 months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard has been appointed to provide an in-depth MEP analysis of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) estate to ensure efficient operation and a comfortable environment for visitors. Pick Everard will deliver a full mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) asset verification, which will kickstart the procurement of facilities management services for the organisation. The high-profile commission spans six sites, covering more than 120,000m², and includes the iconic South Kensington flagship museum, the Young V&A, the new V&A East Museum, and key support facilities across London and Wiltshire. The project aims to establish a unified asset register for key MEP equipment, detailing their condition, functionality and effectiveness. The data will also underpin long-term maintenance, compliance, lifecycle planning, and capital investment strategies. Led by Associate Director for Building Services Dean Burroughs, with support from Pick Everard’s London and regional engineering teams, the project is structured into three phases: a desktop review and gap analysis, followed by stakeholder engagement and on-site surveys. Dean said: “Our approach ensures minimal disruption to daily operations while maintaining technical consistency across this complex heritage estate. We’re also working closely with V&A stakeholders to align our methodology and outputs with their broader estate strategy. “Work such as this in the cultural and heritage sector, backed by engineering expertise is essential to ensure the safe and efficient operation and management of landmark sites across the UK. “An MEP valuation is the first step in creating a positive impact on the employee and visitor experience. It is vital our heritage and cultural attractions remain functional and comfortable locations to work in and visit so they continue to play an important role in the economy. “The appointment by the V&A highlights the strength of Pick Everard’s MEP team and our growing reputation for delivering high-quality, data-led consultancy across the country’s most significant estates.” All data across the estate’s building infrastructure and systems including heating, ventilation, power, lighting and plumbing, will be captured digitally using GoReport software. Final outputs will include a structured asset schedule and condition grading report aligned with CIBSE Guide M. The schedule comes complete with intelligent high-fidelity data exports and visualisations, for precision across every level of detail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nationwide Platforms, the UK’s leading provider of powered access solutions, has entered into a new multi-year partnership with WS Specialist Logistics to oversee its haulage operations across the North of England and Scotland. Effective from October 2025, the agreement will see Nationwide Platforms’ existing HGV fleet and drivers from nine depots across the two regions transfer to WS Specialist Logistics. These vehicles will be dedicated solely to Nationwide Platforms’ operations, operating under dual branding and continuing to run from existing Nationwide Platforms locations to ensure a seamless transition. Nationwide Platforms’ haulage operation in the remaining regions will continue to be managed internally as they currently are. As part of the partnership, Nationwide Platforms will continue to oversee the full end-to-end order management process internally. WS Specialist Logistics, headquartered in the North, will provide dedicated fleet management and driver support, working closely with Nationwide Platforms to maintain high safety and reliability standards. WS Specialist Logistics, a specialist in construction logistics, was selected for its ability to offer operational excellence in complex logistics environments. The partnership will enable Nationwide Platforms to focus on its core powered access rental and service offering. “This new partnership with WS Specialist Logistics is a logical step for Nationwide Platforms,” said Dan Smith, UK Chief Operating Officer for Nationwide Platforms. “It allows us to invest more in our core business and prioritise customer needs as we enter a period of anticipated growth. WS Specialist Logistics’ experience, infrastructure and track record in our sector make them an ideal logistics partner for this next phase of our development.” Nigel McMullan, CEO of WS Specialist Group, added, “Our team is excited to bring our expertise in specialist haulage to support Nationwide Platforms’ operations in the North and Scotland. We look forward to building a successful long-term relationship, delivering great service and supporting their future growth.” This strategic collaboration is the latest move by Nationwide Platforms to strengthen its position as the market leader in powered access solutions. For more information on Nationwide Platforms please visit: https://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty has just announces that it has been awarded two places on National Grid’s c. £59 billion High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) supply chain framework. The company is one of 19 suppliers appointed to the framework which covers a period of five years, with an option for a three-year extension. As the only company appointed to two Lots on the framework, Balfour Beatty will deliver both the civil engineering works for future converter station schemes, as well as the associated onshore underground cabling works. Contracts, including defined scope and value of works, are expected to be awarded in 2026 and throughout the duration of the framework. The HVDC supply chain framework aims to establish long-term partnerships for both ongoing and future energy projects to help connect cleaner, more affordable energy to homes and businesses across England and Wales. As the largest power transmission provider in the UK, Balfour Beatty’s appointment to the HVDC supply chain framework builds on its long and proud history of working with National Grid. Most recently, the company successfully completed the Viking Link Interconnector Project having installed 68 kilometers of high voltage cabling across Lincolnshire; connecting Denmark to Great Britain at National Grid’s Bicker Fen substation in Boston, Lincolnshire. Stephen Tarr, Divisional CEO and Group Sector Lead – UK Energy at Balfour Beatty, said: “Our unique end-to-end capabilities and our extensive civil engineering knowledge makes us ideally positioned to secure the power supply to millions of homes and businesses across England and Wales. “We look forward to working closely and collaboratively with National Grid and our partners on the High Voltage Direct Current supply chain framework, as we build on our long-standing relationship and our history of successful delivery.” Zac Richardson, Chief Engineer and Offshore Delivery Director of Strategic Infrastructure at National Grid, said: “This marks a major step forward in delivering the UK’s future energy network. This investment not only underpins the transition to a more secure, independent and low-carbon energy future, but will also support tens of thousands of UK jobs, boost regional supply chains and strengthen our construction and engineering sectors. By building strategic, long-term partnerships with leading UK-based contractors, we’re ensuring the UK is ready to meet the growing demand for electricity with a resilient and modern network.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Development and asset manager, Canmoor, is delighted to announce that Westway at Glasgow Airport has been shortlisted for Best Overall Scheme (Logistics Park) at the prestigious Industrial Agents Society (IAS) Awards 2025. The recognition places Westway among the UK’s most outstanding industrial and logistics developments. The IAS Awards, regarded as one of the most respected accolades in the property sector, celebrate excellence in industrial and logistics real estate. Being shortlisted reflects the quality, vision and positive impact that Westway has delivered to both occupiers and the wider community. In particular, the shortlisting recognises Canmoor’s ambitious speculative development programme, which has delivered 300,000 sq ft of high-quality, sustainable industrial space to the Scottish market. This includes the successful completion and pre-letting of two flagship units within the park: Westway 90, now home to sustainable packaging innovator Pulpex, and Westway 200, secured by the UK Government. Designed and built with sustainability at their core, 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. Gregor King, Scottish Director of Canmoor said: “We are delighted that Westway has been recognised on a national stage. This shortlisting in recognition of Westway 90 and Westway 200 is a testament to our commitment to delivering ‘best in class’, sustainable logistics space on a speculative basis. “Securing Pulpex and the UK Government as occupiers demonstrates both the park’s appeal and the importance of our role in supporting innovation and public sector operations.” The winners of the IAS Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday 24 September. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
