A £33.5 million expansion of film and television production facilities in Hartlepool has been approved, marking the start of a transformative development set to create over 130 new jobs and drive significant investment into the local economy. The project will see The Northern Studios expand with larger studios and state-of-the-art
Southwark councillors have approved London & Regional’s plans to replace the vacant Skipton House office block at Elephant & Castle with a major mixed-use redevelopment comprising four towers, new public realm and ground-floor amenities. Two taller blocks of 30 and 31 storeys will deliver 1,434 purpose-built student rooms let at
Travelodge has begun construction on a new 182-room hotel at Cardiff Bay’s Atlantic Wharf, directly next to the city’s upcoming 16,500-seat national arena. The hotel is part of the wider regeneration of the area and is set to become a flagship addition to the budget hotel chain’s growing UK portfolio.
Hammerson has signed a second flagship deal with UNIQLO, bringing the Japanese retailer to Cabot Circus in Bristol. The two-storey unit will provide around 15,000 sq ft of tradable space and stock womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, including the brand’s signature LifeWear collections—available in the South West for the first time.
Sentinel attracts significant investor interest Lismore Real Estate Advisors (Lismore) is pleased to announce the successful sale of Sentinel, one of Glasgow’s most recognisable office buildings, in a significant investment transaction that underscores growing confidence in the city’s office investment market. Lismore advised Ardstone Capital investment managers on behalf of
A leading housing association has submitted plans for its biggest ever development in Gloucestershire. Bromford is seeking permission to build 217 new homes on a 19.5 acre site in Matson, close to the M5 motorway. The site had previously been granted outline planning permission by Gloucester City Council in 2022
Baghdad Sustainable Forests is the next step in Baghdad’s reconstruction, providing a powerful catalyst for the environmental repair and regeneration of the city. Gensler has partnered with Emkanat to unveil a landmark masterplan to transform Baghdad into a global model for urban resilience in an ambitious new development. Baghdad Sustainable
Today marks a very special day at Trident Building Consultancy. As a proud B-Corp company, we take sustainability extremely seriously, both in terms of helping our clients become more sustainable and ensuring our own operations are optimised, as well. But now, we are taking a giant leap forward in this
Yorkshire-based GMI Construction Group has been appointed to the North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC) Refurbishment Framework, marking a significant step forward in its public sector growth strategy. The company has secured a place in the £4m-£10m project value band for the Yorkshire and Humber region, with projects to be
Dumfries & Galloway Council has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey to deliver a £38m flood protection scheme at Whitesands, setting in motion long-awaited works to safeguard the riverside quarter from the River Nith. The project follows years of debate over cost and design and responds to a persistent local problem: the
A £33.5 million expansion of film and television production facilities in Hartlepool has been approved, marking the start of a transformative development set to create over 130 new jobs and drive significant investment into the local economy. The project will see The Northern Studios expand with larger studios and state-of-the-art equipment, alongside the creation of a Screen Industries Production Village. The new village will repurpose nine disused buildings into modern pre- and post-production spaces, workshops, and collaborative hubs for creative professionals. Among the heritage properties to be revitalised is the Grade II-listed Shades Hotel, which will be restored as part of the scheme. Led by Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with The Northern School of Art, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and North East Screen, the development has secured funding from the UK Government and the Tees Valley Investment Zone. It is being delivered with support from industry specialists Leonard Design, Stace, and TIME + SPACE. The Northern Studios, which opened in 2022, have already hosted productions including ITV’s I Fought the Law, comedy series Transaction, and the feature film Jackdaw. The expansion aims to build on this success, attracting both national and international productions to the Tees Valley. With planning approvals now granted and funding in place, construction is expected to begin in the coming months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Southwark councillors have approved London & Regional’s plans to replace the vacant Skipton House office block at Elephant & Castle with a major mixed-use redevelopment comprising four towers, new public realm and ground-floor amenities. Two taller blocks of 30 and 31 storeys will deliver 1,434 purpose-built student rooms let at market rents. Flanking them, two residential towers of 21 and 23 storeys will provide 243 affordable homes, split between 171 for social rent and 72 intermediate units (including shared ownership and London Living Rent). The affordable mix comprises 77 one-bed, 108 two-bed and 58 three-bed flats. Designed by HTA Design with landscape architect Turkington Martin, the scheme also includes around 1,629 sq m of commercial and community space and a new civic square, Skipton Circus, intended to relieve pedestrian congestion and host events, markets and performances. Retail and food-and-beverage uses are planned at ground level within the student buildings, with office space and medical services on the first and second floors. Skipton House, a seven-storey 1990s office block above the former tube station concourse, has been empty since 2022 and will be demolished. The estimated 3.5-year build has prompted local concerns over disruption, alongside objections to height and massing: the consultation logged 116 objections and two letters of support. During committee, residents argued the scheme was out of scale and under-served by infrastructure; councillors acknowledged the step-change in height but weighed this against the site’s long-term vacancy and the on-site affordable housing offer. Planning permission was granted. The decision underscores the council’s focus on housing delivery and town-centre renewal around a major transport node, while consolidating Elephant & Castle’s position as a cluster for higher education demand. It follows a separate approval at the same meeting for a 15-storey student scheme on Old Kent Road from Tailored Living Solutions, providing 169 rooms (studios, “twodios” and accessible units) with a £7.8m payment in lieu to support off-site affordable housing. With demolition clearing the way, London & Regional’s project will reshape a prominent gateway site, adding high-density student accommodation alongside family-sized affordable homes and an upgraded public realm aimed at stitching the development into the wider district. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge has begun construction on a new 182-room hotel at Cardiff Bay’s Atlantic Wharf, directly next to the city’s upcoming 16,500-seat national arena. The hotel is part of the wider regeneration of the area and is set to become a flagship addition to the budget hotel chain’s growing UK portfolio. The new arena, operated by Live Nation, is expected to attract world-class artists and entertainment to the Welsh capital. Located just a five-minute walk from Cardiff Bay Station and with direct links via Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central, the hotel will also provide designated parking on site and additional parking nearby as part of the wider redevelopment. The property will showcase Travelodge’s next-generation design, featuring a contemporary reception area, upgraded guest rooms, and the 85 Bar Café, where visitors can relax before or after events. Delivered by McLaren Construction as principal contractor, the hotel forms part of the arena development being brought forward in partnership with Live Nation, Robertson Property, and Cardiff City Council. Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director at Travelodge, said: “We’re very excited to begin construction on our new hotel at the national arena in Cardiff. Once finished, the arena will hold world class events, making it a prime location for visitors, and the 182-room Travelodge will be one of our flagship assets, providing a well-connected, great-value base for business and leisure customers attending events at the new area or visiting Cardiff and the surrounding area. “This project is a brilliant example of how Councils can deliver very significant inward investment that will attract thousands of visitors to Cardiff every year. Travelodge has opened nearly 30 hotels, throughout GB, in partnership with Councils, delivering hundreds of new job and career opportunities and accommodating thousands of new visitors, who spend millions of pounds in the local areas. “We’re delighted to see work now underway at this fantastic development and look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hammerson has signed a second flagship deal with UNIQLO, bringing the Japanese retailer to Cabot Circus in Bristol. The two-storey unit will provide around 15,000 sq ft of tradable space and stock womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, including the brand’s signature LifeWear collections—available in the South West for the first time. The letting builds on leasing momentum at Cabot Circus, where M&S is due to open later this year and ODEON is set to follow in 2026. It also follows Hammerson’s agreement with UNIQLO at Birmingham’s Bullring earlier this year, with the brand making its Midlands debut next month. Paul O’Brien, director of leasing and commercialisation at Hammerson, said UNIQLO’s investment in both destinations “highlights the confidence that leading retailers have in Hammerson, and the unmatched quality of our destinations,” adding that prime, city-centre locations continue to attract “best-in-class global brands seeking regional flagships”. Alessandro Dudech, chief operating officer of UNIQLO UK, said the move forms part of a nationwide expansion across physical stores and ecommerce. “We are pleased to introduce UNIQLO to the communities and visitors in the South West at Bristol’s Cabot Circus,” he noted, highlighting LifeWear’s focus on quality, simplicity and functionality. For Cabot Circus, the arrival of a high-profile international brand adds further weight to a refreshed fashion and leisure mix, strengthening its draw across the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sentinel attracts significant investor interest Lismore Real Estate Advisors (Lismore) is pleased to announce the successful sale of Sentinel, one of Glasgow’s most recognisable office buildings, in a significant investment transaction that underscores growing confidence in the city’s office investment market. Lismore advised Ardstone Capital investment managers on behalf of the Ardstone Regional Office Fund a joint venture with CBRE IM on the £19.60m sale to Clydebuilt II Limited Partnership (CLP II), a joint venture between Scottish property company Ediston and Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF). Prominently located on the corner of Waterloo Street and Douglas Street, Sentinel is a Grade A landmark office building offering high-quality and flexible accommodation, extending to 84,095 sq ft over ground and 9 upper floors, together with 26 secure basement car parking spaces. The prime asset has undergone comprehensive refurbishment, with the most recent works completed in 2022. It now offers superior sustainability credentials, including an all-electric specification, EPC ‘A’ rating and WiredScore ‘Gold’ certification. Through this repositioning, Ardstone attracted a high calibre of occupiers including JLL, DWF, Chubb, Aggreko and Sedgewick International. Commenting on the sale, Simon Cusiter, Director of Lismore said: “The sale of Sentinel represents one of the most notable office investment transactions in Glasgow city centre this year, reinforcing investor appetite for prime, income-producing assets in Scotland’s largest city. Ardstone Capital repositioned the building, helping attract high quality tenants and providing a platform for future performance. The quality of the building was highlighted by the competitive nature of the sale process” Calum Bruce, Fund Manager of CLP II said: “Sentinel provides Clydebuilt with an attractive income stream which can be further improved through active asset management and the letting of the vacant floors. In a market with a limited supply of high-quality office accommodation, Sentinel is an attractive opportunity for tenants looking for new premises, with good interest already being shown by prospective occupiers.” Lismore Real Estate Advisors represented Ardstone Regional Office Fund. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A leading housing association has submitted plans for its biggest ever development in Gloucestershire. Bromford is seeking permission to build 217 new homes on a 19.5 acre site in Matson, close to the M5 motorway. The site had previously been granted outline planning permission by Gloucester City Council in 2022 but Bromford has now submitted the final details of how it will build the new homes to the council. The Tewkesbury-based housing association is proposing a mixed tenure development of rented, shared ownership and market sale homes on the land to the south of Corncroft Lane. The development will feature a blend of one- and two-bedroom flats and terraced, semi-detached and detached two-, three- and four-bedroom houses. The finished development will include areas of open green space as well as allotments and play areas. Bromford’s Project Manager Corrina Johnson said: “This is our biggest ever development in Gloucestershire and we’re proud that it will provide a wide range of homes for hundreds of local families. From affordable rent to shared ownership and homes for sale, this scheme has been designed to meet the needs of the whole community. “We know that the need for high quality, affordable housing in Gloucestershire has never been greater, which is why developments like this are so important. We’ve worked hard to draw up plans that will create a vibrant community of modern, energy efficient homes, with plenty of green space, where people will be able to live and thrive. “We’re excited to see this project take shape and believe it will bring real, long-term benefits to Matson, from supporting local families to helping the city grow sustainably.” Subject to getting approval from the city council Bromford’s in-house construction team aims to start work in 2026. Homes would be completed in phases between 2027 and 2030. The Matson site is Bromford’s latest large scale development in Gloucestershire. The housing association is currently building 100 homes in Winchcombe and is preparing to start work on two other sites in Gloucester that will deliver nearly 300 additional homes, including one just to the south of the Matson site. Bromford is part of Bromford Flagship, one of the biggest housing associations in the country with 82,000 homes across the West of England, West Midlands and East Anglia. With its headquarters in Tewkesbury, it is the largest housing association in Gloucestershire with more than 12,000 homes across the county. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Baghdad Sustainable Forests is the next step in Baghdad’s reconstruction, providing a powerful catalyst for the environmental repair and regeneration of the city. Gensler has partnered with Emkanat to unveil a landmark masterplan to transform Baghdad into a global model for urban resilience in an ambitious new development. Baghdad Sustainable Forests, extending over 10 million square meters, envisions the transformation of neglected land into a thriving district, breathing new life into the city through the creation of mixed-use villages and urban clusters, all set within an extensive forest. Ian Mulcahey, Global Director of Cities, Principal at Gensler, said: “The creation of a new urban forest at the heart of Baghdad will be transformative, making a major contribution to the environmental repair and long-term enhancement of the city. The site, on the banks of the River Tigris, will become an extraordinary new destination for recreation and cultural celebration of Iraq’s capital.” The city of Baghdad has played a central role in human history and throughout the centuries has endured damage to its social and physical fabric including land degradation and desertification. Baghdad Sustainable Forests aims to restore the land at the former Al-Rasheed military campsite, previously filled with more than 45 million tons of waste, into a catalyst for regeneration in the city. Gensler’s masterplan focuses on three key principles including creating a new destination for Baghdad to elevate the city’s identity, embracing innovation to meet future challenges, and healing the city’s ecosystem with restorative environments. Developed under the patronage of the Government of Iraq and the Prime Minister’s Office and implemented in close collaboration with Baghdad Municipality and the National Investment Commission, the development support’s Iraq’s 2023–2030 National Environmental Strategy as the country aims to address contemporary ecological challenges. Fadi Shoughri, CEO at Emkanat, said: “At Emkanat, we believe that the Baghdad Sustainable Forests is more than just a project or an urban masterplan; it is the first and largest of its kind in Iraq and the wider region. As one of our flagship initiatives, it reflects our broader vision as a company to lead transformative urban development across Iraq — creating destinations that balance sustainability, innovation, and quality of life. This landmark initiative carries a message of hope for all Iraqis, marking a new chapter in the capital’s history by transforming neglected, waste-burdened land into a thriving oasis and a genuine opportunity for growth and innovation. Our vision is for Baghdad — the beating heart of Iraq — to stand as a model for the region and a gateway that reflects a nation regaining its vitality and rising confidently toward the future. And while this project opens new horizons — from job creation and cleaner air to better quality of life — it also embodies the promise that Emkanat carries: to leave behind not just buildings but living legacies that inspire future generations.” With substantial investment underpinning the project, Baghdad Sustainable Forests will unlock new opportunities for economic growth and job creation, through the delivery of 1.5 million square meters of retail, commercial, and amenity infrastructure. It features distinct gateways and lifestyle villages to support a growing urban population including: Glenn Wilson, Design Manager, Senior Associate at Gensler, said: “This is an exciting next step in the reconstruction of Baghdad and will provide a powerful catalyst for the regeneration of the wider city. The project will become a beacon for the rebirth of one of the most ancient cities in the world.” Ecological design is the foundation of the masterplan with forests, parks, and green corridors creating the structural backbone of the district. More than 1 million trees aim to capture 22,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually, cooling the microclimate, improving air quality, and offering immersive experiences ranging from quiet trails to vibrant civic plazas. Complementing this, an extensive micro-mobility network prioritising walking, cycling, and e-scooters enables seamless, low-impact movement across the site whilst preserving the integrity of its ecological fabric. A series of thematic forests including Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, Kids & Entertainment, Sports & Fitness, and a dedicated Ladies Forest provide spaces for creativity, wellbeing, and community life, while a network of gardens, water features, and gathering places support biodiversity and seasonal change. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today marks a very special day at Trident Building Consultancy. As a proud B-Corp company, we take sustainability extremely seriously, both in terms of helping our clients become more sustainable and ensuring our own operations are optimised, as well. But now, we are taking a giant leap forward in this vital area of our industry. We are launching a brand-new division – Sustainability Services– to cement our position at the forefront of the construction sector’s journey to net zero. To head up this division, we have appointed a highly respected and deeply knowledgeable expert, Darren Berman. Darren brings with him 25 years of experience in sustainability, including building a consulting team focused on decarbonisation, renewables and sustainable design which played a leading role in helping the GLA and London authorities pioneer the first sustainability-led planning policies. After this, Darren went on to establish CRBE’s sustainability practice and then led JLL’s sustainability team, shaping strategies for public bodies, corporates and investors, including some of the sector’s first climate risk frameworks and net zero strategies Darren’s leadership of Sustainability Services will significantly enhance Trident Building Consultancy’s services in sustainability. The new division will manage risks in acquisition, optimise sustainability in development and refurbishment; and help portfolio owners and occupiers to reduce their environmental impact and maximise social value across their operations. This will be achieved through a host of new services, focused on: Darren said: “My new role at Trident is all about helping clients make a tangible impact, whether through developing new buildings or repositioning existing ones to guard against obsolescence, manage climate and regulatory risks, and deliver cost-effective pathways to net zero while meeting tenants’ ESG expectations.” Managing Director, Dan Roe, described Darren’s appointment as a huge addition to the business. He said: “We have launched our Sustainability Services division to help the construction and property sectors take the steps they need to do to achieve new zero and create social value. “With Darren at the helm, I am confident that we will be able to make a huge difference in the area of sustainability.” To learn more about our new sustainability services, please click here: Delivering Impact or to get in touch with Darren, please email: darren.berman@tridentbc.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire-based GMI Construction Group has been appointed to the North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC) Refurbishment Framework, marking a significant step forward in its public sector growth strategy. The company has secured a place in the £4m-£10m project value band for the Yorkshire and Humber region, with projects to be delivered from its Leeds office. The four-year framework supports refurbishment schemes across NEUPC’s network of members, associates, and affiliates, including universities, further education colleges, schools, NHS Trusts, and other public sector organisations. NEUPC is one of six regional purchasing consortia that form the UK Universities Procurement Consortia (UKUPC), which collectively manage collaborative procurement agreements across the UK’s higher education sector. It also marks an early success for Ken Rawe who recently joined GMI as Head of Frameworks. The newly created role is central to the company’s strategy to expand its footprint across public sector frameworks and strengthen long-term relationships with institutional clients. He brings more than 20 years of experience in framework management, procurement, and project delivery, having previously held senior roles at Kier Group, mac-group, and Shaylor Group. Ken Rawe said: “We are proud to have been selected by NEUPC to deliver high-quality refurbishment projects that support the continued development of education, healthcare, and public service environments. “NEUPC is a recognised leader in collaborative, client-focused procurement, and its values are closely aligned with our own. This appointment demonstrates our commitment to supporting the public sector and creating lasting value for the communities we serve.” GMI’s inclusion on the NEUPC framework builds on a strong track record within the public sector. The company already holds positions on several major procurement frameworks, including Pagabo, Procure Partnerships, North East Purchasing Organisation (NEPO), and the University of Manchester Construction Works framework. Andy Hughes, Deputy Head of Operational Procurement and Category Manager, said: “We are pleased to award a long term framework that is open to all members of the NEUPC, covering a diverse range of requirements in refurbishment works that we hope will provide savings as well as quality work for our members.” Gareth Jones, GMI’s Group Managing Director, added: “Ken’s experience in navigating national and regional frameworks is already helping strengthen our presence in this vital sector. “Being added to the NEUPC framework is a valuable addition to our growing public sector portfolio and a strong endorsement of GMI’s capabilities and collaborative approach.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dumfries & Galloway Council has appointed McLaughlin & Harvey to deliver a £38m flood protection scheme at Whitesands, setting in motion long-awaited works to safeguard the riverside quarter from the River Nith. The project follows years of debate over cost and design and responds to a persistent local problem: the Whitesands area has seen regular inundation—205 incidents recorded over the past two centuries—with climate change expected to intensify both frequency and severity. McLaughlin & Harvey has been engaged on an early contractor involvement basis to refine buildability, phasing and community impacts ahead of the main construction programme, which is expected to start next summer. The contractor will work alongside Turner & Townsend and Jacobs, who are providing consultancy support across cost, programme and technical design. The solution combines permanent and demountable elements to balance protection with riverside amenity. New barriers will be installed along a raised walkway on the Nith, using a mix of reinforced walls, high-clarity glass panels and flood gates at key access points. The glass sections are intended to retain river views and daylight while delivering the required defence standard, addressing long-standing concerns that traditional opaque walls would sever the town’s relationship with its waterfront. Flood gates will enable access for pedestrians, vehicles and events in normal conditions, closing rapidly when river levels rise. Invasive ground investigation works were completed in summer 2024, informing the foundation strategy and helping to de-risk construction in a complex urban setting. With utilities and traffic routes threaded tightly through the area, the early contractor involvement phase is expected to focus on sequencing, temporary works and stakeholder engagement to minimise disruption to local businesses, residents and visitors. Beyond protecting property and infrastructure, the scheme is designed to unlock confidence for future investment in the town centre. Reduced flood risk can lower insurance premiums, stabilise trading conditions and encourage upgrade decisions that have previously been deferred. The raised walkway and public-realm elements also create an opportunity to improve accessibility and wayfinding along the river corridor, linking the waterfront more clearly with the town’s retail and heritage assets. Once on site, the programme will likely be paced around river conditions and seasonal constraints, with key activities—including foundation pours, barrier installation and gate commissioning—co-ordinated to avoid peak flood windows where feasible. Commissioning will include integrated testing of gates, drainage interfaces and emergency procedures. For Dumfries, the project represents a pragmatic compromise forged through extensive consultation: robust, adaptable defences that keep the river in view rather than out of mind. As the main works mobilise next year, the focus will be on delivering reliable protection with the least possible disruption—an investment in resilience that aims to pay back through safer streets, steadier trade and renewed confidence on the banks of the Nith. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals