Viridis Living has secured a key milestone in the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus, with Manchester City Council granting Reserved Matters Planning Consent. The consortium, comprising Equitix, GRAHAM and Derwent FM, worked alongside the University, local community, and key stakeholders to gain approval for the detailed design,
Construction company G F Tomlinson has completed the £multi-million refurbishment of Barnsley College historic University Centre, turning the 93-year-old art-deco building into the new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT). The redevelopment was marked with an official opening ceremony on 25 September, led by Barnsley MPs Dan Jarvis and Dr
Birmingham City Council has named Lovell as preferred developer for the £1bn transformation of Druids Heath, paving the way for around 3,500 new homes alongside upgraded infrastructure, transport links and revitalised commercial and community spaces. Six miles south of the city centre, Druids Heath’s 1960s council housing is set to
The City of London Corporation has approved plans for a 31-storey office tower at 130 Fenchurch Street, formerly Fountain House. Backed by insurance giant Aviva, the scheme will deliver 57,491 sq m of Grade A workspace. Designed with a staggered, jewel-like form, the tower will add a distinct profile to
British travel brand Antler has announced the opening of a new UK store, the first since the brand reimagination in 2023. Located at 100 Regent Street, London, the new flagship store will open early 2026 and marks a pivotal moment for the brand. Spanning two floors and over 2,400 sq
Wendy’s has opened its first West Midlands restaurant at Touchwood Solihull, taking a 15-year lease on a 3,069 sq ft unit within the scheme’s Jubilee Walk dining area. The American brand joins an established line-up of leisure and dining operators at Touchwood, including Wagamama, Nando’s, Pizza Express and a range
With the unprecedented rise in cloud-computing and AI, the need for data centers and supercomputers is booming. This astronomical output of artificial brain activity demands enormous amounts of power that quickly convert to heat as these mega-computers process billions of “thoughts” per second. The natural consequence is the proliferation of
Developer Chancerygate has started work on the construction of a new 59,500 sq ft Grade A urban logistics development in Clayton, East Manchester which could create up to 60 jobs. Called Eastside, the scheme will comprise nine units ranging from 4,315 sq ft to 14,300 sq ft and has a
Marks & Spencer is accelerating investment in its physical estate, unveiling a series of renewed and expanded stores that underline a long-term commitment to value, sustainability and an elevated customer experience. On Oxford Street, the Pantheon store has opened a transformed 19,400 sq ft Foodhall on the lower ground floor,
Mansell Building Solutions specialist in modern methods in construction (MMC) have recruited Martin Lynch to the newly-created position of Head of Commercial. Martin joins from Seddon Construction, where he held senior commercial and management positions from January 2020 to June 2025. Prior to joining Seddon, Martin was Commercial Manager for
Viridis Living has secured a key milestone in the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus, with Manchester City Council granting Reserved Matters Planning Consent. The consortium, comprising Equitix, GRAHAM and Derwent FM, worked alongside the University, local community, and key stakeholders to gain approval for the detailed design, layout, and landscaping plans. The scheme will deliver up to 3,300 new student homes across Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall, supported by a range of amenities, ancillary residences and extensive green infrastructure. Five distinct neighbourhoods will be created within the site, each drawing inspiration from Manchester’s cultural, sporting and musical heritage. The project is targeting both Passivhaus certification and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including offsite manufacturing, will also be used to improve efficiency, cut waste, and accelerate delivery. In June 2025, Viridis Living became one of the first developers to submit an application to the new Building Safety Regulator, three months ahead of planning approval. This early step underlines the consortium’s focus on fire safety, compliance, and the timely delivery of student housing in the city. GRAHAM has led the planning process on behalf of the consortium, in collaboration with architects Sheppard Robson and planning consultants Deloitte. Commenting on the milestone, Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director, said: “We’re delighted to reach this important milestone on a project of such scale and significance. The approved plans reflect our commitment to delivering a quality development that meets the evolving needs of students and the University.” Enabling works are already underway, with main construction set to begin in early 2026. The first phase of accommodation is scheduled for completion in 2026, with a phased handover continuing through to 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction company G F Tomlinson has completed the £multi-million refurbishment of Barnsley College historic University Centre, turning the 93-year-old art-deco building into the new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT). The redevelopment was marked with an official opening ceremony on 25 September, led by Barnsley MPs Dan Jarvis and Dr Marie Tidball. They were joined by representatives from Barnsley College, G F Tomlinson, AECOM, Salix, the Department for Education (DfE), and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology. Originally built in 1932 as Barnsley Mining and Technical College, the iconic building has been transformed into a modern learning hub for higher-level education and innovation. The upgraded centre will provide space for more than 1,000 students and staff, with state-of-the-art teaching facilities, flexible learning spaces, and a new café and breakout zone. A central feature of the project is a striking enclosed atrium, created by redeveloping the college’s former open-air courtyard. The glazed roof allows natural light into the new Learning Resource Centre, which is set across tiered mezzanine floors. The project introduced 100 rooftop solar panels generating up to 29.73 kWp of renewable energy, an all-electric heating and cooling system, new air handling units, LED lighting, secondary glazing, and extensive insulation upgrades. These measures have earned the building an EPC asset rating of A, establishing it as a benchmark for low-carbon retrofit in the education sector. Beyond the build itself, G F Tomlinson delivered strong social value outcomes. The contractor hosted student site tours, mock interviews, and job fair appearances, while supporting community initiatives including the Barnsley Apprenticeship Conference and local food pantries. The project also supported the local economy, with 84% of spending retained within 40 miles of the site. The South Yorkshire IoT is part of a national network of 21 Institutes of Technology, designed to bridge skills gaps in engineering, health, digital and construction. The Barnsley site is being delivered in partnership with Barnsley College, Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, DN Colleges Group, the Sheffield College, and RNN Group. Adrian Grocock, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to deliver this landmark facility for Barnsley College and the wider South Yorkshire IoT. This world-class learning environment reflects the very best in heritage refurbishment, sustainability and future-ready education design. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with the client team to deliver a project that meets high technical aspirations while generating lasting benefits for the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham City Council has named Lovell as preferred developer for the £1bn transformation of Druids Heath, paving the way for around 3,500 new homes alongside upgraded infrastructure, transport links and revitalised commercial and community spaces. Six miles south of the city centre, Druids Heath’s 1960s council housing is set to be replaced in phases, addressing what the council describes as the only large municipal estate in Birmingham to have missed major investment since it was built. The programme places affordability at its core: approximately 1,800 homes — 51% of the total — are earmarked as affordable. Of these, 400 are identified for delivery as affordable homes the council aims to let at social rent, with the remainder to come forward through partnerships with a developer and registered providers. An outline planning application submitted in March 2025 sets out a mixed community with homes for sale, accommodation designed for later living, new community and sports facilities, and a re-energised high street intended to serve as the area’s central hub. Work has begun on a partnership agreement between the council and Lovell, expected to be signed in spring 2026. This will define roles and obligations for delivering the long-term regeneration. Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said the appointment marked a landmark moment for residents: “This brings us another step closer to delivering the plan we have spent two years developing with the community. The regeneration will deliver thousands of high-quality, energy-efficient homes, with more than half affordable — helping to meet urgent housing needs.” Stuart Penn, regional managing director at Lovell, added: “Druids Heath represents the next chapter in our long relationship with Birmingham. This is about more than bricks and mortar — it’s about creating opportunity, improving lives, and working in genuine partnership with the council and the community to leave a lasting legacy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The City of London Corporation has approved plans for a 31-storey office tower at 130 Fenchurch Street, formerly Fountain House. Backed by insurance giant Aviva, the scheme will deliver 57,491 sq m of Grade A workspace. Designed with a staggered, jewel-like form, the tower will add a distinct profile to the Square Mile’s cluster of tall buildings. Demolition of the existing block is scheduled for 2026, with completion targeted for 2030. Tom Sleigh, chair of the City’s Planning and Transportation Committee, said the project reflects the Corporation’s drive to support growth with high-quality workplaces, public routes and views, and to deliver jobs and best-in-class offices at scale. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British travel brand Antler has announced the opening of a new UK store, the first since the brand reimagination in 2023. Located at 100 Regent Street, London, the new flagship store will open early 2026 and marks a pivotal moment for the brand. Spanning two floors and over 2,400 sq ft, the store will be designed as a unique retail experience. This will be the first standalone UK location that brings to life Antler’s new brand identity in a physical setting and follows the success of a one year residency on Spring Street, New York, and a pop up store in Selfridges London launch, last year. Situated at the southern end of London’s prestigious shopping district, Antler’s will join other global British brands Burberry and Mulberry in its premium retail positioning. The Regent Street opening signals the beginning of Antler’s wider retail investment strategy, with a goal to open at least three stores in the UK and internationally over the next three years. This commitment reflects Antler’s confidence in the relevance of physical retail and its importance in deepening customer connections as the brand continues to grow. The store’s design will blend heritage and modernity, reflecting Antler’s long-standing legacy through a contemporary lens. Using materials that complement the surrounding architecture and environment, the space will allow customers to explore Antler’s full range of luggage, bags, and accessories. Kirsty Glenne, Antler’s Managing Director, said, “Opening our first UK store on London’s iconic Regent Street is a defining moment for Antler. When we began the brand and business transformation journey 3 years ago, we couldn’t have envisioned a more fitting location. Regent Street’s global reputation and rich history make it the ideal setting for the next phase of our brand journey in our home market. It truly puts Antler back on the map in a significant way.” Laura Thursfield, Retail Leasing Director at Crown Estate adds “We are delighted to be welcoming Antler to open their UK flagship store on Regent Street. This iconic store will be in good company alongside other leading British brands including Burberry, Mulberry and Jo Malone. We are excited to support Antler on the next step of their journey in this globally renowned shopping destination. This new addition follows our recent acquisition of 100 Regent Street and will be integral to the delivery of our wider plans for Regent Street and St James’s.” This flagship store marks an important moment in Antler’s ambitious growth strategy, reinforcing its presence in the UK while complementing its international expansion efforts. Since the 2023 rebrand, Antler has celebrated a series of significant milestones, most notably achieving double-digit sales growth over the last three years in addition to acquiring the U.S. luxury luggage brand Paravel, each strengthening its vision of becoming a global house of travel brands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wendy’s has opened its first West Midlands restaurant at Touchwood Solihull, taking a 15-year lease on a 3,069 sq ft unit within the scheme’s Jubilee Walk dining area. The American brand joins an established line-up of leisure and dining operators at Touchwood, including Wagamama, Nando’s, Pizza Express and a range of independents, alongside Cineworld and competitive socialising venue Spinners. Its arrival complements a strong retail offer at the destination. Apple has recently more than tripled its presence on site, joining John Lewis, Mango, Rituals, Tag Heuer, Miele and Oliver Bonas among others. Simon Phipps of Sovereign Centros from CBRE said: “Our approach focuses on bringing the brands and operators to Touchwood that people want to see, and Wendy’s certainly comes under that banner. This is a major US brand, choosing Touchwood for its only West Midlands restaurant, and we’re excited to see its arrival as part of our wider expansion of the destination’s leisure and dining offer.” Sovereign Centros from CBRE is asset manager for Touchwood. Cushman & Wakefield and Knight Frank are the retained leasing agents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the unprecedented rise in cloud-computing and AI, the need for data centers and supercomputers is booming. This astronomical output of artificial brain activity demands enormous amounts of power that quickly convert to heat as these mega-computers process billions of “thoughts” per second. The natural consequence is the proliferation of giant cooling towers alongside new data centers, with backup chillers kicking in for hot summer months and going idle during cold weather. Whatever the season, taking proactive steps to fight corrosion is critical to maintaining a healthy system long-term. Cortec® Corporation shares insights on why and how to win the battle. The Problem with Corrosion in Cooling Water Systems Preventing corrosion in data center cooling water systems isn’t just for looks. Corrosion weakens the metal walls of piping and equipment, creating holes over time, shortening the service life of the cooling system, and increasing downtime for repairs—not to mention the potential for water damage from leaks. In addition, corrosion debris threatens to clog the system or “poison” the water by raising the levels of iron or other metals in the chemistry profile. By avoiding these problems, corrosion prevention can ultimately save significant time, expense, and the headaches that go with them. Corrosion Protection During Operation Although corrosion inhibitors are a standard part of water treatment programs for active chillers or cooling towers, they are sometimes overlooked due to a lack of communication or awareness. If facilities find that a corrosion inhibitor is missing, they can add M-640 L or a similar additive. This “building block” for water treatment formulations offers comprehensive protection thanks to the presence of both contact and Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors, which protect metals below and above the water level. It is also an excellent replacement for silicates, phosphates, and nitrite-based compounds where disposal restrictions apply. Corrosion Protection During Seasonal Layup Whereas the use of a corrosion inhibitor during operation is the normal practice, preservation of chillers or cooling tower systems that sit idle during cool weather is less widespread than it should be. With their normal water treatment program inactive, these components are also at higher risk of corrosion from residual moisture or condensation as temperatures and humidity fluctuate. Where temperatures stay above freezing, data centers may prefer to keep chillers on standby via wet layup with Cortec’s VpCI®-649, a robust corrosion inhibitor package for wet or dry layup. If freezing is a concern, water treatment professionals can drain the water after applying VpCI®-649, or they can apply the Cooling Tower Frog® to an empty chiller. Both treatments include Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that diffuse throughout the void space and form a protective molecular layer on metal surfaces as long as the system remains closed. When temperatures climb high enough to warrant a return to service, the cooling water systems can easily be restarted without having to remove the product first, all while avoiding complications from corrosion during layup. Stay Cool and Fight Corrosion With cloud-computing and AI only promising to get bigger and place more and more cooling towers and chillers on the horizon, now is the time to equip data center managers and water treatment service providers with the tools and knowledge they need to minimize corrosion headaches and help data centers “keep their cool” when it comes to corrosion. Contact Cortec® for further guidance on winning the war on corrosion during the next season of cooling water system operation or layup. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Chancerygate has started work on the construction of a new 59,500 sq ft Grade A urban logistics development in Clayton, East Manchester which could create up to 60 jobs. Called Eastside, the scheme will comprise nine units ranging from 4,315 sq ft to 14,300 sq ft and has a project gross development value of around £16m The site, formerly Walkers of Manchester’s printing facility, is located on Crabtree Lane in Clayton under three miles east of Manchester city centre and two miles west of junction 23 of the M60 motorway. Eastside sits near to the Eastlands Regeneration Area centred around Manchester City Football Club’s Etihad campus and the recently launched £365m Co-op Live entertainment venue. Neighbouring occupiers in the retail scheme fronting Ashton New Road include Aldi, Subway and Greggs. Construction work has started on the 2.3-acre site and is due to be completed by June 2026 All units at the development will benefit from electric vehicle charging points, air sourced heat pumps, low air permeability design and solar cells on their roofs which provide green energy on an affordable basis to occupiers. In addition, the units will be constructed from high-performance insulated cladding and roof materials to reduce CO2 emissions. The scheme is targeting an EPC A and BREEAM Very good rating. Chancerygate’s senior development director, Chris Brown, who is based in the company’s Warrington office, said: “Our Eastside development will help satisfy the acute shortage of Grade A industrial and logistics accommodation for SMEs serving the East Manchester catchment and uniquely offers occupiers the opportunity to buy their own unit. “The scheme’s proximity to infrastructure links and population hubs, as well as its strong ESG credentials, make it attractive to prospective occupiers in a wide range of sectors. “There has already been strong early interest in the space at the development and we now look forward to delivering this prime industrial site which will become a long-term economic asset for the locality.” Founded in 1995, Chancerygate is the UK’s largest urban logistics property developer and investment manager and the only one operating nationwide. In the UK, Chancerygate currently has around 1.56m sq ft of urban logistics space under construction or ready for development across 12 sites ranging from Manchester to Croydon. Agents for Eastside at JLL and Colliers CRE. For more information on Chancerygate, visit www.chancerygate.com, for Eastside www.eastsidemcr.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer is accelerating investment in its physical estate, unveiling a series of renewed and expanded stores that underline a long-term commitment to value, sustainability and an elevated customer experience. On Oxford Street, the Pantheon store has opened a transformed 19,400 sq ft Foodhall on the lower ground floor, complete with a new Coffee Shop, a hand-stretched sourdough Pizza Bar and a Hot Chicken Counter. Shoppers will also find a showstopping in-store bakery, a dedicated wine shop and a British-inspired gifting area. Pantheon is one of eleven M&S stores being renewed across Greater London this financial year, alongside six new openings, backed by a £90m capital commitment. In Orpington, a three-month transformation and extension has delivered a 37,700 sq ft full-line store, now 72% bigger than before. A fresh market-style Foodhall leads the offer, with an expanded bakery and coffee counter, more produce from Select Farm partners, and dedicated Flower and Wine shops. Two floors of fashion and beauty, plus a Click & Collect point, complete a modernised, multi-category destination. Regionally, the same formula of bigger, fresher and easier to shop is gathering pace. At Merry Hill, M&S has unveiled a 27% larger Foodhall as the first phase of a wider refit bringing food, fashion, beauty and home together under one roof later this autumn. In the North East, Kingston Park has reopened after a two-month closure as a transformed 16,800 sq ft Foodhall, anchored by an in-store bakery and coffee counter almost triple the previous size, expanded produce, and upgraded flower and wine propositions. Across these renewals, value and choice remain central. Each refreshed Foodhall carries around 450 new and upgraded seasonal products, alongside the Remarksable Value everyday range and Bigger Pack Better Value lines, both designed to help family budgets go further. The enlarged bakeries and coffee counters make visits more experiential while keeping pace and convenience front and centre. The wider programme signals how M&S intends to shape its estate for growth: a network of roughly 420 bigger, fresher Food stores and a more productive group of 180 full-line locations, with about half of the estate expected to be in renewal format by 2027/28. This sits alongside a separate national investment in 12 store renewals this year, 16 new openings and nine extensions backed by £300m. Sustainability is threaded through the upgrades. New formats lean into energy-efficient systems and low-carbon fit-out choices, with produce ranges highlighting partnerships with Select Farm growers across the UK. The aim is to balance an elevated in-store experience with tangible progress against Plan A goals. From the West End to regional centres, the direction of travel is clear: larger, more welcoming Foodhalls, sharper value, and modern environments that support the weekly shop and occasion-led browsing alike. With further renewals and openings scheduled, M&S is signalling confidence in the future of its stores—and in the customers who use them. Also in the pipeline: a £340m automated National Distribution Centre M&S has announced a landmark investment in a 1.3m sq ft automated food hub at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, targeted to achieve BREEAM Outstanding when it opens in 2029. The site will boost capacity, improve on-shelf availability and reduce cost-to-serve, supporting the accelerated store rotation and renewal programme nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mansell Building Solutions specialist in modern methods in construction (MMC) have recruited Martin Lynch to the newly-created position of Head of Commercial. Martin joins from Seddon Construction, where he held senior commercial and management positions from January 2020 to June 2025. Prior to joining Seddon, Martin was Commercial Manager for Keepmoat Regeneration before joining ENGIE as Head of Commercial and Operations Education & Public Buildings. With more than 30 years’ leadership experience in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, Martin has built a proven track record in delivering major construction and new-build projects across the education, housing, warehousing, and care sectors. He brings both strategic oversight and hands-on expertise in driving value, quality, and innovation. In this new role, Martin will support Mansell’s mission to increase the uptake and implementation of off-site construction – balancing commercial imperatives with build quality, programme certainty, and stakeholder priorities. He has a strong background in working within frameworks and long-term partnerships, consistently delivering results that strengthen client relationships and drive repeat business. Commenting on his appointment, Martin said: “Mansell is the go-to specialist contractor for panelised construction and MMC in the region. I’m passionate about building capability, improving performance, and contributing to the evolution of the sector – especially in sustainability, modern methods of construction, and future-proofing housing stock. I’m looking forward to seeing what impact I can make on the business so it can continue building high-quality spaces.” said Martin Lynch, Head of Commercial at Mansell Building Solutions. Angela Mansell, Managing Director, added: “With an impressive track record across education, housing, warehousing, and care sectors within main contractors, Martin is known for his strategic insight, commercial leadership, and people-first approach. He’s passionate about sustainability, de-risking project delivery, and building high-performing teams that make a real difference.” Martin’s commercial and leadership experience, along with his contractual and risk management approach will be a welcome addition to our Senior Leadership Team as we work to generate over 100,000m2 of off-site panelised construction the only MMC factory in Greater Manchester, helping the region create over 1,000 spaces each year. “We’re excited for the impact Martin will have as we continue to grow and evolve – and we know he’ll be a fantastic addition to the Mansell team”. Established in 1991, Mansell Building Solutions are a specialist contractor using modern methods of construction (MMC) to build high quality spaces in the North. They have over 30 years industry experience in off-site frames and on-site finishes. Geographically they deliver their finished frame solution across the North West and Frames in the North (Yorks, NE & Mids). Since 2018 they have created over 5,500 spaces for occupation across residential, care, student and leisure sectors including – Aviva Studios, Downley Drive in Ancoats and five affordable Passivhaus schemes in Salford for Seddon Construction. They are currently working on two iconic developments in Stockport, Cityheart’s Stopford Park for Oak Construction Projects and Academy of Living Well for Rowlinson Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals