Asda is stepping up its convenience store expansion drive with the launch of nine new Asda Express branches this week, seven of which are opening across London. The move underlines the retailer’s ambition to strengthen its footprint in high-footfall city locations, residential areas, and key transport hubs. London shoppers will
Leading structural and civil engineering consultancy provides innovative solutions for one of Next’s largest retail destinations. Perega has successfully completed comprehensive structural engineering works for the new flagship Next store at Lakeside Shopping Centre in south Essex. The store, which is now open to the public, showcases the consultancy’s ability to
The Crown Estate has announced plans for a £4.5bn science and technology district at Harwell East in Oxfordshire, following its acquisition of the 221-acre site adjacent to the renowned Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. The large-scale project is set to deliver up to 4.5 million square feet of new laboratory,
Watkin Jones has secured planning permission for a major mixed-use development in Chesser, to the west of Edinburgh city centre, following approval from Scottish ministers. The project will deliver 779 new homes in total, comprising 100 affordable apartments, 293 build-to-rent (BTR) homes, and 406 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bedrooms. Initially
Helical plc has reported a period of significant progress across its development portfolio, with several landmark London projects advancing towards completion and strong market trends supporting its investment strategy. The company issued its latest trading update for the period from 1 April to 16 October 2025, ahead of its half-year
Hollis Wharf, a landmark new mixed-use student accommodation development on the banks of the River Avon in Bath, has officially completed. Located within walking distance of the city centre, Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, and Bath Spa University, the development delivers 120 high-quality studios and cluster bedrooms, alongside a vibrant
Leading development company MRP has launched Broadway Studios, a 432-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Glasgow city centre. Puma Property Finance has provided £58m development finance with construction being delivered by McAleer & Rushe Contracts. Scheduled for completion in August 2026, the building will be operated by Prestige Student
Lovell Partnerships has reaffirmed its strong relationship with Together Housing through a new phase of affordable homes in East Yorkshire. The 66-home development, located on Cliff Road in Hornsea, marks an exciting new chapter for both organisations as they work together to deliver a high-quality, sustainable community for local people.
A specialist timber engineering company, active throughout East Anglia and the Home Counties, is making extensive use of West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero in the production of its diverse offering of high performance, sustainable offsite solutions. Based in the village of Gamlingay on the Cambridgeshire-Bedfordshire border, Pinewood Structures was established in
Polypipe Building Services has completed a £3m upgrade of its manufacturing capabilities with the installation of twelve new Engel injection moulding machines at its Aylesford facility. The investment has delivered a 10% improvement in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and a 26% increase in energy efficiency. The investment, spread across the
Asda is stepping up its convenience store expansion drive with the launch of nine new Asda Express branches this week, seven of which are opening across London. The move underlines the retailer’s ambition to strengthen its footprint in high-footfall city locations, residential areas, and key transport hubs. London shoppers will soon find new Asda Express stores at Tower Bridge, Greenwich, Limehouse Station, Harringay, Deptford, Whetstone, and within the former Arsenal FC club shop at Finsbury Park Station. Beyond the capital, Asda will also open sites in Southampton and Stoke, enhancing its reach across southern and central England. Each Asda Express offers a broad range of ambient and chilled groceries, alongside beers, wines and spirits. Customers can also benefit from additional services including Costa Coffee machines, ATMs, Amazon collection and return points, and on-demand delivery through Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo. Joseph Sutton, vice president of Asda Express, foodservice and fuel, said the new stores are an important step in bringing Asda’s value proposition to more communities. “We’re thrilled to be opening nine new Express stores this week, including seven in London – an area where we have traditionally had less of a presence in convenience,” he explained. “These openings are a key part of our strategy to bring Asda’s unbeatable value to more urban areas and residential communities across the UK. We know customers have looked forward to these stores opening for a long time, and we’re delighted to welcome them in and offer outstanding value across their favourite products.” Earlier in October, Asda opened a new Express store in Castleford, marking the start of the latest phase of its rollout. The retailer plans to open a further ten stores before the end of the year and has a strong pipeline of additional sites lined up for 2026, reinforcing its rapid growth in the convenience sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading structural and civil engineering consultancy provides innovative solutions for one of Next’s largest retail destinations. Perega has successfully completed comprehensive structural engineering works for the new flagship Next store at Lakeside Shopping Centre in south Essex. The store, which is now open to the public, showcases the consultancy’s ability to deliver innovative and complex solutions for large-scale retail developments. The new Next store is one of the largest in the company’s portfolio and required bespoke engineering to bring its unique architectural vision to life. Perega’s work included designing and installing custom balustrade and structural glazing systems, a substantial customer staircase with a handrail, and carefully engineered shopfronts. Presenting unique engineering challenges, the project included complex load-bearing requirements and the need for seamless integration with the existing building. To meet these demands, Perega worked to a tight deadline to ensure the frameworks were done ahead of the summer launch date. This included developing bespoke detailing solutions, particularly for integrating the balustrade base with existing steelwork, demonstrating the team’s ability to deliver innovative technical solutions on a tight schedule. Jake Parsell, Structural Engineer and Project Lead at Perega, said: “This was a particularly exciting project that challenged our team to develop innovative solutions for integrating new structural elements with existing building systems. The scale and complexity of the works, combined with the tight timeline, required close collaboration and creative problem-solving. We’re delighted to have contributed to what has become a truly impressive flagship retail destination.” The new store features a modern design with open skylight windows, expansive atriums, and six customer entrances. The successful delivery of the Next Lakeside project reinforces Perega’s growing reputation in the retail sector, building on its established expertise across healthcare, education, and commercial developments. The project timeline, spanning ten months, demonstrates the team’s efficiency in managing fast-track retail developments. For more information, please visit perega.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Crown Estate has announced plans for a £4.5bn science and technology district at Harwell East in Oxfordshire, following its acquisition of the 221-acre site adjacent to the renowned Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. The large-scale project is set to deliver up to 4.5 million square feet of new laboratory, office, and advanced manufacturing space, alongside around 400 new homes. Once complete, it will become one of the UK’s largest purpose-built research and innovation hubs. Harwell East is expected to generate an estimated £2.5bn for the economy and create around 30,000 jobs, reinforcing the site’s role as a central driver within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc’s growing science corridor. The development forms part of The Crown Estate’s long-term strategy to invest £1.5bn in the UK’s science, innovation, and technology sectors over the next 15 years. Chief executive Dan Labbad said the project reflects The Crown Estate’s ambition to help shape the UK’s future innovation landscape. “Our vision for Harwell East is to create the space where great science can thrive, ensuring the UK remains a world leader in research and innovation,” he said. Planning for the scheme is being led by Crucible, the company founded by former Harwell Campus director Angus Horner, who first conceived the Harwell East concept. The new district follows a series of science-focused initiatives by The Crown Estate, including developments at Cambridge Business Park, Oxford city centre, and Lendlease’s Euston regeneration project in London. Together, these schemes highlight The Crown Estate’s growing commitment to supporting the UK’s knowledge economy through the creation of sustainable, future-ready places for research and technological advancement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Watkin Jones has secured planning permission for a major mixed-use development in Chesser, to the west of Edinburgh city centre, following approval from Scottish ministers. The project will deliver 779 new homes in total, comprising 100 affordable apartments, 293 build-to-rent (BTR) homes, and 406 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bedrooms. Initially approved by the City of Edinburgh Council’s development management sub-committee in December 2022, the application was called in by the Scottish Government in February 2023 for further consideration of noise-related issues. After a detailed review, ministers have now granted consent subject to several planning conditions. The Chesser site includes a series of listed buildings that once formed part of an agricultural market established in the early twentieth century. Many of these structures have fallen into disrepair and now require substantial investment. Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Historic Environment Scotland, Watkin Jones has developed plans that retain and restore key heritage features, creating a publicly accessible ‘Heritage Square’ at the heart of the scheme. Sustainability has been placed at the centre of the project, which is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The development will incorporate air source heat pumps and photovoltaic solar panels to reduce carbon emissions. Discussions are also under way with a local registered provider to manage the affordable housing once the project is complete. Watkin Jones planning director Iain Smith said the approval marks an important milestone for the city. “Securing approval from Scottish ministers for this landmark regeneration project in Chesser is another step in addressing the city’s housing shortage,” he said. “Following the Scottish Government’s declaration of a national housing emergency in 2024, our new development helps to meet Edinburgh’s housing needs across multiple tenures by delivering high-quality homes in a highly accessible location. “We are not only relieving pressure on the city’s housing market but also contributing to a more sustainable city. Importantly, the development will also protect the most important elements of historic buildings for future generations and ensure the public has access to Heritage Square for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Helical plc has reported a period of significant progress across its development portfolio, with several landmark London projects advancing towards completion and strong market trends supporting its investment strategy. The company issued its latest trading update for the period from 1 April to 16 October 2025, ahead of its half-year results due on 26 November. Chief executive Matthew Bonning-Snook said the past six months had been defined by “significant activity” across Helical’s development pipeline, with construction well underway on three major office projects — 100 New Bridge Street, Brettenham House, and 10 King William Street — all scheduled for delivery in 2026. Helical is also making headway on future schemes, including enabling works at Paddington ahead of the formal site acquisition in January 2026 and further design development at Southwark, where a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project is planned. Terms have been agreed with Places for London to forward fund the PBSA element and with the London Borough of Southwark for the acquisition of the affordable housing block, with legal completion expected in the coming weeks. The company remains confident in the outlook for the London office market. With 465,000 sq ft of new, best-in-class office space due to complete in 2026, Helical expects strong occupational demand and limited supply to drive rental growth in prime central locations. Bonning-Snook added that improving investor sentiment towards the sector and renewed global capital interest should translate into higher transaction volumes, creating further opportunities to deliver shareholder value. Among Helical’s key developments, 100 New Bridge Street has reached a major milestone, with all external structural works now complete. The 194,500 sq ft redevelopment will serve as the new headquarters for State Street Corporation, with handover scheduled for April 2026. The £333 million forward sale (Helical share: £166.5 million) will conclude upon completion. At Brettenham House on London’s South Bank, the comprehensive refurbishment of the 128,000 sq ft landmark building is progressing well, with completion expected in summer 2026. The design introduces dual feature receptions, contemporary workspaces, and sweeping river views, blending modern functionality with historical architecture. Construction is also advancing rapidly at 10 King William Street, located above the new Bank station entrance. The eight-storey, 141,000 sq ft scheme is targeting completion in December 2026 and has already attracted encouraging pre-let interest from occupiers seeking high-quality, sustainable space in core City locations. Preparatory works are underway at Paddington, where Keltbray has begun enabling activity ahead of Mace’s appointment as main contractor. The 235,000 sq ft office development is targeting completion in the third quarter of 2028. Sustainability continues to sit at the heart of Helical’s strategy. The company retained its EPRA Gold status and achieved strong GRESB ratings, scoring 88/100 for standing investments and 94/100 for developments. It also secured BREEAM Outstanding design stage certifications for both 10 King William Street and Brettenham House, alongside WELL pre-certification and NABERS Design for Performance accreditation. Helical said these achievements underscore its commitment to delivering highly sustainable, best-in-class developments that combine design excellence with long-term environmental performance. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hollis Wharf, a landmark new mixed-use student accommodation development on the banks of the River Avon in Bath, has officially completed. Located within walking distance of the city centre, Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, and Bath Spa University, the development delivers 120 high-quality studios and cluster bedrooms, alongside a vibrant mix of shared amenities and a ground-floor commercial space. Developed by Alumno, constructed by RED Construction Group’s Southwest team, and funded by Heitman, Hollis Wharf has been carefully designed by architects AWW to complement Bath’s rich architectural heritage and sit sensitively alongside adjacent Grade II listed buildings. The Deputy Mayor of Bath, Councillor Ian Halsall, attended the launch event, where he presented prizes to the student photographers and enjoyed a tour of the new and exciting residence. The five-storey building offers a diverse range of accommodation options, including en-suite cluster rooms and self-contained studios, as well as study, play, and social spaces. A standout feature is the expansive roof terrace, providing panoramic views over Bath’s historic skyline. The ground and mezzanine levels will be occupied by local charity Mercy in Action, which has been based on the site for many years. The purpose-built storage and distribution centre will enable the charity to continue and expand its vital work within the community, linking the development’s future with its past. In keeping with Alumno’s commitment to celebrating culture and creativity, Hollis Wharf showcases the work of local artists. The atrium features a striking ceramic sculpture by Bath-based artist Patricia Volk, inspired by the city’s historic textile and dyeing industries. Alongside it, a wall-based map of the River Avon illustrates the river’s role in Bath’s 18th-century industrial growth, creating a narrative bridge between heritage and contemporary design. Following Alumno’s tradition across its projects, Hollis Wharf played host to a student photography exhibition that provided a platform for talented students to showcase their work and engage with the wider community, highlighting creativity and local culture. Youth Connect South West, providing a range of services for young people aged 11–25 in the Bath and North East Somerset area were the charity for the event. David Campbell, Managing Director of Alumno, said:“This project has been a true collaboration between our team, architects, contractors, and local stakeholders. We are delighted to see Hollis Wharf brought to life and look forward to welcoming students into this exceptional new residence.” James Devey, Division Director at RED Construction South West, added: “We are proud to have played a vital role in delivering a sustainable, mixed-use community with such a rich heritage for the students of Bath. The trust that Alumno put in our team to complete work on Hollis Wharf is testament to our reputation within the region.” The planning application received support from both the University of Bath and Bath Spa University, who highlighted the importance of purpose-built student accommodation in helping to ease pressure on the city’s housing market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading development company MRP has launched Broadway Studios, a 432-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Glasgow city centre. Puma Property Finance has provided £58m development finance with construction being delivered by McAleer & Rushe Contracts. Scheduled for completion in August 2026, the building will be operated by Prestige Student Living, opening in time for the 2026/27 academic year. Broadway Studios will be the first student development in Glasgow to fully align with the city’s new PBSA spatial standards, setting a benchmark for quality and compliance in the city. Designed with sustainability and resilience at its core, the scheme targets BREEAM Excellent and an EPC rating of A, while exceeding Glasgow City Council’s energy efficiency requirements by 20% (Gold Level). The building also surpasses the city’s 20% renewable energy target, incorporating air-source heat pumps and high-performance building materials to deliver long-term operational efficiency. While fully compliant with Scottish building regulations, the project has been proactively aligned with the principles of the new English Building Safety Act, ensuring the development is future-proofed against evolving regulatory and investor requirements. In addition, connectivity and future-readiness are central to the design. Broadway Studios is targeting WiredScore Platinum, the global standard for digital infrastructure, recognising exceptional resilience, wireless performance, and future-proofed technology provision. Residents will benefit from a sophisticated, contemporary interior design and extensive shared amenities, including a rooftop sky lounge, fitness suite, cinema, gym, private dining, and games facilities – all within a secure and vibrant environment. This is MRP’s second debt funded PBSA asset, following the successful delivery, operation, and stabilised asset sale of The Place in Nottingham. The scheme also represents MRP’s second phase of development at Renfield Street, following the completion of the Maldron Hotel in 2021, which was forward-funded by Abrdn. Shane McBride, Development Director at MRP, commented: “Broadway Studios exemplifies MRP’s strategy of delivering high-quality, operationally resilient PBSA in undersupplied university cities. Glasgow’s student market continues to face a structural shortage of accommodation, and this development responds directly to that demand with a future-proofed asset underpinned by strong ESG credentials. “Our decision to retain and operate the building to stabilisation reflects our confidence in both the long-term fundamentals of the PBSA sector and Glasgow’s position as a world-class education hub. We are delighted to be working with Puma Property Finance on this flagship scheme and look forward to building on this partnership as we continue to expand our PBSA platform.” Kevin Davidson, Managing Director at Puma Property Finance, commented: “Having historically funded successful developments with McAleer & Rushe as main contractor and built a wider relationship with the group, we at Puma Property Finance are delighted to be providing our first financing to MRP. Broadway Studios not only reinforces our commitment to backing schemes committed to ESG excellence but also sets the benchmark for modern PBSA developments. “We look forward to working with the excellent team at MRP to see the scheme reach its completion in time for the 26/27 academic year and further developing our important partnership to support the growth of their PBSA platform. We continue to have a strong appetite for lending in Scotland and supporting the PBSA market.” Shane McCullagh, Director at McAleer & Rushe, commented: “We’re delighted to be entrusted as Construction Partner to deliver this landmark PBSA scheme in Glasgow for MRP. Broadways Studios not only serves as an excellent addition to our growing portfolio of prominent student developments across the UK, but also strengthens our strong pipeline of ongoing large-scale projects across Scotland’s central belt. “With the strength of our experienced teams and trusted partners, we look forward to delivering safe, sustainable student homes that will make a lasting contribution to the city.” With its combination of premium design, robust ESG performance, and policy-compliant spatial standards, Broadway Studios is set to become a landmark student living destination in Glasgow and a benchmark for future PBSA development in the city. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lovell Partnerships has reaffirmed its strong relationship with Together Housing through a new phase of affordable homes in East Yorkshire. The 66-home development, located on Cliff Road in Hornsea, marks an exciting new chapter for both organisations as they work together to deliver a high-quality, sustainable community for local people. Construction is now progressing well, following a renewed commitment to complete the scheme and provide a diverse mix of homes for the area. The new gas-free development will include a range of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes, as well as bungalows designed to meet the needs of residents aged 55 and over. All homes will also feature air source heat pumps and solar PV panels, supporting Together Housing’s Net Zero ambitions and aligning with the developer’s commitment to building more energy-efficient homes. Of the 66 affordable homes being delivered, 26 will be managed and sold for shared ownership via Together Homes, part of the Together Housing Group, helping first-time buyers take their next step onto the property ladder. The development will also feature a children’s play area, green spaces, private gardens, and off-road parking, creating a welcoming and inclusive new neighbourhood. David Ward, Managing Director for the North at Lovell Partnerships, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Together Housing to deliver much-needed affordable and shared ownership homes in Hornsea. Collaborating with like-minded partners who share our values and commitment to sustainable community growth is central to how we work. This development is a fantastic example of how partnership working can make a real difference for local people.” Dai Howells, Assistant Director of Development at Together Housing, said: “We value the partnerships we’ve built with contractors like Lovell Partnerships, which is why we’re thrilled to be working together again on this quality development. Lovell Partnerships shares our forward-thinking and environmentally conscious approach, and together we’re not just building houses, we’re creating homes and communities that will thrive for generations.” Funded by Homes England, the Hornsea development continues the developer’s long-standing track record of delivering affordable, sustainable homes that meet local housing needs and support communities across the North. To find out more about Lovell, visit here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A specialist timber engineering company, active throughout East Anglia and the Home Counties, is making extensive use of West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero in the production of its diverse offering of high performance, sustainable offsite solutions. Based in the village of Gamlingay on the Cambridgeshire-Bedfordshire border, Pinewood Structures was established in 1981 and has grown steadily to become one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of timber-based systems across a variety of sectors, including housing and retirement developments, hotels and student living. The selection of site-specific solutions includes both open panel timber frame and ‘NHBC Accepted’ status factory insulated closed panels as well as floor and roof cassettes. The Sales and Marketing Manager for Pinewood Structures, Peter Keogh, commented: “Over the past 15 years we have successfully completed over 600 separate schemes encompassing not only residential and student accommodation, but also hotels, supermarkets and other types of development. We manufacture our offsite timber frame solutions at our two purpose-designed factory units in Gamlingay, which provide us with 40,000 square feet of production space. “Importantly, although numbers for the housebuilding industry remain flat, timber frame is steadily growing its market share, and we confidently expect to increase our total capacity from the current figure of approximately 1500 units per year: partly due to the fact we work a lot in affordable housebuilding which is being quite strongly supported by the Government. We are also working with registered providers and developers targeting the buy-to-rent market who favour a quick build method.” Referencing the company’s commitments to being a sustainable supplier, Peter added: “In terms of our manufacturing, we primarily use the West Fraser 9mm Sterling OSB Zero as the sheathing to our open and closed panel systems; though it is also employed in other applications such as for fabricating floor cassettes for apartment buildings which will have an OSB deck onto which an acoustic floor system is installed. We also use CaberDek for some projects. “Pinewood has long had a strong emphasis on the use of sustainably sourced materials, with the low embodied energy of timber having obvious attractions, which we need to prove to our customers through sustainable procurement. In addition, as a major manufacturer, we need a strong supply chain with West Fraser being a national supplier able to support us through reliability and quality. Overall, we are in a good place in the market and are excited about the future for timber frame and what timber products can do to help meet climate challenge.” West Fraser, furthermore, ensures that all its lumber is sourced from responsibly managed forests, mainly in the UK, carrying full chain of custody meaning stocks are conserved by replanting and carefully planned cropping. While local sourcing reduces mileage, West Fraser is also investing heavily in a new rail head for its Inverness plant and buys only renewable electricity for the site – and has switched from gas power to biomass for its drying process. Across the group, ESG commitments are being delivered, and Inverness is on course to attain its 2030 targets next year. All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation. Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC® certified (C012533) and created from locally grown timber, cutting embodied carbon from transportation. For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Polypipe Building Services has completed a £3m upgrade of its manufacturing capabilities with the installation of twelve new Engel injection moulding machines at its Aylesford facility. The investment has delivered a 10% improvement in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and a 26% increase in energy efficiency. The investment, spread across the last twelve months, has delivered a significant step change in production efficiency in what is a sector that typically evolves at a steady pace. Polypipe Building Services now operates at 85% OEE, a level that strengthens its ability to meet tighter project schedules and ensure reliable product availability for contractors working on complex commercial developments. Of the twelve new machines, ten are dedicated PVC injection moulding machines, while two are versatile general-purpose models capable of manufacturing both PVC and HDPE components. With Engel’s tie-bar-less technology, the new machines offer a larger and more flexible moulding area, which allows smaller units to handle bigger tools with ease. This versatility means fewer tool changes, less wear on the moulds, and greater production efficiency that delivers energy savings in every production run. The investment has already translated into lower scrap rates and reduced downtime, helping customers benefit from shorter lead times, more consistent quality and a reduced carbon footprint on their projects. Steve Tulett, Operations Manager at Polypipe Building Services, said: “For an industry that has performed steadily for decades, achieving a 10% uplift in overall equipment effectiveness in just twelve months is a rare and significant milestone. These improvements directly support our customers by enabling faster delivery, improved consistency and lower embodied carbon in the systems we supply. “The new machines at our Aylesford site also strengthen our wider sustainability efforts. Improved energy efficiency and reduced material waste complement our existing initiatives such as prefabrication, our EPD programme, and our ongoing work to support customers in meeting their net zero goals.” This upgrade underlines Polypipe Building Services’ commitment to investing in advanced technologies that enhance efficiency, reliability and sustainability across its operations. By reducing both operational and embedded carbon, the business is supporting contractors and developers in delivering high-performance building projects with lower environmental impact. To learn more about Polypipe Building Services’ sustainability initiatives, visit: https://www.polypipe.com/sustain Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals