Multiplex has claimed the top spot in the latest Barbour ABI contractors’ rankings after securing the flagship Dovetail Building project at One Cutler Street in the City of London. The landmark appointment marks one of the most significant commercial tower wins of the year and reinforces Multiplex’s strong presence in
Real estate development and investment firm, Epta Development Corporation (“EDC”), and its development partner, Stoford, have commenced construction of a new Marks & Spencer (“M&S”) logistics facility at Axis Works, Bristol, on behalf of LondonMetric Property (“LondonMetric”). The 390,000 sq ft high specification warehouse is being forward funded by LondonMetric
Salford City Council has approved the £1.3bn transformation of Regent Retail Park into a vibrant green mixed-use neighbourhood, marking one of the city’s most ambitious regeneration schemes to date. The project, led by Henley Investment Management, will create a new urban quarter known as Regent Park, combining homes, retail, community
Aldi is stepping up its growth plans ahead of the festive season, confirming it will open 16 new supermarkets by 12 December. The programme forms part of a £650m investment in its UK estate during 2025 and sits within a wider £1.6bn commitment over the next two years, as the
Mace Construct has signed the main construction contract to deliver the new Vulcan 20-20 building at the Science & Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory on the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. The £85m project will provide the specialist infrastructure required to house and operate the world’s most powerful laser,
Reds10, a leader in industrialised construction, has been awarded a £19.4m project for the construction of a new school building for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Connaught Special School in Newham, east London. Reds10 will deliver a two-storey, all-through education facility for pupils aged 4 to
Global development consultancy, Arup, has designed a pioneering Net Zero Carbon in operation (NZCio) Welsh school campus using performance modelling technology from global climate tech firm, IES. IES’s Virtual Environment (VE) dynamic modelling software played a central role in the design of the Mynydd Isa Campus, helping to reduce carbon emissions by
This is the North of England contractor’s first appointment to the framework for major civils projects. Esh Construction has been appointed to YORhub’s second-generation civil engineering major works framework which will support the delivery of large-scale infrastructure schemes across the Yorkshire and the Humber and East Midlands region. With an
While planning reforms are positive steps forward, Lanpro planning professionals believe systemic challenges will prevent the government from meeting its 1.5 million homes target While two-thirds say that planning permission is harder to achieve than last year As World Town Planning Day approaches on Saturday 8 November, a new survey of
The Mayor of London has named seasoned retail and real estate executive Scott Parsons as his preferred choice to chair the board of the new Oxford Street Development Corporation, the body tasked with leading the transformation of the capital’s most famous shopping street. Parsons is currently chief executive of Lysara,
Multiplex has claimed the top spot in the latest Barbour ABI contractors’ rankings after securing the flagship Dovetail Building project at One Cutler Street in the City of London. The landmark appointment marks one of the most significant commercial tower wins of the year and reinforces Multiplex’s strong presence in the capital’s high-rise market. Developed by Brockton Everlast, The Dovetail Building will deliver around 450,000 sq ft of Grade A, net-zero carbon office space close to Liverpool Street Station. The 23-storey tower, designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), will replace the former 115–123 Houndsditch site and is set for completion in the second quarter of 2029. Built to a Cat A finish, the building will feature approximately 22,000 sq ft floorplates with private terraces on every level. The 13th and 14th floors will include dramatic triple-bay, double-height hubs offering panoramic views across the City, while the top floor will feature a distinctive sky pavilion. The scheme’s design prioritises sustainability, wellbeing and flexibility – targeting NABERS 5*, BREEAM Outstanding, LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certifications. David Marks and Richard Selby, co-founders of Brockton Everlast, said: “We are pleased to be delivering The Dovetail Building in the heart of the City – a project that reflects our long-term commitment to delivering high-quality commercial spaces in London. Aligned with the Corporation of London’s ‘City Plan 2040’ vision, The Dovetail Building will deliver net-zero office space that positively contributes to a vibrant and sustainable future for the Square Mile. We are looking forward to seeing Deconstruct commence the piling phase next month and are pleased to have now selected Multiplex as our construction partner; both important milestones for the project.” According to Barbour ABI data, Multiplex’s major City win helped propel it to the top of the monthly contracts league, reflecting both the scale of the Dovetail project and the continued momentum in London’s commercial property market. The development represents a significant addition to the City’s skyline and a benchmark for the next generation of sustainable, high-performance office buildings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate development and investment firm, Epta Development Corporation (“EDC”), and its development partner, Stoford, have commenced construction of a new Marks & Spencer (“M&S”) logistics facility at Axis Works, Bristol, on behalf of LondonMetric Property (“LondonMetric”). The 390,000 sq ft high specification warehouse is being forward funded by LondonMetric for £74 million and pre-let to M&S on a 20-year lease, forming part of the retailer’s investment in its food supply chain. Designed to the highest sustainability standards, the building will target BREEAM Excellent, EPC A, and low-carbon construction, incorporating sustainable features to meet the requirements of all parties involved in the construction. Winvic has been appointed main contractor and completion of the new unit is scheduled for summer 2026. Axis Works is a 101-acre site that lies in a strategically important location at Central Park, South Gloucestershire, within the Avonmouth-Severnside Enterprise Area. The scheme has hybrid consent to deliver c.2 million sq ft of new industrial, warehouse and logistics space. Since acquiring the site in 2020, EDC has overseen extensive pre development works, including asset recovery and demolition of a former pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, site raising, utilities media servicing, and new drainage infrastructure. Chris Tsakumis, Principal at EDC, said: “Commencement of vertical construction at Axis Works marks a noteworthy milestone for our inaugural investment into the UK. M&S entrusting our team to deliver a critical piece of supply chain infrastructure for the business is equally rewarding, and is further testament to what Avonmouth offers as a strategically placed distribution hub and highly attractive locale for major capital investment. Delivering this building for M&S and LondonMetric, two widely respected and admired British companies, represents a seminal moment for us and our development partner Stoford at Axis Works.” Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director, Stoford, added: “Breaking ground at Axis Works is the result of more than two years of close collaboration with EDC. The project demonstrates confidence in Avonmouth as one of the UK’s most important distribution locations and will provide LondonMetric and M&S with a facility that meets the highest standards of design and sustainability.”Mark Stirling, Property Director of LondonMetric, commented: “We are delighted that construction has commenced on this high quality logistics warehouse for M&S who remain a key partner across our portfolio. This is one of several developments where we continue to work closely together to help grow their best in class food offering. “We are also very pleased to be working in partnership with EDC and Stoford to deliver such a high quality development.” Sarah Stocken, Food Logistics Project Manager at M&S Food, commented: “This distribution centre will play a key role in modernising our supply chain to increase capacity in our network. Not only will it help us deliver for our customers but also provide a brilliant working environment for colleagues when it opens next year. We look forward to seeing work progress onsite, led by EDC and Stoford.” Councillor Ian Boulton, Co-leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “This major investment by M&S, supported by EDC and Stoford, is another clear sign of confidence in South Gloucestershire as a place to do business. Developments like this bring high-quality jobs, boost our local economy, and demonstrate the strength of Avonmouth and Severnside as a key logistics hub for the South West and the UK.” For more information, please visit https://axis-works.com/ or contact agents Philip Cranstone or Adam McMillan at CBRE, and Russell Crofts or Charles Binks at Knight Frank. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salford City Council has approved the £1.3bn transformation of Regent Retail Park into a vibrant green mixed-use neighbourhood, marking one of the city’s most ambitious regeneration schemes to date. The project, led by Henley Investment Management, will create a new urban quarter known as Regent Park, combining homes, retail, community facilities, and public open spaces. Designed by Matt Brook Architects, the approved masterplan will be delivered in two phases across 10 new buildings. It will retain a significant retail presence while repurposing the 130,000 sq ft site into a modern retail, residential and community destination. Around 15 new retail units will be created, totalling approximately 86,000 sq ft, while the residential element will deliver up to 3,300 homes of varying sizes and tenures, including 660 affordable properties. Ian Rickwood, chief executive of Henley Investment Management, said: “Our approved scheme for Regent Park will deliver a new green and sustainable neighbourhood, a renewed local centre for Salford. Our plans recognise the importance of retail and services for the community, retaining significant enhanced provision that will cater to the needs of local people, while delivering much-needed high-quality homes, including a significant proportion of affordable homes, a new park, a village square and community forum. We look forward to continuing to work with Salford City Council, stakeholders and the local community to deliver our vision.” At the heart of the scheme will be five acres of new public open space, including West Union Park — a 3.5-acre green area featuring children’s play facilities and a village square designed to host community events and pop-up markets. Sustainability is a defining feature of the plans. Residents will have access to 1,000 cycle parking spaces but only 600 car parking bays, encouraging low-carbon travel. The development aims to create a more walkable, connected and inclusive neighbourhood, balancing new housing growth with accessible retail, leisure and community facilities. Once complete, Regent Park is expected to become a benchmark for urban regeneration in Greater Manchester, delivering long-term social, economic and environmental value for Salford and its growing population. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi is stepping up its growth plans ahead of the festive season, confirming it will open 16 new supermarkets by 12 December. The programme forms part of a £650m investment in its UK estate during 2025 and sits within a wider £1.6bn commitment over the next two years, as the grocer targets around 40 new stores annually. The latest openings will extend Aldi’s reach into busy urban locations and growing commuter towns, bringing more shoppers within easy reach of the discounter’s low-price offer.New stores are planned for: Location Area / Street Philadelphia Tyne and Wear Liverpool Pendle Drive Market Rasen Gallamore Lane Kirkintilloch McGavigans Road (Scotland) Billericay Queens Park Avenue London Kentish Town Arbroath Dundee Road Cheadle The Green Baillieston Boghall Road Hove Old Shoreham Road Pershore Pershore Market Gloucestershire Riverside Retail Park Northallerton North Yorkshire Uxbridge Harefield Road Daventry Northamptonshire London Old Kent Road The roll-out continues Aldi’s strategy of adding capacity where demand is strongest, with a blend of high-street, retail park and neighbourhood sites. The investment will also support local employment and supply chains in the run-up to Christmas, traditionally the busiest period for the sector. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi, said: “At Aldi, we’re focused on making affordable, high-quality food accessible to as many people as possible – and opening new stores is at the heart of how we do that. Launching 16 new stores in just over five weeks is a significant milestone for our business and a clear demonstration of the pace and ambition behind our growth plans. It means more communities will benefit from Aldi’s value and choice in the weeks ahead and beyond.” With grocery price sensitivity still front of mind for many households, Aldi’s expansion underscores the competitive pressure on the UK’s food retailers. The imminent openings will give the chain a broader national footprint as it prepares for the key Christmas trading period and positions the business for sustained growth into 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace Construct has signed the main construction contract to deliver the new Vulcan 20-20 building at the Science & Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory on the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire. The £85m project will provide the specialist infrastructure required to house and operate the world’s most powerful laser, replacing the existing Vulcan laser, which has supported groundbreaking research in plasma physics and high-energy density science for over four decades. With enabling works now complete, the scheme moves into its main construction phase. Mace Construct will deliver two seven-metre-tall targeting bunkers, featuring walls and soffits up to two metres thick, constructed using a bespoke radiation-resistant concrete mix. The design will protect against beams a billion times hotter than the brightest sunlight. The facility has been designed to meet the demanding standards of ultra-high precision environments, incorporating specialist shielding, vibration isolation, and ultra-clean spaces essential for the laser’s performance. Once operational, the Vulcan 20-20 will house a 20 Petawatt laser system – the equivalent of 200 billion kilowatts – capable of releasing, in a single pulse, enough energy to replicate the extreme conditions found in space. The laser will enable scientists to advance research in clean energy generation through fusion and further explore the fundamental laws of physics. This appointment continues Mace Construct’s strong track record at the Harwell Campus, following its successful delivery of the Rosalind Franklin Institute, the National Satellite Test Facility, and the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre. The same experienced team of Fairhurst Design Group, Glanville, Hoare Lea, BB7 and RSK will remain involved in the project. Rob Lemming, managing director for public sector and life sciences at Mace Construct, said:“Vulcan 20-20 is a landmark project for UK science and presents complex technical challenges, but our team’s experience at Harwell and our track record in delivering high-performance environments means we’re ready to meet them.” The contract was awarded through the Southern Construction Framework. Construction is expected to complete in 2027, followed by commissioning and scientific operations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reds10, a leader in industrialised construction, has been awarded a £19.4m project for the construction of a new school building for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) at Connaught Special School in Newham, east London. Reds10 will deliver a two-storey, all-through education facility for pupils aged 4 to 18, with capacity for 105 students. The school will specialise in supporting autistic children with severe learning difficulties, providing an inclusive environment that supports their development throughout their educational journey. This project will help address the significant shortage of SEND school places in Newham. After being awarded the contract to deliver the project by The Department for Education (DfE) in the summer, construction is now underway, with completion scheduled for winter 2026/2027. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on 3rd November 2025, bringing together key partners and stakeholders from the DfE, London Borough of Newham and Learning in Harmony Trust to mark the official start of work on the site. This included Cllr Sarah Ruiz, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education & Sustainable Transport at the London Borough of Newham, as well as Gary Wilkie, CEO of the Learning in Harmony Trust and Nithra Subramaniam, Headteacher of Connaught Special School. Connaught Special School, part of the Learning in Harmony Trust, is already making a significant difference in the lives of children with SEND, providing tailored teaching and resources that meet their individual needs and extending vital support to their families. The new facility will take the place of the temporary site currently operating in Upton Park, which accommodates 45 SEND pupils, and will offer a permanent, purpose-built setting designed to deliver the highest standards of education and care. Accommodating significantly more pupils, the new school is located just off Royal Road, near Prince Regent DLR station offering strong transport links for pupils, families, and staff. Designed by HLM Architects, and in partnership with Newham Council and Learning in Harmony Trust, the SEND facility will feature purpose-built classrooms, flexible activity spaces, outdoor play areas, accessible parking, and interiors tailored for accessibility and student wellbeing including considerate acoustics and calming colours to support children with SEND. The new school building will prioritise sustainability, targeting BREEAM Excellent accreditation with energy-efficient materials and low-carbon solutions integrated throughout. Using modular components manufactured at Reds10’s pioneering offsite factory facility in East Yorkshire, the build will ensure quality, consistency, and minimal on-site disruption. Importantly, the school has also been designed to serve the wider Newham community. Outside school hours, its facilities will be available for local use underlining a shared commitment to social value, inclusion, and long-term impact. Joe Shepherd, Managing Director – Public Sector at Reds10, said: “In partnership with the DfE we are proud to start the delivery of this purpose-built SEND school in Newham, which will become the latest example of the sustainable, innovative and high-quality educational facilities that our advanced construction techniques provide. This project represents a vital investment in specialist education, helping address a chronic shortage of SEND places in Newham, and we’re proud to create a space where neurodiverse pupils will be supported to reach their full potential.” Councillor Sarah Ruiz, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education & Sustainable Transport, commented: “This exceptional new state of the art, purpose-built facility is a vital and very welcome addition to Newham’s family of schools. Designed with SEND needs specifically in mind, it will be welcomed by the parents, carers and the young people of this borough. “Connaught School, with its 14 classrooms and specialist design, including therapy rooms, a sensory room, soft play area and exceptional access to all areas will mean that more of our children and young people with SEND can have their needs met in the borough.” Gary Wilkie, CEO of Learning in Harmony Trust, commented: “Breaking ground marks a major step towards realising our ambition to create a school that fully meets the needs of its pupils and supports the wider community. Working with Reds10, we’re bringing to life a nurturing, modern environment where every child will have the opportunity to thrive and reach their potential.” Nithra Subramaniam, Head Teacher at Connaught Special School, added: “It’s incredibly exciting to see work begin on such an important space for our pupils. Every detail of the new building has been designed with their needs in mind, all helping to create an environment where children feel safe, supported and ready to learn each day.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global development consultancy, Arup, has designed a pioneering Net Zero Carbon in operation (NZCio) Welsh school campus using performance modelling technology from global climate tech firm, IES. IES’s Virtual Environment (VE) dynamic modelling software played a central role in the design of the Mynydd Isa Campus, helping to reduce carbon emissions by over 100 tonnes per year. Designed in 2023 and completed in 2025, the two-storey, 10,500m² campus meets Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) ‘Excellent’ standards, reflecting strong performance across areas such as energy use, materials, water and occupant wellbeing. The IESVE software was used to assess and refine energy performance, taking into account overheating risks under various climate scenarios, including typical years, warm summers and prolonged heatwaves. The solutions included installing more than 1,000 solar panels, which are expected to generate over 500,000 kWh of electricity each year. This enables the building to produce as much energy as it consumes. To manage comfort, a complex cross-ventilation chimney concept and a ‘traffic light system’ in classrooms is used to alert teachers to open/close windows. The project also made a 25-year performance commitment to ensure the building remains efficient and resilient to future climate conditions. Niall Gibson, Building Performance Specialist at IES, commented, “This project exemplifies how performance modelling technology can deliver on multiple fronts – achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation, supporting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, and closing the gap between design and real-world performance. “Rising heat is putting huge pressure on infrastructure that was never designed for these conditions. This isn’t about futureproofing; it’s about catching up with a crisis that’s already here. If we’re serious about tackling climate change, making existing infrastructure more resilient, efficient, and climate-ready must be a national priority. We’re proud to support Arup in delivering a school that sets the standard for future-proof public buildings.” Steven Burrows, associate building physics engineer at Arup, said, “I feel honoured to have worked on this project from the very beginning and take it through to completion. IESVE modelling played a significant role in the design of the scheme – from developing the complex cross ventilation chimney concept to achieving Net Zero Carbon in operation (NZCio). It’s an incredible achievement that the building generates as much energy as it will consume over the course of a year.” The campus provides nursery, primary, and secondary education for more than 1,300 pupils. As local authorities and design teams face increasing pressure to decarbonise public infrastructure, the Mynydd Isa project highlights the vital role of whole-life performance modelling and trusted simulation tools in designing and delivering buildings that truly meet net-zero commitments. Learn more about the project and IES’s pioneering technology here: https://www.iesve.com/discoveries/view/55765/arup-mynydd-isa Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
This is the North of England contractor’s first appointment to the framework for major civils projects. Esh Construction has been appointed to YORhub’s second-generation civil engineering major works framework which will support the delivery of large-scale infrastructure schemes across the Yorkshire and the Humber and East Midlands region. With an estimated potential value of £250 million per annum, the framework is designed for the procurement of public sector civil engineering projects worth more than £10 million. Schemes procured will include construction works, civil engineering, bridge and structure works, highway surfacing, coastal protection, flood alleviation, and associated design services. The appointment builds on the success of Esh’s capital infrastructure portfolio across the North East, including the Tyne Bridge Restoration and Stockton Waterfront Urban Park projects. It also builds on Esh’s existing relationship with the YORhub family of frameworks. In Yorkshire, Esh has a track record of delivering key infrastructure upgrades, with the £6.4 million Sheffield Road Cycleways and Maltby Bus Corridor project, among a trio of active travel schemes delivered recently for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. The M181 Phase 1 works, delivered in partnership with North Lincolnshire Council, also saw Esh install two roundabouts on the outskirts of Scunthorpe to facilitate future development. Ross Markwell, Business Development Director at Esh Construction, said: “Securing a place on the YORcivil Major Framework marks a key milestone in Esh’s strategic growth plans and reflects the quality, value and social impact we consistently deliver. “We have a proven capability in delivering complex, capital projects – with over £100 million in major schemes currently underway across the North East – and we are poised to bring our expertise to investment programmes within the Yorkshire region. We’re looking forward to building on our existing relationships while forging new local authority partnerships through the framework appointment.” The YORcivil Major Works 2 Contractor Framework covers 21 local authorities spanning from North Yorkshire down to Derbyshire. It forms part of a collaborative approach to procurement, enabling public sector bodies to access experienced contractors for large-scale civil engineering works. In 2023, Esh secured its place on Lots 1, 2 and 3 of the YORcivil3 framework for projects worth up to £10 million. Among the projects secured through this route so far are the Elland Access Package, the repair and strengthening of Drypool Bridge and the A638 Dewsbury to Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor, working for Calderdale Council, Hull City Council and Kirklees Council respectively. Elsewhere in the region, Esh has been directly appointed to deliver a £19.1 million project to transform Brighouse town centre. Markwell added: “We understand the importance of delivering not just infrastructure, but long-term value for communities. We are committed to embedding social value into every stage – from local supply chain engagement to creating opportunities for apprentices and trainees. “We’re excited to bring this approach to the YORcivil Major Framework and to work in partnership with clients to deliver infrastructure that makes a lasting difference.” To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
While planning reforms are positive steps forward, Lanpro planning professionals believe systemic challenges will prevent the government from meeting its 1.5 million homes target While two-thirds say that planning permission is harder to achieve than last year As World Town Planning Day approaches on Saturday 8 November, a new survey of planning professionals at Lanpro reveals a cautiously optimistic yet realistic view about the government’s housing ambitions, even as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill progresses through Parliament. Planning becomes more difficult In the run-up to World Town Planning Day, Lanpro surveyed its planning team on two key questions: whether gaining planning permission has become easier or more difficult compared to this time last year, and whether the government will achieve its objective of delivering 1.5 million homes this Parliament. The results paint a sobering picture. More than half of respondents (62%) reported that it has become more challenging, principally due to the transitional period for changes to be reflected, to secure planning permissionthan a year ago. More strikingly, every single respondent believes the government will not achieve its 1.5 million homes target. This unanimous scepticism comes despite the government’s reform agenda. In her Scene Setter speech delivered this week ahead of the Autumn Budget on 26 November, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged that planning reforms are expected to add £6.8bn to the economy over the next five years, but emphasised that “the next part – our planning bill – must complete its passage through Parliament before it can make a difference”. Demand-side measures needed to build confidence Several respondents also stressed the need to balance supply-side planning reforms with demand-side interventions. “Many of the announcements by the government to achieve the 1.5 million new homes relate to supply-side solutions such as planning reform, which I agree are vital,” one noted. “However, this must be complemented by effective demand-side solutions to give the housing sector the confidence that the market exists for the homes to be delivered. Such demand-side policies must balance affordability whilst providing greater access to affordable lending and financial interventions for first-time buyers.” Support for first-time buyers was mentioned by multiple respondents as essential to creating market confidence. One policy change isn’t enough When asked what single policy change would most effectively get development moving, Lanpro’s planners identified a range of interconnected barriers that no single reform can address. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill featured prominently in responses. One member of the team noted that if the Bill “truly reforms the planning and infrastructure system as intended, it could be a game-changer for unlocking development. But actual delivery and implementation will determine how successful it is.” Another simply urged: “Deliver on promises made around the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.” Resourcing pressures in local authorities However, many emphasised that legislative change alone will not suffice without adequate resources to implement it. “There are not enough professional planners within local planning authorities (LPAs) to process applications,” one respondent observed. “The government should make sure it enforces its national scheme of delegation. Many schemes are being refused at committee despite officer approval and then getting overturned at appeal, sometimes with costs. This wastes time and money for all parties.” This resource challenge extends beyond planning teams to include other essential consultees, such as highways officers and environmental health officers, whose input is critical to the process but can be delayed due to capacity constraints. One respondent highlighted delays caused by statutory consultees, noting that: “The need for bodies such as Natural England, the Environment Agency, Highways England, Sport England and Lead Local Flood Authorities to be involved to the extent they are at present is problematic given their lack of resources and long response times.” The solution proposed was straightforward: “Enforce statutory deadlines for consultee responses.” Another reinforced this point: “Any policy change will not work unless there is the resource to implement it. I believe it’s more important to adequately resource LPA planning departments.” Environmental constraints and consultant delays Environmental constraints emerged as another significant concern, particularly in areas affected by nutrient neutrality. “No longer having to deal with nutrient neutrality through the planning system would remove a significant barrier to development,” one respondent suggested. “More broadly, a relaxation of the biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements for small- and medium-sized developments would significantly improve things.” Development under viability strain Development viability was repeatedly mentioned as a critical issue. “Development viability has been affected by high build costs, low sales rates, nutrient neutrality, BNG and other associated costs,” one planner explained. “Relaxing Community Infrastructure Levy, Section 106 and affordable housing requirements would assist in getting development moving.” The emergency measures announced for London in October 2025, including temporary CIL relief and enhanced mayoral powers, represent the kind of pragmatic viability support that could benefit the rest of England as similar strategic planning powers are rolled out to other combined authorities. The same issue came up again, with another respondent calling for the government to either “reduce affordable housing requirements or increase the flow of money to registered providers.” Local government reform creating uncertainty The ongoing process of local government reform and the establishment of combined authorities with directly elected mayors emerged as a concern affecting planning decision-making. Many noted that the political uncertainty created by structural changes can result in delays and intransigence, as decision-makers may be reluctant to commit political capital to planning decisions when their positions may not be secure in the near future. One team member highlighted the political dimension of planning, suggesting that “greater weight should be given to housing need when balancing competing interests in the planning process”. Another argued for “empowering local authorities with enhanced decision-making autonomy and compulsory purchase powers – delegating the majority of planning decisions to reduce political delays and enable more effective land assembly. Local authorities need power to act with greater accountability to help drive delivery; otherwise, any other related changes may just remain gridlocked.” Some warned against adding further complexity to an already burdened system. “The introduction of new policies runs
The Mayor of London has named seasoned retail and real estate executive Scott Parsons as his preferred choice to chair the board of the new Oxford Street Development Corporation, the body tasked with leading the transformation of the capital’s most famous shopping street. Parsons is currently chief executive of Lysara, a pan-European energy infrastructure platform focused on logistics and urban markets. He brings deep experience from some of the UK’s highest-profile retail and mixed-use destinations. Between 2019 and 2025 he served as UK chief operating officer at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, overseeing Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City and steering the portfolio through the pandemic. Before that, he spent 13 years at Landsec, where as head of property for London he managed a range of landmark assets, including holdings along Oxford Street from Park House in the west to Primark and the Dominion Theatre in the east. He is also a former non-executive director of the New West End Company. His proposed appointment follows a recruitment process launched in August and is subject to a confirmation hearing by the London Assembly. It comes as City Hall advances plans to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) dedicated to the district, with the goal of creating a world-leading urban environment for shopping, leisure and outdoor events. The London Assembly gave its backing in July 2025 and the Mayor is now working with government to bring forward the necessary legislation for the MDC to be established by 1 January 2026. Sadiq Khan said the choice reflects a determination to “unlock Oxford Street’s true potential” and deliver a step-change in visitor experience and economic performance. Parsons welcomed the opportunity, describing the Oxford Street Transformation as a chance to put a global icon “back on the map” and signalling his intent to work closely with the Mayor, the corporation’s incoming chief executive and their teams. The development corporation is expected to coordinate public and private investment, guide design quality and public realm upgrades, and address long-standing challenges around tenant mix, vacancy, accessibility and activation. Early priorities are likely to include rebalancing retail with culture and hospitality, improving pedestrian space and wayfinding, and supporting a shift towards more sustainable, experience-led uses. If approved, Parsons’ appointment would bring high-level operational expertise to the helm just as the governance framework is finalised—setting the stage for a comprehensive reset of Oxford Street’s offer for Londoners, visitors and businesses alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals