Verdion has joined forces with Legal & General’s Industrial Property Investment Fund (IPIF) to secure a prime urban logistics development site in the West Thamesmead Opportunity Area, marking the first collaboration between the two organisations. The 2.6-acre brownfield plot on Nathan Way, within the West Thamesmead/Plumstead Industrial Area and designated
Construction intelligence specialists predict renewed activity following false-start over the summer. Today, Glenigan | powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Autumn Forecast 2026-2027. Predominantly focused on underlying starts (<£100m in value), unless otherwise stated, it contains
Ikea has chosen The Boulevard in Banbridge for its first-ever outlet store in Northern Ireland, rounding off a landmark year of expansion for Ikea UK & Ireland. The 2,691 sq ft pop-up store, which will trade until spring 2026, is designed as a convenient hub for planning services, home furnishings
Willmott Dixon has secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, paving the way for a £136m regeneration of Luton town centre. Known as The Stage, the flagship scheme will be delivered through the Southern Construction Framework and will transform the former Bute Street Shoppers car park into a
Henry Boot Construction has been appointed by Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver 18 brand-new energy-efficient homes in Mastin Moor, marking a key step in the council’s commitment to expanding its affordable housing supply. Work is now underway on site. This project marks one of the first housing developments to be
Oxford North, the £1.2 billion global innovation district, has reached a significant employment milestone with the creation of its 2,000th construction job since building works commenced in August 2021. The 2,000th employee is Costa Tanasa, who works for Morgan Lovell delivering the fitted laboratories at 2 Fallaize Street and lives
Award of £75m Project Control Resources Framework will take Costain and EDF’s partnership to 2030 Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been awarded a new five-year framework contract by EDF to continue providing project controls services at EDF’s eight nuclear power stations across the UK. Costain has been working with
Kier has begun its new financial year on a strong footing, with trading in line with expectations and its order book rising by £600m to £11.6bn. New chief executive Stuart Togwell (pictured), who formally stepped into the role this month, said he was starting his tenure with 94% of this
Kajima Properties Europe (‘Kajima Properties’ or ‘KPE’), the vertically integrated investment, development and asset management subsidiary of the NIKKEI-listed Kajima Corporation, has completed the expansion of its existing 466-bed Student Depot residence in Poznań, transforming it into two interlinked buildings with 871-beds, the largest in Student Depot’s operational portfolio. This
Experienced property leader is charged with leading Bellrock’s ambitious growth plans as the company continues to shake up the sector Property Management industry disruptor Bellrock has appointed Dan Weiss as Managing Director of its Consulting business. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing Bellrock’s property consulting services, leading
Verdion has joined forces with Legal & General’s Industrial Property Investment Fund (IPIF) to secure a prime urban logistics development site in the West Thamesmead Opportunity Area, marking the first collaboration between the two organisations. The 2.6-acre brownfield plot on Nathan Way, within the West Thamesmead/Plumstead Industrial Area and designated Strategic Industrial Location, has a gross development value of £30m. Verdion will lead the development, while L&G will take ownership of the completed asset. Plans are in place for a speculative urban logistics scheme delivering 78,987 sq ft of new industrial floorspace across six small and mid-box units, ranging from 7,500 sq ft to 18,000 sq ft. The scheme is targeting BREEAM Excellent and A-plus energy performance certification, with a strong emphasis on whole-life carbon reduction, energy efficiency, biodiversity enhancements and responsible supply chain practices. Mark Garrity, UK development director at Verdion, said the acquisition represented an important milestone in the company’s UK strategy. He highlighted the site’s strong Thamesmead location and the increasing appeal of inner South East London for logistics operators. Garrity added that the masterplan had been shaped to support a wide variety of occupiers, anticipating demand from both businesses displaced by redevelopment elsewhere in London and new entrants drawn by improved transport links. Verdion expects the scheme to complete in the second quarter of 2027. Matt Lilley, assistant fund manager of IPIF and head of industrial development strategies at L&G, said the Nathan Way acquisition aligned with their strategy of investing in fast-growing industrial sub-sectors such as urban logistics. He emphasised the opportunity to embed net-zero-carbon principles from the outset, helping to create a future-proofed, high-quality asset in an undersupplied London market. The partnership signals a strong commitment to sustainable industrial growth and further strengthens the area’s role as a key logistics location in the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction intelligence specialists predict renewed activity following false-start over the summer. Today, Glenigan | powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases its widely anticipated UK Construction Industry Autumn Forecast 2026-2027. Predominantly focused on underlying starts (<£100m in value), unless otherwise stated, it contains a comprehensive overview of the future of the construction industry. The key takeaway from the Autumn Forecast, which focuses on the two years 2026-2027, is that, despite the aggressive geopolitical and socioeconomic headwinds which have picked up during Q.3 and Q.4 this year, the sector is still on course for recovery in 2026 and 2027. A Show of Strength Growth has been re-forecast. Following a period of international turbulence and domestic uncertainty, 2025 and 2026 figures have been revised down, with the former now in negative numbers (-6%) and the latter adjusted down a couple of percent since the spring (+8%). However, these relatively disappointing results are offset by predictions for 2027, where Glenigan’s Economic Unit foresee a 13% activity boost. Whilst the industry will be frustrated that a reversal of fortune will not come as quickly as thought back in May/June 2025, there will be a collective sigh of relief that the negative impact of international conflict, trade wars and policy speculation has not done more damage. Overall, the UK construction sector has done well to weather what has become a persistent storm, punctuated by aggressive peaks and troughs in activity, and is positioning itself to kickstart activity following next week’s Budget. Positive signals are making themselves heard within a variety of different quarters, with certain ‘verticals to watch’ emerging from amongst the present gloom. An atmosphere of anticipation The Glenigan Economics Unit foresees a rise in both private and public sector starts, with residential construction returning to positive figures after a blip over the summer and autumn of 2025. Likewise, the golden period experienced within the commercial office space over Q.3 and Q.4 is likely to continue into next year as more refurbishment work comes online. Equally, as consumer confidence (hopefully) resurges following the Chancellor’s upcoming Budget, we’ll see an uptick in discretionary spending, catalysing a boost for industrial projects as online shopping increases and more logistics and warehouse facilities are required. Hotel & leisure will also likely benefit as improved confidence and a rise in disposable income boosts consumers’ discretionary spending. In the public space, the Government will be hoping to kickstart a number of capital projects, especially around renewables, as well as deliver on its social housing commitments and promised increases in funding for health and education. More broadly, a renewed commitment to delivering Net Zero across state-owned assets by 2050 will present ample opportunity for contractors and subcontractors to seize on. Accordingly, Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen says, “As with any Forecasts, it’s difficult to foresee unpredicted and spontaneous political and economic issues until they suddenly land, often completely changing the situation. The ‘will they/won’t they’ attitude that the professional and consumer landscape has taken towards trailed Government policy has done nothing to inspire confidence in the latter part of 2025. This is borne out by the dramatic performance decreases we’ve seen across our own Indexes since the summer, dashing any hopes of recovery by the end of this year. “However, the Chancellor has a real opportunity within this Budget to rebalance the situation and ensure that a kick-start into 2026 is not the false start we witnessed in the Spring of this year. There are some very encouraging signs already across different verticals and it will be up to the industry to take advantage of them and, in some cases, that might mean diversifying to meet more niche demands around low-carbon construction and commercial fit-out or even different building approaches and services; for example, addressing the changing needs of an ageing population. So, whilst we’re experiencing short-term struggles, we’re still confident of a brighter long-term picture.” **** Taking a more detailed look at the Forecast… Private Residential: Housing Market Holds Firm Following a very positive outlook predicted in June, figures have been reassessed, following a softening in market confidence and a drop in property transactions during Q.2/Q.3 2025. The initial rise in private housing starts during the first four months of 2025 proved short-lived. Following April’s stamp duty increase, starts fell back during the second half of the year. Apartment projects were especially weak as slow building safety regulator (BSR) approval delayed project starts. However, despite these setbacks, housing market activity has been broadly stable during the second half of the year. This has been supported by rising household incomes, with the number of mortgage approvals for house purchases close to their pre-pandemic average. The outlook remains positive. Stronger economic growth is expected to lift housing market activity over the next two years. Rising real incomes and further interest rate cuts are expected to lift house-buyers’ confidence from 2026. Furthermore, supply-side restraints are also expected to ease as the BSR reduces the backlog of projects awaiting approval, and planning reforms are expected to help release additional sites for development, supporting sector growth during the latter stages of the forecast. Private Non-Residential Verticals: A wealth of opportunity awaits Renewed growth is anticipated in 2026 and 2027, despite many verticals slipping back during 2025. Whilst the industrial sector suffered from a drop in manufacturing projects, this was offset by a spurt in warehousing starts. This growth neatly anticipates higher consumer spending and sustainable increases for this type of project. This, in turn, will likely see further demand for logistics and light industrial space from online retailers and third-party carriers. However, bricks and mortar retail will be slower to recover as operators face increased cost pressures from NI increases and the rise in the minimum wage. An overhang of empty retail premises is also deterring investment in new premises. Although, in the spirit of adapting to survive, this situation may also prompt landlords to refresh and repurpose existing excess retail space. As ever, supermarkets remain a
Ikea has chosen The Boulevard in Banbridge for its first-ever outlet store in Northern Ireland, rounding off a landmark year of expansion for Ikea UK & Ireland. The 2,691 sq ft pop-up store, which will trade until spring 2026, is designed as a convenient hub for planning services, home furnishings and online order pick-ups. Customers can explore a curated selection of 150 home furnishing accessories across kitchen, bedroom and living spaces, with Ikea co-workers on hand to offer product advice and support with home projects. A key feature of the new outlet is its “Collect Near You” point, enabling shoppers to have online orders delivered to The Boulevard for easy collection. This service complements existing collection locations in Ballymena, Limavady and Dungannon, strengthening Ikea’s footprint across Northern Ireland and making it easier for customers to access the full range without travelling to a larger store. The Banbridge opening comes at the end of a busy 2025 for Ikea in the UK and Ireland, as the retailer continues to roll out smaller, more flexible formats closer to where people live and work. This year has seen the launch of a city store on London’s Oxford Street, new city and smaller-format stores in Brighton, Harlow, Norwich and Chester, as well as “Plan and Order” points in Dundee, Hull and York. Together, these locations form a key part of Ikea’s strategy to blend traditional out-of-town stores with compact formats, planning studios and collection points in high street and regional centres. Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property, owner of The Boulevard, said he was delighted to welcome Ikea’s first pop-up initiative in Northern Ireland. He described the arrival of the global home furnishings brand as a strong endorsement of The Boulevard’s growing reputation for attracting “first” and “only” locations, and a timely boost as the scheme gears up for the Christmas trading period. With the Banbridge outlet now open, Ikea is signalling its commitment to meeting customers where they are, using a mix of store formats and collection points to offer greater choice, convenience and flexibility across the UK and Ireland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, paving the way for a £136m regeneration of Luton town centre. Known as The Stage, the flagship scheme will be delivered through the Southern Construction Framework and will transform the former Bute Street Shoppers car park into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. The plans include 292 new homes, ground-floor commercial space, a multi-purpose food and events venue, and a new public garden square designed to act as a focal point for the community. Supported by £20m from the Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, The Stage is a key component of Luton’s town centre masterplan. The project aims to boost footfall, attract new businesses and create a more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and commuters. Sustainability and placemaking sit at the heart of the design. The development will incorporate photovoltaic panels, upgraded insulation and high-performance building fabric to improve energy efficiency. New landscaped spaces will be structured around sustainable drainage systems and biodiverse planting, helping to manage surface water while enhancing the local environment. Located beside the rail station and bus interchange, The Stage occupies one of the most accessible locations in the town. The scheme is intended to make better use of this gateway site, encouraging sustainable travel and supporting the wider regeneration of the surrounding area. Stewart Brundell, chief operating officer at Willmott Dixon’s construction business, said the project represented exactly the kind of comprehensive town centre renewal needed to revitalise urban areas and deliver long-term benefits for local communities. The Luton scheme adds to Willmott Dixon’s growing portfolio of large-scale regeneration projects, which includes the Queen Mary University School of Business and Management redevelopment, the Barnes Hospital regeneration and Oldham’s 450,000 sq ft Spindles Town Square upgrade. Willmott Dixon will deliver The Stage in partnership with Rider Levett Bucknall and WSP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henry Boot Construction has been appointed by Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver 18 brand-new energy-efficient homes in Mastin Moor, marking a key step in the council’s commitment to expanding its affordable housing supply. Work is now underway on site. This project marks one of the first housing developments to be supported by the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA) Brownfield Housing Fund. This initiative, funded by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and delivered in partnership with Homes England, will unlock stalled residential developments and breathe new life into under-used land across the region. The development will see 13 new council homes built on Miller Avenue, whilst a further five houses will also be constructed on Edale Road. In total, Henry Boot Construction will deliver seven four-bedroom homes and eleven two-bedroom homes, all allocated to families on the council’s housing register. Each home is designed to achieve A-rated energy performance, with sustainability measures built in from the start of construction. Solar PV panels and air-source heat pumps will be installed across all plots, helping reduce running costs for future tenants and reducing carbon emissions across the borough. External works will provide private gardens and off-road parking for residents, while both locations are situated close to public transport routes for easy access to local services. Additional environmental features include bat and bird boxes on every plot and electric vehicle charging points. Mat Clarke, Head of Construction at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We’re proud to be supporting Chesterfield Borough Council in its mission to deliver affordable, energy-efficient homes for families across the borough. “It’s great for us to be back in Chesterfield after recently working with the council on its largest housing development in decades at Badger Croft, and we’re delighted to continue playing our part in increasing the local housing supply.” Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “As a council, we remain committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing for local people and this latest project is helping us to achieve this. “We are really pleased that EMCCA has allocated part of its Brownfield Housing Fund to help deliver this project that will provide much needed homes for local families. We look forward to working with EMCCA and Henry Boot Construction and watching the project progress. “With the cost of living continuing to rise, we know how important it is to our tenants to keep homes warm but energy costs down, so we’re really pleased to be delivering new properties with the top energy efficiency rating.” To mark the start of the project, Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, joined the Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Councillor Tricia Gilby, and the council’s cabinet member for housing, Councillor Jean Innes for a site visit hosted by Henry Boot Construction. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This project is a powerful example of how we’re turning our vision for inclusive growth into reality. Through the Brownfield Housing Fund, we’re creating high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of local families while supporting greener, more sustainable communities. By investing in places like Mastin Moor, we’re making the East Midlands a region that everyone is proud to call home.” EMCCA has secured a devolved allocation of Brownfield Housing Fund investment from the UK Government to support the delivery of housing on brownfield sites in the East Midlands. The funding commitment will deliver more than 2,000 high-quality homes, supporting Mayor Claire Ward’s ambition to build 100,000 new homes in the region by 2035. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oxford North, the £1.2 billion global innovation district, has reached a significant employment milestone with the creation of its 2,000th construction job since building works commenced in August 2021. The 2,000th employee is Costa Tanasa, who works for Morgan Lovell delivering the fitted laboratories at 2 Fallaize Street and lives near Didcot. Costa first joined Morgan Lovell in 2022 through an agency placement and has since progressed to become a permanent team member, demonstrating the career progression opportunities the project is creating across Oxfordshire. Costa said: “It’s a real privilege to be part of such a prestigious project, where many top-tier construction companies are working together for Oxford North Ventures to build Oxford’s newest landmark. “Working at Oxford North is a great experience, the site has a really positive energy, and there’s a strong sense of collaboration with everyone involved. Morgan Lovell has been focused on delivering high-quality laboratory spaces that reflect the ambition of the wider scheme, and it’s exciting to see how the development is already starting to shape the future of the area. “Being based locally makes it even more meaningful as it’s not often you get to work on a project that’s right on your doorstep.” The landmark figure of 2,000 employees represents a near doubling of construction employment since December 2023, when the scheme reached 1,025 jobs. Significantly, 29% of all roles have been filled by local Oxfordshire residents, nearly double the project’s 15% target set out in its Community Employment Plan agreed with Oxford City Council. The scheme has also created 61 apprenticeships to date, with construction partners which include Laing O’Rourke, The Hill Group, Careys, Mace, Alandale, Maylim, Morgan Lovell, and Flynn James all contributing to the workforce development across the 64-acre site. The district is forecast to boost the economy by circa £150 million per year in GVA. Simon Ruck, managing director of Oxford North, said: “Reaching the 2,000th on-site employee is a tremendous achievement and a real marker of the momentum behind Oxford North as we deliver world-class laboratory and workspace for the UK’s science, technology and innovation sectors. “We’re proud to be creating meaningful opportunities for local residents and supporting the wider regional economy as Oxford North continues to grow. Happy International Men’s Day to Costa and fellow colleagues working at Oxford North!” Oxford North Ventures is the joint venture between Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Stanhope. The project collaborates through its Social Value Steering Group, which meets quarterly and includes representatives from Oxford City Council, Enterprise Oxfordshire, Department for Work and Pensions, Oxford Jobcentre Plus, CITB, Aspire, Abingdon & Witney College and Activate Learning. Victoria Collett, development director, Thomas White Oxford and chair of the social value steering group added: “This significant milestone and our latest jobs’ monitoring underscores the tangible social value Oxford North is delivering for people who live locally. We’re not just building infrastructure and buildings; we’re generating opportunities that help people develop new skills and build careers. “Our thanks go to our construction partners and their social value leads who work tirelessly to ensure we exceed our Community Employment Plan commitments through apprenticeships and community outreach.” Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council said:”Oxford North is a great example of how large, new developments can bring real benefits to our communities. It has created 2,000 construction jobs, with 29% of those roles going to local people, showing the impact of the work Oxford City Council’s Economic Development Team and our Community Employment Procurement Plans (CEPP) can have on making new developments work for local residents. When I visited the site, I also saw firsthand young people gaining valuable work experience. We are working hard to deliver more opportunities like this. “Oxford North has gone beyond the targets we set for them in their Community Employment Procurement Plan, which is fantastic. It shows that it is perfectly possible to bring these jobs to local residents and that there are no limits. I commend the ambition which we would like to see across all major developments. “There is more to do to make sure opportunities, skills training and apprenticeships are being made available for local residents. We are working closely with the Oxford Growth Commission to make sure new developments deliver long-term social value and employment.” When complete, Oxford North will deliver up to one million sq ft of new flexible lab and office accommodation, as well as 480 new homes, a hotel, nursery, three public parks, amenities, and a dynamic seven-day-a-week neighbourhood designed to support the UK’s next generation of science and technology innovators. With Phase 1A now complete comprising 158,500 sq ft of purpose-built laboratory and workspace including The Red Hall, the scheme continues to set new standards for placemaking whilst delivering on its commitment to opportunities and shared prosperity for the region. Storey Consulting acted on behalf of Oxford North Ventures as social value consultancy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award of £75m Project Control Resources Framework will take Costain and EDF’s partnership to 2030 Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has been awarded a new five-year framework contract by EDF to continue providing project controls services at EDF’s eight nuclear power stations across the UK. Costain has been working with EDF since 2017, when it was first named on EDF’s Project Controls Resources Framework to support the safe operation, plant life extension, and preparations for the defueling and decommissioning of EDF’s UK nuclear power stations. The extension of the Framework, which is worth £75m to Costain over five years, will take Costain and EDF’s partnership through to 2030. The framework was also extended in 2021 and 2023. Costain’s award winning project controls team will continue to apply its expertise in areas including programme management and quality and safety to grow EDF’s core project controls capabilities, providing specialist capabilities to improve project performance, deliver cost efficiencies, and support strategic resource planning. Costain will also support EDF on its transition from generation to defueling of Advanced Gas Reactors. Costain manages over 400 projects on the Framework, which are delivered by a workforce of more than 170 integrated project controls professionals, 50 of which are trainees and juniors, supporting the growth of skills in the complex, highly regulated nuclear energy sector. Bob Anstey, sector director, defence and nuclear energy at Costain, commented: “The extension of our relationship with EDF is testament to our established position in the UK’s civil nuclear energy market and our delivery of predictable, best-in-class nuclear decommissioning and project controls services. “We’ve been a trusted partner to EDF since 2017, during which time we have consistently delivered and increased the breadth of our services, and we’re very happy to be continuing our partnership for another five years. We’ll continue to deliver projects across a range of complex working environments to the highest safety standards, whilst supporting the development of skills in the sector to help futureproof the workforce and support local prosperity.” Rohan Mulvaney, head of nuclear decommissioning PMO at EDF, said: “EDF is a leader in the UK’s nuclear energy sector and we demonstrate a long-term commitment to low-carbon sources of electricity to power economic growth and deliver energy security. Costain has been a reliable partner to us for many years, and this contract award will support the continued project control services for safe operations and decommissioning activities at our nuclear power stations.” The framework extension comes following a period of success for Costain in the nuclear energy sector. Costain recently secured contracts to deliver utilities infrastructure upgrades at Sellafield and decommissioning work at Trawsfynydd nuclear power station in North Wales. Earlier this year it was also awarded contracts to provide expertise for the construction of Sizewell C and to design Urenco’s advanced nuclear fuels production facility in Cheshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier has begun its new financial year on a strong footing, with trading in line with expectations and its order book rising by £600m to £11.6bn. New chief executive Stuart Togwell (pictured), who formally stepped into the role this month, said he was starting his tenure with 94% of this year’s revenue already secured – a position he described as among the strongest in the sector. Togwell said he was excited to steer the business into its next phase of growth after what he called a robust start to FY26. The increased workload follows a series of major contract wins. These include Norfolk County Council’s highways and infrastructure deal, worth up to £700m over as long as 14 years, seven lots on the Crown Commercial Service’s Transport Technology Framework, and a £205m reservoir improvement contract for United Utilities under AMP8. In its construction division, Kier has secured four education schemes with a combined value of about £190m, along with £116m of new prison expansion work at HMP Lancaster Farms through the Ministry of Justice’s Small Secure Houseblocks Alliance. The property business is also active, having obtained planning permission for a 452,000 sq ft logistics development in Andover and begun work on the pre-let Riverwell Town Square project in Watford, where tenants include Travelodge, Tesco and Greggs. Kier has further bolstered its financial position with a new £190m revolving credit facility running to 2030, which it said reflects lenders’ confidence in the group’s long-term outlook. The company added that strong cash generation remains on track and that, as in previous years, its performance is expected to be weighted towards the second half. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kajima Properties Europe (‘Kajima Properties’ or ‘KPE’), the vertically integrated investment, development and asset management subsidiary of the NIKKEI-listed Kajima Corporation, has completed the expansion of its existing 466-bed Student Depot residence in Poznań, transforming it into two interlinked buildings with 871-beds, the largest in Student Depot’s operational portfolio. This milestone marks Student Depot’s first-ever extension of a fully occupied building, demonstrating its ability to deliver complex projects while maintaining uninterrupted service for existing residents. Delivered ahead of schedule and under budget, the new extension introduces a wider variety of room types and standards at different price points, giving students in Poznań greater flexibility and choice. The development is already in use, with most residents having moved in for the start of the academic year. The existing building has also been upgraded with thoughtfully designed common areas that support both academic and social life. These include dedicated study zones, fitness facilities, a cinema room, and gaming spaces. As part of the investment, the building’s façade was renovated and thermally insulated to enhance energy efficiency. Each Student Depot residence is professionally managed in-house, offering 24/7 staffing, controlled entry, CCTV monitoring, and on-site management to ensure a safe and supportive living environment. The Poznań extension strengthens Student Depot’s presence in a key academic hub, opening at over 93% occupancy in response to strong demand for modern PBSA in Poland. According to Savills’ latest market research, there are more than 1.2 million students nationwide in Poland, but only 1.5% can secure a place in modern private dormitories. Poznań was the first asset in Student Depot’s portfolio, acquired in 2014. Following an initial investment from Kajima Europe (‘Kajima’) in 2019, Student Depot has since established itself as Poland’s largest PBSA platform by units under management. The platform now operates over 4,500 beds across nine PBSA assets in Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław, Łódź, Lublin and Poznań, with a secured pipeline of more than 1,000 additional beds. Jan Trybulski, Head of Poland at Kajima Properties Europe, said: “The extension of our Poznań asset, combined with the upgrade of the original scheme, marks a significant milestone for Student Depot. Delivering such a complex project on time, within budget, and exceeding our targeted occupancy level is a testament to the team’s capability and commitment. “Student Depot’s market-leading position and deep operational know-how enable us to enhance the offer continually, from diversified room types and upgraded amenities to improved building efficiency, ensuring we remain the first-choice private student accommodation in Poland. “Our strategy focuses on investing in high-quality, well-located residences across undersupplied academic cities. With over a decade of operational experience, we are uniquely positioned to identify the right locations and structures that deliver strong long-term performance. We see a significant opportunity to continue expanding across Poland’s major university hubs, supported by a secured pipeline of over 1000 additional beds.” Michał Obara, CEO of Student Depot, said: “The successful delivery of the Poznań extension is a very important step for Student Depot – not only because it enhances our offer in one of Poland’s most important academic cities, but also because it was our first ever expansion project delivered within a fully operational and occupied building. It was a highly complex challenge, but thanks to excellent planning and execution, we completed it with minimal disruption to residents. “This success would not have been possible without the continued support and engagement of our investor, Kajima. Their long-term commitment, expertise and trust in our team have been crucial in helping us grow into Poland’s largest PBSA platform, with even more projects in the pipeline.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Experienced property leader is charged with leading Bellrock’s ambitious growth plans as the company continues to shake up the sector Property Management industry disruptor Bellrock has appointed Dan Weiss as Managing Director of its Consulting business. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing Bellrock’s property consulting services, leading acquisitions to expand the business, and providing strategic leadership and structure for the team. Weiss is a highly-experienced property leader with 25 years’ experience in the industry. He joins Bellrock from Sodexo, where he was Chief Growth Officer for the £2bn / 30,000-person UK & Ireland business. He previously spent 11 years at Atkins and four years at Faithful+Gould, where he ran the company’s Strategic Asset Management practice. Other leadership roles include Chief Operating Officer of a £120m / 3500-person delivery business and Managing Director of Sodexo’s Property Professional Services division. Dan Weiss said: “It is a privilege to join Bellrock at such a pivotal time. As a private equity-backed business with ambitious growth plans, Bellrock is not only scaling rapidly but doing so with purpose – disrupting the market, investing in cutting-edge technology like Concerto and Mobiess, and positioning itself as both a trusted advisor and an employer of choice. I’m looking forward to working with the team to build on that momentum and deliver even greater value to our clients.” Weiss’s appointment comes at a time when Bellrock’s disruptive approach is making waves in the sector. The company was recently ranked in Building magazine’s league table of the UK’s top 150 consulting firms for the first time, placing in 29th position, and is seeking to improve on that ranking in 2026. Bellrock’s consulting services are powered by cutting-edge technology, ensuring clients benefit from real-time insights and seamless compliance management. Its Concerto platform centralises property, asset and risk data into one secure system, delivering complete visibility and control across estates. Paired with Mobiess, Bellrock’s mobile solution for on-site data capture, the company provides accurate, audit-ready information that drives faster decisions and closes the loop from inspection to resolution. This integrated approach means Bellrock clients gain not only expert advice, but also a future-ready digital ecosystem that cuts through the noise to transform complexity into clarity, compliance, and long-term value, at speed. “Bellrock is on a growth mission, and we couldn’t have hired anyone better than Dan to help us meet our ambitious targets,” said Carlo Alloni, CEO. “Our strategy is focused on delivering excellence to our clients, scaling through targeted acquisitions and organic expansion on the back of great service, enabling us to broaden our capabilities, deepen our sector expertise and deliver even greater value to our clients. Dan will help us deliver on that. Backed by incredible talent and driven by innovation, we’re building a disruptive, technology-enabled platform that positions Bellrock as both a trusted advisor and an employer of choice in the property and risk management space.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals