Clowes Developments has unveiled plans for a major expansion at Dove Valley Park in Foston, Derbyshire, with proposals submitted for two new industrial units totalling 542,000 square feet on Plot 11. The scheme is being brought forward for an as yet undisclosed occupier, underlining continued demand for large-scale logistics and
Housebuilder Bellway has received detailed planning consent from Darlington Borough Council for the first phase of its new neighbourhood in the sought-after West End of Darlington. The consent permits Bellway to build 428 homes on the 56-acre site off Staindrop Road. The development, to be called Baydale Village, will include
A major new £1 billion film and creative industries quarter is being proposed for an industrial estate in Kentish Town, north London, with plans now formally lodged for the Camden Film Quarter. Backed by investment firm Yoo Capital, the scheme centres on a state-of-the-art studio campus featuring visual effects, animation
Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel company and owner of Premier Inn, has acquired Victory House at 30–34 Kingsway, WC2, in Central London, in an off‑market deal for an undisclosed sum, strengthening its pipeline for the hub by Premier Inn brand. The freehold purchase fits Whitbread’s network plan for the
Superdry & Co is planning to open up to 15 new stores across the UK as it pushes ahead with a refreshed growth strategy and wider European ambitions. Chief executive Julian Dunkerton, who co founded the business, said the fashion brand is actively exploring new locations in cities including Bath,
RED Construction Group, the specialist contractor, has announced the completion of a £20.5m office refurbishment to Aviva Investors’ Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, in Shoreditch. Carried out by RED Construction’s London team, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building has undergone an extensive refurbishment, including the introduction of
The construction firm behind a brand-new and trailblazing Youth Zone, that is going to transform the lives of young people in Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire for generations to come, has completed work on the project ahead of it opening early next year. Hobson & Porter, which operates across Lincolnshire
Manchester City Football Club has appointed CBRE as the sole leasing agent for the next phase of their commercial development at the Etihad Campus. Situated in the heart of the future Entertainment Destination, One Medlock Square will offer 30,000 sq ft of new Grade A office space, with floor plates
Bauer Technologies has been awarded the specialist piling and geotechnical works package for The Dovetail Building, a striking new 24-storey mixed-use development located in the City of London. Commissioned by Deconstruct UK Ltd on behalf of client Brockton Everlast, the project represents a significant addition to London’s premium office and
Acquisition of leading property and construction specialist boosts Bellrock’s private sector consulting offering Property Services industry disruptor Bellrock has acquired Axiom, a respected property and construction consultancy based in Scotland. Axiom will join Bellrock’s Consulting Division, alongside Summers Inman, JRP, Oakleaf & Nifes and C&P. The business will continue to
Clowes Developments has unveiled plans for a major expansion at Dove Valley Park in Foston, Derbyshire, with proposals submitted for two new industrial units totalling 542,000 square feet on Plot 11. The scheme is being brought forward for an as yet undisclosed occupier, underlining continued demand for large-scale logistics and industrial space in the region. Earthworks on the site are already progressing under an existing consent, preparing the ground so construction can move ahead swiftly once planning approval is granted by South Derbyshire District Council. Marc Freeman, development director at Clowes Developments, said the move reflects sustained occupier interest in the park. He commented: “Dove Valley Park continues to attract strong interest from a range of high-profile national and international operators. This planning submission for two units totalling over half a million square feet demonstrates our ongoing confidence in the site and its strategic location. We look forward to progressing the application with South Derbyshire District Council.” Alongside the new units, Clowes has also submitted a revised proposal for the planned Innovation Centre at Dove Valley Park. Designed to act as a central hub for businesses on and around the site, the centre will offer meeting and gathering space, a café/restaurant and wider amenity areas. It will also provide a base for start-up companies and is being developed in consultation with the University of Derby, supporting enterprise and collaboration across the local business community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housebuilder Bellway has received detailed planning consent from Darlington Borough Council for the first phase of its new neighbourhood in the sought-after West End of Darlington. The consent permits Bellway to build 428 homes on the 56-acre site off Staindrop Road. The development, to be called Baydale Village, will include 300 homes for private sale and 128 affordable homes. This phase is part of a wider project to construct a neighbourhood of up to 985 properties, with proposed community facilities such as a GP surgery, a shop, sports pitches, and land allocated for a primary and early years school. Mark Gabriele, Head of Land for Bellway Durham, commented that Baydale Village is the largest project yet undertaken by Bellway Durham and is a “landmark moment.” He highlighted that the development will provide high-quality, modern, and energy-efficient homes, with 30 per cent of the properties designated as affordable homes for local people through low-cost rent, shared ownership, or the First Homes discounted sale scheme. The private homes will range from two- to five-bedroom designs and include 20 bungalows suitable for elderly purchasers or those with disabilities. Work is anticipated to start on site in December 2025, with the first homes expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The project is set to deliver a significant boost to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting local businesses. Baydale Village will feature extensive green open spaces and ponds. A commitment has been made to plant trees, mixed shrubs, and hedgerows to help provide wildlife habitats. Nest boxes, including swift boxes and sparrow/starling terraces, will be placed at more than 70 of the properties to increase the availability of nesting sites near open spaces. Baydale Village will be built by Bellway Durham and Ashberry Homes North East, which is part of the Bellway Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new £1 billion film and creative industries quarter is being proposed for an industrial estate in Kentish Town, north London, with plans now formally lodged for the Camden Film Quarter. Backed by investment firm Yoo Capital, the scheme centres on a state-of-the-art studio campus featuring visual effects, animation and post-production facilities. Two leading film schools – the National Film and Television School and the London Screen Academy – are set to open new education hubs as part of the development, creating a pipeline of talent alongside world-class production space. If planning consent is granted, around 1,370 construction jobs are expected to be created over the three-year build phase. Alongside the studios, partner social housing developer Places for People has submitted a linked application to deliver 485 new homes adjacent to the campus. The residential element will form a key part of the wider masterplan, helping to establish a mixed-use neighbourhood anchored by the creative industries. Places for People group managing director of developments, Andrew Usher, said the Camden Film Quarter would be a landmark project and the next step in the organisation’s placemaking work. Yoo Capital co-founder Lloyd Lee said the ambition was to create “a neighbourhood where world-class studios, 50% affordable homes and public spaces sit side by side to inspire the next generation”. Architect Broadway Malyan is leading the design of the residential sites, with a brief to deliver an ambitious new quarter that reflects the character of Kentish Town while generating real social value. Turner and Townsend has been appointed by Camden Council as client representative for the regeneration. The firm will define the council’s requirements for replacement facilities on the site and oversee project management, cost control and design assurance as the plans progress through the planning and delivery process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel company and owner of Premier Inn, has acquired Victory House at 30–34 Kingsway, WC2, in Central London, in an off‑market deal for an undisclosed sum, strengthening its pipeline for the hub by Premier Inn brand. The freehold purchase fits Whitbread’s network plan for the Covent Garden/Holborn area, placing future guests within a ten‑minute walk of Covent Garden, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the London School of Economics campus and the West End’s theatre district. Subject to planning, Whitbread intends to convert the 1920s, 45,000 sq ft office—currently occupied until spring 2026—into a hub by Premier Inn hotel of around 200 bedrooms. Rooms would be delivered within the existing floorplates while retaining the building’s stone façade onto Kingsway. The location offers views over Lincoln’s Inn Fields to the east, and Whitbread expects to secure vacant possession in April 2026 when the current lease expires. The acquisition rounds off an especially active year for Whitbread in Central and Inner London. Since February 2025, the business has bought four former office buildings for conversion into Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels, with total investment exceeding £100 million. Collectively, these assets—including Victory House—will add close to 1,000 rooms to Whitbread’s secured development pipeline. Currently, 19% of Whitbread’s 85,000 bedrooms are in London. Jonathan Langdon, Senior Acquisition Manager for Whitbread, said: “The vision behind hub by Premier Inn is to offer all the great things about Premier Inn in the most central, accessible and exciting places. Kingsway is one of those stand-out locations being surrounded by London’s best entertainment, restaurants, cultural venues and institutions – somewhere we know our customers will want to stay. “Investing here matches our network plan and complements our trading and pipeline hotels, neatly ‘bookending’ Covent Garden with our St Martin’s Lane hotel to the west. It also rounds off an especially active year for Whitbread in Central and Inner London where we have made four significant purchases and lease commitments, collectively totalling more than £100 million of investment and adding close to 1,000 prime located rooms into our pipeline. “We’re pleased to have secured the Kingsway location quickly off-market and are excited to begin the planning journey with Camden Council next year, with a goal to bring the location onto our trading network in 2028.” Hub by Premier Inn is designed for high‑value city-centre locations, using compact room formats to deliver attractive long‑term returns while offering affordable stays for guests. Launched on St Martins Lane in Covent Garden in 2014, the brand now operates eighteen hotels and more than 3,000 bedrooms across Central London and Edinburgh, with four further London sites under construction or in advanced planning, including a flagship 690‑room hub on the Strand next to Trafalgar Square. Aligned with Whitbread’s sustainability strategy, the Kingsway hotel will be all‑electric and powered by renewable energy, with heat recovery systems and air‑source heat pumps incorporated to reduce energy demand. Whitbread was advised by Ingleby Trice, while the vendor was represented by JLL and Savills. Conversations with Camden Council about converting the eight‑storey building are expected to begin in early 2026, with Whitbread targeting entry into its trading network in 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Superdry & Co is planning to open up to 15 new stores across the UK as it pushes ahead with a refreshed growth strategy and wider European ambitions. Chief executive Julian Dunkerton, who co founded the business, said the fashion brand is actively exploring new locations in cities including Bath, Dundee, Lincoln and Norwich. The planned openings form part of efforts to revive sales and reposition the retailer following a challenging trading period. Superdry was delisted from the London Stock Exchange in April last year and subsequently implemented a restructuring plan, approved in June 2024. Under that plan, the company is set to cut rents on 36 of its 94 UK stores and close 47 outlets, creating a leaner core estate from which to grow. Earlier this year the retailer rebranded as Superdry & Co, introducing a new look and feel across its portfolio. Flagship sites on London’s Oxford Street, as well as stores in Nottingham and Dundee, have already been refitted to showcase the updated aesthetic, which will be rolled out to future openings as the brand’s expansion gathers pace. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist contractor, has announced the completion of a £20.5m office refurbishment to Aviva Investors’ Grade II listed Victorian building, 134 – 146 Curtain House, in Shoreditch. Carried out by RED Construction’s London team, the six-storey, 54,000 sq ft building has undergone an extensive refurbishment, including the introduction of rooftop terraces covering 3,700 sq ft, structural alterations to the existing office into Cat A and B workspace, a new main entrance, reception area, and lifts. Originally built between 1881 and 1887, Curtain House was first used for furniture and clothing manufacturing, and now hosts 40,000 sq ft of office space for the modern-day tenant. Designed by architects Anomaly, Curtain House has been refurbished with a primary focus on sustainable practices, achieving BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating. Complementing the rich history associated with the building, RED’s London team carried out considered external masonry, window and timber floor restoration, and repair of internal brickwork and steel columns. Tony O’Farrell, Divisional Director at RED Construction London, commented: “Considered refurbishment of heritage-rich sites is a core part of RED Construction Group’s expertise, with our London team having successfully delivered an extensive portfolio of developments across multiple sectors in the capital. These types of projects are extremely important and rewarding, especially when we partner with a client like Aviva Investors, that shares our deep-rooted commitment to social value, alongside a desire to evolve buildings in a way that retains heritage.” Petr Esposito, Co-Founder/Director at Anomaly, added: “Working alongside a deliciously formidable team that fundamentally understands the importance of heritage, its nuances, its irks, its challenges, its charms, and is committed to developing innovative and sustainable practices to best support the retrofit of a gorgeous historic site such as Curtain House, is unquestionably imperative. RED Construction Group have been the ideal partner to bring the relentless ambition of Aviva Investors to life, delivering our combined vision for what is a truly landmark, truly naughty building.” Aiming to build a more inclusive and dynamic future for the industry and committed to leaving a positive legacy, RED Construction Group partnered with Aviva Investors on a range of social value initiatives to give back to the community. Alongside partnerships spanning wood recycling initiatives and creative placemaking, the Curtain House team has maintained a long-term partnership with The Land Collective as part of their Black Girls in Property programme. Intended to equip young black women with skills and knowledge for careers in the built environment, the team has held four repeat engagement events through the project’s duration that include a site tour for 20 students, a three-day ‘Investing in Your Future’ initiative, two internships, and an engagement event showcasing the progress of the project. The emphasis on Social Value initiatives at Curtain House has meant that the project has surpassed its initial targets across an array of education metrics. Including the work with The Land Collective, RED has through the course of the project helped to deliver nearly four times more than the targeted number of educational hours for outreach, and more than double the number of work experience placement days. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction firm behind a brand-new and trailblazing Youth Zone, that is going to transform the lives of young people in Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire for generations to come, has completed work on the project ahead of it opening early next year. Hobson & Porter, which operates across Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, has now handed over the £11.5m Horizon Youth Zone and work is currently underway on the internal fit-out of the facility before it opens. Decisions on the interior design including paint colours and artwork are being led by the Young People’s Development Group (YPDG), made up of young people from across the local area. Construction started in late 2023 and has incorporated a vast spectrum of work. Several large Grade II listed 19th century maltings and grain store buildings, known as West Haven Maltings and Migar House, have been fully restored and repurposed. Part of a building also had to be completely rebuilt alongside the River Freshney, using a pontoon in the river to create a working platform to access a river wall. In addition to the intricate refurbishment and restoration aspects of the project, Hobson & Porter has also built a large new sports hall and an outdoor multi-use games area (MUGA). Other facilities include a climbing wall, music room with built-in recording studio, performing arts space, maker zone with 3D printing equipment, arts and crafts area, boxing gym and fitness suite. Horizon Youth Zone, part of the OnSide Network, will offer a safe and inspiring place for young people aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, to enjoy their leisure time. There will be over 20 activities taking place each evening, for just £5 annual membership and 50p per visit. Joe Booth, Pre Construction and Business Development Director from Hobson & Porter, said: “There’s no doubt this has been a hugely challenging and complex project. There were new build aspects, refurbishment works, delicate conservation phases, heritage considerations, major repurposing, river works and highway improvements, which all had to be balanced and carefully managed by our dedicated team and supply chain. “However, it’s been a very rewarding project for everyone involved. As well as giving a disused site and several major derelict buildings a completely new life, the whole construction team knows what it means for young people in and around Grimsby and the lasting impact it will have. “We’re therefore delighted to complete work and hand the project over to the team and we can’t wait to see it welcome the first members through the doors in the coming months.” Lucy Ottewell-Key, CEO of Horizon Youth Zone, said: “This is another significant milestone, and because the people of North East Lincolnshire can now see the completed buildings and how amazing they look, the level of anticipation and interest surrounding Horizon Youth Zone is growing by the day. “We now have a busy and very exciting couple of months coming up as we complete the rest of the internal work and begin the soft openings phase of school, community visits and team training ahead of us opening early next year.” Horizon Youth Zone is being delivered in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council, which is contributing to the development as part of the Greater Grimsby Town Deal, and the Department of Culture Media and Sport, through the Youth Investment Fund. Capital funders of Horizon Youth Zone comprise of Historic England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Youth Investment Fund, Evergreen Life, St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, Ørsted and Greencoats Wind UK. Horizon Youth Zone is also building a fabulous family of Founder Patrons, comprising of local organisations and philanthropists, who will support the Youth Zone during its first four years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Football Club has appointed CBRE as the sole leasing agent for the next phase of their commercial development at the Etihad Campus. Situated in the heart of the future Entertainment Destination, One Medlock Square will offer 30,000 sq ft of new Grade A office space, with floor plates of 10,000 sq ft each. Scheduled for completion in late 2026, this development will provide ESG-focused spaces within a vibrant leisure district, offering more than just office space. Occupants will have access to a raft of onsite conference and events amenities, communal event spaces, extensive wellness facilities, and a variety of on-site food and beverage options. This, combined with world-class entertainment venues nearby, will create a unique workspace environment unparalleled in the city. With wellbeing at its core, the development is situated alongside world-class sports facilities including indoor and outdoor running tracks, a gym, tennis and football centres, swimming pools, and a national squash centre. The Etihad Campus will be home to a premier, year-round Entertainment Destination featuring the impressive Etihad Stadium, home to Premier-League champions Manchester City Football Club and Co-op Live, the UK’s only music-first arena which hosts the very best events in music and sport. The new development, opening in phases from spring 2026, will also include The Medlock, a 401-room hotel and a variety of new bars and restaurants. One Medlock Square will also feature a range of ESG credentials, including all-electric infrastructure and a target of EPC A and BREEAM Very Good accreditation. Mark Garner, Director at CBRE, stated: “We are delighted to be working with Manchester City on One Medlock Square, which will provide occupiers with an opportunity to work within one of the most exciting entertainment districts in the region. The space will be delivered to a Grade A specification and will come to the market at a time when there is a distinct undersupply of new build office space.” Danny Wilson, Managing Director – Manchester City Operations, said: “One Medlock Square presents a unique opportunity to be part of a world-class entertainment destination with incredible events and experiences on your doorstep. The next evolution of the Etihad Campus is the most ambitious and exciting to date and we’re looking forward to welcoming businesses to be part of that journey.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bauer Technologies has been awarded the specialist piling and geotechnical works package for The Dovetail Building, a striking new 24-storey mixed-use development located in the City of London. Commissioned by Deconstruct UK Ltd on behalf of client Brockton Everlast, the project represents a significant addition to London’s premium office and retail landscape, featuring a three-level basement and high-specification tower structure designed to meet modern sustainability and performance standards. Bauer Technologies’ scope of work is being delivered in two distinct phases to facilitate archaeological investigations by the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA). The first phase, – running from November 2025 to February 2026 – will involve the extraction of redundant piles and the installation of approximately two-thirds of the new secant wall. The second phase, scheduled for June to September 2026, will focus on installing a front-of-wall cased CFA secant pile line along the party boundary, and completing the foundation and bearing piles, including temporary works for the tower cranes and gantry. In keeping with Bauer Technologies’ strong commitment to sustainable construction, the project will incorporate a wide range of carbon-reducing initiatives. These include the use of low-carbon reinforcement steel, concrete incorporating blended cement, supplied from a local batching facility, and 100% HVO fuel for all site plant. Bauer has also implemented waste-reduction measures to optimise material efficiency and minimise environmental impact throughout the project’s lifecycle. Commenting on the award, Bauer Technologies’ Managing Director John Theos, said: “We are delighted to be working once again with Deconstruct UK on such a high-profile London development. The Dovetail Building exemplifies the type of technically challenging, sustainability-driven project where Bauer’s experience in complex urban settings and commitment to innovation can make a real difference. It’s a showcase for how deep foundation solutions can be delivered responsibly, efficiently, and in harmony with the capital’s built environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Acquisition of leading property and construction specialist boosts Bellrock’s private sector consulting offering Property Services industry disruptor Bellrock has acquired Axiom, a respected property and construction consultancy based in Scotland. Axiom will join Bellrock’s Consulting Division, alongside Summers Inman, JRP, Oakleaf & Nifes and C&P. The business will continue to be led by Managing Director, Gary Logue, who will work closely with Carlo Alloni, CEO of Bellrock and Dan Weiss, Managing Director, Bellrock Consulting, to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity for clients and colleagues. Axiom delivers project management and cost consultancy services to private-sector clients across leisure, residential and industrial developments. With offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and London, the business has built a reputation for quality, collaboration and trusted, long-term client partnerships. The acquisition expands Bellrock’s consulting capabilities and strengthens its national offer to its clients. Axiom’s expertise and regional insight complement Bellrock’s existing experience, creating new opportunities for collaboration, growth and knowledge-sharing across the group and the clients. “Joining Bellrock marks the start of a new chapter for us,” said Axiom Managing Director, Gary Logue. “We’re proud of what we’ve built and excited to grow our public-sector offering alongside a group that shares our values and ambition.” Bellrock CEO, Carlo Alloni, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Axiom to the Bellrock family. With its expertise, regional insight and clients’ focus, this acquisition will strengthen our consulting division and unlock new opportunities to enhance our service offerings and deliver even greater value to our clients and teams.” Dan Weiss, Managing Director Bellrock Consulting also commented, “this move supports Bellrock’s strategic goal to deliver multidisciplinary, integrated, insight-led consultancy across the full property lifecycle. We strive to connect people, data and technology to deliver excellence to our clients and the Axiom business will support us in achieving this”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals