Ten new store lettings, including FRASERS, occupying a combined total of 88,063 sq. ft, plus five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft and three store refreshes, concluded 2025 on a position of strength Overgate, Dundee concluded 2025 as a transformative year for the centre, the city, and indeed the region.
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium are set to move into construction this summer after securing planning approval from Leeds City Council. Councillors have given the green light to proposals that will increase the stadium’s capacity to up to 53,000, reinforcing Elland Road’s status as one
Persimmon Homes Wessex has received detailed planning approval to build 180 new homes in Midsomer Norton, following outline consent for the site in February 2025. The development, which will be known as Wellow Brook, is located in the south of the town, to the east of the Fosseway. Construction is
Developer-led estate expansion plans at Greggs are set to continue at pace, with the food-to-go operator targeting 120 net new store openings during 2026. The growth follows a busy 2025, during which Greggs opened 207 new shops, averaging almost four openings per week. That programme included 50 relocations and 36
Developer Muse has been selected as preferred development partner to lead one of the UK’s largest city-centre regeneration programmes, taking a central role in shaping the future of Bristol Temple Quarter. Muse Places will drive the delivery of up to 10,000 new homes alongside major commercial development, new public realm
The construction of one of the most complicated parts of the HS2 project took a step forward over the Christmas break, as Balfour Beatty VINCI completed two key viaduct spans over the existing railway near Water Orton in Warwickshire. The spans form a small part of the Delta junction –
A construction project can feel overwhelming when you try to manage it alone. From hiring skilled workers to coordinating schedules and staying within budget, every detail matters. This is where a general contractor becomes essential. They bring expertise, leadership, and structure to the process, guiding your project from plans to
Ten new store lettings, including FRASERS, occupying a combined total of 88,063 sq. ft, plus five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft and three store refreshes, concluded 2025 on a position of strength Overgate, Dundee concluded 2025 as a transformative year for the centre, the city, and indeed the region. Since Frasers Group acquired Overgate in March 2023, a remarkable retail regeneration has been taking place across the 440,000 sq. ft centre which is located in the heart of Dundee, Scotland’s fourth largest city. Underpinning this has been an exciting and fast-paced tranche of leasing activity: ten new store openings occupying a combined total of 88,063 sq. ft, five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft, and three major store refreshes in the last year alone. As 2025 concluded, the early results from this scale of investment in Overgate by Frasers Group, in line with the Group’s Elevation Strategy, can be guided by sales and footfall. The percentage uplift in sales for 2025 was over 30%. Tenant occupancy is sitting at 90% as of December 2025. Commenting, Matt Elgey, Director, Sovereign Centros from CBRE says: “We are pleased to be entering 2026 on a positive note for Overgate. Ten new store openings, including FRASERS, occupying an impressive combined total of 88,063 sq. ft have been delivered in 2025. A further five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft, as well as three key store refreshes, concluded the year on a position of strength for the centre. “Since the acquisition of Overgate by Frasers Group in 2023 the momentum underpinning these improvements has been conducted at pace. Sovereign Centros from CBRE is proud to be delivering on the ambitious and exciting vision Frasers Group has set out for such an important Scottish asset as Overgate. These positive end of year results demonstrate the hard work Sovereign Centros has deployed in unlocking opportunities for Frasers Group across what was a very busy 12 months. Our focused commitment in securing new quality lease signings, as well as delivering a tranche of lease renewals, ensures Overgate is ready to embrace 2026 with a greatly expanded retailer offering and a stronger competitive advantage.” Anchoring 2025 was the opening of FRASERS in June – one of the largest shop fit-outs Dundee has ever seen, revitalising Overgate and creating over 80 new jobs. The 60,000 sq. ft FRASERS has brought a fresh vibrancy to the centre and an expertly curated selection of leading brands across sports, premium fashion and beauty. Spanning three floors, the FRASERS store also houses Sports Direct, USC, and GAME. Augmenting the dynamic new retail offering which FRASERS launched in June, the opening of an impressive new 5,000 sq. ft. FLANNELS store at the beginning of December 2025 – housing highly desirable luxury and contemporary brands – is enhancing the appeal of Overgate as an aspirational shopping hotspot. Earlier in 2025, in May and June, two of the most recognisable names in style arrived at Overgate: Clarks and Mango. Currently celebrating its 200th anniversary, iconic British heritage brand Clarks opened a new 2,160 sq. ft. store in May, with the brand’s distinctive footwear proving to be a popular addition to the centre. Swiftly following in June was the arrival of one of Europe’s leading fashion groups; Mango. Located within a prime site on the ground floor of Overgate, the store spans over 3,987 sq. ft and stocks exclusively Mango Woman. It is one of the first in Scotland to feature the group’s new Mediterranean-inspired concept, New Med. Far from the approaching year end being a time for retail operational pause and review, September and November 2025 saw a fresh charge of momentum with the opening of a further two new stores: Clintons and Nomination. Bringing a brand-new look and shopping experience, Clintons opened a 1,844 sq. ft store in September. In November, Nomination, the personalised jewellery brand which enjoys a huge cult following worldwide, opened a new 1,385 sq. ft store. Additionally, new openings in 2025 by Menkind, Bee Inspired, and Oud Studio have occupied a combined 3,948 sq. ft. Lease renewals are a particularly notable touchpoint in Overgate’s story of success with five renewals in 2025 including Ernest & Jones, Flying Tiger, and Fuel amongst others, occupying a combined total of 12,634 sq. ft. Elsewhere, investment by tenants both through store extensions and also refurbishments, is evident across Overgate. Superdrug, the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer, has increased its store footprint by over 35% from 7,125 sq. ft to 9,739 sq. ft, and introduced a range of new offerings including Beauty Studios, luxury fragrance counters, a nurse clinic, and an enhanced pharmacy. Likewise, Next has refurbished its store into a brighter environment with every area of the store given a fresh treatment. Holland & Barrett has radically transformed its store to reflect a slick aesthetic within which its expanded, high quality product range is now showcased, whilst Primark – a perennially popular anchor of Overgate – has introduced a new Click & Collect and a new Self Service as part of its refurbishment. Topping the year off for Overgate was two International Green Apple Environment Award wins. Presented by The Green Organisation – the non-profit organisation established 30 years ago to promote environmental stewardship worldwide – these two awards are in recognition of Overgate’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and excellence in environmental practice. A Highly Commended recognition as Security Team of the Year has also recently been accorded to Overgate by the SCEPTRE Awards. And in keeping with Overgate’s longstanding support of local charities and the communities they serve, the centre’s Christmas Toy Appeal 2025 on behalf of Help for Kids saw public contributions exceeding £10,000 in donations. Finally, the Overgate Santa’s Grotto remained free in 2025 and open to all, with over 1,500 books given away to children. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium are set to move into construction this summer after securing planning approval from Leeds City Council. Councillors have given the green light to proposals that will increase the stadium’s capacity to up to 53,000, reinforcing Elland Road’s status as one of the largest football grounds in the country. The redevelopment will transform the historic venue into a UEFA Category 4 stadium, capable of hosting major international fixtures and showcase events. The scheme includes the partial demolition and rebuild of the West and North stands, alongside targeted alterations to the South Stand. Together, the works are designed to modernise the stadium while enhancing fan comfort, improving sightlines and upgrading matchday facilities both inside and around the ground. Enabling works are due to begin immediately, with major construction scheduled to follow the conclusion of the current season. The project will be delivered in two phases, with the West Stand being constructed first. Crucially, Leeds United will continue to play home matches at Elland Road throughout the redevelopment. The club said careful phasing of the works will ensure the stadium remains fully operational, preserving the atmosphere and acoustics that the ground is known for. The redevelopment has been designed by specialist sports architecture practice KSS, working alongside structural engineer Buro Happold. Project management will be led by RISE, while the Lowy Family Group is acting as development partner for the wider regeneration of the Elland Road area. Beyond the stadium itself, the project is being positioned as a catalyst for broader regeneration, supporting long-term investment, improved infrastructure and new opportunities around the site. Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe said securing planning permission marked a landmark moment for the club. He said the expansion reflects a long-term commitment to Leeds United’s future, supporting ambitions to establish the club in the Premier League and continue progressing in the years ahead. With approvals now in place, the Elland Road redevelopment is set to become one of the most significant stadium projects currently underway in English football. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Persimmon Homes Wessex has received detailed planning approval to build 180 new homes in Midsomer Norton, following outline consent for the site in February 2025. The development, which will be known as Wellow Brook, is located in the south of the town, to the east of the Fosseway. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, with first residents anticipated to move in by the end of 2026. The scheme has been carefully designed to include substantial areas of green space, including a Central Square with a children’s play area and a Southern Spur featuring a community orchard, walking routes and extensive new tree planting, creating a strong sense of place on site. A total of 54 homes will be allocated to a local housing association to help address Somerset’s significant housing waiting list. The development will also feature new pedestrian and cycle links throughout the site. Commenting on the approval, Persimmon Homes Wessex Managing Director Seb Spiller said: “We at Persimmon are very pleased to have been granted detailed planning as we seek to bring high-quality housing solutions for local people in the Somer Valley area. “Having secured detailed planning approval, we are very excited to deliver on our vision and making our plans a reality, leaving a positive and lasting legacy in the process. “Wellow Brook will have a strong sense of place at the heart of its design, with new green open spaces, ecological enhancements and carefully designed new homes that incorporate local character features. “Persimmon looks forward to continuing our work with local stakeholders as we seek to deliver quality new homes, jobs, and infrastructure for the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer-led estate expansion plans at Greggs are set to continue at pace, with the food-to-go operator targeting 120 net new store openings during 2026. The growth follows a busy 2025, during which Greggs opened 207 new shops, averaging almost four openings per week. That programme included 50 relocations and 36 closures, resulting in a net increase of 121 stores over the year. As of 27 December, the business operated a total of 2,739 outlets across the UK, made up of 2,137 company-managed stores and 602 franchised locations. Greggs said its expansion strategy remains focused on improving coverage in under-served catchments while relocating existing shops from constrained sites to better-positioned locations that can support higher footfall and longer-term growth. The store rollout is supported by continued investment in supply chain capacity, which is expected to come on stream during 2026. Greggs said these upgrades are key to unlocking further expansion while maintaining operational efficiency across its growing estate. The update comes alongside the release of the company’s fourth-quarter trading figures for 2025, which showed sales growth of 7.4% over the period. For the full year, total sales reached £2.151bn, representing an increase of 6.8% compared with 2024. Chief executive Roisin Currie said the business made solid progress during a challenging trading environment, noting that subdued consumer confidence continued to affect the wider food-to-go market. She added that Greggs had outperformed the sector and increased its share of customer visits. Looking ahead, Currie said the company enters 2026 with a strong pipeline of new opportunities that will make Greggs even more convenient for customers. She highlighted continued focus on efficiency and value, particularly for consumers managing household budgets, as a core driver of the brand’s ongoing expansion. With estate growth and infrastructure investment moving forward in tandem, Greggs is positioning itself for another year of sustained rollout across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Muse has been selected as preferred development partner to lead one of the UK’s largest city-centre regeneration programmes, taking a central role in shaping the future of Bristol Temple Quarter. Muse Places will drive the delivery of up to 10,000 new homes alongside major commercial development, new public realm and significant transport upgrades centred around Bristol’s main rail hub. The appointment places Muse at the heart of a long-term regeneration strategy designed to transform a key gateway into the city. The developer will initially focus on Temple Meads West, an area comprising a series of publicly owned sites immediately adjacent to Bristol Temple Meads station. These include land at the Friary, the City Point building and multi-storey car park at Temple Gate, Lower Station Approach and the Portwall Lane car park. Muse is expected to begin work on an outline planning application for Temple Meads West, with submission targeted for early 2027. Alongside this, Muse will support BTQ LLP in developing longer-term proposals for St Philip’s Marsh. The area represents one of the largest remaining brownfield regeneration opportunities in central Bristol and forms a key component of the wider 135-hectare Temple Quarter programme. Bristol Temple Quarter is being brought forward through a partnership between Homes England, Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority. BTQ LLP said Muse was selected for its strong regeneration credentials and proven delivery record, citing major schemes in Salford, Plymouth and London, as well as its long-standing involvement in Bristol through the Wapping Wharf development. The appointment comes as momentum continues to build across Temple Quarter, supported by substantial public investment already under way. Construction is progressing on a new £23m eastern entrance to Bristol Temple Meads, funded through a £95m government grant, and due to open in September 2026 alongside the University of Bristol’s £500m Enterprise Campus. Further transport improvements are also advancing. BTQ LLP secured a resolution to grant planning permission for the Southern Gateway transport hub late last year, with a contractor expected to be appointed imminently and works scheduled to begin on site this summer. With Muse now in place as preferred partner, the Temple Quarter regeneration is set to enter a critical new phase, laying the foundations for one of the most ambitious urban renewal programmes in the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction of one of the most complicated parts of the HS2 project took a step forward over the Christmas break, as Balfour Beatty VINCI completed two key viaduct spans over the existing railway near Water Orton in Warwickshire. The spans form a small part of the Delta junction – a huge triangular intersection being built to the east of Birmingham for the new high-speed railway. Like the nearby Spaghetti Junction, it is formed of a complex series of interconnected viaducts, taking the high-speed line over motorways, local roads, existing railways, rivers and floodplains. It is designed to carry HS2 services to and from Birmingham, as well as connecting to the mainline heading north and south. To maintain speeds of 360km/h on the mainline and around 200km/h on the approaches to Birmingham, the junction is stretched out over a far larger area than a motorway junction, with 2.6 miles of track, including underpasses, flyovers and five major viaducts. The Water Orton viaducts are at the northern end of the junction and will allow southbound trains to join the spur into Birmingham Curzon Street and the rolling stock depot at Washwood Heath. Engineers working for Balfour Beatty VINCI used a five-day closure over the quieter Christmas period to safely complete the two parallel spans over the existing Birmingham to Peterborough railway line. With the railway crossing complete, the team can move on to the next sections of the viaducts over the nearby A446 road and the M42 motorway next year. Stephane Ciccolini, Senior Works Manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “This complex section of the HS2 route has taken a major step forward, after Balfour Beatty VINCI teams successfully erected two viaducts spans over an existing railway near Water Orton. “We’ve worked around the clock during the Christmas period to deliver this incredible feat of engineering, using a specialist cantilever technique not seen in the UK before this project. This approach involves using a 22-metre-high mast and a 14-metre-high swivel crane to move each individual segment into place until the span is complete.” Sam Hinkley, HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager said: “It’s great to see the Water Orton viaducts in place across the railway and I’d like to thank everyone who gave up their Christmas to help us reach this important milestone and I’d like to thank passengers for their patience. “These precast segmental viaducts form a key part of the Delta junction – one of the most complex parts of the HS2 project and I look forward to seeing more progress in the year ahead.” Once complete, the two single-track Water Orton viaducts will stretch for around 1.4km across two railways, a river, local roads and the M42. The viaducts are made of pre-cast concrete segments that are installed using a huge cantilever process. Once each span is in place, the permanent post-tensioned cables are installed in the hollow centre of the viaduct allowing the temporary cables stays to be moved forward to support the assembly of the next span. The same process is repeated between each pier until all the spans are complete. The 32 concrete piers that support the Water Orton viaducts are up to 20m tall and cast in situ using bespoke formwork and reinforcing cages manufactured at nearby Coleshill. The Water Orton viaducts form part of 3.7 miles worth of viaduct across Delta junction which are being built using this approach. All 2,742 concrete segments needed for the viaducts are being manufactured at a temporary factory at nearby Lea Marston. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A construction project can feel overwhelming when you try to manage it alone. From hiring skilled workers to coordinating schedules and staying within budget, every detail matters. This is where a general contractor becomes essential. They bring expertise, leadership, and structure to the process, guiding your project from plans to completion. As you explore how general contractors plan, supervise, and deliver successful results, you will also learn why partnering with a reliable company can give you even greater confidence in your build. Responsibilities of General Contractors: Planning and Budget Management Before Construction Begins Before any building starts, a general contractor helps create a solid plan. They review project goals, gather estimates, and develop a realistic budget. This planning stage prevents surprises later and keeps spending under control. The contractor compares prices, schedules work, and identifies risks before they happen. They also help owners understand where money will be used and why. With strong planning and careful budgeting, the construction process begins on steady ground, giving the project a greater chance of success. Coordinating Skilled Trades and Subcontractors A general contractor plays a vital role in coordinating skilled trades and subcontractors. They hire the right specialists for tasks like plumbing, electrical work, and framing. The contractor makes sure each team knows what to do and when to do it. They solve scheduling issues, manage conflicts, and keep everyone focused on the project goals. This coordination reduces delays and improves quality. With strong oversight, different trades work together smoothly, which leads to a safer, faster, and more successful construction process. Managing Scheduling, Timelines, and Project Milestones A general contractor manages the construction schedule to keep the project on track. They create timelines, break down tasks, and set milestones for different stages of work. When delays happen, they adjust the plan and communicate changes to everyone involved. Their job is to balance time, labor, and resources so the project moves smoothly. By tracking progress and solving problems quickly, the contractor helps ensure the work stays on schedule and reaches important goals without wasting time or money. Overseeing Material Procurement and Resource Allocation A general contractor oversees material procurement to make sure supplies arrive on time and meet project needs. They compare vendors, place orders, and track deliveries. The contractor also allocates resources, such as labor and equipment, where they are needed most. By planning ahead, they prevent shortages that could slow work. They check for quality, avoid waste, and keep spending under control. This careful oversight ensures that every part of the job has what it needs to move forward without costly delays. Ensuring Compliance with Safety Standards and Local Regulations A general contractor is responsible for keeping the job site safe and compliant with local laws. They follow building codes, secure permits, and make sure workers follow safety rules. The contractor organizes training, checks equipment, and corrects unsafe behavior. Regular inspections help identify hazards before they cause problems. By enforcing standards and regulations, they protect workers, prevent legal issues, and reduce the risk of accidents. Strong safety management builds trust and helps the project move forward without unnecessary disruptions. Maintaining Quality Control Throughout Construction A general contractor maintains quality control to ensure the finished project meets expectations. They inspect work as it happens, check materials, and verify that tasks are done correctly. When something falls short, they direct teams to fix it. Their goal is to deliver strong workmanship that lasts. Quality checks help avoid costly repairs later and keep clients satisfied. By monitoring progress closely and addressing issues early, the contractor makes sure the project stays on track and meets accepted standards. Communicating Progress and Handling On-Site Issues A general contractor must communicate clearly with clients, workers, and suppliers. They provide updates on progress, explain changes, and answer questions as the project moves forward. When problems happen on site, such as delays or errors, the contractor steps in to solve them. They bring the right people together, make decisions, and keep everyone informed. Strong communication prevents confusion, builds trust, and helps the project stay organized so work can continue smoothly even when challenges appear. Expert Opinion About the Importance of a General Contractor for Your Project A general contractor from Safeguard Construction Company shared how valuable their role is in any building project. The expert explained that a contractor brings structure, planning, and leadership to work that can easily become confusing. They noted that Safeguard has seen many owners struggle without guidance, which is why a contractor is so important. According to the specialist, a contractor coordinates skilled trades, manages schedules, and keeps quality under control. They ensure safety rules are followed, and problems are solved before they grow. They also stressed that oversight saves time, prevents budget issues, and reduces stress for the client. Clear communication is another key benefit, because the owner always knows what is happening on site. How Professional Oversight Drives Successful Construction Results A successful construction project requires more than materials and labor. It needs leadership, planning, and careful control throughout every stage. A general contractor is the person who brings all of this together. They guide the project from start to finish, solve problems, and make sure the work meets expectations. Their oversight keeps schedules moving, budgets steady, and teams aligned with the plan. Without this structure, delays, confusion, and costly mistakes become more likely. As you look at each responsibility a general contractor carries, it becomes clear how valuable their role is. They coordinate trades, enforce safety, watch quality, and talk with the owner so nothing is overlooked. Whether building a home or a commercial space, having a skilled professional in charge protects your investment and supports better results. Choosing the right contractor gives you confidence and turns complex construction into a smooth, successful process from beginning to completion.