Despite being one of the most popular housing types in the city, private renting has for many years been largely unregulated, putting some renters at risk of bad practice and poor conditions…But the new Renters Rights rules mean things are changing. The Renters Right Act is now in place and is designed to make
Housing association L&Q has strengthened its long-term housing improvement strategy with the appointment of Cardo as a new delivery partner on its major works investment programme. The move forms part of L&Q’s ambitious 15-year, £3bn programme aimed at upgrading homes across its portfolio and ensuring properties continue to meet the
The new £6.4 million Bishop Auckland Bus Station has opened to passengers, marking a significant upgrade to the town centre’s transport infrastructure. Delivered by Esh Construction for Durham County Council, the hub replaces the previous facility on Saddler Street and is designed to provide a modern, safe and welcoming gateway
The Gym Group is ramping up its nationwide expansion plans, with ambitions to open 75 new locations over the next three years as demand for affordable fitness and wellness facilities continues to grow across the UK. The operator, which already runs more than 260 gyms nationwide, says it is actively
Derwent London is moving forward with two significant office developments in central London as confidence returns to the capital’s commercial property market following a strong rise in leasing activity and rental growth. The developer has already begun demolition works at Holden House on Oxford Street, where a major retained-façade redevelopment
Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest hire company, brought together customers, partners, suppliers and industry voices for One – The Sunbelt Experience, a one-day event, on Thursday 7th May, centred on the ideas, technologies and partnerships shaping the future of the industry. Focused on innovation, technology, safety and sustainability, the event
Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: Bringing British Steel under public ownership may help secure a strategically important industry, but the cost of doing so is obviously a major concern. UK steelmakers continue to face some of the highest electricity prices in Europe, while energy market volatility is
Despite being one of the most popular housing types in the city, private renting has for many years been largely unregulated, putting some renters at risk of bad practice and poor conditions…But the new Renters Rights rules mean things are changing. The Renters Right Act is now in place and is designed to make renting fairer, safer and more secure. This new law will strengthen private renter’s rights, raise housing standards and create a fairer balance between landlords and tenants. For tenants with an assured shorthold tenancy, which most tenants have, the Act provides the following protection: New funding from Government will be used to create a Renter’s Rights Resolution Team who will support tenants and landlords to get the right information and guidance. How we are supporting private rented tenants We have set up a new Renter’s Right Resolution Team that will support tenants who believe their tenancy is at risk under the new rules covered by the Act. By supporting residents as early as possible to understand their rights and options we will be helping avoid homelessness and provide security and peace of mind. Working with teams across the Council we will be able to signpost residents to the right places to escalate issues and to find resolutions. Where to get for information and guidance If a private rented tenant is impacted by any of the above, they can access information at support via www.manchester.gov.uk/renters-rights What will this mean for landlords? It is vital that landlords are aware of the Act and comply with the new rules. The Act means that the Council has enhanced powers to investigate including entering premises and gathering evidence. Fines can be up to £7,000 for minor or initial non-compliance, and up to £40,000 for repeat offences. Compliance services such as the Housing Compliance and Enforcement team and Trading Standards will investigate these offences. Further guidance can be found at Private landlords How we are supporting landlords We will provide guidance and support to landlords so that they understand the changes and their responsibilities and where possible work to reduce disputes and prevent escalation into homelessness or enforcement. We will be in touch with landlords who have provided their contacts details to make them aware of the changes and the action they must take. Including directing to Government online guidance including the Renters’ Right Information Sheet, which all landlords should’ve already issues to their tenants before the new rules came into effect on 1 May 2026. Cllr Bev Craig OBE, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “For many years we have been urging successive governments to strengthen the protections and support available for people living in privately rented homes. “For too long this sector has felt under regulated, putting tenants at risk of homelessness because of no fault evictions or in retaliation for raising concerns about their home. “We know that section21 evictions are one of the main causes of homelessness in the city, so this is a bold move by Government to put the rights and wellbeing of renters first – making renting a home safer and more protected than ever before.” Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “This new law will give renters some reassurance that they have the backing of the law, and there are now new expectations and regulations that landlords have to legally comply with. Tenants should feel safe and secure in their home and it’s really welcome that this government has done what’s right to protect our residents living in the private rented sector. “We’ve also set up a new dedicated team to support both residents and landlords through the new changes – and where issues do arise, we would encourage people to get in touch and get our help.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housing association L&Q has strengthened its long-term housing improvement strategy with the appointment of Cardo as a new delivery partner on its major works investment programme. The move forms part of L&Q’s ambitious 15-year, £3bn programme aimed at upgrading homes across its portfolio and ensuring properties continue to meet the Decent Homes Standard, while also improving safety, sustainability and resident wellbeing. Cardo, which operates across the UK and Ireland, specialises in repairs, planned maintenance, compliance, fire remediation and energy efficiency works within the social housing sector. Under the partnership, the company will support a range of planned improvement projects across L&Q’s homes over the next 12 years, beginning with fire remediation works during 2026 and 2027. L&Q’s investment programme is one of the largest of its kind in the housing sector and covers all rented homes, alongside communal areas within mixed-tenure developments that include shared ownership and leasehold properties. The programme includes upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, roofs and windows, alongside wider estate improvements, redecorations, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and major fire safety works. A significant focus is also being placed on energy efficiency improvements, including insulation and retrofit measures designed to help all homes achieve a minimum EPC C rating. More than 21,000 homes have already been improved through the programme, with further large-scale investment planned across London and the South East over the coming years. The appointment comes as L&Q continues to progress a number of major housing and regeneration developments during 2026, including new affordable housing delivery, estate renewal projects and mixed-use neighbourhood schemes designed to support long-term housing supply across key urban areas. Cardo joins nine existing programme partners, including Kier Places, Morgan Sindall Property Services, Wates Property Services and Equans UK & Ireland. The latest appointment reflects the increasing scale of investment being channelled into housing safety, retrofit and long-term asset management as housing providers continue to modernise ageing stock and respond to evolving regulatory standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new £6.4 million Bishop Auckland Bus Station has opened to passengers, marking a significant upgrade to the town centre’s transport infrastructure. Delivered by Esh Construction for Durham County Council, the hub replaces the previous facility on Saddler Street and is designed to provide a modern, safe and welcoming gateway for residents and visitors. Representatives from Esh joined Durham County Council for a formal opening following completion of the station and £1.8 million of associated enabling works. The scheme forms part of wider regeneration plans to improve connectivity and support the town’s long-term vitality. Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “Esh is proud to have delivered a modern, fully accessible transport hub that will play an important role in supporting Bishop Auckland’s regeneration and strengthening local connectivity. “Working closely with Durham County Council, this project reflects our commitment to delivering high‑quality infrastructure that serves communities across the region, while also creating meaningful social value and opportunities locally.” The station offers live passenger information, CCTV, toilet facilities (including accessible toilets, a Changing Places unit and a parent and child facility) and a retail kiosk. Accessibility measures include anti-slip flooring, seating and wheelchair spaces positioned at the front of each waiting area. The surrounding area has been landscaped with new paving, drainage and street lighting. More than 120 hot rolled steel girders, with a combined weight of 23.49 tonnes, were installed and fabricated less than two miles away by South Durham Structures Ltd. Sustainability features include rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, a rainwater harvesting and re-use system, and a Sedum green roof to encourage biodiversity. A new 124-space car park provides accessible bays for wheelchair users and Blue Badge holders, alongside motorcycle bays, electric vehicle charging points and cycle parking. Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: “The completion of Bishop Auckland Bus Station is a major step in our plans to regenerate Bishop Auckland and boost its standing as a thriving market town and visitor destination. “The bus station looks fantastic and will provide the local community with modern, up-to-date facilities so they can access opportunities within the county and beyond. It will also serve as a positive welcome for visitors travelling into the centre for Bishop Auckland’s growing culture, heritage and events offer. “In addition, the site provides ample car parking with more than 120 new spaces for visitors to use. This will help to bring people into the town, address parking shortages, and reduce pressure on residential areas. This is a big step for Bishop Auckland, and we’re excited to welcome the first passengers.” The project delivered £2.2 million in social value, including 37 weeks of work experience and T‑Level time for County Durham students, 55 weeks of on-site work by County Durham veterans and reservists, 97 hours of STEM and employability activities in schools and education settings, and a £2.2 million spend in the County Durham supply chain. Bishop Auckland Bus Station has been developed using £11.8 million from the Future High Streets Fund. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Gym Group is ramping up its nationwide expansion plans, with ambitions to open 75 new locations over the next three years as demand for affordable fitness and wellness facilities continues to grow across the UK. The operator, which already runs more than 260 gyms nationwide, says it is actively pursuing opportunities across a wide range of property sectors, with flexibility remaining central to its growth strategy. Speaking about the company’s expansion plans, chief property officer Hamish Latchem said The Gym Group is “open to as many opportunities as we can find” as it looks to increase its rate of new openings. The business opened 16 new sites last year, up from 12 in 2024, and is targeting between 20 and 22 further openings during 2026 as part of its accelerated rollout programme. Working alongside retained property adviser Savills, The Gym Group is searching for units across the UK ranging from 5,000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft, with both leasehold and freehold opportunities under consideration. Latchem said the operator’s flexible model allows it to work across retail parks, mixed-use schemes and alternative commercial spaces, with all formats performing strongly within the current portfolio. While retail parks remain attractive, limited availability has encouraged the business to consider other opportunities, including industrial space. According to Savills, speculative industrial developments that have struggled to secure occupiers are increasingly providing opportunities for gym operators with strong covenant strength. Carlene Hughes, director in Central London retail at Savills, said The Gym Group’s reliability and operational certainty make it an attractive occupier for landlords. The expansion comes amid continued growth across the wider fitness and wellness market. According to Leisure DB’s State of the UK Fitness Industry Report 2025, the number of gyms across the UK exceeded 7,200 last year, marking a strong recovery towards pre-pandemic levels. Industry trends are also shaping the operator’s latest gym format. The Gym Group has increased its focus on strength-based training areas, introducing more plate-loaded and pin resistance equipment, alongside improved lighting, finishes and enhanced zoning layouts. Latchem said customer data shows growing demand for strength-focused fitness, particularly among younger members, while additional features such as Hyrox-style functionality are also becoming increasingly important. Recent openings, including Stamford Hill and Norwich Sweet Briar, have showcased the group’s evolving design approach, with larger-format gyms allowing for a broader range of fitness zones and equipment. The company said future sites will ideally be located in highly visible areas with strong transport links or easy access to parking, as it continues to expand its footprint across the UK leisure and retail property market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Derwent London is moving forward with two significant office developments in central London as confidence returns to the capital’s commercial property market following a strong rise in leasing activity and rental growth. The developer has already begun demolition works at Holden House on Oxford Street, where a major retained-façade redevelopment will deliver around 133,500 sq ft of new office-led space opposite the Dean Street Elizabeth line station. Kier has been appointed under a pre-construction services agreement to oversee the main construction phase of the project, with completion targeted for the second half of 2028. At the same time, Derwent has confirmed it will progress the redevelopment of 50 Baker Street in London’s West End. Demolition works on the scheme are expected to begin in the coming months, with contractor Multiplex understood to be lined up to deliver the £150m project. Designed by architects AHMM, the Baker Street development will provide approximately 236,000 sq ft of new space within one of London’s strongest office markets. The decision to move ahead with both schemes follows what Derwent described as a strong period of leasing activity across its portfolio. This includes the successful pre-letting of its recently completed Network building, where rental levels reportedly exceeded expectations. Alongside its development programme, Derwent has also made significant progress with its asset disposal strategy. The company confirmed it has exchanged contracts on £278m worth of property sales as part of a wider three-year target to dispose of £1bn in assets. Chief executive Paul Williams said the business had experienced strong momentum driven by leasing success and rental growth across key London locations. He added that progress on disposals had enabled the company to proceed with the redevelopment of 50 Baker Street, where strong rental performance is expected to support future profitability and earnings. Derwent also confirmed it is continuing to advance plans for another major scheme at Old Street Quarter EC1. A planning application is expected to be submitted towards the end of 2026 for a large mixed-use campus on the 2.5-acre former Moorfields Eye Hospital site close to Silicon Roundabout. The proposed development is expected to become one of the company’s next major regeneration projects as demand continues to strengthen for high-quality office and mixed-use space in central London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sunbelt Rentals, the UK’s largest hire company, brought together customers, partners, suppliers and industry voices for One – The Sunbelt Experience, a one-day event, on Thursday 7th May, centred on the ideas, technologies and partnerships shaping the future of the industry. Focused on innovation, technology, safety and sustainability, the event created a space for practical conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. From AI and equipment intelligence to digital tools, operational insight and lower-carbon solutions, the event programme explored how change is being applied in real-world settings across the industry. Across three theatres focused on covering, technology and innovation, customer, and people, attendees heard from speakers and experts on the topics driving transformation across multiple sectors and industries. Sessions explored how data, connected equipment, safety solutions and new ways of working are helping businesses improve performance, strengthen customer experience and support teams on the ground to work as one team. The event also featured live demonstrations, interactive displays and opportunities to connect directly with specialists from across Sunbelt Rentals and its supply chain partners, giving attendees practical insight into the solutions, services and thinking helping shape the next chapter for the industry. Title sponsor, JCB, showcased hydrogen solutions during the event, highlighting a shared commitment to practical innovation and technologies that support the transition to low and zero-carbon ways of working. Phil Parker, CEO of Sunbelt Rentals, said: “One – The Sunbelt Rentals Experience was designed to bring together the conversations that matter most to our customers and our business – how we deliver more consistent, joined-up outcomes as one team. We welcomed our customers, partners, and colleagues to Liverpool to experience how Sunbelt Rentals is evolving – not just in what we offer, but in how we operate. As customer expectations continue to shift towards more integrated, accountable delivery, our focus is on making it easier to do business with us – through one connected experience, clearer ownership, and solutions delivered at scale. The event brought that to life, showcasing the strength of our capability, the breadth of our offering, and how we are advancing our 4.0 strategy to deliver better outcomes for our customers and the sectors we support.” The event forms part of Sunbelt Rentals’ wider focus through their five-year growth strategy, Sunbelt 4.0, focused on being equipped for success by sharing practical insight, strengthening customer conversations and bringing together the technologies and expertise that will shape the future of the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dr David Crosthwaite, chief economist at BCIS, said: Bringing British Steel under public ownership may help secure a strategically important industry, but the cost of doing so is obviously a major concern. UK steelmakers continue to face some of the highest electricity prices in Europe, while energy market volatility is pushing production costs higher. For example, fabricated structural steel prices, according to the Department for Business and Trade’s producer price index for the product, rose by more than 8% in the year to March 2026. The government’s wider steel strategy, including tighter import quotas and 50% tariffs on some overseas steel from July, is intended to support domestic production, but it also risks adding further cost pressure across construction supply chains. Ministers have already agreed to review the policy following industry concerns over steel availability and project costs. In the near term, while energy markets and global trade conditions remain unpredictable, maintaining a competitive and secure UK steel industry is likely to require significant government support. It is crucial this intervention succeeds. Failure would risk undermining both domestic steel production and the wider construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals