Developer Amstone has appointed Keady Construction as main contractor for the £150m No.1 Knightsbridge residential development in Stockport. The major scheme will deliver 588 apartments across a series of residential blocks ranging from five to 15 storeys, further strengthening Stockport’s growing appeal as a key residential and regeneration hotspot in
Airport investment is accelerating across the UK, opening up a wave of new construction opportunities. Despite worries about elevated oil prices and potential jet fuel shortages this summer, several major airports are pressing ahead with expansion and modernisation programmes. Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester and Bristol all have schemes in motion
Contractor Legendre UK has secured the main construction role on the major redevelopment of 50 Stratton Street in the heart of Mayfair, London, on behalf of Berkeley Estate Asset Management. Designed by acclaimed architects Stiff + Trevillion, the 135,000 sq ft office development is set to deliver a premium commercial
SEGRO has been announced as a new Official Partner of the Lawn Tennis Association, in a partnership designed to support the growth of tennis and padel across communities throughout the UK. The agreement will also see SEGRO become development partner to LTA padel, helping to widen access to one of
SEGRO has signed a new lease agreement with the NHS pathology network covering south west London, supporting the creation of a modern pathology hub at SEGRO Park Redhouse Road in Croydon. The agreement covers 18,444 sq ft of warehouse space across two units. The facility will be used by a
Neighbourhood Health Hubs and a range of other public and private health services could prove to be the keys to high street and town centre regeneration, according to Radix Big Tent. The influential think tank behind the Kate Barker-led Housing Commission – which helped shape many of the DHCLG’s housing
One of the UK’s fastest growing affordable housing developers is heading to UKREiiF tomorrow with a blueprint for unlocking difficult regeneration sites. Keon Homes will be speaking at the biggest real estate investment infrastructure show in the country and is using the platform to announce the start of its latest
Leading insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL has announced that its entire product range has passed Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment, making it the broadest set of construction products by a single manufacturer to be assessed to-date. The successful assessments cover ROCKWOOL’s complete range of non-combustible stone wool insulation products, including
McCarthy & Stone is delighted to announce that it has secured a 5-star “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot. Commenting on the upgraded rating, Matthew Pratt, CEO, commented: “This is a remarkable achievement. We already held an industry-leading Trustpilot score, and this latest upgrade reflects the thousands of small acts of care
Choosing between a floating vanity and a freestanding vanity depends on your bathroom size, storage needs, design style, and installation plans. Both options can look beautiful, but they work differently and create a different feeling in the room. A floating vanity gives the bathroom a lighter, more modern look. A
Developer Amstone has appointed Keady Construction as main contractor for the £150m No.1 Knightsbridge residential development in Stockport. The major scheme will deliver 588 apartments across a series of residential blocks ranging from five to 15 storeys, further strengthening Stockport’s growing appeal as a key residential and regeneration hotspot in the North West. Construction is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2027, with the project being delivered in phases over the following two-and-a-half years. Keady Construction, part of the wider OHOB Group, was selected due to its strong track record in large-scale residential delivery and experience within the private rented sector market. Adnan Siddiqi, Director at Amstone Ventures, said the developer was particularly attracted to Keady’s expertise within the residential sector, alongside its approach to design quality and environmental considerations. He highlighted the contractor’s recent completion of a 31-storey residential tower on Skinner Street in Leeds, which delivered 399 private rented apartments, as evidence of the company’s capability to successfully deliver large urban living schemes. Kieran Duggan, Director at Keady Construction, described No.1 Knightsbridge as another important milestone for the contractor as it continues expanding its portfolio of major residential developments across the north of England. He added that following the successful completion of the Leeds project for Ridgeback Group, the Stockport scheme further strengthens Keady’s growing client base, which also includes major names such as Peel Holdings and Legal & General. The project reflects continued investor confidence in regional residential markets, particularly in well-connected town and city centres where demand for modern apartments and build-to-rent accommodation remains strong. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Airport investment is accelerating across the UK, opening up a wave of new construction opportunities. Despite worries about elevated oil prices and potential jet fuel shortages this summer, several major airports are pressing ahead with expansion and modernisation programmes. Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester and Bristol all have schemes in motion or in planning. While a third runway at Heathrow may still be years away, a substantial capital programme to upgrade existing facilities is being lined up. Sector momentum is underlined in the April Glenigan Construction Review, which reports airport-related infrastructure starts rising to £202 million in the three months to March, accounting for 13% of all civil engineering project starts over the period. At London Gatwick, planning permission is in place for the £2.2 billion North Runway project, due to begin next year and lift capacity from 61 million to 74 million passengers annually. Bechtel is the project manager (Project ID: 03225160). Further opportunities at Gatwick include the £10 million Hangar 7 scheme in West Sussex, where tenders have been returned and work is expected to commence later this year (Project ID: 25609119). A £595,000 extension at the South Terminal is also scheduled to start before year-end (Project ID: 18107741). At Stansted Airport in north Essex, Laing O’Rourke has been named main contractor for a £150 million passenger terminal extension. Due to get underway this summer and run for 18 months, the scheme comprises a three-bay extension to the existing building and three walkways totalling 16,500 sq m. A separate £480 million infrastructure scheme at Stansted to deliver two new taxiways across a 7-hectare site is also poised to proceed, with a potential start later this year. In Bedfordshire, detailed consent has been granted and the government is backing a £2.4 billion expansion at Luton Airport that would almost double capacity to 32 million passengers per year. Although environmental legal challenges have caused delays, work is pencilled to start early next year and run for 36 months. At Manchester Airport, the £440 million terminal modernisation programme is nearing completion. In addition, Kier Construction (North West) has been appointed civil engineering contractor for a £65 million rail platform remodelling to accommodate future passenger growth, due to begin this summer and last 35 months. Regional capacity is also set to increase. At Bristol International Airport, Farrans began a £30 million South Terminal extension this spring. Meanwhile, outline plans have been submitted for a £289.2 million expansion at Bristol to raise annual capacity to 15 million passengers. If approved, the 86,000+ sq m scheme could start next spring and run for 24 months. Regardless of the fate of Heathrow’s third runway, plans have been revealed for a major redevelopment of Terminal 4, including a new multi-storey car park and an upgraded check-in hall, alongside a dedicated baggage system for Terminal 2. Valued at £1.3 billion, the project could begin this autumn, subject to approval, and run for 62 months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Legendre UK has secured the main construction role on the major redevelopment of 50 Stratton Street in the heart of Mayfair, London, on behalf of Berkeley Estate Asset Management. Designed by acclaimed architects Stiff + Trevillion, the 135,000 sq ft office development is set to deliver a premium commercial destination tailored to the evolving demands of the central London market. The scheme has been created with a strong emphasis on sustainability, modern workplace design and long-term building performance. Targeting both BREEAM Outstanding and LEED Gold certifications, the redevelopment will introduce a highly efficient all-electric building designed to align with the growing demand for low-carbon office environments across the capital. A key feature of the project is its focus on reducing embodied carbon through innovative construction methods and material selection. Lightweight steel will be used throughout the structure, alongside the addition of four new cross-laminated timber floors, helping to minimise environmental impact while supporting modern standards of sustainable development. The redevelopment will also significantly enhance the building’s external appearance and operational efficiency. New façades featuring high-quality stone cladding, aluminium-framed glazing and curtain walling systems will create a refined architectural identity suited to Mayfair’s prestigious commercial landscape. As demand continues to grow for sustainable Grade A office space in London’s prime business districts, the project reflects a wider industry shift towards environmentally responsible redevelopment and future-ready workplaces that prioritise energy performance, occupier wellbeing and design excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO has been announced as a new Official Partner of the Lawn Tennis Association, in a partnership designed to support the growth of tennis and padel across communities throughout the UK. The agreement will also see SEGRO become development partner to LTA padel, helping to widen access to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The partnership will focus on national and community-level initiatives, including the launch of a new grassroots padel programme during the 2026 season. The LTA is the National Governing Body for tennis and padel in Great Britain, working to grow both sports from grassroots participation through to the professional game. Its wider ambition is to open up tennis and padel to more people by working with schools, volunteers, coaches and venues across the country. SEGRO, one of Europe’s leading owners, developers and managers of modern warehousing, industrial property and data centres, said the partnership aligns with its long-standing commitment to supporting communities around its estates. The new grassroots padel initiative will aim to make the sport more inclusive and accessible, particularly for children and young people, women and people from underserved backgrounds. SEGRO will bring experience from its community investment programme, which supports local projects, skills development and employment opportunities. Padel has seen rapid growth in Great Britain in recent years. Participation has risen from around 15,000 players in 2019 to more than 860,000 by the end of 2025. The country’s padel infrastructure has also expanded, with 1,553 courts across 559 venues recorded by the end of 2025. James Craddock, UK Managing Director at SEGRO, said: “SEGRO is a business rooted in places and the communities around them. This partnership with the LTA reflects our commitment to widening opportunity and supporting wellbeing through sport. “By also working in tandem to deliver a new grassroots padel programme, we are helping to remove barriers to participation and open up the sport to more communities across the UK.” Scott Lloyd, Chief Executive of the LTA, said the organisation was delighted to welcome SEGRO as an official partner. He added that the partnership would help extend the LTA’s reach into new communities, accelerate its padel community initiatives and support more people to experience the physical and mental health benefits of racket sports. The agreement highlights the growing role of sport-led community investment, with SEGRO and the LTA aiming to create more opportunities for people across the UK to pick up a racket and get active. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO has signed a new lease agreement with the NHS pathology network covering south west London, supporting the creation of a modern pathology hub at SEGRO Park Redhouse Road in Croydon. The agreement covers 18,444 sq ft of warehouse space across two units. The facility will be used by a network of hospitals including St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust and Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust. The new hub will provide laboratory space for testing samples collected from around 400 doctors’ practices across Surrey, south London and south west London. By centralising key testing processes, the facility is designed to improve efficiency, speed up turnaround times and reduce pressure on existing hospital pathology laboratories. The move is expected to help GP test samples be processed more quickly, enabling results to be returned to practices significantly faster than at present. It will also support cost savings and free up space within the wider NHS estate. Alex Keith, Director, London at SEGRO, said the agreement demonstrated the wider role modern industrial space can play in supporting essential services. “SEGRO’s purpose is to create the space that enables extraordinary things to happen and this is an absolute exemplar of this in action,” he said. “This new state-of-the-art facility serving the wider south London area will enable significant operational efficiency and cost savings for the various NHS trusts through the centralisation of critically important pathology services.” He added that the project highlighted the versatility of well-located, sustainable warehouse space, from increasing testing volumes and reducing laboratory pressure to accelerating turnaround times and lowering the cost per test. Simon Brewer from South West London Pathology said the facility would help deliver high-quality care while improving how services are organised. “This space is a key part of how we are delivering this in south west London, supporting more efficient laboratory operations, training opportunities and ultimately faster, more reliable results for both clinicians and patients,” he said. SEGRO Park Croydon Redhouse Road is located 10 minutes from Croydon town centre and around 10 miles from both central London and the M25. The development comprises seven BREEAM Excellent units, with remaining space ranging from 9,155 sq ft to 83,827 sq ft. The units also hold EPC A ratings. Sustainability features include photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging points and cycle shelters, supporting lower-carbon operations and more sustainable journeys. The NHS lease follows a recent agreement with a leading wholesale and retail grocer, underlining continued demand for high-quality, well-connected industrial space in south London.
Neighbourhood Health Hubs and a range of other public and private health services could prove to be the keys to high street and town centre regeneration, according to Radix Big Tent. The influential think tank behind the Kate Barker-led Housing Commission – which helped shape many of the DHCLG’s housing delivery policies – will launch a new project to bring community health on to the UK’s high streets, both to improve public health and act as a catalyst for regeneration. Sponsored by engineering, architecture, planning and environmental consulting group Sidara, independent national law firm Stevens & Bolton, and architects James Totty Partnership, the Health on the High Street Commission will launch on the 19th May to coincide with this year’s UKREiiF. The cross-sector Commission is setting out to identify practical steps to unblock the planning, financial and cultural obstacles to high street regeneration through health; not to produce another glossy vision document. The commission will be chaired by author, designer and place-strategist, Professor Ibrahim Ibrahim of Sidara’s Portland Design, with the independent commission comprising experts from investment, planning, place-making, national and local government, and public and private health care. Commissioners include crossbench peer, Lord (Andrew) Mawson, the driver behind the trail-blazing Bromley-by-Bow Health Partnership, and Michael Brown, the chief architect of the ground-breaking Barnsley Health Hub, which has seen outpatient services relocated to the town centre Alhambra shopping centre. The Commission plans to report within twelve months. In addition to conducting desk research and commissioning original research, the commissioners are eager to hear evidence from and learn from successful examples of delivering health on the high street across the country. Announcing the Commission’s launch, Radix Big Tent Chief Executive, Ben Rich, says: “There is widespread political agreement that putting health services at the heart of communities is a good idea. And yet, despite this consensus, progress is glacial. “Why? Because the system designed to deliver this is stuck in neutral. Speaking with senior leaders from the NHS and private health providers, local government, private investment and regeneration, what becomes clear is that there is not a lack of ambition, but a wall of institutional and systemic inertia that prevents change. The purpose of this commission is to identify and produce policies to remove the friction points that stall delivery.” Professor Ibrahim Ibrahim added: “The focus of the commission is less about the details of the healthcare provision and more about its halo effect, and how it can drive social and commercial value in our high streets and shopping centres.” Andrew Steele, Partner at Stevens & Bolton, said: “Healthcare is increasingly recognised as a powerful anchor for town centre regeneration and is a great opportunity to repurpose existing retail space as well as diversify our high streets with long-term, resilient assets. We’re proud to be supporting the Commission as it works to identify practical solutions that can support the long-term health of our high streets, turning policies into progress.”
One of the UK’s fastest growing affordable housing developers is heading to UKREiiF tomorrow with a blueprint for unlocking difficult regeneration sites. Keon Homes will be speaking at the biggest real estate investment infrastructure show in the country and is using the platform to announce the start of its latest scheme for City of Wolverhampton Council’s £1bn housing framework. The Burntwood-based company will begin construction on the £28m Heath Town site on the edge of the city, transforming the old Duke of York pub into 32 affordable one and two-bedroom council apartments. This marks the next phase in the wider £120m regeneration of the area that will eventually deliver up to 120 new homes across five different locations, all following on from the earlier success of Hobgate Road and Tithe Croft. Managing Director Richard Williams, who will be one of the main speakers at the Housing Delivery Showcase on Tuesday, said: “We are pleased to bring forward the Duke of York scheme, a development that shows the Keon model works…combining modern delivery methods, strong stakeholder collaboration and a focus on social value to unlock difficult regeneration sites. “It also underlines our capability to scale regeneration programmes across multiple sites under framework agreements, with this latest one following the start of ambitious projects at New Park Village and Lincoln Green in Bushbury.” He continued: “UKREiiF is the perfect place to highlight what we believe is a blueprint that could be replicated across other towns and cities facing similar housing and regeneration challenges. “Phased regeneration, mixed housing needs, accessibility, community-focused design and long-term partnership is working in Wolverhampton and supporting a local authority in accelerating housing delivery while creating lasting social impact.” The Duke of York project replaces a long-vacant building with affordable housing, acting as a real gateway site into Wolverhampton city centre. This will be reflected by enhanced landscaping, shared garden spaces and balconies to encourage placemaking and community interaction. All properties will be energy efficient and built to a high standard providing a place for individuals and families in the area to proudly call their home. Richard went on to add: “I’m really looking forward to speaking at UKREiiF, talking in partnership with Midland Heart on how we have played a fundamental role in bringing the iconic Port Loop development back to life and our eagerly awaited work on Tower Ballroom in Edgbaston. “The Housing Delivery Showcase will be one of the highlights of the West Midlands Pavilion and reflects the entire region’s commitment to working with the real estate sector to drive residential delivery.” In just seven years, Keon Homes has grown from a start-up operation into a genuine leader in affordable housing, transforming the way sustainable homes are delivered to thousands of people. The last twelve months has been its most active year yet, with 376 properties completed and a further 250 units in the process of being built across the Black Country, Birmingham, Coventry, Lichfield and Telford. For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL has announced that its entire product range has passed Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessment, making it the broadest set of construction products by a single manufacturer to be assessed to-date. The successful assessments cover ROCKWOOL’s complete range of non-combustible stone wool insulation products, including roofing, façade and fire protection solutions, as well as the company’s in-house fire-stopping range, known as FirePro. Introduced as a direct response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations, the code’s methodology has been designed to provide a holistic assessment of product information and marketing to provide reassurance throughout the construction supply chain, and ultimately to building residents and occupants. Nick Wilson, Managing Director of ROCKWOOL UK and Ireland, said: “We are immensely proud of this achievement. ROCKWOOL has long prided itself on its rigorous approach and high standards – securing assessment across our full range reflects our firm commitment to providing clear, accurate and trustworthy product information and the robust ways of working across our expert and dedicated team.” Against the backdrop of the Building Safety Act and live Government proposals to raise the bar for construction products and fire safety guidance, professionals including specifiers, architects and contractors need high-quality products supported by robust testing and information that they can trust. Undertaking a CCPI assessment includes in-depth evaluation of a company’s culture, processes and product information by an independent third-party verifier, and confirmation of each product’s assessment sits alongside clearly accessible product safety and performance data on ROCKWOOL’s website. Tim Vincent, ROCKWOOL’s Head of Technical, added: “As a leading supplier, ROCKWOOL is committed to supporting construction professionals to deliver building safety and performance, whether through our CCPI assessed product ranges, our technical tools and support, or our growing education offering including our new Training Academy, where we run hands-on best practice training.” Moving forward, any new ROCKWOOL product sets will be CCPI assessed as they are introduced to the market. Details of all ROCKWOOL’s products and their associated CCPI assessments can be found on the company’s website at www.rockwool.com/uk/products/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McCarthy & Stone is delighted to announce that it has secured a 5-star “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot. Commenting on the upgraded rating, Matthew Pratt, CEO, commented: “This is a remarkable achievement. We already held an industry-leading Trustpilot score, and this latest upgrade reflects the thousands of small acts of care and professionalism by our dedicated colleagues every day, across every one of our 561 developments. “Our customers have rated us 5-star for the best-in-class lifestyle they enjoy when living in their McCarthy & Stone development, and we couldn’t be prouder to have the opportunity to support and delight them every day.” Matthew Pratt, who joined McCarthy & Stone as Chief Executive in January 2026, is implementing a strategic reset of the business centred on three clear pillars: The reset reflects a changing marketplace in which more people are remaining independent for longer. To do that, they want greater flexibility to access McCarthy & Stone’s high quality later living provision, including a wider choice of tenure options, and on-demand support if they need it. Matthew concluded: “This is a very exciting time for McCarthy & Stone. Our market is evolving rapidly, and we are evolving with it. One thing remains constant though: our unparalleled focus on quality, service and delivery that ensures that McCarthy & Stone is a place that – as our Trustpilot score demonstrates – our customers are proud to call home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Choosing between a floating vanity and a freestanding vanity depends on your bathroom size, storage needs, design style, and installation plans. Both options can look beautiful, but they work differently and create a different feeling in the room. A floating vanity gives the bathroom a lighter, more modern look. A freestanding vanity feels more traditional, substantial, and usually provides more storage. What Is a Floating Vanity? A floating vanity, also called a wall-mounted vanity, is attached to the wall and does not touch the floor. This creates open space underneath the cabinet and makes the bathroom feel more open. Floating vanities are often used in modern, minimalist, and spa-inspired bathrooms. They are especially useful in small bathrooms because the visible floor space can make the room feel larger. This style also makes cleaning easier because you can sweep or mop underneath the vanity. In some cases, a floating vanity can be installed at a custom height for more comfort. For a compact modern bathroom, a modern floating bathroom vanity set with single sink from Willow Bath and Vanity can help create a lighter, more open look while still offering practical storage for everyday use. The main thing to remember is that floating vanities need proper wall support. Since the cabinet, countertop, sink, and daily use all add weight, installation may be more complex than with a floor-standing vanity. What Is a Freestanding Vanity? A freestanding vanity sits directly on the floor, similar to a piece of furniture. It may have legs, a solid base, or a cabinet-style design. Freestanding vanities are common in traditional, transitional, farmhouse, and classic bathrooms. They usually offer more storage because the cabinet extends closer to the floor. This style is often easier to install than a floating vanity. It may still need to be secured to the wall, but it does not usually require the same structural support. A freestanding vanity works well in family bathrooms, guest bathrooms, and primary bathrooms where storage is important. It can provide space for towels, toiletries, cleaning products, and other daily essentials. The downside is that it can feel heavier in a small bathroom. Since it sits on the floor, it takes up more visual space and may make a compact room feel more crowded. Floating Vanity vs Freestanding Vanity: Main Differences The biggest difference is installation. A floating vanity is mounted to the wall, while a freestanding vanity rests on the floor. A floating vanity creates a more open and modern look. It is easier to clean underneath and can make a small bathroom feel larger. However, it may offer less storage and require more planning during installation. A freestanding vanity usually provides more storage and feels more stable. It works with many design styles and is often practical for larger bathrooms. However, it may look bulky in a small space and can be harder to clean around the base. In terms of style, floating vanities usually suit modern, minimalist, and spa-inspired bathrooms, while freestanding vanities work well in traditional, transitional, farmhouse, and classic spaces. Which Vanity Is Better for a Small Bathroom? For a small bathroom, a floating vanity is often the better choice. It leaves more floor visible, so the room feels more open and less crowded. It also works well with simple mirrors, light tile, wall-mounted faucets, and modern lighting. A small freestanding vanity can also work if you need more storage. In that case, choose a lighter finish, slim legs, or a compact cabinet shape so the room does not feel too heavy. Which Vanity Offers More Storage? A freestanding vanity usually offers more storage. Since it extends to the floor, there is often more room for drawers, shelves, and cabinet space. Floating vanities can still provide useful storage, but they are usually more compact. They work best when you want a clean look and only need storage for everyday essentials. For a family bathroom or primary bathroom, a freestanding vanity may be more practical. For a powder room or guest bath, a floating vanity may be enough. About Willow Bath & Vanity Willow Bath & Vanity offers both floating and freestanding bathroom vanities for different layouts, storage needs, and design styles. The collections include single and double sink options, wall-mounted and floor-standing models, and a variety of wood finishes, sizes, and configurations. Final Thoughts Choose a floating vanity if you want a modern, open, and easy-to-clean bathroom. It is especially useful for small spaces and minimalist designs. Choose a freestanding vanity if you need more storage, easier installation, and a classic furniture-style look. It is a strong choice for family bathrooms, guest bathrooms, and larger primary bathrooms. Both options can be stylish and practical. The best choice depends on your bathroom size, storage needs, installation plans, and overall style.