A major new build-to-rent development is set to reshape part of central Norwich after property investor Zive Capital secured planning approval for the £80m Victoria Gardens scheme. Located on the former Queens Road Marsh office site, the brownfield development will bring 432 new rental homes to the city across 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
Maintenance, refurbishment and fit-out contractor Novus Property Solutions has secured a new contract with Aspire Housing to deliver improvements across the housing association’s portfolio of homes in Staffordshire and Cheshire. With many of the windows and doors across the portfolio now more than a decade old, the improvement works are essential to improving building
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
Glenigan | A Hubexo Product (Glenigan), one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the May 2026 edition of its Construction Review. The May Review focuses on the three months to the end of April 2026, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying
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
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
Winvic Construction Ltd has officially launched a major new ESG whitepaper at UKREiiF 2026, calling for stronger regulatory alignment to support the delivery of net zero carbon aligned buildings across the UK built environment. Published in conjunction with the Westminster body, The Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), the whitepaper – From Commitment to
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
A major new build-to-rent development is set to reshape part of central Norwich after property investor Zive Capital secured planning approval for the £80m Victoria Gardens scheme. Located on the former Queens Road Marsh office site, the brownfield development will bring 432 new rental homes to the city across a series of contemporary residential buildings. The vacant office block, which had remained unused since the pandemic, was demolished in 2024 to pave the way for the regeneration project. Designed by Broadway Malyan, the scheme will feature five main residential blocks that gradually step down in scale towards a collection of townhouses positioned at the southern end of the development. Alongside new homes, Victoria Gardens will include around 500 sq m of flexible commercial, incubator and retail space, aimed at supporting start-up businesses and Norwich’s growing creative and digital sectors. The wider masterplan has been designed to create a more connected and accessible neighbourhood, opening up a site that was previously closed off from surrounding streets. Proposals include new pedestrian walkways, landscaped courtyards, communal gardens and public open spaces intended to encourage community interaction and improve the urban environment. As part of the approved plans, Zive Capital has committed to delivering 10% affordable housing, with the potential for this figure to increase should the development exceed financial expectations. Adam Zive, principal at Zive Capital, described the planning approval as a major step forward for the project and highlighted the company’s ambition to create a long-term residential community in the city. The scheme reflects continued investor confidence in the UK build-to-rent sector, particularly in regional cities where demand for high-quality rental accommodation and mixed-use urban regeneration continues to grow. Construction is expected to begin within the next 18 months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
Maintenance, refurbishment and fit-out contractor Novus Property Solutions has secured a new contract with Aspire Housing to deliver improvements across the housing association’s portfolio of homes in Staffordshire and Cheshire. With many of the windows and doors across the portfolio now more than a decade old, the improvement works are essential to improving building efficiency and performance, alongside occupant comfort and safety. As an experienced maintenance and refurbishment contractor, the Novus team will carry out these essential works sensitively to minimise disruption for residents. As the efficiency of homes comes under greater scrutiny en route to net-zero, the improvements carried out by Novus will contribute towards the longevity of social homes within Aspire Housing’s portfolio. “We’re really pleased to be working with Aspire Housing to deliver new windows and doors across their homes,” says David Barnes, Operations Manager at Novus Property Solutions. “Many of their properties are close to our head office, making this a local project for us and an opportunity to make a difference in our own community and beyond. That makes it an opportunity to deliver a high standard of improvement works that make a genuine impact on residents in our local community. “We’d like to thank Aspire Housing for selecting us as one of two contractors for this project, alongside Anglian Windows. Together, we’ll be upgrading windows and doors across approximately 200 properties, making a real difference to occupant comfort while ensuring these homes are fit for purpose for years to come.” Project mobilisation is already underway for the projects, with improvement works due to commence in July. As part of Novus’ commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled workers in the construction industry, an apprentice will work alongside the highly experienced team to deliver works across the project. Aspire Housing has more than 9,500 homes in its portfolio and is committed to putting its 19,000 customers first with the delivery of safe, decent homes. To find out more about Novus Property Solutions and its work in the social housing sector, visit: www.novussolutions.co.uk 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
Glenigan | A Hubexo Product (Glenigan), one of the construction industry’s leading insight and intelligence experts, releases the May 2026 edition of its Construction Review. The May Review focuses on the three months to the end of April 2026, covering all major (>£100m) and underlying (<£100m) projects, with all underlying figures seasonally adjusted. It’s a report providing a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the past year. Looks can be deceiving; on first appearance there are reasons to be cheerful. Superficially, the May Review presents a sector rebounding, with detailed planning approvals rising by 8% against the preceding three months, complemented by a stronger 29% increase in main contract awards and a 22% uplift in project starts. However, scratch beneath the surface and a different picture emerges, when these figures are compared against the previous year’s result. Detailed approvals hit rock bottom, nose-diving 54% year-on-year, while main contract awards have slipped 11% and project starts are 17% lower. It highlights how the UK construction sector remains stuck in the woods with little current direction to guide it out. Looking ahead, the industry’s trajectory will continue to be shaped by wider economic and policy developments. Elevated borrowing costs, ongoing viability challenges and cautious investor sentiment have constrained activity over the past year. According to Glenigan’s Economic Director, Allan Wilen, “Whilst this encouraging uptick will come as some relief after months of decline, the sector must not risk falling into a fool’s paradise. The true impact of the US/Iran War is yet to be felt and, if it’s anything similar to previous major global events, then the aftershock will ripple through markets, causing disruption well after the conflict, hopefully, comes to an end. An early resolution of the current impasse and the ending of the Strait of Hormuz blockade would start to rebuild investor confidence and ease pressure on the construction industry.” “However, last week’s King’s speech provides some clarity to latch onto and, once the Downing Street shenanigans have died down, a degree of certainty may return to help get us back on track. There are windows of opportunity in niche areas which savvy contractors are already involved in, or starting to wake up to. So, whilst the outlook remains overcast, it’s not a time to stand and stare, but to seize opportunity where it exists to weather the current climate and be ready for the sunshine when it eventually arrives.” Taking a closer look at the May Review’s highlights and the lowlights: Residential Residential held its ground during the three months to April, with project starts dipping just 2% year-on-year while main contract awards climbed 9% and detailed planning approvals jumped 17% on 2025 levels. Quarter-on-quarter performance was even more upbeat, buoyed by major projects coming to the fore. Social Sector Housing stole the show, accounting for 51% of starts and rocketing 236% year-on-year, though private housing and private apartments told a different story, falling 45% and 56% respectively. The wider outlook is finely balanced: Nationwide reported a 3% lift in house prices, while Halifax noted a dip amid geopolitical jitters, and both will likely shape residential construction in the months ahead. Regionally, Yorkshire & the Humber led the charge, with project starts powered largely by sizeable social housing heating works in Leeds. London also enjoyed a strong run, cementing its status as a key residential market. Elsewhere the picture was patchier, with the South East, East Midlands and Scotland all sliding back against the previous year. Non-residential Non-residential was a real mixed bag during the three months to April. Offices put on a show, with project starts soaring 217% year-on-year on the back of an eye-catching 868% rise in major schemes worth over £100 million. Detailed planning approvals climbed 30%, though main contract awards slipped 57%. Hotel & Leisure also offered cheer, with planning approvals leaping 80%, even as starts dipped 3% and awards eased 29%. Health saw approvals rise 32%, hinting at a pipeline gathering pace despite a 39% drop in starts. Retail, Education & Industrial were broadly muted, while Community & Amenity had a tough time of it, with starts down 60% and contract awards tumbling 83%. Regionally, London ruled office activity, lifted by the British Library Extension development. Scotland topped Hotel & Leisure starts after strong year-on-year growth, while Wales emerged as a Health hotspot with starts up 748%. Scotland also led Education starts (+68%), with the North West taking top spot for both Retail and Community & Amenity. Civils & Infrastructure Civil Engineering had a tough quarter, with project starts tumbling 72% year-on-year and detailed planning approvals diving 87% against the previous year. Main contract awards offered a flicker of stability, holding steady against 2025 levels in an otherwise challenging period. The numbers point to a clear slowdown in project initiation, though there’s brighter news further out, with expected investment in road and rail infrastructure from 2026/27 set to lift activity, alongside continued spending in utilities and the water industry. Roads projects led the way despite a hefty decline, while water-related schemes brought welcome stability, and harbour and ports work also slipped back. Regionally, the East of England led the field on project starts, scooping 35% of total value following a 133% year-on-year rise. The East Midlands topped planning approvals with a 31% share, up 31% on the previous year, though the region itself saw a moderate 6% dip in starts. London experienced a similar 5% dip in starts. 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.
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
Winvic Construction Ltd has officially launched a major new ESG whitepaper at UKREiiF 2026, calling for stronger regulatory alignment to support the delivery of net zero carbon aligned buildings across the UK built environment. Published in conjunction with the Westminster body, The Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), the whitepaper – From Commitment to Compliance: Why the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Needs Regulatory Backing – argues that the industry is now ready to move beyond ambition towards measurable, verified operational performance, but requires policy and regulatory support to enable consistent adoption at scale. The paper explores the opportunities and challenges surrounding the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS), which launched earlier this year following extensive industry collaboration. Drawing on insights from a Westminster roundtable and interviews with representatives across development, investment, construction, planning, sustainability and policy makers the report sets out practical recommendations for government, industry and investors to accelerate delivery. Contributors and participants include the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Building Research Establishment (BRE), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), BWB Consulting, Firethorn Trust, Panattoni, Ridge and Partners, Royal London Asset Management, UMC Architects, Wordsworth Excavations, Lord Gary Porter CBE and Lancaster City Council. The whitepaper identifies regulatory alignment as the single greatest enabler of market-wide adoption, highlighting that the barriers to net zero delivery are no longer primarily technical. Key recommendations include embedding the UKNZCBS into national planning and regulatory frameworks, mandating operational performance verification, aligning financial mechanisms with verified carbon outcomes, and improving consistency across ESG and carbon reporting standards. The publication was formally launched during UKREiiF at the ‘Winvic and Partners Pavilion’, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of net zero policy, delivery and accountability across the built environment. The launch forms part of Winvic’s wider presence at UKREiiF during its milestone 25th year in business. Alongside the whitepaper launch, the contractor is hosting a programme of panel discussions and collaborative sessions focused on sustainability, planning reform, social value, industrial and logistics development, data centres and build-to-rent. Arun Thaneja, Technical Services and Sustainability Director at Winvic, said: “The publication of this whitepaper marks a defining moment for the built environment sector. With the launch of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, the industry now has a credible and consistent framework to measure real operational performance, but turning ambition into measurable impact at scale will require far greater alignment across policy, regulation and delivery. “Developed through collaboration with organisations from across the built environment, the whitepaper sets out both the significant opportunities ahead and the critical barriers that we must still overcome. The sector has shown it is ready to move beyond aspiration and into accountability and our hope is that these recommendations will help accelerate the next phase of practical, measurable and scalable net zero delivery across the UK.” For further information or to request a copy of the whitepaper, please visit the Winvic and Partners Pavilion at the Pavilion Avenue and Courtyard or contact sustainability@winvic.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