A major regeneration programme set to transform one of Camden’s longest-established council estates has taken a significant step forward after Higgins Partnerships was appointed to deliver the first phase of the £500m West Kentish Town Estate redevelopment. The opening phase will provide 52 new affordable homes across two contemporary six-storey
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has announced that Brabners has opened an office space at 4 Coleman Street, one of the most compelling office redevelopments in the heart of London. The new space amplifies the leading UK independent law firm’s national reach, supporting its collaborative, flexible, and innovative ways of working. Brabners has taken 5,302 sq ft on 4 Coleman Street’s first floor, delivered to a fully-fitted,
A significant refurbishment programme is underway at one of Reading’s established purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) developments, following Aprirose Real Estate’s appointment of Watkin Jones’ specialist asset enhancement division, Refresh, to deliver a comprehensive upgrade of Central Studios. The investment follows Aprirose’s acquisition of the 141-studio development in 2025 and forms
A landmark £1bn regeneration project set to transform part of north London into one of the UK’s largest film and television production destinations has received planning approval from Camden Council. The Camden Film Quarter development at Regis Road in Kentish Town will combine world-class production facilities, creative workspaces, education opportunities
Kajima Properties Europe (KPE) has appointed Carter Gregson Gray (CGG) as architect for the redevelopment of 1 St John’s Square, following KPE’s recent acquisition of the prime Farringdon office site on behalf of investors. Subject to planning approval, KPE intends to undertake a comprehensive reimagining and sensitive expansion of the
Reinforcing its ongoing commitment to the construction sector, Certas Energy, the UK’s leading independent fuel distributor, will be one of the sponsors at Hillhead, the country’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling exhibition, running from 23rd until 25th June. As part of its sponsorship of the event, which will take place in cavernous Hillhead Quarry in
A major regeneration programme set to transform one of Camden’s longest-established council estates has taken a significant step forward after Higgins Partnerships was appointed to deliver the first phase of the £500m West Kentish Town Estate redevelopment. The opening phase will provide 52 new affordable homes across two contemporary six-storey residential buildings, marking the beginning of a long-term regeneration programme that will ultimately deliver more than 850 new homes alongside enhanced public spaces and community infrastructure. Located on the occupied 1960s estate, the first phase has been carefully designed to ensure existing residents remain at the heart of the regeneration process. Of the new homes, 48 will be available for social rent, enabling returning council tenants to remain within the community, while four homes have been allocated for existing leaseholders. The wider masterplan, prepared by Alford Hall Monaghan Morris, sets out an ambitious vision to create a modern, sustainable neighbourhood featuring approximately 325 new council homes, improved open spaces, better pedestrian connections and enhanced public realm designed to support healthier, more vibrant communities. Designed by Mae Architects, the first phase has also been developed with sustainability in mind, incorporating measures to reduce operational energy demand and lower carbon emissions as part of Camden Council’s wider environmental ambitions. The regeneration has been shaped by more than a decade of consultation with residents, local stakeholders and neighbouring communities. In 2020, the proposals received overwhelming resident support, with 93% voting in favour of the estate’s comprehensive redevelopment. The procurement process also reflected the project’s community-focused approach, with local residents and the headteacher of a nearby primary school participating in the contractor selection process. Declan Higgins, Chief Executive of Higgins Group, said the company was committed not only to delivering high-quality affordable homes but also to creating lasting social value through employment, training and skills opportunities that would benefit local people throughout the construction programme. Councillor Nasrine Djemai, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for New Homes and Community Investment, said the redevelopment would provide the safer, larger and higher-quality homes that residents had consistently called for while helping to address housing need across the borough. The project forms a key part of Camden’s Community Investment Programme and represents one of the capital’s most significant estate regeneration initiatives, combining new affordable housing with long-term investment in community wellbeing, sustainability and placemaking. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has announced that Brabners has opened an office space at 4 Coleman Street, one of the most compelling office redevelopments in the heart of London. The new space amplifies the leading UK independent law firm’s national reach, supporting its collaborative, flexible, and innovative ways of working. Brabners has taken 5,302 sq ft on 4 Coleman Street’s first floor, delivered to a fully-fitted, best-in-class specification. The space includes refined reception areas, collaboration zones and meeting rooms, all designed with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, functionality, and productivity. The opening reinforces the appeal of high-quality, experience-led workspace to premier occupiers seeking prime city locations with strong amenity provision. Situated just two minutes’ walk from Moorgate Station, 4 Coleman Street offers a range of offices from 3,402 to 7,600 sq ft, across fitted and Category A floors. Targeting BREEAM Excellent and WELL Enabled certifications, 4 Coleman Street provides efficient, flexible and contemporary environments completed by premium facilities and end-of-journey amenities, including fitness studios and cycle storage. Emily Atkinson, Senior Transactional Manager at Railpen, commented: “Brabners taking space at 4 Coleman Street is a fantastic outcome and reflects our ability to create spaces for occupiers that improve day-to-day experience, and support flexibility, productivity, collaboration, and wellbeing. This deal underscores our commitment to putting the occupier at the heart of everything we do, and ensuring our assets contribute to the long-term economic vitality of the UK’s core cities.” Nik White, Managing Partner at Brabners, also said: “4 Coleman Street is a well-designed space that reflects our values, in particular by being operated with such high sustainability standards and by providing a level of amenity that genuinely supports the wellbeing of our colleagues. Of course, the office is only as good as the people in it and the relationships we build. What we’ve built in the North – our culture and commitment to doing things differently – comes with us. That’s what being purpose-led actually means to us.” Railpen’s office portfolio spans more than 600,000 sq ft of commercial space in London and Birmingham, including 101 Bayham and Jamestown Courtyard in Camden, 26 Red Lion Square in Holborn, 12 Smithfield and 125 Wood Street in the city, Thames Wharf in Hammersmith, as well as Multistory, located in the heart of Birmingham. This programme focuses on repositioning and re-lifting existing assets to meet the flight-to-quality demand from occupiers seeking modern, amenity-rich, and sustainable city-centre offices. It also includes 1.9 million sq ft in Cambridge, made up of 11 assets, which include Mill Yard, the 180,000 sq ft mixed-use campus, and Botanic Place, its landmark 333,000 sq ft office building, both currently under construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A significant refurbishment programme is underway at one of Reading’s established purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) developments, following Aprirose Real Estate’s appointment of Watkin Jones’ specialist asset enhancement division, Refresh, to deliver a comprehensive upgrade of Central Studios. The investment follows Aprirose’s acquisition of the 141-studio development in 2025 and forms part of a wider strategy to reposition the asset, improve resident experience and strengthen its long-term performance within the increasingly competitive PBSA market. Work began in March 2026 and is being delivered in carefully phased stages throughout the summer, allowing the building to remain fully operational while minimising disruption for students. The refurbishment focuses on improving both private accommodation and communal facilities, ensuring the scheme meets the expectations of today’s student population while extending the operational lifespan of the asset. Across the development, all 141 studios are receiving a programme of soft refurbishment, including redecoration, upgraded flooring and improvements to furniture. Student wellbeing has also influenced the design of the refurbishment, with new and upgraded mattresses being introduced in response to resident feedback. Communal areas are also being transformed through the reconfiguration of reception and amenity spaces, creating more functional environments for studying, socialising and everyday living. Additional improvements include upgraded bathrooms, renewed joinery, enhancements to doors and windows, and the complete refurbishment of corridors, stairwells and lift lobbies with new finishes, lighting and flooring. Delivering refurbishment works within a live operational environment presents its own challenges, requiring careful planning and close coordination to ensure day-to-day activities continue uninterrupted while construction progresses. Andy Thorne, Technical Services Director at Watkin Jones, said the project demonstrates how carefully planned refurbishment and intelligent reconfiguration can successfully reposition an operational PBSA asset without disrupting residents. He added that the focus has been on improving how the building functions on a daily basis while delivering long-term value for the client. Aprirose said its decision to acquire Central Studios was driven by Reading’s strong student accommodation fundamentals, including limited future supply, consistently high occupancy levels and opportunities to enhance the asset through active management and targeted investment. As demand for high-quality student accommodation continues to grow across the UK, refurbishment and asset enhancement programmes are becoming increasingly important in helping operators improve resident satisfaction, extend building lifecycles and maximise long-term investment performance. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A landmark £1bn regeneration project set to transform part of north London into one of the UK’s largest film and television production destinations has received planning approval from Camden Council. The Camden Film Quarter development at Regis Road in Kentish Town will combine world-class production facilities, creative workspaces, education opportunities and new homes within a single mixed-use masterplan, creating a major new hub for the capital’s rapidly growing screen industry. At the heart of the scheme will be 11 purpose-built sound stages operated by Oxygen Studios, alongside more than 100,000 sq ft of creative workspace designed to support production companies, digital businesses and wider creative enterprises. The development will also deliver 485 new homes, with half of the properties designated as affordable housing. Housing provider Places for People will be responsible for delivering 243 affordable homes as part of the wider neighbourhood. Designed by architecture practice SPPARC, the masterplan seeks to create a fully integrated creative ecosystem where production, education, employment and residential communities can thrive alongside one another. A key feature of the project is the inclusion of educational facilities, with both the National Film and Television School and London Screen Academy set to establish a presence within the development. Together, the facilities are expected to support more than 500 learners, helping to create a direct pathway between education, skills development and employment opportunities within the screen sector. Developers estimate that the completed scheme will support almost 4,000 direct jobs, while generating more than 5,000 additional employment opportunities across the wider economy. Beyond the studios and housing, the plans include 1.1 hectares of public open space, the planting of 301 new trees, a new recycling facility and the restoration of the Grade II-listed Kentish Town Police Station, helping to preserve an important piece of local heritage. Yoo Capital, the developer behind the project, describes Camden Film Quarter as far more than a studio development, positioning it as a destination that brings together culture, education, employment and community within a single vision. The approval marks a significant boost for London’s creative economy at a time when demand for studio space continues to rise, driven by ongoing investment from global film, television and streaming companies seeking high-quality production facilities across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kajima Properties Europe (KPE) has appointed Carter Gregson Gray (CGG) as architect for the redevelopment of 1 St John’s Square, following KPE’s recent acquisition of the prime Farringdon office site on behalf of investors. Subject to planning approval, KPE intends to undertake a comprehensive reimagining and sensitive expansion of the 27,000 sq ft building. CGG will lead the architectural design, working closely with KPE’s in‑house development team to deliver a modern, sustainable and future‑focused workplace. CGG brings a strong design ethos and proven capability to the project. The practice specialises in the design and delivery of complex, technical buildings at all scales and consistently challenges convention through innovative and sustainable solutions. Its experience spans both emerging and historic contexts, with a focus on creating confident, contextual architecture that delivers meaningful social and environmental impact. CGG’s recent work includes securing planning approval for the transformation of the London Stock Exchange, a milestone that underscores the practice’s ability to deliver high‑profile, sensitive and design‑led commercial schemes. The architectural design of the 1 St John’s Square project will be led by an experienced core team from CGG (see notes to editors for full bios): Located just a few minutes’ walk from Farringdon Station and benefitting from exceptional connectivity via the Elizabeth Line, Thameslink and the London Underground, the area continues to attract leading financial, technology and creative occupiers. The scheme will reflect KPE’s commitment to ESG‑driven development and best‑in‑class design, building on the company’s strong track record in delivering high‑quality workspace. The acquisition and architect appointment further strengthen KPE’s expanding central London portfolio, which includes 77 Coleman Street, 16 Berners Street and 27 Soho Square. About Kajima Properties Europe (KPE) KPE is an established UK and European development and investment management business supported by the global strength of its parent company, Kajima Corporation. Founded in Japan in 1840, Kajima Corporation has grown into one of the world’s leading real estate and construction groups, giving KPE the heritage and global reach to deliver with confidence. KPE specialises in developing, repositioning, and investing across sectors where long-term value is identified, spanning logistics, living, and workspace. The business originates and manages investments for both its own balance sheet and investor clients. KPE has an exceptional track record in managing core+ and value-add strategies, outperforming respective benchmarks to ensure investors exceed target returns. kajima-properties.co.uk About Carter Gregson Gray Carter Gregson Gray are London based architects with international experience and a global outlook. We design thoughtful places to live, work, learn and play. We work within emerging and historic settings and have demonstrated our ability to deliver confident buildings in sensitive locations. We have in depth experience of designing and delivering complex, technical buildings at all scales and use this experience to challenge and question the norm with innovative, sustainable solutions. We are committed to delivering useful, beautiful architecture with a positive social and environmental impact. www.cartergregsongray.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reinforcing its ongoing commitment to the construction sector, Certas Energy, the UK’s leading independent fuel distributor, will be one of the sponsors at Hillhead, the country’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling exhibition, running from 23rd until 25th June. As part of its sponsorship of the event, which will take place in cavernous Hillhead Quarry in Buxton, the country’s leading fuel and energy transition partner will also be supplying approximately 2,000 litres of its Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to power the site’s official shuttle buses, which will transport up to 20,000 attendees to and from the huge quarry site across three dynamic, action-packed days. Compared to standard diesel, HVO can cut life-cycle GHG emissions by up to 90%*. This means that a delivery of 2,000 litres from Certas Energy could drive down emissions by up to 5,164KG of CO2e** over the three-day period, highlighting the significant role lower-carbon fuels can play in reducing the environmental impact of large-scale events. In addition to lowering carbon emissions, HVO can also contribute to improved local air quality compared to standard diesel emissions, helping to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), particulate matter (PMs) and carbon monoxide (CO), a positive outcome for attendees and surrounding communities. As a drop-in alternative to red and white diesel, HVO can typically be used in existing engines without the need for costly modifications or downtime, making it an accessible and practical step for business owners looking to transition to lower-carbon fuel solutions*. HVO is playing an increasingly significant role as a transitional fuel, enabling customers to reduce emissions by up to 90%* compared with standard diesel from their operations while supporting longer-term net zero ambitions. During Hillhead, Certas Energy will be exhibiting at stand A8, where brand representatives will proudly showcase how renewable fuels can effectively cut on-site emissions. The stand will also welcome attendees keen to explore bulk fuel, HVO, AdBlue and lubricants, all expert-backed solutions with a proven track record of keeping construction fleets efficient and reliable. The team will also be demonstrating Certas Energy’s impressive new telemetry systems, which enable business owners to monitor fuel levels remotely, in real time, via a handy mobile app. This reduces the risk of runouts and minimises the need for reactive ordering, and customers purchasing a telemetry system during Hillhead can take advantage of a 10% discount. Visitors to the stand will also have the chance to meet brand representatives from Flogas Britain, joining the Certas Energy team as a collective front, forming part of DCC Energy Great Britain. As a trusted energy partner, Flogas Britain supports customers with reliable LPG, BioLPG and LNG energy solutions, helping to improve operational efficiency while taking practical steps towards a lower-carbon future. Whether powering asphalt production, supporting off-grid sites or helping businesses reduce emissions, it works alongside customers to deliver practical solutions that meet their operational needs today, while supporting their journey to net zero. Quarry Face will showcase 35 mighty machines in action, including large excavators, wheel loaders, dump trucks, dozers, hydraulic breakers, screening buckets and mist cannons, working in tandem. Rock Processing, also known as ‘Crusher Alley’, will feature a range of tracked and skid-mounted crushers, screens, scalping grids and stockpiling conveyers side by side for Hillhead visitors to behold in wonder. East Demo Area, aptly located to the east of the exhibition site, features a range of specialist crushers, shredders, screens and washing equipment, while the Registration zone will play host to rock processing and impressive recycling demonstrations. Curated Demonstrations, new for Hillhead 2026, will welcome leading manufacturers at selected times throughout each day, with each invited to showcase their machines as part of a dynamic, curated live show hosted by broadcaster and technology presenter, Nikki Dean. Combining live machine operation with expert commentary and manufacturer interviews, the dramatic action will be streamed onto a giant LED screen, set against the impressive quarry face backdrop. Visitors will gain a unique insight into exactly what these marvellous machines can do in real working conditions, while learning more about the latest product developments, technologies and innovations directly from the experts operating them. Cathy Bailey, Energy Transition Manager at Certas Energy, said: “Construction is a very important sector for us, one we’ve been proudly supporting for more than 20 years, so we’re delighted to be attending and sponsoring Hillhead this year. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to support not only this brilliant event but the industry as a whole, engaging with attendees to showcase the energy transition possibilities available, whatever stage of their journey they may be at when they meet us. “I’m incredibly proud to be attending Hillhead and look forward to meeting anyone keen to take the first step of their energy transition journey.” To learn more about how the UK’s leading energy transition partner can support your business at any and every stage of your transition journey, visit the Certas Energy team at stand A8 during all three days of the action-packed event. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals