London’s Build to Rent (BTR) sector could be given greater flexibility in bringing new developments forward under proposed changes to affordable housing policy contained within the new draft London Plan. Published by the Mayor of London, the draft plan sets out the capital’s planning framework for the coming decades and
Plans have been submitted for a major new industrial and logistics development in Northampton that could transform the former Coca-Cola bottling site at Brackmills into up to 1.26 million sq ft of modern employment space. Royal London Asset Management Property is bringing forward the 54-acre Brackmills Logistics Park in partnership
Downing has secured a £249.2 million refinancing package for two major residential towers at its £400 million Square Gardens development in Manchester, marking another significant milestone for one of the city’s largest new living schemes. The financing, provided by Bank of Ireland, covers Acer and The Fernley, the two completed
From budget hotel chains to luxury resorts and large restaurant groups, hospitality venues face some of the most complex operating environments, regulatory obligations, and maintenance requirements. These properties contain a wide variety of spaces, building systems and assets, from bedrooms and event spaces to commercial kitchens, HVAC and water systems,
MILWAUKEE® continues to expand its M12™ range with the introduction of the new M12 FUEL™ scroll shear, delivering exceptional precision, control, and performance in a compact cordless solution*. Designed for professionals working with sheet metal, the M12 FUEL™ scroll shear combines an innovative shear head with advanced control features to
Today, the free Powercut105 service, that connects people with help and support during power disruptions and provides preparedness advice, marks 10 years of operation. During that time over 1.4 million people have visited the website, whilst the free Powercut105 phoneline service has received over 25 million calls over this period.
Baxi has expanded its flagship Megaflo cylinder portfolio with the launch of the Megaflo Essential range of direct and indirect cylinders and the brand’s first air source heat pump (ASHP) cylinder. The launch of Megaflo Essential opens the door for more housing projects to take advantage of Megaflo’s trusted performance.
Heidelberg Materials UK has expanded its recycling capabilities in Leeds with the opening of a new construction demolition and excavation (CD&E) waste recycling facility. Located alongside the company’s asphalt plant in the city, the facility is open from 06:30 to 15:00 Monday to Friday. It accepts a wide range of
Councillors and senior leaders across Yorkshire have gathered at a transformative Keepmoat housing scheme in Driffield. East Riding of Yorkshire Council officers and the cabinet member for housing and infrastructure, alongside representatives from Homes England attended the event to celebrate the transformative scheme The new development, which will deliver 313
Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has strengthened its real estate practice in London with the appointment of Simon Woodcock as a partner. Simon joins from Goodwin Procter. He advises on a broad range of transactional real estate matters, including direct and indirect investment, landlord and tenant matters, development and
London’s Build to Rent (BTR) sector could be given greater flexibility in bringing new developments forward under proposed changes to affordable housing policy contained within the new draft London Plan. Published by the Mayor of London, the draft plan sets out the capital’s planning framework for the coming decades and proposes a revised approach to affordable housing thresholds, reflecting significant differences in development viability across London. For BTR developers and investors, the proposals are potentially significant. The draft retains a dedicated Build to Rent policy, while changes to the wider affordable housing threshold approach are intended to provide a more flexible route for residential schemes in locations where viability has become increasingly challenging. Rather than applying the same Fast Track affordable housing threshold universally, the proposed system would allow thresholds to vary between different parts of the capital according to development values and viability. The Mayor’s strategic ambition remains for 50% of new housing to be affordable, but the percentage required to qualify for the Fast Track planning route could differ by location. The intention is ultimately to move the threshold back towards 35% from 2028 in as many boroughs as possible, with different thresholds applying elsewhere where viability evidence supports a more flexible approach. Boroughs could subsequently move between bands as market conditions improve. For London’s BTR market, greater flexibility could help unlock developments that have struggled to progress amid higher construction costs, financing pressures and viability challenges. The changes could also have implications throughout the built environment supply chain. A stronger pipeline of viable BTR projects would support opportunities for architects, planning consultants, contractors and engineers, as well as specialists in façades, M&E, fit-out, landscaping and public realm. BTR has become an increasingly established component of London’s residential market, bringing institutional capital into the delivery and long-term management of purpose-built rental homes. The existing London Plan already provides a specific planning framework for BTR, including requirements around unified ownership and management and affordable rental provision. The new proposals should not yet be regarded as settled policy. The draft London Plan is currently undergoing public consultation until 15 October 2026 and will subsequently face an independent Examination in Public, with final adoption currently expected in early 2028. For developers, investors and construction teams considering future London BTR projects, however, the direction of travel is important. A more location-sensitive affordable housing framework could provide greater certainty and flexibility, potentially helping more residential schemes move from planning and viability assessments into construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted for a major new industrial and logistics development in Northampton that could transform the former Coca-Cola bottling site at Brackmills into up to 1.26 million sq ft of modern employment space. Royal London Asset Management Property is bringing forward the 54-acre Brackmills Logistics Park in partnership with commercial property developer Graftongate, which is acting as development manager. The brownfield site was acquired from Coca-Cola in September 2025 and represents Royal London Asset Management Property’s largest logistics development to date, with a reported gross development value of around £340 million. The outline proposals would allow for up to 118,500 sq m of industrial and logistics floorspace, suitable for storage and distribution, general industrial and other employment uses. Existing buildings would be demolished to make way for large-scale modern accommodation, alongside offices, service yards, parking and supporting infrastructure. Located within the established Brackmills Industrial Estate, the site benefits from connections to the A45, A428 and the wider motorway network, placing it within the UK’s strategically important logistics Golden Triangle. Economic forecasts submitted with the proposals indicate the scale of the potential impact. The development could support more than 1,200 net additional full-time equivalent jobs in West Northamptonshire once operational, while the construction phase itself is expected to generate substantial employment and supply chain activity. The planning submission estimates that construction could generate around £132.7 million for the local economy, with the completed development contributing approximately £51.6 million annually. Brownfield regeneration with ESG at its core Environmental performance is an important part of the Brackmills proposals. Rather than developing an undeveloped greenfield location, the project would regenerate a former industrial site that has been vacant since Coca-Cola closed its bottling facility in 2023. The emerging sustainability strategy includes energy-efficient building design, the potential integration of rooftop solar PV, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and sustainable drainage systems. Improvements for pedestrians and cyclists are also proposed, together with cycle parking and new landscaping. Biodiversity forms another component of the ESG strategy. The development is targeting at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain, with ecological improvements delivered through a combination of new on-site landscaping and habitat creation locally. The project team brings together a substantial group of UK property, design and engineering specialists. Graftongate is development manager, while UMC Architects is among the consultants involved in the scheme. The wider team also includes Buro Four, Burrows Graham, Halligan Associates, Pegasus Group, BCA Design, Apex Transport Planning, Middlemarch, Fuller Long, Savills Earth and Trinity Property Consultants. APEX Real Estate Advisors and BNP Paribas Real Estate are involved on the property agency side. The redevelopment also reflects the changing technical requirements of the logistics sector. Modern distribution facilities increasingly need to accommodate automation, sophisticated building services, greater power requirements and more demanding environmental standards alongside traditional warehousing operations. For Northampton, the investment would reinforce Brackmills’ position as one of the region’s established industrial and distribution locations while bringing a large vacant brownfield property back into productive use. Subject to planning, construction could begin in 2027. With significant floorspace, strong motorway connectivity and an emphasis on more sustainable logistics buildings, Brackmills Logistics Park has the potential to become one of the most important new industrial developments in the East Midlands pipeline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Downing has secured a £249.2 million refinancing package for two major residential towers at its £400 million Square Gardens development in Manchester, marking another significant milestone for one of the city’s largest new living schemes. The financing, provided by Bank of Ireland, covers Acer and The Fernley, the two completed co-living buildings within the wider Square Gardens development in Manchester’s First Street district. Together, the buildings provide a major concentration of new rental accommodation, with the 25-storey Acer and 45-storey Fernley forming the first two phases of the development. Both buildings are now operational, demonstrating the scale of demand for professionally managed, amenity-led rental accommodation in Manchester. Designed by Manchester-based SimpsonHaugh Architects, Square Gardens represents a substantial addition to the city’s evolving residential landscape. The wider £400 million development has been conceived as a new urban neighbourhood combining high-density living with extensive shared amenities, landscaped spaces and public realm. Residents have access to facilities including a gym and wellness centre, co-working and meeting areas, social lounges, private dining spaces and extensive landscaped gardens and terraces. Sustainability has also formed an important part of the development, with measures including air source heat pumps, while the scheme has targeted BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. The refinancing represents an important financial milestone following the completion and occupation of the two buildings. Savills Capital Advisors advised Downing on the transaction. Bay Downing, joint chief executive of Downing, described the deal as a landmark transaction for the business, highlighting the strength of the company’s portfolio and growing opportunities across the living sector. The deal is also significant for the wider UK residential market. Large-scale co-living and Build to Rent developments are becoming an increasingly established component of regeneration in major regional cities, combining new housing supply with extensive shared facilities and professionally managed environments. Square Gardens has been created using Downing’s vertically integrated approach, with development, construction and ongoing management delivered by the business. This has enabled the company to take the scheme from construction through to operation within the wider group. With Acer and The Fernley now completed and backed by £249.2 million of refinancing, Square Gardens is moving firmly from major construction project to established residential destination, reinforcing Manchester’s position as one of the UK’s leading markets for large-scale rental and co-living development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
From budget hotel chains to luxury resorts and large restaurant groups, hospitality venues face some of the most complex operating environments, regulatory obligations, and maintenance requirements. These properties contain a wide variety of spaces, building systems and assets, from bedrooms and event spaces to commercial kitchens, HVAC and water systems, lifts and leisure facilities. Maintenance is therefore critical not only to compliance and long-term asset value but also to guest satisfaction and brand reputation, meaning there is little room for disruption or error, especially during periods of peak occupancy. Matt Voyle, Senior Account Executive at SFG20, the industry standard for hotel facilities management, has shared the key challenges facing hotels and hospitality venues today and why a structured approach to planned maintenance is essential for FM teams operating across the sector. A significant water-safety risk in hotels and hospitality venues is Legionella. When guest rooms, outlets, or sections of a water system are used infrequently, water can stagnate and create conditions favourable to bacterial growth. Seasonal properties and temporarily closed wings therefore require particular attention. Control should be based on a suitable risk assessment and managed by someone with the appropriate knowledge and training. Depending on the systems and the findings of the assessment, measures may include temperature control, regular flushing of infrequently used outlets, inspection, cleaning and descaling, and documented checks. FM teams can strengthen control by maintaining reliable information about their water systems and implementing a risk-assessment-led maintenance regime. Appropriate monitoring technology may support this approach, but it does not replace the required assessment, controls, and documented checks. Unlike offices or retail environments, where lower-occupancy periods allow planned maintenance to take place with minimal disruption, hotel and hospitality venues have to accommodate guests day and night. Hotels, as well as cafes and restaurants, have very small downtime windows, giving little time for anything other than routine checks. This means small issues can go unnoticed, potentially developing into larger problems further down the line. Maintenance planning must therefore avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and instead be precise and structured around the operational realities of each property rather than being generically applied across the estate. The condition and performance of hotel and hospitality buildings is highly visible to guests, meaning there’s zero room for failure. Issues with HVAC, hot water, lifts, lighting, plumbing or other facilities can quickly lead to complaints, negative reviews and lost return business. Common issues include water temperature problems, noise complaints, humidity, kitchen extract failures, false fire alarms and out-of-service lifts, which can all impact accessibility and guest satisfaction. For hotel management companies overseeing maintenance across multiple properties, consistent FM performance is essential for meeting brand standards, supporting owner and operator reporting and protecting the long-term value of assets. Large hotel and hospitality operators often manage estates spanning properties of different ages, formats, historic importance and building types, each with their own asset profiles and maintenance histories. This creates additional complexity for FM teams, particularly when managing heritage properties that may be subject to planning or conservation constraints alongside independently branded and franchised sites with different standards and owner expectations. Without a common maintenance baseline, standards can vary and compliance gaps can emerge, while inconsistencies become increasingly costly to resolve as portfolios grow. Holiday parks and resorts present a particularly complex FM environment, combining different accommodation types such as lodges, holiday homes, cottages, and apartments with commercial kitchens, dining areas, pools, gyms, entertainment facilities, and outdoor amenities. The diversity of these building types, as well as asset ages and infrastructure, combined with seasonal demand, makes it difficult for FM teams to apply a generic maintenance approach. This becomes even more complex when it comes to all-inclusive resorts, where guests have limited alternatives to facilities on site. Matt Voyle adds: “With maintenance varying from property to property, having a trusted framework for planned maintenance, organisations and venues can create a more consistent and structured approach. For hotels and hospitality organisations, that means identifying applicable maintenance tasks and recommended frequencies, distinguishing statutory requirements from industry best practice, and documenting where site-specific tailoring is needed. Hospitality estates vary widely. A strong approach combines a consistent baseline with controlled, evidence-based tailoring, creating a maintenance regime that is practical, auditable and commercially workable Download SFG20’s free e-guide, How Hotels and Hospitality FM Teams Can Improve Compliance, Control Costs and Run More Efficiently, for practical guidance on reviewing and strengthening your maintenance approach.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® continues to expand its M12™ range with the introduction of the new M12 FUEL™ scroll shear, delivering exceptional precision, control, and performance in a compact cordless solution*. Designed for professionals working with sheet metal, the M12 FUEL™ scroll shear combines an innovative shear head with advanced control features to deliver exceptional cutting accuracy, even in the tightest curves. With a minimum curve radius of just 13 mm, it offers the tightest turning capability of any scroll shear on the market, giving end users the ability to tackle intricate cuts with ease. Engineered for maximum control, the tool features a 5-step speed mode with auto speed functionality, allowing users to match performance to the application while maintaining smooth, consistent cuts. The auto-control start feature further enhances precision by starting the tool slowly and ramping up to full speed when a cut is detected, improving accuracy and reducing material distortion. Compact, ergonomic, and lightweight at just 1.29 kg, the M12 FUEL™ scroll shear is designed for all-day comfort and reduced fatigue. Its compact form factor allows for greater manoeuvrability in tight spaces, while maintaining high performance. The scroll shear is capable of cutting 1.6 mm of mild steel, 1.2 mm of stainless steel, and 2.0 mm of aluminium, delivering clean, burr-free results across a range of applications. A 4-sided cutting blade ensures extended tool life and consistent cutting performance, reducing downtime and improving efficiency on the job. For added visibility, an integrated LED light illuminates the work area, enabling users to work with greater precision in low-light environments. MILWAUKEE® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance driven and trade focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. The new M12™ scroll shear is fully compatible with the entire M12™ line, now offering more than 125 power tool solutions. *M12 FUEL™ power tools are designed, engineered, and built to deliver extreme performance and productivity. All M12 FUEL™ products feature three MILWAUKEE®-exclusive innovations – the POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software – that deliver unmatched power, run time and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M12 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful sub-compact cordless tools in their class. Specifications M12 FUEL™ scroll shear M12 FMS16-522B Kit Includes: (1) M12 FUEL™ FMS16, (1) M12 HB5, (1) M12 HB2.5, (1) C12 C, (1) tool bag Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, the free Powercut105 service, that connects people with help and support during power disruptions and provides preparedness advice, marks 10 years of operation. During that time over 1.4 million people have visited the website, whilst the free Powercut105 phoneline service has received over 25 million calls over this period. The service supports one of the most dependable electricity systems in the world with the UK’s power network operating at 99.99% reliability. The phoneline service helps connect people across England, Scotland and Wales directly to their local electricity network operator during a power cut. Over the past decade, Powercut105 has become a trusted part of the UK’s power outage response, supporting households through storms, high winds and unexpected faults. The service experiences peaks in use during these times, when large numbers of customers can briefly lose power before restoration work brings them back onto the grid. Before Powercut105 existed, people didn’t necessarily know who to contact during a power cut, often calling their energy supplier rather than their local network operator, the organisation actually responsible for keeping the lights on. The 105 number and website were created as part of networks’ commitment to continuing improvement in customer services, offering one simple, memorable way to report a power cut, check for updates in an area or sign up for extra help through the Priority Services Register. Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive at Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s energy network operators, said: “Powercut105 has established itself as a crucial service for customers over the last 10 years and a cornerstone of the UK’s internationally leading approach to resilience. “As we approach the winter months, our consistent advice to customers is to prepare, care and share. Prepare by going online to PowerCut105.com for advice, care by checking in on friends and neighbours, especially those who might need extra help, and share by letting other people know how they can make a plan too.” To mark the anniversary, network operators are encouraging the public to bookmark the powercut105 website and to sign up to the free Priority Services Register if they or someone they know may need extra support during a power cut. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Baxi has expanded its flagship Megaflo cylinder portfolio with the launch of the Megaflo Essential range of direct and indirect cylinders and the brand’s first air source heat pump (ASHP) cylinder. The launch of Megaflo Essential opens the door for more housing projects to take advantage of Megaflo’s trusted performance. The Essential range has been developed to address common challenges including tightening budgets, growing demand for heat pump-compatible options, and reliable cylinder options that can be trusted long-term to deliver for residents. Designed for use with heat pumps, including Baxi’s HP50 and HP55 ASHPs, the Megaflo Essential ASHP cylinder optimises hot water performance in heat pump applications. A high surface area coil, twin 3kW immersion heaters and a secondary return connection work together to support efficient hot water production and rapid delivery to ensure that occupants are never without hot water. Megaflo pioneered use of an internal expansion system, and the Megaflo Essential direct and indirect range continues that pioneering nature with a new internal expansion mechanism. This removes the need for a separate expansion vessel, reducing installation time, saving space, and simplifying product maintenance. Indirect models feature coil-in-coil design heat exchangers to deliver rapid heat recovery. Alongside the new Essential range, Baxi has optimised its signature Megaflo Eco direct and indirect cylinders with the same enhanced internal expansion system. This range remains the premium offering, featuring 60mm of insulation for excellent energy efficiency, and a 30-year warranty on the stainless-steel inner tank. The expanded portfolio replaces the Baxi Assure cylinder range, giving customers a choice between the value-led Megaflo Essential range and premium Megaflo Eco products. Rob Pearse, Residential Business Director at Baxi, said: “Megaflo has a great reputation in the heating sector. We’ve heard customers say ‘Megaflo’ when they mean ‘cylinder’ – that’s a privilege and a responsibility that we take seriously. “We set out to provide a Megaflo that can cater to all budgets and installation requirements while maintaining and refining the renowned Megaflo quality and reliability. Whether there’s a requirement for a slimline cylinder for a smaller property, a solution for an air source heat pump or compatibility with solar PV, there’s a Megaflo cylinder designed for exactly that application.” For more on the expanded Megaflo range, see here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Heidelberg Materials UK has expanded its recycling capabilities in Leeds with the opening of a new construction demolition and excavation (CD&E) waste recycling facility. Located alongside the company’s asphalt plant in the city, the facility is open from 06:30 to 15:00 Monday to Friday. It accepts a wide range of material including bricks, concrete and soil, as well as selected wastes from utilities contracts, and has the capacity to process around 250,000 tonnes a year. The materials accepted at the facility will be diverted away from landfill, processed and returned to productive use as recycled construction products. The investment is part of the company’s commitment to conserve natural resources and support the circular economy, and will help meet the increasing demand for more sustainable construction products. Billy Benton, General Manager, said: “Our new recycling facility provides easy access for tipping a range of CD&E wastes responsibly and sustainably. “In addition to being able to collect primary aggregate and asphalt from our Leeds site, builders and contractors can now also buy high quality recycled aggregates for use in their construction projects.” Heidelberg Materials’ new Leeds recycling facility is one of several the company plans to open over the coming months as it continues to increase its capacity to recycle and reuse CD&E wastes. Links for directions: what3words.com/flags.chains.exams maps.app.goo.gl/2VhFbJpnuWscXMpB9 Find out more by emailing: agecroft@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Councillors and senior leaders across Yorkshire have gathered at a transformative Keepmoat housing scheme in Driffield. East Riding of Yorkshire Council officers and the cabinet member for housing and infrastructure, alongside representatives from Homes England attended the event to celebrate the transformative scheme The new development, which will deliver 313 new homes, represents a £77 million investment into the area from top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat as it expands its presence in the county. Of the new homes being built, a proportion will be available as affordable housing, through the local council, to create housing options that will meet the needs of people in the area. Land & Partnerships Director at Keepmoat Yorkshire East, Ben Hindley, added: “It is great to welcome members of the council, Homes England and the wider community down to see the fantastic progress taking shape at our Poppy Place site. “At Keepmoat, we are proud to be developing a community situated in Driffield, a location with strong transport links and a wide range of amenities. This development represents a significant investment in the local area, and it has been great to work closely alongside our partners to bring high-quality, energy-efficient homes to the area.” Ciaran Aldridge, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Yorkshire East, said: “It’s fantastic to see the hard work of our site team recognised through developments like Poppy Place. It showcases Keepmoat’s continued commitment to creating thriving communities within the local area. “Seeing the development come together, and knowing these will soon be homes for local families has been great to see and we can’t wait to welcome the first residents in.”The homes at Poppy Place will also be delivered with modern energy-efficient housing standards as 100 per cent of the homes will be gas-free. Councillor Michael Lee, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Infrastructure said: “We’re proud to support communities across the East Riding, including in Driffield, through the expansion of affordable housing provision.” Keepmoat is a leading partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK at prices people can afford. To date, almost 70 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites. To find out more on Poppy Place, please visit: www.keepmoat.com/poppy-place-driffield Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has strengthened its real estate practice in London with the appointment of Simon Woodcock as a partner. Simon joins from Goodwin Procter. He advises on a broad range of transactional real estate matters, including direct and indirect investment, landlord and tenant matters, development and asset management. His practice spans multiple asset classes, including office, retail, student accommodation, PRS and industrial. Simon has significant experience advising investors, developers, asset and fund managers, and financial institutions on high-value UK and pan-European transactions. He brings strong relationships across the real estate sector and a track record of delivering on complex mandates. His appointment further enhances Norton Rose Fulbright’s real estate offering and supports the firm’s continued growth across key sectors and markets. David Hawkins, partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, commented: “Simon is a highly regarded real estate lawyer with an impressive track record advising on major UK and European transactions. His experience, market reputation and client relationships make him an excellent addition to our team.” Simon Woodcock commented: “Norton Rose Fulbright’s international platform and sector strengths provide a compelling proposition for clients operating in today’s market. I’m excited to join the team and look forward to helping clients deliver their most important real estate projects and investments.” Simon’s appointment forms part of Norton Rose Fulbright’s continued investment in its real estate practice and reinforces the firm’s ability to support leading investors, developers and institutions on complex transactions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals