Newcastle City Council leader Cllr Karen Kilgour has outlined a decade-long programme to deliver up to 15,000 homes across the city, aimed at fostering stronger, more cohesive neighbourhoods as well as meeting growing housing demand. Cllr Kilgour first pledged in July last year to confront Newcastle’s housing pressures by accelerating
Gloucestershire County Council has secured an additional £71.5 million from the UK Government to deliver the transformative M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. The funding will enable the council to press ahead with key transport upgrades designed to unlock homes, jobs and investment across the county. On completion, the scheme is
An agreement has been finalised to push ahead with the Stevenage Station Gateway project, forming a key part of the broader transformation of Stevenage town centre. The scheme is valued at around £1bn. It will deliver a minimum of 1,000 new homes, upgraded station facilities and about 50,000 sqm of
Morgan Sindall Construction’s London division has commenced the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Kings Hall Leisure Centre in Hackney, aiming to preserve the building’s historic features while delivering new, state-of-the-art facilities. Selected by Hackney Council through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), the £68.7 million project includes refurbishing the existing
Ballymore has received planning consent from the London Borough of Newham for the redevelopment of its Thames Road site, located on the north bank of the River Thames to the east of Thames Barrier Park. The approved scheme will deliver 1,685 new homes on the industrial brownfield site, also known
Specialist senior living developer Charterpoint has submitted planning applications for two new care homes, marking the start of the year with an expansion of its portfolio. The proposed developments are located in Gedling, near Nottingham, and to the north of Peterborough. Both schemes are designed as modern, three-storey care homes
Pullans has received full planning approval for a major new student living development at Joseph’s Well in Leeds city centre and has appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as the main contractor. The 14-storey building, known as The Tower, will deliver 256 student bedrooms comprising a mix of studios
Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a contract with Skanska UK to deliver an aseismic bearing pedestal demonstrator for its small modular reactor (SMR) programme. These structural isolation devices are central to the factory-built nuclear plant’s design, decoupling buildings and infrastructure from ground motion during seismic events to improve safety and resilience.
Story Homes has secured revised planning permission for Phases 6 and 7 of its Edgehill Park development in Whitehaven, paving the way for 158 new homes and the next stage of the long-running project. Phase 6 will see the introduction of a new collection of house types, a contemporary sub-brand
HBD, part of Henry Boot, has submitted a Reserved Matters planning application for phase one of its flagship Golden Valley development, located adjacent to GCHQ in Cheltenham. The landmark £1 billion innovation and technology project is being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, with construction on the first phase
Newcastle City Council leader Cllr Karen Kilgour has outlined a decade-long programme to deliver up to 15,000 homes across the city, aimed at fostering stronger, more cohesive neighbourhoods as well as meeting growing housing demand. Cllr Kilgour first pledged in July last year to confront Newcastle’s housing pressures by accelerating the delivery of new social homes. She has since pressed the Government for additional funding to back an ambitious vision for the city’s housing future. Officials have been developing proposals and lobbying ministers in the months since, with a comprehensive strategy now set to be published that maps out how thousands of homes will be built and communities renewed over the next 10 years. Central to the plans is the creation of 1,500 new council homes for Geordies currently on the housing register. These properties will prioritise larger family homes and adapted accommodation for disabled residents, reflecting a commitment to inclusion and meeting diverse needs. Cllr Kilgour has also asked officers to curb the number of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) and bring empty homes back into use, to nurture balanced neighbourhoods and reduce transient living patterns. She said the scale of development isn’t just about building homes, it’s about shaping new communities that can deliver real improvements for residents. The West Fenham councillor said: “We know how vital it is for people to have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality homes, and this programme will deliver exactly that. “But it isn’t only about bricks and mortar, it’s also about shaping new communities with neighbourhoods that work better for residents, which may involve some selective demolition and rebuilding. “By investing in council housing, developing more robust infrastructure and working with partners, we will build a Newcastle that works for everyone.” Council homes will be developed right across the city, with advanced plans already in train for sites in Walker, Elswick, Blakelaw, Forth Yards and a series of smaller plots. Funding from the North East Combined Authority will help speed up delivery, with construction on some schemes expected to get underway later this year. Alongside the council’s programme, private developers and registered providers are expected to bring forward around 13,500 additional homes, many of which will include affordable housing secured through planning agreements. The combined pipeline is intended to help more residents onto the property ladder or into high-quality rented accommodation, ensuring a balanced mix of tenure and types across Newcastle’s neighbourhoods. Tackling HMOs and empty properties is a key strand of the plan, aimed at creating stable, sustainable communities that support local schools, businesses and social networks. The council noted that the private rented sector already serves over 28,000 households. It also aims to see an additional almost 2,000 high-quality homes built for social, affordable or private rent, broadening choice and flexibility for residents. Cllr Kilgour continued: “Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to call home. We’re committed to delivering the homes our city and region vitally need – homes that are safe, genuinely affordable, well-designed, and that help tackle the housing crisis head-on, and this programme will deliver exactly that. But it isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about creating places where people can build their lives, connect with neighbours, and feel part of something bigger. “We need to shape the housing market to better respond to pressures and meet the needs of our growing population. That means the right homes in the right communities, with a mix of tenure for all.” Further details of the strategy are due to be presented to the Council’s Cabinet in February. Image: Aerial CGI of Forth Yards Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gloucestershire County Council has secured an additional £71.5 million from the UK Government to deliver the transformative M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme. The funding will enable the council to press ahead with key transport upgrades designed to unlock homes, jobs and investment across the county. On completion, the scheme is expected to support the delivery of more than 20,000 new homes — including over 7,000 that are affordable — underpin the Golden Valley development and the National Cyber Innovation Centre and technology cluster with around 12,000 skilled jobs, and build on the successful delivery of the £33 million Arle Court Transport Hub. Development consent for the project was granted by the Secretary of State for Transport in June 2025, marking a major milestone and confirming its strategic importance for Gloucestershire’s transport network and economy. Cllr Julian Tooke, Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure, said: “Securing this additional Government funding is a turning point for Gloucestershire. The delivery of the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme is a catalyst for transformational growth and opportunity in the region, driving future investment and prosperity. I’m grateful to Homes England and our partners for their support and confidence in this essential infrastructure.” The newly confirmed £71.5m is from the UK Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, administered by Homes England, and will close the remaining funding gap to deliver the full set of improvements. Funding already secured includes contributions from the Housing Infrastructure Fund, district council Community Infrastructure Levy receipts, Gloucestershire County Council, and Section 106 developer contributions from sites that will directly benefit from the scheme. Gloucestershire County Council is leading delivery of the scheme in collaboration with National Highways and other partners. Weather-dependent preparatory works began in autumn 2025 to avoid rising costs and keep the project on track, with appointed contractor Galliford Try undertaking early site activities. With the extra funding now in place, the council and partners will finalise delivery arrangements and continue preparation ahead of the main construction phase starting in autumn 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An agreement has been finalised to push ahead with the Stevenage Station Gateway project, forming a key part of the broader transformation of Stevenage town centre. The scheme is valued at around £1bn. It will deliver a minimum of 1,000 new homes, upgraded station facilities and about 50,000 sqm of additional development, including new public amenities and community spaces. These will be set along a landscaped street linking the town centre to the enhanced station and the Leisure Park. Stevenage Borough Council, supported by the Stevenage Development Board, has entered into a development agreement with Muse Place, backed by ECF — a partnership between Muse, Homes England and L&G. The appointment was made by Pagabo through its Developer Led Framework, which it manages on behalf of the contracting authority Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust. Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “Ahead of this year’s 80th anniversary of Stevenage becoming designated as the UK’s first New Town, this deal marks an important milestone in the next chapter of the town centre’s regeneration. Delivered in partnership with ECF, Station Gateway will reflect what our town needs and deserves and will bring with it new homes, workspaces and jobs for our local communities.” Sir Michael Lyons, Chair at ECF, said: “Stevenage Borough Council has an ambitious vision for Stevenage and the signing of this agreement helps to move this one step closer to reality. We are pleased to take our commitment to the project further, unlocking this unique opportunity to create growth and community value in this fantastic location.” Chris Scott, Development Director at Muse, said: “We are excited to have formalised our partnership with Stevenage Borough Council for Station Gateway, and look forward to collaborating with the people and businesses of Stevenage as we move into the next phase of masterplanning. We believe successful regeneration is rooted in understanding and responding to the aspirations of the community, and our aim is to shape a detailed vision for Station Gateway that truly reflects the town’s priorities, while also recognising Stevenage’s national and international strategic importance.” The station multi-storey car park area has already seen £6m invested from the government’s Towns Fund, secured by the Stevenage Development Board. ECF’s role will enable wider development and investment in and around the rail station. The next phase is to prepare a detailed masterplan, building on the established vision. Stevenage Borough Council and ECF say they will work closely with residents, ensuring community feedback meaningfully shapes the proposals. Consultation on the detailed masterplan is planned for the first half of 2026, with a range of ways to take part — including online surveys, community drop-ins, stakeholder meetings and written submissions. Further details will be widely publicised to make it easy to participate. Subject to securing the necessary government grant funding, the aim is to start construction in 2028, with the first homes completed in 2030. Image: Stevenage Council Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Construction’s London division has commenced the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Kings Hall Leisure Centre in Hackney, aiming to preserve the building’s historic features while delivering new, state-of-the-art facilities. Selected by Hackney Council through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), the £68.7 million project includes refurbishing the existing large pool and constructing a new large pool alongside a smaller teaching pool. Key heritage elements, such as the historic entrance, glazed bricks, and balustrades, will be carefully retained and restored. The redevelopment will also introduce new build features, including a cycle store, double-height sports hall, accessible entrance, sauna, and steam room. Morgan Sindall has committed to matching new structures to the existing brickwork to maintain the original character of the building. The restoration and construction work is scheduled for completion in autumn 2028. In line with Morgan Sindall’s sustainability goals, solar PV panels will be installed, and a new, energy-efficient M&E system will replace the centre’s current HVAC system, powering the leisure centre in a greener, more cost-effective manner. The project will also provide substantial local engagement opportunities, including work placements, apprenticeships, T-Level placements, and training weeks. Morgan Sindall plans to employ 30% local labour during construction to benefit residents in Hackney and surrounding boroughs. Morgan Sindall is working with FaulknerBrowns Architects, Alan Baxter Civil and Structural Engineering, Atkins Realis Cost Consultants, Hadron Consulting, and Ares Landscape Architects on the project. Richard Dobson, Area Director of Morgan Sindall Construction in London, said: “It’s a real privilege to work with Hackney Council to restore Kings Hall Leisure Centre. This historic building is a cornerstone of the borough, so we’re immensely proud to be part of its revitalisation, bringing life back to the centre with fresh facilities all while preserving the original features that the community has grown to love. “Not only is this project an opportunity to deliver a much-needed upgrade on Kings Hall Leisure Centre, but to give the people of Hackney the space they deserve to stay active and enjoy the centre’s facilities. “This is a great chance to get to know Hackney’s local community who will be joining us on site through apprenticeships, work placement opportunities, and local labour employment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ballymore has received planning consent from the London Borough of Newham for the redevelopment of its Thames Road site, located on the north bank of the River Thames to the east of Thames Barrier Park. The approved scheme will deliver 1,685 new homes on the industrial brownfield site, also known as UNEX, including 173 homes for social rent. Designed by Howells, the development will also feature 359 co-living suites, a new primary school, over 13,500 sq m of light industrial and flexible workspace, a riverside park, and a range of ground-floor retail and community spaces. The architectural design reflects the Royal Docks’ industrial heritage, incorporating a rich palette of brick tones and varied building types—from riverside mansion blocks and townhouses to contemporary co-living buildings—creating a distinctive and layered new neighbourhood. John Mulryan, Group Managing Director at Ballymore, said: “Securing consent for Thames Road is a significant milestone and a strong endorsement of the ambition and care that has shaped these proposals. Our commitment to the Royal Docks spans decades, and this approval allows us to build on the success of Royal Wharf while continuing to respond thoughtfully to the area’s evolving character and needs. “Royal Wharf has demonstrated what high-quality brownfield regeneration can achieve, becoming an international benchmark for new town delivery since its completion in 2020. With planning now in place for Thames Road, we are excited to move forward and prepare to begin construction next year.” Ballymore has a long-standing track record in Newham, most recently delivering Royal Wharf and Riverscape, a 40-acre riverside neighbourhood with over 4,000 homes, a new primary school, public park, vibrant high street, and accessible riverside walkway connecting Lyle Park and Thames Barrier Park, including a Thames Clippers pier. In addition, Ballymore submitted plans in 2024 for a sister site at Knights Road, currently awaiting determination. The Knights Road proposals, designed by Allies & Morrison, include 1,667 new homes and 4,000 sq m of light industrial and flexible workspace, located a short walk from West Silvertown DLR. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist senior living developer Charterpoint has submitted planning applications for two new care homes, marking the start of the year with an expansion of its portfolio. The proposed developments are located in Gedling, near Nottingham, and to the north of Peterborough. Both schemes are designed as modern, three-storey care homes with 80 en-suite bedrooms, lounges, dining rooms, activity areas, and additional resident facilities. Charterpoint CEO Adrian Goose said: “As a specialist in the senior living and care home sector, Charterpoint is very pleased to have applied for planning permission for two additional care homes to add to our portfolio. “We have a strong track record of developing best in class care homes—identifying areas where there is demand for such facilities, designing attractive buildings, and securing planning permission for the developments. We are delighted to have now submitted plans to Gedling Borough Council and to Peterborough City Council for two further care homes.” The Gedling care home is proposed for a site off Lambley Lane, which has been identified for residential use in Gedling Borough Council’s Local Plan. The design, by KWL Architects, includes 80 en-suite bedrooms, lounges, dining areas, activity and hobby rooms, a café, and a hairdresser, with access via an improved entrance off Lambley Lane. The Peterborough care home, designed by Anotherkind Architects, will feature en-suite bedrooms, residents’ lounges, dining areas, a cinema, a hairdresser, a café/bistro opening onto a terrace, and activity rooms. The site, to be accessed from Newborough Road, will also include spacious gardens, patios, communal terraces on the first and second floors, and 33 car parking spaces for staff and visitors. Charterpoint Managing Director Giles Nursey said: “Our proposed new care home is in an area of Peterborough which is experiencing significant and rapid local growth, where a care home would be a tremendous asset to the community. “This care home would offer yet another best in class asset in an easily accessible and visible site, responding to this locally recognised need.” Charterpoint worked with planning consultants P&DG on the Peterborough proposals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pullans has received full planning approval for a major new student living development at Joseph’s Well in Leeds city centre and has appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as the main contractor. The 14-storey building, known as The Tower, will deliver 256 student bedrooms comprising a mix of studios and cluster apartments. The scheme also includes a range of communal and amenity spaces designed to support wellbeing, social connection, and everyday student life. The project represents the single largest investment in Pullans’ 140-year history and marks the most significant evolution of the Joseph’s Well estate in more than 45 years. Christophe Demoulin, Contracts Manager at Pullans, said: “This consent marks a truly exciting milestone for Pullans. The Tower reflects our long-term commitment to Joseph’s Well and to the future of Leeds.” Pullans is working with a multidisciplinary project team that includes Cunniff Design as architect, FutureServ as MEP consultant, Orion Fire as fire consultant, Roscoe as civil and structural engineer, and RBA as quantity surveyor and employer’s agent. Andrew Beaumont, Managing Director at McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East, added: “We are delighted to be part of this landmark project in the heart of Leeds and look forward to delivering a building that will stand the test of time.” Located within walking distance of the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and the city centre, The Tower is intended to address rising demand for professionally managed student accommodation. The development places sustainability at the centre of its design, incorporating energy-efficient systems and a balanced mix of social, study, and relaxation spaces to enhance the student experience while contributing positively to the wider Joseph’s Well community. Patrick Evers, Director at Cunniff Design, said: “It is incredibly rewarding to see our vision for The Tower take such a major step forward. This building will be a fitting addition to the long and proud history of Joseph’s Well.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a contract with Skanska UK to deliver an aseismic bearing pedestal demonstrator for its small modular reactor (SMR) programme. These structural isolation devices are central to the factory-built nuclear plant’s design, decoupling buildings and infrastructure from ground motion during seismic events to improve safety and resilience. The work will be carried out at Skanska’s fabrications facility in Doncaster, England, and will include building a prototype of the aseismic bearing pedestal. The demonstrator is intended to enable standardisation of the Rolls-Royce SMR design across a wide range of geotechnical and seismic conditions. Ruth Todd CBE, Rolls-Royce SMR Operations and Supply Chain Director, said: “Working with Skanska is a significant step forward in proving the capability of our aseismic bearing technology and demonstrating our modular approach to construction. By working with a trusted delivery partner, we are de-risking our ‘fleet-based’ approach and creating opportunities for more British and Czech suppliers to play a key role the Rolls-Royce SMR mission.” Skanska, one of the world’s leading project development and construction companies, delivers complex building and infrastructure projects across sectors such as energy and transport. Headquartered in Sweden, it has a strong presence in the UK, North America and Europe, including the Czech Republic, and brings decades of civil engineering, project management and sustainable construction expertise. Adam McDonald, Executive Vice President at Skanska UK, said: “We’ll be bringing our civil engineering, design and fabrications expertise to build and test a first-of-its-kind pre-cast bearing pedestal – a critical component for Rolls-Royce SMR in building new nuclear power generation. Over the coming months, we’ll develop the prototype and run various technical trials at our Bentley Works facility in Doncaster. We are looking forward to playing our part in developing the next generation of nuclear energy.” Rolls-Royce SMR has been named preferred bidder in the Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) SMR competition and by European utility ČEZ to deliver up to three gigawatts of new nuclear power in the Czech Republic. GBE-N recently confirmed Wylfa on Ynys Môn (Anglesey) as the site for the UK’s first SMRs, aiming to provide up to 1.5GW of low-carbon energy to the grid, support the UK’s net zero goals and create an estimated 8,000 quality long-term British jobs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Story Homes has secured revised planning permission for Phases 6 and 7 of its Edgehill Park development in Whitehaven, paving the way for 158 new homes and the next stage of the long-running project. Phase 6 will see the introduction of a new collection of house types, a contemporary sub-brand designed to meet modern lifestyles and evolving housing needs. The designs offer a modern take on Georgian-style terraces, with statement detailing, flexible layouts, and a fresh, progressive feel. The collection is aimed particularly at first-time buyers and downsizers seeking homes that are easy to manage, well-located, and thoughtfully designed for everyday living. “Today’s lifestyles are more dynamic, social and convenience-driven than ever before,” Story Homes said, noting that the new designs feature open-plan layouts, manageable private gardens, and carefully considered public green spaces to support community life. Philip Fell, Land Manager for Story Homes Cumbria & Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning consent for the next phases at Edgehill Park. Whitehaven has been an important location for Story Homes for many years, and Phase 6 represents an exciting step forward with the introduction of our new collection of house types. It’s been rewarding to see how our developments have evolved to reflect changing lifestyles while continuing to deliver high-quality, well-designed homes.” The new homes will incorporate energy-efficient features and innovative heating systems, helping to reduce household energy bills while meeting Future Homes standards and supporting the UK’s sustainability goals. By focusing on well-connected locations close to amenities and public transport, the development also encourages walking and cycling, reduces parking requirements and makes efficient use of land. Story Homes has had a long-standing presence in Whitehaven for over 15 years, delivering homes that contribute to the local economy, provide employment opportunities, and raise expectations for design quality and specification. The approval of Phases 6 and 7 marks the next chapter in Edgehill Park’s growth, combining innovative design, sustainable living, and community-focused planning for residents of Whitehaven. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HBD, part of Henry Boot, has submitted a Reserved Matters planning application for phase one of its flagship Golden Valley development, located adjacent to GCHQ in Cheltenham. The landmark £1 billion innovation and technology project is being delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, with construction on the first phase scheduled to begin next year. Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed as contractor. Phase one of Golden Valley will include IDEA, a 160,000 sq ft building highlighted in the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy. IDEA is designed as a sustainable hub for community, collaboration, and innovation, clustering expertise in sectors such as AI, quantum technologies, defence tech, and communications. Also part of the first phase is ROUTER, a building aimed at promoting sustainable, smart movement across Golden Valley and the wider area. Facilities include advanced cycle infrastructure, e-bike charging, showers, lockers, real-time transport information, and 453 car parking spaces to address long-term traffic challenges. Golden Valley is already supporting regional initiatives, including The Skills Hub, created to tackle skills gaps and provide career guidance for young adults and career changers. This programme, delivered by HBD in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire College, the University of Gloucestershire, and Amazon Web Services, is a precursor to the physical skills hub that will launch at IDEA. Additionally, the project is funding digital workshops in local primary schools, teaching coding, robotics, game design, and animation through Jam Coding. Hamer Boot, Executive Director at HBD, said: “The submission of Reserved Matters planning is a key milestone for Golden Valley; the first phase will set the tone for a dynamic new district that underpins the UK’s leadership in cyber, AI and emerging technologies. We look forward to moving into delivery this year, creating a scheme that combines new ideas, cutting-edge research and world-class talent with space to drive growth and innovation. “We’re pleased to be working alongside Cheltenham Borough Council to deliver a landmark project that will have a transformational impact on the region for decades to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals