Planning consent was secured in December 2025, and enabling and demolition works have been completed. Around half of the 16‑acre site will be converted into a 266,000 sq ft, state‑of‑the‑art campus for high‑end television and independent film, due to be operational in late in 2027. The remainder of the site,
Construction has begun on a new development of energy-efficient homes in Billericay, with housebuilder Bellway launching a 47-home scheme on the southern edge of the Essex town. The development, known as Mayflower Mews, is being built on a 3.5-acre site off Southend Road and will include a mix of one,
A public consultation has begun inviting views on major proposals to create a new neighbourhood in one of Manchester city centre’s last significant regeneration sites at Castlefield. The Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Water Street was first approved in 2017; the council has now refreshed the document to raise the
A wave of high-spec office schemes across London and other parts of the UK is opening up substantial new work for contractors, as developers respond to demand for energy‑efficient, grade‑A space that helps employers attract and retain staff. April’s Glenigan Construction Review reports that office project starts totalled just over
Airport investment is accelerating across the UK, opening up a wave of new construction opportunities. Despite worries about elevated oil prices and potential jet fuel shortages this summer, several major airports are pressing ahead with expansion and modernisation programmes. Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester and Bristol all have schemes in motion
Wates Developments has finalised the sale of two major parcels of residential land in West Sussex, paving the way for the construction of up to 279 new homes. The first land parcel, situated at Foxhole Farm in Bolney, has been acquired by Cala Homes. The site has been earmarked for
McAvoy has finalised plans for its team to attend the upcoming UKREiiF 2026 event in Leeds. Widely regarded as the UK’s premier forum for the infrastructure, real estate, and built environment markets, UKREiiF brings together local authorities, developers, innovators, contractors, and sector leaders to examine the challenges and future opportunities
The Forest Sports Zone at the Forest Recreation Ground is to receive a major overhaul, with a £1.9 million programme set to modernise and improve the popular community venue. Both all‑weather pitches will be replaced. The existing 3G surface will be renewed with a fresh playing carpet, upgraded infill and
London Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations are set to close for a 22-day period this summer as Southeastern Railway carries out a £20 million programme of essential infrastructure upgrades. The main closure will take place from Sunday 26 July to Sunday 16 August 2026. This window, supplemented by several
The new £6.4 million Bishop Auckland Bus Station has opened to passengers, marking a significant upgrade to the town centre’s transport infrastructure. Delivered by Esh Construction for Durham County Council, the hub replaces the previous facility on Saddler Street and is designed to provide a modern, safe and welcoming gateway
Planning consent was secured in December 2025, and enabling and demolition works have been completed. Around half of the 16‑acre site will be converted into a 266,000 sq ft, state‑of‑the‑art campus for high‑end television and independent film, due to be operational in late in 2027. The remainder of the site, recently upgraded by the BBC under a long‑term lease, continues to host EastEnders. The historic complex first opened as a film studio in 1914. The brownfield scheme is designed to keep the studios commercially competitive by significantly boosting production capacity, more than quadrupling stage space to approximately 100,000 sq ft across five advanced sound stages ranging from 16,000 to 21,000 sq ft. New workshops, offices and a café will be added, alongside a 58,000 sq ft Media Hub providing office and amenity space exclusively for media‑related industries and businesses directly connected to the studios. Fairbanks Studios is targeting Outstanding ratings from BREEAM and the Albert Studio Sustainability Standard, the world’s first environmental impact benchmark for film studios. The plans also include landscaped public areas and urban greening, with around 130 new trees to be planted. The project is expected to generate substantial socio‑economic benefits, supporting around 390 jobs during construction and more than 1,200 full‑time equivalent roles once complete, contributing approximately £80 million in annual inward investment. Paul Serkis, director of studio projects at McLaren Construction, comments: “Film and high-end TV production is one of the success stories of the UK economy and there is a real and pressing demand for high quality production space here. Approved schemes in the right locations need to come out of the ground quickly to meet that demandand take full advantage of the sector’s growth potential. We are delighted tobe working with BNPP AM Alts and Oxygen Studios to deliver Fairbanks Studios.” McLaren’s initial supply chain on the project includes Harringtons Builders (groundworks), Aarsleff (piling), SCWS (steelwork), Halsall (MEP) and Northern Cladding (cladding). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has begun on a new development of energy-efficient homes in Billericay, with housebuilder Bellway launching a 47-home scheme on the southern edge of the Essex town. The development, known as Mayflower Mews, is being built on a 3.5-acre site off Southend Road and will include a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties. The homes will feature a range of energy-efficient measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions, including solar panels and electric vehicle charging points for every property. The project is also expected to bring significant investment to the local area, with more than £1.5 million allocated towards services and infrastructure. More than £1 million of that funding will go towards off-site affordable housing as part of the planning agreement. Bellway Thames Gateway Sales Director Ed Brading said: “Our commitment to building homes of the future is exemplified here with a range of sustainable properties that work beautifully for the way people want to live. “These energy-efficient, modern homes will cost less to run and have a reduced impact on the environment because they are designed and built to be well insulated through our ‘fabric first’ approach. “The varied styles of our homes and the range of property sizes mean that there are options for customers with a variety of requirements and budgets, including first-time buyers aiming to take their first step on the property ladder. “The location also makes Mayflower Mews highly desirable as it is just a 10-minute drive from Billericay railway station, which has services to London Liverpool Street that take around 35 minutes. It’s five miles to Basildon, and less than 15 miles from the coast. “And the development is not only providing much needed high-quality housing for the area, but investment in schools, culture, health, and employment.” The site’s location offers strong transport links, with Billericay railway station providing direct services to London Liverpool Street in around 35 minutes, while Basildon and the Essex coastline are both within easy reach. The development is expected to appeal to a broad range of buyers, including first-time purchasers and families seeking modern, lower-cost homes with reduced environmental impact. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A public consultation has begun inviting views on major proposals to create a new neighbourhood in one of Manchester city centre’s last significant regeneration sites at Castlefield. The Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Water Street was first approved in 2017; the council has now refreshed the document to raise the ambition for the area. The updated plans, covering land between Trinity Way and the River Medlock, propose hundreds of new homes, a new city-centre park, and measures to showcase the heritage archways that define the location. A range of housing tenures is envisaged, with a strong proportion of affordable homes, alongside active ground floors for small-scale retail, hospitality and leisure uses. The park would trace the River Medlock and be designed to be flexible, inclusive and climate-resilient, potentially comparable in size to phase one of Mayfield Park. New buildings would shield the green space from the inner ring road to create a quieter setting. The SRF refresh also aims to improve movement to and through Water Street, repairing long-standing severed connections and opening up access via nearby viaducts. New walking routes would support active travel, and an elevated link could be created to the Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop via the Bridgewater Viaduct. The vision seeks to celebrate the area’s industrial character and waterways, with taller buildings framing the site’s edge to complement neighbouring development and the cultural regeneration of the St John’s district. Residents and stakeholders can take part in the consultation online, where the draft Water Street SRF is available. Responses can also be emailed to city.centre@manchester.gov.uk or sent by post to: City Centre Regeneration Team, PO Box 532, Manchester City Council, Town Hall, M60 2LA. The consultation runs until Monday 25 May 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A wave of high-spec office schemes across London and other parts of the UK is opening up substantial new work for contractors, as developers respond to demand for energy‑efficient, grade‑A space that helps employers attract and retain staff. April’s Glenigan Construction Review reports that office project starts totalled just over £4 billion in Q1 (January–March), a 75% rise on both the previous quarter and the same period last year. London dominated activity, supported by large City of London schemes and major data centre projects. Starts in the capital were worth almost £2.9 billion in January–March, more than double a year earlier. Other regions also posted strong gains, notably the South West (starts rose 15‑fold), Scotland (up 55%), Northern Ireland (more than 16‑fold) and the North East. Looking ahead, London offers the brightest prospects. Glenigan figures show the value of office planning approvals in the capital climbed by 90% in the first quarter compared with last year. The latest Deloitte office crane survey for London highlights developer confidence in resilient occupier demand for grade‑A offices. Anticipating a potential office supply gap later in the decade, the survey finds most developers expect their pipeline to either ‘increase’ (58%) or ‘remain stable’ (34%) over the next 12 months, while three‑quarters feel ‘more positive’ about leasing demand. Refurbishments remain a key driver: they made up around two‑thirds of all new office starts in the capital last year, covering some 3.1 million sq ft. Glenigan project data also flags major City of London schemes set to break ground in the coming months. The £330 million Alliance House at 60 Gracechurch Street—a 36‑storey tower with ground and basement levels—is due to start later this summer. Bovis is the main contractor on the 52,000+ sq m project (Project ID: 24112367). Construction on the £477 million, 53‑storey office at 99 Bishopsgate (pictured) is likewise expected to begin later this summer, following detailed consent, delivering over 144,000 sq m of new space. At 1 Undershaft – The Trellis, demolition is progressing and planning conditions are being resolved ahead of a planned start next spring. The 74‑storey, £510 million office tower by developer Stanhope will provide over 154,000 sq m, is at pre‑tender, and has a 60‑month build programme. Larger schemes are becoming more prominent in the pipeline. Although the total value of underlying office planning approvals fell year on year in Q1, approvals for major projects over £100 million rose by 2%. Beyond London, approvals strengthened in the South East (up 48%), surged in the North East (almost tenfold) and climbed in Wales (up 157%). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Airport investment is accelerating across the UK, opening up a wave of new construction opportunities. Despite worries about elevated oil prices and potential jet fuel shortages this summer, several major airports are pressing ahead with expansion and modernisation programmes. Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester and Bristol all have schemes in motion or in planning. While a third runway at Heathrow may still be years away, a substantial capital programme to upgrade existing facilities is being lined up. Sector momentum is underlined in the April Glenigan Construction Review, which reports airport-related infrastructure starts rising to £202 million in the three months to March, accounting for 13% of all civil engineering project starts over the period. At London Gatwick, planning permission is in place for the £2.2 billion North Runway project, due to begin next year and lift capacity from 61 million to 74 million passengers annually. Bechtel is the project manager (Project ID: 03225160). Further opportunities at Gatwick include the £10 million Hangar 7 scheme in West Sussex, where tenders have been returned and work is expected to commence later this year (Project ID: 25609119). A £595,000 extension at the South Terminal is also scheduled to start before year-end (Project ID: 18107741). At Stansted Airport in north Essex, Laing O’Rourke has been named main contractor for a £150 million passenger terminal extension. Due to get underway this summer and run for 18 months, the scheme comprises a three-bay extension to the existing building and three walkways totalling 16,500 sq m. A separate £480 million infrastructure scheme at Stansted to deliver two new taxiways across a 7-hectare site is also poised to proceed, with a potential start later this year. In Bedfordshire, detailed consent has been granted and the government is backing a £2.4 billion expansion at Luton Airport that would almost double capacity to 32 million passengers per year. Although environmental legal challenges have caused delays, work is pencilled to start early next year and run for 36 months. At Manchester Airport, the £440 million terminal modernisation programme is nearing completion. In addition, Kier Construction (North West) has been appointed civil engineering contractor for a £65 million rail platform remodelling to accommodate future passenger growth, due to begin this summer and last 35 months. Regional capacity is also set to increase. At Bristol International Airport, Farrans began a £30 million South Terminal extension this spring. Meanwhile, outline plans have been submitted for a £289.2 million expansion at Bristol to raise annual capacity to 15 million passengers. If approved, the 86,000+ sq m scheme could start next spring and run for 24 months. Regardless of the fate of Heathrow’s third runway, plans have been revealed for a major redevelopment of Terminal 4, including a new multi-storey car park and an upgraded check-in hall, alongside a dedicated baggage system for Terminal 2. Valued at £1.3 billion, the project could begin this autumn, subject to approval, and run for 62 months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates Developments has finalised the sale of two major parcels of residential land in West Sussex, paving the way for the construction of up to 279 new homes. The first land parcel, situated at Foxhole Farm in Bolney, has been acquired by Cala Homes. The site has been earmarked for 200 new homes, 60 of which are designated as affordable housing. The development plans also feature a sustainable, purpose-built community centre to serve as a permanent base for Kangaroos, a well-established local charity. Wates Developments collaborated with the charity to design the facility specifically around the needs of children, teenagers, and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Kangaroos currently assists over 400 people locally, delivering nearly 2,000 hours of social activities and clubs annually. This site was previously allocated for housing and community infrastructure in the Mid Sussex Local Plan review 2024. The second site, spanning 10 acres north of Marringdean Road in Billingshurst, has been sold to MTP Developments and housing association Stonewater. The scheme will introduce 79 new homes, with 28 allocated as affordable housing, to help address local housing demand in line with regional and national planning policies. Residential units across both West Sussex locations are designed to be net-zero carbon ready, offering shared ownership and affordable rent options. Additionally, both developments will feature publicly accessible open spaces, fully equipped play areas for children, and various socio-economic and environmental benefits for the surrounding communities. Meryl Baker, Operations Director – Portfolio and Wates Commercial & Logistics, said: “Our purpose at Wates is to reimagine places where people can thrive, and that’s exactly what they will be able to do at the sites in Bolney and Billingshurst. “The land offers a great opportunity to deliver sustainable homes in a sustainable location. We’re especially proud to have partnered with Kangaroos to develop their new ‘home for life’ and remain excited to see this facility come to life. “Completing on the sale of these sites is testimony to the expertise of our in-house land and planning teams – from the prime quality of land we secure through to achieving outline planning consent – alongside the strong relationships we have with landowners, our partners and developers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McAvoy has finalised plans for its team to attend the upcoming UKREiiF 2026 event in Leeds. Widely regarded as the UK’s premier forum for the infrastructure, real estate, and built environment markets, UKREiiF brings together local authorities, developers, innovators, contractors, and sector leaders to examine the challenges and future opportunities shaping the industry. The company’s delegation will feature Stephen Clayton (Pre-construction Director), Neil Stanley (Head of Strategic Development), Sarah Bradley (Head of Marketing and Communications), Martin Harvey (Head of Design and Technical Services), Laura McCormick (Healthcare Strategy Lead), Barney Rogers (Regional Head of Modular Rental and Sales), and Mathew Smith (Area Sales Manager). The representatives intend to collaborate with sector colleagues to discuss methods for accelerating project delivery, championing sustainable building practices, and leveraging modern methods of construction to address modern infrastructure pressures. As the market experiences heightened demand for swift, cost-efficient, and sustainable building options across education, healthcare, and commercial spaces, UKREiiF serves as a vital platform for innovation and collective problem-solving. McAvoy continues its commitment to manufacturing premium modular systems that allow clients to achieve compressed delivery schedules while cutting carbon output and enhancing construction certainty. The McAvoy team is eager to meet with fellow professionals in Leeds to discuss how modern manufacturing and construction processes can support upcoming infrastructure rollouts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Forest Sports Zone at the Forest Recreation Ground is to receive a major overhaul, with a £1.9 million programme set to modernise and improve the popular community venue. Both all‑weather pitches will be replaced. The existing 3G surface will be renewed with a fresh playing carpet, upgraded infill and improved LED floodlighting. The neighbouring sand‑based pitch will be fully rebuilt and converted to a 3G specification, creating a high‑quality surface for training and matches throughout the year. The enhancements are designed to broaden access to top‑class facilities for local residents, schools and community organisations, supporting sustained participation in physical activity and safeguarding the site’s role as a key community asset in Nottingham. The investment is backed by a funding package of £1 million from the Football Foundation, £625,000 from Nottingham Forest Community Trust, with the balance provided by Nottingham City Council. Beyond the pitch works, the project includes an extension to the current changing block. Plans feature a new two‑storey entrance, additional office space and a dedicated community area to create a more welcoming and practical hub for clubs, groups and visitors. Collectively, these improvements aim to boost participation, improve the experience for players and spectators, and strengthen the Forest Sports Zone’s place at the heart of the community. Opened as the Forest Sports Zone in 2015, the facility has been managed and operated seven days a week by Nottingham Forest Community Trust, the charitable arm of Nottingham Forest Football Club. It is regarded as one of the most used sports sites in the UK, attracting on average over 2,000 users each week. To enable construction, the venue will close for approximately five weeks from 18 May 2026. A partial reopening is planned for the summer, with full reopening expected in autumn 2026. Cllr Sam Lux, Nottingham City Council’s Executive Member for Climate, Energy and Nature said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see this level of investment coming into the Forest Sports Zone. These improvements will make a real difference for the local players, clubs, schools and the wider community, providing high‑quality facilities that everyone can be proud of. The partnership behind this project shows what can be achieved when organisations work together for the benefit of Nottingham residents, and I’m excited to see the upgraded site take shape.” Calum Osborne, Chief Executive of Nottingham Forest Community Trust said: “This significant investment will ensure the Forest Sports Zone continues to provide high-quality, accessible facilities for local people. “The site also holds a special connection to Nottingham Forest’s heritage, as the club’s original home, helping to maintain a presence in the heart of the city while delivering real benefits for the community, now and for years to come. “This exciting project is a strong example of what can be achieved through effective partnership, with Nottingham City Council and the Football Foundation working alongside us to deliver lasting impact for local communities.” Nottingham Forest Community Trust is the official charity of Nottingham Forest Football Club. The Trust uses the power of sport and Nottingham Forest to engage communities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, delivering programmes that support health and wellbeing, education, employability and inclusion. NFCT has operated the Forest Sports Zone at the Forest Recreation Ground since its opening in 2015, managing the site on behalf of Nottingham City Council. It provides a high‑quality venue for grassroots sport, community activity and education‑based programmes, seven days a week. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London Charing Cross and Waterloo East stations are set to close for a 22-day period this summer as Southeastern Railway carries out a £20 million programme of essential infrastructure upgrades. The main closure will take place from Sunday 26 July to Sunday 16 August 2026. This window, supplemented by several preparation and follow-up weekends, will enable engineers to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the site. The works include the replacement of nearly two kilometres of track dating back 36 years, the rebuilding of platform sections at Charing Cross, and the upgrading of track drainage systems. Structural repairs will also be conducted on two vital crossings: the Hungerford Bridge, which carries the railway over the River Thames, and the pedestrian link bridge connecting Waterloo East to London Waterloo. The project is designed to modernise one of the most critical sections of the Southeastern network, ensuring a safer and more resilient service for the future. By opting for a continuous 22-day block, the railway avoids the alternative of 60 separate weekend closures or multiple nine-day shutdowns. Scott Brightwell, Train Services Director at Southeastern Railway, said: “The £20 million investment we are delivering will see 1990s track and platforms upgraded to make journeys safer and more reliable, and Victorian era structures strengthened to remain fit for the future. “By consolidating the work into 22-day closure, supported by preparation and follow-up weekends, we can complete the work more quickly and with less disruption overall than the alternative options of 60 weekend closures or four to five 9-day closures. “We have planned the closure for the summer, when passenger numbers are around 20 per cent lower and schools are closed, to help manage the impact on customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new £6.4 million Bishop Auckland Bus Station has opened to passengers, marking a significant upgrade to the town centre’s transport infrastructure. Delivered by Esh Construction for Durham County Council, the hub replaces the previous facility on Saddler Street and is designed to provide a modern, safe and welcoming gateway for residents and visitors. Representatives from Esh joined Durham County Council for a formal opening following completion of the station and £1.8 million of associated enabling works. The scheme forms part of wider regeneration plans to improve connectivity and support the town’s long-term vitality. Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “Esh is proud to have delivered a modern, fully accessible transport hub that will play an important role in supporting Bishop Auckland’s regeneration and strengthening local connectivity. “Working closely with Durham County Council, this project reflects our commitment to delivering high‑quality infrastructure that serves communities across the region, while also creating meaningful social value and opportunities locally.” The station offers live passenger information, CCTV, toilet facilities (including accessible toilets, a Changing Places unit and a parent and child facility) and a retail kiosk. Accessibility measures include anti-slip flooring, seating and wheelchair spaces positioned at the front of each waiting area. The surrounding area has been landscaped with new paving, drainage and street lighting. More than 120 hot rolled steel girders, with a combined weight of 23.49 tonnes, were installed and fabricated less than two miles away by South Durham Structures Ltd. Sustainability features include rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, a rainwater harvesting and re-use system, and a Sedum green roof to encourage biodiversity. A new 124-space car park provides accessible bays for wheelchair users and Blue Badge holders, alongside motorcycle bays, electric vehicle charging points and cycle parking. Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: “The completion of Bishop Auckland Bus Station is a major step in our plans to regenerate Bishop Auckland and boost its standing as a thriving market town and visitor destination. “The bus station looks fantastic and will provide the local community with modern, up-to-date facilities so they can access opportunities within the county and beyond. It will also serve as a positive welcome for visitors travelling into the centre for Bishop Auckland’s growing culture, heritage and events offer. “In addition, the site provides ample car parking with more than 120 new spaces for visitors to use. This will help to bring people into the town, address parking shortages, and reduce pressure on residential areas. This is a big step for Bishop Auckland, and we’re excited to welcome the first passengers.” The project delivered £2.2 million in social value, including 37 weeks of work experience and T‑Level time for County Durham students, 55 weeks of on-site work by County Durham veterans and reservists, 97 hours of STEM and employability activities in schools and education settings, and a £2.2 million spend in the County Durham supply chain. Bishop Auckland Bus Station has been developed using £11.8 million from the Future High Streets Fund. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals