GRAHAM has secured a £286m contract to deliver the wholesale redevelopment of Cambridge Halls at Manchester Metropolitan University, a scheme being progressed through a joint venture between the University and Unite Students. The long-term partnership will provide 2,302 new student bedrooms as part of a major upgrade of the campus.
Croydon Council has received a planning application from URW for refurbishment works at the Centrale Shopping Centre, marking a further step in the regeneration of Croydon town centre. The submission by Unibail‑Rodamco‑Westfield (URW) – owner of both Centrale and the Whitgift Centre – seeks permission for a refreshed look to
EFT Group Ltd has submitted a planning application for a major redevelopment at Southport Business Park, paving the way for a new headquarters and promising fresh employment and apprenticeship opportunities, with support from Sefton Council. Backed by the council’s Business and Regeneration team, the Southport family firm plans to relocate
The City of London Planning Committee resolved to grant planning permission for Network Rail’s transformation of London Liverpool Street, which was last redeveloped in 1991 after passenger numbers tripled over the past 35 years. The scheme is designed to future‑proof the station for decades. Liverpool Street currently handles about 118
Peel Ports Logistics has unveiled a £10m redevelopment of the Eastfloat Terminal at the Port of Birkenhead, positioning the scheme as a key element in the town’s wider regeneration. The move comes as 2026 begins with renewed momentum after years of delays and scrutiny over public spending on local projects.
National housebuilder Bellway has revealed ambitious plans for a new community of up to 3,000 homes on land to the north of Southend-on-Sea. The project is designed to act as a catalyst for long-term growth, potentially forming a key part of a wider 10,000-home strategic allocation identified in the Southend
Ambitious designs to revitalise Mersey Square and the neighbouring Bear Pit have been revealed, marking the first comprehensive makeover in generations and setting out a plan to create a lively, welcoming focal point in Stockport’s town centre. The proposals represent the next phase of the UK’s largest town centre regeneration,
Bruntwood SciTech has submitted planning proposals for a £17 million transformation and expansion of Manchester One, the landmark office tower at the heart of Manchester’s innovation quarter. The project, being delivered by Bruntwood SciTech – a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund – will
Plans for a £1 billion expansion of the London Cancer Hub have been given planning consent by Sutton Council, paving the way for a major boost to cancer research and the UK’s life sciences sector. The scheme, led by Aviva Capital Partners with development manager Socius, will deliver around 1
Building work is underway on a £20.7 million later living apartment development in Bradford, with Caddick Construction commencing works on Ashfield Mills on behalf of housing provider Anchor. The scheme, located on Ashfield Road in Idle, will deliver 75 apartments for older people and includes a range of communal amenities,
GRAHAM has secured a £286m contract to deliver the wholesale redevelopment of Cambridge Halls at Manchester Metropolitan University, a scheme being progressed through a joint venture between the University and Unite Students. The long-term partnership will provide 2,302 new student bedrooms as part of a major upgrade of the campus. The existing 1990s accommodation will be demolished and replaced with two multi-storey buildings delivered in two phases, offering a mix of cluster apartments and studios alongside extensive internal and external amenity spaces. The plans include ground-floor commercial units and a new community health centre fronting Cambridge Street to deepen connections between the university and the surrounding neighbourhood. Designed by Cartwright Pickard, the buildings will reach up to 30 storeys and provide high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation. The development targets a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and features a highly efficient building envelope combined with low‑carbon, energy‑saving technologies. Air‑source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, low‑energy heat‑recovery ventilation and advanced intelligent building management systems are specified to significantly cut operational energy use and carbon emissions. Stephen Van den Hoek, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “Cambridge Halls is a significant and complex regeneration project that will transform this part of the campus. We are proud to have been appointed to work with Manchester Metropolitan University and Unite Students to deliver high-quality, sustainable accommodation that supports student wellbeing and long-term performance. Our team is looking forward to working collaboratively with all partners as the scheme moves forward.” Demolition is under way, with main construction due to start later this year. Phase one is scheduled to complete in 2029, followed by phase two in 2030. CGIs: Virtual Planit. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Croydon Council has received a planning application from URW for refurbishment works at the Centrale Shopping Centre, marking a further step in the regeneration of Croydon town centre. The submission by Unibail‑Rodamco‑Westfield (URW) – owner of both Centrale and the Whitgift Centre – seeks permission for a refreshed look to the North End entrances and the building’s façade. Plans outline new glazed frontages, a large digital screen and enhanced lighting intended to improve the streetscape. The existing colonnades along North End would be infilled to remove concealed areas and deliver contemporary, more attractive shopfronts on this busy pedestrian route. Executive Mayor Jason Perry has welcomed the application as aligning with his Growth Plan to create a vibrant, modern town centre for residents, workers and visitors. He said: “Croydon is changing – becoming a brighter, more welcoming town centre that honours its heritage whilst looking confidently to the future. I welcome this planning application for Centrale as part of URW’s wider North End masterplan, supporting growth and encouraging inward investment into our borough.” The proposals form the opening phase of URW’s Masterplan Framework to reimagine the North End Quarter as a mixed hub of retail, culture, public spaces and new homes. They build on recent momentum, including the revival of the former Allders building, where six new shops and food outlets have opened in Allders Parade. The Centrale upgrades would sit alongside several Council‑led public realm schemes nearing completion on Wellesley Road, George Street and Dingwall Road, delivering safer, greener and more welcoming connections across the town centre. This spring, targeted street cleaning and decluttering will take place from West Croydon station to North End to create a more appealing shopping environment. New wayfinding will also be installed to help people explore Croydon’s cultural, heritage and retail destinations. North End has a long and varied history beyond retail. The Whitgift site previously housed Trinity School of John Whitgift (formerly Whitgift Middle School), named after Archbishop John Whitgift, founder of the town’s historic Almshouses and the Hospital of the Holy Trinity. The school relocated in the 1960s and the site was redeveloped as the Whitgift Centre, which opened in 1970. Further up the high street, the ornate façade of Grants reflects its past as a prestigious 19th‑century department store that drew aristocratic visitors, supported by Croydon’s early role as home to the UK’s first international airport. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
EFT Group Ltd has submitted a planning application for a major redevelopment at Southport Business Park, paving the way for a new headquarters and promising fresh employment and apprenticeship opportunities, with support from Sefton Council. Backed by the council’s Business and Regeneration team, the Southport family firm plans to relocate to long-vacant plots F, G and H off Wight Moss Way, after the authority agreed a 999-year lease. The move begins the formal planning phase for the scheme, which had previously attracted positive feedback at pre-application stage. EFT Group specialises in life safety, security and construction services. The business has expanded in recent years while remaining in Southport, where it employs a substantial local workforce and supports school-based apprenticeship schemes. The site earmarked for the company’s new headquarters has sat undeveloped for more than a decade due to difficult ground conditions and the lack of government funding. Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, joined company directors Adam Watts and Stewart Meechan at the recent unveiling of the new EFT Global headquarters. Cllr Atkinson said: “This move represents yet another major step forward for Southport’s economic future and I must commend our Business, Regeneration and Planning officers for working alongside EFT Group to help them get to this vitally important stage. “Not only will we retain a thriving local business but we’ll also bring new life to a site that has been underused for far too long. “EFT Group’s investment will create high-quality jobs and opportunities for residents while demonstrating our commitment to supporting homegrown businesses. “By encouraging businesses to invest locally, provide apprenticeships and create meaningful employment, we doing everything we can to secure the long term economic recovery and improvement of Southport and Sefton. “Businesses recognise what an incredible platform this part of the Liverpool City Region can be for their own growth and for us it helps keep amazing talent in our borough, supports our care experienced young people into work and ultimately builds a stronger future for everyone in Sefton.” Jordan Duggan, Co-Director of EFT Group, said: “As a local family company, we are proud of our roots in Southport. “This development reflects our commitment to the area and our belief in its future, with this investment EFT Group is firmly bedding our roots into Southport for the next 50 years, creating a lasting base for our business, our employees and the next generation of workers across Sefton. “We look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders, the local authority and the community as this exciting project progresses.” The application will be considered at a forthcoming meeting of Sefton Council’s independent Planning Committee, which will weigh all relevant factors before reaching a decision. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The City of London Planning Committee resolved to grant planning permission for Network Rail’s transformation of London Liverpool Street, which was last redeveloped in 1991 after passenger numbers tripled over the past 35 years. The scheme is designed to future‑proof the station for decades. Liverpool Street currently handles about 118 million passengers a year across London, East Anglia and the east of England. With annual users forecast to rise by 35% to 158 million by 2041, the approved plans aim to ensure the station can accommodate more than 200 million people in the longer term. Network Rail says the project will also support the Square Mile’s growth, with figures indicating the transformation could add up to £4.6bn a year to the City of London economy through increased visitor numbers – a contribution comparable in scale to a 1p change in the basic rate of income tax, referencing HM Revenue & Customs’ January 2025 “Direct effects of illustrative tax changes” bulletin. Key passenger improvements include: Heritage conservation is central to the design, with the Victorian trainshed remaining untouched. The plans will also open up new vantage points over the historic architecture, bringing passengers closer to the station’s original fabric. The infrastructure works are supported by a new office building above the concourse, incorporating a publicly accessible roof garden. Network Rail says the workspace will be among the capital’s best‑connected and most sustainably located, aligning with the City’s growth ambitions. Ellie Burrows, Managing Director for Network Rail’s Eastern region, said: “This decision represents a key step towards the transformation of Britain’s busiest station and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Liverpool Street. “Our plans focus on improving the everyday experience for passengers whilst respecting the station’s unique heritage. With annual passenger numbers forecast to grow to 158 million, this approval ensures the station will be future proofed for decades to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peel Ports Logistics has unveiled a £10m redevelopment of the Eastfloat Terminal at the Port of Birkenhead, positioning the scheme as a key element in the town’s wider regeneration. The move comes as 2026 begins with renewed momentum after years of delays and scrutiny over public spending on local projects. Recent visible progress includes the installation of the Woodside ferry landing stage and linkspan, part of Wirral Council’s Mersey Ferries strategy. A new vessel, the Royal Daffodil, is also due to enter service this year. In her Autumn Statement in November, Chancellor Rachel Reeves named Birkenhead as one of the UK’s ‘trailblazer neighbourhoods’ set to receive multi-year funding for community-led regeneration, supporting the Council’s Birkenhead 2040 plans. Industry bodies argue that public funding must be paired with private capital to maximise impact. The maritime sector is central to the Liverpool City Region, contributing at least £5bn to the UK economy, and for every job created in maritime, six more are supported across the supply chain—often locally—according to Mersey Maritime and Maritime UK/CEBR analysis. At Eastfloat, the terminal will be comprehensively overhauled to deliver around 460,000 sq ft of indoor and external storage, alongside upgraded warehousing and cargo-handling equipment. The modernised facility is being configured to handle a wide mix of cargoes, including steel, timber, project and containerised loads, animal feed and components for offshore renewables. Peel Ports Logistics will provide on-site services from vessel chartering through to final delivery by road. The terminal is now owned by Peel Ports Group and will continue to be operated by Peel Ports Logistics. Initial redevelopment works are scheduled for completion by the end of 2030, with the site remaining operational throughout the programme. The scheme is intended to modernise a historic waterfront asset while supporting local and national supply chains, with the operator expecting the upgrade to drive trade volumes and jobs as Birkenhead’s regeneration gathers pace. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National housebuilder Bellway has revealed ambitious plans for a new community of up to 3,000 homes on land to the north of Southend-on-Sea. The project is designed to act as a catalyst for long-term growth, potentially forming a key part of a wider 10,000-home strategic allocation identified in the Southend and Rochford draft Local Plans. The vision centers on two “interconnected villages” that prioritise infrastructure alongside housing. Bellway estimates the development would generate approximately £18.75 million in infrastructure funding and support over 10,000 jobs during and after construction. The proposed development aims to be self-sustaining, with Bellway exploring the delivery of: Bellway Strategic Land has formally submitted a request for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Opinion to both Southend-on-Sea City Council and Rochford District Council. This submission marks the first technical step in the planning process, providing a framework for how the environmental effects of the 3,000-home community will be managed. Jamie MacArthur, Regional Planning Director for Bellway, emphasised the urgency of the project: “Southend urgently needs new homes to meet local demand, improve affordability and give people the opportunity to remain in the communities where they grew up. These proposals would deliver a wide range of both affordable and market housing for people at all stages of life.” The announcement comes as Southend faces mounting housing pressures, with over 1,600 households on waiting lists and 400 families currently in temporary accommodation. The new community is expected to be a major contributor toward the city’s target of delivering 24,000 homes by 2040. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ambitious designs to revitalise Mersey Square and the neighbouring Bear Pit have been revealed, marking the first comprehensive makeover in generations and setting out a plan to create a lively, welcoming focal point in Stockport’s town centre. The proposals represent the next phase of the UK’s largest town centre regeneration, building on momentum already transforming the borough. They aim to cement Mersey Square as a place for residents, families and visitors to meet, relax, walk, play and enjoy events year-round. The scheme envisages a greener, safer, people-first square featuring high-quality public realm, a new play space in the Bear Pit, additional planting, premium materials and enhanced walking and cycling links connecting the Interchange, Merseyway, the Underbanks and the wider town centre. A centrepiece of the plans is the sensitive reworking of the Bear Pit, a distinctive local landmark. Once a 19th-century amphitheatre that hosted bear fighting, it will be reimagined as a key gathering point that keeps its character while improving safety, accessibility, greenery and everyday use. The redesign seeks to: Funding is provided by Transport for Greater Manchester and United Utilities, ringfenced to deliver this new look for Stockport. Micheala Meikle, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Housing, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for Stockport. Mersey Square sits at the heart of our town centre and acts as the gateway for so many people arriving from our award-winning interchange and these plans will turn it into a space that truly reflects the pride, ambition and creativity of our borough. The Bear Pit is a landmark that means so much to our community, and this transformation will honour that heritage while creating a vibrant, modern space where people want to spend time. This is Stockport continuing to move boldly forward.” Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: “These proposals show just how ambitious we are for our town. Mersey Square will become greener, safer and far more enjoyable for everyone – families, businesses, visitors and residents alike. The improvements to walking and cycling routes will make moving through the town centre easier than ever. The work will complement our award-winning spiral ramp that links the town centre to the train station while it will create a further access point for the Trans Pennine Trail and the recently announced Mersey Valley Way.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bruntwood SciTech has submitted planning proposals for a £17 million transformation and expansion of Manchester One, the landmark office tower at the heart of Manchester’s innovation quarter. The project, being delivered by Bruntwood SciTech – a joint venture between Bruntwood, Legal & General and Greater Manchester Pension Fund – will combine a comprehensive refurbishment of the existing 21-storey building with the addition of a new four-storey extension. Once complete, Manchester One will offer around 160,000 sq ft of workspace, alongside a range of new amenities aimed at supporting the health, wellbeing and productivity of its business community. Manchester One is currently home to around 30 businesses across 131,000 sq ft. The proposals will see the building reimagined as a modern, sustainable workplace while retaining and celebrating its distinctive 1960s architectural character. The four-storey extension will create a prominent new frontage on Portland Street and Sackville Street, including a double-height reception designed to encourage collaboration and interaction. The ground floor will feature a new food and beverage offering with independent street access and an outdoor terrace, while social lounges and open staircases will connect the new space vertically, blending work and hospitality environments. A landscaped rooftop terrace at fourth-floor level will be available to all customers, providing space for breakout and relaxation. More than half of the roof area will be accessible, including a dedicated wellness zone linked to a new internal wellness suite. The existing tower will undergo extensive modernisation, with new windows installed across all 21 floors and a refreshed facade. Office floors and building cores, including lifts, staircases and washrooms, will be refurbished on a rolling basis. New facilities will also support active travel, including secure cycle storage for 60 bikes, six showers and changing rooms, a heated drying room and locker provision. Sustainability forms a central part of the proposals, supporting Bruntwood SciTech’s net-zero ambitions. Plans include replacing gas-fired boilers with efficient heat pump systems, installing a new electrical substation to enable increased use of renewable energy, and introducing smart building technologies throughout. Biodiversity and green infrastructure will be enhanced through soft landscaping, rooftop planting and improvements to the surrounding public realm, better integrating the building with nearby streets and green spaces. The interior design will take cues from Manchester’s urban character, combining the building’s mid-20th-century origins with contemporary elements. The approach will feature exposed finishes, handmade details, locally sourced art and photography, and a mix of vintage and modern furniture. Located within a five-minute walk of Oxford Road station and within easy reach of Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester One occupies a highly connected position within the city. The transformation will be delivered in partnership with Bridge Architects and Cubicworks, with works scheduled for completion in early 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a £1 billion expansion of the London Cancer Hub have been given planning consent by Sutton Council, paving the way for a major boost to cancer research and the UK’s life sciences sector. The scheme, led by Aviva Capital Partners with development manager Socius, will deliver around 1 million sq ft of laboratory and research space across a 12-acre site. The approval marks the next phase of growth for the London Cancer Hub and is expected to significantly strengthen the UK’s science, research and innovation infrastructure. Planning permission was granted on World Cancer Day (4 February), highlighting the urgency of advancing cancer research and treatment. The development is intended to support innovation, attract investment and accelerate life-saving discoveries, helping the UK respond to future health challenges. Once complete, the expansion is expected to create around 3,000 new jobs, most of them in high-skilled research and development and life sciences manufacturing. As part of the wider London Cancer Hub district, the project will contribute to a cluster that, when fully realised, is forecast to support approximately 13,000 jobs and add an estimated £1.2 billion in gross value added to the UK economy, according to analysis by the London Borough of Sutton. The wider district already hosts internationally recognised institutions including The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the Innovation Gateway for early-stage life sciences companies. Together, these organisations form a globally recognised centre for cancer research, treatment and commercialisation, supporting collaboration between researchers, clinicians, start-ups, scale-ups and global life sciences firms. Designed to high environmental standards, the new buildings will target net-zero carbon in operation. The plans also include new public spaces to support wellbeing and collaboration, as well as affordable housing for around 220 key workers, helping to create a mixed-use, community-focused employment district. Recognised as nationally significant science infrastructure, the London Cancer Hub aligns with government ambitions to establish the UK as a global leader in life sciences and health innovation. The project is also identified in the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan as a key driver of frontier innovation. Designed by Gensler, the masterplan won the New London Architecture Award 2025 for Healthcare and Life Sciences. Commenting on the approval, Sophie White, Sector Head Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, said: “We’re delighted to secure planning consent for the London Cancer Hub – a landmark moment for this scheme. This development will deliver critical science infrastructure for the UK, helping the UK get ready for the future by creating an environment where innovation can flourish and lifesaving research can accelerate. We are proud to play a role in shaping a campus that will have a profound impact on global health, as well as the economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building work is underway on a £20.7 million later living apartment development in Bradford, with Caddick Construction commencing works on Ashfield Mills on behalf of housing provider Anchor. The scheme, located on Ashfield Road in Idle, will deliver 75 apartments for older people and includes a range of communal amenities, car parking and landscaped areas. Anchor is England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life. With construction now in progress, Caddick Construction is increasing activity on site. The contractor said this will include initiatives aimed at supporting the local community, alongside training and employment opportunities. The development is scheduled for completion in 2027. Caddick was appointed to the project through the NEPO Construction Works framework, providing Anchor with a streamlined procurement route to deliver new homes in the city. Ashfield Mills further strengthens Caddick’s presence in Bradford following its delivery of One City Park for development partners Muse and Bradford Council. The 56,403 sq ft scheme was the city’s first Grade A office development in 20 years and includes five floors of office space and a roof terrace. Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director, Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire commented: “We’re proud to have been appointed to deliver Anchor’s latest later living complex and for work to be progressing on site. This new development will offer residents independent living with the peace of mind that comes from a supportive community environment. Building on our experience in the later living sector, we will work in collaboration with our partners and supply chain to successfully bring this development to life.” Victoria Mager, Director of Development Delivery, added: “This scheme represents an important investment in high-quality homes for older people in Bradford. Our ambition is to create welcoming, modern places that help residents stay connected and live well for longer. Working with Caddick, we’re looking forward to delivering a development that supports both individual independence and a strong sense of community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals