Construction has begun on a new housing development at 320 Swindon Road in the St Paul’s neighbourhood of Cheltenham, with diggers on site to start the build. The milestone signals the start of work on 24 homes that will rise over the coming months, bringing much-needed, high-quality housing to the
Archaeological investigations have started at Smithfield Birmingham, signalling a fresh stage in the £1.9bn regeneration scheme. The work, led by Cotswold Archaeology on behalf of Birmingham City Council and Lendlease, is intended to deepen understanding of the area’s heritage before redevelopment begins early next year. The site under examination lies
More than 400 new homes are set to be built in the first phase of a major new neighbourhood in Darlington’s West End after detailed planning consent was issued. Bellway has secured approval from Darlington Borough Council to construct 428 homes on a 56-acre site off Staindrop Road, following the
Invesco Real Estate has made a forward commitment to acquire a 109-unit residential scheme within the landmark Marleigh Park masterplan in Cambridge. The deal with housebuilder The Hill Group has been agreed on behalf of one of Invesco Real Estate’s German separate account mandates. The transaction, worth around £40 million,
Construction consultancy Bentley has opened a new office in London, marking a significant step in its regional growth strategy and strengthening its footprint across the South of England. The expansion builds on the success of the firm’s established operations in the Midlands and the North, where Bentley has continued to
The historic Nottingham War Rooms is set for a major transformation after a planning application led by developer Langcroft received approval. The project will see the iconic site redeveloped into a vibrant mixed-use community hub, alongside the creation of 104 affordable homes for East Midlands Housing Group (emh), with all
Esh Construction has been appointed to carry out essential repairs to Abbeydale Dam in Sheffield in a £1.3 million scheme, with works now under way. The 18th-century dam forms part of Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, a Scheduled Monument and one of the city’s most valued heritage sites. Serious leaks were identified
The largest element of funding needed to overhaul Plymouth Civic Centre has been secured, following the signing of a major grant agreement. Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, signed a £18.4 million grant funding deal with Plymouth City Council. The agreement begins a busy spell ahead of a
Liverpool Waters has welcomed its newest residential development, Lighthaus, a 31-storey Build-to-Rent (BTR) tower in Princes Dock. Developed by Vermont, alongside Peel Waters, X1 Developments, and Starlight Investments, the 278-home project is set to welcome its first residents later this month. The development offers a mix of studio, one, two,
Network Rail has launched Platform4, a new property development company tasked with transforming brownfield rail land into homes, commercial space and new communities across the UK. Formed through the merger of London & Continental Railways Ltd and Network Rail’s Property Development business, Platform4 will lead infrastructure-led regeneration projects designed to
Construction has begun on a new housing development at 320 Swindon Road in the St Paul’s neighbourhood of Cheltenham, with diggers on site to start the build. The milestone signals the start of work on 24 homes that will rise over the coming months, bringing much-needed, high-quality housing to the town. Following site clearance and ahead of foundation works, representatives from Cheltenham Borough Council and contractor Speller Metcalfe officially broke ground on 18 November 2025. The £6.2 million scheme will deliver 17 apartments and seven houses, offered through social rent and shared ownership to help meet local demand for affordable homes. As part of the council’s social value commitments, the project is creating jobs for local people and supporting existing apprenticeships for students. Over the months ahead, the council and Speller Metcalfe will volunteer and donate equipment to community initiatives and charities, as well as visit nearby schools to promote careers in construction and environmental stewardship. Councillor Rowena Hay, leader of the council, said: “We’re delighted to be in a position to break ground and mark the start of this important journey to bring more affordable homes to the town. Our upcoming flagship development is a great example of the high standard we work towards in providing safe and good quality housing that people can afford to live in. “Now that the diggers are out, we are excited to be part of this crucial milestone which is long overdue. I am looking forward to seeing the site take shape over the coming months – it’s not just about providing much-n Sustainability is central to the design, with solar panels, ground source heat pumps and low‑carbon construction methods specified to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The plans also include green outdoor areas to boost biodiversity, with new trees and planting complemented by features such as hedgehog highways and bat, bee and bird boxes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Archaeological investigations have started at Smithfield Birmingham, signalling a fresh stage in the £1.9bn regeneration scheme. The work, led by Cotswold Archaeology on behalf of Birmingham City Council and Lendlease, is intended to deepen understanding of the area’s heritage before redevelopment begins early next year. The site under examination lies just north of the city’s former moated manor, once home to the Lords of Birmingham, and all discoveries will be recorded and preserved in line with national guidance. Cotswold Archaeology will conduct the investigation until mid-December 2025, with activity fully contained within the development footprint. Plans for the 17-hectare revamp were unanimously approved by Birmingham City Council in June last year. Delivered through a joint venture between the council and Lendlease, the scheme includes more than 3,000 new homes, cultural and leisure attractions, modern workspaces, and an extensive network of green infrastructure and public spaces. At its core, the historic Bull Ring Markets will be reimagined within two purpose-designed buildings. Selina Mason, Director of Masterplanning for Birmingham Smithfield, Lendlease, said: “Momentum is really building at Smithfield, and this excavation marks another important step forward. The medieval manor and market is at the heart of Birmingham’s most historic area, it helped shape the city we know today and honouring that heritage is central to Birmingham’s regeneration. “Reaching this stage has taken sustained focus and close collaboration between all our partners, whose continued support and expertise have been vital to making it possible. Our approach at Lendlease is to embed ourselves in the places we work, getting to know them from the inside out, so that every new chapter builds on the character and significance of what came before.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than 400 new homes are set to be built in the first phase of a major new neighbourhood in Darlington’s West End after detailed planning consent was issued. Bellway has secured approval from Darlington Borough Council to construct 428 homes on a 56-acre site off Staindrop Road, following the council’s decision on Monday 29 September. The development, to be known as Baydale Village, will comprise 300 private homes and 128 affordable properties. Baydale Village forms part of a wider masterplan for up to 985 homes, alongside proposed community facilities including a GP surgery, shop, sports pitches, and land for a primary and early years school. Outline planning permission for the overall neighbourhood was granted last year. Mark Gabriele, Head of Land for Bellway Durham, said: “Baydale Village is the largest project we have yet undertaken at Bellway Durham so gaining reserved matters approval for phase 1 is a landmark moment for us. “The site was allocated for housing in the Darlington Local Plan, and our development will provide exactly what this area needs in terms of high-quality homes that people will enjoy living in, in the years ahead. “And with 30 per cent of the properties being designated as affordable homes, there are opportunities here for people to have a home at Baydale Village through rental, shared ownership or First Homes for discounted sale. “This will be a very attractive development to buyers because of the variety of modern, energy-efficient homes we have planned. The green open spaces provided combined with the convenient location will be beneficial for customers. A neighbourhood of this size will deliver a significant boost to the local economy, creating jobs and supporting businesses.” The scheme will be delivered jointly by Bellway Durham and Ashberry Homes North East, part of the Bellway Group. Construction is expected to begin in December, with the first homes scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Invesco Real Estate has made a forward commitment to acquire a 109-unit residential scheme within the landmark Marleigh Park masterplan in Cambridge. The deal with housebuilder The Hill Group has been agreed on behalf of one of Invesco Real Estate’s German separate account mandates. The transaction, worth around £40 million, covers two self-contained residential buildings. The first, comprising 32 homes, is due for completion by the end of 2025. The second building, which will deliver a further 77 units, is scheduled for handover in the third quarter of 2026. Located on the eastern edge of Cambridge, Marleigh Park is one of the region’s most ambitious regeneration projects. Once fully developed, it will provide 1,391 new homes along with extensive community infrastructure and green space to create a high-quality, self-contained neighbourhood. Residents will benefit from a wide range of on-site amenities, including a thriving primary school, sports fields, restaurants, retail space and community facilities. The Hill Group is leading the delivery of the project. The developer has already completed 547 homes and a community centre around Jubilee Square in the first phase of Marleigh Park. This acquisition marks Hill’s third build-to-rent deal of 2025, further establishing its reputation as a partner of choice in the sector. Cambridge continues to face acute housing supply constraints, with limited build-to-rent stock and a modest development pipeline. Strong rental demand, robust economic fundamentals and growing affordability pressures in the owner-occupier market have underpinned sustained rental growth in the city. Cambridge also boasts one of the highest graduate retention rates in the UK at 39%, along with a median household income of £61,500 — significantly above the South East and national averages. All homes at Marleigh Park will be built to high energy-efficiency standards, incorporating air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, EV-charging facilities, underfloor heating, integrated appliances and low-carbon construction techniques. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction consultancy Bentley has opened a new office in London, marking a significant step in its regional growth strategy and strengthening its footprint across the South of England. The expansion builds on the success of the firm’s established operations in the Midlands and the North, where Bentley has continued to grow its client base and deliver projects across both the public and private sectors. The new London base will support strategic land schemes and other major projects across the region. Main board directors Jonathon Bentley and Tom Mascari are leading the office launch, overseeing the company’s expansion in the South and ensuring continued delivery of core services including project management, development and cost management. Jonathon Bentley, managing director at Bentley, said: “Opening our London office is an important milestone for us. Our strategic plan for 2024 – 2030 always identified regionalisation as a key objective, building on the strong foundations we’ve set in the Midlands and North. With a growing portfolio of sites and clients in the South, the time is right for us to establish a permanent base in London. “This move allows us to be closer to our clients, strengthen our work in strategic land, and grow a local team that reflects our ambitions in the region. We’re excited about the opportunities this brings and look forward to replicating the success we’ve achieved elsewhere.” Bentley currently has 13 active sites across the South and is working with a number of established clients to promote and deliver new developments. The consultancy is also recruiting regionally to support its expanding pipeline and mirror the growth achieved in the North. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The historic Nottingham War Rooms is set for a major transformation after a planning application led by developer Langcroft received approval. The project will see the iconic site redeveloped into a vibrant mixed-use community hub, alongside the creation of 104 affordable homes for East Midlands Housing Group (emh), with all design work carried out by Nottingham-based CPMG Architects. Situated close to the city centre, the Grade II-listed wartime bunker has long been regarded as one of Nottingham’s most distinctive heritage landmarks. The approval represents a major step forward for a regeneration scheme that aims to combine heritage preservation with new housing and community-focused spaces. Langcroft was appointed to the project through a Homes England tender in 2022, and the development team has since worked to protect the site’s historic character while maximising its social value for the city. Under the approved plans, the 4,563 sq m bunker will be reimagined as a community hub offering workspace, conference facilities, exhibition areas, flexible commercial units, health and wellbeing amenities, food and beverage spaces and media suites. CPMG Architects will also retain several significant features inside the War Rooms, including original 1950s and 1960s rooms such as the Lamson Tube Room, plant rooms, kitchen areas and the former BBC recording studio, which will be restored. Parmi Uppal MSc from Homes England said: “We are pleased to support this important project, which delivers much-needed affordable housing while preserving a historically significant site. The partnership approach taken by Langcroft, CPMG Architects, EMH Group, Historic England and ourselves has been exemplary, and we look forward to seeing the scheme progress into delivery.” Craig Cameron, land and partnerships at Langcroft, added: “This is an exceptionally proud moment for everyone involved. Delivering 104 affordable homes while bringing the historic War Rooms back to life is exactly the kind of development we believe in one that blends heritage with community benefit. The support and collaboration from emh Group, CPMG, Historic England, Homes England and Owl Homes has been outstanding, and we’re thrilled to reach this milestone together.” Originally engineered to function as a protected stronghold in the event of a nuclear strike, the fortress-like structure will undergo significant modernisation to improve accessibility, introduce new entrances, redesign the roof and enhance natural light throughout the building. Sara Harraway, director and interior design lead at CPMG, said: “The plans for the Nottingham War Rooms and surrounding site showcases how the past and the present can align to create a desirable destination for living, working, wellbeing and leisure; it imbues modern design, inspired by its beautifully brutal architectural canvas, to create sustainable and tangible community facilities. As a design team with our HQ so close to the site, the regeneration of the War Rooms is an incredibly exciting project for us, and we’re really proud to be a part of it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Esh Construction has been appointed to carry out essential repairs to Abbeydale Dam in Sheffield in a £1.3 million scheme, with works now under way. The 18th-century dam forms part of Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, a Scheduled Monument and one of the city’s most valued heritage sites. Serious leaks were identified two years ago in the dam’s north-east corner, allowing water to pass through the walls and creating dangerous pressure. Temporary emergency measures reduced water levels and stabilised the structure, but permanent repairs are needed to protect the site. Michael Sherrard, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, said: “Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is a unique and historically significant site. Esh is proud to bring its expertise in heritage restoration to ensure this landmark remains safe and operational for generations to come.” Following the project’s award by Sheffield City Council, working in partnership with Sheffield Museums Trust, Esh has undertaken extensive site investigations over the past 12 months and developed restoration designs alongside JC Consulting. The repair programme includes rebuilding and repointing displaced stonework using traditional stonemasonry, installing clay linings and waterproof membranes to prevent future leaks, and grouting voids to strengthen weakened areas. A working forge next to the spillway to the River Sheaf will also be underpinned as part of the contract. The technique involves placing concrete bags beneath the forge and grouting remaining voids. Given the site’s Scheduled Monument status, all activities are proceeding under consents from Historic England and with permits from the Environment Agency. Access will be provided via a temporary causeway across the reservoir, enabling the team to work in a dry zone while maintaining water retention. Works are progressing during Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet’s winter closure and are expected to complete by summer 2026. Alongside the dam repairs, Sheffield Museums will finish its Embrace Abbeydale programme, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, adding a new welcome hub celebrating the site’s history and a timber-framed play area for families when the attraction reopens in spring. Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Safeguarding Abbeydale Dam is vital to preserving one of Sheffield’s most significant heritage assets. This repair programme tackles long-standing structural challenges and provides the stability needed for the future. We’re proud to be working with Esh Construction and Sheffield Museums Trust to deliver improvements that respect the dam’s historic character, enhance public safety, and ensure it remains a valued amenity for visitors for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The largest element of funding needed to overhaul Plymouth Civic Centre has been secured, following the signing of a major grant agreement. Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, signed a £18.4 million grant funding deal with Plymouth City Council. The agreement begins a busy spell ahead of a refreshed planning application, with residents encouraged to comment on proposals, get involved and share their stories about the landmark building. Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance and City Centre champion, said: “Complicated is an understatement when it comes to this project, but the goals are pretty simple and incredibly exciting for the city. “It’s about City College Plymouth creating a campus for up to 2,000 students, from school leavers to adult learners, to learn new skills. “It’s about creating 144 new homes within the tower as part our city vision to create thousands of new homes in the city centre. We want this landmark building to come to life once more. “The Civic Centre has always been a landmark of ambition. Once a beacon of post-war renewal, it has stood too long as a reminder of decline. Now, we have the chance to breathe new life into it. “This project is not simply about restoring a building, it is about securing the Civic Centre’s place at the heart of Plymouth’s future.” The Civic Centre scheme is part of a wider regeneration push to unlock thousands of new homes, enhance public spaces and build a resilient city centre economy. The investment is also framed as a vote of confidence in Plymouth’s future growth. A decision has been published to enter into the Brownfield Land and Infrastructure Agreement with Homes England. The funding, aimed at housing-led brownfield projects, will support remediation to bring the building to a stage where residential units can be fitted out and delivered by a private developer. The grant will fund concrete frame repairs and fire protection, strengthening of upper floors, roof works, new facades, and demolition and renovation of existing structures. An initial phase already under way has included identifying and removing asbestos-containing materials, vegetation clearance and improved on-site security, including replacement hoardings. This stage is due to complete shortly. Works will proceed in phases, with Phase 3 converting the block into residential apartments and an education centre for City College Plymouth. The Council plans to appoint a principal contractor before the end of the year to deliver the remediation programme. A package has been assembled from several public sources, including the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the Future High Streets Fund, a District Heating Grant and the Council’s own borrowing. The Council said extensive legal and funding work had been progressing behind the scenes for months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Liverpool Waters has welcomed its newest residential development, Lighthaus, a 31-storey Build-to-Rent (BTR) tower in Princes Dock. Developed by Vermont, alongside Peel Waters, X1 Developments, and Starlight Investments, the 278-home project is set to welcome its first residents later this month. The development offers a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, complemented by a sky lounge with panoramic views of Liverpool and the River Mersey, a fitness centre, co-working spaces, a residents’ lounge, and a 24-hour concierge service. Lighthaus has been designed with modern renting in mind, providing professionally managed, high-quality accommodation with convenient access to Liverpool’s iconic waterfront and city attractions. In addition to addressing the city’s demand for rental homes, the project has created employment and training opportunities for local residents throughout construction. Positions included permanent roles, apprenticeships, and work experience placements via the City of Liverpool Construction Academy, located within Liverpool Waters. The completion of Lighthaus marks another milestone in the ongoing Liverpool Waters masterplan, the largest urban regeneration initiative in the city’s history. Led by Peel Waters, the scheme is set to deliver thousands of new homes along with significant commercial and leisure space, reinforcing Liverpool’s position as a major northern growth centre. Princes Dock, where Lighthaus is located, now boasts over 1,000 completed homes, along with Liverpool Cruise Port, the Isle of Man Ferry terminal, and attractions such as the Wyld Sauna, the UK’s first public floating sauna. The area has also been selected as the site for the UK’s first floating Padel tennis courts, due to open in spring 2026. Speaking on the project’s completion, Chris Capes, Liverpool Waters Development Director at Peel Waters, said: “This achievement reflects our long-standing partnership between Peel Waters with X1 Developments and Vermont Construction, whose expertise has been instrumental in delivering exceptional results. Beyond creating a stunning new residential tower, this development has generated a fantastic pipeline of opportunities for local people throughout the build; from full-time employment to apprenticeships and placements for students at the onsite City of Liverpool Construction Academy. “Lighthaus demonstrates the strong appeal of Liverpool Waters as a destination for international investors, reinforcing the confidence in our vision and we’re only just getting started. With more residential developments, new public spaces, and vibrant amenities on the horizon, Liverpool Waters is shaping up to be one of the most exciting waterfront communities in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail has launched Platform4, a new property development company tasked with transforming brownfield rail land into homes, commercial space and new communities across the UK. Formed through the merger of London & Continental Railways Ltd and Network Rail’s Property Development business, Platform4 will lead infrastructure-led regeneration projects designed to boost economic growth, create jobs, and support the Government’s housing targets. Over the next ten years, Platform4 aims to deliver 40,000 new homes and more than 10 million square feet of commercial space, while generating £1 billion in public value annually. The company’s work will span 47 towns and cities and 22 London boroughs, focusing on transforming underused railway land — from major stations and goods yards to station forecourts — into vibrant, sustainable communities. The launch represents a major step forward in how the rail estate is managed, integrating property, infrastructure, and operational rail expertise to unlock land for development and regeneration. Both of the newly combined development teams have a strong track record, having delivered over 7,000 homes in the past year. Platform4’s approach will build on this success, driving investment while supporting Network Rail’s commitment to sustainability and community benefit. Platform4’s creation adds to Network Rail’s established property operations, which include a retail estate generating over £914 million in sales last financial year across 19 managed stations. Through its national programme, Platform4 will enable: The initiative underscores Network Rail’s ambition to make better use of rail-connected land, supporting regeneration and economic development while helping towns and cities across Eastern, North West & Central, Southern, and Wales & Western regions to grow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals