Cristina Diaconu
Plans for Royal Liverpool Hospital nature park approved

Plans for Royal Liverpool Hospital nature park approved

Liverpool City Council has approved plans for a new nature-led public garden on the former Royal Liverpool University Hospital site, marking the first project from BAM UK & Ireland’s exclusive collaboration with the Eden Project. The scheme will deliver a publicly accessible green space featuring native planting, trees and wildlife-friendly

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Millers Quay at Wirral Waters wins Pineapples Award

Millers Quay at Wirral Waters wins Pineapples Award

Millers Quay at Wirral Waters has won the Building category award at The Pineapples, recognising the project’s contribution to community, quality of place and architectural excellence. Backed by Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) and delivered by waterside regeneration specialist Peel Waters in partnership with Wirral Council and Homes England, the £130m

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Hill and Pinnacle to 1,900 new London homes

Hill and Pinnacle to 1,900 new London homes

The Hill Group and Pinnacle Investments have exchanged contracts to deliver 1,934 new homes across two landmark developments in the Borough of Brent in London. The joint venture, Dollis Hill Wembley LLP, completed the acquisition of the sites from United Colleges Group (UCG), marking a critical milestone for a project

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Graham secures Clifton Hampden Bypass contract

Graham secures Clifton Hampden Bypass contract

A major programme to improve travel in Didcot and nearby villages has reached a fresh milestone, with Oxfordshire County Council appointing GRAHAM to deliver the Clifton Hampden Bypass element of the Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure (HIF1) scheme. This award is the second of three construction contracts for the

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Kier secures contract for Sizewell C development entrance

Kier secures contract for Sizewell C development entrance

Sizewell C has appointed Kier to construct the project’s main site entrance, in a significant step towards large-scale build activity. The contract covers the North Plaza, a 15-hectare gateway featuring bus interchanges, a deliveries hub and personnel security facilities. Located east of Abbey Road in Leiston, the plaza will improve

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GRAHAM appointed for student accommodation at University of Bath

GRAHAM appointed for student accommodation at University of Bath

GRAHAM has been chosen by the University of Bath to advance proposals for a substantial purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project at its Claverton Down campus. Procured via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), the appointment will see GRAHAM work with the University under a two-stage Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) to refine

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Tiger Developments begins works on Manchester student accommodation

Tiger Developments begins works on Manchester student accommodation

Tiger Developments has started construction on a new purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Manchester. The development is located on Carmoor Road, within walking distance of the University of Manchester, and will provide 172 student bedrooms upon completion. Once finished, the building will be operated by Host, the student accommodation management

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Timber frame specialist TALO wins Hertfordshire contract

Timber frame specialist TALO wins Hertfordshire contract

TALO has been awarded a £1.1 million contract by Lucy Developments to deliver a nine-home residential scheme in the canalside village of Wilstone near Tring, Hertfordshire. The project, known as Moorings, marks the first development in what both companies describe as a long-term partnership, with additional and larger residential sites

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Plans submitted for East Bank Urban Village in Hull

Plans submitted for East Bank Urban Village in Hull

Hull City Council has submitted plans for the first phase of the East Bank Urban Village, a major regeneration scheme set to transform land along the River Hull into a new residential neighbourhood. The council is working in partnership with ECF, a development collaboration between Homes England, L&G and Muse,

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Lynfield Mount Hospital development secures funding

Lynfield Mount Hospital development secures funding

A major £65 million redevelopment of Lynfield Mount Hospital has been approved for construction after receiving Full Business Case sign-off from the Department of Health and Social Care. The project, led by P+HS Architects in partnership with offsite manufacturer McAvoy, will now move into the build phase following the funding

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Latest Issue
Issue 340 : May 2026

Cristina Diaconu

Plans for Royal Liverpool Hospital nature park approved

Plans for Royal Liverpool Hospital nature park approved

Liverpool City Council has approved plans for a new nature-led public garden on the former Royal Liverpool University Hospital site, marking the first project from BAM UK & Ireland’s exclusive collaboration with the Eden Project. The scheme will deliver a publicly accessible green space featuring native planting, trees and wildlife-friendly elements, alongside new walking and cycling routes. Designed to support healing and quiet reflection, the biophilic landscape focuses on predominantly native species to attract pollinators and promote long-term ecological health. BAM UK & Ireland has worked with NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool and the Eden Project to embed nature-positive principles into a forward-looking healthcare environment. Mark Gibson said: “Our collaboration with the Eden Project and our partnership with NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool allows us to create something truly special for the city. This project shows how natural landscapes can play a central role in improving health and wellbeing. Receiving planning approval marks an important step and we look forward to bringing this vision to life.” James Sumner, Chief Executive of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, said: “We are pleased to be part of this fantastic partnership between BAM, the Eden Project, and the New Hospital Programme. This green space will be a valuable addition to the ongoing development of our hospital site and will be a huge benefit to our patients, visitors, staff, and the local environment.” Dan James, Commercial Director of Eden Project, said: “We’re delighted to see this project receive planning approval. We look forward to working with BAM and the NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool to demonstrate how nature can play a central role in supporting health and wellbeing, creating spaces that are restorative, inclusive, and rich in biodiversity.” Intended as a model for healthcare settings, the project will provide an accessible, biodiverse environment to bolster both emotional and physical wellbeing. It will also create opportunities for community participation, education and volunteering, with the Eden Project shaping programmes that help residents explore the role of nature in health. Construction is due to begin after final preparatory work. Delivery partners have pledged close engagement with local stakeholders, including clear communication with nearby residents, collaboration with community groups and ongoing oversight to ensure the space meets long-term community needs. The Royal Liverpool Hospital nature garden is expected to set a benchmark for integrating natural environments into major public infrastructure, creating places that are both attractive and beneficial for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Millers Quay at Wirral Waters wins Pineapples Award

Millers Quay at Wirral Waters wins Pineapples Award

Millers Quay at Wirral Waters has won the Building category award at The Pineapples, recognising the project’s contribution to community, quality of place and architectural excellence. Backed by Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) and delivered by waterside regeneration specialist Peel Waters in partnership with Wirral Council and Homes England, the £130m project has turned a former dockland into a lively, inclusive waterfront neighbourhood. The scheme was designed by Howells and built by GRAHAM. Run by The Developer in partnership with the Design Council, The Pineapples celebrate places that combine design quality with tangible social and environmental benefits. The Building category rewards completed schemes that add meaningful value to their wider locale and the people who live and work there. The development delivers 500 highly sustainable one- and two-bedroom homes, 20% of which are affordable, reconnecting local communities with the waterfront for the first time in more than a century. Drawing on Birkenhead’s maritime heritage, the design introduces bold, colourful façades and a striking waterside profile that helps establish a new local identity. Homes are oriented for natural light and water views, while generous balconies, landscaped courtyards and dockside walkways encourage neighbourly interaction and support wellbeing. The project’s social and economic outcomes are substantial: over 1,000 jobs were supported during construction, £44m was spent with local supply chains, and 75% of the workforce came from within 30 miles. It has generated £31m in social value and provided training and employment pathways through partnerships with local colleges and universities. Sustainability measures include EPC B ratings for all homes, air source heat pumps, solar energy systems and sustainable urban drainage features, reducing environmental impact and enhancing biodiversity. The success of Millers Quay is catalysing further investment across Wirral Waters, unlocking new residential, leisure and employment schemes and accelerating the area’s evolution into a vibrant mixed-use waterside district. In their citation, the judges described Millers Quay as “a catalyst – bringing people, investment and homes to a once-desolate landscape through bold regeneration, striking architecture and extraordinary ambition.” They praised the challenges overcome in delivering the scheme, highlighted its commitment to local training and employment, and recognised the powerful signal it sends for the future of the area. What was once an empty site, they noted, is now a busy, lived-in place. Millers Quay triumphed ahead of a strong shortlist comprising Amazon Property’s Loveday Belgravia; Rollalong’s Demonstration Modular Home across Newham, Havering and Camden; Manchester Metropolitan University’s Science and Engineering building; Related Argent and L&Q’s Brent Cross Plot 12 202; and Concord London’s Marylebone Square. Richard Mawdsley, Director of Development, Wirral Waters at Peel Waters, said: “Winning a Pineapples Award is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved in Millers Quay and a powerful endorsement of what can be achieved through long-term, partnership-led regeneration. This is not just a building, it is a catalyst for change – creating new homes, new opportunities and a renewed sense of place for Wirral. “Millers Quay demonstrates how thoughtful design, strong collaboration and a commitment to social value can come together to deliver something truly transformative. We are incredibly proud of the role it is playing in reshaping Wirral Waters. James Agar, Head of Real Estate Origination at PIC, said: “This Pineapples Award is a powerful recognition that Millers Quay is not only a landmark development, but a blueprint for how long term investment can unlock meaningful regeneration and deliver lasting social value. Throughout construction and since completion, the project has created significant local employment, supported ongoing skills development, and generated vital cashflow for the surrounding economy, schools and businesses. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when forward thinking, innovative and committed partners work together with a shared vision. “PIC remains committed to backing developments that provide the secure, long term cashflows needed to pay the pensions of our current and future policyholders, while helping communities to thrive. This award reinforces the importance of that mission and the impact that responsible, partnership led investment can and does deliver.” Peter Reavey, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “We’re proud to see Millers Quay recognised with this award win. As construction partner, GRAHAM has worked closely with an expert project team to deliver a scheme that reflects the value of genuine collaboration. “Millers Quay sets a benchmark for meaningful regeneration, providing much-needed, high-quality homes while prioritising sustainability and creating a strong sense of place for the community that will benefit the region for generations to come.” Alan McCartney, Partner at Howells, said: “We’re thrilled that Millers Quay has been recognised with a Pineapples Award. Thanks to our exceptional client team, and everyone involved in making the project happen on site. What we imagined eight years ago is exactly what stands today and we’re proud to see the quality of the homes completed, and to be a successful part of the transformational legacy continuing at Wirral Waters.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Hill and Pinnacle to 1,900 new London homes

Hill and Pinnacle to 1,900 new London homes

The Hill Group and Pinnacle Investments have exchanged contracts to deliver 1,934 new homes across two landmark developments in the Borough of Brent in London. The joint venture, Dollis Hill Wembley LLP, completed the acquisition of the sites from United Colleges Group (UCG), marking a critical milestone for a project that will provide 84% of Brent’s annual housing requirement under the London Plan. The developments are set to transform former educational sites into high-quality residential communities supported by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Sovereign Network Group (SNG). A total of 154 social rent homes will be integrated across the schemes, funded in part by the GLA’s Homes for Londoners Fund. Beyond housing, the project facilitates the creation of a new state-of-the-art educational campus for UCG on Olympic Way, Wembley. Construction on the first phase of the regeneration is scheduled to begin in spring 2026. The Wembley development will replace the former College of North West London building at the foot of Olympic Way. The project features linked 18-storey and 30-storey towers, providing 307 apartments. Every home will include a private balcony or terrace, with 85 units dedicated to social rent. The scheme also includes ground-floor commercial space, a concierge service, and secure cycle storage. In Dollis Hill, the Dudden Hill Lane site will be reimagined as a vibrant neighbourhood of 1,627 homes across buildings ranging from four to 28 storeys. The sale of these sites enables United Colleges Group to consolidate its operations into a purpose-built campus on Olympic Way. This new facility will focus on green skills, engineering, and the built environment, ensuring the college’s 130-year legacy in Brent continues in a modern, future-facing environment. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: “At a time when housebuilding has substantially stalled in London, we are working tirelessly with our partners to bring forward new developments, such as these two sites in Wembley and Dollis Hill. Together, we are unlocking the potential of these sites to deliver much-needed homes in the capital, while transforming the area to provide essential community amenities that enable sustainable and thriving new neighbourhoods.” Christopher Turnbull, Managing Director at Pinnacle Investments, added: “Exchanging contracts marks an important step for our joint venture with Hill and reinforces our commitment to investing in high-quality housing of all tenures where it is most needed. These developments will play a key role in meeting Brent’s housing needs while also enabling vital investment in education and skills.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Graham secures Clifton Hampden Bypass contract

Graham secures Clifton Hampden Bypass contract

A major programme to improve travel in Didcot and nearby villages has reached a fresh milestone, with Oxfordshire County Council appointing GRAHAM to deliver the Clifton Hampden Bypass element of the Didcot and surrounding areas major infrastructure (HIF1) scheme. This award is the second of three construction contracts for the scheme, which is designed to provide essential transport infrastructure and reduce congestion. The project aims to provide more reliable journey times, enhance walking and cycling links, support new employment sites and housing in and around Didcot, and enable improved bus services. The Clifton Hampden Bypass will re‑route A415 traffic around the village of Clifton Hampden. Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Development Strategy, said: “The A415 is a busy road that experiences a large amount of through traffic and congestion on the A415 to A4074. It runs right through Clifton Hampden, including past the village primary school. This bypass will completely transform that, moving traffic onto a new road to the north of the village. “I’m very pleased that we’ve successfully appointed a contractor to provide this much needed bypass.” The bypass will comprise a new single carriageway with segregated shared walking and cycling facilities, linking the A415 at Culham Science Centre to the B4015 Oxford Road to the north of Clifton Hampden. A new roundabout at the western end will provide access to Culham Science Centre and Culham railway station. Additional junctions are planned to the east of the new roundabout on the existing A415, as well as at the north‑eastern end of the new road. Andrew Henry, GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “GRAHAM’s latest appointment by Oxfordshire County Council reflects our ongoing partnership with the local authority. We are pleased to have been appointed to deliver this important infrastructure scheme, which will play a key role in improving connectivity in and around Didcot. “At GRAHAM, we bring a strong track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Oxfordshire County Council to successfully deliver this scheme and create lasting benefits for the region.” Pauline Schaffer, Director – Infrastructure Funding, Homes England, said the appointment of GRAHAM by Oxfordshire County Council is another major step forward in delivering vital transport improvements for Didcot and the surrounding areas. “Homes England’s investment through the Housing Infrastructure Fund is helping to bring forward the Didcot infrastructure scheme, unlocking much needed new homes and economic growth for the local area.” Enabling works, including site clearance, archaeology investigations and utility diversions, are already under way. Main construction is expected to begin in the spring and take approximately two years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Kier secures contract for Sizewell C development entrance

Kier secures contract for Sizewell C development entrance

Sizewell C has appointed Kier to construct the project’s main site entrance, in a significant step towards large-scale build activity. The contract covers the North Plaza, a 15-hectare gateway featuring bus interchanges, a deliveries hub and personnel security facilities. Located east of Abbey Road in Leiston, the plaza will improve access to the Temporary Construction Area (TCA). It will include new roads to ease the flow of vehicles and staff, some of whom will continue to the Main Construction Area where the £38bn new nuclear power station is being developed on the Suffolk coast. Work is scheduled to start in June, creating about 70 jobs. Damian Leydon, Sizewell C’s Site Delivery Director, said: “The North Plaza is a key piece of infrastructure. It will serve as the secure entry point for trucks bringing materials to site and the entrance through which our workforce will pass after travelling in via our two park and ride facilities off the A12. Kier has a proven track record in supporting the UK’s nuclear sector. Together, with the support of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and local suppliers, we’ll ensure this vital element of the project is delivered as safely and efficiently as possible, while creating meaningful opportunities for local businesses and people.” Kier, a leading infrastructure services, construction and property group, brings extensive experience of complex, large-scale schemes. Over the past six years, it has delivered £1.4bn of nuclear and energy projects across the UK. This includes work at Sizewell C’s sister project, Hinkley Point C, via the Kier BAM joint venture (KBJV), delivering roads, ancillary buildings, a fish return system and civil security fencing. Kier’s North Plaza package sits within Sizewell C’s Major Civils Framework, a substantial programme of works over the coming years. Craig Small, Managing Director of Nuclear & Energy for Kier Infrastructure, said: “We understand the importance of delivering nuclear energy in the UK, and with our longstanding experience in this sector we are ideally placed to support the development of this vital project at Sizewell. Drawing on our work at Hinkley Point C, we will apply our extensive knowledge to deliver these works, with safety and efficiency at the forefront, and creating long-term social and economic impact.” Kier has also committed to supporting Sizewell C’s social sustainability goals, including ensuring 70% of the project’s construction value is delivered to UK companies. At peak construction, nearly 8,000 people will work on Sizewell C. Once operational, the plant is expected to generate 3.2GW of low-carbon electricity—enough to power six million homes—and cut UK carbon emissions by around nine million tonnes annually. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GRAHAM appointed for student accommodation at University of Bath

GRAHAM appointed for student accommodation at University of Bath

GRAHAM has been chosen by the University of Bath to advance proposals for a substantial purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project at its Claverton Down campus. Procured via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), the appointment will see GRAHAM work with the University under a two-stage Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) to refine and develop the design ahead of the build phase. When finished, the scheme will provide 960 student bedrooms together with a suite of amenities to support wellbeing and campus life, including communal kitchens and social areas, study spaces, a games room, laundry facilities and flexible rooms for year-round use. Positioned on the eastern side of the campus, the development will feature a blend of en-suite cluster flats and townhouse-style accommodation, creating a varied, high-quality residential offer. The project aligns with the University’s goal of a healthy, sustainable and inclusive campus. GRAHAM will bring expertise in low-carbon construction and energy-efficient design to help realise these ambitions. The buildings are targeting high sustainability performance, including certification to Passivhaus principles, to cut energy demand and improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Measures such as air source heat pumps and a fabric-first approach will reduce operational carbon and support the University’s wider net zero targets. The additional capacity is intended to increase on-campus provision for first-year students, addressing rising demand while enhancing the broader residential portfolio. Rod McMullan, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: “Securing this appointment with the University of Bath marks an important step in progressing a high-quality student accommodation scheme that responds to the growing demand for on-campus living. “We look forward to working closely with the University and wider project team to shape a design that prioritises sustainability, operational efficiency and, importantly, the overall student experience. This collaborative approach will be key to ensuring the development is well-positioned for successful delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Tiger Developments begins works on Manchester student accommodation

Tiger Developments begins works on Manchester student accommodation

Tiger Developments has started construction on a new purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Manchester. The development is located on Carmoor Road, within walking distance of the University of Manchester, and will provide 172 student bedrooms upon completion. Once finished, the building will be operated by Host, the student accommodation management arm of Tiger Developments and one of the UK’s largest providers in the sector. The project has a gross development value of £40 million and is being funded by Tiger Developments alongside its financing partner Hampshire Trust Bank. Construction is being delivered by GMI Construction Group, with completion scheduled for the 2027/28 academic year. Around 15% of the rooms will be offered at discounted market rent to support students from lower-income backgrounds. The development is targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, reflecting a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in its design and operation. The Carmoor Road scheme is positioned to meet rising demand for professionally managed student accommodation in Manchester, one of the UK’s largest university cities. It also forms part of Tiger Developments’ wider expansion strategy across major university locations, including two additional schemes currently underway in Bristol. John Nesbitt, Executive Director at Tiger Developments, said: “We are delighted to begin construction on our latest scheme in Manchester, a city that has strong demand for well-located student accommodation. This development reflects our commitment to delivering sustainable, thoughtfully designed homes for students, while also contributing positively to the local community. Through our trusted student housing brand Host, we look forward to welcoming students in time for the 2027/28 academic year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Timber frame specialist TALO wins Hertfordshire contract

Timber frame specialist TALO wins Hertfordshire contract

TALO has been awarded a £1.1 million contract by Lucy Developments to deliver a nine-home residential scheme in the canalside village of Wilstone near Tring, Hertfordshire. The project, known as Moorings, marks the first development in what both companies describe as a long-term partnership, with additional and larger residential sites already in the planning stages. TALO was selected to support the construction of ultra-low energy homes using offsite timber manufacturing methods. The company says its approach enables faster build times, improved quality and greater cost certainty compared with traditional construction methods. The Moorings scheme will include nine two-storey homes, comprising a mix of three- and four-bedroom terraced houses alongside two four-bedroom detached properties. Greg Hilton, Head of Lucy Developments, said: “Moorings at Wilstone is an important project for us. The ability to deliver homes of this quality with much lower energy consumption in less time, is a significant advantage, both commercially and to achieve more sustainable development and construction. This is the first step in a wider partnership with TALO and we are now progressing plans for larger sites using their housebuilding solutions.” The homes will be built using TALO’s prefabricated timber superstructures, manufactured offsite with slow-grown Nordic timber. The process uses dry fabrication and installation techniques, which help improve thermal performance and avoid issues associated with moisture in traditional builds. According to the companies, the structures will be delivered to site in four phases by early summer, with key components such as insulation, plasterboard, timber cladding and triple glazing pre-installed. Each phase is expected to reach a watertight stage within a week, allowing interior work to begin sooner and improving overall project timelines. The development will incorporate a low-carbon energy strategy alongside its insulated timber construction. Planned features include solar battery systems to power hot water and underfloor heating, as well as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) to improve air quality and energy efficiency. Dr Anthony Greer, Executive Director for Corporate Strategy at TALO, said: “This new partnership has been created to scale ultra-low energy housebuilding. Lucy Developments has a strong ethos around sustainability, quality and the long-term performance of the homes they build. This alignment makes our collaboration a fantastic fit. “Our offsite superstructure solution and energy strategy will enable their development team to deliver ultra-low energy homes with far greater certainty, reduced build programmes, and enhanced air tightness and energy efficiency than is typically achievable with traditional construction for the same cost. “By using TALO’s integrated solutions, Lucy can scale delivery, reduce risk and accelerate the provision of high-quality family homes to help meet the serious shortfall in new housing.” The Moorings development is expected to serve as a foundation for further collaboration between TALO and Lucy Developments, as both companies look to expand the use of offsite construction and energy-efficient housing across larger residential schemes in the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Plans submitted for East Bank Urban Village in Hull

Plans submitted for East Bank Urban Village in Hull

Hull City Council has submitted plans for the first phase of the East Bank Urban Village, a major regeneration scheme set to transform land along the River Hull into a new residential neighbourhood. The council is working in partnership with ECF, a development collaboration between Homes England, L&G and Muse, to deliver what is expected to become one of the city’s largest regeneration projects. The initial application includes detailed proposals for phase one, alongside outline plans for a wider development that could eventually deliver around 850 homes opposite Hull’s Old Town. Once central to the city’s maritime economy, the East Bank area has seen decades of decline and is now largely made up of surface car parks and vacant brownfield land. The East Bank Urban Village is planned as a 15-year development that will introduce a mix of affordable housing and Build-To-Rent apartments, alongside retail, leisure and community spaces. Plans also include new streets, public squares, green areas and a riverside promenade aimed at improving connectivity and encouraging walking and cycling. Phase one will form the foundation of the project, delivering 37 townhouses and 78 apartments across two buildings. All homes in this phase will be designated as affordable housing, targeting local demand and promoting accessibility. The first phase will also incorporate infrastructure improvements, including a landing for the Scale Lane bridge on the eastern side of the River Hull and a connection to the Trinity Buoy Shed, a historic structure set to be brought back into use as part of the wider redevelopment. Future phases are expected to deliver more than 700 additional apartments, both Build-To-Rent and affordable, while improving links to nearby areas such as the Fruit Market district. Plans also include the revitalisation of the Drypool Basin area into a new community space. Public consultation played a key role in shaping the proposals. During engagement sessions held in September and October 2025, residents highlighted priorities such as increased green space, better traffic management, enhanced biodiversity and the reuse of historic buildings like the former Lock Keeper’s Cottage. The project is backed by £9.8 million in government Levelling Up Partnership funding, which will support early infrastructure and enabling works. It is also expected to contribute significantly to the council’s target of delivering 2,500 new homes in Hull city centre under its Local Plan. Sustainability is a key focus, with the development incorporating modern materials and technologies such as sustainable drainage systems in line with the city’s ‘Living With Water’ initiative. The East Bank Urban Village has also been selected as a national case study by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, an annual industry event held in Leeds. A newly released video case study highlights the partnership between the council and ECF and aims to attract further investment into Hull’s regeneration efforts. If approved, the project is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Hull’s riverside and boosting confidence among investors as development progresses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lynfield Mount Hospital development secures funding

Lynfield Mount Hospital development secures funding

A major £65 million redevelopment of Lynfield Mount Hospital has been approved for construction after receiving Full Business Case sign-off from the Department of Health and Social Care. The project, led by P+HS Architects in partnership with offsite manufacturer McAvoy, will now move into the build phase following the funding green light. The redevelopment will transform the hospital into a modern mental health facility, combining the refurbishment of existing wards with the construction of a new modular two-storey ward block. Plans include upgrading bedrooms to provide 100% en-suite accommodation, alongside improved clinical spaces, therapeutic environments and staff facilities. The scheme has been developed in collaboration with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, with a focus on patient wellbeing. Design features include increased natural light, access to outdoor space and layouts aimed at supporting recovery and delivering high-quality care. Therese Patten, Chief Executive of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is an important milestone for the Trust and for the people who rely on our mental health services. The redevelopment of the central block will bring significant improvements to Lynfield Mount Hospital, to create a facility that supports the recovery and wellbeing of service users, and a better working environment for staff. “We have worked closely with staff, patients, families, carers and partners to develop our plans and ensure that the redeveloped site can support the needs of our local communities for years to come. “We are delighted to have received this final stage of approval as it gives us the go ahead to start making our exciting vision a reality.” The project also aligns with wider NHS priorities, including sustainability and long-term value, and is designed to meet modern environmental standards. Cath Lake, Director and Mental Health Lead at P+HS Architects, said: “This project represents a significant step forward in the design of forward thinking, therapeutic mental healthcare environments. Funding approval from the Department of Health and Social Care reflects the strength of the clinical vision and the collaborative approach taken by the Trust and project team. We’re proud to be working alongside Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust to help create a facility that supports recovery, wellbeing for patients and staff.” Stephen Clayton, Preconstruction Director at McAvoy, added: “Achieving funding approval from the Department of Health and Social Care marks a significant step forward in the creation of new high-quality mental healthcare facilities for the Bradford community. The modular approach supports the creation of a flexible, therapeutic environment which will be delivered efficiently and with minimal disruption. We are committed to working alongside the Trust and project partners to ensure this facility is delivered to the highest standards without delay.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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