Darlington has secured £16 million from the Government’s Growth Mission Fund, announced in the Budget, completing the investment package needed to deliver a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) learning centre at the town’s science park. The Pride in Place programme is also contributing to the project to create
McLaren Property has formally appointed McLaren Construction Midlands and North as main contractor for its landmark Upper Brook Street student accommodation development in Manchester. The scheme represents the second major collaboration between the two McLaren divisions in the city, following their partnership on the St Gabriels Court project. Early works
Watkin Jones has acquired a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development site in Bristol as part of its joint venture with Maslow Capital, marking the second transaction between the two firms. The scheme, located on Malago Road, will deliver 484 student beds across three blocks and is expected to reach
Downing has secured Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 approval for its student accommodation development on Heber Street in Newcastle city centre, marking a significant milestone in the final phase of its Downing Plaza masterplan. The approval clears the way for construction to begin, with Downing now planning to start work
Sutton Council has taken significant action to combat the severe housing crisis in London following crucial decisions made regarding two of its major regeneration initiatives. The Elm Grove scheme, located on the north-eastern side of Sutton High Street and being delivered in partnership with developer Lovell, is set to demolish
The comprehensive transformation of a major site on London’s Oxford Street, designed by KPF, has received the green light from Westminster City Council. The Strategic Planning Committee unanimously resolved to grant planning permission for the scheme at its meeting last night. The redevelopment, designed by KPF for Berkeley Estate Asset
St Helens Borough Council is advancing proposals to revive the disused Sutton Oak Rail Line as a green corridor, with the option to accommodate rail or other transport in the future. Branded the Sutton Oak Link, the initiative follows a feasibility study that highlights strong potential and a compelling business
The Lewisham Strategic Planning Committee has unanimously approved Lewisham Council’s ambitious regeneration plans for Achilles Street in New Cross. The scheme is set to deliver greater security for existing residents, substantial investment, and new economic opportunities for local businesses and the wider community. The regeneration initiative is designed to strengthen
The University of East London (UEL) has appointed contractor GRAHAM to deliver its £45 million New Academic Building. This structure represents a key landmark in the creation of the Stratford Health Campus and is UEL’s most significant capital development to date. GRAHAM was selected following a competitive procurement process, leveraging
Wates Smartspace has announced the completion of the full refurbishment of Lloyds Banking Group’s historic Grade II-listed Trinity Road office in Halifax, West Yorkshire, delivering a future-ready workplace for 3,500 colleagues. The project, delivered in collaboration with Lloyds Banking Group and Calderdale Council, is being hailed as a landmark office
Darlington has secured £16 million from the Government’s Growth Mission Fund, announced in the Budget, completing the investment package needed to deliver a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) learning centre at the town’s science park. The Pride in Place programme is also contributing to the project to create routes into quality local employment. The independent Neighbourhood Board overseeing Pride in Place has agreed to focus funding on Skerne Park, Red Hall, Bank Top, Northgate and Branksome, tackling long-standing inequalities through improvements to community facilities. Local residents will be encouraged to help decide priorities and take part in managing any new provision. The five areas were selected following an analysis of greatest need. “This project will be a game-changer for Darlington. It will help us deliver real improvements in our communities, supporting the priorities in our Council Plan and ensuring these neighbourhoods are great places to live, work and thrive. I look forward to sharing more details about Pride in Place as it develops,” said Cllr Stephen Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council. David Gartland, CEO and Principal of Darlington College and chair of the Neighbourhood Board, said: “We’ve made an incredibly good start. The Board’s commitment to the STEM Centre has leveraged additional funding three times its original contribution, which would not have been possible without that investment.” He added: “The commitment that the Board made to the STEM Centre has attracted additional funding three times the amount of our contribution which simply wouldn’t have happened without our funding. This and the work we are doing in communities will leave a fantastic lasting benefit to Darlington.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Property has formally appointed McLaren Construction Midlands and North as main contractor for its landmark Upper Brook Street student accommodation development in Manchester. The scheme represents the second major collaboration between the two McLaren divisions in the city, following their partnership on the St Gabriels Court project. Early works on the site are already well advanced, with both tower cranes now fully installed. Ground clearance and preparatory works have been completed, along with the installation of temporary site facilities. Piling works have also concluded, with 219 piles installed and concrete bases formed to support the two residential buildings and the cranes. The project team is targeting the assembly of slip-form rigs before the Christmas period, allowing the concrete frame works to begin early in the new year. The £160 million Upper Brook Street development will be forward funded by L&G and will deliver purpose-built student accommodation comprising approximately 272,854 square feet across two buildings of nine and 23 storeys. The scheme will provide 737 student bedspaces, including 288 studios and 449 cluster bedrooms, alongside a range of shared amenities such as a gym, fitness studio, and collaborative study and social spaces. Located just south-east of Manchester city centre near the University of Manchester, the development sits within the Oxford Road Corridor, an area widely recognised as a growing hub for students, education and research. The scheme will also incorporate a community facility, café and new accessible public realm, including the planting of new trees. Extensive hard and soft landscaping is planned to create enhanced public spaces for residents and the surrounding community. Sustainability is a key focus, with the development targeting BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and Platinum WiredScore ratings. Modern methods of construction will play a central role in delivery, including a full concrete frame and fully unitised prefabricated concrete panels with integrated brickwork and windows. Off-site manufactured bathroom pods by Walker Modular will also be used to improve efficiency and quality. Completion of the project is scheduled in time for the 2028 academic year. In addition to its technical and environmental objectives, the development places strong emphasis on social value, with the project team working alongside local community groups and the Salvation Army to deliver initiatives that exceed contractual commitments. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to deliver this important scheme in the heart of Manchester. Upper Brook Street represents not only a significant investment in the city’s student living offer but also an opportunity to showcase high-quality construction, modern methods of delivery, and meaningful social value.” David Atherton, Divisional Managing Director at McLaren Property, said: “This is the second project we are delivering alongside McLaren Construction in Manchester. We are excited to bring forward another best-in-class student accommodation development, adding to our strong pipeline across the UK. As we move into the delivery phrase, all those involved in the project are fully focused on completing an exemplary building, one that the McLaren teams and the city can be very proud of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Watkin Jones has acquired a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development site in Bristol as part of its joint venture with Maslow Capital, marking the second transaction between the two firms. The scheme, located on Malago Road, will deliver 484 student beds across three blocks and is expected to reach a gross development value of £101.7m once stabilised. The site sits approximately 100 metres from Bedminster train station and is an 11-minute walk from the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus. The development will comprise a mix of studio apartments and 40 non-ensuite rooms, with part of the accommodation nominated by the University of Bristol. In line with Watkin Jones’ sustainability strategy, the project is targeting BREEAM Excellent, EPC B and WiredScore Silver ratings. Bristol is widely regarded as one of the UK’s strongest student cities, supported by a large and growing student population, strong transport links and a well-established cultural and leisure offering. The city’s appeal to both domestic and international students continues to underpin demand for high-quality, purpose-built accommodation. The acquisition follows the partners’ first joint venture project, The Ard in Glasgow, and highlights Watkin Jones’ continued strategy of working with institutional capital to deliver large-scale PBSA schemes in key university markets. George Dyer, Group Investment Director at Watkin Jones, said: “This transaction with Maslow Capital, our second collaboration together, demonstrates the strength of our proposition and the quality of our PBSA offering across the UK. “Bristol has firmly established itself as a destination of choice for students, and we’re delighted to deliver a sustainable, high-quality scheme, supporting the City and University’s growing student population.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Downing has secured Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 approval for its student accommodation development on Heber Street in Newcastle city centre, marking a significant milestone in the final phase of its Downing Plaza masterplan. The approval clears the way for construction to begin, with Downing now planning to start work on site in March 2026. The scheme will deliver 411 student bedrooms, comprising 303 self-contained studio apartments and 20 cluster units. The cluster accommodation will include one three-bedroom, nine five-bedroom and 10 six-bedroom apartments, each with shared kitchen, living and dining facilities. The development will also feature a range of internal amenity spaces, ancillary accommodation and landscaped external gardens, designed to provide a high-quality living environment for students in the heart of the city. Designed by architectural practice Simpson Haugh, the scheme will consist of a single building formed of three distinct sections rising to 10, 12 and 14 storeys. The development is targeting a BREEAM Excellent sustainability rating, with a number of energy-efficient and environmentally focused design features incorporated. The Heber Street project represents the final stage of Downing Plaza, a major regeneration scheme on the former Newcastle and Brown Brewery site. Earlier phases of the masterplan have already delivered teaching facilities for Newcastle University Business School, more than 1,800 student bedrooms, a 183-bedroom hotel and substantial retail space. Commenting on the approval, David Jenkinson, Development Manager at Downing, said: “Securing Gateway 2 approval is a major step forward for our Heber Street development, and we’re delighted to now be moving towards a start on site. Heber Street is one of several exciting projects in our pipeline as we accelerate our strategy across key UK cities including Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Glasgow and London. We’re eager to bring this latest scheme to life, creating a modern, inspiring home for Newcastle’s growing student community.” Downing submitted its Gateway 2 application in February 2025, with the original aim of starting construction later that year and welcoming students from September 2027. However, regulatory delays meant the approval process took 42 weeks, with consent granted on 27 November. As a result, both the construction start date and the anticipated occupation date have been pushed back by one year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sutton Council has taken significant action to combat the severe housing crisis in London following crucial decisions made regarding two of its major regeneration initiatives. The Elm Grove scheme, located on the north-eastern side of Sutton High Street and being delivered in partnership with developer Lovell, is set to demolish 73 existing, outdated 1970s properties. In their place, the partnership will build 276 new, modern, and energy-efficient homes. Critically, 50% of all new homes at Elm Grove will be designated as council housing. This commitment is a direct response to the critical demand for public housing in Sutton, where the number of families in Temporary Accommodation has recently surged to over 1,100. Beyond housing, the regeneration project is designed to transform the northern end of Sutton Town Centre by introducing improvements to public spaces, creating more greenery, and establishing a new pedestrian-friendly east-west link connecting the High Street to Throwley Way. Meanwhile, at the south-western end of Sutton High Street, the Beech Tree Place development has had its tenure mix revised. Following a recent decision by Sutton’s Housing, Economy and Business Committee, the scheme has moved from an original mixture of 35 shared ownership and 57 Council rental homes to a fully rented scheme. This change will significantly increase the supply of council homes in the borough, with the majority of the 35 additional properties now being used to house households currently residing in temporary accommodation. Councillor Jake Short, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee of Sutton Council, commented on the decisions: “These decisions mark a crucial step forward in the Council’s commitment to delivering much-needed high-quality, sustainable, and affordable homes for people in Sutton. “It also shows how we’re addressing the housing crisis head-on while transforming our town centre, helping High Street businesses with increased local footfall. We’re also asking people to share their views on improvements to our town centre public spaces and I encourage anyone with an interest to take part.” Lorraine Casey, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, highlighted the collaborative nature of the Elm Grove project: “This is a major milestone in our mission to revitalise Sutton town centre and deliver high-quality homes at Elm Grove for the community. A huge thank you to our partner the London Borough of Sutton and the talented team at HTA Design for their incredible collaboration. Together, we’re creating a vibrant, community-focused regeneration in the heart of Sutton.” Construction at Beech Tree Place is anticipated to reach completion by June 2026. At Elm Grove, the first homes are expected to be completed in 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The comprehensive transformation of a major site on London’s Oxford Street, designed by KPF, has received the green light from Westminster City Council. The Strategic Planning Committee unanimously resolved to grant planning permission for the scheme at its meeting last night. The redevelopment, designed by KPF for Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM), involves the former BHS and UAL College of Fashion site. The plans will deliver state-of-the-art office accommodation, flagship retail units, and flexible cultural space. The design strategically combines innovative retrofitting with new construction, retaining over half of the existing structure. This approach aligns directly with Westminster City Council’s emerging ‘retrofit-first’ policy and serves as a strong guardian of embodied carbon. The completed building will be fully electric and net-zero aligned, and will feature over 1,000 cycle parking spaces, underpinning its commitment to environmental sustainability. The new workplace environment is intended to attract top talent and support high levels of productivity, wellbeing, and sustainability. Key features include nearly 23,000 sq ft of terraces offering panoramic views across London. John Bushell, KPF Principal, expressed his delight at the decision: “We are delighted to have received unanimous planning approval for 33 Cavendish Square. This development will be a distinctive expression of everything that makes the West End exceptional: world-class retail on one of the world’s most iconic shopping streets, cultural spaces designed to host events from major product launches to conferences, and contemporary workspaces that continue to attract and inspire leading businesses. It will enhance the area’s long-standing reputation for creativity, commerce and culture, delivering lasting benefits for businesses, residents and visitors alike.” Mr Bushell further detailed the design philosophy: “33 Cavendish Square is a thoroughly modern building, designed to resonate with the best of the large buildings along Oxford Street, responding to their composition, scale and materiality. We carried out extensive analysis of the existing buildings to create a scheme that restores a coherent urban form and is an exemplary guardian of embodied carbon. This comprehensive agenda of keeping, adding to, improving, and reimagining the existing building has been an exciting process with a very productive dialogue with Westminster Planning officers and a wide expert team. At KPF, we believe this approach will play an increasingly significant part in the renewal of cities. 33 Cavendish Square will become a powerful exemplar of what this approach can achieve.” Construction works are currently anticipated to begin in 2029, with the development slated for completion in 2033. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
St Helens Borough Council is advancing proposals to revive the disused Sutton Oak Rail Line as a green corridor, with the option to accommodate rail or other transport in the future. Branded the Sutton Oak Link, the initiative follows a feasibility study that highlights strong potential and a compelling business case to turn the historic route into a people-first movement corridor connecting existing neighbourhoods and new developments along its length. Reusing this piece of the borough’s industrial heritage as a modern transport spine could unlock significant benefits, complementing the recent award of £20m in Pride in Place funding from the Government. The scheme is intended to reconnect communities and key destinations between St Helens Central and St Helens Junction stations, including the Moss Nook housing development in Sutton, St Helens Hospital and The Brewdog Stadium. It aims to provide a safe, inclusive route for walking, cycling and wheeling; create attractive green spaces that enhance leisure opportunities and biodiversity while tackling anti-social behaviour; encourage healthier travel choices to relieve persistent congestion pinch points; and rationalise and improve bridges along the line. The Council’s feasibility work confirms that progressing the initial Sutton Oak Link concept would not preclude the future reinstatement of passenger rail services. Further assessment would be required to evaluate the benefits, costs and practical challenges of different options. The Sutton Oak Rail Line was part of the St Helens and Runcorn Gap Railway, which opened on 21 February 1833 to carry coal from St Helens to the River Mersey, later supporting passenger services between St Helens Central and St Helens Junction. Regular passenger services ended in 1951, with freight and occasional diverted passenger services continuing until 1987. The last freight train ran in September 2002. The corridor is currently inaccessible, creating a physical divide between communities and suffering from overgrowth, littering and anti-social behaviour. Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth, said: “The emerging Sutton Oak Link scheme presents a transformational opportunity to create a safe, attractive and accessible movement corridor that links our neighbourhoods and breathes new life into this historic route. By opening up this space, we could deliver real benefits for investment, the environment and our communities.” The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has identified the Sutton Oak Link as a priority for phased investment through its new £1.6bn Transport for City Region (TCR) Fund, secured in June and confirmed by the Chancellor ahead of this year’s Spending Review. Funding is expected to be available from 2026 to support early-stage design, planning and further business case development. The Council will now undertake a detailed, multi-stage programme of structural assessments, design work and community engagement ahead of submitting a full business case. Councillor Groucutt added: “This scheme shows how we can lead the way in reimagining our historic infrastructure for the future. The Sutton Oak Link could become a flagship example of how modern transport, heritage, the environment and community wellbeing can go hand in hand.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Lewisham Strategic Planning Committee has unanimously approved Lewisham Council’s ambitious regeneration plans for Achilles Street in New Cross. The scheme is set to deliver greater security for existing residents, substantial investment, and new economic opportunities for local businesses and the wider community. The regeneration initiative is designed to strengthen the neighbourhood for the long term by providing an increase in affordable homes, improved public spaces, and safer streets—all of which have been directly shaped by local people. The approved scheme will deliver a total of 278 high-quality new homes, with 60% allocated as affordable housing. This includes 122 homes for Council-owned social rent—an increase from the current 87—and 44 homes for shared ownership. Further housing specifications include: In addition to housing, the plan sets out significant community and economic benefits: The project has been heavily influenced by residents since 2016, with engagement efforts including a Resident Steering Group, a youth panel, and workshops with local schools. This resident involvement was formalised in a 2019 estate ballot where 92% of eligible residents voted, with a majority of 73% in favour of the plans. The Council has committed to continuing collaboration with residents to shape their new homes as the project progresses. The design prioritises a strong neighbourhood feel, featuring secure bicycle parking and accessible public spaces. New maker spaces along Pagnell Street and the Makers’ Yard are intended to offer affordable, flexible space for local artists and entrepreneurs, bolstering New Cross’s role as one of Lewisham’s most creative districts. The Achilles Street scheme is expected to be completed by 2033 and marks a major milestone for Building for Lewisham, the Council’s programme backed by the Mayor of London to increase affordable housing and support local jobs. Councillor James-J Walsh, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, commented: “Achilles shows what regeneration should be: rooted in the community, improving everyday life and helping local people stay in the neighbourhood they love. With 60% affordable homes, safer public spaces, better connections and new opportunities for local businesses, we’re delivering the Good Growth vision in our Local Plan – creating a thriving New Cross shaped by its residents, for the future of Lewisham.” Councillor Will Cooper, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, emphasised the focus on social housing: “With the Achilles Street Estate regeneration, we’re putting social rent homes first. We know some of our estates and homes are not up to standard and need regeneration, and we are doing that regeneration with social housing tenants at the heart of our plans. The increase in social homes on this site means that families stuck in temporary accommodation or overcrowded in their properties will get the opportunity to move in to secure, safe and well-designed homes, giving them the chance to thrive at the heart of our community.” Jo McCafferty, Director at Levitt Bernstein, praised the community involvement: “It’s testament to an incredible working collaboration between the community, our client, ourselves, WR-AP Architects and ZCD Architects and the wider design team including Max Fordham and Price & Myers. The Achilles Estate steering group have been at the forefront of all decision-making and have shown such personal commitment to the project over this period, from the original ballot in 2019.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of East London (UEL) has appointed contractor GRAHAM to deliver its £45 million New Academic Building. This structure represents a key landmark in the creation of the Stratford Health Campus and is UEL’s most significant capital development to date. GRAHAM was selected following a competitive procurement process, leveraging its established track record in successfully delivering complex, sustainable facilities within both the healthcare and higher education sectors. The contract marks a major step forward for UEL’s Vision 2028 strategy, which aims to transform career opportunities, wellbeing, and health across East London. The New Academic Building is part of a larger £170 million redevelopment and is designed to provide cutting-edge teaching, research, and learning spaces intended to inspire future healthcare and medical professionals. Subject to necessary GMC approval, the facility will serve as the home for medical education alongside a suite of related healthcare courses. Its central role will be to expand access to healthcare education and bolster the growth of the regional health workforce. Construction work is slated to commence in early 2026, with completion anticipated in summer 2027, ready for the start of the subsequent academic year. The facility is targeting the highest sustainability credentials, aiming for BREEAM Outstanding certification, which would place it among the most environmentally responsible university buildings in the UK. The design incorporates circular design principles, low-carbon construction, and prioritises energy efficiency through: These elements support UEL’s broader goal of establishing a net-zero carbon campus and setting a new industry benchmark for sustainable development within the higher education sector. Describing the appointment as an “exciting and historic moment”, Liam O’Dell, Director of Estates and Facilities at the University of East London, said: “The appointment of GRAHAM marks an exciting and historic moment for the University. This is the most significant development on our campuses, and it represents months of collaboration, dedication, and strategic planning. The New Academic Building will not only transform our Stratford campus but will set a new benchmark for healthcare education – providing an inspiring and inclusive space for our students, staff, and partners. This multi-million-pound investment underlines UEL’s long-term commitment to creating an innovative, sustainable, and community-focused university estate. The Stratford Health Campus will stand as a symbol of UEL’s evolution – connecting education, research, and real-world impact in the heart of east London.” Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, also expressed pride in the contract: “UEL’s new academic building will provide state-of-the-art facilities to support the University’s healthcare and medical education ambitions and be an exemplar of sustainable campus design. We’re proud to contribute to a scheme that will play such an important role in shaping future generations of health professionals.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates Smartspace has announced the completion of the full refurbishment of Lloyds Banking Group’s historic Grade II-listed Trinity Road office in Halifax, West Yorkshire, delivering a future-ready workplace for 3,500 colleagues. The project, delivered in collaboration with Lloyds Banking Group and Calderdale Council, is being hailed as a landmark office transformation that establishes a new regional benchmark for sustainable, inclusive, and heritage-led construction. The iconic 317,000 sq. ft, diamond-shaped Trinity building was originally opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 1974. Wates has preserved its unique architectural significance, ensuring key heritage features such as the York Stone façade, listed timber panelling, and distinctive glass grid lighting remain intact, continuing the building’s status as a Halifax landmark. Sustainable and Economic Impact The transformation has significantly improved the building’s environmental performance, making the site three times more energy efficient than before. Key sustainability features include: Thermal Upgrades: These were implemented alongside the heat pump system to boost the building’s efficiency. Beyond the environmental benefits, the project delivered a major economic boost to the local area. Wates funnelled over £20 million through local suppliers and its supply chain supported 112 people into employment, including 75 apprentices. Furthermore, 460 students benefitted from site visits and career talks, with nearly 100 students now undertaking T-level qualifications, graduate placements, and apprenticeships with Lloyds at the Halifax office. Wates also partnered with local charities, including Mothershare and Overgate Hospice, donated furniture, sponsored school activities, and contributed over 6,000 hours volunteering to community projects. Scott Camp, Managing Director at Wates Smartspace, commented: “At Wates, our purpose is to reimagine places for people to thrive, and we are proud to have delivered that in this landmark transformation of Lloyds Banking Group’s historic Halifax building. We’ve honoured the building’s unique heritage while introducing sustainable solutions that make it three times more energy efficient and future ready. This project demonstrates how modernisation and preservation can go hand in hand, delivering a workplace that celebrates its past while embracing a greener, more inclusive future.” Sharon Doherty, Chief People and Places Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, described the investment as a testament to the company’s commitment to Yorkshire, its colleagues, and the region’s future. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, hailed the investment as a “fantastic vote of confidence” in the region, noting that Lloyds is “setting the bar high for how businesses can preserve our heritage whilst embracing innovation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals