Oxford City Council has approved plans for a new, modern community centre in the heart of Blackbird Leys. The council’s planning committee gave the go-ahead on Tuesday 20 May, paving the way for construction to begin later this year. The new centre is part of a broader redevelopment of the
A new strategic partnership has been formed between Network Rail Property, Places for London, and the London Borough of Lambeth to drive forward a major regeneration of London Waterloo Station and the surrounding South Bank neighbourhood. The collaboration follows the publication of the Waterloo Station Vision in 2023, which outlined
Wates Construction South has reached practical completion on the Life and Mind Building, a project for the University of Oxford and one of the largest building developments in the institution’s history. The 26,000m² facility will serve as the new home for the University’s Departments of Biology and Experimental Psychology, offering
Sisk has been named as one of eight contractors to win a place on Liverpool City Council’s Highways Planned Works Framework, securing a position on Lot 2: Projects over £1.5 million. The new multi-supplier framework is designed to streamline the procurement of high-quality highways services by enabling the council to
Barratt London has announced a new housing concept, Lo-E Homes, which aims to deliver climate-resilient, ultra-sustainable homes across the capital that exceed Passivhaus standards. The developer will initially submit plans for 728 Lo-E Homes across two major developments at High Barnet and Bollo Lane, in partnership with Places for London,
South Dock Marina in Southwark is set for a major £8 million overhaul aimed at improving health and safety across the site, following the recent approval of a redevelopment plan. Led by Southwark Council, the upgrade programme has been granted planning permission, pending further consultation with local businesses to finalise
Construction has officially begun on the long-awaited Marple Community Hub, a £20 million development that will bring a state-of-the-art leisure, health and library complex to the heart of Stockport. Local leaders, partners, and the main contractor Willmott Dixon gathered in Marple Memorial Park for a ceremonial ground-breaking event to mark
A major step toward the future of British rail infrastructure has been taken as Network Rail’s planning application to redevelop London Liverpool Street Station has been validated by the City of London. The transformative vision outlines bold and collaborative plans to modernise Britain’s busiest station, ensuring it meets the needs
All roads have now reopened on the newly constructed bridge deck at Agar Grove in Camden, north London, a key milestone in the £30 million project to modernise the 160-year-old railway structure. The Agar Grove bridge, which spans the Midland Main Line, was fully replaced over a nine-day period in
Cambridge City Council has released updated plans for its Civic Quarter project, which aims to transform three of the city centre’s key landmarks, the Cambridge Market, Corn Exchange, and Guildhall, into more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable spaces. The public is now invited to give feedback on the revised proposals ahead
Oxford City Council has approved plans for a new, modern community centre in the heart of Blackbird Leys. The council’s planning committee gave the go-ahead on Tuesday 20 May, paving the way for construction to begin later this year. The new centre is part of a broader redevelopment of the District Centre, being delivered by Peabody in partnership with Oxford City Council. The wider regeneration project includes 294 new affordable homes, improved retail spaces, enhanced green areas, and upgraded roads and cycle infrastructure. Designed to serve as a hub for local residents, the purpose-built community centre will feature three large halls, office spaces and inviting communal areas. Capable of hosting up to 800 visitors, the centre aims to support a wide range of activities and services, from advice and wellbeing support to community events and celebrations. The development will also introduce a new public square with play areas, a rain garden, accessible equipment and public art. Local residents will have opportunities to contribute to the final design of the artwork, reinforcing the project’s community-led approach. The new community centre has been shaped through extensive public engagement, including exhibitions, walkabouts, and design sessions, ensuring it reflects the needs and aspirations of the Blackbird Leys community. It will be owned and operated by Oxford City Council. This latest decision builds on the planning committee’s earlier approval of the wider regeneration masterplan in 2023. The transformation of Blackbird Leys is being delivered in two phases, bringing new homes to Knights Road and the District Centre, alongside major investment in local infrastructure and public spaces. Construction of the first homes is already well under way, with residents expected to move in from summer 2025. Work on the new community centre is scheduled to begin later this year, with the building due for interior fit-out in 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new strategic partnership has been formed between Network Rail Property, Places for London, and the London Borough of Lambeth to drive forward a major regeneration of London Waterloo Station and the surrounding South Bank neighbourhood. The collaboration follows the publication of the Waterloo Station Vision in 2023, which outlined long-term ambitions for one of Britain’s busiest transport hubs and its vibrant surrounding area. As the fourth busiest station in Great Britain, London Waterloo plays a crucial role in connecting commuters, tourists, and leisure travellers to the heart of the capital and its renowned cultural landmarks. The new partnership aims to transform the station into a modern destination that enhances the customer experience while delivering broader benefits to the South Bank area. The regeneration is expected to improve connectivity, open up new public spaces, and support diverse development and investment opportunities. Working with public and private sector partners, the programme will be rolled out in a series of phases. The initiative will also engage closely with local stakeholders and communities to ensure the regeneration meets the needs of both residents and visitors. The collaborative project seeks to unlock long-term economic growth for Lambeth by creating jobs, attracting businesses, and delivering new housing, while reinforcing the area’s role as a global cultural and economic hub. Robin Dobson, Group Property Director, Network Rail said: “This is a great step forward in combining both our resources and assets across Waterloo and South Bank. We will work with neighbouring partners to deliver a regeneration plan that unlocks huge growth and investment opportunities across the Borough, delivering the widest mix of uses and something very special for this important part of London for future generations to come.” Graeme Craig, Director and Chief Executive, Places for London added: “Millions of people pass through Waterloo every year to work and explore the South Bank and beyond. Through this new collaboration, we can ensure those customers are getting the very best London has to offer as they travel through this historic transport hub. This a great opportunity for Places for London to work with Network Rail and the London Borough of Lambeth to provide a new and improved vision for the community and all who come to Waterloo.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates Construction South has reached practical completion on the Life and Mind Building, a project for the University of Oxford and one of the largest building developments in the institution’s history. The 26,000m² facility will serve as the new home for the University’s Departments of Biology and Experimental Psychology, offering a cutting-edge environment designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and drive forward world-class research. Described as a flagship example of modern and sustainable higher education construction, the Life and Mind Building combines research, learning, and community engagement within a single, flexible space. The project represents a bold reimagining of facilities for science and education, setting a new standard for academic infrastructure. “The Life and Mind Building is a shining example of what can be achieved when vision, expertise and collaboration come together. Reaching practical completion on a project of this scale and significance is a proud moment for everyone involved,” said Mark Craig, Managing Director of Wates Construction South. “I’d like to thank our teams, partners and supply chain who’ve helped deliver a truly world-class facility that will shape the future of science, research and education at Oxford and beyond.” With practical completion achieved, the project now enters its final fit-out phase, ahead of an official opening scheduled for Autumn 2025. The project was delivered in collaboration with key partners including the University of Oxford, Legal & General, Oxford University Development, NBBJ, Hoare Lea, Ramboll, Fira, and Savills. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sisk has been named as one of eight contractors to win a place on Liverpool City Council’s Highways Planned Works Framework, securing a position on Lot 2: Projects over £1.5 million. The new multi-supplier framework is designed to streamline the procurement of high-quality highways services by enabling the council to form long-term partnerships with pre-approved contractors. This will significantly reduce the need for individual tendering processes for each project and accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure improvements. The framework will cover a broad range of planned works across the city, including resurfacing, active travel schemes, sustainable transport infrastructure, traffic signal and junction upgrades, and bridge improvements. The initiative comes as part of Liverpool City Council’s wider strategy to modernise and enhance the city’s highways network, backed by substantial financial investment. It aligns closely with the council’s City Plan and 2023 Transport Plan, which place a strong emphasis on sustainable travel, accessibility and the prioritisation of walking and cycling. Extensive market engagement began in June 2024 to ensure the framework reflected the needs of both the city and potential suppliers, while fostering transparency and collaboration. Alan Rodger, Managing Director of Sisk Infrastructure, said: “Sisk Infrastructure is delighted to win a place on Lot 2 of the Liverpool City Council – Highways Planned Works Framework. Having recently completed the Isle of Man Ferry Terminal, the city is seeing tangible investment in large infrastructure programmes. We have a strong presence and capability of supply chain partners in Liverpool and the North-West and are looking forward to helping deliver improvements through the Framework that will benefit the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barratt London has announced a new housing concept, Lo-E Homes, which aims to deliver climate-resilient, ultra-sustainable homes across the capital that exceed Passivhaus standards. The developer will initially submit plans for 728 Lo-E Homes across two major developments at High Barnet and Bollo Lane, in partnership with Places for London, in what is believed to be one of the UK’s largest rollouts of certified Passivhaus homes to date. The initiative comes as London faces rising summer temperatures, with the capital hitting a record 40.2°C in July 2022 – a level expected to become increasingly common. Designed in collaboration with sustainability specialists Beyond Carbon, the Lo-E Homes concept offers a scalable model for high-density, low-energy housing that goes beyond current building regulations. Craig Carson, Managing Director at Barratt West London, said: “Our Lo-E Homes concept is an opportunity to think differently and deliver a new approach to high-density, sustainable housing in London. This is a significant milestone for the business, as we look to the future and consider the unique challenges faced in the capital, such as more heatwave conditions every few years. Feedback from local councils and the GLA has been supportive, so we look forward to securing planning approval and moving ahead with our first homes, before rolling out on all future London schemes, subject to relevant approvals. “I am particularly pleased that we are planning to unveil the first Lo-E Homes across two significant partnership sites – High Barnet and Bollo Lane, as part of the West London Partnership we have with Places for London. Partnership working is vital in addressing London’s acute housing crisis, and through collaboration and a shared vision, we can achieve greater outcomes for our residents and the surrounding communities.” Lo-E Homes will feature carefully engineered façades to manage solar gain, triple-glazed Passivhaus windows for superior thermal comfort, and climate-resilient air tempering systems to improve indoor air quality. The design promises significant energy savings for residents—up to 75% less energy needed for heating and a 90% reduction in carbon emissions—making them resilient to future energy price shocks. The High Barnet site, located next to the Tube station, will deliver around 300 homes, 40% of which will be affordable, along with small-scale commercial spaces. Meanwhile, the Bollo Lane development in Acton will see 455 Passivhaus-certified homes built in its second phase, forming part of a wider 900-home community complete with green spaces, improved cycling and pedestrian routes, and new commercial units. The West London Partnership – a £1.9 billion collaboration between Barratt London and Places for London – aims to deliver over 4,000 new homes in the capital over the next decade. The Lo-E Homes initiative places sustainability, comfort, and resilience at the heart of its strategy, setting a new benchmark for future urban housing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Dock Marina in Southwark is set for a major £8 million overhaul aimed at improving health and safety across the site, following the recent approval of a redevelopment plan. Led by Southwark Council, the upgrade programme has been granted planning permission, pending further consultation with local businesses to finalise details around relocation and affordable workspace provision. Located on the south bank of the Thames, South Dock Marina hosts more than 200 berths and serves as a key hub for the borough’s marine and local economy. The site has already seen incremental upgrades over the past decade, with preparations for this latest round of structural improvements now underway. A public consultation on the proposed design was carried out in 2023. Feedback from local stakeholders informed a revised plan that has now been approved by the Council’s planning committee. The redevelopment will focus on reorganising the boatyard to create safer and more efficient workflows. Privately-owned containers and outdated structures will be replaced with purpose-built workshops and boat sheds that meet modern standards for fire safety, energy efficiency, and thermal performance. Priority for new leases will be given to existing boatyard businesses. Key elements of the health and safety upgrade include: Additionally, the Council will replace the marina’s nearly 40-year-old crane with a new model, which will be installed slightly south of its current position on new foundations. Under the revised tenancy model, the Council will continue to manage business units on site. Existing boatyard businesses will be offered discounted rents, transitioning to market rates over time. Maritime-focused businesses will be eligible for long-term discounted leases to promote the marina’s role as a maritime centre of excellence. With planning consent secured, construction is expected to begin later this year. Initial work will focus on surveys, site clearance, and installation of underground services. Above-ground construction of the new facilities is scheduled to commence early next year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has officially begun on the long-awaited Marple Community Hub, a £20 million development that will bring a state-of-the-art leisure, health and library complex to the heart of Stockport. Local leaders, partners, and the main contractor Willmott Dixon gathered in Marple Memorial Park for a ceremonial ground-breaking event to mark the start of work on the landmark project, which is due to open in 2026. Part-funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework, the hub will deliver a modern library, a five-lane swimming pool, a 60-station gym, a café, and a new home for Marple Clinic. The development is designed to promote healthier lifestyles and expand access to essential community services. Cllr Mark Roberts, Deputy Leader of Stockport Council, said: “This is a major milestone for Marple — a project driven by local voices and delivered in partnership to meet the needs of residents now and for the future. The hub is a landmark investment in the future of our borough – it’s about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive space that brings people together, supports healthier lifestyles, and strengthens our local economy.” Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, added: “The new hub will bring health, leisure and community services together under one roof, with real benefits for people of all ages. It’s a brilliant example of the kind of place-based investment we’re championing across Stockport.” Darren Palmer, Director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “We share Stockport Council’s passion for ensuring this vibrant and innovative community hub creates opportunities for the people of Marple. In recently delivering Stockport Interchange and Viaduct Park, our team worked alongside incredible local organisations such as PURE College and we proud to be doing so again. “To date on the project, we’ve created six new employment opportunities including for local people from barriered backgrounds. We’ve supported 47 apprentice weeks and delivered a bespoke skills and training ‘Building Lives Academy’ programme alongside HMP Styal resulting in two employment opportunities. We are also running our monthly free after-school Construction Club for children at All Saints Primary School and we have delivered 11 careers in construction sessions with local school and college students.” The event, hosted by Stockport Council and Willmott Dixon, featured speeches from key partners including Sport England, the NHS, Life Leisure, and local councillors, alongside a tour of the site where building work is now underway. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major step toward the future of British rail infrastructure has been taken as Network Rail’s planning application to redevelop London Liverpool Street Station has been validated by the City of London. The transformative vision outlines bold and collaborative plans to modernise Britain’s busiest station, ensuring it meets the needs of future generations while improving connectivity, accessibility, and the overall passenger experience. With support from Transport for London (TfL), the proposals aim to create a fully integrated, multi-modal transport hub linking the national rail network, London Underground, the Elizabeth line, bus routes, and pedestrian and cycling access. The redesigned station will be fully accessible and is intended to serve as a blueprint for future infrastructure projects across the capital. Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, said: “The station proposed in this application is absolutely what London needs. An accessible, inclusive, world-class multi-modal transport gateway to the heart of London – designed to serve the City, all Londoners, and everyone who travels through it.” London Liverpool Street currently connects 118 million passengers each year to destinations across London, East Anglia, and the east of England. Passenger numbers are forecast to grow by 35% to 158 million annually by 2041, with the capacity to support more than 200 million people in future decades. Despite its critical role in the UK’s transport ecosystem, Liverpool Street Station has not seen a major upgrade in decades. Since the last major works, usage has tripled, resulting in regular congestion at ticket barriers, concourses, and access points. For some passengers, particularly those with mobility challenges, the current lack of step-free access and modern facilities creates significant barriers to travel. The proposed redevelopment addresses these concerns head-on. Beyond the transport benefits, the project promises a major economic uplift for the capital. According to figures released by Network Rail, the redevelopment could boost the City of London economy by up to £4.6 billion per year, a sum likened to the fiscal impact of a 1p change in the basic rate of income tax. Since its opening in 1875, Liverpool Street Station has evolved alongside the City of London, playing a pivotal role in supporting economic growth in the ‘Square Mile’ for Network Rail. Network Rail’s plans aim to continue that legacy while modernising the infrastructure for a 21st-century transport system. In collaboration with TfL and stakeholders such as Historic England, the revised proposals also seek to balance innovation with heritage, promising a bold new station interior that celebrates the historic fabric of the site while improving the overall experience for millions of daily users. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
All roads have now reopened on the newly constructed bridge deck at Agar Grove in Camden, north London, a key milestone in the £30 million project to modernise the 160-year-old railway structure. The Agar Grove bridge, which spans the Midland Main Line, was fully replaced over a nine-day period in December 2024 in a tightly coordinated operation designed to enhance rail services and road infrastructure in the area. Train services resumed on schedule on 30 December following the successful installation of new beams, parapets, and deck components. Overhead line equipment and railway tracks were also reinstated during the short window of rail closure. After the railway reopened, teams moved quickly to dismantle the crane and reinstate vital utility services. A single lane of road traffic was reintroduced in February, with the temporary footbridge removed in March. Final resurfacing of the bridge deck was completed over the weekend, allowing the entire area to reopen to road traffic from Monday 12 May. The major bridge replacement began after the last train on 20 December 2024. Within just days, the old structure was demolished and the new deck put in place. In addition to the primary bridge works, Network Rail teams took advantage of the track closure to complete over 50 secondary tasks — including vegetation clearance, track maintenance, and power cable upgrades. A new pedestrian route linking St Augustine’s Road across the bridge is due to open later this week, with all remaining footpath work expected to be completed by mid-June, officially bringing the transformative infrastructure project to a close. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cambridge City Council has released updated plans for its Civic Quarter project, which aims to transform three of the city centre’s key landmarks, the Cambridge Market, Corn Exchange, and Guildhall, into more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable spaces. The public is now invited to give feedback on the revised proposals ahead of a planning application expected in late 2025. The updates follow a round of community engagement held in summer 2024 and reflect public input on how best to enhance these much-loved heritage sites while ensuring they remain vibrant, functional, and environmentally responsible. Cambridge Market The latest proposals continue to support a thriving seven-day market with a combination of permanent and demountable stalls, the latter to offer flexibility based on trader demand. Demountable stalls will be trialled with traders in the coming weeks. The plans include new covered seating areas to provide shelter and comfort. In response to earlier concerns about anti-social behaviour, the size of the canopy has been reduced, and additional lighting has been proposed to improve safety. An underground bin storage area will help declutter the space, while the square is also set to host small-scale cultural events like outdoor film screenings and themed markets. Importantly, the existing fountain—originally slated for removal—will now be retained and restored, and the wider area will see increased planting to boost biodiversity. Corn Exchange The Corn Exchange is set to benefit from energy-saving upgrades, including insulation and solar panels, as well as full accessibility throughout the venue. Improved sound quality and updated audiovisual systems are part of the plan to meet higher standards for performers and audiences alike. More concessions and bar areas will be introduced to reduce queues and expand food and drink options. Event capacity will also increase to allow for larger audiences and a broader range of events. The Guildhall The Grade II-listed Guildhall will be conserved and upgraded to operate at net zero carbon, following EnerPHit standards. This includes the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps and solar panels. On the ground floor, a new customer service centre and a public café will be introduced, along with a Changing Places toilet to improve accessibility. The Council Chamber, currently hampered by fixed furniture and limited accessibility, will be made more flexible and inclusive. The historic furniture will be retained for use elsewhere in the building, and the reconfigured space will accommodate future needs such as increased councillor numbers and varied community use. Workspaces for council staff, commercial tenants, and bookable public rooms are planned across the other floors. Modern yet sensitive updates will also be made to the large and small halls to enhance their usability. Responding to community concerns, a previously suggested hotel development within the Guildhall has been removed from the latest proposal. The council is inviting residents to view the detailed plans and provide feedback by Sunday 22 June. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
