South Cambridgeshire District Council has granted planning permission for up to 4,500 new homes at Waterbeach New Town East, marking a major step in the development of the area into a new town. The outline permission, issued to RLW Estates, includes plans for housing as well as business, retail, community,
An ambitious project to redevelop Abbey Fields Swimming Pool in Kenilworth is to receive additional funding from the HS2 Community & Environment Fund (CEF). The £75,000 HS2 grant has been awarded to Warwick District Council (WDC) to support external landscaping and groundwork improvements as part of the multi-million-pound investment in
Luton Town Football Club has received the green light from Luton Borough Council to proceed with its plans for a new 25,000-capacity stadium at Power Court. The decision, made by the Council’s planning committee, marks a significant milestone in the club’s efforts to deliver a state-of-the-art venue and drive long-term
The City of London Corporation’s Planning Applications-Sub Committee has approved the plans for what will become the City’s tallest tower, One Undershaft. Standing at 309.6 metres (74 storeys), the office tower is set to become a prominent feature in the Square Mile’s skyline, nestled between the iconic ‘Gherkin’ and Leadenhall
Blackpool Council has announced plans to appoint new commercial marketing agents to promote the Blackpool Central site to international leisure investors, aiming to attract fresh investment for the high-profile location. The move signals the termination of the previous agreement with developer Nikal Ltd. and marks a new phase in the
Henry Boot has announced the formation of Origin, a new UK-focused industrial and logistics (I&L) platform created in partnership with Feldberg Capital, a specialist in scaling sustainability-driven real estate ventures in high-growth sectors. Origin will focus on developing next-generation, ESG-compliant I&L assets across the country. The platform is well-capitalised at
Bristol City Council has announced the start of major construction work on Victoria Street aimed at improving accessibility and making the area more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. The project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The transformation will include several significant upgrades to enhance the experience of walking,
Brighton & Hove City Council has appointed Cheesmur Building Contractors to construct a groundbreaking net zero carbon youth centre in Knoll Park. Work on the facility is set to begin this winter. The new centre, purpose-designed to support young people and families, will double the capacity of existing youth services
An essential transport infrastructure project designed to ease congestion and promote sustainable travel in Didcot and its surrounding villages has been granted planning permission. The HIF1 Didcot and surrounding areas project received approval from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner. The decision follows a
Residents and staff at Greenfield, a Retirement Living scheme in Hull, are celebrating the completion of a significant refurbishment project, just in time for the festive season. The £900,000 refurbishment was undertaken by Esh Construction, commissioned by registered social housing provider Riverside. This project is part of Riverside’s broader initiative
South Cambridgeshire District Council has granted planning permission for up to 4,500 new homes at Waterbeach New Town East, marking a major step in the development of the area into a new town. The outline permission, issued to RLW Estates, includes plans for housing as well as business, retail, community, leisure and sports facilities. The project will also provide new primary and secondary schools and a sixth form centre. Combined with earlier approval for 6,500 homes by developer Urban&Civic, this latest decision completes the vision outlined in the council’s 2018 Local Plan for the new Waterbeach settlement. The original planning application was approved in principle by the council’s Planning Committee in January 2021, subject to infrastructure agreements and conditions. These included commitments to affordable housing, new schools, and community facilities secured through a Section 106 agreement. Progress on the project faced delays due to concerns raised by the Environment Agency over water supply adequacy. Cambridge Water’s plans to meet future demand prompted the agency to object to the application. To address these concerns, the Water Scarcity Group, established in 2023, brought together local stakeholders, including the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service, to work toward a resolution. In November 2024, the Environment Agency withdrew its objection, recommending the imposition of specific conditions to address water supply challenges. One significant condition of the approval is the relocation of Waterbeach Railway Station, which must be completed before any new homes are occupied. The Greater Cambridge Partnership, in collaboration with Homes England, has taken responsibility for delivering the station relocation. With these challenges resolved and conditions in place, the council has now given the final go-ahead for the project, paving the way for significant housing and infrastructure development in Greater Cambridge. This approval marks a critical milestone in the delivery of a sustainable and vibrant new community at Waterbeach. Image: LDA Design Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An ambitious project to redevelop Abbey Fields Swimming Pool in Kenilworth is to receive additional funding from the HS2 Community & Environment Fund (CEF). The £75,000 HS2 grant has been awarded to Warwick District Council (WDC) to support external landscaping and groundwork improvements as part of the multi-million-pound investment in the town’s community swimming facilities. Located within the site of an ancient scheduled monument on Abbey Fields, the pool was originally built in the 1890s. Newer buildings were developed in the 1930s, 1960s and 1980s – with the latter being demolished in 2022 to make way for a full redesign and rebuild project. Once developed, the new facility will provide state-of-the-art swimming facilities including family and learner pools with moveable floors to accommodate all ages and abilities. In addition, a multi-use community space will include a café and outdoor terrace. Funding from HS2 will go towards creating an engaging outdoor space surrounding the new pool building, featuring footpaths, landscaping and public seating areas, all sensitively designed to blend in with the historic location. Following a delay caused by the discovery of extensive medieval remains on the site, construction work on the new buildings began in May with completion due in summer 2026. Councillor Jim Sinnott, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Leisure at Warwick District Council, said: “The Council is making a huge investment in this exciting project to provide Kenilworth and the wider district with the additional swimming pools required to meet the needs of a growing population. We very much welcome the additional funding we will receive from the HS2 which will make a significant contribution to our aim of creating a wonderful asset for the whole community.” The Abbey Fields Swimming Pool project is one of over 300 initiatives to be awarded funding from HS2’s Community & Environment (CEF) and Business & Local Economy Fund (BLEF). So far, HS2 Ltd has awarded over £17 million to 320 community projects since the funds were launched in 2017. Projects in the West Midlands, including Greater Birmingham, Warwickshire and Staffordshire, have received just over £3.5 million. HS2’s community and business funds are managed and administered on behalf of HS2 Ltd by the charity Groundwork UK. HS2’s CEF and BLEF schemes will provide up to £40 million in funding throughout the construction of HS2, supporting community groups and business partnerships to deliver projects that will improve the environment or bring direct benefits to local people and local economies. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Luton Town Football Club has received the green light from Luton Borough Council to proceed with its plans for a new 25,000-capacity stadium at Power Court. The decision, made by the Council’s planning committee, marks a significant milestone in the club’s efforts to deliver a state-of-the-art venue and drive long-term regeneration in Luton town centre. The planning application, submitted by the club’s development arm, 2020 Developments, in September, includes detailed proposals for the stadium alongside an outline plan for an adjacent hotel and music venue. The Power Court project forms part of a larger redevelopment of the 20-acre site, which also encompasses 1,200 residential apartments, commercial spaces, and high-quality public areas. The Power Court stadium in Luton is expected to become a central feature of the town’s revitalisation, bringing new opportunities for local business and community engagement. The design integrates modern facilities with a focus on enhancing the matchday experience for fans while serving as a multi-purpose venue for non-football events. The approval represents a major step forward for Luton Town FC, both on and off the pitch, and aligns with broader efforts to transform Luton into a vibrant hub for living, leisure, and commerce. The stadium is set to strengthen the club’s position in English football while creating a lasting legacy for the town. Further details on construction timelines and next steps for the Power Court development are expected to follow in due course. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The City of London Corporation’s Planning Applications-Sub Committee has approved the plans for what will become the City’s tallest tower, One Undershaft. Standing at 309.6 metres (74 storeys), the office tower is set to become a prominent feature in the Square Mile’s skyline, nestled between the iconic ‘Gherkin’ and Leadenhall buildings. Designed to be a key component of the City Cluster, the 1 Undershaft tower will play a central role in the City Corporation’s broader goal of delivering 1.2 million square metres of new office space by 2040. The revised design aims to meet the evolving needs of the post-pandemic office environment, while also aligning with the City Corporation’s ‘City Plan 2040,’ which aims to transform the area into a vibrant, seven-day-a-week destination for all communities. The new 1 Undershaft tower will provide 154,156 square meters of high-quality Grade A office space, as well as several public amenities. It will feature a 1,000 square metre free-to-visit elevated public space on levels 72 and 73, including a children’s education area operated in partnership with the London Museum. This space will be open seven days a week, extending into the evening, and is part of the City Corporation’s ‘Destination City’ initiative, which aims to increase foot traffic and stimulate economic growth across the area. In addition, 1 Undershaft will boast a 2,500 square metre publicly accessible podium garden, located 42 meters above street level. The garden will include food, drink, and retail amenities, along with cultural attractions. A striking structural glass floor will offer stunning views of the surrounding historic landmarks, including the Lloyds building. The project will also revamp the surrounding public realm, transforming St Mary Axe and parts of Leadenhall Street into a step-free, pedestrian-friendly area, complete with new greenery, seating, wayfinding, and a large digital screen for public events and screenings. This approval comes amidst a positive outlook for construction activity in the Square Mile, as highlighted in the latest Deloitte Crane survey, which showed an uptick in new construction projects in the City, despite a decline across other areas of London. With demand for office space in the City of London remaining high, global property consultancy Knight Frank reports that availability in newly built office buildings has fallen to just 0.5%, leading to a 16% rise in prime rents over the past year. One Undershaft is set to become a flagship project, driving both economic growth and community engagement, and cementing the City’s status as a leading global business hub. Image: DBOX Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Blackpool Council has announced plans to appoint new commercial marketing agents to promote the Blackpool Central site to international leisure investors, aiming to attract fresh investment for the high-profile location. The move signals the termination of the previous agreement with developer Nikal Ltd. and marks a new phase in the site’s redevelopment, which is already underway. Earlier this year, the first stage of the Blackpool Central project was completed with the opening of a 1,306-space multi-storey car park, funded through private sector investment under the former agreement. Demolition work at the site is scheduled to begin early in the new year, following the appointment of contractor DSM Demolition. The project will see the removal of the old police station, municipal courts, and a former joke shop on Central Drive. The demolition costs will be covered by funding from the Blackpool Town Deal, part of a UK Government initiative announced in 2022. Located near the iconic Blackpool Tower and adjacent to the Promenade, the Blackpool Central site spans up to 15 acres and boasts prime accessibility, including a direct route from the motorway to the new car park. Once the site of the world’s busiest train station, it now presents a significant opportunity to add to Blackpool’s £1.7 billion visitor economy and generate new jobs for the local community. The Council has retained ownership of most of the Blackpool Central land, ensuring it remains available for future development while safeguarding public finances. The agreement with Nikal generated £4.5 million for the Council, supporting local services and providing an option to acquire the new car park for a nominal fee in the future. In the coming months, Blackpool Council will begin working with international marketing agents to attract private sector investors and developers. The goal is to secure a new leisure attraction that will complement the town’s existing offerings and further boost Blackpool’s status as a premier destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henry Boot has announced the formation of Origin, a new UK-focused industrial and logistics (I&L) platform created in partnership with Feldberg Capital, a specialist in scaling sustainability-driven real estate ventures in high-growth sectors. Origin will focus on developing next-generation, ESG-compliant I&L assets across the country. The platform is well-capitalised at launch and will primarily target the mid-box I&L market, with an initial portfolio seeded by three sites from Henry Boot Developments’ (HBD) pipeline. These sites represent a combined gross development value (GDV) of approximately £100 million, with HBD retaining a £25 million share. Under the joint venture, HBD holds a 25% stake, while Feldberg controls 75%. HBD will act as the development manager, earning fees for its role, while Feldberg will serve as the investment manager. Both parties will have the opportunity to share in promote fees tied to the JV’s internal rate of return, contingent on meeting certain hurdle rates. Seed Projects to Deliver 450,000 sq ft of Prime Space The initial developments in the Origin portfolio include three key sites, collectively capable of delivering approximately 450,000 sq ft of prime industrial and logistics space: Construction on all three projects is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025, with delivery expected from the second half of the same year. All developments aim to achieve leading environmental standards, targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings. Looking ahead, Origin will leverage HBD’s existing development pipeline and acquire third-party sites for speculative and pre-let projects. Development finance will be sourced externally for each project, with the JV planning to deliver around £1 billion of high-quality I&L schemes across the UK over the next seven years, subject to market conditions. HBD retains the right to co-invest in future projects with the same 25:75 ownership split while continuing to serve as development manager. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bristol City Council has announced the start of major construction work on Victoria Street aimed at improving accessibility and making the area more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly. The project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The transformation will include several significant upgrades to enhance the experience of walking, wheeling, and cycling along the street. Planned improvements include: The project is part of the broader A37/A4018 transport corridor initiative, which is focused on enhancing the number 2 bus route, a key 15-mile route connecting Stockwood and Henbury. The work will be carried out in phases over approximately 15 months, with completion expected in early 2026. Victoria Street will remain open for most of the construction period, though temporary traffic signals will be in place, potentially causing delays. Side streets connecting to Victoria Street may also face temporary closures. Road resurfacing will occur overnight towards the end of the project. To ease the transition and encourage sustainable travel, the council is offering incentives during the construction period. Residents and commuters can access up to £100 in travel offers, including free bus and train travel vouchers, bike loans, and cycling training. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Brighton & Hove City Council has appointed Cheesmur Building Contractors to construct a groundbreaking net zero carbon youth centre in Knoll Park. Work on the facility is set to begin this winter. The new centre, purpose-designed to support young people and families, will double the capacity of existing youth services in the area. It will provide a dedicated space for advice, support services, and community engagement. Local residents had the opportunity to meet the contractor and learn about the project’s progress at an event on Tuesday, November 26, held at Knoll Pavilion. The project is made possible by the Youth Investment Fund Pilot scheme, a government initiative led by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Hangleton & Knoll Project, in collaboration with Brighton & Hove City Council, secured funding through a competitive bid process, which highlighted the quality of local youth work, strong community ties, and the council’s commitment to sustainable development. The Knoll Park youth centre is one of only four youth-based projects across England to receive funding through the scheme. The grant will cover all aspects of construction, including groundworks, landscaping, and associated costs. The project also follows extensive public consultation, which received council approval in June 2023. The centre will host services such as employment training, wellbeing workshops, and specialist support sessions for young people. Beyond its community benefits, the building will be a model of sustainability. Designed to achieve net zero carbon, the centre will incorporate energy-efficient designs, renewable energy sources, and cutting-edge low-carbon technology. The facility has been designed to harmonise with the existing Knoll Park brick pavilion and minimise its environmental footprint on the surrounding green space. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An essential transport infrastructure project designed to ease congestion and promote sustainable travel in Didcot and its surrounding villages has been granted planning permission. The HIF1 Didcot and surrounding areas project received approval from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner. The decision follows a recommendation from a planning inspector after a comprehensive 21-day conjoined public inquiry earlier this year. The major infrastructure initiative in Didcot aims to provide critical transport upgrades, fostering improved connectivity and reducing traffic bottlenecks. It is set to deliver enhanced travel options for residents and support sustainable development across the region. Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy, said: “The approval of this application is fantastic news, as securing planning consent is a key milestone in proceeding with this project. “This work is a big step towards tackling congestion in Didcot and the surrounding villages. It will transform travel in the Didcot area for current and future residents as well as commuters, reduce congestion in the surrounding villages, and improve air quality and noise levels.” The £332 million project is fully funded. Successful discussions with government in early 2022, and again in early 2024, resulted in additional grants from Homes England. Approval was also given to underwrite up to £30m from Oxfordshire County Council’s capital budget in February 2022, while Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership contributed a £10m capital investment generated from Enterprise Zones’ business rates retention. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Residents and staff at Greenfield, a Retirement Living scheme in Hull, are celebrating the completion of a significant refurbishment project, just in time for the festive season. The £900,000 refurbishment was undertaken by Esh Construction, commissioned by registered social housing provider Riverside. This project is part of Riverside’s broader initiative to upgrade Retirement Living accommodations nationwide. Key improvements included extensive upgrades to the fire alarm system, lighting, and the replacement of all communal fire doors and flat entrance doors. The exterior grounds also saw enhancements, with upgraded fencing, improved footpaths, and a reconfigured, resurfaced car park. Inside Greenfield, the refurbishment focused on modernising communal spaces with new mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems, full redecoration, and the installation of new flooring. The guest room, laundry room, and communal kitchen underwent partial refurbishments. A new conservatory was added, and an internal space was created for residents’ scooters, eliminating the need for them to access their mobility devices through an external garage. Simon Scott, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, said: “Carrying out works like these within an occupied building can naturally cause some disruption, and we are thankful to the residents and staff at Greenfield for their patience and cooperation during this time. Julie Aryiku went above and beyond to assist the team, and we developed a key relationship with her to facilitate the needs of the project. “We are proud to collaborate with Riverside to enhance and secure the future of vital social housing developments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
