Pennyfarthing Homes has received detailed planning approval for the first 74 homes at Sandle Park, a new residential development forming part of the wider Forde Valley neighbourhood, located just a mile northwest of Fordingbridge town centre. The approval, granted by New Forest District Council’s Planning Committee, marks the start of
Dudleys Consulting Engineers is working with Greenfingers Charity to create a unique shelter that will form part of a ‘Together Garden’ showcase at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse before becoming a permanent home at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Rotherham. The Together Garden is a thoughtful, deeply moving space created by designers
Planning permission has been granted for a 66-bedroom care home at Vistry’s Westcombe Park development in Heybridge, near Maldon, Essex. The new facility will be operated by LNT Care Developments and delivered in partnership with specialist developer Charterpoint and Vistry, the master developer of Westcombe Park. The three-storey care home
Caddick Construction has officially completed its first Midlands project with the handover of Mansion House, a six-storey residential development comprising 58 new apartments, to joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People. Located on the 43-acre Port Loop island alongside Birmingham Canal, the development is a key part of
Morgan Sindall Construction’s Wales division has officially broken ground on a new state-of-the-art Additional Learning Needs (ALN) school in Clydach Vale, designed to be net zero carbon in operation. Commissioned by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, the £37 million school will provide English-medium ALN education for 176 learners aged
Helical has appointed McLaren Construction as the main contractor for the £90 million transformation of Brettenham House, an iconic Art Deco building on London’s north bank, into a state-of-the-art sustainable office and retail hub. Originally built in 1932 and located within the Savoy Conservation Area, Brettenham House is set to
Mace has been appointed by Pegasi to deliver the major transformation of Fresh Wharf, a prominent 1980s building located on the banks of the River Thames, into a cutting-edge, sustainability-driven workplace. Situated just minutes from Tower Bridge, the 11-storey structure will be transformed to offer 120,000 sq ft of premium
The City of London Corporation has granted planning permission for two major high-rise schemes at opposite ends of the City’s historic skyscraper cluster, reinforcing the Square Mile’s reputation as a global business and cultural hub. The approved projects, a 45-storey tower at 63 St Mary’s Axe and a 32-storey development
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has reached a significant milestone, following five consecutive weekends of intensive engineering work between Leeds and York to advance electrification of the line. As part of the ongoing upgrades, engineers have now installed 7.5 kilometres of overhead line equipment (OLE) wiring between Micklefield and Church
Plans to transform the Teviot Estate in Poplar have reached a major milestone, with Tower Hamlets Council granting a resolution to approve the £800 million redevelopment at its Strategic Development Committee meeting. The Hill Group and housing association Poplar HARCA are leading the regeneration, which is set to deliver 1,928
Pennyfarthing Homes has received detailed planning approval for the first 74 homes at Sandle Park, a new residential development forming part of the wider Forde Valley neighbourhood, located just a mile northwest of Fordingbridge town centre. The approval, granted by New Forest District Council’s Planning Committee, marks the start of a major new phase in the housebuilder’s expansion in the area. Development is expected to begin later this year. Sandle Park will eventually comprise 342 homes, with 25% allocated for affordable tenures including shared ownership, affordable rent and First Homes. The first phase will deliver 74 properties, made up of 56 homes for private sale and 18 affordable homes. The scheme offers a wide range of housing options, from one- to three-bedroom apartments in a manor-style building to two- and three-bedroom bungalows and larger family houses with two to four bedrooms. The new neighbourhood has been designed with a strong focus on green infrastructure and community wellbeing. Plans include more than a kilometre of new pathways, 1,700 newly planted trees, informal open spaces, a children’s play area and a 2.4-hectare Alternative Natural Recreational Greenspace to benefit both residents and the wider community. Ben Arnold, Land and Planning Director at Pennyfarthing Homes, said: “We are delighted to have received overwhelming support from New Forest District Council’s Planning Committee for the first 74 homes at Sandle Park. Members of the planning committee praised the layout and appearance of the development, including the feature apartment building and the use of bungalows in the layout. The mix of properties will serve a range of homebuyers’ needs here in Fordingbridge, creating a diverse community with a deep sense of connection to nature, thanks to its abundance of greenspaces. We look forward to commencing development work at Sandle Park later this year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dudleys Consulting Engineers is working with Greenfingers Charity to create a unique shelter that will form part of a ‘Together Garden’ showcase at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse before becoming a permanent home at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Rotherham. The Together Garden is a thoughtful, deeply moving space created by designers Phil Hirst and Joanne Charlton. Designed to offer moments of reflection, connection and peace, the Together Garden features curved timber benches, inviting visitors to sit together with a bespoke canopy providing shelter alongside two sculptural elements representing hands held together to symbolise comfort and unity. After a debut at RHS Wentworth Woodhouse Flower Show, the garden will be reimagined as a permanent, tranquil space outside one of the hospice’s bereavement suites. It will offer bereaved families a peaceful place to make memories and find comfort during the most difficult times. Leeds based Dudleys Consulting Engineers were asked to support the project through its specialist structures team providing expert advice around the design and creation of the bespoke canopy. Rob Thomson, Associate at Dudleys Consulting Engineers, said: “We are honoured to have been asked to help in delivering the Together Garden that will provide a lasting legacy as a peaceful retreat and some comfort for those who most need it. “The canopy is a unique structure with curved columns and elliptical roof. Our challenge has been to minimise the size of the structural elements whilst making sure it remains stable and safe. We delivered multiple design iterations of a complex geometry using our state-of-the-art analysis tools, alongside our deep understanding of structural engineering within a tight timescale so that it is ready in time for the show later this month.” Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity which funds the design, build and care of children’s hospices nationally, said: “We are incredibly excited to be part of RHS Wentworth Woodhouse for the very first time. It’s a fantastic platform to raise awareness of the work we do, and to introduce even more people to the power of gardens in creating comfort and connection during life’s most challenging moments. “Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is already known for its beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces, which play a vital role in its work with families. The addition of the Together Garden will further enhance this environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning permission has been granted for a 66-bedroom care home at Vistry’s Westcombe Park development in Heybridge, near Maldon, Essex. The new facility will be operated by LNT Care Developments and delivered in partnership with specialist developer Charterpoint and Vistry, the master developer of Westcombe Park. The three-storey care home will offer a range of modern amenities for residents and visitors, including en-suite wet rooms, lounges, dining areas, a café, a sky bar, a cinema, a hair salon, and dedicated staff facilities. The site will also include 32 parking spaces, two of which are accessible, and six electric vehicle charging stations. Ambulance and taxi drop-off points are part of the design, along with 16 cycle spaces and secure mobility scooter storage and charging areas. Designed to provide both general residential and dementia care, the home will feature landscaped gardens with direct access for residents, promoting outdoor activity and wellbeing. The majority of the building’s energy needs will be met through on-site renewable sources, including ground source heating and rooftop photovoltaic panels, supported by battery storage to capture surplus energy. Giles Nursey, Managing Director of Charterpoint, said: “We are very pleased to have received planning permission to build a modern care home at Westcombe Park to provide first-class care facilities for the local community. As a specialist developer who has delivered numerous care home schemes across the country, we are proud to be part of the team creating important facilities at this exciting garden suburb and feel sure that this care home will be a key community asset.” The care home forms a central part of the wider Westcombe Park masterplan, which is designed to support residents at all stages of life. The new neighbourhood will feature a mix of homes to suit various affordability levels, and includes plans for a new neighbourhood centre comprising later-living apartments, a health centre, convenience store, retail units, and a day nursery. Martin Leach, Managing Director at Vistry Strategic Land & Major Projects, said: “The provision of a first-class care facility is a valuable addition for Westcombe Park, forming part of our wider ambition to create a well-rounded neighbourhood with the mix of homes, facilities and infrastructure that communities need. We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Charterpoint and LNT to provide this fantastic facility for the residents of Maldon.” The care home will be built by LNT and operated by its sister company, Crystal Care Collection. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has officially completed its first Midlands project with the handover of Mansion House, a six-storey residential development comprising 58 new apartments, to joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People. Located on the 43-acre Port Loop island alongside Birmingham Canal, the development is a key part of a major regeneration scheme in the city. Mansion House represents the culmination of Caddick’s initial work in the region following the company’s expansion into the Midlands in 2023. The handover also concludes a specialist façade package delivered by CCL Facades, a sister company to Caddick. This marks CCL’s first contract in the Midlands, which included the design and installation of a bespoke aluminium curtain walling system with terracotta finishes, as well as windows and roof lights. Caddick’s involvement in the Port Loop project extended beyond construction, with efforts made to benefit the local community. The company employed three apprentices on-site and hosted careers presentations for construction students at James Watts College. Community outreach also included a £1,000 donation to the Birmingham Care Group Food Pantry to support its ‘Kids Eat Free’ campaign, and volunteer work at the Birmingham Settlement Nature and Wellbeing Centre. To further support the regional economy, Caddick engaged a local supply chain, with £5.2 million of subcontractor and supplier packages sourced within a 30-mile radius of the development. Since establishing its Midlands base at Northspring on Temple Street, Caddick has grown significantly — expanding from a 10-person launch team to more than 60 employees, including apprentices and trainees. The company has also built a strong regional portfolio, with a current order book of £250 million and £90 million in secured contracts across residential, industrial, manufacturing, and commercial sectors. Ray O’Sullivan, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction Midlands, said: “The completion and handover of Port Loop is a real milestone for Caddick, not least because it is a significant regeneration development for Birmingham. To have this as our first project is a mark of the reputation Caddick brought to the region when we launched in 2023. We have also worked alongside our colleagues at CCL Facades at Port Loop, which has created valuable collaboration and ensured we deliver exceptional standards at one of Birmingham’s most exciting new neighbourhoods.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Construction’s Wales division has officially broken ground on a new state-of-the-art Additional Learning Needs (ALN) school in Clydach Vale, designed to be net zero carbon in operation. Commissioned by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, the £37 million school will provide English-medium ALN education for 176 learners aged 3 to 19. The project, awarded via the SEWSCAP 3 Framework, is being jointly funded by the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Completion is expected in Autumn 2026. The new facility will feature 23 classrooms, a hydrotherapy pool, a wellbeing centre, a canteen and a range of multi-use and support spaces spread across a two-storey modern building. External works will include outdoor learning and play areas, a secure roof terrace on the southern side of the building, and a 79-space car park with EV charging points, drop-off/pick-up facilities and covered cycle storage. To preserve the local environment, all existing trees and surrounding woodland will be retained, and the site will be enclosed with secure boundary fencing. The school is designed in line with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Welsh Government climate commitments and reflects Morgan Sindall’s own sustainability goals. The building will be powered by rooftop solar PV panels and will feature a sustainable drainage system to manage rainwater responsibly. Morgan Sindall will also implement a dedicated social value plan throughout construction, working with the council’s Employment, Education, and Training team to deliver job creation, apprenticeships, and training opportunities for local residents. A Morgan Sindall Knowledge Quad will also be established on site—providing a hub for education, engagement, and community collaboration. Rob Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in Wales, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to begin the construction of this brand new, state-of-the-art school in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Our work will support the next generation of learners with ALN with specialised high quality educational facilities such as the hydrotherapy pool and wellbeing centre. “We very much look forward to progressing works on site and engaging with the wider Clydach Vale community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Helical has appointed McLaren Construction as the main contractor for the £90 million transformation of Brettenham House, an iconic Art Deco building on London’s north bank, into a state-of-the-art sustainable office and retail hub. Originally built in 1932 and located within the Savoy Conservation Area, Brettenham House is set to undergo a major refurbishment that will modernise the building’s interior while preserving and restoring its distinctive historical features. The 128,716 sq ft office building will be reconfigured to meet the highest sustainability and wellness benchmarks, targeting BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5*, EPC A, and WELL Platinum ratings. The project will also expand the outdoor terrace space to 6,600 sq ft and introduce generous communal areas at each entrance to foster collaboration and social interaction. The basement will be upgraded to replace car parking with modern cycling amenities and improved end-of-journey facilities. The building’s services and glazing will be comprehensively replaced and enhanced. Externally, the redevelopment will focus on restoring the building’s original façade detailing, particularly at ground level on Lancaster Place, where it faces Somerset House. Missing heritage elements, such as the distinctive bronze lanterns that once marked the main entrance, will be reinstated, while unsightly service louvres and grilles on Savoy Street will be concealed behind decorative openwork panels. Matt Redgrove, Senior Development Executive for Helical, said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with McLaren to revitalise this Art Deco icon. Along with sensitively restoring the building, we will be bringing the specification up to modern day sustainability and amenity standards with the terracing across the building providing unrivalled views along the River Thames.” Darren Gill, Managing Director for London & South at McLaren Construction, added: “This monumental building at the top of Waterloo Bridge will be a familiar landmark to so many of London’s workers and visitors and we will all enjoy seeing it restored and revitalised. It’s not so long ago that it would have seemed like a tall order to bring a 1930s building up to the standards of a brand new office, but that’s become a far more familiar and achievable task.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mace has been appointed by Pegasi to deliver the major transformation of Fresh Wharf, a prominent 1980s building located on the banks of the River Thames, into a cutting-edge, sustainability-driven workplace. Situated just minutes from Tower Bridge, the 11-storey structure will be transformed to offer 120,000 sq ft of premium office space. The redevelopment will also include 25,150 sq ft of outdoor areas, a new riverside café, an enhanced public realm, and a destination restaurant. The project has been designed by renowned architecture firm Buckley Gray Yeoman, aligning with a growing industry shift towards retrofitting existing buildings for a net-zero future while elevating tenant experience. Fresh Wharf is targeting some of the highest sustainability and performance accreditations available, including BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum, NABERS 4.5 Stars, and WiredScore Platinum. The scheme aims for a whole-life embodied carbon footprint of just 933 kgCO₂/m², setting a new benchmark in low-impact redevelopment. As part of its circular economy approach, the project will retain and reuse approximately 50% of the building’s raised access flooring panels—an initiative expected to save up to 100 tonnes of CO₂. Newly installed panels will be made from 86% recycled content, each with an Environmental Product Declaration and material passport to ensure traceability and future reuse. Sustainable progress is already underway, with 30 tonnes of glazing from the original structure recycled through Saint-Gobain’s closed-loop glass system, preventing 21.3 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Stewart Ward, Managing Director of Fit Out & Retrofit at Mace Construct, said: “This project is about more than refurbishment; it’s about redefining what’s possible with existing buildings. At Fresh Wharf we’re proving that a 1980s structure can be transformed into a workplace that meets today’s highest sustainability standards, while delivering on design, modern occupier demands and creating long-term value.” Scheduled for completion in 2026, Fresh Wharf is expected to become a landmark example of sustainable workplace redevelopment in central London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The City of London Corporation has granted planning permission for two major high-rise schemes at opposite ends of the City’s historic skyscraper cluster, reinforcing the Square Mile’s reputation as a global business and cultural hub. The approved projects, a 45-storey tower at 63 St Mary’s Axe and a 32-storey development at 85 Gracechurch Street, will jointly deliver over 110,000 square metres of Grade A, sustainable office space, supporting more than 6,500 jobs. The developments mark a significant milestone in the City’s Destination City growth strategy, designed to attract international business and boost weekday and weekend footfall through culture, heritage, and hospitality. Both towers have been designed with respect for London’s historic skyline, maintaining protected views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. In a rare integration of new and old, the projects will also bring previously hidden archaeological finds into public view—creating two free-to-visit heritage destinations open seven days a week. The 45-storey mixed-use scheme at 63 St Mary’s Axe will provide over 85,000 sqm of office floorspace, contributing 4.2% of the City’s projected space requirement to meet economic and employment growth targets. The tower is expected to create more than 4,500 jobs, further bolstering the City’s standing as a leading global centre for financial and professional services. At street level, the scheme introduces flexible commercial spaces, cultural offerings, and the new ‘Camomile’ Park, featuring elevated walkways, retail units, and green public spaces. A standout element of the development is the unveiling of a surviving section of the London Wall, alongside 1,500 sqm of public open space, two new pedestrian routes, and extensive urban greening, including the planting of 76 new trees. The updated 32-storey scheme at 85 Gracechurch Street builds on plans first approved in early 2023. Now redesigned to incorporate the discovery of a first-century Roman Forum-Basilica, the development will include 34,000 sqm of Grade A office space, supporting around 2,200 jobs. The Roman Forum-Basilica, the administrative and commercial heart of Roman London, will be preserved and celebrated through a world-class, immersive exhibition free to the public. This focus on cultural value aligns with the City’s long-term vision of broadening access to its rich history. The broader redevelopment will rejuvenate nearby Leadenhall Market, introducing a ground-floor public hall with food, retail, and event space. A historic pedestrian route linking Gracechurch Street to Lime Street Passage will be reopened, and visitors will also have access to a fifth-floor public terrace, offering new views of the evolving City skyline. The twin approvals reflect the City of London’s ambition to carefully grow its tall building cluster while embedding public value through job creation, heritage access, green spaces and cultural destinations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has reached a significant milestone, following five consecutive weekends of intensive engineering work between Leeds and York to advance electrification of the line. As part of the ongoing upgrades, engineers have now installed 7.5 kilometres of overhead line equipment (OLE) wiring between Micklefield and Church Fenton. This latest progress builds on earlier mast installation and is key to delivering faster, greener rail journeys across the north of England. The electrification work in this stretch brings the project a step closer to connecting electric passenger services between York and Church Fenton, due to launch in the coming months. This follows the successful introduction of electric services between Manchester Victoria and Stalybridge in 2024. In Cross Gates, major infrastructure improvements were also completed, including the safe demolition and replacement of the Station Road bridge, clearing the way for future OLE installation in the area. Elsewhere, around 750 metres of track have been renewed between Killingbeck and Cross Gates, supporting smoother and more reliable services. A new track crossover was installed to improve operational flexibility, enabling trains to switch lines and maintain service continuity during future construction phases. Adam Sellers, senior sponsor for TRU, said: “This latest series of upgrades has taken us a step closer to the electrification of the route between York and Manchester. Wiring is now in place in the Barkston Ash area, whilst Cross Gates station can now facilitate the installation of OLE masts. “Work to deliver cleaner, greener services throughout this area will continue throughout the year, whilst attention also turns to the introduction of electric passenger services nearby, which is another huge milestone for the programme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to transform the Teviot Estate in Poplar have reached a major milestone, with Tower Hamlets Council granting a resolution to approve the £800 million redevelopment at its Strategic Development Committee meeting. The Hill Group and housing association Poplar HARCA are leading the regeneration, which is set to deliver 1,928 new homes—508 of which will be affordable—representing a 65% increase in affordable housing provision. The redevelopment will be delivered in four phases and will also include new community spaces, shops, faith facilities, and re-landscaped public parks, including a rejuvenated Langdon Park. The regeneration has been developed following extensive community consultation, with Teviot residents closely involved in shaping the project’s design and long-term vision. Social rent residents in the regeneration area will retain the right to remain within the new development on social rent terms, helping preserve the community’s fabric. “This is a landmark moment for Teviot and a major step forward in delivering lasting change for the community,” said Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group. “Securing planning permission means we can now move forward with our shared vision, which prioritises creating high-quality homes and improved communal spaces that reflect the needs of residents. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Poplar HARCA and the local community to bring these plans to life.” Construction of the first phase is expected to begin in 2026, delivering 475 new homes, 44% of which will be affordable. This includes 140 homes for social rent and 24 for shared ownership, with the first completions anticipated by 2028. Designed by BPTW architects, the eight-hectare masterplan incorporates a mix of studios, apartments, and family-sized homes. It places a strong emphasis on quality public realm, with five new public squares, landscaped corridors, improved pedestrian links, and a safer foot tunnel under the A12. Enhancements to the Fawe Street Bridge and Limehouse Cut, as well as better access to Langdon Park station, are also planned. Safety measures such as new lighting and CCTV will be implemented to reduce anti-social behaviour. In addition to new homes and community infrastructure, the regeneration will deliver over £240 million in social value benefits. This will include support for local programmes, investments in open spaces such as Langdon Park, and a new pontoon on the Limehouse Cut Canal to promote access to water-based activities. So far, £427,000 has already been invested in initiatives to support local residents ahead of formal approval. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
