Construction has officially begun on a £30 million regeneration project at Barnes Hospital led by Willmott Dixon. The project includes the development of a new NHS mental health facility and a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school, following the successful completion of the nearby Chiswick Health Centre. It is being funded
Queen Mary University of London has signed an agreement with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to acquire a substantial parcel of land in Whitechapel, adjacent to its current campus. The acquisition enables Queen Mary to expand its research and education footprint, creating a transformative, multi-disciplinary life sciences
Thames Valley has received unanimous approval from Adur District Council’s planning committee for Phase 2 of the Malthouse Meadows development in West Sompting. The next phase of the project will deliver 91 new homes, including 27 designated as affordable housing for those not served by the open market. Alongside the
Winvic Construction Ltd has completed its first venture into the Life Sciences sector with the delivery of Phase 2 of Bourn Quarter, a premier Research and Development hub situated near Cambourne, west of Cambridge. The project was undertaken for developer Mortimer/RE (formerly Aitchison Developments) on behalf of pension fund clients
Homes England has completed the acquisition of Ripon Barracks from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), paving the way for the development of 1,300 new homes on the military site, which is scheduled for closure. The transformation will create a vibrant new community in North Yorkshire, incorporating natural green spaces, a
Construction is underway on Siemens Mobility’s new £20 million Bogie Assembly and Service Centre in Goole, with Yorkshire-based contractor Caddick Construction leading the build. The 13,500 sq m facility will form a key part of Siemens Mobility’s expanding Goole Rail Village and is set to boost the region’s industrial capacity.
Construction has officially commenced on the new Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC) at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH). Led by long-term design partner BDP, the new centre is one of the most ambitious projects in GOSH’s history. The firm is overseeing architecture, landscape, engineering, and planning design for the
Work is due to begin this summer on a new £27.3 million leisure centre in Bishop Auckland, marking the start of Durham County Council’s flagship development under its Leisure Transformation Programme. The new facility will replace the aging Woodhouse Leisure Complex, the oldest in the council’s portfolio, and will become
Leeds City Council has launched a public consultation on new planning guidance that could pave the way for the large-scale regeneration of land surrounding Elland Road football stadium, potentially delivering a multi-billion-pound boost to the city’s economy. The draft ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’ outlines a vision for transforming
Ashfield District Council has named Lindum Group as the construction partner for the Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC), a pioneering facility that will anchor the £100 million Ashfield Innovation and Technology Park in Sutton-in-Ashfield. Construction of the ADMC is set to begin this summer, with completion expected by late
Construction has officially begun on a £30 million regeneration project at Barnes Hospital led by Willmott Dixon. The project includes the development of a new NHS mental health facility and a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school, following the successful completion of the nearby Chiswick Health Centre. It is being funded by South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust alongside LocatED, an arm’s-length body of the Department for Education. The redevelopment aims to deliver modern, sustainable facilities that serve both the healthcare and education sectors. The new NHS centre will house a range of community mental health services that were temporarily relocated to the Trust’s Livingston House site in Teddington in 2023. Upon reopening in 2027, the Barnes site will operate alongside Livingston House, improving service accessibility across the borough. The school component of the scheme, known as the London River Academy, will offer 90 places for children with social and emotional mental health (SEMH) needs. It will be operated by the Beckmead Trust and is designed to provide a supportive, purpose-built learning environment. The Barnes Hospital transformation follows extensive community consultation involving staff, patients, carers, and local residents. It also forms part of a wider strategic programme to modernise mental health infrastructure across South West London. That programme began with the £150 million redevelopment of Springfield University Hospital in Wandsworth, completed in 2023. It will continue with the opening of the Richmond Royal Wellbeing Centre later this summer, Barnes Hospital in 2027, and conclude with the £110 million redevelopment of Tolworth Hospital in Kingston, scheduled for completion in 2028. Alongside the health and education components, a residential development led by LS Estates is also planned for the remaining part of the Barnes site, contributing to the broader regeneration of the area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Queen Mary University of London has signed an agreement with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to acquire a substantial parcel of land in Whitechapel, adjacent to its current campus. The acquisition enables Queen Mary to expand its research and education footprint, creating a transformative, multi-disciplinary life sciences campus. The development aims to improve health outcomes locally and globally, while also boosting economic growth and attracting inward investment to the area. The site’s close proximity to the University’s existing facilities and its long-standing partner, Barts Health NHS Trust, will allow Queen Mary to consolidate its operations in Whitechapel—already one of its nine London locations—into a hub of education, innovation, and healthcare. The future campus will bring together researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to address some of the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. Professor Colin Bailey CBE, President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London, said: “Queen Mary is unparalleled among research-intensive universities in combining world-leading research and education, with a profound commitment to the local communities we serve, and to social mobility and justice. In a world still facing intractable inequalities in health and access to education, universities like Queen Mary are needed more than ever. The step we have taken today future-proofs the long-term future of our University and our mission. “This major investment in Whitechapel gives us the opportunity, working with partners, to drive economic growth and healthcare benefits in an increasingly hyper-connected area of London within which we have deep historic roots, stretching back to 1785 and beyond, and long-standing and productive partnerships. “The campus we develop here will enable us to create an environment that integrates the talents of our researchers, scientists, teachers and clinicians across all our disciplines and allows them to work directly alongside other national and international partners, businesses and entrepreneurs, generating the healthcare and wellbeing solutions, and required vital broader skillsets, of tomorrow.” This latest agreement builds on Queen Mary’s initial acquisition of part of the site in November 2021, which was described by Professor Bailey at the time as “one of the largest research investments in Queen Mary’s history.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thames Valley has received unanimous approval from Adur District Council’s planning committee for Phase 2 of the Malthouse Meadows development in West Sompting. The next phase of the project will deliver 91 new homes, including 27 designated as affordable housing for those not served by the open market. Alongside the residential development, the plans feature a 9-acre community orchard and several areas of public open space designed to promote wellbeing and biodiversity. Malthouse Meadows has been created with an emphasis on green infrastructure. The orchard will be planted with approximately 2,000 trees and hedges, including more than 120 fruit trees. Once completed, the orchard will be managed long-term by The Sompting Estate. The development will also include a pocket park at the entrance and pedestrian access to further surrounding green areas. Homes will range from one-bedroom maisonettes to four-bedroom detached family houses. Several properties will be designed for adaptability, allowing them to meet residents’ changing needs over time. Each home will be equipped with electric vehicle charging points and will use air source heat pumps for low-carbon heating. In addition to new housing and green space, the development includes significant investment in local infrastructure through a Section 106 agreement. This includes £595,000 for improvements to pedestrian, cycling and bridleway routes, £90,000 for traffic calming measures along West Street, and £431,708 towards upgrades to the A27 corridor and A259/A283 junction. Dan Castle, Managing Director for Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, said: “Work is progressing on our popular Phase 1 scheme at Malthouse Meadows and we are delighted to have been given the green light to continue building here. The community orchard will provide a valuable asset to the community for generations to come and create a lasting legacy in West Sompting.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd has completed its first venture into the Life Sciences sector with the delivery of Phase 2 of Bourn Quarter, a premier Research and Development hub situated near Cambourne, west of Cambridge. The project was undertaken for developer Mortimer/RE (formerly Aitchison Developments) on behalf of pension fund clients of Savills Investment Management. Winvic was responsible for constructing nine units across six buildings, encompassing a total of 154,634 sq ft. The facilities include a mix of detached and connected industrial units, with single-storey office spaces fitted to a CAT A standard, ranging in size from 2,095 sq ft to 7,753 sq ft. Danny Nelson, Managing Director of Industrial, Distribution and Logistics at Winvic, said: “This significant Life Sciences scheme marks our first in the sub-sector and we are pleased to be completing on such a pivotal facility for the Cambridge area and beyond, with Net Zero Carbon capability. “Entering the Life Sciences sub-sector is a milestone enhancement to our growing project portfolio, and it’s been a pleasure to work alongside Mortimer/RE and its exceptional team. We are honoured that they put their trust in us to deliver Phase 2 of the development which is primed for Life Sciences and Research and Development companies. I’d also like to thank our colleagues for bringing their passion, dedication and expertise to the project.” Designed to accommodate a wide range of businesses, the scheme offers production, storage, warehouse, and office spaces. In addition to building construction, Winvic delivered on-site roads, yards, car parks, and a comprehensive landscaping initiative that included planting 351 trees, installing insect blocks, and enhancing the site’s biodiversity. Bourn Quarter Phase 2 has achieved an EPC A+ rating and is on course to receive a BREEAM Excellent certification. Developed in line with Mortimer/RE’s ambition for Net Zero operational carbon, the project reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Winvic’s extensive experience in delivering large-scale, complex industrial projects helped the team navigate various logistical challenges, particularly the need to coordinate with existing occupiers from Phase 1 of the development. To mark the project’s completion, two celebratory events were held in April. One event, in collaboration with the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust, unveiled a memorial stone commemorating the site’s World War II airfield history. The second brought together project partners for a celebratory breakfast and site tour. As part of its Employment and Skills Plan, Winvic prioritised local hiring and skills development. The project saw 61 people new to the construction sector employed, including five individuals previously classified as long-term unemployed. Additionally, five new apprenticeships were awarded in fields such as quantity surveying, engineering, and electrical, while eight existing apprentices were supported through the project. The team also showed community spirit by sponsoring and participating in the 2024 Bourn to Run 10km event, raising funds for Bourn Primary Academy and the Bourn Sports and Social Club. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Homes England has completed the acquisition of Ripon Barracks from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), paving the way for the development of 1,300 new homes on the military site, which is scheduled for closure. The transformation will create a vibrant new community in North Yorkshire, incorporating natural green spaces, a new primary school, community centre, and retail hub. The development forms part of a government initiative to accelerate housing delivery on underused public land. In March, Ripon Barracks was selected as a trailblazer site under a new cross-government approach to unlocking MoD-owned land for housing. A dedicated taskforce including the MoD, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and HM Treasury is spearheading reforms to fast-track planning and development. The scheme has progressed through extensive collaboration between Homes England, the MoD, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and the Army Basing and Infrastructure Directorate. The site’s release aligns with the MoD’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) programme, which focuses on modernising defence infrastructure while divesting sites no longer required. Development will begin in phases, starting with 150 new homes on the currently vacant Deverell Barracks site. Future phases will follow the relocation of the Royal Engineers from Claro Barracks, Laver Banks, and the former Engineering Park to Marne Barracks in Catterick. Homes England will serve as the master developer, leading the delivery of critical infrastructure such as site-wide drainage and road networks to enable construction. The organisation also plans to reflect the site’s military heritage through careful design and landscaping, integrating historic features like the parade ground layout and original footpaths into the new community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is underway on Siemens Mobility’s new £20 million Bogie Assembly and Service Centre in Goole, with Yorkshire-based contractor Caddick Construction leading the build. The 13,500 sq m facility will form a key part of Siemens Mobility’s expanding Goole Rail Village and is set to boost the region’s industrial capacity. The project is expected to safeguard around 100 existing jobs and create up to 200 new roles, supporting both local employment and Siemens long-term ambitions in rail technology. Located on 1.5 hectares of land adjacent to the company’s existing train manufacturing facility, the new centre will focus on assembling and refurbishing bogies and wheelsets, critical components of rail vehicles. Once completed in spring 2026, the site will serve both domestic and international rail networks. This latest contract adds to Caddick’s growing portfolio of industrial developments across Yorkshire. The firm is currently delivering major projects such as Yara International’s new manufacturing facility at Ozone Business Park in Howden, and a £42 million, 16,500 sq m manufacturing plant for Schneider Electric in Scarborough. Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, said: “Our region’s industrial sector is seeing some significant investment, which is really positive for our economy and job market. As a Yorkshire business, we’re proud to be delivering these flagship schemes for global leaders in manufacturing. Not only are we expanding our project portfolio, but we’re also supporting our regional supply chain and creating valuable training and employment opportunities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has officially commenced on the new Children’s Cancer Centre (CCC) at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH). Led by long-term design partner BDP, the new centre is one of the most ambitious projects in GOSH’s history. The firm is overseeing architecture, landscape, engineering, and planning design for the facility, drawing on a relationship with the hospital that began in 2014. The start of construction follows four months of complex deconstruction works. Main contractor Sisk has now begun excavation and basement operations, kicking off the primary construction phase. Above-ground development will follow as work progresses on delivering a world-class centre for paediatric cancer care. BDP was appointed to design the CCC after winning a design competition in 2017. Since then, the practice has worked closely with Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and its Charity to turn the vision into reality, ensuring the centre reflects the needs and insights of patients, families, clinicians, and staff. Once complete, the new CCC will offer a 20% increase in capacity and bring all cancer services under one roof. It will feature digitally advanced inpatient wards, new surgical theatres, intensive care facilities, a purpose-built hospital school, and a new main entrance for the hospital, designed to support integrated and seamless patient care. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work is due to begin this summer on a new £27.3 million leisure centre in Bishop Auckland, marking the start of Durham County Council’s flagship development under its Leisure Transformation Programme. The new facility will replace the aging Woodhouse Leisure Complex, the oldest in the council’s portfolio, and will become a key part of the council’s strategy to modernise leisure services across the region. The centre will be the fifth project delivered by Alliance Leisure for the council, following upgrades to facilities in Consett, Abbey, Peterlee, and Stanley. Funded primarily by Durham County Council, with an additional £2.5 million contribution from Sport England, the development is designed to promote health, wellbeing, and community cohesion—particularly in one of the county’s most deprived areas. Currently, 33% of residents in County Durham live in the top 20% most deprived areas nationally, and nearly 39% of adults are considered physically inactive. The Bishop Auckland leisure centre has been designed to address these challenges by offering modern, inclusive amenities aimed at encouraging physical activity for all ages and abilities. In a first for the region, the centre will also incorporate a public library, creating a multi-purpose community hub that combines leisure, education, health, and social engagement. Key features of the new facility will include a 25-metre, six-lane main swimming pool and a 20-metre, four-lane teaching pool with moveable floors. A large gym, two group exercise studios, and the council’s fourth Move Hub, an Innerva-equipped, power-assisted exercise studio designed to support users with reduced mobility—will also be included. The development will feature an indoor adventure play area to support children’s physical literacy and social development, a café for community use, and flexible community and cultural spaces. Outdoor active areas and a community garden will further enhance the site’s role as a neighbourhood focal point. Designed by GT3 Architects, the building will incorporate pitched roofs and expansive windows to maximise natural light while blending with the local architectural style. It aims to achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating and will operate entirely on electricity, utilising air source heat pumps and renewable energy systems to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. The project team includes contractor Morgan Sindall, project managers Axiom, planning consultancy DPP, and GT3 Architects as lead designers. The scheme was procured through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds City Council has launched a public consultation on new planning guidance that could pave the way for the large-scale regeneration of land surrounding Elland Road football stadium, potentially delivering a multi-billion-pound boost to the city’s economy. The draft ‘Elland Road 2025 Informal Planning Statement’ outlines a vision for transforming around 30 acres of land, primarily owned by the council, into a new mixed-use neighbourhood. The plans include up to 2,000 new homes, high-quality public spaces and a range of leisure and commercial opportunities. The regeneration area could accommodate new community amenities such as a sports arena, hotel accommodation, and flexible workspaces. There is also scope for educational facilities linked to health, sport, and wellbeing, reflecting international examples where major stadiums have become the centrepieces of wider urban renewal. Proposals also cover the future of the temporary park and ride facility currently operating on the site. Subject to evidence of demand, one or more multi-storey car parks could be built to serve both the local community and visitors, particularly on matchdays. The development of the area would be phased over a 20-year period to ensure the local highway network can accommodate changes without negatively impacting neighbouring communities. The consultation comes as the council looks to refresh planning guidance for the site for the first time since 2007, taking into account changing conditions across Leeds and progress on Leeds United’s proposed stadium expansion. The land has been earmarked for redevelopment for several years, but recent momentum has prompted the council to update its vision in line with current and future needs. As part of the process, local residents will be contacted to share their experiences regarding parking issues in the area, with the council exploring the potential introduction of new parking restrictions to ease pressure on surrounding streets. Alongside housing and leisure developments, the draft guidance also emphasises improved transport links. Plans include enhancements to walking and cycling infrastructure to better connect Elland Road with the wider city and promote sustainable travel options. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ashfield District Council has named Lindum Group as the construction partner for the Automated Distribution and Manufacturing Centre (ADMC), a pioneering facility that will anchor the £100 million Ashfield Innovation and Technology Park in Sutton-in-Ashfield. Construction of the ADMC is set to begin this summer, with completion expected by late 2026 and the first businesses moving in by early 2027. The 2,800-square-metre purpose-built facility will serve as a national centre of excellence for automation, supporting businesses of all sizes in developing and implementing bespoke automation strategies. By driving productivity, competitiveness, and innovation, the centre is expected to significantly boost long-term economic growth in the region. Modelled on the UK’s Catapult Centres, the ADMC will offer access to cutting-edge technology, skills development, and independent expertise. Its operations will focus on four key pillars: In addition to technical facilities, the centre will include space for networking, events, and collaboration. It will be staffed by a dedicated team of researchers, engineers, and technical specialists. Several strategic partners are already involved in shaping the centre’s offer, including Nottingham Trent University, Vision West Nottinghamshire College, Swiftool Precision Engineering, and ECS Engineering. Their involvement aims to ensure that the ADMC meets real-world industry demands and aligns with the needs of the region’s manufacturers and logistics operators. Situated on Lowmoor Road, close to the A38, M1, and Sutton Parkway Station, the ADMC is ideally positioned to serve the Midlands’ strong industrial base. The broader Innovation and Technology Park, backed by the government’s Towns Fund, is a key part of Ashfield’s regeneration strategy and will play a vital role in delivering high-skilled employment opportunities across the district. Freddie Chambers, Co-Chair of Lindum Group, said: “We are pleased to be appointed as the construction partner for the ADMC. This centre represents a bold vision for the future of UK industry and will create a legacy for Ashfield. As a construction company with strong Midlands roots and a commitment to social value, we are proud to be helping to bring this transformational facility to life.” Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, added: “Once the ADMC is completed and functioning, it will become a magnet for businesses who recognise the need to embrace new technology to drive growth and improve. It should provide a legacy for generations to come and one we firmly believe will attract more high skilled jobs to Ashfield. “The economic benefits of this project are incredible and will allow the Council to unlock the district’s true potential. This is all part of our broader regeneration strategy to make Ashfield a fantastic place to live, work, study, play and visit.” The project is being delivered through the SCAPE Regional Construction framework, chosen to provide early contractor engagement, cost efficiencies, and a streamlined procurement process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
