Clegg Construction has officially handed over a £37 million student accommodation development in Leeds, ready for the start of the new academic year. The Fabric Works, located on Leylands Road, provides 402 studio apartments and a range of modern amenities including study space, a cinema lounge and media room, fitness
A major regeneration scheme that will transform Orchard Wharf on the north bank of the River Thames has been approved by Tower Hamlets Council. The plans, agreed at a council meeting on 3 September, will redevelop the safeguarded wharf into a new neighbourhood providing hundreds of affordable homes, purpose-built student
Construction has begun on Dorchester’s first Build-to-Rent residential scheme, with developer RTI Estates Ltd, part of the Dorchester-based Redtale Group, leading the project. The £11 million development will see the transformation of Vespasian House, a well-known commercial premises at the top o’ town, into a contemporary rental complex. The brownfield
Plans have been formally submitted for the first phase of City Village, a new sustainable community set to transform Bradford’s former commercial core into a thriving city centre neighbourhood. The multi-million regeneration is being delivered by ECF – a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – working
Construction will start this winter on improvements designed to make bus journeys into and out of Banbury Cherwell Street more reliable. The project was given the go-ahead at an Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member decision meeting on Thursday 4 September. Work is expected to finish in summer 2026. The council,
Wiltshire Council has formally granted planning permission for up to 2,500 new homes at Ashton Park, south-east of Trowbridge. The Council’s Strategic Planning Committee resolved to approve the outline plans on 29 July, following the completion of legal agreements with developers Persimmon Homes and Barratt Redrow. The housebuilders will now
McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as principal contractor to deliver a £42.7 million retirement living development on the former Biothane plant site in Kew, London. Working on behalf of Elysian Residences, the project, known as The Watermark, involves the construction of 88 apartments across a series of buildings, set
Domis Construction has broken ground on Podium, a £120m build-to-rent scheme in Trafford, Greater Manchester. Delivered by developer Glenbrook, the project will provide 440 new homes across four buildings and a central podium, with the first phase scheduled for completion in Q2 2026 following start on site in early 2024.
Construction on Huddersfield Our Cultural Heart regeneration programme is progressing, with the first phase well under way. Phase 1 includes a new library hub, food hall and public square, with completion planned for summer 2026. The library will also accommodate the West Yorkshire Archive, and a preferred tenant has been
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has completed the first phase of a £100m student accommodation development adjacent to the University of Warwick. Delivered on behalf of iQ Student Accommodation, the scheme has provided 572 new student beds, with a total of 1,078 bedrooms and 131 co-living rooms to be delivered
Clegg Construction has officially handed over a £37 million student accommodation development in Leeds, ready for the start of the new academic year. The Fabric Works, located on Leylands Road, provides 402 studio apartments and a range of modern amenities including study space, a cinema lounge and media room, fitness studio and gym, courtyard, bike storage, private dining facilities, and communal areas featuring pool tables and a dry bar. The two-year project was delivered on schedule, ensuring students can move in this September. It was developed in partnership with PPG Leeds Ltd, a joint venture between Primus Property Group and HIG Capital. The scheme sits next to Spinners Yard, a 185-apartment build-to-rent scheme completed earlier this year by Clegg Construction for Rise Homes. Michael Sims, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg Construction was proud to have been appointed to deliver The Fabric Works and we’re very pleased to have handed it over on time, as per our original and planned programme of work, and ready for the 2025/2026 academic year. “This scheme provides modern and stylish accommodation in a thriving area of Leeds and is ideally situated for the city’s three universities. “It adds to our growing portfolio of significant developments in Leeds, cementing our position as a key contractor helping to shape the city.” The delivery team for The Fabric Works included Tim Groom Architects, Ridge and Partners, Strive, KKA Studio, Quartz Project Services, and Innov8 Development Solutions. As part of its community commitments, Clegg Construction hosted visits from Leeds College of Building students, donated to the Blessed of the Father Food Bank, and maintained regular communication with local residents through newsletters, letter drops, noticeboards, and in-person engagement. The company also partnered with Community Wood Recycling for sustainable waste management and supported Wren Bakery, which provides disadvantaged women with training and employment opportunities. Adam Turner, director at Primus Property Group, said: “Clegg demonstrated consistent professionalism throughout The Fabric Works project, with highly capable and well-resourced teams that ensured efficient delivery to a high standard. “They were organised, proactive in addressing challenges, and maintained clear communication at all times. Their coordination of quality subcontractors, collaborative approach, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail greatly contributed to the project’s success – and reinforced our confidence in their ability to deliver similar complex schemes in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major regeneration scheme that will transform Orchard Wharf on the north bank of the River Thames has been approved by Tower Hamlets Council. The plans, agreed at a council meeting on 3 September, will redevelop the safeguarded wharf into a new neighbourhood providing hundreds of affordable homes, purpose-built student accommodation, and the reintroduction of waterborne freight operations. The masterplan sets out seven buildings ranging from 8 to 24 storeys, with a mix of uses including: Seventy per cent of the affordable homes will be delivered at Tower Hamlets and Mayor of London Affordable Rent levels. The housing mix includes 65 family-sized units and 21 wheelchair-accessible dwellings. All homes will meet or exceed minimum space standards and provide private outdoor space, podium gardens, and views over the Thames and East India Dock Basin. At ground level, a flexible Wharf Box logistics facility will support the sustainable movement of goods by river. This will enable last-mile deliveries by low-emission vehicles in line with the London Plan’s commitment to low-carbon freight. The scheme will also operate on a car-free basis. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has begun on Dorchester’s first Build-to-Rent residential scheme, with developer RTI Estates Ltd, part of the Dorchester-based Redtale Group, leading the project. The £11 million development will see the transformation of Vespasian House, a well-known commercial premises at the top o’ town, into a contemporary rental complex. The brownfield site is considered a highly sustainable location close to both the town centre and Dorset County Hospital. The project will deliver 33 apartments across three phases, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. Residents will also have access to shared recreational, communal and work facilities, a gym, and a courtyard garden. Under its ‘lifestyle’ concept, the scheme will provide tenants with greater security of tenure, with options ranging from six months to five years and alternative deposit arrangements. Funding support has been secured from Poole-based property finance specialist MSP Capital. Work began in July 2025, with the first phase of apartments scheduled for completion in spring/summer 2026. Malcolm Curtis, chief executive of the Redtale Group, said: “This Build-to-Rent development, the first in south Dorset, will bring a new, innovative style of modern living to the area. “We are delighted to reach this exciting milestone, in association with MSP Capital. We can’t wait to deliver what will be a well-designed and high-quality re-purposing of the prominent Vespasian House, in what is a highly sustainable location within close proximity to the town centre and Dorset County Hospital. “It fits perfectly with our ‘discover the difference’ ethos, which aims to deliver properties with better planning, better design, better build and better customer service. “As the county town of Dorchester continues to grow as a vibrant and popular town, the scheme will enhance and diversify the local housing mix and provide new options for the rental market, whilst helping to combat the chronic under-supply of quality rental homes in the area.” MSP Capital, which specialises in bridging and development loans of up to £10 million, is providing financial backing for the scheme. Lee Merrifield, MSP Capital director, said: “We are pleased to continue to support the highly-experienced and long-established Redtale Group in the regeneration of Vespasian House. “It promises to deliver a high-quality and innovative type of scheme which has proved popular in other locations throughout the UK. We look forward to seeing the development take shape.” Alongside the Build-to-Rent apartments, work has started on an extension to the front of Vespasian House to create a mixed-use building, with commercial space on the ground floor and apartments above. The project is part of Redtale Group’s wider regeneration of Dorchester’s historic Barrack Quarter into a new neighbourhood. Completed schemes already include a £2.4 million redevelopment of Barrack House, providing nine key worker apartments for NHS staff and their families, as well as the conversion of the former Quartermaster’s stores into five townhouses and two apartments for open market sale. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been formally submitted for the first phase of City Village, a new sustainable community set to transform Bradford’s former commercial core into a thriving city centre neighbourhood. The multi-million regeneration is being delivered by ECF – a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – working alongside Bradford Council. The scheme will cover the ‘Top of Town’ area, including the Oastler, Kirkgate, and Chain Street sites. City Village is expected to deliver up to 1,000 modern, energy-efficient homes, including affordable housing, as well as new retail, leisure, and business opportunities that build on the success of the area’s existing independent traders. The masterplan also features three new landscaped green spaces, complementing recent city centre walking and cycling improvements, to create a safer, greener and better-connected environment. A detailed planning application has been submitted for Phase One, alongside an outline application for the remainder of the site. Phase One proposals include: Bradford-based affordable housing provider Incommunities has been named as ECF’s preferred funding partner for the first phase, subject to a final legal agreement. Later phases are expected to deliver more than 700 apartments across the Oastler and Kirkgate sites. Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “It is very exciting to be taking this next step towards realising the vision for City Village. Just as we’ve recently seen Darley Street Market successfully open its doors to great acclaim, so City Village will continue our work to transform the ‘top of town’. It will be game-changing for the city centre. “City Village is so much more than a housing development; it’s about creating a thriving, people-centric neighbourhood that encourages activity and brings communities together. We are leading the way on this, and it will set the gold standard for the future of urban living.” Over the last 18 months, ECF has worked closely with Bradford Council to refine the plans, drawing on feedback from hundreds of local residents. The scheme has already secured significant inward investment, including £13.2 million in-principle funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, alongside £30 million of Government support via Homes England. Simon Dew, Director of Development Management – Yorkshire and North East at ECF, said: “The design of these homes – taken from the experience of our other award-winning communities across the country – include sustainable elements such insulation, photovoltaic panels and EV charging to ensure they are as energy efficient as possible. The plans have also been informed by extensive and thorough community conversations and reflect the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have had. These are high quality homes with gardens, designated parking and good connections to public transport links as well as new walking and cycling routes. “There are landscaped areas of public space creating new green spaces which will bring people together and very much help to foster the community spirit we hope to nurture here. This is an ambitious, visionary project and working in partnership with the Council, we have the very best team working to bring it forward. We are all extremely proud of what it will mean for future generations in Bradford.” If approved, demolition of the Oastler site is due to begin later this year, with construction of Phase One expected to start in spring 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction will start this winter on improvements designed to make bus journeys into and out of Banbury Cherwell Street more reliable. The project was given the go-ahead at an Oxfordshire County Council cabinet member decision meeting on Thursday 4 September. Work is expected to finish in summer 2026. The council, together with its contractor M Group Limited, will build bus priority measures and improve traffic signals along Cherwell Street and the area between the George Street and Bridge Street junctions. Pedestrian crossings will also be upgraded to benefit people walking, cycling, and wheeling to bus stops, the town centre, and Banbury Rail Station. Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management said: “Banbury’s Cherwell Street is heavily congested, causing frequent bus delays. These improvements will make bus travel into and out of central Banbury more reliable and so more attractive. “We have used feedback from public engagement to change the design, maintaining the number of lanes through the two junctions, while still prioritising bus movement and improving pedestrian safety with better crossings. “When finished, these improvements will complement future upgrades planned for Banbury, like the eastern strategic cycle lane.” The work involves improving the current George Street bus lane, access for buses into Bridge Street west and the crossing facilities and signalling at the Bridge Street junction. The county council consulted on an early design in spring 2024 and revised it using feedback and transport modelling data. A second consultation took place in spring 2025, with the final design determined after considering further feedback and a road safety audit. Input from local councillors, Stagecoach Bus, business groups and active travel advocates was also taken into account. The Cherwell Street project complements access improvements already underway at Banbury Rail Station and is part of plans to enhance sustainable transport options in the town. This includes the eastern active travel corridor project to upgrade cycling and walking routes from Overthorpe to Bridge Street Park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wiltshire Council has formally granted planning permission for up to 2,500 new homes at Ashton Park, south-east of Trowbridge. The Council’s Strategic Planning Committee resolved to approve the outline plans on 29 July, following the completion of legal agreements with developers Persimmon Homes and Barratt Redrow. The housebuilders will now bring forward detailed proposals covering design, layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping. Construction is expected to begin early next year, subject to approval. The development represents one of the largest housing schemes in the county and will deliver significant investment in local infrastructure. Developers have committed £25.6 million in capital contributions, including £14.1 million for education, £3.3 million for healthcare, and £1.1 million to improve bus services. A further £7.5 million will be raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy to support local projects, with a share distributed to parish and town councils. A key feature of the plans is a £36.5 million relief road, including a new section of the A350 to bypass the congested West Ashton crossroads. The long-term vision for Ashton Park also includes new schools, early years facilities, local centres, and an ecology visitor centre. Around 13.6 hectares of land will be set aside for employment use, designed to support economic growth in Trowbridge and the wider county. Housing provision is also central to the scheme. Alongside 27% of homes reserved for local housing association partners, £5.4 million has been ringfenced to deliver affordable housing off-site. The development is expected to help address the needs of the more than 4,000 households currently on Wiltshire’s housing waiting list. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as principal contractor to deliver a £42.7 million retirement living development on the former Biothane plant site in Kew, London. Working on behalf of Elysian Residences, the project, known as The Watermark, involves the construction of 88 apartments across a series of buildings, set within landscaped gardens along the riverside. The scheme also includes associated access roads, car parking, amenity spaces, and ancillary works. Patrick Coyle, Project Director at McAleer & Rushe, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with Elysian Residences on this landmark development in Kew. The Watermark represents an exciting addition to our later living portfolio, showcasing our expertise in delivering complex, high-end residential schemes that combine quality, comfort, and community. We look forward to working closely with our clients, partners, and supply chain to create an exceptional living environment for homeowners and make a lasting, positive contribution to the wider Kew area.” Gavin Stein, Chief Executive Officer, Elysian Residences, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with McAleer & Rushe on The Watermark in Kew. This landmark development reflects our commitment to creating exceptional retirement living, combining outstanding design, luxury amenities and a welcoming community. In its riverside setting, The Watermark will offer an unparalleled lifestyle, and we look forward to providing homeowners with the very best hospitality and support.” Designed to combine the independence of private living with exceptional hospitality and care, The Watermark will be located just a short walk from Kew Gardens and Kew Village. Works are now underway, with McAleer & Rushe delivering the main contract through to completion in Spring 2027. The project further strengthens McAleer & Rushe’s reputation for delivering high-quality residential and later living developments across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Domis Construction has broken ground on Podium, a £120m build-to-rent scheme in Trafford, Greater Manchester. Delivered by developer Glenbrook, the project will provide 440 new homes across four buildings and a central podium, with the first phase scheduled for completion in Q2 2026 following start on site in early 2024. The development is being funded through a joint venture between Moorfield Group, on behalf of Moorfield Real Estate Fund V, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, advised by CBRE. The scheme forms part of Trafford’s 55-acre Civic Quarter masterplan, close to Old Trafford’s football and cricket grounds, which will bring forward up to 4,000 new homes, commercial space, public realm and green areas. Charles Ferguson-Davie, Co-CEO & Chief Investment Officer, Moorfield Group, said: “Our joint venture with Greater Manchester Pension Fund sees us partner with a forward-thinking UK institutional investor who understand the long-term benefits high-quality purpose-built rental housing can bring to local communities and economies. “This transaction enables us to recycle capital into other compelling opportunities we are seeing within UK living real estate. There is a long-standing structural demand-supply imbalance, and a need for new housing of different tenures and typologies.” Podium will deliver a mix of apartments and townhouses aimed at young professionals and families. Residents will have access to a range of amenities including lounges, co-working areas, a gym and studio, roof terrace, cycle storage and a 200-space car park. The landscaped communal areas will be the largest of any build-to-rent development in Manchester. The project also incorporates extensive sustainability measures under an ESG-linked development agreement between Moorfield and Glenbrook. At least 95% of the homes will achieve a minimum EPC B rating, with the scheme designed for net zero operational carbon through full electrification. Construction methods will include the use of cement replacements and recycled materials, alongside the installation of photovoltaic roofing, EV charging points and measures to deliver biodiversity net gain. For Moorfield, Podium marks its third build-to-rent investment in Manchester, following The Trilogy in Castlefield and Duet in Salford Quays. GMPF continues to support housing delivery across Greater Manchester, with previous commitments including £100m into Legal & General’s Affordable Housing Fund and a joint venture with Manchester City Council’s housing company, This City, to bring forward 1,600 affordable homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction on Huddersfield Our Cultural Heart regeneration programme is progressing, with the first phase well under way. Phase 1 includes a new library hub, food hall and public square, with completion planned for summer 2026. The library will also accommodate the West Yorkshire Archive, and a preferred tenant has been identified to operate the food hall. Plans for Phase 2 are due to be considered on 9 September by Kirklees Council’s Cabinet. This stage of the scheme will see the former library redeveloped into a combined museum and art gallery, alongside significant improvements to the surrounding public realm. If approved, construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and complete in spring 2029. Preparations are also being made for the demolition of the remaining Piazza retail units in 2026, paving the way for the delivery of a new town centre park in Phase 3. Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “Cabinet will be asked to approve the next steps to keep this transformation moving forward. Residents will see the first results when the new library hub, food hall and public square open in 2026, and we are already preparing for the phases that follow, including the museum & gallery and a brand-new town centre park. This is about building a town centre that works for everyone — families, businesses, students and visitors — while making sure we do it in a way that is affordable and sustainable for the future.” The Our Cultural Heart scheme, as part of the Huddersfield Blueprint, is designed to create hundreds of new jobs, support existing businesses and attract new investment, while providing free-to-access spaces for residents and visitors. It will also act as a catalyst for wider regeneration, complementing other major projects in Huddersfield and wider Kirklees district. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has completed the first phase of a £100m student accommodation development adjacent to the University of Warwick. Delivered on behalf of iQ Student Accommodation, the scheme has provided 572 new student beds, with a total of 1,078 bedrooms and 131 co-living rooms to be delivered across two phases. Phase two is scheduled for completion in spring 2026, in time for the 2025/26 academic year. The project, known as iQ Longwood Place, is being developed by Topland Group and McLaren Property. It replaces outdated office buildings and a former multi-storey car park, following the demolition of Avon House, Swift House, and associated structures. Nine new residential blocks are being constructed across the site, which also incorporates retail, leisure and community spaces. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “It’s been a pleasure to see iQ Longwood Place take shape with phase one now reaching completion. This is a transformative scheme for Coventry and the student population of the University of Warwick – not only in terms of quality accommodation but also through our investment in sustainability, landscaping, and community benefit. We’ve worked hard to deliver the project safely and to the highest quality standard, and it’s a credit to all involved with iQ Longwood Place. We are looking forward to finishing the remaining phase by next spring.” McLaren has managed the scheme with a strong focus on sustainability, achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating. Measures have included recycling demolition materials, using the SmartWaste platform for waste management, and protecting the surrounding woodland and watercourses. High-specification landscaping, tree protection zones and green space enhancements form part of the design. Throughout delivery, McLaren has worked with Coventry City Council, local businesses and residents, providing on-site work placements and regular project updates. William Davies, director of asset management at Topland Group, said: “iQ Longwood Place is the result of strong collaboration across the project team and stakeholders. We are proud to be playing our part in delivering a high-quality, purpose-built scheme that will support students and enhance the area for years to come.” Bruce Ruddle, divisional managing director for McLaren Property, added: “We’re thrilled to see phase one of iQ Longwood Place fully realised. The finished phase one demonstrates the power of effective partnership combining McLaren Construction’s technical delivery with the vision shared by Topland Group, iQ and ourselves.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals