A multi-million-pound scheme to upgrade the Harrogate Convention Centre and strengthen its position as one of the UK’s leading conference venues has reached a significant milestone. The plans focus on transforming Studio Two to create large breakout conference rooms, enabling the venue to compete more effectively for national events and
Manchester City Council has named a partnership led by Aviva and Place Capital Group, supported by Homes England, as its preferred development and investment partner for a £41m mixed‑use regeneration of sites along Moston Lane. The proposals envisage almost 150 new homes, 36% of which would be affordable through a
Winvic Construction Ltd has completed Crown Place, a 33-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Birmingham, marking the city’s tallest student housing project. Practical completion was achieved on programme in December 2025 for client Crown Student Living global provider Yugo to Aston University, Birmingham City University, and University of Birmingham.
A landmark £25m Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has been officially opened at Upton Hospital in Slough, marking a significant investment in the region’s healthcare infrastructure. Delivered by leading offsite construction specialists, Western, the new 2,800m² facility is designed to radically improve access to essential scans and tests for the local
Plans for the Bath Road Energy Centre have been approved, marking a major step in Bristol’s transition to cleaner heat. Buro Happold acted as multidisciplinary engineering consultant, supporting the planning application on behalf of Vattenfall Business Solutions UK in collaboration with Stride Treglown and Savills. Situated on a disused plot
Peabody has announced the completion of 197 affordable homes at the Capital Interchange Way site in Brentford, West London. The handover includes 85 homes specifically designated for social rent, alongside 112 shared ownership properties designed to provide a more accessible route into home ownership. The project is part of a
Galliford Try Building North East and Yorkshire has been awarded a £16.1m contract to reconstruct St Helens Primary School in Hartlepool. The project is being delivered on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) and the Northern Lights Learning Trust. Located in Headland, the school caters to 374 pupils. This
Work has officially commenced on a new urban infrastructure project at the entrance to Manchester Piccadilly station. Known as the “Station Sanctuary,” the project involves the transformation of a previously grey, underused outdoor area into a vibrant, biodiverse garden designed to serve as a green gateway for the city. The
Bristol Airport has appointed Farrans to deliver a £30m expansion of its terminal, part of the airport’s wider £400m investment programme to enhance the customer experience across the site. Construction has begun on the two-storey extension, which will infill the space between the existing terminal and the departure gates. Designed
Foundation works are now under way following this week’s groundbreaking at Blackbird Leys community centre, advancing a multi-phase programme to revitalise the District Centre with new affordable homes, retail units, green spaces, and upgraded roads and cycle links. The redevelopment is being delivered by Peabody and The Hill Group in
A multi-million-pound scheme to upgrade the Harrogate Convention Centre and strengthen its position as one of the UK’s leading conference venues has reached a significant milestone. The plans focus on transforming Studio Two to create large breakout conference rooms, enabling the venue to compete more effectively for national events and deliver wider economic benefits for the region. The reworked Studio Two would provide breakout facilities for about 1,200 delegates and is projected to generate an additional £1.7 million a year. Councillors are set to receive an update on the project, following completion of procurement, when members of the executive meet on Tuesday next week (17 March). Subject to approval, the council will award the construction contract, with building work potentially starting as early as this summer. The scheme is expected to cost around £9.4 million after final design refinements. The investment is forecast to be repaid within a decade through the extra income an enhanced venue can deliver. Council deputy leader, Cllr Gareth Dadd, whose responsibilities include property, said: “The Harrogate Convention Centre brings thousands of visitors to North Yorkshire every year and contributes more than £45 million for our economy through the retail and hospitality sectors. “It is a key economic driver which promotes both the town and North Yorkshire on a national stage. It is vital that it continues to play a leading role in the economic success of Harrogate and the wider region. “Developing Studio Two by creating larger breakout conference rooms to complement the existing 2,000-seater auditorium can ensure the venue stands alongside the very best centres of its kind in the country, competing in what is an extremely competitive market. “It can only strengthen the centre’s economic impact in the years ahead, while at the same time, allow us to reduce our subsidy and protect taxpayers’ money.” Built in 1982, the centre — the only facility of its kind in North Yorkshire — sits in the heart of Harrogate. It features one of the UK’s largest purpose-built auditoriums and offers 13,000 square metres of exhibition space. However, the absence of sizeable breakout rooms has limited its ability to host larger conferences that could bring substantial benefits to Harrogate and the wider area. Projections indicate that without this investment the council would need to provide an annual subsidy of around £1.1 million to keep the venue operational. Following local government reorganisation in 2023, consultancy firm 31Ten, which has extensive experience of the conference market, undertook a marketing exercise to identify future opportunities for the centre. In December 2024, the executive approved tendering for the most cost-effective option to redevelop Studio Two. The venue will also continue to host exhibitions, corporate events and live entertainment that provide a significant boost to the local economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council has named a partnership led by Aviva and Place Capital Group, supported by Homes England, as its preferred development and investment partner for a £41m mixed‑use regeneration of sites along Moston Lane. The proposals envisage almost 150 new homes, 36% of which would be affordable through a mix of social rent, Manchester Living Rent and Shared Ownership. Provisional plans also feature a new NHS GP health centre, fresh commercial space for shops and the creation of a long‑planned public square set out in the Council’s 2023 Development Framework for Moston Lane. A report to the Council’s Executive on Friday 13 March will seek approval to dispose of the development plots to the partnership to unlock this district‑centre investment. Subject to planning consent, construction could begin next year. To make way for the new square facing Moston Lane, the Council last year acquired land between Pym Street and Hartley Street and concluded a deal to relocate the existing Moston Superstore. The square is intended to host markets and community events and will include seating, lighting, trees and planting to attract visitors and bolster local trade. Around 100 new homes are proposed on vacant plots behind Moston Lane, including apartments suited to key workers and downsizers and family‑friendly 2, 3 and 4‑bedroom townhouses. These would include social and genuinely affordable options such as social rent and Manchester Living Rent, alongside Shared Ownership aimed at local residents and first‑time buyers. A further 45 three‑ and four‑bedroom family houses are planned on land between Watermans Close and Ebsworth Street, helping to meet demand for larger properties in the neighbourhood. Cushman and Wakefield has acted as agent for the Council in marketing and the planned disposal of the 4.2‑acre development opportunity. Since the Moston plans were launched in 2023, the area has seen multi‑million‑pound investment in new social housing, pocket parks and green spaces, junction upgrades, road safety measures, alley‑gating, and action on fly‑tipping and environmental issues. On Moston Lane, improvements to three pocket parks were completed last year, alongside investment in the Simpson Memorial Hall and Community Hub. More than £3m of government grant funding has supported 83 new social and affordable homes for residents in recent years, including 17 Rent to Buy homes at the Moston Campus scheme finished last year. Over 100 additional affordable homes are in the pipeline for Moston in the coming years, on top of those planned within the Moston Lane scheme. Moston will also receive a share of £20m Pride in Place funding over the next decade for community projects and initiatives. The programme aims to make streets safer, strengthen district centres, enhance community spaces and support new events and activities, complementing the Council’s existing neighbourhood improvement plans. Local firms are being supported through direct engagement via the Business Growth Hub so they can benefit from forthcoming opportunities linked to the Council’s investment. To ensure residents and businesses help shape the future of Moston Lane, the Council is setting up the Moston Lane Regeneration Forum, chaired by local councillor Paula Appleby. The group will advise on priorities, guide future investment and work with the appointed developer on the design of the new square and wider public realm. The Moston Lane regeneration sits within the Council’s city‑wide High Street Investment programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd has completed Crown Place, a 33-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Birmingham, marking the city’s tallest student housing project. Practical completion was achieved on programme in December 2025 for client Crown Student Living global provider Yugo to Aston University, Birmingham City University, and University of Birmingham. The project was designed by ECE Westworks and engineered by Meinhardt. Mark Jones, Managing Director of Multi-Room at Winvic, said: “The completion of Crown Place is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. From pioneering new construction technologies to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety, this project demonstrates the results of our strong collaborative partnership with Crown Student Living, Yugo and our supply chain partners. “Crown Place also marks a landmark moment for Winvic, taking our total delivery beyond 15,000 beds across our multi-room sector – a milestone that reflects the scale of our sector expertise and the trust our clients have in us. Delivering Birmingham’s tallest student accommodation building on such a constrained site demanded innovation, collaboration and absolute commitment from the entire project team. We are proud to hand over a landmark development that will set new benchmarks for student living in the city.” Crown Place is Winvic’s tallest scheme to date and its first to use a unitised brick façade system, allowing the rapid installation of 2,768 prefabricated panels without external access. The development also saw the UK-first deployment of Skyline Cockpit, enabling the tower crane to be operated remotely from ground level, enhancing safety and efficiency. Advanced technology and sustainable practices were embedded throughout the build, including BIM-linked HP SitePrint robotic setting-out, GAMMA AR augmented reality tools, and the AmpD Enertainer battery system, which cut diesel consumption by 7,645 litres per week. Additional innovations included an open-top goods hoist and KONE jump lift technology for early lift installation and enhanced site logistics. The project also delivered significant social value, creating over 3,800 weeks of employment for Birmingham residents, supporting 14 students and apprentices through T Level placements, industry studentships, and graduate roles, and engaging with local schools and colleges through 22 educational events for over 400 students. Community initiatives included charity fundraising, canal clean-ups, and a Magical Santa’s Grotto for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A landmark £25m Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has been officially opened at Upton Hospital in Slough, marking a significant investment in the region’s healthcare infrastructure. Delivered by leading offsite construction specialists, Western, the new 2,800m² facility is designed to radically improve access to essential scans and tests for the local population. The project was completed within a 52-week timeframe through the use of advanced off-site manufacturing and BIM 3D modelling. By pre-assembling modules away from the site, the structure was made watertight within just five days of installation. This modern method of construction significantly reduced waste, programme risk, and disruption within the live hospital environment. Western provided a comprehensive turnkey design-and-build service for the project. Their remit included the full internal fit-out as well as essential external works, such as the development of car parking facilities and the installation of EV charging infrastructure. Operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week, the centre is expected to provide up to 150,000 additional diagnostic tests every year. The service offering includes CT, MRI, and ultrasound scanning, together with cardiology and respiratory testing. These facilities will support the earlier diagnosis of conditions like heart disease and cancer, while simultaneously reducing waiting lists and easing the operational burden on local GP practices and Wexham Park Hospital. The CDC’s location was chosen for its accessibility, situated within a 10-minute walk of Slough railway station and in close proximity to major bus routes. The development follows a detailed public consultation held in 2023, ensuring the facility reflects community feedback and addresses local health inequalities. James Clarke, Chief Strategy Officer at FHFT, said: “This is an exciting moment for the Trust and the people of Slough. The centre will play a vital role in addressing health inequalities by ensuring that diagnostic services are accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.” Rory McGuigan, MD of Western, added: “The Slough Community Diagnostic Centre demonstrates the strength of modern methods of construction in delivering high-quality healthcare infrastructure at pace. By combining advanced off-site manufacturing, BIM-led design and a full turnkey approach, we have been able to provide Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust with a facility that is efficient, sustainable and future-focused. Most importantly, this centre will make a real difference to the people of Slough – enabling faster diagnoses, improving patient experience and supporting better health outcomes across the community. We are proud to have partnered on a project that reflects both innovation in construction and ambition in healthcare delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for the Bath Road Energy Centre have been approved, marking a major step in Bristol’s transition to cleaner heat. Buro Happold acted as multidisciplinary engineering consultant, supporting the planning application on behalf of Vattenfall Business Solutions UK in collaboration with Stride Treglown and Savills. Situated on a disused plot along Bath Road, the centre will use air source heat pumps and electric boilers to provide up to 13MW of low‑carbon heat to the city’s district energy network. According to the project team, the scheme could reduce local emissions by up to 65% a year — comparable to taking around 3,700 diesel cars off Bristol’s roads annually. The Energy Centre will serve homes, education buildings and workplaces across the Temple Quarter regeneration area. Once operational, it is expected to deliver enough low carbon heat for more than 7,000 homes and support expansion of a city‑scale network projected to heat over half of the people living and working in Bristol by 2050. Designed as modern civic infrastructure, the building references Bristol’s industrial heritage and distinctive Byzantine influences. A facade of ribbed GRC panels with a decorative lattice motif is intended to give the structure a crafted, dynamic presence, particularly when illuminated at night. Alasdair Young, Partner and Global Energy Transition Lead at Buro Happold, said: “We’re proud to have worked with Vattenfall, Stride Treglown, and Savills on this future-forward project. Our multidisciplinary team provided the technical and environmental studies underpinning the planning application, ensuring robust proposals that align with both local and national energy transition priorities. Bath Road Energy Centre represents an exciting next phase of Vattenfall’s Bristol heat network.” Adam Al-Azki, Director at Buro Happold, said: “This planning approval marks a significant milestone for the project and for Bristol’s decarbonisation journey. It reflects the strength of collaboration between our partners in developing an integrated engineering and architectural solution capable of delivering low-carbon, district-scale heating to the city.” Dom Barton, Director of Heat Networks – Bristol, at Vattenfall said: “We’re delighted to have received planning for Bath Road Energy Centre. This infrastructure will unlock a low carbon future for Bristol, providing buildings in the city centre with access to a long-term, future proofed decarbonisation solution, reducing the need to burn fossil fuels to heat homes and buildings in Bristol.” Bringing together innovation, sustainability and community benefit, the project is intended to accelerate the decarbonisation of Bristol’s heat supply while contributing to the wider regeneration of Temple Quarter. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peabody has announced the completion of 197 affordable homes at the Capital Interchange Way site in Brentford, West London. The handover includes 85 homes specifically designated for social rent, alongside 112 shared ownership properties designed to provide a more accessible route into home ownership. The project is part of a larger 420-home mixed-tenure development spread across three residential blocks. In addition to the affordable allocation, the site features 223 private rent homes, which includes 12 discounted market rent units. Families from Hounslow Council’s housing waiting list have already begun moving into the social rent properties. The not-for-profit housing association, Peabody, received upwards of £7 million in funding from the Greater London Authority to deliver the affordable portion of the scheme, which it will manage and own over the long term. The build-to-rent elements of the project were funded through a partnership involving Angelo Gordon, Ridgeback, and Telford Living. The development prioritises sustainability, utilising air source heat pumps for low-carbon heating and hot water, complemented by high-quality insulation to reduce energy costs. Residents have access to communal terraces and gardens, including a dedicated courtyard for the affordable housing blocks. Beyond the residential units, the project includes 45,000 sq. ft of retail and commercial space intended to bolster local employment and support Brentford’s town centre. James McMylor, Managing Director of Development for Peabody’s north London region, said: “Affordable rent and shared ownership give people the chance to stay in the communities they know and love. It hasn’t been an easy scheme to deliver, especially in such a tough financial climate, but by working closely with our partners, we’ve created homes that will make a real difference for local people. We’re looking forward to welcoming residents over the coming weeks and seeing this new neighbourhood come to life.” Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing & Residential Development, said: “It’s great to see these affordable homes complete at Capital Interchange Way, offering communal spaces, green surroundings and excellent transport links. I am delighted that funding from the Mayor of London has helped bring much-needed affordable housing to the area, and this development shows what can be achieved when partners share a clear commitment to delivering for local people. New shops, workspaces and training opportunities will also hugely benefit local residents, serving the wider community for years to come as we continue to build a better, fairer London for all.” Alex Taylor, Senior Vice President of Telford Living, said: “This has been a complex project, delivered during a challenging time for the industry. We are proud to have partnered with Peabody and our development partners to deliver a high-quality, mixed-tenure development that will serve Brentford for generations to come.” Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, said: “The completion of these new homes at Capital Interchange Way is a proud moment for our borough. In partnership with Peabody and Telford Homes, we’re delivering 420 new homes, with half of them affordable, helping more local families put down roots in Hounslow. This is about more than numbers, it’s about creating safe, secure homes and building communities where people can thrive.” The construction phase supported 58 employment and training opportunities via MIT Skills and Hounslow Council. The project also earned a Considerate Constructors Scheme score of 43 out of 45, highlighting its adherence to high safety and environmental standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Galliford Try Building North East and Yorkshire has been awarded a £16.1m contract to reconstruct St Helens Primary School in Hartlepool. The project is being delivered on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) and the Northern Lights Learning Trust. Located in Headland, the school caters to 374 pupils. This includes an Additional Resourced Provision (ARP) specifically designed to support 25 children with Special Educational Needs. The rebuild is significant as it acts as a cost pilot for the DfE. The initiative aims to investigate best practices and identify ways to secure greater value through the wider School Rebuilding Programme. The new two-storey facility is designed to be Net Zero Carbon in Operation (NZCiO), utilising passive design principles to enhance energy efficiency and reduce future maintenance and utility costs. The modernised campus will feature dedicated classrooms for infant, junior, and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) pupils. Facilities will also include a library, a main hall, a nursery, and a staffroom. Externally, the site will provide both soft and hard play areas alongside on-site parking. Jeremy Barnett, Managing Director for Galliford Try North East and Yorkshire, said: “St Helens’ existing buildings have exceeded their expected service life and we’re looking forward to delivering a modern learning environment that enables students to reach their full potential.” The project is scheduled for completion and handover in Summer 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work has officially commenced on a new urban infrastructure project at the entrance to Manchester Piccadilly station. Known as the “Station Sanctuary,” the project involves the transformation of a previously grey, underused outdoor area into a vibrant, biodiverse garden designed to serve as a green gateway for the city. The construction phase focuses on a nature-led design that incorporates 40 modular rainwater planters, alongside integrated pillars and seating. These elements are being co-created by local community groups and volunteers. The project is an innovative collaboration between Network Rail, the National Trust, Sow the City, and Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH), with additional support from Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, and funding from United Utilities. A key aspect of the build is the involvement of women supported by the charity MASH—many of whom have experienced homelessness in the station area—who have been central to the co-design and co-creation of the space. The garden is scheduled to be fully open to the public in spring 2026. Rebecca Foy, Network Rail’s regeneration and placemaking specialist, said: “Manchester Piccadilly is both the welcome and farewell to our city, and through Station Sanctuary we’re shaping it to better reflect Manchester’s character and creativity. This project marks a new creative and collaborative approach for Network Rail. Together, we’re transforming an underused space into a greener, more colourful and more welcoming place where our passengers, visitors and local communities can relax and enjoy.” Jon Ross, founder and chief executive at Sow the City, highlighted the importance of urban land use, stating: “As a Manchester-based organisation, we are incredibly proud to be transforming Piccadilly Station into a vibrant, green oasis. This garden will reconnect people with nature in one of the busiest parts of the city, and show that even the most unexpected places can support biodiversity.” The finished site will feature information panels regarding urban ecology and Manchester’s wider “green and blue” spaces. Rachel Shore, project engagement coordinator at MASH, added: “Together, we feel proud to be using our skills to transform an underused site in the station area into a thriving, nature-rich space that embodies the vibrant spirit of our city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bristol Airport has appointed Farrans to deliver a £30m expansion of its terminal, part of the airport’s wider £400m investment programme to enhance the customer experience across the site. Construction has begun on the two-storey extension, which will infill the space between the existing terminal and the departure gates. Designed to support throughput of 12 million passengers per year, the scheme will create additional space and almost double the number of shops and restaurants, incorporating 17 new units. Provision is also being made for island retail units and more seating, with comfort central to the layout. Arrivals capacity will be strengthened through a new domestic baggage reclaim area featuring an additional carousel, delivering a 20% uplift, while accessibility in immigration will improve with the installation of new lifts and stairs. Farrans, in a joint venture with Griffiths, previously completed the new Public Transport Interchange at Bristol Airport on time and on budget in July 2025. The £60 million project, also part of the Airport’s £400 million investment, has enabled more sustainable journeys and sees around 250 public transport movements a day. Andrew Goodenough, Infrastructure Director at Bristol Airport said: “We have ambitious plans to transform our customer experience over the next couple of years, and we really appreciate our customers patience and understanding while all of these massive improvements are taking place. “Floor space is going to increase by almost 45% and we’ll have a total of 38 retail and food and beverage outlets including premium brands and dining options as well as a hidden speakeasy bar. We’re pleased to have Farrans back on site with us to deliver this project following the success of our Public Transport Interchange.” Gerard McNamee, Project Manager at Farrans said: “This is an exciting project which will be completed in a live environment in which all passenger routes need to remain open at all times. We have an extensive aviation portfolio with projects underway at Leeds Bradford Airport, Stansted Airport and Bristol Airport at the moment, so we are well versed in working collaboratively with our clients to reduce any disruption. We will be installing insulated hoardings and creating air locked spaces to maintain passenger flow. “One of the most innovative features logistically for this project is that we will be using a Bailey Bridge, a modular military style bridge designed for rapid construction to temporarily bridge gaps, to bring our vehicles and equipment from land side to airside. We anticipate that at the peak of this project we will have approximately 150 people employed and many will be from local suppliers. As with our Public Transport Interchange scheme we will be working with our client to deliver an impactful social value programme throughout the extension works.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Foundation works are now under way following this week’s groundbreaking at Blackbird Leys community centre, advancing a multi-phase programme to revitalise the District Centre with new affordable homes, retail units, green spaces, and upgraded roads and cycle links. The redevelopment is being delivered by Peabody and The Hill Group in partnership with Oxford City Council. The building is expected to be ready for interior fitting by the end of summer 2027. Enabling works began in December with demolition of the former swimming pool, followed by materials removal in January and further ground preparation ahead of the main construction phase. Designed to provide flexible, welcoming space for residents and local groups, the new centre will comprise three large halls, a range of office accommodation and informal areas for meetings and relaxation. It will host advice and support services alongside activities, celebrations and community events. A new public square will complement the building, featuring children’s and youth play areas, a rain garden, accessible play equipment and public art, with opportunities for local people to contribute to the final artwork. The centre has been shaped through extensive community engagement, including exhibitions, walkabouts and design review sessions, and will be owned and operated by Oxford City Council. The wider Blackbird Leys regeneration is being taken forward in two phases, delivering affordable homes across Knights Road and the District Centre, alongside significant investment in local infrastructure and the public realm – adding to the national pipeline of mixed-use regeneration and community facilities work. Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Oxford City Council, said: “It is fantastic that we are marking the groundbreaking for the new Blackbird Leys community centre. This is a significant moment for the district centre redevelopment, and for Blackbird Leys as a whole. “We’ve worked closely with the local community to make sure Blackbird Leys gets the community centre it deserves, and this will be a vibrant, welcoming, inclusive space where residents can come to connect. I am looking forward to seeing the site transform over the coming months and to see our new community centre take shape.” Simon Barry, Regional Managing Director of Development at Peabody, also said: “It’s great to see work begin on this new community centre for Blackbird Leys. This has always been about creating something with the community, for the community – a place where people can meet neighbours, get support, celebrate together and spend time with family and friends. “We’re looking forward to seeing the doors open and the centre brought to life by the people who will use it every day.” Ryan Harris, Regional Director at The Hill Group, added: “We’re proud to be working alongside Peabody and Oxford City Council to deliver this important new community centre for Blackbird Leys. Commencing work marks a significant step forward in the wider regeneration of the District Centre. These community facilities provide safe, inclusive environments where friendships can be formed and memories made. They become a vital ‘anchor’ within the community and we are delighted to be part of this story. We look forward to seeing the vison come to life.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals