Lloyds Living has completed the acquisition of Start Living, a 610-home portfolio established through a joint venture between Gatehouse Living Group and TPG Real Estate. The deal increases Lloyds Living’s total portfolio to more than 7,300 properties across the UK. The newly acquired homes, developed by Countryside and Vistry, are
Sovereign Network Group (SNG) has received planning approval to redevelop its Windmill Court site in Mortimer Common, near Reading, into 24 high-quality affordable homes. The project will replace an outdated over-55s accommodation block with a modern development of houses and maisonettes, each designed with private outdoor space and parking. Set
McAleer & Rushe has been appointed Principal Contractor by the Wellcome Trust to deliver a £52 million office redevelopment at 80 Pelham Street, in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London. The scheme will revitalise a previously underused site with a five-storey, 114,000 sq ft sustainable office building
Costain has been appointed by Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) to deliver a major decommissioning project at the Trawsfynydd nuclear power station, located within the Snowdonia National Park. The £70 million contract will see Costain’s in-house engineering team work closely with NRS to safely and compliantly decommission the reactor buildings, originally
Wates has formally signed the main works order with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to deliver a major expansion at HMP Wayland in Norfolk, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing prison building programme. The project will deliver a new four-storey houseblock providing 247 additional Category C prison places,
Winvic Construction Ltd has broken ground on the next stage of Panattoni Park, Swindon, as work begins on a 915,000 sq. ft warehouse and production facility for Panattoni, the UK and Europe’s largest logistics property developer. The project, known as Unit S915, marks the second phase of development at the
The Hill Group has completed the purchase of Whalebones Park in Barnet, North London, with construction on a new housing development set to begin this October following planning approval. The scheme will deliver 115 homes on land adjoining the Grade II listed Whalebones House, designed to balance modern housing needs
A multi-million-pound plan to relieve congestion and improve safety along the A46 in Newark has received formal approval. Transport Minister Lord Hendy, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, has granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the project, giving the green light for construction
Viridis Living has secured a key milestone in the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus, with Manchester City Council granting Reserved Matters Planning Consent. The consortium, comprising Equitix, GRAHAM and Derwent FM, worked alongside the University, local community, and key stakeholders to gain approval for the detailed design,
Construction company G F Tomlinson has completed the £multi-million refurbishment of Barnsley College historic University Centre, turning the 93-year-old art-deco building into the new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT). The redevelopment was marked with an official opening ceremony on 25 September, led by Barnsley MPs Dan Jarvis and Dr
Lloyds Living has completed the acquisition of Start Living, a 610-home portfolio established through a joint venture between Gatehouse Living Group and TPG Real Estate. The deal increases Lloyds Living’s total portfolio to more than 7,300 properties across the UK. The newly acquired homes, developed by Countryside and Vistry, are located in key employment and commuter hubs including West Bromwich, Nottingham, Liverpool, Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Coseley, near Bilston. The portfolio consists of 578 single-family houses and 32 low-rise apartments, with the latter based in Fairham, Nottingham. More than 550 of the homes have already been delivered and stabilised, with the remaining properties in Fairham and Padstow set to complete in Q4 2025. All properties meet a minimum EPC B energy rating and are designed to support modern, sustainable living. The mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes places the portfolio in the top 10% of energy-efficient homes in the UK. Matthew Burgess, Chief Investment Officer at Lloyds Living, said: “This new deal is another significant step in our growth journey. The secondary market for PRS portfolios is still in its infancy but is vital to the wider success of the sector by allowing a freer flow of capital and continued investment in new developments. “The homes we have acquired provide quality living in places people want to live, work and grow their families – exactly what we offer our customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sovereign Network Group (SNG) has received planning approval to redevelop its Windmill Court site in Mortimer Common, near Reading, into 24 high-quality affordable homes. The project will replace an outdated over-55s accommodation block with a modern development of houses and maisonettes, each designed with private outdoor space and parking. Set in a quiet location on the edge of the village, the scheme aims to meet local housing needs while improving the character of the area. The homes will offer a mix of 11 for Shared Ownership and 13 for social rent, ensuring a variety of affordable housing options for local people. All properties will be built to SNG’s Homes and Place Standard, which sets high expectations for comfort, space and energy performance. Sustainability measures such as air source heat pumps and solar panels will be incorporated to reduce energy costs and support greener living. Jenny Grote, Assistant Director New Business at SNG, said: “We are delighted that planning has been achieved at Windmill Court after a long journey through the system. This project will replace older buildings with a well-designed new community of affordable homes. By working to our Homes and Place Standard, we are ensuring these homes will be comfortable, spacious, and energy-efficient. The mix of houses and maisonettes will suit a range of local households and the inclusion of outdoor space and parking makes them especially attractive for village living. Most importantly, these homes will enhance Mortimer Common and create affordable opportunities for people who want to live in the village.” The planning process involved lengthy engagement with local stakeholders to ensure the development meets community needs. Approval followed extended discussions with the local authority to address the site’s historic covenants and its previous use. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2025, with completion targeted for late 2027. Four households who previously lived at Windmill Court have already expressed interest in returning once the new homes are ready. Located just seven miles from Reading, Mortimer Common offers a strong community identity, local amenities and good transport links, including a railway station on the Reading to Basingstoke line. The redevelopment of Windmill Court is set to bring much-needed affordable homes to this popular West Berkshire village. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McAleer & Rushe has been appointed Principal Contractor by the Wellcome Trust to deliver a £52 million office redevelopment at 80 Pelham Street, in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London. The scheme will revitalise a previously underused site with a five-storey, 114,000 sq ft sustainable office building designed to meet modern workplace standards and attract long-term occupiers. The project carefully balances contemporary design with local heritage, enhancing the character and quality of the surrounding streetscape. The development employs a contextual architectural approach, incorporating traditional materials such as stone and brick whilst drawing inspiration from surrounding heritage and neighbouring buildings. The design includes green roofs and terraces to support biodiversity, improved pedestrian experiences at street level, and the retention of gym facilities within the new building. The development is targeting BREEAM Outstanding, the highest environmental performance rating for building design, as well as WELL Platinum Certification, promoting health and wellbeing for building occupants. The project aims to achieve an EPC Rating A, demonstrating top-tier energy efficiency, as well as a NABERS 5-Star Rating for excellent operational energy performance. Enabling works are underway, with McAleer & Rushe delivering the main contract through to completion in October 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain has been appointed by Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) to deliver a major decommissioning project at the Trawsfynydd nuclear power station, located within the Snowdonia National Park. The £70 million contract will see Costain’s in-house engineering team work closely with NRS to safely and compliantly decommission the reactor buildings, originally constructed in the 1960s and subject to decommissioning works since 1991. The programme is expected to take around four years to complete. At its peak, more than 100 people will be employed on the project, generating new opportunities for local employment, skills development, and regional economic growth. As part of the works, Costain will oversee the deconstruction and partial reduction in height of the site’s two reactor buildings — lowering them from approximately 54 metres to 25 metres — to significantly reduce their visual impact on the surrounding landscape and communities. The company will also deliver a range of civil engineering and remedial works to ensure the buildings remain in a safe and stable condition ahead of future decommissioning phases. Sam White, Managing Director, Natural Resources at Costain, said: “Whether it’s designing the infrastructure that will produce the next generation of advanced nuclear fuel, plant optimisation or managing large-scale decommissioning programmes, Costain has decades of experience delivering predictable, best-in class solutions across the entire nuclear energy lifecycle. “This work is all part of creating a sustainable future, and we’re looking forward to deepening our relationship with NRS and working collaboratively with our local supply chain to complete this complex decommissioning project to the highest safety and quality standards.” Rob Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer at Nuclear Restoration Services, commented: “This is a pivotal moment for Trawsfynydd. After years of careful planning and preparation, we’re now moving into the delivery phase of one of the most complex and ambitious decommissioning projects in the UK. We’re delighted to be working with our supply chain partners to shape this next stage in the site’s journey, ensuring the work is undertaken safely, securely and sustainably for all our futures.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates has formally signed the main works order with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to deliver a major expansion at HMP Wayland in Norfolk, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing prison building programme. The project will deliver a new four-storey houseblock providing 247 additional Category C prison places, alongside a 1,200-capacity kitchen serving the entire prison. Additional facilities will include classrooms, a light industrial workshop, an all-weather sports pitch, and outdoor exercise areas, supporting prisoner rehabilitation and skills development to improve future employment prospects for prison leavers. The expansion forms part of the government’s Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme, contributing to the wider target of creating 14,000 new prison places by 2031. In line with Wates’ commitment to social value, the project will directly employ 10 prison leavers, as well as create 10 apprenticeships and opportunities for upskilling both prisoners and onsite workers. The initiative will also prioritise investment in the local supply chain and SMEs, ensuring economic benefits are felt across the surrounding community. The new houseblock will feature a standardised, modular design using pre-manufactured components to enable efficient and high-quality delivery. It will be fully electric and is targeting BREEAM Excellent or higher, aligning with the Ministry of Justice’s sustainability objectives and supporting lower long-term operational costs. Key delivery partners on the project include SES Engineering Services, SES Manufacturing, FP McCann, and Aden Contracting, with design support from BakerHicks and Pick Everard. The scheme has been procured through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework. Construction of the new houseblock is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, while a separate £70 million fire safety improvement project across the existing prison is already underway and scheduled for completion in February 2029. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd has broken ground on the next stage of Panattoni Park, Swindon, as work begins on a 915,000 sq. ft warehouse and production facility for Panattoni, the UK and Europe’s largest logistics property developer. The project, known as Unit S915, marks the second phase of development at the 370-acre site and represents a major milestone in its regeneration. The new facility will feature a state-of-the-art single-storey logistics hub, complemented by a two-storey main office (17,365 sq. ft), a two-storey transport office (5,295 sq. ft), an entrance tower and bridge, a gatehouse, and provision for a future vehicle maintenance unit. The building will achieve a clear haunch height of 21 metres and incorporate sustainability targets including BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A ratings, while being delivered to Net Zero Carbon in Construction standards. Alongside the main build, Winvic’s scope includes roads, service yards, car parking, landscaping, drainage and utilities. The launch of Phase Two follows Winvic’s completion of Phase One earlier this year, which involved the large-scale demolition of the former Honda car manufacturing plant decommissioned in 2021. That stage saw the removal of more than 15 buildings, extensive earthworks of around 800,000m³, and the installation of new infrastructure including drainage systems, estate roads, highway access points, utilities, footpaths and cycleways. On-site recycling of materials, including 6F2 aggregate from demolition works, has reduced vehicle movements and landfill waste. The site team also managed ecological and archaeological considerations, supporting an eight-week investigation led by Oxford Archaeology, uncovering multiple historic features. Habitat protection and enhancement measures included safeguarding a local watercourse, installing wildlife barriers, and introducing new owl boxes. Winvic’s work has also had a community focus. Phase One provided opportunities for local employment, including roles for former Honda staff and student placements. Phase Two will continue this legacy through an Employment and Skills Plan aimed at creating training, job and engagement opportunities for people in the Swindon area. Construction of Unit S915 is now underway and forms a key part of Panattoni’s long-term strategy to transform the site into one of the UK’s most significant logistics hubs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Hill Group has completed the purchase of Whalebones Park in Barnet, North London, with construction on a new housing development set to begin this October following planning approval. The scheme will deliver 115 homes on land adjoining the Grade II listed Whalebones House, designed to balance modern housing needs with the character of the surrounding landscape. Of these, 54 will be built in partnership with Sovereign Network Group (SNG) to provide affordable housing through a mix of shared ownership and affordable rent. The development will retain around half of the site—approximately two hectares—as public open space. This will include meadows, healing gardens, ponds, play areas, a woodland walk, a smallholding for the existing agricultural tenant, and new studio facilities for artists and beekeepers. On-site parking will also be provided. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: “Whalebones Park is a site of outstanding beauty, and we’re proud to be entrusted with its future. Our plans respect the heritage of Whalebones House and the character of Barnet, while delivering a sustainable new neighbourhood. The development will include high-quality, spacious, modern family homes for private sale, designed for open-plan living with generous gardens, alongside much-needed affordable homes delivered in partnership with Sovereign Network Group to support the local community. With planning approval now secured, we look forward to creating a thriving, inclusive community that brings lasting benefits to Barnet.” As well as delivering new homes, the scheme aims to enhance community life through natural play areas, accessible green routes, and improved cultural facilities. Environmental measures form a significant part of the project. Plans include planting 200 new trees and 750 metres of hedgerow, achieving a 10% biodiversity net gain. Sustainable features such as air source heat pumps, solar panels, and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) will ensure the neighbourhood is low carbon and energy-efficient. A long-term management plan will also safeguard habitats and green infrastructure. Matthew Bird, Regional Managing Director at SNG, said: “We are proud to be partnering with The Hill Group at Whalebones Park, a scheme that demonstrates how affordable homes can be integrated into high-quality, sustainable developments. Our 54 homes here will provide much-needed opportunities for local people to access affordable rent and shared ownership in Barnet, supported by the wider benefits of new open space and community facilities.” Construction at Whalebones Park is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with the first homes expected to be completed by summer 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A multi-million-pound plan to relieve congestion and improve safety along the A46 in Newark has received formal approval. Transport Minister Lord Hendy, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, has granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the project, giving the green light for construction to move forward on one of the East Midlands’ most important trade corridors. The scheme will upgrade a section of single carriageway on the A46, used by an average of 17,000 drivers each day, and which forms part of the trans-Midlands route linking to the Humber Ports. As well as easing traffic around Newark, the project aims to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. It will also contribute to regional growth by supporting 7,500 new homes, improving access to Newark Business Park and Newark Gateway, and strengthening trade connections including to the International Air and Space Training Institute (IASTI). The Planning Inspectorate has carried out a detailed assessment of the scheme, leading to today’s approval. National Highways Project Manager Izzy Tully said: “We are delighted with today’s announcement which is a major milestone on the project to improve the A46 around Newark for the many thousands of people who use the route each day. “The A46 is an important route, supporting trade and the wider economy, and our upgrade will reduce delays by delivering much-needed additional capacity to the road and its junctions, as well as better connectivity and safer journeys for everyone. “We look forward to now being able to take the project forward.” The upgrade will involve: There is now a six-week period in which parties can lodge any legal challenge to the decision. In the months ahead, National Highways will work with the Department for Transport to identify the most efficient and cost-effective delivery timetable for the scheme, with an update expected next year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Viridis Living has secured a key milestone in the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus, with Manchester City Council granting Reserved Matters Planning Consent. The consortium, comprising Equitix, GRAHAM and Derwent FM, worked alongside the University, local community, and key stakeholders to gain approval for the detailed design, layout, and landscaping plans. The scheme will deliver up to 3,300 new student homes across Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall, supported by a range of amenities, ancillary residences and extensive green infrastructure. Five distinct neighbourhoods will be created within the site, each drawing inspiration from Manchester’s cultural, sporting and musical heritage. The project is targeting both Passivhaus certification and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including offsite manufacturing, will also be used to improve efficiency, cut waste, and accelerate delivery. In June 2025, Viridis Living became one of the first developers to submit an application to the new Building Safety Regulator, three months ahead of planning approval. This early step underlines the consortium’s focus on fire safety, compliance, and the timely delivery of student housing in the city. GRAHAM has led the planning process on behalf of the consortium, in collaboration with architects Sheppard Robson and planning consultants Deloitte. Commenting on the milestone, Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director, said: “We’re delighted to reach this important milestone on a project of such scale and significance. The approved plans reflect our commitment to delivering a quality development that meets the evolving needs of students and the University.” Enabling works are already underway, with main construction set to begin in early 2026. The first phase of accommodation is scheduled for completion in 2026, with a phased handover continuing through to 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction company G F Tomlinson has completed the £multi-million refurbishment of Barnsley College historic University Centre, turning the 93-year-old art-deco building into the new South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT). The redevelopment was marked with an official opening ceremony on 25 September, led by Barnsley MPs Dan Jarvis and Dr Marie Tidball. They were joined by representatives from Barnsley College, G F Tomlinson, AECOM, Salix, the Department for Education (DfE), and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology. Originally built in 1932 as Barnsley Mining and Technical College, the iconic building has been transformed into a modern learning hub for higher-level education and innovation. The upgraded centre will provide space for more than 1,000 students and staff, with state-of-the-art teaching facilities, flexible learning spaces, and a new café and breakout zone. A central feature of the project is a striking enclosed atrium, created by redeveloping the college’s former open-air courtyard. The glazed roof allows natural light into the new Learning Resource Centre, which is set across tiered mezzanine floors. The project introduced 100 rooftop solar panels generating up to 29.73 kWp of renewable energy, an all-electric heating and cooling system, new air handling units, LED lighting, secondary glazing, and extensive insulation upgrades. These measures have earned the building an EPC asset rating of A, establishing it as a benchmark for low-carbon retrofit in the education sector. Beyond the build itself, G F Tomlinson delivered strong social value outcomes. The contractor hosted student site tours, mock interviews, and job fair appearances, while supporting community initiatives including the Barnsley Apprenticeship Conference and local food pantries. The project also supported the local economy, with 84% of spending retained within 40 miles of the site. The South Yorkshire IoT is part of a national network of 21 Institutes of Technology, designed to bridge skills gaps in engineering, health, digital and construction. The Barnsley site is being delivered in partnership with Barnsley College, Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, DN Colleges Group, the Sheffield College, and RNN Group. Adrian Grocock, managing director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to deliver this landmark facility for Barnsley College and the wider South Yorkshire IoT. This world-class learning environment reflects the very best in heritage refurbishment, sustainability and future-ready education design. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with the client team to deliver a project that meets high technical aspirations while generating lasting benefits for the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals