A major new development at Kensal Canalside has been given the green light by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council. After nearly three hours of debate, councillors voted four to one in favour of granting planning permission for the scheme, which has been brought forward by developer Ballymore
Winvic Construction Ltd has completed the Threadworks Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Leeds city centre, delivering 548 beds as part of the redevelopment of the former International Swimming Pool site. The project, commissioned by CASL Lisbon Street, is located at the corner of Lisbon Street and Castle Street
Extra MSA Group has appointed Glencar as the main construction contractor for a new motorway service area (MSA) at Junction 11 of the M62, a major development expected to deliver modern facilities, support local employment, and promote sustainable growth in the region. The multi-phase design-and-build contract will see Glencar undertake
Plans for a new theatre venue at The Lights in Andover have been approved, with planning consent granted by Test Valley Borough Council’s planning committee. The new three-storey venue will feature a state-of-the-art auditorium with seating for over 400 people, a significant increase from the current 249-seat theatre. The design
Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) to deliver Station Gardens, a transformational housing development set to create 81 new homes on a key brownfield gateway site near Rochdale town centre. The project will revitalise the extensive site near Drake Street, located on the doorstep of Rochdale
Henley Investment Management has announced that Salford City Council has granted approval for the transformative £1.3 billion Regent Park development, set to create a sustainable, mixed-use neighbourhood offering housing, jobs, and community amenities. Located just outside Manchester city centre, the project will redevelop the 130,000 sq ft Regent Retail Park,
Caddick Construction has secured a £36.8 million contract to build Farringdon Row in Sunderland, marking its third built-to-rent (BTR) project for developer Placefirst. The development will feature 165 homes, including a mix of townhouses and apartments, and forms the second new neighbourhood under Sunderland City Council’s Riverside Sunderland Masterplan, which
Plans for a major new housing development comprising 165 homes on land off Madgwick Lane in Chichester have been approved by Chichester District Council, allowing Persimmon Homes South Coast to begin construction later this year. Situated close to the South Downs National Park and Goodwood Estate, the approved scheme will
Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd (GKRL), in partnership with Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council (KMBC), has submitted a hybrid planning application for St Michael’s Place, a major £200 million regeneration project at the heart of Huyton Village. The scheme aims to transform Huyton Town Centre into a vibrant, mixed-use destination, with proposals
Galliford Try’s refurbishment of the Stonebow Unit has received high praise, earning a ‘Highly Commended’ recognition in the Refurbishment Project of the Year category at the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estates Management (IHEEM) Awards. The £12.6 million project, delivered by Galliford Try Building West Midlands and South West for
A major new development at Kensal Canalside has been given the green light by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council. After nearly three hours of debate, councillors voted four to one in favour of granting planning permission for the scheme, which has been brought forward by developer Ballymore in partnership with supermarket chain Sainsbury’s. The plans propose 2,519 new homes, including 500 affordable properties, alongside a community hub, a new supermarket, extensive public green spaces, improved transport links with cycle paths, and an extended bus route. Following the Council’s decision, the application will now be referred to the Mayor of London, a standard procedure for developments of this scale. The Mayor will decide whether to endorse the Council’s approval or call in the application for further consideration. Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, described the decision as a landmark moment for the borough: “This is a major milestone for the borough. We have very little space to build in Kensington and Chelsea and a very high demand for housing, so it’s absolutely crucial that the opportunity is grasped with both hands at Kensal Canalside. I hope it won’t be long before the developer can get on with the job of building over 2,500 much-needed homes, 500 of those will be affordable. It will be a change for the area, but I look forward to it becoming a happy neighbourhood and a new amazing space, offering homes and community for many people in the near future.” Cllr James Husband, Chairman of the Planning Committee, added: “We gave detailed consideration to the application over almost three hours last night. The number of homes is very significant in the context of our borough and in the end the public benefit outweighed the harms. At a vote of four to one, the committee agreed to resolve to grant planning permission.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd has completed the Threadworks Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Leeds city centre, delivering 548 beds as part of the redevelopment of the former International Swimming Pool site. The project, commissioned by CASL Lisbon Street, is located at the corner of Lisbon Street and Castle Street and was managed by DLC Europe and Colliers, with KS4 serving as Employer’s Agent. The 24-storey tower, built to BREEAM Excellent standards, offers single occupancy en-suite bedrooms alongside shared amenities including cinema rooms, a fitness centre, relaxation spaces, a games room, a TV lounge, and a 1,593 sq ft roof terrace on the first floor. During construction, Winvic introduced an innovation to reduce carbon impact by replacing gas-fired boilers with electric alternatives. This not only cut emissions but also improved safety by removing open flames, with the boilers’ technology preventing element overheating. Winvic also promoted collaboration across the wider four-plot development, which includes build-to-rent apartments, a hotel, and commercial spaces. In line with its commitment to leaving a positive local legacy, Winvic implemented an Employment and Skills Plan to maximise social value. The project created 134 new jobs, emphasising local recruitment. Nine local people entering the industry for the first time were supported into work, five veterans gained roles in engineering and electrical trades, and a sixth joined as a trainee window fitter through supply chain partner Unique Windows. Three local apprentices were recruited and 30 existing apprenticeships were sustained. Additional outreach included career workshops in schools and colleges and the donation of 50 books to a local primary school for World Book Day. Winvic’s Trainee Site Manager also joined Leeds City Council’s Apprenticeship Academy to support further training opportunities. The company partnered with local charities, raising funds for Zarach, donating £250 to Leeds Community Wood Recycling, and providing hygiene products and an on-site clothes bank for homelessness charity St George’s Crypt. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Extra MSA Group has appointed Glencar as the main construction contractor for a new motorway service area (MSA) at Junction 11 of the M62, a major development expected to deliver modern facilities, support local employment, and promote sustainable growth in the region. The multi-phase design-and-build contract will see Glencar undertake extensive earthworks, drainage, and ground improvement to establish the development platform. This will be followed by the installation of utilities, highways, and site-wide infrastructure in preparation for the construction of the main Amenity Building, parking areas, and external works. Glencar will also manage enabling and access works for the fuel filling station and coordinate future landscaping packages. The hybrid fuel facility will include a retail store, refuelling forecourts for cars and HGVs, canopies, EV chargers, and supporting infrastructure such as parking, lighting, and cycle spaces. The first phase of the project will also involve the diversion of Silver Lane Brook and the creation of a new peatland habitat zone, alongside wider landscaping and site circulation improvements. Once complete, the Warrington MSA will provide over 530 car parking spaces, 105 HGV spaces, 16 coach bays, 15 caravan spaces, and 15 motorcycle spaces. Glencar will play a central role in achieving Extra MSA’s sustainability and social value goals, applying an ESG-led approach to ensure high standards of environmental performance and community impact. Key ecological enhancements include the peatland habitat creation and restoration of Silver Lane Brook to boost biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience. The project also includes a robust social value programme, with initiatives to generate employment opportunities, support local SMEs, and establish skills partnerships with Birchwood High School, Gorse Primary, Warrington & Vale College, and Cheshire Skills Bootcamp, aiming to inspire the next generation of construction talent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a new theatre venue at The Lights in Andover have been approved, with planning consent granted by Test Valley Borough Council’s planning committee. The new three-storey venue will feature a state-of-the-art auditorium with seating for over 400 people, a significant increase from the current 249-seat theatre. The design also includes a separate, flexible space for performances and events, dance studios, meeting rooms available for public hire, and café and bar areas at either end of the building. Outdoor terraced spaces will offer visitors pleasant areas to relax during warmer months. The Lights, a long-standing community hub, has become increasingly oversubscribed, driving the need for expansion to meet growing demand. The new venue will allow simultaneous use of the auditorium and secondary event space, while classes and meetings can take place throughout the building. With quality soundproofing and a design supporting nearly 1,000 people at full occupancy, the theatre is expected to boost Andover’s daytime and evening economy by attracting more visitors to the town centre. The design, developed by theatre specialists Burrell Foley Fischer, reflects the character of Andover’s historic centre while providing modern, accessible facilities. Inspired by St Mary’s Church and the Guildhall, the façade will feature a series of stone arches forming a striking colonnade, crafted from light-coloured stone to reflect the local chalk stream, with pale brick, natural flint, and bronze accents. Councillor Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: “This is a landmark moment for Andover. The new theatre will be a place to celebrate creativity and community – and a catalyst for economic growth. It’s a key part of our wider regeneration plans and will help bring more people into the town centre, day and night.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) to deliver Station Gardens, a transformational housing development set to create 81 new homes on a key brownfield gateway site near Rochdale town centre. The project will revitalise the extensive site near Drake Street, located on the doorstep of Rochdale railway station. The area has remained vacant for several years but is considered a strategic gateway into the borough. The development will feature two, three, and four-bedroom homes available in a mix of tenures, including social and affordable housing. The properties will be the first net zero homes delivered as part of a housing scheme supported by the council, with completion expected in early 2028. The project has been enabled by a successful bid to the government’s Community Regeneration Partnerships Fund and forms part of the council’s rail corridor strategy, which aims to rejuvenate the areas around Rochdale’s five railway stations by creating new homes on brownfield sites. Michael Poole-Sutherland, Director for the North West at Willmott Dixon: “We’re extremely proud to play our part in the continued regeneration of Rochdale in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency. “We share Rochdale Borough Council and RDA’s passion for ensuring Station Gardens leaves a lasting legacy in this community. As part of this, we will create employment opportunities for local people who have been long-term unemployed and will be engaging with both T-Level and apprentice students at Hopwood Hall College, Rochdale Sixth Form and Hollingworth High School, offering 180 weeks of training throughout the project.” Councillor Danny Meredith, cabinet member for housing and regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council: “It’s great to finally break ground on this site, as we’ve been working hard to move this project forward, following an unsuccessful funding bid to the previous government. We kept at it and were delighted to recently receive the money from the community regeneration partnership, which has enabled us to get going. These new homes will be a fantastic addition to this area, transforming a site which has been empty for years into a thriving new neighbourhood which will be built to the highest environmental standards.” The development is also part of the wider regeneration of the area around Rochdale railway station, which involves the creation of a new public square in front of the station and 33 new apartments on a brownfield site on the corner of Maclure Road and Station Road, whose construction is set to start in early 2026. The project is being delivered by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council, with Willmott Dixon acting as main contractor. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henley Investment Management has announced that Salford City Council has granted approval for the transformative £1.3 billion Regent Park development, set to create a sustainable, mixed-use neighbourhood offering housing, jobs, and community amenities. Located just outside Manchester city centre, the project will redevelop the 130,000 sq ft Regent Retail Park, one of Salford’s designated Local Centres. The scheme will retain substantial retail space while introducing a mix of residential, retail, and community uses to support both day and night-time activity. The new retail offering will include approximately 15 units totalling 86,000 sq ft, accommodating a combination of local independent businesses, high-street brands, and service providers. Henley has confirmed that all existing retailers will be invited to return after redevelopment. Designed by Matt Brook Architects, the masterplan will create a placemaking-led urban quarter across ten buildings delivered in two phases. Certain parts of the centre will remain operational during construction to minimise disruption and maintain services for the local community. The development will provide up to 3,300 new homes, including 660 affordable units, marking Salford’s largest affordable housing initiative in over 50 years. By redeveloping a brownfield site, Regent Park aims to reduce pressure on greenbelt land while delivering high-quality, energy-efficient housing. At the heart of the scheme lies five acres of public open space, including the 3.5-acre West Union Park, children’s play areas, and a village square designed for pop-up events. A dedicated Community Forum will offer a shared space for residents and occupiers, while the green infrastructure will enhance biodiversity and deliver a net environmental gain. Ian Rickwood, Chief Executive of Henley Investment Management, said: “Our approved scheme for Regent Park will deliver a new green and sustainable neighbourhood, a renewed local centre for Salford. Our plans recognise the importance of retail and services for the community, retaining significant enhanced provision that will cater to the needs of local people, while delivering much needed high-quality homes, including a significant proportion of affordable homes, a new park, a village square and community forum. “We look forward to continuing to work with Salford City Council, stakeholders and the local community to deliver our vision.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has secured a £36.8 million contract to build Farringdon Row in Sunderland, marking its third built-to-rent (BTR) project for developer Placefirst. The development will feature 165 homes, including a mix of townhouses and apartments, and forms the second new neighbourhood under Sunderland City Council’s Riverside Sunderland Masterplan, which aims to deliver 1,000 new city centre homes. Managed from Caddick’s Durham offices at Belmont Business Park, Farringdon Row expands the contractor’s growing North East portfolio and underscores its focus on regional projects. Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director for Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, said: “We’re very proud to be continuing our strong partnership with Placefirst on this exciting new build-to-rent scheme in Sunderland. Following the successful delivery of Bolt Works and Deansgate Gardens, our appointment to Farringdon Row reflects the quality, trust and shared vision we’ve built together. We are privileged to play a role in the regeneration of Sunderland, creating high-quality homes and thriving communities for local people.” Phil Jones, Development Director at Placefirst, added: “Farringdon Row is an exciting addition to our growing portfolio and reflects our commitment to creating quality homes designed for long-term living in Sunderland. By working closely with Caddick Construction, we’re proud to be supporting Sunderland City Council’s ambitious Riverside regeneration plans and bringing new energy to the heart of the city’s waterfront. “Our partnership with Caddick has gone from strength to strength through several successful projects. Now, Farringdon Row will play a key role in continuing to improve the standard of city centre living in Sunderland, through high quality, sustainable homes and green spaces.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a major new housing development comprising 165 homes on land off Madgwick Lane in Chichester have been approved by Chichester District Council, allowing Persimmon Homes South Coast to begin construction later this year. Situated close to the South Downs National Park and Goodwood Estate, the approved scheme will deliver 115 open-market homes and 50 affordable properties for low-cost ownership. The development also includes landscaped green spaces, play areas, and a range of ecological enhancements aimed at improving local biodiversity. The application was developed in close collaboration with council officers to ensure the design was sensitive to its surroundings and addressed key technical and environmental considerations. To manage the site’s proximity to Goodwood Estate, the scheme incorporates acoustic mitigation measures and advanced building design solutions. Specialist consultants modelled aircraft and circuit noise to inform the site layout, while enhanced glazing and ventilation systems will ensure comfortable internal conditions throughout the year. A drainage strategy has also been developed, reflecting the site’s position near the River Lavant. The strategy combines sustainable drainage features with targeted ecological improvements to manage surface water and enhance the river corridor’s natural value. National planning and development consultancy Lichfields advised Persimmon Homes throughout the process, working closely with the council and technical consultees, and helping to secure agreement on affordable housing provision. Darren Dancey, Divisional Operations Director at Persimmon Homes, said: “We’re delighted to have received planning permission for this high-quality development of 165 much-needed new homes in Chichester. Our scheme will deliver energy-efficient homes, wide areas of green space and affordable routes to home ownership for local people, while contributing to improvements on the A27 and other local priorities.” As part of the approval, Persimmon Homes will contribute almost £2 million towards local infrastructure and public services, including £640,000 for highway upgrades to the A27, helping to support wider community and transport improvements in the area. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd (GKRL), in partnership with Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council (KMBC), has submitted a hybrid planning application for St Michael’s Place, a major £200 million regeneration project at the heart of Huyton Village. The scheme aims to transform Huyton Town Centre into a vibrant, mixed-use destination, with proposals including new homes, high-quality commercial space, a 130-bed hotel, and the creation of a central village green alongside significant public realm improvements. The plans also include the development of a community hub on Derby Road and the conversion of the Lathom Road multi-storey car park into a sustainable travel hub, supporting greener transport options. Together, these proposals are expected to attract inward investment, create new jobs, and deliver long-term social and economic benefits for local residents and businesses. The planning submission follows a four-week public consultation held in April and May 2025, which saw more than 5,000 people visit the consultation website and over 80 residents attend in-person events. The consultation process gathered valuable community feedback to refine and shape the plans ahead of submission. According to GKRL, community input has played a crucial role in the final proposal, ensuring the regeneration reflects local priorities and promotes an inclusive, sustainable town centre. Feedback revealed strong public support for increased green space, with residents viewing it as essential for improving the town’s appearance and supporting wellbeing. Participants also welcomed plans for high street revitalisation, expressing a desire for more independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Concerns around affordable housing and accommodation for older residents were also raised and have been incorporated into the revised plans. If approved, the St Michael’s Place project will mark a significant milestone in Huyton’s regeneration, creating a modern, accessible and community-focused town centre for the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Galliford Try’s refurbishment of the Stonebow Unit has received high praise, earning a ‘Highly Commended’ recognition in the Refurbishment Project of the Year category at the Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estates Management (IHEEM) Awards. The £12.6 million project, delivered by Galliford Try Building West Midlands and South West for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, has significantly upgraded facilities for adult, older adult, and dementia patients. The refurbishment created 39 single en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, providing patients with easy access to outdoor gardens, while freeing up the first floor for improved staff welfare spaces. The refurbishment, designed by Design Buro, incorporated the latest innovations in care, presenting adaptable, interlinked wards tailored to patients’ needs and aligning with the Modernising the Mental Health Act 2018. The regulation aims to eliminate dormitory-style accommodation, supporting staff in creating spaces to meet the varied needs of adults, older adults, and those living with dementia. Galliford Try delivered the scheme using its Millimetres Matter approach, a rigorous standard for quality, safety, and functionality in mental health environments. Key features include anti-ligature fittings, tamper-proof lighting, coordinated lighting and CCTV for better visibility, and Knauf Shaft Wall systems that maximise corridor space without compromising structural integrity. The design also prioritised sustainability, with passive energy-saving measures such as solar control glazing, roof-mounted photovoltaics, and high thermal efficiency to reduce reliance on mechanical systems. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals