Plans to deliver 127 new homes at Castleton Grange in Eye have been given the green light, as Mid Suffolk District Council’s planning committee approved Phase 2 of the development this week. The homes will be delivered by Persimmon Homes Suffolk and are designed to be zero carbon-ready, aligning with
A major £140 million transformation of Darlington Station has marked a significant milestone with the completion of a bridge concourse linking the historic Bank Top station to its new eastern entrance off Neasham Road. The final section of the pedestrian bridge was installed late last week, forming a vital connection
Regal has secured planning permission for a revised development at 100 Avenue Road in Swiss Cottage, breathing new life into a site that has remained stalled for years. The updated scheme prioritises housing delivery, affordability, sustainability, and community benefit. The approved plans maintain the original scheme’s height and massing but
A major new commercial development near the M1 motorway and East Midlands Airport has received planning approval, marking a significant step forward for economic growth in the region. The scheme, brought forward by Litton Properties and led through planning by DPP, will deliver 3,000sqm of commercial space across four units.
Galliford Try’s Building North West division has officially signed contracts to deliver the first major construction phase of the Wigan Galleries redevelopment, set to be rebranded as ‘Fettlers’. Following the completion of pre-commencement work, the project will now move ahead with the £39.4 million construction of a new Market Hall
A major regeneration scheme to transform a neglected part of Northampton town centre has taken a significant step forward, as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and ECF – a joint venture between Legal & General, Homes England, and Muse – have formally entered into a Development Agreement to deliver the Greyfriars
Murphy has been awarded the largest substation project currently underway in the UK, following a multimillion-pound contract win from National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET). The project involves the construction of a major new substation at Uxbridge Moor in Buckinghamshire, adjacent to NGET’s existing Iver substation. The new infrastructure is set
Morgan Sindall Construction has officially handed over Phase 1 of the new Maendy Primary School to Torfaen County Borough Council. The handover took place on 27 May 2025, just over a year after work began in March 2024. The project will deliver a new two-storey primary school designed to accommodate
The London Borough of Havering, in partnership with Wates Residential, has secured planning approval for 18 modular homes on the Waterloo and Queen Street Estate in Romford. The project marks a key milestone in a pilot initiative aimed at transforming the provision of temporary housing across the capital. Part of
Winvic Construction Ltd has been appointed by IM Properties (IMP) to commence construction work at Towcester Park, a significant new £200 million employment park development. The project is anticipated to create 1,500 jobs upon full occupation and will also include a £100,000 community fund dedicated to local projects. Northampton-based Winvic,
Plans to deliver 127 new homes at Castleton Grange in Eye have been given the green light, as Mid Suffolk District Council’s planning committee approved Phase 2 of the development this week. The homes will be delivered by Persimmon Homes Suffolk and are designed to be zero carbon-ready, aligning with the developer’s commitment to sustainability and future-proofed living. The new phase will include 25 affordable homes for residents whose housing needs are not met by the open market. Ranging from two to five bedrooms, more than half of the properties will be built as adaptable homes, allowing them to accommodate the evolving needs of families over time. Each home will feature an air source heat pump and be equipped with an electric vehicle charging point as standard. Persimmon will also contribute £2.5 million toward local public services and infrastructure as part of its developer obligations, supporting the wider community as the development expands. Ian Hamilton, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk, said: “We have included large areas of open space within the layout design for this phase to create a low-density scheme that provides opportunities for residents to enjoy the green space. “We are delighted that members were able to approve the scheme and allow us to continue building at Castleton Grange in order to meet local demand for new homes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major £140 million transformation of Darlington Station has marked a significant milestone with the completion of a bridge concourse linking the historic Bank Top station to its new eastern entrance off Neasham Road. The final section of the pedestrian bridge was installed late last week, forming a vital connection between the existing grade II-listed station and the newly developed eastern gateway. The 50-tonne enclosed, step-free bridge was previously lifted into place using a 750-tonne crane specially built for the task. Network Rail is now leading the next phase of the ambitious project, which includes two new platforms, platforms 5 and 6, to boost capacity on both the East Coast Main Line and the Tees Valley Line. These upgrades aim to ease freight movements and improve services across the region. The entire scheme remains on track for completion later this year. The eastern entrance hall structure was handed over to Network Rail last year. Once finished, it will house retail units and a 650-space car park, helping to create a modern gateway into the town. Public realm improvements are also underway, with hoardings erected around buildings on Victoria Road to allow for better pedestrian links to Darlington town centre. A new Neasham Road entrance and short-stay drop-off zone are also taking shape. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s great to see the final piece of the concourse fitting into place. We handed over the gateway building on time and on budget – and it’s pleasing to see Network Rail are making good progress to get this whole vital project over the line and ready for the people of Darlington this year. “It’s a huge year for our railway heritage – and this project will not only provide the modern station Darlington deserves, but it will also open up huge opportunities for connectivity, trade and freight to and from Teesside and Hartlepool further down the line.” Funded with £98 million from the Department for Transport, the project includes enhancements to track, points, and signalling, alongside the new footbridge, platforms, and concourse building. The station overhaul is part of a broader strategy to future-proof regional rail services and support growth across the North East. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Regal has secured planning permission for a revised development at 100 Avenue Road in Swiss Cottage, breathing new life into a site that has remained stalled for years. The updated scheme prioritises housing delivery, affordability, sustainability, and community benefit. The approved plans maintain the original scheme’s height and massing but introduce significant improvements. The number of homes has increased from 184 to 237, including 70 affordable units—nearly double the 36 previously approved. This makes up 36% of the total by unit count, with homes designed to address Camden’s most pressing housing needs. The affordable offering includes 36 homes at social and affordable rents, 34 intermediate homes, and 50 family-sized units. The development also aligns with modern fire safety regulations by incorporating a second staircase and adopts a gas-free, net-zero carbon approach. The façade has been reimagined using brick and textured materials, offering improved detailing and reduced glazing to minimise overheating and enhance energy efficiency—design choices that better reflect the surrounding conservation area. Enhanced public spaces are another key feature of the revised plans. These include multifunctional open spaces, play areas, seating, and significant tree planting that will tie in with Camden Council’s own improvements to the Swiss Cottage Open Space. A new community facility, delivered in partnership with local youth charity The Winch, will also form part of the scheme. Steve Harrington, Planning Director at Regal, said: “100 Avenue Road has long been a source of frustration for the local community. We’re proud to be unlocking the site and delivering a better scheme that reflects Camden’s current priorities — more affordable homes, stronger community infrastructure, and a greener, safer environment. We’re committed to working closely with local stakeholders as we bring the project forward.” Regal took over the site in 2024 and submitted a Section 73 application to improve the previously consented plans. The updated scheme followed extensive community consultation and pre-application engagement with council officers, local councillors, and community groups, including two design review panels and a Development Management Forum. In addition to the increased affordable housing provision, the revised proposal includes greater financial contributions via Section 106 and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). It will also support local employment throughout the construction and operational phases and enhance retail and commercial spaces at ground level. Construction logistics will follow previously approved routes, and a Construction Working Group will be reassembled to ensure continued community engagement during the build. Regal will act as both developer and contractor and will manage the building post-completion, ensuring long-term stewardship of the site as a community asset. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new commercial development near the M1 motorway and East Midlands Airport has received planning approval, marking a significant step forward for economic growth in the region. The scheme, brought forward by Litton Properties and led through planning by DPP, will deliver 3,000sqm of commercial space across four units. Designed by The Harris Partnership, the new development is strategically located at a gateway point to the airport and adjacent to the M1, and will target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking modern facilities to establish or expand their businesses. DPP steered the project from its early stages, preparing planning documents and leading on a crucial Economic Needs Assessment. This was necessary as the site lies within the countryside and was not allocated in the Local Plan. Through detailed research, DPP was able to demonstrate a pressing need for additional floorspace—particularly for smaller units—that the current Local Plan had failed to address. The planning team also coordinated a broader group of consultants to compile the full range of documentation required to support the application. DPP remained involved throughout the process, from submission to decision, and helped draft the planning conditions for the approved scheme. Construction is expected to begin later this year. Commenting on the approval, Will Marshall, Principal Planner at DPP, said: “We are delighted to have secured this consent which will become a prominent feature on the M1 motorway and as passengers fly into East Midlands Airport. Designed for SME businesses, the development will provide much-needed space for smaller companies looking to start or grow in the region. It has also been pleasing to overcome the planning hurdle of an unallocated site in the countryside which required extensive research into the Local Plan and what the demands of NW Leicestershire and the East Midlands will be in the future.” Once complete, the development is expected to serve as a high-visibility commercial hub, supporting regional economic expansion and providing vital infrastructure for SMEs in North West Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands. Image: The Harris Partnership Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Galliford Try’s Building North West division has officially signed contracts to deliver the first major construction phase of the Wigan Galleries redevelopment, set to be rebranded as ‘Fettlers’. Following the completion of pre-commencement work, the project will now move ahead with the £39.4 million construction of a new Market Hall and £4.6 million of basement enabling works. Together, these represent a £44 million investment into the multi-phase regeneration scheme. The transformation is part of a wider £135 million masterplan being delivered in partnership with development partner Cityheart, aimed at creating a dynamic new retail, leisure, commercial and residential destination in the heart of Wigan town centre. Future phases of the project will feature a six-screen cinema, music and e-sports venue, 10-lane bowling alley, indoor mini-golf centre, new hotel, and 464 homes. The scheme will also include food and drink venues, evening entertainment spaces, a reimagined market hall, and a new public square designed for outdoor events. Darren Parker, Managing Director of Galliford Try Building North West, said: “We are delighted to progress to the next phase of this landmark regeneration project. The redevelopment of Wigan Galleries will breathe new life into the town centre, creating a vibrant destination that will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We look forward to playing our part in bringing this ambitious vision to life.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major regeneration scheme to transform a neglected part of Northampton town centre has taken a significant step forward, as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and ECF – a joint venture between Legal & General, Homes England, and Muse – have formally entered into a Development Agreement to deliver the Greyfriars project. The Greyfriars project will see the creation of over 1,000 new homes, green spaces, cultural destinations, and commercial offerings across a 25-acre site. Designed to revitalise the heart of Northampton, the development aims to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and well-connected community that supports economic growth, sustainability, and a stronger sense of place. The regeneration area covers key sites including the former Greyfriars Bus Station, Mayorhold and Victoria Street Car Parks, the Corn Exchange, Belgrave House, and the East and West Islands. Plans include a mix of affordable, build-to-rent, and student housing, along with shops, cafés, restaurants, and leisure facilities to help create a thriving urban neighbourhood. A standout feature of the scheme is the proposed landmark public realm, featuring an outdoor amphitheatre and renewed green spaces designed to enhance Northampton’s cultural life. Improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure will better connect Greyfriars to the wider town and promote sustainable travel options. The economic impact of the scheme is expected to be substantial, with up to 7,000 full-time equivalent jobs created during construction and over £1 billion in economic value generated. Once completed, the development is projected to increase annual local spending by £21 million, delivering long-term benefits for residents and businesses throughout West Northamptonshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Murphy has been awarded the largest substation project currently underway in the UK, following a multimillion-pound contract win from National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET). The project involves the construction of a major new substation at Uxbridge Moor in Buckinghamshire, adjacent to NGET’s existing Iver substation. The new infrastructure is set to play a key role in meeting the growing demand for electricity in west London and will enable new customers to be connected to the national grid. Leveraging its in-house capabilities and direct delivery model, Murphy will carry out the full range of works at the new substation. This includes the construction of both a 400kV and a 132kV substation, underground cabling, ancillary buildings, and modification works to the existing 400kV overhead line network. The 132kV substation will be connected via underground cables. The project also includes major civil works, such as the development of a 1.2km raised access road from the A412 and a new road bridge over the River Alder Bourne, further enhancing site accessibility. A key feature of the project is its use of gas-insulated substation technology, which allows for a significantly smaller site footprint—up to 70% less than a conventional substation. This will help minimise environmental impact and disruption to the surrounding area. Liam Corr, Managing Director of Energy at Murphy, said: “Since 1951 Murphy has been a leading provider of innovative and integrated energy solutions – today we support groundbreaking transmission and distribution projects across the four countries in which we work. “We are proud to be delivering this project in the UK’s capital and building on our strong working relationship with National Grid to help to ensure energy security for decades to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Construction has officially handed over Phase 1 of the new Maendy Primary School to Torfaen County Borough Council. The handover took place on 27 May 2025, just over a year after work began in March 2024. The project will deliver a new two-storey primary school designed to accommodate 420 pupils across 16 classrooms within a 2,184 sq-m building. Once complete, it will replace the existing school and offer a modern, sustainable environment for learning. Phase 1 includes the completion of the main school building, a rear playground, a multi-use games area (MUGA), and individual play spaces adjoining each classroom. Phase 2 is already underway and is scheduled for completion in January 2026. It will involve demolishing the old school, and constructing further facilities, including a new access road, EV-enabled car park, expansive sports fields, and a Forest School zone. Sustainability is central to the project’s design, with the school targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. Its all-brick clad steel structure supports 700 sq-m of solar photovoltaic panels on the southern roof pitch, while the building orientation has been optimised for energy efficiency and daylight use. The scheme forms part of Morgan Sindall Construction’s wider Responsible Business strategy. It incorporates the company’s 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge, aimed at reducing carbon emissions through innovation and collaboration. The team has already surpassed its goal, cutting 10.3 tonnes of CO₂e, with initiatives such as using reusable Kentledge blocks for site hoarding foundations—allowing materials to be transferred between phases without creating waste. Community engagement has also been a cornerstone of the project. Pupils have participated in assemblies, construction safety sessions, and sustainability workshops, including Carbon Literacy training for Years 5 and 6. The company is also backing the Healthy Dragons programme, run with the Dragons RFC Community Team, to promote wellbeing and confidence-building among pupils. Further environmental initiatives include the donation of materials to build hedgehog houses, now installed in the school’s Forest School area to enhance biodiversity and environmental education. To ease traffic congestion near the school during peak times, the project includes the development of a new internal drop-off zone. Robert Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in Wales, said: “We’re making excellent progress on the new Maendy Primary School, which will provide a high-quality, sustainable learning environment for children in Cwmbran. “The successful handover of Phase 1, the main school building, marks a significant milestone in our journey to deliver net zero carbon buildings that promote both educational achievement and environmental responsibility. “Our engagement with pupils throughout the build has been particularly rewarding. Initiatives like the Carbon Literacy workshops not only enrich the curriculum but help inspire the next generation to consider careers in construction and understand the importance of sustainable practices.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The London Borough of Havering, in partnership with Wates Residential, has secured planning approval for 18 modular homes on the Waterloo and Queen Street Estate in Romford. The project marks a key milestone in a pilot initiative aimed at transforming the provision of temporary housing across the capital. Part of a broader regeneration joint venture between Havering Council and Wates Residential to deliver up to 5,000 new homes borough-wide, the scheme addresses the urgent challenge of rising housing demand and costs—issues that currently cost councils across the UK £2.1 billion annually and have left record numbers of children living in hotels and B&Bs. Developed in collaboration with architects, suppliers, planners, manufacturers, and local authorities, the modular homes in Romford are designed as pre-fabricated standard units that can be built twice as fast as traditional homes and relocated if necessary. With energy-efficient features and low carbon footprints, the units involve minimal disruption during installation and meet the same quality standards as permanent housing. Each home will include private bedrooms, family bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces, providing a stable and dignified living environment for families facing housing insecurity. Despite being intended as temporary accommodation, the homes are built to last up to 60 years, offering councils a sustainable long-term solution. Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Lead for Development and Regeneration at Havering Council, said: “These modular homes will offer a significant improvement on current options like hostels and hotels, giving families a safer, more stable place to live at less cost to the taxpayer, while we continue delivering long-term regeneration across the borough.” Paul Nicholls, Regional Managing Director for London at Wates Residential, added: “This decision shows what’s possible when we take bold approaches to tackling the housing crisis. Councils across the country are spending £2.1bn annually on hotels and hostels that have a devastating impact on their wellbeing and development. Our temporary modular homes provide a real solution. “These homes demonstrate that temporary accommodation can be high-quality, energy-efficient and designed around people’s needs, not just a stopgap, but a real place to live and thrive. We’re proud to be working with Havering Council to deliver a solution that is fast, flexible and focused on families.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd has been appointed by IM Properties (IMP) to commence construction work at Towcester Park, a significant new £200 million employment park development. The project is anticipated to create 1,500 jobs upon full occupation and will also include a £100,000 community fund dedicated to local projects. Northampton-based Winvic, a prominent main contractor specialising in private and public sector construction and civil engineering, will lead the initial phases of the 1.1 million sq ft Towcester Park. Danny Nelson, Managing Director – Industrial, Distribution & Logistics at Winvic, commented on the appointment: “We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with IM Properties and work together to deliver the first stages of this high-quality employment space with industry-leading sustainability credentials.” Towcester Park will offer a mix of high-quality, sustainable employment spaces on a Design & Build basis, targeting EPC A and BREEAM Excellent ratings. The site will also incorporate 15 acres of green space, amenity land, and retained and enhanced landscaping. IM Properties is introducing its ‘Kick Start’ scheme for businesses looking to expand, with reserved matters already submitted for units ranging from 13,500 sq ft to 22,000 sq ft. For larger operators, Towcester Park has reserved matters for warehouse space of up to 470,000 sq ft. These larger buildings will feature HQ-style office space, roof terraces on outboard offices, contemporary reception areas, and high-quality, modern working environments. The development will incorporate electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities to promote green travel and aims for Net Zero Ready status, assisting occupiers in their transition to Net Zero operations. Richard Sykes, Development Director at IM Properties, said: “Winvic is a trusted and valued member of our supply chain who understands our ambitions to deliver legacy projects and work in partnership with the community. They have successfully delivered several of our previous schemes and will work closely with our team to help shape the first stages of this strategically important development.” IM Properties intends to work closely with local educational institutions and training providers to introduce apprenticeship schemes, vocational training programmes, and career pathways within the logistics and industrial sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
