Cheshire-based housebuilder Jones Homes has secured a 37-acre site on Warmingham Lane in Middlewich, where construction has now commenced on a new 235-home neighbourhood. The development, named Warmingham Park, is designed to provide a diverse range of housing options while dedicating approximately half of the land to landscaped green space.
Real estate investor Castleforge and data centre operator Galaxy Data Centers have received full planning consent for a new 15MW data centre at their Redhill campus in Surrey. The approval from Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s Planning Committee marks a major expansion of the 3.1-hectare Foxboro Business Park site, representing
Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £92 million contract to construct a landmark campus for the College of North West London (CNWL), part of the United Colleges Group. Located at the prestigious Olympic Way in Wembley Park, the project will transform a long-vacant building into a premier educational facility steps
The Hill Group has reached a significant regional milestone after securing planning permission for three separate developments in the South East. The approvals will see the delivery of 268 new homes across Essex, Oxfordshire, and Hertfordshire, including 113 affordable properties, as part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to increasing housing
Construction firm Henry Brothers, headquartered in Magherafelt, has been selected to deliver a £10.3 million Joint Asset Workshop and Stores at Darby House in Wellingborough, commissioned by Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone. The scheme, due to complete in June 2027, will consolidate fleet management for Northamptonshire Police
Story Homes has officially broken ground on the next two phases of its flagship Edgehill Park development in Whitehaven. The expansion will introduce 158 additional properties to the site and marks the debut of the housebuilder’s “Scenik Collection,” a contemporary sub-brand designed to meet modern lifestyle demands. The new Scenik
Morgan Sindall Construction’s London team has completed the retrofit and extension of the University of Westminster Zone29 building, turning a previously vacant site into a dedicated hub for careers and enterprise serving students, industry partners and the local community. To celebrate the milestone, representatives from Morgan Sindall, the University of
Network Rail and South Western Railway have confirmed a £6 million investment to completely rebuild the platform infrastructure at Berrylands station. The extensive upgrade will necessitate a total closure of the station from Monday 11 May until the end of September to allow engineers to replace the current life-expired structures.
Bellway has submitted an outline planning application for a new residential development of up to 70 homes in the village of Alderley Edge, Cheshire. The project, led by Bellway’s Strategic Land team, seeks to develop a 7.8-acre site located to the west of Wilmslow Road. The proposed masterplan features a
Eight new affordable-rent homes in Wotton-under-Edge have been completed and handed to Stroud District Council, boosting the supply of high-quality, energy-efficient housing in the district. Built on the former council house plots at Gloucester Street and Bradley Street, the properties were formally transferred on 23 April by Speller Metcalfe to
Cheshire-based housebuilder Jones Homes has secured a 37-acre site on Warmingham Lane in Middlewich, where construction has now commenced on a new 235-home neighbourhood. The development, named Warmingham Park, is designed to provide a diverse range of housing options while dedicating approximately half of the land to landscaped green space. The project features a mix of one to five-bedroom houses, apartments, and bungalows. These homes are designed with a focus on modern energy efficiency, incorporating low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicle charging points and air source heat pumps. As part of the development agreement, Jones Homes will contribute over £1.2 million toward the planned Middlewich Eastern Relief Road. In the event that the road project does not proceed, these funds are designated for reallocation toward local education or affordable housing. Additionally, the developer is providing 24 affordable homes specifically for individuals with a connection to the local area. The environmental design for Warmingham Park includes significant community amenities. Residents and the wider public will have access to new wildlife habitats, a children’s play area, and a community orchard, reinforcing the project’s goal of balancing residential density with natural spaces. The site layout was finalised following the approval of a reserved matters application in December 2024, building on the outline planning consent originally granted in 2019. The architectural style of the new homes has been adapted to reflect the existing character of Middlewich. Carol Barlow, Sales and Marketing Director for Jones Homes North West, noted that the team worked to create a neighbourhood that addresses the specific housing needs of the area. She highlighted that the inclusion of various property types, including four bungalows, ensures the development caters to a broad demographic while providing high-quality, characterful housing. Work is now underway on-site, with Jones Homes expecting the new neighbourhood to take shape throughout the coming year. More information and registration for updates are available via the company’s official website. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate investor Castleforge and data centre operator Galaxy Data Centers have received full planning consent for a new 15MW data centre at their Redhill campus in Surrey. The approval from Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s Planning Committee marks a major expansion of the 3.1-hectare Foxboro Business Park site, representing a total project value of approximately £500 million. The project follows an initial £100 million investment in the campus in late 2024. This next phase involves an additional £200 million injection to construct a two-storey facility housing four data halls and an accompanying office block. A central feature of the development is its focus on low-carbon technology. The facility is designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating and includes infrastructure to capture and reuse waste heat generated by the servers. Beyond on-site use, the design allows for the future export of this heat to the neighbouring residential heat network, assisting the local community’s transition to lower-carbon energy sources. The expansion is driven by a critical shortage of data centre capacity in the London market—currently the largest in Europe—where demand from AI, cloud computing, and hybrid workloads is significantly outstripping the available power supply. Mike Adcock, Head of Investments at Castleforge, commented: “Demand for capacity in and around London continues to outpace supply, and this consent enables us to bring forward the additional power and scale required to serve enterprise, hyperscale and edge customers. We are particularly proud of the project’s sustainability credentials, including the potential to export waste heat to local homes.” Paul Leong, CFO and Partner of Galaxy Data Centers, added: “The new facility will significantly expand the capacity available to our customers and ensure Redhill is positioned to meet the evolving needs of edge, hyperscale and enterprise users. We are proud to be delivering a development that combines operational excellence with meaningful sustainability outcomes.” The existing Redhill campus already serves a range of Fortune 500 enterprises, particularly within the financial services and AI sectors. It is valued for its low-latency connectivity to major hubs in Slough and the Docklands, as well as its access to secured green energy. With planning now secured, the joint venture will move into the next phase of construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £92 million contract to construct a landmark campus for the College of North West London (CNWL), part of the United Colleges Group. Located at the prestigious Olympic Way in Wembley Park, the project will transform a long-vacant building into a premier educational facility steps away from the national stadium. The development, secured through the Southern Construction Framework, supports Brent Council’s vision of an educational quarter within Wembley and aligns with the United Colleges Group’s Estate Strategy. The new 14,200m² campus is designed as an eight-storey building featuring three distinct horizontal volumes. A central atrium will run the full height of the structure, ensuring natural light reaches every floor. The internal layout includes: Inclusive design is a core element of the project, with dedicated and expanded provision for Learners with Learning Disabilities or Difficulties (LLDD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) integrated throughout the facility. The project is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. By focusing on construction, engineering, and green skills, the new campus aims to address national net-zero goals and equip students with the practical expertise required by modern employers in London and beyond. Simon Ramage, Managing Director, London & East at Willmott Dixon, said: “Winning the contract to deliver this landmark project for the College of North West London is a real privilege. This is about more than a building – it’s a place of opportunity for generations of students to come, equipping them with the skills that matter. We look forward to working closely with the college to deliver a facility that is truly worthy of the ambitions of everyone who will learn there.” Stephen Davis, CEO & Group Principal of United Colleges Group, added: “Today is a significant milestone for the college and for Wembley. This new campus on Olympic Way will place students at the heart of one of London’s most iconic locations, providing modern facilities to support future skills in areas including construction, digital and green technologies, as well as a hospitality academy, in line with local and national priorities. It also ensures that our 130-year legacy in Brent continues for generations to come, transforming a disused building into a place of opportunity and ambition for London and Londoners.” Construction is scheduled for completion in Spring 2029. This project joins Willmott Dixon’s extensive education portfolio, which includes recent works for Queen Mary University of London, the University of Staffordshire, and Bridgend College. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Hill Group has reached a significant regional milestone after securing planning permission for three separate developments in the South East. The approvals will see the delivery of 268 new homes across Essex, Oxfordshire, and Hertfordshire, including 113 affordable properties, as part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to increasing housing supply and creating mixed-tenure communities. In Takeley, Hill has been granted approval for a 108-home project on a 16-acre site at Parsonage Road. The development features a mix of two-to-five-bedroom houses for private sale, alongside affordable apartments and houses. This approval includes replacing a previously planned 66-bedroom care home—now deemed surplus to requirements—with 20 residential units, in addition to reserved matters approval for 88 homes. The scheme adopts a fabric-first construction approach and integrates sustainable technologies such as air source heat pumps and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Located on the M11 corridor near Stansted Airport, the site offers strong transport links and proximity to local amenities. Planning permission has also been secured for 96 homes in Kidlington, forming part of a larger 430-home strategic allocation. Fifty per cent of these homes will be designated as affordable, delivered in partnership with SNG to include social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership options. The project is the culmination of seven years of planning and will provide community infrastructure, including sports and play areas. Furthermore, half a hectare of land will be gifted to the parish council to allow for the extension of the local cemetery. Construction is expected to start shortly, with the first completions slated for 2027. In Welham Green, Hill has obtained full planning permission for 64 homes on a 2.7-hectare site. The project represents a successful release of land from the Green Belt through the local plan process. The village-style layout will include two-to-four-bedroom homes, landscaped open spaces, and a fully equipped play area. Like the other sites, these homes will feature air source heat pumps and EV charging. The location provides excellent rail links, with direct services to London taking less than 40 minutes. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, commented: “Securing three planning permissions across the South-East in such a short period is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the expertise and persistence of our teams. These developments will deliver a diverse mix of high-quality homes, including a significant number of affordable properties, helping to meet pressing local housing needs. “Each scheme reflects our commitment to working collaboratively with local authorities and stakeholders to create sustainable, well-designed communities that leave a positive legacy.” Work across the three sites is scheduled to begin between the spring and summer of 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm Henry Brothers, headquartered in Magherafelt, has been selected to deliver a £10.3 million Joint Asset Workshop and Stores at Darby House in Wellingborough, commissioned by Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone. The scheme, due to complete in June 2027, will consolidate fleet management for Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service into one modern facility on the current Darby House car park. Ian Taylor, Managing Director of Henry Brothers, said: “We are pleased to have been appointed to deliver this important project for Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. Work on the project started at the end of March, and we are already making good progress.” The development centres on a substantial two-storey building. At ground level, multiple industrial access doors will lead to vehicle bays for mechanical works, supported by welfare amenities including toilets and showers. The upper floor will accommodate a combination of office accommodation and storage. Sustainability is embedded in the design, with measures intended to cut energy use and carbon emissions, while also reducing whole-life maintenance and operational costs. Danielle Stone, the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am pleased that we will be working with Henry Brothers to deliver the new joint asset and workshops stores building. “Sharing facilities for Police and Fire, where it makes sense to do so, offers best value for money for the taxpayer and both organisations. The new building will offer first class facilities for our staff to help them give the best service to the public, and I am looking forward to seeing it open next summer.” The delivery team includes Gleeds as project and cost manager, Corporate Architecture as architect and principal designer, Millward providing civil and structural engineering, and Anderson Green responsible for MEP services. The project was procured through the Crown Commercial Service Framework on a single-stage basis and will proceed under a traditional construction contract with contractor design elements. Ian added: “This project demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering complex, multi-service facilities that support vital community services. Our team is proud to contribute to a sustainable, efficient workspace that will benefit both the Police and Fire services for years to come. We look forward to working closely with all partners to successfully deliver this scheme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Story Homes has officially broken ground on the next two phases of its flagship Edgehill Park development in Whitehaven. The expansion will introduce 158 additional properties to the site and marks the debut of the housebuilder’s “Scenik Collection,” a contemporary sub-brand designed to meet modern lifestyle demands. The new Scenik range focuses on a modern approach to terrace living, featuring adaptable internal layouts and distinctive architectural details. Aimed primarily at first-time buyers and those looking to downsize, these homes emphasise low-maintenance living alongside private outdoor spaces and access to communal green areas. The start of construction follows the granting of planning permission earlier this year and coincides with a significant company milestone: the legal completion of 500 homes across Story Homes’ various developments in Whitehaven. Over the last 16 years, the developer has become a mainstay in the town’s growth, supporting local employment and economic activity. Hayley Blair, Operations Director for Story Homes Cumbria & Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have started work on the next phases at Edgehill Park. This is a significant moment for the development and for Whitehaven, which has been an important location for Story Homes for many years. Reaching 500 legal completions across our developments locally is something we’re incredibly proud of, and it reflects the strength of the communities we’ve helped to create.” While Phase 6 introduces the Scenik Collection, Phase 7 will continue to deliver a range of homes designed to complement the established character of the existing Edgehill Park neighbourhood. The project continues to prioritise energy-efficient design and connectivity for its residents. Phil Fell, Senior Land Manager for Story Homes Cumbria & Scotland, added: “The introduction of our Scenik Collection in Phase 6 is particularly exciting. It builds on our experience and responds directly to how people want to live today—with thoughtfully designed, flexible homes set within attractive, well-connected neighbourhoods.” With work now underway on-site, the first properties from these new phases are expected to be released for sale in summer 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Construction’s London team has completed the retrofit and extension of the University of Westminster Zone29 building, turning a previously vacant site into a dedicated hub for careers and enterprise serving students, industry partners and the local community. To celebrate the milestone, representatives from Morgan Sindall, the University of Westminster and ADP Architecture gathered at the building for speeches and refreshments. Delivered via the PAGABO construction framework, the project remodelled and extended the property at the corner of Marylebone Road and Luxborough Street. The works include a roof extension that adds internal space and an external terrace, and a new lift at the rear that improves accessibility from the lower ground floor up to the fifth floor. The eight-storey building at 29 Marylebone Road sits adjacent to the University’s Marylebone Campus, home to its Westminster Business School and School of Architecture + Cities. The completed scheme provides high-quality spaces designed to foster collaboration and engagement between the University and both local and global businesses. Zone29 features flexible event and exhibition areas to showcase student enterprise, alongside state-of-the-art training facilities such as a digital studio and a dedicated maker space. The works increase the internal floor area from 2,754 sq m to 2,839 sq m, enhancing functionality while retaining and revitalising the existing structure. Sustainability was central to the scheme, aligned with Morgan Sindall’s Intelligent Solutions approach. The CarboniCa carbon calculation tool was deployed throughout to drive reductions, calculating a carbon saving of 2.3 tonnes. Biodiversity measures include the installation of bird and bat boxes and a green roof atop the eighth floor. Richard Dobson, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in London, said: “What an achievement it is to celebrate the completion of works at 29 Marylebone Road alongside the University of Westminster. This transformative retrofit project not only enhances the building’s sustainability performance, but also creates an inspiring and inclusive environment for students, staff, local businesses and the local community. “The completion marks another successful higher education project for Morgan Sindall Construction in London, reinforcing its commitment to delivering sustainable, future-focused learning environments.” Professor Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster, said: “I’m very pleased to see Zone29, our innovative new home of careers and enterprise next to our Marylebone Campus, come to fruition and be ready to open soon. Zone29 will be transformational for our students and be a hugely important facility to drive collaboration between students’ businesses and our local community to enhance relationships and create employment opportunities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail and South Western Railway have confirmed a £6 million investment to completely rebuild the platform infrastructure at Berrylands station. The extensive upgrade will necessitate a total closure of the station from Monday 11 May until the end of September to allow engineers to replace the current life-expired structures. The station’s existing platforms are partially constructed of timber and sit atop a five-metre embankment. Having reached the end of their functional lifespan, they will be replaced with modular glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) platforms, which offer a durable solution expected to last for several decades. Beyond the structural replacement, the project includes the installation of new CCTV, upgraded lighting, modern Customer Information Screens, and improved station help points. Work is already underway with preparatory tasks, including the diversion of utilities, vegetation clearance, and ecological mitigation measures to protect local wildlife. The core construction phase will involve the establishment of the site, demolition of the old platforms, and piling works to support the new GRP structures. George Murrell, Wessex Route Renewals Director, said: “When Berrylands station reopens later this year, passengers will benefit from a brighter, more welcoming station with modern platforms, improved lighting, CCTV and better customer information. We know closing the station for several months will be inconvenient, but this £6 million investment will provide our passengers with a much better experience when travelling with us. We’re grateful to the local community for their patience while we carry out these important upgrades.” The magnitude of the engineering work requires the temporary closure of the car park, ticket office, and station toilets. Local residents may also experience intermittent footway restrictions on Lower Marsh Lane and parking suspensions on Chiltern Drive, alongside occasional road closures. Network Rail will communicate directly with lineside neighbours via letter regarding specific site activities. South Western Railway services will not serve Berrylands while the works are in progress. To maintain passenger connectivity, a rail replacement bus service will operate every 30 minutes between New Malden and Surbiton throughout the closure period. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway has submitted an outline planning application for a new residential development of up to 70 homes in the village of Alderley Edge, Cheshire. The project, led by Bellway’s Strategic Land team, seeks to develop a 7.8-acre site located to the west of Wilmslow Road. The proposed masterplan features a diverse mix of two to five-bedroom properties. Notably, 45 per cent of the homes are designated as affordable housing, specifically intended for local people. In addition to residential units, more than a quarter of the currently private site would be transformed into publicly accessible open space, incorporating footpaths, recreational areas, and dedicated ecological zones. Environmental sustainability is a core component of the design, with homes set to include energy-efficient fabric, electric vehicle charging points, and solar PV panels. Low-carbon heating solutions are also planned, with the specific technology to be finalised during the detailed planning phase. To maintain the character of the area, Bellway intends to retain existing trees and hedgerows where possible and will implement a landscape buffer along Wilmslow Road. The site is positioned as a sustainable location for growth, situated within walking distance of the village centre and Alderley Edge train station, which provides direct links to Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly. Sebastian Burrow, Bellway Strategic Land Director for the North West, said: “Our proposals would create an integrated extension to Alderley Edge as well as providing more housing choice for people in the local area. Existing trees and hedgerows will be retained where possible, with a landscape buffer planned along Wilmslow Road, while the house types would be designed to reflect the architecture of the local area. “This is a sustainable location for new homes, within a short walk from Alderley Edge train station, for direct services to Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe, as well as the village centre which offers a good range of local amenities. The houses themselves would also be highly sustainable, with energy-efficient fabric, solar PV panels and electric vehicle charging points, as well as low-carbon heating to be determined at the detailed planning stage. “We are committed to building new homes which meet the needs of local communities and have worked closely with Cheshire East Council on this project as our plans have evolved, as well as carrying out public consultation in February this year.” The outline application is now under consideration by Cheshire East Council. If successful, a subsequent reserved matters application will be required before construction can begin. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Eight new affordable-rent homes in Wotton-under-Edge have been completed and handed to Stroud District Council, boosting the supply of high-quality, energy-efficient housing in the district. Built on the former council house plots at Gloucester Street and Bradley Street, the properties were formally transferred on 23 April by Speller Metcalfe to Councillor Gary Luff, Chair of Stroud District Council’s Housing Committee. The scheme replaces four outdated council houses on the site — two of which had stood empty long term and two of the district’s oldest, dating back to the 1920s — that would have required extensive and costly upgrades to meet modern standards. Remaining tenants were moved to more modern, accessible accommodation before demolition and redevelopment of the brownfield land to create eight contemporary homes. The development comprises five two-bedroom and three three-bedroom houses for affordable rent, with rents set at no more than 80 per cent of local market levels. Homes will be allocated via the council’s housing register in line with its allocations policy. Councillor Gary Luff, Chair of Stroud District Council’s Housing Committee, said: “I’m delighted to see these new homes handed over in Wotton-under-Edge. There’s a significant shortage of affordable housing across the district, with thousands of households on our housing register, so every new home we deliver really matters. This development makes excellent use of a brownfield site and provides modern, energy-efficient homes that will make a real difference to local families.” These are the first homes delivered through the council’s £14.5 million housebuilding programme with Speller Metcalfe, which will provide a total of 51 new affordable properties across four council-owned brownfield sites in Wotton-under-Edge, Dursley, Cam and Cashes Green, Stroud. To help enable demolition and redevelopment, the council secured £490,000 from HM Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund 2. All homes meet high environmental standards, featuring air source heat pumps, EPC A ratings, solar photovoltaic panels, permeable paving, and measures to support biodiversity including bird and bat boxes and hedgehog highways. These features are intended to reduce residents’ energy bills and contribute to the council’s climate and nature objectives, while regenerating key sites across the district. Mark Eaton, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “This project is a great example of how thoughtful regeneration can deliver real social and environmental value. Replacing outdated properties with modern, energy-efficient homes not only helps address local housing need but also reduces long-term energy costs for residents. We’re delighted to hand over the first homes in this programme and to continue working with Stroud District Council to deliver high-quality, sustainable housing across the district.” Alongside its direct build programme, the council is also purchasing completed homes from developers in Kingswood, Cam, Coaley and Great Oldbury to further increase affordable housing supply. There are currently 2,774 households on the housing register, with a further 1,298 applications awaiting validation, underlining the continued demand for schemes of this kind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals