Real estate finance specialists SHC Capital has secured funding for a £105 million residential development that will deliver 370 new homes next to Edinburgh’s BioQuarter. The site, which is part of the Edmonstone Estate, has been acquired by responsible property investor Hunter REIM. Planning permission is already in place for
Willmott Dixon has been awarded a contract by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to build a new English-medium primary school in Glyn-coch, South Wales. The new school will be built to Passivhaus standards and operate as net zero, surpassing current Welsh Government targets for reductions in embodied carbon for
Construction firm Farrans has been appointed to deliver a £59 million transport project linking Paisley town centre with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport. The major infrastructure scheme, led by Renfrewshire Council, will include a new road bridge across Paisley Harbour, a 1.7km gateway route along
Refurbishment works have officially begun at Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre, marking the start of a £16.9 million project to transform the 40-year-old venue into a modern cultural hub for the town. Appointed via the South West Wales framework, Morgan Sindall Construction is leading the restoration on behalf of Neath
Stockport’s town centre transformation has taken a major step forward after planning permission was granted for Stockport 8, a new £350 million walkable and sustainable neighbourhood. The eight-acre site, which sits on land either side of King Street West and next to the town’s historic railway viaduct, will deliver around
Oxford United’s proposed 16,000-capacity stadium has moved a step closer to reality after Cherwell District Council granted planning permission for the project. The new venue, planned for land north of Oxford, is intended to provide the club with a permanent home and serve as a hub for the wider community.
Abergavenny railway station has marked a major milestone in accessibility with the opening of its first-ever step-free footbridge, providing easier movement between platforms for all passengers. Installed by Network Rail in partnership with Centregreat, the new structure is the UK’s first covered version of the Beacon footbridge design — a
Kirklees Council has been granted planning permission for a new, purpose-built special school in Almondbury, Huddersfield, set to replace the existing Woodley School and College. The facility will offer 180 places for children and young people aged 5 to 19 with complex autism, including a dedicated post-16 provision. It will
Sheffield City Council has appointed Willmott Dixon to deliver the £14.4 million transformation of Event Central, a major regeneration project that will turn a former retail building on Fargate into a state-of-the-art music venue and collaborative workspace. The scheme will see extensive structural alterations, including the creation of a new
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver a £100 million retrofit and extension of its 1950s building at 35 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, creating a new home for the Firoz Lalji Global Hub. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the project will be the
Real estate finance specialists SHC Capital has secured funding for a £105 million residential development that will deliver 370 new homes next to Edinburgh’s BioQuarter. The site, which is part of the Edmonstone Estate, has been acquired by responsible property investor Hunter REIM. Planning permission is already in place for the creation of a total of 725 mixed-tenure residential units, of which 370 will be single-family, Build to Rent homes. Of these, 129, which is 35% of the total, will be affordable housing. The funding for Hunter REIM’s acquisition came from a private debt fund in a structured transaction brokered by SHC Capital. Tony Tadros, Director at SHC Capital, said it was a pleasure to work with Hunter REIM and that he looks forward to partnering with them on their strategic expansion and the delivery of “hundreds of much-needed, sustainable homes in Edinburgh.” The creation of the homes next to the £1 billion BioQuarter life sciences hub will help meet the surging demand for housing in Edinburgh, which is growing nearly three times faster than the rest of Scotland. The design by Hunter REIM will deliver highly energy-efficient homes and a heat network with an on-site energy centre to provide cost-effective, low-carbon heating and hot water to every home. Andrew Moffat, Managing Director of Hunter REIM, added: “When Hunter REIM was formed in 1999, sustainability was a niche issue. Things have changed, and so have we. Today our focus isn’t on growth alone; it’s about growth plus transparency, social responsibility and environmental impact – and that’s what this exciting scheme will deliver. “SHC Capital’s expertise in understanding the complexities of our site acquisition was invaluable. They helped us execute the transaction swiftly with the support of a private debt fund, enabling us to take a major step forward in our growth and strategic objectives.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has been awarded a contract by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to build a new English-medium primary school in Glyn-coch, South Wales. The new school will be built to Passivhaus standards and operate as net zero, surpassing current Welsh Government targets for reductions in embodied carbon for new schools. The project forms part of Willmott Dixon’s growing portfolio of sustainable educational developments. Appointed via SEWSCAP, the scheme will see a two-storey replacement school building constructed on the existing Craig yr Hesg Primary School site and adjoining land. The facility will include two Multi-Use Games Areas, a grass sports pitch, playgrounds, a 43-space car park with EV charging bays, and bike, scooter, and buggy storage to encourage sustainable travel. In addition, the development will feature three dedicated community rooms and a Welsh-language Meithrin. The project received grant funding through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Schools Challenge Project, part of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, in spring 2023. It is one of only three schools in Wales to secure investment through this initiative. A traditional turf-cutting ceremony marked the official start of construction, attended by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Cabinet Members, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Member of the Senedd Vikki Howells, and MP Alex Davies-Jones. The school is scheduled to open in autumn 2026, welcoming pupils from Cefn Primary and Craig yr Hesg Primary. Working with architect Stride Treglown, the school and community hub will target multiple green credentials, including Passivhaus Standard, Building With Nature accreditation, and the WELL Building Standard, which focuses on creating healthy environments to support wellbeing. Sustainable features will include rain gardens and nature-based solutions to manage surface water. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm Farrans has been appointed to deliver a £59 million transport project linking Paisley town centre with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport. The major infrastructure scheme, led by Renfrewshire Council, will include a new road bridge across Paisley Harbour, a 1.7km gateway route along the White Cart river, and a network of new roads, cycling and walking links connecting the town centre train station and bus interchange to AMIDS, Glasgow Airport and Inchinnan. A new road from Renfrew Road to the bridge crossing will also be built, linking into the planned Paisley Grammar School Community Campus. Dedicated active travel routes are included in the design, along with a safe access route from Gallowhill using the former railway underpass, funded by £1.5 million from Transport Scotland. The £59m scheme will be backed by £38.7m from the UK Government’’ Levelling Up Fund, with Renfrewshire Council contributing £18.8m. Construction planning is currently underway, with the project scheduled to be completed and open in 2028. Economic forecasts suggest the project could generate £136m in private sector investment, cut carbon emissions by 21,700 tonnes, and create new employment opportunities by supporting existing and new businesses. Patrick Murray, Scotland’s Regional Director for Farrans, said: “AMIDS South is a project which will deliver major economic and connectivity benefits for the town of Paisley and wider Renfrewshire, and we are looking forward to getting work started on site. “Our experienced team has recently completed the highly-successful Govan to Partick Bridge in Glasgow and we have a long history of projects in the transportation sector in Scotland including Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven in joint venture as SFN, M80 Stepps to Haggs and the A737 Dalry Bypass in Ayrshire. We are working through the final stages of preparation with our client Renfrewshire Council and will be engaging on the ground with local stakeholders shortly.” Council Leader Iain Nicolson said the project would play a pivotal role in Renfrewshire’s future growth. “AMIDS is one of the most significant developments in Renfrewshire’s recent history as it will bring high-quality jobs, world-leading industry and provide a significant boost to the area’s economy so it is important that we provide the appropriate access to Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation. “This project will not only provide infrastructure to better connect communities to education and employment opportunities, but it will also significantly improve the offer to organisations looking to locate here with enhanced access to the airport and the fourth-busiest train station in Scotland. “This will be another flagship project for Renfrewshire following the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which included the new Renfrew Bridge, and will be further proof of the Council’s ability to successfully deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects which bring substantial benefits now and for generations to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Refurbishment works have officially begun at Port Talbot’s Princess Royal Theatre, marking the start of a £16.9 million project to transform the 40-year-old venue into a modern cultural hub for the town. Appointed via the South West Wales framework, Morgan Sindall Construction is leading the restoration on behalf of Neath Port Talbot Council as part of wider plans to revitalise the town centre. The project is funded through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which invests in local infrastructure projects with a visible impact on communities and their economies. The theatre’s makeover is designed to improve accessibility, attract a wider range of performances, and create a more welcoming visitor experience. Completion is scheduled for autumn 2026. The refurbishment will see the building stripped back to its bare brick and remodelled for improved customer flow. Upgrades include: Behind the stage, changes will make the venue more versatile for performers. The theatre will be extended by up to three metres to allow performers to move between wings without stairs, while a lift will provide direct access for large props from the car park to the stage. Exterior works include creating a small amphitheatre in place of the site’s fountain, drawing inspiration from Ancient Greek venues to host summer events. Rain gardens and extra greenery will be introduced to improve biodiversity and manage stormwater, while selected paving will be replaced with sustainable landscaping. To respect the theatre’s heritage, Morgan Sindall will recycle and reuse original materials. The white oak stage will be replaced with a sturdier black-painted ply stage, with sections of the old stage repurposed as internal features. Original balcony timber and internal brickwork will also be retained where possible. Morgan Sindall has pledged to use a local supply chain within 40 miles of the site and provide opportunities for apprentices and students during the project. Public works will be phased to minimise disruption, with car parking and town access maintained throughout construction. Once complete, the revamped theatre is expected to boost Port Talbot’s cultural offering and strengthen the town centre as a focal point for visitors and residents alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stockport’s town centre transformation has taken a major step forward after planning permission was granted for Stockport 8, a new £350 million walkable and sustainable neighbourhood. The eight-acre site, which sits on land either side of King Street West and next to the town’s historic railway viaduct, will deliver around 1,300 new homes alongside vibrant public spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, and community facilities. The project is being delivered by The Stockport 8 LLP – a joint venture between Stockport Council and ECF, itself a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse. It forms part of the Town Centre West regeneration programme, overseen by Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), which is leading £1 billion of investment to create what it calls the UK’s most sustainable and liveable town centre. Councillors on Stockport’s planning committee approved the scheme on 14 August, following a recommendation from the central area committee at the end of July. Detailed consent has been granted for the first phase, which will see: Work on the first phase is due to begin in 2026, with completion expected by 2028. The second phase is anticipated to start the following year. Stockport 8 will connect the new Stockport Interchange with surrounding communities and sits just a short walk from Weir Mill, another landmark redevelopment led by Capital&Centric on the banks of the River Mersey. The scheme is expected to breathe new life into an area once bustling under the railway arches, helping to attract new residents while creating a healthier, greener environment for existing communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oxford United’s proposed 16,000-capacity stadium has moved a step closer to reality after Cherwell District Council granted planning permission for the project. The new venue, planned for land north of Oxford, is intended to provide the club with a permanent home and serve as a hub for the wider community. The decision was made at a council planning committee meeting, following speeches from Oxford United Chief Executive Officer Tim Williams and lifelong supporter Roland Clements, who both highlighted the scheme’s potential benefits. Jonathon Clarke, Development Director at Oxford United, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured planning approval. We’re now one step closer to delivering on our goal of creating a once-in-a-generation venue for supporters and the wider community. “Getting to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible stadium project team. I’d also like to place on record my thanks to the Cherwell District Council planning officers for their constructive engagement throughout this process.” Club chairman Grant Ferguson described the approval as a “crucial step forward” in safeguarding Oxford United’s future. “With approval secured, our focus can now move to the next phase of the project plan. I’d like to thank Jonathon Clarke and our stadium project team for their unrelenting dedication and professionalism to enable us to reach this stage. “Thank you also to Cherwell District Council for approving our application, and to all stakeholders, consultees and everyone else who has supported our vision.” The planning application will now be referred to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for consideration before construction can begin. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Abergavenny railway station has marked a major milestone in accessibility with the opening of its first-ever step-free footbridge, providing easier movement between platforms for all passengers. Installed by Network Rail in partnership with Centregreat, the new structure is the UK’s first covered version of the Beacon footbridge design — a sleek, modular style developed to combine functionality with modern visual appeal. The bridge is intended to improve travel for people with mobility challenges, parents with prams, and passengers with heavy luggage. Designed by Arcadis and built in Cardiff by Centregreat Engineering, the bridge features bespoke steelwork tailored to the station’s layout. Its design was developed in collaboration with Monmouthshire Council’s conservation team to ensure it complements Abergavenny’s historic setting and listed status. Key features include: The project forms part of a wider investment in the Wales and Borders network to enhance passenger experience, safety, and inclusivity. An official opening ceremony is scheduled in the coming months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kirklees Council has been granted planning permission for a new, purpose-built special school in Almondbury, Huddersfield, set to replace the existing Woodley School and College. The facility will offer 180 places for children and young people aged 5 to 19 with complex autism, including a dedicated post-16 provision. It will be built on a new site in Fernside Avenue, designed by Frank Shaws Associates to provide a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. Specialist facilities will include sensory and immersive rooms, indoor and outdoor breakout areas, a forest school, food technology rooms, a post-16 café, and a life skills suite, all shaped with input from current Woodley students and staff, and based on Autism Education Trust best practice guidance. Planning consultancy Lichfields, based in Leeds, worked with the council to prepare and submit the application, supporting the design process to ensure it met local priorities and planning requirements. Cllr Jane Rylah, Kirklees Council Cabinet Member for Education, said: “The new school will provide a tailored environment where pupils can thrive and reach their full potential. Woodley School delivers excellent education and support, and this new purpose-built facility will allow us to extend that offer to even more children and young people. I’m looking forward to seeing the build progress and the positive impact this investment will bring to families across Kirklees.” The new Woodley School and College is part of the council’s wider transformation of SEND provision across the district with construction expected to begin next year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sheffield City Council has appointed Willmott Dixon to deliver the £14.4 million transformation of Event Central, a major regeneration project that will turn a former retail building on Fargate into a state-of-the-art music venue and collaborative workspace. The scheme will see extensive structural alterations, including the creation of a new atrium linking the ground and first floors, significant strengthening works to handle revised load requirements, a redesigned façade, and a full interior fit-out for both the music venue and workspace areas. Construction is due to start by the end of August. Once complete, Event Central will feature a 200-capacity live performance space and café/bar on the ground floor, with four upper floors providing co-working facilities and meeting rooms. The venue will host a diverse programme of community events, exhibitions, workshops, and talks. Located in the heart of Fargate, the project is part of a wider strategy to revitalise Sheffield’s city centre, following the success of cultural spaces such as Cambridge Street Collective and Leah’s Yard. Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, said: “Our local team of regeneration experts bring a wealth of experience to Event Central and we’re delighted to play our part in the regeneration of Fargate, creating a space designed to empower this city’s boundless creativity. “We will ensure creating opportunities for the local community is at the heart of this project. Willmott Dixon, alongside its supply chain partners, is set to deliver 300 hours of employment support to residents, creating two new employment opportunities for local people who are not in education, employment or training. We will also support 75 weeks of apprenticeship training for young people and volunteer upwards of 150 hours in support of local organisations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has appointed McLaren Construction to deliver a £100 million retrofit and extension of its 1950s building at 35 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, creating a new home for the Firoz Lalji Global Hub. Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the project will be the largest Passivhaus retrofit in the UK and an exemplar of circular design and resource efficiency. Approximately 60% of the original structure will be retained, with the top three floors and roof plant enclosure replaced by a lightweight cross-laminated timber extension. The works will increase the building’s size from 9,856 to 11,848 square metres. A new atrium will be created through the removal of an internal infill structure, while a redesigned ground floor and partial first floor slab will enable level access. The refurbished facility will house the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa alongside the Department of Mathematics, Department of Statistics, Executive Education, and the Data Science Institute. It will feature flexible teaching spaces, lecture halls, seminar rooms, breakout areas, offices, dining facilities, an external terrace, and a ground floor café. The 270-seat LSE Agora will provide a multi-purpose venue for debates and broadcasts. Sustainability is at the core of the project, which targets BREEAM Outstanding, Passivhaus certification, and WELL Platinum accreditation, exceeding London’s environmental performance targets for carbon, energy, water use, and biodiversity. Materials from the original building, such as parquet flooring, brass inlays, lighting fixtures, ceramic tiles, and brickwork, will be salvaged and reused. Additional materials sourced from nearby sites will also be integrated. McLaren Construction, working with carbon consultant Buro Happold, has implemented strategies to reduce embodied carbon through material selection, removal of unnecessary components, and adoption of low-carbon alternatives. Digital monitoring tools will track sustainability performance and compliance throughout the build. The building’s exterior will be refreshed with a lime-based, off-white wash that preserves the texture of the brickwork while concealing imperfections. Located within the Strand Conservation Area, the site sits between the Grade II* listed Royal College of Surgeons and the Grade II listed former Land Registry Building, opposite the Grade II Registered Park and Garden at Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Completion of the project is scheduled for 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals