Technical construction and engineering specialist Tonroe Group has surpassed the £1 billion turnover milestone for the first time, with surging demand for hyperscale data centres and a strong performance across the UK driving record financial results. The Gerrards Cross-based group reported revenue of £1.19 billion for 2025, representing a 27%
HELPING modernise existing building stock for the next generation of customers, leading fit-out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst is set to complete more than 127,000 sq ft of refurbishment works across three Prologis logistics facilities this summer. The projects span the West Midlands and the Home Counties, the largest of which is a 104,500 sq ft distribution centre
A major mixed-use development could reshape part of the Greenwich Peninsula after developer Tribe submitted plans for two high-rise towers that would deliver student accommodation, co-living homes and affordable housing close to the Silvertown Tunnel. Designed by CJCT, the proposed scheme would transform a vacant site on Millennium Way into
More than 500 homes across North Yorkshire and Tees Valley are set to receive energy efficiency home improvements, making them warmer, more efficient and lowering energy bills for residents. The programme of works will include retrofit assessments and upgrades such as cavity wall and loft insulation, improved ventilation, installation of
The Fit Out Awards UK 2026 has strengthened its expert judging panel with the appointment of acclaimed interior designer Mia Karlsson-Matthews, Founder and Director of Mia Karlsson Interior Design, as preparations continue for one of the UK’s leading celebrations of excellence across the fit out and interiors sector. Based in
Egis in the UK & Ireland has landed a major contract with Yorkshire Water, securing a place on its Technical Services and Assurance Framework. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the firm, reinforcing its water sector growth plans. The multi-year contract will support Yorkshire Water’s Asset Management Period 8
Design and Build contract will deliver a 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry. Glencar has commenced construction of Unit 3C, a new 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry, following its appointment by SEGRO to deliver the
Grosvenor has reported a strong first half of 2026 across its prime central London portfolio, completing 58 leasing transactions spanning more than 80,000 sq ft as demand continues to grow for premium retail, hospitality and commercial space in Mayfair and Belgravia. The property company secured £5.4 million in annual rental
A major affordable housing development in Greenwich has taken a significant step forward after Wembley-based Formation Design and Build secured Gateway 2 approval for Hyde’s 182-home scheme at Charlton Riverside. The Eastmoor Street project marks Hyde’s first development to successfully navigate the Building Safety Regulator’s enhanced Gateway 2 process, clearing
London’s ability to deliver 31,500 new purpose-built student bedrooms over the next decade will depend on boroughs applying the Draft London Plan’s new targets flexibly, according to planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The draft Plan introduces individual purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) targets for London boroughs for the first time, giving
Technical construction and engineering specialist Tonroe Group has surpassed the £1 billion turnover milestone for the first time, with surging demand for hyperscale data centres and a strong performance across the UK driving record financial results. The Gerrards Cross-based group reported revenue of £1.19 billion for 2025, representing a 27% increase on the previous year, while pre-tax profits rose 15% to £48 million. The growth has been fuelled by a rapidly expanding international portfolio of data centre projects alongside continued investment in specialist technical construction across multiple sectors. A significant proportion of the group’s success has been driven by its overseas operations, with international projects now generating just over half of total revenue at £608 million. Major contracts secured during the year include work on one of Europe’s largest hyperscale data centre campuses in Portugal, together with projects across Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain. The group’s UK contracting arm, TSL Ltd, also delivered another strong year, increasing turnover by 12% to £592 million and forecasting revenues in excess of £600 million this year, supported by a healthy secured order book. Although pre-tax profits at TSL eased from £27 million to £25 million due to changes in project mix and operating margins, the business strengthened its financial position by increasing cash reserves to almost £70 million while expanding its workforce by nearly 48% to 372 employees. Throughout the year, TSL completed a diverse range of technically complex projects spanning logistics, manufacturing, aviation and food production. These included two major facilities for Greggs, a robotic fulfilment centre in the North East, a significant data centre in the South East and a new aircraft engineering hangar for Jet2. The contractor also commenced work on a fourth manufacturing facility at SmartParc SEGRO Derby for a major international food producer, while continuing to grow its presence across automated logistics, cold storage, advanced manufacturing and pharmaceutical developments. As part of its strategic focus on specialist technical construction, TSL also completed the disposal of its Rockland Concrete division following the financial year-end. The business generated approximately £20 million of revenue during 2025 before being sold through a trade and asset transaction. For the construction and built environment sectors, Tonroe Group’s latest results underline the continuing strength of investment in digital infrastructure, with data centres remaining one of Europe’s fastest-growing construction markets. Demand for highly specialised engineering expertise, combined with growth in advanced manufacturing, logistics and mission-critical facilities, is creating significant opportunities for contractors capable of delivering technically demanding projects. Jackie Wild, Group Chief Executive, said: “2025 was a year of strong growth across the Group, driven by our valued client and supply chain partnerships and sustained focus on consistent delivery. “We also continued to invest capital in the business to enable our sustained growth as we deliver complex projects across a wide international footprint. “With a strong pipeline confirmed for 2026 and beyond, including major capital projects spanning several years, we remain focused on delivering technical construction and engineering excellence for our clients.” With a robust order book and major international projects extending well into the future, Tonroe Group is well positioned to build on its record-breaking performance as investment in hyperscale data centres, advanced industrial facilities and mission-critical infrastructure continues to accelerate across the UK and Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HELPING modernise existing building stock for the next generation of customers, leading fit-out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst is set to complete more than 127,000 sq ft of refurbishment works across three Prologis logistics facilities this summer. The projects span the West Midlands and the Home Counties, the largest of which is a 104,500 sq ft distribution centre at Prologis Park Marston Gate, Milton Keynes. Undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment to transform a building dating back to the late 1990s, works include a full strip-out, replacement mechanical and electrical systems, new plumbing, upgraded office and warehouse accommodation, refreshed breakout spaces, transport drivers’ facilities and new outdoor seating areas to support employee wellbeing. The refurbishment work across all three projects will improve the buildings’ energy performance, as minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) continue to tighten ahead of a 2031 deadline. Solar PV panels and EV charging infrastructure are being installed, alongside the use of more sustainable materials throughout the projects. Ashley Williams, associate director at Pexhurst, said: “The size and layout of Prologis buildings may vary, but the quality of refurbishment remains consistent across every project, and that’s where Pexhurst has built its expertise. “Refurbishing existing buildings extends their lifespan, improves their energy performance and delivers high-quality logistics facilities that are ready for customers with minimal additional investment.” Since completing its first project for Prologis in 2016, Pexhurst has refurbished 23 units across the Midlands, London and the Home Counties. Paul Johnson, construction director at Prologis, said: “Investing in our existing portfolio is an important part of how we continue to meet customer demand while improving the sustainability and performance of our buildings. Having trusted partners who can consistently deliver high-quality refurbishment projects is essential, and Pexhurst has proven that across a wide range of schemes.” To find out more about Pexhurst and its full range of services, visit: www.pexhurst.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major mixed-use development could reshape part of the Greenwich Peninsula after developer Tribe submitted plans for two high-rise towers that would deliver student accommodation, co-living homes and affordable housing close to the Silvertown Tunnel. Designed by CJCT, the proposed scheme would transform a vacant site on Millennium Way into a high-density residential development, contributing new homes and purpose-built student accommodation within one of London’s fastest-growing regeneration areas. The plans include a 27-storey tower providing 673 purpose-built student bedrooms alongside a 23-storey building comprising 380 co-living homes. An additional 80 affordable homes also form part of the wider development, helping to support Greenwich’s housing requirements while responding to increasing demand for flexible urban living. Located adjacent to the Silvertown Tunnel approach roads and opposite the former gasholder site, the development occupies a strategic location within the wider Greenwich Peninsula regeneration programme, where thousands of new homes, commercial buildings and public spaces are planned. Planning documents submitted with the application highlight a significant shortage of student accommodation across the area, identifying a deficit of 1,871 student bedspaces within the wider catchment and around 581 within Greenwich itself, even after taking account of schemes currently in the pipeline. The proposals have also received support from Ravensbourne University, which has stated that demand for student accommodation remains exceptionally strong, reinforcing the need for additional high-quality housing for students studying in southeast London. For the construction and property sectors, the development reflects the continued growth of London’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and co-living markets, with developers increasingly delivering mixed-tenure schemes that combine student housing, residential accommodation and affordable homes within a single masterplan. The Tribe proposals are the latest in a series of significant developments planned across the Greenwich Peninsula. Nearby projects include Scape’s proposed three-tower student accommodation scheme on the former gasholder site, Fairview’s revised plans for Boord Street and Knight Dragon’s wider masterplan, which includes around 1,000 student bedrooms alongside extensive residential, commercial and leisure development. Together, these projects demonstrate the growing importance of the Greenwich Peninsula as one of London’s leading regeneration locations, where investment in residential-led mixed-use developments continues to support housing delivery, educational growth and long-term economic regeneration. If approved, the latest scheme would add further momentum to the transformation of the Peninsula, creating a diverse mix of accommodation while strengthening the area’s role as a major destination for students, residents and investment within the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
More than 500 homes across North Yorkshire and Tees Valley are set to receive energy efficiency home improvements, making them warmer, more efficient and lowering energy bills for residents. The programme of works will include retrofit assessments and upgrades such as cavity wall and loft insulation, improved ventilation, installation of smart thermostats, low-energy lighting and more. Beyond Housing has partnered with heating and renewable specialists, 0800 Repair, who have recently won a number of contracts with housing association and local authority clients including Home Group, North Star Housing Group, Northumberland County Council and Gateshead Borough Council. The 12-month contract, with an option to extend for a further one year, was awarded to the Houghton-le-Spring headquartered company through the CHIC Framework (Communities and Housing Investment Consortium) via a direct award. Work is due to start this week with selected homes in Scarborough and Whitby and Michael Pallister, Operations Director at 0800 Repair, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Beyond Housing on this energy efficiency contract, which extends our excellent working relationship of delivering cavity wall insulation to homes. Our experienced team are looking forward to working in residents homes to deliver these improvements. “As part of the agreement, we are also committed to delivering social value, including educational workshops in schools located within the communities where we are carrying out home improvement works.” Jamie Whitaker, Asset Sustainability Manager at, said: “Beyond Housing is delighted to be partnering with 0800 Repair on our largest energy efficiency improvement programme to date, supporting the forthcoming Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards by 2030. “The project will improve more than 500 homes across Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, with measures including loft and wall insulation, energy-efficient lighting, smart heating controls and more. By improving the energy performance of our homes, we aim to help customers reduce energy consumption, lower their household bills and enjoy warmer, healthier living environments. “We look forward to working closely with 0800 Repair to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for our customers and communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Fit Out Awards UK 2026 has strengthened its expert judging panel with the appointment of acclaimed interior designer Mia Karlsson-Matthews, Founder and Director of Mia Karlsson Interior Design, as preparations continue for one of the UK’s leading celebrations of excellence across the fit out and interiors sector. Based in London, Karlsson-Matthews brings more than 20 years of award-winning design experience to the judging process, having built an internationally recognised practice renowned for creating bespoke residential interiors that combine Scandinavian functionality with contemporary luxury. Originally from Sweden, she established Mia Karlsson Interior Design in 2004, developing a distinctive design philosophy centred on intelligent space planning, craftsmanship and timeless interiors. Since then, the studio has successfully completed more than 300 residential projects, earning a reputation for delivering highly personalised environments that balance aesthetics with practical living. Her work has featured extensively in leading interior design publications, reflecting the studio’s consistent commitment to quality and innovation across a diverse portfolio of high-end residential commissions. Karlsson-Matthews also brings strong academic and professional credentials to the judging panel. She holds a first-class degree in Interior Design and Technology and is a prominent member of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). As a former BIID Board Director, she has also played an influential role in supporting the continued development of professional standards across the UK’s interior design and interior architecture sectors. Her appointment further strengthens an already distinguished judging panel for the Fit Out Awards UK 2026, which brings together leading experts from across architecture, workplace design, sustainability, academia and the wider built environment. The awards programme features 32 categories recognising excellence across every aspect of the fit out industry, including commercial office fit out projects, hospitality, healthcare, retail, residential and conservation, alongside awards celebrating sustainability, collaboration, product innovation and overall project delivery. Karlsson-Matthews joins Judging Coordinator Ann-Marie Aguilar of IWBI alongside Vanessa Brady of SBID, Vyvyan Byrne of VB Design, Dr Eshrar Latif of Cardiff University, Giuseppe Parito of Studio Seilern Architects, Professor Robert Schmidt III of Loughborough University and Lydia Szewczyk of IWBI. For the construction, architecture and interior fit out sectors, the awards continue to showcase the outstanding talent, innovation and technical expertise shaping the UK’s built environment. The appointment of experienced industry professionals such as Mia Karlsson-Matthews reinforces the awards’ commitment to recognising projects that demonstrate exceptional quality, creativity and excellence in design and delivery. The Fit Out Awards UK 2026 will culminate in a gala ceremony on 24 September 2026 at the Park Plaza London Riverbank, where the industry’s leading designers, contractors, architects and suppliers will come together to celebrate the year’s most outstanding achievements in fit out and interior design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Egis in the UK & Ireland has landed a major contract with Yorkshire Water, securing a place on its Technical Services and Assurance Framework. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the firm, reinforcing its water sector growth plans. The multi-year contract will support Yorkshire Water’s Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) investment programme, providing access to specialist engineering, asset management and technical assurance expertise to help deliver critical infrastructure improvements and strengthen long-term asset health across the region. Commencing on 1 July, Egis has been appointed to Lot 1 of the £80 million framework, which has been established to provide Yorkshire Water with specialist technical support as it delivers its AMP8 investment priorities. The contract will run until 2030, with options to extend for a further two years. Under Lot 1, which is worth a combined £12.7 million of the framework, Egis will provide project-level engineering and design services, including feasibility testing, optioneering and construction support. The work will span a range of disciplines including civil, mechanical and electrical design. The appointment further strengthens Egis’s growing presence in the water sector, building on its long-standing work with Uisce Éireann in Ireland, ongoing commitments with Severn Trent Water and involvement with major international water projects. Egis’s collaborative approach was a key factor in securing the appointment. The firm works closely with clients, partners and stakeholders from the earliest stages of project development, ensuring that priorities are aligned, challenges are addressed proactively, and solutions deliver shared outcomes for customers, communities and the environment. Through the framework, Egis will draw on its expertise in storm overflow mitigation, pollution reduction and asset health resilience, combining local knowledge with international best practice. This flexible and responsive approach will enable Yorkshire Water to access specialist capabilities as programme requirements evolve throughout AMP8. Michael Timmins, Director of Water at Egis in the UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Yorkshire Water to help deliver one of the water sector’s largest and most ambitious Asset Management Period programmes. “This framework win represents an important milestone for Egis, and we look forward to bringing together expertise from across the UK, Ireland and our global network to support Yorkshire Water in improving asset health, enhancing environmental performance and delivering positive outcomes for customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Design and Build contract will deliver a 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry. Glencar has commenced construction of Unit 3C, a new 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry, following its appointment by SEGRO to deliver the purpose-built development. The appointment marks the third project Glencar has delivered for SEGRO, continuing the companies’ ongoing collaboration in the industrial and logistics sector. Located within the 215-acre SEGRO Park Coventry development, south of Coventry Airport, the wider scheme has outline planning permission for up to 3.7 million sq. ft of industrial and logistics accommodation, supporting manufacturing, distribution and warehouse occupiers. The new facility has been pre-let to Volvo Group, which recently announced a £24 million investment in the site to create a new Regional Distribution Centre serving the UK and Ireland. Once operational, the purpose-built facility will feature an automated storage and picking system, supporting faster and more efficient parts distribution across Volvo Group’s UK and Ireland operations. Construction commenced this month and is scheduled for completion in January 2027. Delivered under a Design and Build contract, Glencar’s scope includes the design and construction of the new facility, comprising a 12-metre clear haunch height warehouse, integrated two-storey office accommodation and all associated external works. These include cement-stabilised earthworks, mass fill foundations, below-ground drainage and underground services, a petrol interceptor, rainwater harvesting system, service yards, EV-enabled car parking, landscaping and wider site infrastructure. Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, the development will incorporate photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and energy-efficient building systems, supporting SEGRO’s commitment to low carbon growth. The wider development also incorporates approximately 100 hectares of community parkland, woodland walks, wetlands and landscaped public open space, placing sustainability, biodiversity and occupier wellbeing at the heart of the scheme. Chris Looney, Construction Director at Glencar, said: “We’re pleased to be working with SEGRO once again on another important industrial development. Delivering a third project together reflects the strength of our ongoing relationship and our shared commitment to creating high-quality industrial, manufacturing and logistics facilities that meet the evolving needs of customers and occupiers. Unit 3C will provide Volvo Group with a purpose-built, sustainable facility in a strategically important location, and we look forward to working collaboratively with SEGRO and the wider project team to successfully deliver the project for completion in January 2027.” Sabrina Loyer, General Manager, Service Operations & Technology, Volvo Group UK, said: “The move to Coventry represents a significant investment in the future of our parts distribution network and a key milestone in supporting Volvo Group UK’s continued growth. As customer expectations and operational demands evolve, it is essential that we invest in facilities that provide both the capacity and flexibility needed to support our long-term ambitions.” Once operational, the new Regional Distribution Centre is expected to fulfil more than 1.3 million order lines each year, supporting Volvo Group’s UK and Ireland operations and demonstrating the continued demand for purpose-built industrial facilities at SEGRO Park Coventry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grosvenor has reported a strong first half of 2026 across its prime central London portfolio, completing 58 leasing transactions spanning more than 80,000 sq ft as demand continues to grow for premium retail, hospitality and commercial space in Mayfair and Belgravia. The property company secured £5.4 million in annual rental income through a combination of new lettings and lease renewals, reinforcing the resilience of two of London’s most prestigious mixed-use neighbourhoods. During the six-month period, Grosvenor completed 37 new leases alongside 21 renewals across its retail, hospitality and office portfolio. New agreements were achieved at rents 9.4% above estimated rental value (ERV), while overall leasing activity outperformed expectations by 7.8%. The performance has helped maintain portfolio occupancy at an impressive 97%, with retail vacancy standing at just 2.6%—significantly below the wider West End retail vacancy rate of 12.2%. For the construction and property sectors, the results demonstrate the continued strength of well-managed, mixed-use destinations where long-term investment in public realm, heritage buildings and carefully curated occupier mixes continues to attract businesses despite wider challenges across parts of the retail market. Mayfair has continued to attract leading international and independent brands seeking flagship London locations. Jewellery brand FoundRae has selected Mount Street for its first UK store, while skincare specialist Melanie Grant will open a new clinic at 129 Mount Street. The area’s hospitality offering has also expanded, with Persian restaurant Berenjak opening on Duke Street following the successful arrival of Crisp at The Marlborough on North Audley Street last year. Meanwhile, Belgravia continues to evolve as a destination for independent retailers, restaurants and lifestyle brands. Eccleston Yards welcomed Weezies, a new restaurant from the team behind neighbouring Amie Wine, while London Epicerie is preparing to open on Ebury Street. Elizabeth Street has recently welcomed jewellery designer Sophie Breitmeyer, while Onyx Matcha Club is due to launch on Motcomb Street later this summer. Pimlico Road has further strengthened its reputation as a destination for interiors and design, with new occupiers including auction house Roseberys and antiques specialist Molly Alexander. The latest leasing activity reflects Grosvenor’s long-term strategy of creating vibrant mixed-use neighbourhoods that combine premium retail, hospitality, workspace and high-quality public realm, supporting both commercial performance and the wider appeal of central London. Amelia Bright, Executive Director of the London Estate at Grosvenor, said: “Our strong performance so far this year reflects the value of a long-term approach to stewardship. We actively shape and curate our neighbourhoods, bringing together the right mix of retail, hospitality, workspace and public realm to create places where people and businesses want to be. The strong demand we’re seeing, reflected in our leasing performance, is a direct result of that approach. We’re also seeing more leading international brands choose Mayfair and Belgravia for their first UK locations, reinforcing both the appeal of our neighbourhoods and London’s global reputation. “Mayfair and Belgravia are part of what makes London one of the world’s great cities, and we’re proud of the role we play in helping them evolve. By continuing to invest for the long term, we’re ensuring these neighbourhoods remain vibrant, attract businesses, talent and visitors, and continue to thrive for generations to come.” The results underline the enduring strength of London’s prime mixed-use districts, where strategic placemaking, heritage-led investment and a carefully balanced mix of commercial, retail and hospitality uses continue to drive strong occupier demand and long-term investment confidence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major affordable housing development in Greenwich has taken a significant step forward after Wembley-based Formation Design and Build secured Gateway 2 approval for Hyde’s 182-home scheme at Charlton Riverside. The Eastmoor Street project marks Hyde’s first development to successfully navigate the Building Safety Regulator’s enhanced Gateway 2 process, clearing the way for construction to begin on one of the first phases within the wider Charlton Riverside Opportunity Area. The scheme will deliver 182 affordable homes, with around two-thirds allocated for social rent and the remaining properties made available through affordable home ownership, helping to address the growing demand for high-quality, affordable housing in southeast London. The development represents the first Hyde-led project within Charlton Riverside, where the housing association has planning consent to deliver around 1,200 new homes alongside commercial space, public realm improvements and enhanced connections to the Thames Path. Formation Design and Build worked closely with Hyde throughout the Gateway 2 approval process, coordinating the architectural, structural, fire safety and construction information required to satisfy the Building Safety Regulator’s more rigorous design and compliance requirements. For the construction sector, the successful approval highlights the growing importance of early contractor involvement and integrated project teams in navigating the post-Building Safety Act regulatory environment. Gateway 2 has become a critical milestone for higher-risk residential developments, requiring significantly greater levels of design coordination and technical information before construction can commence. Sean O’Brien, Chief Executive of Formation Design and Build, said: “This approval demonstrates the value of early and close collaboration between Hyde, Formation Design and Build, and the wider project team. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Hyde, as we move into the construction phase and deliver much-needed affordable homes in Greenwich.” The Eastmoor Street development also forms part of the long-term regeneration of Charlton Riverside, one of London’s largest Opportunity Areas. Future phases are expected to deliver up to 8,000 new homes, thousands of new jobs and a mix of commercial, community and public spaces, creating a vibrant new riverside neighbourhood while supporting the capital’s housing and economic growth ambitions. As more higher-risk residential projects progress through the Building Safety Regulator’s approval process, schemes such as Eastmoor Street are helping to establish new benchmarks for design quality, regulatory compliance and collaborative delivery across the UK’s residential construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London’s ability to deliver 31,500 new purpose-built student bedrooms over the next decade will depend on boroughs applying the Draft London Plan’s new targets flexibly, according to planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The draft Plan introduces individual purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) targets for London boroughs for the first time, giving local authorities a clearer role in planning where new schemes should be delivered. The approach gives PBSA a clearer place within London’s housing strategy, recognising its role in supporting the capital’s universities and easing pressure on the private rented sector. For the targets to translate into the delivery of new accommodation, boroughs will need to treat them as a basis for delivery rather than a fixed limit, with enough flexibility to respond to changes in student demand, universities’ growth strategies and development viability. Jonathan Hoban, Associate Director in Lichfields’ London office, said: “The introduction of borough-level targets gives local authorities a much clearer basis on which to plan for student accommodation. “PBSA is an important part of London’s housing mix, supporting the capital’s universities while reducing the number of students competing for homes in the wider private rented market. “The key is ensuring that the targets support delivery without becoming an artificial limit. Demand will change over the lifetime of the Plan, so boroughs will need to provide sufficient flexibility to consider suitable schemes where there is clear evidence of demand.” The Draft London Plan requires boroughs to meet local student accommodation needs and create opportunities for new development. PBSA would also continue to contribute towards general housing delivery, with every 2.5 student bedrooms counted as one home. Local plans should, however, avoid relying on a limited number of sites allocated specifically for student housing. Allowing PBSA on a wider range of suitable residential sites would give councils and developers more scope to respond to changing demand. Hoban added: “Student accommodation requirements and development conditions can change more quickly than local plans. A broader approach to site allocation would allow proposals to be assessed against the evidence available at the time, rather than restricting delivery to a fixed list of locations.” The draft policy states that new schemes should generally be within around 30 minutes’ travel of a university campus and have good access to public transport, services and facilities. Boroughs could also introduce policies to manage concentrations of student housing where these affect mixed and inclusive communities. The Plan also proposes greater choice over how PBSA developments contribute towards affordable housing. Developers could provide affordable student rooms, combine a reduced proportion of affordable student accommodation with a payment towards conventional affordable housing, or deliver conventional affordable homes. Hoban said: “The wider choice of affordable housing options is a constructive step. Different sites and operators face different circumstances, and greater flexibility should make it easier to agree an approach that supports delivery and helps meet London’s affordable housing objectives. “The Draft Plan gives PBSA clearer strategic status. The detail will now be important in helping boroughs turn those targets into new accommodation.” The consultation on the Draft London Plan closes at 5pm on 15 October 2026. For more information, visit: https://lichfields.uk/blog/2026/july/27/pbsa-in-london-becoming-a-strategic-housing-target Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals