Edge, the pan-European real estate company, has announced the topping out of EDGE London Bridge, its landmark 27-storey office development located on St Thomas Street, SE1. The milestone signals a major step towards delivering one of London’s most sustainable office towers, designed to set new standards in health, wellbeing and
Leading design and build contractor McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as Principal Contractor by Wellcome Trust to deliver a major £52m office redevelopment at 80 Pelham Street in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London. The project will transform a previously underutilised site into a sustainable, high-quality
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has been selected as the preferred bidder to deliver a significant new residential development in Preston, following a competitive tender win for a mixed-tenure scheme with Community Gateway Association (CGA) – Preston’s largest social housing landlord. The £28 million contract will mark
Mulberry will open a 1,466 sq ft pop-up at Landsec’s Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth later this month, adding the British heritage label to the outlet’s line-up of premium brands. The temporary store, set within The Avenues, will showcase a range of the brand’s leather goods and follows a period of
As World Mental Health Day today (10/10/25) highlights the importance of wellbeing across all workplaces, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is urging builders to make mental health a top priority. With construction workers continuing to face suicide rates three to four times the national average, the FMB is campaigning
The sale follows Catesby Estates successfully overturning a refused planning application in 2024 Catesby Estates, a leading strategic land promoter, has completed the land sale of a 25 acre site in Latchingdon, Essex, to housebuilder Dandara Homes. The land, which is a dedicated greenfield site, has planning permission for 160
Hampshire-headquartered Bargate has been crowned winner of Premier Guarantee’s 2025 ‘Development of the Year’ for its landmark Heritage Place scheme at North Stoneham Park, Eastleigh. The award for 151+ Units recognises Heritage Place, a £97m neighbourhood of 322 homes set within a historic 120-acre former deer park, as the standout
Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has appointed Mathura Paramjorthy as Head of Portfolio Management in its Specialist Mortgages and Bridging division. She will report to Alex Upton, Managing Director, Specialist Mortgages and Bridging Finance. Mathura was most recently Chief Operating Officer at Bridge Invest, having previously held the same role at
Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland has appointed DEAN O’SULLIVAN as CEO for its UK & Ireland business following the retirement of long-standing CEO, Mike Chaldecott after 42 years in Saint-Gobain. Dean will lead Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland in delivering its new Strategic Plan – Lead & Grow – unveiled on Monday,
OCU Group, one of the UK’s leading energy transition and utilities infrastructure services companies, today released its annual report and financial statements for the year ending 30 April 2025, marking another year of strong growth and strategic investment. As the UK significantly increases its demand for energy, utilities and digital
Edge, the pan-European real estate company, has announced the topping out of EDGE London Bridge, its landmark 27-storey office development located on St Thomas Street, SE1. The milestone signals a major step towards delivering one of London’s most sustainable office towers, designed to set new standards in health, wellbeing and environmental performance. The project is being delivered by Mace as main contractor and is due for completion in 2026. Backed by long-term institutional capital through a joint venture between Edge and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, EDGE London Bridge demonstrates how global investment partnerships can drive domestic economic growth while accelerating the transition to a net zero carbon-built environment. The project highlights the crucial role of institutional investors in supporting sustainable development in the UK, fostering long-term growth and advancing the shift to a low-carbon economy. Located adjacent to London Bridge Station, the 260,000 sq. ft development has been designed by Pilbrow + Partners and is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certification. It features cutting-edge energy efficiency measures, smart building technologies and flexible, future-proofed office space designed to meet occupier demand for workplaces aligned with net-zero targets. Marian Herman, CEO, Edge said: “EDGE London Bridge embodies our vision of creating workplaces that are both people-focused and planet-positive. This milestone takes us one step closer to delivering a flagship office tower that demonstrates how sustainability and investment performance can go hand-in-hand. We are proud to be working with a long-term institutional partner to realise a project that will contribute to London’s global competitiveness while setting a new benchmark for the UK real estate market.” Fons van Dorst, Executive Managing Director UK Edge, said: “The topping out of EDGE London Bridge is not only a construction milestone but also a symbol of collaboration between developer, contractor, investors and the wider community. With its strong location, best-in-class sustainability credentials and future-ready design, EDGE London Bridge will help redefine what occupiers expect from prime London offices.” Ged Simmonds, Managing Director Private Sector Mace Construct, said:‘’We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone at Edge London Bridge, a project that exemplifies what’s possible when ambition and bold thinking come together. From the outset, our shared ambition with Edge has been to challenge convention and deliver a building that sets new benchmarks for environmental performance and sustainable construction. We’ve built on that commitment by pioneering low-carbon initiatives that push the boundaries of what’s achievable. Trust and a collaborative mindset have been central to our success. From design and project management to the supply chain, everyone is empowered to contribute ideas to achieve better outcomes. It’s this collective, proactive spirit that continues to shape a truly exceptional building.” EDGE London Bridge is Edge’s first London project and a flagship investment in the UK capital. It forms part of the company’s wider strategy to bring sustainable and future-ready workplaces to major European cities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading design and build contractor McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as Principal Contractor by Wellcome Trust to deliver a major £52m office redevelopment at 80 Pelham Street in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London. The project will transform a previously underutilised site into a sustainable, high-quality five-storey office building, totalling approximately 114,000 sq ft. Designed to meet modern office standards and attract long-term tenants, the scheme also respects the local heritage and enhances the surrounding streetscape. The development employs a contextual architectural approach, incorporating traditional materials such as stone and brick whilst drawing inspiration from surrounding heritage and neighbouring buildings. The design includes green roofs and terraces to support biodiversity, improved pedestrian experiences at street level, and the retention of gym facilities within the new building. The development is targeting BREEAM Outstanding, the highest environmental performance rating for building design, as well as WELL Platinum Certification, promoting health and wellbeing for building occupants. The project aims to achieve an EPC Rating A, demonstrating top-tier energy efficiency, as well as a NABERS 5-Star Rating for excellent operational energy performance. Enabling works are underway, with McAleer & Rushe delivering the main contract through to completion in October 2027. Darragh Greenan, Director at McAleer & Rushe, said, “We are proud to be chosen to deliver this exceptional new office development that combines outstanding design, sustainable practices, and community-oriented spaces. 80 Pelham Street, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, is a prime example of our expertise in delivering modern, efficient workplaces that enhance the local environment and support the wellbeing of occupants. We look forward to working closely with our client, partners, and valued supply chain to bring this prime new office development to life.” Robert Coke, Head of Buyout Investments and Residential Property at The Wellcome Trust, said, “This is a landmark scheme for the Wellcome Trust and we’re delighted to appoint McAleer & Rushe as our trusted contractor. Their proven expertise and responsible approach give us full confidence as we move into the next phase to deliver vibrant new office space that will generate new jobs, attract talent and bring fresh energy to Brompton Cross.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has been selected as the preferred bidder to deliver a significant new residential development in Preston, following a competitive tender win for a mixed-tenure scheme with Community Gateway Association (CGA) – Preston’s largest social housing landlord. The £28 million contract will mark the first collaboration between Vistry and CGA and will see the delivery of 126 homes in the first phase of this wider scheme. The development will offer a mix of tenures, supporting CGA’s commitment to providing a wider choice of good quality and affordable homes for the local community. Work is scheduled to begin on site in 2026, with Vistry bringing its proven expertise in delivering large-scale residential projects to the partnership. Zac Worthington, Managing Director of Vistry Merseyside & Cheshire West, said: “We’re delighted Community Gateway Association has chosen to work with us for the first time on this exciting new scheme in Preston. Working together we can deliver a significant number of homes for local people in a range of housing choices.” Stephen Galbraith, Head of Development and Regeneration at Community Gateway said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Vistry on this development, which will bring much-needed, high-quality homes to Preston. This partnership reflects our corporate priority of offering a wider choice of affordable housing and supporting our ongoing commitment to meet local housing needs.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mulberry will open a 1,466 sq ft pop-up at Landsec’s Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth later this month, adding the British heritage label to the outlet’s line-up of premium brands. The temporary store, set within The Avenues, will showcase a range of the brand’s leather goods and follows a period of active leasing and investment at the waterfront scheme. Recent arrivals include Citizen and Oliver Bonas, joining established names such as Penhaligon’s, AllSaints, Polo Ralph Lauren and Coach. The signing comes on the back of strong trading across Landsec’s outlet portfolio, with April–June sales up 11.2% year-on-year. The landlord’s ongoing investment programme at Gunwharf Quays aims to elevate the customer experience and support a more premium tenant mix. “We’re focused on elevating Gunwharf Quays as a destination for premium brands, and introducing Mulberry to The Avenues is a testament to its growing appeal,” said Pablo Sueiras, head of retail and hospitality leasing at Landsec. “With consistent high footfall and our ongoing investment programme enhancing the surroundings, we’re creating the ideal environment for brands to connect with guests. We are seeing continued rise in demand for elevated experiences, and this pop-up is perfectly placed to cater to that trend.” For retail property watchers, the move underscores how outlet destinations are using short-term formats to test demand, optimise unit sizes and maintain momentum in a competitive, experience-led market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As World Mental Health Day today (10/10/25) highlights the importance of wellbeing across all workplaces, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is urging builders to make mental health a top priority. With construction workers continuing to face suicide rates three to four times the national average, the FMB is campaigning for cultural change where open conversations and support become embedded in everyday work life. Long hours, a lack of job security, physical demands and a culture that has been historically less familiar with the idea of asking for help. As charity partners with the Lighthouse Charity, the FMB is reminding builders that they and their families can access their vital support services. This includes a confidential 24/7 helpline (0345 605 1956), counselling, emergency financial aid, and tailored wellbeing resources designed for the pressures of the construction sector. Brian Berry, FMB Chief Executive, said:“Mental Health in the construction sector is a topic that needs to be discussed much more within industry and beyond. The construction sector is built on teamwork and trust, and these values must extend to how we handle mental health. World Mental Health Day is a reminder that too many builders are still facing these challenges – caused by tough, physically demanding working conditions alone. Every small building business has a duty to prioritise mental wellbeing. It’s only through leadership, open discussion and action that we can create a safer, healthier construction sector – that encourages those who need help, to ask for it.” The FMB has partnered with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) for a podcast episode dedicated to the issue of mental health. It features the FMB’s award-winning member Dorian Bowen, alongside the FMB’s CEO Brian Berry. The episode discusses findings from the CIOB’ Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 report and offers practical advice for builders and business owners across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The sale follows Catesby Estates successfully overturning a refused planning application in 2024 Catesby Estates, a leading strategic land promoter, has completed the land sale of a 25 acre site in Latchingdon, Essex, to housebuilder Dandara Homes. The land, which is a dedicated greenfield site, has planning permission for 160 new homes, 50% of which will be affordable. The plans also include a designated plot for a children’s nursery, comprising a 300 sqm building with outside play space and on-site parking. More than 40% of the 25 acre site will be retained and transformed into a new community park. This green space will include a new children’s play area, community allotments and integrated walking and cycling routes. The site also makes provision for a 100 sqm office hub, designed to support residents working from home, local entrepreneurs and start-ups. Planning was achieved on this site in 2024 after Catesby Estate’s team successfully appealed Maldon District Council planning committee’s decision to refuse the scheme in 2023, despite a recommendation for approval by the Planning Officer. The refusal was overturned last year, with the Inspector’s report supporting Catesby Estates’ evidence of a significant shortfall of new housing delivery in Maldon. David Harper, Senior Area Land Director at Catesby Estates, comments: “The completion of this land sale to Dandara Homes will not only accelerate the delivery of much-needed new homes but it will also bring significant community benefits to the area, including a nursery, office hub, and dedicated play areas. “We’re proud that our team was able to demonstrate the demand for these new homes and facilities to the council on behalf of the landowner, and overturn a previously unsuccessful planning application. We look forward to seeing the team at Dandara Homes transform this land for the benefit of its future residents and surrounding community.” John Baines, Land Director at Dandara Homes, adds: “Dandara are really pleased to have completed the purchase of this site in Latchingdon and look forward to delivering a high-quality development that will make a real contribution to the local community. The mix of new homes, green spaces, and facilities such as the nursery and office hub will help create a vibrant and sustainable place to live.” David Brooks and Tom Bloomfield from Brooks Leney acted on behalf of the landowners. The price was not disclosed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hampshire-headquartered Bargate has been crowned winner of Premier Guarantee’s 2025 ‘Development of the Year’ for its landmark Heritage Place scheme at North Stoneham Park, Eastleigh. The award for 151+ Units recognises Heritage Place, a £97m neighbourhood of 322 homes set within a historic 120-acre former deer park, as the standout development in its category, ahead of entries from some of the UK’s largest national housebuilders. Radio and TV broadcaster Colin Murray presented the award at the Nobu Hotel in London. The Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards recognise excellence in building high-quality homes, raising and celebrating standards of construction across the industry. The annual awards showcase the very best housebuilders, developments, construction practices and workmanship across the UK. Mark White, Managing Director at Bargate and Chair of the Future Homes Hub’s SME Liaison Group, said: “To be recognised with Premier Guarantee’s Development of the Year award for a second time is an incredible achievement for Bargate and a real credit to our team. Having previously won this award for our Rivercross scheme in Warsash, to now secure it again for Heritage Place underlines the consistency of our approach and the quality we strive for across every single project. “Heritage Place is the culmination of years of meticulous planning and design, where every detail has been carefully considered. This award reinforces our commitment to creating not just houses, but lasting communities of real character and quality.” Heritage Place forms the final phase of the North Stoneham Park regeneration, completing a 1,000-home masterplan that has transformed this historic setting into a thriving modern community. Bargate’s scheme delivers a mix of three-, four- and five-bedroom family homes alongside 124 affordable properties for the not-for-profit provider of affordable homes, VIVID, ensuring a balance of quality and accessibility. North Stoneham Park is rich in community assets, including a new primary school, landscaped open green spaces, a large play area, a network of footpaths and cycleways and community facilities. A self-contained community, the site is surrounded by parkland yet also within minutes of road, rail and air travel, with Southampton Airport and Parkway Station both within walking distance. Each home at Heritage Place is finished to Bargate’s renowned specification, with bespoke kitchens featuring integrated Neff appliances, Porcelanosa tiles in bathrooms, and thoughtful layouts designed around modern family living. Two showhomes, professionally styled by locally renowned home, living and garden centre The Garden Society, are open for viewings. This latest success builds on Bargate’s strong track record. In 2025, the company received both the Outstanding Achievement Award for Customer Satisfaction and a Gold Award from In-House Research. Bargate also won Developer of the Year in the Premier Guarantee Awards 2023, and Development of the Year for its Rivercross scheme in Warsash the same year – demonstrating Bargate’s position as one of the UK’s leading SME housebuilders with quality and customer confidence at the heart of its success. For more information, visit www.bargatehomes.co.uk or call 02380 601489 to book a viewing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has appointed Mathura Paramjorthy as Head of Portfolio Management in its Specialist Mortgages and Bridging division. She will report to Alex Upton, Managing Director, Specialist Mortgages and Bridging Finance. Mathura was most recently Chief Operating Officer at Bridge Invest, having previously held the same role at TAB. She began her career as a Partner at Philip Ross Solicitors, specialising in residential property, before moving into senior operational roles. Her experience spans more than 20 years across law, lending and operations, with a strong track record of managing complex portfolios. The appointment comes at a time when brokers are placing increasingly large and complex cases. HTB’s portfolio management team is responsible for overseeing facilities once they complete, ensuring they continue to perform as structured. The function provides brokers and their clients with continuity and a clear point of support throughout the term, maintaining the structures agreed at the outset and resolving any issues that arise. Mathura Paramjorthy, Head of Portfolio Management, Specialist Mortgages and Bridging Finance at HTB, said: “Joining HTB was an easy decision for me because of the way the bank works with brokers. My career has taken me from property law into operational leadership, and that mix has shown me how important it is to combine strong processes with clear communication. Brokers want to know that once a deal completes their clients will be supported throughout the term, and that is what portfolio management delivers. I am looking forward to working with the team to build on HTB’s reputation for consistency and long-term support.” Alex Upton, Managing Director, Specialist Mortgages and Bridging Finance at HTB, added: “Portfolio management is where we make sure the structures agreed on day one continue to work for clients through to repayment. It is a part of the process brokers may not always see immediately, but it underpins every facility. As the size and complexity of cases grow, that oversight becomes even more important. Mathura’s background as a property lawyer, together with her operational and lending experience, brings exactly the perspective we need across both our Specialist Mortgages and Bridging books. I am very pleased to welcome her to HTB.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland has appointed DEAN O’SULLIVAN as CEO for its UK & Ireland business following the retirement of long-standing CEO, Mike Chaldecott after 42 years in Saint-Gobain. Dean will lead Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland in delivering its new Strategic Plan – Lead & Grow – unveiled on Monday, and positioning Saint-Gobain as a Solutions Company for residential, commercial and infrastructure. Dean is an experienced Managing Director with 25 years’ experience in the construction sector. Dean has held a number of senior leadership roles within the Saint-Gobain Group in the UK & Ireland starting as a Sales Manager at Saint-Gobain’s Gyproc business in Ireland in 2007, before being appointed to lead the combined Gyproc and Isover Ireland businesses as Sales and Marketing Director in 2011. Dean then moved to the UK to lead Saint-Gobain’s Okarno (formerly Artex) business as Managing Director in 2013 and then its combined Insulation businesses including Isover in the UK in 2019. Most recently, since 2021, Dean has been Managing Director of Saint-Gobain’s UK ‘Interior Solution’s businesses – comprising of Isover and UK drylining and plaster solution brand British Gypsum – where he has overseen a transformation of how the combined businesses support customers in the residential, commercial, infrastructure and retrofit and refurbishment sectors of the UK construction market. During this time the Interior Solutions businesses of Saint-Gobain saw British Gypsum become one of the first UK brands to have products carry the Code for Construction Product Information Mark. The businesses also launched a partnership with Pallet Loop to introduce a circular economy for UK Construction pallets, launched the first plasterboard in Europe to be manufactured with 100% recycled gypsum and has overseen the transformation of its road haulage fleet transitioning the majority of the fleet to non-fossil fuel – Hydro- treated Vegetable Oil. Dean’s appointment comes as Saint-Gobain’s launches its new five-year strategic plan – LEAD & GROW – which focusses Saint-Gobain on being a solutions company for residential, commercial and infrastructure. Dean will now spearhead Saint-Gobain’s delivery of an enriched solution and service offer adapted for each of the construction market’s needs and being a catalyst for change – helping to shape the entire construction sector towards a more sustainable model. Dean said: “It’s a great privilege to lead Saint-Gobain’s businesses in the UK & Ireland at a time when we release a new strategy that positions Saint-Gobain as a true solutions provider for customers. Saint-Gobain is truly a unique company with an unrivalled breadth of solutions for the entire building industry and expertise made so special by an amazing 360-year history and strong values of care, respect and doing the right things.” “As the construction sector finds its way of responding to huge challenge such as climate change, protecting natural resources and unprecedent demand for construction – housing, infrastructure, retrofit and repurposing Saint-Gobain has a strong vision for being a catalyst for a transformed construction sector – lighter, more productive and more sustainable than before.” “I’d like to thank Mike for being such a tremendous ambassador for Saint-Gobain –passionate about our people and their safety and getting things right for our customers. Serving Saint-Gobain for 42 years – from graduate to CEO – is an amazing achievement and everyone wishes him well for the future Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OCU Group, one of the UK’s leading energy transition and utilities infrastructure services companies, today released its annual report and financial statements for the year ending 30 April 2025, marking another year of strong growth and strategic investment. As the UK significantly increases its demand for energy, utilities and digital infrastructure, OCU Group has rapidly evolved its capabilities in response, forming the future landscape of how critical services are more efficiently and safely delivered. In the year ending 30 April 2025, OCU Group’ revenue advanced to £886m, a 45% increase from the previous year, reflecting strong organic growth across multiple sectors as well as the impact of strategic acquisitions. OCU completed three acquisitions during the year, further strengthening our capabilities in energy transition, horizontal directional drilling, and water. OCU’s capabilities now span the full end-to-end lifecycle, from design through to build, commissioning, and maintenance. These include delivery across regulated power, water, digital infrastructure, and energy transition markets. Michael Hughes, CEO of OCU Group, provided insight into the company’s strategic progress, stating, “OCU Group delivered consistently strong strategic and operational progress this year, underpinned by three acquisitions, organic contract wins, and continued investment in technology and talent. Our diversified position across essential UK infrastructure markets provides a robust platform for sustained, long-term value for clients and stakeholders.” David Snowball, Chief Financial Officer of OCU Group, said “OCU Group continues to deliver strong, profitable growth, reflecting excellent progress against our strategic objectives. With a solid capital structure and robust financial footing, we are well positioned to build on this momentum into the future.” As the UK’s leading energy transition and utilities infrastructure services company, OCU Group operates across both regulated and non-regulated markets, providing clients and their customers with safe, reliable, and timely deliveries that align with their future demand. The annual report and financial statements are now available here or on the OCU Group website at www.ocugroup.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals