Prologis has announced that it has become the first UK property company to reach 100 Planet Mark-certified developments. This sustainability milestone is part of its work with Planet Mark and charity, Cool Earth, providing benefits for the environment, local and indigenous rainforest communities Prologis UK has announced that DC107, a
The Cheapside Business Alliance Public Realm Vision & Strategy sets out a long-term framework to create a greener, inclusive and better-connected Cheapside in the City of London. Gensler was appointed by Cheapside Business Alliance to develop a new Public Realm Vision & Strategy, establishing a long-term framework for the area’s
Major demolition works have commenced in Bradford city centre as plans to transform two former shopping centres into a new residential and mixed-use neighbourhood move into the next stage of delivery. Wakefield-based Metropolitan Demolition has begun dismantling the former Oastler Shopping Centre, marking a significant milestone in the ambitious City
Rosita Mendonca, Operations & Marketing Director at J3 Advisory, said: “Across much of the PBSA market, demand and investor interest remain strong, although conditions vary by location and scheme. The opportunity is to translate those fundamentals into deliverable projects that are supported by the right capital, insurance and technical strategy.
The third quarter of 2026 saw 155,297 sq ft of office space transacted across 50 deals, according to data from the Manchester Office Agents Forum (MOAF). Whilst the number of deals remained consistent with previous quarters, the total sq ft transacted is down on the 184,500 sq ft recorded in
The award-winning property management company has been recognised for its people-first culture, with assessors highlighting strong relationships, employee development and the link between workplace values and business performance. POD Management has achieved Investors in People Gold accreditation following its first assessment, with assessors describing the result as “truly exceptional”. The
Customers have once again put Reapit at the top of the industry at the ESTAS, the UK’s largest residential property awards, with its automated client accounting solution, PayProp, among the night’s big winners. PayProp was named Best in Sector – Payment Services again in 2026, extending its extraordinary run to
Avove has commenced work on a £13 million scheme for Northumbrian Water that will support environmental improvements across the North East. The project comprises a new 3.5km pipeline linking Northumbrian Water’s Sedgeletch Sewage Treatment Works, between Bournmoor and New Herrington, to the River Wear. The scheme includes a new pumping
Reynaers Aluminium UK has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s prestigious G-Awards, recognising both the innovative projects its systems help deliver and the support it provides to customers. Reynaers has been recognised in the G Awards shortlist in the Commercial Project of the Year category for its involvement
Developer Glenbrook has secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) for its landmark 44-storey residential tower in Manchester, clearing a major regulatory hurdle and paving the way for Domis to commence construction in 2027. The 364-home development on Whitworth Street West, close to Deansgate station, has now
Prologis has announced that it has become the first UK property company to reach 100 Planet Mark-certified developments. This sustainability milestone is part of its work with Planet Mark and charity, Cool Earth, providing benefits for the environment, local and indigenous rainforest communities Prologis UK has announced that DC107, a brand-new logistics unit at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), will be its 100th Planet Mark-certified development, an internationally recognised sustainability accreditation. Working with Planet Mark’s Charity partner, Cool Earth, this major milestone has helped to protect over 20,000 acres of rainforest and raised £2 million to support indigenous rainforest communities. Prologis was the first UK property company to measure, reduce and mitigate the carbon emissions embodied in the structures and fabrics of its buildings, achieving its first certification nearly two decades ago at Prologis Park Pineham. Since 2008, every new building has been certified by Planet Mark, with each project targeting rigorous environmental and sustainability requirements. Certified projects include distribution centres and logistics hubs in Prologis Parks, provided for customers from grocers such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco and M&S to distribution businesses, such as Royal Mail. The assessment measures whole-life carbon across raw materials, construction, operation, maintenance and end-of-life. Projects must demonstrate continuous improvement by reducing carbon in design, construction and operation, and through positive engagement with communities and the development supply chain. Unavoidable embodied carbon is mitigated, and communities and stakeholders engaged to raise awareness and encourage further action. Over the past 20 years, this approach has resulted in the certification of 23.6 million sq ft of new buildings. The programme extends beyond carbon reduction, supporting rainforest protection and sustainability education in local communities. Simon Cox, Senior Vice President, Head of Development Management at Prologis UK, said: “This milestone highlights our dedication to making sure our buildings deliver cost savings for customers and better environmental outcomes for communities, helping protect the environment, educate local children and support indigenous people by protecting the rainforest they call home. This legacy of sustainable development is something we pass on to every customer of a new Prologis building, with facilities designed to optimise energy use and support the transition to renewable energy sources. Today, 25 million sqft of our UK portfolio have achieved BREEAM Excellent or Outstanding ratings.” Steve Malkin, Founder at Planet Mark said: “To avert a climate disaster, we need to take action now. By providing a credible, robust and verified approach to measuring and significantly reducing whole-life carbon emissions, we have forged an effective partnership with Prologis that demonstrates the far-reaching impact businesses can achieve when they take responsibility for their carbon emissions. Prologis has kept ahead of its industry with its commitment to sustainable and responsible real estate, and our shared, continuous work to decarbonise their buildings. The business has captured the attention and support of stakeholders, including investors, suppliers, and customers.” Each new development certified through Planet Mark provides direct support for communities protecting the rainforest. Through its long-term partnership with Cool Earth, a climate change charity working with indigenous peoples and local communities, Prologis has mitigated 100% of the unavoidable embodied carbon emissions from its new developments by supporting efforts to protect endangered rainforest and tackle the climate crisis. As part of Cool Earth’s unique model, funding goes straight to indigenous and local communities through investment, technology and training to prevent deforestation at a grassroots level. In the areas where Cool Earth works, 99% of rainforest remains intact. These ecosystems play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, and are crucial for regulating the planet’s climate, protecting biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of indigenous communities. Matthew Owen, CEO at Cool Earth said: “When you see the personal and environmental impact that deforestation brings it’s hard not to want to go the extra mile and play your part in protecting the rainforest for future generations. Together, Prologis and Cool Earth are working to safeguard some of the world’s most vital rainforests, creating benefits not only for the environment but also for local communities and future generations. As the partnership approaches the milestone of reaching a cumulative donation of £2m, we are extending protection further into the forest, with five new communities in Papua New Guinea set to join the programme.” This partnership has meant reliable, long-term funding to ensure communities can be reached effectively and directly, on their own terms. Since 2008, Prologis buildings have helped to protect over 20,000 acres of rainforest in the Peruvian Amazon, Peru and Papua New Guinea. Prologis has been funding work across five community areas, supporting 1,264 people and stewarding 4.8m trees that store 5.7m tonnes of carbon. Prologis also educates children close to its developments on the importance of protecting the local and global environment, and its sustainability programme funds education officers from The Eden Project to go into local schools and empower children to protect the planet. Prologis has delivered this programme to 13,875 students in 94 schools and colleges. The team also sponsor Warwickshire College Group’s involvement with the Planet Mark certification scheme to reduce carbon, energy, water and waste. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Cheapside Business Alliance Public Realm Vision & Strategy sets out a long-term framework to create a greener, inclusive and better-connected Cheapside in the City of London. Gensler was appointed by Cheapside Business Alliance to develop a new Public Realm Vision & Strategy, establishing a long-term framework for the area’s evolution. The Vision sets out an ambitious approach for partnership working and a Strategy for how Cheapside’s streets and public spaces can transform into a greener, more welcoming and vibrant destination for all. Informed by extensive engagement with local businesses and stakeholders, the document provides a framework for future public realm improvements across the heart of the City. Prepared in collaboration with the City of London Corporation throughout its development, it aligns closely with the Corporation’s key strategic priorities, including the City Plan 2040 and the flagship Destination City Policy. Charlotte Fletcher, Chair of the Cheapside Business Alliance, said: “Our Public Realm Vision & Strategy sets out a clear, shared ambition for the future of Cheapside, bringing together opportunities to create a more welcoming, vibrant and attractive destination for businesses, workers, residents, and visitors alike. “We are proud to present this document as both a statement of ambition and a framework for delivery. We look forward to working closely with the City of London, Transport for London, property owners and other key stakeholders to develop the longer-term projects and begin implementing the quick-win initiatives outlined in the Vision. Through collaboration, we can deliver shared, long-term success and start a new chapter for Cheapside, continuing its evolution as one of the City’s most iconic and distinctive destinations.” Covering the area from St Paul’s Cathedral in the west to Bank Junction in the east, the Vision focuses on one of London’s most historic and important commercial districts, building on Cheapside’s rich heritage while responding to the changing needs of the City. Its aim is to strengthen Cheapside’s unique identity as London’s civic spine. At a pivotal moment for the Cheapside area, with significant investment and transformation projects currently underway, the Vision looks beyond individual schemes to consider how streets and spaces can bring key stakeholders together to work collaboratively and create a more cohesive, attractive and connected destination. Building on over a decade of work by the Cheapside Business Alliance, this document provides a clear direction for future placemaking initiatives and for collaboration with public and private sector partners, aligning local ambitions with the City of London’s wider aspirations for a more sustainable, vibrant and people-focused Square Mile. Ian Mulcahey, Global Director of Cities, Principal at Gensler, said: “Great cities are defined by the experiences they create for people. This Vision & Strategy builds on Cheapside’s rich history to create a more connected, vibrant public realm, re-establishing it as a destination in its own right and a vital part of London’s civic identity.” At the heart of the Vision are five Place Narratives that draw on Cheapside’s historic role as a centre of trade, ceremony, craft and civic life, translating these qualities into a contemporary framework for placemaking. From reimagining Cheapside as a destination for cultural events and public gathering to revealing the area’s hidden heritage and strengthening connections between its streets, churches and commercial destinations, the narratives establish a cohesive design approach rooted in the area’s identity. Together, they explore how targeted improvements to the public realm can create a more connected, distinctive and people-focused experience across the district. Michaela Winter-Taylor, Cities and Urban Design Lead at Gensler, said: “Working with Cheapside Business Alliance and the City of London Corporation, we’ve developed a Vision & Strategy that celebrates the area’s unique identity while responding to its future needs. We’ve outlined a clear framework for change, with proposed interventions that reveal hidden heritage and create more welcoming public spaces.” The Vision identifies 39 public realm opportunities and catalyst projects, alongside six priority projects. The proposals range from improved green gateways and enhanced pedestrian routes to cultural activations, heritage-led placemaking and improvements to key public spaces, creating a roadmap for long-term change across the area. John Edwards, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Streets & Walkways Committee, said: “The Cheapside Business Alliance Public Realm Vision & Strategy sets out a clear and ambitious plan for one of the City’s most historic and important districts, and our primary shopping street. By creating greener, healthier and more welcoming streets and spaces, we can improve the experience of everyone who lives, works and visits here while supporting the area’s continued economic success, realizing the ambition of our Transport Strategy. “This Vision reflects the strength of partnership working between the City Corporation, local businesses and stakeholders, and demonstrates our shared commitment to delivering a more sustainable, accessible and vibrant Cheapside for years to come.” Cheapside Business Alliance will continue to work collaboratively to explore opportunities to take the Vision forward and translate priorities into tangible improvements for the area. To read the full Cheapside Business Alliance Public Realm Vision & Strategy as well as the Executive Summary, please visit: incheapside.com/public-realm. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Major demolition works have commenced in Bradford city centre as plans to transform two former shopping centres into a new residential and mixed-use neighbourhood move into the next stage of delivery. Wakefield-based Metropolitan Demolition has begun dismantling the former Oastler Shopping Centre, marking a significant milestone in the ambitious City Village regeneration programme being delivered by Bradford Council in partnership with urban regeneration specialist ECF. The redevelopment will ultimately provide up to 1,000 new homes alongside retail, leisure and community facilities, transforming underutilised city centre land into a new residential neighbourhood designed to support Bradford’s long-term regeneration ambitions. Metropolitan Demolition has been appointed to undertake an extensive eight-month clearance programme at the Oastler site, removing the former shopping centre and surrounding buildings to prepare the land for residential development. The initial works will unlock the first phase of City Village, comprising 97 two and three-bedroom townhouses, with construction currently expected to begin in summer 2027. The demolition programme also includes the Bazaar building and properties at 22–24 Rawson Road, previously occupied by Bradford Brewery. Alongside the Oastler works, Metropolitan Demolition is progressing a separate clearance programme at the former Kirkgate Shopping Centre, another key location within the wider City Village masterplan. A six-month internal strip-out is already underway at Kirkgate, with external demolition scheduled to commence in spring 2027. The removal of the former retail buildings will release further development land, enabling the delivery of hundreds of apartments across two subsequent phases of the regeneration programme. Together, the two sites will play a central role in reshaping Bradford’s urban landscape, replacing ageing retail infrastructure with new housing, commercial opportunities and public spaces. The redevelopment reflects a broader shift in town and city centre regeneration, where former shopping centres and retail assets are increasingly being repurposed to accommodate residential-led mixed-use developments. By introducing a substantial new residential population into central Bradford, City Village aims to support existing businesses, encourage additional investment and create a more active and sustainable urban environment. The enabling works are being supported by the first allocation of funding from £30 million secured through Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has also committed a further £13 million towards the regeneration programme, demonstrating the importance of public sector investment in unlocking major brownfield development opportunities. The funding will help address the challenges associated with preparing complex urban sites for redevelopment, including demolition, land clearance and essential enabling infrastructure. Given the central location of the former shopping centres, careful management of the demolition programme will be essential to maintaining access and minimising disruption to surrounding businesses and public areas. Simon Dew, Managing Director for Yorkshire and the North East, highlighted the scale and complexity of the works. “A demolition programme of this scale in an urban centre is a significant undertaking, but every measure is being put in place to minimise the impact – including maintaining access to local businesses,” he said. The wider professional team supporting City Village includes 5plus Architects, re-form Landscape Architecture, Avison Young, Cushman & Wakefield and Turner & Townsend. Their involvement reflects the multidisciplinary approach required to deliver a regeneration programme combining new residential accommodation, commercial space, landscape design and improvements to the wider urban environment. For Bradford, City Village represents an important opportunity to rebalance its city centre, creating a stronger residential community while introducing new uses to sites previously dominated by traditional retail. The first 97 townhouses will establish the initial residential element of the development, with subsequent phases introducing higher-density apartment accommodation as the former shopping centre sites become available. With demolition now underway at Oastler and preparatory works progressing at Kirkgate, the City Village programme is moving from planning towards physical delivery. The redevelopment is expected to play a significant role in Bradford’s continuing transformation, demonstrating how large-scale brownfield regeneration can create new homes, support economic activity and breathe new life into established city centres. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rosita Mendonca, Operations & Marketing Director at J3 Advisory, said: “Across much of the PBSA market, demand and investor interest remain strong, although conditions vary by location and scheme. The opportunity is to translate those fundamentals into deliverable projects that are supported by the right capital, insurance and technical strategy. “New student accommodation has an important role to play in supporting universities, relieving pressure on other parts of the rental market and contributing to investment in towns and cities. The focus should be on creating a dependable route from demand to delivery. “That means making connected decisions early. A funding structure cannot be considered separately from lender requirements, technical due diligence, the structural warranty, the construction programme or the scheme’s long-term operating model. When those elements are aligned, they can support rather than obstruct delivery.” A £60 million, 267-bed development on Old Kent Road in Southwark shows how those dependencies work in practice. Its structural warranty had to align with the construction programme and technical profile, with inspections and outstanding requirements coordinated through to practical completion. J3 says the case demonstrates a wider delivery issue: schemes cannot rely on demand figures alone, and the combination of decisions needed to satisfy funders, insurers and technical stakeholders will differ according to the site, design, procurement route and intended operation. Why delivery risks differ across PBSA schemes The balance of risks will not be the same on every project. Site conditions, design, procurement, lender requirements, ownership and the intended operating model can each change what must be resolved and when. For some developments, the central issue will be demonstrating local demand and an affordable room mix. For others, construction methodology, inspection requirements or the proposed ownership structure may shape the route forward. Identifying those dependencies early allows the design, procurement and funding strategy to respond before they become obstacles to delivery. “Another scheme may involve a different demand profile, delivery partnership, construction method or exit. The lesson is not that every developer should follow the same sequence, but that the relevant commercial and technical considerations need to be understood together and addressed at the right stage for that particular project,” Rosita said. “The long-term fundamentals of PBSA remain compelling, but successful delivery depends on detail. When demand, design, finance, insurance and the operating strategy support one another, developers are better placed to convert opportunity into completed accommodation,” Rosita concluded. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The third quarter of 2026 saw 155,297 sq ft of office space transacted across 50 deals, according to data from the Manchester Office Agents Forum (MOAF). Whilst the number of deals remained consistent with previous quarters, the total sq ft transacted is down on the 184,500 sq ft recorded in Q2, and significantly lower than required to hit the 5-year annual average of 1.1m sq ft. Despite a consistent number of transactions, the lack of larger transactions was notable and has therefore stifled take-up in Q3. The largest transaction saw Deliveroo commit to 24,975 sq ft at Tootal Building, advised by CBRE, followed by Dechra taking 14,331 sq ft at Bruntwood’s No.3 Circle Square. Leanord Curtis also acquired 10,027 sq ft Eden, developed by MUSE. Matt Shufflebottom, Director at CBRE commented; “There is no hiding from the fact Q3 was a poor performance for the city centre office market and we are behind target to hit our 5-year average of 1.1m sq ft. However, positivity should be taken by the number of deals recorded, demonstrating an active market sub 10,000 sq ft, and we expect the larger transactions to return in Q4 to boost year-end figures.” Matt added; “The pace of decision making by occupiers has affected the market, however there are generally good levels of demand and we are therefore confident that take-up will bounce back across Q4 and into 2027.” Out-of-town office take-up was 182,281 sq ft, made up of 54,137 sq ft in Salford Quays & Old Trafford and 128,142 sq ft in South Manchester. The quarter saw two notable larger transactions complete. Siemens plc acquired 36,922 sq ft at Towers Business Park in Didsbury whilst in Salford Quays, AM London leased 31,250 sq ft at Centenary House. John Nash, Director at Canning O’Neill commented: “The out-of-town take-up for the period has been very much in line with the quarterly average over the last five years across both markets, so it’s fair to describe it as a steady and resilient market.” On the supply side, he added: “A number of office buildings are continuing to be repurposed for alternative uses, creating a more balanced market and reducing the volume of secondary stock. As occupiers remain focused on quality, this is providing greater confidence for landlords to invest, refurbish and reposition space to meet evolving occupier requirements.” MOAF was formed in 2009, and members include Avison Young, Carter Jonas, CBRE, Colliers International, Canning O’Neill, Cushman & Wakefield, Edwards Property Consultants, Fisher German, Hallam Property Consultants, JLL, Knight Frank, LSH, OBI, Savills, and Sixteen. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The award-winning property management company has been recognised for its people-first culture, with assessors highlighting strong relationships, employee development and the link between workplace values and business performance. POD Management has achieved Investors in People Gold accreditation following its first assessment, with assessors describing the result as “truly exceptional”. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the property management company. Investors in People is a widely recognised accreditation that independently assesses how effectively organisations lead, support and develop their people. Gold is awarded to a small proportion of accredited organisations and represents a high level of achievement, making it a particularly meaningful recognition of POD’s commitment to its colleagues. Assessors recognised the strength of POD’s culture and leadership, its commitment to developing people and the passion its teams bring to serving clients, customers and residents. Following the assessment, they highlighted strong relationships across the organisation and clear alignment between the company’s values and colleagues’ everyday experiences, alongside the link between its people practices and business outcomes. The findings also recognised how POD’s values are embedded in its wider business strategy, with a strong sense of pride and ownership across the organisation. Commenting on the achievement, David Goldberg, CEO of POD Management, said: “What makes me proudest isn’t the accreditation itself, but what it represents. From the beginning, we wanted POD’s values to shape how we work, how we lead and how we support one another. We’ve worked hard to build a business where people matter, relationships matter and culture matters. Seeing that recognised so strongly through an independent assessment is incredibly rewarding. This achievement belongs to everyone who has helped shape POD into what it is today.” POD believes that investing in its people is fundamental to delivering high standards across its property management services. A supportive culture helps teams take pride in their work, maintain high standards on site and approach their responsibilities with care and attention to detail. In turn, this contributes to more effective building management, stronger safety practices and better outcomes for the residents who rely on those services. Ryan Collier, Chief Operating Officer, said: “I’ve always believed very passionately that great results start with great people. Every day, our teams across POD are focused on high standards of safety, making the customer journey exceptional and continually striving to be proactive and one step ahead. What makes this accreditation particularly meaningful to me is that it recognises the connection between our people and our results. The standards we achieve across the business are only possible because of our people-first approach and the commitment, care and professionalism of our teams.” Furthermore, Gracia Horwitz, Head of People at POD Management, added: “Building a great place to work isn’t about one initiative or one department. It’s about people choosing every day to collaborate, support one another and contribute to something bigger than their individual role. From our site leaders to our People Team, Health and Safety Team, Wellbeing Committee and colleagues across the business, everyone plays a part in creating a culture where people feel valued and able to succeed.” The accreditation recognises the collective effort of POD’s colleagues and reinforces the company’s commitment to ensuring its values continue to shape how it leads and supports its people. As the business grows, POD will continue to build on the assessment’s findings and work towards Investors in People Platinum status. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Customers have once again put Reapit at the top of the industry at the ESTAS, the UK’s largest residential property awards, with its automated client accounting solution, PayProp, among the night’s big winners. PayProp was named Best in Sector – Payment Services again in 2026, extending its extraordinary run to nine consecutive ESTAS titles. Unlike many industry awards, ESTAS winners are determined by verified customer reviews collected throughout the year. For Reapit, the awards represent recognition from the people who use its technology every day. Nine years at the top Nine consecutive ESTAS victories is a milestone few PropTechs can claim. For Reapit’s PayProp client accounting platform, it reflects a continued focus on helping letting agents reduce manual payment admin, protect client money and operate more efficiently. In a sector facing growing operational and regulatory pressures, agents continue to rely on the PayProp platform to automate one of the most important functions within their business. The industry’s biggest celebration As the headline partner of the ESTAS Awards, Reapit also welcomed customers and industry leaders to the event, hosting three VIP tables during one of the property sector’s biggest annual gatherings. The evening brought together agents, suppliers and industry experts from across the sector and highlighted the important role customer feedback continues to play in shaping products, services and standards across the industry. “First and foremost, thank you to our customers. Awards decided by industry panels are always welcome, but recognition from the people who use your technology every day carries a different weight,” said Steve Richmond, Reapit’s General Manager. “For our PayProp platform to secure a ninth consecutive ESTAS title is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the consistency, expertise and commitment of our team. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Avove has commenced work on a £13 million scheme for Northumbrian Water that will support environmental improvements across the North East. The project comprises a new 3.5km pipeline linking Northumbrian Water’s Sedgeletch Sewage Treatment Works, between Bournmoor and New Herrington, to the River Wear. The scheme includes a new pumping station within the treatment works, underground pipework and a new treated water discharge point at the river. Once complete, the new pipeline will transfer treated water that is currently discharged into the Herrington Burn to the River Wear. Moving the discharge point will help protect the burn, while the larger river will provide greater dilution and dispersion as the treated water returns to the environment. The scheme will integrate new civil, mechanical and electrical infrastructure, including pumping, transfer and outfall assets, creating a modern and resilient effluent transfer route designed to support long-term environmental compliance and reliable operation of the treatment works. Construction is expected to be completed in March 2027. The project represents the first of three planned environmental improvement projects in the area as part of Northumbrian Water’s wider investment programme. Colin Butler, Framework Director at Avove, said: “As Northumbrian Water’s delivery partner, we are proud to be delivering a project that will provide long-term environmental benefits for local communities and watercourses. “Drawing on our expertise in water infrastructure, the scheme will deliver a new pumping station, pipeline and discharge point that supports Northumbrian Water’s wider programme of environmental investment. We look forward to working closely with the local community and stakeholders as construction progresses.” Christopher Bond, Project Manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “This work in the Sedgeletch area is part of a £1.7bn investment in work that will benefit the environment, being carried out across a five-year period to 2030. Local projects like this all come together to make a big difference for our region and we know they are important to communities across the North East.” The project forms part of Avove’s ongoing partnership with Northumbrian Water to deliver infrastructure improvements that protect the environment and enhance water quality for local communities and waterways. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reynaers Aluminium UK has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s prestigious G-Awards, recognising both the innovative projects its systems help deliver and the support it provides to customers. Reynaers has been recognised in the G Awards shortlist in the Commercial Project of the Year category for its involvement in the landmark Greenheys life science building, and for Sales & Marketing Initiative of the Year, for its Building Safety Act Campaign. Working closely with long-standing partner RED Systems, Reynaers provided approximately 5,000m2 of its ConceptWall 50 (CW 50) curtain walling for the £60m Greenheys development at Manchester Science Park. The six-storey, 131,000 sq ft building is the new headquarters for UK Biobank and the most scientifically capable building in Bruntwood SciTech’s portfolio. Designed by BDP and delivered by contractor Willmott Dixon, the building features a full wrap-around curtain wall with curved-on-plan glazing, an anodised finishes and bespoke vertical and horizontal feature fins. Reynaers’ Building Safety Act campaign – Compliance from the Ground Up – was launched to support architects, specifiers and fabricators in navigating regulatory change from concept through to completion. At the centre of the campaign is Reynaers’ RIBA-accredited CPD: Mastering the Building Safety Act that has reached more than 1,000 architects to date. Reynaers also became a GQA-accredited training centre and introduced DigiTrace product passports to provide transparent and traceable information. Samantha Hill, Head of Marketing at Reynaers Aluminium UK, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at this year’s G-Awards, recognising both the projects our systems helped to deliver and the support we provide to customers. “Greenheys shows what is possible when a system supplier, fabricator and project team work together from the earliest stages and Compliance from the Ground Up reflects our decision to invest in expertise, education and practical support at a time when the industry has faced real pressure and change. I’d like to thank the G-Awards team and wish everyone shortlisted the very best of luck.” Now in its 22nd year, the G-Awards are a leading accolade in the glass and glazing industry, recognising innovation and excellence across 14 categories. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Friday 27 November 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Glenbrook has secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) for its landmark 44-storey residential tower in Manchester, clearing a major regulatory hurdle and paving the way for Domis to commence construction in 2027. The 364-home development on Whitworth Street West, close to Deansgate station, has now secured planning permission, funding and the necessary building safety approval, providing a clear route towards delivering one of the latest additions to Manchester’s rapidly evolving skyline. Designed by architectural practice Sheppard Robson, the scheme will become Glenbrook’s tallest development to date and represents a significant addition to the company’s expanding residential portfolio across Greater Manchester. The project has also received an important financial boost, with Glenbrook securing £17 million from the Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund to address a development viability gap and help bring the scheme forward. The funding support highlights the challenges facing major residential developments, particularly high-rise projects where construction costs, regulatory requirements and financial viability continue to influence delivery programmes. With Gateway 2 approval now secured, the project can progress towards its construction phase, with Domis lined up to deliver the development. The 44-storey tower will provide 364 new homes alongside residential amenity facilities and improvements to the surrounding public realm, contributing to the continued regeneration of Manchester’s southern city centre. Its location close to Deansgate railway station and the Metrolink network places the development within one of Manchester’s best-connected residential and commercial districts, providing convenient access to employment, retail, leisure and hospitality destinations. The scheme will also contribute to the ongoing transformation of the area surrounding Whitworth Street West, where residential development continues to reshape former commercial and underutilised urban sites. Securing Gateway 2 approval represents a particularly important milestone under the Building Safety Act framework, which requires higher-risk residential buildings to receive regulatory approval before relevant construction work can begin. The process involves detailed scrutiny of building designs and safety arrangements, placing greater responsibility on developers, contractors and design teams to demonstrate compliance before progressing to the construction stage. Daniel Roberts, Development Director at Glenbrook, welcomed the approval and emphasised the importance of building safety throughout the project. “Health and safety is of paramount importance to Glenbrook and securing Gateway 2 approval represents a crucial milestone for Whitworth Street West, our tallest building to date,” he said. “The approval reflects the significant work undertaken by our team and project partners to progress the scheme through the BSR’s rigorous approvals process.” Roberts added that the milestone provides the confidence needed to advance the development towards construction. “We can now move into the next phase of delivery as we work towards bringing this landmark development forward and making a start on site in 2027.” The Whitworth Street West project will further strengthen Glenbrook’s presence in Greater Manchester, where its residential portfolio already includes Vox, Trilogy, High Definition, Duet and Lumina Village. The developer has established a growing track record of delivering residential schemes across the region, contributing to the expansion of Manchester’s urban housing market and the creation of new city centre neighbourhoods. For Domis, the anticipated construction appointment would represent another substantial high-rise residential project in Manchester, with the 44-storey building adding to the pipeline of major developments planned across the city. The project also reflects the continued importance of public and private sector collaboration in unlocking residential investment, with the £17 million Good Growth Fund contribution helping overcome financial barriers that might otherwise delay delivery. With the key regulatory and financial requirements now in place, attention will turn towards construction mobilisation and the planned 2027 start on site. Once delivered, the development will provide 364 additional homes within central Manchester, reinforcing the city’s ongoing residential growth and adding a prominent new landmark to its skyline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals