German investment giant PATRIZIA has announced plans to commit a further £1 billion to the UK residential market, with the potential to support the delivery of up to 4,000 affordable homes through its newly established UK Essential Living Platform. The major investment commitment represents a significant boost for the UK’s
Independent housebuilder Dandara has officially begun construction at its new development in Whitehouse, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The Muse will deliver 191 homes to form part of the wider Milton Keynes Western Expansion Area (WEA). The WEA is a significant development project led by Milton Keynes City Council, designed to sustainably
A former golf course on the Lincolnshire coast has been transformed into a new wetland nature reserve by the National Trust, in an ambitious coastal nature restoration project. Sandilands has officially opened to the public following a six-year programme of planning, consultation, extensive landscaping and habitat creation. The site now
One of Britain’s best-known high street retailers is entering a new chapter following the announcement of a £6.7 billion takeover of Boots by Canada’s billionaire Weston family, bringing the prospect of renewed investment across its extensive UK and Ireland retail estate. The $8.9 billion (£6.7 billion) acquisition, being undertaken through
A substantial vacant office building in a prominent and highly accessible location near Exeter city centre has been brought to the market by Savills. Formerly occupied by BT, Exbridge House represents a rare opportunity to acquire a landmark building with significant redevelopment potential. Occupying a 1.73-acre site, Exbridge House totals
After announcing plans to deliver a purpose-built headquarters for Palletways in Fradley last year, Prologis recently reached a significant project milestone, with Lichfield District Council granting planning permission for the new development. The decision marks an important step forward for the project, which will provide Palletways with a bespoke headquarters
Crown House 1 has completed its transformation into a high-quality, Grade A workspace in the heart of Southampton. Landlord, Craigard, has invested heavily in Crown House 1 since their purchase in 2018 including new and energy-efficient HVAC systems throughout. The design and layout of the property provides a modern, attractive
The latest phase of the Grand Union regeneration in Brent will deliver 505 new homes, establishing an active edge to the masterplan’s new central park Berkeley and architects Sheppard Robson have secured planning for the next phase (4C) of Grand Union, a mixed-use development in Brent, northwest London, with Brent
New research reveals the UK locations where the construction industry is thriving, with Milton Keynes taking the top spot. Milton Keynes has been named the UK’s most thriving construction hotspot outside London, according to new research from construction branding specialists Monster-Mesh. The study analysed five key indicators across 95 UK
The landmark Shrub Hill Regeneration Quarter, centred on the historic former railway lands at the eastern gateway to Worcester city centre, is now seeking a long-term partner to help deliver one of the region’s most significant regeneration opportunities. This latest stage for the approximately 35-acre site follows pre-market engagement earlier
German investment giant PATRIZIA has announced plans to commit a further £1 billion to the UK residential market, with the potential to support the delivery of up to 4,000 affordable homes through its newly established UK Essential Living Platform. The major investment commitment represents a significant boost for the UK’s affordable housing sector, with the international real estate investment manager seeking to work alongside regional mayors, local authorities and development partners to accelerate housing delivery in areas facing growing demand. The announcement was made during a visit to Berlin by Andy Burnham, highlighting the increasing importance of international institutional investment in addressing Britain’s housing shortage and supporting regional economic growth. PATRIZIA’s proposed £1 billion commitment will build on approximately £4 billion the company has already invested across the UK, further strengthening its position as a major international investor in British property and infrastructure. The new Essential Living Platform is intended to channel long-term institutional capital into affordable residential development, bringing together private investment and local public sector partnerships to help overcome some of the financial barriers currently affecting housing delivery. A central part of the strategy will involve closer collaboration with metro mayors and regional authorities, identifying opportunities where investment can support new residential schemes and respond to local housing requirements. PATRIZIA has confirmed that a Regional Dialogue meeting will take place next year, providing an opportunity for local leaders and investment partners to explore potential development opportunities and establish how the funding could be deployed. For the UK construction and residential development sectors, the commitment could provide an important source of additional capital at a time when housing associations, developers and local authorities continue to face challenges around construction costs, development viability and the availability of long-term funding. Asoka Wöhrmann, Chief Executive Officer of PATRIZIA, said the company’s discussions had reinforced the significant opportunity presented by the UK’s continuing demand for affordable housing. “Our meeting with the Prime Minister reinforced a clear reality: the UK’s demand for affordable housing is also a significant investment opportunity. “PATRIZIA is already investing in homes across the country, and we see considerable potential to do more. By working with metro mayors and local partners, we can help channel long-term institutional capital into the places where housing is needed most.” Wöhrmann also emphasised that cooperation between public authorities and private investors would be essential to increasing the supply of affordable homes. “Neither public nor private capital can solve this challenge alone, but together we can accelerate delivery and create lasting value for communities across the UK.” Andy Burnham welcomed the investment ambitions and highlighted the importance of strengthening economic partnerships between the UK and Germany, particularly around regional development and job creation. “Growth has to reach every part of the country, not just a few places. Germany has shown what strong regions and local leadership can achieve, and we want to learn from that and share our own experience.” He added that closer cooperation between businesses, regions and cities could create new employment opportunities and deliver lasting economic benefits for both countries. The proposed investment also reflects the growing role of institutional capital in the UK affordable housing market, where long-term investment partnerships are becoming increasingly important in supporting residential development and expanding housing supply. While specific development sites, construction partners and delivery programmes have yet to be announced, the scale of PATRIZIA’s commitment offers the potential to create a substantial pipeline of new affordable housing projects across multiple UK regions. With up to 4,000 homes envisaged, the initiative could generate opportunities for housebuilders, contractors, architects, consultants and the wider construction supply chain as individual projects are identified and brought forward. The next stage will focus on developing regional partnerships and determining how the proposed investment can be translated into deliverable housing schemes, supporting the wider ambition to increase affordable housing supply and stimulate long-term regeneration across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Independent housebuilder Dandara has officially begun construction at its new development in Whitehouse, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The Muse will deliver 191 homes to form part of the wider Milton Keynes Western Expansion Area (WEA). The WEA is a significant development project led by Milton Keynes City Council, designed to sustainably deliver more than 4,300 homes, provide new amenities and increase the city’s population. As part of this, Dandara has started constructing a mix of two-, three-, four- and five- bedroom homes, including 58 properties for open market sale, 58 affordable units and 75 single-family rental homes. The affordable homes will be delivered in partnership with Cross Keys Homes, a not-for-profit charitable Community Benefit Society, providing social housing and shared ownership properties. Alongside the new homes, Dandara will contribute more than £7 million through Section 106 contributions, supporting investment in local healthcare, education and transport infrastructure. Dandara’s expansion at Whitehouse follows the delivery of 218 homes in December 2025, which included 59 properties for open market sale, 67 affordable units and 92 single-family rental homes. The first homes at The Muse are expected to launch from plan in November 2026 with the first residents expected to move in by spring 2027. Simon Pendlebury, Managing Director at Dandara Northern Home Counties, said: “Starting construction works at The Muse reflects our confidence in Milton Keynes as one of the fastest growing and most desirable places to live in the Home Counties. The Muse will provide a mix of private sale, affordable and rental homes, indicating the diverse housing needs of the city and supporting its ongoing growth. Given the prime minister’s recent announcement regarding the introduction of a ‘Your First Home’ scheme, we expect the affordable properties to be in high demand amongst first time buyers.” “With our established presence in the area through our Manor Park, Meadow View and The Acres developments, we play a key role in delivering new homes and creating thriving communities across the region. We look forward to welcoming the first residents next year.” All homes at The Muse will be built in line with Part L Building Regulations, delivering a 31% reduction in carbon emissions compared with previous standards. Homes will include EV charging points as standard, as well as air source heat pumps to help reduce environmental impact and lower energy bills for residents. Whitehouse is one of the most sought-after areas in Milton Keynes, with a distinct character of its own, just 10 minutes by car from the city centre. The Whitehouse regeneration will bring a secondary school, three primary schools, and health, sports and leisure facilities to the area. Dandara continues to expand its presence across the Northern Home Counties, with new homes currently being delivered across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, including The Acres, Meadow View, Anglo Gate and Manor Park developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A former golf course on the Lincolnshire coast has been transformed into a new wetland nature reserve by the National Trust, in an ambitious coastal nature restoration project. Sandilands has officially opened to the public following a six-year programme of planning, consultation, extensive landscaping and habitat creation. The site now includes a network of newly established wetlands and extensive planting, accessibleboardwalks, trails and visitor facilities – including a cafe, more car parking, changing place facilities, and a community space. Newark-based practice Influence Landscape Planning & Design acted as lead consultant and landscape architects for the National Trust, helping transform the 30-hectare site from a landscape once dominated by fairways into a mosaic of wetlands, grassland and coastal scrub designed to help wildlife and nature thrive. National Trust Director of Land & Nature, Harry Bowell said: “This project reflects our ambition to create places where people and nature can thrive together. “From fairways to flyways, by restoring habitats, improving access to green space and inspiring people to engage with the natural world, Sandilands shows how restoring nature can create inspiring places for people to spend time and connect with the outdoors.” Sandilands sits within the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park and forms part of the internationally important East Coast Flyway, one of Europe’s major migration routes. Every year, thousands of birds travel along the UK’s east coast between the Arctic and northern European breeding grounds and wintering areas further south. Shona Hatton, Director at Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “The opening of Sandilands Nature Reserve marks an exciting milestone, not only for the National Trust but for everyone who has contributed to bringing this ambitious vision to life. We are incredibly proud to have worked alongside the National Trust and the wider consultant team to help transform a former golf course into a thriving coastal wetland reserve. “The completion represents the culmination of years of collaborative effort. Sandilands demonstrates how thoughtful, sustainable design can create lasting benefits for wildlife, visitors and local communities, ensuring this special landscape can be enjoyed for generations to come.” The project has also created a valuable addition to the wider Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park – making it an important stepping stone for wildlife along with other reserves cared for by Natural England, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and RSPB. Together, the network of habitats including beaches, dunes, grazing marshes, saltmarsh, coastal lagoons and reedbeds, provide an increasingly important refuge for wildlife in the face of climate and environmental pressures. Its location right on the edge of Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea will also provide residents with more access to nature right on their doorstep. The project was supported by £2 million of Towns Fund investment through Connected Coast via East Lindsey District Council, £1.5 million from National Highways and £200,000 through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund The major partnership project, led by the National Trust, is supported by local organisations including Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and RSPB, community groups and volunteers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of Britain’s best-known high street retailers is entering a new chapter following the announcement of a £6.7 billion takeover of Boots by Canada’s billionaire Weston family, bringing the prospect of renewed investment across its extensive UK and Ireland retail estate. The $8.9 billion (£6.7 billion) acquisition, being undertaken through the family’s holding company Wittington Investments, will see Boots move into long-term private ownership, with plans to strengthen the business through further capital investment and a renewed focus on its retail operations. The transaction includes Boots’ UK and Ireland businesses, Boots Opticians, No7 Beauty Company, its Thailand operations and international franchised businesses. Completion is expected in early 2027. For the UK retail property sector, the deal represents a significant change in ownership for a business operating approximately 1,800 stores nationwide, with a substantial presence across traditional high streets, shopping centres and retail destinations. The acquisition also raises the prospect of future investment in Boots’ physical retail estate, including potential store modernisation, refurbishment and improvements to customer-facing facilities, although specific property investment programmes have yet to be announced. Galen Weston, Chair of Wittington Investments, will become Chair of Boots following the acquisition. Commenting on the transaction, Weston said: “We see a meaningful opportunity to make a great business even better through stable long-term ownership, further capital investment, and the renewed operating focus required to serve customers with excellence for generations to come.” The Weston family brings considerable international retail experience to the acquisition, with interests including Canadian grocery giant Loblaw Companies and pharmacy retailer Shoppers Drug Mart. The family also has a long association with British retail property, having previously owned the landmark Selfridges department store business between 2003 and 2021. A separate UK branch of the Weston family is also the majority shareholder in Associated British Foods, the parent company of Primark, one of the UK’s largest fashion retailers. Boots is being acquired from US private equity firm Sycamore Partners and the Pessina family, with Sycamore having held its investment for approximately 18 months. The change in ownership comes at a time when major retailers continue to reassess their physical store portfolios, balancing the growth of digital commerce with investment in modern retail environments, customer experience and the long-term performance of their property assets. For a business with Boots’ extensive national presence, the management and development of its retail estate will remain an important part of its operational strategy. Its network encompasses a broad range of property formats, from smaller town centre pharmacies to larger retail stores incorporating beauty, healthcare, optical and other customer services. The scale of the portfolio also creates opportunities for the wider built environment supply chain, including retail fit-out specialists, building services contractors, facilities management providers, property consultants and refurbishment contractors, should the new owners pursue an expanded programme of investment. Founded in Nottingham in 1849 by John Boot, who opened a herbalist store offering more affordable alternatives to traditional medicines, Boots has developed into one of the most recognisable names in British retail. The company’s latest annual results reported sales of £7.5 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 3.2%, demonstrating the continuing scale of its operations across the UK market. With the takeover expected to complete in early 2027, attention will now turn to the new owners’ long-term strategy and how further capital investment could shape the future of Boots’ retail estate. For Britain’s high streets and shopping centres, the commitment to long-term ownership of such an established retailer offers an encouraging signal for the continued importance of physical stores within the evolving retail landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A substantial vacant office building in a prominent and highly accessible location near Exeter city centre has been brought to the market by Savills. Formerly occupied by BT, Exbridge House represents a rare opportunity to acquire a landmark building with significant redevelopment potential. Occupying a 1.73-acre site, Exbridge House totals approx. 77,000 sq. ft (7,166 sq. m) arranged over four storeys with 77 parking spaces within the landscaped grounds. It is located in a prime position 0.35 miles south of the city centre, close to the historic Quayside, and 1.5 miles from the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus. The property is being offered for sale as a residential opportunity with a Prior Approval application pending for its conversion into 81 residential apartments. The proposed scheme, which has been submitted under Class MA Permitted Development Rights, encompasses a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom homes, along with 6 parking spaces, four accessible parking bays, four EV charging spaces and cycle storage. Alternatively, Exbridge House may appeal to owner-occupiers, investors or office operators seeking to retain, refurbish or reposition the building for continued office use, capitalising on its prominent city centre location, generous floorplan and extensive on-site parking. Nick Walker, who is marketing Exbridge House on behalf of Savills development team in Exeter, commented: “This is a rare opportunity to acquire a landmark building in a prime location close to the city centre and University of Exeter. Its scale and open space concept offer a range of possibilities for its future redevelopment, and we expect to see interest from a broad range of developers, investors and owner-occupiers.” Sam Rosenkranz from the TT Group said: “It’s exciting to be able to bring such a fantastic development opportunity to market that will receive great interest from a range of buyers. It will be interesting to see what the site becomes in its next chapter within this prime location of thriving Exeter.” For more information, please contact Savills on 01392 455 700 or ndwalker@savills.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
After announcing plans to deliver a purpose-built headquarters for Palletways in Fradley last year, Prologis recently reached a significant project milestone, with Lichfield District Council granting planning permission for the new development. The decision marks an important step forward for the project, which will provide Palletways with a bespoke headquarters designed to support the continued growth of the leading express palletised freight network in the region. With planning permission unconditional, the project will move into delivery phase. Announced in 2025, the partnership brings together Palletways’ long-term operational ambitions with Prologis’ expertise in delivering Build-to-Suit logistics facilities for customers. The new headquarters has been designed around Palletways’ operational requirements, creating a modern, efficient environment that supports future growth, enhances colleague wellbeing and incorporates high standards of sustainability. Caroline Musker, Head of Planning at Prologis UK said: “When we announced our partnership with Palletways last year, we shared a vision of creating a headquarters that would support the company’s long-term ambitions while delivering lasting benefits for the local area. Reaching this planning milestone is an important step towards making that vision a reality. “We’re grateful for the constructive engagement of Lichfield District Council throughout the planning process and look forward to progressing the development. Our focus remains on delivering a facility that reflects the quality, innovation and sustainability our customers expect from Prologis.” Rob Gittins, Managing Director of Palletways UK said: “This milestone represents a significant step in our long-term investment in the UK and in particular Lichfield for the last 32 years. Significantly underpinning our commitment to creating a headquarters that supports the future growth of both our people and network. “When we selected Prologis as our development partner, we were looking for a team that understood our business and could deliver a facility to suit our operational needs. We remain excited by the opportunities this development will create for our customers, our colleagues and our wider network, and we look forward to progressing to the next stage of the project.” Construction expected to commence in November 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Crown House 1 has completed its transformation into a high-quality, Grade A workspace in the heart of Southampton. Landlord, Craigard, has invested heavily in Crown House 1 since their purchase in 2018 including new and energy-efficient HVAC systems throughout. The design and layout of the property provides a modern, attractive space to suit a variety of businesses. Spread across four floors, Crown House 1 boasts high-quality facilities close to the train station and within walking distance of parks and restaurants and has a secure car park. CBRE Southampton and Realest have been instructed to market the 13,000 sq ft opportunity, which can be let as a whole or as separate units. The ground floor (1,518 sq. ft.) provides a fully fitted, high-specification office suite, ready for immediate occupation. This space has been thoughtfully designed to create an inviting workspace to accelerate productivity and collaboration. The landlord’s attention to detail ensures a light and bright characterful space with a generous kitchen breakout space and zoom room. The suite has been designed using soft colours and a variety of different materials to break the space up and provide a relaxed environment. The first (4,031 sq. ft.) and second floors (4,026 sq. ft.) offer open-plan floor plates ready for a tenant fit-out. These have been refurbished with LED lighting, new carpets and fully redecorated. The first floor also benefits from its own dedicated shower and toilets. The Penthouse (3,670 sq ft) provides high-quality workspace with glass partitioning defining a fully fitted kitchen and breakout area, a dedicated boardroom/conference room and bespoke meeting pods. Workstations are provided throughout the space anda distinctive feature that sets the space apart is its dedicated private shower/changing and toilet facilities. Emma Lockey, Director at CBRE Southampton, said: “The attention to detail in Crown House 1 provides a specification rarely found in a city centre location. In a prime location, the space offers an exciting opportunity for any occupier.” Lauren Udall, Director at Realest said: “The short supply of quality office suites in the wider Southampton market, allows Crown House 1 to provide occupiers market leading space over a variety of suite sizes.” David Foster, Craigard said: “We are acutely aware that in order to let office space in today’s market a landlord needs to create a building and environment that occupiers and their employees want to come too and we believe we have done that at Crown House 1. Combined with highly competitive overall occupational costs, and its own secure car park, the building ticks all the boxes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest phase of the Grand Union regeneration in Brent will deliver 505 new homes, establishing an active edge to the masterplan’s new central park Berkeley and architects Sheppard Robson have secured planning for the next phase (4C) of Grand Union, a mixed-use development in Brent, northwest London, with Brent Council approving the plans on 26 September. The latest in a series of phases of a masterplan designed by Sheppard Robson, the scheme will deliver 505 private homes across three buildings, completing the north-south green route linking Beresford Avenue to the Linear Park and bringing a new residential edge to life along this central open space. This application follows planning permission being granted earlier this year for 168 Social Rented Homes in phase 4B. This next phase will continue transforming the former Northfields Industrial Estate into a canalside neighbourhood of around 3,350 homes, with commercial, retail, leisure and community spaces woven throughout. Berkeley has been delivering this major placemaking programme since 2019, working in close partnership with Brent Council. Around 1,000 homes completed to date, including 230 social rent and affordable homes, alongside a mix of on-site amenities, including shops, restaurants, a café, nursery, community centre and a network of popular public squares and landscaped spaces. This regeneration project also stands out for its rapid speed of delivery, with Berkeley purchasing the site in 2017, and completing the first homes by December 2021. That four year timeline is half the time it would take today and a reminder to all of what can be achieved by working in partnership with a shared commitment to deliver housing and meaningful community impact. Rooted in the site’s industrial past and its closeness to the Grand Union Canal and River Brent, the masterplan reconnects the local area with the waterways on its doorstep, threading public spaces and green landscape through its heart. This latest phase extends that vision, completing the residential frame of the park and bringing green streets from the park deeper into the neighbourhood. The three buildings – L1, L2 and L3 – form a courtyard arrangement with varied heights and forms, reinforcing the north-south connections established in earlier phases. The massing steps up gradually, from the lower, street-facing character along Beresford Avenue to the taller park-fronting building, creating a considered and gentle transition between the surrounding neighbourhood and the open park beyond. The tallest building rises to 29 storeys, shifting from the warm brick tones of its neighbours to a lighter palette of pale and green precast concrete, with vertical detailing that draws the eye upward. At its crown, a distinctive crescent form gives the tower a landmark presence on the skyline – a gesture echoed at ground level in the curved form of the park-front pavilion, tying the architecture back to the landscape. Green metalwork balconies run consistently across all three buildings, lending a sense of belonging and continuity to the trio, with feature metalwork at each entrance reinforcing their shared character across the site. At park level, a flexible amenity pavilion for residents will be established, opening out onto the landscaped green space and designed to foster a sense of connection between residents and the park right outside their homes. Anna Shapiro, Partner at Sheppard Robson, said: “Grand Union is about creating a sense of living with nature, with a range of settings designed to support people’s everyday connection to the landscape around them. This latest phase completes the residential edge of the Linear Park, framing the neighbourhood’s park as the heart of the masterplan. The three buildings carry forward and evolve the architectural language of the earlier phases, while the crescent crown of the tallest building gives the park frontage a landmark quality that feels right for this moment in the neighbourhood’s story.” Marcus Blake, Managing Director at Berkeley, said: “In partnership with the London Borough of Brent, we have transformed this long derelict industrial estate into a thriving community, with high quality homes, green spaces, amenities, and a reconnected canal for all to enjoy. With close to 1,000 homes completed to date, new businesses open and a fantastic community taking shape, we have built something truly special at Grand Union. The next phase will be a natural continuation of that journey and forms part of the vision that we have worked hard with our partners to achieve from the outset. “Grand Union also stands out for its rapid speed of delivery, with our first home completed just four years after we purchased this complex regeneration site. This fast turnaround stems from our partnership approach with the council, which is determined to solve challenges and get homes built. Grand Union proves that our planning system can move at pace with a truly collaborative and proactive approach.” The landscape strategy at Grand Union embeds green infrastructure throughout, with green and brown roofs, biodiverse planting across the courtyard, roof terraces and public realm, and Sustainable Drainage Systems managing surface water across the site. Phase 4C completes the north-south green route from Beresford Avenue to the Linear Park, extending the accessible landscape network that forms the ecological backbone of the Grand Union masterplan. The masterplan includes improved walking and cycling routes linking to Stonebridge Park tube and rail station. Sheppard Robson is also working with Berkeley to deliver phases 2 and 3 of Grand Union. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New research reveals the UK locations where the construction industry is thriving, with Milton Keynes taking the top spot. Milton Keynes has been named the UK’s most thriving construction hotspot outside London, according to new research from construction branding specialists Monster-Mesh. The study analysed five key indicators across 95 UK locations to identify the towns and cities outside the capital where the construction industry is showing the strongest signs of activity, investment and future growth. While London continues to dominate the UK construction landscape, the research reveals a number of regional locations where a combination of established construction businesses, economic output, workforce growth, job opportunities and investment in construction branding is helping to drive a thriving local industry. The study by Monster-Mesh ranked locations according to: Each indicator was scored out of 100 before being combined to create an overall index score out of 500. To ensure a fair comparison between locations of different sizes, figures were standardised according to population or presented as percentages. The UK’s top 10 construction hotspots outside London (index score out of 500) 1st) Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire: 339 2nd) Rochester, Kent: 318 3rd) Canterbury, Kent: 312 4th) Tunbridge Wells, Kent: 310 5th) Dartford, Kent: 309 6th) Stevenage, Hertfordshire: 308 7th) Chelmsford, Essex: 297 =8th) Oxford, Oxfordshire: 296 =8th) Reading, Berkshire: 296 10th) Cambridge, Cambridgeshire: 279 Milton Keynes named the UK’s top construction hotspot Milton Keynes has taken the number one position in this year’s ranking, scoring 339 out of 500. The town benefits from the strength of the wider South East construction market, which accounts for 16.9% of the UK’s construction businesses. This is the highest proportion of any region included in the study. Construction in the South East also generates £41,319 in GVA per head, providing a strong economic backdrop for locations such as Milton Keynes. The city also stands out for the amount being invested in construction branding. Monster-Mesh data shows that £59,211 is spent on construction branding solutions per 100,000 people in Milton Keynes, giving it the highest branding spend among all locations analysed. That investment has also more than doubled year-on-year, with construction branding spend in Milton Keynes increasing by 103% compared with last year. However, the research suggests that Milton Keynes’ construction market is not simply being driven by branding investment. The region is forecast to see a 3% increase in its construction workforce between 2026 and 2030, while the city currently has five advertised construction jobs for every 100,000 residents. Mark McLennan, Founder at Monster-Mesh said, “Milton Keynes taking the top spot from Tunbridge Wells this year is a really interesting result. It demonstrates that a thriving construction sector isn’t necessarily about having the highest number of job vacancies or the fastest workforce growth in isolation. The combination of a strong regional construction base, economic output and business investment all play a part in a thriving local sector. “The particularly strong increase in construction branding spend is also worth highlighting. Businesses don’t generally invest in their visibility unless they see an opportunity to compete and grow, so this could be a useful indicator of the confidence within Milton Keynes’ construction sector.” Rochester takes second place Rochester has climbed into second place, scoring 318 out of 500. Like Milton Keynes, Rochester benefits from the wider strength of the South East construction industry, with 16.9% of UK construction firms located across the region and construction generating £41,319 in GVA per head. Construction branding investment is particularly strong in Rochester, reaching £44,246 per 100,000 people, and perhaps more significantly, branding spend has increased by 104% year-on-year. This suggests a rise in investment from construction businesses looking to increase their visibility and compete for new opportunities. Rochester currently has 12 advertised construction jobs per 100,000 people, while the regional construction workforce is forecast to increase by 3% between 2026 and 2030. Canterbury comes in at third place Canterbury takes third place with an overall index score of 312. The Kent location combines the strength of the wider South East construction market with significant investment in construction branding. Construction businesses in Canterbury are spending £37,356 per 100,000 people on branding solutions, representing a 14% increase compared with last year. The location also has 25 advertised construction jobs per 100,000 people, while the wider South East is expected to see construction workforce growth of 3% between 2026 and 2030. With 16.9% of the UK’s construction firms located across the wider South East and construction generating £41,319 in GVA per head, Canterbury’s position in the top three highlights the continuing strength of Kent and the wider South East as a construction hub. Mark said, “London will always be an enormous construction market, but it’s important not to overlook what’s happening elsewhere in the UK. “This year’s research shows some really interesting regional hotspots. Milton Keynes, Rochester and Canterbury are leading the way, while locations such as Dartford, Stevenage, Oxford and Reading are seeing particularly significant increases in construction branding investment. “The construction landscape is constantly changing, and looking beyond London gives us a much better picture of where businesses are investing, where employment opportunities are emerging and where the sector could be heading next.” Construction branding investment surges across UK cities Construction businesses across the UK are significantly increasing their investment in branding, with the number of construction branding units ordered over the past year rising by 89%, while total spend on construction branding has increased by an even greater 94%. The latest Monster-Mesh data reveals the cities where construction branding investment is growing fastest, with Bath recording the biggest increase in spending, up by an impressive 297% over the past year. Portsmouth follows closely behind, with construction branding spend increasing by 295%, while Slough saw spending rise by 285%. For further information about the study and to speak to the team, visit Monster-Mesh.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The landmark Shrub Hill Regeneration Quarter, centred on the historic former railway lands at the eastern gateway to Worcester city centre, is now seeking a long-term partner to help deliver one of the region’s most significant regeneration opportunities. This latest stage for the approximately 35-acre site follows pre-market engagement earlier this year. The Shrub Hill Regeneration Quarter is a strategic priority of Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council and has also already attracted Government support. Worcestershire County Council (“the Council”) and its partners aim to identify an experienced development partner to work closely with to de-risk and deliver development across the regeneration area, linking Shrub Hill Railway Station with Worcester city centre. Savills is advising the Council and its partners. The Council are also in active discussions with the NHS to potentially facilitate the delivery of a new Community Diagnostics Centre (CDC) for Worcestershire within the next three years. Over the next 20 years, the Shrub Hill Regeneration Quarter has the potential to deliver over 500 homes, numerous employment opportunities and two hectares of new public space. Centred around the historic former railway lands and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal corridor, the development would create a new gateway to the city centre from Shrub Hill Railway Station. Sadie Janes, Head of Development at Savills in Birmingham, says: “We are committed to unlocking a residential-led, mixed use development and are confident that the efficient procurement process that has been shaped will identify the right partner to work alongside the Council and maintain the momentum this project has already established. As the historic heart of Worcester’s railway industry, the area has a rich heritage, a distinctive character and a prominent position at one of the city’s main gateways. Alongside its excellent connectivity by rail, road and foot, it has the foundations to become a distinctive mixed-use neighbourhood and deliver a step change in economic activity for Worcester city centre and the wider region.” Councillor Adam Kent, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Finance, Corporate Services and Skills at Worcestershire County Council, added: “Shrub Hill is one of the most exciting regeneration opportunities in the region. Combining a rich railway heritage, canal frontage, excellent connectivity and a prime location next to Worcester city centre, it offers a once-in-a-generation chance to transform a key gateway into the city. Our ambition is to create a vibrant new neighbourhood that supports investment, delivers homes and jobs, and strengthens Worcester’s position as a thriving place to live, work and visit. We look forward to working with a development partner who can help turn that vision into reality.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals