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
Nearly five million leasehold homes could face a significant shake-up in how they are managed following Government proposals to introduce an independent regulator for property agents, as new analysis from residential property management specialist Rushbrook reveals that annual service charges have risen by more than 26% in just one year.
Natural Power, a leading renewable energy consultancy and service provider, has provided technical due diligence to support the successful €220 million refinancing of Valorem’s Project Atlas, a 192 MW portfolio of renewable energy assets across France. The transaction involved the refinancing and legal restructuring of 15 renewable energy assets, comprising eight
Over £700m of public sector construction projects have now been procured through the latest frameworks of the North West Construction Hub (NWCH). Two leisure projects for Fylde Council at St Annes and Kirkham, with a combined procurement value of £10.16m, took the total value procured through the current NWCH frameworks
Helps fire safety teams prioritise action and investment Medway NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Medway Maritime Hospital, has introduced a new digital system to manage fire safety information and improve its understanding of fire risks across the hospital estate. By taking data from multiple sources, the BIS Lens system created
With October marking ADHD Awareness Month, experts reveal how the trades sector can do more to accommodate neurodiverse tradies With October marking ADHD Awareness Month, Patricia Gardiner, trades expert for Trade Direct Insurance, has outlined the barriers that neurodiverse tradies still face, as well as how the sector can adjust
Robertson Timber Engineering (RTE) has achieved Verified by Cast status, providing independent recognition of the company’s capability, performance and delivery credentials within the modern methods of construction (MMC) sector. Verified by Cast is an independent assessment for organisations operating within the MMC market. Conducted by specialist consultancy Cast, the process
Fresh has secured three shortlist nominations at the YourMagazine Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2026, recognising the company’s contribution to the student accommodation sector and its continued commitment to delivering exceptional resident experiences across the UK and Ireland. The business has been named as one of just 10 finalists for
A new identity that retains Wetherby’s trusted expertise and relationships while reflecting its place within ROCKWOOL Group. Wetherby Wall Systems Limited will trade as ROCKWOOL Wall Systems from 1 October 2026. The business has been part of ROCKWOOL Group for two years. Its new trading name makes that connection clearer
The future of UK life sciences development could expand beyond the best-known towns and cities as technology changes the market and factors such as access to housing, talent, infrastructure and favourable planning conditions become increasingly important. London, Cambridge and Oxford remain the UK’s three strongest locations for life sciences development,
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
Nearly five million leasehold homes could face a significant shake-up in how they are managed following Government proposals to introduce an independent regulator for property agents, as new analysis from residential property management specialist Rushbrook reveals that annual service charges have risen by more than 26% in just one year. The proposed reforms would place estate agents, residential managing agents and estate managers under greater regulatory scrutiny, with additional measures being considered to tackle excessive administration fees and strengthen financial transparency across the leasehold sector. Rushbrook has welcomed the proposals, arguing that the growing sums of money handled by managing agents make stronger professional standards and greater accountability increasingly important. The announcement comes as Rushbrook’s analysis of the latest Government figures reveals approximately 4.902 million leasehold dwellings in England, including 4.633 million within the private sector. Almost 1.911 million are privately rented properties, representing 39% of all leasehold dwellings, while flats account for 82.4% of the total. These figures demonstrate the potential impact of greater regulation on landlords, managing agents, residential property investors and the wider block management sector. The growing financial responsibility placed on managing agents is particularly evident in rising service charges. Rushbrook’s analysis of Government data shows that the average annual service charge paid by owner-occupier leaseholders reached £2,169 in 2024–25, representing a 26.2% increase on the previous year. Over five years, average annual service charges have risen by 33.4%, reflecting increasing expenditure associated with maintaining and operating residential buildings. Ground rents have also increased, with average annual payments among owner-occupier leaseholders rising from £235 in 2023–24 to £315 in 2024–25, an increase of 34.3%. While these figures highlight growing financial pressures, Rushbrook emphasises that higher charges do not automatically indicate poor management. Inflation, maintenance expenditure and the wider costs associated with operating residential properties have all placed pressure on budgets. Nevertheless, the scale of expenditure reinforces the need for transparent service charge administration, effective financial planning and clear communication between managing agents, landlords and residents. The Government’s proposed reforms also seek to address additional administration fees, which can vary considerably depending on the managing agent and the service required. Published fee schedules examined by Rushbrook reveal charges of £50 to £60 for permission to keep pets, £60 to £150 for alterations consent and £100 to £250 for management information or LPE1 sales packs. Other examples include remortgage administration fees of £80 to £150, notices of transfer costing £80 to £100 and certificates of compliance ranging from £120 to £150. Roma Sharma, Managing Director of Rushbrook, believes stronger regulation represents an opportunity to reinforce confidence in the residential management profession. “Property managers are entrusted with people’s homes and increasingly substantial sums of their money, so it’s only right that professional standards keep pace with that responsibility,” she said. Sharma acknowledged that inflation and rising property maintenance costs have contributed to higher charges, but stressed that fees must remain fair, transparent and justifiable. She added that reputable operators should welcome greater scrutiny, particularly given the significant number of privately rented properties operating within the leasehold sector. For residential management companies, the proposed changes underline the growing importance of professional competence, financial accountability and consistent service delivery. As the management of residential buildings becomes increasingly complex, the ability to demonstrate value, maintain properties effectively and provide transparent financial information will remain central to building confidence among leaseholders, landlords and investors. With almost five million leasehold homes potentially affected, the proposed reforms could mark an important turning point in the professionalisation of UK residential property and block management. Data tables and sources Government leasehold dwelling estimates show 4.902m leasehold dwellings across all tenures, of which 4.633m are within the private sector. The private rented sector accounts for 1.911m leasehold dwellings, comprising 337,000 houses and 1.574m flats. GOV.UK – Leasehold dwellings 2024 to 2025 Government English Housing Survey data was used for average annual ground rents and service charges paid by owner-occupier leaseholders. GOV.UK – English Housing Survey data on leaseholders Example administrative charges were taken from published fee schedules. Hastoe – Administrative fees Jigsaw Homes – Additional administration fees for leaseholders Enfield Council – Leasehold administration chargesView the full data tables and sources online here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Natural Power, a leading renewable energy consultancy and service provider, has provided technical due diligence to support the successful €220 million refinancing of Valorem’s Project Atlas, a 192 MW portfolio of renewable energy assets across France. The transaction involved the refinancing and legal restructuring of 15 renewable energy assets, comprising eight onshore wind farms, six operational solar photovoltaic (PV) plants and a battery energy storage project. Natural Power was appointed as technical advisor to the lenders, undertaking comprehensive technical due diligence across the portfolio. Its assessment covered asset technologies, operational performance, grid connections, electricity offtake arrangements, operations and maintenance contracts, asset management agreements and the technical assumptions underpinning the financial model. Axelle Foix, Principal Due Diligence Advisor at Natural Power, said: “Project Atlas is a significant transaction involving a diverse portfolio of renewable energy technologies. Our role was to provide the lenders with a comprehensive and independent technical assessment, examining operational performance, contractual frameworks, energy yield and long-term asset considerations. “By drawing on our multidisciplinary expertise across wind, solar and battery storage, we delivered the detailed technical insight needed to support the refinancing process. “We’re delighted to have contributed to this important transaction, which strengthens Valorem’s ability to invest in future renewable energy projects and supports the continued growth of clean energy infrastructure in France.” Gauthier Leibenguth, Project Finance & Investment Manager, said: “We would like to thank the Natural Power team for its key role as technical advisor on the ATLAS portfolio. “Mobilising a broad team across multiple asset technologies while meeting tight timeline constraints was essential to this deal. Natural Power’s deep familiarity with our wind assets, built through previous standalone financing audits, combined with strong reactivity and a collaborative approach, was key to keeping the transaction on schedule.” The transaction demonstrates Natural Power’s ability to deliver multidisciplinary technical advisory services for complex renewable energy portfolios, supporting lenders, investors and asset owners throughout the financing and refinancing process. More here: www.naturalpower.com/uk/expertise/service/advisory/due-diligence Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Over £700m of public sector construction projects have now been procured through the latest frameworks of the North West Construction Hub (NWCH). Two leisure projects for Fylde Council at St Annes and Kirkham, with a combined procurement value of £10.16m, took the total value procured through the current NWCH frameworks beyond £700m. The schemes are being delivered in partnership with Places Leisure. Since 2023, projects procured through the frameworks have spanned local government, education, blue light services, leisure, regeneration and other community infrastructure. NWCH is a not-for-profit public sector procurement organisation and is led by a board comprising representatives from public sector organisations across the North West, with Manchester City Council acting as the legal entity behind the organisation. The Hub operates four construction frameworks, enabling public sector organisations to procure projects ranging from small works to major capital schemes worth more than £25m. These include its Small Works Framework for projects valued from £2,000 to £1m; Low Value Framework for schemes between £1m and £4m; Medium Value Framework covering projects from £3m to £8m; and High Value Framework for projects valued at £8m and above. The High Value Framework is itself divided into projects worth £8m to £25m and major schemes valued at more than £25m. One of the most high-profile projects procured through NWCH is Eden Project Morecambe, where VINCI Building was appointed through the High Value Framework in April 2026 to deliver the landmark development on Morecambe’s seafront. Current and recently procured schemes include the £85m St Helens town centre regeneration programme with VINCI; the £41.8m Radcliffe Hub; Morgan Sindall’s £17.6m Acoustics Building at the University of Salford; and an £8m programme at Wilmslow High School being delivered by Conlon Construction. Other projects include the £5.5m Heywood Civic Centre scheme, the £1.4m Radcliffe Enterprise Centre, a £900,000 project for National Museums Liverpool and a £1m Tawd Valley Housing scheme. Established in 2009, NWCH was created to help public sector organisations procure construction projects efficiently while improving collaboration and the wider value generated from public investment. Its frameworks have been developed by the public sector and provide organisations with access to contractors which have already undergone a rigorous procurement and evaluation process. NWCH says contractors can be appointed in as little as six weeks where project programmes require it. Arina Cernysiova, NWCH Framework Lead, said: “Reaching the £700 million mark is an incredible milestone and a fantastic reflection of the continued confidence our clients place in our frameworks. “NWCH is demonstrating what can be achieved through strong relationships and collaborative procurement, and we’re proud to see projects delivered through the Hub, supporting the continued regeneration of the North West. “We also place a major emphasis on ensuring public investment creates wider social value, supporting local supply chains, employment and skills, sustainability and long-term benefits for communities.” Jonathan Noad, Chief Officer Sustainable Growth at Lancaster City Council, said: “I have used NWCH for a number of years on a range of complex and smaller projects. One such recent project is Eden Project Morecambe. “The NWCH team is always willing to add value to our projects by bringing in their own expertise and perspectives and introducing us to other comparable projects. The fact they are run as a public body and pride themselves on social value sets them apart from other framework providers.” Warden Construction, which employs 97 people and is based in Lancashire and Warrington, is appointed to NWCH’s current Small Works, Low Value and Medium Value frameworks. Ian Williams, managing director of Warden Construction, said: “Passing £700m of projects procured through the current frameworks demonstrates the confidence public sector organisations across the North West continue to place in the Hub. “As a framework partner, we regularly see the benefits the Hub provides to local authority and public sector clients. Its greatest strength is that it offers a trusted, compliant and low-risk procurement route, giving clients confidence that projects can progress efficiently while maintaining high standards of governance and accountability. “Through its focus on social value, the Hub is also helping ensure public sector investment leaves a positive and lasting legacy in communities across the North West.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Helps fire safety teams prioritise action and investment Medway NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Medway Maritime Hospital, has introduced a new digital system to manage fire safety information and improve its understanding of fire risks across the hospital estate. By taking data from multiple sources, the BIS Lens system created by data experts BIS Consult, provides the Trust’s Fire Safety Group with a new strategic tool designed to bring together and analyse fire risk assessment information centrally, in a digital format. In one example, using the tool to examine fire assessments collectively revealed how a single, estate-wide approach to cabling issues would be more cost effective than several individual repairs. Medway NHS Foundation Trust is a single-site hospital Trust based in Gillingham, Kent serving more than 427,000 people across Medway and Swale. Neil McElduff, Director of Estates and Facilities for the Trust, said: “The new system is a significant step in our shift towards digital. It underpins the strategic direction of fire safety management and will help maintain a safe environment across our hospital. The work to date shows the system’s potential to drive similar insights for other critical areas of risk and compliance across the Trust.” New insights generated from interactive dashboards will support fire safety review meetings and help guide the Trust’s investment decisions by making it easier to identify priority risks, outstanding actions and recurring themes across the whole estate, such as further fire risk assessments, fire door replacement or new evacuation plans. Like many NHS estates, the Trust’s fire safety information was previously held across numerous separate records and documents, making it difficult to analyse information collectively. Jason Brittin, Capital Projects/Programme Manager for the Trust, who led the project, said: “The BIS Consult solution has demonstrated how we can transform the way we manage fire safety information across our hospital estate. The improved visibility of risk will help our fire safety and estates teams prioritise action, support regulatory compliance and make more efficient investment decisions.” The new structured digital approach supports NHS guidance for managing fire safety, including HTM 05-03, which explains how NHS organisations should assess fire risk and HTM 05-01, which provides the wider framework for managing fire safety across healthcare buildings. It also supports the ‘Golden thread’ principle of keeping accurate and accessible fire safety information available throughout the life of a building. BIS Consult has previously worked on similar risk management systems for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Airedale General Hospital, tackling asset condition, asbestos and RAAC. Nick Campbell-Voegt, Managing Director of BIS Consult, said: “The digital tool enables Medway NHS Foundation Trust to take a more connected, data-driven approach to risk reduction. By developing a single source of truth, it gives teams clearer priorities and ultimately helps create safer hospitals. Other areas of NHS estate risk can benefit from the same method, including water safety and structural condition of buildings or other assets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With October marking ADHD Awareness Month, experts reveal how the trades sector can do more to accommodate neurodiverse tradies With October marking ADHD Awareness Month, Patricia Gardiner, trades expert for Trade Direct Insurance, has outlined the barriers that neurodiverse tradies still face, as well as how the sector can adjust to help affected tradespeople. “Tradies are significantly more likely to be neurodiverse than the general population. Research has found that whilst an estimated 15-20% of Brits are neurodiverse, over half (52%) of tradespeople consider themselves to have a neurodiverse condition1. “For many people with neurodiversity, a practical career as a tradesperson offers many significant benefits over other career options that may lead them to pursue a career on the tools. Independence and flexibility, the nature of hands-on practical work, and individual learning in the form of apprenticeships and mentor schemes, are all positive factors that many people on the neurodiverse spectrum find appealing. “However, the environment that attracts neurodiverse talent can also present challenges. If the sector wants to expand its current talent pool and secure a healthy future by growing the workforce, it must go further to accommodate the needs of all tradespeople.” The hidden obstacles facing neurodiverse tradies “It’s true that the trades play to many of the strengths associated with neurodiversity, but the day-to-day realities of working on-site also present unique challenges, particularly for those with ADHD. “For a self-employed tradie, their job extends beyond practical work. Invoicing, communication, managing quotes, tracking inventories, and scheduling demands high levels of organisation and effective time management. For a tradesperson with ADHD, tackling these tasks can be overwhelming, and could lead to forgotten admin or even friction with clients, due to communication challenges or missed deadlines. These administrative problems are not usually an indicator of a tradie’s ability to do their job to a high standard, but can cause doubt or a loss of confidence for customers. “Insurance, that can be vital for tradies but can be complex and difficult to understand, also presents challenges for neurodiverse tradespeople. Fully understanding the details of a policy can be daunting and can leave tradies underprotected if they do not possess the right public liability insurance, their tools insurance does not cover the full value of their inventory, or if they plan to take on an apprentice but do not have the correct employer’s liability insurance policy. “On-site communication is another hurdle. Many people with neurodiversity find it easier to follow written instructions or may need to clarify key points before they understand what is being asked of them, but asking for instructions to be written down or repeated can be perceived negatively. This could cause a tradie to choose not to ask for clarification in future, resulting in misunderstandings that could be avoided.” Unlocking the overlooked potential for the industry “Addressing these challenges is vital for solving the construction skills shortage the UK is facing. Younger generations have a much greater awareness of their neurodiversity than previous generations. Combined with this, a perceived lack of attractive career options is driving many into unemployment, as individuals feel uninspired and unsuited to the world of work. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims for young people aged 16–24 with ADHD and autism have tripled in recent years2, an issue which is contributing to increasing numbers of young people being out of work, education or training, commonly known as NEETs (Not in Employment Education or Training). “The construction industry should recognise this as a significant recruitment opportunity. If the sector can become more accessible to neurodiverse individuals, and if we can successfully highlight the many perks and benefits that make it a genuinely attractive career for young people, we can address youth unemployment and the skills shortage crisis at the same time. “Many young people claiming PIP or seeking adjustments are doing so because office jobs are not suited to their ways of working. Construction offers an environment that ticks many of the boxes that motivate neurodiverse individuals, such as variety and visible progress towards goals. By positioning the trades as a natural and rewarding path for young people, the industry can tap into a motivated pool of talent currently overlooked by office-based sectors. “What’s more, many of the required adjustments are universally beneficial to all tradespeople, as well as being particularly helpful for those who are neurodiverse. We can adjust regulatory and insurance language to ensure that it’s clear, to the point, and easy to understand. We can change apprenticeship curriculums to make them focused on practical learning, digital management and organisation. “Changing how we promote the trades as a career choice for young people will allow us to appeal to talented individuals who are struggling to find direction, by giving them greater awareness of an option that might just be a perfect match for them.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robertson Timber Engineering (RTE) has achieved Verified by Cast status, providing independent recognition of the company’s capability, performance and delivery credentials within the modern methods of construction (MMC) sector. Verified by Cast is an independent assessment for organisations operating within the MMC market. Conducted by specialist consultancy Cast, the process reviews evidence across three core areas: company performance, product and system accreditation, and customer satisfaction, providing confidence that organisations have demonstrated industry leading capability and credentials. The verification reflects the established track record of RTE, the recognised quality and safety standards of the company, and its commitment to delivering high levels of customer service throughout the construction process. For more than 30 years, RTE has designed, manufactured and erected precision-engineered timber frame structures across the UK. Operating from its manufacturing facility in Elgin, the company combines specialist expertise with advanced digital design and manufacturing technologies to deliver timber frame and mass timber solutions for residential and commercial developments nationwide. The verification process assessed evidence relating to organisational performance, product and system accreditation, and customer satisfaction. RTE demonstrated established management systems, quality assurance processes and a strong track record of project delivery, supported by recognised industry certifications and accreditations including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, BOPAS accreditation, Constructionline Gold membership, CATG. CHAS Elite accreditation and robust supply chain assurance processes. The off-site manufacturing approach of RTE helps customers improve cost certainty, reduce waste and increase programme efficiency, while supporting more sustainable construction methods and helping to address skills shortages across the industry. Alongside timber frame solutions, RTE provides mass timber products including CLT (cross-laminated timber) and Glulam (glued laminated timber), supporting growing demand for lower-carbon construction solutions. Timber frame construction can save around five tonnes of CO₂ per home compared with traditional masonry construction. Mike Turner, Managing Director, Robertson Timber Engineering, said: “Achieving Verified by Cast status provides independent recognition of the expertise, capability and standards that underpin our work. “The assessment reflects the strength of our people, the quality of our manufacturing and delivery processes, and our commitment to supporting customers throughout the project lifecycle. “It reinforces for customers, partners and specifiers our ability to deliver high-quality timber engineering solutions, while demonstrating the evidence, experience and credentials behind our approach to modern methods of construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fresh has secured three shortlist nominations at the YourMagazine Liverpool Property & Business Awards 2026, recognising the company’s contribution to the student accommodation sector and its continued commitment to delivering exceptional resident experiences across the UK and Ireland. The business has been named as one of just 10 finalists for Best Student Housing Operator, while two Liverpool schemes managed by Fresh have both been shortlisted in the Best Student Accommodation Development category, where Benson Yard and Calico are among just nine finalists competing for the award. The prestigious awards celebrate excellence across Liverpool City Region’s property and business sectors, recognising the organisations, developments and individuals helping to shape the region’s continued growth and success. The awards ceremony will take place at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool & Rum Warehouse on Wednesday 25 November, bringing together leaders from across the property, development, construction and business communities to celebrate another year of achievement. The triple shortlist recognition highlights Fresh’s growing impact within Liverpool’s student accommodation market. The nominations for Benson Yard and Calico acknowledge two standout student communities that have strengthened the city’s accommodation offer, while the Best Student Housing Operator nomination reflects Fresh’s wider commitment to creating vibrant communities, delivering outstanding customer experiences and driving operational excellence. Located in the heart of Liverpool, Benson Yard provides more than 400 student beds in a modern, community-focused environment designed to support both academic success and student wellbeing. The property currently holds a 4.26 out of 5 rating on StudentCrowd, reflecting positive resident feedback and satisfaction. Meanwhile, Calico offers more than 730 student beds, making it one of Liverpool’s largest purpose-built student accommodation communities. Designed around communal living, resident wellbeing and premium amenities, the property currently holds a 4.51 out of 5 rating on StudentCrowd. Together, the two developments demonstrate Fresh’s approach to student living, combining high-quality accommodation with engaging resident experiences, dedicated support and opportunities for students to build meaningful connections throughout their university journey. With Liverpool continuing to attract tens of thousands of students each year, the provision of high-quality accommodation remains a vital part of supporting the city’s higher education sector and wider economy. The shortlist recognition highlights the important role purpose-built student accommodation plays in helping students thrive while contributing to Liverpool’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading university destinations. Fresh is a leading student accommodation operator and management platform, creating communities that people genuinely want to call home. Operating in more than 55 locations across the UK and Ireland, the business provides students with a wide range of accommodation options, including en suite rooms, studios and shared apartments, supported by dedicated onsite teams and resident-first services. Lindsey Cullen, Operations Director at Fresh, said: “To receive three shortlist nominations is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. Liverpool is an incredibly important city for Fresh, and we’re proud to play a role in delivering accommodation and communities that help students feel supported, connected and able to succeed during their time at university.” “Being named one of only 10 finalists for Best Student Housing Operator, alongside seeing both Benson Yard and Calico recognised among just nine shortlisted developments, is something we’re extremely proud of. The nominations reflect the hard work, passion and expertise of our teams, who go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences for our residents every day.” “The recognition for Benson Yard and Calico highlights the quality of the student communities we’ve helped create in Liverpool, while the operator nomination acknowledges our wider commitment to delivering outstanding service, wellbeing support and vibrant communities across our portfolio.” The nominations add to a strong year for Fresh as the business continues to invest in innovative resident experiences, operational excellence and best-in-class accommodation across its portfolio. Organised by YM Liverpool, the Liverpool Property & Business Awards celebrate excellence across the region’s property, construction, development and professional services sectors. Winners will be announced at the ceremony on 25 November 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new identity that retains Wetherby’s trusted expertise and relationships while reflecting its place within ROCKWOOL Group. Wetherby Wall Systems Limited will trade as ROCKWOOL Wall Systems from 1 October 2026. The business has been part of ROCKWOOL Group for two years. Its new trading name makes that connection clearer and creates a consistent identity for ROCKWOOL Group’s Wall Systems businesses in the UK and Germany. The ROCKWOOL Wall Systems name and visual identity will be introduced across the company’s website, literature, communications and other customer touchpoints. While the way the business looks and presents itself is changing, its people, products and services remain the same. ROCKWOOL Wall Systems will continue to provide complete external and internal wall insulation systems, combining ROCKWOOL stone wool insulation with complementary system components, technical expertise and customer support. “The ROCKWOOL name and logo becoming part of our visual identity is a significant step. Our trading name now reflects more clearly that we are backed by a strong international brand. We are proud of what we have achieved as Wetherby Wall Systems Limited. This change gives us an even stronger platform on which to build for the future while keeping the expertise, relationships and customer focus that have always defined our business.” Simeon Gabriel, Managing Director, ROCKWOOL Wall Systems, UK What this means for customers Customers will continue to work with the same experienced teams and contacts. Products, contracts, ordering processes and delivery arrangements will also remain unchanged. The new identity will make the business easier to recognise as part of ROCKWOOL Group. It brings together Wetherby’s understanding of the UK wall systems market with the reach, knowledge and recognition of an international stone wool manufacturer. For customers and partners, this means the same specialist support and established relationships, under a clearer and stronger identity. Building for the future Trading as ROCKWOOL Wall Systems creates a stronger platform for the next stage of the company’s development, building on its established technical knowledge and understanding of the UK market. The focus remains clear: helping customers deliver high-quality solid wall insulation systems by providing marketing-leading components, practical advice, technical expertise, and reliable support. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The future of UK life sciences development could expand beyond the best-known towns and cities as technology changes the market and factors such as access to housing, talent, infrastructure and favourable planning conditions become increasingly important. London, Cambridge and Oxford remain the UK’s three strongest locations for life sciences development, but other areas show growing potential. Within the life sciences ‘Golden Triangle’ in the south of England, Stevenage, Luton, Milton Keynes and Slough all rank within the top 20 places in the Alchemy Towns Index. Like London, Oxford and Cambridge, these places benefit from proximity to the UK’s largest concentration of life sciences anchors, investors, universities and hospitals. But the data analysed for the Alchemy Towns Index indicates that these areas’ other advantages, for example, the affordability and availability of housing for life sciences staff, or these areas’ impressive digital infrastructure, suggest they have the potential to support more intensive life sciences development. The findings come from the new Alchemy Towns Index, produced by built world communications and research consultancy ING and commissioned by construction and civil engineering company McLaughlin & Harvey. The Index ranks 40 UK towns and cities by eight conditions that can support future life sciences development. These include housing availability and affordability, catchment for talent, digital infrastructure, and the efficiency of the local planning regime. Beyond lab take-up: the wider ingredients underpinning life sciences growth Recent market uncertainty has prompted questions about the outlook for UK life sciences property, as occupiers take longer to commit and investors apply greater scrutiny to new schemes. The Alchemy Towns Index finds that current laboratory activity and take-up offer only part of the picture. Future growth also depends on whether a place can provide access to talent, suitable housing, digital infrastructure, an effective planning system and commercially viable property. At the same time, changing occupier requirements could widen the range of locations able to support life sciences growth. AI-led research, robotics, advanced manufacturing and dry-lab uses are increasing demand for flexible, digitally capable space alongside traditional wet laboratories. Alan Mackenzie, Lead for Life Sciences and Commercial at McLaughlin & Harvey, said: “The UK’s leading life sciences locations remain world-class, but scientific excellence will not be enough on its own to determine where the sector grows next. Places that can combine talent with homes, infrastructure and viable development opportunities are ideally placed to accommodate growing businesses and attract investment.” The research was informed by a roundtable discussion about the future of life sciences development with contributions from leading experts across the UK. Andy Williams, Chair of the Oxford-Cambridge Supercluster Board, said: “We welcome research that looks at the wider conditions needed to support growth across the Oxford-Cambridge region. Cambridge and Oxford hold extraordinary concentrations of scientific and commercial expertise. Stronger links between them, and the towns around them, can help growing businesses access mentors, skills, infrastructure and investment across a much larger area, while allowing more places to share in the region’s growth.” Natalia Gospodinova, Associate Director at Linesight, said: “Location strategies are becoming increasingly important, with organisations looking beyond cost alone to assess long-term growth potential. Access to skilled talent, supportive local policies, and a business environment that encourages investment are key considerations. The most attractive locations also offer a strong return on investment, the capacity to scale, a smooth and predictable planning process, reliable utility infrastructure, and the availability of suitable land and development sites.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals