Plans for a major 425-home build-to-rent development alongside Cambridge North railway station have secured approval, paving the way for the next phase of the area’s wider regeneration. The Cambridge North Residential Quarter is being brought forward by blocwork, the joint venture between Network Rail property development company Platform4 and developer
Spitfire Homes’ multi-award-winning 250-home Ellenbrook collection has passed the halfway milestone, reinforcing its position as one of the Cotswolds’ standout new communities following sustained demand since its launch in 2024. The Moreton-in-Marsh scheme forms part of the exclusive Spitfire Homes Bespoke Collection and has maintained a sales rate well above
Landsec is reportedly emerging as the frontrunner to acquire Gateshead’s Metrocentre in a deal that could value one of Europe’s largest shopping centres at more than £500 million. The FTSE 100-listed real estate investment trust is understood to be leading the race for the landmark North East retail destination, ahead
Hillwood, a leading global real estate investor and developer, has let Unit Q40 at Quattro, Raunds — 41,046 sq ft — to GXP-Storage Ltd (“GXPS”). The lease was completed within six weeks of agreeing on Heads of Terms. Q40 will operate under the same regulatory-compliant quality system, facility, and equipment
As students receive their GCSE results today, many will be deciding whether to continue studying or to begin their careers via an apprenticeship. Nicola Hodkinson, owner and director at Seddon, warns that the shortage of apprenticeship places risks excluding young people who are ready to begin careers in construction. All
Bodycare is continuing its return to the UK high street with plans to open its second studio-style store at Derbion shopping centre in Derby later this month. The new opening represents another step in the health and beauty retailer’s rebuilding programme following the collapse of its previous high street business
Plans have been submitted to the London Borough of Newham for the final phase of development at Stratford Cross. The proposals would deliver approximately 2,000 new homes including affordable housing, alongside a new public park, active ground-floor retail space and enhanced walking and cycling routes linking Stratford station, Queen Elizabeth
Morgan Sindall is set to secure a £6.5 million enabling works contract to launch the major redevelopment of Plymouth’s landmark Civic Centre, paving the way for its transformation into 144 build-to-rent homes. Plymouth City Council is expected to approve the package, allowing construction activity to begin immediately while detailed design
Majestic Construction has completed a new safe standing area at Huddersfield Town’s Accu Stadium, adding to a series of improvements delivered by the contractor at the football ground over the past five years. Located within the South Stand, the new facility has been designed to enhance the matchday experience while
Confidence in the Government’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects has risen since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, according to new research from the Association for Project Management (APM). A survey of UK-based project professionals, commissioned by APM and carried out by research company Censuswide, found that 64% of project
Plans for a major 425-home build-to-rent development alongside Cambridge North railway station have secured approval, paving the way for the next phase of the area’s wider regeneration. The Cambridge North Residential Quarter is being brought forward by blocwork, the joint venture between Network Rail property development company Platform4 and developer bloc. Grainger has been lined up to forward fund the residential scheme and will operate and manage the rental homes following completion. Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council have approved the proposals, unlocking the redevelopment of under-used railway land immediately next to Cambridge North station. The new neighbourhood will provide 425 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, supported by a substantial programme of landscaping and public realm improvements. Plans include linear parks, pocket gardens and tree-lined streets, alongside shops and other active ground-floor uses designed to create a more vibrant and connected residential community. The masterplan places particular emphasis on sustainable transport, with walking and cycling prioritised throughout the development. Its location next to Cambridge North station will also give residents direct rail connections into central Cambridge, London and destinations across the wider region. The residential quarter represents the latest stage in the transformation of Cambridge North, building on earlier phases of Brookgate’s masterplan for the area. Previous development has included a 217-room hotel alongside new commercial accommodation, with major businesses including Samsung establishing a presence at Cambridge North. The latest approval is also significant for Platform4, which identified Cambridge North as one of four priority schemes when the government-backed property company launched last November. Platform4 has been established with a remit to accelerate the delivery of new homes and regeneration opportunities on publicly owned railway land, using transport-connected sites to support housing growth and create new mixed-use neighbourhoods. Andrew Ferguson, interim chief executive of Platform4 and director of blocwork, said: “This is great news and the positive decision allows us to bring under-used railway land into active use.” The scheme demonstrates the growing role of transport-led development in delivering new housing, with the combination of build-to-rent homes, landscaping, commercial uses and strong public transport connections intended to create a sustainable residential quarter around one of Cambridge’s key transport hubs. With planning approval now secured, the 425-home development can progress towards its next stages as the wider Cambridge North masterplan continues to take shape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spitfire Homes’ multi-award-winning 250-home Ellenbrook collection has passed the halfway milestone, reinforcing its position as one of the Cotswolds’ standout new communities following sustained demand since its launch in 2024. The Moreton-in-Marsh scheme forms part of the exclusive Spitfire Homes Bespoke Collection and has maintained a sales rate well above the national average, meeting sustained demand for rural new homes in a location celebrated for its character, connectivity and countryside setting. A reflection of Spitfire’s thoughtful approach to design, the two- to five-bedroom homes are arranged across four character areas influenced by the Cotswolds’ vernacular, combining distinctive architecture with a future-focused specification. The scheme has also supported an estimated 868 jobs, alongside an investment of £5.5 million into the local community, helping to strengthen the local economy. Set to be fully occupied by 2028, Ellenbrook’s quality credentials have been recognised through multiple industry accolades, including two Silver and one Bronze award at last year’s WhatHouse? Awards. Senior Site Manager Josh Taylor was also awarded the Seal of Excellence at the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards, with continued recognition in 2026 following a further Quality Award win. The collection has also played an important role in supporting local people onto the property ladder, with a selection of homes offered through the Discounted Market Value and First Homes schemes, options taken by many homeowners to stay living locally in a sought-after area where house prices exceed the national average. One of Ellenbrook’s earliest homeowners, Catherine, shared her thoughts on life within the community: “We’ve had four new builds, and this is by far the best home we’ve ever owned. We absolutely love the house, we love the estate, and I think we’ve finally found our forever home at Ellenbrook. Being one of the first residents here, it’s been brilliant watching the community grow around us. It really does feel like a proper neighbourhood now.” Each home captures the character of the Cotswolds while embracing a forward-thinking sustainable specification, including air source heat pumps and underfloor heating as standard. Residents also benefit from a carefully considered setting with direct access to the historic Diamond Way footpath, connecting the community to the surrounding countryside and nearby Cotswold towns. The collection’s award success builds on Spitfire Homes’ wider reputation for delivering premium, design-led homes, supported by the housebuilder retaining its 5-Star Customer Satisfaction Rating from the Home Builders Federation in both 2025 and 2026. Operations Director, Matt Vincent, said: “Reaching the halfway milestone at Ellenbrook is a proud moment and a powerful endorsement of the quality of this multi-award-winning collection. Its sales performance, industry recognition and growing community all speak to what Spitfire does best: creating distinctive, design-led places that enhance their setting and that people are genuinely proud to call home.” For more information on Ellenbrook please visit https://spitfirehomes.co.uk/find-your-home/ellenbrook/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec is reportedly emerging as the frontrunner to acquire Gateshead’s Metrocentre in a deal that could value one of Europe’s largest shopping centres at more than £500 million. The FTSE 100-listed real estate investment trust is understood to be leading the race for the landmark North East retail destination, ahead of other interested parties including Frasers Group and Hammerson. Metrocentre was brought to market in June by the Metrocentre Partnership, which includes the Church Commissioners and Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, with an asking price of around £500 million. However, Landsec could reportedly pay significantly above that figure to secure the asset, potentially requiring the property group to raise additional funding from shareholders to complete the acquisition. Spanning approximately two million sq ft, Metrocentre is one of the UK’s most significant regional shopping and leisure destinations and one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. Its extensive retail offer includes major occupiers such as Marks & Spencer, Primark, Zara, JD Sports and Urban Outfitters, while recent additions including Hollister, Lovisa and KENJI have continued to strengthen the centre’s tenant mix. A successful acquisition would represent another major investment by Landsec in large-scale destination retail and further expand its exposure to some of the UK’s most prominent shopping centres. Metrocentre would join a portfolio that already includes major destinations such as Liverpool ONE, Bluewater in Kent and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. The potential deal comes as investor appetite for prime shopping centres continues to strengthen following several challenging years for the retail property market. Large destinations with established catchments, strong occupier line-ups and opportunities for active asset management are increasingly attracting attention from major property investors. For Landsec, adding Metrocentre would provide another substantial asset capable of supporting its strategy around destination-led retail, leisure and experience while increasing the scale of its national portfolio. The scale of the potential transaction would also make the sale an important marker for the wider UK retail investment market, particularly if the final price moves substantially beyond the £500 million guide. While a deal has yet to be completed, Landsec’s reported position as frontrunner places one of the country’s best-known shopping destinations on course for a significant change of ownership. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hillwood, a leading global real estate investor and developer, has let Unit Q40 at Quattro, Raunds — 41,046 sq ft — to GXP-Storage Ltd (“GXPS”). The lease was completed within six weeks of agreeing on Heads of Terms. Q40 will operate under the same regulatory-compliant quality system, facility, and equipment standards, and GXP-Guardian® platform as other GXPS facilities in the US, giving clients a single view of their materials across every storage environment, from controlled ambient to cryogenic. It places scalable, restricted-access storage capacity within reach of the UK’s principal life sciences clusters. Fit-out is underway, with the facility commissioned and operational by November 2026. Quattro comprises four speculatively built “mid-box” units from 10,867 to 117,552 sq ft, completed in March 2026. The letting follows 80,747 sq ft to furniture retailer Nick Scali in June 2026, meaning two of the scheme’s four units are now let. These buildings are BREEAM “Excellent” certified and EPC “A” rated, and adjoin the A45, with links to the Midlands and, via the A14, the East of England. “Two lettings agreed within four months of practical completion says a great deal about occupier demand for well-specified mid-box space on the A45 corridor, as well as sentiment we’re seeing nationally. We’re delighted to have worked closely with GXPS to secure a timely transaction that satisfies their operational requirements” said Greg Dalton, Vice President, Hillwood UK. “Location, quality, and Hillwood’s approval for a comprehensive fit-out were all critical to commissioning our third restricted-access facility in the UK — and Hillwood delivered on every count,” said Jeff Johnson, Director, GXP-Storage Ltd. “Q40 extends our transatlantic network so clients can work with one partner and one consolidated view of their material on both sides of the Atlantic.” Hillwood UK is represented by Bidwells and M1 Agency as retained joint letting agents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As students receive their GCSE results today, many will be deciding whether to continue studying or to begin their careers via an apprenticeship. Nicola Hodkinson, owner and director at Seddon, warns that the shortage of apprenticeship places risks excluding young people who are ready to begin careers in construction. All comments below are authored by Nicola Hodkinson – Owner and director of Seddon “For young people receiving their GCSE results today, this should be a moment of opportunity. But those hoping to begin their careers through an apprenticeship may quickly discover that the route we encourage them to pursue is extremely difficult to access. “At Seddon, we receive thousands of applications for our apprenticeship scheme each year, around 100 for every role. These are young people who want to work, develop practical skills and build long-term careers. Yet there are simply not enough places available to give them that chance. Demand is far outstripping supply “The wider picture is just as concerning. Data reported by the BBC shows that applications for degree apprenticeships through the government’s central platform have risen from 8,100 to 21,800 in three years, while the number of available positions has fallen from 7,300 to 3,700. Although those figures relate specifically to degree apprenticeships, they expose the same gap between young people’s ambitions and the opportunities available to them. “The latest government figures show apprenticeship starts increasing by 8.7% overall, but starts among under-19s fell by 5.4%. Construction apprenticeship starts rose by 5%, which is encouraging, but progress needs to happen much faster if apprenticeships are to become a realistic option for more school leavers. Desperate need for construction skills “This is particularly frustrating because construction desperately needs them. CITB estimates that the industry will require an average of 41,200 additional workers every year between 2026 and 2030. Construction cannot keep complaining about its skills shortage while young people who want to join the industry are being turned away. “Employers have to accept their share of the responsibility. Too much of the industry still relies on a flexible or self-employed workforce and expects somebody else to train the next generation. That may meet an immediate labour need, but it leaves young people without routes into the sector and weakens the workforce we will all depend on in future. Practical steps for creating more places – industry and government responsibility “There are genuine barriers for employers. Training an apprentice is a long-term commitment that involves wages, equipment, structured learning and experienced people dedicating time to passing on their skills. Yet there is very little funding available to employers to offset these wider costs, and what support does exist can be difficult to access, with layers of red tape that many businesses simply do not have the resources to navigate. “The government is beginning to recognise this. The introduction of a £2,000 hiring payment for smaller employers taking on young apprentices is a welcome step, as is the decision to give jobs, skills and apprenticeships greater weight in major public contracts. These changes now need to translate into more opportunities on the ground, with their impact closely monitored and further support introduced if apprenticeship numbers do not keep pace with demand. “This cannot be solved through education policy alone. Giving technical education the same status as academic routes is the right ambition, but that promise will ring hollow if young people reach the end of school and find there is nowhere for them to go. “Results day should open doors. Government, clients and employers now need to make sure construction creates enough of them.” About Nicola: Nicola Hodkinson is owner and director of Seddon and a longstanding advocate for apprenticeships and direct employment in construction. Seddon maintains a significant apprenticeship programme and regularly receives thousands of applications from young people looking to enter the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bodycare is continuing its return to the UK high street with plans to open its second studio-style store at Derbion shopping centre in Derby later this month. The new opening represents another step in the health and beauty retailer’s rebuilding programme following the collapse of its previous high street business into administration in 2025. Bodycare launched the first of its new studio-style stores in Sheffield in July, with Derby now set to become the second location to introduce the refreshed retail format. The new Derbion store will combine Bodycare’s traditional focus on value-led health and beauty products with an expanded selection spanning skincare, cosmetics, fragrance and wellness. The concept will also introduce additional customer experiences and emerging beauty categories, including Korean beauty collections and a professional piercing studio, broadening the store beyond a conventional health and beauty retail offer. The opening comes as Bodycare gradually rebuilds its physical store estate. Property adviser Newmark was appointed as sole adviser to the retailer earlier this year and has secured leases for six new UK locations, providing the foundations for its renewed high street presence. For Derbion, the letting adds another beauty and wellbeing operator to its retail mix as the Derby shopping destination continues to attract new brands and store concepts. Beth McDonald, managing director of Derbion, said: “We’re hugely excited to welcome Bodycare back to Derbion with a brand new concept store. As well as offering exceptional value for customers, the Creator Studio will be a brilliant addition which is sure to prove extremely popular with our local community here in Derby. “Bodycare is the latest in a raft of new stores that have joined the centre this year and we look forward to announcing further news soon.” The arrival also reflects the continued importance of physical retail space for health, beauty and wellness brands, with retailers increasingly using new store formats to combine traditional shopping with services and more experiential elements. Bodycare’s investment in a refreshed concept provides the retailer with an opportunity to reposition its bricks-and-mortar offer as it begins a new chapter following last year’s administration. With Sheffield already trading and Derby preparing to open, the rollout of the studio format will form an important part of Bodycare’s renewed expansion across the UK retail property market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted to the London Borough of Newham for the final phase of development at Stratford Cross. The proposals would deliver approximately 2,000 new homes including affordable housing, alongside a new public park, active ground-floor retail space and enhanced walking and cycling routes linking Stratford station, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Building on Stratford Cross’s established commercial, cultural and educational district, the plans would introduce a new residential community at the heart of the destination. Developed following engagement with local people and stakeholders, the proposals respond to community feedback by providing more green, public spaces that can be enjoyed throughout the day. Stratford Cross is part of the Impact Partnership Joint Venture between Lendlease and The Crown Estate. The partnership aims to deliver a range of uses across the UK, including up to 9,000 homes in its first phase. The new homes would include a mix of homes including affordable housing, market housing, student accommodation and co-living homes, supporting a broad range of housing needs while strengthening Stratford’s growing education, innovation and cultural cluster. Over recent years, Stratford Cross has emerged as a destination for business, education and culture. Home to the landmark Turing Building and located alongside the East Bank cultural quarter, the neighbourhood has attracted leading organisations and institutions. Most recently, Arden University committed to 94,000 square feet within the Turing Building, further reinforcing Stratford Cross’s position as a hub for learning, creativity and innovation. Situated between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Westfield Stratford City, Stratford Cross benefits from exceptional transport connectivity. Stratford station provides access to the Elizabeth line, Jubilee and Central lines, DLR, National Rail and high-speed rail services, connecting residents, workers and visitors with destinations across London and beyond. The development would also continue Stratford Cross’s contribution to the local economy, creating jobs, training opportunities and community benefits. To date, the project has generated £13.9 million in local construction wages and supported more than 7,700 local people through construction and end-use employment, apprenticeships and training initiatives. Nearly 7,000 further people have been supported through VSCE and community partnerships, with £18.4 million of social value generated across the development of Stratford Cross. Jason Oliver, Development Director at Lendlease, said: “Stratford has evolved into one of London’s most dynamic destinations for culture, education, innovation and business. This final phase is about building on that success and creating a neighbourhood where people can live alongside the workplaces, institutions and attractions that have helped establish Stratford Cross as a unique part of east London.” Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to commence in 2028, with the final phase anticipated to take approximately three years to complete. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall is set to secure a £6.5 million enabling works contract to launch the major redevelopment of Plymouth’s landmark Civic Centre, paving the way for its transformation into 144 build-to-rent homes. Plymouth City Council is expected to approve the package, allowing construction activity to begin immediately while detailed design and procurement work continues on the main phase of the £50 million regeneration. The council and development partner Capital&Centric have divided the complex high-rise refurbishment into two principal packages as the project progresses through requirements under the Building Safety Act. Moving ahead with the enabling works separately is expected to prevent potential delays of up to a year and allow important investigation, demolition and remediation preparation to take place ahead of the second-stage design and tender process. Designed by BDP, the wider regeneration will breathe new life into the long-vacant former council headquarters, converting the prominent city centre building into 144 rental homes operated through Capital&Centric’s Ollo residential brand. Morgan Sindall’s initial package will include the removal of remaining external cladding to enable detailed structural surveys, together with asbestos removal and extensive internal and external demolition works. The programme will also see the removal of the building’s 1970s extension as preparations gather pace for the more substantial second phase. Once enabling works are complete, the main remediation and construction programme is expected to include repairs to the existing concrete frame, strengthening of floors, upgraded fire protection and roof works, alongside the installation of new façades. The retrofit-led approach will retain and repurpose one of Plymouth’s most recognisable post-war buildings while introducing new residential use into the city centre. More than £18 million of Homes England Brownfield Infrastructure Land funding has already been secured to support the regeneration, which received planning permission and listed building consent in July. The project forms part of wider investment in Plymouth’s city centre built environment, with the conversion of the former Civic Centre supporting the creation of new homes while bringing a prominent vacant building back into productive use. Morgan Sindall’s expected appointment also follows the contractor’s recent completion of the £30 million transformation of nearby Armada Way. Delivered over a two-year construction programme, the public realm project represents another major element of investment in central Plymouth. Subject to final approval of the enabling works contract, Morgan Sindall will now begin preparing the Civic Centre for its next chapter, ahead of the larger construction and remediation programme that will transform the landmark building into a new build-to-rent residential development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Majestic Construction has completed a new safe standing area at Huddersfield Town’s Accu Stadium, adding to a series of improvements delivered by the contractor at the football ground over the past five years. Located within the South Stand, the new facility has been designed to enhance the matchday experience while providing supporters with a safer and better-managed environment for standing during games. The installation features rail barriers positioned in front of the existing seating, with every supporter allocated an individual numbered position. A continuous barrier runs across each row, helping to improve crowd management, reduce the potential for overcrowding and provide additional protection for fans. The project builds on a longstanding relationship between Majestic Construction and Huddersfield Town, with the contractor having completed several upgrades at the stadium during the past five years. Previous works have included improvements to the press area, additional directors’ seating, the installation of a large screen and new water stations designed to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles. The latest project further strengthens the relationship following Majestic Construction’s renewal as Huddersfield Town’s official construction partner for the 2026/27 season and beyond. The new agreement will continue for two years. Completion of the South Stand project also sees Huddersfield Town join six other EFL League One clubs to have introduced safe standing. Safe standing has become an increasingly important consideration within the design and modernisation of football grounds, allowing clubs to respond to supporter preferences while incorporating infrastructure specifically designed to manage standing spectators. For existing stadiums such as the Accu Stadium, projects of this kind also demonstrate how targeted construction and refurbishment works can improve facilities without requiring wholesale redevelopment of established stands. Lee Marsden, owner and operator of Majestic Construction and a lifelong Huddersfield Town supporter, said: “As a lifelong Huddersfield Town supporter, it has been a privilege to work alongside the Club over the past five years, helping to deliver a range of improvements at Accu Stadium.” The safe standing installation adds another element to Majestic Construction’s continuing work at the ground, combining practical stadium improvements with investment in supporter facilities and the wider matchday environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Confidence in the Government’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects has risen since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, according to new research from the Association for Project Management (APM). A survey of UK-based project professionals, commissioned by APM and carried out by research company Censuswide, found that 64% of project professionals are more confident in the Government’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects, compared with only 2% who said they are less confident. The findings also reveal increasing trust in the Government’s project delivery capabilities, with 95% of project professionals saying they trust the Government to deliver projects well (compared with 85% in 2023), compared with only 5% who said they do not (compared with 13% in 2023). The findings come at a time when major infrastructure projects are at the heart of the Government’s agenda and are expected to play a central role in driving economic growth across every region of the UK. Andrew Baldwin, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Association for Project Management, said: “Project professionals are at the heart of delivering the infrastructure that underpins the UK’s economic growth. These findings indicate growing confidence among the project profession in the Government’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects successfully. “With nearly two-thirds of respondents reporting increased confidence and an overwhelming majority expressing trust in the Government’s delivery capability, efforts to strengthen project leadership and delivery standards in government-led projects are being recognised by those working in the profession. This level of confidence provides the foundations for the successful delivery of the infrastructure projects needed to support the UK’s future ambitions.” The research highlights the important role project professionals play in supporting the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects, such as transport, energy, housing, and digital infrastructure. As the Government advances its national and regional infrastructure agenda, the findings suggest that confidence within the project profession is providing a positive environment for the successful delivery of its national projects. APM is calling on the Government to capitalise on the momentum by ensuring that his advisors and civil servants incorporate project-centric thinking into their priorities and strategies. Andrew Baldwin added: “New Prime Ministers often see a ‘bounce’ in polls. In order for the government to maintain these confidence levels, the Prime Minister must prioritise and set clear goals for what he wants to achieve around infrastructure, agree risk appetite with his cabinet; and make sure projects and programmes are properly resourced. Supply chain and procurement management is the area where most project professionals feel the Government can improve on project delivery, so this should be a priority.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals