A major new build-to-rent development is set to reshape part of central Norwich after property investor Zive Capital secured planning approval for the £80m Victoria Gardens scheme. Located on the former Queens Road Marsh office site, the brownfield development will bring 432 new rental homes to the city across a
Maintenance, refurbishment and fit-out contractor Novus Property Solutions has secured a new contract with Aspire Housing to deliver improvements across the housing association’s portfolio of homes in Staffordshire and Cheshire. With many of the windows and doors across the portfolio now more than a decade old, the improvement works are essential to improving building
Contractor Legendre UK has secured the main construction role on the major redevelopment of 50 Stratton Street in the heart of Mayfair, London, on behalf of Berkeley Estate Asset Management. Designed by acclaimed architects Stiff + Trevillion, the 135,000 sq ft office development is set to deliver a premium commercial
SEGRO has been announced as a new Official Partner of the Lawn Tennis Association, in a partnership designed to support the growth of tennis and padel across communities throughout the UK. The agreement will also see SEGRO become development partner to LTA padel, helping to widen access to one of
SEGRO has signed a new lease agreement with the NHS pathology network covering south west London, supporting the creation of a modern pathology hub at SEGRO Park Redhouse Road in Croydon. The agreement covers 18,444 sq ft of warehouse space across two units. The facility will be used by a
One of the UK’s fastest growing affordable housing developers is heading to UKREiiF tomorrow with a blueprint for unlocking difficult regeneration sites. Keon Homes will be speaking at the biggest real estate investment infrastructure show in the country and is using the platform to announce the start of its latest
Winvic Construction Ltd has officially launched a major new ESG whitepaper at UKREiiF 2026, calling for stronger regulatory alignment to support the delivery of net zero carbon aligned buildings across the UK built environment. Published in conjunction with the Westminster body, The Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), the whitepaper – From Commitment to
Procurement specialist Fusion21 has announced the renewal of its national Responsive Repairs and Void Property Framework, worth up to £350 million over four years, and is inviting bids from suppliers with regional or national reach operating across the UK. The framework is open to all suitably qualified suppliers, from SMEs
Hospitality giant Whitbread PLC is facing mounting pressure after activist investor Corvex Management LP called on the company to launch a formal sale process, claiming it is the “only credible path” to unlocking shareholder value. Corvex, which holds an economic interest in more than 11.8 million Whitbread shares – representing
Helical plc and a vehicle managed by Orion Capital Managers have reached practical completion on the repositioning of 100 New Bridge Street, delivering a 195,000 sq ft best-in-class office scheme in the City of London. Located between Blackfriars and Farringdon stations, the landmark building has been transformed into a carbon-friendly
A major new build-to-rent development is set to reshape part of central Norwich after property investor Zive Capital secured planning approval for the £80m Victoria Gardens scheme. Located on the former Queens Road Marsh office site, the brownfield development will bring 432 new rental homes to the city across a series of contemporary residential buildings. The vacant office block, which had remained unused since the pandemic, was demolished in 2024 to pave the way for the regeneration project. Designed by Broadway Malyan, the scheme will feature five main residential blocks that gradually step down in scale towards a collection of townhouses positioned at the southern end of the development. Alongside new homes, Victoria Gardens will include around 500 sq m of flexible commercial, incubator and retail space, aimed at supporting start-up businesses and Norwich’s growing creative and digital sectors. The wider masterplan has been designed to create a more connected and accessible neighbourhood, opening up a site that was previously closed off from surrounding streets. Proposals include new pedestrian walkways, landscaped courtyards, communal gardens and public open spaces intended to encourage community interaction and improve the urban environment. As part of the approved plans, Zive Capital has committed to delivering 10% affordable housing, with the potential for this figure to increase should the development exceed financial expectations. Adam Zive, principal at Zive Capital, described the planning approval as a major step forward for the project and highlighted the company’s ambition to create a long-term residential community in the city. The scheme reflects continued investor confidence in the UK build-to-rent sector, particularly in regional cities where demand for high-quality rental accommodation and mixed-use urban regeneration continues to grow. Construction is expected to begin within the next 18 months. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Maintenance, refurbishment and fit-out contractor Novus Property Solutions has secured a new contract with Aspire Housing to deliver improvements across the housing association’s portfolio of homes in Staffordshire and Cheshire. With many of the windows and doors across the portfolio now more than a decade old, the improvement works are essential to improving building efficiency and performance, alongside occupant comfort and safety. As an experienced maintenance and refurbishment contractor, the Novus team will carry out these essential works sensitively to minimise disruption for residents. As the efficiency of homes comes under greater scrutiny en route to net-zero, the improvements carried out by Novus will contribute towards the longevity of social homes within Aspire Housing’s portfolio. “We’re really pleased to be working with Aspire Housing to deliver new windows and doors across their homes,” says David Barnes, Operations Manager at Novus Property Solutions. “Many of their properties are close to our head office, making this a local project for us and an opportunity to make a difference in our own community and beyond. That makes it an opportunity to deliver a high standard of improvement works that make a genuine impact on residents in our local community. “We’d like to thank Aspire Housing for selecting us as one of two contractors for this project, alongside Anglian Windows. Together, we’ll be upgrading windows and doors across approximately 200 properties, making a real difference to occupant comfort while ensuring these homes are fit for purpose for years to come.” Project mobilisation is already underway for the projects, with improvement works due to commence in July. As part of Novus’ commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled workers in the construction industry, an apprentice will work alongside the highly experienced team to deliver works across the project. Aspire Housing has more than 9,500 homes in its portfolio and is committed to putting its 19,000 customers first with the delivery of safe, decent homes. To find out more about Novus Property Solutions and its work in the social housing sector, visit: www.novussolutions.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Legendre UK has secured the main construction role on the major redevelopment of 50 Stratton Street in the heart of Mayfair, London, on behalf of Berkeley Estate Asset Management. Designed by acclaimed architects Stiff + Trevillion, the 135,000 sq ft office development is set to deliver a premium commercial destination tailored to the evolving demands of the central London market. The scheme has been created with a strong emphasis on sustainability, modern workplace design and long-term building performance. Targeting both BREEAM Outstanding and LEED Gold certifications, the redevelopment will introduce a highly efficient all-electric building designed to align with the growing demand for low-carbon office environments across the capital. A key feature of the project is its focus on reducing embodied carbon through innovative construction methods and material selection. Lightweight steel will be used throughout the structure, alongside the addition of four new cross-laminated timber floors, helping to minimise environmental impact while supporting modern standards of sustainable development. The redevelopment will also significantly enhance the building’s external appearance and operational efficiency. New façades featuring high-quality stone cladding, aluminium-framed glazing and curtain walling systems will create a refined architectural identity suited to Mayfair’s prestigious commercial landscape. As demand continues to grow for sustainable Grade A office space in London’s prime business districts, the project reflects a wider industry shift towards environmentally responsible redevelopment and future-ready workplaces that prioritise energy performance, occupier wellbeing and design excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO has been announced as a new Official Partner of the Lawn Tennis Association, in a partnership designed to support the growth of tennis and padel across communities throughout the UK. The agreement will also see SEGRO become development partner to LTA padel, helping to widen access to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The partnership will focus on national and community-level initiatives, including the launch of a new grassroots padel programme during the 2026 season. The LTA is the National Governing Body for tennis and padel in Great Britain, working to grow both sports from grassroots participation through to the professional game. Its wider ambition is to open up tennis and padel to more people by working with schools, volunteers, coaches and venues across the country. SEGRO, one of Europe’s leading owners, developers and managers of modern warehousing, industrial property and data centres, said the partnership aligns with its long-standing commitment to supporting communities around its estates. The new grassroots padel initiative will aim to make the sport more inclusive and accessible, particularly for children and young people, women and people from underserved backgrounds. SEGRO will bring experience from its community investment programme, which supports local projects, skills development and employment opportunities. Padel has seen rapid growth in Great Britain in recent years. Participation has risen from around 15,000 players in 2019 to more than 860,000 by the end of 2025. The country’s padel infrastructure has also expanded, with 1,553 courts across 559 venues recorded by the end of 2025. James Craddock, UK Managing Director at SEGRO, said: “SEGRO is a business rooted in places and the communities around them. This partnership with the LTA reflects our commitment to widening opportunity and supporting wellbeing through sport. “By also working in tandem to deliver a new grassroots padel programme, we are helping to remove barriers to participation and open up the sport to more communities across the UK.” Scott Lloyd, Chief Executive of the LTA, said the organisation was delighted to welcome SEGRO as an official partner. He added that the partnership would help extend the LTA’s reach into new communities, accelerate its padel community initiatives and support more people to experience the physical and mental health benefits of racket sports. The agreement highlights the growing role of sport-led community investment, with SEGRO and the LTA aiming to create more opportunities for people across the UK to pick up a racket and get active. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO has signed a new lease agreement with the NHS pathology network covering south west London, supporting the creation of a modern pathology hub at SEGRO Park Redhouse Road in Croydon. The agreement covers 18,444 sq ft of warehouse space across two units. The facility will be used by a network of hospitals including St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust and Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust. The new hub will provide laboratory space for testing samples collected from around 400 doctors’ practices across Surrey, south London and south west London. By centralising key testing processes, the facility is designed to improve efficiency, speed up turnaround times and reduce pressure on existing hospital pathology laboratories. The move is expected to help GP test samples be processed more quickly, enabling results to be returned to practices significantly faster than at present. It will also support cost savings and free up space within the wider NHS estate. Alex Keith, Director, London at SEGRO, said the agreement demonstrated the wider role modern industrial space can play in supporting essential services. “SEGRO’s purpose is to create the space that enables extraordinary things to happen and this is an absolute exemplar of this in action,” he said. “This new state-of-the-art facility serving the wider south London area will enable significant operational efficiency and cost savings for the various NHS trusts through the centralisation of critically important pathology services.” He added that the project highlighted the versatility of well-located, sustainable warehouse space, from increasing testing volumes and reducing laboratory pressure to accelerating turnaround times and lowering the cost per test. Simon Brewer from South West London Pathology said the facility would help deliver high-quality care while improving how services are organised. “This space is a key part of how we are delivering this in south west London, supporting more efficient laboratory operations, training opportunities and ultimately faster, more reliable results for both clinicians and patients,” he said. SEGRO Park Croydon Redhouse Road is located 10 minutes from Croydon town centre and around 10 miles from both central London and the M25. The development comprises seven BREEAM Excellent units, with remaining space ranging from 9,155 sq ft to 83,827 sq ft. The units also hold EPC A ratings. Sustainability features include photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging points and cycle shelters, supporting lower-carbon operations and more sustainable journeys. The NHS lease follows a recent agreement with a leading wholesale and retail grocer, underlining continued demand for high-quality, well-connected industrial space in south London.
One of the UK’s fastest growing affordable housing developers is heading to UKREiiF tomorrow with a blueprint for unlocking difficult regeneration sites. Keon Homes will be speaking at the biggest real estate investment infrastructure show in the country and is using the platform to announce the start of its latest scheme for City of Wolverhampton Council’s £1bn housing framework. The Burntwood-based company will begin construction on the £28m Heath Town site on the edge of the city, transforming the old Duke of York pub into 32 affordable one and two-bedroom council apartments. This marks the next phase in the wider £120m regeneration of the area that will eventually deliver up to 120 new homes across five different locations, all following on from the earlier success of Hobgate Road and Tithe Croft. Managing Director Richard Williams, who will be one of the main speakers at the Housing Delivery Showcase on Tuesday, said: “We are pleased to bring forward the Duke of York scheme, a development that shows the Keon model works…combining modern delivery methods, strong stakeholder collaboration and a focus on social value to unlock difficult regeneration sites. “It also underlines our capability to scale regeneration programmes across multiple sites under framework agreements, with this latest one following the start of ambitious projects at New Park Village and Lincoln Green in Bushbury.” He continued: “UKREiiF is the perfect place to highlight what we believe is a blueprint that could be replicated across other towns and cities facing similar housing and regeneration challenges. “Phased regeneration, mixed housing needs, accessibility, community-focused design and long-term partnership is working in Wolverhampton and supporting a local authority in accelerating housing delivery while creating lasting social impact.” The Duke of York project replaces a long-vacant building with affordable housing, acting as a real gateway site into Wolverhampton city centre. This will be reflected by enhanced landscaping, shared garden spaces and balconies to encourage placemaking and community interaction. All properties will be energy efficient and built to a high standard providing a place for individuals and families in the area to proudly call their home. Richard went on to add: “I’m really looking forward to speaking at UKREiiF, talking in partnership with Midland Heart on how we have played a fundamental role in bringing the iconic Port Loop development back to life and our eagerly awaited work on Tower Ballroom in Edgbaston. “The Housing Delivery Showcase will be one of the highlights of the West Midlands Pavilion and reflects the entire region’s commitment to working with the real estate sector to drive residential delivery.” In just seven years, Keon Homes has grown from a start-up operation into a genuine leader in affordable housing, transforming the way sustainable homes are delivered to thousands of people. The last twelve months has been its most active year yet, with 376 properties completed and a further 250 units in the process of being built across the Black Country, Birmingham, Coventry, Lichfield and Telford. For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd has officially launched a major new ESG whitepaper at UKREiiF 2026, calling for stronger regulatory alignment to support the delivery of net zero carbon aligned buildings across the UK built environment. Published in conjunction with the Westminster body, The Policy Liaison Group (PLG) on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), the whitepaper – From Commitment to Compliance: Why the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Needs Regulatory Backing – argues that the industry is now ready to move beyond ambition towards measurable, verified operational performance, but requires policy and regulatory support to enable consistent adoption at scale. The paper explores the opportunities and challenges surrounding the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UKNZCBS), which launched earlier this year following extensive industry collaboration. Drawing on insights from a Westminster roundtable and interviews with representatives across development, investment, construction, planning, sustainability and policy makers the report sets out practical recommendations for government, industry and investors to accelerate delivery. Contributors and participants include the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Building Research Establishment (BRE), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), BWB Consulting, Firethorn Trust, Panattoni, Ridge and Partners, Royal London Asset Management, UMC Architects, Wordsworth Excavations, Lord Gary Porter CBE and Lancaster City Council. The whitepaper identifies regulatory alignment as the single greatest enabler of market-wide adoption, highlighting that the barriers to net zero delivery are no longer primarily technical. Key recommendations include embedding the UKNZCBS into national planning and regulatory frameworks, mandating operational performance verification, aligning financial mechanisms with verified carbon outcomes, and improving consistency across ESG and carbon reporting standards. The publication was formally launched during UKREiiF at the ‘Winvic and Partners Pavilion’, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of net zero policy, delivery and accountability across the built environment. The launch forms part of Winvic’s wider presence at UKREiiF during its milestone 25th year in business. Alongside the whitepaper launch, the contractor is hosting a programme of panel discussions and collaborative sessions focused on sustainability, planning reform, social value, industrial and logistics development, data centres and build-to-rent. Arun Thaneja, Technical Services and Sustainability Director at Winvic, said: “The publication of this whitepaper marks a defining moment for the built environment sector. With the launch of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, the industry now has a credible and consistent framework to measure real operational performance, but turning ambition into measurable impact at scale will require far greater alignment across policy, regulation and delivery. “Developed through collaboration with organisations from across the built environment, the whitepaper sets out both the significant opportunities ahead and the critical barriers that we must still overcome. The sector has shown it is ready to move beyond aspiration and into accountability and our hope is that these recommendations will help accelerate the next phase of practical, measurable and scalable net zero delivery across the UK.” For further information or to request a copy of the whitepaper, please visit the Winvic and Partners Pavilion at the Pavilion Avenue and Courtyard or contact sustainability@winvic.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Procurement specialist Fusion21 has announced the renewal of its national Responsive Repairs and Void Property Framework, worth up to £350 million over four years, and is inviting bids from suppliers with regional or national reach operating across the UK. The framework is open to all suitably qualified suppliers, from SMEs to Tier 1 organisations, and has been designed to support social housing landlords in delivering quality responsive repairs and void property maintenance services. Shaped through a strategic consultation process, the framework incorporates feedback from members and suppliers to reflect current sector needs and demands, while ensuring compliance with relevant statutory requirements. Offering a faster route to market, it brings together repairs, maintenance, property security and contact centre services in one place. Fusion21 members will benefit from flexible call‑off options, either through competitive selection or direct selection, facilitating more efficient procurement. The framework is structured across five lots: Lot 1: Responsive Repairs and MaintenanceLot 2: Void Property ImprovementsLot 3: Void Property Security, Clearance and Pest ControlLot 4: Disrepair WorksLot 5: Contact Centre Services Set to launch in October 2026, this is the third iteration of Fusion21’s Responsive Repairs and Void Property Framework, procured under the Procurement Act 2023. Previous iterations have delivered 129 contracts to date, with a combined value in excess of £490 million, achieving efficiency savings for members. Peter Francis, Group Executive Director (Operations) at Fusion21, said: “Demand for responsive repairs and void property services has remained consistently strong, and this third iteration reflects the ongoing needs and priorities of the sector. The framework has been strategically shaped to enable members to achieve value for money and high service standards, while embedding social value into every project.” Fusion21 is a trusted and reliable procurement partner with a 24‑year track record of delivering Procurement with Purpose. The organisation works across the housing, local authority, education, blue light and NHS sectors, and is known for helping the public sector to secure better commercial outcomes while delivering measurable social value in communities. Tender applications are welcome from suppliers that meet the criteria set out in the tender documentation. To find out more and apply, click here and select ‘Current opportunities’. Submission deadline: Friday 19 June 2026 at 12 noon Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hospitality giant Whitbread PLC is facing mounting pressure after activist investor Corvex Management LP called on the company to launch a formal sale process, claiming it is the “only credible path” to unlocking shareholder value. Corvex, which holds an economic interest in more than 11.8 million Whitbread shares – representing around 7% of the business – issued a strongly worded letter to Whitbread’s board and shareholders criticising the company’s long-term strategy and financial performance. The investment firm argued that Whitbread’s current five-year growth plan continues to pursue “value-destructive” policies, despite concerns previously raised with the board in December 2025. Corvex claims the company has failed to respond to worsening market conditions and shareholder frustrations. At the centre of the criticism is Whitbread’s proposed expansion strategy, which includes plans to add around 14,000 non-AGP hotel rooms across the UK and Germany over the next five years. Corvex also opposed the company’s increased sale-and-leaseback target of approximately £1.5bn, arguing that monetising valuable freehold assets to fund future growth carries significant risk. The investor highlighted Whitbread’s recent share price struggles, noting the stock is currently trading at a 13-year low of around £23 per share and at less than eight times pre-tax profit. According to Corvex, the valuation implies the market is assigning little or no value to parts of Whitbread’s wider business portfolio, including its German hotel operations and development pipeline. Corvex further stated that Whitbread has delivered double-digit negative returns across one, three, five and ten-year investment periods, blaming what it described as persistent structural complexity and poor capital allocation decisions. The firm is now urging Whitbread to appoint an independent investment bank and commit publicly to a comprehensive sale process. It also called for an immediate pause on non-AGP growth expenditure and future sale-and-leaseback deals while strategic options are explored. Corvex warned that if the board refuses to pursue a sale, it is prepared to nominate a new slate of directors in an attempt to force strategic change at the company. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Helical plc and a vehicle managed by Orion Capital Managers have reached practical completion on the repositioning of 100 New Bridge Street, delivering a 195,000 sq ft best-in-class office scheme in the City of London. Located between Blackfriars and Farringdon stations, the landmark building has been transformed into a carbon-friendly workplace designed to meet growing occupier demand for high-quality, sustainable office space in central London. Designed by Gensler and delivered by Mace, the project has retained and upgraded much of the original structure, demonstrating how existing commercial buildings can be reimagined rather than replaced. The redevelopment introduces a striking new façade, 30,000 sq ft of additional net internal area and 9,690 sq ft of terraces across four floors, offering views towards St Paul’s Cathedral and across central London. Sustainability has been central to the scheme. Around 90% of the original structure has been retained, with materials reused, repurposed or donated where possible. As a result, the project’s embodied carbon is tracking 61.4% below the Greater London Authority benchmark for offices. The all-electric building has also achieved strong environmental and wellbeing credentials, including BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5-star and WELL Platinum ratings. The milestone follows the completion of the forward sale of the property to State Street on 20 May 2026. The deal, first announced in April 2025, saw the building sold for State Street’s own occupation at a net price of £333m, representing a Helical share of £166.5m. The transaction reflects a capital value of £1,712 per sq ft, or around £2,000 per sq ft on a topped-up basis, based on a capitalisation yield of 5% after deducting corporate sales costs and a notional rent free period. Proceeds from the sale will be used to repay the amount drawn under the £155m development facility, with surplus funds distributed to the joint venture partners under the terms of the agreement signed in May 2024. Matthew Bonning-Snook, Chief Executive Officer of Helical, said the completion marked “a significant milestone” for the project, describing 100 New Bridge Street as a future-focused workplace that highlights the potential of existing assets to meet modern occupier expectations while supporting carbon reduction. Aref Lahham, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Orion Capital Managers, said the project had created value through repositioning and forward selling in a supply-constrained market, reinforcing Orion’s focus on opportunities driven by clear demand and strong asset execution. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals