Construction is set to begin on a long-awaited Liverpool residential development after Bentry Capital secured Gateway 2 approval for the first phase of its £87 million Abbey Row scheme. The approval clears the way for Bentry Capital’s in-house contractor, Mellior Construction, to begin principal construction works on the 241-home first
centre:mk today affirms its position as one of the UK’s top 10 prime regional destinations, as it announces that the high-street fashion giant, River Island, has chosen the centre to debut its newest store concept. The new 12,800 sq ft store, which spans over two floors, welcomes a major transformation
Karbon Homes has appointed three construction contractors to a new £208m, multi-supplier construction framework, supporting the delivery of much-needed extra care and supported housing developments across the North East and Yorkshire. Robertson Group, Caddick Construction and Esh Group have secured places on the framework agreement for Principal Contractor services, which
New guide, developed with BRE, shows how structured, data-rich specification builds the evidence trail BREEAM demands NBS has released A Specifier’s Guide to BREEAM, a practical resource that shows design teams how everyday specification decisions connect directly to sustainability targets and certification success. Developed in collaboration with BRE, the guide covers
OP has completed the transformation of the ground floor reception and communal areas at One Penrhyn in Kingston for Swiss Life Asset Managers UK, creating a vibrant 3,000 sq ft student destination designed around connection, flexibility and belonging. Located just four minutes’ walk from Kingston University, the seven-week refurbishment has
MILWAUKEE® Tools new ‘Room to Breathe’ whitepaper for MX FUEL™ sets out the environmental, health and financial case for replacing petrol-powered light equipment with MX FUEL™ battery-powered alternatives across EMEA: Petrol-powered equipment is a significant and overlooked source of air pollution, health risk and compliance liability on construction sites. New
Managed Service provider Coadjute has been named as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies, securing 111th place in the prestigious 2026 Sifted 250. Described by Sifted as a “snapshot of European tech at full tilt”, the Sifted 250 recognises the 250 fastest-growing firms in the sector Europe, ranked according to percentage
Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams have made strong progress with works in the Huddersfield area while the railway has been closed, with work continuing until Sunday 4 October. The new leadership of Kirklees Council were invited to see the work at Huddersfield station firsthand and discuss the benefits TRU is
Kier is set to deliver a major £60 million office retrofit in London’s Holborn district after being selected as preferred contractor for Railpen’s transformation of 26 Red Lion Square. The contractor is entering into a pre-construction services agreement for the 100,000 sq ft development, known as The Fenner, ahead of
Grainger is progressing plans for a £60 million Build to Rent development in the heart of Chester, which could bring around 300 professionally managed rental homes to a long-vacant city centre site. The listed residential landlord and developer is working with landowner Chester Race Company and UK Land & Property
Construction is set to begin on a long-awaited Liverpool residential development after Bentry Capital secured Gateway 2 approval for the first phase of its £87 million Abbey Row scheme. The approval clears the way for Bentry Capital’s in-house contractor, Mellior Construction, to begin principal construction works on the 241-home first phase next month. The site has already been cleared and initial subcontract packages have been secured, enabling the project team to move directly into the main construction programme following the regulatory milestone. Formerly known as Islington Quarter, the development was originally brought forward for planning in 2018 but subsequently stalled. Bentry Capital has since reassessed the proposals and progressed the project through the current building safety regulatory framework. The wider Abbey Row development will ultimately deliver 365 apartments across three architecturally distinctive buildings, transforming a prominent site at the gateway to Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter. Phase one will provide 241 new homes, with Block C scheduled to reach completion in 2028 and Block A following in 2029. Securing Gateway 2 represents a particularly important milestone for the project. Under the strengthened building safety regime, higher-risk residential developments must receive approval from the Building Safety Regulator before relevant building work can commence, placing greater emphasis on demonstrating compliance before construction begins. Steven Hughes, Operations Lead at Mellior Construction, said: “Securing Gateway 2 approval represents the culmination of a detailed and collaborative design process and allows us to move into the principal construction phase with the building-safety requirements embedded throughout our delivery strategy.” The development is also entering construction with significant sales momentum, with more than 70% of homes within the first phase already pre-sold. David Ronson, National Sales and Marketing Director at Bentry Capital, said the developer had acquired the site with a clear belief in both its potential and Liverpool’s long-term strength. He added that the team had focused on reassessing the scheme, navigating the current regulatory environment and creating a development that is both deliverable and relevant to the city today. With Mellior Construction now preparing to mobilise for the principal works, Abbey Row will bring a previously stalled development back into active construction while delivering a substantial addition to Liverpool’s residential pipeline. The £87 million investment will also contribute to the continued regeneration around the Knowledge Quarter, an important part of Liverpool’s wider growth strategy encompassing residential development, education, science, innovation and employment. After several years in the planning and development process, Gateway 2 approval marks a decisive step forward for Abbey Row, with work now set to turn the long-standing proposals into 365 new city homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
centre:mk today affirms its position as one of the UK’s top 10 prime regional destinations, as it announces that the high-street fashion giant, River Island, has chosen the centre to debut its newest store concept. The new 12,800 sq ft store, which spans over two floors, welcomes a major transformation designed to deliver a more elevated, engaging and customer-centric shopping experience. The brand’s reinvestment in centre:mk unveils the first of its kind, a new store concept which will be rolled out across the River Island brand. It features an enhanced exterior, designed to attract and engage guests, whilst internally, it homes the brand new “River-Runway” installation, an immersive visual feature that exhibits runway-inspired looks and the latest trends, in addition to a new denim department that showcases an expanded selection of silhouettes and washes. To encourage an elevated and seamless shopping journey, the new centre:mk store brings modernised, spacious fitting rooms for a premium experience, whilst a thoughtfully designed layout and debut technology aim to further enhance the customer journey for a quick and convenient trip. The technology includes weight-sensing self-service checkouts which use radio frequency identification technology, and WW Smart Fitting Rooms, whereby guests can request alternative sizes and products without leaving the fitting room cubicle. The result is an even more seamless and accessible shopping experience. Kevin Duffy, Centre Director at centre:mk, comments: “The debut of River Island’s new concept store at centre:mk brings something fresh to the destination’s existing quality line up of fashion retailers. Our wide catchment values quality concepts, and we’re delighted that centre:mk can be the first to bring this new concept to market. It really affirms the scheme’s position as a best-in-retail destination” Mel Aucott, Retail Director at River Island, adds: “Debuting our new store concept to centre:mk represents an important step change in River Island’s bricks-and-mortar presence. The top 10 prime regional destination offers a wealth of quality fashion retailers, a highly engaged and loyal customer base and clear ambition to deliver quality experiences, all of which perfectly mirror River Island’s approach and new store concept. We are excited to reveal our enhanced store offering to our customers and look forward to expanding this vision further.” The major reinvestment from River Island comes shortly after the premium Swiss chocolatier, Lindt, signed for a 1,670 sq ft unit on Silbury Arcade, bringing its boutique format and exclusive ranges to centre:mk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Karbon Homes has appointed three construction contractors to a new £208m, multi-supplier construction framework, supporting the delivery of much-needed extra care and supported housing developments across the North East and Yorkshire. Robertson Group, Caddick Construction and Esh Group have secured places on the framework agreement for Principal Contractor services, which will support the development of specialist extra care housing schemes, including facilities ranging from 80 to 150 apartments, alongside associated residential and housing projects. The framework appointments come at a time when Karbon is increasing its investment in extra care housing, helping meet growing demand for affordable homes that enable people with additional support and care needs to live independently for longer. Sarah Robson, Executive Director of Development and Asset Management at Karbon Homes, said: “The establishment of the framework and appointment of Robertson, Esh and Caddick is an important step in supporting our plans to deliver more extra care housing across the North East and Yorkshire.” “Demand for specialist housing continues to grow and we are committed to investing in affordable, high-quality homes that help people live independently for longer. We have appointed trusted partners who share our commitment to quality, value and meeting the needs of our communities, enabling us to accelerate delivery of these important developments.” Extra care housing combines independent living with access to tailored care and support services, helping residents maintain their independence while benefiting from a safe and supportive environment. The framework has been designed to create a streamlined and flexible approach to procurement, enabling projects to be delivered efficiently while maintaining high standards of quality, value, and sustainability. Developments delivered through the framework will contribute to a pipeline of future projects, increasing the supply of in-demand specialist accommodation across the region. Karbon is already underway with a number of new extra care schemes across the North East, working with local authority partners to help address the lack of specialist affordable accommodation options in different boroughs. Two new projects in South Tyneside, a 95-apartment scheme in Hebburn and a 124-apartment scheme in South Shields both delivered by Robertson Construction North East, part of Robertson Group, are progressing well with first completions due by the end of 2027. And an 84-apartment scheme in Morpeth, delivered in partnership with Northumberland County Council, is set for completion in the new year. All three projects are providing modern, energy-efficient homes designed around the needs of older people and those requiring additional care and support. Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “Securing a place on the new framework further strengthens our relationship with Karbon Homes. We are currently the delivery partner of choice for them on two state-of-the-art extra care schemes, adding to our extensive experience in the sector across England. “Our commitment to community wealth building means we are supporting the local economy and helping local people into work and training while delivering a final product that supports independent living. We look forward to continuing to work with Karbon Homes to provide quality schemes with people and communities at their heart.” Framework contracts are due to start later this month and will be for an initial five-year period to September 2031, with the option to extend for up to a further two years. Stephen Wilkie, Deputy Chief Executive at Esh, said: “Extra care housing continues to play an increasingly important role in meeting housing needs across the region. We look forward to working collaboratively with Karbon Homes to deliver high-quality homes, creating lasting social value through local job creation, supporting people into employment, and delivering positive outcomes for communities across the North East and Yorkshire.” Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director, Caddick Construction Yorkshire & North East, commented: “Framework procurement plays a vital role in enabling housing providers to deliver high-quality, cost-effective schemes efficiently and at pace, ensuring projects bring long-term value to local communities. “Our appointment to Karbon Homes’ Extra Care Framework builds on Caddick’s extensive experience in delivering specialist residential and later living developments, and we look forward to working closely with Karbon Homes to support their vision for delivering high-quality extra care housing across the North East and Yorkshire.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New guide, developed with BRE, shows how structured, data-rich specification builds the evidence trail BREEAM demands NBS has released A Specifier’s Guide to BREEAM, a practical resource that shows design teams how everyday specification decisions connect directly to sustainability targets and certification success. Developed in collaboration with BRE, the guide covers BREEAM UK New Construction V7 and sets out how structured, fully classified specification content can help build the evidence trail needed for environmental assessment. What BREEAM New Construction V7 asks of specifiers The construction industry is under growing pressure to deliver buildings that are efficient, resilient and net-zero ready. BREEAM has assessed building performance in the UK for over 30 years, and its latest version, BREEAM New Construction V7, raises expectations across energy, water, materials and ecology. With an updated focus on whole life carbon, embodied impacts, operational performance, and biodiversity, it reflects the latest insight into what buildings need to achieve national and global net zero targets. Whole life carbon is now assessed across the full building lifecycle, so specifiers need reliable embodied carbon data at the point of specification, not after decisions are made. Materials must be responsibly sourced, with robust environmental and social credentials throughout their supply chains, and all project timber must be legal and sustainable. Design decisions have to be evidenced across nine environmental categories, from energy-efficient systems and water conservation to responsible sourcing and ecology. For specifiers, that means providing a clear, traceable ‘golden thread’ of information from early design stages through to project delivery. Dr Lee Jones, Head of Sustainability, Hubexo, said: “The construction industry has entered a new era of change. Climate action, tougher regulations, and rising client expectations are reshaping what “good” looks like in modern building design. Sustainability and decarbonisation are no longer box-ticking exercises; they are powerful drivers of value, innovation, and competitive advantage. For specifiers, every decision is now an opportunity to deliver smarter, greener, future ready buildings.” Jennifer Dudley Lead Product Manager, BREEAM said: “Proven to help access green finance, retain asset value and support increased occupant satisfaction, BREEAM New Construction helps clients and design teams holistically navigate sustainability needs of today, and anticipate those of the future when designing and constructing new buildings.” How structured specification builds the BREEAM evidence trail BREEAM New Construction addresses the full scope of whole life carbon. Including embodied and operational carbon. Embodied carbon data is increasingly influential in specification. Manufacturers can control it in their processes, providing accurate data to inform specification choices and comparisons.The guide explains how NBS Chorus, using Uniclass and CAWS classification, gives specifiers a consistent way to record and prove decisions with a ‘golden-thread’ of information from design through to certification. NBS Lifecycle Carbon Assessment (LCA), gives teams access to over 10,000 Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and helps quantify upfront embodied carbon as projects develop. Together, these tools help design teams make informed carbon decisions early. The guide positions certification not as a compliance hurdle but as a competitive edge, giving teams a repeatable way to demonstrate performance and win work. A Specifier’s Guide to BREEAM is available now to download from the NBS website: A specifier’s guide to BREEAM | NBS Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OP has completed the transformation of the ground floor reception and communal areas at One Penrhyn in Kingston for Swiss Life Asset Managers UK, creating a vibrant 3,000 sq ft student destination designed around connection, flexibility and belonging. Located just four minutes’ walk from Kingston University, the seven-week refurbishment has transformed a previously dark and compartmentalised common room into an open, welcoming environment where residents can study, relax, meet and socialise. With approximately 80% of residents coming from overseas, creating an inclusive home-from-home that could help students connect and feel part of a community was central to the brief. OP opened up the common room and created three complementary zones: Relax, Connect and Watch. A quieter area with acoustic ceiling treatments and a large shared table supports study and group projects, while the central teapoint provides a café-style setting with a bespoke refreshment area. The entertainment zone features a large screen and gaming console for movie nights, gaming and social events. Flexibility is built into the design, with modular sofas that can be moved and regrouped and bespoke storage housing 12 pull-out stools for larger gatherings. This gives students greater ownership over the space and allows it to adapt throughout the day. Running through the scheme is a continuous feature rope light, developed as a visual representation of connection and community. During evening events, the main lighting can be reduced and the softer feature light used to create a warmer, more relaxed atmosphere. The concept continues through the building’s graphics and arrival experience, with new external imagery, signage and lighting strengthening One Penrhyn’s street presence. A community display area gives residents somewhere to share artwork, photographs, notices and upcoming events, helping the space evolve with the people using it. Natural finishes and muted base tones provide a calm backdrop, with brighter colour introduced through artwork, accessories and selected furniture. The completed scheme brings a previously underused common room back to life as a flexible and comfortable student destination. By combining spaces for quiet focus with opportunities to socialise, play and gather, One Penrhyn now provides an environment where students can spend time together and build relationships naturally. ”This project was about creating a genuine sense of belonging for students from all over the world. The graphic identity and flexible furniture work together to deliver a space that brings people together, whether that’s a large group watching a match or one person studying quietly.” Alannah Laud, Senior Designer at OP “We want to create a space where students genuinely want to spend time together. The design captures everything we’re looking for – a flexible, welcoming environment that feels like home for students from all over the world, and a unique, modern space that distinguishes One Penrhyn from the local competition.” Jake Berry, Investment Associate at Swiss Life Asset Managers UK Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® Tools new ‘Room to Breathe’ whitepaper for MX FUEL™ sets out the environmental, health and financial case for replacing petrol-powered light equipment with MX FUEL™ battery-powered alternatives across EMEA: Petrol-powered equipment is a significant and overlooked source of air pollution, health risk and compliance liability on construction sites. New MILWAUKEE® research across more than 2,000 professional users in EMEA makes the case for accelerating the transition to battery power. The hidden cost of petrol on the construction site Petrol-powered equipment contributes to more than 108 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, with air pollution costing the EU around €600 billion a year, equivalent to 4% of GDP. WHO Europe and the European Respiratory Society report that respiratory diseases account for more than €17 billion in annual productivity losses. The human cost One in three construction workers is exposed to harmful fumes three to five days per week. On urban sites, petrol-powered tools also release harmful PM2.5 particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). Prolonged exposure to harmful fumes is linked to asthma, COPD, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. The shift to battery Three in four respondents to MILWAUKEE®’s survey rate their cordless experience as good or excellent. Four in five believe battery systems can serve as true petrol replacements, with noise reduction (31.8%), environmental benefits (21%) and health improvements (16%) cited as the primary motivations. As the ‘Room to Breathe’ whitepaper reveals, on total cost of ownership, the numbers make a strong case for battery power adoption. The MX FUEL™ Cut-Off Saw delivers more than €240 in annual savings over its petrol equivalent; the Breaker saves around €1,700 per year; the Tower Light saves approximately €1,800 per year. Battery equipment also eliminates recurring costs for spark plugs, filters, carburettors, air filters, drive belts and starter cords. Real-world proof Skanska Rental in Sweden ran a two-year trial before committing to full MX FUEL™ adoption. Mirza Palislamovic, Product Manager at Skanska Rental, Sweden, said safety was central to the decision. “For Skanska, safety is number one and always has been. So, if we have a product with better safety features like MX FUEL™’s AUTOSTOP™ feature, then of course it’s a big plus.” The direction of travel is clear. Palislamovic added, “By 2027, we will have all battery machines instead of petrol. So, I don’t see any problems in going from petrol to battery power.” The path forward California has banned new petrol-powered tools in built-up areas. More than 100 US municipalities have enacted restrictions, and Stockholm and Oslo have established no-emission zones. European regulators are watching closely. The ‘Room to Breathe’ whitepaper outlines the priorities the industry should champion: supporting the expansion of civic no-emission zones, educating end users on the full benefits of battery power, investing in charging infrastructure and demonstrating battery performance in real working conditions. MILWAUKEE® Jobsite Solutions (JSS) team are available to work directly with end-users, providing hands-on demonstrations across the MX FUEL™ range to help teams understand performance, runtime and total cost of ownership in the context of their own operations. To download the Room to Breathe (MX FUEL™ edition) whitepaper, click here. To find out more about MILWAUKEE®, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Managed Service provider Coadjute has been named as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies, securing 111th place in the prestigious 2026 Sifted 250. Described by Sifted as a “snapshot of European tech at full tilt”, the Sifted 250 recognises the 250 fastest-growing firms in the sector Europe, ranked according to percentage revenue growth over the past three financial years. The achievement places Coadjute among an elite group of high-growth businesses operating within a European ecosystem of more than 50,000 funded startups. It also marks the latest milestone in an exceptional year for the company. Earlier in 2026, Coadjute was ranked No. 42 in the Sifted 100 UK & Ireland, recognising it as one of the fastest-growing businesses in the region. For Coadjute, the recognition reflects a period of rapid expansion as increasing numbers of estate agents and property professionals turn to its fully managed services to take on increasingly complex compliance and transaction-related work. Dan Salmons, CEO of Coadjute, said: “Coadjute is proud to be one of the fastest growing companies in the UK and Ireland. Now to be recognised by Sifted as a leading European company too is really the icing on the cake. “What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is that it is based on revenues, not opinion, so is a clear measure of the very rapid rate at which estate agents are now moving to our managed services. “UK estate agents have increasingly complex regulatory and operational responsibilities, and thanks to our market-leading technology and outstanding people, they can now handover much of that burden to us, freeing time up to focus on what they want to be doing – selling property. “This recognition belongs to our team, our customers, our partners and our investors, all of whom have played an important role in Coadjute’s rapid growth”. Rapid growth driven by managed services Coadjute provides fully managed AML compliance services designed for estate agents, combining specialist human oversight, efficient operations, and AI-native technology. Their AML compliance service supports agents with full compliance framework including identity verification, customer due diligence, PEPs and sanctions, Source of Funds and Source of Wealth, Enhanced Due Diligence, ongoing monitoring, business-wide risk assessments, policies and procedures, training and audit-ready reporting. The company’s managed-service model is designed to remove much of the administrative and compliance burden from estate agency teams, while giving businesses greater visibility, consistency and control. Coadjute has been continuing to expand its proposition, investing in new services to support estate agents across a broader range of compliance and transaction processes. The company is backed by Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide, NatWest and Rightmove, and property expert and broadcaster Phil Spencer is an ambassador for the business. Dan Salmons added: “We’re delighted to be ranked at #111 in the 2026 Sifted250 for Europe. A friend told me that in numerology it’s a special number that means momentum, leadership and beginnings. Certainly, with the momentum and market leadership we have, we believe this is just the beginning for Coadjute”. A growing European success story Europe is home to more than 50,000 funded startups, spanning major technology hubs across the UK, Scandinavia and continental Europe. Against that backdrop, securing 111th position in the Sifted 250 places Coadjute firmly among a small group of businesses demonstrating some of the strongest sustained revenue growth across the European technology sector. The ranking follows Coadjute’s No. 42 position in the Sifted 100 UK & Ireland earlier this year, reinforcing the company’s emergence as one of the UK property sector’s most rapidly scaling technology-enabled businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) teams have made strong progress with works in the Huddersfield area while the railway has been closed, with work continuing until Sunday 4 October. The new leadership of Kirklees Council were invited to see the work at Huddersfield station firsthand and discuss the benefits TRU is bringing to rail users and local communities. Their visit provided an opportunity to highlight the transformational impact TRU is having on regeneration in Huddersfield. A recent Network Rail-commissioned study found that planning applications within 1.5 miles of Huddersfield station have increased by nearly 33% since TRU funding was confirmed in 2020, with the programme estimated to generate £1.9 billion in GVA, create nearly 5,000 full-time equivalent jobs, and support the delivery of almost 1,200 new homes. This impact is being unlocked through a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the station and the wider TRU footprint. TRU teams are halfway through a 16-day closure, and during the first week improvement works included: Before the railway line reopens on Monday 5 October, works continue on: James Richardson, TRU managing director, said: “Huddersfield is one of the most significant sites across the TRU footprint. Our work at Huddersfield station and on the wider railway will deliver a once-in-a-generation transformation, that will not only improve connectivity but help drive economic growth and wider investment in the town. “People can clearly see the progress we’ve made since work started on site in 2023 and the scale of work being undertaken during this ongoing closure, which will pave the way for real benefits for passengers by early 2027.” Councillor John Hardie, Kirklees Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transport and Highways, said: “Rail travel across Kirklees is changing, and it was fantastic to see first-hand the significant work taking place to transform Huddersfield Railway Station into a station for the future. “This generational investment in our rail infrastructure will strengthen the connections to towns and cities across the north of England, unlocking new opportunities for education, employment, and training for the people of Kirklees. “The Transpennine Route Upgrade is creating a railway network fit for Kirklees that supports our position as a vibrant, well-connected place to live and work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier is set to deliver a major £60 million office retrofit in London’s Holborn district after being selected as preferred contractor for Railpen’s transformation of 26 Red Lion Square. The contractor is entering into a pre-construction services agreement for the 100,000 sq ft development, known as The Fenner, ahead of a planned start on site later this year. Designed by Stiff + Trevillion, the extensive refurbishment will transform the existing building into eight floors of Grade A workspace, with construction expected to take around two years. Rather than pursuing wholesale redevelopment, the project will retain and reuse significant elements of the existing structure, combining this approach with substantial architectural and environmental upgrades. Plans include new façades addressing both Theobalds Road and Red Lion Square, alongside enhanced ground-floor amenities intended to improve the arrival experience and provide modern facilities for occupiers. More than 9,000 sq ft of roof terraces will also be introduced, adding external amenity space to the building and helping reposition the property for the next generation of central London office occupiers. Sustainability and operational performance are central to the redevelopment. Railpen is targeting BREEAM Outstanding, EPC A and a NABERS 5-star rating for The Fenner, placing ambitious environmental objectives at the heart of the refurbishment programme. Five contractors competed for the project, with Kier ultimately selected on the strength of its proposed team and experience delivering complex office schemes within central London. Graham Potts, regional director at Kier Construction London & Thames Valley, said: “Railpen is a new and significant client for Kier, one whose ambitious pipeline and progressive agenda aligns perfectly with our own values and approach.” The appointment further strengthens Kier’s growing workload in London’s commercial refurbishment and retrofit market. It follows the contractor securing Derwent London’s £99 million redevelopment of Holden House on Oxford Street, as well as The Crown Estate’s transformation of the Grade II-listed 10 Piccadilly, comprising approximately 90,800 sq ft. Together, the projects underline the increasing importance of retrofit within the capital’s office construction market as property owners look to modernise existing assets while retaining valuable structures and improving energy performance. The Fenner is also part of a much larger investment programme being undertaken by Railpen, encompassing around 600,000 sq ft of commercial refurbishment and development across London and Birmingham. With new façades, upgraded amenities, substantial roof terraces and ambitious environmental targets, the £60 million Holborn project will see an existing central London office asset comprehensively repositioned without sacrificing the embodied value of its underlying structure. For Kier, the scheme represents another significant addition to a growing portfolio of high-value retrofit projects as the transformation of existing buildings continues to become an increasingly important part of the UK commercial construction market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grainger is progressing plans for a £60 million Build to Rent development in the heart of Chester, which could bring around 300 professionally managed rental homes to a long-vacant city centre site. The listed residential landlord and developer is working with landowner Chester Race Company and UK Land & Property to regenerate the former Linenhall stables site, located between Chester Racecourse and the city centre. Plans are being developed for a six-storey residential scheme comprising approximately 300 BTR apartments, with a planning application expected to be submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council in November. Subject to securing consent, construction could begin during 2027. The development would replace an existing consent for student accommodation and instead create a purpose-built rental community aimed at a broad range of residents, including young professionals, couples and people looking to downsize. Architect Falconer Chester Hall is part of the professional team developing the proposals, alongside Tier Consult, Ridge, Curtins, Fenix Heritage, Asteer Planning and Clayton Property. The Linenhall site has a long history of proposed redevelopment. Formerly occupied by stable buildings serving the nearby racecourse, the land has been cleared since 2009 and is currently operating as a surface car park. The approximately 1.8-acre site sits within Chester’s historic City Walls and a conservation area, giving the design team the challenge of introducing a substantial new residential development within one of the country’s most distinctive historic city environments. Earlier proposals for the land have included private apartments and purpose-built student accommodation, but despite previous planning permissions, a major redevelopment has yet to come forward. The latest £60 million BTR proposals could finally unlock the site while supporting the continued growth of Chester’s city centre residential population. Louise Stewart, chief executive of Chester Race Company, said the partners believe residential development represents a strong long-term use for Linenhall, with the ambition to create a high-quality scheme that contributes to the growth and vitality of the city centre. The location is particularly suited to the Build to Rent model, providing residents with access to the city centre’s employment, retail, leisure and hospitality offer while also being positioned close to Chester Racecourse and public transport connections. For Grainger, the project would add another significant development to its expanding UK BTR portfolio, while bringing its long-term rental management model into Chester. The proposals also reflect the wider role Build to Rent can play in city centre regeneration, particularly where underused brownfield or surface car park sites can be transformed into professionally managed residential communities. If approved, the Linenhall development would replace a long-standing gap in Chester’s urban fabric with around 300 new homes, representing a major investment in both the city’s residential market and its wider built environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals