Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, was joined Cllr Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, and Cllr John Clarke, Leader of Gedling Borough Council and leading figures from both councils to celebrate the start of work on 763 much-needed new homes at Top Wighay, Nottinghamshire,
One of the UK’s leading principal contractors is continuing to branch out into education after making a high-profile hire. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, has appointed Billy Sneddon as its dedicated Contracts Manager for this specialist area with the brief of generating more than
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules could be key to unlocking crucial NIMBY support for housebuilding as the Government pushes to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years, according to new polling from biodiversity tech start-up Joe’s Blooms. A 14,000-person survey finds three-quarters (75%) of Brits believe that all
Kadans Science Partner (“Kadans”), a leading European investor in the development of ecosystems and real estate with a dedicated focus on knowledge-intensive sectors, has commenced construction on its purpose-built laboratory facility, Versa. As the second project to be delivered by Kadans within the Tileyard Quarter in King’s Cross, London, this
After two years of construction, the new Chiswick Health Centre on Fisher’s Lane is now open to receive its first patients. This purpose-built modern health facility is a joint £23 million project between NHS Property Services (owners of the site), North West London ICB and Hounslow Council. It will house three
With the US imposing 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium, it’s fair to say that the construction industry is facing geopolitical change. The various consequences for construction in the UK will certainly need to be managed. As we’ve learned many times this decade, from extreme occurrences like Covid-19 and
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, has announced its transformative plans to create 313 new homes and a 68-unit extra care facility in Driffield. The development, which recently received planning approval, is part of Keepmoat’s wider commitment to delivering high-quality, multi-tenure housing across the UK. The housebuilder is working in partnership with
The UK government has launched the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), a move it claims will usher in a “new era” of infrastructure delivery. The newly formed body merges the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) and the Infrastructure & Projects Authority (IPA) into a single entity under the Treasury’s
Global real estate firm Avison Young UK and JLL have been jointly appointed by Z Hotels, to sell the freehold interest in its Leicester Square property, a market-leading boutique hotel in the heart of London’s West End. Structured as a sale and leaseback offers are invited at a guide price
The UK’s largest road infrastructure project in a generation has been given the green light, as the Secretary of State for Transport grants development consent for the Lower Thames Crossing. The ambitious scheme, connecting Kent, Thurrock, and Essex, is set to ease congestion at the heavily burdened Dartford Crossing. A
Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, was joined Cllr Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, and Cllr John Clarke, Leader of Gedling Borough Council and leading figures from both councils to celebrate the start of work on 763 much-needed new homes at Top Wighay, Nottinghamshire, triggering the start of a £6 million investment to bolster local services. Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry Group’s partnerships division in the South East Midlands, said: “We were delighted to welcome key figures to celebrate the start of work on these much-needed new family homes at Top Wighay. Over the past year, we have consulted with the community to finalise the details of the scheme and ensure it meets local people’s needs and now we are on site, ready to create a new community of high-quality properties for people in the area to call home.” Situated approximately 2km north of Hucknall town centre and to the east of Annesley Road (A611), the £191m development forms part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s (NCC) flagship mixed-use scheme. The 86-acre site, contracted in 2023 with NCC and earmarked for development for more than a decade, will also include 21 acres of employment land, a local centre with retail offering and a new primary school. Now the ceremonial spade has been placed in the ground, work will start imminently on the 763 one-, two-, three, four-, and five-bedroom homes, maisonettes and apartments. Of the new homes, 269 will be affordable properties, 97 will be available for private rental and 397 will be on sale on the open market through Vistry’s Linden, Bovis and Countryside brands. In addition to new housing, the development will also offer benefits to the wider community, with almost £6million designated to bolstering local services. This includes £4,750,000 for education, £800,000 for highways and bus improvements, and £436,000 towards healthcare. The scheme also includes new parks, sports facilities, wildlife corridors, pedestrian and cycle routes, a new primary school, and an on-site Skills Academy in partnership with Chameleon School of Construction. This innovative training initiative will aim to encourage local people not in employment or training back into work. Cllr Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This milestone marks a significant step forward in a project that will bring lasting benefits to Nottinghamshire. From a brand-new primary school to improved transport links and employment opportunities, this investment will enhance local services and create a vibrant, sustainable community for generations to come.” Cllr Jenny Hollingsworth, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Growth and Economy at Gedling Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that work is beginning to provide 763 much needed homes, together with improved infrastructure, including highways, education, health, and a local centre. “The plan for on-site skills and training is particularly welcomed and will provide great opportunities for local people and the local economy. “The site has been allocated for development for some time so it’s particularly good to see that this significant investment has allowed this project to get underway. I very much look forward to following its progress over the next few years ” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading principal contractors is continuing to branch out into education after making a high-profile hire. Inco Contracts, which has offices in Cannock, Cardiff, Stevenage and Warrington, has appointed Billy Sneddon as its dedicated Contracts Manager for this specialist area with the brief of generating more than £3m in revenue over the next twelve months. The company’s ability to manage complex projects and deliver on time and to budget has made it a natural choice for schools and colleges, with £1m of contracts already completed for organisations in the West Midlands and the North West. These have included a special education needs centre at Birchwood Community High School and multiple jobs for the Invictus Education Trust, which looks after eight schools across Dudley and South Staffs. “Education has always been an area we wanted to explore as we have all the core refurbishment skills required to deliver high quality projects quickly and at the right cost – as we all know the taxpayer has to see value for money,” explained David Cotterill, Managing Director of Inco Contracts. “Labour has announced a big cash injection to upgrade existing schools and, with the supply chain already creaking under pressure, we feel now is the right time to accelerate our expansion and provide services so desperately required to ensure our children learn in the best possible buildings.” He went on to add: “The appointment of Billy Sneddon is an important moment for us. He brings over 10 years’ experience in this sector, a massive book of contacts and supply chain specialists who have a proven track record in education.” Inco Contracts can work alongside architects, designers, and directly with schools to bring buildings back to life or to the required modern-day standards. Services provided range from roof repairs, classroom/toilet refurbishments, mechanical and electrical upgrades, extensions and PV installation. In just the last six months, Inco has transformed an existing library into a dedicated special educational needs unit, equipped with six classrooms, meeting rooms, toilets, reception area and state-of-the-art playground. Invictus Education Trust has also called on the company for resurfacing work, emergency repairs and a refurb of its headquarters at Kinver High School. Billy Sneddon picked up the story: “This is a really exciting opportunity to shape our education offer, so that we bring something a little bit different to an established marketplace. “The beauty of Inco Contracts is that we are agile. This means we can pick up smaller jobs quickly yet are big enough to handle £multi-million projects across the UK. Our people all have experience of working in this environment and understand the need to prioritise the safety of the children and teachers, whilst completing projects alongside their studies. “My approach is to build partnerships with schools, colleges and education providers so we are their ‘go to firm’ in an emergency or for planned works.” He concluded: “Our target is £3m in revenues over the next twelve months and increasing my team so that we have two or three dedicated people working with me on projects.” For further information, please visit www.incocontracts.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) rules could be key to unlocking crucial NIMBY support for housebuilding as the Government pushes to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years, according to new polling from biodiversity tech start-up Joe’s Blooms. A 14,000-person survey finds three-quarters (75%) of Brits believe that all new housing developments – large or small – should improve the natural environment by creating green spaces or habitat banks nearby. Support for nature-friendly development is even stronger among Brits that oppose the Government’s target of building 1.5 million new homes over the next Parliament, with 84% of NIMBYs agreeing that all new developments should positively contribute to nature recovery. This data comes as BNG marks its one-year anniversary for smaller developments (April 2). When asked where nature improvements should be made as a result of new developments, over a third (36%) of Brits say green space should be created locally over being created in other parts of the country. This figure rises to 38% among those opposed to the Government’s housing target and reaches 40% among those against new homes being built near them. Support peaks at 43% among affluent rural residents, often known as the most organised NIMBY group. Environmental concerns are a leading reason for opposition to development: nearly half (49%) of NIMBYs cite loss of green space or environmental damage as key factors in resisting local housebuilding. These concerns rank second only to worries about increased pressure on local services (57%) and traffic congestion (54%). The findings suggest that integrating local nature recovery into development plans could help address anti-development concerns and win over NIMBYs. BNG offers a clear solution by requiring developers to deliver at least a 10% biodiversity improvement in their project areas as part of planning permission. Oliver Lewis, CEO of Joe’s Blooms, said: “The data is clear: BNG isn’t just beneficial for nature – it’s essential for gaining public support for new housing developments. Nearly half of NIMBYs cite environmental concerns as a major reason for resistance. At the same time, support for nature recovery is growing among those most opposed to housebuilding.” “To achieve its ambitious housebuilding revolution, the Government must place BNG at the heart of its strategy. Following recent planning reform announcements, a clear roadmap is needed to show how BNG integrates into the planning framework — ensuring momentum isn’t lost. By embedding nature recovery into housing policy, development can drive biodiversity gains, win local backing, and deliver benefits for both people and the planet.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kadans Science Partner (“Kadans”), a leading European investor in the development of ecosystems and real estate with a dedicated focus on knowledge-intensive sectors, has commenced construction on its purpose-built laboratory facility, Versa. As the second project to be delivered by Kadans within the Tileyard Quarter in King’s Cross, London, this is a significant milestone for both the area and London’s life science sector more generally. Due to complete in Q2 2026, and located at 4 Brandon Road, Versa will provide 51,500 sq ft of space, designed to accommodate a range of uses from CL2 labs to dedicated production and pilot spaces, supplying key King’s Cross specialisms including biomedical, life science, data, and precision medicine with cutting-edge facilities tailored to the needs of pioneering companies and individuals. The four storey building will also include best-in-class amenities, such as dedicated cycle parking, on-site showers and private, landscaped external space for occupiers to enjoy, improving wellbeing, productivity and knowledge sharing. This construction milestone extends Kadans’ commitment to Tileyard Quarter and London’s life science cluster, having recently launched its neighbouring 114,000 sq ft hub, Mayde, at the end of 2024. Versa will supplement the existing facilities at Mayde, where tenants can access high quality GMP and pilot manufacturing facilities, fully operated CAT B spaces and CAT A labs complimented by associated write up, specifically designed to support expansion from research and development into commercialisation. The combination of these two buildings sets an exciting platform for Kadans’ further development plans to deliver over 300,000 sq ft of high specification laboratory, office and manufacturing space at Tileyard Quarter. Occupiers of these spaces will not only benefit from access to Kadans’ wider, global support network of occupiers and partners but those situated within the Tileyard Quarter will also be part of a close-knit community of academics, creatives, independent businesses, and clinicians across King’s Cross. Will Fogden, Head of Investment and Development at Kadans Science Partner, said: “Versa will be an enabler of Kadans’ growing ecosystem at King’s Cross, offering flexible, turn-key spaces designed to evolve with our tenants’ needs. Tileyard Quarter is more than just buildings, it’s a dynamic, mixed-use innovation district addressing the demand for space that fosters discovery, development, and collaboration. “Kadans doesn’t deliver standard work or lab space. We pride ourselves on being experts in creating bespoke facilities that are curated to our occupiers’ needs and we are excited to continue delivering this world-class space here in King’s Cross. “We would like to extend our thanks to Morgan Sindall and our other project partners including David Miller Architects, PSK, CB3, HDR, Hoare Lea and Steer for the collaborative role in bringing this shared vision to life.” Richard Dobson, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Area Director for London, said: “This groundbreaking ceremony at King’s Cross marks a key milestone in the development of what will be an important cornerstone of London’s dynamic health and life sciences sector. Once complete, Versa, 4 Brandon Road, will boost the amount of specialist labs and R&D space in the burgeoning Tileyard Quarter, complementing the facilities that have already been delivered in the now operational Mayde, 5-10 Brandon Road. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Kadans during the development and can’t wait to see what innovations and ideas will be born in this facility in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
After two years of construction, the new Chiswick Health Centre on Fisher’s Lane is now open to receive its first patients. This purpose-built modern health facility is a joint £23 million project between NHS Property Services (owners of the site), North West London ICB and Hounslow Council. It will house three local GP practices (West4GPs, Chiswick Family Practice, and Chiswick Medical Practice), as well as act as the base for the Chiswick Primary Care Network. The modern development will improve healthcare services for over 60,000 thousands of residents. The centre will provide a broader range of GP services, including community and mental health services and will also host a range of local activities and ventures to support local health and wellbeing over the coming months. Additionally, 55 affordable homes have been by Hounslow Council built to support key healthcare staff, including nurses and physiotherapists. NHSPS’ focus for the new building has been to ensure that the Health Centre is not only modern and fit for purpose, but also achieves the highest environmental and sustainable standards – aligning with Hounslow Council’s and the Mayor of London’s environmental commitments to use modern, low pollutant emitting technologies and solutions. This was done by embracing a ‘fabric first’ approach with thermally efficient building fabric and low carbon technologies such as LED lighting and solar photovoltaic arrays. The result of these efforts is a 77% carbon emissions reduction. Plus, greater biodiversity will be achieved with landscaped courtyards, a fifth-floor garden terrace, and a public community green space. Plus, from 16 April 2025, two group rooms at Chiswick Health Centre will be available for healthcare providers to book on a pay-as-you-go basis through NHS Open Space’s booking platform. One room accommodates up to six people, while the other can host up to ten. Since its launch, NHS Open Space has facilitated more than 3.5 million hours of patient care, with over 7,000 healthcare providers using 1,300+ clinical and non-clinical spaces in 200+ NHS buildings across England. To book, visit https://openspace.nhs.uk/. Adrian Powell, Director of Investment & Development Management at NHS Property Services (NHSPS), said: “Chiswick Health Centre is a major project that has brought together many stakeholders. To see patients and NHS colleagues now being able to use this wonderful building is beyond exciting. This site is one more example of NHSPS’ commitment to bringing excellent patient care through modern buildings.” Dr Chloe Hillman, GP Partner and Joint Clinical Director, Chiswick Primary Care Network said: “After two years’ absence from the centre in Chiswick, we are thrilled to be moving back to a new vibrant and well-equipped health centre. We can now start the process of delivering the vision we all had at the beginning of this project, providing collaborative, innovative and integrated services that provide quality care to local people. As we mark this huge achievement we now embrace the next chapter with optimism and determination, knowing that we will have a space which will enable us to create a healthier, happier and more vibrant community for generations of residents to come.” Cllr Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said: “The opening of the new Chiswick Health Centre marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to community wellbeing, showcasing a successful partnership between Hounslow Council, NHS Property Services, and NHS North West London. This modern facility not only offers a central hub for health and community services but also includes the provision of 55 affordable homes specifically designed for NHS key workers. Over £1million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds were allocated by the Council to support the practical implementation and temporary relocation costs of this project. “This investment of CIL funds allows us to finance essential public infrastructure that underpins the vitality and sustainability of our borough. By strategically utilising public land and CIL funding, we’ve crafted a development that meets current demands while investing in the future wellbeing and growth of Chiswick. We are exceptionally proud of the foresight and quality this project represents, ensuring that our community’s health and wellbeing are robustly supported now and for generations to come.” Richard Poulter, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon Construction South, said: “This project exemplifies our commitment to delivering high-quality, community-focused infrastructure that makes a lasting difference. Health and housing are fundamental to people’s well-being, and that’s what makes this project so special. The Chiswick Health Centre represents the best of what we do—building with purpose, collaboration, and a long-term commitment to enhancing lives. We are incredibly proud to have delivered a facility that will have such a meaningful impact on the people of Hounslow for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the US imposing 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium, it’s fair to say that the construction industry is facing geopolitical change. The various consequences for construction in the UK will certainly need to be managed. As we’ve learned many times this decade, from extreme occurrences like Covid-19 and climate change events, the most effective antidote for uncertainty is resilience and agility. As UK construction gears up for this shift, staying agile and sharp in managing material costs and uncertainties will be crucial. Matt Smart, Delivery Director at Barkers Commercial Consultancy, explores what the new tariffs could mean for the industry. State of affairs The backbone of agility and resilience in construction is procurement. The function’s leaders, Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs), are at the heart of the supply chain, where agility is most essential. However, procurement operates in a complex landscape where dependencies, operational challenges, and layers of suppliers can paralyse on-demand buying and necessary pivots. Two critical dependencies are materials and labour. In addition to metals, the availability of generic yet core materials like sand and bricks is often uncertain. The labour market is equally volatile, with specialist availability and rates varying by region. Additionally, procurement teams face daily challenges, chief among them being on-time delivery. Ensuring timely delivery is tough, and delays can carry penalties. Teams also navigate supply chain disruptions and operational hurdles like meeting quality standards. Here, balancing cost and quality is crucial, as unmanaged challenges can damage impact and credibility. Additionally, procurement teams must manage tiered supplier networks through distributors, rarely with a single point of contact. This complicates communication and stops procurement from pivoting quickly, affecting the entire organization. Window of opportunity Given the function’s complexity and businesses’ need to respond to geopolitical changes, CPOs have an opportunity: step up and reform procurement to be as strong as possible. This way, their organisations can respond to change. The concern, however, is that already swamped procurement teams might not have the luxury of time to take up the mantle. That said, stepping into an enabler role will make their businesses so much more robust. Procurement can facilitate seamless supply chains that unlock complete agility, really positioning their organisations to navigate change. Additionally, they can boost profitability. Helping profit is necessary because various dependencies, challenges, and the tiered supplier networks in which procurement operates cause margins to shrink. Ultimately, these variables delay jobs and allow for missed staffing opportunities. Complexities also cause late deliveries due to issues like material dependencies or quality concerns. This can harm project impact, incur fines, and damage reputations across the industry. Given the economic and reputational risks construction already faces against the evolving geopolitical landscape, something needs to change. The time has come for CPOs to connect the supply chain through end-to-end construction. Making it happen When executed effectively, CPOs can masterfully orchestrate crucial elements, dependencies, variables, and supplier layers, laying the groundwork to impress customers, optimise profits, and pivot swiftly when needed. Here’s how CPOs can make this a reality: CPOs who lead this charge can make a significant impact. By strengthening their functions through integration, digitisation, and supplier collaboration, they can streamline the supply chain. Ultimately, a coherent supply chain unlocks agility across the business – enabling quick decision-making and action. With this achieved, leaders can steer through volatility and into stability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, has announced its transformative plans to create 313 new homes and a 68-unit extra care facility in Driffield. The development, which recently received planning approval, is part of Keepmoat’s wider commitment to delivering high-quality, multi-tenure housing across the UK. The housebuilder is working in partnership with Homes England, East Riding Council and Beyond Housing to provide much-needed housing stock across Yorkshire. Of the 313 homes to be built, 30 percent will be designated as affordable housing with 26 being sold as affordable housing for delivery through East Riding Council. The scheme will be 100 percent gas-free, aligning with modern energy-efficient housing standards. Located on the northeastern fringe of Driffield, the development is within close proximity to a range of local amenities including supermarkets, pubs and schools. The site also provides direct transport links to Scarborough and Hull. A new four-arm roundabout will be constructed to connect the development to the A614 and provide an access route to the east of Driffield, ensuring access for all residents. Daniel Crew, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East, said: “We are delighted to secure planning approval for this exciting development in Driffield. This project represents a significant investment in the area, and we look forward to working alongside our partners to bring high-quality, energy-efficient homes to the community. A key sustainability feature of the project is that the scheme will be 100 percent gas-free, aligning with our goal to create both sustainable homes and communities. “Driffield is a fantastic location, offering a range of amenities and strong transport links, making it an attractive option for families, first-time buyers, and those in need of extra care accommodation. ” Julie Robinson, Head of Disposals (North) at Homes England, added: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality homes is one of our key objectives. “The completion of the building lease marks a significant milestone for the project. The construction of a roundabout to connect the development to the A614 is a key piece of early infrastructure in advance of housing completions. Continuous, proactive collaboration with all stakeholders has played a huge part in getting this project over the line. “We look forward to seeing Keepmoat’s progress as they develop this new community in Driffield.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality homes in regions across the UK. To date, Keepmoat has built over 35,000 homes, transforming brownfield sites into thriving new communities. For more information, please visit www.keepmoat.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK government has launched the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), a move it claims will usher in a “new era” of infrastructure delivery. The newly formed body merges the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) and the Infrastructure & Projects Authority (IPA) into a single entity under the Treasury’s control. This restructuring aims to streamline strategy and execution, addressing the persistent delays and cost overruns that have plagued major UK projects. A Shift in Strategy The NIC was originally established in 2015 as an independent advisory body tasked with identifying the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs. However, its recommendations were often overlooked, as seen in the cancellation of HS2’s northern legs and the sluggish rollout of key energy projects. By 2017, the NIC had already lost much of its autonomy when it became an executive agency of the Treasury. Now, the government has taken a further step by merging it with the IPA, which previously sat within the Cabinet Office. While the NIC has been formally abolished, its commissioners—independent infrastructure experts—will continue in an advisory role within NISTA. The extent to which this new body will differ in practice from its predecessor remains to be seen, but the government appears keen to maintain the NIC’s expertise while giving the Treasury greater control over infrastructure planning and execution. Bridging the Gap Between Planning and Delivery Speaking at Skanska’s UK headquarters in October, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones acknowledged past failures in infrastructure delivery. “The National Infrastructure Commission has produced excellent strategic reports, and the Infrastructure & Projects Authority has unmatched expertise in delivering critical projects. But the government has collectively still failed to deliver. This is what we will change,” he said. “NISTA will bring oversight of strategy and delivery into one organisation, ensuring our 10-year infrastructure plan is developed and implemented in conjunction with industry while improving efficiency across the country. In short, it will bridge the gap between what we build and how we build it.” Today, Jones reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reforming infrastructure delivery. “NISTA will get a grip on the delays that have damaged our global reputation with investors. We are ushering in a new era, restoring business confidence, and driving a decade of national renewal to power growth across the country,” he stated. A Rocky Start Despite its ambitious remit, NISTA is currently without a chief executive or a national infrastructure strategy. For now, it is being led by Jean-Christophe Gray, a former spokesperson for David Cameron and private secretary to Prince William. The Treasury has promised that a permanent CEO will be appointed “shortly,” along with a revised version of the UK’s 10-year infrastructure strategy, last updated in 2020. There are also unresolved political questions about how NISTA will function. The NIC was under Treasury control, while the IPA was part of the Cabinet Office. The two departments are now working on a memorandum of understanding to clarify NISTA’s precise role and relationship with both. As the government seeks to restore confidence in the UK’s infrastructure capabilities, the success of NISTA will depend on whether it can truly transform delivery—or whether it simply becomes another layer of bureaucracy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global real estate firm Avison Young UK and JLL have been jointly appointed by Z Hotels, to sell the freehold interest in its Leicester Square property, a market-leading boutique hotel in the heart of London’s West End. Structured as a sale and leaseback offers are invited at a guide price of £42 million for the freehold interest, with a guaranteed 35-year leaseback to Z Hotels. The hotel has 95 boutique bedrooms across four floors, with a basement restaurant. The proposed hotel lease is structured around a 5 yearly reviewed rent, indexed to CPI and a separate ground floor restaurant lease to Steak & Co. Located at Garrick House, 3-5 Charing Cross Road, the site has undergone conversion from an office to reinstate the original use of the building as a hotel. The hotel has been designed to provide maximum energy efficiency and will be fully operational by June 2025. Strategically positioned directly off Leicester Square, the hotel is surrounded by London’s most popular tourist landmarks, nightlife destinations and the West End’s cultural attractions, driving consistently high occupancy levels. The property is highly connected, with TfL and National Rail stations within 5 minutes walking distance and nearby Elizabeth Line routes at Tottenham Court Road opening up Heathrow Airport in under 50 minutes. The hotel will operate with low environmental impact, with ESG credentials boosted by the installation of low carbon technologies including photovoltaics, heat recovery units and non-refrigerant water-cooled air conditioning. All parties declined to comment. For enquiries, please contact: Pippa Harrison, Principal Head of Hotel Capital Markets, Avison Young UK: Pippa.Harrison@avisonyoung.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s largest road infrastructure project in a generation has been given the green light, as the Secretary of State for Transport grants development consent for the Lower Thames Crossing. The ambitious scheme, connecting Kent, Thurrock, and Essex, is set to ease congestion at the heavily burdened Dartford Crossing. A Game-Changer for UK Roads Spanning 23km, the project includes twin tunnels stretching 4.2km beneath the River Thames, providing a vital new link between the A2/M2 and the M25. Designed to tackle severe congestion at Dartford—the busiest river crossing in the country—the Lower Thames Crossing is expected to improve traffic flow and unlock economic growth across the South East. The estimated cost of the scheme is £9.4bn, with the government exploring private finance options that could push the total to £10.2bn. Already, £1.2bn has been invested, with much of it allocated to the project’s extensive planning and approval process—the largest development consent order (DCO) application ever submitted in the UK. Following its initial submission in October 2022, the project underwent an exhaustive public examination before receiving approval on 20 March 2024. The decision, which had been delayed multiple times, marks a major milestone in one of the UK’s most complex infrastructure projects. Construction could begin as early as 2026, with completion expected in the early 2030s. In the meantime, project teams will work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to refine design elements and minimise community and environmental disruption. A Sustainable Approach to Infrastructure The Lower Thames Crossing is being positioned as a carbon-neutral construction “pathfinder” project. National Highways aims to significantly cut emissions by up to 70% through the use of low-carbon materials and alternative fuels, such as hydrogen. These sustainability efforts are expected to set a benchmark for future large-scale infrastructure developments, with potential applications in sectors like rail and nuclear energy. Beyond its transport benefits, the scheme includes major environmental commitments. Plans include the creation of six times more green space than the road itself, planting one million trees, establishing a community woodland, and developing two new public parks with Thames views. Nearly 5km of new and upgraded pathways will also be introduced for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. Designed with extensive public consultation, several adjustments have been made to mitigate the impact on local communities and ancient woodlands. These include increasing lane capacity to three in each direction and extending the tunnel length. Creating Jobs and Boosting the Economy The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs within the construction sector, with a commitment to recruiting nearly half of the workforce locally. Skills training and employment opportunities will be a key focus, ensuring long-term benefits for communities in the region. To deliver the project, three main works contracts have been awarded: Industry leaders have widely welcomed the approval, calling it a transformative investment in the UK’s infrastructure. Balfour Beatty’s divisional CEO for major projects, highways and ground engineering, Phil Clifton, stated that the project would “unlock capacity, capability, and careers.” Skanska UK’s executive vice president Andrew English added that it would relieve congestion while showcasing innovations in low-carbon construction. Calls for Funding Clarity Despite the approval, there are concerns over the project’s funding. The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) has urged the government to make a swift decision on financing to ensure work can begin without further delays. However, not everyone supports the scheme. Green Alliance policy adviser Rosie Allen has criticised the government’s approach, arguing that investing in public transport and freight solutions would be a more effective long-term strategy. Campaign group Transport Action Network has described the decision as “economic madness,” questioning the viability of spending up to £16bn on a single road project at a time of budget constraints. As debates continue, the Lower Thames Crossing remains a landmark infrastructure project with the potential to reshape transport in the South East while setting new standards for sustainability in construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
