Kenneth Booth
BIFIS Awards 2026 now open for entries

BIFIS Awards 2026 now open for entries

The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists is pleased to announce that the BIFIS Awards 2026, in partnership with InstallerSHOW, is now open for entries. The BIFIS Awards recognises talent, contribution and achievement in the fitted interiors installation sector and has seen significant growth since it launched in October 2021,

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Tower Hamlets moves to unlock 52,000-home pipeline

Tower Hamlets moves to unlock 52,000-home pipeline

Tower Hamlets has today (10 March 2026) set out how it will deliver its 52,000-home growth pipeline under Future Places, packaging publicly controlled land, direct council development and major regeneration sites into a single market-facing programme. As national and London-wide policy sharpens its focus on growth and housing supply, the

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Panattoni strengthens UK platform with nine senior appointments

Panattoni strengthens UK platform with nine senior appointments

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, has made nine senior appointments across its UK development, project delivery and investment and finance teams, as the business continues to scale its acquisition and development programme. The appointments, which bring talent from CBRE, Savills, PwC, Chancerygate, Knight Frank, Boreal

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Latest Issue
Issue 339 : Apr 2026

Kenneth Booth

Construction rebounds in February but the Iran conflict looms large over the sector

Construction rebounds in February but the Iran conflict looms large over the sector

February showed a clear rebound on construction activity, with strength concentrated in Residential, Commercial, Education and major infrastructure schemes according to construction data analysts Barbour ABI. Contract Awards were up 16% month on month after a poor January with Residential rising significantly. Commenting on the trend Barbour ABI head of business and client analytics Ed Griffiths said: “The market is increasingly driven by large‑scale regeneration, data‑centre demand, and energy‑transition projects such as HVDC cabling, all of which continue to attract investment despite wider economic uncertainty. Growth in residential awards reflects pent‑up demand for student accommodation and urban living, while commercial recovery is being supported by logistics‑led developments and digital infrastructure.” Residential contract award value increased 32% on January to £2.1bn after an easing. The sector Q1 average now sits just above the average for the same period last year. The largest project in the sector was the replacement 2,330 bed student accommodation, Cambridge Halls in Manchester. The North West, bolstered by large Residential projects and Birkenhead regeneration, saw a 158% increase to £1.16bn after a disappointing start to the year. Meanwhile approvals ticked down 9% to £10.1bn but momentum remains strong with several large residential and mixed‑use schemes achieving consent. The continuing throughput of schemes above £100m demonstrates planning authorities’ commitment to progressing strategic housing and urban regeneration pipelines. Clouds on the horizon However, looking ahead Griffiths sounded a note of caution. “In many ways it’s good news this month but across the sector, contractors still face tight margins, supply‑chain volatility and prolonged planning timelines, which are slowing momentum in some regions. Meanwhile the OBR downgraded GDP growth forecasts for the recent spring statement from 1.4% to 1.1%. Although they were more optimistic about 2027 this did not take into account the potential impact of the US-Israel strike on Iran. “This kind of event reminds us that much of the current uncertainty in the UK construction market lies outside domestic policy control, which adds a further restraint on investment. A spike in oil and gas prices as a result of the current conflict would greatly exacerbate the viability issues that plague the market and halt any progress on delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Planning Approval Secured for Transformation of Kirklevington Hall into Five-Star Hotel and Luxury Spa

Planning Approval Secured for Transformation of Kirklevington Hall into Five-Star Hotel and Luxury Spa

Planning permission has been granted for the landmark redevelopment of Kirklevington Hall, paving the way for the transformation of the historic estate near Yarm into a five-star boutique hotel and luxury spa destination. The decision by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council unlocks a £25 million-plus investment that will breathe new life into the former Judges Country House Hotel site, which has remained vacant since closing in March 2023. The ambitious plans will restore and enhance the estate to create a high-end leisure destination combining heritage architecture with contemporary hospitality facilities. The project is being led by Teesside developer Chris Musgrave OBE, working in partnership with experienced hotel operator Kymel, with Architectural design by GSSArchitecture and planning consultancy Lichfields. Under the approved proposals, the historic hall will be carefully refurbished to create 18 individually designed guest suites, complemented by a contemporary restaurant extension designed to contrast with and enhance the original building. A new luxury wellness spa will provide treatment rooms, relaxation areas, a swimming pool, sauna and steam facilities, as well as a boutique restaurant and state of the art exercise studio. The wider estate will also feature walled garden spa lodges and twenty woodland lodges, offering guests an immersive wellness experience. In addition, a dedicated events pavilion and converted Victorian Stables building will provide a venue for weddings, conferences and private gatherings underpinned by the sites fantastic landscaped gardens. Chris Musgrave OBE said: “As someone born and bred in Tees Valley, I’m passionate about investing in the area and helping to drive long-term prosperity and job creation. Securing planning permission is a major step forward for Kirklevington Hall and allows us to move ahead with confidence. “This is prominent site in a prime location, rich in history and local significance. Our vision is to celebrate its heritage while creating a destination of genuine regional and national appeal. The development will revitalise the area and deliver meaningful economic benefits for the wider community.” Paul Mackings, chairman at Kymel, added: “We’re delighted that planning permission has now been secured. Kirklevington Hall presents a rare opportunity to create a truly special destination, incorporating fine dining and luxury overnight stays to spa breaks, bespoke weddings and high-end events. This development will deliver a premium hospitality experience that addresses a recognised gap in the North East market.” Project Partner Simon Rennison-Rae has worked closely with the wider consultant team to develop a design that carefully balances the estate’s historic character with high-quality contemporary additions, commented: “This is a great result for the clients involved and for the local area, creating not only a destination hotel and spa but securing investment and job creation in the region. This is a dream project for us, its not often you get this level of bespoke design with both contemporary and conservation Architecture wrapped together. We cant wait to get cracking on the detailed design stages and delivering the scheme” GSSArchitecture has developed a strong reputation nationally within the hotel and hospitality sector, working on a wide range of boutique hotels, spa destinations and leisure-led developments across the UK. The practice combines expertise in heritage restoration, contemporary hospitality design and destination-led placemaking, helping clients bring forward projects that create memorable guest experiences while supporting long-term economic growth. GSSArchitecture has built a strong national portfolio within the hospitality sector and has recently delivered hotel projects across County Durham, Wales and Northumberland. To view their extensive experience, visit: GSSArchitecture Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Cole Brothers set to be transformed as Urban Splash receives planning consent

Cole Brothers set to be transformed as Urban Splash receives planning consent 

Award-winning regeneration company Urban Splash has secured planning approval for the redevelopment of the former Cole Brothers department store at Barker’s Pool in Sheffield.  The iconic building, which closed its doors in 2022, has long been a landmark in the city centre. Urban Splash was appointed by Sheffield City Council to lead its transformation, working alongside architects AHMM to evolve plans that will bring the Grade II-listed 1963 building back into active use.  The approved proposals will see the lower ground and ground floors transformed into vibrant leisure, entertainment, food, drink and retail space, while the upper floors will be converted into high-quality, flexible workspace.   Plans also include the creation of a rooftop terrace, with the existing plant room repurposed as a restaurant or bar with an external terrace, accessed directly from ground level via the building’s main lift core.  The scheme will open up the Barker’s Pool and Cambridge Street frontages to create outdoor dining areas, echoing the successful on-street seating introduced on Division Street and helping to further animate the city centre.  Sian Stanhope, Development Manager at Urban Splash said: “We are thrilled with this decision, which paves the way for bringing this much-loved building back into use for the people of Sheffield.  “We understand the significance of Cole Brothers, and at the heart of our proposal is a commitment to re-establishing it as a place for the city. Over the past year we have already introduced a range of successful meanwhile uses, hosting organisations and events including BBC Sounds, the Crossed Wires Festival, Jarvis Cocker and the FORM careers fair. Planning approval allows us to evolve that momentum into something permanent – creating new places to eat, shop and work, with lively ground floor uses and flexible workspace above to support Sheffield’s growing business community.”  Urban Splash is now engaging with businesses looking for space at the building, as Richard Lace, the company’s Head of Commercial Lettings explained: “Planning approval means we can move forward with discussions with occupiers, engaging with likeminded organisations who want to be a part of bringing Cole Brothers back to life.”  Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council: “This is an important milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Sheffield city centre. The former Cole Brothers building holds a special place in the hearts of many residents, and we welcome plans that will sensitively restore and reinvigorate it for a new generation.”  Urban Splash already has a strong connection to Sheffield, having completed hundreds of homes and new amenities at Park Hill. The company is now moving forward on a fourth phase at the building having secured funding from Homes England in January.  For further information about Cole Brothers, and the spaces available visit: https://www.urbansplash.co.uk/regeneration/projects/cole-brothers or contact the appointed agents for the building; Tim Bottrill at Colloco, James Fox at Smith Young and Sammy Jones and David Bell at Starka.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Young first-time buyers step onto the ladder at Little Bowden

Young first-time buyers step onto the ladder at Little Bowden

Buying their first home together was always going to be a milestone moment for Amy Bassi and Ben Thompson – but after nearly two years of saving, planning and living back at home, moving into their new Davidsons property in Little Bowden felt even more special. Amy, 29, and Ben, 28, moved into their Stanbrook at Davidsons at Little Bowden in June last year, marking the end of a long journey to get onto the property ladder. The couple, who met at university, were balancing busy careers in different directions. Amy, originally from Dudley, works in marketing for a babywear company called My 1st Years in Northampton, while Ben, who grew up in Ireland, is a project manager for a web design agency in London. Finding somewhere that worked for both of them was key. Amy said: “We looked at lots of different areas because it had to work for both of us – I needed to be able to drive easily to Northampton, and Ben needed a straightforward train into London. As soon as we came to Market Harborough, it just felt right. It’s such a lovely town, and the station makes it so easy for Ben to get into London in under an hour.” As first-time buyers, the couple were determined to make a smart decision, even if that meant making sacrifices in the short term. They moved in with Amy’s parents for almost two years to build up their deposit. Amy said: “Living back at home in your twenties isn’t for everyone, but we’re so proud of ourselves for doing it. It took us a while to save, but it was completely worth it to be able to buy relatively young and get the house we really wanted.” After viewing a number of new build developments, they felt that Davidsons Homes stood out. Amy said: “We looked at other new builds, but some felt a bit crammed in. With Davidsons, the homes have so much character and space around them. They don’t feel squeezed together, and that was really important to us.” Visiting the show homes proved invaluable in helping them picture their future life there. Amy said: “Seeing the show homes was such a great way to understand how you’d actually live in the space. It made everything feel more real. We knew quite quickly that the Stanbrook 4th Edition was the one for us.” The couple were particularly drawn to the home’s open-plan layout downstairs – and one feature in particular. Amy said: “We really wanted a kitchen island. We love hosting and having people to stay, and the open-plan kitchen and living area is perfect for that. Choosing our kitchen was probably the most exciting day of the whole process.” Reserving their home in October 2024, long before it was actually built, meant a longer wait than some buyers experience – but Amy and Ben said the support from the sales team made all the difference. Amy said: “Because we were living with my parents, we couldn’t pop by regularly to check on progress, but Kelly and Michelle kept us informed every step of the way. We always felt updated and reassured, which made the whole process really smooth.” They were able to personalise their home by selecting fittings and finishes, making it feel like theirs from day one. Eight months on, the couple have fully embraced life in Little Bowden. Their spacious main bedroom and the large, open-plan living area remain firm favourites, along with their south-facing garden. Amy said: “Downstairs is definitely our favourite space. It’s light, open and perfect for having everyone round. We had a huge Halloween party and decorated everywhere, which was so much fun. Our parents come to stay as well, and there’s plenty of room.” Beyond the walls of their new home, they’ve quickly felt part of the local community. Amy said: “Everyone’s so friendly. Neighbours help each other out, even something as simple as taking your bins out if you’re away. There’s a lovely pub within walking distance, and I’ve already found a great nail technician, which is important!” For Amy and Ben, buying their first home wasn’t just about bricks and mortar – it was about creating a base that works for their careers, their social life and their future. Amy said: “It was a big commitment, and saving took time, but we couldn’t be happier. The whole process was smooth, we felt really supported throughout, and now we’ve got a home we absolutely love.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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BIFIS Awards 2026 now open for entries

BIFIS Awards 2026 now open for entries

The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists is pleased to announce that the BIFIS Awards 2026, in partnership with InstallerSHOW, is now open for entries. The BIFIS Awards recognises talent, contribution and achievement in the fitted interiors installation sector and has seen significant growth since it launched in October 2021, and this year will feature new six categories, including the Installer’s Choice Awards, with installation professionals voting for the best products and brands in the sector. The BIFIS Awards are free to enter, and businesses and individuals can nominate themselves, their business, a colleague, business associate, or a company that they work with via a dedicated online platform. Entries can be submitted from Tuesday 10 March and more information on the entry criteria, the submission process and key dates can be found at www.entertoday.co.uk. The 2026 categories are: The Installer’s Choice – voted for by BIFIS registered installers BIFIS CEO Damian Walters commented “The consistent year-on-year growth in both entries and industry support highlights just how important it is to properly recognise and reward this vital workforce. This recognition matters not only to installers themselves, but to the wider fitted interiors industry that depends on their skill, professionalism, and dedication. Each year, we are inspired not just by the volume of submissions, but by the calibre of talent across the sector, from apprentices and installers to installation businesses and managers. The BIFIS Awards provides an inclusive platform that brings the entire installation community together to celebrate excellence and achievement.” New for 2026 BIFIS has teamed up with InstallerSHOW to bring the BIFIS Awards Gala Dinner Ceremony to the show for the very first time! The BIFIS Awards will be presented on the evening of Tuesday 23 June 2026. The BIFIS Awards Gala Dinner will also support the BIFIS Charity of the Year, the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, in recognition of the foundation’s outstanding work supporting people affected by motor neurone disease, following the loss of former BIFIS Inspector, Geoff Jackson, to the disease in 2025. More information on the BIFIS Awards 2026 can be found at www.entertoday.co.uk For information on remaining sponsorship opportunities, please email comms@bifis.org or call 01375 219 199, option 6. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Lights, camera, construction: £104m boost set to spark arena and film studio projects across the North East

Lights, camera, construction: £104m boost set to spark arena and film studio projects across the North East

A £104m public funding package aimed at kick-starting a new arena, film studios and cultural infrastructure across the North East could unlock major construction work beginning this summer. The ambitious Crown Works Studios project in Sunderland is among the developments expected to move forward as part of the investment programme. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said the funding would help unlock plans for the large-scale film studio complex while also supporting enabling works for a long-planned arena at Gateshead Quays. The largest single scheme within the programme is the £39m Crown Works Studios development. Preparatory construction work for phase one is expected to begin in July. The first phase will deliver around 125,000 sq ft of studio space, combining a new Studio One building with the conversion of the former Doxford Printworks site beside the River Wear. Once complete in 2027, the development is expected to rank among the largest film studio facilities in northern England. Funding for the scheme includes £11m of recyclable investment funding, £500,000 a year in operational support over five years, and £25m from previously allocated Trailblazer Devolution Deal funding. Alongside the Sunderland development, the Mayor has earmarked £24m to help unlock a new arena scheme at Gateshead Quays. The funding would support infrastructure works needed to prepare the riverside site for a proposed 12,500 to 15,000-seat arena. Plans also include a new public performance square next to The Glasshouse International Centre for Music and the creation of a green linear park linking the Tyne riverside with the Baltic Quarter. The investment is expected to help restart development at the Gateshead Quays site, where arena plans stalled during the pandemic amid rising construction costs. In January 2023 it was revealed that the estimated cost of the project had increased from £260m to more than £350m. The arena is also set to become the first major scheme linked to the Newcastle–Gateshead Mayoral Development Zone, which was established last year to accelerate regeneration along the Tyne corridor. Beyond the major construction projects, the wider £104m package also includes a £42m North East Culture, Creative Industries and Sport framework. This funding is intended to support grassroots venues, festivals and wider growth across the region’s creative sector. Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “If you have a creative dream, you don’t need London to succeed. We’ll prove that.” The proposals are due to go before the North East Combined Authority cabinet next week for approval. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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From pharma HQ to riverside neighbourhood: 2,300 homes approved for Brentford regeneration site

From pharma HQ to riverside neighbourhood: 2,300 homes approved for Brentford regeneration site

Plans to transform the former GlaxoSmithKline headquarters in Brentford into a major mixed-use neighbourhood featuring more than 2,300 homes have been approved. Developer Hadley Property Group has secured planning permission for the large-scale redevelopment of the 13-acre site at 980 Great West Road in West London. The scheme will deliver over 2,300 homes across a mix of tenures, with 35% designated as affordable housing. Alongside the residential development, plans include around 330,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, creating a new neighbourhood along the M4 corridor. A key part of the development involves retaining and repurposing two of the main buildings from the former GlaxoSmithKline campus, including its landmark tower. Hadley, which acquired the site three years ago, said the approach will help reduce embodied carbon while allowing the creation of new homes with large balconies, shared amenity spaces and a rooftop conservatory. The reuse strategy is expected to save more than 34,500 tonnes of embodied carbon during the demolition and construction stages. Studio Egret West is leading the redesign of the tower and is also involved in new affordable housing elements and the wider landscaping across the site. More than 60% of the development area will be given over to public realm, including new play spaces, gardens and improved access to the River Brent and nearby Boston Manor Park. The proposals also include around 23,000 sq m of employment space, with flexible units intended for local businesses, markets and community events. Hadley said the project will open up what has historically been a closed corporate campus, introducing a series of distinct areas described as arrival, central, underside and riverside zones designed to reconnect the site with Brentford High Street. One of the more distinctive features of the masterplan is a strip of public space known as the Underside, which will run beneath the elevated M4 motorway. A number of architectural practices are involved in the project, including Haworth Tompkins, Studio Egret West, Metropolitan Workshop and DRMM. The wider project team includes TPS as project manager, Gardiner & Theobald as quantity surveyor and Buro Happold providing MEP services. Andy Portlock, chief executive of Hadley, said reaching planning approval reflected the collaborative approach taken with the local authority. He said the development combines a major retrofit strategy with a strong focus on creating a new community, adding that the scheme will include a range of housing tenures alongside facilities such as a new NHS primary care centre and a technology and innovation hub as part of the emerging Golden Mile district in Brentford. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Tower Hamlets moves to unlock 52,000-home pipeline

Tower Hamlets moves to unlock 52,000-home pipeline

Tower Hamlets has today (10 March 2026) set out how it will deliver its 52,000-home growth pipeline under Future Places, packaging publicly controlled land, direct council development and major regeneration sites into a single market-facing programme. As national and London-wide policy sharpens its focus on growth and housing supply, the borough is positioning itself to deliver at scale. The report, created in partnership with Arup, includes up to 10,000 homes at South Poplar and Billingsgate to the north of Canary Wharf, 3,300 homes across more than 40 council-owned sites, and 1,100 homes to be delivered directly by the council over the next six years. The borough is seeking development and investment partners to accelerate delivery across these sites. The pipeline builds on one of the strongest housing track records in London. Since 2011, Tower Hamlets has delivered more than 38,000 homes – more than any other London borough – and granted consent for over 9,000 additional homes in the past year alone. The borough already generates the third largest economic output in the UK and has the highest GVA per hour worked. Financial and professional services contribute £11bn in output and support more than 160,000 jobs, while Tower Hamlets represents half of London’s office development pipeline. Health, research and technology is identified as a key driver of the next phase of growth. £800m has been secured for the Barts Life Sciences Cluster in Whitechapel, creating more than 5,000 jobs and anchoring a major innovation corridor in east London. Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “We are scaling up growth in Tower Hamlets and opening up major opportunities for investment across the borough. We are unlocking major publicly controlled sites and inviting partners to help deliver them. We have the land, the connectivity and the track record to move at pace. We are open for investment and ready to engage with partners who want to move quickly and deliver quality. Tower Hamlets is at the forefront of tackling London’s housing crisis. Having already built more homes than any other London borough since 2013, we have one of the most ambitious plans in the country to build thousands more homes, and particularly affordable and social rent homes, to meet the needs of our residents. Together, we can create homes, jobs and innovation that strengthen London and the wider UK economy, while ensuring growth brings lasting benefits for our communities.” Steve Halsey, Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Council, said: “Future Places sets out a clear and deliverable pipeline. We have publicly controlled land, a strong planning track record and the senior capacity in place to move schemes forward. Our focus is on investment certainty and partnership – providing a single point of contact, consistent decision-making and proactive use of our planning and enabling powers to unlock development. We are ready to work with institutional investors and development partners who want to deliver.” Eight key opportunity areas identified in Future Places include: The council says the scale of publicly controlled land and its delivery record position Tower Hamlets as one of London’s most active growth authorities. View the full Future Places prospectus at www.lovetowerhamlets.com/investors Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Panattoni strengthens UK platform with nine senior appointments

Panattoni strengthens UK platform with nine senior appointments

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, has made nine senior appointments across its UK development, project delivery and investment and finance teams, as the business continues to scale its acquisition and development programme. The appointments, which bring talent from CBRE, Savills, PwC, Chancerygate, Knight Frank, Boreal IM, Montagu Evans and Interpath Advisory, reflect the depth of Panattoni’s current UK pipeline and its confidence in continuing to invest in its people at a time when many across the sector are consolidating their workforces. Last year the company acquired 11 sites, secured 250 acres of land adding five million sq ft to its development pipeline, as well as leasing 2.5 million sq ft of space. That momentum has continued into 2026, with four lease transactions already signed in the first quarter. Development Three appointments have been made across Panattoni’s UK development platform, covering Southern England, London and the North. Alex Selwood joins as Associate Director from CBRE, where he was a Director advising industrial occupiers on their property acquisitions. Based within the Southern England and London team, he will focus on new site acquisitions and leasing activity. Chris Brown joins as Development Director from Chancerygate, where he was focusing on acquisitions in the North of England. He will help lead the expansion of Panattoni’s acquisition and leasing activity across its Northern portfolio. Will Fennell joins as Development Manager, South East and London, from Montagu Evans, where he was an Associate, and will work closely with occupiers on leasing while supporting speculative development across the region. Oliver Bertram, Head of Development (UK) at Panattoni, said: “The scale of our UK pipeline demands a development team with the depth and range to execute across multiple regions simultaneously. Alex, Will and Chris each bring a level of experience and market knowledge that will directly support our ability to move quickly on acquisitions and maintain leasing momentum. The breadth of their backgrounds, from occupier advisory to speculative development, reflects the range of what we are building at Panattoni.” Chris Brown, Panattoni new hire as Development Director, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Panattoni at such an exciting point in its growth. The momentum the business has built over the past few years has been remarkable, establishing itself as the most active industrial developer in the UK and a market leader across multiple regions. It’s a great platform to be part of, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued expansion of the Northern portfolio. Project Delivery Three appointments have been made to Panattoni’s Southern Project Management Team. Phil Beato joins as Project Delivery Director, having previously managed development and repositioning projects across Europe at Boreal IM. Tom Bird joins in the same role from Savills, where he was a Project Management Director. Chris Thrippleton joins as Senior Project Manager from Chancerygate, where he focused on project management for industrial developments. Ian Anderson, Head of Project Management at Panattoni, said: “Delivering at the pace our pipeline now requires means having the right people embedded at every stage of the process, from initial due diligence through to handover. Phil, Tom and Chris strengthen our capacity to do exactly that. Between them they bring experience across complex European development programmes, major project management mandates and industrial delivery at scale, and I am looking forward to what we will achieve together.” Phil Beato, Project Delivery Director, said: “It’s great to join Panattoni and gain a deeper understanding of the development platform from within such a well-respected global business. The scale, quality and ambition of the pipeline is clear to see, and it’s an exciting time to come on board. Having delivered development and repositioning projects across Europe, I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to the team and supporting the next phase of the company’s growth across the UK.” Capital Markets Panattoni has also bolstered its UK capital markets team against a backdrop of renewed investor appetite and activity across the sector. Phoebe Burdett has joined as Capital Markets Analyst from Knight Frank’s London Capital Markets team and will play a central role in capital formation, supporting investor relations and transaction management across the platform. Investment and Finance Two appointments have been made to Panattoni’s finance and investment team, strengthening its capacity to enhance financial structuring, execution and managing an increasingly active development programme. Garrick Pepper joins as Associate Director, Investment and Finance, from PwC, where he led advisory work across M&A and corporate finance transactions. Garrick is an active contributor to the UK property industry and serves on the British Property Federation’s Logistics Committee and Futures Advisory Board. Zachary Atkinson joins as Associate, Investment and Finance, from Interpath Advisory, where he was a Manager in M&A, having previously worked at KPMG. Oliver Choppin, Finance Director at Panattoni, said: “We are delighted to welcome Garrick and Zachary to the team to deepen and broaden our finance and investment function. Their appointments significantly strengthen our capabilities across transaction management, capital deployment and financial operations, ensuring we are well positioned to support the continued growth of the business. As our pipeline continues to expand, building out a best-in-class finance team is critical. These hires reflect our long-term commitment to disciplined growth, strong governance and delivering value for our investors and partners.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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First 30 homes handed over on iconic £36m Port Loop scheme in Birmingham

First 30 homes handed over on iconic £36m Port Loop scheme in Birmingham

The first 30 homes on a high-profile £36m urban development scheme in Birmingham have been handed over – ahead of schedule. Keon Homes, working in partnership with sister company Cameron Homes, has completed the two and three-bedroom homes on Icknield Port Loop development for housing association partner Midland Heart, with many residents already settling in. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the thoughtful design of the homes, the sense of community taking shape, and the smooth move‑in experience. It marks an important milestone for Phase 3 of the scheme, which will eventually see the construction of 124 properties, a mix of different size homes and a small apartment block that straddles the canal corner. All homes are being designed to be sympathetic to the heritage of the site and will be spacious and zero carbon ready, incorporating electric heating, hot water heat pumps and generating localised electricity through solar panels. They will utilise sustainable timber frame construction methods and the first 30 properties all feature sawtooth roofs – a hat tip to an industrial past. Matt Beckley, Partnerships Director at Keon Homes, commented: “Port Loop was a real statement urban regeneration scheme for the local authority, yet hasn’t been without its challenges with two developers entering administration before they could start Phase 3. “We came in and promised to build the 124 properties on time and to the highest standards and this first handover, ahead of schedule, reaffirms that commitment.” He continued: “More importantly, we have delivered thirty much-needed affordable homes to individuals and families, giving them the opportunity to start new lives and form the beginning of new communities. That’s what this scheme is all about.” Icknield Port Loop is the latest in a long line of successes for Keon Homes, who secured a record £60m year in 2025. The company has evolved into one of the Midlands’ fastest growing affordable developers and a business that thrives on delivering complex projects that predominantly bring brownfield sites back to life. There is a big focus on ensuring projects leave a legacy to the region, both in the fabric of the design, the creation of new communities and the economic boost to a supply chain that is 90% based within a 25-mile radius of the scheme. “Our mantra is ‘to do the right thing’ and this was put in place by the founding directors in 2017,” added Matt. “We can only consistently deliver schemes ahead of schedule if you have the right supply chain in place, with transparent communications, trust and collaboration at the heart of the relationship. “Port Loop is the perfect example of this in action. We’re utilising building experts and sub-contractors that are predominantly based within the West Midlands and have worked with us on numerous schemes before. In fact, last year we invested £48m with our suppliers.” He continued: “Developing the next generation of construction professionals is also important to us. This isn’t marketing rhetoric, this is reflected in the fact we are employing 15 apprentices directly or indirectly on this landmark scheme.” Port Loop is the fifth scheme Keon Homes has developed in partnership with Midland Heart, following completion of Booth’s Lane and ongoing works at Holyhead Road, Bulkington and Phase 3D of Port Loop. Midland Heart’s ambitious development programme has delivered 4,000 new affordable homes over the past five years, with a further 2,250 set to be built and handed over by 2030. Joe Reeves, Deputy Chief Executive at Midland Heart, said: “Port Loop is an important regeneration project for Birmingham, and we’re delighted to see the first homes completed and handed over to tenants. “These properties reflect our commitment to delivering sustainable, well‑designed places where people can thrive. As the wider scheme progresses, we look forward to welcoming many more families into this growing neighbourhood of high‑quality, affordable homes.” For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk or follow the company on its social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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