CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) and Scottish media company, DC Thomson, have entered into a long-term facilities management agreement, enabling a step-change in the delivery of technical services across DC Thomson’s property portfolio. As part of the agreement, CBRE will deliver hard services across 17 sites, which include Dundee, Aberdeen,
Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation. Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College,
From cutting-edge sustainability to inclusive design and wellbeing-focused spaces, this year’s British Council for Offices (BCO) Regional Awards have showcased the very best in workplace innovation across the South of England, South Wales, Midlands, and Central England. Across two ceremonies—one held at We The Curious in Bristol and the other
To mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week (12 May – 18 May 2025), The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has today released its latest figures for its mental health training. Since 2018, CITB has supported over 52,000 construction workers to complete mental health training – vital support for
Winvic Construction has secured a major contract to deliver a 544-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Coventry, marking a new partnership with developer Gilltown. Located at Westwood Business Park, just a mile from the University of Warwick, the development—dubbed Progress House—will transform the site of a former office building
SEGRO has secured over 60,000 sq ft of new lettings at Slough Trading Estate, welcoming a diverse group of dynamic businesses across logistics, engineering manufacturing and construction From immersive entertainment and aerospace engineering to advanced manufacturing and specialist contracting, the latest deals underscore the continued strength of occupier demand and
K-BRIQ, made from nearly 100% recycled construction waste, set to transform sustainable building as commercial production begins… Scottish cleantech building materials company Kenoteq has marked a watershed moment for sustainable construction with its revolutionary K-BRIQ, made from construction and demolition waste, achieving certification from the British Board of Agrément (BBA),
Lifestyle and fashion brand Anthropologie is preparing to open its first-ever store in the North West, having secured a prominent spot at Liverpool ONE. Set to occupy a 7,000 sq ft flagship unit on Peter’s Lane, the store will offer the brand’s signature mix of womenswear, footwear, accessories and homeware—all
Enabling works at Prologis Park Luton are well underway, marking the start of an exciting transformation for the former Vauxhall site on Osborne Road. With demolition and groundworks progressing on schedule, the site is set to be fully prepared for redevelopment to commence on site by Q3 2025. This major regeneration
Leading heritage housebuilder City & Country has announced today (Friday 9th May) it has exchanged contracts to purchase the former Legal & General HQ in Kingswood, spanning 47.5 acres, further adding to the business’ recent acquisitions in pursuit of expanding the delivery of quality homes. City & Country will re-submit
CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) and Scottish media company, DC Thomson, have entered into a long-term facilities management agreement, enabling a step-change in the delivery of technical services across DC Thomson’s property portfolio. As part of the agreement, CBRE will deliver hard services across 17 sites, which include Dundee, Aberdeen, and London locations, encompassing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fabric engineering. DC Thomson, a family-owned company headquartered in Dundee, has properties spanning the UK, including both office and manufacturing assets. As a leading provider of facilities and workplace solutions in Scotland with significant technical expertise, CBRE’s focus will be supporting DC Thomson in protecting the integrity of the estate, implementing planned and proactive maintenance regimes, and enhancing statutory compliance. CBRE will also work closely with DC Thomson and their advisor, Cadeama Consulting, to preserve the company’s presence in the local communities in which they operate, crafting a bespoke supply chain strategy that prioritises local organisations and delivers social value. Alex Noyce, Business Unit Director – Scotland at CBRE GWS says: “We are thrilled to be working with DC Thomson and supporting them as they look to enhance their portfolio. “This collaboration brings together CBRE’s hard-services heritage with DC Thomson’s commitment to property maintenance, community engagement, and sustainability. Our shared values and understanding of the unique demands of the media industry make this relationship a perfect fit. “We look forward to supporting DC Thomson in protecting their heritage and assets. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring the long-term preservation of their properties.” Ian Simpson, Head of Estates and Operations at DC Thomson says: “We are delighted to be working with CBRE GWS to deliver our facilities management services. Although they are a globally renowned organisation, we are impressed by their local expertise and commitment to developing an integrated and sustainable supply chain that promotes growth and jobs across the communities in which we operate. “We expect this appointment will deliver a step change in the way we provide services to the wider DC Thomson community. CBRE’s approach to date has given us confidence that working with them will achieve that.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation. Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College, with its trailblazing USP Immersive Theatre, both spaces were designed to challenge the norms of traditional teaching and deliver deeply engaging, real-world-ready learning environments. Designing the Future with USP College At USP College, the goal was ambitious: to build a flexible immersive theatre that could seamlessly incorporate VR and provide an experience far beyond conventional classrooms’ limits. In an interview with Dan Pearson, USP College CEO, he quoted saying “we have a vision of what we want the space to be able to do. A strategic vision about… future purpose and ensure we stay ahead of time. We knew that the architects that we chose have to be somebody that deliver, someone that can come and give it the wow factor.” WindsorPatania Architects was the chosen entity and led the charge from day one. “Design information was presented in a format that enabled both the client and building user to easily understand how the physical space was going to be utilised,” said John Blundell (MCIOB) from TJEvers. This early alignment helped everyone involved see the vision. As the Architect Director of this project, my main challenge, as usual, is to keep everything together. All these orders, requests, as well as the budget constraints, the timeline. And we’re really pleased to say that we managed to achieve our great results.” The team tackled key design requirements such as adaptability, future-proofing, and ease of use well before construction. Their early involvement ensured that the physical environment would serve the evolving needs of students and staff alike. Our Development Director, Ryan Windsor notes that when we’re thinking about what we’re doing to the space and how we’re gonna transform it, we often think about assets. We want to create an asset for the College or Universities. We want to inspire the students. James McInroy, USP College Executive Director shared that- “What we’ve done is… provided brand-new facilities which are modern, state-of-the-art, and conducive with the current climate and reflect the external employment environment.” One of the most significant breakthroughs came from how the people involved used VR during the design phase. “The ability of the VR technology to quickly model on ‘Site Survey’ and ‘As Built’ information greatly assisted design change, coordination of M&E services, and installation of FF&E elements,” Blundell added. Despite the project’s technical complexity, the group completed the immersive theatre fit-out in 12 weeks—a testament to Windsor Patania Architects streamlined design and integration process. Chris Murgatroyd, USP College Vice Principal Academic added, “previously, the space was drab, it was old, it was tired, it was slightly depressing to walk into.” WindsorPatania Architects’ task was to come in and build that wow factor. We decided to go for a really minimalistic look for everything, such as old tribunes, the sitting area, the monitor, and we just decided to emphasize the ceiling as the main feature of the space. Dan Pearson commented that -” the transformation was outstanding”. After seeing the complete transformation of the spaces. While Chris Murgatroyd added a compliment as “Now, when we come into the area, it’s engaging, and it’s exciting.” Steven Hendy, USP College CFO, expresses his desire to have an environment that is available to all USP College students. He is proud that the investment has paid off. When you design a beautiful space with a wow factor, you also have to think about how you get to the space from outside. So, in the case of the immersive theatre, we found the opportunity to create feature corridors, like a portal that leads you to a new dimension. As you’re walking into the new space, you feel like something beautiful is going to happen. And as you open the doors and enter, your expectations are fully satisfied as you see a stunning masterpiece bought together by a collaboration of experts with a feature of a delicate and illuminated ceiling which highlights the area. The main aspect of the T-level labs to make them successful as a design was to channel all the requests and the brief from the college itself into a functional layout. Creating Connection with The XR Lab At Eastern Education Group, the vision was clear: build a space that removes the barrier of geography and brings education closer to the real world. The result was the XR Lab—an immersive environment where students don’t just learn about their subjects, but they live them. Learners can use the XR Lab in a wide range of subjects: health, counselling, chemistry, engineering, renewables, maths, logistics, and more. “There are so many examples,” Tom Lloyd shared. Every Friday, our health and applied science students come into study using a specific piece of software that our team has created.” Staff also receive training and hands-on support. “As part of every personal development day, all staff get the chance to work and better understand the capabilities of the XR lab,” Tom Lloyd said. “The XR team are [sic] available to offer significant support to them every time they want to use the new technology.” Designing this space meant considering how students of all learning styles and abilities would interact with the technology. Ethical use, community engagement, and preferred learning styles were all factored into WindsorPatania’s thoughtful and inclusive design approach. “We wanted to create a cutting-edge space that would remove the barrier of geography and close the gap between industry and education,” said Tom Lloyd from Eastern Education Group. The impact has been transformational. “It increases engagement in our experience. It also stimulates excitement to learn and supports knowledge and skill acquisition. The data captured backs this up,” Tom Lloyd added. The immersive nature of the lab boosts student motivation, and early data trends point to better learning outcomes
From cutting-edge sustainability to inclusive design and wellbeing-focused spaces, this year’s British Council for Offices (BCO) Regional Awards have showcased the very best in workplace innovation across the South of England, South Wales, Midlands, and Central England. Across two ceremonies—one held at We The Curious in Bristol and the other at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham—14 outstanding office projects were celebrated for redefining what it means to design a workplace fit for the future. Whether delivering high-performance refurbishments or ground-breaking new builds, each project stands as a testament to the evolving needs of occupiers, blending technology, ESG credentials, and employee-centric features. People-first design leads the way Across both regions, a strong theme emerged: offices are no longer just places to work—they are environments that foster connection, productivity and wellbeing. This shift was clear in projects like Dojo’s Bristol HQ, which won Best Fit Out Workplace in the South. The 54,770 sq ft space features barista bars, graffiti by local artists, and biophilic elements, underlining a clear commitment to employee experience and sustainability. Meanwhile, in the Midlands, Project Arden in Coventry scooped the same accolade, recognised for its flexible hybrid-ready layout and SKA Gold certification achieved through carbon-conscious fit-out choices. The project impressed judges for its teamwork and user-focused design, creating a truly collaborative space for Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Heritage meets innovation Creative reuse also took centre stage, with judges awarding multiple prizes to exceptional refurbishments and conversions. The Entopia Building in Cambridge—winner of the Refurbished/Recycled Workplace award—transformed a 1930s telephone exchange into a globally pioneering sustainability hub, achieving EnerPHit Classic, WELL Gold and BREEAM Outstanding ratings. In the South, BLOK Bristol was similarly applauded for turning a dated 1980s office into a vibrant, carbon-conscious workplace. Its lively communal lounge, coffee shop and flexible leasing options made it a model for futureproof urban workspaces. And in Shrewsbury, history took a new lease of life at Flaxmill Maltings. Once dubbed the ‘grandparent of skyscrapers’, the restored 18th-century mill now hosts workspaces, a café and community hub—earning it the Innovation award for the Midlands and Central region. Sustainability takes centre stage Sustainability was not a side note in this year’s awards—it was a core differentiator. In Reading, ONE Station Hill stood out for its BREEAM Outstanding, all-electric, net-zero carbon design. Its pre-letting to firms such as PepsiCo and PwC highlights the demand for future-ready buildings that also elevate the employee experience with fitness suites and rooftop terraces. Unusual HQ in Northampton took things a step further—designed for full disassembly, built from reclaimed materials and generating more energy than it consumes, it was hailed as a “pioneering achievement” by BCO judges. Meanwhile, Unity Place in Milton Keynes, Santander UK’s new HQ, was praised for its community-first design, solar panels offsetting 40 tonnes of CO₂ annually, and inclusive internal streets hosting independent shops and shared spaces. Small but mighty projects Even projects under 2,500m² made a significant impact. Englefield Estate Yard in Reading transformed a derelict Grade II listed sawmill into a biophilic, low-carbon hub using local materials and renewable energy systems. Similarly, JLL’s new Birmingham office proved that a compact footprint can still deliver excellence in ESG, flexibility and wellbeing, with a standout biophilic interior and acoustic-sensitive layouts. Looking ahead Harry Allen, Director at Savills in Bristol and Judging Chair for the South of England and South Wales, summed up the mood: “This year’s entries reflect the very best of a changing office landscape, where wellbeing, sustainability and flexibility are fundamental to workplace design.” Rob van Zyl, Chairman of the BCO Midlands Committee, echoed the sentiment: “These exemplar projects show how design can go beyond aesthetics to make a real contribution to communities, employees and the environment.” All regional winners will go on to compete at the BCO National Awards in London on 7 October 2025, where the country’s most forward-thinking offices will be crowned. The BCO Awards are sponsored by AET Flexible Space, with support from AECOM, Glamox, Troup Bywaters + Anders, Overbury, Quantem and Willmott Dixon. The awards are held in association with Estates Gazette. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
To mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week (12 May – 18 May 2025), The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has today released its latest figures for its mental health training. Since 2018, CITB has supported over 52,000 construction workers to complete mental health training – vital support for an industry facing a mental health crisis. The courses provide training to educate and equip construction workers with the knowledge to recognise mental health issues developing and start practical mental health conversations. Since 2018, CITB has allocated over £1.5 million to mental health projects and more than £1.3 million in grants to support mental health first aid and awareness courses. The training schemes that are supported through CITB’s Grants Scheme help raise awareness of mental health issues in the industry, helping people in the industry understand the challenges their colleagues may be facing. The figures released today show the total number of individuals supported with mental health awareness and first aid training through the Grants Scheme in financial year 2024-25: Alongside the Grants Scheme, CITB has played a key role in advancing mental health support within the construction industry, including through initiatives such as Building Mental Health with the Lighthouse Club and the mental health for construction apprentices’ projects. These two commissions resulted in: Tim Balcon, CEO, CITB said: “There’s no getting away from the fact that the construction industry is facing a mental health crisis, and we all need to be collectively addressing this issue. It’s encouraging to see the large numbers of people completing mental health awareness and first aid training, and I urge others in the industry to complete mental health courses also. “We need to look after our workforce. When all workers can access support, without fear of stigma, lives will be saved and attracting new entrants will be easier. This is why CITB is actively supporting mental health schemes within the construction industry and will continue to do so by collaborating with key industry stakeholders to ensure everyone has access to mental health resources.” Find out more about CITB’s mental health awareness training here, and find out more about CITB’s mental health first aid training here. Plenty more resources on identifying and addressing mental health issues are available through Mates in Mind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction has secured a major contract to deliver a 544-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Coventry, marking a new partnership with developer Gilltown. Located at Westwood Business Park, just a mile from the University of Warwick, the development—dubbed Progress House—will transform the site of a former office building into a six-storey, high-spec student community designed with both comfort and sustainability in mind. As well as a 4,000 sq ft commercial unit at ground level to serve students and the surrounding neighbourhood, the scheme boasts an impressive line-up of amenities. These include a gym, fitness studio, cinema room, dinner party space, games lounge, quiet study rooms and a garden lounge. Outdoor features will include a sports area and pétanque court, promoting both wellness and social engagement. Sustainability is central to the project’s design, with Progress House targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating and aiming for WiredScore Platinum certification—underlining its focus on digital connectivity and environmental performance. While the initial planning application was turned down in July 2023 due to local opposition, it was granted approval on appeal in March 2024. The development is now on track for completion in summer 2027, ready for student occupancy in the 2027/28 academic year. Mark Jones, Managing Director for Multi-Room at Winvic, commented:“Coventry is home to a thriving student population, and Westwood Business Park is at the heart of that. Progress House will offer students a modern, connected, and vibrant place to live, while enhancing the wider community. We’re proud to be working alongside Gilltown to deliver not just accommodation, but real social value—this is the Winvic Way in action.” James Gillespie, Co-Owner of Gilltown, added:“This is a key project for us and we’re thrilled to get underway. Westwood Business Park is ideally positioned for student living, and we’re confident that Winvic’s expertise will help us realise our vision for a high-quality, future-proofed development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO has secured over 60,000 sq ft of new lettings at Slough Trading Estate, welcoming a diverse group of dynamic businesses across logistics, engineering manufacturing and construction From immersive entertainment and aerospace engineering to advanced manufacturing and specialist contracting, the latest deals underscore the continued strength of occupier demand and the appeal of Europe’s largest privately-owned business park under single ownership. In a strong start to the year, SEGRO has secured a dozen new lettings in just four months – that’s an average of around one deal every 10 days – with leases agreed across a variety of sectors. This strong pipeline of activity highlights the adaptability and broad appeal of Slough Trading Estate as a destination for modern businesses. These include: Anna Bond, Head of Western Corridor at SEGRO, said: “This diverse range of new customers highlights Slough Trading Estate’s ongoing evolution as a vibrant and dynamic business destination. The variety of companies choosing to establish or expand their operations here reflects the strength and adaptability of the Trading Estate’s offer, the quality of the spaces available and the amenities on your doorstep.” Last month, SEGRO completed the development of nine new speculatively-built industrial units at Slough Trading Estate, delivering highly sustainable workspace ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 sq ft for growing businesses, alongside larger units of 32,000 and 45,000 sq ft for more established occupiers. Slough’s strategic location, excellent transport links and well-established infrastructure continue to make it one of the UK’s most desirable industrial locations. With over a third of warehouse space built in the last ten years, SEGRO is continually investing in the Trading Estate to ensure it meets the evolving needs of modern businesses. See www.SEGRO.com for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
K-BRIQ, made from nearly 100% recycled construction waste, set to transform sustainable building as commercial production begins… Scottish cleantech building materials company Kenoteq has marked a watershed moment for sustainable construction with its revolutionary K-BRIQ, made from construction and demolition waste, achieving certification from the British Board of Agrément (BBA), the UK’s leading construction certification body. As one of the world’s most sustainable low-carbon bricks, the K-BRIQ can now be confidently specified into a wide range of construction projects ranging from facades and feature walls to brick plinths. Kenoteq is beginning commercial production of up to two million bricks annually. This will scale to four million as required, from its first production facility in East Lothian. The company then plans to set up regional production both in the UK and internationally to provide low carbon building products from local waste. The unfired K-BRIQ, made from nearly 100 percent recycled construction and demolition waste, has been certified with the same accreditation as standard clay bricks, yet produces 95% less embodied carbon due to its innovative production process. With no standard testing regime for a non-traditional building material of this type, the K-BRIQ underwent an unprecedented level of rigorous testing over several years. Notably, it received the maximum durability rating possible, which is particularly important for the UK market. As leaders in sustainability, public sector organisations and developers in the City of London are already showing strong interest in the K-BRIQ’s environmental credentials as it can help meet their ambitious climate targets. Educational estates, large scale office buildings and major urban regeneration projects are likely to be among early adopters. This milestone follows additional certification for use in the United States through the prestigious DrJ Technical Evaluation Report (TER), positioning the K-BRIQ as a Scottish innovation preparing to make a global impact. With dual international certification secured, and European certification underway, the company is already fielding enquiries from across the world. The K-BRIQ addresses significant environmental challenges in the construction industry. Today’s staple construction products drain finite resources while the sector is the largest contributor to landfill waste. The UK also relies on an environmentally damaging level of traditional high carbon brick imports. As Europe’s largest market for bricks, the UK uses around 2.5 billion bricks annually. With over 500 million imported and around 50 million of these travelling from outside the EU, the environmental impact is colossal. Additionally, more than a third of the waste in global landfills is estimated to be of demolition and construction origin. Construction, demolition and excavation waste accounts for approximately 60-65% of total waste generated in the UK, of which approximately 50-60 million tonnes is construction and demolition waste specifically. Tackling this, Kenoteq can create recycled bricks fit for use within 24 hours of the processed waste arriving at its ultra-low energy factory. Sam Chapman, co-founder and executive director of Kenoteq, said: “This certification marks the arrival of a truly transformative building material for the construction and interior design industries. Unlike approaches that simply treat the symptoms of construction’s environmental impact, the K-BRIQ addresses the root cause by directly tackling the waste crisis while delivering a product that performs exactly like traditional materials, including the clay brick. “Securing BBA certification allows our product to be specified with confidence on commercial projects across the UK. We’ve already seen significant interest from leading property developers, architectural firms and public sector bodies committed to reducing the carbon footprint of their construction projects. “The K-BRIQ is not just an environmentally superior alternative to traditional bricks, but a technically robust building material suitable for a wide range of construction applications. With our certification secured, we can now scale up production to meet market requirements while maintaining the exceptional quality and sustainability credentials that set us apart. “The construction industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. The BBA certification of the K-BRIQ demonstrates that these goals are not mutually exclusive – we can build better while building greener.” The K-BRIQ has achieved 100 tonnes of carbon savings in demonstration projects delivered to date. With 95% less embodied carbon than a traditional brick, the K-BRIQ represents a major advancement in sustainable construction materials at a time when embodied carbon is increasingly recognised as crucial to the whole-life carbon impact of buildings. Embodied carbon can account for over 50% of a building’s total carbon footprint, yet has received less attention than operational carbon in regulations and industry practices. With a standard two-bedroom house in the UK typically requiring around 12,000 bricks, using a standard clay brick creates 5.46 tonnes of CO2e, a more comprehensive measurement than CO2 alone. Building with the K-BRIQ, in contrast, creates 0.2 tonnes of CO2e. Katy Roberts, Sales and Marketing Director at the British Board of Agrément, said: “The BBA is proud to play its part in helping clients like Kenoteq bring innovative and sustainable new products into the market. In a sector where safety, performance, and trust are non-negotiable, third-party certification plays a crucial role in enabling innovation. “Independent certification provides a rigorous, evidence-based pathway for new products to gain market acceptance. It reassures stakeholders, supports regulatory compliance, and ultimately helps turn groundbreaking ideas into real-world construction solutions.” With all K-BRIQs now achieving the highest level of durability rating under BBA certification, the Medero Dark Grey K-BRIQ variant has achieved an A-class fire rating, allowing its use in buildings classed as the highest risk. The K-BRIQ is available in 12 different colours, produced using recycled pigments, offering architects and developers aesthetic flexibility without compromising on environmental performance. The BBA certification enables the K-BRIQ to be used in a wide range of building applications, satisfying insurance, warranty, mortgage and third-party liability requirements, which have previously been barriers to the widespread adoption of innovative construction materials. Early adopter projects across the UK and Europe have already showcased the aesthetic and technical capabilities of the K-BRIQ including walling and installations at Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre at BE-ST (Built Environment Smarter
Lifestyle and fashion brand Anthropologie is preparing to open its first-ever store in the North West, having secured a prominent spot at Liverpool ONE. Set to occupy a 7,000 sq ft flagship unit on Peter’s Lane, the store will offer the brand’s signature mix of womenswear, footwear, accessories and homeware—all under one roof. The move marks a significant milestone in Anthropologie’s UK expansion and brings yet another sought-after name to Liverpool’s retail heart. Rob Deacon, Asset Management Director at Liverpool ONE – Landsec, commented:“2025 is already shaping up to be a landmark year for Liverpool ONE. The arrival of Anthropologie further elevates our line-up of premium and international brands, reinforcing our position as one of the UK’s most dynamic retail destinations. This is yet another compelling reason to visit.” Anthropologie’s signing comes hot on the heels of several major additions to the centre. Japanese retailer UNIQLO recently opened its doors at Liverpool ONE, marking its first foray into the city, while global beauty powerhouse Sephora and fashion group TFG London are both due to open later this month. With momentum building, Liverpool ONE continues to attract world-class brands seeking to tap into the region’s vibrant and style-savvy consumer base. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Enabling works at Prologis Park Luton are well underway, marking the start of an exciting transformation for the former Vauxhall site on Osborne Road. With demolition and groundworks progressing on schedule, the site is set to be fully prepared for redevelopment to commence on site by Q3 2025. This major regeneration project will breathe new life into the area, delivering high-quality logistics space, job opportunities and a site that is accessible to and celebrates the history of the local community. The units can be delivered for occupation by September 2026. Prologis UK has been working closely with local heritage groups and Vauxhall enthusiasts to ensure the site’s rich automotive history is commemorated. Careful removal and preservation of ‘The Wheel’, originally built into the structure of Griffin House’s design studios, will allow for history to be honoured in the site’s next chapter. Former employees and car enthusiasts were given a final opportunity to bid farewell to Griffin House, a key part of Vauxhall’s legacy, before its demolition and visited the site recently to mark the moment with a parade of a number of landmark models, which were designed and developed at the location on display, including the Silver Bullet, Black Magic and Silver Aero. Vauxhall enthusiast, Adam King said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Prologis for opening the doors to Griffin House and giving us the opportunity to visit this important piece of Vauxhall’s history one last time. It means a great deal to our members and the wider community to mark the legacy of the site before its next chapter begins. “Our sincere thanks also go to the Winvic construction team for their support and care in making the visit possible.” The preservation of The Wheel is just the beginning of an ambitious placemaking strategy designed to connect Prologis Park Luton with the wider town. Additionally, a new pedestrian and cycle-friendly route will be created, providing direct access from Osborne Road to Luton’s town centre, further integrating the site into the local community and enhancing connectivity. Looking forward, Prologis Park Luton is set to become a centre for training and employment in the logistics sector. With planning permission recently granted for The Hub, a new flexible training facility dedicated to skills development that will support the growth of the industry and provide valuable training opportunities for local residents. Prologis Park Luton is projected to create 615 jobs, with The Hub facilitating apprenticeships, upskilling programmes and career development pathways for people looking to enter or progress within the logistics sector. Simon Perks, Capital Deployment Director at Prologis UK, said: “Prologis Park Luton offers an exciting opportunity for businesses looking to establish themselves in a prime logistics location. With cutting-edge facilities, excellent transport links and a strong focus on sustainability and skills development, this site is set to become a key hub for the logistics sector. We invite interested businesses to reach out and discover how they can be part of this transformative development.” For further information, visit https://www.prologis.co.uk/properties/our-parks/prologis-park-luton Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading heritage housebuilder City & Country has announced today (Friday 9th May) it has exchanged contracts to purchase the former Legal & General HQ in Kingswood, spanning 47.5 acres, further adding to the business’ recent acquisitions in pursuit of expanding the delivery of quality homes. City & Country will re-submit plans for the site, which has existing planning permission for 280 care dwellings and associated amenity areas including a wellness centre, swimming pool, restaurant, and on-site stop and store units. The former L&Q building comprises several existing buildings including Grade II* offices and the locally listed former St Monica’s School. The S106 agreement was formalised in September 2020, including improvements to local footpaths and level crossings. Knight Frank acted on the disposal of the site. The site became vacant in 2018, and in 2020 full planning and listed building consent was granted for an Integrated Retirement Community comprising 270 units and 10 respite care units across four phases, with associated amenity areas and landscaped gardens. Wayne Douglas, MD at City & Country, comments: “At City & Country, we have a strong track record in preserving our nation’s important listed buildings by delivering new high-quality developments, so this site is a perfect fit for us. The former L&G House represents another exciting, high-profile development opportunity for the business which we are confident will further enhance our reputation in the industry as well as contribute to the new housing that the country needs. We are looking forward to sharing more plans in the near future to meet the evolving needs of the community and bringing new life to this site which has been vacant for too long.” City & Country’s Land and Property Director, Simon Marner, adds: “The team at City & Country have a passion for breathing new life into existing heritage buildings and historic sites to secure their long-term future so that they can be enjoyed both in the short term and by future generations. Our philosophy as a developer is to create places where owners, tenants, and residents aspire to want to live and work.” The development is well situated in Kingswood, within the borough of Reigate and Banstead in Surrey. Kingswood is well known for its golf courses and proximity to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site is located with local amenities nearby including a village store, pub, cafes and restaurants. Kingswood Station is located just south of the site, which provides direct connections towards London Bridge. City & Country has recently started work on the former Bath Press Site, purchased in March 2024,and has current developments including The 1840 St George’s Gardens in Wandsworth, a Grade II listed building and former hospital carefully redesigned into 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, Factory No 1, a mixed listed conversion and new build scheme, in Bristol and the West Apartments at the King Edward VII Estate development in the South Downs National Park; and various other schemes across Essex. For further information about City & Country, please visit https://www.cityandcountry.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals