Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has completed on the 526 new homes on a 47-acre site in Boulton Moor, Derby. This new development promises an excellent mix of much-needed family homes for the area, including affordable homes, homes for the private rental sector and properties for
The 2025 Spending Review commits £13.2 billion to increasing energy efficiency in existing homes under the Warm Homes Plan, making retrofit a top priority. However, achieving Net Zero in retrofit projects, and new builds alike, depends on effective occupant education. Otherwise, we risk ambitions stalling at the point of handover.
Salix Finance is proud to be working in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on an initiative to help decarbonise public sector buildings across the region. The new Public Building Retrofit fund (PBRf), launched and administered by GMCA, will provide grant funding to public sector organisations to support the
Colliers has created a new commercial director post and named Lucy Stainton to the role, signalling a step change in its growth ambitions across London’s retail and office markets. Stainton joins from Green Street, where as vice president she played a central role in integrating the Local Data Company (LDC)
Savills has continued to grow its London project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with the appointment of data centre specialist Alex Thomas who joins as an associate director at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Alex has over 15 years’ experience across the construction
Stanhope and Cheyne Capital have taken the reins of Row One, a landmark consented development on London’s South Bank previously owned by Landsec. The partners have acquired the 1.24-acre site between London Bridge and Southwark Bridge, close to Borough Market and Tate Modern, and will now steer delivery of a
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has reached practical completion on a landmark 323-bedroom student accommodation scheme in the heart of Nottingham. Delivered on behalf of McLaren Property, the £26 million scheme now known as Fabric, which is located at 77 Talbot Street, has transformed the site of a former office
On September 6th, Belstaff opened its first ever full price store in Leeds. Located on Vicar Lane in Victoria Leeds in the historic Victoria Quarter, the store will house all of the brand’s latest collections, including motorcycle clothing and the new Autumn/Winter 2025 collection. The design of the store is
NHBC is supporting the Association for Rental Living (ARL) to deliver a webinar examining the processes and challenges associated with unlocking brownfield sites for mixed tenure development. Those attending the webinar will join experts from NHBC and the rental living sector to explore how complex sites are being transformed into
Cutting-edge innovation and historic achievements will be celebrated by Caterpillar® dealer Finning as it marks the iconic brand’s centenary year at flagship machinery exhibition PlantWorx. An outdoor cinema will form the centrepiece of the Finning UK & Ireland stand, showcasing the story of construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar and its future
Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has completed on the 526 new homes on a 47-acre site in Boulton Moor, Derby. This new development promises an excellent mix of much-needed family homes for the area, including affordable homes, homes for the private rental sector and properties for sale on the open market. The site will also feature a playground for the younger members of the new community. Dave Bradley, Managing Director of Vistry North Midlands, said: “I am delighted that our land team has completed the acquisition of land to build 526 high-quality new homes at Boulton Moor. This marks a significant step forward in bringing much-needed housing to the area, including a blend of affordable, PRS and private homes designed to create a vibrant and sustainable community. We look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to bring this development to life and provide homes that cater to the needs of local people.” This development forms the third phase of Derby’s Strategic Urban Extension, designed to create a 2,600-home village attached to the city. It will incorporate facilities including schools, shops, a care home, businesses, a transport hub, and electric charging stations. Planning permission was granted in May 2025 with work expected to start later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The 2025 Spending Review commits £13.2 billion to increasing energy efficiency in existing homes under the Warm Homes Plan, making retrofit a top priority. However, achieving Net Zero in retrofit projects, and new builds alike, depends on effective occupant education. Otherwise, we risk ambitions stalling at the point of handover. Recent findings from the leading authority in building services testing, intelligence, and research, BSRIA, reveal that despite nearly all (97%) of construction professionals agreeing that occupant behaviour plays a defining role in whether retrofits deliver operational efficiency, the vast majority are failing to measure or validate outcomes post-handover. The research found that three quarters (76%) of construction professionals admit that they do not prioritise post-occupancy evaluations (POEs), highlighting a significant lack of follow-up assessments to ensure that retrofit measures meet original design intentions. For both retrofit projects and new build developments, POEs are crucial to identify discrepancies between intended outcomes and real-world use. POEs enable adjustments that improve building performance while simultaneously supporting people in running their homes, or other buildings, efficiently to maximise indoor environmental quality and energy savings. Industry data has found that buildings are acutely affected by occupant behaviour, with recent studies indicating a difference between predicted building performance and measured output of as much as 300%[1]. This demonstrates how failing to embed occupant engagement and education into the handover process can leave retrofit work at risk of severe performance shortfalls, which can significantly erode energy efficiency and comfort. Adding to the challenge, BSRIA’s research found that over half (55%) of consumers are unfamiliar with what ‘retrofit’ means and only a third of homeowners (31%) believe that retrofit will reduce energy use. Furthermore, half of people say they are unclear about the impact of retrofit upgrades on carbon targets, underscoring the vital need for occupant education. Tom Garrigan, Executive Director at BSRIA, commented: “For housebuilders and developers, the handover of a retrofitted home can’t be the end of the story: implementing measures alone is not enough. Performance issues emerge when occupants don’t fully understand low-carbon systems and indoor environmental controls, leading to higher running costs and missed targets. “While there has been progress in some areas of the market, it’s critical that the wider industry prioritises occupant education to ensure that homes work for people in practice, not just on paper. “This doesn’t just apply to retrofit projects, either. With the Future Homes Standard approaching, residents in both new builds and refurbished buildings will require greater support to confidently manage longer heating cycles, responsive controls, and new approaches to comfort and efficiency.” With 62% of the industry agreeing that retrofit projects offer greater benefits than new builds, it’s clear that there is appetite within the sector for refurbishing existing housing stock. However, next-generation homes demand next-generation handover practices. By combining evidence-based specification, robust building diagnostics, verified product testing and thorough user guidance, the sector can deliver homes that both perform and satisfy, helping to drive mass-market decarbonisation. Garrigan adds, “Investing in robust post-retrofit evaluations and support will help to close the gap between design ambition and real-world results. This means that occupant education must be integral to the retrofit journey to ensure that the fabric improvements made will contribute to achieving Net Zero not just at point of installation, but for the long-term.” BSRIA continues to champion this approach through research, training and demonstrator projects that showcase retrofit leadership for the industry. Find out more: https://www.bsria.com/uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salix Finance is proud to be working in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on an initiative to help decarbonise public sector buildings across the region. The new Public Building Retrofit fund (PBRf), launched and administered by GMCA, will provide grant funding to public sector organisations to support the installation of low-carbon heating systems and energy efficiency measures in their buildings. Salix will play a key role in the delivery of the fund by undertaking the technical assessment of funding applications. With up to £28 million of capital funding available between 2025/26 and 2027/28, the scheme will support Greater Manchester’s ambition to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reach net zero by 2038. This is 12 years ahead of the UK’s national target. This funding for GMCA has been delivered as part of the government’s devolution policy, providing mayoral authorities the tools to shape the future of their local areas, while improving accountability and building capacity across the local government sector. Salix chief executive Kevin Holland said: “We have built up extensive skill at Salix in delivering innovative, large scale and impactful decarbonisation projects across the public sector on behalf of government. “Our knowledge is valued across the sector, and we’re delighted to work with Greater Manchester Combined Authority on this new fund. “Our work on the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme equips us well to support GMCA through effective and impactful technical assessments, enabling the successful delivery of retrofit projects.” The fund will be delivered through a competitive application process, with several funding windows opening over the course of the programme. The first application window is set to open this summer, with additional dates to be announced later in the year by GMCA. The initiative aligns closely with national policy priorities, targeting the 9% of UK emissions that come from heating buildings. By supporting the replacement of fossil fuel-based systems and improving building efficiency, The Public Building Retrofit fund is expected to contribute directly to reducing energy consumption and improving comfort in public buildings. Kevin added: “Our partnership with GMCA shows our stakeholders the breadth of Salix’s capabilities and the value of our trusted expertise. “We look forward to building on this relationship and continuing to expand our impact across the public sector and beyond. “We’re on a mission at Salix and we’re committed to help the UK meet its ambitious 2050 net zero targets.” For more about Salix visit our website https://www.salixfinance.co.uk/ For full details about the Public Building Retrofit fund, visit the Public Building Retrofit fund – Greater Manchester Combined Authority Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Colliers has created a new commercial director post and named Lucy Stainton to the role, signalling a step change in its growth ambitions across London’s retail and office markets. Stainton joins from Green Street, where as vice president she played a central role in integrating the Local Data Company (LDC) following its acquisition. Before that, she served as a board-level commercial director at LDC. Her career has been defined by data-driven strategy and client development—skills Colliers aims to place at the heart of its London offer. Operating under Colliers’ ‘One London’ platform, Stainton will work across the firm’s retail and office teams to deliver joined-up advice for owners and occupiers. The brief spans data-led location strategy, portfolio optimisation, analytics, and strategic partnerships, aligning market insight with practical delivery on leasing, acquisitions, workplace moves and asset performance. Paul Souber, head of One London at Colliers, said: “Lucy’s appointment marks a significant step forward in our London strategy. Her deep expertise and proven ability to build lasting client relationships will be instrumental in delivering smarter insights and stronger outcomes for our clients. We’re excited about the energy and innovation she brings to the team.” Commenting on her appointment, Stainton said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Colliers at such a transformative moment. With data and strategic partnerships more critical than ever, I’m looking forward to help shape the next chapter of growth through building meaningful client relationships and delivering real impact alongside my new colleagues.” The creation of the role reflects how London’s leasing market is increasingly shaped by evidence-based decision-making. For retailers, this means network plans informed by granular catchment and footfall data, and for office occupiers, portfolios that balance location, amenity and commute patterns with cost and sustainability objectives. For landlords, it is about positioning assets to capture demand from brands and businesses seeking well-connected, service-rich space. By uniting its retail and office specialists under One London, Colliers is aiming to provide a single entry point for clients navigating mixed-use locations, evolving consumer dynamics, and shifting workplace expectations. Stainton’s remit—combining analytics, relationships and execution—is designed to bridge those worlds, turning market intelligence into growth strategies that can be implemented rapidly on the ground. With London’s core districts continuing to adapt, Colliers’ move suggests a sharper focus on cross-sector collaboration and measurable outcomes. Stainton’s arrival gives the firm a dedicated commercial lead to convert data and partnerships into deals—an approach that looks well-timed for a market where speed, insight and coordination increasingly decide who wins. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills has continued to grow its London project management team, part of building & project consultancy (BPC), with the appointment of data centre specialist Alex Thomas who joins as an associate director at the firm’s Margaret Street head office in London. Alex has over 15 years’ experience across the construction industry, delivering complex data centre projects throughout EMEA for clients including AWS and Microsoft. He joins from Rider Levett Bucknall, having previously worked at CBRE Global Workplace Solutions after starting his career as a structural engineer. At Savills, Alex will join the data centre project management team working alongside Marc Edmondson who joined the firm earlier this year. Together, they will work with the company’s wider data centre experts in the UK and EMEA, ranging from planning to capital advisory. Alex Thomas comments: “I am delighted to join Savills data centre project management team, strengthening the firm’s capability to help satisfy increasing demand from both cloud providers and AI businesses. This remains an exciting area of expansion and I look forward to working with Savills strong existing network of data centre experts across the UK and EMEA.” Simon Collett, Executive Director and head of BPC at Savills adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Alex to Savills. This is a significant growth area for the business and his experience and expertise will no doubt bolster our ability to offer our clients a first-class service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stanhope and Cheyne Capital have taken the reins of Row One, a landmark consented development on London’s South Bank previously owned by Landsec. The partners have acquired the 1.24-acre site between London Bridge and Southwark Bridge, close to Borough Market and Tate Modern, and will now steer delivery of a best-in-class office building with a gross development value of around £450m. With demolition already complete, enabling works will pave the way for the main contract to begin in early 2026, followed by an anticipated two-year build. The consented scheme comprises two basement levels and 11 storeys above ground, providing 235,000 sq ft of flexible Grade-A workspace supported by 15,000 sq ft of retail at ground level. Generous terraces and outdoor areas are planned to maximise the site’s riverside setting and create the kind of amenities increasingly sought by occupiers. Stanhope will act as development and asset manager, drawing on a London pipeline that currently includes 70 Gracechurch Street, One Undershaft, The British Library and 1 Victoria Street. The company’s investment head, Joe Binns, called Row One “a rare opportunity to acquire a significantly de-risked, best-in-class office development in one of London’s most vibrant sub-markets”. He highlighted the South Bank’s continuing evolution as a complementary business district to the City, and pointed to a tightening supply of Grade-A space towards the end of the decade as a key context for the acquisition. “There is an opportunity for high-conviction investors to play a crucial role in ensuring the capital retains its position as a pre-eminent global business hub,” he said, adding that the deal brings another blue-chip capital partner into Stanhope’s orbit. Cheyne Capital, an alternative investment fund manager with a growing presence in real estate, will provide funding alongside Stanhope and help to shape the project’s sustainability ambitions. Nick Grosse, director in Cheyne’s Real Estate Group, said the partnership would deliver “a best-in-class office building distinguished by exceptional ESG credentials, design quality and occupier amenities”. He noted that the scheme already benefits from planning consent and significant site preparation undertaken under Landsec’s stewardship. Occupier expectations are central to the brief. The design is set to prioritise daylight, access to outdoor space, and high-performance building systems that reduce operational carbon and enhance resilience. Excellent connectivity—by rail, Tube, riverboat and active travel—adds further weight to the location’s appeal, while the retail accommodation aims to knit the ground plane into the neighbourhood’s established food, culture and leisure offer. For London’s office market, Row One is another signal that capital is flowing into highly specified, well-located, consented schemes with clear delivery pathways. While secondary stock faces tougher headwinds, prime developments that can demonstrate environmental leadership, strong amenities and transport links are continuing to move forward. If Row One advances on its current timeline, the project will complete into a market that many expect to be short of new Grade-A floorspace—particularly in amenity-rich, mixed-use districts such as the South Bank. As the team progresses design, procurement and enabling works, attention will focus on locking in the building’s sustainability credentials and tenant experience, alongside the rhythm of a construction programme set to begin in 2026. For now, the change of ownership marks a fresh chapter for a prominent riverside site—and another statement of confidence in central London’s long-term office fundamentals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has reached practical completion on a landmark 323-bedroom student accommodation scheme in the heart of Nottingham. Delivered on behalf of McLaren Property, the £26 million scheme now known as Fabric, which is located at 77 Talbot Street, has transformed the site of a former office block into high-specification student living, ready for occupation ahead of the 2025/26 academic year. Designed by Leonard Design Architects, the nine-storey building offers a mix of en-suite cluster bedrooms and premium studios, alongside amenities including a gym, yoga studio, cinema room and social study spaces. The top floor features large-format studios with panoramic views across the city. Internally, the accommodation includes high-quality finishes, upgraded soft furnishings, and enhanced design details – reflecting evolving expectations for modern student living. With sustainability embedded throughout, the development has achieved BREEAM Excellent and incorporates traditional foundations into the city’s sandstone bedrock, alongside specialist works which have included cave probing to meet complex planning conditions. Around 40% of the workforce has been sourced locally, supporting regional employment and skills. McLaren has worked closely with both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, offering student site visits and work experience placements to provide practical learning opportunities in areas such as live construction, health and safety, and technical design. Extensive community engagement has also played a central role in the delivery of the project, with the site team maintaining regular contact with neighbouring businesses and supporting nearby Huntingdon Academy with improvements to outdoor facilities. Charitable initiatives have included fundraising for the Lighthouse Club and Save the Children, as well as a mental health awareness session led by the Strong Men charity. Luke Arnold, regional director at McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: “Talbot Street now known as Fabric, has been a flagship project for our Midlands and North business – combining sustainable construction methods, collaborative delivery, and a strong commitment to community engagement. We are proud to bring the scheme to fruition, handing over in time for students in the September intake.” Ed Court, development director at McLaren Property, said: “Fabric is a great example of our purpose-built student accommodation and we’re delighted to see Talbot Street completed to such a high standard. Working closely with McLaren Construction, we’ve delivered a scheme that reflects the evolving expectations of students – offering high-quality amenities, great design, and a strong focus on sustainability.” Fabric adds to McLaren Property’s growing portfolio of residential and student accommodation schemes and represents a major investment in Nottingham’s built environment and student infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
On September 6th, Belstaff opened its first ever full price store in Leeds. Located on Vicar Lane in Victoria Leeds in the historic Victoria Quarter, the store will house all of the brand’s latest collections, including motorcycle clothing and the new Autumn/Winter 2025 collection. The design of the store is a continuation of the ‘Future Garage’ concept unveiled at the London flagship in 2024 – a contemporary nod to the brand’s motorcycle heritage. This is an exciting new opening for Belstaff, which has a historic connection to the North of England – its founders Eli Belovich and Harry Grosberg first conceived the idea for the brand in nearby Manchester. As Belstaff’s third full-price store in England, it’s perfectly placed to better service its loyal customers in the region, while welcoming new ones. Full address: Unit 37, Victoria Quarter, 67 Vicar Lane, Leeds LS1 6BH Rachel Bradburn, Head of Leasing at Redical, commented “As Victoria Leeds’ line-up continues to grow, so does our status as the region’s go-to location for retailers. Belstaff is a premium addition to our flourishing destination, extending our menswear offer and delivering a distinct point of difference we know our loyal consumer base will benefit from. This city debut is one of many at Victoria Leeds, and we look forward to not only what Belstaff’s opening will bring, but also what lies ahead as we gear up for even more landmark Leeds debuts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NHBC is supporting the Association for Rental Living (ARL) to deliver a webinar examining the processes and challenges associated with unlocking brownfield sites for mixed tenure development. Those attending the webinar will join experts from NHBC and the rental living sector to explore how complex sites are being transformed into viable, successful Build to Rent (BTR) developments. Aimed at developers, investors, operators and consultants in BTR, this webinar, running on 23rd September 2025, will guide attendees through the journey from pre-acquisition assessment to post-acquisition viability, highlighting critical considerations and pitfalls to avoid. Insights will include: Experts from Placefirst and Urban&Civic will join speakers from NHBC’s Land Quality Service and BTR teams as part of a varied agenda which will cover the political landscape, sector collaboration and the hurdles the industry faces. Real life case studies will be used to illustrate the ways land can be unlocked and attendees will have the chance to pitch questions to the webinar’s presenters. This webinar will also explain NHBC’s role in the sector beyond warranty, demonstrating its expertise in technical services, site viability and risk mitigation. Suitable for anyone in the sector navigating constrained sites, repurposing opportunities or seeking practical guidance on land viability and delivery, this webinar has limited places available and those interested in joining should register now. Niki Kyriacou, Sector Lead for BTR at NHBC commented, “We’re pleased to support ARL in delivering this specialist webinar for those working in BTR looking to develop constrained or challenging sites. BTR is an increasingly important part of the residential mix – as the sector grows many of us recognise we need to unlock more brownfield sites to help meet demand. These sites offer a wealth of opportunity for developers and investors, and NHBC is committed to helping deliver quality homes at pace across BTR and all tenures.” NHBC works in partnership with developers and investors to bring forward challenging or complex sites that otherwise might have been considered unviable. Working hard to provide a pathway to warranty, saving time and money, NHBC provides confidence throughout the build journey. To register your place on the Unlocking brownfield sites for mixed tenure development webinar visit: https://thearl.org.uk/events/unlocking-brownfield-sites-for-mixed-tenure-development/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cutting-edge innovation and historic achievements will be celebrated by Caterpillar® dealer Finning as it marks the iconic brand’s centenary year at flagship machinery exhibition PlantWorx. An outdoor cinema will form the centrepiece of the Finning UK & Ireland stand, showcasing the story of construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar and its future developments. There will also be an impressive array of Cat machines on display along with the chance to win an excavator or genset as part of Finning’s year-long milestone celebration. PlantWorx is the largest working construction equipment show, bringing industry experts together to champion the latest machinery, systems and technology. Running from September 23 to 25 at Newark Showground, Finning will use the opportunity to mark a century of success for Caterpillar, and its own 92-year partnership with the brand. Tim Ballard, General Manager Retail and Marketing at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “While acknowledging 100 years of advances in the field of construction equipment, power and technology, we want to embrace the future with Caterpillar too. “At the heart of our stand will be the customer area, viewing platform and Finning cinema where visitors can watch a commemorative film produced as part of the Caterpillar Next 100 Years campaign. It will take viewers back to Caterpillar’s origins, tracking its role in major global infrastructure projects like Palm Island in Dubai and the Trans-Amazonian Highway, before looking ahead to the future of autonomous sites, remote control, and advanced technology.” The star of the show will be the Cat 444 Centennial Backhoe Loader. The special edition machine, painted Centennial Grey to reflect the original Caterpillar branding, is one of only 10 limited edition models produced globally. It has been on display outside of Finning’s Staffordshire HQ, commemorating their shared history over the decades as well as 40 years of backhoe loader production in Leicester. The strong line-up of equipment on display also includes the Cat 285 compact track loader (CTL). The CTL is new to the UK, offering 50 per cent more torque than the Cat 299D3 model, greater lift height and a roomier cab. A rebuilt Cat D6 Dozer will give visitors the chance to explore the Finning workshop expertise as well as its engineering, parts, service and maintenance offer, and a Cat M315 Wheeled Excavator with Tilt Rotator will shine a light on Caterpillar’s distinct ability to deliver high performance alongside ease of use. In addition, a Cat Generator and Cat C3.6 industrial diesel engine will display just some of the power range capabilities on offer from Caterpillar. The Finning ‘Win Big’ giveaway is aimed at giving more people the chance to benefit from the Finning combination of technology and expertise. Visitors to PlantWorx can enter the first-of-its kind giveaway for free at the show or via the Finning website where, to be in with a chance of winning a 301.6 Mini Excavator or DE110E2 generator, participants must answer the following question: ‘How would winning a Cat machine or generator help you build something that lasts?’ Tim said: “We are encouraging customers old and new to enter the competition, as well as those that have always admired Caterpillar equipment from afar, but have not had the chance to own one yet. “Throughout the last century, Caterpillar has had a significant impact on UK industry, establishing major manufacturing facilities, employing thousands, and supplying machines to support multiple sectors including construction, mining and power generation. “At Finning we are looking ahead to the next century of Caterpillar and urging those from all backgrounds and applications to enter the competition and become part of our legacy and reputation for industrial excellence.” Entrants have untilDecember 31, 2025 to enter. In addition to being entered into the Win Big prize draw, all participants will be automatically included in monthly prize draws for a chance to win branded merchandise, parts vouchers, and even an exclusive trip to Malaga. Visit http://www.finning.com/winbig to enter for free and share how winning a Cat machine or generator would help you build something that lasts. Highlighting its impact on the UK construction equipment industry, Finning are proud to be the headline sponsor of The PlantWorx Innovation Awards Dinner, which takes place on 23rd September and celebrates the brightest, and boldest minds in construction innovation. Find out more here: https://plantworx.co.uk/awards Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals