The work follows the installation of scaffolding on the Newcastle quayside adjacent to the bridge’s tower. Work is underway to install an underdeck scaffold structure that will span the length of the Tyne Bridge from the Newcastle tower to the Gateshead tower. The latest phase follows the completion of the
Kush Rawal, Executive Director of Customer Services at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, comments: “Social housing is a microcosm of our wider society, and often we work with people experiencing acute challenges impacting the quality of their day to day lives. The cost of living crisis and factors such as health and educational inequalities, financial and food
A new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the River Severn, designed by Moxon Architects and Jacobs, has opened to the public. The new cable-stayed structure, located north of Worcester’s centre, is the city’s third bridge solely for active travel. Reflecting the council’s ambition to improve connectivity between the city’s core,
Storm Darragh has been named and is set to bring severe winds to large parts of the UK this weekend. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and rain, as well as an amber warning for strong winds on Saturday. The networks have stepped up their level of
Colliers UK has announced John Munday as its new Chief Executive Officer, with his tenure commencing on 3rd March 2025. Munday will lead the company’s transactional and advisory services division, which boasts a workforce of over 1,000 employees, steering its strategic vision and operations into a new era. A Proven
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has welcomed the government’s plans to coordinate decisions on housing and infrastructure at a national level, as outlined in yesterday’s ‘Plan for Change’. Since taking office, the new UK government has committed to building 1.5 million homes in five years and cutting emissions by
Lovell has gone a fair way to supporting the local sporting community by signing a sponsorship deal with Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club. The housebuilder, which is delivering 42 new homes at Saints Green at Peggy’s Field in South Otterington, has donated £500 to the golf club. The sponsorship money
Plans for a new multi-tenancy research and development building at the entrance to The University of Southampton Science Park have been approved by Test Valley Borough Council. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for Southampton Science Park, the scheme creates 3,400 sqm of much needed new laboratory space, supporting the Park’s commitment
Quintain, the visionary developer behind the transformative Wembley Park regeneration project, has announced the successful refinancing of its flagship build-to-rent (BtR) building, The Robinson, with a £128.7 million Natixis CIB green loan. This refinancing initiative not only reduces the existing debt facility but also underscores Quintain’s commitment to sustainable urban
Octopus Real Estate, a specialist real estate investor and lender under the Octopus Investments umbrella, has announced a £40 million investment to fund the development of three high-quality, purpose-built care homes in partnership with Torwood Care. This initiative will expand the Octopus Healthcare Fund’s (OHF) portfolio, which already comprises over
The work follows the installation of scaffolding on the Newcastle quayside adjacent to the bridge’s tower. Work is underway to install an underdeck scaffold structure that will span the length of the Tyne Bridge from the Newcastle tower to the Gateshead tower. The latest phase follows the completion of the scaffolding adjacent to the Newcastle tower, similar to that on the Gateshead Quayside. Esh Construction is working with specialist scaffolding contractor, Infrastructure Site Solutions (ISS), to install the suspended scaffold which will involve operatives working underneath the bridge 84ft above the River Tyne. Operatives will be attached by safety harness as they work their way carefully across the iconic structure, however, a safety boat will be visible within the river in the event of an emergency rescue. The latest scaffolding phase will measure 100 metres long by 11 metres wide and will allow operatives to undertake close-up inspections underneath the bridge before the task of cleaning, grit blasting and repainting begins. For the safety of the environment, operatives and members of the public, the scaffold will be wrapped in protective sheeting while all work is carried out. Gareth Dawson, Esh Construction’s Project Manager, said: “A programme resequencing exercise has allowed the underdeck scaffolding to be actioned earlier than originally planned, given work to install the scaffolding adjacent to the Newcastle tower has also progressed well. The change in programme will provide efficiencies throughout the project given the scale of the repair and restoration work to be delivered – this scheme is far more than ‘just a lick of paint’.” Esh Construction is delivering the project on behalf of both Newcastle and Gateshead councils. Cllr Dr Juna Staithan, cabinet member for Climate Change and Transport at Newcastle City Council said: “I am really delighted with progress on site as we restore this icon to its former glory. “The team behind the restoration programme have really hit the ground running since they have been on site and everyone involved is hugely proud and passionate to be part of this major project to preserve this much-loved icon for future generations.” Over 180 miles of scaffolding tubes will be used throughout the four-year project – laid end to end, the tubes would reach from Newcastle to Dundee. The weight of the scaffold components totals more than 13,000 tonnes – equivalent to six London Eyes – and therefore due to loading constraints of the bridge, it must be installed in 20 different phases. Behind the scenes work is continuing within the bridge deck void where structural repairs are set to begin on the three of the bridge’s hangers. The carriageway is suspended by 36 steel hangers which are connected to the bridge deck by lateral beams, and inspections have shown that within the East footpath, three of the hangers require strengthening. The restoration reached an important milestone in October as the scaffold started to be dismantled around the Gateshead tower, revealing the major restoration work that has taken place since April and the first completed section of blasted, repaired and re-painted steel. Due to the Tyne Bridge’s Grade II* listed status, the paint colour being used is a British Standard 4800 colour referenced 14C39 called ‘Hollybush’, which is as close to the original colour as possible. The new paint system has been chosen for its durability, UV resistance, protective and colour retention qualities, and its resistance to the harsh atmospheric environment of the bridge, sitting above a tidal river and subject to the winds of the Tyne Valley gorge. It should give protection to the bridge for the next 30 years before major repainting is required. Thorough investigations have outlined that more than 1,000 repairs need to be carried out to preserve the landmark for future generations, this involves steel, concrete, stonework and masonry repairs, drainage improvements, bridge deck waterproofing, resurfacing, parapet protection and bridge joint replacement, as well as a full paint job. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kush Rawal, Executive Director of Customer Services at Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, comments: “Social housing is a microcosm of our wider society, and often we work with people experiencing acute challenges impacting the quality of their day to day lives. The cost of living crisis and factors such as health and educational inequalities, financial and food insecurity are some of the issues that impact our residents. The funding pressures faced by public sector bodies and charities continue to create support gaps which housing providers have filled even when these extend beyond our traditional areas of focus. It is important that social housing providers support where appropriate, but we can’t do this alone or without adequate financial support. “Turning specifically to Care and Support, recruitment remains a considerable challenge. There’s already a 20% vacancy across the sector, and the recent employer’s national insurance increase will put further pressure on the viability of services. Despite this, we cannot lose sight of the fact that we have a collective social responsibility to the most vulnerable in our society. Ensuring care and support commissioners are adequately funded will be vital to ensuring these services remain operational. “In 2025 I’d like to see greater funding given to care and support commissioners to enable them to support these important services.” Tom Dodson, Chief Operations Officer at Better Green Living, commented: “As we approach the end of the year, we anticipate significant growth in the retrofitting and refurbishment sector to address the rising demand for premium green working spaces. With hybrid working and studying prevalent across the country, the need for communal spaces has become essential. This growing demand offers an opportunity for spaces to undergo sustainable refurbishment instead of building new spaces from scratch. And with an aligning focus on sustainability amongst the property industry, it’s more important than ever, that our designs are fit for purpose, and we utilise as much of our existing buildings as possible. “The demand for student accommodation is at an all-time high, with 2.2 million students projected to require housing by 2026. This presents a significant opportunity to develop these high-demand hubs. However, to meet this need, the industry must address the existing skills gap. Building a strong and diverse workforce is essential in delivering the retrofit work necessary for the UK’s transition to net zero. This can only be achieved by additional Government support to provide the younger generations with retrofitting training to develop and expand their skills. With the expected rise for retrofitting projects and a focus on greener solutions in doing so, we continue to stay ahead of the curve.” Simon Vernon-Harcourt, Design & Planning Director at City & Country: “The Labour Party is making great strides in the right direction, and the potential opportunity for enhancement is huge. It will be a massive challenge to change the system given how under-resourced local planning authorities are, and how entrenched the ‘nimby’ culture is in the system. So far, we have heard many soundbites about recruiting new planning officers, but unfortunately, the devil is in the details – something we are currently lacking. There’s a very ambitious housing target above our heads, and to fulfil this, we need the policy of loosening the green belt delivered promptly. This will enable the development of sustainable communities and help create new places for people to live, work, and play. I hope we will start to see a shift next year with the housing market from political point scoring toward tangible action.” Chris Harris, Chief Operating Officer at Dandara: “The Government has positioned housebuilding as a key driver of economic recovery, signalling its commitment to boosting the economy – a goal in which housing plays a crucial role. The UK’s pressing need for new homes makes this focus both timely and essential. Labour’s proposed policy changes, particularly its plans to simplify and expedite the planning process through amendments to the NPPF, could present significant opportunities for SMEs like ours to increase housing delivery nationwide. However, it remains uncertain whether these commitments will translate into actionable outcomes. For buyers, the financial landscape remains challenging. Rising rents, higher mortgage rates, escalating energy costs, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis are all barriers to homeownership, especially for first-time buyers. In the coming year, I hope to see the Government take decisive action to address these issues and promote greater accessibility to homeownership.” Adrian Watts, Chief Executive at Croudace Homes: “We have suffered in the past from Nimbyism across the country, which has held back housing delivery. Given the stark change to a pro-housing government, it will take some time for Labour to implement significant changes. Whilst the noise so far has been positive, I expect limited progress to be made next year, as the delivery of these changes will not happen overnight. The proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will help, but without sufficient resources and recruitment within Local Planning Authorities, progress will be too slow to dramatically shift the outlook of these departments. We also need Registered Social Landlords to be in a strong position to contract on S106 housing if delivery is to first be maintained and then increased alongside the rise in housing demand. Finally, with no support for first-time buyers, we will struggle to increase our housing stock and risk leaving a generation behind, stuck in the vicious cycle of renting.” Craig Carson, Managing Director at Barratt West London, comments: On policy “The Government has inherited a difficult environment from its predecessors. It has a challenge on its hands to even begin to tackle London’s housing shortage, with a target of 80,000 new homes per year in the capital alone. This is clearly an ambitious target but demonstrates a shared vision between Government and housebuilders alike that we absolutely must build more homes. Not only does the Government need to introduce measures that keep the homebuying and selling market moving, it needs to support housebuilders from the very beginning. The National Planning Policy Framework and new towns funding are two immediate positive introductions from the Government. Housebuilding is clearly
A new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the River Severn, designed by Moxon Architects and Jacobs, has opened to the public. The new cable-stayed structure, located north of Worcester’s centre, is the city’s third bridge solely for active travel. Reflecting the council’s ambition to improve connectivity between the city’s core, residential areas, river and green corridor, the bridge continues a tradition of landmark civic infrastructure in the river valley. Taking its name from the Kepax Ferry, a 19th-century ferry crossing that operated close to the site of the new bridge, the project provides a vital connection between the city and residential quarters to the north-west. It will accommodate commuters, visitors, and leisure users alike. Working closely with specialist sub-consultant Moxon Architects, Jacobs provided multi-disciplinary design services and consultancy to Worcestershire County Council throughout feasibility, planning application, detailed design and technical support during construction. The majority of the Jacobs project team has been locally based during the project, combining their deep understanding of the area and an appreciation of what is important to the local community. Building on their longstanding working relationship with Worcestershire County Council and their term contractor Alun Griffiths, the Jacobs-led design team collaborated throughout the duration of the project including with specialist members of the supply chain, maintaining the high design quality of the holistic solution. To the east, the bridge springs from a high and dry point on the edge of the city’s historic Gheluvelt Park. Initially running parallel to the river, it curves ninety degrees to span over the water and a wooded riverbank beyond. It comes to land within an open field that was previously a landfill site. The distinct ‘hockey stick’ bridge alignment was carefully defined to pass over existing riverside paths and parkland unobstructed. It does this while providing continued access across the city for residents and businesses during periods when the River Severn floods. Following extensive public consultation with stakeholders and local residents, the design balances civic ambition with sensitivity to the surrounding landscape. With a bold, yet elegant form, the new steel bridge provides a safe 4m-wide, 145m-long crossing that comfortably accommodates both cyclists and pedestrians. The deck features a slip-resistant walking surface, and a finely crafted parapet made of a series of inward leaning stainless-steel rods that alternate between supporting a handrail and 1.4m-tall cycle railing. This simple repetition of elements takes on sculptural qualities when arrayed along the edge beams of the curved crossing. An A-shaped, 29m-tall pylon simultaneously tangential to the approach and main spans is nestled into a wooded, northwestern corner of the park. The deck features a slender profile supported every 12m, either by cables or by a series of piers below the western approach. This minimises disruption to the ecologically rich willow carr woodland to the west and the parkland to the east, parts of which will become a natural meadow. The dark blue-green colour strikes a balance with the surrounding vegetation, while highlighting the bridge’s dynamic form. Likewise, the ribbed soffit accentuates the sweeping geometry when viewed from the green spaces beneath. Ezra Groskin, Director of Moxon Architects, said: “Kepax Bridge is an important, climate-change resilient addition to Worcester’s civic infrastructure, forming a much-needed crossing over the River Severn. It connects residents in the city’s north-western suburbs to jobs in the centre and leisure amenities in the adjacent Gheluvelt Park and beyond. While we hope the new bridge will become a landmark that local people are proud of, combining functionality with delight has been our primary concern throughout the project.” Kate Kenny, Senior Vice President at Jacobs, said: “Leveraging our extensive expertise in innovative bridge solutions, we are proud to have contributed to the successful delivery of the Kepax Bridge. This vital infrastructure project now provides a crucial link for pedestrians and cyclists, aiming to reduce traffic and support health and wellbeing in the community. The new bridge will significantly enhance connectivity, enrich community life, and benefit the local economy and environment.” Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, said: “Today is a milestone for Worcester, and I’m thrilled to see this incredible bridge open. The response at the opening event was fantastic, and I’m confident this bridge will make a real difference for those who walk, wheel, and cycle around the city. Improving active travel routes is a key priority for us, and this bridge is a game-changer for both Worcester and the wider county. A huge thank you to everyone involved in this project.” Rebecca Redfern MBE, Paralympic gold-medalist, officially opened the bridge to the public on 5 December 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Storm Darragh has been named and is set to bring severe winds to large parts of the UK this weekend. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and rain, as well as an amber warning for strong winds on Saturday. The networks have stepped up their level of preparedness. Customers in affected areas should follow the Energy Networks Association’s (ENA) Prepare-Care-Share advice. Mark Dunk, Head of Engineering at Energy Networks Association said: “With yellow and amber warnings in force for Storm Darragh, our advice to customers is to prepare, care and share. Prepare by going online to PowerCut105.com for advice and call 105 for free if you have a power cut. Check in with people who might need extra help, and share this information so friends and family know what to do too. “If you see damaged power lines or lines brought down over the coming days, stay well clear and call 105 for free to report it, or dial 999 if there’s an immediate danger to life.” How you can prepare for Storm Darragh The energy networks’ Prepare-Care-Share advice for severe weather can make a significant difference in staying safe and as comfortable as possible during power cuts. Prepare Care Share Inform others: Help spread these tips to ensure everyone in your community knows how to prepare for a power cut. Share our national website, PowerCut105.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Colliers UK has announced John Munday as its new Chief Executive Officer, with his tenure commencing on 3rd March 2025. Munday will lead the company’s transactional and advisory services division, which boasts a workforce of over 1,000 employees, steering its strategic vision and operations into a new era. A Proven Leader in the Property Sector Munday joined Colliers in 2022 as Co-Head of Project and Building Consultancy, following a strategic partnership with Paragon, an independent building and project consultancy, where he served as Co-Managing Director. His appointment reflects his impressive track record of building successful businesses and leading large teams that adapt to evolving client needs and market dynamics. Davoud Amel-Azizpour, CEO of Colliers EMEA, shared his confidence in Munday’s leadership: “John has an outstanding history of driving success and responding to market challenges. I look forward to seeing his vision enhance our UK business and strengthen our organisation of real estate experts.” Succeeding a Legacy of Leadership Munday will succeed Tony Horrell, who has led Colliers’ UK operations for 14 years. Horrell announced his decision to step down in June 2024 but will remain with the company as Non-Executive Chairman. Reflecting on Munday’s appointment, Horrell said: “Since joining Colliers, John has demonstrated exceptional leadership, accelerating growth in our UK project management and asset enhancement services. His values, business acumen, and instincts make him the ideal choice to guide our diverse and balanced business into a new phase of growth.” Horrell also expressed excitement about his ongoing role within Colliers, adding: “I look forward to continuing my work as Non-Executive Chairman, nurturing client relationships I’ve built over the past 14 years and supporting our teams in delivering outstanding results.” A Vision for Growth and Innovation John Munday expressed pride in his appointment and a clear commitment to building on Colliers’ success: “Colliers has a unique position in the market, and I am passionate about driving innovation to create meaningful opportunities for our clients and teams. It’s an honour to step into this role, and I’m eager to lead the business into its next chapter.” With Munday at the helm, Colliers UK is poised to continue its growth trajectory, strengthening its reputation as a leader in the property and real estate advisory sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has welcomed the government’s plans to coordinate decisions on housing and infrastructure at a national level, as outlined in yesterday’s ‘Plan for Change’. Since taking office, the new UK government has committed to building 1.5 million homes in five years and cutting emissions by 81% by 2035. Without a coordinated land use strategy, as outlined by the Government today, the UK risks falling short of these ambitions. Unlike Scotland and Wales, which have national spatial plans in place, England has no overarching framework to coordinate land use, ensuring that new infrastructure, housing, and nature recovery plans work in tandem. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “The message of the Prime Minister is accurate. Poor planning, which lacks both resources and an overarching, strategic approach, will hold England back from building a positive and sustainable future. “The Government’s ‘Plan for Change,’ however, clearly outlines points made time and again by the RTPI: the need to plan more effectively by creating a system that not only meets housing target but builds connected, thriving communities. Only a plan-led approach can deliver this. “The Plan for Change suggests that the government wants to strategically join up decisions on business growth, infrastructure and housing at the national level. This is something the RTPI has long called for. A National Spatial Framework would ensure that right new homes are built in the right locations, powered by renewable energy, and integrated into a sustainable future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lovell has gone a fair way to supporting the local sporting community by signing a sponsorship deal with Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club. The housebuilder, which is delivering 42 new homes at Saints Green at Peggy’s Field in South Otterington, has donated £500 to the golf club. The sponsorship money will be used to help with its day-to-day running costs. The club, which is in Thornton-le-Street, was established in 1914 and its parkland course was extended from nine holes to 18 holes in 1997. Club manager Matt Creighton said: “Many thanks to Lovell for their sponsorship of Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club for 2025. We’re a family-friendly golf club and take pride in welcoming more people into the sport. We look forward to working with Lovell in the future helping to promote golf in the local community.” Phil Jones, Head of Land and Partnerships for Lovell, said: “Our ethos as a developer is not just to build new homes but also to reach out to form relationships with organisations which play a prominent role in the life of the local community. “We are proud to be a sponsor of Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club which offers a sporting challenge to golfers of all levels and aptitudes. Moreover, the club has a genuine family feel and has been awarded the R&A Women in Golf Charter which is given to clubs who work to attract more women, girls and families to the sport.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a new multi-tenancy research and development building at the entrance to The University of Southampton Science Park have been approved by Test Valley Borough Council. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for Southampton Science Park, the scheme creates 3,400 sqm of much needed new laboratory space, supporting the Park’s commitment to fuel innovation and elevate the presence of British science and technology on the world stage. The three-storey building creates a sense of motion as its curved form embraces and activates a sweeping bend at the main entrance to the site, representing a seamless flow of ideas and collaboration, and acts as a gateway for future developments across the Science Park. A sloping green sedum roof also seamlessly integrates the design into the Park’s natural setting and enhances biodiversity onsite. The curved building features a sleek glazed facade providing exceptional levels of natural light and views out over the park setting. The façade’s design emphasises the building’s dynamic form, using vertical aluminium fins and metal panels to create rhythm across the elevation and manage solar gain. The scheme has been designed to meet the objectives of national and local planning policies, including providing space for businesses to grow and innovate. A fabric first approach supports the Park’s sustainability objectives for a low- energy, low-carbon building, and sustainable design measures include high-performance glazing, ultra-efficient heating, cooling and water systems, and onsite renewable energy generation helping to minimise operational carbon. Dr Robin Chave, CEO of Southampton Science Park said: “We are thrilled to have been given the green light to start bringing this visionary project to life. Impressive research conducted by our local universities and entrepreneurial innovators has led to life science expertise becoming a real regional asset. This is ripe for commercialisation but, for this to happen, dedicated laboratory facilities are required. Our latest project caters for these needs and we are delighted to be working with Scott Brownrigg to bring this unique and ambitious new facility to our Science Park.” Construction on the development is due to start on site Q1 2025 and is expected to complete in 2026. The building also forms part of Southampton Science Park’s strategic masterplan to 2050. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Quintain, the visionary developer behind the transformative Wembley Park regeneration project, has announced the successful refinancing of its flagship build-to-rent (BtR) building, The Robinson, with a £128.7 million Natixis CIB green loan. This refinancing initiative not only reduces the existing debt facility but also underscores Quintain’s commitment to sustainable urban development. The original construction was financed by Cheyne Capital, which remains an active partner in other projects at Wembley Park. The Robinson: A Beacon of Modern LivingSituated in the Eastern Lands of Wembley Park, The Robinson comprises 458 rental homes, including 63 discounted market rent and affordable units, catering to diverse needs with studios to four-bedroom apartments. Its prime location adjacent to Quintain’s Canada Gardens and the iconic Wembley Stadium adds to its appeal. Designed with modern sharers in mind, the development benefits from Quintain Living’s award-winning property management expertise, offering residents a vibrant and well-connected lifestyle within one of London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. Building a Sustainable FutureSince initiating the Wembley Park project 20 years ago, Quintain has delivered over 5,000 homes, creating the UK’s largest BtR neighbourhood. With an investment of £2.9 billion to date, the company is set to deliver two additional BtR schemes and a major public park by 2025. Quintain’s community-first approach was further cemented this year with the opening of the borough’s largest NHS GP surgery, reflecting its integrated mixed-use masterplan. The Robinson’s energy efficiency, ranking it within the top 15% of residential assets in the UK, earned the development Natixis CIB Green Loan status. This certification highlights Quintain’s dedication to environmentally sustainable construction and demonstrates the financial viability of its ESG-focused initiatives. Leadership InsightsPhilip Slavin, Chief Financial Officer at Quintain, stated:“We’re proud to have secured this new lending facility with Natixis CIB. The Robinson exemplifies the excellence of Wembley Park’s BtR developments and demonstrates the desirability of both the sector and the neighbourhood. Achieving green loan status further validates our commitment to sustainability while ensuring a robust financial platform for future projects.” Diego Sanfilippo, Head of Real Estate & Hospitality UK at Natixis CIB, added:“We are delighted to support Quintain with green financing for The Robinson. This environmentally sustainable development aligns with our mission to back high-quality, ESG-driven projects in prime locations, strengthening our real estate lending franchise in the UK.” A Team EffortLegal experts also played a crucial role in the deal: Quintain’s achievements at Wembley Park are a testament to its commitment to creating sustainable, community-focused developments that redefine modern living while setting a benchmark for ESG excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Octopus Real Estate, a specialist real estate investor and lender under the Octopus Investments umbrella, has announced a £40 million investment to fund the development of three high-quality, purpose-built care homes in partnership with Torwood Care. This initiative will expand the Octopus Healthcare Fund’s (OHF) portfolio, which already comprises over 100 homes. The three new care homes, strategically located in Durham, Worksop, and Bradford, will collectively offer over 200 beds, each with private wet rooms. Operating under the Tanglewood Care brand, the homes are designed with sustainability at their core. They will be fully electric, powered by air source heat pumps and equipped with solar panels. Each home targets a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, supporting the Fund’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals and its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions. These facilities represent the third, fourth, and fifth developments in a seven-home forward funding portfolio between Octopus Real Estate and Torwood Care, a joint venture partnership involving Torsion Care and Tanglewood Care. The three new homes are expected to open their doors in the first half of 2026. Expert Collaboration Driving Excellence Max Weitzmann, Investment Director for Care Homes at Octopus Real Estate, commented:“We’re delighted to deepen our partnership with Torwood Care, a highly respected operator. These three developments, totalling over 200 new beds, highlight our commitment to creating sustainable, high-quality homes that meet the needs of an evolving society. We’re excited to continue addressing the critical undersupply of care beds across the UK.” Nick Kempster, Director of Torwood Care, added:“At Torwood, we believe everyone deserves a home that supports their individual needs. These developments reflect our dedication to providing outstanding care in comfortable and welcoming environments. Collaborating with Octopus Real Estate enables us to deliver on this vision.” Martin Hutson, Director at Torsion Care, expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying:“Securing this funding from Octopus Real Estate allows us to bring three exceptional care schemes to life. In a challenging market, we’re committed to expanding our portfolio and delivering homes that set a benchmark for quality and sustainability.” Commitment to a Greener Future Octopus Real Estate’s pledge to achieve net zero for new care home developments by 2030 is complemented by significant investment into retrofitting its existing portfolio of over 100 properties across the UK. These initiatives aim to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints across the board, positioning Octopus as a leader in sustainability within the care home sector. With its innovative approach and a strong emphasis on sustainability, this £40 million partnership between Octopus Real Estate and Torwood Care underscores their shared mission to meet the growing demand for care home facilities while championing environmental responsibility. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals