Plans for a substantial new plaster and renders factory in Derbyshire have been approved, paving the way for a significant industrial investment near Ilkeston. Erewash Borough Council has granted planning permission for Italian building materials specialist Fassa Bortolo to establish its new UK headquarters at the former Stanton Ironworks site.
MULTI-disciplinary consultancy Pulse Consult is working closely with the University of Warwick Science Park to refurbish its Vanguard Centre, a building that dates back to the 1970s, enhancing existing facilities to better support research and innovation within the Life Sciences sector. Working under direct award, the £6m project will deliver approx.
Exchange Communications has completed a landmark connectivity project at Chelsea Barracks, delivering one of the UK’s largest and most technically advanced 4G in-building installations at the luxury London development. Setting a new benchmark for digital infrastructure in prime residential real estate, the phase two installation brings the total number of
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall enters a new chapter defined not by what is on the plate, but by the evolution of its physical space — a considered reworking of interior architecture, materiality and atmosphere within one of West London’s most distinctive heritage buildings. Set inside Ladbroke Hall’s Grade II-listed Beaux
Leading property management company Rendall & Rittner has established a dedicated Customer Experience (CX) Team, designed to enhance the way residents access support and receive resolutions to their enquiries. Based across the company’s London and Manchester offices, the team provides a dedicated first point of contact, improving response times and
Partnership raises awareness of risks for police drivers and roadworkers that arise from ‘blue light incursions’ Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is collaborating with the Police Federation of England & Wales (PFEW), the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Highways, to raise awareness of the dangers of ‘blue light
With the workplace continuing to evolve at pace, Workspace Design Show (25-26 February 2026, Business Design Centre, London) brings a powerful programme of thought-filled conversations involving some of the most influential voices in architecture, workplace design, sustainability and occupier strategy. Across four dedicated conference streams, Workspace Design Talks, Sustainability Talks,
Ambitious plans to transform Wythenshawe town centre are accelerating, as Muse submits proposals for a brand-new food hall as part of its £500 million regeneration programme. The proposed food hall forms part of a wider vision to revitalise Wythenshawe Civic Shopping Centre in Manchester, alongside the development of a £32
The £1 billion regeneration of Eastgate Quarter in Leeds city centre has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of a specialist consultant team to help deliver the ambitious scheme. Danish planners and British architects have been selected to bring forward proposals for the redevelopment of a four-hectare site in
Willmott Dixon is stretching from Wales to Kent as it mobilises on two landmark leisure developments set to transform community sport and wellbeing facilities on either side of the country. In Swansea, early works are now under way on the new National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH), while in
Plans for a substantial new plaster and renders factory in Derbyshire have been approved, paving the way for a significant industrial investment near Ilkeston. Erewash Borough Council has granted planning permission for Italian building materials specialist Fassa Bortolo to establish its new UK headquarters at the former Stanton Ironworks site. The development will form part of the wider New Stanton Park regeneration scheme. Fassa Bortolo, known for its pre-mix renders and plasters, will construct a 170,000 sq ft manufacturing facility on the business estate. The project represents a major step in the transformation of the historic ironworks site, which is being redeveloped across 220 acres into a modern employment park. Councillor James Dawson, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, said the approval marks an important milestone for the area. He noted that the scheme is about more than new construction, highlighting its role in giving renewed purpose to a landmark industrial site while supporting the local economy and long-term prosperity of residents. New Stanton Park is expected to support up to 4,000 jobs once fully developed, reinforcing its status as a key employment destination within the East Midlands. Fassa Bortolo’s President, Bortolo Fassa, described the decision to locate the company’s UK headquarters at New Stanton Park as a strategic move. He said the business is pleased to confirm its investment in the region as part of wider international expansion plans. Headquartered in Treviso, Italy, the company traces its roots back to 1710, when a family ancestor began working with lime. Today, the firm is investing £350 million to expand its global footprint, with Derbyshire set to play a central role in its future UK operations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MULTI-disciplinary consultancy Pulse Consult is working closely with the University of Warwick Science Park to refurbish its Vanguard Centre, a building that dates back to the 1970s, enhancing existing facilities to better support research and innovation within the Life Sciences sector. Working under direct award, the £6m project will deliver approx. 13,600 sq ft of dedicated premium lab space and 8,000 sq ft of office space. The ground floor will be converted into 13 individual premium accessible R&D laboratory spaces with flexibility to be connected to support growth. The first floor will house eight offices, a collection of modern meeting rooms, inspiring collaborative workspaces and a social and events area. This will provide university research partners and commercial tenants with additional space to conduct pioneering research. Jason Fretter, director at Pulse Consult, said: “We recognise the vital role that well-designed, functional facilities play in driving innovation and research. That’s why we are particularly pleased to have been appointed to deliver this project, building on our strong existing relationship with the University of Warwick and supporting the successful refurbishment of the Vanguard Centre. “By creating premium accessible R&D laboratories and flexible office spaces tailored to the evolving needs of researchers and commercial partners, we hope this project will not only enhance the campus but also attract top talent and pioneering activity to the region. We are excited to collaborate with the University of Warwick Science Park to bring this innovative space to life and support the cutting-edge research that will shape the future.” The refurbishment incorporates a range of sustainability measures including new windows, added insulation to external walls and infill panels on both floors using CLT timber. Electric heating has been installed with plans for future PV panels, all contributing to an improved EPC rating. Pulse Consult is providing project management, quantity surveying and employer’s agent services, drawing on its longstanding relationships with university contacts to ensure the project runs smoothly. Completion is scheduled for Autumn 2026. Emma Turner, business development manager at the University of Warwick Science Park, said: “The transformation of the Vanguard Centre will put the Science Park at the forefront of conversations across the industry with incoming companies benefiting from high-quality, flexible working spaces, collaborative and coworking opportunities and benefiting from links with a top-ranked university. “Availablity of lab space within the region is a challenge for many businesses needing to find suitable premises and is at a significant premium due to lack of supply in areas of high demand. “The Vanguard Centre will relieve some of this pressure, and the space will be priced competitively without compromising on quality. “We’re confident the Vanguard Centre would make the perfect base for companies in need of modern R&D space with competitive pricing and attention to detail being given at every stage of this project.” For more information, visit www.pulseconsult.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Exchange Communications has completed a landmark connectivity project at Chelsea Barracks, delivering one of the UK’s largest and most technically advanced 4G in-building installations at the luxury London development. Setting a new benchmark for digital infrastructure in prime residential real estate, the phase two installation brings the total number of antennas across the project to an extraordinary 755, all engineered and integrated by Exchange Communications, the UK’s leading provider of smart, in-building cellular solutions. A showcase of world-class architecture and design, Chelsea Barracks is renowned for its exceptional apartments, penthouses and townhouses, crafted by globally acclaimed designers. The development’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond aesthetics. By incorporating 4G infrastructure at the construction stage, rather than retrofitting it later, Exchange Communications ensured that every piece of equipment blends seamlessly into the building’s fabric, maintaining the integrity of the design while delivering best-in-class performance. Tom Sime, CEO of Exchange Communications, said: “This project ensures residents benefit from fast, consistent and reliable mobile connectivity across all major networks. Installing 384 antennas as part of the second phase, 755 in total, positions Chelsea Barracks as one of the most comprehensively connected residential developments in the UK. “We’re proud to help bring to life a collection of homes defined by exceptional quality and uncompromising attention to detail.” He added: “When connectivity is embedded into a development from the earliest planning stages, the results are not only more efficient, but also more integral to the funcitonality of the building. This approach enables us to deliver a seamless, future-ready solution that enhances every aspect of the resident experience.” Exchange Communications continues to lead the UK market in smart-building and 5G technology. The company has created some of the most connected public environments in the country, including major shopping centres, hospitals, sports arenas, football stadiums, hotels and key national transport hubs. The completion of Chelsea Barracks’ phase two connectivity programme further cements Exchange Communications’ reputation as the partner of choice for ambitious developments demanding world-class digital infrastructure. For more information visit www.exchangecommunications.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall enters a new chapter defined not by what is on the plate, but by the evolution of its physical space — a considered reworking of interior architecture, materiality and atmosphere within one of West London’s most distinctive heritage buildings. Set inside Ladbroke Hall’s Grade II-listed Beaux Arts structure in Notting Hill, the restaurant forms part of a wider 43,000 sq ft adaptive reuse project that has transformed the former 1903 Clément-Talbot car factory into a multi-layered cultural destination. The building’s grand portico, heraldic crest and vast arched window remain defining architectural features, anchoring the contemporary interventions within a historic framework. Originally conceived by Linda Boronkay, Founder and Creative Director of Boronkay Studio, the restaurant’s latest evolution reflects a careful process of refinement rather than wholesale redesign. Working within architecture shaped by Vincenzo De Cotiis Architects, the updated scheme enhances the dialogue between historic fabric and modern craftsmanship, demonstrating how retrofit-led hospitality design can deliver both intimacy and theatricality within a landmark setting. What began as a raw shell has progressively matured into a layered, textural environment. The recent interior works have focused on deepening warmth and improving spatial flow. Reconfigured banquette seating reshapes the dining layout, creating softer sightlines and more flexible group arrangements. New upholstery and textile treatments introduce richer tactility, absorbing sound and improving acoustic comfort within the high-ceilinged volume. Lighting has been embedded and recalibrated to create zones of intimacy beneath the grand proportions of the hall. Rather than relying solely on statement fixtures, the scheme now incorporates concealed and low-level illumination to enhance depth and shadow, drawing attention to surfaces and materials rather than spectacle alone. Curtaining has been introduced to envelope the dining area, forming a subtle architectural threshold between the restaurant and the adjoining gallery spaces. This intervention strengthens the sense of enclosure without compromising the openness of the original structure — a key consideration in retrofitting heritage buildings for contemporary hospitality use. Greenery and internal planting have also been amplified, softening the architectural lines and introducing a biophilic layer that complements the building’s historic grandeur. The addition of an outdoor bamboo garden patio further extends the spatial experience, offering a seamless transition between interior and exterior environments while maintaining the cohesive design language established indoors. Art and collectible design remain integral to the interior identity. Four large-scale, site-specific works by Sir Christopher Le Brun PPRA continue to anchor the space visually, alongside a sculptural chandelier by Nacho Carbonell and bespoke furniture pieces curated through Carpenters Workshop Gallery. These elements reinforce Ladbroke Hall’s ‘living gallery’ ethos, where art, design and hospitality intersect. Boronkay describes the project as an exercise in creating a retreat within the city — intimate yet expressive, layered with shadow, texture and warmth. The intention has been to craft an environment that feels instinctively welcoming while quietly sophisticated, allowing materials, proportion and craftsmanship to speak first. The refinement of Pollini reflects a broader movement in London’s hospitality sector towards thoughtful retrofitting and adaptive reuse rather than ground-up development. By working sensitively within a historic envelope, the project demonstrates how heritage assets can be reactivated through careful spatial planning, material layering and contemporary detailing. At its core, Pollini remains inseparable from Ladbroke Hall’s wider vision: a place where architecture, art, performance and social gathering coexist. With this latest evolution, the restaurant strengthens its identity not simply as a dining destination, but as a carefully constructed interior environment shaped by restoration, design intelligence and respect for its architectural past. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading property management company Rendall & Rittner has established a dedicated Customer Experience (CX) Team, designed to enhance the way residents access support and receive resolutions to their enquiries. Based across the company’s London and Manchester offices, the team provides a dedicated first point of contact, improving response times and streamlining communication across the business. Since launching, the team has been shaping and refining its approach, already delivering real benefits for customers. Building on this success, it is now extending its operating hours to further enhance support for residents. The CX Team is central to Rendall & Rittner’s focus on delivering exceptional service and resolving customer issues as rapidly as possible. The team handles incoming enquiries directly and then works quickly to provide a resolution or liaise with property management or specialist teams to ensure more complex enquiries are resolved. In the most recent quarter, the CX Team achieved first-point resolution for 50% of customer enquiries, with an average resolution time of three days. Feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with a growing number of five-star reviews recorded on Trustpilot and Google. Customers can connect with the CX Team quickly and easily via Rendall & Rittner’s MyPlace customer portal, website, dedicated property email address and telephone, when it is convenient for them. With the introduction of extended operating hours, support is now available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturdays from 8am to 4:30pm, making it easier to say connected. The introduction of the CX Team forms part of a wider investment in service improvement and technology. It complements the company’s MyPlace portal, which offers residents 24/7 access to property updates, document storage and online enquiries, as well as supporting the broader shift towards a more transparent, customer-centric model of property management. “The launch of our Customer Experience Team marks a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering exceptional service,” said Catherine Riva, Co-CEO of Rendall & Rittner. “By streamlining communication and providing faster, more effective resolutions, we’re not only improving the experience for our residents but also setting a new standard in customer-focused property management. The positive feedback we’ve already received shows that this investment is making a real difference.” Jo Dowsett, Head of Quality at Rendall & Rittner, comments: “In a relatively short space of time, the team has exceeded expectations, delivering meaningful outcomes and setting a high bar for quality and service. I’m incredibly proud of how quickly the team has come together. Their enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment to delivering results have already made a noticeable impact and that is being reflected in consistently positive feedback from our customers.” Led by Customer Experience Manager Angela Spencer, the CX Team works closely with Property Management teams and specialist areas to ensure complex or specialised enquiries are escalated quickly and handled effectively. The team has recently expanded with the addition of two new supervisors, strengthening leadership capacity and enhancing service delivery. By managing routine customer enquiries, the team enables Property Managers to focus their time on complex matters and key service outcomes. Looking ahead, the team will continue to evolve and enhance the customer experience by embedding a proactive, customer-first service culture and expanding customer-controlled systems designed for convenience and independent resolution. This approach will deliver measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, strengthen trust, and support long-term engagement across the customer journey. For further information please visit: www.rendallandrittner.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Partnership raises awareness of risks for police drivers and roadworkers that arise from ‘blue light incursions’ Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is collaborating with the Police Federation of England & Wales (PFEW), the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Highways, to raise awareness of the dangers of ‘blue light incursions’ for road workers and the emergency services on motorways and major A roads. Blue light incursions occur when emergency vehicles enter restricted roadworks areas whilst attending emergencies. This can create risks for police officers and roadworkers who may be working in the area of an incursion. Costain has worked with the NPCC, the PFEW and National Highways, to produce an awareness video for police drivers. The video raises awareness of the risks police drivers face when entering restricted roadworks areas, and how they can minimise associated risks whilst maintaining the effectiveness of their response. It also highlights the risks to roadworkers within the traffic management area. Costain has applied its decades of experience in delivering road infrastructure and maintenance projects to the initiative, which also supports National Highways’ efforts to minimise the risk of incursions on the Strategic Road Network, which covers motorways and major A roads in England. Costain is working to develop versions of the video for the fire and ambulance services, as well as for frontline road workers. Andy Denman, Road Sector Director at Costain, said: “Improving health and safety underpins our best-in-class delivery of complex road schemes and maintenance projects, and we continuously work to eliminate harm and provide the safest possible working environment for our people. “Through our trusted, forward-thinking partnership with National Highways and other stakeholders, we have been able to significantly increase the awareness of the risks that can arise from incursions by police drivers. This will help to maximise their safe and effective response to emergencies and support a safer, more resilient road network.” Melanie Clarke OBE, Director of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at National Highways, said: “At National Highways, we care deeply about improving safety for our customers, our people and those in our supply chain. We are passionate about the importance of mental as well as physical health in achieving our vison of getting everyone home safe and well. “This initiative has a clear ambition to raise awareness of the risks associated with blue light incursions into roadworks from the perspective of the emergency services or roadworkers, and demonstrates a strong alignment to our vision of connecting the country safely and reliably.” Jo Shiner KPM, Chief Constable and Lead for Roads Policing, National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “This initiative led by Costain is an outstanding demonstration of collaboration between the public and private sectors and aligns with the Department for Transport’s road safety strategy that sets out a clear path to improve road safety in the UK. “The video raises awareness of the dangers of ‘blue light’ driving within restricted roadworks areas, and most importantly, its purpose is to help keep emergency responders, roadworkers and members of the public safe.” Tim Rogers, National Pursuits and Driver Training Lead, the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Officers routinely make rapid decisions in complex environments. This video supports that by setting out, in plain terms, why roadworks change the risk picture and how we can respond safely and consistently.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the workplace continuing to evolve at pace, Workspace Design Show (25-26 February 2026, Business Design Centre, London) brings a powerful programme of thought-filled conversations involving some of the most influential voices in architecture, workplace design, sustainability and occupier strategy. Across four dedicated conference streams, Workspace Design Talks, Sustainability Talks, Occupiers Forum and the FIS Conference, this year’s agenda explores how design, data and sustainability are shaping the future of work, and how organisations can respond with clarity, purpose and impact. Workspace Design Talks: Designing for what’s next The Workspace Design Talks will explore how work is changing and what this means for architecture and design, bringing together leading designers, consultants and thought leaders. One key session, “Work is changing – what does the future hold for architecture and design?”, will be chaired by Mark Eltringham (Workplace Insight) and features insights from Helen Berresford (Sheppard Robson), Collin Burry (Gensler) and Nicola Gillen (Cushman & Wakefield). The panel will examine how shifting work patterns, culture and technology are redefining workplace design. Another standout discussion, “What makes a property ‘right’? How owners, occupiers and designers align”, chaired by Kyle de Bruin (Leesman), brings together perspectives from Elaine Du Preez (Salesforce), Grant Kanik (Foster + Partners), Charlie Kent (Area) and Mel Reeves (The Crown Estate) to explore how collaboration and alignment drive successful workplace outcomes. Sustainability Talks: From biophilia to net zero The Sustainability Talks will focus on how design can support environmental responsibility while enhancing human experience. “Reconnecting design and nature: Purpose, people, and the challenges of biophilia”, chaired by Vanessa Champion (The Journal of Biophilic Design), will explore the realities of implementing biophilic principles, with speakers Nicola Tomkins (Overbury), Lidia Johansen (chapmanbdsp) and Paulo Ribeiro (AECOM). Meanwhile, “Reworking London: How adaptive reuse is powering net zero workplaces” will examine how reuse and retrofit are playing a critical role in decarbonising the built environment. Chaired by Amina Akhtar (Tétris), the session features Hannah Baker (EPR Architects), Kiru Balson (Max Fordham), Jonathan Allwood (Barr Gazetas) and Gregor Haran (Landsec). Occupiers Forum: Evidence-led workplace strategy The Occupiers Forum puts the occupier perspective at the centre of the conversation, focusing on data, change management and workplace performance. In “From data to brief – how evidence is shaping better workplace experience”, chaired by Chris Moriarty (Audiem), speakers Chris Mentiply (Haleon), Kornelia Kiss (Sanofi) and Marc van den Helder (Booking.com) will discuss how insight and analytics are transforming decision-making. “Transforming how we work: Managing change in modern workplace design” will explore the human side of workplace change. Chaired by Jennifer L. Bryan (ABChange Consultancy), the panel includes Oliver Boote (Imperial College London), Paula Rowntree (Lloyds) and Bex Moorhouse (WPP). FIS Conference: Measuring impact and prioritising reuse The FIS Conference will focus on fit-out performance, sustainability and circularity. “Measuring the impact of fit-out”, chaired by Flavie Lowres (FIS), brings together experts Emily Samoluk (British Land), Ella Smith (AHMM) and Beth Jepson (Parkeray) to explore how impact can be quantified and improved. In “Putting reuse first”, chaired by Nikhil Dhumma (JLL), speakers Stuart Cochrane (JLL), Simon Patterson (JLL), Conrad Stone (Cundall) and Will Belfield (Overbury) will discuss practical approaches to embedding reuse and circular economy principles into fit-out projects. With over 150 speakers across the programme, the Workspace Design Show talks offer actionable insight for architects, designers, occupiers, developers and contractors navigating the changing workplace landscape. From strategy and sustainability to performance and people, the 2026 agenda reflects the challenges and opportunities, shaping the future of work. Workspace Design Show takes place at the Business Design Centre, London, bringing together the UK and Europe’s workplace design community for two days of learning, inspiration and connection. Register now to attend the exhibition and view the agendas: workspaceshow.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ambitious plans to transform Wythenshawe town centre are accelerating, as Muse submits proposals for a brand-new food hall as part of its £500 million regeneration programme. The proposed food hall forms part of a wider vision to revitalise Wythenshawe Civic Shopping Centre in Manchester, alongside the development of a £32 million Culture Hub currently under construction by Kier. Joel Chandler, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said the project is progressing at speed to deliver the renewal the town centre deserves. He explained that the food hall is set to become a lively destination, showcasing a diverse mix of local food and drink operators. Designed as a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike, it will provide new opportunities for people to gather, socialise and enjoy the town centre — while also giving a significant boost to Wythenshawe’s evening economy. Muse has already begun discussions with prospective vendors, following positive engagement with the local community about the types of cuisine they would like to see represented. The goal is to create an inclusive offering that reflects the tastes of local people and celebrates the very best of Wythenshawe. In addition, Muse has submitted three separate planning applications to deliver 422 new affordable homes for social rent across three town centre locations. This initial phase forms part of a long-term masterplan that will see up to 2,000 new homes built over the next 10 to 15 years, reshaping Wythenshawe into a thriving, modern neighbourhood fit for the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The £1 billion regeneration of Eastgate Quarter in Leeds city centre has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of a specialist consultant team to help deliver the ambitious scheme. Danish planners and British architects have been selected to bring forward proposals for the redevelopment of a four-hectare site in the heart of Leeds. The mixed-use project will span from Vicar Lane in the west to Bridge Street in the east, and from Lady Lane in the south to the A64(M) in the north. Leeds-based developers Khalbros and Torsion Group formed a joint venture after acquiring the Eastgate Quarter site in April 2025. Their plans aim to expand the footprint of the city centre and establish a vibrant new neighbourhood featuring homes, workspace, leisure and hospitality destinations. To realise this vision, the joint venture has appointed FeildenCleggBradley (FCB) Studios as lead architect and masterplanner, alongside Danish urban design practice SLA. FCB Studios already has strong ties to Leeds, having designed Broadcasting Place for Leeds Beckett University and developed the masterplan for Wellington Place. Planning consultancy services will be delivered by Leeds-based ID Planning, while Roscoe will provide structural and civil engineering expertise. AMA has been appointed to advise on highways and transport matters. A further 15 specialist consultants and advisers will support the core team. These include Urban Wilderness for townscape visual impact assessments, Futuresecology for ecological consultancy, Prospect for archaeology services, and Social for communications and public consultation support. Additional expertise will be provided by FD Global on wind consultancy, Levrant on heritage conservation and repurposing, GIA Consulting on daylight and sunlight surveying, and Tace on services and utilities consultancy. The proposals are currently progressing through a pre-application process with Leeds City Council to ensure alignment with the ambitions set out in the Eastgate Quarter masterplan. David Khalastchi, Managing Partner at Khalbros, described Eastgate Quarter as a defining moment for Leeds, calling it the final major regeneration opportunity within the inner city centre. He said the appointments signal the project’s international significance while remaining rooted in Leeds’ distinctive character, adding that the team and its investors are proud to contribute to the city’s long-term transformation. Dan Spencer, Chief Executive of Torsion Group, said the consultant appointments represent a pivotal step in bringing the vision for Eastgate Quarter to life. He highlighted the strength of the team, combining local and international expertise, and said the calibre of advisers reflects the scale of ambition behind the scheme and its commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth while creating a lasting legacy. Alex Whitbread, Senior Partner at FCB Studios, said the area has been overlooked for decades. He outlined plans to create a new mixed-use neighbourhood grounded in Leeds’ identity, where sustainability, density and high-quality placemaking work together. The scheme will breathe new life into long-vacant buildings, replace empty plots and car parks with a dynamic public realm, and reconnect surrounding residential communities as the city centre continues to expand. Rasmus Astrup, Design Principal and Senior Partner at SLA, added that the team is excited to be working on such a transformative project. Drawing on Leeds’ heritage, the ambition is to reimagine Eastgate as a ‘Greengate’ — a neighbourhood shaped by nature, public life and green infrastructure as key drivers of regeneration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon is stretching from Wales to Kent as it mobilises on two landmark leisure developments set to transform community sport and wellbeing facilities on either side of the country. In Swansea, early works are now under way on the new National Institute for Sport & Health (NISH), while in Gravesend preparations are gathering pace for the long-awaited Cascades Leisure Centre. In Wales, the four-storey NISH development for Swansea University is being constructed at the entrance to Swansea Bay Sports Park. The project is funded through the Swansea Bay City Deal, with backing from Swansea Council and local health boards. Work began last month to replace the existing pavilion at Sketty Lane, with full construction scheduled to commence in the coming weeks. Project management is being led by Pick Everard, working alongside architects Powell Dobson. The 2,000 sq m facility is designed to unite public, private and academic sectors engaged in sports and health research and development. NISH aims to support start-ups and growing businesses in advancing product innovation, while also serving as a key anchor for a broader Science and Innovation Park. Keith Lloyd, Director of NISH, said the institute will position Swansea — and Wales — firmly on the global stage for pioneering research, product development and community health innovation. He described it as a catalyst for discovery, inward investment and improved wellbeing. The building is expected to open its doors in 2027. Further east in Gravesend, Kent, Willmott Dixon is working with Gravesham Borough Council to prepare the site for a new £43 million leisure centre. Early site activity is under way, with demolition works scheduled to begin in early spring to clear the existing structures and ready the ground for construction. The new Cascades Leisure Centre will replace the current ageing facility. Plans feature a 25-metre swimming pool, a 17-metre learner pool, an aqua play and flume area, spectator seating, a six-court sports hall, a multi-level soft play zone, dedicated party and community rooms, and a café. Willmott Dixon was appointed as the council’s construction partner in September 2025 for the pre-construction phase via a direct award through the Pagabo framework. Richard Poulter, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon in the South, said it is an exciting stage of the project as visible activity begins on site. He added that the new leisure centre will provide an outstanding, sustainable facility designed with families and the wider community in mind. Over the past decade, Willmott Dixon has delivered more than 160 leisure facilities across the UK, including 108 swimming pools. The new Cascades Leisure Centre is expected to open in 2028, marking a significant investment in the future health and wellbeing of the Gravesend community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals