Taylor Wimpey North West is bringing forward plans for a new residential development of 58 homes in Lancaster, with the acquisition of land for its Beaumont Rise development taking place on 30th June. Located off Slyne Road, Beaumont Rise will deliver 58 homes, comprising a mix of two-, three- and
The UK’s retail property sector is set for another significant period of change after TGJones secured High Court approval for a major restructuring plan that could see up to 150 former WHSmith high street stores close across the country. The decision follows the acquisition of WHSmith’s historic high street business
Pye Homes has announced an exclusive Stamp Duty offer worth up to £10,000 on select properties for sale at Welborne Garden Village near Fareham in Hampshire. The housebuilder will pay Stamp Duty fees of up £10,000 for families who reserve one of its Welborne Garden Village homes in July.* The
A former 19th-century dyeworks near Huddersfield has been successfully transformed into a sustainable residential development following the completion of complex engineering works led by Dudleys Consulting Engineers. The Royd Edge Mills development delivers 30 new homes, ranging from two-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom detached properties, while breathing new life into a
The Thames Tideway Tunnel is a £4.6 billion infrastructure project designed to modernise London’s ageing sewer network. As part of the project, several sites along the Thames were expanded to accommodate the additional infrastructure required for the tunnel, creating new riverside public spaces and prompting upgrades to existing lighting assets.
FireAngel announces new Spec+ range incorporating a complete portfolio of domestic safety solutions, including multi-sensor and single-sensor smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. FireAngel has announced the launch of its brand-new Spec+ range, an evolved solutions offering of mains-powered fire and domestic safety alarms designed to support professional installations, improve
Footasylum has reinforced its commitment to bricks-and-mortar retail with the reopening of its significantly upgraded store at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester, as the retailer continues an ambitious programme of investment across its UK property portfolio. The refurbished 17,178 sq ft store represents the latest phase of Footasylum’s national
Britain’s builders, tradespeople and construction businesses have united behind a national campaign calling for urgent government action to prevent the further decline of the country’s most important industries. The newly launched Let’s Get Britain Building – NOW! campaign lead by Stark Building Materials UK and Jewson is warning that the
Affordable housing developer AJC Group has been appointed to deliver a major regeneration scheme in Boscombe, a popular seaside suburb of Bournemouth. The Poole-based contractor has been awarded both phases of the landmark Hawkwood Road development on behalf of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. The scheme is supported by
Independent housebuilder Dandara has secured reserved matters planning permission to build 252 new homes in Fishponds, representing a significant milestone for Bristol’s regeneration plans. The new neighbourhood will form part of Bristol City Council’s Atlas Place Masterplan for the Central Fishponds area and will deliver a mix of one, two,
Taylor Wimpey North West is bringing forward plans for a new residential development of 58 homes in Lancaster, with the acquisition of land for its Beaumont Rise development taking place on 30th June. Located off Slyne Road, Beaumont Rise will deliver 58 homes, comprising a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes designed to support a range of buyers, including first-time buyers, families and downsizers. The development has received full planning permission and work on the development is expected to take place later this week. Beaumont Rise will also include public open space, landscaped green areas, pedestrian links throughout the development and a range of energy-efficient features. Existing landscape features across the site are expected to be retained and enhanced as part of the plans. As one of the UK’s largest homebuilders, Taylor Wimpey has more than 100 years of experience delivering homes and communities across the country and has built more than one million homes since its foundations were established. Taylor Wimpey is also recognised as a five-star homebuilder by the Home Builders Federation, based on customer satisfaction scores from homeowners. Gavin Powell, Sales Director at Taylor Wimpey North West, said: “We’re pleased to be taking the next step towards bringing Beaumont Rise to Lancaster. “As Taylor Wimpey enters the area, we want to engage with local residents and stakeholders and ensure people feel informed as plans progress. “Our ambition is to create a new neighbourhood that meets local demands for new homes and provides a well-connected place to call home.” Residents interested in following the progress of the development can find more information and register for updates via the Beaumont Rise webpage. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s retail property sector is set for another significant period of change after TGJones secured High Court approval for a major restructuring plan that could see up to 150 former WHSmith high street stores close across the country. The decision follows the acquisition of WHSmith’s historic high street business by Modella Capital, with the retailer now operating under the TGJones brand while WHSmith continues to focus on its travel division. The restructuring represents one of the largest retail estate reviews in recent years and is expected to have implications for landlords, town centres, retail asset managers and commercial property investors as the business reshapes its nationwide portfolio. TGJones currently operates 451 stores and employs more than 4,700 people, but the approved plan will allow the business to streamline its estate by closing underperforming locations while renegotiating lease agreements across hundreds of remaining stores. As part of the restructuring, the retailer intends to significantly reduce its occupational costs. Around 120 landlords will receive no rental income from affected stores for up to three years, while rents across many other locations are expected to be reduced by between 15% and 75%. For the commercial property sector, the move highlights the continued evolution of Britain’s high streets as retailers seek more sustainable operating models in response to changing consumer behaviour, rising operating costs and increasing competition from online shopping. Store closures inevitably present challenges for landlords and local authorities, but they can also create opportunities for town centre regeneration through the repurposing of vacant retail units. Across the UK, former high street premises are increasingly being converted into mixed-use developments, leisure destinations, healthcare facilities, flexible workspaces, residential accommodation and community uses, helping to diversify town centres and attract new investment. Modella Capital has confirmed it intends to invest £35 million into the business as part of its long-term recovery strategy. Alongside changes to supplier repayment arrangements and lease restructuring, the investment is designed to create a more financially sustainable retailer capable of adapting to today’s retail environment. The company said many of the challenges inherited following the acquisition stemmed from years of underinvestment in the store estate, alongside a cash shortfall approaching £8 million. It also acknowledged that difficult retail trading conditions and the loss of the long-established WHSmith brand had added further pressure during the transition. For the construction and property industries, the restructuring serves as another reminder of the changing role of physical retail. As occupier requirements evolve, developers, investors and landlords are increasingly focusing on refurbishment, adaptive reuse and mixed-use regeneration to ensure town centre assets remain commercially viable and continue to contribute to the long-term vitality of local communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pye Homes has announced an exclusive Stamp Duty offer worth up to £10,000 on select properties for sale at Welborne Garden Village near Fareham in Hampshire. The housebuilder will pay Stamp Duty fees of up £10,000 for families who reserve one of its Welborne Garden Village homes in July.* The exclusive offer is an ideal opportunity for those looking to buy a property in this idyllic location, 300 metres from nature, within 444 acres of parks and woodland, less than eight miles to the nearest beach, and just 10 minutes’ drive from Fareham railway station, which offers direct trains to Cardiff, Southampton, Portsmouth, Brighton and London Waterloo. This limited-time incentive follows the opening of Pye Homes’ showhomes and show apartments as it unveiled an exclusive collection of six Audley apartments, which feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and allocated parking. The Audley apartments are perfect for home buyers who are interested in downsizing but still want every modern convenience in a beautiful setting. Pye Homes is crafting 210 of the 6,000 new homes at Welborne Garden Village, which will also include a Village Centre featuring independent shops, pub/hotel, GP surgery, pharmacy and eventually four new schools. Over 50% of the development’s land will be dedicated to public open space, with additional outdoor spaces including the 30-acre Welborne Park, a community orchard, allotments, sports fields, and play areas. Welborne is now open for prospective buyers to visit the Pye Homes customer lounge, tour the showhomes and show apartment, and experience the new neighbourhood for themselves. *For more information and the Stamp Duty incentive terms and conditions, visit www.welborne.co.uk/event To find out more about The Audley apartments and the collection of homes now available at Welborne Garden Village, and to register for an appointment, visit www.pyehomes.co.uk/developments/welborne/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A former 19th-century dyeworks near Huddersfield has been successfully transformed into a sustainable residential development following the completion of complex engineering works led by Dudleys Consulting Engineers. The Royd Edge Mills development delivers 30 new homes, ranging from two-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom detached properties, while breathing new life into a historic brownfield site with industrial origins stretching back to the late 1830s. Originally established as a textile mill drawing water from Royd Edge Moor via Thick Hollins Dyke, the site later became a thriving dyeworks before eventually falling into disuse. Following decades of decline and the demolition of the former industrial buildings, the redevelopment presented a series of significant engineering and construction challenges. Extensive below-ground investigations uncovered remnants of historic foundations, former basements, wheelhouses, engine rooms and underground chimney structures, alongside areas of quarrying, steep bedrock and an intricate network of historic watercourses. These conditions required careful planning and innovative engineering solutions before construction could begin. Dudleys Consulting Engineers was appointed to provide civil and structural engineering expertise across the project, delivering designs for the development’s foundations, drainage infrastructure and structural solutions for both the houses and apartment buildings. Working closely with the wider project team, the consultancy developed a revised site-level strategy incorporating a combination of shallow trench, deep trench and piled foundation systems to suit the varying ground conditions. The approach enabled efficient connections to existing adopted drainage while delivering an effective surface water management solution. One of the project’s most significant engineering achievements involved reconfiguring the former mill pond. Rather than constructing a substantial retaining wall to manage flood risk, the team redesigned the landscape by cutting back the pond, reducing the risk of leakage and creating a more practical, attractive and sustainable solution. This approach not only improved the visual character of the development but also increased usable garden space, enhanced natural landscaping and reduced off-site material waste. New woodland walkways have also been incorporated, helping integrate the development into its surrounding environment while encouraging biodiversity and providing attractive outdoor spaces for future residents. Andy Walker, Managing Director of Dudleys Consulting Engineers, said the project demonstrated how innovative engineering could unlock difficult brownfield sites while delivering environmental, commercial and community benefits. Adam Howarth of Royd Edge Mill Developments added that the engineering solutions had enabled the complex site to be developed efficiently while respecting its industrial heritage and creating lasting value for the local area. The Royd Edge Mills project demonstrates how collaborative design, sustainable engineering and intelligent site remediation can successfully regenerate former industrial land, transforming challenging brownfield sites into high-quality residential communities while preserving the character and legacy of their historic setting. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Thames Tideway Tunnel is a £4.6 billion infrastructure project designed to modernise London’s ageing sewer network. As part of the project, several sites along the Thames were expanded to accommodate the additional infrastructure required for the tunnel, creating new riverside public spaces and prompting upgrades to existing lighting assets. At Tyburn Quay and Bazalgette Embankment, these works brought two distinctive heritage lighting installations into focus. Delivered for Transport for London and the City of London Corporation respectively, the schemes formed part of Tideway Central, led by FLO Joint Venture, with FM Conway and consultant WSP among the wider project team. Drawing on its long-standing experience working with historic lighting across central London, DW Windsor supported the delivery of both schemes, retaining the defining features of each installation while introducing the structural, lighting and control technologies needed for their continued use. The road running alongside Tyburn Quay is lined with a mix of original Grade II-listed cast column bases and a number of later replicas. Dating from 1900, the original bases feature dolphins, floral detailing and representations of Britannia. While the project required the lighting installation to be upgraded, preserving these historic bases was an important part of the brief. Each casting was removed from site and transported to DW Windsor’s Hertfordshire factory, where the company’s specialist restoration team repaired and repainted the decorative finishes in their distinctive combination of black, red and gold. As part of the upgrade, new reinforced steel columns designed to retain the proportions and appearance of the originals were installed. These were completed with traditional scroll brackets and finials finished in a custom gold paint to complement the decorative elements on the bases. Strand lanterns were then fitted as a like-for-like replacement for the previous luminaires, preserving the familiar appearance of the lighting. The lanterns incorporate efficient LED lighting technology and Zhaga sockets, currently fitted with Zhaga photocells. This future-proofs the installation by allowing CMS nodes to be added should Transport for London adopt a central management system at a later date. Once the work was complete, DW Windsor worked alongside FM Conway to transport the restored column bases back to site and assist with their reinstallation, helping to minimise handling and protect these important heritage assets. At Bazalgette Embankment, the project team faced a different heritage challenge. The existing lighting featured George Vulliamy’s iconic dolphin pedestal design, better known to many as the Sturgeon lamp post, originally created for the Victorian Embankment works and now one of the riverside’s most recognisable features. While the sculptural bases and cradles were retained for their architectural and historic significance, the globe lanterns above required replacement. DW Windsor was tasked with recreating the original appearance while developing a completely new internal lighting system. The solution needed to deliver modern performance, improved control and easier maintenance without detracting from the character of the historic installation. The age of the cradles made this particularly challenging. Created using historic manufacturing methods and exposed to decades of weathering, the individual structures varied in dimension and condition. Working with specialist installer London and Kent, DW Windsor developed an adjustable mounting system that allowed each new globe lantern to be fitted securely within its existing cradle. Inside the recreated globe, two separate LED systems perform distinct roles. A CoB LED provides the principal downward illumination, with a rear shield helping to reduce light spill back towards the Thames, while a second light source softly illuminates the upper section and opal lid, preserving the characteristic glow and visual presence of the original globe. Specified at 2700K, the new lighting produces a warm appearance suited to the historic riverside setting. Urban Control’s CMS technology was also incorporated discreetly within the globe, with the antenna concealed inside the fitting so that the external appearance remained unchanged. Both Tyburn Quay and Bazalgette Embankment highlight the importance of balancing heritage preservation with modern lighting requirements. By retaining significant original features wherever possible and replacing only those elements requiring renewal, the schemes preserve the established character of Victoria Embankment while introducing improved performance and control. Robert Maisey, Operations Director at DW Windsor, said: “At Tyburn Quay, the priority was to retain the character of the original installation. Restoring the bases and upgrading the columns, brackets and lanterns allowed us to bring the scheme back to life while introducing the structural strength and technology needed for the future.” Alex Winship, Specials Product Design Manager at DW Windsor, added: “The challenge at Bazalgette Embankment was to recreate the appearance of the original globes while completely redesigning their internal lighting architecture. By combining two light sources, discreet CMS integration and an adjustable mounting system, we were able to preserve their familiar glow while delivering modern lighting performance.” The schemes form part of DW Windsor’s wider contribution to the Thames Tideway project, which has included the supply of heritage and contemporary lighting across several locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals Clients and partners Clients – Transport for London / City of London Corporation Main Contractor – FM Conway Joint Venture – FLO (Ferrovial Construction and Laing O’Rourke) Consultant – WSP Specialist Installer (Globes) – London and Kent
FireAngel announces new Spec+ range incorporating a complete portfolio of domestic safety solutions, including multi-sensor and single-sensor smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. FireAngel has announced the launch of its brand-new Spec+ range, an evolved solutions offering of mains-powered fire and domestic safety alarms designed to support professional installations, improve ease of replacement, and to keep more people safe in their homes today and in the future. Classified as Grade D1 alarms in line with BS 5839-6, the range comes with a 10-year sealed rechargeable lithium backup battery, making them suitable for most residential applications under current legislation and standards. Domestic safety solutions for evolving needs Developed for the UK professional market, the Spec+ range brings together smoke, heat, carbon monoxide and multi-sensor protection in a flexible new product family, with anticipated changes to legislation and consumer habits considered in its development. It includes dedicated smoke and heat alarms, as well as multi-sensor alarms offering smoke, heat and CO detection in a single device. Designed with professional installers, landlords, housebuilders and housing providers in mind, the new Spec+ products ensure long-life performance and interconnection capability, and a practical base plate design to make installation and replacement as straightforward as possible. The smoke alarms combine Thermoptek™ and UltraSense™ technology, which work in parallel to improve response to fire risk whilst reducing ‘nuisance alarms’ due to lifestyle factors and contaminants. Improving on previous products, Spec+ incorporates bug mesh and dust compensation components to increase device longevity and minimise interference or contamination which can cause false alarms. The alarms have built-in Bluetooth (BLE) as standard, supporting the optional interlinking of up to 50 Spec+ devices either wirelessly, via hardwired connection or a mix of the two, without the need for additional costly modules. Standards, testing and certification for domestic safety solutions All core alarms in the Spec+ range are designed for a 10-year lifespan and come with a leading 10-year warranty, providing peace of mind for residents. Smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms typically have a 10-year working life and despite often functioning beyond this, FireAngel advises all alarms should be replaced after 10 years to ensure continued protection. Nick Rutter, Chief Executive Officer at FireAngel, said: “Our new Spec+ range represents a significant product portfolio for FireAngel that will enable a step-change for the future of domestic safety. Spec+ has been designed around real installation needs, quality-first design principles and trusted protection for residents.” “The launch comes at an important time for the fire safety sector, where innovation and healthy marketplace competition are essential to continuously improving protection in homes across the UK. FireAngel believes that bringing new products to market plays a vital role in giving specifiers, contractors and housing providers greater choice, while ensuring safety-critical technology continues to evolve.” The Spec+ range includes: Find out more about FireAngel professional services and the Spec+ range: https://www.fireangel.co.uk/specplus Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Footasylum has reinforced its commitment to bricks-and-mortar retail with the reopening of its significantly upgraded store at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester, as the retailer continues an ambitious programme of investment across its UK property portfolio. The refurbished 17,178 sq ft store represents the latest phase of Footasylum’s national expansion strategy, reflecting growing confidence in prime retail destinations that continue to attract strong footfall and deliver engaging customer experiences. Located within one of the UK’s premier shopping centres, the upgraded store has been designed to provide an enhanced retail environment, offering an extensive range of leading sportswear and lifestyle brands including Nike, Adidas Originals, ASICS, Saucony and Berghaus, alongside Footasylum’s own exclusive labels such as Monterrain and Forena. The investment forms part of a wider programme of property and operational expansion that has seen the retailer open new stores in Manchester Arndale, Trinity Leeds and Merthyr Tydfil, while continuing to strengthen its presence in strategically important retail locations across the UK. For the property and construction sector, the latest investment highlights the ongoing evolution of physical retail space. Modern retail fit-outs increasingly focus on creating flexible, experience-led environments capable of supporting changing consumer behaviours, premium product presentation and seamless integration with digital retail platforms. Alongside its store expansion programme, Footasylum has continued investing in its wider operational infrastructure, including increasing warehouse capacity to support future growth and securing additional funding from HSBC UK to accelerate its ongoing rollout strategy. The business has also expanded into international markets across Central Europe and the Gulf region, demonstrating confidence in its long-term growth ambitions. The retailer has also strengthened its leadership team with the recent appointment of Hannah Mercer as Chief Executive Officer and entered into a strategic partnership with British streetwear brand Trapstar, further enhancing its product offering and brand appeal. Shannon Osman, Retail Director at Footasylum, described the upgraded Trafford Centre store as another landmark in the company’s UK expansion plans. She said the investment reflects Footasylum’s commitment to creating innovative retail destinations that strengthen customer engagement while offering an enhanced shopping experience in one of the country’s highest-performing retail centres. The continued investment also demonstrates the resilience of well-located shopping destinations such as the Trafford Centre, where landlords and occupiers are working together to deliver high-quality retail environments that attract leading brands and support long-term asset performance. As retailers continue to adapt their property strategies to changing consumer expectations, investment in modern store design, premium fit-outs and flagship locations remains an important driver of the UK’s retail property market, creating opportunities across construction, interiors, building services and commercial fit-out sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Britain’s builders, tradespeople and construction businesses have united behind a national campaign calling for urgent government action to prevent the further decline of the country’s most important industries. The newly launched Let’s Get Britain Building – NOW! campaign lead by Stark Building Materials UK and Jewson is warning that the construction sector has reached a critical tipping point due to a combination of thousands of companies ceasing trading and sole traders shutting up shop, housing delivery falling dramatically short of demand and chronic skills shortages. Campaign leaders are calling on the government for an emergency package of measures to restore confidence, stimulate demand and remove barriers preventing the industry from delivering the new and improved homes, jobs and economic growth Britain desperately needs. Alongside a public petition – the construction industry is set to escalate its grave concerns to Parliament to secure a national debate on the future of Britain’s construction industry. Today’s warning comes at a time when the gap between housing need and housing delivery continues to widen. Construction leaders estimate Britain is now facing a housing shortfall of approximately 6.5 million homes. To close that gap by 2040, around 565,000 homes would need to be built every year. Yet current projections suggest that annual housing delivery is likely to reach only around 305,000 homes by 2029. More than 630,000 properties in England sit empty and ripe for retrofitting into quality homes, but VAT and planning constraints are blocking progress. At the same time, the businesses responsible for building those homes are disappearing at an alarming rate. Nearly 4,000 construction firms became insolvent in the year to February 2026, making construction the worst-affected sector in the country’s economy in terms of business failures. Small and medium-sized housebuilders, once responsible for a significant share of housing delivery, have seen their numbers collapse from around 12,000 businesses in the late 1980s to fewer than 2,000 today. Kieran Griffin, Divisional Managing Director at Jewson, says: “The economics of building have become increasingly difficult, as the costs associated with more regulation, taxes and levies mount up for every new home built. Material costs have risen by around 40 per cent since 2020 and are expected to increase further in the years ahead. Combined with rising borrowing costs, planning delays and weaker consumer confidence, many projects that would once have been financially viable are now being postponed or abandoned altogether. “This is no longer a future challenge; it is a present-day emergency,” said Griffin. “Construction sits at the heart of the British economy and infrastructure. It delivers homes, jobs and investment in every town across Britain, yet the sector is under enormous pressure from every direction. Businesses are closing, projects are stalling, and skilled workers are leaving the industry. If the government wants growth, it needs to support the people and businesses that are physically building the country.” Ashley Woodcock, a painter and decorator from Bolton, says he has had to take on a second job as a milkman to supplement his income in construction. His day begins at 2.30 am, delivering milk before he heads to decorating jobs later in the morning. Ashley says he sees the impact of delays, uncertainty and workforce shortages every day. “Everyone agrees Britain needs more homes, but the reality on the ground is that it is becoming harder and harder for tradespeople,” he said. “Projects are delayed, costs continue to rise, and there aren’t enough skilled people entering the industry. Most of us want to get on with the work, but we need the right support and conditions to make that possible.” At the centre of the campaign are three urgent policy demands that organisers believe would have an immediate impact on the industry’s ability to grow. Campaign leaders argue that there has been no meaningful replacement for previous support schemes that helped buyers enter the market and are calling for targeted financial incentives for homebuyers and homeowners, including measures to reduce deposit requirements and expand mortgage access. They also want ministers to consider stamp duty relief and other fiscal measures to encourage transactions and boost market confidence. Another request is the removal of VAT on building materials and the refurbishment and retrofit of existing homes. Currently, new-build homes benefit from zero VAT, yet renovation projects often face additional costs that discourage investment. They believe removing VAT could unlock significant activity, especially in relation to the thousands of vacant properties across the country that could be renovated and used as housing. There are also calls for reform of the planning system, which campaigners describe as slow, costly and unpredictable. Only a small proportion of major planning applications are currently decided within statutory timeframes, while delays on smaller projects continue to frustrate homeowners and builders alike. Justin Gilbert, CEO Gilbert Homes said: “As a company owner for over thirty years I have never experienced such negative planning policies that we face today. The majority of potential new housing sites are unviable due to the various levies. The planning system is a complete farce.” The campaign is calling for a simpler, more transparent planning system that relies on clearer rules rather than subjective preferences, faster decision-making, and greater use of digital technology. Organisers believe artificial intelligence could play an important role in streamlining at the very least the early stages of planning applications and reducing administrative burdens on local authorities. They also want a moratorium on additional policy requirements that increase costs and complexity without accelerating housing delivery. Another key policy is tackling what campaigners describe as a construction skills emergency. More than 35,000 vacancies currently exist across the sector, and the industry is expected to require around 225,000 additional workers by 2027, but approximately one-quarter of the existing workforce is expected to retire over the next five years. Campaign leaders are therefore calling for expansion and an acceleration of apprenticeships, training programmes and industry-led education initiatives. They want greater support for small and medium-sized businesses that train and to retain apprentices and closer collaboration between employers,
Affordable housing developer AJC Group has been appointed to deliver a major regeneration scheme in Boscombe, a popular seaside suburb of Bournemouth. The Poole-based contractor has been awarded both phases of the landmark Hawkwood Road development on behalf of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council. The scheme is supported by UK Government funding aimed at driving regeneration and housing delivery in local communities. Phase one of the development will include the construction of a new two-storey community centre, four retail kiosks, a new pedestrian link between Hawkwood Road and Christchurch Road, alongside associated landscaping, drainage and community space improvements. Phase two will see the construction of 68 residential apartments and a new commercial space across three buildings, together with a new public park, cycle storage, refuse facilities, parking and associated highways and landscaping works. BCP Council has developed the wider regeneration proposals for the nine-hectare site, aiming to create a new mixed-use neighbourhood in the heart of Boscombe. The development also includes ground floor space intended for health or community-focused services. BCP Council continues to work with NHS partners to explore the potential for local health provision. If a healthcare provider is unable to proceed, the space can accommodate other appropriate community-focused commercial uses. This approach ensures the wider housing development can proceed without delay while keeping options open for health services. AJC Group, based in Poole, specialises in the delivery of affordable housing across Dorset and Hampshire. The business is currently delivering multiple schemes across the region, including the regeneration of the former Buzz Bingo site in Bournemouth town centre, where affordable homes are being created as part of the company’s wider ‘500 in 5’ mission to deliver 500 affordable homes across the Wessex region within five years. David Cracklen, Director at AJC Group, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been appointed to deliver this important regeneration project for Boscombe. Developments like this have the potential to make a lasting difference to local communities, and that is exactly what we at AJC Group are striving to achieve through every scheme we deliver.” Works are scheduled to officially begin in July 2026, initially focusing on site clearance and groundworks to prepare the infrastructure required for phase one of the development. This project is funded by the UK Government. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Independent housebuilder Dandara has secured reserved matters planning permission to build 252 new homes in Fishponds, representing a significant milestone for Bristol’s regeneration plans. The new neighbourhood will form part of Bristol City Council’s Atlas Place Masterplan for the Central Fishponds area and will deliver a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom houses and apartments. The former industrial site, previously occupied by Graphic Packaging International before its relocation in 2023 after more than 100 years in Fishponds, will be transformed into a vibrant new residential neighbourhood. At the heart of the development will be landscaped green public open spaces and play areas. More than 150 new trees will be planted across the development, creating attractive green spaces and play areas for residents and the wider community. A new orbital cycle route running through the centre of the scheme will improve connectivity and provide direct links to the wider cycling and walking network, including the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Construction is expected to begin later this Summer, with the first homes expected to be ready for occupation in 2027. Under the planning agreement, Dandara will contribute approximately £430,000 towards local highway and public transport improvements. William Bishop, Head of Land at Dandara said: “We have worked very closely with Bristol City Council, stakeholders and the wider project team, throughout the planning process to ensure we are delivering a development which will significantly enhance the Fishponds area, bringing benefits not just to our new residents but the local community. This development will appeal to a diverse range of buyers while making a meaningful contribution to tackling the housing shortage in the city.” According to forecasts, the city’s population has grown by more than 11% over the past decade, with projections suggesting it could exceed 500,000 residents by 2032[1]. Housing delivery has struggled to keep pace which has led to affordability challenges and rising rents across the city. James Snelgar, Technical Director at Dandara, said: “Bristol is a city with enormous character, energy and a clear need for well-designed homes. This approval is a major milestone for the project and paves the way for the regeneration of the former Graphic Packaging site. This is about more than building homes. It is about creating a place that works for local people, respects the area’s heritage and supports the city’s long-term growth. “We will also create vital new construction jobs and work with the council to direct employment and apprenticeships towards local people.” The Fishponds development will offer direct access to the Bristol to Bath Railway Path for cyclists and pedestrians, alongside easy links to the city centre, the M32 and Fishponds high street. Sustainability has been embedded from the earliest stages of the project. All homes will be fully electric, featuring air source heat pumps and enhanced energy performance standards. As part of the site’s preparation, 100% of material from the demolition contractor has been recycled, with a proportion of this material being reused on site as part of the new development. Bishop added: “Sites of this scale in the heart of Bristol are rarely available and require significant work to unlock. The city’s complex planning and technical environment underlines why regeneration done well really matters. Atlas Place represents a major opportunity to contribute to local housing need while respecting the area’s history.” [1] https://www.bristol.gov.uk/council/statistics-census-information/population-of-bristol Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals