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Kenneth Booth
ACO Building Drainage Helps Construction Professionals Tackle Climate Change with Launch of ‘Blue Roof Guide – Volume 2’

ACO Building Drainage Helps Construction Professionals Tackle Climate Change with Launch of ‘Blue Roof Guide – Volume 2’

Kenneth Booth December 17, 2025

With climate extremes increasing and urban drainage networks under growing stress, ACO Building Drainage has published the second volume of its Blue Roof Guide to help architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors design resilient, multi-functional roofscapes. The new guide explains how blue and blue-green roof systems can store and manage rainfall

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London Set for an Office Revival – If Planning Rules Keep Up

London Set for an Office Revival – If Planning Rules Keep Up

Kenneth Booth December 17, 2025

London could be on the brink of a major office construction surge, with developers arguing that the right conditions are finally lining up – provided the planning system becomes more flexible. Fresh analysis from the London Property Alliance and Knight Frank suggests that modernising the capital’s ageing office stock could

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Panattoni signs biggest speculative letting in South East this year

Panattoni signs biggest speculative letting in South East this year

Kenneth Booth December 15, 2025

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has signed a lease agreement with ID Logistics Group, the international contract logistics group, for the 440,167 sq ft speculative unit at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne. The letting of S440 has been recognised as the largest deal signing this year in the South

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Latest Issue
Issue 335 : Dec 2025

Kenneth Booth

ACO Building Drainage Helps Construction Professionals Tackle Climate Change with Launch of ‘Blue Roof Guide – Volume 2’

ACO Building Drainage Helps Construction Professionals Tackle Climate Change with Launch of ‘Blue Roof Guide – Volume 2’

Kenneth Booth December 17, 2025

With climate extremes increasing and urban drainage networks under growing stress, ACO Building Drainage has published the second volume of its Blue Roof Guide to help architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors design resilient, multi-functional roofscapes. The new guide explains how blue and blue-green roof systems can store and manage rainfall on site, reduce peak flows to overstretched sewers and support passive irrigation and biodiversity on roof areas. The guide, titled ‘ACO Blue Roof Guide – Vol 2’, follows the success of ACO’s first volume of its Blue Roof Guide, launched in October 2024, and builds on the criteria established for safe and sustainable drainage. Sustainability is a core principle of ACO’s work and this has been recognised in the company’s appointment as United Nations ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The second volume of the Blue Roof Guide is evidence of ACO’s commitment to clean water, sustainability, and supporting the construction industry in creating an eco-friendly future. Volume 2 sets out the principles of off-membrane storage and offers practical design and delivery advice for architects, engineers, specifiers and contractors. It highlights blue roofs as an increasingly important tool in urban developments by storing water temporarily and releasing it slowly to lessen flood risk while enabling green and biosolar roof functions to coexist without compromising waterproofing. Technical sections go into detail about ACO’s patented RoofBloxx system: a shallow, high-strength geocellular attenuation layer designed to sit independently of the roof membrane. Implementation and installation are also discussed, including together with the proper use of flow restrictors, access and diffuser units, capillary wicks and reservoir trays. When combined, these components manage run-off rates, support passive irrigation for sedum and planted systems, and reduce the need for heavy ballast by stabilising insulation. Neill Robinson-Welsh, who has led more than 750 blue roof projects during his 14 years with ACO, said: “Blue roofs are no longer an optional extra but a practical response to the twin pressures of heavier rainfall and growing water stress. Our approach uses ACO RoofBloxx to store water off the waterproofing layer, simplifying integration with green and biosolar elements and reducing the risk of membrane failure. The new guide reflects what we’ve learned on real projects and sets out design and maintenance steps that make blue roofs reliable.” Practical chapters focus on early-stage coordination, addressing outlet positioning, roof slope and structural implications, as well as maintenance-friendly design through permanent access chambers and twice-yearly inspections, and emphasising the importance of accurate hydraulic calculations to meet planning limits while preserving architectural constraints. ACO stresses that designers need to treat blue roofs as system integration exercises, and by coordinating landscape, photovoltaics and other services early it will help to avoid late, costly revisions. Volume 2 is positioned as a hands-on resource for teams planning multifunctional roofs where water management, ecology and service access must all be reconciled. To download the guide, see ACO.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Young unemployed offered training or job opportunities in construction - BCIS chief economist

Young unemployed offered training or job opportunities in construction – BCIS chief economist

Kenneth Booth December 17, 2025

Dr David Crosthwaite, BCIS – chief economist, said: There is a risk that schemes built around compliance or sanctions place young people into roles that do not align with their skills, interests or longer-term aspirations. For construction, which already faces persistent challenges attracting and retaining new entrants, the priority should be creating conditions that make the sector a positive and deliberate career choice rather than a default option. There is also the practical concern of placing inexperienced young people on potentially dangerous work sites without adequate training. Fundamentally, the industry is suffering from a skills shortage rather than a shortage of general labour, so the focus should be on building capability, not just filling labourer vacancies. At the same time, there could be clear benefits for employers. Many construction firms have stopped replacing workers or paused plans to grow their teams because of cost pressures and uncertainty in the market. If government programmes provide meaningful support with hiring and training costs, this could help firms take on young people they might otherwise be unable to afford to recruit or develop. That could strengthen early-career pipelines at a time when workforce capacity is one of the biggest constraints on delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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London Set for an Office Revival – If Planning Rules Keep Up

London Set for an Office Revival – If Planning Rules Keep Up

Kenneth Booth December 17, 2025

London could be on the brink of a major office construction surge, with developers arguing that the right conditions are finally lining up – provided the planning system becomes more flexible. Fresh analysis from the London Property Alliance and Knight Frank suggests that modernising the capital’s ageing office stock could generate an £84 billion economic uplift and release £262 billion in investment value. Their new report, Space for Change: Office space dynamics in central London, highlights the scale of the challenge: between 2018 and 2023, London’s central activities zone (broadly the area covered by Underground zone 1) lost around 14 million square feet of office space. Over the next five years, the capital is expected to face an 11 million square foot shortfall. Much of the existing stock is no longer fit for purpose. The report notes that 56% of central London offices – around 147 million square feet – are rated as secondary space, offering ageing, lower-quality environments that will fall short of mandatory sustainability requirements by 2030. As a result, upgrading or redeveloping these buildings is becoming increasingly urgent. Vacancy rates for prime space have tightened considerably. Availability of top-tier offices is near historic lows, with just 0.8% of prime and 1.7% of Grade A space currently unoccupied. Only a dozen very large single-floor offices above 40,000 square feet – the sort favoured by major firms consolidating staff – are on the market. Demand from occupiers is strong. Companies are actively searching for 10 million square feet of space, around 7% above the long-term average, propelled chiefly by financial and professional services firms. While 15.4 million square feet of new offices are due to complete between 2025 and 2029, a significant share is already pre-let or situated outside the high-demand areas of the City and West End. This pipeline not only falls short of replacing space lost since 2018, it also fails to meet current or future requirements. Representing central London’s leading developers and investors, the London Property Alliance is calling for a shift in approach, arguing that major office projects should be treated as essential economic infrastructure. They say planning and regulatory processes should be streamlined to improve development viability. Developers report that viability is one of the biggest barriers they face, made worse by a complex and often costly planning framework. They want planning authorities to simplify regulations, reduce obligations and lower the financial burden placed on new schemes. Ross Sayers, chair of the City Property Association and head of development management at Landsec, noted that rising construction, labour and finance costs, combined with growing planning obligations, are putting many projects under pressure. He stressed the need for collaborative, pragmatic solutions to ensure central London remains a world-class business hub. James Raynor, chair of the Westminster Property Association and chief executive of Grosvenor Property, warned that ageing office stock threatens future supply without intervention. He believes that modernising these buildings through flexible, forward-looking planning policies could unlock significant economic growth while supporting net-zero goals and local communities. Shabab Qadar, Knight Frank’s head of central London research and author of the report, described a systemic problem in the office market: demand for high-quality space continues to rise, but supply cannot keep up as buildings are repurposed and planning hurdles restrict redevelopment. He argues that the case for upgrading London’s older office stock has never been stronger. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Finning urges sites to update cold weather plans to avoid costly power downtime

Finning urges sites to update cold weather plans to avoid costly power downtime

Kenneth Booth December 16, 2025

Site managers are being urged to ensure power systems are serviced and back-up plans put in place, as forecasters predict a cold winter ahead. The Power Systems team at Finning UK & Ireland is advising facilities managers to shore up their contingency operations to protect against costly downtime caused by any future outages. Engine cold starts, increased friction, fuel gelling, and low battery outputs can all cause significant generator damage if left unaddressed. According to the Royal Meteorological Society, last winter Storm Darragh (December 2024) caused 2.3 million power cuts. And long-range forecasts for early 2026 are showing a likelihood of a colder and drier than average winter. With significant financial and functional impact at stake for businesses across sectors such as healthcare, digital infrastructure and manufacturing, establishing good generator health going into the winter months is crucial to protecting continued operations. Finning said it is never too early to prepare for blackouts and power cuts, as the cold weather puts additional pressure on an already fragile electricity grid. Rob Froome, Head of Project Delivery Contracts & Commissioning at Finning, said: “Whether it’s data centres, construction sites or hospitals, we know the cold weather will be a problem for site managers across the board. The key is to determine your power requirements, whether you plan to provide power for the entire facility or for critical load only, and then implement a temporary power solution that is tried and tested before you need it. “We know that engine wear is highest during a cold startup, with it typically associated with around 70% of engine wear. Running generators cold means increased stress on the system leading to a shorter lifespan. Generator maintenance, servicing, and planning for lower temperature use will help elongate the life of components and help to burn fuel more efficiently during these conditions.” Emergency planning is another key aspect to winter weather preparation. Having clear operational steps for loss of power will help reduce downtime. Finning Power Rental can help to prepare backup power options or provide quick response in the event of an emergency to implement backup power. Rob added: “Having the right equipment, the right emergency contacts, and a plan for fuelling is critical for cold weather running. Don’t wait for the inevitable to happen because by then it’s too late, the damage is done. Increased costs from longer downtimes and fuel usage, as well as generator damage, result from a lack of planning and maintenance. Prepare for the worst now and expect the best later.” A planning document to assist site managers is available to download by visiting: https://www.cat.com/en_US/by-industry/electric-power/electric-power-industries/rental-power/disaster-preparedness-article.html Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Panattoni signs biggest speculative letting in South East this year

Panattoni signs biggest speculative letting in South East this year

Kenneth Booth December 15, 2025

Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has signed a lease agreement with ID Logistics Group, the international contract logistics group, for the 440,167 sq ft speculative unit at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne. The letting of S440 has been recognised as the largest deal signing this year in the South East. The letting secures a significant commitment in one of the South East’s most strategically positioned logistics corridors and reflects sustained occupier demand for large scale, future proofed distribution space in a supply constrained market. Panattoni Park Sittingbourne is located approximately four miles from Junction 5 of the M2, positioned between London and the Port of Dover. The location provides swift access to the M2, M20 and M25, and strong connectivity to key international and maritime gateways including London Thamesport, Dover and the Port of Tilbury. This strategic positioning supports both national distribution and port linked logistics, with rapid reach to population centres across the South East and wider UK. ID Logistics is a global customer of Panattoni’s, with operations across several European markets. This latest lease deal at Sittingbourne increases the total space occupied by ID Logistics within Panattoni Parks to more than 1.8 million sq ft across Europe. Panattoni continues to support the expansion of its clients’ operations by delivering new, future-ready facilities, and is pleased to welcome ID Logistics back to the portfolio. ID Logistics are expected to occupy the building from early Jan 2026 and will benefit from 15 metre clear internal height, extensive dock and level access provision, and a 50 metre contained service yard designed for high throughput operations. The building also benefits from exceptional power availability, and additional on-site generation from roof mounted solar PV included within the base specification. The facility forms part of Panattoni’s net zero carbon development strategy and targets best in class ESG performance. It combines occupational efficiency with long term decarbonisation benefits for ID Logistics operations, supporting resilient and lower carbon supply chains. Alex Mitchell, Associate Development Director:  South East & London, said: “It is great for us to secure such a significant letting this year. Securing ID Logistics at Panattoni Park Sittingbourne is a major endorsement of the park’s scale, specification, and location. In a South East market where large, high quality space is increasingly hard to find, this letting demonstrates the depth of occupier demand for immediate, future ready capacity along the M2 corridor. “S440 has been designed to support the operational intensity and resilience that global logistics groups now require, combining exceptional internal height, yard provision and power with a net zero carbon development approach. Sittingbourne offers outstanding connectivity to London, the national motorway network and key port gateways, making it an ideal platform for the next phase of ID Logistics growth in the UK.” Stuart Evans Managing Director of ID Logistics UK said: “Our collaboration with Panattoni on the Sittingbourne site reflects our long-term commitment to the strategic growth of ID Logistics in the UK. This facility will enhance our e commerce operational capabilities and support the economic growth in the local area.” Panattoni Park Sittingbourne, has one speculative unit remaining, comprising 205,000 sq ft which is ready for immediate tenant fit out. Located at the industrial estate is Morrisons that occupy over 1.7million sq ft of space and DPD which Panattoni pre-let on a D&B basis earlier this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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KPF-Designed Redevelopment of Former BHS and UAL Site Wins Approval from Westminster Council

KPF-Designed Redevelopment of Former BHS and UAL Site Wins Approval from Westminster Council

Kenneth Booth December 15, 2025

Plans to transform the former BHS store and University of the Arts London College of Fashion site on Oxford Street have been unanimously approved by Westminster City Council, paving the way for a major mixed-use scheme in the heart of the West End. Located at 33 Cavendish Square, the redevelopment will deliver around 800,000 sq ft of high-quality office space, 102,000 sq ft of retail floorspace, and 38,000 sq ft dedicated to cultural and creative uses. The cultural offering will include an auditorium and flexible event areas intended to support exhibitions, launches, performances and a wide range of public-facing activities. The new office accommodation aims to set a benchmark for modern workplace design, with the scheme targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’. The entire development will operate on fully electric systems, align with net-zero carbon ambitions, and include more than 1,000 cycle parking spaces to promote sustainable travel. John Bushell, principal at KPF, said the team was delighted to secure planning approval for a project that captures the vibrancy and character of the West End. He noted that the design blends world-class retail with contemporary workspaces and cultural venues capable of hosting everything from major product launches to conferences. Bushell added that the scheme will reinforce Oxford Street’s global reputation while delivering lasting benefits to businesses, residents and visitors. Construction is expected to begin in 2029, with completion anticipated in 2033. Once delivered, the development will bring new life to a prominent Oxford Street block, replacing outdated structures with a landmark destination for commerce, creativity and culture. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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IQ Secures Approval for £100m Student Redevelopment of Former Blackfriars Crown Court

IQ Secures Approval for £100m Student Redevelopment of Former Blackfriars Crown Court

Kenneth Booth December 15, 2025

Specialist student accommodation developer IQ has received planning approval to demolish the former Blackfriars Crown Court in Southwark and replace it with a £100m purpose-built student living scheme. The proposals will transform the long-derelict site on Loman Street into a development of 600 student rooms alongside 71 affordable homes. The disused post-war complex on Pocock Street was originally constructed as a printworks for HM Stationery Office before later becoming Blackfriars Crown Court, which closed its doors in 2019. Since then, the building has remained empty, aside from a brief appearance as a filming location for the Netflix series Top Boy. IQ’s plans will see the structure demolished to make way for three new blocks rising to around nine storeys. Southwark Council’s decision grants the developer full consent for a comprehensive redevelopment of the site, replacing an earlier adaptive-reuse concept brought forward in 2020 by previous owner Fabrix with architectural designs by Studio RHE. That earlier vision, known as Roots in the Sky, proposed retaining the existing 1950s structure and adding new upper floors to accommodate offices, leisure uses, retail and a striking rooftop garden complete with pavilions and a glass-bottomed pool. The 430,000 sq ft project had been due to be built by Mace. Under IQ’s ownership, the strategy has shifted decisively towards delivering much-needed student accommodation and affordable homes. The approved plans introduce two new blocks arranged around a landscaped pedestrian route designed to reconnect Loman Street and Pocock Street, improving permeability and strengthening links within the neighbourhood. A dedicated residential block will deliver 71 homes for social rent, including street-facing duplexes to activate the frontage and contribute to a more vibrant streetscape. Deck-access upper levels will ensure the homes are dual aspect, enhancing natural light and ventilation. The student accommodation block takes inspiration from local warehouse and brick-built architecture, featuring textured façades, strong horizontal detailing and an open ground floor that provides views into shared gardens and communal areas. The design aims to complement the area’s character while creating a contemporary living environment for students. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, following further procurement activity. The redevelopment marks a major step in bringing a long-vacant site back into productive use, while helping to meet growing demand for student and affordable housing in central London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Groundbreaking ceremony marks major step forward in Wrexham AFC’s new Kop Stand redevelopment

Groundbreaking ceremony marks major step forward in Wrexham AFC’s new Kop Stand redevelopment

Kenneth Booth December 15, 2025

Wrexham AFC have officially broken ground on the redevelopment of the Kop Stand at the STōK Cae Ras, marking the beginning of the full construction phase of one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the Club’s history. The ceremony, held on 4 December brought together representatives from the Club, Wrexham County Borough Council, McLaren Construction Midlands and North, the Welsh Government, Wrexham University alongside wider stakeholders from the Wrexham Gateway Partnership. The groundbreaking is a landmark moment in the long-awaited return of the Kop Stand and signals the transition from extensive early site preparation to the main build programme. The new stand, set for completion during the 2026/27 season, will restore the stadium to a four-sided configuration, increase capacity to just over 18,000 and enable the STōK Cae Ras to achieve UEFA Category 4 compliance. Since McLaren Construction’s appointment under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement earlier this year, the project team has completed a comprehensive suite of enabling works to prepare the historic site for full construction. These works have included establishing the early-phase compound and welfare facilities, completing the reduced-level dig and stabilised construction platform, installing the piling mat, relocating and upgrading hoarding, forming a permanent safe walkway from the Wrexham Lager Stand, creating construction access routes and crane platforms and commencing the piling operations that will continue into the early new year. Delivery of the main site offices and welfare accommodation has also been completed ahead of the full construction programme progressing. The project will now move into its principal construction period, with the breakout piles, casting of foundations all commencing through December and into January, and the start of reinforced concrete lift cores, that will support the new structural steel frame along with the foundation. Work will also progress on internal service ducting, drainage and preparation of the main ground floor slab. In early 2026, slip formed reinforced concrete cores will be constructed to provide stability for the roof structure. The steel frame, which comprises approximately 1,500 tonnes of steel including major long-lead tubular truss sections, is scheduled to begin rising from early spring. Installation of precast concrete terrace units will follow before roofing and façade works, internal fit-out and systems installation continue through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. The project team has worked closely with partners to address the complexities of building a major new stand within a live, operational and historically sensitive stadium environment. A detailed sequencing strategy has been developed to manage trade movements and construction operations within the tight site footprint, while logistics planning has been coordinated with Wrexham County Borough Council, Wrexham University and nearby businesses to minimise disruption. A comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plan underpins this process, ensuring that the construction programme is delivered safely and responsibly. The new Kop Stand will deliver modern concourses, improved accessibility routes, upgraded media and broadcast facilities, and enhanced back-of-house and matchday operations. Its design is being driven by UEFA standards, Safety Advisory Group requirements and the latest Green Guide principles, ensuring the new structure not only meets regulatory expectations but significantly enhances the supporter experience and long-term operational efficiency of the stadium. Joel Casstles, Operations Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “The groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of an exciting phase for Wrexham AFC and for the city. The scale and complexity of the new Kop Stand are significant, especially on a historic and operational site, but the progress made to date means we are entering the main build with confidence. “This stand will transform the stadium and deliver a new gateway to Wrexham, which the whole community can be proud of. We are committed to ensuring the project creates local opportunities and leaves a lasting legacy for supporters and residents alike.” Michael Williamson, CEO of Wrexham AFC, said: “Breaking ground on the new Kop Stand is a hugely significant moment for the Club and our supporters. The Kop has always held deep importance, and today’s ceremony marks the beginning of its long-awaited return. Over the coming months, fans will see the structure take shape as we build a stand that enhances capacity, improves facilities and secures the future of the STōK Cae Ras as a top-tier venue for domestic, international football and other sporting and entertainment events.” Leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Mark Pritchard said “The new Kop Stand marks a significant step forward for the Wrexham Gateway. We’ve worked closely with the club and partners to help shape the project that will see enhancements to the ground and improvements in connectivity that will open up new opportunities. Once in use, the stand will be a great vantage point to witness historic domestic and international games here in Wrexham, the spiritual home of Welsh Football.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Green Light for Mercia Park Expansion Paving the Way for More Than 1,700 New Jobs

Green Light for Mercia Park Expansion Paving the Way for More Than 1,700 New Jobs

Kenneth Booth December 12, 2025

Plans to expand Leicestershire’s Mercia Park have been approved, opening the door to the creation of up to 1,720 new jobs. The employment hub, located close to Junction 11 of the M42, already houses JLR’s Global Logistics Centre. Developer IM Properties submitted the hybrid planning application for the next phase of growth. The site currently supports more than 2,500 jobs and is home to JLR’s Global Logistics Centre (operated by Unipart) as well as a major facility for international logistics specialist DSV. The proposed expansion, split across two development zones, will deliver significant new commercial space and is expected to accommodate between 1,000 and 1,720 additional roles once fully operational. The scheme is also projected to generate around £2.8m per year in business rates. Development Zone 1 includes approximately 611,000 sq ft of employment space, with a further 442,000 sq ft planned for Zone 2. A report to North West Leicestershire Council’s Planning Committee, which met on 9 December, stated that the development’s contribution to economic growth and its ability to meet immediate demand for high-quality business space made it a strong fit for the area’s social and economic needs. Councillors voted to approve the plans subject to conditions. Speaking when the application was submitted, Matthew Fox, planning director at IM Properties, said that Mercia Park had proven itself as a prime business location with excellent transport links, net-zero-ready buildings and a high-quality landscaped environment. He added that expanding the site would build on its success and deliver much-needed commercial space to support investment in Leicestershire. Richard Sykes, development director at IM Properties, welcomed the committee’s decision, saying it marked a key step towards unlocking new employment opportunities and boosting the economy of North West Leicestershire. With DSV already planning an additional facility within the scheme, he said the expansion is well placed to attract another major manufacturer or logistics operator to the remaining 450,000 sq ft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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McLaren and Arlington Submit Plans for Landmark First Build Phase of £2bn York Central

McLaren and Arlington Advance £2bn York Central Vision with Major First-Phase Planning Submission

Kenneth Booth December 12, 2025

The £2bn York Central regeneration scheme has taken another decisive step forward, with McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate submitting a comprehensive planning application for the next major building phase. Known as phase 1C, the proposal represents the most substantial package of development brought forward so far and sets the foundations for delivering one of the largest regeneration projects in the country. The application outlines the creation of a new mixed-use district beside York Railway Station, located on a 45-hectare brownfield site that is larger than the scale of the King’s Cross redevelopment in London. The plans include 999 new homes across different tenures, with 20 per cent allocated as affordable housing, marking a significant contribution to meeting local housing need. In addition to residential development, the submission features a 99,188 sq ft innovation hub to support business growth and enterprise, 69,255 sq ft of retail and leisure space, and a 213-bed hotel designed to enhance the city’s visitor offer. Major new infrastructure is also proposed, including a new western entrance to York Railway Station, improving access for passengers and integrating the new neighbourhood with the wider city centre. Extensive parkland, landscaped routes and public realm form a core part of the masterplan, ensuring that the development combines high-quality urban design with generous green spaces. City of York Council is anticipated to make a decision on the application in spring 2026. Headline plans for phase 1C include:• 999 mix-tenure homes, with 20% designated as affordable• A 99,188 sq ft innovation hub• 69,255 sq ft of retail and leisure space• A 213-bed hotel• A new western entrance to York Station• Significant parkland and public realm Earlier reserved matters approvals have already been secured for a 135,000 sq ft government office building and Museum Square, adding momentum to the wider regeneration programme. York Central is being brought forward by a partnership between McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, working alongside Homes England and Network Rail. The project team continues to collaborate closely with City of York Council and the National Railway Museum, whose site sits within the broader scheme. With £135m of government funding already secured for enabling infrastructure, the development is set to deliver major economic benefits, supporting up to 6,500 direct and indirect jobs across construction, commercial activity, retail, hospitality and associated supply chains. The project aims to create a thriving live-work-play destination, blending new homes, employment space, community amenities and cultural attractions. Its scale and ambition mark it as one of the most significant regeneration opportunities currently under way in the UK, with long-term benefits expected for residents, businesses and visitors. Tom Gilman, managing director of McLaren Regeneration, said the submission marks an important milestone and demonstrates the project’s continued momentum. He noted that the development aligns with national ambitions to accelerate housebuilding and economic growth, while delivering a modern urban district for York. Leon Guyett, director of regeneration partnerships (York) at Homes England, added that the application illustrates how strategic government investment can unlock transformative regeneration and drive substantial change for cities and communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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