Glenbrook has launched a public consultation for a striking 44-storey residential development in the heart of Manchester city centre, near Deansgate Train Station on Whitworth Street West. The proposed development will feature 364 apartments spread across 44 storeys, along with over 7,750 square feet of active space on the ground, first, and second floors. Designed to respect the city’s architectural heritage, the building will incorporate a three-storey arched terracotta colonnade, creating a visually dynamic streetscape. In addition to the residential space, the landscaping plans include new green areas, improved pedestrian routes, and better connections to surrounding communities. Proposed avenues along Cameron and Bugle Streets will provide much-needed public spaces, with well-lit, thoughtfully designed landscaping for both residents and the local community. Commenting on the project, Daniel Roberts, Development Director at Glenbrook, said: “As a Manchester-based developer, we’re thrilled to be embarking on this landmark project in the heart of our city. The site on Whitworth Street West is a highly sustainable location, close to the cultural and leisure attractions that make Manchester so vibrant. With Whitworth Street West undergoing a transformation, Glenbrook is proud to play a key role in its revitalisation.” Tony O’Brien, Partner at Sheppard Robson, added: “This project offers an opportunity to create high-quality homes that harmonise with the character of Whitworth Street. Our design opens up the site, introducing a new public realm at the centre of the development, helping to animate the streets and enhance connections between the city, Knott Mill, and First Street. The building’s design takes inspiration from the area’s rich history, using a local palette of materials to link the scheme with the listed railway viaduct to the south and Deansgate Station to the west.” The public consultation is open from 9th October to 28th October, with a live event scheduled for 15th October at Home on First Street from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. The event will provide residents, businesses, and other stakeholders with an opportunity to view the plans in detail and share their thoughts. Representatives from Glenbrook and the design team will be available to answer questions and gather feedback to ensure the development meets the needs of the community. Input from the consultation will be crucial in shaping the final planning application, which will be submitted to Manchester City Council in the coming months. The public consultation is also accessible online at www.whitworthstreetwest.co.uk, and any enquiries during the consultation period can be directed to info@whitworthstreetwest.co.uk. Glenbrook’s planning adviser for this project is Deloitte. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Weston Homes has announced a landmark forward funding partnership with Royal London Asset Management to transform the £110.1 million Bracknell Beeches site into a state-of-the-art Build-to-Rent (BTR) development. As part of the agreement, Royal London Asset Management will purchase the entire Bracknell Beeches site from Weston Homes and enter into a development contract for the construction of the project. The Bracknell Beeches development will comprise 349 high-quality one, two, and three-bedroom apartments spread across seven buildings, with heights ranging from four to 16 storeys. Designed to offer a premium living experience, the scheme will feature a concierge service, gymnasium, communal lounge and business suite, along with outdoor terraces and landscaped gardens for residents to enjoy. This deal marks a significant milestone for both companies, highlighting Weston Homes’ commitment to forming long-term partnerships with leading investment funds. Located less than 100 metres from Bracknell train station, the development provides easy access to London Waterloo in just over an hour, making it an attractive option for tenants seeking modern, convenient living. Royal London Asset Management, part of the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions, and investment company, shares Weston Homes’ dedication to quality, sustainability, and long-term community investment. This alignment of values underpins the partnership, ensuring that the Bracknell Beeches development will be delivered to the highest standards while creating lasting value for both investors and residents. ProperTies, a specialised operational firm, will manage the Private Rented Sector (PRS) aspect of the development. Bob Weston, Chairman and Chief Executive of Weston Homes, commented: “We are thrilled to secure our first major forward funding deal with Royal London Asset Management, one of the UK’s most respected investment managers. This project reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional developments that cater to the evolving needs of modern living. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with Royal London and contributing to the future of Bracknell’s residential landscape.” Mark Evans, Head of Property and Commercial Development at Royal London Asset Management, added: “Our collaboration with Weston Homes on the Bracknell Beeches project aligns with our strategy to expand our portfolio in the residential sector, providing our investors with strong, sustainable rental income. We are excited to see this development take shape and contribute to the growth of Bracknell’s community.” The Bracknell Beeches project is expected to set a new benchmark for Build-to-Rent schemes in the UK, combining innovative design and first-class amenities in a highly connected location. Weston Homes remains open to future long-term partnerships across their wider portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Deal with Northstone at the housing developer’s Tulach development will see Casa by Moda operate 93 modern and energy efficient rental homes for the long term Casa by Moda is set to open its first family homes neighbourhood in the North West, having contracted to buy 93 homes from Northstone at its Wigan development, Tulach. Once complete, Casa at Tulach will consist of 93 two-, three- and four-bedroom rental houses operated by Casa for the long term. Located in the Pemberton area of Wigan, the homes form part of Northstone’s wider 268-home scheme in the town, which now nears completion with this deal. With views over Tulach’s generous green spaces and contemporary house designs, Casa’s fourth neighbourhood will be a suburban oasis for renters on the doorstep of the region’s major cities and travel hubs. The neighbourhood is located a stone’s throw from Pemberton Train Station, with fast travel links to both Manchester and Liverpool, as well as Manchester Airport. A new pedestrian link from Tulach directly to the station platform is scheduled for completion later this year. The development also benefits from communal outdoor areas including a children’s play area, as well as close proximity to local amenities including schools, retail, leisure and medical facilities. As at all Casa by Moda neighbourhoods, Casa at Tulach will offer deposit-alternative, pet-friendly living which places service, technology, wellbeing, and sustainability at the heart of its rental communities. Each of the homes comes equipped with solar panels and are all EPC B rated. Rental packages also include superfast broadband, and smart technology such as home security systems, smart doorbells and environmental sensors from Casa by Moda’s technology partner Utopi. The smart home sensors enable renters to monitor everything from room temperature to air quality, assisting in cultivating a higher quality of life for tenants and creating energy efficiency through real-time data on energy usage. Residents will have access to the bespoke MyCasa app, which allows residents to communicate 24/7 with resident maintenance services. The app also supports the wider resident community, allowing residents to connect with their neighbours, form chats and clubs and engage with seasonal events run by Casa. Single Family Housing (SFH) is a significant driver for institutional flow of capital to the private rented sector. Recent research by Knight Frank reported that institutional investors spent a record £1.9 billion acquiring or funding SFH in the UK in 2023[1]. Matt Townson, Director of Development and Projects at Casa by Moda, said: “The success of our existing Casa by Moda neighbourhoods has shown there is a demand for high quality rental homes which offer more than just bricks and mortar. Given the outstanding homes, transport links and beautiful outdoor spaces at this location, we are confident Casa at Tulach is going to transform the way people rent in Wigan.” Joanna Allen, Land and Partnerships Director at Northstone added: “We are pleased to meet our plan to deliver mixed tenure developments and communities that give greater access and choice to customers with our new energy efficient homes. We believe that we provide something new to the new build homes market at our Tulach development which has been a great success. “At Northstone we are incredibly committed to setting a new standard for new builds – in every possible way – from the quality and leading eco innovations in our homes, to the exacting standards in overall design with our Scandi principles and style and industry leading sustainability initiatives and this is all evident at our Wigan scheme which we are fiercely proud of.” The first phase of the new Casa at Tulach homes will be available from early 2025. Pre-registrations of interest now being taken, ahead of reservations becoming available towards the end of this year. JLL advised Casa by Moda on the deal. [1] Knight Frank, Betting Big on Single-Family Housing – key part of the solution to the UK housing crisis, offering a viable alternative to home ownership through secure, long-term leases. It is also seen as Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals