Landsec has been given the go-ahead for its ambitious plans to redevelop Lewisham Shopping Centre in South London, paving the way for one of the area’s most significant regeneration projects in decades. The mixed-use scheme will be delivered in phases and aims to revitalise the heart of the town with
Orion Capital Managers is pleased to announce the practical completion of Lucent Glasgow. Lucent, developed on behalf of Orion European Real Estate Fund V, represents a 101, 406 sq ft, Grade A office development situated at the eastern end of Glasgow’s iconic Bothwell Street in the heart of the city. Lucent completes at
A new report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has revealed that the surveying profession is grappling with significant and widening skills shortages, particularly within the construction sector. According to the survey, around 90% of professionals believe their area of work is being affected by a lack of
Birmingham’s ambitious plans to transform the Ladywood Estate are gathering pace, as Birmingham City Council and Berkeley St Joseph launch public consultations on the £2.5 billion regeneration scheme. The project, led by St Joseph Homes — Berkeley Group’s West Midlands subsidiary — aims to deliver up to 12,000 new homes
Glenigan teams up with Planning Portal to Deliver Earliest Possible Access to Planning Applications Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, the trusted provider of UK construction project data, market analysis and company intelligence, officially announces a new partnership with Planning Portal, representing a significant enhancement to its service proposition. This
UNIQLO has opened its second Scottish store on Argyle Street, Glasgow, taking a 10-year lease on a 24,000 sq ft unit within the St. Enoch Centre. The new space carries the brand’s full range for men, women and children and features a Re.Uniqlo Studio, where customers can repair, remake and
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has acquired a 70-acre site on Lenham, Kent, creating a rare opportunity to deliver large-scale, modern industrial space in a market where demand outstrips supply. The development is expected to attract national and international logistics occupiers. The site, previously home to Aliaxis
Volumetric developer Tide has secured the UK’s first Gateway 2 approval for an offsite high-rise under the post-Grenfell Building Safety regime, clearing the way for construction of The Green, a 23-storey, 424-bed student tower in Southall, west London. The milestone offers a practical template for how modular projects can satisfy
SGS UK Retail has announced that SuperPark, the global indoor leisure and recreation concept, is to make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, Scotland’s premium retail and leisure destination. SuperPark will open a 30,000 sq ft space early next year, adding a significant new experience-led anchor to further diversify
Kier has landed a further £250m of Ministry of Justice work to deliver an extra 480 places across two sites, reinforcing its role as one of the government’s preferred prison builders. Under the Small Secure Houseblocks Programme (SSHP) alliance, Kier will construct four new houseblocks at HMP Northumberland and four
Landsec has been given the go-ahead for its ambitious plans to redevelop Lewisham Shopping Centre in South London, paving the way for one of the area’s most significant regeneration projects in decades. The mixed-use scheme will be delivered in phases and aims to revitalise the heart of the town with a blend of new homes, cultural venues, and green public spaces. Among the highlights of the approved plans are a permanent home for Lewisham’s much-loved Model Market, a 500-capacity venue for culture, music and the arts, and extensive landscaped areas designed to provide more accessible, welcoming spaces for the local community. The redevelopment will also introduce over 1,700 new homes, alongside 660 student beds and 445 co-living residences. Landsec’s approach has been carefully planned to retain key parts of the existing shopping centre throughout the process, helping to minimise disruption for residents, visitors and retail partners, while ensuring that community benefits are delivered early in the project’s timeline. Mike Hood, chief operating officer of Landsec, described the approval as an important step forward: “This is an exciting moment for the future of Lewisham’s town centre. These plans provide much-needed homes, community spaces and facilities that will enhance urban life for generations, while delivering sustainable returns that support our ambition for long-term growth.” Once complete, the redevelopment promises to reimagine Lewisham’s retail and cultural core, creating a vibrant new destination that blends living, leisure, and local life in the heart of South London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Orion Capital Managers is pleased to announce the practical completion of Lucent Glasgow. Lucent, developed on behalf of Orion European Real Estate Fund V, represents a 101, 406 sq ft, Grade A office development situated at the eastern end of Glasgow’s iconic Bothwell Street in the heart of the city. Lucent completes at a crucial time for the Glasgow office market as businesses are increasingly seeking high-quality office space in the city. Best-in-class space is now facing a critical supply shortage in Glasgow – JLL data from Q2 2025 shows the Grade A vacancy rate to have moved down to 2% for the first time since 2022. The development features best-in-class sustainability credentials in line with evolving occupier demands for prime office space, utilising natural or recycled materials throughout the design and construction process. The building’s typically expansive floorplates of 16,300 sq ft offer a unique proposition to corporate occupiers looking to expand or relocate to Glasgow city centre. Lucent is fully operationally carbon Net Zero, features WiredScore Platinum connectivity, and EPC ‘A’ rating. It also boasts 5,000 sq ft of ground floor amenity space dedicated to staff interaction and wellbeing including breakout areas, an AV suite, tenant lounge, artisan café, and yoga studio. Richard Low, Orion Capital Managers, said: “With industry leading amenity offerings and suitability credentials, Lucent is set to play an important role in satisfying the increasing corporate occupier demand for top-quality, well located space in Glasgow city centre. Our extensive redevelopment of the asset was initiated with this in mind and has successfully created a state-of-the-art office building while paying homage to the site’s unique architectural character.” “The redevelopment of Lucent aligns with Orion’s wider strategy to gain exposure to leasing risk in best-in-class offices in some of the most supply constrained locations across Europe.” The name Lucent was chosen for the development to reflect the buildings’ access to natural light on all sides, as well as its central light-filling atrium and multiple upper roof terraces offering unrivalled views of Glasgow city centre. The building was originally built between 1892-1900 and has been meticulously redeveloped and restored by Orion into an asset that adheres to the expected standards of modern-day prime office space. As part of the redevelopment, Orion retained the elegant sandstone façade which was a striking feature of the original building. Other notable office investments made by Orion Capital Managers include: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has revealed that the surveying profession is grappling with significant and widening skills shortages, particularly within the construction sector. According to the survey, around 90% of professionals believe their area of work is being affected by a lack of appropriately skilled colleagues. Nearly one-third describe the shortfall as ‘critical’, warning that it is already hindering project delivery and productivity. A further two-thirds view the shortage as ‘moderate’ but caution that it could escalate without urgent action. The most acute challenges were reported in building surveying and quantity surveying, with respondents pointing to an ageing workforce and high retirement rates as major contributing factors. Many noted that new entrants are not joining the profession quickly enough to replace those leaving. More than half of surveyors said that workforce shortages are reducing capacity and output, while two-fifths reported rising costs and over a quarter observed a slowdown in innovation across the built environment. Despite these pressures, the survey highlights growing optimism around technological transformation. Around 60% of respondents expressed positive views on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency. Concerns about job security or being displaced by technology were minimal, particularly among younger professionals — two-thirds of surveyors aged 17 to 34 said they were confident about the industry’s digital future. A separate RICS report on AI in construction recently found that while enthusiasm is high, actual adoption of AI tools remains relatively low. Nonetheless, survey respondents were united in calling for greater digitalisation and identifying advanced digital skills, data analytics and big data management as key priorities for future training. Decarbonisation and financial management also featured prominently on the list of essential capabilities for the years ahead. When asked how to close the skills gap, surveyors proposed a mix of practical and strategic solutions, including:• expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities• promoting surveying careers more effectively• upskilling existing professionals• fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry. RICS acting president Nick Maclean said: “The results speak for themselves – there is an enormous demand for surveyors, and the profession is swiftly advancing with the pace of technological change. These are immense opportunities for both a new generation of surveyors and for existing professionals to upskill across the exciting landscape of technological change. “Closing the skills gap is a crucial part of delivering the 1.5 million new homes target, as well as the essential infrastructure improvements that the government has committed to in its ten-year strategy. RICS continues to listen and act on the advice of its members, leading the profession into the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham’s ambitious plans to transform the Ladywood Estate are gathering pace, as Birmingham City Council and Berkeley St Joseph launch public consultations on the £2.5 billion regeneration scheme. The project, led by St Joseph Homes — Berkeley Group’s West Midlands subsidiary — aims to deliver up to 12,000 new homes over the next two decades. The figure marks a significant increase from the original proposal of 7,000 homes, reflecting the scale of ambition behind one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration programmes. A development agreement between the council and Berkeley St Joseph was finalised earlier this year, following the company’s appointment as preferred bidder in June 2023. Although construction is not expected to begin until at least 2028, consultation work within the community is already shaping the evolving masterplan. At least 20% of the new homes will be designated as affordable, with the number of existing council homes maintained — all of which will either be renewed or replaced. An independent resident steering group has been established to ensure the community’s voice remains central to the project, supported by a new resident and community charter designed to provide reassurance and transparency throughout the process. Berkeley Group executive chair Rob Perrins described the scheme as a landmark opportunity for Birmingham, saying: “This project is an incredible opportunity to transform living standards for the Ladywood community while delivering much-needed new homes, jobs and growth in the heart of Birmingham. “This is one of Europe’s single biggest urban regeneration sites with the potential to deliver 10% of the city’s entire housing need up to 2044. Berkeley St Joseph is working in partnership with Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority to secure the vital central government support we need to kickstart delivery.” Birmingham City Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, Sharon Thompson, said the regeneration would be transformative for the area: “The community in Ladywood have been very clear about the need for increased help and support, and I am pleased to see the progress being made to provide this. The investment set to be made into Ladywood will be transformational for the area and will provide the city with much-needed new, safer, warmer, more sustainable homes. “It is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make the Ladywood Estate a better place to live with improved facilities, transport links, walking routes, and green spaces. Ladywood represents a bold vision for Birmingham’s future. This partnership is not just about building homes—it’s about building opportunity, community, and prosperity for generations to come.” West Midlands mayor Richard Parker echoed this sentiment, adding: “The regeneration of Ladywood means thousands of extra homes for local people at a time when our region, like many others, is facing an acute housing shortage. But it will also see existing council homes brought up to modern standards. That means safe homes that will be cheaper to heat and improve the quality of life of families who live in them. “Giving people in the West Midlands a secure, warm and affordable home is a key priority for me and it’s through major investments like this one, working closely with our partners and involving the residents themselves, that we will fix this housing crisis and improve thousands more lives.” With public consultation now underway, the Ladywood regeneration is moving from vision to reality — a long-term investment that promises to reshape Birmingham’s skyline and create a thriving, sustainable community at the city’s heart. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Glenigan teams up with Planning Portal to Deliver Earliest Possible Access to Planning Applications Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, the trusted provider of UK construction project data, market analysis and company intelligence, officially announces a new partnership with Planning Portal, representing a significant enhancement to its service proposition. This crucial strategic move gives Glenigan customers early access to planning applications 3 weeks before they appear on local authority websites, at no additional cost. Officially launched on 15th October 2025, this early-doors data will empower construction professionals to spot opportunities sooner, build stronger pipelines, and engage with projects earlier in the development cycle. The early bird, catches the work That’s not all, this collaboration between Glenigan and Planning Portal, operated by TerraQuest, marks an important step forward in improving access to and understanding of planning data across the UK’s built environment sector. As the national gateway for planning applications in England and Wales, the Planning Portal is the first point of truth for planning data, receiving applications at source and providing a uniquely accurate, real-time view of development activity. Partnering with Glenigan, the specialist in project data from pre-planning through to completion, delivers valuable insight to the industry. By turning complex data into meaningful market intelligence, Glenigan helps professionals across both public and private sectors make more informed decisions at the earliest possible stage. A transformative effect on sales potential Fundamentally, it’s a game-changer which will quickly yield tangible ROI, offering both an extra layer of critical early insight as well as a significant competitive advantage on top of Glenigan’s already powerful platform. Commenting on this landmark agreement, Hubexo UK and Ireland President Joanne Keit says: “The agreement will transform how our customers access and act on early-stage project information, and represents the next service improvement, maintaining our position as the UK’s best-in-class construction intelligence platform. We’re excited to deliver planning applications to subscribers weeks ahead of public release, positioning them well ahead of their competitors, to capture even more business using Glenigan.” Daniel Williams, Chief Revenue Officer at Planning Portal and TerraQuest, adds, “Partnering with Glenigan supports our mission to accelerate and digitise the planning process, supporting the UK government’s drive for a modern and responsive planning system. This partnership helps the industry unlock the potential for companies to plan resources effectively, align with policy, and contribute to more efficient project delivery across the UK. Working with Glenigan’s highly experienced data team, we’re excited to support a more transparent, digital planning system.” For more information on Glenigan click here. To find out more about Planning Portal click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UNIQLO has opened its second Scottish store on Argyle Street, Glasgow, taking a 10-year lease on a 24,000 sq ft unit within the St. Enoch Centre. The new space carries the brand’s full range for men, women and children and features a Re.Uniqlo Studio, where customers can repair, remake and upcycle garments. The Glasgow launch follows last year’s opening in Edinburgh and adds momentum to the ongoing transformation of Argyle Street, which saw Next arrive at the end of last year. Positioned at the heart of the city’s retail core, the store is pitched to capture heavy footfall from shoppers moving between Buchanan Street and the Clyde. “We are excited to open our new store on Argyle Street, one of Scotland’s most iconic and historic shopping destinations,” said Alessandro Dudech, chief operating officer at Uniqlo UK. “Perfectly positioned in the heart of Glasgow’s thriving retail scene, this location offers the ideal setting to showcase our LifeWear to a diverse and dynamic community of shoppers. It also gives us a fantastic opportunity to champion local partners … collaborating with creatives and organisations that reflect the spirit and energy of the city.” Landlord Praxis said the letting underlines the scheme’s draw for international names. “As the opening of Uniqlo demonstrates, St. Enoch Centre continues to attract highly coveted, international brands, cementing the scheme’s position as a prime destination for premium retailers,” said Ian Shorrock, head of retail at Praxis. “The addition of Uniqlo’s flagship Scottish store, and the duration of the lease, is a huge vote of confidence in the Centre and bolsters its reputation as a hotspot for first-rate retail stores in Scotland.” For retail property watchers, the 10-year commitment signals long-term confidence in central Glasgow and in well-located, right-sized units that can accommodate both core retail and brand experience. The in-store repair offer also aligns with the sector’s push towards circularity and extended product life, themes now influencing store design, operational fit-out and aftercare services. Savills acted for the landlord, now Praxis (formerly Sovereign Centros), while Sims Property Consultants represented UNIQLO. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial developer, has acquired a 70-acre site on Lenham, Kent, creating a rare opportunity to deliver large-scale, modern industrial space in a market where demand outstrips supply. The development is expected to attract national and international logistics occupiers. The site, previously home to Aliaxis and other industrial tenants, offers over 1 million square feet of space. Its location provides direct access to the A20, M20 (Junctions 8 and 9), and M25, enabling fast distribution across the South East, London, and Europe through the nearby ports of Dover, London Gateway, and Medway. From Lenham, more than 40 million postcodes are reachable within four hours and 19 million within two hours, positioning the site as a strategic hub for national supply chains. Panattoni plans to speculatively develop over 1 million sq ft, named Panattoni Park Maidstone. The development will target BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A+ ratings with net zero construction standards. Occupiers will be able to customise unit sizes and layouts ahead of planning submission, offering flexibility rarely available in the South East. David McGougan, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “Panattoni Park Maidstone is a significant addition to our portfolio and addresses the national need for high-quality, flexible industrial space. With strong transport links and access to a skilled workforce, it provides businesses with a location that supports growth, efficiency, and sustainability. The new site builds on this experience, providing occupiers with access to strategically positioned, high-specification space in a highly competitive market.” Tony Watkins, Head of Development: South East & London at Panattoni said: “Panattoni has a strong track record of delivering large-scale, sustainable industrial projects across Kent, including Panattoni Park Aylesford, Sittingbourne, and Wrotham. This acquisition further strengthens Panattoni’s role in delivering strategic logistics infrastructure across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Volumetric developer Tide has secured the UK’s first Gateway 2 approval for an offsite high-rise under the post-Grenfell Building Safety regime, clearing the way for construction of The Green, a 23-storey, 424-bed student tower in Southall, west London. The milestone offers a practical template for how modular projects can satisfy the Building Safety Regulator’s demands and should accelerate confidence in factory-built delivery at height. The scheme, consented in January, will be delivered by Tide with its sister company and manufacturer Vision Volumetric. Using an integrated design-and-manufacture model, the in-house design and technical teams worked with consultant partners to evidence full compliance through detailed golden-thread documentation at Gateway 2, the point at which work can lawfully start on site. Why it matters for offsite• Process and proof: Tide and Vision aligned their technical submissions with the regulator’s expectations, establishing a replicable workflow for fire safety, structure, MEP, façade performance and product assurance within a volumetric system.• Digital golden thread by default: every module is digitally logged end-to-end. Vision’s factory controls track each build stage with QR-coded records and six independent QA sign-offs before a unit leaves the line, creating immediate evidence for Gateway 3 and data-rich handover for FM.• Programme certainty with compliance baked in: by resolving compliance at module level in the factory, site risk should reduce, installation programmes tighten and rework costs fall. Christy Hayes, CEO of Tide and Vision, said: “Securing the UK’s first Gateway 2 approval for a volumetric building is a landmark moment for Tide and Vision. Strong collaboration and regular communication with the regulatory lead and multi-disciplinary team have been key to this project. By working hand-in-hand with the regulator, we have fine-tuned our documentation and quality processes to align fully with Gateway requirements. This gives us confidence in navigating Gateway 3 and future approvals, while setting a clear benchmark for volumetric construction across the industry.” Looking ahead to Gateway 3, Tide says the same controls and documentation will underpin the completion and certification phase, with each volumetric unit’s provenance and workmanship evidenced before it reaches site. With construction now able to start at The Green, Southall gains one of the UK’s first student towers delivered to the spirit and letter of the Building Safety Act via volumetric construction. For developers weighing up MMC at height, Tide’s passage through Gateway 2 provides a workable benchmark: integrate design and manufacturing, evidence performance at component level, and treat the digital thread as core project infrastructure rather than a compliance afterthought. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SGS UK Retail has announced that SuperPark, the global indoor leisure and recreation concept, is to make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, Scotland’s premium retail and leisure destination. SuperPark will open a 30,000 sq ft space early next year, adding a significant new experience-led anchor to further diversify the centre’s offer and appeal to consumers. Founded in Finland, SuperPark operates in 26 parks worldwide across Finland, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its landmark signing at Braehead is a significant step in the next stage of its global expansion. SuperPark’s ethos is centred on delivering an innovative, family-friendly approach to fitness and recreation. At Braehead, it will offer visitors an activity wonderland with 40 attractions, including adventure challenges, sporting games, and freestyle activities – creating an immersive, joyful play experience that will excite and unite audiences of all ages. The significant investment from SuperPark reinforces Braehead’s reputation for innovation and diversity of offer, underpinned by its ability to attract brands seeking to deliver scalable, experience-led concepts to a large and loyal catchment. It is also the first major signing since the announcement of Braehead Ambition in the summer. The initiative has brought together the asset management, leasing, operational and marketing of Braehead Shopping Centre, Braehead Arena and Xsite to create a critical mass of retail, leisure and entertainment unmatched in Scotland. Huw Kmiot, Associate Director of Asset Management at Pradera Lateral, commented: “The arrival of SuperPark is a major milestone for Braehead, reflecting both its strong trading performance and the continued confidence brands have that they will out-perform here. SuperPark’s debut at Braehead underlines the destination’s reputation as a place that delivers results and actively responds to growing consumer demand for immersive, experience-led leisure.” Jonathan Doherty, Director of SuperPark UK, commented “Our choice of Braehead Shopping Centre to begin our UK roll-out is very deliberate. The centre already plays a broad role in consumer’s lives and enjoys very strong loyalty, and yet there is demand for even more experience-led concepts. This combination of consumer desire and consistently strong footfall are the ideal dynamics for our debut. We have the perfect space in the perfect place, and are excited that SuperPark is about to make its mark in the UK.” The signing of SuperPark follows the news that Braehead has welcomed more visitors through its doors in the year ending June 2025 than ever before, with footfall and spend up by 3% and 4% year-on-year respectively, outperforming the regional benchmark, with the Scottish Retail-Consortium-KPMG reporting a 12 month average climb in sales of 0.1% . The strong growth follows sustained commitment from existing occupiers, with 16 brands renewing or extending their leases so far in 2025. Braehead is asset managed by Pradera Lateral, and its leasing agents are Lunson Mitchenall and Savills. SuperPark was represented by Savills. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier has landed a further £250m of Ministry of Justice work to deliver an extra 480 places across two sites, reinforcing its role as one of the government’s preferred prison builders. Under the Small Secure Houseblocks Programme (SSHP) alliance, Kier will construct four new houseblocks at HMP Northumberland and four at HMP Lancaster Farms, alongside site-wide infrastructure upgrades and improvements to ancillary facilities. Completion is targeted for early 2027. The awards take Kier’s recent justice-sector tally to 30 houseblocks delivered or in delivery for the MoJ and the Scottish Prison Service. The contractor has already completed major programmes at HMP Five Wells and HMP Millsike, and continues to expand HMP Elmley, HMP Bullingdon and HMP Channings Wood. The latter is a £200m expansion under the Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme (AHDP), lifting capacity by around 40%, with the first phase – including new staff facilities – recently handed over. The programme forms part of the government’s drive to create 14,000 additional prison places by 2031. Current delivery models emphasise repeatable design, modern methods of construction and lifecycle value to speed programme and reduce cost in use. Rebecca Boundy, Kier Construction’s managing director (justice), said: “We’re proud to be a trusted delivery partner for the government, supporting transformative expansion across the UK prison estate. We are working in alliance with our partners to focus on repeatability and continuous improvement to drive better performance in delivery and lifecycle costs. Our specialist teams are delivering high-quality, state-of-the-art prison accommodation and facilities that are fit for the future.” Fiona Parker, deputy director for the small secure houseblocks programme at His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service, added: “The expansions at HMP Lancaster Farms and HMP Northumberland mark a critical step forward in delivering secure, modern, and rehabilitative prison facilities that maintain public protection as part of our wider commitment to increase prison capacity. The new houseblocks and supporting facilities will help ensure prisoners have the opportunity to develop skills.” For the construction supply chain, the next phase will centre on standardised houseblock packages, coordinated MEP systems, low-energy design and robust materials, with site logistics and security interfaces critical to working within live prison environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals