Kenneth Booth
https://bdcmagazine.com/2026/07/vistry-secures-11-acre-mansfield-site-for-178-affordable-homes/

Vistry secures 11-acre Mansfield site for 178 affordable homes

Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has exchanged contracts to acquire an 11-acre site in northwest Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, where it plans to deliver 178 affordable homes. The Penniment Lane site has been acquired from Persimmon and will be brought forward as a 100% affordable housing scheme, helping to

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PD Industrial announces completion of significant logistics fit-out project in Nuneaton ahead of schedule

PD Industrial announces completion of significant logistics fit-out project in Nuneaton ahead of schedule

At 1,000,000 SF, the fully fitted out, state-of-the-art development serves as one of the greenest and most ecologically advanced warehouse sites ever developed in the UK. PD Industrial, a leading UK provider of industrial storage and warehouse solutions, has today announced the successful completion of a significant, high-specification pallet racking

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HG Construction Strengthens PBSA Portfolio with Cardiff and Loughborough Projects

HG Construction Strengthens PBSA Portfolio with Cardiff and Loughborough Projects

HG Construction has secured two significant purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) contracts, further strengthening its position within one of the UK’s fastest-growing residential sectors. Appointed by Fusion Group as main contractor, the company will deliver major student living developments in Cardiff and Loughborough, adding to its expanding national portfolio. The latest

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Manchester Green Quarter Set for 251-Home Residential Tower

Manchester Green Quarter Set for 251-Home Residential Tower

Manchester’s rapidly expanding Green Quarter is set to welcome another landmark residential development after Linear Living secured planning approval for a 24-storey apartment scheme that will deliver 251 new homes in one of the city’s most sought-after urban neighbourhoods. Located on Lord Street, the development will provide a mix of

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Sustainable Logistics Development Completed at Arrow Point Bolton

Sustainable Logistics Development Completed at Arrow Point Bolton

VolkerFitzpatrick has successfully completed Arrow Point Bolton, a state-of-the-art industrial and logistics development delivering almost 328,000 sq ft of high-quality warehouse accommodation in one of the North West’s most strategically connected commercial locations. Developed on behalf of Arrow Capital Partners through its Strategic Industrial Real Estate (SIRE) joint venture with

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West Leigh’s expertise at The Chancery Rosewood Hotel takes the win for Commercial Project of the Year at SWA Awards 2026

West Leigh’s expertise at The Chancery Rosewood Hotel takes the win for Commercial Project of the Year at SWA Awards 2026

West Leigh has been awarded Commercial Project of the Year category at the Steel Window Association (SWA) Awards 2026 for its work on the transformation of The Chancery Rosewood Hotel, a landmark restoration of London’s former U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square. Originally designed in the 1950s by renowned Finnish‑American architect,

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Think pink: Mellor Plant UK raffles Yanmar SV08 for Cancer Research UK

Think pink: Mellor Plant UK raffles Yanmar SV08 for Cancer Research UK

The Lancashire-based authorised Yanmar CE dealer has turned one of Yanmar’s most compact excavators into a standout fundraising prize, with the winner set to be announced at the Great Eccleston Show. Mellor Plant UK, Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA (Yanmar)’s authorised dealer for the North West of England, is giving one

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Latest Issue
Issue 342 : Jul 2026

Kenneth Booth

https://bdcmagazine.com/2026/07/vistry-secures-11-acre-mansfield-site-for-178-affordable-homes/

Vistry secures 11-acre Mansfield site for 178 affordable homes

Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has exchanged contracts to acquire an 11-acre site in northwest Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, where it plans to deliver 178 affordable homes. The Penniment Lane site has been acquired from Persimmon and will be brought forward as a 100% affordable housing scheme, helping to meet strong local demand for high-quality homes. Dave Bradley, Managing Director of Vistry North Midlands, said: “This is an important step forward for Penniment Lane and for the wider Mansfield area. The scheme will provide 178 much-needed affordable homes, helping more local people access high-quality housing in a well-connected location. “I would also like to thank everyone involved in bringing this agreement together. What would usually take months was progressed and exchanged in a matter of days, which is testament to the commitment, collaboration and determination of all parties involved.” For more information, quotes and a plan of the site please see below and attached. Best wishes, Vistry North Midlands Vistry secures 11-acre Mansfield site for 178 affordable homes Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has exchanged contracts to acquire an 11-acre site in northwest Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, where it plans to deliver 178 affordable homes. The Penniment Lane site has been acquired from Persimmon and will be brought forward as a 100% affordable housing scheme, helping to meet strong local demand for high-quality homes. Dave Bradley, Managing Director of Vistry North Midlands, said: “This is an important step forward for Penniment Lane and for the wider Mansfield area. The scheme will provide 178 much-needed affordable homes, helping more local people access high-quality housing in a well-connected location. “I would also like to thank everyone involved in bringing this agreement together. What would usually take months was progressed and exchanged in a matter of days, which is testament to the commitment, collaboration and determination of all parties involved.” Lauren Jeffrey, Residential Development Partner at Gateley Legal, added: “We are pleased to have supported Vistry with residential development and planning advice to facilitate the exchange of contracts at Penniment Lane. It was a true team effort to get this over the line within such a quick time frame, and it’s great to see the scheme move forward and contribute to the delivery of much-needed affordable housing.” The development will become a key addition to Vistry North Midlands’ delivery pipeline and reflects the company’s continued focus on working with landowners, housing providers and local authorities to create sustainable places and lasting community value. A planning application is expected to be submitted in the coming months, with work anticipated to start on site in spring 2027, subject to approvals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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PD Industrial announces completion of significant logistics fit-out project in Nuneaton ahead of schedule

PD Industrial announces completion of significant logistics fit-out project in Nuneaton ahead of schedule

At 1,000,000 SF, the fully fitted out, state-of-the-art development serves as one of the greenest and most ecologically advanced warehouse sites ever developed in the UK. PD Industrial, a leading UK provider of industrial storage and warehouse solutions, has today announced the successful completion of a significant, high-specification pallet racking installation at a major new logistics hub in Nuneaton. The fast-track project, which commenced at the end March and concluded at the beginning of June, was delivered smoothly within a tight nine-week window. The state-of-the-art 1,000,000 SF facility—developed by Baytree (AXA) and built by Glencar—is a multi-award-winning development designed to meet the highest modern logistics standards. Operating under full CDM regulations as both Principal Designer and Principal Contractor, PD managed the end-to-end transformation of the space, ensuring total regulatory compliance and a seamless execution. Project Highlights & Capacity Milestones The comprehensive fit-out has dramatically optimized the building’s footprint, delivering exceptional storage density and operational readiness. Key deliverables include: Speaking about the project, PD Industrial, Managing Director Darren Hardiman said: ‘We are incredibly proud to have acted as Principal Contractor on this highly prestigious development, one of the greenest and most ecologically developed warehouses ever built in the UK. Delivering over 13,500 pallet positions in just nine weeks requires precision engineering and tight project management and is a significant undertaking. Working within a world-class, award-winning building allowed us to showcase our ability to deliver high-density, safe, and highly efficient warehouse environments ahead of schedule. With the handover complete, the facility is now fully optimized and operationally live. I would like to congratulate the full project team for the exemplar nature of the works delivered.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Major milestone for Glasgow Waters as first residential plans lodged for £100million co-living development at Yorkhill Quay

Major milestone for Glasgow Waters as first residential plans lodged for £100million co-living development at Yorkhill Quay

Set to deliver more than 500 new waterside homes, the scheme will establish a new waterfront landmark for Glasgow, with panoramic views of the city centre, vibrant ground floor uses including cafés and leisure, and an elegant colonnade. Plans have been submitted for the first homes at Yorkhill Quay, a key neighbourhood within Peel Waters’ transformational Glasgow Waters district – one of Glasgow’s most significant regeneration projects, marking a major milestone in revitalising the city’s Clyde waterfront. Submitted by waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters in conjunction with national property developer Urban Pulse, the proposals for 526 units will deliver a distinctive new waterside co-living development at Yorkhill Quay, helping to meet growing demand for high-quality, flexible rental living in Glasgow. The scheme has been carefully designed by Anomaly Architects to respond to its prominent riverside setting, featuring a series of contemporary, stepped towers. The design steps down towards the River Clyde, incorporating generous shared terraces with views across the water and creating a more human-scale frontage along the new waterfront promenade. A vibrant, active ground floor for future retail, leisure and amenity use will animate the quayside, with internal uses opening onto a sheltered colonnade – a covered, column-lined walkway designed to bring the quayside to life – to enhance the public realm and encourage interaction between residents and visitors. Residents will benefit from a central reception and amenity spaces, extensive shared facilities, and high-quality landscaped areas designed to foster community living. The development also includes a two-storey podium that helps balance the scale between the riverside and surrounding buildings, while accommodating practical elements such as cycle storage and plant space, enabling more active uses at ground level. The eastern tower has been designed as a landmark feature within the emerging skyline, with the potential for a distinctive roofscape and elevated amenity spaces offering panoramic views back towards Glasgow city centre. The proposals build on the outline planning consent secured by Peel Waters in July 2024 for Yorkhill Quay, which will deliver around 1,100 homes, alongside leisure uses and new public spaces. They also follow the commencement of £3.75 million infrastructure works currently underway and funded by Peel Waters, which will unlock the site for development and deliver a new 400-metre waterfront promenade connecting the Riverside Museum and The Clydeside Distillery. James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters, said: “Submitting plans for the first homes at Yorkhill Quay is a hugely significant moment for Glasgow Waters. It brings our vision for this part of the River Clyde a step closer to reality and demonstrates the strong momentum now building across our emerging new district. “Urban Pulse’s proposals for a high-quality co-living scheme will introduce a new, flexible way of living to Glasgow Waters, helping to create a vibrant and diverse community from the outset. Alongside the infrastructure works already underway, this is another important step in transforming Yorkhill Quay into a welcoming, well-connected waterfront neighbourhood.” James Paterson, Director at Urban Pulse, added: “We are excited to submit plans for our co-living development at Yorkhill Quay, which we believe will set a new benchmark for this type of living in Glasgow. “Our vision is to create a high-quality, design-led scheme that not only provides much-needed homes but also fosters a strong sense of community through generous shared spaces, amenity and a close relationship with the surrounding waterfront. This will be the first location in Glasgow where you can live, work and play on the waterside which makes this a truly unique and exciting opportunity.” Yorkhill Quay forms a key part of Peel Waters’ wider Glasgow Waters masterplan, a 13-acre mixed-use regeneration project transforming a former brownfield site into a thriving waterfront district. Once complete, the neighbourhood will deliver new homes, jobs, public spaces and improved connectivity, helping to reconnect communities along the River Clyde and create a vibrant new destination for the city. The project team working on the development includes: Project Manager – Axiom Project Services Quantity Surveyor – Axiom Project Services Architect – Anomaly Civil & Structural Engineer – Renaissance Services Engineer – Hawthorne Boyle Landscape Architect – Oobe Planning Consultant – Iceni Projects Fire Engineer – Atelier Ten Ecologist (BNG/PEA) – Enviro Centre CDM Principal Designer – Kirk and Marsh Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Property data reveals Burnham’s council house building risks ‘postcode lottery’

Property data reveals Burnham’s council house building risks ‘postcode lottery’

Andy Burnham’s flagship council housebuilding plan risks becoming a “postcode lottery”, according to new analysis by specialist lender Together, with shortages of available public land in the right locations. The Prime Minister in waiting has said Labour will “oversee the biggest council housebuilding programme since the postwar period” using vacant land to reduce costs. However, analysis by property lender Together into data provided by property data platform Searchland reveals publicly-owned brownfield land in England has capacity for at most 187,000 to 207,000 homes.  That is less than two-thirds of a 300,000 social and affordable home programme which Labour has previously announced, and that is before accounting for whether each site is genuinely deliverable.  The state does not own enough registered land to build the programme on public land alone: a third or more would still have to come from land bought at its current market value. What public land there is, is heavily concentrated. A handful of authorities — led by Birmingham (185 sites, capacity for around 11,500 homes) — account for a large share of the national total. For most of the country, vacant public land is scarce. In around two-thirds of the 20 areas with the deepest housing shortfalls, there is little or no significant public land to build on. Communities in these areas carry some of the largest deficits in the country — yet whether Burnham’s lever can help them depends almost entirely on which council boundary they happen to sit inside. Local authority Region Delivery shortfall Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole South West ~4,550 Greenwich London ~3,880 Newham London ~2,870 Leicester East Midlands ~2,280 Sandwell West Midlands ~2,220 Thurrock East of England ~2,020 Southend-on-Sea East of England ~1,980 Basildon East of England ~1,760 Portsmouth South East ~1,660 Southampton South East ~1,580 Delivery shortfall = homes required minus homes delivered over the latest Housing Delivery Test window. None of the above appears among the 20 authorities with the most public land. Source: Searchland. Much of the largest public landholding sits in authorities that are already meeting or beating their housing targets, among them Leeds, Wandsworth, Waltham Forest, Newcastle and Nottingham. The use of publicly owned land to deliver these targets risks rewarding places that are already delivering, while those falling furthest behind are left with little to build on. Only five authorities — Birmingham, Bristol, Bradford, Lewisham and Kirklees — combine a serious deficit with a serious public-land holding. Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer, Together said: “Building on vacant public land is a sensible idea, but our analysis shows it can only ever be part of the answer. There isn’t enough public land to deliver a programme this size, and that’s before considering that the places with the greatest need tend to have the least land. As it stands, whether this pledge reaches your community is close to a postcode lottery. “The areas falling furthest behind won’t be rescued by land the state happens to own. They need sites to be assembled and bought, existing land intensified, and the wider public estate brought into play — and all of that needs finance that moves quickly and understands complex, non-standard sites. That is precisely the gap specialist lenders like Together exist to fill. “If the ambition is genuinely national, the plan has to look well beyond vacant public land, otherwise many of the families on today’s waiting lists will be left exactly where they are.”  A programme built on vacant public land is, by its nature, a programme of thousands of small, dispersed brownfield plots, the kind that typically take one to 50 homes; precisely the land the volume housebuilders overlook. The homes on public land will overwhelmingly be delivered by small and medium-sized (SME) builders and regional contractors; the type of home-builders who delivered the post-war council-house boom. This is where specialist lending becomes vital. After planning, access to finance is the single biggest constraint on SME housebuilders. Mainstream banks retreated from SME development lending after 2008 and rely on rigid, one-size-fits-all criteria that cannot price the realities of public brownfield land, which include contamination and remediation, non-standard construction, access and ransom strips, phased build-out and planning risk. A small builder typically has its capital tied up in just one or two schemes, so a delay or a “computer-says-no” decision can stall the business entirely. Etchells added: “Making more public land available is an important part of boosting housing supply, but land alone doesn’t build homes. Developers need access to funding that can keep pace with the realities of a project, whether that’s navigating planning delays, drawing down finance in stages or moving quickly when a site becomes available. “In many high-demand areas, developers also need acquisition finance to bring sites together before a scheme can get off the ground. These are often complex opportunities that don’t fit a standard lending model, which is why specialist lenders have such an important role to play. If the funding isn’t there, even the most promising sites can struggle to move from allocation to construction.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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HG Construction Strengthens PBSA Portfolio with Cardiff and Loughborough Projects

HG Construction Strengthens PBSA Portfolio with Cardiff and Loughborough Projects

HG Construction has secured two significant purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) contracts, further strengthening its position within one of the UK’s fastest-growing residential sectors. Appointed by Fusion Group as main contractor, the company will deliver major student living developments in Cardiff and Loughborough, adding to its expanding national portfolio. The latest appointments continue HG Construction’s strategic growth across the UK, where the contractor is currently delivering residential and PBSA developments in more than ten towns and cities, including London, Manchester, Leeds and Bristol. The Cardiff development at Longcross Court will transform a prominent urban site into a modern 17-storey student accommodation scheme. Designed to provide high-quality living environments in a sustainable city-centre location, the project will contribute to Cardiff’s growing student housing provision while making more effective use of an underutilised site. Meanwhile, in Loughborough, HG Construction will regenerate a derelict brownfield site adjacent to the Grand Union Canal Basin. The eight-storey development will deliver purpose-built student accommodation alongside a range of resident amenities, landscaped courtyards and attractive garden spaces, creating a well-connected and vibrant student community. For the construction sector, both schemes demonstrate the continued demand for high-quality PBSA developments as university cities seek to meet increasing student accommodation requirements through sustainable regeneration. The projects also highlight the importance of brownfield redevelopment in supporting housing delivery while reducing pressure on greenfield land. Beyond the residential buildings themselves, the developments will incorporate high-quality landscaping and public realm, reflecting the growing emphasis on placemaking, resident wellbeing and the creation of attractive, community-focused environments. Adam Quinn, Chief Executive Officer of HG Construction, said securing the two projects represented another important milestone in the company’s national expansion, adding that its continued growth was built on strong collaboration with partners who share a commitment to delivering exceptional living spaces and lasting benefits for local communities. Paul Miles, Group Construction Director at Fusion Group, said HG Construction had demonstrated its capability in delivering complex student accommodation projects, making the contractor a natural choice for both developments. He added that the Cardiff and Loughborough schemes would transform underused sites into high-quality residential environments with a strong emphasis on placemaking, long-term value and positive community impact. As investment in the UK’s student accommodation market continues, the latest projects reinforce the role of specialist contractors and developers in delivering sustainable, well-designed PBSA schemes that support both university growth and wider urban regeneration Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Manchester Green Quarter Set for 251-Home Residential Tower

Manchester Green Quarter Set for 251-Home Residential Tower

Manchester’s rapidly expanding Green Quarter is set to welcome another landmark residential development after Linear Living secured planning approval for a 24-storey apartment scheme that will deliver 251 new homes in one of the city’s most sought-after urban neighbourhoods. Located on Lord Street, the development will provide a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, together with four townhouses, helping to meet growing demand for high-quality city-centre living. The scheme comprises 82 one-bedroom apartments, 165 two-bedroom homes and family-sized townhouses, creating a diverse residential offering suited to a range of occupiers. Construction is expected to commence before the end of the year, with completion targeted for early 2029. Linear Design and Construct has been appointed as main contractor and will deliver the scheme alongside a professional team that includes AEW Architects, planning consultants Enabl and project management specialist Rihbell. The project adds further momentum to the ongoing regeneration of Manchester’s Green Quarter, an area that has undergone significant residential-led transformation over the past decade. Benefiting from its location adjacent to Manchester Victoria Station, the development offers excellent connectivity to the city centre, regional rail services and the wider Greater Manchester transport network, making it an attractive location for residents seeking sustainable urban living. For the construction sector, the project represents another substantial high-rise residential development within Manchester’s thriving city-centre market, creating opportunities across structural engineering, façade systems, building services, fit-out, landscaping and specialist subcontracting disciplines. The scheme has been designed to contribute positively to the continuing evolution of the Green Quarter, supporting higher-density living while strengthening the area’s established mix of residential, leisure, hospitality and commercial uses. Developments of this nature continue to play an important role in meeting housing demand while encouraging investment into surrounding infrastructure and public realm. Stephen Holmes, Chief Executive Officer of Linear Living, described the planning approval as a major milestone for the business as it continues to expand across Greater Manchester and strengthen its presence within Manchester city centre. He added that the Green Quarter’s vibrant character, excellent transport links and proximity to a wide range of leisure and hospitality amenities make it an ideal location for a development of this scale. Holmes said the scheme is intended to become a defining addition to the neighbourhood and help shape the future of the Green Quarter for years to come. As Manchester continues to experience sustained investment in residential development, the approval of the Lord Street scheme further reinforces the city’s position as one of the UK’s strongest regional markets for high-density urban living, with developers continuing to bring forward high-quality homes in well-connected and highly desirable locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sustainable Logistics Development Completed at Arrow Point Bolton

Sustainable Logistics Development Completed at Arrow Point Bolton

VolkerFitzpatrick has successfully completed Arrow Point Bolton, a state-of-the-art industrial and logistics development delivering almost 328,000 sq ft of high-quality warehouse accommodation in one of the North West’s most strategically connected commercial locations. Developed on behalf of Arrow Capital Partners through its Strategic Industrial Real Estate (SIRE) joint venture with Cerberus Capital Management, the scheme comprises two Grade A logistics units of 220,250 sq ft and 107,500 sq ft, designed to meet the evolving operational requirements of modern occupiers. Located close to Junction 6 of the M61, Arrow Point Bolton offers excellent connectivity to the wider UK motorway network, Manchester Airport and the Port of Liverpool, making it an attractive proposition for manufacturers, distributors and logistics operators seeking efficient regional and national supply chain access. The larger of the two units is currently being marketed by B8 Real Estate and Commercial Property Partners, while the 107,500 sq ft building was pre-let earlier this year to Heritage Trade Frames, underlining the continued strength of demand for high-quality industrial accommodation across the region. The development has been designed to provide maximum operational flexibility, incorporating 15-metre clear internal eaves heights, 82 HGV trailer parking spaces, 32 dock levellers and five level-access loading doors. These specifications enable occupiers to optimise warehouse operations while accommodating future growth and changing logistics requirements. Sustainability has played a central role throughout the project’s design and construction. Initially targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification and an EPC A rating, Arrow Point Bolton has exceeded expectations by achieving BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC A+ standards, placing it amongst the UK’s highest-performing industrial developments for environmental performance. A range of innovative construction techniques also contributed to the scheme’s impressive sustainability credentials. Roller dynamic compaction was adopted as an alternative ground stabilisation method, reducing embodied carbon by approximately 10% compared with traditional engineering solutions. In addition, crushed concrete recovered from the site was reused within the development as sub-base material, minimising waste, reducing imported aggregates and supporting circular construction principles. The development also delivers an exceptional biodiversity net gain of 416%, alongside measures focused on energy efficiency, sustainable transport and occupier wellbeing. Construction-related carbon emissions have also been independently verified through Planet Mark’s net zero framework. For the construction and logistics property sectors, Arrow Point Bolton demonstrates how modern industrial developments can successfully combine high-performance operational facilities with ambitious sustainability objectives. As demand continues to grow for low-carbon, future-ready logistics space, the scheme sets a benchmark for how environmental innovation, engineering excellence and commercial performance can be delivered together within the UK’s industrial property market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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West Leigh’s expertise at The Chancery Rosewood Hotel takes the win for Commercial Project of the Year at SWA Awards 2026

West Leigh’s expertise at The Chancery Rosewood Hotel takes the win for Commercial Project of the Year at SWA Awards 2026

West Leigh has been awarded Commercial Project of the Year category at the Steel Window Association (SWA) Awards 2026 for its work on the transformation of The Chancery Rosewood Hotel, a landmark restoration of London’s former U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square. Originally designed in the 1950s by renowned Finnish‑American architect, Eero Saarinen, the Grade II‑listed building is a celebrated example of mid‑century modern architecture. Its recent conversion into a luxury hotel, a project led by David ChipperfieldArchitects with interiors by Joseph Dirand, demanded a highly sensitive approach – one that balanced architectural preservation with contemporary performance. Set among the plane trees of Grosvenor Square, the building’s distinctive façade has been carefully restored, with sunlight once again animating the gold‑anodised steel mullions and sculpted stonework that define Saarinen’s original vision. West Leigh’s role centred on the meticulous recreation and restoration of the steel window systems, ensuring visual fidelity while meeting modern standards of durability and performance. Beyond restoration, the project also involved the introduction of new architectural elements, including refined entrance canopies crafted in gold‑toned anodised aluminium. These additions were designed to sit comfortably within the existing architectural language – contemporary in execution yet respectful of the building’s heritage. Behind the retained façades, the structure has been comprehensively rebuilt, with new interventions seamlessly integrated into the historic fabric. The result is a carefully judged synthesis of old and new: a building that retains its mid‑century identity while being redefined for a new chapter of use. The original brass handles were recovered, restored, and adapted by West Leigh to work with contemporary multi-point locking by Steel Window Fittings, ensuring modern performance while staying true to the project’s replication and reuse goals.  B310 Hinges were fitted to give the large windows adjustability whilst maintaining the original appearance. Judging the awards, John Ramshaw, Technical Editor of Architecture Today, comments “The Chancery, formerly the United States Embassy in London, is a Grade II-listed building designed by Eero Saarinen and completed in the late 1950s. Conversion of the building into a hotel required a comprehensive refurbishment strategy, with a strong emphasis on retaining and replicating the original façade and fenestration. The brief required the original steel profiles to be replicated with matching sightlines, salvaged materials to be reused, and thermal improvements to be incorporated throughout. A replacement steel window solution was developed using 50TB and 75TB profiles to accommodate varying structural conditions across the building. Frames were designed to closely replicate original sections, with careful adjustments made where required to maintain consistency in appearance. Original brass handles were recovered and refurbished, then adapted to operate a new multi-locking system, with additional replicas manufactured to complete the installation. Decorative elements, including finials and mullions, were removed, restored and reinstated, while all new steelwork was finished in Antu Gold to match the original façade treatment. “West Leigh Steel Windows has delivered a comprehensive and carefully resolved scheme that supports the wider architectural ambition of the project. Consistency of detailing across a large and complex façade has been achieved through a disciplined approach to replication and material reuse. Integration of salvaged components alongside modern performance requirements has been handled with clarity and precision. The result is a scheme that preserves the building’s defining characteristics while preparing it for continued use. A worthy winner.” Andy Bawn, Managing Director, for West Leigh adds “Winning for three consecutive years is an achievement we are incredibly proud of at West Leigh. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship, and passion of our entire team, who consistently strive to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We are especially proud of this project and grateful to John Ramshaw and the SWA for acknowledging the quality and attention to detail that went into its delivery. “Awards such as this inspire us to continue raising the bar and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve, and we look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.” For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Hill Group bucks market trend as profits rise to record £92.5m and revenue hits £1.2bn

The Hill Group bucks market trend as profits rise to record £92.5m and revenue hits £1.2bn

Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has published its financial results for the year ending 31 March 2026, reporting increased turnover, profit and new homes completed despite restrained housing market conditions. The Group reported revenue of £1.164 billion and profit before tax of £92.5 million, having completed 3,329 new homes across its operations – all increases on the previous year’s figures. Net assets increased to £493.1 million and net cash rose to £129.1 million, with no drawings against the Group’s Revolving Credit Facility, reflecting the resilience of Hill’s diversified operating model and the successful delivery of the first year of its new five-year growth strategy. Land and work-in-progress increased to £733.9 million as the Group continued its policy of retaining the majority of annual profits to invest in future growth opportunities. Hill invested £54.6 million in new land acquisitions and strategic opportunities during the year, with commitments in place for a further £44.1 million of future investment. Hill’s development pipeline includes 10,800 homes with planning consent and a further 1,900 homes controlled on a subject-to-planning basis. In addition, Hill’s long-term strategic pipeline includes 29,900 homes owned or controlled under option and promotion agreements. Combined, the Group’s controlled pipeline has the potential to generate more than £14.5 billion of future revenue. Hill’s contracting pipeline also increased during the year to more than £5.6 billion, up from £4.8 billion the previous year. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, comments: “These results demonstrate the resilience of our business model and progress towards our long-term objectives. In a restrained market, we have continued to increase turnover, profit and completions while investing in future opportunities. Our contracting business continues to expand, and we remain confident in long-term demand for the high-quality homes that Hill has always been known for.” The Group further enhanced its financial flexibility in December 2025 through the successful refinancing of its Revolving Credit Facility with major lenders. The new £300 million facility extends through to 2030 and retains its Sustainability Linked Loan status, reflecting Hill’s continued commitment to environmental and social value objectives. Hill delivered a successful year in an uncertain sales market, with average selling prices of £520,000 reflecting a change in product mix as two-thirds of completed homes were apartments across London, Cambridge and Oxford. The Group’s Build-to-Rent (BTR) activities also continued to mature, with the completion and handover of many BTR homes at various locations across the South East and London. The business continued to perform well despite delayed starts on a number of high-rise buildings in London caused by protracted Building Safety Regulator approval processes. Activity improved during the year, with major regeneration projects, including City Centre South in Coventry, and Dollis Hill and Wembley in northwest London, progressing to construction stage. Hill also secured a major strategic land opportunity at Colworth in Bedfordshire, with the potential to deliver 4,500 new homes. The Group continued to invest in its people and communities, reaching approximately 1,000 employees and launching its new Social Value Strategy 2025-2030. Hill also retained its five-star status in the Home Builders Federation’s National New Homes Customer Survey for the ninth consecutive year. Andy Hill adds: “While market conditions remain challenging and economic uncertainty continues to impact buyer confidence, we remain optimistic about the future. Recent commitments to affordable housing investment provide greater certainty for the sector, and with a substantial strategic pipeline, a growing order book and an exceptional team in place, we are well positioned to deliver the ambitions set out in our 2025-2030 business plan.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Think pink: Mellor Plant UK raffles Yanmar SV08 for Cancer Research UK

Think pink: Mellor Plant UK raffles Yanmar SV08 for Cancer Research UK

The Lancashire-based authorised Yanmar CE dealer has turned one of Yanmar’s most compact excavators into a standout fundraising prize, with the winner set to be announced at the Great Eccleston Show. Mellor Plant UK, Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA (Yanmar)’s authorised dealer for the North West of England, is giving one UK resident the chance to win a specially wrapped Yanmar SV08 in a summer raffle for Cancer Research UK. The dealership has transformed the micro excavator into a vivid magenta and rose-pink showpiece – bright, bold and impossible to miss. The custom SV08 forms the centrepiece of a campaign inspired by a charity close to the hearts of Mellor Plant UK’s team, while bringing customers and the wider community together in support of Cancer Research UK’s work to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Over the past 50 years, the charity’s research has helped double cancer survival in the UK. “This is a cause that means a great deal to our team and many of the families and customers we work with,” shares Gordon Hayes, Director at Mellor Plant. “We wanted to do something positive that would bring people together while raising money for an incredibly important charity. With Yanmar’s support, the SV08 felt like the perfect machine to place at the heart of the campaign.” A pink machine with a powerful purpose The SV08’s bold new look draws on Cancer Research UK’s distinctive visual identity. Its magenta and rose-pink wrap features the charity’s recognisable dotted ‘C’ motif, creating an immediate connection to the cause. Finished with crisp white detailing, the design turns one of Yanmar’s smallest excavators into a striking symbol of hope and collective support. Behind the wrap is a practical machine built for confined working environments. Weighing 1,035kg, the SV08 has an adjustable width of 680 – 840mm and a maximum digging depth of 1,460mm. Its narrow access and extendable undercarriage are ideally suited to landscaping, utilities, agricultural work and residential construction, making it a fitting prize for Mellor Plant UK’s customers across Lancashire and the wider North West. “We are proud to support Mellor Plant UK with this inspiring fundraising initiative,” says Phil Elam, Yanmar UK Dealer Manager. “It reflects the close relationship between our dealers and the communities they serve, while showing how our network can make a positive contribution beyond the job site.” A summer in the spotlight The custom SV08 is already attracting attention this summer, including at Hillhead, the UK’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling exhibition, held last week at Hillhead Quarry in Buxton, Derbyshire. It will next appear at the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show from 3–5 July at Salesbury Hall, Ribchester, before the raffle reaches its finale at the Great Eccleston Show on 18–19 July 2026, where the winner will be drawn on stage. As a highlight of Lancashire’s rural calendar, the two-day event will put the campaign in front of farmers, contractors, machinery enthusiasts and families from across the North of England, with Mellor Plant UK attending and the SV08 on display. Visitors will have one final chance to support the campaign before one lucky entrant takes it home. How to enter Tickets cost £20 and the raffle is open to UK residents only. Entries can be purchased at Mellor Plant UK’s headquarters, via WhatsApp on 01254 812937 or by emailing sales@mellorplantuk.co.uk. Full terms and conditions are available at www.mellorplantuk.co.uk. All proceeds will support Cancer Research UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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