Chelmsford City Council has begun the hunt for a development partner to help deliver the £250m regeneration of Chelmer Waterside, one of the city’s most significant brownfield sites. Formerly home to the town’s gas works, the site has been rebranded as Chelmer Waterside and is now primed for transformation into
Clowes Developments has begun a multi-million-pound site remediation and enabling works programme at its recently acquired 31-acre Harrier Park site in Hucknall, paving the way for new industrial and warehouse development. The brownfield site, once home to the creation of the Harrier ‘Jump Jet’ and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is set
GMI Construction Group and Olympian Homes have marked the completion of Rialto House, a £50 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in York that delivers 275 high-quality student bedrooms and state-of-the-art amenities in a design-led environment. The four-storey scheme on Fishergate, developed by Olympian Homes, funded by Cain International and
O’Brien Contractors Limited has made substantial progress on the next phase of critical earthworks at Fairham, one of the East Midlands’ largest and most ambitious mixed-use developments. The earthworks are a key part of the delivery of the remaining residential parcels at Fairham, a transformative new neighbourhood on the edge
Kiverco, a global leader in recycling solutions, has completed the installation of a new recycling plant for Binn Group, a prominent waste management company in Scotland. This marks their fourth collaboration, reflecting a long-standing partnership built on trust and exceptional service. A third-generation family business and Kiverco customer for over
Landsec has announced the unconditional sale of Queen Anne’s Mansions (QAM) in SW1 to the Arora Group, in a £245 million deal that crystallises significant value and strengthens the company’s capital recycling strategy. The office building, originally developed by Landsec in the 1970s, is currently fully let on a lease
Prologis has been selected to deliver a build-to-suit National Distribution Centre for Marks & Spencer at DIRFT — a flagship development that will support the transformation of the retailer’s food logistics network while showcasing Prologis’ expertise in designing and delivering highly complex logistics facilities. Spanning 1.3 million square feet, the
Superdrug has reinforced its presence in Oxford with two significant store developments, underlining the retailer’s strategy to grow and modernise its national portfolio. At Landsec’s Westgate Centre, Superdrug has expanded its existing store by taking on the adjacent Units 21-22, creating a larger 6,792 sq ft space. The store, which
Housebuilder Avant Homes South Wales and housing association Valleys to Coast have announced the exchange of contracts on a £42m deal to deliver 194 affordable homes in Maesteg. The new housing development will be built on the former Ewenny Road Industrial Estate which comprises 16-acres and is one of the
Orbit Homes is continuing its drive to deliver quality, energy efficient homes in Suffolk with plans to bring 220 new homes to Reydon at its new development, Copperwheat Place. Over half of the homes at Copperwheat Place will be affordable homes with 118 for affordable rent and Shared Ownership, alongside
Chelmsford City Council has begun the hunt for a development partner to help deliver the £250m regeneration of Chelmer Waterside, one of the city’s most significant brownfield sites. Formerly home to the town’s gas works, the site has been rebranded as Chelmer Waterside and is now primed for transformation into a residential-led neighbourhood. Recent infrastructure improvements, including a new pedestrian bridge linking the site to the city centre in under five minutes, have unlocked the area’s potential for large-scale development. Chelmsford City Council said the scheme could deliver between 770 and 1,000 new homes across six hectares, with phases designed around apartment-led blocks. Work has already begun on relocating the existing gas pressure reduction system, due to complete in early 2026, while remediation and decontamination of the former gasworks land will form a key part of the early programme. Some housebuilders, including Taylor Wimpey, have already delivered homes on adjoining parts of the wider waterside area. The council is now seeking a lead partner to accelerate the main residential development. The procurement process will shortlist up to three bidders from an initial questionnaire stage, who will then move into dialogue and negotiation before final tenders are submitted. The winning bidder will enter into a preferred developer agreement to confirm delivery commitments. A council spokesperson said the vision for Chelmer Waterside is to create a vibrant new residential community that makes the most of its riverside setting, while supporting wider regeneration and growth across the city. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments has begun a multi-million-pound site remediation and enabling works programme at its recently acquired 31-acre Harrier Park site in Hucknall, paving the way for new industrial and warehouse development. The brownfield site, once home to the creation of the Harrier ‘Jump Jet’ and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is set to be transformed into a major commercial hub. The clean-up will tackle legacy contamination, preparing the land for up to 500,000 sq ft of modern employment space alongside the existing 200,000 sq ft RM Resources facility. Lead contractor TanRo has been appointed to deliver the complex works, which include ground remediation, groundwater treatment, earthworks, construction of retaining walls, drainage infrastructure, and road access improvements. The programme will run beyond an initial 20-week schedule, forming the first phase of long-term investment into the site. Although planning permission is already in place for six industrial and warehouse buildings, environmental remediation is essential before development can progress. The site’s strategic location, close to junctions 26 and 27 of the M1 and within half an hour of East Midlands Airport, Derby and Nottingham, makes it a prime choice for occupiers seeking new space in the region. Kevin Webster, Associate Development Director at Clowes Developments, said:“Harrier Park is a special site with a remarkable heritage, and we’re proud to be bringing it back into productive use. Our first major step is to address its long-standing issues with contamination. Our enabling works are designed to prepare the land for high-quality industrial development, and interest is already strong from potential occupiers looking for bespoke space in a well-connected location.” Clowes Developments is working with FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German to market the site, with design-and-build opportunities available on both freehold and leasehold terms for units ranging from 60,000 to 206,000 sq ft. For enquiries, please contact: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group and Olympian Homes have marked the completion of Rialto House, a £50 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in York that delivers 275 high-quality student bedrooms and state-of-the-art amenities in a design-led environment. The four-storey scheme on Fishergate, developed by Olympian Homes, funded by Cain International and built by GMI, provides 80,000 sq. ft. of modern living space tailored to meet the city’s growing demand for student housing. Rialto House is just a ten-minute walk from the city centre and seven minute bus ride from the University of York. With a focus on student welfare, it features a comprehensive range of facilities including gym, yoga studio, games area, podcast studio, music room, co-working spaces, group dining areas, landscaped courtyards, and integrated cycle storage. In recognition of the site’s heritage, it also includes a bespoke in-house cinema, a nod to the former Rialto Cinema from which it takes its name. It is one of three PBSA schemes GMI is delivering in York, reinforcing its position as a key player in strengthening the city’s higher education offering and addressing a national shortage of student accommodation. Ed Weston, Regional Director for Yorkshire at GMI Construction Group, said: “Rialto House is a flagship scheme delivering excellence in student living while honouring the legacy of a much-loved York landmark. We’re delighted to have completed this project in partnership with Olympian Homes and are proud to be playing a key role in tackling the student accommodation shortfall through our growing portfolio of PBSA developments. I also hope this marks the start of a strong and long-lasting relationship with Olympian and we look forward to collaborating on future opportunities.” Mark Slatter, Chair of Olympian Homes, added: “With Rialto House, we set out to create something distinctive, delivering outstanding student living. Thanks to GMI and our funding partner Cain International, this scheme sets a new benchmark for purpose-built student accommodation in York. The result from GMI is outstanding, with a level of finish that stands among the highest we’ve been involved with.” The development stands on the former site of the Rialto Cinema, which first opened in 1913, and the adjacent Mecca bingo hall. The cinema holds a special place in local memory, having hosted four performances by The Beatles in 1963, just months before their rise to global fame. Demolished in 2003 and used as a car park for many years, the Rialto site has been transformed into a new residential community that will welcome students from the autumn term onwards. Olympian exchanged contracts on the site in April 2021 and submitted a planning application in June 2021 to demolish the existing Mecca Bingo Hall. Works began in Q2 2022 after GMI secured the contract. Olympian and Cain International completed a funding agreement for the scheme, alongside a second PBSA scheme, in 2023. GMI delivered the project using a predominantly local supply chain, reflecting its commitment to regional growth and sustainability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
O’Brien Contractors Limited has made substantial progress on the next phase of critical earthworks at Fairham, one of the East Midlands’ largest and most ambitious mixed-use developments. The earthworks are a key part of the delivery of the remaining residential parcels at Fairham, a transformative new neighbourhood on the edge of Nottingham. Once complete, Fairham will offer 3,000 new homes, over one million square feet of employment space, and 200 acres of open green space, creating a balanced community where people can live, work, and thrive. Delivered by O’Brien Contractors on behalf of master developer Clowes Developments, in partnership with Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, the earthworks are part of a wider £100 million infrastructure investment across the 606-acre site. Earthworks includes: These operations pave the way for future construction activity and are expected to be completed by the end of October 2025, subject to weather conditions. Rob Hopkinson, Technical Associate Director at Clowes Developments commented, The progress achieved at Fairham reflects a significant collective effort from all parties involved. Completion of this phase of earthworks will unlock substantial parcels of land ready for residential development, marking a pivotal step forward in the delivery of this landmark scheme. Once these works are finalised, we will be positioned to complete the remaining roads, sewers, and key landscaping phases, further advancing the creation of a sustainable and well-connected community. Fairham is being designed as a sustainable and highly connected community. Alongside residential and employment zones, plans include a local centre, new education and healthcare facilities, sports and leisure amenities, and a safeguarded route for a future NET tram extension. To support this major development, Clowes Developments and Homes England continue to work in close coordination with National Highways, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, and Rushcliffe Borough Council to deliver infrastructure improvements with minimal disruption to existing transport networks. Once fully developed, Fairham will make a significant contribution to regional growth—delivering thousands of homes and jobs, and supporting Rushcliffe Borough Council’s housing target of 13,500 new dwellings by 2030. With its strategic location, integrated design, and focus on sustainability, Fairham is setting a new benchmark for modern, mixed-use communities in the East Midlands. Keep track of the progress onsite at Fairham, here: https://fairhamlife.co.uk/news/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kiverco, a global leader in recycling solutions, has completed the installation of a new recycling plant for Binn Group, a prominent waste management company in Scotland. This marks their fourth collaboration, reflecting a long-standing partnership built on trust and exceptional service. A third-generation family business and Kiverco customer for over 20 years, Binn Group shares a deep commitment to innovation and sustainability. Their trust in Kiverco was reinforced more than a decade ago when a fire at their site damaged the waste plant. Kiverco’s rapid response helped them get the plant up and running again very quickly and this level of support at a critical time for the business has forged strong lasting relationships. Binn Group’s latest investment supports both business growth and their drive to adopt greener energy solutions. The new facility, designed for construction and demolition (C&D) waste, will boost throughput, improve material purity, and advance their green energy initiative, which includes converting waste into energy. Sustainability is central to Kiverco’s approach. Their plants are built to ensure a longer useful life and retain their value over time. Binn Skips sold their previous Kiverco plant to another waste processor, recouping part of their investment. The 10+ year old system was decommissioned from the Glenfarg site and recommissioned with another waste company in Scotland. Marcus McAlinden, Kiverco Sales Manager, said:“We’re very happy with this project at Binn Group. It integrates advanced automation to increase throughput, adapt to changing waste streams, and future-proof operations. The inclusion of an optical sorter is a game-changer, removing wood as a waste stream transforms it from a disposal cost into a valuable fuel.” As Vice Chairman of the Resource Management Association Scotland, Allan MacGregor highlighted the significance of this project:“Kiverco has never let us down. Their service and support have been exceptional. This new facility gives us cleaner commodities, higher throughput, and the capacity to handle more waste in the future.” Stewart Smith, Director of Operations added; “It’s more robust and heavy-duty than the competitors we considered. Over the years Kiverco machinery has proven that it dependable and long lasting and that’s why we’ve remained loyal to Kiverco who have delivered all four of our plants over the lifetime of the business. The site combines waste-to-energy technology with four large wind turbines producing 9MW of electricity, creating a private grid for power generation and consumption. Kiverco understood the vision and came up with exceptional design to bring our vision to life. From the initial enquiry to installation, I couldn’t fault Kiverco. The installation was seamless. They went the extra mile.” Based in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, Kiverco designs and manufactures bespoke recycling plants, building long-term customer relationships and pioneering advancements in sustainable recycling technology. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec has announced the unconditional sale of Queen Anne’s Mansions (QAM) in SW1 to the Arora Group, in a £245 million deal that crystallises significant value and strengthens the company’s capital recycling strategy. The office building, originally developed by Landsec in the 1970s, is currently fully let on a lease running until December 2028. While the asset continues to generate stable rental income, much of its current valuation is tied to its long-term redevelopment potential. The transaction represents substantial early progress towards Landsec’s target of releasing £2 billion of capital from office assets by 2030. The strategy is focused on repositioning the portfolio towards holdings that deliver sustainable income growth and improved returns over the long term. Completion of the sale is expected in early December 2025, following the receipt of a 10 per cent non-refundable deposit. The £245 million sales price is in line with the asset’s expected book value, adjusted for income receipts and depreciation since the last valuation date. The disposal is anticipated to reduce Landsec’s loan-to-value ratio by 1.3 percentage points, to 38.4 per cent. As the transaction was achieved earlier than planned, the finance lease income originally due to be received across 2025 and 2026 will instead be consolidated as a capital receipt in 2025. While this reallocation will reduce EPRA earnings in FY26 and FY27, overall cash generation remains unaffected, with proceeds available for reinvestment into accretive opportunities. Mark Allan, Chief Executive Officer of Landsec, commented: “This sale provides clear evidence of recovery within the central London investment market and enables us to crystallise full value for this off-strategy asset sooner than anticipated. Including QAM, total disposals since March stand at approximately £500 million, ahead of expectations and underpinned by strong operational performance across the wider business. This represents encouraging progress towards delivering our long-term strategy.” The deal also reinforces signs of renewed confidence in London’s office investment market, with institutional and private buyers seeking prime opportunities to capitalise on redevelopment potential and long-term rental growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis has been selected to deliver a build-to-suit National Distribution Centre for Marks & Spencer at DIRFT — a flagship development that will support the transformation of the retailer’s food logistics network while showcasing Prologis’ expertise in designing and delivering highly complex logistics facilities. Spanning 1.3 million square feet, the facility represents a £340 million investment — the largest in M&S’s food supply chain history — and forms a key part of the company’s strategy to double the size of its food business. The construction phase is expected to support over 2,000 jobs, with around 1,000 roles once operational — covering logistics, management, and technical engineering. The development combines chilled storage, advanced automated fulfilment, returns and recycling operations, and dedicated office space — all tailored to M&S’s operational requirements and growth ambitions. TGW Logistics has been appointed as the automation partner for the project. Located at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, the campus will be fully electric and designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating — an internationally recognised benchmark for sustainable building performance. Proven Build-to-Suit Expertise With decades of experience in land acquisition, site selection, permitting, construction and delivery, Prologis is uniquely positioned to manage complex, large-scale projects like this one. Its in-house teams streamline the process from design through delivery, ensuring maximized value engineering, accelerated timelines and reliable technical expertise at every step. By partnering with industry-leading architects, consultants and contractors, Prologis consistently delivers facilities on or ahead of schedule. Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “M&S selected Prologis for our experience in delivering complex large-scale logistics projects designed to meet the highest environmental standards. This development enables a future-fit supply chain for M&S and brings lasting economic value to the Midlands — through skilled jobs, resilient infrastructure and investment in one of the UK’s most important logistics locations.” DIRFT: A Key Driver of Regional Growth This latest milestone takes Prologis’ leased or committed space at DIRFT III to over 75%, reinforcing the site’s role as one of the UK’s most mature intermodal logistics hubs. Currently, more than 10,000 people are employed across DIRFT in a growing range of logistics, operations, and technical roles. In 2023/24 alone, customers at DIRFT contributed £13.1 million in business rates. The site generates £219 million in annual GVA, making it one of the region’s most important economic assets. Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This investment is a strong signal of continued confidence in West Northamptonshire and wider South Midlands region as a centre of national and European logistics. As the UK’s largest inland port, DIRFT plays a critical role in supporting jobs, attracting business, and driving economic growth across the backbone of the UK. We look forward to working with all stakeholders on the long-term future of the site as it continues to evolve.” Setting New Standards for Sustainable Logistics On completion, the new M&S facility is expected to be the largest building in the world to achieve BREEAM Outstanding certification and is also targeting EPC A+. On-site features include a large-scale rooftop PV array, EV charging, energy-saving technologies, and extensive use of recycled materials — demonstrating how Prologis build-to-suit developments combine technical excellence with sustainable innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Superdrug has reinforced its presence in Oxford with two significant store developments, underlining the retailer’s strategy to grow and modernise its national portfolio. At Landsec’s Westgate Centre, Superdrug has expanded its existing store by taking on the adjacent Units 21-22, creating a larger 6,792 sq ft space. The store, which opened earlier this year, is held on a new 10-year lease with a tenant break and rent review at year five, providing flexibility for both the retailer and the landlord. In addition, Superdrug has signed an agreement to lease the current Poundland unit at Templar Shopping Park in Cowley. The property, managed by CBRE Investment Management and Quadrant Estates on behalf of Hampshire Pension Fund, will be handed over in August. This second deal is also structured as a 10-year lease with similar break and review provisions. Together, the new lettings push Superdrug beyond its target of 25 store openings in 2025, reflecting strong performance in both city centre and retail park locations. Simon Horner of GCW, acting for Superdrug, said the moves highlight the retailer’s dual approach to growth: “Oxford is a great example of how Superdrug is expanding on two fronts – through larger, more modern units in high-footfall city centre destinations, and through selective acquisitions in successful out-of-town retail parks.” CBRE acted for Landsec on the Westgate deal, while Curson Sowerby Partners represented the landlord at Templar Shopping Park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housebuilder Avant Homes South Wales and housing association Valleys to Coast have announced the exchange of contracts on a £42m deal to deliver 194 affordable homes in Maesteg. The new housing development will be built on the former Ewenny Road Industrial Estate which comprises 16-acres and is one of the largest redevelopment and regeneration projects in the region. This marks Pontypridd-based Avant Homes South Wales’s inaugural deal with Valleys to Coast, and also the first since the housebuilder established a presence in Wales last year. Using Cardiff Capital Region funding, Bridgend County Borough Council worked to remediate the brownfield site to allow the new homes development to take place. Avant Homes will deliver a mix of energy efficient, practically designed house types. Of the homes, at least 108 will be built to Welsh Design Quality Requirements with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A and be carbon free, with the remainder achieving an EPC ‘B’ rating. The mix of homes available will include one-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom terraced, semi-detached and detached properties. The site has outline planning permission and Avant Homes South Wales will submit a reserved matters application in August. Subject to planning, work is expected to start next March, with the first residents scheduled to move in to their new homes next December. Avant Homes South Wales managing director, Martin Smith, commented: “This deal is an excellent example of effective collaborative working between Bridgend County Borough Council, Cardiff Capital Region, Valleys to Coast and ourselves. “It’s successful conclusion enables the provision of more quality new homes for the South Wales Valleys in a development that will create a thriving new community within Maesteg. “This is a landmark deal for Avant Homes South Wales with it being our first one with Valleys to Coast, and our first in Wales. “We have a highly capable and ambitious local team in our business who are proud to be playing their part in delivering this exciting and essential regeneration project. “We will continue to build upon this momentum and we are in advanced discussions regarding a number of other deals to provide quality affordable new homes throughout South Wales.” Avant Homes Group is headquartered in Barlborough, near Chesterfield, and operates across South Wales, the north of England, the Midlands and Scotland. The housebuilder has a multi-tenure growth strategy which sees it deliver homes for private sale, the private rented sector (PRS) and additional affordable housing. For the year ended 30 June 2025, the Avant Homes Group delivered 1,659 completions with net debt of less than £90m. For further information on Avant Homes visit www.avanthomes.co.uk and for Valleys to Coast go to www.valleystocoast.wales Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Orbit Homes is continuing its drive to deliver quality, energy efficient homes in Suffolk with plans to bring 220 new homes to Reydon at its new development, Copperwheat Place. Over half of the homes at Copperwheat Place will be affordable homes with 118 for affordable rent and Shared Ownership, alongside a further 84 for market sale. 11 homes will be available as self-build plots and 7 homes will be for those impacted by or at risk of coastal erosion. The development will feature a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses, and one, two and three-bedroom bungalows. The homes will be built to Orbit Homes’ sector-leading design and safety standards, which have been matched against the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Safer by Design framework to limit the most common hazards found in a home. All homes at Copperwheat Place are also planned to include several features to support energy efficiency as standard, including Air Source Heat Pumps, electric vehicle charging points and enhanced cavity insulation. The scheme will be designed to embrace sustainability and biodiversity, supporting Orbit Group’s biodiversity commitment to enable nature’s recovery in 30% of its outdoor spaces by 2030, and will include public spaces, a children’s play area and connecting footpaths to new and existing walkways. Copperwheat Place will also include at least one nature positive feature for every new home built, as part of Orbit Homes’ commitment to ‘Homes for Nature’, a five-year initiative from the Future Homes Hub dedicated to increasing wildlife on all new developments. Homes for Nature measures include bird nesting boxes, hedgehog highways and nature friendly planting. Construction is set to begin in autumn 2025. Ray Winney, Regional Managing Director for Orbit Homes in the East, commented: “We are delighted to announce plans to bring 220 quality, energy efficient new homes to Suffolk at Copperwheat Place in Reydon. This development continues our investment in the region and will deliver much-needed new homes in a mix of tenures to support the local housing need. “Copperwheat Place is designed to be a sustainable new community, providing customers with energy efficient homes and attractive green spaces for residents to enjoy which help wildlife thrive. We’re excited to see this site progress over the coming years.” Copperwheat Place is situated in Reydon, a village offering the best of both worlds with its stunning countryside location and the bustling seaside of Southwold just a mile and a half away. Copperwheat Place joins several developments that Orbit Homes is currently delivering in Suffolk, including Homestead Park in Stonham Aspal, Weavers Grove in Bildeston, Brickmakers Place in Woolpit and Harolds Gate on the Norfolk-Suffolk border in Harleston. For more information about Copperwheat Place and to register your interest, visit: www.orbithomes.org.uk/copperwheat-place Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
