The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is preparing to launch a major £500m housing works programme, aimed at improving homes, strengthening compliance and delivering long-term investment across its residential estate. The east London council has placed contractors on alert ahead of a formal procurement process expected to begin this summer.
Prologis UK has partnered with TV presenter and architect George Clarke on a new content campaign designed to challenge perceptions of logistics buildings and bring greater visibility to one of the UK’s most essential but often overlooked sectors. The campaign includes a new brand film, The Power of Logistics, and
Study Inn has been named Student Accommodation Operator of the Year at the Property Week RESI Awards 2026, widely regarded as one of the most distinguished accolades in the UK’s residential property market. The award highlights operators who are truly setting the standard, delivering exceptional resident experiences, driving innovation, and
Asphalt pavements have to handle far more stress today than they did decades ago. Heavier freight traffic, fluctuating temperatures, moisture intrusion and tighter municipal budgets have all placed additional pressure on road networks. Therefore, building asphalt pavements that last can be challenging. You need the right product that can extend
A former grammar school site, latterly used as a business centre, in Winsford Town Centre, Cheshire has been brought to market as a residential development opportunity. Cheshire West & Cheshire Council has appointed CBRE as its agent for Verdin Exchange. Verdin Exchange is a 51,968 sq ft listed red-brick building
Plans for two brand new South West hubs have been revealed by leading logistics network, Pall-Ex Group, as it earmarks an £8 million investment for strengthening its services across the region. The South West peninsula, often known as the ‘final frontier’, has historically been one of the most challenging delivery
Vistry has secured planning approval for the first phase of its major £600m residential development at Pudding Mill Lane, marking another significant step in the continued transformation of the area surrounding Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Newham Council has approved the opening phase of the Stratford scheme, which is being delivered
Construction specialist Glencar has officially confirmed its role as main contractor on the highly anticipated £50m Minecraft World development at Chessington World of Adventures. The major new attraction, being delivered for Merlin Entertainments, will bring the globally recognised Minecraft gaming franchise to life in what is expected to become one
McPhillips has completed work on Talbot Park, a major £4.3m public realm and green space project designed to strengthen connectivity and support the wider regeneration of Kidderminster town centre. The scheme creates a new landscaped route linking Worcester Street with Bromsgrove Street and forms part of Wyre Forest District Council’s
Three established occupiers at Exchange Quay have reaffirmed their commitment to the flagship Manchester office campus with a series of lease renewals totalling almost 27,000 sq ft. Insurance specialists First Central have agreed a new 10-year lease on their 21,600 sq ft office space, underlining their long-term confidence in the
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is preparing to launch a major £500m housing works programme, aimed at improving homes, strengthening compliance and delivering long-term investment across its residential estate. The east London council has placed contractors on alert ahead of a formal procurement process expected to begin this summer. The programme will support Tower Hamlets’ wider capital investment plans and is set to cover a broad range of major works, including housing refurbishments, fire safety improvements and essential building upgrades. The council plans to divide the programme into eight major contracts, creating a substantial pipeline of work for contractors with experience in residential refurbishment, compliance-led improvements and estate renewal. The scope is expected to include fire-prevention installations, electrical upgrades, plumbing works and wider overhaul projects across the borough’s housing stock. Initial contracts are expected to run from October 2027 to November 2031. However, the framework could be extended in phases through to 2041, creating the potential for a 14-year delivery programme. This would provide Tower Hamlets with a long-term route to procure planned investment works while giving the market greater visibility over future opportunities. Tower Hamlets is expected to use the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. The approach allows more flexibility in the procurement process, including scope for dialogue and negotiation with bidders during the tender stage. This could help the council shape contract delivery around its estate requirements, compliance priorities and value-for-money objectives. A procurement launch briefing has been scheduled for 10.30am on 16 June at Tower Hamlets Town Hall in Whitechapel. The event will give interested firms an overview of the proposed procurement structure, the council’s housing stock profile and the indicative scope of the contracts. The formal tender notice is currently expected to be issued on 3 August. The programme represents a significant opportunity for contractors operating in housing maintenance, retrofit, fire safety and refurbishment. It also underlines the scale of investment required by local authorities as they work to improve ageing housing stock, meet evolving safety standards and provide better homes for residents. Once underway, the Tower Hamlets programme is expected to play a central role in delivering safer, more efficient and better-maintained council housing across the borough. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK has partnered with TV presenter and architect George Clarke on a new content campaign designed to challenge perceptions of logistics buildings and bring greater visibility to one of the UK’s most essential but often overlooked sectors. The campaign includes a new brand film, The Power of Logistics, and a six-part docuseries, Logistics Unboxed. Fronted by Clarke, the series goes behind the scenes at Prologis RFI DIRFT, where 1.8 million sq ft of logistics space is currently under construction. Across the series, Clarke follows the development journey from groundwork through to completion, exploring the design, engineering, sustainability and specialist expertise behind modern logistics spaces. George Clarke said: “Most people don’t think about logistics buildings, but they are part of the hidden architecture of everyday life. Once you get behind the scenes, the scale, design and engineering involved is genuinely fascinating. These are spaces that keep the country moving, and I’m excited to help tell that story with Prologis.” The campaign launches as activity at Prologis RFI DIRFT continues to gather pace, with three build-to-suit developments under construction for Marks & Spencer, XPO / Arla and Laura James alongside the speculatively developed DC107. Prologis is also continuing to progress the wider development of DIRFT, including work linked to the completion of Phase III and the progression of future phases. Together, the activities underway underline the scale of activity at DIRFT and its role as one of the UK’s most important logistics locations. Paul Weston, Regional, Head at Prologis UK, said: “Warehouses are part of the infrastructure of everyday life, but they are rarely seen by the wider UK population who rely on them. We wanted to open up the story behind these buildings and show the thought, innovation and expertise that goes into creating them. George brings genuine curiosity, credibility and a passion for the built environment, making him the ideal partner for this campaign.” Logistics Unboxed is now available via Prologis UK’s website and on social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Study Inn has been named Student Accommodation Operator of the Year at the Property Week RESI Awards 2026, widely regarded as one of the most distinguished accolades in the UK’s residential property market. The award highlights operators who are truly setting the standard, delivering exceptional resident experiences, driving innovation, and going beyond expectations in an increasingly competitive market. The judges commented: “Study Inn truly sets the benchmark in student accommodation, delivering exceptional service backed by outstanding resident satisfaction scores. With an innovative all-inclusive model and a market-leading wellbeing offer, they have created a best-in-class student experience.” Matt Shakespeare, Managing Director of Operations at Study Inn, commented: “We continually evolve our offering to meet the needs of our guests, and this award is an endorsement of our intense focus on making sure every resident feels safe, supported and truly at home. It’s a testament to our team’s commitment in delivering our brand standards.” The RESI Awards celebrate innovation, excellence, and leadership across the UK residential property industry, recognising developers, investors, and operators who are making a meaningful impact. For Study Inn, this recognition reinforces its position as the leading serviced accommodation operator in the student sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Asphalt pavements have to handle far more stress today than they did decades ago. Heavier freight traffic, fluctuating temperatures, moisture intrusion and tighter municipal budgets have all placed additional pressure on road networks. Therefore, building asphalt pavements that last can be challenging. You need the right product that can extend pavement life, reduce maintenance costs and improve long-term return on investment. Here are the top-rated solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements. 1. Reinforcement Fiber by FORTA FORTA introduced synthetic reinforcement fibers to the U.S. in 1978 and has been developing the technology ever since. Its asphalt solution, FORTA-FI, remains one of the most recognized solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements. Designed for airports, highways, streets, and industrial parking lots, FORTA-FI creates a three-dimensional reinforcement matrix within asphalt mixes to help reduce thermal, reflective, and fatigue cracking, as well as rutting and raveling. The synthetic fiber blend can extend pavement life by up to 50% and has a tensile strength five times that of steel. It also integrates into existing batch and drum plant operations without disrupting production efficiency. Key Features 2. Polymer Modified Asphalt Binders by Dow Dow offers polymer-modified asphalt technologies, ideal for roads that need to survive heavy traffic, changing climates and constant wear without demanding endless maintenance. Its award-winning ELVALOY RET Polymers improve asphalt flexibility, cracking resistance and rutting performance. The company also incorporates post-consumer recycled plastics into its asphalt solutions, turning waste into high-performance pavement additives that support circular-economy goals. These technologies are already used in projects across the U.S., Indonesia and India as part of its ambition to help collect, reuse or recycle a million tons of plastic by 2030. Key Features 3. Geogrid Reinforcement Systems by Tensar Tensar is improving the durability of asphalt pavements by strengthening what sits beneath the surface. Its GlasGrid and GlasPave systems act as a hidden reinforcement layer between asphalt courses, helping pavements resist reflective cracking, moisture intrusion and long-term fatigue. Traditional overlays typically delay cracking by only about one year per inch of asphalt applied, but Tensar’s interlayer systems may extend service life far more efficiently. The open grid structure allows strong bonding between asphalt layers and transfers stress more efficiently across the pavement system. GlasPave paving mats also create a moisture barrier by limiting water infiltration into lower pavement layers. Key Features 4. Warm Mix Asphalt by BoDean Company BoDean Company’s Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology proves that cooler can sometimes be better. While traditional asphalt is typically produced at temperatures above 320° Fahrenheit, the company lowers production temperatures to below 275° Fahrenheit by injecting atomized water molecules into hot binder oil. That reduction helps eliminate blue smoke, cuts CO2 emissions and lowers energy consumption, but still preserves the asphalt binder against excessive oxidation. Because WMA cools more slowly than traditional hot mix asphalt, your crews can pave more effectively in colder weather and transport material farther without worrying about rapid temperature loss. Plus, it requires fewer roller passes for compaction, which enhances productivity and worker safety. Key Features 5. Asphalt Rejuvenators by Pavement Technology, Inc. Pavement Technology, Inc. has focused on asphalt rejuvenation since 1972, when it began refining the application of Reclamite, the original maltene Deplacement Technology. Instead of simply coating pavement surfaces, Reclamite chemically restores the maltene components that asphalt loses over time. Therefore, it helps improve flexibility, adhesion and durability. The company later expanded into sustainability-focused preservation with A.R.A.-1 Ti/PlusTI Asphalt Rejuvenator, introduced in 2017 as America’s first titanium-dioxide-enhanced asphalt rejuvenator. Along with slowing pavement oxidation, the technology can reduce nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and heat absorption linked to urban heat effects. Key Features Quick Comparison Table of the Top Asphalt Durability Products The following is how the top-rated solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements compare side by side. Company Solution Type Product Main Benefit FORTA Reinforcement Fiber FORTA-FI Tensile strength is five times that of steel, and can extend pavement life by up to 50% Dow Polymer Modified Asphalt Binders ELVALOY RET Improves flexibility and resistance to aging Tensar Geogrid Reinforcement Systems GlasGrid and GlasPave systems Reinforces overlays and mitigates reflective cracking BoDean Company Warm Mix Asphalt Warm Mix Asphalt Lowers oxidation and improves compaction Pavement Technology, Inc. Asphalt Rejuvenators Reclamite/PlusTi Restores asphalt flexibility and slows oxidation Criteria of the Solutions for Improving the Durability of Asphalt Pavements The companies and solutions in this list meet several factors, including: Frequently Asked Questions Here are some commonly asked questions about asphalt pavements. Q: How long should a well-designed asphalt pavement last? A: A well-designed asphalt pavement can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, depending on traffic loads, climate conditions, drainage quality and maintenance practices. Preventive maintenance and reinforcement technologies can significantly extend service life. Q: What causes asphalt pavements to fail prematurely? A: Poor drainage, insufficient compaction, heavy traffic loads, thermal cracking, oxidation and weak subgrade conditions typically cause premature pavement failure. Q: Why is compaction important for asphalt durability? A: Proper compaction reduces air voids within the pavement. Excessive voids allow moisture infiltration and oxidation, both of which accelerate pavement deterioration. Paving the Way Forward The five solutions for improving the durability of asphalt pavements on this list can help roads last longer while facing heavier traffic, harsher environmental conditions and tighter maintenance budgets. Choosing the right one for your needs can lead to fewer repairs, lower life cycle costs and more resilient infrastructure that performs better for years to come.
A former grammar school site, latterly used as a business centre, in Winsford Town Centre, Cheshire has been brought to market as a residential development opportunity. Cheshire West & Cheshire Council has appointed CBRE as its agent for Verdin Exchange. Verdin Exchange is a 51,968 sq ft listed red-brick building dating back to 1895 on an extensive 3.89 acre site fronting the town’s High Street (A54). Originally built as a technical school and latterly used as a business centre, the site has been identified as prime for redevelopment as a residential-led scheme, subject to planning. Initial feasibility work highlights the site’s potential for a blend of one, two and three-bedroom apartments set across the existing building and two new-builds, complemented by landscaped amenity space and high-quality public realm. The development could create a sustainable living environment in an established and well-connected Cheshire location, adjacent to the recently redeveloped Winsford Cross Shopping Centre, at the heart of the town’s ongoing regeneration. The scheme represents a rare opportunity to combine the conversion of a heritage asset with new-build development, enabling the creation of a distinctive residential destination within a revitalised town centre setting. Neil Kirkham, Head of Liverpool Office at CBRE commented: “Verdin Exchange represents a compelling opportunity to deliver a high-quality residential scheme in a well-connected and evolving Cheshire town. The combination of a prominent town centre location, strong transport links and the character of the existing building provides developers with the chance to create a truly distinctive place to live. With capacity for a mix of apartment types alongside landscaped amenity and public realm improvements, this is a site that can make a meaningful contribution to Winsford’s continued regeneration.” The site is being offered for sale on a freehold basis, with interest sought from developers capable of bringing forward a deliverable, design-led scheme. Verdin Exchange is being marketed on an all enquiries basis, but recognises there is a strong residential development opportunity. Gemma Davies, Director of Economy and Housing, Cheshire West & Chester Council “The Verdin Exchange is an iconic and much-loved building in Winsford town centre. Its striking architecture makes it a Winsford icon and it is a building that the community is keen to see open its doors again. Cheshire West & Chester Council is seeking a developer who can support its goal to safeguard the future of Verdin Exchange and give it a new lease of life by restoring the listed building and maintaining and enhancing the community uses of the site. Ensuring this building can play its part in the vitality and vibrancy of the town long into the future. The first phase of regeneration works has already been a real success story and we’re excited to see what comes forward from developers for the Verdin Exchange to support us in achieving our ambitions for this great town that Winsford residents now and in the future can be proud of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for two brand new South West hubs have been revealed by leading logistics network, Pall-Ex Group, as it earmarks an £8 million investment for strengthening its services across the region. The South West peninsula, often known as the ‘final frontier’, has historically been one of the most challenging delivery locations in the UK due to its landscape. In spite of that, the region has been dubbed a ‘logistics hot spot’, with brands like Pall-Ex continuing to see year-on-year growth. Now, businesses throughout the region will soon benefit from the launch of two new facilities in Willand, Devon (Pall-Ex South West), and Launceston in Cornwall (Pall-Ex Logistics), giving them access to a range of haulage services including next-day palletised freight distribution, warehousing and storage. Pall-Ex South West’s 218,000 sq ft hub in Willand, Devon, is expected to be completed by Summer 2026. While existing staff will relocate to the new site—located less than half a mile from the current facility—the expansion is expected to increase its local workforce by 15%, with roles spanning customer service and night planners, to warehouse and forklift operators. Its plans to recruit will enable the site to double its operational limits and process an excess of 60 vehicles per night across the two new sites. Meanwhile, the Launceston hub—a 114,000 sq ft purpose-built facility—is already operational, where it offers increased storage capacity of up to 3,500 pallets and the movement of 650 pallets per day. The successful relocation of its existing team will also be bolstered by a further 10 – 15% growth in its workforce; with roles in warehouse staffing, supervision and management roles soon to be available. In addition to their enhanced service capabilities, both sites will benefit from a series of sustainability-focused features, including all-electric forklift truck fleets, solar panels and green water filtering—additions that will see them meet the highest sustainability ‘BREEAM standards’. While the logistics provider already has existing hubs in the region, these have since reached capacity. This latest investment is a strategic move intended to give the company access to larger, purpose-built spaces, designed to better support its growing customer base. Commenting on the investment, Barry Byers, chief operating officer for Pall-Ex Group, said: “The South West has always been a challenging location for distribution companies. Yet in the past five years, we’ve generated unprecedented growth here, with more and more businesses around the region demanding a reliable and robust logistics network. With that growth, though, comes the need to evolve. That’s why the time feels right to make this significant investment to ensure that our distribution services are up to the challenge. “The last 30 years have been all about adapting and future-proofing the business; whether through supporting our partners around the country, investing in the latest technology to provide them with unparalleled visibility, or by enhancing our regional distribution services. This announcement really is testament to the hard work put in to get us where we are now in the South West, so that we can make sure we’re perfectly positioned to tackle the regional challenges of the next three decades.” News of the investment follows a landmark start to the year for the brand, as it celebrated its 30th anniversary. Since its incorporation three decades ago, Pall-Ex has evolved into a national and international powerhouse, with this latest South West expansion representing the next chapter in its commitment to growth. For more information on Pall-Ex South West, visit https://www.pallexsouthwest.com/ or for further details on Pall-Ex Logistics (Devon & Cornwall), visit: https://www.pallexlogistics.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry has secured planning approval for the first phase of its major £600m residential development at Pudding Mill Lane, marking another significant step in the continued transformation of the area surrounding Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Newham Council has approved the opening phase of the Stratford scheme, which is being delivered in partnership between Vistry and the London Legacy Development Corporation. The first stage of the development will provide 355 homes as part of a wider mixed-use neighbourhood planned beside Pudding Mill Lane DLR station. Once complete, the full masterplan will deliver 948 mixed-tenure homes across four phases, with at least 45% designated as affordable housing. The approved first phase includes five residential buildings ranging from three to 17 storeys, positioned alongside the Olympic Park and designed to create a new riverside community within one of East London’s fastest-growing regeneration areas. Designed by architects Maccreanor Lavington and Gort Scott, the first phase will also feature a nursery, a proposed health centre, retail space and wider community facilities aimed at supporting long-term neighbourhood growth. Public realm and green infrastructure form a major part of the proposals. Plans include the creation of City Mills Riverside Park, a new riverfront pocket park and more than 1,200 sq m of play space integrated throughout the development. Sustainability is also central to the project’s design approach. The neighbourhood will operate as a fossil fuel-free scheme, incorporating on-site air source heat pumps, climate-resilient landscaping, sustainable drainage systems and wider environmental improvements. Rob Wilkinson, managing director at Vistry South London, said construction on the first phase is expected to begin this autumn, with the wider development scheduled for completion by 2033. The project adds further momentum to the ongoing regeneration of East London following the legacy transformation of the former Olympic site into one of the capital’s most significant mixed-use residential and commercial districts. A reserved matters planning application for the second phase of the development is expected to be submitted during summer 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction specialist Glencar has officially confirmed its role as main contractor on the highly anticipated £50m Minecraft World development at Chessington World of Adventures. The major new attraction, being delivered for Merlin Entertainments, will bring the globally recognised Minecraft gaming franchise to life in what is expected to become one of the UK’s most ambitious immersive theme park experiences. The attraction is scheduled to open to visitors in 2027. Initial works on site began last month, with the first sections of structural steel for the main roller coaster now arriving as construction activity accelerates. Designed as a fully immersive destination, Minecraft World will combine themed buildings, large-scale ride infrastructure and interactive experiences inspired by the hugely successful video game. The development forms part of Merlin Entertainments’ wider investment strategy aimed at expanding experiential entertainment attractions across the UK and internationally. Glencar said the project presents a technically demanding build programme, requiring significant foundations to support both the ride structures and themed environments, alongside carefully coordinated construction works within an operational live theme park setting. The contractor described the scheme as the type of complex, highly coordinated development that aligns closely with its expertise across specialist construction projects. The arrival of the structural steelwork marks a major milestone for the development as the attraction begins to emerge above ground level. The project also reflects the growing demand for experience-led destinations within the UK leisure and visitor economy, with operators increasingly investing in branded entertainment concepts designed to attract families and younger audiences. Chessington World of Adventures continues to evolve its offer through major investment in rides, themed accommodation and immersive attractions, helping strengthen its position within the highly competitive UK theme park sector. For Glencar, the appointment adds another high-profile project to its growing portfolio of technically complex schemes spanning logistics, industrial, commercial and specialist leisure developments across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McPhillips has completed work on Talbot Park, a major £4.3m public realm and green space project designed to strengthen connectivity and support the wider regeneration of Kidderminster town centre. The scheme creates a new landscaped route linking Worcester Street with Bromsgrove Street and forms part of Wyre Forest District Council’s wider town centre transformation programme funded through the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. Shropshire-based contractor McPhillips delivered the project under an NEC4 Option A contract valued at £4.23m, with works commencing in September 2024. The redevelopment has transformed a previously inaccessible stepped area into a modern, inclusive public space designed to improve movement through the town centre while creating a more attractive environment for residents, visitors and local businesses. Talbot Park now includes extensive landscaping, upgraded paving, new seating and public realm improvements, alongside enhanced LED lighting aimed at improving safety and usability throughout the site. A dedicated children’s play area has also been incorporated as part of the redevelopment, helping create a more family-friendly destination within the town centre. Accessibility was a major focus of the project, with improved disabled access introduced across the scheme to provide better connectivity through the challenging topography of the site. According to McPhillips, the project presented a number of significant technical and logistical challenges throughout construction due to the constrained urban environment and complex ground conditions. Contracts manager Dan Redmond said the team had to carefully manage a range of site-specific issues, including buried structures and complex blocks left from previous demolition works. The steep gradient of the site also created difficulties around drainage and surface water management, requiring detailed planning and engineering coordination throughout the build process. Construction activity was further complicated by the busy town centre location and the need to work alongside the development of a new National Grid substation nearby. Despite these challenges, McPhillips successfully completed the scheme on programme and within budget. The completion of Talbot Park marks another important milestone in Kidderminster’s wider regeneration ambitions, with investment focused on improving connectivity, public spaces and the overall experience of the town centre as local authorities continue to reshape urban environments to support future economic growth and community wellbeing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three established occupiers at Exchange Quay have reaffirmed their commitment to the flagship Manchester office campus with a series of lease renewals totalling almost 27,000 sq ft. Insurance specialists First Central have agreed a new 10-year lease on their 21,600 sq ft office space, underlining their long-term confidence in the campus location. They are joined by RW Invest, which has signed a two-year renewal for its 1,364 sq ft office, and identity security experts Proof ID, which has also committed to a two-year lease extension on its 4,029 sq ft workspace. The trio of renewals highlights the continued appeal of Exchange Quay’s established office community and amenity-rich campus environment. Located at the gateway to Salford Quays and close to MediaCityUK, Exchange Quay comprises 435,000 sq ft of Grade A office space across seven buildings and benefits from its own dedicated stop on the Manchester Metrolink network. The campus has undergone significant investment in recent years, with upgraded workspaces, enhanced landscaping and a growing amenity offering designed to support occupier wellbeing and collaboration. Les Lang, Director, asset manager at Till AM commented: “It’s extremely rewarding to see occupiers choosing to stay and grow with us at Exchange Quay. Retaining high-quality businesses like First Central, RW Invest and Proof ID reflects the strength of the campus community and the continued investment we are making to deliver an outstanding workplace experience. “From a wide range of workspace solutions and upgraded offices to our on-site amenities and connectivity, we focus on creating an environment where businesses and their people can thrive.” Exchange Quay is one of the largest office campuses in the North West and is home to thousands of workers across a diverse range of sectors. The campus continues to attract strong occupier interest thanks to its combination of high-quality office space, a range of leasing options and proximity to Manchester city centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals