Proposals have been submitted for the speculative development of smaller industrial units at Worcester Six, the flagship business park. Overseen by the planning committee of Wychavon District Council, the plans relate to a 3.46 acre plot at Worcester Six and will be known as North Point. This phase will deliver
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor specialising in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has completed Crown Place in Birmingham – a landmark 33-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development. Practical completion was achieved on programme in December 2025 for client Crown
The retailer’s sales also increased during the period, up 13% year-on-year to £3.3bn. This comes after Mango opened 25 stores in the UK last year, including a second flagship on London’s Oxford Street, and in locations such as Birmingham, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Belfast, Craigavon (NI), and Cardiff. Speaking to Drapers, Mango’s vice chair and chief
Able Humber Ports Ltd is pleased to announce the award of a £490,000 Industrial Strategy Zone (ISZ) Site Accelerator Grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This targeted funding will fast‑track the technical, commercial and procurement activity required to unlock the next phase of the Able Humber
Leicestershire-based construction business, WP Developments Leicestershire Limited, now in its tenth year of trading, continues to specify West Fraser‘s CaberDek and SterlingOSB Zero as its preferred flooring solutions across new build residential projects. The firm recently completed the flooring works for 20 new-build homes on a David Wilson Homes development in Wigston,
The traditional boundaries between the home and the garden are increasingly blurred in modern architecture. As homeowners seek to maximise their living areas without the logistical nightmare of a full-scale brick-and-mortar extension, architects and developers are turning toward versatile, high-end structural solutions. The goal is no longer just to provide
Pan-European logistics and industrial real estate specialist VGP has unveiled its second UK development, confirming Sheffield as the latest location in its growing national portfolio. VGP Park Sheffield is being delivered on a brownfield regeneration site to the east of the city centre, close to the A361 and junction 34
GMI Construction Group has been confirmed as main contractor for 35 Fountain Street, a new office development in central Manchester that is being positioned as one of the city’s most sustainable commercial buildings. The scheme is being brought forward by developer Bywater and designed by Bennetts Associates. At its core
Boots is to open its first beauty-only store outside London, choosing Cabot Circus in Bristol as the next location for its specialist retail format. The 11,000 sq ft store will be the second dedicated Boots Beauty concept and forms part of the retailer’s wider strategy to elevate its in-store experience.
A major 900-home development delivering 50% affordable housing has broken ground at Bollo Lane in Ealing, marking one of the most significant affordable and sustainable housing schemes currently moving into construction in west London. Secretary of State for Housing, Steve Reed and Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential
Proposals have been submitted for the speculative development of smaller industrial units at Worcester Six, the flagship business park. Overseen by the planning committee of Wychavon District Council, the plans relate to a 3.46 acre plot at Worcester Six and will be known as North Point. This phase will deliver up to five units ranging from 5,532 sq ft up to 34,401 sq ft, with options to combine. Available either for sale or to let, the units are designed to meet growing demand from manufacturing, light industrial businesses and SMEs. Located adjacent to Junction 6 of the M5, Worcester Six Business Park is already home to a number of major national and international occupiers, including MiTek, Bidfood, Alliance Flooring Distribution, Material Solutions, Kimal, Spire Healthcare, IONOS, Kohler Mira, Zwick Roell, Super Smart Service, Stop Start Transport and Sierra CP Engineering. The North Point development represents an alternative to the larger-format buildings for which Worcester Six is best known, broadening the park’s occupier mix and providing flexible accommodation for a different segment of the market. Edward Peel, Director at Stoford, said: “We are pleased to announce the submission of the latest planning application at Worcester Six, which will further diversify the offer at the site and support continued business growth in the region. The park has been an incredibly successful, game-changing development over the last ten years, with strong and sustained demand for commercial space. These proposals represent an exciting opportunity for further development, creating new, sustainable units to meet ongoing market demand.” Charles D’Auncey, Director at Harris Lamb, said: “These units will be a great addition as they offer a totally different type of space to anything else currently available at Worcester Six. North Point occupies a prominent position in a strategic location adjacent to Junction 6 of the M5. The introduction of smaller industrial units opens the business park up to a new market, with a variety of unit sizes to march occupier requirements.” For details about availability at Worcester Six, please contact the schemes retained agents: Charles D’Auncey at Harris Lamb – charles.dauncey@harrislamb.com or Tom Arnold at Colliers – tom.arnold@colliers.com. Or for more information, visit: www.worcester6.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor specialising in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has completed Crown Place in Birmingham – a landmark 33-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development. Practical completion was achieved on programme in December 2025 for client Crown Student Living, marking the delivery of Birmingham’s tallest student accommodation building and a significant new addition to the city’s skyline. The completion of Crown Place represents a landmark moment for Winvic, taking total delivery beyond 15,000 beds across its multi-room sector. This milestone highlights sustained growth and reinforces Winvic’s position as a leading multi-room contractor, with expertise in delivering large-scale residential developments of all types – from high-rise city towers to mid-rise and suburban schemes – across a variety of locations nationwide. Located on the corner of Lancaster Street in Birmingham city centre in easy reach of Aston University, Birmingham City University and the University of Birmingham, the ?85 million scheme will be operated by global student housing provider Yugo, with students now moving in from January 2026. Crown Place offers 814 student beds, including 572 studios, 114 cluster flats and 128 duplex rooms, arranged across a 33-storey tower and adjoining 9 and 12-storey blocks. The scheme features over 13,000 sq ft of amenity space, including study rooms, communal kitchens, private dining areas, lounges, cinema and karaoke rooms, and a fully equipped gym, alongside a first-floor terrace and a Sky lounge at Level 33 – setting new standards for student living in Birmingham. Designed by ECE Westworks and engineered by Meinhardt, Crown Place was delivered on a highly constrained city-centre site located in a major arterial route into Birmingham. Winvic implemented a detailed logistics strategy, with just-in-time deliveries to minimise disruption and ensure programme certainty throughout the 145 week build programme. Innovation has been central to the project’s success. Crown Place is not only Winvic’s tallest scheme to date, but also the contractor’s first project to utilise a unitised brick fa?ade system, enabling the rapid installation of 2,768 prefabricated fa?ade panels without the need for external access. The project saw the UK-first deployment of Skyline Cockpit, allowing the tower crane to be operated remotely from ground level to enhance both safety and efficiency. Advanced technology and sustainable practices were integrated throughout the scheme, including the use of HP SitePrint, a BIM-linked robotic setting-out system; GAMMA AR, an augmented reality tool that overlays 3D BIM designs onto the as-built environment; and the AmpD Enertainer battery system, which reduced diesel use by 7,645 litres per week, supporting greener operations. Additional innovations included an open-top goods hoist to safely and efficiently distribute materials to the upper floors, and KONE jump lift technology, which enabled early lift installation and operation, providing enhanced material and operative movement management. Winvic also placed a strong focus on social value, supporting local communities through employment, education and charitable initiatives. The project achieved outstanding CCS scores of 49 and was recognised with a Silver National Site Award. Over 3,800 weeks of employment were created for Birmingham residents into new roles on site. Since the project began, 14 students and apprentices have been supported by Winvic’s project team through T Level placements, industry studentships and graduate roles. This includes four students who have successfully transitioned from T Level work placements into apprenticeships with Winvic, demonstrating the strength of the main contractor’s early careers pipeline and long-term commitment to development local talent. Community impact initiatives included a Magical Santa’s Grotto for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, canal clean-up efforts, and charity fundraising events that raised over ?7,500. Long term educational partnerships with Aston University, Walsall College, BMET and South and City College Birmingham alongside local schools such as Erdington Academy, have seen the project being used to inspire the next generation. 22 education engagement events were delivered to over 400 students, including interactive workshops that developed with students as they progressed through education and site visits showcasing the latest industry innovations. Mark Jones, Managing Director of Multi-Room at Winvic Construction, said: “The completion of Crown Place is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved. From pioneering new construction technologies to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety, this project demonstrates the results of our strong collaborative partnership with Crown Student Living, Yugo and our supply chain partners.” “Crown Place also marks a landmark moment for Winvic, taking our total delivery beyond 15,000 beds across our multi-room sector – a milestone that reflects the scale of our sector expertise and the trust our clients have in us. Delivering Birmingham’s tallest student accommodation building on such a constrained site demanded innovation, collaboration and absolute commitment from the entire project team. We are proud to hand over a landmark development that will set new benchmarks for student living in the city.” Alan Pulver, Director at Crown Student Living, said: “The completion of Crown Place marks a significant milestone for Crown Student Living. This landmark development sets a new benchmark for student living in Birmingham, combining high-quality design with carefully considered spaces that foster a strong sense of community. Through close collaboration with Winvic and Yugo, we have delivered a development that meets the expectations of modern students and adds real value to the city and its residents”. Robin Moorcroft, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Yugo, said: “We are thrilled by the completion of Crown Place, as the space represents the high-quality student accommodation Yugo is proud to manage. At Yugo, we go beyond housing; we’re committed to creating vibrant, sustainable, and supportive communities where students can truly thrive, and Crown Place brings that vision to life. “We are proud to be working with institutional-grade partners like Crown to deliver operational excellence at scale with high-quality accommodation, benefiting students and clients across both existing and emerging markets. “With stunning views of the Birmingham skyline, dedicated study areas, and generous communal spaces designed to foster connection and belonging, we’re excited to be welcoming the first wave of students to Crown Place.” Crown Place is now open,
The retailer’s sales also increased during the period, up 13% year-on-year to £3.3bn. This comes after Mango opened 25 stores in the UK last year, including a second flagship on London’s Oxford Street, and in locations such as Birmingham, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Belfast, Craigavon (NI), and Cardiff. Speaking to Drapers, Mango’s vice chair and chief expansion and franchise officer Daniel López said: “It is an interesting market for us and we can see a lot of growth. We opened 25 new stores [in 2025] and for the 2026, the forecast is to open 15 more.” He added that the retailer’s bricks and mortar estate was important to bringing it “closer to customers”. “We believe bringing Mango close to customers is what really helps us to be more creative and interact with customers, to guide them and give recommendations,” he added. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Able Humber Ports Ltd is pleased to announce the award of a £490,000 Industrial Strategy Zone (ISZ) Site Accelerator Grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This targeted funding will fast‑track the technical, commercial and procurement activity required to unlock the next phase of the Able Humber Port (AHP) development-one of the UK’s most strategically important clean‑energy infrastructure projects. Located on the Humber Estuary, AHP offers 332 hectares of port land, including 177.7 hectares within the Humber Freeport Tax Site, and a further 39.73 hectares enabled through new quay construction. The grant will help bring the site to investment‑ready status within six months, underpinning what is set to become the UK’s largest fully integrated offshore wind cluster port. The development is expected to enable more than £535 million of private‑sector investment and support approximately 4,000 high‑quality jobs across the region. Executive Chairman Peter Stephenson commented:“This grant marks an important step forward in unlocking the full potential of Able Humber Port. The Humber has a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to become the heart of the UK’s offshore wind industry. We welcome the continued support from government, the Humber Freeport, and our regional partners as we bring this nationally significant development closer to delivery.” AHP will play a central role in supporting the UK’s offshore wind manufacturing and installation capacity, industrial decarbonisation and Freeport‑driven economic growth. With the scale and planning consents already in place, Able Humber Port is uniquely positioned to anchor a world‑class offshore wind ecosystem and contribute significantly to the UK’s 2030 target of 50GW of offshore wind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leicestershire-based construction business, WP Developments Leicestershire Limited, now in its tenth year of trading, continues to specify West Fraser‘s CaberDek and SterlingOSB Zero as its preferred flooring solutions across new build residential projects. The firm recently completed the flooring works for 20 new-build homes on a David Wilson Homes development in Wigston, North Leicestershire. CaberDek and SterlingOSB Zero were used to deck out all joists across the plots, forming the structural base for finished floors and providing a robust working surface for follow-on trades. “Consistency and reliability are key for us, especially on larger multi plot projects,” William Woolhouse explained. “CaberDek and SterlingOSB Zero give us confidence that the finished floor will stand up to site conditions and deliver the performance expected by major housebuilders. The product quality is consistent, performance on site reliable and we have complete confidence in the finished floor which is obviously crucial. For us, it’s important that sheet materials feel solid underfoot and behave predictably from one board to the next. CaberDek and SterlingOSB Zero deliver exactly that.” In general, there is a host of reasons the company specifies the West Fraser collection. Speed of installation allows the teams to progress quickly and efficiently while the finish is dependable and durable even before the final floor coverings are installed. This combination of speed and predictability helps maintain programme momentum on multi plot developments where efficiency is critical. “They’re easy to handle, cut and fix,” William added. “Because they work so well with our standard workflow, there’s no disruption or need to adapt how we operate.” All West Fraser panel products produced in the UK are net carbon negative and manufactured in mills that have obtained the coveted environmental ISO 14001 accreditation. Responsibly sourced, the panels are FSC certified and created from locally grown timber, cutting the embodied carbon associated with transportation. For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit Uk.westfraser.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The traditional boundaries between the home and the garden are increasingly blurred in modern architecture. As homeowners seek to maximise their living areas without the logistical nightmare of a full-scale brick-and-mortar extension, architects and developers are turning toward versatile, high-end structural solutions. The goal is no longer just to provide a view of the outdoors, but to create a seamless transition that allows the exterior to function as an integral part of the home’s floor plan. This shift in residential design is driven by a desire for “indoor-outdoor” living, a concept that has evolved far beyond the simple patio door. Modern developments now prioritise thermal efficiency, structural lightness, and aesthetic cohesion. By treating the garden as an additional “room,” developers can significantly increase the perceived value and utility of a property, providing the flexible spaces that the 2026 market demands. Integrating the glass sliding door into contemporary building design At the heart of this architectural evolution is the widespread adoption of the glass sliding door as a primary structural element. Unlike the heavy, framed bifolds of the past, today’s minimalist sliding systems offer expansive, uninterrupted views that effectively remove the visual barrier between the lounge and the terrace. These systems are designed to slide effortlessly, allowing for a large-scale opening that creates a fluid thoroughfare for air and light. From a construction perspective, these glass walls provide a sophisticated solution for managing natural light in narrow urban plots. They allow architects to flood interior spaces with daylight, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and improving the overall wellbeing of the occupants. When specified correctly, these systems maintain high levels of insulation, ensuring that the home remains energy-efficient during the winter while offering the possibility of a completely open-plan living experience during the summer months. Enhancing property utility with a modern carport While much of the focus on outdoor living remains on the rear of the property, the front elevation is seeing its own functional revolution. The traditional garage is often viewed as a missed opportunity for space, frequently used for storage rather than vehicle protection. Consequently, we are seeing a rise in the specification of the contemporary carport in new build developments. These structures provide a lightweight, aesthetically pleasing alternative to the enclosed garage, offering protection from the elements without the heavy footprint of a traditional building. A well-designed aluminium structure can complement the lines of a modern house, providing a sheltered area that is both practical and visually unobtrusive. This is particularly relevant in the context of the growing EV market, where homeowners require easy, sheltered access to charging points. By integrating these structures into the initial design phase, developers can offer a premium feel that maintains an open, airy street scene. The future of modular outdoor structures The trend toward modularity in construction shows no signs of slowing down. Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to customise their properties over time, and high-quality modular kits allow for this flexibility. Many industry professionals are now looking toward specialist manufacturers like Tuinmaximaal, who provide robust, professional-grade aluminium components that can be tailored to fit specific architectural requirements. This “plug-and-play” approach to high-end garden structures allows for rapid installation with minimal disruption to the site. Ultimately, the successful bridge between interior and exterior spaces relies on the quality of the materials and the thoughtfulness of the design. By incorporating expansive glass systems and functional sheltered areas, we can create homes that feel larger, brighter, and more connected to the world outside. As we look toward the future of UK residential development, these versatile structures will continue to play a pivotal role in how we define the modern British home.
Pan-European logistics and industrial real estate specialist VGP has unveiled its second UK development, confirming Sheffield as the latest location in its growing national portfolio. VGP Park Sheffield is being delivered on a brownfield regeneration site to the east of the city centre, close to the A361 and junction 34 of the M1. The scheme will provide more than 265,000 sq ft of warehouse and office accommodation, targeting a broad range of industrial and logistics occupiers. The site sits approximately four miles from Sheffield city centre and just 1.5 miles from junction 34 of the M1, offering strong connectivity to national distribution networks. Manchester Airport is around 42 miles away, while East Midlands Airport lies 49 miles to the south, reinforcing the park’s strategic positioning within the UK logistics corridor. In line with VGP’s wider development standards, the Sheffield park will be constructed to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification, reflecting the company’s focus on sustainable design and operational performance. Completion is anticipated in the first quarter of 2027. The launch follows the recent announcement of VGP Park East Midlands, the company’s first UK site, located adjacent to junction 24a of the M1 and the A50. That development offers units from 95,000 sq ft upwards, including tailored solutions for larger logistics operations. It is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and will incorporate rooftop solar panels to enable on-site renewable energy generation. VGP’s expansion into the UK market forms part of its integrated development model, which spans land acquisition, construction and long-term asset management. Once complete, the Sheffield assets will be managed directly by VGP, maintaining continuity from development through to occupation. With two strategic sites now underway, VGP is positioning itself to meet growing demand for high-quality, sustainable industrial and logistics space across key UK regions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group has been confirmed as main contractor for 35 Fountain Street, a new office development in central Manchester that is being positioned as one of the city’s most sustainable commercial buildings. The scheme is being brought forward by developer Bywater and designed by Bennetts Associates. At its core is a strong retrofit and low-carbon strategy, with the existing steel frame to be retained and integrated into a hybrid structural solution incorporating cross laminated timber. The use of CLT is intended to significantly reduce embodied carbon while maintaining structural performance and design flexibility. The completed building will provide 87,000 sq ft of workspace arranged over a basement, ground floor and eight upper levels. Two newly consented additional storeys will deliver a further 16,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation, supporting demand for high-quality, energy-efficient workspace in the city centre. The project reflects a growing trend in Manchester towards adaptive reuse and material retention as part of wider decarbonisation objectives. By combining the existing structure with modern timber technology, the development aims to demonstrate how new commercial space can be delivered with a substantially lower environmental impact. Chris Riley, development manager at Bywater, said the appointment of GMI marks an important step as the scheme moves into its next phase. He added that close collaboration with Manchester City Council, the contractor and the wider consultant team will ensure the project sets a new benchmark for sustainability, design quality and environmental performance in the city. Construction is expected to progress through 2026 and 2027, with the completed building offering flexible, future-focused workspace designed to meet evolving occupier expectations around energy efficiency, wellbeing and environmental responsibility. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Boots is to open its first beauty-only store outside London, choosing Cabot Circus in Bristol as the next location for its specialist retail format. The 11,000 sq ft store will be the second dedicated Boots Beauty concept and forms part of the retailer’s wider strategy to elevate its in-store experience. The new site will feature more than 200 brands across skincare, haircare, fragrance, cosmetics, premium beauty and electrical beauty categories. In addition to product ranges, the store will offer a suite of complimentary services, including skin scans and personalised wellness advice delivered by Boots’ specialist beauty team. The format is designed to provide a more immersive and service-led experience, reflecting changing customer expectations within the beauty and wellbeing sector. Shelley Taylor, senior asset manager at Hammerson, said Cabot Circus had been selected to support Boots’ national growth ambitions, noting strong demand for beauty and wellbeing brands among customers. She added that the new concept would introduce products not previously available in the South West and further strengthen the retail line-up at the scheme. The Bristol launch builds on insights from Boots’ recent store innovations, including its first beauty-only outlet at Battersea Power Station in 2023, the Boots Fragrance Boutique in the City of London and upgraded wellness-focused formats introduced in six stores nationwide. The expansion also aligns with a broader investment programme aimed at modernising the retailer’s estate and enhancing customer engagement. The move follows the recent signing of Sephora at Cabot Circus, with the global beauty retailer set to make its South West debut at the destination. By positioning Bristol as the first regional location for the concept, Boots is signalling confidence in both the format and the city’s retail appeal, as it continues to refine its physical footprint and respond to evolving consumer demand. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major 900-home development delivering 50% affordable housing has broken ground at Bollo Lane in Ealing, marking one of the most significant affordable and sustainable housing schemes currently moving into construction in west London. Secretary of State for Housing, Steve Reed and Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley joined partners today to mark the start of construction on the brownfield site, which will provide 450 affordable homes alongside new green spaces, shops and offices to create an outstanding new community in west London. Bollo Lane will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1, in partnership with Grainger, will provide high-quality homes for private and intermediate rent. Phase 2, delivered with Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, will include social rent, intermediate and private homes. The development is set to complete in December 2029. Delivered by the West London Partnership (WLP) – a joint venture between Places for London and Barratt London – the scheme will transform underutilised land next to Acton Town station into a new mixed-use neighbourhood, helping to address London’s acute housing need while improving connectivity between Acton and Chiswick. The affordable homes will comprise 50% London Living Rent in Phase 1, with 67% social rent and 33% shared ownership in Phase 2. Bollo Lane is a shining example demonstrating how well‑designed homes can be delivered on brownfield land next to a vital transport hub, and this comes as the government is proposing reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework that will encourage housebuilding in sustainable locations, giving a ‘default yes’ to suitable development near well-connected stations. The development forms part of the West London Partnership’s wider ambition to unlock more than 4,000 homes across eight London boroughs, alongside 285,000 sq ft of commercial space and the creation of approximately 9,600 jobs. It follows the success of Blackhorse View which delivered 350 award winning homes, with 50% affordable housing, and a new community. Places for London is committed to creating and curating a legacy that reflects London’s diversity, ambition and spirit. Starting at Bollo Lane, the partnership between Places for London and Barratt London will bring forward the largest Passivhaus programme in Europe. From Phase 2 onwards, homes will be built to Lo-E standard – exceeding Passivhaus energy efficiency to ensure a 60% reduction in heating costs and a 90% reduction in carbon emissions for future residents. Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, said: “Bollo Lane is exactly the kind of development we need and shows what’s possible when we work together to build the homes Londoners desperately need – more high-quality, affordable homes in well-connected places. “Working with the Mayor we are saying ‘yes’ to transforming brownfield land into new homes, jobs, and opportunities, building on our planning overhaul and emergency package that will put us firmly on track to fix London’s housing crisis.” Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: “Bollo Lane in Ealing is one of the largest and most important affordable housing schemes in London, supporting our action from City Hall to deliver thousands of new social and affordable homes across the capital. We will continue to make swift progress on a package of pro-housing, emergency measures with Government to accelerate housebuilding as we build a better, fairer city for everyone.” Craig Carson, Regional Managing Director at Barratt London, said: “Bollo Lane exemplifies the power of public and private partnerships in delivering the homes London needs. Through the West London Partnership, Barratt London and Places for London will make a meaningful contribution to tackling London’s housing shortage while creating a vibrant new neighbourhood for Ealing.” Graeme Craig, Director and Chief Executive at Places for London, said: “We and Barratt London are delighted to be breaking ground on a development that will see a new community of 900 homes with 50 per cent affordable homes in this well-connected part of the city. The first phase of 195 homes will be acquired by Places for London’s joint venture with Grainger, delivering long-term income to reinvest in the transport network. “With high levels of affordable housing and the largest rollout of Passivhaus homes in Europe, our West London partnership is setting the standard for the future of housebuilding in London.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals