Manchester’s rapidly expanding Green Quarter is set to welcome another landmark residential development after Linear Living secured planning approval for a 24-storey apartment scheme that will deliver 251 new homes in one of the city’s most sought-after urban neighbourhoods. Located on Lord Street, the development will provide a mix of
VolkerFitzpatrick has successfully completed Arrow Point Bolton, a state-of-the-art industrial and logistics development delivering almost 328,000 sq ft of high-quality warehouse accommodation in one of the North West’s most strategically connected commercial locations. Developed on behalf of Arrow Capital Partners through its Strategic Industrial Real Estate (SIRE) joint venture with
West Leigh has been awarded Commercial Project of the Year category at the Steel Window Association (SWA) Awards 2026 for its work on the transformation of The Chancery Rosewood Hotel, a landmark restoration of London’s former U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square. Originally designed in the 1950s by renowned Finnish‑American architect,
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has published its financial results for the year ending 31 March 2026, reporting increased turnover, profit and new homes completed despite restrained housing market conditions. The Group reported revenue of £1.164 billion and profit before tax of £92.5 million, having completed 3,329 new homes across
The Lancashire-based authorised Yanmar CE dealer has turned one of Yanmar’s most compact excavators into a standout fundraising prize, with the winner set to be announced at the Great Eccleston Show. Mellor Plant UK, Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA (Yanmar)’s authorised dealer for the North West of England, is giving one
Japanese sanitaryware equipment expert TOTO has been selected by the Musée du Louvre to equip the restroom facilities of the new Gallery of Five Continents, reinforcing its longstanding expertise in delivering high-performance sanitary solutions for some of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions The appointment builds on TOTO’s existing relationship with
Eastleigh Borough Council has launched the search for a design and build contractor to deliver a major new residential phase at its flagship One Horton Heath development in Hampshire, creating one of the largest local authority housing opportunities currently available in the UK. Valued at approximately £100 million, the contract
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned developer of industrial real estate, has started construction of Panattoni Wakefield 500, a speculative logistics development at Wakefield Europort in West Yorkshire. The development will provide Yorkshire’s only 500,000 sq ft speculative logistics unit and one of the largest immediately deliverable Grade A logistics
The next phase of the landmark £1 billion Middlewood Locks regeneration has moved a significant step closer following a new funding agreement from the National Housing Bank, paving the way for a major residential expansion in Salford. The government-backed investment will support site preparation, enabling works and detailed design for
The Ministry of Defence is preparing to reshape one of the UK’s largest public sector property services programmes, with plans to split its next-generation military housing maintenance contracts into separate specialist packages worth a combined £6.6 billion. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which manages the Ministry of Defence’s extensive estate,
Manchester’s rapidly expanding Green Quarter is set to welcome another landmark residential development after Linear Living secured planning approval for a 24-storey apartment scheme that will deliver 251 new homes in one of the city’s most sought-after urban neighbourhoods. Located on Lord Street, the development will provide a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, together with four townhouses, helping to meet growing demand for high-quality city-centre living. The scheme comprises 82 one-bedroom apartments, 165 two-bedroom homes and family-sized townhouses, creating a diverse residential offering suited to a range of occupiers. Construction is expected to commence before the end of the year, with completion targeted for early 2029. Linear Design and Construct has been appointed as main contractor and will deliver the scheme alongside a professional team that includes AEW Architects, planning consultants Enabl and project management specialist Rihbell. The project adds further momentum to the ongoing regeneration of Manchester’s Green Quarter, an area that has undergone significant residential-led transformation over the past decade. Benefiting from its location adjacent to Manchester Victoria Station, the development offers excellent connectivity to the city centre, regional rail services and the wider Greater Manchester transport network, making it an attractive location for residents seeking sustainable urban living. For the construction sector, the project represents another substantial high-rise residential development within Manchester’s thriving city-centre market, creating opportunities across structural engineering, façade systems, building services, fit-out, landscaping and specialist subcontracting disciplines. The scheme has been designed to contribute positively to the continuing evolution of the Green Quarter, supporting higher-density living while strengthening the area’s established mix of residential, leisure, hospitality and commercial uses. Developments of this nature continue to play an important role in meeting housing demand while encouraging investment into surrounding infrastructure and public realm. Stephen Holmes, Chief Executive Officer of Linear Living, described the planning approval as a major milestone for the business as it continues to expand across Greater Manchester and strengthen its presence within Manchester city centre. He added that the Green Quarter’s vibrant character, excellent transport links and proximity to a wide range of leisure and hospitality amenities make it an ideal location for a development of this scale. Holmes said the scheme is intended to become a defining addition to the neighbourhood and help shape the future of the Green Quarter for years to come. As Manchester continues to experience sustained investment in residential development, the approval of the Lord Street scheme further reinforces the city’s position as one of the UK’s strongest regional markets for high-density urban living, with developers continuing to bring forward high-quality homes in well-connected and highly desirable locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VolkerFitzpatrick has successfully completed Arrow Point Bolton, a state-of-the-art industrial and logistics development delivering almost 328,000 sq ft of high-quality warehouse accommodation in one of the North West’s most strategically connected commercial locations. Developed on behalf of Arrow Capital Partners through its Strategic Industrial Real Estate (SIRE) joint venture with Cerberus Capital Management, the scheme comprises two Grade A logistics units of 220,250 sq ft and 107,500 sq ft, designed to meet the evolving operational requirements of modern occupiers. Located close to Junction 6 of the M61, Arrow Point Bolton offers excellent connectivity to the wider UK motorway network, Manchester Airport and the Port of Liverpool, making it an attractive proposition for manufacturers, distributors and logistics operators seeking efficient regional and national supply chain access. The larger of the two units is currently being marketed by B8 Real Estate and Commercial Property Partners, while the 107,500 sq ft building was pre-let earlier this year to Heritage Trade Frames, underlining the continued strength of demand for high-quality industrial accommodation across the region. The development has been designed to provide maximum operational flexibility, incorporating 15-metre clear internal eaves heights, 82 HGV trailer parking spaces, 32 dock levellers and five level-access loading doors. These specifications enable occupiers to optimise warehouse operations while accommodating future growth and changing logistics requirements. Sustainability has played a central role throughout the project’s design and construction. Initially targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification and an EPC A rating, Arrow Point Bolton has exceeded expectations by achieving BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC A+ standards, placing it amongst the UK’s highest-performing industrial developments for environmental performance. A range of innovative construction techniques also contributed to the scheme’s impressive sustainability credentials. Roller dynamic compaction was adopted as an alternative ground stabilisation method, reducing embodied carbon by approximately 10% compared with traditional engineering solutions. In addition, crushed concrete recovered from the site was reused within the development as sub-base material, minimising waste, reducing imported aggregates and supporting circular construction principles. The development also delivers an exceptional biodiversity net gain of 416%, alongside measures focused on energy efficiency, sustainable transport and occupier wellbeing. Construction-related carbon emissions have also been independently verified through Planet Mark’s net zero framework. For the construction and logistics property sectors, Arrow Point Bolton demonstrates how modern industrial developments can successfully combine high-performance operational facilities with ambitious sustainability objectives. As demand continues to grow for low-carbon, future-ready logistics space, the scheme sets a benchmark for how environmental innovation, engineering excellence and commercial performance can be delivered together within the UK’s industrial property market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
West Leigh has been awarded Commercial Project of the Year category at the Steel Window Association (SWA) Awards 2026 for its work on the transformation of The Chancery Rosewood Hotel, a landmark restoration of London’s former U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square. Originally designed in the 1950s by renowned Finnish‑American architect, Eero Saarinen, the Grade II‑listed building is a celebrated example of mid‑century modern architecture. Its recent conversion into a luxury hotel, a project led by David ChipperfieldArchitects with interiors by Joseph Dirand, demanded a highly sensitive approach – one that balanced architectural preservation with contemporary performance. Set among the plane trees of Grosvenor Square, the building’s distinctive façade has been carefully restored, with sunlight once again animating the gold‑anodised steel mullions and sculpted stonework that define Saarinen’s original vision. West Leigh’s role centred on the meticulous recreation and restoration of the steel window systems, ensuring visual fidelity while meeting modern standards of durability and performance. Beyond restoration, the project also involved the introduction of new architectural elements, including refined entrance canopies crafted in gold‑toned anodised aluminium. These additions were designed to sit comfortably within the existing architectural language – contemporary in execution yet respectful of the building’s heritage. Behind the retained façades, the structure has been comprehensively rebuilt, with new interventions seamlessly integrated into the historic fabric. The result is a carefully judged synthesis of old and new: a building that retains its mid‑century identity while being redefined for a new chapter of use. The original brass handles were recovered, restored, and adapted by West Leigh to work with contemporary multi-point locking by Steel Window Fittings, ensuring modern performance while staying true to the project’s replication and reuse goals. B310 Hinges were fitted to give the large windows adjustability whilst maintaining the original appearance. Judging the awards, John Ramshaw, Technical Editor of Architecture Today, comments “The Chancery, formerly the United States Embassy in London, is a Grade II-listed building designed by Eero Saarinen and completed in the late 1950s. Conversion of the building into a hotel required a comprehensive refurbishment strategy, with a strong emphasis on retaining and replicating the original façade and fenestration. The brief required the original steel profiles to be replicated with matching sightlines, salvaged materials to be reused, and thermal improvements to be incorporated throughout. A replacement steel window solution was developed using 50TB and 75TB profiles to accommodate varying structural conditions across the building. Frames were designed to closely replicate original sections, with careful adjustments made where required to maintain consistency in appearance. Original brass handles were recovered and refurbished, then adapted to operate a new multi-locking system, with additional replicas manufactured to complete the installation. Decorative elements, including finials and mullions, were removed, restored and reinstated, while all new steelwork was finished in Antu Gold to match the original façade treatment. “West Leigh Steel Windows has delivered a comprehensive and carefully resolved scheme that supports the wider architectural ambition of the project. Consistency of detailing across a large and complex façade has been achieved through a disciplined approach to replication and material reuse. Integration of salvaged components alongside modern performance requirements has been handled with clarity and precision. The result is a scheme that preserves the building’s defining characteristics while preparing it for continued use. A worthy winner.” Andy Bawn, Managing Director, for West Leigh adds “Winning for three consecutive years is an achievement we are incredibly proud of at West Leigh. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship, and passion of our entire team, who consistently strive to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We are especially proud of this project and grateful to John Ramshaw and the SWA for acknowledging the quality and attention to detail that went into its delivery. “Awards such as this inspire us to continue raising the bar and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve, and we look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.” For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has published its financial results for the year ending 31 March 2026, reporting increased turnover, profit and new homes completed despite restrained housing market conditions. The Group reported revenue of £1.164 billion and profit before tax of £92.5 million, having completed 3,329 new homes across its operations – all increases on the previous year’s figures. Net assets increased to £493.1 million and net cash rose to £129.1 million, with no drawings against the Group’s Revolving Credit Facility, reflecting the resilience of Hill’s diversified operating model and the successful delivery of the first year of its new five-year growth strategy. Land and work-in-progress increased to £733.9 million as the Group continued its policy of retaining the majority of annual profits to invest in future growth opportunities. Hill invested £54.6 million in new land acquisitions and strategic opportunities during the year, with commitments in place for a further £44.1 million of future investment. Hill’s development pipeline includes 10,800 homes with planning consent and a further 1,900 homes controlled on a subject-to-planning basis. In addition, Hill’s long-term strategic pipeline includes 29,900 homes owned or controlled under option and promotion agreements. Combined, the Group’s controlled pipeline has the potential to generate more than £14.5 billion of future revenue. Hill’s contracting pipeline also increased during the year to more than £5.6 billion, up from £4.8 billion the previous year. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, comments: “These results demonstrate the resilience of our business model and progress towards our long-term objectives. In a restrained market, we have continued to increase turnover, profit and completions while investing in future opportunities. Our contracting business continues to expand, and we remain confident in long-term demand for the high-quality homes that Hill has always been known for.” The Group further enhanced its financial flexibility in December 2025 through the successful refinancing of its Revolving Credit Facility with major lenders. The new £300 million facility extends through to 2030 and retains its Sustainability Linked Loan status, reflecting Hill’s continued commitment to environmental and social value objectives. Hill delivered a successful year in an uncertain sales market, with average selling prices of £520,000 reflecting a change in product mix as two-thirds of completed homes were apartments across London, Cambridge and Oxford. The Group’s Build-to-Rent (BTR) activities also continued to mature, with the completion and handover of many BTR homes at various locations across the South East and London. The business continued to perform well despite delayed starts on a number of high-rise buildings in London caused by protracted Building Safety Regulator approval processes. Activity improved during the year, with major regeneration projects, including City Centre South in Coventry, and Dollis Hill and Wembley in northwest London, progressing to construction stage. Hill also secured a major strategic land opportunity at Colworth in Bedfordshire, with the potential to deliver 4,500 new homes. The Group continued to invest in its people and communities, reaching approximately 1,000 employees and launching its new Social Value Strategy 2025-2030. Hill also retained its five-star status in the Home Builders Federation’s National New Homes Customer Survey for the ninth consecutive year. Andy Hill adds: “While market conditions remain challenging and economic uncertainty continues to impact buyer confidence, we remain optimistic about the future. Recent commitments to affordable housing investment provide greater certainty for the sector, and with a substantial strategic pipeline, a growing order book and an exceptional team in place, we are well positioned to deliver the ambitions set out in our 2025-2030 business plan.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Lancashire-based authorised Yanmar CE dealer has turned one of Yanmar’s most compact excavators into a standout fundraising prize, with the winner set to be announced at the Great Eccleston Show. Mellor Plant UK, Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA (Yanmar)’s authorised dealer for the North West of England, is giving one UK resident the chance to win a specially wrapped Yanmar SV08 in a summer raffle for Cancer Research UK. The dealership has transformed the micro excavator into a vivid magenta and rose-pink showpiece – bright, bold and impossible to miss. The custom SV08 forms the centrepiece of a campaign inspired by a charity close to the hearts of Mellor Plant UK’s team, while bringing customers and the wider community together in support of Cancer Research UK’s work to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Over the past 50 years, the charity’s research has helped double cancer survival in the UK. “This is a cause that means a great deal to our team and many of the families and customers we work with,” shares Gordon Hayes, Director at Mellor Plant. “We wanted to do something positive that would bring people together while raising money for an incredibly important charity. With Yanmar’s support, the SV08 felt like the perfect machine to place at the heart of the campaign.” A pink machine with a powerful purpose The SV08’s bold new look draws on Cancer Research UK’s distinctive visual identity. Its magenta and rose-pink wrap features the charity’s recognisable dotted ‘C’ motif, creating an immediate connection to the cause. Finished with crisp white detailing, the design turns one of Yanmar’s smallest excavators into a striking symbol of hope and collective support. Behind the wrap is a practical machine built for confined working environments. Weighing 1,035kg, the SV08 has an adjustable width of 680 – 840mm and a maximum digging depth of 1,460mm. Its narrow access and extendable undercarriage are ideally suited to landscaping, utilities, agricultural work and residential construction, making it a fitting prize for Mellor Plant UK’s customers across Lancashire and the wider North West. “We are proud to support Mellor Plant UK with this inspiring fundraising initiative,” says Phil Elam, Yanmar UK Dealer Manager. “It reflects the close relationship between our dealers and the communities they serve, while showing how our network can make a positive contribution beyond the job site.” A summer in the spotlight The custom SV08 is already attracting attention this summer, including at Hillhead, the UK’s largest quarrying, construction and recycling exhibition, held last week at Hillhead Quarry in Buxton, Derbyshire. It will next appear at the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show from 3–5 July at Salesbury Hall, Ribchester, before the raffle reaches its finale at the Great Eccleston Show on 18–19 July 2026, where the winner will be drawn on stage. As a highlight of Lancashire’s rural calendar, the two-day event will put the campaign in front of farmers, contractors, machinery enthusiasts and families from across the North of England, with Mellor Plant UK attending and the SV08 on display. Visitors will have one final chance to support the campaign before one lucky entrant takes it home. How to enter Tickets cost £20 and the raffle is open to UK residents only. Entries can be purchased at Mellor Plant UK’s headquarters, via WhatsApp on 01254 812937 or by emailing sales@mellorplantuk.co.uk. Full terms and conditions are available at www.mellorplantuk.co.uk. All proceeds will support Cancer Research UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Japanese sanitaryware equipment expert TOTO has been selected by the Musée du Louvre to equip the restroom facilities of the new Gallery of Five Continents, reinforcing its longstanding expertise in delivering high-performance sanitary solutions for some of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions The appointment builds on TOTO’s existing relationship with the museum, following an earlier installation in the reception areas beneath the Pyramid. For the Gallery of Five Continents, which opened on 3 December 2025 in the Denon Wing, TOTO supplied toilets, urinals, washbasins and sensor-operated faucets. With visitor comfort and operational excellence central to the museum experience, TOTO was selected for its ability to deliver durable, hygienic and easy-to-maintain sanitary solutions suited to intensive public use. The products combine robust construction, water-saving performance and ease of maintenance with a discreet, contemporary aesthetic. Among the technologies specified are TOTO’s CeFIONtect ceramic glaze, which helps prevent dirt and bacteria from adhering to surfaces, and Tornado Flush technology, which delivers powerful, efficient flushing while reducing water consumption. The company’s rimless toilet design further supports hygiene and maintenance by eliminating hard-to-reach areas where dirt, germs and odours can accumulate, enabling faster cleaning and reducing the need for detergents. The project reflects TOTO’s continued commitment to supporting leading cultural, hospitality and public institutions with sanitary solutions that combine performance, sustainability and long-term reliability. Accessible via the Porte des Lions entrance, the Gallery of Five Continents is the result of a landmark collaboration between the Musée du Louvre and the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac. Bringing together 130 major pieces of our global cultural heritage, this new presentation draws connections between artworks, objects, artefacts, artistic forms, and symbols which span geographies and cultures, interweaving manifold narratives of art and human creativity. Founded in 1793, the Musée du Louvre houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and cultural heritage, with its holdings organised across nine departments. It remains the most visited museum in the world, welcoming around nine million visitors annually. Yu Takagi, General Manager at TOTO France, said: “The Musée du Louvre represents the highest standards of cultural stewardship and visitor experience, values that strongly resonate with our philosophy at TOTO. “Throughout our work, we place great importance on creating environments that make people feel welcomed, comfortable and respected, often through details that remain almost invisible. We are honoured to continue our collaboration with the museum and to support the Gallery of Five Continents with solutions that combine advanced technology, exceptional hygiene and enduring quality.“For us, this project is not simply about providing sanitary equipment – it’s about contributing to a seamless and positive experience for every visitor who passes through these remarkable spaces.” Key Information: Name: The Louvre Museum Category: Museum Renovated Area: Five Continents Gallery Completion Date: November 2025 Museum Size: 72,000 m² Selected TOTO Products: GP wall-hung WC, urinal, automatic faucet, CS rectangular washbasin Website: – http://www.louvre.fr Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Eastleigh Borough Council has launched the search for a design and build contractor to deliver a major new residential phase at its flagship One Horton Heath development in Hampshire, creating one of the largest local authority housing opportunities currently available in the UK. Valued at approximately £100 million, the contract covers the Upper Acre parcel of the 310-acre mixed-use development located to the east of Eastleigh. The successful contractor will be responsible for delivering 424 mixed-tenure homes alongside the supporting infrastructure required to create a sustainable new neighbourhood. The scope of works extends well beyond housebuilding, incorporating the construction of new roads, utilities, drainage infrastructure, landscaping, public open spaces and associated civil engineering works that will support the long-term growth of the wider community. The Upper Acre package represents the second major residential phase within the ambitious One Horton Heath masterplan, which will ultimately deliver around 2,500 new homes together with schools, employment space, community facilities and extensive green infrastructure, creating a significant new settlement for the region. Construction activity is already well underway across the wider development. Wates is currently delivering the first residential phase at the Lower Acre parcel, which comprises 381 new homes, while major infrastructure works serving the overall scheme have either been completed or remain under construction. This investment has established the essential transport, utility and site infrastructure needed to enable subsequent phases to progress efficiently. Planning permission for the Upper Acre development has already been secured following reserved matters approval earlier this year, allowing the procurement process to move forward without delay. Eastleigh Borough Council intends to appoint a contractor in January 2027, with construction expected to commence the following month. The first homes are scheduled for completion in September 2027, while the final properties are anticipated to be handed over by May 2030. For the construction industry, the project represents a significant opportunity across multiple disciplines, including residential construction, civil engineering, highways, utilities, landscaping, building services and public realm delivery. The scale of the development is also expected to generate substantial opportunities throughout the regional supply chain, supporting local contractors, consultants, manufacturers and specialist trades. As local authorities continue to address housing demand through strategic masterplanned developments, One Horton Heath stands as one of Hampshire’s most significant residential-led regeneration projects. The latest procurement marks another important milestone in delivering a high-quality, mixed-tenure community designed to provide new homes, supporting infrastructure and sustainable placemaking for future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned developer of industrial real estate, has started construction of Panattoni Wakefield 500, a speculative logistics development at Wakefield Europort in West Yorkshire. The development will provide Yorkshire’s only 500,000 sq ft speculative logistics unit and one of the largest immediately deliverable Grade A logistics opportunities in the North of England. The unit is expected to be available for occupation in May 2027. Located immediately adjacent to Junction 31 of the M62, Wakefield 500 benefits from strong onward connectivity to the M1 and A1(M). Wakefield Europort is also home to a high-capacity rail freight terminal, providing occupiers with a direct alternative to road-based distribution. The cross-docked facility will include 15-metre clear internal warehouse height, high specification Grade A offices, 56 dock doors, eight level access doors, yard depths of up to 50 metres, 62 HGV parking spaces, 384 car parking spaces, 79 EV charging points, 50 kN per sq m floor loading, and a 2.5 MVA power supply. The scheme is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, an EPC A+ rating (on the offices), and net zero carbon in construction. Sustainability features will include roof-mounted solar panels, rainwater harvesting, water leak detection, sub-metering of energy consumption, and 15% rooflights to the warehouse. Chris Brown, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “Starting construction at Wakefield 500 is an important milestone for Panattoni and for the Yorkshire logistics market. There is no comparable speculative unit of this scale currently under construction in the region, and we are bringing forward a best-in-class building in a proven distribution location with direct access to the M62, the M1, the A1(M), and rail freight. Large-scale occupiers are focused on resilience, labour, power, sustainability, and the ability to serve major consumer markets efficiently. “Wakefield 500 has been designed around those requirements and will give occupiers a rare opportunity to secure approx. 500,000 sq ft of future-proofed space in one of the North’s strongest logistics corridors.” Daniel Raemy, CEO of Newport by Panattoni, said: “Wakefield 500 represents the type of high-quality logistics investment we are committed to supporting – strategically located at the heart of the prime M62 corridor, future-ready and aligned with occupier demand. As the second UK project in the pipeline of our Newport by Panattoni Fund III, it reflects our continued commitment to building a high-quality logistics portfolio in key strategic locations across the market. The development comes at a time of very limited supply, with no available Grade A warehouse space above 190,000 sq ft in West Yorkshire, underlining the strong demand for large-scale logistics solutions such as this. We believe the scheme is well positioned to attract significant occupier interest and deliver long-term value as part of the pipeline of our Newport by Panattoni investment platform. We look forward to seeing the scheme progress towards completion in 2027.” Panattoni acquired the 23-acre site at Wakefield Europort from Delin Property earlier this year. Colliers, Commercial Property Partners, and Knight Frank have been appointed as leasing agents for Panattoni Wakefield 500. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The next phase of the landmark £1 billion Middlewood Locks regeneration has moved a significant step closer following a new funding agreement from the National Housing Bank, paving the way for a major residential expansion in Salford. The government-backed investment will support site preparation, enabling works and detailed design for the latest phase of development, which will deliver 909 new homes across a 10-acre site strategically located between Salford Central railway station and Manchester’s Spinningfields business district. Joint venture partners Scarborough Group International and Metro Holdings are aiming to begin construction early next year, with the first homes expected to be completed and occupied by 2030. The latest funding package increases total lending from Homes England and the National Housing Bank to £84 million. Earlier investment has already supported the successful delivery of 1,306 homes at Middlewood Locks, with all previous loans now fully repaid, demonstrating the scheme’s ongoing commercial success and delivery capability. The fourth phase of the regeneration comprises two substantial residential developments designed to further strengthen this growing mixed-use neighbourhood. Brick Fields Yard will deliver 659 apartments across two striking residential towers rising 27 and 32 storeys. The scheme will feature a landscaped podium garden alongside ground-floor commercial space, creating an active streetscape while providing high-quality amenities for residents. Meanwhile, Lockgate Wharf will introduce a further 250 canal-side apartments overlooking a new half-acre public park adjacent to the historic lock connecting the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal with the River Irwell. The public realm improvements will enhance connectivity while creating attractive waterfront spaces that contribute to the wider regeneration of the area. For the construction industry, the latest phase represents another significant high-rise residential opportunity within Greater Manchester, generating future work across civil engineering, structural construction, building services, façades, fit-out, landscaping and infrastructure. Paul Kelly, Managing Director at Scarborough Group International, described the funding agreement as a major milestone in unlocking the full potential of Middlewood Locks, helping deliver sustainable communities alongside much-needed new housing. A main contractor has yet to be formally appointed for the latest phase. However, Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI), which successfully delivered the previous three residential phases comprising 1,306 homes, is widely expected to be a strong contender following its established track record on the development. As demand for high-quality city-centre living continues to grow across Greater Manchester, the continued expansion of Middlewood Locks reinforces the importance of long-term regeneration partnerships and public-sector-backed investment in bringing forward complex, large-scale residential developments. The latest phase will further strengthen one of the region’s most successful mixed-use regeneration schemes, combining new homes, commercial space, public realm and sustainable urban placemaking within a thriving waterfront community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Ministry of Defence is preparing to reshape one of the UK’s largest public sector property services programmes, with plans to split its next-generation military housing maintenance contracts into separate specialist packages worth a combined £6.6 billion. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which manages the Ministry of Defence’s extensive estate, has launched a market engagement exercise to gather industry feedback ahead of procuring the new Service Family Accommodation (SFA) contracts. The proposed strategy marks a significant departure from the current procurement model. Rather than bundling all maintenance activities into a single contract, the DIO is considering separating planned maintenance and capital regeneration works from day-to-day responsive repairs and maintenance. The move is intended to create greater competition, encourage specialist expertise and provide improved opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the delivery of services. The new contracts will cover the maintenance of military family homes across the UK, including responsive repairs, planned refurbishment programmes, capital improvement works, statutory compliance services and grounds maintenance. Together, the programme represents one of the largest long-term property maintenance opportunities currently being prepared within the public sector. For the construction, facilities management and property services industries, the revised procurement approach could significantly broaden the supply chain, allowing contractors with specialist capabilities in refurbishment, planned maintenance, compliance and building services to compete for dedicated workstreams. The DIO is currently seeking industry feedback on a range of issues, including contract structure, procurement routes, pricing mechanisms, lotting arrangements and preferred forms of contract before finalising its strategy. The proposed contracts are expected to commence in March 2029 and run until February 2036, with options to extend until February 2039, creating a potential 10-year programme of works that will provide long-term certainty for successful delivery partners. A series of supplier engagement activities has already been scheduled, including online briefing events later this month, enabling prospective bidders to contribute to the development of the procurement model before formal competition begins. The preliminary market engagement will help shape the final procurement strategy, with questionnaires due to be submitted by the end of July. Interested organisations have until October to participate in the wider engagement process, while the formal procurement is expected to commence in early 2027. The review reflects the Ministry of Defence’s wider ambition to modernise the management of its residential estate, improve service delivery for military families and create a more flexible procurement model capable of delivering better value, increased innovation and stronger collaboration across the UK’s construction, maintenance and property services sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals