England’s largest not-for-profit later-living provider, Anchor, celebrated a key milestone – the topping out and the laying of the last tile on the roof of its newest affordable housing development on Melton Road in Edwalton. The event was attended by senior Anchor personnel, Homes England, and Rushcliffe Borough Council. Located
The slabs are an essential part of GOLDBECK’s systemised construction method – a process based on industrially manufactured system elements, which are then transported and assembled on-site. This approach ensures improved sustainability, delivering consistent quality, reducing waste and improving delivery times. Equally as important, this new partnership will enable the
Grosvenor has appointed Jamie Whitty-Lewis as chief executive of its UK property business, effective from December, handing the finance specialist the reins at a pivotal moment for the estate’s development pipeline and climate ambitions. He succeeds James Raynor, who in September became CEO of Grosvenor’s international property business. Whitty-Lewis steps
CBRE has named Tom Dancer as head of its European Retail Occupier business, tasking him with accelerating the firm’s growth strategy and delivering an integrated, end-to-end service for brands expanding across the continent. Reporting to Anna Esteban, head of leasing and occupier accounts for Europe, Dancer will work closely with
Virgin Media customers are benefiting from faster and more seamless installations after the operator rolled out new training for 1,000 frontline technicians to improve customers’ joining experience. Now live across all nexfibre full-fibre connections, with plans to be rolled out more widely over the coming months, the project ensures that
Clowes Developments is pleased to announce that precision engineering design and manufacturing company, Fathomtree, is the latest business to commit to Fairham Business Park, Nottingham. Founded in Nottingham, Fathomtree has spent over 50 years building a strong reputation for delivering innovative, high-precision engineering solutions across multiple sectors including aerospace, automotive,
Edge, the pan-European real estate company, has announced the topping out of EDGE London Bridge, its landmark 26-storey office development located on St Thomas Street, SE1. The milestone signals a major step towards delivering one of London’s most sustainable office towers, designed to set new standards in health, wellbeing and
Leading design and build contractor McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as Principal Contractor by Wellcome Trust to deliver a major £52m office redevelopment at 80 Pelham Street in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London. The project will transform a previously underutilised site into a sustainable, high-quality
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has been selected as the preferred bidder to deliver a significant new residential development in Preston, following a competitive tender win for a mixed-tenure scheme with Community Gateway Association (CGA) – Preston’s largest social housing landlord. The £28 million contract will mark
Mulberry will open a 1,466 sq ft pop-up at Landsec’s Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth later this month, adding the British heritage label to the outlet’s line-up of premium brands. The temporary store, set within The Avenues, will showcase a range of the brand’s leather goods and follows a period of
England’s largest not-for-profit later-living provider, Anchor, celebrated a key milestone – the topping out and the laying of the last tile on the roof of its newest affordable housing development on Melton Road in Edwalton. The event was attended by senior Anchor personnel, Homes England, and Rushcliffe Borough Council. Located in Nottingham, the development will provide 80 homes for rent, of which there will be 31 one-bedroom and 49 two-bedroom apartments available. Once open, the scheme will also provide future residents with various modern communal spaces, including beautifully landscaped gardens and a seated patio area. Anchor’s Executive Director of Development, Oli Boundy, said: “The topping out ceremony at Edwalton marks an important milestone for both Anchor and the development. It will deliver much needed, high-quality, affordable accommodation to support older people in the local community. We would like to thank Vistry, Homes England, and Rushcliffe Borough Council for their support and co-operation in helping us reach this stage.” James Warrington, Executive Chair (North, South Midlands and East Division) at Vistry Group, added: “Reaching this milestone with our partners Anchor, Homes England, and Rushcliffe Borough Council is a proud moment for everyone involved. These new apartments in Edwalton represent our commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable homes which are tailored to the needs of those entering their later years. By working together, we’re not only addressing the urgent need for later living accommodation, but also helping to build a vibrant, inclusive community where residents can truly thrive.” Lewis Young, Senior Manager – Affordable Housing Delivery at Homes England, commented: “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting ambitious housebuilders of all sizes to build those homes and communities. “This investment through the Affordable Homes Programme does just that, enabling Anchor to build 80 much needed new homes the people of Rushcliffe can be proud of.” Councillor Roger Upton, Portfolio Holder for Planning & Housing at Rushcliffe Borough Council, said: “Anchor has worked closely with the local community throughout the building of this development, which is a testament of its commitment to providing homes for later living that suit the demand and changing needs of the older population in our area. I look forward to seeing the developing relationship between Anchor and their residents and witnessing the growth of a thriving older community.” For more information about the development please visit https://www.anchor.org.uk/edwalton. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The slabs are an essential part of GOLDBECK’s systemised construction method – a process based on industrially manufactured system elements, which are then transported and assembled on-site. This approach ensures improved sustainability, delivering consistent quality, reducing waste and improving delivery times. Equally as important, this new partnership will enable the company to replicate its rigorous production and quality control standards while manufacturing within the UK, in Lound, Nottinghamshire, at a purpose-built facility for GOLDBECK on the ORANMORE PRECAST site. The partnership strengthens GOLDBECK’s network of production facilities across Europe. “This partnership with ORANMORE PRECAST represents a major step forward for GOLDBECK in the UK,” said Craig Davies, UK Managing Director. “Having been established here for over two decades, consistently delivering high-quality buildings manufactured precisely to the needs of each customer, we are incredibly excited to begin local production of our system components in this country. This move significantly strengthens our commitment to the UK market, aligning with our vision for building excellence.” The decision to partner with a UK manufacturer, also confirms GOLDBECK’s dedication to sustainability, a move that reduces transportation, thereby contributing to a lower carbon footprint. This means that for the immediate future, the company’s plans will be focussed on incorporating ORANMORE’s precast car park slabs into all its UK MSCP projects. “We are proud to mark a significant milestone in our partnership with GOLDBECK with the completion of a purpose-built fully automated carousel plant dedicated to the production of their premium car park slabs,“ said Ross Melville and Richard Burke, Joint Managing Directors at ORANMORE PRECAST. “This achievement reflects over 12 months of close collaboration between both teams, working together with a shared focus on efficiency, quality and sustainability.” In broader terms, the partnership represents a long-term investment in the UK’s construction infrastructure, aligning with GOLDBECK’s vision for scalable, systemised building solutions that combine quality, sustainability and efficiency. As ORANMORE PRECAST’s dedicated manufacturing facility in Nottinghamshire has recently gone live, the collaboration also sets a new benchmark for localised industrial production and positions both companies at the forefront of innovation in UK construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grosvenor has appointed Jamie Whitty-Lewis as chief executive of its UK property business, effective from December, handing the finance specialist the reins at a pivotal moment for the estate’s development pipeline and climate ambitions. He succeeds James Raynor, who in September became CEO of Grosvenor’s international property business. Whitty-Lewis steps up from his role as executive director of finance at Grosvenor Property UK. He had been due to become CFO from April 2026, but following his promotion Debbie Lee will continue as CFO while a successor is selected; she will then replace Rob Davis, the group’s retiring CFO, in summer 2026. A familiar figure across the estate, Whitty-Lewis has held several senior positions since joining Grosvenor, including group reporting director with responsibility for strategic planning for Grosvenor Property, and previously strategy director and head of finance for the London Estate. Before Grosvenor he worked in PepsiCo’s European headquarters following three years in BDO’s external audit practice. Announcing the move, James Raynor said: “I am delighted to have Jamie succeed me in the role of CEO of our UK property business. He has a deep understanding of our London Estate… and a natural leadership style that I am confident will guide the business through its continued growth trajectory, supported by an exceptionally strong executive team.” For developers, contractors and designers active in the capital, the leadership change lands as Grosvenor progresses two of the West End’s most closely watched projects. At South Molton, the estate is curating what it calls the West End’s largest mixed-use development, blending workspace, retail and leisure with a strong public-realm focus. In nearby Mayfair, plans to re-imagine Grosvenor Square will deliver a biodiverse urban garden through a significant voluntary contribution, with ambitions to enhance air quality, urban cooling and community amenity while improving pedestrian permeability. Whitty-Lewis signalled continuity with pace. “I am honoured to take up the role of CEO of Grosvenor Property UK… We have some outstanding projects to deliver, including the creation of South Molton… and the transformation of Grosvenor Square,” he said. “I am also excited about the further growth of our private credit business, funding projects that boost housing supply and help decarbonise the built environment.” For the construction supply chain, the message is twofold: Grosvenor’s West End programme will continue to prize quality design, heritage sensitivity and low-carbon outcomes; and the group expects to play a broader role in enabling sustainable development beyond its own estate through its private credit platform. That financing activity is targeted at schemes that can evidence measurable social and environmental value alongside long-term resilience, aligning with tightening occupier requirements for efficient, future-proofed buildings. Grosvenor’s UK property arm remains a bellwether for the city’s retrofit-first agenda. Expect the coming year to feature continued emphasis on circular materials, operational energy reduction and landscape-led placemaking across the estate, with procurement partners increasingly assessed on their ability to de-risk delivery while hitting embodied-carbon checkpoints. With Whitty-Lewis bringing a strong financial and strategic background to the top job, and with Debbie Lee ensuring continuity in the finance function, the reshaped leadership team is set to steer Grosvenor’s London Estate through its next phase of mixed-use regeneration and climate action. For the industry, that points to a steady pipeline of complex, design-led projects where collaboration, performance data and verifiable ESG outcomes will determine who gets the nod. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CBRE has named Tom Dancer as head of its European Retail Occupier business, tasking him with accelerating the firm’s growth strategy and delivering an integrated, end-to-end service for brands expanding across the continent. Reporting to Anna Esteban, head of leasing and occupier accounts for Europe, Dancer will work closely with CBRE’s in-country retail leaders to align market intelligence, location strategy, leasing, project management and store delivery. The move aims to strengthen CBRE’s position with retailers seeking coordinated support from site selection through fit-out and opening. Dancer joined CBRE in February 2022 and brings more than 12 years’ experience. Over the past three years he has led several high-profile European flagship transactions for brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Polène, Puma, UGG and Under Armour, giving him a front-row view of evolving store formats and the logistics that underpin pan-European roll-outs. Commenting on his appointment, Dancer said: “The retail sector has gone through exponential change in recent years. A number of international retailers continue to realise their expansion plans across Europe, demonstrating that the value of the physical store cannot be underestimated. This makes it a truly exciting time to lead our best-in-class business through its next evolution of growth.” For developers, landlords and delivery teams, the appointment signals continued occupier demand for prime, well-connected locations and faster, more coordinated store programmes. Expect a focus on data-led network planning, sustainability credentials in both leases and fit-out, and tighter integration between omnichannel operations and physical formats as brands scale across Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Virgin Media customers are benefiting from faster and more seamless installations after the operator rolled out new training for 1,000 frontline technicians to improve customers’ joining experience. Now live across all nexfibre full-fibre connections, with plans to be rolled out more widely over the coming months, the project ensures that technicians arrive with all the tools and equipment required to complete the job first time. Traditionally, customers would receive two visits when they are first connected, with the first arranged to bring the fibre to their home, before a second technician visit where equipment would installed inside the home. By bringing these together into one seamless appointment, the operator has eliminated the need for follow-up appointments, minimising disruption for the customer and building greater trust from day one. The launch of SVI is part of Virgin Media O2’s ongoing commitment to deliver better for customers, and follows recent industry data which shows complaints are down by almost 50% year-on-year. In only its first few weeks, the initiative has already seen customers installed four days faster on average, with a significantly higher success rate of first-visit completion, and rescheduled appointments almost halved. Almost 1,000 Virgin Media O2 technicians have received additional training – including pole climbing, using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWP) and carrying out digging works – giving them the skills they need to complete installations first-time. In addition to investing to upskill its people, Virgin Meda O2 has deployed a new fleet of purpose-built vans equipped for a wide range of install scenarios; introduced specific storage solutions for tools and spares, covering both overhead and underground kit; and refined planning and customer management processes to ensure installs are as smooth and efficient as possible. Single visit installs are now happening across all 2.4 million nexfibre locations, with the new team delivering thousands of new connections each month. Virgin Media O2 is looking to scale the programme across its network over the coming months, where currently many broadband installations still require two separate engineer appointments. Julie Agnew, Managing Director of Fixed Wholesale and Customer Delivery at Virgin Media O2, said: “When customers are joining us or moving home, we know they want a fast and simple installation to get their broadband and TV services up and running. While new joiners are already very happy with the install journey, we’re always looking at ways we can do better for our customers. “Already available to millions of customers with more to benefit soon, we are transforming the installation experience and, in just its first few weeks, we’re already seeing great results. Customers are getting set up with our services quicker than before while missed and rescheduled appointments have almost halved. “This illustrates our commitment to investing in our people, putting customers firmly at the heart of our operations, and delivering bold and innovative solutions that enhance our customers’ experience with us.” Rajiv Datta, nexfibre CEO, added: “At nexfibre, we’re focused on making full fibre broadband not just more accessible, but effortless for customers, from day one. By working in collaboration with Virgin Media O2 to streamline installations into a single visit, as well as investing in technician training and specialist equipment, we’re seeing reduced wait times, less disruption, and greater trust from the very first interaction. This is a great example of how a relentless focus on delivery processes can drive real improvements in customer experience at scale.” Customer feedback of SVI has been overwhelmingly positive, with teams praised for providing an “amazing service”, efficiency, punctuality, tidiness and professionalism. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments is pleased to announce that precision engineering design and manufacturing company, Fathomtree, is the latest business to commit to Fairham Business Park, Nottingham. Founded in Nottingham, Fathomtree has spent over 50 years building a strong reputation for delivering innovative, high-precision engineering solutions across multiple sectors including aerospace, automotive, and industrial design. Known for its technical expertise and collaborative approach, the company has evolved from a local start-up into a nationally recognised name with a growing portfolio of complex, high-impact projects. The move to Fairham Business Park represents a strategic relocation for the business, providing access to modern, purpose-built facilities in a thriving commercial environment. This new base will support Fathomtree’s next phase of growth, giving the company the space and infrastructure it needs to expand its capabilities, workforce, and client services. Located just minutes from the M1 and East Midlands Airport, Fairham Business Park is rapidly becoming one of the East Midlands’ most attractive destinations for forward-thinking businesses. With over 600,000 sq ft of commercial development already completed, the park offers state-of-the-art facilities, excellent transport links, and a strong focus on sustainability, all within the wider 606-acre Fairham mixed-use development. David Smith, Director at Fathomtree added: “Nottingham has always been our home, and this move to Fairham Business Park allows us to stay true to our roots while giving us the flexibility and space to evolve. The new facilities will enable us to grow our team, invest in new technologies, and better serve our clients across the UK and beyond.” James Richards, Director at Clowes Developments, commented: “We’re thrilled to announce Fathomtree at Fairham. Their journey of innovation and growth reflects the very ethos of what we’re building here. Fairham Business Park was created to give ambitious companies the tools they need to thrive, Fathomtree is a perfect fit.” Fairham Business Park is part of the wider Fairham development, one of the largest mixed-use projects in the UK, which will deliver thousands of new homes, employment opportunities, green infrastructure, and improved transport links across Nottinghamshire. Fathomtree’s new 30,000 sq ft facility is currently under construction and is expected to reach practical completion within the coming months. Meanwhile, a 100,000 sq ft unit for CLEAN, one of the UK’s leading commercial laundries, is also nearing completion. Once finished, both units will undergo extensive fit-out programmes as the occupiers prepare to launch their new operations. Interested parties can follow their progress via the links: Unit C1 – www.clowesdevelopments.reachtimelapse.co.uk/fairham/unitc1 Unit C2: www.clowesdevelopments.reachtimelapse.co.uk/fairham/unitc2 Clowes, alongside agents FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German, is now marketing Phase Two of Fairham Business Park, offering bespoke design and build opportunities up to 50,000 sq ft. Freehold and leasehold options are available and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of end users. For more information on development opportunities and updates, visit: www.fairhambusiness.co.uk To enquire about commercial opportunities, contact the site’s agents: FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Edge, the pan-European real estate company, has announced the topping out of EDGE London Bridge, its landmark 26-storey office development located on St Thomas Street, SE1. The milestone signals a major step towards delivering one of London’s most sustainable office towers, designed to set new standards in health, wellbeing and environmental performance. The project is being delivered by Mace as main contractor and is due for completion in 2026. Backed by long-term institutional capital through a joint venture between Edge and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, EDGE London Bridge demonstrates how global investment partnerships can drive domestic economic growth while accelerating the transition to a net zero carbon-built environment. The project highlights the crucial role of institutional investors in supporting sustainable development in the UK, fostering long-term growth and advancing the shift to a low-carbon economy. Located adjacent to London Bridge Station, the 260,000 sq. ft development has been designed by Pilbrow + Partners and is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum certification. It features cutting-edge energy efficiency measures, smart building technologies and flexible, future-proofed office space designed to meet occupier demand for workplaces aligned with net-zero targets. Marian Herman, CEO, Edge said: “EDGE London Bridge embodies our vision of creating workplaces that are both people-focused and planet-positive. This milestone takes us one step closer to delivering a flagship office tower that demonstrates how sustainability and investment performance can go hand-in-hand. We are proud to be working with a long-term institutional partner to realise a project that will contribute to London’s global competitiveness while setting a new benchmark for the UK real estate market.” Fons van Dorst, Executive Managing Director UK Edge, said: “The topping out of EDGE London Bridge is not only a construction milestone but also a symbol of collaboration between developer, contractor, investors and the wider community. With its strong location, best-in-class sustainability credentials and future-ready design, EDGE London Bridge will help redefine what occupiers expect from prime London offices.” Ged Simmonds, Managing Director Private Sector Mace Construct, said:‘’We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone at Edge London Bridge, a project that exemplifies what’s possible when ambition and bold thinking come together. From the outset, our shared ambition with Edge has been to challenge convention and deliver a building that sets new benchmarks for environmental performance and sustainable construction. We’ve built on that commitment by pioneering low-carbon initiatives that push the boundaries of what’s achievable. Trust and a collaborative mindset have been central to our success. From design and project management to the supply chain, everyone is empowered to contribute ideas to achieve better outcomes. It’s this collective, proactive spirit that continues to shape a truly exceptional building.” EDGE London Bridge is Edge’s first London project and a flagship investment in the UK capital. It forms part of the company’s wider strategy to bring sustainable and future-ready workplaces to major European cities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading design and build contractor McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as Principal Contractor by Wellcome Trust to deliver a major £52m office redevelopment at 80 Pelham Street in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, West London. The project will transform a previously underutilised site into a sustainable, high-quality five-storey office building, totalling approximately 114,000 sq ft. Designed to meet modern office standards and attract long-term tenants, the scheme also respects the local heritage and enhances the surrounding streetscape. The development employs a contextual architectural approach, incorporating traditional materials such as stone and brick whilst drawing inspiration from surrounding heritage and neighbouring buildings. The design includes green roofs and terraces to support biodiversity, improved pedestrian experiences at street level, and the retention of gym facilities within the new building. The development is targeting BREEAM Outstanding, the highest environmental performance rating for building design, as well as WELL Platinum Certification, promoting health and wellbeing for building occupants. The project aims to achieve an EPC Rating A, demonstrating top-tier energy efficiency, as well as a NABERS 5-Star Rating for excellent operational energy performance. Enabling works are underway, with McAleer & Rushe delivering the main contract through to completion in October 2027. Darragh Greenan, Director at McAleer & Rushe, said, “We are proud to be chosen to deliver this exceptional new office development that combines outstanding design, sustainable practices, and community-oriented spaces. 80 Pelham Street, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, is a prime example of our expertise in delivering modern, efficient workplaces that enhance the local environment and support the wellbeing of occupants. We look forward to working closely with our client, partners, and valued supply chain to bring this prime new office development to life.” Robert Coke, Head of Buyout Investments and Residential Property at The Wellcome Trust, said, “This is a landmark scheme for the Wellcome Trust and we’re delighted to appoint McAleer & Rushe as our trusted contractor. Their proven expertise and responsible approach give us full confidence as we move into the next phase to deliver vibrant new office space that will generate new jobs, attract talent and bring fresh energy to Brompton Cross.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has been selected as the preferred bidder to deliver a significant new residential development in Preston, following a competitive tender win for a mixed-tenure scheme with Community Gateway Association (CGA) – Preston’s largest social housing landlord. The £28 million contract will mark the first collaboration between Vistry and CGA and will see the delivery of 126 homes in the first phase of this wider scheme. The development will offer a mix of tenures, supporting CGA’s commitment to providing a wider choice of good quality and affordable homes for the local community. Work is scheduled to begin on site in 2026, with Vistry bringing its proven expertise in delivering large-scale residential projects to the partnership. Zac Worthington, Managing Director of Vistry Merseyside & Cheshire West, said: “We’re delighted Community Gateway Association has chosen to work with us for the first time on this exciting new scheme in Preston. Working together we can deliver a significant number of homes for local people in a range of housing choices.” Stephen Galbraith, Head of Development and Regeneration at Community Gateway said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Vistry on this development, which will bring much-needed, high-quality homes to Preston. This partnership reflects our corporate priority of offering a wider choice of affordable housing and supporting our ongoing commitment to meet local housing needs.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mulberry will open a 1,466 sq ft pop-up at Landsec’s Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth later this month, adding the British heritage label to the outlet’s line-up of premium brands. The temporary store, set within The Avenues, will showcase a range of the brand’s leather goods and follows a period of active leasing and investment at the waterfront scheme. Recent arrivals include Citizen and Oliver Bonas, joining established names such as Penhaligon’s, AllSaints, Polo Ralph Lauren and Coach. The signing comes on the back of strong trading across Landsec’s outlet portfolio, with April–June sales up 11.2% year-on-year. The landlord’s ongoing investment programme at Gunwharf Quays aims to elevate the customer experience and support a more premium tenant mix. “We’re focused on elevating Gunwharf Quays as a destination for premium brands, and introducing Mulberry to The Avenues is a testament to its growing appeal,” said Pablo Sueiras, head of retail and hospitality leasing at Landsec. “With consistent high footfall and our ongoing investment programme enhancing the surroundings, we’re creating the ideal environment for brands to connect with guests. We are seeing continued rise in demand for elevated experiences, and this pop-up is perfectly placed to cater to that trend.” For retail property watchers, the move underscores how outlet destinations are using short-term formats to test demand, optimise unit sizes and maintain momentum in a competitive, experience-led market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals