Erdgard Developments are pleased to have secured detailed planning consent for their Central Point development at Willenhall Road, Walsall, and to announce an immediate start on site. The scheme will provide a total of 93,110 sq. ft in six units ranging from 5,880 sq. ft to 26,236 sq. ft built
TALO, the specialist in ultra-low energy offsite timber housing, has been awarded a £1.1m contract by Lucy Developments for a nine-home residential scheme in the canalside village of Wilstone near Tring in Hertfordshire. Moorings is the first project in a new long-term collaboration between the two companies, with further, larger
Leading North West property services company The Momentum Group has strengthened its portfolio with two new appointments across its property management company, Momentum Manage, further demonstrating the business’s expansion across brand new property sectors. The two new appointments include Graylaw Industrial Estate, which is Momentum Manage’sfirst appointment in the industrial sector. The estate is owned by Riverlow Group, a real estate investment and development company headquartered in London.
Siderise has launched its new PC-FS Firestop and PC-CB Cavity Barrier product range – a passive fire protection package developed specifically for precast concrete cladding systems. Siderise previously supported precast concrete façade applications with its CW-FS Firestop, delivering a fully compliant solution. However, due to growing demand for these durable
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of a development site in Widnes, Cheshire, with planning consent for a 60-bed care home. Once built, the care home will comprise 60 bedrooms with en suite, wetroom facilities, a cinema, a hair salon, a choice of lounge and
Padrock has strengthened its presence in the South East with the acquisition of a 17-acre site in Borehamwood, paving the way for a significant new multi-let industrial and logistics development. The Hertfordshire site, located off Watford Road adjacent to Centennial Park, benefits from outline planning consent for a 245,000 sq
Frasers Group is reportedly advancing plans to acquire two prominent outlet shopping centres in a deal valued at around £400 million, underlining its continued appetite for large-scale retail and mixed-use property investments. The retailer is understood to be in discussions to purchase the McArthur Glen-managed outlet schemes in York and
With all eyes on how the war in Iran will hit industry across the world, Barbour ABI’s latest monthly snapshot data shows that confidence in construction has not yet stalled. Contract awards reached £7.18bn in March 2026. While that represented a modest softening from February’s elevated level, it remained consistent
Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a pivotal contract with Great British Energy – Nuclear to deliver the UK’s first generation of Small Modular Reactors, marking a major milestone for both the energy and construction sectors. The agreement follows the company’s selection as preferred technology partner in June last year, with £2.6
As they continue their long-term commitment to the transformation of Park Hill in Sheffield, joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People have appointed GMI Construction Group PLC to deliver the fourth phase of the landmark development. The news follows a recent £6.4m deal with Homes England and news that
Erdgard Developments are pleased to have secured detailed planning consent for their Central Point development at Willenhall Road, Walsall, and to announce an immediate start on site. The scheme will provide a total of 93,110 sq. ft in six units ranging from 5,880 sq. ft to 26,236 sq. ft built to BREEAM Very Good and EPC A standards. Site clearance works are underway, to allow MCS Group to start construction in May on a speculative basis, giving occupiers the ability to occupy units from February 2027. Gareth Williams, Director at Erdgard said “There is a lack of good quality new stock in the Walsall area and in the Black Country generally, so Central Point will deliver much needed Grade A space. A commitment to speculative development is a demonstration of confidence in this location and market, and we look forward to early occupier discussions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TALO, the specialist in ultra-low energy offsite timber housing, has been awarded a £1.1m contract by Lucy Developments for a nine-home residential scheme in the canalside village of Wilstone near Tring in Hertfordshire. Moorings is the first project in a new long-term collaboration between the two companies, with further, larger residential sites already in the planning pipeline. TALO has been selected by Lucy Developments to facilitate the construction of ultra-low energy homes at scale, achieving shorter programmes, outstanding quality and greater cost certainty than traditional construction can offer for the same cost. The Moorings development will deliver nine two-storey homes – a mix of three and four-bed terraced properties and two four-bed detached homes. Greg Hilton, Head of Lucy Developments:“Moorings at Wilstone is an important project for us. The ability to deliver homes of this quality with much lower energy consumption in less time, is a significant advantage, both commercially and to achieve more sustainable development and construction. This is the first step in a wider partnership with TALO and we are now progressing plans for larger sites using their housebuilding solutions.” To accelerate delivery, the advanced timber superstructure from TALO will be manufactured offsite using high quality, slow-grown Nordic timber protected through a fully dry fabrication and installation process. This will further enhance thermal performance and avoid the common issue of wet timber needing to dry out. The structures will arrive on site in four phases by early this summer, pre-installed with a high level of insulation, plasterboard, timber cladding and triple glazing, ready for rapid assembly. This means all nine homes will be watertight in just one week per phase, allowing the contractor to start internal fitout at an earlier stage and with greater cost and programme certainty. TALO’s low carbon energy strategy has been specified in parallel with the highly insulated timber superstructure to minimise energy bills – a solar battery package to power hot water and electric underfloor heating and MVHR for enhanced air quality and a healthier internal environment. Dr Anthony Greer, Executive Director for Corporate Strategy at TALO: “This new partnership has been created to scale ultra-low energy housebuilding. Lucy Developments has a strong ethos around sustainability, quality and the long-term performance of the homes they build. This alignment makes our collaboration a fantastic fit. Our offsite superstructure solution and energy strategy will enable their development team to deliver ultra-low energy homes with far greater certainty, reduced build programmes, and enhanced air tightness and energy efficiency than is typically achievable with traditional construction for the same cost. By using TALO’s integrated solutions, Lucy can scale delivery, reduce risk and accelerate the provision of high-quality family homes to help meet the serious shortfall in new housing.” Lucy Developments is a long-established and sustainability-focused housebuilder and developer, delivering a wide range of homes for market sale and affordable housing. The Moorings project is the first of multiple planned sites and is part of Lucy’s vision to make TALO its preferred construction solution for ultra-low energy family homes. The homes were designed by architects Lewis and Hickey and the technical rationalisation was carried out by Trower Davies. The design reflects local architecture in the village and maximises views of the canal, with features including metal roofing, dark-stained timber cladding, red and buff-coloured brickwork, large triple-glazed windows, projecting bays, and first-floor balconies overlooking the water. TALO combines proven offsite technology from Finland with advanced design and manufacturing processes to build ultra-low energy homes. It partners with housing providers, architects, housebuilders and residential developers across the UK with the aim of increasing the productivity, cost efficiency, quality and sustainability of ultra-low energy, low-rise homes – whether for market sale, private rent, shared ownership, or affordable housing. For more information, see www.talo.co.uk or email hello@talo.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading North West property services company The Momentum Group has strengthened its portfolio with two new appointments across its property management company, Momentum Manage, further demonstrating the business’s expansion across brand new property sectors. The two new appointments include Graylaw Industrial Estate, which is Momentum Manage’sfirst appointment in the industrial sector. The estate is owned by Riverlow Group, a real estate investment and development company headquartered in London. Momentum Manage’s second appointment is on 12 Temple Street in Liverpool, securing a five-year property management agreement for the city-centre office building. The building isoccupied by architectural practice Falconer Chester Hall and owned by Waterville Investments. The instruction strengthens the firm’s presence within Liverpool’s commercial office market. Jacqui Saunders, Property Management Director at Momentum Manage, said: “Being appointed to manage Graylaw Industrial Estate, our first instruction in the industrial sector, marks a major milestone in our growth. When I first joined the company, I highlighted the opportunity to expand our client base across the North West, and these appointments not only achieve that but also represent our first step into a new industrial sector for Graylaw. We are really strengthening our Manage portfolio across the UK, with the new office contract bolstering this too.” Paul Falconer, Director at Waterville Investments Limited, added: “Choosing TheMomentum Group was a straightforward decision. A company that is based in Liverpool and has a reputation for the excellent work they do in the property management space, it was undoubtedly the right decision for us to take. We look forward to working with them on this excellent building in the centre of Liverpool.” These latest appointments for Momentum Manage follow further positive momentum across the wider business, with Momentum Build recently appointed by Freedom Leisure and Guildford Borough Council to deliver works for Puttify at the Guildford Spectrum leisure complex. This also follows its role in refurbishing Xplore! Science Discovery Centre, an educational facility in North Wales owned by Wrexham University. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siderise has launched its new PC-FS Firestop and PC-CB Cavity Barrier product range – a passive fire protection package developed specifically for precast concrete cladding systems. Siderise previously supported precast concrete façade applications with its CW-FS Firestop, delivering a fully compliant solution. However, due to growing demand for these durable and efficient-to-build external wall systems, Siderise reapproached this application to develop a dedicated solution that has been comprehensively tested, whilst addressing the practical challenges associated with these systems, such as tight tolerances, limited access, complex interfaces and construction sequencing. The stone wool Lamella core provides built-in compression and, alongside a bracket-free fix for narrow voids, contributes to faster installation times compared to less compressible barriers. PC-FS Firestop and PC-CB Cavity Barrier can also be fit from above or below the slab — making them ideal where topside access is restricted, or when sequencing requires alternative installation approaches. Both products are tested to EN 1366-4 (Resistance to fire) and EN 13501-1 (Reaction to fire) standards, with supplementary fire test evidence for precast concrete panel bracket penetration, end of flexible wall configuration, and firestop bracket securement to the underside of the slab edge to support a wider range of project conditions. The firestopping products, PC-FS60 and PC-FS120, offer third-party certified 1 and 2 hours of fire resistance, respectively, with the cavity barrier, PC-CB30, offering 30 minutes. As with all Siderise solutions, PC-FS Firestop and PC-CB Cavity Barrier are supported with comprehensive technical services and a suite of resources to assist with the specification process, including a specification pack containing all necessary technical information, and guidance on joints and complex details, such as blade column interfaces and other challenging geometries. Enquire today about the range and how it can benefit your project enquiries@siderise.com For more information about Siderise, visit siderise.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of a development site in Widnes, Cheshire, with planning consent for a 60-bed care home. Once built, the care home will comprise 60 bedrooms with en suite, wetroom facilities, a cinema, a hair salon, a choice of lounge and dining rooms, and landscaped gardens. The strategic site, which fronts onto Warrington Road, has been cleared and is ready for development. It benefits from a central location in Widnes, within easy distance of the shopping centres, market, and A577 and A533. Planning consent was achieved in November 2024 by Care Developments Limited, which identified the site’s potential for elderly care use. Following an open sales process with Will Edwards at Christie & Co, the consented site has been sold to Dr Sanjay Agarwal of large regional care home operator, Danan Group. David Wormald, Director at Care Developments Limited, comments, “I want to wish Sanjay and his team all the best with progressing this development.” Dr Sanjay Agarwal, Director at Danan Group, comments, “This acquisition marks another key step in Danan Group’s growth. We look forward to delivering a scheme that the community can be proud of.” Will Edwards, Senior Broker – Healthcare Development & Investment at Christie & Co, comments, “I’m pleased to have been able to assist in the disposal of this site to Danan Group, who are a highly respected regional operator that will bring excellent care to a largely undersupplied region of the UK. We look forward to working with Sanjay and his team as they continue the growth of their portfolio and increase their offering to residents in the North West.” The site was sold for an undisclosed price. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Padrock has strengthened its presence in the South East with the acquisition of a 17-acre site in Borehamwood, paving the way for a significant new multi-let industrial and logistics development. The Hertfordshire site, located off Watford Road adjacent to Centennial Park, benefits from outline planning consent for a 245,000 sq ft scheme. Plans propose the delivery of 13 high-quality units, ranging in size from 10,500 sq ft to 130,000 sq ft, targeting a mix of logistics, trade counter and light industrial occupiers. With an estimated gross development value of £120 million, the scheme reflects continued investor confidence in well-located urban industrial assets, particularly those positioned close to London and major transport infrastructure. The site sits in a highly strategic location, with direct access to the A1 and within close proximity to the M1 and M25, offering strong connectivity across the capital and wider region. A reserved matters application is expected to be submitted shortly, with construction anticipated to commence in autumn this year. Completion of the development is targeted for late 2027. The scheme is being designed to meet modern occupier requirements, with a focus on flexibility, high specification and sustainability. Units are expected to achieve strong environmental credentials, aligning with growing demand for energy-efficient industrial space. Mark Symonds, partner at Padrock, said the acquisition forms part of the company’s wider strategy to expand within London’s multi-let industrial market. He highlighted Borehamwood’s appeal as a key urban location, noting its accessibility and suitability for businesses requiring efficient distribution routes into central London. Padrock was advised on the acquisition by M1 Agency, Lambert Smith Hampton and Simmons & Simmons, while the vendor was represented by JLL. The deal underlines the ongoing momentum within the urban logistics sector, where constrained land supply and rising occupier demand continue to drive development activity and investment across key locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Frasers Group is reportedly advancing plans to acquire two prominent outlet shopping centres in a deal valued at around £400 million, underlining its continued appetite for large-scale retail and mixed-use property investments. The retailer is understood to be in discussions to purchase the McArthur Glen-managed outlet schemes in York and the East Midlands from Aviva Investors, according to market reports. The potential acquisition would further strengthen Frasers Group’s growing portfolio of destination retail assets across the UK. York Designer Outlet, extending to approximately 350,000 sq ft, is anchored by a strong line-up of national and international brands including M&S, H&M, Nike and Paul Smith. Meanwhile, East Midlands Designer Outlet offers around 230,747 sq ft of retail space and accommodates more than 65 brands. Developed in 2002, the scheme occupies a strategic location on Normanton Road, करीब 6.5 miles south-west of Mansfield. The move follows Frasers Group’s acquisition of Swindon Designer Outlet last autumn. The 250,000 sq ft scheme, set within the historic Great Western Railway buildings in central Swindon, comprises around 110 units and represents a blend of heritage-led regeneration and modern retail. Frasers Group has remained highly active in the UK property investment market, pursuing a strategy focused on acquiring and repositioning large-scale retail destinations. Recent transactions include the purchase of Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow in November 2025, as well as Waterfront Retail Park in Greenock earlier in the year. Advisory roles on the potential deal are being handled by CBRE on behalf of Frasers Group, while Aviva Investors is being advised by Morgan Williams. The proposed acquisition highlights continued investor confidence in outlet retail formats, particularly those offering strong tenant mixes, regional catchments and opportunities for asset enhancement within evolving consumer markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With all eyes on how the war in Iran will hit industry across the world, Barbour ABI’s latest monthly snapshot data shows that confidence in construction has not yet stalled. Contract awards reached £7.18bn in March 2026. While that represented a modest softening from February’s elevated level, it remained consistent with the steady momentum seen through Q1 and above the run rate recorded across the final three months of 2025. “The data shows that confidence in UK construction has not taken a hit,” said Ed Griffiths, head of business and client analytics at Barbour ABI. “What stands out is the breadth of activity across residential, infrastructure and industrial. That does not remove the risks created by a more uncertain global backdrop, but the current data shows projects are still moving forward.” Rather than relying on a single sector, March activity was spread across residential, infrastructure and industrial sectors, even as businesses continue to monitor wider geopolitical risk. Residential was the largest contributor to March contract awards, at £2.57bn. Major schemes included Penvose Student Village at £148m, Selby Urban Village at £120m and City Link House, Addiscombe Road at £105m. That level of activity indicates that large-scale projects are still moving into delivery. Infrastructure also remains strong. Awards totalled £1.52bn, showing the sector remains well supported by a continuing flow of energy, transport and public works. The wider planning pipeline mirrors this level of confidence. Planning applications totalled £6.39bn in February 2026, broadly stable month on month following January’s seasonal softening and in line with the baseline seen in late 2025. Residential applications had the largest share of the month, with activity spread across the UK, but strongest in the South East, East of England and North West. Planning approvals, meanwhile, rose to £11.7bn in March 2026, continuing the elevated activity seen across the opening months of the year. Residential was again the largest contributor, while infrastructure approvals reflected a clear sectoral shift towards nationally significant energy schemes. Taken together, the figures suggest that while there are risks in the international market, UK construction is still pushing projects from planning into delivery. However, the resilience in awards and approvals does not necessarily mean every scheme is already translating into activity on site. Separate industry data on project starts has pointed to a weaker project delivery picture in recent weeks. Some developers and clients are still taking a more cautious approach to delivery as they assess cost and risk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a pivotal contract with Great British Energy – Nuclear to deliver the UK’s first generation of Small Modular Reactors, marking a major milestone for both the energy and construction sectors. The agreement follows the company’s selection as preferred technology partner in June last year, with £2.6 billion earmarked in the 2025 Spending Review to support the wider rollout of the programme. The first project is set to be developed at Wylfa on Anglesey in North Wales, where construction is expected to support around 3,000 jobs at peak delivery, alongside thousands more across the national supply chain. The scheme represents a significant pipeline of work spanning advanced manufacturing, infrastructure delivery and specialist engineering. Under the terms of the contract, Rolls-Royce SMR will progress site-specific design, regulatory approvals and planning activities, moving the project closer to a final investment decision. The programme is based on a standardised, factory-built approach, aimed at improving cost efficiency and programme certainty compared with traditional nuclear construction. The company plans to deliver three SMR units in the UK, with each facility capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately one million homes. The modular nature of the technology is expected to drive demand for off-site manufacturing, logistics hubs and highly specialised industrial facilities. A consortium including BAM Nuttall, Laing O’Rourke and Atkins is supporting the development of the SMR design, bringing together expertise across engineering, construction and project delivery. Chris Cholerton, chief executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said the agreement provides clarity and momentum for the programme, enabling the transition from planning into delivery. He added that the scheme will play a key role in strengthening the UK’s energy security while creating long-term opportunities for the construction sector and domestic supply chain. The deal highlights the growing importance of nuclear-led infrastructure in driving industrial development, with SMRs positioned to reshape how large-scale energy assets are designed, manufactured and delivered across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As they continue their long-term commitment to the transformation of Park Hill in Sheffield, joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People have appointed GMI Construction Group PLC to deliver the fourth phase of the landmark development. The news follows a recent £6.4m deal with Homes England and news that Great Places will deliver 24% affordable homes within the new phase. Work has started onsite this month, with GMI leading the construction of 125 new apartments alongside new public realm, EV charging points, car club facilities, and secure bike storage. Ed Weston, Regional Director for Yorkshire at GMI Construction Group, said: “As a Yorkshire-based company, we’re especially proud to be appointed to deliver the refurbishment of Phase Four at Park Hill, a development that holds enormous architectural and cultural importance for the city of Sheffield and the wider region. Projects of this nature demand a sensitive, experienced approach, and GMI’s strong track record in refurbishment and urban regeneration makes us well placed to work with an iconic and much-loved landmark of this scale. “Phase 4 represents the next chapter in Park Hill’s careful evolution. Our priority is exceptional delivery, respecting the building’s heritage while creating high-quality, sustainable homes and public spaces that will support a thriving, long-term community.” The new homes will build on decades of progress made by Urban Splash and Places for People at Park Hill, where the partnership has already completed 455 homes, accommodation for 356 students, more than 50,000 sq ft of commercial workspace, and extensive landscaping and public realm. A fifth phase – which already has planning consent – will deliver a further 105 homes (a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments, duplexes and townhouses), alongside 2,000 sq ft of new commercial space for independent local businesses, complementing the area’s growing community of occupiers including South Street Kitchen, The Pearl, and the Grace Owen Nursery. Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director for Central and North Developments at Places for People, added: “We’re proud of what’s been achieved at Park Hill so far – creating new homes and public spaces in a setting with real heritage. This next phase continues our commitment to creating thriving communities and making the area a great place to live, work and visit.” Sian Stanhope of Urban Splash, who is Development Manager at Park Hill, said: “This next phase marks another step forward in the long-term regeneration of Park Hill. Our ambition has always been to create a vibrant, mixed community here – and this milestone brings us even closer to delivering on that vision.” Urban Splash and Places for People are also working in joint venture on the development of Port Loop in Birmingham, where their latest phase – Mansion House – has just completed, offering 58 new apartments across a mix of tenures. For further information and to register for details of the new homes visit: https://www.urbansplash.co.uk/regeneration/projects/park-hill Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals