Pure Data Centres and SEGRO have secured planning approval for a major hyperscale data centre development at Premier Park in west London, representing a £1 billion investment into the capital’s growing digital infrastructure sector. The scheme was approved by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation planning committee and
Real estate investor Castleforge, in partnership with full-service data centre operator and advisory firm Galaxy Data Centers, today announces that full planning consent has been granted for a new 15MW data centre development at its Redhill campus. Located just outside of London, the new development will include four data halls and support a local waste heat recovery initiative. Following
Type One Energy, Tokamak Energy, and AECOM today announced the UK Infinity Fusion Consortium to pursue development of the first private-sector-led fusion power plant project in the United Kingdom. Together, the companies intend to develop a fusion project that is commercially credible, deployable using existing enabling technologies, and capable of
Liverpool John Lennon Airport has been working with Telent, the mission-critical technology specialist, to trial its CCTV assurance platform, Arbitex, giving technical teams continuous visibility into the condition and performance of the airport’s CCTV estate. The three‑month trial, which has now concluded, enabled the airport to assess how automated daily
SEGRO, a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses, industrial property and data centres, has signed an agreement to lease SEGRO Park Axis, a standalone, recently upgraded Grade A+ building totalling 81,500 sq ft, to Asendia, a major international mail and e-commerce parcel shipping specialist SEGRO Park Axis is
WREKIN PRODUCTS has become the first civil engineering product manufacturer in the UK to achieve Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessed status for its ductile iron range, reinforcing its position as a trusted and transparent partner to the construction sector. The CCPI is an industry-led initiative developed to raise the standard of product information across the construction industry. Achieving assessed status
Developer, Redleaf, has reached Practical Completion for its new Tesco-anchored retail centre in Swaffham, Norfolk, with the convenience store now open to the public. Brandon Road Shopping Centre has been constructed by Warwick Burt Construction Ltd. of Northampton on behalf of Redleaf and will serve the local community, including residents
Legendre UK has been appointed as main contractor for a major office refurbishment scheme at 10 Salisbury Square in the City of London, marking another high profile project within the capital’s commercial retrofit market. The scheme will transform the existing six storey building into a high quality workspace totalling approximately
University of Bristol has named UPP as preferred bidder to deliver a significant new purpose built student accommodation scheme at Temple Island, forming a key part of its expanding Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. The development will comprise three buildings providing 890 student bedrooms, creating one of the principal accommodation hubs
No motivation for builders to build if they can’t find buyers The Government will miss their target of 1.5m new homes due to a stagnant property market, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Heather Powell, a Partner at the firm, said: “The latest property statistics published
Pure Data Centres and SEGRO have secured planning approval for a major hyperscale data centre development at Premier Park in west London, representing a £1 billion investment into the capital’s growing digital infrastructure sector. The scheme was approved by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation planning committee and will transform a redundant warehouse site into a state of the art, liquid cooled facility designed to support increasing demand for AI ready infrastructure and high capacity computing. Designed by Scott Brownrigg, the three storey development will provide 72MW of power capacity across 22,365 sq m of floorspace. The facility will include nine data halls, office accommodation, storage areas, plant space and a secure entrance pavilion, alongside a dedicated substation to power the site. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, with the project being delivered through a joint venture between Pure Data Centres Group and SEGRO. The building has been designed with operational efficiency at its core, using a simple linear layout to maximise IT capacity while maintaining a strong architectural presence within the surrounding industrial landscape. The scheme has also been developed with sustainability in mind, targeting BREEAM Excellent certification and EPC A rated office space. Environmental measures include photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting systems and the potential use of heat recovery technology to improve energy performance and reduce operational impact. The approval further strengthens Park Royal’s position as a key industrial, logistics and technology hub in west London, as demand for advanced digital infrastructure continues to accelerate across the UK market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate investor Castleforge, in partnership with full-service data centre operator and advisory firm Galaxy Data Centers, today announces that full planning consent has been granted for a new 15MW data centre development at its Redhill campus. Located just outside of London, the new development will include four data halls and support a local waste heat recovery initiative. Following approval from Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s Planning Committee, the consented project marks a significant step forward in the joint venture’s plans to expand digital infrastructure capacity in the London market, following the partnership’s £100 million-plus investment in the existing Redhill Data Centre campus in December 2024. The scaling of the campus will see a follow-on £200m investment into the campus with a gross project value of around £500m. Situated on the existing 3.1-hectare industrial estate at Foxboro Business Park, the consented project comprises a single two-storey data centre with four data halls and an accompanying office block. The development has been designed to achieve a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating and incorporates a range of low and zero carbon technologies. Waste heat generated by the facility will be reused on site, and the design enables future export of waste heat to the neighbouring residential heat network, supporting the wider community’s transition to lower carbon energy. The expansion follows surging demand for digital infrastructure across the London market, driven by advancements in AI, cloud computing and hybrid workloads. Demand for data continues to significantly outstrip current levels of power supply, with the difficulty of constructing new data centres around major metropolitan areas making established hubs increasingly attractive prospects for investment. Mike Adcock, Head of Investments at Castleforge, said: “Securing planning consent for our new development at Redhill is a major milestone in our plans to deliver high-quality, sustainable digital infrastructure to one of the world’s most important data centre markets. “Demand for capacity in and around London continues to outpace supply, and this consent enables us to bring forward the additional power and scale required to serve enterprise, hyperscale and edge customers. We are particularly proud of the project’s sustainability credentials, including the potential to export waste heat to local homes, which reflects our commitment to creating places that deliver lasting value for both customers and the surrounding community.” Paul Leong, Chief Financial Officer and Partner of Galaxy Data Centers, said: “This planning consent is a pivotal step in realising the long-term vision we set out when we acquired Redhill alongside Castleforge. “The new facility will significantly expand the capacity available to our customers and ensure Redhill is positioned to meet the evolving needs of edge, hyperscale and enterprise users. We are proud to be delivering a development that combines operational excellence with meaningful sustainability outcomes, and we look forward to bringing the project forward in close collaboration with the local community.” The Redhill campus currently spans 11,800 square metres across three buildings serving a dynamic existing customer base, including Fortune 500 enterprises across financial services, AI and other sectors. Customers are drawn to the site’s secured green energy, low-latency connectivity to data centre hubs including Slough and the Docklands, and scalable infrastructure. London remains the largest and most dominant data centre market in Europe, and the second largest globally after Northern Virginia. According to CBRE, the European data centre market continues to demonstrate strong year-on-year growth, with significant development activity across Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris. With planning consent now secured, Castleforge and Galaxy will move forward with the next phase of development, with further milestones to be announced in due course. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Type One Energy, Tokamak Energy, and AECOM today announced the UK Infinity Fusion Consortium to pursue development of the first private-sector-led fusion power plant project in the United Kingdom. Together, the companies intend to develop a fusion project that is commercially credible, deployable using existing enabling technologies, and capable of attracting private capital —consistent with the long-term goals of the government’s recently announced UK Fusion Strategy. This announcement comes at a time of increasing U.S.-U.K. bilateral cooperation on fusion. His Majesty King Charles III said during his address to the United States Congress last week that, “Our nations are combining talent and resources in the technologies of tomorrow: our new partnerships in nuclear fusion and quantum computing, and in AI and drug discovery, holding the promise of saving countless lives.” The Consortium partners are all members of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), a global CEO-led network founded by His Majesty King Charles III with the mandate to lead the private sector in accelerating the transition to a sustainable economy. At its core, the UK Infinity Fusion Consortiumcombines Type One Energy’s 400 MWe Infinity Two stellarator fusion power plant design, AECOM’s leading engineering capabilities, and Tokamak Energy’s HTS magnet technology and manufacturing expertise in the UK. The Consortium will use these capabilities to develop a UK Infinity Two fusion power plant project that will include participation by the broader UK fusion value chain spanning construction, finance, offtake and other supply chain partners. The Consortium will build on the UK’s significant investment in magnetic confinement fusion technology, supply chain capabilities, regulation, and power plant siting for the government’s STEP Fusion programme. It will also capitalize on the synergy and experience gained from the first-of-a-kind (FOAK) Infinity Two fusion power plant project at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA’s) Bull Run site in the United States, which is targeted for commercial operation in 2034. The TVA Infinity Two project is being supported by the U.S. government’s own fusion programmes and provides a strong technical and programmatic foundation for the UK Infinity Two deployment project. The development of a UK Infinity Two fusion power plant project by the Consortium is aligned with the UK Government’s strategy to move from world-leading fusion science to commercial deployment — a strategy guiding the STEP Fusion programme. The Consortium will create a private-sector-led fusion commercialization pathway complementing the STEP Fusion programme. The UK Infinity Two project further scales growth of the UK fusion supply chain and accelerates time-to-market for this critical new energy source, while strengthening the country’s industrial base. Chris Mowry, Chief Executive Officer, Type One Energy, said:“Fusion needs to be delivered, not just developed. This Consortium brings together the core industrial capabilities in the UK and US required to deploy real-world fusion power plant projects that are commercially viable. By aligning fusion technology, advanced manufacturing, and power plant engineering, we are closing the gap between today’s energy innovation and tomorrow’s energy infrastructure. Our initiative is fully aligned with UK and US ambitions to be leaders in commercial fusion deployment.” Warrick Matthews, Chief Executive Officer, Tokamak Energy, said:“This Consortium puts Tokamak Energy’s transformative magnet technology and manufacturing expertise in the centre of another world-class fusion programme. Together, we can accelerate towards commercialising a new form of limitless, clean energy and, in combination with our role as STEP magnet systems partner, strengthen the UK supply chain’s leadership in global fusion.” Troy Rudd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AECOM, said: “Fusion represents one of the most important long-term energy solutions, offering a clean, safe and reliable source of power for future generations. Delivering on fusion’s potential requires disciplined engineering, well-established infrastructure delivery models and collaboration across the entire energy ecosystem. Through this Consortium, AECOM is bringing its global experience in complex energy infrastructure to help lay the groundwork for commercial fusion projects that can scale with confidence, supporting the UK’s energy system while strengthening its industrial and infrastructure base.” Lord Vallance, UK Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, said: “This government is backing fusion with over £2.5 billion and recently announced a deal with the United States, which includes closer working on fusion research and development, taking us closer to a future powered by limitless clean energy. Our long-term vision and investment in the sector is now helping turn that ambition into reality.” Lord Stockwood, UK Minister for Investment, said: “The UK is a world leader in renewables, and this consortium will play a key role in new fusion projects, creating exciting opportunities for people in local communities. We’re serious about the benefits of clean energy technologies, which is why our modern Industrial Strategy is attracting investment into the sector to boost economic growth as the UK powers towards net zero.” Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) said: “Type One Energy, Tokamak Energy and AECOM have come together as members of the SMI, demonstrating the SMI’s Terra Carta and Astra Carta mandates in action — business and finance working together to turn breakthrough innovation into measurable progress in building a more sustainable future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals About Type One Energy Type One Energy Group is mission-driven to provide sustainable, affordable fusion power to the world. Established in 2019 and venture-backed in 2023, the company is led by a team of globally recognized fusion scientists with a strong track record of building state-of-the-art stellarator fusion machines, together with veteran business leaders experienced in scaling companies and commercializing energy technologies. Type One Energy applies proven advanced manufacturing methods, modern computational physics and high-field superconducting magnets to develop its optimized stellarator fusion energy system. Its FusionDirect™ development program pursues the lowest-risk, shortest-schedule path to a fusion power plant over the coming decade, using a partner-intensive and capital-efficient strategy. Type One Energy is committed to community engagement in the development and deployment of its clean energy technology. About Tokamak Energy Tokamak Energy is a global leader in high temperature superconducting (HTS) and fusion technologies founded in 2009 as a spin out from UK Atomic Energy Authority. The company
Liverpool John Lennon Airport has been working with Telent, the mission-critical technology specialist, to trial its CCTV assurance platform, Arbitex, giving technical teams continuous visibility into the condition and performance of the airport’s CCTV estate. The three‑month trial, which has now concluded, enabled the airport to assess how automated daily checks on each camera improve oversight and maintenance planning. Arbitex verifies connectivity, confirms alignment against reference images and assesses image quality, including detecting contamination such as dirt or obstruction. Throughout the trial, Telent worked closely with Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s Technical Services team and the airport’s on-site maintenance contractor throughout the trial. This included methodical onboarding, calibration of reference frames and refinement of reporting parameters to ensure the entire camera estate was accurately represented. Together, the teams configured the platform to reflect the scale and operational importance of the airport’s CCTV infrastructure. The automated monitoring provided structured assurance that cameras are performing as expected. Instead of relying solely on reactive fault reporting or periodic inspection, engineers can identify potential performance issues earlier and schedule targeted maintenance where required. The consistent, data‑driven insight delivered by Arbitex offered earlier visibility of issues before they could impact operations. In this type of critical infrastructure environment, this level of visibility provides confidence that CCTV systems remain aligned and operational, supporting the day-to-day running of the airport. “Arbitex is designed to give organisations confidence in the condition of their critical systems. Continuous monitoring of camera performance and image quality enables teams to identify changes early and maintain infrastructure more effectively. Working with Liverpool John Lennon Airport allowed us to tailor the platform to the operational demands of a busy airport environment,” said Reg Cook, Director of Asset Management at Telent. “Operationally, Arbitex has become an invaluable tool for monitoring the health and condition of our CCTV estate. The platform provides consistent visibility of system performance and early insight into potential issues, allowing us to take a more proactive approach to maintenance. In a critical infrastructure environment, that level of assurance is extremely valuable,” said Michael Brown, Head of Technical Services at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Following the successful completion of the trial, the next phase sees Telent begin its contracted rollout of Arbitex at Liverpool John Lennon Airport from 1 April. The rollout phase will see the platform extended across the full CCTV estate, supporting a more consistent and data‑driven maintenance approach. The platform gives the airport clearer visibility of system performance, offering early warning of degrading camera performance before it impacts operations. Overall, the trial demonstrated tangible operational benefits, supporting a more proactive maintenance model and strengthening system assurance. Learn more about Telent’s Arbitex platform here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SEGRO, a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses, industrial property and data centres, has signed an agreement to lease SEGRO Park Axis, a standalone, recently upgraded Grade A+ building totalling 81,500 sq ft, to Asendia, a major international mail and e-commerce parcel shipping specialist SEGRO Park Axis is strategically located close to the M4, Heathrow Airport and the Heathrow Cargo Centre, and will serve as Asendia’s primary international parcel processing, mail distribution and air conveyance centre for the UK, supporting both the company’s domestic and international operations. Asendia, founded as a joint venture between La Poste and Swiss Post is expected to move in by January 2027, following a major back to frame redevelopment and extension that will see 29,349 sq ft added to the previous unit. Enhancements include an increased internal eaves height of up to 15 metres and new office space, with completion scheduled for September 2026. Designed with sustainability at its core, the enhanced facility is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ ratings, with key features including photovoltaic panels, dedicated cycle parking and 20 per cent electric vehicle charging provision. The scheme will also support SEGRO’s embodied carbon targets, with a base build design of 332kg/m². Anna Bond, Head of Western Corridor at SEGRO, commented: “Asendia’s commitment to SEGRO Park Axis highlights the critical role that well located industrial and logistics infrastructure plays in supporting international trade and investment. Sites close to Heathrow Airport are increasingly scarce, and global businesses need confidence that the right space can be delivered in the right place, to the right standard. By investing in high quality, low carbon infrastructure in this corridor, we’re providing the long term platform companies like Asendia need to grow and operate successfully in the UK, and we’re pleased to have them on board.” Carl Loader, Chief Operating Officer, Asendia UK, added: “We’re pleased to be partnering with SEGRO on this new facility, which marks an important step in strengthening our UK operations and supporting our continued growth. “Sustainability has been a key consideration throughout the design, reflecting our broader ESG ambitions and commitment to reducing environmental impact. At the same time, the flexibility of the space enables us to design workflows that support greater automation and operational efficiency as our business evolves. “SEGRO Park Axis gives us the scale, specification and reliability required to operate a high-volume international parcel hub, while meeting the expectations of our customers and partners. It provides a strong operational base for our UK business within our wider European and global supply chain. “Just as important is the environment we create for our people. The facility has been designed to support both our operational and office teams, with spaces that encourage collaboration and innovation, alongside areas to step back and recharge. “As a Great Place to Work certified organisation, we place real importance on creating an environment where our people can thrive. Alongside our ongoing focus on ESG performance, including continuing to improve our EcoVadis rating, this investment reflects our commitment to supporting our people, driving performance and building for the long term for the benefit of our customers. SEGRO understands what globally mobile businesses require and has been a strong partner as we continue to invest in our UK operations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WREKIN PRODUCTS has become the first civil engineering product manufacturer in the UK to achieve Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) assessed status for its ductile iron range, reinforcing its position as a trusted and transparent partner to the construction sector. The CCPI is an industry-led initiative developed to raise the standard of product information across the construction industry. Achieving assessed status means Wrekin’s ductile iron product information has been independently assessed against the Code’s requirements, with a focus on the quality and management of that information rather than product performance alone. In practice, this means documentation has been reviewed to provide greater confidence that it is clear, accurate, accessible and up-to-date, as well as structured to support better decision-making across specification, installation and long-term asset management. Wrekin’s ductile iron range was prioritised internally for assessment because it’s the company’s largest and most safety-critical offering, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that the products most relied upon by specifiers and installers are held to the highest standards of information quality. John Kiernan, product manager at Wrekin Products, said: “Achieving CCPI assessed status is about more than a mark of quality. It is about giving our customers greater confidence that the information we provide can be trusted. It is very easy for manufacturers to make claims about their products, but being able to back those claims up with independent assessment adds a level of credibility that we believe is increasingly important in this industry. We want customers to know that what we tell them is accurate, consistent and reliable. “This is an important step forward in how we manage and communicate our product information, and we see it as part of a longer journey. We are committed to continually improving how our product information is presented and maintained, so that we are contributing to higher standards across the construction industry. “We encourage other manufacturers to explore what CCPI assessment involves. The process itself drives real improvements in how you present and maintain your information, and the benefits go well beyond the accreditation.” Wrekin’s ductile iron product range includes manhole covers, gully gratings, through to kerb units, surface boxes and accessories, which are used across several sectors such as highways, housing and utilities. Further information about Wrekin’s CCPI assessed products, including a full product finder, is available at https://www.wrekinproducts.com/ccpi Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer, Redleaf, has reached Practical Completion for its new Tesco-anchored retail centre in Swaffham, Norfolk, with the convenience store now open to the public. Brandon Road Shopping Centre has been constructed by Warwick Burt Construction Ltd. of Northampton on behalf of Redleaf and will serve the local community, including residents moving into Cygnet Rise, a new development in the town by Abel Homes. The new shopping centre totals 9,150 sq ft and having brought in Tesco Express as the anchor store, Redleaf has also exchanged contracts with national coffee operator, Esquires. Further retailers will be confirmed in due course. Approximately 3,600 sq ft of commercial space remains and the scheme benefits from planning consent for all retail uses – A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5. Sui Generis uses would require consent. Minimum unit size 800 sq ft and the development includes 36 demised car parking spaces. Interest in the remaining space can be discussed directly with Redleaf. To mark the completion of the new local centre, Redleaf founder Paul Bishton and Abel Homes managing director Paul LeGrice visited the site to inspect the new units. Paul Bishton comments: “Very proud to see this latest Redleaf development achieve PC. We’ve really pushed the boat in terms of design and Warwick Burt has done a fantastic job with the build. It’s great to see Tesco trading and with Esquires commencing its fit out imminently, I can’t wait to bring more great brands to the centre. Redleaf prides itself on delivering high-quality commercial developments and Brandon Road Shopping Centre is a fine addition to our portfolio.” Rory Bartlett, Head of Operations at Esquires Coffee, said: “We’re really pleased to be joining Brandon Road Shopping Centre and becoming part of the Swaffham community. The development is a great fit for Esquires, clearly designed as a real community hub. We’re looking forward to opening a welcoming space for customers to enjoy great coffee, quality food and a relaxed environment as the scheme continues to grow.” Speaking about the broader development, Mr LeGrice added: “Our Cygnet Rise development is very much about creating a new community, providing a new local centre, a care home and assisted living units, as well as much-needed new homes. “We are delighted to be delivering another key component of the community so early in the scheme’s programme, fulfilling the promises we made when we brought plans for the site forward.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legendre UK has been appointed as main contractor for a major office refurbishment scheme at 10 Salisbury Square in the City of London, marking another high profile project within the capital’s commercial retrofit market. The scheme will transform the existing six storey building into a high quality workspace totalling approximately 54,000 sq ft, alongside the addition of two new floors. Upon completion, the development will be known as Oriel St Bride’s. Working on behalf of Original Works, the project places a strong emphasis on sustainability and low carbon construction. Around 90 per cent of the existing structure will be retained, significantly reducing embodied carbon while aligning with the growing demand for more environmentally responsible office space. The development has already been recognised for its sustainability credentials, having been selected as part of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Pilot Testing Programme. This reflects the scheme’s ambition to meet evolving environmental benchmarks and support the transition to lower carbon commercial property. Legendre UK’s appointment highlights its expertise in delivering complex cut and carve refurbishments, particularly within constrained urban environments such as the City of London. These projects require careful coordination, technical precision and a detailed understanding of working within existing structures. Thomas Vandecasteele, managing director at Legendre UK, said the project brings together the company’s experience in technically challenging refurbishments with its focus on sustainable delivery. He also highlighted the role of its self delivery MEP approach in supporting programme certainty and quality outcomes. Construction is scheduled to complete in autumn 2027, with the finished scheme expected to set a benchmark for sustainable office refurbishment in the City, while contributing positively to the surrounding urban environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
University of Bristol has named UPP as preferred bidder to deliver a significant new purpose built student accommodation scheme at Temple Island, forming a key part of its expanding Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. The development will comprise three buildings providing 890 student bedrooms, creating one of the principal accommodation hubs for the University within the Temple Quarter area. The scheme is expected to primarily serve postgraduate students, supporting the University’s growing academic and research community in central Bristol. UPP will work in partnership with Watkin Jones as delivery partner, with Cushman & Wakefield advising the University on the procurement process. Located within the wider Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, which is set to open in 2026, the accommodation forms part of a broader vision to create a leading innovation district. The campus will deliver advanced teaching facilities, research laboratories and collaborative workspace for students, staff and enterprise partners, reinforcing Bristol’s position as a key knowledge and innovation hub. Designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, the PBSA scheme will incorporate over 1,100 sq m of amenity space, including flexible study areas and social environments aimed at enhancing the overall student experience. The focus on high quality shared spaces reflects the evolving expectations of modern student living, particularly within postgraduate markets. Sustainability is a core element of the development, with the scheme targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating and an EPC A rating. These ambitions align with both the University’s and UPP’s commitment to delivering energy efficient, future ready buildings that support long term operational performance and reduced environmental impact. The appointment marks a further milestone in the delivery of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, with the PBSA scheme set to play a central role in supporting the University’s continued growth and strengthening the integration of education, research and urban development in the city centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
No motivation for builders to build if they can’t find buyers The Government will miss their target of 1.5m new homes due to a stagnant property market, say leading audit, tax and business advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg. Heather Powell, a Partner at the firm, said: “The latest property statistics published by HMRC are bad news for the Government’s target of 1.5m new homes. They show a stagnant market with low appetite for buying, which means there is no motivation for builders to build.” She added: “Property sales continue to be steady. There has been no major increase in the number of residential or commercial properties sold per year in comparison to the last three years. A huge injection of confidence is required to end the market’s stagnation, but the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, seems to be bereft of ideas on how to generate this.” Heather said: “The Chancellor is going to have to reflect on the impact this will have on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) receipts, as well as all of the taxes that are collected as a result of property moves – VAT on move costs and refurbishment and taxes payable by the businesses selling to the new property owner.” She added: “This continued stagnation is not surprising. People are worried about the cost of living, job security and the cost of a mortgage and so are not rushing into home ownership – or stepping up the housing ladder. Commercial investors, the buyers of offices, factories and similar buildings have similar concerns – will tenants be found, will they be able to pay the rent, and will the rent received cover interest charged by lenders?” Heather said: “HMRC’s statistics highlighted an increase in the number of sales in March compared to February, which reflects the annual trend as the UK moves into the summer months. But property prices are unlikely to increase significantly over the next twelve months, so buyers will not rush to purchase a property.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals