Two significant industrial fires broke out on June 21st at opposite ends of the country, destroying commercial buildings, disrupting local communities and tying up vast fire and rescue resources. Sadly, neither of the buildings had sprinklers. In Calne, Wiltshire, 35 firefighters were called to the Porte Marsh Industrial Estate when
Property adviser Christie & Co has announced the appointment of Anthony Meadowcroft as regional director, taking the helm of its retail and leisure brokerage operations across Scotland and the North of England. Joining the firm’s expanding retail and leisure team in 2023, Meadowcroft brought with him nearly a decade of
GLP Europe, a leading business builder, owner, developer, and operator of logistics real estate, now part of Ares Management Real Estate (“Ares”), announces that it has completed the development of its 50th building at Magna Park Lutterworth. The latest warehouse, MPN 761, offers a total of 761,361 SQ FT of
Popeyes UK is continuing its ambitious expansion across the country, with Manchester Arndale confirmed as the latest destination for the fast-growing fried chicken brand. The popular chain has signed a lease for a 2,816 sq ft unit located within the centre’s bustling food court. It will join an already impressive
A major new chapter in Manchester’s regeneration story is set to begin, as construction firm Graham is appointed to lead the £110 million transformation of the former Boddingtons Brewery site. Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, has selected Graham as the main contractor to deliver Brewery Gardens –
Masdar, a global clean energy leader, and Iberdrola, one of the world’s largest energy companies, have reached two major milestones with a €5.2 billion co-investment in the UK’s East Anglia THREE offshore wind farm – one of the largest offshore wind transactions of the decade – and the full energization
Material Evolution is launching a pilot project of its ultra-low carbon cement, MevoCem, in partnership with leading building materials solutions company CRH and its UK operating company Tarmac. The pilot will demonstrate MevoCem’s performance under the new BSI Code of Practice Flex 350 which allows for the specification of a wider
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has officially approved STARK Group’s climate targets to reach net zero by 2050. The targets include carbon reductions across the entire value chain and are aligned with the 1.5°C pathway and UN’s Paris Agreement. In 2021, STARK Group became the first distributor of building
Green light given to transform Teviot Estate in Poplar with new housing, open spaces and community facilities Plans to deliver nearly 2,000 new homes as part of one of East London’s largest estate regeneration schemes have been approved by Tower Hamlets Council. The project will see the complete transformation of
Construction has officially commenced on one of the world’s largest electric arc furnaces (EAF) in Port Talbot, Wales — a cornerstone project in the UK’s move toward sustainable steel production. Senior executives from Tata Steel, alongside UK Government ministers and leading contractors, gathered on site today for the groundbreaking ceremony
Two significant industrial fires broke out on June 21st at opposite ends of the country, destroying commercial buildings, disrupting local communities and tying up vast fire and rescue resources. Sadly, neither of the buildings had sprinklers. In Calne, Wiltshire, 35 firefighters were called to the Porte Marsh Industrial Estate when a fire broke out at the QSIL metals facility, a specialist manufacturer involved in high-end machining and metal finishing. The fire consumed a 1,500m² unit, with smoke visible for miles. Crews worked for hours to bring the incident under control, and local roads were closed as a precaution. On the same day in Enfield, Essex, over 80 firefighters and 12 appliances from Hertfordshire and Essex County Fire and Rescue Services were deployed to a major warehouse fire in Enfield. The blaze engulfed a 3,600m² building operated by kitchenware distributor SQ Professional. With no sprinkler protection, the fire spread rapidly, forcing emergency services to urge local residents to keep windows and doors shut due to toxic smoke. Crews remained on the scene overnight to dampen down hotspots. The SQ warehouse is located next to a Tesco Fulfilment Centre, a modern, high-risk logistics hub protected by automatic sprinklers. Fire crews appeared to be actively defending this neighbouring site from potential fire spread. While no injuries were reported in either incident, the scale of the response speaks volumes. The two fires required the mobilisation of more than 115 firefighters, extensive fire control assets, and coordination across counties. Local roads were closed, businesses disrupted, and in Calne, key industrial activity was brought to a halt. These two locations were modest in size by modern standards and yet they required extensive resources with outcomes that saw the location severely damaged. These events are a sobering reminder of the stark consequences of failing to invest in proven fire protection systems. “We are seeing, time and again, the immense pressure that industrial fires place on both businesses and the emergency services,” said Tom Roche, Secretary of the Business Sprinkler Alliance. “These fires not only damaged buildings and livelihoods, they tied up life-saving resources for hours, caused environmental harm, and disrupted communities. These cases were modestly sized and we build much larger facilities, with similar hazards, without sprinklers.” This double blow mirrors a growing pattern across the UK where industrial and commercial premises, often packed with combustible materials or high-value machinery, lack basic fire suppression systems. By contrast, incidents in sprinkler-protected buildings tend to be quickly contained or extinguished before the fire can escalate. This limits damage, preserves business continuity, and drastically reduces the strain on fire crews. In the absence of sprinklers, every second counts, and every fire has potential to become a major incident. As these two June 21st fires show, the consequences go far beyond the building itself. Fires in unsprinklered buildings continue to utilise considerable resources and still pose a serious threat to business resilience, jobs, and public safety. For more information about the BSA visit the www.business-sprinkler-alliance.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property adviser Christie & Co has announced the appointment of Anthony Meadowcroft as regional director, taking the helm of its retail and leisure brokerage operations across Scotland and the North of England. Joining the firm’s expanding retail and leisure team in 2023, Meadowcroft brought with him nearly a decade of brokerage experience, having worked on numerous high-profile business sales since 2015. His promotion marks a key milestone in both his own career and the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional expertise. Reflecting on his new role, Meadowcroft said: “I’m incredibly proud to step into this leadership position during Christie & Co’s 90th year. It’s been a privilege to work with so many talented colleagues and clients since joining, and I’m excited to build on that momentum.” He added that his priorities in the new role will include increasing collaboration across the wider business and advancing Christie & Co’s presence in the evolving convenience retail and roadside markets. “These are areas undergoing significant transformation, and our regional team is well-placed to support clients navigating that change.” The announcement comes at a time of continued investment in Christie & Co’s regional structure, aligning with the firm’s strategy to expand its reach and service capability across core growth sectors. Steve Rodell, managing director of retail and leisure at Christie & Co, welcomed the appointment, noting: “Anthony brings a great blend of energy, insight and ambition to the role. His promotion reflects our confidence in his ability to lead, inspire, and deliver results for both our team and our clients.” Rodell also highlighted the importance of maintaining agility in the current market: “As retail and leisure continue to evolve, having strong leadership across our regional teams is essential. Anthony’s knowledge of the northern markets and his collaborative approach will be key to driving our next phase of growth.” The appointment reinforces Christie & Co’s ongoing evolution as a specialist adviser in retail property and business transactions, with Meadowcroft now set to play a central role in shaping the firm’s strategy across key northern territories. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GLP Europe, a leading business builder, owner, developer, and operator of logistics real estate, now part of Ares Management Real Estate (“Ares”), announces that it has completed the development of its 50th building at Magna Park Lutterworth. The latest warehouse, MPN 761, offers a total of 761,361 SQ FT of high-quality leasable space, with features including 277 HGV parking spaces, 10 level access doors and a clear height of 18m. Located within Magna Park North, the building is adjacent to two development-ready plots, MPN 6 and MPN 7, which offer a combined total of 1.2M SQ FT. Magna Park Lutterworth is situated within the Midlands’ ‘Golden Triangle’ area, bounded by the M1, M6 and M69 motorways. Already employing close to 10,000 people and home to 30 different companies, the Park is widely regarded as Europe’s premier logistics location. Its state-of-the-art approach fosters long-term partnerships, attracting leading brands like DHL, Iron Mountain, Amazon and ASDA. In line with the Park’s strong environmental and community-focused credentials, MPN 761 has been designed in accordance with BREEAM “Outstanding” certification standards. This makes it the fourth GLP asset in the UK to be awarded the highest possible BREEAM rating and the second in Magna Park Lutterworth, after MPS 9. MPN761 also achieved the highest possible EPC rating of A+ thanks in part to the inclusion of sustainable features such as a 200kWp solar PV array, rainwater harvesting systems, LED lighting, and air source heat pumps. The building sits adjacent to the new Bittesby Country Park, comprising 220 acres of dedicated woodlands and wetlands, now open to the public. Olivia Hinds, Development Director, United Kingdom, commented: “The completion of MPN 761 represents a valuable addition to our portfolio of units at Magna Park North Lutterworth. The significance of the Midlands to the UK logistics market can’t be underestimated, and we look forward to welcoming customers who will benefit from the building’s strategic location as well as its industry-leading specifications.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Popeyes UK is continuing its ambitious expansion across the country, with Manchester Arndale confirmed as the latest destination for the fast-growing fried chicken brand. The popular chain has signed a lease for a 2,816 sq ft unit located within the centre’s bustling food court. It will join an already impressive line-up of quick-service restaurants and casual dining operators, further enhancing the Arndale’s appeal to shoppers and city-centre visitors. Having launched its first UK site in 2021, Popeyes has rapidly scaled its operations. With more than 80 sites now open nationwide, the brand has bold plans to open 45 additional restaurants during 2025. The new Manchester location is expected to attract considerable footfall, reflecting the city’s dynamic food scene and the brand’s growing popularity. The arrival of Popeyes adds to an increasingly diverse food and beverage offering at Manchester Arndale. Recent newcomers to the centre include Sides, a street food concept from YouTube collective The Sidemen, and international juice bar brand Joe & The Juice. These openings sit alongside recent retail additions such as Alo Yoga, Arc’teryx, Sephora, and PureSeoul – evidence of the centre’s broader transformation into a well-rounded lifestyle destination. Scott Linard, portfolio director at M&G Real Estate, commented on the signing: “We are delighted to welcome Popeyes to Manchester Arndale. The brand is an ideal complement to our expanding food and beverage mix. Our goal is to create a dynamic environment that offers more than just shopping – combining fashion, food, and entertainment in one central location.” He added that Manchester Arndale continues to see strong footfall and remains a magnet for both domestic and international brands seeking high-visibility space in the North West. Letting agents for the scheme are Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners, who remain focused on attracting a balance of global names and emerging talent to maintain the vibrancy of the Arndale offering. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new chapter in Manchester’s regeneration story is set to begin, as construction firm Graham is appointed to lead the £110 million transformation of the former Boddingtons Brewery site. Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, has selected Graham as the main contractor to deliver Brewery Gardens – a high-density residential scheme located on Great Ducie Street in the heart of the city. The project will bring 505 new homes to a long-disused brownfield plot spanning just 1.25 acres. This prominent scheme is one of the first in the country to secure Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, a critical milestone under new building safety legislation. It marks the second such success this year for Latimer and Graham, following the Dyecoats development in Leeds. With regulatory hurdles cleared, work in Manchester is scheduled to begin this summer, with completion targeted for autumn 2028. The design reflects the site’s rich industrial past, with proposed buildings featuring a traditional brick exterior, aluminium-framed windows and Juliet balconies to maintain an urban, character-driven appearance. Richard Cook, chief development officer at Clarion Housing Group, said the project signals a major step in the group’s ambitions for central Manchester. He added that Brewery Gardens will play a key role in helping to meet the city’s growing housing demand by delivering well-designed, affordable homes in a sustainable and attractive environment. Stephen Van den Hoek, regional director at Graham, said the Gateway 2 approval highlights the strong collaboration between partners and underlines a shared commitment to delivering homes that meet modern standards of safety, quality and community value. The development is part-funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and represents a major piece of the wider regeneration strategy for the area. Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig welcomed the scheme as an early catalyst for the long-term redevelopment of the neighbouring Strangeways district. She described Brewery Gardens as a significant moment for the city’s housing landscape – offering affordable living options in a central location, while unlocking the potential of one of Manchester’s most ambitious transformation zones. Once complete, Brewery Gardens will not only reinvigorate a landmark site long associated with the city’s brewing heritage but will also bring new life and purpose to a key gateway into central Manchester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Masdar, a global clean energy leader, and Iberdrola, one of the world’s largest energy companies, have reached two major milestones with a €5.2 billion co-investment in the UK’s East Anglia THREE offshore wind farm – one of the largest offshore wind transactions of the decade – and the full energization of their 476MW Baltic Eagle project in Germany. These developments mark significant progress in delivering Europe and the UK’s offshore wind targets and advancing the companies’ €15 billion strategic partnership to accelerate clean energy deployment across key markets including the UK, Germany, and the US. Signed in December 2023, the Masdar–Iberdrola partnership is one of the largest bilateral alliances in the global clean energy sector. Together, these projects accelerate Europe’s offshore wind build-out and underscore Masdar and Iberdrola’s commitment to tripling global renewable capacity by 2030. East Anglia THREE co-investment agreement in the UK Masdar and Iberdrola will co-invest in the 1.4GW East Anglia THREE wind farm in the UK, in one of the largest offshore wind transactions of the decade. Under the agreement, each company will have a 50% stake in and co-governance of the asset, which will be pivotal in advancing Europe’s ambitious offshore wind development targets. All the conditions precedent have been achieved and the transaction is expected to close shortly. In addition, on 9 July the project financing for East Anglia Three was signed for approximately £3.5 billion – around €4.1 billion euros – with 24 international banks. Oversubscribed by 40%, the facility is one of the largest ever such transactions. It will cover a substantial part of the total costs of the project, estimated at approximately €5.2 billion, without consolidating debt in any of the partners’ financial statements. Located off the Suffolk coast in the UK, East Anglia THREE will become one of the world’s two largest offshore wind farms when it comes into initial operation in Q4 2026, delivering enough clean energy to power 1.3 million British homes. The project benefits from long-term revenue security through a 15-year CPI-linked Contract for Difference (CfD) awarded in the UK Government’s AR4 and AR6 auctions, as well as a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Amazon signed in 2024. Over 2,300 jobs are expected to be created during construction, with 100 long-term roles supported across its lifetime. Full energization of Baltic Eagle in Germany Masdar and Iberdrola have also celebrated the completion and full energization of the Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea. As the first project completed under the strategic partnership, the 476MW wind farm represents a major step forward in supporting Germany’s clean energy ambitions, reinforcing both companies’ leadership in renewable energy development. It will supply around 475,000 households with renewable energy while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 800,000 tons per year. Baltic Eagle is the second of Iberdrola’s three major wind farm projects in Germany, along with Wikinger (350MW, in operation) and Windanker (315MW, in planning). Collectively, these offshore wind farms form Iberdrola’s Baltic Hub. Baltic Eagle is Masdar’s first project with Iberdrola, its first in Germany and resulted in the company’s largest ever euro-denominated financing. HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar said: “Masdar and Iberdrola are continuing to forge one of the largest and most powerful strategic clean energy partnerships to accelerate capacity growth in Europe and worldwide. Offshore wind will play a crucial role in the global energy transformation, and landmark developments like Baltic Eagle and East Anglia THREE are significant advances towards clean energy targets in major European nations. With demand surging due to exponential AI growth and the rise of emerging markets, projects such as these have never been more critical.” Ignacio Galán, Iberdrola’s Executive Chairman, said: “Today is an important landmark in our global partnership with Masdar. Partnerships such as this one are vital in accelerating energy security and competitiveness and working towards delivering ambitious climate targets. With Masdar, we have a partner who shares our vision and commitment. “Joining forces with Masdar in the East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm will allow Iberdrola to accelerate our strategic focus on the UK, where we are investing £24 billion to 2028 in transmission and distribution networks and in renewable energy, contributing to the delivery of the UK Government’s ambitious electrification plans. The completion of Baltic Eagle represents a new milestone in our partnership, reinforcing Iberdrola’s commitment to electrification and strengthening our presence in the Baltic Sea.” Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “This landmark partnership underscores our commitment to driving Europe’s energy transformation and advancing global climate goals. Our strategic co-investments with Iberdrola in East Anglia THREE and Baltic Eagle demonstrate how ambitious cross-border partnerships can deliver transformative impact at scale. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for offshore wind collaboration, and we are looking forward to deepening this partnership as Europe accelerates its renewable energy targets. “Through this partnership, Masdar is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the European energy transformation. From our roots in the UK since 2008 to our growing presence in Germany, we are proud to be part of some of the region’s most iconic renewable energy developments. Our co-investments in East Anglia THREE and Baltic Eagle exemplify how cross-border collaboration can accelerate impact at scale.” Masdar and Iberdrola will continue to jointly invest in future clean energy projects in Europe and in other markets. Work to identify other opportunities is already underway, with the anticipated total value of joint investments in offshore wind and green hydrogen as part of the partnership calculated at €15 billion. As Masdar advances towards its target of 100GW of global clean energy capacity by 2030, its European footprint continues to expand and – following its landmark acquisitions in 2024 of Saeta Yield in Spain and TERNA ENERGY in Greece – is expected to contribute up to 30GW of capacity and support the region’s clean energy goals. In addition to its partnership with Iberdrola, Masdar has invested in wind and solar projects across key
Material Evolution is launching a pilot project of its ultra-low carbon cement, MevoCem, in partnership with leading building materials solutions company CRH and its UK operating company Tarmac. The pilot will demonstrate MevoCem’s performance under the new BSI Code of Practice Flex 350 which allows for the specification of a wider range of lower carbon concretes to help decarbonise construction projects. It may help provide the data necessary for Flex350 to be incorporated into the broader BS8500 concrete standard – which is equivalent to the EU’s EN206 – making it simpler to deliver projects using the latest low carbon innovations. By using proprietary alkali fusion technology to produce MevoCem, Material Evolution has eliminated the need for heat as part of the cement production process, providing an up to 85% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to traditional cement. The project follows the selection of Material Evolution as a winner in the recent Sustainable Materials Accelerator Program, led by CRH Ventures – the venture capital unit of CRH – which identified innovative materials and applications to lower emissions, reduce waste and improve energy use across the construction sector. Liz Gilligan, CEO and co-founder of Material Evolution, said: “This partnership is a major milestone for our team, and we’re excited to deepen our relationship with CRH and Tarmac as we scale MevoCem at a commercial level. CRH’s commitment as an early adopter of our next-generation ultra-low carbon cement products is especially significant – it supports not just our growth, but the continued research required to deliver a true net zero cement alternative. “Decarbonising the construction industry is one of the most urgent environmental challenges we face. It’s only through partnerships, collaboration, and innovation with industry leaders that we can accelerate the adoption of ultra-low carbon cement across the sector.” Eduardo Gomez, head of CRH Ventures, commented: “Through our accelerator programmes CRH is supporting the delivery of market-ready innovation to our customers across the construction value chain. “Winners gain access to CRH’s extensive network and expertise to drive forward the availability of smarter solutions to support a more resilient built environment.” Josh Bennett, national technical manager for Ready-Mix at Tarmac, commented: “We are looking forward to collaborating with the team at Material Evolution to pilot the next-generation of ultra-low carbon cement products currently under development, and continuing to advance progress in the materials science of low carbon products.” As the biggest producer of low-carbon cement in the UK, Material Evolution’s Mevo A1 Production Facility in Wrexham has the capacity to produce 120,000 tonnes of MevoCem annually, making the company the largest producer of ultra-low carbon cement in the UK. To find out more about Material Evolution, visit: https://materialevolution.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has officially approved STARK Group’s climate targets to reach net zero by 2050. The targets include carbon reductions across the entire value chain and are aligned with the 1.5°C pathway and UN’s Paris Agreement. In 2021, STARK Group became the first distributor of building materials and among the first 20 Danish companies to have its 2030 climate plan approved. The company aims to reduce direct carbon emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 45% and indirect value chain emissions (scope 3) by 25% by 2030. Now, STARK Group has received approval for its long-term targets leading up to 2050. The company commits to reducing its total emissions (scope 1, 2, and 3) by at least 90% by 2050, with a particular focus on lowering the climate impact of building materials, which account for the vast majority of the group’s emissions. The targets are based on detailed analyses and a data-driven approach to identifying and reducing climate impact across both STARK Group’s own emissions and the emissions tied to the building materials it sells. This effort is supported by external factors such as stricter emissions requirements in building regulations, suppliers’ own net zero targets, and political initiatives such as the EU Green Deal and the UK Climate Act, under which both the EU and the UK have committed to climate neutrality by 2050. In the UK, STARK UK is fully committed to aligning its sustainability efforts with national climate objectives, including the UK Climate Change Act and the government’s Net Zero Strategy. The business has integrated sustainability into its core strategy, with measurable goals that reflect science-based targets and support the UK’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050. In the company’s financial year 2024, STARK UK achieved a 15.6% reduction in direct carbon emissions (scope 1 and 2), relative to a 2020 baseline. Fuel from logistics saw a reduction of 17% YOY. This has been driven by a nationwide energy reduction programme, targeted branch investments, saving an average of 19 tonnes of CO₂ per site annually, and fleet optimisation. Louise Askær-Hune, Senior Director, Group Sustainability & ESG, says: “Our climate ambition is built on extensive data and rigorous calculations, and we are proud that our ambitious targets have now been scientifically validated. This applies not only to our own operations but also to our efforts to bring the entire value chain along on the journey toward a less climate-impacting construction industry. With this approval, we know we are on the right path.” Sabrina Passley, Head of Sustainability STARK UK adds: “Having our SBTi targets approved is deeply meaningful, it’s a promise to future generations that we’re taking real, science-backed action. To our UK partners and stakeholders, we’re not just ticking boxes, we’re in this together, building a more sustainable future with passion, pride and commitment.” More than 95% of STARK Group’s emissions come from the building materials the company sells (scope 3). Therefore, STARK Group has had to develop new methods and solutions that challenge industry standards. Currently, climate data is typically calculated using average estimates based on the price of a product group, which means that more expensive materials are assigned worse climate scores than cheaper ones. STARK Group is now the first in the industry to collect and digitise climate data from sources such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for over 60% of the products in its assortment. With this new, precise calculation method, building material manufacturers are incentivised to produce more climate-friendly products showing actual emissions. At the same time, customers gain an accurate view of the products’ carbon footprint, enabling them to factor this information into their decision-making. “Only 2% of our total emissions come from our direct operations. Therefore, the biggest task lies in reducing emissions from the building materials and products we make available from manufacturers and suppliers. The approval of our climate targets has been a comprehensive process, requiring significant work in data collection and analysis. We are therefore pleased to have established a tool that makes product-level climate impact transparent, setting a new standard in our industry,” says Louise Askær-Hune. For STARK Group, this initiative not only enhances transparency but also strengthens the company’s strategic decision-making. The detailed insight into product emissions enables the company to target its climate efforts and support its net zero ambition with concrete, data-based actions. STARK Group has already implemented climate monitoring tools in Denmark and Sweden. Later this year, they will also be introduced in Finland, and the company is working to offer the solution across all its markets. In Denmark, the STARK-developed tool KlimaLog received the prestigious Finans Impact Climate Award in 2024. Since 2021, the company has been a signatory to the UN Global Compact, established a European Supplier Programme with a focus on supplier collaboration in areas such as sustainable development, and achieved the EcoVadis Platinum rating for its commitment to sustainable business practices. STARK Group’s Approved Climate Targets for 2030 and 2050: · Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 45% by FY30 from a FY20 base year. · Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by FY30 from a FY23 base year. · Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% by FY50 from a FY20 base year. · Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 90% by FY50 from a FY23 base year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Green light given to transform Teviot Estate in Poplar with new housing, open spaces and community facilities Plans to deliver nearly 2,000 new homes as part of one of East London’s largest estate regeneration schemes have been approved by Tower Hamlets Council. The project will see the complete transformation of the Teviot Estate in Poplar, replacing outdated housing with up to 1,928 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable, alongside new green spaces, commercial space, a purpose-built mosque and a new community centre. National planning and development consultancy Lichfields advised on the scheme, which is being delivered by a joint venture between local housing association Poplar HARCA and The Hill Group, one of the UK’s leading housebuilders. The proposals were approved by the borough’s Strategic Development Committee last week. The project is one of several that Lichfields has advised on from the earliest stages, drawing on its extensive experience in estate renewal and planning policy. Clare Catherall, Associate Director at Lichfields, said: “This is a flagship regeneration project for London and an important milestone for the Teviot community. The scale and complexity of the plans, along with the level of resident engagement, make it a clear example of estate regeneration done properly. It tackles serious housing need while improving quality of life for existing residents. We’ve worked closely with Poplar HARCA and The Hill Group to help shape a scheme that reflects local priorities and makes the best use of this part of east London.” The project follows extensive consultation with residents and secures the right for all existing tenants and leaseholders to return. As well as modern, energy-efficient homes, the masterplan includes the transformation of Langdon Park, as well as over 6,000 sqm of new public open spaces, over 7,000sqm of dedicated play spaces within the estate, and improved links across the A12 and DLR line to better connect the area with the wider neighbourhood and improve public safety. Poplar HARCA’s Director of Regeneration and Development, Paul Dooley, said: “This is a real win for residents who gave their time and efforts to make sure this masterplan delivers the things that are important for local people. The plans focus on family-sized housing to tackle overcrowding in Tower Hamlets, as well as investment in community facilities and projects that will benefit the neighbourhood for years to come. We’re excited to get started on delivering these plans and working in partnership with Hill to build a brighter future for Teviot.” Designed to address long-standing issues of overcrowding and poor-quality housing, the new homes will be built to modern space and sustainability standards. The scheme includes a significant provision of affordable housing, with a focus on larger family-sized rented homes to meet local need. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, added: “This is a landmark moment for Teviot and a major step forward in delivering lasting change for the community. Securing planning permission means we can now move forward with our shared vision, which prioritises creating high-quality homes and improved communal spaces that reflect the needs of residents. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Poplar HARCA and the local community to bring these plans to life.” Construction on the first phase is expected to begin in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has officially commenced on one of the world’s largest electric arc furnaces (EAF) in Port Talbot, Wales — a cornerstone project in the UK’s move toward sustainable steel production. Senior executives from Tata Steel, alongside UK Government ministers and leading contractors, gathered on site today for the groundbreaking ceremony at the state-of-the-art facility. The new EAF will melt UK-sourced scrap steel to produce three million tonnes of steel annually, significantly reducing reliance on traditional blast furnaces. As part of Tata Steel UK’s wider decarbonisation strategy, the project also includes advanced ladle metallurgy systems and major infrastructure upgrades. The scheme, led by principal contractor Sir Robert McAlpine, is backed by a robust supply chain including Darlow Lloyd & Sons, Mii Engineering, Skelton Thomas, Wernick Buildings, Andrew Scott Ltd, and Systems Group. With a total investment of £1.25bn — including £500m of support from the UK Government — the transformation aims to deliver low-carbon steelmaking at scale. Once operational by the end of 2027, the EAF is expected to cut Port Talbot’s carbon emissions by around 90%, the equivalent of five million tonnes of CO₂ annually, while safeguarding 5,000 UK jobs. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said: “This is an important day for Tata Group, Tata Steel, and the UK. Today’s groundbreaking marks not only the beginning of a new electric arc furnace but the dawn of a cleaner, greener era of manufacturing in Britain. At Port Talbot, we are laying the foundations for a more sustainable future — supporting jobs, driving innovation, and demonstrating our commitment to responsible industry leadership.” “This initiative is part of Tata Group’s wider investment in the UK — spanning steel, automotive, and technology — and reflects our deep and enduring partnership with the country.” Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, added: “The UK Government acted decisively to secure the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot. With £500m invested in Tata’s transition and £80m to support workers and the wider community, we’re ensuring this vital industry thrives for generations to come.” “This project is just one element of our wider Steel Strategy, which includes £2.5bn in investment to rebuild the UK’s steel sector, protect jobs, and drive growth. With new opportunities in floating offshore wind, the Celtic Freeport, and local regeneration, Port Talbot has a bright and promising future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
