CBRE’s Project Management and Office Agency teams retained on iconic Liverpool landmark Princes Group plc ( ‘Princes’) , the new owner of the historic Grade-1 Royal Liver Building, has retained real estate advisory firm CBRE on the iconic Liverpool landmark. CBRE’s Property Management and Office Agency teams are both retained
High street health and beauty chain Bodycare has announced the closure of 32 of its UK stores, after rising costs and funding challenges pushed the business into administration. The retailer, which operates 147 stores nationwide, had been facing significant financial pressures. A potential rescue deal failed to materialise, leading to
A major construction project is underway to deliver modern, sustainable Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for Army personnel at Baker Barracks, Thorney Island. Ground works have begun on three new SLA blocks at Baker Barracks, which will provide a combined total of 315 en-suite bedspaces: 242 for Junior Ranks, 47 for
Plans have been submittedfor a new developmentwhich wouldbring up to 125 new homes, 15 acres of public open space and improvements to a key road junction in Bishop’s Tachbrook. Bellway Strategic Land has lodged an outline planning application with Warwick District Council for the scheme after carrying out a public
Work on the latest phase of a transformative regeneration programme to connect Sighthill with the heart of Glasgow is set to create more than 170 new jobs. Driven by top 10 housebuilder, Keepmoat, the latest phase at the site now dubbed ‘NorthBridge’ will create 246 new homes at the site
Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has acquired the customers of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) specialists Cemcotec. The successful integration of Cemcotec’s customer base into Oscrete’s expanding operations, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing growth strategy and is announced just weeks after Oscrete acquired structural waterproofing specialists, PUDLO, further expanding
Oldham Council and the team behind the ‘ground-breaking’ Spindles renovation have been presented with the British Council of Offices’ (BCO) northern Innovation Award. The presentation in the new office space saw representatives from construction company Willmott Dixon, architects AEW, project management lead Hive, quantity surveyor Gleeds, and interior designers SpaceInvader,
The new virtual desktops, purpose-built for architects, support graphics-intensive applications such as Enscape, TwinMotion and 3ds Max Creative ITC, the leading global cloud services provider for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, has announced the launch of its Virtual Cloud Desktop Pod (VCDPod) that is purpose-built for resource-intensive design
Urban living often presents the challenge of optimizing limited space in homes and apartments. Sliding door kits offer a versatile solution, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics in compact environments. This article explores how sliding door kits can transform urban living areas into more flexible and efficient spaces. Living in a
A major riverside regeneration project at Orchard Wharf in Tower Hamlets has been given the green light, after Regal secured unanimous planning consent for a scheme that combines affordable housing, student accommodation, public open space, and a revitalised working wharf. The development will deliver 208 affordable homes, meeting the London
CBRE’s Project Management and Office Agency teams retained on iconic Liverpool landmark Princes Group plc ( ‘Princes’) , the new owner of the historic Grade-1 Royal Liver Building, has retained real estate advisory firm CBRE on the iconic Liverpool landmark. CBRE’s Property Management and Office Agency teams are both retained following the leading food and drink group’s purchase of the building for £60M, further cementing its commitment to its Liverpool roots. Both CBRE teams have played an integral role in breathing new life into the enduring symbol of Liverpool’s history since being appointed in 2012 with CBRE also advising on the original sale in February of 2017. CBRE’s seamless work has supported the vision to create highly desirable premier space in the city, as well as the management of the ongoing refurbishment and transformation programme of the building. Princes’ investment in one of Liverpool’s most recognisable landmarks, forms a key part of a broader £83M real estate plan that also includes the Cross Green facility in Leeds (£23M), underlining the Group’s long-term commitment to the UK. Built in 1911, the Royal Liver Building has an unrivalled, prime position on the City’s waterfront overlooking the River Mersey. Andrew Willoughby, Director, CBRE’s Property Management team said: “We are delighted to continue our involvement in the management of the Royal Liver Building; the team has done a great job in positioning the building as the best in class customer experience, and we look forward to working with Princes in delivering the next phase of its journey.” Simon Harrison , Princes Chief Executive Officer said : “The Group plans to expand its presence within the Royal Liver Building, using it not only as a corporate HQ, but also as a multi-purpose venue for events, collaboration and public engagement. Liverpool is important to our heritage, having been a tenant at the Royal Liver Building since 1982 with more than 400 colleagues based there. The acquisition further reinforces our deep connection to the city and our dedication to create a stable and sustainable operating base for the future. We recognise the significance of this iconic asset and are honored to assume its custodianship. Partnering with CBRE, we are dedicated to preserving its unique character and maximizing its potential for future success.” Neil Kirkham, Senior Director, CBRE’s Office Agency team said; “It is an immense source of pride for our team to continue our long-standing relationship with a globally recognised and iconic landmark like the Royal Liver Building. Over the last seven years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting its transformation and success alongside Corestate, and we are excited to work with Princes to build upon this legacy and deliver the next chapter for this premier space in Liverpool.” Andy Byrne, Director, CBRE’s Office Agency team said: “We are excited to be working with Princes to build upon the existing success of this landmark building. We are planning a diverse selection of new spaces, presenting a unique opportunity for occupiers to establish a presence in a highly sought-after location. The next phase of spaces will range from 1,000 sq ft up to 21,000 sq ft, with flexible options to accommodate a variety of requirements.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
High street health and beauty chain Bodycare has announced the closure of 32 of its UK stores, after rising costs and funding challenges pushed the business into administration. The retailer, which operates 147 stores nationwide, had been facing significant financial pressures. A potential rescue deal failed to materialise, leading to the appointment of administrators from advisory firm Interpath, who are now exploring a sale of the business and its assets. Bodycare said it had been hit by mounting costs, a delayed transition from its online retail platform, and the continuing effects of the cost-of-living crisis on customer spending. The company was also left with a funding shortfall following the cancellation of a planned stock market listing last year. The closures will affect branches across England, Scotland and Wales, including sites in Croydon, Edinburgh, Maidstone, Newport, Perth, Scunthorpe, West Bromwich and Wrexham. Nick Holloway, joint administrator and managing director at Interpath, said:“These remain challenging times for high street retailers as rising costs and reduced consumer spending continue to weigh heavily on trading. Unfortunately for Bodycare, which was also contending with a significant funding gap and increasing creditor pressure, these challenges proved too difficult to overcome.” The health and beauty sector has seen mixed fortunes in recent years. While discount operators and online platforms have gained market share, traditional high street retailers continue to grapple with reduced footfall, inflationary pressures and shifting consumer habits. For Bodycare, which built its reputation on offering affordable beauty and personal care products, the combination of increased operating costs and tighter household budgets proved insurmountable. The future of the brand and its remaining stores now rests on whether a buyer can be secured in the coming weeks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major construction project is underway to deliver modern, sustainable Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for Army personnel at Baker Barracks, Thorney Island. Ground works have begun on three new SLA blocks at Baker Barracks, which will provide a combined total of 315 en-suite bedspaces: 242 for Junior Ranks, 47 for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs), and 26 for Junior Officers. The modular blocks will be built using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) designed to achieve exceptional building energy efficiency. Sustainable design features include photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps and a SMART energy management system, which learns how the building is used so that it runs as efficiently as possible. The project will also deliver over 400 car parking spaces with 20 electric vehicle charging points, increasing parking capacity at the barracks, while further supporting energy efficiency. The project is being delivered under the Army’s SLA Programme by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) contracting to off-site construction specialists Reds10. Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director Basing & Infrastructure, said: “The investment at Baker Barracks will provide modern, spacious accommodation that will enhance living standards for our people delivering important operational capabilities. These modular buildings deliver outstanding quality and comfort, incorporating soldier feedback into their design alongside sustainable technologies that support both our carbon reduction commitments and cost efficiency objectives.” Warren Webster, DIO MPP Army Programme Director said: “It’s exciting to see the start of preparatory works for this fantastic project as we work to improve military accommodation. Once complete, a significant number of the soldiers and officers based at Baker Barracks will enjoy brand-new, comfortable and sustainable accommodation.” Phil Cook, Defence Director, Reds10, said: “Through our close working partnership with the DIO, Reds10 is pioneering advanced technologies and techniques to deliver exceptional value at Baker Barracks. Utilising industrialised construction to design and build innovative, sustainable and high-quality living spaces, we are transforming the living accommodation for the armed forces at pace.” Further investment is planned at Baker Barracks under the Army’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Programme to support 7 Air Defence Group’s operational capability. The major infrastructure upgrade, currently in the critical design phase, includes an extension to the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Mess facility, additional office space, more efficient storage areas and upgraded secure storage. Construction is due to start in Autumn 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submittedfor a new developmentwhich wouldbring up to 125 new homes, 15 acres of public open space and improvements to a key road junction in Bishop’s Tachbrook. Bellway Strategic Land has lodged an outline planning application with Warwick District Council for the scheme after carrying out a public consultation on its proposals at the end of last year. It is seeking permission to develop a 24-acre site on land south of Mallory Road at the western edge of the village, with large areas of public open space – including a community orchard and children’s play area – to be provided alongside the new homes. The development would also deliver improvements to the junction of Mallory Road and Banbury Road, which have been added to the plans following feedback from local residents during the consultation process. Christy McLean, Strategic Land Manager for Bellway’s Central region, said: “Our plans for the Mallory Road site are the result of extensive consultation with Warwick District Council and the wider community, enabling us to design a scheme which responds to the priorities of local people. “We have made a number of key changes to our plans following the public consultation, including relocating the community orchard within the site and allowing more space for an attenuation basin to improve its appearance. We are now also proposing to create a dedicated left-turn facility onto Banbury Road from Mallory Road to increase capacity at this junction, after this was highlighted as a particular priority by residents.” Bellway’s outline plans propose that 40 per cent of properties will be provided as affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership, and five per cent as self or custom-build plots. The homes would feature a range of energy efficiency measures and low carbon technologies including air source heat pumps and solar PV panels. It is estimated that the development would create 45 new jobs and add £11 million to the region’s economy over the anticipated three-year construction period, as well as generating £2 million in local household retail spending and £310,000 in council tax payments per year. Christy said: “If approved, the development would provide significant social, economic and environmental benefits for Bishop’s Tachbrook and the wider district. Up to 50 homes would be provided as affordable housing for local people unable to buy on the open market, while at least five per cent of properties would be bungalows to meet the needs of older residents. “The 15 acres of public open space proposed far exceeds the four acres required for a development of this size and would include a community orchard, wildflower meadow and hedgerow planting, providing new habitats to increase biodiversity. Improvements to walking and cycling routes – another priority highlighted in the consultation responses – will also be delivered, with the enhancement of the existing footpath and a new pedestrian route providing access to the bus stops on Mallory Road and amenities in the village.” Warwick District Council will make a decision on Bellway’s outline planning application. For more information on how Bellway Strategic Land plans sustainable communities, see https://www.bellwaystrategicland.co.uk/. To find out more about Bellway’s developments in Warwickshire, go to https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work on the latest phase of a transformative regeneration programme to connect Sighthill with the heart of Glasgow is set to create more than 170 new jobs. Driven by top 10 housebuilder, Keepmoat, the latest phase at the site now dubbed ‘NorthBridge’ will create 246 new homes at the site of former tower blocks on Pinkston Road, with 41 homes designated for social rent for Wheatley Homes Glasgow, part of Wheatley Group. The significant regeneration project will deliver more than 1,000 homes at completion and has already created 86 new jobs for local people – contributing thousands of pounds to the local Glasgow economy. Alongside the £59.5 million investment in private and affordable homes, the latest phase of the Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area (TRA), Keepmoat will also generate at least £180,000 in community benefits value. Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Scotland, comments: “At Keepmoat we’re committed to building communities and transforming lives. Creating jobs for local people and investing in the economy of Glasgow is also at the heart of what we do. “From supporting local suppliers and contractors to opening up employment and apprenticeship opportunities across the region, our work brings real, lasting benefits to people and our community. “This development is a major step forward – not only in boosting economic growth, but in delivering more than 1,000 much-needed, high-quality new homes for local people.” The development will create a multi-tenure community and is set to be completed by 2028. Frank McCafferty, Group Director of Assets and Development at Wheatley Group, said: “We’re proud to be bringing forward the next phase of the NorthBridge development in Sighthill and helping support jobs for the city, with our Partners Keepmoat and Glasgow City Council. “As the UK’s biggest builder of social homes, Wheatley is committed to investing in energy-efficient, accessible homes that people can be proud to live in.” Supported by grant funding from Glasgow City Council and Scottish Government, the 41 homes for social rent will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats, and 25 houses with between two and four bedrooms. Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Housing and Development at Glasgow City Council, added: “The regeneration of Sighthill has already brought hundreds of new high-quality homes, a new schools campus, a landmark pedestrian and cyclist bridge, and a beautiful park to a neighbourhood on the edges of the city centre. “We can now look forward to the delivery of the next phase of the project and these new homes – including more than 40 homes for social rent – being delivered as quickly as possible.” To find out more, please visit: www.keepmoat.com/northbridge Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete has acquired the customers of Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) specialists Cemcotec. The successful integration of Cemcotec’s customer base into Oscrete’s expanding operations, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing growth strategy and is announced just weeks after Oscrete acquired structural waterproofing specialists, PUDLO, further expanding its portfolio of expertise and services. The move further strengthens Oscrete’s position as a leading provider of innovative concrete solutions and reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and technical expertise across the construction industry. Cemcotec founder and GRC specialist Graham T Gilbert continues to provide consultancy to GRC manufacturers while Cemcotec customers will now benefit from the wider Oscrete team’s expertise and services. Oscrete Director Scott Wilson said: “As part of the transition, we are incredibly proud to continue our collaboration with Graham, a globally respected consultant with over 50 years of experience in GRC. Graham will continue to offer technical consultancy services, supporting Oscrete and our customers with his unparalleled knowledge and insight gained from decades of work on GRC projects around the world. “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Cemcotec’s customers into the Oscrete family in a merger which not only strengthens our business but also enhances the level of service and technical support we can offer.” Commenting on the merger, Graham added: “Having spent more than 50 years in the sector covering all aspects of GRC from research and development to its global roll out and then establishing of Cemcotec in 2005, I wanted a company which could build on these milestones and achievements and provide my customers with additional benefits and expertise. “Oscrete meets these requirements with their range of concrete additives, full warehousing and logistics network plus excellent laboratory facilities for mix evaluations and comprehensive support services. Having worked with Oscrete for many years, I am delighted to be placing my customers in such safe hands and to announce the start of an exciting new chapter for our customers and for the GRC industry itself.” Oscrete is a UK-based manufacturer specialising in concrete admixtures for precast, ready-mix concrete and mortars. The company was established in 1983 and is known for its innovative construction products which enhance the performance and durability of concrete applications, offering a range of bespoke solutions for the built environment. This latest development is a key part of Oscrete’s broader strategy to expand its technical capabilities and customer reach, particularly in the specialist GRC sector. Scott added: “With a growing team of expert consultants and our strong focus on innovation, Oscrete is well-positioned to lead the way in concrete technology and customer service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oldham Council and the team behind the ‘ground-breaking’ Spindles renovation have been presented with the British Council of Offices’ (BCO) northern Innovation Award. The presentation in the new office space saw representatives from construction company Willmott Dixon, architects AEW, project management lead Hive, quantity surveyor Gleeds, and interior designers SpaceInvader, present the trophy to Leader of Oldham Council Cllr Arooj Shah, and Chief Executive Shelley Kipling. Recognised as a benchmark for innovation in reimagining town centre spaces, when Spindles is officially fully open, the 450,000 square foot development will also be home to a new indoor market and food hall, flexible offices, event space and heritage archive. BCO judges recognised the building’s ‘ground-breaking, adaptive reuse of a building that has transformed a struggling 1990s shopping centre’. They commented: “Oldham Spindles is an innovative project that reimagines urban regeneration, proving that underutilised retail spaces can be repurposed for modern office environments. “It sets a bold precedent for repurposing failing retail assets into thriving workspaces. A combination of architectural ingenuity, sustainability, and social impact makes it a worthy recipient of the BCO Innovation Award, showcasing a transformative model for urban regeneration.” Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “This recognition for Spindles is a huge moment of pride for Oldham. The Spindles redevelopment is just one part of our wider regeneration Building a Better Oldham programme, including the creation of 2,000 new homes, the restoration of the Old Library building, Oldham Coliseum, and the groundbreaking Northern Roots project. “Oldham is a town on the up and our time is now, investing in our existing buildings while creating modern spaces that will increase jobs, and drive people into the town centre. This award belongs to the whole town, and it shows the confidence others are starting to share in Oldham’s future.” Shelley Kipling, Chief Executive of Oldham Council, said: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the ambition we have for Oldham. It shows that our bold vision for the town centre is not only working but is being recognised as some of the best across the North. The Spindles redevelopment demonstrates how we can take underused spaces and turn them into something innovative and useful. “Alongside projects like the JR Clynes Building, the new market, the new event space, and the hugely successful Egyptian Room, it’s another step in creating a town centre we can all be proud of – a place where more people want to live, work, and visit.” Creating opportunities for local people has been at the heart of the Spindles regeneration. Willmott Dixon, alongside its supply chain partners have delivered 271 weeks of apprenticeship training and 117 weeks of work experience as well as creating seven T-level student placements for local young people from Oldham College. Chris Baker, Operations Manager at Willmott Dixon, commented: “As an Oldham-based company, we are really proud to play our part in shaping the future of the town centre alongside Oldham Council. “This award recognises the real team effort of local businesses that have come together to ensure Oldham is leading the way when it comes to reimagining town centres.” A delegation from the council will now travel to London on October 7th for the national BCO Awards. Phil Hepworth, Director at AEW Architects, said: “To have been selected for the Innovation Award against the entire pool of finalists is a fantastic achievement. It’s a testament to the collaborative efforts behind the project and the whole team’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the workplace.” Paul Mann, North England Regional Director at Gleeds, comments: “Spindles, the latest high street repurposing in the conversion of Spindles Shopping Centre is the next progressive step to making the town centre a place to live, work and play. It follows the completion of the Metrolink Extension from Manchester in 2014 and the investment in a new leisure facility, repurposing the Old Town hall in in 2016. “It’s been a great 4-year journey of involvement with this transformational project, which will have an untold impact on the town and people of Oldham. This award is very much deserved for the innovative approaches that were central to the project’s success. Gleeds enjoyed being part of the collaborative team that delivered Spindles and look forward to seeing it become a thriving hub for the local community for many years to come.” John Williams, SpaceInvader Director & Founder, said: “Spindles is a perfect example of how high street assets can be reimagined with innovation and purpose. By blending contemporary workspace with community-centric design, this project breathes new life into the heart of Oldham. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such a forward-thinking council, truly committed to creating spaces that serve both people and place. The recognition from the BCO is testament to the ambition and impact of a regeneration project designed to directly benefit the Oldham community.” Natalie Palframan, Procure Partnerships Framework’s Key Account Manager (North) added: “The Spindles redevelopment has transformed Oldham’s town centre and stands as a fantastic example of regeneration that delivers real social value for the local community. We are delighted to see this project recognised with such a prestigious award, which is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new virtual desktops, purpose-built for architects, support graphics-intensive applications such as Enscape, TwinMotion and 3ds Max Creative ITC, the leading global cloud services provider for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, has announced the launch of its Virtual Cloud Desktop Pod (VCDPod) that is purpose-built for resource-intensive design and visualisation applications, simulations, 3D rendering and modelling. The new solution has been designed to overcome challenges that architects typically face when working with CPU-intensive applications including Enscape, Rhino, Lumion, TwinMotion, Maya, CREO, and 3ds Max. These powerful tools can put a heavy strain on IT infrastructure, requiring frequent upgrades to expensive traditional CAD workstations and making scaling virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) cost-prohibitive. In contrast, VCDPod provides a flexible, scalable and secure solution that delivers the full power of a high-end in-office workstation to architects, wherever they are working. Professionals use a dedicated laptop, thin client or iPad to login into a virtual cloud desktop that offers single tenant access to high-end, dedicated computing resources. This delivers higher clock speeds for even the most demanding workloads and offers multi-screen capabilities with no image degradation. John Dawson, Director, Creative ITC, said, “With competition in RFPs fiercer than ever and client expectations continuing to rise, architecture firms are under pressure to deliver more innovative, immersive designs – faster and more efficiently. VCDPod is a direct response to that market demand, offering next-level performance for the most graphics-intensive workflows. And to help architecture firms stay focused on higher value work, we’re also removing the burden of managing complex IT environments. It’s about empowering architects to do what they do best – design and innovate.” VCDPod complements Creative ITC’s existing fully managed VDI solution, VDIPod, giving architecture practices the ultimate flexibility to create a tailored, hybrid solution designed to scale with them. VCDPod has been purpose-built for the AEC industry specifically for AEC professionals. Key features include: For more information about VCDPod, visit: https://info.creative-itc.com/en-gb/vcdpod-virtual-desktop Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Urban living often presents the challenge of optimizing limited space in homes and apartments. Sliding door kits offer a versatile solution, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics in compact environments. This article explores how sliding door kits can transform urban living areas into more flexible and efficient spaces. Living in a city often means dealing with limited space, which can be a significant hurdle for many. As urban areas become more crowded, the need for efficient space utilization becomes essential. One effective way to address this issue is through the use of Sliding Door Kits. By replacing traditional doors with sliding mechanisms, you can maximize floor space and introduce a new level of flexibility to your home layout. Sliding door kits blend seamlessly into various design styles, providing a modern and practical approach to managing space effectively. Enhancing home layouts with sliding door kits Efficient space utilization is crucial in urban homes where every square foot counts. Sliding door kits play a vital role in enhancing living areas by allowing more adaptable room layouts. Unlike conventional doors that require ample swing space, sliding doors slide along tracks, making them ideal for tight spaces. This not only frees up room for furniture but also allows for creative interior design possibilities, making your home feel more open and inviting. Sliding door kits provide an elegant solution to privacy concerns in shared spaces without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. They can be used to divide open-plan areas into functional zones, such as creating separate living and dining areas or partitioning off a workspace within a larger room. The ability to open or close off spaces as needed offers unparalleled flexibility, catering to different occasions and moods. By embracing sliding doors, you can effortlessly transition between open and intimate settings in your home. Moreover, sliding doors contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic appeal of your living space. Available in a range of materials, from glass to wood, they can complement any interior style. Glass sliding doors allow light to flow freely between rooms, enhancing the sense of openness and creating a bright, airy atmosphere. Wood or frosted glass options provide additional privacy while maintaining an elegant look. Maximizing available space with sliding door kits Sliding door kits offer numerous benefits that are particularly valuable in urban settings where maximizing available space is key. They help create a more open and adaptable environment by eliminating the need for traditional hinged doors that consume unnecessary floor area. This makes them an ideal choice for small apartments or homes where every inch matters. One significant advantage of sliding doors is their ability to merge indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. When installed between a living room and balcony or terrace, they create an uninterrupted visual flow that extends your living area beyond its physical boundaries. This is especially beneficial during warmer months when you wish to enjoy fresh air and natural light without compromising on indoor comfort. Sliding doors also enhance accessibility within your home by providing wider openings that accommodate movement with ease. This feature is particularly useful for individuals with mobility challenges or families with young children who require more space to maneuver safely. Practical applications of sliding door kits in urban homes Sliding door kits can be employed in various practical applications throughout urban homes to divide spaces effectively while adding aesthetic appeal and functionality. For instance, they are perfect for creating temporary partitions between bedrooms and bathrooms or transforming large rooms into separate sleeping quarters for guests or family members. The aesthetic versatility of sliding door kits makes them suitable for modern urban homes seeking both style and practicality. Whether used as closet doors or pantry enclosures in kitchens, these systems offer streamlined solutions that enhance organizational efficiency without compromising on design integrity. Their sleek profiles allow them to blend harmoniously into contemporary interiors while offering customizable options such as mirrored panels or decorative patterns tailored to individual preferences.
A major riverside regeneration project at Orchard Wharf in Tower Hamlets has been given the green light, after Regal secured unanimous planning consent for a scheme that combines affordable housing, student accommodation, public open space, and a revitalised working wharf. The development will deliver 208 affordable homes, meeting the London Plan’s 35 per cent target and providing much-needed high-quality housing in the borough. Alongside this, 1,365 purpose-built student rooms will help ease demand in London’s rental market and support the capital’s position as a global centre for education. A key feature of the scheme is the revitalisation of the safeguarded wharf, unlocking 7,524 square metres of logistics floorspace for use by Thames Clippers Logistics. This will create a low-carbon river freight hub, reducing reliance on road transport and strengthening the role of the Thames as a vital transport artery. The proposals, shaped in collaboration with Montagu Evans, include more than 7,400 square metres of landscaped open space. Features will include gardens, children’s play areas and community facilities accessible to residents and visitors. Designs by Howells incorporate an elevated riverside garden and careful integration with the surrounding neighbourhood, ensuring the scheme contributes positively to the wider Leamouth area. Steve Harrington, Planning Director at Regal, commented:“We are delighted that Orchard Wharf has secured Planning Committee approval. This is an important step towards delivering new affordable homes and high-quality student accommodation in Tower Hamlets while ensuring the long-term future of the wharf as a sustainable logistics hub. Orchard Wharf exemplifies our commitment to creating places that balance housing need, economic opportunity and community benefit.” William Poole, Partner at Howells, added:“The committee’s decision marks a step change in London’s evolution towards more climate-resilient infrastructure solutions. The scheme enables the delivery of more than 1,500 homes in this riverside location, prioritising affordable housing alongside rooftop residents’ gardens that will be difficult to match elsewhere in the capital. We are proud to have reached this stage as part of a talented and determined team.” Construction is expected to start in early 2026, following detailed design and delivery work. Once complete, Orchard Wharf will stand as a benchmark for co-location in London, demonstrating how housing, employment and high-quality public realm can be integrated within one development. It will also reinforce Tower Hamlets’ role at the forefront of London’s regeneration, setting a precedent for unlocking underused riverside land for long-term benefit. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals