Vistry Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable and mixed-tenure homes, has received planning approval for the final phase of its major residential development in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. Under the plans approved by Rother District Council, the latest phase will deliver 354 new homes, including 87 affordable homes
New figures released today by Midlands Connect and Natalie Fleet MP show that within three miles of Junction 28 of the M1, strategic companies collectively support over 43,000 jobs and generate more than £10.5 billion in annual turnover. Midlands Connect’s Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said investment in road upgrades
WJ Group has unveiled what it believes to be the world’s first fully electric thermoplastic road marking truck – a significant leap forward for sustainability in the highways sector. The £500,000 investment has seen the road safety specialist transform an Iveco chassis into a bespoke electric vehicle, developed in partnership
Kier has been awarded a £139 million contract by Severn Trent Water to deliver a substantial upgrade of the Wanlip sewage treatment works in Leicestershire – the third-largest facility of its kind in Severn Trent’s network. The extensive programme is designed to future-proof the site by increasing capacity and resilience
Mountpark has signed a lease agreement with Waitrose for a new distribution centre at Mountpark Bristol 360 in Avonmouth. Mountpark has signed a lease agreement with Waitrose for a new distribution centre at Mountpark Bristol 360 in Avonmouth. The 360,926 sq ft Mountpark Bristol 360 will serve as the retailer’s
Construction is set to begin on a new £25m community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Nottingham city centre, with Henry Brothers appointed as the main contractor. Located on Lister Gate, the Broad Marsh CDC will provide crucial medical imaging and diagnostic services to help tackle NHS waiting lists across the region.
Sybron, a leading supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in UK hospitality, is expanding operations with the opening of a second distribution centre in Stafford in the heart of the Midlands. After many years of operating from a single depot in Harlow, Essex,
A Government contract for a groundbreaking hydrogen production facility in Bradford has been signed by project partners N-Gen Energy Solutions and Hygen Energy. The contract, called a Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement, provides the scheme with government subsidies to enable the hydrogen produced to be sold at a rate which is
Bromford Flagship is delighted to announce that it has undertaken two new financing transactions this month to fund its strategic ambitions over the years ahead. These comprise the completion of a 25-year, £300m sustainable bond and an extended term loan from NatWest. The bond, which has a 25-year maturity, was
Sale by strategic land promoter follows a complex five year planning process, which included two separate Public Inquiries by the Planning Inspectorate Catesby Estates, a leading strategic land promoter, has completed the sale of a 14.8 acres site with reserved matters planning permission for 96 homes at Rascals Farm in
Vistry Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable and mixed-tenure homes, has received planning approval for the final phase of its major residential development in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. Under the plans approved by Rother District Council, the latest phase will deliver 354 new homes, including 87 affordable homes – comprising 31 for affordable rent and 56 for shared ownership – which have been forward sold to CBRE Investment Management’s UK Affordable Housing Fund. The remaining 267 homes will be for open market sale and delivered under Vistry’s Bovis and Linden Homes brands. Enabling and infrastructure works for the final phase are due to begin later this year, with the first homes expected to be completed in 2026. The development will offer high-quality housing across a range of tenures, designed to meet local needs. A strong focus has also been placed on green infrastructure and placemaking, with access to existing and new open spaces, walking and cycling routes, and connections to local services. Located to the east of Bexhill, the wider strategic development will now provide a total of 1,001 homes. It forms part of a long-term plan to support housing growth across the region and contribute to the creation of a sustainable new community. Brendan Evans, Managing Director at Vistry Kent, commented: “Securing planning for the final phase of our Bexhill development is a landmark moment for our team. This scheme has already made a significant contribution to meeting housing demand in East Sussex, and this final phase will bring even more high-quality, energy-efficient homes to the area. We’re proud to be delivering a mixed-tenure community that supports local people, in partnership with CBRE Investment Management.” Andrew Davey, Fund Manager, UK Affordable Housing Fund at CBRE Investment Management, added: “This latest acquisition of 87 affordable homes builds on the 153 homes we secured in Bexhill last year, reinforcing our long-term commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable housing in the local community. Through our UK Affordable Housing Fund, we are proud to be deploying institutional capital to address the chronic undersupply of affordable homes, while generating long-term, stable returns for our investors. We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with Vistry on this important scheme, which aligns with our ambition to create sustainable, inclusive communities across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New figures released today by Midlands Connect and Natalie Fleet MP show that within three miles of Junction 28 of the M1, strategic companies collectively support over 43,000 jobs and generate more than £10.5 billion in annual turnover. Midlands Connect’s Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said investment in road upgrades could help ‘boost’ the area’s economic growth. Advanced Manufacturing and Retail are the dominant sectors, accounting for the largest shares of employment and economic output. This sector alone contributes over £1.6 billion in turnover and employs more than 10,000 people, highlighting the area’s role as a hub for manufacturing and supply chain activity. Retail also plays a major role, contributing nearly £6.7 billion in turnover and supporting 16,900 jobs, showing how the corridor also serves regional consumer markets. The concentration of logistics and business services shows the importance of fast, reliable links to the wider motorway network. This concentration of industry and retail sector hubs underscores the need for reliable connectivity to sustain business operations, freight logistics, and access to skilled labour. Data released today in May showed that by 2035, due to the economic success of the area, there could be 81,830 extra trips a week using Junction 28, even though the junction is at 107% capacity in the morning rush hour. Midlands Connect, Roads Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, said: “With over 43,000 jobs and £10.5 billion turnover concentrated within just 3 miles, junction 28 enables national and international connectivity for key industries. “Investment to address congestion, improve journey reliability, and unlock capacity will support manufacturing competitiveness, supply chain efficiency, and enable planned growth in housing and employment in the region.” Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet, the Parliamentary Champion for Junction 28, said: “These figures show how critical making improvements at junction 28 is for employment and the economy. “People in Bolsover and beyond need to be able to travel to and from their jobs in this area without sitting in congestion and businesses need to get goods in and out of their sites without unnecessary delays. “I will continue to push for the improvements that we need.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WJ Group has unveiled what it believes to be the world’s first fully electric thermoplastic road marking truck – a significant leap forward for sustainability in the highways sector. The £500,000 investment has seen the road safety specialist transform an Iveco chassis into a bespoke electric vehicle, developed in partnership with Electra Commercial Vehicles. The innovative truck is the result of extensive in-house modification, which included removing the internal combustion engine and replacing it with an electric motor, supported by a lightweight aluminium framework to maximise range. A standout feature of the vehicle is its fully electric heating system, which replaces traditional gas burners to warm thermoplastic road marking materials to the required temperature. WJ has also created custom electric applicator prams to ensure consistent product temperatures during on-site application. The truck is now entering the final stages of testing before full deployment onto UK roads. Wayne Johnston, chief executive of WJ Group, said: “By launching the world’s first fully electric thermoplastic road marking truck, we’re providing a genuinely innovative solution that puts sustainability at the forefront of our industry. When paired with our bio-based thermoplastic materials, local authorities can dramatically cut emissions and align more closely with their net zero commitments.” “This vehicle is a major milestone towards a fully electric fleet,” he added. “It marks the beginning of a new era for highways maintenance, where environmental responsibility and technological innovation go hand in hand.” The electric truck forms part of WJ Group’s wider commitment to decarbonising road infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting the UK’s broader push toward greener transport solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier has been awarded a £139 million contract by Severn Trent Water to deliver a substantial upgrade of the Wanlip sewage treatment works in Leicestershire – the third-largest facility of its kind in Severn Trent’s network. The extensive programme is designed to future-proof the site by increasing capacity and resilience while meeting more stringent environmental standards. Once complete, the upgraded facility will be capable of handling a 24% increase in dry weather flow and around 20% more full flow to treatment, addressing the demands of a growing population and improving water quality across the region. This milestone follows an early contractor involvement (ECI) phase, during which Kier completed enabling works and developed the detailed design in close collaboration with Severn Trent. Full-scale construction is now under way and is expected to conclude by 2028. Key elements of the scheme include: James Jesic, Severn Trent’s capital delivery and commercial director, commented: “It’s exceedingly rare for us to award contracts of this size and it really speaks to the scale of these upgrades at Wanlip and our commitment to improving our infrastructure, delivering a reliable high-performing service for our customers, and protecting the environment.” Andy Lingham, managing director of water at Kier Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks, added: “This is a significant project for Severn Trent, and we’re pleased to be bringing our expertise to help deliver it. Our relationship spans more than 20 years, and this is one of many projects we’ll be delivering in this AMP8 cycle. Collaboration will be key to making it a success, with all parties co-located in our new welfare village, working together to ensure safe, efficient, and successful delivery.” The project forms part of Severn Trent’s wider capital investment plan for AMP8 and highlights Kier’s continued role in helping the water company enhance its critical infrastructure across the Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mountpark has signed a lease agreement with Waitrose for a new distribution centre at Mountpark Bristol 360 in Avonmouth. Mountpark has signed a lease agreement with Waitrose for a new distribution centre at Mountpark Bristol 360 in Avonmouth. The 360,926 sq ft Mountpark Bristol 360 will serve as the retailer’s fifth regional distribution centre. Set to be operational by autumn 2026, the facility will enhance delivery efficiency to approximately 50 existing Waitrose stores across the south west, while also offering the capacity to support future store openings. The facility has been rated BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and holds an EPC A+ certification. Its roof is equipped with 1,200 solar panels, generating 625 kVA of power, supported by 118 kW of Tesla battery storage. Designed with sustainability and employee wellbeing in mind, Mountpark Bristol 360 includes features such as a roof terrace, landscaped gardens, and extensive ribbon glazing to maximise natural light to the warehouse marshalling areas. Once operational, Waitrose expects the site to help it cut supply chain emissions by 2,225 tonnes of CO₂ per year, contributing to its goal of becoming fossil fuel free by 2030 and net zero carbon by 2035. Bart Holt-Smith, Director, Capital Markets and Development for Mountpark said: “Waitrose’s selection of Bristol 360 is a strong endorsement of our ability to deliver buildings that meet the evolving needs of modern logistics from commercial performance to environmental responsibility. We’re proud to be working with a brand of Waitrose’s calibre and delighted that our shared commitment to sustainability and quality aligns so closely. We look forward to welcoming this iconic British retailer and supporting its continued success in the region.” Strategically located with direct access to the M49, M4, M5 and key regional freight corridors, Mountpark Bristol 360 will play a central role in servicing Waitrose’s future ambitions. The retailer is working on plans to open new convenience and full-line stores throughout the UK. Last month, it announced that a shop will be built at Brabazon in north Bristol, which is expected to open in 2027, and later this year a new convenience store will open in The Arches, Bristol. Alison Maffin, Waitrose’s Supply Chain Director, said; “This multi-million-pound investment is an important step in modernising our supply chain and setting us up to build the capacity needed for our growth plans. It will also enable us to better serve our customers in the region, more efficiently supply our existing shops and reduce our operating costs and carbon emissions. The modern and sustainable features of Mountpark Bristol 360 make it an excellent fit for our business.” Mountpark Bristol 360 is part of Mountpark’s expanding UK portfolio of Grade A logistics developments and is located at Central Park, Avonmouth, one of the South West’s most strategically significant distribution hubs. The forthcoming M49 Junction 1 will further enhance connectivity, providing Bristol 360 with improved access to the UK’s motorway and freight networks, and reinforcing its long-term value as a distribution base. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is set to begin on a new £25m community diagnostic centre (CDC) in Nottingham city centre, with Henry Brothers appointed as the main contractor. Located on Lister Gate, the Broad Marsh CDC will provide crucial medical imaging and diagnostic services to help tackle NHS waiting lists across the region. Enabling works are now under way following the signing of contracts between Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH), which will run the facility, and Homes England, the site’s new landlord. The project forms part of the wider regeneration of the Broad Marsh area and is scheduled to open before the end of 2026. CDCs play an increasingly important role in providing quicker, more convenient access to services such as MRI and CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and heart and lung function tests – all without the need to visit a hospital. Henry Brothers, headquartered in Northern Ireland with a regional office in Beeston, will deliver the facility alongside Arup as structural and civil engineers and Leonard Design as architects. Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers Construction, said: “This is an exciting project that will bring real health benefits to people across Nottingham. We’re proud to be playing a part in the transformation of Broad Marsh and to be contributing to the delivery of vital public sector infrastructure.” Design and planning for the site – previously owned by Nottingham City Council – was made more complex by its integration with the wider Broad Marsh structure and the presence of asbestos. But with these issues resolved, work is now progressing. Mark Simmonds, deputy medical director at NUH, added: “This centre will be vital in diagnosing conditions earlier and helping patients get the care they need without needing to travel far from home.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sybron, a leading supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in UK hospitality, is expanding operations with the opening of a second distribution centre in Stafford in the heart of the Midlands. After many years of operating from a single depot in Harlow, Essex, Sybron’s second distribution centre will strengthen service to its growing number of national customers, offering more efficient support to key areas such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby and Leeds. The Stafford depot is strategically located to increase delivery frequencies, minimise mileage and cut emissions and the carbon footprint of the business, in line with the company’s commitment to sustainability. “This is a big step forward for us and a reflection of our ongoing commitment to delivering the best possible service to our customers nationwide,” says sales & marketing director, George Mason. “We’re really excited about this next chapter for Sybron, focusing on ensuring the long-term success of the business, whilst at the same time preserving and expanding on the business legacy built by the founders.” The fit-out of the new unit will begin shortly and the management team expects it to be fully operational by November 2025. Site development will be as sustainable as possible, including solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, as the business works towards achieving net zero. The new warehouse will be led by Joe McCann, who joined the Sybron team five years ago. Staff recruitment will take place in September. “We will establish and run the new depot in the right way, led by Joe, an experienced member of our Essex team, to ensure our values and culture carry through,” says operations director, Bradley Henwood. “We’re confident this new depot will be a brilliant extension of everything Sybron stands for. Also, importantly at Sybron headquarters it is business as usual, with no changes to the team as we continue to grow.” This major initiative follows the recent announcement of Sybron’s management buyout, safeguarding the long-term future of the business. The management team is now well established having taken leadership roles over two years ago, bringing fresh skills to evolve and drive the business forward. During this time, Sybron has made significant strides, launching new Sybron-branded product lines, including SyBio, a range of biotechnology-based cleaning products and SySoft, which offers a selection of paper and tissue products, such as eco-friendly bamboo toilet rolls. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Government contract for a groundbreaking hydrogen production facility in Bradford has been signed by project partners N-Gen Energy Solutions and Hygen Energy. The contract, called a Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement, provides the scheme with government subsidies to enable the hydrogen produced to be sold at a rate which is comparable to fossil fuels, such as diesel, for 15 years. Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen is the largest of 11 schemes in the Government’s first Hydrogen Allocation Round, which provides a total of £2 billion of funding to stimulate hydrogen production. The flagship low carbon hydrogen production facility and fuelling station, to be built off Bowling Back Lane in Bradford, will give companies in the area and operators of heavy vehicles access to hydrogen, a cleaner energy source, from 2027. The facility will produce up to 12.5 tonnes of hydrogen per day, enough to power 800 buses and is estimated to be worth £120 million to the local economy and create up to 125 jobs. Hydrogen is a multi-purpose fuel which does not produce carbon when burned, making it compatible with plans for decarbonisation. It can be used as a replacement for natural gas in heating and industrial processes, and for replacing diesel in heavy goods vehicles including buses, trains and lorries. Hydrogen production secures the future of the Birkshall site, off Bowling Back Lane, which has a rich heritage stretching back almost 100 years. It was previously home to three large gas holders, with the site producing and storing gas for use by Bradford’s homes and businesses. The site will comprise hydrogen production, storage and refuelling, with the hydrogen produced through a process known as electrolysis, which uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. In a joint statement, Gareth Mills, Managing Director at N-Gen Energy and Kevin Selleslags, Hygen CEO, said: “We are thrilled to reach the milestone of signing the low carbon hydrogen agreement, which takes us a step closer to offering the region’s businesses and heavy transport the opportunity to decarbonise with cleaner, locally produced hydrogen at a competitive price. We’re excited to move to the next phase of building this trailblazing facility.” Minister for Industry, Sarah Jones, said: “This government is rolling out hydrogen out at scale for the first time, with 10 of the first projects now shovel-ready to start powering businesses with clean, homegrown energy from Teesside to Devon. “Hydrogen will help us cut industrial emissions and support Britain’s industrial renewal by creating thousands of jobs in our industrial heartlands as part of the Plan for Change.” Bradford Council supports the project and believes, as West Yorkshire’s only planned hydrogen production plant, it will play an important role in helping the area deliver on its climate change ambitions. Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council said: “We’re really pleased to see the private sector working with the Government to bring new industry to Bradford. I’m delighted that the contract has now been signed. The scheme will help us bring investment and green jobs to Bradford as well as delivering on our climate change ambitions.” Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We’ve declared a climate emergency in West Yorkshire, and we’re committed to net zero by 2038, so I’m delighted that one of the UK’s biggest hydrogen production facilities is right here in Bradford. This investment will play a vital role in helping us achieve our ambitions of a greener, more secure region, with higher paid jobs and lower energy bills for future generations.” Neil McDermott, Chief Executive of LCCC said: “Signing this Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement is a key milestone, not only for the Bradford project, but for the development of a thriving hydrogen economy across the UK. Hydrogen has a vital role to play in our transition to net zero, particularly in decarbonising sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy transport and industry. “Through our delivery of the Government’s Hydrogen Business Model, LCCC is proud to provide long-term revenue support that gives investors the confidence to back pioneering projects like this one. We look forward to working with the Bradford team as the project goes from strength to strength, bringing clean energy, economic opportunity and innovation to the region.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bromford Flagship is delighted to announce that it has undertaken two new financing transactions this month to fund its strategic ambitions over the years ahead. These comprise the completion of a 25-year, £300m sustainable bond and an extended term loan from NatWest. The bond, which has a 25-year maturity, was met with strong investor demand in the current market conditions and was four times oversubscribed. It was priced at government gilts plus 0.82% producing a coupon and yield of 6.072%, marking the housing association sector’s tightest spread in four years. It’s the first issuance under Bromford Flagship’s recently established Euro Medium Term Note programme and was issued under the group’s Sustainable Finance Framework. Both frameworks were established in June 2025 to create an enhanced route to access the sustainable capital markets to enable the organisation to deliver 2,000 new homes a year over the next 30 years. At the same time Bromford Flagship has finalised a term loan from NatWest which extends the life of facilities previously available to the group. This bilateral loan, along with the £300m bond, has sustainability features and these will allow the group to continue its investment in high-quality, affordable homes in places that enable people to thrive, delivering sustainable outcomes for customers and communities. Bromford Flagship’s Chief Finance Officer Paul Walsh said: “These deals optimise our ongoing debt facilities whilst raising some new funds that support our liquidity. They increase the average life of our outstanding debt and demonstrate our confidence to fund the business for the long term to support our ambition to be one of the largest builders of much needed social and affordable homes in the UK. “This is an important milestone which will allow us to move forward with our future financing and development plans and enables us to access the additional £1.9 billion capacity following the creation of Bromford Flagship earlier this year.” Dominic Brindley, Director Financing and Risk Solutions at NatWest, said: “NatWest is delighted to support Bromford Flagship as both arranger of their £1.5bn EMTN programme and an active bookrunner on this £300m debut drawdown. NatWest is committed to playing its part in helping people into safe stable homes and this is reflected in our ambition to lend £7.5bn to the social housing sector.” Bromford Flagship ratings of A2 Stable with Moody’s and A+ Stable with S&P will apply to the bond. The managers on the bond transaction were Barclays Bank PLC, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc, NatWest Markets Plc and ABN AMRO Bank N.V.. Bromford Flagship’s legal advisers were Devonshires Solicitors LLP and its treasury advisers were Newbridge Advisors LLP. These transactions follow a £75 million private placement that the housing group issued in April. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sale by strategic land promoter follows a complex five year planning process, which included two separate Public Inquiries by the Planning Inspectorate Catesby Estates, a leading strategic land promoter, has completed the sale of a 14.8 acres site with reserved matters planning permission for 96 homes at Rascals Farm in Southwater, West Sussex. The price was not disclosed. The site, located south of Southwater, will provide a range of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes of various types (apartments, terraced, semi-detached and detached houses). 35% of the homes will be affordable, of mixed type and tenure, with priority given to local residents or those with a local connection. The development will also feature a new large, open and informal public space for new and existing residents, with the existing grassland to be maintained and enhanced to support biodiversity. Detailed planning approval was secured following a 2024 Reserved Matters application for 96 homes, including the provision of an off-site water neutrality solution being approved at committee in August 2025. This innovative solution to water neutrality ensures that any new dwellings do not increase the rate of water abstraction for drinking water supplies, above existing levels. This followed an outline planning permission in August 2021, which Catesby secured after a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Horsham District Council had refused the 2020 application using delegated powers citing the principle of development, but this was overturned following a four day Public Inquiry, where the Planning Inspectorate agreed that the site had limited impact upon the wider landscape character and that the Council could only demonstrate a 4.2 year housing land supply. This was the first appeal decision in the District at that time which confirmed that the council could not demonstrate a five year supply of land for housing. A further Public Inquiry was held by the Planning Inspectorate into an application from a local resident to West Sussex County Council to register the land as a Town & Village Green, which would have protected the land from future development. Catesby robustly objected to the application resulting in a Public Inquiry being held in 2021. The report issued by the Inspector following the Inquiry found the applicant’s case had failed on all counts and should therefore be refused. Andy Wright, Associate Land Director at Catesby Estates, said: “We are very pleased that Barratt Redrow will be taking forward this site to deliver high quality new homes and public space for Southwater. This has been a particularly lengthy and complex planning process, with two Public Inquiries and engagement with planning officers at both the district & county level on multiple applications. Catesby was able to demonstrate the application complied with policy and draw on evidence that local housing supply was less than had been cited. We are very proud to have seen the application through to a successful conclusion on behalf of the landowner, and that much needed new homes and improved public space will now finally be delivered for the community.” Jack Allan, Land Director at Barratt Redrow, adds: “Barratt Redrow are delighted to have completed on the land at Rascals Farm, Southwater. It was a pleasure to work with Catesby Estates who were extremely pragmatic and quick at making decisions to allow a smooth transaction. Furthermore, the planning application they obtained is a testament to their in-house skills by presenting us with the ideal foundation to create a thriving community. “This site represents a great opportunity for the business to provide much needed high quality new homes in the area of Horsham. With this area being impacted by water neutrality in recent years, there has been a real lack of supply. However, Catesby were able to secure offsite mitigation meaning we are able to make a prompt start on site. We look forward to delivering a great scheme in Southwater and deliver the much needed market and affordable housing for the area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals