The government has thrown its weight behind Heathrow Airport Limited’s proposal for a third runway, paving the way for a £33 billion expansion to create a new “superhub” at the UK’s largest airport. The preferred scheme, put forward by Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), includes around £21 billion for the construction
Leading structural and civil engineering consultancy, Perega, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its design works up to RIBA Stage 4 on the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit at Queen’s Hospital in Romford. Following the project briefing in October 2024, the firm has since played a pivotal role
VIVID, one of the UK’s leading housing associations, has announced it has secured £100 million in funding from NatWest as part of the bank’s £500 million social loan fund, designed to accelerate the delivery of homes for social rent across the country. VIVID is the first to draw down funds
2025 has become one of the most significant years of recognition for the Study Inn Brand, as the high quality serviced student accommodation provider secures wins on both the National and European stage, including best private hall in four top UK Cities and Best in Class Resident Wellbeing Programme in
By Mark Hall-Digweed, Partner, Carter Jonas (Infrastructure) Introduction Yesterday’s Budget was billed as a defining moment for economic growth. On first impressions, it appears to have been a constructive day for infrastructure. There were ample mentions of infrastructure in the Budget Report – no fewer than 76 uses of the
Marks & Spencer is ramping up its search for new locations as it pushes ahead with plans to double the size of its food business. The retailer has published a fresh list of 500 target areas across the UK where it wants to open, relocate or significantly enlarge M&S Food
The timetable for a major new over-station development at Paddington has been brought forward, with main contractor Mace now preparing to start full construction in the first quarter of next year. Developer Helical, which is delivering the project in joint venture with Transport for London’s property company Places for London,
ep Group, a UK energy transition company, and global smart energy company GridBeyond are announcing a partnership agreement to deliver an AI-powered optimisation programme for ep Group’s growing energy storage operations. The partnership further supports ep Group’s joint venture with Norwegian power systems and battery storage specialist, Pixii AS, launched
A major new leisure and office development is being proposed for Swadlincote, with South Derbyshire District Council unveiling plans for a £59 million complex on a former mining site at Cadley Park. The scheme, designed by CPMG Architects, would deliver a contemporary glass-fronted leisure centre at ground level with an
A major new £200 million hospitality and community hub is being proposed for Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge, as The Social Hub lines up its second UK site and continues its European expansion. The group, founded by Edinburgh-born entrepreneur Charlie MacGregor, is in advanced talks over a plot on the former Fountain Brewery
The government has thrown its weight behind Heathrow Airport Limited’s proposal for a third runway, paving the way for a £33 billion expansion to create a new “superhub” at the UK’s largest airport. The preferred scheme, put forward by Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL), includes around £21 billion for the construction of a new north west runway and a further £12 billion for associated terminal and airfield infrastructure. In addition to the expansion plans, HAL has committed to investing a separate £15 billion in modernising and upgrading existing airport facilities. This refurbishment programme is independent of the third runway and is expected to go ahead regardless of the outcome of the planning process for expansion. The decision ends the chances of a rival proposal led by billionaire hotel entrepreneur Surinder Arora, whose alternative vision for Heathrow’s future has been under consideration alongside HAL’s plans. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the government’s choice on Tuesday morning, following what she described as a detailed comparison of the remaining options for growth at Heathrow. “Following a comparative assessment of the remaining proposals for Heathrow expansion, the government’s view is that the north west runway scheme brought forward by Heathrow Airport Limited offers the most credible and deliverable option,” she said. “Today is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion. This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament which meets our key tests including on the environment and economic growth.” Heathrow Airport Limited will now prepare and submit an application for development consent for the north west runway, triggering a formal planning and examination process. In a statement, HAL welcomed the government’s backing. “We welcome the Government’s support for our scheme to build a third runway at Heathrow – the UK’s gateway to growth. Expanding Heathrow will mean more connectivity, increased trade, improved passenger experience and a huge economic boost for the British businesses that will help design and build it. “However, we still need further clarity as to how the crucial next phase of the project will be regulated. We need definitive decisions from the CAA and Government by mid December so that delay to the project can be avoided and we can get on with delivering this vital project for our customers and for the UK.” The chosen scheme will require significant alterations to surrounding infrastructure, including major works to the M25 estimated at around £1.25 billion. These works are expected to involve realignment and tunnelling to accommodate the new runway while maintaining one of the country’s busiest motorways. With the government now formally backing HAL’s plan, attention will turn to the detailed planning process, environmental assessments and regulatory decisions that will determine how and when the third runway can move from policy to construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading structural and civil engineering consultancy, Perega, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its design works up to RIBA Stage 4 on the Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) unit at Queen’s Hospital in Romford. Following the project briefing in October 2024, the firm has since played a pivotal role in creating the technical design package that will enhance modern healthcare provision for Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, continuing Perega’s five-year strong working relationship with the Trust. The SDEC project, a ward refurbishment within the modern Queen’s Hospital, presented opportunities to leverage Perega’s team’s expertise in delivering efficient and innovative technical design solutions. Using the hospital’s comprehensive site records, the team conducted detailed assessments of the roof structure to accommodate the new mechanical plant. Commenting on the project, Sam Coleman, Associate Structural Engineer at Perega, said: “We reviewed the originally specified mechanical plant loadings on the roof and determined that a large steel frame would be necessary to support the plant. Based on our experience with healthcare projects, we knew the plant originally specified was on the high end of loading, and were therefore able to request that the mechanical engineer explore an alternative manufacturer. They were able to find a significantly lighter unit which meant we didn’t need to install a heavy steel frame, considerably reducing material usage and costs and avoiding breaking through the waterproofing.” A notable challenge during the design process involved routing new ductwork from the ground floor to the roof while ensuring zero disruption to an operational ward on the first floor directly above the SDEC. Perega undertook extensive investigations to help realise the design team’s solution that brought the ducting externally up the face of the building through a tight space in the external wall. This minimised disruption to the hospital’s operations, a crucial aspect of working in a live healthcare environment. Furthermore, the ground floor’s suspended slab construction and existing ground gas issues necessitated careful coordination of drainage, which the team expertly validated. Perega’s experience in the healthcare sector, characterised by a deep understanding of not only structural requirements but also the broader implications for other consultants, proved invaluable. It allowed the firm to offer alternative, more efficient solutions during this stage, aiding the successful collaboration with M&E consultants, Redworth Associates, and architects, Arcadis. The completion of the RIBA Stage 4 for the SDEC unit demonstrates the Perega team’s commitment to delivering modern, large-scale healthcare facilities with a focus on efficiency and minimal disruption during implementation. Looking ahead, Perega is also involved in the early stages of the A&E transformation project at Queen’s Hospital, further expanding its contribution to the hospital’s vital infrastructure. To find out more about Perega’s expertise in the healthcare sector, please visit: perega.co.uk/sectors/healthcare. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
VIVID, one of the UK’s leading housing associations, has announced it has secured £100 million in funding from NatWest as part of the bank’s £500 million social loan fund, designed to accelerate the delivery of homes for social rent across the country. VIVID is the first to draw down funds from this. This first-of-its-kind initiative by NatWest aims to tackle the UK’s housing crisis by providing ringfenced lending exclusively for the construction of social rent homes. The facility offers discounted interest margins and no arrangement fees, enabling housing associations to save millions in finance costs and reinvest those savings into building and improving homes for those who need them most. With over 1.3 million households currently on social housing waiting lists and living without the security of a stable home, this funding represents a significant step toward addressing the urgent need for affordable housing. This funding will make a real difference – helping to ease the shortage of social homes, support vibrant local communities, and give VIVID the flexibility to keep building where it matters most. It will go towards building an additional 450 new social rent homes for more customers and comes with a 10-year loan term, providing stability for long-term investment. Social rents are significantly lower than private rents, making them far more affordable for our customers. In our operating areas, they’re typically 50–60% cheaper than an equivalent private rental. This means we can provide a secure home for around 970 people currently on Local Authority housing lists. David Ball, Chief Financial Officer at VIVID, said: “NatWest’s new social rent linked loan product gives housing associations the financial flexibility to build more homes at social rent levels. The overall rate discount being offered is an innovative step change that shows NatWest’s commitment to supporting the Government’s Social Rent led agenda.” Paul Eyre, NatWest Group Head of Residential and Housing Finance, said: “This agreement has been made possible through NatWest’s dedicated social loan fund which has been ringfenced entirely for the building of social rent housing across the UK. It’s part of our ambition to lend £7.5 billion to the social housing sector before the end of 2026. It’s the latest loan agreement between NatWest and VIVID following a separate £125million investment earlier this year, and we’re delighted to continue supporting them in their goals of addressing a housing shortage in the South of England by building almost 900 affordable and sustainable homes, making a big difference for the communities they serve.” Forhad Ahmed, Senior Associate, Real Estate Finance Security at Trowers & Hamlins LLP, said: “We are delighted to have advised VIVID on securing £100 million from NatWest as part of their landmark £500 million social loan facility. This first-of-its-kind initiative demonstrates innovative financing in the social housing sector and will enable VIVID to deliver much-needed affordable homes across the country.” Anna Clark, Legal Director for Bevan Brittan LLP, said: ““We are so pleased to have once again supported VIVID in completing another landmark loan facility to further assist with the delivery of much needed social housing. “ The £500 million fund forms part of NatWest’s wider £7.5 billion lending ambition to the social housing sector by the end of 2026, reinforcing its commitment to supporting sustainable housing solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
2025 has become one of the most significant years of recognition for the Study Inn Brand, as the high quality serviced student accommodation provider secures wins on both the National and European stage, including best private hall in four top UK Cities and Best in Class Resident Wellbeing Programme in Europe. Study Inn achieved exceptional results in the Student Crowd Awards 2025, where winners were selected from 22,179 verified student reviews across 37 UK locations. Study Inn Bristol; Study Inn Exeter; Study Inn Leeds; and Study Inn Loughborough were each awarded Best Property in their respective cities. These awards are especially meaningful as they reflect real student sentiment, highlighting consistent excellence in service, safety, facilities, location, value for money, experience, and overall satisfaction. Study Inn was awarded Best Resident Wellbeing Programme 2025 at The Class Foundation’s Best in Class Awards, held in Lisbon. In a highly competitive field of leading UK and pan-European operators, the judges recognised Study Inn’s commitment to creating a student living experience that prioritises mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. The Group’s sector-first wellness spas, meditation rooms, housekeeping service, free English lessons, vibrant events calendar, and 24/7 on-site teams played a significant part in securing the accolade. Matt Shakespeare, Managing Director of Operations, commented: “Winning these awards is an incredible honour and a true reflection of our teams’ passion and dedication. It demonstrates that our focus on wellbeing, service, community and value for money is making a very real difference for our residents, and that is where it matters most.” Study Inn continues its momentum at the Property Week Student Accommodation Awards 2025 next month, where the Group is shortlisted for five national awards; Operator of the Year; Best Student Experience in Accommodation; Developer of the Year; Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative; and Halls of Residence Awards. This follows last year’s national success, where Study Inn won Best Student Wellbeing Programme 2024 at the same event. Since its formation in 2009, Study Inn has continued to elevate the student accommodation experience through a hotel-style service model that includes 24/7 on-site staff and concierge, regular housekeeping, wellness spas, meditation rooms, yoga studios, gyms, cinema rooms, superfast Wi-Fi, all-inclusive bills, secure key-card access, and a curated social programme that helps residents build community. With major award wins now spanning local, national, and European levels, it reinforces Study Inn’s position as one of the leading operators in the student accommodation sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Mark Hall-Digweed, Partner, Carter Jonas (Infrastructure) Introduction Yesterday’s Budget was billed as a defining moment for economic growth. On first impressions, it appears to have been a constructive day for infrastructure. There were ample mentions of infrastructure in the Budget Report – no fewer than 76 uses of the word ‘infrastructure’ in fact. Much of it was retrospective but there were several positives too. Heathrow runwayTuesday’s pre-Budget support for the extended Heathrow runway was perhaps the most significant announcement from my point of view. But while aviation capacity matters, so too do the fundamentals that affect every household, along with the need for every household to be serviced by transport and utilities. Electricity networks in many areas are already at their limits, and developers are struggling to secure timely connections for new communities. Sewerage systems are under strain too, and strategic water infrastructure has not kept pace with population growth. The same applies to the national energy system. Significant upgrades are needed to the transfer of power across the country. While the Great Grid upgrade starts to address the challenge of moving wind generated power from offshore, and moving coastal nuclear power inland, local distribution will require concurrent activity by DNOs. Many renewable energy systems suit localised consumption, but storage technology is the conundrum that the government has the key to unlock. Yesterday’s R&D budget could play an important role in driving innovation in this area. Setting out support for Heathrow ahead of addressing these essentials feels like an unusual sequencing choice. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)The government has published an updated Green Financing Framework, adding nuclear energy to the list of eligible expenditures for green financing (with some exclusions). This goes some way to support the role of nuclear energy as a green energy superpower and is welcome, as is the decision to place the next generation of nuclear technology at Rolls-Royce in Derby. Continued funding for SMR development is welcome. Nuclear is central to a resilient energy mix. But until there is a commitment to the strategic grid upgrades required to move power from a likely SMR site on the coast to homes and businesses across the country, the impact will remain limited. New towns We had hoped for more commitment to the funding of new towns in this Budget. New towns need a commitment to infrastructure from day one, and this appeared to be an omission. Overall, the New Towns Taskforce estimates that its recommended locations could contribute at least 300,000 new homes in the coming years, but they will not be delivered successfully without the utilities, transport links or energy capacity needed to support them. Landfill Tax The Budget states that the government will not converge the two rates of Landfill Tax, as consulted on earlier this year, recognising that the proposed changes imposed costs on businesses and could potentially undermine the government’s housing targets. Instead, the government has committed to preventing the gap between the two rates of Landfill Tax from getting any wider over the coming years and will retain the tax exemption for backfilling quarries to ensure that housebuilders and the construction sector continue to have access to a low-cost alternative to landfill. This is good news for both new towns and development more generally, as if the current landfill tax is expanded to include soil removed from sites, the cost of delivery of everything from a pipeline to a housing estate will rise significantly. Depoliticising infrastructure This government staked much of its early political capital on making the case that simplifying infrastructure delivery and attracting investment into schemes would underpin economic growth. Infrastructure remains one of the strongest levers available to drive that growth, as the Chancellor appeared to agree in her introduction to the Budget. But there is a risk that the political capital spent so far has not been enough. Developers and investors alike want the government to go further and faster, particularly in planning reform and strategic delivery. The devolution of £13bn in flexible funding for seven mayors across England is a step in the right direction, but more will be needed to unlock delivery at scale. Using the Budget to reinforce that ambition could have been the moment that puts major projects on the faster track they need but unfortunately this hasn’t been realised. Conclusion Although politics and infrastructure operate across different timeframes, yesterday’s Budget included positives for energy, transport and utilities. In this respect, the Chancellor has reaffirmed her commitment to growth through the built environment, and our sector should feel more confident in its ability to respond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer is ramping up its search for new locations as it pushes ahead with plans to double the size of its food business. The retailer has published a fresh list of 500 target areas across the UK where it wants to open, relocate or significantly enlarge M&S Food stores over the coming years. The move underlines the scale of its growth ambitions and signals a major opportunity for landlords, developers and local authorities with suitable sites. M&S is focusing on highly visible, easily accessible properties that can accommodate generous trading floors. Across most of the country, the sweet spot is around 18,000 square feet of sales space, supported by good parking and strong road links. Inside the M25, the strategy is slightly different. Here, the retailer is seeking prominent, well-connected locations that benefit from steady footfall throughout the week and strong public transport links. These London and Greater London sites will typically house food halls ranging from 6,000 to 18,000 square feet of trading space, depending on the catchment and configuration. The expanded search comes as M&S prepares to open 20 new or renewed stores between November and March, all in the group’s latest “renewal” format. This concept places a bigger emphasis on fresh food, extended choice and ease of shop, with wider aisles, clearer layouts and improved car parking where possible. The refreshed design is intended to create a brighter, more modern environment that encourages customers to complete a full weekly shop rather than just a top-up. Many of the target locations are places where M&S currently has no presence, reflecting the brand’s belief that it can reach new shoppers as well as deepen its offer in existing markets. Towns such as Hove, Marlborough and Wallingford are among those on the wish list, alongside a wide range of suburban, commuter and regional centres from Elgin in the north of Scotland to Exmouth on the south coast. Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, said the performance of recently opened and upgraded stores had given the business confidence to accelerate its expansion. “The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth,” he said. “With more than twenty stores opening or modernised before the end of the financial year, we are moving faster. “Our team want new sites where we could open a large M&S food store as we deliver on our strategy to bring the right stores to the right places and offer the best shopping experience, range and availability for our customers.” For property owners and developers, the updated requirements provide a clear steer on what M&S is looking for: prominent frontage, easy access for cars and pedestrians, and flexible floorplates capable of accommodating a modern food hall. With the retailer actively scouting for opportunities across 500 locations, competition between sites is likely to be strong as M&S seeks the best possible real estate to support the next phase of its food-led growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The timetable for a major new over-station development at Paddington has been brought forward, with main contractor Mace now preparing to start full construction in the first quarter of next year. Developer Helical, which is delivering the project in joint venture with Transport for London’s property company Places for London, said the programme for the canalside scheme has been “materially accelerated” following early engagement with Mace. Preparatory works are already under way on site ahead of formal acquisition, which is due to complete in January 2026. The scheme will deliver a 235,000 square foot office building above Paddington Station, adding premium workspace in a location with strong transport links and constrained supply. Designed by Grimshaw, the proposed 19 storey building will provide 15 floors of office accommodation above ground floor retail, activating the canalside frontage and stitching the new development into the wider Paddington regeneration area. The value of Mace’s contract has been reported at around £200 million. As a result of the reworked programme, completion is now targeted for the third quarter of 2028, bringing the delivery date forward from the previous target of the fourth quarter. Helical noted that this would see the building come to market at a time when prime office supply in central London is expected to be particularly limited. Alongside progress at Paddington, Helical has also confirmed that heads of terms have been agreed for the forward funding of its development above Southwark Tube station, again in partnership with Places for London. This project will see the construction of a 429 studio student accommodation building, with the 44 affordable homes within the scheme forward sold to the London Borough of Southwark. Both transactions are expected to exchange before the end of the year. Construction at Southwark is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026, with completion of both the student accommodation and the affordable housing targeted for 2029, further underlining Helical’s role in delivering complex, transport-linked schemes across the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ep Group, a UK energy transition company, and global smart energy company GridBeyond are announcing a partnership agreement to deliver an AI-powered optimisation programme for ep Group’s growing energy storage operations. The partnership further supports ep Group’s joint venture with Norwegian power systems and battery storage specialist, Pixii AS, launched earlier this year to meet growing demand for optimised distributed energy systems in the UK. The partnership involves the optimisation of 50MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in North Baddesley, UK and the enrolment in the capacity market. ep Group’s BESS will benefit from GridBeyond’s Energy Management System and AI-driven optimisation platform, which enables real-time optimisation, design, forecasting and trading, allowing access to new revenue streams in the UK energy market. Accurate energy price forecasting will further allow for strategic charging and discharging that aligns with market dynamics and prolongs the life of batteries. “Our partnership with GridBeyond advances our mission to accelerate the shift to distributed, decarbonised, and digitised energy systems,” said Leo Bedford, Partner at ep Group. “With this partnership, we’re combining GridBeyond’s leading optimisation capabilities with Pixii’s power conversion technology and ep Group’s delivery expertise to help clients transform energy infrastructure into a strategic, value-generating asset.” “We are delighted to work together with ep Group to support their growing BESS portfolio,” said Scott Berrie, Director of Origination at GridBeyond. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to advancing energy storage in the UK and highlights the strength of our AI-driven optimisation capabilities, utilising our market-leading forecasting and asset state-of-health expertise to maximise profits across all markets. Energy storage solutions are essential to enabling the full potential of renewable energy, adding flexibility and reliability across the grid.” About GridBeyond:GridBeyond’s vision is to deliver a global zero carbon future. By leveraging AI, we innovate and collaborate with our customers to create optimal value from energy generation, demand and storage to deliver a zero-carbon future. By bridging the gap between distributed energy resources and electricity markets, GridBeyond’s technology means every connected asset – whether utility-scale renewables generation, battery storage, or industrial load – can be utilized to help maximize opportunities and enhance the grid. By intelligently dispatching flexibility into the right market, at the right time, asset owners and energy consumers unlock new revenues and savings, resilience, and management of price volatility, while supporting the transition to a Net Zero future. For more information, visit www.gridbeyond.com. About ep Group:ep Group is a specialist energy transition company with operations spanning advisory, sustainable building design, capital investment, and infrastructure delivery. ep Pixii is part of ep Group and is the exclusive distribution partner for Pixii batteries in the UK. For more information, visit www.epgroup.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new leisure and office development is being proposed for Swadlincote, with South Derbyshire District Council unveiling plans for a £59 million complex on a former mining site at Cadley Park. The scheme, designed by CPMG Architects, would deliver a contemporary glass-fronted leisure centre at ground level with an open-plan council office hub above, creating a new civic focus for the town. The council hopes construction could begin as early as September next year, subject to planning approval. Located off William Nadin Way, the development is intended to breathe new life into the Cadley Park site and provide modern facilities to serve residents across South Derbyshire. The proposals include a state-of-the-art leisure centre to replace the ageing Green Bank Leisure Centre on Civic Way, which would be demolished once the new building is open. South Derbyshire District Council has launched a public consultation, inviting local people to share their views on the plans ahead of a formal planning application expected before the end of the year. Residents, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to review the designs and comment on how the new hub can best meet local needs. Council leader Robert Pearson said the project represented a significant step forward for the district. “A project like this is complicated and there has been a huge amount of work going on in the background to get us to this stage,” he said. “But of course, these key milestones in the programme are the most exciting, as we all get to take a sneak peek at what has been happening, and the plans for this future new addition to our district.” If approved, the Cadley Park development would provide Swadlincote with a modern leisure destination and new council headquarters on a single site, transforming a former industrial area into a landmark community asset. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new £200 million hospitality and community hub is being proposed for Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge, as The Social Hub lines up its second UK site and continues its European expansion. The group, founded by Edinburgh-born entrepreneur Charlie MacGregor, is in advanced talks over a plot on the former Fountain Brewery site, which has lain vacant for around 20 years. The land forms part of the wider regeneration masterplan for Fountainbridge, led by Buccleuch Property and Cruden Homes, which also includes hundreds of new homes, office and retail space and high quality public realm. Plans submitted by Montagu Evans and Hawkins\Brown set out an investment of around £200 million to deliver a 560 bed hybrid hospitality destination. The proposed scheme would bring together extended stay rooms to help relieve pressure on Edinburgh’s housing stock, hotel suites and student accommodation within a single development. In addition to bedrooms, the proposals include co working space for up to 300 people, community event areas, a bar and restaurant, gym and wellness facilities, and a fully accessible landscaped space outside for residents, guests and neighbours to enjoy. The Social Hub will hold public consultation events in Fountainbridge on 8 December and 26 January to share its vision and gather local feedback. It also plans to host visits to its Glasgow site so residents can see first hand how the concept operates and the role it has played in that city’s regeneration. Since opening its first UK hub in Glasgow in 2024, the brand has been credited with helping to revitalise the city centre’s “Golden Z”, bringing new activity and footfall to the lower end of Argyle Street and surrounding streets. The Glasgow site has hosted major events ranging from international comedy and film festivals to The Better Society Academy, headlined by John Swinney and supported by The Social Hub’s TSH Talent Foundation. A certified B Corp, The Social Hub is recognised for its hybrid model that blends hospitality, education, workspace and community uses. Its Glasgow hub stages more than 600 events per year, from film premieres and cooking classes to yoga sessions and skills workshops, with a focus on social impact and community building. Charlie MacGregor, founder and chief executive of The Social Hub, said the Fountainbridge opportunity has a personal significance. “This is a very special moment for me; it is something I have hoped for and worked towards for many years. Edinburgh is my home city and part of my DNA. This is an opportunity to give something back and help shape a bold, positive future for Fountainbridge. We always want the local community to help shape our hubs and would encourage anyone with views about our plans to share them. “The success of Glasgow has shown what we can achieve in Scotland and I am so excited to see how we can make the same kind of impact in this wonderful city. The Social Hub is more than a place to stay – it is a hub where people from all backgrounds come together, help create a better society and achieve extraordinary things.” Nick Waugh, commercial property director at Buccleuch, added: “We are delighted to be working with The Social Hub to provide the last important piece of the approved masterplan and such a complementary use for the site.” If approved, the Fountainbridge scheme would complete a key element of the area’s long term redevelopment, turning a long derelict former industrial site into a lively mixed use quarter with a strong focus on community, creativity and collaboration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals