Kenneth Booth
Leeds on the Rise: Ardent Capital’s £200 Million Build-to-Rent Debut

Leeds on the Rise: Ardent Capital’s £200 Million Build-to-Rent Debut

Ardent Capital Partners has marked its first foray into the UK property market with a landmark £200 million investment in a transformative build-to-rent (BTR) development in Leeds. This ambitious project is a significant milestone in the city’s regeneration, reaffirming Leeds as a hotspot for modern urban living. Set on the

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Network Space secures consent for 215-homes development near Barnsley

Network Space secures consent for 215-homes development near Barnsley

Following last month’s successful appeal decision, Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured planning consent for up to 215 homes in Carlton, Barnsley. Of the 215 homes approved, 10% will be designated as affordable housing with an agreed contribution of over £1m to improve local education provision. The proposals also include

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PEEL WATERS’ BASIN3 EMPLOYMENT CAMPUS APPROVED

Peel Waters’ Basin3 employment campus approved

Medway Council has formalised its planning decision to approve the regeneration of an 18-acre Industrial Estate in Gillingham, Kent, into a high-spec, sustainable employment and enterprise campus named Basin3. Medway Council’s Planning Committee approved the application for Basin3 in May 2024, the formalisation of the planning decision means the plans

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Trafford Gardens Hits Major Milestone with Topping Out Ceremony

Trafford Gardens Hits Major Milestone with Topping Out Ceremony

Trafford Gardens, a prime residential development of 149 new homes in Manchester, has celebrated a significant milestone yesterday with its traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony. The event marks the completion of the building’s highest point, bringing the project one step closer to its anticipated completion in autumn 2025. Trafford Gardens is

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Reynaers broadens Vision 7 functionality with new panic hardware

Reynaers broadens Vision 7 functionality with new panic hardware

Reynaers Aluminium has added new panic hardware options to its Vision 7 Thermal Commercial Door – introducing both surface mounted and concealed systems for ease of opening in the event of an emergency. Surface mounted and concealed panic hardware is available in both push-bar and push-pad options to ensure safe

Read More »
Regional building crisis threatens 1.5M homes target

Regional building crisis threatens 1.5M homes target

The UK’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes faces a critical but overlooked challenge – the dramatic decline of regional housebuilders capable of delivering community-focused developments. That’s according to electrical specialist Garo who highlights the issue in a new report. Industry analysis reveals SME builders now deliver just 10% of

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Kenneth Booth

Leeds on the Rise: Ardent Capital’s £200 Million Build-to-Rent Debut

Leeds on the Rise: Ardent Capital’s £200 Million Build-to-Rent Debut

Ardent Capital Partners has marked its first foray into the UK property market with a landmark £200 million investment in a transformative build-to-rent (BTR) development in Leeds. This ambitious project is a significant milestone in the city’s regeneration, reaffirming Leeds as a hotspot for modern urban living. Set on the former site of the Leeds International Swimming Pool, the development will deliver 578 cutting-edge rental apartments to the heart of the city. Valued at approximately £200 million, the scheme is poised to redefine Leeds’ city centre, catering to the growing demand for quality, centrally located rental homes while expanding the city’s vibrant core. Leeds’ BTR sector is experiencing remarkable growth, fuelled by extensive regeneration projects and a strong appetite for urban living. The city centre’s footprint is projected to double in size from 228 acres to 458 acres over the next decade. With 24 BTR schemes currently proposed and three existing developments maintaining occupancy rates above 94%, the city is rapidly establishing itself as a leading hub for rental investment. Ardent’s project aligns seamlessly with Leeds’ vision for its South Bank area—a cornerstone of the city’s redevelopment strategy. This district aims to deliver 8,000 new homes, create 30,000 jobs, and revitalise the River Aire as a central feature of Leeds’ future. By addressing the growing demand for premium residential spaces, Ardent’s investment reinforces the city’s ambitions for urban transformation. The rising demand for high-quality rental properties in Leeds has driven rents to between £22 and £27 per square foot, with premium developments exceeding £30 per square foot. This growth echoes trends seen in mature BTR markets such as Manchester and Salford, positioning Leeds as a compelling choice for investors seeking opportunities in the sector. Ardent Capital’s £200 million commitment not only marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of Leeds but also highlights the city’s rising status in the UK’s build-to-rent market. Their confidence in Leeds as a prime destination for high-value developments underscores the city’s potential for sustained growth and modernisation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GLP advances Clean Energy programme in the Netherlands with completion of solar project at Venlo Belfeld

GLP advances Clean Energy programme in the Netherlands with completion of solar project at Venlo Belfeld

GLP, a leading global business builder, owner, developer, and operator of logistics real estate, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and related technologies, announces that GLP Clean Energy, its renewable energy business in Europe, has completed a new installation of a rooftop solar PV system at its logistics centre in Belfeld, in the Netherlands.  GLP’s Venlo Belfeld logistics centre of approximately 3,8000 SQM, has been equipped with 8,000 solar panels across its roof, with 4.6MWp of power generation capacity that will supply the annual equivalent of 1,145 Dutch households. The project is expected to save around 1,400 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per year, helping to improve air quality and environmental health around the municipality of Venlo. The entire electricity output of approximately 4,200 MWh per year will be sold to Scholt Energy, a Dutch independent energy supplier. This arrangement allows for the generated power to be directed to the grid, where it will contribute to the broader energy mix used by regional and national consumers. Acquired by GLP in April 2022, the Venlo Belfeld logistics centre is situated along several important trade routes, namely the A61, A67 and A73 motorways, positioning it as one of the most desirable areas for European logistics operations in the Netherlands. The Venlo Belfeld facility carries a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification. It features a range of biodiversity initiatives including the provision of habitat corridors for local native species, nesting habitats for insects, birds, and bats, a variety of ecologically valuable plants, and four bat pole boxes near the boundaries of the property. These efforts to preserve local biodiversity underline GLP’s commitments to sustainability and to the protection and promotion of the natural environment. Stefano Fissolo, Senior Director, GLP Clean Energy: “We recognise the importance of helping to accelerate the energy transition and work towards a clean energy future by leveraging the opportunity of our extensive property portfolio.” Philippe Hendriks, Country Director Netherlands & Belgium at GLP, said: “The integration of renewable energy solutions into logistics assets is essential to enabling our sector to meet its net zero targets and secure long-term asset value. As we continue to expand our presence in the Netherlands, we are proud to be providing our customers with high-quality, sustainable logistics facilities that are built for the future, while at the same time supporting the Netherlands’ energy transition goals.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Network Space secures consent for 215-homes development near Barnsley

Network Space secures consent for 215-homes development near Barnsley

Following last month’s successful appeal decision, Network Space Developments (NSD) has secured planning consent for up to 215 homes in Carlton, Barnsley. Of the 215 homes approved, 10% will be designated as affordable housing with an agreed contribution of over £1m to improve local education provision. The proposals also include local highways improvements and enhanced protection for local wildlife sites. Footpaths are also being widened and a new pedestrian crossing will be installed at the entrance of the development, giving access to the popular Trans Pennine Trail. It is also hoped the wider development will include new links to existing public rights of way and offer scope for additional pedestrian access to Barnsley Canal. Simon Eaton, Senior Development Manager for NSD said: “We are delighted to have secured outline planning permission for the Shaw Lane site which will bring much-needed housing for Barnsley residents. Its location is ideal for commuting to Sheffield, Wakefield and Leeds and enjoys easy access to the rail network via nearby Carlton and Barnsley stations. “The successful appeal comes as a result of great efforts from our whole professional team. The development will ultimately deliver quality homes for the newest Carlton residents who want to live in this thriving village, but also improve local amenities for the wider community to enjoy and benefit from.” With outline planning permission now secured NSD is finalising a sales marketing pack with the intention of marketing the site in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bromford forms new partnership to boost affordable housing in the West Midlands

Bromford forms new partnership to boost affordable housing in the West Midlands

Bromford has entered a new partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Citizen Housing, Green Square Accord, Midland Heart, and whg, to address the growing need for affordable homes in the West Midlands.  The Homes for the West Midlands LLP partnership represent a dedicated effort to accelerate housing delivery, increase affordability, and support sustainable community growth across the region.  Bromford and its partners will work closely with WMCA to identify strategic sites and opportunities to develop genuinely affordable homes that meet the needs of local people.   For Bromford, this partnership aligns with its mission to build strong communities and provide safe, affordable housing. On 18 October, Chief Executive Robert Nettleton joined fellow CEOs and the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, to celebrate the launch of the new partnership. The event took place at LoCal Homes, an award-winning offsite housing manufacturing facility in Walsall.   Robert Nettleton, CEO of Bromford, said “ This marks a significant step forward in tackling the housing challenges our region faces. By collaborating with WMCA and fellow housing associations, we’re able to take a more unified approach to identifying sites, accelerating the development of affordable homes, and addressing specific local needs with greater impact. This partnership offers a unique platform to pool our knowledge, resources, and strategic insights to deliver affordable homes that truly meet the needs of our communities.” Highlighted in Bromford’s recent mid-year trading update1, with turnover rising to £167 million and significant investments in both new developments and existing homes, Bromford is well-positioned to support the affordable housing vision of this collaboration. Managed by consultancy firm Integer Advisory Ltd, the partnership is structured to focus on effective, results-driven development, including adopting innovative building techniques like modern methods of construction (MMC) and modular housing. These homes are constructed in factory-controlled environments and then assembled on-site, enabling the delivery of energy-efficient, low-carbon housing more quickly and at lower costs.  The first project for the partnership will be a 100% affordable housing development on a former industrial site in the Black Country, reflecting the groups dedication to repurposing land in a way that supports community needs and sustainable growth.  The partnership also provides a solid framework for developing and implementing the region’s Affordable Homes Programme, which will be devolved from Homes England to the WMCA in 2026. This transition will give Bromford and its partners greater influence in shaping housing priorities, ensuring that affordable housing projects are well-suited to meet the demand across the West Midlands.  At present, 64,000 people are on the region’s housing waiting list, with over 6,500 households, including 13,000 children, residing in temporary accommodation. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has made housing one of his top priorities, setting a goal of 2,000 social rent homes per year until 2028 to reach a total of 20,000 new affordable homes by the end of the decade. Bromford is ready to support this vision, bringing both its expertise and commitment to sustainable construction practices to the forefront of regional development efforts.  As the country’s biggest builder of social rent homes2, Bromford is already committed to expanding affordable housing options. This new partnership strengthens Bromford’s ability to deliver affordable homes at scale across the West Midlands, supporting community needs and sustainable growth. Bromford believes this collaborative approach will provide a robust response to the housing crisis, allowing resources and expertise to be pooled for maximum impact. This united effort will accelerate the delivery of high-quality, affordable homes across the West Midlands and enable Bromford to continue building homes and communities where people can thrive. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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PEEL WATERS’ BASIN3 EMPLOYMENT CAMPUS APPROVED

Peel Waters’ Basin3 employment campus approved

Medway Council has formalised its planning decision to approve the regeneration of an 18-acre Industrial Estate in Gillingham, Kent, into a high-spec, sustainable employment and enterprise campus named Basin3. Medway Council’s Planning Committee approved the application for Basin3 in May 2024, the formalisation of the planning decision means the plans can now progress. The council’s approval follows on from The Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government decision to not call-in the plans and allowing the planning decision for Basin3 to be determined by the local authority. The approved plans were submitted by waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waterswho are the landowners of the site. Peel Waters’ proposals will transform the existing brownfield land into circa 31,000m² of adaptable workspace and is estimated to triple the number of jobs on site. Basin3’s high-quality, sustainable and versatile waterfront space will actively promote job creation by catering to businesses aligned with the council’s target growth sectors. These sectors include creative, manufacturing and technology; life sciences; IT, health and digital along with dedicated spaces and workshops for start-ups and smaller independent businesses. Located opposite Medway’s university cluster, Basin3 will act as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration; helping retain talent and knowledge in Medway, by creating new opportunities for graduates. Future-proofing the site against climate change has also been at the forefront of the approved plans. Peel will improve flood resilience, and all the new buildings will utilise green technology and be at the cutting edge of energy efficiency. Enhanced connectivity and improved sustainable transport options have also been key to Peel Waters’ vision for Basin3. The approved development will see the creation of a new waterside footpath and cycle way stretching over half a kilometre, connecting existing residential communities as well as safely opening up part of the Medway waterfront to the public for the first time in its history. The approved Basin3 development aligns with all the relevant policies in Medway’s statutory development plan and the National Planning Policy Framework; receiving no objections from the statutory consultees. James Whittaker, Managing Director, Peel Waters said: “Basin3 will provide a fantastic opportunity for employment and growth in Medway and we are really pleased with the decision from both Medway Council’s Planning Committee to approve the application and the government’s decision to not call-in this development. “This decision means we can now focus on delivering Basin3, working with our partners to build a high-quality, sustainable employment campus that will complement the surrounding business, educational and residential communities. By having outline planning permission for this brownfield site, it builds a stronger case to attract in both prospective employers and inward investment. “Basin3 will bring with it many benefits for the wider community, including a tree-lined waterfront promenade with new cycle and pedestrian routes, as well as an improved coastal path route. Celebrating the sites heritage in an inclusive and accessible way is also important to us and we want to work with local community groups to observe the history of the docks before it became an industrial estate. “Sitting adjacent to Medway’s university cluster, our aspirations for Basin3 have significant synergies with these universities which will bring further benefits to Medway as a whole, retaining talent and thereby attracting employers that are fundamental to our regeneration plans on this important waterfront site.” Peel Waters has a strong track record of waterside regeneration across the UK, with sites in Liverpool, Wirral, Greater Manchester and Glasgow. The neighbouring Chatham Waters development which sits next to the Basin3 site is Peel Waters’ largest regeneration project in the south. To date, Peel has invested over £125million into their Chatham Waters scheme, delivered significant infrastructure and public realm improvements including over £7million of highway improvements, flood defence and land remediation. They have created 750 new jobs, built 237 affordable homes, another 391 homes for rent and sale, a large ASDA Superstore, a Marston’s family pub and restaurant, retail units, The Waterfront University Technical College offering on-site stem-focussed education specialising in construction and engineering; and an elderly/care development is soon to start construction. More information can be found about Basin3 at: basin3.co.uk Find out more about Peel Waters here: www.peelwaters.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Trafford Gardens Hits Major Milestone with Topping Out Ceremony

Trafford Gardens Hits Major Milestone with Topping Out Ceremony

Trafford Gardens, a prime residential development of 149 new homes in Manchester, has celebrated a significant milestone yesterday with its traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony. The event marks the completion of the building’s highest point, bringing the project one step closer to its anticipated completion in autumn 2025. Trafford Gardens is located off Talbot Road and is set to transform the local landscape with its modern, thoughtfully designed apartments. The development features 149 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, complemented by rooftop gardens and private courtyards, offering both luxury and green spaces to future residents. Located just two miles southwest of Manchester city centre, the site is only 300m from the nearest tram stop and overlooks both Old Trafford Cricket Ground and Old Trafford football stadium. The project took a pivotal turn in October 2023 when Linear Living assumed ownership of the development following the collapse of the previous developer, Investar. Linear Design and Construct, part of Linear UK Group, is the principal contractor on the scheme. With the support of funding partner Maslow Capital, significant progress has been made over the last year, with today’s ‘topping out’ just the latest milestone.  This successful collaboration between Maslow Capital and Linear Living, with support from Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Land Fund, is transforming this brownfield site into a valuable addition to the community that will help address the demand for new housing in the area. Stephen Holmes, Chief Executive at Linear Group, commented: “The last 12 months have seen great progress made at Trafford Gardens and we are really pleased to have reached this critical milestone. I have to say a big thanks to our Linear Design and Construct team who have worked hard to keep the development on track and get us to this point. And thanks to our funding partners Maslow Capital, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and their Brownfield Land Fund, for making this possible. We are all looking forward to next year when we will see the project completed and people enjoying these fabulous new homes.” Sky Mapson, Director in the Deal Origination Team at Maslow Capital commented: “Trafford Gardens is a fantastic, community-focused development that aligns well with the urban living projects we are proud to support. We are thrilled it has reached this important milestone and look forward to seeing it welcome new residents next year, making a meaningful contribution to local housing demand. “We are also excited to continue developing our relationship with the Linear Group and the Greater Manchester area by offering real estate professionals a comprehensive range of financing solutions from £300k to £300m, supporting our clients across their entire investment lifecycle.” City Mayor Paul Dennett, GMCA’s lead for Housing First, said: “It’s great to see the GMCA’s Brownfield Land Fund being effectively used to support developments in key investment areas like this, and I’m particularly pleased that the site will include 33 affordable homes. The progress Trafford Gardens has made is very positive and a really good example of brownfield land being brought back to life.  I look forward to the completion of this development and the growth of this community.” Ilyas Patel, Commercial Development Director at Russell Bolton Consulting, project managers and advisors on the scheme, added: “Trafford Gardens has utilised the breadth of our expertise and experience, from advising on the takeover from the previous owners, to helping secure funding, and then ensuring the project is delivered on schedule. To reach the point of topping out is great to see and we look forward to delivering the project in full next year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Reynaers broadens Vision 7 functionality with new panic hardware

Reynaers broadens Vision 7 functionality with new panic hardware

Reynaers Aluminium has added new panic hardware options to its Vision 7 Thermal Commercial Door – introducing both surface mounted and concealed systems for ease of opening in the event of an emergency. Surface mounted and concealed panic hardware is available in both push-bar and push-pad options to ensure safe and effective escape in line with current legislation.  To meet EN 1125 for use in public spaces, such as shopping centres, a full width push-bar option is required. For more familiar buildings that occupants visit regularly, but that still need an escape route, such as offices, a push pad option is required to meet EN 179 standards. This new range of hardware supplements the comprehensive options already available for Vision 7 to cater for a wide range of uses of the door and the varying requirements of different sectors and locations.  In addition, a locking lever handle has been added to the hardware options to allow outside access where needed on emergency exit doors intended for sole use through quick release bars. Both the surface mounted and concealed options are suitable for doors up to 3,000mm.  Unveiled by Reynaers Aluminium in March this year, Vision 7 is a thermal commercial door and framing system that features anti-finger trap technology and deep kickplates for a robust design.  It has a unique post-installation bottom pivot to make it easier to make final adjustments onsite and can achieve a U-value as low as 1.1W/m2K, making it suitable for a wide range of building projects. Of the new features, Ian Osborne, Reynaers UK Product Development Manager, said: “The addition of panic hardware further expands the use of the Vision 7 Thermal Commercial Door to meet the need for urgent escape in a public area. “Vision 7 is a carefully considered design to meet a wide range of demands in commercial settings, backed up by extensive performance testing while still achieving slimline styling. The addition of panic hardware builds on that to deliver a comprehensive, safe solution.   “The surface mounted panic hardware is quick and easy to install, while the concealed panic hardware option provides a seamless solution often preferred by architects. “Reynaers is committed to the continual development of its products, even after a successful launch, and developing the hardware options is an example of this in practice. We will continue to work to make enhancements to Vision 7 where identified, with work already under way to add touch bar options and access control via solenoid bolt.” To find out more visit https://www.reynaers.co.uk/products/aluminium-doors/vision-7.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Strategic Expansion: Sixth Street and Copley Point Forge UK Industrial Real Estate Partnership

Strategic Expansion: Sixth Street and Copley Point Forge UK Industrial Real Estate Partnership

Sixth Street, a global investment powerhouse, and Copley Point Capital, a UK-based specialist in industrial property, have announced a joint venture to target high-quality industrial real estate in the United Kingdom. This partnership is set to focus on logistics markets characterised by strong demand and limited supply. The venture has already secured agreements for an initial £180 million in transactions, with plans to further expand through acquisitions of both individual assets and larger portfolios across the UK. A Milestone CollaborationMichael Heal, Founder of Copley Point, highlighted the significance of the venture:“This partnership marks a major expansion of our Block Industrial programme with Sixth Street. Their extensive resources, reputation, and expertise in real estate will enhance our specialised approach and proven ability to add value at the asset level. Over the past five years, my team and I have built a solid foundation, and Sixth Street’s capital flexibility and long-term outlook make them an ideal partner for our growth ambitions.” Capitalising on Sector TrendsGiulio Passanisi, Managing Director and Head of European Real Estate at Sixth Street, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership:“The Copley Point team is highly regarded in the UK market, and we are excited to work together to expand this platform. The UK industrial real estate sector remains constrained in supply, yet it continues to benefit from robust trends such as the rise of e-commerce and the onshoring of supply chains. We aim to leverage our scale and expertise to meet the capital needs of this thriving sector.” A Strong Foundation for GrowthThe venture’s initial transactions were guided by leading advisers, including BCLP, PwC, Jones Hargreaves, and SLR. Sixth Street received legal advice from Ropes & Gray, while CBRE assisted Copley Point in securing the partnership. Gowling served as Copley Point’s legal adviser. With this joint venture, Sixth Street and Copley Point are poised to address the growing demand for mission-critical logistics and industrial properties in the UK, solidifying their presence in this dynamic sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CIBSE’s Build2Perform Live 2024 celebrated another year of industry excellence

CIBSE’s Build2Perform Live 2024 celebrated another year of industry excellence

The ninth annual Build2Perform Live, hosted by CIBSE on 13 – 14 November 2024 at London Excel, has once again proven to be a pivotal event for the building services industry. The event attracted an impressive turnout, solidifying its status as the go-to gathering for professionals, thought leaders and innovators in the sector. Build2Perform Live 2024 had over 3,500 registrations and featured over 70 hours of CPD-accredited content, drawing attendees into thought-provoking sessions led by 125 industry experts and showcasing more than 100 top-tier exhibitors. The carefully curated programme, shaped by CIBSE Divisions, Special Interest Groups and the Build2Perform Live Advisory Committee, delivered exceptional value and insights to all participants. The two-day event featured an array of insightful sessions that underscored CIBSE’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and inclusivity in building services. Highlights included in-depth discussions on embodied carbon and the practical application of TM65 to reduce carbon emissions in building projects, as well as the UK’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, which invited stakeholders to shape its future through ongoing feedback. Attendees gained a forward-looking perspective on NABERS UK’s role in advancing decarbonisation efforts and sustainable energy practices across the built environment. Sessions on domestic heat pumps and climate resilience provided actionable guidance on adopting technologies and strategies essential for adapting to climate change. Day two introduced the latest TM59 methodology to mitigate overheating, supported by CIBSE’s new Weather Files, alongside discussions on indoor health and wellbeing in building design. The Domestic Retrofit Towards Net Zero session highlighted progress in retrofitting for energy efficiency, while an Equity, Diversity & Inclusivity (EDI) session explored how embracing EDI can reshape the industry and promote a more inclusive built environment. Together, these sessions illustrated the path forward in creating resilient, low-carbon, and people-centred buildings. Simon Parker, Managing Director of CIBSE Services said: ‘This year at B2P, we’ve seen incredible energy and commitment to tackling some of our greatest challenges, from reducing carbon emissions and improving indoor health to ensuring inclusivity and resilience in the built environment. I’m immensely proud of CIBSE’s role in supporting these conversations and helping equip our community with the practical tools and insights needed to drive meaningful progress.’ The event brought together key decision-makers, government officials, senior managers, facility managers, consultants and property developers, creating an unmatched networking environment. The attendees left with new perspectives, strengthened professional connections, and actionable insights to drive the industry forward. CIBSE is proud to reflect on another successful Build2Perform Live, which embodies its mission to foster education, collaboration and innovation within the building services field. As we look ahead, CIBSE remains committed to supporting industry professionals and promoting sustainable solutions worldwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Regional building crisis threatens 1.5M homes target

Regional building crisis threatens 1.5M homes target

The UK’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes faces a critical but overlooked challenge – the dramatic decline of regional housebuilders capable of delivering community-focused developments. That’s according to electrical specialist Garo who highlights the issue in a new report. Industry analysis reveals SME builders now deliver just 10% of new homes, a figure which was previously 40%[1], creating a significant gap in regional housing delivery. This collapse in local building capacity comes at a crucial moment when housing electrical requirements are becoming exponentially more complex. Modern homes demand consumer units that can handle bidirectional power flow from solar panels, manage high-power EV charging points, and incorporate smart monitoring systems – all while maintaining capacity for future innovations. For SME builders operating on tight margins, these technical demands create significant financial and operational challenges. “The combination of ambitious construction targets and increasingly sophisticated home technology creates a perfect storm,” says Dan Dempsey, National Sales Manager at GARO Electric. “Modern homes require advanced electrical infrastructure to support everything from EV charging to heat pumps – yet we’ve lost the very builders who best understand local market needs. “While larger developers excel at volume delivery, regional builders have traditionally delivered developments that reflect local architecture, demographics, and price points. Their decline impacts our ability to create diverse, well-integrated housing solutions across different communities.” The situation is set to become more challenging. The Future Homes Standard, due in 2025, will require new homes to produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than current standards. This demands even more sophisticated electrical systems, potentially further squeezing regional builders already struggling with technical complexity and cost barriers. These challenges extend beyond individual properties. As homes evolve from passive energy consumers to active participants in dynamic energy networks, the loss of regional building expertise threatens both housing delivery and the UK’s broader transition to sustainable communities. Data suggests that without addressing this technical and financial burden on smaller housebuilders, the government’s ambitious housing targets may prove difficult to achieve, particularly in regions where local building knowledge is essential. Dan Dempsey continued: “The implications reach far beyond simple housing numbers. At stake is not just the government’s 1.5 million homes target, but the very character of Britain’s regional housing development and its ability to create the sustainable, community-focused developments that the next generation of homeowners will demand.” To download Garo’s specialist report on the topic, click here https://www.garoelectric.com/electrical-products/consumer-units/shapingtomorrow Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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