With property prices continuing to rise across the UK and moving costs reaching new heights, homeowners increasingly turn to loft conversions as a practical solution for expanding their living space.These transformative projects offer an opportunity to unlock hidden potential within your existing property, creating valuable additional rooms without the expense
The commercial property sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation as businesses increasingly recognise the environmental impact of their workspace decisions. Modern office fitout projects now prioritise sustainability alongside functionality, with low-carbon materials becoming essential components of responsible workplace design. This shift represents more than just environmental consciousness—it’s reshaping how organisations
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates over 610 hotels, has acquired a 155-year long leasehold interest in 6 Broad Street Place & 15-17 Eldon Street from the City of London Corporation. The property is being acquired within the Travelodge OpCo Group. Located opposite Liverpool Street station, the
Landsec has officially broken ground on its redevelopment of Marlborough Square at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing enhancement of the popular outlet shopping destination. This latest phase follows recent improvements to The Avenues and forms part of Landsec’s broader strategy to elevate the
Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn Trust, has reached a significant construction milestone at its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development at Leith, Edinburgh, with a topping out ceremony marking completion of the site’s structural framework. Located on Leith Walk, Firethorn’s six-storey asset will provide high quality accommodation for
SP Energy Networks has awarded supply chain contracts to support a £1.4bn commitment to deliver critical onshore transmission projects across central and southern Scotland and help deliver the Government’s Clean Power 2030 mission. Forming part of a wider £5.4 billion supplier investment programme over the next decade to move the
UK designers and manufacturers of lighting equipment, P&A Projects, have completed a successful commercial project at the Express Building in Manchester. The Express Building is renowned for being the original Daily Express newspaper offices in Manchester. This Grade II listed building was designed by engineer Sir Owen Williams in 1939,
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, Pineapple Partnerships, the systems change focused consultancy, and Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced Pineapple CoRE, a strategic collaboration designed to accelerate decarbonization across the the commercial and industrial property sector. Initially focusing
A new era in the construction industry will begin in Durham where the wall-laying terra-based robot – nicknamed WLTR or ‘Walter’ – is being first used on a development of 27 houses by high-quality development company JT Lifestyle Homes. The cutting-edge robot can lay up to 200 square metres of
What the future holds for student accommodation These are interesting times for the sector. Location, affordability and whether catering for local or international students, as well as the anticipated impact of the new renter’s rights bill, are all significantly impacting where prospects lie for developers. There is no denying that
With property prices continuing to rise across the UK and moving costs reaching new heights, homeowners increasingly turn to loft conversions as a practical solution for expanding their living space.These transformative projects offer an opportunity to unlock hidden potential within your existing property, creating valuable additional rooms without the expense and disruption of relocating. Understanding the fundamentals of loft conversions empowers homeowners to make informed decisions about this significant home improvement investment. Understanding Different Types of Loft Conversions Velux Conversions: The Budget-Friendly Option Velux loft conversions represent the most straightforward and cost-effective approach to attic transformation. These conversions work within your existing roof structure, requiring minimal external alterations whilst maximising the available space. The process involves installing Velux windows directly into the roof slope, providing natural light and ventilation without changing the roofline’s appearance. This type of conversion suits properties with adequate headroom and sufficient roof pitch to create comfortable living areas. The simplicity of Velux conversions often means they fall under permitted development rights, eliminating the need for planning permission in many cases. However, building regulations approval remains mandatory to ensure structural safety and thermal efficiency standards. The installation timeline for Velux loft conversions typically ranges from 4-6 weeks, making them an attractive option for homeowners seeking minimal disruption. The retained roof structure keeps costs manageable whilst still delivering substantial additional floor space for bedrooms, home offices, or recreational areas.Dormer Conversions: Maximising Space and LightDormer loft conversions extend beyond the existing roofline to create additional headroom and floor area.These extensions project outward from the main roof, featuring vertical walls and their own smaller roof structure. The increased vertical space dramatically improves the usability of converted areas, eliminating the sloping ceilings that characterise basic conversions. Flat roof dormers offer the most space-efficient design, extending across substantial roof sections to create near-rectangular rooms. Hip-to-gable dormers prove particularly effective on semi-detached properties, extending the roof to the property’s edge and creating significant additional space. Each dormer style offers distinct advantages depending on your property’s architecture and spatial requirements. The enhanced natural light from dormer windows transforms previously dark attic spaces into bright, welcoming rooms. This illumination proves particularly valuable for bedrooms or study areas where good lighting significantly impacts usability and comfort.Hip-to-Gable and Mansard ConversionsHip-to-gable conversions specifically benefit semi-detached and detached properties with hipped roofs. This approach extends the existing roof to the property’s gable end, creating substantial additional floor space previously lost to the roof’s sloping sections. The conversion typically incorporates rear dormers to maximise the space gained through the roof extension. Mansard conversions represent the most comprehensive loft transformation, involving complete rear roof reconstruction to create near-vertical walls and flat roof sections. These conversions deliver the maximum possible space increase, often adding rooms equivalent to a full additional storey.Planning Permission and Building Regulations ConsiderationsPermitted Development Rights and Planning ApplicationsMany loft conversions benefit from permitted development rights, allowing homeowners to proceed without formal planning permission. These rights cover specific criteria including roof height increases, extension volumes, and materials used. However, properties in conservation areas, listed buildings, or those with previous extensions may require planning applications regardless of conversion type. Understanding your permitted development allowances helps determine project scope and associated costs. The guidance specifies maximum volume increases of 40 cubic metres for terraced houses and 50 cubic metres for detached and semi-detached properties. Exceeding these limits necessitates planning permission, potentially extending project timelines and increasing costs.Building Regulations and Safety RequirementsAll loft conversions must comply with building regulations, regardless of planning permission requirements. These regulations ensure structural safety, fire safety, thermal efficiency, and accessibility standards. The approval process involves multiple inspections throughout construction, from foundation work through to final completion. Building regulations specifically address crucial safety elements including structural calculations, fire escape routes, staircase design, and insulation standards. Professional loft conversion specialists handle these requirements as part of their service, ensuring compliance whilst optimising design solutions. Modern loft conversions must achieve specific thermal performance standards, contributing to your property’s overall energy efficiency. These requirements often necessitate comprehensive insulation installation, improving comfort levels whilst reducing heating costs. The complexity of building regulations compliance reinforces the importance of selecting experienced professionals for your conversion project. Qualified teams understand regulatory requirements and incorporate necessary elements seamlessly into the design process, ensuring your loft conversions meet all safety and performance standards whilst delivering exceptional living spaces tailored to your family’s needs.
The commercial property sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation as businesses increasingly recognise the environmental impact of their workspace decisions. Modern office fitout projects now prioritise sustainability alongside functionality, with low-carbon materials becoming essential components of responsible workplace design. This shift represents more than just environmental consciousness—it’s reshaping how organisations approach their interior spaces whilst delivering tangible benefits for both planet and profit. The Carbon Challenge in Office Fitouts Traditional office fitout practices contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, with the lifecycle of office interiors producing approximately 190 kg of CO2e and 77 kg of waste per square metre in major markets worldwide. The construction industry accounts for nearly half of all global carbon emissions, making sustainable office fitout solutions crucial for achieving climate targets. The challenge extends beyond initial construction. Office fitouts typically have shorter lifespans than building shells, meaning carbon-intensive elements like flooring, lighting, and ceiling systems are frequently discarded and replaced well before their natural operational lifespans. This rapid replacement cycle means embodied carbon emissions from office fitout projects can quickly surpass those of the building’s core structure. Revolutionary Low-Carbon Materials Transforming Workspaces Sustainable Ceiling and Acoustic Solutions Modern office fitout projects are embracing innovative ceiling materials that deliver both performance and environmental benefits. Mineral wool-based ceiling tiles, such as wet felt mineral options, provide excellent acoustic performance whilst reducing operational carbon footprints through enhanced thermal insulation. These EPD-certified materials help lower heating and cooling energy requirements, making them ideal for comprehensive office fitout schemes. Fiberglass-based acoustic baffles represent another breakthrough in sustainable office fitout design. These lightweight solutions effectively absorb sound in open-plan environments whilst utilising materials with significantly lower carbon footprints than traditional alternatives. Timber and Bamboo: Natural Champions Responsibly sourced wood remains fundamental to sustainable office fitout projects. FSC and PEFC certified timber acts as a carbon store whilst providing the warm, natural aesthetic that enhances employee wellbeing. Oak, beech, and pine offer excellent sustainability credentials when sourced from well-managed forests, with oak being considered carbon neutral due to its superior CO2 absorption capabilities. Bamboo is revolutionising office fitout sustainability, growing up to 36 inches daily and reaching full size within one to five years compared to decades for traditional timber. This remarkable growth rate, combined with bamboo’s exceptional carbon absorption and oxygen production, makes it an outstanding choice for modern office fitout projects seeking to minimise environmental impact. Innovative Fabric and Soft Furnishing Solutions Natural fabrics are transforming office fitout design through their organic, textural qualities that create calming workplace environments. Wool offers renewable properties alongside natural flame retardancy and heat regulation, making it perfect for office fitout upholstery applications. Hemp provides exceptional versatility and requires minimal cultivation resources, whilst linen delivers strength, versatility, and complete biodegradability. Sustainable Furniture: The Foundation of Green Office Fitouts Ergonomic Solutions with Environmental Benefits Modern office fitout projects increasingly feature furniture manufactured from multiple low-carbon materials. Declare-certified task chairs constructed from sustainable materials offer ergonomic benefits whilst meeting transparency standards for chemical content. These solutions support healthy posture and productivity whilst contributing to improved indoor air quality through low-emission manufacturing processes. Meeting furniture crafted from renewable timber provides durability and longevity, reducing waste through extended product lifecycles. Such approaches align with circular economy principles that are becoming central to responsible office fitout planning. Storage and Modular Systems Sustainable storage solutions manufactured with oak veneer and other low-carbon materials offer EPD certification alongside exceptional durability. These systems provide flexible storage options suitable for various office fitout layouts whilst ensuring longevity that reduces replacement requirements and associated waste. Energy Efficiency: The Operational Advantage Successful sustainable office fitout projects prioritise energy efficiency through LED lighting systems that consume significantly less power than traditional alternatives. Smart lighting systems that adjust based on occupancy and natural light levels further reduce energy consumption, whilst optimised HVAC systems can incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels. Energy-efficient office fitout design extends to encouraging natural light usage and fresh air circulation, reducing artificial lighting requirements whilst improving indoor air quality. These strategies deliver immediate operational cost benefits alongside environmental advantages. Future-Proofing Through Sustainable Office Fitout The forthcoming Net Zero Carbon Building Standard will establish ambitious embodied carbon targets that will challenge traditional office fitout approaches. Acceptable embodied carbon limits reduce year-on-year, requiring substantial and consistent decarbonisation over time. Office fitout projects completing in 2050 must achieve just 60kg of CO2/m2 compared to 735kg of CO2/m2 in 2025. Forward-thinking office fitout strategies that embrace low-carbon materials, energy efficiency, and circular economy principles are positioning businesses advantageously for this regulatory future whilst delivering immediate benefits through reduced operational costs, enhanced employee wellbeing, and strengthened corporate sustainability credentials. Sustainable office fitout represents the intersection of environmental responsibility and business intelligence, creating workspaces that serve people, planet, and profit simultaneously.
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates over 610 hotels, has acquired a 155-year long leasehold interest in 6 Broad Street Place & 15-17 Eldon Street from the City of London Corporation. The property is being acquired within the Travelodge OpCo Group. Located opposite Liverpool Street station, the acquisition covers two prominent adjacent buildings, totalling 58,893 sq ft net internal area, which are currently vacant and awaiting refurbishment. Subject to planning permission, Travelodge will convert the upper floors of both buildings into a hotel with an 85 Bar Café, offering a relaxed space for guests to eat and drink. The project will also reinstate pre-existing retail uses on the Ground Floor of 6 Broad Street Place. The acquisition is an example of one element of Travelodge’s UK development strategy, sustainably expanding its network of hotels by converting existing, vacant office and retail buildings into new hotels. By repurposing redundant spaces, Travelodge aims to bring them back into active economic use, benefiting the local community and meeting the growing demand for budget accommodation. Travelodge continues to see significant growth opportunities in the UK, with over 300 target locations identified following a comprehensive market review. The Group is successfully executing its development strategy, with 11 freehold and leasehold hotels opened in the year to date, and a further 4 hotels exchanged or completed. It is also exploring extension opportunities within its existing estate. Internationally, Travelodge has an established profitable presence in Spain, currently operating 12 hotels. With plans to expand into 20 key markets in Spain, the Group aims to grow through new developments and freehold or leasehold rebrand acquisitions. Jo Boydell, CEO of Travelodge, comments: “The acquisition of 6 Broad Street Place and 15-17 Eldon Street marks another significant step in our UK development strategy as we continue to grow and optimise our hotel network. Office-to-hotel conversion is a sustainable way of developing, allowing us to meet the increasing demand for budget hotels while reducing the carbon impact that new development brings. We are also excited to expand our portfolio in London, where we currently operate over 80 hotels, with a further five developments underway.” The City Corporation was advised by Capital Real Estate Partners, while Travelodge was represented by Strettons. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landsec has officially broken ground on its redevelopment of Marlborough Square at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing enhancement of the popular outlet shopping destination. This latest phase follows recent improvements to The Avenues and forms part of Landsec’s broader strategy to elevate the centre’s physical environment, improve operational performance, and enhance the retail offering. The works are scheduled for completion in spring 2026. The redevelopment will include updated building façades and shopfronts, revitalised landscaping and public realm areas, expanded and modernised guest washrooms, increased public seating, and the addition of a new retail unit. Tim Treadwell, Head of Retail Portfolio at Landsec, commented:“We continue to see strong demand from leading brands seeking premium environments to expand their outlet presence. Gunwharf Quays exemplifies how Landsec is investing in its outlet portfolio to create spaces that attract more guests, deliver exceptional experiences, and support the long-term success of our brand partners.” Landsec is positioning Gunwharf Quays to better cater to its affluent domestic and international visitors, with a growing focus on aspirational retail and experience-led design. Recent lettings at the scheme include Russell & Bromley and Giggling Squid, reinforcing the centre’s appeal to high-end consumers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn Trust, has reached a significant construction milestone at its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development at Leith, Edinburgh, with a topping out ceremony marking completion of the site’s structural framework. Located on Leith Walk, Firethorn’s six-storey asset will provide high quality accommodation for 230 student beds, alongside generous amenities including a fully equipped gym, student common room, cinema and modern study spaces. Work commenced last summer, following Firethorn’s purchase of the site in February 2024, marking the first acquisition under its Living portfolio. The company has since expanded its footprint with additional PBSA assets in Hackney Wick and Stratford, plus a hotel development in central Dublin and the One Bessborough Gardens residential conversion in London. With the structural frame now complete, Leith Walk is on track for completion in time for the 2026/27 academic year. Paul Martin, Head of Development at Firethorn Trust, commented: “As the first asset within our Living portfolio, topping out at Leith Walk is a significant milestone for Firethorn, and a prime example of our ability to deliver buildings swiftly and to a high standard. “Edinburgh has a growing student population and an urgent need for modern, quality accommodation, so we are very pleased with the pace at which works are progressing and look forward to bringing the site to completion over the next 12 months.” Grier Edmead, Operations Director, Ogilvie Construction, said: “Today’s topping out marks the significant progress that we have made since breaking ground last year, and we look forward to handing over a first class building in 2026. This will be the fifteenth student accommodation facility that we have delivered in recent years using our extensive experience and expertise in the sector.” For more information, visit www.firethorntrust.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SP Energy Networks has awarded supply chain contracts to support a £1.4bn commitment to deliver critical onshore transmission projects across central and southern Scotland and help deliver the Government’s Clean Power 2030 mission. Forming part of a wider £5.4 billion supplier investment programme over the next decade to move the grid forward, the contracts enable SP Energy Networks to build long-term partnerships with UK businesses to rewire the electricity network. It’s part of a multi-billion-pound investment programme to unlock more capacity for new homes, businesses, and clean energy projects, move power around the country more efficiently and significantly reduce the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and boost energy security. To mark the announcement, Nicola Connelly, SP Energy Networks CEO, was joined by Energy Minister, Michael Shanks MP, at an event close to the company’s Glasgow headquarters. Representatives from the successful businesses signed SP Energy Networks’ Delivery Charter, committing to green job creation, positive community impact, and a safe working environment. Nicola Connelly, CEO SP Energy Networks said, “These strategic partnerships give suppliers the confidence to invest in themselves – growing their workforce, opening new offices across the country and creating even greater opportunities for the UK. “This is great news for the UK and Scottish supply chains, with every pound spent directly benefiting central and southern Scotland and its infrastructure for decades to come. “This is a defining moment for our energy future. These contracts are not just about infrastructure—they’re about enabling a cleaner, greener Britain. We’re proud to be leading the charge in helping deliver the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 ambition.” Energy Minister, Michael Shanks, praised the initiative, saying, “These SP Energy Networks partnerships take us a step closer to reaching clean power by 2030, in modernising the country’s outdated network to get more of clean power generated in Scotland to homes and businesses across the country. “This is the clean power transition in action – investing in British supply chains that will bring skilled jobs and economic growth to communities in Scotland and beyond.” The awarded contracts cover a wide range of critical infrastructure, including: The strategic partnerships will initially run for five years, with the option to extend to 10, providing long-term certainty for suppliers and enabling them to invest in skills, technology, and innovation with 17 of the 19 suppliers based in the UK. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure is the sole contractor for both substation and overhead lines on the Denny to Wishaw project. There will be a joint office opening at Eurocentral in the Autumn. Simon Smith, Managing Director, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said, “We’re proud to support the UK energy network’s biggest upgrade in a generation, and to be part of SP Energy Networks’ Delivery Charter. Projects like the Denny to Wishaw Network Optimisation (DWNO) will improve resilience and energy security, boost capacity to meet future demand, and connect Scotland to greener, renewable energy. In upgrading the transmission network, we will be able to bring skills and employment to the central belt, and leave a lasting legacy in the local communities.” The announcement follows ScottishPower’s commitment to double its UK investment to £24 billion by 2028, with two-thirds allocated to electricity networks. SP Energy Networks will soon submit its five-year business plan for 2026–2031 to Ofgem, reinforcing its role in delivering the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 ambition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK designers and manufacturers of lighting equipment, P&A Projects, have completed a successful commercial project at the Express Building in Manchester. The Express Building is renowned for being the original Daily Express newspaper offices in Manchester. This Grade II listed building was designed by engineer Sir Owen Williams in 1939, and features a futuristic, space-age design with curved surfaces and glass finishes. Today the building is used as a modern workspace in a vibrant neighbourhood in Manchester. The Express Building is home to a visitor reception, cafe, and business lounge, while the top fifth and sixth floors provide access to a dedicated terrace area with striking views across the city centre. P&A Projects were appointed to the project by electrical contractor CSK Electrical to supply lighting features throughout the offices and meeting rooms. The brief was to provide a custom, alternative solution to the specified globe pendant luminaires and design a solution for the canopy luminaire. Due to its glass fronted design, the expansive floors are flooded with natural light and the new lighting scheme makes the most of this, by accompanying it with a layered scheme featuring meticulously selected luminaires. P&A Projects supplied 60 400mm Dia Globe luminaires with a bespoke decorative top cap, two 900mm Dia POLO pendant luminaires, a bespoke Art Deco exterior canopy luminaire, and various Subspace 70 linear luminaires varying from 1197mm to 3344mm in length. POLO and Globe are spherical suspended architectural luminaires, which draw the eye to their dynamic design, while the Subspace fixtures provide each area with comfortable general lighting. Philip Ascroft, Managing Director at P&A Projects said: “We were thrilled to work on this innovative project, demonstrating how our bespoke lighting solutions can transform a space to meet the unique vision of the client. The Express building is a renowned architectural feature in Manchester and we were honoured to provide a custom lighting scheme that reflects this.” Project credits: Electrical Contractor – CSK Electrical Lighting Partner: – Palace Lamps Company Photography: Mike Dinsdale Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, Pineapple Partnerships, the systems change focused consultancy, and Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today announced Pineapple CoRE, a strategic collaboration designed to accelerate decarbonization across the the commercial and industrial property sector. Initially focusing on the UK, the collaboration is scalable for global deployment. The initiative unites market leading consultancy by Schneider Electric that helps organisations map their critical infrastructure and unlock the opportunities available to them around efficiency, sustainability and modernisation, Signify’s connected lighting solutions, and Pineapple Partnerships’ systems-change consultancy, offering a turnkey pathway for property owners and operators to overcome common barriers to decarbonisation—such as access to finance, fragmented supply chains and skills shortages. Edwards Vacuum, part of the Atlas Copco Group, is the first organisation to benefit from the CoRE model. At its Clevedon manufacturing site, a suite of energy interventions is being implemented, including: These measures target a 35% reduction in energy consumption and over 80% reduction in emissions at the site. The initiative supports Edwards’ Vacuum broader sustainability goals, including 46% cuts in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and 28% in Scope 3 by 2030. The current site served as a successful pilot, with CoRE now rolling out to other locations in the UK and the rest of the world. Commenting on the work to date collaboration, Chris Adams, Site Manager, Edwards, Clevedon said “Working with Pineapple Partnerships has been a game-changer in accelerating our factory’s carbon reduction efforts. Their expert assessment of our energy performance has enabled data-driven decisions, including the transition from gas heating to air source heat pumps and the installation of solar panels across our factory roof. The collaboration they’ve facilitated with experts such as Signify and Schneider Electric has significantly shortened our learning curve, allowing us to explore and implement best-in-class solutions with confidence. This integrated approach has increased the pace of implementation and reduced risk, helping us move towards a truly sustainable and future-ready energy system. The interventions currently being installed aim to reduce energy usage by up to 35% and emissions by over 80%.” Commenting on the collaboration, Nico van der Merwe, Cluster Leader, Europe West said “Signify thrives on partnerships, and CoRE is a powerful example of how collaborations can unlock decarbonisation at scale. As a global leader in lighting and sustainability, we know that upgrading to LED and connected lighting is one of the fastest, most cost-effective, and impactful actions building owners can take to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. Through occupancy-based controls and remote monitoring, connected lighting drives efficiency and enhances operational visibility. CoRE combines these proven technologies with financial and delivery innovation – enabling our clients to act now, at pace and scale. We’re proud to be working alongside Pineapple Partnerships and Schneider Electric to help organisations like Atlas Copco accelerate toward net-zero and build a more resilient, sustainable built environment in the UK and beyond.” Commenting on the collaboration, Rupert Snuggs, Managing Director, CoRE said “We are delighted to work with our world leading collaborators Signify, Schneider Electric and Atlas Copco as we take the first step on our journey to accelerating the decarbonisation of the built environment by rapidly decarbonising more than 1m buildings in the coming years.” Commenting on the collaboration, Andrew McKenzie, Commercial Leader – Consultancy UK&I, Schneider Electric said “This collaboration offers a valuable opportunity to support commercial and industrial clients in boosting operational resilience and achieving net zero goals. We will provide a clear roadmap for those facing aging infrastructure, rising energy costs, and the need to modernise, helping them build a more efficient, optimised and safer estate.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new era in the construction industry will begin in Durham where the wall-laying terra-based robot – nicknamed WLTR or ‘Walter’ – is being first used on a development of 27 houses by high-quality development company JT Lifestyle Homes. The cutting-edge robot can lay up to 200 square metres of masonry per day – dramatically outstripping human output. It can also construct walls up to 3.5 metres high without scaffolding – with plans underway to increase this to 5 metres – and work in all conditions including wind, rain and extreme temperatures. Bosses estimate one robot could build hundreds of homes a year. Dr Jan Telensky, owner and founder of JT Lifestyle Homes, said: “The construction industry is currently facing severe labour shortages at a time when the government wishes to deliver 1.5 million more homes. “There are simply not enough bricklayers entering the trade to keep up with demand for affordable homes, so we must find new solutions.” Robot Walter was developed in the Czech Republic in partnership with GreenBuild and has been brought to the UK by JT Lifestyle Homes, who specialise in smart, affordable homes and commercial spaces of the future. According to the Office for National Statistics there are currently more than 35,000 job vacancies in the construction industry – the highest rate in any sector. In March, Chancellor Rachel Reeves promised a £600 million government war chest to train 60,000 bricklayers, electricians, engineers and carpenters over the next four years. Dr Telensky said: “The construction industry has an ageing workforce, with an average age of 46, and unfortunately not enough young people are looking for trade jobs. “The government has ambitious plans for growth and housing and we simply don’t have the manpower that’s needed. “Robot Walter’s cutting-edge technology has the potential to ease the burden and also create new, highly-skilled jobs for operators who will still be needed to oversee projects. “As well as building faster, intelligent monitoring means Robot Walter’s bricks are laid with ultimate precision which will enhance the overall build quality.” The Walter robot is currently being used on a development of 27 homes in Durham and will be rolled out to other sites in due course. Other projects by JTLH include a former Post Office building in Hull, a stunning development of one, two, three and four bed homes in Haywood Park, Southampton and an elegant apartment renovation in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, as well as commercial builds. Once built, the Durham homes will be available under JT Lifestyle Homes’ rent to buy scheme, allowing first-time buyers to use rental payments as a method of saving for a deposit. Dr Telensky, who received the Dahrendorf Responsible Capitalism Award, presented to him at the House of Lords in 2022, continued: “I am committed to providing affordable housing in the UK. With innovative building techniques and an innovative rent to buy scheme we can set people free from a lifetime of renting.” For more information visit jtlh.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
What the future holds for student accommodation These are interesting times for the sector. Location, affordability and whether catering for local or international students, as well as the anticipated impact of the new renter’s rights bill, are all significantly impacting where prospects lie for developers. There is no denying that supply is still a major issue in many places, but it is important to pay attention to the research, to best tap into where these opportunities are. With nearly 30 years of experience specialising in the design and delivery of student accommodation, the rpa:group have looked in detail at the current state of this market, what is driving changes and how to make the most of opportunities. PBSA OR HMO? According to research conducted by StuRents Limited, a leading service provider for the UKstudent accommodation sector, historically there has been an impression that a shortage of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) represents a shortage of accommodation as a whole, when in fact 80% of British students executing their contracts via Concurrent, actually chose to live in HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) accommodation. By nature of design, HMO are more affordable to build and for students to rent, as these tend to be typically converted houses or flats shared by multiple students. However, HMO tend to have limited amenities. In contrast, PBSA are specifically designed with student life in mind, and with a variety of communal spaces for studying and socialising, which offer an altogether more attractive student experience. PBSA are often managed by specialised Student Housing Companies, rather than Private Landlords, thus making this a more expensive option for students. The reason for a substantial proportion opting for HMO is therefore largely down to cost and affordability, with PBSA often seen to be significantly more expensive. The research also indicates that in contrast, Chinese students still have a significant skew towards PBSA and the prediction is that numbers of Chinese students are expected to further increase in the UK, due to Trump and other countries placing restrictions on Chinese students, which will have a knock-on effect on the UK rental market. The impact of affordability The financial squeeze is making the costs of PBSA accommodation increasingly unaffordable for many, but particularly domestic students. Nobody can argue that the PBSA sector has done much to provide more accommodation for students, whilst also significantly raising their living standards in the process, but there is a growing need for more budget friendly PBSA accommodation. As shared in the StuRents report, “The sector faces a huge challenge in delivering additional stock across the price curve rather than just at the higher end. At the more expensive end of the spectrum, the reliance on the Chinese market is significant. More than 65% of Chinese students were signing contracts at £200pppw or more, whilst for British students this figure stood at just 19%.” To make delivering more budget friendly PBSA financially viable for developers, options to scale back on ancillary facilities such as gyms and cinema rooms will help save costs, which can be passed to students and won’t impact on living standards, especially when considering how may high street gyms are now popping up near to universities for example. Location location location Research shows that London remains the location with the highest number of university place acceptances, and these have also grown in the West Midlands area. When it comes to ascertaining supply and demand, research is paramount to accurately calculate where there is an under supply, and hence where opportunities exist for development. Recent Office for Students data shows that overseas student numbers are rising in cities such as Birmingham and Bristol, but declining in Leeds and Sheffield, and that in the past year, 40k beds have been submitted for development nationally. Most of these are concentrated in major cities, with London leading, followed by Glasgow. The effect of the Renter’s Rights Bill If an HMO has five or more unrelated occupants, it’s considered a “large HMO” and therefore requires a license from the local authority. However, new laws such as the Renters’ Rights Bill, expected to come into effect in the summer of 2025 could lead to the biggest regulatory shake-up in recent memory for the HMO market. This is because, while it will spell the end of the fixed term contract and offer greater rental flexibility, HMOs also face having to get their accommodation up to EPC B as part of new regulations, and the cost to some of doing this will make it unviable for them to continue to rent the accommodation. This could also easily lead to a reduction in supply and an increase in rents, which would be detrimental to British students, as they make up the largest proportion of this market. The impact of BTR BTR can offer students a compelling alternative to both PBSA and HMO for numerous reasons. For starters there is the advantage of location, as may BTR properties are central, close to universities and near to amenities such as shops and gyms. Being newly constructed, and offering flexible contract lengths and occupancy start dates, makes BTR an often more attractive and viable housing choice for students who are seeking value and quality. Also, with PBSA creeping up in price, there is less of a differentiation between PBSA and BTR financially. Currently, anecdotal evidence indicates that student occupancy in existing BTR is steadily gaining traction. The right marketing strategy Nicole Eve, who heads up the rental sector at Focus Agency Group, including PBSA, also highlights the importance of marketing in a successful PBSA asset: “Creating and implementing a marketing strategy that is based on strong insights of target audiences for the development is fundamental. This includes creating the right brand for the asset to appeal to students and their parents, the media and organic channels it appears on to position the asset front and centre at the key decision-making times, as well as the key messaging needed for the wide variety of platforms, to engage and