Ares Management to fully occupy the 124,000 sq ft office floorspace in The Crown Estate’s One Hanover Street redevelopment in one of the largest lettings in the West End The Crown Estate has unveiled details of the latest project in its London development pipeline, One Hanover Street, within the Regent
Clowes Developments is progressing a major multi-million-pound redevelopment at Harrier Park in Hucknall, with extensive site preparation and enabling works now well advanced on the landmark brownfield site. The site, historically linked to the development of the Harrier Jump Jet and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is undergoing a significant transformation to
Earlier yesterday (Thursday 15 January) the Finance and Resources Committee recommended the approval of a £21 million contract to Kier Construction to deliver a comprehensive retrofit and upgrade programme at Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court, two 15 floor blocks in Edinburgh. The project forms part of the Council’s wider Strategic Investment
Root-Power has secured planning permission on appeal to deliver a £45m battery energy storage scheme in Leicestershire, paving the way for construction of a major renewable energy facility. The 100MW battery energy storage system will be built on land beside the River Soar near Kegworth. Once operational, it will store
Ballymore has secured planning permission from the London Borough of Newham to redevelop its Thames Road site into a major mixed-use scheme delivering 1,685 new homes. The development, designed by Howells, will also provide a new primary school, more than 13,500 square metres of light industrial and flexible workspace, a
Firethorn has acquired a 17-acre site situated on the A41 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, from Taylor Wimpey with plans to deliver a new, best-in-class mid-box logistics development. The land forms the employment element of Taylor Wimpey’s residential-led development at Hampden Fields, and benefits from outline consent for up to 314,000 sq
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Nottingham Forest Football Club’s City Ground have been submitted, setting out proposals to increase the stadium’s capacity from 30,445 to around 52,000. The planning applications mark a major step forward in the club’s ambitions to deliver a large-scale redevelopment of the historic riverside ground. Nottingham
Henry Boot has secured outline planning consent for a major 5.5m sq ft industrial and logistics scheme in Goole, marking a significant boost for manufacturing and distribution across the Humber region. The development, known as FREEPORT 36, is being brought forward by Henry Boot’s development arm HBD in partnership with
Developer Edge, in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate, is preparing to move ahead with a £150m redevelopment of 125 Shaftesbury Avenue after securing a major funding package for the West End scheme. Sir Robert McAlpine is understood to be the preferred contractor for the large-scale office refurbishment, which is being taken
J Pullan & Sons has secured planning approval and appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as main contractor for the Joseph’s Well student tower, launching a bold new chapter for the historic site. Full planning consent has been granted for a major new purpose-built student accommodation scheme at Joseph’s
Ares Management to fully occupy the 124,000 sq ft office floorspace in The Crown Estate’s One Hanover Street redevelopment in one of the largest lettings in the West End The Crown Estate has unveiled details of the latest project in its London development pipeline, One Hanover Street, within the Regent Street Partnership – a longstanding joint venture with Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM). The project will see the redevelopment of 124,000 sq ft of office space above the iconic Apple store on Regent Street, with six levels of quality new floorspace – including a new rooftop pavilion and seventh floor terrace overlooking the West End. The Crown Estate has pre-let the entire super-prime office space to Ares Management, a leading global alternative investment manager and existing customer currently occupying 39,000 sq ft within 10 New Burlington Street. The completion of this transaction marks the largest deal in the West End by rent roll and size in 2025, the largest deal in the Core West End Market in the last two years, and the third largest deal ever recorded in the core Mayfair and St James’s submarkets[1]. The landmark letting underscores The Crown Estate’s continued commitment to supporting world-class businesses in the West End through the delivery of high-quality, future-ready workplaces. Reflecting investment by The Crown Estate to strengthen the area’s commercial vitality, this pre-let supports a broader long-term vision to curate a vibrant and resilient destination in the heart of London, with quality commercial spaces underpinned by world-class retail and leisure. Kristy Lansdown, Managing Director for Development at The Crown Estate, said: “One Hanover Street marks the latest step on our journey to reinvigorate our portfolio across the West End, with an ambitious vision that looks at the entire area. “Our development pipeline will reposition heritage assets in this famous epicentre of the Capital to create market-leading, modern, sustainable workspace. At the same time, we are working in partnership with Westminster City Council to reimagine the area’s public realm – creating a welcoming, accessible and resilient place that benefits workers, visitors and residents alike. Together, this reflects our key approach for this historic part of London; to invest in the area as a whole and deliver world-class places that work for all those who interact with it today and well into the future.” Charles Owen, Head of Portfolio Management – Regent Street at The Crown Estate, said: “The letting at One Hanover Street to Ares is a landmark deal for The Crown Estate and one of the most significant leases in the West End office market, demonstrating the enduring strength of demand for high-quality office space in prime locations. “We believe this long-term commitment by Ares is testament to our reputation for curating high-quality workspaces that evolve with occupier needs, as part of Regent Street’s global appeal.” The Crown Estate is targeting the first quarter of 2027 to complete the redevelopment, following not only the design and delivery of quality new floorspace, but also a focus on sustainability credentials with extensive upgrades made to the existing plant to remove fossil fuels from the building and reduce its operational carbon. The redevelopment of One Hanover Street adds to The Crown Estate’s growing pipeline of developments in the West End, with New Zealand House and 10 Spring Gardens due to complete later this year, while work is ongoing at 33-35 Piccadilly. JLL and BCLP acted on behalf of The Crown Estate, and CBRE and Fladgate acted on behalf of Ares Management. Savills acts as Development Manager on behalf of The Crown Estate for One Hanover Street, with Wates as the contractor and Orms Architects as the Lead Architect. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clowes Developments is progressing a major multi-million-pound redevelopment at Harrier Park in Hucknall, with extensive site preparation and enabling works now well advanced on the landmark brownfield site. The site, historically linked to the development of the Harrier Jump Jet and Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, is undergoing a significant transformation to unlock up to 500,000 sq ft of modern industrial and warehouse accommodation. The project represents a key early phase in Clowes Developments’ long-term vision to bring forward high-quality employment space in the area. Lead contractor TanRo is delivering the works, which include land remediation, bulk earthworks and major infrastructure upgrades across two development plots. According to Clowes Developments, remediation works are nearing completion, with more than 90 per cent of the overall programme now finished and practical completion anticipated by the end of January. On plot one, a 134-metre retaining wall has been fully installed, alongside the completion of major storm drainage works and high-voltage diversion ducting. Existing surfacing and underground obstructions have been removed, while the formation of the future access road is in place. Bulk earthworks are largely complete, with only minor activity remaining. Plot two has also seen strong progress, with storm drainage diversion completed and earthworks approaching completion. Despite encountering unforeseen underground features and other technical challenges, the project team has successfully re-sequenced works to avoid any material impact on the programme. A notable achievement included the installation of a new manhole connection into the existing storm drainage network on Dorey Way, completed over a four-week period while maintaining a live traffic lane. Clowes Developments worked closely with Ashfield District Council and specialist advisors Pegasus Group to manage heritage considerations relating to unlisted buildings, enabling works to continue without delay. The site is being jointly marketed by FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German, with consent in place for units ranging from 64,000 sq ft to 117,000 sq ft. Agents report strong early interest from national occupiers, with both plots expected to be construction-ready by the end of January. This would allow occupiers to be operational before the end of the year, supported by a swift 36-week construction programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Earlier yesterday (Thursday 15 January) the Finance and Resources Committee recommended the approval of a £21 million contract to Kier Construction to deliver a comprehensive retrofit and upgrade programme at Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court, two 15 floor blocks in Edinburgh. The project forms part of the Council’s wider Strategic Investment Plan for high-rise buildings and will bring both blocks up to modern standards, significantly improving comfort, safety, energy efficiency and long-term sustainability for residents. Built in 1968, the two floor blocks currently have no insulation, making homes difficult and expensive to heat. The retrofit will introduce extensive external wall insulation, dramatically improving thermal performance and helping homes retain heat more effectively. These upgrades are expected to create warmer living spaces and reduce heating costs for residents throughout the year. To further improve indoor air quality and tackle long-standing issues with damp and mould, each flat will be fitted with a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system. This will provide a continuous supply of fresh air while retaining heat, supporting healthier and more comfortable homes. Other improvements include: The surrounding environment will also be transformed, with: Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court each contain 57 two-bedroom homes. This major investment represents a long-term commitment to improving living conditions, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing safety and creating more welcoming, sustainable communities for current and future residents. Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Cllr Tim Pogson, said:This £21 million investment represents a major step forward in improving the quality, safety and sustainability of our high-rise homes. By upgrading insulation, ventilation, fire safety and communal spaces, this project will deliver warmer, healthier and more affordable homes for residents, while also ensuring these buildings are fit for the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Root-Power has secured planning permission on appeal to deliver a £45m battery energy storage scheme in Leicestershire, paving the way for construction of a major renewable energy facility. The 100MW battery energy storage system will be built on land beside the River Soar near Kegworth. Once operational, it will store excess electricity generated from low-carbon and renewable sources before releasing it back into the National Grid when demand is high. The facility will connect directly to existing local grid infrastructure and is expected to support the region’s transition from fossil fuels following the closure of the former Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station. During the appeal process, Root-Power addressed concerns over flood risk by confirming the site will be constructed above ground level, allowing flood water to pass beneath the facility. The design also includes a sunken flood storage tank to provide additional protection. Managing director Neil Brooks said the project would deliver long-term benefits for both the local community and the wider energy network. He said the development would help balance electricity supply during periods of peak demand, reduce the risk of outages and support more stable energy prices for nearby homes and businesses. Brooks also highlighted the company’s commitment to sensitive landscaping and biodiversity improvements, aimed at protecting and enhancing local wildlife while delivering clean, flexible power to the grid over the next 15 to 20 years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ballymore has secured planning permission from the London Borough of Newham to redevelop its Thames Road site into a major mixed-use scheme delivering 1,685 new homes. The development, designed by Howells, will also provide a new primary school, more than 13,500 square metres of light industrial and flexible workspace, a riverside park, and a mix of ground-floor retail and community facilities. John Mulryan, Group Managing Director at Ballymore, said the approval marked a key milestone for the project and reflected the ambition behind the proposals. He highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to the Royal Docks and said the scheme would build on the success of nearby Royal Wharf while responding to the area’s changing character and needs. Royal Wharf has become widely recognised as a benchmark for high-quality brownfield regeneration since its completion in 2020. With planning consent now in place for Thames Road, Ballymore plans to progress the scheme and prepare to start construction next year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Firethorn has acquired a 17-acre site situated on the A41 in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, from Taylor Wimpey with plans to deliver a new, best-in-class mid-box logistics development. The land forms the employment element of Taylor Wimpey’s residential-led development at Hampden Fields, and benefits from outline consent for up to 314,000 sq ft of employment use. Firethorn plans to invest £50m in the developmentand engage with the Local Authority planning team and local stakeholders to progress reserved matters planning consent, with speculative development anticipated to commence in mid-2027. Following its recent purchase of a 10-acre site in Maidenhead, and with further transactions under offer, this acquisition demonstrates Firethorn’s continued commitment to the UK I&L sector. James Sanders, Head of Industrial and Logistics at Firethorn, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with the Taylor Wimpey team and consultants on a site that we’re excited to bring forward. The development presents an compelling opportunity for occupiers, who continue to be displaced by affordability constraints of nearby markets. With excellent connectivity and Grade A product, we expect the project will allow us to address a gap for future customers and look forward to moving into the delivery phase. “The site complements our recent acquisition in Maidenhead and we hope, with further announcements to come, our logistics portfolio will continue to grow, suiting occupier requirements across different sizes and geographies. This reflects our focus on pursuing strategic opportunities in well-connected locations with strong fundamentals across the UK.” Henry Pauncefort-Duncombe, Head of Strategic Land at Kirkby Diamond (now part of Eddisons), who acted on behalf of Taylor Wimpey alongside Alex Jenden, said: “We are delighted to have advised on the sale of this significant 17-acre site in Aylesbury, working alongside joint agents Bidwells. Kirkby Diamond has been involved with the site at Hampden Fields for over 20 years, so it is particularly rewarding to see it move into its next phase. This is a major transaction for the region and, once complete, we expect the best-in-class development to attract strong interest from a wide range of occupiers, ultimately delivering substantial employment opportunities and long-term economic benefits for the local area.” Located south-east of Aylesbury, the site provides direct access to the A41 dual carriageway offering connectivity to the M40 and M25, which are both within 20 miles. Firethorn was advised by Cushman & Wakefield, Taylor Wimpey was advised by Kirkby Diamond (now Eddisons). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Nottingham Forest Football Club’s City Ground have been submitted, setting out proposals to increase the stadium’s capacity from 30,445 to around 52,000. The planning applications mark a major step forward in the club’s ambitions to deliver a large-scale redevelopment of the historic riverside ground. Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, said the proposals represent a significant investment that would create a sustainable and iconic stadium, forming an integral part of the economic growth of Nottingham and the wider region. The redevelopment has been designed by KSS Design Group, which is also leading stadium expansion projects at Anfield for Liverpool FC and Elland Road for Leeds United. The wider professional team includes Buro Happold, Gleeds and Savills, reflecting the scale and complexity of the proposed transformation. Under the new plans, the City Ground would be comprehensively redeveloped to deliver a modern, high-capacity stadium capable of supporting the club’s long-term sporting and commercial ambitions. Visuals released by the club show a substantially enlarged venue designed to enhance the matchday experience for supporters while improving facilities and accessibility. In a statement, Nottingham Forest said it is looking forward to working closely with the Mayor of the East Midlands, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as fans and the wider community, to secure a positive outcome for the scheme. The new proposals replace a previously approved, more modest expansion. Last year, the club secured planning permission from Rushcliffe Borough Council to increase capacity to 35,000 through the demolition and rebuild of the Peter Taylor Stand. Those plans have now been set aside in favour of the more ambitious redevelopment. Architect Konstantinos Chatzimanolis, formerly of Foster & Partners, has also been advising the club on its expansion strategy since April last year. James Faflik, senior director and project lead at Gleeds, said he was proud to have led the professional team on what he described as a transformative stadium redevelopment. He said the project would deliver significant benefits for supporters, the local economy and the wider area, and expressed his enthusiasm for progressing the scheme following submission of the planning application. Gleeds regional director Matt Darby added that feedback from local businesses, councillors, season ticket holders and other stakeholders had been overwhelmingly positive. He said the firm is looking forward to continuing its long-standing relationship with the club as the project moves through the planning process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henry Boot has secured outline planning consent for a major 5.5m sq ft industrial and logistics scheme in Goole, marking a significant boost for manufacturing and distribution across the Humber region. The development, known as FREEPORT 36, is being brought forward by Henry Boot’s development arm HBD in partnership with landowner St John’s College, Cambridge. The approval clears the way for the creation of a 300-acre industrial and manufacturing park capable of accommodating a wide range of occupiers. Plans provide flexibility for buildings ranging in size from 40,000 sq ft to more than 1m sq ft, enabling the scheme to cater for advanced manufacturing, logistics and large-scale industrial users. Detailed proposals will now be prepared, with the development team targeting a start on site before the end of the year. Once fully built out, FREEPORT 36 is expected to support around 3,000 jobs in Goole itself and approximately 5,500 jobs across the wider Yorkshire and Humber region, delivering a substantial economic uplift. The site benefits from a highly strategic location adjacent to Junction 36 of the M62, offering direct access to Goole Docks, the M18 and the wider Humber Ports complex. This connectivity is expected to be a major draw for occupiers seeking efficient national and international supply chain links. FREEPORT 36 forms part of the Humber Freeport Goole tax site, which has been formally designated following approval from HM Treasury and HMRC. As a result, occupiers will be able to benefit from a range of freeport incentives designed to support long-term investment and growth. Tim Roberts, chief executive of Henry Boot, said the scheme will play a key role in supporting the expansion of manufacturing and logistics across Yorkshire, adding that freeport status further strengthens the location’s appeal to occupiers looking for scale, connectivity and long-term certainty. With outline consent now in place, the project is set to move into its next phase as one of the largest industrial developments in the north of England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Edge, in partnership with Mitsubishi Estate, is preparing to move ahead with a £150m redevelopment of 125 Shaftesbury Avenue after securing a major funding package for the West End scheme. Sir Robert McAlpine is understood to be the preferred contractor for the large-scale office refurbishment, which is being taken forward on a speculative basis. With funding now in place, construction is expected to start early this year once enabling works and strip-out are completed by John F Hunt. The project, known as EDGE Shaftesbury, is backed by a consortium of Japanese equity investors including Tokyo Tatemono, Toko Electrical Construction and Fuyo General Lease, alongside development finance provided by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank. The investment underlines continued confidence in prime London office space despite wider market uncertainty. The scheme already has planning consent to transform the existing 1980s building into approximately 250,000 sq ft of modern workspace. Proposals include a reconfigured main entrance on Charing Cross Road, new rooftop terraces and upgraded office floors designed to meet the expectations of contemporary occupiers. Completion is targeted for 2028. A central feature of the redevelopment is its low-carbon strategy. Around 75% of the existing structure will be retained, significantly reducing embodied carbon compared with a full demolition and rebuild. The refurbishment will also increase the building’s height from 11 to 13 storeys and introduce new ground-floor workspace to enhance street-level activity. Fons van Dorst, managing director UK at Edge, said securing the funding represented a key milestone for the project and its partnership with Mitsubishi Estate London. He added that the move into delivery would allow the team to focus on creating a high-quality, future-ready office building that benefits occupiers, neighbours and the wider city. Once complete, the development is expected to play a prominent role in the ongoing renewal of London’s West End office market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
J Pullan & Sons has secured planning approval and appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as main contractor for the Joseph’s Well student tower, launching a bold new chapter for the historic site. Full planning consent has been granted for a major new purpose-built student accommodation scheme at Joseph’s Well in Leeds city centre, marking the most significant transformation of the estate in over 45 years. The 14-storey development, known as The Tower, will deliver 256 high-quality student bedrooms in a mix of studios and cluster apartments, alongside premium communal and amenity spaces designed to support student wellbeing, collaboration and long-term operational performance. Christophe Demoulin, Contracts Manager at Pullans, said: “This consent marks a major milestone for Pullans. The Tower is the single largest investment in our 140-year history and reflects our long-term commitment to Joseph’s Well and the city of Leeds.” Alongside McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East, the wider project team comprises Cunniff Design as architect, FutureServ as MEP consultant, Orion Fire as fire consultant, Roscoe as civil and structural engineer, and RBA as quantity surveyor and employer’s agent. Andrew Beaumont, Managing Director at McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East, said: “This appointment represents a pivotal milestone for our Yorkshire and North East region and reinforces our strategic commitment to building a sustainable and relationship-driven business. With our broad experience and skilled team, we are well placed to deliver this landmark project for Pullans in the heart of Leeds city centre.” Located within walking distance of the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and the city centre, the scheme responds to Leeds’ growing demand for professionally managed, high-quality student living, helping to support the city’s continued status as one of the UK’s leading university destinations. Designed with sustainability at its heart, the building will incorporate modern, energy-efficient systems and a carefully balanced mix of social, study and relaxation spaces, enhancing the student experience while making a positive contribution to the wider Joseph’s Well estate and surrounding neighbourhood. Patrick Evers, Director at Cunniff Design, added: “We have been involved with this project from the very start, so it is incredibly rewarding to see our vision one step closer to being realised on site. Its efficient, contextual approach and commitment to technical innovation and build quality make it a fitting addition to the long history of this important site.” Joseph’s Well has played an important role in Leeds’ business landscape for nearly half a century. Acquired by Pullans in 1979, the former factory and mill was first converted into office space before a purpose-built headquarters was developed for Hammond Suddards in 1990. This latest phase represents a significant diversification of uses for the estate – the first major change since its original conversion some 45 years ago – signalling an exciting new chapter for this iconic Leeds destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals