John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has received the official go-ahead to redevelop its Waitrose site in West Ealing, paving the way for hundreds of new homes and a modernised retail space as part of a major investment in the capital’s housing landscape. The scheme, which proposes the transformation of an existing
Downing has secured planning approval for a major twin-tower development in North Acton, West London, marking another milestone in the area’s transformation into a high-density urban centre. The Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has given the go-ahead for a 668-unit scheme that will replace the existing Holiday
At 14-stories, Waterhouse Garden’s final and fifth residential building, reaches highest point Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has ‘topped out’ on the last of the five buildings under construction at Waterhouse Gardens, the central Manchester scheme comprising 556 apartments and 30,000 sq ft of commercial space.
Australian property giant Lendlease is on the brink of sealing a landmark joint venture with The Crown Estate to deliver six transformative UK developments, with an end value exceeding £20 billion. The proposed 50:50 partnership signals a bold new chapter in UK urban regeneration, with wide-ranging implications for housing, commercial
Salford’s skyline is set to evolve further as Salford City Council grants planning approval to two major developments: the £200m Soapworks regeneration and a 22-storey residential tower at New Bailey. The Soapworks scheme, backed by the Greater Manchester Pension Fund and led by developer Bankfoot APAM, will breathe new life
Morgan Sindall Construction has been named as the main contractor for the landmark regeneration of Brunswick Wharf in Bideford, Devon—a £30 million scheme set to revitalise the town’s riverfront. The development, led by local developer Red Earth, will see three five-storey apartment blocks built along the banks of the River
The team behind York Central, one of the UK’s largest and most ambitious city centre regeneration projects, has announced the line-up of architects who will bring the scheme to life. Allies & Morrison, the original masterplanner for York Central, will continue as lead architect. They are joined by seven other
Plans to transform Kew Retail Park in South West London into a vibrant new neighbourhood featuring up to 1,200 homes and a modernised Marks & Spencer store have been put on indefinite hold, leaving the future of the site in question. Located in Richmond, the 10-acre retail park was partially
Scarborough Group International (SGI) has announced its vision for the next phase of development at Thorpe Park Leeds, outlining plans to introduce a major industrial and logistics hub, new urban apartments, and additional Grade A business spaces with supporting amenities. Building on more than 25 years of sustained development, Thorpe
Reading Borough Council has given the green light to a major redevelopment of Broad Street Mall. The scheme is being delivered through a partnership between McLaren Living, a national specialist in build-to-rent developments, and AEW, one of the world’s leading real estate investment and asset management firms. Building on a
John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has received the official go-ahead to redevelop its Waitrose site in West Ealing, paving the way for hundreds of new homes and a modernised retail space as part of a major investment in the capital’s housing landscape. The scheme, which proposes the transformation of an existing Waitrose store and adjacent car park, will deliver 428 new homes, along with a public square, community facility and commercial space. Initially submitted in mid-2023, the application was stalled by delays in the local planning process, prompting JLP to appeal on grounds of ‘non-determination’ in summer 2024. That appeal has now been upheld by a government planning inspector, clearing the path for development to proceed. The approval comes amid renewed national efforts to meet housing targets, with the government recently reaffirming its goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes within five years. Under the latest update to the National Planning Policy Framework, greater weight is being given to brownfield development within established urban areas—an approach that has benefited the West Ealing proposal. JLP views the project as part of a long-term strategy to make better use of its property assets while contributing to the delivery of much-needed rental housing. The new homes will be brought forward under the build-to-rent model, with the aim of fostering long-term community engagement alongside reliable returns. Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent at JLP, welcomed the decision, describing it as a multi-million-pound opportunity to reinvigorate a site that has served the local community for decades. “The inspector’s decision reinforces national policy support for well-located brownfield regeneration,” she said. “We look forward to working with local stakeholders to ensure the development is delivered responsibly and reflects the needs of the community.” The project is being developed in partnership with investment firm Aberdeen Group through a £500 million joint venture. Svitlana Gubriy, head of indirect real assets at Aberdeen, said the initiative reflects wider momentum in the build-to-rent sector, where long-term social value and community cohesion are becoming central to investor priorities. Construction is expected to begin following further engagement with the community and the completion of detailed designs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Downing has secured planning approval for a major twin-tower development in North Acton, West London, marking another milestone in the area’s transformation into a high-density urban centre. The Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) has given the go-ahead for a 668-unit scheme that will replace the existing Holiday Inn Express adjacent to North Acton Underground station. The plans form part of the broader North Acton Town Centre Cluster masterplan aimed at revitalising the area into a vibrant neighbourhood hub. The approved project includes a 31-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) tower with 609 beds, and a separate 17-storey build-to-rent (BTR) block offering 59 residential units. The scheme also incorporates 35% affordable housing and 255 sqm of commercial space at ground level. Residents will benefit from outdoor amenity areas, though no on-site parking is planned. Downing submitted revised proposals in September 2024 following extensive collaboration with the local authority. The updated designs aim to contribute positively to the evolving townscape of North Acton while addressing housing demand. The taller PBSA tower will feature anodised aluminium rainscreen cladding combined with panels of clear and patterned glazing, delivering a modern visual identity. Meanwhile, the smaller BTR building will be clad in terracotta with blue anodised aluminium detailing and clear-framed windows. Martin Fenlon, associate projects director at Downing, highlighted the strategic importance of the location: “Situated just outside of the city centre, North Acton is becoming a hotbed of regeneration. Its vibrant community, excellent transport links and close proximity to leading universities make it the ideal location for high-quality student accommodation and rental housing.” Fenlon added that the development will help meet growing demand for housing among both domestic and international students attending nearby institutions such as Imperial College London, the University of West London and the University of the Arts. The project represents a significant investment in West London’s future and reflects growing interest in the area’s regeneration potential. Downing’s scheme is expected to play a key role in shaping North Acton’s identity as a thriving, mixed-use district over the coming years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
At 14-stories, Waterhouse Garden’s final and fifth residential building, reaches highest point Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has ‘topped out’ on the last of the five buildings under construction at Waterhouse Gardens, the central Manchester scheme comprising 556 apartments and 30,000 sq ft of commercial space. Together with its dedicated construction partner, DOMIS, Salboy is preparing for the completion and handover of apartments in Phase 1 to residents by this summer, with the whole site on track to complete in Q1 2026. Waterhouse Gardens is a mixed-use development, specifically designed to create a dynamic and energetic new neighbourhood for Manchester’s students and young professionals, a few minutes’ walk away from the city’s main retail, business and nightlife districts. With a maximum height of 25-storeys, the scheme will comprise 556 apartments, duplexes and penthouses, each catering to diverse needs but all offering stylish, contemporary living. Residents will have access to a private clubhouse offering high-end amenities including swimming pools, a squash/basketball court, lounges and a private cinema. Commercial space around the scheme will be home to boutique traders, independent restaurants and bars, and modern office and co-working spaces with their own private landscaped gardens. Running through the scheme will be a new public avenue, designed to foster a vibrant sense of community. Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “We are delighted to reach this important milestone at Waterhouse Gardens, a prestigious scheme that’s breathing life into a part of Manchester that was neglected and underinvested for almost twenty years. We’re committed to delivering an exceptional standard of living throughout the city and we’re excited to now bring that commitment to the students, graduates and young professionals who want to make Waterhouse Gardens their home as together they shape the future of Manchester. We are looking forward to the full completion later this year.” The scheme, designed by local architects Studio Power, celebrates the best that city centre living has to offer to Manchester’s increasingly young, professional and international population. Sales for both phases of the Waterhouse Gardens scheme are ahead of targets. By early May 2025, 85% of Phase 1 apartments were sold, as were almost half of those in Phase 2. This comes as new Hamptons data shows that the North West is outperforming all other regions in England and Wales for off-plan apartment sales, including London.* Show homes are available on site, allowing prospective local owner occupiers to walk around and sample life on location. A number of discussions with prospective commercial tenants have also reached legal terms. Kingsley Thornton, Managing Director at Domis, adds: “A project as ambitious and transformative as Waterhouse Gardens comes with its own complex challenges. Domis was faced with a significant shift in levels across the site requiring a very detailed and methodical approach to planning and coordination. Using this strategy, we were able to progress and work on multiple fronts simultaneously to maintain momentum across the scheme. We are very proud to be restoring a sense of community and prosperity to an area that was disused and unloved for far too long.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Australian property giant Lendlease is on the brink of sealing a landmark joint venture with The Crown Estate to deliver six transformative UK developments, with an end value exceeding £20 billion. The proposed 50:50 partnership signals a bold new chapter in UK urban regeneration, with wide-ranging implications for housing, commercial real estate, and sustainable city planning. The collaboration will target major regeneration sites across London and Birmingham, including the £4.9 billion Silvertown Quays scheme in the Royal Docks, the extensive Thamesmead and High Road West housing projects, and the ambitious £5.5 billion over-station development at Euston. Also included are Stratford Cross at the Olympic Park and Birmingham’s 42-acre Smithfield Market site. Together, the developments promise to deliver over 25,000 homes and more than nine million square feet of commercial, life sciences, and office space. A strong focus on sustainability and future-ready infrastructure underpins the vision, aligning with both partners’ long-term strategic priorities. This potential deal comes as Lendlease shifts its global strategy, concentrating on capital recycling and scaling back its international exposure in favour of a renewed focus on its Australian operations. The UK partnership, however, represents a continued commitment to key global projects through capital-light models such as joint ventures, land sales, and development management agreements. Lendlease is expected to limit its future investment to around AU$125 million, primarily focused on early-stage site development and planning. The company will act as master developer, earning cost-plus and performance-based fees, with the right to invest in vertical build-outs if public approvals are secured. Development costs are anticipated to be largely offset through land sales within the portfolio, allowing projects to progress without additional capital strain. For The Crown Estate, the deal marks a significant expansion of its development activity. Known for its high-profile holdings on Regent Street and St James’s, the Estate is positioning itself as a central player in long-term, high-impact urban transformation. The move is also noteworthy given that its current CEO, Dan Labbad, previously led Lendlease’s European operations before joining The Crown Estate in 2019. As negotiations approach their final stages, this partnership stands to become a defining force in shaping the future of several of the UK’s most high-profile urban sites. If finalised, the agreement could serve as a model for how public and private sector collaboration can unlock long-term economic value while tackling housing shortages, supporting green growth, and reimagining the fabric of Britain’s cities. An official announcement is expected once a binding agreement is concluded. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salford’s skyline is set to evolve further as Salford City Council grants planning approval to two major developments: the £200m Soapworks regeneration and a 22-storey residential tower at New Bailey. The Soapworks scheme, backed by the Greater Manchester Pension Fund and led by developer Bankfoot APAM, will breathe new life into an underused 8.5-acre brownfield site off Ordsall Lane. Designed by Chapman Taylor and delivered over two phases, the development aims to create a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood. Phase one includes the transformation of the former Colgate factory into 60,000 sq ft of high-quality office space, alongside 78 affordable homes and a gym. A 12-storey car park accommodating 900 vehicles, plus 45 incubator studios aimed at start-ups and SMEs, will also be delivered. The phase is rounded off with the introduction of much-needed public realm on land currently used for surface parking. Outline approval has also been granted for phase two, which will deliver a further 500 homes across three buildings, along with a new community pavilion and enhanced public spaces. Once complete, the Soapworks will provide a total of 578 homes. AshtonHale led the planning process, with consultancy support from Crookes Walker Consulting, Exterior Architecture, Urban Green, Core 5 and Roger Hannah. Elsewhere in the city, English Cities Fund (ECF) has secured permission for a 22-storey apartment block at New Bailey. The triangular Plot A1 site, located between Slate Yard and Trinity Way, will host 189 flats — comprising 84 one-beds, 84 two-beds and 21 three-beds — plus a landscaped public realm to the west. Of the homes, 20% will be designated as affordable, with a mix of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership units. The tower represents the final residential phase of the £1bn Salford Central masterplan, pushing the total number of New Bailey apartments beyond the 1,000 mark. Hawkins\Brown is the architect on the scheme, supported by a project team that includes Buro Four, Deloitte, Cundall, Re-form, Walker Sime, Project Four Safety, Renaissance, GIA, Aracero, Design Fire Consultants and Hannan Associates. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Construction has been named as the main contractor for the landmark regeneration of Brunswick Wharf in Bideford, Devon—a £30 million scheme set to revitalise the town’s riverfront. The development, led by local developer Red Earth, will see three five-storey apartment blocks built along the banks of the River Torridge. In addition to delivering over 100 new homes, the project will introduce a restaurant and six retail units to the area, creating a vibrant mixed-use destination. Brunswick Wharf will also feature a new riverside walk, a public open square, and a shared pedestrian and cycle route connecting to the popular Tarka Trail, enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable travel. Simon Friend, director of Red Earth, said: “We are delighted to have Morgan Sindall on board as the main contractor. This milestone follows a thorough tendering process and marks a major step forward for the regeneration of this iconic riverside site. We are excited to partner with them initially through preconstruction as they support us through the design development stages leading up to the start on site. This is a big step forward for the Brunswick Wharf project, and we’re confident that their expertise will ensure the vision for this development is brought to life in a sustainable and inspiring way.” Graham Kingdon, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, added: “The project will create a new burst of life for this North Devon community, all while paying tribute to the Wharf’s industrial roots. We very much look forward to strengthening our relationship with Red Earth as we transform this important site at the heart of Bideford.” Construction is set to begin following the completion of the design phase, with the development playing a key role in Bideford’s wider regeneration ambitions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The team behind York Central, one of the UK’s largest and most ambitious city centre regeneration projects, has announced the line-up of architects who will bring the scheme to life. Allies & Morrison, the original masterplanner for York Central, will continue as lead architect. They are joined by seven other leading practices: Grant Associates, Sheppard Robson, Cartwright Pickard, Corstorphine & Wright, Haworth Tompkins, 3D Reid, and Re-form Landscape Architecture. Led by joint venture partners McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, the £2.5 billion regeneration will transform a 45-hectare brownfield site behind York railway station. The scheme will deliver 2,500 new homes and up to one million square feet of office, retail, leisure, and hospitality space. Plans also include enhancements to the railway station and National Railway Museum. The development is being brought forward by Homes England and Network Rail, the majority landowners, in collaboration with the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum. £135 million in government funding has already been secured for enabling infrastructure. Allies & Morrison will maintain oversight of the overall vision and produce the site-wide design guide, as well as lead on a new Innovation Hub. Grant Associates will lead on landscaping, including the central park, public spaces, and the long-term reimagining of the historic coal drops area. Sheppard Robson will design the 195,000 sq ft government office space commissioned by the Government Property Agency (GPA). The residential components will be delivered by Cartwright Pickard, along with Corstorphine & Wright’s Leeds studio, which will focus on build-to-rent homes. Haworth Tompkins will take the lead on affordable housing. 3D Reid has been appointed to develop the site’s hotel offering and the western station entrance. Re-form Landscape Architecture will oversee the design of Museum Square and public realm in the first delivery phase. Tom Gilman, Managing Director of McLaren Regeneration, said:“Following a comprehensive competitive process involving both local and international firms, we have carefully selected some of the world’s leading architects and design specialists to work with us and bring our ambitious vision for York Central to life. Key to our decision-making was ensuring they had a proven track record in delivering large-scale regeneration schemes and a strong understanding of York and its unique character. Now, we are excited to begin this next stage of delivery, working closely with our design team, partners and the local community to create a vibrant, sustainable new neighbourhood for the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to transform Kew Retail Park in South West London into a vibrant new neighbourhood featuring up to 1,200 homes and a modernised Marks & Spencer store have been put on indefinite hold, leaving the future of the site in question. Located in Richmond, the 10-acre retail park was partially acquired by developer Berkeley Group in 2021, with the remainder still owned by M&S. In 2022, St George, a division of Berkeley, unveiled proposals to regenerate the underutilised site with housing, shops, and enhanced public spaces. The design included a relocated and upgraded M&S beneath residential units, reflecting ambitions to create a thriving, mixed-use community. Initial consultations in mid-2022 revealed general support for the redevelopment, with many locals describing the existing single-storey retail layout and surface car parking as an inefficient use of prime land. However, concerns were also raised over the potential scale of the project, with some calling for a sensitive approach to density and design. Despite early momentum and community engagement, the project has since lost traction. A planning application, initially expected by summer 2023, never materialised. By late 2024, a brief update on the developer’s website confirmed that the site would “be retained in its current use as a retail investment” for the foreseeable future. No formal timeline has been offered for revisiting the proposals. Although the redevelopment is paused, both St George and M&S submitted a joint statement to Richmond Council in June 2024, outlining their continued interest in shaping the borough’s Local Plan. This planning framework, currently being finalised, identifies Kew Retail Park as a key location for future housing, retail, office, and leisure use. A draft version of the plan supports the site’s redevelopment for a substantial number of new homes—up to 900 if fully transformed—with an expectation that affordable housing be included. The council also emphasised the need to maintain commercial activity, encouraging a mix of retail, cafes, and community-focused businesses to foster a vibrant local environment. Representatives for the landowners have confirmed that discussions are ongoing and that a comprehensive masterplan is being developed. However, the pace of progress appears tied to negotiations over key elements—particularly the scale of the proposed new foodhall for M&S, which could determine how much of the site becomes available for housing. While the Local Plan advances, residents and stakeholders are left in limbo, awaiting clarity on whether one of the area’s most prominent redevelopment opportunities will be realised or remain on hold. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Scarborough Group International (SGI) has announced its vision for the next phase of development at Thorpe Park Leeds, outlining plans to introduce a major industrial and logistics hub, new urban apartments, and additional Grade A business spaces with supporting amenities. Building on more than 25 years of sustained development, Thorpe Park Leeds has evolved into one of the region’s most prominent mixed-use destinations. Spanning more than 1.4 million sq ft of business, retail and leisure space, the site features notable developments including the Paradigm and Lumina office buildings and The Springs retail and leisure centre. The recent launch of No. 1 The Square marked a major milestone, securing Yorkshire’s largest-ever out-of-town pre-let office deal. The transformation has been enabled by major infrastructure upgrades, including a new bridge over the TransPennine Railway and the Manston Lane Link Road. These works have enhanced connectivity, completed the East Leeds Orbital Route, and unlocked key areas within the East Leeds Extension – one of the city’s largest planned residential zones. With outline planning permission already secured for an additional 1 million sq ft of mixed-use development, SGI is now accelerating the estate’s next chapter. Central to this vision is ‘Integral at Thorpe Park Leeds’, a new industrial and logistics hub designed to be a key feature of the estate. SGI is also exploring the development of up to 450 new apartments, supporting a vibrant residential community and expanding housing options for modern urban living. To support its renewed focus, SGI has launched a new website for Thorpe Park Leeds. Designed to unify all aspects of the development, the site offers a streamlined, user-friendly experience for prospective occupiers and investors. It sets out a clear and cohesive vision for the estate, underlining SGI’s commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and connected destination. Kevin McCabe, Chairman and Founder at SGI, said: “The transformation of Thorpe Park Leeds over recent years provides a strong foundation for future growth. As we prepare to accelerate delivery of the next phase, our focus is on creating high-quality workspace, homes and amenities that support the ambitions of Leeds as a city and deliver long-term benefits to businesses, residents and investors alike. The launch of our new website marks a key milestone in bringing our vision together, providing greater clarity and a more engaging experience for everyone who is part of Thorpe Park Leeds.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reading Borough Council has given the green light to a major redevelopment of Broad Street Mall. The scheme is being delivered through a partnership between McLaren Living, a national specialist in build-to-rent developments, and AEW, one of the world’s leading real estate investment and asset management firms. Building on a previous planning consent, the updated plans will create a significantly enhanced mixed-use neighbourhood on the southern part of the 4.6-acre site. The redevelopment includes 643 tenure-blind build-to-rent homes—offering both market and affordable options, approximately 19,000 sq ft of commercial space focused on retail and leisure, and an improved public realm featuring public art and landscape enhancements. The plans also incorporate an extension to the existing NHS Walk-In Centre. The scheme will consist of four residential buildings located to the south of Broad Street Mall, positioned along Dusseldorf Way between the Hexagon and the Minster. This aligns with the wider Minster Quarter masterplan, which is also being brought forward by McLaren Living in partnership with the Council. Environmental sustainability is a key focus of the project. The buildings will use air-source heat pumps and solar photovoltaics to reduce carbon emissions, with each apartment designed to achieve at least an EPC rating of B. Non-residential areas will meet BREEAM Excellent standards for environmental performance. Designed by AHR Architects, the updated masterplan followed extensive engagement with stakeholders both before and after submission. The redevelopment aims to create a landmark destination that celebrates the 20th-century heritage of the area while reinforcing its cultural and artistic identity. It also supports Reading’s 2050 vision, serving as a model for placemaking that is smart, sustainable and inclusive. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
