Derwent London has announced a strategic partnership with Related Argent to transform one of the last major regeneration plots in central London, located at Old Street. The collaboration will focus on redeveloping the 2.5-acre former Moorfields Eye Hospital site, situated close to the capital’s tech hub around Silicon Roundabout. Early studies have confirmed the potential for a substantial mixed-use campus, which could redefine this part of the city’s urban landscape. Completion of the site acquisition is expected in late 2027, after which the partners will work together to secure planning consent for a “living-led” masterplan. The proposals are set to explore a broad mix of uses, including residential, co-living, student accommodation, offices and hotel space. The development framework is being designed to give Derwent London maximum flexibility in how the project is delivered, with options ranging from joint ventures and forward funding to individual plot sales. Related Argent was selected through a competitive tender process, with its proven expertise in large-scale regeneration — demonstrated by landmark projects such as King’s Cross and Brent Cross Town — cited as a key factor in the decision. Paul Williams, chief executive of Derwent London, described the Old Street Quarter as “an exciting regeneration opportunity for one of the few remaining significant island sites in central London.” He continued: “We have actively explored a number of options to ensure we deliver the best possible regeneration and, as part of a competitive tender, Related Argent showcased their extensive experience in master planning this type of large-scale project.” Tom Goodall, chief executive of Related Argent, added: “Together, we will draw on our collective experience leading complex, mixed-use developments to successfully bring forward this site — propelled by a shared ambition to bring long-term value to London.” Once complete, the Old Street project is expected to deliver a new benchmark for mixed-use regeneration, combining residential, commercial and community spaces to create a vibrant new destination in the heart of the city. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Wrexham Council has submitted detailed plans to ignite the city’s long-trailed Gateway regeneration with a mixed programme of culture, commerce and transport improvements next to Wrexham General Station. At the heart of the proposals is a celebration of the city’s brewing heritage. A former Jewson builders’ merchant warehouse would be converted to house a new Wrexham Lager brewery, while the neighbouring Cambrian Sheds are earmarked for a taproom and museum telling the story of local beer-making. Together, they aim to create an anchor visitor attraction on the station’s doorstep, activating the wider site from day one. The application is hybrid. Alongside the detailed change-of-use plans for the brewery and museum, the council is seeking outline consent for a five-storey commercial office building, a new public plaza at the station entrance, and a pedestrian footbridge connecting the northern end of the plot. Public-realm and mobility upgrades include new bus stops, EV charging points, secure cycle storage and improved pedestrian and cycle access from Mold Road. The scheme sits within the broader Wrexham Gateway project, which also encompasses the new Kop stand at the STōK Racecourse and a linked transport hub. Demolition of the former Girl Guides and Wrexham District Scouts buildings is proposed to clear space for the new facilities and public routes. SHR Studio Architecture leads the design team, with Cushman & Wakefield as cost consultant, Hoare Lea on building services and Civic Engineers providing civil and structural input. The design intent pairs adaptive reuse with contemporary infill: industrial sheds are repurposed and made public-facing, while new-build elements frame a coherent station square. For contractors and consultants, the opportunity blends heritage refurbishment with phased new build, complex interfaces around live rail and highway environments, and a sustainability brief that leans on reuse, low-carbon mobility and energy-efficient services. If approved, the project would set a strong urban gateway for arrivals to Wrexham, establishing a cultural draw alongside workspace and improved connectivity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A main contractor has been selected for the first phase of Cheltenham’s landmark Golden Valley project, a £1bn mixed-use development set to become a centre for UK cyber, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. HBD, part of Henry Boot, has appointed Bowmer & Kirkland to lead the initial stage of the scheme, which will be delivered in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council. The 200-hectare development will eventually provide around 2,500 new homes and 1.25 million sq ft of commercial space, positioned next to the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). The first phase will feature two flagship buildings, Idea and Router, alongside enabling works to support future development. Work is scheduled to begin on site in spring 2026. Idea, the National Cyber Innovation Centre, will provide 160,000 sq ft of workspace and flexible event facilities. Router, a transport hub powered by smart technology, is designed to enable sustainable travel across the wider scheme and will sit alongside new leisure, retail and wellbeing amenities. Bowmer & Kirkland has an established relationship with HBD, having most recently delivered Island, a £60m office scheme in Manchester city centre. Ed Hutchinson, managing director of HBD, said: “The importance of Golden Valley in strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in secure innovation really can’t be overstated. The development will play a key role in driving innovation across cyber and deep tech industries while delivering significant economic benefits for Gloucestershire and the wider southwest. With outline planning consent for phase one approved, it’s positive to be able to announce the appointment of Bowmer & Kirkland as we focus on getting started on-site.” Stuart Fanshaw, regional construction director at Bowmer & Kirkland, added: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with HBD on this exciting scheme, which will contribute to putting the UK at the forefront of cyber innovation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Southwark councillors have approved London & Regional’s plans to replace the vacant Skipton House office block at Elephant & Castle with a major mixed-use redevelopment comprising four towers, new public realm and ground-floor amenities. Two taller blocks of 30 and 31 storeys will deliver 1,434 purpose-built student rooms let at market rents. Flanking them, two residential towers of 21 and 23 storeys will provide 243 affordable homes, split between 171 for social rent and 72 intermediate units (including shared ownership and London Living Rent). The affordable mix comprises 77 one-bed, 108 two-bed and 58 three-bed flats. Designed by HTA Design with landscape architect Turkington Martin, the scheme also includes around 1,629 sq m of commercial and community space and a new civic square, Skipton Circus, intended to relieve pedestrian congestion and host events, markets and performances. Retail and food-and-beverage uses are planned at ground level within the student buildings, with office space and medical services on the first and second floors. Skipton House, a seven-storey 1990s office block above the former tube station concourse, has been empty since 2022 and will be demolished. The estimated 3.5-year build has prompted local concerns over disruption, alongside objections to height and massing: the consultation logged 116 objections and two letters of support. During committee, residents argued the scheme was out of scale and under-served by infrastructure; councillors acknowledged the step-change in height but weighed this against the site’s long-term vacancy and the on-site affordable housing offer. Planning permission was granted. The decision underscores the council’s focus on housing delivery and town-centre renewal around a major transport node, while consolidating Elephant & Castle’s position as a cluster for higher education demand. It follows a separate approval at the same meeting for a 15-storey student scheme on Old Kent Road from Tailored Living Solutions, providing 169 rooms (studios, “twodios” and accessible units) with a £7.8m payment in lieu to support off-site affordable housing. With demolition clearing the way, London & Regional’s project will reshape a prominent gateway site, adding high-density student accommodation alongside family-sized affordable homes and an upgraded public realm aimed at stitching the development into the wider district. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

City & Country has this week completed the purchase of the 47.5-acre Kingswood site in Surrey from Legal & General. The completion of the purchase follows the housebuilder’s announcement of its intention to acquire the site in spring this year, with contracts having been exchanged in May 2025. The landmark deal will see City & Country redevelop the site to offer a mix of residential, retirement living and leisure space, set around a striking Grade II* listed building and the locally listed former St Monica’s School. New plans will see the developer resubmit for planning permission in the Autumn to deliver 166 private homes and 116 retirement properties, varying the site’s existing planning consent for a retirement village. Wider plans for Kingswood include the creation of a leisure centre, re-using some of the existing accommodation, which includes a swimming pool, tennis courts and ancillary facilities. Furthermore, City & Country intends to eventually restore the former L&G House and St Monicas School into high quality homes, and in the interim plans to offer space for use as offices and for co-working. Simon Marner, Land and Property Director for City & Country, comments: “We are extremely pleased to have completed the purchase of Kingswood – a site of significant local interest that has been vacant for a considerable amount of time, with the heritage buildings falling into disrepair. The site has great potential for us to deliver a high-class development to provide housing and facilities to complement the local area and for the benefit of the local community. Existing planning permission has been in place for half a decade, and we hope that with this acquisition City & Country can finally deliver on longstanding ambitions for Kingswood. “In the coming months, we will be preparing detailed plans for Kingswood, to enable us to submit new planning applications. These will be based on the principles of the already consented care home scheme, but which will provide a different mix of uses, making the scheme more viable and deliverable. City & Country has a long track record in handling complex heritage sites such as Kingswood and look forward to embarking on this exciting new project.” Prior to City & Country’s acquisition of Kingswood, the site was used as Legal & General’s HQ and has stood empty since 2018. The developer hopes that its redevelopment ambitions will restore the site to its former glory and eventually become an asset to the surrounding community. Kingswood is located within the borough of Reigate and Banstead, with local amenities located nearby including a village store, pub, cafes and restaurants. Nearby Kingswood Station offers a direct link to London Bridge. City & Country is responsible for a number of landmark schemes located on historic sites across the south of England, including The 1840, a conversion of a Grade II Listed Victorian Hospital in Wandsworth; King Edward VII Estate, the former tuberculosis sanatorium opened by its namesake in 1980; and its latest project, the redevelopment of the historic Pitman Press in Bath. For further information about City & Country, please visit https://www.cityandcountry.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major riverside regeneration project at Orchard Wharf in Tower Hamlets has been given the green light, after Regal secured unanimous planning consent for a scheme that combines affordable housing, student accommodation, public open space, and a revitalised working wharf. The development will deliver 208 affordable homes, meeting the London Plan’s 35 per cent target and providing much-needed high-quality housing in the borough. Alongside this, 1,365 purpose-built student rooms will help ease demand in London’s rental market and support the capital’s position as a global centre for education. A key feature of the scheme is the revitalisation of the safeguarded wharf, unlocking 7,524 square metres of logistics floorspace for use by Thames Clippers Logistics. This will create a low-carbon river freight hub, reducing reliance on road transport and strengthening the role of the Thames as a vital transport artery. The proposals, shaped in collaboration with Montagu Evans, include more than 7,400 square metres of landscaped open space. Features will include gardens, children’s play areas and community facilities accessible to residents and visitors. Designs by Howells incorporate an elevated riverside garden and careful integration with the surrounding neighbourhood, ensuring the scheme contributes positively to the wider Leamouth area. Steve Harrington, Planning Director at Regal, commented:“We are delighted that Orchard Wharf has secured Planning Committee approval. This is an important step towards delivering new affordable homes and high-quality student accommodation in Tower Hamlets while ensuring the long-term future of the wharf as a sustainable logistics hub. Orchard Wharf exemplifies our commitment to creating places that balance housing need, economic opportunity and community benefit.” William Poole, Partner at Howells, added:“The committee’s decision marks a step change in London’s evolution towards more climate-resilient infrastructure solutions. The scheme enables the delivery of more than 1,500 homes in this riverside location, prioritising affordable housing alongside rooftop residents’ gardens that will be difficult to match elsewhere in the capital. We are proud to have reached this stage as part of a talented and determined team.” Construction is expected to start in early 2026, following detailed design and delivery work. Once complete, Orchard Wharf will stand as a benchmark for co-location in London, demonstrating how housing, employment and high-quality public realm can be integrated within one development. It will also reinforce Tower Hamlets’ role at the forefront of London’s regeneration, setting a precedent for unlocking underused riverside land for long-term benefit. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals