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

Two office blocks and a number of commercial buildings in Potters Bar look set for a new lease of life after their sale was agreed with developers. Chase New Homes has exchanged contracts on the unconditional purchase of a 4.5 acre brownfield site fronting the High Street. The land is allocated for mixed-use development in Hertsmere Borough Council’s draft Local Plan – potentially including up to 265 homes and approximately 26,910 sq ft of office and retail space. The site currently includes two substantial office blocks – six-storey Canada Life Place and 13-storey Maple House – alongside 11,400 sq ft of mixed-use buildings, including two parades of shops with flats above, a 5,000 sq ft car wash and a large car park. Chase New Homes has now selected a design team for the site and – based on initial concepts – it is hoped it should deliver a minimum of around 90 affordable homes and 170 market sale homes; with an element of new commercial space. Advised by the development team at Savills in Cambridge and purchased for an undisclosed sum, site owner financial services provider Canada Life and Chase New Homes have agreed a deferred completion date in 2026. Joe Last, Associate Director in the development team at Savills Cambridge, said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts on this landmark site. Its redevelopment represents an exciting opportunity to deliver sustainable growth in the shape of high quality residential, retail and commercial uses in a prime location, and will significantly contribute to the supply of much-needed new homes in the local area. “Chase New Homes are a leading regional housebuilder with a reputation for delivering high quality homes. From the outset they demonstrated a willingness to meet the requirements of the site owner – offering a flexible solution that was to the benefit of all parties. We look forward to seeing how the new scheme comes to fruition.” Nick Harding, Chief People Officer at Canada Life UK, said: “Canada Life has a long history in Potters Bar, and we were committed to finding a partner that shared our ambition to transform the site into a sustainable and attractive development that brings long-term benefits to the area. “Chase New Homes has a strong track record for delivering exceptional developments in and around Hertfordshire, and a plan that will meet the housing and commercial needs of the local community. We would like to thank both Chase New Homes for partnering with us on this exciting opportunity, and the Savills team for their support with the sale.” Gary Barton, Managing Director of Chase New Homes, said: “We are all extremely excited to be working on such an iconic site in Potters Bar and to add to our growing list of successful developments that we at Chase are very proud of delivering. We pride ourselves in creating schemes that not only enhance the area but also deliver an exceptional lifestyle living experience.’’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

British Land has unveiled the newly completed Dock Shed, a 180,000 sq ft highly sustainable mixed-use building at Canada Water designed by Allies and Morrison with lobby interiors by Conran and Partners. A 21st century take on a classic docklands warehouse, Dock Shed is a BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 4.5* workspace situated within the heart of the first phase of British Land and AustralianSuper’s 53-acre masterplan. Dock Shed features extensive 2,000-5,000 sq ft terraces overlooking waterside surroundings – including British architect Asif Khan’s iconic red boardwalk, Rafter Walk – and views of the London skyline. Allies and Morrison has referred to the heritage of the docks throughout the design of the building, with distinctive saw-tooth steel roof profile and materials chosen to channel the former deal (timber) sheds which lined the docks. Internally, Conran and Partners has designed a seven-metre-high, multipurpose social lobby on the ground floor, featuring a mezzanine level offering three private meeting rooms for occupiers’ use. Designed to meet the needs of headquarter occupiers, the up to four-metre floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows flood the 40,000 sq ft floors with natural light, while openable windows enhance fresh air circulation throughout Dock Shed, while the terraces are designed to encourage outdoor meetings, serve as informal breakout areas, relaxation zones or for social events. On the lower floors and basement of the building, British Land, Allies and Morrison and Roberts Limbrick have delivered a state-of-the art leisure centre for Southwark Council. With a multi-station gym, eight-lane swimming pool, yoga studios and a sports hall, Canada Water Leisure Centre will offer access to world-class wellness facilities for people working at Dock Shed, and will open later this year. Occupiers will benefit from a range of retail and leisure amenities including the recently opened Corner Corner, a new cultural hub featuring live music, exceptional food and beverage pop-ups and London’s largest indoor commercial farm, as well as Padel courts (opening later this spring). The area will be further enhanced later this year, with a growing selection of retail and dining options at Canada Water; Sushi Revolution and The Village Tree were recently announced as the first two occupiers of the newly built spaces. The launch of Dock Shed follows the success of Paper Yard, a modular science and technology campus at Canada Water, and precedes the launch of further state-of-the-art workspace with Three Deal Porters, which sits adjacent to Dock Shed, later this year. British Land’s Head of Development, David Lockyer, said: “As we near completion of the first phase of our masterplan, we’re proud to unveil Dock Shed, our first commercial building at Canada Water. Drawing on the area’s industrial heritage, Dock Shed reinterprets the character of the former dockside warehouses, brought to life through British Land’s expertise in creating market-leading campus environments. “Designed for the future of work, Dock Shed offers a best-in-class combination of sustainability, digital infrastructure and modern amenities, with expansive, light-filled floorplates. Set within the growing cultural and leisure scene emerging across the wider masterplan – with a nature reserve on its doorstep, a state-of-the-art leisure centre beneath, and green spaces all around – Dock Shed presents a unique workspace proposition that supports both productivity and wellbeing.” Paul Eaton, Partner at Allies and Morrison, said: “Dock Shed’s completion marks an important milestone in the realisation of the Canada Water masterplan, a project Allies and Morrison has been involved with for over a decade. As a distinctive new presence on the edge of Canada Dock, Dock Shed is a context-driven hybrid building providing both important local amenity and inspiring, high-quality new workspace. And as part of the masterplan, Dock Shed works hard to define a new public space – Dock Office Courtyard – and vital new connections between the waterside and Southwark Park.” Simon Kincaid, Principal and Partner at Conran and Partners, said: “Dock Shed balances elegance with casual comfort, as we’ve approached the interior design with the same mindset we bring to hospitality, creating spaces that are welcoming and full of character to draw people together. Introducing a café into the lobby of the first commercial building was a deliberate move to foster a sense of community and social activation from day one. The interiors are purposefully unexpected, from sculptural rope installations to furniture and finishes that draw inspiration from hospitality and residential settings rather than conventional office design, whilst nodding to Canada Water’s rich history.” At the intersection of both an Underground and Overground train line, more under-35s are able to reach Canada Water within 45 minutes than any other central London commercial hub (JLL research), highlighting its strength as an emerging office location. Dock Shed also benefits from exceptional connectivity, and is located just a minute’s walk from Canada Water station from where you can reach London Bridge or the West End within 10 minutes on the Jubilee line, or via the Elizabeth line just one stop away. The City of London can also be reached in 10 minutes by bike. Part of the 53-acre Canada Water Masterplan, Dock Shed is part of the first phase, which completes later this year and sees a further 120,000 sq ft of flexible workspace, 186 new homes at The Founding, and public realm. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Get Living, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent operators and developers, has submitted revised proposals for the next and final phase of its Elephant and Castle town centre transformation, bringing further homes for rent, including affordable homes, as well as landscaped public realm and a major cultural venue. The West Site sits alongside The Elephant, the second phase of the scheme, which is providing 485 new homes, a diverse mix of restaurants, shops, leisure and cultural facilities, a new university campus, workspace, improved transport infrastructure including a new underground station and a new public square. The updated plans for the West Site, have been submitted to Southwark Council this month and form the third phase of Get Living’s £1.5 billion regeneration of the Elephant and Castle Town Centre. The enhanced proposal reinforces Get Living’s commitment to creating a thriving destination and a new meeting place for locals, prospective residents and visitors alike. It will be the company’s flagship mixed use scheme, incorporating retail, leisure, culture, education and infrastructure improvements alongside the new homes for rent. Building on the original 2019 masterplan, the revisions introduce 452 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds, easing pressure on the local private rental market and responding to the growing demand for high-quality rental and student accommodation. In Southwark alone, there has been a 25% rise in the student population over the past decade. In response to local community feedback, retail space on the first floor facing Pastor Street has been replaced with nine additional homes, increasing the total number of homes to 507, of which 165 are affordable. The plans introduce architectural improvements to complement Elephant and Castle’s distinct character alongside providing a new public square, which will serve as a focal point for the area’s social and cultural life. Sustainability remains at the heart of the project, with an all-electric low carbon energy system, increased green spaces, and a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions where possible by adopting the principles of passive haus design. A significant carbon reduction will be achieved by repurposing part of the existing LCC Workshop into an exciting new cultural venue. The adaptive reuse of the structure will help to preserve Elephant and Castle’s rich history and social fabric whilst creating flexible spaces for arts, performances, and community activities. The development also carefully respects the surrounding streetscape, providing the transition between the nearby Elliott’s Row Conservation Area and Victorian houses on Oswin Street to the new Elephant and Castle town centre. The West Site becomes available for redevelopment in early 2028, following the relocation of the LCC to its new, state-of-the-art campus building next door at The Elephant. The launch of the development will mark the delivery of a game changing regeneration of Elephant and Castle, set to be central London’s newest and exciting mixed use destination. Rick de Blaby, Chief Executive of Get Living, said: “Elephant and Castle has always been a place where cultures, commerce, and communities converge and we are working hard to honour that legacy as we continue the extraordinary transformation. “We are pleased to submit our planning application for the final phase that better reflects local need while significantly enhancing the sustainability credentials. “Alongside our work on the West site, our vision for the second phase of The Elephant is quickly becoming a reality and we are progressing some very exciting conversations with both well-known brands and unique independents, which will be opening their doors when the scheme launches in 2026. “As long-term stakeholders, we are committed to delivering a new meeting place where people can come together to live, work and socialise, delivering much-needed homes, including affordable homes, student accommodation and vibrant public spaces that bring energy and opportunity to the area.” The first phase of Get Living’s Elephant and Castle development, Elephant Central, launched in 2017, and included 374 homes for rent, 278 student homes and 65,659 sq ft of commercial space, comprising a supermarket, gym and nursery. Its second phase, The Elephant, is launching in early 2026, and will include 135,000 sq ft of shops, restaurants and leisure space, a 370,000 sq ft university buildings for UAL, landscaped public realm, 55,000 sq ft of workspace, and 485 new homes for rent, of which 172 will be affordable. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Middlesbrough is set to undergo a major transformation as planning approval is granted for a £200 million mixed-use regeneration scheme in the heart of the town centre. Led by developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property, in partnership with the Middlesbrough Development Corporation, the ambitious Gresham Street project will be delivered by Wates Group—appointed as lead contractor for what is being hailed as the most significant investment in the town for a generation. The first phase of the masterplan includes more than 240 build-to-rent (BTR) homes and accommodation for over 450 students. Talks are also progressing with global hotel brand Fairfield by Marriott to open a 200-bed hotel as part of the development. Set on a long-derelict brownfield site, the regeneration forms a key part of the wider Middlesbrough masterplan. A new pedestrian route is also being planned to link Diamond Road with Linthorpe Road and King Edward’s Square, reconnecting key parts of the town. Wates’ Managing Director for Construction East, David Wingfield, said: “We’ve been delivering projects in Middlesbrough for almost a decade, and this scheme represents a real leap forward. Regeneration should outlast the building itself—it’s about creating thriving places and delivering long-term value to the community. “With this project, we’re aiming to generate more than £50 million in social value, ensuring we leave a legacy that benefits the people of Middlesbrough well into the future.” Neil McMillan, Director at iMpeC, echoed the transformative potential of the project: “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s essential for Middlesbrough’s future prosperity and will support local businesses, create jobs, and help shape a vibrant new chapter for the town.” Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “This is a landmark development for Middlesbrough. Our Development Corporation is helping to cut through red tape and bring long-neglected areas like Gresham back to life. It’s about getting on with the job and delivering a town centre where people want to live, work, and relax.” Construction is expected to begin this summer following the recent transfer of land and assets from Middlesbrough Council to the Development Corporation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The global delivery consultants and construction experts, Mace have been appointed by JP Morgan Asset Management to deliver 65 Gresham Street – one of the largest building reuse projects in the City of London – with over 36,800m² of Grade A office, retail and ancillary spaces. Prioritising a reuse first approach, the project will retain more than 70% of the existing building’s structure, with 95% of materials recycled or reused on-site, targeting a 66% reduction in whole-life carbon. Fossil fuel free during construction and operation, the building will incorporate air source heat pumps for heating, cooling and hot water generation. The redevelopment will feature four new lightweight floors added to the existing eight-storey structure, external terraces and inset balconies will provide outdoor space on every floor, while expanded entrances and relocated retail space will activate the streetscape. Extensive greening initiatives will increase biodiversity net gain by over 100%. Ged Simmonds, Managing Director Private Sector, Mace Construct: ‘’This ambitious retrofit project exemplifies Mace’s commitment to sustainable construction, showcasing innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact and set the standard for the next generation of sustainable offices. “In the past five years we’ve seen a growing trend in the City of London for sustainability-driven, reuse focussed office developments.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Manchester City Council has approved a planning application submitted by Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, to develop the second phase of its Viadux scheme in central Manchester.  Phase Two of the Viadux will see the construction of two new towers:  A 76-storey tower will house a 160-bedroom hotel, restaurant and 452 branded residences, delivered in partnership with luxury lifestyle brand Nobu Hospitality, to help meet growing demand for high-quality accommodation for the international city’s residents and visitors. These branded residences mark Nobu Hospitality’s debut in the UK’s luxury real estate market. Like the adjacent 40-storey tower built during Viadux’s first phase, the 76-storey tower is hugely architecturally ambitious. To be known as Nobu Manchester, the tower will be elevated above ground with its foundations built under a retained Victorian archway. Standing at 246 metres, the tower will become the UK’s tallest building outside of London. A second (yet to be named) building on Great Bridgewater Street, will stand at 23-storeys tall and will create 133 new apartments aimed at the affordable homes market in a hugely well-connected and desirable part of Manchester.  Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “We are delighted with the Council’s decision to approve our plans to complete the Viadux masterplan. Viadux promises to deliver a neighbourhood of high-quality, design-led homes that meet Manchester’s substantial need for accommodation at a range of price points and tenure types, while bringing to the Manchester cityscape a truly crowning feature.  “Once completed, the Viadux scheme will have entirely regenerated an 80,000 sq ft brownfield site, in easy walking distance of all of Manchester’s central business, retail and leisure districts, and added almost 1,000 brand new homes to a coveted and popular location for the city’s professional population.  “Manchester is a fast-expanding city that is quickly and emphatically achieving its ambitions to become a global leader in business, sport, leisure and academia. It’s a belief that we’ve long held that Manchester deserves to be home to architectural and engineering feats that before now have been the preserve of other global cities. “As the location of not just the tallest tower outside London but a large number of high quality affordable homes, Viadux has the potential to become a symbol of this city’s aspirations and confidence in itself. Viadux now promises to shape not only Manchester’s skyline for years to come, but the city’s sense of identity on the global stage.” Since plans were first drawn up in 2017, the full Viadux scheme has been designed by Manchester-born architects, SimpsonHaugh, with culturally and historically sensitive regeneration always front of mind.  Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality: “We’re thrilled to see the Viadux 2 development move forward with planning approval. Manchester is a vibrant, world-class city, and we’re proud to be part of a project that will bring the Nobu experience to this destination through a truly exceptional mixed-use project.  Alongside our signature Nobu Hotel and Restaurant, the Nobu Residences will offer a unique opportunity to live the Nobu lifestyle. Viadux 2 represents the kind of visionary development we seek—integrated, design-led, and rooted in cultural and community connection.” Ian Simpson, Co-Founder, SimpsonHaugh: “Viadux’s phased development has required vision, a pioneering approach, and innovation to bring life back to an urban area in Manchester City Centre on a challenging site that incorporates the restoration of a Grade II listed brick viaduct. Viadux Phase 2 will see the development of a beautiful and elegant mixed-use building that will define the Manchester skyline, providing high-quality private and affordable homes and an amazing world-class hotel.” Viadux’s first phase – a 40-storey tower comprising 370 apartments and a wealth of quality resident amenities – was completed on time, on budget and fully sold out. This tower is now known as Viadux.  Salboy’s construction partner Domis expects to commence work on the site this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals