Plans have been submitted for the regeneration of Baltic Wharf in Totnes. The application for a new vision is to create a bespoke, high quality and sustainable mixed-use development, including improving the existing boatyard facilities, has been submitted by Baltic Wharf Developments Ltd – a joint venture between Acorn Property
Legal & General (L&G) has submitted a £350 million planning application for the regeneration of Bristol’s Temple Island, promising to transform the site into a thriving urban district. This ambitious project forms part of the broader Bristol Temple Quarter initiative, a flagship development aiming to deliver 10,000 new homes and
A new planning application has been submitted by McTaggart Construction and Ravenscraig Limited to North Lanarkshire Council for a residential development and 14,500 sq ft of retail space on the former industrial steel works site of Ravenscraig. The proposals will see the delivery of 48 affordable homes on Prospecthill Road.
Nurton Developments, a prominent Birmingham-based property firm, has announced the launch of Nurton Retail Ltd, a new joint venture aimed at acquiring and developing retail and roadside projects both on and off the market. The initiative is designed to capitalise on growing demand in this dynamic sector. The new entity
Peel Waters has named construction firm GRAHAM as the delivery partner for the first phase of the Central Docks development, the largest brownfield site in Liverpool and a key part of the ambitious Liverpool Waters regeneration project. Spanning over 10.5 hectares, Central Docks is set to become the largest of
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) has announced a 50/50 joint venture with Vistry Group to develop 948 new homes in Pudding Mill Lane, Stratford. The project led by LLDC and Vistry Group will create a residential and commercial neighbourhood adjacent to Pudding Mill Lane DLR station. The development will
City of Wolverhampton Council and ECF – a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – have submitted a hybrid planning application for City Centre West in Wolverhampton. The partnership has put forward detailed plans for phase one, which includes over 330 new high-quality homes, as well as
Bouygues UK is thrilled to announce the completion of the Peckham Flaxyard project, a mixed-use, residential-led scheme in the heart of Peckham. This milestone marks the successful delivery of a £46.8m development that will significantly benefit the local community. Bouygues UK and Southwark Council celebrated the completion of the scheme
The final phase of plans to develop Newbury Farm, Cambridge, have been green-lit. The development will deliver 150 mixed-tenure houses and apartments, as well as community and commercial spaces to enhance both the project’s appeal and functionality, thanks to an equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and award-winning housebuilder The
Councillors have given the green light to an ambitious plan to bring a fresh, entertainment-focused venue to Wolverhampton’s Mander Centre. The new leisure hub, developed by real estate and investment firm Catella APAM in collaboration with Superbowl UK, is expected to open its doors in early 2025. The multi-faceted entertainment
Plans have been submitted for the regeneration of Baltic Wharf in Totnes. The application for a new vision is to create a bespoke, high quality and sustainable mixed-use development, including improving the existing boatyard facilities, has been submitted by Baltic Wharf Developments Ltd – a joint venture between Acorn Property Group and TQ9 Partnership LLP. Across a nine-hectare site at the southern end of the town of Totnes, the scheme – coined ‘Riverside at Baltic Wharf’ – will secure the future and ongoing viability of the boatyard, offer the potential for a major employment boost to the town and deliver much needed homes and care home. The scheme updates an extant planning permission from 2012 and builds on the first phase of development of 95 homes delivered by Bloor Homes in 2013. The updating from the original permission was required to replace the Retirement Village, which has proved impossible to deliver for over ten years, with a Care Home and respond to increased flood risk requirements with a raised walkway through the site. The delivery of the residential units will help to future-proof the boatyard by funding the new boatyard facilities and marine business space. In addition, Acorn will also provide a 25-year lease for the boatyard to ensure a sustainable and viable long-term future. The application has potential for significant uplift in employment and economic benefits from the site. It is estimated that the scheme will create around 350 full-time jobs with purpose-built employment areas in the boatyard, the care home, and office and café/restaurant facilities. In addition to providing 194 new homes, 31 of which are anticipated to be classed as affordable in the first phase, a 55-bed care home is included in the application, in line with the previous consented scheme and allocation. The number of dwellings is similar to the numbers in outline application with residential dwellings replacing the retirement village dwellings. This is in line with the Local Plan which was wholly based on the approved outline scheme. Sustainability sits at the heart of the application for the redevelopment of this underutilised brownfield site. This is due to the proximity to the town as well as measures including a ‘fabric first’ policy, electricity replacing gas and a transport policy promoting alternative transport measures and limiting the number of cars and also including solar panels and EV charging points. Ed Lewis, regional director at Acorn Property Group and on behalf of Baltic Wharf Developments Ltd, commented: “Since we began preparing the proposals for this application in 2020, we have undertaken a significant consultation programme with the District and Local Council, other stakeholder organisations and with the public. “We have listened to the thoughts and views of local people and considered the future needs of the town. As a result, we believe this application sets out a scheme which meets these needs, delivers a viable regeneration project compatible with the Local Plan. “We believe that this scheme sets out a positive vision for the future, for the local people and local businesses. Crucially, it will help to secure a sustainable future for the boatyard, an important local employment site in need of modernisation and regeneration.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legal & General (L&G) has submitted a £350 million planning application for the regeneration of Bristol’s Temple Island, promising to transform the site into a thriving urban district. This ambitious project forms part of the broader Bristol Temple Quarter initiative, a flagship development aiming to deliver 10,000 new homes and thousands of jobs to the area. A Vision for Transformation Temple Island will feature 520 new homes, state-of-the-art office buildings, flexible workspaces, retail outlets, and a hotel with conference facilities, creating up to 2,000 new jobs. The development, located in the heart of the regeneration zone, aims to foster innovation and economic growth while providing inclusive opportunities for Bristol’s knowledge economy. Ben Rodgers, Head of Regeneration at L&G Asset Management, explained:“Legal & General is committed to delivering transformative mixed-use communities that meet local needs. Our plans for Temple Island aim to revitalise the urban landscape, delivering much-needed housing and the infrastructure businesses, universities, and the public sector require to thrive.” Affordable and Inclusive Housing A core focus of the Temple Island regeneration is to address Bristol’s pressing housing needs. Working closely with Bristol City Council, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, and other public sector partners, L&G has prioritised social and affordable housing. Forty percent of the 520 new homes will be dedicated to social and affordable rents, shared ownership, and keyworker accommodation at sub-market rates. This approach reflects insights gained from extensive community consultations, ensuring the development is inclusive and tailored to local priorities. Sustainability at the Heart of the Project L&G’s masterplan prioritises long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility. Commercial buildings will target BREEAM Outstanding certification, and the development will enhance biodiversity with green spaces, planting, and habitat creation. The project also encourages low-carbon lifestyles, minimising car use through new pedestrian and cycle routes and improving connectivity to neighbouring areas. Renowned architects Zaha Hadid, in collaboration with LDA Design, are leading the design of the masterplan, balancing architectural innovation with community-focused public and landscaped spaces. Community Engagement Driving Success The planning application follows an extensive period of community consultation, including three rounds of engagement with local residents and stakeholders. These sessions shaped the final proposals, with public feedback highlighting the importance of inclusive public spaces, exemplary building design, and improved connectivity. Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, celebrated this milestone:“Temple Island will play a vital role in the Bristol Temple Quarter’s vision to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs. This planning application is an exciting step forward and a testament to the hard work and collaboration between L&G and the Council.” A Catalyst for Change Legal & General’s strong track record in urban regeneration, with successful projects in Newcastle, Cardiff, and Sunderland, positions it well to deliver this transformative initiative. By leveraging its expertise and partnerships, L&G is creating a place-based solution that addresses Bristol’s unique needs while contributing to the city’s long-term growth and sustainability goals. As plans progress, Temple Island is set to become a landmark destination that redefines Bristol’s urban core, providing a blueprint for inclusive, sustainable regeneration across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new planning application has been submitted by McTaggart Construction and Ravenscraig Limited to North Lanarkshire Council for a residential development and 14,500 sq ft of retail space on the former industrial steel works site of Ravenscraig. The proposals will see the delivery of 48 affordable homes on Prospecthill Road. Meanwhile, McTaggart Construction also proposes to create a neighbourhood retail hub to the south east of the site with commercial units and potential drive through development. Ravenscraig is one of Europe’s largest regeneration and community creation initiatives, with a masterplan focused on sustainable and inclusive growth. The vision is to create a self-sufficient community with high quality housing, transport links, education and employment opportunities. To date 1,000 homes have been built across the site and education contributions totalling £4.7m have been made to North Lanarkshire Council. Other positive developments in recent months for Ravenscraig include two successful planning applications within the site’s dedicated employment area, SevenFourEight. This includes permission granted for a £10m employment hub project, led by Fusion Assets with industrial space for up to ten businesses, and the construction of a 38,000 sq ft commercial vehicle workshop and sales facility for Motus Commercials, part of the Motus Group (UK). Russell Wilkie, Director at Ravenscraig Limited, said, “It has been a significant year for Ravenscraig with considerable progress made to our masterplan in 2024. This is a long term project and each planning application brings us a step closer to realising the vision for Ravenscraig and growing a thriving local community. “It’s fantastic to see the proposals from McTaggart Construction which will add to our future mixed residential offering and bring retail space to the mix too. I know that local residents are very keen to see a retail offering within Ravenscraig and we are eager to see this delivered quickly alongside McTaggart Construction.” Janice Russell from McTaggart Construction, said: “It’s great to make progress in our proposed plans for a new housing and neighbourhood retail development at Ravenscraig. This project represents a significant investment and contribution to community wealth building within the ongoing wider Ravenscraig regeneration. Once our plans are approved, we look forward to working with stakeholders and the community to provide additional homes and a much-needed neighbourhood retail hub.” For more information on the vision for Ravenscraig and latest news visit ravenscraig.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nurton Developments, a prominent Birmingham-based property firm, has announced the launch of Nurton Retail Ltd, a new joint venture aimed at acquiring and developing retail and roadside projects both on and off the market. The initiative is designed to capitalise on growing demand in this dynamic sector. The new entity will be spearheaded by Ian Harris, a highly respected industry professional with extensive expertise in site acquisition, planning, occupier engagement, and construction management. Harris has held key roles with leading brands such as Lidl and Wickes and served as a director at both Capital and Regional’s The Junction Retail Park Fund and CBRE. Additionally, his independent consultancy career involved collaborations with high-profile clients such as Hammerson Plc, Strathclyde Pension Fund, McLaren Developments, and Travis Perkins, delivering over 1.5 million square feet of retail space. Harris commented on the venture:“I’m excited to partner with Nurton, a well-established developer with a stellar reputation in the industry. This collaboration blends decades of retail and development expertise with a shared vision to identify and deliver top-tier retail and roadside opportunities. With a proactive approach and robust client relationships, we’re poised to excel in this rapidly evolving market.” Nurton Retail Ltd plans to target plots ranging from 0.5 to 10 acres, prioritising prominent, high-visibility sites along major road networks. The team’s goal is to create innovative, high-quality developments that align with the needs of occupiers and local communities. David Bradshaw, Managing Director of Nurton Developments, praised the collaboration:“While we’ve experienced success in this sector in the past, our partnership with Ian Harris is transformative. His unparalleled expertise and industry insight will drive significant growth opportunities. Together, we are committed to delivering developments that positively impact local communities and meet the expectations of our occupiers.” The venture marks an exciting chapter for Nurton Developments, reinforcing its reputation as a key player in the retail and roadside development landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peel Waters has named construction firm GRAHAM as the delivery partner for the first phase of the Central Docks development, the largest brownfield site in Liverpool and a key part of the ambitious Liverpool Waters regeneration project. Spanning over 10.5 hectares, Central Docks is set to become the largest of the five planned neighbourhoods within the Liverpool Waters district. The project is a cornerstone of the transformation of a 60-hectare historic waterfront site, with plans to create a vibrant, mixed-use community that will drive significant economic growth in North Liverpool and the wider Liverpool City Region. Following a competitive tender process through Pagabo’s Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Framework, GRAHAM will oversee the final designs and conduct site investigations for Central Docks’ infrastructure and Central Park, which will be a focal point of the new neighbourhood. During this phase, GRAHAM will work closely with contractors and suppliers to integrate them into the design process, ensuring a seamless collaboration. This includes designing roads, underground utilities, public spaces, and the impressive 2.1-hectare Central Park, which is set to become one of Liverpool’s largest green spaces. This infrastructure is essential to support approximately 2,350 new homes planned for the Central Docks area. The homes will feature diverse tenures, including affordable housing, build-to-rent options, and properties for the elderly, aligning with the UK government’s initiative to build 1.5 million new homes within the next five years. The second stage of the project, involving the construction of infrastructure and the completion of Central Park, will commence after the first phase is finalised. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) has announced a 50/50 joint venture with Vistry Group to develop 948 new homes in Pudding Mill Lane, Stratford. The project led by LLDC and Vistry Group will create a residential and commercial neighbourhood adjacent to Pudding Mill Lane DLR station. The development will be delivered in four phases and aims to meet diverse housing needs. At least 45% of the homes will be affordable, including low-cost rental options, with a significant emphasis on family housing. The project contributes to LLDC’s commitment to ensuring 50% affordable housing across key Stratford developments, including Stratford Waterfront and Rick Roberts Way. In addition to housing, the scheme includes 30,000 sqm of commercial space, with retail, community, and leisure facilities designed to foster a sustainable, long-term community. The neighbourhood will also offer employment and skills opportunities for East London residents, businesses, and start-ups, supporting the growth and innovation goals of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The new development will enhance the Park’s thriving Innovation Cluster and its Knowledge, Culture, and Education District. Construction is to begin in early 2026, with the project’s completion scheduled for 2033. LLDC were advised by Deloitte and Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF). Greg Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Vistry Group, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our partnerships business to revitalise this area of East London and create a thriving and sustainable new community. We are very pleased to be working in partnership with the LLDC and the GLA to provide the mix of high-quality new homes that residents desperately need, alongside the infrastructure, facilities and socio-economic opportunities required to support them.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
City of Wolverhampton Council and ECF – a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – have submitted a hybrid planning application for City Centre West in Wolverhampton. The partnership has put forward detailed plans for phase one, which includes over 330 new high-quality homes, as well as retail opportunities on disused land between Peel Street and Market Square. The submission also includes outline plans for the remaining phases of the masterplan. As well as delivering over 1,000 new homes, including affordable homes, the masterplan offers new opportunities for shops, cafes, and restaurants – and will support the delivery of an enhanced Market Square. By delivering a thriving new place, the masterplan is part of an economic strategy to bring more people into the city centre, boost footfall and elevate Wolverhampton’s wider offer. Initial concepts for City Centre West were made public earlier this year. The submission of the application follows extensive engagement with the community and other partners, which helped shape the final design. As the local planning authority, City of Wolverhampton Council will now consider the application before making a final decision. This is expected in early 2025 and, if approved, construction of the first phase could begin as soon as next year. Basit Ali, Development Director at ECF, said: “This is a significant milestone for the regeneration of Wolverhampton city centre. Our partnership approach, which has been informed by extensive consultation, is designed to create a thriving new neighbourhood and draw people into the city centre in greater numbers. “It is a strategy to help elevate the city centre’s offer, with new opportunities to live, and spend time. Our approach will also support Market Square to become an exciting place in its own right. “Over the coming weeks we will continue to work closely with our partners, City of Wolverhampton Council, as they review and consider our proposals.” Cllr Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills, at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “This planning application provides a masterplan for what is a key regeneration site in Wolverhampton city centre. “City Centre West is an opportunity to put people at the heart of the city with new homes, shops, cafes or restaurants. “It aligns with our ambitions to transform the city centre and the planners will now consider the submission in detail.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK is thrilled to announce the completion of the Peckham Flaxyard project, a mixed-use, residential-led scheme in the heart of Peckham. This milestone marks the successful delivery of a £46.8m development that will significantly benefit the local community. Bouygues UK and Southwark Council celebrated the completion of the scheme on 12 November, chatted to residents and had a tour of the development. The event concluded with an uplifting performance by the brass band from local St. James the Great Primary School. The project, executed in collaboration with Southwark Council has delivered 120 new affordable homes. This includes 96 council homes for social rent – part of Southwark Council’s commitment to tackling the local housing crisis by building thousands of new council homes across the borough – along with 24 shared ownership homes. Additionally, the scheme features disabled car parking, cycle storage for residents, commercial space on the ground floor, and landscaped surrounding areas. Situated near key community amenities such as the library, leisure centre, high street, primary and secondary schools, and existing homes, the project was completed through close collaboration with the local community and key stakeholders. Bouygues UK has contributed over £6m in social value, including over 300 hours of volunteering in the local area and donations of over £40,000 to local charities. In addition the contractor spent more than £10,000 on small local business and helped over 50 local unemployed residents benefit from training and employment sessions. To minimise energy use and related carbon emissions during the construction, Bouygues UK partnered with Gaia to identify, monitor, and reduce power consumption using AI and sensor software. This collaboration successfully reduced our energy use by over 55,000kwh and CO2 emissions by 17 tonnes over the duration of the project. Amine Azidine, Projects Director at Bouygues UK, commented: “We are so proud to have partnered with Southwark Council to deliver this important scheme which will make such a positive difference to the local area and increase the availability of affordable housing.” Ishmel Brady, Project Manager at Peckham Flaxyard, added: “Having grown up in Peckham, it has always been my dream to build something meaningful in the area. This project is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, and I am incredibly proud to see it come to fruition.” Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: “We want everyone in Southwark to live in decent, safe and well-maintained homes, and building more affordable homes, especially council homes is at the heart of this ambition. “I’m so proud to be completing these brand new homes for local people, despite all the economic challenges over recent years. There is a housing crisis and it is vital that we continue to build new homes in response. “Located in the heart of Peckham, close to local facilities including schools, the library and leisure centre, this 100% affordable housing development will provide wonderful new homes for local people, and I look forward to celebrating with residents when they start to move in.” The completion of the Peckham Flaxyard project is a significant achievement for both Bouygues UK and Southwark Council, setting a benchmark for future developments aimed at addressing the housing needs of the local community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The final phase of plans to develop Newbury Farm, Cambridge, have been green-lit. The development will deliver 150 mixed-tenure houses and apartments, as well as community and commercial spaces to enhance both the project’s appeal and functionality, thanks to an equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group. The partnership, labelled Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), received unanimous approval by Cambridge City Council. Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group said: “As a partnership, we are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable new homes that meet Cambridge’s growing housing needs. “We are pleased to be bringing forward this mixed tenure development which will include vibrant community spaces and essential commercial facilities, fostering a sense of place and connectivity for residents.” The Newbury Farm project will offer a wide range of homes, from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses, with the larger properties and apartment blocks situated centrally within the site. Included are three apartment blocks with 35 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom flats. Additionally, it will offer 18 two-bedroom, 48 three-bedroom, 21 four-bedroom, and six five-bedroom houses. Of the 150 new homes, 60 will be designated as affordable housing, including all the apartments and three of the three-bedroom houses, which continues CIP’s commitment to addressing Cambridge’s housing needs. Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, said: “Being granted planning permission to develop this final phase at Newbury Farm is another great example of the progress we are making to address the city’s housing affordability crisis.” Extensive community consultation led by BPTW, the lead architects for all three phases, has informed the final design, ensuring that the development aligns with the needs of the council, residents and local businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Councillors have given the green light to an ambitious plan to bring a fresh, entertainment-focused venue to Wolverhampton’s Mander Centre. The new leisure hub, developed by real estate and investment firm Catella APAM in collaboration with Superbowl UK, is expected to open its doors in early 2025. The multi-faceted entertainment venue will feature 12 bowling lanes, a soft play area, interactive darts, a bar and diner, and a SEGA Prize Zone arcade. This innovative mixed-use concept aims to revitalise vacant retail space within the Mander Centre and contribute to the council’s vision for a more connected, vibrant city centre. Superbowl UK’s plans to revive this space align closely with Wolverhampton Council’s ambitions to boost the local economy by creating new homes, jobs, and learning opportunities. The new development spans over 17,000 sq ft across multiple units, and Catella APAM’s contracting arm, Vantage, is expected to oversee £500,000 worth of retrofitting work to bring this vision to life. Harry Wilce, Asset Manager at Catella APAM, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Superbowl UK as the centrepiece of our leisure offering at the Mander Centre. This development will extend our operating hours, enhance customer choice, and significantly increase footfall in the city centre.” Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for city development, jobs, and skills, commented, “This new addition perfectly aligns with the council’s recent improvements to Victoria Street. With planning approval now granted, it’s exciting to see construction set to begin soon. This development will boost leisure options for residents and visitors, drive foot traffic, and provide a much-needed economic uplift to support both established and emerging local businesses.” The new Superbowl UK facility is expected to create 30 new job opportunities, including management roles and guest experience hosts, contributing to the city’s ongoing economic development. The council hopes this addition will also attract further investment, with plans for additional leisure and dining options being actively pursued in partnership with Catella APAM. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
