Commercial : Mixed-Use News
Strettons Sells 7-Acre Site in Romford

Strettons Sells 7-Acre Site in Romford

Former ice rink site has been cleared and will become a major residential led scheme of nearly 1000 homes, complete with associated amenities. Strettons and Vandermolen Real Estate are pleased to announce the sale of Rom Valley Gardens, a significant seven-acre site in Romford, Essex, for an undisclosed price. Previously

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City & Country completes purchase of Kingswood, Surrey

City & Country completes purchase of Kingswood, Surrey

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

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Three Chamberlain Square: Raising the Bar for Sustainable City Workspaces

Three Chamberlain Square: Raising the Bar for Sustainable City Workspaces

Three Chamberlain Square (3CS) has emerged as one of Birmingham’s most striking new landmarks and a national benchmark for sustainable urban construction. Standing between the city’s Grade I-listed Town Hall and the busy tram line, the ten-storey building combines bold design with engineering ingenuity to create 189,000 square feet of

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Unanimous approval for Orchard Wharf project with 1,365 student beds, 208 affordable homes and working wharf revival

Unanimous approval for Orchard Wharf project with 1,365 student beds, 208 affordable homes and working wharf revival

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

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Latest Issue
Issue 333 : Oct 2025

Commercial : Mixed-Use News

Derwent London Partners with Related Argent to Revive Old Street Landmark Site

Derwent London Partners with Related Argent to Revive Old Street Landmark Site

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

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A Fresh Chapter for Lewisham: Landsec Wins Approval for Major Town Centre Transformation

A Fresh Chapter for Lewisham: Landsec Wins Approval for Major Town Centre Transformation

Landsec has been given the go-ahead for its ambitious plans to redevelop Lewisham Shopping Centre in South London, paving the way for one of the area’s most significant regeneration projects in decades. The mixed-use scheme will be delivered in phases and aims to revitalise the heart of the town with a blend of new homes, cultural venues, and green public spaces. Among the highlights of the approved plans are a permanent home for Lewisham’s much-loved Model Market, a 500-capacity venue for culture, music and the arts, and extensive landscaped areas designed to provide more accessible, welcoming spaces for the local community. The redevelopment will also introduce over 1,700 new homes, alongside 660 student beds and 445 co-living residences. Landsec’s approach has been carefully planned to retain key parts of the existing shopping centre throughout the process, helping to minimise disruption for residents, visitors and retail partners, while ensuring that community benefits are delivered early in the project’s timeline. Mike Hood, chief operating officer of Landsec, described the approval as an important step forward: “This is an exciting moment for the future of Lewisham’s town centre. These plans provide much-needed homes, community spaces and facilities that will enhance urban life for generations, while delivering sustainable returns that support our ambition for long-term growth.” Once complete, the redevelopment promises to reimagine Lewisham’s retail and cultural core, creating a vibrant new destination that blends living, leisure, and local life in the heart of South London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Brewing a gateway: Wrexham lines up brewery, museum and offices beside the station

Brewing a gateway: Wrexham lines up brewery, museum and offices beside the station

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

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Strettons Sells 7-Acre Site in Romford

Strettons Sells 7-Acre Site in Romford

Former ice rink site has been cleared and will become a major residential led scheme of nearly 1000 homes, complete with associated amenities. Strettons and Vandermolen Real Estate are pleased to announce the sale of Rom Valley Gardens, a significant seven-acre site in Romford, Essex, for an undisclosed price. Previously the home of the Romford Ice Arena, planning permission has been granted for the site to become a new mixed-use residential led scheme, bringing much needed new homes and associated amenities to Romford. Acting jointly with Vandermolen RE, Strettons’ Agency team advised Strettons Receivers on the sale of the site to an undisclosed buyer. Rom Valley Gardens has a hybrid planning consent for a phased scheme of up to 972 dwellings, alongside a new medical centre, retail, café and resident amenities. The masterplan envisages seven blocks ranging from 2 to 12 storeys, providing flexibility across tenures and the scale to create a new community in central Romford. Aasia Pathan, Agency & Development Land Director at Strettons, said:“Rom Valley Gardens is a strategically significant site for Romford, with the capacity to deliver hundreds of much-needed homes as well as vital community facilities. With the Elizabeth Line just minutes away and planning consent already secured, it is well placed to transform this part of the town. We saw strong interest in the site and secured an unconditional exchange quickly, which reflects both the strength of the opportunity and the capability of the purchaser to move the project forward at pace.” Chris Rook, Land Director at Vandermolen RE said: “It’s fantastic to have secured another successful sale on behalf of Strettons Receivers. Rom Valley Gardens represents an exceptional opportunity to unlock over 970 much-needed homes in the heart of Romford. We’re proud to have been involved in re-energising this important strategic site.” Located on Rom Valley Way in the London Borough of Havering, the site is just 0.6 miles from Romford Station, offering fast Elizabeth Line services into central London. It also benefits from close proximity to Romford town centre’s retail and leisure offer, as well as excellent road and bus connections via the A12 and M25. Strettons’ Development Land Agency team acted jointly with Vandermolen RE. The transaction was completed on behalf of the Fixed Charge Receivers, Charles Kornbluth and Benjamin Tobin of Strettons. Charles Kornbluth said: “Well done to Strettons and Vandermolen RE agency teams, and thanks to Simmons & Simmons for their expert legal advice. I look forward to seeing the completed scheme which will greatly enhance the area.” Strettons are regeneration specialists, working on behalf of landowners and developers to realise the value of their assets. Their multidisciplinary in-house teams advise across all stages of development, from site sale and planning through to disposal of completed schemes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver £50m Dirac Building at St John’s Innovation Park

VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver £50m Dirac Building at St John’s Innovation Park

St John’s College has appointed VolkerFitzpatrick for the next phase of expansion at St John’s Innovation Park, Cambridge. The 85,000 sq ft Dirac Building will provide new office space alongside a dedicated Transport Hub. Barbour ABI values the project at around £50m, with Bowmer & Kirkland, Vinci and McLaughlin & Harvey understood to have also bid. Work starts on site in November, with completion scheduled for Q2 2027. “This development exemplifies our commitment to building sustainable, high-quality spaces that meet the needs of forward-looking businesses,” said Stuart Deverill, managing director of VolkerFitzpatrick’s Building division. “With our strong track record and experienced team, we look forward to bringing this important next chapter of St John’s Innovation Park to life.” The professional team includes Gardiner & Theobald (project manager), Sheppard Robson (architect), Ramboll (structural, civil and highways), Hoare Lea (building services), Stace (cost manager), Savills (town planning and commercial advisory) and OFR (fire engineering). Owned by St John’s College, the park hosts science, technology and knowledge-intensive organisations including PwC, Darktrace, Cambridge GaN Devices and Cambrionix. The Dirac Building continues a sustained investment programme supporting the North Cambridge R&D cluster. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bowmer & Kirkland Appointed to Deliver First Phase of £1bn Golden Valley Development

Bowmer & Kirkland Appointed to Deliver First Phase of £1bn Golden Valley Development

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

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Green light for four towers at Elephant & Castle: 1,434 student rooms and 243 affordable homes

Green light for four towers at Elephant & Castle: 1,434 student rooms and 243 affordable homes

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

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City & Country completes purchase of Kingswood, Surrey

City & Country completes purchase of Kingswood, Surrey

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

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Three Chamberlain Square: Raising the Bar for Sustainable City Workspaces

Three Chamberlain Square: Raising the Bar for Sustainable City Workspaces

Three Chamberlain Square (3CS) has emerged as one of Birmingham’s most striking new landmarks and a national benchmark for sustainable urban construction. Standing between the city’s Grade I-listed Town Hall and the busy tram line, the ten-storey building combines bold design with engineering ingenuity to create 189,000 square feet of Grade A offices, plus retail and leisure space, all within a remarkably tight city-centre footprint. From the outset, sustainability guided every decision. The project targeted and achieved BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5-star ratings at design stage, placing it among the most environmentally advanced commercial buildings in the UK. Reducing embodied carbon was a constant priority. The structural team used post-tensioned concrete slabs, cutting steel content by about half, and took advantage of exceptionally firm ground conditions to avoid piling altogether. Designers even revisited structural support levels to reduce concrete use further while maintaining full integrity. A close partnership with the supply chain ensured these ambitions were met. Early engagement allowed key contractors to innovate, such as the dry-lining specialist who introduced off-site prefabrication to trim site waste by up to 25 per cent. Biogenic internal finishes added renewable materials to the mix, reinforcing the project’s low-impact credentials and demonstrating a practical approach to circular design. The façade is both a visual statement and a lesson in sustainable craftsmanship. More than 8,000 unglazed terracotta tiles were painstakingly installed over the course of a year, each piece fully demountable so it can be refurbished or recycled in the future. Forgoing a second kiln pass reduced embodied carbon, while the unglazed surface gives the building a warm, tactile character. On the seventh floor the façade curves inward, shifting from vertical to sloped and demanding exceptional precision from the engineering team to align corner units and maintain schedule. Logistics on the constrained site called for inventive solutions. Surrounded by existing buildings and a live tram line, the project relied on one of the UK’s largest hoists, the Alimak Mammoth TM 55/50. Measuring five by three metres and capable of lifting four tonnes—or 50 people—at a time, it moved ducting, plasterboard and workers efficiently, preventing delays that often plague high-rise city builds. A spider crane managed lower-level façade installation while the hoist kept upper floors supplied, demonstrating how careful planning can overcome even the tightest urban constraints. Safety performance was equally impressive. Over 700,000 work hours were completed without a single RIDDOR-reportable incident, an achievement so unusual that the client initially questioned the data. Early enabling works, spanning 20 weeks, helped de-risk the site and embed a “Be Safe, Home Safe” culture. Modern tools such as DataTouch interactive planning software identified and controlled hazards in real time, informing daily briefings and reducing the chance of accidents. Recognition soon followed. Three Chamberlain Square earned a perfect 100 per cent from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, scoring the maximum 15 points in each category of community respect, environmental care and workforce value—an accolade rarely awarded. This outcome reflected a collaborative spirit that ran through every tier of the project team, from developer and asset manager MEPC to consultants, subcontractors and suppliers. The result is a building that marries aesthetic boldness with rigorous environmental responsibility. With its distinctive terracotta skin and advanced construction methods, Three Chamberlain Square sets a new standard for what a city-centre office can be: a workplace that reduces its impact throughout its life cycle, engages the community and inspires everyone who passes by. As Birmingham continues to re-shape its skyline, 3CS stands as proof that ambitious design and genuine sustainability can coexist—and that future urban developments need not compromise on either. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Unanimous approval for Orchard Wharf project with 1,365 student beds, 208 affordable homes and working wharf revival

Unanimous approval for Orchard Wharf project with 1,365 student beds, 208 affordable homes and working wharf revival

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

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