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

Cadogan announces the first retail tenants at The Gaumont, a landmark £235 million development, and the creation of its ‘creative quarter’. The new retail signings are independent businesses New Forms, BookBar and Art Play, bringing an exciting blend of art, music, and literature to the King’s Road, enhancing the area’s cultural vibrancy and continued legacy as a hub for creative innovation. All are set to open in late spring 2025. This marks the first phase of openings for The Gaumont, a 220,000 sq. ft mixed-use building, delivering Cadogan’s long-term vision to create a new commercial and cultural anchor for the King’s Road. It features flagship retail, a revitalised independent cinema, creative and office spaces, hospitality venues including a rooftop bar with panoramic views and pub theatre, and a significant public art installation by internationally acclaimed artist Shezad Dawood. A new destination is taking shape as part of this development, focused on its return elevation along Chelsea Manor Street. Curated in response to community feedback, which highlighted a resounding call for more independents focused on the arts, music, and literature, a cluster of subsidised small spaces have been dedicated to nurturing young creative enterprises. The initial signings are: BookBar will take a 1,242 sq. ft unit for its independent bookshop, wine, and coffee bar, cultivating a vibrant literary scene through author talks, book clubs, and events, while also providing a welcoming space for late night browsing and drinking four days a week. New Forms will occupy 1,045 sq. ft as a vinyl café and boutique record shop curated by the team behind Next Door Records. It will serve as a hub for vinyl culture and social connection, while also featuring a music-led bar that regularly hosts events and collaborations with artists and musicians. Art Play will initially establish itself at 20a Chelsea Manor Street before relocating to a larger 2,200 sq. ft space at 5 Chelsea Manor Street. Originally founded in Shoreditch, Art Play’s Chelsea expansion will offer a dynamic space for artists and art lovers alike. With an emphasis on creative engagement, it will provide workshops, exhibitions, and a collaborative environment for the local art community. Hugh Seaborn, CEO at Cadogan, said: “The Gaumont is a new landmark that celebrates the community, heritage, and artistic spirit of Chelsea. From the outset, we have collaborated closely with local residents to shape a development that reflects their vision, celebrating Chelsea’s cultural heritage, while supporting its thriving creative scene. Welcoming BookBar, New Forms, and Art Play will establish Chelsea Manor Street as a dynamic day-to-night destination for both locals and visitors. We look forward to seeing these businesses thrive and contribute to the continued evolution of King’s Road as a world-class cultural and retail destination.” Chelsea Manor Street’s creative quarter will strengthen the King’s Road’s reputation as a place where creators, innovators, and artists can flourish. With a strong emphasis on independent, community-driven offerings, these occupiers mark an exciting step toward the evolution of a new cultural landmark in Chelsea. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new landmark in adaptive reuse and sustainable development… The Elephant, a landmark building undergoing a transformative £132m redevelopment in the heart of the capital, has officially reached its topping-out milestone. The iconic former House of Fraser building at 318 Oxford Street, London W1 is being reimagined as a vibrant mixed-use office and retail destination, featuring a marquee restaurant on the 8th floor with 360-degree views across the city. Set for completion in autumn 2026, The Elephant will offer 366,000ft² of premium commercial space including a state-of-the-art gym, a 25-metre swimming pool, and 42,600ft² of retail units. The project has been designed to preserve and enhance the structure with upmost attention to adapting the existing building structure and minimizing embodied carbon. The plans include the provision of new, attractive shopfronts, extensive refurbishment of the existing façade, and the creation of highly flexible, open floorplates for varied uses. They are also incorporating a large-scale elephant sculpture crafted from recycled steel, symbolising the project’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in urban placemaking. On the interior, the existing sixth and seventh floors have been removed and replaced with three new floors. Originally constructed in 1937 with high-quality materials that have stood the test of time, the iconic building is being carefully restored to retain its historical integrity, while embracing modern green building standards. The redevelopment process includes a focus on key features such as the grand double-height entrance preserved to maintain the building’s original character and a transition from gas boilers to energy efficient air-source heat pumps. Paul Davis, director at project and cost management firm MGAC, comments: ‘‘The Elephant exemplifies a forward-thinking approach that minimises environmental impact. The conversion from gas boilers to air-source heat pumps is a direct response to tenant requirements for greener infrastructure, reinforcing the building’s future-proof credentials. Located within a conservation area, the project underscores the importance of adaptive reuse in an evolving urban landscape. This moment marks a significant step forward for this landmark building as well as our firm commitment to set a new benchmark for responsible urban regeneration in London”. Through a heritage-led approach, the revitalization improves the streetscape while integrating cutting-edge energy efficiency measures. The project aims to achieve a high BREEAM rating, with improved ventilation strategies to enhance air quality and reduce airborne disease transmission. MGAC is providing project management, cost management, and health + safety services for the project which is reflective of a wider shift in the industry to reduce embodied carbon through the strategic reuse of existing building materials. The topping out ceremony will take place on 28 February 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The redevelopment of the former St Ann’s Hospital site in South Tottenham has reached a significant milestone, with the topping out of 240 new homes. Peabody and development partner The Hill Group celebrated the event on Friday 28 February, joined by Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, and representatives from the London Borough of Haringey. The project, known as North Gate Park, is set to deliver up to 995 homes overall, with 60 percent designated as affordable housing. The first phase, currently under construction, will provide 240 homes, including 94 affordable units, along with new green spaces and commercial premises. The first homes are expected to be completed this summer, with the entire development finished in 2031. The development will feature a restored and tripled-in-size Peace Garden, with assistance from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew to enhance biodiversity. It will also include a children’s play area, electric vehicle charging points, and cycle routes to Harringay Green Lanes station. Seven historic hospital buildings, including the iconic water tower, will be preserved and converted into workspaces and commercial spaces. The project won a Housing Design Award in 2024 for its masterplan. James McMylor, Regional Managing Director for Development in London North for Peabody, said: “North Gate Park is a fantastic example of how regeneration can deliver much-needed homes while creating lasting benefits for the whole community. This development not only provides affordable and high-quality homes but also revitalises a historic site, with new amenities and green spaces that will serve local people for generations to come.” Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, said: “North Gate Park is a fantastic example of how we can create much-needed new homes while celebrating and preserving the rich history of London’s neighbourhoods. This impressive development will deliver nearly 1,000 new, high-quality homes – 60 per cent of which are genuinely affordable – and a range of amenities, making it a truly inclusive place to live.” Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, commented: “Sustainability, heritage and community are at the heart of North Gate Park, blending contemporary homes with beautifully restored historic architecture, green spaces, and outstanding community amenities.” Cllr Sarah Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said: “This thriving new neighbourhood will deliver hundreds of genuinely affordable homes, 154 of which will be owned by the council, alongside facilities that provide lasting benefits for the whole community. These high quality, energy efficient homes for local people are set in a landscape-led masterplan with hundreds of new trees and enhanced spaces.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Taiwan’s Fubon Life Insurance Company has appointed development and leasing specialist Fabrix to lead the refurbishment of Bow Bells House, a 216,000 sq ft office building in the heart of the City of London. Fubon acquired the eight-storey building from Mitsubishi Estate in 2015 for £197 million. Located next to St Mary-le-Bow Church and Bow Churchyard, the property includes 197,000 sq ft of office space and 19,000 sq ft of retail space. It was previously occupied by the Bank of Ireland. The planned upgrades will transform Bow Bells House into an all-electric, fossil-free workspace, featuring state-of-the-art amenities such as enhanced end-of-trip facilities, a tenant business lounge, and landscaped terraces. Designed by Fabrix in collaboration with White Red Architects, the refurbishment will draw inspiration from the historic character of Bow Churchyard and its surroundings. While Fabrix has not disclosed the total investment in the project, the works are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026. Fabrix CEO Clive Nichol said: “Fabrix is delighted to be working with Fubon on this exceptional building, drawing on our team’s extensive experience in repositioning assets. The City is evolving, and our focus is to bring Bow Bells House back to life with a sharp emphasis on decarbonisation and enhancing the occupier experience.” Nichol added: “Partnering with an international investor in a development and leasing management capacity allows us to apply our expertise in both technical and creative solutions, ensuring Bow Bells House is income-generating once again. With its strong foundations, this building has the potential to be a market leader through a sensitive revitalisation that enhances services, amenities, and environmental performance to meet modern standards.” The redevelopment of Bow Bells House is set to play a key role in the City’s ongoing transformation, blending sustainability with high-quality office space in one of London’s most historic locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals