Broadgate REIT, equally owned by British Land and GIC, has announced a landmark joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based Modon Holding. This partnership will spearhead the development of 2 Finsbury Avenue, a 750,000 sq ft world-class project set to redefine the Broadgate area in the City of London. The development will
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
Morgan Sindall Construction has officially started work on Mill Yard, a £180 million mixed-use development by Railpen and its development partner Socius. The project aims to transform a central Cambridge site into a sustainable, vibrant neighbourhood. Formerly known as Devonshire Gardens, the site was rebranded as Mill Yard in 2024,
Legal & General (L&G) has submitted a planning application for Bristol Temple Island, a £350m regeneration project that will transform the derelict, former diesel depot site into a vibrant urban quarter. Located in the heart of the Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration area, Temple Island is set to become a new
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.
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
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
Broadgate REIT, equally owned by British Land and GIC, has announced a landmark joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based Modon Holding. This partnership will spearhead the development of 2 Finsbury Avenue, a 750,000 sq ft world-class project set to redefine the Broadgate area in the City of London. The development will feature two iconic high-rise towers, a 36-storey East Tower and a 21-storey West Tower, connected by a 12-storey podium. At its heart will be a 7,000 sq ft winter garden, offering green spaces, leisure areas, and publicly accessible facilities, making it a standout addition to the London skyline. Construction is already in progress under the leadership of Sir Robert McAlpine, with completion anticipated in 2027. Notably, the project has secured a major pre-let agreement with Citadel and Citadel Securities, leasing a minimum of 261,000 sq ft of workspace with options for an additional 121,000 sq ft, achieving record rental rates for the City. The development places sustainability at its core. Once completed, it will be a fully electric, smart-enabled building, ensuring operational energy efficiency and aligning with the growing demand for sustainable office spaces in London. H.E. Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Modon Holding, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, calling it a key milestone in Modon’s international growth strategy. Bill O’Regan, Group CEO of Modon Holding, highlighted the project’s exceptional quality and potential, describing it as a compelling entry into London’s prime real estate market. Simon Carter, Chief Executive of British Land, commented, “This partnership with Modon demonstrates confidence in both Broadgate and the City. With limited supply forecasted in 2027, this project is well-positioned to meet high demand for premium office space, driving strong rental growth.” This exciting collaboration underscores the enduring appeal of London’s real estate market and showcases innovative approaches to urban development. 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
Morgan Sindall Construction has officially started work on Mill Yard, a £180 million mixed-use development by Railpen and its development partner Socius. The project aims to transform a central Cambridge site into a sustainable, vibrant neighbourhood. Formerly known as Devonshire Gardens, the site was rebranded as Mill Yard in 2024, reflecting its prime location on Mill Road near the city centre. The development includes 110,000 square feet of office space, 70 build-to-rent apartments, refurbished railway cottages, a 2,100-square-foot crèche, a community events pavilion, and retail units set around a 1.55-acre public park. Mill Yard, situated near Cambridge train station, will feature extensive green spaces, including a central pavilion designed by George King Architects. The pavilion will anchor the public park, providing residents and visitors with accessible outdoor space. Additional amenities include a perimeter running track, a play street, and secure cycle parking with end-of-journey facilities, making it the only office development in Cambridge offering such features. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the project. Morgan Sindall has employed its Intelligent Solutions model to minimise environmental impact, aiming to divert 99% of waste from landfill and save 5,013 tonnes of embodied carbon. The completed buildings will be fully electric, powered by renewable energy sources, including rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels, and will use responsibly sourced materials. Wildlife will also thrive in the regenerated area, with plans for a 280% biodiversity net gain. Enhancements include bat, bird, and bee boxes, green roofs, hedgehog habitats, and evergreen planters. The site will primarily be car-free, except for blue badge spaces and electric vehicle charging points. Railpen and Socius, in partnership with Morgan Sindall, have committed to generating over £60 million in social value for Cambridge, a target verified by Social Value Portal. Initiatives include employing 12 local homeless individuals, creating apprenticeship and work experience opportunities, and donating 500 volunteer hours. More than £30 million will be spent in the local supply chain to bolster the local economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legal & General (L&G) has submitted a planning application for Bristol Temple Island, a £350m regeneration project that will transform the derelict, former diesel depot site into a vibrant urban quarter. Located in the heart of the Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration area, Temple Island is set to become a new urban district with centrally-located homes, high quality workplaces, and inclusive employment opportunities for the local knowledge economy, promoting innovation and economic growth. The development aims to deliver 520 new homes, two new office buildings, retail space, flexible workspace, and a new hotel with conference facilities, all of which are expected to create up to 2,000 new jobs. In addition to L&G’s commitment to deliver the national policy level of affordable housing, it is working in partnership with Bristol City Council, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, and other public sector partners to deliver on its ambition to provide a truly inclusive community with 40% of all housing catering to social and affordable rents, shared ownership, and Keyworkers at sub-market rents. All of these housing needs were clear in L&G’s pre-planning engagement with local communities. Central to L&G’s approach to urban development and placemaking is a focus on long-term sustainability and social inclusion. All commercial buildings will target BREEAM1 Outstanding status, with excellent public realm that enhances biodiversity through planting and habitat creation, as well as creating new spaces people can enjoy. The scheme aspires to provide significant connectivity improvements to neighbouring areas and promote low carbon lifestyles by minimising car use with new pedestrian and cycle routes. Our public engagement has suggested that exemplary building design and inclusive public spaces are of key importance to the local community and potential occupiers. World-renowned architects Zaha Hadid have been engaged to design the masterplan and building concepts and are working with specialist architects LDA Design to consider the public and landscaped areas. Submission of the planning application follows a significant period of consultation, with three rounds of community and stakeholder engagement. 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
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
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
