Network Rail Property has officially submitted plans for a major redevelopment of London Liverpool Street station – a £1 billion transformation set to futureproof the UK’s busiest transport hub and turn it into a destination in its own right. The ambitious proposals will see the station expanded to accommodate more
The regeneration of Nottingham city centre has taken a significant step forward following an agreement for Homes England to acquire the Broad Marsh site from Nottingham City Council. As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England will take ownership of the former shopping centre, land west of the Green
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
Newham Council has unanimously approved Pollard Thomas Edwards’ striking 29-storey riverside development for The Pickstock Group on Stratford High Street. The mixed-use Build to Rent scheme delivers 355 homes – 25% affordable – alongside a Spacehub-designed public garden, linking Bow Back River to the High Street. It also features a
Newcastle City Council planners have approved crucial enabling works that will unlock a multi-million pound mixed-use development in the heart of Newcastle. With One Public Estate brownfield funding already secured for the site, the unanimous decision today (March 7) now allows for the first phase of clearance and remediation within
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
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,
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
Evolve Estates, part of M Core, has added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of Park Point, a prominent mixed-use development in Longbridge town centre. Completed in 2013, Park Point covers 66,382 sq ft and features a 75-bed Premier Inn hotel, eight ground-floor retail and leisure units, and three
A major 50/50 joint venture between housebuilder The Hill Group and housing association Peabody has partnered with specialist real estate developer Goodstone Living to deliver 360 high-quality Build to Rent (BTR) homes at Dagenham Green. The deal, valued at £116 million, is one of the largest in the BTR sector
Network Rail Property has officially submitted plans for a major redevelopment of London Liverpool Street station – a £1 billion transformation set to futureproof the UK’s busiest transport hub and turn it into a destination in its own right. The ambitious proposals will see the station expanded to accommodate more than 200 million passengers annually, with improvements aimed at boosting capacity, accessibility, and the overall experience for commuters and visitors alike. Currently serving around 118 million people each year, Liverpool Street is expected to see this figure soar to 158 million by 2041, prompting the need for significant investment. To fund the development, Network Rail is working with private sector partners, with much of the cost covered through the construction of new office space above the station – pushing the total value of the scheme beyond £1bn. The revitalised station will offer more than just improved travel links. New retail outlets, leisure spaces, and flexible workspaces are planned, positioning Liverpool Street as a central London hub not just for transport, but for lifestyle and business too. Key features of the redevelopment include: Robin Dobson, Property Director at Network Rail, said:“Investing in transport infrastructure is vital for unlocking future economic growth in London and beyond. This scheme will ensure Liverpool Street remains a landmark gateway to the capital for generations to come.“Our plans put passengers first, while carefully preserving the station’s historic Victorian features – including the iconic trainshed and the Great Eastern Hotel.” Architectural firm Acme, led by founding director Friedrich Ludewig, has designed the redevelopment. He added:“Liverpool Street is one of London’s great Victorian stations. Our vision is to enhance its accessibility and celebrate its legacy while creating modern, sustainable workspaces and improved passenger flow.“We’ve embraced the challenge of designing new entrances and roof structures that honour the original 1875 design and its 1990s extension. This will be a world-class transport hub fit for the future of the City.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The regeneration of Nottingham city centre has taken a significant step forward following an agreement for Homes England to acquire the Broad Marsh site from Nottingham City Council. As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England will take ownership of the former shopping centre, land west of the Green Heart, a multi-storey car park, Severns House, and a former college site. The next stage of development will focus on preparing the site for private sector investment, including demolition and enabling works to attract developers with the expertise to deliver a landmark city centre regeneration project. Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of Homes England, said: “The acquisition of Broad Marsh is a major milestone in the city council’s vision of regeneration for this area of Nottingham. “We have worked closely with the council since 2022 to provide professional advice and support. Now that we have acquired the site, our teams will be working with partners to attract the right developer to deliver the new homes, employment spaces, and leisure facilities necessary to create a vibrant city centre neighbourhood that the people of Nottingham can be proud of.” Broad Marsh has been Nottingham’s top priority regeneration project, with major progress already made by Nottingham City Council (NCC). Recent achievements include: The project will also benefit from investment by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), reinforcing Broad Marsh’s strategic significance and showcasing the collaboration between local and national organisations to drive complex regeneration projects. 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
Newham Council has unanimously approved Pollard Thomas Edwards’ striking 29-storey riverside development for The Pickstock Group on Stratford High Street. The mixed-use Build to Rent scheme delivers 355 homes – 25% affordable – alongside a Spacehub-designed public garden, linking Bow Back River to the High Street. It also features a new café and performance venue, enriching local creative industries and hosting national jazz concerts and exhibitions. Revitalising a brownfield site left vacant for eight years, the project introduces two buildings at 13 and 29 storeys. The form is inspired by the river’s shifting contours in this location, expressed through alternating bands of material texture and reflectivity. These contours extend from the buildings to connect generous entrance lobbies for both tenures and create a sheltered social space on the garden’s urban edge. Communal residential amenities crown each building, offering lounges, dining and screening rooms, workspaces, and indoor and outdoor play hubs. From here residents can enjoy sweeping views across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Three Mills Island. ‘We are delighted to have received planning permission for this development and the positive benefits it will bring to the local community. Alongside much needed homes, the garden-side cafe adds an exciting performance venue to the emerging cultural quarter’ says PTE Partner Carl Vann. ‘The architecture responds to the place narrative – it emerges from a contoured landscape, it includes verdant escarpments at set-back levels and is then carefully sculptured at upper levels to reference the contours of the surrounding city skyline’. ‘This is a significant development for Stratford High Street, and we are thrilled to have achieved resolution on this site’ commented Bradley Carter Development Director at The Pickstock Group. ‘I would like to thank London Borough of Newham Council and the community in seeing our vision for an added value asset to the borough’ added Bradley. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Newcastle City Council planners have approved crucial enabling works that will unlock a multi-million pound mixed-use development in the heart of Newcastle. With One Public Estate brownfield funding already secured for the site, the unanimous decision today (March 7) now allows for the first phase of clearance and remediation within the growing Founders Place scheme. Developed by igloo, the neglected and derelict site will evolve into the Orchard Yard housing scheme. The funding is to help build thousands of new homes as part of the Government’s plans to get the country building again, create jobs and grow the economy. This multi-million-pound boost is awarded to councils to unlock disused brownfield sites. Newcastle City Council were successful in securing £2,4m in the last funding round with £1.65m allocated to bring forward housing on Founders Place. The South Street site, once home to workshops of the Stephenson Engineering Manufactory, has seen various industrial uses over the decades but fell into disrepair after the last tenant, Doves Building Merchant, left in 2004. The Machine Shop and Smith’s Shop derelict shells are now deemed dangerous and inaccessible. The enabling work will now allow for the clearing out asbestos, removal of unsafe structures – largely added in the 20th Century with little or no historical value – and put in new retaining structures. This will also unlock millions of pounds of inward investment with the site eventually seeing circa 70 homes being developed. The phased plans will reinvent the Machine Shop whilst retaining and restoring the fabric of the earliest industrial structures. This will all help bring South Street back to life by providing family homes and apartments, along with business space, a public park and courtyard. Accessed from Sussex Street, the Smith’s Shop will complement its neighbour by providing further housing and public spaces. Combined, the two developments will once again be open to the public, enhancing the wider area. Insiyah Khushnood from igloo, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for the enabling work which is the first essential step to breathing new life into this derelict site of the former Stephenson Works. Without these works the site would remain abandoned but now we have the opportunity to take the first steps in this important regeneration scheme that will create a thriving residential community within an unused and forgotten part of the city.” Cabinet member for Economy, Jobs and Skills, Cllr Dan Greenhough, said: “I am delighted that planning committee have approved this. “These are incredibly important buildings from a historic perspective, but they are also in a dangerous condition due to structural decay and asbestos. This work will enable the buildings to be made safe so work can begin restoring them to their original glory and turning them into much needed housing bringing more activity back to the site. “This will be another step forward for Founders Place development site which is also attracting good quality jobs to the city.” Work is expected to start on the site this summer. 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
Evolve Estates, part of M Core, has added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of Park Point, a prominent mixed-use development in Longbridge town centre. Completed in 2013, Park Point covers 66,382 sq ft and features a 75-bed Premier Inn hotel, eight ground-floor retail and leisure units, and three storeys of office space. Notable tenants include Costa Coffee and Greene King Brewing. Situated around six miles south of central Birmingham, Park Point is a key part of the wider Longbridge town centre regeneration project. Joe O’Keefe, co-founder of Evolve Estates, highlighted the appeal of the site: “We were attracted to the mixed-use nature of Park Point, the income profile, location, and the variety of tenants across different sectors. “Longbridge is one of the UK’s largest regeneration schemes, with further investment planned to bring new jobs to the area. Its excellent transport links and strong local services make it a strategic location. With our expertise in managing diverse assets, this acquisition represents an exciting opportunity.” Avison Young advised Evolve Estates on the deal, while Savills represented the vendor. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major 50/50 joint venture between housebuilder The Hill Group and housing association Peabody has partnered with specialist real estate developer Goodstone Living to deliver 360 high-quality Build to Rent (BTR) homes at Dagenham Green. The deal, valued at £116 million, is one of the largest in the BTR sector this year. The new homes will be part of the first phase of a major regeneration project transforming the former Ford Stamping Plant site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. This initial phase of the Dagenham Green scheme will include 935 homes, with the wider development expected to deliver over 3,500 new homes, extensive public spaces, and key amenities. Peabody’s masterplan aims to create a sustainable, thriving community in East London, with the first homes slated for completion in 2027 and full project completion expected by 2028. The BTR development will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across three residential buildings, ranging from 14 to 18 storeys. Situated close to Dagenham Dock train station, residents will benefit from direct connections to central London in just 20 minutes. The homes will include energy-efficient systems and are targeting high environmental performance ratings, including EPC B, WiredScore Platinum, and Fitwel 3-star certifications. Amenities will include fitness and co-working spaces, concierge services, private dining areas, and landscaped podium gardens overlooking a new urban park. Goodstone Living, which is behind the development, is working through its first managed investment vehicle, Goodstone Living Partners 1 (GLP1), which is capitalised by Macquarie Asset Management and the Northern Local Government Pension Scheme. This partnership brings the total number of next-generation BTR homes under construction across Edinburgh, Birmingham, and London to approximately 1,300. The Dagenham Green project also supports the local community with a mix of accessible, high-quality rental homes, making it one of the most affordable BTR developments in London. The project aims to cater to private renters in the area, offering homes at prices within reach for the majority of the local community. Peabody’s wider 45-acre masterplan will provide a host of amenities, including an urban park, lake, children’s play areas, community gardens, and new infrastructure such as a secondary school, medical centre, and market square. These features are designed to enhance the area’s biodiversity while supporting the growing neighbourhood. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
