Salford’s skyline is set to evolve further as Salford City Council grants planning approval to two major developments: the £200m Soapworks regeneration and a 22-storey residential tower at New Bailey. The Soapworks scheme, backed by the Greater Manchester Pension Fund and led by developer Bankfoot APAM, will breathe new life into an underused 8.5-acre brownfield site off Ordsall Lane. Designed by Chapman Taylor and delivered over two phases, the development aims to create a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood. Phase one includes the transformation of the former Colgate factory into 60,000 sq ft of high-quality office space, alongside 78 affordable homes and a gym. A 12-storey car park accommodating 900 vehicles, plus 45 incubator studios aimed at start-ups and SMEs, will also be delivered. The phase is rounded off with the introduction of much-needed public realm on land currently used for surface parking. Outline approval has also been granted for phase two, which will deliver a further 500 homes across three buildings, along with a new community pavilion and enhanced public spaces. Once complete, the Soapworks will provide a total of 578 homes. AshtonHale led the planning process, with consultancy support from Crookes Walker Consulting, Exterior Architecture, Urban Green, Core 5 and Roger Hannah. Elsewhere in the city, English Cities Fund (ECF) has secured permission for a 22-storey apartment block at New Bailey. The triangular Plot A1 site, located between Slate Yard and Trinity Way, will host 189 flats — comprising 84 one-beds, 84 two-beds and 21 three-beds — plus a landscaped public realm to the west. Of the homes, 20% will be designated as affordable, with a mix of social rent, affordable rent and shared ownership units. The tower represents the final residential phase of the £1bn Salford Central masterplan, pushing the total number of New Bailey apartments beyond the 1,000 mark. Hawkins\Brown is the architect on the scheme, supported by a project team that includes Buro Four, Deloitte, Cundall, Re-form, Walker Sime, Project Four Safety, Renaissance, GIA, Aracero, Design Fire Consultants and Hannan Associates. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morgan Sindall Construction has been named as the main contractor for the landmark regeneration of Brunswick Wharf in Bideford, Devon—a £30 million scheme set to revitalise the town’s riverfront. The development, led by local developer Red Earth, will see three five-storey apartment blocks built along the banks of the River Torridge. In addition to delivering over 100 new homes, the project will introduce a restaurant and six retail units to the area, creating a vibrant mixed-use destination. Brunswick Wharf will also feature a new riverside walk, a public open square, and a shared pedestrian and cycle route connecting to the popular Tarka Trail, enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable travel. Simon Friend, director of Red Earth, said: “We are delighted to have Morgan Sindall on board as the main contractor. This milestone follows a thorough tendering process and marks a major step forward for the regeneration of this iconic riverside site. We are excited to partner with them initially through preconstruction as they support us through the design development stages leading up to the start on site. This is a big step forward for the Brunswick Wharf project, and we’re confident that their expertise will ensure the vision for this development is brought to life in a sustainable and inspiring way.” Graham Kingdon, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, added: “The project will create a new burst of life for this North Devon community, all while paying tribute to the Wharf’s industrial roots. We very much look forward to strengthening our relationship with Red Earth as we transform this important site at the heart of Bideford.” Construction is set to begin following the completion of the design phase, with the development playing a key role in Bideford’s wider regeneration ambitions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The team behind York Central, one of the UK’s largest and most ambitious city centre regeneration projects, has announced the line-up of architects who will bring the scheme to life. Allies & Morrison, the original masterplanner for York Central, will continue as lead architect. They are joined by seven other leading practices: Grant Associates, Sheppard Robson, Cartwright Pickard, Corstorphine & Wright, Haworth Tompkins, 3D Reid, and Re-form Landscape Architecture. Led by joint venture partners McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, the £2.5 billion regeneration will transform a 45-hectare brownfield site behind York railway station. The scheme will deliver 2,500 new homes and up to one million square feet of office, retail, leisure, and hospitality space. Plans also include enhancements to the railway station and National Railway Museum. The development is being brought forward by Homes England and Network Rail, the majority landowners, in collaboration with the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum. £135 million in government funding has already been secured for enabling infrastructure. Allies & Morrison will maintain oversight of the overall vision and produce the site-wide design guide, as well as lead on a new Innovation Hub. Grant Associates will lead on landscaping, including the central park, public spaces, and the long-term reimagining of the historic coal drops area. Sheppard Robson will design the 195,000 sq ft government office space commissioned by the Government Property Agency (GPA). The residential components will be delivered by Cartwright Pickard, along with Corstorphine & Wright’s Leeds studio, which will focus on build-to-rent homes. Haworth Tompkins will take the lead on affordable housing. 3D Reid has been appointed to develop the site’s hotel offering and the western station entrance. Re-form Landscape Architecture will oversee the design of Museum Square and public realm in the first delivery phase. Tom Gilman, Managing Director of McLaren Regeneration, said:“Following a comprehensive competitive process involving both local and international firms, we have carefully selected some of the world’s leading architects and design specialists to work with us and bring our ambitious vision for York Central to life. Key to our decision-making was ensuring they had a proven track record in delivering large-scale regeneration schemes and a strong understanding of York and its unique character. Now, we are excited to begin this next stage of delivery, working closely with our design team, partners and the local community to create a vibrant, sustainable new neighbourhood for the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Scarborough Group International (SGI) has announced its vision for the next phase of development at Thorpe Park Leeds, outlining plans to introduce a major industrial and logistics hub, new urban apartments, and additional Grade A business spaces with supporting amenities. Building on more than 25 years of sustained development, Thorpe Park Leeds has evolved into one of the region’s most prominent mixed-use destinations. Spanning more than 1.4 million sq ft of business, retail and leisure space, the site features notable developments including the Paradigm and Lumina office buildings and The Springs retail and leisure centre. The recent launch of No. 1 The Square marked a major milestone, securing Yorkshire’s largest-ever out-of-town pre-let office deal. The transformation has been enabled by major infrastructure upgrades, including a new bridge over the TransPennine Railway and the Manston Lane Link Road. These works have enhanced connectivity, completed the East Leeds Orbital Route, and unlocked key areas within the East Leeds Extension – one of the city’s largest planned residential zones. With outline planning permission already secured for an additional 1 million sq ft of mixed-use development, SGI is now accelerating the estate’s next chapter. Central to this vision is ‘Integral at Thorpe Park Leeds’, a new industrial and logistics hub designed to be a key feature of the estate. SGI is also exploring the development of up to 450 new apartments, supporting a vibrant residential community and expanding housing options for modern urban living. To support its renewed focus, SGI has launched a new website for Thorpe Park Leeds. Designed to unify all aspects of the development, the site offers a streamlined, user-friendly experience for prospective occupiers and investors. It sets out a clear and cohesive vision for the estate, underlining SGI’s commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive, and connected destination. Kevin McCabe, Chairman and Founder at SGI, said: “The transformation of Thorpe Park Leeds over recent years provides a strong foundation for future growth. As we prepare to accelerate delivery of the next phase, our focus is on creating high-quality workspace, homes and amenities that support the ambitions of Leeds as a city and deliver long-term benefits to businesses, residents and investors alike. The launch of our new website marks a key milestone in bringing our vision together, providing greater clarity and a more engaging experience for everyone who is part of Thorpe Park Leeds.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Reading Borough Council has given the green light to a major redevelopment of Broad Street Mall. The scheme is being delivered through a partnership between McLaren Living, a national specialist in build-to-rent developments, and AEW, one of the world’s leading real estate investment and asset management firms. Building on a previous planning consent, the updated plans will create a significantly enhanced mixed-use neighbourhood on the southern part of the 4.6-acre site. The redevelopment includes 643 tenure-blind build-to-rent homes—offering both market and affordable options, approximately 19,000 sq ft of commercial space focused on retail and leisure, and an improved public realm featuring public art and landscape enhancements. The plans also incorporate an extension to the existing NHS Walk-In Centre. The scheme will consist of four residential buildings located to the south of Broad Street Mall, positioned along Dusseldorf Way between the Hexagon and the Minster. This aligns with the wider Minster Quarter masterplan, which is also being brought forward by McLaren Living in partnership with the Council. Environmental sustainability is a key focus of the project. The buildings will use air-source heat pumps and solar photovoltaics to reduce carbon emissions, with each apartment designed to achieve at least an EPC rating of B. Non-residential areas will meet BREEAM Excellent standards for environmental performance. Designed by AHR Architects, the updated masterplan followed extensive engagement with stakeholders both before and after submission. The redevelopment aims to create a landmark destination that celebrates the 20th-century heritage of the area while reinforcing its cultural and artistic identity. It also supports Reading’s 2050 vision, serving as a model for placemaking that is smart, sustainable and inclusive. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Two office blocks and a number of commercial buildings in Potters Bar look set for a new lease of life after their sale was agreed with developers. Chase New Homes has exchanged contracts on the unconditional purchase of a 4.5 acre brownfield site fronting the High Street. The land is allocated for mixed-use development in Hertsmere Borough Council’s draft Local Plan – potentially including up to 265 homes and approximately 26,910 sq ft of office and retail space. The site currently includes two substantial office blocks – six-storey Canada Life Place and 13-storey Maple House – alongside 11,400 sq ft of mixed-use buildings, including two parades of shops with flats above, a 5,000 sq ft car wash and a large car park. Chase New Homes has now selected a design team for the site and – based on initial concepts – it is hoped it should deliver a minimum of around 90 affordable homes and 170 market sale homes; with an element of new commercial space. Advised by the development team at Savills in Cambridge and purchased for an undisclosed sum, site owner financial services provider Canada Life and Chase New Homes have agreed a deferred completion date in 2026. Joe Last, Associate Director in the development team at Savills Cambridge, said: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts on this landmark site. Its redevelopment represents an exciting opportunity to deliver sustainable growth in the shape of high quality residential, retail and commercial uses in a prime location, and will significantly contribute to the supply of much-needed new homes in the local area. “Chase New Homes are a leading regional housebuilder with a reputation for delivering high quality homes. From the outset they demonstrated a willingness to meet the requirements of the site owner – offering a flexible solution that was to the benefit of all parties. We look forward to seeing how the new scheme comes to fruition.” Nick Harding, Chief People Officer at Canada Life UK, said: “Canada Life has a long history in Potters Bar, and we were committed to finding a partner that shared our ambition to transform the site into a sustainable and attractive development that brings long-term benefits to the area. “Chase New Homes has a strong track record for delivering exceptional developments in and around Hertfordshire, and a plan that will meet the housing and commercial needs of the local community. We would like to thank both Chase New Homes for partnering with us on this exciting opportunity, and the Savills team for their support with the sale.” Gary Barton, Managing Director of Chase New Homes, said: “We are all extremely excited to be working on such an iconic site in Potters Bar and to add to our growing list of successful developments that we at Chase are very proud of delivering. We pride ourselves in creating schemes that not only enhance the area but also deliver an exceptional lifestyle living experience.’’ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

British Land has unveiled the newly completed Dock Shed, a 180,000 sq ft highly sustainable mixed-use building at Canada Water designed by Allies and Morrison with lobby interiors by Conran and Partners. A 21st century take on a classic docklands warehouse, Dock Shed is a BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 4.5* workspace situated within the heart of the first phase of British Land and AustralianSuper’s 53-acre masterplan. Dock Shed features extensive 2,000-5,000 sq ft terraces overlooking waterside surroundings – including British architect Asif Khan’s iconic red boardwalk, Rafter Walk – and views of the London skyline. Allies and Morrison has referred to the heritage of the docks throughout the design of the building, with distinctive saw-tooth steel roof profile and materials chosen to channel the former deal (timber) sheds which lined the docks. Internally, Conran and Partners has designed a seven-metre-high, multipurpose social lobby on the ground floor, featuring a mezzanine level offering three private meeting rooms for occupiers’ use. Designed to meet the needs of headquarter occupiers, the up to four-metre floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows flood the 40,000 sq ft floors with natural light, while openable windows enhance fresh air circulation throughout Dock Shed, while the terraces are designed to encourage outdoor meetings, serve as informal breakout areas, relaxation zones or for social events. On the lower floors and basement of the building, British Land, Allies and Morrison and Roberts Limbrick have delivered a state-of-the art leisure centre for Southwark Council. With a multi-station gym, eight-lane swimming pool, yoga studios and a sports hall, Canada Water Leisure Centre will offer access to world-class wellness facilities for people working at Dock Shed, and will open later this year. Occupiers will benefit from a range of retail and leisure amenities including the recently opened Corner Corner, a new cultural hub featuring live music, exceptional food and beverage pop-ups and London’s largest indoor commercial farm, as well as Padel courts (opening later this spring). The area will be further enhanced later this year, with a growing selection of retail and dining options at Canada Water; Sushi Revolution and The Village Tree were recently announced as the first two occupiers of the newly built spaces. The launch of Dock Shed follows the success of Paper Yard, a modular science and technology campus at Canada Water, and precedes the launch of further state-of-the-art workspace with Three Deal Porters, which sits adjacent to Dock Shed, later this year. British Land’s Head of Development, David Lockyer, said: “As we near completion of the first phase of our masterplan, we’re proud to unveil Dock Shed, our first commercial building at Canada Water. Drawing on the area’s industrial heritage, Dock Shed reinterprets the character of the former dockside warehouses, brought to life through British Land’s expertise in creating market-leading campus environments. “Designed for the future of work, Dock Shed offers a best-in-class combination of sustainability, digital infrastructure and modern amenities, with expansive, light-filled floorplates. Set within the growing cultural and leisure scene emerging across the wider masterplan – with a nature reserve on its doorstep, a state-of-the-art leisure centre beneath, and green spaces all around – Dock Shed presents a unique workspace proposition that supports both productivity and wellbeing.” Paul Eaton, Partner at Allies and Morrison, said: “Dock Shed’s completion marks an important milestone in the realisation of the Canada Water masterplan, a project Allies and Morrison has been involved with for over a decade. As a distinctive new presence on the edge of Canada Dock, Dock Shed is a context-driven hybrid building providing both important local amenity and inspiring, high-quality new workspace. And as part of the masterplan, Dock Shed works hard to define a new public space – Dock Office Courtyard – and vital new connections between the waterside and Southwark Park.” Simon Kincaid, Principal and Partner at Conran and Partners, said: “Dock Shed balances elegance with casual comfort, as we’ve approached the interior design with the same mindset we bring to hospitality, creating spaces that are welcoming and full of character to draw people together. Introducing a café into the lobby of the first commercial building was a deliberate move to foster a sense of community and social activation from day one. The interiors are purposefully unexpected, from sculptural rope installations to furniture and finishes that draw inspiration from hospitality and residential settings rather than conventional office design, whilst nodding to Canada Water’s rich history.” At the intersection of both an Underground and Overground train line, more under-35s are able to reach Canada Water within 45 minutes than any other central London commercial hub (JLL research), highlighting its strength as an emerging office location. Dock Shed also benefits from exceptional connectivity, and is located just a minute’s walk from Canada Water station from where you can reach London Bridge or the West End within 10 minutes on the Jubilee line, or via the Elizabeth line just one stop away. The City of London can also be reached in 10 minutes by bike. Part of the 53-acre Canada Water Masterplan, Dock Shed is part of the first phase, which completes later this year and sees a further 120,000 sq ft of flexible workspace, 186 new homes at The Founding, and public realm. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Get Living, one of the UK’s leading build-to-rent operators and developers, has submitted revised proposals for the next and final phase of its Elephant and Castle town centre transformation, bringing further homes for rent, including affordable homes, as well as landscaped public realm and a major cultural venue. The West Site sits alongside The Elephant, the second phase of the scheme, which is providing 485 new homes, a diverse mix of restaurants, shops, leisure and cultural facilities, a new university campus, workspace, improved transport infrastructure including a new underground station and a new public square. The updated plans for the West Site, have been submitted to Southwark Council this month and form the third phase of Get Living’s £1.5 billion regeneration of the Elephant and Castle Town Centre. The enhanced proposal reinforces Get Living’s commitment to creating a thriving destination and a new meeting place for locals, prospective residents and visitors alike. It will be the company’s flagship mixed use scheme, incorporating retail, leisure, culture, education and infrastructure improvements alongside the new homes for rent. Building on the original 2019 masterplan, the revisions introduce 452 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds, easing pressure on the local private rental market and responding to the growing demand for high-quality rental and student accommodation. In Southwark alone, there has been a 25% rise in the student population over the past decade. In response to local community feedback, retail space on the first floor facing Pastor Street has been replaced with nine additional homes, increasing the total number of homes to 507, of which 165 are affordable. The plans introduce architectural improvements to complement Elephant and Castle’s distinct character alongside providing a new public square, which will serve as a focal point for the area’s social and cultural life. Sustainability remains at the heart of the project, with an all-electric low carbon energy system, increased green spaces, and a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions where possible by adopting the principles of passive haus design. A significant carbon reduction will be achieved by repurposing part of the existing LCC Workshop into an exciting new cultural venue. The adaptive reuse of the structure will help to preserve Elephant and Castle’s rich history and social fabric whilst creating flexible spaces for arts, performances, and community activities. The development also carefully respects the surrounding streetscape, providing the transition between the nearby Elliott’s Row Conservation Area and Victorian houses on Oswin Street to the new Elephant and Castle town centre. The West Site becomes available for redevelopment in early 2028, following the relocation of the LCC to its new, state-of-the-art campus building next door at The Elephant. The launch of the development will mark the delivery of a game changing regeneration of Elephant and Castle, set to be central London’s newest and exciting mixed use destination. Rick de Blaby, Chief Executive of Get Living, said: “Elephant and Castle has always been a place where cultures, commerce, and communities converge and we are working hard to honour that legacy as we continue the extraordinary transformation. “We are pleased to submit our planning application for the final phase that better reflects local need while significantly enhancing the sustainability credentials. “Alongside our work on the West site, our vision for the second phase of The Elephant is quickly becoming a reality and we are progressing some very exciting conversations with both well-known brands and unique independents, which will be opening their doors when the scheme launches in 2026. “As long-term stakeholders, we are committed to delivering a new meeting place where people can come together to live, work and socialise, delivering much-needed homes, including affordable homes, student accommodation and vibrant public spaces that bring energy and opportunity to the area.” The first phase of Get Living’s Elephant and Castle development, Elephant Central, launched in 2017, and included 374 homes for rent, 278 student homes and 65,659 sq ft of commercial space, comprising a supermarket, gym and nursery. Its second phase, The Elephant, is launching in early 2026, and will include 135,000 sq ft of shops, restaurants and leisure space, a 370,000 sq ft university buildings for UAL, landscaped public realm, 55,000 sq ft of workspace, and 485 new homes for rent, of which 172 will be affordable. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals