City & Country has this week completed the purchase of the 47.5-acre Kingswood site in Surrey from Legal & General. The completion of the purchase follows the housebuilder’s announcement of its intention to acquire the site in spring this year, with contracts having been exchanged in May 2025. The landmark
Three Chamberlain Square (3CS) has emerged as one of Birmingham’s most striking new landmarks and a national benchmark for sustainable urban construction. Standing between the city’s Grade I-listed Town Hall and the busy tram line, the ten-storey building combines bold design with engineering ingenuity to create 189,000 square feet of
A major riverside regeneration project at Orchard Wharf in Tower Hamlets has been given the green light, after Regal secured unanimous planning consent for a scheme that combines affordable housing, student accommodation, public open space, and a revitalised working wharf. The development will deliver 208 affordable homes, meeting the London
British Land and GIC’s Broadgate joint venture has secured a £450 million five-year Green Loan for 1 Broadgate, following the development’s practical completion in July. The landmark building is already 96% pre-let, with major tenants including A&O Shearman and JLL. The 545,000 sq ft scheme delivers some of the most
Stockport’s town centre transformation has taken a major step forward after planning permission was granted for Stockport 8, a new £350 million walkable and sustainable neighbourhood. The eight-acre site, which sits on land either side of King Street West and next to the town’s historic railway viaduct, will deliver around
A major milestone has been reached in the transformation of Edgware town centre, as a joint venture between Ballymore and Places for London secures outline planning permission for its ambitious masterplan. Approved by Barnet Council’s Strategic Planning Committee, the regeneration scheme covers a 10.3-hectare site, including the Broadwalk Shopping Centre,
The Crown Estate has acquired the headlease of 100 Regent Street, a prominent mixed-use building in London’s West End, for £95 million. The purchase was made from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate and further cements The Crown Estate’s long-term commitment to revitalising the capital’s iconic retail and
The Crown Estate has continued to enhance its West End portfolio with the acquisition of the headlease of 100 Regent Street from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate, for a purchase price of £95 million. The vehicle is jointly owned by a client of Federated Hermes Real Estate
The City of Westminster Council has appointed Altius Real Estate as its delivery partner for the comprehensive redevelopment of Huguenot House, a prominent site nestled between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. The 1960s-era building is set to be replaced with a vibrant mixed-use scheme, including a cinema, hotel, new residential
The City of London Corporation has granted planning permission for two major high-rise schemes at opposite ends of the City’s historic skyscraper cluster, reinforcing the Square Mile’s reputation as a global business and cultural hub. The approved projects, a 45-storey tower at 63 St Mary’s Axe and a 32-storey development
City & Country has this week completed the purchase of the 47.5-acre Kingswood site in Surrey from Legal & General. The completion of the purchase follows the housebuilder’s announcement of its intention to acquire the site in spring this year, with contracts having been exchanged in May 2025. The landmark deal will see City & Country redevelop the site to offer a mix of residential, retirement living and leisure space, set around a striking Grade II* listed building and the locally listed former St Monica’s School. New plans will see the developer resubmit for planning permission in the Autumn to deliver 166 private homes and 116 retirement properties, varying the site’s existing planning consent for a retirement village. Wider plans for Kingswood include the creation of a leisure centre, re-using some of the existing accommodation, which includes a swimming pool, tennis courts and ancillary facilities. Furthermore, City & Country intends to eventually restore the former L&G House and St Monicas School into high quality homes, and in the interim plans to offer space for use as offices and for co-working. Simon Marner, Land and Property Director for City & Country, comments: “We are extremely pleased to have completed the purchase of Kingswood – a site of significant local interest that has been vacant for a considerable amount of time, with the heritage buildings falling into disrepair. The site has great potential for us to deliver a high-class development to provide housing and facilities to complement the local area and for the benefit of the local community. Existing planning permission has been in place for half a decade, and we hope that with this acquisition City & Country can finally deliver on longstanding ambitions for Kingswood. “In the coming months, we will be preparing detailed plans for Kingswood, to enable us to submit new planning applications. These will be based on the principles of the already consented care home scheme, but which will provide a different mix of uses, making the scheme more viable and deliverable. City & Country has a long track record in handling complex heritage sites such as Kingswood and look forward to embarking on this exciting new project.” Prior to City & Country’s acquisition of Kingswood, the site was used as Legal & General’s HQ and has stood empty since 2018. The developer hopes that its redevelopment ambitions will restore the site to its former glory and eventually become an asset to the surrounding community. Kingswood is located within the borough of Reigate and Banstead, with local amenities located nearby including a village store, pub, cafes and restaurants. Nearby Kingswood Station offers a direct link to London Bridge. City & Country is responsible for a number of landmark schemes located on historic sites across the south of England, including The 1840, a conversion of a Grade II Listed Victorian Hospital in Wandsworth; King Edward VII Estate, the former tuberculosis sanatorium opened by its namesake in 1980; and its latest project, the redevelopment of the historic Pitman Press in Bath. For further information about City & Country, please visit https://www.cityandcountry.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three Chamberlain Square (3CS) has emerged as one of Birmingham’s most striking new landmarks and a national benchmark for sustainable urban construction. Standing between the city’s Grade I-listed Town Hall and the busy tram line, the ten-storey building combines bold design with engineering ingenuity to create 189,000 square feet of Grade A offices, plus retail and leisure space, all within a remarkably tight city-centre footprint. From the outset, sustainability guided every decision. The project targeted and achieved BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5-star ratings at design stage, placing it among the most environmentally advanced commercial buildings in the UK. Reducing embodied carbon was a constant priority. The structural team used post-tensioned concrete slabs, cutting steel content by about half, and took advantage of exceptionally firm ground conditions to avoid piling altogether. Designers even revisited structural support levels to reduce concrete use further while maintaining full integrity. A close partnership with the supply chain ensured these ambitions were met. Early engagement allowed key contractors to innovate, such as the dry-lining specialist who introduced off-site prefabrication to trim site waste by up to 25 per cent. Biogenic internal finishes added renewable materials to the mix, reinforcing the project’s low-impact credentials and demonstrating a practical approach to circular design. The façade is both a visual statement and a lesson in sustainable craftsmanship. More than 8,000 unglazed terracotta tiles were painstakingly installed over the course of a year, each piece fully demountable so it can be refurbished or recycled in the future. Forgoing a second kiln pass reduced embodied carbon, while the unglazed surface gives the building a warm, tactile character. On the seventh floor the façade curves inward, shifting from vertical to sloped and demanding exceptional precision from the engineering team to align corner units and maintain schedule. Logistics on the constrained site called for inventive solutions. Surrounded by existing buildings and a live tram line, the project relied on one of the UK’s largest hoists, the Alimak Mammoth TM 55/50. Measuring five by three metres and capable of lifting four tonnes—or 50 people—at a time, it moved ducting, plasterboard and workers efficiently, preventing delays that often plague high-rise city builds. A spider crane managed lower-level façade installation while the hoist kept upper floors supplied, demonstrating how careful planning can overcome even the tightest urban constraints. Safety performance was equally impressive. Over 700,000 work hours were completed without a single RIDDOR-reportable incident, an achievement so unusual that the client initially questioned the data. Early enabling works, spanning 20 weeks, helped de-risk the site and embed a “Be Safe, Home Safe” culture. Modern tools such as DataTouch interactive planning software identified and controlled hazards in real time, informing daily briefings and reducing the chance of accidents. Recognition soon followed. Three Chamberlain Square earned a perfect 100 per cent from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, scoring the maximum 15 points in each category of community respect, environmental care and workforce value—an accolade rarely awarded. This outcome reflected a collaborative spirit that ran through every tier of the project team, from developer and asset manager MEPC to consultants, subcontractors and suppliers. The result is a building that marries aesthetic boldness with rigorous environmental responsibility. With its distinctive terracotta skin and advanced construction methods, Three Chamberlain Square sets a new standard for what a city-centre office can be: a workplace that reduces its impact throughout its life cycle, engages the community and inspires everyone who passes by. As Birmingham continues to re-shape its skyline, 3CS stands as proof that ambitious design and genuine sustainability can coexist—and that future urban developments need not compromise on either. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major riverside regeneration project at Orchard Wharf in Tower Hamlets has been given the green light, after Regal secured unanimous planning consent for a scheme that combines affordable housing, student accommodation, public open space, and a revitalised working wharf. The development will deliver 208 affordable homes, meeting the London Plan’s 35 per cent target and providing much-needed high-quality housing in the borough. Alongside this, 1,365 purpose-built student rooms will help ease demand in London’s rental market and support the capital’s position as a global centre for education. A key feature of the scheme is the revitalisation of the safeguarded wharf, unlocking 7,524 square metres of logistics floorspace for use by Thames Clippers Logistics. This will create a low-carbon river freight hub, reducing reliance on road transport and strengthening the role of the Thames as a vital transport artery. The proposals, shaped in collaboration with Montagu Evans, include more than 7,400 square metres of landscaped open space. Features will include gardens, children’s play areas and community facilities accessible to residents and visitors. Designs by Howells incorporate an elevated riverside garden and careful integration with the surrounding neighbourhood, ensuring the scheme contributes positively to the wider Leamouth area. Steve Harrington, Planning Director at Regal, commented:“We are delighted that Orchard Wharf has secured Planning Committee approval. This is an important step towards delivering new affordable homes and high-quality student accommodation in Tower Hamlets while ensuring the long-term future of the wharf as a sustainable logistics hub. Orchard Wharf exemplifies our commitment to creating places that balance housing need, economic opportunity and community benefit.” William Poole, Partner at Howells, added:“The committee’s decision marks a step change in London’s evolution towards more climate-resilient infrastructure solutions. The scheme enables the delivery of more than 1,500 homes in this riverside location, prioritising affordable housing alongside rooftop residents’ gardens that will be difficult to match elsewhere in the capital. We are proud to have reached this stage as part of a talented and determined team.” Construction is expected to start in early 2026, following detailed design and delivery work. Once complete, Orchard Wharf will stand as a benchmark for co-location in London, demonstrating how housing, employment and high-quality public realm can be integrated within one development. It will also reinforce Tower Hamlets’ role at the forefront of London’s regeneration, setting a precedent for unlocking underused riverside land for long-term benefit. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land and GIC’s Broadgate joint venture has secured a £450 million five-year Green Loan for 1 Broadgate, following the development’s practical completion in July. The landmark building is already 96% pre-let, with major tenants including A&O Shearman and JLL. The 545,000 sq ft scheme delivers some of the most sustainable mixed-use space in London, combining best-in-class workspace with roof terraces, alongside prime retail and leisure accommodation. Positioned at the heart of the City of London, adjacent to Liverpool Street Station and the Elizabeth Line, the building forms a key part of the wider Broadgate campus. British Land has emphasised the building’s strong sustainability credentials, with 1 Broadgate ranking among the most operationally energy-efficient offices it has ever developed. The new financing, secured at competitive market spreads, further diversifies the group’s funding sources and is set to reduce Group Net Debt to EBITDA by around 0.6x once proceeds are distributed. David Walker, Chief Financial Officer at British Land, commented: “We are delighted to have successfully arranged this £450m loan on our newest, best-in-class office building. This transaction underscores the confidence of our banking partners in this asset and the campus, and Broadgate’s continued appeal as the place to be in London for ambitious, forward-thinking businesses. The financing further enhances our flexibility to continue delivering space that meets the evolving needs of our customers, into a heavily supply constrained market where rents are growing strongly.” Recommendation: Emphasise sustainability and financial resilience in positioning this development.Next step: Highlight 1 Broadgate as a benchmark for future green finance in UK commercial property. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stockport’s town centre transformation has taken a major step forward after planning permission was granted for Stockport 8, a new £350 million walkable and sustainable neighbourhood. The eight-acre site, which sits on land either side of King Street West and next to the town’s historic railway viaduct, will deliver around 1,300 new homes alongside vibrant public spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, and community facilities. The project is being delivered by The Stockport 8 LLP – a joint venture between Stockport Council and ECF, itself a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse. It forms part of the Town Centre West regeneration programme, overseen by Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), which is leading £1 billion of investment to create what it calls the UK’s most sustainable and liveable town centre. Councillors on Stockport’s planning committee approved the scheme on 14 August, following a recommendation from the central area committee at the end of July. Detailed consent has been granted for the first phase, which will see: Work on the first phase is due to begin in 2026, with completion expected by 2028. The second phase is anticipated to start the following year. Stockport 8 will connect the new Stockport Interchange with surrounding communities and sits just a short walk from Weir Mill, another landmark redevelopment led by Capital&Centric on the banks of the River Mersey. The scheme is expected to breathe new life into an area once bustling under the railway arches, helping to attract new residents while creating a healthier, greener environment for existing communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major milestone has been reached in the transformation of Edgware town centre, as a joint venture between Ballymore and Places for London secures outline planning permission for its ambitious masterplan. Approved by Barnet Council’s Strategic Planning Committee, the regeneration scheme covers a 10.3-hectare site, including the Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Edgware Bus Station and Garage, a Sainsbury’s supermarket, Redhill Medical Centre and Deans Brook Nature Reserve. The £1.7 billion redevelopment will deliver around 3,500 new homes, alongside 460,000 sq ft of commercial space. This is expected to include a mix of retail, leisure, and community uses such as an integrated healthcare hub and library. One of the cornerstones of the plan is the creation of a modern public transport interchange, complemented by 11.9 acres of green and open spaces to enhance liveability and biodiversity in the area. Designed by leading architectural firm Howells, the masterplan offers a comprehensive approach to urban regeneration, seeking to make better use of brownfield land while supporting London’s ongoing need for housing, infrastructure and inclusive growth. Savills, which advised Barnet Council, played a key role in navigating the planning process. Iyabo Johnson, associate director in Savills’ London Planning team, commented: “The Edgware masterplan offers a sustainable, plan-led response to London’s pressing need for housing and growth. It unlocks a significant package of public benefits that will shape the future of the area for generations to come.” Next steps include the finalisation of the Section 106 Agreement and securing Stage II approval from the Mayor of London. Stakeholders hope to see the first phases of the development move forward in the near future, helping to breathe new life into one of North London’s key town centres. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Crown Estate has acquired the headlease of 100 Regent Street, a prominent mixed-use building in London’s West End, for £95 million. The purchase was made from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate and further cements The Crown Estate’s long-term commitment to revitalising the capital’s iconic retail and business corridor. The Grade II-listed property spans more than 53,000 square feet of retail and office accommodation. Already holding the freehold interest through the Regent Street Partnership—its joint venture with Norges Bank Investment Management—The Crown Estate will now gain full operational control of the building. This acquisition is seen as a strategic move to unlock the site’s full potential, both commercially and environmentally. The Crown Estate has confirmed plans to enhance the office interiors, refresh the retail offering, and invest in sustainability upgrades to improve the building’s overall energy performance. Dominic Packwood, investment manager at The Crown Estate, commented: “This important acquisition marks a key step in delivering our long-term vision for Regent Street and the wider West End. Direct ownership of 100 Regent Street will help us to realise our ambitious plans across our portfolio, including the delivery of our development pipeline and public realm investment, alongside our wider goal to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable West End.” Property consultancy Savills acted on behalf of The Crown Estate during the transaction. As part of its wider strategy, The Crown Estate continues to focus on modernising key assets across its central London holdings—enhancing both their commercial value and contribution to the city’s urban regeneration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Crown Estate has continued to enhance its West End portfolio with the acquisition of the headlease of 100 Regent Street from a vehicle managed by Federated Hermes Real Estate, for a purchase price of £95 million. The vehicle is jointly owned by a client of Federated Hermes Real Estate and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments). Situated in the heart of Regent Street, the Grade II-listed building comprises over 53,000 sq ft of prime retail and office space. The Crown Estate already owns the freehold as part of The Regent Street Partnership; its longstanding joint venture with Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM). The acquisition enables the partnership to take direct control of the entire building, supporting a long-term strategy to invest in and evolve Regent Street. Plans will include enhancing the office accommodation, curating the retail offer, and improving the building’s environmental performance. This long-term strategy also includes The Crown Estate’s ambitious development pipeline, which it continues to progress across the West End. Dominic Packwood, Investment Manager at The Crown Estate, said: “This important acquisition marks a key step in delivering our long-term vision for Regent Street and the wider West End. Direct ownership of 100 Regent Street will help us to realise our ambitious plans across our portfolio, including the delivery of our development pipeline and public realm investment, alongside our wider goal to create a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable West End.” Today’s announcement follows the recent news that The Crown Estate, alongside its partners at Westminster City Council, has launched its latest proposals for the future of the public space across Regent Street, Haymarket and Piccadilly Circus. It acts as another example of how the business is taking a holistic approach to how it best strengthens its London portfolio, which grew in value over the last financial year, as reported in its 2024/25 Annual Report. Savills acted for The Crown Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The City of Westminster Council has appointed Altius Real Estate as its delivery partner for the comprehensive redevelopment of Huguenot House, a prominent site nestled between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. The 1960s-era building is set to be replaced with a vibrant mixed-use scheme, including a cinema, hotel, new residential flats, modern office space, and significant improvements to the surrounding public realm. Altius Real Estate will collaborate with contractor Erith and world-renowned architects Foster + Partners to bring the project to life. With design work now underway, a planning application is expected to follow a period of public consultation. The council first identified full-scale redevelopment as the preferred approach in 2021, following extensive studies and community engagement over several years. Councillor David Boothroyd, Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform, commented:“The redevelopment of Huguenot House represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform a key site in the heart of the West End. Altius has demonstrated a clear commitment to delivering high-quality homes, including much-needed affordable housing, alongside vibrant community spaces and a reimagined public realm.” The scheme aims to revitalise this strategic location with a mix of cultural, commercial and residential uses, helping to reinforce the West End’s role as one of London’s most dynamic and liveable districts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The City of London Corporation has granted planning permission for two major high-rise schemes at opposite ends of the City’s historic skyscraper cluster, reinforcing the Square Mile’s reputation as a global business and cultural hub. The approved projects, a 45-storey tower at 63 St Mary’s Axe and a 32-storey development at 85 Gracechurch Street, will jointly deliver over 110,000 square metres of Grade A, sustainable office space, supporting more than 6,500 jobs. The developments mark a significant milestone in the City’s Destination City growth strategy, designed to attract international business and boost weekday and weekend footfall through culture, heritage, and hospitality. Both towers have been designed with respect for London’s historic skyline, maintaining protected views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. In a rare integration of new and old, the projects will also bring previously hidden archaeological finds into public view—creating two free-to-visit heritage destinations open seven days a week. The 45-storey mixed-use scheme at 63 St Mary’s Axe will provide over 85,000 sqm of office floorspace, contributing 4.2% of the City’s projected space requirement to meet economic and employment growth targets. The tower is expected to create more than 4,500 jobs, further bolstering the City’s standing as a leading global centre for financial and professional services. At street level, the scheme introduces flexible commercial spaces, cultural offerings, and the new ‘Camomile’ Park, featuring elevated walkways, retail units, and green public spaces. A standout element of the development is the unveiling of a surviving section of the London Wall, alongside 1,500 sqm of public open space, two new pedestrian routes, and extensive urban greening, including the planting of 76 new trees. The updated 32-storey scheme at 85 Gracechurch Street builds on plans first approved in early 2023. Now redesigned to incorporate the discovery of a first-century Roman Forum-Basilica, the development will include 34,000 sqm of Grade A office space, supporting around 2,200 jobs. The Roman Forum-Basilica, the administrative and commercial heart of Roman London, will be preserved and celebrated through a world-class, immersive exhibition free to the public. This focus on cultural value aligns with the City’s long-term vision of broadening access to its rich history. The broader redevelopment will rejuvenate nearby Leadenhall Market, introducing a ground-floor public hall with food, retail, and event space. A historic pedestrian route linking Gracechurch Street to Lime Street Passage will be reopened, and visitors will also have access to a fifth-floor public terrace, offering new views of the evolving City skyline. The twin approvals reflect the City of London’s ambition to carefully grow its tall building cluster while embedding public value through job creation, heritage access, green spaces and cultural destinations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals