Newcastle City Council leader Cllr Karen Kilgour has outlined a decade-long programme to deliver up to 15,000 homes across the city, aimed at fostering stronger, more cohesive neighbourhoods as well as meeting growing housing demand. Cllr Kilgour first pledged in July last year to confront Newcastle’s housing pressures by accelerating the delivery of new social homes. She has since pressed the Government for additional funding to back an ambitious vision for the city’s housing future. Officials have been developing proposals and lobbying ministers in the months since, with a comprehensive strategy now set to be published that maps out how thousands of homes will be built and communities renewed over the next 10 years. Central to the plans is the creation of 1,500 new council homes for Geordies currently on the housing register. These properties will prioritise larger family homes and adapted accommodation for disabled residents, reflecting a commitment to inclusion and meeting diverse needs. Cllr Kilgour has also asked officers to curb the number of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) and bring empty homes back into use, to nurture balanced neighbourhoods and reduce transient living patterns. She said the scale of development isn’t just about building homes, it’s about shaping new communities that can deliver real improvements for residents. The West Fenham councillor said: “We know how vital it is for people to have access to safe, affordable, and high-quality homes, and this programme will deliver exactly that. “But it isn’t only about bricks and mortar, it’s also about shaping new communities with neighbourhoods that work better for residents, which may involve some selective demolition and rebuilding. “By investing in council housing, developing more robust infrastructure and working with partners, we will build a Newcastle that works for everyone.” Council homes will be developed right across the city, with advanced plans already in train for sites in Walker, Elswick, Blakelaw, Forth Yards and a series of smaller plots. Funding from the North East Combined Authority will help speed up delivery, with construction on some schemes expected to get underway later this year. Alongside the council’s programme, private developers and registered providers are expected to bring forward around 13,500 additional homes, many of which will include affordable housing secured through planning agreements. The combined pipeline is intended to help more residents onto the property ladder or into high-quality rented accommodation, ensuring a balanced mix of tenure and types across Newcastle’s neighbourhoods. Tackling HMOs and empty properties is a key strand of the plan, aimed at creating stable, sustainable communities that support local schools, businesses and social networks. The council noted that the private rented sector already serves over 28,000 households. It also aims to see an additional almost 2,000 high-quality homes built for social, affordable or private rent, broadening choice and flexibility for residents. Cllr Kilgour continued: “Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to call home. We’re committed to delivering the homes our city and region vitally need – homes that are safe, genuinely affordable, well-designed, and that help tackle the housing crisis head-on, and this programme will deliver exactly that. But it isn’t just about bricks and mortar – it’s about creating places where people can build their lives, connect with neighbours, and feel part of something bigger. “We need to shape the housing market to better respond to pressures and meet the needs of our growing population. That means the right homes in the right communities, with a mix of tenure for all.” Further details of the strategy are due to be presented to the Council’s Cabinet in February. Image: Aerial CGI of Forth Yards Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sefton Council is accelerating delivery of its nature-led programme for the Ainsdale Gateway, with initial works planned to begin as early as the spring. Since the Vision was published in the autumn, the Council has moved forward with an agreement to redevelop The Sands, advanced proposals to demolish Toad Hall to allow temporary surface parking, and set out how the Pontins site will be addressed in a way that supports its EcoVision and the investment required to create a world-class, nature-aligned destination. Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said: “We know how important it is to the local communities to do something with these sites, which is why we are looking to make progress at pace now the vision is in place. “Ainsdale Gateway has enormous potential, and we are determined to move forward in a way that supports the local economy and experience for visitors but also protects and enhances its unique natural character. “These early steps show real momentum while laying the groundwork for long-term, nature-led investment.” Over the coming months, activity will include an ecology survey ahead of Toad Hall’s demolition — expected to start in the spring while planning permission is sought for the car park — completion of a lease with a new purchaser for The Sands pub site, anticipated early this year, and market engagement on the former Pontins site as part of a wider transformation of the Ainsdale Gateway, alongside ongoing discussions with the current leaseholder about their intentions. “It’s really exciting to see work starting to happen,” said Cllr Lappin. “We’re all fed up of looking at the derelict, fenced-off sites, and while we get on with what we can we’ll continue to put pressure on Britannia to tell the local community what they would propose for the future of the site. “In the interim we’ll do some market testing to see what ideas potential investors may have for the site alongside the wider coastal gateway if the current leaseholders aren’t interested in doing something of benefit for the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

ADVANCING its digital portfolio, contract management software specialist Sypro has announced a three-year partnership with global construction, property and management consultancy, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB). The agreement will see Sypro’s contract management software – a project oversight and collaboration hub – play an integral role in driving forward RLB’s digital transformation initiative, which aims to modernise project delivery through centralised data, greater visibility across contracts and smarter, more connected workflows. Designed to integrate with existing tools, it will be utilised across RLB’s sectors, from residential, leisure and retail all the way through to Data Centres and Infrastructure, in turn streamlining risk, improving communication and delivering consistent portfolio-level oversight. By centralising contract data and connecting with existing systems, the platform gives RLB teams a consistent view of their projects, reducing administrative work and allowing them to focus on higher-value activities. It will support RLB’s management of projects across a range of contract types, including New Engineering Contract (NEC), Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT), and bespoke agreements. Processes can be tailored to each project’s specific needs, whether a small refurbishment or a multimillion-pound megaproject, ensuring RLB’s teams work efficiently across sectors and scales. Charley Wainwright, SaaS sales manager at Sypro, said: “With the industry under significant pressure to deliver on time and to budget, it is more important than ever that projects are supported throughout all stages of delivery. Our technology proactively manages risk and supports clearer communication, integral to successful delivery. “By integrating seamlessly with existing tools and adapting to the way RLB works, we are enabling teams to focus on high-value activities, make smarter decisions and collaborate more effectively with clients and supply chain partners. With RLB undergoing a period of digital transformation, we are helping to contribute to this drive, proving the value of digital contract management.” Dave Marks, digital lead – project management at RLB, said: “RLB’s project pipeline is expanding, and we needed a contract management tool that could fit with the way we work and grow with us. Sypro was flexible enough to slot into our existing processes, and the support and training from the team made it straightforward to get it up and running – which helps us keep projects on track, manage multiple sites efficiently and stay on top of compliance. “Having a digital, data-led approach that works for our teams means we’re confident it will support RLB and our clients as we take on more projects.” For more information on Sypro and its contract management software, visit https://sypro.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sutton Council has taken significant action to combat the severe housing crisis in London following crucial decisions made regarding two of its major regeneration initiatives. The Elm Grove scheme, located on the north-eastern side of Sutton High Street and being delivered in partnership with developer Lovell, is set to demolish 73 existing, outdated 1970s properties. In their place, the partnership will build 276 new, modern, and energy-efficient homes. Critically, 50% of all new homes at Elm Grove will be designated as council housing. This commitment is a direct response to the critical demand for public housing in Sutton, where the number of families in Temporary Accommodation has recently surged to over 1,100. Beyond housing, the regeneration project is designed to transform the northern end of Sutton Town Centre by introducing improvements to public spaces, creating more greenery, and establishing a new pedestrian-friendly east-west link connecting the High Street to Throwley Way. Meanwhile, at the south-western end of Sutton High Street, the Beech Tree Place development has had its tenure mix revised. Following a recent decision by Sutton’s Housing, Economy and Business Committee, the scheme has moved from an original mixture of 35 shared ownership and 57 Council rental homes to a fully rented scheme. This change will significantly increase the supply of council homes in the borough, with the majority of the 35 additional properties now being used to house households currently residing in temporary accommodation. Councillor Jake Short, Chair of the Housing, Economy and Business Committee of Sutton Council, commented on the decisions: “These decisions mark a crucial step forward in the Council’s commitment to delivering much-needed high-quality, sustainable, and affordable homes for people in Sutton. “It also shows how we’re addressing the housing crisis head-on while transforming our town centre, helping High Street businesses with increased local footfall. We’re also asking people to share their views on improvements to our town centre public spaces and I encourage anyone with an interest to take part.” Lorraine Casey, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, highlighted the collaborative nature of the Elm Grove project: “This is a major milestone in our mission to revitalise Sutton town centre and deliver high-quality homes at Elm Grove for the community. A huge thank you to our partner the London Borough of Sutton and the talented team at HTA Design for their incredible collaboration. Together, we’re creating a vibrant, community-focused regeneration in the heart of Sutton.” Construction at Beech Tree Place is anticipated to reach completion by June 2026. At Elm Grove, the first homes are expected to be completed in 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

St Helens Borough Council is advancing proposals to revive the disused Sutton Oak Rail Line as a green corridor, with the option to accommodate rail or other transport in the future. Branded the Sutton Oak Link, the initiative follows a feasibility study that highlights strong potential and a compelling business case to turn the historic route into a people-first movement corridor connecting existing neighbourhoods and new developments along its length. Reusing this piece of the borough’s industrial heritage as a modern transport spine could unlock significant benefits, complementing the recent award of £20m in Pride in Place funding from the Government. The scheme is intended to reconnect communities and key destinations between St Helens Central and St Helens Junction stations, including the Moss Nook housing development in Sutton, St Helens Hospital and The Brewdog Stadium. It aims to provide a safe, inclusive route for walking, cycling and wheeling; create attractive green spaces that enhance leisure opportunities and biodiversity while tackling anti-social behaviour; encourage healthier travel choices to relieve persistent congestion pinch points; and rationalise and improve bridges along the line. The Council’s feasibility work confirms that progressing the initial Sutton Oak Link concept would not preclude the future reinstatement of passenger rail services. Further assessment would be required to evaluate the benefits, costs and practical challenges of different options. The Sutton Oak Rail Line was part of the St Helens and Runcorn Gap Railway, which opened on 21 February 1833 to carry coal from St Helens to the River Mersey, later supporting passenger services between St Helens Central and St Helens Junction. Regular passenger services ended in 1951, with freight and occasional diverted passenger services continuing until 1987. The last freight train ran in September 2002. The corridor is currently inaccessible, creating a physical divide between communities and suffering from overgrowth, littering and anti-social behaviour. Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth, said: “The emerging Sutton Oak Link scheme presents a transformational opportunity to create a safe, attractive and accessible movement corridor that links our neighbourhoods and breathes new life into this historic route. By opening up this space, we could deliver real benefits for investment, the environment and our communities.” The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has identified the Sutton Oak Link as a priority for phased investment through its new £1.6bn Transport for City Region (TCR) Fund, secured in June and confirmed by the Chancellor ahead of this year’s Spending Review. Funding is expected to be available from 2026 to support early-stage design, planning and further business case development. The Council will now undertake a detailed, multi-stage programme of structural assessments, design work and community engagement ahead of submitting a full business case. Councillor Groucutt added: “This scheme shows how we can lead the way in reimagining our historic infrastructure for the future. The Sutton Oak Link could become a flagship example of how modern transport, heritage, the environment and community wellbeing can go hand in hand.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Today marks a very special day at Trident Building Consultancy. As a proud B-Corp company, we take sustainability extremely seriously, both in terms of helping our clients become more sustainable and ensuring our own operations are optimised, as well. But now, we are taking a giant leap forward in this vital area of our industry. We are launching a brand-new division – Sustainability Services– to cement our position at the forefront of the construction sector’s journey to net zero. To head up this division, we have appointed a highly respected and deeply knowledgeable expert, Darren Berman. Darren brings with him 25 years of experience in sustainability, including building a consulting team focused on decarbonisation, renewables and sustainable design which played a leading role in helping the GLA and London authorities pioneer the first sustainability-led planning policies. After this, Darren went on to establish CRBE’s sustainability practice and then led JLL’s sustainability team, shaping strategies for public bodies, corporates and investors, including some of the sector’s first climate risk frameworks and net zero strategies Darren’s leadership of Sustainability Services will significantly enhance Trident Building Consultancy’s services in sustainability. The new division will manage risks in acquisition, optimise sustainability in development and refurbishment; and help portfolio owners and occupiers to reduce their environmental impact and maximise social value across their operations. This will be achieved through a host of new services, focused on: Darren said: “My new role at Trident is all about helping clients make a tangible impact, whether through developing new buildings or repositioning existing ones to guard against obsolescence, manage climate and regulatory risks, and deliver cost-effective pathways to net zero while meeting tenants’ ESG expectations.” Managing Director, Dan Roe, described Darren’s appointment as a huge addition to the business. He said: “We have launched our Sustainability Services division  to help the construction and property sectors take the steps they need to do to achieve new zero and create social value. “With Darren at the helm, I am confident that we will be able to make a huge difference in the area of sustainability.” To learn more about our new sustainability services, please click here: Delivering Impact  or to get in touch with Darren, please email: darren.berman@tridentbc.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction on Huddersfield Our Cultural Heart regeneration programme is progressing, with the first phase well under way. Phase 1 includes a new library hub, food hall and public square, with completion planned for summer 2026. The library will also accommodate the West Yorkshire Archive, and a preferred tenant has been identified to operate the food hall. Plans for Phase 2 are due to be considered on 9 September by Kirklees Council’s Cabinet. This stage of the scheme will see the former library redeveloped into a combined museum and art gallery, alongside significant improvements to the surrounding public realm. If approved, construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and complete in spring 2029. Preparations are also being made for the demolition of the remaining Piazza retail units in 2026, paving the way for the delivery of a new town centre park in Phase 3. Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “Cabinet will be asked to approve the next steps to keep this transformation moving forward. Residents will see the first results when the new library hub, food hall and public square open in 2026, and we are already preparing for the phases that follow, including the museum & gallery and a brand-new town centre park. This is about building a town centre that works for everyone — families, businesses, students and visitors — while making sure we do it in a way that is affordable and sustainable for the future.” The Our Cultural Heart scheme, as part of the Huddersfield Blueprint, is designed to create hundreds of new jobs, support existing businesses and attract new investment, while providing free-to-access spaces for residents and visitors. It will also act as a catalyst for wider regeneration, complementing other major projects in Huddersfield and wider Kirklees district. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals