Construction has begun on a new housing development at 320 Swindon Road in the St Paul’s neighbourhood of Cheltenham, with diggers on site to start the build. The milestone signals the start of work on 24 homes that will rise over the coming months, bringing much-needed, high-quality housing to the town. Following site clearance and ahead of foundation works, representatives from Cheltenham Borough Council and contractor Speller Metcalfe officially broke ground on 18 November 2025. The £6.2 million scheme will deliver 17 apartments and seven houses, offered through social rent and shared ownership to help meet local demand for affordable homes. As part of the council’s social value commitments, the project is creating jobs for local people and supporting existing apprenticeships for students. Over the months ahead, the council and Speller Metcalfe will volunteer and donate equipment to community initiatives and charities, as well as visit nearby schools to promote careers in construction and environmental stewardship. Councillor Rowena Hay, leader of the council, said: “We’re delighted to be in a position to break ground and mark the start of this important journey to bring more affordable homes to the town. Our upcoming flagship development is a great example of the high standard we work towards in providing safe and good quality housing that people can afford to live in. “Now that the diggers are out, we are excited to be part of this crucial milestone which is long overdue. I am looking forward to seeing the site take shape over the coming months – it’s not just about providing much-n Sustainability is central to the design, with solar panels, ground source heat pumps and low‑carbon construction methods specified to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The plans also include green outdoor areas to boost biodiversity, with new trees and planting complemented by features such as hedgehog highways and bat, bee and bird boxes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Award-winning architecture practice HLM Architects – operating studios across England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland – is expanding its UK footprint with the launch of a new design studio in Plymouth. Responding to growing demand across the South West, the move strengthens HLM’s national presence and becomes its seventh location, joining Sheffield, London, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin. Located in creative workspace Alma Yard, the new studio marks a return to Plymouth for HLM, which operated an office in the city until 2018. The practice has previously designed several acclaimed projects in the area – including Whitleigh Education Campus, Chamberlain House at Plymouth Science Park, the Marine Station at Coxside, and Brannell School in Cornwall.   HLM has continued to play a pivotal role in the South West in recent years, delivering strategic support to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, the Royal Navy at HMNB Devonport, and the wider defence sector across the region. The new Plymouth studio will be led by Kay Hanson, a designer with deep ties to the region. Kay spent 14 years at HLM earlier in her career and lectured at both Arts University Plymouth and University of Plymouth. She recently joined the South West Women in Construction committee, further strengthening her ties to the local construction industry. Commenting on her appointment as Studio Director, Kay said: “I’m delighted to be back at HLM and relaunching our Plymouth base. All of our studios are rooted in their respective communities, and this will be no different. I’m extremely passionate about the South West and looking forward to leading a team that can grow and thrive here. “We believe that architecture is most impactful when it’s embedded in place, and this studio will offer talented individuals the chance to build their careers locally, within a practice that values both community engagement and design excellence.” Michael Scherdel, Managing Director of HLM Architects, added: “We’ve seen a significant rise in opportunities across the South West, so returning to Plymouth feels like a very natural step for the business and reflects our confidence in the region. “With major investment and regeneration underway, we’re looking forward to playing a role in shaping the region’s future and continuing to build on our strong relationships here.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans for a new theatre venue at The Lights in Andover have been approved, with planning consent granted by Test Valley Borough Council’s planning committee. The new three-storey venue will feature a state-of-the-art auditorium with seating for over 400 people, a significant increase from the current 249-seat theatre. The design also includes a separate, flexible space for performances and events, dance studios, meeting rooms available for public hire, and café and bar areas at either end of the building. Outdoor terraced spaces will offer visitors pleasant areas to relax during warmer months. The Lights, a long-standing community hub, has become increasingly oversubscribed, driving the need for expansion to meet growing demand. The new venue will allow simultaneous use of the auditorium and secondary event space, while classes and meetings can take place throughout the building. With quality soundproofing and a design supporting nearly 1,000 people at full occupancy, the theatre is expected to boost Andover’s daytime and evening economy by attracting more visitors to the town centre. The design, developed by theatre specialists Burrell Foley Fischer, reflects the character of Andover’s historic centre while providing modern, accessible facilities. Inspired by St Mary’s Church and the Guildhall, the façade will feature a series of stone arches forming a striking colonnade, crafted from light-coloured stone to reflect the local chalk stream, with pale brick, natural flint, and bronze accents. Councillor Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: “This is a landmark moment for Andover. The new theatre will be a place to celebrate creativity and community – and a catalyst for economic growth. It’s a key part of our wider regeneration plans and will help bring more people into the town centre, day and night.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Scottish architecture practice Bracewell, part of Global (formerly Global Energy Group), has expanded its footprint south of the border through the acquisition of Gould Singleton Architects, based in Halesowen in the West Midlands. The move marks a significant milestone in Global’s strategy to strengthen its design and construction presence across the UK and take on larger, more complex projects nationwide. Under the agreement, both firms will continue trading under their established names – Bracewell and Gould Singleton Architects – with all staff and management retained. The deal brings together two respected practices with complementary expertise, uniting Scottish design creativity with Midlands-based technical and delivery strength. Bracewell senior partner David Keith said the collaboration represents an exciting new chapter for both firms.“As long-term admirers of Gould Singleton Architects – and Stephen Cox and fellow director Peter Icke – myself and fellow Bracewell senior partner, Amanda MacRitchie, are thrilled to bring together these two long-established practices. While we will both continue to operate individually under our strong and recognised brands, servicing clients in our key markets, the scaling up of our resources this investment brings will allow the enlarged entity to work closely together to grow and explore bigger opportunities, which is really exciting for us all.” He added that since Bracewell joined the Global portfolio last year, the practice has already experienced the advantages of being part of a larger, multi-disciplinary organisation – from access to new sectors to enhanced resources and collaboration. Gould Singleton director Stephen Cox said the partnership was a natural fit for both firms.“Having previously worked closely with other companies in the Global portfolio, we are excited to join together with David Keith, Amanda MacRitchie and their team to explore new markets and deliver bigger projects together,” he said. “This really is a meeting of minds and a great fit, with the combining of our resources, capabilities and geographical reach allowing us to work with existing and new clients to deliver major commercial and residential projects right across the UK.” The acquisition strengthens Global’s architectural presence across the country and marks another step in its long-term vision to unite leading design and construction expertise from Scotland to the Midlands and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans have been formally submitted for the first phase of City Village, a new sustainable community set to transform Bradford’s former commercial core into a thriving city centre neighbourhood. The multi-million regeneration is being delivered by ECF – a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – working alongside Bradford Council. The scheme will cover the ‘Top of Town’ area, including the Oastler, Kirkgate, and Chain Street sites. City Village is expected to deliver up to 1,000 modern, energy-efficient homes, including affordable housing, as well as new retail, leisure, and business opportunities that build on the success of the area’s existing independent traders. The masterplan also features three new landscaped green spaces, complementing recent city centre walking and cycling improvements, to create a safer, greener and better-connected environment. A detailed planning application has been submitted for Phase One, alongside an outline application for the remainder of the site. Phase One proposals include: Bradford-based affordable housing provider Incommunities has been named as ECF’s preferred funding partner for the first phase, subject to a final legal agreement. Later phases are expected to deliver more than 700 apartments across the Oastler and Kirkgate sites. Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “It is very exciting to be taking this next step towards realising the vision for City Village. Just as we’ve recently seen Darley Street Market successfully open its doors to great acclaim, so City Village will continue our work to transform the ‘top of town’. It will be game-changing for the city centre. “City Village is so much more than a housing development; it’s about creating a thriving, people-centric neighbourhood that encourages activity and brings communities together. We are leading the way on this, and it will set the gold standard for the future of urban living.” Over the last 18 months, ECF has worked closely with Bradford Council to refine the plans, drawing on feedback from hundreds of local residents. The scheme has already secured significant inward investment, including £13.2 million in-principle funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, alongside £30 million of Government support via Homes England. Simon Dew, Director of Development Management – Yorkshire and North East at ECF, said: “The design of these homes – taken from the experience of our other award-winning communities across the country – include sustainable elements such insulation, photovoltaic panels and EV charging to ensure they are as energy efficient as possible. The plans have also been informed by extensive and thorough community conversations and reflect the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have had. These are high quality homes with gardens, designated parking and good connections to public transport links as well as new walking and cycling routes. “There are landscaped areas of public space creating new green spaces which will bring people together and very much help to foster the community spirit we hope to nurture here. This is an ambitious, visionary project and working in partnership with the Council, we have the very best team working to bring it forward. We are all extremely proud of what it will mean for future generations in Bradford.” If approved, demolition of the Oastler site is due to begin later this year, with construction of Phase One expected to start in spring 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower has been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize – the first time in the award’s history that a conservation project has been nominated.  One of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks, its restoration was considered a ‘veritable masterclass in conservation and craftsmanship’ by RIBA’s judges. Submitted for entry by Purcell – consultant architect on the project – the conservation was the most extensive and complex in the building’s history, combining traditional skills and crafts with cutting-edge upgrades that made the building fit for the 21st century.   Chris Elliot, Managing Director of UK Parliament’s Strategic Estates team, said: “This nomination celebrates the successful restoration of the UK’s most photographed landmark, achieved through close collaboration with our architects, Purcell, alongside our exceptional supply chain. As custodians of a UNESCO World Heritage site, we are proud to have maintained and preserved the Elizabeth Tower as a symbol of our national heritage.”   Running from 2017-2022, the project safeguarded the architectural integrity of the Elizabeth Tower and ensured that Big Ben could continue to ‘bong’ for decades to come. Prior to the restoration, the landmark suffered from many of the issues seen in buildings of its age, including crumbling stones, rusty ironwork, leaking roofs and, in this case, an aging clock.   Repairing problems that could not be fixed while the clock was in action, the project also conserved key elements of Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin’s design, including stone carvings, the clock dials and the gilded spire.  The restoration works repaired and redecorated the interior, renewed the building services, and made improvements to health and safety and fire protection systems. The works also improved energy efficiency, reducing the Elizabeth Tower’s environmental impact, as well as providing better access for maintenance and emergency services.  A wide range of specialist companies and tradespeople from across the UK were involved in the programme, including from:  Other areas involved include the North West England (building and M&E design), South East England and London (stone restoration and glass designers), South Yorkshire (stone replacements and cast-iron repairs) amongst others.   The conservation of the UK’s most iconic landmark has already earned widespread recognition, including a RIBA National Award, RIBA London Award, AABC Conservation Award, Michael Middleton Civic Trust Award and Digital Construction Project of the Year Award. Parliament’s Strategic Estates team has also been nominated for the RIBA Client of the Year award, acknowledging their role in championing excellence throughout the project.    Members of the public can find out more about the restoration through guided tours – and take home a piece of Big Ben memorabilia from the Houses of Parliament Shop. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

As the Planning and Infrastructure Bill makes its way through Parliament, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has secured an amendment to ensure design quality is at the heart of new development.   The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to speed up and streamline the delivery of new homes and critical infrastructure through reforms to the planning system and a number of legislative changes, including a focus on strategic planning implemented through Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs).   These will guide local plans, identify key infrastructure requirements and strategic locations for development. RIBA’s amendment to the Bill would require SDSs to include a design vision, which is a clear articulation of what an area or project should be like in the future, developed with the local community and stakeholders.   The inclusion of a design vision in SDSs is vital for high-quality design to be prioritised in the strategic planning process, and would ensure new development meets the practical needs of residents and communities, while embedding the principles of safety, sustainability and accessibility.  The amendment has been tabled by the Liberal Democrat Lords Housing Spokesperson Baroness Thornhill MBE, who RIBA is working closely with to amplify its call to prioritise high-quality development. It will be debated when Parliament returns from summer recess.   RIBA has also secured support for the amendment from the Design Council, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and NLA, and support from Peers across the political spectrum.     RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki said:  “We are vocal advocates of a strategic approach to planning policy as a crucial way to ensure sustainable growth while meeting housing and infrastructure needs. However, high-quality design must be prioritised in new development from the outset.   Good design can create a wide range of improvements – from health and wellbeing to productivity. But without the requirement for a design vision in the Bill, there is no guarantee that this will be delivered.   We are grateful to Baroness Thornhill for tabling our amendment and look forward to working with parliamentarians and our partners across the sector to embed design quality in legislation.”  Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) President, Eddie Weir, said:   “High-quality design is fundamental to creating places that people love, and which meet our current and future needs, as well as those of the planet.  Integrating design visions within Spatial Development Strategies gives communities the opportunity to shape local development at an early stage, building support for new homes, amenities, and infrastructure.  As design professionals, Chartered Architectural Technologists regularly work alongside Architects, and CIAT is pleased to support RIBA in advocating for this important amendment.”  Design Council Director of Place and Infrastructure, Edward Hobson said:   “Good design is central to building the homes and infrastructure we need and ensuring it is fit for purpose, long-lasting and regenerates our environment. Creating a clear vision for a place’s future is fundamental to delivering innovative, sustainable places and resilient communities.  We fully support Baroness Thornhill’s amendment and look forward to working with RIBA and parliamentarians to place quality at the heart of the government’s housebuilding and infrastructure programmes.”  NLA Chief Executive, Nick McKeogh said:   “We welcome Baroness Thornhill’s amendment to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill. The NLA has worked closely with the GLA and successive London Mayors to put design vision at the heart of the London Plan, and we believe that there is much for the government to build upon from that work.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals