The Hill Group has reached a significant regional milestone after securing planning permission for three separate developments in the South East. The approvals will see the delivery of 268 new homes across Essex, Oxfordshire, and Hertfordshire, including 113 affordable properties, as part of the firm’s ongoing commitment to increasing housing supply and creating mixed-tenure communities. In Takeley, Hill has been granted approval for a 108-home project on a 16-acre site at Parsonage Road. The development features a mix of two-to-five-bedroom houses for private sale, alongside affordable apartments and houses. This approval includes replacing a previously planned 66-bedroom care home—now deemed surplus to requirements—with 20 residential units, in addition to reserved matters approval for 88 homes. The scheme adopts a fabric-first construction approach and integrates sustainable technologies such as air source heat pumps and electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Located on the M11 corridor near Stansted Airport, the site offers strong transport links and proximity to local amenities. Planning permission has also been secured for 96 homes in Kidlington, forming part of a larger 430-home strategic allocation. Fifty per cent of these homes will be designated as affordable, delivered in partnership with SNG to include social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership options. The project is the culmination of seven years of planning and will provide community infrastructure, including sports and play areas. Furthermore, half a hectare of land will be gifted to the parish council to allow for the extension of the local cemetery. Construction is expected to start shortly, with the first completions slated for 2027. In Welham Green, Hill has obtained full planning permission for 64 homes on a 2.7-hectare site. The project represents a successful release of land from the Green Belt through the local plan process. The village-style layout will include two-to-four-bedroom homes, landscaped open spaces, and a fully equipped play area. Like the other sites, these homes will feature air source heat pumps and EV charging. The location provides excellent rail links, with direct services to London taking less than 40 minutes. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, commented: “Securing three planning permissions across the South-East in such a short period is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the expertise and persistence of our teams. These developments will deliver a diverse mix of high-quality homes, including a significant number of affordable properties, helping to meet pressing local housing needs. “Each scheme reflects our commitment to working collaboratively with local authorities and stakeholders to create sustainable, well-designed communities that leave a positive legacy.” Work across the three sites is scheduled to begin between the spring and summer of 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bellway has submitted an outline planning application for a new residential development of up to 70 homes in the village of Alderley Edge, Cheshire. The project, led by Bellway’s Strategic Land team, seeks to develop a 7.8-acre site located to the west of Wilmslow Road. The proposed masterplan features a diverse mix of two to five-bedroom properties. Notably, 45 per cent of the homes are designated as affordable housing, specifically intended for local people. In addition to residential units, more than a quarter of the currently private site would be transformed into publicly accessible open space, incorporating footpaths, recreational areas, and dedicated ecological zones. Environmental sustainability is a core component of the design, with homes set to include energy-efficient fabric, electric vehicle charging points, and solar PV panels. Low-carbon heating solutions are also planned, with the specific technology to be finalised during the detailed planning phase. To maintain the character of the area, Bellway intends to retain existing trees and hedgerows where possible and will implement a landscape buffer along Wilmslow Road. The site is positioned as a sustainable location for growth, situated within walking distance of the village centre and Alderley Edge train station, which provides direct links to Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly. Sebastian Burrow, Bellway Strategic Land Director for the North West, said: “Our proposals would create an integrated extension to Alderley Edge as well as providing more housing choice for people in the local area. Existing trees and hedgerows will be retained where possible, with a landscape buffer planned along Wilmslow Road, while the house types would be designed to reflect the architecture of the local area. “This is a sustainable location for new homes, within a short walk from Alderley Edge train station, for direct services to Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe, as well as the village centre which offers a good range of local amenities. The houses themselves would also be highly sustainable, with energy-efficient fabric, solar PV panels and electric vehicle charging points, as well as low-carbon heating to be determined at the detailed planning stage. “We are committed to building new homes which meet the needs of local communities and have worked closely with Cheshire East Council on this project as our plans have evolved, as well as carrying out public consultation in February this year.” The outline application is now under consideration by Cheshire East Council. If successful, a subsequent reserved matters application will be required before construction can begin. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Ashington £36 million town centre transformation has taken a significant step forward, with construction on two flagship projects due to start soon. Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet has approved work to begin this spring on the new Portland Park Cinema and adjoining restaurant units, with delivery of the Wansbeck Square Gateway to follow this summer subject to final approvals. The investments are central to the wider Regenerating Ashington Programme, designed to revitalise the town centre and bolster its retail and leisure offer. Advance Northumberland will lead the cinema and restaurants scheme and has appointed Robertson Construction Group, one of the UK’s largest family-owned construction, infrastructure and support service businesses, to deliver the development at Portland Park. The project will provide five modern cinema screens, a family-orientated competitive socialising space and two restaurant units, creating a lively leisure destination for residents and visitors and complementing recent investment in the area. Planning permission was granted last year, and REEL Cinema will operate the venue once complete. Portland Park Cinema and Restaurants is being developed by Advance Northumberland and funded by the UK Government (MHCLG), Northumberland County Council and Advance Northumberland. The Wansbeck Square Gateway is expected to get underway this summer following final sign-off, creating a welcoming point of arrival for thousands of passengers using Ashington Rail Station. Works include a new accessible footpath linking the station to the high street, alongside seating areas, landscaping and tree planting, as well as improved access to the neighbouring Memorial Garden. The Gateway scheme is being funded by the UK Government (MHCLG), Northumberland County Council and the North East Combined Authority. Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Business, Growth and Regeneration, said: “The cinema and restaurants project represents a significant investment in Portland Park, strengthening the town centre as a destination for entertainment, dining and socialising. “It’s a real vote of confidence for Ashington, with these two projects building on the wider regeneration in the area including a new rail station and passenger rail line and a new college campus.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Housebuilder Bellway has started construction on a further 160 homes in Cramlington, taking the total number of properties it has built in the town since 2018 to 546. Detailed planning permission for the latest phase, located off Fisher Lane, was granted by Northumberland County Council in February. The new development, named Hartford Edge, forms part of a wider 1,600-home neighbourhood to the south-west of the town. The scheme will include 136 homes for private sale, ranging from two to five bedrooms, alongside 24 affordable homes available through low-cost rent or discounted sale. Fifty of the properties will be designed to be more accessible and adaptable for residents with mobility needs. Hartford Edge adds to Bellway’s ongoing developments in the area, including Foxton Mill, where construction is continuing and 131 homes have already been completed, and Arcot Manor, where 226 homes have previously been delivered. Emma Chesterton, Sales Director for Bellway North East, said: “We have a long-standing commitment to delivering new homes for people in Cramlington and supporting the town’s growth as a key employment area for the region. “The creation of jobs requires the provision of new quality housing, and this planning permission ensures that we can continue to build much-needed homes in the town. “The mix of homes at Hartford Edge has been carefully planned to meet a range of requirements, in particular houses for first-time buyers and families wanting to bring up their children in the Cramlington area. “In addition, more than 30 per cent of homes are also more accessible and adaptable to suit the needs of people throughout their lifetimes, to reflect the growing ageing population both in Cramlington and further afield.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Croydon Council has lodged a planning application to transform College Green into a greener, inclusive public space featuring play areas and picnic spots. Funded by the Croydon Growth Zone, the scheme will revive the land linking Fairfield Halls and Croydon College, creating a large multi‑use park and meeting place, and providing a pleasant, accessible route between East Croydon Station and the town centre. The proposals support Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s priority to regenerate the town centre, making it more welcoming and accessible for people who live and work in the borough, as well as visitors. Public engagement included a six‑day exhibition at Croydon College in October, a borough‑wide survey, a student workshop and direct conversations with local community groups. Around 88% of respondents said they strongly or very strongly agreed with the plans; 2% disagreed with providing a public space at College Green, while 10% were neutral. Following feedback, the designs were refined to boost greening, safety and inclusivity — including planting more trees and wildflowers near Fairfield Halls, and making the Young Play area and the Multi‑Use Games Area more accessible and inviting. MICA Architects were appointed by the council to develop the proposals, which build on the wider Fairfield Masterplan. The submitted application will now be reviewed by the Local Planning Authority. College Green is one of ten town centre projects championed by Mayor Perry to improve connectivity, greenery and public spaces, while celebrating Croydon’s rich history. Fair Field — home to College Green and Fairfield Halls — historically hosted The Walnut Fair, or October Fair, from the late Middle Ages until the 1860s, when it became known as Croydon Fair. Elsewhere in the town centre, improvements to Minster Green and Surrey Street are under way, alongside an intensive clean‑up and upgrades at North End. The new Wellesley Road crossing was completed at the end of last year to better connect East Croydon to the town centre, complemented by public realm updates to George Street and Dingwall Road. “We have received a really positive response as part of our engagement on the designs for College Green – thank you to everyone who got involved. I’m delighted we have reached the next stage in this process in transforming this historic site into a green and vibrant park for the whole community, as part of the regeneration of our town centre,” said Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon. The project is funded through Croydon’s Growth Zone, a business rate uplift retention funding mechanism that delivers infrastructure and regeneration in the town centre. Growth Zone projects are delivered by the council with support from the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Transport for London (TfL). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Planning approval has been granted for the next stages of the major regeneration of the Channel View estate in Grangetown, paving the way for hundreds of new homes and community improvements. Cardiff Council’s Planning Committee approved the plans, enabling the delivery of 228 new energy-efficient homes aimed at meeting local housing demand while allowing existing residents to remain within their community. The development will be delivered across six phases, with a seventh phase dedicated to enhancements to The Marl public open space. Plans also include a new neighbourhood retail unit as part of phase three to support local services and boost activity in the area. The latest approval builds on outline planning permission granted in December 2021 for the wider Channel View masterplan. Work is already underway on phase one, being delivered by Wates Residential, which will provide 126 apartments for older residents across two blocks, replacing existing high-rise flats. Block B is due for completion later this year, while Block A is expected to be finished by the end of 2027. Wates Residential will continue its involvement in the project, having been appointed to deliver the next phases of the regeneration. Of the 228 homes approved, 189 will be affordable homes for council tenants, while 39 will be available for private sale. Seventy-five homes are earmarked for existing Channel View residents, ensuring they can remain in the area while moving into modern accommodation. The scheme will include a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom flats, alongside two- to five-bedroom houses, with a particular focus on meeting the demand for larger family homes. One new block has been specifically designed for families, featuring two- and three-bedroom flats and duplexes, each with private amenity space. The building will also include a communal garden with play areas, storage for pushchairs and prams, and lift access. Ed Rees, Managing Director for Wates Residential Wales said: “Our partnership with Cardiff Council is going from strength to strength. The progress on phase one shows the impact we can deliver together. “As we continue that work, our team is fully embedded in the community and we are committed to creating places where people feel connected, supported and able to thrive. “With planning approval for phases two to seven now in place, the next stage of this regeneration feels incredibly exciting. Being contracted to deliver phases two and three A gives us the chance to build on what is working and bring more high quality, sustainable homes to local residents.” All new affordable homes will meet Welsh Government design quality and Lifetime Homes standards. Flats will include private balconies or patios, and all buildings over three storeys will have lift access. The wider scheme will also deliver significant green infrastructure, including sustainable drainage systems, green streets and two new open spaces designed to be safe, welcoming and suitable for socialising and informal play. These areas will connect with planned improvements to The Marl. Construction on phases two and three is expected to begin by the end of the year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans for a major redevelopment of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre have been submitted to the London Borough of Bromley as part of proposals to transform the historic venue into a modern, sustainable and accessible sporting facility. Morgan Sindall Construction has put forward the planning application for the comprehensive refurbishment of the Grade II*-listed complex, which originally opened in 1964. The project has been procured through the Southern Construction Framework, with Morgan Sindall appointed as the main contractor. The proposals aim to revitalise the 15-hectare site while preserving its heritage features and upgrading facilities to modern standards. Plans include improvements designed to support sporting participation from grassroots to elite levels, enhanced accessibility across the site and sustainability upgrades intended to significantly reduce the venue’s carbon footprint. There are also ambitions to work with partners to revitalise the centre’s well-known athletics stadium. The redevelopment proposals have received backing from more than 15 national sports governing bodies as well as local authority leaders. Community engagement has also been strong, with more than 500 residents attending recent consultation events to discuss the plans. Key elements of the proposed redevelopment include a full refurbishment of the main sports centre building, expanded gym facilities and new spaces for sports clubs. The aquatics hall would be redesigned to include a 50-metre swimming pool and diving facilities alongside shallow water and 25-metre swimming, all located within a single unified space. The project also aims to enhance indoor sports areas to support year-round training for clubs, athletes and the local community. Under a ‘More Courts, More Sports, More Play’ concept, the scheme proposes new facilities including a six-court padel centre, 3×3 basketball courts, five-a-side football pitches and a full-size artificial multi-sports pitch. Further plans involve renovating existing stadium stands and constructing a new North Stand designed in collaboration with athletes to improve the atmosphere at sporting events. Accessibility improvements across the site would include a new step-free route linking the Penge and Crystal Palace sides of the park. Sustainability measures are central to the design, which targets a 97% reduction in carbon emissions. Using the CarboniCa digital carbon calculation tool, the project team plans to achieve this through measures such as rooftop photovoltaic panels and the installation of air source heat pumps. Additional upgrades include separating wet and dry areas with a new glazed screen to reduce noise and humidity and introducing an improved heating strategy expected to reduce energy demand by around 70%. A new community space is also planned, featuring a café, a 200-metre running track, an outdoor gym and a 3×3 basketball court. These facilities would be free to access and open to the public. The sports centre has played a major role in the UK’s sporting history, hosting landmark events such as the first Women’s FA Cup final and record-breaking performances including Steve Backley becoming the first man to throw the modern javelin beyond 90 metres, and Zola Budd setting a world record in the 5,000 metres. The redevelopment will include commemorative and interactive features highlighting these achievements. Alongside the physical improvements, the project will provide training and employment opportunities for young people in South London through Morgan Sindall’s social value initiatives. More than 40 people have already participated in programmes linked to the redevelopment, including the Future Palace Programme, which aims to involve young people in shaping the centre’s transformation. The initiative, led by Beyond the Box CIC and delivered with Morgan Sindall and project partners, has engaged 20 participants aged 15 to 25 from eight London boroughs. Through workshops and collaborative sessions, the programme allows young people to share their perspectives and help influence how the redeveloped centre will serve the community. Key organisations involved in the project include sports masterplan specialists WOO Architects, sustainability and decarbonisation experts Max Fordham, architects Faulkner Brown Architects and engineering and heritage specialists Alan Baxter Associates. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans for a £1 billion expansion of the London Cancer Hub have been given planning consent by Sutton Council, paving the way for a major boost to cancer research and the UK’s life sciences sector. The scheme, led by Aviva Capital Partners with development manager Socius, will deliver around 1 million sq ft of laboratory and research space across a 12-acre site. The approval marks the next phase of growth for the London Cancer Hub and is expected to significantly strengthen the UK’s science, research and innovation infrastructure. Planning permission was granted on World Cancer Day (4 February), highlighting the urgency of advancing cancer research and treatment. The development is intended to support innovation, attract investment and accelerate life-saving discoveries, helping the UK respond to future health challenges. Once complete, the expansion is expected to create around 3,000 new jobs, most of them in high-skilled research and development and life sciences manufacturing. As part of the wider London Cancer Hub district, the project will contribute to a cluster that, when fully realised, is forecast to support approximately 13,000 jobs and add an estimated £1.2 billion in gross value added to the UK economy, according to analysis by the London Borough of Sutton. The wider district already hosts internationally recognised institutions including The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the Innovation Gateway for early-stage life sciences companies. Together, these organisations form a globally recognised centre for cancer research, treatment and commercialisation, supporting collaboration between researchers, clinicians, start-ups, scale-ups and global life sciences firms. Designed to high environmental standards, the new buildings will target net-zero carbon in operation. The plans also include new public spaces to support wellbeing and collaboration, as well as affordable housing for around 220 key workers, helping to create a mixed-use, community-focused employment district. Recognised as nationally significant science infrastructure, the London Cancer Hub aligns with government ambitions to establish the UK as a global leader in life sciences and health innovation. The project is also identified in the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan as a key driver of frontier innovation. Designed by Gensler, the masterplan won the New London Architecture Award 2025 for Healthcare and Life Sciences. Commenting on the approval, Sophie White, Sector Head Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, said: “We’re delighted to secure planning consent for the London Cancer Hub – a landmark moment for this scheme. This development will deliver critical science infrastructure for the UK, helping the UK get ready for the future by creating an environment where innovation can flourish and lifesaving research can accelerate. We are proud to play a role in shaping a campus that will have a profound impact on global health, as well as the economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry has secured a non-material amendment to Block D at Meridian One, clearing the way for the next phase of the flagship regeneration scheme being delivered in partnership with Enfield Council. The approval enables Phase 1B of the development, which will deliver more than 700 homes across three buildings. Vistry expects to submit a Gateway 2 application in spring 2026, with construction due to start towards the end of the year. Meridian One forms part of a major regeneration programme and will ultimately deliver around 1,000 mixed-tenure homes. Phase 1A has recently completed, providing 301 homes, 92 per cent of which are affordable, alongside a Construction Skills Academy and a community garden. Phase 1B will build on this first phase, delivering approximately 700 additional homes. These will include further affordable housing, with the remaining homes designated for the private rented sector, supporting local housing demand and the long-term vision for the area. Progress is also continuing at Meridian Two, where a topping-out ceremony took place at the Leeside Road site in December 2025. The milestone marked the completion of the building’s frame ahead of the next stage of construction. The scheme, being delivered by Vistry for Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, will provide 274 affordable homes for Enfield residents by winter 2026 and forms part of wider plans for around 1,000 new homes alongside new public spaces and community facilities. Together, Meridian One and Meridian Two represent a significant investment in the area, aimed at creating new neighbourhoods and opportunities for local communities. Rob Wilkinson, Managing Director at Vistry South London, said: “Securing this planning approval is a significant step forward for Meridian One and demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality homes and community facilities in partnership with Enfield Council. With Phase 1A now complete and Phase 1B moving into the next stage, we are proud to be playing a key role in creating a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood that meets the needs of local people.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

St Helens Borough Council has published a series of computer-generated images offering a first look at proposals to extend, refurbish and repurpose the landmark Gamble Building in St Helens town centre. Created by the project’s architects, Donald Insall Associates, the visuals highlight key elements of the scheme: a fully accessible entrance foyer; a purpose-built, modern Archive benefiting from improved environmental controls; an engaging and inclusive Youth Hub; and a new café and communal spaces within a state-of-the-art St Helens Library intended to serve as the borough’s ‘living room’. The plans also include a Business Connect Service and flexible office accommodation on the upper floors. Released following a public engagement event at The World of Glass on 30 January, the images underscore a heritage-led approach, showing how contemporary, future-proofed facilities will complement and enhance the Gamble Building’s historic architectural features. Work to advance the project is under way. Around £1.2m of external repairs have already been completed, and Liverpool City Region-based Krol Corlett Construction is on site delivering enabling works including asbestos removal, stripping out redundant equipment and outdated facilities, and removing flooring and false ceilings to prepare the building for the main phase. Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council, said: “It is fantastic to share these images offering an insight to our vision for the Gamble Building with residents and stakeholders. As a Council, we made a commitment to bring the Gamble Building back to its former glory and these images demonstrate the bold ambition we have for the next chapter of this historic landmark. The designs allow people to understand our vision for the Gamble and how it truly will act as the living room of our Borough where there is something for everyone to access, enjoy and feel proud of now and for future generations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals