A Swansea city centre scheme for a new hub has progressed significantly after planning permission was awarded approval. Plans from Urban Splash include the development of a public sector hub building, complete with commercial floor space for shops and restaurants, as well as office space for council and a range
A hybrid planning application has been submitted to transform a 1970s shopping centre in Lewisham, southeast London, into a vibrant new town centre district, complete with housing, hospitality and green spaces. LandsecU+I, which is real estate investment trust company Landsec’s regeneration arm, has proposed a 17-acre masterplan, designed by SEW,
A North Wales-based engineering, environmental, and planning consultancy’s expertise is a catalyst for an increased workload and subsequent recruitment drive. Caulmert, which has offices in St Asaph, Bangor, Altrincham, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Kent, is providing a vast array of services in a variety of sectors across the UK as it
Proposals to transform the underused Eastpoint Business Park in Oxford into a new flagship life science campus have been approved for planning by Oxford City Council. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for Railpen, the scheme will bring an additional 200,000 sq ft much needed life science space to the Oxford-Cambridge Arc
Legal & General (L&G), alongside digital infrastructure investment firm Goldacre and development partner sineQN, has received planning approval for a £750 million hyperscale data centre in the London Borough of Newham. This significant project aims to deliver a sustainable, urban data hub, contributing an estimated £88 million to the local
Having long called for greater investment in the development of brownfield land, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has welcomed £68 million to turn brownfield land into new homes, as announced by the Prime Minister. But the Institute cautioned against focusing solely on residential projects for urban brownfield sites, warning that
Planning approval has been secured for a new boutique Dakota Hotel at MIX MANCHESTER, adjacent to Manchester Airport. The 154-bedroom hotel is expected to inject approximately £12million per annum to the local economy, with 150 jobs for local people. It has an estimated £60m development value with a gross internal
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its response to the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Delivering the volume of high-quality homes to meet the urgent demand across the country is essential. We have a housing
New site at Port Glasgow will deliver grid scale battery energy storage driving its renewable energy ambitions in Scotland Renewable energy storage specialist Apatura has secured planning permission for a major new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde with a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW). This is
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland has welcomed the creation of a new Planning Hub, which aims to support the work of local authorities, build skills and capacity, and leverage specialist expertise from outside the planning profession. Dr Caroline Brown, Director of RTPI Scotland, said: “Whilst recent budget announcements from
A Swansea city centre scheme for a new hub has progressed significantly after planning permission was awarded approval. Plans from Urban Splash include the development of a public sector hub building, complete with commercial floor space for shops and restaurants, as well as office space for council and a range of other public sector partners, which would take over the former St David’s Shopping Centre site. Made up of four floors above ground level and one floor below, hundreds of workers will be based there. Urban Splash and Swansea Council will develop the proposed hub, with ownership retained by the council. David Warburton, Urban Splash development director, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning approval, which clears the way for a vibrant new commercial hub in Swansea. “Our vision is to create a space that serves both the community and the local economy, offering high-quality amenities, dynamic workspaces, and a place where people can connect and collaborate. “This building is set to create new job opportunities and inject fresh energy into the city centre, supporting Swansea’s growth as a forward-thinking, thriving urban environment.” Construction work on the public sector hub is anticipated to start in 2025. The public sector hub would also enable the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site on the seafront. Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The public sector hub will help generate more footfall in the city centre, which will boost our existing traders and help attract more investment in future. “This is just one feature of an overall plan for the redevelopment of the former St David’s Shopping Centre site though, so we’ll continue to work with Urban Splash on other proposals for the site that will be announced as soon as they’re ready for feedback. “Our plans for this development site are part of a £1bn regeneration programme that’s unfolding in Swansea to benefit our residents and businesses. This shows how committed we are to creating jobs and high-quality facilities as Swansea is transformed into one of the UK’s best cities to live, work, enjoy, study and visit. “Alongside our partners in the private sector and others, this work is bearing fruit. Swansea’s economy is projected to be the seventh fastest growing in the UK next year, which is testament to all that’s been achieved so far and our plans for the future.” Urban Splash are continuing to work on proposals for that site, which will be made available for public feedback as soon as they’re finalised. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A hybrid planning application has been submitted to transform a 1970s shopping centre in Lewisham, southeast London, into a vibrant new town centre district, complete with housing, hospitality and green spaces. LandsecU+I, which is real estate investment trust company Landsec’s regeneration arm, has proposed a 17-acre masterplan, designed by SEW, that will deliver 1,700 new homes alongside 445 co-living residences and up to 660 student beds, progressing Landsec’s pipeline of residential-led opportunities in the capital. The new district will be set around eight-acres of accessible green space and public realm, including an urban meadow which sits at the heart of the masterplan. Landsec has been part of Lewisham for over 20 years as the owners of Lewisham Shopping Centre. The proposals have been shaped in collaboration with over 3,000 people living and working in the borough. The shopping centre will be retained where possible, allowing it to remain open for the local community and for development to be delivered in discrete incremental phases. On top of a reimagined shopping centre will be a pedestrianised high street lined with restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as a 500-person live music venue to support Lewisham’s buzzing cultural scene. The masterplan will enhance access to nature and open public space with over 300 new trees and three new town squares across eight acres. The meadow, a new public park, will sit at the heart of the new district and include wildflower planting to boost biodiversity and meet demand for quality green space across the city. Mike Hood, CEO of Landsec U+I, said: “This submission marks an important milestone to create a new green centre for Lewisham. A place that people will love, that brings immense social and economic change, thousands of much-needed homes and a beautiful green meadow on top of a revived shopping centre. “For the last 20 years our team has been embedded within the community and I’m delighted that we were able to create this vision with thousands of people in Lewisham through one of our most extensive public engagement programmes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A North Wales-based engineering, environmental, and planning consultancy’s expertise is a catalyst for an increased workload and subsequent recruitment drive. Caulmert, which has offices in St Asaph, Bangor, Altrincham, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Kent, is providing a vast array of services in a variety of sectors across the UK as it marks 15 years in business. The 50-strong workforce is lending its knowledge and skillset in activities including civil engineering, geotechnical, structural, planning, project management, compliance and permitting, and land assessments. As part of its bid to double turnover to more than £8m in the next five years, Caulmert is undertaking activity on numerous schemes, including for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure as part of Merseyrail’s desire to improve several train stations. Under the Access for All initiative, the consultancy has completed detailed designs, with work including installing lifts and creating improved access staircases, raised walkways, footbridges, and associated retaining walls. Activity at St Michaels and Hunts Cross has already been completed with Rock Ferry, Aigburth, and Sandhills currently underway. Design work at ENGIE’s Dinorwig Power Station involves proposals for a new drainage system in the main inlet valve is also ongoing, whilst Caulmert’s team of planning experts are combining on the Bala Lake Railway Trust’s idea to extend the line into the town centre. Supporting the Manx government’s challenge to uncover a strategy for the disposal of 3,000 tones of sediment that settles in a harbour each year, as well as providing structural and geotechnical support on the Vale of York Motorway Services Area, have also been projects of note. Amongst Caulmert’s clients are the National Trust, Tiger Tim, Alun Griffiths Contractors, Ellis Williams Architects, Deeside Power (UK) Ltd, C2 Construction Ltd, Cartrefi Conwy, Plastecowood, and KDM Group. The workload has also led to a double-digit number of job opportunities throughout the consultancy as Caulmert bids to strengthen its talented team. Founder and managing director Mike Caulfield said: “Our expertise is evident to all employees, but it is only when you take a step back and look at the variety of projects and sectors in which we work that you appreciate the scope. “We have a hugely talented workforce which continues to evolve and grow to meet the demands of each and every scheme we have the pleasure of being a part of. “The future looks to be a bright one. Businesses have had to navigate a difficult landscape in recent years, so to be positive about the coming weeks, months, and years is wonderful. “We’ve set impressive progression plans around turnover and further strengthening our team of experts.” Helping to shape the future of Caulmert, which has acquired Sheffield-based Crowley Associates, is a new-look board that features business development manager Ffrancon Williams and director of planning Susan Crowley. Founded in 2009, Caulmert is on track to meet an ambitious growth and development plan. Its expertise in a variety of engineering, environmental, planning, and project management disciplines is supported by its use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to a level two standard on many of its projects. For more information visit www.caulmert.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proposals to transform the underused Eastpoint Business Park in Oxford into a new flagship life science campus have been approved for planning by Oxford City Council. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for Railpen, the scheme will bring an additional 200,000 sq ft much needed life science space to the Oxford-Cambridge Arc and provide a focal point for interaction with STEM and educational outreach within the local community. The site for the new life science campus is located adjacent to The Oxford Academy, five miles southeast of Oxford city centre in the district of Littlemore. Three four-storey laboratory buildings and a single storey amenity building are carefully positioned to buffer noise and pollution from the A road to the North, define a new public space, and enhance permeability across the site. Each fully serviced building is designed to suit a range of tenants and provide flexibility in occupancy, with 55% CL2 laboratory and 45% office space to support cutting-edge research and collaboration. A contextual material palette with distinctive horizontal banding and vertical flues references Oxford’s history while ensuring comfortable and naturally lit spaces within and views out. An emphasis on facilitating safe pedestrianised movement, activating ground floor frontages, and provision of high- quality public amenities supports the creation of an inclusive environment that contributes positively to the social, ecological, and educational fabric of Littlemore. A ‘Learning Lab’ will provide local students with access to state-of-the- art facilities and interactions with professionals in the field, while a publicly accessible café, social hub and green space will create a communal focus at the heart of the site. The scheme targets BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL, Wired and Smart Platinum and Cycle Score Platinum with features such as the ‘Travel & Energy hub’ to promote sustainable travel and pocket parks with integrated planting to enhance user wellbeing. A fabric first approach combined with the latest building technology, renewable energy, and biodiverse balconies and roofscapes will reduce embodied and operational carbon and enhance biodiversity on site. Ed Hayden, Director and Head of Life Sciences at Scott Brownrigg said: “Securing planning approval for the Eastpoint Life Science Campus is a significant milestone in our vision to create world-class research environments. This project not only addresses the growing demand for life science space in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, but also contributes to the community with its focus on education, sustainability, and wellbeing. We’re excited to see how this campus will foster innovation and bring global talent to Oxford.” The new Eastpoint life science campus development is a cutting-edge facility designed to attract to industry leading talent from around the world. With a flexible, community focused design and commitment to sustainability, the new campus is poised to become a leader in life sciences in the Oxford market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legal & General (L&G), alongside digital infrastructure investment firm Goldacre and development partner sineQN, has received planning approval for a £750 million hyperscale data centre in the London Borough of Newham. This significant project aims to deliver a sustainable, urban data hub, contributing an estimated £88 million to the local economy (GVA) and creating over 1,000 skilled jobs during its construction and operation phases. The new data centre is set to attract around 500 high-growth data businesses to Newham, positioning the borough as a key player in the UK’s expanding digital infrastructure sector. The development is the latest in L&G’s ongoing commitment to regenerating Newham, having already invested over £550 million in local projects. These include high-profile developments like 14 Westfield Avenue, 5 Endeavour Square, and affordable housing schemes such as the Manor Road Quarter. As demand for data storage and processing continues to rise, fuelled by trends like cloud migration and artificial intelligence, this project addresses the critical need for more digital infrastructure in London. The data centre will provide 80 megawatts of IT power by early 2027, with capabilities to support various data-driven workloads, including AI, in a secure and sustainable environment. Its location, just 500 metres from the London Internet Exchange (LINX), further enhances its appeal as a major hub for data traffic. In addition to bolstering Newham’s status as a digital innovation hub, the data centre could also serve as a heat source for thousands of local homes, supporting the Council’s net-zero ambitions. The development will improve the surrounding environment, including enhancements to Bidder Street and pedestrian pathways connecting Canning Town and Stratford. This project aligns closely with Newham Council’s vision of transforming the borough into London’s go-to destination for businesses and innovators in the data sector. The planning approval comes after extensive consultations with residents and key stakeholders. Matteo Colombo, Managing Director of Digital Infrastructure at Legal & General, emphasised the long-term benefits of the project, stating: “This data centre signals our continued support for Newham, helping to boost productivity and bring further investment to this vibrant part of London.” David Bloom, CEO of Goldacre, highlighted the centre’s importance in strengthening London’s role as a global leader in digital infrastructure: “This development reinforces the capital’s position as a global hub for innovation and technology.” SineQN’s CEO, Gavan Mackenzie, added: “We are excited to deliver this next-generation, sustainable project that will positively contribute to both the local economy and the community.” As Newham continues its transformation into a centre for digital innovation, this new data centre marks a major milestone in its journey. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Having long called for greater investment in the development of brownfield land, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has welcomed £68 million to turn brownfield land into new homes, as announced by the Prime Minister. But the Institute cautioned against focusing solely on residential projects for urban brownfield sites, warning that prioritising housing could displace essential commercial, industrial, and logistics uses that are critical for sustaining local economic growth. The Institute cautioned the last government that brownfield and previously developed land can be more difficult to develop, and is encouraged to see steps taken proactively by the Labour Government to help councils. But any new developments would need to be of high quality and in sustainable locations, avoiding poor quality homes or poorly planned developments that people wouldn’t want to live in. To facilitate this process, the RTPI has suggested supporting local authorities to review and update their brownfield land registers, which could be instrumental in strengthening development pipelines quickly. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “While it is encouraging to see the government driving the development of more homes on brownfield land, it will need to ensure these projects are carefully planned and maintain a high standard of design quality, while preserving essential commercial and industrial employment spaces that are vital to creating sustainable, mixed-use areas and supporting local economies. “Funding for these sites is essential, but we must also ensure that it both enhances communities whilst stimulating economic growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning approval has been secured for a new boutique Dakota Hotel at MIX MANCHESTER, adjacent to Manchester Airport. The 154-bedroom hotel is expected to inject approximately £12million per annum to the local economy, with 150 jobs for local people. It has an estimated £60m development value with a gross internal area of 7,835sqm. The hotel will be the second in Manchester for Dakota Hotels, complementing its city centre hotel on Ducie Street, and will be located off Enterprise Way on a three-acre plot at MIX MANCHESTER. Enabling and preparation works are already underway on site and contractor GMI Construction is lined to start construction works shortly. Andrew Ovenstone, Managing Director of Dakota Hotels Ltd, commented: “This is an exceptional location for the latest hotel in our northern portfolio. Not only is it strategically placed next to one of the busiest airports in the world, but it will be central to the development coming forward across the MIX MANCHESTER site. We’re very pleased to have secured planning and look forward to bringing the Dakota Hotels experience to the local community, business travellers and employees and visitors to MIX MANCHESTER.” The JV partnership behind MIX MANCHESTER comprises Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI), and Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF). Speaking on behalf of the JV partnership Gareth Jackson, Group Property Director for Manchester Airports Group, said: “Dakota securing planning for their new hotel is another great milestone for us at MIX MANCHESTER. It’s a superb brand, one which closely aligns with our ambitions and vision for the forward-thinking companies that we’re aiming to attract to MIX MANCHESTER. It will provide an exceptional standard of accommodation and high-quality service for both employees and for some of the 28million passenger wo travel through the airport each year.” The MIX MANCHESTER Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) is currently out for public consultation and will see the creation of the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation, and manufacturing campus. Designed by KPP Architects, the new Dakota Hotel will also include a premium bar and brasserie-style Grill on the ground floor and will provide 130 car parking spaces and a dedicated shuttle service to and from the airport terminals. The new Dakota Hotel will join other new amenities at MIX MANCHESTER, including additional hotel and leisure facilities and extensive public realm, all of which is designed to complement the development’s wider masterplan which comprises 2 million sq ft of high-quality science, innovation, and advanced manufacturing space. The site is ‘shovel-ready’, with £30 million of joint venture capital already invested in highways and utilities infrastructure, including a new pedestrian bridge linking to the main airport site. Driven by occupier demand, a wide range of buildings will be available, including advanced manufacturing, research and development, laboratory and office spaces with the creation of up to 8,000 jobs. Asteer Planning advised Dakota Hotels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published its response to the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Delivering the volume of high-quality homes to meet the urgent demand across the country is essential. We have a housing crisis, and while there are promising reforms on the table, such as measures to unlock brownfield land, real change will only happen if these proposals are backed by adequate support and resources. Architects are poised to bring the high-quality design that these reforms call for, but the uncomfortable truth is that most volume homes never pass through an architecture design studio. Add to that the lack of investment in local planning authorities, which are stretched thin and lack the design expertise necessary to oversee the process effectively. While we note proposals to mandate a greater proportion of homes for social rent and a mix of tenures and types, these must be accompanied by an adequate supply of housing for older and disabled people to meet the increasing demand. If the Government commits to supporting local planning, encourages cross-boundary cooperation, and releases grey belt land while also prioritising brownfield sites, it can unlock the system’s full potential – but it must get it right.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New site at Port Glasgow will deliver grid scale battery energy storage driving its renewable energy ambitions in Scotland Renewable energy storage specialist Apatura has secured planning permission for a major new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde with a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW). This is the largest planning consent for a stand-alone BESS in Scotland to date and the biggest ever secured by Apatura Energy, marking a significant milestone in the company’s relentless mission to deliver sustainable energy solutions that fast-track the path to net zero. It is also the fourth consent in less than 12 months, and Apatura Energy expects more to follow soon. Andrew Philpott, Chief Development Officer, Apatura stated: “We are delighted that Ministers have supported this critically important scheme and the local Council – Inverclyde – lodged no objections. Our focus on Scotland is central to our vision to harness its renewable energy potential. This latest planning consent is not only the largest consent for a stand-alone Battery Scheme in Scotland, but it also positions us at the forefront of delivering resilient energy infrastructure. This is also a central goal of the NGESO Beyond 2023 report which highlighted the vital role of BESS in Scotland.” The Auchentiber BESS, which will comprise of a battery electricity storage facility and associated infrastructure and the planting of new native species trees to improve biodiversity, was approved by the Energy Consents Unit on 11 September 2024. When it comes online it will make a substantial contribution to the Scottish Government’s goal of generating 50% of Scotland’s overall energy consumption from renewable sources, and by 2050 to have decarbonised its energy system almost completely. It is therefore critical to meeting the UK Government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero as set out in the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019. Apatura worked closely with the Energy Consents Unit and Inverclyde Council to achieve this success which will not only bring grid resilience but will also create local job opportunities and a Community Benefit Fund. Direct employment opportunities are expected during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases, as well as indirect job creation throughout the supply chain and related services. BESS is advanced technology systems designed to store electrical energy during periods of high generation and low demand which can then be exported back into the grid network during periods of high demand. According to the Decision Letter not only did Scottish Ministers acknowledge that Apatura Energy conducted good practice community engagement, but the ‘Grid scale battery energy storage provides a means to store the electricity generated from the wind, solar etc at times when electricity generation outstrips demand or when the capacity of a constrained electricity grid is insufficient to supply the generated electricity to consumers. On this basis battery energy storage makes an indirect but significant contribution to renewable energy generation targets and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, by effectively increasing the productivity of renewable generators elsewhere on the grid. This is a significant factor weighing in favour of the development.’ It went on to state the proposal ‘will contribute to sustainable development, providing for greater and more efficient use of renewable energy generation in the electricity system, and in this regard, it will contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reduction ambitions.’ “Our BESS plays a crucial role in modern energy management, especially in the context of renewable energy integration and grid stability. It is central to our goal of enhancing the renewable energy infrastructure in Scotland and follows on from a number of recent successful planning consents. This scheme will help deliver stable energy prices, leading to reduced bills, taking the pressure off households while at the same time increasing energy security. We are determined to deliver reliable, clean energy to communities across the country and this latest planning consent does just that,” concluded Philpott. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland has welcomed the creation of a new Planning Hub, which aims to support the work of local authorities, build skills and capacity, and leverage specialist expertise from outside the planning profession. Dr Caroline Brown, Director of RTPI Scotland, said: “Whilst recent budget announcements from the Scottish Government raise concerns about the impact on funding for nature recovery, active travel, and climate action, we are really pleased to see a more positive announcement about the creation of a new Planning Hub. This is a very positive step, investing new resources into Scottish planning with the potential to bring in diverse expertise and drive innovation in the profession. “The Sottish Government has taken great initiative in setting up a hub that will operate to support the work of local authorities, building skills and capacity by leveraging specialist expertise from outside the planning profession. In our consultation response earlier in the year, we voiced concerns that an initiative like this could create new bottlenecks in local authorities, and it is encouraging to see those concerns addressed in the architecture of the proposed Hub. “The true benefits of the planning hub are likely only be visible over time. Sustained funding is necessary for its long-term viability, and it will need to expand beyond hydrogen to truly impact Scotland’s communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
