The first phase of Aberdeen’s £50m beachfront redevelopment was officially opened yesterday (Tuesday 15 July 2025) with the unveiling of the newly revitalised Broadhill. Delivered by main contractor Robertson Construction Group for hub North Scotland – Aberdeen City Council’s development and delivery partner for the wider masterplan – the much-loved
GREATER Manchester has unveiled its vision for the next decade – a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life. The city region is setting its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a second city to rival any other on the planet
An underused multistorey car park in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into a green, sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the unique and independent ethos of the area. CBRE was appointed by Manchester City Council to market the Church Street site for disposal last year and, following a competitive
Key updates to the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Manchester’s East Village Central will be considered as part of a report to the Council’s executive committee next week (Tuesday 8 July). First approved in 2022, the SRF for the East Village area – which sits within the wider Piccadilly SRF
Greater Manchester is ready to turn the tide on the housing crisis with its comprehensive plan to build new homes, connect communities to new jobs and opportunities, and drive up standards across the rental sector. By driving an increase in new homes across the region, including affordable, social and net
The City of Edinburgh Council’s retrofit project has taken a major step forward this month with the submission of a planning application by Collective Architecture. Built in the 1960s and now designated as Category A listed buildings, Cables Wynd House and Linksview House collectively provide 310 homes, the majority of
Liverpool City Council has appointed global real estate advisory firm, CBRE, to prepare the recently acquired Great George Street site for the delivery of a mixed-use regeneration scheme. Following a competitive tender process, CBRE has been chosen by the Council to provide professional support in developing a business case to
LOCAL authorities must champion multi-purpose educational hubs as a cornerstone of regeneration efforts, according to a major new survey of senior construction professionals. Undertaken by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, the survey took stock of developer, consultant and contractor concerns as the UK government commits £6.7 billion in capital investment improvements in the sector across the
The search has begun for a development partner to lead the flagship redevelopment of Crompton Place in the heart of Bolton Town Centre. The project will deliver a vibrant, residential-led mixed use development including hotel, office and commercial space, surrounded by the town’s rich heritage assets, vibrant amenities, and excellent
Manchester City Council is set to enter into a landmark partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) to deliver hundreds of genuinely affordable homes as part of plans to build 1,600 more homes in the coming years. GMPF has been selected, through a competitive process, as the investment partner
The first phase of Aberdeen’s £50m beachfront redevelopment was officially opened yesterday (Tuesday 15 July 2025) with the unveiling of the newly revitalised Broadhill. Delivered by main contractor Robertson Construction Group for hub North Scotland – Aberdeen City Council’s development and delivery partner for the wider masterplan – the much-loved local landmark has been completely transformed. Spanning five hectares, Broadhill now includes new access steps, footpaths, viewpoints, drystone walls, timber and concrete seating, and extensive landscaping. More than 10,000 new trees, shrubs and ground vegetation have been planted across the site, enhancing the natural environment and boosting the area’s ecological value. The redevelopment of Broadhill forms part of the largest transformation of Aberdeen beach in 35 years. Work is already well under way by Robertson on a new beach park and large events field, with the Broadhill improvements completed in time for visitors to enjoy the site as a viewing point during the Tall Ships Race (19–22 July). Aberdeen’s Lord Provost, Councillor David Cameron, marked the occasion with a cup of tea and a traditional Aberdeen ‘rowie’, enjoyed at one of the striking new viewpoints overlooking the coastline. The Lord Provost said: “This is an exciting occasion to toast with the first part of the beachfront works finished. As thousands of people come into the city for the Tall Ships Races, the revamped Broadhill with additional seating and a viewpoint will be a prime place to watch the vessels sail into the harbour as well as the spectacular Red Arrows display.” Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Group, said: “The opening of Broadhill is the first completed project as part of the overall transformation of Aberdeen’s beach. Being the trusted delivery partner, we understand the importance of bringing the vision of Aberdeen City Council and the local community to life. “Working closely with hub North Scotland and the Council, significant progress is being made in the creation of well-designed, connected spaces which will be home to high-quality facilities. The vision to redevelop the beach will benefit the community through the provision of public realm spaces that will inspire wellbeing and activity and contribute to the local and regional economy.” Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, added: “This is a landmark moment for the beach redevelopment with the transformation of Broadhill and the progress on the other works. Robertson has done a fantastic job in completing the Broadhill and every day now you can see the progress on the rest of the area. This will be a ‘must-visit’ destination when completed.” Aberdeen City Council’s Co-Leaders welcomed today’s opening as the first project to be completed in the ambitious Aberdeen City Centre and Beach Master Plan. Co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “It is good to see the first of the beach works finished as the first of the City Centre and Beach Master Plan projects. We hope many generations to come will make good use of the changes at Broadhill. The beachfront is one of the jewels in the city’s crown and the work taking place in the area will further transform the beach area for the enjoyment of everyone.” Co-leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “We welcome the works finishing at Broadhill. As work continues at the beach, I am looking forward to more of the works finishing and people of all ages being able to make use of the great new facilities. “The Council is committed to working with Aberdeen’s residents, beach users, partner organisations, and businesses at the beach to make Aberdeen beach and the Links the envy of other cities and a place where local people and visitors alike will want to visit to again and again.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GREATER Manchester has unveiled its vision for the next decade – a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life. The city region is setting its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a second city to rival any other on the planet by 2050, with new underground transport services and a flagship underground station at Manchester Piccadilly. Speaking to a packed room at Manchester’s Campfield on Wednesday, the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, joined by Leaders and partners from across the city region, shared the city region’s blueprint for a greener, fairer future. The announcements were made during the launch of The Greater Manchester Strategy 2025-2035. At its heart is a Growth Plan and a People Plan, which together will ensure that every person and every place in Greater Manchester feels the benefits of economic growth. The Mayor set out how we will continue to put housing first by unlocking land for thousands of new homes, and pledged that, by 2027, Greater Manchester will be building more social housing than it is losing through Right to Buy. The Mayor also revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines and train stations to connect thriving communities across the city region with an integrated, lower cost transport system – helping more people get out and access new opportunities. Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will start by 2028 while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport will begin by 2030. And two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network by next December, with another six joining by 2028. The Greater Manchester Strategy also sets out how we’ll transform our technical education system, including through delivery of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate. This includes giving every young person who needs one access to a guaranteed high-quality 45-day work placement. And to help connect young people with work and study opportunities, Greater Manchester will also introduce half price bus travel for 18-21-year-olds from September 2025. A pilot of free 24-hour bus travel for older and disabled people will also be rolled out in August, lifting the morning restrictions before 9.30, and will be evaluated to see how it could be developed. The Mayor announced Sebastian Coe as Chair designate of a new Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to spearhead the Old Trafford Regeneration scheme – the biggest sports-led scheme since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which Lord Coe was instrumental in securing and delivering. Steve Coogan was named co-chair designate of the proposed Middleton MDC alongside Rose Marley, Chief Executive of Co-operatives UK. The actor, comedian and producer will return to his hometown to work with Rochdale Council and the local community to revive the town. The new Mayoral development vehicles will help drive a new decade of inclusive growth across Greater Manchester, attracting investment and building pride in our towns. The Mayor also announced plans to unlock transformative investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050 Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool and regeneration of the surrounding area – making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Our first decade of devolution has shown how much we can achieve by working together. We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era “Our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents. We’ve never believed in a “trickle-down” model of growth here – that if a few people and places do well then, somehow, that will benefit everyone. We know we will only change the fortunes of all our people and places if we’re prepared to intervene and fix the foundations of life. “That means making sure everyone has a healthy home, in a safe and welcoming community; it means offering people support to tackle the everyday stresses and strains of life; and it means helping all our young people to fulfil their potential by providing a clear line of sight to great jobs in our growing economy, with strong technical routes as well as academic ones. All this must be underpinned by a low-fare public transport system, connecting people to opportunities. “We’ve proved that we’re ready to forge our own place-based solutions and the Government has recognised this by making us the UK’s first ‘Prevention Demonstrator’. We’ll develop a better way of delivering public services, treating people as names not numbers and creating the conditions for everyone to live well, rather than waiting until people are in crisis to offer support. “Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve. There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.” To lock in growth for the next decade, Greater Manchester will use its devolved powers to pioneer a new way of delivering regeneration. Our Integrated Pipeline will spread the benefits of growth across the city region, building on a scale and at a pace not seen before in this century. As well as thousands of new homes, it will deliver new manufacturing sites, commercial spaces, innovation districts, and hubs for entrepreneurship, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and cementing Greater Manchester’s reputation as a great place to do business. The new Mayoral Development Corporations (MDCs) and Zones (MDZs) will kickstart regeneration. They’re innovative tools that Greater Manchester can use to bring together local partners and drive forward our ambitions to build new homes, bring jobs and investment, and support economic growth. MDCs are statutory bodies, set up by the Mayor, designed to speed up development and attract investment within a specific area. They can take on broad powers including land
An underused multistorey car park in Manchester’s iconic Northern Quarter will be transformed into a green, sustainable neighbourhood set to complement the unique and independent ethos of the area. CBRE was appointed by Manchester City Council to market the Church Street site for disposal last year and, following a competitive process, it is proposed that the Council will sell the 1.54acre (0.62ha) Church Street site to Glenbrook, subject to formal decision making and planning permission. The scheme will deliver more than 300 new homes, including 60 (20%) affordable homes, alongside new commercial opportunities and high-quality public spaces. It is expected that the development should respect the heritage and architecture of the historic neighbourhood, helping to enhance the wider area and improve the car park site that has long fallen out of step with the wider locale. The new neighbourhood will also feature four new public squares and green spaces, along with opportunities for pedestrianising the surrounding streets as part of the public realm, and to support active travel options to and through the area. A new flexible community and gallery space will also be part of the proposed development. The commercial space within the ground floor will offer a mix of smaller, more affordable units to ensure local independent businesses can access the neighbourhood – alongside units for food and beverage outlets. The development proposals commit to delivering high levels of sustainability, biodiversity and social value. The final legal negotiations with Glenbrook will conclude over the summer prior to public consultation to inform a future planning application. Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “For too long the Church Street car park has been an eyesore and a barrier to the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter. We want to bring forward a world-class development that has the potential to completely transform this part of the neighbourhood, together with the newest city centre public squares and green spaces. “As part of this, we want to make sure that the businesses that make their home here reflect the independent ethos of this community, complementing and helping to enhance the wider neighbourhood. As such, this development will also celebrate the distinct architectural heritage of the Northern Quarter and honour the history of the area. “We felt Glenbrook shared these ambitions, understood how the development of this site should sit within its context, and create a new neighbourhood that supports the ongoing success of the Northern Quarter and the wider city centre.” Director at Glenbrook, Ian Sherry commented: “The Church Street site represents a unique opportunity in the heart of the Northern Quarter, a neighbourhood and community that is alive with energy and creativity, and Glenbrook is delighted to play an important role in its future growth. “To be selected as the Council’s preferred purchaser is a huge accomplishment for our entire project team, who have all immersed themselves in the submission. We look forward to jointly delivering an outstanding project for the Northern Quarter community and supporting the city’s continued growth agenda that confidently projects its future as a globally recognised destination.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Key updates to the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Manchester’s East Village Central will be considered as part of a report to the Council’s executive committee next week (Tuesday 8 July). First approved in 2022, the SRF for the East Village area – which sits within the wider Piccadilly SRF area – guides investment and development in the emerging city centre neighbourhood behind Piccadilly train station. The 2022 SRF did not give detailed proposals for the 1.6ha former Presbar Diecastings Foundry (‘Diecast’) site, as it was expected to be a later phase of development. This update to the East Village plan will incorporate the site as part of the long-term regeneration aspirations for this neighbourhood. This site has significant potential to deliver 1,400 new homes, significant hotel space, 12,000sqm of workspace, and 6,500sqm of retail, leisure and event space. To note – this SRF update does not include the Stockton’s site within the East Village Central Framework area, which remains governed by the previously agreed 2022 East Village Central SRF document. East Village Central opportunity The update to the SRF, covering the former Diecasting Foundry site, provides the opportunity to deliver new homes and commercial space, with complementary leisure amenities for existing residents in the immediate vicinity. The vision set out within the draft framework is to create a unique, vibrant and green neighbourhood in the city centre supporting a mix of uses to create a welcoming and inclusive space. A distinct character and sense of place will be developed inspired by the history of the area through a sustainable reuse and repurpose approach. Approximately 40% of the site area could be used to create an inclusive green public space that encourages community participation and interaction, including pop up events. The site will improve connectivity through the site and to neighbouring communities through improved walking and cycling routes together with interconnected green spaces. Sustainability will be embedded throughout the lifecycle of development, implementing green practices throughout the process. The site is envisioned as a hub for commerce and community, building on the tech hub already established in the area, new leisure opportunities, and local amenities that will prioritise local suppliers and independent businesses. A new purpose-built building will provide a long-term home for the current Diecast hospitality venue, which will also enable the site to be designed to manage any potential impact on local residents. Development will be coordinated and phased to ensure the venue can continue to operate through the duration of the regeneration of the area. Former Stockton’s Furniture site A planning application for the former Stockton’s furniture site has also now been submitted to the Council with proposals to deliver 758 apartments and 45,000sq ft of office space. This development will be complemented by 55% of the site being developed for new public space. Read the East Village Central SRF report in full Consultation on the SRF update is expected to begin in mid July 2025. Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “The neighbourhoods behind Piccadilly train station offer some of the most exciting regeneration opportunities in our city centre to continue our sustainable growth agenda – creating opportunities for new jobs, new homes and new green spaces in the heart of our city. “The East Village Central vision – with new homes, workspace and leisure uses – is an important part this and we have an incredible opportunity to create a vibrant, sustainable destination with a unique sense of place. This area will celebrate the city’s industrial past while creating opportunities for our city’s residents into the future. “And importantly this will be a green neighbourhood with interconnected public spaces that help bring people together, seamlessly connected to the wider city centre, to create a thriving place for everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Greater Manchester is ready to turn the tide on the housing crisis with its comprehensive plan to build new homes, connect communities to new jobs and opportunities, and drive up standards across the rental sector. By driving an increase in new homes across the region, including affordable, social and net zero housing, and by raising the standards of current rental homes, we will fulfil our Housing First ambition to give everyone access to a safe, secure and affordable home by 2038. This week has already seen a renewed focus on driving up housing standards with the unveiling of the first supporters of the Good Landlord Charter – Greater Manchester’s bold twin-track approach to recognising good practice, while holding rogue landlords to account with increased enforcement activity and fines. New analysis shows that our Brownfield Housing Fund, set up in 2020, has provided grants to deliver over 15,000 homes – with an average of just over 45% being affordable housing. This success, linked to our ambitious plans to boost regeneration across Greater Manchester, will support plans to deliver more social housing than is lost across the region. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “If we are serious about securing the long-term success of Greater Manchester, we need to free ourselves from the grip of the housing crisis. “Because of the decisions we’ve taken, Greater Manchester is now building more affordable homes than at any point since the turn of the millennium. “We need to keep building on that momentum until we reach a tipping point where we build more social homes than we lose. “We’re determined to ensure that every person in Greater Manchester has access to the safe and secure home they need in order to thrive.” Unlocking brownfield land Since 2020, Greater Manchester has invested £135.4m from the Brownfield Housing Fund to redevelop underused brownfield land and deliver thousands of new homes. Brownfield land can be difficult to bring forward for development, owing to issues including soil contamination and the need to remove existing structures. These challenges are often expensive to overcome – and can deter developers from building on brownfield sites. In those five years, we have provided grants delivering more than 15,000 homes – with just over 45 per cent on average being affordable tenure types, compared with an average of 20 per cent for all Greater Manchester developments in that time. A fifth of all homes supported by the Brownfield Housing Fund to date are for social rent. Around a quarter of all homes funded through grants have reached practical completion, ahead of schedule. As part of the Trailblazer devolution deal signed in 2023, Greater Manchester agreed an extension to the Brownfield Housing Fund to accelerate building the good, affordable homes we need. This additional funding has allowed us to continue developing on challenging sites across the region. The Brownfield Housing Fund also puts a greater focus on energy efficiency – helping Greater Manchester deliver the net-zero homes we need to reduce emissions and ease pressure on household energy bills. The Fund has also enabled us to deliver key infrastructure and unlock the full potential of brownfield developments – including at Victoria North, the biggest urban regeneration project in the North of England, set to deliver more than 15,000 new homes, employment space, schools, and GP surgeries. Further funding allocations are anticipated for the summer, supplementing those approved previously and the successful delivery of thousands of new homes to date. Paul Dennett, Deputy Mayor and Greater Manchester Lead for Housing First, said: “Through our pioneering Housing First model, we’re ensuring that people with the most complex needs are supported into stable housing with wraparound care. And with the upcoming launch of the UK’s first Good Landlord Charter, we’re raising standards across the rental sector, giving tenants stronger protections and ensuring that everyone in Greater Manchester has access to a safe, secure, and decent home. “The Brownfield Housing Fund has been a vital tool in unlocking land for development, allowing us to build thousands of much-needed homes, while protecting our green spaces. With the right investment, we can deliver high-quality, sustainable, affordable housing across our city-region.” Regenerating our towns and building new homes We are using the power of Mayoral Development Corporations to unlock regeneration opportunities to deliver housing across the city region. These pioneering tools bring together local partners and drive forward our ambitions to build new homes, bring jobs and investment, and support economic growth. They are statutory bodies, set up by the Mayor, designed to speed up development and attract investment within a specific area. They can take on broad powers including land acquisition, planning and infrastructure functions. These include Old Trafford (part of the proposed Western Gateway Mayoral Development Zone), the expanded Stockport MDC and the Northern Gateway MDC (part of Atom Valley). Together, these three alone are expected to deliver 27,250 homes over the next 15 years to help address the housing crisis. We have a proven track record of successfully implementing an MDC in Stockport, where this joined-up approach to regeneration has helped us to deliver well-connected developments, with the right transport links and infrastructure to support thriving communities. Mayoral Development Zones, meanwhile, set out the strategic vision for regeneration over larger parts of the region in which MDCs can sit. Next week (Friday 27 June) will see new proposals discussed by leaders in Greater Manchester for a Mayoral Development Zone to drive forward development in the Western Gateway. The Western Gateway, recognised by the Chancellor for its importance as a key development location, includes Port Salford, Trafford Wharfside, and the Old Trafford Regeneration area, where a Mayoral Development Corporation is proposed. The Mayoral Development Zone will ensure the connections between these major opportunities are understood and the benefits of those links are maximised. Cllr Bev Craig, Portfolio Lead for Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth said: “Greater Manchester is leading the way in delivering new homes, jobs and infrastructure, using our devolved powers to drive growth. “We have pioneered
The City of Edinburgh Council’s retrofit project has taken a major step forward this month with the submission of a planning application by Collective Architecture. Built in the 1960s and now designated as Category A listed buildings, Cables Wynd House and Linksview House collectively provide 310 homes, the majority of which are owned by the Council for social rent. These landmark buildings have served generations of residents, and this project represents a significant investment in securing their future as safe, high-quality homes. The proposed works are being driven by the need to meet the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing – EESSH2. Achieving compliance will require substantial upgrades to both the building fabric and mechanical systems. Alongside this, the Council has identified the opportunity to deliver wider improvements that will bring the buildings in line with modern new-build standards. Key elements of the proposal include: Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: I am delighted that the proposals for the Council’s £69 million investment in Cables Wynd House and Linksview House have now been submitted to the CEC Planning Service, setting out our plans to make our residents’ homes safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient. Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents have long campaigned for this much needed and substantive investment in their homes to happen. Their influence and input into our consultation sessions have shaped these proposals and is hugely valued. I look forward to continuing this positive engagement with Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents and Leith Ward Councillors as the project progresses. Carl Baker, Architect, Certified Passivhaus Designer – Collective Architecture said: Collective Architecture is proud to be working with The City of Edinburgh Council on the retrofit of Cables Wynd House and Linksview House. Our proposals place residents at the heart of the process, aiming to provide greener, warmer homes, while celebrating and sensitively enhancing the unique character of the Category A listed buildings. As part of a just transition, our carefully considered interventions will improve the thermal and environmental performance of the iconic structures – boosting energy efficiency and alleviating the risk of fuel poverty. As with many of our projects, meaningful resident engagement has been central to the design process and will remain a key focus through the final design stage and into construction. Subject to planning approval, the Council will continue to engage closely with residents throughout the design and construction process, ensuring their needs remain at the heart of the project. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Liverpool City Council has appointed global real estate advisory firm, CBRE, to prepare the recently acquired Great George Street site for the delivery of a mixed-use regeneration scheme. Following a competitive tender process, CBRE has been chosen by the Council to provide professional support in developing a business case to define the optimum vision and route to market for the key city centre gateway site. CBRE has teamed up with Liverpool-based architect firm, Brock Carmichael, to work on the design element of the business case, and will undertake early market and community engagement to inform the proposals. The Great George Street site is a 4.55 acre brownfield plot which lies within Liverpool’s historic Chinatown and close to the Baltic Triangle district, adjacent to Liverpool Cathedral. Its development has been stalled since 2017, subject to a series of complex legal challenges which the City Council has taken action to resolve. In a major step forward to unlock development, the City Council succeeded in the High Court last November to secure the site under its own unified ownership (as the freeholder of the site), clearing the way for new homes and businesses on this critical site. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) supported the Council’s approach, with an allocation of £10million funding to complete the purchase and bring forward development options for the site. This is the latest positive step in building confidence in Liverpool’s exciting investment pipeline, and joins the unlocking of other major brownfield sites such as the nearby Festival Gardens and Central Docks at Liverpool Waters. The legal ratification also demonstrates the City Council’s commitment to address a legacy of stalled development sites across Liverpool, following its successful exit from statutory government intervention. The Great George Street site is also closely linked to opportunities being realised in the neighbouring Baltic Triangle, where the new Liverpool Baltic Station has secured £96 million of funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and is due to open in 2027. Cllr Nick Small, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said: “The acquisition of the stalled Great George Street development is a hugely significant step in resetting the story of this major gateway site. “Its proximity to the Baltic Triangle, which is undergoing huge change with plans afoot to radically upgrade the transport infrastructure there, means the future development of the Great George Street site is of critical importance to the city. “I’d like to thank Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) and the government for their support in this process. I am looking forward to delivering new opportunities, homes and businesses, to create a vibrant and positive future for our historic Chinatown district.” CBRE senior director, Andrew Playfer, added: “CBRE is delighted to have been instructed by Liverpool City Council (LCC ) to provide consultancy advice on this high-profile opportunity and to play our part in shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for this key area of Liverpool.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LOCAL authorities must champion multi-purpose educational hubs as a cornerstone of regeneration efforts, according to a major new survey of senior construction professionals. Undertaken by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard, the survey took stock of developer, consultant and contractor concerns as the UK government commits £6.7 billion in capital investment improvements in the sector across the current year. A chief concern for respondents is engaging sector designers to create dual-purpose spaces for wider community and interest groups, with 75% citing this should be the most important aim for local authorities and town planners in revitalising our towns and cities. The survey revealed ‘increased local employment opportunities’ (62%) and ‘community engagement and collaboration’ (66%) as key benefits that educational facilities bring forward. This reflects the call to arms to prioritise an interlink between education facilities and inner-city regeneration efforts to drive long-term community outcomes. However, the barriers to delivery are numerous. Funding shortfalls (54%) coupled with a lack of long-term planning and educational maintenance (35%) are the most cited obstructions to educational regeneration, indicating that the sector’s most persistent issues continue to affect decision-making and undermine economic vitality. Matt Hall, national director at Pick Everard, said: “Our survey shows that those working in the construction industry understand the value educational facilities have in the wider revitalisation of our towns and cities. At a time when there is heavy focus on planning and infrastructure improvements and creating new towns, it’s clear that construction professionals believe that placing education hubs at the heart of the community is key to unlocking true transformation and social value. “Unsurprisingly, funding continues to eat away at day-to-day worries. However, it is clear from the responses that while there is room for improvement, policymakers must continue to place conviction in education as a regeneration tool, thereby increasing investment confidence and boosting economic prospects.” A closer look at early-years education highlights a growing demand for more specialist schools, such as those catering to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This trend likely reflects recent reports of an increase in the number of pupils requiring special education support – with UK government data showing that the number of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has risen by more than 80% since 2016, reaching 434,000 in the 2023/24 academic year. When construction professionals were asked whether demand for new educational facilities was outpacing supply or if efforts should shift towards improving existing buildings, opinions were divided. However, a slight majority – 56% of respondents – believed that upgrading current facilities should take priority over constructing new ones, aligning with government initiatives to replace ageing and end-of-life stock. Matt added: “The decision to create new or improve is a constant battle for educational policymakers, as is the case across the wider public sector. An increasing population only brings with it questions over space, and it’s clearly a chief concern for our respondents when analysing the requirements for future schools. “Reimagining spaces – especially in terms of cost, sustainability, and long-term maintenance – remains a key concern within the industry. Nearly 40% of school buildings are nearing the end of their usable life, and recent challenges, such as the ‘RAAC crisis’, have further highlighted the urgency of addressing existing infrastructure issues before shifting focus to building new.” Rounding off the survey, respondents were invited to share open-ended suggestions on how education could contribute more effectively to the regeneration of towns and cities. A recurring theme was the call for a top-down ‘nationalised strategy’ that prioritises year-round community use of educational spaces. In fact, ‘community’ – whether mentioned alone or as part of a phrase – was the most frequently used word among responses, underscoring its central importance. Many also advocated for the integration of healthcare services, such as GP clinics and dental surgeries, within school environments – further reinforcing the push for multi-use, accessible public spaces. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit https://www.pickeverard.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The search has begun for a development partner to lead the flagship redevelopment of Crompton Place in the heart of Bolton Town Centre. The project will deliver a vibrant, residential-led mixed use development including hotel, office and commercial space, surrounded by the town’s rich heritage assets, vibrant amenities, and excellent transport links. The successful bidder will also be expected to improve public spaces and reintroduce a direct pedestrian route between Victoria Square and Bradshawgate. The council has issued a tender notice using the new competitive flexible procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. This will be the second significant step forward following the application to demolish the former shopping centre, which the authority purchased in 2018 as part of its town centre regeneration masterplan. Pending planning approval later this year, demolition is expected to take just 50 weeks and be completed in a single phase. The council is working with leading real estate advisors CBRE to deliver the successful transformation of Crompton Place. Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “Crompton Place represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming the right development partner to take the transformation of Bolton to the next level. “We continue to see the successful delivery of regeneration projects in the town centre and across the wider borough, including Neighbourhood Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens and the first phase of Church Wharf. “Having now launched this procurement opportunity on Crompton Place we are sending a clear signal that Bolton means business. “We are confident that investment in the site will attract even more developers to other parts of the town centre.” CBRE Executive Director, Adam White, said: “This is another significant step forward to find a best-in-class development partner to deliver a high-quality, inclusive, residential-led mixed-use scheme. “The council has a proven track record in securing public sector financial support; and Crompton Place is a vital component of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s £10 billion investment plan. “The council will be procuring its development partner with the support of CBRE, Trowers & Hamlins, and KPMG.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council is set to enter into a landmark partnership with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) to deliver hundreds of genuinely affordable homes as part of plans to build 1,600 more homes in the coming years. GMPF has been selected, through a competitive process, as the investment partner for the next phase of development by This City, the Council’s housing company. The Council’s Executive is being asked to endorse the creation of a new joint venture with GMPF to deliver the second phase of This City development when it meets on 4 June. This City’s first flagship project, No.1 Ancoats Green, is nearing completion – with 129 low carbon homes created next to the brilliant new green space and park at Ancoats Green. 30% of these will be available at the Manchester Living Rent, capped at the rent level which can be covered by housing benefit to make sure they are affordable to as many people as possible. The initial pipeline for phase two consists of 1,583 homes on Council-owned brownfield sites across the city. At least 20% of these new homes will be affordable homes to rent. This City also has a strong emphasis on sustainability through low carbon homes, and on community. Postal Street in the Northen Quarter, Piccadilly is the most advanced of the phase two sites with a planning application expected to be submitted in the coming weeks for 126 new homes – 20% of them affordable and to be let at the Manchester Living Rent. Engagement with local communities in Monsall and Longsight started earlier this year, beginning a conversation with local people about proposals for sites in their areas. While formal consultation will be undertaken later this year with local people in the Grey Mare Lane estate in east Manchester around proposals for new housing as part of the major estate regeneration that will deliver 100s of new affordable homes in this part of Beswick Future This City sites include: Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “This City is about accelerating home building on Council-owned land so that we can build the homes that Manchester needs on our own terms. These homes will contribute to our housing strategy target to deliver at least 36,000 new homes up to 2032 – and at least 10,000 of these homes will be social, Council or genuinely affordable. “These are ambitious numbers and we are on track to meet them. For example, last year we built more council and social homes than any year for more than a decade, but we want to go even further. We plan to build new council and social housing in every part of the city and being creative, using our land and building the homes ourselves, we will do just that. And having the Greater Manchester Pension Fund on board gives us the financial boost to go further and build much needed low cost, low carbon homes for Manchester residents.” Cllr Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development, said: “Having Greater Manchester Pension Fund on board with This City as an institutional investor will help us deliver at scale the new housing, including significant amounts of affordable housing, which Manchester needs. “We’re seeing a step change and acceleration in the delivery of affordable housing, with more being built now than at any point in the last 12 years and with even more in the pipeline.” Cllr Eleanor Wills, Chair of GMPF, said:“We are acutely aware of the severe housing crisis both nationally and in the North-West region. This is why we are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Manchester City Council investing in the “This City” vehicle that supports the Government’s plan to provide much-needed affordable homes for hardworking families while ensuring strong, low-risk returns to secure the pensions of our members. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
