Robertson Construction has broken ground on a landmark cultural and leisure development in the heart of Redcar, marking a major milestone in the town’s regeneration journey. Valued at approximately £17.4 million, the new library, entertainment and community complex is the centrepiece of the £25 million Redcar Town Deal — an initiative aimed at breathing new life into the town centre and driving long-term economic growth. The multi-use development will be situated between the Esplanade and the High Street, transforming a key gateway between the beachfront and the town centre. Once complete, it will feature a new library designed to support digital inclusion, community learning, and children’s literacy through an immersive storytelling space and dedicated makerspace. In addition to family-focused entertainment and events facilities, the building will maximise natural light and coastal views, with architectural elements inspired by Redcar’s seaside identity. The project follows the demolition of the former M&S and Goodwins buildings, and extensive coordination with neighbouring property owners during design and preparation works. The development is expected to generate local employment opportunities, attract more visitors, and offer a welcome boost to Redcar’s high street businesses. Robertson is also nearing completion of another significant project in the town — the transformation of the Grade II listed Central Station. That scheme is supported by the government’s Levelling Up Partnership fund, Welcome to Redcar and Cleveland, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and the Railway Heritage Trust. Neil Kennedy, regional managing director at Robertson Construction North East, commented: “We are proud to be leading delivery of this transformative project and to continue our strong partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council. This scheme represents a vital step in regenerating the town, creating local jobs and establishing a vibrant new community asset.” Catherine Clennett, chair of the Redcar Town Deal, added: “We’re thrilled to see the development now under way. This new space will connect the esplanade to the high street, offering both indoor and outdoor venues that enhance the town for residents and visitors alike. It’s an important investment in Redcar’s future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A new team of experts tasked with supercharging a multi-billion pound regeneration drive in Liverpool, has been announced. Called Imagine Liverpool, the partnership – to be chaired by Patrick Nolan, former Vice Chairman, HSBC Global Banking & Markets – has been appointed to accelerate development within the city over the coming decade. Imagine Liverpool will consist of 13 board members including former economic adviser to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Lord Stewart Wood, and Liverpool-born, BAFTA-winning producer Jimmy Mulville. The team of national and international experts, whose formation has been endorsed by Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, MP, have been given a brief to act as ambassadors and advisors for Liverpool, with the aim of helping to give confidence to investors, landowners, developers and occupiers in the reshaping of the city’s economic landscape. The new team gathered for their first meeting in Liverpool today (Monday, 19 May) before a delegation heads to the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, tomorrow, to promote investment opportunities in the city. A recruitment drive for the board was announced last Autumn with a brief to “provide strategic leadership to drive forward regeneration opportunities, accelerate development, and enhance the quality of life for the city’s residents”, in a new phase in the development of the city. As one of the fastest growing cites in the UK, Liverpool City Council wants to take advantage of brownfield sites to deliver thousands of quality new homes to meet the governments housing targets. It also wants to focus on the specialisms of the city in health and life science, creative and digital, maritime and advanced manufacturing to innovate, accelerate job creation and diversify the economy. One area of focus will be Liverpool’s iconic waterfront and docks. Capitalising on Everton FC’s arrival at Bramley Moore Dock, and the private sector investment from the Fredkin Group, as well as nearby schemes backed by Tom Morris and Global Port Holdings, Imagine Liverpool will oversee the establishment of the emerging Locally Led Urban Development Corporation for the city’s North Docks to support and accelerate development. The board will also input into the New Town bid which aims to create an urban extension in North Liverpool. Developed jointly with Sefton Council, this ambitious long-term vision to revitalise this key part of the city includes plans to develop 10,000 new homes.    In addition to having oversight into an existing pipeline of major projects, including Festival Gardens, Kings Dock, Paddington Village South and the Littlewoods TV and Film Studios, the new board will have a strategic overview on regeneration city wide. They will also advise on the city narrative that builds a strong investable proposition to secure private and institutional investment, foreign investment, and future allocations from government. Imagine Liverpool was a key recommendation of the Liverpool Strategic Futures Advisory Panel, chaired by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram with support from Baroness Judith Blake and the late Sir Howard Bernstein. The Imagine Liverpool team will be supported by the Council’s City Development Team. Imagine Liverpool – board members: REACTION Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, MP, said: “Liverpool is a world-famous city with a rich history and a bold vision for the future. It’s fantastic to see this new partnership bring together leading experts to help unlock even more of that potential, with new investment, homes and jobs that will create real, lasting change for local people. “Through our Plan for Change we are building the 1.5 million high-quality homes and vital infrastructure that communities like Liverpool are crying out for. Imagine Liverpool is exactly the kind of ambitious, locally-led transformation we want to see, and we’ll work hand in hand with the city to make it happen.” Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “The establishment of Imagine Liverpool is a major milestone in our ongoing regeneration story and a new chapter for the city. Liverpool is on the cusp of delivering some truly transformational schemes, especially in the docks and north of the city, and we need to ensure the opportunities arising from the momentum we’re creating is fully maximised. “We have assembled an immensely diverse, talented and experienced board and I look forward to working with Patrick and all the members to inject a new energy into our plans for the city and fully realise Liverpool’s amazing potential. I know the Council and the Combined Authority are as one in our desire to improve how we work with the private sector and with government to make this one of the most exciting city regions to live and work in.” Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “This is a major step forward for Liverpool—one rooted in the vision and hard graft of the Strategic Futures Advisory Panel that I was proud to chair. “We were clear that the city needed a new kind of regeneration partnership, one that works with local communities and brings in the right expertise to unlock Liverpool’s full potential. The new body does exactly that. With the right team in place, this next decade could see the biggest transformation in a generation delivering new homes, better jobs, and the kind of investment that genuinely improves people’s lives.” Patrick Nolan, Chair of the Imagine Liverpool board, said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be asked to join and Chair Imagine Liverpool. The global brand of Liverpool is truly incredible, and there is so much opportunity here. “I’ve been hugely impressed by the vision, drive and commitment of the Mayor Steve Rotheram and Cllr Liam Robinson, as well as the Liverpool City Council team.  Their establishment of a highly experienced advisory board to help them deliver the regeneration plan is a clear sign of intent. I’d like to think we can help Liverpool reach its full potential as a place to live and work.   “There has been a huge amount of positive work done in Liverpool over the past 20 years – but there is still so much more to do, particularly north of the city where our

Ancoats Green will reopen to the public this weekend (Saturday 17 May) following a major refurbishment project that has now been completed at the city park.   The investment is part of a wider £40m public realm programme creating a new focal point for the neighbourhood alongside further public space that seamlessly links the newly opened Ancoats Mobility Hub and the Council’s first This City housing development at No. 1 Ancoats Green. The public realm projects are also helping to unlock 1,500 new homes -including more than 500 under construction by Manchester Life.  The renewed park space includes high quality multi-functional open spaces for the community, new play areas with accessible equipment, open grassed areas, generous footpaths and space for small events.   New walking and cycling routes connecting the park to the wider city centre will encourage active travel, along with significant new planting and increased biodiversity – including wildflower areas a new trees.  The project has looked to celebrate the industrial heritage of the area, including referencing historic flint glass works in the park features. And sustainability is a key element – using reclaimed materials where possible and creating permeable surfaces to manage water alongside a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDs).  Ancoats green transformation in numbers:   Upcycled materials from both the Our Town Hall and Albert Square project and walling stone from the former Prussia Canal arm that once ran through the park have successfully be re-used throughout the park. Reclaimed granite setts have also been incorporated into the spaces, while salvaged building stone has been used for seating areas across the park.  A family friendly community event will take place on Saturday 17 May celebrating the reopening of the park space, hosted by This City.   Funding for the project was received through Homes England, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority via the Brownfield Land Fund, and the City Council.   The Ancoats Regeneration Story  The public realm investment is part of the latest phase of the Ancoats Regeneration programme continues the internationally renowned regeneration of the neighbourhood.   The Green, alongside the now open Ancoats Mobility Hub, which will be managed by APCOA is helping to underpin the development of 1,500 new homes in this part of the city centre, including the Council’s first This City development at No. 1 Ancoats Green where the first homes are expected to be completed this summer, which includes 30% affordable housing capped at the Manchester Living Rent.   This phase of Ancoats investment aims to create a strong sense of place and a low-traffic, pedestrian first neighbourhood for the ongoing residential development that will bring this chapter of investment to a close.   The Ancoats Green redevelopment was designed by Planit and the key contractor was Alined Construction Ltd.   The Ancoats Mobility Hub and This City’s No. 1 Ancoats Green development was designed by Buttress Architects. The Hub was delivered by Bowmer and Kirkland and No.1 Ancoats Green is being built by Wates Construction Limited.   Leader of the Council Bev Craig said:   “We’re on a mission to invest more in our parks and green spaces. With over 150 parks and green spaces in Manchester, Ancoats Green is the latest park in our city centre to be created or refurbished to make sure our residents have access to brilliant green spaces. The Green will be the heart of this community, a place local people can take pride in, spend time with family and friends, and find a respite from the bustle of the city – all in a low traffic, sustainable neighbourhood.  “This is also part of a £40m public realm investment in this part of Ancoats – including the new Mobility Hub – which is helping to unlock the next phase of regeneration in the neighbourhood – and the final chapters of a regeneration story going back two decades.   “Building on the Ancoats success story the next phase of investment will see 1,500 new homes built, which includes the Council’s first This City housing development at No. 1 Ancoats Green that will complete in the next few months – helping to increase access to genuinely affordable homes in the city centre. “Ancoats Green is a great example of the council investing more in the priorities that residents tell us they want to see and is a beautiful addition to this area of the city. “ Anna Marohn, Principal Landscape Architect comments from Planit: “It’s been a real privilege to work on delivering the new Ancoats Green. A verdant space in the heart of Manchester city centre for the community, celebrating the area’s rich heritage and with sustainability at its core.   “The dramatic enhancements will see an increase in Biodiversity. The use of wildflower meadows, structural herbeacous planting, addition of 41 new trees, bug hotels and bird boxes integrated creatively throughout the space, will encourage nature back into the city.  Climate resilient and reclaimed materials have been used extensively throughout the park, including SUDS with rain gardens located within the green, and porous asphalt for the footpaths.     “Many of the parks’ surface materials are reclaimed – using granite setts from the renovation works at nearby Albert Square and old coping stones – to create bespoke seating elements.   “The dramatic enhancements will offer the existing and future community a place to dwell, play, exercise and socialise for future generations to come.”  Commenting on their role in the design work for the Ancoats Mobility Hub, This City’s No.1 Ancoats Green development and Eliza Yard for ManchesterLife, Matthew Burl, Buttress director said: “The opening of the Ancoats Mobility Hub is about so much more than mobility. It’s about giving streets back to people, creating space for community life to flourish, and embedding sustainability into the everyday experience of the city. It’s been a privilege to help shape this important project for our own local neighbourhood of Ancoats. Our new housing development for This City, No1. Ancoats Green, is due to be finished this summer and Eliza Yard for Manchester Life will complete in the spring next year. Both will add thoughtfully

The fences have come down from around Norfolk Gardens marking the completion of a £45 million project to transform Bradford city centre. This welcoming green space, which is now open for people to enjoy, complements the recently completed pedestrianised areas on Market Street, Bridge Street, Bank Street, Broadway and Hall Ings. The newly created 10,000 square metre park area contains a wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants, along with pedestrian space, benches and seating for people to rest as well as natural places for children to play. The cycle lanes and paths which run through the gardens and connect Jacobs Well with Hall Ings have had their finishing touches applied. The landscaping has been designed to reflect the heritage and culture of the district, using plants and features that bring together both functionality and biodiversity making it an inviting place for visitors and residents to spend time. The newly pedestrianised space in the city centre is already being used and recently hosted its first public events with the Big Brass Blowout with brass bands playing in the area outside St George’s Hall. A spring family fun day organised by Bradford BID took place last weekend on many of the newly pedestrianised streets. The next major event in the city centre is the Super Soapbox Challenge which takes place on Sunday 4 May and will make use of some of the newly pedestrianised areas. The Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvement Scheme has been delivered by Bradford Council in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and funded through the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF). Funding for this scheme was awarded to Bradford Council through a capital grant provided by the Department for Transport and cannot be used for other purposes, such as delivering day to day Council services or other projects. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport said: “The entire project has seen major changes throughout Bradford city centre completely transforming it from traffic choked streets to safe and inviting spaces for people to spend time. I’m delighted to see Norfolk Gardens reopening as a major green park, reflecting public desire to see more green spaces in the heart of the city centre. It’s the culmination of years of hard work by the project team and around 18months of construction work.” Scott Donson, Project Director at Balfour Beatty said: “We are pleased to have completed works at Norfolk Gardens, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of Bradford city centre. “This newly created green space, featuring an array of trees, shrubs, and sustainable landscaping, will provide a lasting benefit to the community, encourage biodiversity and create a more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors to Bradford.” Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “The transformation of Bradford city centre is truly remarkable, creating a vibrant and welcoming place for both residents and visitors. “By reducing traffic and making it easier to get around, this project will have a lasting impact on people’s health, wellbeing, and daily lives. “I’m delighted to see the completion of the project as we aim to create a better-connected region that works for all.” For more information about the scheme visit https://www.future-bradford.co.uk/   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

One of London’s largest adaptive reuse projects, the ambitious transformation of the former Camberwell Magistrates’ Court, has been granted planning approval by Southwark Council. Led by acclaimed architects, Ackroyd Lowrie for Criterion Capital, the groundbreaking scheme will reinvent the long-vacant building as a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood. This bold retrofit not only preserves the architectural legacy of the building but also addresses pressing community needs, while delivering major sustainability gains. Closed in 2020, the magistrates’ court has stood empty ever since, becoming a visual blight and a magnet for anti-social behaviour. The approved proposals reimagine the building and surrounding space to establish a new civic focal point for Camberwell. As well as providing much needed housing, the scheme will act as a neighbourhood hub for vibrant community uses. The development includes: Ackroyd Lowrie’s design focuses on Embodied as well as Operational Carbon. Key sustainability achievements include: “This is one of the largest and most ambitious retrofit projects in London, and we are delighted to have gained Southwark’s support to revitalise this landmark building, as well as the entire public realm surrounding it,” said Jon Ackroyd, Managing Director of Ackroyd Lowrie. “Community has been at the heart of this project from day one, from family homes and play areas to creative workspaces and a public plaza that can host markets, exhibitions or performances.” The planning committee report praised the project’s approach, stating: “It is considered that the proposal would greatly enhance the building’s street frontages and adjoining public realm, potentially fostering a high quality of urban design… “Overall, the elevational architecture is well-considered… presenting a fresh and engaging appearance for the re-purposed building.” The development has been shaped by extensive engagement with Southwark Council, the GLA, and the community over several years. Omar Aziz, Director at Criterion Capital, concluded: “This redevelopment is about more than just buildings; it’s about people. By transforming the former magistrates’ court into a dynamic, community-first space, we are creating new homes, cultural landmarks, and public areas that will bring lasting benefits to Camberwell. The revitalised public square will be a focal point, ensuring this space is not only functional but also inspiring.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Work has started on a major new public transport hub for Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales, a key part of the town’s regeneration. Designed by multidisciplinary design practice BDP and built by Kier for Pembrokeshire County Council, the Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange (HPTI) includes the construction of a modern bus station and multi-storey car park, providing a new interchange for buses and coaches, with upgraded passenger facilities. Sustainable features include electric vehicle charging facilities and an array of solar panels on the roof, which will supply the vast majority of the building’s energy usage and help Pembrokeshire County Council meet its commitment to be net zero carbon by 2030.  The scheme will include 280 parking spaces, seven bus bays, public toilets and accessible changing facilities for people with disabilities. A traditional groundbreaking event marked the start of work on site. Architects, landscape architects and civil and structural engineers from multidisciplinary design practice BDP designed the transport interchange. Matthew Mayes, architect director at BDP, said: “This transformative regeneration project will enhance connectivity and accessibility for the local community, providing seamless links between bus, taxi, and cycling facilities while improving connections to the riverside, shopping centre, and railway station. “Our design features striking aluminium fins that wrap around the building, creating a modern and dynamic identity, while stone cladding at ground level reflects the town’s historic character. A new public square, enriched with greenery and ample seating, offers a welcoming space for people to relax and engage with their surroundings. “Transport hubs like this are key to the future of urban mobility, encouraging more people to adopt sustainable travel choices that contribute to healthier, more connected communities.” This is a topic explored in BDP’s The Good City initiative, which aims to address some of the most pressing urban challenges by bringing together experts from across the world. Ian Rees, regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “We have been on site for a number of months now undertaking essential enabling works, this ground breaking ceremony is an important milestone as we progress into the construction phase of this vitally important transport hub.  “This transport interchange for Pembrokeshire County Council will really begin to take shape over the coming weeks and months and will ultimately deliver a much-needed, modern transport hub for the local community, improving connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.” Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “It’s great to see work starting on this new transport interchange, which is an important part of the wider Haverfordwest Masterplan. It’s designed to make it easy and convenient to visit Haverfordwest town centre which is a key part of our efforts to regenerate the town. “I think we can all agree the previous multi-story car park had reached the end of its useful life.  “Once we’ve completed this project, the town centre will be easily accessible both by bus and of course by car with the car park element of the project benefiting from wider spaces, EV Charging, single tap exit and payment and of course a much nicer, lighter and safer environment for users.” Built on the site of a demolished multi-storey car park and bus station, HPTI will form part of the South West Wales Metro project, which aims to better integrate sustainable modes of transport and complements the wider regeneration work in Haverfordwest. The design of HPTI is being funded from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Oldham Council is set to begin construction on the exciting new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, a key part of the project to transform 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park.   The Northern Roots project is part of the council’s ‘Green and Growing’ priority. The council has secured £12.9 million from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to deliver this transformative next phase. The work marks the next stage of the council project, which has been developed in close partnership with the Northern Roots charity and has already gained regional and national recognition.  Set in the woodland at the northern end of the site, the Visitor Centre will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, exhibition and performance space, as well as learning and meeting facilities.   Meanwhile, the Forestry Skills Centre, will provide residents with vocational learning opportunities linked to a range of technical and land-based skills and qualifications.  In 2023 Northern Roots established the first phase of the Urban Farm.  Over the last two years, the current site has created 80 volunteering opportunities, delivered activities for more than 600 children and young people, and engaged around 6,000 local residents through cultural and environmental activities.  And to date, there have been 2,000 trees planted, six ponds created to support local wildlife, and the establishment of a community garden and wildflower meadow.  The Visitor Centre marks a significant step forward for the project, which also includes car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping. Looking ahead, future plans for the site include a solar array, play areas, wild play and mountain biking facilities, and additional community growing spaces.  Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, said:  “Northern Roots is a ground-breaking project that will benefit our communities for generations to come – a place where nature, learning, and opportunity come together.  “Oldham Council is proud to be driving this project in partnership with Northern Roots, creating a thriving space for education, recreation, and enterprise, showcasing Oldham as a leader in green innovation.  “The Visitor Centre will provide our residents with skills, support opportunities for businesses, and enhance the local environment. It’s a win-win for our borough.”  The Northern Roots project demonstrates Oldham Council’s commitment to regeneration, sustainability, and community enrichment. With the construction underway, residents will soon see this Council initiative take shape.  Northern Roots CEO, Anna da Silva, added:  “This is a really exciting moment in the development of Northern Roots and a key step in unlocking the potential of the site. We are incredibly grateful to all the partners who have supported the vision for Northern Roots and helped bring the project to this stage, particularly Oldham Council, our local communities, and our funders.  “Northern Roots is pioneering a new, sustainable approach to harnessing and nurturing urban greenspace that we hope will become a model for future generations.”  Construction is being carried out by Willmott Dixon, with the Visitor Centre set to open in summer 2026.  Willmott Dixon’s team are now on site. Once the compound is set up, the first stage of works will be preparing the site to allow main works to start. Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for the North West at Willmott Dixon, said: “As an Oldham-based business we are really excited to be playing our part in shaping this invaluable community space, working in partnership with Oldham Council once again. “In partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating four new employment opportunities directly on the project. Through our bespoke ‘Building Lives Academy’ pre-employability programme, we will support 10 previously unemployed Oldham residents with qualifications, skills and work experience. “We will continue to work with local schools and colleges through site visits, industry workshops and employability sessions. To date, our project team have also volunteered more than 115 hours supporting Oldham people, including with The Salvation Army and the Northern Roots charity.” While the work takes place, the Northern Roots site remains open to visitors all year round.  To find out more about the regeneration work taking place in Oldham, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/regen Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals