A full planning application for the scheme to transform Piccadilly Gardens has been submitted. The submission – the latest landmark in delivering the proposals to make Piccadilly Gardens more colourful, more vibrant, safer and more inviting – follows public consultation on the plans earlier this summer. Subject to planning permission being granted this autumn, work to make the plans a reality will begin as soon as possible.  Public consultation on the detailed design built on previous extensive consultation about what people wanted from Piccadilly Gardens and included drop-in sessions and an online questionnaire. Hundreds responded and were broadly supportive of the plans, with more than half (58%) believing they will provide a safe and welcoming new space, 67% saying they provided clear walking routes and almost three-quarters (70%) saying they would create a greener and more colourful space.   Concerns were raised by some about anti-social behaviour and how the transformed Piccadilly Gardens will be kept inviting. The Council and its partners, including Greater Manchester Police and Transport for Greater Manchester, recognise that creating a better Piccadilly Gardens cannot just be about physical improvements but will also require new ways of managing the space to ensure it is maintained as a safe and inviting space. Work to develop this new way of managing the space is ongoing and improvements are already underway, including a strengthened police presence through GMP’s dedicated neighbourhood policing team.  In addition to the main consultation, a series of listening and engagement sessions were also carried out with parents and children around the refreshed children’s play area to ensure it reflects their aspirations. New images of how the children’s play area will look have been released as part of the wider application.   Key elements of the application include:   The plans will also support a safer space through improved sightlines, better lighting and enhanced CCTV.   Interim Council Leader Cllr Garry Bridges said: “The moment has arrived when we’re ready to submit our planning application to transform Piccadilly Gardens. It’s taken a lot of work to get to this significant point.   “Residents have told us loud and clear what they want from Piccadilly Gardens. They want the area to look better and feel safer and that’s exactly what we’re going to deliver.  “There has already been significant investment in the area – including extra police and council resources – with even more on the way.   “This application will see a much-improved space: Putting the Gardens back in Piccadilly Gardens, providing a better children’s play area and supporting a more inviting place all round.”  The application reference is PLA-2026-001348 viewable at: https://arcusbe.manchester.gov.uk/pr/s/detail/a1DSl000009RsaD Once the physical works are completed, the Council aims to ensure a regular stream of bespoke family-friendly activity and seasonal events to enjoy.    The new scheme will complement other changes taking place in the immediate vicinity of the Gardens, including the major Rylands redevelopment (of the Grade II-listed former Debenhams building) which is creating a new office, retail and leisure destination, and the recently-approved plans to refurbish and improve One  Piccadilly  Gardens .  Further planned improvements to the area around Piccadilly Gardens in the coming years will include a multi-million pound investment by Transport for Greater Manchester to create a new, modern transport interchange.    In March this year Galliford Try were appointed as lead contractor, working with landscape architect and lead designer Planit and civil, structural and highways engineers Civic to deliver the Piccadilly Gardens transformation.   City of Manchester Chief Inspector Mike Tachauer said: “We welcome the next phase of the planning application for the new-look Piccadilly Gardens. Senior officers have been involved in consultations from the outset to ensure there is a strong policing input into these plans. Piccadilly Gardens is a space that everyone should feel safe and secure when travelling in and around the area. Our officers have ensured that elements pertaining to public safety have been one of the key focuses in the planning process including better lighting and more CCTV.  “We have had several experienced police officers who have strong experience around policing Piccadilly Gardens who have given an input to these plans, and there are a number of elements we have learnt from, for example, understanding how planters can be misused by those involved in criminality and how we can deter this from happening.  “There is also cross organisational understanding that the safety of the Gardens is a multi-agency partnership that we all need to be involved in to ensure everyone is doing their bit to keep our communities safe.”  Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “These exciting plans for Piccadilly Gardens will bring vast improvements for everyone who passes through it and for the numerous businesses who operate in the vicinity. The Bee Network is already transforming how people move around Greater Manchester and we are developing plans with the local community for a modern transport interchange linking buses, Metrolink and active travel that will help create a city centre that is greener, better connected and welcoming for everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Local Plan is a guide to development and growth in the city over the next fifteen years and Manchester people are invited to have their say for the final time yesterday. The Plan is a legal requirement for every Council to set out a long-term framework about how development should be considered through the planning process, including new housing – as well as affordable homes – green spaces, development that creates employment opportunities, infrastructure projects such as roads, health facilities and schools – and how the city will achieve net zero carbon.   The Plan complements a range of strategies and policies that look to deliver the vision of the Council.   An initial consultation took place in September 2025 starting a process of review and engagement through the last year. This consultation attracted 2,184 responses that have since been considered by planning officers to help update the draft local plan.   The Local Plan is currently going through Regulation 19, which is the final version of the plan before it is referred to a government inspector for public examination.  The public will be asked for their comments relating to how ‘workable’ the draft plan is in practice, which is a requirement set out by Government. This ‘test of soundness’ asks the public: does the plan meet its objectives.   Key changes to the draft local plan following previous consultation:  Take part in the Local Plan consultation  Local people, community organisations, businesses and stakeholders can take part in the consultation, submitting their views online via an online platform and all details are available on the following council web page  A hard copy of the consultation will also be made available in Manchester Central Library.   The consultation will remain open until Monday 28 Sept.   The previous Manchester Local Plan was adopted in 2012. The current review was delayed while the Greater Manchester Places for Everyone plan was adopted, into which the Manchester Plan must align.    Following consultation, the final draft of Manchester’s Local Plan will be submitted to a government inspector with an expectation that the plan will be adopted in the summer of 2027.  Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said:   “It’s important that future development plays its part well in making sure Manchester remains a great place to live, with great homes that our residents can afford in attractive neighbourhoods that they want to live in with quality green spaces nearby. This is the role of the Local Plan – to help guide development to help us deliver our vision and ambition.  “The Local Plan will complement a range of other strategies delivering for our city, in particular our housing strategy that has set an ambitious target to deliver at least 36,000 new homes by 2032 – 10,000 of which will be social, Council and genuinely affordable homes. And the Local Plan looks to increase the target of social rent and affordable homes each year to deliver the homes our residents need.  “Last year we saw thousands of responses that have helped guide our Local Plan review. This is the final chance for Manchester people to comment on the updated draft local plan, and we’d encourage as many people as possible to take part of play their part in guiding development in our city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Liverpool’s vision to create a new commercial destination in the heart of the city has moved a significant step closer after VINCI Construction was appointed to deliver the first phase of the landmark Pall Mall regeneration scheme. Selected by joint developers Liverpool City Council and Kier Property following a competitive two-stage tender process, VINCI Construction will act as design and build contractor for the £55 million opening phase of the development, marking the start of a wider regeneration programme that will reshape Liverpool’s Commercial Business District. The first phase will deliver high-quality Grade A office accommodation, complemented by ground-floor retail space and a new 0.5-acre public green space, creating an attractive mixed-use environment designed to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses and occupiers. Pall Mall forms a central element of Liverpool City Council’s long-term strategy to strengthen the city’s commercial offering, attract inward investment and support sustainable economic growth by providing premium workspace capable of competing with other major regional business centres. For the construction sector, the appointment represents another significant commercial development project that will generate opportunities across the regional supply chain, supporting specialist contractors, consultants, building services providers and local manufacturers throughout the delivery programme. The project also reflects the continuing demand for flexible, sustainable office developments that combine high-quality workplaces with improved public realm and enhanced amenities. Integrating green space alongside commercial development is increasingly recognised as a key factor in creating healthier, more attractive business environments that support employee wellbeing and encourage investment. Liverpool City Council is working closely with Kier Property to deliver the wider Pall Mall masterplan, which aims to transform the area into a thriving commercial quarter capable of attracting new businesses, creating skilled employment opportunities and strengthening Liverpool’s position as a leading UK regional city. Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, described Pall Mall as a transformational opportunity that will provide the modern commercial space required to support Liverpool’s growing economy. Mark Robinson, Senior Development Director at Kier Property, said the appointment represented an important milestone for the project and reflected the shared ambition to create a vibrant destination for businesses, investment and innovation while delivering lasting economic and social benefits for the city. Gary Hughes, Regional Director for VINCI Building, added that the company was proud to play a role in such a significant regeneration project, highlighting the strength of its regional workforce, established local supply chain and longstanding relationships across Merseyside. As cities continue to invest in high-quality commercial developments that combine modern workplaces with enhanced public spaces, the Pall Mall regeneration is set to become one of Liverpool’s flagship developments, supporting business growth while reinforcing the city’s reputation as an attractive destination for investment, innovation and long-term regeneration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The A660 is a busy route with pedestrians and cyclists, seeing over 1,000 cyclists using it daily. Regrettably, injury collisions involving these groups are high, with improved infrastructure needed. Leeds City Council, alongside partners the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will start to undertake the remaining phase of the £10.4million major works on the A660 from today, 22 June until spring 2027. Funded by Active Travel England’s Active Travel Fund, the highways improvements will bring the route up to the Department for Transport’s latest design guidance to create high-quality, safe infrastructure for people who walk, wheel and cycle. The scheme aims to improve bus reliability on this busy corridor into and out of the city centre, reduce road deaths and serious injuries on the A660, in line with the council’s Vision Zero 2040 Strategy, and entice more residents to take up walking and cycling – working towards Connecting Leeds’ Transport Strategy targets. Phases 1 and 2, A660 from Shaw Lane to Hyde Park Corner, will complete this month, with the remaining final phase, A660 from Hyde Park Corner to Spenceley Street due to be onsite from today. As part of the final phase of works, Cliff Road will become one-way southbound to motor vehicles, with a banned right turn out onto the A660, Rampart Road will have a right-turn out ban, and Clarendon Road will have the left-turn out banned for drivers. These restrictions will help improve safety, especially for pedestrians and cyclists at these junctions, and for Clarendon Road, help with the efficiency of traffic at the junction. As part of the previous works, we have also updated existing bus stops along the route to bring the cycle bypasses in-line with updated government guidance. The cycle lane has been narrowed at each bus stop to create a boarding area for users to get on and off the bus. Phase 3 is made up of: The route was consulted on with the public in 2023, with 63% of respondents backing the proposals. Construction Construction works will be between Hyde Park Corner and Spenceley Street, including the Clarendon Road junction. Traffic will continue to flow in both directions on A660 Woodhouse Lane. Access to businesses will be maintained during their opening hours, and local and emergency access will continue throughout. Construction designs have been updated since the consultation, with officers now removing the central reservation in the road to create a fully segregated cycle path on Avenue Walk (adjacent to Woodhouse Moor). Additional pockets of greenery and floating bus stop bypasses are also included in the plans – in line with Department for Transport’s guidance on cycle and bus stop provision. While works are ongoing on Woodhouse Lane and Clarendon Road, temporary bus stops will be in operation nearby. Keep up to date with construction by visiting our website. Councillor Peter Carlill, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: “Our Vision Zero Strategy data shows that over 70% of people involved in collisions along this route are vulnerable road users – people walking, wheeling and cycling – showing an essential need for us to create safer ways for people to travel.” “I’m pleased to see the start of the final phase of works beginning and hope the improvements help to encourage even more people to choose active and sustainable methods of travel which can boost health and wellbeing, and help tackle climate change. “This route into Leeds is undergoing major changes with important schemes currently happening and planned to commence later in the year. Our engineers and contractors across the schemes are working hard to ensure traffic and buses are kept moving throughout, often undertaking night works when there is less demand on the network. I would like to thank local businesses and residents for being patient whilst these works are happening, and, like many of you, look forward to the A660 scheme completing next year” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Wates has been appointed as the preferred contractor to deliver an ambitious £138m regeneration programme that will transform Sevenoaks town centre, marking a significant milestone in one of the largest public investment projects planned for the district. The development, known as the Land East of Sevenoaks High Street project, is being brought forward by Sevenoaks District Council in Kent and aims to create a vibrant, sustainable and well-connected destination for residents, businesses and visitors. The masterplan will deliver a wide range of new community facilities, including a modern leisure centre, a cultural hub, a new market hall, enhanced public transport infrastructure, attractive public green spaces and a collection of energy-efficient homes designed to support the district’s long-term growth. The project is also expected to generate significant economic benefits, with an estimated 263 jobs being created during the construction phase, while helping to stimulate further investment across the town centre. Over the coming months, Wates will work alongside Sevenoaks District Council to develop the initial design proposals before launching a comprehensive programme of public consultation. Local residents, businesses and stakeholders will have the opportunity to help shape the proposals before a planning application is submitted, which is currently anticipated from late 2027. Subject to planning approval, construction could commence during 2028. The regeneration forms part of Sevenoaks District Council’s wider vision to create a more attractive, accessible and sustainable town centre that better meets the needs of a growing community while supporting local businesses and improving public amenities. Councillor Michael Horwood, Cabinet Member for Improvement and Innovation at Sevenoaks District Council, said Wates has an impressive track record of delivering major, high-quality developments and working collaboratively with local communities to create places that people can be proud of. He added that engaging with residents and businesses throughout the design process will be a key priority, ensuring the final proposals reflect local aspirations before planning permission is sought. The appointment further strengthens Wates’ growing portfolio of complex regeneration projects across the UK, where the contractor continues to play a leading role in delivering mixed-use developments that combine housing, community facilities, public realm improvements and sustainable infrastructure to support long-term economic growth and social value. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals