City of Edinburgh Council has approved a £69m programme to refurbish Cables Wynd House and Linksview House in Leith, paving the way for a deep retrofit of two Category A listed post-war blocks that together provide 310 homes, the majority for social rent. Designed by Collective Architecture with Edinburgh Council as client, the scheme targets the Scottish Government’s EESSH2 energy standard for social housing while upgrading life-safety, security and public realm. AtkinsRéalis is lead consultant, with Blackwood Partnership delivering mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering, Narro Associates as structural engineer and Urban Pioneers Landscape Architects shaping the external works. Fabric and services improvements include enhanced insulation, replacement windows and energy-efficient heating systems to reduce demand and improve comfort. Fire safety measures will be significantly strengthened through new sprinkler systems, smoke ventilation, a dedicated fire-fighting lift and improved compartmentation to communal areas. Legacy bin chutes will be removed and modern internal waste management introduced to reduce risk. Resident safety and security are set to benefit from upgraded internal and external lighting, a review of CCTV provision and improved access control across both buildings. The wider estate will be refreshed with new play areas, seating, wildflower meadows and sustainable urban drainage systems, alongside a review of parking and waste facilities to improve day-to-day management. For the project team, the approvals mark a key step in balancing conservation with performance. The approach prioritises sensitive retention of architectural character while delivering measurable gains in energy efficiency, resilience and resident wellbeing. With planning secured, the focus turns to detailed design and delivery logistics on a live residential estate, including sequencing, resident liaison and procurement of tested and certified systems. The programme underscores Edinburgh’s commitment to investing in safe, warmer and more sustainable council homes, using retrofit to extend building life while meeting modern standards. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Darlington Borough Council has appointed a consortium led by Cityheart, with Willmott Dixon, Space Architects, Identity Consult and others, to shape a regeneration strategy for three town centre sites. The team will explore development options for East Street, Commercial Street and Kendrew Street, setting out a long-term approach to be presented to the council’s cabinet early next year. The East Street site sits next to the new HM Treasury offices within Darlington’s Economic Campus. Willmott Dixon is already active locally, building a 600-space multi-storey car park by the railway station, recently completing the Hopetown visitor attraction and refurbishing the Hippodrome Theatre. Nick Corrigan, northeast director at Willmott Dixon, said the partnership is the kind of town centre transformation where its regeneration expertise “can make a real difference”, adding the company is committed to delivering development that benefits the local community. Cllr Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, called the appointment “a huge step forward” with the potential to be one of the town centre’s most significant improvement programmes in years. Cityheart development manager James Litherland said Darlington’s prospects have been boosted by the Treasury relocation: “We have pulled together an exemplar North East team including construction partner Willmott Dixon and we cannot wait to get started on this transformational project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hove’s long-awaited replacement for the ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre has taken a major step forward, with Willmott Dixon named as preferred contractor for the scheme. The move follows Brighton & Hove City Council’s decision in 2022 to retire the pre-war complex, which no longer meets modern standards and would be prohibitively difficult and costly to refurbish. Alliance Leisure, appointed earlier this year to oversee design and construction, has assembled the professional team with GT3 Architects leading the design. Together with Willmott Dixon, they have been refining proposals for a contemporary sports and leisure destination that makes the most of its seafront setting. The concept places pools, fitness suites and a café to capture sea views, while new landscaping will stitch the building into an enhanced public realm along the promenade. Costing remains under discussion. In March the project was described as a £48m scheme; the council is now proposing capital investment of up to £65m. Subject to further cabinet approval, a planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of the year, enabling a start on site in 2026 and completion in 2028 on the existing beachfront plot. For Willmott Dixon, the commission builds on deep sector experience. Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon Construction South, said the company is “excited to be appointed as the preferred contractor for this transformational project,” noting its recent work at Brighton Metropolitan College and extensive track record of leisure delivery nationwide. “The new King Alfred Leisure Centre presents an exciting opportunity to create a world-class facility that maximises its unique seafront location through innovative design and sustainable construction practices,” he said. Citing more than 160 leisure facilities delivered, including 108 swimming pools, he highlighted expertise in complex waterfront schemes, environmental resilience, sustainable technologies and accessibility innovations. “Working alongside Brighton & Hove City Council and Alliance Leisure, we’re committed to delivering not just a building, but a community hub that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come.” Alliance Leisure director Tom Fairey welcomed the appointment, calling it “another big step forwards” for a project intended to provide a modern, sustainable centre that meets local needs for years ahead. Alliance will continue to lead the pre-construction phase at pace, coordinating input from design and delivery partners to lock down the brief, performance targets and procurement. The redevelopment answers a long-standing civic challenge. The existing King Alfred complex, a familiar presence on the Hove seafront, has struggled to keep pace with contemporary expectations around accessibility, energy use and user experience. Rebuilding on the same site allows the council to retain a popular location while replacing tired fabric with a facility designed for current and future demands, from inclusive changing provision to low-carbon operation. The design ambition reaches beyond the building footprint, with public-realm improvements intended to open routes, encourage active travel and create a more welcoming interface between the centre, the beach and neighbouring streets. If approved as planned, the programme sets out a clear trajectory: planning by year-end, a two-year build starting in 2026, and doors opening in 2028. Between now and then, the team’s focus will be on certainty—refining scope, locking in supply chains and value-engineering the scheme to balance quality, sustainability and cost. With Willmott Dixon on board and GT3 Architects shaping the design, Hove’s next chapter on the seafront is edging closer: a resilient, accessible leisure hub designed around its coastal context and the everyday needs of the community it serves. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans for a major new leisure facility in Gravesend are moving forward, with Willmott Dixon appointed to lead the pre-construction phase of the £43m Cascades Leisure Centre. Gravesham Borough Council has awarded the contractor a direct appointment through the Pagabo framework, tasking Willmott Dixon with developing the technical design and specifications in collaboration with architect Space & Place and engineering consultant AtkinsRealis. The new Cascades Leisure Centre will replace the borough’s ageing facility of the same name. Designed to provide a wide range of modern amenities, it will feature a 25-metre pool, a 17-metre learner pool, an aqua play and water flume zone, and a spectator viewing gallery. Other facilities will include a six-court sports hall with tiered seating, a multi-level soft play area, party and community rooms, and a café, all located at ground level to maximise accessibility. The £43m scheme is being part-funded with £17m from the government’s levelling up fund allocation to Gravesham Borough Council. It follows Willmott Dixon’s successful delivery of the Cozenton Park Sports Centre in nearby Rainham for Medway Council, which opened last year. During the pre-construction phase, which runs until August 2026, Willmott Dixon will carry out detailed site surveys, logistics planning, and set-up works. The contractor will also oversee the asbestos survey of Regan’s Bar ahead of its demolition later this year, while ensuring the existing Cascades Leisure Centre continues to operate throughout the construction period. The pre-construction agreement is expected to position Willmott Dixon for the main build contract, due to be confirmed in August 2026. Subject to final approvals, construction is scheduled to start shortly afterwards and complete by December 2028. Once complete, the new Cascades Leisure Centre will provide the local community with a high-quality, sustainable and inclusive destination for sport, recreation and wellbeing, reinforcing Gravesend’s investment in its leisure infrastructure for the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Oldham Council and the team behind the ‘ground-breaking’ Spindles renovation have been presented with the British Council of Offices’ (BCO) northern Innovation Award. The presentation in the new office space saw representatives from construction company Willmott Dixon, architects AEW, project management lead Hive, quantity surveyor Gleeds, and interior designers SpaceInvader, present the trophy to Leader of Oldham Council Cllr Arooj Shah, and Chief Executive Shelley Kipling. Recognised as a benchmark for innovation in reimagining town centre spaces, when Spindles is officially fully open, the 450,000 square foot development will also be home to a new indoor market and food hall, flexible offices, event space and heritage archive. BCO judges recognised the building’s ‘ground-breaking, adaptive reuse of a building that has transformed a struggling 1990s shopping centre’. They commented: “Oldham Spindles is an innovative project that reimagines urban regeneration, proving that underutilised retail spaces can be repurposed for modern office environments. “It sets a bold precedent for repurposing failing retail assets into thriving workspaces. A combination of architectural ingenuity, sustainability, and social impact makes it a worthy recipient of the BCO Innovation Award, showcasing a transformative model for urban regeneration.” Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “This recognition for Spindles is a huge moment of pride for Oldham. The Spindles redevelopment is just one part of our wider regeneration Building a Better Oldham programme, including the creation of 2,000 new homes, the restoration of the Old Library building, Oldham Coliseum, and the groundbreaking Northern Roots project. “Oldham is a town on the up and our time is now, investing in our existing buildings while creating modern spaces that will increase jobs, and drive people into the town centre. This award belongs to the whole town, and it shows the confidence others are starting to share in Oldham’s future.” Shelley Kipling, Chief Executive of Oldham Council, said: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the ambition we have for Oldham.  It shows that our bold vision for the town centre is not only working but is being recognised as some of the best across the North. The Spindles redevelopment demonstrates how we can take underused spaces and turn them into something innovative and useful. “Alongside projects like the JR Clynes Building, the new market, the new event space, and the hugely successful Egyptian Room, it’s another step in creating a town centre we can all be proud of – a place where more people want to live, work, and visit.” Creating opportunities for local people has been at the heart of the Spindles regeneration. Willmott Dixon, alongside its supply chain partners have delivered 271 weeks of apprenticeship training and 117 weeks of work experience as well as creating seven T-level student placements for local young people from Oldham College. Chris Baker, Operations Manager at Willmott Dixon, commented: “As an Oldham-based company, we are really proud to play our part in shaping the future of the town centre alongside Oldham Council. “This award recognises the real team effort of local businesses that have come together to ensure Oldham is leading the way when it comes to reimagining town centres.” A delegation from the council will now travel to London on October 7th for the national BCO Awards. Phil Hepworth, Director at AEW Architects, said: “To have been selected for the Innovation Award against the entire pool of finalists is a fantastic achievement. It’s a testament to the collaborative efforts behind the project and the whole team’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the workplace.” Paul Mann, North England Regional Director at Gleeds, comments: “Spindles, the latest high street repurposing in the conversion of Spindles Shopping Centre is the next progressive step to making the town centre a place to live, work and play. It follows the completion of the Metrolink Extension from Manchester in 2014 and the investment in a new leisure facility, repurposing the Old Town hall in in 2016. “It’s been a great 4-year journey of involvement with this transformational project, which will have an untold impact on the town and people of Oldham. This award is very much deserved for the innovative approaches that were central to the project’s success. Gleeds enjoyed being part of the collaborative team that delivered Spindles and look forward to seeing it become a thriving hub for the local community for many years to come.” John Williams, SpaceInvader Director & Founder, said: “Spindles is a perfect example of how high street assets can be reimagined with innovation and purpose. By blending contemporary workspace with community-centric design, this project breathes new life into the heart of Oldham. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such a forward-thinking council, truly committed to creating spaces that serve both people and place. The recognition from the BCO is testament to the ambition and impact of a regeneration project designed to directly benefit the Oldham community.” Natalie Palframan, Procure Partnerships Framework’s Key Account Manager (North) added: “The Spindles redevelopment has transformed Oldham’s town centre and stands as a fantastic example of regeneration that delivers real social value for the local community. We are delighted to see this project recognised with such a prestigious award, which is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals