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

A major regeneration programme set to transform one of Camden’s longest-established council estates has taken a significant step forward after Higgins Partnerships was appointed to deliver the first phase of the £500m West Kentish Town Estate redevelopment. The opening phase will provide 52 new affordable homes across two contemporary six-storey residential buildings, marking the beginning of a long-term regeneration programme that will ultimately deliver more than 850 new homes alongside enhanced public spaces and community infrastructure. Located on the occupied 1960s estate, the first phase has been carefully designed to ensure existing residents remain at the heart of the regeneration process. Of the new homes, 48 will be available for social rent, enabling returning council tenants to remain within the community, while four homes have been allocated for existing leaseholders. The wider masterplan, prepared by Alford Hall Monaghan Morris, sets out an ambitious vision to create a modern, sustainable neighbourhood featuring approximately 325 new council homes, improved open spaces, better pedestrian connections and enhanced public realm designed to support healthier, more vibrant communities. Designed by Mae Architects, the first phase has also been developed with sustainability in mind, incorporating measures to reduce operational energy demand and lower carbon emissions as part of Camden Council’s wider environmental ambitions. The regeneration has been shaped by more than a decade of consultation with residents, local stakeholders and neighbouring communities. In 2020, the proposals received overwhelming resident support, with 93% voting in favour of the estate’s comprehensive redevelopment. The procurement process also reflected the project’s community-focused approach, with local residents and the headteacher of a nearby primary school participating in the contractor selection process. Declan Higgins, Chief Executive of Higgins Group, said the company was committed not only to delivering high-quality affordable homes but also to creating lasting social value through employment, training and skills opportunities that would benefit local people throughout the construction programme. Councillor Nasrine Djemai, Camden Council’s Cabinet Member for New Homes and Community Investment, said the redevelopment would provide the safer, larger and higher-quality homes that residents had consistently called for while helping to address housing need across the borough. The project forms a key part of Camden’s Community Investment Programme and represents one of the capital’s most significant estate regeneration initiatives, combining new affordable housing with long-term investment in community wellbeing, sustainability and placemaking. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals