Residential : House Builders & Developers News
Work starts to transform former Bell College site in Hamilton

Work starts to transform former Bell College site in Hamilton

Work has started in Hamilton to deliver 142 new homes, representing a £42 million investment from top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat. Set to transform the former Bell College site, Keepmoat will deliver a mixed tenure scheme, including 36 affordable homes in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council.  The much needed development will

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Latimer Launches New Shared Ownership Homes in the Heart of Trafford

Latimer Launches New Shared Ownership Homes in the Heart of Trafford

Latimer at Lumina Village is soon set to launch in Trafford, a new collection of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes available with shared ownership. Launching on 17th April, the development represents Latimer’s continued investment in Manchester’s affordable housing market and offers a rare opportunity to buy with shared ownership

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Vistry to build 214 homes at Garendon Park, Loughborough

Vistry to build 214 homes at Garendon Park, Loughborough

Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed‑tenure homes, has exchanged contracts on land to deliver 214 high‑quality family homes at Garendon Park in Loughborough. The 14.2‑acre site will provide a mix of affordable and open‑market homes, with a range of two‑, three‑ and four‑bedroom properties. The wider Garendon Park scheme

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Construction starts on council homes in Carshalton

Construction starts on council homes in Carshalton

Construction has officially begun on 34 new council homes in Carshalton, as development gets underway on the Westmead Road site. Diggers moved onto 71–75 Westmead Road this week, marking the start of work on the former timber yard, which has remained vacant since demolition. London Borough of Sutton purchased the

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Race to the sky: Cardiff set for Wales’ tallest tower

Race to the sky: Cardiff set for Wales’ tallest tower

Plans for a striking 50-storey skyscraper in the heart of Cardiff have been granted planning permission, paving the way for what will become the tallest building in Wales. Developer REAP 3, a subsidiary of build-to-rent specialist BlueCastle Capital, has secured approval to replace its previously consented 35-storey project with a

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Latest Issue
Issue 339 : Apr 2026

Residential : House Builders & Developers News

Work starts to transform former Bell College site in Hamilton

Work starts to transform former Bell College site in Hamilton

Work has started in Hamilton to deliver 142 new homes, representing a £42 million investment from top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat. Set to transform the former Bell College site, Keepmoat will deliver a mixed tenure scheme, including 36 affordable homes in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council.  The much needed development will offer a range of homes including apartments, terraced, semi-detached and detached houses, together with new pedestrian routes, public play areas and green spaces. Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Scotland, said: “At Keepmoat we’re committed to breathing new life into brownfield sites and creating well-connected, multi-tenure communities and our significant investment at Hamilton is testament to that.  “As a partnership-first housebuilder, we’re also proud to be delivering affordable homes alongside South Lanarkshire Council to create much-needed accessible options. It’s great to see work start on this site as it prepares to transform a disused area in the town.” The new site will provide 36 new council homes, including a number of homes for tenants with particular needs, and will be jointly funded by the council and the Scottish Government through their Affordable Housing Supply Programme funding. Stephen Gibson, Executive Director of Housing and Technical Resources at South Lanarkshire Council, added: “These affordable homes will be a welcome addition to the council’s housing stock and will help meet the varying needs of people across Hamilton. “We are determined to provide residents across the council area with high-quality homes, and that is exactly what will be provided through this partnership with Keepmoat. I am delighted to see the work beginning that will revitalise what has been a derelict site in a prime location and am looking forward to seeing the genuine difference it will bring to people’s lives.” The site was also formerly home to Hamilton Barracks before it was converted into a college and the Almada Street Campus sold by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality homes in regions across the UK. To date, Keepmoat has built over 35,000 homes, transforming brownfield sites into thriving new communities.  For more information, please visit www.keepmoat.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Latimer Launches New Shared Ownership Homes in the Heart of Trafford

Latimer Launches New Shared Ownership Homes in the Heart of Trafford

Latimer at Lumina Village is soon set to launch in Trafford, a new collection of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes available with shared ownership. Launching on 17th April, the development represents Latimer’s continued investment in Manchester’s affordable housing market and offers a rare opportunity to buy with shared ownership in a thriving city suburb. Part of a wider regeneration project, Latimer at Lumina Village will host a mix of contemporary apartments and spacious townhouses, designed to suit a variety of buyers, from young professionals to growing families, and will help shape a vibrant new community in the heart of Trafford. Latimer at Lumina Village has been thoughtfully conceived to champion sustainable, sociable living at the vibrant heart of this much-loved pocket of Manchester.  Featuring cycle- and pedestrian-friendly pathways, generous lawns, landscaped gardens and wildflower planting, it offers the ideal setting for homebuyers seeking a greener, more balanced lifestyle within the city. The architecture reflects the area’s traditional red-brick character, with a varied roofline of three, six and seven-storey buildings adding visual interest throughout the development. Positioned directly opposite Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, Latimer at Lumina Village also provides the perfect location for residents to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of match days and summer events. Tobias Brown, Sales Director for Latimer Homes in the North, comments: “It’s a pleasure to officially launch Latimer at Lumina Village, our latest contribution to affordable homes in Manchester. For many, buying a home in a large city can often feel like making a set of compromises. Lumina Village defies that expectation – at the centre of the Trafford regeneration and with doorstep links to the city centre, this entire development is fully affordable. We’re excited to present such a valuable opportunity for new residents to be a part of a mixed and vibrant neighborhood in an up-and-coming region.” Both the apartments and townhouses at Lumina Village have been crafted to a high-quality specification, with every home designed to maximise light and space. Open-plan kitchen and living spaces flow effortlessly beneath floor-to-ceiling windows, filling each home with natural light and creating bright, welcoming interiors. Selected homes also benefit from private outdoor space, extending living beyond the indoors.  Kitchens feature sleek laminated worktops and integrated appliances, including ovens, fridges and freezers, while bathrooms are finished with contemporary, luxury tiling. These refined, practical spaces enhance the generous living areas, offering the perfect balance of comfort, flexibility and effortless entertaining. Latimer at Lumina Village offers homebuyers the opportunity to buy a share of a property, starting at 40%, with a much smaller deposit than would be required at open-market value. Homeowners then pay subsidised rent on the rest of the property, with the option to staircase their ownership and buy more shares at their own pace. This offers a chance for buyers to secure a home without a large deposit, providing a more affordable route onto Manchester’s property ladder. As part of the wider Old Trafford Regeneration Project which includes major investment in new homes, public spaces and infrastructure alongside plans for a world‑class Manchester United stadium, residents here will benefit from a revitalised, future‑focused district. The transformation will bring long‑term growth, improved transport connections and community‑led amenities to the area. Homes at Lumina Village offer the ideal balance between green, open space and vibrant city living. The development is surrounded by well‑landscaped parks, including nearby Longford Park, home to the popular Stretford Saturday Parkrun. For longer scenic walks and weekend activities, residents can head to Chorlton just a few minutes’ drive away, with its beautiful nature reserve and two expansive water parks.  At the same time, some of Manchester’s best restaurants, bars and independent cafés are within easy reach, placing the energy of the city’s thriving food and drink scene right on your doorstep. Latimer at Lumina Village also sits at the centre of a buzzing entertainment scene. Sports fans are moments from world‑class action, with Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium close by. Directly opposite, Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground brings a lively, energetic atmosphere to summer weekends. Culture lovers will feel equally at home, with MediaCity, a major UK hub for media, creative and tech industries just around the corner, and the full breadth of Manchester’s cultural scene within easy reach. The development will appeal to both families and young professionals seeking excellent transport links and strong education options. With the Old Trafford Metrolink stop on the doorstep, residents can reach Deansgate and Manchester Piccadilly stations in approximately 20 and 25 minutes, enabling seamless travel across the city and beyond. The wider Trafford area also has a strong reputation for education, offering highly rated primary and secondary free schools. Just next door is University Academy 92, a pioneering institution offering degrees and courses in sport, business, media and digital studies. Prices at Latimer at Lumina Village start from £89,000 for a 40% share of a one bedroom apartment. Further information can be found at  https://www.latimerhomes.com/new-build-homes/manchester/homes-trafford/lumina Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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More homes for Sheffield, as contractors start work on Park Hill’s newest phase

More homes for Sheffield, as contractors start work on Park Hill’s newest phase 

As they continue their long-term commitment to the transformation of Park Hill in Sheffield, joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People have appointed GMI Construction Group PLC to deliver the fourth phase of the landmark development.  The news follows a recent £6.4m deal with Homes England and news that Great Places will deliver 24% affordable homes within the new phase. Work has started onsite this month, with GMI leading the construction of 125 new apartments alongside new public realm, EV charging points, car club facilities, and secure bike storage.  Ed Weston, Regional Director for Yorkshire at GMI Construction Group, said: “As a Yorkshire-based company, we’re especially proud to be appointed to deliver the refurbishment of Phase Four at Park Hill,  a development that holds enormous architectural and cultural importance for the city of Sheffield and the wider region. Projects of this nature demand a sensitive, experienced approach, and GMI’s strong track record in refurbishment and urban regeneration makes us well placed to work with an iconic and much-loved landmark of this scale.  “Phase 4 represents the next chapter in Park Hill’s careful evolution. Our priority is exceptional delivery, respecting the building’s heritage while creating high-quality, sustainable homes and public spaces that will support a thriving, long-term community.”  The new homes will build on decades of progress made by Urban Splash and Places for People at Park Hill, where the partnership has already completed 455 homes, accommodation for 356 students, more than 50,000 sq ft of commercial workspace, and extensive landscaping and public realm.  A fifth phase – which already has planning consent – will deliver a further 105 homes (a mix of one- to four-bedroom apartments, duplexes and townhouses), alongside 2,000 sq ft of new commercial space for independent local businesses, complementing the area’s growing community of occupiers including South Street Kitchen, The Pearl, and the Grace Owen Nursery.  Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director for Central and North Developments at Places for People, added: “We’re proud of what’s been achieved at Park Hill so far – creating new homes and public spaces in a setting with real heritage. This next phase continues our commitment to creating thriving communities and making the area a great place to live, work and visit.”  Sian Stanhope of Urban Splash, who is Development Manager at Park Hill, said: “This next phase marks another step forward in the long-term regeneration of Park Hill. Our ambition has always been to create a vibrant, mixed community here – and this milestone brings us even closer to delivering on that vision.”  Urban Splash and Places for People are also working in joint venture on the development of Port Loop in Birmingham, where their latest phase – Mansion House – has just completed, offering 58 new apartments across a mix of tenures.  For further information and to register for details of the new homes visit: https://www.urbansplash.co.uk/regeneration/projects/park-hill Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Tustin Estate's Next Chapter: Bouygues UK Signs Contract to Deliver 284 New Homes for Southwark Residents as Phase 2 Progresses

Tustin Estate’s Next Chapter: Bouygues UK Signs Contract to Deliver 284 New Homes for Southwark Residents as Phase 2 Progresses

Building on the success of Phase 1, Bouygues UK continues as both developer and contractor, delivering a landmark estate regeneration scheme in partnership with residents. Bouygues UK is pleased to announce the contract signing for Phase 2 of the Tustin Estate regeneration in Southwark, a significant milestone in one of London’s most ambitious community-led housing programmes. Bouygues UK brings a unique, integrated approach to the scheme, enabling end-to-end accountability and seamless delivery. Phase 2 will deliver 284 new homes, comprising 279 council homes and 5 shared equity homes for returning leaseholders. This will provide long-term, quality housing for residents at the heart of their community. ‘Tustin Estate is a community with deep roots, and it deserves a developer who is equally committed to its future. We are proud to be Southwark’s long-term partner in delivering genuinely affordable homes. Together we are creating a neighbourhood that residents can be proud of for generations to come’ Oliver Campbell, Managing Director, Development, Bouygues UK The announcement builds on the successful completion of Phase 1, where close collaboration between Bouygues UK, Southwark Council and local residents set a high standard for community engagement, design and delivery. Lessons learned from Phase 1 will ensure Phase 2 achieves the same high quality and community focussed delivery. Maintaining continuity of the project team across phases means residents benefit from a team that knows the estate intimately, its people, its history, and its ambitions. Project Highlights A Commitment to Sustainable Design Sustainability is embedded throughout Phase 2. The continuation of the SELCHP district heating connection reduces residents’ reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources, while the targeted 85% carbon emissions reduction against Part L sets a benchmark for low-carbon residential development in London. Bouygues UK’s in-house sustainability expertise ensures that environmental ambition is an outcome delivered in practice. A Neighbourhood Shaped by Its Community Building on the successful community partnerships established during Phase 1, Bouygues UK continues to work in close collaboration with residents to co-create their future neighbourhood. Collaborative design workshops with dRMM Studio Architects have empowered residents to influence everything from estate signage to interior colour schemes, ensuring the development authentically reflects the community’s aspirations. This resident-centred approach goes beyond consultation. It represents a genuine commitment to placemaking, giving the people who will live in these homes a real and meaningful stake in how they are designed and built. ‘Collaborating with residents and architects to create homes that genuinely fit the community has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. Our goal is for Tustin Estate to be a place residents are proud to call home.’ Manon Smits, Development Manager, Bouygues UK Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Vistry to build 214 homes at Garendon Park, Loughborough

Vistry to build 214 homes at Garendon Park, Loughborough

Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed‑tenure homes, has exchanged contracts on land to deliver 214 high‑quality family homes at Garendon Park in Loughborough. The 14.2‑acre site will provide a mix of affordable and open‑market homes, with a range of two‑, three‑ and four‑bedroom properties. The wider Garendon Park scheme already benefits from outline planning consent, and Vistry expects to submit a reserved matters application for its parcel in the coming weeks. The development forms part of the major 3,200‑home Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) to the west of Loughborough. This wider scheme will include 16 hectares of employment land, a mixed‑use community hub, two new primary schools, and extensive public open space including parks, play areas, allotments, access roads and a strategic link road. Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry Group’s Partnerships division in the South East Midlands, said:“It’s exciting to be building so many family homes on this major new development that aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering high‑quality, sustainable, and community‑centric places to live. Our homes will be designed to blend seamlessly with their surroundings and will set a new benchmark in modern living, bringing untold benefits to the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Construction starts on council homes in Carshalton

Construction starts on council homes in Carshalton

Construction has officially begun on 34 new council homes in Carshalton, as development gets underway on the Westmead Road site. Diggers moved onto 71–75 Westmead Road this week, marking the start of work on the former timber yard, which has remained vacant since demolition. London Borough of Sutton purchased the site in September 2025 as part of its wider plan to deliver more than 600 new council homes by 2028. All homes in the new four-storey development will be available for social rent, with a mix of flats and maisonettes designed to accommodate wheelchair users and larger families. The scheme will include ten three-bedroom properties, along with parking, private gardens, a landscaped courtyard and a children’s play area. The homes are expected to be built to Passivhaus standards, helping reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and fuel costs for residents. A green roof will also be installed to support biodiversity, while improvements to Westmead Road aim to reflect the character of the surrounding area. The development is also set to bring local benefits through construction-related jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities for residents. The council said it will have nearly 600 new homes either completed or under construction by 2028, with plans to bid for more, potentially bringing the total to around 1,300—one of the highest levels of council housebuilding in London relative to existing housing stock. Jeremy Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Bugler Developments, said: “Bugler Developments is proud to announce its role in the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Westmead Road project which is being delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Sutton. “The event marks a significant milestone in bringing this development to life, following our successful collaboration on the Beech Tree Place scheme. As the appointed contractor, we will lead the construction of the project, which is set to deliver 34 much-needed, high-quality social rent homes to the borough. “We are delighted to stand alongside our client, Councillor Short and the Council’s Director of Housing today as we break ground on a project that we hope will have a lasting impact on the community. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional quality, innovation and teamwork throughout every stage of construction at Westmead Road.” Construction is expected to continue over the coming months, with the development targeted for completion in spring 2028. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Work starts on £30 million transformation project near Prittlewell Camp

Work starts on £30 million transformation project near Prittlewell Camp

Work has started on a transformative scheme which is set to create 122 new homes on vacant land in Southend-on-Sea. Driven by top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, and unlocked through a partnership with Homes England, the developer will invest more than £30 million to transform the land adjacent to Prittlewell Camp. With the first homes set to be available in spring, 30 percent will be delivered as affordable housing via a local housing association. All 122 homes will form part of the local council’s wider Fossetts Way project, set to create up to 900 homes. Victor Idowu, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat South Midlands, said: “We are excited to see the culmination of nearly two years of collaboration and hard work with Homes England and the Southend-on-Sea planners for Fossetts Farm.  “At Keepmoat, we pride ourselves on our strong partnership model, which has enabled us to work with Homes England to unlock another challenging site, praised by the local planning committee for its high level of design. “The development will provide 2, 3, and 4-bedroom family homes, creating a vibrant new community in the area. The site has been designed with a focus on placemaking and will enhance the accessibility of the Scheduled Ancient Monument, Prittlewell Camp. It is also conveniently located near to Prittlewell train station and a variety of local amenities.” The Fossetts Farm development will also see ten full-time jobs and apprenticeships created, alongside local labour and supply chain opportunities.  Simon Dougall, Head of Disposals at Homes England, added: “This is a key milestone for the Fossetts Farm development, enabling Keepmoat to progress with transforming the site into high‑quality homes for local people. “Homes England’s involvement has been vital in unlocking this site and supporting the delivery of much‑needed new homes. This is a prime example of how we work collaboratively with partners to create sustainable, thriving communities.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK. To date, almost 70 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites. To find out more, please visit: www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Bouygues UK Celebrates Completion of Tustin Estate Phase 1, Delivering 167 New Homes For Southwark

Bouygues UK Celebrates Completion of Tustin Estate Phase 1, Delivering 167 New Homes For Southwark

Bouygues UK, acting as both developer and contractor, today announces the successful completion of Phase 1 of the Tustin Estate regeneration project in partnership with the London Borough of Southwark. The milestone marks the delivery of 167 high-quality new homes for existing residents, representing a transformative step in the community-led redevelopment of this 1960s housing estate near Old Kent Road. Phase 1, which is 100% replacement affordable homes, forms part of a larger £303million regeneration project that will ultimately deliver 690 homes across the estate by 2030. The completion of this first phase demonstrates Bouygues UK and Southwark’s commitment to resident-focused development and sustainable urban regeneration. A community-led approach to estate regeneration The Tustin Estate redevelopment was mandated through a democratic resident ballot in February 2021, where residents voted in favour of comprehensive estate renewal. This resident-first approach has been central to the project’s success, with the community actively shaping every aspect of the design and delivery through the Tustin Resident Project Group and extensive consultation sessions. “The completion of Phase 1 represents more than just new buildings, it’s the realisation of the residents’ vision for their community,” said Philippe Bernard, CEO and Chair at Bouygues UK. “Working as both developer and contractor has allowed us to maintain our commitment to quality, sustainability, and community engagement throughout every stage of this project. We’re incredibly proud to have delivered these homes in partnership with Southwark Council and, most importantly, the Tustin Estate community.”  Sustainable design and quality housing The completed Phase 1 homes are spread across three sites on the estate and have been designed by award-winning architects dRMM, in collaboration with Adam Khan Architects and JA Projects. The development prioritises sustainability and quality of life, featuring: The wider masterplan targets a 94% reduction in carbon emissions when in use, reflecting both Bouygues UK and Southwark Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: “This is a proud moment for the Tustin community and for Southwark. These first new homes are more than bricks and mortar – they represent security, opportunity and a fresh start for the families who are moving in. We worked closely with residents every step of the way, and their ideas have helped shape a neighbourhood that is greener, safer and built to last. Delivering 167 new council homes in this first phase shows the scale of our ambition. We are determined to keep building the high quality, affordable homes that people in our borough deserve.” Resident voices at the heart of Tustin Estate Development The success of Phase 1 has been built on genuine partnership with the Tustin Estate community. Residents have participated in weekly drop-in sessions, design workshops, and monthly project updates throughout the development process, ensuring their voices shaped the final outcome of their new homes. Andrew Eke, a Tustin Estate resident and Chair of Tustin Community Association, said: “The completion of Phase 1 reflects the strength of residents, the council, and the developer working together with trust, respect, and a shared purpose. This milestone has delivered the high quality homes our community deserves and reinforces our collective commitment to transforming the Tustin Estate into the vibrant, welcoming estate we all envision” The project team worked with community engagement specialists Urban Symbotics to ensure inclusive consultation, reaching younger residents, older residents, and all demographics across the estate. This approach resulted in the Tustin Estate Residents’ Manifesto, which has guided decision-making throughout the project. Lee, who is due to move into his new flat this week said ‘This new home will be life-changing for me and my wife. She is a wheelchair user and she can now finally have some independence and she is able to start cooking again.’ Phase 1 of this project has also seen community days as a focus to bring together everyone living on the estate and the teams involved in transforming it. The Tustin Estate regeneration project represents a significant investment in South London’s future, combining quality housing delivery with meaningful community engagement and environmental sustainability. David Banfield, Senior Project Manager at Pulse Consult, which led the project planning and programming for Phase 1 and will continue to work on the remaining phases, said: “From the outset, this project has been built on collaboration with the community and a real understanding of their needs. We’ve put clear workflows and processes in place to keep work moving efficiently, while remaining flexible to adapt as needed, always with the end users in mind. Consistent communication has been key – within project teams, the council, and most importantly the local community – ensuring everyone stays informed and engaged. This reflects a standard approach at Pulse: combining strong planning with proactive collaboration to deliver outcomes that truly meet the needs of those who will use them.” Future phases of Tustin Estate With Phase 1 now complete, work continues on subsequent phases of the Tustin Estate regeneration. Phase 2, with Bouygues UK as Developer and Contractor, will deliver 284 homes and is currently progressing through the planning process. The completed estate will include: A model for estate regeneration The Tustin Estate project was the first large-scale development procured through Pagabo’s Developer Led Framework, establishing a precedent for efficient, community-focused estate regeneration. Jonathan Parker, Head of Construction at Pagabo, commented: “It would be difficult to find a better large-scale scheme than that of Tustin Estate to be the first procured through our Developer Led Framework. Connecting Bouygues UK with the London Borough of Southwark is set to create social and economic value for the local community following a fair and competitive tender process – ensuring the best outcomes for all involved.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Race to the sky: Cardiff set for Wales’ tallest tower

Race to the sky: Cardiff set for Wales’ tallest tower

Plans for a striking 50-storey skyscraper in the heart of Cardiff have been granted planning permission, paving the way for what will become the tallest building in Wales. Developer REAP 3, a subsidiary of build-to-rent specialist BlueCastle Capital, has secured approval to replace its previously consented 35-storey project with a significantly taller mixed-use tower. The development will rise to 178 metres and be located beside Cardiff Central Station and the Principality Stadium. Once built, the tower will comfortably surpass Swansea’s 107-metre Meridian Tower, which currently holds the title of Wales’ tallest building. The new scheme will deliver 528 build-to-rent apartments, including 344 one-bedroom and 184 two-bedroom homes. Plans also include a two-storey pavilion building providing commercial space for uses such as restaurants. The development site sits between Wood Street and Rose Lane within the city’s Central Square regeneration district. The new skyscraper will dominate the skyline in this part of the city and significantly exceed the height of the existing 29-storey Meridian Tower in Swansea. Designs for the building include two staircases and five lifts to support residents and visitors. According to REAP 3, the development has been carefully designed to accommodate heavy footfall, particularly during major events at the nearby Principality Stadium, when as many as 80,000 people can pass through the area. The project team includes architect 5plus, structural and MEP engineer WSP, cost consultant Gleeds and BREEAM adviser RLB. BlueCastle Capital is currently assembling a pipeline of build-to-rent developments across several UK cities, although the company is still working to move its first wave of schemes into construction. At present, the developer’s pipeline stands at around 2,500 homes across five projects. BlueCastle Capital build-to-rent pipeline Scheme | Location | Scale | Status Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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From pharma HQ to riverside neighbourhood: 2,300 homes approved for Brentford regeneration site

From pharma HQ to riverside neighbourhood: 2,300 homes approved for Brentford regeneration site

Plans to transform the former GlaxoSmithKline headquarters in Brentford into a major mixed-use neighbourhood featuring more than 2,300 homes have been approved. Developer Hadley Property Group has secured planning permission for the large-scale redevelopment of the 13-acre site at 980 Great West Road in West London. The scheme will deliver over 2,300 homes across a mix of tenures, with 35% designated as affordable housing. Alongside the residential development, plans include around 330,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, creating a new neighbourhood along the M4 corridor. A key part of the development involves retaining and repurposing two of the main buildings from the former GlaxoSmithKline campus, including its landmark tower. Hadley, which acquired the site three years ago, said the approach will help reduce embodied carbon while allowing the creation of new homes with large balconies, shared amenity spaces and a rooftop conservatory. The reuse strategy is expected to save more than 34,500 tonnes of embodied carbon during the demolition and construction stages. Studio Egret West is leading the redesign of the tower and is also involved in new affordable housing elements and the wider landscaping across the site. More than 60% of the development area will be given over to public realm, including new play spaces, gardens and improved access to the River Brent and nearby Boston Manor Park. The proposals also include around 23,000 sq m of employment space, with flexible units intended for local businesses, markets and community events. Hadley said the project will open up what has historically been a closed corporate campus, introducing a series of distinct areas described as arrival, central, underside and riverside zones designed to reconnect the site with Brentford High Street. One of the more distinctive features of the masterplan is a strip of public space known as the Underside, which will run beneath the elevated M4 motorway. A number of architectural practices are involved in the project, including Haworth Tompkins, Studio Egret West, Metropolitan Workshop and DRMM. The wider project team includes TPS as project manager, Gardiner & Theobald as quantity surveyor and Buro Happold providing MEP services. Andy Portlock, chief executive of Hadley, said reaching planning approval reflected the collaborative approach taken with the local authority. He said the development combines a major retrofit strategy with a strong focus on creating a new community, adding that the scheme will include a range of housing tenures alongside facilities such as a new NHS primary care centre and a technology and innovation hub as part of the emerging Golden Mile district in Brentford. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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