Morro, Scape Group’s co-living developer, has been granted planning permission for its 150-home co-living scheme on Kingsland Road in Haggerston. The plans, revised from a previously approved 2020 submission, include an extra 31 homes whilst maintaining the same visual and heritage impact. The approved proposal features an enhanced amenity offering,
Salford-based builder, Watson, has submitted plans to transform a 1.55-acre site on Charter Street, Accrington into 40 new homes. The development represents the latest chapter in the regeneration of this key site, which previously contained railway sidings, an engine shed, and a sports club and was recently acquired from Hyndburn
Allegro acquisition marks a significant step in expanding UK property portfolios Global real estate powerhouse QuadReal Property Group and Canadian investment firm Realstar have announced the acquisition of Allegro, a prominent Build-to-Rent (BtR) development in Birmingham’s One Exchange Square. This joint venture adds the impressive 345,662 sq. ft scheme to
NATIONAL regeneration housebuilder Lovell Partnerships has seen its work gather pace at a new mixed tenure development site in Telford, within the highly anticipated Station Quarter regeneration project alongside Telford and Wrekin Council, Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd, and Bowmer and Kirkland. The £45.7m scheme located just north of the town
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, is to deliver a further 608 homes across phases four and five of Eastern Green in Coventry, with half of them delivered in joint venture partnership with award-winning housing provider Citizen. Eastern Green is a sustainable urban extension of Coventry, with outline
Vistry Group has joined forces with Paradigm Housing Group and Leaf Living to deliver 370 homes on a newly acquired site in Kidlington, near Oxford. The development, situated near Oxford Parkway station and Oxford Park and Ride, has outline planning permission. Vistry is collaborating with Cherwell District Council to finalise
Bellway is finalising its Indigo Park development in Chichester as the three-year construction project approaches completion. The housebuilder has transformed the former Portfield Quarry and UMA House site off Shopwhyke Road into a collection of new houses and apartments. A total of 66 properties at the 88-home development have now
South Cambridgeshire District Council has granted planning permission for up to 4,500 new homes at Waterbeach New Town East, marking a major step in the development of the area into a new town. The outline permission, issued to RLW Estates, includes plans for housing as well as business, retail, community,
Starlight Investments, a global leader in real estate investment and asset management, has taken another significant step in its UK growth strategy with the acquisition of a 300-suite build-to-rent (BTR) community currently under development in Leeds. The property, acquired from Leeds-based developer Torsion Group, occupies a prime location on the
Zephyr X Developments has been granted detailed planning permission for a transformative £135 million build-to-rent (BTR) development at 500 Avebury Boulevard in Milton Keynes city centre. This ambitious redevelopment will replace the former Allianz offices with 376 high-quality, luxury apartments, redefining the rental landscape in the region. Modern Living Redefined
Morro, Scape Group’s co-living developer, has been granted planning permission for its 150-home co-living scheme on Kingsland Road in Haggerston. The plans, revised from a previously approved 2020 submission, include an extra 31 homes whilst maintaining the same visual and heritage impact. The approved proposal features an enhanced amenity offering, including a gym, co-working spaces and a landscaped rooftop accessible to all residents. Residents will also benefit from the site’s excellent connectivity, located just 300 metres from Haggerston Overground Station with regular connections to the Victoria Line via Highbury and Islington, as well as Shoreditch and the City. The scheme, which backs onto the Regent’s Canal, is just a 15-minute walk to the green spaces of London Fields. The development will revitalise a currently vacant 0.2-hectare site providing best-in-class accommodation. The scheme will support Hackney in reaching its housing targets as well as providing over 1,500 sqm of affordable workspace to the area. In addition, renewable technologies such as solar PV will feature alongside delivering direct and indirect jobs both during construction and in operation. This is the fourth major co-living scheme in the capital that Morro has secured planning permission for, following approvals in Surrey Quays, Hackney Wick and Walthamstow – indicating the team’s commitment to bringing a diverse range of much-needed housing solutions to the London market. Neil Smith, Managing Director at Morro and Scape Group, said: “At Morro, we are committed to providing flexible, thoughtful, and well-designed housing that meet the needs of contemporary city living. We’re delighted to be working closely with Veretec, Ab Rogers Design, Nicola Harding Design and Hackney Council to transform this site into high quality, canal-side living and contribute to the rich and dynamic character of the area. Work is expected to start on site towards the end of the year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salford-based builder, Watson, has submitted plans to transform a 1.55-acre site on Charter Street, Accrington into 40 new homes. The development represents the latest chapter in the regeneration of this key site, which previously contained railway sidings, an engine shed, and a sports club and was recently acquired from Hyndburn Council. The proposed development comprises 32 houses and eight cottage flats, all of which will be delivered as affordable homes through partnership with a registered housing provider. The scheme has been carefully designed to complement the surrounding area while maximising the potential of this emerging housing allocation site. Located off Charter Street, the development will benefit from good transport links and proximity to Accrington town centre. It will also provide adequate parking and attractive landscaping to create a desirable new neighbourhood. Rob Watson, director at Watson, said: “This planning submission represents an important step forward in bringing new life to this historic site. We have extensive experience in delivering high-quality affordable homes across Lancashire and look forward to working with our partners to create a development that meets local housing needs and contributes positively to the area.” Subject to planning approval, the development will transform a key site in Accrington, providing much-needed affordable homes. This latest scheme adds to Watson’s strong track record in delivering affordable housing across the North West, with more than 1,210 homes completed and 659 currently in development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Allegro acquisition marks a significant step in expanding UK property portfolios Global real estate powerhouse QuadReal Property Group and Canadian investment firm Realstar have announced the acquisition of Allegro, a prominent Build-to-Rent (BtR) development in Birmingham’s One Exchange Square. This joint venture adds the impressive 345,662 sq. ft scheme to their portfolios, featuring 603 modern rental units across three interlinked buildings. A standout feature of the development is the expansive central garden podium, complemented by ground-floor retail and leisure spaces. Residents also benefit from a range of premium amenities, including a gym, co-working areas, a roof terrace, and 150 car parking spaces. Situated in the heart of Birmingham, One Exchange Square enjoys a prime location near key transport links, employment hubs, university campuses, and a wealth of shopping, dining, and leisure options. The scheme addresses Birmingham’s increasing demand for high-quality rental housing. With the city’s population expected to grow by approximately 3.9% between 2018 and 2028, and a student population of nearly 100,000, mid-market rental properties are in particularly high demand. Jay Kwan, Managing Director, Head of Europe, International Real Estate, at QuadReal, highlighted the strategic value of the acquisition:“The purchase of Allegro reflects our conviction in the living sector and our strategy of acquiring high-quality assets in prime locations like Birmingham. This sector remains a global priority for us, and Allegro strengthens our growing portfolio of BtR investments across Europe.” Ryan Prince, Vice Chairman of Realstar, added:“Allegro is a fantastic addition to our UK portfolio. We are excited to invest further in the property to align it with our UNCLE brand standards. This will enhance its appeal and integrate it into our wider portfolio of over 5,000 UNCLE-branded rental apartments across London, Manchester, and Leeds.” Allegro represents a significant milestone for both QuadReal and Realstar, underscoring their shared commitment to investing in vibrant, growing cities and delivering high-quality, tenant-focused living spaces. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
NATIONAL regeneration housebuilder Lovell Partnerships has seen its work gather pace at a new mixed tenure development site in Telford, within the highly anticipated Station Quarter regeneration project alongside Telford and Wrekin Council, Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd, and Bowmer and Kirkland. The £45.7m scheme located just north of the town centre will deliver 189 new homes in a mixture of one-, two- and three-bedroom townhouses and apartments, revitalising the Telford community through the first major project of its kind in the area. Lovell has been appointed by Nuplace – Telford & Wrekin Council’s wholly owned housing company – to deliver 31 low-rise apartments and 74 town houses. Bowmer and Kirkland has also been appointed to deliver the 5 storey, 84 nr apartment block. The homes will be available through a mix of private rent, affordable rent and shared ownership. Stuart Penn, regional managing director at Lovell Partnerships said: “This scheme marks an important milestone for Lovell in the West Midlands, having supported Telford & Wrekin Council for around 10 years on various projects to enhance the region’s housing provision, including five other projects in the Borough that we are currently developing. “Throughout that time, we have been led by our regeneration expertise and understanding of the local area, and we are proud to be part of this important regeneration for Telford. Station Quarter is an impressive scheme and will play a large part in supporting growth for the area, while also providing the existing communities with more job opportunities, access to new facilities and an overall enhanced living environment. “The West Midlands continues to be an incredibly important region for development that we are proud to be supporting, and we remain committed to working alongside key partners, regenerating brownfield sites and leaving a lasting legacy.” Nuplace has successfully secured £4.725m of grant funding from West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to support the delivery of this scheme. Nuplace’s contemporary fully furnished apartments have been designed specifically with various eco-friendly features to contribute towards the council’s commitment to tackle climate change and help tenants to reduce their fuel bills. The apartment building will benefit from ground floor amenity space spilling out onto a terrace, providing residents with an opportunity for work from home hot desking and socialising. Development management and project management services are being provided for the apartments by Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd (GKRL). Matt Brennan, senior project manager, GKRL: “We are delighted and proud to be providing Development Management and Project Management services, working together with Telford & Wrekin Council, in the delivery of the Apartments at Station Quarter. Working together with Kate and the team, the apartments progressing is a momentous milestone in the station quarter journey. The scheme epitomises the catalyst for Telford’s significant regeneration plans.” Bowmer + Kirkland Regional Director, Gary Bradley, said: “We are delighted to be joining Telford & Wrekin Council, GKRL and the wider project team in constructing 84 apartments as part of the very important Station Quarter scheme. “The project will generate opportunities for local businesses and individuals and we are looking forward to seeing the project’s progress.” The Station Quarter residential project is part of a wider Telford and Wrekin regeneration programme aimed at transforming other areas of the borough including Oakengates and Wellington, with a total investment of £135m. This includes £52m in government grants topped up with a further £83m from Telford & Wrekin Council and other public/private sector partners. For more information, visit: https://corporate.lovell.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, is to deliver a further 608 homes across phases four and five of Eastern Green in Coventry, with half of them delivered in joint venture partnership with award-winning housing provider Citizen. Eastern Green is a sustainable urban extension of Coventry, with outline planning permission in place for 2,400 homes and other community services. Vistry and Citizen are already developing phase one, which is providing 247 homes. Across phases four and five, 304 of the homes will be sold on the open market via Vistry’s retail housing brands, with 152 homes delivered for Citizen via the site’s Section 106 agreement, and the balance of 152 homes delivered as ‘additional’ affordable homes thanks to the joint venture partnership. Alongside the new homes, the Urban Extension at Eastern Green is providing 15ha of new employment space, 10,000 sq m of retail space, a primary school, a new local centre and a convenience store, as well as a range of ecological enhancements. James Warrington, Executive Chair at Vistry Group, said: “Continuing our joint venture with Citizen at Eastern Green is great example of Vistry’s long term partnerships strategy – it’s enabling us to provide more than 800 new homes across three phases, with 50% of them offered in affordable tenures and the remainder for sale with one of our retail housing brands, perfectly demonstrating the strengths of the Group.” Nick Byrne, Executive Director of Development at Citizen, said: “We’re pleased to be continuing our joint venture with Vistry and provide more affordable and market sale homes for people living in the West Midlands. “At Citizen we have an ambitious development programme to build homes to meet the needs of our region and we also work with our partners, including Vistry, to make a positive difference to our customers and communities. “We’re looking forward to seeing work at Eastern Green in Coventry continue building on our existing presence in the area.” Tim Roberts, CEO at Henry Boot, commented: “This sale to Vistry is a significant transaction for Hallam, executing the phased sale of the wider Pickford Gate site according to plan, which will create thousands of much needed new homes in the area. It also highlights the continued demand for prime sites from leading national housebuilders.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group has joined forces with Paradigm Housing Group and Leaf Living to deliver 370 homes on a newly acquired site in Kidlington, near Oxford. The development, situated near Oxford Parkway station and Oxford Park and Ride, has outline planning permission. Vistry is collaborating with Cherwell District Council to finalise a Reserved Matters application for the site. As part of its broader strategy, Vistry has pre-sold 139 homes to Paradigm Housing Group. These homes will be offered under shared ownership and affordable rent tenures, providing vital housing options for local residents. Additionally, Leaf Living has acquired 56 homes to be offered as private rentals. This marks another milestone in Leaf’s ongoing partnership with Vistry, announced last year. Vistry will also sell 46 homes under the First Homes scheme, offering discounted market rates for qualifying buyers, while the remaining 129 homes will be sold on the open market through its Bovis Homes brand. Beyond housing, the development will provide significant benefits to the local community. Plans include new allotments, public open spaces, play areas, and an on-site sports pitch. Vistry will also invest approximately £8 million in local infrastructure, including improvements to education, transport, and sports facilities. Construction is set to begin once final approvals are in place, with the site poised to deliver much-needed homes and amenities for the Kidlington area. Supriya Ray, Regional Managing Director of Vistry Cotswolds, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Paradigm and Leaf Living here in Kidlington. The site will deliver a significant number of high quality, mixed-tenure homes, giving local people a real chance to own or rent a new home, whilst we will also be providing a range of other community services and facilities. Additionally, we will utilise the quality of our Bovis Homes brand to sell the open-market homes, perfectly demonstrating the unique strengths of our Group.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway is finalising its Indigo Park development in Chichester as the three-year construction project approaches completion. The housebuilder has transformed the former Portfield Quarry and UMA House site off Shopwhyke Road into a collection of new houses and apartments. A total of 66 properties at the 88-home development have now been occupied, and work on the final homes is to be completed in March next year. The scheme is delivering 77 properties for private sale and 11 affordable homes for rent and shared ownership, alongside public open space with a children’s play area. The homes range from one and two-bedroom apartments to three and four-bedroom houses. As part of the planning agreement for the development, Bellway has contributed £230,120 towards improvement work on the A27 and £51,000 towards Chichester Harbour Special Protection Area. Daniel Williamson, sales director for Bellway South London, said: “As we approach the final stages of construction, it’s wonderful to see how a strong sense of community has developed here. “Indigo Park has welcomed a diverse range of residents, from first-time buyers and downsizers to growing families, attracted by the varied mix of apartments and houses, attainable prices and attractive location on the outskirts of Chichester. “We’re proud to have delivered a development which has provided high-quality new homes and breathed new life into a previously vacant brownfield site. “Alongside this, our financial contributions have supported vital infrastructure and environmental schemes which will benefit not only new residents but the wider community.” Bellway’s plans for the Indigo Park development were approved by Chichester District Council in November 2021 and construction work began on site in April the following year. The first residents moved into their homes in May 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
South Cambridgeshire District Council has granted planning permission for up to 4,500 new homes at Waterbeach New Town East, marking a major step in the development of the area into a new town. The outline permission, issued to RLW Estates, includes plans for housing as well as business, retail, community, leisure and sports facilities. The project will also provide new primary and secondary schools and a sixth form centre. Combined with earlier approval for 6,500 homes by developer Urban&Civic, this latest decision completes the vision outlined in the council’s 2018 Local Plan for the new Waterbeach settlement. The original planning application was approved in principle by the council’s Planning Committee in January 2021, subject to infrastructure agreements and conditions. These included commitments to affordable housing, new schools, and community facilities secured through a Section 106 agreement. Progress on the project faced delays due to concerns raised by the Environment Agency over water supply adequacy. Cambridge Water’s plans to meet future demand prompted the agency to object to the application. To address these concerns, the Water Scarcity Group, established in 2023, brought together local stakeholders, including the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service, to work toward a resolution. In November 2024, the Environment Agency withdrew its objection, recommending the imposition of specific conditions to address water supply challenges. One significant condition of the approval is the relocation of Waterbeach Railway Station, which must be completed before any new homes are occupied. The Greater Cambridge Partnership, in collaboration with Homes England, has taken responsibility for delivering the station relocation. With these challenges resolved and conditions in place, the council has now given the final go-ahead for the project, paving the way for significant housing and infrastructure development in Greater Cambridge. This approval marks a critical milestone in the delivery of a sustainable and vibrant new community at Waterbeach. Image: LDA Design Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Starlight Investments, a global leader in real estate investment and asset management, has taken another significant step in its UK growth strategy with the acquisition of a 300-suite build-to-rent (BTR) community currently under development in Leeds. The property, acquired from Leeds-based developer Torsion Group, occupies a prime location on the eastern edge of Leeds city centre. Residents will enjoy easy access to popular spots like Kirkgate and other vibrant leisure destinations, all within walking distance, as well as excellent public transport links. The two-tower development, now under construction, will feature modern 10- and 17-storey buildings offering a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with 63 underground parking spaces. Upon completion, the community will be packed with premium amenities, including a state-of-the-art gym, a cinema, and two rooftop terraces. The design prioritises sustainability, reflecting Starlight’s commitment to eco-conscious living. Leeds, the UK’s third-largest city, is a thriving financial and employment hub known for its blend of historic charm and modern appeal. With a vibrant arts scene, leading universities, and a dynamic business environment, Leeds attracts a diverse population of students and professionals alike. This acquisition marks Starlight’s second in Leeds this year, reinforcing the company’s European residential asset management strategy. The addition of this project brings Starlight UK’s portfolio to over 3,600 managed suites, demonstrating its growing influence in the market. “We are excited to further strengthen Starlight’s footprint in Leeds, one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities,” said Jonnie Milich, Head of UK Residential at Starlight Investments. “This exceptional build-to-rent community highlights our dedication to providing high-quality rental housing across the UK. In 2024 alone, we’ve added over 2,400 suites to our UK portfolio, and we’re eager to continue expanding in the year ahead.” With its ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier residential properties, Starlight Investments continues to play a key role in shaping the future of UK housing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Zephyr X Developments has been granted detailed planning permission for a transformative £135 million build-to-rent (BTR) development at 500 Avebury Boulevard in Milton Keynes city centre. This ambitious redevelopment will replace the former Allianz offices with 376 high-quality, luxury apartments, redefining the rental landscape in the region. Modern Living Redefined The development, designed to integrate seamlessly with Milton Keynes’ vibrant urban landscape, will deliver eight storeys of meticulously crafted living spaces. Each apartment is designed with comfort and style at its core, featuring: Zephyr X’s Managing Director, Graham Haydon-White, expressed excitement about the project’s transformative potential:“Our vision for 500 Avebury Boulevard is to create more than just apartments—it’s about fostering a vibrant community that elevates residents’ lifestyles while enhancing the dynamism of Milton Keynes.” Prime Location Situated at the heart of Milton Keynes, the development boasts unparalleled connectivity: A Sustainable Vision The project follows Zephyr X’s recent success in Manchester, where a £70 million BTR scheme with a sustainable focus was approved. The Milton Keynes development reflects similar principles, with an emphasis on integrating advanced design and technology to create eco-conscious urban living spaces. Building Community with BTR Zephyr X’s innovative approach to BTR housing prioritises lifestyle and community integration. By blending cutting-edge design with lifestyle-focused amenities, 500 Avebury Boulevard promises to set a new benchmark for urban living. Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2025, with a vision to bring an elevated residential experience to Milton Keynes. This development marks another step in Zephyr X’s mission to lead the way in creating state-of-the-art spaces tailored for modern living. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
