The world’s first pure octagonal high-rise residential building is now just months away from claiming its place in Birmingham’s history books. With the core reaching level 40 and floorplates reaching level 35, Octagon has already begun offering unparalleled views of the city below. On completion, the Octagon will stand proudly
Barratt Homes has donated £1,500 to Buckinghamshire’s homeless and foodbank charity, Jedidiah. The housebuilder, which is currently selling new homes at the nearby St Rumbold’s Fields development in Buckingham, has donated to the charity in support of their efforts providing food support to struggling families. With food prices on the
Mitsui Fudosan UK and Stanhope, as the development manager, have announced the start of construction on two new residential buildings at Television Centre which forms part of the second phase of the Television Centre masterplan in White City, London. Multiplex has been appointed as the construction manager and completion is
Construction work has commenced on two new residential buildings at Television Centre in White City, London. With Mitsui Fudosan UK and Stanhope, as the development manager, Multiplex has been appointed as the construction manager and completion is scheduled for mid-2027. The two buildings at the Television Centre – the nine-storey
Rund has been appointed to support Canadian investor, Starlight Investments, acting as Clerk of Works on three significant build to rent schemes at Liverpool Waters, Liverpool, Michigan Avenue, Manchester, and Victoria Road in Ashford, Kent. Liverpool Waters is a 31 storey, 278 unit build to rent scheme located on the
Waterhouse Gardens sits on historic site of the former Boddington Brewery ICG Real Estate, the real estate division of ICG, has provided a £100 million loan to Salboy Limited to fund the development of a major 556 build-to-sell residential scheme in Manchester’s ‘Green Quarter’ district. Sitting on the site of
Independent housebuilder Dandara has been awarded five stars in the latest Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has achieved the highest accolade. The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest of its type in the country, with responses
City of Edinburgh Council Grants Planning Approval for 256 New Homes at Mixed-use Ferry Road Site. Section 75 Education Contribution Reverts to Planning Officers’ Recommendation Artisan Real Estate is set to progress with the spectacular homes-led redevelopment of one of Edinburgh city centre’s largest potential development sites following planning approval
Bellway invites the public to explore Fallow Wood View, a cutting-edge low-carbon housing development in Burgess Hill. Nestled within the larger Brookleigh scheme, this eco-friendly venture features 247 homes built using advanced Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), presenting a blend of efficiency and sustainability. Departing from conventional blockwork, Fallow Wood
New homes under construction across Birmingham and the West Midlands will benefit from cheaper energy bills (see notes to editors) thanks to a partnership between housing developer Fitzpatrick Group and renewable energy experts Geo Green Power. Housing developments in Dudley, Minworth, Rowley Regis, Tipton and Oldbury are being built with
The world’s first pure octagonal high-rise residential building is now just months away from claiming its place in Birmingham’s history books. With the core reaching level 40 and floorplates reaching level 35, Octagon has already begun offering unparalleled views of the city below. On completion, the Octagon will stand proudly at 155 meters (410 feet) tall, as a testament to Birmingham’s burgeoning skyline. The pair of tower cranes have now reached their final height, allowing main contractor Midgard to construct the remaining 10 floors of the building core ahead of its practical completion, scheduled for summer 2025. The Octagon isn’t just a feat of engineering; designed by Howells Architects, it’s a testament to innovation in architectural design. As the world’s first pure octagonal high-rise residential building, it stands as an example of progress and possibility in Birmingham. This milestone marks a significant leap forward in Paradise’s commitment to deliver a world-class estate and with a true mixed-use proposition by providing 370 spacious new Build to Rent (BtR) homes. Birmingham is the second fastest-growing city centre population in the UK, ahead of cities like Manchester and Leeds, with 7,000 new residential units either being built or planned across the city centre. Backed by global real estate investor City Developments Limited (CDL) of Singapore, the £110m project pays homage to the nearby Jewellery Quarter with its metal-influenced workshops and products. “As a high-profile tall building with a world-first and highly sustainable design ethos, Octagon will become an important part of the city’s skyline for years to come,” Ross Fittall, Paradise’s Commercial Development Director said. “We are creating a highly recognisable landmark for our city that will build on Birmingham’s growing reputation both at home and abroad, and the latest milestone in Octagon’s progress is something to celebrate.” The architecture of Octagon, a pure octagon with eight equal sides, is an exciting world-first for the city, making the building instantly recognisable on the skyline. The shape of the building responds to the plot of land upon which it sits, maximising light in every home and creating unique appeal thanks to the utilisation of both views and space. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barratt Homes has donated £1,500 to Buckinghamshire’s homeless and foodbank charity, Jedidiah. The housebuilder, which is currently selling new homes at the nearby St Rumbold’s Fields development in Buckingham, has donated to the charity in support of their efforts providing food support to struggling families. With food prices on the rise since 2021, thinktank Food Foundation has stated that food poverty amongst families is increasing, with almost 4 million UK children in food poverty in 2023, with one in five households to be skipping meals or not eating for a whole day1. Driven by a calling to feed those in need since 2020, Jedidiah has been on a mission to ensure no one should go hungry. With the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis further intensifying their calling, its team of volunteers now regularly support an increasing number of families each week across three branches, delivering thousands of meals, and hoping to ensure families do not feel alone2. Barratt North Thames’ donation will continue Jedidiah’s support to local families in Buckingham. Marc Woolfe, Director of Sales & Marketing at Barratt North Thames, comments: “Food insecurity is becoming an increasing concern for many, and for Buckingham to have a brilliant charity right at its doorstep is ever-so reassuring. We are so honoured to support Jedidiah, and hope that our donation will keep up their efforts in ensuring no one’s sleep hungry.” Cynthia Stroud MBE, Founder of Jedidiah adds: “We have seen a rise in demand for our services in the last few years and want to ensure we never let anyone feel alone. It is with the support from businesses like Barratt North Thames, who are a massive support in upholding our aims and ensuring the local community is always supported.” For further details about Barratt David Wilson North Thames or the new homes at St Rumbold’s Fields, visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/ / www.dwh.co.uk or call 0330 828 0133 / 0330 1627 757 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mitsui Fudosan UK and Stanhope, as the development manager, have announced the start of construction on two new residential buildings at Television Centre which forms part of the second phase of the Television Centre masterplan in White City, London. Multiplex has been appointed as the construction manager and completion is scheduled for mid-2027. The two buildings – the nine-storey ‘Scenery House’ designed by architects dRMM, and the 25-storey ‘The Ariel’ by AHMM – comprise a total of 347 apartments and townhouses. The accommodation will range from studios to four-bed townhouses with a complementary range of amenities designed by both MSMR and Sella Concepts including residents’ lounges, a screening room, co-working spaces and meeting rooms, as well as a private dining room and roof terrace. Particular attention has been paid to greening the areas in and around the buildings. Landscape architect, Gillespies, has designed a courtyard garden, rooftop terrace and pocket park between the two built elements of the scheme. The announcement comes as Macfarlane Place, the first building in this development phase, nears completion. The scheme will provide 142 affordable homes for Peabody across two predominantly brick buildings designed by Maccreanor Lavington. This brings the number of Stirling Prize winning architects working on the iconic development to three (including AHMM and dRMM) – reflecting Mitsui Fudosan’s commitment to the very best in British architectural design. Tatsu Imamura, Executive Director, Mitsui Fudosan UK said: “We are delighted that construction works for the penultimate residential plots are now underway and we will continue to build upon our existing work on the Television Centre site, which already includes over half a million square feet of office space and 574 private and affordable homes. We are committed, along with our partners Stanhope, to delivering much-needed high-quality new housing on the site, while continuing to explore wider investment opportunities in London and other parts of the UK.” David Camp, CEO at Stanhope added: “It’s great to see Multiplex get underway with work on site and continue to develop this phase of the Television Centre masterplan. Our partnership with Mitsui Fudosan has grown from strength to strength over the years and today marks another important milestone for the project.” Callum Tuckett, MD of Multiplex UK commented: “Commencement of construction on the latest residential blocks at Television Centre signifies a pivotal moment in the project’s progression. Multiplex is extremely proud to be delivering our second project for Stanhope, and we are honoured to play a central role in delivering this crucial component of Stanhope and Mitsui Fudosan’s overarching vision, which will provide 347 new homes on the site.” The cluster of buildings comprising phase 2 of the Television Centre masterplan, are designed to have a distinctive character of their own, complementing each other as well as those buildings already established across the wider estate. The development of phase 2 will complete the masterplan and further open up the site to local residents by the creation of a second entrance on Wood Lane and a pedestrian connection through to Hammersmith Park via interlinking streets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work has commenced on two new residential buildings at Television Centre in White City, London. With Mitsui Fudosan UK and Stanhope, as the development manager, Multiplex has been appointed as the construction manager and completion is scheduled for mid-2027. The two buildings at the Television Centre – the nine-storey ‘Scenery House’ designed by architects dRMM, and the 25-storey ‘The Ariel’ by AHMM – comprise a total of 347 apartments and townhouses. The accommodation will range from studios to four-bed townhouses with a complementary range of amenities designed by both MSMR and Sella Concepts including residents’ lounges, a screening room, co-working spaces and meeting rooms, as well as a private dining room and roof terrace. Particular attention has been paid to greening the areas in and around the buildings. Landscape architect, Gillespies, has designed a courtyard garden, rooftop terrace and pocket park between the two built elements of the scheme. The announcement comes as Macfarlane Place, the first building in this development phase, nears completion. The scheme will provide 142 affordable homes for Peabody across two predominantly brick buildings designed by Maccreanor Lavington. This brings the number of Stirling Prize winning architects working on the iconic development to three (including AHMM and dRMM) – reflecting Mitsui Fudosan’s commitment to the very best in British architectural design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rund has been appointed to support Canadian investor, Starlight Investments, acting as Clerk of Works on three significant build to rent schemes at Liverpool Waters, Liverpool, Michigan Avenue, Manchester, and Victoria Road in Ashford, Kent. Liverpool Waters is a 31 storey, 278 unit build to rent scheme located on the northern docks of the city. With one, two and three-bedroom apartments it is set to transform the historic docklands site with a world class, high-quality, mixed-use waterfront. Michigan Avenue forms 391 units including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments and town houses. Lastly, Victoria Road, developed by King Crescent Homes consists of 254 build to rent units across four buildings, including a mix of studio, one, two and three-bedroom modern apartments. Rund’s Clerk of Works team will provide Quality, Fire and M&E inspections including commissioning and testing, on all build to rent projects from January 2024. Its experts will be on site weekly delivering Quality inspections along with monthly visits for Fire and M&E inspections from Autumn 2024. Phil Smith, Director at Rund, commented, “This is an exciting partnership with Starlight Investments who are committed to providing high quality build to rent schemes in major cities across the UK and the London commuter belt. Demand for build to rent schemes remains high in the UK and we’re looking forward to bringing our experience and Clerk of Work skills to what will be three very significant schemes.” Liverpool Waters is set to complete next year, with Michigan Avenue and Victoria Road scheduled for completion in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Waterhouse Gardens sits on historic site of the former Boddington Brewery ICG Real Estate, the real estate division of ICG, has provided a £100 million loan to Salboy Limited to fund the development of a major 556 build-to-sell residential scheme in Manchester’s ‘Green Quarter’ district. Sitting on the site of the former Boddington Brewery directly opposite Manchester Arena and Manchester Victoria station, Waterhouse Gardens is well located to easily access the City’s core retail, leisure and employment districts by foot, including the vibrant Northern Quarter and Manchester College’s new city centre campus. The completed scheme will provide a community of high spec apartments, duplex and penthouses. Residents will have access to a private clubhouse offering high end amenities and services including a swimming pool, squash and basketball courts and a private cinema. The asset will be complemented by 30,000 sq ft of commercial space which will be home to boutique traders, independent restaurants and bars together with some office space. Construction of the scheme has commenced with cores for each block now complete and completion still on track for 2026. Salboy is an award winning developer with a strong track record of delivering high quality residential schemes. To date it has delivered over 3,500 homes in densely populated areas nationwide where demand for new, quality housing is high. While active across the UK, many of Salboy’s schemes are delivered in Manchester and neighbouring city Salford, where the company was launched and has built strong local market knowledge. The transaction supports ICG Real Estate’s strategy to fund the development of assets in sectors which are supported by compelling long term structural drivers such as the demand for new homes. Jai Patel, Managing Director of ICG Real Estate, said: “This transaction offered us the opportunity to back a proven residential developer in a local market that they know incredibly well, in a sector where we have a long held conviction. Manchester’s local economy continues to offer great opportunities to its residents in terms of jobs, leisure and education and is a city we favour, with this being the second development deal we have agreed in the city in the past 18 months. We remain keen to focus our attention on significant transactions in the living space which align with our deep conviction calls and continue to be supported by strong underlying fundamentals.” Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, added: “We are delighted to partner with ICG Real Estate as work gets underway at Waterhouse Gardens, one of the largest and last-remaining regeneration sites in the UK’s fastest-growing city[1]. By 2026 this scheme will deliver sought-after city-centre living for many of the thousands of students and young professionals that choose to stay in, relocate or return to Manchester every year to launch and progress their careers.”
Independent housebuilder Dandara has been awarded five stars in the latest Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Survey. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has achieved the highest accolade. The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest of its type in the country, with responses from nearly 50,000 new build homebuyers. It awards housebuilders with a ‘Star Rating’ based on responses to the questions, including how satisfied buyers are with their new properties, the service received during the sales process and if they would recommend the builder to a friend. For Dandara to have been awarded the maximum 5 stars means that over 90% of its customers would recommend their homes to a friend. Dandara, established in 1988, is committed to creating homes which combine innovative design with the highest standards of quality, whilst also putting customers first. With its customer and quality focus, this is what delivers consistently high recommendation scores. Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home of Federation commented: “To have 90% of consumers recommending you is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the industry’s overwhelming commitment to delivering high levels of customer service. “Despite hundreds of thousands of homes being built each year, this year’s survey shows the vast majority of customers are happy with their purchase and the service provided by their builder. “Homebuilders remain focused on driving improvements in this area and the creation of an independent New Homes Ombudsman and a more robust Consumer Code will support this drive and should lead to even higher levels of customer satisfaction moving forward.” The 5-star rating comes on top of Dandara being awarded several Quality Recognition Awards for its regions, demonstrating the companies persistent aim to build quality homes for its customers. Trevor Dempsey, CEO of Dandara, said: “To achieve five stars again this year is a fantastic success for Dandara, and testament to our customer experience, build product and quality of homes across the country. After our continued growth as a company, it is great to see that our customers are recognising our hard work and love for creating new homes, and there’s nothing better than hearing so many of our customers would recommend their home to a friend. We have big plans for the year ahead and we look forward to building and selling five-star quality homes across the UK.” Dandara is continuing to grow throughout the UK, with regional offices in Isle of Man, East Scotland, Aberdeen, Tunbridge Wells, Milton Keynes, Braintree, Southampton and Wales, which are focused on delivering good quality family housing in desirable locations. To find out more about Dandara, please visit https://www.dandara.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
City of Edinburgh Council Grants Planning Approval for 256 New Homes at Mixed-use Ferry Road Site. Section 75 Education Contribution Reverts to Planning Officers’ Recommendation Artisan Real Estate is set to progress with the spectacular homes-led redevelopment of one of Edinburgh city centre’s largest potential development sites following planning approval by The City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). Councillors at CEC’s Development Sub Committee on Wednesday (13 March) were ‘minded to grant’ consent for 256 low-carbon homes and commercial space at 525 Ferry Road, Edinburgh. Artisan’s Section 75 Education contribution was voted through in line with the planning officers’ recommendation. Regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate, together with fund manager REInvest Asset Management S.A., will now take forward their ambitious plans to redevelop the former Deutsche Bank House at 525 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, near the Crewe Toll roundabout. The developers are set to transform the vacant site, to be known as ‘525 Park View’, into a new residential neighbourhood providing 256 sustainable homes, 25% of which will be for affordable housing. Flexible commercial space facing on to Ferry Road will provide potential for cafes, shops and shared workspaces. Designed by Edinburgh-based 7N Architects, the proposals will dramatically raise the bar for sustainable city-centre living. More than two thirds of the development area will be made up of high-quality green spaces – including a large central communal garden as well as biodiverse green roofs and a ‘wetland’ area which enhances local ecology whilst contributing to the wider sustainable urban drainage system. Smart technology such as individual air source heat pumps for each home also means no fossil fuels will be used, underlining the Artisan’s commitment to sustainable low carbon development and delivering low energy costs for occupiers. The planning approval follows a comprehensive 14-month consultation programme, with the developers working closely with local community and wider city interests to ensure maximum benefit for both the local area and Edinburgh as a whole. Welcoming the 525 Park View planning approval, Artisan Real Estate’s ’s Regional Director for Scotland, David Westwater, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to breathe new life into an underused site, whilst ensuring its long-term future by bringing a new sustainable community to an accessible city centre location. “Following the consultation feedback, we have worked hard to make this development not just the right fit for the site but also an integral part of the wider city centre area. We have reduced the heights of the building from nine to seven storeys and ensured the overall architectural design and materials respect local and historical contexts.” He added: “We are also fully aware that we have the responsibility to ensure that our developments exceed all current environmental standards, setting new benchmarks for smart, sustainable living whilst providing a high quality of internal and external space. Our proposals have been guided by low-carbon design and encompass a mix of apartment sizes and layouts, led mainly by residential as well as much-needed affordable housing and other complementary commercial uses.” Artisan Real Estate has a strong track record in delivering complex residential and mixed-use regeneration projects in sensitive city centre environments across the UK, and in 2023 won the inaugural ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ award at the 2023 Scottish Homes Awards. Development partner REInvest Asset Management S.A. was founded in Luxembourg as a specialist for future-facing investment ideas and currently manages and develops properties across Europe with a value in excess of EUR 2.3 billion. 525 Park View is held in a progressive property fund within a pan-European portfolio managed on behalf of a German insurance group. Thomas Merkes, Head of Asset Management at REInvest Asset Management S.A. added: “Our joint venture partnership with Artisan represents a major step forward in providing an innovative and collaborative mixed-use development solution to unlock the potential for this significant city centre site, which is set to create a genuinely transformational development in an accessible city centre location. The planning approval for this complex site demonstrates how we can make a positive contribution to the local area, bringing investment, life and excitement back to this important part of the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway invites the public to explore Fallow Wood View, a cutting-edge low-carbon housing development in Burgess Hill. Nestled within the larger Brookleigh scheme, this eco-friendly venture features 247 homes built using advanced Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), presenting a blend of efficiency and sustainability. Departing from conventional blockwork, Fallow Wood View employs timber frames and panels, a progressive approach to construction that aligns with Bellway’s commitment to environmentally conscious building practices. Positioned on the eastern stretch of the Brookleigh site, the initial phase of Fallow Wood View spans 13 acres adjacent to Isaacs Lane, encompassing 222 homes along with public spaces like a pocket park and village green, fostering a sense of community. Bellway’s dedication to swift, eco-friendly construction methods is evident in this phase. Daniel Williamson, Sales Director for Bellway South London, highlighted the development’s sustainability, stating, “Fallow Wood View is a sustainable development where we are constructing all the homes employing quicker modern methods of construction (MMC). This forward-thinking process not only cuts down the build time and improves energy efficiency but also makes use of a more sustainable material in the form of timber.” The timber used in construction adheres to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards, ensuring responsible sourcing practices that preserve biodiversity and support local communities. Research indicates a 31% reduction in carbon emissions against current building regulations, with all properties meeting the Future Homes Standard. Each home incorporates renewable technologies such as electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, or air source heat pumps. Sales of properties at Fallow Wood View have commenced, with the first homes in the Brookleigh neighbourhood available for open-market purchase. The development has garnered significant interest due to its innovative construction methods and sustainability features. Brookleigh, also known as the Northern Arc, spearheaded by Homes England, envisions a comprehensive community with up to 3,500 new homes, educational facilities, healthcare amenities, business spaces, and recreational areas. A new link road will connect Fallow Wood View’s phases, facilitating access to a 40-acre site on Freeks Lane, where further developments and extensions to Bedelands Nature Reserve are planned. Fallow Wood View’s 247 homes include 172 properties for private sale and 75 affordable homes for local residents through low-cost rent and shared ownership. With construction well underway, the first residents are anticipated to move into their completed homes in June 2024, marking a significant milestone in Burgess Hill’s sustainable urban development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New homes under construction across Birmingham and the West Midlands will benefit from cheaper energy bills (see notes to editors) thanks to a partnership between housing developer Fitzpatrick Group and renewable energy experts Geo Green Power. Housing developments in Dudley, Minworth, Rowley Regis, Tipton and Oldbury are being built with a combination of solar photovoltaic panels, air-source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging stations already installed. As well as reducing their climate impact, each new home is expected to save more than £1,000 per year compared to the average home using conventional gas or electric systems. The partnership will see an initial 115 new homes built by Fitzpatrick, each with 2-4 bedrooms, ready for sale this year. The combination of renewable energy systems installed is determined by the size and specification of each individual property. Design and installation of the new energy systems is undertaken by Geo Green’s in-house team. As each plot progresses through its build, Geo Green engineers are installing the solar panels, heat pumps or other technology at the most appropriate time, keeping projects on track. As services are connected to the new homes, the engineers return to complete and commission the electrical side of installations. Calam Oakley, Senior Project Manager, Fitzpatrick Group: “We have been working with Geo Green Power on projects of increasing size since 2021. The benefits of being able to access solar PV, heat pump, EV charging and battery storage installation with one supplier are huge and Geo Green have the flexibility and scope to attend site when required at each stage of our build; helping us keep projects on track and our sites operating efficiently. “Building Regulations around the conservation of fuel and power are making the incorporation of renewables and other energy efficient technologies increasingly important for developers such as ourselves. We’re committed to reducing our own climate impact through the sustainable homes we deliver and our partnership with Geo Green is an important part of that.” Fitzpatrick builds more than 500 new homes per year across the Midlands and its partnership with Geo Green Power will help the company deliver an increasing number of new homes with renewable energy installations. The company’s environmental objectives include reducing energy usage and using sustainable building materials and are integrated throughout its business. Fitzpatrick delivers everything from initial site selection and planning, to construction of new homes and handover to customers which include private companies, councils and housing associations. James Cunningham, Managing Director, Geo Green Power: “Housebuilders are becoming much more focussed on delivering sustainable homes due to a combination of legislative changes and increasing consumer awareness of climate change and high energy prices. The occupants of Fitzpatrick Group homes will see the benefits of their renewable installation from the day they move in which include greater control of their energy, cheaper bills and a smaller carbon footprint. “As with all of our housing development customers, our partnership with Fitzpatrick works because of their commitment to reducing climate impact and our ability to design and deliver all the renewable energy systems they need from a single source.” Geo Green Power has completed more than 1,000 renewable energy systems for homes across the country. The company operates nationwide, providing solar PV installations, renewable heating engineering, battery storage systems, electric vehicle charging to housing developers and individual homeowners as well as other commercial customers in the automotive, manufacturing, retail and agricultural sector. At any one time the company is carrying out multiple renewable energy infrastructure projects, giving its customers control of their energy needs and supporting their sustainability goals. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
