PLATFORM_, in partnership with the Lloyds-backed equity investor Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), has marked the topping out of its landmark 451-home Build to Rent (BTR) development at Sweetfields, Leeds. The milestone represents significant progress in delivering high-quality, professionally managed rental homes to the South Bank Regeneration area to meet growing demand in the city. Constructed by main contractor Winvic Construction Ltd, the scheme is set to deliver a collection of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments designed specifically for renters, offering residents high levels of amenity, energy efficiency, and professional management synonymous with the PLATFORM_ brand. This first phase is a part of the larger Sweetfields neighbourhood which will include the reinstatement of The Commercial Inn, the launch of a new Asda Express, and a new central square amongst extensive landscaping. “The topping out of our first building at Sweetfields marks a major step forward in our ambition to deliver high-quality, sustainable rental homes alongside thoughtful amenities like a convenience store, a pub and new fully landscaped public spaces to create a new neighbourhood” said Jean–MarcVandevivere, Chief Executive at PLATFORM_. “We’re proud to be working alongside our partners at HGP and Winvic to bring this transformative scheme to life and support the wider regeneration of South Bank in Leeds.” “HGP is committed to supporting the delivery of quality new homes with long term equity investment, to address the continuing shortage of supply,” said Colin Bennett, Investment Director at Housing Growth Partnership. “Sweetfields is a fantastic example of Build to Rent investment creating new housing choice and regenerating urban areas.” “Reaching this stage is a testament to the skill, dedication and collaboration of the entire project team,” said Mark Jones, Managing Director for Multi-Room at Winvic. “Sweetfields showcases the best of Build to Rent design and delivery, combining quality construction, modern living standards, and community-focused design. We are proud to be delivering this landmark development bringing much-needed homes to residents in Leeds while creating benefits for the local community.” A New Chapter for Leeds’ Rental Market Once complete, Sweetfields will deliver over 1,350 contemporary apartments across four buildings, complemented by landscaped public areas, on-site amenities, and sustainable design features. The development has been designed to meet the evolving needs of modern renters, offering energy-efficient homes managed under a single professional landlord model, enhancing the quality, reliability, and experience of renting in Leeds. The scheme contributes directly to the city’s housing growth ambitions, supporting regeneration and providing much-needed homes in a well-connected location close to transport links, employment hubs, and local amenities. The apartments will achieve an EPC B rating or higher and incorporate renewable energy sources, energy-efficient heating and lighting, and smart in-home technologies. The development’s sustainable and energy-conscious design combines these features to create a low-carbon community that supports Leeds’ ambition to reach net zero carbon by 2038. Key sustainability measures include air source heat pumps, sustainable urban drainage systems, green roofs, and solar panels throughout the scheme. Residents will also benefit from multiple electric vehicle car charging points. Winvic has engaged the local community through careers fairs, site visits – including a tour for the local Cubs – and work experience placements with schools and universities. Opportunities have been created for over 100 local workers, four apprentices, and three placement students. In addition, Winvic is piloting the Standing Tall programme which provides employment opportunities to people who are homeless, supporting them into employment. The project has supported charities such as Yorkshire Children’s Charity, Leeds Mencap and Zarach. Environmental and wellbeing initiatives have also been delivered including Occupational Health Days and tree planting volunteering with Leeds Council. During the ceremony, guests toured the site and viewed the first completed structures, which showcase the quality and scale of the Build to Rent product being delivered. Looking Ahead With Phase 1 now structurally complete, the project moves into internal fit-out and façade works ahead of practical completion in early 2027. PLATFORM_, HGP, and Winvic will continue to collaborate closely to ensure the scheme delivers on its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community impact. Following the fantastic progress made on the first phase, PLATFORM_ will shortly be submitting Reserved Matters planning applications for Phase 2 of Sweetfields. Phase 2 will deliver a further 540 new Build to Rent homes split across two buildings varying in height from 8 to 23 storeys. The buildings will include high-quality resident amenities including a gym, work from home and lounge spaces within the top level of both buildings benefiting from sweeping views of the Leeds City Centre skyline. PLATFORM_ hopes to secure planning permission from Leeds City Council early next year with works scheduled to set to start on-site in early 2027. Sweetfields is set to become one of Leeds’ most significant Build to Rent communities, setting new standards for resident experience and contributing to the city’s growing supply of professionally managed rental housing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Gracie Group, a luxury London property developer, has exchanged on Stanmore Gardens, a landmark £180 million GDV residential-led development opportunity in Stanmore town centre, north west London. The acquisition, from Notting Hill Genesis, facilitated by real estate advisor CBRE, marks a major addition to the Group’s expanding £550 million London portfolio of residential and mixed-use projects. Located immediately north of Stanmore Broadway, the 2.58 acre freehold site comprises Anmer Lodger and its ground to the north and Stanmore car park to the south. Identified in the Harrow Local Plan for residential use, the site offers significant potential for a high-quality, design-led town centre scheme. Planning consent was previously secured for residential and retail uses on the site and positive pre-application discussions with the London Borough of Harrow and Greater London Authority have supported the opportunity for an enhanced mixed-use development. The site is within a six-minute walk of Stanmore Underground Station (Jubilee Line) providing direct access to Bond Street in 30 minutes and London Bridge in under 40 minutes, with the M1 and M25 also close by. Stanmore is one of north west London’s most desirable suburbs home to leading schools and surrounded by extensive green space including Stanmore Country Park and Bentley Prior Open Space. Gennaro D’Alo, Development Director of Gracie Group said: “Stanmore Gardens represents an exceptional opportunity to deliver a transformative residential-led development that will enhance the surrounding area. With our robust land fund and a £550 million portfolio already under management, this acquisition underlines our ambition to invest in places with long-term potential and strong community value.” Jonathan Allen, Senior Director, CBRE said: “Stanmore Gardens is a significant town centre site with potential for regeneration. Its location, transport connectivity and established planning context make it a prime opportunity for a residential-led scheme of real quality.” The acquisition follows the launch of the Gracie Group brand earlier this year which unveiled a £550 million portfolio of mixed-use and residential-led projects across London and the South East. The purchase of Stanmore Gardens further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to delivering sustainable, design-focused developments in key growth locations. For more information about Gracie Group visit https://graciegroup.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Work on the sixth and final phase of a transformative regeneration project in the heart of Coventry has begun, creating more than 1,000 new homes for local residents. Delivered by top 10 housebuilder, Keepmoat, the latest phase at the Spirit Quarters development will create 190 new homes, with 90 designated for affordable housing in partnership with leading housing association, Citizen. The flagship regeneration project has created more than 1,000 homes to date, with the latest phase taking the total above 1,200 multi-tenure new homes. Since 2010, the large-scale project has created multiple local jobs and apprenticeship opportunities, supporting the local economy and supply chain whilst bringing lasting change to the community. Ben Leather, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, West Midlands, comments: “At Keepmoat, we’re committed to building communities and transforming lives. Leading this significant transformation, creating much-needed housing for local people and contributing to the city’s housing targets, is a testament to that commitment.  “As we approach the milestone of more than 1,200 homes and near the conclusion of the building work, we are delighted to see the thriving community that has been created and look forward to welcoming the next phase of residents to Spirit Quarters. This ambitious development is also a key example of our robust partnership model, collaborating with Coventry Council, Citizen and Moat House Community Trust to create high-quality, multi-tenure homes in the area.” Cllr Seyi Agboola, Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council added: “It’s really great to see the latest stage of this housing project get underway. These will be good standard homes that are affordable for local people to be able to enjoy. “I’m also pleased that a number of the homes will be social housing – I hope this can have long term benefits for the area.” Phase six of Spirit Quarter is set to be completed in 2030.  Kevin Roach, Director of Regeneration Services at Citizen Housing, added: “It’s fantastic news to see work starting on the latest and final phase of Spirit Quarters. From day one, the community has led and influenced the project and by working with our partners Keepmoat, Moat House Community Trust and Coventry City Council, we are pleased and proud to have delivered their vision that has and will make a positive difference to the lives of residents and the community. “We’re looking forward to seeing work progress at this site and in time, welcoming customers to the homes.” Dianne Williams, Chief Executive of Moat House Community Trust, said: “It’s so exciting to see more new, much-needed homes transforming the area and contributing to a growing and thriving community.” 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.  To find out more, please visit: https://www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major regeneration scheme in East London has taken a decisive step forward after Berkeley Group secured full planning consent for a £250 million clean-up of the former Beckton gasworks site. The investment, led by its St William business, will pave the way for the delivery of 2,900 new homes as part of the ambitious Beckton Riverside development. The 30-acre site, which has lain derelict since the 1960s, forms one of the largest brownfield regeneration opportunities in the capital. The extensive remediation and enabling works will prepare the land for transformation into a vibrant new community, complete with housing, green spaces, and modern infrastructure. Dean Summers, managing director of St James & St William, described the milestone as a major step towards realising the long-term vision for Beckton Riverside. “This marks a significant step forward for this complex, long-term regeneration site. There is still a long way to go to bring this project into delivery, and we continue to work closely with the council, GLA, Homes England, and local stakeholders to develop a viable scheme that unlocks the site’s enormous potential,” he said. The £250 million initial phase will see Berkeley Group remediate contaminated land, enhance flood defences, and deliver key infrastructure improvements to support future phases of the project. Plans also include the creation of a riverside park, community facilities, and a series of connected public spaces, opening up a new stretch of the Thames waterfront that has been closed off to the public for decades. Summers added that unlocking the Beckton site could act as a catalyst for wider investment in the surrounding area and strengthen the case for the proposed DLR extension to Beckton and Thamesmead. If all goes to plan, construction on the first homes is expected to begin in 2028, with residents moving in by 2030. The Beckton Riverside project represents a cornerstone in East London’s regeneration story, transforming a disused industrial site into a sustainable new neighbourhood. Once complete, it will deliver thousands of homes, boost local employment, and breathe new life into one of London’s most strategically significant riverside locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Midlands-based homebuilder Spitfire Homes has submitted plans for 521 new homes across the Midlands, advancing its strategic growth in the region.  Proposals submitted in the past month are led by a statement scheme of 136 new homes in Balsall Common, Solihull, alongside a further 50 properties at the site of a former police station in Harborne, and a collection of 47 homes in the Worcestershire village of Belbroughton, all forming part of Spitfire’s Bespoke Collection.  There are also plans for 127 homes at Little Impney, Droitwich, where Spitfire is working with applicant Impney Ltd on the residential element of a mixed use scheme that will regenerate the 140-acre Impney Estate. Additional applications include 113 homes in the Cotswold village of Broadway and 48 new homes adjacent to the homebuilder’s existing collection, Pembleton, in Kislingbury, Northamptonshire. These applications represent a significant step forward in Spitfire’s ambition to deliver a broad range of high-quality, sustainable homes tailored to the needs of local communities. The schemes will also contribute to regional employment, supporting more than 1,800 jobs across the supply chain. Matt Vincent, Operation Director at Spitfire Homes, said: “Submitting these planning applications is an important milestone in our ongoing growth plans across the Midlands. Our proposals would deliver more than 500 high-quality new homes across the region, offering a diverse mix of properties tailored for first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers seeking style and comfort without compromise. “We remain dedicated to investing in the Midlands through delivering homes that are both beautifully designed and energy efficient. As with all our collections, we’re committed to creating places where communities can thrive and we look forward to working closely with local authorities to help bring these exciting schemes to life.” The announcement comes amid new data from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) showing that planning permissions for new homes have dropped to their lowest level since 2012.  Just 44,520 homes were granted permission in England during Q2 2025, a 17% fall year-on-year and the tenth consecutive quarter of decline. Only 1,410 sites were approved between April and June, with just 8,200 sites gaining approval over the past 12 months, less than half the 2019 total. Vincent added:  “These latest figures underscore the scale of the challenge in meeting national housing targets. With housing delivery holding steady at around 200,000 homes a year, we remain some way off the 1.5 million homes pledged for this parliamentary term. “However, underlying demand for high-quality homes remains strong and as a forward-thinking SME, we’re able to offer a premium product that stands out for its design, efficiency and flexibility. Planning delays remain a challenge but as the market continues to evolve, we see a real opportunity to keep innovating and deliver homes that better reflect the needs and expectations of today’s buyers.” To find out more about Spitfire Homes, please visit https://spitfirehomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Birmingham City Council has granted outline consent for the £1bn regeneration of the Druids Heath estate, unlocking a long-term masterplan that will deliver 3,500 homes and a comprehensive renewal of this south Birmingham community. Around 1,785 homes — 51% of the total — are set to be affordable, with 400 for social rent in the first phase. The balance will be delivered through a partnership between the council, Lovell and Homes England, blending mixed-tenure housing with social infrastructure to support growth over the next decade. The proposals go far beyond replacement housing. The masterplan introduces a new local high street, later-living homes, sports and community facilities, generous green spaces and upgraded transport links. Streets will be reconnected and public realm improved to prioritise walking, cycling and access to services, aiming to knit Druids Heath more closely into the wider city. Lovell, named last month as preferred development partner, is now working with the council to finalise a partnership agreement. Due to be signed in spring 2026, the agreement will unlock full funding and signal the start of construction. Phasing will target early delivery of affordable homes alongside enabling infrastructure and community assets, with design guidelines expected to drive quality, sustainability and energy efficiency across all plots. Cllr Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said the programme will deliver “51% affordable housing, amounting to nearly 1,800 homes,” and confirmed that “every existing council tenant who wants to stay will be provided for.” He added that 68% of residents engaged through consultation supported the plans, which will help Birmingham meet its wider target of 51,100 new homes by 2031. For the construction and property supply chain, the project represents a major, multi-year pipeline across demolition, remediation, new build and public realm, with opportunities to embed modern methods of construction, low-carbon materials and high-performance building fabric. The council and Lovell are expected to emphasise skills, apprenticeships and local employment, alongside biodiversity gains and high-quality landscape to support health and wellbeing. With consent secured and a clear delivery structure taking shape, Druids Heath is set for a reset: new, affordable homes paired with a walkable heart, community facilities and greener streets — a blueprint for estate regeneration built around quality, inclusion and longevity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bellway has submitteddetailedplans to create a sustainable new community of around 334 new homes in Tamworth. The proposals, designed by Bellway Strategic Land, are to build 242 private properties and 92 affordable homes at Windmill Farm, off Coton Lane to the north of the town. There would be large areas of green space which would be open to the wider community. The development would feature a range of one-bedroom apartments and two to five-bedroom houses on the 35-acre site. All homes would be heated by all-electric heat pumps, and will have electric vehicle charging points. The new neighbourhood would also feature a park, a children’s play area and new pedestrian crossings on Coton Lane and through to The Rawlett School opposite the site. The parcel of land lies across the boundary between Lichfield District Council and Tamworth Borough Council and planning applications have been submitted to both local authorities. Chris O’Hanlon, Senior Planning Manager for Bellway, said: “There is a recognised need for new housing in the north of Tamworth and we believe that this site provides the ideal location for a neighbourhood of 334 new homes. “Our proposed development features a wide range of properties for the private market, with more than a quarter of the homes being provided as affordable housing for local people through low-cost rent or shared ownership. “Our design has been submitted after a period of public consultation during which local residents were invited to view the proposals and then have their say. We used the feedback from this process to help finalise our plans which have now been submitted to the relevant local authorities for approval. “This is a sustainable development designed to promote greener forms of transport by featuring a network of cycleways and footpaths, as well as providing safer new crossing points across Coton Lane and Comberford Road. There would be extensive public open space including a new park, a play area, a meadow, a pond and a kickabout space. “The landscape design is set to deliver a net biodiversity gain for the site by retaining trees and hedgerows wherever possible, and delivering a new planting programme which would create protective and nurturing habitats for local wildlife.” The plans for the site have been developed by Bellway’s Strategic Land team, while the planning application has been submitted by Bellway’s West Midlands division, which will build the homes, subject to planning approval. For more information about the work of Bellway’s Strategic Land team, which oversees early-stage, long-term developments, visit https://www.bellwaystrategicland.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A prestigious construction industry award has been presented to the site manager at Bellway’s Hedworths Green at Lambton Park development in County Durham. Anthony Church has been awarded the Seal of Excellence in the National House Building Council’s Pride in the Job awards – one of 16 site managers in the North East region to be recognised in this way for the excellence of their work. The Pride in the Job North East regional awards ceremony took place on Friday 3 October at Royal Armouries New Dock Hall in Leeds. More than 8,000 building sites were considered in the first stage of the Pride in the Job competition, with Quality Awards presented nationwide to the top five per cent of site managers. Those winners were then considered for the Seal of Excellence – awarded to the top one per cent nationally. Anthony, 37, who lives in Newton Aycliffe, said: “A Seal of Excellence is an immense accolade, and I am so proud to receive it. “Managing construction at Hedworths Green at Lambton Park, which is a historic site, requires exceptionally high standards and clear communication. My assistant site manager Daniel Brown and trainee assistant site manager Sophie Curtis have worked very hard with me to set and maintain those high standards and to ensure precise communication with everyone on site at every stage. “Winning a Quality Award is a significant achievement in itself, so being recognised as a site manager who excels and goes even beyond that high standard to receive a Seal of Excellence is immensely satisfying.” Anthony, who entered the construction industry as an apprentice joiner at the age of 17, previously won a Quality Award for his work at Bellway’s Abbey Heights development in Callerton, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in 2022. Bellway Durham Head of Construction Dan Ferguson said: “We are creating a development of 145 thoughtfully designed luxury homes within a historic country estate at Hedworths Green at Lambton Park, featuring 87 different elevations and 17 house styles. The construction of this development requires an exceptional site manager and in Anthony Church we have exactly that. “Congratulations go to Anthony and his team who have worked so hard to reach the standards required to achieve a Seal of Excellence.” To find out more about the homes being built by an award-winning site manager at Hedworths Green at Lambton Park, see https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/durham/hedworths-green-at-lambton-park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has launched sales at Old York Mews, its third design-led London development since 2022.  Named after the very-nearby Old York Road, a lively street running through Wandsworth that’s renowned for its cafes, bakeries and European-style ambience, this boutique mews development is well situated for professionals and young families’ work and leisure needs. The scheme is less than five minutes’ walk from Wandsworth Town station with fast links into Clapham Junction, Waterloo and Bank, as well as Gatwick and Heathrow. It is also just a ten minute stroll to bankside walks along the River Thames.  Transforming a former 5,000-sqft brownfield site, Old York Mews is made up of nine properties – eight 1 and 2-bed apartments and one 3-bedroom mews house. The properties are designed around a private landscaped courtyard, offering modern living with village charm.  Works are underway on site led by Salboy’s construction partner, Domis, and the first property is expected to complete on site at the end of March 2026. Old York Mews residents will enjoy a blend of contemporary architecture and classic detailing, to mirror the evolving look and feel of this historic part of South London. All properties are designed on open-plan layouts with high ceilings and dual-aspect light, private terraces or balconies, and views of the private courtyard garden.  Salboy and Domis’ collaboration ensures each property comes with the partners’ trademark high quality finish too. The kitchens come complete with quartz worktops and integrated appliances; the bedrooms are spacious and private; and air source heat pumps, permeable surfaces and biodiversity planting in the outdoors spaces celebrate the best of sustainable home-building.  Simon Ismail, Co-Founder & MD of Salboy, comments: “We’re bringing to market a rarity in the South London housing scene – an exclusive enclave of just nine new homes that comes complete with its own quiet green setting, yet is only moments away from the river, transport links and the attractions and fun of inner city life. Wandsworth is a diverse, bustling riverside suburb imbued with London history. We have painstakingly designed this development to preserve and celebrate the heritage of the surrounding area, while subtly blending in answers to modern lifestyle needs.” Old York Mews is designed, developed and marketed by Salboy, one of the UK’s fastest-growth developers and property funding partners. In the last ten years, Salboy has delivered 4,000 new homes across the country. The team has £2 billion of UK property in development across 76 active sites. Old York Mews is Salboy’s third London scheme, after One Cluny Mews, a gated community of 35 apartments and penthouses in Earl’s Court and Wharfside Mews, a series of five 3-bed townhouses near Canary Wharf. A fourth scheme in King’s Cross will be announced in the new year.  Ismail adds: “Salboy’s roots may be firmly in the North West of England but the London development scene is a fascinating ecosystem to operate in. We’re earned a strong track record for identifying sites and schemes in some of the capital’s fastest-evolving neighbourhoods and contributing to their regeneration with our sustainable, design-led homes that marry heritage and contemporary styles. Old York Mews is another hidden gem and we’re proud to help Londoners make it their new home.” Sales of the properties are being led by Salboy’s own sales team. The properties are priced between £875,000 and £1,045,000.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Innovo Developments UK, the UK development arm of international leader in construction and development, Innovo, is set to deliver its debut scheme following the successful acquisition of a long-dormant brownfield site opposite the world-famous Lord’s Cricket Ground. Set within one of the capital’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, the prime development on St John’s Wood Road will feature a total of 89 apartments. A quarter of these will be family-sized three-bedroom offerings, complete with extensive roof gardens offering impressive far-reaching views out over the cricket ground and London’s skyline. Residents will enjoy premium on-site amenities, including a spa complete with a sauna, ice bath and swimming pool, a large gym, library, children’s play space, and concierge services. London attractions Regent’s Park and St John’s Wood High Street are within a five minutes’ walk. Prioritising a design-led approach to development, Innovo Developments UK has assembled a best-in-class team of London-based architects, landscapers, and interior designers to deliver the St John’s Wood Road scheme. This includes Apt, the architecture studio behind the Merchant Square and Mayfair Members Club; garden designers and nine-time RHS Gold Medal winner Andy Sturgeon Design; and two interior design studios, the award-winning Goddard Littlefair alongside Bowler James Brindley. The St John’s Wood Road scheme marks the first site in Innovo’s wider identified pipeline of high-value residential and commercial projects in London, with today’s announcement marking a major vote of confidence in the UK capital’s real estate market. Set to complete in 2029, the St John’s Wood Road development meets a need for housing in a deeply undersupplied and highly desirable area. Only one other major prime residential scheme in the area is scheduled to complete within the same period. Detailed planning consent for the residential development has already been approved and implemented. In delivering its debut scheme, Innovo Developments UK will draw on Innovo’s global track record for complex, high-value residential projects across North America and the Middle East, with over £2 billion in development internationally. Innovo’s portfolio includes branded residences, large-scale residential communities, commercial centres, educational institutions, and critical infrastructure. Innovo Developments UK is made up of a highly experienced senior team, led by Managing Director, Brendon Moss, who oversaw the redevelopment of the former Chelsea Barracks at Qatari Diar. Innovo Developments is a subsidiary of Innovo Development, chaired by John Forrester, who is also Chair of Related Argent, and the mastermind behind the regeneration of King’s Cross. Brendon Moss, Managing Director, Innovo Developments UK, said: “Aligned with our ambitions to build a portfolio of high-quality, modern developments in London, St John’s Wood Road will deliver much-needed homes in a highly desirable location. Directly opposite the global “home of cricket,” and a stone’s throw from Regent’s Park, the proposals have been sensitively designed to reflect their local area in close collaboration with a first-class architecture and landscaping team.” John Forrester, Chair, Innovo Development, said: “Drawing on Innovo’s extensive expertise in high value and complex projects worldwide, we look forward with excitement to deliver our first London development. Whilst long dormant, the site is of the highest quality, and we are excited to be creating desirable new homes in one of this great city’s most attractive neighbourhoods.” The wider Innovo business is headquartered in London, and chaired by former Chancellor of the Exchequer, The Rt. Hon. Lord Phillip Hammond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals