Plans for a major 425-home build-to-rent development alongside Cambridge North railway station have secured approval, paving the way for the next phase of the area’s wider regeneration. The Cambridge North Residential Quarter is being brought forward by blocwork, the joint venture between Network Rail property development company Platform4 and developer bloc. Grainger has been lined up to forward fund the residential scheme and will operate and manage the rental homes following completion. Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council have approved the proposals, unlocking the redevelopment of under-used railway land immediately next to Cambridge North station. The new neighbourhood will provide 425 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, supported by a substantial programme of landscaping and public realm improvements. Plans include linear parks, pocket gardens and tree-lined streets, alongside shops and other active ground-floor uses designed to create a more vibrant and connected residential community. The masterplan places particular emphasis on sustainable transport, with walking and cycling prioritised throughout the development. Its location next to Cambridge North station will also give residents direct rail connections into central Cambridge, London and destinations across the wider region. The residential quarter represents the latest stage in the transformation of Cambridge North, building on earlier phases of Brookgate’s masterplan for the area. Previous development has included a 217-room hotel alongside new commercial accommodation, with major businesses including Samsung establishing a presence at Cambridge North. The latest approval is also significant for Platform4, which identified Cambridge North as one of four priority schemes when the government-backed property company launched last November. Platform4 has been established with a remit to accelerate the delivery of new homes and regeneration opportunities on publicly owned railway land, using transport-connected sites to support housing growth and create new mixed-use neighbourhoods. Andrew Ferguson, interim chief executive of Platform4 and director of blocwork, said: “This is great news and the positive decision allows us to bring under-used railway land into active use.” The scheme demonstrates the growing role of transport-led development in delivering new housing, with the combination of build-to-rent homes, landscaping, commercial uses and strong public transport connections intended to create a sustainable residential quarter around one of Cambridge’s key transport hubs. With planning approval now secured, the 425-home development can progress towards its next stages as the wider Cambridge North masterplan continues to take shape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Spitfire Homes’ multi-award-winning 250-home Ellenbrook collection has passed the halfway milestone, reinforcing its position as one of the Cotswolds’ standout new communities following sustained demand since its launch in 2024. The Moreton-in-Marsh scheme forms part of the exclusive Spitfire Homes Bespoke Collection and has maintained a sales rate well above the national average, meeting sustained demand for rural new homes in a location celebrated for its character, connectivity and countryside setting. A reflection of Spitfire’s thoughtful approach to design, the two- to five-bedroom homes are arranged across four character areas influenced by the Cotswolds’ vernacular, combining distinctive architecture with a future-focused specification. The scheme has also supported an estimated 868 jobs, alongside an investment of £5.5 million into the local community, helping to strengthen the local economy. Set to be fully occupied by 2028, Ellenbrook’s quality credentials have been recognised through multiple industry accolades, including two Silver and one Bronze award at last year’s WhatHouse? Awards. Senior Site Manager Josh Taylor was also awarded the Seal of Excellence at the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards, with continued recognition in 2026 following a further Quality Award win. The collection has also played an important role in supporting local people onto the property ladder, with a selection of homes offered through the Discounted Market Value and First Homes schemes, options taken by many homeowners to stay living locally in a sought-after area where house prices exceed the national average. One of Ellenbrook’s earliest homeowners, Catherine, shared her thoughts on life within the community: “We’ve had four new builds, and this is by far the best home we’ve ever owned. We absolutely love the house, we love the estate, and I think we’ve finally found our forever home at Ellenbrook. Being one of the first residents here, it’s been brilliant watching the community grow around us. It really does feel like a proper neighbourhood now.” Each home captures the character of the Cotswolds while embracing a forward-thinking sustainable specification, including air source heat pumps and underfloor heating as standard. Residents also benefit from a carefully considered setting with direct access to the historic Diamond Way footpath, connecting the community to the surrounding countryside and nearby Cotswold towns. The collection’s award success builds on Spitfire Homes’ wider reputation for delivering premium, design-led homes, supported by the housebuilder retaining its 5-Star Customer Satisfaction Rating from the Home Builders Federation in both 2025 and 2026. Operations Director, Matt Vincent, said: “Reaching the halfway milestone at Ellenbrook is a proud moment and a powerful endorsement of the quality of this multi-award-winning collection. Its sales performance, industry recognition and growing community all speak to what Spitfire does best: creating distinctive, design-led places that enhance their setting and that people are genuinely proud to call home.” For more information on Ellenbrook please visit https://spitfirehomes.co.uk/find-your-home/ellenbrook/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

DFI has established a strong track record of delivering projects in the living sectors across Europe including residential for rent, student accommodation and co-living DFI, an independent pan-European private equity real estate platform, today announces the forward funding of an £80 million gross development value, 200-bed co-living development in Kingston upon Thames, London, through an off-market transaction. London focused developer Viewranks Estates will deliver the project for DFI under a forward funding agreement. The project, which has full planning permission and Gateway 2 approval, is located next to Kingston Train Station, a 30-minute train ride away from Central London. The area is experiencing significant undersupply of housing, with strong rental demand from young professionals and students, particularly recent university leavers just starting out in their careers and working in London. Residential demand is supported by a strong local economy in Kingston, led by consumer, professional services and technology sectors, with Unilever having opened its new HQ campus in Kingston Town Centre earlier this year. Construction of the eight storey co-living building is expected to start imminently. Once complete it will offer 200 en-suite studios at attractive rents that are inclusive of bills and will benefit from generous amenity spaces. Residents will enjoy access to a master-chef style kitchen and ground floor co-working spaces. A state-of-the-art leisure, catering and entertainment offer with a bar and restaurant, a residents’ lounge, cinema, fitness studio, a communal terrace and a games room, is included in the monthly rent. DFI is working to create a bespoke lifestyle brand tailored to the target market and will continue to explore opportunities in this sector, with a focus on key locations within and in close commute to central London. The investment responds to a growing number of young adults and private renters driving demand for affordable, flexible housing in a market where co-living remains undersupplied, with only c.7,000 operational beds across London. DFI was advised by Eversheds, Living for Life, Savills, PwC and Quartz. Francesco Orofino, Investment Director and Head of Hospitality at DFI, commented:“This is a compelling, off-market opportunity to invest in a high-demand, undersupplied sector that is still evolving in London, under a defensive deal structure. We are working with best-in-class architects, designers and sector experts to create a flexible, branded residential experience that appeals to young professionals through ample amenities, living and working spaces, at rents that offer discount to comparable rental housing. With only c. 7,000 co-living beds in the capital, we are bringing forward a high-quality, aspirational asset and one where we see real potential to replicate across the market.” Gavin Neilan, Founding Partner at DFI, added: “This latest investment builds on DFI’s strong track record of creating institutional grade living assets across Europe where we focus on assets supported by demand tailwinds, undersupply and operational expertise. This includes Blaekhus, a student accommodation platform comprising c. 1,200 student units, which DFI sold to PATRIZIA in 2022 for €314 million, as well as Mylo Living, a Danish flex living platform with a 350-unit asset in Copenhagen.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lovell Partnerships is preparing to start construction on the first phase of a major residential regeneration scheme in Horsham, transforming the former Novartis Pharmaceuticals campus into a new neighbourhood of around 450 homes. Work is expected to begin in October on Lovell’s 206-home development across the 2.72-hectare site, with the scheme combining new-build houses and apartments with the sensitive conversion of the site’s landmark 1930s Art Deco clock tower building. Designed by architect Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt, the development will retain the locally listed tower as the architectural centrepiece of the new neighbourhood, preserving an important part of the site’s pharmaceutical and industrial heritage. Around 35% of the 206 homes within the first phase will be affordable. The existing multi-storey wings positioned either side of the clock tower will be demolished due to significant structural problems and replaced by new five-storey apartment buildings. The retained Art Deco building itself will be converted to provide 51 apartments, with a further 155 new apartments and townhouses constructed across the site. The masterplan has been designed with a varied building scale to help integrate the development into the surrounding area. Heights will begin with two-storey homes along Parsonage Road before increasing to three-storey properties around a new central boulevard and landscaped public square. The main retained building will rise to four storeys with a set-back upper level, while the existing 24m-high clock tower will remain the tallest and most prominent feature of the development. Public realm and landscaping will also play an important role in the regeneration. A new tree-lined boulevard will run through the neighbourhood towards landscaped space in front of the restored Art Deco building, helping to establish the clock tower as a focal point for the wider scheme. Lovell’s development represents the first phase of the planned transformation of the former pharmaceuticals campus. Muse is progressing proposals for the eastern section of the site, which would add a further 244 homes and take the overall development to approximately 450 properties. All 244 homes proposed within the Muse phase are planned as affordable housing, supported by grant funding from Homes England. A separate planning application for this element of the regeneration is expected to be submitted. With Lovell preparing to move onto site in October, the redevelopment will mark the beginning of a significant new chapter for the former Novartis campus, combining heritage-led regeneration, new housing and affordable homes with landscaped public spaces to create a new residential neighbourhood in Horsham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

CCL Facades has been appointed to deliver a major façade package at Bicycle Works, the 331-home residential development forming the first phase of Wolverhampton’s wider Smithgate regeneration. The specialist façade contractor will work alongside parent company and lead contractor Caddick Construction on the scheme, which is being delivered for English Cities Fund (ECF), the regeneration partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse. Under the contract, CCL Facades will be responsible for the design, supply and installation of the doors, 400 sq m of curtain walling and 2,900 sq m of windows across the development’s three six-storey buildings. The package includes the installation of 1,324 individual windows. The appointment represents an important construction milestone for Bicycle Works as work progresses on the residential-led regeneration of this key Wolverhampton city centre site. Bicycle Works will provide 331 new homes and represents the opening phase of the much larger Smithgate masterplan. Once developed, the new mixed-use neighbourhood is expected to deliver up to 1,000 homes alongside new shops, amenities and public spaces, helping to create a vibrant new destination in the heart of Wolverhampton. CCL Facades is due to begin work on site in October and will collaborate with its specialist supply chain throughout delivery. The company will focus on high-quality design and innovative façade solutions, with sustainability forming an important part of its approach. The contract further strengthens CCL Facades’ presence across the Midlands and adds another substantial residential regeneration project to its growing portfolio. The contractor is also currently working on Cole Waterhouse’s flagship Upper Trinity Street regeneration development in Digbeth, Birmingham, further demonstrating its expanding role in major mixed-use and residential schemes across the region. With Caddick Construction leading delivery and CCL Facades undertaking a significant element of the building envelope, Bicycle Works is set to provide the first major residential component of the wider Smithgate transformation. The project will ultimately contribute to the creation of a new mixed-use city centre neighbourhood, combining hundreds of new homes with commercial amenities and improved public realm as Wolverhampton continues to attract investment into regeneration and residential development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major housing development is set to deliver 330 additional homes following a strategic re-plan and planning approval from Glasgow City Council. Set to be one of the largest regeneration schemes in the UK across multiple phases, top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, will increase its delivery from 834 homes to 1,164 at its flagship NorthBridge scheme. In late 2025, the housebuilder celebrated the success of its first phase at the site, located off Pinkston Road, which created 154 homes, enhanced and new transport links, green spaces and walking and cycling routes. Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Scotland said: “This is a significant milestone in seeing much needed homes moving forward for the area. We’re thrilled to have secured approval of our strategic re-plan for this transformative development to create much needed homes alongside the council.  “At Keepmoat we’re committed to creating sustainable, multi-tenure communities that prioritise well designed neighbourhoods with high quality homes, green spaces and abundant connections into existing communities.  “The NorthBridge project reflects our long-term commitment to the city and our ambition to create exceptional places to live alongside the council.” The developer is currently delivering phase two and three of the site, set to create 246 homes, with 41 homes designated for local housing association Wheatley Homes Glasgow (WHG). Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Housing and Development at Glasgow City Council, said: “This is welcome news for Sighthill as it continues its ongoing regeneration, and indeed the whole city.  The building of a further 330 high-quality homes in a Glasgow neighbourhood that has been transformed in recent years will be an important part of what the council and its partners are working to do to make as many homes as possible available.” 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 about Keepmoat, please visit: www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

HG Construction has strengthened its position as a leader in higher-risk residential delivery after securing Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 approval for three major developments in a single month, clearing the way for construction to begin on schemes across Bristol, Manchester and London. The latest approvals represent another significant milestone for the contractor, taking its total number of successful Gateway 2 approvals to 15 since the Building Safety Act regime was introduced. Together, the three developments will deliver 664 new homes and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bedspaces, supporting the continued growth of the UK’s residential and student housing sectors while demonstrating the industry’s increasing ability to navigate the more rigorous building safety approval process. The approved schemes comprise York Gate in Bristol, where HG Construction will deliver 221 build-to-rent apartments with ground-floor commercial and resident amenity space for Donard Real Estate. Designed by Todd Architecture, the development will create a modern mixed-use residential destination. In Manchester, the contractor has secured approval for Apex Manchester in Ardwick, a 239-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme being developed for Far East Orchard and Woh Hup Group. The project has been designed by DAY Architectural and will help meet growing demand for high-quality student housing within the city. The third approval covers Stour Road Phase 2 in Hackney, London, where HG Construction will build a 204-bed student accommodation scheme for Firethorn. Designed by Henley Halebrown, the development forms part of the continued regeneration of East London while expanding the capital’s student housing provision. For the construction sector, the approvals underline the increasing importance of design coordination, technical compliance and early collaboration under the Building Safety Act. Gateway 2 has become a critical stage for higher-risk residential developments, requiring comprehensive design information and regulatory approval before construction can commence. HG Construction attributes its continued success to its integrated delivery model, which provides greater control throughout the design and construction process. The company now self-delivers a wide range of specialist packages, including mechanical and electrical services, dry lining, piling, concrete frames, tower crane operations and off-site manufactured bathroom and utility pods. This vertically integrated approach enables greater coordination across complex projects, helping to streamline compliance with Gateway 2 requirements while maintaining programme certainty and quality throughout delivery. The three latest approvals span three clients and three cities, highlighting HG Construction’s growing national presence and its expertise in delivering complex residential, build-to-rent and student accommodation projects across the UK. With 15 Gateway 2 approvals now successfully achieved, the contractor continues to demonstrate its ability to deliver higher-risk residential developments in line with the UK’s evolving building safety framework, positioning itself at the forefront of modern residential construction as the sector adapts to the new regulatory landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Partnership with GLA Land and Property, Hyde and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust will unlock a complex brownfield site in Edmonton Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has secured a unanimous resolution to grant planning permission from Enfield Council for the partnership-led regeneration of land next to North Middlesex University Hospital in Edmonton. The milestone demonstrates how Vistry’s partnerships model can bring together public landowners, affordable housing providers and public-sector organisations to unlock complex brownfield sites and accelerate the delivery of much-needed homes. Vistry was selected by GLA Land and Property, the landowner, as development partner following a competitive procurement process, and the scheme is being brought forward with Hyde as the registered provider and long-term affordable housing partner. Designed by architects HTA, the development will deliver 306 affordable homes, comprising 152 social rent homes and 154 intermediate homes, including key worker homes for eligible hospital staff. The proposals also include a nursery and cafe for residents and the surrounding community. Around 1,700 sq m of open and play space will sit at the heart of the development, supported by new planting, sustainable drainage and improved walking and cycling routes. All homes will have private outdoor space, 76 will have three or more bedrooms and 10% will be designed for wheelchair users. The partnership aims to create wider social value through local jobs, apprenticeships, skills and training opportunities, helping the investment in the site deliver a lasting benefit for Edmonton. The resolution is subject to completion of the Section 106 legal agreement and construction is anticipated to begin later in 2026. Kevin Delve, Managing Director of Vistry East London, said: “Securing a resolution to grant planning permission is a major milestone and a strong example of Vistry’s partnerships-led model in action. By working with GLA Land and Property, Hyde, the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and Enfield Council, we are unlocking a complex, publicly owned brownfield site to deliver 306 affordable homes alongside new facilities and high-quality public spaces. “Each partner brings distinct expertise and a shared commitment to delivery. This is how collaboration can accelerate much-needed affordable housing, create sustainable neighbourhoods and deliver lasting social value for local communities. We look forward to completing the remaining planning stages and moving into delivery.” Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, said: “This is another great example of how partnerships can unlock public land to deliver the genuinely affordable homes Londoners urgently need. These 306 new homes, including social rent and homes for key workers, will help more people afford to live close to their jobs and support the vital services our city relies on, while bringing new community facilities and green spaces to Edmonton. The Mayor is determined to tackle London’s housing crisis, and schemes like this show what can be achieved when public sector partners work together to deliver high-quality, affordable homes and build a fairer London for everyone.” Andy Hulme, Group Chief Executive Officer at the Hyde Group said: “This scheme is a great example of how strong partnerships can unlock high-quality affordable housing at scale. The delivery of 306 affordable homes, including 152 homes for social rent, will make a significant contribution towards meeting housing need in Enfield. We’re pleased to be working with Vistry and the wider partnership to create sustainable homes across a range of sizes and affordable tenures, supported by safe, welcoming public spaces as well as community facilities that will help local people thrive.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry and Homes England have exchanged contracts to regenerate the former South Staffordshire College site on Croft Street, Tamworth, bringing forward plans for 123 new homes and a care home of up to 80 beds in Tamworth following a competitive selection process. Outline planning consent for 123 new homes (including 20% affordable housing) and a care home with up to 80 beds was granted in June 2025. All have had a building for a healthy life assessment which assures the design is independently assessed for liveable neighbourhoods. Demolition of the former college buildings was approved in 2024, with South Staffordshire College relocating to a new facility at St Editha’s Square, Tamworth, in 2025, paving the way for redevelopment. Demolition work, led by Homes England, is now underway and due to complete in summer 2026, at which point Vistry will submit a reserved matters planning application. Dave Bradley, Managing Director for Vistry North Midlands said: “This major regeneration scheme will transform a challenging brownfield site into 123 high-quality, well planned mixed tenure new homes alongside a care home of up to 80 beds. We share the Government’s ambition to deliver homes at pace and scale, and by working closely with Homes England and Tamworth Borough Council we can help create a vibrant, sustainable community that meets local housing needs while bringing investment into the town.” Jo Nugent, Executive Director – Midlands at Homes England, said: “Homes England acquired the college site at Croft Street, Tamworth to part fund the development of the new college campus in Tamworth town centre as well as provide new homes for local people on the Croft Street site. The relocation of the college acted as a catalyst for a town centre regeneration programme led by Tamworth Borough Council to provide better access and more modern educational facilities for the local community. The Croft Street site is ideally situated in a residential area opposite the mainline station and close to Tamworth Town Centre to deliver sustainable new homes for all ages including care home provision.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals