Pension Insurance Corporation (“PIC”), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension funds, and Court Collaboration, a Birmingham specialist residential property developer, celebrated the Topping Out of the One Eastside development, which at 51 storeys is becoming the tallest building in Birmingham. PIC forward funded the £200 million One Eastside development and will own it for the long term. Court Collaboration is delivering the development. Once complete, PIC will use the rental income generated from the development to help pay the pensions of its policyholders. Almost 15,000 of these policyholders currently live in the West Midlands, and PIC has paid more than £1 billion in pensions in the region since 2012. PIC has also invested more than £900 million in the West Midlands to date, including in social housing, electrified rail, and the University of Birmingham. A number of PIC Policyholders were present at the celebration event. After breaking ground in March 2023, One Eastside is set to complete in 2026 and will feature 667 high-quality new homes for rent, with state-of-the-art co-working spaces and a range of amenities for residents, including a cinema room, sky lounge, and gym. Guests at the Topping Out ceremony were given a tour of the show apartments before heading up to the 150m-high sky terrace to take in the new views of the city and the quality of the amenities soon to be on offer. A celebratory lunch was also held at Birmingham Conservatoire. Rob Groves, Chief Investment Officer at PIC, said: “We are proud to have reached another milestone in our One Eastside development, with 140 of the total of 667 high-quality homes made available for rent in the heart of Birmingham. One Eastside will be the tallest building in the city and help pay the pensions of our policyholders for decades to come.” Alex Neale, Chief Executive Officer at Court Collaboration, added: “What a journey it’s been to reach this milestone for One Eastside. I couldn’t be prouder of the team or more grateful to our partners such as PIC, our main contractor Midgard, who have done – and are still doing – such an amazing job, and of course, Birmingham City Council. Only by genuinely working together with passion can we deliver these types of developments, and I’d like to thank everybody that joined us today to celebrate.” Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, also addressed guests at the event, highlighting the city’s ambitious regeneration agenda. She said, “Partnerships with forward-thinking local businesses like Court Collaboration are absolutely vital to our city’s continued growth and transformation. I want to thank Alex and his team, along with Pension Insurance Corporation, for sharing our vision for a more inclusive, dynamic, and economically resilient city. The topping out of this landmark development is not just a construction milestone, it’s a symbol of the momentum we’re building across Birmingham. From creating new homes and jobs to revitalising our urban spaces, this project reflects the kind of sustainable regeneration that will power our city’s future.” Also present at the Topping Out were members of the project team, including lead contractor Midgard, and representatives from Birmingham City University (BCU), including Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

CBG Consultants are proud to announce that Cosway Street, a landmark residential project in Westminster, Greater London, has been awarded a Civic Trust Award. These significant awards recognise projects that make an outstanding contribution to the built environment, not just through architectural or design excellence, but by delivering sustainable, accessible places that offer lasting value. Located in Marylebone, Cosway Street forms part of Westminster City Council’s ambitious Church Street Masterplan. This collection of 49 high-quality homes is set around a peaceful communal garden and is a thoughtful and contemporary build that reflects its urban surroundings and conservation area status. The development delivers a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, designed with both modern living and community well-being in mind. Westminster City Council’s wider vision is a pioneering housebuilding programme. It aims to provide high-quality homes across a range of tenures, creating inclusive neighbourhoods while reinvesting in the local community. CBG Consultants were appointed to deliver the building services strategy for Cosway Street, with the design brief calling for a landlord’s central heating system and summer comfort cooling to all apartments. This was achieved through a central gas-fired boiler system, distributing heating and hot water to each apartment via individual Heat Interface Units. The system was designed to the Danish standard DS439, ensuring realistic pipework sizing and operational efficiency. Comfort cooling is provided to the living rooms and master bedrooms through a Mitsubishi air source heat pump, with each resident having full control of their cooling. Both the heating and cooling systems are intelligently interfaced to prevent them from conflicting. At the sister building on Ashbridge Street, a central air source heat pump ambient loop was installed for the heating/hot water HIU’s demonstrating a flexible, site-specific approach to the energy strategy. Delivering on the London Plan’s energy targets required detailed modelling and coordination across the design team. The project team, comprising of the architect, structural engineer, and landscape architect, worked closely with CBG to ensure all aspects of the building’s performance met the highest standards. High-performance insulation, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and an extensive rooftop photovoltaic installation contribute to significant reductions in operational energy consumption. On-site renewable energy generation now meets over a quarter of the building’s total energy demand, further supporting Westminster’s environmental ambitions. Cosway Street is an outstanding example of how design and engineering can come together to support sustainable regeneration. The Civic Trust Award is a fantastic recognition of the collaborative efforts that have created a place that not only looks exceptional, but delivers social, environmental and long-term value too. CBG Consultants are delighted to have contributed to this award-winning development and remain committed to helping shape low-carbon, community-focused places for the future. Associate Director, Ian Law from CBG Consultants said, “Regenerating our cities sustainably requires more than good design. At CBG Consultants, we see projects like Cosway Street as an opportunity to embed low-carbon systems and future-ready infrastructure into everyday living. Creating resilient, responsible places calls for smart, efficient engineering that responds to both environmental challenges and the needs of the people who live there.” Project Credits Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

– The site has been sold to Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ Eastern Counties division, with outline permission for up to 1,000 homes, a new school, retail and employment space – Catesby Estates, a leading strategic land promoter, has completed the sale of Straits Mill, a 162 acre site in Braintree, Essex, to Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties. The site was secured by Catesby Estates as part of the recent acquisition of L&Q Estates in August 2024. Five landowners entered into a promotion agreement in 2017, ahead of the team securing an allocation in Braintree Council’s adopted Local Plan, working through several technical constraints and subsequently receiving outline planning approval in 2021. The 162 acre site has been sold to Barratt and David Wilson Homes with outline consent for up to 1,000 new homes including 30% affordable housing, land for a primary school and early years provision, as well as a local retail centre and employment space that can be transformed into offices or industrial units. A network of cycling and pedestrian facilities are also set to be introduced, alongside improvements to the river walk to the south of the site. During the construction phase this site is expected to create 800 direct and indirect new jobs, and around a further 40 once the educational facilities are established. Adrian Clack, Group Land Director at Catesby Estates, comments: “Straits Mill is an impressive site but it also came with a number of technical and title challenges and so it is testament to the team for securing its allocation within the Council’s adopted Local Plan and subsequently receiving outline consent for a scheme that will have long lasting benefits for its residents and surrounding community. Catesby Estates is now delighted to have sold the land to Barratt and David Wilson Homes, and we look forward to seeing the company transform the site into a thriving new community. “This announcement comes as we gear up to what we expect to be an exceptional year for Catesby Estates. The acquisition of L&Q Estates has played a significant role in us achieving this success as not only have we gained impressive new talent but the quality of, and demand for, its additional sites has allowed us to cement our position as one of the leading strategic land promoters in the UK.” Matthew Lees, Development Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties, adds: “Straits Mill is an exciting acquisition that will be a cornerstone development for us. The site will allow us to deliver our quality brands of Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Redrow, offering homes for first-time buyers, families, and those looking for high-quality, energy-efficient living spaces.  “We thank Catesby Estates for securing this complex but exciting opportunity and look forward to delivering a healthy new community environment in which to live and work within Braintree, set within open green spaces and woodland, with sports and play areas, cycleways, bridleway and walking routes to enjoy, as well as new community facilities and infrastructure.” During the sale, Shakespeare Martineau acted for Catesby Estates and the landowners were represented by Strutt & Parker (BNP Paribas Real Estate) Savills and Tees Law. Osborne Clarke LLP advised Barratt and David Wilson Homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Caddick Construction has officially completed its first Midlands project with the handover of Mansion House, a six-storey residential development comprising 58 new apartments, to joint venture partners Urban Splash and Places for People. Located on the 43-acre Port Loop island alongside Birmingham Canal, the development is a key part of a major regeneration scheme in the city. Mansion House represents the culmination of Caddick’s initial work in the region following the company’s expansion into the Midlands in 2023. The handover also concludes a specialist façade package delivered by CCL Facades, a sister company to Caddick. This marks CCL’s first contract in the Midlands, which included the design and installation of a bespoke aluminium curtain walling system with terracotta finishes, as well as windows and roof lights. Caddick’s involvement in the Port Loop project extended beyond construction, with efforts made to benefit the local community. The company employed three apprentices on-site and hosted careers presentations for construction students at James Watts College. Community outreach also included a £1,000 donation to the Birmingham Care Group Food Pantry to support its ‘Kids Eat Free’ campaign, and volunteer work at the Birmingham Settlement Nature and Wellbeing Centre. To further support the regional economy, Caddick engaged a local supply chain, with £5.2 million of subcontractor and supplier packages sourced within a 30-mile radius of the development. Since establishing its Midlands base at Northspring on Temple Street, Caddick has grown significantly — expanding from a 10-person launch team to more than 60 employees, including apprentices and trainees. The company has also built a strong regional portfolio, with a current order book of £250 million and £90 million in secured contracts across residential, industrial, manufacturing, and commercial sectors. Ray O’Sullivan, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction Midlands, said: “The completion and handover of Port Loop is a real milestone for Caddick, not least because it is a significant regeneration development for Birmingham. To have this as our first project is a mark of the reputation Caddick brought to the region when we launched in 2023. We have also worked alongside our colleagues at CCL Facades at Port Loop, which has created valuable collaboration and ensured we deliver exceptional standards at one of Birmingham’s most exciting new neighbourhoods.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major new chapter in Manchester’s regeneration story is set to begin, as construction firm Graham is appointed to lead the £110 million transformation of the former Boddingtons Brewery site. Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, has selected Graham as the main contractor to deliver Brewery Gardens – a high-density residential scheme located on Great Ducie Street in the heart of the city. The project will bring 505 new homes to a long-disused brownfield plot spanning just 1.25 acres. This prominent scheme is one of the first in the country to secure Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, a critical milestone under new building safety legislation. It marks the second such success this year for Latimer and Graham, following the Dyecoats development in Leeds. With regulatory hurdles cleared, work in Manchester is scheduled to begin this summer, with completion targeted for autumn 2028. The design reflects the site’s rich industrial past, with proposed buildings featuring a traditional brick exterior, aluminium-framed windows and Juliet balconies to maintain an urban, character-driven appearance. Richard Cook, chief development officer at Clarion Housing Group, said the project signals a major step in the group’s ambitions for central Manchester. He added that Brewery Gardens will play a key role in helping to meet the city’s growing housing demand by delivering well-designed, affordable homes in a sustainable and attractive environment. Stephen Van den Hoek, regional director at Graham, said the Gateway 2 approval highlights the strong collaboration between partners and underlines a shared commitment to delivering homes that meet modern standards of safety, quality and community value. The development is part-funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and represents a major piece of the wider regeneration strategy for the area. Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig welcomed the scheme as an early catalyst for the long-term redevelopment of the neighbouring Strangeways district. She described Brewery Gardens as a significant moment for the city’s housing landscape – offering affordable living options in a central location, while unlocking the potential of one of Manchester’s most ambitious transformation zones. Once complete, Brewery Gardens will not only reinvigorate a landmark site long associated with the city’s brewing heritage but will also bring new life and purpose to a key gateway into central Manchester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Green light given to transform Teviot Estate in Poplar with new housing, open spaces and community facilities Plans to deliver nearly 2,000 new homes as part of one of East London’s largest estate regeneration schemes have been approved by Tower Hamlets Council. The project will see the complete transformation of the Teviot Estate in Poplar, replacing outdated housing with up to 1,928 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable, alongside new green spaces, commercial space, a purpose-built mosque and a new community centre. National planning and development consultancy Lichfields advised on the scheme, which is being delivered by a joint venture between local housing association Poplar HARCA and The Hill Group, one of the UK’s leading housebuilders. The proposals were approved by the borough’s Strategic Development Committee last week. The project is one of several that Lichfields has advised on from the earliest stages, drawing on its extensive experience in estate renewal and planning policy. Clare Catherall, Associate Director at Lichfields, said: “This is a flagship regeneration project for London and an important milestone for the Teviot community. The scale and complexity of the plans, along with the level of resident engagement, make it a clear example of estate regeneration done properly. It tackles serious housing need while improving quality of life for existing residents. We’ve worked closely with Poplar HARCA and The Hill Group to help shape a scheme that reflects local priorities and makes the best use of this part of east London.” The project follows extensive consultation with residents and secures the right for all existing tenants and leaseholders to return. As well as modern, energy-efficient homes, the masterplan includes the transformation of Langdon Park, as well as over 6,000 sqm of new public open spaces, over 7,000sqm of dedicated play spaces within the estate, and improved links across the A12 and DLR line to better connect the area with the wider neighbourhood and improve public safety. Poplar HARCA’s Director of Regeneration and Development, Paul Dooley, said: “This is a real win for residents who gave their time and efforts to make sure this masterplan delivers the things that are important for local people. The plans focus on family-sized housing to tackle overcrowding in Tower Hamlets, as well as investment in community facilities and projects that will benefit the neighbourhood for years to come. We’re excited to get started on delivering these plans and working in partnership with Hill to build a brighter future for Teviot.” Designed to address long-standing issues of overcrowding and poor-quality housing, the new homes will be built to modern space and sustainability standards. The scheme includes a significant provision of affordable housing, with a focus on larger family-sized rented homes to meet local need. Andy Hill OBE, Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, added: “This is a landmark moment for Teviot and a major step forward in delivering lasting change for the community. Securing planning permission means we can now move forward with our shared vision, which prioritises creating high-quality homes and improved communal spaces that reflect the needs of residents. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Poplar HARCA and the local community to bring these plans to life.” Construction on the first phase is expected to begin in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major step forward has been taken in one of London’s most ambitious regeneration schemes, as the London Borough of Tower Hamlets grants planning approval for the £800 million transformation of the Teviot Estate in Poplar, East London. The Hill Group, in partnership with housing association Poplar HARCA, has received a resolution to grant planning permission for the large-scale redevelopment, which will deliver 1,928 new homes—508 of which will be affordable. The scheme will also introduce a range of community assets, retail units, and public spaces, including a reimagined Langdon Park. The regeneration will be delivered in four phases, with the first due to commence in 2026. Phase one will provide 475 new homes, of which 44%—comprising 140 homes for social rent and 24 for shared ownership—are classified as affordable. The first completions are anticipated by 2028. Designed by architecture practice BPTW, the eight-hectare masterplan includes a diverse mix of studios, apartments, and family homes. The development will also feature five new public squares, green corridors, enhanced access to Langdon Park station, upgrades to Fawe Street Bridge and Limehouse Cut, and a more accessible pedestrian tunnel under the A12. Additional investment in lighting and CCTV aims to boost safety and reduce anti-social behaviour. Teviot residents have played an integral role in shaping the vision and design of the masterplan through a sustained consultation process. Existing social rent tenants within the regeneration zone have been assured the right to remain at social rent levels in newly built homes—a key factor in securing strong community backing for the scheme. Andy Hill, founder and chief executive of The Hill Group, commented:“This is a landmark moment for Teviot and a major step forward in delivering lasting change for the community. Securing planning permission means we can now move forward with our shared vision, which prioritises creating high-quality homes and improved communal spaces that reflect the needs of residents. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Poplar HARCA and the local community to bring these plans to life.” Paul Dooley, Director of Regeneration and Development at Poplar HARCA, added:“We’re proud to have secured planning permission for the regeneration of Teviot—an exemplar national project shaped through genuine community partnership. This is a real win for residents who have given their time and energy to ensure this masterplan delivers what truly matters to local people. “We’re excited to begin work and, together with Hill, build a brighter future for Teviot.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Consero, a luxury developer of Surrey’s super-prime homes, has been granted planning permission to build a boutique collection of detached homes in the highly sought-after area of Send, in Surrey, by Guildford Borough Council. The plans for the site – named Oaktrees – will deliver just four contemporary, high-end homes with Consero’s expertise as a leader in the future of luxury living and award-winning design. Located on Clandon Road, a 1960s six-bedroom detached house is being demolished to create four exceptional five-bedroom homes, spread over three floors. Each 2,800 sq ft / 260 m2 home will boast a spacious, open-plan kitchen, dining and living space overlooking the garden, separate utility, private study, separate formal living room, master bedroom with dressing room and ensuite, plus a further four bedrooms and three ensuite/bathrooms.  Outside, south-westerly facing gardens will be approximately 110 ft feet long with private parking for two vehicles at the front of each property with EV car chargers. Jason Lawrence, Managing Director at Consero, said: “We are pleased to have received approval for our planning application for this site in Send, a well-connected Surrey village with fantastic links to Guildford and access to outstanding schools. We’re bringing all our expertise and in-house architectural and design skills from building some of the country’s most beautiful homes to deliver four exceptional properties in Send.  “The collection of homes will be named Oaktrees, in reference to the ancient oaks on the site boundary, and we can’t wait to reveal more soon.” Established in 2004, Consero is a master in designing homes with timeless architecture, discretion, and impeccable detail. The housebuilder is behind some of the UK’s most super-prime homes in prestigious addresses, including the Wentworth Estate and St George’s Hill and is now bringing its knowledge and vision to a wider audience of homeowners with hand-picked sites in desirable locations. For further information on Consero, visit: https://consero.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals