Birmingham City Council is overhauling the way its council housing is maintained, appointing a new group of contractors to take responsibility for long-term repairs and investment across the city. From July 2026, Equans, Wates and Mears will deliver day-to-day repairs, planned maintenance and improvement works across around 60,000 council homes.
Plans to regenerate Gateshead’s Baltic Quarter have taken a significant step forward after the council agreed a pre-development deal with Muse and ECF to progress a major mixed-use scheme of around 1,600 new homes. Under the agreement, ECF will work alongside Gateshead Council to develop the long-term vision for the
Planning approvals for housing fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025 to their lowest level since 2019, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The figures sharpen the challenge for housing secretary Steve Reed, whose ‘Build, Baby, Build’ drive and the Government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes is being
The Liverpool City Region has unveiled ambitious plans to accelerate the delivery of more than 63,000 new homes through a £2bn housing pipeline designed to unlock stalled sites and drive large-scale regeneration across the region. Led by metro mayor Steve Rotheram, the initiative brings together local authorities, housing associations and
Earlier yesterday (Thursday 15 January) the Finance and Resources Committee recommended the approval of a £21 million contract to Kier Construction to deliver a comprehensive retrofit and upgrade programme at Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court, two 15 floor blocks in Edinburgh. The project forms part of the Council’s wider Strategic Investment
Persimmon Homes West Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council have exchanged contracts for 21 new homes at the Ger y Môr development in Saundersfoot, which will be handed to the authority for social rent on completion to help ease local housing pressures. Located on Sandy Hill Road, the 21 properties will
Manchester City Council is set to welcome around major investment into key growth areas for the city – part of the £1bn Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund announced by the GMCA this week. The funding package is set to be approved by Cllr Bev Craig, the portfolio Leader for Good Growth, and the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy
Liverpool Waters has welcomed its newest residential development, Lighthaus, a 31-storey Build-to-Rent (BTR) tower in Princes Dock. Developed by Vermont, alongside Peel Waters, X1 Developments, and Starlight Investments, the 278-home project is set to welcome its first residents later this month. The development offers a mix of studio, one, two,
Network Rail has launched a new property development company, with ambitions to deliver 40,000 new homes and 10 million sq ft of commercial space over the next decade. The new business, named Platform4, will focus on regenerating brownfield land within the rail estate. Four initial sites have already been identified
One of the largest regeneration projects of its kind in Scotland, to develop a £1.3bn environmentally friendly coastal town on the Capital’s largest brownfield site, at Granton Waterfront, is set to take a huge step forward. The business case for phase 1 of this ambitious new development sets out how attractive
Birmingham City Council is overhauling the way its council housing is maintained, appointing a new group of contractors to take responsibility for long-term repairs and investment across the city. From July 2026, Equans, Wates and Mears will deliver day-to-day repairs, planned maintenance and improvement works across around 60,000 council homes. The appointments form part of a new 10-year framework arrangement, split across four city regions and potentially worth up to £3bn, with an option to extend for a further five years. Under the new framework, Equans will retain one of the three lots it previously held, while Wates has emerged as the largest winner, securing two lots with a combined value of up to £1.75bn over the life of the contracts. Mears completes the new trio of delivery partners. 10-year Birmingham housing maintenance lots City region New partner Previous holder Value East Equans Equans £619m North Wates Equans £451m South Wates Fortem £1.3bn West Central Mears Equans £607m Willmott Dixon-owned Fortem, which has provided housing maintenance services in south Birmingham for 18 years, will exit the programme when its current contract ends this summer. The contracts cover a broad range of services, including responsive repairs, kitchen and bathroom replacements, wider planned maintenance programmes and the preparation of empty homes ready for new tenants. Birmingham City Council said the new delivery model has been shaped by extensive tenant feedback and is intended to provide a more flexible, responsive and modern service. A key feature will be the introduction of a fully digitised repairs journey, giving tenants clearer communication around planned works, timeframes and any changes to appointments, as well as greater ability to rearrange visits. New digital systems will also be used to monitor the condition of homes more effectively and support programmes to improve energy efficiency, helping to make properties warmer and cheaper to heat. Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said the new contracts represent a reset in how repairs and maintenance are delivered and monitored. She added that tenants should see improved communication, more responsive services and continued investment in kitchens, bathrooms and energy efficiency measures across the council’s housing stock.
Plans to regenerate Gateshead’s Baltic Quarter have taken a significant step forward after the council agreed a pre-development deal with Muse and ECF to progress a major mixed-use scheme of around 1,600 new homes. Under the agreement, ECF will work alongside Gateshead Council to develop the long-term vision for the site, shaping funding, phasing and delivery. The Baltic Quarter plays a central role in the council’s regeneration strategy unveiled last autumn. Initial work will focus on how new homes and workspaces can be introduced alongside improved public spaces, landscaping, routes and infrastructure. The proposals aim to support the area’s existing business community, including Gateshead College and the Northern Design Centre, while creating space for future growth. The council said the regeneration will build on the quarter’s established creative and commercial character, helping current businesses remain and expand, while attracting new companies and talent to Gateshead and neighbouring Newcastle. An early masterplan for the Baltic Quarter has been prepared by architect Brown + Company. Sustainability sits at the heart of the proposals, with the area already benefiting from a district energy network powered by the UK’s largest urban solar farm and mine water heat. A recently completed 1,000-space car park has also been designed to support large-scale electric vehicle charging. Sir Michael Lyons, chair of ECF, said the pre-development agreement allows partners to work closely with the council and local stakeholders to shape proposals that reflect Gateshead’s industrial heritage while delivering lasting economic and social benefits. The agreement was secured through Pagabo’s developer-led framework. Council leader Martin Gannon said the scheme could deliver more than 1,600 homes, new office space and high-quality public realm, creating a visible statement of confidence in Gateshead that could help attract further investment to the borough.
Planning approvals for housing fell for a fourth consecutive year in 2025 to their lowest level since 2019, according to construction analysts Barbour ABI. The figures sharpen the challenge for housing secretary Steve Reed, whose ‘Build, Baby, Build’ drive and the Government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes is being tested by a weakening housing pipeline. Residential planning approval value ended 2025 at £35.5bn, down 13% on 2021 and 25% below 2019, even though the wider construction market is up around 20% versus pre-COVID. Fewer approvals today mean fewer sites starting in the months ahead, slowing new supply, keeping upward pressure on prices and rents, and pushing the 1.5 million homes target further out of reach. “Last year, Steve Reed called on the industry to build, baby, build, but we’re yet to see any reaction,” said Ed Griffiths, head of business and client analysis at Barbour ABI. “The approvals pipeline for new homes has shrunk to its weakest since 2019, while money and momentum have shifted to energy infrastructure. “We don’t expect to see new housing spend to return to 2022 levels until 2027 and unless we see planning approvals recovering and contract awards broadening beyond a few large schemes, the 1.5 million homes target is looking increasingly impossible.” Contract awards, a key indicator of market health and future workload that signal the move from planning to delivery, remain broadly flat in housing. The value of residential awards edged up 4% in 2025 but has hovered around £22bn for three years. It’s a similar picture on applications. With no answer to current viability issues, residential remains stagnant increasing only 5% in overall application value with a 13% drop in the number of applications. By contrast, the rest of construction is performing. Overall planning approval value across all sectors rose 22% last year to £112bn, even as the number of approvals fell. Infrastructure is a particular highlight, as planning application value improved 45%, and planning approval value jumped 108% in 2025, powered by government-backed energy investment. Seven of the eight infrastructure projects approved in 2025 above £1bn were in the energy sector. Last year also saw growth across most regions, driven by high value transport and utility orders and urban regeneration in cities like Leeds and Manchester. Despite ongoing challenges like high costs and planning delays there are signs that private investors are committing to signing off on new contracts. But how quickly these can translate to activity on the ground in 2026 remains to be seen Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Liverpool City Region has unveiled ambitious plans to accelerate the delivery of more than 63,000 new homes through a £2bn housing pipeline designed to unlock stalled sites and drive large-scale regeneration across the region. Led by metro mayor Steve Rotheram, the initiative brings together local authorities, housing associations and delivery partners to identify over 300 development sites capable of supporting new housing. Nearly half of the proposed homes, around 31,000 units, would be delivered within the city of Liverpool itself. The Liverpool City Region Housing Pipeline sets out a coordinated approach to housing delivery, aligning land preparation, infrastructure investment and funding support to speed up development. It follows a recent commitment of £700m for new social and affordable housing across the region, representing the largest investment of its kind locally. The combined authority is being asked to formally approve the work completed to date and endorse the pipeline as a priority framework for directing development funding. Approval would allow detailed preparation of sites to move forward, coordinated alongside wider investment in transport infrastructure, economic development and place-based regeneration. Working jointly with Homes England, the combined authority is already investing £1.3m to bring forward 309 priority sites across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral. This work forms part of a strategic place partnership aimed at tackling viability challenges and accelerating delivery. Members will also be asked to endorse the creation of a new Housing Investment Fund to unlock difficult sites and support early-stage development. Analysis suggests around £1bn of public support will be required to deliver 139 of the identified schemes, with the full pipeline potentially needing up to £2bn in total investment. Rising construction costs, higher borrowing rates and increasingly stringent building standards have created significant viability gaps, particularly on complex urban brownfield sites. To further accelerate delivery, the combined authority is exploring the establishment of a mayoral development corporation, initially focused on a North Docks development area, with the potential to extend the model to other priority regeneration zones. The next phase will involve active engagement with the wider housing market. A meeting scheduled for early February will bring together developers, contractors, investors, housing associations and local authorities, marking the launch of a new Liverpool City Region Developer Forum aimed at building market confidence and supporting delivery. If delivered in full, the pipeline would represent one of the most significant housing and regeneration programmes in the region’s history, reshaping communities and supporting long-term economic growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Earlier yesterday (Thursday 15 January) the Finance and Resources Committee recommended the approval of a £21 million contract to Kier Construction to deliver a comprehensive retrofit and upgrade programme at Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court, two 15 floor blocks in Edinburgh. The project forms part of the Council’s wider Strategic Investment Plan for high-rise buildings and will bring both blocks up to modern standards, significantly improving comfort, safety, energy efficiency and long-term sustainability for residents. Built in 1968, the two floor blocks currently have no insulation, making homes difficult and expensive to heat. The retrofit will introduce extensive external wall insulation, dramatically improving thermal performance and helping homes retain heat more effectively. These upgrades are expected to create warmer living spaces and reduce heating costs for residents throughout the year. To further improve indoor air quality and tackle long-standing issues with damp and mould, each flat will be fitted with a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system. This will provide a continuous supply of fresh air while retaining heat, supporting healthier and more comfortable homes. Other improvements include: The surrounding environment will also be transformed, with: Craigmillar Court and Peffermill Court each contain 57 two-bedroom homes. This major investment represents a long-term commitment to improving living conditions, reducing carbon emissions, enhancing safety and creating more welcoming, sustainable communities for current and future residents. Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Cllr Tim Pogson, said:This £21 million investment represents a major step forward in improving the quality, safety and sustainability of our high-rise homes. By upgrading insulation, ventilation, fire safety and communal spaces, this project will deliver warmer, healthier and more affordable homes for residents, while also ensuring these buildings are fit for the future. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Persimmon Homes West Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council have exchanged contracts for 21 new homes at the Ger y Môr development in Saundersfoot, which will be handed to the authority for social rent on completion to help ease local housing pressures. Located on Sandy Hill Road, the 21 properties will be supplemented by a further four homes reserved for local people, taking the number prioritised for the community to 25. The deal was marked on site by Persimmon representatives alongside the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman, and local county councillor, Cllr Chris Williams. The 72-home scheme will feature an equipped play area at its centre and a dedicated active travel link connecting the neighbourhood back to Sandy Hill Road. The design also includes sustainable drainage with bio-retention areas and rain gardens, green technologies such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, and ecological measures to mitigate impacts on dormouse habitats while preserving existing trees and hedgerows. The five-star accredited housebuilder currently has three, four and five-bedroom homes for sale at Ger y Môr from £310,000, with two-bedroom properties due to be released soon. Through its Community Champions programme, Persimmon donates £48,000 annually to good causes across Wales; recent local beneficiaries include Saundersfoot Cricket Club, Saundersfoot Rotary Club and the village’s New Year’s Day Swim. Stuart Phillips, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes West Wales, said: “Persimmon is determined to leave a positive community legacy where we build, and an integral element of our offering is the transfer of quality new homes to local housing association partners. “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts on this initial tranche of houses at our forthcoming Pembrokeshire site, Ger y Môr, and we hope this significant community contribution will help alleviate pressure on the local housing list. “We are pleased to partner with Pembrokeshire Council to deliver this increase in provision for local people as we make progress to bring this site to fruition.” Cllr Michelle Bateman, Pembrokeshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, added: “We’re delighted to be going into partnership with Persimmon, taking on 21 new homes here at Ger y Môr, helping deliver secure homes for local people in Pembrokeshire. “The purchase of these properties as social housing is one of a range of affordable housing options we are offering to support families and individuals with diverse housing needs. “The purchases at Ger y Môr reflects the Council’s commitment to providing local affordable homes and revitalising our local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester City Council is set to welcome around major investment into key growth areas for the city – part of the £1bn Greater Manchester Good Growth Fund announced by the GMCA this week. The funding package is set to be approved by Cllr Bev Craig, the portfolio Leader for Good Growth, and the Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham at a meeting of the Combined Authority next week. The first tranche of the pioneering funding model will deliver £400m investment for 30 projects across the city region making sure that the whole of Greater Manchester will benefit. For Manchester, the investment will focus on delivering major residential projects – with a keen focus on social housing and genuinely affordable tenures – along with transformative investment in key projects that will unlock major commercial and office space, and significant employment and skills opportunities for local people. New Housing and Affordable Homes Victoria North This City Wythenshawe Town Centre Commercial Space Leader of the Council Bev Craig said: “Manchester is leading the way in trying to both supercharge our economy to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, while also creating new opportunities for our residents and building homes everyone can afford. Our mission is clear, good growth that creates a world class city, a thriving economy and a place where everyone benefits. “This groundbreaking GM Good Growth Fund will supercharge our ambitions, backing schemes that create jobs and the homes we need for everyone’s benefit. It will unlock and deliver major new sustainable housing investment that meets the needs of our residents, building excellent communities and town centres that our residents are proud to call their own – and, crucially, unlock projects that can deliver genuinely affordable and Council homes that make sure these developments are open and available to as many Mancunians as possible. “We also know that the whole of the Northwest, and the rest of Greater Manchester, needs Manchester City Centre to do well – attract growth, investment and opportunity for the whole region. That’s why the Greater Manchester investment in commercial office development is so important. And despite the commercial challenges elsewhere in the country, Manchester can forge ahead with making sure our commercial pipeline meets the huge demand we see for new space in the city. It will also help a range of globally significant projects to move forward, while creating the conditions for our key growth sectors to thrive in digital, life sciences, research and innovation. “The Good Growth Fund represents an unprecedented level of investment in key sectors and homes across our city region. We have thought carefully about how we can best inject money into the right locations and this fund is a major shot in the arm for economic growth, job creation, skills and infrastructure – translating directly into new jobs and opportunities for our residents to play their part in the city’s success.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Liverpool Waters has welcomed its newest residential development, Lighthaus, a 31-storey Build-to-Rent (BTR) tower in Princes Dock. Developed by Vermont, alongside Peel Waters, X1 Developments, and Starlight Investments, the 278-home project is set to welcome its first residents later this month. The development offers a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, complemented by a sky lounge with panoramic views of Liverpool and the River Mersey, a fitness centre, co-working spaces, a residents’ lounge, and a 24-hour concierge service. Lighthaus has been designed with modern renting in mind, providing professionally managed, high-quality accommodation with convenient access to Liverpool’s iconic waterfront and city attractions. In addition to addressing the city’s demand for rental homes, the project has created employment and training opportunities for local residents throughout construction. Positions included permanent roles, apprenticeships, and work experience placements via the City of Liverpool Construction Academy, located within Liverpool Waters. The completion of Lighthaus marks another milestone in the ongoing Liverpool Waters masterplan, the largest urban regeneration initiative in the city’s history. Led by Peel Waters, the scheme is set to deliver thousands of new homes along with significant commercial and leisure space, reinforcing Liverpool’s position as a major northern growth centre. Princes Dock, where Lighthaus is located, now boasts over 1,000 completed homes, along with Liverpool Cruise Port, the Isle of Man Ferry terminal, and attractions such as the Wyld Sauna, the UK’s first public floating sauna. The area has also been selected as the site for the UK’s first floating Padel tennis courts, due to open in spring 2026. Speaking on the project’s completion, Chris Capes, Liverpool Waters Development Director at Peel Waters, said: “This achievement reflects our long-standing partnership between Peel Waters with X1 Developments and Vermont Construction, whose expertise has been instrumental in delivering exceptional results. Beyond creating a stunning new residential tower, this development has generated a fantastic pipeline of opportunities for local people throughout the build; from full-time employment to apprenticeships and placements for students at the onsite City of Liverpool Construction Academy. “Lighthaus demonstrates the strong appeal of Liverpool Waters as a destination for international investors, reinforcing the confidence in our vision and we’re only just getting started. With more residential developments, new public spaces, and vibrant amenities on the horizon, Liverpool Waters is shaping up to be one of the most exciting waterfront communities in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail has launched a new property development company, with ambitions to deliver 40,000 new homes and 10 million sq ft of commercial space over the next decade. The new business, named Platform4, will focus on regenerating brownfield land within the rail estate. Four initial sites have already been identified in Newcastle, Manchester, Cambridge and Nottingham. Platform4 has been formed through the merger of London & Continental Railways Ltd with Network Rail’s existing Property Development operations. Together, the combined team has a strong track record in housing, commercial and infrastructure-led projects, having delivered more than 7,000 homes in the past year. Robin Dobson, Chief Executive Officer of Platform4, said that the UK’s railways, which once helped drive the first industrial revolution, now had a vital role to play in the next wave of regeneration. He said that by unlocking and transforming brownfield sites, Platform4 would attract further investment, support job creation and help deliver new homes, commercial space and communities in line with the government’s housing ambitions. Jeremy Westlake, Chief Executive of Network Rail, described the launch as a significant milestone, combining the strength of the rail network with a substantial property portfolio. He said Platform4 would help ensure the railway estate continues to create value for both the wider economy and local communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the largest regeneration projects of its kind in Scotland, to develop a £1.3bn environmentally friendly coastal town on the Capital’s largest brownfield site, at Granton Waterfront, is set to take a huge step forward. The business case for phase 1 of this ambitious new development sets out how attractive local living for residents and people in the surrounding communities will be achieved. The delivery plans include new housing which will be enhanced with a new primary school (the school to be delivered through a separate contract), retail units, public and open green space. This would be achieved through entering into a development agreement with Cruden Homes to deliver site wide enabling, infrastructure and new homes. Each of the 847 new homes will be fitted with an air source heat pump providing residents who move in with new, warm, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes, with fairly priced energy bills. At least 45% of the homes will be affordable – 214 will be for social rent with the rest a mixture of mid-market rent and homes for sale. Some will also be suitable for families who require wheelchair accessibility. The revitalisation of Granton Waterfront’s historic buildings and industrial built heritage, coupled with the delivery of new leisure and recreation opportunities, will significantly increase visitors to the area, creating new local employment opportunities. The overall development will make a significant contribution to Edinburgh’s target to become a net zero carbon city, through a mix of energy efficient buildings, gas free heat solutions, cycling and walking paths and a nature-based approach to climate mitigation and adaptation. This exciting regeneration in the north of Edinburgh, set to start early next year and due for completion in 2033 will build on early action projects already underway in Granton Waterfront. If approved by the Finance and Resources Committee on Tuesday, 18 November, the business case will then be considered by Council on Thursday, 18 December. Some of these projects are already complete with others taking shape. Tenants are already living in 75 new ‘net zero ready homes’ for social and mid-market rent at Granton Station View. A short distance away Western Villages has 444 ‘net zero ready’ homes for social, mid-market rent and some for sale, which are nearly all occupied. A further 143 ‘net zero ready’ social and mid-market rent homes at Silverlea are also due for completion in Summer 2026. At the heart of this nationally significant development of Edinburgh’s coastline sits the Granton Gasholder now known as ‘Gasholder 1 Park’. The iconic gasholder frame has been restored and can be seen for miles around as it is lit up after dark. It has a new public park created within the frame making it a spectacular focal point in the area. The historic former Granton Station has been refurbished as a creative hub and has a new civic square in its grounds. The Pitt has opened in a repurposed industrial building at 20 West Shore Road and the core path through the development has been upgraded and named Speirs Bruce Way. Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “The £1.3bn regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline is hugely significant for our Capital city. It is the largest public sector led project of its kind in Scotland. Over the next 10 to 15 years, it will continue to set the standard for sustainable economic growth in Edinburgh. “We’re using the largest brownfield site we own to deliver the first phase of this project, with our development partner Cruden Homes. We will be delivering new and affordable, energy efficient ‘net zero ready’ homes which will provide our residents with fairly priced energy bills. The retail and leisure units we will deliver will provide an opportunity for local people to enjoy recreation and access employment. We’ll also be improving public transport and cycling and walking paths as well as education services. Our aim is to help to reduce child poverty as well as address the nature and climate emergencies we face locally and globally. “Our investment in this major project for the Capital further reinforces our approach across the city to achieve low carbon affordable living for as many of our residents as possible. Our aim is to make Edinburgh more inclusive and well connected to support prosperity and wellbeing for those in the Granton Waterfront area and across the city region.” Fraser Lynes, Managing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “We’re proud to be playing a leading role in delivering this landmark regeneration of Edinburgh’s coastline. Granton Waterfront is a bold and innovative project that will create a distinctive new coastal neighbourhood with a real sense of place, centred around much-needed, high-quality, energy-efficient homes and sustainable infrastructure. Working in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, we’re not only building net zero ready homes but also creating valuable community benefits, from local employment and apprenticeships to investment in skills and supply chains. This next phase marks an exciting milestone in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and connected future for the Capital.” Phase 1 of the project has been made possible through the Council securing funding from the Scottish Government – capital grant funding from its Housing Infrastructure Fund as part of its commitment through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, along with revenue funding through an innovative Place Based Accelerator grant. This was formulated with the support of Scottish Futures Trust. The Place Based Accelerator grant is an innovative funding model that will allow the Council to take forward the development in return for achieving outcomes for the people in the north of Edinburgh including achieving targets related to improvements to health and wellbeing, educational attainment and local employment opportunities. Granton Waterfront regeneration supports the delivery of the City of Edinburgh Council Business Plan, the Edinburgh City Mobility Plan, Edinburgh City Plan 2030, Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan 2024 – 2030 and the Edinburgh 2030 Climate Strategy. It also supports the delivery of key national policy objectives as set out in NPF 4, Housing to 2040