Glasgow Approves Landmark 25-Storey PBSA Tower as £250m Gateway Regeneration Progresses
A major new chapter in Glasgow’s city centre regeneration has moved a step closer after plans for a 25-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) tower received planning approval, paving the way for the first phase of a £250m mixed-use development. The scheme forms part of the ambitious Charing Cross Gateway masterplan, which aims to transform a prominent gateway site into a vibrant new urban quarter featuring student accommodation, Grade A offices, residential homes, retail space and high-quality public realm. Developer CXG Glasgow has secured detailed planning consent for a 620-bed student accommodation building at Elmbank Gardens, located on the corner of Bath Street and Newton Street. Designed by Michael Laird Architects, the development will create modern student living in one of Glasgow’s most accessible city centre locations, helping to address continued demand for high-quality accommodation close to the city’s universities. Enabling works are already underway, with demolition specialist Reigart Contracts currently clearing two former 1960s buildings from the site. The demolition programme is expected to be completed by August, preparing the site for the next stage of development. Construction of the student accommodation tower is anticipated to begin during 2027, with the completed development expected to welcome students in 2030. The approval represents the first significant milestone for the wider Charing Cross Gateway regeneration, which secured outline planning consent last year. Future phases will introduce Grade A office accommodation, private residential homes, retail and leisure uses, creating a diverse mixed-use destination that will reconnect an important part of Glasgow’s city centre. As well as delivering much-needed student accommodation, the wider masterplan is expected to generate substantial economic benefits through construction activity, long-term employment opportunities and increased investment in the surrounding area. Andrew Richardson, Managing Director of Development at ESR DevCo, described the approval as a major milestone for the project, saying it brings the development team significantly closer to transforming one of Glasgow’s most prominent gateway sites. He added that the investment would help support construction jobs while creating fresh momentum for regeneration across the city centre. Purpose-built student accommodation continues to attract strong investor interest across the UK, with university cities such as Glasgow experiencing sustained demand driven by growing student populations and a continued shortage of modern, professionally managed accommodation. Developments such as Charing Cross Gateway are increasingly combining student housing with commercial, residential and public realm improvements to create well-connected, sustainable urban communities. With demolition progressing and construction scheduled to commence in 2027, the Charing Cross Gateway project represents one of Glasgow’s most significant city centre regeneration schemes and is set to play an important role in shaping the city’s future skyline and economic growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Magrock Appointed to Deliver Sustainable New Industrial Hub in Filton
Construction of a major new industrial development in the Bristol region is set to commence after Tungsten Properties appointed Magrock Construction as main contractor for its latest logistics and industrial scheme at Filton. The appointment follows the successful completion of a £19m funding package from a private UK family office, underlining continued investor confidence in the industrial and logistics market despite wider economic uncertainty. Known as Tungsten Park Filton, the development will provide five Grade A industrial and warehouse units ranging in size from 10,200 sq ft to 30,000 sq ft. The scheme has been specifically designed to address the ongoing shortage of high-quality mid-box industrial accommodation across the Bristol market, where demand from manufacturers, distributors, technology businesses and logistics operators continues to outstrip supply. Situated on a self-contained 4.55-acre site, the development occupies a highly accessible location fronting the A38, with excellent connectivity to Junction 16 of the M5 and Junction 20 of the M4, placing future occupiers within easy reach of the South West, South Wales and the wider national motorway network. Magrock Construction was selected following a competitive tender process and will deliver the project on behalf of Tungsten Properties and its investment partner. The development has been designed with sustainability and long-term operational performance at its core. Each unit will provide modern warehouse accommodation with integrated first-floor office space, generous service yards and enhanced power capacity to support the evolving requirements of advanced manufacturing, industrial and logistics occupiers. Environmental performance has been prioritised throughout the scheme, with Tungsten Park Filton targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification alongside an EPC A rating. Sustainability measures will include rooftop photovoltaic solar panels, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, sustainable drainage systems and extensive landscaping designed to improve biodiversity and create an attractive working environment. The project reflects the growing demand for future-ready industrial space capable of supporting businesses as they work towards increasingly ambitious environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives. Ian Dunckley, Development Director at Tungsten Properties, said securing funding for the scheme represented a significant milestone and demonstrated continued confidence in both the Bristol market and the wider mid-box industrial sector. He noted that Bristol remains one of the UK’s most supply-constrained industrial markets and said the development would help address this shortage by delivering high-quality accommodation in a strategically important location. Dunckley also expressed confidence that Magrock Construction would deliver a first-class project for both the funding partner and future occupiers. As industrial demand continues to be driven by advanced manufacturing, e-commerce, technology and last-mile logistics, developments such as Tungsten Park Filton are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting regional economic growth while delivering the sustainable, high-performance industrial space modern businesses require. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
POD Management Celebrates Outstanding Success at the ACE Awards 2026
Multiple Wins and Industry Recognition Highlight POD’s Commitment to People, Service and Excellence in Property Management POD Management is celebrating an exceptional night of success at the prestigious ACE Awards 2026, hosted by The Property Institute (TPI) at London’s iconic Old Billingsgate venue. Widely regarded as one of the residential property sector’s most respected awards programmes, the ACE Awards bring together leading professionals from across the industry to recognise excellence in property management. POD Management was honoured to receive multiple awards and Highly Commended recognitions, reflecting both the organisation’s commitment to excellence and the exceptional talent within its teams. The company was named Winner of the Employee Training and Development Award, recognising its ongoing investment in creating opportunities for professional growth and career progression. POD also received Highly Commended recognition in two other company categories: Managing Agent of the Year (10,001-20,000 units) and Outstanding Customer Service. Individual achievements were also celebrated, with three POD team members taking home top honours. Gemma Dicker was named Unsung Hero, Elena Marian won Wellbeing Champion, and Eloise Stratford was awarded Rising Star. Further success came through additional Highly Commended individual recognitions. Negin Mortazavi and Sara de Sousa were recognised in the On-Site Staff Member category, while Roxanne Steenkamp received Highly Commended for Wellbeing Champion. These accolades reflect the dedication, professionalism and passion demonstrated by POD Management teams every day in delivering exceptional service to clients, residents and communities. Commenting on the success, POD Management CEO David Goldberg said: “This is an amazing achievement, and I am exceptionally proud of everyone at POD who has contributed to our success as a company, especially those team members who have rightly received individual recognition. It demonstrates the breadth of talent across the business and recognises this is a team effort. Being shortlisted alone is no small feat, and every person and team nominated deserves to take a moment to celebrate their contribution. These awards reflect the standards we set ourselves every day – investing in our people, supporting wellbeing, and delivering a consistently high level of service for residents and clients. To be recognised across so many categories is a real credit to the strength, talent and commitment we have across POD. Congratulations to the entire team, and well done to all the other winners and finalists recognised on the night.” The ACE Awards celebrate the very best in property management, offering recognition, visibility and an opportunity to showcase excellence across the sector. For POD Management, this year’s results are a reflection of the company’s values, culture and commitment to raising standards across the industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Powering Britain’s Net Zero Future: Balfour Beatty Secures £325m Scottish Superhub Project
Balfour Beatty has strengthened its position at the forefront of the UK’s electricity infrastructure transformation after securing a £325m contract to deliver a major new transmission hub in Aberdeenshire that will play a critical role in connecting the next generation of renewable energy projects. Awarded by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), the contract will see Balfour Beatty construct the Netherton Hub, one of the largest and most strategically important electricity transmission developments currently planned in Scotland. The project forms part of the UK’s ongoing investment in strengthening the national grid to support increasing volumes of clean, homegrown renewable energy. The two-year contract has been awarded through SSEN’s Accelerated Strategic Transmission Investment Offshore Framework and builds upon Balfour Beatty’s existing involvement at the site, having previously been appointed to undertake enabling works. Located in Aberdeenshire, the Netherton Hub will become a key component of Scotland’s expanding transmission network, helping to connect offshore wind farms and other renewable energy generation projects while improving energy security and supporting the UK’s transition towards a low-carbon economy. Under the contract, Balfour Beatty will deliver extensive earthworks and major civil engineering infrastructure across the site. The development will include five large platforms designed to accommodate two electrical substations and three converter stations, together with an operational base and supporting infrastructure required to manage one of the country’s most significant grid investment programmes. Construction activity is expected to support more than 800 jobs at its peak, providing a significant economic boost to the region. In addition, Balfour Beatty has committed to ensuring that at least five per cent of its workforce on the project will comprise apprentices and graduates, helping to develop the next generation of engineering and construction professionals. The award reflects the rapidly growing demand for specialist contractors capable of delivering complex energy infrastructure as network operators continue to invest billions of pounds in upgrading Britain’s electricity transmission system. As offshore wind generation expands and electricity demand rises through the electrification of transport, heating and industry, major transmission hubs such as Netherton will become increasingly vital to maintaining a resilient and flexible national grid. Philip Hoare, Group Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty, said the Netherton Hub will play a pivotal role in enabling the delivery of secure, homegrown, low-carbon power at scale, supporting the UK’s long-term energy security while accelerating progress towards Net Zero. The project also highlights the growing importance of Scotland within the UK’s renewable energy landscape, where significant investment in transmission infrastructure is essential to unlock the full potential of offshore wind resources and support future economic growth. As construction progresses, the Netherton Hub is expected to become a cornerstone of Britain’s evolving energy network, providing the infrastructure needed to connect clean electricity generation with homes, businesses and industries across the UK for decades to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Groundbreaking ceremony marks major milestone for Priory Centre redevelopment
A groundbreaking ceremony in June officially marked the start of the next phase of construction at the multi-million redevelopment of the Priory Shopping Centre on Bridge Street in Worksop. With £17.9 million of UK Government funding, in addition to £2 million from Bassetlaw District Council, the scheme is being delivered by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council, under The Medium Works Framework, which Pagabo manage on behalf of The Education Alliance. Representatives from Bassetlaw District Council, including Leader of the Council Cllr Julie Leigh, joined project partners G F Tomlinson, Pagabo, project managers Beyond Consult, Anotherkind Architects and consultants, Gleeds at the ceremony to celebrate the commencement of construction works following the completion of the demolition phase. The event marked another significant milestone in the transformation of the Priory Centre site, which is set to become a revitalised leisure and retail destination at the heart of Worksop town centre. Enabling works began on site in February 2026, followed by the careful demolition of sections of the existing Priory Centre building. Works were completed while maintaining access to operational retail units and key pedestrian routes through the town centre, ensuring minimal disruption to businesses, residents and visitors. Construction activity is now underway with the shopping centre set to host facilities including a climbing wall, indoor adventure play area and a bowling alley. Further works include public areas being refreshed and the installation of a pedestrian bridge over the Chesterfield Canal, providing a new gateway to the redevelopment and town centre. The redevelopment set to deliver a modern, attractive environment designed to increase footfall, strengthen the town centre offer and support long-term economic growth within the area. Located within the historic market town of Worksop, the project continues to present complex logistical considerations due to its proximity to existing retailers, residential properties and busy access routes. G F Tomlinson has worked closely with the Council and stakeholders throughout the programme to ensure works are delivered safely and efficiently while maintaining public access and business operations. Bassetlaw District Council purchased the site in 2023, with the majority of the £20 million redevelopment funding secured through the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund. The regeneration scheme forms a key part of the Council’s wider ambitions to enhance the town centre and create a destination that better serves local residents, businesses and visitors. Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: “The ground-breaking ceremony represents a proud moment for everyone involved in this transformational project and demonstrates the collaborative working approach that has brought us to this stage. Following the successful completion of the demolition works, it is exciting to see construction now progressing on site and the vision for the future of The Priory Centre beginning to take shape. “As a contractor with a long history of delivering regeneration projects across the Midlands, we understand the importance of developments such as this in supporting local communities and creating lasting economic and social value. Our team has worked closely with Bassetlaw District Council and project stakeholders throughout the planning and early delivery phases to ensure the works are carried out safely and sensitively within this busy town centre environment.” Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: ““We have reached a major milestone in this transformational development that will bring modern leisure and entertainment facilities to our town centre. The change is already remarkable, and the true scale of the project is becoming clear. It is exciting to see the foundations being laid for a new destination that will help to revitalise the high street and compliment the impact we are already making by attracting new businesses and supporting existing retailers.” Elliott Talbot, senior category manager at Pagabo, said: “It’s fantastic to see construction progressing on this important regeneration project following the successful completion of the demolition phase. The redevelopment of The Priory Centre demonstrates the value of strong collaboration between the public sector, delivery partners and the local supply chain to bring ambitious town centre renewal projects to life. Through The Medium Works Framework, we’re proud to support Bassetlaw District Council in delivering a scheme that will create lasting social and economic benefits for Worksop, helping to enhance the town centre experience for residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Steelwork completes at Coda @ City Works as Network Space appoints agents for Openshaw site, Manchester
Leading industrial property developer and investor Network Space has reached a significant construction milestone at its Coda @ City Works scheme in Openshaw, Greater Manchester, with steelwork now fully erected across the site and joint letting agents appointed. Located on Welcomb Street, the hugely popular development represents the final phase of expansion at the established (the site is not fully let) City Works Business Park. The scheme reinforces Network Space’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable industrial and logistics accommodation across the North West. Once complete, Coda @ City Works will deliver 75,175 sq. ft of Grade A industrial and logistics space across four modern units. With sizes ranging from 7,680 sq. ft to 29,440 sq. ft, these new units present attractive options for prospective occupiers, whilst also offering valuable expansion opportunities for current tenants. Each unit will incorporate high-specification first-floor office accommodation alongside generous service yards designed to meet the operational needs of trade, manufacturing and distribution occupiers. The four-acre brownfield site – formerly occupied by Manchester College – will also provide 98 car parking spaces and 20 electric vehicle charging points, underlining Network Space’s focus on sustainability and occupier wellbeing. Construction is being delivered by main contractor Bansco and remains on programme for practical completion in Q2 2026. Designed by AEW Architects, the scheme is targeting BREEAM Excellent accreditation, reflecting its strong environmental performance, energy efficiency and long-term operational resilience. To bring the development to market, Network Space has appointed Rob Taylor and Jack Sullivan of CPP and Ruth Leighton and Megan Kavanagh of JLL as joint letting agents. The wider professional team supporting the scheme includes GWB Consultants, Hydrock, Hannan Associates and Spawforths. Joe Burnett, Development Director at Network Space, said: “The completion of steelwork at Coda @ City Works marks a major step forward for both the scheme and the ongoing regeneration of East Manchester. “Designed with flexibility, operational efficiency and long-term sustainability at its core, and targeting BREEAM Excellent accreditation, we have focused on the fundamentals that will appeal to a broad range of trade, industrial and logistics occupiers seeking well-connected, adaptable space capable of evolving over time. He added: “Coda @ City Works will form a natural extension to the existing business park, supporting local employment opportunities while delivering the type of high-quality, adaptable industrial space that continues to perform strongly in well-established locations.” Strategically positioned just 2.5 miles from Manchester city centre, the site offers excellent connectivity to the M60 motorway and onward links to the M67, M56 and M62, providing strong access to the wider North West and national motorway network. Coda @ City Works complements the existing 173,330 sq. ft City Works Business Park, home to a diverse range of trade, light industrial and logistics occupiers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals