Network Rail creates Platform4 to drive brownfield development
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
Anglesey chosen for UK’s first small modular reactors
Wylfa on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales has been selected as the site for the UK’s first small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear power station. The government has confirmed that publicly owned Great British Energy-Nuclear will develop three SMR units at Wylfa, with Rolls-Royce named as the preferred technology supplier, subject to final contract agreements. Great British Energy-Nuclear is expected to begin activity on site in 2026. While the initial development is for three reactors, the site has the potential capacity for up to eight SMR units in total. The ambition is for Wylfa’s small modular reactors to begin supplying electricity to the grid from the mid-2030s. The £2.5bn scheme is projected to support up to 3,000 skilled jobs at peak construction, providing a significant boost to the local economy. Prime minister Keir Starmer said that the project marks a turning point for both Anglesey and the UK’s nuclear sector, noting that the country had once been a global leader in nuclear power but had suffered from “years of neglect and inertia”. He added that the government is cutting red tape, reforming planning rules and backing growth to deliver the first SMR in North Wales. Simon Bowen, chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, said the Wylfa project would establish the foundation for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development in the UK, enhancing energy security while driving long-term investment into the surrounding area. Chris Cholerton, chief executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, described Wylfa as the starting point for the company’s UK fleet programme. He said the scheme represents the first step in a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation and partnership with the local community. Cholerton added that the SMRs would be delivered using a high degree of modularisation and factory-built components, reducing disruption for local residents during construction. The decision has, however, disappointed the US government, which had hoped to see Westinghouse selected to deliver a larger-scale nuclear reactor at Wylfa. Warren Stephens, US ambassador to the UK, said the United States was “extremely disappointed” by the move, arguing that alternative options could provide clean, safe energy at the site more quickly and at lower cost. He suggested there remained “a different path” for large-scale nuclear projects and stressed that high energy costs could hinder the UK’s ability to act as a strong ally to the United States. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Broadgate Central launches with majority of space already committed
British Land has officially launched Broadgate Central, the City of London’s newest retail, dining and leisure destination. Situated within the Broadgate Campus, the development provides 120,000 sq ft of space across the ground and lower ground floors of 1 Broadgate and 100 Liverpool Street. British Land confirmed that 90% of the retail and leisure space is already let or under offer. Recent signings include luxury florist Moyses Stevens, social entertainment venue Poolhouse, Salad Project, Irish-American freehouse The Horseman, Townhouse nail salon and Eton Shirts. They will trade alongside a line-up of fashion brands such as Moss, Mango, Luca Faloni, Hobbs and Whistles, together with beauty and lifestyle operators including Boots Fragrance, Molton Brown, Strip and Murdock London. The offer is further enhanced by food and drink brands Sandwich Sandwich, Sushinoya, Vagabond, NOTTO To Go, Läderach and Maison Ladurée. Kelly Cleveland, head of real estate and investment at British Land, said that Broadgate Central redefines the City’s retail and leisure offer by bringing together leading brands in a lively, accessible setting. She added that strong leasing progress across the wider campus – with only one office floor remaining available, rising footfall throughout the week and mid-week office utilisation now above pre-Covid levels – underlines the strength of British Land’s campus strategy and Broadgate’s enduring appeal. Tom Sleigh, chair of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, noted that major employers and brands are continuing to commit to the City, supported by high-quality public realm, retail and hospitality provided by schemes such as Broadgate Central. He highlighted a 7% increase in footfall into the City this financial year and said further growth is expected. Sleigh added that the City of London is much more than a business district, describing it as a destination offering world-class hospitality, culture, leisure and amenities that reflect how people live, work and connect today. With extensive green spaces, net zero ambitions and low-carbon developments, the Square Mile is placing sustainability and wellbeing at its heart. The broader Broadgate development now offers 289,000 sq ft of retail, hospitality and leisure space. New operators at Broadgate Central will sit alongside established names such as Eataly, Los Mochis London City, Everyman, Monica Vinader, Tommy Hilfiger and Space NK. Savills, CBRE and DCL advised British Land on the lettings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning milestone for Camden Film Quarter
Places for People (PfP), the UK’s leading social enterprise, has worked alongside partner Yoo Capital to submit a planning application to Camden Council to deliver hundreds of high-quality affordable homes as part of the transformative Camden Film Quarter development in Kentish Town. The submission marks a major milestone in the creation of a new neighbourhood where creativity, community and opportunity come together. Working in partnership with Yoo Capital, PfP will lead the delivery of 485 homes, with 50% designated as affordable. The proposals respond directly to feedback from local residents and community groups, with a focus on sustainability, inclusion, and long-term stewardship. The new homes will be energy-efficient, set within generous green spaces, and designed to foster a strong sense of community. Andrew Usher, Group Managing Director of Developments at Places for People comments: “Camden Film Quarter is set to become a landmark development for London and the next chapter in PfP’s placemaking journey. This flagship scheme builds on the success of our transformational projects across the UK such as Park Hill in Sheffield, Poundbury and EastWick & Sweetwater at the Olympic Park. This project is a bold vision for inclusive regeneration and long-term social value in the heart of London and something we are proud to be shaping.” Camden Film Quarter is a film-led, mixed-use regeneration project that will transform underused industrial land into a vibrant new district. Alongside new homes, the masterplan includes: The development is designed with a focus on circular economy principles, green mobility, and biodiversity. It will reconnect Kentish Town and Gospel Oak through new walkable routes and public spaces, stitching a previously inaccessible site back into Camden’s urban fabric. As with all developments, PfP is committed to delivering meaningful social value as part of the Camden Film Quarter and is actively engaging with local schools, charities, and residents to create opportunities that empower communities. Working alongside our partners, initiatives will include career inspiration events, targeted support for homelessness, scholarships, and educational outreach. During construction, a dedicated social value programme will offer volunteering, inclusive employment, student placements, and charity partnerships. Lloyd Lee, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Yoo Capital, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Places for People to deliver homes that are truly embedded within Camden Film Quarter’s creative vision of a genuine place to work, learn, live and play. Together, we’re creating a neighbourhood that brings together world-class studios, 50% affordable homes, and public spaces – a place that will inspire the next generation and ensure London remains a global leader in film, television, and design.” PfP has entered a partnership with architects, Broadway Malyan, to lead on the design of the site. The two sites — Inkerman Gardens and Heathgate — form key residential anchors within the emerging Camden Film Quarter masterplan. Their vision is to establish a distinctive new neighbourhood in a complex urban setting, combining ambitious architecture, generous public realm, and inclusive community design. Sally Lewis, Principal at Broadway Malyan commented: “This project has been an opportunity to demonstrate how innovative housing design can respond to a complex urban context while celebrating local character and providing genuine social value.” Pending planning approval, PfP will continue to work closely with Yoo Capital, Camden Council, local residents, and partners to ensure the delivery of homes and community benefits is shaped by the people who live and work in the borough. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Colliers launches One London, a new dedicated service across the capital’s office and retail sectors
Colliers yesterday announced the launch of One London, a new integrated service uniting the firm’s retail and office expertise across the capital under a single, collaborative team. The 60-person dedicated team, led by Paul Souber, reflects the dynamism of one of the most unique real estate markets in the world. Across much of the capital, retail and offices are deeply interlinked, not only through real estate, but in how each drives the other’s success, with One London reflecting this at its core. One London brings together Colliers’ market-leading experts across; Retail, F&B, Capital Markets, Office Leasing, Tenant Representation and Strategy & Analytics. The leadership team comprises of: By combining specialist disciplines under one banner, clients benefit deep collaboration, unrivalled market intelligence, and a bespoke client centric approach driven by the wealth of knowledge on London’s unique submarkets. “London is a city of extraordinary complexity and opportunity. With One London, we are offering clients an agile, seamless service that matches the pace of the capital,” said Paul Souber, Head of One London. “Our team is embedded in London’s neighbourhoods, understanding what makes them tick, whilst benefitting hugely from the reach of a Colliers’ global network. It is this combination that enables us to deliver market leading advice and create long term value for our clients whilst helping to shape London’s future.” With its boutique advisory feel and place within a global brand, One London is designed to give clients sharper insights, empower decision making and creating a lasting presence in the capital. This is done by providing a dedicated, single point of contact that can advise on the full asset life cycle, be that for underwriting purchase, advising on strategic asset management plays, asset sales and a complete leasing service. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Klober marks 25 years of pioneering vapour permeable membrane
Leading manufacturer of roofing accessories, Klober, is celebrating 25 years of its Permo Forte 145 underlay, one of the first vapour permeable membranes to transform the UK roofing market. When launched back in the late 1990s, this type of vapour permeable membrane represented a turning point in roofing design. Permo Forte offered a breathable alternative to traditional bitumen felts, helping contractors tackle widespread condensation issues that had long affected roof performance and building longevity. Permo Forte 145 was BBA certified as a vapour permeable (Low Resistance) membrane as early as 2000. At a time when the market for this new technology was still in its infancy, this was a huge milestone, offering a certified solution designed to help let harmful water vapour escape from the roof. The pioneering technology includes a grid-reinforced, four-layer vapour permeable membrane, which gives it increased tensile strength to reduce the risk of accidental damage and nail tears. The membrane’s Low Resistance (LR) design also aids the ventilation process by allowing moisture to escape from roofspaces while preventing external water ingress. Its technical strength has underpinned its long-standing success, especially trusted for high-stakes restorations. The Church of All Saints in Winterton was a project of significant importance, with the Grade-1 listed building undergoing extensive, lottery-funded repairs. With a strong industry reputation, Permo Forte was specified for the project to provide a reliable and durable solution. Nick King, Portfolio Manager at Klober, said: “A heritage of invention, quality, and reliability has been the foundation of Permo Forte 145’s reputation and longevity. Originally designed to help tackle condensation, its strength and breathability also provide increased energy efficiency and strong wind protection, making it an ideal choice for roofing in the UK.” Suitable for cold and warm roofs, the Permo Forte 145 underlay is BBA approved. Additionally, all products supplied by Klober are covered by a 10-year guarantee against manufacturing defects. To find out more about Permo Forte 145 and its 25-year legacy, visit https://klober.co.uk/membranes/roof-membranes/p/forte-145 Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals