£2.5bn Royal Docks Regeneration Moves Closer as 5,000-Home Waterfront Scheme Targets 2028 Start
One of London’s largest waterfront regeneration projects has taken a major step forward, with developer Arada confirming plans to begin construction on its landmark £2.5 billion Thameside West development in early 2028. The Dubai-based developer is accelerating preparations for the transformation of the 47-acre brownfield site in the Royal Docks, with a planning application for the first phase expected to be submitted later this summer. The opening stage of the development will deliver approximately 1,500 homes across six residential buildings, forming the first chapter of a wider masterplan that will create at least 5,000 new homes on one of central London’s largest undeveloped stretches of riverfront. Arada has appointed an experienced professional team to deliver the first phase, with architecture practice Gensler, engineering consultancy Arup and landscape architects Planit leading the design and technical work ahead of the planning submission. Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the site occupies a prime position overlooking Canary Wharf and the Greenwich Peninsula. Once complete, the regeneration will deliver a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood featuring new homes, public spaces and extensive riverside amenities designed to reconnect the area with London’s waterfront. The wider masterplan includes a commitment to provide at least 35% affordable housing, alongside a kilometre of publicly accessible waterfront and landscaped green space covering around half of the site. The proposals are intended to create a highly sustainable, people-focused neighbourhood that balances residential development with high-quality public realm and biodiversity enhancements. Ahead of submitting revised plans, Arada has confirmed that the first phase has been comprehensively redesigned to comply with the latest building safety legislation and regulatory requirements, reflecting the industry’s continued focus on delivering safer, more resilient residential developments. A significant infrastructure element of the project will also see Arada working alongside Transport for London to deliver a new Docklands Light Railway station. The station is expected to be operational before the first residents move into the development, significantly improving connectivity across the Royal Docks and supporting long-term growth in east London. Construction will be undertaken by Arada London through the company’s vertically integrated delivery model, which combines planning, construction, sales and long-term asset management under one organisation. The approach is intended to streamline project delivery while maintaining greater control over quality, programme and long-term stewardship of the development. For the construction and property sectors, Thameside West represents one of the UK’s most significant mixed-use regeneration opportunities, creating substantial demand across residential construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping, public realm, utilities and specialist supply chains over the coming years. The development is being delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority’s property company, GLAP, and forms a key component of the wider Royal Docks regeneration programme, which aims to deliver more than 36,000 new homes and create around 55,000 jobs over the next two decades. If approved, Thameside West will transform one of London’s last major undeveloped riverfront sites into a thriving new neighbourhood, reinforcing the Royal Docks’ position as one of the capital’s most ambitious regeneration and development hotspots. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
JD Sports Expands with Flagship Meadowhall Megastore as Retail Investment Continues
JD Sports is significantly expanding its presence at Sheffield’s Meadowhall shopping centre with the opening of a major new flagship store, reinforcing the retailer’s continued investment in high-performing retail destinations. Opening at the end of July, the new store will span 29,225 sq ft, making it almost three times larger than JD’s previous unit at the centre. The expansion will enable the retailer to offer an even broader selection of sportswear, footwear and fashion brands while enhancing the overall customer experience through a modern retail environment. The enlarged store has been designed to accommodate JD’s growing product range and evolving retail format, with new self-service tills helping to deliver quicker and more convenient transactions for shoppers. The investment further strengthens Meadowhall’s position as one of the UK’s leading regional shopping destinations, where retailers continue to invest in larger, experience-led stores that reflect changing consumer expectations and demand for premium retail environments. JD Sports joins an increasingly strong line-up of fashion and lifestyle brands at the centre, complementing recent arrivals including Pull&Bear and Stradivarius, alongside established names such as Flannels and Sweaty Betty. For the retail property sector, the expansion reflects the ongoing trend of major retailers consolidating into larger, flagship locations capable of showcasing wider product ranges while delivering more engaging customer experiences. As shopping centres continue to evolve, investment in high-quality retail space remains a key driver in attracting leading national and international brands. Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall, said: “JD is already one of our most popular retailers, so to see the brand invest in a store of this scale is fantastic – it really demonstrates its confidence in Meadowhall as a destination. Almost tripling in size, the new store will give shoppers access to a wider range of brands and the very latest in sportswear and fashion, all under one roof. “It builds on what has been a brilliant year of new arrivals at the centre. From Pull&Bear and Stradivarius to now a huge new JD, we’re incredibly proud of the new brands and experiences we’re giving to our shoppers.” James Air, Director of Group Real Estate and Acquisitions at JD Sports, added: “We’re proud to be expanding our presence in Sheffield, creating a prime megastore within the heart of Meadowhall. This investment reflects our commitment to the city and gives customers access to an even bigger selection of the world’s leading sports, fashion and lifestyle brands, all within a phenomenal, high-spec new retail space. We can’t wait to welcome shoppers through the doors.” The latest investment highlights the continued resilience of destination retail centres, where occupiers are increasingly seeking larger, more flexible units that combine an extensive product offering with modern store design and technology. For Meadowhall, the opening of JD’s new megastore represents another significant milestone in the centre’s ongoing evolution, strengthening its appeal as a premier retail and leisure destination in the North of England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis Expands UK Logistics Platform with Trafford Park Acquisition
Site advances Prologis’ long-term investment plans in the North West Prologis UK has acquired an 8.66-acre regeneration site at Trafford Park in Greater Manchester, adding to its UK portfolio and extending into the North West, a market identified as a strategic priority for the business. Located on Barton Dock Road, the site sits within Trafford Park, one of Europe’s largest and most established industrial estates and the region’s premier urban logistics location. Prologis plans to regenerate the acquired site into an all-electric 200,000 sq ft modern, sustainable facility built to BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ ratings, subject to planning and site preparation. The acquisition marks a further step in Prologis accelerating its growth ambitions in the UK. The company is forward-planning considerable new investment across the North West through new development, regeneration and acquisition in order to develop up to 5 million square feet of prime logistics space, helping businesses start, scale and stay in the region. This new investment is in addition to the £5.6 billion invested in the UK over the past decade and the £5.5 billion Prologis plan to invest. Paul Weston, Regional Head, Prologis UK, said: “The North West is one of the UK’s most important logistics markets, and Trafford Park gives us an excellent foothold in a region that has been identified as a strategic priority. This acquisition builds on our long-term commitment to the UK and demonstrates how foreign direct investment can fuel long term economic growth.” Trafford Park is home to more than 1,300 businesses and approximately 35,000 employees, offering access to Greater Manchester’s consumer population, the M60, M62 and M6 motorway corridors, the Port of Liverpool and Manchester Airport. The North West is one of the UK’s largest logistics markets and continues to experience strong occupational demand, underpinned by constrained land supply and limited availability of modern Grade A logistics space. The region is also a core market for many of Prologis’ largest global and UK customers, reinforcing the strategic rationale for expansion. B8 Real Estate acted for Prologis, Cushman & Wakefield for the vendor on the Barton Dock Road site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction begins on new primary school for Leicestershire County Council
WORK is underway to expand west Loughborough’s educational offering, as national contractor Willmott Dixon starts on site at a new primary school commissioned by Leicestershire County Council. Set to open in September 2027, Garendon Primary School will provide 420 places for primary-aged pupils, and once complete will help the county council meet growing demand for accessible, good-quality schools in the area. Procured via the Major Works Framework managed by Pagabo on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, the site sits between Dishley and Hathern. The location is that of a greenfield site, previously used as farmland, in the middle of the Garendon Park housing development – which has increased the need for additional educational resources in the area. Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “Having partnered on numerous major construction and regeneration projects, including other schools in the county, we’ve built an incredibly impactful relationship with Leicestershire County Council over the past 20 years. “We’re proud to be part of creating another high-quality learning environment for the Leicestershire community and driving forward the delivery of another sustainably-focused school. Once complete, this new site will support the local authority’s goal to bring much-needed school places to the county, as it continues to grow.” Willmott Dixon will be using its standardised school design, created specifically for Leicestershire County Council, on the £11.8m two-form entry facility – to cut design time, cost and waste by repeating and refining a proven model across successive schools. To make the building as energy and cost-efficient as possible, careful consideration was given to building materials and quality targets aligned with building regulations. This includes a 300m2 photovoltaic array on the roof to help sustainably power the facility. The construction project is due to complete in July 2027, ahead of the school opening to pupils that September. Cllr Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We have a growing county and our priority is making sure that new schools in Leicestershire are put in the right place. “The start of work on Garendon Primary School by Willmott Dixon is a major milestone in the step for this new community, and we’re looking forward to the school welcoming students next year.” Looking to bring wider benefits to the Loughborough community, Willmott Dixon will also be supporting local students and existing schools to help develop students’ learning and experience of the construction industry. This includes offering several apprenticeships, donating laptops, offering enrichment programmes and delivering mock interview workshops. Garendon builds on a relationship with Leicestershire County Council stretching back 20 years, over which Willmott Dixon has delivered a series of primary schools for the council. These include Hollycroft Primary School in Hinckley – Leicestershire’s first school designed to be net zero carbon in operation – and the £9.3m Wellington Place Primary School at the Airfield Farm development in Market Harborough, which opened to pupils in September 2024. To learn more about Willmott Dixon, visit www.willmottdixon.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work starting on latest phase of Plasdŵr
A land deal has been completed on the latest phase of Plasdŵr, with infrastructure works starting imminently. Edenstone and Codi have formed a joint venture to deliver Porth yr Awen, a £55 million development of 184 new homes on Parcel 2C of the 900-acre neighbourhood, which will eventually provide around 7,000 homes. Simon Lewis, development manager at Codi, said: “It’s exciting to reach this stage of the project, with work soon due to begin at Porth yr Awen. Every new development like this helps us provide more affordable homes for people who need them, while creating places where communities can grow and thrive. “Working alongside Edenstone, we’re looking forward to bringing Porth yr Awen to life and creating a well-designed, mixed-tenure neighbourhood that people will be proud to call home.” Edenstone operations director Chris Edge said: “The initial phase of works will see the construction of a spine road into Porth yr Awen, creating access for the infrastructure works that will prepare this development and phases beyond for new homes. Once this access route is created, work will commence on the homes along the tree lined avenue.” Designed as a contemporary, urban neighbourhood, Porth yr Awen will feature modern housing, thoughtfully integrated green spaces and landscaped areas that shape a welcoming community environment. Porth yr Awen will provide 127 open market properties and 57 affordable homes, offering a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes and apartments. Designed to achieve the highest Energy Performance Certificate rating of A, the homes will be among the most efficient homes available. The affordable housing will include intermediate rental and low-cost homeownership options, ensuring a balanced and inclusive community. It’s anticipated the first homes will be released for sale in early 2027 with the first residents expected to move into Porth yr Awen later that year. The development has been designed around a tree-lined spine road linking the entrance to a network of open spaces, helping create a connected, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood for residents. The land acquired by the partnership is Parcel 2C of Plasdŵr, Cardiff’s £2 billion garden city of 7,000 homes, planned over a 900 acre-site bordering Radyr, Danescourt, Fairwater, Pentrebane and St Fagans. Plasdŵr is a strategic site to the north west of the capital city, identified in Cardiff’s Local Development Plan as key to the city’s economic growth. Nick Lawley, director at Cooke & Arkwright, advisors to the landowners at Plasdŵr, said: “The landowners at Plasdŵr have a long term vision to create a new community within Cardiff where residents can live in a sustainable quality environment with the full range of local amenities. We are pleased to welcome Codi and Edenstone as the latest developers to be building at Plasdŵr.” Headquartered in Magor, Edenstone is one of Wales’s largest privately owned residential developers, with mixed-tenure developments underway across South Wales and the West of England. The company has a strong track record of partnership working, alongside its credentials in placemaking and sustainability-led delivery. Codi Group is Wales’ largest provider of housing, care and support services – manages close to 25,000 homes across the country and has ambitious plans to deliver more than 4,500 new homes over the next five years. Formed through the merger of Linc Cymru and Pobl Group in 2024, Codi brings together significant experience in housing delivery and community investment, alongside a strong commitment to helping people and communities thrive. For further information, visit edenstonehomes.com or codigroup.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MERA invests equity in £100m Winslade Park transformation as Exeter estate hits 100-company milestone
MERA Investment Management has made a significant equity investment in Winslade Park, an 86-acre grey-to-green development in Exeter with a GDV of £100m. Following the completion of Clyst House in March 2026, the park has welcomed eight new companies, taking its occupier community to more than 100 businesses and around 1,500 professionals. The estate is also on course to become one of the UK’s first large-scale office developments to run entirely on on-site renewable energy. Solar installation is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion expected before year-end. Once operational, the array will power the park in full, a significant draw for the growing number of occupiers and investors with firm sustainability commitments. With roughly 30,000 sq ft of premium office space still available, the park is on track to reach 90% occupancy by the end of the year, capping a landmark year of growth for the estate. MERA’s investment supports a series of upgrades now completing across the estate: Edward Matthews, CEO of MERA Investment Management, commented: “Winslade Park represents the highest level of tenant wellbeing we’ve seen across all investments presented to us, and was a defining factor in our decision to invest. The office sector is dynamic, once again attracting high levels of demand, and our funding supports entrepreneurial management teams who have the drive to create exceptional places to live and work.” “As a private investor, we are actively backing opportunities where there is potential to scale up, and this project is a revolutionary development for the area.” Mark Edworthy, Managing Director of Burrington Estates, commented: “We really enjoy working with the MERA team as they have a genuine passion for what we are developing here, and it feels like a collaborative partnership with a constant flow of ideas. We have created beautiful spaces for human connection: whether that is for your office, your team, a business event or a wellness journey. The response from tenants, visitors and the broader community has been remarkable.” Winslade Park’s occupier community has grown to more than 100 companies, including AECOM, Bishop Fleming, Vistry Group, Lovell Partnerships, Hays, Currie & Brown, Haskoning and Begbies Traynor, reflecting the strong market response to the estate’s ongoing transformation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals