Detailed plans submitted for 155 new homes in Colney Heath
Bellway has submitted detailed plans for a development of much-needed new homes in South Hertfordshire. The company secured outline planning permission for the project and completed the purchase of the 12-acre site in Colney Heath in November last year. Its proposals for the 155-home development, to be known as Roestock Meadows and accessed off Roestock Lane, include a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three, four and five-bedroom houses. Ali Maruf, Managing Director of Bellway North London, said: “Our plans for Roestock Meadows would deliver a highly sustainable development which would make a significant contribution towards meeting the need for high-quality homes in this popular part of South Hertfordshire. “There’s a real demand for new housing here given Colney Heath’s proximity to St Albans, the city’s excellent rail links to central London, and the wide choice of highly rated schools within the area. “We have taken great care to ensure that our development would be a positive and sensitive addition to the village, with homes designed to reflect the appearance of existing houses in the area through the use of features such as dark weatherboard, dormer windows and gable-end chimneys. “Landscaping has also been carefully considered, with the majority of trees and hedgerows on site to be retained and a comprehensive planting programme put forward to improve biodiversity. We also plan to provide a new children’s play area in a central area of open space featuring three large trees for the community to enjoy. “This is a sustainable location for people to live, within walking distance of the village primary school, pub, takeaway and Post Office – and the new residents which the development would attract would further support these important village amenities. “We have also committed to significant financial investment in local education, health services, bus routes and community facilities as part of the planning agreement for the outline permission already in place for the project.” Bellway North London is currently building homes across Hertfordshire – at King George’s Vale in Cuffley, Forster Park in Stevenage and St James’ Park and Goodsyard in Bishop’s Stortford. For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-london. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK Achieves Silver for Social Value Excellence, Tackling Construction Skills Crisis
Leading contractor Bouygues UK has achieved the Silver Level Social Value Quality Mark in under three months. This makes them the first organisation to fast-track from Bronze to Silver, while accelerating efforts to address the UK construction sector’s critical skills shortage. Awarded following a comprehensive audit and a 90% compliance score, the accreditation recognises the company’s outstanding progress in delivering measurable social value across its communities, customers and employees. The Social Value Quality Mark is an independent accreditation that assesses compliance across multiple dimensions, with Silver representing substantial achievement in embedding and evidencing social value in core business operations. At a time when the construction industry faces a skills gap, Bouygues UK has positioned social value as a key lever to drive long-term workforce development. Significant investment in education, apprenticeships and training programmes is helping create sustainable pathways into construction careers – particularly for young people and underrepresented groups. Through STEM initiatives, school and college partnerships, and targeted employability programmes, the company is actively contributing to building a more diverse and future-ready workforce. This approach not only supports local communities but also strengthens the industry’s long-term resilience. The audit highlighted Bouygues UK’s exemplary approach to strategic partnerships, alongside strong leadership and governance, sector-leading sustainability practices, ethical supply chain management, high staff engagement and development, and robust measurement of social return on investment. Huw Evans, Director of Quality at SVQM CIC, said: “We congratulate Bouygues UK on the award of Silver. This recognises their outstanding progress to create social value for their communities, customers and employees, through their everyday operations. In particular, their determination to help tackle the UK skills gap through innovative approaches was found to be exemplary. We look forward to supporting their journey as they continue to drive positive social legacy.” Emmanuelle Rodarie, Director of Social Value at Bouygues UK added, “This Silver award is a testament to our team’s commitment to creating real, measurable impact in our communities. From education and skills development to supporting local economies, we’re proud of the breadth of positive change we’re driving. Achieving Silver at pace reflects the strength of our approach, and we look forward to building on this momentum – delivering even greater value for our clients and the communities we serve.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Harworth and Microsoft move forward with major data centre and industrial scheme in Leeds
Harworth Group plc and Microsoft have taken a significant step forward at Skelton Grange in Leeds, after receiving a resolution to grant planning consent for a major data centre and industrial and logistics development. The scheme, located in West Yorkshire, will deliver a hyperscale data centre campus alongside supporting infrastructure, forming part of a wider regeneration and development strategy for the site. Full planning permission has been sought for approximately 500,000 sq ft of data centre space across three buildings, supported by ancillary facilities. In addition, outline consent has been granted for a further 160,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics accommodation, alongside electric vehicle charging infrastructure on an adjoining 16 acre plot. The development represents a key milestone in the ongoing partnership between Harworth and Microsoft, following the completion of the first phase of the land transaction in June 2024. This initial phase comprised the sale of 27 acres, with Harworth continuing to undertake site remediation and enabling works to prepare the land for development. A second phase, covering a further 21 acres, is also progressing, with additional value to be realised upon completion of the sale. The Skelton Grange scheme is expected to play a major role in driving regional economic growth, with the wider development estimated to generate around £4 billion of inward investment once fully delivered. The project also highlights the increasing demand for well located, power enabled land capable of supporting data centres and other energy intensive uses. Beyond the immediate scheme, Harworth retains further development capacity within the surrounding area, including adjacent land and its nearby Gateway 45 site. The company’s broader portfolio includes significant power connections, positioning it to capitalise on continued growth in the data centre sector and other high demand occupier markets. The resolution to grant planning consent underlines the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors in delivering large scale, infrastructure led developments. It also reinforces the strategic importance of sites such as Skelton Grange in supporting the UK’s digital economy, while unlocking long term value through regeneration and investment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hammerson advances Bristol regeneration with 600 bed student scheme at Cabot Gate
Hammerson has secured outline planning consent for a major purpose built student accommodation scheme in Bristol, marking a significant step forward in the redevelopment of a key city centre site. The approval from Bristol City Council will enable the transformation of underutilised land at Cabot Gate, located adjacent to the Cabot Circus estate. The proposals allow for the delivery of up to 600 student accommodation units, alongside new public realm and community focused spaces, subject to detailed design and reserved matters approval. The scheme forms part of Hammerson’s wider strategy to unlock value from its landholdings while enhancing the quality and connectivity of its urban assets. Positioned at one of Bristol’s principal gateway locations, the development is expected to play an important role in strengthening links between surrounding neighbourhoods and the city centre. In addition to student accommodation, the outline plans include the creation of new green spaces, improved pedestrian and cycle routes and a multi purpose community pavilion. These elements are designed to support placemaking objectives and deliver a more integrated and accessible urban environment. The planning consent follows an extensive period of public consultation and engagement with local stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the council’s broader vision for the city. The project also builds on Hammerson’s ongoing investment in Bristol, including enhancement works at Quakers Friars and the continued repositioning of Cabot Circus as a leading retail and leisure destination in the South West. Jonatan Carlring, development director at Hammerson, described the approval as a key milestone for the site, highlighting the collaborative approach taken with the local authority and community. He noted that the scheme will deliver much needed accommodation while improving connectivity and creating high quality public spaces. The Cabot Gate development reflects the continued growth of the student accommodation sector in major regional cities, where demand remains strong and well located schemes are increasingly being integrated into wider mixed use regeneration strategies. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wykeland submits £25m plans for stylish Moxy hotel
Commercial property developer Wykeland Group has submitted revised plans for a stylish new hotel in Hull city centre, under the Marriott group’s chic Moxy brand. Subject to planning approval, a £25m investment would see the hotel built opposite the city’s Connexin Live arena. Wykeland already has planning permission for a hotel on the site. With Moxy now lined up, revised plans have been submitted to Hull City Council to meet the hotel brand’s specific requirements. The development is planned for next to the recently-restored Castle Buildings and former Earl de Grey pub, and delivery of the hotel would mark the completion of a transformative regeneration project across the wider site. Jonathan Stubbs, Development Director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “We’re proud of our work to restore Castle Buildings and the Earl de Grey and the development of a Moxy hotel would complete this prominent development site, as well as being an impressive addition to the Hull skyline. “The hotel’s location, on the doorstep of the Connexin Live arena and close to Hull’s city centre, marina, Fruit Market and Old Town, make it the perfect location for both leisure and business visitors. “These revised plans ensure the building reflects the stylish Moxy brand. Approval of the planning application will pave the way for the development of a high-quality new hotel that the business community, the tourism and hospitality sectors, and visitors to Hull have been crying out for.” The revised plans are for a seven-storey hotel with 122 bedrooms. The ground floor would include a bar and food area, a gym and a relaxation space, and business section. The hotel would meet a pent-up demand for accommodation in the city centre. Independent market research commissioned by Wykeland found there are 100 nights every year when city centre hotel capacity is full, with potential visitors forced to stay outside of the city. It would be owned by Wykeland and operated by Legacy Hotel Management Services, which manages more than 25 hotels across the UK on behalf of developers, investors and property owners. Moxy is Marriott’s quirky, non-traditional brand, offering guests a buzzing, contemporary vibe. Guests are welcomed with a drink as they check in at the bar, with convenient food options available both in the bar and at a grab-and-go counter. Moxy hotels can be found in 130 locations in more than 25 countries, with each hotel designed with a unique theme reflecting the host city. In the UK, Moxy has hotels in major cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast. Internationally, Moxy can be found in the likes of Bangkok, Shanghai, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Lisbon. Molly Turpie, Senior Manager, International Hotel Development, for Marriott International Hotels, said: “We’re excited at the prospect of creating a hotel that reflects the spirit of the city while delivering the high standards and global reach of Marriott International. “At Moxy, we believe hotels should be more than just a place to sleep – they should be social hubs, full of energy, creativity and personality. From check-in at the bar to buzzing communal spaces, the brand is all about creating memorable experiences at an accessible price point. “Hull’s independent spirit and cultural vibrancy make it a natural fit for Moxy, and we’re excited at the prospect of bringing something fresh, playful and distinctive to the city’s hospitality scene.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pilbeam Construction builds better lives in Rustington retirement village
Elderly residents at a sheltered housing complex in Rustington are getting together more frequently after a modern community hall was completed by Pilbeam Construction. Littlehampton and Rustington Housing Society said since the hall was officially opened residents have been leading busier social lives, attending quizzes, film nights and some even had their own Christmas celebrations in the space. The original 1970s communal building had reached the end of its life and was replaced by the award-winning Booker Hall, which features sustainable design, vaulted ceilings, large skylights, a fully equipped kitchen and ample space for events. Sussex contractor Pilbeam delivered the scheme alongside architects Studio Scott Taylor for owner Littlehampton and Rustington Housing Society, which said the new facilities are also providing an events space for the local community groups. The scheme was highly commended in the Sussex Heritage Trust Awards 2025 in the public and community category. Alan Corbett, managing director of Pilbeam Construction, said: “We worked closely with Littlehampton and Rustington Housing Society to ensure a smooth process and a positive experience for everyone. “It’s great to hear how well used the hall has been since opening and that it’s helped to create a much stronger sense of community for residents who are enjoying socialising in a modern and brighter space.” The project included the demolition of an outdated communal hall, laundrette and office facilities and replacing them with a Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) framed hall, a modern laundrette, offices and new flats, all with sustainable design at their core. The new structures are energy efficient and purpose built, providing a warm, welcoming and modern design which is tailored for residents, the wider community and employees. Next to the hall, the laundrette offers a practical yet inviting environment, complete with a courtyard that allows for natural drying in good weather and a social space for residents located at the heart of the site. The timber frame and glue-laminated beams lean into the sustainable feel of the whole complex. Locally sourced flint, an element of locally sourced bricks and a zinc roof with concealed gutters ensure the buildings are not only visually appealing, but also environmentally sound. Emily Scott, director of Studio Scott Taylor, the project’s architectural firm, said: “From the outset we worked closely with the client team to nurture a project that incorporates their specific needs & creates welcoming spaces for staff and residents. “This project seamlessly integrates modern and traditional construction methods, making use of locally sourced materials, resulting in a unique civic building that enriches the local community and enhances the lives of those it serves. “The project has a strong emphasis on sustainability incorporating prefabricated timber construction methods, biodiverse planting and renewable energy sources. This includes solar panels, air source heat pumps and a natural ventilation strategy. At its heart, the project is designed to foster connections and promote the wellbeing of both residents and staff, reflecting a people-centred approach to architecture.” The communal spaces are available for hire by the wider Rustington community, creating an additional revenue stream for the housing society and strengthening local ties. The new office buildings provide employees with a collaborative workspace with large windows providing generous daylight and views to the surrounding planting. Sally Shepherd CEO Littlehampton and Rustington Housing Society said: “Since the communal hall officially opened, our residents have been holding a number of events which is making them feel less isolated. “For those residents who do not have or do not see their friends and family very much they can become lonely – the new hall is helping them integrate with others on a much more regular basis.” Community groups and residents who want to hire the hall can find out more here: https://www.rustingtonhall.co.uk/ For further information visit: https://www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals