Westcombe Group Secures Approval for £20m Luxury Hotel and Residential Transformation in Richmond
The Westcombe Group has secured planning approval for a £20 million mixed-use redevelopment in Hampton Wick, Richmond upon Thames, which will see a former student accommodation building transformed into a luxury five-star hotel alongside 22 new residential properties. The approved scheme will breathe new life into Kingston Bridge House, converting the existing property into a Hotel Indigo destination operated under the internationally recognised IHG Hotels & Resorts brand, while introducing new homes and affordable housing to the local area. The development represents a significant investment in the regeneration of an existing building, combining hospitality, residential accommodation and economic opportunities within a prominent location close to Kingston upon Thames. Construction is scheduled to commence in January 2027, with the works being delivered by Westcombe Group’s in-house construction division. Transforming Existing Student Accommodation The £20 million project will involve the comprehensive conversion and refurbishment of Kingston Bridge House, which previously operated as student accommodation. The redevelopment will reposition the vacant building for new commercial and residential uses, creating a mixed-use destination designed to support both the local housing market and the area’s visitor economy. At the heart of the scheme will be a new five-star Hotel Indigo, bringing an internationally recognised hospitality brand to Hampton Wick. Hotel Indigo is part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio and is known for its individually designed hotels, which typically reflect the character and identity of their surrounding neighbourhoods. Alongside the hotel, the redevelopment will deliver 22 residential properties, including affordable housing, contributing to the provision of new homes within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The combination of hospitality and residential accommodation reflects the growing importance of mixed-use property development, particularly where existing buildings can be adapted to accommodate changing market requirements. Major Investment in Hospitality and Residential Development The scheme will provide a new luxury hospitality destination for Hampton Wick, supporting the local economy through employment opportunities and increased visitor activity. The introduction of a five-star hotel is expected to attract additional visitors to the area, benefiting surrounding businesses, restaurants and other local services. For the construction and property sectors, the project highlights the opportunities associated with converting existing accommodation into alternative uses, particularly within established urban locations where suitable development sites can be limited. The redevelopment will require the adaptation of the existing building to accommodate the different operational requirements of hotel and residential uses. Such conversions involve careful coordination of architectural design, internal layouts, building services and construction works to ensure the completed development is suitable for its new purpose. The decision to retain and transform an existing property also reflects a wider trend within the built environment towards the refurbishment and repositioning of established buildings rather than relying exclusively on new construction. Westcombe Group to Deliver Construction In-House Westcombe Group will oversee the redevelopment through its own construction division, providing direct control over the delivery of the £20 million programme. The project will represent an important addition to the developer’s portfolio, combining residential development with the delivery of a major international hotel brand. Kamal Pankhania, Chief Executive Officer of Westcombe Group, welcomed the planning approval and highlighted the wider benefits the development is expected to bring to Hampton Wick. “We are transforming a formerly vacant building into new homes, affordable housing and a five-star luxury hotel that will bring jobs, prosperity and thousands of visitors into the local area each year,” he said. Pankhania also emphasised the significance of establishing a relationship with IHG Hotels & Resorts. “IHG is one of the most respected names in global hospitality and we see this project as marking the start of a long and successful relationship between our two businesses, here in the UK and overseas.” The partnership could provide a platform for further hospitality development opportunities, with Westcombe Group expressing ambitions to build upon the relationship in both domestic and international markets. Supporting Richmond’s Mixed-Use Property Market The transformation of Kingston Bridge House will contribute to the continued evolution of Richmond upon Thames’ property market, introducing new residential accommodation alongside investment in the local hospitality sector. The inclusion of affordable housing will also provide a community benefit, helping address local housing requirements within an area where residential development opportunities are often constrained. For Hampton Wick, the redevelopment represents an opportunity to bring a vacant property back into productive use, creating a combination of homes, visitor accommodation and economic activity. The scheme also demonstrates how existing buildings can be repositioned to support changing demand across different property sectors, bringing together residential development, hotel operations and regeneration within a single project. With planning permission now secured, Westcombe Group is preparing to commence construction in January 2027. Once completed, the £20 million redevelopment will deliver a new Hotel Indigo destination and 22 homes, transforming Kingston Bridge House into a mixed-use development that supports the local community, strengthens the area’s hospitality offering and contributes to the ongoing regeneration of existing property assets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Conlon Construction Completes £13.5m Transformation of Blackburn’s Landmark Entertainment and Leisure Venue
Conlon Construction has completed its works on the £13.5m transformation of Blackburn’s King George’s Hall, following an 18-month programme of restoration and modernisation at the Grade II listed venue. The Preston-based contractor was appointed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to deliver a major, government-funded programme of works across the 105-year-old building, upgrading its infrastructure and visitor facilities while preserving its historic character. External works included new roof coverings, window and louvre refurbishment, stonework repairs and repointing, and the reconstruction of the historic chimney. Internally, Conlon has delivered improvements across the venue, including the refurbishment of multiple bars, alongside upgraded toilet facilities and new auditorium seating. The completed works also include a comprehensive mechanical and electrical upgrade throughout the 2,900m² venue, with new heating and ventilation systems, improvements to the fire alarm system, upgraded lighting infrastructure and refurbished auditorium lanterns. Working within a Grade II listed building required careful planning and coordination to integrate modern building services and facilities while protecting its architectural character. Original features have been retained and enhanced wherever possible, with specialist conservation works forming part of the wider programme. Guy Parker, Chair and Managing Director of Conlon Construction, said: “Completing our works at King George’s Hall is a significant milestone for a building that has played such an important role in Blackburn’s cultural life for more than a century. “We have considerable experience delivering projects of this ilk, including the £19m transformation of Preston’s Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library. Projects like these require a careful balance between protecting the character and history of a building and ensuring it can meet the needs of the people who use it today. “It’s great to see King George’s Hall open its doors again, providing a modern venue for audiences across Blackburn and the wider region, while preserving its heritage for future generations.” Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: “The King is back, and it’s looking better than ever, having benefited from more investment than it has seen since it first officially opened back in 1921. “This is such an iconic and much-loved venue – for our borough and the whole region – and this transformation will help safeguard its future, protecting it for many more generations to come. “It’s also an important part of our strategic vision for Blackburn town centre, being the jewel in the crown of our £50m new Cultural Quarter. “After a hugely successful headline gig and grand civic reopening, we can’t wait to welcome more people through the doors to enjoy all there is to offer with an exciting line-up to look forward to.” You can view a full guide to what’s on at King George’s Hall and buy your tickets at: www.bwdvenues.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PLP Architecture completes Holborn Viaduct, a best-in-class, net-zero London HQ for Hogan Lovells
Global architecture and urban design practice, PLP Architecture is pleased to announce the completion of Holborn Viaduct, a 13-storey office development at the junction of Holborn Viaduct and Farringdon Street in the City of London. The building, designed around the principles of a circular economy, will serve as the new headquarters of global law firm Hogan Lovells and prioritises wellbeing through its flexible workspaces, dedicated wellness wing and biodiverse outdoor terraces. Positioned as a modern gateway to the Culture Mile, Holborn Viaduct brings together workplace, public realm, archaeology and art to create a human-centric workspace that integrates heritage assets and meaningful public activation. Developed by Royal London Asset Management and constructed by Multiplex, Holborn Viaduct has been designed by PLP Architecture to meet the highest environmental and wellbeing standards, achieving BREEAM Outstanding, with a score of 92% at design stage, and WELL Platinum (Shell & Core). The all-electric building eliminates fossil-fuel combustion on site through the use of heat pumps and photovoltaics and incorporates passive design measures and mixed mode ventilation. Multiplex collaborated closely with Heyne Tillett Steel and BHC to reduce carbon throughout the project with a comprehensive materials strategy, including the integration of 80 tonnes of reused structural steel; the replacement of around a third of cement-based products with low-carbon alternatives; and the use of EAF steel and fibre reinforced concrete. The reuse of 33% of the existing Portland stone further enhanced the building’s circular-economy credentials. The extent of the building’s significant archaeological history was revealed during the excavation period ahead of construction. Led by MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology), the works uncovered a Roman cemetery preserved by the damp ground associated with the former River Fleet. Finds included five Roman oak coffins, skeletal remains, jewellery, a decorated Roman oil lamp dating from around AD 48–80, and a complete Roman funerary bed – the first of its kind ever discovered in Britain. A selection of these finds will be permanently displayed in a dedicated case within the building’s Farringdon Street lobby, integrating the site’s archaeological history into the new life of the building. At the heart of the project is a dramatic nine-metre level change between Holborn Viaduct and Farringdon Street, a remnant of Victorian civil engineering that has long shaped movement through the site. PLP Architecture’s design transforms this topographical constraint into a new piece of public infrastructure, introducing a step-free route between the two streets for the first time. A new public lift connects the levels alongside two landscaped plazas, creating a more accessible and welcoming connection through the City. The adjacent Grade II-listed gatehouse, designed by William Haywood in the 1860s played a large part in influencing the building’s design. Rather than imitate the historic structure, the design establishes a complementary relationship through proportion, material and detail. The lower floors are clad in a combination of new and reclaimed Portland stone, including some recovered from the 1920s office buildings previously occupying the site. The stonework is set at a level that aligns with the gatehouse, allowing the two buildings to read as a complementary pair without one overwhelming the other. Higher up, perforated aluminium fins extend across the upper floors, stepping upwards in response to the cornice lines of the gatehouse. The fins provide solar shading while screening openable panels that enable natural ventilation. Behind them, the building’s core and roof pavilion are enclosed in metallic silver framing, while bronze-coloured metalwork is used for the lower-level window frames. This material palette continues throughout the interiors, creating a deliberate continuity between the building and its public realm. Inside, an efficient structural grid and generous floor-to-ceiling heights provide adaptable floorplates capable of supporting both open-plan and activity-based working without requiring changes to the building’s core. A full-height atrium runs through the building, with staggered staircases connecting the floors and creating a prominent internal route and social space. Senior Associate Partner at PLP Architecture, Angela Parrozzani explains:“For us, the challenge was to turn a complex set of demands – heritage, sustainability, adaptability and public life – into one coherent building. The project required constant dialogue between the historic context and the needs of a contemporary workplace.” Partner at PLP Architecture, Bernard Storch expands further: “Many of the project’s defining qualities emerged from constraints that we chose to embrace as catalysts for design – from incorporating reused materials throughout the building and its façade to transforming the protection of existing trees into an expanded public realm with new public connections. What makes the building successful is that these decisions are not treated as separate layers, but as part of a single architectural language that gives the project a clear identity and a strong sense of place.” Ghanaian-born artist Harold Offeh was commissioned to create Intersections; a public artwork developed in partnership with local residents and extending across more than 100 metres of the building’s façade and public realm. Reportedly the longest artwork in the City of London, the work draws on the layered history of the site, from its Roman archaeology to more recent local histories, using photography, scanning and digital collage. Holborn Viaduct is an example of future ready architecture built around the circular economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robertson Construction Secures £29m Contract to Transform Aberdeen School for 434 Pupils
Robertson Construction has been appointed as main contractor for the £29 million redevelopment of St Peter’s RC School in Aberdeen, following financial close on a major education project that will transform Old Aberdeen House into a modern primary school. The ambitious scheme, commissioned by Aberdeen City Council and designed by JM Architects, will combine the refurbishment of an existing building with a substantial new extension, creating improved teaching facilities and specialist learning environments for up to 434 pupils. The project is being delivered through hub North Scotland’s North Schools Programme and represents a significant investment in Aberdeen’s education infrastructure, supporting the council’s commitment to providing high-quality learning environments for children and the wider community. Construction is scheduled for completion during winter 2027/28, with the new school expected to become operational in early 2028. Major Refurbishment and New School Facilities The redevelopment will see Old Aberdeen House comprehensively refurbished and adapted to accommodate the educational requirements of St Peter’s RC School. The existing building will be transformed to provide 14 modern classrooms, alongside a general-purpose teaching room and dedicated nurture and sensory facilities. These specialist spaces will support a range of learning needs, providing flexible environments designed to enhance pupils’ educational experiences and wellbeing. A new extension will complement the refurbished building, introducing a purpose-built sports hall, dining hall and staff facilities. Together, the refurbished accommodation and new construction will create a two-stream primary school capable of accommodating up to 434 pupils. The scheme has been designed by JM Architects, with the architectural approach bringing together the adaptation of an existing property and the provision of new educational accommodation. For the construction and public sector property industries, the project demonstrates the opportunities associated with repurposing established buildings for modern educational use, while incorporating new facilities to meet changing operational requirements. The combination of refurbishment and extension will require careful coordination between the existing structure and newly constructed elements, ensuring the completed school operates as a cohesive educational environment. Investment in Modern Learning Environments The £29 million redevelopment forms part of Aberdeen City Council’s investment in education infrastructure, with a focus on creating improved learning spaces and facilities that can support pupils and teaching staff for years to come. The inclusion of dedicated nurture and sensory accommodation is a particularly important element of the project, reflecting the growing emphasis on providing inclusive and adaptable educational environments. Alongside traditional classroom accommodation, these facilities will offer additional spaces to support pupils with different learning and developmental needs. The new sports and dining halls will also enhance the school’s wider facilities, creating improved spaces for physical education, school activities and daily operations. Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Robertson Group, welcomed the appointment and highlighted the importance of the organisation’s established relationship with Aberdeen City Council and hub North Scotland. “Reaching contract close at St Peter’s is an important milestone and reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership with hub North Scotland and Aberdeen City Council,” he said. “Together, we are building on a strong track record of delivering high-quality schools and creating a modern learning environment that will support pupils, staff and the wider community for generations to come.” Strengthening Aberdeen’s Education Infrastructure The project represents another important milestone in the delivery of public sector education facilities across the north of Scotland. Through hub North Scotland’s North Schools Programme, local authorities and delivery partners are working together to progress investment in school buildings and improve educational accommodation. Robertson Construction’s appointment will bring its construction expertise to the refurbishment and extension of Old Aberdeen House, with the programme focused on delivering a modern school environment within the agreed timeframe. The redevelopment will also demonstrate how existing buildings can be adapted for educational purposes, combining refurbishment with new construction to provide facilities suited to contemporary teaching requirements. Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, welcomed the progress being made. “I am delighted that we are actioning this important priority. Pupils will benefit from the significantly enhanced learning environment that is being created for them,” he said. “The new build will have excellent facilities, high-quality spaces and improved amenities. It’s great to see this advanced stage of construction. It is very satisfying to make this major project happen.” Completion Targeted for Early 2028 With financial close achieved and Robertson Construction appointed as main contractor, the project is progressing towards the delivery of a significantly improved educational facility for Aberdeen. The construction programme is scheduled to conclude during winter 2027/28, allowing the new St Peter’s RC School to become operational in early 2028. Once complete, the development will provide 14 classrooms, specialist teaching and support spaces, a new sports hall, dining facilities and accommodation for staff. The £29 million investment will create a modern two-stream primary school with capacity for 434 pupils, bringing together refurbished accommodation and new facilities within a single educational environment. For Aberdeen City Council, the project represents a substantial commitment to improving local school infrastructure, while for Robertson Construction and JM Architects, it provides an opportunity to deliver a major public sector development combining architectural adaptation, modern construction and enhanced educational facilities. The transformation of Old Aberdeen House will ultimately provide St Peter’s RC School with a new home designed to support the educational needs of future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Mesh Works with Hampshire & IOW Fire & Rescue to Improve the Energy Efficiency of its Estate in the Drive to Net Zero
Building performance specialist Mesh has worked with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service to develop a decarbonisation strategy for its 62-building estate. Mesh was appointed to assess the Service’s headquarters in Eastleigh – parts of which date back to the 1930s – and six different types of fire station to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption, running costs and carbon emissions. The project has given the client a practical, evidence-based improvement strategy for each building type and provides a replicable framework that can be applied across its wider estate to inform investment decisions and long-term decarbonisation planning. Doug Johnson, Founding Director of Mesh: “Public sector estates often include buildings of varying ages, construction types and patterns of use, so there is rarely a single solution for improving energy performance, reducing carbon emissions and maintaining a comfortable working environment for occupants as the climate changes. This project for Hampshire Fire & Rescue demonstrates the value of understanding how individual buildings actually perform before deciding where to invest. It allows organisations to prioritise cost-efficient practical improvements, assess the business case for larger interventions and develop a more informed long-term approach to decarbonisation and the drive to net zero.” Carrie Dickson, Energy and Sustainability Officer – Property and Facilities at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service: “Our aim with this project was to optimise the energy performance of each building and to apply those learnings to our wider estate across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The assessments provided detailed insight into precisely how the seven building types currently perform and in relation to climate and weather patterns. The studies also allow us to see how those buildings align with national trends. We now have the evidence-based analysis needed to understand which buildings perform well and where improvements and technical adjustments should be targeted to reduce energy consumption. The project data and feasibility studies will also be valuable to inform larger capital projects – both new build and refurbishments.” The fire stations studied varied in age, scale and construction – to reflect the diverse range of facilities in the estate. Mesh analysed energy consumption data in line with occupancy levels, weather patterns and climate change, and carried out detailed building fabric assessments, building services surveys, thermal modelling, and heat loss calculations. Renewable heating feasibility studies looked at the options for transitioning away from fossil-fuel heating and hot water. Air source heat pumps were calculated to have the potential to reduce energy consumption for space heating by around 50%. However, because of the cost and disruption associated with adapting existing heating and pipework systems for heat pumps, Mesh explored a hybrid approach, using heat pumps to deliver the majority of annual heating demand whilst retaining gas boilers for peak cold-weather periods. For more information, see www.mesh-energy.com or email info@mesh-energy.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Galldris clears lithium-ion charging from canteens and offices at Sizewell C
Batteries were being charged where people eat and work. Armorgard’s VoltHub, a purpose-built ventilated unit, now gives civil engineers at Galldris a dedicated place to store and charge them on site. Galldris Group has moved lithium-ion battery charging out of canteens and offices at Sizewell C and into Armorgard‘s VoltHub, a purpose-built, ventilated unit with integrated fire suppression. As a major UK civil engineering contractor, delivering complex, often critical infrastructure projects, Galldris manages a large volume of power tools and battery-powered equipment on busy, high-risk sites. Before VoltHub, batteries were being charged in canteens and offices which put a fire hazard in the rooms where people eat and work, while trailing cables added trip hazards of their own. Furthermore, there was no purpose-built, lithium-ion-specific storage or segregation and nothing in place to deal with thermal runaway if a battery did fail. Chargers were regularly misplaced, meaning batteries weren’t always charged properly. This set-up presented a serious risk as well as a major compliance issue, prompting calls from Galldris’ own health and safety team to urgently address the situation with a scalable solution. From Hinkley Point C to Sizewell C Galldris were drawn to Armorgard as a lithium-ion battery storage and charging partner having seen its technology in action at a Safety Forum led by the Sizewell C health and safety team. The principal contractor was also encouraging a safer charging setup. In particular, it saw Armorgard’s flagship VoltHub unit as the right solution ahead of new Class-L fire-safety standards coming into force, and wanted a unit that could connect directly to the site’s fire alarm system. The selection was further reinforced by the direct experience of Julian Beard, Galldris Group’s Health and Safety Manager on the Sizewell C project, who had used VoltHub while part of the safety team in the intake tunnels at Hinkley Point C How VoltHub works on site VoltHub is a ventilated unit, purposefully-developed for storing and charging lithium-ion batteries on site, with integrated fire suppression that deals with battery-related incidents while high-performance ventilation stops heat building up inside. The batteries themselves are held in lockable storage, which gives the site clear accountability for who has what. Offering further risk mitigation, an integrated fire alarm connection means VoltHub becomes part of the site’s emergency systems, and its IP-rated construction is built for demanding site conditions. For added portability, it’s easy to move so teams can set up safe charging wherever and whenever they need it. Commenting on choosing VoltHub, Julian Beard, Health and Safety Manager for Galldris Group on the Sizewell C project, said: “Introducing VoltHub across the site was one of the first initiatives I implemented, especially after seeing the benefits it offered when I worked on Hinkley Point C, including easy storage, improved fire safety, no trailing cables, and desks and tables free from clutter. This enables people to eat and work in peace, without constant beeping in the background. Since using the VoltHub station at SZC, we have reduced damage and product loss, as it has enabled operatives to take responsibility for their own equipment.” The results Charging at Galldris is now organised and centralised, and health and safety teams and site management have greater confidence in how batteries are stored and charged. Galldris reports stronger compliance with the new Sizewell C fire-safety standards (a closer fit with what tier-one contractors require) and the company says this has helped it to be seen as a leader across the project and the wider business. Matt Partridge, Head of Product Development at Armorgard, said: “Charging batteries in canteens and offices puts a fire risk in the rooms where people eat and take their breaks. VoltHub gives site teams a dedicated place to do it instead, with ventilation to stop heat building up and fire suppression in case a battery does fail. “Julian first used VoltHub at Hinkley Point C, and he chose it again as one of his first initiatives at Sizewell C. That means a lot to us because it’s a decision made by someone who has seen the unit working on a live site, and we’re also pleased to hear it has reduced damage and product loss at Galldris. When operatives have a secure place to charge their own equipment, they take more responsibility for it.” To find out more about VoltHub or to arrange a demonstration, contact the Armorgard team on 023 9238 0280 or visit https://www.armorgard.co.uk/products/battery-charging-units/volthub/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals