Latimer Launches New Shared Ownership Homes in the Heart of Trafford
Latimer at Lumina Village is soon set to launch in Trafford, a new collection of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom homes available with shared ownership. Launching on 17th April, the development represents Latimer’s continued investment in Manchester’s affordable housing market and offers a rare opportunity to buy with shared ownership in a thriving city suburb. Part of a wider regeneration project, Latimer at Lumina Village will host a mix of contemporary apartments and spacious townhouses, designed to suit a variety of buyers, from young professionals to growing families, and will help shape a vibrant new community in the heart of Trafford. Latimer at Lumina Village has been thoughtfully conceived to champion sustainable, sociable living at the vibrant heart of this much-loved pocket of Manchester. Featuring cycle- and pedestrian-friendly pathways, generous lawns, landscaped gardens and wildflower planting, it offers the ideal setting for homebuyers seeking a greener, more balanced lifestyle within the city. The architecture reflects the area’s traditional red-brick character, with a varied roofline of three, six and seven-storey buildings adding visual interest throughout the development. Positioned directly opposite Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, Latimer at Lumina Village also provides the perfect location for residents to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of match days and summer events. Tobias Brown, Sales Director for Latimer Homes in the North, comments: “It’s a pleasure to officially launch Latimer at Lumina Village, our latest contribution to affordable homes in Manchester. For many, buying a home in a large city can often feel like making a set of compromises. Lumina Village defies that expectation – at the centre of the Trafford regeneration and with doorstep links to the city centre, this entire development is fully affordable. We’re excited to present such a valuable opportunity for new residents to be a part of a mixed and vibrant neighborhood in an up-and-coming region.” Both the apartments and townhouses at Lumina Village have been crafted to a high-quality specification, with every home designed to maximise light and space. Open-plan kitchen and living spaces flow effortlessly beneath floor-to-ceiling windows, filling each home with natural light and creating bright, welcoming interiors. Selected homes also benefit from private outdoor space, extending living beyond the indoors. Kitchens feature sleek laminated worktops and integrated appliances, including ovens, fridges and freezers, while bathrooms are finished with contemporary, luxury tiling. These refined, practical spaces enhance the generous living areas, offering the perfect balance of comfort, flexibility and effortless entertaining. Latimer at Lumina Village offers homebuyers the opportunity to buy a share of a property, starting at 40%, with a much smaller deposit than would be required at open-market value. Homeowners then pay subsidised rent on the rest of the property, with the option to staircase their ownership and buy more shares at their own pace. This offers a chance for buyers to secure a home without a large deposit, providing a more affordable route onto Manchester’s property ladder. As part of the wider Old Trafford Regeneration Project which includes major investment in new homes, public spaces and infrastructure alongside plans for a world‑class Manchester United stadium, residents here will benefit from a revitalised, future‑focused district. The transformation will bring long‑term growth, improved transport connections and community‑led amenities to the area. Homes at Lumina Village offer the ideal balance between green, open space and vibrant city living. The development is surrounded by well‑landscaped parks, including nearby Longford Park, home to the popular Stretford Saturday Parkrun. For longer scenic walks and weekend activities, residents can head to Chorlton just a few minutes’ drive away, with its beautiful nature reserve and two expansive water parks. At the same time, some of Manchester’s best restaurants, bars and independent cafés are within easy reach, placing the energy of the city’s thriving food and drink scene right on your doorstep. Latimer at Lumina Village also sits at the centre of a buzzing entertainment scene. Sports fans are moments from world‑class action, with Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium close by. Directly opposite, Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground brings a lively, energetic atmosphere to summer weekends. Culture lovers will feel equally at home, with MediaCity, a major UK hub for media, creative and tech industries just around the corner, and the full breadth of Manchester’s cultural scene within easy reach. The development will appeal to both families and young professionals seeking excellent transport links and strong education options. With the Old Trafford Metrolink stop on the doorstep, residents can reach Deansgate and Manchester Piccadilly stations in approximately 20 and 25 minutes, enabling seamless travel across the city and beyond. The wider Trafford area also has a strong reputation for education, offering highly rated primary and secondary free schools. Just next door is University Academy 92, a pioneering institution offering degrees and courses in sport, business, media and digital studies. Prices at Latimer at Lumina Village start from £89,000 for a 40% share of a one bedroom apartment. Further information can be found at https://www.latimerhomes.com/new-build-homes/manchester/homes-trafford/lumina Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain hits milestone with 1625km of gas pipeline upgraded for Cadent
Continues Costain’s track record of delivering predictably as it upgrades pipeline through to 2029 Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, has marked the completion of five years of its Contract Management Organisation (CMO) contract with Cadent by delivering 1625km of gas main line. Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network managing more than 131,000km of pipes and transporting gas to 11 million customers. Since 2021, Costain has been tasked with upgrading more than 300km of gas mains each year in Cadent’s East of England network. The progress, which has involved more than 230,000 reinstated excavations and 160,000m3 tonnes of backfill and top material, means that 168,000 homes have now had new gas mains and supplies installed. The upgrades support a more resilient energy network by reducing the risk of supply disruption to households and businesses in the region. Costain has consistently ensured best-in-class results in health and safety, programme management, commercial and operational excellence, and customer satisfaction scores. This strong performance led to Costain in 2024 seeing the initial five-year contract being extended to run to eight years, through to 2029. Alan Cheung, Energy Sector Director at Costain, said: “This is a fantastic milestone that is testament to Costain’s reputation of delivering predictably and efficiently. Over the last five years we have cultivated productive and collaborative working relationships with Cadent and our local supply chain teams, which have enabled us to maintain the highest safety, quality and efficiency standards and achieve record customer satisfaction scores. “As we embark to the next phase of the project, we’ll be working closely with Cadent to ensure this transformative scheme continues to improve the lives of millions of people in the East of England whilst making the UK’s energy system more resilient for future generations.” Victoria Grieve, Network Director for the East of England at Cadent said: “Costain has been a trusted partner to Cadent for years. It is helping us deliver our major investment programme to enhance the gas network, keeping millions of people warm in their homes and supporting the transition to lower-carbon gases.“The last five years have seen the network undergo significant enhancements and this milestone illustrates the collaborative partnership between ourselves, Costain and its supply chain, and we’re excited to continue pressing on with these upgrades together.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bricklaying students given insight into construction at Roe Wood Park
Bricklaying students visited Bellway’s Roe Wood Park development in Harold Hill to get an insight into work on a construction site. The 10 students, who are all studying for their Level 1 Bricklaying qualification at New City College, were welcomed by Bellway Senior Site Manager David Barden. The visit took placeon Friday 20 March and included talks from Bellway staff and contractors GSQ Brickwork, as well as a tour of the site and the chance to have a go at bricklaying. Roe Wood Park is a joint venture with Mercury Land Holdings, a wholly owned company of Havering Council. The 120-home project is redeveloping the former Quarles Campus of Havering College – now part of New City College – and the sale of the site provided funding towards the college’s Specialist Construction and Engineering Centre at Rainham. David said: “As a company, we are very much focused on providing opportunities for young people to gain the skills and experience they need to progress in their careers, and developing the skilled workforce we need as a business now and into the future. “It was a pleasure to welcome this group of young people to Roe Wood Park and give them an insight into what the job of a bricklayer looks like on a live construction site, where we are building homes at scale. “It is particularly rewarding to be welcoming students who are benefitting from the state-of-the-art facilities on the Rainham Construction and Engineering campus, which was supported by the regeneration of the former Quarles Campus site. “This is all part of our commitment to the local community – to not only provide high-quality housing, but also create jobs and invest in local infrastructure and facilities.” Jane Nugent, Work Related Curriculum Advisor at New City College, said: “Our Brick students learnt so much whilst at Roe Wood Park– they came out of there beaming, and for most of them it was the first time they had used real cement. Bellway’s Senior Site Manager David Barden was so informative, and we truly appreciate the opportunity.” When complete, Roe Wood Park will comprise 53 houses and apartments for private sale, including a mix of one, two and three-bedroom properties, 47 affordable homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership and 20 new homes for private rent. As part of the planning agreement for the development, the aim is for 20 per cent of people working on site to be residents of Havering or neighbouring boroughs. More information about career opportunities with Bellway can be found at https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Eversheds Sutherland announces 25 promotions to partner for 2026 – including two in its Construction Litigation Practice
Eversheds Sutherland (International) is pleased to announce that it has made 25 partner promotions with effect from 1 May 2026. 40% of Eversheds Sutherland’s new partners are female. The latest round of promotions includes two construction lawyers based within the firms Litigation & Dispute Management practice group, underlining the firm’s ongoing investment into its construction offering. Those promoted are Ray Hetherington (Birmingham) and James Molland (Cardiff). Keith Froud, Chief Executive, Eversheds Sutherland (International) commented: “Our newly promoted partners exemplify exceptional talent, deep client commitment and market-leading capability. Together, they reinforce our position as a firm that is powerful globally, strong locally, delivering seamless support to clients wherever they operate. “My congratulations go to our 2026 cohort on this well-earned achievement for their outstanding contribution to our clients and our firm.” Eversheds Sutherland – Partner promotions 2026: Practice group Partners Corporate Finance Chris Archer, Corporate (London) Adite Aloke, Corporate (Dubai) Faris Al-Louzi, Corporate (Riyadh) Thomas Howell, Corporate (Leeds) Griff Jones, Corporate (Leeds) Thomas Plant, Corporate (Birmingham) Rob Worsfold, Corporate (Birmingham) Commercial Advisory Thomas Farkas, Commercial (Munich) Lisa Highet, Commercial (Nottingham) Teresa Pessoa e Costa, Commercial (Lisbon) Robbert Santifort, Commercial (Rotterdam) Employment Labor & Pensions Laura D’Arcy, Employment (Manchester) James Ellis, Pensions (Birmingham) Jen Green, Pensions (Cardiff) Sarah Lown, Pensions (Manchester) Taoufik Yekhlef, Employment (Rotterdam) Litigation & Dispute Management Ray Hetherington, Construction (Birmingham) Angharad Hurle, Commercial Dispute Resolution (Cardiff) Mostafa Ihab, Commercial Dispute Resolution (Riyadh) Philip Kiossev, Commercial Litigation (Sofia) Karen Mitchell, Real Estate Litigation (London) James Molland, Construction (Cardiff) Real Estate Emma George, Core Real Estate (Dubai) Fiona Hammett, Core Real Estate (Cardiff) Chris Mullings, Core Real Estate (London) In December 2025, Eversheds Sutherland (US) announced the promotion of six attorneys to partner, which took effect on 1 January 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One Big Idea shortlist revealed as sector’s boldest thinkers spotlighted ahead of UKREIIF 2026
The three shortlisted ideas include focuses on the reduction of carbon, supporting the next generation and solving viability gaps for projects WORKING together to uncover the sector’s brightest and boldest ideas, UKREiiF and strategic marketing agency Cartwright have revealed the shortlist for the ‘One Big Idea’ initiative. Nearly 100 entries were received from across the built environment, with submissions showcasing exciting new ideas, concepts and ways of thinking. The ‘One Big Idea’ initiative aims to give property and construction specialists the opportunity to make their mark and push the sector forward. It was open to entries from any level of seniority or experience. Making the final shortlist are ideas from Kuram Gwakyaa, head of sustainability for Home Office and MOJ accounts at Mitie; Sally Grindrod-Smith, director of planning regeneration and communities at West Lindsey District Council and Matt Drewitt, architect at the Government Property Agency. The three shortlisted ideas include focuses on the reduction of carbon, supporting the next generation and solving viability gaps for projects. Further insight into the ideas will be shared at the Big Idea Breakfast at UKREiiF on Wednesday 20 May Liz Cartwright, managing director at Cartwright and shortlist judge, said: “Our One Big Idea initiative was created to champion new and purposeful thinking from those in the industry. Across all submissions received there is no doubt that this kind of thinking was showcased in abundance. “Our shortlisted ideas demonstrate not only originality but a true potential to move the industry forward. Each one is not a concept for its own sake but is grounded in real challenges and real opportunities. Offering space for these ideas to flourish is exactly what we here at Cartwright, in partnership with UKREiiF, have set out to do.” The wider judging panel that took on the task of reviewing the ideas submitted and creating a shortlist, included James Bywood, marketing director at UKREiiF; Renee Preston, chief executive officer at Gallaway Construction; Shahi Islam, director of affordable housing at Homes England; and Rory Bates, built environment sector lead at SLR Consulting. The judging criteria was chosen to help highlight the most powerful submissions. This included marking ideas on their creativity and originality, impact and value, and clarity of the idea. Following the Big Idea Breakfast event, Cartwright will also be releasing a ‘One Big Idea’ report for the wider market, telling the stories of the winning entrants and sharing a wider selection of One Big Idea suggestions – including additional insights gathered from its on-site presence at the event. James Bywood, marketing director at UKREiiF said: “UKREiiF has always been a place where ideas on how to grow and better the industry have the space to flourish. One Big Idea is allowing us to take this to the next level and there is no doubt that the results so far have been incredible. All the ideas submitted showcase vital thinking from different levels and experience on how the industry can grow to new heights and it’s safe to say that shortlisting to just three was no easy job. “As the countdown to UKREiiF ticks down, seeing the three shortlisted ideas come to life at the One Big Idea breakfast is one of many parts of those three days in Leeds that our team here are looking forward to most – alongside generating those important conversations that will foster even more ideas for what’s next for the industry.” The initiative forms the newest era of the partnership, as Cartwright takes on the role of official storytelling partner for UKREiiF 2026, as part of a year-round agreement. For more information about Cartwright visit www.cartwrightagency.com or to register for UKREiiF 2026 go to www.ukreiif.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Muse announces senior promotion to operations director
Muse, the nationwide placemaker, has announced the promotion of Stuart Rogers to the position of Operations Director, a national role within the business Rogers first joined the North West team in April 2022, with nearly 20 years’ project management experience across the built environment sector. Since his appointment, he played an integral role leading on the delivery of major projects across the region, including the ongoing plans for St Helens, Prestwich, Wythenshawe and Oldham town centres. Stuart has also been part of Muse’s nationwide ESG and sustainability team, and has driven Muse’s strategic approach with the Building Safety Regulator Following his contribution, Rogers was promoted to the position of Director of Project Management for the North West region. After two successful years in post supporting significant growth in the regional business, he will now move into the newly created national senior leadership role. Within his position he will be responsible for driving high-quality standards for delivery across the whole business – with a focus on overseeing and optimising the day-to-day operational activities of the company. This includes a strengthening of Muse’s partnership approach, with robust national strategic relationships with supply chain, contractors and consultants integral to the business as it looks to convert its strong pipeline to delivery. Over the last 12 months Muse has been preparing sites across the country as part of a strategic expansion of its development pipeline to £6.3 billion (including preferred bidder positions). In the last year this has increased by 29%, from £4.9billion. As regional teams in London, the Midlands, North West and Yorkshire & the North East work with local partners to translate visions into great places, Stuart will be focused on ensuring that robust delivery systems and structures are in place to ensure Muse retains and enhances its high standards. Phil Mayall, Managing Director at Muse, said: “We’re delighted to announce Stuart’s promotion to the newly created position of Operations Director.Since joining us he has brought insight, strategic vision, and drive to Muse – helping play a leading role in driving forward transformative placemaking projects with our partners in the North West region. “As we look to deliver against our significant pipeline nationwide and drive forward positive, meaningful, growth, we want to ensure that we are not only maintaining our high standards but enhancing our reputation for excellence and innovation. In his new role, Stuart will allow us to achieve this, ensuring we have aligned, streamlined, delivery structures in place that will enable us to create high-quality, sustainable, places where people can live, work and thrive.” Stuart Rogers, Operations Director at Muse, said: “Since joining Muse I have had the privilege to work with a fantastic team and committed partners to deliver impactful regeneration projects in the North West. What we do at Muse is not easy, but our determination to deliver and resilience is something I’m deeply proud of “As our significant development pipeline continues to grow nationally, I am delighted to be promoted to the position of Operations Director. Our business priority has always been about delivery, and I am looking forward to not only continuing to support the excellent team in the North West, but those across the country, who have been working hard with our national and local partners to progress visions. “It is important that as we look to deliver against these ambitions, and that we are genuinely meeting the needs of the communities and enabling long-term social and economic growth.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals