Frasers Group snaps up fully let Greenock retail park
Frasers Group has acquired Waterfront Retail Park in Greenock, Scotland, from HKIP for an undisclosed sum. The town-centre scheme totals just over 90,000 sq ft of retail warehousing and drive-through space, with tenants including Currys, Halfords and Pets at Home. The sale followed the park reaching 100% occupancy after Farmfoods signed a long-term lease on the former SCS unit. During its ownership, HKIP’s asset management programme broadened the tenant mix, adding JD Gyms, Home Bargains, Costa Coffee and Pizza Hut to strengthen day-to-day appeal. Knight Frank acted for HKIP, with Sims Retail representing Frasers Group. The deal is Knight Frank’s second sale to Frasers Group in quick succession, after the retail group’s purchase of Rose Street Retail Park in Inverness. The acquisition underlines continued investor interest in well-let, convenience-led retail parks that pair essential retail with food-to-go and fitness, and benefit from ample parking and easy access. With the Greenock park fully occupied at completion, Frasers Group secures a stabilised Scottish asset aligned to its focus on resilient, value-orientated locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
City & Country completes purchase of Kingswood, Surrey
City & Country has this week completed the purchase of the 47.5-acre Kingswood site in Surrey from Legal & General. The completion of the purchase follows the housebuilder’s announcement of its intention to acquire the site in spring this year, with contracts having been exchanged in May 2025. The landmark deal will see City & Country redevelop the site to offer a mix of residential, retirement living and leisure space, set around a striking Grade II* listed building and the locally listed former St Monica’s School. New plans will see the developer resubmit for planning permission in the Autumn to deliver 166 private homes and 116 retirement properties, varying the site’s existing planning consent for a retirement village. Wider plans for Kingswood include the creation of a leisure centre, re-using some of the existing accommodation, which includes a swimming pool, tennis courts and ancillary facilities. Furthermore, City & Country intends to eventually restore the former L&G House and St Monicas School into high quality homes, and in the interim plans to offer space for use as offices and for co-working. Simon Marner, Land and Property Director for City & Country, comments: “We are extremely pleased to have completed the purchase of Kingswood – a site of significant local interest that has been vacant for a considerable amount of time, with the heritage buildings falling into disrepair. The site has great potential for us to deliver a high-class development to provide housing and facilities to complement the local area and for the benefit of the local community. Existing planning permission has been in place for half a decade, and we hope that with this acquisition City & Country can finally deliver on longstanding ambitions for Kingswood. “In the coming months, we will be preparing detailed plans for Kingswood, to enable us to submit new planning applications. These will be based on the principles of the already consented care home scheme, but which will provide a different mix of uses, making the scheme more viable and deliverable. City & Country has a long track record in handling complex heritage sites such as Kingswood and look forward to embarking on this exciting new project.” Prior to City & Country’s acquisition of Kingswood, the site was used as Legal & General’s HQ and has stood empty since 2018. The developer hopes that its redevelopment ambitions will restore the site to its former glory and eventually become an asset to the surrounding community. Kingswood is located within the borough of Reigate and Banstead, with local amenities located nearby including a village store, pub, cafes and restaurants. Nearby Kingswood Station offers a direct link to London Bridge. City & Country is responsible for a number of landmark schemes located on historic sites across the south of England, including The 1840, a conversion of a Grade II Listed Victorian Hospital in Wandsworth; King Edward VII Estate, the former tuberculosis sanatorium opened by its namesake in 1980; and its latest project, the redevelopment of the historic Pitman Press in Bath. For further information about City & Country, please visit https://www.cityandcountry.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Three Chamberlain Square: Raising the Bar for Sustainable City Workspaces
Three Chamberlain Square (3CS) has emerged as one of Birmingham’s most striking new landmarks and a national benchmark for sustainable urban construction. Standing between the city’s Grade I-listed Town Hall and the busy tram line, the ten-storey building combines bold design with engineering ingenuity to create 189,000 square feet of Grade A offices, plus retail and leisure space, all within a remarkably tight city-centre footprint. From the outset, sustainability guided every decision. The project targeted and achieved BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5-star ratings at design stage, placing it among the most environmentally advanced commercial buildings in the UK. Reducing embodied carbon was a constant priority. The structural team used post-tensioned concrete slabs, cutting steel content by about half, and took advantage of exceptionally firm ground conditions to avoid piling altogether. Designers even revisited structural support levels to reduce concrete use further while maintaining full integrity. A close partnership with the supply chain ensured these ambitions were met. Early engagement allowed key contractors to innovate, such as the dry-lining specialist who introduced off-site prefabrication to trim site waste by up to 25 per cent. Biogenic internal finishes added renewable materials to the mix, reinforcing the project’s low-impact credentials and demonstrating a practical approach to circular design. The façade is both a visual statement and a lesson in sustainable craftsmanship. More than 8,000 unglazed terracotta tiles were painstakingly installed over the course of a year, each piece fully demountable so it can be refurbished or recycled in the future. Forgoing a second kiln pass reduced embodied carbon, while the unglazed surface gives the building a warm, tactile character. On the seventh floor the façade curves inward, shifting from vertical to sloped and demanding exceptional precision from the engineering team to align corner units and maintain schedule. Logistics on the constrained site called for inventive solutions. Surrounded by existing buildings and a live tram line, the project relied on one of the UK’s largest hoists, the Alimak Mammoth TM 55/50. Measuring five by three metres and capable of lifting four tonnes—or 50 people—at a time, it moved ducting, plasterboard and workers efficiently, preventing delays that often plague high-rise city builds. A spider crane managed lower-level façade installation while the hoist kept upper floors supplied, demonstrating how careful planning can overcome even the tightest urban constraints. Safety performance was equally impressive. Over 700,000 work hours were completed without a single RIDDOR-reportable incident, an achievement so unusual that the client initially questioned the data. Early enabling works, spanning 20 weeks, helped de-risk the site and embed a “Be Safe, Home Safe” culture. Modern tools such as DataTouch interactive planning software identified and controlled hazards in real time, informing daily briefings and reducing the chance of accidents. Recognition soon followed. Three Chamberlain Square earned a perfect 100 per cent from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, scoring the maximum 15 points in each category of community respect, environmental care and workforce value—an accolade rarely awarded. This outcome reflected a collaborative spirit that ran through every tier of the project team, from developer and asset manager MEPC to consultants, subcontractors and suppliers. The result is a building that marries aesthetic boldness with rigorous environmental responsibility. With its distinctive terracotta skin and advanced construction methods, Three Chamberlain Square sets a new standard for what a city-centre office can be: a workplace that reduces its impact throughout its life cycle, engages the community and inspires everyone who passes by. As Birmingham continues to re-shape its skyline, 3CS stands as proof that ambitious design and genuine sustainability can coexist—and that future urban developments need not compromise on either. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Community Celebrates Opening of Chiswick Health Centre with Local Leaders and NHS Partners
On 11 September, the Chiswick community came together to celebrate the success of the new Chiswick Health Centre, a £23 million purpose-built facility designed to transform local healthcare and wellbeing. The celebration welcomed Councillors from the London Borough of Hounslow, representatives of the West London NHS Trust, GP practice teams, and community groups, all of whom played a vital role in shaping the vision for the centre. Councillors and the local MP, Andy Slaughter, toured the modern facility, which houses three GP practices (Chiswick Health Practice, Chiswick Medical Practice, and West4GPs) as well as Chiswick Primary Care Network staff and services. The new centre, which has welcomed over 14,000 patients since March, is a reflection of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan’s ambitions, setting a blueprint for neighbourhood-based care. It offers expanded GP services, mental health support, and community-led wellbeing activities, while also building close working relationships with local secondary care services. This approach brings hospital services closer to home, ensuring patients receive the right care in the right place, and strengthening the integration between primary and secondary care. The building also meets high environmental standards with features such as solar panels and LED lighting that are leading to a 77% reduction in carbon emissions. Kieran Kinsella, Director of Advisory Services at NHS Property Services, said: “The delivery of Chiswick Health Centre is a proud achievement for NHSPS and a clear example of how we’re helping shape the future of healthcare infrastructure. This project reflects the ambitions of the NHS’s 10-Year Health Plan by creating modern, inclusive, and community-focused spaces that support prevention, integration, and wellbeing.” Cllr Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, said: “This modern facility not only offers a central hub for health and community services but also includes the provision of 55 social homes. Over £1 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds were allocated by the Council to support the practical implementation and temporary relocation costs of this project.” Dr Christopher Hilton, Chief Operating Officer for Local Services, West London NHS Trust said: “We’re incredibly proud to officially open the doors to the new Chiswick Health Centre, a friendly neighbourhood healthcare space for the community. It’s truly heartening to see so many of our partners, colleagues, and local residents gathered here to celebrate this milestone together. This centre marks a step forward in bringing health care closer to home, making it more accessible and responsive to the needs of our community today and for future generations to come.” Dr Chloe Hillman, GP Partner Chiswick Health Practice, said: “The staff and patients of Chiswick Health Practice are delighted to be settled back into the new Health Centre, in the heart of Chiswick. We look forward to caring for our patients, working with our secondary and community services colleagues and developing modern and progressive models of care, nearer home in this excellent facility for many years to come.” Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick, said: “Chiswick Health Centre is a very impressive modern facility. It’s brilliant to see investment in GP services and a community space that residents can enjoy.” Donna Schoenherr, Founder & Director of Move into Wellbeing, said: ” The new community space at the Chiswick Health Centre fits perfectly into the activities and needs of Move into Wellbeing’s Dance & Movement classes by being centrally located, fully disabled accessible, having a Ground Floor location, and by providing a lovely clean airy room to use for the hour long Dance & Movement sessions. The central Chiswick location, accessibility, potential to live – stream the sessions, and the lovely environment greatly assist Move into Wellbeing in achieving its objectives. These objectives centre around the offering of weekly fun and effective Dance & Movement sessions, and the opportunity for social contact and interaction for the local residents 60+, all coming together to help to improve the attendees health and wellbeing and their quality of living. These assets can also be opened to a wider range of participants across the Borough with the live – streaming is in place. The new Community Space is a very well-equipped to hold our sessions and has immense potential for further MiW programmes for the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spotlight on Retrofit at UK Construction Week Birmingham
UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham has joined forces with the National Retrofit Hub to deliver a dedicated seminar programme on retrofit. Visitors can expect insightful sessions covering topics such as upgrading and decarbonising the nation’s housing stock, driving innovation in retrofit practices, and exploring how retrofitting is an essential strategy in the race to Net Zero. On Day Two (Wednesday 1 October), the focus on the Housing Action Hub turns to retrofit’s role in reducing whole-life carbon emissions and strengthening climate resilience, with expert-led seminars. In addition, a number of other stages at the three day event will feature Retrofit focused talks and seminars. Once again, UKCW Birmingham will place itself at the heart of this critical national conversation. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, UKCW Birmingham (30 September – 2 October, NEC) returns under the theme “where decisions are made.” Across three days, visitors will experience an unmissable line-up of big-name speakers, CPD-accredited talks, live demonstrations, product launches, technical workshops, and unrivalled networking opportunities. The programme of talks on retrofit includes: Main Stage Wednesday October 1st, 10.30am Retrofit Revolution: Meeting Citizen Demand for Warmer, Greener Homes At this session, you’ll learn about the latest research and insights on what drives demand for retrofit and decarbonisation. We’ll discuss the critical role householders play in enabling the transformation to low-carbon, low-cost, healthy homes, and how we all can better work with citizens to increase uptake and grow the retrofit sector. Speakers: Housing Action Hub Wednesday October 1st, 12.15pm Enabling Retrofit Innovation : RetroNetZero This seminar will present tools and resources published by the project that can help innovators and specifiers alike. We’ll explore regulatory pathways, discuss where innovators need to go to test and demonstrate their solutions and consider how regulation can better realise the health co-benefits of retrofit. Speakers: Wednesday October 1st, 1.15pm Retrofit Connect: Birmingham & Stoke Update on Street Demos A panel of experts will showcase pioneering stories from the Retrofit Connect programme – part of the National Retrofit Hub’s strategy to enable equitable, locally led retrofit at scale. Speakers: Wednesday October 1st, 2.15pm Retrofit and Whole Life Carbon: What’s the Consensus? The UKCW panel dives into practical strategies for transforming existing structures into climate-resilient, low-carbon assets—from smart energy upgrades to sustainable materials. Join experts to explore how retrofitting can drive environmental impact, meet rising tenant demands, and future-proof the built environment. Speakers: Net Zero Hub Wednesday October 1st, 2pm Building a Sustainable Future: Retrofitting for Climate Resilience This session will bring together those behind some of the big standards, campaigns and solutions for reducing whole life carbon emissions, particularly in the retention and retrofit of existing buildings. The conversation will be far-reaching and consider policy, materiality, economics, and community needs. Speakers: To help attendees get the most out of the show, UK Construction Week has launched its handy web-based app. Visitors can quickly build a personalised itinerary of talks, book meetings and navigate the floorplan, including viewing the Net Zero Trail, all from the palm of their hand. Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director, Construction, commented: “Retrofitting buildings has never been a more crucial part of construction and the pursuit of Net Zero, hence why we’re dedicating so many hours of UKCW seminars to discuss and dissect this important topic.” Alongside over 300 leading brands from around the world, UKCW Birmingham will feature 200 speakers and over 150 hours of seminars and talks across five stages – all of which are CPD accredited. Visitors will also be able to hear from a stellar line-up of speakers across the Culture Change & Skills Hub, Net Zero Hub, Housing Action Hub, and Roofing, Cladding & Insulation Hub. Visitors to UKCW can also elevate their experience with an exclusive VIP Pass for just £99 per day. The pass allows VIP guests to skip the queues with fast-track entry, relax in the exclusive VIP Lounge with complimentary coffee, a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, and a dedicated Wi-Fi network throughout the day. Free parking at the venue is also included in the purchase of the ticket. To register for UKCW Birmingham for free, visit https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-birmingham-2025/cab-pr To download the show app, visit https://www.ukconstructionweek.com/ukcw-app. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salix supports GMCA’s £28m Public Building Retrofit fund helping decarbonise Greater Manchester’s public estate
Salix Finance is proud to be working in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on an initiative to help decarbonise public sector buildings across the region. The new Public Building Retrofit fund (PBRf), launched and administered by GMCA, will provide grant funding to public sector organisations to support the installation of low-carbon heating systems and energy efficiency measures in their buildings. Salix will play a key role in the delivery of the fund by undertaking the technical assessment of funding applications. With up to £28 million of capital funding available between 2025/26 and 2027/28, the scheme will support Greater Manchester’s ambition to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reach net zero by 2038. This is 12 years ahead of the UK’s national target. This funding for GMCA has been delivered as part of the government’s devolution policy, providing mayoral authorities the tools to shape the future of their local areas, while improving accountability and building capacity across the local government sector. Salix chief executive Kevin Holland said: “We have built up extensive skill at Salix in delivering innovative, large scale and impactful decarbonisation projects across the public sector on behalf of government. “Our knowledge is valued across the sector, and we’re delighted to work with Greater Manchester Combined Authority on this new fund. “Our work on the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme equips us well to support GMCA through effective and impactful technical assessments, enabling the successful delivery of retrofit projects.” The fund will be delivered through a competitive application process, with several funding windows opening over the course of the programme. The first application window is set to open this summer, with additional dates to be announced later in the year by GMCA. The initiative aligns closely with national policy priorities, targeting the 9% of UK emissions that come from heating buildings. By supporting the replacement of fossil fuel-based systems and improving building efficiency, The Public Building Retrofit fund is expected to contribute directly to reducing energy consumption and improving comfort in public buildings. Kevin added: “Our partnership with GMCA shows our stakeholders the breadth of Salix’s capabilities and the value of our trusted expertise. “We look forward to building on this relationship and continuing to expand our impact across the public sector and beyond. “We’re on a mission at Salix and we’re committed to help the UK meet its ambitious 2050 net zero targets.” For more about Salix visit our website https://www.salixfinance.co.uk/ For full details about the Public Building Retrofit fund, visit the Public Building Retrofit fund – Greater Manchester Combined Authority Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals