Consented £90m GDV co-living scheme sold in West Ealing
Prime Phenix has acquired a major development site at 96-102 The Broadway, West Ealing, in a transaction brokered by GLPG’s Agency team, with GLPG’s Capital Advisory team also securing the development facility for the purchaser to deliver the scheme. The site was sold by Luxgrove Capital Partners. The prominent Uxbridge Road site benefits from detailed planning consent for a £90 million GDV co-living scheme comprising 268 bedrooms (Use Class: C1 Apart-Hotel), alongside substantial amenity space and facilities, including a roof terrace. The 0.5-acre site, bounded by Singapore Road and The Broadway, has remained vacant since the demolition of the four-storey Woolworths department store in 2019. The original building was constructed in 1926 and traded until Woolworths’ nationwide closure in 2008. Construction is expected to commence imminently, according to Dr Amir Naghsh, CEO of Prime Phenix, which is behind developments including Stirling Works on Bollo Lane, Acton and Oak Place in Slough. Dr Amir Naghsh, commented: “West Ealing is exactly the type of opportunity we look to acquire at Prime Phenix – a prominent and well-connected site in a highly active London location with the scale and profile to deliver a standout scheme. Our integrated team enables us to take a scheme like this from acquisition through to completion with confidence, and construction is set to commence imminently. The development represents a significant regeneration opportunity for this part of The Broadway and will deliver a high-quality project that we believe will make a lasting positive impact on the area. “GLPG played an important role throughout the process, both in sourcing the opportunity and arranging the development funding with Zorin Finance and we are pleased to have Zorin alongside us for the delivery of the scheme.” GLPG, a leading multidisciplinary real estate group based in Marylebone, played a key role in both the disposal of the site and the financing of the project. Dean Leslie, Director at GLPG, said: “Large scale consented co-living opportunities of this quality rarely come to market in London, so from the outset we knew this was a transaction that would require a huge amount of work behind the scenes to get over the line. “There were a lot of moving parts across both the sale and financing, and credit should go to everyone involved for staying commercial and solution focused throughout the process. “What made this scheme particularly compelling was the combination of planning consent, scale and location. West Ealing has been transformed in recent years by the Elizabeth line and wider regeneration, and we continue to see strong demand from both investors and lenders for high quality living sector opportunities in well-connected London locations.” West Ealing is currently undergoing significant regeneration, with several major residential and mixed-use developments approved along The Broadway and the surrounding area. William McKenna, Director at Luxgrove Capital Partners, adds: “This sale marks a major step forward in the continued regeneration of West Ealing. The development will transform a long vacant site into a vibrant new co-living destination, helping to attract new residents, businesses and investment into the area.” The site occupies a prominent position within a five-minute walk of West Ealing’s restaurants, shops, supermarkets and gyms, as well as West Ealing station and the Elizabeth line. GLPG’s Capital Advisory team, led by Nick Swerner, acted as debt advisers on the project. Zorin Finance is providing funding for the development. Nick Swerner, Director at GLPG Capital Advisory, said: “Getting a transaction like this funded takes far more than simply introducing a lender. It requires detailed involvement throughout the process, understanding how to navigate issues as they arise and keeping momentum between all parties from start to finish. “Prime Phenix and Zorin Finance were excellent to work with throughout and together we were able to deliver a facility for what we believe will become one of the standout co-living schemes in West London.” Anthony Raud, Head of Development Finance Origination at Zorin Finance, comments: “We are thrilled to be supporting Prime Phenix on what will be a landmark scheme. The Prime Phenix team brings strong delivery capabilities, while the amenities, location and connectivity will be highly attractive to residents. “The Zorin Finance team remains committed to providing flexible funding solutions to address the ongoing undersupply of living sector stock across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading modular manufacturer appointed to major public sector framework
Offsite manufacturer, Premier Modular, has been announced as a supplier to public sector-owned professional buying organisation, ESPO, to support on seven lots on their new Modular Buildings framework (953). Suppliers will design, manufacture, deliver, install and provide maintenance for modular buildings, with the national framework helping to provide much-needed high-quality, future proofed temporary and permanent infrastructure for the public sector. Premier Modular, celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, is known for its ability to deliver modular schemes through different procurement options and has been awarded to seven out of ten lots of the framework. The lots include the hire and purchase of Modular Healthcare and Education Buildings, and the purchase of Modular Catering, Accommodation and Miscellaneous Buildings. Progress is expected to continue into 2028, providing the delivery and installation for a range of units from accommodation to site offices, with the option for bespoke design projects. Premier Modular has continuously worked over the years to meet evolving and growing demand across the public sector. In the past year alone, the business has delivered a new Community Diagnostic Centre at a War Memorial Hospital in Cheshire, supplied a large-scale temporary school to support the development of a new permanent facility at Greenshaw High School, and won a multi-million-pound contract to deliver new security buildings across three major UK airports. In 2025, Premier Modular was also appointed to the £1bn NHS Commercial Solutions Framework, designed to support the rapid and sustainable delivery of modular buildings across healthcare, housing, education and other public facilities. David Harris, Managing Director of Premier Modular, said: “Being awarded a place on seven out of ten lots of the new ESPO framework reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, flexible spaces across the public sector. As demand continues to increase, this opportunity allows us to support communities with more speed, more certainty and more sustainable outcomes exactly where they’re needed and matter most. “By shifting more of the construction process offsite, we’re reducing disruption, improving quality control, and accelerating delivery times and helping reshape the built environment into something smarter, greener and more resilient for the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fusion21 invites bids for £350 million Responsive Repairs and Void Property Framework
Procurement specialist Fusion21 has announced the renewal of its national Responsive Repairs and Void Property Framework, worth up to £350 million over four years, and is inviting bids from suppliers with regional or national reach operating across the UK. The framework is open to all suitably qualified suppliers, from SMEs to Tier 1 organisations, and has been designed to support social housing landlords in delivering quality responsive repairs and void property maintenance services. Shaped through a strategic consultation process, the framework incorporates feedback from members and suppliers to reflect current sector needs and demands, while ensuring compliance with relevant statutory requirements. Offering a faster route to market, it brings together repairs, maintenance, property security and contact centre services in one place. Fusion21 members will benefit from flexible call‑off options, either through competitive selection or direct selection, facilitating more efficient procurement. The framework is structured across five lots: Lot 1: Responsive Repairs and MaintenanceLot 2: Void Property ImprovementsLot 3: Void Property Security, Clearance and Pest ControlLot 4: Disrepair WorksLot 5: Contact Centre Services Set to launch in October 2026, this is the third iteration of Fusion21’s Responsive Repairs and Void Property Framework, procured under the Procurement Act 2023. Previous iterations have delivered 129 contracts to date, with a combined value in excess of £490 million, achieving efficiency savings for members. Peter Francis, Group Executive Director (Operations) at Fusion21, said: “Demand for responsive repairs and void property services has remained consistently strong, and this third iteration reflects the ongoing needs and priorities of the sector. The framework has been strategically shaped to enable members to achieve value for money and high service standards, while embedding social value into every project.” Fusion21 is a trusted and reliable procurement partner with a 24‑year track record of delivering Procurement with Purpose. The organisation works across the housing, local authority, education, blue light and NHS sectors, and is known for helping the public sector to secure better commercial outcomes while delivering measurable social value in communities. Tender applications are welcome from suppliers that meet the criteria set out in the tender documentation. To find out more and apply, click here and select ‘Current opportunities’. Submission deadline: Friday 19 June 2026 at 12 noon Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housebuilder set to deliver 295 new homes in Shotts
Top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, is set to break ground on the second phase of its Springhill Farm development and create 295 new homes in Shotts, North Lanarkshire. Representing a £51 million investment into the local area, the additional homes follow the success of phase one at the site, which delivered 104 new homes. Due to be completed in 2032, the second phase will deliver a variety of two, three and four bed family homes, terraces, semi-detached and detached products – creating much needed homes for local people. Ron and Maria bought their home at phase one of the Springhill Farm scheme in 2023 after moving from a rented flat in Glasgow. Ron explains: “From our very first visit to Bertramfarm, we fell in love with the area. “Being surrounded by the countryside and enjoying the fresh air has made such a difference to our day-to-day lives. It took us a couple of attempts to find the right home, but it was absolutely worth it. “We love everything about our house – the sense of space, the layout, and how bright and welcoming it feels. Our neighbours are friendly and peaceful, which makes it even more special. We’re excited about the next phase and look forward to welcoming new neighbours to the community.” Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Scotland, added: “We’re excited to launch the next phase of this much needed Shotts development, as the area has had little investment into new housing stock. “At Keepmoat, we are proud to deliver top quality, open market homes designed for the future. The development is well connected with easy access to the Shotts train station, which offers direct access to Glasgow and Edinburgh.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality new homes across the UK. To date, almost 60 percent of its current developments are on brownfield sites. To find out more, please visit: www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pexhurst delivers major reuse-led refurb on Northampton warehouse
A SIGNIFICANT refurbishment to a c.190,000 sq ft industrial unit in Northampton has been completed by leading fit out and refurbishment contractor Pexhurst, transforming the building into a more sustainable, efficient and community-connected industrial space through an ambitious reuse-first delivery model. The multi-million-pound project for Aviva involved upgrading the warehouse and office spaces through new M&E installations, polished concrete flooring, new finishes and repairs to existing access doors, alongside the installation of five new 22kW dual-head electric vehicle chargers. A large-scale rooftop solar PV system was also installed, comprising 678 panels and delivering a total capacity of 400kWp. The system is expected to generate around 312,000 kWh of electricity annually, saving approximately 60 tCO2e per year. As part of the works, the existing gas utility was fully removed, with the building now operating on all-electric systems supported by on-site renewable generation. These improvements support the building’s strong environmental performance and have enabled the property to achieve an EPC A rating. Central to the refurbishment was a strategy focused on retaining and reusing materials wherever possible. Pexhurst worked closely with circular economy consultancy Reusefully to embed reuse principles from an early stage, helping to identify opportunities to retain materials on site, redirect surplus items into reuse systems and maximise environmental and social values throughout the programme. Pexhurst established a dedicated reuse area on site to safeguard items inherited from earlier works, allowing a significant proportion of sanitaryware, ceiling tiles, carpet tiles and timber skirting boards to be reinstated within the building, including the reuse of existing carpet and ceiling tiles within the staircases. In total, 158 m² of carpet tiles and 62 m² of ceiling tiles were retained in situ, while a further 550 m² of carpet tiles were collected by Urban Miners for reuse within the industry, ensuring materials remained in circulation rather than being discarded. Combined with the reuse of existing materials, the approach delivered a significant saving when compared with installing new products. Charlie Hazeltine, contracts manager at Pexhurst, said: “This project shows what can be achieved when sustainability sits at the centre of a refurbishment programme. With the right team and supply chain partners, materials that are often considered disposable can be reused, repaired or rehomed to extend their lifecycle. It demonstrates how early design-stage planning and careful coordination can achieve meaningful environmental and financial benefits while maintaining the quality of the finished space for clients and future occupiers.” Alongside this reuse activity, the team procured more than 600 litres of sustainably sourced HVO to power site plant, delivering an estimated carbon saving of 1.6 tCO₂e compared with traditional diesel. This saving is equivalent to the emissions from around 4,000 miles driven by an average petrol vehicle. Vinyl offcuts were collected for closed-loop recycling, allowing them to be remanufactured into new flooring rather than downcycled, while redundant lighting equipment was sent to Recolight for specialist recycling. 262 pallets in total were returned through the Pallet Loop scheme to be repaired and reintroduced into commercial circulation, avoiding an estimated 54 cubic metres of waste – equivalent to six 12-yard skips. A key sustainability gain came from a major change in ceiling tile specification, replacing the original product – which offered no viable end-of-life route – with a Rockfon tile supported by a full closed-loop recycling system. In addition, all major new refurbishment materials were supported by the creation of material passports. The collated datasheets, responsible sourcing documentation, EPDs and end-of-life pathways were incorporated into the operation and maintenance manual to equip future occupiers with the information needed to make circular, low-waste decisions throughout the building’s lifecycle. To support occupier wellbeing and encourage social interaction, the project also delivered a new external amenity space, featuring outdoor seating, table tennis tables and extensive new landscaping and planting. This enhanced outdoor environment provides future tenants with dedicated space for breaks, informal meeting and recreation. Alongside the construction programme, Pexhurst delivered a range of community initiatives that strengthened local connections and enhanced the project’s social value legacy. The team partnered with Pineham Barns Primary School to run a ‘draw your favourite building’ competition involving 30 pupils. Three winners received Amazon vouchers and all of the 30 entries were collaged and displayed on the Heras fence covers around the site for the children to see. Pexhurst also strengthened its links with local education by providing work experience opportunities to two students. Additional activity included food bank donations and a volunteering day at Restore Northampton, where members of the Pexhurst team, together with project partners from Leslie Clark and Spring Building Consultancy, supported donation sorting and parcel packing. A community litter pick, delivered in collaboration with circular economy consultancy Reusefully, further contributed to improving the surrounding area, while surplus materials such as paint have been directed into additional reuse schemes, including Dulux’s Community RePaint initiative, ensuring they continue to benefit local groups. Similarly, several leftover basins were donated to Phoenix Resource Centre for use in community projects in Kenya. Hazeltine added: “Our work on this project shows how a refurbishment can combine environmental performance with genuine community impact. By maximising material reuse and collaborating with local organisations, we’ve helped ensure the project delivers benefits that reach far beyond the building itself and its future users.” To learn more about Pexhurst, visit www.pexhurst.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Catella APAM makes trio of senior promotions
Catella APAM, the integrated UK real estate investment and asset manager, today announces it has promoted Victoria Morgan to Director. She joins founder and Executive Director Simon Cooke and Managing Director Melissa Baldwin on the firm’s senior leadership team. Rhys Williams and William Grenfell have been promoted from Associate Director to Senior Principal. Victoria, previously Head of Asset Management, will retain strategic oversight of the firm’s £1.6 billion portfolio and continue to lead on client servicing and key relationships, while contributing to the broader leadership and direction of the business. Victoria joined Catella APAM in July 2023, initially leading asset management for the southern region before being promoted to Head of Asset Management with full UK oversight. She brings over 19 years of experience across complex and diverse portfolios in the UK and Europe. Victoria has a track record spanning industrial, logistics, office and specialist asset classes at institutions including CapitaLand, where she held responsibility for £1.8 billion in AUM, and M7 Real Estate, where she managed a 3.6 million sq ft national commercial portfolio. Since joining, Victoria has led the structural transformation of Catella APAM’s asset management function, integrating the asset management and portfolio management teams and bringing together analytical and asset-level expertise. Under her leadership, the team manages 5.4 million sq ft across residential, industrial, office and retail. William joined Catella APAM in 2015 and brings over 20 years of post-qualification experience to the role. He is the client lead on the firm’s mandate for Danish pension fund Britannia Invest A/S, overseeing asset management of a regional UK office portfolio, including the delivery of the c.60,000 sq ft One Friary redevelopment in Temple Quay, Bristol, on track for practical completion in summer 2026. Rhys has been with the firm since 2014 and is the client lead on Catella APAM’s mandate for the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, overseeing asset management of a mixed-sector portfolio that includes Chantry Place shopping centre in Norwich, the Grade II-listed Morgan Quarter in Cardiff, and major industrial holdings at Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale and Leeds Valley Park, where the team has set record rents for the West Yorkshire industrial market. In their new positions, Rhys and William will take on increased responsibility for client management, business development and people leadership, acting as second-in-command to Victoria within the asset management team. Simon Cooke, Founder and Executive Director of Catella APAM, said: “We’re really proud to announce these senior promotions, which not only highlight the exceptional quality of our people but also our commitment to developing talent from within. “Victoria’s promotion to Director is thoroughly deserved and a reflection of the extraordinary contribution she has made to this business. Her leadership, commercial instinct and genuine commitment to her people make her an integral part of this business, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact she will have for our clients. “Will and Rhys are exactly the kind of people this business is built on – experienced and deeply client-focused. These promotions recognise their outstanding individual performance.” Victoria Morgan, Director at Catella APAM, said: “I’m delighted to join the senior leadership team and help share the next phase of the business at such an exciting point for Catella APAM. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the team over the past three years and am proud of the progress we’ve made in building an integrated asset management platform. It’s also great to see Rhys and William recognised for their continued impact and leadership.”