Mercury building renewal accelerates as Faithdean appointed to deliver 98,000 sq ft sustainable Holborn workspace
This summer will see the thoughtful refurbishment of Mercury – a prominent 1950s building on Theobalds Road – move forward at pace, in a positive signal to the London office market. Originally designed by Stanley Gordon Jeeves, Orms Architects, in collaboration with Note Design Studio, are now breathing new life into the building to create 98,000 sq ft of design-led sustainable workspace that both embraces a contemporary, adaptable approach to office design and honours the building’s mid-century heritage. Planning permission was granted in late 2024 and 2026 marks another key milestone for the project, with Faithdean appointed as the main contractor. Once complete in late 2027, Mercury will provide 11 exceptionally refurbished floors of flexible workspace, alongside street level activations including enhanced public realm and a public cafe on the south west corner. Central to the scheme is a circular sustainability strategy, focused on re-use and repurpose, with retention of 90% of the existing structural frame and 80% of the original stone façade. Low-quality 1990s additions will also be removed to further restore the neoclassical modern appearance of the original building. Inside, the building has been reconsidered to prioritise flexibility, connectivity and natural light, including a six-story central atrium. Enhanced floorplates and integrated ceiling track systems will create a series of adaptable office suites that enable occupiers to evolve layouts as and when needed. All windows open, supporting mixed-mode ventilation and fresh air. The scheme is intentionally designed to deliver a beautiful, high-quality working environment and a lifestyle space, responding to the fundamental shifts in occupier needs as businesses navigate the return to the office and place greater value on the need for in-person experience. A curated ecosystem of shared amenity spaces sits at both the top and bottom of the building. These include a top-floor pavilion with terrace, a sunken courtyard lounge, a gym and cycle facilities, and newly landscaped external spaces to the front and rear, designed as integral parts of the building rather than add-ons. Sam Elliott (Development Director), comments: “Mercury is a clear statement of confidence in Midtown. By retaining and enhancing a remarkable 1950s structure, we are delivering nearly 100,000 sq ft of design-led workspace that blends heritage, sustainability and the flexibility that modern occupiers demand. The building has been carefully reimagined to provide light-filled, adaptable floorplates anchored by a dramatic central atrium and a curated amenity offer. With Faithdean appointed as main contractor, we are now firmly focused on delivering that vision to the highest standard.” Mercury is due to open its doors in late 2027. The appointed agents are Cushman & Wakefield, Farebrother and Levy Real Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester Innovation District Set for 1,000-Bed Student Accommodation Landmark
Plans have been submitted for a major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Manchester that would deliver more than 1,000 student beds and create a striking new gateway to one of the UK’s most ambitious innovation districts. RG Real Estate has lodged proposals to redevelop the existing Charles Street Car Park site with a large-scale student living scheme featuring a landmark 38-storey tower. The project forms part of the wider regeneration of the former UMIST campus, which is being transformed into the £1.7bn Sister innovation district by Bruntwood SciTech and The University of Manchester. The proposed development would provide 1,041 student bedrooms across a combination of studios and cluster apartments, helping to meet growing demand for high-quality student accommodation in the city. Designed by Hodder + Partners, the scheme would comprise buildings of eight, 10 and 38 storeys located on the corner of Charles Street and Sackville Street, adjacent to the railway viaduct within what is known as Plot H of the Sister masterplan. The plans follow an extensive public consultation process undertaken last year and have been shaped by a multidisciplinary project team that includes Buro Happold, Deloitte, Layer Studio, Roscoe, Tyler Grange and Civic Heritage, among others. In addition to delivering modern student accommodation, the proposals include more than an acre of new public realm, improved pedestrian connections and active ground-floor uses designed to enhance the surrounding neighbourhood and support the wider regeneration vision. RG Real Estate Development Director Darren Simmons said the scheme would transform an underutilised site into a vibrant new destination, while helping to reactivate Altrincham Street and strengthen connections across the evolving innovation district. The development is strategically positioned close to major transport links and within easy reach of Manchester’s universities, making it well suited to support the city’s growing student population. The proposals also sit alongside a number of other significant residential developments planned for the area, underlining Manchester’s continued emergence as one of the UK’s most active student accommodation and urban regeneration markets. If approved, the scheme will become another major addition to the city’s expanding skyline and a key component of the wider transformation of the former UMIST campus into a world-class hub for science, technology and innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land Names Joanne McNamara as New Chief Executive
British Land has announced the appointment of Joanne McNamara as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the UK’s largest and most influential property companies. McNamara joins the business from Oxford Properties, where she currently serves as Executive Vice President, Europe. Oxford Properties is the global real estate investment, development and management arm of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), one of Canada’s largest pension funds. With more than two decades of experience across the real estate sector, McNamara brings extensive expertise in investment, development, asset management and strategic growth. Since joining Oxford Properties in 2010 as one of the company’s first London-based team members, she has played a central role in expanding the organisation’s European operations and helping build a team of more than 70 professionals across the region. During her 16-year tenure, she has overseen several of Oxford Properties’ most significant investment and development transactions, contributing to the company’s growth as a major force within the European real estate market. Prior to joining Oxford Properties, McNamara held senior roles at Hammerson and DTZ, further strengthening her credentials across the commercial property and investment sectors. She is expected to join British Land by the end of November, following the completion of her notice period, and will succeed Simon Carter, who is stepping down after five years as Chief Executive. British Land Chairman William Rucker described McNamara as one of Europe’s most respected real estate professionals, highlighting her deep sector knowledge, experience within private capital markets and reputation for strong leadership. The appointment comes at an important time for British Land as it continues to focus on high-quality mixed-use developments, urban campuses, retail destinations and sustainable property investment across the UK. Commenting on her appointment, McNamara said she has long admired British Land’s track record of creating and managing best-in-class places. She added that she is looking forward to working alongside the board and wider team to build upon the company’s existing platform for growth. The leadership change signals a new chapter for British Land as it continues to navigate evolving market conditions while pursuing long-term opportunities across the UK property sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Firethorn breaks ground at 80-acre Bardon logistics site
Work is now underway at Bardon III, J20/M1, Leicestershire, where UK real estate investor and developer, Firethorn plan to deliver 947,650 sq ft of Grade-A industrial and logistics space. Having been appointed as the enabling works contractor, BlueEarth Construction has now commenced on-site access and infrastructure works, preparing the site which will be brought forward on a speculative and build-to-suit basis. Firethorn expects to invest £125 million into the 80.2-acre site, which benefits from detailed planning consent for two units with B2 and B8 use. The recent ‘breaking ground’ ceremony was attended by key local members who played influential roles in seeing the project realised, including the Leader of Leicestershire County Council Dan Harrison alongside Rebecca Henson, Head of the Growth Service at Leicestershire County Council, and Chris Brown, Assistant Director of Planning & Regeneration for Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, reflective of the significance of the development to the local economy. Located within the Midlands’ “Golden Triangle”, the site sits at the heart of the UK’s logistics network, providing direct access to the strategic national highway network at Junction 22 of the M1. The new development will follow previous phases delivered by Mountpark, which are now occupied by established distribution and manufacturing businesses, including Amazon, DHL, Eddie Stobart, VF, Vistry, and Pharmacy2U. James Sanders, Head of Industrial and Logistics at Firethorn, said: “Bardon is one of the UK’s most established and sought-after logistics locations, with a strong supply of local labour and direct connectivity to the strategic network making it ideally placed for leading occupiers operating national and international supply chains. “Breaking ground marks a significant step in the development process and a chance to provide recognition to those who played a role in the project coming forward. We’re delighted to mark the occasion and to be working with the BlueEarth team to deliver the first stage of what promises to be a modern, sustainable and high-quality product that will not only respond to a shortage in supply, but deliver lasting economic benefit to the region.” Councillor Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “We’re working hard to build the Leicestershire of the future, with prosperity, jobs and economic growth at the heart. “This £125m investment is significant, offering opportunities for big companies to set up shop, as well as a 37-acre country park and over 2km of walking routes. “Bardon is a top UK location for logistics. We really are leading the way in Leicestershire and we’re shouting from the rooftops that we’re open for business.” Kirk Farrow, Construction Director at BlueEarth Construction Ltd, said: “The entire team at BlueEarth has worked incredibly hard and is absolutely delighted to be progressing this development with Firethorn, following our completion of the preliminary enabling phase with Mountpark. “The site has presented a number of significant challenges, particularly the major overhead cable diversion works required to underground and reroute services around the development. In addition, the design of the large screening bund has been a very complex and demanding aspect of the project. “We at BlueEarth Construction Ltd are extremely proud to be working in partnership with Firethorn to help bring this development forward.” The new development targets practical completion in late 2027 and will deliver a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating with net-zero carbon in construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Villa Park’s £100m North Stand Transformation Moves into Construction Phase
Work has officially begun on Aston Villa Football Club’s landmark £100m redevelopment of the historic North Stand at Villa Park, marking the start of one of the most significant stadium improvement projects currently underway in UK football. Kingscote Construction has broken ground on the scheme, which will transform the stand and substantially increase capacity from 6,537 seats to 12,516 seats, helping the club accommodate growing demand from supporters while enhancing the overall matchday experience. The project is scheduled for completion in time for the start of the 2027/28 football season, when the new stand is expected to be fully operational. The redevelopment will deliver far more than additional seating. Plans include extensive upgrades to the club’s football infrastructure, with around 500 sq m of new first-team facilities being created. These will include modern changing rooms, enhanced medical and physiotherapy areas, and improvements to player-focused competition spaces designed to support elite-level performance. Supporters will also benefit from a range of improvements, including upgraded hospitality facilities, enhanced concourse areas and a more vibrant matchday atmosphere within the expanded stadium. The project is being delivered by Kingscote Construction alongside a number of specialist companies from across the wider Morrisroe Group. Morrisroe Demolition, GSS Piling, Morrisroe Limited, Houston Cox, Piper Joinery, Kingscote Plant, Kingscote Design and Kingscote Haulage will all contribute to the development programme. Two key external partners have also been appointed, with J&D Pierce Contracts responsible for the structural steelwork package and King & Moffatt delivering the mechanical and electrical installations. The investment reflects Aston Villa’s continued ambitions both on and off the pitch, following a period of significant growth and success for the club. Andy Beckett, Managing Director of Kingscote Construction, said the teamwork and collaboration required to deliver a project of this scale mirrored the collective approach that drives success in professional sport. He added that breaking ground represented an important milestone for Aston Villa, its supporters and the project team, as work begins on a stand designed to help secure the long-term future of one of English football’s most historic stadiums. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OP reimagines CBRE’s workspace at 3 Chamberlain Square, Birmingham
Leading office interior design consultancy, OP, has completed the fit out of CBRE’s new Birmingham office at 3 Chamberlain Square, Paradise Birmingham. The project spans 16,549 sq ft within one of the city’s most architecturally striking new buildings. When CBRE made the decision to relocate from their previous home at Temple Row, OP supported them through the entire journey – from the initial location review through to design and delivery. The resulting space draws heavily on the architecture of the building itself, with its distinctive red terracotta façade, fluted cladding and signature OGEE arches all reinterpreted within the interior. Terracotta tones, arched forms and tactile finishes create a clear visual connection between outside and in, giving the office a strong sense of place that feels authentically connected to the city. The design takes CBRE’s workplace philosophy and roots it firmly in Birmingham, creating something grounded and entirely specific to the city and the building. The workplace includes nine meeting rooms, three two-person focus rooms, eight call pods and a dedicated Clientology client engagement space with carefully considered sightlines across Chamberlain Square. Wellbeing is embedded throughout, with a dedicated Parents’ Room and a separate wellness room. Sustainability is central to the design story. Standout features include sculptural trees 3D printed from HS2 clay, the Altrock reception desk formed from reclaimed waste marble, a bespoke terrazzo worktop handcrafted from reclaimed Birmingham materials, and cork flooring. Recycled leather and Impact Cotton acoustic panels alongside cradle-to-cradle certified carpet tiles complete a rigorous material palette. The vast majority of CBRE’s existing furniture was also retained, refurbished and reintroduced – significantly reducing the embodied carbon of the fit out. Bespoke signage throughout tells the story of each element, giving staff and visitors a tangible connection to the thinking behind the space. The building holds BREEAM Excellent and WELL certifications and is the first in Birmingham to achieve a NABERS UK 5 Star Design Reviewed Target Rating. “Our vision was to create a workspace that feels genuinely of Birmingham – drawing on the architecture of the building, the character of the city, and the culture of the people within it. We’re incredibly proud of what this project has become.” Claire Stant, Creative Designer at OP “The new office has truly exceeded our expectations. OP have created a space that feels like a genuine reflection of both Birmingham and our business – full of thoughtful details that our team have really connected with. The feedback from staff and visitors alike has been overwhelmingly positive and we couldn’t be prouder of the result.” Will Ventham, Head of Midlands at CBRE Birmingham Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals