Glencar Completes Martland Park Development in Wigan
A 101,805 sq ft BREEAM Excellent industrial and logistics facility delivered for Hillwood UK at Martland Park, Wigan. Glencar has completed works at Martland Park in Wigan, achieving practical completion on a 101,805 sq ft industrial and logistics unit delivered for Hillwood UK. The high-specification facility has been developed to meet the requirements of modern industrial and logistics occupiers, with a strong focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, and long-term performance. The scheme has achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, reflecting its environmental credentials. The completed development features a 12-metre haunch height, first-floor office accommodation with Cat A fit-out, and a range of sustainability measures including photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging points, and cycle facilities. Works also included comprehensive groundworks, attenuation, and drainage infrastructure to support the site. Glencar worked closely with the wider project team throughout delivery, including Goodrich Consulting LLP, UMC Architects, Baynham Meikle, and Cundall, alongside its extended supply chain. The completed building provides high-quality, future-ready industrial space, supporting employment and inward investment in the Wigan area and setting a new benchmark for sustainable industrial and logistics development at Martland Park. This marks Glencar’s second completed project with Hillwood UK, further strengthening our partnership within the industrial and logistics sector. Building on this momentum, Glencar has also recently begun work on a third scheme with Hillwood, Hillwood Park in Luton. Tom Kearsley, North Regional Director at Glencar, commented: “The completion of Martland Park is a strong example of what can be achieved through close collaboration with a committed client and consultant team. We are proud to have delivered a high-quality, sustainable facility for Hillwood UK that meets the demands of modern industrial and logistics occupiers.” Mark Wright, Vice President at Hillwood UK, added: “We are very pleased with the completed building at Martland Park and would like to thank Glencar and the wider project team for delivering a high-quality facility to a strong specification. The development reflects our commitment to providing sustainable, well-designed industrial and logistics space and represents an excellent addition to our portfolio in the North West.” Project Team Client: Hillwood UKConsulting Engineer: Goodrich Consulting LLPArchitect: UMC ArchitectsEngineer: Baynham Meikle Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Secures £350m Homes England Boost for Affordable Housing Delivery
Vistry has secured £350 million in government grant funding to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing across England outside London. The housebuilder has been named among 33 strategic partners selected by Homes England to support the Government’s new £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), which will provide long-term funding for housing delivery over the next decade. The agreement represents a significant funding boost for Vistry’s partnerships-led housing model and will support the delivery of new affordable homes alongside councils, housing associations and other registered providers. Vistry is one of relatively few private-sector housebuilders included among the strategic partners, with the majority of organisations selected for the programme comprising housing associations and local authorities. Collectively, the partnerships announced by Homes England are expected to support the creation of more than 73,000 new homes, providing greater long-term certainty for the affordable housing development pipeline. Vistry has worked with Homes England through successive affordable housing programmes for almost two decades and has established relationships with 29 of the other 32 strategic partners announced alongside the company. Adam Daniels, Chief Executive of Vistry, said: “Vistry has received direct grant funding awards under successive affordable homes programmes for nearly twenty years, and this award reflects our established track record and commitment to delivering much needed affordable homes in collaboration with Homes England and our partner providers. “We are delighted that Homes England has made this significant announcement that will create over 73,000 new homes and provide Vistry, its partners and the wider sector with a much-needed stimulus. “We already operate in all of the Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities and have established relationships with 29 of the 32 other strategic partners announced this morning. We look forward to continuing to work with Councils and Homes England to meet local ambitions to increase housing supply at pace.” The £350 million allocation comes at an important point for Vistry as the group continues to focus its business around partnership-led residential development and affordable housing. The company has recently warned that it expects to report a first-half pre-tax loss of around £30 million following a series of measures designed to strengthen cash generation and reset its balance sheet. Average daily net debt has approached £800 million, while around £50 million of charges are expected from measures including increased sales discounts, accelerated asset disposals and write-downs on lower-margin developments. Vistry has also prioritised faster payments to suppliers as part of the financial reset. Against this backdrop, the new Homes England funding provides greater visibility for Vistry and its partners over future affordable housing delivery. With £350 million allocated through the ten-year programme, the agreement gives Vistry a significant platform to work with local authorities and housing providers on new residential developments, supporting the Government’s wider ambition to increase the supply of social and affordable homes across the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The bigger the better: Superdrug commits to significant upsize at Harlequin Watford
Harlequin Watford, Hertfordshire’s leading retail and leisure destination, owned and operated by SGS UK Retail, has announced that Superdrug has committed to a significant upsize that will expand the space by over a third. The upsize follows consistently strong performance at the centre and is a significant vote of confidence in the destination. Due to expand into the adjacent retail space, the new Superdrug store will span 11,503 sq ft, a 37% increase from its previous 8,400 sq ft space. The upsize will grant a wider range of cosmetics, skincare, healthcare, fragrances, and wellness products, enabling the brand to meet the high customer demand at the centre. At the heart of a wide catchment made up of Watford residents, North Londoners, and office workers, Harlequin remains a hub for everyday essentials, and this major investment reflects the prime positioning the centre offers nationally leading retailers. The centre has welcomed £16.7 million worth of tenant enhancement over the last 24 months, including a 154% upsize from Goldsmiths in this same month, showcasing huge momentum for the destination and signalling both the success of existing tenants and the destination’s growing value, as brands continue to reaffirm their position. Robert Jewell, Managing Director of Asset Management at Pradera, commented: “Harlequin is a prime example of active, intelligent leasing done right, where occupiers welcome success and visitors feel understood. Superdrug’s recommitment demonstrates why brands continue to find the centre an attractive prospect worth investing in, and the expanded space will work to serve the needs of the far-reaching catchment.” Clare Jennings, Property Director at Superdrug: “We’re excited to be extending the store in Harlequin Watford. This investment reflects our continued commitment to bricks-and-mortar retail and allows us to bring an enhanced range of health and beauty products and services to local customers. The new store will feature leading brands, fragrance offerings and our Beauty Studio which provides a range of beauty treatments and piercing services. It will also create new jobs, further supporting the local community.” Time Retail and LM are Harlequin’s retail leasing agents, and Metis and LM lead the leisure leasing. Pradera asset manages Harlequin on behalf of SGS UK Retail. Simon Horner at GCW acted on behalf of Superdrug. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen secures planning consent for 145,000 sq ft Phase 2 of High Wycombe X following major pre-lets
Railpen, manager of the around £36bn railways pension scheme in the UK, has secured planning consent for Phase 2 of High Wycombe X alongside two major pre-lets, delivering another significant milestone in the continued growth of its market-leading X industrial and logistics portfolio. High Wycombe X, the 360,000 sq ft site which is located in the heart of Cressex Business Park, has secured planning consent to begin works on Phase 2. The second phase will deliver approximately 145,000 sq ft of high-quality, sustainable industrial and logistics space across five units, building on the success of the first phase, which completed last year, and further strengthening Railpen’s presence in one of the South East’s most sought-after logistics locations. Demonstrating strong occupier demand, Railpen has already secured two significant pre-lets across the development, totalling 73,900 sq ft. Booker, the UK food wholesaler, has committed to 47,300 sq ft, while Activeon, the indoor trampoline operator, will occupy 25,600 sq ft. Both occupiers have signed 20-year leases, reflecting the long-term appeal of the redevelopment and the quality of the space being delivered. The scheme is due to complete in Q2 2027. Developed in partnership with Wrenbridge, High Wycombe X forms part of Railpen’s growing X portfolio, an industry-first branded collection of small and medium-sized industrial and logistics developments that share a consistent set of market leading characters. Each development has been designed to deliver a best-in-class specification, with strong amenities, exceptional sustainability credentials, and spaces that are fit for the evolving needs of occupiers across a plethora of sectors. The portfolio is strategically located around the M25 and other key transport corridors, providing direct access to London and the wider UK, while maintaining close proximity to residential areas and end consumers. Phase 2 continues this approach, targeting BREEAM Excellent certification, EPC A+ ratings and net zero carbon in construction, reinforcing Railpen’s commitment to delivering future-ready industrial developments that meet both occupier demand and ambitious sustainability standards. Alastair Dawson, UK Industrial – Sector Lead at Railpen, commented: “The industrial and logistics sector continues to present a very compelling long-term investment opportunity, one which is underpinned by structural demand driven by e-commerce growth and the continued modernisation of UK supply chains. The demand for high-quality space continues to outstrip supply, and the strong pre-letting interest we’ve secured demonstrates that occupiers increasingly value developments that combine exceptional sustainability credentials, outstanding connectivity, and spaces designed around modern needs. “High Wycombe X is a prime example of our strategy in action – we’re focused on creating high-quality assets that deliver lasting value for both our members and our occupiers, and High Wycombe X is transforming a former industrial estate into a future-ready logistics hub.” Tim McClure, UK Managing Director, Activeon, said: “We’re delighted to be joining High Wycombe X as part of our continued growth. Having been part of the High Wycombe community for over 12 years, this new site represents our long-term commitment to the town and our confidence in its future. High Wycombe X provides the ideal space for our operations, with excellent connectivity, high-quality facilities and strong sustainability credentials that align with our ambitions. Signing this lease reflects our confidence in both the development and the opportunity it presents, and we’re looking forward to continuing to serve families in High Wycombe from our new home.” Max Russell, Associate Director at Wrenbridge, also added: “This is a very exciting time for the High Wycombe market, and an opportune moment to receive planning consent. We’re bringing forward the remaining units on a speculative basis, confident that this level of occupier interest will carry through into this phase and future phases. Delivery of Phase 2 is scheduled for a summer 2027 completion with units ranging from 19,429 to 28,460 sq ft.” Booker and Activeon will join RH Amar, one of the UK’s leading full-service distributors and growth partners for ambient grocery products, within High Wycombe X. The final stage of the development, Phase 3, has planning in for a 120,000 sq ft unit. The space is currently being marketed on a pre-let or build-to-suit basis, providing flexibility to meet the requirements of a range of occupiers. Other assets within Railpen’s X portfolio include Dartford X, Waltham X, and South Mimms X, with the latter due to start construction on site in the coming months. Savills, Adroit Real Estate and Duncan Bailey Kennedy are the joint agents representing High Wycombe X. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DesignPlusLight: The “Palace on Pall Mall” Restored to Its Former Glory
The Royal Automobile Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse has undergone an extensive restoration, returning one of London’s most distinguished Edwardian façades to its former glory. Completed in 1911, the Grade II* listed clubhouse was designed by Charles Mewès and Arthur Davis, the architects responsible for The Ritz hotels in both London and Paris. Stretching 70 metres along Pall Mall, the building is defined by its grand neoclassical portico, columns, balustrades and sculpted pediments. As part of the restoration, DesignPlusLight were commissioned to create a new lighting scheme for the façade. The brief was to reveal the depth and craftsmanship of the architecture, after dark, while remaining sensitive to the building’s heritage. The surrounding area’s restrained night-time lighting provides an opportunity to enhance the building’s presence without overwhelming its setting. Sanjit Bahra, Principal and Founder of DesignPlusLight, said, “We always take the view that one is only a custodian of heritage buildings. Any lighting enhancement must be appropriate to the architectural style and history of the building. We wanted to celebrate the richness of this magnificent building whilst retaining the warmth and welcoming character of a private club.” A carefully considered palette of luminaires from just two manufacturers was used throughout. This helped to meet the restoration programme while maintaining colour consistency across the full length of the façade. Compact LED fittings were specially commissioned in a warm 2400K colour temperature, allowing the newly restored stonework to take on a soft, tungsten-like glow. The lighting design was developed closely around the building’s architecture. Rather than flooding the façade with light, DesignPlusLight took the approach of keeping the illumination contained within its structure, using carefully positioned luminaires to reveal depth, rhythm and detail. Columns are uplit from both sides, modelling their form while drawing attention to the set-back first floor windows. The deeper terrace within the central portico is highlighted with an additional layer of uplighting to the rear wall, giving greater presence to the columns and the principal entrance. Pairs of spotlights cross-light the entablature and its sculptures, whilst linear fittings with glare shields backlight the balustrades at the first-floor and rooftop levels. This creates a visual connection across the entire 70-metre frontage and unifies the individual architectural elements. Planning approval formed an important part of the project. DesignPlusLight prepared nighttime visualisations showing the proposed effects, together with a detailed elevation identifying the location and type of fittings used for each section of the façade. Sketch details also demonstrated how the luminaires would be discreetly integrated into the historic fabric of the building. This helped secure planning approval with confidence. Whilst the scaffolding remained in place, lighting trials were carried out to determine the final treatment of the sculptures across the entablature and pediments. During this stage, the signature of the French sculptor Ferdinand Faivre was discovered, carved discreetly beneath one of the cherubs. It was subsequently gilded in recognition of the importance of these sculptures to the clubhouse’s identity. As the scaffolding was removed, in stages, DesignPlusLight were able to focus and fine-tune the lighting as each section of the restored façade was revealed. The clubhouse’s historic torcheres were also refurbished as part of the project. The warm façade lighting beautifully complements the natural gas flame. This reinforces a welcoming feel at the entrance. In keeping with the building’s listed status and Westminster’s planning requirements, two lighting scenes have been programmed. A brighter, early-evening scene presents the full architectural composition as members and guests arrive. As daylight fades, this transitions to a more subdued late-night setting where the clubhouse takes on a softer residential glow. The completed scheme reveals the scale and magnificence of the restored building, evoking the clubhouse’s original reputation as the “Palace on Pall Mall”. This project also reflects a broader and more important (lighting) design element. Illumination should be selective, allowing shadow and darkness to remain part of the overall composition. Sanjit Bahra continues, “The ability to light a building does not mean that every surface should be illuminated. At the Royal Automobile Club, the visually quieter areas are just as important as the elements we chose to reveal. This balance gives the façade its depth and dignity, while ensuring the lighting feels as though it belongs to, and emanated from, the building rather than having been imposed upon it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Taylor Wimpey’s sought-after Chiswell Green development now launched
Taylor Wimpey North Thames has now launched its new 191-home Rose Meadows development in Chiswell Green. The development will bring a range of three, four and five-bedroom homes to the community with prices starting from £665,000, providing a wide selection of house types to cater to a range of buyers from first-time buyers to growing families. The offering also includes 76 affordable homes. Rose Meadows will also comprise six self-build plots, as well as green open space, play areas and wildlife habitats. Taylor Wimpey’s development is part of a larger community that will eventually comprise up to 391 new homes and land for a new primary school. Each home at Rose Meadows will feature PV panels, triple glazing, smart heating, and EV charging to keep energy bills low and to allow for a sustainable lifestyle Paresh Pandya, Senior Sales Manager for Taylor Wimpey North Thames, said: “We are pleased to have launched our Chiswell Green development, Rose Meadows. Over 1,500 househunters registered their interest in the development before its launch, and we invite anyone looking to make a move to the area to get in touch with our friendly sales team to find out about the offers and incentives available to avoid disappointment.” To find out more about Rose Meadows, please visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/new-homes/st-albans/rose-meadows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals