VIVID and Barclays build on long-standing relationship to support sustainable homes
VIVID and Barclays UK Corporate Bank are continuing their long-standing relationship, working together to support VIVID’s plans for more sustainable and resilient homes across the south of England. With more than £300 million in green and sustainability-linked loans with Barclays, the relationship goes beyond funding. VIVID also works with Barclays to test ideas and explore new initiatives, particularly as it looks at how its homes and developments can become more sustainable and resilient. One place where VIVID’s focus on sustainability and resilience can be seen is Victory Quay in Portsmouth, where 835 new homes are taking shape. Around 30% of the homes at the new waterfront neighbourhood will be affordable housing. Its coastal location has shaped the plans for Victory Quay from the outset, balancing the need to create new homes with protecting the surrounding natural environment and preparing for the long-term effects of climate change. This includes a new sea wall, which will help protect the future community from flood risk and support the resilience of the waterfront neighbourhood for the future. Alongside the funding, VIVID values having a long-term partner it can talk to about new ideas and initiatives, drawing on Barclays’ experience as it considers what could work for VIVID and its customers. Mike Shepherd, Chief Investment Officer at VIVID, said: “Our relationship with Barclays is about more than funding. Having a long-term partner who understands our ambitions, give us the opportunity to test ideas, explore new approaches and support our focus on creating more sustainable and resilient homes.” Mike Figg, Head of Social Housing, Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said: “We’re proud of our long-standing relationship with VIVID and to support its ambitions through green and sustainability-linked finance. Victory Quay is a great example of VIVID’s focus on delivering new homes while thinking about sustainability and climate resilience for the future.” It’s about creating more than new homes. Creating places where people can put down roots, feel part of a community and enjoy living for years to come. Hear more about this partnerships and Victory Quay in below Video Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cloud GPU or In-House Hardware? The Cost Decision Facing Construction and Design Teams
From BIM coordination and architectural visualisation to digital twins and AI-assisted analysis, construction and property businesses are generating increasingly demanding digital workloads. Deciding whether to invest in their own graphics processing units (GPUs) or rent cloud capacity is becoming a practical question for architects, engineers, contractors and built environment consultants. The most economical option depends less on headline computing power than on how often the equipment will be used, the size of project files, data security requirements and the speed at which a team needs to scale. A workstation that suits today’s rendering tasks may struggle with more demanding models in future, while cloud rental can become expensive if it is used continuously. The Real Cost of Running GPU Hardware In-House For design practices and construction technology teams, purchasing a high-performance workstation involves more than the initial price of its graphics card. Electricity, cooling, office or server-room space, maintenance, software compatibility and eventual replacement all contribute to the total cost of ownership. These expenses matter when teams process large building models, produce photorealistic architectural renders or work with reality capture data. As highlighted in BDC’s coverage of complex grid infrastructure, digital surveying and connected models are placing new demands on computing resources. One example of these growing demands can be found in BDC’s report on why high-demand grid environments require 3D sensing and digital twin integration. Similar considerations arise when processing laser scans of existing buildings, assessing infrastructure assets or coordinating detailed project models. Before purchasing hardware, businesses should account for: A machine that appears cost-effective on the day of purchase may be less attractive when these costs are spread across its working life, particularly if it spends long periods idle between projects. When Cloud GPU Rental Works for Construction Projects Cloud computing is often suited to design and construction businesses with irregular workloads. An architectural practice may need extra processing capacity during a competition submission, while a contractor may require intensive rendering or model analysis for a short project phase. In both cases, permanent investment in additional machines may be difficult to justify. Flexible gpu hosting allows teams to rent processing capacity when it is needed, rather than purchasing equipment to cover occasional peaks. The model can be particularly useful for high-resolution visualisations, point cloud processing, temporary digital twin work or trials of AI-enabled design tools. Rental also gives smaller practices access to higher-performance equipment without a large initial outlay. However, firms must assess the full cost of transferring files, storing project data and running instances, not simply the advertised hourly price. Managing Changing Workloads and Project Deadlines Project demand rarely follows a predictable pattern. A consultancy might handle several major planning submissions in one month and far fewer compute-intensive tasks the next. Cloud resources can help the team expand its processing capacity for the busy period and reduce it afterwards. This flexibility can be useful where a growing practice takes on a new development or a contractor is asked to accelerate delivery of visualisations, surveys or technical assessments. It also reduces the risk of buying more equipment than the business regularly needs. The wider value of access to advanced computing is illustrated by work from leading businesses on Digital Catapult’s Quantum Technology Access Programme, which explored emerging technology applications relevant to energy infrastructure and engineering. Although quantum computing differs from GPU processing, both examples underline the importance of matching specialist computing resources to specific project requirements. Before choosing cloud capacity, construction businesses should ask whether demand changes sharply between projects, whether new hardware procurement could delay delivery, and whether their teams have the expertise to maintain dedicated machines. Using Cloud GPUs for Short-Term Design and Visualisation Tasks Short, intensive assignments are among the clearest use cases for rented processing power. An architect producing final presentation visuals, a surveyor preparing a large point cloud or a digital engineering team testing a new workflow may only require additional capacity for a few days. Cloud GPU virtual machines allow businesses to use the required resources for a defined period. Providers such as IONOS offer options that can be compared against the cost of running a local workstation, although pricing structures, storage charges and available hardware differ. For construction organisations exploring new AI tools, this approach can also provide a controlled way to test a workflow before committing to expensive equipment. Pilot projects should use representative files and record the actual time, data movement and processing costs involved. When Buying Equipment Still Makes Financial Sense Owning hardware can still make sound financial sense for businesses with a steady stream of demanding work. Large architectural visualisation studios, specialist engineering consultancies or digital delivery teams that run processing jobs most days may achieve a lower long-term cost through equipment they control directly. In-house systems may also be preferable when client contracts impose strict data-handling requirements, when internet connectivity is unreliable or when transferring very large building models would create delays. Local hardware can offer greater control over system configuration, storage and access. Ownership is more likely to be attractive where: A hybrid approach is often worth considering. Practices can maintain sufficient in-house capacity for routine BIM, CAD and visualisation tasks, then rent additional resources for major deadlines or specialist processing jobs. This avoids sizing the entire office hardware estate around the busiest week of the year. Making the Right Decision for the Built Environment There is no universal answer for construction and property businesses. A small architecture studio with occasional rendering peaks will have different requirements from a multidisciplinary engineering practice processing survey data every day. The strongest business case starts with measured utilisation, realistic energy and maintenance costs, and an understanding of how each option supports project delivery. Whether businesses choose ownership, rental or a combination of both, the aim should be the same: reliable computing capacity that supports better design coordination, efficient project workflows and predictable costs. Frequently Asked Questions What mistakes do construction teams make when moving to cloud GPU rental? A common mistake is leaving rented machines running after
London Councils responds to Budget and Fiscal Devolution Roadmap
Responding to the government’s Budget and Fiscal Devolution Roadmap, Cllr Kam Rai, Deputy Chair of London Councils, said: “A fair and prosperous London is essential to creating a fair and prosperous UK. Growth in the capital doesn’t just benefit Londoners – it raises living standards across the whole country. “Boroughs needed a Budget that bolsters resources and turbocharges local delivery. Although the government faces a tough fiscal situation, empowering councils to drive local growth pays dividends for the national economy. “Devolution should come as close as possible to communities. As London receives new fiscal powers – including keeping more of the money raised in business rates and income tax – London boroughs must have a key role. Boroughs know our communities best and deliver the crucial local services Londoners rely on every day. “We therefore welcome the government’s commitment to working with boroughs as well as the GLA to develop a bespoke approach for London. Boroughs need to be equal partners with a formal say on devolved funding decisions alongside the Mayor so we can help ensure the best possible results across the capital. “The overall outlook for London boroughs’ finances remains extremely difficult, especially due to skyrocketing social care and homelessness costs. We will continue to seek sustainable funding solutions to end the crisis in town hall finances, including through the government’s next Spending Review. Boroughs remain as committed as ever to working with the government on our shared priorities such as building more council homes, supporting more Londoners into work, and generating good growth in every postcode.” Devolution Boroughs are determined to play a full and active part in shaping the next stages of London’s devolution journey. Following the Budget’s commitment on retention of business rates and income tax, London Councils will seek to clarify what share will come to boroughs. This is vital considering boroughs’ role providing local services to businesses and supporting economic growth. The cross-party group says that fiscal devolution must improve boroughs’ overall level of resources, which is key to reducing reliance on central government, giving them more control of their own destiny, and creating better incentives to drive local growth in communities. Housing London is grappling with the most severe housing and homelessness emergency in the country. London Councils estimates one in 50 Londoners (210,000) are homeless, and boroughs collectively spend over £5m daily on providing temporary accommodation. The Budget confirms a welcome funding boost for rough sleeping support and to the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP). Boroughs await further detail on what this means for London. London Councils has previously identified a pipeline of over 50,000 potential new council homes in the capital. Even with the SAHP uplift announced at the Budget, further financial support will be required to help boroughs deliver all these homes in the coming years. Boroughs will continue to seek an end to the freeze on temporary accommodation subsidy levels. The amount the government pays councils through the welfare system to subsidise temporary accommodation has been frozen since 2011, even though housing costs have increased hugely in the subsequent 15 years. Increasing the subsidy so it is more in line with today’s housing costs is vital for sustaining boroughs’ finances and enabling them to keep supporting homeless Londoners. Infrastructure London Councils welcomes new mechanisms announced at the Budget to support key infrastructure projects in the capital such as the Bakerloo Line extension, West London Orbital, and upgrades to Stratford International and Euston. These are agreed priorities within the London Infrastructure Framework – a single document agreed by London Councils and the Mayor of London setting out the infrastructure projects needed to enable economic growth, housing, and climate resilience across the capital. It will be critical that the locally impacted boroughs are involved in the planning and can effectively benefit from and further mobilise growth created by the infrastructure investment. Boroughs want London empowered to invest in its own growth by allowing the capital to retain land value uplift generated by infrastructure projects. This would support investment in the next generation of growth-enabling infrastructure. Employment and skills Almost 1.3 million Londoners are currently economically inactive. Boroughs are eager to be empowered to improve the impact of local support and help more residents into work. London Councils also looks forward to the final report of the Milburn Review. London’s five Get Britain Working Trailblazers supported more than 6,000 Londoners in their first year. Boroughs are pushing for guaranteed funding for a third year of the trailblazers so that proven programmes due to end next year are not lost to a funding cliff-edge. Boroughs’ overall finance pressures Ahead of the Budget, London Councils warned of a growing funding gap threatening to destabilise local services and undermine delivery. London Councils forecast a funding shortfall for boroughs of up to £1.2 billion this year (2026-27) and £5.2 billion between now and 2030. In the lead up to the next Spending Review, London Councils will continue to analyse boroughs’ finances and push for national policy changes to end the crisis in local government finances. Pressures are driven by the fast-rising cost of providing services and growing need from vulnerable Londoners. Adults’ and children’s social care, homelessness, and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services continue to see increasing levels of demand. The government’s 2025 Fair Funding Review improved funding levels for some London boroughs but saw London’s overall share of national funding for local authorities reduce. London local government is disproportionately reliant on the government’s Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) scheme compared to other English regions. Nine of London’s 33 local authorities currently receive EFS, accounting for more than a third of the £1.5 billion received through EFS by local authorities in England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Westcombe Group Secures Approval for £20m Luxury Hotel and Residential Transformation in Richmond
The Westcombe Group has secured planning approval for a £20 million mixed-use redevelopment in Hampton Wick, Richmond upon Thames, which will see a former student accommodation building transformed into a luxury five-star hotel alongside 22 new residential properties. The approved scheme will breathe new life into Kingston Bridge House, converting the existing property into a Hotel Indigo destination operated under the internationally recognised IHG Hotels & Resorts brand, while introducing new homes and affordable housing to the local area. The development represents a significant investment in the regeneration of an existing building, combining hospitality, residential accommodation and economic opportunities within a prominent location close to Kingston upon Thames. Construction is scheduled to commence in January 2027, with the works being delivered by Westcombe Group’s in-house construction division. Transforming Existing Student Accommodation The £20 million project will involve the comprehensive conversion and refurbishment of Kingston Bridge House, which previously operated as student accommodation. The redevelopment will reposition the vacant building for new commercial and residential uses, creating a mixed-use destination designed to support both the local housing market and the area’s visitor economy. At the heart of the scheme will be a new five-star Hotel Indigo, bringing an internationally recognised hospitality brand to Hampton Wick. Hotel Indigo is part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio and is known for its individually designed hotels, which typically reflect the character and identity of their surrounding neighbourhoods. Alongside the hotel, the redevelopment will deliver 22 residential properties, including affordable housing, contributing to the provision of new homes within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The combination of hospitality and residential accommodation reflects the growing importance of mixed-use property development, particularly where existing buildings can be adapted to accommodate changing market requirements. Major Investment in Hospitality and Residential Development The scheme will provide a new luxury hospitality destination for Hampton Wick, supporting the local economy through employment opportunities and increased visitor activity. The introduction of a five-star hotel is expected to attract additional visitors to the area, benefiting surrounding businesses, restaurants and other local services. For the construction and property sectors, the project highlights the opportunities associated with converting existing accommodation into alternative uses, particularly within established urban locations where suitable development sites can be limited. The redevelopment will require the adaptation of the existing building to accommodate the different operational requirements of hotel and residential uses. Such conversions involve careful coordination of architectural design, internal layouts, building services and construction works to ensure the completed development is suitable for its new purpose. The decision to retain and transform an existing property also reflects a wider trend within the built environment towards the refurbishment and repositioning of established buildings rather than relying exclusively on new construction. Westcombe Group to Deliver Construction In-House Westcombe Group will oversee the redevelopment through its own construction division, providing direct control over the delivery of the £20 million programme. The project will represent an important addition to the developer’s portfolio, combining residential development with the delivery of a major international hotel brand. Kamal Pankhania, Chief Executive Officer of Westcombe Group, welcomed the planning approval and highlighted the wider benefits the development is expected to bring to Hampton Wick. “We are transforming a formerly vacant building into new homes, affordable housing and a five-star luxury hotel that will bring jobs, prosperity and thousands of visitors into the local area each year,” he said. Pankhania also emphasised the significance of establishing a relationship with IHG Hotels & Resorts. “IHG is one of the most respected names in global hospitality and we see this project as marking the start of a long and successful relationship between our two businesses, here in the UK and overseas.” The partnership could provide a platform for further hospitality development opportunities, with Westcombe Group expressing ambitions to build upon the relationship in both domestic and international markets. Supporting Richmond’s Mixed-Use Property Market The transformation of Kingston Bridge House will contribute to the continued evolution of Richmond upon Thames’ property market, introducing new residential accommodation alongside investment in the local hospitality sector. The inclusion of affordable housing will also provide a community benefit, helping address local housing requirements within an area where residential development opportunities are often constrained. For Hampton Wick, the redevelopment represents an opportunity to bring a vacant property back into productive use, creating a combination of homes, visitor accommodation and economic activity. The scheme also demonstrates how existing buildings can be repositioned to support changing demand across different property sectors, bringing together residential development, hotel operations and regeneration within a single project. With planning permission now secured, Westcombe Group is preparing to commence construction in January 2027. Once completed, the £20 million redevelopment will deliver a new Hotel Indigo destination and 22 homes, transforming Kingston Bridge House into a mixed-use development that supports the local community, strengthens the area’s hospitality offering and contributes to the ongoing regeneration of existing property assets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Conlon Construction Completes £13.5m Transformation of Blackburn’s Landmark Entertainment and Leisure Venue
Conlon Construction has completed its works on the £13.5m transformation of Blackburn’s King George’s Hall, following an 18-month programme of restoration and modernisation at the Grade II listed venue. The Preston-based contractor was appointed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to deliver a major, government-funded programme of works across the 105-year-old building, upgrading its infrastructure and visitor facilities while preserving its historic character. External works included new roof coverings, window and louvre refurbishment, stonework repairs and repointing, and the reconstruction of the historic chimney. Internally, Conlon has delivered improvements across the venue, including the refurbishment of multiple bars, alongside upgraded toilet facilities and new auditorium seating. The completed works also include a comprehensive mechanical and electrical upgrade throughout the 2,900m² venue, with new heating and ventilation systems, improvements to the fire alarm system, upgraded lighting infrastructure and refurbished auditorium lanterns. Working within a Grade II listed building required careful planning and coordination to integrate modern building services and facilities while protecting its architectural character. Original features have been retained and enhanced wherever possible, with specialist conservation works forming part of the wider programme. Guy Parker, Chair and Managing Director of Conlon Construction, said: “Completing our works at King George’s Hall is a significant milestone for a building that has played such an important role in Blackburn’s cultural life for more than a century. “We have considerable experience delivering projects of this ilk, including the £19m transformation of Preston’s Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library. Projects like these require a careful balance between protecting the character and history of a building and ensuring it can meet the needs of the people who use it today. “It’s great to see King George’s Hall open its doors again, providing a modern venue for audiences across Blackburn and the wider region, while preserving its heritage for future generations.” Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: “The King is back, and it’s looking better than ever, having benefited from more investment than it has seen since it first officially opened back in 1921. “This is such an iconic and much-loved venue – for our borough and the whole region – and this transformation will help safeguard its future, protecting it for many more generations to come. “It’s also an important part of our strategic vision for Blackburn town centre, being the jewel in the crown of our £50m new Cultural Quarter. “After a hugely successful headline gig and grand civic reopening, we can’t wait to welcome more people through the doors to enjoy all there is to offer with an exciting line-up to look forward to.” You can view a full guide to what’s on at King George’s Hall and buy your tickets at: www.bwdvenues.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
PLP Architecture completes Holborn Viaduct, a best-in-class, net-zero London HQ for Hogan Lovells
Global architecture and urban design practice, PLP Architecture is pleased to announce the completion of Holborn Viaduct, a 13-storey office development at the junction of Holborn Viaduct and Farringdon Street in the City of London. The building, designed around the principles of a circular economy, will serve as the new headquarters of global law firm Hogan Lovells and prioritises wellbeing through its flexible workspaces, dedicated wellness wing and biodiverse outdoor terraces. Positioned as a modern gateway to the Culture Mile, Holborn Viaduct brings together workplace, public realm, archaeology and art to create a human-centric workspace that integrates heritage assets and meaningful public activation. Developed by Royal London Asset Management and constructed by Multiplex, Holborn Viaduct has been designed by PLP Architecture to meet the highest environmental and wellbeing standards, achieving BREEAM Outstanding, with a score of 92% at design stage, and WELL Platinum (Shell & Core). The all-electric building eliminates fossil-fuel combustion on site through the use of heat pumps and photovoltaics and incorporates passive design measures and mixed mode ventilation. Multiplex collaborated closely with Heyne Tillett Steel and BHC to reduce carbon throughout the project with a comprehensive materials strategy, including the integration of 80 tonnes of reused structural steel; the replacement of around a third of cement-based products with low-carbon alternatives; and the use of EAF steel and fibre reinforced concrete. The reuse of 33% of the existing Portland stone further enhanced the building’s circular-economy credentials. The extent of the building’s significant archaeological history was revealed during the excavation period ahead of construction. Led by MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology), the works uncovered a Roman cemetery preserved by the damp ground associated with the former River Fleet. Finds included five Roman oak coffins, skeletal remains, jewellery, a decorated Roman oil lamp dating from around AD 48–80, and a complete Roman funerary bed – the first of its kind ever discovered in Britain. A selection of these finds will be permanently displayed in a dedicated case within the building’s Farringdon Street lobby, integrating the site’s archaeological history into the new life of the building. At the heart of the project is a dramatic nine-metre level change between Holborn Viaduct and Farringdon Street, a remnant of Victorian civil engineering that has long shaped movement through the site. PLP Architecture’s design transforms this topographical constraint into a new piece of public infrastructure, introducing a step-free route between the two streets for the first time. A new public lift connects the levels alongside two landscaped plazas, creating a more accessible and welcoming connection through the City. The adjacent Grade II-listed gatehouse, designed by William Haywood in the 1860s played a large part in influencing the building’s design. Rather than imitate the historic structure, the design establishes a complementary relationship through proportion, material and detail. The lower floors are clad in a combination of new and reclaimed Portland stone, including some recovered from the 1920s office buildings previously occupying the site. The stonework is set at a level that aligns with the gatehouse, allowing the two buildings to read as a complementary pair without one overwhelming the other. Higher up, perforated aluminium fins extend across the upper floors, stepping upwards in response to the cornice lines of the gatehouse. The fins provide solar shading while screening openable panels that enable natural ventilation. Behind them, the building’s core and roof pavilion are enclosed in metallic silver framing, while bronze-coloured metalwork is used for the lower-level window frames. This material palette continues throughout the interiors, creating a deliberate continuity between the building and its public realm. Inside, an efficient structural grid and generous floor-to-ceiling heights provide adaptable floorplates capable of supporting both open-plan and activity-based working without requiring changes to the building’s core. A full-height atrium runs through the building, with staggered staircases connecting the floors and creating a prominent internal route and social space. Senior Associate Partner at PLP Architecture, Angela Parrozzani explains:“For us, the challenge was to turn a complex set of demands – heritage, sustainability, adaptability and public life – into one coherent building. The project required constant dialogue between the historic context and the needs of a contemporary workplace.” Partner at PLP Architecture, Bernard Storch expands further: “Many of the project’s defining qualities emerged from constraints that we chose to embrace as catalysts for design – from incorporating reused materials throughout the building and its façade to transforming the protection of existing trees into an expanded public realm with new public connections. What makes the building successful is that these decisions are not treated as separate layers, but as part of a single architectural language that gives the project a clear identity and a strong sense of place.” Ghanaian-born artist Harold Offeh was commissioned to create Intersections; a public artwork developed in partnership with local residents and extending across more than 100 metres of the building’s façade and public realm. Reportedly the longest artwork in the City of London, the work draws on the layered history of the site, from its Roman archaeology to more recent local histories, using photography, scanning and digital collage. Holborn Viaduct is an example of future ready architecture built around the circular economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals