Hyde Group and L&G launch major partnership to accelerate affordable housing delivery
Hyde Group and Legal & General have joined forces to create a new investment partnership aimed at boosting the delivery of affordable homes across the UK. The joint venture brings together the housing association’s development expertise with the financial strength of one of the country’s leading institutional investors. It will launch with a seed portfolio of more than 1,000 homes, forming the foundation for a wider pipeline of new affordable housing. The partnership will be jointly equity financed, with additional support from Legal & General’s annuity portfolio. This model enables long-term capital to be invested into housing, generating stable returns while supporting pension commitments and delivering essential infrastructure. Both organisations say the collaboration is designed to help address the significant shortfall in affordable housing supply, with traditional funding mechanisms alone no longer sufficient to meet demand. The deal forms part of Legal & General’s wider ambition to deliver 10,000 new social and affordable homes by 2030. Hyde Group is also progressing an extensive development programme, with plans to complete more than 5,500 homes over the next five years. Andy Hulme, group chief executive of Hyde Group, said the partnership reflects a growing need to attract institutional investment into the housing sector to bridge the funding gap. He explained that grant funding on its own cannot deliver the scale of housing required, and that bringing pension-backed capital into the sector is key to unlocking delivery at pace. Hyde’s role will include structuring investment, delivering new homes and managing communities, with profits reinvested into further affordable housing provision. Catherine Raynsford, managing director for stock acquisitions at Legal & General Affordable Homes, described the agreement as an important step forward for the organisation’s housing strategy. She highlighted Legal & General’s track record in delivering high-quality affordable homes since entering the sector in 2018, adding that the partnership with Hyde combines expertise with a model designed to attract further institutional backing. The collaboration signals a broader shift in how affordable housing is funded and delivered in the UK, with long-term investment capital playing an increasingly central role. As housing demand continues to outpace supply, partnerships of this kind are expected to become more common, helping to unlock development and deliver homes at scale across the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The £530 Billion Construction Pipeline: Navigating Cost Pressures in a Growing Market
Expert Insight by Christian Rowe The government’s Infrastructure Pipeline sets out 780 projects worth £530 billion over the next ten years, covering transport, energy, education and healthcare. For UK construction firms, this represents a significant pipeline of opportunity. However, the sector recorded more insolvencies than any other UK industry in 2025, with almost 4,000 firms collapsing. This contrast highlights a critical point: a strong pipeline does not guarantee commercial viability. With construction costs forecast to rise by 15 per cent over the next five years and tender prices expected to increase alongside them, successful contractors will be those who balance opportunity with disciplined pricing and robust risk management. Experts at Executive Compass, a bid and tender writing specialist, examine how construction firms can evaluate opportunities and identify which contracts are commercially viable. Rising Costs are Eating into Every Tender The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) forecasts construction costs to rise by 15 per cent over the next five years, with tender prices expected to follow at 16 per cent. Labour remains the primary pressure point, with employer National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage driving the BCIS Labour Cost Index upwards. Skills shortages are compounding the issue, and demand from the booming data centre sector is adding further strain on mechanical and electrical contractors. While the volume of available work is growing, the cost of delivering it is growing faster. For firms operating on tight margins, this significantly reduces tolerance for error. The Hidden Danger of Bidding Too Aggressively “The sizeable pipeline is very positive for the sector, and the long-term visibility it provides is something the industry has needed for years,” said Christian Rowe, CEO at Executive Compass. “However, visibility alone does not make a contract viable. We are seeing firms bid aggressively to secure work, only to find that cost inflation erodes margin before delivery is complete.” The Procurement Act 2023 introduces greater accountability for contract performance. Suppliers that fail to meet required standards risk exclusion from future opportunities through the public debarment regime. “Bid/no-bid decisions need to be made objectively,” Rowe added. “That means assessing whether you have the cost base, workforce and supply chain resilience to deliver. It is not just about whether you can win.” How to Identify Genuine Commercial Opportunities in the Pipeline With £285 billion of the pipeline funded by the public sector, there is real work to be won. But Rowe urges construction businesses to apply a structured evaluation before committing resources to any tender, “Start by asking whether the contract aligns with your strategic direction and whether you have a genuine competitive advantage such as local presence, specialist skills or delivery track record.” “Then look hard at the risk profile,” adds Rowe. “If price weighting is high and you are competing against national contractors with greater buying power, you need to be realistic about whether you can compete without undercutting yourself into difficulty.” It’s also very important to gain an understanding of the full cost picture before submitting a price. “With tender prices forecast to climb and material costs subject to increasing volatility as infrastructure output grows, firms that price on today’s costs for contracts beginning in 12 to 18 months risk building in losses from day one,” warns Rowe. Seeking Support with Bid/No-Bid Decisions While the infrastructure pipeline brings the construction sector some much needed certainty, firms that use it wisely, with realistic cost forecasting, careful bid decisions and a solid delivery model, have a real opportunity to grow. But for those that chase volume of bids without checking whether their numbers stack up properly, it could mean more contracts ending in financial difficulty. “The pipeline gives the sector the roadmap it has been asking for,” advises Rowe. “The key is selecting the right opportunities, not simply pursuing more of them.” Specialist bid support can assist firms in evaluating opportunities and making informed bid/no-bid decisions, reducing exposure to commercial risk and improving long-term outcomes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hadley secures committee approval for major retrofit-led neighbourhood at former GSK headquarters in Brentford
Planning committee approval paves the way for upwards of 2,300 new homes and more than 300,000 sq ft of commercial, community and educational space on London’s Great West Road in Hounslow. A pioneering approach to retrofit and reuse will save more than 34,500 tonnes of embodied carbon in the demolition and construction phases. Hadley Property Group has secured Resolution to Grant for the transformation of 980 Great West Road in Brentford, west London. The decision by the London Borough of Hounslow’s planning committee marks a milestone in delivering one of the UK’s most ambitious reuse-led developments transforming the former GSK House into a new neighbourhood rooted in sustainability, circular economy principles and genuine long-term social value for Brentford. Spanning 13 acres, the approved scheme will deliver 2,324 new homes, including 227 social rent, 90 intermediate, 506 Purpose-Built Student Accommodation and 296 co-living units, alongside 24,000 sqm of commercial space. The development provides 22% affordable housing with a 70/30 split of Social Rent and Intermediate housing and will generate 1,980 permanent jobs. The designs have been developed by a multiple award-winning design team led by Haworth Tompkins, with Studio Egret West, Metropolitan Workshop and DRMM as plot architects, and Turley as planning consultant and Montagu Evans advising on heritage, townscape and visual impact. The project’s pioneering low-carbon strategy retains the basement and substructure, significantly shaping the masterplan — heavily influencing the proposed building heights and locations, while also freeing up the ground floor for active uses. Two key buildings from the original campus, including the high-rise tower, will be retained and adapted, with their reuse being integral to the overall low-carbon approach. Studio Egret West is leading the design of the retained tower, which will contain generously proportioned homes with oversized balconies, large communal areas, shared amenity spaces and a large rooftop conservatory. The new neighbourhood is grounded in a reuse-first strategy — a bold approach that retains embodied carbon, preserves significant existing sub and superstructure, and champions material reuse. It will deliver 61% publicly accessible open space and a 10% biodiversity net gain. Reconnecting the historical island site to Boston Manor Park, the River Brent and Brentford High Street is also key to the site’s placemaking credentials. Alongside their work on the tower, Studio Egret West has designed a generous and accessible landscape that sees more than 60% of the site given over to public realm, including play areas, gardens and riverside access. More than 330,000 sq ft of flexible commercial, retail and community uses will be provided across the wider masterplan supporting a diverse local economy and providing a platform for education providers, social enterprises, independent businesses and charitable organisations. A collaborative process with the London Borough of Hounslow and the University of West London will see a 200 sqm innovation hub delivered to drive innovation within the emerging Golden Mile district. Over the past 18 months, an extensive co-design process led by Hadley’s in-house team and Haworth Tompkins, supported by Metropolitan Workshop and Neighbourly Lab has engaged hundreds of local residents, community groups and stakeholders, ensuring the proposals reflect local priorities and aspirations. Andy Portlock, CEO of Hadley, said: “Reaching this milestone — the first of many for this project — is down to the way we’ve been able to work with a local authority that is genuinely committed to growth and has a clear strategic vision for one of the most exciting places in London. Alongside a pioneering approach to retrofit at this scale is a very clear commitment to people and place. A broad range of tenures, a new NHS primary care facility, a tech and innovation hub are all part of a new neighbourhood at the heart of the emerging Golden Mile district. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Erdgard targets £51m Platform Brackmills logistics scheme in Northampton
Plans have been submitted for a £51m industrial and logistics development in Northampton, with the proposed scheme set to bring forward a new generation of high-spec warehouse space in one of the UK’s most established employment locations. The project, known as Platform Brackmills, will be delivered on an 11.5-acre site and comprises three units ranging from approximately 46,400 sq ft to 76,500 sq ft. The scheme is being promoted by industrial and logistics specialist Erdgard Developments in partnership with the Richardson family business. If approved, the development will transform a previously underutilised site into a modern logistics hub designed to meet both current and future occupier demands. The units are expected to be available for occupation by the third quarter of 2027. Erdgard said the scheme reflects continued demand for well-located, high-quality industrial space, particularly in established logistics centres where connectivity and workforce access remain key drivers for occupiers. Director Gareth Williams commented that the proposals would bring the site back into productive use, delivering a high-quality employment scheme aligned with market expectations. He added that the location, already home to a number of major occupiers, would appeal to businesses seeking a modern working environment with strong transport links. Sustainability and performance sit at the core of the development’s design. The buildings are targeting BREEAM Excellent certification and will incorporate a range of low-carbon and energy-efficient technologies. These include air source heat pumps, LED lighting systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and rainwater recycling, alongside sustainable urban drainage systems to manage water effectively across the site. Constructed using a steel portal frame, the buildings will offer flexible internal layouts with column spacing designed to accommodate a wide range of racking and operational configurations. Enhanced cladding systems will also improve thermal performance, helping to reduce energy consumption and operational costs for occupiers. Erdgard’s approach goes beyond base build delivery, with the developer able to integrate bespoke occupier requirements into the specification. This includes tailored lighting, sprinkler systems, security solutions and other operational enhancements to support a variety of industrial and logistics uses. The scheme also reflects the company’s wider focus on sustainability and responsible development. Erdgard has committed to delivering its buildings as net zero carbon in construction, in line with UK Green Building Council guidance, while also embedding biodiversity and whole-life carbon considerations into its projects. As demand for high-quality, sustainable logistics space continues to grow, Platform Brackmills is positioned to play a key role in supporting occupiers seeking future-ready accommodation within a proven industrial location. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Porsche project accelerates away – with help from TCC
A prestigious £5.8 million state-of-the-art Porsche centre in the West Country is now fully operational, with help from a fast-growing Midlands construction consultancy. Birmingham-based The Construction Consultants (TCC) provided quantity surveying and employers agent services for the creation of the new cutting edge Porsche dealership in Exeter. The state-of-the-art development, on Matford Business Park, included the demolition of a previous dealership building, a new large vehicle showroom, new high quality workshop areas equipped with the latest technology, servicing and testing bays and a wet and dry valeting building . The development also included drainage and civils installation, landscaping and extensive parking areas. TCC has been involved since the initial project feasibility stage. As employers agents, TCC had the responsibility of acting on behalf of Ryland Automotive and Dealership Developments Ltd to see the project through to completion. TCC director Gareth Powell said, “We are delighted to have been involved in this prestigious project which involved combining premium design and advanced technology into a space which embodied the essence of the Porsche brand and reflected Porsche’s high status and luxury in a centre of automotive excellence.” Ryland Automotive group property director Chris Page said, “Ryland Automotive appointed TCC as cost consultants and employers agent on the Porsche Centre, Exeter new build and part refurbishment project and they provided a professional service throughout the project. TCC offered clear advice and maintained strong cost control throughout. TCC’s professional approach added real value and I would recommend and work with them again.” TCC has a wealth of experience across public and private sectors including industrial, commercial, retail, leisure, care and residential projects. Headquartered in Bennett’s Hill in Birmingham city centre, TCC is a multi-disciplined consultancy providing specialist project management, quantity-surveying, employers agent, building surveying and health and safety services to a wide range of sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
J. Smart & Co targets major Eurocentral logistics hub with new joint venture scheme
Contractor J. Smart & Co has joined forces with developer Manse LLP to bring forward a significant new industrial and logistics scheme at Eurocentral, with a planning application now submitted to North Lanarkshire Council. The proposed development, known as Eurocentral Gateway, will deliver more than 200,000 sq ft of modern industrial space within one of Scotland’s most established and strategically important distribution locations. The scheme will comprise two high-specification units of approximately 80,000 sq ft and 120,000 sq ft, designed to meet the evolving requirements of logistics and industrial occupiers. The development will place a strong emphasis on sustainability, operational efficiency and contemporary design standards. Eurocentral continues to attract strong demand due to its central location and excellent transport connectivity, making it a key hub for national distribution. The latest proposals aim to capitalise on this demand by delivering flexible, high-quality accommodation suited to a range of occupiers. J. Smart & Co’s involvement reflects its growing role not only as a contractor but also as a development partner, working alongside Manse LLP to deliver the scheme through a joint venture structure. Property consultants CBRE and Colliers have been appointed as joint letting agents and are already encouraging early engagement from prospective occupiers, particularly those seeking pre-let opportunities in a market where supply of prime industrial space remains constrained. Craig Semple, director at CBRE Scotland, said the scheme represents an important addition to the market, noting that demand for high-quality logistics accommodation across Scotland continues to outstrip supply. He added that established locations such as Eurocentral remain especially attractive to occupiers, and developments of this scale and specification are likely to generate strong interest. If approved, Eurocentral Gateway will further strengthen the region’s industrial offering, providing future-ready space aligned with occupier expectations around sustainability, efficiency and long-term performance. The project also highlights the continued momentum within Scotland’s industrial and logistics sector, as developers and contractors respond to sustained demand for well-located, high-specification space. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals