Camden Approves £1bn Film Quarter to Create Major Creative and Residential Hub
A landmark £1bn regeneration project set to transform part of north London into one of the UK’s largest film and television production destinations has received planning approval from Camden Council. The Camden Film Quarter development at Regis Road in Kentish Town will combine world-class production facilities, creative workspaces, education opportunities and new homes within a single mixed-use masterplan, creating a major new hub for the capital’s rapidly growing screen industry. At the heart of the scheme will be 11 purpose-built sound stages operated by Oxygen Studios, alongside more than 100,000 sq ft of creative workspace designed to support production companies, digital businesses and wider creative enterprises. The development will also deliver 485 new homes, with half of the properties designated as affordable housing. Housing provider Places for People will be responsible for delivering 243 affordable homes as part of the wider neighbourhood. Designed by architecture practice SPPARC, the masterplan seeks to create a fully integrated creative ecosystem where production, education, employment and residential communities can thrive alongside one another. A key feature of the project is the inclusion of educational facilities, with both the National Film and Television School and London Screen Academy set to establish a presence within the development. Together, the facilities are expected to support more than 500 learners, helping to create a direct pathway between education, skills development and employment opportunities within the screen sector. Developers estimate that the completed scheme will support almost 4,000 direct jobs, while generating more than 5,000 additional employment opportunities across the wider economy. Beyond the studios and housing, the plans include 1.1 hectares of public open space, the planting of 301 new trees, a new recycling facility and the restoration of the Grade II-listed Kentish Town Police Station, helping to preserve an important piece of local heritage. Yoo Capital, the developer behind the project, describes Camden Film Quarter as far more than a studio development, positioning it as a destination that brings together culture, education, employment and community within a single vision. The approval marks a significant boost for London’s creative economy at a time when demand for studio space continues to rise, driven by ongoing investment from global film, television and streaming companies seeking high-quality production facilities across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
KPE Appoints Carter Gregson Gray for Farringdon Prime Office Redevelopment
Kajima Properties Europe (KPE) has appointed Carter Gregson Gray (CGG) as architect for the redevelopment of 1 St John’s Square, following KPE’s recent acquisition of the prime Farringdon office site on behalf of investors. Subject to planning approval, KPE intends to undertake a comprehensive reimagining and sensitive expansion of the 27,000 sq ft building. CGG will lead the architectural design, working closely with KPE’s in‑house development team to deliver a modern, sustainable and future‑focused workplace. CGG brings a strong design ethos and proven capability to the project. The practice specialises in the design and delivery of complex, technical buildings at all scales and consistently challenges convention through innovative and sustainable solutions. Its experience spans both emerging and historic contexts, with a focus on creating confident, contextual architecture that delivers meaningful social and environmental impact. CGG’s recent work includes securing planning approval for the transformation of the London Stock Exchange, a milestone that underscores the practice’s ability to deliver high‑profile, sensitive and design‑led commercial schemes. The architectural design of the 1 St John’s Square project will be led by an experienced core team from CGG (see notes to editors for full bios): Located just a few minutes’ walk from Farringdon Station and benefitting from exceptional connectivity via the Elizabeth Line, Thameslink and the London Underground, the area continues to attract leading financial, technology and creative occupiers. The scheme will reflect KPE’s commitment to ESG‑driven development and best‑in‑class design, building on the company’s strong track record in delivering high‑quality workspace. The acquisition and architect appointment further strengthen KPE’s expanding central London portfolio, which includes 77 Coleman Street, 16 Berners Street and 27 Soho Square. About Kajima Properties Europe (KPE) KPE is an established UK and European development and investment management business supported by the global strength of its parent company, Kajima Corporation. Founded in Japan in 1840, Kajima Corporation has grown into one of the world’s leading real estate and construction groups, giving KPE the heritage and global reach to deliver with confidence. KPE specialises in developing, repositioning, and investing across sectors where long-term value is identified, spanning logistics, living, and workspace. The business originates and manages investments for both its own balance sheet and investor clients. KPE has an exceptional track record in managing core+ and value-add strategies, outperforming respective benchmarks to ensure investors exceed target returns. kajima-properties.co.uk About Carter Gregson Gray Carter Gregson Gray are London based architects with international experience and a global outlook. We design thoughtful places to live, work, learn and play. We work within emerging and historic settings and have demonstrated our ability to deliver confident buildings in sensitive locations. We have in depth experience of designing and delivering complex, technical buildings at all scales and use this experience to challenge and question the norm with innovative, sustainable solutions. We are committed to delivering useful, beautiful architecture with a positive social and environmental impact. www.cartergregsongray.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds BTR Boom Continues as Winvic Secures £130m City Centre Towers Project
Leeds’ rapidly expanding build-to-rent market is set for another major boost after Winvic Construction secured a £130m contract to deliver two landmark residential towers close to the city centre. The scheme, which has recently cleared the Building Safety Regulator’s Gateway 2 approval process, will provide 578 professionally managed rental apartments on the former International Swimming Pool site, further strengthening Leeds’ position as one of the UK’s most active regional residential development markets. Winvic has been appointed by Lisbon Street Developments, a joint venture between Marrico Asset Management and Helios Real Estate, to deliver the project, with construction expected to commence during the fourth quarter of this year. The development will comprise two residential towers rising 33 and 22 storeys above a shared podium and basement structure. Alongside the new homes, residents will benefit from a range of amenities including roof terraces, balconies, communal facilities and commercial space designed to enhance the vibrancy of the wider neighbourhood. The project forms part of the ongoing regeneration of a strategically important city centre site that is being transformed into a thriving mixed-use destination. Winvic is already familiar with the location, having completed a 548-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme there just six months ago. The build-to-rent development represents the third major phase of investment on the site, following the student accommodation project and an aparthotel currently under construction. Sustainability has been placed at the heart of the design, with the scheme targeting a Home Quality Mark 3.5-star rating. Environmental features will include photovoltaic solar panels, decentralised air source heat pumps and enhanced building fabric designed to reduce operational energy consumption and improve long-term performance. Mark Jones, Managing Director for Multi-Room at Winvic, said the project would deliver high-quality homes in a thriving city centre location while contributing to Leeds’ continued growth and regeneration. The latest investment reflects growing confidence in Leeds’ residential market, where demand for high-quality rental accommodation continues to rise. With strong employment growth, significant inward investment and a thriving city centre economy, Leeds is increasingly attracting institutional investment and large-scale residential development, helping to reshape the city’s skyline and support its long-term growth ambitions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Piccadilly Gardens: Transformation scheme is readying for planning application
Transformative plans for Piccadilly Gardens are being shared with Manchester people ahead of a full planning application being submitted this summer. The vision behind the scheme – to make Piccadilly Gardens more colourful, more vibrant, safer and more inviting – was announced by the Council last autumn, with indicative images released to give a flavour of improvements. Since then, a delivery team has been appointed to design and build the scheme. The team has developed a detailed scheme to make that vision a reality. Newly-released images show for the first time how the designed scheme will look. Key elements include: A pre-planning consultation around the plans starts today, Wednesday 17 June, and will run until Wednesday 15 July with a view to a final planning application for the scheme being made this summer. Previous consultations have captured people’s opinions on Piccadilly Gardens, its challenges and what people want to see there – and these views have been heard loud and clear. This pre-planning consultation does not repeat what has gone before. Instead it sets out how the designs have responded to those views and asks for feedback on them to help inform the final planning submission. Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “We’re getting on with sorting out Piccadilly Gardens. We all want to see a space which Mancunians can be proud of – a welcoming and attractive environment which people want to spend time in. “So as well other initiatives which are delivering more police and more CCTV, we’re bringing forward this scheme to transform the public space. That means investment in more flowers, more greenery, a new welcome pavilion, a new and bigger playground and an altogether more inviting Piccadilly Gardens. A bright new chapter is just around the corner.” The Council and partners know that delivering a better Piccadilly Gardens cannot just be about physical improvements but requires improvements to how the area is managed and maintained – ensuring that it is not just better-looking but also better looked-after. This process has already started with changes including a strengthened police presence through GMP’s dedicated neighbourhood policing team, set up to tackle issues and concerns in Piccadilly Gardens, and improvements underway to CCTV. A new management model for Piccadilly Gardens is being developed in tandem with the physical plans and more details will be announced in due course with a fresh approach to public – private partnerships, community involvement and civic pride. Once the physical works are completed, the Council aims to ensure a regular stream of bespoke family-friendly activity and seasonal events to enjoy. The new scheme will complement other changes taking place in the immediate vicinity of the Gardens, including the major Rylands redevelopment (of the Grade II-listed former Debenhams building) which is creating a new office, retail and leisure destination, and the recently-approved plans to refurbish and improve One Piccadilly Gardens . Further planned improvements to the area around Piccadilly Gardens in the coming years will include a multi-million pound investment by Transport for Greater Manchester to create a new, modern transport interchange. The consultation runs until Wednesday 15 July with a view to a planning application for the transformed Piccadilly Gardens being submitted in the coming weeks. More information can be found at www.manchester.gov.uk/piccadillygardens In addition, people will be able to view the proposals, talk to the team involved and provide feedback during three half day drop-in sessions at Manchester Art Gallery in Mosley Street, just down the road from Piccadilly Gardens. Sessions will be held on Tuesday 23 June (1pm-5pm), Friday 26 June (10am-2pm) and Saturday 27 June (11am-3pm.) Engagement sessions around the plans for an enlarged play area will also be held in early years settings and schools. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OCU Group expands Australian operations with acquisition of Volta Energy Group
OCU Group today announces the acquisition of Volta Energy Group (“Volta”), an Australian energy advisory, design, project delivery and high-voltage commissioning business specialising in the development and delivery of major energy infrastructure projects. The acquisition further strengthens OCU’s growing presence across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and expands the Group’s capability across the full energy project lifecycle, from early-stage development and advisory services through to project delivery and operational support as an integrated end-to-end solution provider for clients. With offices in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, Volta has established a strong reputation for supporting large-scale renewable energy, transmission, datacentre, and energy infrastructure projects through a combination of technical expertise, commercial insight and practical delivery experience. Volta is an Approved Contractor in the state of Victoria, enabling the company to work on regulated electricity networks. The accreditation process is highly selective, with only a small number of companies achieving the exacting standards required for approval. The acquisition adds upstream grid connection, power systems studies and early-stage advisory capability – improving visibility of pipeline, grid constraints and project origination, alongside scarce downstream expertise in commissioning, substations, BESS and system integration. The addition of Volta to the Group further positions OCU as being able to offer a broader integrated service proposition across Australia and New Zealand, combining strategic advisory and design, project development and delivery expertise. “Volta adds an important capability to our growing Australia & New Zealand operations” said Sheldon Upton, CEO of OCU Group (ANZ). “The team brings deep expertise in energy project development, commercial advisory and project delivery, complementing the construction and engineering capabilities already established within OCU. Together, we are creating a stronger proposition for clients seeking support across the entire infrastructure lifecycle.” Ryan McKenzie, Managing Director of Volta added: “Volta was founded on the belief that successful energy projects require a combination of technical excellence, commercial understanding and practical delivery experience. Joining OCU Group gives us access to a broader international platform while allowing us to continue supporting clients with the same specialist expertise and collaborative approach that has underpinned our growth.” Australia’s energy market continues to evolve rapidly, creating demand for partners that can support projects from concept through to delivery. Volta’s experience in development, grid connection and project advisory adds significant value to OCU’s existing offering and strengthens the team’s ability to support clients as projects continue to become increasingly complex. The move further supports OCU’s disciplined international expansion strategy and continues to build the Group’s capability across renewable energy, power infrastructure and the wider energy transition market throughout Australia and New Zealand. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway strengthens commitment to Linmere with acquisition of two new land parcels
Bellway has completed a deal to buy two additional land parcels at Linmere in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, with plans to build 236 more homes in the new neighbourhood. The housebuilder has already built 307 homes across two developments within Phase 1 of the project, and has submitted detailed plans for a further 161 homes within Phase 3. The new land parcels are within Phase 4 of Linmere and are covered by the outline planning permission in place for the wider project. Bellway will now finalise its detailed plans for submission to Central Bedfordshire Council, which will bring the total number of homes it is delivering as part of the scheme to more than 700. Neil Grainger, Land Director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: “We have been part of the Linmere project since the start, and this latest land acquisition confirms our commitment to the delivery of high-quality housing in Houghton Regis. “We have completed over 300 homes to date within Phase 1, and are now looking forward to starting work on homes within Phase 3 subject to detailed planning consent. “Linmere is already becoming a well-established community, thanks to the focus on placemaking and provision of new facilities at an early stage within the neighbourhood. “Primary and secondary-age children are already benefitting from modern new school buildings, while the Farmstead community hub and Lidl supermarket put day-to-day amenities within walking distance for residents and provide a focal point for the community. “Linmere also features extensive areas of attractive open space with trees, footpaths and cycleways, enabling people to spend leisure time outdoors, which is so important for health and wellbeing.” Outline planning permission for Linmere was granted in 2014 and covers a development of up to 5,150 homes, a mixed-use local centre, schools, community facilities and public open space. Bellway received detailed planning permission for 153 homes at Bellway at Linmere, off Sundon Road, in 2020, while plans for a further 154 homes at Linmere Gateway, off Waterslade Way, were approved in 2021. The final homes here are now available to reserve. Detailed plans for Linmere Mews, in Phase 3 off Woodside Link Road, were submitted in August last year. This part of the project has been planned to comprise 161 houses and apartments, including 137 two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses for private sale, and 24 affordable one to four-bedroom homes for low-cost rent or shared ownership. For more information about Bellway’s homes at Linmere, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/northern-home-counties/linmere-gateway Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals