Muse Secures Major Planning Milestone for £640m Slough Regeneration Delivering 1,539 Homes
Developer Muse and Homes England have taken a significant step forward with their £640 million regeneration of Slough town centre, after councillors resolved to grant planning permission for a major mixed-use development delivering 1,539 homes alongside new offices, retail facilities and extensive public spaces. The ambitious North West Quadrant scheme will transform the former Thames Valley University campus into a new residential and commercial neighbourhood, supporting the continued regeneration of Slough and strengthening its position as a major business and residential destination within the Thames Valley. Located immediately beside Slough railway station, the 3.6-hectare site has remained vacant since the closure of the university campus. The redevelopment will bring the previously unused land back into productive use, introducing new housing, employment opportunities and community facilities within walking distance of the town centre and its transport connections. Major Mixed-Use Development for Slough The North West Quadrant masterplan will deliver 1,539 new homes alongside approximately 25,000 sq m of office accommodation and 3,220 sq m of retail space. The proposals also include a nursery with capacity for 100 children, a community events space and new recreational facilities. At the heart of the development will be a central park, providing an important green space for residents, workers and visitors while helping establish the identity of the new neighbourhood. Additional landscaped areas, children’s play facilities and improved pedestrian and cycling routes will encourage movement throughout the development and strengthen connections with the surrounding town centre. The scheme will also provide 420 parking spaces, supporting the residential and commercial elements of the development. The combination of housing, offices, retail and community infrastructure reflects a wider approach to urban regeneration, where major developments are increasingly designed to create integrated neighbourhoods rather than isolated residential or commercial buildings. Construction Programme to Begin in 2027 The project will be delivered through a phased construction programme, allowing different elements of the development to progress over the coming decade. The hybrid planning application includes detailed proposals for the first phase, which will focus on central and residential development plots. Subject to the necessary approvals and project arrangements, construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, with the initial phase expected to take approximately four years to complete. The second and third phases have been submitted in outline and will bring forward the remaining office and mixed-use elements of the masterplan. These later phases are expected to progress through to 2037, establishing a long-term development programme for the transformation of the former university site. For the construction and property sectors, the £640 million scheme represents a substantial pipeline of opportunities across residential construction, commercial development, building services, infrastructure and public realm works. The scale of the redevelopment will also require coordinated planning and delivery to ensure that new buildings, community facilities and transport connections are successfully integrated as the neighbourhood develops. Building on Muse’s Regeneration Track Record Muse has been involved in regeneration projects across Slough for more than 13 years through its joint venture partnership with the borough council. During this period, the developer has helped deliver several major projects, including The Curve, Slough Ice Arena, The Centre leisure facility and the Moxy Hotel. Its work in the town has also contributed more than 500 new homes, supporting residential growth and improvements to local facilities. The North West Quadrant development represents a further expansion of this regeneration activity, bringing together Muse’s development experience and Homes England’s role in supporting housing delivery and urban renewal. Hollie Carlile, Senior Project Manager at Muse, welcomed the latest planning milestone. “Securing a resolution to grant planning permission for North West Quadrant is an important milestone for the project and for the continued regeneration of Slough town centre,” she said. Homes England Supports Major Regeneration Investment Homes England, which owns the former university site, is working alongside Muse to unlock the development potential of the vacant land and support the delivery of new homes and commercial accommodation. The project aligns with wider ambitions to regenerate underused urban sites, increase housing supply and create sustainable communities supported by employment opportunities and essential infrastructure. Charlotte O’Mahony, Project Director at Homes England, highlighted the importance of the development to Slough’s long-term growth. “The scheme will deliver much-needed new homes alongside workspace, shops and high-quality public spaces, demonstrating Homes England’s commitment to working collaboratively with partners to unlock regeneration, support economic growth and create sustainable and thriving communities,” she said. A New Residential and Commercial Destination The North West Quadrant scheme is expected to play an important role in reshaping the area surrounding Slough railway station, creating a substantial new neighbourhood that combines residential accommodation with commercial and community uses. Its location close to the station will provide access to regional and London transport connections, making the development particularly relevant to residents and businesses seeking well-connected accommodation. The inclusion of a major office building will also support Slough’s commercial property market, while the proposed retail facilities and nursery will provide services for the growing local population. For the wider built environment, the project demonstrates how large-scale regeneration can transform previously developed land into a new urban district, combining housing delivery with investment in public spaces and employment infrastructure. Although the council’s resolution to grant planning permission represents a major step forward, the scheme must still complete the remaining planning requirements before formal consent is issued. With the first phase targeted to begin in 2027 and the wider programme extending towards 2037, the £640 million North West Quadrant development is positioned to become one of Slough’s most significant regeneration projects. Once delivered, the transformation of the former Thames Valley University campus will introduce 1,539 homes, substantial office and retail accommodation, and new community facilities, creating a mixed-use neighbourhood at the heart of the town’s ongoing regeneration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi Accelerates £370m UK Expansion with Seven New Supermarket Openings in November
Aldi is accelerating its UK supermarket expansion with plans to open seven new stores during November 2026, forming part of a wider £370 million investment programme aimed at strengthening its retail property portfolio and bringing new shopping facilities to communities across the country. The latest openings represent another significant step in the discount supermarket chain’s long-term growth strategy, which includes an ambition to operate 1,500 stores nationwide. The investment reflects Aldi’s continued confidence in physical retail development, with new supermarket construction, property acquisitions and store fit-outs playing an important role in supporting the retailer’s expansion. The seven new supermarkets will open in Basildon, Essex; Newport on the Isle of Wight; Matlock, Derbyshire; Stepney Green and Willesden in London; Orrell, Wigan; and Waterlooville, Hampshire. The geographical spread of the openings demonstrates Aldi’s strategy of expanding into both established residential communities and urban locations, increasing access to its supermarket offering across different regions of the UK. Major Investment in New Retail Developments The November openings form part of Aldi’s wider £370 million investment programme, which is supporting the continued growth of its UK store network. The retailer previously announced plans to open 80 new supermarkets over a two-year period, underlining its commitment to expanding its physical retail presence. This programme has already gathered momentum, with Aldi opening an average of one new store every week during September. For the construction and commercial property sectors, Aldi’s ongoing expansion represents a significant pipeline of retail development opportunities, supporting demand for supermarket construction, refurbishment, specialist fit-out services and associated building infrastructure. New supermarket developments typically involve a range of specialist construction disciplines, including structural works, mechanical and electrical installations, refrigeration systems, lighting, external works and car parking infrastructure. The continued rollout of new stores also highlights the importance of suitable development sites and the role of commercial property teams in identifying locations capable of supporting long-term retail operations. Supporting Local Communities and Employment Alongside expanding Aldi’s retail estate, the seven new supermarkets are expected to create hundreds of employment opportunities across their respective communities. The openings will also provide additional shopping facilities for residents, strengthening local retail provision and increasing consumer choice. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi, highlighted the importance of continued investment in new store locations. “Demand for new Aldi stores remains strong, and we want more shoppers to be able to enjoy our high-quality products at low prices,” he said. “Opening seven stores in November is another big step in our growth plans. It will create hundreds of local jobs and bring Aldi’s value to thousands more shoppers across the country.” The retailer’s expansion strategy is focused on identifying locations where new supermarkets can meet established demand while supporting the long-term growth of its customer base. For local communities, supermarket developments can provide important investment in retail infrastructure, helping to improve access to everyday shopping facilities and supporting employment opportunities. Continued Growth Across the UK Retail Property Market Aldi’s latest announcement comes as major supermarket operators continue investing in their physical estates, recognising the importance of modern retail environments alongside the development of online and digital services. The discount retailer’s long-term target of 1,500 UK stores demonstrates the scale of its property ambitions and the potential for further investment in new supermarket developments. The expansion is also significant for the wider retail construction sector, where supermarket operators remain important clients for contractors, architects, engineering consultancies and specialist building services providers. As Aldi continues to grow its store network, the delivery of efficient, well-located retail buildings will remain central to its development strategy. The November openings will add seven further locations to the company’s expanding portfolio, following a sustained period of investment and new store delivery throughout 2026. With its £370 million investment programme supporting continued development and a long-term ambition to reach 1,500 stores, Aldi is reinforcing its position as a major investor in the UK’s retail property sector. The latest openings demonstrate the retailer’s commitment to expanding its supermarket estate, creating employment opportunities and delivering new retail facilities for communities across the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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