Bowmer + Kirkland secures £274m Newcastle student campus transformation
Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed to deliver a £274m redevelopment of the Castle Leazes student accommodation campus in Newcastle, working with Unite Students and Newcastle University. The project has now secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, allowing construction to move forward on the replacement of the existing 1960s estate. The redevelopment will deliver 2,009 new student bedrooms across a collection of buildings ranging from two to nine storeys, creating a modern and future-ready student living environment. The Castle Leazes scheme marks Bowmer + Kirkland’s second major student accommodation project to achieve Gateway 2 approval this month, following clearance for a separate scheme in Bristol providing more than 500 beds. Designed by Norr Architects, the Newcastle development will be delivered in two phases. Phase one will provide 788 new student rooms, scheduled to be ready for the 2028/29 academic year. The remaining accommodation will follow in time for the 2029/30 intake, completing the full transformation of the campus. Demolition and enabling works began in June 2024, and Bowmer + Kirkland said the project has already generated £9.6m in social value. This includes local employment opportunities, regional supply chain spend, community initiatives and training programmes linked to the scheme. Ed Besford, regional director for the North East and Scotland at Bowmer + Kirkland, said Castle Leazes represents a landmark project for the city and highlighted the long-standing relationship with both Unite Students and Newcastle University. He added that securing Gateway 2 approval reflects the team’s commitment to meeting the highest safety and regulatory standards, marking the contractor’s third approval from the regulator in the past six months. The Newcastle appointment follows further success for Bowmer + Kirkland’s western team, which recently secured Gateway 2 sign-off for the Temple Reach PBSA scheme in Bristol. That 22-storey development will deliver 531 student rooms alongside 4,300 sq ft of workspace on a former industrial site near the River Avon, helping to connect the University of Bristol’s Enterprise Campus with the city’s waterfront. Together, the projects underline Bowmer + Kirkland’s growing presence in the purpose-built student accommodation sector across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Blueprint Interiors HQ awarded WELL Certification reinforcing its commitment to health-centred workplace design
Workplace consultancy Blueprint Interiors has achieved WELL Certification at Silver level for its HQ in Ashby. The WELL Building Standard (WELL) is a universally recognised healthy buildings standard that focuses on enhancing people’s health and wellbeing through the buildings where they live, work and play. As one of the first commercial fit out companies in the UK to achieve certification, and with Blueprint’s office – WorkLife – being one of only 86 buildings in the UK to meet WELL Certification, it’s a significant achievement. Research shows that WELL Certification benefits organisations by creating healthier, more productive spaces, boosting employee satisfaction and retention, and enhancing market reputation through science-backed design. It leads to reduced absenteeism, improved mental and physical health, increased creativity, and stronger ESG reporting, proving a tangible commitment to people’s wellbeing. Awarded by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the leading authority for transforming health and wellbeing with its people-first approach to buildings, the distinction has been awarded to Blueprint through IWBI’s WELL v2, the latest version of the WELL Building Standard. WorkLife earned the distinction based on ten categories of building performance — Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind and Community — to achieve the Silver level rating. Rebecca Beadle, Project Designer & Wellbeing Specialist at Blueprint Interiors, said: “People are at the heart of our business, both our own team and those working within the spaces we design. By committing to and achieving WELL Certification for our own office, we have created a more supportive and health-focused space for our team to thrive in. “Being the second company of our kind in the UK to hold this accreditation is an important milestone for us and sets us apart as the workplace design consultancy of choice. “Now accredited and experienced in delivery, and with two WELL Accredited Professionals within Blueprint, we can guide and support clients through the WELL Certification process and across all of the WELL ratings – enabling them to have certified and rated workspaces that are proven to improve the health and productivity of teams. “ John Tansur, Commercial Director at Blueprint Interiors, said: “As an employer it’s important that the health of our team members is a priority and that we recognise that the environment that many of us spend a third of our working lives in, supports basic health needs daily. From a business point of view the proven return on investment through increased productivity, reduction in absenteeism and team recruitment and retention makes it an easy leap to take.“ WELL is grounded in evidence-based research that explores the connection between buildings – where people spend approximately 90 per cent of their time – and the health and wellbeing impacts on the people using them. To be awarded WELL Certification by IWBI, WorkLife underwent rigorous testing and a final evaluation carried out by third parties to ensure it met all WELL Certified Silver level performance requirements. Ann Marie Aguilar, IWBI’s Senior Vice President, EMEA, said: “Worklife’s WELL Certification at the Silver level demonstrates outstanding leadership. Our mission at IWBI is to bring human health and well-being to the forefront of building practices, and it is industry leaders like Blueprint Interiors that are putting people at the center of design decisions and helping to advance this movement.” Visit www.blueprintinteriors.com to find out more. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry announces new partners at Develop Warwickshire’s Nuneaton development
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has signed contracts with Placefirst, one of the UK’s foremost build-to-rent property developers, for 49 PRS properties at their landmark Milby Meadows development, in Nuneaton. This includes is four 1-bed homes, 23 2-bed and 22 3-bed homes. This agreement, made on behalf of the Develop Warwickshire joint venture (JV), completes a quartet of key partners, each bringing unique expertise and resources to the project. The JV’s partnership model at the 1,700-home development now includes: Together, these organisations are ensuring a diverse mix of tenures, making homes accessible to people from all walks of life and fostering a truly balanced and inclusive community. Michael Moore, Vistry’s Managing Director for North West Midlands, said: “I am delighted to have such a fantastic range of partners on our largest scheme within the Develop Warwickshire Joint Venture. “Placefirst brings a wealth of experience and provides an excellent opportunity to develop the private rental sector offer on this site. Bringing a wide range of tenure offers to the area shows the commitment of the JV to delivering high-quality, affordable homes that enhance communities and meet the diverse housing needs in Warwickshire.” Henry Marshall, Investment Director at Placefirst said: “Our latest project with Vistry builds on our other four neighbourhoods, which will deliver a total of 363 home across Oxford, Northampton, Mansfield, Swindon and now Warwickshire. The collaboration enables us to deliver sustainable, quality homes and communities built for the long-term in places where they’re needed. We look forward to seeing our partnership with Vistry continue to thrive, and helping to create an inclusive and well-connected neighbourhood that supports community growth in Milby Meadows.” Develop Warwickshire, the joint venture between Vistry, Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) and Warwickshire County Council, is building 2,000 homes in Warwickshire to help address the region’s housing shortage. The JV has committed £2.5 billion to create much-needed new homes and job opportunities for local residents. The partnership’s dedication to sustainable development aligns with local authority criteria and aims to enhance the quality of life for Warwickshire residents. James Devereux, Finance Director of WDPG, said: “This is another major step forward to bring the vision for Milby Meadows and Weddington to life. The agreement between Vistry and Placefirst is a clear demonstration of the confidence in this landmark development and completes a strong quartet of partners within the Develop Warwickshire scheme. “Together, we’re giving future residents a real sense of the community taking shape while combining our expertise to deliver sustainable, thriving communities across the county.” Councillor Stephen Shaw, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property at Warwickshire County Council, said: “This agreement marks another significant milestone in delivering the high-quality homes and infrastructure that families across Warwickshire need. The inclusion of Placefirst strengthens an already exceptional partnership and reflects the confidence in what is being achieved at Milby Meadows. “Through Develop Warwickshire we are creating sustainable, well connected communities that offer real opportunities for local people.” Each home will be constructed using modern methods of construction, incorporating air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points. The development will boast energy-efficient design elements, incorporate sustainable urban drainage systems and will include beautifully-landscaped green open space. Phase 1 of the infrastructure works is now complete, creating a northern link road bringing together the surrounding developments with access to the new Higham Lane North Academy, which opened in September 2025 for students aged 11-16. Construction of the first 530 homes with public open space is well under way. When completed, Milby Meadows will feature a mix of 1,700 two, three and four-bedroom properties, a primary and secondary school, a local centre with retail and community facilities, extensive public open spaces, play areas, a habitat pond and multi-functional green infrastructure, and new roads and highway improvements including on the A444 and footpaths linking to other developments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham appoints maintenance trio to oversee £3bn council housing programme
Birmingham City Council has confirmed a new long-term arrangement for the repair and maintenance of its council housing, appointing Wates, Equans and Mears to share responsibility for work across the city. Following a detailed procurement process, Wates Property Services, Equans and Mears have each secured places on a 10-year contract to maintain around 60,000 council homes, with the option to extend the agreements by a further five years. The new contracts cover a broad range of services, from day-to-day responsive repairs to planned improvement programmes and the preparation of empty homes for new tenants. Under the new model, Wates will take responsibility for more than 30,000 homes across the north and south of Birmingham. Equans will manage around 17,000 properties in the east of the city, while Mears will oversee approximately 11,500 homes across central and west Birmingham. The scope of work includes planned maintenance programmes such as kitchen and bathroom replacements, alongside wider improvement works aimed at raising housing standards across the council’s estate. Wates said its contract is valued at £1.1bn over the initial 10-year term, while Mears confirmed its agreement is worth £450m. Equans has not disclosed the value of its contract. Birmingham City Council said the new arrangements are designed to modernise how repairs and maintenance services are delivered, placing a stronger emphasis on flexibility, communication and tenant experience. Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said the contracts provide an opportunity to reset how the council monitors and manages housing maintenance. She said tenants should see a more responsive service with clearer communication, alongside continued investment to improve the quality of homes. The council is investing more than £200m a year to upgrade its housing stock, including the installation of new kitchens and bathrooms and measures to improve energy efficiency. Brennan said the new contracts will help maintain the pace of that investment, ensuring tenants and leaseholders live in warm, safe and sustainable homes across Birmingham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Why the Next Generation of Buildings Will Integrate Software-Driven EV Charging by Default
Every parking space in your next commercial or residential development will need to support electric vehicles. As a C-level executive or developer, you’re designing for a world where EV charging infrastructure sits alongside Wi-Fi and HVAC as a baseline utility. What makes charging different is the power demand, revenue potential, and software requirements needed to integrate with existing energy systems. Why will EV charging become a default feature in buildings? Three forces are converging: tenant expectations, regulatory pressure, and fleet operator demands, reshaping how developers approach parking infrastructure. How tenant, employee, and EV fleet expectations are reshaping building design Tenants ask about EV charging before signing leases. At the same time, employees expect workplace charging as part of their compensation package. Fleet operators take this a step further by excluding sites without dedicated charging capacity from their location searches. Consider what’s happening in major markets. Norway passed 90% EV share of new car sales in 2023, while California mandates that all new car sales be zero-emission by 2035. As a result, properties without charging infrastructure lose tenants to competitors who planned ahead. Adding chargers after construction costs significantly more than building infrastructure from the start: Planning for charging during initial design saves capital and avoids operational disruptions. For CTOs and product leaders at building management platforms, understanding these market dynamics helps position offerings correctly. What does software-driven EV charging look like inside a building? Software transforms charging infrastructure from basic electrical service into intelligent energy systems. In practice, this means buildings manage power differently, coordinate with other systems better, and adapt to changing conditions faster. Smart charging and load management on top of the limited grid capacity Your building’s electrical service has a ceiling. Twenty EV chargers pulling maximum power simultaneously can trip breakers or trigger costly demand charges. An EV charging management system monitors total building demand and adjusts charger output dynamically. Smart charging and load management capabilities include: This dynamic balancing keeps buildings under demand limits without expensive service upgrades while eliminating conflicts over access. Coordinating EV charging infrastructure with HVAC, solar, and storage Buildings run multiple energy assets that must work together rather than compete for the same electrons. Here are the regulated energy assets requiring coordination: Without coordination, these systems work against each other. For instance, solar exports to the grid while chargers import expensive peak power. Similarly, storage charges during high-price hours when it should discharge. Integration with building energy management systems (BEMS) solves this. The BEMS sees solar production, battery state of charge, time-of-use tariffs, and EV charging demand, then orchestrates everything to minimize cost and maximize onsite energy use. When solar output peaks, EV charging ramps up automatically. Conversely, when the grid sends demand response signals, chargers pause and storage discharges. This coordination requires APIs and event-driven architecture. In other words, your EV charging software must communicate with BEMS, metering systems, and utility tariff feeds through compatible protocols. How can an EV software development company integrate charging with building systems? Integration creates control loops responding to building conditions in real time. As a result, these loops enable operational capabilities that weren’t available before. Connecting EV charging management software with BEMS and metering EV charging management software for buildings exchanges data and control signals with existing systems through a structured flow: Step 1: Session initiation and authentication Step 2: Real-time load monitoring Step 3: Dynamic power allocation Step 4: Session logging and billing Step 5: Reporting and analytics Submetering becomes critical in mixed-use buildings where retail, office, and residential tenants share parking. In these cases, the software tracks which vehicles are charged and allocates costs accordingly. Using APIs and event-driven architecture to sync tariffs, access control, and reporting Building operators need flexibility as utility tariffs change seasonally, access policies differ by user type, and reporting requirements vary by region. Event-driven architecture provides several key capabilities: This approach supports new use cases as they emerge. For example, offering dynamic pricing for EV charging in buildings becomes possible without system overhauls. Likewise, adding vehicle-to-grid capability later works because event architecture already handles bidirectional power flow. Partnering with an experienced EV software development company ensures these integrations are designed correctly from the start. What new business models appear when buildings run software-driven EV charging? Software-enabled charging infrastructure creates revenue opportunities that basic electrical service couldn’t support. Dynamic pricing, shared public/tenant charging, and workplace EV fleet charging Dynamic pricing aligns incentives better than fixed rates: Shared charging opens additional revenue streams. Parking garages serve tenants during the day and public users at night, while software manages access, pricing, and billing automatically. EV fleet charging in depots and workplaces adds another layer. Delivery companies leasing space need reliable charging without overpaying for peak power: These models work because EV software development supports flexible pricing, access control, and billing across user types. Preparing building sites for vehicle-to-grid and flexibility markets by design Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) turns parked cars into distributed energy resources. When grid demand spikes, vehicles discharge stored energy back to the building or grid, allowing property owners to earn revenue. Pilot programs operate in California, the UK, and Denmark. Designing vehicle-to-grid ready architecture in buildings requires: Buildings with onsite storage, solar, and V2G-ready architecture become energy hubs buying power when cheap and selling when prices spike. What should developers and operators ask from EV charging software solutions? Selecting the right platform requires evaluating current capabilities and future-readiness. The choices you make now will affect building competitiveness for years to come. Requirements checklist for scalable, building-ready EV charging infrastructure Start with scalability questions. Can the platform handle ten chargers today and a hundred next year? Does it support multiple sites under one account? Can it integrate with existing property management and billing systems? Beyond these basics, key technical requirements include: Access and authentication: Monitoring and analytics: Integration and reporting: Interoperability matters. Your EV charging management system should work with chargers from multiple hardware vendors to avoid lock-in and protect your investment through open protocols. How to evaluate an EV
Mears will work on 11,500 homes across west-central Birmingham
Birmingham City Council is overhauling the way its council housing is maintained, appointing a new group of contractors to take responsibility for long-term repairs and investment across the city. From July 2026, Equans, Wates and Mears will deliver day-to-day repairs, planned maintenance and improvement works across around 60,000 council homes. The appointments form part of a new 10-year framework arrangement, split across four city regions and potentially worth up to £3bn, with an option to extend for a further five years. Under the new framework, Equans will retain one of the three lots it previously held, while Wates has emerged as the largest winner, securing two lots with a combined value of up to £1.75bn over the life of the contracts. Mears completes the new trio of delivery partners. Willmott Dixon-owned Fortem, which has provided housing maintenance services in south Birmingham for 18 years, will exit the programme when its current contract ends this summer. The contracts cover a broad range of services, including responsive repairs, kitchen and bathroom replacements, wider planned maintenance programmes and the preparation of empty homes ready for new tenants. Birmingham City Council said the new delivery model has been shaped by extensive tenant feedback and is intended to provide a more flexible, responsive and modern service. A key feature will be the introduction of a fully digitised repairs journey, giving tenants clearer communication around planned works, timeframes and any changes to appointments, as well as greater ability to rearrange visits. New digital systems will also be used to monitor the condition of homes more effectively and support programmes to improve energy efficiency, helping to make properties warmer and cheaper to heat. Councillor Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said the new contracts represent a reset in how repairs and maintenance are delivered and monitored. She added that tenants should see improved communication, more responsive services and continued investment in kitchens, bathrooms and energy efficiency measures across the council’s housing stock. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals