Canvas Offices Expands Central London Presence with Launch of Kingsbourne House Location
Flexible workspace provider Canvas Offices has announced the latest addition to its growing portfolio with the opening of Kingsbourne House at 229-231 High Holborn, just seconds from Holborn station, in the heart of London. The newest location is close to existing Canvas spaces, 175 High Holborn and 88 Kingsway and officially opens its doors in July. Kingsbourne House is within walking distance of Covent Garden, Tottenham Court Road and other iconic destinations and demand is already strong with demand from interest from a diverse range of clientele. The building itself, a grand Edwardian facade with six floors, including a gym in the basement area, has undergone an internal transformation led by Canvas’ in-house design team, staying true to its ‘homeification’ design philosophy, creating a home away from home. The refurb focuses on natural light, bespoke furnishings, and a state of the art gym in the basement, designed to enhance wellbeing. Businesses can also take advantage of the building’s expansive rooftop terrace, a highly sought after feature and a rare luxury in the heart of Central London. The space contains private offices, ranging from 12 persons to 145 persons, providing impressive views of the capital. Included in the business rates are meeting rooms, phone booths, access to communal and breakout spaces as well as the fitness centre. Yaron Rosenblum, Co-founder and CEO of Canvas Offices, commented:“The opening of Kingsbourne House represents another significant step in our growth across London. This building embodies everything Canvas stands for- exceptional workspace, thoughtful design, and a flexible environment that supports the evolving needs of today’s businesses. We are incredibly proud to welcome businesses to Kingsbourne House to enjoy a home away from home with Canvas.” Established in 2018, Canvas Offices is underpinned by a growing team of industry experts. Their 16 locations across London include Shoreditch, Farringdon, Holborn and Mayfair and are home to hundreds of ever-expanding businesses such as influential brands like Rough Trade, Football Co, Freixenet and Von Dutch. For more information about Canvas Offices and its new Kingsbourne House space, visit canvasoffices.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MILWAUKEE® Provides Complete Solution for Fully Cordless Service Calls
MILWAUKEE® introduces the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, delivering a breakthrough solution for HVAC professionals. Designed for residential and light commercial technicians, this cordless recovery machine transfers refrigerant out of HVAC systems so that repairs can be made. By eliminating the need for external power sources, MILWAUKEE® enables a fully cordless workflow that optimises speed and run time for service calls. The M18™ brushless recovery pump delivers instant power and no hassle, giving HVAC technicians complete cordless convenience on the job. By removing the need to search for outlets or manage extension cords, this solution streamlines service calls and maximises productivity. The recovery pump is A1, A2, and A2L compatible, reinforcing MILWAUKEE®‘s commitment to providing dedicated HVAC solutions that tackle core challenges without compromise. Pairing the M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump with the existing M18 FUEL™ Vacuum Pump 5 CFM delivers a fully cordless service calls, unlocking productivity for HVAC technicians. Eliminating the need to search for outlets, ask customers for access to power, or drag extension cords onto a roof; this combination saves time and reduces job site frustrations. Both solutions are A1, A2, and A2L compatible to meet the refrigerant standards, giving technicians confidence while working with modern refrigerants. This solution is equipped with a digital display for visibility in any environment. Helping protect equipment and ensure efficient operation, the self-purge feature removes refrigerant residues. A balanced carrying handle enables single-handed transport, making it easy to move the machine between service locations. These thoughtful design elements combine to deliver a solution that prioritises convenience, safety, and efficiency for HVAC professionals. MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to delivering disruptive innovation by working alongside trade professionals to identify challenges and provide solutions that are unparalleled in enhancing job site safety and productivity. Specifications M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump M18 BLRP-121 Kit Includes: (1) M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump, (1) M18 FB12 Battery pack, (1) M12-18 FC Charger, (2) filters To find out more about the new M18™ Brushless Recovery Pump see video footage of it in action or find your nearest store, please visit www.milwaukeetool.eu Visit Milwaukee Tool UK’s Instagram and LinkedIn for further information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
JD Gyms aims high with regional debut at Harlequin Watford
Harlequin Watford, the top 30 retail and leisure destinationowned and operated by SGS UK Retail, has announced the signing of JD Gyms, one of the UK’s fastest growing fitness operators. Recognising the unique duality of Harlequin, which serves as both the heart of Watford and as a destination of choice for customers living in North London and across the Home Counties, JD Gyms will bring high-spec, premium fitness facilities together with exceptional value to the centre. At over 30,000 sq ft, the development will serve as a regional flagship for JD Gyms. It will deliver a fitness experience that combines a state-of-the-art gym and studio facilities with a huge range of cutting-edge equipment, all set within a bold, design-led space anchored by a striking glass atrium. The brand will join Harlequin Watford’s carefully selected mix of leading UK and international retail and leisure operators, such as Uniqlo, Space NK, PuttShack, and Boom Battle Bar, adding to what is already a unique mix in the region. It will benefit from Harlequin Watford’s annual footfall of 17.2 million, which is ahead of many super regional centres in the UK, and cater to the destination’s diverse catchment, which extends into London and across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Robert Jewell, Managing Director of Asset Management at Pradera, commented: “As Harlequin continues to evolve as a dual-purpose destination for both retail and leisure, the signing of such an in-demand brand as JD Gyms is another landmark moment for the centre’s ongoing evolution. Harlequin continues to welcome its visitors back time and time again, and the arrival of JD Gyms will create yet another reason for customers to spend more time at the centre as part of their active lifestyles.” Darren Pallett, Property Director at JD Gyms, adds: “We are delighted to be bringing a new flagship gym to Harlequin Watford, combining standout design, exceptional facilities, and great value. The site provides us with a high-quality, high-footfall destination and it marks another step in our ambition to bring our award-winning concept to more locations across the South East.” Set to open in autumn this year, the signing comes after the news that Activate, the fast-growing competitive socialising brand, is also joining the scheme. This, alongside JD Gym’s signing, reaffirms Harlequin Watford’s investment in best-in-class retail and leisure brands for its expansive catchment of 6.8 million people. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Overton Electrical Services appointed to support nationwide VodafoneThree retail transformation programme
Overton Electrical Services has been appointed by a long-standing client to deliver an M&E package as part of a major nationwide retail transformation programme for VodafoneThree stores across the UK. Under this appointment, Overton Electrical Services will deliver works across 29 retail locations nationwide, supporting the rebrand and refurbishment of existing Three stores alongside modular refresh works to existing Vodafone sites. Overton Electrical Services has supported the Vodafone estate, now part of VodafoneThree, for the last 15 years, delivering projects across the Newbury headquarters, office buildings nationwide, data installations and the retail portfolio. The company continues to be trusted to deliver high-quality M&E packages within demanding live retail and commercial environments. The programme is scheduled to run from May 2026 through to February 2028 and Overton Electrical Services will deliver comprehensive M&E packages tailored to the requirements of each individual store. Works will include electrical installations in support of the wider refit scheme, alongside HVAC, data and fire alarm installations where required. The project forms part of a significant retail modernisation initiative aimed at enhancing customer experience and refreshing the in-store environment across the VodafoneThree estate. The works will be carried out across multiple regions nationally, with each store receiving a bespoke approach to meet its operational and technical requirements. Josh Brocklehurst, Director at Overton Electrical Services, said: “We’re delighted to continue our long-standing relationship on this exciting nationwide programme. This appointment reflects the confidence built through many years of successful collaboration and our team’s ability to deliver high-quality electrical installations within fast-paced retail environments. “The scale of the VodafoneThree rollout presents a fantastic opportunity for us to support the transformation of stores across the UK, and we look forward to delivering a reliable and efficient service throughout the duration of the programme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Planning approval granted for first phase of forthcoming development in Hitchin
Barratt Homes has secured reserved matters approval for Phase 1 of its forthcoming 700-unit development at Highover Farm, Hitchin. The approval covers the first 236 homes and an area of open space containing a play park for local children and will enable work to commence this summer to deliver much-needed market and affordable housing. The development will bring one to five-bedroom new homes, approximately 40% of which will be affordable, to the local area. The overall scheme will deliver 500sqm of neighbourhood-level facilities including a community hub, a new two-form entry primary school, open space including the creation of the new centrally located Highfield Park, play areas, green infrastructure and associated access. The hub will be accessible by public transport and provide a focal point for residents and the wider community. The new homes to be built on the site will support North Herts Council’s current Local Plan, which aims to create at least 13,000 new homes between 2011 and 2031.[1] Mark Osborn, Senior Planning Manager at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, comments: “We are pleased to announce that we have secured planning permission for our upcoming development in Hitchin, which will bring much-needed new homes and community infrastructure to the area. Following the grant of outline planning permission in 2024, we have worked closely with North Herts Council to ensure our plans for this first phase work for the local area, both now and for future generations. “We have a proven track record of success in Hitchin, including at our Lavender Grange development which completed in 2023, so look forward to returning to the area for our latest development.” Biodiversity and sustainability have been carefully considered at every stage of the scheme design, with the proposals set to achieve a biodiversity net gain of 10%. Energy efficient new homes built to the latest Part L standard will help reduce carbon emissions and generate lower energy bills for residents. Section 106 contributions agreed with North Herts Council at the outline planning stage will see more than £30m contributed to education, healthcare, sports facilities, a community centre, sustainable transport and other improvements in the Hitchin and surrounding area. Mark Osborne concludes: “Sustainability and access to green space are at the heart of our plans, with the creation of Highfield Park – a new public green space and play area – alongside an extensive network of tree-lined streets and attractive greenways throughout the development. In addition to increasing access to high-quality local housing opportunities, we are also proud to support employment and economic growth by creating job opportunities throughout every stage of the development’s lifecycle. Barratt North Thames is currently building across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. To find out more, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk. [1] https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-12/North%20Hertfordshire%20Local%20Plan%202011-2031.pdf Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Homes connected to nature keep garden city dream alive in Letchworth
Housebuilder David Wilson Homes has secured reserved matters approval from North Hertfordshire Council for a new Garden City-style 120-home development in Letchworth, known as Heritage Gardens. The homes will be built on a 13-acre site at Talbot Way, formerly owned by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation. David Wilson Homes has partnered with the foundation to develop a contemporary interpretation of traditional Garden City housing, rooted in the area’s historic character while meeting modern expectations. The development has been designed around Garden City principles, with green space and landscaping integrated throughout the site. Plans include two main public green spaces, retained woodland, tree-lined streets, pocket parks and dedicated play areas. The development will include one and two-bedroom apartments, alongside two, three, four and five-bedroom houses. Plans also include 48 affordable homes, comprising a mix of affordable rent, shared ownership and social rent properties, with an emphasis on larger family homes and wheelchair-accessible housing. The development will be arranged across four character areas intended to reflect local architectural styles, with features including asymmetrical catslide roofs, dormer and bay windows, and decorative crease tile detailing. This development follows outline planning permission for the site, which was secured by the previous landowner in December 2024. Reserved matters approval has now been granted by North Hertfordshire Council, with a show home expected later this year and first occupations anticipated in spring 2027. Under the planning agreement, David Wilson Homes will contribute more than £1m towards local infrastructure, including walking and cycling improvements, allotment facilities, libraries, schools and youth provision. Lauren Potter, Development Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, said: “Heritage Gardens on the edge of Letchworth will take the very best principles that founded this beautiful Garden City and update them for a new generation. Homes here will be surrounded by green spaces, sustainably built and designed to facilitate healthy and active lifestyles.” For more information about Heritage Gardens or David Wilson Homes, visit www.dwh.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals