Housebuilder Boosts Housing Supply In Hemel Hempstead With New Launch At Chaulden Meadows
Barratt Homes is set to launch its first homes at Chaulden Meadows in Long Chaulden, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, on 21st February. The housebuilder’s first phase will bring 155 homes to the development, following a successful launch by David Wilson Homes in late 2025. The launch will comprise two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, alongside two-bedroom apartments. A further 65 affordable homes will be delivered through schemes such as shared ownership and social rent, delivered by a Registered Provider. The first residents are expected to move in this summer. Hemel Hempstead is a strategic development location in the Home Counties and was designated as a ‘New Town’ in 1947. The Government has renewed its focus on how New Towns can support housing delivery and economic growth, and Chaulden Meadows will contribute to meeting local housing targets while bringing forward new community infrastructure for the area. Alongside new homes, Chaulden Meadows includes plans for a 70-bedroom care home, 7,500 sq ft of retail space, a community hall and a nursery. Wider works will include new access roads, public open space, children’s play areas and sustainable drainage measures. Section 106 contributions from the overall development totalling more than £12.6m will support investment in local services and facilities, including education, healthcare, transport, sports provision and open space. Over the span of the project, Chaulden Meadows will provide 1,100 new homes in Hemel Hempstead, ranging from one to five-bedroom homes. Affordable housing will make up 40% of the overall delivery, equating to 440 homes. Marc Woolfe, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt North Thames, comments: “Chaulden Meadows represents an important next chapter for Hemel Hempstead. It brings much-needed new homes to the area, including affordable housing, alongside infrastructure that will support both residents and the wider community. “As one of the original post-war New Towns, Hemel Hempstead has a strong legacy of connected neighbourhoods and community-focused designs. We’re proud to build on that heritage with homes that reflect the character of West Hemel, using red and buff brick and traditional gable-fronted elevations, creating a development that will serve the area for years to come.” Two, three and four-bedroom homes are currently available at Chaulden Meadows. To find out more about Chaulden Meadows or Barratt Homes, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0333 355 8501. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
chapmanbdsp doubles its data centre team as project demand grows and international ambitions accelerates
As chapmanbdsp moves into 2026, the consultancy reflects on a year of strong development throughout 2025, with significant growth in its data centre and mission-critical business, including the doubling of its specialist team and the securing of a substantial pipeline of confirmed projects. Over the past 12 months, the consultancy has exceeded internal expectations, the project pipeline includes a number of data hall fast track fit-outs to design and build Data Centres. This performance has enabled chapmanbdsp to secure around two-thirds of its data centre budget for the next financial year well ahead of schedule, underlining continued client confidence in a competitive and fast-moving market To support this expansion, chapmanbdsp has increased its dedicated data centre team by 100% in a single year, growing from nine to more than 18 specialists. Further growth is anticipated as workload increases in 2026, with the business maintaining a strong focus on technical capability and experience. The firm has also begun to extend its reach beyond the UK. Alongside a growing portfolio of major domestic projects, chapmanbdsp has delivered its first data centre project in the Middle East and is actively pursuing further opportunities in the region. David Gallagher, chapmansbdsp’s Director, Mission Critical,comments: “Data centre demand is rising fast, but only organisations with access to specialist expertise can deliver today’s increasingly complex projects. Our focus has been on building the right team, securing the right work and positioning ourselves where technical expertise and early engagement add the greatest value.” The firm operates primarily within the mid-range data centre market, typically delivering schemes between 10MW and 100MW, while also supporting contractors with detailed design, technical reviews and assurance at later stages of delivery. With further work in the pipeline over the coming months and new teams planned to support international growth, chapmanbdsp is entering the next phase of its expansion with a measured and sustainable approach. “The growth of our data centre team over the past year has been really exciting to be part of. As we enter into 2026, we’re looking forward to being out in the market at key industry events such as Datacloud and Data Centre World, catching up with clients, connecting with peers, and continuing the conversations that are shaping the future of the sector.” Abdul Solangi – Technical Director Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morro Partnerships makes new senior appointment to drive Midlands expansion
MORRO Partnerships, the Midlands-based developer committed to delivering affordable and socially impactful homes, has announced the appointment of new land director Vinay Vadgama, as the business strengthens its strategic growth plans across the region. Vinay brings over a decade of experience in the construction and development sector, specialising in land acquisition, mixed-tenure housing and partnership-led developments. His career has combined technical expertise with a passion for creating lasting social value in the communities his projects serve. He has previously led the acquisition of strategic brownfield and greenfield sites across the Midlands, forming key relationships with local authorities and housing associations to deliver ambitious developments. In his new role, Vinay will lead Morro’s land acquisition programme, working closely with housing associations, local authorities and landowners to identify and progress opportunities that meet the needs of both the business and the communities it serves. His role will ensure that every site brought forward is suitable for development and delivers tangible social benefit. Speaking on his new role, Vinay said: “Every site we acquire is an opportunity to give people the chance to be housed who otherwise wouldn’t be, and to make a meaningful difference in the community. Morro’s ambition and focus on putting communities first made it a compelling opportunity for me, and I’m thrilled to be joining the business at such a pivotal time in its growth.” Matt Moore, CEO at Morro, said: “Vinay’s expertise in land acquisition and partnership working makes him a perfect fit for Morro’s growth ambitions. He understands that our partners are always front of mind and shares our commitment to creating social value through development. We are confident that his leadership will help us deliver more homes that meet the needs of the Midlands’ communities.” Vinay joins Morro alongside new land manager Alex Loumidis, as it continues to strengthen its presence in the Midlands, reinforcing its reputation as a developer of choice for partners and communities alike. For more information, visit: https://morropartnerships.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
TClarke sets course for £1bn turnover as board strengthened for growth
Building services specialist TClarke has outlined plans to surpass £1bn in annual revenue as it reshapes its leadership team to support the next stage of expansion. Group chief executive Mark Lawrence confirmed the ambition while announcing that three senior managing directors will join the board of TClarke Contracting from March. Clive Carr, managing director for built environment, Lee Crozier, managing director for data centres and infrastructure, and Chris Harris, managing director for UK North, will step up to board level. They will join Mark Lawrence, finance director Jon Farrell, commercial managing director Garry Julyan and systems director Andy Griffiths. The appointments coincide with the retirement of long-serving director Mike Crowder, who joined the business in 1987. Lawrence said the £1bn revenue target reflects growing confidence in TClarke’s scale, market position and sector expertise. He noted that previous ambitions to grow the business by 50 per cent had already been achieved and exceeded, positioning the company strongly for further expansion. TClarke was acquired two years ago by Regent, the business gas supplier and connections specialist, in a £90m deal that attracted coverage from leading national business media. The company’s most recent results, covering a 15-month period, delivered pro-rata revenue of £677m over 12 months and generated pre-tax profit of approximately £13m. Lawrence said the latest board changes form part of long-term succession planning and will help guide the company towards its £1bn turnover objective. He added that Carr, Crozier and Harris bring significant leadership experience and deep operational knowledge, further strengthening the board as TClarke continues to expand. The move is also expected to create new development opportunities across the business as it enters its next phase of strategic growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Burger King sets sights on expansion with 30 new UK openings a year
Burger King has unveiled its latest acquisition requirements as it accelerates plans to grow its UK estate, targeting 30 new restaurant openings annually. The fast-food operator, which currently trades from around 600 locations nationwide, is seeking units between 1,500 sq ft and 3,000 sq ft. Both freehold and leasehold opportunities are under consideration, reflecting a flexible approach to securing the right sites. The brand is actively targeting space within retail and leisure parks, major shopping centres and prominent high street locations. The expansion drive signals continued confidence in bricks-and-mortar dining, particularly in high-footfall and well-connected destinations. BKUK, Burger King’s largest UK franchisee, is leading the growth strategy across Great Britain. To support the rollout, the operator has appointed a team of property agents to identify suitable opportunities across key regions. Morgan Williams has been instructed to source sites nationally, while Savills and EYCO will focus on opportunities in Scotland. In the South of England, LM has been retained, with Space Property Consultants and Barker Proudlove appointed to secure units in the East Midlands and the North East respectively. The renewed push for expansion highlights the brand’s ambition to strengthen its presence across a diverse mix of urban and out-of-town locations, capitalising on consumer demand for convenience-led dining and drive-to destinations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bradford City Village Moves Forward with 1,000-Home Regeneration Plan
Bradford’s long-anticipated City Village regeneration scheme has secured planning approval, unlocking the delivery of up to 1,000 new homes in the city’s former commercial core. The major transformation will see underperforming retail assets, including the Kirkgate Shopping Centre and Oastler Shopping Centre, replaced with new housing, public spaces and mixed-use development. The project is being led by Bradford Council in partnership with regeneration specialist ECF, a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse. The scheme focuses on the ‘Top of Town’ area, encompassing Chain Street and the sites of the former Oastler and Kirkgate shopping centres. Phase one has now received full approval and will deliver 97 townhouses across Chain Street and the northern section of the Oastler site. The homes will be arranged around new courtyards, landscaped green spaces and a central community green, forming the first step in reshaping the area into a residential neighbourhood. Bradford-based housing association Incommunities has been identified as the preferred funding partner for the first phase, delivering homes for both sale and rent, subject to final legal agreements. Outline planning consent has also been granted for the wider masterplan. This includes more than 700 apartments across the southern Oastler site and Kirkgate, alongside new retail, leisure and business space intended to reintroduce activity and employment into the heart of the city. Demolition of the former Oastler Shopping Centre, which closed last summer, is due to begin shortly and is expected to take around seven months. The 1970s-built Kirkgate Shopping Centre will close later this year, with demolition anticipated towards the end of 2026. Construction of the first phase is scheduled to start this summer, with works expected to last approximately 24 months, marking a significant milestone in Bradford’s city centre renewal. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals