From pharma HQ to riverside neighbourhood: 2,300 homes approved for Brentford regeneration site
Plans to transform the former GlaxoSmithKline headquarters in Brentford into a major mixed-use neighbourhood featuring more than 2,300 homes have been approved. Developer Hadley Property Group has secured planning permission for the large-scale redevelopment of the 13-acre site at 980 Great West Road in West London. The scheme will deliver over 2,300 homes across a mix of tenures, with 35% designated as affordable housing. Alongside the residential development, plans include around 330,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, creating a new neighbourhood along the M4 corridor. A key part of the development involves retaining and repurposing two of the main buildings from the former GlaxoSmithKline campus, including its landmark tower. Hadley, which acquired the site three years ago, said the approach will help reduce embodied carbon while allowing the creation of new homes with large balconies, shared amenity spaces and a rooftop conservatory. The reuse strategy is expected to save more than 34,500 tonnes of embodied carbon during the demolition and construction stages. Studio Egret West is leading the redesign of the tower and is also involved in new affordable housing elements and the wider landscaping across the site. More than 60% of the development area will be given over to public realm, including new play spaces, gardens and improved access to the River Brent and nearby Boston Manor Park. The proposals also include around 23,000 sq m of employment space, with flexible units intended for local businesses, markets and community events. Hadley said the project will open up what has historically been a closed corporate campus, introducing a series of distinct areas described as arrival, central, underside and riverside zones designed to reconnect the site with Brentford High Street. One of the more distinctive features of the masterplan is a strip of public space known as the Underside, which will run beneath the elevated M4 motorway. A number of architectural practices are involved in the project, including Haworth Tompkins, Studio Egret West, Metropolitan Workshop and DRMM. The wider project team includes TPS as project manager, Gardiner & Theobald as quantity surveyor and Buro Happold providing MEP services. Andy Portlock, chief executive of Hadley, said reaching planning approval reflected the collaborative approach taken with the local authority. He said the development combines a major retrofit strategy with a strong focus on creating a new community, adding that the scheme will include a range of housing tenures alongside facilities such as a new NHS primary care centre and a technology and innovation hub as part of the emerging Golden Mile district in Brentford. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni strengthens UK platform with nine senior appointments
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned industrial real estate developer, has made nine senior appointments across its UK development, project delivery and investment and finance teams, as the business continues to scale its acquisition and development programme. The appointments, which bring talent from CBRE, Savills, PwC, Chancerygate, Knight Frank, Boreal IM, Montagu Evans and Interpath Advisory, reflect the depth of Panattoni’s current UK pipeline and its confidence in continuing to invest in its people at a time when many across the sector are consolidating their workforces. Last year the company acquired 11 sites, secured 250 acres of land adding five million sq ft to its development pipeline, as well as leasing 2.5 million sq ft of space. That momentum has continued into 2026, with four lease transactions already signed in the first quarter. Development Three appointments have been made across Panattoni’s UK development platform, covering Southern England, London and the North. Alex Selwood joins as Associate Director from CBRE, where he was a Director advising industrial occupiers on their property acquisitions. Based within the Southern England and London team, he will focus on new site acquisitions and leasing activity. Chris Brown joins as Development Director from Chancerygate, where he was focusing on acquisitions in the North of England. He will help lead the expansion of Panattoni’s acquisition and leasing activity across its Northern portfolio. Will Fennell joins as Development Manager, South East and London, from Montagu Evans, where he was an Associate, and will work closely with occupiers on leasing while supporting speculative development across the region. Oliver Bertram, Head of Development (UK) at Panattoni, said: “The scale of our UK pipeline demands a development team with the depth and range to execute across multiple regions simultaneously. Alex, Will and Chris each bring a level of experience and market knowledge that will directly support our ability to move quickly on acquisitions and maintain leasing momentum. The breadth of their backgrounds, from occupier advisory to speculative development, reflects the range of what we are building at Panattoni.” Chris Brown, Panattoni new hire as Development Director, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Panattoni at such an exciting point in its growth. The momentum the business has built over the past few years has been remarkable, establishing itself as the most active industrial developer in the UK and a market leader across multiple regions. It’s a great platform to be part of, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued expansion of the Northern portfolio. Project Delivery Three appointments have been made to Panattoni’s Southern Project Management Team. Phil Beato joins as Project Delivery Director, having previously managed development and repositioning projects across Europe at Boreal IM. Tom Bird joins in the same role from Savills, where he was a Project Management Director. Chris Thrippleton joins as Senior Project Manager from Chancerygate, where he focused on project management for industrial developments. Ian Anderson, Head of Project Management at Panattoni, said: “Delivering at the pace our pipeline now requires means having the right people embedded at every stage of the process, from initial due diligence through to handover. Phil, Tom and Chris strengthen our capacity to do exactly that. Between them they bring experience across complex European development programmes, major project management mandates and industrial delivery at scale, and I am looking forward to what we will achieve together.” Phil Beato, Project Delivery Director, said: “It’s great to join Panattoni and gain a deeper understanding of the development platform from within such a well-respected global business. The scale, quality and ambition of the pipeline is clear to see, and it’s an exciting time to come on board. Having delivered development and repositioning projects across Europe, I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to the team and supporting the next phase of the company’s growth across the UK.” Capital Markets Panattoni has also bolstered its UK capital markets team against a backdrop of renewed investor appetite and activity across the sector. Phoebe Burdett has joined as Capital Markets Analyst from Knight Frank’s London Capital Markets team and will play a central role in capital formation, supporting investor relations and transaction management across the platform. Investment and Finance Two appointments have been made to Panattoni’s finance and investment team, strengthening its capacity to enhance financial structuring, execution and managing an increasingly active development programme. Garrick Pepper joins as Associate Director, Investment and Finance, from PwC, where he led advisory work across M&A and corporate finance transactions. Garrick is an active contributor to the UK property industry and serves on the British Property Federation’s Logistics Committee and Futures Advisory Board. Zachary Atkinson joins as Associate, Investment and Finance, from Interpath Advisory, where he was a Manager in M&A, having previously worked at KPMG. Oliver Choppin, Finance Director at Panattoni, said: “We are delighted to welcome Garrick and Zachary to the team to deepen and broaden our finance and investment function. Their appointments significantly strengthen our capabilities across transaction management, capital deployment and financial operations, ensuring we are well positioned to support the continued growth of the business. As our pipeline continues to expand, building out a best-in-class finance team is critical. These hires reflect our long-term commitment to disciplined growth, strong governance and delivering value for our investors and partners.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Signify launches Brighter Lives, Better World 2030: improving lives, saving energy, preserving resources
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, today launched Brighter Lives, Better World 2030, a new program designed to expand the reach of impactful, energy and resource-efficient lighting to improve lives, save energy, and preserve resources. The program is supported by new initiatives that support customer sustainability ambitions. “Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 is designed to deliver solutions that improve lives, save energy, and make better use of resources – which is exactly what our customers are asking for,” said As Tempelman, CEO of Signify. “It shows that impact and opportunity go hand in hand, as we create real value for society, while building a stronger, more resilient company.” Driving impact where it matters most Focusing on customers’ most pressing challenges, Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 responds to rising demand for efficient, connected and electrified solutions. Addressing increasing demand for electricity1 and volatile pricing, resource scarcity and the need for healthier, safer, more resilient and livable environments – the program transforms the potential of light into meaningful impact. “We’re proud to introduce the third chapter of Brighter Lives, Better World. Our new program builds on the progress of the past decade, remaining fully committed to our 2040 net zero ambition, with new targets that focus on reducing the energy and resource consumption of our customers, while continuing to drive innovations that improve safety & security, health and well-being,” said Maurice Loosschilder, Head of Sustainability at Signify. Benefits beyond illumination Signify continues to expand the role of lighting that is designed to improve quality of life, support more welcoming and productive indoor environments, enhance safety and security in cities and communities, enable more efficient food production, and increase access to solar lighting. Energy efficiency as a growth accelerator Energy efficiency is a powerful enabler of electrification and the energy transition. Through continuous advances in LED and connected lighting, Signify helps customers reduce energy demand, manage costs, and lower emissions. By the end of 2030, Signify commits to: Since introducing the Green Switch program in 2020, Signify has supported over 37,000 projects with cities across the globe, helping over 10,000 local authorities to switch their lighting systems from conventional to connected LED. An expanded Signify Switch program offers guidance on how efficient LED and connected lighting can advance energy and cost savings, and emissions reduction, as well as how to improve the quality of indoor and outdoor light, contribute to street safety and install solar lighting where the grid may not be available. Customers can receive support in choosing the right lighting products, systems, and services, as well as identifying sources of finance and funding. Resource efficiency and circular value To advance the circular economy, Signify will scale durable, upgradable, repairable, and recyclable products, alongside circular services. These solutions are designed for circularity, following a “use less, use longer, use again” framework that aims to reduce the consumption of virgin materials and energy while delivering long-term customer value. Signify Circle revenues will include four categories: These products and services will constitute Signify Circle, a new initiative for professional customers to support their circular economy ambitions. It delivers products, services and business models that are aligned to well-defined circularity criteria, alongside clear and transparent labelling and customer education. “Our customers want products they can trust – that last for a long time and can adapt to their changing needs,” said Sophie Breton, President, Professional Business, Europe at Signify. “Signify Circle will help our professional customers in Europe to make informed choices about the products and services they need to support their circular economy ambitions.” Built on a foundation of responsible business Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 is underpinned by Signify’s long-term commitments to low nature-impact manufacturing, inclusive workplaces, fair working conditions throughout the value chain, and expanding access to lighting for underserved communities – ensuring growth is built on transparency, inclusiveness and respect for human rights. Progress on Signify’s Brighter Lives, Better World 2030 program will be reported on a quarterly basis, in line with the company’s financial results. 1 “Global electricity demand is set to grow by over 3.5% a year to 2030” Data just released from IEA https://www.iea.org/news/global-electricity-demand-is-set-to-grow-strongly-to-2030-underscoring-need-for-investments-in-grids-and-flexibility?utm_content=buffer98608&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
First 30 homes handed over on iconic £36m Port Loop scheme in Birmingham
The first 30 homes on a high-profile £36m urban development scheme in Birmingham have been handed over – ahead of schedule. Keon Homes, working in partnership with sister company Cameron Homes, has completed the two and three-bedroom homes on Icknield Port Loop development for housing association partner Midland Heart, with many residents already settling in. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the thoughtful design of the homes, the sense of community taking shape, and the smooth move‑in experience. It marks an important milestone for Phase 3 of the scheme, which will eventually see the construction of 124 properties, a mix of different size homes and a small apartment block that straddles the canal corner. All homes are being designed to be sympathetic to the heritage of the site and will be spacious and zero carbon ready, incorporating electric heating, hot water heat pumps and generating localised electricity through solar panels. They will utilise sustainable timber frame construction methods and the first 30 properties all feature sawtooth roofs – a hat tip to an industrial past. Matt Beckley, Partnerships Director at Keon Homes, commented: “Port Loop was a real statement urban regeneration scheme for the local authority, yet hasn’t been without its challenges with two developers entering administration before they could start Phase 3. “We came in and promised to build the 124 properties on time and to the highest standards and this first handover, ahead of schedule, reaffirms that commitment.” He continued: “More importantly, we have delivered thirty much-needed affordable homes to individuals and families, giving them the opportunity to start new lives and form the beginning of new communities. That’s what this scheme is all about.” Icknield Port Loop is the latest in a long line of successes for Keon Homes, who secured a record £60m year in 2025. The company has evolved into one of the Midlands’ fastest growing affordable developers and a business that thrives on delivering complex projects that predominantly bring brownfield sites back to life. There is a big focus on ensuring projects leave a legacy to the region, both in the fabric of the design, the creation of new communities and the economic boost to a supply chain that is 90% based within a 25-mile radius of the scheme. “Our mantra is ‘to do the right thing’ and this was put in place by the founding directors in 2017,” added Matt. “We can only consistently deliver schemes ahead of schedule if you have the right supply chain in place, with transparent communications, trust and collaboration at the heart of the relationship. “Port Loop is the perfect example of this in action. We’re utilising building experts and sub-contractors that are predominantly based within the West Midlands and have worked with us on numerous schemes before. In fact, last year we invested £48m with our suppliers.” He continued: “Developing the next generation of construction professionals is also important to us. This isn’t marketing rhetoric, this is reflected in the fact we are employing 15 apprentices directly or indirectly on this landmark scheme.” Port Loop is the fifth scheme Keon Homes has developed in partnership with Midland Heart, following completion of Booth’s Lane and ongoing works at Holyhead Road, Bulkington and Phase 3D of Port Loop. Midland Heart’s ambitious development programme has delivered 4,000 new affordable homes over the past five years, with a further 2,250 set to be built and handed over by 2030. Joe Reeves, Deputy Chief Executive at Midland Heart, said: “Port Loop is an important regeneration project for Birmingham, and we’re delighted to see the first homes completed and handed over to tenants. “These properties reflect our commitment to delivering sustainable, well‑designed places where people can thrive. As the wider scheme progresses, we look forward to welcoming many more families into this growing neighbourhood of high‑quality, affordable homes.” For further information, please visit www.keonhomes.co.uk or follow the company on its social media channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK property management sector set to approach £38bn as demand for professional management grows
The latest analysis by property management specialist, Rushbrook & Rathbone, shows that the UK’s property management services sector is continuing to expand in scale, with total market revenue expected to approach £38bn in 2026, as landlords increasingly rely on professional support to navigate a more complex and compliance-heavy rental landscape. Rushbrook & Rathbone analysed the current market size of the UK property management sector based on total industry revenue, assessing how the market has performed over the past year and what level of growth is forecast in 2026. After experiencing a slight contraction in 2024, when the estimated market size fell by 1.7% to £36.25bn, the sector has since rebounded strongly. Market size based on revenue increased by 4.1% in 2025, pushing the market size to £37.7bn, with this figure having increased by 26% over the last decade. Further growth is also forecast in 2026, with this figure set to climb by a further 0.7% to just shy of £38bn. The growth of the sector reflects the increasingly operational nature of managing rental property within the UK. Compliance obligations, maintenance coordination, tenant management and financial oversight have all become more demanding, placing greater pressure on landlords to ensure their properties are managed professionally and in line with regulatory requirements. With almost four decades of experience within the sector Rushbrook & Rathbone’s highlights three key pressures that are driving greater reliance on professional management services: resourcing constraints, regulatory complexity and the operational demands of managing larger property portfolios. Many landlords manage rental property alongside full-time careers or other business commitments, leaving limited time to oversee tenant relationships, maintenance works and financial administration. Professional management companies provide dedicated teams responsible for managing these day-to-day operational demands. At the same time, the regulatory framework surrounding the private rented sector has expanded significantly in recent years. From safety certification and deposit compliance to licensing requirements and evolving tenant rights legislation, the risk of costly mistakes for self-managing landlords has increased considerably. Operational scale is also becoming an important factor. As portfolios grow, so too do the demands of coordinating contractors, monitoring compliance deadlines, managing tenant communication and maintaining accurate financial reporting. Professional management services allow these processes to operate in a structured and scalable way. Roma Sharma, Managing Director of Rushbrook & Rathbone, commented: “Managing rental property today involves far more than collecting rent and arranging the occasional repair. The sector has become increasingly operational and compliance driven, with landlords needing to navigate complex legislation, coordinate maintenance and contractors, maintain accurate records, and respond to tenant needs often around the clock. As a result, professional management is increasingly being viewed not as an optional layer, but as an important part of protecting both the asset itself and the landlord’s time. What we are seeing is a gradual shift in how property management is perceived, particularly among portfolio landlords and investors who recognise the value of having structured systems, specialist expertise and reliable contractor networks in place to support the long-term performance of their assets.” Data Tables and Sources View full data tables and sources online here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Industrial leaders ready to invest in flexible, electrified operations, Siemens study finds
Almost two-thirds of industrial sector leaders see electrification as the most effective lever to achieve net zero targets (65 percent) Most plan to use demand-side flexibility mechanisms to optimize energy use (59 percent) 63 percent view digitalization as a critical enabler of the energy transition However, nearly two-thirds (63 percent) say policy uncertainty is a growing threat to the success of the energy transition According to new research, industrial organizations are showing renewed momentum in decarbonizing their operations, with power grid investment, demand-side mechanisms, and digitalization emerging as the strongest levers for progress. The Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor, which surveyed 1,400 senior executives, finds that almost two-thirds of industrial leaders (65 percent) see electrification as the most effective lever to achieve net zero targets, with additional progress already accelerating onsite renewable usage, and decarbonizing core operations. The proportion of organizations that are mature or advanced in onsite renewable energy production has risen to 42 percent, and in decarbonization of core operations to 38 percent – both up from 27 percent in 2023. At the same time, demand-side flexibility is gaining traction as a practical way to cut emissions and energy costs by shifting consumption according to market conditions. Nearly six in ten (59 percent) industrial organizations plan to use their energy assets to benefit from flexibility mechanisms, and 45 percent say their efforts are already mature or advanced. Digitalization is underpinning these advances, with 63 percent of industrial leaders viewing it as a critical enabler of decarbonization, particularly through smarter energy management and AI-driven optimization. More than half believe better data sharing between energy producers and consumers would improve both efficiency (56 percent) and resilience (58 percent) of the overall system. Yet to maintain this momentum, companies need a clearer policy environment. Almost two thirds (63 percent) say policy uncertainty is now a growing threat to the energy transition, 60 percent report that regulatory uncertainty discourages private sector investment in renewables, and 57 percent say uncertainty about the future energy system is delaying clean energy investment. Matthias Rebellius, Managing Board Member of Siemens AG and CEO of Smart Infrastructure, said: “Industrial companies are proving that sustainability and competitiveness can advance together. They are investing in electrification, flexibility and digital technologies that deliver results today. What they need now is long-term policy clarity and supportive regulations to plan ahead with confidence and accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient operations.” About the Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor:The Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor is a biennial study commissioned by Siemens, surveying 1,400 senior executives and government representatives in 19 countries across energy, buildings and industries. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals