£100m Housing Opportunity Opens at One Horton Heath Development
Eastleigh Borough Council has launched the search for a design and build contractor to deliver a major new residential phase at its flagship One Horton Heath development in Hampshire, creating one of the largest local authority housing opportunities currently available in the UK. Valued at approximately £100 million, the contract covers the Upper Acre parcel of the 310-acre mixed-use development located to the east of Eastleigh. The successful contractor will be responsible for delivering 424 mixed-tenure homes alongside the supporting infrastructure required to create a sustainable new neighbourhood. The scope of works extends well beyond housebuilding, incorporating the construction of new roads, utilities, drainage infrastructure, landscaping, public open spaces and associated civil engineering works that will support the long-term growth of the wider community. The Upper Acre package represents the second major residential phase within the ambitious One Horton Heath masterplan, which will ultimately deliver around 2,500 new homes together with schools, employment space, community facilities and extensive green infrastructure, creating a significant new settlement for the region. Construction activity is already well underway across the wider development. Wates is currently delivering the first residential phase at the Lower Acre parcel, which comprises 381 new homes, while major infrastructure works serving the overall scheme have either been completed or remain under construction. This investment has established the essential transport, utility and site infrastructure needed to enable subsequent phases to progress efficiently. Planning permission for the Upper Acre development has already been secured following reserved matters approval earlier this year, allowing the procurement process to move forward without delay. Eastleigh Borough Council intends to appoint a contractor in January 2027, with construction expected to commence the following month. The first homes are scheduled for completion in September 2027, while the final properties are anticipated to be handed over by May 2030. For the construction industry, the project represents a significant opportunity across multiple disciplines, including residential construction, civil engineering, highways, utilities, landscaping, building services and public realm delivery. The scale of the development is also expected to generate substantial opportunities throughout the regional supply chain, supporting local contractors, consultants, manufacturers and specialist trades. As local authorities continue to address housing demand through strategic masterplanned developments, One Horton Heath stands as one of Hampshire’s most significant residential-led regeneration projects. The latest procurement marks another important milestone in delivering a high-quality, mixed-tenure community designed to provide new homes, supporting infrastructure and sustainable placemaking for future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Panattoni starts construction of Yorkshire’s only 500,000 sq ft speculative logistics unit
Panattoni, the world’s largest privately owned developer of industrial real estate, has started construction of Panattoni Wakefield 500, a speculative logistics development at Wakefield Europort in West Yorkshire. The development will provide Yorkshire’s only 500,000 sq ft speculative logistics unit and one of the largest immediately deliverable Grade A logistics opportunities in the North of England. The unit is expected to be available for occupation in May 2027. Located immediately adjacent to Junction 31 of the M62, Wakefield 500 benefits from strong onward connectivity to the M1 and A1(M). Wakefield Europort is also home to a high-capacity rail freight terminal, providing occupiers with a direct alternative to road-based distribution. The cross-docked facility will include 15-metre clear internal warehouse height, high specification Grade A offices, 56 dock doors, eight level access doors, yard depths of up to 50 metres, 62 HGV parking spaces, 384 car parking spaces, 79 EV charging points, 50 kN per sq m floor loading, and a 2.5 MVA power supply. The scheme is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, an EPC A+ rating (on the offices), and net zero carbon in construction. Sustainability features will include roof-mounted solar panels, rainwater harvesting, water leak detection, sub-metering of energy consumption, and 15% rooflights to the warehouse. Chris Brown, Development Director at Panattoni, said: “Starting construction at Wakefield 500 is an important milestone for Panattoni and for the Yorkshire logistics market. There is no comparable speculative unit of this scale currently under construction in the region, and we are bringing forward a best-in-class building in a proven distribution location with direct access to the M62, the M1, the A1(M), and rail freight. Large-scale occupiers are focused on resilience, labour, power, sustainability, and the ability to serve major consumer markets efficiently. “Wakefield 500 has been designed around those requirements and will give occupiers a rare opportunity to secure approx. 500,000 sq ft of future-proofed space in one of the North’s strongest logistics corridors.” Daniel Raemy, CEO of Newport by Panattoni, said: “Wakefield 500 represents the type of high-quality logistics investment we are committed to supporting – strategically located at the heart of the prime M62 corridor, future-ready and aligned with occupier demand. As the second UK project in the pipeline of our Newport by Panattoni Fund III, it reflects our continued commitment to building a high-quality logistics portfolio in key strategic locations across the market. The development comes at a time of very limited supply, with no available Grade A warehouse space above 190,000 sq ft in West Yorkshire, underlining the strong demand for large-scale logistics solutions such as this. We believe the scheme is well positioned to attract significant occupier interest and deliver long-term value as part of the pipeline of our Newport by Panattoni investment platform. We look forward to seeing the scheme progress towards completion in 2027.” Panattoni acquired the 23-acre site at Wakefield Europort from Delin Property earlier this year. Colliers, Commercial Property Partners, and Knight Frank have been appointed as leasing agents for Panattoni Wakefield 500. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Middlewood Locks Secures Fresh Funding for 909-Home Expansion
The next phase of the landmark £1 billion Middlewood Locks regeneration has moved a significant step closer following a new funding agreement from the National Housing Bank, paving the way for a major residential expansion in Salford. The government-backed investment will support site preparation, enabling works and detailed design for the latest phase of development, which will deliver 909 new homes across a 10-acre site strategically located between Salford Central railway station and Manchester’s Spinningfields business district. Joint venture partners Scarborough Group International and Metro Holdings are aiming to begin construction early next year, with the first homes expected to be completed and occupied by 2030. The latest funding package increases total lending from Homes England and the National Housing Bank to £84 million. Earlier investment has already supported the successful delivery of 1,306 homes at Middlewood Locks, with all previous loans now fully repaid, demonstrating the scheme’s ongoing commercial success and delivery capability. The fourth phase of the regeneration comprises two substantial residential developments designed to further strengthen this growing mixed-use neighbourhood. Brick Fields Yard will deliver 659 apartments across two striking residential towers rising 27 and 32 storeys. The scheme will feature a landscaped podium garden alongside ground-floor commercial space, creating an active streetscape while providing high-quality amenities for residents. Meanwhile, Lockgate Wharf will introduce a further 250 canal-side apartments overlooking a new half-acre public park adjacent to the historic lock connecting the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal with the River Irwell. The public realm improvements will enhance connectivity while creating attractive waterfront spaces that contribute to the wider regeneration of the area. For the construction industry, the latest phase represents another significant high-rise residential opportunity within Greater Manchester, generating future work across civil engineering, structural construction, building services, façades, fit-out, landscaping and infrastructure. Paul Kelly, Managing Director at Scarborough Group International, described the funding agreement as a major milestone in unlocking the full potential of Middlewood Locks, helping deliver sustainable communities alongside much-needed new housing. A main contractor has yet to be formally appointed for the latest phase. However, Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI), which successfully delivered the previous three residential phases comprising 1,306 homes, is widely expected to be a strong contender following its established track record on the development. As demand for high-quality city-centre living continues to grow across Greater Manchester, the continued expansion of Middlewood Locks reinforces the importance of long-term regeneration partnerships and public-sector-backed investment in bringing forward complex, large-scale residential developments. The latest phase will further strengthen one of the region’s most successful mixed-use regeneration schemes, combining new homes, commercial space, public realm and sustainable urban placemaking within a thriving waterfront community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MoD Reviews £6.6bn Military Housing Maintenance Programme Ahead of Major Procurement
The Ministry of Defence is preparing to reshape one of the UK’s largest public sector property services programmes, with plans to split its next-generation military housing maintenance contracts into separate specialist packages worth a combined £6.6 billion. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which manages the Ministry of Defence’s extensive estate, has launched a market engagement exercise to gather industry feedback ahead of procuring the new Service Family Accommodation (SFA) contracts. The proposed strategy marks a significant departure from the current procurement model. Rather than bundling all maintenance activities into a single contract, the DIO is considering separating planned maintenance and capital regeneration works from day-to-day responsive repairs and maintenance. The move is intended to create greater competition, encourage specialist expertise and provide improved opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the delivery of services. The new contracts will cover the maintenance of military family homes across the UK, including responsive repairs, planned refurbishment programmes, capital improvement works, statutory compliance services and grounds maintenance. Together, the programme represents one of the largest long-term property maintenance opportunities currently being prepared within the public sector. For the construction, facilities management and property services industries, the revised procurement approach could significantly broaden the supply chain, allowing contractors with specialist capabilities in refurbishment, planned maintenance, compliance and building services to compete for dedicated workstreams. The DIO is currently seeking industry feedback on a range of issues, including contract structure, procurement routes, pricing mechanisms, lotting arrangements and preferred forms of contract before finalising its strategy. The proposed contracts are expected to commence in March 2029 and run until February 2036, with options to extend until February 2039, creating a potential 10-year programme of works that will provide long-term certainty for successful delivery partners. A series of supplier engagement activities has already been scheduled, including online briefing events later this month, enabling prospective bidders to contribute to the development of the procurement model before formal competition begins. The preliminary market engagement will help shape the final procurement strategy, with questionnaires due to be submitted by the end of July. Interested organisations have until October to participate in the wider engagement process, while the formal procurement is expected to commence in early 2027. The review reflects the Ministry of Defence’s wider ambition to modernise the management of its residential estate, improve service delivery for military families and create a more flexible procurement model capable of delivering better value, increased innovation and stronger collaboration across the UK’s construction, maintenance and property services sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Approval secured for 408-home development in Stevenage
Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes have secured planning approval for 408 new homes in Stevenage, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of a vibrant new neighbourhood on the town’s eastern edge. The approved Reserved Matters application forms a key part of the wider East of Stevenage masterplan, which will ultimately deliver up to 618 thoughtfully designed new homes alongside a primary school, neighbourhood centre, community facilities, extensive public open space and green infrastructure. The southern phase will provide 408 homes set within tree-lined streets, open spaces and pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods. Designed around three distinctive character areas, the development will reflect the character of Stevenage. At the heart of the development, a neighbourhood hub will bring together local shops, children’s play areas and a mix of contemporary apartments and spacious family homes. Residents will also benefit from enhanced public transport connections, a care home and assisted living accommodation, ensuring a well-connected community where every day needs are met. The Village Quarter will feature traditionally inspired homes set within thoughtfully landscaped streets, creating a distinctive sense of place. Drawing inspiration from the Garden City movement, the masterplan has been designed to create a walkable community where green corridors, an extensive network of walking and cycling routes, and interconnected open spaces encourage active travel and support healthier lifestyles. Sustainability has been embedded throughout the design, with existing woodland, mature hedgerows and public rights of way retained where possible. These natural assets will be complemented by additional tree planting, biodiversity enhancements and sustainable drainage systems, creating a greener, more resilient neighbourhood that supports both wildlife and future residents. Lauren Potter, Development Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, said: “This approval marks an exciting step forward in delivering our vision for Stevenage. We’ve carefully designed this development to be much more than a collection of new homes; it will be a thriving neighbourhood where people can put down roots and enjoy access to green spaces, local amenities and excellent transport connections. “Every aspect of the masterplan has been shaped around creating a strong sense of place, from the landscape-led design and Garden City principles to the wide range of homes and community facilities.” Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are currently building across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. To find out more, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.or www.dwh.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
West Leigh’s expertise at The Chancery Rosewood Hotel takes the win for Commercial Project of the Year at SWA Awards 2026
West Leigh has been awarded Commercial Project of the Year category at the Steel Window Association (SWA) Awards 2026 for its work on the transformation of The Chancery Rosewood Hotel, a landmark restoration of London’s former U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square. Originally designed in the 1950s by renowned Finnish‑American architect, Eero Saarinen, the Grade II‑listed building is a celebrated example of mid‑century modern architecture. Its recent conversion into a luxury hotel, a project led by David ChipperfieldArchitects with interiors by Joseph Dirand, demanded a highly sensitive approach – one that balanced architectural preservation with contemporary performance. Set among the plane trees of Grosvenor Square, the building’s distinctive façade has been carefully restored, with sunlight once again animating the gold‑anodised steel mullions and sculpted stonework that define Saarinen’s original vision. West Leigh’s role centred on the meticulous recreation and restoration of the steel window systems, ensuring visual fidelity while meeting modern standards of durability and performance. Beyond restoration, the project also involved the introduction of new architectural elements, including refined entrance canopies crafted in gold‑toned anodised aluminium. These additions were designed to sit comfortably within the existing architectural language – contemporary in execution yet respectful of the building’s heritage. Behind the retained façades, the structure has been comprehensively rebuilt, with new interventions seamlessly integrated into the historic fabric. The result is a carefully judged synthesis of old and new: a building that retains its mid‑century identity while being redefined for a new chapter of use. The original brass handles were recovered, restored, and adapted by West Leigh to work with contemporary multi-point locking by Steel Window Fittings, ensuring modern performance while staying true to the project’s replication and reuse goals. B310 Hinges were fitted to give the large windows adjustability whilst maintaining the original appearance. Judging the awards, John Ramshaw, Technical Editor of Architecture Today, comments “The Chancery, formerly the United States Embassy in London, is a Grade II-listed building designed by Eero Saarinen and completed in the late 1950s. Conversion of the building into a hotel required a comprehensive refurbishment strategy, with a strong emphasis on retaining and replicating the original façade and fenestration. The brief required the original steel profiles to be replicated with matching sightlines, salvaged materials to be reused, and thermal improvements to be incorporated throughout. A replacement steel window solution was developed using 50TB and 75TB profiles to accommodate varying structural conditions across the building. Frames were designed to closely replicate original sections, with careful adjustments made where required to maintain consistency in appearance. Original brass handles were recovered and refurbished, then adapted to operate a new multi-locking system, with additional replicas manufactured to complete the installation. Decorative elements, including finials and mullions, were removed, restored and reinstated, while all new steelwork was finished in Antu Gold to match the original façade treatment. “West Leigh Steel Windows has delivered a comprehensive and carefully resolved scheme that supports the wider architectural ambition of the project. Consistency of detailing across a large and complex façade has been achieved through a disciplined approach to replication and material reuse. Integration of salvaged components alongside modern performance requirements has been handled with clarity and precision. The result is a scheme that preserves the building’s defining characteristics while preparing it for continued use. A worthy winner.” Andy Bawn, Managing Director, for West Leigh adds “Winning for three consecutive years is an achievement we are incredibly proud of at West Leigh. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship, and passion of our entire team, who consistently strive to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We are especially proud of this project and grateful to John Ramshaw and the SWA for acknowledging the quality and attention to detail that went into its delivery. “Awards such as this inspire us to continue raising the bar and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve, and we look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.” For further information on the Steel Window Association or if you’re interested in becoming a member, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals