Glencar begins construction on new industrial facility at SEGRO Park Coventry
Design and Build contract will deliver a 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry. Glencar has commenced construction of Unit 3C, a new 91,245 sq. ft Grade A industrial and logistics facility at SEGRO Park Coventry, following its appointment by SEGRO to deliver the purpose-built development. The appointment marks the third project Glencar has delivered for SEGRO, continuing the companies’ ongoing collaboration in the industrial and logistics sector. Located within the 215-acre SEGRO Park Coventry development, south of Coventry Airport, the wider scheme has outline planning permission for up to 3.7 million sq. ft of industrial and logistics accommodation, supporting manufacturing, distribution and warehouse occupiers. The new facility has been pre-let to Volvo Group, which recently announced a £24 million investment in the site to create a new Regional Distribution Centre serving the UK and Ireland. Once operational, the purpose-built facility will feature an automated storage and picking system, supporting faster and more efficient parts distribution across Volvo Group’s UK and Ireland operations. Construction commenced this month and is scheduled for completion in January 2027. Delivered under a Design and Build contract, Glencar’s scope includes the design and construction of the new facility, comprising a 12-metre clear haunch height warehouse, integrated two-storey office accommodation and all associated external works. These include cement-stabilised earthworks, mass fill foundations, below-ground drainage and underground services, a petrol interceptor, rainwater harvesting system, service yards, EV-enabled car parking, landscaping and wider site infrastructure. Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, the development will incorporate photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and energy-efficient building systems, supporting SEGRO’s commitment to low carbon growth. The wider development also incorporates approximately 100 hectares of community parkland, woodland walks, wetlands and landscaped public open space, placing sustainability, biodiversity and occupier wellbeing at the heart of the scheme. Chris Looney, Construction Director at Glencar, said: “We’re pleased to be working with SEGRO once again on another important industrial development. Delivering a third project together reflects the strength of our ongoing relationship and our shared commitment to creating high-quality industrial, manufacturing and logistics facilities that meet the evolving needs of customers and occupiers. Unit 3C will provide Volvo Group with a purpose-built, sustainable facility in a strategically important location, and we look forward to working collaboratively with SEGRO and the wider project team to successfully deliver the project for completion in January 2027.” Sabrina Loyer, General Manager, Service Operations & Technology, Volvo Group UK, said: “The move to Coventry represents a significant investment in the future of our parts distribution network and a key milestone in supporting Volvo Group UK’s continued growth. As customer expectations and operational demands evolve, it is essential that we invest in facilities that provide both the capacity and flexibility needed to support our long-term ambitions.” Once operational, the new Regional Distribution Centre is expected to fulfil more than 1.3 million order lines each year, supporting Volvo Group’s UK and Ireland operations and demonstrating the continued demand for purpose-built industrial facilities at SEGRO Park Coventry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Grosvenor Records Strong Leasing Performance Across Mayfair and Belgravia
Grosvenor has reported a strong first half of 2026 across its prime central London portfolio, completing 58 leasing transactions spanning more than 80,000 sq ft as demand continues to grow for premium retail, hospitality and commercial space in Mayfair and Belgravia. The property company secured £5.4 million in annual rental income through a combination of new lettings and lease renewals, reinforcing the resilience of two of London’s most prestigious mixed-use neighbourhoods. During the six-month period, Grosvenor completed 37 new leases alongside 21 renewals across its retail, hospitality and office portfolio. New agreements were achieved at rents 9.4% above estimated rental value (ERV), while overall leasing activity outperformed expectations by 7.8%. The performance has helped maintain portfolio occupancy at an impressive 97%, with retail vacancy standing at just 2.6%—significantly below the wider West End retail vacancy rate of 12.2%. For the construction and property sectors, the results demonstrate the continued strength of well-managed, mixed-use destinations where long-term investment in public realm, heritage buildings and carefully curated occupier mixes continues to attract businesses despite wider challenges across parts of the retail market. Mayfair has continued to attract leading international and independent brands seeking flagship London locations. Jewellery brand FoundRae has selected Mount Street for its first UK store, while skincare specialist Melanie Grant will open a new clinic at 129 Mount Street. The area’s hospitality offering has also expanded, with Persian restaurant Berenjak opening on Duke Street following the successful arrival of Crisp at The Marlborough on North Audley Street last year. Meanwhile, Belgravia continues to evolve as a destination for independent retailers, restaurants and lifestyle brands. Eccleston Yards welcomed Weezies, a new restaurant from the team behind neighbouring Amie Wine, while London Epicerie is preparing to open on Ebury Street. Elizabeth Street has recently welcomed jewellery designer Sophie Breitmeyer, while Onyx Matcha Club is due to launch on Motcomb Street later this summer. Pimlico Road has further strengthened its reputation as a destination for interiors and design, with new occupiers including auction house Roseberys and antiques specialist Molly Alexander. The latest leasing activity reflects Grosvenor’s long-term strategy of creating vibrant mixed-use neighbourhoods that combine premium retail, hospitality, workspace and high-quality public realm, supporting both commercial performance and the wider appeal of central London. Amelia Bright, Executive Director of the London Estate at Grosvenor, said: “Our strong performance so far this year reflects the value of a long-term approach to stewardship. We actively shape and curate our neighbourhoods, bringing together the right mix of retail, hospitality, workspace and public realm to create places where people and businesses want to be. The strong demand we’re seeing, reflected in our leasing performance, is a direct result of that approach. We’re also seeing more leading international brands choose Mayfair and Belgravia for their first UK locations, reinforcing both the appeal of our neighbourhoods and London’s global reputation. “Mayfair and Belgravia are part of what makes London one of the world’s great cities, and we’re proud of the role we play in helping them evolve. By continuing to invest for the long term, we’re ensuring these neighbourhoods remain vibrant, attract businesses, talent and visitors, and continue to thrive for generations to come.” The results underline the enduring strength of London’s prime mixed-use districts, where strategic placemaking, heritage-led investment and a carefully balanced mix of commercial, retail and hospitality uses continue to drive strong occupier demand and long-term investment confidence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Gateway 2 Approval Unlocks 182 Affordable Homes at Charlton Riverside
A major affordable housing development in Greenwich has taken a significant step forward after Wembley-based Formation Design and Build secured Gateway 2 approval for Hyde’s 182-home scheme at Charlton Riverside. The Eastmoor Street project marks Hyde’s first development to successfully navigate the Building Safety Regulator’s enhanced Gateway 2 process, clearing the way for construction to begin on one of the first phases within the wider Charlton Riverside Opportunity Area. The scheme will deliver 182 affordable homes, with around two-thirds allocated for social rent and the remaining properties made available through affordable home ownership, helping to address the growing demand for high-quality, affordable housing in southeast London. The development represents the first Hyde-led project within Charlton Riverside, where the housing association has planning consent to deliver around 1,200 new homes alongside commercial space, public realm improvements and enhanced connections to the Thames Path. Formation Design and Build worked closely with Hyde throughout the Gateway 2 approval process, coordinating the architectural, structural, fire safety and construction information required to satisfy the Building Safety Regulator’s more rigorous design and compliance requirements. For the construction sector, the successful approval highlights the growing importance of early contractor involvement and integrated project teams in navigating the post-Building Safety Act regulatory environment. Gateway 2 has become a critical milestone for higher-risk residential developments, requiring significantly greater levels of design coordination and technical information before construction can commence. Sean O’Brien, Chief Executive of Formation Design and Build, said: “This approval demonstrates the value of early and close collaboration between Hyde, Formation Design and Build, and the wider project team. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Hyde, as we move into the construction phase and deliver much-needed affordable homes in Greenwich.” The Eastmoor Street development also forms part of the long-term regeneration of Charlton Riverside, one of London’s largest Opportunity Areas. Future phases are expected to deliver up to 8,000 new homes, thousands of new jobs and a mix of commercial, community and public spaces, creating a vibrant new riverside neighbourhood while supporting the capital’s housing and economic growth ambitions. As more higher-risk residential projects progress through the Building Safety Regulator’s approval process, schemes such as Eastmoor Street are helping to establish new benchmarks for design quality, regulatory compliance and collaborative delivery across the UK’s residential construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Flexible planning needed to deliver 31,500 new London student beds
London’s ability to deliver 31,500 new purpose-built student bedrooms over the next decade will depend on boroughs applying the Draft London Plan’s new targets flexibly, according to planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The draft Plan introduces individual purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) targets for London boroughs for the first time, giving local authorities a clearer role in planning where new schemes should be delivered. The approach gives PBSA a clearer place within London’s housing strategy, recognising its role in supporting the capital’s universities and easing pressure on the private rented sector. For the targets to translate into the delivery of new accommodation, boroughs will need to treat them as a basis for delivery rather than a fixed limit, with enough flexibility to respond to changes in student demand, universities’ growth strategies and development viability. Jonathan Hoban, Associate Director in Lichfields’ London office, said: “The introduction of borough-level targets gives local authorities a much clearer basis on which to plan for student accommodation. “PBSA is an important part of London’s housing mix, supporting the capital’s universities while reducing the number of students competing for homes in the wider private rented market. “The key is ensuring that the targets support delivery without becoming an artificial limit. Demand will change over the lifetime of the Plan, so boroughs will need to provide sufficient flexibility to consider suitable schemes where there is clear evidence of demand.” The Draft London Plan requires boroughs to meet local student accommodation needs and create opportunities for new development. PBSA would also continue to contribute towards general housing delivery, with every 2.5 student bedrooms counted as one home. Local plans should, however, avoid relying on a limited number of sites allocated specifically for student housing. Allowing PBSA on a wider range of suitable residential sites would give councils and developers more scope to respond to changing demand. Hoban added: “Student accommodation requirements and development conditions can change more quickly than local plans. A broader approach to site allocation would allow proposals to be assessed against the evidence available at the time, rather than restricting delivery to a fixed list of locations.” The draft policy states that new schemes should generally be within around 30 minutes’ travel of a university campus and have good access to public transport, services and facilities. Boroughs could also introduce policies to manage concentrations of student housing where these affect mixed and inclusive communities. The Plan also proposes greater choice over how PBSA developments contribute towards affordable housing. Developers could provide affordable student rooms, combine a reduced proportion of affordable student accommodation with a payment towards conventional affordable housing, or deliver conventional affordable homes. Hoban said: “The wider choice of affordable housing options is a constructive step. Different sites and operators face different circumstances, and greater flexibility should make it easier to agree an approach that supports delivery and helps meet London’s affordable housing objectives. “The Draft Plan gives PBSA clearer strategic status. The detail will now be important in helping boroughs turn those targets into new accommodation.” The consultation on the Draft London Plan closes at 5pm on 15 October 2026. For more information, visit: https://lichfields.uk/blog/2026/july/27/pbsa-in-london-becoming-a-strategic-housing-target Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BIG YELLOW Expands Newcastle Presence with New Sustainable Self-Storage Development
Big Yellow Self Storage is expanding its footprint in the North East after appointing Caddick Construction as principal contractor for a new purpose-built storage facility in Newcastle, further strengthening investment in the UK’s growing self-storage sector. The design and build project will deliver Big Yellow’s second facility in the city, providing approximately 60,000 sq ft of internal self-storage accommodation across four floors at a prominent site on Scotswood Road. The modern development has been designed to meet the increasing demand for flexible storage space from both domestic and commercial customers, while incorporating a range of sustainable features and high-quality customer facilities. Alongside the storage accommodation, the scheme will include customer loading bays, office and reception areas, staff welfare facilities, car parking, landscaping and associated external works. Sustainability has been embedded into the project from the outset, with roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery energy storage systems forming part of the building’s energy strategy. The development has also been designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, reflecting its focus on environmental performance and operational efficiency. Construction is scheduled for completion in summer 2027. For the construction and industrial property sectors, the project highlights the continued growth of the self-storage market, where operators are investing in purpose-built facilities to meet rising demand driven by changing lifestyles, urban development, business flexibility and the increasing need for secure storage solutions. The appointment also continues Caddick Construction’s strong growth across the North East. Since opening its Durham office in 2025, the contractor has secured projects with a combined value of £127 million, significantly expanding its regional presence. The Big Yellow development further strengthens Caddick’s growing portfolio of industrial and logistics projects, adding to schemes such as Richardson Barberry’s new DPD parcel hub at Newton Aycliffe. As investment continues across the self-storage and industrial sectors, purpose-built developments such as the new Big Yellow facility demonstrate the growing emphasis on sustainable construction, energy-efficient buildings and modern customer-focused environments. The Newcastle scheme will not only expand storage capacity within the city but also contribute to the continued regeneration and commercial investment taking place along the Scotswood Road corridor. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oktra partners with Material Index to bring reclaimed materials into office design, keeping waste out of landfill
Oktra, a leading office design and build company, has partnered with Material Index, a circular economy platform, to reuse office materials rather than sending them to waste. The partnership comes as sustainability becomes a growing part of how businesses plan their workspaces, with planning and accreditation requirements placing more weight on what happens to a building’s materials, not just how the finished space performs. This partnership gives Oktra a new way to support businesses through that shift. From excess waste to a new workspace Construction produces over 60% of all UK waste and accounts for 12–14% of global CO2 emissions, yet only 1% of building components are currently reused. Meanwhile, an estimated £60bn of valuable building assets across the UK and US were reclaimable last year alone. It is this gap between waste and opportunity that Oktra’s partnership with Material Index is designed to close. Under the partnership, materials removed during a fit-out or refurbishment – carpet and ceiling tiles, desks, chairs, appliances and flooring, often still in good condition are catalogued, assessed for reuse and given a second life rather than sent to landfill, redeployed via Material Index’s marketplace of 300+ trade partners. The same principle works in reverse: when specifying materials for new projects, Oktra can source reclaimed and refurbished materials through the marketplace, rather than defaulting to new. Material Index has already audited over 10,000 sqm of floor space across 6 sites in just two months on behalf of Oktra, identifying over 3,000 tonnes of material available for reuse, with an associated carbon saving of 1,000 tonnes (tCO2e). An industry looking to go circular As sustainability credentials play a more central role in workplace design, developers, designers and workspace providers are shifting towards circular principles. City planning requirements and building accreditation schemes like SKA and BREEAM are placing greater emphasis on waste reduction and reuse, while standards such as the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard are pushing the industry to reduce embodied carbon. Together, they mean the design and build industry is increasingly expected to account for what happens to materials long after a project completes, not just how the finished space performs. Jamie Firman, Head of Sustainability & Environmental at Oktra, said: “”A well-designed office doesn’t need to mean brand new. Reuse can become part of how a space’s identity and character are built, rather than a constraint. By extending the same thinking we already apply to workspaces to the materials themselves, we can give furniture, flooring and fittings a life beyond a single lease. As companies look for their office to say something authentic about their values, being able to point to considered, second-life materials adds a genuine layer to that story. Every move or refurbishment is an opportunity to unlock value from existing assets that might otherwise be waste, and reclaimed materials are often more cost-effective and quicker to source than new, adding welcome security to a volatile supply chain.” Of the partnership, Rob Smith, Managing Director of Material Index, said: “We have been working with Oktra now for over 1 year, so it feels good to formalise the relationship with this license agreement. It will bring consistency and structure across the two organisations, allowing Oktra the autonomy to carry out site audits themselves using the MI AI-enabled audit tool, push materials to our marketplace, or bring Material Index in for additional support at a discounted price. Oktra have demonstrated a willingness to embed the circular economy within their organisation and recognised the commercial benefits of doing so. We have run several workshops with the Oktra team, and they have an appetite to start including reclaimed and excess materials in their fit-outs, starting with their Headquarters. Hopefully, with top-tier contractors like Oktra leading the way on reducing waste, others will follow.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals