Swansea Waterfront Regeneration to Deliver 140 New Homes and Landmark Aquarium
Plans have been unveiled to transform Swansea’s long-vacant Civic Centre into a vibrant mixed-use waterfront destination, delivering new homes, commercial space and a landmark visitor attraction while preserving one of Wales’ most distinctive examples of Brutalist architecture. Urban Splash has launched a public consultation on proposals to regenerate the prominent seafront site in partnership with Swansea Council. The ambitious redevelopment would see the former civic headquarters repurposed rather than demolished, creating a sustainable new neighbourhood that combines residential, leisure, retail and business uses. At the heart of the proposals are up to 140 new waterfront apartments, complemented by cafés, bars, flexible workspace and approximately 15 commercial units. The scheme would also deliver around 59,000 sq ft of retail and business accommodation alongside a striking 20,000 sq ft aquarium, designed to become a major visitor destination and further strengthen Swansea’s tourism economy. The project is backed by £20 million of UK Government funding and forms a key component of Swansea Council’s wider waterfront regeneration strategy, which aims to reconnect the city centre with Swansea Bay through carefully planned mixed-use development, improved public spaces and enhanced visitor attractions. For the construction and property sectors, the scheme demonstrates the growing importance of adaptive reuse and retrofit-led regeneration. Rather than replacing the existing building, Urban Splash intends to retain and refurbish the Civic Centre using a fabric-first approach that preserves much of the structure’s embodied carbon while extending the life of the building for future generations. Originally completed in 1982 as the headquarters of West Glamorgan County Council, the Civic Centre has remained largely vacant since council operations relocated, leaving one of Swansea’s most prominent waterfront buildings significantly underutilised. By retaining the existing structure, the redevelopment is expected to reduce demolition waste, minimise carbon emissions associated with new construction and make more efficient use of existing materials, aligning with the industry’s increasing focus on sustainable development and whole-life carbon reduction. The proposals also reflect the continued evolution of mixed-use regeneration, where residential accommodation is integrated with employment space, leisure facilities, hospitality and public amenities to create active, year-round communities that support long-term economic growth. A planning application is expected to be submitted later this year following the completion of the public consultation process. If approved, the redevelopment would transform a landmark but underused civic building into a thriving waterfront destination, creating new homes, attracting investment and reinforcing Swansea’s long-term regeneration ambitions while demonstrating how thoughtful refurbishment can unlock the potential of significant existing buildings without the need for wholesale demolition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Works commence on Vivere Cornbrook as landmark tower rises at Manchester Waters
Construction has officially commenced on VIVERE Residences at Cornbrook, a landmark £64.2 million mixed-use development by Forshaw Land & Property Group marking a major milestone in the continued transformation of the Manchester Waters neighbourhood. With enabling works now underway and DOMIS appointed as main contractor, the scheme will deliver 237 luxury apartments, an 88-key VIVERE aparthotel, ground floor commercial space and a range of resident amenities on a prominent gateway site adjacent to Cornbrook Metrolink station. The development will also become the tallest tower delivered to date within Peel Waters’ Manchester Waters masterplan, creating a striking new addition to Manchester’s skyline and reinforcing Cornbrook’s position as an emerging residential and commercial destination between the city centre and Trafford. Through a complex land assembly process, Peel Waters unlocked the opportunity to transform the site at Cornbrook, a key neighbourhood within their wider emerging ‘Manchester Waters’ district, one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects. VIVERE Residences forms part of the wider Manchester Waters vision. The development occupies a strategically important site at the entrance to Pomona Island, the largest neighbourhood within the Manchester Waters masterplan, where Peel Waters is creating a new waterside community featuring new homes, extensive public realm and more than 10 acres of green space. The start on site follows the recent securing of Building Safety Act Gateway 2 approval, together with a £64.2 million development finance facility from Maslow Capital, providing the platform for construction to commence. The scheme will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments alongside five panoramic penthouses, designed to meet growing demand for city-centre living. Residents will have access to a comprehensive amenity offering including a 24-hour concierge, gym, co-working lounge, games room, meeting rooms, private dining facilities, cinema and coffee bar. The accompanying VIVERE aparthotel will form part of Forshaw Group’s new VIVERE hospitality brand, supporting Manchester’s growing visitor economy with high-quality short-stay accommodation in a highly connected location. Lyndon Forshaw, CEO of Forshaw Land & Property Group, said: “Breaking ground at VIVERE Cornbrook is a hugely exciting milestone for us and marks the start of our largest residential development to date. This scheme represents a significant investment in Manchester and reflects our confidence in the city’s continued growth and appeal. “Working alongside Peel Waters and DOMIS, we’re bringing forward a landmark development that will deliver high-quality homes, a premium new aparthotel offering and exceptional resident amenities in one of Manchester’s most exciting emerging neighbourhoods. From thoughtfully designed apartments and penthouses to amenity spaces including wellness, co-working and hospitality facilities, our ambition is to create a destination that sets a new standard for living and staying at Manchester Waters.” James Whittaker, Managing Director at Peel Waters, said: “VIVERE Cornbrook is a landmark project in every sense. As the tallest tower delivered within Manchester Waters to date, it will stand as a powerful statement of confidence in the future of this neighbourhood and Manchester as a whole. “What was once underused brownfield land is being transformed into a vibrant waterfront district that will support thousands of homes, jobs and opportunities over the coming years. The start of construction marks another significant step in turning that long-term vision into reality. “Working alongside Forshaw Land & Property Group and DOMIS, we’re creating more than a building; we’re helping to establish a new destination at the gateway to Pomona Island and continuing the evolution of Manchester Waters into one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects.” Kingsley Thornton, Managing Director of DOMIS added: “VIVERE Cornbrook represents a considerable milestone in the wider Manchester Waters masterplan and the continuation of our strong relationship with Forshaw Land & Property Group. “This is a challenging build on a compact city-centre site, but these are exactly the kind of complex projects DOMIS is known for delivering. Our focus is on bringing the scheme forward safely, efficiently and to the highest possible standard, while maintaining the quality and pace required for a development of this scale. “We’re proud to be working alongside Forshaw and Peel Waters to deliver what will become the tallest tower within the masterplan to date, and a landmark development that will make a lasting contribution to Manchester Waters.” Construction of VIVERE Residencies Manchester is expected to be completed by Winter 2028 To find out more about VIVERE Residencies visit: Vivere Residences – VIVERE Residences | Manchester Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Groundbreaking ceremony marks major milestone for Priory Centre redevelopment
A groundbreaking ceremony in June officially marked the start of the next phase of construction at the multi-million redevelopment of the Priory Shopping Centre on Bridge Street in Worksop. With £17.9 million of UK Government funding, in addition to £2 million from Bassetlaw District Council, the scheme is being delivered by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council, under The Medium Works Framework, which Pagabo manage on behalf of The Education Alliance. Representatives from Bassetlaw District Council, including Leader of the Council Cllr Julie Leigh, joined project partners G F Tomlinson, Pagabo, project managers Beyond Consult, Anotherkind Architects and consultants, Gleeds at the ceremony to celebrate the commencement of construction works following the completion of the demolition phase. The event marked another significant milestone in the transformation of the Priory Centre site, which is set to become a revitalised leisure and retail destination at the heart of Worksop town centre. Enabling works began on site in February 2026, followed by the careful demolition of sections of the existing Priory Centre building. Works were completed while maintaining access to operational retail units and key pedestrian routes through the town centre, ensuring minimal disruption to businesses, residents and visitors. Construction activity is now underway with the shopping centre set to host facilities including a climbing wall, indoor adventure play area and a bowling alley. Further works include public areas being refreshed and the installation of a pedestrian bridge over the Chesterfield Canal, providing a new gateway to the redevelopment and town centre. The redevelopment set to deliver a modern, attractive environment designed to increase footfall, strengthen the town centre offer and support long-term economic growth within the area. Located within the historic market town of Worksop, the project continues to present complex logistical considerations due to its proximity to existing retailers, residential properties and busy access routes. G F Tomlinson has worked closely with the Council and stakeholders throughout the programme to ensure works are delivered safely and efficiently while maintaining public access and business operations. Bassetlaw District Council purchased the site in 2023, with the majority of the £20 million redevelopment funding secured through the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund. The regeneration scheme forms a key part of the Council’s wider ambitions to enhance the town centre and create a destination that better serves local residents, businesses and visitors. Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: “The ground-breaking ceremony represents a proud moment for everyone involved in this transformational project and demonstrates the collaborative working approach that has brought us to this stage. Following the successful completion of the demolition works, it is exciting to see construction now progressing on site and the vision for the future of The Priory Centre beginning to take shape. “As a contractor with a long history of delivering regeneration projects across the Midlands, we understand the importance of developments such as this in supporting local communities and creating lasting economic and social value. Our team has worked closely with Bassetlaw District Council and project stakeholders throughout the planning and early delivery phases to ensure the works are carried out safely and sensitively within this busy town centre environment.” Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: ““We have reached a major milestone in this transformational development that will bring modern leisure and entertainment facilities to our town centre. The change is already remarkable, and the true scale of the project is becoming clear. It is exciting to see the foundations being laid for a new destination that will help to revitalise the high street and compliment the impact we are already making by attracting new businesses and supporting existing retailers.” Elliott Talbot, senior category manager at Pagabo, said: “It’s fantastic to see construction progressing on this important regeneration project following the successful completion of the demolition phase. The redevelopment of The Priory Centre demonstrates the value of strong collaboration between the public sector, delivery partners and the local supply chain to bring ambitious town centre renewal projects to life. Through The Medium Works Framework, we’re proud to support Bassetlaw District Council in delivering a scheme that will create lasting social and economic benefits for Worksop, helping to enhance the town centre experience for residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
elasticStage selects Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead for its advanced manufacturing operations
Prologis has completed a 15-year lease agreement with UK on-demand vinyl platform, elasticStage, for the 53,787 sq ft DC8 unit at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead. The facility will support elasticStage’s continued expansion, enabling the business to scale manufacturing capacity for its UK site to +15 million vinyl records per year. Strategically located, DC8 will provide elasticStage with strong connectivity to London, while also supporting access to other key UK and European markets. The location will underpin the business’ next day delivery offering and facilitate continued growth across its European customer base. Given the highly technical nature of elasticStage’s process, Prologis had to meet highly specific requirements, and careful consideration was given to acoustics, vibration control and temperature regulation to ensure optimal operating conditions. Prologis was able to accommodate all requirements and support the advanced vinyl manufacturing methods. Aligning with elasticStage’s sustainable approach to vinyl production, DC8 is net zero in both its construction and operation and meets Prologis’ BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ targets. The unit has been equipped with a solar PV roof array estimated to generate 107,000 kWh per year, smart LED lighting, with 12 EV charging points onsite. In addition to a 3,864 sq ft office space, DC8 also includes a 7,988 sq ft mezzanine floor, providing room for flexibility and maximising floor space on site. This leasing mirrors Prologis’ recent Logistics Rent Index findings, which found that properties in the South East market remain in high demand, due to their ability to service London effectively, while also reaching wider markets in a cost-effective way. Vail Williams acted for elasticStage and Brasier Freeth for Prologis. Simon Perks, Director, Capital Deployment, Prologis UK, said: “This leasing is a perfect example of the strength held in our South East portfolio and at Hemel Hempstead specifically. As demand for Prologis space continues to grow, we are delighted to have completed this agreement and look forward to welcoming elasticStage to this prime location. As the business looks to scale up global operations, DC8 is the ideal space, offering a strategic location, flexibility, high quality specification and strong sustainability credentials.” Steve Rhodes, CEO, elasticStage, said: “Our new space at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead marks a major moment for elasticStage. We’re growing at pace and need somewhere that can both accommodate our expansion plans and meet our advanced manufacturing requirements. It’s safe to say that the unit’s quality build and sustainability credentials were instantly attractive to us and played a very large role in our final decision. “We are all about providing a bespoke service to our customers and it is great to find a logistics provider that shares this value. We look forward to seeing where this space takes us and what growth is in store for the business.” Cllr Adrian England, Portfolio Holder for Place, Dacorum Borough Council, said: “Prologis Park heralds Hemel Hempstead arrival from the east-side/M1 and is a key asset to our community. As businesses move in, not only is the development creating hundreds of skilled and meaningful jobs, but its recent expansion has enabled more and more innovators to choose Hemel Hempstead as their base for operations. “We welcome elasticStage to the borough and look forward to seeing the development of this truly unique business.” Two further units are available for leasing at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead: 66,419 sq ft DC10 and 60,065 sq ft DC12. Contact Prologis UK for enquiries. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Huws Gray opens new Brick Specialist Centre in Gloucester
Huws Gray, a national building materials supplier providing end-to-end solutions to tradespeople and the DIY market, is pleased to announce the opening of its new Brick Specialist Centre in Gloucester. The new centre strengthens Huws Gray’s specialist brick offer in the Southwest, giving customers access to one of the UK’s most extensive brick ranges, with more more than 700 brick varieties including the Huws Gray Exclusive Brick Range. Designed to support projects of all sizes, from larger developments to smaller builds, the Gloucester Brick Specialist Centre will provide customers with expert advice, a free brick matching service and access to more than 28 million bricks in stock, alongside fast, nationwide UK delivery. Customers visiting the centre will be able to see finishes first-hand, check quality, compare options and speak directly with Huws Gray’s specialist teams, helping them source the right brick solution for their project with confidence. The opening of the Gloucester site forms part of Huws Gray’s continued investment in specialist services across its UK branch network. Customers outside Gloucester can also visit one of Huws Gray’s seven Brick Specialist Centres nationwide to view the Exclusive Brick Range up close and access expert product guidance. Adrian Wallington, Chief Commercial Officer at Huws Gray, commented: “We’re delighted to open our new Brick Specialist Centre in Gloucester, giving customers in the region direct access to an extensive range of bricks, specialist knowledge and practical support for their projects. Bricks are a critical part of any build, and having the ability to see products in person, compare finishes and receive expert advice makes a real difference. ‘’This new centre reflects our commitment to making building better by providing customers with the choice, availability and service they need. It also demonstrates Huws Gray’s long‑term commitment to bricks and the wider brick industry, working closely with major manufacturers to strengthen supply, support innovation and ensure we remain the unrivalled choice for bricks.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
United Infrastructure secures place on SGN framework to deliver the next phase of UK gas network investment
United Infrastructure has been appointed by SGN to help deliver the next phase of investment in the gas network that supplies millions of homes and businesses across Scotland and the South of England. As part of SGN’s GD3 programme – a long-term plan to maintain, upgrade and improve the gas network over the next five years – United Infrastructure has been selected as one of the trusted contractors that will compete to deliver major engineering and construction projects. The programme will see ageing gas infrastructure replaced, networks upgraded to improve safety and reliability, and new infrastructure developed to help support the UK’s transition to a lower-carbon future. United Infrastructure has secured places on both the Design & Build and Mechanical & Civils categories, meaning it can bid for projects ranging from the early design stages through to construction and installation. The appointment builds on the company’s successful relationship with SGN during the previous investment programme and expands the range of services it can provide. Benn Cotterell, Operations Director at United Infrastructure, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected to support SGN’s next investment programme. This appointment reflects the expertise of our people and the trusted relationship we’ve built with SGN over many years. It also gives us the opportunity to support projects from initial design through to construction, helping deliver safe, reliable infrastructure for the communities SGN serves. We’re looking forward to continuing our partnership and helping deliver the improvements that will keep the gas network safe, resilient and ready for the future.” The appointment reinforces United Infrastructure’s position as a trusted infrastructure delivery partner and supports its continued growth across the UK’s utilities sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals