Vistry and Homes England complete deal to deliver 229 new homes and 12 commercial spaces on the edge of Weston-super-Mare
Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has secured planning consent for 229 new homes and the first phase of the high street (12 commercial spaces) at Locking Parklands, a strategic development led by Homes England. The Vistry phases form part of the wider Locking Parklands masterplan, which will ultimately provide around 2000 homes (subject to planning permission) on the former RAF Locking site, alongside commercial spaces and community facilities. Vistry’s development will include a mix of homes and deliver 50% affordable housing, supporting local needs and creating a sustainable, inclusive community. Susan Scholfield, Regional Managing Director of Vistry Bristol, said: “We’re delighted to be contributing more than 200 new homes to the wider Locking Parklands regeneration site. With 50% of our homes to be offered in affordable tenures, we’ll be able to make a significant contribution to the area’s affordable housing supply whilst also providing local people with a range of housing choices.” Sam Gammon, National Disposals Lead of Homes England, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Vistry on these important phases at Locking Parklands. Delivery of these phases will see the areas between the completed primary school, secondary school and GP surgery filled with homes, jobs and amenities that will form a vibrant village centre at the heart of Locking Parklands and the wider Parklands Village.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Flex office giant Landmark becomes ‘Elementa Workspace’
The new brand positioning and name for the flex office provider reflect its holistic and science-led approach to the market and its objective to deliver a tangible, positive impact on the occupants of its buildings. Landmark Space, a leading UK flex office provider, today announced it will become Elementa Workspace. The new brand positioning and name reflect the operator’s holistic and science-led approach to the flex office market. The 30 buildings currently carrying the Landmark name or its sister brand, The Space, will transition to the Elementa identity over the next 12 months, beginning with its new website, elementaworkspace.com, now live. “For over 25 years we have known we are different to the rest of the industry, but now our brand reflects the difference we make,” says Ed Cowell, Elementa Workspace CEO. “The flex office space industry is not about flex office space at all; it’s about the positive, measurable impact we have on our customers’ business performance and the people who drive it. Elementa runs workplaces as a system – designed around how people work, operated to consistent standards, and continuously improved through evidence. We call this Science at Work.” A business catalyst In an era where businesses are navigating hybrid working norms, talent retention challenges and fast-changing expectations around wellbeing and productivity, Elementa exists to close the gap by building workspaces that are continually measured and improved. Catalyst is Elementa’s client feedback system – surveying clients on a rolling basis, with responses reviewed and acted on within 48 hours. Henry Horsfall, Chief People and Operations Officer, says, “We analyse responses to identify trends across the wider client base, so issues are addressed early rather than waiting for them to surface. Together with our customised journey mapping platform, through which we measure the client experience across more than 150 touchpoints, Catalyst is how Science at Work translates from philosophy into daily practice.” 1 Great St Helen’s Examples of this in practice can be seen at Elementa’s newest building, 1 Great St Helen’s, which includes acoustic and audio-privacy benchmarks that govern partitioning and layouts, a dedicated conferencing floor, gym and studio space, and access to a productivity-enhanced library space for frictionless working. Set across 12 floors and 52,000 sq ft, the building will be the first to be named Elementa from opening. The operator’s existing portfolio – including its flagship buildings 125 Old Broad Street, 110 Bishopsgate, 75 Grosvenor Street and Wogan House – will transform into the new Elementa identity, while its social media and communications channels will also transition to the new name. In their element Elementa’s 25-year heritage in this innovative thinking has led to retention rates of more than 80 per cent and an independently verified NPS score of +63, which has improved for 10 consecutive years. Recognised as excellent by Bain & Company, this score places the organisation among the highest performers for customer advocacy. The name Elementa reflects the hundreds of individual elements – touchpoints, standards, behaviours and environments – that the team optimises every day across its portfolio. These are organised around four pillars: performance, progress, partnership and people – an approach the business calls ‘Science at Work’. Tom Sleigh, Property Director comments, “A place you work is very different to a place you work better. That is what Elementa and ‘Science at Work’ is all about, and where 1 Great St Helen’s will set new standards.” Kate Cox, Chief Revenue Officer, adds, “AI and technological transformation have accelerated the pace of evolution among the British SME community. It’s essential that these progressive businesses have access to an infrastructure that is capable not just of keeping up with the pace of change but catalysing it, and this is where Elementa leads the conversation.” For more information on 1 Great St Helen’s, the Elementa rebrand and Science at Work, visit elementaworkspace.com. 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
Esh completes key Riverside Sunderland regeneration projects
Esh Construction has completed two major projects for Sunderland City Council, marking significant milestones in the ongoing Riverside Sunderland regeneration programme. Delivered in partnership with Sunderland City Council, the schemes have transformed key areas of the city’s riverside environment, improving connectivity, enhancing public spaces and supporting the long-term vision for Sunderland’s continued growth. At Sheepfolds, Esh has completed a public realm scheme surrounding the Stadium of Light and Sheepfolds Stables, creating high-quality pedestrian infrastructure and strengthening connections between the city centre, the Stadium of Light and the wider Sheepfolds development area. Esh has also completed its work at Riverside Park – a major new green space being delivered as part of the wider Riverside Sunderland masterplan – where the Southern Gateway and Kingsley Gardens have been transformed. The Southern Gateway public realm connects the Farringdon Row neighbourhood and Riverside multi-storey car park, with the new Sunderland Strategic Eye hospital, Vaux housing development, and central business district. Steven Garrigan, Divisional Director at Esh Construction, said: “The completion of both the Sheepfolds public realm scheme and our Riverside Park work represents another proud milestone for Esh in Sunderland and reinforces our long-term commitment to supporting the city’s regeneration ambitions. “While the projects are very different in nature, they share a common goal of creating high-quality places that enhance connectivity, celebrate local heritage and provide lasting benefits for the community. Together, they demonstrate how investment in public realm and green infrastructure can support wider regeneration and help attract people to live, work and spend time in the city.” A central feature of the Sheepfolds project is a new pedestrian overpass constructed above the site’s historic cobbled wagonway. The works have included the restoration of the former industrial route while integrating it into a modern, accessible thoroughfare, providing a direct link between the Stadium of Light, Sheepfolds Stables and Keel Square, with onward access to the city centre. Alongside the overpass, the project has delivered enhanced pedestrian and cycle routes through the installation of natural stone paving, new trees and landscaping, and critical infrastructure including sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) to support future phases of development. The Sheepfolds site was temporarily opened during the summer to help facilitate crowds attending the 2026 Women’s Rugby World Cup, providing an early opportunity for visitors to experience the improved public realm. Just a few minutes’ walk over the River Wear from Sheepfolds, situated between the Riverside multi-storey car park and new Sunderland Strategic Eye Hospital, the Southern Gateway includes a new park entrance, attractive landscaped spaces, ponds, and social areas designed to increase biodiversity and encourage public use. Kingsley Gardens has been developed as a community growing space, providing opportunities for healthy living and social interaction. With both sites handed back to Sunderland City Council, work is now focused on readying the new spaces for public use in the coming weeks. Cllr James Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Business, Housing and Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see work complete on the next phase of Riverside Sunderland, which will see the opening of the first phase of our stunning new city park and further enhance the area around Sheepfolds and the Stadium of Light. “Over the coming months and years, Riverside Sunderland is set to see hundreds of new homes, the national esports arena and new retail and leisure units rise from the ground and the completion of these critical infrastructure projects mark the latest milestone in the ongoing transformation of the city.” Across the projects, Esh has reinvested £2.5 million into the local economy through supply chain spending and generated additional social value through local employment, apprentice opportunities and community initiatives. Two Sunderland apprentices worked across the projects, while the team additionally supported a Council-led Riverside clean-up initiative. Esh also provided donations of £2000, £750 and £250 to Expo Sunderland, Hopewood Park and children’s charity Love, Amelia respectively. The completion of these projects further strengthens Sunderland’s growing reputation as a destination for investment, leisure and recreation while supporting the wider regeneration of the riverside for future generations. To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Principle expands into the North West with new Manchester office opening
One of the UK’s fastest-growing property management specialists has opened a new base in central Manchester, marking its concerted expansion into the region. Principle, which employs 115 people across the UK and at existing locations in Birmingham and London, has invested more than £300,000 into its 111 Piccadilly office and the recruitment of four sector specialists to spearhead its roll-out. This includes the high-profile appointment of Matt Kirk as Property Director for the North West, who brings twenty years of residential property management experience to the role. Previously responsible for building Rendall & Rittner’s Northern operation from the ground up, his focus will be on establishing a strong local team and Manchester portfolio that will see it manage over 5000 homes by 2028. Joe Jobson, Joint Managing Director at Principle, commented: “Manchester boasts outstanding buildings, a growing residential market and real opportunities to make a difference to both clients and residents. “We know from working in Birmingham and London how important it is to have a local presence on the ground, so the decision to open a dedicated offer in the North West was a natural one to make. “Taking office space in central Manchester puts us right at the heart of life in the city and we have ambitious targets to grow revenue in the region to £2.5m within three years.” Principle provides comprehensive property management services to developers, freeholders, RMC directors, for block management and open spaces. Founded in 2018 with the mission to deliver ‘property management, properly done’, the company has grown to over £9m annual revenues, looking after more than 26,000 units, including high-profile schemes at York and Nottingham Terrace, Charlesworth House and Portman Towers in London. Whilst the focus is on residential contacts, there has also been several wins in the commercial space recently, such as 12 St George Street in Mayfair. Matt Kirk, Property Director for the North West, continued: “I’m really excited about this new opportunity with Principle and we are already gaining traction in the region, with a new instruction on Urban Splash’s Albert Mill conversion in the heart of Manchester. “We are really pleased with this early show of faith and look forward to working with the residents to positively impact their homes and their community and, in doing so, grow our reputation locally”. Brett Williams, Managing Director of Principle, concluded: “This office is an important milestone for our business. We’ve taken the time to find the right person to lead our growth in the North West, and now we have the right base to support him and the team he’s quickly building. “The Piccadilly office will manage a growing portfolio of residential and mixed-use developments across Manchester and the wider region, with the company continuing to win new contracts through its existing offices in Birmingham and central London. “We understand that the landscape of property management is ever changing. Our role has never been about bricks and mortar but about the people in the communities we service and the positive impact we can have on their everyday lives. This is the vision and commitment we are bringing to Manchester and beyond.” For further information, please visit www.principleestate.co.uk or follow the company 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