Orion and Helical achieve practical completion of prime City office scheme at 100 New Bridge Street
Helical plc and a vehicle managed by Orion Capital Managers have reached practical completion on the repositioning of 100 New Bridge Street, delivering a 195,000 sq ft best-in-class office scheme in the City of London. Located between Blackfriars and Farringdon stations, the landmark building has been transformed into a carbon-friendly workplace designed to meet growing occupier demand for high-quality, sustainable office space in central London. Designed by Gensler and delivered by Mace, the project has retained and upgraded much of the original structure, demonstrating how existing commercial buildings can be reimagined rather than replaced. The redevelopment introduces a striking new façade, 30,000 sq ft of additional net internal area and 9,690 sq ft of terraces across four floors, offering views towards St Paul’s Cathedral and across central London. Sustainability has been central to the scheme. Around 90% of the original structure has been retained, with materials reused, repurposed or donated where possible. As a result, the project’s embodied carbon is tracking 61.4% below the Greater London Authority benchmark for offices. The all-electric building has also achieved strong environmental and wellbeing credentials, including BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5-star and WELL Platinum ratings. The milestone follows the completion of the forward sale of the property to State Street on 20 May 2026. The deal, first announced in April 2025, saw the building sold for State Street’s own occupation at a net price of £333m, representing a Helical share of £166.5m. The transaction reflects a capital value of £1,712 per sq ft, or around £2,000 per sq ft on a topped-up basis, based on a capitalisation yield of 5% after deducting corporate sales costs and a notional rent free period. Proceeds from the sale will be used to repay the amount drawn under the £155m development facility, with surplus funds distributed to the joint venture partners under the terms of the agreement signed in May 2024. Matthew Bonning-Snook, Chief Executive Officer of Helical, said the completion marked “a significant milestone” for the project, describing 100 New Bridge Street as a future-focused workplace that highlights the potential of existing assets to meet modern occupier expectations while supporting carbon reduction. Aref Lahham, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Orion Capital Managers, said the project had created value through repositioning and forward selling in a supply-constrained market, reinforcing Orion’s focus on opportunities driven by clear demand and strong asset execution. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer begins construction on landmark £340m automated food distribution centre
Marks & Spencer has begun construction on its new state‑of‑the‑art automated National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire, marking a major milestone in the company’s £340 million investment to modernise and future‑proof its food supply chain. To mark the start of the build, Michelle Elliman, from M&S Rugby store joined Kevin Bennett, CEO of Gist (M&S Food’s logistics arm), Stuart Andrew, MP for Daventry and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and Prologis for an on-site for a steel‑signing ceremony. The steel‑signing event recognised the start of construction on the 1.3 million sqft facility, celebrating the largest supply chain investment in M&S history and a major step toward doubling the size of the Food business. The site will significantly increase capacity, reduce long‑term cost to serve, and improve product availability for customers. Over 200 M&S Food stores will be serviced by the new DC, supporting colleagues with faster deliveries and simpler stock and fill processes, so they can spend more time with customers on the shop floor. Kevin Bennett, who leads M&S Food’s logistics arm said: “Starting the build on this site marks a major step in transforming M&S into a true destination for the weekly shop, with a modernised supply chain at the heart of that ambition. This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our long‑term cost to serve, and improve product availability so customers get the right products in the right place at the right time. “With construction underway, this new site strengthens our network and puts us ahead of the volume curve as we build a bigger, better food business. By deploying the latest proven automation, we’re future‑proofing our operations and UK retail logistics, while creating 1,000 permanent jobs on site.” Stuart Andrew, MP for Daventry and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “I welcome the investment by Marks & Spencer into the new distribution centre in Daventry. It was great to visit the impressive site and meet the people involved and learn about the future plans for the centre. This area has for a long time been at the heart of the UK’s logistic network and this investment shows confidence in the local people and businesses.” James Hemstock, Vice President of Capital Deployment at Prologis UK, said:“This construction milestone reflects the incredible strength of collaboration behind this project. Working closely with M&S, Gist, Winvic and West Northamptonshire Council, this project from the outset has been shaped by a shared commitment to quality, sustainability and long-term value.” The new NDC will use advanced automation to boost efficiency, accuracy and ease of restocking, including pallet cranes, high‑speed shuttles and hands‑free picking. It is designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating, with sustainability features such as recycled materials, rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting, EV charging and a dedicated vehicle maintenance unit. This investment supports M&S’ supply chain transformation, store rotation and renewal, and digital and technology plans, aiming for 420 larger Food stores and a more productive set of 180 full‑line stores by 2027/28. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Buxton Set for £100m Town Centre Transformation
Plans have been submitted for a major £100m-plus regeneration of The Springs shopping centre in Buxton, paving the way for a new residential-led neighbourhood in the heart of the Derbyshire town. Developer Capital&Centric is working with High Peak Borough Council to bring forward the transformation, which would replace the existing shopping centre with a mixed-use scheme designed to reconnect the town centre, improve public space and support long-term investment. The proposals include 332 homes for rent, made up of a mix of townhouses and apartments. The development will also provide space for bars, shops and cafés, helping to create a more active and vibrant destination for residents, visitors and local businesses. A key part of the scheme is the improvement of routes through the town centre, including a better pedestrian connection from Buxton railway station. Plans also include new public squares, riverside spaces, additional greenery and a feature lift serving the station entrance, making the area more accessible and welcoming. Capital&Centric said the latest plans have been shaped to include a wider housing mix, more landscaping and two new public toilet blocks. Residents will also have access to shared amenities including a gym, mini cinema and co-working space, reflecting the developer’s focus on creating neighbourhoods that combine homes, community and lifestyle. The design approach takes inspiration from Buxton’s historic character, with colonnades, bay windows, limestone and gritstone proposed to echo the town’s architectural heritage while delivering a modern new quarter. John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “There’s a real opportunity here to create something that celebrates Buxton’s heritage and character while also giving the town centre the revitalisation it deserves. “We can’t wait to get spades in the ground and make this vision a reality.” High Peak Borough Council previously acquired The Springs shopping centre after securing £6.6m from the Government’s Future High Street Fund and committing £4.2m of its own funding. If approved, the scheme would mark a significant step forward for Buxton, delivering new homes, stronger town centre connections and a renewed public realm designed to support the town’s future growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Carnaby Street set to welcome Eme Studios set for UK debut
Shaftesbury Capital has announced the signing of streetwear brand Eme Studios, set to open at 57 Carnaby Street. The arrival will mark the brand’s UK debut and its first permanent store outside of Spain. Eme Studios was born in Spain in 2018, inspired by modern streetwear aesthetics and culture. The brand currently operates physical locations in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, and trades online in over 100 countries. The new 1,500 sq ft Carnaby Street store will feature a refined collection of men’s, women’s, and unisex pieces, including knitwear, jackets, and other apparel. The chic and timeless interior will translate the brand’s signature aesthetic, fostering a sense of exclusivity. The brand’s decision to enter the UK market with a first-ever bricks-and-mortar store reflects Eme Studios’ strategic expansion, targeting Soho for its reputation as a world-famous shopping and cultural hub, and successful launchpad. Eme Studios follows in the footsteps of several international brands that started their UK journey in Soho, including the likes of Adidas Originals, Axel Arigato, Autry, and Alohas. William Oliver, Director of Retail & Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Carnaby Street is a timeless, iconic destination that offers the ideal environment for digitally native brands to start physical retail journeys in the UK. Eme Studios complements our existing brand mix at the southern gateway into Carnaby Street, with its culture-driven clothingmatching consumer demand. Given the success of Edikted, TALA, Sheep Inc, and other digitally native brands, it is clear why Carnaby Street and Soho continue to be first-choice for these best-in-class retailers.” Gabriel Morón, Co-Owner of Eme Studios, commented: “Expanding into the UK has always been a goal for us, so securing a location that aligned with our vision was crucial. Carnaby Street offers a global platform and attracts the type of audience that resonates with our uniqueaesthetic. The success we have seen both online and in Spain has demonstrated the brand’s long-term potential, and establishing a presence in Soho is instrumental in solidifying our position in one of the most competitive retail markets.” Eme Studios will sit at the Southern gateway of Carnaby Street, joining other high-calibre brands, Farm Rio, TALA, and the recent addition of Edikted. The new 4,800 sq ft store for the latter also marked a UK debut, and first location outside of the US, bringing its signature street-style and runway-inspired womenswear to the heart of Soho. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fuse Energy acquires 20MW solar farm from Caerphilly County Borough Council to power 6,000 homes and accelerate grid flexibility
Savills Earth Capital Advisory (SECA) has advised Caerphilly County Borough Council (Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili) on the sale of Cwm Ifor Solar Farm, a fully consented 20MW solar project located near Caerphilly, South Wales, to Fuse Energy, one of the UK’s fastest-growing energy suppliers, for an undisclosed sum. The project is expected to connect to the grid in December 2026, with the potential to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 6,000 homes annually. Cllr Amanda McConnell, Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, says, “This agreement is an important step in tackling the climate emergency and increasing renewable energy in Caerphilly. The Cwm Ifor Solar Farm could power around 6,000 homes with clean electricity, while supporting a more flexible and resilient energy system. We’re pleased to be working with Fuse Energy to bring this project forward and deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits for our communities.” Henry Grant, Director, Savills Earth Capital Advisory, comments, “We’re pleased to have supported the Local Authority with this transaction. Investor appetite for solar remains strong as these projects continue to play a critical role in accelerating the UK’s transition to a low carbon energy system.” The acquisition expands Fuse Energy’s growing renewable portfolio with a current 1GW pipeline across solar and wind projects. It follows the company’s strategy to integrate generation, infrastructure, and supply under one roof, aimed at reducing costs passed onto the consumer and improving energy system efficiency. Fuse Energy plans to develop Cwm Ifor using in-house engineering, procurement and construction. A previous solar project was recently completed by the company at a 30% lower cost per MW peak than industry average. The Cwm Ifor Solar Farm project marks a significant step in scaling Fuse Energy’s renewable generation portfolio and advancing a lower-cost energy system in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Tower Hamlets Lines Up £500m Housing Upgrade Programme
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is preparing to launch a major £500m housing works programme, aimed at improving homes, strengthening compliance and delivering long-term investment across its residential estate. The east London council has placed contractors on alert ahead of a formal procurement process expected to begin this summer. The programme will support Tower Hamlets’ wider capital investment plans and is set to cover a broad range of major works, including housing refurbishments, fire safety improvements and essential building upgrades. The council plans to divide the programme into eight major contracts, creating a substantial pipeline of work for contractors with experience in residential refurbishment, compliance-led improvements and estate renewal. The scope is expected to include fire-prevention installations, electrical upgrades, plumbing works and wider overhaul projects across the borough’s housing stock. Initial contracts are expected to run from October 2027 to November 2031. However, the framework could be extended in phases through to 2041, creating the potential for a 14-year delivery programme. This would provide Tower Hamlets with a long-term route to procure planned investment works while giving the market greater visibility over future opportunities. Tower Hamlets is expected to use the Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023. The approach allows more flexibility in the procurement process, including scope for dialogue and negotiation with bidders during the tender stage. This could help the council shape contract delivery around its estate requirements, compliance priorities and value-for-money objectives. A procurement launch briefing has been scheduled for 10.30am on 16 June at Tower Hamlets Town Hall in Whitechapel. The event will give interested firms an overview of the proposed procurement structure, the council’s housing stock profile and the indicative scope of the contracts. The formal tender notice is currently expected to be issued on 3 August. The programme represents a significant opportunity for contractors operating in housing maintenance, retrofit, fire safety and refurbishment. It also underlines the scale of investment required by local authorities as they work to improve ageing housing stock, meet evolving safety standards and provide better homes for residents. Once underway, the Tower Hamlets programme is expected to play a central role in delivering safer, more efficient and better-maintained council housing across the borough. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals