Legal & General (L&G) has submitted a planning application for Bristol Temple Island, a £350m regeneration project that will transform the derelict, former diesel depot site into a vibrant urban quarter. Located in the heart of the Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration area, Temple Island is set to become a new
Clegg Construction has commenced work to deliver a new primary school near Burton upon Trent. Drakelow Primary School will be part of a 2,200-home residential estate currently under construction by Countryside Partnerships on the former Drakelow power station site. The 420-pupil primary school, being built on Marley Way, has been
Work on a major £19 million project to transform Wolverhampton city centre is set to begin this month. The improvements will focus on key areas including Lichfield Street, Queen Square, and Darlington Street, following extensive consultation with businesses, the public, and key stakeholders. The completed scheme will bring a range
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) is set to consider and approve additional funding of £2 million so that construction of a new bridge at Fletton Quays can start this year. The request for funding will first be heard at the meeting of CPCA’s Investment Committee on Monday 13
The University of Salford has submitted a planning application for a cutting-edge Acoustics Building, poised to bring world-class research facilities to Crescent Salford’s rapidly developing innovation zone. The 1,300m² facility will house the university’s renowned Acoustics Department, consolidating its teaching, research, and commercial activities in a purpose-built environment. The new
Thames Water has issued a Periodic Indicative Notice (PIN) to update potential suppliers and investors about the next phase of its market engagement programme, aimed at supporting the development of a new reservoir in Oxfordshire. The proposed reservoir, with a capacity of up to 150 million cubic meters and a
Plans for a cutting-edge Day Case Surgery and Imaging Centre at Harrogate District Hospital are moving ahead, following the signing of a construction contract between Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) and Morgan Sindall Construction. The £50 million project, funded by HDFT and NHS England, will see the construction
Vistry Group has joined forces with Paradigm Housing Group and Leaf Living to deliver 370 homes on a newly acquired site in Kidlington, near Oxford. The development, situated near Oxford Parkway station and Oxford Park and Ride, has outline planning permission. Vistry is collaborating with Cherwell District Council to finalise
Bellway is finalising its Indigo Park development in Chichester as the three-year construction project approaches completion. The housebuilder has transformed the former Portfield Quarry and UMA House site off Shopwhyke Road into a collection of new houses and apartments. A total of 66 properties at the 88-home development have now
McCoy Contractors is playing a pivotal role in the £40 million redevelopment of Coundon Court School in Coventry. The project is part of the Department for Education’s 10-year Schools Rebuilding Programme. Working alongside main contractor Wates Construction, McCoy Contractors has successfully delivered an extensive groundworks package for two key structures,
Legal & General (L&G) has submitted a planning application for Bristol Temple Island, a £350m regeneration project that will transform the derelict, former diesel depot site into a vibrant urban quarter. Located in the heart of the Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration area, Temple Island is set to become a new urban district with centrally-located homes, high quality workplaces, and inclusive employment opportunities for the local knowledge economy, promoting innovation and economic growth. The development aims to deliver 520 new homes, two new office buildings, retail space, flexible workspace, and a new hotel with conference facilities, all of which are expected to create up to 2,000 new jobs. In addition to L&G’s commitment to deliver the national policy level of affordable housing, it is working in partnership with Bristol City Council, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, and other public sector partners to deliver on its ambition to provide a truly inclusive community with 40% of all housing catering to social and affordable rents, shared ownership, and Keyworkers at sub-market rents. All of these housing needs were clear in L&G’s pre-planning engagement with local communities. Central to L&G’s approach to urban development and placemaking is a focus on long-term sustainability and social inclusion. All commercial buildings will target BREEAM1 Outstanding status, with excellent public realm that enhances biodiversity through planting and habitat creation, as well as creating new spaces people can enjoy. The scheme aspires to provide significant connectivity improvements to neighbouring areas and promote low carbon lifestyles by minimising car use with new pedestrian and cycle routes. Our public engagement has suggested that exemplary building design and inclusive public spaces are of key importance to the local community and potential occupiers. World-renowned architects Zaha Hadid have been engaged to design the masterplan and building concepts and are working with specialist architects LDA Design to consider the public and landscaped areas. Submission of the planning application follows a significant period of consultation, with three rounds of community and stakeholder engagement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clegg Construction has commenced work to deliver a new primary school near Burton upon Trent. Drakelow Primary School will be part of a 2,200-home residential estate currently under construction by Countryside Partnerships on the former Drakelow power station site. The 420-pupil primary school, being built on Marley Way, has been designed to be flexible in use and meet a range of requirements. Both the indoor and outdoor areas will maximise the learning experience, with classrooms flowing onto outdoor teaching spaces to allow for integration of inside and outside teaching, linking to the main play area. New sports facilities, including a 3G pitch, will be included, as well as a habitat area to provide forest school experiences. The scheme will also feature a 26-place nursery and a 45-space staff car park. Drakelow Primary School is the latest in a long line of educational establishments to be delivered by Clegg Construction and is due for completion by the end of 2025. Designed by multi-disciplinary consultants ONE Creative environments, working closely with Clegg Construction, the school is sustainably located at the heart of the housing development, and adjacent to the forthcoming local centre, where parking will be provided in the future. The building’s heating capacity will be met by externally mounted air source heat pumps and the school will benefit from underfloor heating fed from a low-temperature hot water system from the central heat pump plant. Michael Sims, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: “We are very pleased to have started on site to deliver this new primary school in South Derbyshire which will serve the community currently being developed on the site of the former Drakelow Power Station. “Drakelow Primary School is a welcome addition to our strong portfolio of design and build schemes delivered across the education sector, and we are delighted to be part of the team appointed to create this important addition to the local community.” Clegg Construction has recently completed a £13m expansion project at Carlton le Willows Academy in Gedling, Nottingham – a multi-phase project that was highly commended in the regional LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Building Excellence Awards. Educational construction projects currently being delivered by the company include a £13.5m Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College and a £8.8m Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange at West Nottinghamshire College. During the development of Drakelow Primary School, the project will be registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and follow the CCS Code of Practice (Care for the Environment, Protect the Workforce, Respect the Community). Clegg Construction will also identify opportunities to engage with and enhance the local community and environment throughout its time on site. Plans are in place to minimise the impact of building work on those who already live in the area as well as newcomers moving into the new estate over the coming months; critical to this will be regular communication with the contractor leading the construction of the new homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work on a major £19 million project to transform Wolverhampton city centre is set to begin this month. The improvements will focus on key areas including Lichfield Street, Queen Square, and Darlington Street, following extensive consultation with businesses, the public, and key stakeholders. The completed scheme will bring a range of high-quality enhancements to the city, including wider, brighter, and safer streets, vibrant public event spaces, increased greenery, more seating, and improved access for buses, cycles, and taxis. The project aims to attract more visitors, boost spending with local businesses, and act as a catalyst for further investment. Additionally, it will contribute to creating a more pleasant environment, promoting healthy, city living lifestyles. This initiative is the third and final phase of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s city centre improvement programme. It follows the successful completion of schemes in the Victoria Street and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls areas. These areas have already seen an increase in footfall and economic activity, with events regularly staged in the newly revamped spaces. The changes have also attracted new investments, such as the upcoming opening of Superbowl UK at the Mander Centre off Victoria Street. Councillor Chris Burden, the council’s Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “We want people to enjoy our city centre from the moment they arrive, and this is the next step in our transformation plans that are delivering positive outcomes for businesses, residents and visitors. “Creating enhanced walking, cycling and dwell space, as well as infrastructure for events and attractions, and a better environment for city centre living is helping to boost the local economy. “The works will also complement other transformational development schemes already underway or in the pipeline in the city centre, including the £150 million Interchange and commercial district, and thousands of new homes coming at City Centre West and Canalside – all helping to create hundreds of new jobs and further investment opportunities.” The works will be carried out by contractor Taylor Woodrow in stages, with the entire scheme expected to last for 2 and a half years, including pauses in the works for key city centre events and during Christmas periods. The first works on Darlington Street, between Chapel Ash Island and Red Lion Street, will start in the week commencing 20 January and are expected to last for around 6 months, subject to weather conditions. They will involve excavation and installation of new paving on north and south footways. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) is set to consider and approve additional funding of £2 million so that construction of a new bridge at Fletton Quays can start this year. The request for funding will first be heard at the meeting of CPCA’s Investment Committee on Monday 13 January 2025. The CPCA’s Investment Committee will be asked to recommend the funding request, known as a change request, for approval at the Combined Authority Board in March. The project has received funding through Peterborough City Council’s successful Towns Fund bid, which secured £2m specifically for this initiative. Furthermore, £955,024 of developer contributions has been allocated, with the Combined Authority providing match funding. An additional £2m is now required to be able to begin construction for the following reasons: Following a successful public consultation, the bridge was named Cygnet Bridge and is a crucial infrastructure project to enhance connectivity and drive footfall to Fletton Quays, an area of the city which has seen a large amount of investment. Councillor Nick Thulbourn, Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration, said: “If the additional funding request is approved, it will be a critical step towards realising our future vision for Fletton Quays. “As the area develops, the need for a bridge will become increasingly apparent, especially with the addition of key projects like the Goods Shed. The bridge will serve as a cornerstone of the area’s development, providing essential infrastructure to better connect people. It is fantastic that we have been able to attract Government funding through the Towns Fund to help deliver such a vital project.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Salford has submitted a planning application for a cutting-edge Acoustics Building, poised to bring world-class research facilities to Crescent Salford’s rapidly developing innovation zone. The 1,300m² facility will house the university’s renowned Acoustics Department, consolidating its teaching, research, and commercial activities in a purpose-built environment. The new building will replace the current acoustics facilities in the Newton Building on the Peel Park campus and will be located in the Innovation Quarter along Frederick Road. Morgan Sindall Construction, a long-time collaborator with the university, has been appointed to deliver the project. The initiative follows the commencement of work on Salford Rise in September and marks the second milestone in the Crescent Innovation redevelopment. The Crescent partnership, which includes the University of Salford, Salford City Council, and the English Cities Fund (ECF)—a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse—aims to drive economic growth and strengthen links between academia, research, and business. The Acoustics Building will feature state-of-the-art, all-electric infrastructure, including highly efficient building services, photovoltaic panels, and advanced acoustic testing chambers recessed into the floor slab for accessibility. Designed to meet the highest technical and measurement standards, the facility will support Salford’s global reputation in acoustics and sound engineering. A new entrance will provide an enhanced experience for students and industry users, while the building’s design targets a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, incorporating low-energy, low-carbon technologies to reduce its environmental impact. Situated on a former industrial site on Lissadel Street within the 29-acre Crescent Innovation area, the building represents a major step in the area’s transformation. If approved, construction is set to begin in summer 2025, with completion expected by spring 2027. The project underscores the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation while contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Salford. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thames Water has issued a Periodic Indicative Notice (PIN) to update potential suppliers and investors about the next phase of its market engagement programme, aimed at supporting the development of a new reservoir in Oxfordshire. The proposed reservoir, with a capacity of up to 150 million cubic meters and a surface area of approximately 7 square kilometers, will serve as a key regional asset, providing water to 15 million people across the area. Designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, the reservoir was recently included in the company’s Water Resource Management Plan 2024, which was approved by the government. Set to be operational by 2040, the reservoir will support Thames Water, Southern Water, and Affinity Water in ensuring a safe and secure water supply during droughts. It will also help address the growing challenges of climate change and the increasing demands of a rising population. As part of its early market engagement, Thames Water is seeking to inform contractors and investors about the development of the reservoir, including the commercial and procurement strategies for two major opportunities: The market engagement also offers a chance for cross-sector discussions to align the project with market trends and gather insights from both contractors and investors. Interested organisations are invited to register for the SESRO spring market engagement event, which will take place on Monday 17 March 2025. Registration closes on Friday 24 January 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a cutting-edge Day Case Surgery and Imaging Centre at Harrogate District Hospital are moving ahead, following the signing of a construction contract between Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) and Morgan Sindall Construction. The £50 million project, funded by HDFT and NHS England, will see the construction of a two-storey facility housing state-of-the-art medical equipment and patient care areas. The new centre will include two operating theatres, two treatment rooms, a day case ward, and an imaging department, with construction set to begin in February 2025 and completion expected in 2026. The imaging department will feature enhanced diagnostic capabilities, including two MRI scanners, two CT scanners, three x-ray rooms, seven ultrasound scanners, bone density (Dexa) scanning, and fluoroscopy technology, which provides real-time imagery of tissues and organs. The centre will be built on the site of the former Therapy Services building, which was demolished earlier this year as part of the Trust’s initiative to eliminate reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) from its infrastructure. This project is the latest milestone in the Trust’s ongoing transformation programme, which has already delivered major upgrades, such as the redevelopment of Harrogate District Hospital’s Emergency Department, the establishment of Emergency Department 2 for minor injuries and illnesses, and the launch of a Community Diagnostic Centre at Ripon Community Hospital to provide faster access to tests and scans. Throughout the construction phase, patient care will remain uninterrupted, with services maintained and minimal disruption for patients, visitors, staff, and the local community. The building site will be self-contained, ensuring access to other hospital areas is unaffected. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group has joined forces with Paradigm Housing Group and Leaf Living to deliver 370 homes on a newly acquired site in Kidlington, near Oxford. The development, situated near Oxford Parkway station and Oxford Park and Ride, has outline planning permission. Vistry is collaborating with Cherwell District Council to finalise a Reserved Matters application for the site. As part of its broader strategy, Vistry has pre-sold 139 homes to Paradigm Housing Group. These homes will be offered under shared ownership and affordable rent tenures, providing vital housing options for local residents. Additionally, Leaf Living has acquired 56 homes to be offered as private rentals. This marks another milestone in Leaf’s ongoing partnership with Vistry, announced last year. Vistry will also sell 46 homes under the First Homes scheme, offering discounted market rates for qualifying buyers, while the remaining 129 homes will be sold on the open market through its Bovis Homes brand. Beyond housing, the development will provide significant benefits to the local community. Plans include new allotments, public open spaces, play areas, and an on-site sports pitch. Vistry will also invest approximately £8 million in local infrastructure, including improvements to education, transport, and sports facilities. Construction is set to begin once final approvals are in place, with the site poised to deliver much-needed homes and amenities for the Kidlington area. Supriya Ray, Regional Managing Director of Vistry Cotswolds, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Paradigm and Leaf Living here in Kidlington. The site will deliver a significant number of high quality, mixed-tenure homes, giving local people a real chance to own or rent a new home, whilst we will also be providing a range of other community services and facilities. Additionally, we will utilise the quality of our Bovis Homes brand to sell the open-market homes, perfectly demonstrating the unique strengths of our Group.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bellway is finalising its Indigo Park development in Chichester as the three-year construction project approaches completion. The housebuilder has transformed the former Portfield Quarry and UMA House site off Shopwhyke Road into a collection of new houses and apartments. A total of 66 properties at the 88-home development have now been occupied, and work on the final homes is to be completed in March next year. The scheme is delivering 77 properties for private sale and 11 affordable homes for rent and shared ownership, alongside public open space with a children’s play area. The homes range from one and two-bedroom apartments to three and four-bedroom houses. As part of the planning agreement for the development, Bellway has contributed £230,120 towards improvement work on the A27 and £51,000 towards Chichester Harbour Special Protection Area. Daniel Williamson, sales director for Bellway South London, said: “As we approach the final stages of construction, it’s wonderful to see how a strong sense of community has developed here. “Indigo Park has welcomed a diverse range of residents, from first-time buyers and downsizers to growing families, attracted by the varied mix of apartments and houses, attainable prices and attractive location on the outskirts of Chichester. “We’re proud to have delivered a development which has provided high-quality new homes and breathed new life into a previously vacant brownfield site. “Alongside this, our financial contributions have supported vital infrastructure and environmental schemes which will benefit not only new residents but the wider community.” Bellway’s plans for the Indigo Park development were approved by Chichester District Council in November 2021 and construction work began on site in April the following year. The first residents moved into their homes in May 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McCoy Contractors is playing a pivotal role in the £40 million redevelopment of Coundon Court School in Coventry. The project is part of the Department for Education’s 10-year Schools Rebuilding Programme. Working alongside main contractor Wates Construction, McCoy Contractors has successfully delivered an extensive groundworks package for two key structures, Block 1 and Block 2. The redevelopment aims to transform the school into a modern, net-zero carbon campus while preserving its historic buildings and respecting the surrounding green belt. Six outdated blocks are being demolished and replaced with three state-of-the-art teaching facilities. Meanwhile, four teaching blocks and two locally listed buildings will remain, blending modern infrastructure with the school’s heritage. Spanning a 3,500m² site, McCoy’s work has included earthworks, site drainage, concrete floor slabs, installation of new utility services, and hard landscaping. One of the project’s significant challenges has been ensuring the school remains operational during construction. This has required the creation of temporary classrooms, fencing, barriers, and alternate access routes to maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff. The redevelopment represents a key step forward in providing sustainable, future-ready educational facilities for Coundon Court School and its community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
