A major 50/50 joint venture between housebuilder The Hill Group and housing association Peabody has partnered with specialist real estate developer Goodstone Living to deliver 360 high-quality Build to Rent (BTR) homes at Dagenham Green. The deal, valued at £116 million, is one of the largest in the BTR sector
Cumberland Council has given the green light to plans for significant public realm improvements and the creation of a pedestrianised square to the north of Carlisle station, at Court Square. The redevelopment is a central part of the £27 million Carlisle Station Gateway project, which aims to transform the station
Story Contracting Limited has been appointed by Cumberland Council to deliver a new Arts and Enterprise Centre in the heart of Millom. The initiative aims to breathe new life into an unused building and create a valuable community asset. The centre, set to be known as ‘The Old Bank’, will
A major new regeneration project is set to transform Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council grants preferred bidder status to Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) for the multi-million-pound Etruscan Square development. The project will breathe new life into one of the largest cleared city centre sites in the Midlands,
Nottingham City Council has signed a £12.6 million contract with Balfour Beatty to deliver an 85-metre long walking and cycling bridge over the River Trent. The bridge, which will span the river at 20 metres high, is set to become a key infrastructure link, connecting the north side of the
Harrow is set to see the creation of 149 new family homes, including new council properties, following the approval of phase one of the Byron Quarter development. In a partnership between the London Borough of Harrow and Wates Residential, the project will transform underutilised council-owned land into a vibrant new
Watkin Jones has reached a significant milestone with the topping out of its 397-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development at Grove Crescent Road in Stratford, East London. The PBSA project, funded through a joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), Lloyds Banking Group, and Homes England, will provide 241
Morgan Sindall Construction has completed a new residential and community space in London’s Notting Hill area. The £17.5 million Acklam Road project, which consists of 32 residential flats alongside community space, was procured via the Southern Construction Framework and delivered on behalf of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Wates has submitted a planning application for a new development of temporary modular homes at Waterloo and Queen Street, marking a significant step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs in Havering. The project is part of Wates’ ongoing 12-year Joint Venture partnership with the London Borough of Havering, aimed
Developer Regal has successfully secured a £115 million development loan from specialist finance provider Maslow Capital. The loan will fund the construction of a 264-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project, alongside 30 affordable residential units and nearly 9,000 square feet of commercial space, all located in the heart of Camden,
A major 50/50 joint venture between housebuilder The Hill Group and housing association Peabody has partnered with specialist real estate developer Goodstone Living to deliver 360 high-quality Build to Rent (BTR) homes at Dagenham Green. The deal, valued at £116 million, is one of the largest in the BTR sector this year. The new homes will be part of the first phase of a major regeneration project transforming the former Ford Stamping Plant site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. This initial phase of the Dagenham Green scheme will include 935 homes, with the wider development expected to deliver over 3,500 new homes, extensive public spaces, and key amenities. Peabody’s masterplan aims to create a sustainable, thriving community in East London, with the first homes slated for completion in 2027 and full project completion expected by 2028. The BTR development will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across three residential buildings, ranging from 14 to 18 storeys. Situated close to Dagenham Dock train station, residents will benefit from direct connections to central London in just 20 minutes. The homes will include energy-efficient systems and are targeting high environmental performance ratings, including EPC B, WiredScore Platinum, and Fitwel 3-star certifications. Amenities will include fitness and co-working spaces, concierge services, private dining areas, and landscaped podium gardens overlooking a new urban park. Goodstone Living, which is behind the development, is working through its first managed investment vehicle, Goodstone Living Partners 1 (GLP1), which is capitalised by Macquarie Asset Management and the Northern Local Government Pension Scheme. This partnership brings the total number of next-generation BTR homes under construction across Edinburgh, Birmingham, and London to approximately 1,300. The Dagenham Green project also supports the local community with a mix of accessible, high-quality rental homes, making it one of the most affordable BTR developments in London. The project aims to cater to private renters in the area, offering homes at prices within reach for the majority of the local community. Peabody’s wider 45-acre masterplan will provide a host of amenities, including an urban park, lake, children’s play areas, community gardens, and new infrastructure such as a secondary school, medical centre, and market square. These features are designed to enhance the area’s biodiversity while supporting the growing neighbourhood. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cumberland Council has given the green light to plans for significant public realm improvements and the creation of a pedestrianised square to the north of Carlisle station, at Court Square. The redevelopment is a central part of the £27 million Carlisle Station Gateway project, which aims to transform the station area and create a more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors. The project is supported by a £20 million investment from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, a collaborative initiative designed to drive regeneration across the Borderlands region. This funding comes from the UK and Scottish Governments, with additional contributions from Network Rail and Cumberland Council. Planning approval will enable a series of enhancements to Court Square, including: Construction work is set to begin in autumn 2025, following the completion of planned highways and public realm improvement works on English Street and the Crescent/Botchergate junction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Story Contracting Limited has been appointed by Cumberland Council to deliver a new Arts and Enterprise Centre in the heart of Millom. The initiative aims to breathe new life into an unused building and create a valuable community asset. The centre, set to be known as ‘The Old Bank’, will be housed in the former NatWest building, reflecting both its local roots and historic significance. The transformation will turn the building into a dynamic hub for creativity, business, and community activity, revitalising a key part of Millom’s heritage. ‘The Old Bank’ will feature a mix of spaces designed to support local businesses, start-ups, and community initiatives. Planned facilities include a café, co-working spaces, start-up and maker areas, as well as workshops. These spaces are intended to attract new businesses, foster innovation, and create fresh opportunities for Millom’s residents. The Story Contracting project is part of the broader £29.3 million Millom Town Deal, which has secured significant government funding alongside additional investments aimed at improving the town’s infrastructure and creating new prospects for the local community. Work on ‘The Old Bank’ is expected to be completed by March 2026, contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Millom and supporting its growth as a thriving town for both business and culture. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new regeneration project is set to transform Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council grants preferred bidder status to Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) for the multi-million-pound Etruscan Square development. The project will breathe new life into one of the largest cleared city centre sites in the Midlands, spanning approximately seven acres. GKRL, a joint venture between Genr8 Developments and Kajima Partnerships, plans to deliver a diverse mix of high-quality residential housing, leisure facilities, and commercial spaces at Etruscan Square, all aimed at attracting new businesses and residents to the heart of the city. The development will also involve collaboration with partners such as PfP Igloo, with whom GKRL is already working on similar projects across the UK. The development, which benefits from £20 million in government funding, is located on a site that was once home to the old bus station and the East-West Precinct, positioned next to the city’s main retail hub and near Hanley Bus Station, Smithfield, and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. Once the formal selection process is complete, the development team will begin site surveys and investigations later this year, preparing for construction to start in 2027. The project is part of a broader city centre masterplan designed to rejuvenate Hanley, creating a vibrant place to live, work, shop, and visit. This vision has been shaped by extensive consultation with local residents, businesses, and visitors. The Etruscan Square project could also serve as a springboard for further regeneration efforts across the city. GKRL is in discussions to develop other council-owned sites, including key residential plots at Pyenest Street, Shelton, North Shelton, and Bucknall New Road. GKRL brings a wealth of experience to the project, with a proven track record in delivering successful mixed-use regeneration schemes. Notable projects include the Rochdale Riverside development, which transformed a key city centre area into a new retail, leisure, and residential destination. In addition to their development expertise, GKRL’s partners have established strong relationships with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, local residents, and businesses. Genr8 is currently overseeing the Smithfield development in the city centre, while Kajima is delivering the £60 million Stoke Extra Care scheme, a series of innovative retirement villages designed for flexible, future-proofed living. The Etruscan Square project marks a significant milestone in Stoke-on-Trent’s ongoing regeneration, with the potential to significantly enhance the city’s economic and social landscape in the coming years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nottingham City Council has signed a £12.6 million contract with Balfour Beatty to deliver an 85-metre long walking and cycling bridge over the River Trent. The bridge, which will span the river at 20 metres high, is set to become a key infrastructure link, connecting the north side of the river—where the Trent Basin development of 350 new homes is underway—with the south, home to sports facilities, riverside walks, and green spaces. The project is expected to employ over 100 people, including four apprentices, during its construction. With a weight of 160 tonnes, equivalent to the size of a blue whale, the bridge will feature a striking network arch design, making it a standout feature on the city’s skyline. It will be the first new bridge to be built in Nottingham since the 1950s, serving as a key connector between popular locations such as Colwick Park, the City Ground, Trent Bridge, Holme Pierrepont, and Nottingham Rugby Club. This project is the flagship and final development to be delivered under the City Council’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which began in 2020 after Nottingham and Derby secured over £160 million from the Central Government to improve inter-city connectivity and promote lower-carbon journeys. The new bridge is fully funded by this initiative. Work on the bridge officially began with the demolition of a warehouse previously used by Flo Skate Park, which is necessary to clear space for the new structure. The construction timeline is as follows: The bridge will not only improve connectivity between residential areas and key facilities but also enhance access to high-quality cycling routes, with links to Daleside Road and sustainable transport routes leading to the city centre and Colwick Park. The City Council is committed to keeping residents and businesses informed throughout the project, providing regular updates via its Transport Nottingham website and email newsletters. Once completed, the new bridge will play a crucial role in Nottingham’s sustainable transport network, encouraging walking and cycling, and providing a valuable link for residents and visitors alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Harrow is set to see the creation of 149 new family homes, including new council properties, following the approval of phase one of the Byron Quarter development. In a partnership between the London Borough of Harrow and Wates Residential, the project will transform underutilised council-owned land into a vibrant new community. Phase one will include the construction of 71 three-bedroom homes, with a mix of two- and three-storey houses designed to reflect the character of the local area. At the heart of the Byron Quarter development will be a large, central green space, designed for community use. The area will feature seating, play spaces, and walking and cycling paths, creating an inviting environment for both new and existing residents. The development will also be directly connected to the Belmont Trail and Byron Park, offering an eco-friendly, relaxing space for outdoor activities. The new homes and green spaces are set to bring a significant boost to the local area, creating a modern, sustainable living environment for families in Harrow. Cllr Marilyn Ashton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, commented: “This is an exciting step in unlocking the potential for this under used urban site left empty for 20 years to deliver much needed, high-quality homes for families in Harrow. “Our regeneration plans for Harrow are ambitious. We have listened to the community, delivering plans that reflect the character of the local neighbourhood. Byron Quarter will deliver much needed, new, and affordable family-sized accommodation including council homes, open and green spaces and public squares where Harrow people want to live.” Leigh Johnson, Regional Development Director at Wates Residential, added: “We are thrilled to receive planning permission for Byron Quarter. This is an important milestone in our commitment to delivering much-needed, energy-efficient homes including affordable homes alongside high-quality public spaces and amenities that will benefit the entire community. “We would like to extend our thanks to all those who engaged with the planning process, particularly the residents, whose invaluable feedback has helped shape the final plans. “Our ongoing dialogue with the community remains a top priority as we move forward with the construction of this exciting new development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Watkin Jones has reached a significant milestone with the topping out of its 397-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development at Grove Crescent Road in Stratford, East London. The PBSA project, funded through a joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), Lloyds Banking Group, and Homes England, will provide 241 en suite cluster bedrooms and 156 self-contained studio apartments across three blocks, all delivered by Watkin Jones. Designed with student life in mind, the development will offer a range of high-quality amenities, including landscaped roof terraces, a gym, group study spaces, a games lounge, a karaoke room, a media room, a tea point and social area, as well as dedicated podcast and social media rooms. Private dining facilities will also be available to residents. Located in close proximity to several prestigious London universities, including UCL East, London College of Fashion, Birkbeck, and the University of East London’s Stratford campus, the development offers excellent transport links. Stratford Station provides direct connections to central London and the East of England, while Westfield Stratford City, just a short distance away, offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. The development will also include 2,000 square meters of commercial space, contributing to the area’s growing student-friendly environment. Sustainability is a key focus of the Grove Crescent Road development, which is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for energy efficiency and environmental performance. The development will feature an all-electric heating system, eliminating the use of gas, and an engineered facade designed to minimise heat loss. It will also meet the latest building regulations for insulation and energy efficiency. To encourage sustainable transport, the development will include dedicated cycle spaces for residents and visitors, while on-site parking will be limited to DDA use only. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Construction has completed a new residential and community space in London’s Notting Hill area. The £17.5 million Acklam Road project, which consists of 32 residential flats alongside community space, was procured via the Southern Construction Framework and delivered on behalf of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC). Of the 32 homes that have been built, the majority (20) are social rent homes. The seven-storey building incorporates ground floor community units open to the public, with residential space starting on the first floor in a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Four of these homes will be fully wheelchair accessible and all the apartments feature a fully enclosed balcony or winter garden. The homes were officially opened in a ceremony attended by Deputy Leader Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith, representatives from Morgan Sindall, members of Swinbrook Residents’ Association and Golborne Youth Centre, local councillors, Lead Member for Housing, Cllr Sof McVeigh. The scheme was recently named the best affordable housing development for under £20million at the Inside Housing Development Awards. Situated near Portobello Road market, Acklam Road has been constructed with a brick facade to complement the building’s surroundings. Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) have been installed to provide the new homes with a sustainable energy source and making the site completely gas free. Morgan Sindall’s London business leveraged its Intelligent Solutions approach to incorporate advanced fire safety measures into Acklam Road. This included installing an enhanced, commercial grade sprinkler system in each apartment and throughout non-residential areas. The building also includes two staircases and two emergency evacuation lifts as well as a dry riser. A high-end smoke detection and alarm system as well as an evacuation alert system has also been added to every apartment. The site’s proximity to the busy A40 presented a logistical challenge during construction. The project team utilised its Intelligent Solutions approach to think innovatively and utilised only a small pocket of land in an efficient manner to ensure that the work could continue at pace. Additionally, the Acklam Road development is situated opposite the Al-manaar cultural heritage centre, to ensure minimal disruption the team organised delivery schedules to avoid Friday prayer times while the road is at its busiest. As part of the tier one contractor’s commitment to generating as much social value as possible, the site team engaged in a wide variety of educational, volunteering and community projects. Among other things, this included creating a new kitchen for Golborne Youth Centre, engaging with 483 students, putting on 19 local education events and creating seven jobs for Kensington and Chelsea residents. The development also hosted eight apprentices, five work experience placements, five people on a week-long employability programme, one T-Level student, and three year-out placements. The amount of social value activity Morgan Sindall conducted onsite meant the project far exceeded the Employment and Skills plan requirements. This level of social value generation is especially impactful in the local community as there is a limited pool of construction labour and skills in the area. The Morgan Sindall team also worked in collaboration with numerous key partners including The Children’s Book Project, Metropolitan Police, Morley College, Construction Youth Trust, and several schools and engaged in educational events such as open days, volunteering within the local community, and donating to community-led projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates has submitted a planning application for a new development of temporary modular homes at Waterloo and Queen Street, marking a significant step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs in Havering. The project is part of Wates’ ongoing 12-year Joint Venture partnership with the London Borough of Havering, aimed at revitalising local communities and providing much-needed housing across the borough. The proposed development includes the installation of 18 modular homes, designed to provide high-quality temporary accommodation for families in need. The homes will be equipped with modern amenities and constructed to the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency. The proposals place a strong emphasis on design and place making, featuring entryways to the front of the homes that works with the local area and provide shade. Thoughtfully planned landscaping will enhance the site, creating a natural environment that encourages biodiversity and a sense of community. Whilst the original Phase 1 was paused due regulatory requirement to re-design with dual stair cores, the joint venture has proposed bringing forward the lower Blocks 9 and 10. These two blocks will be 100 percent affordable, which includes 66 social housing (London affordable rent) and 43 Shared Ownership homes. This will enable those who left the old Waterloo and Queen Street estate to make way for the regeneration to take place will be given the choice to return, with the remainder of the properties helping to reduce housing pressures for those with the greatest need. The joint venture aim to deliver all remaining phases ahead of the final phase, where the temporary modular homes will be located, in or around 2031/2. The modular homes could then be relocated to other areas of the borough where there is a need and suitable sites. Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing Property said: “This represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide suitable temporary housing solutions for homeless families in the borough. “The temporary modular homes are situated on the plot of land that forms part of the final construction phase and will provide safe and comfortable living environments for families currently living in hostels and hotels. Blocks 9 and 10, which will provide affordable housing for local people, will be the next phase to progress.” The planning application can be reviewed, and includes an opportunity for the public to share their views about the scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Regal has successfully secured a £115 million development loan from specialist finance provider Maslow Capital. The loan will fund the construction of a 264-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project, alongside 30 affordable residential units and nearly 9,000 square feet of commercial space, all located in the heart of Camden, London. The development will be situated on Chalk Farm Road, a prime spot next to the iconic Grade II-listed Roundhouse. This strategic location places the project in one of London’s most vibrant and culturally rich districts, with a design that aims to enhance both student and residential living. The scheme will include four blocks, with heights reaching up to twelve storeys. Focusing on both student housing and affordable residential options, the development will feature cutting-edge amenities, such as an external study courtyard, breakout spaces, a gym, and dedicated study areas. With over 2.06 square metres of internal amenity space per room, the project is designed to cater to modern living standards. It also aims to achieve top-tier ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) certifications, including BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum, and WiredScore Platinum. The Regal development, which received a loan from Maslow Capital, is strategically positioned for easy access to central London, with Chalk Farm Underground Station just a two-minute walk away. This provides direct links to major transport hubs like King’s Cross and Euston, along with several key university campuses across the city. The site is also close to Primrose Hill and Camden’s famous entertainment and cultural venues, making it an appealing location for both students and residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
