Wilten Construction has been awarded a second Design and Build contract at Gateway 14 by client Gateway 14 Ltd and Jaynic. The project involves the development of a state-of-the-art, three-storey Skills and Innovation Centre spanning 35,000 sq ft in the heart of Gateway 14. Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent standards,
The regeneration of Hartlepool waterfront has reached a significant milestone with a £631,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will support the development phase of the ‘Tides of Change’ project, aimed at transforming the visitor experience at the Museum of Hartlepool and the historic paddle steamer, Wingfield
Kier has been selected by Sheffield City Council to restore the Grade II listed Adelphi Cinema, bringing the historic building back into public use as a mixed-use cultural space. Originally opened in 1920, the Adelphi Cinema was a key community hub in Attercliffe, serving as a venue for the latest
Approval has been granted to transform Hereford’s historic Shirehall into a new community space, featuring a state-of-the-art library and learning centre. Full planning permission and listed building consent were granted at the Planning and Regulatory Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 28, paving the way for the project to begin. The
Construction of Blackpool’s new town centre Multiversity campus for Blackpool & The Fylde College is expected to begin later this year, following the approval of compulsory purchase powers by an independent planning inspector. The state-of-the-art Multiversity campus aims to welcome up to 3,000 students and staff upon its anticipated opening
Kirklees Council has approved funding for the second phase of its ambitious Huddersfield town centre regeneration programme, Our Cultural Heart. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on January 21, marking another milestone in the transformation of the town’s cultural and leisure offerings. Phase one of the project is
Croydon Council has announced a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the Purley Pool site, with revised proposals submitted for a new leisure centre, later living housing, and the regeneration of the surrounding area. A planning application for the site was initially submitted in 2024, proposing a mixed-use development featuring:
Stepnell has officially commenced refurbishment work on the first phase of transforming the historic Leamington Spa Town Hall into a modern creative hub. The project, undertaken for Warwick District Council, marks a major step in revitalising the landmark building, which was originally constructed in 1884. The refurbishment on the Leamington
Morgan Sindall Construction has officially started work on Mill Yard, a £180 million mixed-use development by Railpen and its development partner Socius. The project aims to transform a central Cambridge site into a sustainable, vibrant neighbourhood. Formerly known as Devonshire Gardens, the site was rebranded as Mill Yard in 2024,
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
Wilten Construction has been awarded a second Design and Build contract at Gateway 14 by client Gateway 14 Ltd and Jaynic. The project involves the development of a state-of-the-art, three-storey Skills and Innovation Centre spanning 35,000 sq ft in the heart of Gateway 14. Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent standards, the centre will focus on fostering emerging industries linked to green and digital skills, supporting high-growth start-ups, creating jobs, and stimulating the local economy. The 50-week construction programme is set to commence this month, running in parallel with the completion of Wilten Construction’s initial contract at Plot 1600 for Bauder. The Skills and Innovation Centre will feature: Upon completion, the facility will serve as a dynamic mixed-use hub attracting diverse business users and young professionals. Key benefits of the centre include: Naim Basha Director / Co-Founder Wilten Construction said: “Wilten is delighted to have been appointed for the second time by Gateway 14 and Jaynic for the Design and Build Contract for the Skills and Innovation Centre at Gateway 14, delivering our Wilten promise and maintaining a repeat business relationship. Having recently completed Space City Docks 3, 4, and 5 (Pioneer Park) at Leicester, and with an already established presence on site at Gateway 14, Wilten will add great value to this scheme. We look forward to undertaking this prestigious project that will have a positive impact on both the local economy and the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The regeneration of Hartlepool waterfront has reached a significant milestone with a £631,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will support the development phase of the ‘Tides of Change’ project, aimed at transforming the visitor experience at the Museum of Hartlepool and the historic paddle steamer, Wingfield Castle. This investment will enable further development of plans to revitalise the two iconic attractions, making them a dynamic destination for both locals and tourists. The project will tell the story of Hartlepool in a new, engaging way, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Pending additional funding, the transformation will involve upgraded exhibition spaces, improved entrances, enhanced access, interactive features, new community and learning spaces, and the restoration and reopening of the Wingfield Castle. The redevelopment will also complement the ongoing work at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool and the broader waterfront regeneration, which includes the construction of the Highlight active wellbeing hub. The Tides of Change development phase will also include a series of community activities, pilot projects, and consultation events designed to ensure the project meets the needs of local residents. These initiatives will offer hands-on opportunities for volunteers, including maritime skills training, walking tours of the area’s coastal ecology, a folklore music event, and educational programs for schoolchildren. If further funding is secured, the goal is to complete the transformation of both the Museum and Wingfield Castle by 2029. The project has also appointed award-winning LDN Architects to reimagine the visitor experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier has been selected by Sheffield City Council to restore the Grade II listed Adelphi Cinema, bringing the historic building back into public use as a mixed-use cultural space. Originally opened in 1920, the Adelphi Cinema was a key community hub in Attercliffe, serving as a venue for the latest news, local events, and entertainment. The cinema operated for nearly 50 years, even surviving bomb damage during World War II, before closing in 1967. Since then, the building has had various uses, including as a bingo hall, a nightclub, and most recently, a storage facility before falling into disrepair. Sheffield City Council purchased the Adelphi Cinema site in March 2023 using Levelling Up funding, with plans to revitalise the space for leisure, arts, and music while preserving its historic character. Councillor Ben Miskell, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said: “This building holds a very special place in people’s heart in Attercliffe, and rightly so. It was once a focal point.” The Adelphi Cinema restoration is part of a broader regeneration effort in Attercliffe, which includes: Kier Places, appointed via the YORbuild construction framework, is now taking the first steps in transforming the building while retaining key original features, including its art-deco frontage. The initial phase of the project will prepare the site for major works, set to begin this spring. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Approval has been granted to transform Hereford’s historic Shirehall into a new community space, featuring a state-of-the-art library and learning centre. Full planning permission and listed building consent were granted at the Planning and Regulatory Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 28, paving the way for the project to begin. The initiative aims to create a modern, welcoming facility while preserving the rich heritage of the Shirehall. The initial phases of work for Hereford’s Shirehall will focus on ensuring the building is structurally sound, watertight, and safe for public use, while also repairing and maintaining its historic features. The main entrance will be redesigned into a spacious and inviting area with exhibition space, alongside improvements to enhance accessibility. The project will also include a full upgrade of heating, electrical, and fire safety systems, significantly improving efficiency and reducing running costs. The Assembly Hall will house the new library, offering ample space for visitors to read, browse collections, and participate in a variety of library events. Additional meeting rooms and flexible spaces will be developed to accommodate community activities and events. A new learning centre will provide enhanced facilities for education, digital literacy, cultural engagement, and wellbeing programs, ensuring broad benefits for the local community. The plans have been shaped through extensive consultations, workshops, and surveys conducted over several months. Public feedback from a consultation held late last year is currently being analysed and will help refine the final design to best meet the needs of future users. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction of Blackpool’s new town centre Multiversity campus for Blackpool & The Fylde College is expected to begin later this year, following the approval of compulsory purchase powers by an independent planning inspector. The state-of-the-art Multiversity campus aims to welcome up to 3,000 students and staff upon its anticipated opening in late 2027. The decision was made by an independent inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government after a two-week public inquiry at the end of last year. The inquiry included submissions from Blackpool Council, Blackpool & The Fylde College, local residents, and landowners. Over the past two years, Blackpool Council has been acquiring properties needed for the development, with over 80% of the required 72 properties already secured through negotiations. The inspector’s approval grants the council the authority to use compulsory purchase powers to obtain the remaining properties within the area bordered by Cookson Street, George Street, Grosvenor Street and Milbourne Street. Despite the legal backing, Blackpool Council will continue to negotiate compensation with property owners, while proceeding with the necessary steps to commence construction in the summer. Outline planning approval for the entire Multiversity site was granted in 2024, and a decision on a reserved matters planning application for the first phase is expected this spring. The planned 115,000 sq ft facility will feature five floors of educational space, offering over 70 courses and enhancing the college’s existing higher education provision. The campus will support a broad range of qualifications, including further education, higher education, and adult learning. Designed to be carbon neutral in operation, the building will incorporate solar panels on its roof and will be heated by sustainable air source heat pumps. A green roof terrace will provide a landscaped study and relaxation space for students. Beyond the first phase of the Multiversity campus, a second phase is being planned for future expansion. In the interim, the space will be used as a temporary car park. Planning consultants Avison Young, architects Hawkins\Brown, and advisors CBRE have been instrumental in shaping the project, while Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed as the main contractor under a pre-contract services agreement. The Multiversity campus is a key component of phase four of Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot Gateway regeneration project, which is bringing over 8,000 professionals and students into the area around Blackpool North train station. Recent developments in the area include the opening of a four-star 144-bedroom Holiday Inn hotel with a Marco Pierre White New York Italian restaurant in May and a new tram-train interchange in June. Additionally, a new Department for Work and Pensions office will open on King Street this spring, bringing over 3,000 government employees to the town centre. Plans are also progressing for a £45 million, 52,950 sq ft office on Talbot Road, expected to house over 1,000 employees, with a new multi-storey car park on Church Street in development. The land for the new Multiversity campus is being acquired with the support of a £9m Government grant, while construction funding includes a £40m investment from the UK Government secured in 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kirklees Council has approved funding for the second phase of its ambitious Huddersfield town centre regeneration programme, Our Cultural Heart. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on January 21, marking another milestone in the transformation of the town’s cultural and leisure offerings. Phase one of the project is already well underway, focusing on revitalising the former Queensgate Market. The space is being transformed into a vibrant community hub featuring a library, food hall, and a new public square designed for socialising and events. Plans for phase two, revealed earlier this year, aim to breathe new life into the historic four-storey former library building. One of Huddersfield’s most significant landmarks, it is set to become a state-of-the-art museum and art gallery. The plans include a 50-seat café with an outdoor terrace and a new extension designed to improve accessibility and connectivity with the surrounding outdoor space and the broader Our Cultural Heart development. Councillors approved the release of £5.413 million from the overall project budget to fund contractor procurement and detailed design for phase two. An additional £250,000 was allocated for a master plan study to explore future phases of the programme. This study will investigate how to deliver the remaining elements of Our Cultural Heart without requiring additional capital borrowing while ensuring the project’s overarching vision is maintained. The council also approved reallocating capital funding for specific services within the programme. This includes £371,000 to support the West Yorkshire Archive Service’s relocation to the new library and £50,000 for preparations for future events in the public square. The report accompanying the funding decision outlined service operating costs and the financial requirements for the interior design and functionality of the museum and gallery. While the Museum Service will seek external funding to cover the estimated £14.48 million cost, the council noted that funds might need to be reallocated from within the existing programme budget if external sources cannot be secured. Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “Our Cultural Heart is our most ambitious regeneration programme, when completed it will bring a new, community-centred arts and leisure offer to the town, providing cultural activities to enjoy during the day and into the evening. “It will play a significant role in making Huddersfield a family-friendly, prosperous town centre which provides exciting places to live, work or visit. “As with all large regeneration schemes, there are hurdles to jump and challenges to overcome, a worldwide pandemic and wars in other countries have of course made things even more complex. This has meant we’ve had to continually assess our finances and prioritise spend that will lead to the successful delivery of the first phases of the scheme, whilst still allowing for exciting new developments in the future. “Releasing the funds demonstrates our commitment to delivering something everyone can be proud of and doing that in a way that delivers real changes on the ground in the next few years. “Regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar. Our ambition is to give local people and visitors more reasons to spend time in the town centre. By increasing footfall, and in turn commercial opportunities, our plans will also benefit existing and future businesses from all sectors. Thriving businesses in turn provide employment opportunities for our communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Croydon Council has announced a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the Purley Pool site, with revised proposals submitted for a new leisure centre, later living housing, and the regeneration of the surrounding area. A planning application for the site was initially submitted in 2024, proposing a mixed-use development featuring: Following feedback from public exhibitions, workshops, and the consultation process, the plans have been revised to enhance community amenities: The revised proposals for Purley Pool are open for public consultation until February 6, 2025. They will then be reviewed by Croydon Council’s Planning Committee, with final approval also requiring consent from the GLA. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stepnell has officially commenced refurbishment work on the first phase of transforming the historic Leamington Spa Town Hall into a modern creative hub. The project, undertaken for Warwick District Council, marks a major step in revitalising the landmark building, which was originally constructed in 1884. The refurbishment on the Leamington town hall will focus on enhancing accessibility, safety, and functionality, ensuring the building serves as a community asset for years to come. The initial phase of the work includes crucial structural upgrades, such as renovations to the reception area, the installation of new toilet facilities, and the addition of a modern passenger lift. These improvements are designed to increase the building’s capacity while meeting current accessibility and safety standards. Sustainability is a core focus of the refurbishment, with Stepnell adhering to industry standards to recycle waste and reduce the environmental impact of the project. Locally sourced materials, including handmade and imperial bricks, will be used, further supporting conservation efforts and local supply chains. A unique aspect of the project is Stepnell’s commitment to protecting the peregrine falcons that have nested in the clock tower since 2017. Special noise-reduction methods and scaffolding screens are being implemented to safeguard the birds during the nesting season, ensuring minimal disruption to the local environment. In addition to the building work, the project will provide opportunities for local apprentices and trainees to gain valuable hands-on experience, further aligning with Stepnell’s commitment to social value and supporting the local community. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Construction has officially started work on Mill Yard, a £180 million mixed-use development by Railpen and its development partner Socius. The project aims to transform a central Cambridge site into a sustainable, vibrant neighbourhood. Formerly known as Devonshire Gardens, the site was rebranded as Mill Yard in 2024, reflecting its prime location on Mill Road near the city centre. The development includes 110,000 square feet of office space, 70 build-to-rent apartments, refurbished railway cottages, a 2,100-square-foot crèche, a community events pavilion, and retail units set around a 1.55-acre public park. Mill Yard, situated near Cambridge train station, will feature extensive green spaces, including a central pavilion designed by George King Architects. The pavilion will anchor the public park, providing residents and visitors with accessible outdoor space. Additional amenities include a perimeter running track, a play street, and secure cycle parking with end-of-journey facilities, making it the only office development in Cambridge offering such features. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the project. Morgan Sindall has employed its Intelligent Solutions model to minimise environmental impact, aiming to divert 99% of waste from landfill and save 5,013 tonnes of embodied carbon. The completed buildings will be fully electric, powered by renewable energy sources, including rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels, and will use responsibly sourced materials. Wildlife will also thrive in the regenerated area, with plans for a 280% biodiversity net gain. Enhancements include bat, bird, and bee boxes, green roofs, hedgehog habitats, and evergreen planters. The site will primarily be car-free, except for blue badge spaces and electric vehicle charging points. Railpen and Socius, in partnership with Morgan Sindall, have committed to generating over £60 million in social value for Cambridge, a target verified by Social Value Portal. Initiatives include employing 12 local homeless individuals, creating apprenticeship and work experience opportunities, and donating 500 volunteer hours. More than £30 million will be spent in the local supply chain to bolster the local economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
