The UK’s newest planetarium is nearing completion at the Sherwood Observatory in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Funded by the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and other generous donors, the £6.8 million project is set to be finished by the end of November. The planetarium will feature a ten-metre diameter hemispherical
McLaren Construction has commenced works at the first UK industrial scheme in the East Midlands for a joint venture with Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH and Invesco Real Estate. McLaren will oversee all aspects of construction for the £30 million project located in Shireoaks, Worksop – in the prime East
Pennyfarthing Homes has unveiled an exceptional collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments at Oakwood Grove, a modern development offering affordable homes through the Government-backed First Homes scheme, now available via Dorset Council. Located in the scenic rural village of Alderholt, Oakwood Grove provides the perfect blend of countryside charm and
A major step forward has been made in the development of Battery Green, a multi-million-pound cultural and community hub in Lowestoft. The project, one of five transformational regeneration projects in the town, has secured Morgan Sindall Construction as the contractor to deliver the build. Battery Green is set to become
Watkin Jones, a leading UK residential developer and manager, has announced the practical completion of its 214-apartment build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Randalls Way, Leatherhead. The development, known as The Oakgate, was forward-funded by Get Living. The scheme comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including 36 affordable homes.
Clarion Housing Group has celebrated the start of construction on a new affordable housing project at 42 Station Road in Colliers Wood, Merton. This development will provide 98 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for social rent, aimed at enhancing the lives of local families. To mark this significant milestone, Brian Ham, Project
Plans for the conversion and repurposing of an old office building into 230 co-living homes in Leeds as part of Headrow House have been approved. Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent, will transform Headrow House at 42 The Headrow into a supported communal living
Construction company McAleer & Rushe has been appointed by developer Dominus to construct a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in London. Located at the junction of Holborn Viaduct and Snow Hill, 65 Holborn Viaduct will deliver 669 bedrooms across 14 storeys and is ideally located for students attending the London
The final phase of plans to develop Newbury Farm, Cambridge, have been green-lit. The development will deliver 150 mixed-tenure houses and apartments, as well as community and commercial spaces to enhance both the project’s appeal and functionality, thanks to an equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and award-winning housebuilder The
A Swansea city centre scheme for a new hub has progressed significantly after planning permission was awarded approval. Plans from Urban Splash include the development of a public sector hub building, complete with commercial floor space for shops and restaurants, as well as office space for council and a range
The UK’s newest planetarium is nearing completion at the Sherwood Observatory in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Funded by the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and other generous donors, the £6.8 million project is set to be finished by the end of November. The planetarium will feature a ten-metre diameter hemispherical screen and state-of-the-art projectors, offering immersive experiences of the solar system and beyond. With 59 seats and accessible facilities, the planetarium is designed to inspire and educate visitors of all ages. Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is providing project and cost management services for this exciting development, which will transform the Sherwood Observatory into a leading regional education and exhibition space. Nick Hanson, associate cost manager at Pick Everard, said: “This is an exciting project that is contributing positively to the local area with a world leading science and education facility. “The Sherwood Observatory is of huge historical significance and draws on our expertise of delivering high quality visitor attractions, with protected elements sensitively treated and managed through robust stakeholder management plans. “Our team is fully invested in helping deliver this unique undertaking, which will have a transformative impact on regional tourism and economy drives.” Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson delivered the construction works for the multi-million pound planetarium – completing pre-construction design and planning through SCAPE’s Beyond the Public Sector Framework. Jason Ainsworth, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We feel very privileged to be part of such an exciting and unique project in the region, and once finished, the state-of-the-art centre promises to be a pivotal tourism and educational hub. “Alongside attracting thousands of visitors to the region and raising awareness of the local area and history of the site, it also provides opportunities for STEM careers for future generations to come. This was made possible due to our early involvement and collaborative working with the client team and consultants, facilitated through the SCAPE Beyond the Public sector Framework.” The new planetarium design incorporates the existing Victorian subterranean reservoir, which will see its original features, such as the intricate brick arches, kept to preserve the history of the building. The ambitious plans for the site aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK. Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration, growth and local planning at Ashfield District Council, said: “It is wonderful to see construction of the new planetarium and science centre nearing completion. It has been a monumental effort by all involved. “It will be a fantastic place for schools and youth groups as well as individuals and families to come and see shows about space and science. We know this will light the fire and passion for future scientists and engineers in the area. “It has been a privilege to be part of the journey of seeing this move from an initial pitched idea while walking around the dark Victoria water tank, to securing the funding and now seeing the space transformed into a modern and exciting facility. I could not be more excited to see my first show in the finished planetarium. “This really will be an incredible asset for the district and broader region and will inspire so many people with the wonders of space and inspire many onto new and exciting careers.” Steve Wallace, planetarium project manager and chairman at Sherwood Observatory, said: “This is going to be a cutting-edge facility and it has been fascinating to work on. We are now moving to the next stage where a specialist planetarium creator is on site transforming the dome. “It is a very unique bit of software that offers theatrical shows and give visitors an immersive tour of the solar system where they can go from planet to planet and then out into the wider Milky Way and Universe.” The planetarium at Sherwood Observatory is the latest development Pick Everard has worked on in the region, following the recent opening of a new ‘Green Heart’ space as part of the £2 billion Broad Marsh regeneration project in Nottingham city centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McLaren Construction has commenced works at the first UK industrial scheme in the East Midlands for a joint venture with Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH and Invesco Real Estate. McLaren will oversee all aspects of construction for the £30 million project located in Shireoaks, Worksop – in the prime East Midlands logistics district, including associated access roads and landscaping features. With a 45-week completion target, works will include the design and build of two new industrial units totalling approximately 550,000 sq. ft across 28.9 acres, alongside the construction of S38 works, and a private access road that will form the main access into the site and adjacent plot. The site is easily accessed from the A57 and located in equal distance to the major A1 and M1 motorway links, with the major cities of Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield reachable within less than two hours. Soft landscaping, turfing and planting has been undertaken as part of the initial grounds and landscape works and complex aspects of the build will include the S38 carriageway to an adoptable standard throughout the site, alongside the implementation of a culvert drainage system. In keeping with the environmental and landscape specifications, the build will include green cladding of varying shades alongside glazing and ribbon windows to allow natural optimised lighting to all warehouse areas. McLaren Construction Midlands and North demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability by integrating recycled components from previous demolitions, using available materials from the groundwork that can be crushed and re-used, alongside connecting to the site’s Mains Power thereby eliminating the need for generators and fuel. This approach will not only contribute to the scheme’s BREEAM Rating of Excellent and EPC rating of A+, but it will also extend to McLaren’s efforts to enhance local ecology. The team has worked alongside the client to ensure satisfaction with pre-commencement planning conditions, and enabling works were undertaken during bird nesting season, with an ecologist appointed to oversee the process. The contractor has meticulously planned the development to minimise environmental impact, enhance biodiversity, and target additional BREEAM points for ecological enhancements. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are honoured to be working alongside Garbe and Invesco Real Estate as part of a joint venture for the first industrial and logistics scheme in the UK – contributing to the expansion of the companies’ UK and European logistics portfolio. “Bringing our experience delivering exceptional quality sustainable industrial and logistics builds, and with the prime Midlands location of the site, the scheme is well positioned to support the operational growth needs of businesses across a variety of sectors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Pennyfarthing Homes has unveiled an exceptional collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments at Oakwood Grove, a modern development offering affordable homes through the Government-backed First Homes scheme, now available via Dorset Council. Located in the scenic rural village of Alderholt, Oakwood Grove provides the perfect blend of countryside charm and contemporary living. These apartments are available at a 30% discount off market value for essential workers, making homeownership significantly more accessible. Designed to foster a vibrant new community, the homes aim to offer an aspirational lifestyle at an affordable price. Set for completion in early summer 2025, the First Homes scheme presents a unique opportunity for first-time buyers to secure a foothold on the property ladder. Pennyfarthing Homes will support buyers through the application process, with dedicated sales advisors available to guide them through the final steps. The apartments at Oakwood Grove feature flexible layouts ideal for contemporary lifestyles. Each home boasts an open-plan kitchen and living area, perfect for hosting gatherings or spending quality time with family. Available in one- and two-bedroom configurations, some ground-floor apartments include their own front doors, enhancing privacy and convenience. The exterior design combines traditional red brickwork with modern grey weatherboarding, creating a sophisticated terraced aesthetic. Sustainability is central to the development, with air-source heat pump cylinders providing efficient heating and EV charging points installed in parking areas. These features meet the latest environmental standards, paving the way for greener living. Nestled in a prime East Dorset location, Oakwood Grove is surrounded by picturesque countryside and offers easy access to the renowned New Forest National Park, just a short drive away. The bustling city of Salisbury is 30 minutes away, while Bournemouth’s stunning coastline can be reached in 25 minutes, providing residents with a perfect balance of rural tranquility and urban convenience. The development includes a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) with woodland trails connecting to existing paths in Alderholt, encouraging outdoor exploration. A landscaped play area is also being created, fostering a sense of community for families with young children. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major step forward has been made in the development of Battery Green, a multi-million-pound cultural and community hub in Lowestoft. The project, one of five transformational regeneration projects in the town, has secured Morgan Sindall Construction as the contractor to deliver the build. Battery Green is set to become a vibrant new destination, featuring studio space for creative businesses, a restaurant, and a civic square. The project received £24.9 million in funding from the Government’s Towns Fund in 2022. Before construction commences in January 2025, Morgan Sindall will collaborate with the project’s architects, Chaplin Farrant, to finalise the technical designs. Cllr Tim Wilson, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Economic Development and Regeneration said: “We are pleased to award the construction contract for Battery Green to Morgan Sindall and to see the progression of this exciting multi-million-pound development in the centre of Lowestoft. Battery Green will provide residents and visitors with a vibrant new space offering leisure and dining facilities and space for creative businesses. Battery Green is just one of several major regeneration projects underway across the town which will attract more visitors and businesses to the area and enhance the town for the benefit of local residents.” Jess Asato, MP for Lowestoft said: “Battery Green’s redevelopment marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to revitalize Lowestoft. This project, alongside others, demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the town’s vibrancy and economy, inviting both locals and tourists to rediscover Lowestoft. “Together with the town’s collective regeneration efforts, Battery Green will breathe new life into our high street, transforming it into a welcoming space that will boost business, enrich our cultural scene, and help restore Lowestoft’s charm for future generations.” Alister Broadberry, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Eastern Counties, said:”We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver the Battery Green redevelopment project in Lowestoft, as this project will play a crucial role in rejuvenating the town centre and creating a vibrant hub for the community. Our team is committed to working collaboratively with East Suffolk Council and Chaplin Farrant to create a space that fosters creativity, supports local businesses, and enhances the quality of life for the area’s residents.” Last month, local company P.J. Spillings was awarded the contract for the demolition of the northern wing of East Suffolk Council’s former Marina Customer Services Centre and internal alterations to the remainder of the building to create a repurposed space for the creative sector. The partial demolition of the former multi-storey car park is due to be completed by mid-December. Battery Green is due for completion in the spring of 2026. The Battery Green development is just one of many regenerative projects underway in the town, with work progressing on improvements at Royal Plain, Royal Green and South Quay Wharf and on a new seafront complex at Jubilee Parade. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Watkin Jones, a leading UK residential developer and manager, has announced the practical completion of its 214-apartment build-to-rent (BTR) scheme in Randalls Way, Leatherhead. The development, known as The Oakgate, was forward-funded by Get Living. The scheme comprises a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including 36 affordable homes. As the first BTR development in Leatherhead, The Oakgate is a significant addition to the local housing market. Residents will benefit from the development’s prime location, with easy access to Leatherhead’s shops, restaurants, and nearby attractions such as Leatherhead Park, the River Mole Nature Reserve, and Box Hill. The Oakgate boasts strong environmental credentials, having achieved a Home Quality Mark ‘Level 3’ certification. Sustainable features include air source heat pumps, an enterprise car club, and EV charging points. The development also offers two landscaped courtyards, a children’s play area, and additional play spaces. The scheme is well-connected, with Leatherhead railway station just a short walk away, providing direct train services to Central London in under an hour. Richard Harris, Group Delivery, Managing Director – Group Delivery, Watkin Jones, said: “We are proud to have worked closely with Get Living to deliver Leatherhead’s first BTR development. Together, we have successfully created homes that are not only exceptional places to live for families now but are also built with sustainability and long-term community benefits in mind. “This exemplifies Watkin Jones’ outstanding track record as the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent. By introducing Build to Rent into new locations, we are addressing the urgent need for housing supply during a critical time of shortage.” Rick de Blaby, Chief Executive at Get Living commented: “With new homes for rent in high demand across the country, the practical completion of The Oakgate in Leatherhead is an important milestone as we prepare to launch this new neighbourhood. We have worked closely with Watkin Jones for several years to get to this point, with a shared vision of bringing forward schemes that deliver homes that are high-quality and sustainable for an increasingly broad demographic of renters. “In touching distance of both London and the Surrey countryside, the launch of The Oakgate will bring the benefits of BTR to Leatherhead for the first time, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our first residents in the coming months.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clarion Housing Group has celebrated the start of construction on a new affordable housing project at 42 Station Road in Colliers Wood, Merton. This development will provide 98 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for social rent, aimed at enhancing the lives of local families. To mark this significant milestone, Brian Ham, Project Director at Clarion Housing Group, was joined by Councillor Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development at Merton Council, Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Simon Trice, Managing Director of The Hill Group, and members of both project teams. This visit highlighted the strong partnership between Clarion Housing Group and Merton Council in delivering this transformative project. The new 10 and 13-storey buildings, being developed in partnership with The Hill Group, are located near the picturesque River Wandle and Morden Hall Park. The development will offer a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each featuring private balconies, modern fitted kitchens with energy-efficient appliances, and a range of amenities. In addition to the residential units, the development will include a landscaped courtyard, a riverside park, play areas, and commercial spaces, creating a thriving community atmosphere. The project is expected to be completed by 2026. Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group said: “We are excited that this pivotal development is underway, highlighting our commitment to providing 100% social rent homes that does not compromise on quality. By partnering with Merton Council and The Hill Group, we are not just constructing buildings at 42 Station Road, but creating a promising, sustainable community where families can thrive.” Councillor Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, London Borough of Merton said: “This new development is welcome news for our borough’s families, providing better availability and access to modern, affordable homes that are close to schools, shops, and transport connections in Colliers Wood. “Everyone deserves a place to call home that they’re proud of and meets their needs for the future. We’re doing everything in our power to make sure we can support sustainable growth in our borough to meet increasing demand for housing that is safe, decent and energy efficient. “New homes are part of the council’s approach to tackling the housing crisis locally, and we’re working alongside Clarion to regenerate some of our estates as well as building the first new council homes in a generation.” Harvinder Dhami, Regional Director at The Hill Group, commented: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Clarion Housing Group on this significant project. Our joint efforts are focused on delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that will greatly benefit the Merton community. This development represents our commitment to building not just homes, but new communities.” Strategically situated within walking distance of essential amenities and excellent transportation links, including the Colliers Wood and South Wimbledon Underground Stations, the development ensures residents have everything they need within reach. The locality also boasts excellent schools, retail options, and health facilities, making it an ideal choice for families looking to put down roots in Merton. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for the conversion and repurposing of an old office building into 230 co-living homes in Leeds as part of Headrow House have been approved. Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent, will transform Headrow House at 42 The Headrow into a supported communal living environment with a completion date eyed for 2028. Leeds City Council green-lit the plans to help address the demand for rental accommodation that continues to outstrip supply in the city. Headrow House will offer its occupiers a high-quality gym, shared kitchens and dining areas, a cinema, co-working lounge, library, laundry room and bicycle parking in addition to personal storage rooms. The co-living design supports the Group’s ESG strategy, emphasising reuse and energy efficiency and attaining BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification. The retrofit enhances thermal efficiency and air permeability, with electric heating for net zero carbon, energy-efficient windows and air source heat pumps. Photovoltaic panels, efficient lighting and energy-saving controls will optimise performance. By reusing the building, the scheme will reduce embodied carbon by 78% and Watkin Jones will use sustainable landscaping throughout. Iain Smith, Planning Director at Watkin Jones, commented: “We are very excited to announce planning approval for Headrow House, our first co-living project in Leeds. “Ranked the third largest city by population in the UK, Leeds is a vital commercial and residential centre, and we are committed to providing high-quality, sustainable co-living accommodation that will help to address the on-going demand for rental homes in Leeds city centre. “We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with Leeds City Council and our local communities to address this growing demand, while also supporting our ESG targets as a business.” The scheme will also retain retail units on the ground floor, helping to support local residents and businesses and Headrow House will only be a short walk from popular restaurants and shopping centres. Importantly, the design will serve evolving residents’ needs and will include many social benefits. The site offers excellent public transport links, located within a 300m walk from Leeds train station. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction company McAleer & Rushe has been appointed by developer Dominus to construct a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in London. Located at the junction of Holborn Viaduct and Snow Hill, 65 Holborn Viaduct will deliver 669 bedrooms across 14 storeys and is ideally located for students attending the London School of Economics, King’s College and Queen Mary University. Designed by Stiff + Trevillion Architects and Jonathan Cook Landscape Architects, 65 Holborn Viaduct will provide a mix of bedroom types including studios, two-dios and cluster apartments, with 35 percent allocated as affordable accommodation and 64 rooms proposed as wheelchair accessible. The designs offer generous amenity space for students with an on-site café/bar, cinema room, music rooms, games area, gym and external roof terraces. Mark Diamond, Senior Director, McAleer & Rushe said: “We are delighted to be entrusted as Construction Partner to deliver this landmark PBSA scheme by our long-standing client, Dominus. “Designed to seamlessly blend into the community and provide a high-quality student living experience, the project is an excellent example of our shared commitment to leaving a lasting positive impact which has been showcased throughout our decade-long partnership with Dominus. “With a proven track record in delivering PBSA schemes across the UK, our experienced team are well placed to deliver Holborn Viaduct for the 2027 academic year. We look forward to working closely with all partners to bring this scheme to life efficiently and sustainably.” Anupriya Rajpal, Development Director, Dominus added: “This appointment is an exciting milestone in the development of 65 Holborn Viaduct, paving the way for much-needed student accommodation in the City of London.” Targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, the scheme has been designed to be sustainable in both construction and operation, utilising urban greening and water saving measures with the aim of reducing operational carbon emissions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The final phase of plans to develop Newbury Farm, Cambridge, have been green-lit. The development will deliver 150 mixed-tenure houses and apartments, as well as community and commercial spaces to enhance both the project’s appeal and functionality, thanks to an equal partnership between Cambridge City Council and award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group. The partnership, labelled Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), received unanimous approval by Cambridge City Council. Tom Hill, Managing Director of The Hill Group said: “As a partnership, we are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable new homes that meet Cambridge’s growing housing needs. “We are pleased to be bringing forward this mixed tenure development which will include vibrant community spaces and essential commercial facilities, fostering a sense of place and connectivity for residents.” The Newbury Farm project will offer a wide range of homes, from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses, with the larger properties and apartment blocks situated centrally within the site. Included are three apartment blocks with 35 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom flats. Additionally, it will offer 18 two-bedroom, 48 three-bedroom, 21 four-bedroom, and six five-bedroom houses. Of the 150 new homes, 60 will be designated as affordable housing, including all the apartments and three of the three-bedroom houses, which continues CIP’s commitment to addressing Cambridge’s housing needs. Cllr Gerri Bird, Executive Councillor for Housing at Cambridge City Council and CIP board member, said: “Being granted planning permission to develop this final phase at Newbury Farm is another great example of the progress we are making to address the city’s housing affordability crisis.” Extensive community consultation led by BPTW, the lead architects for all three phases, has informed the final design, ensuring that the development aligns with the needs of the council, residents and local businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A Swansea city centre scheme for a new hub has progressed significantly after planning permission was awarded approval. Plans from Urban Splash include the development of a public sector hub building, complete with commercial floor space for shops and restaurants, as well as office space for council and a range of other public sector partners, which would take over the former St David’s Shopping Centre site. Made up of four floors above ground level and one floor below, hundreds of workers will be based there. Urban Splash and Swansea Council will develop the proposed hub, with ownership retained by the council. David Warburton, Urban Splash development director, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning approval, which clears the way for a vibrant new commercial hub in Swansea. “Our vision is to create a space that serves both the community and the local economy, offering high-quality amenities, dynamic workspaces, and a place where people can connect and collaborate. “This building is set to create new job opportunities and inject fresh energy into the city centre, supporting Swansea’s growth as a forward-thinking, thriving urban environment.” Construction work on the public sector hub is anticipated to start in 2025. The public sector hub would also enable the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site on the seafront. Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The public sector hub will help generate more footfall in the city centre, which will boost our existing traders and help attract more investment in future. “This is just one feature of an overall plan for the redevelopment of the former St David’s Shopping Centre site though, so we’ll continue to work with Urban Splash on other proposals for the site that will be announced as soon as they’re ready for feedback. “Our plans for this development site are part of a £1bn regeneration programme that’s unfolding in Swansea to benefit our residents and businesses. This shows how committed we are to creating jobs and high-quality facilities as Swansea is transformed into one of the UK’s best cities to live, work, enjoy, study and visit. “Alongside our partners in the private sector and others, this work is bearing fruit. Swansea’s economy is projected to be the seventh fastest growing in the UK next year, which is testament to all that’s been achieved so far and our plans for the future.” Urban Splash are continuing to work on proposals for that site, which will be made available for public feedback as soon as they’re finalised. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
