The restoration project for a historic Huddersfield hotel has received a further cash injection of £9.8 million from Kirklees Council. The vacant George Hotel was purchased by the council four years ago after lying dormant since 2013, with a number of improvements still required for it to be available for
Persimmon Homes are preparing to deliver 68 new houses on their recently secured land in Wiltshire, as part of Highfield Gardens. The housebuilder’s Wessex region will transform the Hilperton-based site, on the north-eastern edge of Trowbridge, into ‘Highfield Gardens’. It will include a mix of homes, which will all feature
A hybrid planning application has been submitted to transform a 1970s shopping centre in Lewisham, southeast London, into a vibrant new town centre district, complete with housing, hospitality and green spaces. LandsecU+I, which is real estate investment trust company Landsec’s regeneration arm, has proposed a 17-acre masterplan, designed by SEW,
The latest instalment of refurbishment works on the historic Menai Suspension Bridge, ahead of the crossing’s bicentenary, has been completed. The Grade I structure, which was formed in 1826, is a crucial road link between mainland Wales and the Isle of Anglesey and is the second oldest suspension bridge in
Skanska has scooped a £197 million deal with a Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK joint venture to develop an office, retail and leisure space in Mayfair. The company will lead construction of two new category A office buildings that form part of the wider mixed-use redevelopment of South Molton in
Network Rail Property has announced updated plans for a major redevelopment of London Liverpool Street, aiming to transform it into a modernised hub that elevates the passenger experience and meets future demands. With over 100 million annual users, projected to exceed 140 million by 2050, the iconic station is set
GMI Construction has won a £50 million contract to build a major Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) complex in Bristol, marking its first significant residential project in the Southwest as it expands its Midlands-based operations. The 447-bed project, developed for Host, will consist of two new apartment blocks and a standalone
Crest Nicholson has received planning approval for 109 new homes as part of the latest expansion phase in the Meon Vale development, a large-scale residential project on the outskirts of the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The new homes will feature a variety of Crest Nicholson’s designs, including the ‘Filey’ and
Morgan Sindall has completed work at Southlands Hospital’s new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), with phase two of the project in Shoreham, Sussex, handed over. The facility, which initially opened in October 2023, will now be able to deliver a wider range of vital healthcare services in the heart of the
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme, has received approval from Oxford City Council to transform Eastpoint Business Park into a cutting-edge 200,000 sq ft life sciences campus. The redevelopment marks Railpen’s first venture into Oxford’s burgeoning life sciences sector, following its substantial investment in Cambridge’s innovation landscape. After
The restoration project for a historic Huddersfield hotel has received a further cash injection of £9.8 million from Kirklees Council. The vacant George Hotel was purchased by the council four years ago after lying dormant since 2013, with a number of improvements still required for it to be available for use. Once restored, the George – a key priority within the Huddersfield Blueprint, Kirklees Council’s masterplan to transform the town centre – will be managed by internationally renowned hotelier Radisson. The Grade II* listed building has already received £20.2 million from the council’s Cabinet two years ago, but increases in construction costs and additional issues found on site, mostly due to the nature of the historic building and its complexities, meant further funds were required. The latest influx in cash will bring the project’s total to £30 million, with the hotel aiming to be open in 2027. The council have also explored the possibility of increasing the number of rooms planned from 91 to 108, in a bid to help the George generate more income to repay the Cabinet’s investment. Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “The George Hotel plays such a key role in Huddersfield’s past, and for people travelling by rail it will always be one of the very first buildings to welcome you as you enter the town centre. “Bringing this building back to life is one of our priorities within the Huddersfield Blueprint, and we’re unwavering in that commitment. “As with many of our regeneration plans – particularly projects which involve the refurbishment of such beautiful, historic structures – it’s a hugely complex process, greatly impacted by the current economic climate. “What we’re proposing is a more streamlined vision for the hotel, with greater capacity and solutions that take better care of this beautiful building’s history. She added: “I’m pleased that Cabinet continue to see bringing this beautiful building back into use as a priority.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Persimmon Homes are preparing to deliver 68 new houses on their recently secured land in Wiltshire, as part of Highfield Gardens. The housebuilder’s Wessex region will transform the Hilperton-based site, on the north-eastern edge of Trowbridge, into ‘Highfield Gardens’. It will include a mix of homes, which will all feature sustainable infrastructure such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, and 20 affordable units, responding to the varied needs of local first-time buyers and families. The land, which was allocated for housing in the Wiltshire Housing Site Allocations Plan, was carefully designed in collaboration with the Local Planning Authority and other key stakeholders to reflect and enhance the local character of the area. Persimmon Wessex Deputy Managing Director, Seb Spiller, said: “We’re delighted to have acquired this prime site in Hilperton, which will allow us to deliver much-needed, high-quality homes for local people in the area. “Working closely with Wiltshire Council, we’ve created a vision that preserves local character, supports biodiversity and enhances connectivity, all while providing a mix of housing options for a diverse range of buyers. “We look forward to commencing on site early in 2025 as we continue our positive track-record across Wiltshire delivering sustainable communities and quality homes for local people.” The scheme will preserve existing habitats for bats, retain trees and hedgerows, and introduce new planting to support local wildlife. Over 100 new trees, wildflower grasslands, and dedicated biodiversity features such as bird and bat boxes will be added to the site. Highfield Gardens will also provide areas of green public open space, including a new children’s play area, ensuring recreational spaces for families and the wider community. The project will, via a Section 106 agreement and the Community Infrastructure Levy, also see Persimmon provide significant financial contributions totalling over £1.4 million towards local infrastructure improvements including schools, highway works and improvements to Hilperton Village Hall. Construction is set to begin in February, with Highfield Gardens poised to deliver new, high-quality homes and a lasting positive impact for the Hilperton and Trowbridge communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A hybrid planning application has been submitted to transform a 1970s shopping centre in Lewisham, southeast London, into a vibrant new town centre district, complete with housing, hospitality and green spaces. LandsecU+I, which is real estate investment trust company Landsec’s regeneration arm, has proposed a 17-acre masterplan, designed by SEW, that will deliver 1,700 new homes alongside 445 co-living residences and up to 660 student beds, progressing Landsec’s pipeline of residential-led opportunities in the capital. The new district will be set around eight-acres of accessible green space and public realm, including an urban meadow which sits at the heart of the masterplan. Landsec has been part of Lewisham for over 20 years as the owners of Lewisham Shopping Centre. The proposals have been shaped in collaboration with over 3,000 people living and working in the borough. The shopping centre will be retained where possible, allowing it to remain open for the local community and for development to be delivered in discrete incremental phases. On top of a reimagined shopping centre will be a pedestrianised high street lined with restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as a 500-person live music venue to support Lewisham’s buzzing cultural scene. The masterplan will enhance access to nature and open public space with over 300 new trees and three new town squares across eight acres. The meadow, a new public park, will sit at the heart of the new district and include wildflower planting to boost biodiversity and meet demand for quality green space across the city. Mike Hood, CEO of Landsec U+I, said: “This submission marks an important milestone to create a new green centre for Lewisham. A place that people will love, that brings immense social and economic change, thousands of much-needed homes and a beautiful green meadow on top of a revived shopping centre. “For the last 20 years our team has been embedded within the community and I’m delighted that we were able to create this vision with thousands of people in Lewisham through one of our most extensive public engagement programmes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The latest instalment of refurbishment works on the historic Menai Suspension Bridge, ahead of the crossing’s bicentenary, has been completed. The Grade I structure, which was formed in 1826, is a crucial road link between mainland Wales and the Isle of Anglesey and is the second oldest suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicle traffic. Spencer Bridge Engineering, in collaboration with UK Highways A55 Ltd, completed the works which included replacing and painting 168 of the 208 wire rope hangers on the bridge, restoring the full structural integrity of the structure and removing the critical risk to public safety which forced it to close in October 2022. Project Manager Tom Inglis said: “The project posed a number of significant challenges, including working in a harsh environment with strong winds and wet weather, but we have a large and diverse skillset which enables us to draw on past experiences to develop solutions. “We have decades of experience working on a range of complex bridge and infrastructure projects, and with a very collaborative attitude, allowing us to utilise expertise from right across the team to deliver the most efficient and effective results. “One of the factors which made this project so successful was the close relationships we have developed over a number of years with the client, UK Highways A55 Limited, and our suppliers. Those relationships were especially important to deliver this challenging project on time.” Teams from Spencer have been carrying out a series of works over the past four years to revitalise the crossing ahead of its 200th anniversary year. After completing earlier projects, including the replacement of footpath panels and the installation of emergency fail-safes on the 417m-long bridge, Spencer Bridge Engineering’s expert team began the hanger replacement project in Autumn 2023 and recently completed the final hanger installation. To respect the heritage and historic features of the bridge, the team worked closely with suppliers throughout a rigorous period of development and testing to design the specially fabricated hangers and sockets. The hangers, which range in length from less than 1m to over 14m, were fabricated to a stringent specification, with an incredibly narrow length tolerance, by specialist Swiss steel manufacturer, Fatzer AG. Works were carried out to replace the historic hangers, which were installed when the bridge was reconstructed in 1938. To undertake the works, Spencer’s highly experienced bridges team also designed bespoke equipment, including a de-tensioning rig and pin pusher to safely remove the existing hangers while protecting the surrounding bridge structure. The completion of the hanger replacement programme to schedule marks a significant engineering achievement for the team given the complexity of the programme and the speed with which it needed to be designed, procurement and supply chain challenges, and adverse weather conditions over the works period. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Skanska has scooped a £197 million deal with a Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK joint venture to develop an office, retail and leisure space in Mayfair. The company will lead construction of two new category A office buildings that form part of the wider mixed-use redevelopment of South Molton in Mayfair, London, being led by Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK. The project involves the demolition of existing buildings and construction of two new office buildings at 60 Brook Street and 56 Davies Street, comprising 71,000 sq. ft and 78,000 sq. ft respectively. The project also involves the restoration of the Running Horse Pub, together with ground floor retail, restaurants, cafés and a basement gym, covering a total of 267,000 sq. ft. In addition to main construction in Mayfair, Skanska will deliver CAT A mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) systems, including the site wide data network, security and smart building solution, with all phases of South Molton on track to complete in July 2027. Skanska has been working with the Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK JV since October 2022 to evolve the design and construction methodology for South Molton, including identifying sustainability and carbon reduction strategies. This process has reduced steel usage by 200 tonnes, with the re-use of existing steel elements, pre-fabrication of façades and in-situ construction of the concrete base slab all contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions. “We have enjoyed a fantastically collaborative working relationship with the Grosvenor and Mitsui Fudosan UK JV team over the past two years,” said Terry Muckian, Managing Director, Building. “This has led to a design and method of construction that reduces carbon and de-risks programme delivery in what is a complex working environment in the heart of London’s West End. “We have a long history and deep understanding of the London commercial office market and we are delighted to be continuing this with South Molton. “South Molton is an exciting development for this internationally recognised part of London and I know our team are really looking forward to playing their part in bringing it to life.” The building is targeting environmental standards BREEAM Outstanding for offices and Design for Performance to secure a NABERS 5* accreditation. It’s also targeting WiredScore Platinum certification, which recognises best-in-class digitally connected buildings across the globe. The state-of-the-art offices will feature world-class office design and facilities, including large modern floorplates, roof terraces, outstanding amenities and leading environmental credentials. At ground level, they will be activated by a dynamic mix of retail and food and beverage outlets alongside attractive, greener streets. Designed to complement the distinctive character of Mayfair, 56 Davies Street and 60 Brook Street will feature a mix of new and existing façades. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Rail Property has announced updated plans for a major redevelopment of London Liverpool Street, aiming to transform it into a modernised hub that elevates the passenger experience and meets future demands. With over 100 million annual users, projected to exceed 140 million by 2050, the iconic station is set to become a premier destination in its own right. The proposed transport-focused redesign includes expanded concourse areas, additional facilities, and improved accessibility features aimed at easing congestion and enhancing passenger convenience. Key upgrades include step-free access throughout the station and the London Underground, seven new lifts, and four additional escalators, doubling the current count. New entrances will be introduced on Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, and Exchange Square, and the station will benefit from better signage, more ticket barriers, expanded waiting lounges, and family-friendly restrooms on each level. Aiming to meet diverse needs, the plans for London Liverpool Street also incorporate a wider range of dining and retail options, increased cycle storage with direct platform access, and ample space within the station for smoother navigation. This revised scheme, developed with architecture firm ACME, seeks to balance the operational demands of a 21st-century transport hub while respecting the station’s historic architecture. Following feedback on a 2023 proposal that met with opposition from heritage groups, Network Rail has made significant adjustments to ensure the redevelopment honours Liverpool Street’s architectural heritage, including its iconic 1864 design and 1991 reconfiguration. Network Rail Property is currently consulting with stakeholders to finalise a plan that preserves the station’s historic charm while delivering a world-class experience for passengers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction has won a £50 million contract to build a major Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) complex in Bristol, marking its first significant residential project in the Southwest as it expands its Midlands-based operations. The 447-bed project, developed for Host, will consist of two new apartment blocks and a standalone mixed-use building designed around an open courtyard. Situated in the Temple Meads Quarter on the former site of Chanson Foods, the development will sit just 200 meters from Bristol Temple Meads railway station, offering close proximity to the new Bristol University Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and a view of the Floating Harbour. Renowned architecture firm Chapman Taylor designed the project in partnership with Bristol City Council. With a two-year construction timeline, the project is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2026 academic year. Adam Taylor, GMI Construction’s Regional Director in the Midlands, said: “We are exceptionally proud to secure this major project with Host, which will deliver much needed, high-quality, additional student accommodation in the centre of Bristol. This project also strengthens GMI’s credentials in the construction of multi-occupancy developments, particularly in the student accommodation sector, and our expansion into new regions of the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Crest Nicholson has received planning approval for 109 new homes as part of the latest expansion phase in the Meon Vale development, a large-scale residential project on the outskirts of the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The new homes will feature a variety of Crest Nicholson’s designs, including the ‘Filey’ and the ‘Windsor’ house types, providing a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. Each unit will come equipped with sustainable technology, including photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points, underscoring Crest Nicholson’s commitment to energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Significantly, 40% of the homes in the phase have been allocated for affordable housing. The breakdown includes 29 units set aside for affordable rent, along with nine homes available through shared ownership, offering more accessible homeownership opportunities to local residents and contributing to the area’s affordable housing stock. Tim Brickley, Managing Director for Crest Nicholson Midlands commented: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission to deliver much needed, energy efficient homes within the village. Being able to offer 40% of the development as affordable housing is an important step in making home ownership more accessible and we look forward to providing high quality new homes that will contribute to the vibrant, sustainable community of Meon Vale.” The Marston Leys development will introduce a new phase to the rural, self-sufficient village of Meon Vale. Once a Ministry of Defence site, Meon Vale has transformed into a thriving community complete with a school, sports fields, playgrounds, a skate park, and leisure and community centres. Work is anticipated to start in early 2025 with the first homes due for completion towards the end of the year. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, Meon Vale also benefits from being joined to Stratford’s flagship cycle and footpath, which sweeps through the village and continues to Stratford town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall has completed work at Southlands Hospital’s new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), with phase two of the project in Shoreham, Sussex, handed over. The facility, which initially opened in October 2023, will now be able to deliver a wider range of vital healthcare services in the heart of the local community. The project was procured via SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading procurement specialists, on behalf of the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. The work involved the strip-out and demolition of a previous structure, with the new facility housing four state-of-the-art ultrasound rooms, two dedicated echo treatment rooms, two lung function testing rooms, and a specialised gynaecological treatment area. The project also included the strategic reconfiguration of an existing X-ray section. Complementing these clinical spaces, the CDC incorporated various ancillary facilities such as waiting areas, cleaning stations, restrooms, a welcoming reception area, office spaces, and medical storage facilities. The new facility is part of the government’s scheme to deliver more community-based facilities. Statistics show patients have already benefited from over 7 million tests, checks and scans via CDC funding across England. Since opening, more than 60,000 patients have already been seen at Southlands CDC. As part of Morgan Sindall’s commitment to social value generation and upskilling the next generation of construction professionals, its team supported two local T-Level students during the construction activity. The team also arranged several trips for students from nearby Northbrook College to visit the project at various times throughout the development. Additionally, Morgan Sindall supported a work starter from the local area by employing them as an operative on site. To assist the team’s physical wellbeing, several health sessions were arranged to check on cholesterol, prostate cancer, thyroid testing and blood pressure. Guy Hannell, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in the Southern Home Counties, said: “The completion of phase two at Southlands Hospital’s new CDC marks a significant moment, as it will bring significant healthcare benefits to the local community. Having this state-of-the-art facility on their doorstep provides the people living and working in Shoreham with a high-quality diagnostic service that will help to better assess those in critical need while reducing waiting times. “The collaborative, innovative relationship that we’ve developed with University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and SCAPE has been central to this project’s success. In addition, at Morgan Sindall we’ve delivered numerous CDCs around the country and so have been able to leverage this expertise and experience on this project. This has ensured that the completed facility is tailored to the needs of patients, clinicians and stakeholders.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme, has received approval from Oxford City Council to transform Eastpoint Business Park into a cutting-edge 200,000 sq ft life sciences campus. The redevelopment marks Railpen’s first venture into Oxford’s burgeoning life sciences sector, following its substantial investment in Cambridge’s innovation landscape. After acquiring Eastpoint in 2023, Railpen aims to create a flagship laboratory and office hub that will cater to the growing demand for life sciences spaces. This project is part of Railpen’s larger strategy to establish an innovation cluster across the Oxford-Cambridge Arc, which includes notable developments like Devonshire Gardens and Botanic Place in Cambridge. These projects are designed to foster long-term economic and social benefits in both cities while generating strong returns for the pension scheme’s members. The redevelopment plan, designed by Scott Brownrigg, features three four-story laboratory buildings and a single-story amenity building, offering a mix of 55% CL2 laboratories and 45% office space. This flexible layout will accommodate a variety of tenants, encouraging advanced research and collaboration. The site, located just two miles southeast of Oxford city centre and close to Oxford Business Park and Oxford Science Park, places it in a prime position for life sciences innovation. In addition to providing cutting-edge facilities, the project will enhance the public realm, with an emphasis on pedestrian-friendly design, active ground floors, and high-quality public amenities. Railpen’s vision includes fostering stronger ties with the local community through initiatives such as a “Learning Lab,” where local students can access state-of-the-art facilities and connect with STEM professionals. The campus will also feature a publicly accessible café, social hub, and green space, creating a vibrant communal hub for both workers and residents. With construction set to begin, the Eastpoint redevelopment is poised to become a key centre for life sciences in Oxford, further cementing Railpen’s role in shaping the region’s innovation landscape. Railpen is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL, Wired and Smart Platinum ratings for the development, as well as Cycle Score Platinum. Additional features will include a ‘Travel and Energy hub’ to promote sustainable travel and pocket parks to enhance user wellbeing. The latest intelligent building technologies, renewable energy, and biodiverse balconies and roofscapes will reduce embodied carbon and enhance biodiversity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
