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 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,
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
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
