Therme Manchester has received approval from Trafford Council for its Section 73 planning amendment, marking a significant step forward in the development of the UK’s first immersive wellbeing resort. The approval coincides with the start of enabling work on-site, including the demolition of pre-existing concrete slabs, which will be conserved
Rendall & Rittner has been chosen to manage the first collection of private sale homes at Brent Cross Town, the £8 billion, 180-acre park town development in north London being delivered by Related Argent, in partnership with Barnet Council. Brent Cross Town is guided by four pledges: to be London’s
Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus has undergone a £750,000 refurbishment, transforming the site into modern, accessible facilities for its construction students. The eight-week project, managed by award-winning fit-out specialists Lodestone Projects, revitalised four floors of the campus. A key highlight is the conversion of the former library into
Housbuilder Vistry has teamed up with Bromford to build up to 695 sustainable homes in Longbridge, south-west Birmingham, formerly home to the MG works. Vistry has joined forces with Bromford, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, which will own and manage the affordable homes. Bromford is acquiring 250 of
Castlemere Developments has secured a prime location in London for its latest residential project. The company plans to construct five one-bedroom airspace apartments at Nicholas Court, Burnt Ash Hill, in Grove Park. The £1.35 million development will follow Castlemere’s signature approach, utilising offsite construction methods. Once completed, the prefabricated units
As part of a larger refurbishment project at Oxford Brookes University’s Headington Campus, upgrades have been completed to expand the number of teaching spaces and enhance existing facilities. The improvements, with a total value of £1 million, aim to benefit both staff and students. Completed over the summer in preparation
Paloma Capital has begun a major refurbishment of a key section of its well-established business and logistics park on the outskirts of York. The site, now rebranded as York North (previously Green Park Business Centre), is undergoing a £1.25 million upgrade. The project includes a full renovation of a 12,508
MC Construction has completed work on a multimillion-pound school extension in Cheshire to create additional places for children with severe learning difficulties and complex needs. The scheme at Springfield School in Crewe will help address an urgent need for extra provision in the Cheshire East area, with demand at an
Willmott Dixon has secured a multi-million-pound contract to construct a new 28-bed secure children’s home in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, aimed at providing enhanced facilities for young people. The project, procured through Pagabo’s Major Works Framework, saw Willmott Dixon chosen by Lincolnshire County Council last year to develop design proposals for the
Whitbread PLC has received planning approval from Westminster City Council to build a new hotel at 5 Strand in central London. The hotel, featuring 693 rooms, will be one of the largest budget accommodations in the city when completed. It will operate under the hub by Premier Inn brand, occupying
Therme Manchester has received approval from Trafford Council for its Section 73 planning amendment, marking a significant step forward in the development of the UK’s first immersive wellbeing resort. The approval coincides with the start of enabling work on-site, including the demolition of pre-existing concrete slabs, which will be conserved and reused in construction. Site hoarding, utility works, and offices have been set up, and a 200-metre borehole has been drilled to assess the site’s natural thermal capacity—key to the resort’s sustainable and energy-efficient design. The planning amendments reflect Therme’s focus on sustainability, community, and architectural innovation. The new designs will incorporate advanced energy-efficient technologies, such as ground and air heat pumps, significantly reducing the resort’s CO2 emissions and water usage. The refined design also optimises the use of materials like glass, steel, and concrete, ensuring both a premium guest experience and environmental mindfulness. Accessibility enhancements have also been made, including a welcoming drop-off point on Phoenix Way and expanded public realm areas across the 28-acre site. These new spaces will create a serene environment, encouraging visitors to connect with nature. Existing routes for coaches, taxis, and parking on Mercury Way remain unchanged, while walking and cycling paths between the Bridgewater Canal and Metrolink will be preserved, promoting active travel. Therme Manchester, guided by its “wellbeing for all” ethos, will offer holistic and affordably priced experiences for guests of all ages. The resort will feature thermal bathing, saunas, family-friendly water attractions, botanical gardens, personalised treatments, nutritious dining options, and immersive art programmes—providing a unique wellness experience not yet seen in the UK. The opening date for the resort has yet to be announced. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rendall & Rittner has been chosen to manage the first collection of private sale homes at Brent Cross Town, the £8 billion, 180-acre park town development in north London being delivered by Related Argent, in partnership with Barnet Council. Brent Cross Town is guided by four pledges: to be London’s home for participation in sport and play, to be a place where people can flourish, to be a net zero carbon town by 2030 and to drive physical and social connectivity. Through this appointment, Rendall & Rittner will be managing a selection of 277 private sale apartments and a wide range of amenities. Brent Cross Town, when complete, will comprise 6,700 new homes, over 50 locations for retail, food and drink, best-in-class workspaces for over 25,000 people and build a community around health and wellness with fantastic new amenities, including 50 acres of parks and playing fields. Rendall & Rittner’s role at Brent Cross Town began earlier this year with a focus on mobilisation ahead of an expected handover later this year. Once residents move in, Rendall & Rittner will be responsible for the management of a variety of on-site amenities including a residents’ gym, communal courtyard, residents’ lounge and dining room, rentable parking space, and co-working areas. Rendall & Rittner will also be providing staffing solutions for the development including a Building Manager, Concierge team, Cleaner, and Estate Operatives, together with sustainability initiatives that will complement the scheme. Richard Daver, Group CEO at Rendall & Rittner commented: “With its ambitious vision to create a new park town for London, Brent Cross Town has placed community, wellbeing and sustainability at the heart of its design. Reflecting our own commitment to enhancing the experiences of residents and the wider communities in which we operate, we are delighted to be working with Related Argent as we prepare to welcome the first residents to their new homes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus has undergone a £750,000 refurbishment, transforming the site into modern, accessible facilities for its construction students. The eight-week project, managed by award-winning fit-out specialists Lodestone Projects, revitalised four floors of the campus. A key highlight is the conversion of the former library into a bright, open-plan student enrichment area. This space now features a gaming zone, TV lounge, meeting room, Student Services office, study areas with fixed seating, and a co-working bench. Designed to be inclusive and welcoming, the new area is located near the entrance for better accessibility. The flexible layout also allows the space to be converted into an exam hall for up to 80 students, supporting the college’s broader goal of creating a more inclusive and adaptable learning environment. The reception and cafe area were upgraded into a larger communal zone with fresh decoration, flooring, power, and IT. Corridors and staircases across floors were also refreshed with new wall graphics and energy-efficient LED lighting. The upper levels of the building were reconfigured to create a new learning resource centre, additional teaching spaces, teaching and support rooms, and a new staff training room in place of the old student common room. Josh Donnelly, Joint Managing Director at Lodestone (recent winners of the Best Nationwide Refurbishment & Fit-Out Specialists in the UK Enterprise Awards 2024), said: “This has been such a rewarding and nostalgic project for Lodestone staff, given how many of our employees are current or former apprentices at Leeds College of Building. It was great to give something back to the institution that taught our professionals the skills needed to succeed in the construction industry. We’re thrilled with the results and hope the next generation of talent can benefit from these modern facilities as they learn their crafts.” The renovation project at North Street Campus is part of a comprehensive upgrade programme to align the site with the College’s modern South Bank Campus. Alongside contractors Lodestone, design consultancy Fuse Studios oversaw the interior design with Turner & Townsend appointed for project and cost management. Mike Harris, Director at Fuse Studios, said: “We were delighted to work alongside long-term clients Leeds College of Building, to refurbish its existing premises on North Street. The intention was to bring some of the design principles established with the College’s South Bank Campus buildings – also designed by Fuse Studios – to North Street, and so enrich the students’ learning environment. I’m delighted with the results and believe the project has successfully achieved its objectives, whilst moving towards the College’s aim of unifying its estates.” Ewan Shaw, Director at Turner & Townsend, added: “It was great to work with the team at the College and Fuse Studios once again to deliver such a fantastic campus renovation. Successful construction projects rely on teamwork, excellent communication, and trust amongst all of the partner teams and the North Street refurbishment was a great example of how this all came together to create such a fabulous learning facility.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Housbuilder Vistry has teamed up with Bromford to build up to 695 sustainable homes in Longbridge, south-west Birmingham, formerly home to the MG works. Vistry has joined forces with Bromford, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, which will own and manage the affordable homes. Bromford is acquiring 250 of the proposed homes, ensuring that more than 35% of the homes on this development will be affordable, against a 20% requirement. The housing association will make 132 homes, 19% of the total number being proposed, available for social rent, against a 4% requirement as part of the planning consent. An additional 118 homes will be available to part-buy, part-rent through Bromford’s shared ownership scheme. A further 209 units will be destined for the private rental sector and the remaining 236 properties will be available on the open market for private ownership, ensuring the development will offer something for everyone. The scheme will also stimulate economic growth through on-site employment, as well as providing further benefits for the local community with designated spaces for community uses and public open space. The new homes will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, and larger two-, three- and four-bedroom family houses. With a focus on sustainability, they will include air source heat pumps rather than gas boilers; PV panels will provide renewable electricity; and wastewater recovery will minimise water usage. The houses will be built using modern methods of construction (MMC), reducing the carbon footprint of every property. The homes will be manufactured off site using open panel timber frames from the Vistry Works East Midlands factory in Leicestershire. Each home built using these panels emits 14,460kg CO2e less than a traditional brick-and-block house. Phil McHugh, Managing Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to have acquired this site and to be working with Bromford on this exciting project that will contribute to Birmingham’s economic growth by providing new jobs and high-quality places to live. “Like many major cities, Birmingham has a severe shortage of affordable homes; that’s something we’re aiming to address by going the extra mile to deliver affordable and social rent homes over and above what is required of us, and delivering them at pace. We’re also hugely proud of the sustainability of the homes we’ll be providing, with features and construction methods that reduce their impact on the environment and will lower energy bills for future residents. “We’re excited to be a part of Birmingham’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will contribute to the character of the area and create a thriving and sustainable community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Castlemere Developments has secured a prime location in London for its latest residential project. The company plans to construct five one-bedroom airspace apartments at Nicholas Court, Burnt Ash Hill, in Grove Park. The £1.35 million development will follow Castlemere’s signature approach, utilising offsite construction methods. Once completed, the prefabricated units will be lifted into place to finalise the project, in line with the company’s other airspace schemes. This innovative construction method allows for efficient use of space and minimal disruption to the surrounding area, contributing to London’s growing need for residential housing. Nicholas Court, which is a three-story apartment block, will deliver aspirational and affordable modular penthouse living. The project is expected to be completed by early 2025, with the apartments expected to be on the market for around £260,000 – £270,000 each. Kris Collett, managing director of Castlemere Developments, said: “We have exchanged contracts on securing Nicholas Court and will be delivering properties that are focused on being starter homes and that appeal to first time buyers. “The price of these one-bedroom apartments is going to be very reasonable based on the London property market. “There is a huge demand for residential properties and we will continue to source suitable locations that we can develop to help meet this need.” Nicholas Court will be built off-site as Castlemere Developments purposely choses off-site MMC so that it can deliver projects much quicker than onsite developments, reduce the disruption to current residents, and ensure its developments are as environmentally friendly as possible. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As part of a larger refurbishment project at Oxford Brookes University’s Headington Campus, upgrades have been completed to expand the number of teaching spaces and enhance existing facilities. The improvements, with a total value of £1 million, aim to benefit both staff and students. Completed over the summer in preparation for the new academic year, parts of the John Henry Brookes Building have been redeveloped over ten weeks to create two new large teaching spaces. Stepnell, which heavily specialises in the higher education sector, completed mechanical and electrical works along with necessary demolitions and construction of the new streamlined office space. As part of the project Stepnell also undertook the fire protection work on the Gibbs building over a nine-week period, upgrading the 1970s building to latest safety standards. Procured through the Refit & Refurbishment Framework from national provider Pagabo, the respective project completions build on Stepnell’s long-standing relationship with Oxford Brookes University as the sixth and seventh projects completed with the University. Ian Batchelor, operations manager at Stepnell said: “These refurbishment projects have allowed us to showcase our expertise, not only in the education realm but also within Oxford and South of England. Working alongside our Oxford-based team and their knowledge of the local supply chain, our construction and joinery capabilities have shone in support of the university’s ongoing ambitions for its campus. “We have been able to demonstrate our clear understanding of live site working, which is incredibly common within education projects, working with our project partners collaboratively on elements such as dust suppression and noise control plans, to ensure that teaching quality retains its already high standard. We’re pleased to have been able to call on our expertise to prepare the buildings in sufficient time before the new academic year.” As well as working with the university, the Stepnell team also worked closely with appointed management team MGAC, architects ADP Architecture and licensed approved contractor Maylarch, the latter of whom supported Stepnell with the removal of asbestos from the Gibbs building. Mark Tugwell, deputy director of estates at Oxford Brookes University, commented: “The creation of two large teaching spaces within our John Henry Brookes Building has been an important project for the University. As part of our Oxford Campus Vision, we are in the process of bringing together our Oxford-based activity on the Headington Campus and these high-quality spaces and improvements to the Gibbs building will help to ensure we continue providing an excellent student and staff experience. “Our campus spaces need to respond to the evolving needs of the University’s community and the rapidly changing world of education. We are pleased to have worked with Stepnell on this project as they have helped to make this a reality and understand the importance of ensuring work was completed in time for the new academic year.” Ben Jones, southern region head of delivery at Pagabo, said: “There is a huge amount of potential in every existing building, with refurbishment playing a huge role in their future success – something particularly important within education estates. We’re always pleased to see the positive outcomes of the projects procured through our frameworks – in this case, students benefitting from improved and increased teaching space, and the university generating positive social value and making best use of its estate.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Paloma Capital has begun a major refurbishment of a key section of its well-established business and logistics park on the outskirts of York. The site, now rebranded as York North (previously Green Park Business Centre), is undergoing a £1.25 million upgrade. The project includes a full renovation of a 12,508 sq ft standalone industrial unit, complete with integrated office space, a secure yard and ample parking. Leeds based JP Wild Ltd has been appointed to carry out the refurbishment works to include an internal strip out and full refurbishment of the warehouse space, offices and kitchen/WC areas. Full mechanical and electrical services replacement is also being undertaken as well as external works to the building’s façade, roof, yard space, fencing, and drainage. Practical completion is expected by 01 November. The works are part of a site-wide refurbishment plan by Paloma Capital. Since acquiring the site in 2022 the London based investor has made a considerable investment to significantly upgrade accommodation as well as deliver new purpose designed trade units. It recently secured planning consent for four new industrial/warehouse units totalling 34,400 sq ft. The scheme is now offering design and build opportunities for units ranging from 4,000 sq ft up to 15,400 sq ft. Jeremy Thiagarajah, Director for Asset Management and Investment at Paloma Capital said: “We are pleased to start works to refurbish a large part of the estate to deliver more modern state of the art space for prospective occupiers. York North is already well recognised for its locational benefits and our sustainable approach to repurposing existing space will certainly deliver against undersupply for industrial and warehousing space in this area.” Located on Goose Lane in Sutton-on-the-forest, York North is strategically located just ten minutes from the York Outer Ring Road and close to Clifton Moor. The long established, multi-let site benefits from strong regional connectivity, close to the A59 leading directly to J47 of the A1(M) and wider motorway network. York City Centre is just 8.6 miles away and amenities are close by at Clifton Moor and Monks Cross Shopping Park. Representing agents are the Leeds offices of Carter Towler and JLL. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MC Construction has completed work on a multimillion-pound school extension in Cheshire to create additional places for children with severe learning difficulties and complex needs. The scheme at Springfield School in Crewe will help address an urgent need for extra provision in the Cheshire East area, with demand at an all-time high. MC Construction, working on behalf of longstanding client Cheshire East Council, built a wrap-around extension to the existing sports pavilion to create eight additional classrooms, new ancillary spaces including calm rooms, a sensory room and a therapy room, along with new hygiene suites and toilets, and improved kitchen facilities. A ceremony to mark the official opening was attended by pupils, staff, MC Construction team members involved in the project, local councillors and Cllr Sally Graham, deputy mayor of Crewe. Springfield School, whose motto is ‘Every day is a new chance to shine’, caters for pupils aged from four to 19 with severe learning difficulties and complex needs, including autism. It is rated as outstanding by Ofsted and was named 2022 School of the Year at the National Schools Awards. The expansion of Springfield School increases its capacity from 170 to 250 pupils. During the works at Springfield, MC Construction supported the school with a variety of social value initiatives. These included drawing competitions, creating a suite of awards to recognise pupil progress, environmental projects and the creation of a forest school area. On Friday, October 25, a team of 16 volunteers from MC Construction, consultants who worked on the extension project and council representatives will take part in a volunteer day to work on the new forest school. Lisa Hodgkison, headteacher at Springfield School, said: “Our new extension enables us to greatly improve and expand our educational provision for those children who require specialist support. We have moved our secondary and sixth-form pupils into the new block, creating more space in the main body of the school. “This fantastic expansion offers our pupils new, larger classrooms and direct access to the sports facilities alongside a new food technology room. Pupils love the feel of the new high school and what it has to offer.” MC Construction’s contract with Cheshire East Council was procured through the North West Construction Hub framework. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon has secured a multi-million-pound contract to construct a new 28-bed secure children’s home in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, aimed at providing enhanced facilities for young people. The project, procured through Pagabo’s Major Works Framework, saw Willmott Dixon chosen by Lincolnshire County Council last year to develop design proposals for the facility, situated on Bonemill Lane at the edge of Sleaford. Funded by the Department for Education, the home will cater to some of Lincolnshire’s most vulnerable children and serve as a national resource for secure accommodation. It replaces an existing smaller site that is coming to the end of its useful life and will help meet rising demand from a national increase in the number of children requiring both criminal justice and welfare placements. It will deliver a truly ground-breaking service, becoming a flagship project for the sector. The home is designed to reach net-zero in operation, providing an innovative partial grid solution, which will be supported by extensive solar panels and state-of-the-art power storage. The home has been designed by Kier and is due to be completed in late 2026. Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “This is a hugely significant scheme, not only for Lincolnshire to address an acute need for secure accommodation, but also for the wider country as it will bring together best practice from across the UK and Europe. “It will help young people get their lives ‘back on track’ using a whole host of facilities including on-site education, wellbeing, vocational and sports facilities, as well as delivering against important sustainability credentials to make the building’s legacy especially evident.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Whitbread PLC has received planning approval from Westminster City Council to build a new hotel at 5 Strand in central London. The hotel, featuring 693 rooms, will be one of the largest budget accommodations in the city when completed. It will operate under the hub by Premier Inn brand, occupying a prime location just off Trafalgar Square, steps away from Nelson’s Column. Whitbread acquired the development site freehold as part of its strategy to expand its presence in the popular London market where a significant proportion of Premier Inn’s future UK rooms pipeline is located. The over £200m investment, which includes construction and related costs, underlines the company’s commitment to the hub by Premier Inn brand which is designed to bring Premier Inn’s affordable hotel bedrooms into the heart of London and other major UK cities. Mark Anderson, Managing Director for Property and International for Whitbread, said: “hub by Premier Inn was launched a decade ago in St. Martin’s Lane, a few hundred metres from 5 Strand. The brand has blossomed into a network of 18 popular hub hotels in Central London and Edinburgh and has become a proven model for bringing our affordable bedrooms into the most central, vibrant, and connected locations for our guests. “5 Strand is an excellent example of how we think the hub by Premier Inn brand can evolve in Central London. It also shows how we can use Whitbread’s strong balance sheet to acquire the best positioned, most accessible, and high-demand locations in the capital to grow our brands. With planning permission now secured we will move quickly to begin construction of the new hotel and deliver a true flagship location for our guests.” Whitbread has been investing heavily in London as it seeks to redress an under-supply of branded budget hotel bedrooms in the capital. The company currently offers its customers more than 100+ locations within the M25 with a further 12 locations in its secured development pipeline in the capital. It is also seeking new sites in 40 locations in inner and outer London for its Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn brands. The consented 16,000 sq metre hotel at 5 Strand will be set over thirteen storeys with a generous ground-floor space fronting onto the Strand and Northumberland Street to the east of the site. Whitbread expects around 150 team will work at the hotel on opening, with recruitment focused within the City of Westminster and other inner London boroughs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
