The Chesterton Partnership, a joint venture led by developer Brookgate, has announced that blocwork will deliver the residential phase of development at Cambridge North, bringing forward over 400 new homes as part of the wider regeneration scheme. Located around Cambridge North Station, the emerging district is set to become a
A major new multi-generational housing scheme is set to take shape in Congleton after the McGoff Group secured unanimous planning approval for its proposed development on Morley Drive, the former site of John Morley Limited. Approved at a recent planning committee meeting, the joint application from the McGoff Group and
Construction has officially begun on a landmark maritime training hub in Whitby that aims to position the town as a key player in the UK’s offshore renewable energy and maritime industries. Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the £9.6 million Whitby Maritime Training Hub, a cutting-edge development at Endeavour
A major 50/50 joint venture between housebuilder The Hill Group and housing association Peabody has partnered with specialist real estate developer Goodstone Living to deliver 360 high-quality Build to Rent (BTR) homes at Dagenham Green. The deal, valued at £116 million, is one of the largest in the BTR sector
Cumberland Council has given the green light to plans for significant public realm improvements and the creation of a pedestrianised square to the north of Carlisle station, at Court Square. The redevelopment is a central part of the £27 million Carlisle Station Gateway project, which aims to transform the station
Story Contracting Limited has been appointed by Cumberland Council to deliver a new Arts and Enterprise Centre in the heart of Millom. The initiative aims to breathe new life into an unused building and create a valuable community asset. The centre, set to be known as ‘The Old Bank’, will
A major new regeneration project is set to transform Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council grants preferred bidder status to Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) for the multi-million-pound Etruscan Square development. The project will breathe new life into one of the largest cleared city centre sites in the Midlands,
Nottingham City Council has signed a £12.6 million contract with Balfour Beatty to deliver an 85-metre long walking and cycling bridge over the River Trent. The bridge, which will span the river at 20 metres high, is set to become a key infrastructure link, connecting the north side of the
Harrow is set to see the creation of 149 new family homes, including new council properties, following the approval of phase one of the Byron Quarter development. In a partnership between the London Borough of Harrow and Wates Residential, the project will transform underutilised council-owned land into a vibrant new
Watkin Jones has reached a significant milestone with the topping out of its 397-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development at Grove Crescent Road in Stratford, East London. The PBSA project, funded through a joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), Lloyds Banking Group, and Homes England, will provide 241
The Chesterton Partnership, a joint venture led by developer Brookgate, has announced that blocwork will deliver the residential phase of development at Cambridge North, bringing forward over 400 new homes as part of the wider regeneration scheme. Located around Cambridge North Station, the emerging district is set to become a vibrant gateway to the North East Cambridge Area, blending residential, commercial, and green space in a highly connected location. The appointment of blocwork, a joint venture between Network Rail Property and developer bloc, marks a significant step forward for the scheme. It follows news that Cambridge North will be one of the first projects led by Network Rail’s soon-to-launch property company, which aims to deliver more than 40,000 new homes across the UK over the next decade. The regeneration of the former freight sidings is already underway, with the successful delivery of a Novotel Hotel and the One Cambridge Square office building, which is now over 75% let. Last year, the site secured masterplan consent, including outline planning permission for 425 residential units and 53,700 sqm of commercial space. The residential quarter at Cambridge North is designed to promote ultra-low car use, with excellent public transport and cycling links just two and a half miles from Cambridge city centre. The plans also include upgraded cycleways to enhance sustainable connectivity for residents and visitors alike. A key feature of the development will be a new green space for the local community and a ‘wild park’—a biodiverse area designed to provide a natural retreat within the urban environment. Sven Topel, CEO at Brookgate, said: “The residential quarter is a vital part of the vision for creating an open and accessible mixed-use neighbourhood at Cambridge North. Alongside our partners, we look forward to working with Network Rail Property and bloc as they partner to deliver high-quality homes in a sustainable location that supports the continued growth of Cambridge. The vision for the new live / work community at Cambridge North will provide an attractive and vibrant gateway from the station to surrounding areas.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new multi-generational housing scheme is set to take shape in Congleton after the McGoff Group secured unanimous planning approval for its proposed development on Morley Drive, the former site of John Morley Limited. Approved at a recent planning committee meeting, the joint application from the McGoff Group and McCarthy & Stone will see the four-acre brownfield site transformed into a mixed-use community. The scheme includes a 70-bed care home, 53 retirement apartments, and 14 three-bedroom townhouses. “We are thrilled this scheme was passed unanimously earlier this week,” said Chris McGoff, Director at the McGoff Group. “We have worked closely with the Council, Canals & Rivers Trust and Network Rail to ensure the proposed plans perfectly suit the site, which is close to both the railway line and Macclesfield Canal. “More importantly, we will deliver much needed care beds and a retirement setting, with a shortfall of both recently identified in Congleton, as well as high quality, new build homes. Jobs in the locality will also be created, with the care home alone providing circa 100 jobs.” The development, designed by C-Squared Architects, will feature mill-inspired architecture in keeping with the local conservation area. Sustainability is central to the plans, with green roofs, solar PV panels, and a sustainable drainage system integrated into the design. The scheme also includes the creation of a tree-lined pedestrian and cycle route along the canal, linking the new development to Congleton train station. This addition aims to enhance local connectivity and promote active travel within the community. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with McGoff Construction Services—part of the McGoff Group—set to lead the build. The care home will be operated by the Group’s luxury care brand, Dunham Care, marking its third facility in development, with eight more in the pipeline. Meanwhile, McCarthy & Stone will be responsible for delivering the retirement complex, which will comprise 31 one-bedroom and 22 two-bedroom apartments, catering to the growing demand for high-quality retirement living in the area. Work is expected to start by late summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has officially begun on a landmark maritime training hub in Whitby that aims to position the town as a key player in the UK’s offshore renewable energy and maritime industries. Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the £9.6 million Whitby Maritime Training Hub, a cutting-edge development at Endeavour Wharf that will provide essential skills training, business accommodation, and engineering facilities for the next generation of maritime professionals. The project is being delivered in partnership with North Yorkshire Council and Enjoy Architects, and is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Procured via the SCAPE Construction Framework, the facility will include training and certification for the maritime, marine, and offshore renewable sectors, as well as office space for marine start-ups, engineering workshops, and space for service providers. Cllr Mark Crane, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, said: “This is a significant moment for this project. We believe the hub can open the door to new economic growth in coastal areas and be a landmark development for Whitby, placing the town at the forefront of the growing renewable energy sector. “It is imperative that there is a sustainable and diverse range of job opportunities for our communities, and the building of a world-class training facility can only help inspire the next generation of apprentices and professionals in the maritime sector.” The training hub is designed to complement the town’s historic maritime views and heritage, building on Whitby’s long-standing connections to fishing and sailing. Initially, North Yorkshire Council will manage the facility, with plans to potentially transfer operations to a community interest company in the future. The goal is to attract local, regional, and national businesses to use the space, supporting year-round employment and reducing Whitby’s dependence on seasonal industries like tourism. The hub aims to create long-term commercial opportunities that will fuel the coastal economy and support skilled job creation. Barry Harland, Chair of the Whitby Town Board, said: “Presenting new opportunities for people in and around Whitby is the main reason for the hub being built. I hope the excitement will build even further as the opportunities that these facilities will offer for local families become clearer over the next year, and more people and organisations engage with the project as it moves towards completion.” Funding for the project is part of the Government’s Town Deals programme, which awarded £37.3 million to Whitby and Scarborough in 2021 to drive local regeneration and economic development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major 50/50 joint venture between housebuilder The Hill Group and housing association Peabody has partnered with specialist real estate developer Goodstone Living to deliver 360 high-quality Build to Rent (BTR) homes at Dagenham Green. The deal, valued at £116 million, is one of the largest in the BTR sector this year. The new homes will be part of the first phase of a major regeneration project transforming the former Ford Stamping Plant site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. This initial phase of the Dagenham Green scheme will include 935 homes, with the wider development expected to deliver over 3,500 new homes, extensive public spaces, and key amenities. Peabody’s masterplan aims to create a sustainable, thriving community in East London, with the first homes slated for completion in 2027 and full project completion expected by 2028. The BTR development will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across three residential buildings, ranging from 14 to 18 storeys. Situated close to Dagenham Dock train station, residents will benefit from direct connections to central London in just 20 minutes. The homes will include energy-efficient systems and are targeting high environmental performance ratings, including EPC B, WiredScore Platinum, and Fitwel 3-star certifications. Amenities will include fitness and co-working spaces, concierge services, private dining areas, and landscaped podium gardens overlooking a new urban park. Goodstone Living, which is behind the development, is working through its first managed investment vehicle, Goodstone Living Partners 1 (GLP1), which is capitalised by Macquarie Asset Management and the Northern Local Government Pension Scheme. This partnership brings the total number of next-generation BTR homes under construction across Edinburgh, Birmingham, and London to approximately 1,300. The Dagenham Green project also supports the local community with a mix of accessible, high-quality rental homes, making it one of the most affordable BTR developments in London. The project aims to cater to private renters in the area, offering homes at prices within reach for the majority of the local community. Peabody’s wider 45-acre masterplan will provide a host of amenities, including an urban park, lake, children’s play areas, community gardens, and new infrastructure such as a secondary school, medical centre, and market square. These features are designed to enhance the area’s biodiversity while supporting the growing neighbourhood. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cumberland Council has given the green light to plans for significant public realm improvements and the creation of a pedestrianised square to the north of Carlisle station, at Court Square. The redevelopment is a central part of the £27 million Carlisle Station Gateway project, which aims to transform the station area and create a more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors. The project is supported by a £20 million investment from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, a collaborative initiative designed to drive regeneration across the Borderlands region. This funding comes from the UK and Scottish Governments, with additional contributions from Network Rail and Cumberland Council. Planning approval will enable a series of enhancements to Court Square, including: Construction work is set to begin in autumn 2025, following the completion of planned highways and public realm improvement works on English Street and the Crescent/Botchergate junction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Story Contracting Limited has been appointed by Cumberland Council to deliver a new Arts and Enterprise Centre in the heart of Millom. The initiative aims to breathe new life into an unused building and create a valuable community asset. The centre, set to be known as ‘The Old Bank’, will be housed in the former NatWest building, reflecting both its local roots and historic significance. The transformation will turn the building into a dynamic hub for creativity, business, and community activity, revitalising a key part of Millom’s heritage. ‘The Old Bank’ will feature a mix of spaces designed to support local businesses, start-ups, and community initiatives. Planned facilities include a café, co-working spaces, start-up and maker areas, as well as workshops. These spaces are intended to attract new businesses, foster innovation, and create fresh opportunities for Millom’s residents. The Story Contracting project is part of the broader £29.3 million Millom Town Deal, which has secured significant government funding alongside additional investments aimed at improving the town’s infrastructure and creating new prospects for the local community. Work on ‘The Old Bank’ is expected to be completed by March 2026, contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Millom and supporting its growth as a thriving town for both business and culture. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new regeneration project is set to transform Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council grants preferred bidder status to Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) for the multi-million-pound Etruscan Square development. The project will breathe new life into one of the largest cleared city centre sites in the Midlands, spanning approximately seven acres. GKRL, a joint venture between Genr8 Developments and Kajima Partnerships, plans to deliver a diverse mix of high-quality residential housing, leisure facilities, and commercial spaces at Etruscan Square, all aimed at attracting new businesses and residents to the heart of the city. The development will also involve collaboration with partners such as PfP Igloo, with whom GKRL is already working on similar projects across the UK. The development, which benefits from £20 million in government funding, is located on a site that was once home to the old bus station and the East-West Precinct, positioned next to the city’s main retail hub and near Hanley Bus Station, Smithfield, and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. Once the formal selection process is complete, the development team will begin site surveys and investigations later this year, preparing for construction to start in 2027. The project is part of a broader city centre masterplan designed to rejuvenate Hanley, creating a vibrant place to live, work, shop, and visit. This vision has been shaped by extensive consultation with local residents, businesses, and visitors. The Etruscan Square project could also serve as a springboard for further regeneration efforts across the city. GKRL is in discussions to develop other council-owned sites, including key residential plots at Pyenest Street, Shelton, North Shelton, and Bucknall New Road. GKRL brings a wealth of experience to the project, with a proven track record in delivering successful mixed-use regeneration schemes. Notable projects include the Rochdale Riverside development, which transformed a key city centre area into a new retail, leisure, and residential destination. In addition to their development expertise, GKRL’s partners have established strong relationships with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, local residents, and businesses. Genr8 is currently overseeing the Smithfield development in the city centre, while Kajima is delivering the £60 million Stoke Extra Care scheme, a series of innovative retirement villages designed for flexible, future-proofed living. The Etruscan Square project marks a significant milestone in Stoke-on-Trent’s ongoing regeneration, with the potential to significantly enhance the city’s economic and social landscape in the coming years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nottingham City Council has signed a £12.6 million contract with Balfour Beatty to deliver an 85-metre long walking and cycling bridge over the River Trent. The bridge, which will span the river at 20 metres high, is set to become a key infrastructure link, connecting the north side of the river—where the Trent Basin development of 350 new homes is underway—with the south, home to sports facilities, riverside walks, and green spaces. The project is expected to employ over 100 people, including four apprentices, during its construction. With a weight of 160 tonnes, equivalent to the size of a blue whale, the bridge will feature a striking network arch design, making it a standout feature on the city’s skyline. It will be the first new bridge to be built in Nottingham since the 1950s, serving as a key connector between popular locations such as Colwick Park, the City Ground, Trent Bridge, Holme Pierrepont, and Nottingham Rugby Club. This project is the flagship and final development to be delivered under the City Council’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which began in 2020 after Nottingham and Derby secured over £160 million from the Central Government to improve inter-city connectivity and promote lower-carbon journeys. The new bridge is fully funded by this initiative. Work on the bridge officially began with the demolition of a warehouse previously used by Flo Skate Park, which is necessary to clear space for the new structure. The construction timeline is as follows: The bridge will not only improve connectivity between residential areas and key facilities but also enhance access to high-quality cycling routes, with links to Daleside Road and sustainable transport routes leading to the city centre and Colwick Park. The City Council is committed to keeping residents and businesses informed throughout the project, providing regular updates via its Transport Nottingham website and email newsletters. Once completed, the new bridge will play a crucial role in Nottingham’s sustainable transport network, encouraging walking and cycling, and providing a valuable link for residents and visitors alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Harrow is set to see the creation of 149 new family homes, including new council properties, following the approval of phase one of the Byron Quarter development. In a partnership between the London Borough of Harrow and Wates Residential, the project will transform underutilised council-owned land into a vibrant new community. Phase one will include the construction of 71 three-bedroom homes, with a mix of two- and three-storey houses designed to reflect the character of the local area. At the heart of the Byron Quarter development will be a large, central green space, designed for community use. The area will feature seating, play spaces, and walking and cycling paths, creating an inviting environment for both new and existing residents. The development will also be directly connected to the Belmont Trail and Byron Park, offering an eco-friendly, relaxing space for outdoor activities. The new homes and green spaces are set to bring a significant boost to the local area, creating a modern, sustainable living environment for families in Harrow. Cllr Marilyn Ashton, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, commented: “This is an exciting step in unlocking the potential for this under used urban site left empty for 20 years to deliver much needed, high-quality homes for families in Harrow. “Our regeneration plans for Harrow are ambitious. We have listened to the community, delivering plans that reflect the character of the local neighbourhood. Byron Quarter will deliver much needed, new, and affordable family-sized accommodation including council homes, open and green spaces and public squares where Harrow people want to live.” Leigh Johnson, Regional Development Director at Wates Residential, added: “We are thrilled to receive planning permission for Byron Quarter. This is an important milestone in our commitment to delivering much-needed, energy-efficient homes including affordable homes alongside high-quality public spaces and amenities that will benefit the entire community. “We would like to extend our thanks to all those who engaged with the planning process, particularly the residents, whose invaluable feedback has helped shape the final plans. “Our ongoing dialogue with the community remains a top priority as we move forward with the construction of this exciting new development.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Watkin Jones has reached a significant milestone with the topping out of its 397-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development at Grove Crescent Road in Stratford, East London. The PBSA project, funded through a joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), Lloyds Banking Group, and Homes England, will provide 241 en suite cluster bedrooms and 156 self-contained studio apartments across three blocks, all delivered by Watkin Jones. Designed with student life in mind, the development will offer a range of high-quality amenities, including landscaped roof terraces, a gym, group study spaces, a games lounge, a karaoke room, a media room, a tea point and social area, as well as dedicated podcast and social media rooms. Private dining facilities will also be available to residents. Located in close proximity to several prestigious London universities, including UCL East, London College of Fashion, Birkbeck, and the University of East London’s Stratford campus, the development offers excellent transport links. Stratford Station provides direct connections to central London and the East of England, while Westfield Stratford City, just a short distance away, offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. The development will also include 2,000 square meters of commercial space, contributing to the area’s growing student-friendly environment. Sustainability is a key focus of the Grove Crescent Road development, which is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for energy efficiency and environmental performance. The development will feature an all-electric heating system, eliminating the use of gas, and an engineered facade designed to minimise heat loss. It will also meet the latest building regulations for insulation and energy efficiency. To encourage sustainable transport, the development will include dedicated cycle spaces for residents and visitors, while on-site parking will be limited to DDA use only. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
