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,
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
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
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
