The London Borough of Havering, in partnership with Wates Residential, has secured planning approval for 18 modular homes on the Waterloo and Queen Street Estate in Romford. The project marks a key milestone in a pilot initiative aimed at transforming the provision of temporary housing across the capital. Part of
Unite Students has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Manchester Metropolitan University to deliver 2,300 new student beds in the heart of Manchester, in a development valued at approximately £390 million. The strategic partnership will see Unite Students hold a 70% stake in the JV and act as
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed the delivery of 284 new energy-efficient homes in Enfield, as part of a development on land at North Middlesex University Hospital. The project, being delivered in partnership with Vistry Group and the Hyde Group, is the latest milestone in the Mayor’s ongoing
Great Places Housing Group has formally submitted plans for the first development to come forward under the newly approved masterplan for the regeneration of the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood in east Manchester. The proposal outlines a new affordable housing scheme comprising 82 apartments for social rent, to be constructed on
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
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
Morgan Sindall Construction has completed a new residential and community space in London’s Notting Hill area. The £17.5 million Acklam Road project, which consists of 32 residential flats alongside community space, was procured via the Southern Construction Framework and delivered on behalf of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Wates has submitted a planning application for a new development of temporary modular homes at Waterloo and Queen Street, marking a significant step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs in Havering. The project is part of Wates’ ongoing 12-year Joint Venture partnership with the London Borough of Havering, aimed
The London Borough of Havering, in partnership with Wates Residential, has secured planning approval for 18 modular homes on the Waterloo and Queen Street Estate in Romford. The project marks a key milestone in a pilot initiative aimed at transforming the provision of temporary housing across the capital. Part of a broader regeneration joint venture between Havering Council and Wates Residential to deliver up to 5,000 new homes borough-wide, the scheme addresses the urgent challenge of rising housing demand and costs—issues that currently cost councils across the UK £2.1 billion annually and have left record numbers of children living in hotels and B&Bs. Developed in collaboration with architects, suppliers, planners, manufacturers, and local authorities, the modular homes in Romford are designed as pre-fabricated standard units that can be built twice as fast as traditional homes and relocated if necessary. With energy-efficient features and low carbon footprints, the units involve minimal disruption during installation and meet the same quality standards as permanent housing. Each home will include private bedrooms, family bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces, providing a stable and dignified living environment for families facing housing insecurity. Despite being intended as temporary accommodation, the homes are built to last up to 60 years, offering councils a sustainable long-term solution. Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Lead for Development and Regeneration at Havering Council, said: “These modular homes will offer a significant improvement on current options like hostels and hotels, giving families a safer, more stable place to live at less cost to the taxpayer, while we continue delivering long-term regeneration across the borough.” Paul Nicholls, Regional Managing Director for London at Wates Residential, added: “This decision shows what’s possible when we take bold approaches to tackling the housing crisis. Councils across the country are spending £2.1bn annually on hotels and hostels that have a devastating impact on their wellbeing and development. Our temporary modular homes provide a real solution. “These homes demonstrate that temporary accommodation can be high-quality, energy-efficient and designed around people’s needs, not just a stopgap, but a real place to live and thrive. We’re proud to be working with Havering Council to deliver a solution that is fast, flexible and focused on families.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Unite Students has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Manchester Metropolitan University to deliver 2,300 new student beds in the heart of Manchester, in a development valued at approximately £390 million. The strategic partnership will see Unite Students hold a 70% stake in the JV and act as developer, asset manager, and operator in the Manchester deal. Manchester Metropolitan will retain a 30% stake, contributing its existing Cambridge Halls site, which currently provides 770 outdated beds and will be closed ahead of redevelopment. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with delivery of the new accommodation phases planned for 2029 and 2030. The project will significantly expand Unite’s footprint in Manchester, increasing its bed count in the city to nearly 8,000 and reinforcing a two-decade-long relationship with the university. To support student housing needs during the redevelopment, Unite Students has also signed a five-year nomination agreement with the university for 2,550 beds in existing Unite properties across the city. A planning application for the redevelopment is expected in the second quarter of 2025, with formal establishment of the JV anticipated by the end of the year. Unite’s equity commitment will be around £125 million, funded internally, with the balance financed through JV-secured debt. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has confirmed the delivery of 284 new energy-efficient homes in Enfield, as part of a development on land at North Middlesex University Hospital. The project, being delivered in partnership with Vistry Group and the Hyde Group, is the latest milestone in the Mayor’s ongoing drive to tackle the capital’s housing crisis. The homes will be a mix of social rent and shared ownership, set within a development that includes low-rise flats and terraced properties ranging from one to four bedrooms. “I’m determined to do everything in my power to make housing more affordable and sustainable for Londoners, which is why I’m partnering with Vistry Group to deliver 284 new homes at North Middlesex University Hospital – a 100 per cent genuinely affordable housing scheme,” said the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. “In addition to delivering much needed new homes, this landmark development will feature new green spaces and first-class community facilities – including a nursery and café – serving not only future residents, but the wider community as a whole. “Tackling housing pressures in the capital and delivering affordable new homes for Londoners remains a top priority for me as we work together to build a better, fairer London for everyone.” The homes will meet high standards of energy efficiency and design, including triple glazing, dual aspect layouts, and advanced ventilation systems. They will be connected to Enfield’s new borough-wide low-carbon energy network, which removes the need for individual boilers and is expected to reduce energy costs for residents. In addition to housing, the scheme will provide 1,500 square metres of green space, a community café, nursery, and a 3,000 square metre office building to support local jobs and services. The development is designed to integrate with the hospital campus and benefit the wider community. Kevin Delve, Managing Director of Vistry East London, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the GLA and Hyde to deliver 284 homes in Enfield, of which 100% will be affordable, meeting a crucial need for high-quality housing. “Drawing on our extensive experience in delivering transformational residential-led projects in London, this mixed-use development will not only provide much-needed homes but also new office space. “We will also deliver a new park, café, and nursery, ensuring long-term benefits for the wider community and helping to create a thriving, well-connected place for people to live and work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Great Places Housing Group has formally submitted plans for the first development to come forward under the newly approved masterplan for the regeneration of the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood in east Manchester. The proposal outlines a new affordable housing scheme comprising 82 apartments for social rent, to be constructed on a vacant site at the corner of Grey Mare Lane and Ashton New Road. The brownfield site was previously home to the Manchester Bar pub, which was demolished in 2020. The planned development will include a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, with features such as private garden spaces for select ground-floor homes, a communal garden, balconies for most upper-floor units, and high-quality landscaping throughout. The scheme also includes a new pedestrian link aimed at improving connectivity from Newcombe Close to Grey Mare Lane and Ashton New Road. The project has been developed in close collaboration with Manchester City Council, One Manchester, and This City, and forms a key part of the broader Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood masterplan, approved in September 2024. The long-term plan will deliver 1,000 new homes, including a substantial portion of affordable units, as well as new green spaces and community infrastructure. Helen Spencer, Executive Director of Growth at Great Places Housing Group, commented: “We are delighted to submit our plans for the first of our planned affordable housing developments as part of the wider regeneration of the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood. This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable homes for the community in East Manchester. “This development has been made possible through our close partnership with Manchester City Council, One Manchester, and This City. Together, we are dedicated to transforming the Grey Mare Lane neighbourhood into a vibrant and sustainable community. We look forward to seeing these plans come to fruition and making a positive impact on the lives of local residents.” The development is the first of two proposed developments in the area to be delivered by Great Places, with details for a second affordable homes development on a site on Sunny Lowry Road expected to be submitted next year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
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
Morgan Sindall Construction has completed a new residential and community space in London’s Notting Hill area. The £17.5 million Acklam Road project, which consists of 32 residential flats alongside community space, was procured via the Southern Construction Framework and delivered on behalf of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC). Of the 32 homes that have been built, the majority (20) are social rent homes. The seven-storey building incorporates ground floor community units open to the public, with residential space starting on the first floor in a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Four of these homes will be fully wheelchair accessible and all the apartments feature a fully enclosed balcony or winter garden. The homes were officially opened in a ceremony attended by Deputy Leader Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith, representatives from Morgan Sindall, members of Swinbrook Residents’ Association and Golborne Youth Centre, local councillors, Lead Member for Housing, Cllr Sof McVeigh. The scheme was recently named the best affordable housing development for under £20million at the Inside Housing Development Awards. Situated near Portobello Road market, Acklam Road has been constructed with a brick facade to complement the building’s surroundings. Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) have been installed to provide the new homes with a sustainable energy source and making the site completely gas free. Morgan Sindall’s London business leveraged its Intelligent Solutions approach to incorporate advanced fire safety measures into Acklam Road. This included installing an enhanced, commercial grade sprinkler system in each apartment and throughout non-residential areas. The building also includes two staircases and two emergency evacuation lifts as well as a dry riser. A high-end smoke detection and alarm system as well as an evacuation alert system has also been added to every apartment. The site’s proximity to the busy A40 presented a logistical challenge during construction. The project team utilised its Intelligent Solutions approach to think innovatively and utilised only a small pocket of land in an efficient manner to ensure that the work could continue at pace. Additionally, the Acklam Road development is situated opposite the Al-manaar cultural heritage centre, to ensure minimal disruption the team organised delivery schedules to avoid Friday prayer times while the road is at its busiest. As part of the tier one contractor’s commitment to generating as much social value as possible, the site team engaged in a wide variety of educational, volunteering and community projects. Among other things, this included creating a new kitchen for Golborne Youth Centre, engaging with 483 students, putting on 19 local education events and creating seven jobs for Kensington and Chelsea residents. The development also hosted eight apprentices, five work experience placements, five people on a week-long employability programme, one T-Level student, and three year-out placements. The amount of social value activity Morgan Sindall conducted onsite meant the project far exceeded the Employment and Skills plan requirements. This level of social value generation is especially impactful in the local community as there is a limited pool of construction labour and skills in the area. The Morgan Sindall team also worked in collaboration with numerous key partners including The Children’s Book Project, Metropolitan Police, Morley College, Construction Youth Trust, and several schools and engaged in educational events such as open days, volunteering within the local community, and donating to community-led projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wates has submitted a planning application for a new development of temporary modular homes at Waterloo and Queen Street, marking a significant step forward in addressing the urgent housing needs in Havering. The project is part of Wates’ ongoing 12-year Joint Venture partnership with the London Borough of Havering, aimed at revitalising local communities and providing much-needed housing across the borough. The proposed development includes the installation of 18 modular homes, designed to provide high-quality temporary accommodation for families in need. The homes will be equipped with modern amenities and constructed to the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency. The proposals place a strong emphasis on design and place making, featuring entryways to the front of the homes that works with the local area and provide shade. Thoughtfully planned landscaping will enhance the site, creating a natural environment that encourages biodiversity and a sense of community. Whilst the original Phase 1 was paused due regulatory requirement to re-design with dual stair cores, the joint venture has proposed bringing forward the lower Blocks 9 and 10. These two blocks will be 100 percent affordable, which includes 66 social housing (London affordable rent) and 43 Shared Ownership homes. This will enable those who left the old Waterloo and Queen Street estate to make way for the regeneration to take place will be given the choice to return, with the remainder of the properties helping to reduce housing pressures for those with the greatest need. The joint venture aim to deliver all remaining phases ahead of the final phase, where the temporary modular homes will be located, in or around 2031/2. The modular homes could then be relocated to other areas of the borough where there is a need and suitable sites. Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Member for Housing Property said: “This represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide suitable temporary housing solutions for homeless families in the borough. “The temporary modular homes are situated on the plot of land that forms part of the final construction phase and will provide safe and comfortable living environments for families currently living in hostels and hotels. Blocks 9 and 10, which will provide affordable housing for local people, will be the next phase to progress.” The planning application can be reviewed, and includes an opportunity for the public to share their views about the scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
