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
Developer Regal has successfully secured a £115 million development loan from specialist finance provider Maslow Capital. The loan will fund the construction of a 264-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project, alongside 30 affordable residential units and nearly 9,000 square feet of commercial space, all located in the heart of Camden,
Salford City Council has approved plans for the construction of 25 new affordable homes across two sites in the city. The developments, which will be owned and managed by Dérive, the council’s wholly-owned housing company, will provide much-needed supported accommodation for young people who are homeless or at risk of
Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and ECF, a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse, have selected Vinci as the preferred contractor for Phase 1 of Stockport 8, a £350 million residential development west of Stockport town centre. The decision follows a competitive collaborative dialogue tender process,
Legal & General (L&G) has submitted a planning application for Bristol Temple Island, a £350m regeneration project that will transform the derelict, former diesel depot site into a vibrant urban quarter. Located in the heart of the Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration area, Temple Island is set to become a new
Plans for a cutting-edge Day Case Surgery and Imaging Centre at Harrogate District Hospital are moving ahead, following the signing of a construction contract between Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) and Morgan Sindall Construction. The £50 million project, funded by HDFT and NHS England, will see the construction
Vistry Group has joined forces with Paradigm Housing Group and Leaf Living to deliver 370 homes on a newly acquired site in Kidlington, near Oxford. The development, situated near Oxford Parkway station and Oxford Park and Ride, has outline planning permission. Vistry is collaborating with Cherwell District Council to finalise
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
Developer Regal has successfully secured a £115 million development loan from specialist finance provider Maslow Capital. The loan will fund the construction of a 264-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project, alongside 30 affordable residential units and nearly 9,000 square feet of commercial space, all located in the heart of Camden, London. The development will be situated on Chalk Farm Road, a prime spot next to the iconic Grade II-listed Roundhouse. This strategic location places the project in one of London’s most vibrant and culturally rich districts, with a design that aims to enhance both student and residential living. The scheme will include four blocks, with heights reaching up to twelve storeys. Focusing on both student housing and affordable residential options, the development will feature cutting-edge amenities, such as an external study courtyard, breakout spaces, a gym, and dedicated study areas. With over 2.06 square metres of internal amenity space per room, the project is designed to cater to modern living standards. It also aims to achieve top-tier ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) certifications, including BREEAM Outstanding, WELL Platinum, and WiredScore Platinum. The Regal development, which received a loan from Maslow Capital, is strategically positioned for easy access to central London, with Chalk Farm Underground Station just a two-minute walk away. This provides direct links to major transport hubs like King’s Cross and Euston, along with several key university campuses across the city. The site is also close to Primrose Hill and Camden’s famous entertainment and cultural venues, making it an appealing location for both students and residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salford City Council has approved plans for the construction of 25 new affordable homes across two sites in the city. The developments, which will be owned and managed by Dérive, the council’s wholly-owned housing company, will provide much-needed supported accommodation for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The first development, located on Bridgewater Street in Little Hulton, will comprise 12 homes, including three two-bedroom and four three-bedroom family houses, and eight one-bedroom apartments specifically designed for young people aged 18 to 25. The second development, located on Tully Street South in Higher Broughton, will consist of ten self-contained apartments for young people experiencing homelessness. “These developments are part of our commitment to increasing the number of good quality, affordable homes, with support for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness,” said Councillor Tracy Kelly, Statutory Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty at Salford City Council. “The new, spacious low energy apartments will help tackle youth homelessness and the under-provision of young persons supported accommodation in the city.” The Tully Street South development will be delivered under the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP), a government-led initiative aimed at tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. “There is real need for schemes such as these in our city, with over 5,000 households on the city’s housing register and over 6,000 homeless presentations made to the council in 2023-24,” said Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett. “It’s vital we continue to work to provide truly affordable housing in our city. Housing is so important for the wellbeing of everyone. Without a stable, secure, affordable place to live everything else suffers, from health to education to employment prospects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and ECF, a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse, have selected Vinci as the preferred contractor for Phase 1 of Stockport 8, a £350 million residential development west of Stockport town centre. The decision follows a competitive collaborative dialogue tender process, with Vinci emerging as the successful candidate. Vinci will now work alongside the project team on design development, and pending planning approval, construction is expected to commence in early 2026 with the demolition of the existing bus depot. Stockport 8, situated on land flanking King Street West and adjacent to the iconic railway viaduct, is one of the largest developments within the 130-acre Town Centre West masterplan. The project aims to seamlessly reconnect the area with the town centre, fostering a walkable and integrated community beneath the railway arches. At the core of Stockport MDC’s vision to transform Stockport Town Centre West into the UK’s most sustainable and liveable urban hub, the development will feature a high-quality, green neighbourhood catering to a range of housing needs. The ambitious plans, shaped through an extensive two-stage consultation process that began in January 2024, outline the creation of up to 1,300 energy-efficient homes designed for diverse demographics. The project will integrate: Stockport 8 forms a key part of a broader £1 billion investment currently reshaping Stockport town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Legal & General (L&G) has submitted a planning application for Bristol Temple Island, a £350m regeneration project that will transform the derelict, former diesel depot site into a vibrant urban quarter. Located in the heart of the Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration area, Temple Island is set to become a new urban district with centrally-located homes, high quality workplaces, and inclusive employment opportunities for the local knowledge economy, promoting innovation and economic growth. The development aims to deliver 520 new homes, two new office buildings, retail space, flexible workspace, and a new hotel with conference facilities, all of which are expected to create up to 2,000 new jobs. In addition to L&G’s commitment to deliver the national policy level of affordable housing, it is working in partnership with Bristol City Council, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, and other public sector partners to deliver on its ambition to provide a truly inclusive community with 40% of all housing catering to social and affordable rents, shared ownership, and Keyworkers at sub-market rents. All of these housing needs were clear in L&G’s pre-planning engagement with local communities. Central to L&G’s approach to urban development and placemaking is a focus on long-term sustainability and social inclusion. All commercial buildings will target BREEAM1 Outstanding status, with excellent public realm that enhances biodiversity through planting and habitat creation, as well as creating new spaces people can enjoy. The scheme aspires to provide significant connectivity improvements to neighbouring areas and promote low carbon lifestyles by minimising car use with new pedestrian and cycle routes. Our public engagement has suggested that exemplary building design and inclusive public spaces are of key importance to the local community and potential occupiers. World-renowned architects Zaha Hadid have been engaged to design the masterplan and building concepts and are working with specialist architects LDA Design to consider the public and landscaped areas. Submission of the planning application follows a significant period of consultation, with three rounds of community and stakeholder engagement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a cutting-edge Day Case Surgery and Imaging Centre at Harrogate District Hospital are moving ahead, following the signing of a construction contract between Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) and Morgan Sindall Construction. The £50 million project, funded by HDFT and NHS England, will see the construction of a two-storey facility housing state-of-the-art medical equipment and patient care areas. The new centre will include two operating theatres, two treatment rooms, a day case ward, and an imaging department, with construction set to begin in February 2025 and completion expected in 2026. The imaging department will feature enhanced diagnostic capabilities, including two MRI scanners, two CT scanners, three x-ray rooms, seven ultrasound scanners, bone density (Dexa) scanning, and fluoroscopy technology, which provides real-time imagery of tissues and organs. The centre will be built on the site of the former Therapy Services building, which was demolished earlier this year as part of the Trust’s initiative to eliminate reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) from its infrastructure. This project is the latest milestone in the Trust’s ongoing transformation programme, which has already delivered major upgrades, such as the redevelopment of Harrogate District Hospital’s Emergency Department, the establishment of Emergency Department 2 for minor injuries and illnesses, and the launch of a Community Diagnostic Centre at Ripon Community Hospital to provide faster access to tests and scans. Throughout the construction phase, patient care will remain uninterrupted, with services maintained and minimal disruption for patients, visitors, staff, and the local community. The building site will be self-contained, ensuring access to other hospital areas is unaffected. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry Group has joined forces with Paradigm Housing Group and Leaf Living to deliver 370 homes on a newly acquired site in Kidlington, near Oxford. The development, situated near Oxford Parkway station and Oxford Park and Ride, has outline planning permission. Vistry is collaborating with Cherwell District Council to finalise a Reserved Matters application for the site. As part of its broader strategy, Vistry has pre-sold 139 homes to Paradigm Housing Group. These homes will be offered under shared ownership and affordable rent tenures, providing vital housing options for local residents. Additionally, Leaf Living has acquired 56 homes to be offered as private rentals. This marks another milestone in Leaf’s ongoing partnership with Vistry, announced last year. Vistry will also sell 46 homes under the First Homes scheme, offering discounted market rates for qualifying buyers, while the remaining 129 homes will be sold on the open market through its Bovis Homes brand. Beyond housing, the development will provide significant benefits to the local community. Plans include new allotments, public open spaces, play areas, and an on-site sports pitch. Vistry will also invest approximately £8 million in local infrastructure, including improvements to education, transport, and sports facilities. Construction is set to begin once final approvals are in place, with the site poised to deliver much-needed homes and amenities for the Kidlington area. Supriya Ray, Regional Managing Director of Vistry Cotswolds, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Paradigm and Leaf Living here in Kidlington. The site will deliver a significant number of high quality, mixed-tenure homes, giving local people a real chance to own or rent a new home, whilst we will also be providing a range of other community services and facilities. Additionally, we will utilise the quality of our Bovis Homes brand to sell the open-market homes, perfectly demonstrating the unique strengths of our Group.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
