Rockwell has submitted proposals, designed by architects Farrells, to redevelop an underused brownfield site in Battersea, Wandsworth, aiming to deliver 142 much-needed new homes. As one of the oldest buildings in the Ransomes Dock area, the Glassmill (1 Battersea Bridge Road) is no longer fit for purpose in modern London.
Helical has selected Mace to serve as the principal contractor on the redevelopment of a City of London office at 100 New Bridge Street. Located next to City Thameslink station with views overlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral and St Bride’s Church, the 1990s office building will be renovated to create 194,000
Beard Construction has started work on a new 3,700 square-metre hospice in Farnham in Surrey. The project, worth £11.9 million to the award-winning contractor, will see Beard build the new Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, which provides a full range of services including critical end-of-life care. The new purpose-built hospice will include
Birmingham City Council has revealed a masterplan proposal for the regeneration of Druids Heath to the community at a launch event at Manningford Hall. The masterplan was developed after two years of work, talking with and listening to the community to create a plan that can meet the needs of
Caddick Construction has completed work on SOYO neighbourhood’s two newest residential blocks in Leeds city centre on behalf of Hestia, the residential platform of Federated Hermes Real Estate. Located south of York Road in Leeds, SOYO comprises two new residential buildings, known as Madison East and Mercer West, featuring 331
Persimmon Homes Wessex has submitted plans for the third phase of the Jubilee Gardens development that would trigger construction on the next 193 high-quality homes if approved by Wiltshire Council. The phase would involve a mixture of properties from the five-star developer and its sister company, Charles Church, and approval
Construction work has commenced at Cordia UK’s latest project and inaugural build-to-rent (BTR) development, The Lampworks, in Birmingham. The Birmingham-based property developer has appointed Shropshire-based construction management practice buildfifty5 to deliver the main construction works for the project in partnership with residential general contractor Pedrano UK. The Lampworks will incorporate
Ebbsfleet United FC has announced that Gravesham Borough Council secured plans for Northfleet Harbourside. Ebbsfleet United FC are shareholders in the project which is set to transform and regenerate the immediate area surrounding the football club. Within the 50-acre mixed-use development, Ebbsfleet United FC will retain freehold and management control
Hines has secured plans from Southwark Council to build a new, landmark office and residential development at 18 Blackfriars Road. The approval secured working with architects Foster + Partners, and Lipton Rogers, allows Hines to breathe new life into a two-acre brownfield site that has remained undeveloped for 20 years.
Crest Nicholson has acquired land at Branston Locks in East Staffordshire. The housebuilder received reserved matters planning approval for the greenfield parcel, where it plans to build 284 new homes, in April of last year. The purchase marks the next step in the latest phase of a Sustainable Urban Extension
Rockwell has submitted proposals, designed by architects Farrells, to redevelop an underused brownfield site in Battersea, Wandsworth, aiming to deliver 142 much-needed new homes. As one of the oldest buildings in the Ransomes Dock area, the Glassmill (1 Battersea Bridge Road) is no longer fit for purpose in modern London. It is highly energy inefficient and struggling for commercial viability, with the building either vacant or occupied on short term licenses below market rates. Wandsworth faces an urgent need for new, high-quality homes, with over 3,600 households classified as ‘homeless’ in the borough. Rockwell’s proposals address this issue by committing to a significant portion of affordable homes within their scheme. Of the 142 new homes planned, 35 per cent will be affordable housing, with 70 per cent of these designated for social rent. The development will include a mix of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom residences, providing up to 20 large family homes to help alleviate the local housing pressures. This regeneration will provide over 5,700 sq. ft of modern, flexible affordable office floorspace, alongside a new community hub and public realm improvements, including a new ‘Waterfront Plaza’. Designed in consultation with local residents and stakeholders, these spaces are shaped to meet the needs of local businesses and charities – including SMEs and start-ups – and bring new jobs to the area. With a new riverside restaurant at the base of the building, these plans will unlock the Battersea Bridge south side, rendering it a destination in its own right, with new visitors boosting the local economy. Nicholas Mee, Managing Director of Rockwell, said: “London – and especially Wandsworth – is in desperate need of more homes, so we are very excited to bring forward these proposals at One Battersea Bridge to regenerate an underutilised site and enable the creation of new housing for the borough. However, our vision is to deliver a multi-use area which delivers more than just homes. “A long-overdue revitalisation of the public realm along this section of the Thames, and brand-new community space will benefit existing and future generations of local people. We hope to secure permission for these proposals to futureproof this area for generations to come.” Peter Barbalov, Partner at Farells, stated: “We are delighted to collaborate with Rockwell on the development of One Battersea Bridge Road, an important site situated on the south bank of the Thames, serving as the gateway from Wandsworth to Battersea Bridge. “Our proposal provides substantial public benefits, including the provision of safe, accessible public realm along the River Thames and Battersea Bridge Road, activation of the ground floor with diverse uses, and provision of much-needed housing for the Wandsworth community. “To achieve these goals on this brownfield site, we have designed a high-quality building, with high quality homes, that contributes to the surrounding townscape along the River Thames while also addressing the climate emergency by achieving Net Zero in both operation and construction phases.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Helical has selected Mace to serve as the principal contractor on the redevelopment of a City of London office at 100 New Bridge Street. Located next to City Thameslink station with views overlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral and St Bride’s Church, the 1990s office building will be renovated to create 194,000 sqft of modern Grade A office space, 3,592 sqft of retail spaces and a 4,000 sqft terrace providing views across central London. Circularity is central to the redevelopment, as the original structure will be preserved, aiming for a remarkable 95 per cent reuse, recovery and recycling of construction waste. The project will maintain 91 per cent of the reinforced concrete lift cores and 85 per cent of the reinforced concrete walls Aiming for BREEAM Outstanding and Well Platinum certification, this project is set to achieve net-zero carbon emissions throughout both its construction and operational phases. The redevelopment is part of a joint venture with a vehicle led by Orion Capital Managers. As one of seven current construction projects within the Fleet Street Area, 100 New Bridge Street is the latest in a series of modern, best-in-class sustainable offices in this location, formerly synonymous with the printing and publishing industry. Ged Simmonds, Managing Director of Private Sector at Mace, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Helical once again on another highly sustainable best-in-class office space at the heart of the City of London. Not only will this development be net zero carbon in construction and operation, but by retaining the existing structure and reusing existing materials, this scheme is leading the way in circularity.” Gerald Kaye, CEO of Helical plc, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Mace to redevelop 100 New Bridge Street to create a best-in-class, carbon friendly office in a prime location in the City of London. This development will help meet the growing demand we are seeing for prime office spaces with the highest sustainability credentials.” Construction has already commenced and is due to complete in Q1 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Beard Construction has started work on a new 3,700 square-metre hospice in Farnham in Surrey. The project, worth £11.9 million to the award-winning contractor, will see Beard build the new Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, which provides a full range of services including critical end-of-life care. The new purpose-built hospice will include a low-level, single-storey building, which consists of 18 bedrooms with ensuite wet rooms. Each room will have bifold doors which will open out into the courtyard or surrounding gardens. This will be supported by specialist suites for education, wellbeing and exercise. High-end materials and finishes, combined with Beard’s reputation for quality and excellence will ensure greater levels of comfort, dignity and privacy for patients and their families. The In-Patient Unit will be attached to a two-storey concrete frame building. The ground floor will include the main reception and lobby, as well as kitchens, cafeteria and lounges. It will also house the main plant room, utility room and clinical rooms. The first floor will provide office facilities for Phyllis Tuckwell staff, who have been relocated to various temporary sites. The new hospice is due to be completed towards the end of 2025 and will be a much larger and more modern facility. It replaces the existing building which was built over 90 years ago and is no longer fit for purpose. With the first spade in the ground, work has begun to clear the site ready for the foundations to go in. Beard is working with the local residents and stakeholders to ensure all work is conducted safely. With limited access around the site, Beard will use a tower crane to manage deliveries and help with construction. Beard staff are also supporting the hospice in its fundraising efforts. Tom Jenkinson, Beard’s Guildford director, said: “Many of our team here live locally, so they are really enthusiastic about the difference this building will make to the local community. We are thrilled to be involved in this build and look forward to seeing it as it emerges from this ground-breaking event. It’s a great opportunity to utilise our expertise and experience in building high-quality, specialist healthcare facilities across the region and further afield.” Sarah Church, chief executive of Phyllis Tuckwell, added: “Around 17,000 people had been cared for on our In-Patient Unit, let alone the many thousands of others cared for at home, since the hospice was launched. As demand increases, this new chapter in our history means we will be able to care for many more thousands of local residents who will need us in the years to come. Given Beard’s reputation and experience in the sector, they are a tremendous fit to build our brand-new hospice.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham City Council has revealed a masterplan proposal for the regeneration of Druids Heath to the community at a launch event at Manningford Hall. The masterplan was developed after two years of work, talking with and listening to the community to create a plan that can meet the needs of the people who live and work in Druids Heath. Staff were at the launch event to answer questions and receive feedback from the community about the plans, with more events planned over the next few days. An extensive consultation on the plans will begin in the coming months before approval for the plans will be sought next year. The proposed regeneration aims to make Druids Heath a more sustainable and greener place to live in the long term. New high-quality, energy-efficient homes will be built alongside excellent green spaces. The commercial and community spaces in Druids Heath will also be revitalised as part of the plan. Councillor Jayne Francis, cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “The masterplan marks the beginning of a new chapter for the regeneration of Druids Heath. This new plan shows how Druids Heath will be transformed into a healthier, more sustainable area by building on its key strengths – community spirit and abundance of green space. “This regeneration scheme will build the types of homes we need to tackle climate change, reduce fuel bills, and contribute to the city’s net zero ambitions. It will also bring much-needed provisions for older residents so they can live healthy, independent lives for longer. New greenways will be built to better connect the estate within the community and the estate to the surrounding city. “The scheme goes beyond delivering new homes; the regeneration will create a sustainable, healthy community that will allow anyone who lives there to thrive. “While the masterplan is a big step forward for the scheme, much more work remains, and there will be more decisions to be made with the local community about the scheme. With that in mind, an independent steering group representing residents, stakeholders, and businesses is being established to help influence future decisions regarding the regeneration. “We also understand residents’ concerns about being priced out of the area. For this reason, the council is looking at how we can use different financial models to give residents an opportunity to remain on the estate. We will let residents know more about these models as soon as we are able. It is really important to the council that everyone who wants to stay in Druids Heath can do so. “Regenerating an area is always a lengthy process. For this reason, the council will bolster services for tenants on the estate by installing more CCTV, implementing a specific repairs service for Druids Heath, and increasing cleaning provision to tackle fly-tipping.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has completed work on SOYO neighbourhood’s two newest residential blocks in Leeds city centre on behalf of Hestia, the residential platform of Federated Hermes Real Estate. Located south of York Road in Leeds, SOYO comprises two new residential buildings, known as Madison East and Mercer West, featuring 331 built-to-rent apartments, two commercial retail units, car parking facilities and sustainable public spaces for the local community. The project, focused on delivering quality modern living, has been developed by Caddick Construction through close collaboration with Hestia and joint enterprise partner Caddick Developments. The £57.4m project follows the completion of an earlier phase at SOYO, New York Square, where Caddick Construction delivered two 16 and 17-storey, build-to-rent apartment developments, housing 515 unique one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for Moda Living. SOYO is the newest multi-use neighbourhood in Leeds city centre and once complete the state-of-the-art quarter will offer over 1m sq ft of space to live, work and enjoy. The new development includes some of the largest green public spaces within the city, high-quality residential buildings and a hub for local artistic exhibitions, enhanced by its location at the heart of the city’s cultural district. Hestia is focused on delivering affordable residential assets that will have a positive impact on the environment and communities in which they reside. Since its inception, Hestia has embodied Federated Hermes’ Responsible Property Investment agenda by sourcing and developing homes in neighbourhoods people want to live in, to a specification enhanced by an eight-year operational track record and all aligned to the Hestia Net Zero Carbon Pathway. The project’s contribution towards creating vibrant and authentic communities has been emphasised by the recent appointment of local artist EV Hardaker (Emma) as SOYO’s ‘Artist in Residence’. Having worked with Emma for almost five years, Caddick Group recently cemented this partnership with the launch of THE ARCH, a major temporary art installation embodying the area’s identity. Emma will be further animating the area as the major regeneration project enters its final phase. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Persimmon Homes Wessex has submitted plans for the third phase of the Jubilee Gardens development that would trigger construction on the next 193 high-quality homes if approved by Wiltshire Council. The phase would involve a mixture of properties from the five-star developer and its sister company, Charles Church, and approval would mean 58 of these would be designated for a local housing provider, helping put a dent in Wiltshire’s 4,300-strong housing waiting list. The application delivers on the continued extension of the Linear Park, including active travel links and a play area. It will also complete the full length of the central spine road, connecting the previously approved sections from the two new junctions. As part of the wider development, Persimmon will invest millions of pounds in the local vicinity as the housebuilder delivers a sustainable community for local people. This will include land for a new primary school, significant areas of open space including a riverside park, equipped children’s play areas, two areas of sports pitches and associated changing rooms. A local centre, allotments, public art, employment land, improvements to public footpaths, new pedestrian and cycle routes, biodiversity enhancements and a dedicated ecology area will also be delivered at Jubilee Gardens. Significant financial contributions will also be made towards education provision, bus services connecting the scheme with town centre, signal upgrades to improve vehicle movements in the town centre, health care in Warminster, and enhancements to local public rights of way. A sizeable financial contribution will also be made by the housebuilder to provide funding for local infrastructure priorities – the Victoria Road roundabout is now complete and work is commencing this month on the access from Bath Road. The application follows a visit from the board of Selwood Housing, a local housing association partner, to the site – where Persimmon has already transferred properties to them as part of its plans – to see how their high-quality homes are built. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction work has commenced at Cordia UK’s latest project and inaugural build-to-rent (BTR) development, The Lampworks, in Birmingham. The Birmingham-based property developer has appointed Shropshire-based construction management practice buildfifty5 to deliver the main construction works for the project in partnership with residential general contractor Pedrano UK. The Lampworks will incorporate a total of 148 apartments and is set to be one of the most energy-efficient projects in Birmingham – offering exclusively A and B EPC-rated dwellings. As the first building in Cordia UK’s BTR portfolio, it will offer a combination of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and affordable homes, alongside contemporary commercial units on the ground floor set in a series of striking landscaped courtyards. Residents will have access to high-quality communal facilities, including a co-working space, individual meeting rooms, a shared lounge and a communal kitchen/diner, fit out with modern designs and the latest technologies. Located at the intersection of Great Hampton Street and Harford Street, The Lampworks will reflect the industrial heritage of the Jewellery Quarter. It forms part of Cordia UK’s wider vision for Great Hampton Street, a master plan to transform the area into a thriving residential and commercial destination. András Kárpáti, CEO at Cordia UK, said: “The Lampworks is the first development in our build-to-rent portfolio and a unique addition to Birmingham’s rental market – offering contemporary architectural design and amenities in a setting that maintains and reflects the Jewellery Quarter’s renowned heritage. “We are excited to be working with our construction partners buildfifty5 and Pedrano UK on the project and look forward to seeing our vision for Great Hampton Street continue to come to life with new residents and independent businesses.” As a member of one of the largest residential real estate development and investment groups in Europe, Cordia International (Member of Futureal Group), Cordia UK benefits from a vast track record of international projects and is driving forward innovative practices in the UK residential market. Construction at The Lampworks is being supported by Cordia International’s key strategic partner, Pedrano Group. With 15 years of experience in apartment developments across Europe, Pedrano will work closely with local contractor buildfifty5 to provide strategic direction on the project. Financial support for the development has been provided by Octopus Real Estate, part of Octopus Investments and a leading specialist real estate investor and lender, with assistance from financial advisor BBS Capital. The loan was provided as part of its Greener Homes Alliance with Homes England, which pledges to commit £172 million in finance and expert support to SME housebuilders ─ enabling them to build more high-quality, energy-efficient homes throughout England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ebbsfleet United FC has announced that Gravesham Borough Council secured plans for Northfleet Harbourside. Ebbsfleet United FC are shareholders in the project which is set to transform and regenerate the immediate area surrounding the football club. Within the 50-acre mixed-use development, Ebbsfleet United FC will retain freehold and management control of the new-build £40 million 8,000-seat multi-use community stadium and event facilities. This will secure the club’s future for generations to come and provide stable, self-generating income and revenue towards our ultimate goal of sustainable high performance. Damian Irvine, Chief Executive Officer at Ebbsfleet United FC, commented: “This is a truly significant day in our club’s great history and for the people and communities of Northfleet and Gravesend. The outcome has been the result of many months of hard work and collaboration with Gravesham Borough Council, our development partners and team, and the project’s investors. “We set about conceiving a plan and solution that would see our football ground developed to a leading standard that was feasible financially within a wider development, and which also provided regeneration of services and contributed to an overall significant uplift to our local community and Borough, reflecting the council’s own regeneration strategy and legacy plan for future generations. It’s a proud and exciting day to receive planning approval from GBC that will be the catalyst for such substantial investment into Gravesham Borough and its communities.” The granting of outline planning consent for Northfleet Harbourside will now see each phase of the project proceed to the detailed planning stage. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hines has secured plans from Southwark Council to build a new, landmark office and residential development at 18 Blackfriars Road. The approval secured working with architects Foster + Partners, and Lipton Rogers, allows Hines to breathe new life into a two-acre brownfield site that has remained undeveloped for 20 years. 18 Blackfriars Road is designed to be fossil fuel free, 100% electric and Net Zero Carbon in operation, with 95% of the site heat demand served by ground source heat pumps that share, store and offset energy. Beyond decarbonisation, it is set to deliver affordable homes, free workspace for local businesses and entrepreneurs and a cultural hub for locals as it aims be the first high-rise scheme in the UK to achieve the WELL Community Gold Standard, which certifies developments that support health and wellbeing. Ross Blair, Senior Managing Director and Country Head of Hines UK, said: “Our plans will transform an undeveloped piece of land, most of which has lain empty for over 20 years, into much needed new homes and first class, sustainable and tech-enabled offices, built around a central hub which we hope will become a brand new convening space for the local community.” The location benefits from fantastic transport connectivity and proximity to numerous cultural landmarks as well as being a stone’s throw from the River Thames. The new scheme will consist of three buildings, two delivering over 400 new homes, with 40% being affordable. The third will create 800,000 square feet of office space featuring a series of bustles that provide space with exceptional quality natural light inside and outdoor terraces on every third floor. Plans also include 20,000 square feet of new affordable workspace for local and socially minded enterprises, assembly rooms for use by the local community, modern educational space with links to local institutions, children’s play areas and a new, central public space with retail and food outlets situated at the heart of the development. A 150% increase in biodiversity is also planned for the site, including the planting of around 100 new trees. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Crest Nicholson has acquired land at Branston Locks in East Staffordshire. The housebuilder received reserved matters planning approval for the greenfield parcel, where it plans to build 284 new homes, in April of last year. The purchase marks the next step in the latest phase of a Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) at Branston Locks, Burton-on-Trent. Sitting within a larger development site being delivered by multiple developers, Crest Nicholson will provide a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes which will contribute towards the 2,500 homes being delivered by the wider scheme. The homes will include several of Crest Nicholson’s house types such as the three-bedroom Hadleigh and four-bedroom Yorkley, with 22 homes available as affordable Shared Ownership properties. Proposals for the site also include public open spaces including a play area and walking and cycling routes. In addition, residents will benefit from a range of commercial, educational and leisure facilities on the wider development, including a primary school, pub, care home and hotel of up to 80 rooms. Tim Brickley, Managing Director at Crest Nicholson Midlands, said: “We’re excited to have completed the purchase of land at Branston Locks and look forward to delivering high-quality homes. The Branston Locks development will create a vibrant, sustainable community in a great location while providing much-needed homes within the area and we’re thrilled to be part of this wonderful development.” The SUE will also include vehicular access connections from Branston Road and Shobnall Road, green infrastructure comprising public open space, structural landscaping, sustainable urban drainage basins and associated drainage, as well as sports and recreation facilities. Staffordshire offers residents access to a range of fun activities with the likes of Alton Towers and Peak District in close proximity. The town is centrally located, with great commuter links to major cities such as Manchester and Birmingham. The M6 runs through the centre of the county and connects it to the rest of the UK by road, while there are several train stations in Stoke, Stafford, Lichfield Trent Valley and Rugeley Trent Valley running high-speed, nationwide services. For those looking to travel internationally, Birmingham, East Midlands and Manchester airports are within easy reach. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
