Croydon Council has announced a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the Purley Pool site, with revised proposals submitted for a new leisure centre, later living housing, and the regeneration of the surrounding area. A planning application for the site was initially submitted in 2024, proposing a mixed-use development featuring:
Morgan Sindall Construction has officially started work on Mill Yard, a £180 million mixed-use development by Railpen and its development partner Socius. The project aims to transform a central Cambridge site into a sustainable, vibrant neighbourhood. Formerly known as Devonshire Gardens, the site was rebranded as Mill Yard in 2024,
The University of Salford has submitted a planning application for a cutting-edge Acoustics Building, poised to bring world-class research facilities to Crescent Salford’s rapidly developing innovation zone. The 1,300m² facility will house the university’s renowned Acoustics Department, consolidating its teaching, research, and commercial activities in a purpose-built environment. The new
Blackpool Council has announced plans to appoint new commercial marketing agents to promote the Blackpool Central site to international leisure investors, aiming to attract fresh investment for the high-profile location. The move signals the termination of the previous agreement with developer Nikal Ltd. and marks a new phase in the
Specialist engineering techniques are transforming the River Don’s banks as Esh Construction is pushing forward with work on the £4.1 million public realm project at Rotherham Riverside. The scheme, commissioned by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council through the YORhub YORcivil2 framework, is a significant step in revitalising the riverside area. Esh’s
Caddick Construction has completed work on a new plastic packaging manufacturing facility to its long-standing client, Alpla, forming the 4th and final phase of the manufacturer’s new development at Stone Cross Business Park in Warrington. The 8,471 sq. ft development comprised the design and build of a new steel framed
The Bicester Arc, a state-of-the-art 48-acre commercial business park near Oxford, is making strides toward delivering cutting-edge infrastructure tailored to meet the demands of modern businesses. The development promises to offer bespoke facilities, flexible workspaces, and exceptional connectivity, solidifying its position as a premier destination for innovation and growth. The
GRAHAM has been awarded a contract to design and build the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail project. The ambitious project aims to transform Cardiff’s transport infrastructure. As part of an early contractor involvement (ECI) deal, GRAHAM will work closely with Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales to optimise the
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
Morgan Sindall has completed work at Southlands Hospital’s new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), with phase two of the project in Shoreham, Sussex, handed over. The facility, which initially opened in October 2023, will now be able to deliver a wider range of vital healthcare services in the heart of the
Croydon Council has announced a significant milestone in the redevelopment of the Purley Pool site, with revised proposals submitted for a new leisure centre, later living housing, and the regeneration of the surrounding area. A planning application for the site was initially submitted in 2024, proposing a mixed-use development featuring: Following feedback from public exhibitions, workshops, and the consultation process, the plans have been revised to enhance community amenities: The revised proposals for Purley Pool are open for public consultation until February 6, 2025. They will then be reviewed by Croydon Council’s Planning Committee, with final approval also requiring consent from the GLA. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Morgan Sindall Construction has officially started work on Mill Yard, a £180 million mixed-use development by Railpen and its development partner Socius. The project aims to transform a central Cambridge site into a sustainable, vibrant neighbourhood. Formerly known as Devonshire Gardens, the site was rebranded as Mill Yard in 2024, reflecting its prime location on Mill Road near the city centre. The development includes 110,000 square feet of office space, 70 build-to-rent apartments, refurbished railway cottages, a 2,100-square-foot crèche, a community events pavilion, and retail units set around a 1.55-acre public park. Mill Yard, situated near Cambridge train station, will feature extensive green spaces, including a central pavilion designed by George King Architects. The pavilion will anchor the public park, providing residents and visitors with accessible outdoor space. Additional amenities include a perimeter running track, a play street, and secure cycle parking with end-of-journey facilities, making it the only office development in Cambridge offering such features. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the project. Morgan Sindall has employed its Intelligent Solutions model to minimise environmental impact, aiming to divert 99% of waste from landfill and save 5,013 tonnes of embodied carbon. The completed buildings will be fully electric, powered by renewable energy sources, including rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels, and will use responsibly sourced materials. Wildlife will also thrive in the regenerated area, with plans for a 280% biodiversity net gain. Enhancements include bat, bird, and bee boxes, green roofs, hedgehog habitats, and evergreen planters. The site will primarily be car-free, except for blue badge spaces and electric vehicle charging points. Railpen and Socius, in partnership with Morgan Sindall, have committed to generating over £60 million in social value for Cambridge, a target verified by Social Value Portal. Initiatives include employing 12 local homeless individuals, creating apprenticeship and work experience opportunities, and donating 500 volunteer hours. More than £30 million will be spent in the local supply chain to bolster the local economy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Salford has submitted a planning application for a cutting-edge Acoustics Building, poised to bring world-class research facilities to Crescent Salford’s rapidly developing innovation zone. The 1,300m² facility will house the university’s renowned Acoustics Department, consolidating its teaching, research, and commercial activities in a purpose-built environment. The new building will replace the current acoustics facilities in the Newton Building on the Peel Park campus and will be located in the Innovation Quarter along Frederick Road. Morgan Sindall Construction, a long-time collaborator with the university, has been appointed to deliver the project. The initiative follows the commencement of work on Salford Rise in September and marks the second milestone in the Crescent Innovation redevelopment. The Crescent partnership, which includes the University of Salford, Salford City Council, and the English Cities Fund (ECF)—a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse—aims to drive economic growth and strengthen links between academia, research, and business. The Acoustics Building will feature state-of-the-art, all-electric infrastructure, including highly efficient building services, photovoltaic panels, and advanced acoustic testing chambers recessed into the floor slab for accessibility. Designed to meet the highest technical and measurement standards, the facility will support Salford’s global reputation in acoustics and sound engineering. A new entrance will provide an enhanced experience for students and industry users, while the building’s design targets a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, incorporating low-energy, low-carbon technologies to reduce its environmental impact. Situated on a former industrial site on Lissadel Street within the 29-acre Crescent Innovation area, the building represents a major step in the area’s transformation. If approved, construction is set to begin in summer 2025, with completion expected by spring 2027. The project underscores the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation while contributing to the ongoing regeneration of Salford. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Blackpool Council has announced plans to appoint new commercial marketing agents to promote the Blackpool Central site to international leisure investors, aiming to attract fresh investment for the high-profile location. The move signals the termination of the previous agreement with developer Nikal Ltd. and marks a new phase in the site’s redevelopment, which is already underway. Earlier this year, the first stage of the Blackpool Central project was completed with the opening of a 1,306-space multi-storey car park, funded through private sector investment under the former agreement. Demolition work at the site is scheduled to begin early in the new year, following the appointment of contractor DSM Demolition. The project will see the removal of the old police station, municipal courts, and a former joke shop on Central Drive. The demolition costs will be covered by funding from the Blackpool Town Deal, part of a UK Government initiative announced in 2022. Located near the iconic Blackpool Tower and adjacent to the Promenade, the Blackpool Central site spans up to 15 acres and boasts prime accessibility, including a direct route from the motorway to the new car park. Once the site of the world’s busiest train station, it now presents a significant opportunity to add to Blackpool’s £1.7 billion visitor economy and generate new jobs for the local community. The Council has retained ownership of most of the Blackpool Central land, ensuring it remains available for future development while safeguarding public finances. The agreement with Nikal generated £4.5 million for the Council, supporting local services and providing an option to acquire the new car park for a nominal fee in the future. In the coming months, Blackpool Council will begin working with international marketing agents to attract private sector investors and developers. The goal is to secure a new leisure attraction that will complement the town’s existing offerings and further boost Blackpool’s status as a premier destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Specialist engineering techniques are transforming the River Don’s banks as Esh Construction is pushing forward with work on the £4.1 million public realm project at Rotherham Riverside. The scheme, commissioned by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council through the YORhub YORcivil2 framework, is a significant step in revitalising the riverside area. Esh’s civil engineering team is repairing existing river walls near Westgate, incorporating over 250 sheet piles to form a robust new foundation for a planned riverside footpath. The installation of 127 pairs of sheet piles, some measuring up to 18 meters in length and weighing six tonnes each, was completed within five weeks. A temporary piling mat, stretching 170 meters in length and capable of supporting the substantial machinery used during construction, has also been constructed. This mat consists of 1,500 tonnes of capping, measuring 8 meters wide and 550 millimetres deep. Collaboration with Sheet Piling UK brought sustainable innovation to the project. The company supplied Emirates Steel Arkan’s (EMSTEEL) GreenSheetPile™ low-carbon sheet piles, manufactured via the Electric Arc Furnace method. This process significantly reduces embedded carbon, achieving an embedded carbon value of 708kg per tonne—far lower than the industry norm of 2,300kg per tonne. Beyond the riverbank work, Esh is making extensive upgrades near Westgate and on Water Lane, incorporating cut-and-fill operations, deep drainage, Japanese knotweed removal, and the construction of gabion basket retaining walls. As the project progresses into 2025, the piling mat will be removed, and the area between the river wall and sheet piles backfilled. A capping beam and balustrades will be added before work begins on constructing the footpath itself. This comprehensive effort ensures a sustainable, resilient riverside area, providing a modern public space while preserving the integrity of the River Don’s banks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has completed work on a new plastic packaging manufacturing facility to its long-standing client, Alpla, forming the 4th and final phase of the manufacturer’s new development at Stone Cross Business Park in Warrington. The 8,471 sq. ft development comprised the design and build of a new steel framed extension, the refurbishment of the existing entrance and boardroom facilities, as well as the upgrade of external works, including car parking facilities. This contract followed Caddick’s appointment to three former phases at the manufacturing facility in Golbourne. Phases one and two began in 2021 and included the design and build of a new link bridge across Yew Tree Way, which now connects the existing GB2 unit with the former Carlsberg distribution unit, which has been renamed as Alpla GB4. Phase three also saw Caddick build an 80,000 sq. ft extension to the Alpla existing GB4 unit, including HGV trailers, cab parking and a 25m turning circle for HGV use. Dave Saville, Regional Managing Director for Caddick Construction North West, commented: “This state-of-the-art development proves what’s possible through meticulous planning and programming, a high-quality and local supply chain, and a great working relationship with our client. Having worked with Alpla for a number of years, delivering all phases of this project, we are thrilled to see this recent build come together for our valued development partner. “With production facilities maintained, and full access to the building required by approximately 400 occupants throughout, our team kept to an extremely tight programme, providing flexibility and open communication throughout. The final result is a state-of-the art facility that complements Warrington’s thriving business district.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Bicester Arc, a state-of-the-art 48-acre commercial business park near Oxford, is making strides toward delivering cutting-edge infrastructure tailored to meet the demands of modern businesses. The development promises to offer bespoke facilities, flexible workspaces, and exceptional connectivity, solidifying its position as a premier destination for innovation and growth. The park boasts a dedicated 13.7MVA power supply, a unique feature that sets it apart in the competitive market. Combined with a skilled local workforce, ample housing, and sustainability initiatives, Bicester Arc is designed to accommodate businesses seeking hybrid and future-focused operational solutions. Located near Bicester Village retail park, the site offers seamless transport links. Oxford is just 14 minutes away by train, London Marylebone is reachable in 46 minutes, and the M40’s Junction 9 is only a two-minute drive, ensuring excellent access to major hubs like London and Birmingham. The development has secured over 600,000 sq. ft of flexible commercial space through three major planning permissions, including a 62,000 sq. ft headquarters office/laboratory and 100,000 sq. ft across two office and R&D buildings. These sustainable structures will sit within landscaped plots, complemented by an exclusive 15-acre eco-park featuring biodiversity-rich environments and walking routes for occupiers. The site caters to a wide range of industries, attracting leaders in advanced engineering, deep tech, and new technologies. Its buildings, ranging from 10,000 to 600,000 sq. ft, provide opportunities for businesses of all sizes to thrive in one of the UK’s most economically vibrant regions. Bicester Arc is a joint venture between Peveril Securities Limited, a subsidiary of Bowmer & Kirkland, one of the UK’s most successful privately owned construction companies, and Sladen Estates, known for delivering high-quality projects nationwide. Construction will be managed by Bowmer & Kirkland, ensuring a seamless delivery experience. The project has also retained CBRE, White Commercial and Knight Frank as letting agents to enhance its market reach, with White Commercial leveraging its expertise in the automotive and technology sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM has been awarded a contract to design and build the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail project. The ambitious project aims to transform Cardiff’s transport infrastructure. As part of an early contractor involvement (ECI) deal, GRAHAM will work closely with Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales to optimise the design and construction process. The first phase of the project will involve building a new tramway between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay. The route will pass through Callaghan Square and run alongside the existing Cardiff Bay Line. The project will also include the construction of new platforms at Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay stations, as well as significant highway modifications and public space improvements. The Welsh and UK Governments have jointly committed £100 million to fund the initial phase of the tram project. Cardiff Council has also appointed consultants to manage the project’s programme and costs. Andrew Henry, GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “We are delighted to be part of such a transformative project for Cardiff. The tram system that will significantly enhance connectivity and support sustainable urban development. “The team will be working to minimise impact to the public and road users, especially around Callaghan Square, as we integrate the tramline and associated systems with the highway. We look forward to collaborating with Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales to bring this vision to fruition”. A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “It is great news that we have had the funding confirmed from both the UK and Welsh Government. This means that the detailed work can now begin, with the detailed design set to be complete by Autumn 2025 and work on the ground due to start at the end of next year. “During the contract, the Council and TfW will be working closely with the GRAHAM Group to secure the best possible social value for the contract, by creating jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities for local people. Under the current programme of works, the construction could be complete by early 2028, with trams running on the track from later that year. “The Cardiff Crossrail is an ambitious plan to deliver Cardiff’s new tram transport system which will eventually run from the northwest of the city, all the way to the east of the city connecting with the proposed Parkway Station. Following further funding opportunities, we intend to provide a cross-city tram service that is affordable and reliable for the public to use, and to connect some of Cardiff’s poorest communities to the rail network for the first time. “To start this process, the first phase of the scheme must be built between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay. This will finally ensure that Butetown is properly connected to the city centre, via Cardiff Central, providing further capacity for residents and visitors to access the wide range of attractions that Cardiff has to offer.” The detailed design phase is set to be completed by Autumn 2025, with construction work commencing at the end of next year. Under the current programme, construction is expected to be completed by early 2028, with trams operational later that year. The Cardiff Crossrail project is a key component of Cardiff’s new tram transport system, which will eventually extend from the northwest to the east of the city, connecting with the proposed Parkway Station. 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
Morgan Sindall has completed work at Southlands Hospital’s new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), with phase two of the project in Shoreham, Sussex, handed over. The facility, which initially opened in October 2023, will now be able to deliver a wider range of vital healthcare services in the heart of the local community. The project was procured via SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading procurement specialists, on behalf of the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. The work involved the strip-out and demolition of a previous structure, with the new facility housing four state-of-the-art ultrasound rooms, two dedicated echo treatment rooms, two lung function testing rooms, and a specialised gynaecological treatment area. The project also included the strategic reconfiguration of an existing X-ray section. Complementing these clinical spaces, the CDC incorporated various ancillary facilities such as waiting areas, cleaning stations, restrooms, a welcoming reception area, office spaces, and medical storage facilities. The new facility is part of the government’s scheme to deliver more community-based facilities. Statistics show patients have already benefited from over 7 million tests, checks and scans via CDC funding across England. Since opening, more than 60,000 patients have already been seen at Southlands CDC. As part of Morgan Sindall’s commitment to social value generation and upskilling the next generation of construction professionals, its team supported two local T-Level students during the construction activity. The team also arranged several trips for students from nearby Northbrook College to visit the project at various times throughout the development. Additionally, Morgan Sindall supported a work starter from the local area by employing them as an operative on site. To assist the team’s physical wellbeing, several health sessions were arranged to check on cholesterol, prostate cancer, thyroid testing and blood pressure. Guy Hannell, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in the Southern Home Counties, said: “The completion of phase two at Southlands Hospital’s new CDC marks a significant moment, as it will bring significant healthcare benefits to the local community. Having this state-of-the-art facility on their doorstep provides the people living and working in Shoreham with a high-quality diagnostic service that will help to better assess those in critical need while reducing waiting times. “The collaborative, innovative relationship that we’ve developed with University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and SCAPE has been central to this project’s success. In addition, at Morgan Sindall we’ve delivered numerous CDCs around the country and so have been able to leverage this expertise and experience on this project. This has ensured that the completed facility is tailored to the needs of patients, clinicians and stakeholders.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
