David Lloyd Leisure, Europe’s leading health, fitness and wellness group, has submitted a planning application to Wirral Council for a new club at Wirral Waters. The proposed club, set to create up to 100 permanent jobs upon completion, will be located at Peel Waters’ Bidston Dock site off Wallasey Bridge
Construction has officially begun on a landmark maritime training hub in Whitby that aims to position the town as a key player in the UK’s offshore renewable energy and maritime industries. Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the £9.6 million Whitby Maritime Training Hub, a cutting-edge development at Endeavour
Cumberland Council has given the green light to plans for significant public realm improvements and the creation of a pedestrianised square to the north of Carlisle station, at Court Square. The redevelopment is a central part of the £27 million Carlisle Station Gateway project, which aims to transform the station
A major new regeneration project is set to transform Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council grants preferred bidder status to Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) for the multi-million-pound Etruscan Square development. The project will breathe new life into one of the largest cleared city centre sites in the Midlands,
Nottingham City Council has signed a £12.6 million contract with Balfour Beatty to deliver an 85-metre long walking and cycling bridge over the River Trent. The bridge, which will span the river at 20 metres high, is set to become a key infrastructure link, connecting the north side of the
GRAHAM has been appointed to deliver stage two of the major Didcot and surrounding area infrastructure scheme (HIF1), which aims to tackle traffic congestion, improve travel times, and enhance connectivity in the region. The key elements of the GRAHAM project include the design of the Clifton Hampden Bypass and 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:
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
David Lloyd Leisure, Europe’s leading health, fitness and wellness group, has submitted a planning application to Wirral Council for a new club at Wirral Waters. The proposed club, set to create up to 100 permanent jobs upon completion, will be located at Peel Waters’ Bidston Dock site off Wallasey Bridge Road. It forms a key part of David Lloyd’s continued UK expansion and represents a significant milestone for the Wirral Waters development. Spanning six acres, the new facility will feature a wide array of state-of-the-art amenities, including indoor and outdoor heated pools, a spa garden, three weather-protected tennis courts, six canopy-covered padel courts, making it the largest padel facility on the Wirral, a sports hall with two courts, a high-spec gym, a children’s play area, and a café lounge. In line with David Lloyd Leisure’s commitment to building positive, wellness-focused communities, the club will be designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing. The company also aims to explore local partnerships and has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, with the new site set to incorporate the latest in sustainable building technologies. The club will be highly accessible, with close proximity to major transport links including the M53 motorway, the Mersey Tunnel, and Birkenhead North train station. Currently, the nearest David Lloyd locations are in Cheshire Oaks and Speke, making this development a welcome addition for residents across the Wirral. Beyond the long-term employment opportunities, the construction phase is expected to generate around 60 jobs, further supporting the local economy. The submission is part of David Lloyd’s broader national growth strategy, which includes recently announced new sites in Gloucestershire and Buckinghamshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has officially begun on a landmark maritime training hub in Whitby that aims to position the town as a key player in the UK’s offshore renewable energy and maritime industries. Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the £9.6 million Whitby Maritime Training Hub, a cutting-edge development at Endeavour Wharf that will provide essential skills training, business accommodation, and engineering facilities for the next generation of maritime professionals. The project is being delivered in partnership with North Yorkshire Council and Enjoy Architects, and is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Procured via the SCAPE Construction Framework, the facility will include training and certification for the maritime, marine, and offshore renewable sectors, as well as office space for marine start-ups, engineering workshops, and space for service providers. Cllr Mark Crane, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, said: “This is a significant moment for this project. We believe the hub can open the door to new economic growth in coastal areas and be a landmark development for Whitby, placing the town at the forefront of the growing renewable energy sector. “It is imperative that there is a sustainable and diverse range of job opportunities for our communities, and the building of a world-class training facility can only help inspire the next generation of apprentices and professionals in the maritime sector.” The training hub is designed to complement the town’s historic maritime views and heritage, building on Whitby’s long-standing connections to fishing and sailing. Initially, North Yorkshire Council will manage the facility, with plans to potentially transfer operations to a community interest company in the future. The goal is to attract local, regional, and national businesses to use the space, supporting year-round employment and reducing Whitby’s dependence on seasonal industries like tourism. The hub aims to create long-term commercial opportunities that will fuel the coastal economy and support skilled job creation. Barry Harland, Chair of the Whitby Town Board, said: “Presenting new opportunities for people in and around Whitby is the main reason for the hub being built. I hope the excitement will build even further as the opportunities that these facilities will offer for local families become clearer over the next year, and more people and organisations engage with the project as it moves towards completion.” Funding for the project is part of the Government’s Town Deals programme, which awarded £37.3 million to Whitby and Scarborough in 2021 to drive local regeneration and economic development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cumberland Council has given the green light to plans for significant public realm improvements and the creation of a pedestrianised square to the north of Carlisle station, at Court Square. The redevelopment is a central part of the £27 million Carlisle Station Gateway project, which aims to transform the station area and create a more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors. The project is supported by a £20 million investment from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, a collaborative initiative designed to drive regeneration across the Borderlands region. This funding comes from the UK and Scottish Governments, with additional contributions from Network Rail and Cumberland Council. Planning approval will enable a series of enhancements to Court Square, including: Construction work is set to begin in autumn 2025, following the completion of planned highways and public realm improvement works on English Street and the Crescent/Botchergate junction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major new regeneration project is set to transform Stoke-on-Trent’s city centre, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council grants preferred bidder status to Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited (GKRL) for the multi-million-pound Etruscan Square development. The project will breathe new life into one of the largest cleared city centre sites in the Midlands, spanning approximately seven acres. GKRL, a joint venture between Genr8 Developments and Kajima Partnerships, plans to deliver a diverse mix of high-quality residential housing, leisure facilities, and commercial spaces at Etruscan Square, all aimed at attracting new businesses and residents to the heart of the city. The development will also involve collaboration with partners such as PfP Igloo, with whom GKRL is already working on similar projects across the UK. The development, which benefits from £20 million in government funding, is located on a site that was once home to the old bus station and the East-West Precinct, positioned next to the city’s main retail hub and near Hanley Bus Station, Smithfield, and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. Once the formal selection process is complete, the development team will begin site surveys and investigations later this year, preparing for construction to start in 2027. The project is part of a broader city centre masterplan designed to rejuvenate Hanley, creating a vibrant place to live, work, shop, and visit. This vision has been shaped by extensive consultation with local residents, businesses, and visitors. The Etruscan Square project could also serve as a springboard for further regeneration efforts across the city. GKRL is in discussions to develop other council-owned sites, including key residential plots at Pyenest Street, Shelton, North Shelton, and Bucknall New Road. GKRL brings a wealth of experience to the project, with a proven track record in delivering successful mixed-use regeneration schemes. Notable projects include the Rochdale Riverside development, which transformed a key city centre area into a new retail, leisure, and residential destination. In addition to their development expertise, GKRL’s partners have established strong relationships with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, local residents, and businesses. Genr8 is currently overseeing the Smithfield development in the city centre, while Kajima is delivering the £60 million Stoke Extra Care scheme, a series of innovative retirement villages designed for flexible, future-proofed living. The Etruscan Square project marks a significant milestone in Stoke-on-Trent’s ongoing regeneration, with the potential to significantly enhance the city’s economic and social landscape in the coming years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nottingham City Council has signed a £12.6 million contract with Balfour Beatty to deliver an 85-metre long walking and cycling bridge over the River Trent. The bridge, which will span the river at 20 metres high, is set to become a key infrastructure link, connecting the north side of the river—where the Trent Basin development of 350 new homes is underway—with the south, home to sports facilities, riverside walks, and green spaces. The project is expected to employ over 100 people, including four apprentices, during its construction. With a weight of 160 tonnes, equivalent to the size of a blue whale, the bridge will feature a striking network arch design, making it a standout feature on the city’s skyline. It will be the first new bridge to be built in Nottingham since the 1950s, serving as a key connector between popular locations such as Colwick Park, the City Ground, Trent Bridge, Holme Pierrepont, and Nottingham Rugby Club. This project is the flagship and final development to be delivered under the City Council’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which began in 2020 after Nottingham and Derby secured over £160 million from the Central Government to improve inter-city connectivity and promote lower-carbon journeys. The new bridge is fully funded by this initiative. Work on the bridge officially began with the demolition of a warehouse previously used by Flo Skate Park, which is necessary to clear space for the new structure. The construction timeline is as follows: The bridge will not only improve connectivity between residential areas and key facilities but also enhance access to high-quality cycling routes, with links to Daleside Road and sustainable transport routes leading to the city centre and Colwick Park. The City Council is committed to keeping residents and businesses informed throughout the project, providing regular updates via its Transport Nottingham website and email newsletters. Once completed, the new bridge will play a crucial role in Nottingham’s sustainable transport network, encouraging walking and cycling, and providing a valuable link for residents and visitors alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GRAHAM has been appointed to deliver stage two of the major Didcot and surrounding area infrastructure scheme (HIF1), which aims to tackle traffic congestion, improve travel times, and enhance connectivity in the region. The key elements of the GRAHAM project include the design of the Clifton Hampden Bypass and the Didcot to Culham River Crossing. The scheme is part of a broader effort to address growing traffic issues and support the economic development of the Science Vale area by facilitating smoother transportation links and creating new jobs. Detailed design work is currently underway, with construction expected to begin in early 2026. The project, which has received strong backing due to its potential to improve local infrastructure, is designed to meet the demands of a rapidly developing region. Andrew Henry, GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “GRAHAM has been working closely with Oxfordshire County Council and key stakeholders since April 2023 through Early Contractor Involvement (ECI). “This collaborative approach has enabled us to develop the detailed design for these significant infrastructure projects while actively engaging with third-party stakeholders such as Thames Water and Openreach to coordinate necessary utility diversions”. “As we deliver this transformative project, we will focus on working closely with the local community to create a lasting impact that benefits everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
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
