Tag Archive for: Lifestyle

Historic London building with modern rooftop hotel extension.

Historic City of London Building to Become Luxury Hotel with Modern Rooftop Extension

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The City of London Corporation has approved plans for a significant transformation of a Grade II-listed Victorian building at 27-28 Clements Lane into a 180-key luxury hotel. The project, led by Studio Moren for JMK Group, involves converting the existing office space while adding a contemporary rooftop extension, aiming to enhance the Square Mile’s hospitality offering and support the city’s ‘Destination City’ initiative.

Key Takeaways

  • A Grade II-listed Victorian office building is being converted into a 180-key luxury hotel.
  • A new, lightweight metal rooftop extension will add four storeys of guest accommodation.
  • The design respects the building’s heritage while incorporating modern sustainability features.
  • The project aims to revitalise the area and contribute to the City of London’s mixed-use strategy.

A Sensitive Transformation of a Listed Building

The scheme will see St Clement’s House, a mid-19th-century structure located between Monument and Bank, reimagined as a design-led hotel. The conversion will meticulously restore and reinstate original architectural features, including the marble-clad facade, ornate corniced windows, interior plaster ceilings, chimney breasts, and cast-iron columns. This heritage-led approach ensures the building’s historical significance is preserved while adapting it for contemporary use.

Contemporary Addition Meets Historic Context

A striking four-storey rooftop extension, constructed from lightweight metal, will provide additional guestrooms. The design of this extension draws inspiration from the building’s existing segmental arches and the vaulted forms of the neighbouring St Clement’s Church. This approach ensures the new addition is both a clear, “unapologetically contemporary” intervention and a sensitive response to the surrounding urban scale and historic townscape.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Sustainability is a core component of the project. Studio Moren has integrated a comprehensive sustainability strategy, targeting BREEAM Excellent certification. This includes a reuse-first approach, retaining the majority of the listed building, and employing low-carbon materials and HVAC systems. Further measures include roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, fabric upgrades, passive design strategies, window planters, rainwater harvesting, and a biodiverse green roof. These elements aim to mitigate environmental impact, counter the urban heat island effect, and enhance green infrastructure within the city.

Enhancing the Public Realm

Beyond the hotel itself, the development will invigorate the street level. New active frontages will be introduced along Lombard Court and St Clement’s Court, featuring accessible entrances and a publicly accessible lounge, restaurant, café, and bar. This revitalisation of the ground-floor spaces aims to add vibrancy, improve passive surveillance, and create a renewed sense of discovery within the characterful lanes of the City of London, aligning with the broader goals of the ‘Destination City’ initiative to foster a more active and mixed-use Square Mile.

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Pomona Island development with new homes and public access.

Manchester Waters Masterplan Advances: 2,600 Homes and Public Access for Pomona Island

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Peel Waters has submitted a significant outline planning application to Trafford Council for the next phases of its £800 million Manchester Waters masterplan. This proposal aims to transform approximately 25 acres of brownfield land on Pomona Island into a vibrant new neighbourhood, offering extensive public access and amenities for the first time in decades.

Key Takeaways

  • An outline planning application has been submitted for the next phases of the Manchester Waters masterplan.
  • The development will regenerate 25 acres of brownfield land on Pomona Island.
  • Plans include approximately 2,600 new homes across various tenures.
  • Over half of the site will be dedicated to public and green spaces, including a five-acre park.
  • The masterplan aims to open Pomona Island to the public for the first time in many years.

A New Waterfront Neighbourhood

The comprehensive masterplan for Manchester Waters includes proposals for around 2,600 new homes, encompassing affordable housing, build-to-rent options, homes for sale, student accommodation, and facilities for older people. Beyond residential units, the development will feature a hotel, flexible workspaces, retail premises, leisure facilities, and spaces for hospitality businesses.

A key aspect of the plan is the significant allocation of land for public and green spaces. More than half of the 25-acre site is earmarked for these areas, including a substantial five-acre park situated by the water. The design also incorporates new routes for walking and cycling, intended to seamlessly connect the site to central Manchester, MediaCity, and Trafford Wharfside, further promoting sustainable travel alongside existing tram links.

Community Engagement and Future Vision

Prior to submitting the application, Peel Waters conducted a thorough public consultation. This engagement involved an online survey and a webinar, attracting around 100 participants. The company reports that 78% of respondents expressed support for the neighbourhood’s development. Feedback primarily focused on green space provision, ground-floor uses, and improvements to cycling infrastructure. Peel Waters has stated that all feedback was considered in refining the submission, and they are now collaborating with local residents on potential names for new public areas and parks.

Leigh Thomas, Development Director at Peel Waters, highlighted the significance of this step, stating, “This masterplan will open up Pomona Island to the public for the first time in decades, creating a unique ‘island’ neighbourhood with parks and recreation space for future visitors, residents and workers to enjoy, whilst ensuring there is a housing option for all incomes and ages.” He added that over 1,000 new homes could be completed within the next five years, a prospect he described as “exciting.”

Building on Previous Success

The Manchester Waters project builds upon earlier phases of development. Nearly 600 homes have already been delivered in partnership with X1 Developments and Hestia, with an additional 500 homes scheduled to commence construction in 2026. Furthermore, at Cornbrook, Peel Waters has facilitated projects with Glenbrook and Forshaw Group, resulting in 280 homes and a convenience store, with another phase of 237 residences, an aparthotel, and a café planned. This latest application represents a crucial step in Peel Waters’ broader strategy of regenerating waterfront locations across the UK.

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Architectural rendering of new homes and amenities at York Central.

York Central Development Submits Plans for Nearly 1,000 Homes and Major Amenities

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Plans have been officially submitted for a significant portion of the £2 billion York Central development, marking a major step forward for one of the UK’s largest city centre regeneration projects. The application covers nearly 1,000 new homes, alongside a hotel, innovation hub, retail spaces, and extensive parkland, all situated around York Central station.

Key Takeaways

  • Nearly 1,000 homes are part of the new planning application.
  • The development includes a hotel, innovation hub, retail, and leisure spaces.
  • A new western entrance for York Station, featuring a cycle hub, is planned.
  • The project aims to create a vibrant new live-work-play community.

A New Urban Quarter Takes Shape

The submitted plans detail 999 mixed-tenure homes, with 20% designated as affordable housing. This forms the first phase of at least 2,500 homes planned for the 45-hectare site. Alongside the residential units, the application includes a 213-bedroom hotel, a 100,000 sq ft innovation hub, and 70,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space.

Enhanced Station Access and Green Spaces

A key feature of the proposal is a new western entrance for York Station. This will include a substantial 300-space cycle hub and a public civic space named Coal Drops Square. The development also incorporates new parkland, stretching from the National Railway Museum towards the western edges of the site, aiming to create a significant green lung for the city.

Public-Private Partnership Driving Progress

The York Central development is a public-private partnership led by McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate, in collaboration with Homes England and Network Rail. Architects involved in this phase include Allies & Morrison, 3D Reid, Grant Associates, Haworth Tompkins, and Cartwright Pickard. This submission follows the earlier approval of a government office building within the first phase.

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

Developers have highlighted the project’s potential to create up to 6,500 jobs and add £1.1 billion to York’s economy. With £135 million in government funding already secured for infrastructure, the project is seen as a significant catalyst for inward investment. A decision on the latest planning application is anticipated in spring next year, with construction timelines to follow.

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Construction of new social homes in West Lothian.

New Social Homes Underway in West Lothian to Tackle Housing Crisis

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Construction has officially begun on a significant number of new social homes across West Lothian, aiming to address the region’s pressing housing needs. This initiative involves multiple developments, including projects in Winchburgh and Livingston, and represents a collaborative effort between housing associations, local councils, and government funding.

Key Takeaways

  • 69 new energy-efficient homes for social rent are being built in Winchburgh by Lovell Partnerships for Wheatley Homes East.
  • A separate £9 million project in Livingston will deliver 48 new homes, including supported accommodation for young people.
  • The Deans South estate in Livingston is undergoing regeneration, with 46 affordable homes being built by Springfield and Wheatley Group.
  • These developments aim to increase affordable housing provision, ease pressure on waiting lists, and support local communities.

Winchburgh Development

Lovell Partnerships has broken ground on 69 new energy-efficient homes for social rent in Winchburgh, a project for Wheatley Homes East. These homes are scheduled for completion by summer 2027. The development is part of a broader £1 billion Winchburgh masterplan, which includes new schools, green spaces, and community amenities. The new homes will comprise two and three-bedroom terrace houses and two-bedroom flats. Each property will achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of B and meet Silver Aspects 1, the Scottish benchmark for sustainable building, incorporating features like high-specification wall insulation, air source heat pumps, and water-efficient fixtures to reduce energy usage by approximately 30%. Electric vehicle charging points and sprinkler systems will also be included. Lovell has also designed a bespoke ‘colony-style’ house type to meet local needs, featuring bungalows on the ground level with two-storey homes above, each with its own entrance and garden. The construction process is expected to support local employment and training, with Lovell also contributing to local community groups.

Livingston Projects

In Livingston, a £9 million project is underway to construct 48 new homes, including supported housing for young people and affordable rental properties. This development, located near local amenities and West Lothian College, will utilise modular construction methods to accelerate delivery and help alleviate pressure on the council’s housing waiting lists. The first residents are anticipated to move in by September. The supported housing component will consist of 28 one-bedroom flats, complete with flexible office space and overnight accommodation for staff. The affordable housing element will provide 20 homes, including 18 houses (a mix of two and three bedrooms) and two flats. This project marks West Lothian Council as one of the first in the UK to employ modular construction for building homes.

Deans South Regeneration

Springfield, in partnership with Wheatley Group, has commenced construction on the regeneration of the Deans South estate in Livingston. This long-awaited project will deliver 55 new homes, with 46 designated as affordable homes for Wheatley Homes East tenants and nine private homes for existing homeowners. The properties will be built using sustainable timber kits, featuring air source heat pumps for efficiency. This development is particularly significant as it provides new homes for residents who have lived on the previously condemned estate since 2004. The project signifies a commitment to transforming the site and providing secure, high-quality housing for the community.

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Historic London markets moving to the Docklands.

Historic London Markets Smithfield and Billingsgate Set for Docklands Relocation

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London’s centuries-old Smithfield meat market and Billingsgate fish market are set to move to a new home in the Royal Docks, East London. This decision follows years of uncertainty and the collapse of a previous relocation plan. The move aims to provide modern facilities for traders while preserving the legacy of these iconic London institutions.

Key Takeaways

  • Albert Island in Newham’s Royal Docks has been identified as the preferred site for the relocation.
  • A memorandum of understanding has been agreed between the City of London Corporation and the Greater London Authority (GLA).
  • The move is dependent on the passage of a parliamentary bill to repeal existing legislation that ties the markets to their current locations.
  • Traders have largely welcomed the announcement, citing improved working environments and opportunities for growth.
  • The current markets will remain open until at least 2028, with plans to redevelop the existing Smithfield site into a cultural hub and Billingsgate into housing.

A New Chapter for Historic Markets

After nearly 800 years of operation, London’s historic Smithfield meat market and Billingsgate fish market are poised for a significant relocation. The City of London Corporation, which governs both markets, has agreed on a preferred site at Albert Island in Newham’s Royal Docks. This move aims to address the current markets’ limitations, with their Victorian-era buildings considered no longer fit for purpose. The announcement brings an end to a period of considerable uncertainty for traders, particularly after a previous plan to move to Barking & Dagenham fell through due to escalating costs.

The Royal Docks: A Modern Hub

The chosen site, Albert Island, is a 25-acre brownfield location owned by the GLA, earmarked for regeneration. This move is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to Newham, including an estimated £750 million in local expenditure and the creation of around 2,200 jobs. The development plans for Albert Island also include a new boatyard and marina. Traders from both markets have expressed optimism about the new location, highlighting the potential for improved facilities and space to expand their businesses while continuing to serve customers across London and the South East.

Transition and Future Plans

The relocation is contingent on the successful passage of a private bill through Parliament, which will repeal the legislation requiring the markets to remain in their current locations. While the move is anticipated, traders have been assured that operations will continue at Smithfield and Billingsgate until at least 2028. The City of London Corporation plans to redevelop the historic Smithfield building into an international cultural and commercial hub, which will also house the new Museum of London. The Billingsgate site is slated for redevelopment to provide approximately 4,000 new homes.

Trader Reactions and Community Impact

Representatives from both the Smithfield Markets Traders’ Association and the London Fish Markets’ Association have welcomed the identification of Albert Island. They emphasize that the proximity of the new site will allow them to retain their customer base while significantly enhancing their operational capabilities. The move is seen as a positive step forward, offering a modern and sustainable future for these vital London markets and their traders.

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New homes being built in Dalmarnock, Glasgow.

Dalmarnock Regeneration Boosted by 173 New Homes

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Construction has officially begun on a significant new housing development in Glasgow’s Dalmarnock area. The project, located on French Street, will deliver 173 much-needed homes, comprising a mix of properties for both rent and private sale. This initiative is set to provide a substantial boost to the city’s housing supply and further enhance the ongoing regeneration efforts in the East End.

Key Takeaways

  • 173 new homes are being built in Dalmarnock, Glasgow.
  • The development includes affordable homes for social rent and private sale properties.
  • It aims to address Glasgow’s housing emergency and support community regeneration.
  • The project is a collaboration between Thenue Housing, CCG (Scotland), and Clyde Gateway.
  • Completion is anticipated in 2027.

A New Chapter for Dalmarnock

The French Street development marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of the Clyde Gateway area. This project is a collaborative effort between Thenue Housing, CCG (Scotland), and Clyde Gateway, with support from Glasgow City Council. The development aims to create “sustainable, inclusive communities” and will feature a mix of apartments and family housing, with options ranging from one to four bedrooms.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, convener for housing and development at Glasgow City Council, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It is great to see work beginning on this major housing development in Dalmarnock which will bring so many high-quality new homes for sale and rent to an area which has benefited so much from regeneration in recent years.”

Addressing Housing Needs

The new homes are designed to meet diverse needs, including wheelchair-adapted properties within the affordable housing component, adhering to the “Housing for Varying Needs” standards. The entire development will be connected to a district heating system, promoting enhanced energy performance. This project is seen as a crucial step in tackling Glasgow’s “housing emergency.”

Martin McKay, chief executive of Clyde Gateway, highlighted the importance of this development: “A key pillar of the regeneration of the Clyde Gateway area is building quality, affordable and private homes, helping it to be a great place to live and work and be able to enjoy the greenspaces and amenities it now has to offer.”

Community and Economic Benefits

Beyond providing much-needed housing, the 18-month construction period is expected to bring significant community benefits. These include local job creation, training opportunities, and investment initiatives. CCG (Scotland), an east-end based company, expressed pride in contributing to the community where many of its staff reside.

Calum Murray, director of CCG (Scotland), commented, “French Street continues that legacy— it is a landmark project will offer much-needed housing choice and affordability while creating a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can thrive.”

The French Street development is the largest housing project approved by Glasgow City Council for the 2024/25 financial year and is scheduled for completion in 2027, promising to reshape the Dalmarnock landscape and provide a vibrant new neighbourhood.

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London Stock Exchange building with three architectural models.

Three Giants Vie for £200 Million London Stock Exchange Renovation Contract

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Three major construction firms have submitted bids for a significant £200 million contract to refurbish and extend the London Stock Exchange’s headquarters in Paternoster Square. The ambitious project aims to modernise the iconic building to meet current and future office standards as its initial 25-year lease nears its end.

Key Takeaways

  • Bovis, Wates, and Structure Tone are the final contenders for the lucrative contract.
  • The renovation includes a new glazed lobby, roof extensions, and enhanced outdoor spaces.
  • The project is being managed by Oxford Properties, with the winner expected early next year.

The Contenders

Bovis, Wates, and Structure Tone have all returned their bids for the extensive refurbishment and extension work. Bovis has a historical connection to the site, having built the existing King Edward Court building, designed by Eric Parry, back in 2003.

Wates’ bid is reportedly being spearheaded by its Fit Out business, while Structure Tone’s UK operations are jointly managed by individuals with prior experience at ISG’s fit-out division.

Project Scope And Vision

The proposed revamp, designed by the London practice Carter Gregson Gray, includes a striking double-height glazed lobby. This feature is intended to showcase the market’s daily opening and closing ceremonies to the public on Paternoster Square.

Further enhancements will involve several roof-level extensions, including a new double-height events pavilion and a single-storey roof terrace pavilion. Additionally, a single-storey extension is planned for a corner of the building. The project also promises substantial outdoor space, with a new roof terrace offering prime views of St Paul’s Cathedral’s dome, alongside balconies on multiple levels facing Paternoster Square.

Project Management And Timeline

Oxford Properties, acting as the main applicant, is overseeing the wider refurbishment, with developer Hines also involved as long-term leaseholders. The intention behind the scheme, developed over the past year, is to update the building to contemporary office standards.

The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) is expected to temporarily relocate to the neighbouring St Martin’s Court for two years during the refurbishment. LSEG has appointed its own project team for the fit-out of King Edward Court, comprising MCM as lead architect, RLB for cost management, Cushman & Wakefield as project manager, and Alan Baxter for structural engineering.

Oxford Properties’ team for the main refurbishment includes G&T for costs, WSP for structures, Newmark for planning, M3 Consulting as project manager, Turley for townscape and carbon assessments, Velocity for transport, Arup for facade consultancy, and Studio GB for landscape design.

A decision on the winning bid is anticipated in early next year.

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Cardiff cinema building with construction nearby.

Historic Cardiff Cinema Faces Demolition for Affordable Housing

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A former cinema building on City Road in Cardiff, long standing in a state of disrepair, is set to be demolished to make way for a new development of affordable apartments and commercial units. The ‘Gaiety’ building, located at 195-197 City Road in Roath, has been vacant for an extended period.

Key Takeaways

  • The ‘Gaiety’ cinema building on City Road, Cardiff, will be demolished.
  • The site will be redeveloped into 70 affordable housing apartments and ground-floor commercial units.
  • The project is a collaboration between Draycott Group and Wales and West Housing Association.
  • The development aims to be “car-free” with ample cycle storage.

Redevelopment Plans

Draycott Group, in partnership with Wales and West Housing Association, has proposed to replace the existing structure with a modern building of up to seven storeys. This new development will provide 70 self-contained flats, all designated as 100 per cent affordable housing. The proposed accommodation includes 67 one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom flats.

Community and Commercial Space

In addition to the residential units, the scheme includes plans for three commercial units on the ground floor, facing directly onto City Road. Residents will benefit from internal and external amenity spaces, as well as a private landscaped courtyard. The development is designed to be “car-free”, with secure cycle storage for 72 bicycles provided at the rear of the property.

Council Support

Cardiff Council’s planning committee is expected to review the application. A council report has indicated support for the principle of development, citing the site’s location within the City Road District Centre and its prolonged vacancy. The report deems the loss of the cinema building “acceptable” and suggests the mixed-use scheme aligns with local policy objectives. The committee is recommended to approve the application.

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Beckton Gasworks site undergoing transformation with new homes.

Beckton Gasworks Set for Major Transformation with 2,900 New Homes Approved

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East London’s iconic Beckton Gasworks site is poised for a significant regeneration, with plans for 2,900 new homes receiving the green light from the London Borough of Newham’s strategic development committee. This approval marks a crucial step towards transforming the derelict 30-acre site, which has been disused since the 1960s, into a vibrant new neighbourhood.

Key Takeaways

  • Full planning permission granted for enabling and remediation works.
  • Outline permission secured for 2,900 homes, a five-acre riverside park, and commercial/community spaces.
  • Developer St William (part of Berkeley Group) to invest £250 million in site transformation.
  • Construction could commence in 2028, with first homes expected in 2030.

A New Chapter For Beckton Gasworks

The extensive redevelopment of the former Beckton Gasworks, once the largest in Europe, has been granted planning permission by the London Borough of Newham. The scheme, spearheaded by St William, part of the Berkeley Group, will see the creation of 2,900 new homes alongside a substantial five-acre riverside park and various commercial and community facilities. This decision follows a comprehensive package of enabling and remediation works that are essential before residential development can begin.

Significant Investment and Remediation

St William is set to invest approximately £250 million to unlock the 30-acre site. This includes a substantial £47.4 million dedicated to enabling and remediation costs. The crucial work will involve repairing the river wall, enhancing flood defences, and raising site levels to ensure the long-term viability and safety of the development. The developer has also committed to a £38 million Section 106 contribution to Newham Council, alongside £15 million in Community Infrastructure Levy payments.

Catalysing Wider Regeneration

Dean Summers, managing director of St William, described the approval as a “significant step forward” for the complex, long-term regeneration project. He emphasised the ongoing collaboration with the council, the Greater London Authority (GLA), and Homes England to bring the vision to fruition. The regeneration of Beckton Riverside is anticipated to act as a catalyst for further investment in the surrounding area and could bolster the case for extending the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Beckton and Thamesmead.

Community Engagement and Future Outlook

As part of the masterplanning process, JTP led a series of community consultations, including workshops with local groups and engagement events focused on young people. These efforts aimed to reflect the area’s diverse cultural identity and shape proposals that would create attractive public spaces and amenities along the riverside. If all progresses as planned, construction could begin in 2028, with the first homes anticipated to be completed by 2030, marking the beginning of a new era for this historic East London site.

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