The fences have come down from around Norfolk Gardens marking the completion of a £45 million project to transform Bradford city centre. This welcoming green space, which is now open for people to enjoy, complements the recently completed pedestrianised areas on Market Street, Bridge Street, Bank Street, Broadway and Hall Ings. The newly created 10,000 square metre park area contains a wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants, along with pedestrian space, benches and seating for people to rest as well as natural places for children to play. The cycle lanes and paths which run through the gardens and connect Jacobs Well with Hall Ings have had their finishing touches applied. The landscaping has been designed to reflect the heritage and culture of the district, using plants and features that bring together both functionality and biodiversity making it an inviting place for visitors and residents to spend time. The newly pedestrianised space in the city centre is already being used and recently hosted its first public events with the Big Brass Blowout with brass bands playing in the area outside St George’s Hall. A spring family fun day organised by Bradford BID took place last weekend on many of the newly pedestrianised streets. The next major event in the city centre is the Super Soapbox Challenge which takes place on Sunday 4 May and will make use of some of the newly pedestrianised areas. The Bradford City Centre Walking and Cycling Improvement Scheme has been delivered by Bradford Council in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and funded through the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF). Funding for this scheme was awarded to Bradford Council through a capital grant provided by the Department for Transport and cannot be used for other purposes, such as delivering day to day Council services or other projects. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport said: “The entire project has seen major changes throughout Bradford city centre completely transforming it from traffic choked streets to safe and inviting spaces for people to spend time. I’m delighted to see Norfolk Gardens reopening as a major green park, reflecting public desire to see more green spaces in the heart of the city centre. It’s the culmination of years of hard work by the project team and around 18months of construction work.” Scott Donson, Project Director at Balfour Beatty said: “We are pleased to have completed works at Norfolk Gardens, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of Bradford city centre. “This newly created green space, featuring an array of trees, shrubs, and sustainable landscaping, will provide a lasting benefit to the community, encourage biodiversity and create a more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors to Bradford.” Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “The transformation of Bradford city centre is truly remarkable, creating a vibrant and welcoming place for both residents and visitors. “By reducing traffic and making it easier to get around, this project will have a lasting impact on people’s health, wellbeing, and daily lives. “I’m delighted to see the completion of the project as we aim to create a better-connected region that works for all.” For more information about the scheme visit https://www.future-bradford.co.uk/   Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

One of London’s largest adaptive reuse projects, the ambitious transformation of the former Camberwell Magistrates’ Court, has been granted planning approval by Southwark Council. Led by acclaimed architects, Ackroyd Lowrie for Criterion Capital, the groundbreaking scheme will reinvent the long-vacant building as a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood. This bold retrofit not only preserves the architectural legacy of the building but also addresses pressing community needs, while delivering major sustainability gains. Closed in 2020, the magistrates’ court has stood empty ever since, becoming a visual blight and a magnet for anti-social behaviour. The approved proposals reimagine the building and surrounding space to establish a new civic focal point for Camberwell. As well as providing much needed housing, the scheme will act as a neighbourhood hub for vibrant community uses. The development includes: Ackroyd Lowrie’s design focuses on Embodied as well as Operational Carbon. Key sustainability achievements include: “This is one of the largest and most ambitious retrofit projects in London, and we are delighted to have gained Southwark’s support to revitalise this landmark building, as well as the entire public realm surrounding it,” said Jon Ackroyd, Managing Director of Ackroyd Lowrie. “Community has been at the heart of this project from day one, from family homes and play areas to creative workspaces and a public plaza that can host markets, exhibitions or performances.” The planning committee report praised the project’s approach, stating: “It is considered that the proposal would greatly enhance the building’s street frontages and adjoining public realm, potentially fostering a high quality of urban design… “Overall, the elevational architecture is well-considered… presenting a fresh and engaging appearance for the re-purposed building.” The development has been shaped by extensive engagement with Southwark Council, the GLA, and the community over several years. Omar Aziz, Director at Criterion Capital, concluded: “This redevelopment is about more than just buildings; it’s about people. By transforming the former magistrates’ court into a dynamic, community-first space, we are creating new homes, cultural landmarks, and public areas that will bring lasting benefits to Camberwell. The revitalised public square will be a focal point, ensuring this space is not only functional but also inspiring.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Work has started on a major new public transport hub for Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales, a key part of the town’s regeneration. Designed by multidisciplinary design practice BDP and built by Kier for Pembrokeshire County Council, the Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange (HPTI) includes the construction of a modern bus station and multi-storey car park, providing a new interchange for buses and coaches, with upgraded passenger facilities. Sustainable features include electric vehicle charging facilities and an array of solar panels on the roof, which will supply the vast majority of the building’s energy usage and help Pembrokeshire County Council meet its commitment to be net zero carbon by 2030.  The scheme will include 280 parking spaces, seven bus bays, public toilets and accessible changing facilities for people with disabilities. A traditional groundbreaking event marked the start of work on site. Architects, landscape architects and civil and structural engineers from multidisciplinary design practice BDP designed the transport interchange. Matthew Mayes, architect director at BDP, said: “This transformative regeneration project will enhance connectivity and accessibility for the local community, providing seamless links between bus, taxi, and cycling facilities while improving connections to the riverside, shopping centre, and railway station. “Our design features striking aluminium fins that wrap around the building, creating a modern and dynamic identity, while stone cladding at ground level reflects the town’s historic character. A new public square, enriched with greenery and ample seating, offers a welcoming space for people to relax and engage with their surroundings. “Transport hubs like this are key to the future of urban mobility, encouraging more people to adopt sustainable travel choices that contribute to healthier, more connected communities.” This is a topic explored in BDP’s The Good City initiative, which aims to address some of the most pressing urban challenges by bringing together experts from across the world. Ian Rees, regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “We have been on site for a number of months now undertaking essential enabling works, this ground breaking ceremony is an important milestone as we progress into the construction phase of this vitally important transport hub.  “This transport interchange for Pembrokeshire County Council will really begin to take shape over the coming weeks and months and will ultimately deliver a much-needed, modern transport hub for the local community, improving connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.” Cllr Paul Miller, Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “It’s great to see work starting on this new transport interchange, which is an important part of the wider Haverfordwest Masterplan. It’s designed to make it easy and convenient to visit Haverfordwest town centre which is a key part of our efforts to regenerate the town. “I think we can all agree the previous multi-story car park had reached the end of its useful life.  “Once we’ve completed this project, the town centre will be easily accessible both by bus and of course by car with the car park element of the project benefiting from wider spaces, EV Charging, single tap exit and payment and of course a much nicer, lighter and safer environment for users.” Built on the site of a demolished multi-storey car park and bus station, HPTI will form part of the South West Wales Metro project, which aims to better integrate sustainable modes of transport and complements the wider regeneration work in Haverfordwest. The design of HPTI is being funded from the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Oldham Council is set to begin construction on the exciting new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots, a key part of the project to transform 160 acres of green space in the heart of Oldham into the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park.   The Northern Roots project is part of the council’s ‘Green and Growing’ priority. The council has secured £12.9 million from the national government’s Town Deal and Levelling Up Fund Round 2 to deliver this transformative next phase. The work marks the next stage of the council project, which has been developed in close partnership with the Northern Roots charity and has already gained regional and national recognition.  Set in the woodland at the northern end of the site, the Visitor Centre will feature a café, shop, production kitchen, exhibition and performance space, as well as learning and meeting facilities.   Meanwhile, the Forestry Skills Centre, will provide residents with vocational learning opportunities linked to a range of technical and land-based skills and qualifications.  In 2023 Northern Roots established the first phase of the Urban Farm.  Over the last two years, the current site has created 80 volunteering opportunities, delivered activities for more than 600 children and young people, and engaged around 6,000 local residents through cultural and environmental activities.  And to date, there have been 2,000 trees planted, six ponds created to support local wildlife, and the establishment of a community garden and wildflower meadow.  The Visitor Centre marks a significant step forward for the project, which also includes car parking, access improvements, an outdoor amphitheatre, and landscaping. Looking ahead, future plans for the site include a solar array, play areas, wild play and mountain biking facilities, and additional community growing spaces.  Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, said:  “Northern Roots is a ground-breaking project that will benefit our communities for generations to come – a place where nature, learning, and opportunity come together.  “Oldham Council is proud to be driving this project in partnership with Northern Roots, creating a thriving space for education, recreation, and enterprise, showcasing Oldham as a leader in green innovation.  “The Visitor Centre will provide our residents with skills, support opportunities for businesses, and enhance the local environment. It’s a win-win for our borough.”  The Northern Roots project demonstrates Oldham Council’s commitment to regeneration, sustainability, and community enrichment. With the construction underway, residents will soon see this Council initiative take shape.  Northern Roots CEO, Anna da Silva, added:  “This is a really exciting moment in the development of Northern Roots and a key step in unlocking the potential of the site. We are incredibly grateful to all the partners who have supported the vision for Northern Roots and helped bring the project to this stage, particularly Oldham Council, our local communities, and our funders.  “Northern Roots is pioneering a new, sustainable approach to harnessing and nurturing urban greenspace that we hope will become a model for future generations.”  Construction is being carried out by Willmott Dixon, with the Visitor Centre set to open in summer 2026.  Willmott Dixon’s team are now on site. Once the compound is set up, the first stage of works will be preparing the site to allow main works to start. Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for the North West at Willmott Dixon, said: “As an Oldham-based business we are really excited to be playing our part in shaping this invaluable community space, working in partnership with Oldham Council once again. “In partnership with our proud local supply chain partners, we are committed to creating four new employment opportunities directly on the project. Through our bespoke ‘Building Lives Academy’ pre-employability programme, we will support 10 previously unemployed Oldham residents with qualifications, skills and work experience. “We will continue to work with local schools and colleges through site visits, industry workshops and employability sessions. To date, our project team have also volunteered more than 115 hours supporting Oldham people, including with The Salvation Army and the Northern Roots charity.” While the work takes place, the Northern Roots site remains open to visitors all year round.  To find out more about the regeneration work taking place in Oldham, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/regen Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

BAM, the lead construction contractor on Kirklees Council’s Our Cultural Heart regeneration scheme, has appointed two regional firms to support the project’s delivery. Construction on Phase One of the landmark development is progressing well, with the former Queensgate Market building in Huddersfield undergoing a major transformation into a community-focussed library hub and vibrant food hall. As part of the project’s commitment to regional economic growth, Wakefield-based CCL Facades has secured the contract to deliver aluminium curtain walling, automatic doors, windows, and internal fire screens for both the library hub and new food hall. Their work begins this month and is set for completion by autumn 2025. “West Yorkshire is our home,” said Tony Blake, Managing Director of CCL Facades. “We’re proud to contribute to this landmark project, which respects the market’s 50-year heritage while delivering a modern, striking development.” Additionally, Rose System Scaffolding, based in Chadderton, has been providing essential scaffolding services over recent months. Both firms operate within a 20-mile radius of Huddersfield town centre, reinforcing the project’s commitment to supporting regional businesses. Cllr Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “Our Cultural Heart will bring significant economic benefits to Huddersfield, Kirklees and the wider region – not just in the future but right now. By prioritising a regional supply chain, we are actively supporting businesses and local jobs during the construction process.” Matt Garnett, Construction Manager for BAM, added: “At BAM, we are committed to using a regional supply chain wherever possible. Working with local companies brings multiple benefits – from leveraging local expertise and stakeholder connections to improving efficiency and lowering our carbon footprint.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Scottish and UK governments have signed a £70 million investment programme with Argyll and Bute Council to deliver vital economic growth for the area. The 10 year Rural Growth Deal (RGD) for Argyll and Bute will see the Scottish and UK Governments each contributing £25 million to the programme, and the council and its partners providing at least £20 million of match funding. The RGD is designed to deliver at least 300 additional jobs, training opportunities for more than 6,000 people, support for business growth, new housing and worker accommodation, and more than 70,000 additional visitors to the area every year. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “It was an absolute privilege to visit the Isle of Bute to sign the transformational £70 million Argyll and Bute Rural Growth Deal. Being the final of Scotland’s 12 city and growth deals, it was an extra special moment. This means a package of more than £3 billion UK Government and partner investment is driving local growth and improving living standards for communities the length and breadth of Scotland. “The UK Government is investing around £1.4 billion into important local projects across Scotland over the next 10 years – including £25 million for the Argyll and Bute Rural Growth Deal. This is our Plan for Change in action, working with the Scottish Government and local partners with investment and reform to turbocharge growth and put more money in people’s pockets.” Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Argyll and Bute is full of potential with its rich history, spectacular scenery, vibrant communities and abundance of natural resources. “We are providing £25 million through this Deal to create jobs, attract investment and secure the region’s economic future. The Deal will support projects to drive innovation in marine science, support training that enables local people to access jobs and boost tourism to deliver sustainable economic growth. “The Deal’s signing fulfils our commitment to ensuring that all areas of Scotland are supported by Growth Deal funding.” Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, Councillor Jim Lynch said: “This is significant and very welcome investment in the economy and longer term future of Argyll and Bute. Our area boasts a number of key industries that support not only our local economy, but that of Scotland and the UK more widely. “Scotland and the UK need rural and island areas like Argyll and Bute to succeed, and this growth deal is key to achieving that success. Partnership has been key in reaching this stage and will continue to be so. I look forward to working with our national and local partners in transforming this investment into economic benefit for Argyll and Bute.” The Deal was signed on Bute, home of Rothesay Pavilion, the first project expected to be delivered with support from the Rural Growth Deal. The renovation of the 1938 Pavilion is designed to transform the building into a valuable resource for day-to-day life on Bute, and a driver for the island economy as a national tourist destination. Projects for delivery through the Argyll and Bute Rural Growth Deal are: Project Project Details Projected start date Tourism – Creating a World Class Visitor Destination theme Rothesay Pavilion The RGD will provide £9m of funding to support the internal fit-out of the renovation and refurbishment of the Grade A Listed Rothesay Pavilion. When completed, the Pavilion will include an events space, office facilities, the caretaker’s house, flexible exhibition space, craft retail/café space, the dressing rooms, young people’s studio, the outdoor spaces and corridors. When completed, the Pavilion will include an events space, office facilities, the refurbished caretaker’s house, flexible exhibition space, craft retail/café space, dressing rooms, young people’s studio, and outdoor spaces. 2024/25 Kintyre Sea Sports The RGD will provide funding of £2m for a new water sports hub on Campbeltown Loch, creating an outstanding natural destination for sailing and other water sports. KSS currently operates from Campbeltown Sailing Club; however, this facility no longer meets the required standards to sustain the increasing demand in the wide variety of water sports that exist in the community. The proposed new development will see the existing site redeveloped to form a two-storey building that will house changing facilities, space for learning, offices, a community café, a kitchen, and a range of storage space. 2025/26 Rural Skills Accelerator Programme (RSAP) Business Skills This project will provide £500k of revenue funding from the Scottish Government for a programme of leadership skills training for current and future business and community leaders in Argyll and Bute so they can benefit from and contribute to the transformational opportunities from Rural Growth Deal Investment. This element of the RSAP is being led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and focuses on leadership interventions that will cover the whole of Argyll and Bute. 2025/26 STEM Hubs Creating new Community STEM Hubs within the RGD will provide a platform for STEM engagement opportunities for people of all ages in Argyll and Bute. £2.5 million funding from the Scottish Government will deliver modern, aspirational facilities for online (remote) and face-to-face learning. The RGD will also create two physical STEM Hubs – one in Dunoon and one within the European Marine Science Park near Oban. 2026/27 UHI Argyll Estate Enhancements This project will provide £1.5 million of funding from the Scottish Government to support UHI Argyll’s campus enhancements at their Construction, Engineering, and Renewables Centre (CERC) in Lochgilphead. The proposal seeks to expand the scope of UHI Argyll’s STEM curriculum, and significantly increase student volumes at the organisation’s construction and engineering hub in Lochgilphead to meet regional and national skills needs, maximise job opportunities aligned with emerging technologies, tackle the Climate Emergency and support the Just Transition to Net Zero. 2028/29 Creating a Low Carbon Economy Islay Low Carbon Economy The RGD will invest up to £3 million, with £1.5 million from both the Scottish Government and UK Government, to fund the delivery of low carbon infrastructure to support the island’s pathway to net zero. The RGD presents an opportunity for public sector

Manchester City Council (MCC) and Salford City Council (SCC) are working in collaboration on the ambitious long-term regeneration proposals for the Strangeways and Cambridge areas ahead of public consultation.  The draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) reports will be heard by both Councils’ respective executive and cabinet committees outlining the vision that will guide wide-scale investment and development across the 130hectare city fringe location over the coming decades.   The draft Strangeways and Cambridge SRF presents a high-level vision for the area, building on the work of the Operation Vulcan policing operation, to provide a platform for legitimate businesses to grow and thrive, alongside a major new urban park, significant new housing – including affordable homes – and significant commercial and employment opportunities.   The programme of investment estimates the combined development areas could see up to 7,000 new homes across seven distinct ‘neighbourhood’ areas, increased commercial floorspace of around 1.75m sqft, and the regeneration could support an additional 4,500 jobs.   The draft SRF presents a development approach that will support Manchester’s target to become a zero-carbon city by 2038 and reacts to other environmental factors in the areas, including potential flooding linked to climate change.    The SRF also reflects how HM Prison Manchester – formerly Strangeways Prison – remains a significant barrier to the regeneration ambitions in this part of the city and the framework will act as an engagement tool with the Ministry of Justice around the long-term future of the prison.  The key themes of the SRF include:  This  draft Strangeways and Cambridge SRF document has been prepared on behalf of MCC and SCC by Avison Young with Maccreanor Lavington Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, Schulze+Grassov, Civic Engineers, Useful Projects and PLACED. Salford’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 11 March.  Find the Salford City Council Cabinet Report   Manchester’s executive will meet on Friday 14 March  Find the Manchester City Council Executive Report – see agenda item 8 Following the respective Council approvals, consultation around the SRF document will begin at the end of March, the results of which will be reported to future Executive and Cabinet meetings.   Further information on the SRF can be found here.  The draft SRF was in part delivered using Government Funding.   Leader of the Council Bev Craig said:   “This framework is our shared long-term vision, alongside our colleagues in Salford, to deliver a transformation in the Strangeways and Cambridge communities.   “We have an opportunity to create a platform for development and investment, enabled by the successful work carried out by the Operation Vulcan partnership, to support businesses to grow and prosper in these neighbourhoods – creating thousands of new jobs and support the ongoing growth of our city – alongside a major new public park and new homes, including Council, social and genuinely affordable housing.  “We know this area has challenges, including the prison that presents a key barrier to the regeneration of the area, but we also know that there is energy and a community brimming with potential.   “We will deliver huge change in Strangeways in the coming years, working alongside the people who live and work there, and as we move to consultation in the coming weeks, we want to speak to local people and businesses about how we can make this part of the city thrive.”  Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added:   “We’ve been on a journey of growth and regeneration in recent years, and our work has  changed the landscape in different parts of Salford for the benefit of our residents. It’s now time to focus on the Cambridge area and working with colleagues in Manchester, this framework provides us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to do that.  “This framework proposes options for the Salford part of the SRF, taking into account the requirements of residents and local businesses, and the need for quality housing in the area. The key will be to balance these needs with what the long-term flood data is telling us and how we future-proof the area against climate change.  “The proposals in the framework seek to identify the best possible options for this area. These include the exciting opportunity to create a new city park for all, with an option for appropriate levels of mixed-use development, to continue to drive sustainable growth. “I’d urge everyone with a vested interest in this area, whether you’re a resident or business to engage with the consultation process and work with us help shape the future of this part of the city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals