Chapter 4:
Industry News

A round up of the latest news across the sector

BSR set up as independent body

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has become a standalone organisation, taking a key step toward the establishment of a single construction regulator. The move – a central recommendation of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry – transfers the BSR from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to an arm’s-length body under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Originally set up in 2021 in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the BSR’s full powers came into effect under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Continued at Tall Buildings Newsroom

Barratt Redrow set to begin work on 900-home London high-rise development

Barratt Redrow is preparing to begin the first phase of its 900-home Bollo Lane regeneration in west London after securing a forward-funding agreement with build-to-rent specialist Grainger. The deal enables construction of an initial phase of 195 rental apartments and represents Grainger’s first build-to-rent partnership with a major housebuilder. The first phase has received detailed planning permission and Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, allowing construction to start within weeks.

Continued at Tall Buildings Newsroom

Multiplex wins £250m contract for major City of London office redevelopment

Malaysian developer Gamuda Berhad and London investor Castleforge have appointed Multiplex to deliver the £1.2bn transformation of 75 London Wall, with completion targeted for early 2028. Gamuda Berhad and Castleforge have signed a construction contract worth over £250m with Multiplex for the redevelopment of 75 London Wall in the City of London. The contract, signed on 6th January 2026, marks a major step forward for the landmark project.

Continued at Tall Buildings Newsroom

SimpsonHaugh’s 50-storey Manchester tower rejected

Plans to replace a historic warehouse with 750 homes had been recommended for approval by planning officers. SimpsonHaugh’s proposal to transform a historic Manchester warehouse into a 50-storey residential tower has been unanimously rejected after receiving a wave of local objections. Manchester city council’s planning committee voted yesterday evening to reject the 750-home Stocktons development, going against planning officers’ recommendation for approval.

Continued at Tall Buildings Newsroom

Bowmer + Kirkland appointed to build £274m student accommodation scheme in Newcastle upon Tyne

Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed as the main contractor to deliver the Castle Leazes student accommodation scheme in Newcastle upon Tyne for Unite Students and Newcastle University. Gateway 2 approval has been secured from the Building Safety Regulator for the £274 million project which will see the replacement of the original 1960’s 1,250-bed accommodation, with 2,009 high-quality, affordable student rooms.

Continued at Tall Buildings Newsroom

Planning consent granted for Camley Street regeneration

Camden Council’s Community Investment Programme, in partnership with Ballymore and Lateral, has secured planning consent for the regeneration of Camley Street in north London, marking a major milestone for one of the borough’s most ambitious mixed-use regeneration projects. The consented scheme brings together two brownfield sites to create a new, well-connected neighbourhood delivering 401 new homes, 50% of which will be genuinely affordable.

Continued at Tall Buildings Newsroom

Mell Square regeneration wins unanimous planning approval in Solihull

Howells has secured unanimous planning approval from Solihull Council Planning Committee on Friday 6th February for Mell Square, a seven-hectare masterplan in Solihull. Developed for Muse, the scheme proposes the transformation of a mid-20th-century town centre into a mixed-use neighbourhood, responding to changes in retail, housing demand and patterns of town centre use.

Continued at Tall Buildings Newsroom