Burnham demands power shift from Whitehall

Joining from Aspinall Verdi, where he was head of the Manchester office, Tom Smith has been appointed to lead the service line at the multidisciplinary building consultancy.

Cementing its presence in the North, Oktra has released images of the fit-out and design of the online car marketplace’s 130,000 sq ft home at No3 Circle Square.

With centenary celebrations now underway, Salford marks 100 years since receiving its Royal Charter.  It’s a moment to reflect but more importantly to look ahead at how we’re shaping the city’s next century, writes Kurt Partington of Salford City Council.

Mayor Andy Burnham will contest a tricky by-election in Wigan in a bid to become an MP and launch a challenge to Keir Starmer’s leadership. If he wins, the mayoralty he has held since 2017 would be up for grabs.

James Bush has joined the multidisciplinary development consultancy from Stantec to lead its Northern masterplanning and urban design team, made up of Billy Burgess, Matthew Howard, and Georgia Gray.

The multidisciplinary firm has brought in Giovanni Smanio as director of the division, as the business continues to expand.

After 12 years of ownership, the JV between Westrock and Silver Point that owns the 325,000 sq ft retail complex at the heart of the Rochdale town is seeking an exit.

Designed by Bowker Sadler Architects, the 17,000 sq ft facility includes a gym, hydrotherapy area, and physio spaces for use by the Women’s Super League champions.

Contractor Stainforth is on site at the UrbanX development, which comprises units of 30,200 sq ft and 22,800 sq ft.

Wain Estates’ Junction scheme has been stuck in the planning system since 2022 but Trafford Council is set to approve it next week despite concerns about the loss of 10,000 trees.

Stretford’s regeneration underscores a pivotal shift in how urban town centres are designed and delivered, guided by a people-first design approach that is actively reconnecting communities and reshaping how the town centre is experienced day to day, writes Cllr Liz Patel of Trafford Council.

The Canadian-headquartered investor will use the phased funding to advance its pipeline of 6,000 build-to-rent apartments in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and London’s commuter belt.

Construction is to begin at the developer’s £26m Trade City project, where Cervidae has been brought in as joint venture partner.

Aimed at facilitating a new route between Liverpool and Manchester, the modified High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill would allow for the development of new stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport.

The digital marketing agency has left its Sheffield roots to take 5,100 sq ft at 40 Princess Street.

Work is due to start later this year on a series of upgrades to the two wastewater treatment works in an effort to improve the water quality of the River Douglas by 2030.

Agent Knight Frank is seeking offers in excess of £3.5m for Pets at Homes’ 100 Regent Road store in Salford, immediately adjacent to Henley Investment Management’s proposed 3,300-home neighbourhood.

Jack Stephenson has been appointed studio lead for the masterplanner and architect’s Northern base, taking over the role from Charlotte Hodges after her departure from the company.

The loan from Saltaire Housing, provided through the government’s Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme, will enable the registered provider to build 300 residences and retrofit a wide variety of existing properties.