Design
‘London’s front door’: Oxford Circus to be transformed into two pedestrian piazzas
Oxford Circus is to be reinvented as a pair of "pedestrian-friendly piazzas" by the end of this year, according to new plans by Westminster City Council and The Crown Estate
Architects report record optimism in the private housing sector
The latest RIBA Future Trends Index, for May 2021, tells of the highest level of optimism amongst architects since 2016 - and a record high for the private housing sector.
Required Reading: Changes to the planning regime for high rise residential buildings due this summer
Developers may have to submit a fire statement alongside a planning application for relevant multi-occupied residential buildings from 1 August 2021, write Fiona Bishop & Rebecca Delaney of Macfarlanes.
‘There should not be a fast track for beauty’: Betts Committee reports on The Future of the Planning System in England
"The government’s aim of developing a planning system that enables buildings to be built more quickly and with greater input from local communities is welcome, but it is far from clear how the current p…
High-tech show home to launch at King’s Road Park
Interactive Nick Auston-designed apartment at the St William scheme in Fulham aims to support local businesses and celebrate the area’s design creds.
In Pictures: Conran and Partners-designed penthouse unveiled in King’s Cross
Marquee tenth-floor residence with chunky roof terrace is the only apartment left to buy at Argent’s recently-launched LUMA scheme.
Government architecture chief steps down
The Government's Head of Architecture, Andy von Bradsky, will leave the Ministry of Housing next month.
Zoopla-founder Chesterman backs decorating start-up
Online retailer Lick has caused a stir in the DIY interiors space since it launched last year.
UKGBC launches ‘Solutions Library’ to enable sustainable building
The UK Green Building Council has created a brilliant new online resource, stocked with case studies, inspiration and solutions to enable sustainable practices across the property sector.
South Ken station development plans delayed
Development partners TfL and Native Land want to make "some further refinements to the designs" for their high-profile South Kensington Station scheme.
1.7 million homes unable to improve energy efficiency to C rating, warns Rightmove
59% of homes across England and Wales are rated D, E, F or G on Energy Performance Certificates; there is the potential for this to be reduced to 11% of homes if recommended improvements were made, according…
HNW property advisers diversify into design & build
Jonathan Mount & Sam McArdle’s new venture will guide clients through renovation and value-add projects.