NEWCPM

Octopus Investments’ Affordable Housing Fund reaches £50m first closing

Octopus Investments has today (5 December) announced the first closing of £50m for its Affordable Housing Fund, which aims to accelerate development of high-quality affordable housing.

UK industrial infrastructure ‘holding back technology superpower aims’

The UK is not on track to become a technology superpower by 2030 due to a lack of investment in the country’s industrial infrastructure, according to research from independent think tank Demos.

Irish cinema group to enter mainland UK with Empire theatres acquisition

Omniplex Cinema Group, Ireland’s largest cinema company, has swooped to acquire five cinemas from Empire Cinemas Group, which collapsed earlier this year.

HDB to buy out partner from £1bn development project in Cheltenham

Henry Boot Developments (HBD) has revealed it is to buy out joint venture partner Factory, the international tech campus developer, from the pair’s planned £1bn science and technology scheme in Cheltenham.

Plymouth Community Homes gets green light for £33m affordable housing scheme

Social housing association Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) has been granted planning permission to develop a £33.5m affordable housing scheme in the city.

Wavensmere Homes to replace L&G on £150m Wolverhampton resi scheme

The City of Wolverhampton Council has selected Wavensmere Homes as its preferred partner for the £150m Canalside South residential scheme to replace Legal & General.

Gove delays decision on ITV Studios redevelopment for third time

Michael Gove has delayed his decision on plans to redevelop ITV’s former South Bank studios for the third time.

Clarke appointed permanent chair of Standards and Regulations Board

Nigel Clarke has been appointed as the permanent chair of RICS’ Standards and Regulations Board (SRB).

McLaren acquires Watford Police Station and Magistrates Court for BTR scheme

Residential developer McLaren Living has acquired Watford Police Station and Magistrates Court from the Police & Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire to deliver a 300-unit build-to-rent (BTR) scheme.

Gove calls in proposals for Stratford’s MSG Sphere, but developer says the scheme is dead

Housing secretary Michael Gove has officially called in proposals for the Las Vegas-style Madison Square Garden (MSG) Sphere in Stratford, east London, after mayor of London Sadiq Khan rejected controversial plans for the entertainment venue.