As we move through 2026, Q1 has seen strong momentum across our portfolio, with key milestones achieved in education, retail, leisure and industrial sectors. From major planning approvals to flagship retail openings and continued on-site progress, the team has delivered a diverse range of projects nationwide.
Below is a snapshot of some of the highlights from the first quarter of the year.
MAJOR PLANNING MILESTONE: MANSFIELD COLLEGE, OXFORD
Planning approval has been secured for Mansfield College’s ambitious Estate Transformation, a landmark scheme set to enhance student accommodation and create a more sustainable, integrated campus.
The project will replace several low-performing buildings with a single, unified development designed to:
- Deliver 174 new student bedrooms
- Provide enhanced social and community spaces
- Introduce new landscaped areas
- Create a new porters’ lodge
The scheme will not only improve the student experience at Mansfield College but will also help ease pressure on Oxford’s housing market, while reducing operational costs and supporting long-term sustainability objectives.
Led by Director Harry Bridgewater and supported by Project Directors, Alice Barber and Katrina Lamberton, the team is now focused on progressing the scheme towards delivery.
RETAIL EXPANSION: ATIS CONTINUES UK GROWTH
Q1 has seen the successful opening of the new atis store at St James’s Park, further strengthening our ongoing partnership with the brand.
Led by Jess Halbert, Project Manager, Childerstone Project Management delivered the scheme from design coordination through to handover, ensuring seamless delivery.
LOVISA CONTINUES UK RETAIL ROLLOUT
This quarter has seen the successful opening of two new Lovisa stores at White Rose, Leeds and Oxford Street, London, marking another milestone within the brand’s wider UK rollout programme.
Led by Jess Halbert, Project Manager, and Rowan Sutcliffe, Trainee Building Surveyor, Childerstone has overseen:
- Coordination of design and fit-out teams
- Management of approvals and landlord interfaces
- Delivery within live retail environments
ON-SITE PROGRESS AT WATFORD WORKS
Strong progress continues at Watford Works, where construction is advancing well on site.
Recent milestones include:
- Steel frame nearing completion
- Installation of roofing and cladding liners underway
- Metal decking to mezzanines in full progress
With the structural frame almost fully installed, the scale and presence of the development are becoming increasingly evident.
Led by Sheldon Farrell, Associate Director, Dylan Monsma, Project Director, and Gavin Gerlach, Senior Project Manager, Childerstone continues to lead Project and Cost Management on this industrial development, working closely with Harleyford Capital and the wider delivery team to maintain programme momentum and drive the project forward.
A NEW ARRIVAL FOR LEEDS: DISHOOM
Works are progressing at Coronation House, Vicar Lane, where we are reconfiguring the ground and first floors in preparation for the arrival of Dishoom in Leeds.
Led by Neil Morris, Associate Director, the project remains on track, with external vinyls recently installed to announce to the public that Dishoom is on its way to Leeds.
With completion targeted for August 2026, the scheme is set to bring a highly anticipated new hospitality destination to Leeds, adding to the vibrancy of the city’s leisure offering.
LOOKING AHEAD
With a strong start to 2026, Childerstone continues to build momentum across a diverse project portfolio. From major planning approvals to retail rollouts and large-scale industrial developments, Q1 has laid the foundations for an exciting year ahead.
As these schemes progress and new opportunities emerge, we look forward to continuing to deliver high-quality projects across the UK.
