Source: Make ArchitectsThe scheme, designed by Make, will include a 25-storey towerDemolition contractor McGee has finally begun work on the scheme to redevelop the former ITV Studios headquarters bringing to an end a years-long planning battle.The development, designed by Make Architects, will create a 25-storey office building connected to two buildings of 14 and six storeys on Londons South Bank.Multiplex has been confirmed as main contractor on the job, with the value of its deal put at 500m.The scheme was originally due to be built by Lendlease but he job was retendered last year after the developer decided it needed a plan B in the wake of the decision by Lendleases Australian parent to put it up for sale.It is being developed by CO-RE and Mitsubishi Estate with others working on the job including QS T&T Alinea, landscape architect Grant Associates and engineer Arup.A legal challenge by a local from a local campaign group called Save Our Southbank (SoS) was dismissed just before Christmas in the High Court.SoS, which had argued that the tower could be refurbished to provide 200 homes and 500,000 sq ft of offices, then had until last week (21 January) to decide whether to launch a legal challenge through the Court of Appeal but the deadline to do so came and went.The job, better known as 72 Upper Ground, is due to complete in 2029.How the planning battle unfoldedNovember 2019: Site bought by developers Mitsubishi Estate and CO-RE for close to 150mMarch 2022: Lambeth council gives scheme green lightMay 2022: Lendlease lands 72 Upper Ground deal, known as Project Vista and then priced at 400m, having beaten Laing ORourke and Sir Robert McAlpine. A few days later, then communities secretary Michael Gove puts scheme on ice by issuing an Article 31 notice stopping demolition work at the siteSeptember 2022: Goves successor Greg Clark calls scheme in for public inquiryJanuary 2023: Public inquiry finishes with decision promised by August that yearDecember 2023: Decision delayed for a third time by Gove, now back as communities secretary, with promise that final call will be made the following FebruaryFebruary 2024: In a 340-page report, Gove gives scheme green lightMarch 2024: Campaign group Save Our Southbank launches legal appeal against Goves decisionJuly 2024: Mace and Multiplex revealed as firms bidding revised dealOctober 2024: Two day hearing into appeal is heard with decision promised by the end of November; Building reveals Multiplex has won re-run competitionDecember 2024: High Court throws out campaigners appealJanuary 2025: Deadline for campaigners to challenge ruling elapses; McGee finally starts work to bring down tower

BDP-designed building is one of the most prominent in citys financial districtMichael Laird Architects designs for the 200m refurbishmentMichael Laird Architects has unveiled its designs for a 200m refurbishment of Lloyds Banking Groups Scottish headquarters.The Port Hamilton building in the centre of Edinburgh will be transformed into an innovation hub under plans designed for developer Drum Property Group.The 282,000sq ft, eight storey building was designed by BDP. It has been occupied by Lloyds subsidiary Scottish Widows for the past 30 years and, with its curved roof, is one of the most distinctive in the citys financial district.Drum group managing director Graeme Bone said the level of investment, structure and net-zero objectives of the Port Hamilton redevelopment sends out a very strong message for the future of the city centre office market.The existing building was designed by BDPAs part of the deal with Lloyds, Drum will assume control of the property and take responsibility for redeveloping the building as part of a forward funding agreement.Port Hamilton will remain the head office for the pensions and investments business as Drum has also concluded a pre-letting agreement with Lloyds which will see the firm enter a 21-year lease after the transformation works, which are expected to complete in 2027.

Merton Council has named Charles Holland Architects the winner of its competition for a bold and striking new 90,000 temporary bandstand in Mitcham, south London The winning multidisciplinary team will now work with local people to co-design and then deliver a new temporary and re-usable bandstand for Mitcham Town Centre that will be used from July to September for the next three years.Charles Holland Architects working with fabricator Raskl was chosen ahead of an undisclosed shortlist of rival teams to win the commission.The project aims to boost footfall by drawing on the history of an earlier bandstand that was constructed in the 1920s on the Fair Green in Mitcham Town Centre but was removed in the mid-20th century.AdvertisementThe completed bandstand will be called What Goes Around, a reference to its use of recycled materials as well as the return of a bandstand to the area after 100 years.Deputy leader, councillor and cabinet member for civic pride and climate change Eleanor Stringer said: The new bandstand will be a celebration of Mitchams history and heritage as well as its future.Mitchams community is so proud of this area and wants to see improvements made. The new bandstand will be at the heart of Fair Green, and is one of many ways we are revitalising the area bringing it to life for everyone who lives, works and visits here.Were delighted to be working with Charles Holland Architects, who will reach out to the community to involve them in this exciting project.Mitcham is located around 11.6km south-west of Charing Cross. Local landmarks include Godsmark Architectures Merton Sea Cadet Corps Hall, the Pollards Pop-Up By Okra Studio and Mitcham Cricket Green which is thought to be one of the oldest cricket greens in the world.AdvertisementThe latest project aims to deliver a new bold and striking temporary bandstand structure on Fair Green in the centre of Mitcham. The bold, robust and safe structure is expected to be freestanding with no permanent fixtures made to the ground.Charles Holland Architects practice principal Charles Holland said: This is a lovely project to be involved in, something that we hope will add an important element of fun and spontaneity to Mitcham Fair Green.We are very happy to be working with the team at Merton Council, our collaborators at Raskl, and the people of Mitcham in developing What Goes Around.2025-01-29Merlin Fulchercomment and share

Southwark confirmed to the AJ that a hole running directly alongside the practices 27-storey EDGE tower, which is currently being built on Fenning Street, appeared on 6 January.The cause of the sink hole is unknown and the council has added in a statement that it is monitoring the situation along with Mace, the site contractor.A council spokesperson said: The exact cause of the sinkhole remains under investigation and when the investigation is concluded, we will share findings.AdvertisementThe councils engineering services are in close liaison with the team from Mace [and] Work at the construction site continues with the hole being continually monitored seven days a week.Mace is also carrying out stabilising works and repairs, which Southwark said could take weeks. The entrance to the construction site is understood to have been relocated.The hole was visible to passers-by up until last weekend when hoardings were put up around the site, Southwark News reported. The same local news outlet shared pictures of the hole swallowing the entrance to the construction site.Pilbrow & Partners, which did not respond to the AJs request for comment, secured approval for the 27-storey EDGE tower from Southwark Council in 2021.The scheme replaces a former Home Office building near London Bridge station. Dutch developer Edge is backing the project.AdvertisementPilbrow & Partners' plans for EDGE London Bridge

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Dino Crisis 1 & 2 getting enhanced PC re-releases courtesy of GOGDRM-free and out today.Image credit: Capcom News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Jan. 29, 2025 There's some good news for PC players who spent the end of last year casting jealous glances at PlayStation owners, following the surprise re-release of Capcom's beloved survival horror game Dino Crisis; not only is Dino Crisis 1 now available on PC, it's sequel has also been re-released, meaning PlayStation owners might be feeling a little green eyed now too.Dino Crisis, if you're unfamiliar, originally released for PlayStation 1 back in 1999. It was created by legendary Capcom director Shinji Mikami, giving the B-movie survival horror template established in his earlier Resident Evil a jungle-based, dinosaur-themed twist. A more action-focused sequel released in 2000, followed by the Xbox-exclusive Dino Crisis 3 in 2003, and that was it for the series - leaving it to develop something of a cult following in the years since.Indeed, according to a Capcom poll last year, Dino Crisis is the series fans want to see the developer revisit the most. To date, that hasn't happen - creator Shinji Mikami later told Eurogamer he doesn't "feel like there's a whole lot of space" for a new Dino Crisis game thanks to the success of Monster Hunter - but Capcom did at least attempt to appease fans with a surprise PlayStation Plus re-release of Dino Crisis 1 last October. Since then, Dino Crisis 1 has been made available for general purchase on PlayStation, and now - in partnership with GOG - Capcom has launched the game and its beloved sequel on PC.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Newscast: Xbox Developer Direct - four promising games also due on PlayStation.Watch on YouTubeBoth Dino Crisis GOG releases are DRM-free and include all content included in the originals, alongside a range of enhancements for modern-day machines. Dino Crisis 1, for instance, is now playable on Windows 10/11, and includes Original mode, Arrange mode, and the Operation Wipe Out mode exclusive to the game's original PC port back in the day. It also features enhanced DirectX rendering, 4K resolution support, plus new in-game options including V-sync, gamma correction, and anti-aliasing. That's in addition to support for modern controllers, and fixes for stability, transparency, and save issues.Dino Crisis 1 & 2 launch for PC via GOG today (here and here, specifically), and there's a two-game bundle for anyone wanting to pick up both. Their arrival coincides with the launch of GOG's new Dreamlist tool - a "next generation" version of its Community Wishlist - intended to show IP owners community interest in old games and help bring them back to life.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereThe Finals Season 5 continues with a new update. Patch 5.6.0 listed some weapon fixes and made changes to Quick Cash and Cashout, and it was also the beginning of Embark celebrating Lunar New Year. Now Embark has shared The Finals update 5.7.0 patch notes, and they simply include a contract fix along with the addition of legendary beast, Big Foot, via the store rotation.The Finals update 5.7.0 patch notesBelow are The Finals update 5.7.0 patch notes:Update 5.7 is here, bringing legendary looks, treasure-worthy firepower, and a small but welcome contract fix. Looking ahead, Update 5.8 will be our mid-season balance patch complete with key adjustments to the overall game balance.In the meantime, a certain hairy legend has entered the Arena! The Hairy Hiker Set lets you become the myth itself, complete with a full outfit, a beastly gun charm and sticker, plus an emote thatll have you striking a familiar, shadowy pose. If you prefer something with ancient power (and maybe some mold), the Sunstone Set transforms your weapons into relics of a lost civilization. Weathered stone, creeping vines, and golden emblems hold together firepower that looks like its been unearthed straight from a forgotten temple.On the fixes side, weve removed the Eliminate 5 opponents from 30 meters or more using gadgets contract, as it wasnt tracking properly. Players who had this contract have been assigned a new one!Thats all for this one, lets suit up and get back in The Arena!Content and Bug FixesContractsRemoved Eliminate 5 opponents from 30 meters or more using gadgets, as it was not tracking properlyFor more The Finals, check out our guide to thebest weapons in the game ranked, and we also have a guide to thebest gadgets. In addition, we have a guide to thebest FPS settingsto help you win matchesalong witharanking of the best classesin the game.The FinalsPlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, First-Person Shooter, ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereThe leveling system in Fortnite has gone through several massive changes over the past few years. Epic Games has completely revamped challenges and XP a couple of times, making the leveling process different. Fortnite Chapter 6 is no different, as the game developer has modified XP values in almost every game mode.On Tuesday night, Epic released another change to XP. This time, leveling was buffed, which is a positive change for the community. More precisely, the game developer more than doubled XP playtime rates in Fortnite Reload.How much XP can you get from Fortnite?Gaining levels in Fortnite is one of the easiest tasks. Thanks to a variety of modes and XP buffs, reaching level 200 is a piece of cake for many players. On top of this, many members of the community use Fortnite XP maps to level up as quickly as possible and unlock all the Battle Pass rewards.While leveling up has been fast over the past few seasons, Epic Games made it even easier with the latest buff. On Tuesday, the Fortnite creator buffed XP in the Reload mode, increasing playtime gains from 750 to 1,550 per minute. Gaining XP is now much faster in Fortnite Reload. Image by VideoGamerBefore the buff, Reload players could get 45,000 XP an hour just from playing the game mode, which is a bit more than half of a level. Now, this value is 93,000 XP, meaning that players can get at least one level since it takes 80,000 XP to level up. Its important to note that this is just from Playtime XP. Performing other actions, such as opening chests and eliminating enemies, can easily lead to three or more levels per hour.Considering how many XP changes Epic has released this season, this buff may not be the last one. Furthermore, with Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 1 ending on February 21, the game developer will likely enable Supercharged XP for all players in the final week of it. FortnitePlatform(s):Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter9VideoGamerSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

FangtasticWith the latest trailer for Ryan Coogler's Sinners coming hot off the tail of Nosferatu, it looks like vampire movies are well and truly backThough they're a bit less heartthrobby than they used to be.Image credit: Warner Bros. News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Jan. 29, 2025 The latest trailer for Ryan Coogler's Sinners is here, and if it ends up being as good as it looks, I think it's safe to say vampire movies have made a comeback.Remember when vampire media was just everywhere in the late 2000s/ early 2010s? Vampire Diaries, True Blood, and of course who could forget Twilight! Sure, they were a bit campy, but the fanaticism was certainly there, and even if it's looking to be taking a darker turn right now, it certainly seems like vampires are in vogue again. While it hasn't been an absolute box office storm, Robert Eggers' Nosferatu adaptation has certainly been a hit with those that have seen it, and just yesterday we got a brand new trailer for Black Panther director Ryan Coogler's Sinners. This particular trailer, which you can check out below, puts the vampires a bit more front and centre than the first one, but the vibes are still looking to be incredibly strong.Watch on YouTubeIn a recent Q&A (via GamesRadar), Coogler spoke about his excitement for the film, saying that he feels like he's the "luckiest guy in the business in terms of the casts that I've been able to work with, but this one is up there with the best ones. Because it wasn't based on any pre-existing material, I think all the actors took ownership of their characters. That was so amazing. This cast reminds me of the [Black] Panther films, but in a way that's maybe more exciting in that, when audiences watch this, this is gonna be the first time they see these people there's no comic books on it. They really made a community when we were filming down in the South, they really looked out for each other."To see this content please enable targeting cookies. With how dominant comic book movies have become, I'm always excited when actors actually get to stretch their legs these days, so I'm definitely curious to see how Sinners shapes up. You and I don't have to wait all that long to watch it either, as it's due out in cinemas April 18.

Sonypice GirlsSony's 2 CEOs become 1, as Hideaki Nishino steps up "take the helm", with Hermen Hulst continuing to lead PlayStation's first-party studiosThe next stage of the behemoth's post-Jim Ryan corporate chair-shuffling.Image credit: VG247/PlayStation News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Jan. 29, 2025 Sony has announced another round of the shaking-up in its corporate leadership it kicked off last year, moving on from the double CEO solution it'd adopted in the aftermath of Jim Ryan's retirement, and having one of those two execs properly "take the helm".As outlined in a fresh press release from the corp, Hideaki Nishino, who was already leading the platform business side of SIE, is being appointed President and CEO of the full thing from April 1, 2025. Former co-CEO Hermen Hulst is staying on in the same role as he's held for a while, leader of PlayStation's first-party studios, but will now report to Nishino.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "As we hand the baton to Nishino and this exceptional leadership team, I am confident that SIE will reach new heights in the days ahead," wrote current Sony chairman Hiroki Totoki, who stepped up into that role immediately following Ryan's retirement, "After 30 years of delivering exceptional entertainment worldwide, this marks an exciting new chapter for SIE, highlighting its commitment to fostering creativity and building meaningful connections for millions of players."Ninshino wrote that he's "truly honoured to take the helm at Sony Interactive Entertainment", continuing: "We will continue to grow the PlayStation community in new ways, such as IP expansion, while also delivering the best in technology innovation."I want to thank Hermen for his expertise and leadership as he continues his role as CEO, Studio Business group. I am deeply grateful for the PlayStation community and their continued support and I am very excited for what the future holds."Hulst's duties will continue to see him do exactly the same stuff - "lead the development, publishing and business operations of SIEs first party-content", as well as pushing for more PlayStation games to get their own TV and film adapations via PlayStation Productions, as the likes of The Last of Us and Helldivers 2 already have or are penned in for.Lin Tao, SIE's current senior vice president of finance, corporate strategy and development, is also stepping down as part of the chair-swapping to become CFO of the wider Sony Group, with her replacement to be announced at some point down the line.So, all-in-all, some of those weird metal ball desk toys probably being shuffled around offices, but nothing that doesn't look like it was part of the plans initially Sony put together in the wake of Ryan deciding to go live on a big farm no doubt filled with bobbleheads of him, far away from work and the legions of console warriors on the socials.Are you interested to see where Nishino takes Sony/PlayStation now he's been coronated sole big boss man? Let us know below!