Plans to partially demolish and replace Caltex House on Brompton Road head to committee next weekView along Brompton Street of the proposed redevelopment of Caltex HouseA pocket park with space for an art installation has been added to the proposals1/6show captionAHMMs plans to redevelop the last remaining large office building in Knightsbridge are set to be given the go ahead next week following a series of design changes.Planning officers at Westminster council have recommended the partial demolition, refurbishment and extension of the 1950s block at One Knightsbridge Green for approval ahead of a committee vote on 4 March.The existing 11-storey building, known as Caltex House, is on a prominent site close to Harrods at the centre of the areas central shopping strip on Brompton Road, a tourist hotspot known for its high end stores and luxury apartment blocks.The Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Plan gives the building significant strategic importance as the sole major office site in an area which has lost several large office buildings to residential or retail redevelopments.The existing Caltex HouseDesigned for Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BERM), the proposals would retain 51% of the existing buildings structure and include the construction of an 11-storey newbuild block containing around 19,000sq m of office space.An existing pub on the site called Tattersalls Tavern, one of only two pubs left in Knightsbridge, would also be replaced in the same location on Raphael Street.However, the layout of the pub as proposed in the original application submitted last June has been substantially changed and would now include a large basement area, an expanded ground floor and a much reduced first floor.Space originally earmarked for a large restaurant is now proposed as office space, with the restaurant moved to the Raphael Street side of the building.External changes to the scheme include the use of a light grey cladding with a matt finish on the newbuild office block in place of the shiny black cladding originally proposed and a setting back of the blocks seventh floor by 2.5 metres.The proposed cladding on the newbuild office block has been changed to a matt grey colourA pocket garden would now also be included on Raphael Street with space for a public art installation, while the main entrance for office space on Knightsbridge Green has been relocated to limit the impact on residential neighbours.The design changes respond to feedback received during a consultation process last year.The original application received a total of 67 objections, rising to 71 following the design amendments, with concerns focused on the loss of a post office on the site, a perceived negative impact on the character of the area and the scale and design of the proposals.Other firms on the project team include Exigere on costs, CBRE on planning, Heyne Tillett Steel as structural and civil engineer, Blackburn & Co as project manager, Tavernor on townscape, Atelier Ten on sustainability and FMDC on facades.

Source: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex DormonSource: Alex Dormon1/26show captionMailen Design has completed Lee Terrace, a new-build, family home in Blackheath, south-east London. The project transformed a former triple-garage infill plot within a historic conservation area into a three-bedroom, free-standing property.Referencingmews houses, the design aims to integrate with the surrounding streetscape, which includes several grade II-listed Victorian properties. The project aligns with Lewisham and Blackheath councils broader objective to introduce sustainable new construction into the area.The house is structured with a stepped facade, using London stock brickwork and pre-cast stone with angled brick detailing. The uppermost volume is clad in undulating aluminium panels with a bronze finish. The first and second storeys are recessed to align with the front elevations of adjacent terraced houses.An existing garden wall has been extended to conceal the ground floor and entrance.A black timber door leads to a small front courtyard paved in large ceramic tiles. Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs along the ground floor, providing views through to the rear garden. A section of the courtyard is sheltered by a cantilevered first floor, incorporating a skylight.Mailen Design collaborated with an arboriculturalist to preserve two mature trees near the site, influencing the layout and foundations to avoid root system disruption. The front courtyard is recessed to accommodate the branches of a mature lime tree in the neighbouring garden.Source: Mailen DesignSource: Mailen DesignSource: Mailen DesignSource: Mailen DesignSource: Mailen DesignSource: Mailen DesignSource: Mailen DesignSource: Mailen DesignSource: Mailen DesignSource: Mailen DesignSource: Mailen Design1/11show captionInside, the house features a material palette of exposed concrete and oak joinery. The stone paving from the courtyard continues into the interior, forming the entryway. A rooflight punctuates the concrete ceiling, bringing in natural light. An oak-clad wall conceals a bathroom and utility room.A single step leads to an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area. Full-height glazing spans the rear elevation, connecting the interior to the garden. The kitchen includes dark green cabinetry and marble worktops, while the dining area is positioned centrally between the entrance and the garden. A sliding door opens onto a tiered outdoor space with a built-in seating area, stone wall, and a lawn encircling a mature poplar tree.An oak staircase leads to the first floor, where two bedrooms and a family bathroom transition from concrete to white-painted plaster. A second oak staircase with shadow gap detailing ascends to the master suite, which includes a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom.Designed as a compact family home on a brownfield site, Lee Terrace incorporates sustainable features, including an air-source heat pump connected to a ground-floor service cupboard. High levels of air-tightness, insulation, strategically placed glazing, and an efficient ventilation system contribute to reduced energy consumption.Project detailsArchitect and interior design Mailen DesignMain contractor Martins BuildersStructural engineer Morph StructuresBuilding control London Building ControlStylist Emily FarbrotherFurniture TwentytwentyoneDoorhandles Buster & PunchSliding doors CortizoPatio London StoneWindows Cortizo (Bespoke)Flooring The Natural Wood Floor CoKitchen tap FohenKitchen worktop Gemini WorktopsBathroom sinks RocaBathroom taps RocaMaster bathroom tiles PorcelanosaPaint Little GreeneShower screens RomanLighting (GF) HealsLighting (FF/SF) Pooky & Industville

Teams selected for the four-year agreement will have the opportunity to work on a range of projects with the St Helens-based affordable housing provider which manages around 40,000 dwellings in the North West of England and is part-way through a 1 billion investment in new homes across the region.The framework is divided into four lots covering employers agent services, architectural and building safety services, structural engineering, and mechanical and engineering servicesAccording to the brief: Torus intends to establish a four-year Framework Agreement for consultancy services to support the delivery of its development programme.AdvertisementTorus is a major housing association which since 2019 has been the parent organisation of Liverpool Mutual Homes, Helena Partnerships and Golden Gates Housing Trust. Torus employs around 1,500 people and focusses on regeneration in Liverpool, Warrington, St Helens and beyond.Torus is part way through a 1 billion investment in the Liverpool City Region which aims to deliver 5,600 new homes by 2026.In 2020, Torus revealed plans for a 30 million redevelopment of a former industrial site on Lightbody Street designed by Tim Groom Architects.Competition detailsProject title Torus Development Consultants FrameworkClientContract value 15.5 millionFirst round deadline Midday, 16 May 2025Restrictions TbcMore information https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/006659-2025

Companies chosen for the four-year framework will have the opportunity to work on a range of repair and refurbishment schemes across the 26.82km2 inner London district which is home to 326,000 people and several popular green open areas.The framework will cover upgrades to the local authoritys corporate buildings and schools and is divided into five lots covering mechanical and electrical, refurbishment works, roofing works, fire safety works, and multidisciplinary professional services.According to the brief: The Authority wishes to procure building and construction related professional services by way of a framework.AdvertisementSuppliers selected to join this framework will provide professional services to the Authoritys portfolio of corporate buildings including its schools estate.This will include planned, lifecycle and full replacement capital projects where the authority is proposing to refurbish or repurpose existing space within the Sites.Lambeth is a large inner London borough stretching from the Southbank in the north to Crystal Palace in the South.Landmark buildings within the borough include the George Finch-designed Brixton Recreation Centre, the Zaha Hadid-designed Evelyn Grace Academy and the historic Lambeth Palace where Wright & Wright recently completed a new library.The latest framework launch comes shortly after a team led by 5th Studio won Lambeth Councils commission to upgrade wayfinding and public realm around Waterloo station in central London.AdvertisementLambeth Council launched a 7.2 million framework for architecture services three years ago.Bids for inclusion on the framework will be evaluated 70 per cent on quality and 30 per cent on price. Applicants must hold employers liability insurance of 5 million, public liability insurance of 5 million and professional indemnity insurance of 5 million.Competition detailsProject title CAPITAL WORKS FRAMEWORK (LOTS 1 - 5)ClientContract value 20 millionFirst round deadline Midday, 27 March 2025Restrictions TbcMore information https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/9d3a717b-ae72-4eb6-b069-cfc1ff231a07

Key takeaways You can earn up to 4.65% APY with today's top CDs.APYs are holding steady for now, but they're likely to drop when the Fed cuts interest rates later this year.By opening a CD now, you can lock in today's APYs and enjoy elevated earnings even if rates drop. If you're looking for a safe place to park your cash, a certificate of deposit can be a great solution. Unlike savings accounts, where rates can vary at any time, CD rates are fixed when you open the account. That means you'll earn the same amount of interest regardless of where overall rates go.Today's best CDs boast up to 4.65% annual percentage yield, as well as other perks like low minimum deposit requirements and federal deposit insurance. Read on to see some of the highest CD rates available now and how much you could earn by depositing $5,000.Today's best CD rates Term Highest APY*BankEstimated earnings6 months 4.65%CommunityWide Federal Credit Union$114.931 year 4.45%CommunityWide Federal Credit Union$222.503 years 4.15%America First Credit Union$648.695 years 4.25%America First Credit Union$1,156.73 Experts recommend comparing rates before opening a CD account to get the best APY possible. Enter your information below to get CNET's partners' best rate for your area.Why now's a great time to open a CDA CD can be a great place to stash your cash at any time, but in periods of inflation like today's, they can be especially lucrative. As the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to fight inflation, banks tend to follow suit, raising APYs on consumer products like CDs and savings accounts.If you open a CD while rates remain elevated, you can continue to enjoy the same high returns even when rates begin to fall because your APY is locked in when you open a CD.But don't wait too long to take advantage of today's APYs. While the Fed chose to pause rates at its January meeting, experts expect it to cut rates later this year, which means the clock is ticking."Short-term interest rates tend to fluctuate in anticipation of market changes, so even if the Fed doesn't lower rates immediately, we could still see CD rates begin to trend slightly downward," said Chad Olivier, Certified Financial Planner and CEO of The Olivier Group. "That said, with the Fed taking a more cautious, wait-and-see approach, CD rates and other safe-money options are likely to remain at these high levels for now."You can earn up to 5% APY on the best high-yield savings accounts. Check out top savings rates now.What to look for in a CDA competitive APY is important, but it's not the only thing you should consider. To find the right CD for you, weigh these things, too:When you'll need your money: Early withdrawal penalties on CDs can eat into your interest earnings if you need your money before the term ends, so choose a timeline that makes sense. Alternatively, you can select a no-penalty CD, although the APY may not be as high as you'd get with a traditional CD of the same term.Minimum deposit requirement: Some CDs require a minimum deposit to open an account, typically $500 to $1,000. Knowing how much money you have to set aside can help you narrow your options.Fees: Maintenance and other fees can cut into your savings. Many online banks don't charge fees because they have lower overhead costs than banks with physical branches. Read the fine print for any account you're evaluating.Safety and security: Make sure the bank or credit union you're considering is an FDIC or NCUA member so your money is protected if the bank fails.Customer ratings and reviews: Visit sites like Trustpilot to see what customers are saying about the bank. You want a bank that's responsive, professional and easy to work with.MethodologyCNET reviews CD rates based on the latest APY information from issuer websites. We evaluated CD rates from more than 50 banks, credit unions and financial companies. We evaluate CDs based on APYs, product offerings, accessibility and customer service.The current banks included in CNET's weekly CD averages include Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, American Express National Bank, Barclays, Bask Bank, Bread Savings, Capital One, CFG Bank, CIT, Fulbright, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, MYSB Direct, Quontic, Rising Bank, Synchrony, EverBank, Popular Bank, First Internet Bank of Indiana, America First Federal Credit Union, CommunityWide Federal Credit Union, Discover, Bethpage, BMO Alto, Limelight Bank, First National Bank of America and Connexus Credit Union.*APYs as of Feb. 24, 2025, based on the banks we track at CNET. Earnings are based on APYs and assume interest is compounded annually.More on CDs

When the headlines say that mortgage rates are the lowest in months, that doesn't always mean the drop was significant enough to shake up the housing market.Despite the recent decline in average 30-year fixed mortgage rates from above 7% to around 6.9%, according to Bankrate data prospective homebuyers are playing the waiting game. For the week ending Feb. 14, mortgage applications declined to the lowest level since the start of 2025, dipping by 6.6%Mortgage Bankers Association.Buyers are still feeling constraints of low housing affordability, said Jason Walter, a member of CNET Money's Expert Review Board who has over a decade of experience as a real estate agent. "US home prices are 3-5% higher than last year, and average 30-year fixed mortgage rates have been stuck near 7% for about two months," said Walter.While experts predict rates to move lower throughout 2025, it's not going to be a dramatic decline. Fannie Mae expects average 30-year fixed mortgage rates to remain above 6.5% for most of the year.Mortgage rates aside, prospective homebuyers are also contending with a long-standing housing shortage, high home prices and a loss of purchasing power due to inflation. Experts say many of the Trump administration's policies, such as tariffs, could cripple housing affordability even further, putting upward pressure on interest rates and the cost of building materials, like lumber, used to build new homes.What's impacting mortgage rates this week?For mortgage rates to fall substantially, especially in time for the spring homebuying season, there need to be signs of cooler inflation. This would open the door to more rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, but that doesn't look likely right now.Recent data show inflation rising by 3% on an annual basis, moving away from the central bank's 2% target. If the Fed does decide to cut interest rates again, it's unlikely to happen before the summer or fall.Uncertainty surrounding new fiscal policies is also contributing to buyer hesitancy. The prospect of trade wars, mass deportations and a ballooning federal tax deficit could spark volatility in the bond market. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate (the most popular home loan term) is benchmarked to the 10-year Treasury note. Higher bond yields translate to higher borrowing costs on home loans."The good news for homebuyers, though, is that housing inventory is rising, and more homeowners are opting to list their homes for sale," said Walter. Where are mortgage rates headed in 2025?Aside from day-to-day fluctuations, mortgage rates are expected to stay between 6.5% and 7% for a while. Those rates seem high compared with the2% rates of the pandemic era, but experts say rock-bottom rates are unlikely without a severe economic downturn. Since the 1970s, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has been around 7%.Here are some of the factors affecting mortgage rates today:Trump's economic policies:President Donald Trump's potentialtax cuts and tariffsare still a wild card for mortgage rates. Experts say such moves could stimulate demand, increase deficits and accelerate inflation. Mortgage rates are highly sensitive to fiscal policy and economic growth.Fed rate cuts: While the central bank doesn't directly set home loan rates, mortgage rates are indirectly influenced by the Fed's policy decisions. If incoming data shows higher inflation and a strong labor market, the Fed will delay future rate reductions this year, which in turn would keep home loan rates high.10-year Treasury yields: Average 30-year fixed mortgage rates closely track bond yields, specifically 10-year Treasury yields. If inflation and labor data continue to be strong, bond yields and mortgage rates will go up. The opposite will happen if unemployment rises or inflation cools and the Fed resumes cutting rates.Investor expectations: Bond investors act in anticipation of what they believe will happen in the economy. The Fed's outlook for future monetary policy determines investor trading strategy and risk assessment, which is why mortgage rates often jump or dip before interest rates are adjusted.Geopolitical situations: Mortgage rates are affected by geopolitical events, including military conflicts and elections. Political instability can lead to economic uncertainty, which can result in more volatility with bond yields and mortgage rates. Expert tips for homebuyers It's never a good idea to rush intobuying a homewithout knowing what you can afford, so establish a clear home-buying budget. Here's what experts recommend before purchasing a home: Build your credit score. Your credit score will help determine whether you qualify for a mortgage and at what interest rate. A credit score of 740 or higher will help you qualify for a lower rate. Save for a bigger down payment.A larger down payment allows you to take out a smaller mortgage and get a lower interest rate from your lender. If you can afford it, a down payment of at least 20% will also eliminate private mortgage insurance. Shop for mortgage lenders.Comparing loan offers from multiple mortgage lenders can help you negotiate a better rate. Experts recommend getting at least two to three loan estimates from different lenders. Consider renting.Choosing to rent or buy a home isn't just comparing monthly rent to a mortgage payment. Renting offers flexibility and lower upfront costs, but buying allows you to build wealth and have more control over your housing costs. Consider mortgage points.You can get a lower mortgage rate by buying mortgage points, with each point costing 1% of the total loan amount. One mortgage point equals a 0.25% decrease in your mortgage rate.More on today's housing market

Balatro, the poker-themed roguelite, has successfully appealed PEGI's decision to classify it as PEGI 18 and has now been recategorised as suitable for players aged 12 and up. Read more

Bungie has turned a Destiny 2 bug that mistakenly made class-locked Exotic weapons available to all into a feature. Read more

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 here Contents hide Helldivers 2 fans have a lot to look forward to from Arrowhead. The next crossover might have already leaked, meanwhile, fans have discovered a massive skeleton, possibly teasing the most powerful Terminid yet. Super Earth soldiers have a huge wishlist of ideas for the game, and, while not everything will become reality, the Arrowhead CEO has teased maybe one day Helldivers 2 fans will get a highly-requested feature.Helldivers 2 CEO responds to highly-requested featureOn the Helldivers Discord, Arrowhead CEO, Shams Jorjani, often responds to the community. This time, the CEO was asked if the developer have any plans to add the ability for players to duel wield guns like the P-4 senator or P-113 verdict.In asking the question, the user said, I think this will be really fun and honestly really cool. I already love these guns currently but using 2 would be awesome even if they use up a primary weapon slot. Save Up to $1,200 on the Samsung Galaxy S25! Pre-order now and save big with trade-in and Samsung credit. Limited time only! *Includes trade-in value + $300 Samsung credit. While Jorjanis response was brief, he admitted its a common request, and that maybe one day it will materialize. This doesnt guarantee it will happen, but it at least confirms Arrowhead are aware of the demand and have not completely shut down the idea.Image credit: Helldivers DiscordDual wielding weapons like Dante, Max Payne, and Lara Croft in their prime is something Super Earth soldiers have requested since the launch of HD2. There are several posts on Reddit dedicated to the idea of duel wielding, with players firmly believing it would be incredibly fun while still suiting the aesthetic and tone of Helldivers 2. Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson VideoGamer Podcast Listen Now Hopefully duel wielding a primary and secondary weapon becomes reality in the future. Even if its only possible with pistols, it would be extremely cool, and it would undoubtedly be fun, too.For more Helldivers 2, check out our guide to thebest warbonds ranked, along with thebest stratagemsandbest throwables. We have also a guide to thebest weapons, and, if youre coming back to HD2 for the first time in a long while, we have a bunch oftips and tricksto help you get reaccustomed to the battlefield.Helldivers 2Platform(s):PC, PlayStation 5Genre(s):Action, Shooter, Third Person8VideoGamerRelated TopicsHelldivers 2 Subscribe 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 here Contents hide Since Marvel Rivals developer NetEase laid off the games American developers, online discussions have claimed that the team working out of Seattle was a support studio for the main team in China. However, thats not the case.Alongside level designers and technical engineers, the Seattle team included veteran Battlefield and Call of Duty developer Thaddeus Sasser. While some have claimed that Sassers role in the games development was minor, that couldnt be further from the truth.Marvel Rivals director is responsible for team-upsIn a LinkedIn post, Sasser explained some of his impact on Marvel Rivals over its years of development. After working on the game for more than two years, Sasser explained that he helped to create one of the reasons why players love the game in the first place: the team-up mechanic. Save Up to $1,200 on the Samsung Galaxy S25! Pre-order now and save big with trade-in and Samsung credit. Limited time only! *Includes trade-in value + $300 Samsung credit. The ex-director explained that he designed the idea of Team-Ups when he first joined the team at NetEase. After reading comic books growing up, Sasser explained that their special moveslike the Fastball Specialwere integral to the feeling of teamwork, and he wanted them to be represented.I thought this should be represented in the gameplay, Sasser told followers. It would add a deeper layer of complexity to the current experience, but it wouldnt force specific role selection. It would also allow some tweaking and changes to the meta layer over time. Thats a good thing, because a perfect balance is a boring balance. Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson VideoGamer Podcast Listen Now Sasser revealed that the recent addition of the Human Torch in the Season 1.5 update added one of his original ideas to the game. Their team-up, which turns Storms tornado into a firenado was included in the directors original pitch for the mechanic.This specific team up between Storm and Human Torch was in my original pitch deck, Sasser said. The deck even had a picture of a firenado in it, haha!Despite letting go of key developers, Marvel Rivals publisher NetEase claims that the games update cycle will not be affected. With new heroes coming every month-and-a-half alongside new maps, events and more, theres hope for players that the game will survive for many years.Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share