Portal, PLACE Group’s landmark build-to-rent development in North Acton, has been recognised at the Premier Guarantee Excellence Awards, receiving Highly Commended in the Major Projects category.

The recognition marks an important milestone for the project and reflects the dedication, expertise and collaboration of the team and partners involved in delivering one of West London’s most significant residential developments.

The 36-storey build-to-rent scheme was recognised by Premier Guarantee for the high standards achieved throughout the project, highlighting the collective efforts of the development, construction and consultant teams working to bring the scheme forward.

Delivered through a partnership involving PLACE Group, O’Shea Group, NatWest, Flint Housing, the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), MDA Consulting and a wider team of consultants, contractors and supply chain partners, Portal represents a shared commitment to quality, innovation and long-term placemaking.

The Highly Commended award is a testament to the collaborative approach that has underpinned the project from inception through delivery. It reflects the hard work of everyone involved and the high standards that have been maintained across every stage of the development.

While the recognition is cause for celebration, it also reinforces the team’s commitment to continually raising standards and delivering exceptional outcomes for residents, stakeholders and the wider community.

PLACE Group would like to thank all project partners, consultants, contractors and stakeholders whose contributions made this achievement possible, and congratulate the other winners and finalists recognised at this year’s awards.

About Portal

Portal is a landmark 36-storey build-to-rent development in North Acton, West London. Located within the OPDC regeneration area, the scheme will deliver high-quality rental homes and amenity spaces, contributing to the ongoing transformation of one of London’s most strategically important growth locations.

Portal Tops Out: Delivering New Homes and Lasting Value for North Acton

We’re proud to celebrate the topping out of the 36 storey tower, Portal, North Acton, marking another significant milestone in the delivery of this transformative mixed-use development.

Once complete, Portal will provide 350 new homes, including 63 genuinely affordable homes for rent and 287 Build to Rent and Discount Market Rent homes, helping to meet London’s growing housing needs. The scheme will also deliver commercial and community space, high-quality public realm improvements and active ground-floor uses that will create jobs, support local businesses and contribute to a vibrant new neighbourhood within the Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area.

We were delighted to be joined by:
• Matthew Carpen, Chief Executive Officer, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC)
• Cllr Louise Brett, Deputy Leader of Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing) Council and Cabinet Member for Safe and Genuinely Affordable Homes
• Monica Hamidi, Cabinet Member for Good Growth, London Borough of Ealing
• Rory O Connor, Executive Chairman, O’Shea Group
• Tom Linscott, Head of Development, PLACE Group

As demand for high-quality housing and regeneration continues to grow, schemes such as Portal highlight the importance of experienced partners who can unlock complex opportunities and successfully deliver them. We are proud to work alongside councils, investors and landowners to bring forward developments that meet housing needs, support local communities and create long-term value.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in reaching this milestone. We look forward to welcoming the first residents in 2027 and continuing to create places that make a positive impact.

If you’re looking for a development partner with a proven track record of delivering complex urban regeneration projects, we’d love to start a conversation.

We’re pleased to confirm that The Portal, our flagship Build‑to‑Rent scheme in North Acton, has secured the Premier Guarantee Quality Recognition Award (QRA) for the second time in under a year.

The QRA is awarded to developments that achieve consistently high inspection scores over a minimum six‑month period, recognising excellence in workmanship, site management, and quality control. Securing this award again reflects the team’s sustained performance and disciplined approach to quality across the build programme.

The award was presented on site last week to Tom Linscott, Head of Development at PLACE Group, alongside Sam Mizen, Project Director at O’Shea Group, and Gerard Duffey, London Regional Manager at Premier Guarantee.

This repeat recognition underlines the strength of our contractor and warranty partnerships, and the collective commitment to delivering robust, well‑executed homes at scale. It also reinforces Portal’s position as a benchmark for quality delivery in the BTR sector, combining design intent with dependable construction outcomes.

We’re proud of the teams involved and the standards they continue to set.

Since opening its doors in November 2024, Saltmoore has rapidly established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting luxury hospitality destinations. In less than a year, the coastal wellness retreat in Sandsend, North Yorkshire, has earned some of the industry’s most respected accolades and being acknowledged by some of the most respected names in travel, dining and wellbeing.  — a remarkable achievement for a newly reimagined hotel estate. boutiquehotelier.com

Saltmoore Continues Its Award‑Winning Momentum Into 2026

Condé Nast Traveller: Nominated in the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.

In 2026, Saltmoore was nominated for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, placing the retreat among the most admired hotels in the world as voted for by global travellers.

This nomination is particularly significant as it reflects direct guest sentiment, recognising destinations that deliver memorable experiences, distinctive design and a strong sense of place. Being shortlisted by one of the most influential luxury travel publications underscores Saltmoore’s growing international profile and appeal.

Top 50 – The Times & The Sunday Times: Best Places to Stay Awards – 2026

Saltmoore was also named in the Top 50 Best Places to Stay in The Times & The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay Awards 2026. This highly respected list celebrates hotels that demonstrate excellence across hospitality, design, food and overall experience.

Earning a place in the Top 50 further cements Saltmoore’s reputation as a standout destination not just regionally, but nationally, and highlights the consistency of quality delivered since opening.

Number One – The Times: Best Seaside Hotels in the UK – 2026

Capping off an outstanding year, Saltmoore was ranked Number One in The Times’ Best Seaside Hotels in the UK for 2026 — the publication’s highest possible accolade within the category.

This recognition acknowledges Saltmoore’s unique blend of coastal location, wellness‑led offering and contemporary luxury, setting it apart from established and long‑standing seaside destinations across the country. Achieving the top position reflects both the ambition of the original vision and the excellence of its execution.

Awards & Accolades in 2025:

Best Beach Hotel – The Times & Sunday Times 100 Best Places to Stay 2025

Named Best Beach Hotel, The Times & The Sunday Times: Best Places to Stay Awards – 2025

Just months after welcoming its first guests, Saltmoore was named Best Beach Hotel in The Times & The Sunday Times 100 Best Places to Stay 2025. The award recognised the retreat’s unique coastal setting, refined interiors and emphasis on restorative experiences rooted in nature — an exceptional endorsement for a hotel still in its first season of operation.
Securing a place on this influential national list within four months of opening highlights both the strength of Saltmoore’s concept and the quality of its execution.

Two MICHELIN Keys – A Global Mark of Excellence

Michelin Guide: Awarded Two Michelin Keys in the 2025 ceremony, placing it among the most outstanding hotels in the UK and Ireland.

In 2025, Saltmoore was awarded Two MICHELIN Keys, placing it among the UK’s most outstanding places to stay. Introduced by the MICHELIN Guide as the hotel equivalent of MICHELIN Stars, Keys recognise properties that deliver exceptional hospitality, design and sense of place.
Two Keys are awarded only to hotels offering an exceptional experience, positioning Saltmoore alongside some of the most celebrated boutique and luxury destinations in the world — an extraordinary milestone less than a year after opening.

National Geographic Hotel Awards 2025 – Wellness Haven Recognition

National Geographic: Runner-up “Wellness Haven” at the Hotel Awards 2025.

Saltmoore’s wellness‑led approach also gained international recognition when it was named Runner‑Up for “Wellness Haven” at the National Geographic Hotel Awards 2025. The accolade celebrated Saltmoore’s “very British spin on wellness”, drawing on the dramatic landscape where the North York Moors meet the North Sea. thenorthernecho.co.uk 
Judges highlighted the retreat’s integration of outdoor swimming, nature‑led exploration and carefully considered spa experiences — all designed to encourage guests to slow down, reset and reconnect with their surroundings.

MICHELIN Guide Recommended: The Brasserie at Saltmoore – 2025

The Sanctuary at Saltmoore was Awarded 5 Bubbles in The Good Spa Guide – 2025

A Landmark First Year for a New Coastal Retreat

These accolades build on what has already been an exceptional first year for Saltmoore, following its reopening in November 2024 as a 72‑room luxury wellness retreat comprising Saltmoore House and The Beach House. The estate’s transformation has played a central role in repositioning Sandsend and the wider Whitby area as a destination for high‑quality, design‑led hospitality. boutiquehotelier.com

At PLACE Group, we are proud to have supported the delivery of Saltmoore alongside an outstanding project team, helping to bring this ambitious vision to life. The recognition received to date is a testament to the collaboration, creativity and technical excellence involved at every stage of development.

Looking Ahead

With the holiday homes of Saltmoore Collection due to complete shortly, and continued investment across the estate, Saltmoore’s early success marks only the beginning of its journey. Its first year has firmly established the retreat as one of the UK’s most celebrated new hotel openings — setting a strong foundation for future growth and long‑term success.

Saltmoore Collection 

PLACE Group is delighted to announce that Portal, our flagship Build-to-Rent development in North Acton, has been awarded the Quality Recognition Award by leading warranty provider Premier Guarantee.

This prestigious award celebrates the exceptional standards of workmanship and site management demonstrated throughout the project. It reflects the dedication and expertise of our team and partners, ensuring that quality remains at the heart of everything we do.

The award was presented on-site last week, with Tom Linscott, Head of Development at PLACE Group, joined by O’Shea’s Project Director and Premier Guarantee’s London Regional Manager to mark the occasion.

Portal represents a new standard in BTR living, combining design innovation with robust construction quality. We are proud to deliver homes that meet the highest expectations for residents and stakeholders alike.

O’Shea and PLACE announce sale of affordable housing at North Acton ‘Portal’ development to Flint Housing

O’Shea, in partnership with PLACE, is pleased to announce the sale of the affordable housing at their North Acton build to rent development to Flint Housing, a for-profit registered provider of affordable homes in England.

The sale at the ‘Portal’ development comprises 63 high-quality family-sized two and three-bedroom homes incorporating the latest British Standards for fire safety, including dual cores, evacuation lifts, and pressurised smoke systems – prioritising resident safety and building quality.

The deal was made possible by grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA) via the Affordable Homes Programme, and support from the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC).

The redevelopment of the Portal site encompasses a 36-storey landmark residential building that will create a new and exciting contribution to the local community and North Acton area. Once complete, it will deliver 350 new homes, 609 sqm of active ground floor space, a new public square and vibrant roof-top amenity spaces.

Mark O’Connor, Investment Director at PLACE, said:

 “We are pleased to have secured this important sale, which provides crucial funding for the delivery of the wider 350-unit scheme at Portal. This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering quality homes and supporting London’s housing needs. Traditional housing associations are going through challenging times as with the wider development and construction industry so it’s important for this new wave of affordable housing providers such as Flint to step up and enable delivery.”

Rory O’Connor, Executive Chairman at O’Shea, added:

“We are delighted to work with the first-class team at Flint in bringing forward much-needed affordable homes for London—particularly at a time of record low construction starts. Collaborations like this are vital in addressing the city’s housing challenges.”

Eugene Schreider, Chief Executive Officer at Flint Housing, commented:

“We are pleased to be forward funding 63 high quality affordable homes in this well-connected neighbourhood of North Acton. Our partnership with PLACE, O’Shea and the GLA demonstrates how coordinated effort between developers, institutional funding, local authorities and the public sector can unlock affordable housing delivery. Flint is actively working with a range of partners across London to further scale our delivery.”

O’Shea and PLACE were advised by Howard Kennedy, while Flint Housing was advised by Gowling WLG and Martin Arnold.

About O’Shea Group

Founded in 1966, O’Shea has over 58 years’ experience in construction and development and is currently involved in over £2 billion of development in the UK. Starting out as a concrete frame contractor, today it is uniquely positioned as a residential-led investor, developer, and integrated main contractor. Covering all use classes for both public and private partners, O’Shea’s private ownership and experienced management team allows it to be agile in its ability to assess and acquire opportunities and subsequently deliver the developments.

O’Shea’s vision for long term success is centred around partnership with our supply chain, development partners, and funders alike. A four-year Top Track 250 company, O’Shea continues to grow while boasting industry beating profitability and balance sheet strength.

www.oshea.co.uk

About PLACE Group:

PLACE Group is a forward-thinking development management platform, led by Mark O’Connor and Tom Linscott. Tom joined the business in April 2023, to launch the platform, and bolster its expertise in the operational living sectors, after his 7 years at Quintain where he planned, delivered and mobilised over 2,000 BTR and PBSA units forming part of the Wembley Park regeneration. With a passion for innovation and community-driven design, PLACE is committed to shaping vibrant, sustainable urban environments.

www.place-group.co.uk

O’Shea in Partnership with PLACE Secures £82.5 Million Green Loan from NatWest for Landmark Build to Rent Tower in North Acton

O’Shea, in partnership with PLACE, has secured an £82.5 million development to investment green loan from NatWest for the delivery of “Portal,” a landmark 36-storey Build to Rent scheme in North Acton. This major project lies within the dynamic Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area – London’s largest regeneration zone and a key focus for the capital’s sustainable growth, housing, and employment agendas.

The green loan facility recognises the scheme’s commitment to sustainability – Portal will achieve a minimum EPC rating of B and a 4-star Home Quality Mark (HQM) rating for its tower apartments, setting new standards for environmentally responsible city living. It will also incorporate the highest fire safety measures, including dual cores, evacuation lifts and pressurised smoke systems.

Portal will deliver 350 high-quality, purpose-built rental apartments, with targeted completion in 2027. Situated at the heart of the Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area, the Central and Elizabeth lines are a short walk away. Portal will offer three roof terraces, a dedicated floor of amenity spaces, and extensive commercial, retail, and leisure opportunities at ground. Interior and amenity concepts have been developed by Fossey Arora, and include rooftop wellness facilities at level 35 and a whole floor of leisure and working spaces at level 10 spilling out onto two adjoining roof terraces.

Since acquiring the site in 2024, O’Shea and PLACE have made impressive progress: construction works are well advanced, with the structural frame already halfway up and pre-fabricated façade panels beginning to close up the building—marking a significant milestone in the project’s delivery.

Rory O’Connor, Executive Chairman at O’Shea, commented: 

“It is great to be working with NatWest again in an area of London we know very well. North Acton is already home to an exciting mix of commercial and residential uses with more planned for delivery in the coming years. Imperial’s WestTech corridor is an exciting addition to the area which will boost growth in the Life Sciences and emerging economy, and alongside HS2 will make North Acton an increasingly attractive neighbourhood. Portal reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional, sustainable homes and fostering vibrant new neighbourhoods in the capital”

Mark O’Connor, Investment Director at PLACE, commented: 

“We are pleased to have secured this loan in what is a challenging funding environment. This achievement is testament to the strength and commitment of the deal teams involved, on both borrower and lender sides. With construction starts down by 38% on last year, in large part due to the delays caused by the Building Safety Act, we envisage Portal to be an exciting prospect for the institutional BTR market at a time when completions of comparable buildings will be relatively low.”

Michael Goode, Director and BTR Lead at NatWest, commented:

“We are pleased to have worked again with the capable teams at O’Shea and PLACE and look forward to seeing the scheme progress over the next couple of years. The commitment to sustainability, and therefore ability to structure this as a green loan, is testament to the quality of what is to be delivered.”

O’Shea and PLACE were advised by TRST Advisory, Gunner Cooke, Howard Kennedy and Chatham Financial. NatWest was advised by Addleshaw Goddard, JLL, Gardiner & Theobald and Howden Group.

Further information can be found at www.place-group.co.uk

About O’Shea Group

Founded in 1966, O’Shea has over 58 years’ experience in construction and development and is currently involved in over £2 billion of development in the UK. Starting out as a concrete frame contractor, today it is uniquely positioned as a residential-led investor, developer, and integrated main contractor. Covering all use classes for both public and private partners, O’Shea’s private ownership and experienced management team allows it to be agile in its ability to assess and acquire opportunities and subsequently deliver the developments.

O’Shea’s vision for long term success is centred around partnership with our supply chain, development partners, and funders alike. A four-year Top Track 250 company, O’Shea continues to grow while boasting industry beating profitability and balance sheet strength.

www.oshea.co.uk

About PLACE Group:

PLACE Group is a forward-thinking development management platform, led by Mark O’Connor and Tom Linscott. Tom joined the business in April 2023, to launch the platform, and bolster its expertise in the operational living sectors, after his 7 years at Quintain where he planned, delivered and mobilised over 2,000 BTR and PBSA units forming part of the Wembley Park regeneration. With a passion for innovation and community-driven design, PLACE is committed to shaping vibrant, sustainable urban environments.

www.place-group.co.uk

Following our recent funding deals with Flint Housing and NatWest, we are pleased to have celebrated the topping out of Block B. In true London style, the torrential rain cleared, and the sun broke through just in time to conclude the ceremony on the roof at Level 10.

Once complete, Portal will deliver 350 homes, comprising 63 affordable homes for rent, through our affordable housing partner Flint Housing, and 287 BTR and DMR homes in the tower block. The scheme will also deliver over 6,000sqft of commercial and community spaces, public realm improvements, and active ground floor uses that will support jobs and create a vibrant local neighbourhood at the heart of the Old Oak and Park Royal Opportunity Area. The wider project will ultimately rise to 36 storeys, creating a striking new tower for North Acton, with completion scheduled for June 2027.

A huge thank you to our speakers for helping mark this milestone:

• Cllr Louise Brett, Deputy Leader of Ealing Council and Cabinet Member for Safe and Genuinely Affordable Homes
• Eugene Schreider, CEO of Flint Housing
• Rory O’Connor, Executive Chairman of O’Shea
• Tom Linscott, Head of Development at PLACE Group

We were also delighted to be joined by Michael Goode, Director and BTR Lead at NatWest; Stephen Stone, Co-Founder of Flint Housing, and by the project architects, ACA Studios.

The celebrations continued afterwards with drinks in the Penthouse of One West Point, 54 storeys high, and incredible views across London.

The topping out of Portal is a testament to strong collaboration between all our partners and the dedication of the project team — and we look forward to welcoming the first residents when the scheme completes in June 2027.

Wickside Phase 1 Topping Out Ceremony was held in the sunshine of Hackney Wick on Wednesday.

PLACE Group are Development Managers of this design-led, Mixed Use regeneration scheme which will bring 475 new apartments and over 100,000 sqft of retail and commercial uses to the hub of creativity and life that is Hackney Wick.

William Haldane shared a few reflections on the work that has gone in so far to bring this project to fruition and Mark Shaw of Studioshaw told of their journey as a practice from winning the LLDC design competition for this building. It was then on to Crate brewery for some well earned drinks in the sun.

Alongside many names it was fantastic to be joined by representatives from the JV partners O’Shea Group and Galliard Homes alongside Southern Housing and Sable Capital Partners LLP.

A truly incredible honour, especially after less than four months of welcoming guests.

Created as a sanctuary of calm, luxury and well-being, this recognition is a testament to our dedicated team and the wonderful guests who have embraced the Saltmoore experience. Thank you for being part of our journey.