U and I
On 9 November 2015, property regeneration company U+I was launched following a merger between Development Securities PLC and Cathedral Group.
The new identity was unveiled as the two companies moved to premises at 7A Howick Place in London’s Victoria, designed by Coffey Architects and Ab Rogers Design.
The new name, first announced on 20 Oct 2015 and given shareholder approval at a General Meeting on 5th November 2015, is based on the motto of a pub, The Seawitch, no longer standing, which was ‘Be United and Industrious’. The motto was discovered during research by Development Securities and Cathedral during their joint venture to buy Morden Wharf in March 2012. They felt it perfectly described the collaborative and productive nature of the joint venture and so it became the inspiration for the name U+I.
U+I transforms undervalued and overlooked parts of towns and cities into neighbourhoods and communities. It has a portfolio of mixed-use regeneration projects in London, the south-east, Manchester and Dublin. It is committed to the highest standards of architecture, innovation and ideas to enable long-term, sustainable change, creating places where people and enterprise can thrive.
The focus of the company is on driving shareholder value from a creative approach to placemaking and community building. It specialises in mixed-use regeneration development and public private partnership projects (PPP) with local authorities and other public bodies. PPP schemes in the London boroughs of Bromley, Lewisham, Lambeth and Greenwich and in towns like Lichfield and Sittingbourne provide opportunities for local authorities to deliver economic growth and new public service infrastructure despite the constraints of public spending cuts.
At the time of the merger, U+I had a market capitalisation of c. £300 million.
Chief Executive, Matthew Weiner said: “We now have a stronger team with the depth of knowledge and skills to deliver high quality returns across the business. Using our combined expertise we have put in place a number of strategic initiatives as we seek to enhance our position as the UK’s most respected mixed-use regeneration company. Leading the integrated teams in our new roles, Richard Upton and I aim to be the inspiration of U+I in that combined, we are stronger and more focused in all we do.”
See Articles by U and I.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.