The government is proposing to construct seven new towns in the UK

The government has announced plans to create a 40,000-home town in the West of England. The Brabazon and West Innovation Arc – a corridor of connected developments in South Gloucestershire – is one of seven areas that have been put forward as part of the proposals by Labour to build seven new towns in Britain.

A national consultation will be held on the plans as the government looks to ramp up housebuilding to a level not seen since the post-war era. Labour has pledged to build some 1.5 million new homes in England by the next election.

The latest announcement comes after a dozen locations were shortlisted in September. The other towns under consideration are Crews Hill and Chase Park, Enfield; Leeds South Bank, West Yorkshire; Manchester Victoria North, Greater Manchester; Thamesmead, Greenwich; and Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

On Thursday, housing secretary Steve Reed visited the West Innovation Arc with Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England. He said: “The West of England is ready to build, and together with the new National Housing Bank, we’re laying the foundations our communities deserve.”

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “The country’s fastest growing regional economy here in the West of England is the perfect place for a new town: Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc. As we continue to create jobs and growth, we need to build the right homes in the right places – with the services and infrastructure that people need.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised to break ground on the new towns by 2029 in an attempt to tackle the housing crisis. Last year, he said the aim for the new towns is for at least 40 per cent of homes to be affordable.

Brabazon includes the new Bristol Arena as well as some 6,500 homes, offices, student accommodation and a train station, and is being built on the historic former Filton Airfield by Malaysia-based YTL. The development is expected to create thousands of local jobs.

YTL UK Group chief executive Colin Skellett said: “We’re delighted that Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc has been included in the new towns consultation, it marks a crucial step further towards becoming the most exciting multi-purpose destination in the South West.”

He added: “The potential new town status will unlock even more homes and opportunities for Brabazon, along with the public transport and infrastructure needed to support it.”

Douglas Ure, new chief executive of South West chamber Business West, welcomed the news. He said: “This is exactly the kind of long-term public-private collaboration that drives tangible change, strengthening our key sectors, and improving connectivity between Bristol’s city centre and the region’s highest value employment areas.

“High quality housing, modern transport links and robust cultural infrastructure are essential foundations for prosperity. Our businesses tell us time and time again that these factors are critical to attracting and retaining the talented and skilled workforce that they need. Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc will boost business confidence in our regional economy and help unlock further private sector investment in our region.”

Los Angeles — Kim Kardashian sparked fresh speculation about her personal life this week after photos surfaced of her stepping out with Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton in Tokyo, just days after a viral tumble at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscars after-party. The 45-year-old entrepreneur and reality star, known for her business empire and high-profile relationships, continues to dominate headlines with a mix of fashion moments, family life, and entrepreneurial milestones.

The Tokyo sighting, captured in photos shared across social media on March 22, showed Kardashian and Hamilton walking closely together, with the SKIMS founder linking arms with the racing icon. Fans quickly interpreted the casual outing as evidence of romance, though neither has confirmed any relationship. The pair’s connection has drawn attention since earlier collaborations and mutual admiration, adding another layer to Kardashian’s post-divorce chapter following her 2022 split from Kanye West.

The Tokyo trip follows Kardashian’s high-profile appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscars party on March 15 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Dressed in a curve-hugging gold Gucci gown from the Fall/Winter 2026 collection, she paired the look with sky-high Pleaser platform heels and icy blue contact lenses that gave her an almost unrecognizable appearance. The ensemble evoked her 2016 aesthetic, complete with a tousled bob hairstyle and dramatic makeup.

Behind-the-scenes footage shared on TikTok and Instagram on March 18 captured a lighter moment: while navigating an outdoor path with friend Stephanie Shepherd, Kardashian questioned if her shoes needed tightening. Moments later, she lost balance, stumbling and partially falling into a bush. She twisted her ankle but recovered quickly, with help from those nearby, and proceeded to the red carpet. Kardashian laughed off the incident in her posts, writing captions that embraced the relatable mishap. “Every girl has been here before,” one viral clip echoed.

The near-fall became a social media sensation, with outlets like Page Six, E! News, and Complex highlighting the clip. Kardashian attended alongside sisters Kendall Jenner, Kris Jenner, and Kylie Jenner, reinforcing the family’s strong presence at Hollywood events. Her gold glitter look drew praise for its elegance, though the footwear proved challenging in the skin-tight dress.

Business remains a priority for Kardashian in 2026. She was named a CNBC Changemaker earlier this year for leading SKIMS to a $5 billion valuation in 2025 and driving global expansion. The brand’s ongoing partnership with Nike produced the NikeSKIMS Spring 2026 collection, released in March. Kardashian fronted the campaign, showcasing a mix-and-match system of two-toned activewear essentials designed for versatility. The drop, available online since March 12, highlights her influence in shaping inclusive, performance-driven apparel.

Kardashian has also completed her six-year legal apprenticeship, earning her law license and positioning herself as an advocate for criminal justice reform. Through her private equity firm SKKY Partners, she pursues investments aligned with her values. These professional strides underscore her evolution from reality TV star to multifaceted mogul.

Family moments provide balance amid the spotlight. Kardashian frequently shares content with her four children—North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm—co-parented with West. Recent TikToks featuring North highlight their close bond, with fans anticipating more collaborative content.

The divorce from West, finalized years ago, occasionally resurfaces in discussions. Kardashian has spoken positively about maintaining civility for the children’s sake and even praised certain YEEZY designs in interviews. She has emphasized personal growth post-split, describing a “new me” with renewed confidence independent of past relationships.

As speculation swirls around her Tokyo appearance with Hamilton, Kardashian maintains focus on her brands, philanthropy, and family. Her ability to turn everyday mishaps into viral, relatable content—while commanding attention at elite events—demonstrates why she remains one of entertainment’s most influential figures.

With SKIMS’ continued growth, potential legal advocacy expansions, and an active social presence, Kardashian’s 2026 trajectory blends glamour, business acumen, and authenticity. Whether navigating heels or headlines, she navigates the spotlight with characteristic poise and humor.