May 15, 2025
Hammerson Moves to Take Full Ownership of Brent Cross

Hammerson Moves to Take Full Ownership of Brent Cross

Hammerson is set to take full control of Brent Cross, one of Greater London’s most prominent shopping centres, as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen its retail portfolio. The real estate investment trust has announced its intention to acquire the remaining 59% stake in the centre, currently held by

Read More »
CBRE Global Workplace Solutions Secures Long-Term Contract with DC Thomson

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions Secures Long-Term Contract with DC Thomson

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) and Scottish media company, DC Thomson, have entered into a long-term facilities management agreement, enabling a step-change in the delivery of technical services across DC Thomson’s property portfolio. As part of the agreement, CBRE will deliver hard services across 17 sites, which include Dundee, Aberdeen,

Read More »
Beyond the Classroom: A New Dimension in Education

Beyond the Classroom: A New Dimension in Education

Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation.  Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College,

Read More »
Latest Issue
Issue 328 : May 2025

May 15, 2025

Hammerson Moves to Take Full Ownership of Brent Cross

Hammerson Moves to Take Full Ownership of Brent Cross

Hammerson is set to take full control of Brent Cross, one of Greater London’s most prominent shopping centres, as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen its retail portfolio. The real estate investment trust has announced its intention to acquire the remaining 59% stake in the centre, currently held by Abrdn’s UK Shopping Centre Trust (SCUT), in a deal valued at £200 million. Hammerson already holds a significant interest in Brent Cross and, including the SCUT units it has purchased or agreed to purchase, now controls more than 90% of the asset. The acquisition process is still underway, with Hammerson confirming that further updates will be provided in due course. Brent Cross boasts over 914,000 square feet of retail space across two floors, featuring more than 120 shops and 30 cafés and restaurants. Anchor tenants include M&S, Fenwick, and Zara, with a diverse line-up of brands such as Miele, Superdrug, Reserved, Phase Eight and Ray-Ban also present. This move follows Hammerson’s acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in Westquay, Southampton, last autumn, signalling a continued focus on consolidating ownership of key retail destinations within its portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
CBRE Global Workplace Solutions Secures Long-Term Contract with DC Thomson

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions Secures Long-Term Contract with DC Thomson

CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) and Scottish media company, DC Thomson, have entered into a long-term facilities management agreement, enabling a step-change in the delivery of technical services across DC Thomson’s property portfolio. As part of the agreement, CBRE will deliver hard services across 17 sites, which include Dundee, Aberdeen, and London locations, encompassing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fabric engineering. DC Thomson, a family-owned company headquartered in Dundee, has properties spanning the UK, including both office and manufacturing assets. As a leading provider of facilities and workplace solutions in Scotland with significant technical expertise, CBRE’s focus will be supporting DC Thomson in protecting the integrity of the estate, implementing planned and proactive maintenance regimes, and enhancing statutory compliance. CBRE will also work closely with DC Thomson and their advisor, Cadeama Consulting, to preserve the company’s presence in the local communities in which they operate, crafting a bespoke supply chain strategy that prioritises local organisations and delivers social value. Alex Noyce, Business Unit Director – Scotland at CBRE GWS says: “We are thrilled to be working with DC Thomson and supporting them as they look to enhance their portfolio. “This collaboration brings together CBRE’s hard-services heritage with DC Thomson’s commitment to property maintenance, community engagement, and sustainability. Our shared values and understanding of the unique demands of the media industry make this relationship a perfect fit. “We look forward to supporting DC Thomson in protecting their heritage and assets. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring the long-term preservation of their properties.” Ian Simpson, Head of Estates and Operations at DC Thomson says: “We are delighted to be working with CBRE GWS to deliver our facilities management services. Although they are a globally renowned organisation, we are impressed by their local expertise and commitment to developing an integrated and sustainable supply chain that promotes growth and jobs across the communities in which we operate. “We expect this appointment will deliver a step change in the way we provide services to the wider DC Thomson community. CBRE’s approach to date has given us confidence that working with them will achieve that.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Beyond the Classroom: A New Dimension in Education

Beyond the Classroom: A New Dimension in Education

Education is constantly evolving, and the exciting potential of immersive learning spaces is at the forefront of this transformation.  Two UK colleges have taken a bold leap into this future by partnering with WindsorPatania to turn vision into reality. Eastern Education Group, with its state-of-the-art XR Lab, and USP College, with its trailblazing USP Immersive Theatre, both spaces were designed to challenge the norms of traditional teaching and deliver deeply engaging, real-world-ready learning environments. Designing the Future with USP College At USP College, the goal was ambitious: to build a flexible immersive theatre that could seamlessly incorporate VR and provide an experience far beyond conventional classrooms’ limits. In an interview with Dan Pearson, USP College CEO, he quoted saying “we have a vision of what we want the space to be able to do. A strategic vision about… future purpose and ensure we stay ahead of time. We knew that the architects that we chose have to be somebody that deliver, someone that can come and give it the wow factor.” WindsorPatania Architects was the chosen entity and led the charge from day one. “Design information was presented in a format that enabled both the client and building user to easily understand how the physical space was going to be utilised,” said John Blundell (MCIOB) from TJEvers. This early alignment helped everyone involved see the vision. As the Architect Director of this project, my main challenge, as usual, is to keep everything together. All these orders, requests, as well as the budget constraints, the timeline. And we’re really pleased to say that we managed to achieve our great results.” The team tackled key design requirements such as adaptability, future-proofing, and ease of use well before construction. Their early involvement ensured that the physical environment would serve the evolving needs of students and staff alike. Our Development Director, Ryan Windsor notes that when we’re thinking about what we’re doing to the space and how we’re gonna transform it, we often think about assets. We want to create an asset for the College or Universities. We want to inspire the students. James McInroy, USP College Executive Director shared that- “What we’ve done is… provided brand-new facilities which are modern, state-of-the-art, and conducive with the current climate and reflect the external employment environment.” One of the most significant breakthroughs came from how the people involved used VR during the design phase. “The ability of the VR technology to quickly model on ‘Site Survey’ and ‘As Built’ information greatly assisted design change, coordination of M&E services, and installation of FF&E elements,” Blundell added. Despite the project’s technical complexity, the group completed the immersive theatre fit-out in 12 weeks—a testament to Windsor Patania Architects streamlined design and integration process. Chris Murgatroyd, USP College Vice Principal Academic added, “previously, the space was drab, it was old, it was tired, it was slightly depressing to walk into.” WindsorPatania Architects’ task was to come in and build that wow factor. We decided to go for a really minimalistic look for everything, such as old tribunes, the sitting area, the monitor, and we just decided to emphasize the ceiling as the main feature of the space. Dan Pearson commented that -” the transformation was outstanding”. After seeing the complete transformation of the spaces. While Chris Murgatroyd added a compliment as “Now, when we come into the area, it’s engaging, and it’s exciting.” Steven Hendy, USP College CFO, expresses his desire to have an environment that is available to all USP College students. He is proud that the investment has paid off. When you design a beautiful space with a wow factor, you also have to think about how you get to the space from outside. So, in the case of the immersive theatre, we found the opportunity to create feature corridors, like a portal that leads you to a new dimension. As you’re walking into the new space, you feel like something beautiful is going to happen. And as you open the doors and enter, your expectations are fully satisfied as you see a stunning masterpiece bought together by a collaboration of experts with a feature of a delicate and illuminated ceiling which highlights the area. The main aspect of the T-level labs to make them successful as a design was to channel all the requests and the brief from the college itself into a functional layout. Creating Connection with The XR Lab At Eastern Education Group, the vision was clear: build a space that removes the barrier of geography and brings education closer to the real world. The result was the XR Lab—an immersive environment where students don’t just learn about their subjects, but they live them. Learners can use the XR Lab in a wide range of subjects: health, counselling, chemistry, engineering, renewables, maths, logistics, and more. “There are so many examples,” Tom Lloyd shared. Every Friday, our health and applied science students come into study using a specific piece of software that our team has created.” Staff also receive training and hands-on support. “As part of every personal development day, all staff get the chance to work and better understand the capabilities of the XR lab,” Tom Lloyd said. “The XR team are [sic] available to offer significant support to them every time they want to use the new technology.” Designing this space meant considering how students of all learning styles and abilities would interact with the technology. Ethical use, community engagement, and preferred learning styles were all factored into WindsorPatania’s thoughtful and inclusive design approach. “We wanted to create a cutting-edge space that would remove the barrier of geography and close the gap between industry and education,” said Tom Lloyd from Eastern Education Group. The impact has been transformational. “It increases engagement in our experience. It also stimulates excitement to learn and supports knowledge and skill acquisition. The data captured backs this up,” Tom Lloyd added. The immersive nature of the lab boosts student motivation, and early data trends point to better learning outcomes

Read More »
Shaping Tomorrow’s Workplaces: BCO Celebrates Best in Office Design Across the Regions

Shaping Tomorrow’s Workplaces: BCO Celebrates Best in Office Design Across the Regions

From cutting-edge sustainability to inclusive design and wellbeing-focused spaces, this year’s British Council for Offices (BCO) Regional Awards have showcased the very best in workplace innovation across the South of England, South Wales, Midlands, and Central England. Across two ceremonies—one held at We The Curious in Bristol and the other at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham—14 outstanding office projects were celebrated for redefining what it means to design a workplace fit for the future. Whether delivering high-performance refurbishments or ground-breaking new builds, each project stands as a testament to the evolving needs of occupiers, blending technology, ESG credentials, and employee-centric features. People-first design leads the way Across both regions, a strong theme emerged: offices are no longer just places to work—they are environments that foster connection, productivity and wellbeing. This shift was clear in projects like Dojo’s Bristol HQ, which won Best Fit Out Workplace in the South. The 54,770 sq ft space features barista bars, graffiti by local artists, and biophilic elements, underlining a clear commitment to employee experience and sustainability. Meanwhile, in the Midlands, Project Arden in Coventry scooped the same accolade, recognised for its flexible hybrid-ready layout and SKA Gold certification achieved through carbon-conscious fit-out choices. The project impressed judges for its teamwork and user-focused design, creating a truly collaborative space for Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Heritage meets innovation Creative reuse also took centre stage, with judges awarding multiple prizes to exceptional refurbishments and conversions. The Entopia Building in Cambridge—winner of the Refurbished/Recycled Workplace award—transformed a 1930s telephone exchange into a globally pioneering sustainability hub, achieving EnerPHit Classic, WELL Gold and BREEAM Outstanding ratings. In the South, BLOK Bristol was similarly applauded for turning a dated 1980s office into a vibrant, carbon-conscious workplace. Its lively communal lounge, coffee shop and flexible leasing options made it a model for futureproof urban workspaces. And in Shrewsbury, history took a new lease of life at Flaxmill Maltings. Once dubbed the ‘grandparent of skyscrapers’, the restored 18th-century mill now hosts workspaces, a café and community hub—earning it the Innovation award for the Midlands and Central region. Sustainability takes centre stage Sustainability was not a side note in this year’s awards—it was a core differentiator. In Reading, ONE Station Hill stood out for its BREEAM Outstanding, all-electric, net-zero carbon design. Its pre-letting to firms such as PepsiCo and PwC highlights the demand for future-ready buildings that also elevate the employee experience with fitness suites and rooftop terraces. Unusual HQ in Northampton took things a step further—designed for full disassembly, built from reclaimed materials and generating more energy than it consumes, it was hailed as a “pioneering achievement” by BCO judges. Meanwhile, Unity Place in Milton Keynes, Santander UK’s new HQ, was praised for its community-first design, solar panels offsetting 40 tonnes of CO₂ annually, and inclusive internal streets hosting independent shops and shared spaces. Small but mighty projects Even projects under 2,500m² made a significant impact. Englefield Estate Yard in Reading transformed a derelict Grade II listed sawmill into a biophilic, low-carbon hub using local materials and renewable energy systems. Similarly, JLL’s new Birmingham office proved that a compact footprint can still deliver excellence in ESG, flexibility and wellbeing, with a standout biophilic interior and acoustic-sensitive layouts. Looking ahead Harry Allen, Director at Savills in Bristol and Judging Chair for the South of England and South Wales, summed up the mood: “This year’s entries reflect the very best of a changing office landscape, where wellbeing, sustainability and flexibility are fundamental to workplace design.” Rob van Zyl, Chairman of the BCO Midlands Committee, echoed the sentiment: “These exemplar projects show how design can go beyond aesthetics to make a real contribution to communities, employees and the environment.” All regional winners will go on to compete at the BCO National Awards in London on 7 October 2025, where the country’s most forward-thinking offices will be crowned. The BCO Awards are sponsored by AET Flexible Space, with support from AECOM, Glamox, Troup Bywaters + Anders, Overbury, Quantem and Willmott Dixon. The awards are held in association with Estates Gazette. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
CITB supports over 52,000 construction workers to complete mental health training

CITB supports over 52,000 construction workers to complete mental health training

To mark the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week (12 May – 18 May 2025), The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has today released its latest figures for its mental health training. Since 2018, CITB has supported over 52,000 construction workers to complete mental health training – vital support for an industry facing a mental health crisis. The courses provide training to educate and equip construction workers with the knowledge to recognise mental health issues developing and start practical mental health conversations. Since 2018, CITB has allocated over £1.5 million to mental health projects and more than £1.3 million in grants to support mental health first aid and awareness courses. The training schemes that are supported through CITB’s Grants Scheme help raise awareness of mental health issues in the industry, helping people in the industry understand the challenges their colleagues may be facing. The figures released today show the total number of individuals supported with mental health awareness and first aid training through the Grants Scheme in financial year 2024-25: Alongside the Grants Scheme, CITB has played a key role in advancing mental health support within the construction industry, including through initiatives such as Building Mental Health with the Lighthouse Club and the mental health for construction apprentices’ projects. These two commissions resulted in: Tim Balcon, CEO, CITB said: “There’s no getting away from the fact that the construction industry is facing a mental health crisis, and we all need to be collectively addressing this issue. It’s encouraging to see the large numbers of people completing mental health awareness and first aid training, and I urge others in the industry to complete mental health courses also. “We need to look after our workforce. When all workers can access support, without fear of stigma, lives will be saved and attracting new entrants will be easier. This is why CITB is actively supporting mental health schemes within the construction industry and will continue to do so by collaborating with key industry stakeholders to ensure everyone has access to mental health resources.” Find out more about CITB’s mental health awareness training here, and find out more about CITB’s mental health first aid training here. Plenty more resources on identifying and addressing mental health issues are available through Mates in Mind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
Workplaces with Purpose: Rethinking the Role of the Office in a Hybrid World

Workplaces with Purpose: Rethinking the Role of the Office in a Hybrid World

Despite the seismic shift towards hybrid working, the physical office is far from obsolete. In fact, a new global survey from workplace experience experts ISS suggests the opposite: while remote work is here to stay, the modern office still plays a vital role in how we connect, collaborate and thrive at work—if it’s designed with intent. Drawing insights from nearly 11,000 office workers across multiple continents, the study reveals that 81% of professionals now operate in a hybrid model. Working from home one or two days per week is the most common set-up, allowing employees to strike a better work-life balance, reduce commuting time and gain more control over their daily routines. But the office, it seems, still has a heartbeat. Seventy-one per cent of respondents said the physical workplace remains important to them—though not for the reasons one might expect. Productivity, while essential, isn’t the sole draw. Instead, the office is prized for the human experiences it enables: spontaneous conversations, shared learning, and a break from the solitude of home working. According to the data, 99% of workers identify specific advantages to office attendance. Chief among them are social interaction, informal knowledge exchange, and simply the act of ‘getting out and about’. Yet one somewhat unexpected finding stood out: food is a major factor. From well-thought-out breakfast offerings to quality coffee and healthy lunch options, curated food experiences are now seen as key motivators for returning to the workplace. It’s here that ISS introduces the idea of the purpose-driven office—a reimagining of the workplace not as a default location, but as a destination in its own right. When asked to picture their ideal workspace, over half of respondents described environments that directly support how they work: ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable desks, well-integrated technology and flexible areas for collaboration. A further 25% focused on how the office makes them feel, citing features that support physical and mental wellbeing—natural light, quiet zones, greenery, and areas to decompress. The findings highlight a truth many organisations are now grappling with: the office must earn its place in people’s lives. It needs to provide more than just a desk—it must offer experiences, inspiration, and the kind of human connection that simply doesn’t happen over Zoom. Carl-Fredrik Bjor, Group Commercial & Revenue Officer at ISS, sums it up: “Today’s workforce has high expectations. While it’s not always possible to meet every request, it’s essential that businesses understand what motivates and engages their people. Often, it’s the smaller, everyday experiences—great coffee, thoughtful design, the buzz of collaboration—that have the most lasting impact.” The purpose-driven workplace is not about gimmicks or empty gestures. It’s about creating spaces that are both functional and fulfilling—where people feel seen, supported, and energised to do their best work. In a world where home is always an option, the office must become something more: a place people choose to be. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Read More »
How Fast Emergency Locksmith Service Impacts Building Security in Orlando

How Fast Emergency Locksmith Service Impacts Building Security in Orlando

Orlando’s a construction circus—condos, offices, and shops shooting up like dandelions in a summer yard. Locking down these sites amid the frenzy? Tough as old boots. A jammed lock, vanished key, or wobbly gate flips a project topsy-turvy.  Emergency locksmiths who zoom in fast save the bacon, keeping sites safe and work chugging along. Here’s the skinny on why their quick moves keep this city’s buildings humming. Lockouts Ruin the Vibe A site boss stuck outside a gate? Total nightmare. Workers kick pebbles, deadlines go poof, and cash melts like ice in the sun.  An Orlando locksmith screeches in, pries open the lock, or slaps on a shiny new one before the coffee’s cold. That hustle revs the crew back up, saving the day from a complete flop. Access Switches Stir Drama Construction’s a revolving cast. New welders need keys, old painters hit the road. Miss a lock swap, and whoops—some fired guy’s creeping back. Zippy locksmiths dart over, trade keys, or rig a snappy keypad, locking out trouble and keeping only the right boots clomping through the dirt. Gaps Wave in Trouble A flimsy lock or open gate yells, “free for all!” Thieves swipe drills, punks scribble on fresh drywall, or nosy randos snoop.  Orlando’s build sites are candy to troublemakers. Commercial locksmith emergency experts blaze in, hammering beefy bolts or slick digital locks to choke off chaos before it blooms wild. Business Hubs Need Fort Knox Glitzy offices and retail strips crave tight security. A nabbed key or cracked door sends tenants into a tizzy and jams managers in a pickle. Fleet-footed locksmiths zip over, patch rickety gates, or sling up high-tech card systems by nightfall, calming jitters and keeping the place snug as a bug. New Homes Beg for Locks Buyers eyeing Orlando’s new pads—cozy bungalows or sleek condos—want keys yesterday. A dawdling locksmith stalls move-ins, leaving families steamed.  Quick pros hustle in, nailing stout deadbolts or smart locks, so folks can unpack, grill in the backyard, and sleep worry-free. Rockstar Locksmiths Deliver Not every locksmith’s got game. Look for companies that are always on-call with tools ready. Their pros crush lock jams, key flips, or fancy tech setups, no dilly-dally, making sites tougher than a two-dollar steak. Speed Means Safety Stays Solid In Orlando’s construction whirlwind, fast locksmiths are the glue. They smash lockouts, plug access holes, and stop trouble cold, shielding workers and builds. One snappy call to a trusty pro keeps the city’s growth locked down tight as a drum.

Read More »
Comparing the Best Online Notary Certification Courses for Real Estate Transactions

Comparing the Best Online Notary Certification Courses for Real Estate Transactions

Choosing the right certification course is key if you want to break into the real estate industry as a notary. Online notary certification courses have become a top option for professionals who wish to learn independently. However, you want to ensure you invest in the best one to make it worth your time and money. 1. Loan Signing System The Loan Signing System entity is among the best online notary certification courses. Created by industry expert Mark Willis, this course trains notaries on becoming successful loan signing agents. Loan Signing System offers a real-world, results-driven approach. The course provides multiple tiers, such as Fundamental, Professional and Six-Figure to accommodate learners at different experience levels. You will also find video lessons, downloadable scripts, mock signing walkthroughs and marketing strategies to help you land clients after becoming certified. Pros: 2. Notary Class Now Notary Class Now offers state-approved notary education with a strong focus on compliance and convenience. It is a great option for those who need to meet their state’s specific certification requirements. Course materials involve deep preparation for your state’s notary exam, with content covering notary laws, ethics and procedures. Additionally, it offers a Loan Signing Agent Course, which includes video training, a certification exam and resources to help you understand key documents. Pros: 3. Notary2Pro Notary2Pro has built a well-respected program among loan signing agents. It is a top choice for many, as it provides personalized support and focuses on preparing for real-world assignments. The course helps notaries with mentorship and hands-on training. In addition to detailed video lessons and downloadable resources, you can access live Q&A sessions and one-on-one guidance. The training covers all major loan documents and proper signing procedures, with tips for avoiding common mistakes. Pros: 4. Notary.net Notary.net offers affordable online notary certification courses in 46 states, whether you are starting out or renewing your commission. The platform provides straightforward training that covers notary laws, responsibilities and practical procedures. It is also flexible. You can purchase basic notary training specific to your state, then choose to add on the Notary Signing Agent course. The lessons include video instruction and downloadable forms. Then, you will receive a certificate upon completion. Pros: 5. National Notary Association The National Notary Association (NNA) is an industry standard for notary education and support. With nationwide recognition, it offers comprehensive online notary certification courses that meet state requirements. The NNA’s Notary Signing Agent training covers everything from notary basics to advanced loan signing procedures. It also includes a background screening, certification exam and listings in their directory. Pros: Choosing the Best Notary Certification Courses Finding the best online notary certification course for real estate transactions depends on several factors. That is why it is important to assess your needs first. Such measures will help you closely compare classes to determine the right fit.

Read More »
Wynn Al Marjan Island: The Middle East’s Bold New Bid for Global Luxury Tourism

Wynn Al Marjan Island: The Middle East’s Bold New Bid for Global Luxury Tourism

Big things are happening in Ras Al Khaimah, and no, it’s not just another flashy beachfront resort. This time, it’s Wynn. Yes, that Wynn. The iconic name that redefined luxury in Las Vegas and Macau is now setting its sights on the UAE, and they’re coming in with serious momentum. The groundbreaking construction of Wynn Al Marjan Island has officially begun, and if the early plans are anything to go by, this development is more than just a resort; it’s groundbreaking for the region. Why Al Marjan Island Is Ideal Tucked away just off the coast, Al Marjan Island is a man-made marvel that’s already been quietly attracting savvy travelers and investors. With Wynn stepping in, this slice of the Arabian Gulf is transforming into what could easily become the crown jewel of the Middle East’s tourism. While the cranes rise and the concrete pours, there’s already a lot of buzz online. Before visitors even land in the UAE, they can try the platforms where perks like free spins, generous welcome bonuses, and lightning-fast payments offer a taste of that Wynn-level excitement from the comfort of home (source: https://www.instantcasino.com/). It’s that blend of instant entertainment and high-end thrills that today’s travelers want, whether it’s digital or destination-based. Entertainment Destination The new resort isn’t just a place to stay. It’s being designed as an entire entertainment destination. Travelers can expect 1,500+ luxury rooms and suites, including jaw-dropping private villas, 24 restaurants and lounges, a state-of-the-art wellness center, high-end retail, and its marina. The centerpiece will be a towering 70-story structure reaching 305 meters into the skyline, all wrapped in sleek glass and stunning design. The price tag sits at $3.9 billion. This isn’t just about spending big. It’s about making a bold statement. Big Builds, Bigger Vision Looking at the building process, what makes this project truly stand out isn’t just the scale, but the intent. Wynn isn’t just dropping a glitzy hotel onto a beach. They’re working with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority to align the project with the Emirate’s 2030 tourism vision. That means sustainable architecture, thoughtful cultural integration, and a genuine focus on benefiting the local economy. It’s a collaboration, not a takeover. Local Economy and Workforce Locals are already feeling the impact. The construction site alone is a hive of activity, with over 9,000 workers and more than 100 concrete trucks rolling through each day. This isn’t just about building a resort. It’s about creating jobs in hospitality, transportation, events, and retail. Local businesses are gearing up for growth, and you can feel the pride swelling in Ras Al Khaimah as it steps confidently onto the global stage. Improved Real Estate Al Marjan Island itself is getting a serious glow-up, too. Roads are being upgraded, infrastructure is expanding, and nearby plots are suddenly hot property. Investors are taking notice, and early buyers are betting big on capital appreciation and high-yield rentals. It’s not just holidaymakers eyeing the island, developers and global hospitality brands are watching closely too. If Wynn can pull this off, and let’s be honest, they usually do, it could open the floodgates for other luxury players looking to get in on the action. Design That Blends Luxury with Local Identity The resort’s design aims to capture both Ras Al Khaimah’s local identity and international luxury standards. That influence is being woven into architecture and interior design, thanks to a creative team of over 90 architects and designers. The goal? A destination that feels both globally sophisticated and distinctly Emirati. The goal is to smoothly integrate beauty with local identity rather than importing it.  New Luxury Experience Wynn is cleverly reimagining the modern resort experience. Gone are the days when luxury meant little more than Egyptian cotton sheets and poolside cocktails (though you’ll still find those). Now, travelers want immersive experiences, wellness retreats, fine dining adventures, and stories worth sharing.  Wynn Al Marjan Island is being built to deliver just that. Whether you’re taking in panoramic views from a rooftop lounge, sipping something top-shelf at a sleek bar, or getting lost in luxury boutiques along the 15,000-square-metre esplanade, you’re getting an experience that’s built to impress and to last. Timing and Global Appeal Let’s not overlook the timing. Ras Al Khaimah is just an hour from Dubai, one of the world’s most well-connected cities. International travel is bouncing back in a big way post-2019, and the appetite for new and exciting destinations is stronger than ever. People want something that feels fresh and undiscovered, but still ticks all the luxury boxes. Wynn Al Marjan Island fits the brief perfectly. Proven Track Record We’ve seen big promises from mega-projects that never quite delivered, but Wynn’s track record speaks for itself. In Las Vegas, they transformed the Strip. In Macau, they set a new benchmark for elegance and entertainment. They know how to build not just resorts, but destinations, places that feel iconic from the moment you arrive. The Middle East is the next chapter, and it’s shaping up to be a standout.  With the main tower already climbing into the skyline and the structure expected to be topped off by the end of 2025, the pace is picking up fast. A grand opening is penciled in for early 2027, and between now and then, you can expect sneak peeks, design reveals, and a tidal wave of excitement. The buzz isn’t just building. It’s becoming a full-on movement. Wynn Al Marjan’s Bold Leap Toward the Future In many ways, Wynn Al Marjan Island is about more than hospitality. It’s a signpost for where the Middle East is headed. Tourism here is evolving, moving away from shopping malls and skyscrapers and toward unique, high-value experiences that compete with the world’s best. Ras Al Khaimah, long considered a hot spot, is finally approaching the spotlight. Local businesses are gearing up for significant growth, and there’s a real sense of pride building in Ras Al Khaimah. Pay attention to the development, whether you’re interested in architecture, business,

Read More »