Lidl has secured a major investor-backed deal to support the construction of 35 new stores across the UK and Europe, marking a significant shift in its approach to property development. The portfolio, which includes 17 UK supermarket sites, is currently under offer from global investment firm ICG for more than
Teesside Freeport has secured a landmark renewable energy project, with NatPower announcing plans to invest £1bn in one of the UK’s largest ever battery energy storage systems (BESS). The Teesside GigaPark will be developed on a 32-acre site at Wilton International in Redcar, owned by Sembcorp Energy UK. Once completed,
Canary Wharf is set to gain a striking new leisure attraction as Canary Wharf Group (CWG) unveils plans for a 50-metre natural lido at Eden Dock. The new facility, to be named Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, will include a six-lane open-air pool, a community clubhouse, saunas, and a carefully curated
As the Planning and Infrastructure Bill makes its way through Parliament, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has secured an amendment to ensure design quality is at the heart of new development. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to speed up and streamline the delivery of new homes and
Plans to regenerate one of the largest brownfield sites in the West Midlands and build a new, 600 home community have reached a key milestone. Sandwell Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) haveappointed top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat as their preferred developer to construct the Friar Park Urban Village
WJ Group has been nominated for Product of the Year after it successfully completed the installation of coloured surfacing on over 150 Emergency Refuge Areas (ERAs) as part of the National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR) programme for National Highways. Shortlisted for Product of the Year at the Highways Awards later
Leading workplace design and build company Claremont, has announced a strategic leadership transition that marks a new chapter in the company’s growth and future. Taking immediate effect, Tim Frankland, currently Managing Director, will assume the role of Executive Chairman. Tim played a pivotal role in Claremont’s transition into an Employee-Owned
A pioneering entry-level initiative giving people the chance to access careers in the construction industry has been launched in East London. Bellway’s Barking Project Team has invited Site Ready Solutions to set up a base in its main compound at Barking Riverside – including a cabin classroom, cabin tool store
Birmingham’s specialist residential developer, Court Collaboration, has rebranded as Sphere Group, led by CEO Alex Neale and Managing Director, Thomas Taylor. Continuing to operate from Alpha Tower, Birmingham, the change comes with new branding, a new website and a growing team, with Sphere already welcoming its first major appointment in
When talking about the trends that will shape kitchens in the next decade, it’s not necessarily about whether dark or light cabinets will be popular in 2030. Aesthetic appeal is important, but we need to focus more on investing in durable, adaptable, and smart infrastructure. Design trends come and go,
Lidl has secured a major investor-backed deal to support the construction of 35 new stores across the UK and Europe, marking a significant shift in its approach to property development. The portfolio, which includes 17 UK supermarket sites, is currently under offer from global investment firm ICG for more than €250 million (£215 million), according to The Grocer. Once construction is complete, all stores will be leased back to Lidl under a sale-and-leaseback agreement. This approach mirrors Lidl’s first UK deal of this kind, struck with Roadside Real Estate in October last year. Traditionally, Lidl has focused on building and owning its sites outright, but the move towards leasehold arrangements indicates a new strategic direction aimed at speeding up its store rollout. The deal is expected to complete within the current financial year. A spokesperson for Lidl International said: “The qualitative and quantitative expansion of our network of stores has always been a key driver for the sustainable growth of our company. As a matter of principle, we do not focus on short-term developments, but always think long-term, economically, and sustainably. In particularly promising market situations, we consciously decide to develop properties and projects together with partners and investors.” ICG has declined to comment on the transaction. The news comes as Lidl pushes ahead with plans to open over 40 new UK stores this financial year, with a long-term goal of reaching a 1,500-strong estate across the country. By tapping into investor capital, Lidl is reinforcing its commitment to rapid growth while balancing flexibility in its property portfolio – a move that could reshape how the discounter expands in increasingly competitive markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Teesside Freeport has secured a landmark renewable energy project, with NatPower announcing plans to invest £1bn in one of the UK’s largest ever battery energy storage systems (BESS). The Teesside GigaPark will be developed on a 32-acre site at Wilton International in Redcar, owned by Sembcorp Energy UK. Once completed, it will deliver an initial storage capacity of at least four gigawatt hours, with the potential to double to eight gigawatt hours in later phases. The privately financed project aims to connect to the national grid by 2028, subject to reforms set by the National Energy System Operator. Battery storage systems play a crucial role in balancing the grid, capturing surplus electricity generated during periods of high renewable output and releasing it back when demand peaks or when production is low. NatPower intends for the Teesside GigaPark to integrate with maritime electrification infrastructure and store power generated from offshore wind and other renewable sources. Stefano Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower UK, said Teesside’s established infrastructure and industrial base made it an ideal location. “This mix of demand ensures resilience and supports Teesside’s dual role as both a digital and maritime hub,” he commented. NatPower is also exploring opportunities with potential off-takers in sectors such as logistics, shipping, data centres and clean energy manufacturing. The scale of the scheme would mark a step change for the UK’s energy landscape. The country’s largest operational battery system today is a 600MWh facility in Thurrock, connected to the grid in 2023. By comparison, Teesside’s proposed GigaPark would offer storage on a scale not yet delivered in Britain. However, the announcement comes at a time of mounting pressure over land use across Teesside Freeport. Ministers recently designated Teesworks, a former steelworks site outside Middlesbrough, as the UK’s second artificial intelligence growth zone. Plans for a 464,000 square metre data centre campus have already secured outline planning approval, with more detailed applications expected to follow. That designation has sparked concerns for other projects vying for the same land. In particular, BP’s proposed blue hydrogen and carbon capture plant faces uncertainty after Teesworks’ backers argued the development would clash with space required for the data centre, describing the AI-focused project as of “critical national importance”. BP has countered that both schemes could coexist, but tensions remain unresolved. As the government reviews its special economic zone programme under its wider industrial strategy, the Teesside GigaPark highlights both the potential and the pressures facing the UK’s largest freeport: a region balancing energy transition ambitions, digital infrastructure growth, and competing claims over some of its most strategic land. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Canary Wharf is set to gain a striking new leisure attraction as Canary Wharf Group (CWG) unveils plans for a 50-metre natural lido at Eden Dock. The new facility, to be named Sea Lanes Canary Wharf, will include a six-lane open-air pool, a community clubhouse, saunas, and a carefully curated food and beverage offer. Designed, built, and operated by the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton – the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre – the project will provide Londoners with a distinctive space for health, wellbeing, and community activity. The pool itself will be 50 metres long, with six lanes and a uniform depth of 1.3 metres. Floating in the dock and cut off from the River Thames, it will use natural filtration to maintain clean water. Eden Dock is already recognised for its excellent water quality under EU bathing standards, making it a popular spot for open water swimmers nationwide. CWG’s Chief Executive, Shobi Khan, said:“Almost one year on from the opening of Eden Dock, we’re making another bold step forward in the enhancement of our green and blue spaces at Canary Wharf. Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will build on the success of Eden Dock as a unique wellness destination, where access to nature, leisure and world-class amenities are seamlessly integrated.” Eden Dock itself was created in partnership with the Eden Project and has been transformed into an urban oasis in the heart of Canary Wharf. With planting, wildlife habitats, and access to the water, it offers opportunities for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and enjoying cultural performances along the waterfront. The new lido is expected to cement Canary Wharf’s reputation not just as a financial centre, but also as a growing hub for health, leisure, and community life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the Planning and Infrastructure Bill makes its way through Parliament, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has secured an amendment to ensure design quality is at the heart of new development. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to speed up and streamline the delivery of new homes and critical infrastructure through reforms to the planning system and a number of legislative changes, including a focus on strategic planning implemented through Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs). These will guide local plans, identify key infrastructure requirements and strategic locations for development. RIBA’s amendment to the Bill would require SDSs to include a design vision, which is a clear articulation of what an area or project should be like in the future, developed with the local community and stakeholders. The inclusion of a design vision in SDSs is vital for high-quality design to be prioritised in the strategic planning process, and would ensure new development meets the practical needs of residents and communities, while embedding the principles of safety, sustainability and accessibility. The amendment has been tabled by the Liberal Democrat Lords Housing Spokesperson Baroness Thornhill MBE, who RIBA is working closely with to amplify its call to prioritise high-quality development. It will be debated when Parliament returns from summer recess. RIBA has also secured support for the amendment from the Design Council, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and NLA, and support from Peers across the political spectrum. RIBA President, Muyiwa Oki said: “We are vocal advocates of a strategic approach to planning policy as a crucial way to ensure sustainable growth while meeting housing and infrastructure needs. However, high-quality design must be prioritised in new development from the outset. Good design can create a wide range of improvements – from health and wellbeing to productivity. But without the requirement for a design vision in the Bill, there is no guarantee that this will be delivered. We are grateful to Baroness Thornhill for tabling our amendment and look forward to working with parliamentarians and our partners across the sector to embed design quality in legislation.” Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) President, Eddie Weir, said: “High-quality design is fundamental to creating places that people love, and which meet our current and future needs, as well as those of the planet. Integrating design visions within Spatial Development Strategies gives communities the opportunity to shape local development at an early stage, building support for new homes, amenities, and infrastructure. As design professionals, Chartered Architectural Technologists regularly work alongside Architects, and CIAT is pleased to support RIBA in advocating for this important amendment.” Design Council Director of Place and Infrastructure, Edward Hobson said: “Good design is central to building the homes and infrastructure we need and ensuring it is fit for purpose, long-lasting and regenerates our environment. Creating a clear vision for a place’s future is fundamental to delivering innovative, sustainable places and resilient communities. We fully support Baroness Thornhill’s amendment and look forward to working with RIBA and parliamentarians to place quality at the heart of the government’s housebuilding and infrastructure programmes.” NLA Chief Executive, Nick McKeogh said: “We welcome Baroness Thornhill’s amendment to the Planning & Infrastructure Bill. The NLA has worked closely with the GLA and successive London Mayors to put design vision at the heart of the London Plan, and we believe that there is much for the government to build upon from that work.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to regenerate one of the largest brownfield sites in the West Midlands and build a new, 600 home community have reached a key milestone. Sandwell Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) haveappointed top 10 housebuilder Keepmoat as their preferred developer to construct the Friar Park Urban Village scheme in Wednesbury. The appointment follows a selection process which has been progressed since January 2024 and ending with Sandwell Council Cabinet approval at the end of July. The scheme, a joint project between the council and WMCA, will see around 600 homes built on the huge site, approximately the size of 32 football pitches. At least 25% of the homes will be classed affordable. The site, which is joint owned by the council and WMCA, has been home to a waste treatment plant, a foundry and hospital in the past but has lain undeveloped for more than 40 years due to the complexity involved in making the land ready for housing. Cllr Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure said: “It’s great to see another step forward in our ambitious plans to regenerate Sandwell and to be able to offer more jobs, homes, green space and infrastructure to our residents. “This project will be genuinely collaborative between the WMCA, Keepmoat, the Council and local residents. We will work hard to ensure that we deliver a site which is a real asset to the Borough and something which improves quality of life.” Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “I’m pleased to see more progress on this project. “This is not an easy site to bring forward, but when I met with the Environment Agency, they assured me they are treating our land clean-up plans as a top priority now. That matters because thousands of families need a safe, warm home and this site can deliver 600 of them. “The appointment of Keepmoat is a real step forward. They can now start designing a new community that will help meet our housing needs, create jobs and support the regeneration set out in my Growth Plan.” Keepmoat is a leading housebuilder and has achieved 5-star builder status in the National Home Builders Federation (HBF) Awards. It is also a strategic partner of the WMCA with the two organisations signing an agreement in 2023 under which Keepmoat committed to building 4,000 additional homes in the West Midlands. Charlotte Goode, Divisional Chair at Keepmoat added: “We’re thrilled to be working collaboratively with the WMCA and Sandwell Council to unlock this complex brownfield site. “At Keepmoat, we’re committed to transforming lives and creating a thriving new community in Wednesbury is an exciting project to deliver much-needed high quality housing for local people. “As brownfield specialists, with almost 70 percent of our current developments being delivered on brownfield land, the plans to breathe new life into Friar Park will champion affordability, accessibility, green space and connectivity. We have a strong relationship with the West Midlands Combined Authority and we’re immensely looking forward to continuing our work together on this flagship regeneration project with Sandwell Council.” The first phase of work on Friar Park Urban Village will be to treat the land to address historic contamination issues so that it can be made ready for housebuilding. A planning application will be submitted by the Council and WMCA for the remediation work shortly and will be available for public comment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WJ Group has been nominated for Product of the Year after it successfully completed the installation of coloured surfacing on over 150 Emergency Refuge Areas (ERAs) as part of the National Emergency Area Retrofit (NEAR) programme for National Highways. Shortlisted for Product of the Year at the Highways Awards later next month (September), WJ Group’s new product, RapidGrip was installed across the £390 million programme developed to improve driver confidence and safety by reducing the distance between emergency refuge areas. This ensures drivers have a safe space to pull over along smart motorways during situations such as breakdowns. Having high friction levels in each emergency area was essential to support safe stopping distances from vehicles rapidly decelerating from motorway speeds. Without the correct surface treatment, drivers risk skidding. Given the important role these bays play in supporting motorists during emergency situations, the speed at which they can be installed was a major factor. However, traditionally ERA bays required a two-coat high-friction coloured surfacing system. This method involved multiple teams and vehicles with long curing times, resulting in higher emissions, greater costs and increased work-related road risks. To address these challenges, SMP Alliance – the enterprise delivering the NEAR programme for National Highways – sought to find a more efficient solution. In response, WJ Group developed RapidGrip, a one-coat, cold-applied system that combines pigment, aggregate, and binder into a single application – enabling 2 bays to be completed in 1 shift. Developed in house, working closely with National Highways and SMP Alliance to ensure technical and operational compliance, the system went through extensive lab and live-site testing to ensure it delivered all of the Alliance’s requirements. This product eliminates the need for a road sweeper and multiple curing stages, significantly streamlining the installation process while maintaining high levels of skid resistance and surface performance. Since deployment, RapidGrip has delivered measurable outcomes: Martin Webb, Innovation Director at WJ Group, said: “WJ Group has been involved with the smart motorway programme since its inception, supporting the installation of ERA bays. However, with the scale and pace of the NEAR programme rollout, it became clear that a new solution was needed to address the limitations of previous methods. “Thanks to our close collaboration with SMP Alliance, and the capabilities of our in-house engineering, product manufacturing, and contracting teams, we knew we could develop a smarter way to deliver surfacing for ERA bays, one that truly worked better for our crews, clients, road users, and the environment. “With RapidGrip, I believe we’ve created a solution that meets all three of National Highways’ core imperatives: Safety, Customer, and Delivery.” For more information about RapidGrip and WJ Group’s surfacing innovations, visit www.wj.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading workplace design and build company Claremont, has announced a strategic leadership transition that marks a new chapter in the company’s growth and future. Taking immediate effect, Tim Frankland, currently Managing Director, will assume the role of Executive Chairman. Tim played a pivotal role in Claremont’s transition into an Employee-Owned Business, successfully navigated the company through the Pandemic and led Claremont through some of its most successful and profitable periods. Succeeding Tim as Managing Director will be Lisa Flannery, the current Deputy Managing Director, who brings 36 years of experience and a proven track record of leadership within the organisation. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time serving as Managing Director over the past 13 years,” said Tim. “As Executive Chairman, I look forward to supporting Lisa and the wider Senior Leadership team as we continue to solve workplace problems, strengthen our market position, and deliver value to our clients.” Lisa Flannery joined Claremont in 1989 and has played a fundamental role in supporting the business during its growth. Previously Lisa led the Design, Commercial and Furniture teams within Claremont. In this new role, she will oversee the company’s day-to-day management, operational direction, and continued client development. “Claremont is entering an exciting phase and a new chapter,” said Lisa. “I’m delighted to take on this role and build on the strong foundations and success that Tim has delivered. Together with our talented team, we will continue to push boundaries, exceed client expectations and build a business we’re proud of.” Alongside these current changes, Mike Gardner, current Chair of Claremont is set to retire from the role, bringing an end to an illustrious 39 years at the helm, Mike will assume an independent EOT board role, ensuring effective governance of the employee-owned organisation. “I’m incredibly proud of how Claremont has developed since becoming employee-owned,” said Mike. “Within my role as an Independent on the Claremont EOT board I’m looking forward to supporting the future governance of Claremont and helping guide them through this next exciting period”. These changes follow a number of years of succession planning ensuring a smooth transition, and reflects Claremont’s commitment to client delivery, succession planning, and long-term strategic vision. Claremont has been delivering office interior design and fit-out projects for the likes of Softcat, PFA and Admiral (to name but a few) from its offices in Warrington and Bristol for over 48 years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A pioneering entry-level initiative giving people the chance to access careers in the construction industry has been launched in East London. Bellway’s Barking Project Team has invited Site Ready Solutions to set up a base in its main compound at Barking Riverside – including a cabin classroom, cabin tool store and access to power and water supplies – to provide a safe working environment for training in real site conditions. The concept, led by GSQ Brickwork, is to provide initial two-week training courses to give participants the essential technical and soft skills required for entry-level construction roles. The participants are mentored by experienced tradespeople, with the initial course followed by a 12-week structured employer placement. The first course for bricklaying commenced on Monday 4 August with an initial cohort of four students taking part. David Burns, Managing Director at Bellway’s Barking Project Team, said: “We have a close working relationship with the excellent team at GSQ Brickwork who have worked on several of the phases of construction here at Barking Riverside. When we learned of their forward-thinking Site Ready Solutions initiative we were very keen to get involved and to support the scheme.” Site Ready Solutions brings together employers, training and education centres, trade bodies and local stakeholders, including charities and community groups, to remove barriers to entry for individuals of all ages, streamline the onboarding process for recruits and ensure long-term workforce development. The initial two-week Site Ready Programme includes as standard Level 1 Health & Safety and CSCS certification, along with practical skills in areas like employability and financial management. The following 12-week employer placement includes continuous support from Site Ready Solutions, ensuring learners are fully prepared for the workplace. Barking Riverside is regenerating the former Barking Power Station site in East London, with the scheme planned to eventually deliver around 20,000 homes, subject to planning permission, with Bellway set to build at least 4,000 of these. Construction work is well underway on the fifth phase of Bellway’s Fielders Quarter development at Barking Riverside – Horizons at Fielders Quarter – which will deliver 440 new one, two and three-bedroom homes. David said: “As part of our overarching Better with Bellway strategy we are committed to having a positive impact in the communities where we build and this initiative will help give local people the opportunity to access employment in construction. The participants will benefit from the real-life experience and expertise of the mentors and how to work alongside people of all ages. “To further address the skills shortage within the industry and to support the local community, Barking Riverside is also due to become home to an NHBC Multi-Skills Academy early next year, when the first cohort is due to start. “Both of these collaborations allow us to tap into the local talent and to give local people the chance of a career in the construction industry.” Garry Staines, CEO at Site Ready Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to be able to deliver training and jobs for local people to become skilled tradespeople. “We’re extremely grateful to Bellway for providing such a fantastic site-based environment for our learners to experience site conditions in a safe area before they begin work on site. “We’re also grateful for the collaboration of our partners at Graysons, Camtech and Brickjackets for their kind donations ensuring the tools and materials used for training mirror those they will be using on site. The skills shortage is acute and will only be addressed by us all working together to develop the next generation of skilled workers.” Further details about Site Ready Solutions can be found at https://sitereadysolutions.co.uk. For information about careers at Bellway go to https://www.bellwaycareers.co.uk/vacancies. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Birmingham’s specialist residential developer, Court Collaboration, has rebranded as Sphere Group, led by CEO Alex Neale and Managing Director, Thomas Taylor. Continuing to operate from Alpha Tower, Birmingham, the change comes with new branding, a new website and a growing team, with Sphere already welcoming its first major appointment in the form of Rob Bould, who has joined the business as a Non-Executive Director and Board Member. Rob is the former CEO of GVA and Executive Vice President of Bilfinger Real Estate GmbH. A former Land Aid Chair and Founder of the Land Aid Patrons Network, Rob is also a past chairman and life member of The Investment Property Forum and an inductee of the Property Week Hall of Fame in 2022. He runs his own consultancy business with various senior advisory and NED roles. Speaking of his appointment, Rob comments: “It’s an exciting challenge and a real pleasure to have joined Sphere. Alex and his team have built an enviable reputation in the residential development market in the Midlands, so to share some of my experience with them, in a city where I started my career, is a fantastic opportunity at the start of the next property cycle.” Sphere will focus on, Open Market Sale, Build to Rent and Mixed-Use developments in the region, identifying and unlocking opportunities through combined expertise in land assembly, planning and construction. Sphere CEO, Alex Neale, said: “With our exciting new identity, Sphere will continue to be a ‘one stop shop’ for ground up development projects, identifying medium and large-scale opportunities in strategic locations and unlocking them via a wealth of experience spanning institutional investment, land assembly, planning and construction. “By identifying these opportunities and boasting a best in-class team, we’ll be able to re-position opportunities into the market and use our strong local and national relationships to realise and extract maximum value for our partners, investors and other key stakeholders. “I’m thrilled to be officially launching the new brand today and excited about our plans. Sphere is the culmination of all the great experiences I have gained over the years and something I have been working towards for a long time – I truly believe strong partnerships are the key to success. We must work together to overcome challenges and embrace a culture of trust and optimism to create catalysts for growth in our sector. “By bringing our partners on the journey with us, we can maximise social and economic value for all. “I welcome Tom and Rob to the board. Watch this space for more team news and details of Sphere’s next project. In the meantime, all contact details will still be in use or automatically redirected to new versions so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
When talking about the trends that will shape kitchens in the next decade, it’s not necessarily about whether dark or light cabinets will be popular in 2030. Aesthetic appeal is important, but we need to focus more on investing in durable, adaptable, and smart infrastructure. Design trends come and go, but a smart layout that can adapt to new technologies without losing functionality and appeal is the best you can offer future homebuyers, restaurant owners, or food manufacturers. This approach ensures a kitchen remains functional and valuable, especially in a future that might involve advanced cooking robots. In light of these aspects, let’s see what it means to truly future-proof kitchen fit-outs. Adaptability and Modular Design Flexibility is key in the food industry, making modular design a crucial element for both residential and commercial kitchens of the future. We’re talking about a kitchen that can evolve with the user’s needs. This is where prefabricated and reconfigurable layouts come in, with scalable designs that can expand or contract based on needs. Elements like modular cabinet systems, movable islands with integrated utilities, and flexible storage solutions will be a must-have in the near future. Prefabricated modules reduce installation time and lower construction costs, but also allow a space to be reconfigured for a new owner or a change in lifestyle. This kind of adaptability helps future-proof investments, ensuring that spaces can pivot to new food trends without requiring a complete rebuild. But modular and flexible doesn’t mean flimsy and easily replaceable. Durability will also be a key factor in future kitchens. Since the kitchen area may have to endure heavy use across multiple tenants, its surfaces, floors, and fixtures must withstand constant turnover. Smart and Sustainable Equipment and Infrastructure The future is clearly technology-driven, and the kitchen is not exempt. In fact, we’re already seeing smart appliances designed for lower energy consumption, with better safety features. One great example comes from induction stoves, which are better for the environment and for users than traditional gas ones. If you have a look at current equipment suppliers’ offers (such as Restaurant Supply pro kitchen equipment catalogue), you already see a trend toward scalable, future-ready tools that can handle the demands of multi-concept operations. However, to ensure future kitchens can adapt to new tools and appliances, many of which don’t even exist yet, contractors and designers must approach smart technology as a core part of the infrastructure. This means moving beyond a single Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerator and instead building an integrated, adaptable system. This involves providing dedicated circuits to support future appliances and installing built-in USB-A, USB-C, and wireless charging pads to power a growing number of smart kitchen devices like tablets and smart thermometers. A strong, reliable Wi-Fi signal is a given, but a truly future-proof kitchen should also have Ethernet ports. Hardwired connections are more secure, reliable, and faster, which is essential for things like remote monitoring, smart appliance management, and streaming media. Automation, AI, and Data-Driven Kitchens Yes, the future will most likely put artificial intelligence in kitchens. Although it may seem like a bit of a stretch, automation is already part of the food industry, and can boost kitchen functionality at home as well. Big, industrial kitchens already use IoT sensors in commercial refrigerators and pantries to track inventory in real-time. This automated process can alert managers when supplies are low and predict usage patterns to minimize waste. Ovens, fryers, and grills are equipped with sensors and smart controls that can automatically adjust temperature and cooking time based on the specific food item. This way, we reduce the risk of human error and limit the spread of foodborne illness. In residential kitchens, we now have touchless faucets that use motion sensors to turn on and off. This is great for both hygiene reasons and conserving water. Next, smart lighting systems adjust brightness based on time of day or occupancy, which is great for energy efficiency. The Kitchen of the Future The trends show that home kitchens will stop being a collection of disparate appliances and instead, turn into a central hub of efficiency, health, and creativity. The entire room will function as a single, interconnected system. We might even have robotic arms, discreetly integrated into a kitchen island, handling tasks like chopping vegetables or kneading dough. The induction cooktop will be able to adjust the temperature automatically, and smart vent hoods will regulate air quality and ventilation in real-time. We may even have an AI system that analyzes each family’s nutritional needs and dietary preferences, suggesting personalized meal plans and automatically ordering groceries when supplies are low. This way, cooking at home will no longer take up at least an hour of your day, and it will become a pleasurable activity instead of a chore. In the food industry, the kitchen of the future will be a high-tech ecosystem optimized for speed, precision, and safety. Human chefs will be able to exercise their full creativity and thirst for innovation, while AI and robotics will handle the repetitive, high-volume tasks. There will also be AI-powered systems continuously monitoring every aspect of the operation, from the temperature of ingredients to the cleanliness of the cooking surfaces, ensuring that every dish meets the highest standards of safety and consistency. Wrap Up In simple terms, kitchens will soon become ecosystems of technology, sustainability, and adaptability. This means that kitchens built today need to align with future operational demands, shifting consumer trends, and ever-stricter environmental regulations.