Wingstop has continued its rapid UK expansion with the launch of a new restaurant at Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush. Situated on the Lower Mall, the new 3,379 sq ft venue offers seating for over 136 diners and marks another significant step in the fried chicken chain’s strategic growth across
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, launches Puzzle – the first luminaire of its kind to combine striking, continuous light with office compliance, task-ready performance and a breakthrough in sustainable design using 75% recycled PET material. This first Puzzle lighting product launches in July and is tailored to
SGS UK Retail, TDL Media and XPE have launched a strategic partnership to align the marketing, management and leasing of Braehead Shopping Centre, Braehead Arena and XSite, the adjacent regional leisure destination. Called Braehead Ambition, the partnership will add value for visitors, retailers and operators, working in collaboration to deliver
AER Rents has placed a significant order with Chinese construction equipment manufacturer SANY, securing 50 new machines for its UK and Irish operations. The deal will see a mix of telehandlers and excavators delivered over the summer to support AER-owned businesses: MPH Hire & Sales, DHS Complete Hire, and Chippindale
Proceeds will support investment in core, high-growth areas including Modular Buildings, Renewable Power, Site Accommodation and Site Welfare. Nixon Hire today announces the divestment of its welfarevan fleet, marking another important milestone in the company’s strategic evolution. With the assets no longer aligning with Nixon Hire’s long-term plans and vision
MGF, a leading temporary works specialist, has announced the integration of embodied carbon data as a standard feature across all its temporary works designs, further supporting the industry’s drive toward more sustainable construction practices. This development ensures that every MGF design now includes A1–A4 stage embodied carbon information – covering
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has officially commenced construction of a new 100-room hotel in Loughton. Conveniently located just off the M11 with easy access to the M25, the new hotel is an 8-minute walk from Debden
The much-anticipated Scotch Corner Designer Village, a major outlet shopping destination currently under development in North Yorkshire, has announced the addition of 19 new retail and food brands to its growing tenant line-up. Set to open in spring 2027, the centre is strategically located at the Scotch Corner junction near
Aviva Capital Partners and Moda Group have completed a landmark investment deal with NatWest, Homes England, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to unlock a 1,000-home rental community in Digbeth, Birmingham. The funding agreement for the £200m+ Stone Yard project in Digbeth showcases the strength of opportunity for regeneration
The UK Government has granted development consent for the £4.8 billion Mona offshore wind farm, a major renewable energy project to be built in the Irish Sea. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has officially signed off the development consent order for the project, which will be located entirely within Welsh waters.
Wingstop has continued its rapid UK expansion with the launch of a new restaurant at Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush. Situated on the Lower Mall, the new 3,379 sq ft venue offers seating for over 136 diners and marks another significant step in the fried chicken chain’s strategic growth across the capital. It follows the brand’s global flagship opening at Westfield Stratford City last year. The Westfield London branch serves Wingstop’s signature selection of wings, tenders, and burgers, complemented by an array of sides, milkshakes, desserts, and beers. Chris Sherriff, CEO of Wingstop UK, commented: “We’re thrilled to open at Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, the UK’s largest shopping centre. This launch builds on the success of our Stratford flagship and represents the next milestone in our London expansion. With demand for our flavours at an all-time high, 2025 is shaping up to be an exceptional year. A huge thank you goes out to our loyal customers and our teams for making this possible.” Wingstop first entered the UK market in 2018 and has rapidly grown its presence. Earlier this year, the brand announced its most ambitious pipeline to date, with plans to launch over 20 new sites across the UK in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, launches Puzzle – the first luminaire of its kind to combine striking, continuous light with office compliance, task-ready performance and a breakthrough in sustainable design using 75% recycled PET material. This first Puzzle lighting product launches in July and is tailored to provide task lighting at desks, meeting rooms and other office environments. Available in a 4 and 5 feet linear pendant size, Puzzle is designed with a soft seamless glow that helps to improve focus while working2 and elevate and enrich workspace design. Puzzle integrates seamlessly with smart systems, such as Signify’s Interact, providing access to energy-saving features, including occupancy detection and daylight harvesting. Puzzle allows for sensors to be integrated or external, allowing flexibility depending on the ceiling design. Pendants are available in different lumen outputs with wired and wireless control options. The linear components are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. Designed by Florent Coirier and brought to life through Signify’s cutting-edge 3D-printing technology, Puzzle also sets a new benchmark for circular lighting design. All printed parts are made from 75% recycled PET, drawn from a range of materials including bottles, carpet, polyester clothing and eye glasses. The use of 3D printing also helps minimize waste, resulting in a more efficient production process. The Puzzle range is available for customers in Europe. Further extensions will be launched next year, and are designed to create bold, layered ceiling compositions in different environments, including hospitality spaces with height and character. Bart Maeyens, Head of Signify myCreation: “At Signify myCreation, we focus on creating spaces where people want to be and love to work, while living our own purpose: leading in sustainability on the journey and designing our lighting solutions to be truly circular.” “Office requirements in terms of functionality, performance, and smart operating systems in lighting have become a standard. We sought to push the performance boundaries and, in parallel, create a new aesthetic language in the functional office category. That is what we did with Puzzle. We puzzled together function, performance, sustainability and aesthetic elegance.” Florent Coirier, designer of Puzzle said, “My design inspiration was the way pieces fit together in a jigsaw puzzle, where individual components integrate seamlessly to form one cohesive whole. The Puzzle range features clear, elegant shapes and a structure composed of square cells, reflecting the interplay of light and structure.” “Working with Signify technology has enabled us to create a piece of art that is functional and helps to create a welcoming environment in which to work.” 1 Office compliant lighting meets specific standards and regulations (EN 12464-1) designed to ensure a safe, comfortable, and productive work environment. 2 The product complies with the Unified Glare Rating (UGR19). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SGS UK Retail, TDL Media and XPE have launched a strategic partnership to align the marketing, management and leasing of Braehead Shopping Centre, Braehead Arena and XSite, the adjacent regional leisure destination. Called Braehead Ambition, the partnership will add value for visitors, retailers and operators, working in collaboration to deliver a consistent and clear approach to the customer experience across the extensive Braehead estate. Reporting to a board comprising SGS UK Retail, TDL Media and XPE Group Plc, the asset management and operational team includes Pradera Lateral, Savills, BWP Group, Lunson Mitchenall, BGP, and Metis. The owners and their advisors will work as one team to enhance and evolve the assets, and visitors, retailers, and operators can look forward to an even more enlivened, coherent and compelling experience, amplifying and expanding the natural trading synergy between adjacent ownerships. Totalling 1,450,000 sq ft and attracting a combined 16.3 million visitors a year (which is expected to grow to 17.6 million by the end of 2026), Braehead Shopping Centre, XSite and The Arena offer shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment, along with live events, exhibitions, sport and extensive free parking. As well as the local population, the destination serves a loyal and growing catchment of 2.2 million people with over £6.3 billion of available retail and leisure spend. Braehead Ambition will ensure Braehead is always the destination of choice for consumers, and for retail and leisure businesses looking to open in Glasgow. Commenting on the creation of the partnership, Claire Barber, CEO of SGS UK Retail, said: “The scale and diversity of Braehead Ambition’s offer means the destination is more relevant to more consumers more of the time. The partnership will position Braehead as a lifestyle choice, creating even higher levels of loyalty and engagement that will drive the commercial performance of the individual assets, and the wider social and economic prosperity of the area.” Barry Cox, Non-Exec Director at XPE Group Plc, commented: “This partnership celebrates a shared commitment to offer consumers a unique destination, one whose total is greater even than the sum of the parts. As consumers are becoming ever more discerning as to where and how they spend their time and money, bringing together the strength of our individual assets to create the strongest destination of scale in Glasgow makes total sense for our customers, our business partners, and for Renfrew.” Councillor John Shaw, Convener of Finance, Resources and Customer Services at Renfrewshire Council and Chair of Renfrew Local Partnership, also welcomed the initiative, adding: “I welcome the creation of this strategic partnership between Braehead Shopping Centre, Braehead Arena and XSite. Individually, each is very popular and very successful, but together they create a destination unrivalled in Scotland. This collective approach creates more choice, scale and opportunity, and I am confident the partnership will fuel further success for Braehead and bring additional benefits to the local area through community engagement.” All the assets in Braehead Ambition are benefiting from ongoing programme of enhancement, with over £12 million being invested by XPE Group Plc in XSite, and anchored around the recently announced K1 go karting attraction. Similarly, SGS UK Retail has secured several new brands, upsizes and renewals at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Braehead Arena, which is now owned by TDL Media, has received upgrades that increase its flexibility as a 5,200-seat multi-purpose events and sports venue. In addition to Braehead Shopping Centre, Braehead Arena and XSite, the area has become established as a hub for premium automotive brands, such as Ferrari, Land Rover, Mercedes, BMW, Harley Davidson and Ducati, and is also home to IKEA and Sainsbury’s. Alongside the significant growth in housing, public realm enhancements to Renfrew Riverside and major infrastructure investment, including the recently opened Renfrew Bridge spanning the River Clyde, are adding value to local residents and businesses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
AER Rents has placed a significant order with Chinese construction equipment manufacturer SANY, securing 50 new machines for its UK and Irish operations. The deal will see a mix of telehandlers and excavators delivered over the summer to support AER-owned businesses: MPH Hire & Sales, DHS Complete Hire, and Chippindale Hire & Sales. Prior to placing the order, AER Rents executives travelled to SANY’s manufacturing facility in China to assess the company’s quality management processes first-hand. “This is more than just a fleet refresh – it’s a clear signal of our ambition,” said Gavin Pitt, Chief Executive of AER Rents. “We’re expanding, partnering with the best, and placing performance, safety, and sustainability at the core of everything we deliver to our customers.” Distribution of the equipment will be handled by SANY’s regional dealer network. Banner Equipment will supply the majority of the order to Chippindale Hire & Sales. SANY UK’s direct sales team will deliver to MPH Hire & Sales in the southeast, while Sleator Plant will manage deliveries to DHS Complete Hire in Ireland. Rob Gowling, General Manager of Banner Equipment, commented: “This fleet expansion is fantastic news for all parties involved. It’s especially rewarding to see our long-standing relationship with Chippindale Hire & Sales extend across the wider AER Rents Group and into the broader SANY UK & Ireland network. SANY has firmly established itself in the construction sector, and this partnership strengthens that reputation further.” AER Rents Group, part of Ireland’s O’Flaherty Holdings, acquired Mr Plant Hire (now MPH) in 2014 and Chippindale Plant in 2022. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Proceeds will support investment in core, high-growth areas including Modular Buildings, Renewable Power, Site Accommodation and Site Welfare. Nixon Hire today announces the divestment of its welfarevan fleet, marking another important milestone in the company’s strategic evolution. With the assets no longer aligning with Nixon Hire’s long-term plans and vision of becoming the UK’s leading experts in sustainable sites, the company has opted to streamline its offering and redeploy capital into areas that deliver the greatest value for customers and support the company’s strategic objectives. These include Modular Buildings, Renewable Power, Site Accommodation, Site Welfare and other high-growth segments that enable customers to reduce emissions and improve business outcomes through connected, end-to-end site solutions – with each project handled by Nixon Hire’s team of dedicated experts from initial planning through to completion and collection. Nixon Hire has and continues to make strong progress in delivering its full-service sustainable site strategy – recently expanding and enhancing its Modular Buildings and Renewable Power fleets, implementing technological advancements to deliver a better experience at every touchpoint, and launching a dedicated Customer Data Centre to leverage real-time insights and offer tailored recommendations which align with its customers’ goals. Graham Nixon, CEO of Nixon Hire, said: “This is a carefully considered strategic deal and a positive outcome for all parties. The sale enables us to lean further and faster into our transition from generalist provider to specialist partner – directing additional capital into Modular Buildings, Renewable Power, Site Accommodation, Site Welfare and the other high-growth areas that define the ‘new’ Nixon Hire. “Our strategy has always been about listening to our customers and staying ahead of where the industry is going, being proactive and making decisive moves. Following a period of meaningful change to our operating model in line with that approach, we’re now seeing the benefits start to filter through, with healthy and sustainable commercial and operational momentum building across the business. “Looking forward, with a strong pipeline across our target markets and a wave of new products, services and innovations set to roll out, we have real confidence in the strength and direction of the business.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MGF, a leading temporary works specialist, has announced the integration of embodied carbon data as a standard feature across all its temporary works designs, further supporting the industry’s drive toward more sustainable construction practices. This development ensures that every MGF design now includes A1–A4 stage embodied carbon information – covering raw materials, manufacturing and transport – in line with the latest Temporary Works Forum (TWF) guidance 2024, RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment System 2023 and PAS 2080:2023 standards. Rather than offering carbon assessments as a separate or optional service, MGF has embedded carbon reporting directly into its design and hire systems – helping customers measure and reduce the impact of their projects from the outset. This means customers automatically receive transparent carbon data as part of every design package, helping project teams make informed decisions to reduce environmental impact from the earliest design stages. “Measuring embodied carbon is no longer a future consideration – it’s a present-day requirement,” explains Steve Hesketh, Director at MGF. “We’ve invested in making carbon reporting an integral part of how we design, specify and deliver temporary works, ensuring that sustainability and compliance are built into the process as standard.” MGF’s approach reflects its contribution to industry best practice. Hesketh led the team that developed the TWF’s most recent industry guidance on embodied carbon in temporary works – now recognised as a key reference document for the UK sector. This initiative supports the wider construction industry focus on indirect Scope 3 emissions reporting and whole-life carbon accounting, areas of increasing importance to infrastructure, utilities and energy clients. It also demonstrates the environmental benefits of the hire model, which research from the European Rental Association shows can reduce carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to ownership – benefits further enhanced by design-led carbon reporting. “Temporary works have a vital part to play in helping the industry meet carbon reduction targets,” adds Simon Littlewood, Managing Director at MGF. “By making embodied carbon data part of our standard offering, we’re giving customers practical, usable information that supports their own sustainability commitments while delivering safe, effective, and efficient groundworks solutions.” MGF’s carbon data initiative forms part of its broader commitment to helping customers meet sustainability goals while ensuring safety, compliance and performance across all temporary works projects. The company is now engaging customers and industry groups to highlight best practices and practical steps toward more transparent carbon accounting in temporary works. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has officially commenced construction of a new 100-room hotel in Loughton. Conveniently located just off the M11 with easy access to the M25, the new hotel is an 8-minute walk from Debden Underground Station, offering direct Central line services into central London. For those travelling by car, the hotel provides on-site parking and is around a 30-minute drive from Stansted Airport. Guests can also enjoy nearby retail and dining at Epping Forest Shopping Park, along with easy access to the open green spaces of Epping Forest. The hotel will feature Travelodge’s new premium design, including a modern reception area, next-generation rooms, and the stylish new 85 Bar Café – designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers alike. Part of a wider mixed-use scheme that includes office and self-storage space, the standalone hotel is being delivered by Higgins Group as the developer and Barnes Construction as the principal contractor. As Travelodge continues to grow its portfolio across the UK, the Loughton hotel represents a strategic addition to the portfolio, helping to meet growing demand for affordable accommodation within easy reach of London. The new hotel will also contribute to the local economy through job creation and increased visitor footfall. Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director comments: “We’re excited to begin construction on our new hotel in Loughton, further strengthening our presence across the Greater London area. This is a prime location for commuters, shoppers, and visitors, and our hotel will provide a well-connected, great-value base for all types of travellers. We’re pleased to see work now underway and look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens at the end of next year.” Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Higgins Group, comments, “We’re really pleased that work is now underway on the new Travelodge at our Langston Road site. This marks a significant step forward in the wider redevelopment of the site.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The much-anticipated Scotch Corner Designer Village, a major outlet shopping destination currently under development in North Yorkshire, has announced the addition of 19 new retail and food brands to its growing tenant line-up. Set to open in spring 2027, the centre is strategically located at the Scotch Corner junction near Darlington. With these latest additions, the development is now 82% pre-let and will feature a total of 73 stores upon completion. Newly confirmed retailers include prominent names such as Guess, Castore, Monsoon, Jack & Jones, Molton Brown, Brook Taverner, White Stuff, Haribo, Lindt, Superdry, Radley London, Hobbs, Phase Eight, and M&S. These brands will join an already impressive roster including Boss, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s, Skechers, Clarks, Moss, and Dune London. The scheme’s food and beverage offer is also expanding, with Pizza Express, Pret A Manger, 200º Coffee, Knoops, and Slim Chickens joining previously announced operators Wagamama and Five Guys. Sarah Hodkinson, leasing director at Scotch Corner Designer Village, commented:“We are thrilled with the enthusiasm shown by both major retail brands and the local community. Dozens of high-profile names have committed to the project, signalling strong confidence in our vision and delivering a positive story for the region and the wider North of England.” Beyond retail, the development will include 2,000 car parking spaces with electric vehicle charging points, a new fuel filling station, and several drive-through dining options. Plans are also in place for a significant on-site film and television facility, totalling 329,914 sq ft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aviva Capital Partners and Moda Group have completed a landmark investment deal with NatWest, Homes England, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to unlock a 1,000-home rental community in Digbeth, Birmingham. The funding agreement for the £200m+ Stone Yard project in Digbeth showcases the strength of opportunity for regeneration through collaboration between the private and public sectors driving the delivery of high quality new homes. The funding package includes debt financing from NatWest and Homes England via the Home Building Fund. This will support the delivery of phase one of the build-to-rent (BTR) community, which will comprise 605 high-quality homes across four blocks. In addition the West Midlands Combined Authority has provided brownfield grant funding, enabling the project to increase its affordable housing provision to 20%, which will be offered at a Discounted Market Rent. This provision will be dispersed throughout the development, enabling community led regeneration whilst delivering the highest quality of place and accommodation. A future development phase will deliver a further three blocks, bringing the total number of homes at Stone Yard to 995. Last year, Homes England signed a Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) with the WMCA, setting out shared ambitions to advance locally-led housing growth and regeneration in key locations in the region, including the East Birmingham & North Solihull corridor which is anchored by Digbeth in the city centre. Homes England has supplied debt funding of around £40m to the Stone Yard financing package. The development will champion social and environmental sustainability, targeting top level certification from leading accreditors including Fitwel, Home Quality Mark and BREAAM. The new homes will be complemented by a range of amenity spaces for all residents, including co-working spaces, 24/7 gyms and studio spaces, lounges and private dining rooms. Alongside new homes, the scheme will include community-focused features such as commercial units, landscaped public areas, and links to local attractions will contribute to Digbeth’s emergence as a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood. The buildings and new public realm will be operated by Moda with its signature focus on service, technology and health and wellbeing, ensuring the curation of a professionally managed, diverse community in the heart of Birmingham. Caddick Construction, Moda’s sister company, will build the neighbourhood and has commenced initial work on site. Completion of phase one is expected in 2028. Located on a prominent four-acre brownfield site, Stone Yard is in a highly accessible location on Deritend Road. The site sits at the heart of the city’s creative quarter, adjacent to the Custard Factory and directly opposite the new Eastside Metro extension and the forthcoming HS2 Curzon Street Station. Sophie White, Regeneration Sector Lead at Aviva Capital Partners, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Moda to provide high quality accommodation in Birmingham, helping to support the local economy and beyond. The partnership with NatWest, Homes England and WMCA has been critical in getting the scheme underway for this key brownfield site in Digbeth. Sustainability is at the heart of this development, with community and affordability critical elements helping to ensure it supports the local area to get ready for the future.” Tony Brooks, Executive Chairman of Moda Group, said: “This milestone is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work collaboratively to realise a shared, long-term vision for regeneration. “Aligned, we will be able to deliver much-needed new rental homes, at pace. With high quality new public realm completing the neighbourhood, Stone Yard will be a pivotal part of the wider regeneration of Digbeth, transforming a brownfield site into a thriving urban community.” Michael Goode, Director and BTR Lead, NatWest, said: “Stone Yard is an exciting project for Birmingham. The delivery of much needed new homes, with enviable sustainability credentials, is aligned to NatWest’s ambitions in BTR. “It was a pleasure working with Aviva Capital Partners and Moda, alongside our funding partners at Homes England and WMCA, in delivering an innovative financing solution.” Marcus Railing, Chief Investment Officer at Homes England, said: “As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, our aim is to support public and private sector partners to unlock strategic housing sites, and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions. “Stone Yard is a prime example of how the Agency works collaboratively with both public and private partners to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud to call home. “This funding agreement also represents how Homes England works with Mayoral Strategic Authorities by aligning investment, unlocking opportunity and delivering at scale through Strategic Place Partnerships.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK Government has granted development consent for the £4.8 billion Mona offshore wind farm, a major renewable energy project to be built in the Irish Sea. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has officially signed off the development consent order for the project, which will be located entirely within Welsh waters. The wind farm will be positioned approximately 28.8 km from the north coast of Wales, 46.9 km from the north-west coast of England, and 46.6 km from the Isle of Man. The project includes a landfall point near Llanddulas in Conwy, North Wales, with grid connection planned via the existing National Grid substation at Bodelwyddan in Denbighshire. Mona is being delivered by a joint venture between BP Alternative Energy Investments Limited and German energy company Energie Baden-Württemberg AG (EnBW). Front-end engineering design is being provided by Kent. Once completed, the development will feature up to 96 turbines capable of generating approximately 1.5GW of electricity – enough to power more than a million homes. The scheme will also include four offshore substation platforms up to 60 metres in height, along with a network of offshore interconnector, inter-array and export cables. The turbine rotor diameters will measure 320 metres, with a maximum blade tip height of 364 metres. The onshore infrastructure includes underground cabling and a new onshore substation to facilitate grid integration. The estimated £4.8bn cost encompasses all aspects of the development, including project management, financing, land acquisition, and construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
