Tobermore, one of the UK & Ireland’s leading construction manufacturers, has announced that it will be investing £12 million to expand its operations to meet growing demand driven by current and anticipated growing demand for new residential homes. To kick start the expansion, the company will invest £4 million in
An iconic building in heart of Scotland’s capital city has been named one of the most beautiful campuses in the world by an international architectural and design prize, backed by the United Nations. Edinburgh Futures Institute has been honoured with the ‘Special Prize for an Interior’ in the Prix Versailles’ 2024
Nottingham based construction management consultancy, Cube, is celebrating its five-year milestone with the launch of its new construction management software, Milestone. November 2024 marked a milestone in more ways than one for construction management consultants, Cube, as it celebrated a significant business anniversary and unveiled its latest project, Milestone, on
SITECH® UK & Ireland, an authorised dealer of Trimble® Civil Construction Field Systems, has announced a new partnership with Foxdown Construction Ltd. This collaboration will see Foxdown Construction utilising technology on Vistry Group’s Gateway development project in Bexhill-on-Sea in the South East of England. As part of this partnership, Foxdown Construction has
The third instalment in a series of landmark research studies into the mental health struggles of construction workers is set to land in 2025. Researchers from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) will once again survey the sector as part of the professional body’s ongoing mission to address mental health
A north west construction company is expanding its offering to clients after creating a new senior role. MC Construction, which is based in Salford and operates across the north west, has recruited Dave Orrell as its head of design. Dave has more than 17 years’ experience in the construction industry,
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has announced a new partnership venture with Derby County Community Trust (DCCT), marking the company as an Associate Trust Partner for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025. As part of this exciting collaboration, G F Tomlinson has made a donation to support the vital
Property finance specialist MSP Capital has appointed top industry expert Adam Tovey as Commercial Director, his second internal promotion in just two years. The move is designed to enhance business growth and strategy as the 43-year-old Poole-based firm seeks to strengthen its market position. Adam joined the fixed-rate lender in
Middelkerke, a delightful Belgian coast town, is popular for its quiet beaches, beautiful promenades, and its collection of hotels and casinos. Below, we will look at the intriguing architecture that underlies some of the most dazzling hotels and casinos in Silt and Middelkerke. The Iconic Grand Casino Middelkerke The Grand
Waitrose has made a significant comeback by opening its first new store in six years, located in Hampton Hill, south-west London. This latest addition marks the retailer’s 47th convenience store, as Waitrose shifts its focus towards smaller, community-based outlets. Convenience is Key The new Hampton Hill branch aligns with Waitrose’s
Tobermore, one of the UK & Ireland’s leading construction manufacturers, has announced that it will be investing £12 million to expand its operations to meet growing demand driven by current and anticipated growing demand for new residential homes. To kick start the expansion, the company will invest £4 million in new jobs across Great Britain and Ireland, including the creation of a dedicated technical design team to support its commercial customers. This will be followed by the construction of a new £8 million state-of-the-art production facility at its manufacturing site in Tobermore. “We know the industry is preparing for considerable growth in the construction of new homes and infrastructure, and this investment shows that Tobermore is ready to support our customers across the supply chain as they design, build, and supply the materials for their projects,” explained Kathryn Robinson, Head of Sales at Tobermore. “These plans will ensure that we have the right people, facilities, and equipment in place to produce the products they need at scale, so we can meet both the immediate need and an anticipated upsurge in customer demand.” To address immediate capacity requirements driven by an increase in customer demand, Tobermore has also introduced additional night shifts in its manufacturing facilities. Over the next few months, the company will also recruit 34 people to increase the technical and specification support available for customers. This includes a technical support service to help with permeable paving, retaining walls and landscape visualisations. They will also be recruiting 10 new roles within the commercial / Business-to-Business team, including two national housebuilder managers, as well as 11 new specification managers to support its continually growing customer base in Great Britain. “By extending our design, technical, specification, and account teams, we will be able to provide groundworkers with the dedicated support they need for every stage of the build process,” added Kathryn. “We can provide everything from a complete design and visualisation service to the technical information needed to deliver everything from permeable paving to structural walls on site.” As well as recruiting new staff, the company has made 11 internal promotions. Anna McAleer, currently Head of Specification (National) & Commercial Sales (Ireland), and Lee Blackburn, Head of Commercial Sales (GB), will be promoted to Joint Heads of Strategic Growth in Britain. “We value our people and always look to reward their hard work and dedication by promoting internally,” added Laura McGlade, Head of People at Tobermore. “We do everything we can to equip our teams with the right resources, expertise, skills and training to empower them to progress and develop their careers with us.” In addition, Tobermore will make a £8m investment in the construction of a new 3,000m2 factory. This will be able to produce over 1,000,000m2 paving blocks a year, increasing the company’s block paving production by 25%. The facility will be equipped with industry leading manufacturing equipment that will deliver high quality paving products at speed. “Our customers are facing an incredible challenge to build more homes and commercial projects, including public realm and healthcare, and to do this quickly to very high standards,” explained Kathryn. “This investment demonstrates our commitment to supporting our customers. Increasing our production capacity means we will be able to not just meet but exceed anticipated demand, so they can keep on building.” This is just the latest investment in a series of expansion projects by Tobermore to support its ambitious growth plans. The company opened its £10 million production facility in 2020, expanding block paving production capacity, and its £8.6 million manufacturing unit in 2022 to increase production of paving slabs. These two investments have enabled the company to scale up overall block paving production by approximately 25% and slab production by approximately 40% compared to this time 5 years ago. To register and find out about jobs at Tobermore, visit our current career opportunities page. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An iconic building in heart of Scotland’s capital city has been named one of the most beautiful campuses in the world by an international architectural and design prize, backed by the United Nations. Edinburgh Futures Institute has been honoured with the ‘Special Prize for an Interior’ in the Prix Versailles’ 2024 World Titles. The sympathetic yet innovative redevelopment of the category-A listed, baronial style former Royal Infirmary hospital into a state-of-the-art space for teaching, research and entrepreneurship has placed the University of Edinburgh building among an elite group to have been recognised in the prestigious awards. The Prix Versailles – an internationally recognised series of awards presented by the United Nations agency for education, sciences, and culture (UNESCO) – celebrates the best contemporary architecture and design projects across the world. The awards were announced at UNESCO Headquarters on Monday, 2 December with Edinburgh competing in the Campuses category alongside another five universities across the world. Occupying a pivotal position in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the building is well-known to residents of the Scottish capital – many of whom have visited, been a patient, or even worked there before it was decommissioned as a hospital in 2003. Built in 1879, it housed Edinburgh’s main hospital and was once described by The Illustrated London News as “the best planned hospital” in Britain. Its design was heavily influenced by the ‘pavilion’ model developed by nursing pioneer, Florence Nightingale. The 20,000 sqm development is now home to the Edinburgh Futures Institute, one of the largest institutes for interdisciplinary learning, research and innovation in Europe. The Institute brings together students, researchers, partners and civic society to focus on the responsible use of data to address global challenges including ethics of artificial intelligence, social inequality and climate change. The building officially reopened in June 2024, following a seven-year, multi-million-pound restoration. Working with a project design team led by Atkins Realis, including architects Bennetts Associates and construction partner Balfour Beatty, the University of Edinburgh carried out the extensive project to sensitively repair, redevelop and reimagine the way the building could be used. The design team has made use of the former hospital’s large, airy Nightingale wards and corridors with flexible teaching areas and workspaces. The restoration work also preserved much of the building’s historical architecture, which is now united with more than 6,000 sqm of modern construction. Ensuring it lives up to the inscription above the building’s entrance: ‘Patet Omnibus’, meaning ‘Open to All’, the building is open to the public with breakout spaces, a café, an outdoor square, and a new 400-seater purpose-built space to host public events. Since opening, the Institute has already hosted a range of high-profile events, including the annual Edinburgh International Book Festival in August. The Futures Institute is one of six innovation hubs supported by the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal’s Data-Driven Innovation programme. Through the University of Edinburgh’s participation in the City Region Deal, the Institute has received £56m in capital funding from the UK Government and more than £2m from the Scottish Government. Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Edinburgh, said: “From the beginning of this hugely ambitious project to transform the near-dilapidated Victorian hospital, our mission was to create an inspiring space that enables collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking to flourish. The painstaking work to ensure that we achieved this for our students, staff and wider community – while preserving the beauty of the historic building for the City – has surpassed all expectations, and it is incredibly gratifying to be recognised at an international level. Through its innovative and creative design, the Edinburgh Futures Institute will help nurture some of the world’s much-needed future pioneers via world-leading innovative programmes of interdisciplinary teaching and research directed at solving the great challenges facing the human race and the planet which we inhabit.” Rab Bennetts, Founder of Bennetts Associates, said: “We are thrilled alongside our client the University of Edinburgh to be presented with such a prestigious award by the Prix Versailles jury, which is vindication of a strategy based on creative design interventions and interpretation of an important historic building for the University and my home city of Edinburgh. The building had been empty for nearly 20 years and was in very poor condition before we started, so the effort put in over the past nine years by our practice and wider team of conservation architects, engineers, project managers, contractors and many others was truly exceptional. The award also shows that the re-use of an existing building is a highly stimulating way of achieving low carbon emissions, pointing the way to limiting climate change – the greatest challenge of our time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Nottingham based construction management consultancy, Cube, is celebrating its five-year milestone with the launch of its new construction management software, Milestone. November 2024 marked a milestone in more ways than one for construction management consultants, Cube, as it celebrated a significant business anniversary and unveiled its latest project, Milestone, on its mission to build best practice into every element of construction. The past five years has seen construction experts Nicola Slater and Mark Johnston, MCIOB, NECReg working with some of the biggest names in the construction industry. Combining their 60+ years in the sector, the entrepreneurial duo has helped regional and tier 1 contractors complete significant projects on time, protect margins, reduce client frustrations and mitigate project risk. Now, they have captured their extensive, hands-on construction expertise into a construction management software platform, Milestone, designed for construction professionals by construction experts. Milestone, Cube’s Building Safety Act compatible construction management software, is a real time, digital solution which helps contractors manage every stage of a construction project from award, through design to project delivery, completion and aftercare. Co-founder and construction consultant, Nicola Slater shares: “From a standing start, with no clients and little industry recognition of how construction management consultancy could help make a difference to the successful outcome of construction projects, we set up Cube. “Fast forward five years and we’ve captured our expertise into Milestone, a robust digital tool to help construction managers maximise their efficiency in managing projects and meeting targets.” The simple to use software includes all the tools construction managers need to reduce risk, ensure consistent work and allocate processes and projects to team members. Through a real-time online dashboard, Milestone gives instant access to project information for the whole team whether on-site or off, enabling issues or remediation actions to be proactively managed. Initially they set out to provide business development support, process improvement reviews, construction expertise and training and mentoring services to the building and construction sector. And, while much of this is still part of what they do today, the pair have learned to evolve and adapt as new opportunities presented themselves. Milestone being the latest in a string of construction management projects. Another proud moment for Cube, in 2021, it became a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Chartered Construction Management Consultancy, further demonstrating to clients and partners its ongoing commitment to the principles and values of best practice, ethical standards and professionalism. Co-founder and construction consultant, Mark Johnston, Vice Chair of the CIOB Nottingham Hub adds: “Having got the business off the ground from a standing start and weathered the storm of a global pandemic, we found ourselves working with some of the biggest names in the construction industry, providing construction management consultancy on projects such as the regeneration of an enclosure at London Zoo and a listed building at a historic university campus”. “More recently, The Building Safety Act (BSA) has become a significant focus for us. Holding multi-disciplinary workshops in London and Nottingham has embedded us firmly in the discussion about where the industry is heading in terms of competency and best practice. We’ve incorporated that into Milestone software so it is a practical tool to help firms meet their obligations under the Act, demonstrate competency and provide a digital ‘Golden Thread’ of project information.” For more details on Cube’s construction management consultancy and software, Milestone, visit: https://www.cube-cc.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SITECH® UK & Ireland, an authorised dealer of Trimble® Civil Construction Field Systems, has announced a new partnership with Foxdown Construction Ltd. This collaboration will see Foxdown Construction utilising technology on Vistry Group’s Gateway development project in Bexhill-on-Sea in the South East of England. As part of this partnership, Foxdown Construction has acquired seven Trimble® Earthworks machine control kits, two Trimble R750 base stations with Internet Base Station Service (IBSS), Trimble® Business Center software and Trimble® WorksManager software. This suite of advanced technology – with a combination of hardware and software working hand in hand – will be deployed to enhance efficiency and accuracy on the Gateway project, which spans a considerable land area and is set to provide a range of housing options. Phillip Matchett, Technical Sales Consultant at SITECH UK & Ireland, commented on the partnership: “We’re thrilled to be working with Foxdown Construction on this project. The Trimble solutions are designed to address the complex challenges faced in large-scale developments like the Gateway project. The combination of machine control systems and software solutions will enable Foxdown to work with precision and efficiency.” The Trimble Earthworks Grade Control Platform is designed for excavators and dozers. It offers operators real-time guidance on the position of the machine’s blade or bucket relative to the desired grade, improving accuracy and efficiency. “One of the key advantages of Trimble Earthworks system is its ability to maintain accuracy in areas where other GPS systems struggle,” added Matchett. “This means Foxdown can keep their machines operating efficiently, even when working close to buildings or in areas with dense tree cover. The system’s advanced signal processing and error modelling called Trimble® ProPoint provide robust protection against interference, ensuring consistent performance across the entire project site.” The Trimble® R750 GNSS Modular Receiver provides connectivity, flexibility and scalability to meet the exact needs of GNSS-based workflows. Used as a permanent or semi-permanent base station, it provides GNSS corrections for site measurements and machine control. It also uses the latest Maxwell™ 7 GNSS technology to track all-in-view GNSS constellations and signals, enabling more reliable coverage to keep machines and people up and running. Complementing the hardware, Trimble Business Center is a powerful office software that transforms field data into high-quality deliverables. It enables surveyors to process data from various sources, including GNSS receivers, total stations, and laser scanners, in a single environment. Trimble WorksManager, meanwhile, is a cloud-based application that facilitates seamless data transfer between the office and field, allowing for real-time project updates and efficient resource management. “What’s exciting about this partnership is the opportunity it presents for innovation in the housing development sector. As projects grow in scale and complexity, the need for advanced technology becomes increasingly critical. Our solutions not only improve accuracy and reduce rework but also provide valuable data insights that can inform decision-making throughout the project lifecycle,” said Matchett. Dave Hiscock, Managing Director at Foxdown Construction, expressed enthusiasm about the new technology: “This is our first venture into GPS machine control, and the journey has been extremely positive. SITECH’s support throughout the process has been outstanding, with instant assistance at every step. The training provided to our novice operators has resulted in competency within a day, which is a testament to both the intuitive nature of the Trimble systems and the expertise of the SITECH team. “The ability to work continuously, regardless of satellite visibility or environmental obstructions, has significantly boosted our productivity. We’re now able to tackle areas of the site that would have previously caused delays or required alternative methods. This technology is transforming how we approach our earthworks and is providing invaluable insights on a project of this scale.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The third instalment in a series of landmark research studies into the mental health struggles of construction workers is set to land in 2025. Researchers from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) will once again survey the sector as part of the professional body’s ongoing mission to address mental health problems within the industry. The last report, released in 2020, highlighted 97 per cent of construction workers had experienced high levels of stress, and 71 per cent of respondents revealed they had not received any mental health training. Even more alarmingly, more than a quarter of those surveyed claimed they had experienced suicidal thoughts. Daisie Barnett, Policy Development Manager at CIOB, said: “Our 2020 report revealed scary statistics about the prevalence of mental health challenges within the workforce. “The number of workers experiencing stress, fatigue and suicidal thoughts highlighted significant and urgent change was needed. “Our follow-up survey allows us to understand what progress has been made and where further action might be required. We are particularly interested to see what has changed post the pandemic, with the introduction of flexible working opportunities and the potential increase of financial worries.” The CIOB is calling on construction professionals at all levels—from on-site workers to senior executives—to share their insights on mental health challenges and the initiatives organisations have implemented to tackle the issues. Barnett continued: “We want to hear from construction workers across the globe and we encourage everyone to be as honest as possible. “Mental health in construction is a silent crisis, so please use this opportunity to ensure your voice is heard and help shape future strategies to support those working in the industry worldwide.” The survey is open from Monday, 2 December until 31 January 2025 and can be accessed here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A north west construction company is expanding its offering to clients after creating a new senior role. MC Construction, which is based in Salford and operates across the north west, has recruited Dave Orrell as its head of design. Dave has more than 17 years’ experience in the construction industry, having previously worked as a senior design manager, site manager, senior engineer and site engineer. He has a master’s degree in civil engineering and construction management and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building. Before joining MC Construction, he was a senior design manager at Galliford Try, where he was involved in a variety of multimillion-pound public and private sector projects. In his new role, Dave is working with architects, engineers and design teams at all stages of projects being undertaken by MC Construction, from the pre-construction phase through to handover. MC Construction, a family-owned business with more than 60 staff, delivers complex construction projects throughout north west England with a focus on the commercial, education, heritage, hospitality, industrial, local authority, social housing and healthcare sectors. Managing director Russ Forshaw said the new role bolsters MC Construction’s ability to meet the needs of its client base at a time of rapid change for the industry. He said: “We understand the need to adapt to the changing market and provide tailored solutions for clients on increasingly complex projects. “Dave has a proven track record of implementing innovative design processes on major projects, and his appointment enables us to put a greater emphasis on sustainability, modern methods of construction and efficiency. “We pride ourselves on our client focus and our long-term relationships, and we aim to be at the forefront of change, to improve collaboration and exceed client expectations. This appointment is another positive step for MC Construction as we continue to grow sustainably.” Russ added: “Dave has worked across many areas, including the public sector, education, leisure, mixed-use developments, hospitality, retail and heritage. “He possesses excellent commercial awareness, managerial skills, technical prowess and experience of working with subcontractors. “He’s a tremendous addition to our team and will enhance our capabilities through his knowledge, creative vision, collaborative approach and leadership abilities.” Before joining Galliford Try, Dave was a design manager at construction company Russell WBHO. He began his career at Balfour Beatty as a graduate engineer. He has experience in supporting clients in areas including building regulations, planning matters, net zero carbon requirements and ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act. Dave said: “I like the culture, values and atmosphere at MC Construction. It’s a family business with a close-knit team, and I’m excited to take up this new role. “I like the variety of schemes the business undertakes and I look forward to working with clients from an early stage in the construction process to accommodate their needs and pave the way for successful projects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has announced a new partnership venture with Derby County Community Trust (DCCT), marking the company as an Associate Trust Partner for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025. As part of this exciting collaboration, G F Tomlinson has made a donation to support the vital work DCCT delivers throughout the local community and, in return the contractor’s own employees can benefit from the Trust’s extensive mental health programmes which include tailored workshops and seminars that promote well-being and mental health support within the workplace. As part of the partnership, G F Tomlinson will be the Front Shirt Sponsor for Derby County’s U14 Female Team and this sponsorship forms part of Derby County’s Female Talent Pathway, providing valuable opportunities for young female footballers from the local area. As part of the support, the contractor will contribute to the cost of their training programme which has faced cuts in funding from the FA in recent years, alongside supplying the U14 team with kits for the 2024/2025 season. G F Tomlinson has also committed to sponsoring Harrison’s Hub Community Meals, a key DCCT initiative that provides hot meals and drinks to the homeless, elderly, and other vulnerable members of society. The team will actively participate by providing volunteers for two of these meal events—one in January 2025 and another in April 2025—offering not only a helping hand but a listening ear to those in need. Andy Sewards, Group Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to partner with Derby County Community Trust to support them in the invaluable work they do for the local community. As a business deeply rooted in Derby for over 130 years, we clearly see the trust’s initiatives make a real difference to daily lives, something of which is incredibly close to our hearts. “We’re delighted to contribute to both the future of young talent and the well-being of the wider community, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our values as a business.” Pete Collins, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Derby County Community Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome G F Tomlinson as an Associate Trust Partner. Their support will be instrumental in helping us continue our vital community programmes. Sponsorship of the U14 Female Team and their involvement with Harrison’s Hub Community Meals demonstrates a deep commitment to making a tangible difference and we look forward to building a strong relationship and seeing the positive impact of their involvement.” G F Tomlinson is also exploring ways to collaborate with Derby County’s Female Talent Pathway educational programmes, to promote careers in construction to young women. As part of the initiative, the company is keen to provide valuable insights into the wide range of opportunities within the industry, aiming to inspire the next generation of female talent to consider construction as a viable and rewarding career path. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Property finance specialist MSP Capital has appointed top industry expert Adam Tovey as Commercial Director, his second internal promotion in just two years. The move is designed to enhance business growth and strategy as the 43-year-old Poole-based firm seeks to strengthen its market position. Adam joined the fixed-rate lender in 2010, working his way up to Valuation Director and most recently, Director of Risk and Underwriting. In these board-level roles he has led both the Valuation and Underwriting teams with accountabilities for all valuations and credit risk. At the same time, he has continued to manage numerous long-standing client portfolios and pursue new business development. Adam’s experience of the property and financial services sectors goes back nearly 20 years. Before joining MSP Capital, his background as a RICS Chartered Surveyor had already enabled him to apply insight in secured lending valuations for major UK banks. This year he was a key influence on MSP Capital’s decision to reduce rates on its Development Exit Bridging Loan ahead of the base rate cuts from the Bank of England. The firm’s move, in June 2024, enabled customers to access development exit bridging from just 0.8% per month, its lowest rate since 2022, under a ring-fenced £50 million funding allocation. Adam said: “Over the years with MSP, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with a talented team and contribute to our growth. “This experience has deepened my understanding of the unique needs of our clients and the evolving landscape of property finance. “I now have the opportunity to further leverage these insights as we continue to expand our offerings and deliver exceptional solutions to our clients across the UK.” Welcoming him to the new role, MSP Capital’s Managing Directors Paul Miracca and Martin Higgins both praised Adam for his contribution and skills. Paul said: “Adam’s appointment is the latest core change we have implemented over the past 18 months to further strengthen our position in the market. “With future plans to increase the number of homes we are able to fund in England, there will be further exciting announcements at the beginning of 2025 as we look to launch additional lending solutions, ramp up our presence in the industry and further increase our flexibility of funding. “Adam’s deep industry knowledge and innovative thinking have already contributed greatly to MSP Capital’s success, and we are confident that his leadership will continue to propel our business forward in this exciting new chapter.” Martin said: “Adam’s understanding of the development cycle, and his desire to put the customer first, is a driving force in our strategy to offer an experience beyond finance. “With nearly two decades of experience in the property and financial services sectors, he brings a wealth of expertise in valuation, credit risk and client relationship management. “He is a respected figure in the industry and, at MSP Capital, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to identify opportunities for innovation and has successfully developed new products and growth strategies.” For more information on MSP Capital, visit www.mspcapital.co.uk, email info@mspcapital.co.uk or call 01202 743400. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Middelkerke, a delightful Belgian coast town, is popular for its quiet beaches, beautiful promenades, and its collection of hotels and casinos. Below, we will look at the intriguing architecture that underlies some of the most dazzling hotels and casinos in Silt and Middelkerke. The Iconic Grand Casino Middelkerke The Grand Casino Middelkerke is one of the most iconic landmarks in this town – not necessarily for the gaming but for its outstanding architectural design. Following an extensive renovation program, the casino now stands as a modernist masterpiece that sits beautifully on the seafront. Its designs are characterised by sweeping curves, delicate glasswork, and an inviting structure. The large curved glass windows allow viewers to view the North Sea, giving them a panoramic view enhanced by both casinos’ rich offerings. In an era of mobile casino superseding physical, brick-and-mortar establishments, any new casino – including Middelkerke – needs to be able to capture that indefinable essence that captures visitors’ attention from the moment they step in the door. The reflective surfaces on the building change with sunlight throughout the day as they interact dynamically with the casino surroundings. It really does have a very contemporary feel inside Grand Casino Middelkerke. Minimalism reigns throughout these interiors, having clear lines, neutral shades, and superior-quality materials. The result is spacious, well-lit gaming rooms that provide class and comfort to all visitors. Hotel Belle Dune The Hotel Belle Dune is a further example of the architectural jewels in Middelkerke. It has an unbeatable mix of modern amenities with traditional Belgian coast charm. This hotel is near the beach and it is known for its trendy design and its commitment to eco-friendly practices. The architecture at Hotel Belle Dune is contemporary and inspired by traditional Belgian coast homes. It has gabled roofs, wooden accents, and an interior combining brick and natural stone. The utilisation of environmentally friendly materials and energy-saving systems highlights its dedication to sustainable living. The building allows for abundant natural light with its numerous windows that also give scenic views of the surrounding dunes and ocean. Inside, Hotel Belle Dune upholds its criteria for comfort and grace. There are warm interiors with designs featuring wood and stones with other natural elements. The rooms have been designed in such a way that guests will always have the best comfort possible. They are endowed with soft furniture and modern accessories. This wellness centre allows guests to enjoy themselves within an environment that portrays the serenity associated with these surroundings. We’d definitely recommend staying at the hotel Belle Dune. The Westend Palace Hotel A historical landmark in Middelkerke, the Westend Palace Hotel embodies grand classical architecture reminiscent of early 20th-century styles. While offering modern-day amenities to visitors, this hotel has managed to preserve itself while keeping some of its original aspects. The Westend Palace presents a beautiful frontage made up of detailed decorations, big glass windows allowing an adequate amount of light inside, and a door that looks like something from centuries ago. This particular type of architecture blends Belle Époque and Art Nouveau types that were very common during its construction. The hotel took influences from its intricate balustrades on the balconies, decorative mouldings, and wrought iron and glass. The Westend Palace Hotel still maintains much of its original charm with high ceilings, classic furnishings, and a luxurious décor. The hotel has plenty of rooms, including suites, to cater for different guests’ needs while still upholding the historical trend of the entire structure. An on-site restaurant is available, where gourmet meals are served in an atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of the hotel. The architecture in Silt, Middelkerke, is a fascinating fusion of contemporary designs with traditional coastal charm. Visitors and architecture enthusiasts who visit Silt, Middelkerke, will enjoy both visual spectacle and experience. And it’s pretty inexpensive!
Waitrose has made a significant comeback by opening its first new store in six years, located in Hampton Hill, south-west London. This latest addition marks the retailer’s 47th convenience store, as Waitrose shifts its focus towards smaller, community-based outlets. Convenience is Key The new Hampton Hill branch aligns with Waitrose’s strategy to concentrate on convenience stores, typically around 3,000 sq ft in size. The retailer has also announced plans to explore opportunities for larger convenience outlets, approximately double that size, to cater to evolving customer demands. Strengthening Strategic Partnerships The launch in Hampton Hill coincides with Waitrose’s ambitions to expand its collaborations with established partners, including Welcome Break and Shell. The retailer opened a store on the A14 in Spaldwick, Cambridgeshire, in November and is set to open another on the M1 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in January. A third location is planned for 2025, signalling the first new store openings with Welcome Break in over a decade. Having partnered with Welcome Break since 2009, Waitrose currently operates as Little Waitrose at 27 motorway service areas. The new store openings mark a revitalisation of this partnership, reflecting Waitrose’s commitment to offering premium food options to on-the-go customers. Waitrose’s presence at Shell forecourt shops has also surpassed the 100-store milestone, with further expansions planned for 2025. Customer Expectations on the Rise James Bailey, Executive Director at Waitrose, emphasised the growing customer demand for quality food in convenient locations:“The long-associated stereotypes of food at forecourts and service stations are becoming a thing of the past – expectations have moved on, and customers are rightfully demanding more. They want great tasting, quality food no matter where they are. Through new store openings and strategic partnerships, we will continue to evolve our shops to get better and better, whilst reaching new locations that help bring Waitrose’s great quality, service, and value closer to more customers.” A Bright Future for Waitrose With its renewed focus on convenience and strategic partnerships, Waitrose is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of on-the-go food retail. The opening in Hampton Hill represents not just a return to store expansion but a bold step towards meeting modern consumer needs. As the retailer grows its footprint, Waitrose is poised to redefine convenience shopping with its signature quality and service. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
