Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) proudly celebrated the industry’s leading innovators at its annual Awards Gala on Friday evening at the Natural History Museum, recognising 16 Rising Stars and 12 major category winners who raise the bar for responsible, innovative and inclusive construction. From climate champions to community heroes, this year’s
Ten new store lettings, including FRASERS, occupying a combined total of 88,063 sq. ft, plus five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft and three store refreshes, concluded 2025 on a position of strength Overgate, Dundee concluded 2025 as a transformative year for the centre, the city, and indeed the region.
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium are set to move into construction this summer after securing planning approval from Leeds City Council. Councillors have given the green light to proposals that will increase the stadium’s capacity to up to 53,000, reinforcing Elland Road’s status as one
Developer-led estate expansion plans at Greggs are set to continue at pace, with the food-to-go operator targeting 120 net new store openings during 2026. The growth follows a busy 2025, during which Greggs opened 207 new shops, averaging almost four openings per week. That programme included 50 relocations and 36
Developer Muse has been selected as preferred development partner to lead one of the UK’s largest city-centre regeneration programmes, taking a central role in shaping the future of Bristol Temple Quarter. Muse Places will drive the delivery of up to 10,000 new homes alongside major commercial development, new public realm
The construction of one of the most complicated parts of the HS2 project took a step forward over the Christmas break, as Balfour Beatty VINCI completed two key viaduct spans over the existing railway near Water Orton in Warwickshire. The spans form a small part of the Delta junction –
Developer Fiera Real Estate has formed a major joint venture with the Universities Superannuation Scheme to launch a new UK-focused industrial development platform. The partnership will see USS commit around £500m to the venture, which has been established with an initial five-year term. The joint venture will target individual acquisitions
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Nottingham Forest Football Club’s City Ground have been submitted, setting out proposals to increase the stadium’s capacity from 30,445 to around 52,000. The planning applications mark a major step forward in the club’s ambitions to deliver a large-scale redevelopment of the historic riverside ground. Nottingham
Developer Chart Forte has secured planning approval to deliver a four-storey rooftop extension as part of the conversion of a former City of London office building into a luxury hotel. The City of London Corporation has granted consent for the redevelopment of the Grade II-listed St Clement’s House at 27–28
Developer Marvel has secured full planning approval to deliver a £300m indoor ski and leisure resort in Wales after the Welsh Government confirmed it would not intervene in the scheme. Councillors at Merthyr Tydfil Council have now given final approval for the Rhydycar West development, clearing the way for what
Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) proudly celebrated the industry’s leading innovators at its annual Awards Gala on Friday evening at the Natural History Museum, recognising 16 Rising Stars and 12 major category winners who raise the bar for responsible, innovative and inclusive construction. From climate champions to community heroes, this year’s winners prove that construction isn’t just about building structures, it’s about building a better future. Highlights from the Winners’ Circle Community Engagement Award (sponsored by Male Allies UK) – Gallaway Construction Gallaway Construction is turning construction into a catalyst for change. Through its Construction for Women programme, the company has empowered over 400 girls and women with hands-on skills and mentoring, while raising tens of thousands for local causes. A true example of how construction can be a force for good. Climate Champion – General Demolition General Demolition is rewriting the demolition playbook with bold circular strategies, recycling hundreds of tonnes of materials and slashing carbon emissions. From Northampton to London, their work sets a new standard for sustainability. Employer of the Year (sponsored by the National Federation of Builders) – John Sisk & Son With leadership programmes, apprenticeships and inclusion initiatives, John Sisk & Son is shaping a workplace where people thrive. Over 3,000 young people supported – proving that the future of construction starts with investing in talent today. Social Value Leader – Christina Nichols, John Sisk & Son Christina Nichols has delivered measurable impact: 3,600+ hours of career support and £54.6 million spent with local supply chains. Her work ensures construction leaves a lasting positive mark. Considerate Client – Marks & Spencer For 18 years, M&S has championed safety, sustainability and respect for communities, influencing contractors and setting the gold standard for client leadership. Supplier Recognition – O’Neil & Brennan (ONB) ONB’s seamless logistics and proactive problem-solving make them an indispensable partner, elevating every project they touch. Excellence in Construction (Large) – McLaughlin & Harvey From carbon monitoring to mental health support, McLaughlin & Harvey delivers excellence on every front. Excellence in Construction (Small) – Harmonix Construction Ltd Harmonix combines community engagement, environmental responsibility and workforce wellbeing – building with care and integrity. Legacy Award – Pevensey Bay Coastal Defence Two decades of protecting communities and managing coastal flood risks across 18,000 properties – a legacy of resilience. Innovation of the Year – Curo Construction AI meets safety: Curo’s real-time monitoring system sets a new benchmark for tech-driven site safety. Icon Award (sponsored by Building a Safer Future) – Luke Hands, Ardmore Group A mental health champion reshaping how construction cares for its people. Rising Stars 16 Rising Stars were celebrated, showcasing the next generation of leaders driving the future of construction: Matthew Barnes (VolkerHighways), Joel Blanchflower (Laing O’Rourke), Liam Cater (Ardmore Group), Nicol High (Octavius), Daniel Hilton (Kier Transportation), Liam Jackson (McLaughlin & Harvey), Megan McDonald (KPH Deconstruction Services), Chris O’Hagan (McLaughlin & Harvey), David Okorhi (Knight Build Limited), Kate Parsons (Kier Transportation), James Preston (McLaren Construction), Kit Robinson (Kier Transportation), Megan Smith (McLaughlin & Harvey), Cian Webb (Clegg Construction), Katie Webster (Kier Construction), Abigail Wilkinson (Sir Robert McAlpine). Champion of Construction (sponsored by Construction Industry Council) – Colin Robinson With 50 years of service, Colin Robinson, Senior Site Manager at GRAHAM Group, has demonstrated leadership and compassion that have transformed lives – from saving a colleague to creating safer spaces for children. Desiree Blamey, Managing Director for Considerate Constructors Scheme, said: “The winners represent the very best of our industry, proving that construction can be innovative, inclusive and a powerful force for good. Their achievements set a standard that inspires us all to build responsibly and leave a lasting positive impact.” The event was supported by our sponsors, with Build Warranty as headline sponsor and Mates in Mind as the evening’s charity partner. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ten new store lettings, including FRASERS, occupying a combined total of 88,063 sq. ft, plus five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft and three store refreshes, concluded 2025 on a position of strength Overgate, Dundee concluded 2025 as a transformative year for the centre, the city, and indeed the region. Since Frasers Group acquired Overgate in March 2023, a remarkable retail regeneration has been taking place across the 440,000 sq. ft centre which is located in the heart of Dundee, Scotland’s fourth largest city. Underpinning this has been an exciting and fast-paced tranche of leasing activity: ten new store openings occupying a combined total of 88,063 sq. ft, five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft, and three major store refreshes in the last year alone. As 2025 concluded, the early results from this scale of investment in Overgate by Frasers Group, in line with the Group’s Elevation Strategy, can be guided by sales and footfall. The percentage uplift in sales for 2025 was over 30%. Tenant occupancy is sitting at 90% as of December 2025. Commenting, Matt Elgey, Director, Sovereign Centros from CBRE says: “We are pleased to be entering 2026 on a positive note for Overgate. Ten new store openings, including FRASERS, occupying an impressive combined total of 88,063 sq. ft have been delivered in 2025. A further five lease renewals totalling 12,634 sq. ft, as well as three key store refreshes, concluded the year on a position of strength for the centre. “Since the acquisition of Overgate by Frasers Group in 2023 the momentum underpinning these improvements has been conducted at pace. Sovereign Centros from CBRE is proud to be delivering on the ambitious and exciting vision Frasers Group has set out for such an important Scottish asset as Overgate. These positive end of year results demonstrate the hard work Sovereign Centros has deployed in unlocking opportunities for Frasers Group across what was a very busy 12 months. Our focused commitment in securing new quality lease signings, as well as delivering a tranche of lease renewals, ensures Overgate is ready to embrace 2026 with a greatly expanded retailer offering and a stronger competitive advantage.” Anchoring 2025 was the opening of FRASERS in June – one of the largest shop fit-outs Dundee has ever seen, revitalising Overgate and creating over 80 new jobs. The 60,000 sq. ft FRASERS has brought a fresh vibrancy to the centre and an expertly curated selection of leading brands across sports, premium fashion and beauty. Spanning three floors, the FRASERS store also houses Sports Direct, USC, and GAME. Augmenting the dynamic new retail offering which FRASERS launched in June, the opening of an impressive new 5,000 sq. ft. FLANNELS store at the beginning of December 2025 – housing highly desirable luxury and contemporary brands – is enhancing the appeal of Overgate as an aspirational shopping hotspot. Earlier in 2025, in May and June, two of the most recognisable names in style arrived at Overgate: Clarks and Mango. Currently celebrating its 200th anniversary, iconic British heritage brand Clarks opened a new 2,160 sq. ft. store in May, with the brand’s distinctive footwear proving to be a popular addition to the centre. Swiftly following in June was the arrival of one of Europe’s leading fashion groups; Mango. Located within a prime site on the ground floor of Overgate, the store spans over 3,987 sq. ft and stocks exclusively Mango Woman. It is one of the first in Scotland to feature the group’s new Mediterranean-inspired concept, New Med. Far from the approaching year end being a time for retail operational pause and review, September and November 2025 saw a fresh charge of momentum with the opening of a further two new stores: Clintons and Nomination. Bringing a brand-new look and shopping experience, Clintons opened a 1,844 sq. ft store in September. In November, Nomination, the personalised jewellery brand which enjoys a huge cult following worldwide, opened a new 1,385 sq. ft store. Additionally, new openings in 2025 by Menkind, Bee Inspired, and Oud Studio have occupied a combined 3,948 sq. ft. Lease renewals are a particularly notable touchpoint in Overgate’s story of success with five renewals in 2025 including Ernest & Jones, Flying Tiger, and Fuel amongst others, occupying a combined total of 12,634 sq. ft. Elsewhere, investment by tenants both through store extensions and also refurbishments, is evident across Overgate. Superdrug, the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer, has increased its store footprint by over 35% from 7,125 sq. ft to 9,739 sq. ft, and introduced a range of new offerings including Beauty Studios, luxury fragrance counters, a nurse clinic, and an enhanced pharmacy. Likewise, Next has refurbished its store into a brighter environment with every area of the store given a fresh treatment. Holland & Barrett has radically transformed its store to reflect a slick aesthetic within which its expanded, high quality product range is now showcased, whilst Primark – a perennially popular anchor of Overgate – has introduced a new Click & Collect and a new Self Service as part of its refurbishment. Topping the year off for Overgate was two International Green Apple Environment Award wins. Presented by The Green Organisation – the non-profit organisation established 30 years ago to promote environmental stewardship worldwide – these two awards are in recognition of Overgate’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and excellence in environmental practice. A Highly Commended recognition as Security Team of the Year has also recently been accorded to Overgate by the SCEPTRE Awards. And in keeping with Overgate’s longstanding support of local charities and the communities they serve, the centre’s Christmas Toy Appeal 2025 on behalf of Help for Kids saw public contributions exceeding £10,000 in donations. Finally, the Overgate Santa’s Grotto remained free in 2025 and open to all, with over 1,500 books given away to children. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium are set to move into construction this summer after securing planning approval from Leeds City Council. Councillors have given the green light to proposals that will increase the stadium’s capacity to up to 53,000, reinforcing Elland Road’s status as one of the largest football grounds in the country. The redevelopment will transform the historic venue into a UEFA Category 4 stadium, capable of hosting major international fixtures and showcase events. The scheme includes the partial demolition and rebuild of the West and North stands, alongside targeted alterations to the South Stand. Together, the works are designed to modernise the stadium while enhancing fan comfort, improving sightlines and upgrading matchday facilities both inside and around the ground. Enabling works are due to begin immediately, with major construction scheduled to follow the conclusion of the current season. The project will be delivered in two phases, with the West Stand being constructed first. Crucially, Leeds United will continue to play home matches at Elland Road throughout the redevelopment. The club said careful phasing of the works will ensure the stadium remains fully operational, preserving the atmosphere and acoustics that the ground is known for. The redevelopment has been designed by specialist sports architecture practice KSS, working alongside structural engineer Buro Happold. Project management will be led by RISE, while the Lowy Family Group is acting as development partner for the wider regeneration of the Elland Road area. Beyond the stadium itself, the project is being positioned as a catalyst for broader regeneration, supporting long-term investment, improved infrastructure and new opportunities around the site. Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe said securing planning permission marked a landmark moment for the club. He said the expansion reflects a long-term commitment to Leeds United’s future, supporting ambitions to establish the club in the Premier League and continue progressing in the years ahead. With approvals now in place, the Elland Road redevelopment is set to become one of the most significant stadium projects currently underway in English football. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer-led estate expansion plans at Greggs are set to continue at pace, with the food-to-go operator targeting 120 net new store openings during 2026. The growth follows a busy 2025, during which Greggs opened 207 new shops, averaging almost four openings per week. That programme included 50 relocations and 36 closures, resulting in a net increase of 121 stores over the year. As of 27 December, the business operated a total of 2,739 outlets across the UK, made up of 2,137 company-managed stores and 602 franchised locations. Greggs said its expansion strategy remains focused on improving coverage in under-served catchments while relocating existing shops from constrained sites to better-positioned locations that can support higher footfall and longer-term growth. The store rollout is supported by continued investment in supply chain capacity, which is expected to come on stream during 2026. Greggs said these upgrades are key to unlocking further expansion while maintaining operational efficiency across its growing estate. The update comes alongside the release of the company’s fourth-quarter trading figures for 2025, which showed sales growth of 7.4% over the period. For the full year, total sales reached £2.151bn, representing an increase of 6.8% compared with 2024. Chief executive Roisin Currie said the business made solid progress during a challenging trading environment, noting that subdued consumer confidence continued to affect the wider food-to-go market. She added that Greggs had outperformed the sector and increased its share of customer visits. Looking ahead, Currie said the company enters 2026 with a strong pipeline of new opportunities that will make Greggs even more convenient for customers. She highlighted continued focus on efficiency and value, particularly for consumers managing household budgets, as a core driver of the brand’s ongoing expansion. With estate growth and infrastructure investment moving forward in tandem, Greggs is positioning itself for another year of sustained rollout across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Muse has been selected as preferred development partner to lead one of the UK’s largest city-centre regeneration programmes, taking a central role in shaping the future of Bristol Temple Quarter. Muse Places will drive the delivery of up to 10,000 new homes alongside major commercial development, new public realm and significant transport upgrades centred around Bristol’s main rail hub. The appointment places Muse at the heart of a long-term regeneration strategy designed to transform a key gateway into the city. The developer will initially focus on Temple Meads West, an area comprising a series of publicly owned sites immediately adjacent to Bristol Temple Meads station. These include land at the Friary, the City Point building and multi-storey car park at Temple Gate, Lower Station Approach and the Portwall Lane car park. Muse is expected to begin work on an outline planning application for Temple Meads West, with submission targeted for early 2027. Alongside this, Muse will support BTQ LLP in developing longer-term proposals for St Philip’s Marsh. The area represents one of the largest remaining brownfield regeneration opportunities in central Bristol and forms a key component of the wider 135-hectare Temple Quarter programme. Bristol Temple Quarter is being brought forward through a partnership between Homes England, Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority. BTQ LLP said Muse was selected for its strong regeneration credentials and proven delivery record, citing major schemes in Salford, Plymouth and London, as well as its long-standing involvement in Bristol through the Wapping Wharf development. The appointment comes as momentum continues to build across Temple Quarter, supported by substantial public investment already under way. Construction is progressing on a new £23m eastern entrance to Bristol Temple Meads, funded through a £95m government grant, and due to open in September 2026 alongside the University of Bristol’s £500m Enterprise Campus. Further transport improvements are also advancing. BTQ LLP secured a resolution to grant planning permission for the Southern Gateway transport hub late last year, with a contractor expected to be appointed imminently and works scheduled to begin on site this summer. With Muse now in place as preferred partner, the Temple Quarter regeneration is set to enter a critical new phase, laying the foundations for one of the most ambitious urban renewal programmes in the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction of one of the most complicated parts of the HS2 project took a step forward over the Christmas break, as Balfour Beatty VINCI completed two key viaduct spans over the existing railway near Water Orton in Warwickshire. The spans form a small part of the Delta junction – a huge triangular intersection being built to the east of Birmingham for the new high-speed railway. Like the nearby Spaghetti Junction, it is formed of a complex series of interconnected viaducts, taking the high-speed line over motorways, local roads, existing railways, rivers and floodplains. It is designed to carry HS2 services to and from Birmingham, as well as connecting to the mainline heading north and south. To maintain speeds of 360km/h on the mainline and around 200km/h on the approaches to Birmingham, the junction is stretched out over a far larger area than a motorway junction, with 2.6 miles of track, including underpasses, flyovers and five major viaducts. The Water Orton viaducts are at the northern end of the junction and will allow southbound trains to join the spur into Birmingham Curzon Street and the rolling stock depot at Washwood Heath. Engineers working for Balfour Beatty VINCI used a five-day closure over the quieter Christmas period to safely complete the two parallel spans over the existing Birmingham to Peterborough railway line. With the railway crossing complete, the team can move on to the next sections of the viaducts over the nearby A446 road and the M42 motorway next year. Stephane Ciccolini, Senior Works Manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “This complex section of the HS2 route has taken a major step forward, after Balfour Beatty VINCI teams successfully erected two viaducts spans over an existing railway near Water Orton. “We’ve worked around the clock during the Christmas period to deliver this incredible feat of engineering, using a specialist cantilever technique not seen in the UK before this project. This approach involves using a 22-metre-high mast and a 14-metre-high swivel crane to move each individual segment into place until the span is complete.” Sam Hinkley, HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager said: “It’s great to see the Water Orton viaducts in place across the railway and I’d like to thank everyone who gave up their Christmas to help us reach this important milestone and I’d like to thank passengers for their patience. “These precast segmental viaducts form a key part of the Delta junction – one of the most complex parts of the HS2 project and I look forward to seeing more progress in the year ahead.” Once complete, the two single-track Water Orton viaducts will stretch for around 1.4km across two railways, a river, local roads and the M42. The viaducts are made of pre-cast concrete segments that are installed using a huge cantilever process. Once each span is in place, the permanent post-tensioned cables are installed in the hollow centre of the viaduct allowing the temporary cables stays to be moved forward to support the assembly of the next span. The same process is repeated between each pier until all the spans are complete. The 32 concrete piers that support the Water Orton viaducts are up to 20m tall and cast in situ using bespoke formwork and reinforcing cages manufactured at nearby Coleshill. The Water Orton viaducts form part of 3.7 miles worth of viaduct across Delta junction which are being built using this approach. All 2,742 concrete segments needed for the viaducts are being manufactured at a temporary factory at nearby Lea Marston. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Fiera Real Estate has formed a major joint venture with the Universities Superannuation Scheme to launch a new UK-focused industrial development platform. The partnership will see USS commit around £500m to the venture, which has been established with an initial five-year term. The joint venture will target individual acquisitions of up to £50m, focusing on the development of prime small-to-mid-box industrial assets in strategically located urban markets across the UK. The platform will be managed by Chris Button, head of investment management for Europe at Fiera Real Estate, and will concentrate on brownfield and established employment sites. The ambition is to deliver multi-let urban industrial schemes of up to 250,000 sq ft that respond to strong occupier demand for modern, well-located space. Fiera Real Estate said the joint venture will draw on its operating partner model and its track record in delivering ground-up development projects, with the aim of building a market-leading logistics portfolio. Sustainability will be a central theme, with schemes designed to meet high ESG standards and align with the evolving priorities of occupiers. Charlie Allen, head of European real estate at Fiera Real Estate, said the platform is intended to address demand for contemporary industrial assets that support sustainability objectives, improve supply-chain resilience and enhance carbon performance. He added that favourable market dynamics, pricing conditions and the continued digitalisation of the economy underpin the long-term investment case for UK logistics and urban industrial property. Alex Turner, head of property at Universities Superannuation Scheme, said the partnership builds on USS’s established presence in the industrial sector. He noted that the scheme already has a £1.5bn industrial portfolio and brings deep sector expertise to the venture. The joint venture is already progressing, with two prime sites under offer in South East England. Together, the schemes are expected to deliver a combined gross development value in excess of £100m. While financial terms have not been formally disclosed, the partnership signals continued confidence in the UK industrial and logistics market, particularly in well-connected urban locations where supply remains constrained. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer-backed plans to significantly expand Nottingham Forest Football Club’s City Ground have been submitted, setting out proposals to increase the stadium’s capacity from 30,445 to around 52,000. The planning applications mark a major step forward in the club’s ambitions to deliver a large-scale redevelopment of the historic riverside ground. Nottingham Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, said the proposals represent a significant investment that would create a sustainable and iconic stadium, forming an integral part of the economic growth of Nottingham and the wider region. The redevelopment has been designed by KSS Design Group, which is also leading stadium expansion projects at Anfield for Liverpool FC and Elland Road for Leeds United. The wider professional team includes Buro Happold, Gleeds and Savills, reflecting the scale and complexity of the proposed transformation. Under the new plans, the City Ground would be comprehensively redeveloped to deliver a modern, high-capacity stadium capable of supporting the club’s long-term sporting and commercial ambitions. Visuals released by the club show a substantially enlarged venue designed to enhance the matchday experience for supporters while improving facilities and accessibility. In a statement, Nottingham Forest said it is looking forward to working closely with the Mayor of the East Midlands, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as fans and the wider community, to secure a positive outcome for the scheme. The new proposals replace a previously approved, more modest expansion. Last year, the club secured planning permission from Rushcliffe Borough Council to increase capacity to 35,000 through the demolition and rebuild of the Peter Taylor Stand. Those plans have now been set aside in favour of the more ambitious redevelopment. Architect Konstantinos Chatzimanolis, formerly of Foster & Partners, has also been advising the club on its expansion strategy since April last year. James Faflik, senior director and project lead at Gleeds, said he was proud to have led the professional team on what he described as a transformative stadium redevelopment. He said the project would deliver significant benefits for supporters, the local economy and the wider area, and expressed his enthusiasm for progressing the scheme following submission of the planning application. Gleeds regional director Matt Darby added that feedback from local businesses, councillors, season ticket holders and other stakeholders had been overwhelmingly positive. He said the firm is looking forward to continuing its long-standing relationship with the club as the project moves through the planning process. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Chart Forte has secured planning approval to deliver a four-storey rooftop extension as part of the conversion of a former City of London office building into a luxury hotel. The City of London Corporation has granted consent for the redevelopment of the Grade II-listed St Clement’s House at 27–28 Clements Lane, clearing the way for a 180-key Marriott hotel in the heart of the Square Mile. The scheme is being brought forward by family-run developer Chart Forte (Monument), with designs by Studio Moren. Construction works are expected to commence this summer, with the build programme anticipated to last between 18 and 24 months. Located between Monument and Bank, the mid-19th century building will be transformed from underused office space into a design-led hotel, supporting the City’s wider ambition to diversify land use beyond its traditional commercial office base. The proposals include a public-facing ground floor offering a lounge, restaurant, café and bar, helping to animate the surrounding streetscape throughout the day and evening. A key feature of the scheme is a lightweight metal rooftop extension that will add four new storeys of guest accommodation. The curved design has been developed to respond sensitively to the building’s historic context, drawing inspiration from its existing segmental arches as well as the vaulted forms of nearby St Clement’s Church. This approach allows the hotel to increase capacity while maintaining a respectful relationship with the surrounding townscape. The conversion is underpinned by a heritage-led strategy that will see key architectural features retained and restored. These include the marble-clad street-level façade, original staircases and cast-iron columns. Elements that have been lost over time, such as decorative plaster ceilings, chimney breasts and internal arches, will be reinstated as part of the works. Sustainability sits at the heart of the proposals, with the project targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. A reuse-first approach will be adopted, incorporating roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, low-carbon materials and building services, fabric upgrades, rainwater harvesting and the creation of a biodiverse green roof. Once complete, the hotel is expected to make a significant contribution to the City’s growing leisure and hospitality offer, bringing new life to a historic building while responding to changing patterns of demand in the Square Mile. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Marvel has secured full planning approval to deliver a £300m indoor ski and leisure resort in Wales after the Welsh Government confirmed it would not intervene in the scheme. Councillors at Merthyr Tydfil Council have now given final approval for the Rhydycar West development, clearing the way for what is being promoted as the UK’s longest indoor snow centre. The site is located on land to the south west of the A470 and A4102 roundabout. At the heart of the scheme is a 400-metre-long indoor ski slope, which would significantly exceed the length of existing UK facilities and place the resort among the largest indoor snow centres worldwide. The development will also include a tropical water park, a range of indoor and outdoor adventure attractions, up to 418 hotel bedrooms, 30 woodland lodges and approximately 830 car parking spaces. Marvel said the facility is intended to become the official training base for GB and Welsh Olympic and Paralympic snow sports teams, positioning Merthyr Tydfil as a major destination for winter sports and leisure tourism. Plans for the Rhydycar West scheme were first unveiled in 2017, with a formal planning application submitted in 2023. When the proposals were considered by councillors in March 2025, members voted against officers’ recommendations to refuse consent on the former coal and ironstone mining site. The decision prompted a referral to the planning inspectorate. In November 2025, the Welsh Government confirmed it would not call the scheme in, returning the application to Merthyr Tydfil Council for a final determination, which has now been granted. Marvel said the resort would surpass the UK’s current benchmark indoor snow facility at Manchester’s Chill Factore and deliver a major boost to the local and regional economy. The developer estimates that the project will generate around 1,500 construction jobs during the build phase, with approximately 1,200 of those expected to be filled by local workers. Once operational, the resort is forecast to support around 800 permanent jobs across hospitality, leisure and facility management. With planning hurdles now cleared, Marvel is expected to progress the scheme towards delivery, bringing one of the UK’s most ambitious leisure developments a step closer to reality. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals