Tritax Big Box Developments (TBBD) has submitted a planning application to bring forward the next phase of development at Symmetry Park Rugby. The 1.4 million sq ft hybrid application includes a detailed proposal for a 300,000 sq ft logistics unit and the creation of Cawston Landscape Park (CLP), a 20-acre
Stoford has announced the launch of a new commercial electric vehicle (EV) charge park at Spa Park, Leamington Spa, in partnership with leading EV charging network Zapcharged. The facility on Spartan Close provides 26 EV charging bays and is one of the first commercial charge parks in Warwickshire. Designed to
Projects starting on-site show slight increase on back of office and industrial upticks Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the December 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of November 2025, focusing on underlying
Highcross Leicester has announced the opening of beauty retailer Superdrug, signalling continued brand confidence in the destination following a flurry of new additions in recent months. Together, these openings reinforce Highcross Leicester’s appeal to leading UK brands, and its position as a prime retail destination in the region. Superdrug’s new
Local people in the communities around SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett are set to benefit from investment in careers advice, employability training and wellbeing support as part of a newly launched Community Investment Plan by SEGRO, the developer of the former Radlett Aerodrome site The plan was developed in partnership with
£340M Investment Plans Submitted To Durham County Council Citrus Durham has submitted plans for the next £340M phase of development at its Integra 61 mixed-use development at J61 of the A1(M). Following a recent public consultation process, an outline planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council to create
GLP marked the closing of its Lutterworth Community Fund (the “Fund”), having reached the end of its funding cycle, with a celebratory lunch to recognise the local organisations, sponsors and partners who have helped deliver more than £1.4 million in community support. The initiative was set up in 2020 by
Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK) has officially opened its second dedicated Training Academy at the company’s Head Office in Aldridge, West Midlands. The new facility builds on the success of the first academy in Skelmersdale, further reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to developing skills, safety, and technical excellence across the
Construction is advancing at pace at Panattoni Park in Swindon, with McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) firmly on track to deliver the landmark 545,000 sq. ft. logistics and industrial scheme within the 39-week programme. McLaren is delivering the speculative design and build contract on behalf of Panattoni, supported by UMC
Artisan Real Estate to Partner with Whitbread to Transform 1980s Office on edge of Capital’s New Town into hub by Premier Inn Planning consent has been granted by the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) to transform a sandstone office building on the edge of Edinburgh’s New Town into a sustainable
Tritax Big Box Developments (TBBD) has submitted a planning application to bring forward the next phase of development at Symmetry Park Rugby. The 1.4 million sq ft hybrid application includes a detailed proposal for a 300,000 sq ft logistics unit and the creation of Cawston Landscape Park (CLP), a 20-acre green space featuring new footpaths linked to existing public rights of way, communal orchards with edible planting, and levelled areas for informal sports and play. Symmetry Park is already home to Iron Mountain, which occupies 1 million sq ft. This initial commitment in 2022 marked the launch of its first UK campus to offer a wide range of services. In July this year, TBBD completed the letting of unit 5, a speculatively built 391,000 sq ft facility to a data management company on a 15-year lease. Two further speculatively developed facilities remain available comprising 338,064 sq ft (unit 6) and 170,473 sq ft (unit 7) on a leasehold basis. The buildings have been built to net-zero carbon in construction standards and have a BREEAM “Excellent” and EPC A+ rating. Joseph Skinner, development director at TBBD, explained: “Located at the heart of the logistics Golden Triangle, Rugby represents an established major distribution and manufacturing location. Organisations who choose to be based here can benefit from access to a highly skilled work force, as well as access to major infrastructure routes. The creation of the new park will provide addional amenities to the public and we look forward in working in partnership with local stakeholders to bring this forward. “With Iron Mountain already operating here and strong occupational market demand, we believe it is the opportune time to bring forward this next phase. Subject to planning approval, the site will be developed on a speculative / design and build basis with units up to 1 million sq ft available.” The site forms part of the wider South West Rugby Urban Extension which will also add 5,000 new homes, bringing forward further labour and amenity benefits. The project team includes Framptons Town Planning (Planning Consultants), EDP (Ecology and Landscaping), Stantec (Highways and Transport), Tier Consult (Civil and Structural Engineers), Rider Levitt Bucknall (Project Manager), McBains (Quantity Surveyor), Ridge (BREEAM), Basepower (Utilites) and MBA (M&E). Colliers International & ILP Partners are letting agents for Rugby. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stoford has announced the launch of a new commercial electric vehicle (EV) charge park at Spa Park, Leamington Spa, in partnership with leading EV charging network Zapcharged. The facility on Spartan Close provides 26 EV charging bays and is one of the first commercial charge parks in Warwickshire. Designed to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure, it supports occupiers, commercial fleet operators, and members of the public with reliable, high-speed charging. Operated by Zapcharged, the site is located within one of Leamington Spa’s most successful business parks. Dan Gallagher, Joint Managing Director at Stoford, said: “Spa Park continues to set the standard for sustainable business environments in the region. The delivery of this new EV charge park provides occupiers and visitors with the infrastructure they need to transition to cleaner transport. We’re proud to be partnering with Zapcharged on this important step towards decarbonising business travel and logistics in Warwickshire.” Zapcharged installs and operates fast and rapid EV chargers across the UK, providing management solutions for commercial and public sites. Commenting on the partnership, Nick Lewis of Zapcharged, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Stoford to bring EV charging to Spa Park. The chargers provide a valuable new amenity for occupiers and visitors, offering reliable, high-speed access that supports the shift to cleaner transport. We’re excited to build on this success at other sites across the region.” Mark Ryder, Executive Director for Communities, Warwickshire County Council, added: “It was a pleasure to attend the launch of the new EV charge park at Spa Park. As EV adoption accelerates in Warwickshire, this facility represents a significant step forward in supporting both local businesses transitioning to EV fleets, and employees seeking convenient workplace charging options.” Spa Park is a prime business park development off Tachbrook Road, near Junctions 14 and 15 of the M40. A joint venture between Stoford and a fund managed by BlackRock, it offers around 500,000 sq ft of premium office, R&D, production and distribution space. The park comprises nine state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable buildings, each rated BREEAM Excellent and EPC A. The final available unit, Unit E, provides 50,995 sq ft of high-quality accommodation and is immediately available to let. Current occupiers at Spa Park include Berry Global, Bladon Micro Turbines, Liberty Commodities, General Motors, Martin Sprocket & Gear, Opus International Products and Wickes. For more information about Spa Park, please contact retained agents Bromwich Hardy, CBRE and M1 Agency or visit: https://www.spapark.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Projects starting on-site show slight increase on back of office and industrial upticks Today, Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo, one of the construction industry’s leading insight experts, releases the December 2025 edition of its Construction Index. The Index reviews the three months to the end of November 2025, focusing on underlying projects with a total value of £100 million or less (unless otherwise stated). All figures are seasonally adjusted. It’s a report which provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of year-on-year construction data, giving built environment professionals a unique insight into sector performance over the last 12 months. The December Construction Index indicates that whilst the sector is by no means out of the woods yet, there’s fresh hope for recovery with a modest 3% project-start increase registered in the three months to November. However, a sudden burst of activity, largely supported by spikes in office and industrial starts was not enough to prevent performance dipping 4% below 2024 levels. This shows that whilst the signs are encouraging, there’s plenty of lost ground to be made up after a tawdry year punctuated with dramatic episodes of policy confusion and ongoing economic turbulence. Many will be hoping that the eventual clarity delivered in last month’s Budget will solidify the Government’s intent, outlined initially during the Spring/Summer Spending Review, crystallising into a flurry of renewed activity across most, if not all, verticals. According to Glenigan’s Economics Director, Allan Wilen, “Whilst performance was generally weak in most areas of the construction industry, the decline was less severe than we’ve seen in other months, with three standout verticals: offices, industrial, and social housing pushing the overall sector back into positive figures during the Index period. Yes, these levels are lower than last year, but given the backdrop of volatile global markets, wild political speculation and policy false starts, the situation could’ve been a lot worse. He continues, “The Chancellor’s recent statement will have gone some way to reassuring contractors and subcontractors that the Government remains committed to the various capital projects and upgrades it promised earlier in the year. There will be industry-wide fingers-crossed that this materialises into concrete funding so shovels can be committed to the ground in earnest. All this going to plan will bear out the predictions we made last month in our Autumn Forecast, which indicates growth returning to UK construction in 2026 and 2027.” Taking a closer look at the results… Sector Analysis – Residential The Residential sector was a mixed bag, with plummeting activity in the private sector, offset by an impressive growth-spurt in social housing activity. Overall performance declined by 6% compared to the preceding three months and by 18% compared to 2024 figures, dragged down by private housing construction, dropping by 16% during the Index period and by 26% against the previous year. As above, Social Housing cushioned the comparative fall, rising 28% compared to the preceding three months to finish 11% up on the previous year. Sector Analysis – Non-Residential Similar to recent Indexes, office starts were the standout performer, experiencing yet another relatively strong period, rising by 56% compared to the preceding three months and 147% above the previous year. Much of this upsurge can be attributed to the commencement of major projects including the £85.9 million One Hanover Street office development for The Crown Estate in Mayfair, London, as well as various other smaller schemes. Likewise, the industrial sector also performed well, rising by a third (+33%) compared to the preceding three months, finishing almost two-thirds higher (+60%) than the previous year. Community and amenity project starts increased by 8% compared to the preceding three months, but posted a modest decline of 2% against the previous year. Civils work starting on-site increased by 4% against the preceding three months but declined by 1% against the previous year. Infrastructure work starting on-site increased 12% compared to the preceding three months and increased by 3% on the previous year. These positive figures were tempered by a dip in utilities activity where starts declined by 5% against the preceding three months and the previous year. Elsewhere, activity stagnation and decline were consistent. Hotel & Leisure fared worst, recording a 28% drop compared to the preceding three months, and 39% down against the previous year. The Health sector remained flat against the preceding three months, standing 24% lower than the previous year. Retail also declined 11% against the preceding three months, standing 22% lower than 2024 levels and Education experienced a poor period too, falling 4% against the preceding three months and declining 13% against the previous year. Regional Outlook Starts soared across the capital, experiencing the strongest performance of any region, rocketing by 77% compared to the preceding three months to stand 56% up against the previous year. The South West also performed well, rising by 15% against the preceding three months to stand 8% up on 2024 levels. The North East experienced a mixed performance, declining a mere 2% against the preceding three months but finishing an impressive 72% up against the previous year. Conversely, the West Midlands experienced a poor period, declining 13% against the preceding three months and falling 9% compared to last year. The South East performed poorly, posting an 11% decline against the preceding three months to stand 19% down against the previous year. The North West fared even worse, declining 17% against the preceding three months, resulting in a 24% drop against the previous year. Find out more about Glenigan here: www.glenigan.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Highcross Leicester has announced the opening of beauty retailer Superdrug, signalling continued brand confidence in the destination following a flurry of new additions in recent months. Together, these openings reinforce Highcross Leicester’s appeal to leading UK brands, and its position as a prime retail destination in the region. Superdrug’s new 8,800 sq ft store, located on the lower level of the mall, close to long-standing tenant Levi’s, showcases Superdrug’s vibrant range of beauty, health, and wellness products in its latest store format. Superdrug joins Highcross Leicester’s premium lineup of health and beauty brands, including Jo Malone, Lush, and Clarins. Highcross Leicester’s beauty category has continued to level up in recent months, with the opening of Space NK’s city debut, taking a 3,000 sq ft unit on the lower level, near Reiss. It stocks best-in-class beauty brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Rare Beauty, and Laura Mercier. Rituals also recently opened at the scheme, boasting its range of fragrances and must-have gift sets in its signature store layout. These openings build on the centre’s strong leasing momentum throughout 2025, adding more trusted beauty names to its tenant mix and appealing to the centre’s widespread catchment and diverse audience. Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, commented: “Superdrug joining the retail lineup at Highcross Leicester not only strengthens our already dynamic beauty offer, which has seen phenomenal demand this year, but also enables us to deliver more choice and convenience for our visitors. This opening reflects the ongoing confidence that leading brands have in our destination, marking another important step in our vision to enhance the shopping experience and appeal to a widespread demographic.” Clare Jennings, Property Director at Superdrug, added: “We’re thrilled to bring Superdrug to Highcross Leicester with the opening of our brand-new store. This spacious location reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in physical retail, enabling us to offer an even broader selection of products and services to shoppers. Designed to deliver a modern and engaging shopping experience, the store showcases leading health and beauty brands, a dedicated premium fragrance section, and our popular in-store Beauty Studio offering threading and waxing services. We’re also proud to support the community by creating 60 new jobs and contributing to Leicester’s long-term growth.” These openings follow leading retailer H&M reopening its newly fitted-out 24,400 sq ft store, which features the brand’s latest interior with the integration of self-checkouts and click-and-collect services. Other retail brands at Highcross Leicester include Zara, Mango, Next, and Urban Outfitters, anchored by a 230,000 sq ft John Lewis. Time Retail Partners and LM act on behalf of Highcross Leicester. Mason & Partners act on behalf of Superdrug. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Local people in the communities around SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett are set to benefit from investment in careers advice, employability training and wellbeing support as part of a newly launched Community Investment Plan by SEGRO, the developer of the former Radlett Aerodrome site The plan was developed in partnership with seven community and education partners – Communities 1st, Emmaus, Mind in Herts, St Albans Foodbank, Citizens Advice Bureau, Oaklands College and SmallPeice Trust – to improve social inclusion and community wellbeing. The Community Investment Plan, which will be funded by SEGRO and supported by its suppliers and future customers, aims to achieve the following outcomes by the end of 2028: 1,000 students, including young people from local schools such as Batchwood and Links Academy, will benefit from a coordinated programme of careers advice, STEM and skills-based initiatives. SEGRO and its partners will help inspire young people to pursue rewarding careers in construction and logistics through career workshops, specialist insights and site visits. 300 local unemployed people supported through targeted employment and skills services. Working alongside local community partners, the programme will include volunteering opportunities, as well as helping participants build confidence, enhance digital skills and access routes into long-term, sustainable work. SEGRO is also funding a new CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) training centre at Oaklands College that will enable 650 construction learners and 120 adults seeking a job in the sector to prove they have the necessary training, qualifications and competence to work on a site. More than 300 residents will benefit from initiatives promoting physical and mental wellbeing, including expanded access to health and counselling services, nutrition and lifestyle workshops, and targeted support for those experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. Neil Impiazzi, Partnership Development Director, at SEGRO, said: “Through the Community Investment Plan, we want to create a lasting, positive change by supporting local people into employment, inspiring young people about careers in construction and logistics, and improving wellbeing across the community living area around SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett. “We know from our conversations with community partners there is increasing demand for their services from vulnerable members of the local community, and we’re happy to work in partnership to ensure we are benefitting residents that really need our support.” The Community Investment Plan covering the St Albans area forms part of SEGRO’s broader commitment to Invest in local communities and environments, boosting skills, training and employment, in the communities where it operates across the UK and Continental Europe. It builds on a series of pilot initiatives launched in 2024, including careers workshops and site visits for local students, as well as funding for educational equipment at Batchwood School and Links Academy. The success of the Community Investment Plan relies on collaboration, and the community partners are central to delivering programmes and initiatives that will have meaningful positive impact. Stephen Craker, Chief Executive, Communities 1st, said: “Our aim is to strengthen opportunities for people in the south of the district. SEGRO’s Community Investment Plan will enable the St Albans Community Partnership to extend practical help for those who will benefit from tailored training, structured pathways into work and wider wellbeing support. It will reinforce existing community networks and help create long-term prospects for local residents.” Chloe Hawkins, Director of Adult & Work Based Training, Oaklands College, said: “We’re delighted to partner with SEGRO on this initiative which will directly support our construction students and adult learners in a sector which is important to both our organisations. The new CSCS training centre it will fund will give more local people access to the essential qualifications they need to work safely and confidently on site, helping them take the next step in their careers and supporting the wider construction sector across our community.” SEGRO Logistics Park Radlett will deliver 335,000 sq m of state-of-the-art, sustainable logistics space, enabled by a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange on site, set within in 600 acres of managed woodland, conservation grazing and public country park. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
£340M Investment Plans Submitted To Durham County Council Citrus Durham has submitted plans for the next £340M phase of development at its Integra 61 mixed-use development at J61 of the A1(M). Following a recent public consultation process, an outline planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council to create an extension to the west of the Integra 61 scheme to accommodate a further 3 million sq ft of employment space. The first phase of the existing £400M Integra 61 development, which includes 3m sq ft of developable space, is already 90% complete and the major investment into the second phase could see some 300 new jobs being created in the North East throughout the build and operational stages. The planning application details proposals for a range of storage/distribution and manufacturing units of varying sizes, to reflect market demand from regional businesses as well as those looking to invest in premises in the region. The submitted application is in outline, which seeks to secure the fundamental development principles of bringing a scheme forward at this stage, latter reserved matters applications will evolve the exact design and scale which will all have to be within the principles sought to be established now. The new development in its latter stages would require the delivery of the Bowburn Development Route (relief road) in conjunction with Durham County Council. Integra 61 is already home to Amazon’s 2m sq ft fulfilment centre, a further 640,000 sq ft of speculative logistics space at Connect at Integra 61 and an impressive roadside portfolio including Costa and Greggs along with an incoming £4 million EG On The Move petrol station with a convenience store and separate Starbucks drive-thru. Tesla has also installed 19 new Superchargers on site. Construction is well underway on Marton Care’s new 73 bedroom care home facility to complement the 260 new homes already developed by Persimmon and Bellway. James Taylor, Regional Director at Citrus, said: “We are delighted to have now submitted this significant planning application for the second phase of Integra 61, building on the success of phase one and firmly establishing Integra as a premier business location in the region. Securing planning consent is an important early stage in the journey to bringing this phase to fruition and we look forward to working with all stakeholders during this process.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GLP marked the closing of its Lutterworth Community Fund (the “Fund”), having reached the end of its funding cycle, with a celebratory lunch to recognise the local organisations, sponsors and partners who have helped deliver more than £1.4 million in community support. The initiative was set up in 2020 by GLP, the developer and owner of Magna Park Lutterworth now part of Ares Management Real Estate, to support the local community, charities and voluntary organisations in and around Magna Park. The Fund has been administered through Lutterworth Area Community Projects Limited (LACPL), which was formally launched on 1 November 2020 with a five-year lifespan to invest in the parishes surrounding Magna Park. Since inception, the Fund has supported a wide range of local initiatives spanning education, wellbeing, youth services, the environment and local infrastructure. This has included: These awards reflect GLP’s long-term commitment to building strong, sustainable relationships in the regions where it operates. GLP remains deeply committed to community investment across the UK through its wider G+ Community programme, which continues to fund and deliver social impact projects linked to GLP developments nationwide. Alongside the Fund’s local activity, GLP also contributes to national causes through its annual G-Tour cycling challenge, a Europe-wide event that brings together employees, partners and customers to raise money for charity. The G-Tour’s donations for the last two years have been a combined £45,000 distributed among five UK charities: Dementia UK, LandAid, Parkinson’s UK, The Christie Charity & Mind. Bruce Topley, Managing Director at GLP UK, said: “The Lutterworth Community Fund and the G-Tour represent two sides of the same commitment: supporting both the communities around our developments and wider causes that matter to our people and partners. Over the years, the Fund has provided real and lasting benefits for local organisations, while G-Tour continues to bring together our network to raise vital funds for national charities. The scale of what’s been achieved reflects the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone involved, from our sponsors and partners to the colleagues who give their time each year. On behalf of everyone at GLP, I want to thank them all for helping us make a meaningful difference, both here in Lutterworth and across the UK”. The celebratory lunch was attended by representatives from the community partners marking the formal close of the Fund and celebrating the collective achievements it has enabled. Since its inception, the Lutterworth Community Fund has formed a central part of GLP’s G+ Community programme, the company’s pan-European initiative to deliver social value through local investment, volunteering and fundraising. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Altrad RMD Kwikform (Altrad RMDK) has officially opened its second dedicated Training Academy at the company’s Head Office in Aldridge, West Midlands. The new facility builds on the success of the first academy in Skelmersdale, further reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to developing skills, safety, and technical excellence across the construction industry. Unveiled by Managing Director Mark Pickard, the Aldridge Training Academy will serve as a central hub for advancing knowledge in above and below ground temporary works systems. It features purpose-built training areas, a live demonstration zone, and digital resources that replicate real-world site environments, enabling employees and customers to deepen their understanding of Altrad RMDK’s innovative systems and engineering solutions. Together with the Skelmersdale academy, the Aldridge facility forms a unified learning network. The combined facilities increase training capacity and make learning more accessible for employees and customers across the UK, promoting continuous improvement, technical excellence, and best practice throughout the temporary works sector. Mark Pickard, Managing Director at Altrad RMD Kwikform, commented: “The opening of our Aldridge Training Academy represents the next phase in our investment in people and the future of the industry. By expanding our training offering, we’re giving our teams and customers the opportunity to strengthen their technical expertise, improve safety standards, and deliver excellence on every project. “It’s a proud moment for everyone at Altrad RMDK as we continue building on the success of the Skelmersdale academy and look ahead to shaping the next generation of construction professionals.” The addition of the Aldridge facility ensures that training is now accessible to Altrad RMDK teams and customers from North to South, supporting the company’s growing workforce and customer base throughout the UK. For more on Altrad RMD Kwikform, please visit www.rmdkwikform.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is advancing at pace at Panattoni Park in Swindon, with McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) firmly on track to deliver the landmark 545,000 sq. ft. logistics and industrial scheme within the 39-week programme. McLaren is delivering the speculative design and build contract on behalf of Panattoni, supported by UMC Architects, KAM Project Consultants, BWB Consulting and Construction CDM Services. The project continues to hit key milestones of the 39-construction week schedule, and the steel frame is now complete, the internal roof largely finished, windows are being installed, and cladding installation is progressing steadily. Roofing works are well advanced with lining sheets due for completion, and externally, concrete slab works are underway, the multi-story car park deck is poured, kerbs are being installed, alongside power and water service installations. The office area is fully glazed and cladding of the striking link bridge – connecting the main building to the multi-storey car park – is now taking place. First-fix mechanical and electrical services have begun within the warehouse, and internal finishes and the office fit-out is progressing well. On completion, the development will offer premier logistics space with two storeys of high-spec office accommodation and a decked car park. The scheme is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC A+/A ratings, with a commitment to achieving net zero upfront carbon emissions. Historically, the site was used as brownfield land before being an airfield during World War II, and then later it was redeveloped for car manufacturing by Honda in the late 20th century. This regeneration is part of Panattoni’s wider plan to bring new life and jobs to the area following the closure of Honda’s operations in 2021. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Midlands & North, said: “We’re proud to be delivering this project at pace and to such a high standard. This is a flagship scheme, not only for Panattoni but for the wider region, and our team is focused on maintaining momentum right through to completion in early 2026.” Panattoni Park Swindon is poised to deliver high-quality industrial space in a location with excellent connectivity and legacy infrastructure, further strengthening Swindon’s position as a key logistics hub in the South West. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Artisan Real Estate to Partner with Whitbread to Transform 1980s Office on edge of Capital’s New Town into hub by Premier Inn Planning consent has been granted by the City of Edinburgh Council (CEC) to transform a sandstone office building on the edge of Edinburgh’s New Town into a sustainable 102-bedroom city centre hotel. Regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate is now set to progress with the redevelopment of Albany House, located at 58 Albany Street on the corner of the capital’s Broughton Street, with completion scheduled for summer 2027. Artisan have agreed terms with Whitbread plc to operate the completed hotel under its popular hub by Premier Inn brand The five-storey Albany House was constructed in the 1980s and was designed to reflect the adjacent Georgian neoclassical town houses along Albany Street. The current occupiers are relocating to new offices in the city centre in 2026. Artisan’s design proposals will retain much of the external structure of the building whilst replacing the top floor facade with a contemporary new cladding and finish to meet current building standards. Internally, the hotel’s design specification will meet high environmental and sustainability standards, with air-sourced heat pump technology replacing the existing fossil fuel heating and hot water system. Welcoming the planning consent for Albany House, Artisan’s Managing Director for Scotland, David Westwater, said: “This exciting hotel development will bring continued interest and investment to a vibrant corner of Edinburgh’s eastern city centre. We are pleased to be once again working with Whitbread to create a modern and contemporary hotel interior providing the high levels of insulation and energy technology, delivering both a sustainable and attractive addition to Edinburgh’s successful hospitality sector. The existing sandstone building is well-suited to hotel development with high levels of natural daylight and an established entrance area.” He added: “Albany House is the latest in a succession of high-profile planning proposals delivered by Artisan in Edinburgh’s city centre during the last 12 months and reinforces our stated commitment to bring substantial investment coupled with high quality development to the heart of Scotland’s capital.” Whitbread currently welcomes close to a million visitors to its established network of 14 Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels within the City of Edinburgh Council area. The business calculates its guests staying at these hotels generate more than £32 million in visitor expenditure to the Edinburgh economy every year. Jill Anderson, Acquisitions Manager for Whitbread, said: “Albany House is an excellent location for a hub by Premier Inn hotel, and I am very pleased to be working with Artisan to expand our footprint in the city in a sustainable way through the proposed conversion of the 1980s office building. “Our hub by Premier Inn hotels are designed to appeal to budget, short-stay travellers, looking to stay in the most interesting and connected city centre locations. It offers all the comfort, consistency, and reliability of Premier Inn, but with a smaller bedroom and the format allows us to offer great value rooms in the most vibrant places.” She added: “Premier Inn has been part of Edinburgh’s hospitality scene for more than 30 years. We’re incredibly proud to have built a network of popular, good-value hotels across the city, and we see great potential for further investment driven by our own high occupancy in the city and the fact that budget hotels like Premier Inn account for just 20% of the city’s bedroom stock.” Artisan Real Estate has an established track record of delivering innovative hotel development in architecturally sensitive city centre locations. This includes three hotels as part of the award-winning New Waverley development in the heart of the Edinburgh’s Old Town – including partnering with Whitbread to deliver a Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn (trading as Edinburgh City Centre Royal Mile). Most recently, the developer has completed the transformation of Glasgow’s historic Clydeside Custom House into a new hotel quarter. The Albany House planning proposal follows Artisan’s successful application to transform the city’s historic Caledonian Brewery into a new residential neighbourhood which received planning consent from CEC in May 2025. The developer is also progressing with the homes-led regeneration of a vacant office block on the city’s Ferry Road, to the north of the city centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals