Arco has pledged to donate a share of profits from its hard hat sales to the Mental Health Foundation, as part of a new partnership to “protect heads inside and out”. From next month, the UK’s leading safety experts will donate 10% of all profits from sales of own-brand hard
Landscaping specialist Marshalls has announced the final results of this year’s Marshalls Register Awards, with hundreds of entries whittled down to just ten national winners, including the coveted Contractor of the Year title. Over 400 landscaping projects were entered into the awards and earlier this year, Marshalls announced its regional
The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency. This shift is not just about adopting new materials or changing designs; it’s about integrating advanced technologies that can lead to more sustainable and efficient homes and buildings. One of
London is set to receive a significant boost with a £1 billion mixed-use property development in Blackfriars. The green light has been given to a property developer for the redevelopment of 18 Blackfriars, the former site of the Sainsbury’s headquarters. This area has remained largely vacant for over two decades,
With three jam-packed days of insight from industry leaders, the latest innovation and technology, famous faces, and an abundance of networking opportunities, UKCW London returns to ExCeL next week (May 7-9) bigger and better than ever – with over 21,000 visitors expected across three days. Planning is the key at
Honeywell security, fire and life safety technologies will be on interactive display at The Security Event on April 30 – May 2 in Birmingham at Stand 5/F20. The showcased Honeywell technologies help building (or facility) decision makers and operators manage threats while improving uptimes and driving operational efficiencies all delivered
Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, was named a winner in the Business Intelligence Group’s (BIG) Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards program. The awards recognise organisations, products and people who bring artificial intelligence to life and apply it to solve problems and realise opportunities. The AI-powered
Loungers, a prominent player in the UK hospitality industry, has witnessed remarkable growth, with the 2024 financial year marking a milestone in its expansion journey. Founded in 2002 by three friends with a vision to establish a neighbourhood café-bar they themselves would frequent, Loungers has evolved into a leading operator
A new report by the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, has found the construction sector of the project management profession has grown by over 20% in five years to contribute £33 billion of annual gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy.
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel chain, has opened its 600th hotel – located at London Oval Cricket Ground. The milestone was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Travelodge Chairman, Martin Robinson, CEO Jo Boydell, ex-England Cricket Captain and Surrey County Cricket Club Director, Alec Stewart OBE, and Surrey County
Arco has pledged to donate a share of profits from its hard hat sales to the Mental Health Foundation, as part of a new partnership to “protect heads inside and out”. From next month, the UK’s leading safety experts will donate 10% of all profits from sales of own-brand hard hats to the UK’s leading charity for mental health. Arco announced the partnership today as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), underlining the company’s commitment to keeping people safe at work, and its preventative approach to physical and mental well-being. Guy Bruce, chief executive of Arco, said: “Everything we do is focused on protecting people. We are Experts in Safety, and alongside the physical aspects of safety, we are increasingly aware of how important mental wellbeing is to keeping people safe. “That is why I am delighted to embark on this partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, supporting their focus on protecting people’s mental wellbeing. “Prevention is at the heart of everything we do at Arco, and this completely aligns with the Mental Health Foundation’s approach. “Our collective fundraising activities will help the Mental Health Foundation work to prevent mental wellbeing problems and support people with understanding and achieving better mental health. Arco will be organising activities and events throughout the year to further support the Mental Health Foundation’s efforts to educate and build people’s mental resilience. The company is encouraging its staff to take part in the charity’s challenge events, with Guy and his executive team leading the way by signing up for a 25km fundraising hike in the Peak District. Mark Rowland, CEO of Mental Health Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be launching this partnership with Arco. “The Mental Health Foundation are the leaders in good mental health in the UK, and Arco’s support will help our work with some of the most vulnerable communities all over the country.” The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”. Throughout the week, Arco will be providing its staff with daily updates and resources to support their personal and collective mental health, as well as holding a company-wide step challenge. Find out more about Arco’s corporate social responsibility initiatives Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Landscaping specialist Marshalls has announced the final results of this year’s Marshalls Register Awards, with hundreds of entries whittled down to just ten national winners, including the coveted Contractor of the Year title. Over 400 landscaping projects were entered into the awards and earlier this year, Marshalls announced its regional winners of the competition across its series of 11 roadshows. Now, Marshalls has announced its national champions for each award category, which are: Landscape by Design North West Ltd also took the coveted title of Contractor of the Year. This was decided by fellow contractors and peers in the industry, who voted online to select their favourite from the national winners projects which were featured anonymously on the Marshalls website. Tom Foster, Trading Director for Landscaping at Marshalls said: “Everyone in the business has been looking forward to the announcement of our Marshalls Register Award winers, and I’m delighted to say this year’s calibre of entries was more impressive than anything we’ve ever seen before. Landscapers today know the vital role they play in making a home not just special, but truly outstanding in its design, and the many projects submitted to the awards proved that. “Huge congratulations must go to Landscape by Design North West, not only for standing out as a truly exemplary contractor but for its second national award for Best Large Driveway – a category which was fiercely fought. All our winners have demonstrated they strive to set new benchmarks in what consumers can expect from their landscapers, and we’re proud to have them all as members of the Marshalls Register.” Darren Smith, owner of Landscape by Design North West Ltd, said: “This is a very proud moment for our business. We’re absolutely over the moon to have won the title of Contractor of the Year because we know it’s such a prestigious achievement. We’re still buzzing from the news, and I’m sure our celebrations will continue for a while!” Hundreds of installers and businesses across the UK are part of The Marshalls Register of Accredited Landscape Contractors and Driveway Installers, a national network of independent professional landscaping specialists. The awards are just one of the benefits of being an approved Marshalls Register member, as well as having a profile on the manufacturer’s ‘find an installer’ facility that generates over 65,000 searches per year; access to the Marshalls Design Service, and reward points for every purchase. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency. This shift is not just about adopting new materials or changing designs; it’s about integrating advanced technologies that can lead to more sustainable and efficient homes and buildings. One of the most promising developments in this arena is the adoption of innovative heating and cooling systems, specifically air source heat pumps (ASHPs), which are playing a pivotal role in this green revolution. The Role of Air Source Heat Pumps As the industry shifts towards more sustainable solutions, air source heat pumps have emerged as a frontrunner due to their efficiency and versatility. These heat pumps operate by extracting heat from the outside air, even in cold conditions, and using it to heat indoor spaces. They require significantly less electricity compared to traditional heating systems and can substantially reduce a building’s carbon footprint. Moreover, air source heat pumps can be reversed in the summer to cool buildings, providing a year-round climate control solution. This dual functionality not only makes them an attractive option for property developers but also aligns with increasing regulatory demands for energy-efficient buildings. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings One of the primary appeal factors of air source heat pumps is their potential to lower energy bills. These systems are particularly efficient in moderate climates, making them ideal for a significant portion of the U.S. market. For property developers, integrating ASHPs means constructing buildings that are inherently more attractive to buyers who are conscious of both their environmental footprint and their utility expenditures. Moreover, the initial investment in ASHP technology can often be offset by the long-term savings and potential tax incentives offered for green building practices. Property developers are not only able to market these savings as a benefit but also contribute to broader environmental goals, making developments appealing on multiple fronts. Enhancing Green Building Standards Incorporating air source heat pumps into new developments is increasingly being recognized as a standard component of achieving green building certifications. These standards are crucial for developers looking to capitalize on the growing market for sustainable housing and commercial spaces. Beyond certification, ASHPs help builders meet stricter building codes that are being updated to reflect new environmental targets. States like California, known for their aggressive climate policies, are setting examples that others are beginning to follow, pushing more developers nationwide to consider ASHPs as a default option. Market Response and Consumer Demand As awareness of climate change increases, so does consumer demand for eco-friendly homes. A survey by the National Association of Home Builders revealed that a vast majority of homebuyers consider environmentally-friendly features as significant factors in choosing a home. In response, property developers are increasingly advertising the inclusion of ASHPs and other green technologies as key selling points. Moreover, certain market segments, particularly millennials and Gen Z buyers, prioritize sustainability not only in their lifestyles but also in their investment choices, including real estate. This shift in consumer preferences is prompting developers to adapt quickly to incorporate reliable and efficient solutions like air source heat pumps in their projects. Challenges and Opportunities Ahead Despite the advantages, the introduction of ASHPs in construction projects does face some challenges. Installation can be complex, requiring specific expertise that not all contractors currently possess. Additionally, the upfront cost can be a barrier for some projects, although this is gradually being mitigated by lowering costs and increasing government incentives. Nevertheless, these hurdles present opportunities for growth within the construction industry. As more professionals are trained in ASHP technology and more manufacturers enter the market, the costs are likely to continue to decrease, making these systems even more accessible. In conclusion, the green revolution in construction is picking up pace, and air source heat pumps are at the forefront of this movement. By offering significant energy savings, helping meet regulatory requirements, and appealing to eco-conscious consumers, ASHPs are reshaping how properties are developed. As the industry adapts to these changes, the future looks promising for both the planet and property developers who are ready to embrace these new technologies.
London is set to receive a significant boost with a £1 billion mixed-use property development in Blackfriars. The green light has been given to a property developer for the redevelopment of 18 Blackfriars, the former site of the Sainsbury’s headquarters. This area has remained largely vacant for over two decades, but plans are now underway to construct three buildings. Two of these will provide over 400 new homes, with 40 per cent designated as affordable housing. The third building will offer 800,000 square feet of office space. In addition to the residential and office components, the developers will also build 20,000 square feet of affordable workspace. There will be assembly rooms available for use by the local community, educational facilities, children’s play areas, and a new central public space featuring retail and food outlets. Ross Blair, senior managing director and country head of Hines UK, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Businesses are increasingly demanding more from their office spaces, and 18 Blackfriars aims to meet that challenge by delivering the office of the future. We believe our plans will establish a new standard for premium quality workspace in London, seamlessly integrated into its local community and strategically positioned in the heart of our capital city.” This development comes at a time of significant transformation for the UK office market. Commercial property values have faced challenges due to rising interest rates and concerns about the post-pandemic office market, particularly with the persistence of hybrid working trends. Businesses are also prioritizing environmentally sustainable office spaces that meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) targets. Blair highlighted the importance of environmental considerations, noting that many businesses are currently operating in spaces that fall short of their own environmental standards or employee needs. To address this, 18 Blackfriars Road has been designed to be fossil fuel-free, 100 per cent electric, and Net Zero Carbon in operation. The site’s heat demand will be served primarily by ground source heat pumps, with energy sharing, storage, and offsetting mechanisms in place. The development is slated for completion by the end of the decade and is part of a wave of new developments planned for London in the coming years. Olympia London, a project in Hammersmith set to open in 2025, will offer commercial office space along with amenities such as a new permanent theatre and a variety of restaurants. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With three jam-packed days of insight from industry leaders, the latest innovation and technology, famous faces, and an abundance of networking opportunities, UKCW London returns to ExCeL next week (May 7-9) bigger and better than ever – with over 21,000 visitors expected across three days. Planning is the key at the UK’s biggest event for the built environment – this year’s show has a host of new features and over 300 exhibitors across a wealth of specialisms and sectors – from digital technology to training; materials to machinery; sustainability to scaffolding. To help visitors get the most out of their time at UKCW London, organisers have picked their top 10 things to see and do: UKCW London is once again co-located with Concrete Expo, Build X, The Offsite Show, Digital Construction and Infrastructure Live, as well as the UK’s premier event for the self-build sector, Grand Designs Live. UKCW London is sponsored and supported by some of the industry’s biggest names, including ABC+ Warranty; Barbour ABI; HotelPlanner; MERS; Oracle Construction and Engineering; Design & Build UK; CITB; Offsite Alliance; MPBA; BSF; CIOB; and British Offsite. Sam Patel, Divisional Director – Construction, commented: “We’ve listened carefully to visitor and exhibitor feedback to shape and structure this year’s UKCW London – choosing just 10 highlights is, to be honest, difficult, and one day just isn’t enough to see everything we have planned.” There is still time to register (for free) for UKCW London through the new-look website. The London show is complemented by its sister event, UKCW Birmingham, which takes place at the NEC from October 1-3. The NEC was the birthplace of UK Construction Week in 2015 and the trade show has grown to become the UK’s largest built environment event. Details on the Birmingham programme of events and speakers will be announced in due course, but exhibition space is already filling up – to enquire for your business, contact info@ukconstructionweek.com To find out more about both shows and to register for UKCW London for free, visit https://ukcw-london-2024.reg.buzz/cab-pr Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Honeywell security, fire and life safety technologies will be on interactive display at The Security Event on April 30 – May 2 in Birmingham at Stand 5/F20. The showcased Honeywell technologies help building (or facility) decision makers and operators manage threats while improving uptimes and driving operational efficiencies all delivered within an optimal occupant experience. In line with Honeywell’s focus on delivering robust, digitalised automation solutions, Honeywell security technologies on display include: Honeywell’s fire and life safety technologies on display include: For more information about Honeywell’s latest security and fire and life safety products, stop by stand 5/F20 at The Security Event or visit Buildings.Honeywell.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, was named a winner in the Business Intelligence Group’s (BIG) Artificial Intelligence Excellence Awards program. The awards recognise organisations, products and people who bring artificial intelligence to life and apply it to solve problems and realise opportunities. The AI-powered Johnson Controls OpenBlue Worker Safety digital solution was named a winner in the Machine Learning category and the Johnson Controls OpenBlue Central Utility Plant Optimisation solution was named as a finalist in the Intelligent Control category. Sensormatic Solutions, the global retail solutions portfolio of Johnson Controls, was named a winner in the Computer Vision category for Computer Vision Analytics. “Combining artificial Intelligence and machine learning with our domain expertise and commitment to innovation continues to solve some of our customer’s toughest challenges.” said, Julius Marchwicki, vice president, OpenBlue Platform and Product Management, Johnson Controls. “This recognition highlights our company-wide dedication to digital transformation through innovating, developing and leveraging new digital technologies.” The BIG Artificial Excellence Awards recognise the trailblazing organisations and solutions leading the way in AI innovation and generating positive change. BIG’s unique judging and scoring system selectively measures performance across multiple business domains and then rewards those companies whose achievements stand above those of their peers. “We are truly honoured to recognise Johnson Controls and Sensormatic Solutions with these prestigious awards,” stated Maria Jimenez, Chief Nominations Officer for the Business Intelligence Group. “The unwavering commitment of their team to excellence and their innovative AI applications have catapulted them to this remarkable achievement. Congratulations to the entire organisation!” Through leadership in digital technology and innovation Johnson Controls customers are equipped with advanced technologies to create a smarter and safer future. The Johnson Controls OpenBlue Worker Safety solution is an AI-enabled computer vision-based machine learning model that monitors construction sites in the oil and gas industry. It helps minimize hazards and ensure safety compliance by using a real-time camera feed and detection of possible workplace safety violations. The solution is trained to identify workers and features related to the physical safety of each worker, including personal protective equipment, proximity to heavy machinery, vehicular traffic, and more. When violations occur, an alert is issued and the image is displayed on a dashboard for review. The solution runs on an Edge computing device powered by the Johnson Controls OpenBlue Bridge software platform. The Johnson Controls OpenBlue Central Utility Plant Optimisation solution, which was named a finalist, uses predictive learning to optimise plant operations, helping customers reduce energy and emissions without sacrificing reliability. OpenBlue Central Utility Plant Optimisation is a software-as-a-service solution that continuously monitors thousands of input variables and applies sophisticated algorithms in near-real time, generating dispatches and control decisions to ensure that all central systems are constantly optimised and efficiently meeting heating, cooling and power needs resulting in savings in utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The flexible solution helps customers autonomously optimise for energy and/or carbon savings and can be applied at plants with wide variety of configurations, HVAC equipment, or plant automation system. It automatically generates and implements optimisation decisions, controlling real-time closed-loop dispatch of equipment and setpoint commands to the plant automation system or, alternatively, it can simply provide recommendations to operators. Sensormatic Solutions was named a winner for its Computer Vision Analytics (CVA). Since its launch in 2021, Sensormatic Solutions CVA has provided retailers with groundbreaking insight into their retail operations, and can be used to address a wide range of real-world challenges, including customer engagement, stocking, labour allocation, loss prevention, shopper satisfaction and more. Earlier this year, the brand also released its Store Guest Behaviors powered by CVA, an AI solution that leverages an adaptive learning model to help retailers understand shopper journeys. To learn more about how Johnson Controls OpenBlue is transforming smart buildings, please visit: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/OpenBlue. To learn more about Sensormatic Solutions, visit: https://www.sensormatic.com/computer-vision Johnson Controls has received patents covering CVA and OpenBlue CUP solutions from a number of patent offices around the world. Patents are also pending for the Johnson Controls OpenBlue Worker Safety solution. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Loungers, a prominent player in the UK hospitality industry, has witnessed remarkable growth, with the 2024 financial year marking a milestone in its expansion journey. Founded in 2002 by three friends with a vision to establish a neighbourhood café-bar they themselves would frequent, Loungers has evolved into a leading operator with a distinct presence across England and Wales. As of December 2023, the company boasts 247 establishments under its umbrella, spanning three unique brands: Lounge, Cosy Club, and Brightside.Embracing an organic growth strategy, Loungers has consistently outperformed the broader UK hospitality sector over the past three years. The company’s directors remain steadfast in their commitment to this strategy, focusing on the continual rollout of new sites under the Lounge, Cosy Club, and Brightside banners. With an emphasis on operational enhancements to drive sales and margin improvements, Loungers aims to maintain its upward trajectory in the market.During the 2024 financial year, Loungers achieved a significant milestone by opening 39 new sites, setting a record for the company. These additions included 33 Lounges, one Cosy Club, and two Brightside locations. As of 21st April 2024, the company’s portfolio expanded to encompass 257 sites, with an additional Lounge site opening in Ely, Cambridgeshire, after the reporting period.The company’s financial performance during the 2024 fiscal year also reflected its growth trajectory, with record revenue reaching £353.5 million, marking a robust year-on-year increase of 24.7%. Notably, like-for-like sales surged by 7.5% during this period, underscoring Loungers’ resilience and appeal in the competitive hospitality landscape. Nick Collins, CEO of Loungers, expressed his satisfaction with the company’s achievements, highlighting its consistent outperformance within the sector and the successful launch of 36 new sites. He attributed this success to Loungers’ unwavering commitment to menu innovation, value for money, and exceptional hospitality, which resonate with both existing patrons and new customers. Looking ahead, Loungers remains optimistic about its growth prospects, buoyed by a resilient UK economy and its well-positioned stance in the market. As the company embarks on the new financial year, it seeks to build upon its momentum, further solidifying its status as a key player in the UK hospitality sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new report by the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, has found the construction sector of the project management profession has grown by over 20% in five years to contribute £33 billion of annual gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy. The Golden Thread Report 2024, commissioned by APM and conducted by PwC Research, was published today (April 25th) at a launch event at the Science Museum, London. It follows the first pioneering report in 2019 that assessed the UK project profession’s size as well as its economic and societal contribution. Overall, the project management profession now contributes to the UK economy £186.8bn of GVA – a key measure of economic output and productivity. This represents a growth of 19% from £156.5bn in 2019. In addition, the profession now employs an estimated 2.32 million full-time equivalent workers (FTEs). It means 8.5% of total UK FTEs are employed in project-related roles and the profession delivers over 9% of total UK GVA. When broken down by individual sectors, construction ranked as the second highest with a GVA of £33.19bn – a rise of 23% from £27.08bn in 2019. Meanwhile, the number of FTEs in construction project management has increased from 260,000 to almost 300,000. The research, based on official employment data, market statistics and a survey of over 500 UK businesses, rubberstamps the significance of the fast-growing project profession. Factors behind the growth highlighted by the report include an increasing recognition of the need for effective programme management and transformation across all sectors including construction, while the London 2012 Games was credited for demonstrating the importance of effective project management to ensure successful delivery of large-scale events. Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM, said: “We are excited to be launching our second Golden Thread Report at a pivotal time for project management with the UK economy recovering tentatively and net zero gathering pace. “Our report deepens the view that our profession is the most vital ‘golden thread’ running through all sectors of the economy – driving quality, efficiency and strategic change. This includes the traditional project management sector of construction which has seen a 23% rise in its GVA contribution to the UK and an additional 40,000 project professionals in just the last five years alone. “Our research is a vital contribution to the debate of the project profession as we seek to overcome a variety of challenges and opportunities and continue with our growth trajectory.” Chris Anstead, a Director in the Global Programme Advisory Team at Turner & Townsend, a leading global programme management and construction consultancy, said: “Once upon a time projects were focused on digging holes and building things. But now projects and programmes are being used for all sorts of transformations with our clients applying our skillsets into much broader applications. “We are starting to see greater application of programme management within organisations. In the past, they might have relied on operational departments to deliver individual projects. Now they are thinking more about driving step-change, improvements and ultimately transformation.” Dave Corbin, Head of Client Accounts at international property and construction consultancy Gleeds, said: “Successful projects – delivering the intended benefit on time and within budget – require strong project management. Without it the myriad of developments that the country needs to future-proof itself would simply not materialise. “In the past the role of the project manager has been underestimated but I believe we have seen a shift in perspective and the value of having an effective, collaborative and highly skilled project leader is now widely recognised. I only hope that the positive trends revealed in this report continue and that as a profession we’re able to attract and retain enough skilled people to be able to meet increasing demand.” Key findings from the report The report, entitled in full: ‘Golden Thread: A study of the contribution of project management and projects to the UK’s economy and society’, commissioned by APM and undertaken by PwC Research, found: To download the Golden Thread 2024 Report along with supporting case studies, visit https://www.apm.org.uk/resources/research/the-golden-thread/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel chain, has opened its 600th hotel – located at London Oval Cricket Ground. The milestone was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Travelodge Chairman, Martin Robinson, CEO Jo Boydell, ex-England Cricket Captain and Surrey County Cricket Club Director, Alec Stewart OBE, and Surrey County Cricket Club CEO, Steve Elworthy. London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge is a 95-room hotel, developed in partnership with Surrey County Cricket Club. The hotel is ideally located for both business and leisure travellers, and is just a minute’s walk from Oval Underground Station. As well as being Travelodge’s 600th hotel, it’s also the group’s 81st hotel in London and has created over 30 new jobs. London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge features the group’s new, premium look and feel design which includes a redesigned reception area, next generation rooms and its new restaurant concept, 85 Bar Cafe, offering everything a business or leisure guest (or cricket fan) needs for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Sustainability has been an important factor when designing the hotel, which has a BREEAM Excellent rating, an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A and a number of sustainable features including; Air Source Heat Pumps for heating water; EV car charging; roof mounted solar PVs to convert the sun’s energy into electricity; green roofs to regulate temperatures and save energy, as well as encouraging biodiversity; low energy lighting throughout the hotel, with motion sensing controls; and aerated showers and taps in the bathrooms to reduce water usage. This hotel is the first new opening for Travelodge in the UK this year, with a further six hotels currently under construction in Rotherham, Colchester and Bristol, as well as three more in London; Bermondsey, Beckenham and Chiswick. The group also recently announced it is due to start construction on a new hotel in Stratford, London later this year. Travelodge is continuing to develop its UK pipeline and is committed to expanding its hotel network to offer more choice to its customers and support local economies. The group has over 300 target locations for hotel sites across the UK, including over 100 sites across London – which will drive investment and create local jobs. London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge is managed by Darren Bennett, who joined Travelodge seven years ago as Assistant Hotel Manager at London Stratford Hotel and has worked in several other Travelodge hotels across London including Waterloo, Covent Garden and most recently as Hotel Manager in London Mile End Travelodge. Jo Boydell, Chief Executive, Travelodge, commented: “London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge is a special opening for us, as our 600th hotel. Since opening our first hotel in the UK in 1985, Travelodge has grown across the UK, Ireland and Spain, and we now operate over 46,000 rooms, employ 13,000 colleagues and welcome over 22 million business and leisure customers to our hotels each year. “We are very proud to open this hotel at the iconic Oval Cricket Ground, in partnership with Surrey County Cricket Club. This hotel has been built to high standards, with sustainability an important factor of the design. It features our new premium look and feel design with our redesigned reception area and next generation rooms, as well as our brand new restaurant concept, 85 Bar Cafe. We are already receiving great feedback from guests, and we look forward to welcoming lots of new guests through a busy cricket season this year. “We are focused on continuing to grow our portfolio, with over 300 locations identified for new hotels across the UK as well as 20 target locations in Spain – which would create even more jobs and provide further choice and great value to more business and leisure travellers.” Steve Elworthy, CEO at Surrey CCC said: “It’s great news that the brand new London Oval Cricket Ground Travelodge has opened its doors to the public. The partnership between ourselves and Travelodge will provide cricket fans and visitors to the area with a quality option to stay in the area that is minimising its impact on the environment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals