JD Sports is significantly expanding its presence at Sheffield’s Meadowhall shopping centre with the opening of a major new flagship store, reinforcing the retailer’s continued investment in high-performing retail destinations. Opening at the end of July, the new store will span 29,225 sq ft, making it almost three times larger
WORK is underway to expand west Loughborough’s educational offering, as national contractor Willmott Dixon starts on site at a new primary school commissioned by Leicestershire County Council. Set to open in September 2027, Garendon Primary School will provide 420 places for primary-aged pupils, and once complete will help the county
A land deal has been completed on the latest phase of Plasdŵr, with infrastructure works starting imminently. Edenstone and Codi have formed a joint venture to deliver Porth yr Awen, a £55 million development of 184 new homes on Parcel 2C of the 900-acre neighbourhood, which will eventually provide around
Design strategies that balance high-density computing demands with energy and resource efficiency The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence workloads is placing unprecedented demands on data center infrastructure. As compute densities increase and operational expectations tighten, the need to balance performance with energy efficiency and carbon reduction has become more urgent.
The investment at the Welsh Slate site means smaller slate blocks can be processed into roofing slates, increasing production capacity and reducing waste The new saw line expected to increase output by some 8,000 slates per week Breedon Group plc is set to ramp up production of Welsh Slate roofing
Britain is experiencing a boom in professional landlord businesses, with new analysis revealing that the number of companies being formally incorporated has increased by over 1,700% since 2000. The research, from specialist landlord insurance provider Just Landlords, analysed Companies House records and points to a sector that is professionalising at an
A major hotel redevelopment in the heart of Edinburgh is set to reach a significant milestone next month, with a new 157-bedroom hotel preparing to welcome its first guests following the successful transformation of a former office building. Property developer S Harrison has confirmed that its latest development in the
A major affordable housing development has been approved in Solihull, paving the way for the delivery of 228 new apartments as part of the wider regeneration of the town centre. Affordable homes developer Habiko has secured planning permission for a mansion block-inspired residential scheme, marking the partnership’s first development in
Manchester’s pioneering Rylands development hits a major project milestone this week, with stakeholders gathering to celebrate the topping out of the prestigious landmark building, which sits on the site of the former Debenhams store on Market Street. The site project team, including Domis, Jeffrey Bell, Levrant, JLL, and Barker Proudlove
Marks & Spencer has opened its largest standalone food store to date, marking another significant milestone in the retailer’s ongoing investment programme to modernise its estate and expand its food offering across the UK. Located at The Wharf Retail Park in Godalming, Surrey, the new 22,000 sq ft Foodhall occupies
JD Sports is significantly expanding its presence at Sheffield’s Meadowhall shopping centre with the opening of a major new flagship store, reinforcing the retailer’s continued investment in high-performing retail destinations. Opening at the end of July, the new store will span 29,225 sq ft, making it almost three times larger than JD’s previous unit at the centre. The expansion will enable the retailer to offer an even broader selection of sportswear, footwear and fashion brands while enhancing the overall customer experience through a modern retail environment. The enlarged store has been designed to accommodate JD’s growing product range and evolving retail format, with new self-service tills helping to deliver quicker and more convenient transactions for shoppers. The investment further strengthens Meadowhall’s position as one of the UK’s leading regional shopping destinations, where retailers continue to invest in larger, experience-led stores that reflect changing consumer expectations and demand for premium retail environments. JD Sports joins an increasingly strong line-up of fashion and lifestyle brands at the centre, complementing recent arrivals including Pull&Bear and Stradivarius, alongside established names such as Flannels and Sweaty Betty. For the retail property sector, the expansion reflects the ongoing trend of major retailers consolidating into larger, flagship locations capable of showcasing wider product ranges while delivering more engaging customer experiences. As shopping centres continue to evolve, investment in high-quality retail space remains a key driver in attracting leading national and international brands. Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall, said: “JD is already one of our most popular retailers, so to see the brand invest in a store of this scale is fantastic – it really demonstrates its confidence in Meadowhall as a destination. Almost tripling in size, the new store will give shoppers access to a wider range of brands and the very latest in sportswear and fashion, all under one roof. “It builds on what has been a brilliant year of new arrivals at the centre. From Pull&Bear and Stradivarius to now a huge new JD, we’re incredibly proud of the new brands and experiences we’re giving to our shoppers.” James Air, Director of Group Real Estate and Acquisitions at JD Sports, added: “We’re proud to be expanding our presence in Sheffield, creating a prime megastore within the heart of Meadowhall. This investment reflects our commitment to the city and gives customers access to an even bigger selection of the world’s leading sports, fashion and lifestyle brands, all within a phenomenal, high-spec new retail space. We can’t wait to welcome shoppers through the doors.” The latest investment highlights the continued resilience of destination retail centres, where occupiers are increasingly seeking larger, more flexible units that combine an extensive product offering with modern store design and technology. For Meadowhall, the opening of JD’s new megastore represents another significant milestone in the centre’s ongoing evolution, strengthening its appeal as a premier retail and leisure destination in the North of England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WORK is underway to expand west Loughborough’s educational offering, as national contractor Willmott Dixon starts on site at a new primary school commissioned by Leicestershire County Council. Set to open in September 2027, Garendon Primary School will provide 420 places for primary-aged pupils, and once complete will help the county council meet growing demand for accessible, good-quality schools in the area. Procured via the Major Works Framework managed by Pagabo on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, the site sits between Dishley and Hathern. The location is that of a greenfield site, previously used as farmland, in the middle of the Garendon Park housing development – which has increased the need for additional educational resources in the area. Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “Having partnered on numerous major construction and regeneration projects, including other schools in the county, we’ve built an incredibly impactful relationship with Leicestershire County Council over the past 20 years. “We’re proud to be part of creating another high-quality learning environment for the Leicestershire community and driving forward the delivery of another sustainably-focused school. Once complete, this new site will support the local authority’s goal to bring much-needed school places to the county, as it continues to grow.” Willmott Dixon will be using its standardised school design, created specifically for Leicestershire County Council, on the £11.8m two-form entry facility – to cut design time, cost and waste by repeating and refining a proven model across successive schools. To make the building as energy and cost-efficient as possible, careful consideration was given to building materials and quality targets aligned with building regulations. This includes a 300m2 photovoltaic array on the roof to help sustainably power the facility. The construction project is due to complete in July 2027, ahead of the school opening to pupils that September. Cllr Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We have a growing county and our priority is making sure that new schools in Leicestershire are put in the right place. “The start of work on Garendon Primary School by Willmott Dixon is a major milestone in the step for this new community, and we’re looking forward to the school welcoming students next year.” Looking to bring wider benefits to the Loughborough community, Willmott Dixon will also be supporting local students and existing schools to help develop students’ learning and experience of the construction industry. This includes offering several apprenticeships, donating laptops, offering enrichment programmes and delivering mock interview workshops. Garendon builds on a relationship with Leicestershire County Council stretching back 20 years, over which Willmott Dixon has delivered a series of primary schools for the council. These include Hollycroft Primary School in Hinckley – Leicestershire’s first school designed to be net zero carbon in operation – and the £9.3m Wellington Place Primary School at the Airfield Farm development in Market Harborough, which opened to pupils in September 2024. To learn more about Willmott Dixon, visit www.willmottdixon.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A land deal has been completed on the latest phase of Plasdŵr, with infrastructure works starting imminently. Edenstone and Codi have formed a joint venture to deliver Porth yr Awen, a £55 million development of 184 new homes on Parcel 2C of the 900-acre neighbourhood, which will eventually provide around 7,000 homes. Simon Lewis, development manager at Codi, said: “It’s exciting to reach this stage of the project, with work soon due to begin at Porth yr Awen. Every new development like this helps us provide more affordable homes for people who need them, while creating places where communities can grow and thrive. “Working alongside Edenstone, we’re looking forward to bringing Porth yr Awen to life and creating a well-designed, mixed-tenure neighbourhood that people will be proud to call home.” Edenstone operations director Chris Edge said: “The initial phase of works will see the construction of a spine road into Porth yr Awen, creating access for the infrastructure works that will prepare this development and phases beyond for new homes. Once this access route is created, work will commence on the homes along the tree lined avenue.” Designed as a contemporary, urban neighbourhood, Porth yr Awen will feature modern housing, thoughtfully integrated green spaces and landscaped areas that shape a welcoming community environment. Porth yr Awen will provide 127 open market properties and 57 affordable homes, offering a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes and apartments. Designed to achieve the highest Energy Performance Certificate rating of A, the homes will be among the most efficient homes available. The affordable housing will include intermediate rental and low-cost homeownership options, ensuring a balanced and inclusive community. It’s anticipated the first homes will be released for sale in early 2027 with the first residents expected to move into Porth yr Awen later that year. The development has been designed around a tree-lined spine road linking the entrance to a network of open spaces, helping create a connected, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood for residents. The land acquired by the partnership is Parcel 2C of Plasdŵr, Cardiff’s £2 billion garden city of 7,000 homes, planned over a 900 acre-site bordering Radyr, Danescourt, Fairwater, Pentrebane and St Fagans. Plasdŵr is a strategic site to the north west of the capital city, identified in Cardiff’s Local Development Plan as key to the city’s economic growth. Nick Lawley, director at Cooke & Arkwright, advisors to the landowners at Plasdŵr, said: “The landowners at Plasdŵr have a long term vision to create a new community within Cardiff where residents can live in a sustainable quality environment with the full range of local amenities. We are pleased to welcome Codi and Edenstone as the latest developers to be building at Plasdŵr.” Headquartered in Magor, Edenstone is one of Wales’s largest privately owned residential developers, with mixed-tenure developments underway across South Wales and the West of England. The company has a strong track record of partnership working, alongside its credentials in placemaking and sustainability-led delivery. Codi Group is Wales’ largest provider of housing, care and support services – manages close to 25,000 homes across the country and has ambitious plans to deliver more than 4,500 new homes over the next five years. Formed through the merger of Linc Cymru and Pobl Group in 2024, Codi brings together significant experience in housing delivery and community investment, alongside a strong commitment to helping people and communities thrive. For further information, visit edenstonehomes.com or codigroup.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Design strategies that balance high-density computing demands with energy and resource efficiency The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence workloads is placing unprecedented demands on data center infrastructure. As compute densities increase and operational expectations tighten, the need to balance performance with energy efficiency and carbon reduction has become more urgent. This shift is driving a re-evaluation of how data centers are designed, particularly in relation to cooling strategies and overall resource use. Data centers are now a critical component of global infrastructure, supporting cloud services, digital platforms, and AI applications. With increasing digitalisation, energy consumption associated with these facilities continues to rise. In the UK and globally, regulatory and market pressures are also evolving, with greater emphasis on energy performance, carbon reporting and long-term sustainability targets. As computational loads increase, cooling systems are under growing pressure to maintain stable operating conditions without excessive energy use. Traditional approaches that rely heavily on mechanical cooling are becoming less viable due to their high energy intensity. This challenge affects operators, developers and designers, particularly as expectations around efficiency and environmental performance continue to rise. BSE 3D works with organisations navigating these challenges by applying a performance led design approach from the earliest project stages. The company has observed that early integration of simulation tools allows for more effective alignment between building form, system design and operational performance. Solutions that focus on reducing cooling demand at source, while optimising system efficiency, can significantly improve outcomes. This includes evaluating environmental conditions, refining building parameters and developing strategies that prioritise low-energy operation. A key approach involves enabling a cooling profile where approximately 70% of annual demand can be met through low-energy systems such as economisation and adiabatic processes, with mechanical systems supporting peak conditions and operational resilience. This reduces reliance on continuous compressor use and supports improved overall performance. “As data centre loads continue to increase, the industry needs to move beyond conventional cooling approaches. By prioritising low-energy strategies and validating them through simulation, it is possible to reduce energy demand while maintaining performance and resilience. Early-stage design decisions play a critical role in achieving this balance.” Kriti Gupta, Sustainability Consultant, BSE3D. Data centers are expected to play an increasingly significant role in supporting digital infrastructure. As their impact grows, so too does the importance of designing them in a way that responds to both operational requirements and environmental considerations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The investment at the Welsh Slate site means smaller slate blocks can be processed into roofing slates, increasing production capacity and reducing waste The new saw line expected to increase output by some 8,000 slates per week Breedon Group plc is set to ramp up production of Welsh Slate roofing slates at its Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales, with the installation of a new £750,000 state-of-the-art saw line. The new saw line will help meet sustained demand for the roofing slates, which are widely specified on projects around the world for their durability, distinctive colour and long lifespan. It will also ensure more of the slate extracted from the company’s slate quarries can be used. The investment is expected to increase the company’s roofing slate production capacity by an additional 8,000 per week. As part of the process, Welsh Slate is extracted from the company’s Penrhyn, Ffestiniog and Cwt-y-Bugail quarries, before being broken down into manageable raw block sizes. These are then processed on existing saw lines before being split into roofing slates, either by machine or by skilled operators using a traditional hand‑splitting method. However, some of the raw blocks have historically been too small to process efficiently. The saw line – which has been developed and built in-house by a dedicated engineering team – has been specifically designed to cut and size these smaller raw blocks more efficiently, enabling the production of smaller roofing slates and reducing waste by ensuring more of the material extracted from the quarries can be used. It will work alongside other automated machines, with Welsh Slate’s well-known hand-splitting also continuing on site. Barry O’Connor, General Manager – Welsh Slate, Special Aggregates and Circular Economy at Breedon, said: “This investment represents an important step for Welsh Slate and for Penrhyn Quarry. By introducing this state-of-the-art saw line we can significantly increase production capacity while also making better use of the slate extracted from the quarries. “It means material that was previously too small to process can now be brought into production, helping us reduce waste while supporting the skilled teams who continue to split and dress our high quality slates. “Penrhyn Quarry has an enduring and proud history, and this investment demonstrates our commitment to the long-term future of Welsh Slate and ensuring the site continues to supply high-quality roofing materials for many years to come.” Penrhyn Quarry has been producing roofing slate since the 13th century and has been a centre of the UK natural stone industry for more than 700 years. Work on the project began in November, with installation completed earlier this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Britain is experiencing a boom in professional landlord businesses, with new analysis revealing that the number of companies being formally incorporated has increased by over 1,700% since 2000. The research, from specialist landlord insurance provider Just Landlords, analysed Companies House records and points to a sector that is professionalising at an unprecedented rate, as landlords shift from informal property ownership into structured, incorporated businesses. Just 1,882 new landlord companies were registered in 2000, compared to a record high of 34,128 in 2025. The pace of growth has accelerated sharply in recent years, with nearly 14,000 new companies registered in the first five months of 2026 alone, and the 2020s already accounting for more new landlord businesses than the entire period from 2000 to 2019 combined. New landlord company registrations by decade: Clark Ross, Managing Director of Just Landlords, comments: “The scale of this shift is remarkable. We’re seeing clear evidence of the continued professionalisation of the private rented sector, with a growing number of landlords now operating through formal business structures.” While the long-term trend has been one of consistent growth, there are a range of factors that may have encouraged incorporation over recent years, including changes to mortgage interest tax relief, higher stamp duty costs for additional properties, evolving regulatory requirements and a growing focus on long-term portfolio management. The introduction of the 3% stamp duty surcharge on additional properties in April 2016 triggered an immediate surge in incorporations, with registrations jumping by nearly 59% in the following two years as landlords restructured their portfolios to manage their tax position more efficiently. Where are landlord companies growing the fastest? While London remains the single largest market, accounting for nearly a third of all registrations since 2000, the data reveals a striking shift in the regional picture. London’s share of annual registrations has been declining in recent years, as growth accelerates across the rest of the country. The devolved nations have seen some of the most dramatic recent growth, with Scotland’s annual registrations more than tripling since 2020 (+171%), and Northern Ireland (+148%) and Wales (+144%) following closely behind. Scotland now records over 2,100 new landlord companies per year, up from fewer than 400 in 2015. Annual Registration Growth, 2020 vs 2025: Clark Ross, Managing Director of Just Landlords, comments: “What’s particularly interesting is that growth is no longer concentrated in London alone. Some of the strongest increases have been seen across Scotland, the Midlands and the North of England, suggesting that professional landlord businesses are becoming an increasingly important part of regional housing markets across the UK. “There are a number of factors that may be driving this shift. London’s property values have long made it the dominant market, but the comparatively lower entry costs in regional cities mean landlords can build a more diversified portfolio for the same initial outlay, and potentially see stronger yields in the process. Rising house prices in the South have also pushed more renters into regional markets, increasing demand and making those areas more attractive to professional investors. “At the same time, improved transport links and the lasting legacy of flexible working patterns since the pandemic have made regional cities more appealing places to live, which in turn has strengthened the rental market in those areas. In Scotland and Wales, we’ve also seen significant legislative change in recent years, which may have encouraged landlords to formalise their structures to ensure they’re operating compliantly within those frameworks. “For landlords looking to professionalise their operations, risk management, compliance and specialist insurance become even more important. Professional landlords are investing for the long term, and protecting those investments has never been more important.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major hotel redevelopment in the heart of Edinburgh is set to reach a significant milestone next month, with a new 157-bedroom hotel preparing to welcome its first guests following the successful transformation of a former office building. Property developer S Harrison has confirmed that its latest development in the city’s Haymarket district will officially open on 5 August, with European operator MEININGER Hotels taking over the completed building under a long-term management agreement. The project represents another important investment in Edinburgh’s flourishing hospitality sector, bringing a prominent commercial building back into productive use through an extensive redevelopment programme led by principal contractor Ogilvie Construction. Rather than demolishing the existing structure, the scheme involved the partial demolition of the former 1970s Osborne House office building, alongside the construction of two new accommodation wings and the addition of an extra storey. Designed by Edinburgh-based Comprehensive Design Architects, the redevelopment has transformed the ageing office block into a contemporary hotel that enhances the surrounding streetscape while making efficient use of an established city-centre site. Located close to Haymarket railway station and tram interchange, and within easy walking distance of Princes Street, the hotel is well positioned to serve both business and leisure travellers visiting one of Europe’s most popular destinations. When it opens, the hotel will offer 157 bedrooms alongside a range of guest facilities, including a residents’ bar, breakfast area, guest kitchen, lounge spaces and an outdoor seating terrace. The development will become MEININGER Hotels’ 38th property across 27 European cities, reflecting the group’s continued expansion into strategically important destinations with strong long-term tourism demand. For the construction and property sectors, the project demonstrates the growing importance of repurposing ageing commercial buildings to meet changing market demands. By transforming an underutilised office asset into high-quality visitor accommodation, the scheme supports both sustainable regeneration and the continued evolution of Edinburgh’s built environment. The Haymarket development is the latest in a series of significant investments by S Harrison across the Scottish capital. The company previously delivered the landmark Malmaison boutique hotel through the conversion of the Grade A-listed Buchan House in Edinburgh’s New Town and has established a strong track record in the purpose-built student accommodation sector. Recent projects include a newly completed PBSA development near Newington Road, while work is nearing completion on another scheme within the historic Canongate area. S Harrison has also secured planning permission for a 124-bedroom PBSA development on Gillespie Crescent, which will regenerate a vacant brownfield site within the Marchmont, Meadows and Bruntsfield Conservation Area. Looking ahead, the developer has also received planning consent for a landmark £100 million mixed-use scheme on Leith’s waterfront. The development will deliver new homes, purpose-built student accommodation, commercial and co-working space, alongside a range of amenity areas, further strengthening S Harrison’s growing presence in Edinburgh’s residential, hospitality and mixed-use sectors. With its doors due to open in August, the Haymarket hotel represents another successful example of urban regeneration, demonstrating how the thoughtful redevelopment of existing buildings can support tourism, enhance the cityscape and contribute to the long-term growth of one of the UK’s most dynamic property markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major affordable housing development has been approved in Solihull, paving the way for the delivery of 228 new apartments as part of the wider regeneration of the town centre. Affordable homes developer Habiko has secured planning permission for a mansion block-inspired residential scheme, marking the partnership’s first development in the West Midlands. The project forms the second phase of the ambitious Holbeche Place masterplan, which will ultimately deliver around 1,600 new homes alongside retail, leisure and public realm improvements. The development is being brought forward by Habiko, the affordable housing joint venture between Pension Insurance Corporation, Muse and Homes England. It will provide 228 one and two-bedroom apartments for rent, with homes offered at around 20% below local market rates to help improve housing affordability across the area. Designed around low-carbon and low-energy principles, the scheme takes architectural inspiration from traditional Victorian mansion blocks, featuring a distinctive red brick façade complemented by landscaped communal gardens, secure cycle storage, EV-enabled parking and active ground-floor retail units. Its location places residents within easy reach of Solihull railway station, Birmingham International and the future HS2 Interchange, creating strong transport connections while supporting sustainable travel and town centre living. The approval comes as work continues to gather pace across the wider Holbeche Place regeneration programme. Graham Construction is preparing to begin demolition of the Mell Square multi-storey car park later this summer, clearing the way for the first phase of the masterplan, which will deliver almost 350 build-to-rent apartments. Developed in partnership with Solihull Council since 2023, the wider regeneration is designed to reshape the town centre in response to changing retail patterns and evolving lifestyles. Alongside new homes, the masterplan will introduce a mix of shops, cafés and restaurants, creating a more diverse and vibrant destination that extends activity beyond traditional shopping hours. A key feature of the proposals is the creation of two new public spaces, Drury Gardens and Poplar Yard, together with flexible green areas designed to encourage community interaction and outdoor activity. The masterplan also places a strong emphasis on improving the public realm, reducing vehicle dominance and creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment through new streets, walking routes and landscaped civic spaces. For the construction and property sectors, the approval represents another significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of UK town centres, demonstrating how mixed-use regeneration can successfully combine affordable housing, placemaking and sustainable design. By delivering high-quality homes alongside improved public spaces and commercial uses, the Holbeche Place masterplan is set to play a central role in Solihull’s long-term economic and residential growth. Once complete, the regeneration will establish a modern, mixed-use neighbourhood that responds to changing patterns of living, working and leisure while creating a more connected and resilient town centre for future generations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Manchester’s pioneering Rylands development hits a major project milestone this week, with stakeholders gathering to celebrate the topping out of the prestigious landmark building, which sits on the site of the former Debenhams store on Market Street. The site project team, including Domis, Jeffrey Bell, Levrant, JLL, and Barker Proudlove all marked the occasion with an on-site celebration, followed by a drinks reception at The Edwardian Manchester Hotel to commemorate the fantastic progress to date on such a remarkable project. The vacant building has been undergoing extensive refurbishment since 2022. Completion is expected in 2027. The Grade II listed building is undergoing comprehensive redevelopment. Since 2023, AM ALPHA has been transforming the site, including a complete refurbishment of the original structure, conversion of the upper floors into premium office space, and the creation of retail units at ground level. The scheme also includes a new four-storey contemporary extension, bringing the total number of floors to ten. Once finished, Rylands will offer high-quality office accommodation, retail space, and a leisure area focused on food and beverage. Market Place Food Hall has already committed to a 15-year lease on the ground floor. Martin Lemke, CEO of AM Alpha, said: “Reaching this construction milestone is an important achievement for everyone involved in the transformation of Rylands. Working with a listed building of this scale inevitably brings complexity and unexpected challenges. The progress made demonstrates what can be achieved through close cooperation, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to the project. “Rylands is an important part of Manchester’s architectural and commercial heritage. Our ambition is to preserve that character while creating a modern, sustainable destination that meets the needs of future occupiers and visitors. We would like to thank Domis and the entire project team for their dedication and the significant progress they have made.” Rory O’Donoghue, Construction Director at Domis Construction said: “The topping out of Rylands is a significant milestone and reflects the monumental effort, collaboration, and shared commitment of everyone involved in the project. We’ve shared AM ALPHA’s ambition from the outset to deliver this iconic building back to the city, and it’s been a privilege for Domis to help bring that vision to life. Transforming a landmark building of this scale and significance has only been possible through the close collaboration of the entire project team. While there’s still plenty of work ahead, reaching this stage is a fantastic achievement and one that everyone involved should be incredibly proud of.” In keeping with the traditions of a topping out ceremony, a yew tree has been incorporated into the fabric of the building to mark the completion of the highest structural point. As well as a symbol of longevity and good fortune, the tree reflects the project’s commitment to preserving Rylands’ rich heritage, while laying the foundations for its next chapter. Project team: Client: AM ALPHA Contractor: Domis Architect: Jeffrey Bell Architects Employer’s Agent and QS: Arcadis Planning Consultant: Deloitte Heritage Consultant: Levrant Structural Engineer: Woolgar Hunter Services Engineer / Sustainability Consultant: Max Fordham Services Engineer: NOVO Fire Consultant: Jensen Hughes / DFC Acoustic Consultant: BWB / Andrew Jameson Workspace Agent: JLL Retail Agent: Barker Proudlove Marketing & PR Agency: Real Estate Marketing Media Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Marks & Spencer has opened its largest standalone food store to date, marking another significant milestone in the retailer’s ongoing investment programme to modernise its estate and expand its food offering across the UK. Located at The Wharf Retail Park in Godalming, Surrey, the new 22,000 sq ft Foodhall occupies a former Homebase unit, demonstrating the continued repurposing of large-format retail space to meet changing consumer demand and evolving high street trends. The flagship store has been designed to provide customers with M&S’s most comprehensive food offering, reflecting the retailer’s strategy of creating larger, destination food stores capable of supporting the weekly family shop. Inside, shoppers will find expanded fresh produce departments, multi-temperature displays for herbs, organic produce and fruit, an enlarged in-store bakery and an enhanced cheese barge. The Foodhall also features a dedicated chicken shop, sushi counter, rotisserie chicken station, a new kitchen shop and an upgraded beers, wines and spirits department. The opening forms part of M&S’s wider property strategy, which is focused on investing in new stores while upgrading existing locations to deliver larger, more modern retail environments. By increasing the size and capability of its Foodhalls, the retailer aims to better serve families looking to complete more of their grocery shopping in a single visit, while maintaining the premium quality and trusted value associated with the M&S brand. For the retail property and construction sectors, the Godalming development highlights the continued evolution of retail parks, with former big-box units increasingly being repurposed to accommodate stronger-performing occupiers. The conversion of the former Homebase store also reflects a broader trend towards adapting existing retail assets rather than delivering new-build developments, supporting the long-term viability of established retail destinations. Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, said: “We’re doubling our food business with investment where family customers are asking for it most: bigger, better stores and more trusted value on the products families buy every week. “Godalming is our biggest ever standalone food store and an example of the kind of modern, full-range Foodhall we’re investing in as we double the size of the business. It brings together the full M&S Food range, more space for the weekly shop and the latest store design so customers can get everything they need in one trip, without compromising on the M&S quality they expect.” The Godalming opening represents another step in M&S’s long-term retail transformation strategy, reinforcing the company’s confidence in physical stores while demonstrating how investment in larger, experience-led retail environments continues to reshape the UK’s grocery and retail property landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals