Kenneth Booth
Burges Salmon acts for Benniman on back-to-back transactions delivering major UK logistics and industrial projects

Burges Salmon acts for Benniman on back-to-back transactions delivering major UK logistics and industrial projects

The Construction and Engineering team at Burges Salmon has advised independent construction company Benniman Limited on a series of significant projects across the UK. Led by director Christian Mulvihill, the firm provided legal support on large-scale developments for leading names in the logistics and industrial sectors. Notably, Burges Salmon advised

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Altrad RMD Kwikform opens second training academy in Aldridge to strengthen industry skills and innovation

Altrad RMD Kwikform opens second training academy in Aldridge to strengthen industry skills and innovation

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

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OKNOPLAST join Secured by Design

OKNOPLAST join Secured by Design

OKNOPLAST, an international manufacturer of high-quality windows, exterior doors, roller shutters, garage doors and accessories, is one of the latest companies to join Secured by Design (SBD), the official police security initiative Operating across 21 countries throughout Europe and North America, OKNOPLAST has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s

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Perega engineers the interface for Selfridges’ historic Disney Castle

Perega engineers the interface for Selfridges’ historic Disney Castle

Perega has provided a structural engineering audit and interface checks for the highly sustainable and innovative construction system supporting the 11-metre-tall Disney Castle at Selfridges’ London store.  Unveiled as part of this year’s Christmas celebrations, this is the largest festive feature on the Oxford Street landmark in over half a

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Latest Issue
Issue 335 : Dec 2025

Kenneth Booth

Burges Salmon acts for Benniman on back-to-back transactions delivering major UK logistics and industrial projects

Burges Salmon acts for Benniman on back-to-back transactions delivering major UK logistics and industrial projects

The Construction and Engineering team at Burges Salmon has advised independent construction company Benniman Limited on a series of significant projects across the UK. Led by director Christian Mulvihill, the firm provided legal support on large-scale developments for leading names in the logistics and industrial sectors. Notably, Burges Salmon advised Benniman on the creation of three new logistics and distribution facilities at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) in Northamptonshire. Totalling 618,000 sq ft, the schemes will deliver high-quality space and strengthen DIRFT’s position as a key hub for rail-connected logistics, supporting efficient supply chain operations and sustainable freight solutions. Further advice was provided across three other projects including on the construction of a c. 50,000 sq ft best-in-class industrial and warehousing estate in Reading, the development of eight industrial units in Milton Keynes totalling 200,765 sq ft., as well as recent work delivered for property developer Clowes Developments. The team also advised Benniman in relation to the construction of three industrial units in Birmingham on behalf of Coltham as well as a 57,000 sf ft unit in Worcester Six Business Park for Stoford. Christian Mulvihill, director at Burges Salmon, says: “We are delighted to have supported Benniman on these projects, which demonstrate the strength of the UK logistics and industrial sectors. Completing five transactions back-to-back within a short timeframe required careful co-ordination and a thorough understanding of contractual and regulatory issues. It is a testament to the strength and agility of our team that we were able to deliver seamless advice across multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring our client could move forward with confidence and efficiency.” Paul Barfoot, Commercial Director at Benniman, comments: “Delivering major projects concurrently was a significant undertaking, and Burges Salmon’s ability to manage the legal complexities was outstanding. Their proactive approach, responsiveness and sector expertise gave us the confidence to progress each development without delay.” With over 40 specialist lawyers working across the firm’s Built Environment, Infrastructure and Energy & Utilities sector groups, Burges Salmon has one of the largest construction and engineering legal teams in the UK and is a first port of call for highly complex and innovative projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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GLP celebrates the legacy of the Lutterworth Community Fund and latest G-Tour charity donations

GLP celebrates the legacy of the Lutterworth Community Fund and latest G-Tour charity donations

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

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Altrad RMD Kwikform opens second training academy in Aldridge to strengthen industry skills and innovation

Altrad RMD Kwikform opens second training academy in Aldridge to strengthen industry skills and innovation

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

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McLaren Construction reaches fast-track milestones at Panattoni Park Swindon

McLaren Construction reaches fast-track milestones at Panattoni Park Swindon

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

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Planning Consent Granted for 102-bedroom Hotel in Edinburgh City Centre

Planning Consent Granted for 102-bedroom Hotel in Edinburgh City Centre

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

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Orbit Homes starts construction of 272 new homes in Norfolk at Victoria Gardens in Great Plumstead

Orbit Homes starts construction of 272 new homes in Norfolk at Victoria Gardens in Great Plumstead

Leading affordable housebuilder, Orbit Homes, has started construction on 272 new homes in the East at Victoria Gardens, a new development in Great Plumstead. At Victoria Gardens, Orbit Homes is delivering 138 affordable homes for social rent and Shared Ownership, alongside 134 homes for market sale. The new development will comprise a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. All homes at Victoria Gardens will follow Orbit Homes’ tenure-blind approach, meaning that regardless of whether a customer moves into their new home via market sale, shared ownership or social rent, they will receive the same commitment to sector-leading design, specification, and safety, alongside outstanding customer service. Victoria Gardens is designed to embrace sustainability and support Orbit’s wider commitment to The Wildlife Trusts’ 30by30 campaign to enable nature’s recovery by 2030 with large areas of public space including an orchard. With works underway on the Smee Lane site, the first homes are set to be available for purchase in Spring 2026. Brian Nearney, Chief Development Officer at Orbit, said: “We are delighted to have started on site at Victoria Gardens, where we’re working to build 272 quality new homes that will be ideal for those at all stages of life. We’re also very proud to be delivering over half of these homes in affordable tenures to support the local housing need and further our commitment to building thriving mixed-tenure communities. “Our team is excited to share more details about Victoria Gardens in the coming months, and we encourage anyone interested to register their interest now and be the first to find out more.” Victoria Gardens is supported by grant funding from Homes England for the delivery of affordable homes. The new development is situated in Great Plumstead, a parish village on the outskirts of Norwich, where locals can enjoy the best of both worlds with the beautiful countryside and a range of amenities nearby, including Norwich city centre and Norwich train station less than five miles away. For more information about Victoria Gardens and to register your interest, visit: www.orbithomes.org.uk/victoria-gardens Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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OKNOPLAST join Secured by Design

OKNOPLAST join Secured by Design

OKNOPLAST, an international manufacturer of high-quality windows, exterior doors, roller shutters, garage doors and accessories, is one of the latest companies to join Secured by Design (SBD), the official police security initiative Operating across 21 countries throughout Europe and North America, OKNOPLAST has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most recognisable and trusted names in the window and door industry. With over three decades of experience, the company combines advanced manufacturing technologies with uncompromising product quality and innovation. OKNOPLAST’s NEO Range has achieved Secured by Design’s Police Preferred Specification, meeting the initiative’s rigorous standards for security and performance. This accreditation reinforces OKNOPLAST’s commitment to delivering products that not only enhance comfort and design, but also offer proven protection and long-term reliability. The company’s dedication to excellence is supported by a robust product development department that continuously researches and responds to changing customer expectations. With stringent internal quality controls exceeding industry requirements, OKNOPLAST ensures that every product provides safety, comfort and durability for years to come. Mike Żyrek, R&D Director, OKNOPLAST, said: “Obtaining Secured by Design accreditation for our NEO line confirms that our solutions meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and innovation. At OKNOPLAST, we continuously invest in technological development so that our products not only provide comfort and aesthetics, but above all, significantly increase user safety. This distinction motivates us to further improve our solutions and introduce products to the market that meet the growing demands of customers in terms of protection and durability.” Kenny McHugh, Secured by Design, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome OKNOPLAST as members of Secured by Design and to recognise their achievement in securing Police Preferred Specification for their NEO Range. OKNOPLAST’s strong focus on quality, innovation and customer confidence aligns perfectly with the principles of Secured by Design, and we look forward to developing our partnership as they continue to expand across international markets.” You can find out more about OKNOPLAST and their Secured by Design accredited products on their dedicated member page. Secured by Design Secured by Design (SBD) is owned by the UK Police Service with the specific aim of reducing crime and increasing safety for businesses and individuals. SBD seeks to improve the physical security of buildings and the surrounding area using products such as doors, windows, locks and walling systems along with fencing systems that meet the SBD Police Preferred Specification security requirements. SBD have many partner organisations, ranging from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through to local authorities, housing associations, developers and manufacturers and work closely with standards and certification bodies. SBD is the only way for companies to obtain police recognition for security-related products in the UK, through the Police Preferred Specification – a product-based accreditation scheme developed 25 years ago, which provides a recognised standard for all security products that effectively deter and reduce crime. SBD work with manufacturers and standards authorities to ensure that security standards are current and updated to keep pace with emerging crime trends. Learn more about Secured by Design and our member companies at: https://www.securedbydesign.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Perega engineers the interface for Selfridges’ historic Disney Castle

Perega engineers the interface for Selfridges’ historic Disney Castle

Perega has provided a structural engineering audit and interface checks for the highly sustainable and innovative construction system supporting the 11-metre-tall Disney Castle at Selfridges’ London store.  Unveiled as part of this year’s Christmas celebrations, this is the largest festive feature on the Oxford Street landmark in over half a century. Perega was appointed to deliver the structural engineering audit and analysis, facing the challenge of securing a significant temporary structure to an iconic building with suitable tolerance and minimal façade intervention. Perega ran crucial checks on the existing Selfridges structure to ensure it could safely support the proposed loads from the installation. To create a solution that is both efficient and cost-effective, Perega audited a unique reusable system for the façade interface, working closely with the design team. This forward-thinking approach significantly reduced the waste and long-term costs associated with temporary schemes. Rob Barnes, Director at Perega and the project lead, commented: “The challenge was to ensure the structural system for the largest installation the store has seen in over 50 years was not only safe but also fundamentally sustainable. Our engineering input, incorporating reusable anchors and bespoke column frames, ensures the structure can be efficiently rebuilt to accommodate future display additions, minimising material consumption and environmental impact.” The project was delivered in collaboration with lead designer, Sculptivate Company, and specialist installers, Ambar Installations, and fabricator StageOne, showcasing a seamless partnership. Perega’s work on the Disney Castle structure continues its long-standing relationship with Selfridges, building on extensive experience in the retail sector by delivering expert engineering for logistically challenging and landmark projects. For more information on Perega’s retail work, please visit perega.co.uk/sectors/retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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ROCKWOOL and FSEW partnership delivers measurable carbon savings in UK logistics

ROCKWOOL and FSEW partnership delivers measurable carbon savings in UK logistics

ROCKWOOL UK has joined forces with FSEW freight specialists to significantly reduce the carbon emissions from its UK delivery operations. The use of electric and biomethane-powered HGVs on selected routes from ROCKWOOL’s insulation factory in Bridgend, Wales, has resulted in a 630-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions in just 15 months. This is equivalent to the levels that can be removed from the atmosphere by 13,500 mature trees each year. The partnership between the non-combustible insulation manufacturer and freight decarbonisation specialist means 22% of ROCKWOOL UK’s deliveries are now made using low carbon vehicles. These savings support the ROCKWOOL Group’s ambitious global goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the business, aiming for net zero by 2050 with an interim target of cutting emissions by one third by 2034. The move from a diesel-heavy transport model to a fleet partially powered by electric and 100% biomethane vehicles has helped the ROCKWOOL Group to tackle its challenging Scope 3 target, relating to transport and distribution emissions. ROCKWOOL UK began working with Cardiff-based FSEW at the end of 2023 to trial the initiative using greener transport methods. In its first full year in 2024, the partnership reduced ROCKWOOL UK’s logistics footprint by over 433 tonnes of CO2.  By the end of the first quarter in 2025, a further 200 tonnes had been saved, and additional routes have now been transitioned, including those in the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland. Digital twin route mapping has also been utilised to ensure the electric and biomethane vehicles are able to comfortably refuel on their delivery journeys without any disruption or delay for customers. Tim Eaton, Supply Chain Director at ROCKWOOL UK, said the partnership had already reaped measurable results and the organisation was now looking to extend the initiative further. “Tackling freight emissions is one of the toughest challenges in construction, but our partnership with FSEW shows it can be done and done without compromise on speed, reliability or service to customers. We’re really happy with the results so far and look forward to building on them in the future.” said Tim. ROCKWOOL, which has operated from South Wales since 1979, has built on its strong foundations in the UK with the recent launch of its fire-stopping Centre of Excellence at Hams Halls, Birmingham and has also announced proposals to open a second stone wool manufacturing plant in the West Midlands. ROCKWOOL’s Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, Nick Wilson, added: “With transport and distribution emissions rising on customer agendas, this partnership not only reduces the carbon footprint of our own deliveries, but also paves the way for scalable, additional low-carbon freight solutions that support the UK’s net-zero agenda.” “Through collaborations like this as well as deploying in-house technological solutions, we will continue working hard to reduce our carbon footprint in line with ROCKWOOL Group’s global targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Whitbread secures prime mid-town site for new hub by Premier Inn

Whitbread secures prime mid-town site for new hub by Premier Inn     

Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel company and owner of Premier Inn, has made a significant freehold hotel acquisition in Central London for its hub by Premier Inn brand.  In line with the company’s strategy of expanding its network of budget hotels in London, it has acquired Victory House (30-34 Kingsway, WC2) from a private overseas investor for an undisclosed sum.  The location matches Whitbread’s network plan requirement for Covent Garden / Holborn and provides hub by Premier Inn customers with doorstep access to Covent Garden, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the LSE campus and London’s Theatre District all of which are less than a ten-minute walk away.   Whitbread intends to convert the 45,000 sq ft office building which is currently occupied until spring 2026 into a hub by Premier Inn hotel of around 200-bedrooms, subject to planning.  It plans to introduce the compact hub by Premier Inn bedrooms within the existing floorplates, retaining and respecting the handsome 1920s stone façade facing onto Kingsway.   The off-market purchase of Victory House rounds off an especially active year for Whitbread in Central and Inner London where the business is investing heavily.  Since February [2025] the company has acquired four former office buildings to convert into Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn hotels – investments totalling more than £100 million.  Collectively the buildings, which include Victory House, will add close to 1,000 Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn bedrooms into Whitbread’s secured development pipeline in a market where a significant proportion of their future pipeline is located.  Currently 19% of Whitbread’s 85,000 bedrooms are in London.  Jonathan Langdon, Senior Acquisition Manager for Whitbread, said:  “The vision behind hub by Premier Inn is to offer all the great things about Premier Inn in the most central, accessible and exciting places.  Kingsway is one of those stand-out locations being surrounded by London’s best entertainment, restaurants, cultural venues and institutions – somewhere we know our customers will want to stay.    “Investing here matches our network plan and complements our trading and pipeline hotels, neatly “bookending” Covent Garden with our St Martin’s Lane hotel to the west.  It also rounds off an especially active year for Whitbread in Central and Inner London where we have made four significant purchases and lease commitments, collectively totalling more than £100 million of investment and adding close to 1,000 prime located rooms into our pipeline.  “We’re pleased to have secured the Kingsway location quickly off-market and are excited to begin the planning journey with Camden Council next year, with a goal to bring the location onto our trading network in 2028.”  Whitbread’s hub by Premier Inn is designed for locations in major cities where property prices are relatively high but, thanks to the brand’s smaller room format, is still able to generate attractive long-term returns whilst providing affordable rooms for guests.  Launched on St Martins Lane in Covent Garden in 2014, the brand now offers eighteen hotels and more than 3,000 bedrooms in locations across Central London and Edinburgh City Centre – with four further London locations currently under construction or in the advanced stages of planning, including a flagship 690-room hub on Strand, next to Trafalgar Square.   Unique to the location, the Kingsway hub by Premier Inn will offer stunning views over Lincoln’s Inn Fields to the east whilst being on the doorstep of Covent Garden to the west. Whitbread is due to secure vacant possession of the building in April 2026 when the lease comes to an end.   In line with Whitbread’s sustainability strategy, the hotel will be all-electric, powered by energy generated from renewable sources – with the building design itself set to incorporate heat recovery systems and air source heat pumps to create a low energy demand.  Whitbread was advised on the transaction by Ingleby Trice and the vendor was advised by JLL and Savills. Conversations with Camden Council on the conversion of the eight-storey building are anticipated to begin in early 2026.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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