Dubai is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for luxury living and vacationing. The city is home to some of the most luxurious apartments available, making it a paradise for those looking to find affordable luxury. This article explores the best 1 bedroom apartments in Dubai, UAE. This article covers
Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has been appointed to create a bespoke access system to inspect the stay cables on a new Canadian bridge. The Pattullo Bridge, which crosses the Fraser River near Vancouver, British Columbia, is a key connection between the municipalities of Surrey and New Westminster. The Pattullo
Peikko has been selected as a supplier for Jorvi Hospital’s new extension in Espoo, Finland. The order includes 5.4 km of DELTABEAM® Green composite beams and nearly 80 PETRA® Green hollow-core slab hangers. Peikko’s deliveries to the site will begin in August 2023 and continue until September 2024. Hospital operations
With the ‘Quarter of the Dancing Couples’ KCAP (urban design and architecture), Studio Vulkan (landscape) and Raumanzug (sustainability) win the competition for a new residential neighbourhood with 279 apartments in the vicinity of Zurich. Wangen-Brüttisellen is a fast-growing municipality which is planning to densify. One of the plots designated for
Neinor Homes today announces that it has raised a green loan of 140 million euros with a three-year maturity (2026), demonstrating the company’s creditworthiness and its ability to raise both project and corporate financing. A joint deal has been structured for this financing transaction, backed by Banco Santander, BBVA and
Five partners with over a century of combined experience in the international construction industry have decided to join forces to form Inframara, an advisory firm for the global construction sector. Inframara aims to help by sharing first-hand experience and best practice with clients to avoid the classic pitfalls of complex
Global modular building specialist, Volumetric Building Companies, which has recently announced its expansion in the UK, has secured a contract worth more than £10m for the offsite construction of a 500-bed hotel for the Tropical Islands resort near Berlin, one of the world’s largest waterparks. Worldwide leisure park operator Parques
In an industry that has traditionally been predominantly dominated by men, Cannock-based housebuilder Jessup Partnerships is looking to encourage talented women into the workforce and has produced a video to mark International Women’s Day to help inspire other women to consider a career in construction. Site Manager, Kirsty Lynch, originally
HelloParks, founded just over two years ago as a member of Futureal Group, is expanding further with the launch of its latest industrial real estate investment in Alsónémedi, where the company plans to build a 60,000 sqm hall in accordance with the highest sustainability standards. The successful completion of the
Today, Travelodge, one of the UK’s largest hotel chains, announces it is expanding its Spanish operation by acquiring the lease of the popular NH Villa de Coslada hotel in Madrid and it has appointed global hospitality advisors Aldaba Partners to help grow its Spanish hotel portfolio. This expansion programme reflects
Dubai is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for luxury living and vacationing. The city is home to some of the most luxurious apartments available, making it a paradise for those looking to find affordable luxury. This article explores the best 1 bedroom apartments in Dubai, UAE. This article covers location, floor plans, prices, amenities, features, shopping, dining, transportation, outdoor activities, nightlife, and entertainment. This article explains Dubai’s affordable luxury. Dubai’s stunning coastline and cultural attractions attract apartment hunters. Location Considerations Dubai has many 1 bedroom apartments in various locations, providing many exciting opportunities to explore and experience the city’s vibrant culture. When choosing a neighborhood, consider school proximity and safety issues. Researching the city’s transportation system is also important to determine how easy it will be to get around. Location affects floor plans and prices for luxury 1 bedroom apartments in Dubai. When choosing a place to live, consider utilities and community amenities. It’s also important to compare prices since some complexes offer discounts or special promotions that can save you money over time. Living in Dubai means having access to world-class shopping centers, restaurants, and other attractions. Before committing long-term, research the cost of this luxurious lifestyle. Use online resources like real estate listings and reviews from previous tenants to maximize your rental budget while enjoying Dubai’s attractions. You’ll find an affordable luxury 1 bedroom apartment that meets your needs with these considerations. Floor Plans and Prices Dubai one-bedroom floor plans and prices show options. Space planning finds cheap luxury apartments. Comparing rents shows the best deals. Tenants can compare Dubai neighborhoods. When looking at floor plans, tenants should consider whether there are enough windows to let natural light into the apartment if the living room is big enough to host guests, and if there are balconies or terraces with stunning city skyline views. Furnished apartments vary. Location, apartment size, landlord amenities like gyms or concierge services, security deposits, and utility bills affect rent. Tenants should shop around before signing a lease. Compare floor plans and prices to find a Dubai one-bedroom apartment that meets all needs without breaking the bank. Amenities and features will be explored in Dubai’s affordable luxury real estate market. Amenities and Features Amenities and features determine Dubai’s one-bedroom apartments. Many affordable luxury apartments have private pools, fitness centers, and other perks. Home gyms and pools make exercise convenient. Add high-tech security, 24/7 concierge services, and stylish finishes. Amenities vary. Tenants should compare complexes before choosing. Doing so ensures they get all the features they need within budget. Some luxury complexes have better recreational facilities. If they fit a person’s lifestyle, luxury apartments can be worth the extra money. Researching all options will help people choose a Dubai apartment that suits their needs and budget. With this information, shoppers can find nearby shops and restaurants. Shopping and Dining Dubai residents can shop and dine near their apartments. From pet-friendly cafes and restaurants to luxury stores, tenants will find the perfect fit: Affordable luxury apartments in Dubai offer shopping and dining options for everyone. With so many options, tenants can explore the town without worrying about transportation costs or availability. There’s something for everyone who wants an unforgettable shopping and dining experience, from downtown districts with handmade vendors to high-end boutiques in upscale neighborhoods. Transportation Options Dubai’s transportation makes sightseeing easy. Dubai’s buses and metro lines move people quickly and cheaply. Taxis are an alternative for tourists. Taxis cost less. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem make traveling cheaper and easier for budget-conscious and direct-route travelers. Dubai’s many options simplify exploration. This vibrant destination has extensive public transport, taxi, ride-hailing, and other transportation networks. Dubai’s parks, malls, deserts, and mountains are easily accessible. Dubai’s waterparks, beaches, and desert safaris are easily accessible by public transportation. With so many options, finding affordable luxury apartments in Dubai is easier. Outdoor Activities Dubai has waterparks and desert safaris for locals and tourists. The Arabian Gulf coastline offers many beach options. From Jumeirah Beach Park to Al Mamzar Beach Park, public beaches offer swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor sports like volleyball and soccer. Dubai has several parks with dune bashing and other adventurous activities like camel riding. Activity Location Swimming/Sunbathing Jumeirah Beach Park & Al Mamzar Beach Park Outdoor Sports (Volleyball & Soccer) Jumeirah Beach Park & Al Mamzar Beach Park Dune Bashing Rides & Camel Riding Various Parks Across Dubai Family-friendly city theme parks. Waterpark Atlantis The Palm has thrill rides and shark and ray encounters. Motiongate Dubai has 27 thrilling rides inspired by Hollywood films. In contrast, Legoland Dubai has over 40 interactive LEGO-themed attractions for all ages, including roller coasters and educational experiences like building a LEGO car. Dubai’s luxury and adventure attract tourists. This vibrant city has night markets, live music, rooftop bars, dance shows, and more. Nightlife and Entertainment Dubai’s vibrant markets, live music, and rooftop bars offer exciting nightlife and entertainment. This lively city has sports bars, speakeasies, and more. Nightlife venues in Dubai include: Dubai nightlife surprises! You’ll find something to please your senses wherever you go, whether you prefer traditional or modern experiences. It’s easy to see why tourists flock to this amazing city with many nightlife options. Conclusion One-bedroom apartments in Dubai offer affordable luxury. When choosing an apartment, consider location, floor plans and prices, amenities and features, nearby shopping and dining, transportation, outdoor activities, nightlife, and entertainment. These factors can help tenants find a 1-bedroom apartment that fits their budget and lifestyle. Dubai’s many affordable luxury apartments allow anyone to enjoy the city’s benefits without breaking the bank. Read more on the official website https://dubai-properties.sale
Bridge works specialist Spencer Group has been appointed to create a bespoke access system to inspect the stay cables on a new Canadian bridge. The Pattullo Bridge, which crosses the Fraser River near Vancouver, British Columbia, is a key connection between the municipalities of Surrey and New Westminster. The Pattullo Bridge replacement will provide major improvements for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians when it opens in 2024. Opened in 1937, the existing bridge does not meet modern design standards and a new bridge is needed to maintain this critical link between the two communities. Working on behalf of Fraser Crossing Constructors GP, Hull-based Spencer Group is designing, manufacturing, testing and commissioning a semi-permanent access system to enable maintenance engineers to inspect all elements of the bridge’s stay cables. The cradle element, which transports personnel to the desired inspection location, operates similarly to a cable car, moving up and down a track rope on the four lane, toll-free bridge. The cradle will be electrically hoisted up and down the main track rope and will vertically move up and down to enable personnel to inspect the stay cable wires throughout the lifespan of the bridge. Gordon Neilson, Principal Engineer at Spencer Group and a leading industry expert in bridge gantry design, is behind the design for the Pattullo Bridge cable fan access system. The design stage of the access system project is already underway and is set to be complete by early May. Manufacturing and testing will take place in the UK before the whole access system is shipped to Canada for installation. Fraser Crossing Constructors GP will be designing the bridge to interface with the stay cable access system, before it is tested and commissioned by Spencer Group. Steven Bunting, Project Director at Spencer Group, who is leading the project and coordinating the various stages of the design and build, said: “We’re delighted to be able to draw on our industry-leading expertise to complete this project, supporting Fraser Crossing Constructors GP. “We’re also really pleased that our excellent track record of addressing unique challenges in the bridges sector and our engineering skills are being recognised and called upon internationally. “Our unique design on this project will be transferable to other cable stay bridges all over the world. It addresses challenges faced with the need to carry out tactile inspections of cables from a dedicated work platform, at difficult to reach locations at significant elevations.” The new bridge will provide a safer crossing for bridge users with modern, wider lanes, separated by a centre barrier, dedicated walking and cycling lanes separated from traffic by a barrier on both sides of the bridge, and better connections to, from and near the bridge. The existing bridge will remain in use until the new bridge is open to traffic in 2024. Once the Pattullo Bridge replacement is open, the existing bridge will be removed. Spencer Group has carried out maintenance and repair works on some of the UK’s most iconic bridges, including major refurbishment work on the Menai Suspension Bridge, which crosses the Menai Strait between the island of Anglesey and mainland North Wales, ahead of the structure’s 200th anniversary year in 2026. Locally, the company is carrying out major restoration work on the historic Corporation Road Bridge in Grimsby. The full refurbishment will include key structural works, as well as aesthetic improvements, preserving the bridge’s heritage status and protecting the landmark for years to come. For more information about the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, visit www.pattullobridgereplacement.ca/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Peikko has been selected as a supplier for Jorvi Hospital’s new extension in Espoo, Finland. The order includes 5.4 km of DELTABEAM® Green composite beams and nearly 80 PETRA® Green hollow-core slab hangers. Peikko’s deliveries to the site will begin in August 2023 and continue until September 2024. Hospital operations in the new premises are expected to begin in 2026. SRV is the main contractor on the 259 M€ project owned by HUS Helsinki University Hospital. Three architects collaborated on the five-story building: Lukkaroinen Architects Oy, UKI Architects, and Tähti-Set Architects Oy. The structural design is prepared by A-Insinöörit. Low carbon has been taken into account in this project in many ways. The on-site solar power system will enable carbon neutral energy production and all the equipment in the buildings have been selected with energy efficiency in mind. Flexible and versatile spaces allow for adjustments throughout the building’s lifecycle, which is supported by the lower carbon footprint of the DELTABEAM® Green beams.“Out of the Peikko’s six hospital construction sites currently underway in Europe, Jorvi represents Peikko’s largest project within this sector. It’s great to supply the DELTABEAM® Green composite beam system for such a significant project. Our composite structure provided an effective solution, with a carbon footprint that is half that of conventional beams “, comments Topi Paananen, CEO of Peikko Group Oy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
With the ‘Quarter of the Dancing Couples’ KCAP (urban design and architecture), Studio Vulkan (landscape) and Raumanzug (sustainability) win the competition for a new residential neighbourhood with 279 apartments in the vicinity of Zurich. Wangen-Brüttisellen is a fast-growing municipality which is planning to densify. One of the plots designated for redevelopment is the Erni-Areal, a former industrial estate located close to the railway station. The aim was to create a dense and liveable neighbourhood in a contrasting, almost cacophonous context. Mobimo, one of the leading real estate companies in Switzerland, invited five teams to redevelop the former Erni-Areal in Wangen-Brüttisellen. This partially built up site is to be transformed into a high-density neighbourhood with housing, offices, retail and gastronomy. The plot is surrounded by small-scale housing, compact tower blocks and various industries – including a high-bay warehouse for Coca-Cola. With the company currently expanding its activities, this increases the differences of scale. Furthermore, noise pollution heavily influences the site since it’s located near a highway exit, along a busy thoroughfare, and directly under the approach route to Zurich airport. Such a challenging location called for a precise design solution. KCAP proposed a concept that reacts to the heterogeneous context with a very clear stance of its own. It confidently confronts nearby large-scale projects such as Brüttiseller Tor, the Coca Cola high-bay warehouse or the Ringstrassenquartier. Instead of grand gestures and high points, the quarter offers a contrast with compact, low-rise development. Its high density allows for a world of its own inside and thus creates different cosy, small-scale niches. A backbone of interlocked public spaces create a liveable, sheltered environment. The staggered arrangement of the buildings acts as a noise barrier, doing justice to the complex noise situation while retaining an open character. Housing is to be found mainly in the more protected blocks, while the busy thoroughfare and highway exit are bordered by blocks with flexible office spaces and penthouse apartments. At the same time, Erni-Areal remains embedded in its context through a variety of physical and visual connections. Many small openings and entrances along the hard edge allow for a high degree of permeability. The new quarter is marked by four different typologies: the atrium house, the linear house, the point house and the twin house. Each typology is deployed twice, creating pairs which appear to be ‘dancing’ with each other due to their arrangement and orientation within the plan. Limiting the number of buildings and apartment typologies made for coherence as well as optimization, creating a measured balance between repetition and variety. “We took the Waltz, a dance for two in a closed stance with quick turns and a fixed step pattern, as our inspiration,” explains Ute Schneider, partner at KCAP. All four typologies are united by a slanted roof that includes the three top floors, creating an eave above the fourth or fifth floor. This introduces a human scale, and ensures ample natural light for the public spaces and apartments. Together with the different materialisation of the ground floor, the façades are visually structured into three layers: ground floor, body and slanted roof. By carefully positioning the four ‘dancing couples’, KCAP created a sequence of public spaces in the interior of the neighbourhood. These are all characterised by their own, specific qualities: the innermost courtyards are lushly planted with trees, the areas in front of the buildings act as a buffer zone between the public and the private realm, and the car-free streets are clearly recognizable as such. Due to their naturally planted and shaded design, these spaces also serve as a retention area for surplus rainwater, a cooling measure and a microclimate of their own. Sustainability is an integral part of all KCAP projects and Erni-Areal is a clear example of our approach. The building blocks are designed to be partially built of recycled concrete – used only for the basements, ground floors and building cores – and partially in prefabricated wood. This hybrid approach has financial as well as environmental benefits, because it streamlines the complex building process on this challenging location. In addition to the measures employed to reduce noise, counter heat stress, retain water and improve the microclimate, Erni-Areal features PV panels, green roofs, heat pumps, and a maximum of natural ventilation. The project is both compact and ecological, targeting the SNBS (Standard Nachhaltiges Bauen Schweiz) requirements. The existing ERNI headquarters will be preserved and expanded with a greenhouse, which is set to become a community centre with a focus on urban food production. At night, this glass pavilion will serve as a beacon for the new neighbourhood. Ute Schneider: “We wanted to maintain part of the area’s industrial atmosphere, and add variety as well as coherence, so as to create a true neighbourhood feeling.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Neinor Homes today announces that it has raised a green loan of 140 million euros with a three-year maturity (2026), demonstrating the company’s creditworthiness and its ability to raise both project and corporate financing. A joint deal has been structured for this financing transaction, backed by Banco Santander, BBVA and JP Morgan, reflecting the financial support and appetite from both Spanish and international banks to invest in the Spanish market. The cost of the loan, including the interest rate swap and savings from the various bond repurchases, is 4.17%, which is lower than the interest cost of the bond issued in 2021 before the start of the conflict in Ukraine, and the rise of inflation and interest rates. The loan allows the company to exercise its right to redeem the outstanding balance of its green bond, the principal amount of which amounts to approximately €143 million following the tender offer launched at the end of February 2023. The redemption is expected to be executed on 27 April 2023. The refinancing marks the first milestone in the company’s new strategic plan, of which one of the main pillars is to focus on shareholder returns with the aim of distributing approximately 600 million euros by 2027. Over the same period, the company plans to allocate more than one billion euros to new direct and indirect investments in order to manage its growth in a capital-efficient manner. Jordi Argemí, Neinor Homes’ Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer, commented that “The notes’ redemption was key to meeting one of the main drivers of our new strategic plan disclosed to the market at the end of March: delivering shareholder returns of up to €600m between 2023 and 2027. In addition, we are proud to have been able to reduce the company’s net financing cost (from 4.5% to 4%), in the context of ongoing high interest rates.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Five partners with over a century of combined experience in the international construction industry have decided to join forces to form Inframara, an advisory firm for the global construction sector. Inframara aims to help by sharing first-hand experience and best practice with clients to avoid the classic pitfalls of complex infrastructure projects and instead deliver them with better results in terms of time, budget and beneficial outcomes. Their recipe is: experience, early involvement, a collaborative attitude in an appropriate contractual environment, risk management, value engineering and sustainability. Improving Outcomes in the Global Construction Sector The global construction sector has long been plagued by disputes, delays, and cost blowouts. The root cause of these problems invariably lies in the early stage of a project. With Inframara’s involvement at an early stage and by providing a single point of contact for clients and acting as their trusted partner, Inframara is able to help select and de-risk the best solution for each project through early collaboration with key parties and stakeholders. “We are excited to launch Inframara, a company that aims to fundamentally change the traditional approach to project procurement in the global construction sector. Our focus on greater collaboration and increased supply chain transparency will bring a fresh perspective to the industry and drive better outcomes for all parties involved” said Kenneth Willems, Managing Director at Vuentica and co-founder of Inframara. Experienced team with international practical know-how The Inframara team consists of five partners, each with extensive experience in the construction industry: Kenneth Willems and Lieven Durt, based in Belgium; David Kinlan, based in Australia; Lukas Goemaere, based in Panama and Jasper Verstreepen, based in Mexico. The team has a wealth of international expertise in project management, tendering, project finance, contract management, sustainability and operational excellence and is ready to share its knowledge with the industry. “At Inframara, our goal is to break the conventional transactional and adversarial approach to construction management, ensuring that all parties involved work collaboratively from the outset and are satisfied with the end result,” said Jasper Verstreepen, co-founder at Inframara. He added “We believe that our approach for project preparation and collaborative contract management in the sector will foster innovation and sustainable solutions. We are confident we will be able to make a real difference in the global sector.” Inframara is committed to bringing a fresh approach to the construction industry, and the company is poised to make a significant impact for its clients in the coming years. With a focus on collaboration and operational excellence, Inframara is ready to tackle the challenges facing the construction sector and deliver better outcomes for all stakeholders. Join Inframara on the journey to transform the construction industry. Contact us today or have a look at our website at www.inframara.com
Global modular building specialist, Volumetric Building Companies, which has recently announced its expansion in the UK, has secured a contract worth more than £10m for the offsite construction of a 500-bed hotel for the Tropical Islands resort near Berlin, one of the world’s largest waterparks. Worldwide leisure park operator Parques Reunidos is investing £22m in the new hotel, which will expand the resort’s facilities by 500 beds and create its largest hotel on the Tropical Islands site. VBC’s contract is for the modular manufacture, furniture production, offsite fitting out and installation of five storeys of guest room accommodation. There will be a range of guest room types, including two- and four-bedroom family suites; double, accessible, and 36sqm deluxe rooms. These will be installed by VBC on to a concrete podium which accommodates the public areas and guest amenities. The new hotel will be clad in grey composite cladding and will be linked to the indoor water attractions. In addition to the manufacture of 155 steel-framed hotel modules, VBC’s contract includes production of a full range of bespoke, contemporary furniture for the guest rooms at its factory in Poland – from beds and sofa beds to shelving, bathroom vanity units, and wood and glass partitions between the main bedrooms and bathrooms. The guest room modules will arrive on site in Summer this year and will be installed in just two months. The hotel is due to open early 2024. Commenting on the project, Wouter Dekkers, Corporate Development Director at Parques Reunidos, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with VBC on this scheme. Their longstanding, specialist experience in hotel construction will help us to create a really fantastic facility for Tropical Islands. The use of an offsite manufacturing solution for the guest rooms will significantly reduce disruption to our existing operations and guests during the build phase. The hotel’s modular construction will also have much less environmental impact – fewer vehicle movements through the park, less material waste, and the reduced carbon footprint of the steel structure.” Wojciech Chyrek, European Commercial Director at Volumetric Building Companies, said, “We are thrilled to be awarded our first modular project in Germany. Our offsite solutions have been widely used in the UK and globally, and the advantages of our approach to hotel construction are clear. We work to stringent and consistent factory quality standards and can help hotel operators achieve earlier occupation and a faster return on investment with our reduced programme times compared to in-situ construction. We are looking forward to developing a long-term strategic partnership with Parques Reunidos.” The attractions at the Tropical Islands Resort include an indoor rainforest which is home to 50,000 plants and 600 species, a beach and 1,200sqm swimming lagoon, spa and saunas spanning 10,000sqm, and the world’s longest double water slide. The park welcomes around 1.2m visitors each year, making it one of the most popular leisure destinations in Germany. Parques Reunidos is one of the fastest growing leisure park operators in the world. It owns and operates over 50 leisure parks across Europe, North America, and Australia – including theme parks, aquaria, zoos, and water parks. VBC has delivered modular projects in the UK, Europe and around the world for a host of global hotel brands, including for Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels, Whitbread, and citizenM. For further information, visit www.vbc.co/uk or email enquiries@vbc.co. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In an industry that has traditionally been predominantly dominated by men, Cannock-based housebuilder Jessup Partnerships is looking to encourage talented women into the workforce and has produced a video to mark International Women’s Day to help inspire other women to consider a career in construction. Site Manager, Kirsty Lynch, originally from Edinburgh was one of those featured in the video alongside her colleague Michelle Howe, a Health and Safety Advisor. Kirsty, 50, worked at Jessup five years ago and recently returned as Site Manager at the housebuilder’s Lower Valley Road development in Dudley. Kirsty previously worked in Health and Social Care for over 20 years, however, decided to take the plunge into the construction industry in her 40s. “After a long and successful career in Health and Social Care, I decided I needed a new challenge so, I retrained, and gained the necessary qualifications for site management. I applied for around 500 jobs to get myself onto site- having no trade background and being female, I did not feel like I was taken seriously. After a while, I eventually obtained a role, but I had to travel around 600 miles a week for work. This position was for a Trainee Assistant Site Manager which led to me being promoted to Assistant Site Manager within two years,” said Kirsty. “I’ve had to work incredibly hard to prove myself. Being a woman brings a different dynamic to a construction site. For the most part, all the sub-contractors, the supply chain and the community, embrace and support my role, however a minority have to be challenged with education and training. Equality and diversity are the starting points ensuring we have equal rights such as pay, career progression and a voice. “This journey has not always been easy, near impossible at times, with archaic and outdated attitudes. Like all good career paths if you want something you have to work at it. Having a supportive employer makes a massive difference, one who supports and embraces the diversity we bring to the role. Changing the rhetoric, change the perspective.” The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that in Q4 of 2022, 2,171,000 people in the UK worked in construction1. Out of those people, just 321,000, 14.7 per cent, were women2. With a number of female employees already in a range of roles across the company, the developer is keen to break the stereotype around women working in construction. Michelle Howe, who joined Jessup Partnerships in 2022 as Health and Safety Advisor, previously worked for a large precast concrete manufacturer as a Health and Safety Co-ordinator. Michelle, who works on sites across the West Midlands said: “Since joining Jessup, I have felt well-supported in my career progression and have received the relevant training to enable my transition from manufacturing to construction. “I feel well supported by my manager and the site teams that I work with on a daily basis, and my opinions are listened to and valued. I have never felt anything other than welcomed and accepted by the site personnel. If I could give any advice to women thinking about starting a career in construction, I would tell them that they absolutely should pursue it. I think that working in construction is far more inclusive than it was five years ago, and there are now a lot more women actually working on site.” International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the achievements of women, promoting equality and raising awareness about discrimination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HelloParks, founded just over two years ago as a member of Futureal Group, is expanding further with the launch of its latest industrial real estate investment in Alsónémedi, where the company plans to build a 60,000 sqm hall in accordance with the highest sustainability standards. The successful completion of the land transaction was achieved with the assistance of the consultancy firm Grifton Property. HelloParks, having three modern megaparks in Fót, Maglód and Páty under construction, will be present in the vicinity of the fourth key transport hub around Budapest by the project in Alsónémedi. As a result of the investment, HelloParks is working on the development of more than 1 million sqm of warehouse and industrial space. HelloParks, the Hungarian industrial developer company that creates sustainable megaparks, is launching another project in the southern submarket of Budapest. The construction will soon start on a 135,000 sqm site in Alsónémedi, close to the junction of the M0 and M5 motorways and BILK (Budapest Intermodal Logistics Centre) container terminal. The Big Box type building, expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024, will be the company’s largest project to date with a total of 60 000 sqm of flexible space to serve tenants’ demands. The development will bring HelloParks’ industrial real estates to another key location after Fót, Maglód and Páty, giving the company full coverage of the Hungarian capital’s surrounding area. Sustainability and energy efficiency are a priority in HelloParks’ investments. To this end, the new building will be built according to the strictest criteria of the New Construction category of BREEAM sustainability standard to achieve the Outstanding rating and to the EU Taxonomy requirements, as will all the company’s new halls. In Hungary, HelloParks is currently the only developer to build industrial buildings in line with these requirements. The hall will be equipped with a modern building management system (BMS) that tenants can have access to, using the company’s own proprietary application. The mobile app will allow them to monitor energy and utility consumption and adjust heating, ventilation and lighting settings in their rented areas. “There is significant demand for our environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and smart industrial buildings. This is one of the reasons why we are now starting development in the southern submarket of Budapest, following Fót, Maglód and Páty, and are now present in all important locations around the Hungarian capital. We make great effort to meet market demand that is why we are currently developing industrial real estates at a fast pace in all our locations” – said Rudolf Nemes, CEO of HelloParks. The Hungarian-owned industrial real estate developer started major construction works in 2021 on three sites where around 140,000 sqm of industrial building has already been completed. The company is currently working on nearly 130,000 sqm of warehouses which will be expanded by a further 60,000 sqm when construction of the planned hall in Alsónémedi starts. HelloParks’ first two buildings in Maglód and Fót – MG1 and FT1 – were 100% occupied with tenants in record time last year. Since then, the second phase in Maglod, MG3, has also received its occupancy permit, while two more buildings in Fót, FT6 and FT2, are due to be handed over soon. The completion of the first warehouse, PT1, which is being built in HelloParks Páty, will also be completed this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Today, Travelodge, one of the UK’s largest hotel chains, announces it is expanding its Spanish operation by acquiring the lease of the popular NH Villa de Coslada hotel in Madrid and it has appointed global hospitality advisors Aldaba Partners to help grow its Spanish hotel portfolio. This expansion programme reflects the key findings from comprehensive research, including a study of the Spanish hotel market that Travelodge commissioned from Christie & Co. Research showed that Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world and one of the fastest growing hotel markets across the globe, but there is a significant gap for branded, low cost and good quality accommodation in the midscale and economy segment. This growing segment indexes favourably with modern travellers who are looking for affordable accommodation options. This research indicates a significant opportunity for Travelodge to grow in Spain, as the group has nearly four decades of expertise in operating budget hotels, a strong brand, and a proven successful long term lease model in place. Therefore it can offer investors and landlords an alternative long term income stream in Spain. Whilst offering business and leisure travellers more choice and great value accommodation. At present, the Spanish hotel market is dominated by independent hotel owners, franchise and management agreement operators and shorter leasehold operators. However, our research showed that investors are increasingly looking for stable long term income streams in support of Spain’s growing tourism industry. This fits well with Travelodge’s traditional long term fixed lease model, as used in the UK. To help capitalise on this growth opportunity in Spain, Travelodge has appointed Aldaba Partners, who are renowned across the globe for their comprehensive investment advisory service. Aldaba Partners will help grow the Travelodge business in Spain by finding suitable hotel sites and third party investors. Key growth locations include: Barcelona, Madrid, Alicante, Bilbao, Granada, Malaga, Palma, Seville and Valencia. To launch its Spanish expansion programme, Travelodge is delighted to have acquired the lease of the NH Villa De Coslada hotel in Madrid. The 78-room hotel features an on-site restaurant, bar and car-park and is Coslada’s main hotel, situated close to the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium, IFEMA Convention Center and the airport – making it an ideal base for business and leisure customers. Travelodge has acquired a 20-year lease to operate the hotel from Grupo Veintidos. The hotel will be renamed Travelodge Madrid Coslada Aeropuerto and the group will invest approximately €1 million in acquiring the lease and refurbishing the hotel to the new Travelodge budget-luxe premium look hotel design. The Travelodge budget-luxe design includes all the low cost efficiencies you would expect from Travelodge but with the added benefit of thoughtful, stylish design and homely touches throughout its interiors. Work will commence in May 2023 and the hotel will remain open during this period with an official opening scheduled for this summer. Travelodge already operates a successful lease hotel model in Spain and Travelodge Madrid Coslada Aeropuerto, will be the group’s sixth hotel in Spain – and its third Travelodge in Madrid. The group also operates two hotels in Barcelona and one in Valencia. With the addition of this new hotel, Travelodge now operates nearly 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain. Steve Bennett, Travelodge, Chief Property & Development Officer said: “We are delighted to launch our Spanish expansion programme by acquiring the lease of the NH Villa de Coslada hotel in Madrid and appointing Aldaba Partners to help us grow our business across Spain. The Spanish hotel market is growing at pace with demand exceeding supply and we want to take this opportunity to take the Travelodge brand to new business and leisure locations across Spain. With nearly four decades of expertise in operating budget hotels, a strong brand and a proven successful long term lease model in place, we can offer investors and landlords an alternative long term income stream in Spain. Whilst offering business and leisure travellers more choice and great value accommodation.” The Travelodge Spanish operation is managed by Angel Beleno, who joined Travelodge in 2013 as Spain, Director of Operations and in 2014 was promoted to Spain, General Director. Angel has over 20 years experience of working within the hospitality sector in Spain and internationally. Prior to joining Travelodge, Angel worked for Melia Hotels International and Barceló Hotels and amp Resorts in Spain and Mexico. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
