RISE Design Studio has secured planning approval to redevelop Sutton Churches Tennis Club in the London Borough of Sutton, delivering a next-generation community sports facility that sets a new benchmark for grassroots sports infrastructure in the UK. The scheme was approved with the full support of the council. Across the
Commercial property developer Wykeland Group has submitted revised plans for a stylish new hotel in Hull city centre, under the Marriott group’s chic Moxy brand. Subject to planning approval, a £25m investment would see the hotel built opposite the city’s Connexin Live arena. Wykeland already has planning permission for a
Robertson Construction North East has been appointed to deliver a new cinema and leisure complex in Ashington, marking a major step forward in the £36 million transformation of the Northumberland town centre. The design and build project, located at Portland Park, will see the development of a five-screen cinema alongside
Greggs has unveiled an updated property requirements list as it accelerates plans to expand its UK footprint, signalling continued demand for a diverse range of retail and roadside locations across the country. The food-to-go operator, which secured 100 new shop locations during 2025, is actively seeking leasehold units with a
The Meadows is entering an exciting new chapter with 2026 set to be a year of change and progress towards consolidating its position as a vibrant mixed leisure and retail destination at the heart of the city centre. Hollywood Bowl, recognised as the market leading tenpin bowling operator in the
Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver a £46m hotel development in Leeds city centre, marking another significant addition to the city’s growing West End regeneration. The project is being brought forward by joint developers Marrico and Helios, who have secured funding for the scheme on Lisbon Street. The site,
Barberry has strengthened its leisure line-up after securing a West Midlands city centre letting to expanding gym operator Trident Fitness. The Midlands-based investor and developer completed the 10-year lease at 50 Bishop Street, Coventry, shortly after previous tenant Pure Gym vacated the 19,555 sq ft unit. Barberry property surveyor Emilie Meddings
Fast-growing, QSR brand, Chopstix, has continued its impressive 2026 expansion, opening its latest store in Colchester. Opening on Culver Street West, just a short walk from Colchester Castle, the new store is the first site in the busy city centre and is part of a wider growth plan to target
A new 82-bedroom hotel is taking shape in Greater London, with help from a leading Birmingham-based construction consultancy. The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to support the development of a new £8.6 million Travelodge in Upminster in the London Borough of Havering. TCC is providing contract administrator and quantity
Designs have been unveiled for a 70-storey tower set to become the centrepiece of the £1bn Kings development on Liverpool’s waterfront. The landmark building, designed by SimpsonHaugh, will combine a five-star hotel with luxury residential apartments managed by the hotel operator. The reveal comes only weeks after the project’s first
RISE Design Studio has secured planning approval to redevelop Sutton Churches Tennis Club in the London Borough of Sutton, delivering a next-generation community sports facility that sets a new benchmark for grassroots sports infrastructure in the UK. The scheme was approved with the full support of the council. Across the country, community clubs are operating from ageing, inefficient and inaccessible buildings. RISE’s scheme for Sutton Churches Tennis Club offers more than a replacement clubhouse. It demonstrates how these facilities can be reimagined through low-carbon construction, inclusive design and high-performance building standards. By combining mass timber, prefabrication and Passivhaus-informed design aligned with the AECB CarbonLite New Build standard within a community-focused brief, the project establishes a replicable model for the future of local sport. The approval marks a significant milestone for RISE Design Studio. It reflects the practice’s expansion into community sporting infrastructure and reinforces its belief that thoughtful, sustainable architecture has a role to play at every scale. Not only in homes and cultural buildings, but also in the everyday spaces where people come together to socialise and be active. The existing clubhouse, now in a dilapidated condition and no longer viable, will be demolished and replaced with a contemporary, low-energy pavilion designed to grow with the club and serve its community for generations. The approved scheme delivers a new single-storey clubhouse with enlarged clubroom, upgraded changing facilities, accessible WCs and integrated storage. Structurally, the building represents a significant step forward for its typology. A hybrid mass timber structure, combining cross-laminated timber walls with glulam roof elements, reduces embodied carbon while enabling efficient off-site fabrication and rapid assembly on site. High levels of insulation, airtight construction, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, air source heat pumps and rooftop photovoltaic panels will create a building that is both environmentally responsible and cost-effective to operate. The project is targeting AECB CarbonLite New Build Certification, underscoring its commitment to rigorous energy performance. This is a critical consideration for community-led organisations working within limited budgets. Accessibility is embedded from the outset rather than added as an afterthought. By lowering the ground floor to align with the surrounding landscape, the design achieves step-free access throughout, ensuring the facility is genuinely welcoming to all. The building sits lightly within its setting as a low-profile pavilion with a restrained palette of timber, metal and glass. Vertical timber cladding softens its mass, while a standing seam metal roof with a generous overhang provides shelter and shading. A vibrant red roof finish references the tiled roofs of the surrounding homes, and a central linear rooflight reduces reliance on artificial lighting. The site is organised through a linear zoning strategy into three distinct areas: a western recreational landscape, a central social hub and an eastern service block. The clubroom sits at the heart of the plan, oriented northwards to frame views across the tennis courts and maintain a strong visual connection to the sport. To the east, the ancillary block acts as a discreet acoustic buffer for neighbouring residents, with high-level windows maintaining privacy without compromising daylight. For sports clubs, community organisations and local authorities exploring how to upgrade ageing facilities without compromising design quality or environmental performance, RISE Design Studio is available for consultation. Works at Sutton Churches Tennis Club are expected to commence in early 2027. Imran Jahn, Design Director, RISE Design Studio, said:“We wanted the new clubhouse to be a genuinely beautiful building as much as a high-performing one. Beautiful architecture should be accessible to all, not reserved for a select few. Community facilities deserve the same attention to proportion, materiality and light as any other piece of architecture. This project is about creating a place people are proud of, one that elevates the everyday experience of being at the club.” Jose Dengra, Senior Architect, RISE Design Studio, said:“A key part of the project has been coordinating a building that meets high environmental and accessibility standards while responding carefully to its context. By resolving structure, services and layout early on in the design process, we have ensured the scheme is efficient to build, sustainable, and well integrated into the surrounding urban fabric.” Jackie Halls, New Clubhouse Committee, Sutton Churches Tennis Club, said:“Our old clubhouse has become a real barrier and is holding the club back. RISE has designed something that will welcome everyone, players, families and the wider community for decades to come. The new clubhouse will be fully accessible, sustainable and fit for the future, while also being a beautifully designed building that reflects the ambitions of the club. We hope it will stand as an exemplar for what a modern community focused clubhouse can be. We can’t wait to get started on the build!” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Commercial property developer Wykeland Group has submitted revised plans for a stylish new hotel in Hull city centre, under the Marriott group’s chic Moxy brand. Subject to planning approval, a £25m investment would see the hotel built opposite the city’s Connexin Live arena. Wykeland already has planning permission for a hotel on the site. With Moxy now lined up, revised plans have been submitted to Hull City Council to meet the hotel brand’s specific requirements. The development is planned for next to the recently-restored Castle Buildings and former Earl de Grey pub, and delivery of the hotel would mark the completion of a transformative regeneration project across the wider site. Jonathan Stubbs, Development Director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “We’re proud of our work to restore Castle Buildings and the Earl de Grey and the development of a Moxy hotel would complete this prominent development site, as well as being an impressive addition to the Hull skyline. “The hotel’s location, on the doorstep of the Connexin Live arena and close to Hull’s city centre, marina, Fruit Market and Old Town, make it the perfect location for both leisure and business visitors. “These revised plans ensure the building reflects the stylish Moxy brand. Approval of the planning application will pave the way for the development of a high-quality new hotel that the business community, the tourism and hospitality sectors, and visitors to Hull have been crying out for.” The revised plans are for a seven-storey hotel with 122 bedrooms. The ground floor would include a bar and food area, a gym and a relaxation space, and business section. The hotel would meet a pent-up demand for accommodation in the city centre. Independent market research commissioned by Wykeland found there are 100 nights every year when city centre hotel capacity is full, with potential visitors forced to stay outside of the city. It would be owned by Wykeland and operated by Legacy Hotel Management Services, which manages more than 25 hotels across the UK on behalf of developers, investors and property owners. Moxy is Marriott’s quirky, non-traditional brand, offering guests a buzzing, contemporary vibe. Guests are welcomed with a drink as they check in at the bar, with convenient food options available both in the bar and at a grab-and-go counter. Moxy hotels can be found in 130 locations in more than 25 countries, with each hotel designed with a unique theme reflecting the host city. In the UK, Moxy has hotels in major cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast. Internationally, Moxy can be found in the likes of Bangkok, Shanghai, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona and Lisbon. Molly Turpie, Senior Manager, International Hotel Development, for Marriott International Hotels, said: “We’re excited at the prospect of creating a hotel that reflects the spirit of the city while delivering the high standards and global reach of Marriott International. “At Moxy, we believe hotels should be more than just a place to sleep – they should be social hubs, full of energy, creativity and personality. From check-in at the bar to buzzing communal spaces, the brand is all about creating memorable experiences at an accessible price point. “Hull’s independent spirit and cultural vibrancy make it a natural fit for Moxy, and we’re excited at the prospect of bringing something fresh, playful and distinctive to the city’s hospitality scene.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Robertson Construction North East has been appointed to deliver a new cinema and leisure complex in Ashington, marking a major step forward in the £36 million transformation of the Northumberland town centre. The design and build project, located at Portland Park, will see the development of a five-screen cinema alongside a mix of complementary leisure uses. The scheme includes space for two restaurants and a family-focused ‘competitive socialising’ venue, reflecting a growing trend towards experience-led town centre regeneration. Planning approval for the development was secured last year, with construction now set to begin in the coming months. The project is being delivered by Advance Northumberland on behalf of Northumberland County Council and has been procured via the Procure Partnerships Framework. Once complete, the cinema will be operated by independent operator REEL Cinemas and will serve as the only ‘first run’ cinema between Edinburgh and Blyth. The venue is expected to attract between 125,000 and 157,000 visitors annually, significantly boosting footfall and supporting the town’s wider economic recovery. The development forms part of a broader strategy to reposition Ashington town centre as a vibrant destination for leisure, dining and social activity. By extending activity into the evening and weekend economy, the scheme aims to increase dwell time and encourage greater local spending. Neil Kennedy, regional managing director at Robertson Construction North East, said the project represents an opportunity to deliver meaningful long-term benefits for the community. He highlighted the role of high-quality developments in driving regeneration, supporting local businesses and enhancing the overall appeal of town centres. The scheme is being funded through a combination of public sector investment, including support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Northumberland County Council and Advance Northumberland. Local stakeholders have welcomed the project as a significant milestone in the town’s regeneration journey. The cinema and leisure complex will complement other recent and planned investments in the area, including new transport infrastructure and education facilities, helping to reinforce Ashington’s position as a growing regional hub. The appointment underlines continued confidence in town centre regeneration projects that prioritise mixed-use, experience-led environments, with construction-led delivery playing a key role in unlocking long-term economic and social value. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Greggs has unveiled an updated property requirements list as it accelerates plans to expand its UK footprint, signalling continued demand for a diverse range of retail and roadside locations across the country. The food-to-go operator, which secured 100 new shop locations during 2025, is actively seeking leasehold units with a minimum floor area of 900 sq ft. Its acquisition strategy spans both in-town and out-of-town environments, reflecting a flexible approach to site selection aligned with changing consumer habits. Target locations include high streets, shopping centres and transport hubs, alongside retail parks, roadside plots, industrial areas and business parks. The company is also open to opportunities within supermarkets and suburban parades, while continuing to grow its drive-through estate, an increasingly important format within the quick-service sector. Greggs’ broad property criteria highlights the ongoing convergence between retail and industrial real estate, particularly in roadside and logistics-linked locations where accessibility and convenience are key. Sites within mixed-use schemes and employment-led developments are likely to play a growing role in supporting this expansion. The company is aiming to deliver approximately 120 net new stores in 2026, despite reporting a dip in profits in the previous year. With an existing estate of around 2,700 outlets, Greggs has identified capacity to exceed 3,000 locations across the UK over the longer term, underpinned by what it describes as a strong pipeline of opportunities. In addition to its core formats, Greggs is set to trial a new ‘bitesize Greggs’ concept, designed to operate in more constrained urban locations where space is limited but demand remains high. The expansion strategy reflects sustained occupier demand for well-located, flexible units, reinforcing the role of retail-led operators in driving activity across both traditional high streets and emerging urban logistics and roadside environments. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Meadows is entering an exciting new chapter with 2026 set to be a year of change and progress towards consolidating its position as a vibrant mixed leisure and retail destination at the heart of the city centre. Hollywood Bowl, recognised as the market leading tenpin bowling operator in the UK, has signed to take a substantial 30,000 sq ft unit for its latest multi-lane bowling, games zone, sports bar and party venue format. It is expected it will open this winter and will anchor the growing leisure hub at the core of the centre, complementing the Odeon cinema and the food offer. The food & beverage line-up is strengthened further with the growing restaurant brand Smoke & Pepper. Its 4,650 sq ft riverside unit opening in April will become its 14th outlet and feature its signature smash burgers, grilled chicken, loaded fries, smoked meats and speciality sauces. The retail offer is also being consolidated across fashion, gifts and convenience sectors. Suit Direct is taking a c5,000 sq ft unit for its menswear designer and bespoke styling range of men’s suits, accessories and casualwear from leading brands. Big Dog Land the innovative new lifestyle gifts, gadgets, and novelty technology products retailer is also set to open on the High Street frontage in a c1,500 sq ft unit. The High Street frontage also boasts the recently opened new convenience-led ‘grab and go’ food concept store – Co-op On The Go. One of the first of a “brand new chain of stores in vibrant, high foot-flow locations.” – The Co-op Group. This step up in the range and quality of the offer at The Meadows is complemented by other recent openings this year of women’s fashion brand Penny Plain and Taz’s Beauty Salon, part of a expanding chain of salons offering a range of beauty treatments. Alex Butler, Senior Asset Manager at Estama said: “It’s been a really strong start to 2026 at The Meadows, with a great mix of new lettings and openings already coming through. We’re proud to be playing a part in the centre’s ongoing evolution alongside a great team, and there’s more to come across both retail and leisure, which will build on this momentum and continue to strengthen the centre’s position in Chelmsford. The city is one of the key destinations in the East of England, and The Meadows is becoming an increasingly important part of that.” Agents for The Meadows are Savills and Purpose Real Estate. Estama is the Asset Manager. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver a £46m hotel development in Leeds city centre, marking another significant addition to the city’s growing West End regeneration. The project is being brought forward by joint developers Marrico and Helios, who have secured funding for the scheme on Lisbon Street. The site, formerly home to the Leeds International Swimming Pool, is set to be transformed into a new hospitality destination as part of wider redevelopment plans in the area. Caddick will act as main contractor on the 16-storey scheme, which will feature 200 hotel rooms under the ‘room2 hometel’ brand, operated by Lamington Group. The accommodation will include a mix of studios and suites designed to cater for both short stays and longer-term guests, reflecting changing patterns in the hospitality market. In addition to guest rooms, the development will include a ground floor café and bar, meeting and events facilities, a gym, laundry provision and a selection of retail concessions. The scheme is intended to create a flexible, modern hospitality offering that supports Leeds’ expanding visitor economy. Designed by DLA Architecture, the building will be fully electric and powered by renewable energy, aligning with wider sustainability targets and contributing to the city’s ambitions for low-carbon development. Construction is expected to begin in May 2026, with completion targeted for spring 2028. Steve Ford, regional managing director of Caddick Construction Yorkshire and North East, said the scheme represents an important opportunity to support the continued regeneration of Leeds’ West End while delivering a high-quality and sustainable hotel development. He added that the project builds on Caddick’s experience in delivering complex city centre schemes and reinforces its presence across Yorkshire and the North East. The Lisbon Street development is set to play a key role in revitalising the surrounding area, bringing new activity, investment and amenities to a prominent city centre site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Barberry has strengthened its leisure line-up after securing a West Midlands city centre letting to expanding gym operator Trident Fitness. The Midlands-based investor and developer completed the 10-year lease at 50 Bishop Street, Coventry, shortly after previous tenant Pure Gym vacated the 19,555 sq ft unit. Barberry property surveyor Emilie Meddings said Trident Fitness agreed heads of terms promptly, with the lease completing at a rent of £175,000 per annum, subject to an upward-only rent review in year five. Positioned within Coventry’s ring road and adjacent to a sizeable car park, 50 Bishop Street represents a prime city centre retail and leisure opportunity, offering strong accessibility and prominence in the heart of the West Midlands. Trident Fitness has taken the entire building as part of its continued UK expansion. The operator has a proven trading history and a growing portfolio of gyms across the UK including Birmingham, Liverpool, Plymouth, Bridgwater, Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil. Emilie said: “We are delighted to have secured Trident Fitness at 50 Bishop Street on a 10-year term. The letting demonstrates continued demand for well-located, high-quality leisure accommodation in strong regional city centres. “Following Pure Gym’s departure in October, we acted swiftly to secure a new occupier on robust terms that reflect both the strength of the asset and Coventry’s improving city centre offer. Trident Fitness is an ambitious and expanding operator with a strong track record, and we are pleased to support their continued growth.” The deal underlines Barberry’s continued focus on proactive asset management, securing long-term income and keeping its regional portfolio in peak condition. Barberry has a 3.6 million sq ft industrial/logistics development pipeline with a Gross Development Value of more than £650 million and a growing income-producing commercial portfolio, delivering sustainable returns. The company also has 520 acres of strategically located residential and employment development land, capable of delivering 3,500 new homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fast-growing, QSR brand, Chopstix, has continued its impressive 2026 expansion, opening its latest store in Colchester. Opening on Culver Street West, just a short walk from Colchester Castle, the new store is the first site in the busy city centre and is part of a wider growth plan to target high footfall locations. Colchester is the latest step in a busy period of growth for Chopstix following investment from European quick service restaurant operator, QSRP in October of 2024, and closely follows the opening of the brand’s first international opening, in Paris, earlier this year. With Essex identified as a significant opportunity for growth for the business, the Colchester store will create 20 jobs for local people. With more than 150 Chopstix stores across the UK, the business boasts a strong pipeline of new sites, through both company operated and franchise ownership models. Colchester marks the company’s third UK opening of 2026 and the first store to open in Essex, since it launched in Basildon in June 2024. Jon Lake, Chopstix Managing Director, said: “We’ve been looking at growing our presence in Essex for some time, following the popularity of sites in Basildon and Romford. Colchester is a fantastic city, and it felt like a natural next step for us to open here, I’m confident the store will see great success.” Chopstix was established in Camden Market in 2002 by entrepreneurs Sam Elia and Menashe Sadik, who remain involved with the business on a day-to-day basis. The Chopstix Group has undergone a busy period of brand development and expansion as Chopstix sets its sights on becoming the largest Asian QSR company on the continent. For more information please visit: www.chopstixnoodles.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new 82-bedroom hotel is taking shape in Greater London, with help from a leading Birmingham-based construction consultancy. The Construction Consultants (TCC) has been appointed to support the development of a new £8.6 million Travelodge in Upminster in the London Borough of Havering. TCC is providing contract administrator and quantity surveying services to the creation of the new hotel in Station Road. It will be Travelodge’s 86th hotel in London, and add to the hotel chain’s portfolio of 600 hotels around the UK. The new hotel will feature 24 family rooms, 49 double rooms with showers and nine wheelchair accessible rooms. The project also includes ground floor retail units along with car parking and landscaping. As contract administrator TCC has the responsibility of acting on behalf of developers Eastern Iron Works Ltd alongside construction manager Stack London Ltd to see the project through to completion. TCC co-founder and director Sandeep Sunner said, “We are delighted to have been appointed to this project which will provide high quality accommodation for business and leisure visitors to the area, contributing to the local economy of Upminster.” TCC has a wealth of experience across public and private sectors including industrial, commercial, retail, leisure, care and residential projects. Headquartered in Bennett’s Hill, TCC is a multi-disciplined consultancy providing specialist project management, quantity-surveying, employers agent, building surveying and health and safety services to a wide range of sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Designs have been unveiled for a 70-storey tower set to become the centrepiece of the £1bn Kings development on Liverpool’s waterfront. The landmark building, designed by SimpsonHaugh, will combine a five-star hotel with luxury residential apartments managed by the hotel operator. The reveal comes only weeks after the project’s first building, a 28-storey tower known as No. 1 Kings, secured planning approval from Liverpool City Council. Demolition work on the site is expected to begin this spring for Davos Property Developments Limited, working in partnership with Beetham Davos Ltd. Hugh Frost, chairman of Beetham Davos, described the tower as the defining feature of the wider scheme. He said it would represent the ultimate expression of the company’s confidence in Liverpool, supported by the city council’s backing for the ambitious waterfront development. The lower 23 floors of the building will be occupied by a five-star hotel offering 212 high-specification rooms. Above this, the tower will house 563 luxury residences. Facilities for guests and residents will include bars, restaurants, gymnasiums, banqueting and meeting spaces, as well as a rooftop terrace. At 727ft tall, the tower would become the tallest building in Liverpool. The current record holder is the nearby West Tower, developed by Beetham in 2007, which stands at 459ft. Frost said the development would benefit from Liverpool’s growing cruise tourism sector. He noted that 135 cruise ships are scheduled to visit Liverpool during the 2026 season, with numbers expected to increase once the new cruise terminal is completed and the landing stage extended to allow two ships to berth at the same time. According to Frost, many cruise passengers are likely to seek luxury accommodation in the city before or after their journeys, creating demand for a high-end hotel offering similar standards to those experienced on board. The 70-storey building forms part of a wider masterplan that could see up to ten buildings developed across the Kings site. The emerging plans are expected to go out to public consultation later this spring, ahead of a planning application anticipated in late summer. The hybrid application will seek detailed consent for the overall layout and site infrastructure, alongside outline consent for individual building plots. The wider development could include residential towers, two hotels, Grade A office space, a new arts venue, shared workspaces for start-ups and technology businesses, and a variety of food and drink outlets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals