Travelodge has announced the acquisition of 11 hotels across the UK, marking a major step forward in its ambitious growth plans. The move expands the brand’s UK portfolio to nearly 600 hotels, with the company aiming to open a further 300 nationwide. Nine of the newly acquired sites are former Hotel Campanile properties, comprising a total of 951 rooms. Of these, five are freehold acquisitions, while four are being secured on long leaseholds. The hotels are located in key cities including Birmingham, Bradford, Dartford, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Northampton, Milton Keynes and Swindon. In addition, Travelodge has recently exchanged contracts on two more hotels: a former Ibis in Bromsgrove and the independent CitiLodge in Wakefield. The Bromsgrove site, which features 43 rooms, has been taken on a new 25-year lease and is currently undergoing a full refurbishment to align with Travelodge’s brand standards. It is expected to open in May. Meanwhile, the Wakefield hotel – offering 74 rooms – is being converted to the Travelodge brand by the current owner. Once the refurbishment is complete in August, Travelodge will take on a new 25-year lease at the property. The company has also just opened a fully refitted hotel in Bromley town centre, also formerly an Ibis, following an exchange of contracts in January. Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer at Travelodge, commented:“The acquisition of these hotels marks another positive step in our UK development strategy, as we seek to grow and optimise our estate while enhancing value through a balanced mix of freehold and leasehold properties. There are still many towns and cities across the UK and Spain where we can open a new Travelodge to provide high-quality, great-value accommodation.” He added:“Rebranding and refitting properties is a key element of our growth plan. With over 300 more hotels on our UK target list, we remain actively on the lookout for the right opportunities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hollywood Bowl has commenced fit-out works for its latest venue at Hammerson’s The Oracle in Reading, with an official opening slated for this summer. The £4.5 million investment will deliver a state-of-the-art entertainment hub featuring 24 bowling lanes, an extensive amusement arcade, and a vibrant themed bar and diner. The new Hollywood Bowl will complement the existing leisure and food & beverage offering at The Oracle, joining a dynamic mix of restaurants, bars, cafés, and a cinema. This opening forms part of Hammerson’s broader strategy to reposition The Oracle, which includes transforming a former department store into modern, mixed-use space. In total, approximately 40% of the centre—around 320,000 square feet—is undergoing redevelopment, marking it as Hammerson’s most ambitious transformation project to date. Rita-Rose Gagné, CEO of Hammerson, commented:“We are proud to be partnering with Hollywood Bowl and are thrilled by their commitment and scale of investment. It’s a significant endorsement of The Oracle’s strength, its catchment, and the demand we’ve cultivated over the years. The venue will further establish The Oracle as a vibrant, all-day destination.” Stephen Burns, CEO of Hollywood Bowl Group, added:“We’re excited to announce the opening of our newest centre at The Oracle in Reading—a significant milestone in our strategic UK expansion. This venue underlines our commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment experiences, catering to families, friends, and corporate groups alike in the heart of Reading.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Whitbread PLC, the owner of the Premier Inn hotel chain, has revealed the location for its newest Dublin hotel, with plans submitted to redevelop a site at Parkgate Street, Dublin 8, into a new 155-bedroom Premier Inn. Development partners Greenleaf Group and Warren Private have submitted a planning application to demolish the vacant Westbrook Motors building and build a new latest format Premier Inn hotel.  The site is situated in a prime location near Heuston Station, on the River Liffey and by famous Dublin 8 pub Ryan’s of Parkgate Street. Whitbread previously partnered with Greenleaf Group and Warren Private on its first Premier Inn hotel in Ireland – at Lower Stephen’s Street, Dublin 2 – and its Cork hotel which opened its doors in 2024. Furthermore, Warren Private and Greenleaf Group sold the site at 29-30 Ushers Quay, Dublin 8 where Whitbread shortly intends to commence construction on a new 100-bedroom hotel. Parkgate Street is the latest commitment by Whitbread in Ireland as it targets a network of 5,000 Premier Inn rooms across the country.  The company currently offers a choice of six hotels across Dublin and Cork and has more than +1,000 new hotel rooms in its secure development pipeline across both cities. Matt Gent, Development Manager for Whitbread in Ireland, said: “Premier Inn is growing from strength to strength in Ireland.  Submitting a planning application for what will become our third Premier Inn hotel in Dublin 8 is a huge achievement for the business and will deliver another excellent location for our customers as we aim to become the number one budget hotel chain in Ireland.  “Parkgate Street site is in an exciting and vibrant area of the city, and we are confident a Premier Inn hotel will trade strongly there given the proximity to Heuston Station and the many leisure attractions and leisure businesses nearby.  “With significant additional bedroom requirements yet to fulfil in Dublin and elsewhere, we’re actively seeking additional freehold and leasehold opportunities for Premier Inn across Ireland as we work to establish a national network of budget hotels for our domestic and international customers”. Mark Elliott, Director of Dublin-based Greenleaf Group said:  “We are very pleased to once again be partnering with Warren Private and Whitbread to regenerate this high-profile Dublin 8 site and deliver a high-quality new 155-bedroom Premier Inn hotel.  “This is a continuation of our tried and tested partnership with Warren Private and Whitbread.  Our completed Premier Inn hotels are now open and trading well in Dublin and Cork, and we’re certain this strategically important location will be a success. “We very much hope that the proposal will be favourably considered by Dublin City Council, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders during the planning and development of the site.” Premier Inn has a target list of 14 locations for Premier Inn in Ireland including Dublin, Galway, Killarney, Limerick and Waterford.  The business is seeking sites as freeholds, leaseholds, conversions as well as going concern asset purchases.  The full list of target locations for Premier Inn in Ireland is available here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A spectacular new chapter in UK tourism is about to begin, as Universal announces plans to build its first European theme park and resort – right in the heart of Bedfordshire. In a landmark deal between Universal Destinations & Experiences, the UK government, and Bedford Borough Council, a multi-billion-pound investment will bring a world-class entertainment resort to a 476-acre site in Bedford, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and doors opening in 2031. Set to become the largest visitor attraction in the UK, the resort is forecast to welcome 8.5 million guests in its first year alone and deliver a staggering £50 billion boost to the economy by 2055. The project is also expected to generate around 28,000 new jobs – with nearly 20,000 created during construction and a further 8,000 in hospitality, creative industries, tourism and tech, including AI. The theme park will feature several immersive, Universal-themed lands inspired by the studio’s blockbuster films, including the likes of Minions, Jurassic Park, and Jaws. In addition to thrilling rides and cutting-edge attractions, the site will include a 500-room hotel, a bustling retail and dining complex, and new entertainment venues. Universal is also working with local colleges and universities to ensure training and job opportunities for residents, further strengthening ties with the community. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the project as a “game-changer” for the region and the country: “Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford become home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe.This is our Plan for Change in action – delivering growth, thousands of jobs, and real opportunities for people. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves added: “This investment is a vote of confidence in Britain’s future. Universal’s commitment will bring billions into the economy and transform lives through job creation and economic growth.” Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “Bringing a world-class theme park and resort to the United Kingdom is a tremendous opportunity and part of our vision to bring Universal experiences to new audiences around the globe. We’re excited about what lies ahead.” The government has pledged major investment in transport and infrastructure to ensure the resort is accessible and seamlessly connected to surrounding areas. The development is still subject to planning approvals, with proposals due to be submitted soon. With a bold vision, global backing, and the promise of economic transformation, Universal’s arrival in Bedford is set to make history – turning the county into a leading global destination for family entertainment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Global real estate firm Avison Young UK and JLL have been jointly appointed by Z Hotels, to sell the freehold interest in its Leicester Square property, a market-leading boutique hotel in the heart of London’s West End.  Structured as a sale and leaseback offers are invited at a guide price of £42 million for the freehold interest, with a guaranteed 35-year leaseback to Z Hotels. The hotel has 95 boutique bedrooms across four floors, with a basement restaurant. The proposed hotel lease is structured around a 5 yearly reviewed rent, indexed to CPI and a separate ground floor restaurant lease to Steak & Co.                   Located at Garrick House, 3-5 Charing Cross Road, the site has undergone conversion from an office to reinstate the original use of the building as a hotel. The hotel has been designed to provide maximum energy efficiency and will be fully operational by June 2025. Strategically positioned directly off Leicester Square, the hotel is surrounded by London’s most popular tourist landmarks, nightlife destinations and the West End’s cultural attractions, driving consistently high occupancy levels. The property is highly connected, with TfL and National Rail stations within 5 minutes walking distance and nearby Elizabeth Line routes at Tottenham Court Road opening up Heathrow Airport in under 50 minutes.  The hotel will operate with low environmental impact, with ESG credentials boosted by the installation of low carbon technologies including photovoltaics, heat recovery units and non-refrigerant water-cooled air conditioning. All parties declined to comment. For enquiries, please contact: Pippa Harrison, Principal Head of Hotel Capital Markets, Avison Young UK: Pippa.Harrison@avisonyoung.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The owner of the popular competitive socialising brand Flight Club is setting its sights on over 45 new venues within the next five years. Red Engine, which also operates the Electric Shuffle concept, has announced plans to open six new Flight Club and two Electric Shuffle venues this year, bringing its total number of sites to 39. By the end of 2030, the group aims to expand its estate to an impressive 84 venues. This ambitious growth strategy comes as Red Engine reports a surge in sales, driven by its expanding global footprint. The company revealed on Tuesday that its revenue for 2024 had climbed to £77.1 million, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Steve Moore, Chief Executive and Co-founder of Red Engine, highlighted the strategic approach behind their expansion: “Growing our footprint is about more than just opening new doors. It’s about carefully choosing locations that align with our brands and the communities they serve. With each new venue, we see our global presence strengthen. “We’re incredibly excited about the journey ahead as we work towards making Flight Club and Electric Shuffle household names worldwide.” Since launching its first venue in Shoreditch in 2015, Red Engine has expanded across the UK to cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Internationally, the group has established a presence in Dublin, New York, Las Vegas, and Melbourne, with more global locations on the horizon. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Once fully complete The Padel Club TraffordCity will have 11 courts with state-of-the-art sporting infrastructure and a clubhouse and experience curated by wellness designers. The first phase of the much-anticipated biggest Padel tennis facility in the North of England has been completed and will open its doors to padel enthusiasts from Saturday 22nd March. Located in one of the UK’s foremost retail and leisure destinations – TraffordCity Manchester, The Padel Club’s £2.5 million club and facility will be the third venue developed and operated by the business. Trafford Council approved plans last year to transform the vacant brownfield site. Since the approval, The Padel Club has worked in partnership with regeneration specialists and master planners of TraffordCity, Peel Waters, as well as leading wellness design experts Zynk Design to develop the landmark club. The Padel Club TraffordCity is being delivered in two phases. The first phase completes this month and will see the opening of the first Padel arena of the custom designed Padel facility. The first arena comprises of five purpose-built and high spec covered courts plus two outdoor courts; offering year-round playing which isn’t weather dependent. The Phase one opening also includes the opening of the clubhouse which will be the social centre of The Padel Club TraffordCity. Offering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere with a modern aesthetic, the clubhouse will include an onsite eatery and coffee bar serving up The Padel Club’s own special blend of coffee. The clubhouse will also have its own onsite retail store; offering Padel essentials, best in class rackets; performance wear and exclusive merchandise. The Padel Club has several exclusive fashion and lifestyle collaborations lined up which will be announced and launched from TraffordCity site over the next year. Curating a friendly and welcoming social experience that is centred around wellness has been fundamental to the design of The Padel Club TraffordCity. Spectatorship and involvement will be encouraged at this new facility, with bleacher seating installed to maximise the viewer experience and add excitement when tournaments take place. With Phase one now being complete and operational, The Padel Club plans on losing no time to open the full facility. The build programme to complete Phase two will continue whilst the players use the operational sections of the club. Phase two works include the completion of the second Padel arena comprising of the remaining four indoor courts. The works are expected to be finished by summer this year. On its completion it will make the 11-court club the biggest Padel facility in the North. Kris Ball, Founder and CEO of The Padel Club said: “Opening the doors of The Padel Club TraffordCity is a huge milestone for us. There has been so much hard work to get us to this stage and we’d like to thank everyone who’s helped us. The Padel Club TraffordCity is going to be a landmark club for the north and for the sport, the amount of interest and anticipation we’ve received since we first announced the news that we would be building a club here has been remarkable. “We can’t wait to see these courts in action and for players to enjoy this Padel destination that is centred around quality, experience and wellness.” James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters said: “Our aspiration is for TraffordCity to become the UK’s best retail and leisure destination and offer an activity for everyone. The Padel Club is a great addition to the eclectic mix of leisure offerings we have brought together here. “Padel is one of the fastest growing and most inclusive sports in the UK, and I have witnessed firsthand how fun, accessible and social Padel is. We can’t wait to see the community use this new, high-quality facility and for the club to act as catalyst for the sport encouraging more tournaments and take-up of Padel. “The opening of The Padel Club TraffordCity will bring with it a huge positive impact for the local community including job creation, a further boost to the local economy and improvements to health and wellbeing across different age groups.” Construction is now immediately underway on Phase 2 of The Padel Club TraffordCity, with an expectation to complete all work on site by the beginning of July. The Padel Club TraffordCity will be open from Saturday 22nd March with courts available to book via Playtomic:  The Padel Club TraffordCity | Book your court – Playtomic The Padel Club TraffordCity opening hours: Monday – Friday: 06:30 – 23:00 Saturday and Sunday: 07:00 – 22:00 To find out more about The Padel Club TraffordCity visit: www.thepadelclub.co.uk/traffordcity Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Nobu Hospitality, the globally recognised luxury lifestyle brand, has unveiled plans for a landmark development in Manchester, featuring a hotel, restaurant, and the UK’s first Nobu-branded residences. In partnership with leading, award-winning property developer Salboy, the project – currently named Viadux 2 – will introduce the Nobu Hotel Manchester as the tallest building outside London, standing at 246 metres.  This development will bring the brand’s signature blend of luxury hospitality and world-class dining to the heart of the city. The Viadux 2 project represents a £360 million property development in a prime Manchester city centre location, subject to a positive planning outcome this spring. The 76-storey tower will house 160 hotel rooms, sophisticated event spaces, and a signature Nobu restaurant and bar, each reflecting the brand’s signature minimalist design. The development will also introduce 452 Nobu residences, marking the brand’s debut into the UK’s luxury real estate market. Offering an exclusive opportunity to live the Nobu lifestyle, each residence will feature refined design with thoughtful Japanese details, premium amenities—including Nobu dining and room service —an exclusive swimming pool, spa, podium garden and gym, as well as unparalleled access to the city through a dedicated experience team. Manchester has rapidly evolved into a prime destination for luxury hospitality and high-end real estate, attracting leading luxury brands and world-class restaurateurs. Nobu’s arrival marks a major milestone in this transformation, setting a new benchmark for upscale living and hospitality in the region. “We are proud to include Manchester in our global collection, with its vibrant culture and growing global status.  Strong partnerships are essential to our success, and with Salboy, Fred Done, and Simon Ismail, we have the best-in-class partners with a solid reputation and a world-renowned vision,” said Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality. “Having grown up in the area, I am personally immensely proud of this project in a city that continues its evolution as a global destination for luxury hospitality.  Manchester is home to world-class developments, a thriving culinary scene, and a growing demand for high-end lifestyle experiences. None of our locations are cookie cutter; we wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of each destination.  We are delighted to be working with Salboy to blend the Nobu experience with the essence of Manchester.” “For decades, I’ve travelled extensively while growing my businesses and exploring a vast array of dining experiences. Yet, Nobu has consistently set the benchmark for fine dining, offering impeccable cuisine and unparalleled hospitality wherever I go, whether in New York, Singapore, or soon in Manchester. I’m truly excited to welcome the Nobu team to Manchester. As a businessman, I understand why Robert De Niro and his partners chose to invest in Nobu. It is about more than just money; it is about bringing this level of class to Manchester and celebrating what it means for the city.” Fred Done, Co-founder of Salboy & Betfred “This £360 million deal for Nobu Manchester will take the city to new heights in terms of service, cuisine, and experience. Chef Nobu’s cuisine, renowned worldwide, has influenced dining across the globe. Even if you haven’t dined at a Nobu restaurant, you have likely experienced dishes inspired by his innovations. As the original innovator in fine dining, Chef Nobu popularised a blend of cuisines in exciting new ways, leaving a lasting influence on every modern restaurant you see today. We are excited to unveil plans for the UK’s first Nobu-branded residences and hotel, with this signature hospitality offering at its heart.” Simon Ismail, Co-founder of Salboy Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Cadogan has announced the first retail tenants at The Gaumont, a landmark £235 million development, and the creation of its ‘creative quarter’. The new retail signings are independent businesses New Forms, BookBar and Art Play, bringing an exciting blend of art, music, and literature to the King’s Road, enhancing the area’s cultural vibrancy and continued legacy as a hub for creative innovation. All are set to open in late spring 2025. This marks the first phase of openings for The Gaumont, a 220,000 sq. ft mixed-use building, delivering Cadogan’s long-term vision to create a new commercial and cultural anchor for the King’s Road. It features flagship retail, a revitalised independent cinema, creative and office spaces, hospitality venues including a rooftop bar with panoramic views and pub theatre, and a significant public art installation by internationally acclaimed artist Shezad Dawood. A new destination is taking shape as part of this development, focused on its return elevation along Chelsea Manor Street. Curated in response to community feedback, which highlighted a resounding call for more independents focused on the arts, music, and literature, a cluster of subsidised small spaces have been dedicated to nurturing young creative enterprises. BookBar will take a 1,242 sq. ft unit for its independent bookshop, wine, and coffee bar, cultivating a vibrant literary scene through author talks, book clubs, and events, while also providing a welcoming space for late night browsing and drinking four days a week. New Forms will occupy 1,045 sq. ft as a vinyl café and boutique record shop curated by the team behind Next Door Records. It will serve as a hub for vinyl culture and social connection, while also featuring a music-led bar that regularly hosts events and collaborations with artists and musicians. Art Play will initially establish itself at 20a Chelsea Manor Street before relocating to a larger 2,200 sq. ft space at 5 Chelsea Manor Street. Originally founded in Shoreditch, Art Play’s Chelsea expansion will offer a dynamic space for artists and art lovers alike. With an emphasis on creative engagement, it will provide workshops, exhibitions, and a collaborative environment for the local art community. Hugh Seaborn, CEO at Cadogan, said: “The Gaumont is a new landmark that celebrates the community, heritage, and artistic spirit of Chelsea. From the outset, we have collaborated closely with local residents to shape a development that reflects their vision, celebrating Chelsea’s cultural heritage, while supporting its thriving creative scene. Welcoming BookBar, New Forms, and Art Play will establish Chelsea Manor Street as a dynamic day-to-night destination for both locals and visitors. We look forward to seeing these businesses thrive and contribute to the continued evolution of King’s Road as a world-class cultural and retail destination.” Chelsea Manor Street’s creative quarter will strengthen the King’s Road’s reputation as a place where creators, innovators, and artists can flourish. With a strong emphasis on independent, community-driven offerings, these occupiers mark an exciting step toward the evolution of a new cultural landmark in Chelsea. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals