Whitbread PLC, the parent company of Premier Inn, has secured terms with Riverstone Hotels Ltd to open a 200-room Premier Inn hotel within walking distance of Edinburgh Airport. This development aims to expand Premier Inn’s presence near Scotland’s busiest airport, a major hub for over 150 domestic and international flights. The planned hotel, set to be four storeys high, is being developed in collaboration with Whitbread’s partner, with a formal planning application scheduled for submission to the City of Edinburgh Council early next year. If approved, the hotel will offer guests a convenient 10-minute walk to the terminal, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. Jill Anderson, Acquisitions Manager for Whitbread, explained the appeal of the project, stating, “The case for expanding Premier Inn at Edinburgh Airport is compelling. In 2023, almost 14.5 million passengers travelled through the airport—a 30% rise from the previous year—and international routes are growing. With the airport’s continued success, we see a prime opportunity to establish a Premier Inn hotel right next to the terminal. It’s an exciting prospect for our guests and a testament to Whitbread’s focus on investing in high-demand locations.” The new hotel will feature Premier Inn’s latest room designs, including its popular Premier Plus rooms, and a ‘The Social’ space on the ground floor for guests. Positioned on Eastfield Road, the primary route to the airport, the L-shaped building will offer 100 dedicated parking spaces. Furthermore, the site is designed with sustainability in mind, powered exclusively by renewable electricity and aiming to achieve a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating. John Rumsey, Development Director at Riverstone Developments, expressed confidence in the collaboration: “Whitbread’s strong reputation and Premier Inn’s recognisability to travellers made this partnership an easy choice. With Whitbread’s established track record and solid financial performance, we’re thrilled to commit to a leasehold development. Should we obtain planning consent, we are ready to move forward and bring Premier Inn closer to the airport as soon as possible.” To gather public feedback, Whitbread and Riverstone will host consultation events on the 19th of November and 17th of December at The Pavilion, Royal Highland Centre, from 1 pm to 6 pm. This Edinburgh expansion follows recent news of Premier Inn’s largest hotel in northern England, a 276-room property at Manchester Airport, set to serve the UK’s third busiest airport. Whitbread’s latest projects continue to underline its commitment to strategic growth in high-traffic locations, providing convenient, high-quality accommodation for travellers across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Luxury Indian hotel brand Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is set to open its first UK location in London’s exclusive Mayfair district. The hotel will be part of Grosvenor’s landmark South Molton development and will occupy a prime position at 40-46 Brook Street, promising to deliver Oberoi’s renowned elegance, exceptional service, and signature attention to detail. Grosvenor secured planning approval for the restoration of this 33,000 sq ft listed building in 2022, making it a focal point of the South Molton scheme. This ambitious project is the West End’s largest mixed-use development, combining the hotel with new offices, housing, cafés, shops, restaurants, and community spaces. The development also includes two office buildings spanning 267,000 sq ft through a joint venture with Mitsui Fudosan UK, creating new corporate headquarters on Brook Street and Davies Street. South Molton is poised to become a new gateway to Mayfair, anticipated to generate an annual £6.5 million spend, and create 1,000 permanent jobs, along with 450 jobs and apprenticeships during construction. Work began in November 2023, with all phases expected to conclude by the end of 2027. Rachel Dickie, Executive Director of Investment and Development at Grosvenor, expressed excitement about the Oberoi partnership: “Securing such a prestigious brand as Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is a clear step towards creating an internationally significant destination in the heart of Mayfair.” Mr Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “Our partnership with Grosvenor is a pivotal step in our international expansion. London is a key market for us, and we are thrilled to bring our distinctive hospitality style to Mayfair.” Vikram Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO of The Oberoi Group, added, “Bringing the Oberoi experience to London, especially in such a vibrant and iconic location, marks a major milestone for our brand. The Oberoi, Mayfair, will offer an intimate retreat embodying both luxury and the city’s dynamic spirit.” JLL acted on behalf of Grosvenor, while EIH London Investments Ltd was represented by Johnny Sandelson. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Popular holiday operator Center Parcs has revealed ambitious plans to establish its first holiday village in Scotland, marking a significant expansion into the country and a major boost for Scottish tourism. The new resort, planned for a picturesque location three miles north of Hawick in the Scottish Borders, represents an investment of £350–400 million and promises to bring long-lasting economic benefits to the region. The proposed resort will feature around 700 premium lodges, offering a luxury, nature-oriented holiday experience. Guests will enjoy a wide range of facilities, including an Aqua Sana Forest Spa, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise water park, shops, restaurants, and bars—all seamlessly integrated with the area’s stunning natural landscapes. In addition to its long-term economic contributions, the resort is expected to generate approximately 1,200 permanent jobs locally. During the construction phase, it will create between 750 and 800 temporary jobs, providing immediate employment opportunities for skilled workers in the region. The project is in its early planning stages, with a formal application slated for 2025. Center Parcs’ expansion into Scotland is in response to high demand from Scottish families, many of whom currently travel to the operator’s sites in England. Colin McKinlay, CEO of Center Parcs, shared his enthusiasm for the project: “This is a tremendously exciting opportunity to transform leisure and tourism in the Scottish Borders. Center Parcs is a beloved destination for families across the UK and Ireland, and there is strong demand to support a seventh village in Scotland.” He added, “Throughout our history, we have demonstrated the local, regional, and national economic benefits that a Center Parcs village can bring. Many Scottish families already visit our villages in England, so this new location will enable them to enjoy their holidays closer to home while positively impacting the local economy.” A focus on sustainability is central to Center Parcs’ vision for the project. McKinlay explained, “Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. For over three decades in the UK and Ireland, we have transformed commercial woodlands into rich ecosystems, significantly boosting biodiversity. This site gives us an opportunity to go further, creating new woodlands with a commitment to biodiversity net gain and planting thousands of new trees.” In the lead-up to the formal planning submission, Center Parcs will continue site surveys, design development, and consultations with local communities, ensuring the project aligns with local needs and environmental priorities. Benny Higgins, Executive Chairman of the Buccleuch Group, voiced support for the project, saying: “This development promises outstanding benefits for tourism and leisure in the Scottish Borders, and we’re thrilled to have signed an agreement enabling Center Parcs to take its next steps.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hilton Woking features extensive meeting and event facilities, including Surrey’s largest hotel ballroom, alongside panoramic views from its 22nd floor LOFT Sky Bar, and marks a significant step in the town’s regeneration. Hilton has just celebrated the opening of Hilton Woking, a 189-room hotel situated in the heart of the town’s ongoing regeneration project. Located in the newly developed Victoria Square, the hotel is within walking distance of 150 shops, restaurants, the New Victoria Theatre Woking, the Italia Conti dance conservatoire, and Woking Superbowl – an entertainment complex featuring bowling, an arcade and laser quest. The property features well-appointed rooms, including 14 suites and executive rooms with access to the Executive Lounge on the 22nd floor, providing the perfect backdrop to work or unwind. Each room is equipped with contemporary interiors and offers panoramic views of Woking and the Surrey countryside. Additionally, all guests will have access to a 24/7 state-of-the-art fitness centre, equipped with Technogym. Culinary delights await too, with the LOFT Sky Bar on the 22nd floor serving expertly crafted cocktails and a Pan-Asian menu designed to be shared, featuring dishes like Banana Leaf Wrapped Scallion Chimichurri Stone Bass, Josper Grilled Hereford Beef Fillet and Padrón Pepper Kushiyaki Skewer. The OXBO restaurant on the 21st floor celebrates farm-to-fork British cuisine, featuring a selection of sharing platters, that highlights the freshest local produce and reflects the hotel’s commitment to the environment and community. Standout items include the Steak and Blue Cheese Flatbread, OXBO Burger with Brown Ale Rarebit, and Spicy Cauliflower Fritters. For a more casual gathering with friends or colleagues, the GLOW Lounge offers a modern barista experience. Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president and managing director, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: “As Woking continues its impressive transformation, we’re proud to play a key role in shaping its future. With a prime location, contemporary design and exceptional amenities, Hilton Woking is committed to meeting the growing demand for high quality accommodation in the area, and we look forward to welcoming guests to this fantastic new hotel.” Guests can easily explore some of the UK’s premier family-friendly attractions, including Mercedes-Benz World, Thorpe Park and LEGOLAND Windsor, all within a 30-minute drive of the hotel. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel’s exceptional location, situated under 20 miles from 20 of the top 100 golf courses in England. Among these is the historic Woking Golf Club, one of England’s oldest heathland courses and Wentworth Golf Club, which is home to the BMW PGA Championship. A short walk away from Woking Station, the hotel also offers direct train links to Central London, with London Waterloo reachable in under 25 minutes. All terminals at London Heathrow Airport are accessible within 45 minutes by car, and London Gatwick Airport is approximately an hour’s drive away, making the hotel an ideal base for guests looking to travel further afield. Hilton Woking features extensive event facilities, including Surrey’s largest hotel ballroom with a theatre-style capacity of 609 people and a banqueting capacity of 384, plus eleven versatile meeting rooms and two private dining spaces, making it the perfect venue for corporate events, weddings, or meetings. Each space is equipped with premium audio-visual technology to ensure seamless experiences. The hotel also proudly participates in Hilton’s ‘Meet with Purpose’ programme, which helps clients reduce the environmental impact of their meetings and make a positive contribution to the local community. The programme focuses on three key areas: reducing waste and energy use, offering locally sourced, healthier catering options, and promoting attendee wellness. Honouring Woking’s historical evolution, the 23-storey hotel has been designed by Benoy, the lead architect for the wider Victoria Square mixed-use development, with hotel fit-out design by Gensler, and Hilton contributing its expertise in hospitality. Gensler prioritised sourcing local materials and commissioned contemporary artwork from local artists to feature in the hotel. The integration of metal finishes with timber elements reflects both the town’s 19th-century growth, driven by the arrival of the railway, and its surrounding natural landscape. The hotel’s signage, featuring a font inspired by that era’s typography, pays homage to Woking’s transformation from a rural village into a key transport hub connecting London to nearby regions. Kelly Shrives-Wrist, general manager of the hotel said: “We’re thrilled to open the doors to this incredible new hotel, offering fantastic rooms, great meeting spaces, and vibrant dining options for   visitors and locals alike. Not only is it a great place to stay, but we’re immensely proud to be supporting the local community – from creating 60 jobs to working with nearby suppliers that share our core value to make a positive impact.” Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, leader of Woking Borough Council, added: “It’s great to see the much-anticipated opening of Hilton Woking. We hope that the state-of-the-art hotel will bring significant economic benefits and strengthen Woking’s position as a vibrant and attractive destination to live, work and visit. I wish the new hotel every success.” Guests of all Hilton properties can benefit from the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme, allowing members who book directly with Hilton to earn Points for hotel stays and experiences. Hilton Honors members can also unlock access to instant rewards and benefits, such as contactless check-in with room selection and exclusive member discounts.    Victoria Square is the latest successful milestone in Woking town centre’s regeneration. In addition to the Hilton hotel, the development comprises The Marches, a purpose-built residential scheme offering 429 high-quality apartments that are now fully let, providing a wonderful community in the heart of the town centre. There is also 125,000 sq. ft of retail space, anchored by a 50,000 sq. ft Marks and Spencer store and a 27,500 sq. ft Boots. The retail space features a mix of local and national operators, including GAIL’s Bakery, Lark, Sostrene Grene, and Skechers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Firethorn Trust, a UK-based real estate investor and developer, has secured an £18 million financing package from Grosvenor to support its acquisition of the Malmaison York hotel. Firethorn, which purchased the luxury 150-room hotel in June 2024, aims to enhance its growing Firethorn Living portfolio with this prominent city-centre property. The Malmaison York features a rooftop sky bar with sweeping views over York, state-of-the-art ‘Work + Play’ business facilities, and a spa and gym, making it a standout performer within the Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin group. The financing aligns with Firethorn’s strategy of securing quality assets in prime locations, and it marks Grosvenor’s first foray into investment loans, expanding its existing portfolio. Richard Whitby, Chief Financial Officer of Firethorn Trust, praised Grosvenor’s confidence in the project, emphasising the strength of the hotel’s location and operator. He noted that the partnership supports Firethorn’s continued growth in the UK market, which also includes purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) projects and a conversion scheme in central London. Steph Ball, Investment Director at Grosvenor, highlighted the deal’s alignment with Grosvenor’s strategy to diversify through high-quality assets with strong operators. She added that this first investment loan reflects Grosvenor’s adaptability in an evolving market and anticipates long-term success in collaboration with Firethorn. Firethorn Trust received advisory support from JLL and Maples Teesdale, while Grosvenor was advised by CBRE Lending and Freeths. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leisure investor Imbiba has struck a deal with Canary Wharf Group (CWG) to open an impressive 65,000 sq ft development at 12 Bank Street. The new venue, set to open in 2025, will feature a 78-bedroom House of Gods hotel, the vibrant Amazing Grace music venue, a rooftop bar with stunning views over Eden Dock, and a new event space operated by Camm & Hooper. The Eden Dock itself has been designed as a lush urban oasis, offering access to the water and promoting green spaces to enhance biodiversity within the Canary Wharf area. Stuart Fyfe, Managing Director of Retail, Leisure, and Hospitality at CWG, said, “Imbiba will deliver a spectacular new 65,000 sq ft hospitality and leisure venue at Canary Wharf. Their line-up of world-class brands will further enhance evening entertainment, event venues, and bring another hotel to the Wharf. We are continually elevating the offer at Canary Wharf across retail, leisure, and hospitality, curating a thriving seven-day destination for workers, residents, and visitors alike. Visitor numbers are at an all-time high, up 7.5% year-to-date, with 67.2 million visitors in 2023, and we’re seeing strong demand across our retail, leisure, and hospitality spaces with 97% occupancy.” Kieran Sherlock, Partner and Property Director at Imbiba, added, “Imbiba has a long-standing and successful partnership with CWG, and this investment builds on that foundation. Canary Wharf is transforming into a world-class destination for hospitality and leisure, and we’re excited to bring our cutting-edge concepts to this remarkable building in the heart of the area.” Imbiba boasts over 25 years of investment and operational experience, with a portfolio that includes Farmer J, Pizza Pilgrims, F1 Arcade, 1Rebel, Little Houses Group, Clays, and House of Gods. This new venture is set to further cement Canary Wharf as a leading destination for leisure and entertainment in London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The hotel development boom in Leeds city centre continues with Whitbread PLC, the parent company of Premier Inn and the UK’s largest hotel chain, acquiring a prime office building for redevelopment. This latest move reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in high-demand locations. Whitbread has purchased the freehold of a 42,000 sq ft office building in the South Bank area of Leeds, a stone’s throw from Leeds Railway Station. The building, constructed in 2000, is ideally situated for conversion into a Premier Inn hotel, with plans for a 120-bedroom facility, subject to planning permission. The proposed redevelopment will see the L-shaped building retrofitted and potentially extended to accommodate the hotel. Whitbread’s expertise in converting office buildings into budget-friendly hotels has made this acquisition an exciting opportunity for the company. Jill Anderson, Acquisitions Manager at Whitbread, expressed her optimism: “Whitbread has a proven track record in transforming office spaces into successful budget hotels. This approach not only meets the growing demand in cities like Leeds, where development opportunities are limited, but it also offers environmental benefits by repurposing existing buildings and reducing the carbon footprint associated with new construction.” Anderson highlighted the building’s prime location: “Verity House is perfectly positioned, being just a short walk from the station and close to all the amenities in Leeds city centre. It complements our existing network of eight Premier Inns across the city and demonstrates our willingness to invest in prime freehold locations, even when planning and development risks are involved. I’m eager to collaborate with Leeds City Council on this project to unlock the full potential of the site.” The acquisition of Verity House boosts Whitbread’s development pipeline in Leeds city centre to two locations, with over 250 additional hotel rooms planned. The company already offers eight Premier Inn sites across Leeds, including at Leeds Bradford Airport. Further east in the city, Whitbread is also the chosen hotel operator for the Leeds Kirkgate redevelopment, spearheaded by Leeds City Council. Scheduled to open soon, this site will offer 143 bedrooms along with a bar and restaurant for guests, following planning approval granted in December 2023. In the Verity House transaction, Whitbread was represented by WSB property consultants, while the vendor was advised by Commercial Property Partners. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A HIGHLY-ANITICPATED £9.5 million project to modernise Lichfield’s leisure centre provision has begun in Stychbrook Park, with complete construction partner Stepnell appointed to undertake the design and build by Lichfield District Council.  Procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework, the work will deliver a brand-new centre in a bid to support the diverse health and wellbeing needs of Lichfield’s residents. This includes a 25 metre, six-lane pool, bathrooms, changing rooms, circulation spaces, a gym, fitness/dance studio, spin studio and lobby, as well as associated works including plant and stores.  The new centre will replace the ageing Friary Grange Leisure Centre and will offer provisions to cater for all abilities.   Stepnell will dedicate significant time on the project to social value delivery through continued engagement with the local community. As is standard practice for its range of projects within both the private and public sector, the Stepnell team will work closely with the local supply chain, utilising the expertise of the local area.  To ensure this continued collaboration, dedicated monthly notice boards, newsletters, drop-in sessions and leaflet drops will all be undertaken across the duration of the project, which is set to complete in late 2025.   Adrian Barnes, regional director at Stepnell said: “Following an in-depth procurement process, our appointment to Stychbrook Park is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with Lichfield District Council and add to the growing expertise within the leisure sector.   “As with all our projects, our teams are committed to delivering a strong level of collaboration and communication with the local community and will actively seek engagement throughout the build process to ensure the end result is something the whole community can be proud of.  Alongside Stepnell, the project team also includes architecture firm Box Architects, civil and structural engineers Adept, and building services design, BWB Consulting.  Doug Pullen, leader at Lichfield District Council said: “I’m delighted that this long-awaited project is now underway, and we are delivering on our promise to deliver a brand-new leisure centre for Lichfield. This project has been shaped by the community since the very beginning – I’m confident it will serve our district well for many years to come.”  Further works to construct a new car park and collection of 3G pitches is set to be undertaken in the near future.   To find out more about Stepnell, visit www.stepnell.co.uk, or join in the conversation at @Stepnellltd Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hotel business and owner of Premier Inn, has begun construction of its latest hotel development in Manchester at Rochdale Road to the north of the city centre. GMI Construction Group, which Whitbread appointed as principal contractor to the project in July 2024, will lead the delivery of the 229-bedroom 10-storey Premier Inn.  The company marked the start of construction with a ground-breaking event on-site. Whitbread acquired the consented Rochdale Road development site from Premcor in February 2024 as part of its ongoing strategy of investing in strategic locations where its hotel brands are under-represented. The hotel will feature Premier Inn’s very latest bedroom product, including its popular enhanced Premier Plus rooms, with a stylish integrated restaurant, bar, and reception space on the ground floor. Will Steward, Project and Programme Manager for Whitbread, said: “Manchester is a hot spot for Whitbread’s development team as we expand our hotel network in the places we want to grow.  The Rochdale Road Premier Inn will bring our very best product to the north of the Northern Quarter – an area of the city where we are not heavily represented and where we know our customers want Premier Inn to be. “As an operating hotel business, our goal is to turn our development sites into popular hotels for our guests quickly. Since acquiring the Rochdale Road site in February, we have done an awful lot to enable the once stalled scheme to proceed including the appointment of GMI Construction as principal contractor in July. “With building work now underway, we are on our way to having a new location for our customers to enjoy in 2026, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to deliver the significant new opening.” Rochdale Road is the latest strategic investment by Whitbread in Manchester this calendar year.  On 23rd September [2024] the company announced its intention to create the largest Premier Inn in the north of England at Manchester Airport with MIX MANCHESTER.  In May, it announced the disposal of its Manchester City Centre (Deansgate Locks) hotel for redevelopment into alternative uses. When it opens its doors, the Premier Inn hotel at Rochdale Road will be one of Whitbread’s largest hotels in Manchester and adds to a portfolio of more than 20 locations across the city. Anthony Judge, Regional director for GMI Construction, said: “Following on from GMI and Whitbread’s collaboration in delivery of the nationally recognised and impressive Premier Inn development in Keswick, its brilliant to see our partnership go from strength to strength. This latest development in the iconic Northern Quarter of Manchester will be a striking new addition to the skyline with its remarkable brickwork façade. We are delighted to be a part of this major project and greatly look forward to progressing with this scheme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals