Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, today announces it has opened the doors to a brand new 43-room hotel in Bromsgrove. Located just a 6-minute walk from Bromsgrove train station and a 30 minute drive away from Birmingham
Construction has officially started on Caerphilly’s flagship £38 million Leisure and Wellness Hub—an integral part of the wider Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking regeneration strategy. Commissioned by Caerphilly County Borough Council, the state-of-the-art facility is being delivered by Alliance Leisure as development partner and future operator, with Morgan Sindall appointed as
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has exchanged contracts to develop a new 89-room hotel at the Goods Yard development in Bishop’s Stortford. The new-build hotel will feature Travelodge’s latest premium look and feel design, including a contemporary
The vibrant transformation of YY London in Canary Wharf continues apace as renowned Italian restaurant group Big Mamma prepares to open its doors this summer, marking the latest milestone in the building’s revitalisation. Quadrant, the real estate investment and development firm behind the refurbishment, has secured Big Mamma on a
Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex is adding another big-name operator to its growing food and beverage line-up, as American fried chicken brand Popeyes prepares to open its doors. Occupying a 1,750 sq ft unit on level three within The Eatery, Popeyes is set to open next week, joining a diverse
Luton Town Football Club has taken a major step toward its future by appointing Limak International as the main contractor for its new 25,000-capacity stadium at Power Court. The Turkish construction firm, which is currently involved in the redevelopment of FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou, will begin work this summer as
Kirklees Council has submitted revised plans for the George Hotel, seeking to increase the number of rooms while preserving the building’s character. Having worked closely with architects and Historic England, the council have identified an opportunity to rework the original plans for the interior creating 17 more rooms whilst still
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the restoration and refurbishment of the former Granada cinema building in east London on behalf of Waltham Forest Council, delivering a transformative project that has reinvested millions into the local community. It opens as a new cultural and entertainment venue, managed by Soho Theatre Walthamstow,
GMI Construction Group is celebrating the opening of Dakota Newcastle, the North East’s first Dakota Hotel, which it constructed on the city’s bustling Quayside. The luxury 118-room boutique hotel, located at St Anne’s Wharf, has now opened its doors to guests and is set to become a key player within
David Lloyd Leisure, Europe’s leading health, fitness and wellness group, has submitted a planning application to Wirral Council for a new club at Wirral Waters. The proposed club, set to create up to 100 permanent jobs upon completion, will be located at Peel Waters’ Bidston Dock site off Wallasey Bridge
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, today announces it has opened the doors to a brand new 43-room hotel in Bromsgrove. Located just a 6-minute walk from Bromsgrove train station and a 30 minute drive away from Birmingham Airport, the hotel offers excellent transport links. Guests can explore a range of local attractions, including scenic walks in the parkland of Hagley Hall and the Walton and Clent Hills. Sanders Park, the Norton Collection Museum, and the historic St John’s Church are all within a mile of the hotel. For day trips, the historic city of Worcester and the West Midland Safari Park are both a short drive away. A variety of restaurants and cafés are also located nearby, perfect for dining after a day out. The hotel features Travelodge’s new, premium look and feel design which includes a newly designed reception area and next generation rooms – offering everything a business or leisure guest needs for a comfortable and relaxing stay. This hotel is a former Ibis, acquired as part of Travelodge’s UK development strategy to expand through rebrand acquisitions of existing hotels that meet its locational and branding criteria. Travelodge continues to grow rapidly, with a strong commitment to expanding its hotel network to give customers more choice while supporting local communities through nationwide job creation. The company already operates 22 hotels across Birmingham. Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer, Travelodge, comments: “We’re thrilled to officially open our new Bromsgrove hotel. It’s a fantastic spot for both business and leisure travellers, and we’re excited to welcome guests to the newest addition to our growing UK portfolio. With around 600 Travelodge hotels now open across the country, we’re aiming to add 300 more locations, including 20 in the Midlands region. This expansion will create new jobs and offer even more choice and great value for our customers visiting the area and beyond.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction has officially started on Caerphilly’s flagship £38 million Leisure and Wellness Hub—an integral part of the wider Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking regeneration strategy. Commissioned by Caerphilly County Borough Council, the state-of-the-art facility is being delivered by Alliance Leisure as development partner and future operator, with Morgan Sindall appointed as main contractor. Architecture is led by Watson Batty, while Hadron Consulting oversees project management. Set to become a major community asset, the two-storey, timber-clad building will house a six-lane swimming pool with an adjoining wet play zone, a modern fitness suite equipped for cardiovascular and strength training, two squash courts, and a power-assisted wellness suite. Additional features include flexible studio spaces, a group cycle studio, health consultation rooms, and an adventure play area alongside a TAGactive Arena. The facility will also incorporate a health-focused café, community lounge, and versatile social spaces to support local group use. It is designed to meet modern environmental standards, with air source heat pump technology helping to create an energy-efficient, low-carbon building. Julia Goddard, regional director at Alliance Leisure, said:“The Alliance team has been working with the council on this project since 2022, so it is fantastic to finally see a vision being turned into a reality. The new building integrates modern technologies to create an efficient, air-source-powered environment, housing an array of innovative facilities that directly match the needs of the community.” The project is being jointly funded by £20 million from the UK government’s Levelling Up fund and £18 million from Caerphilly County Borough Council’s own reserves. With construction now underway, the Caerphilly Leisure and Wellness Hub is on track to become a cornerstone of the region’s regeneration ambitions—delivering improved health, wellbeing, and community infrastructure for years to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has exchanged contracts to develop a new 89-room hotel at the Goods Yard development in Bishop’s Stortford. The new-build hotel will feature Travelodge’s latest premium look and feel design, including a contemporary reception area and next-generation rooms, offering everything business and leisure travellers need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Subject to planning permission, the hotel will be developed by Solum, the developer of the Goods Yard scheme, a joint venture between Kier Property and Network Rail. Samuel Turner of Carter Jonas acted on Travelodge’s behalf to secure this deal. Steve Bennett, Travelodge Chief Property & Development Officer, comments: “We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with Solum for our proposed Bishop’s Stortford Travelodge. This is our second development deal that we have transacted with Solum, which previously built and delivered our fantastic Travelodge in the centre of Epsom. “Travelodge now operates over 610 hotels across the UK, and we are actively targeting a further 300 new locations, with 95 of these in the South East region. Our ongoing expansion will create even more jobs across the UK and will allow us to continue to offer our diverse customer base of business and leisure customers great value when travelling across the South East and the wider UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The vibrant transformation of YY London in Canary Wharf continues apace as renowned Italian restaurant group Big Mamma prepares to open its doors this summer, marking the latest milestone in the building’s revitalisation. Quadrant, the real estate investment and development firm behind the refurbishment, has secured Big Mamma on a 15-year lease for a 9,500 sq ft ground-floor unit. The restaurant, which is set to launch in June, will join an expanding line-up of food and drink operators that are turning the office-led scheme into a buzzing lifestyle destination. Founded in Paris in 2015 by entrepreneurs Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux, Big Mamma has become well known across Europe for its bold, playful interiors and classic Italian menus that celebrate regional dishes with a theatrical flair. The new Canary Wharf location places Big Mamma alongside Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Brother Marcus, which will also open this summer in a 2,861 sq ft space on a 20-year lease. Meanwhile, premium Danish espresso bar Hagen has already opened its 17th outlet, occupying a 1,141 sq ft site on a 10-year lease. All three food and beverage operators are located on the ground floor of YY London, activating the frontage that opens onto Jubilee Plaza—directly opposite the Jubilee Line station and overlooking the waterfront public space at Eden Dock. The commercial vibrancy of the building has also been boosted by fintech giant Revolut, which signed a major deal last year to take up 113,000 sq ft across four floors, establishing its new global headquarters in the heart of Canary Wharf. Tristram Gethin, founding partner at Quadrant, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Big Mamma to YY London. Their arrival, along with Brother Marcus, Hagen and Revolut, highlights the building’s appeal and the part it is playing in reimagining Canary Wharf as more than just a financial centre—it’s becoming a place to live, work and enjoy.” Originally built in the early days of Canary Wharf’s development, YY London underwent a comprehensive refurbishment led by Quadrant and investment funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management. The project, completed in 2023, has redefined one of the estate’s oldest office buildings into a next-generation workspace and lifestyle hub. YY London now offers 415,000 sq ft of Grade A office space with a strong focus on sustainability, wellbeing and experience—elements that are fast becoming essential in attracting top-tier occupiers and hospitality brands alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex is adding another big-name operator to its growing food and beverage line-up, as American fried chicken brand Popeyes prepares to open its doors. Occupying a 1,750 sq ft unit on level three within The Eatery, Popeyes is set to open next week, joining a diverse mix of popular restaurants including Five Guys and Taco Bell. The launch marks the brand’s 80th location in the UK, reflecting its ambitious expansion across the country. With a focus on delivering a high-energy dining experience inspired by the bold flavours of New Orleans, Popeyes has quickly become a fast-growing favourite in the British casual dining market. The latest addition is part of a wider strategy to enhance the food offering at Lakeside, as the centre continues to evolve beyond traditional retail. Rob Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera Lateral, commented: “We’re committed to expanding and refreshing our dining options to ensure Lakeside remains a top destination for visitors. Popeyes is a strong addition to our mix – offering something new, exciting, and relevant to today’s diners.” He added: “We want every visit to Lakeside to feel more than just a shopping trip. With an ever-broadening choice of places to eat and relax, we’re building an experience that’s about variety, quality, and enjoyment.” Lakeside has seen an increased emphasis on enhancing its leisure and dining zones in recent years, as consumer habits shift and visitors seek richer, all-day experiences. The arrival of Popeyes signals continued investment in The Eatery as a vibrant social space at the heart of the centre. Tom Crowley, chief executive officer of Popeyes UK, expressed his enthusiasm about the new opening: “2025 is shaping up to be another exciting year for us, with two new sites planned for the Essex area. Our aim is to bring our signature Louisiana-inspired hospitality and flavours to even more communities, and we’re thrilled to be joining the line-up at Lakeside.” As the brand continues to build momentum, Lakeside visitors can expect a menu packed with crispy chicken sandwiches, Cajun fries, and the signature biscuits that have helped Popeyes make its mark on the UK high street. The opening is expected to draw strong footfall and further solidify Lakeside’s position as a leading shopping and leisure destination in the South East. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Luton Town Football Club has taken a major step toward its future by appointing Limak International as the main contractor for its new 25,000-capacity stadium at Power Court. The Turkish construction firm, which is currently involved in the redevelopment of FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou, will begin work this summer as part of a transformative project for both the club and the wider Luton area. The new stadium will more than double the capacity of the club’s current home at Kenilworth Road, which holds just over 12,000 supporters. The first competitive fixture at the new ground is targeted for the start of the 2028/29 season. The development is being driven by 2020 Developments, the club’s property and regeneration arm. Alongside the stadium, plans include a broader regeneration scheme comprising residential development, a hotel, and supporting infrastructure—designed to revitalise central Luton and deliver long-term economic benefits to the town. Gary Sweet, Chief Executive of Luton Town FC, said: “This is a landmark moment for the club and the town. Our new stadium is not just about football—it’s a symbol of progress and ambition. We’ve long shared the desire with our fans for a new home that represents who we are and where we want to go. This project is central to that vision. “Partnering with Limak, a company with global experience and a track record of delivering major infrastructure projects, brings valuable expertise to the table. Together, we’ll ensure that this stadium becomes a hub of pride and progress for our community.” Limak’s portfolio spans across high-profile international projects including a key role in Turkey’s record-breaking 1915 Çanakkale Bridge and a new terminal at Kuwait Airport. In the UK, its entry into the Power Court development marks a major move into the domestic sports infrastructure market. Gokalp Kahraman, Limak’s Regional Director for the UK and Western Europe, added: “We’re honoured to begin work on this exciting project and to bring our international knowledge to support Luton Town’s bold vision. The early stages will involve detailed technical planning and assembling a top-class team of UK-based trade partners. We look forward to delivering a venue that fans and the town can be proud of.” The new stadium is expected to inject fresh momentum into Luton Town’s long-term sporting ambitions, including a future return to the Premier League. More than just bricks and mortar, the development aims to provide a lasting foundation for community growth, commercial opportunity, and civic pride. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kirklees Council has submitted revised plans for the George Hotel, seeking to increase the number of rooms while preserving the building’s character. Having worked closely with architects and Historic England, the council have identified an opportunity to rework the original plans for the interior creating 17 more rooms whilst still preserving the building’s beautiful architecture and heritage. This is the second planning application submitted by the council for the refurbishment of the historic George Hotel. The revised plans come following a large amount of the restoration now being completed in preparation for the renovation works. The revised plans would see the number of rooms planned increase from 91 to 108. Expanding the hotel’s capacity in this way would enable it to support more guests and generate more income to repay the council’s £30million investment. Huddersfield town centre is continuing to benefit from major cultural, business and education investments. In addition, the multimillion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade is improving connectivity and Huddersfield Railway Station itself, which is on the George’s doorstep. All of these investments will contribute to attracting more visitors to the town which is why it is important to capitalise on the building’s possibilities and increase capacity. Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “The Huddersfield Blueprint is really starting to take shape now, with our vision for the town becoming a reality. The recently opened leisure complex – the Light at Kingsgate, together with the enhancements to the public realm on New Street and St Peter’s Gardens and the eagerly anticipated Our Cultural Heart will all enhance the high street. “External investments like the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus, the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, and the Transpennine Route Upgrade are helping to put Huddersfield on the map. “The George Hotel plays such a key role in Huddersfield’s past, and for people travelling by rail, it will always be one of the very first buildings to welcome you as you enter the town centre. Once rejuvenated, hotel will be perfectly placed to thrive and channel current investment back into the local economy.” The George is a key priority within the Huddersfield Blueprint, Kirklees Council’s master plan to transform the town centre, and once restored it will be managed by internationally renowned hotelier Radisson. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon Interiors has completed the restoration and refurbishment of the former Granada cinema building in east London on behalf of Waltham Forest Council, delivering a transformative project that has reinvested millions into the local community. It opens as a new cultural and entertainment venue, managed by Soho Theatre Walthamstow, from May 2025. The Grade II* listed building has been transformed into a modern, 960-seat multi-purpose cultural venue, providing a vibrant space for residents, communities and businesses. The restoration, originally budgeted at £30 million, was shaped by extensive consultation with local people, ensuring it meets the needs of Walthamstow’s cultural scene and night-time economy. The theatre includes a fully restored and refurbished main auditorium, complete with new stage and seating arrangements to enhance sightlines and acoustics. There are three new bar areas, two studio spaces, a media suite and a café catering to local residents and visiting audiences. Willmott Dixon Interiors has carefully revived the historic features of the building, using an “arrested decay” approach in the main auditorium which retains the character of the space, whilst key features such as the foyer, ziggurat ceiling and main façade have been restored and repaired. The venue will house the very best UK and international comedy, theatre, cabaret and panto, alongside a lively creative engagement programme. It will support the local and night-time economy, providing jobs and a boost to existing businesses. More than £6.7 million in social and economic value has been invested by Willmott Dixon Interiors into Waltham Forest’s communities during the project’s delivery. This includes a significant commitment to locally based supply chain partners and the creation of over 60 new jobs. Staff from Willmott Dixon Interiors also donated a combined total of more than 4,000 hours dedicated to supporting unemployed people into work, offering training, apprenticeship and work experience opportunities for young people aged 16-24. Simon Wilson, operations director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, commented: “Restoring the Grade II* listed former Granada cinema has been an incredibly rewarding journey. Not only have we brought this much-loved building back to life as a world-class entertainment venue, but we have also delivered substantial social and economic value for the local community. “Our project team has successfully balanced the preservation of the building’s heritage with the need for a modern, functional space. We’re proud to have played a part in its revival and are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the local community for years to come.” Cllr Ahsan Khan, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and regeneration said: “We are thrilled that after years of dedicated restoration the former Granada cinema building reopened its doors as Soho Theatre Walthamstow this May. The revival of this iconic venue embodies our vision of Waltham Forest as a vibrant neighbourhood where there is culture on every corner. “Our investment will create new job opportunities for local people, provide an important boost to the night-time economy, and open up the joy of creating and performing to a new generation. The long-term benefits will make a real difference for everyone that lives, works, or studies in Waltham Forest.” Courtney Cole, client relationship manager – South at Procurement Hub, said: “We’re proud to celebrate the completion of the former Granada cinema building – a stunning restoration of a 1930s cinema-turned-theatre. Thanks to the vision of the London Borough of Waltham Forest and the expertise of Willmott Dixon Interiors, the building has been transformed into a vibrant, multi-use space for the local community. It’s been a pleasure working with both parties on bringing this historic gem back to life.” The restoration of the venue, opening as Soho Theatre Walthamstow, is part of Waltham Forest Council’s London Borough of Culture 2019 legacy. Design architects, Pilbrow & Partners, fit-out and refurbishment specialist contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors, and construction architects, Bond Bryan, designed, renovated, refurbished and breathed new life into the historic building, with guidance from Historic England and expertise from the council’s conservation and project team, alongside Soho Theatre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group is celebrating the opening of Dakota Newcastle, the North East’s first Dakota Hotel, which it constructed on the city’s bustling Quayside. The luxury 118-room boutique hotel, located at St Anne’s Wharf, has now opened its doors to guests and is set to become a key player within the region’s hospitality sector. The project has transformed the landmark building into a deluxe venue to further bolster Newcastle’s reputation as a major visitor hub. As the principal contractor, GMI successfully regenerated and upgraded the vacant office building to create the upscale hospitality venue. Its completion marks the fourth Dakota Hotel delivered by GMI for the brand’s owners Evans Property Group, following successful projects in Leeds, Manchester, and Glasgow, with a fifth hotel currently under development at Manchester Airport. Gary Oates, GMI’s Divisional Managing Director for the North East, said: “We are delighted to have completed Dakota Newcastle, marking our latest successful collaboration with the Dakota brand. This is a key milestone in the regeneration of the Quayside and this project showcases our expertise in high-end hospitality developments, as well as our commitment to delivering exceptional construction solutions that elevate cityscapes. “The transformation of this landmark site is a testament to GMI’s dedication to preserving architectural heritage while introducing contemporary design and sustainable solutions. The result is a stylish and sophisticated venue that will enhance Newcastle’s status as a top-tier hospitality and tourism destination.” The design of Dakota Newcastle retains many of the original architectural features of the former office building while introducing a striking new entrance, a signature ground-floor Bar & Grill, and upgraded guest accommodations. The hotel also incorporates renewable energy technology, including PV panels and Air Source Heat Pumps, ensuring a commitment to sustainability. The site, which previously housed law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, underwent a complete transformation to meet the Dakota brand’s high standards of luxury and contemporary hospitality. The reconfigured courtyard at the front now serves as a convenient vehicle drop-off area, while bedroom terraces on the first floor offer guests an enhanced experience. Marc Banks, of Evans Property Group, added: “We are incredibly proud to have brought the Dakota brand to Newcastle, a city known for its dynamic spirit and vibrant hospitality scene. This hotel will set new standards in style and service, offering visitors a world-class experience in the heart of the Quayside.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
David Lloyd Leisure, Europe’s leading health, fitness and wellness group, has submitted a planning application to Wirral Council for a new club at Wirral Waters. The proposed club, set to create up to 100 permanent jobs upon completion, will be located at Peel Waters’ Bidston Dock site off Wallasey Bridge Road. It forms a key part of David Lloyd’s continued UK expansion and represents a significant milestone for the Wirral Waters development. Spanning six acres, the new facility will feature a wide array of state-of-the-art amenities, including indoor and outdoor heated pools, a spa garden, three weather-protected tennis courts, six canopy-covered padel courts, making it the largest padel facility on the Wirral, a sports hall with two courts, a high-spec gym, a children’s play area, and a café lounge. In line with David Lloyd Leisure’s commitment to building positive, wellness-focused communities, the club will be designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing. The company also aims to explore local partnerships and has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, with the new site set to incorporate the latest in sustainable building technologies. The club will be highly accessible, with close proximity to major transport links including the M53 motorway, the Mersey Tunnel, and Birkenhead North train station. Currently, the nearest David Lloyd locations are in Cheshire Oaks and Speke, making this development a welcome addition for residents across the Wirral. Beyond the long-term employment opportunities, the construction phase is expected to generate around 60 jobs, further supporting the local economy. The submission is part of David Lloyd’s broader national growth strategy, which includes recently announced new sites in Gloucestershire and Buckinghamshire. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
