A former golf course on the Lincolnshire coast has been transformed into a new wetland nature reserve by the National Trust, in an ambitious coastal nature restoration project. Sandilands has officially opened to the public following a six-year programme of planning, consultation, extensive landscaping and habitat creation. The site now
Willmott Dixon is set to lead a major £36 million redevelopment of the Maltings Theatre in Berwick-upon-Tweed, following a decision by Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet to support the contractor’s appointment for the landmark leisure and cultural regeneration project. The proposed £29 million construction contract represents a significant step forward for
The former military site at Princess Royal Barracks, located in Deepcut, Surrey, has been transformed into a community village, creating homes for over 2,800 residents, through a partnership between the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Skanska. To support the growing community at Mindenhurst, Modulek has successfully designed and delivered a new
Universal has revealed the first major contractors and consultants appointed to its £5 billion theme park and resort in Bedford, providing the clearest indication yet of the scale of the construction team being assembled for one of the UK’s most significant leisure developments. Bovis, Galliford Try, Morgan Sindall, Careys, Sir
Hilton today announces the signing of London Bridge Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, as part of a franchise agreement with Gama Holdings, marking the debut of the lifestyle brand in the UK capital and becoming Hilton’s ninth brand in London. Set beside London Bridge Station in one of the city’s
Majestic Construction has completed a new safe standing area at Huddersfield Town’s Accu Stadium, adding to a series of improvements delivered by the contractor at the football ground over the past five years. Located within the South Stand, the new facility has been designed to enhance the matchday experience while
Intecho has successfully integrated intelligent smart building solutions as part of the landmark transformation of Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere. As part of the project, Intecho integrated an intelligent Guest Room Management System (GRMS), bespoke Room Control Panels (RCPs) for every guest room and a range of state-of-the-art smart building solutions
The Broadway at St James’s Park is continuing to strengthen its position as one of central London’s premier mixed-use destinations after SushiDog confirmed it will open its second-largest restaurant at the development this September. The fast-growing Japanese dining brand has selected the one million sq ft scheme for its latest
The long-awaited transformation of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has taken a major step forward after planning permission was granted for the landmark redevelopment, with main contractor Morgan Sindall expected to begin work before the end of the year. The extensive refurbishment will revitalise the iconic 15-hectare sporting venue,
A major hotel redevelopment in the heart of Edinburgh is set to reach a significant milestone next month, with a new 157-bedroom hotel preparing to welcome its first guests following the successful transformation of a former office building. Property developer S Harrison has confirmed that its latest development in the
A former golf course on the Lincolnshire coast has been transformed into a new wetland nature reserve by the National Trust, in an ambitious coastal nature restoration project. Sandilands has officially opened to the public following a six-year programme of planning, consultation, extensive landscaping and habitat creation. The site now includes a network of newly established wetlands and extensive planting, accessibleboardwalks, trails and visitor facilities – including a cafe, more car parking, changing place facilities, and a community space. Newark-based practice Influence Landscape Planning & Design acted as lead consultant and landscape architects for the National Trust, helping transform the 30-hectare site from a landscape once dominated by fairways into a mosaic of wetlands, grassland and coastal scrub designed to help wildlife and nature thrive. National Trust Director of Land & Nature, Harry Bowell said: “This project reflects our ambition to create places where people and nature can thrive together. “From fairways to flyways, by restoring habitats, improving access to green space and inspiring people to engage with the natural world, Sandilands shows how restoring nature can create inspiring places for people to spend time and connect with the outdoors.” Sandilands sits within the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park and forms part of the internationally important East Coast Flyway, one of Europe’s major migration routes. Every year, thousands of birds travel along the UK’s east coast between the Arctic and northern European breeding grounds and wintering areas further south. Shona Hatton, Director at Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “The opening of Sandilands Nature Reserve marks an exciting milestone, not only for the National Trust but for everyone who has contributed to bringing this ambitious vision to life. We are incredibly proud to have worked alongside the National Trust and the wider consultant team to help transform a former golf course into a thriving coastal wetland reserve. “The completion represents the culmination of years of collaborative effort. Sandilands demonstrates how thoughtful, sustainable design can create lasting benefits for wildlife, visitors and local communities, ensuring this special landscape can be enjoyed for generations to come.” The project has also created a valuable addition to the wider Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park – making it an important stepping stone for wildlife along with other reserves cared for by Natural England, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and RSPB. Together, the network of habitats including beaches, dunes, grazing marshes, saltmarsh, coastal lagoons and reedbeds, provide an increasingly important refuge for wildlife in the face of climate and environmental pressures. Its location right on the edge of Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea will also provide residents with more access to nature right on their doorstep. The project was supported by £2 million of Towns Fund investment through Connected Coast via East Lindsey District Council, £1.5 million from National Highways and £200,000 through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund The major partnership project, led by the National Trust, is supported by local organisations including Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and RSPB, community groups and volunteers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Willmott Dixon is set to lead a major £36 million redevelopment of the Maltings Theatre in Berwick-upon-Tweed, following a decision by Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet to support the contractor’s appointment for the landmark leisure and cultural regeneration project. The proposed £29 million construction contract represents a significant step forward for the transformation of the popular arts venue on Eastern Lane, with preliminary works targeted to begin in November, subject to final funding approval. The project will deliver a comprehensive redesign of the existing theatre, creating a modern, accessible cultural destination incorporating improved performance facilities, cinema screens, hospitality spaces and community amenities. Central to the redevelopment is a reconfiguration of the building’s internal layout, bringing the main theatre, café bar and dining facilities together on a single level. The new arrangement is designed to improve accessibility, enhance visitor circulation and take greater advantage of the venue’s prominent position overlooking the River Tweed. The lower floors will undergo substantial remodelling to accommodate a main cinema auditorium alongside a smaller boutique cinema screen, with direct access from Shoe Lane. Additional facilities will include a dedicated rehearsal room, meeting space and new public areas positioned above the principal theatre level. The improvements are intended to strengthen the Maltings’ position as a leading cultural and entertainment destination in Northumberland, supporting the town’s wider visitor economy while providing more flexible facilities for performances, film screenings and community activities. However, the redevelopment remains subject to final financial approval after the overall project budget increased by £7.7 million to £36 million. Northumberland County Council’s Cabinet has agreed to accept £28.5 million in funding through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, alongside a further £2 million allocation from the authority’s strategic regeneration budget. A request for an additional £2.6 million in borrowing will now require approval from the full council before the project can proceed. The contractor appointment is also subject to the council’s call-in process. The revised budget incorporates the provision of temporary facilities at Berwick Barracks, allowing the Maltings to continue delivering cultural activities and performances while its existing building undergoes redevelopment. Subject to the remaining approvals, preliminary construction activities are expected to commence in November, with the principal building works scheduled to begin in the new year. The transformed Maltings Theatre is currently programmed to reopen in spring 2029. Beyond the construction investment, the scheme represents an important element of Berwick’s ongoing regeneration ambitions, combining cultural infrastructure with hospitality, entertainment and improved public accessibility. The redevelopment also highlights the role that investment in established arts and leisure buildings can play in revitalising town centres, attracting visitors and supporting local businesses. For Willmott Dixon, the anticipated appointment would add another significant public sector leisure and cultural project to its construction portfolio, delivering a modernised venue designed to serve residents, performers and visitors for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The former military site at Princess Royal Barracks, located in Deepcut, Surrey, has been transformed into a community village, creating homes for over 2,800 residents, through a partnership between the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and Skanska. To support the growing community at Mindenhurst, Modulek has successfully designed and delivered a new permanent modular sports pavilion as part of this significant regeneration project. The Pavilion is part of the Sports Hub, which features a range of high-quality public amenities, including: The new single-storey building provides approximately 800m2 of total area below the canopy and 421m2 useable internal area of high-quality sports and community accommodation. This includes modern changing rooms, washroom facilities and a spacious social and function area, creating a focal point for the new residential community. Modulek was appointed by Skanska, through a competitive design-and-build procurement process. Working to an existing architectural design and a highly constrained programme, Modulek worked in close collaboration with Skanska teams in moving this project towards the final phases of this significant regeneration project. The project demonstrates how permanent modular construction can provide a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to traditional building methods, delivering programme certainty without compromising architectural quality. One of the defining features of the pavilion is its striking external appearance. Maintenance-free Rockpanel wood-effect cladding and innovative roof overhangs create a contemporary building that challenges traditional perceptions of modular construction, achieving an aesthetic fully aligned with the aspirations of the client and the wider development. Construction was undertaken within a challenging site environment on the edge of a sports pitch, with no permanent site services available. A temporary access road was created to facilitate deliveries, while a 150-tonne crane was used to install the building’s eleven factory-manufactured modules. To speed up installation, the main canopy sections were formed as part of the modular structure, achieving cantilevered overhangs of up to 5 metres. Sustainability was a key focus throughout the project from, concept to completion. The building, which is on course for a BREEAM Very Good rating, incorporates extensive rooftop solar photovoltaic panels. Environmental performance was carefully monitored throughout construction, including recording on-site water usage and contractor travel distances to minimise the project’s overall carbon footprint. Stephen Pester, Commercial Director at Modulek, commented: “This project perfectly demonstrates the benefits of modern modular construction when programme certainty, quality and architectural design are equally important. Being appointed at a critical stage of the project presented our team with an exciting challenge. Working closely with Skanska, we were able to deliver a permanent building that not only met an extremely demanding programme but also achieved the high-quality finish and sustainability standards expected of such an important community facility that will be transferred to Surrey Heath Borough Council as part of the Section 106 Planning Obligations We are incredibly proud of what the entire team achieved and of the collaborative relationship developed with Skanska throughout the project.” Toby Hunt, Commercial Manager, Skanska UK commented: “Despite the early set back of losing their original modular sub-contractor, Modulek acted quickly to ensure a replacement was appointed. Skanska were pleased with the proactive can-do attitude displayed by the Modulek team, as well as the efforts taken to keep the costs within the original agreed budget. The Modulek design team embraced new challenges to deliver a BREEAM Very Good rated building, and their site team and supply chain’s hard work created a smart and well finished modular sports pavilion’’ The completed pavilion represents the final stage of the Deepcut Barracks regeneration programme, providing a modern community sports facility that will serve residents for many years while showcasing the capabilities of high-quality offsite construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Universal has revealed the first major contractors and consultants appointed to its £5 billion theme park and resort in Bedford, providing the clearest indication yet of the scale of the construction team being assembled for one of the UK’s most significant leisure developments. Bovis, Galliford Try, Morgan Sindall, Careys, Sir Robert McAlpine, Wates and Winvic are among 23 businesses appointed to support delivery of the Universal United Kingdom Resort, which will transform the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site south of Bedford. Individual construction packages and contract values have yet to be announced, but the appointments bring together some of the UK’s largest contractors alongside an extensive professional and technical consultancy team. Consultants and specialists involved include Arcadis, AtkinsRéalis, Buro Happold, Gensler, Gillespies, Gleeds, Mace Consult, Mott MacDonald, Arup, Rider Levett Bucknall and Ridge and Partners. Other specialists appointed include Blumano, Brindle & Green, Oxford Archaeology, Pinsent Masons and Wilson James. Businesses involved during the feasibility and planning stages have also included WSP, LDA Design, SLR Consulting, DWD Property and Planning and Town Legal, with a number continuing to support the project as it moves towards full construction. Enabling works are already under way across the 476-acre site, ahead of a five-year main construction programme that is expected to gather significant momentum. Comcast NBCUniversal has committed more than £5 billion to delivering the destination, while the Government is supporting the wider development with £1.3 billion of investment in road, rail and local infrastructure. Scheduled to open in 2031, the development will become Universal’s first branded theme park and resort in Europe. Plans include several themed lands containing major rides and attractions, alongside a 500-room hotel and an extensive retail, dining and entertainment destination. The project is therefore set to create a substantial pipeline of work extending well beyond the initial contractor appointments, encompassing everything from major infrastructure and structural construction to complex M&E, specialist fit-out, façades, landscaping, hospitality interiors and highly specialised themed environments. Planning permission has been secured through a Special Development Order, allowing the ambitious programme to progress. Universal estimates that the resort could generate around £50 billion in economic benefit, with approximately 20,000 jobs supported during construction and 8,000 direct jobs once operational. The scale of the Bedford development is expected to have a major impact on the regional construction and property market, while creating significant opportunities for contractors, consultants, manufacturers and specialist supply chain businesses over the coming years. With enabling works progressing and the first major delivery partners now confirmed, the Universal United Kingdom Resort is moving firmly from planning into delivery, beginning the transformation of a former industrial site into one of Europe’s most ambitious new leisure and hospitality destinations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hilton today announces the signing of London Bridge Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, as part of a franchise agreement with Gama Holdings, marking the debut of the lifestyle brand in the UK capital and becoming Hilton’s ninth brand in London. Set beside London Bridge Station in one of the city’s most vibrant and well-connected districts, the 153-room hotel is expected to welcome guests in early 2028 after undergoing a more than £12 million transformation. Located at 8–18 London Bridge Street, the hotel will be within walking distance of some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including The Shard, Borough Market, Tower Bridge and the South Bank cultural district. A distinctive Central London stay The hotel, which will benefit from strong corporate and leisure demand, will offer 153 guest rooms, including unique garden vault rooms, delivering a broad range of options for business travellers and guests exploring the capital. At the heart of the hotel will be a redesigned ground floor experience featuring a number of different premium F&B outlets – all of which will be operated by leading hospitality partner Individual Restaurants. Expanding Tapestry Collection by Hilton in the UK Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a portfolio of independent hotels, each with its own vibrant personality and connection to its destination. Inspired by the locale, every hotel offers guests authentic experiences, thoughtful design and locally inspired food and drink, creating stays that are as unique as the places they call home. This London signing follows continued momentum for Tapestry Collection by Hilton across the UK and Ireland, including recent signings announced in Plymouth and Cork, with both due to open in 2027. The recent signings join a collection of four distinctive properties already open across the UK, including The Samuel Ryder Hotel St Albans, Elmbank York, The Marcus Portrush and Dover Marina Hotel & Spa. Christian Charnaux, executive vice president and chief development officer, Hilton, said: “London and the broader UK and Ireland region continue to present tremendous opportunities for growth, and this signing is another great example of how we are driving value for owners and strengthening our network effect around the world. Through our partnership with Gama Holdings, we are delighted to introduce Tapestry Collection to the city, further expanding our lifestyle portfolio in one of the world’s most important travel destinations. This signing builds on the strong momentum we are seeing across our brand portfolio in the region and reflects continued demand from owners for the scale, commercial engines and industry-leading returns that Hilton delivers.” Simon Elias, president, Gama Holdings, said: “Having owned London Bridge Hotel for more than 30 years, it is incredibly rewarding to see the property enter this exciting new phase. We believe Hilton is the ideal partner to help realise our vision for the hotel’s future, and we are delighted to introduce Tapestry Collection to London. This partnership combines the character and heritage of the hotel with the strength of one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, and I am confident it will be something we can all be proud of for many years to come.” Guests will benefit from Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty programme. Members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences, and enjoy instant rewards and benefits, including contactless check-in with room selection and exclusive member discounts. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Majestic Construction has completed a new safe standing area at Huddersfield Town’s Accu Stadium, adding to a series of improvements delivered by the contractor at the football ground over the past five years. Located within the South Stand, the new facility has been designed to enhance the matchday experience while providing supporters with a safer and better-managed environment for standing during games. The installation features rail barriers positioned in front of the existing seating, with every supporter allocated an individual numbered position. A continuous barrier runs across each row, helping to improve crowd management, reduce the potential for overcrowding and provide additional protection for fans. The project builds on a longstanding relationship between Majestic Construction and Huddersfield Town, with the contractor having completed several upgrades at the stadium during the past five years. Previous works have included improvements to the press area, additional directors’ seating, the installation of a large screen and new water stations designed to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles. The latest project further strengthens the relationship following Majestic Construction’s renewal as Huddersfield Town’s official construction partner for the 2026/27 season and beyond. The new agreement will continue for two years. Completion of the South Stand project also sees Huddersfield Town join six other EFL League One clubs to have introduced safe standing. Safe standing has become an increasingly important consideration within the design and modernisation of football grounds, allowing clubs to respond to supporter preferences while incorporating infrastructure specifically designed to manage standing spectators. For existing stadiums such as the Accu Stadium, projects of this kind also demonstrate how targeted construction and refurbishment works can improve facilities without requiring wholesale redevelopment of established stands. Lee Marsden, owner and operator of Majestic Construction and a lifelong Huddersfield Town supporter, said: “As a lifelong Huddersfield Town supporter, it has been a privilege to work alongside the Club over the past five years, helping to deliver a range of improvements at Accu Stadium.” The safe standing installation adds another element to Majestic Construction’s continuing work at the ground, combining practical stadium improvements with investment in supporter facilities and the wider matchday environment. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Intecho has successfully integrated intelligent smart building solutions as part of the landmark transformation of Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere. As part of the project, Intecho integrated an intelligent Guest Room Management System (GRMS), bespoke Room Control Panels (RCPs) for every guest room and a range of state-of-the-art smart building solutions to compliment the luxury hotel’s extensive £125 million redevelopment. Paul Murphy, Co-Founder and Director of Intecho, said: “Luxury hospitality depends on far more than beautiful architecture and interiors. The technology behind the scenes has to work seamlessly, supporting both guests and hotel teams without ever becoming intrusive”. At the heart of the project is an advanced Guest Room Management System (GRMS), which integrates lighting, heating, cooling, motorised curtains and room status into a single intelligent platform. The system gives guests intuitive control of their environment while providing hotel teams with real-time visibility of occupancy, temperature, Make Up Room (MUR) and Do Not Disturb (DND) status. Intecho also designed and manufactured bespoke Room Control Panels (RCPs) for every guest room, integrating HVAC interfaces, lighting control, monitoring and circuit protection into a robust solution engineered specifically for the demands of luxury hospitality. Beyond the guest accommodation, Intecho delivered intelligent lighting control throughout the hotel, covering front-of-house areas, guest corridors, meeting rooms, function suites, the ballroom and external spaces. Flexible scene control allows event spaces to adapt effortlessly to conferences, weddings and large-scale functions, while centralised management provides hotel operators with greater flexibility and efficiency. The smart building solution also incorporates advanced DALI lighting control, automated emergency lighting testing, intelligent fault monitoring and centralised HVAC management. These technologies improve energy performance, reduce maintenance requirements and simplify compliance, while ensuring the building continues to operate at the high standards expected of an international luxury hotel. Intecho Director, Paul Murphy, continued: “Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is a fantastic example of how intelligent building technology can enhance comfort, improve operational efficiency and create a smarter, more sustainable hotel. We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in such a prestigious development”. Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere is a luxury 5-star lakeside hotel, spa, and golf resort in Knutsford, Cheshire, featuring 117 rooms, an 18-hole championship golf course, and dining by Gordon Ramsay. Following a £125m redevelopment, the reimagined property opened in July 2026 on a 157-acre estate overlooking The Mere Lake. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Broadway at St James’s Park is continuing to strengthen its position as one of central London’s premier mixed-use destinations after SushiDog confirmed it will open its second-largest restaurant at the development this September. The fast-growing Japanese dining brand has selected the one million sq ft scheme for its latest expansion, with the new 1,138 sq ft restaurant becoming one of its flagship locations and providing seating for up to 28 guests. Founded in 2018, SushiDog pioneered the UK’s first build-your-own sushi concept and has since grown rapidly into one of the country’s fastest-expanding Japanese food brands. The latest opening will add to its portfolio of 16 restaurants across Central London and Birmingham. The arrival of SushiDog further enhances the retail and hospitality offer at The Broadway, joining an established collection of food and beverage operators including Farmer J, Açaí Berry, Nostos Coffee, GAIL’s and Atis. For the construction and property sectors, the latest letting demonstrates the continued success of mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial and retail uses within carefully curated urban environments. Designed by Squire & Partners and asset managed by Valouran, The Broadway occupies the historic former New Scotland Yard site in the heart of St James’s Park. The landmark regeneration scheme is arranged across six buildings and delivers 116,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation, 24,000 sq ft of retail and dining space at ground level, together with 258 high-quality homes. The signing of SushiDog means that 13 of the development’s 14 retail units are now occupied, representing 82% of the scheme’s retail and dining floorspace and reflecting strong demand from premium operators seeking a presence in one of London’s most prestigious mixed-use destinations. Alex Michelin, Co-Founder and CEO of Valouran, said: “SushiDog is a fantastic addition to The Broadway’s line-up of retail and dining brands and the first Japanese concept to join the development. As one of London’s fastest-growing food brands, we’re excited to see SushiDog open its doors this September, further enhancing the culinary offering for our residents and the wider St James’s Park community. This latest letting reflects the strong momentum we continue to see at The Broadway, following the recent openings of Atis and GAIL’s.” Greg Ilsen, Co-Founder of SushiDog, added: “We’re delighted to be opening at The Broadway this September. As our second-largest restaurant to date, it marks another important milestone in SushiDog’s growth across London. The Broadway’s St James’s Park location, together with its evolving retail and dining offer, made it the ideal home for the next opening. We can’t wait to welcome guests through the doors.” The letting was brokered by CBRE, which continues to market the remaining retail opportunity at the development. With a carefully curated mix of office space, homes, restaurants and retail, The Broadway continues to demonstrate the strength of high-quality mixed-use regeneration, attracting leading occupiers while creating a vibrant destination for businesses, residents and visitors in the heart of Westminster. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The long-awaited transformation of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has taken a major step forward after planning permission was granted for the landmark redevelopment, with main contractor Morgan Sindall expected to begin work before the end of the year. The extensive refurbishment will revitalise the iconic 15-hectare sporting venue, modernising its facilities while carefully preserving the heritage and architectural significance of one of the UK’s most recognisable sports complexes. The redevelopment has been designed to create a modern, sustainable and accessible destination capable of supporting everyone from grassroots participants to elite athletes, securing the centre’s future as a leading sporting and community asset for London. Morgan Sindall will lead the construction programme, delivering a comprehensive upgrade that balances contemporary sporting requirements with the conservation of the site’s historic features. The project also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, ensuring the refurbished centre meets modern environmental standards while extending the lifespan of the existing buildings. A multidisciplinary consultant team has been assembled to deliver the scheme, bringing together sports masterplanning specialists WOO Architects, architects FaulknerBrowns, decarbonisation and sustainability consultants Max Fordham, structural engineers and heritage conservation experts Alan Baxter Associates, together with Employers Agent and commercial advisers Currie & Brown. For the construction and built environment sectors, the project highlights the growing importance of breathing new life into existing public assets through sensitive refurbishment rather than wholesale redevelopment. The scheme combines heritage conservation, sustainable construction and specialist sports facility design, demonstrating how major public infrastructure can be modernised to meet future demands while respecting its architectural legacy. Alongside the physical improvements, Morgan Sindall has already begun delivering social value initiatives linked to the project, including education, training and skills programmes for local schools and communities. These initiatives are intended to leave a lasting legacy beyond the construction works by creating employment opportunities and encouraging greater participation in the built environment and construction industries. Richard Dobson, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in London, said: “We can’t wait to start delivering the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre renovation now that planning has been approved, as we know this project is going to unlock incredible benefits for so many people in the South London area. “The design for the revitalised centre is a real showcase for what can be achieved when ambitious, innovative planning for a sustainable sports centre is combined with considerate, insightful collaborations with the people, athletes and stakeholders that are going to be most affected by this transformative development.” He added: “I’m also incredibly proud of the social value work the team has already implemented, with a long list of training and upskilling opportunities provided for local schools and communities. This underlines the capacity for this project to change lives, and I can’t wait to see all the ways this momentum is going to be carried forward now that planning has been approved.” With construction expected to commence later this year, the redevelopment will restore one of Britain’s most historic sporting venues, ensuring Crystal Palace National Sports Centre continues to serve future generations while reinforcing its status as a flagship destination for sport, recreation and community activity. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major hotel redevelopment in the heart of Edinburgh is set to reach a significant milestone next month, with a new 157-bedroom hotel preparing to welcome its first guests following the successful transformation of a former office building. Property developer S Harrison has confirmed that its latest development in the city’s Haymarket district will officially open on 5 August, with European operator MEININGER Hotels taking over the completed building under a long-term management agreement. The project represents another important investment in Edinburgh’s flourishing hospitality sector, bringing a prominent commercial building back into productive use through an extensive redevelopment programme led by principal contractor Ogilvie Construction. Rather than demolishing the existing structure, the scheme involved the partial demolition of the former 1970s Osborne House office building, alongside the construction of two new accommodation wings and the addition of an extra storey. Designed by Edinburgh-based Comprehensive Design Architects, the redevelopment has transformed the ageing office block into a contemporary hotel that enhances the surrounding streetscape while making efficient use of an established city-centre site. Located close to Haymarket railway station and tram interchange, and within easy walking distance of Princes Street, the hotel is well positioned to serve both business and leisure travellers visiting one of Europe’s most popular destinations. When it opens, the hotel will offer 157 bedrooms alongside a range of guest facilities, including a residents’ bar, breakfast area, guest kitchen, lounge spaces and an outdoor seating terrace. The development will become MEININGER Hotels’ 38th property across 27 European cities, reflecting the group’s continued expansion into strategically important destinations with strong long-term tourism demand. For the construction and property sectors, the project demonstrates the growing importance of repurposing ageing commercial buildings to meet changing market demands. By transforming an underutilised office asset into high-quality visitor accommodation, the scheme supports both sustainable regeneration and the continued evolution of Edinburgh’s built environment. The Haymarket development is the latest in a series of significant investments by S Harrison across the Scottish capital. The company previously delivered the landmark Malmaison boutique hotel through the conversion of the Grade A-listed Buchan House in Edinburgh’s New Town and has established a strong track record in the purpose-built student accommodation sector. Recent projects include a newly completed PBSA development near Newington Road, while work is nearing completion on another scheme within the historic Canongate area. S Harrison has also secured planning permission for a 124-bedroom PBSA development on Gillespie Crescent, which will regenerate a vacant brownfield site within the Marchmont, Meadows and Bruntsfield Conservation Area. Looking ahead, the developer has also received planning consent for a landmark £100 million mixed-use scheme on Leith’s waterfront. The development will deliver new homes, purpose-built student accommodation, commercial and co-working space, alongside a range of amenity areas, further strengthening S Harrison’s growing presence in Edinburgh’s residential, hospitality and mixed-use sectors. With its doors due to open in August, the Haymarket hotel represents another successful example of urban regeneration, demonstrating how the thoughtful redevelopment of existing buildings can support tourism, enhance the cityscape and contribute to the long-term growth of one of the UK’s most dynamic property markets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals