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

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

Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn, has reached a key construction milestone at its Folk Dublin development in the city centre, with a topping out ceremony marking completion of the site’s structural framework. Located off O’Connell Street in the heart of the city, the site will operate as a ‘hybrid hotel’, providing 138 rooms with capacity for up to 716 guests.  Designed to help address the city’s shortage of affordable tourist accommodation, the development will include a vibrant bar, café and lounge open to both guests and the wider public. Work commenced last summer, following Firethorn’s purchase of the site in 2024, marking its debut development outside of the UK. Upon completion, Firethorn will work in partnership with real estate investment managers SW3 Capital, who will be operational managers of the property. With the structural frame now complete, Folk Dublin is on track for completion in March 2027, with Stewart Construction appointed to deliver the project. Folk Dublin forms part of Firethorn’s growing portfolio, which includes purpose-built student accommodation sites in Hackney Wick and Stratford, and the office-to-hotel conversion of 5 Lloyd’s Avenue in the City of London. Paul Martin, Head of Development at Firethorn, said: “Topping out at Folk Dublin is a significant milestone for Firethorn and demonstrates our ability to deliver high-quality buildings efficiently and at scale. “Dublin has a growing demand for affordable tourist accommodation, and Folk Dublin will meet this need by providing a modern, design-led stay in a well-connected central location. Offering exceptional hospitality without the premium price tag, the site will make a positive contribution to the local neighbourhood, with a community-led approach that celebrates the city’s rich heritage. “Stewart Construction has a strong track record of delivering hospitality assets on time and in budget, and we look forward to continuing this momentum and bringing the project to completion.” Paul Stewart, Managing Director at Stewart Construction, said: “Watching Folk Dublin rise to become part of the Dublin skyline is a proud moment for everyone involved. The topping out ceremony is a testament to the hard work, collaboration, and shared vision that have brought us to this milestone.” For more information, visit www.firethorntrust.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Chef-led concept from the team behind Michelin-starred Lita to open on Vigo Street The Crown Estate has today announced the signing of Salone, a new Italian restaurant set to open at 5-6 Vigo Street, just off Regent Street. The addition further strengthens The Crown Estate’s hospitality offering in the West End, adding a new chef-led restaurant to the area’s diverse hospitality mix. Occupying 6,700 sq ft, Salone has signed a 15-year lease and is set to open in Autumn 2026. The restaurant will be operated by Fortune Family, the UK-based hospitality group behind Lita in Marylebone, which opened in 2024 and achieved a Michelin star in under a year. Fortune Family will partner with acclaimed chef Luca Natalini, who will lead the concept as executive chef. Located next to Burberry on Regent Street, Salone will provide an all-day dining offer for shoppers, residents and local office workers. Inspired by Italian culinary traditions, the restaurant will feature open kitchens across each floor, creating an immersive dining experience that brings guests closer to the craft and theatre of Italian cooking. The restaurant’s ground floor will focus on a pizzeria, while the first floor will feature a live pasta station. Seafood and meat will also be key elements of the menu, alongside a bar-led offer designed to support aperitivo and later evening visits. A long communal table and counter seating will create a sociable and informal atmosphere, encouraging guests to drop in throughout the day. Salone’s arrival follows other recent restaurant openings across The Crown Estate’s West End portfolio, including handroll sushi bar Temaki on Maddox Street and modern Georgian restaurant Daka Daka on Heddon Street. Together, the new arrivals reflect The Crown Estate’s long-term approach to curating a varied hospitality offer across the West End, supporting a balanced mix of F&B and leisure uses that complements Regent Street as a world-class retail destination. Bringing an exciting new operator to Vigo Street, The Crown Estate is creating more reasons for people to spend time in the area throughout the day and into the evening, strengthening the West End’s enduring appeal as a destination for dining, shopping and culture. Sarah McLaren, Hospitality and Leisure Director at The Crown Estate, said: “Salone is an exciting addition to our West End hospitality portfolio, bringing a new Italian dining concept from a talented team to Vigo Street. Its all-day format, open kitchens and focus on Italian cooking will appeal to a broad range of customers, providing another high-quality dining option in a prime location. “As the West End continues to evolve as a world-class destination for hospitality and retail, we are continuing to support distinctive, chef-led concepts like Salone that add to the area’s energy and appeal. This forms part of our long-term vision to curate a diverse mix of F&B that gives both visitors and locals more reasons to spend time in the West End throughout the day and into the evening.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals