Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to lead a major £130 million overhaul of the iconic Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in south London, marking a significant step forward in securing the future of one of the capital’s most historic sporting venues. The appointment, made by the Greater London Authority through the Southern Construction Framework, signals the beginning of a pre-construction phase involving detailed planning applications and listed building consent. Full-scale works are expected to begin in the latter half of next year. The ambitious scheme will see the comprehensive refurbishment of the centre’s ageing facilities, including a complete rebuild of the 50-metre swimming and diving pools. Upgrades are also planned for the indoor sports halls, external pitches and the athletics stadium, revitalising the venue while carefully preserving its Grade II* listed architecture. First opened in 1964, the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has long been a launchpad for British sporting talent. However, decades of wear have left the site in urgent need of modernisation. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan commented: “Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an historic and much-loved sporting and community facility where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained, but which needs major investment and refurbishment. I am committed to this once-in-a-generation redevelopment of the site which will secure its future for decades to come.” The complex nature of the refurbishment is compounded by the need to work sensitively within the constraints of a protected structure, ensuring that heritage features are preserved while modernising the facility to meet current sporting and community needs. Richard Dobson, area director for London at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to this project, as the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is an iconic facility that’s not only close to the hearts of people in the area but is also an important historic national sporting landmark. “We look forward to continuing our close and collaborative relationship with the Greater London Authority on this regeneration, which has been procured through the SCF framework. The project promises to breathe new life into the extensive sporting facilities, while delivering a wide range of health, wellbeing, and social value benefits for local communities.” The redevelopment is seen as a critical investment in London’s sporting infrastructure and a timely commitment to community health and wellbeing, as well as preserving a legacy site for future generations. 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, 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 begun on the long-awaited Marple Community Hub, a £20 million development that will bring a state-of-the-art leisure, health and library complex to the heart of Stockport. Local leaders, partners, and the main contractor Willmott Dixon gathered in Marple Memorial Park for a ceremonial ground-breaking event to mark the start of work on the landmark project, which is due to open in 2026. Part-funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework, the hub will deliver a modern library, a five-lane swimming pool, a 60-station gym, a café, and a new home for Marple Clinic. The development is designed to promote healthier lifestyles and expand access to essential community services. Cllr Mark Roberts, Deputy Leader of Stockport Council, said: “This is a major milestone for Marple — a project driven by local voices and delivered in partnership to meet the needs of residents now and for the future. The hub is a landmark investment in the future of our borough – it’s about more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive space that brings people together, supports healthier lifestyles, and strengthens our local economy.” Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, added: “The new hub will bring health, leisure and community services together under one roof, with real benefits for people of all ages. It’s a brilliant example of the kind of place-based investment we’re championing across Stockport.” Darren Palmer, Director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “We share Stockport Council’s passion for ensuring this vibrant and innovative community hub creates opportunities for the people of Marple. In recently delivering Stockport Interchange and Viaduct Park, our team worked alongside incredible local organisations such as PURE College and we proud to be doing so again. “To date on the project, we’ve created six new employment opportunities including for local people from barriered backgrounds. We’ve supported 47 apprentice weeks and delivered a bespoke skills and training ‘Building Lives Academy’ programme alongside HMP Styal resulting in two employment opportunities. We are also running our monthly free after-school Construction Club for children at All Saints Primary School and we have delivered 11 careers in construction sessions with local school and college students.” The event, hosted by Stockport Council and Willmott Dixon, featured speeches from key partners including Sport England, the NHS, Life Leisure, and local councillors, alongside a tour of the site where building work is now underway. 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 updated plans for the refurbishment of the historic George Hotel in Huddersfield, proposing an increase in guest rooms while carefully preserving the landmark building’s architectural and heritage features. Working in partnership with architects and Historic England, the council has reworked its original interior layout to create 17 additional rooms, bringing the total from 91 to 108. The revised plans aim to boost the hotel’s capacity and generate greater income to help repay the council’s £30 million investment in the project. This marks the second planning application for the George Hotel’s transformation, following significant progress on the building’s restoration. Much of the external and structural work has now been completed, paving the way for interior renovation. The expanded hotel capacity is expected to support a rise in tourism, particularly as Huddersfield continues to benefit from a wave of investment in cultural, business and education infrastructure. The town is currently undergoing major improvements through the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which is enhancing rail connectivity and modernising Huddersfield Railway Station—located directly beside the George Hotel. The revitalisation of the hotel is also part of the broader Huddersfield Blueprint, a long-term vision to transform the town centre into a vibrant destination. Recent milestones include the opening of the Light leisure complex at Kingsgate, upgrades to New Street and St Peter’s Gardens, and the upcoming Our Cultural Heart project. 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, the hotel will be perfectly placed to thrive and channel current investment back into the local economy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals