Loungers has taken a major step in its expansion by opening its first-ever restaurant within a covered shopping mall at Merry Hill, further enhancing the vibrant leisure quarter at the popular Dudley destination. The new 3,200 sq ft restaurant, named Toledo Lounge, offers an extensive all-day menu featuring everything from indulgent brunches to evening tapas, fresh salads, and hearty burgers. This latest addition complements the £12 million investment made into Merry Hill’s leisure quarter over the past three years, joining a stellar line-up of dining and entertainment brands such as Hollywood Bowl, ASK Italian, Wagamama, and Wingstop. Alistair Winning, asset manager at Sovereign Centros, commented on the milestone: “Merry Hill’s leisure quarter continues to thrive, with record-breaking performance and an outstanding collection of casual dining experiences. The arrival of Toledo Lounge strengthens our food and beverage offering, creating an inviting space that enhances our vision for a vibrant, all-day destination.” John English, head of community at Loungers, shared his enthusiasm for the launch: “We’re thrilled to bring our ‘home-from-home’ experience to Merry Hill. Toledo Lounge is designed to be a welcoming, relaxed space for everyone, including families, with games, colouring books, and more. We’re looking forward to becoming a key part of this dynamic community.” The opening of Toledo Lounge follows a series of new signings and reinvestments across Merry Hill’s lower retail park, covering nearly 79,000 sq ft and reinforcing the centre’s position as a leading destination for shopping, dining, and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The first stones have been laid on Everton Way, as the biggest personalisation project at a UK stadium gets underway.  The meticulous six-month programme to install around 36,000 individually engraved granite stones in a unique paved walkway at Everton Stadium commenced this week.  And, following an extension by popular demand, supporters still have an opportunity to cement their own place in history by purchasing a stone that celebrates Evertonians’ births, marriages, anniversaries and loved ones.  Kevin O’Brien, Director of Intaglio Creative Ltd, who are managing the engraving and stone installations, declared: “It’s a momentous day!  “This is the culmination of years and years of planning and the hard work is really starting now.  “We’re down here on site and I don’t think you can underestimate the size and scale of this installation.  “When you stand at the bottom of Everton Way and look up towards the river, this is on a different scale.   “I’ve been involved in a lot of these up and down the country over the past 10 or so years, but here we are talking about 1,400 square metres and 36,000 individual stones, so it is without doubt the biggest personalisation project in the UK.”  The mapping of Everton Way, which sits immediately outside the South Stand, will allow Intaglio to eventually inform each stone owner where their message is located in the overall scheme.  The inclusion of larger granite stones representing Everton Giants, laid in and among the supporters’ own personalised stones, will also help with this wayfinding.   Kevin explained: “There’s such a variety of different sizes that precision is absolutely fundamental to making sure that Everton Way looks as good as possible.   “Supporters will be contacted directly once the overall scheme is installed, telling them exactly where in this installation their stone is going to be.   “That email will come with a simple map that will guide them to the location that their stone is in, and that will happen later in the summer when we’ve finished the whole installation and mapping.”  A recent further extension to the scheme, due to a growing waiting list of worldwide fans, means Everton Way will now stretch the entire length of the exterior of the spectacular, single-tier, South Stand and be increased from 28,000 stones to 36,000.  And there is still an opportunity to purchase a personalised granite stone, with a limited number available in a range of sizes and designs. These can be ordered by clicking HERE.  Kevin added: “We are nearly there in terms of getting everything ready, with just a few of the Everton Giants to finish, which will be the showpiece pieces within Everton Way.   “Once complete it will be amazing and, as an Evertonian, I can’t wait to see it finished.”  In addition to having a stone at Everton Stadium – and ahead of installation – supporters also have the chance to purchase a replica stone.  Presented in an Everton-branded display box, these replica stones offer an additional memento, along with the option of a personalised A4 presentation certificate of authentication.  Book your Everton Way stone HERE: https://evertonway.com/#/book/select-products  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

OPEN NOW: Chicken Fans queued overnight at new East Kilbride drive-thru for the Chicken Sandwich that ‘broke the internet’  On Monday 27th January Popeyes® UK, the home of Famous Louisiana Chicken, opened the doors to its fourth greater Glasgow restaurant at Nerston, East Kilbride, with people queuing for 11 hours to get hold of the Chicken Sandwich which ‘broke the internet’.   Banishing any January blues, the restaurant officially opened at 11am on Monday 27th January, with people queuing overnight. Tobey Ladds was the first to arrive on foot, while Reiss Blackhall was the first in the drive-thru line, both eager to be the very first to try the legendary Chicken Sandwich.   In true Popeyes® UK fashion, the brand brought its signature New Orleans energy and hospitality, treating chicken fans to hundreds of free Chicken Sandwiches and Popeyes® UK merchandise as well as keeping the crowds entertained with lively music.   Having tried Popeyes® once before and loving it, Tobey Laddsarrived at 12am with hot water bottles in tow to keep him warm whilst he secured his spot, saying: “I love Popeyes and it was so worth waiting outside for this- I arrived here at 12am last night. I remember the last time I was at the Glasgow store; it was absolutely brilliant!”   Tom Crowley, CEO at Popeyes® UK, said: “Opening the fourth restaurant in Greater Glasgow is a special moment for us. The response to our previous site openings in the west of Scotland, including the newly opened Braehead, have showed there’s a real appetite for the authentic Louisiana flavours we bring.”  Now the sixth Popeyes® UK in Scotland, the East Kilbride drive-thru will serve the full Popeyes® menu. The line-up includes fan favourites like the iconic Popeyes® Chicken Sandwich, Wings, Tenders and Signature Chicken Wraps. Each piece of Popeyes® famous chicken is marinated for 12 hours in a signature blend of Louisiana herbs and spices, then hand-breaded and battered for that world-famous ‘shatter crunch,’ and complemented by delicious sides like its Southern Biscuits and Cajun Gravy.  Popeyes® will also be serving up its breakfast menu from 8am to 11am. Packed with British breakfast classics with a New Orleans twist, the menu features the Big Cajun Roll, Cajun Hash Browns, and indulgent Nutella-topped buttermilk biscuits.  The new restaurant will be located in Nerston, East Kilbride and will bring over 80 new jobs to the local area.  To find out more about Popeyes® UK East Kilbride, visit the website https://popeyesuk.com/restaurants/east-kilbride or follow the brand on Instagram at @PopeyesUK or TikTok at @popeyesuk.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Gym Group has unveiled ambitious expansion plans for 2025, aiming to open between 14 and 16 new sites as part of its long-term strategy to launch 50 locations over the next three years. Accelerated Expansion Plans Building on a successful 2024 that saw the addition of 12 new gyms, the operator now manages 245 locations nationwide. To support its rapid growth, The Gym Group enlisted property consultancy Savills in April to identify and secure prime locations for its upcoming sites. Strong Financial and Membership Growth The announcement coincides with the release of the company’s pre-close trading update for 2024, which highlighted impressive results. Revenue grew by 11% year-on-year to £226.3 million, while membership numbers rose by 5%, climbing from 850,000 in 2023 to 891,000 by the end of 2024. Will Orr, CEO of The Gym Group, expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory:“We have delivered strong progress and momentum in our Next Chapter growth plan, resulting in FY24 profits exceeding the top end of our previous guidance. There is plenty more still to come as we execute our plan, and we look to 2025 with confidence. “We are well prepared for our key member recruitment period in the current quarter and beyond, with our strengthening new site pipeline and our flexible, high-value, low-cost offer making gym membership more accessible for all.” Looking Ahead to 2025 As The Gym Group positions itself for continued growth, its low-cost, high-value model is expected to attract a wider audience, particularly in the current economic climate. With its robust expansion strategy and increasing membership base, the company is poised to strengthen its status as one of the UK’s leading fitness operators. The year ahead promises not only new locations but also broader access to affordable fitness options, reinforcing The Gym Group’s commitment to helping communities prioritise health and wellbeing. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A planning application has been submitted outlining proposals for the redevelopment of the Tropicana venue in Weston-super-Mare. The application, submitted on behalf of North Somerset Council, has been prepared by Morgan Sindall Construction, the Council’s pre-construction contractor for the project. The Tropicana redevelopment follows extensive community engagement, with over 250 people attending two drop-in events hosted by architecture practice RCKa in September. Based on feedback, Exeter-based KTA Architects, working with Morgan Sindall, has refined the designs for the site. The proposals for the Tropicana venue include: This redevelopment is part of North Somerset Council’s broader placemaking vision for the town, enabled by a successful £20 million funding bid from the UK government. If approved, the project will help revitalise the Tropicana as a modern, sustainable hub for events and community activities. Subject to planning approval, work is due to complete by March 2026. Alongside the physical work, North Somerset Council is also working on the procurement of an experienced operator to run the venue for at least 20 years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Whitbread PLC, the UK’s leading hospitality company and owner of Premier Inn, has announced plans to expand its presence in Northern Ireland with the development of a new 81-bedroom Premier Inn hotel at Belfast International Airport. This move follows a recent agreement-for-lease with JHT Hotels Limited, a subsidiary of Northern Irish developer J H Turkington and Sons, signed in late December. The new hotel is set to open its doors in mid-2026, marking the latest addition to Whitbread’s growing portfolio of airport locations across the UK and Ireland. Building on Success This investment is part of a strategic drive to strengthen Premier Inn’s footprint in key travel hubs. Since September 2024, Whitbread has added over 550 bedrooms to its airport portfolio at Manchester, Edinburgh, and Belfast airports. In its core UK and Ireland market, the company currently operates more than 85,500 rooms across 855 locations, with ambitious plans to expand to 125,000 rooms in the coming years. Jill Anderson, Acquisition Manager for Whitbread, highlighted the importance of this latest development:“Securing such a prime location at Belfast International Airport reinforces our commitment to growing our network in key travel hubs across the UK and Ireland. The site offers an exceptional opportunity to serve the airport’s six million annual passengers, providing the quality, comfort, and affordability Premier Inn is known for.” Strategic Airport Location The new hotel will be situated at the junction of Airport Road, Antrim Road, and British Roads, directly opposite the airport’s long-stay car park and within easy walking distance of the terminal. Designed to meet the needs of modern travellers, the hotel will feature an on-site restaurant and bar, 125 dedicated parking spaces (including seven for mobility-impaired guests), and landscaped grounds with improved site access. Planning permission for the development was granted by the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in November 2024. Construction is expected to commence in 2025, with the project representing a £6 million investment (on a capitalised lease expenditure basis). Creating Local Opportunities The hotel is set to create around 30 permanent roles once operational, contributing to the local economy and offering employment opportunities in the hospitality sector. This development also signals Whitbread’s first new Premier Inn in Northern Ireland since the opening of its Lisburn location in 2019. Beyond Belfast, Whitbread is actively scouting for additional Premier Inn locations in Belfast City Centre, Enniskillen, and Newry, aiming to expand on its existing network of hotels in Bangor, Carrickfergus, Lisburn, and Derry/Londonderry. Looking Ahead The Belfast International Airport development underscores Whitbread’s commitment to addressing the increasing demand for quality, budget-friendly accommodation in Northern Ireland’s busiest travel hub. With millions of passengers passing through the airport annually, the new Premier Inn is set to play a key role in supporting the region’s growing tourism and travel sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

In a bold move set to transform the leisure landscape, the Seventy Ninth Group has announced its most ambitious project to date—a £250 million investment to develop the Penrhos site on Holy Island, Anglesey. Situated within one of Wales and the UK’s most prestigious Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this venture aims to create a sustainable, family-friendly holiday destination while preserving the island’s unique environmental and cultural heritage. Transforming Penrhos into a Premier UK Holiday Destination The 200-acre Penrhos site will host 492 premium holiday lodges, positioning Holy Island as a go-to destination for thousands of visitors annually. The development includes an array of amenities, such as a restaurant, swimming pool, spa, gym, and outdoor sports facilities. Tennis courts, cricket pitches, and football grounds will also be accessible to local residents, ensuring that the project benefits the wider community. “This development isn’t just about attracting visitors—it’s about creating opportunities for the local economy,” said Jake Webster, Managing Director of the Seventy Ninth Group. “We’re committed to ensuring this project brings long-term benefits to Anglesey’s residents.” Economic Boost and Community-Centred Growth The Seventy Ninth Group’s plans promise a significant economic uplift for the local area, injecting millions of pounds annually into the economy and generating hundreds of jobs in construction and hospitality. The project is also committed to working alongside local businesses and residents, creating contract opportunities and integrating community input into every phase of development. The company is collaborating closely with the Isle of Anglesey County Council, Holyhead Town Council, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project aligns with community values. “This is a sensitive and significant development,” said Council Leader Gary Pritchard. “It’s reassuring to see a commitment to local employment, sustainability, and the protection of the Welsh language.” Sustainability at the Forefront Responsible development is central to the project. The Seventy Ninth Group has pledged over £1 million to local initiatives, ensuring the scheme addresses community and environmental priorities. Local engagement sessions will be held throughout the development, providing residents with opportunities to contribute feedback and shape the project’s direction. In addition to respecting the natural environment, the group plans to actively enhance it. Measures include the preservation of native wildlife habitats and the incorporation of eco-friendly building techniques. “We aim to develop a world-class destination while protecting the environment for future generations,” said Webster. Completion Timeline and Vision for the Future Construction is expected to take five years, with the first lodges ready to welcome visitors by summer 2025. By then, Penrhos will not only serve as a holiday retreat but also as a symbol of harmonious growth—one that respects the cultural and environmental fabric of Holy Island. David Webster, Chairman of the Seventy Ninth Group, echoed this sentiment: “This is our largest project to date and reflects our vision of delivering high-quality, sustainable developments. None of this would be possible without the trust of our clients and investors, who share our belief in the UK’s potential as a global tourism hub.” As the Seventy Ninth Group embarks on this transformative journey, it is clear that the Penrhos development will leave a lasting legacy—not just as a premier holiday destination, but as a beacon of sustainable and community-led progress. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Shake Shack, the renowned New York-based burger brand, has officially opened its first Midlands restaurant at Hammerson’s Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham. The new 2,866 sq ft eatery, located in Grand Central, offers Shake Shack’s signature menu, including favourites such as breakfast burgers, the famous ShackBurger, crinkle-cut fries, hot dogs, ShackMeister ale, and their indulgent milkshakes. This launch marks another milestone for Bullring & Grand Central, which has become a hotspot for international food, beverage, and leisure brands. Shake Shack joins an impressive line-up that includes Lane 7, Sandbox, Toca Social, Slim Chickens, Mrs Chew’s Chinese Kitchen, Mowgli, and Five Guys. An Expanding Dining Destination Katy Letch, Head of Leasing at Hammerson, expressed her excitement about the new addition: “Shake Shack is the latest international brand to make its debut at Bullring & Grand Central, further enhancing the diverse food and beverage options available. Combined with our existing line-up of top names in the hospitality sector and our extensive leisure offering, Bullring & Grand Central is firmly established as Birmingham’s premier destination for dining and socialising.” A Key Milestone for Shake Shack Colin O’Kane, Managing Director at Diverse Dining, the UK operator of Shake Shack, highlighted the significance of the Birmingham opening: “With locations across London and the South East, expanding the Shake Shack portfolio to new regions in the UK is a key part of our strategic growth plan. This debut Midlands site at Bullring & Grand Central is an important milestone. As the country’s second-largest city, Birmingham has been on our radar for some time, and Grand Central’s prime location above the bustling Birmingham New Street Station makes it the perfect choice for our regional expansion.” With its debut in Birmingham, Shake Shack continues its mission of bringing its unique dining experience to new audiences, further solidifying Bullring & Grand Central’s reputation as the go-to hub for culinary and leisure excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals